Chapter 11 - Brewing

510 A.R. November 30, Local Bar, Evening

"There!" Peter said with a sharp but hushed voice as he grabbed my arm.

I looked to the doors and saw three wolves enter the bar. They looked almost fully grown and it was clear they were female without even having caught their scent. Their figures were a bit gentler, the chests were rounded and the fur didn't seem to have the same amount of guard hairs that one would find on a male.

The females walked past and headed to the bar as I sniffed the air. My mind sorted through the thick scents of the bar and latched onto them, they smelled mature in a female way and something told me their hormone cycle was near its peak.

I looked to my side and saw John and Allen sipping from their drinks with their ears folded back.

"You ready Vilkas?" Peter asked.

"They're at least a year older than us," I said.

"So?" Peter asked.

I leaned forward and got a good look at John and Allen, "Guys?"

John and Allen glanced up from their drinks and met my eyes with a tense expression.

Peter turned his head and noticed the looks on their faces, "Oh for fucks sake, we're doing this for you remember?"

"We didn't ask for this," John whispered.

I was beginning to feel worried that things would turn into an awkward disaster, "Do you like them?"

Allen raised his nose and sniffed the air, "They smell nice."

John spoke up next, "They're big, really think they'd be interested in males our size?"

I made a light smile, "We'll just strike up conversation and steer them your way, besides, you're cute as hell so I wouldn't worry about that kind of thing."

John and Allen's ears perked up in surprise and was followed by embarrassed smiles moments later.

"Do you think cute is going to work?" John asked.

Peter raised his brow and looked at me, "Are you serious Vilkas?"

"What?" I asked as I met Peter's stare.

Peter pounded his chest, "They need to show that they're strong capable males, not 'cute'."

"We'll see," I whispered.

Peter frowned, "We're doing things my way Vilkas, got it? Trust me, I know this."

I felt a twinge of irritation in the back of my mind but decided to push it aside.

"Sure Peter, just tell me what to do?" I said.

Peter began to smile and relaxed as he nudged shoulders with me, "All right, the two of us go up there, I offer to buy them drinks, you divert one of them while I charm the others and bring them back here to the table."

"Hmm... Which one?" I asked.

Peter looked up at the three which were now talking and glancing at the bar. One had brown fur, one looked pure silver, and the last one looked like a regular gray wolf with blue eyes.

"The brown one," Peter said.

I focused on the group and observed them for a few moments, the blue eyed gray wolf seemed more livid and her tail was perked higher than the others, I couldn't differentiate their scents but I had my suspicion that she was the alpha.

"You sure about that, the gray one seems to-"

"Vilkas," Peter said with a sharp voice.

I glanced over and saw him staring me down, "Fine, whatever you say Peter."

Peter grabbed his glass and drained the beer until it was empty, he then reached over, took John's glass and drained it as well.

"Let's go," Peter said as he got up.

A sensation of unease filled my gut as I got up and followed Peter's tail.

"Hey girls!" Peter exclaimed with a smile as he stepped up to the group.

The three of them turned to look while the gray female with blue eyes stepped up in front.

"Hello yourself," She answered.

I stepped up beside Peter and made a light smile to keep up appearances.

"Can I buy you all a drink?" Peter asked.

I glanced to the others and met the eyes of the brown female, I nodded in her direction and she did the same with a very slight smile.

The blue eyed female glanced back at the bar as she spoke up, "Sure, why not."

"Great!" Peter exclaimed before motioning them toward the bar.

Everyone started to move and I took the opportunity to join the brown female's side.

She glanced over at me while I extended my hand, "Hi, I'm Vilkas."

Her ears perked in surprise as she took my hand, "I'm Avelyn."

I leaned in a little and gently nudged my muzzle in hope to awaken some reaction, it seemed to work as her smile grew while she leaned in and gave my muzzle a light nudge. A natural smile spread on my face as my instincts grew livid with approval while I leaned back.

I motioned to Peter and then towards John and Allen by the table, "Nice to meet you Avelyn, that's Peter and the ones by the table are John and Allen."

