Strength of Vulnerability

Jonathan Lockhart - Wolf Shifter - 30+ - Alpha of the Oxford Pack - Older Brother of Elle - Guardian of Maisie - Cousin of Rosamund

[robbiethebear]

Hollis nodded in agreement with Rosamund, "We'll all be ancient if we don't give them a little nudge,"

"The pups do seem to be putting all to same lately," Nico commented in between sips of his coffee, "Well, with a few notable exceptions,"

"Oh absolutely," Kenna nodded enthusiastically as she looked up at Matt. "I would bet everything I own on those two being soul mates. They'd be perfect for each other, if they'd just admit their feelings already. You don't see it?"

-

A fond smile softened Robbie's features even more as he watched the interaction between Poppy and Cosmo. His gaze lingering on Poppy. She looked so beautiful out in the snow. Part of him wished they didn't have to go inside, that he could monopolise her time a little longer. But instead, he pushed the door open with his free hand before stepping back to let her enter first. "There are still a few other stragglers. Jonna and her family, and the Bonnaire's haven't arrived yet,"

-

"Maybe I'll be the one to put it on the fridge," although in truth Abi had the intention of pinning it to the wall above her desk. "And your Dad can take as many photos of us as he likes as long as I get one of his spiced cranberry scones, so there better still be some left," she joked. Gendry could still take all the photos even if all the scones had been eaten by others. And of course she'd be asking for copies of every single one. Another beaming smile spread over her lips as she looked at Ivy. That kept happening. When she looked at her and often when they weren't even together. That warm bubble of joy that spread through her when she thought about Ivy. The fact that she got to be the soul mate of her best friend and spend her entire life loving her. She didn't think she'd ever get over the joy of it.

-

Killian smiled down at Rory as she cleaned his cheek, one arm still lingering round her waist. If the boys wouldn't likely have teased him mercilessly for it, he'd have told her to leave it. "I'm going to be wearing more of it than you by the end of the day," he tugged her lightly towards the armchair he'd vacated moments ago to take the photo with her.

-

"You're not getting your Christmas present till you do," Livvy teased, settling into the window seat between her two friends. "Also, if you were up at 8 what took you so long to get here?" she added, looking between the two.

"Nollaig Chridheil guys," Ainsley said with a warm smile as she approached the occupied window seat. "I'm taking drinks orders, would you like anything? Tea, coffee, hot chocolate?"

-

At Layla's added information Star pulled in a dramatic gasp, "I knew he was telling the truth!" she slapped Brynne's thigh lightly. "You sneaky so and so, fraternising with hot nephilim without telling us,"

Enna laughed at the interaction between Brynne and Finn, "You lot should be careful," she said to the little group, "Bry isn't the only one who's been spotted rosy cheeked of late,"

"Ugh," Star slumped back into the cushions of the arm chair, folding her arms across her chest. "I actually think I'm way too fucking single for this conversation," The comment earned her a teasing aww from Enna and a pat on the head.

-

Lottie gave a sigh of relief, even though she knew they'd all likely be finding little patches of melting snow Maggie's trail. At least no one was going to get a lap full of it. "You Christmas angel, thank you," she replied, taking the hot mug of tea from Nehir and wrapping her hands round it. In hindsight she really should have worn her gloves. Another cold draft sent a shiver through her as the back door opened again but thankfully Lambert was quick to close it behind him.

"That should be enough logs at least till the evening," he said putting the large basket down, deciding to leave it in the corner rather than try to find room for it in the already busy lounge. At least they wouldn't have to go out to get more for some time. "Is there anything else I can do?" he left his coat hung by the back door and his boots on the mat but somehow even his jumper had gotten that smell of cold air.

-

Iver laughed loudly at the look on Torben's face after Adelaide's comment. "Et tu, Brute?" Torben said to her with more of a note of hurt than he actually felt.

Jonna couldn't help but smile at Adelaide. She really couldn't have picked anyone more wonderful for her twin, or for their family as a whole. The way they'd all taken her in like she was always meant to have been there.

"Not sure I'd use the word wonderful," Fenrin commented with a laugh that earned him a snow ball to the chest. It only made him laugh more.

"I hate all of you," Torben declared, but of course he actually meant the opposite.

-

The smile that lit up Jonna's face was entirely out of her control when the door opened to reveal Jonathan. "Merry Christmas," she replied, stepping inside just enough to let the other enter whilst also not moving that far from the alpha. Merry Christmas was echoed by her brothers as they pasted.

