into the woods

Esmeralda Bheriya 150 years old Alpha Werewolf / Leader of Thoda Laal Pack Owner of Book & Pencil Part of Vievecor City RPG

[esmeraldabheriya]

not a goodbye | jax & esme

location: jax's home with: @thejax-reed - threaded on discord

Esme:

Esme stood by the door for a good ten minutes before she got the nerve to knock. Seeing Jax's handsome face only made this harder. "Hey handsome," she greeted, smiling up at him though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Is it okay if we talk about something?"

Jaxon:

Jaxon had been busy in the garage when he heard the front door. He wasn't expecting anybody so..to see Esme on the other side of it was quite the surprise, his eyes immediately noticing something different about her. Something not quite right. "Hello," he frowned with a soft smile before moving out of the way. "It's so good to see you again..of course." The wolf waited for the shewolf to come inside and closed the door. "Is everything okay?"

Esme

The concern in Jax's eyes made her heart sink. It was never going to be an easy conversation but she already wanted to crawl into his lap and forgot about it. "I'm sorry it's been a few days. They released Nihira." Esme didn't know why she was explaining things he already knew, she'd told him how happy she was to have her daughter home. "Not everything is okay. Nihira has always been my sweetest child. She's not herself. I think prison was harder than she let on. The other prisoners were tormenting her."

Jaxon:

Jax nodded once, allowing Esme to talk even if they were things he already knew, and sat on the couch. “You don’t have to apologize. I get it.” The wolf smiled and looked at her longingly, wondering if she would sit beside him. Then, she continued talking. “..did she tell you that? Shit, I’m sorry, that can’t be easy.”

Esme:

She looked at the empty space beside him, wanting the comfort of the beta's touch. The wolf knew she didn't deserve his comfort but she sat beside him anyway, letting their shoulders brush together. "She didn't have to, she's been having nightmares," she said. Her fingers twisted together as she tried to find the right words. "Nihira has always been my baby, it breaks my heart to see her like this. She doesn't want to leave the house, she doesn't want to go out for a run. She's scared it will happen again, that someone will possess her."

Jaxon:

The wolf could not look away from Esme, not even when she sounded so sad, and he could not say anything either. He thought perhaps she just needed someone to listen and..well, he was good at that, right? As their shoulders brushed lightly against each other, Jaxon threw his arm around her and pressed a kiss on her temple. God, why? Why did he get that strange feeling about this? "Have you tried looking into some help? I'm sure there's only so much we can do here but- a therapist or..a witch, perhaps?"

Esme:

Esme didn't deserve the comfort he was giving her but she leaned into his arms all the same. "She doesn't trust witches at the moment and from the few I've talked to, I need a witch's help," she replied. Esme knew what she had to do but she didn't want to say it. Reaching for his free hand, she laced their fingers together. "I think… I think the best thing is getting Nihira out of the city for a while. I was thinking of taking her back to India for a little while, at least until she's feeling better."

Jaxon:

When reminded why witches were not a good idea, Jaxon could not hold in the sigh that came out of his lips. Her feelings were valid, as much as he hoped that the circumstances might change her mind, and yes, he had to respect her choice in the matter. It was just that the next thing took him completely off guard. "Wait, what?" India? For a little while? This couldn't be what he thought it was, right? Holding their hands together, the beta turned his body to her slightly. "What are you saying here, Esme?"

Esme:

Esme wished there was an easy fix but when it came to her daughters mental wellbeing, she knew there were no shortcuts to take. As the words sunk in, Esme's heart sunk, filled with the guilt and heartache. She had never been good at goodbyes. Her eyes never left their hands as she took a deep breath. "I'm - I'm saying when Nihira goes to India, I'll be going with her and I don't know how long I'll be gone," she said, speaking slowly as though hesitant to say the words at all. "I'm so sorry, Jax. I know this is terrible timing and it's not what I wanted to do and I understand this what this means for us but I don't make this decision easily." She looked up, hoping he would see how much this hurt her too. "I need to keep my family safe and Nihira doesn't feel safe here anymore."