Avelyn motioned to the blue eyed wolf followed by the silver one, "That's Selina and Emily."

Selina leaned in and tapped Avelyn's shoulder to catch her attention for a moment.

"Green fairy?" Selina asked as she motioned to the bar.

Avelyn nodded, "Sounds good Selina."

Selina made the orders while Avelyn and I walked up to the bar and sat down, Peter's rather loud voice could be heard as he entertained the other two.

"Are you regulars here?" I asked as I motioned to the bar.

Avelyn nodded, "Yep, the drinks are good and it's usually not too stuffy in here."

"What do you-" I was interrupted as Selina walked up to Avelyn once more and whispered in her ear.

Avelyn made a mischievous smile and then nodded before glancing over at me as she waved goodbye. My ears moved to the side in confusion as Avelyn joined Peter while Selina took her place.

"Hello there," Selina said with something of a feral smile.

Her scent wafted over me and made the hierarchy rather clear as I recognized the marker of an alpha, an impression only strengthened as I found myself looking up at her dominant gaze.

"Hi Selina," I said.

Selina nodded and pointed at my chest, "You were one of the new packs at the gathering? Right?"

I nodded, "You're Silverfang?"

Selina nodded, "That's right, and you're Vilkas I take it?"

I made something of a troubled smile, "Yeah."

"Can I buy you a drink?" Selina asked.

I smiled and chuckled, "Isn't it supposed to be the other way around?"

Selina motioned to the others, "Your buddy here just bought three of the most expensive drinks you can find around here, I figure we could reciprocate a little."

I nodded and glanced to the bar, "I heard you were regulars here, what do you recommend?"

Selina grinned, "What's your poison?"

"Something that tastes more than alcohol," I answered.

"Not much of a drinker?" Selina asked.

I motioned to Peter and the others at the table, "Someone needs to keep an eye on these guys."

Selina's ears perked, "Ah, I figured you were the alpha of the lot."

I heard a shuffle and glanced over to Peter who now had the two females by his side, he had a new glass of beer in his hands and seemed to be taking a gulp with every sentence he made.

"Actually I'm not," I said.

Selina raised her brow and motioned to Peter with one hand, "This guy?"

"Yeah," I said with a nod.

Selina chuckled, "I'm sure you'll find the right pecking order sooner or later."

My ears perked while I made a slight nod, "Yeah..."

Selina leaned against the bar and raised her voice, "Carl, one rum dessert!"

"Coming right up!" The feline bartender yelled out.

Selina looked back at me, "So I heard you spent some time on the other side?"

I raised my brow, "You mean being dead?"

Selina shook her head, "I don't think they call it dead, more like... a halted state. But yeah."

"Most of it is a blur to be honest," I answered.

"What was it like?" Selina asked.

"What part? The axe? Dying? Or waking up in the mindscape?"

Selina cocked her head a little, "I guess you've had this discussion quite often?"

"It's getting there," I answered.

"Sorry, my curiosity is getting the better of me," Selina said.

"One rum dessert!" The feline said before placing something onto the bar table.

I glanced over and found myself perplexed at what I saw, It looked like a cup filled with ice cream, chocolate, wafers, a bit of fruit, and a thick syrup that had the strong scent of rum.

The thing looked delicious but I found myself realizing that our attempt at being manly wolves had failed miserably.

Still... I took the cup, scooped up some in a spoon and stuck it in my muzzle. It melted and brought a rush of cold followed by a tingle of chocolate and rum that melted and made my senses tingle.

I licked my lips and met Selina's gaze, "That's delicious."

Selina nodded and smiled, "It's the special of this place."

"Yeah, it's not every bar you can get fresh ice cream at," I said in agreement.

Selina motioned at John and Allen, "So what's with the guys in the back?"

"Well, Peter and I was hoping to steer some of you their way."

Selina cocked her head for a few moments and then seemed to realize what I was hinting at.

"What? They're too chicken to do it themselves?" Selina asked.

I made something of a sheepish smile, "We were supposed to be their wingmen but I guess this turned into something else."