"Excellent," was all Torben said, apparently not needing any more invitation to do as Jonathan bid and make himself at home. Before the word had even really finished leaving his mouth he was heading off in search of the kitchen with the Glogg still tucked under his arm.

Jonna smile up at Jonathan again after the forehead kiss. Little actions like that filled her with a warmth that made her wanted to hug him as tightly as she possibly could. She resisted for now, but still wanting that contact, found herself putting her hand on his arm. "Didn't have to, but wanted to,"

[secure-with-j-lockhart]

"Positively decaying," Rosamund concurred with a smile that edged on a smirk.

Josie's ears perked up a bit at Nico's latter comment though and he gaze moved back in the direction of the sitting room where the bulk of the pups were. "That does sound like you're plotting a scheme for some of said 'notable exceptions,'" she mused, glancing back at Nico with a glint of mischief in her eyes. "In which case, you ought to team up with our dear Juliet."

Matt couldn't help but smile at Kenna's assessment of the situation, being ever the hopeless romantic that he was. "I never said I didn't. Only wanted your perspective. After all, you'd be able to read Robbie better than any of us." He hummed contentedly after a sip of his cuppa. "I think we ought to hang a few of those sprigs of mistletoe that Jules said Lottie would bring by. What do you say?"

-

The brief silence that passed made the color in Poppy's cheeks deepen, not from the cold as much as Robbie's gaze. There was something behind his expression that threaten to undo every last thread of her nerves, and heaven knew she didn't need help in that department. Still, she smiled in her bashfulness as they moved towards the door. Cosmo bounded into the house first, stretching along the runner carpet in the foyer as Poppy moved in behind him. "Oh, I do think I passed Jonna's family on the drive over. They won't be too long behind me," she explained, setting her things down so that she could take off her snow littered coat, scarf, and boots. "I do think it's quite romantic that Jonathan has invited them along. He's so taken with her... nearly makes me want to be nosey and see if he's in a mind to propose to her in due course." She felt her cheeks flush again at the idea of that sort of thing, especially since she was still quite close in proximity to Robbie. "Sorry, I'm waffling on a bit, aren't I?"

-

Ivy practically beamed at Abi's words, feeling overwhelmed with an intangible sort of pride and gratitude for the love they were able to celebrate openly now. The comment about the scones made her giggle. "I did mention that you liked them last time, so I'd imagine he'll have either set some aside especially for you, or that he's made twice as many to begin with." She tucked herself up against Abi's side as she looked around the room. It wasn't her first time at a big pack gathering, but it was her first pack Christmas, and she was quite giddy over the reality of belonging to two families in her own way now. She leaned in to speak a bit softer into Abi's ear. "Oh, and I hope you won't mind a bit of spoiling, because your other present from me is saved for when we're back home later."

-

"Cheeky," Rory replied with a bit of a giggle, settling onto the armchair with him and tucking her arms around his neck for the photo. She'd likely have to bargain with him over which of them got to keep it, but there were worse debates to be in. She was constantly pinching herself that she even had such a thing to argue over at all, that she was well and truly with Killian. When the photo printed out of the top, she took the edge of it in between her fingertips and reached over to place it onto the side table to develop. "No peeking, okay?"

Elle walked in from the kitchen with two mugs in her hands, and immediately moved to sit on the arm of the chair with Rory and Killian. "Budge over, lovebirds, I bring coffee."

-

Darcy groaned a bit. She wasn't the biggest fan of Christmas, to say the least. "Merry Christmas," she mumbled as Livvy sat between them. At the question, she piped up before Lucas could. "Princess over there had to do his hair routine, I'm sure."

Lucas rolled his eyes a bit. "Sure, because that would take me hours." He turned to Livvy to explain. "We would have walked over earlier, but Brynne texted us to say that Austin could drive us over at the same time as her."

Darcy perked up at the mention of drinks. "Ooo, I wouldn't mind a coffee actually. What about you Liv?"

Lucas looked up in slight surprise as Ainsley greeted them, offering her a small one in return before getting up from the seat to stand beside her. "I can help you grab them. Spare hands."

-

"Well, I wasn't not going to tell you, I just don't want to jump the gun or anything. It's not like we've even gone out on a date," Brynne pointed out.

Finn caught that latter comment and felt a slight bit of a blush rise to his cheeks in case it was him Enna meant. "Is there any harm in that?"

"Of course not," Layla assured, patting Star's knee as she spoke to Finn. "We're all happy for everyone, personal love lives or lack thereof set aside."