Jaxon:

Jaxon watched as Esme's lips moved, giving way to words about why she had come to such a difficult decision for her family, but he could not possibly process what she said all at once. There was a delay. An annoying delay that only made things more difficult for him, but ultimately, her message reached him. "..well, crap." he frowned, his eyes welling up with tears which threatened to roll down his cheeks at any moment. No, he couldn't speak. Not for a while, at least. Instead, the wolf looked deep into her eyes and down, at their laced fingers. "..I can't leave. Gwen..the pack.." he blabbered. "..I'm gonna miss the hell out of you.. I ..I don't think I want to hear what this means, but I get it..I do."

Esme:

The silence felt deafening as the beta just stared at her. The pieces fell into place and Esme could feel her heart break for him. "I'm sorry," she said. The emotions were bubbling up in her throat, she had wanted to be strong but tears were already falling down her cheeks as she looked at their hands. "I know, I wouldn't ask you to," she assured. "I'm proud of you for fighting for your place in Gwen's life, you should keep fighting for it and for her." They both needed someone who loved them unconditionally, they deserved it.

Her arms wrapped tightly around him, burying her face against his neck to let her tears fall. "I'm going to miss you. So much," she whispered. "I'm so sorry, Jaxon. You're too good of a man to be wasted on waiting around for me but I've been incredibly lucky to catch you attention in the first place. I'm so grateful for you."

Jaxon:

He had just lost her in a dream, a cruel, soul-crushing dream, and now, he felt like it was happening all over again. The only exception was that she was okay and that hopefully, they both would be at some point down the line. "Don't be sorry," Reed shook his head and brushed her tears away as gentle and softly as possible. "You're doing the right thing by your daughter. Nothing should be more important than that..even if I hate the idea of us being apart." Yes, he fucking did. Esme had helped heal the parts of Jaxon that felt broken. Made everything make sense again. But he understood that one had to make sacrifices for their kids more than ever now. "I will, darling.."

Feeling the warmth of her body and the wetness in the crook of his neck, the beta could not restrain himself any longer. He hugged and cried with Esme, rubbing the lower end of her back to try to comfort her. "..it's okay.. I'm happy that we-" he swallowed, "..I'm happy that we found each other, too. You gave me so much..and shit, I'll be here when you come back." If she did, of course. He couldn't consider that. Squeezing the woman in his arms, Jax peppered a few kisses down to her neck and closed his eyes. "..you're doing the right thing. It's okay..It is."

Esme:

The timing couldn't have been worse. They had barely had a chance to talk since the spirit event. She knew it had hit him hard to lose her and their child. She had dreamed about that child since and the thought of their eyes made more tears fall down her cheeks, brushing over his fingers. It was impossible for her not to feel sorry but she swallowed back another apology. "I hate it too," she whispered, filled with guilt for admitting that. Seeing Nihira hurting was a terrible thing but saying good by to Jaxon was breaking her heart.

The beta's arms were a comfort but at the same time they made her cry harder, not wanting to let go of him. She did her best to meet his eyes, wanting to remember this even if it was a moment of sadness. Esme could not expect Jax to wait for her but she selfishly hoped she would. Her hands cupped his cheeks, letting her thumbs brush away his tears. "I love you, Jaxon Reed," she murmured. "You're a good man and you'll be an amazing father, to Gwen and maybe another of your own one day." She wanted to promise him everything but she couldn't be that cruel.

Jaxon:

Jesus, they were a mess, weren't they? Jaxon saw no use in trying to hold it together any longer..or in acting strong. They both had to process their feelings and there was no better way than this. Leaning into her touch, the beta reached up to grab a hold of the hands framing his face, and smiled weakly. "..I love you, too..I love you so much." Just like hers, his words came out in a whisper, barely audible but raw and honest at the same time. How could this be the first time they were uttering those words to each other?

With a wavering breath, Jax shook his head. "..I..do you think I could convince you to stay for the night, before you leave? I don't want to take too much time away from your daughter but … When-" Fuck, this was hard. "When are you two leaving..?"

Esme:

She was grateful that they could console each other, knowing it was better for Jax to have some comfort too. A soft laugh escaped the wolf, it was silly that now they decided to say it. It felt even sillier knowing Esme had never said it to someone first. She needed Jax to know she did love him, he was worthy of love and the truth and everything he had been denied before.