The sound of a sudden sputter and a cough made me glance beyond Selina. Peter seemed to be choking on his drink and his face looked panicked as one of the girls leaned in and nuzzled his neck.

Peter glared at me and seemed to scream for help as a bit of beer dribbled from his muzzle.

Selina smirked and moved to block my view of Peter, "He'll be out of commission soon. You'll take care of him I take it?"

I nodded, "Yeah."

Selina motioned to John and Allen once more, "So tell me about your packmates?"

"The white one is Allen, he's a bit shy and quiet but he's dependable and tries his best. The gray one is John, he's smart, knows himself, but it is possible to rock him and even make him blush sometimes."

Selina looked over at John and Allen and seemed to ponder them before glancing back at me.

"Virgins?" Selina asked.

"Think so, at least as wolves," I answered.

Selina smiled to herself and met my eyes, "How about you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours?"

"What did you have in mind?" I asked.

"Nothing unreasonable, just a small favor in the future."

"Hmm," I said with a skeptical frown.

Selina smiled, "Come on, I'm throwing you a bone here Vilkas."

I took another scoop from the ice cream and leaned to the side so that I could see Peter. One of the girls was twirling his tail while the other was rather forcefully helping him down another beer.

"Sure, why not Selina," I said.

Selina made a mischievous grin, grabbed her drink, and then raised her voice, "Avelyn! Emily! Let's hunt!"

The others let go of Peter and joined Selina's side.

Selina pointed at Allen and spoke, "The white one is mine, you take care of the other one."

I smirked at the sight and moved over to Peter. The guy seemed shell shocked and his shirt was drenched while he looked over at the females with a look of terror.

I tried not to snicker as I took another bite of the ice cream, "You okay Peter?"

Peter looked back towards the bar and made a wet burp that almost turned into a retching sound.

My smile died down in an instant as their prank started to seem more like a cruel lesson, "Peter?"

Peter's ears folded back as he glanced over at me, "Yeah, I'm all right."

I got up from the chair and leaned in by his ear, "We should keep an eye on the others, can you walk or do you need to visit the restroom?"

Peter pushed me away with an irritated glare, "Just... *urp* give me a minute."

The feline bartender walked up to the table and handed over a credit chit and a receipt to Peter.

"This is yours I believe," The bartender said.

Peter nodded, took the credit chit and opened up the receipt, his eyes went wide while his tail twitched.

"What?" I asked as I tried to get a glance at the receipt.

"Nothing!" Peter snapped with a slight snarl as he crumpled the receipt and stuffed it in his pocket.

I leaned back to give him some space while Peter stared down the table and took some deep breaths.

Upon glancing back I saw that John and Allen were now smiling in their seats as the females fawned over them. Their tails lashed as they panted and squirmed like eager pups.

Selina urged Allen out of his seat and pulled him along towards the door while John had both Avelyn and Emily by his arms.

"Ready to go?" I asked as I glanced back at Peter.

"Yeah," Peter whispered as he got up from his seat.

I took the ice cream and joined Peter's side as we followed and stepped outside. The night was dark but the light snowfall helped illuminate the streets as we followed near out of sight.

The females took them down several blocks and then veered out of the town as they headed for the local forest.

"What the hell are you eating?" Peter asked all of a sudden.

I placed another scoop topped with a strawberry in my mouth as I murmured, "Ice cream."

Peter's eyes grew wide and his brow raised in a confused manner, "Where... did you get that from?"

I swallowed, "The bar, it was called a rum dessert. It's really good, want some?"

Peter looked away with a disgusted look as he touched his abdomen, "No."

The snow crunched as we followed the tracks out of the city and walked onto a large field. Peter meanwhile kept glancing around and then began to sway a little in his steps.

"Are you sure you shouldn't just throw up?" I asked while I watched John and Allen disappear into the dark forest.

"I... think I'm drunk," Peter whispered.

"That's what I'm saying, get on the ground, and jam a finger down your throat before you get alcohol poisoning."

Peter glared back at me, "I doubt a hybrid can die from alc... *urp* alcohol poisoning."