Mercury ran over to greet Maggie as she came in from the kitchen, waving his tail happily and letting out one his rather big barks.

-

Nehir laughed a bit at Lottie's words. "Ah, better an angel than one of those ghosts in A Christmas Carol," she joked.

Liana shivered a bit at the breeze that drifted in with Lambert. "Goodness, I'd think you'd be an ice sculpture by now in that cold."

"You both are live savers, thank you so much. And I think we're all set apart from the last bits of cooking here," Jules replied with a smile, nodding towards the nearly full coffee pot on the counter. "It's fresh. Help yourself to a cup and relax a little, doctor's orders."

Emma cleared her throat from her spot at the table beside Sam and Gemma. "And by that she means mine. I'm ordering you to indulge in the day off for your own sake."

-

Adeline leaned over to bump her shoulder against Torben's with a touch of her own laughter. "Ever the dramatist."

The snowball made Adeline nearly break into laughter again, but she bit her lip to keep from it. "Oh, do cheer up, Torben. You know we all adore you in reality, so do wipe that look off of your face before you scare our host," she teased as they walked up the steps to the front door.

Adeline offered a 'Merry Christmas' to Jonathan before she nudged Iver and Fenrin along after Torben in the direction of the kitchen.

-

Jonathan's whole body seemed to awaken again at even Jonna's presence and the smallest touch to his arm. She brought him to life in a way he'd never previously experienced, and certainly in a way that he'd never been the sort to think himself lucky enough to find. His smile deepened at her words. "Well, you do know that sort of thing will only endear you all the further to the pack." He nearly laughed thinking of the way that this was truly a near baptism of fire for their relationship, all in all, but not nearly malicious enough to warrant the statement. "Come on, we can go into the kitchen from further up the hall and get you something warm to drink." He moved the basket to one arm so that he could readjust her hand to rest in the crook of his elbow before they moved.

-

Driving over to the pack house had seemed a little more practical when Alexander and his family were planning things last night, but the snow had been a little bit of a surprise and had made that process go along a fair bit slower than anticipated. But both cars made it safely there, and they were now gathering their gifts and the like before heading inside.

Emery tossed his arms around his nieces' shoulders, pulling them both into his side as they walked. "Well, I do hope the two of you are going to be introducing us to any of the newbies of the day that we might not know."

Care laughed a bit. "I'm pretty sure you'd know everyone from the other years you've been here, or from the University."

"You say that," Wesley began from his spot beside them, "But this pack seems to have just as much of an affinity for growing and adding onto itself as Gendry does with his own guest lists. So can you blame us?"

Charlotte cleared her throat after a moment. "I'm sure we can all handle introducing ourselves to people without making the girls do it for us. You both act like you have no social skills."

Alexander laughed a little as he neared the front door ahead of the group. "Arguably, you could say they don't."

"You're lucky my hands are full, otherwise I'd have put snow down the back of your shirt," Emery retorted, though there was no real venom in his voice.

[robbiethebear]

The quick glance his way by his sister when Austin announced Poppy had just arrived wasn't lost on him. Though he was glad she carried on in her conversation. "I'll go see if she needs a hand," he declared to no one in particular as he put his half drunk mug of tea down. The bite of the snowy air was a shock after the warmth of the pack house, but a very welcome one. He'd always done better in colder temperatures. A smile spread across his features at the sight of Cosmo trying to catch snow flakes, "She's not wrong," he sat to the cat. As his eyes moved to Poppy his smile softened. "Here let me get some of that for you," he offered as he approached, "Oh, and merry Christmas Poppy,"

-

"Thank you!" Abi reached for the photo, staring at it as it slowly started to develop. "Our first photo of our first Christmas officially together," she said turning to Ivy and pressing a kiss to her cheek. It was odd how natural it felt to do that even here in front of everyone.

-

"Our turn," Killian took the camera from Rory's hands, wrapping an arm round her to take a selfie of them. "You and me after, right?" he said to Mercury, who'd been curled up by his feet till he'd gotten up.

-

Livvy jumped up from where she'd been squashed into an armchair conspiring with Enna and Star and ran over as the latest group arrived. "Merry Christmas you gorgeous creatures!" she said, pulling Darcy and Lucas into a hug.

-

"So Bry," Star said by way of calling her over to the spot just vacated by Livvy, "Fletch said he saw you chatting to some super tall, handsome nephilim guy the other day. What was that about?"