Her fingers ran through his hair, trying to, needing to keep touching him while she could. Esme had planned on leaving soon, sooner than the beta might have liked. "I can stay tonight. The kids can take care of Nihira for the night." The alpha wanted to be selfish for tonight and stay here, she wanted to be with him. "I want to stay with you tonight."

Jaxon

Reed was not sure what to make of her not answering his question but he chose not to insist. He had her tonight. That was all that mattered, right? "You sure?" he exhaled, closing his eyes only for a moment to feel the way her fingers threaded softly into his hair. Yes, he had her. And he would take advantage of however long she could stay. Capturing her lips in a tender kiss, the male tightened the hold his hands had on her arms and continued, "I can probably cook us somethin'. Gwen's been teaching me some basics and I don't burn shit as often anymore." This was clearly an attempt to keep things light, but he wasn't sure how much it would last.

Esme:

She wanted to be selfish and just stay here with him but she knew she had to do the right thing, it was her duty as pack leader and a mother. "I'm sure," she promised, pressing a kiss to his temple. If they had to be apart, she could spend tonight giving him the affection he deserved. She sighed against his lips, lingering there for a long moment. "That's not as comforting as you think it is," she chuckled. "But if you want to show of your prowess, I'll be a gracious dinner guest."

[reiremington]

He couldn't tell if she was upset that he knew now, or maybe sad. There was something about her look that made her feel terrible for asking. "You'll be a good mom," he replied softly. They might not have known each other but it was a small town, he'd seen her around many times. "Exactly. It seems really dangerous to assume everyone is doing something wrong." He wanted to be able to clear her name, for Gideon's sake. Even though he didn't always see eye to eye with his dad, he would still be hurt to hear those kinds of things said about him.

[esmeraldabheriya]

Now that the words were out there, she couldn't take it back. Somehow, it was a huge weight of Esme's shoulder and she smiled back at him. "Thanks, I hope so. I never really thought of myself as maternal," she replied. It was a good thing he didn't ask who the father was. Jaxon deserved to hear it from her. She nodded in agreement, the way it was escalating was worrying. "I don't know why we haven't just tried arresting them, we've gone straight to killing," she sighed. "Let's hope they find whatever is doing this and we can get some peace."

[thejax-reed]

"..what? What did I say?" Jaxon sighed, both surprised and confused at the same time. So confused, in fact, that he missed her little slip with her words right then. "..look, I get it. Guns are awful. Half the time they make you feel a lot more unsafe but.." And it was a big but, alright. "..we might not have a choice right now. All I know is I don't feel comfortable knowing you're our here on your own with that thing out there. I..I care about you, Es. How else am I supposed to protect you?" Jax looked down at the cold object resting on the palms of his hands and reluctantly put it away..

[esmeraldabheriya]

"A gun?" she repeated in annoyance. "I deal with pregnant women and mothers, I don't need a gun anywhere near here." It was an unncessary hazard in her mind. It was clear that he was just worried for her and she was filled with guilt. "You could come stay around here if you wanted to protect me," she offered, smiling sheepishly. She didn't want to fight with him, not right now.

Jax clearly thought things were bad enough that she needed a gun for protection, he wasn't going to like when he found out the truth. As much as she wanted to be certain she could carry this pregnacy, the attacks made her worry she wouldn't make it that long. She didn't want to do that to him but she was certain he would be more devastated if he didn't know. "I think you should take a seat, I have something I need to tell you and I don't know how you're going to react."

[reiremington]

He had been hoping to hear the herbs had something to do with maintaining health, especially during pregnancy, but he hadn't thought Esme would be pregnant among them. He simply thought she had worked with them due to her work as a midwife. "Esme, are you pregnant as well?" There were a few around town who were, or were preventing themselves from becoming pregnant. It would make sense for Sarah to be helping each of them. Her main clientele was women, after all. "Everyone keeps demonizing Mrs. Caldwell's remedies, and I thought there had to be a more reasonable reason for them, despite how vague she talks about things."

[esmeraldabheriya]

The attempt at distraction didn't work, able to see the glimmer of surprise in Rei's expression. They didn't know each other well enough to share secrets like this but he was too clever. Glancing down at the herbal tea, she pursed her lips, still not sure how to answer. "Yes, but it's too early to be excited about yet," she replied. With all the murders and attacks, it was probably better that someone did know she was pregnant. Esme had been hearing the rumors and concerns about Sarah and had been appalled, that woman had been saving this town for decades with her remedies. "I don't understand why. We've all been using her remedies for years. It just feels like a wild goose chase."