I stared far ahead into the dark forest as I heard something that made my ears perk, a sly smile spread on my face as I realized that the sounds were of a lewd nature.

I reached out and eased Peter to a stop.

"Why are we stopping?" Peter asked in confusion.

"We don't need to go any further, let's camp at one of the trees. Okay?" I said.

Peter glanced around with a troubled look and then clutched his stomach again, "Yeah."

We headed toward one of the trees in the field and had almost reached it when Peter hit the ground without warning. He began to retch and then released a torrent of liquid on the snow covered ground.

I lost my appetite and threw the ice cream aside before fetching a pair of napkins in my pocket.

Peter had fully emptied himself by the time I settled next to him and offered the napkins, "Here."

Peter didn't look at me but took the napkins as he wiped his muzzle. The puke smelled awful but the scent of it was quick to begin fading as it soaked into the snow.

"Come on, we can sleep by the tree," I whispered as I reached out.

Peter resisted for a moment but then followed as I pulled him up and led him towards the tree.

"Where's the others?" Peter muttered as he eased him down next to the tree.

"Out in the forest having fun, just relax and you'll feel better in the morning."

Peter gritted his teeth in anger as he crept together in silence without another word.

510 A.R. December 1, City Outskirts, Morning

The distant sound of crunching snow stirred my mind. I looked up and watched snow fall from my head as I noticed three wolves emerging from the forest.

I glanced to the side and saw that Peter was covered in a light layer of snow as well. He was sleeping but his breath was slow but steady and I could feel warmth radiate from his body.

The plains glittered in the morning sunlight as I eased away from Peter and got up. I brushed the snow from my shirt and jeans before starting to walk as I approached the three females that seemed to be carrying something in their arms.

"Morning," I said as I stepped in front of them.

"Morning Vilkas, here you go," Selina said with a smile as she walked up to me and held out what looked like a stack of clothes and a wallet.

I took the clothes in surprise and raised a brow as I glanced at her, "Did they go feral or something?"

Selina chuckled and shook her head, "They were so tense last night they hardly woke up this morning, consider this one last prank from us."

Avelyn stepped up and handed over another set of clothes, "Here you go."

"I take it they'll be up and running soon?" I asked.

"Oh yes!" Selina said with a smirk as they started walking,

Things certainly hadn't gone as planned but I figured there was little point to being sour about it as I walked back to the tree.

Peter had awoken as I returned and he was glaring at the three females as they headed toward the city.

"Morning Peter," I said as I placed the stacks of clothes near the tree.

Peter touched his head and groaned, "You don't need to yell Vilkas."

I lowered my voice, "Hangover?"

"Yeah," Peter whispered.

I settled next to Peter and met his eyes, "Sorry about yesterday."

Peter glanced over and glared at me as if I had insulted him, "Stop."

"You're angry?"

Peter's lips twitched and he made a slight growl before looking away, I figured he wasn't in a mood to talk so I just looked out across the field and waited.

Minutes passed before Peter glanced back at me and resumed staring.

"What?" I asked as I met his eyes once more.

Peter frowned, "I was only trying to help."

"John and Allen got to have their fun, that's a success isn't it?" I asked.

"Vilkas! Peter!" The wild screams emanated from the forest and it made both of us glance up.

John and Allen were standing by the forest edge in the nude and both of them were covering their crotches as they glanced around in worry.

Peter hopped up in an instant and fetched a pile of clothes, I followed and grabbed the second pile.

"Lost something!?" Peter yelled out while running towards them.

John and Allen sank to their knees in relief as they realized we had their clothes and belongings.

"They didn't wake us up," John said with a sigh as we walked up to them.

Peter waved the jeans in front of John and teased, "Yeah, and ya even let them steal your clothes?"

"Yeah," John whispered as he reached out to grab the clothes.

Peter pulled the jeans back and stuck his tongue out, "Well? Did you take them for a ride?"

John frowned at Peter while I walked up to Allen and handed him his clothes.

"Did you have fun?" I asked while Peter kept teasing John.

Allen met my eyes and made a pleased smile as he whispered, "Yeah, it was great... I mean... I understand why Peter looked so pleased when he..."