-

Lottie entered in through the back door, having gone across country to get the basket of forgotten veg they'd left at home this morning. "If I'm not mistaken I think it's trying to snow again," she commented as she put the overladen basket on the kitchen island. Maggie had taken off towards the living room the second she'd opened the door. "Someone's about to get a lap fully of snowy retriever puppy,"

-

"It's my hospital, I can't not be on call," Torben grumbled as the little group made their way up the drive of the local packs main house.

"It's very good of you to take the day though," Jonna interjected before Iver could comment. All four of them were carrying something, not wanting to arrive empty handed. It was by pure luck that none of them had picked the same thing to bring. Jonna had a basket of saffron buns she'd baked that morning, Iver had a large jar of Christmas toffees, Fenrin a gingerbread cake and Torben had a case of Glogg tucked under one arm.

"It's good of Jonathan to invite us all, clearly he's never met Torben," Iver ducked as he made the comment, pre-empting the first full of snow thrown his way with a laugh.

"I am delightful at parties, I don't know what you're talking about," Torben replied, wiping snow from his hand against Iver's coat.

Fenrin turned his head to grin at Adelaide as they brought up the rear, stopping as Jonna knocked on the door.

[secure-with-j-lockhart]

As Robbie left their little circle Matt couldn't help but chuckle a bit to himself. "You lot are as subtle as a hand grenade," he noted, though only out of fond teasing.

"Can you blame us though? It would be sweet if they both got around to... well, admitting things to themselves," Rosamund mused before nodding off in the direction of the younger pack members around the sitting room. "They could take inspiration from the pups in that regard."

Matt nudged Kenna's side then. "And I suppose you agree?"

-

Poppy started a bit at the sound of Robbie's voice, as she almost always did. Force of habit really. She offered him a sheepish sort of smile as awkwardly maneuvered one of the bags off of her shoulder and the dish at his offer. "Thank you,and Merry Christmas Robbie," she replied. Cosmo let out a faint sort of 'mrrrp' as he landed in a slightly deeper spot of snow, emerging with little flakes coating his black fur. She laughed at the sight of him before moving to lift him up in her arms and dust him off. "Honestly... you'd think you were the arctic fox, hmm?" He nuzzled into her arms with a gentle purr. She looked up at Robbie again then as they stepped up to the doorway. "I hope I'm not the last to arrive. I was a bit behind schedule this morning."

-

Ivy blushed a bit at the kiss to her cheek, though not the least because of embarrassment. She felt a deep sort of joy and pride at being about to be with Abi, and that this would be the first of many Christmas days for them. "You do know that my dad will likely want to take one or two more of us when we go to the manor later, yeah?" She could imagine the fond sort of fussing of that moment, and she was already looking forward to it in truth--all good memories to be made. "And that if Jules spies it she'll want to put it on the fridge."

-

Rory giggled a bit as she leaned into Killian's side. She decided to kiss his cheek for the photo, and left a red lipstick print where she had. "Oops... I keep forgetting about that," she noted with another bit of laughter as she reached to wipe it away.

Mercury, meanwhile, was nearly dozing even still from his spot on the floor until Killian spoke to him. He tilted his head up at the young couple before turning to the newcomers in the room and somewhat clumsily clambering to his feet to greet Brynne.

-

Darcy and Lucas returned the hug from Livvy with varying smiles and enthusiasm. Lucas tucked each of the girls under his arms as they pulled away, maneuvering them over to the large window seat in the corner of the room. "Merry Christmas Liv, although I doubt the Grinch will share the sentiment," he joked, giving Darcy's shoulders a squeeze.

"I might if someone didn't wake me up at 8 AM like a fucking toddler," Darcy grumbled, jabbing her elbow into Lucas' side a bit. She pushed him over to the side as they moved to sit so that Livvy was in between them now. "Give me an hour to get into it and then I'll say it."

-

Brynne caught Mercury's paws against her shoulders, just keeping from tumbling over at the greeting. She laughed a bit as he kissed her face. "Somebody missed me, huh?"

She looked up at the familiar nickname, letting Mercury settle back onto the ground and move back over to Killian and Rory before she neared the overcrowded armchair. Brynne took a seat on the empty arm as Star finished her question, all too sure that she looked a bit bashful about it though. "Well..." She trailed off, considering her words.

Layla, who was leaned up against the side of the chair from her spot on the floor chimed in. "Don't try to deny it, I saw you too. Caught red-handed... or rosy-cheeked," she declared with a wink.

