h o w l.

Avery Wakefield. 28. Werewolf leader. There will be justice...one way or another.

[averywakefiield]

Hey, Merry Christmas.

To: Ella Grace

From: Avery Wakefield

I know you probably...well, you probably weren't expecting much from me this year, kid, given how shitty I've been to you lately, but...I wanted to do something special for you this season, Ella. To make up for everything. When I found out about the baby, I knew immediately that I wanted to provide for them. And you, of course. I know we haven't discussed it much, but...but I went ahead and started building a nursery at my place in the guest bedroom; I could've gone to one of the local shops and bought a crib, but I thought it would be much more meaningful if I built one myself. My father taught me a bit about the trade before he passed away, and so...I gave it my best shot.

So for your first gift, I present you with this:

But I didn't want to get you just something to deal with the baby; I wanted to give you something that shows that you mean a lot to me, too. And not just because we're having a kid together. For as long as I've known you, Ella, you've been such a vibrant and beautiful addition to my life. You were a kind child, an inquisitive adolescent, and now, you're a stunning young woman.

And I know it's not much, but...I had this necklace custom crafted for you from an arrowhead and some precious stone. This way...this way you'll always have me with you. No matter what.

I meant what I said earlier tonight at the ball, Ella. Just so you know.

Merry Christmas, little red.

- Ave

[notsogracefulella-blog]

I…I know, Ave, but I don’t want to make you leave the ball on my account. This—this is supposed to be fun, right? And it’s Christmas…the last thing that I want is for you to miss out on anything because of me. But I…I have been thinking, and—um—if it isn’t too much trouble, could I possibly start…staying with you on a more permanent basis? Only if you’re sure you won’t mind! I mean, I won’t be home all that often because of work, of course, and—and I’ll still want to visit Pierce when I can, too, but I would feel so much better being with you, and so would the baby, as strange as that sounds, and so…if you’re really, really sure, then I’d love to move in with you, because…because…well, you know why. I just said it all, right? And now I’m rambling, oh gosh, and—oh, Ave, you don’t get me into any sort of trouble!  You’re great, and wonderful, and my favorite, and I’d rather have trouble with you than normalcy anywhere else, and…and…oh!

Ave, I…oh God, Ave. That was…I…what was that for? You haven’t had anything to drink tonight…right? That—that was all you this time?

[averywakefiield]

It's not just on your account, Ella...I hate being here. I'm not much of one for social outings, you know; I'd rather just stay at home, if at all possible. With you, preferably. You and the baby. And don't ever consider yourself a burden to me; I want you to live with me more than anything else. If I can't keep a constant eye on you and protect you, then...then anything could happen. And I'm not willing to risk that. I care about you far too much to go without you, Ella Grace, and don't you ever forget it. I never miss out on anything because of you...you're the one who gives me life. You give me so many things I had no idea I wanted or needed until recently. And you've done it for so long, too. Ella, I...you've been there all along. The entire time, and I didn't even see it.

...Yes, little red, that was all me. I've wanted to do that since the minute I brought you home; since the minute I tore you away from Celine. I've never been as terrified as I was that day; the entire time, all I could think about was whether or not you were still alive...worrying if you were still safe...I've never been that terrified about anything in my entire life. It got me to thinking about a lot, Ella; about how much you mean to me, and I just...I've never felt this way before, but it feels like...it feels like I'm falling in love with you. And I don't know what to do.

[averywakefiield]

Avery Wakefield takes the MBTI test and scores…ESFJ

"You are one of the Sentinels - a reliable and dedicated individual who respects traditions and prizes responsibility. You are known for your enthusiasm, social skills and caring nature."

[arrenvasek-deactivated20150602]

Or reason alone. 

If what you say rings true, about it all being 'too much', then it’s impossible for you to keep watch over everyone and everything. Someone’s bound to slip through the cracks of your guard, and surely you know that.

…So unwind, wolf. Drink, even if the spirits are a bit sour.

[averywakefiield]

You may consider it impossible, and that just might be true, but I'll be damned if I'm not going to try. I have to keep my eye and ears open and alert the entire evening. Celine...I take it you aren't aware of what, exactly, she's capable of doing?

I unwind and she attacks. That's pretty much how the evening will go.

[camillenewcastle-blog]

You can start by closing the door, that will make it quieter. What’s wrong, though? Not enjoying the party?

[averywakefiield]

What's there to enjoy about an event that was hastily put together to distract people from death and destruction? It's ill-timed.