"What?" I asked.

Allen's ears folded back as he made a sheepish grin, "You know?"

I raised a brow, "Knotted me?"

Allen made an eager nod, "Yeah, it's weird... I think I was stuck for half an hour but every moment of it was... wonderful."

I nodded and made a warm smile, "Good for you Allen."

Allen looked up and met my eyes with a shit eating grin, "Thanks."

John let out a wild snarl without warning and lashed out as he managed to grab his clothes from Peter.

Peter stepped back with a sly grin, "And you dickwads didn't think we were up to it."

John gave Peter a dark glare, "You didn't do shit Peter!"

Something dawned on Peter as his ears folded back in surprise, that surprise soon turned to anger as Peter glared back.

My instincts urged me as I stepped between them in hopes of breaking it up.

"Check so that nothing's missing in wallet, the same goes for you Allen," I said.

My diversion seemed to work as John and Allen fetched their wallets and looked them through.

"Nothing's missing, they're honest at least," John said as he glanced up at me.

"Selina and her pack are part of the Silverfangs so we'll be seeing more of them, keep that in mind."

Allen looked surprised while I heard Peter shift in the snow.

"Oh, I didn't even think to ask that," John whispered as he began to pull his clothes on.

"I guess everyone is heading home now?" I asked.

John looked up at me, "Yeah, Allen can go in my car."

"Good, do you want to meet up around new year?"

Allen hopped up and pulled his shorts on, "It sounds good, but I might be busy."

John smiled but didn't answer as he pulled his shirt on, "Well thanks for a fun time, I really enjoyed it."

I nodded, "Good."

John and Allen then walked away rather unceremoniously as they started trudging through the snow.

I waited and watched them disappear in the distance before I looked back at Peter.

"Are you all right?" I asked as I saw Peter holding his head while looking down at the snow.

"... I'm fine," Peter muttered.

"You're obviously not," I said.

"Will you..." Peter's voice drained to nothing as he turned around and faced the other way.

"What?" I asked.

Second passed before a sudden and canine whimper escaped from Peter.

I stepped closer and began to circle him as Peter's breath grew agitated.

"What's going on Peter?" I asked as I caught sight of his face and noticed what looked like tears.

Peter noticed my presence and threw me another glare, "Shut up! Not a word Vilkas!"

I ignored it and reached out to him, Peter smacked my hand away before making a growl.

"Peter, we're packmates, I'm your beta, let me help, please?"

Peter met my eyes as he drew ragged breaths and tried to keep together.

"I'm not going to tell anyone Peter, I promise," I whispered.

The hardened look on his face eased up as tears dripped from his eyes, I reached out once more and this time he let me touch him.

I embraced him and whatever Peter had held back was let loose in an instant as he began to bawl. I just held tight and let minutes pass until Peter began to calm down.

Peter eased back and cleared his throat before wiping the tears, "Don't tell anyone."

"I wont," I answered.

Peter looked up and met my eyes for a moment, "I..."

"What?" I asked.

Peter shook his head, "Sorry about all this."

"Is this about the bar Peter? Or something else?" I asked.

Peter met my eyes once more, "I needed your help last night, why didn't you help me?"

"I... I'm sorry... I thought you were kidding Peter... I'm an idiot."

Peter sighed, "I'm not behaving like this just because a few chicks played me a prank,"

"Then what is it?" I asked.

Peter tried to speak but then shut his muzzle once more.

I made a light smile and reached up to touch his cheek, "We're not rivals Peter, talk to me, please?"

Peter made a slight nod, "I'm trying my best, but everything just keeps going wrong."

"Like what?" I asked.

Peter frowned, "Like last night... I tried my best only to end up being the butt of their joke. I got so drunk I threw up and you just sailed right through it. The others look up to you more than they do me... you're the one who killed the deer and took credit for it while I got scolded by both Lilia and Laura."

I touched his ear and let my claws move along the thick fur on his neck.

"I think you're doing a good job Peter. You're usually the one in front and the one pushing to get things done, I just support you."

Peter looked stunned, "You... really think so?"