Brynne rolled her eyes a bit. "I've been getting to know him over the last couple of months. We met at the park in September. Not sure what else there is to be said of him," she replied, though she knew that was a far more conservative answer than they were looking for.

Finn had moved in from the kitchen, holding a cuppa in one hand as his other gently reached into his sweatshirt pouch to grab Hazel. He cleared his throat as he approached the corner group and Brynne, handing her the hedgehog as he directed his words to the girls. "His name is Elion, and apparently he's 'positively dashing,'" he revealed.

The words warranted a gentle glare from Brynne. "I told Rory that in confidence, you little eavesdropper."

He held up his hand in mock surrender before taking a seat on the floor beside Layla. "Shifter hearing. Not my fault."

-

Cami watched Maggie on her barreling path into the living room with a small smile. "I think Mercury distracted her from any direct targets by the looks of things."

Juliet moved to look through the glass in the back door, spying the stray snowflakes coming down as Lottie had suggested. "Hopefully it won't pick up too much. I always get so anxious about anyone driving in the snow."

Nehir reached over to place a steaming hot cup of tea in front of Lottie. "Here, I've not even had a sip yet. You need to warm up a bit."

-

Adeline shifted the basket she held on her arm as they walked. It contained a festive bouquet arrangement as well as her lavender and lemon shortbreads. She couldn't help but laugh at Iver and Torben's antics, having grown quite used to it in the past while. "You're delightful once you remember to take the stick out of your arse," she joked, shooting Torben a wink before bumping shoulders with Jonna for her latter comment. "And a wonderful dancer when he's had a bit of rum."

She returned Fenrin's grin as they reached the doorstep. She was looking forward to seeing some familiar faces inside, as well as getting to see Jonna and Jonathan together. It was a treasure to witness the beginnings of their connection, really.

-

Jonathan was moving out of his office when he heard the knock at the front door. His wolf recognized the arrival before he fully did, and he caught himself beaming a bit as he opened the door to greet Jonna and her family. "Merry Christmas," he greeted warmly, stepping back to allow them into the entryway. "Make yourselves at home. I believe we've just stuck on the millionth round of coffee and tea for the morning if any of you are looking to warm up a bit." He moved to gently take Jonna's basket from her hands and place a kiss to her forehead. "You all really didn't have to make anything."

[secure-with-j-lockhart]

Christmas at the Pack House

Jonathan and Juliet had been making rather a tag-team affair out of Christmas Day within the pack since he'd taken charge and she'd joined. It wasn't to say that others didn't help, as that was far from the truth. In reality it was a collective affair of prepared dishes, drinks, decorations and the like. But a good deal of the cooking, present wrapping, and 'magic' of it typically fell onto their shoulders, though both loved that. In truth they were thick as thieves in their efforts, particularly in the years when Maisie and Abi would still believe that it was, in fact, Santa and not Jonathan in his famed red suit. But they still persisted with a grander sort of affair than most because it was a day to truly appreciate and celebrate the pack, and with the ways it had grown over the years the festivities only followed suit. This year felt even more special given the recent scares with some of the pups, and so their doors would be open to more guests than ever before to embrace the season.

Everyone in the pack knew well enough that they were able to arrive or wake up at their own pace, so by 11 AM nearly everyone had gathered, save some of the additional guests.

-

Juliet had returned to the house not too long ago, continuing in her cooking efforts in between moments of doting on little Gemma who was decorating sugar cookies with Sam. Cami was off to one side of the kitchen putting the finishing touches on a few festive drinks she'd helped prepare.

-

Austin had left to collect Brynne, Lucas, and Darcy from halls and they'd just entered the front door to begin shedding off their layers of snow coated outerwear and shoes. While the three younger ones darted off into sitting room, he made his way over to some of the older pack members, though his intent was really to speak to Robbie.

"Poppy's just pulled up outside," he said to the group, though he trusted well enough that everyone there would know why he was even saying anything at all. He even caught a knowing sort of smile from Rosamund who nudged his side covertly.

"And Cosmo, I'm sure," she chimed in before casting her gaze towards the direction of the foyer in a purposefully nonchalant way. "Must have her hands a bit full."

-

Ivy had joined the slow growing group of younger pack members milling about in the sitting room ahead of the gift giving once she'd arrived. She sat tucked against Abi's side as Rory snapped a picture of the two.

Rory passed them the mini polaroid so that they could have it once it developed. "It's cute, trust me," she assured with a grin.