[notsogracefulella-blog]

But I…I want to be here with you tonight, Ave. I haven’t really wanted to leave your side ever since—ever since you brought me back home, and so…um…if it’s okay with you, I—I’d like to stay, even if it’s only for just a little while longer. I’ll always worry about you, silly, remember? Always, Ave. And if you’re certain that…that she isn’t here, then—I can’t think of anywhere else I’d rather be right now. 

Oh! I—I know that you were scared while I was gone, Ave…it was written all over your face the moment you burst inside of the cave. But it—it’s okay now, right? I’m here, and I’m safe, and so is the baby…so you don’t have to be afraid anymore. You…you saved me, Avery. 

[averywakefiield]

...I could be wiht you. Alone, you know; at my house. If you were interested, that is. Personally, I'd rather be there with you than here...afer everything that's happened to us, being home is really the only place I feel comfortable and safe keeping you. Are you sure you still want to live on your own, Ella? There isn't anything I can do to persuade you to stay with me? Then you wouldn't have to ever leave my side.

Scared might be an understatement, but that's one way of looking at it. I saved you this time, Ella, but I was already too late and...I shouldn't have had to in the first place. If it wasn't for me, you would've been fine. I'm getting you into all sorts of trouble, and I just...

[camillenewcastle-blog]

"Everything is perfect, I was just looking forward to some quiet for a few minutes. Nothing else."

[averywakefiield]

Quiet. Like you're going to find much of that around here.

[arrenvasek-deactivated20150602]

Oh?

Like what, exactly?

[averywakefiield]

My pack, for instance...a human girl who relies on me...the list goes on and on. There's no reason for me to be drunk. Not tonight.

[gwenmarsh]

Oh, I can understand that, I assure you, sir. Do you… want to talk about what’s bothering you, by any chance? Besides having to be at the ball, that is.

[averywakefiield]

...I worry, you know. About Ella. About the sort of dangerous situation I've put her in. About Celine. I wan to protect everyone, but sometimes I'm afraid that I...yes, well, it's just been a difficult year, hasn't it?

[arrenvasek-deactivated20150602]

"I’d do my best to avoid the spirits, if I were you."

"They’re a bit… acrid today.”

[averywakefiield]

I'm considering avoiding everything altogether, truth be told; alcohol is certainly tempting, but...I have too much to look out for.

[notsogracefulella-blog]

No, I—Ave, it’s okay! Really, it is. I’m still a little…erm…shaken up, all things considered, but I—I think it’s good that you and I are here tonight! And I don’t want you to get in any sort of trouble on my behalf. Any…um…any more trouble, that is. I just…do you promise she isn’t here tonight? C-Celine, I mean…she couldn’t get past the guards, could she? They—they wouldn’t let her in no matter what?

[averywakefiield]

I just...I don't think it's healthy for you to be out right now, given everything that's happened since the battle. Don't worry about me, alright? And don't worry about Celine, either; there's no way she could be here. Just worry about yourself. I...Ella, you should know that when you were gone, I did...well, it caused me to do a lot of thinking. I know that I couldn't handle it if anything happened to you...and not just because of the baby, either.

[alyssalou]

[gwenmarsh]

Oh! I’m — I’m so sorry, then. I just assumed… incorrectly, obviously… but uhm, how— how are you as of late, sir? Is there anything I can do to help make the night more palatable?

[averywakefiield]

There's no need to apologize, really. I could be better, if I'm being completely honest here...things have been...they've been rough. And not just with the war, but just in general. Frankly? I wish I was at home, taking care of someone else. Not here, mingling without being able to devote my full attention to the ball.

[notsogracefulella-blog]

…You look really nice tonight, Ave.

[averywakefiield]

...So do you, Ella. Are you sure you're alright being here? I  could've spoken with Noah, maybe; suggested that the two of us stay in for the night.

[averywakefiield]

I'm not one to condone drinking, but...just one for the night won't hurt. Not after everything that's happened.

[gwenmarsh]

Then I will gladly stop talking and allow you to enjoy your quiet and solitude, sir.

[averywakefiield]

That's not what I meant, exactly; I was just commenting on how I relate to how you're feeling. This whole thing is just sort of...overwhelming.

[gwenmarsh]

I assure you, I’m perfectly fine and require nothing more than this glass of wine and my solitude.

[averywakefiield]

I'd prefer a bit of peace and quiet myself, actually.