[thejax-reed]

Jaxon glanced over his shoulder as some sort of extra precaution and followed the midwife into her home. The place was exactly as he remembered it, elegant and welcoming, but he did feel a strange sense of unease knowing that she was there all by herself. It was a thought that he had never had before, probably because there weren't murderers in the loose back then. "..eh, yeah, I'd love a drink, actually.." he said with a smile as they crossed into Esme's living area. Rogers turned around, standing at the centre of the room and grabbed the leather case he had brought, ready to show her what it was. "..so I know it's probably not very romantic but..I got you a gun."

[esmeraldabheriya]

With everything going on, she was glad to have some company. There weren't that many pregnant women in town at the moment so it was nice to have a guest. Having Jax in her home was a comfort given all the terrible things in town were. She did felt guilty looking at him, knowing the secret she was keeping from him. Leading him inside, she gathered a glass for each of them before stopping dead in her tracks. "A gun? Jaxon Rogers, are you crazy?" she exclaimed, surprised that he would bring such a thing into her home. Esme knew it was common for people to carry firearms but she didn't want them anywhere near unborn children. Including their child. "I don't want a gun near us, me. You know what I mean."

[reiremington]

A lot of people seemed to be pointing the finger at Sarah Caldwell, and it didn't sit right with Rei. Despite how much they argued against jumping to conclusions, it appeared to him that they had all done just that. In an effort to find out more, perhaps even the truth, he thought through the people who frequently did business with her. Eventually, he settled on Miss Bheriya. She had always been kind of her in their short interactions.

He knocked on her door and waited to be let him, graciously accepting her offering of tea. "I'm sorry to intrude, but I wanted to ask you some questions about the remedies you get from Mrs. Caldwell."

@esmeraldabheriya

[esmeraldabheriya]

Esme had been more cautious since the town hall given her condition. It had been bad enough when two women were attacked but now they had five more deaths on their hands. Her heart ached for Gwen and her boys and the Holt family. It was terrible business. She had stayed tucked away in her practice that day, only have one patient besides herself so far.

When the knock came, she was surprised to see Rei Remington at her door. She invited him and got to fixing some tea for them both. "You're fine, darling. I was just surprised," she chuckled. Rei wasn't her regular patient after all. "I keep getting asked that question," she murmured, shaking her head. The poor woman was on the wrong end of a witch hunt. "Mostly herbs, some that are good for clotting and swelling in pregnancy. Lately I've just been getting tea for morning sickness. She has a great remedy that works wonders, trust me." She realised how the comment could be taken and was quick to keep talking, not wanting Rei to notice. "Why do you ask?"

[thejax-reed]

Jaxon had not planned for any home visits in a while but this one in particular was and felt very different. Esmeralda was a special woman. He hadn't always thought of her that way or anyone, for that matter. Not since his ex-wife passed. But lately, he had started seeing the midwife in a different light. He was not sure why or how but spending any amount of time with her made him happy. Calm, like he couldn't remember feeling in a very long time. Just last month, they'd let things get physical, but it was too soon to tell what that meant. All Rogers wanted was to protect her, really..which is why he was there that evening.

Making it to her home and seeing the porch clear, the barber climbed up the few small steps and knocked on her door. "Hello, gorgeous. May I come in?"

@esmeraldabheriya

[esmeraldabheriya]

The warm night would have been good for sitting on the porch but she stayed tucked away inside, knowing Jaxon would be over soon enough. Whatever they were still felt very new. They had been taking things slow and Esme didn't mind. She had seen what Jaxon went through when his wife passed and he had earned the right to mourn in his own way and his own pace. The only thing was, she wasn't sure how slow things could go after her discovery earlier in the week.

Given what Esme did for a job, she would have thought she would have been more aware of the consequences sex could have but here she was, unmarried and knocked up. Her mother would be disappointed in her. The knock on the door pulled her out of her thoughts and she got up to greet him. "Well, hello handsome. Please do, I hear it's dangerous out there so it's safer for you to be in here with me," she replied, stepping back to let him inside. "Plus I do have whiskey and I think we could all use a drink, right?"