-

Poppy had parked her light blue beetle in beside Juliet's car a few minutes ago, and was now doing her best to balance her two bags--one being her overnight bag and the other being Cosmo's--while also carrying a large covered dish that held some treats Magnolia had baked for the back. Cosmo, meanwhile, had darted out into the snow and was trying to catch falling snowflakes. She shut her car door and turned her focus to her cat with a bit of a laugh. "Your feet are going to get terribly cold doing that, you know," she chided.

[jonnasnaturaltouch]

Jonna let herself lean into the hug after it became clear he wasn't worried about the state of her. She took a deep breath, inhaling the clean smell of him. In so many ways this was exactly what she needed right now. Of course she'd have carried on regardless, pushed herself till all the works was done. But she could feel herself sighing in relief at some of the invisible weight being lifted. It wasn't surprising to her that he would be able to do that for her without really doing anything at all. Just by being there. Just by holding her for a moment. The more time they spent together, the more sure she was becoming. That this was it for her.

She smiled just a little at his words. "I couldn't have gone home when there was still more I could do," Jonna replied. "That is still the case," maybe in the morning she'd let herself go home. "How is your pack mate, the one who went home?" she'd already checked in on Rory to see how she was doing. "And the rest of them? No one else was hurt?"

[secure-with-j-lockhart]

Jonathan smiled a bit at the sentiment from Jonna. It was a testament to her desire to help others, to her good-hearted nature. It only deepened the feelings he'd been having for her. Really, this entire situation did. Call it mortality, call it living in the moment, but he really did want to devote himself to her entirely.

"I had to see that the rest of the pack was safe, otherwise I would be much the same, I suspect. But I couldn't go without seeing you tonight... I needed to know that you were alright too." Of course, in all logic, he knew she likely would be safe. But you couldn't count on anything with the evening's culprits still in the wind. And holding Jonna in his arms was the only true way of seeing it for himself. "He's just fine now, sleeping when I left. And everyone else is only shaken up, which I can hardly blame them for. The panic of it all is one thing, but a lot of the cubs saw Rory before she was healed and that's not exactly an easy sight for anyone to sit with. I suspect there's more than a few who won't be sleeping until they see her home safely, myself included."

He pulled back a bit, tucking a lock of her hair behind her ear before pressing a gentle kiss against her forehead. His wolf nearly felt settled even despite everything. Because Jonna was his port in the storm, it seemed. More and more he was beginning to realise just how true that was. "I hope you can forgive me for the horrid timing of it all, and you certainly don't need to answer now if you'd like time to think on it.... but I think I would be missing out on a very important lesson in the gravity of all of tonight's events if I didn't tell you that I'm falling for you." He smiled a bit, unable to help it as he gazed down at Jonna. She was steadily becoming his everything, and he nearly felt a fool for leaving it quite so long to do this. "And I wanted to ask you to be my partner, since I've done a rather mucked up job of dragging my feet on that score."

[jonnasnaturaltouch]

@ Eld Cottage Hospital

Jonna had added an apron over her dress when the initial rush of activity had lulled. Though she wasn’t sure why she’d bothered, her dress was already ruined. Though it did hide the worst of the stains from the people she was treating and helped identify her as one of the healers she supposed. She’d been kept busy administering remedies to those still waiting for healing, those who didn’t wish for magical healing and those who needed something to help them sleep. Thankfully there was a good stock of her remedies at the hospital already, and she’d sent Iver off for more supplies from her shop.

She was heading back to the store room to brew another batch of her sleep tea, crossing the wood panelled lobby when she spotted a familiar face. Almost instantly she felt some of the tension ease from her shoulders.

@secure-with-j-lockhart

[secure-with-j-lockhart]

Jonathan had gone back to the Pack House with the others, helping Adam make sure that everyone had been accounted for in the wake of things. Thankfully that had been the case. But Emma and Rory lingered on his mind, and he offered himself up to drive over to the hospital to be on hand whenever they needed to be brought home, which he suspected would be sooner rather than later.

Once he’d arrived, though, Emma had been quick to wave him off, saying that Rory was recovered bar the tiredness really and that she was sleeping it off. And then came the less than subtle comment about his ‘girlfriend’ still being here and how he ought to talk to her instead. Jonathan shared a knowing smile with his pack mate before going in search of Jonna now.

They must have been ships in the night, as they crossed paths in the lobby now. He offered her a warm smile, walking over to take her in his arms. He’d tidied himself up from some of the dust and the like, but had no qualms towards sullying the sweats he’d donned. He wanted to be able to hold Jonna. She was strong, he’d known as much for quite some time now, but even in that strength he wanted to support her. He wanted to bear some of the weight of the night’s events.