"Coming to the bar was your idea, you're the one that called and convinced everyone to gather up. I'm not that kind of person, that being said though, you could listen to my advice and not pull rank like you did last night."

Peter's ears folded back as he nodded, "I'll... do that."

"And try not to act like such a jerk all the time? We're supposed to be packmates."

Peter averted his eyes but nodded once more, "I'll... ease up."

He smelled a bit like puke but I ignored it as I leaned in and gave him a light peck on the nose.

Peter's ears perked in an instant as he leaned back and met my eyes.

"What?" I asked with a smile.

"Who do you think you are Vilkas?" Peter whispered.

"What's that supposed to mean?" I asked.

Peter gritted his teeth for a moment and let go of me, "Never mind."

"You smell like puke Peter, you can't get on a train like this."

"I know," Peter whispered.

"We can head to my place, you can have a shower and borrow some clothes, all right?"

Peter nodded, "All right."

510 A.R. December 1, Volkov Household, Midday

Peter almost slammed the door in my face as he shut himself into the bathroom, I sighed and then turned around only to come face to face with father.

"Oh, hi dad," I said.

Father cocked his head and frowned, "You had us worried last night, you were supposed to call."

"Things... got complicated. I'm sorry, it won't happen again," I answered.

Father crossed his arms, "Yes, complicated. Peter smelled of puke, what happened?"

I stepped away from the door and urged father to come along, father followed and I turned to speak with him as we rounded the corner.

"We were trying to get a few girls for John and Allen, Peter had a bit too much to drink."

Father leaned in and sniffed near my face, "Rum? Ice cream? Odd combination for a visit at the bar."

I made a light smile, "It was a house special, and we met a pack of Silverfang females. Selina, Avelyn and Emily. "

Father leaned back, "I see, so how did it go?"

"We managed to make them interested in John and Allen, at least for the night."

Father softened up and made a light smile, "I take it Peter took the third one? Strange though... he didn't smell like sex."

"John got two of them," I said with a smirk.

Father made a sly grin, "You seem to be looking after your little pack Vilkas."

"Yeah, it felt pretty good... but..." I whispered.

"What?" Father asked.

"It's nothing, for now."

"Hmm, you and Peter?" Father asked.

"What?" I asked.

"Are you interested in him?" Father asked.

My ears perked in surprise, "Why are you so interested in my love life?"

Father huffed and stood tall, "I'm your father, I have the right to be concerned about you."

"... I don't know. Peter is nice at times but I feel like I'm almost over my head just adapting to things."

Father nodded, "No need to hurry Vilkas, I want you home and safe for a few more years at least."

"Thanks, is it okay if Peter stays here for the night? He had one hell of a hangover this morning."

Father nodded, "Sure, just make sure he calls his parents. I'd bet they're as worried as your mother and I was last night."

"All right," I answered.

510 A.R. December 1, Volkov Household, Evening

The hell?

I glanced out of my room and caught sight of Peter as he descended the stairs.

"Peter?" I called out as I followed and caught the scent of wet dog.

Peter walked up to the door and grabbed the handle as I rushed up and grabbed his arm.

"What?" Peter asked in anger as he glanced back.

"What are you doing?" I asked.

"I'm going home, what does it look like?" Peter answered.

"Your fur is wet, you've got a hangover, stay for the night Peter?" I asked.

Peter eased out of my grip, "No."

"What's the matter with you? Why are you acting like this?" I asked in wonder.

Peter frowned as he glared at me, "Don't you think I know what you're doing?"

My ears folded to the side in confusion, "... I'm trying to help Peter."

"Then stop undermining me, I'll ease up as promised but you'd better stop in return."

"... We should talk about this, it's all a misunderstanding."

Peter reached out and gave me a shove as he bared his teeth, "Misunderstanding my ass, people keep fawning over you like a damn hero while I get the shit for everything."

I held out my hands and tried to reason with him, "Which is why we should talk about this, for the pack, please? Before whatever this is rips us apart?"

"This is not a debate Vilkas, you're my beta, act like it!" Peter said as he stepped out and slammed the door shut.