[beckdean]

Beck hauls herself up onto her feet slowly. Rubbing her back slightly as she straightens up, her gaze rests over towards Esme. She cringes a little as she notes the way the other woman rubs her chest - feeling a flickering sense of guilt for her own clumsiness. "I... I should have been looking where I was going." She mutters quickly, biting her lip as she looks away.

"I'm fine." She nods firmly, ignoring the aching pain along her legs as she quickly scans Esme for any further obvious injuries. "Are you alright?" It was rare she took much of an interest in others, but she can't help her momentary worry.

[esmeraldabheriya]

Esme was ready to reach a hand out but the girl didn't look like the type to accept help so she stepped back as they got back to their feet. "It's okay," she assured. Now that the adrenaline from the moment was wearing off, Esme could feel the pain fading quickly. "I'm okay, I think you just took me by surprise," she replied, laughing softly.

She couldn't tell if this was one of Caleb's pack members but she knew better than to ask out right. "And I should have been paying attention too. I know the woods so well that I sometimes let my mind wander instead of paying attention." This was just a good reminder to pay attention. "Do you run out here often?" the alpha asked, trying to gauge if they were new to the city.

[thejax-reed]

Jax allowed a soft smile to touch his features as she accepted his gift, glancing to the beautiful garden outside for a moment. "..have you always been into medicinal plants? It's impressive, what you got out there." Enough so that he remembered it from the last few times he was here, actually. The beta did not have many hobbies himself, with the pub taking most of his time, but Esme was always full of surprises..and he loved that about her.

Pressing a soft kiss atop of Esme's hand, the wolf followed her inside..loving the atmosphere she had set up in there with all the candles. It was quite romantic but nothing beat what awaited them in the garden or what she said next. "...damn," he beamed as he pulled her into his arms, her back pressed against his chest. "You know just what to say, don't you? I mean, shit. It's been a long time since anybody's got me to blush like this." A kiss was pressed to her cheek, his arms embracing her tight. "What are we havin'?"

[esmeraldabheriya]

Her garden was her pride and joy at this point with all her kids being old enough to lead their own lives. "I started not long after I married originally. So that's.... a hundred and thirty something years. Now I feel old," she chuckled. Making Jaxon smile had become addictive to the wolf, enjoying the way his smile made her stomach flutter. She was pulled back easily, hands resting over his in the embrace. "Do I? I was just talking about spending the night with you," she hummed, leaning back into his arms. Tilting her head up, she noticed that he really was blushing, making her grin happily. "Good, I hope I'm the only one make you blush."

"It's nothing special tonight, just a charcuterie board. So basically an excuse to eat meat and cheese." The alpha struggled cooking meals for two when she normally cooked for ten but this worked for two of them. She could always whip up something more substantial if he was hungry. "I figured we could have a lazy night, just the two of us."

[caleb-lycaon]

Caleb managed a small smile at Esme's comment. It was nice to know that the other alpha was feeling the same despite her not saying it out loud. It was indeed enough that they had shown up and it had taken a lot of Caleb's self-control not to cause a scene.

The Lycaon alpha spared another glance down at his phone for any new messages in the pack group chat. "I trust that Jax has gotten out safely. He is second-in-command after all." Even if they were not on the best of terms lately. There was only the matter of his sister whom he had not seen turn up yet. "Why don't you take your pack and head out first? We don't want to seem too conspicuous..." he suggested, taking in the way the last of Esme's children had already swept past her. It did not feel right leaving before her either, not when he was head of the most powerful pack on the island.

[esmeraldabheriya]

They had both shown up and that would have to be enough. It felt like Caleb was waiting for that permission and if he was, she was giving it to him. In times when the danger between their species were rising, Esme could appreciate having Caleb around. They might not agree on everything but at least she knew they felt the same way about the important things.

Esme absently looked around the room, searching for the beta in the crowd. She hoped he had left already but she could text him on the way home. "I suppose you're right. It's easier to trust your second to do the right thing when they're not your eldest son," she chuckled. Ravi would do as his mother asked but he had his own rebellious moments. "Right, good idea. I'll go first," she said, nodding her head. She took a few steps towards the door before stopping. When it came to vampires, they really had to look out for each other's packs. "Good luck... but if you need anything, or something goes wrong just call me. Good night, Caleb."