“I should have known you’d volunteer to stay on,” he said softly, resting his head atop hers for the moment.

[jonnasnaturaltouch]

"I could never turn down such a polite invitation to dance,"

[secure-with-j-lockhart]

"Lucky for me that you're so gracious then," Jonathan replied with a small bow before he took her hand. "And that you look especially lovely tonight. I think you'll be leaving plenty of jealous onlookers in your wake."

[secure-with-j-lockhart]

"I'd like to think I'm not as much of a prick as that."

[jonnasnaturaltouch]

Switching off the last of the lights and setting the alarm Jonna headed out, pulling the shop door closed behind her. As she was locking it movement in her peripheral vision caught her attention. When she saw what, or rather who, it was her attention stuck there. She smiled in turn at the shifter she'd been very much hoping she'd get to see again. "Oh?" she asked of his admittance as she finished locking the door and slipped the keys into her bag. Jonna turned more fully towards him as he explained, the smile returning to her face. "Nothing that especially needs doing tonight," she replied by way of confirming she was free. "So where did you have in mind?"

[secure-with-j-lockhart]

Jonathan couldn't help but smile at her lack of scheduling conflicts. After all, it had been a rather spur-of-the-moment decision that he'd made. "Admittedly, I hadn't been quite so expectant of you saying yes as to plan that far ahead. However, there are a few options that come to mind if you have any particular preference for the type of cuisine."

[skittish-bryce]

Bryce choked on a sob. "He kept calling him a pretty kitty." He told him, a shiver going through him. In his old pack, many of the more dominant shifters used to look at him that way. And bad things happened. His bottom lip trembled. Because now he couldn't see anything else, or hear anything else. "I tried..." He whined to Jonathan. Because he didn't want anything to happen to Tristan. "But he squeeze me so tight..." Tears spilled down his cheeks. Despite knowing that he himself was safe, he felt so awful, so scared, just so many things.

Bryce could only nod, burying his face in Jonathan's shoulder. He didn't feel like it was fair for him to be here and safe. When Tristan was out there somewhere. With the vampire. "How will we find him?" He asked in a small voice.

[secure-with-j-lockhart]

Jonathan bit back the urge to growl at that--that Tristan would be subjected to the attacks and attentions of some predatory vampire, and that Bryce had to be caught in it as well. They were pack, and Jonathan felt rattled to a rage that could only come about from this sort of thing. "You tried, and that's the most that anyone can ask of you," he assured."

"Derek and Victor left first to pick up the trail. Daire, Feltcher, Aidan, Hollis, Robbie, and Rosamund left not long after them to help. They'll be able to track him, okay? We should be hearing from them anytime now."

[skittish-bryce]

Bryce’s bottom lip quivered at that. He was trying so hard to be strong. So close to the edge of losing it completely. “It was a vampire.” He whimpered. “He was… he bit him and he just lay there. I thought he was dead.”

“I…” he wanted to tell Jonathan that he’d tried to help. That he’d attacked the vampire. But he could still feel the cold grip around him. Squeezing him so tightly he thought he was going to be crushed. Instead of talking, he hurled himself forward and against Jonathan.

[secure-with-j-lockhart]

"He's not," Jonathan reminded gently, though he knew Bryce would be able to feel that--as they all could. "He's going to be okay, Bryce. And so are you." It was more assurance than he could accurately give for the time being, but Jonathan felt as certain in that as he felt was sensible.

Jonathan caught Bryce in a gentle hug, tracing soothing circles against his back. "I know... you did what you could. But it wouldn't do anyone any good to have you be injured beyond the extent you already are."

[alpha-of-chicago]

Adam wordlessly swiped the drink. Downing it in seconds. And somewhere amidst the haze he realized perhaps he shouldn't have. "Don't ever mate...." He growled at him. Then he paused to consider that. "Or have children." Though he didn't mean either of those things. He'd have still done both. Millions of times over even if it always resulted in the same damn thing. "You think Elle is bad...."

[secure-with-j-lockhart]

Jonathan couldn't help but laugh at the comments. "Love comes with a great deal of complications along with it. And family too, at that. But you and I both know that you wouldn't trade them for anything--and I wouldn't trade Eleanor either... even though she's aged me considerably."

[secure-with-j-lockhart]

Outside of The Winter Rose

It was one of the rare occasions where Jonathan's shift ended at a seasonable hour, and not very far away from Jonna's shop, upon his recollection... or, more accurately, the acute awareness he'd helf of that fact since arriving for the job in question. He'd wanted to call by to see her again. She was intriguing, to say the least.

Upon arriving at the apothecary, he noticed the woman in question just shutting the shop. Ordinarily he'd have found approaching her rather impertinent. But Jonathan couldn't quite stop himself as he walked up to her, waiting until he'd caught her eye before he smiled in greeting. "I'm rather glad I've caught you," he admitted. "As I was hoping to be somewhat presumptuous and offer to take you out to dinner... that is, if you didn't already have plans for your evening, and if you'd like to."

@jonnasnaturaltouch

[skittish-bryce]

“I’m okay…” He whispered softly.

[secure-with-j-lockhart]

Jonathan frowned a bit at that. "You don't have to lie."

[jonnasnaturaltouch]

"Hmm, yes I think you're right," she said almost seriously but then a grin broke over her features.

Jonna smiled at what that told her about him. Not that he'd never been much for drinking but that he didn't mind being the one watching out for the others. Much like the fact he was here buying a cure for his sister hangover. "I'm glad you did," she replied genuinely, "My brother told me it was quite the party, as Magnus's usually are." She shook her head lightly at his question though. "But no, I wasn't there myself," his comment that he would have remembered her made her smile softly, a faint blush colouring the apples of her cheeks. "I've been away and didn't get back until the party was already in full swing. Sadly I was much to tired from travelling to drop in," she explained. "Eight dollars please,"

[secure-with-j-lockhart]

"Yes, Mr. Bane is rather an adventurous host by most people's standards. But a little adventure is what keeps life interesting, yes?" Jonathan mused with a small smile that only deepened as he caught sight of the blush, even as slight as it was. He found his gaze rather caught on her cheeks for a moment. Because of course he'd meant the comment, meant the flattery behind it, but the sight of her reaction made his wolf sit up to attention in a way he hadn't quite noted in some years. He blinked a bit, looking back up at her properly then. "I see. Anywhere of note? That is, if I'm not prying too much in asking."

He took out his wallet and took out a $10 bill, holding it out to her across the counter. "And on the subject of prying, perhaps we ought to introduce ourselves... I'm Jonathan, Jonathan Lockhart."

[skittish-bryce]

Bryce looked at him then. His eyes taking him in, searching for any indication he wasn't being truthful. Which was really kind of wrong for him to do. Because Jonathan had no reason to lie to him. No one here tended to lie to him. "Oh..." He said, pressing his lips together tightly. "Adam isn't happy about it though." He observed. Because yes. Their alpha was very unhappy. He could feel it in his bones. "He'll be okay?" He asked, knowing somehow that Jonathan would be able to answer his concern. He always seemed to be able to.

Bryce frowned when it took him so long to answer. The hesitation creating a surge of fear in him. He never wanted to be a burden on anyone. Maybe Jonathan considered him to be one. Jonathan did look really tired. And now Bryce felt foolish for everything now. "I didn't mean to..." He said softly, his bottom lip quivering a bit. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have bothered you." He wanted to turn and flee, but something kept him still. Something he didn't understand. "Do you need a hug?" He asked suddenly, realizing that maybe his thinking was wrong. Maybe it had nothing to do with him. Jonathan was as much a person as he was. And he'd been through something really traumatic tonight. That's what pack did right? They comforted each other.

[secure-with-j-lockhart]

That made Jonathan crack a smile, even as weary as he was. "Adam is rarely a happy person. At least in the typical sense... But I understand your concern. We all worry about him, about each other. That's what packs are for." His smile only deepened as he nodded in reply. "He will be. I promise."

The apology made his brow furrow, a twinge of sadness coming across his features. He'd upset Bryce, at least in some way. And, of course, that wasn't his intention. "You're not bothering me at all, Bryce. I would have told you if you were," he assured. The offer brought about a soft chuckle. He walked forward and gently wrapped his arms around the younger shifter, resting his chin atop his head. "Don't really have to ask about that sort of thing with me either."

[alpha-of-chicago]

...

[secure-with-j-lockhart]

Jonathan probably shouldn't have been allowing Adam to drink any more than he already had, but he still poured out another bit of whisky into the alpha's glass wordlessly. Because it was Adam's choice as to whether they were talking about things, and indeed what they would talk about.

[secure-with-j-lockhart]