[esmeraldabheriya]

Phantom Creek AU - Esmeralda Bheriya as the Midwife

Age: 37 years old Occupation: Midwife

Background:

She moved to the country as a teenager and they moved to a small town. Her mother was a midwife by trade and she passed those skills onto her daughter, wanting her to be able to take care of herself if she needed to.

The young girl didn't think she would to work, having grand ideas of marrying someone who would take care of her. She met that man in the town's saloon and every word out of his mouth was grand. They married a few weeks later.

Esmeralda traveled around the state with her husband. He was always chasing gold, moving from town to town until they heard a rumor about another gold or gem mind. It was Esme who kept them afloat most of the time with her skills as a midwife.

They were in another town when they had an argument. Esme went to bed early and missed the arguments breaking out in the bar downstairs. She was woken by the saloon owner and told the awful news. Her husband had been killed in a fight in the bar downstairs.

Esme was stranded once her husband's money ran out. She had to take up work as a midwife, finishing her training under the local midwife in town. After a few months, she moved to Phantom Creek, having heard the town was in need of a midwife. She's lived in the town ever since.

Alongside her services as a midwife, she also sells tonics and teas that assist with pregnancy and reproduction.

Looking for:

Mothers or women in need of a midwife's services (Viv, ... )

Lovers (Jax, )

More to come...

[beckdean]

@vievecorcitystarters

Beck had woken that morning feeling on edge - a pounding in her head, heart racing - as she blinked awake in the early hours. It was the type of morning where control seemed far away, where every step seemed a little harder. The kind where she needed to run.

So, that's what she'd done. She'd taken to the trailing paths of Vievecor City Park, making the most of the few tranquil moments before most of the locals woke and the sun rose. She revelled in the sweat dripping from her brow, the mantra in her mind ticking over as it always did: you are human, you are human, you are huma-

"Fuck!"

For once, she'd been so distracted she hadn't noticed the figure imminently in her path - not until she'd sprinted directly into them. Sprawling backwards, unceremoniously onto her ass, she looks up with a blink at her unfortunate victim.

[esmeraldabheriya]

Esme had recently began going on her morning run earlier than normal. The summer heat wasn't unbearable but the sun had barely risen and she could already feel the heat settling in. Following the familiar trail past the Thodal Laal pack's homes, the alpha made their way towards the park. The path was familiar and the wolf was able to run without watching her feet, eyes scanning the tree line. She was too distracted though, managing to run directly into another runner.

The alpha was able to steady herself, able to stay upright despite the hard collision. "Ouch," she responded, absently rubbing her chest where the girl's shoulder connected. She was too surprised to be angry about it, especially when the poor pup was already on her ass. "Are you alright?"

[esmeraldabheriya]

Esme's Metamorphosis on Canvas outfit

[thejax-reed]

Jaxon had not been having the easiest of times where pack was concerned. He had done his part in trying to do the right thing, perform his duty as second in command so to speak, but getting a blank stare and a monotone answer every time was starting to piss him off. He was tired and restless and so, when the offer came to enjoy some one on one time with Esme, the wolf felt an undeniable sense of gratitude. He agreed, of course, and pushed every and any other concerning thought to the back of his mind.

As the evening drew closer, the beta made sure to dress casual but decent and to wear a nice perfume. A musky, amber fragance which had become his signauture scent since..well, forever, really. Reed knocked on the door and was greeted by a welcoming sight, a lovely kiss and an empty house. Well, except for him and the alpha. "Gross and romantic, huh? I'll take it." He said, offering the flowers he had brought her. "I'm told these are medicinal...and thought they'd be a nice addition to your gardening?" Jax added, "Thank you, Esme. For havin' me over."

[esmeraldabheriya]

The alpha was glad the kids had dispersed, wanting to share time with the beta that was just for them, with no pack nonsense to distrupt it. Esme didn't often receive gifts given that she was the gift giver in the family so she was surprised to see the plant in his hands. It was a lovely and well thought out gift, making her appreciate it more. There was a spot for them right amongst the aloe vera plants. "Thank you, they're beautiful. I already have the perfect spot for them," she grinned, leaning up to kiss his cheek again.

Taking his hand with her free one, she gave it a squeeze before tugging him further inside. "Of course. We really should get to do this more," she said. It was hard to find time around their responsibilities and kids but she knew they'd find a balance that worked for them. Esme had lit some candles around in the living area but she kept walking until they were outside in the warm summer night. "Besides, I thought you could use a break from being a second, you can just be number one with me."

[esmeraldabheriya]

secrets | jax & esme

for: @thejax-reed location: esme's home

Between their jobs, their families and their packs, it was rare for the two to have a spare night that they could spend together. The weather was warm enough to enjoy the patio and she had laid out some snacks and wine for them both. Whilst everything was still new and secretive, Esme's children had put two and two together, figuring out what was going on between them. It wasn't her who had to be secretive though, those secrets laid with Jaxon.

Esme had her own secrets but she wouldn't burden him with those. When he arrived at her door, she greeted him with a smile. "Hello you," she said, leaning up to press a kiss to his cheek. Stepping aside, she allowed him inside before shutting the door. "All the kids knew you were coming over so they scattered. Something about how gross and romantic you are has scared them off," she teased. "Luckily I have wine so we can commiserate."

[caleb-lycaon]

"I do have a second. His name is Jaxon Reed. I'll introduce you when I can next time. He used to be my mother's second too," Caleb said as he remembered that it was a possibility that Jaxon and Esme had not met yet.

The Lycaon wolf smiled a small smile as he attempted to ignore the heat roiling inside him. "Oh. That's nice. I hope I get to meet them soon," he said with a nod. Knowing that Esme was seeing someone was interesting and he was glad that she trusted him enough to tell him, even if she did not provide any details. He was not about to pry though. It was not his place to do so. "It's always best to take things slow..." Or so he'd heard.

"Anyway, I feel like I should let you get on with your day..." Caleb said and cleared his throat, his own discomfort was starting to encroach on him again.

[esmeraldabheriya]

Esme easily recognised the name consdiering it was the man she was seeing. Caleb wasn't telling her anything she didn't know though so she just smiled like it was polite to do. "That would be good, I should introduce him to Ravi as well so they know who's who," she agreed. Plus she was a little curious at how that interaction would go when Caleb realised something was going on with the pair.

Given the time of year, it felt like a weird conversation to have with the other alpha but she was working on being kinder to the younger leader. She raised her brow, wondering if Caleb knew much about how relationships worked given the track record she had seen at least. "Something like that. After..." she trailed off clearing her throat as she tried not to let her body control her. "After Eduardo, I think slow is probably for the best," she answered finally.

It seemed like they had both reached their limits with the public and she nodded her agreement. "Yes, I think we might both need to get home. I'm sure we'll bump into each other soon. Take care, Caleb."

[caleb-lycaon]

Caleb recognised Esme's son as he stepped back and as he looked up, he saw the rest of Esme's pack with her and they seemed like she had the same idea that he did. Her children were briefly gathered behind her before they moved past them to head outside.

"It's perfectly understandable," Caleb replied with a curt nod. The way Esme was carrying herself spoke volumes as to the way she was feeling and he was sure that she could see the same tension in his shoulders herself. "I was..." he started, wondering if he should confess this to her. "I was just about to leave," he finished a little softer. There was little point in denying it, especially when Esme seemed about to leave herself. "Do you need help looking for anyone else from your pack?"

[esmeraldabheriya]

Once the kids were out of the way, Esme felt more ease. The whole event was a terrible idea given the blood shortage. The rest of the community could act like this wasn't a feeding frenzy but she wouldn't allow her pack to fall victim to it. At least Caleb was sensible enough to be feeling as uncomfortable as she was here. She chuckled, shaking her head to feign disappointment. "I can't believe the leader of the biggest pack in the city would sneak out of such an important event," she teased.

It was incredibly hypocritical considering she was doing the same thing. "We showed up, that should be enough." That was all the vampire's were going to get from her and her family. The alpha had discouraged them from sharing their blood, though likely one would have just to spite her. "I think we're all good. What about you... I saw your second in command around here earlier, has he gotten out safely or is he being swarmed by succubi's?"