2015.08.07 - There's Cats in the Wolves' Business, and the Temptation of Ethan

**Emitter:** N/A

*Jason seeks to win Ethan over to his cause, while Liam and the were-cats cause complications.*

August 7, 2015

Beacon Hills, CA

Ethan Carver is leaning against a tree not too far from the cliff, facing the town, but with his eyes closed, as he listens to something or other on his iPod, earbuds firmly in place. He's dressed a bit more casually than usual, faded jeans and a black muscle shirt under his leather jacket. His motorcycle is parked at the end of the trail, helmet perched atop.

Jason Christopher has been watching Ethan, for some time. He didn't follow him directly. No there was another matter to take care of in this not so sleepy little town first. Stiles, for now he knew the human's name. Stiles needed some measure of proof, and it was waiting for him on his pillow now. Despite the human, despire Stiles sheer impertinance he looked like the potential gateway into getting the rest of them to understand what was coming for them. But to rely on a human, damnation. Maybe someone would bite him and make the entire affair less wretched.

Finding Ethan now wasn't that hard. He certainly didn't seem like he was trying not to be found at least. He seemed lost in thought really, and no small surprise. Jason knew he had given the werewolf teen much to think on. It might have surprised Ethan to know that the prince was also thinking too though. . o 0 (This was impulsive. The situation in La Push is delicate...But something about him just seems so...broken.) It surprised him in some ways that he cared. He hadn't in some time really, and before just days ago he really had thought himself beyond such. Then the perpetually cheerful Jacob Black had happened. He shakes away the annoying self doubts. Those he was above dammitall!

Appearing slowly, like a phantom, or a mist solidifying. Jason is admiring Ethan's bike. Walking in slow circles around it, waiting for the young wolf to be aware of him. Which as he suddenly has a scent again shouldn't take long.

Ethan Carver's eyes snap open, and he lifts his head, sniffing at the air. Slowly, he pulls out one earbud, then the other, as he pushes to his feet, the tension in his body obvious. "Show yourself!" he shouts toward the distant town, before turning to the forest path behind him. Ah ha, there he is. "It's you," he says rather obviously, trying to keep his expression neutral. And not doing a great job of it. He's conflicted, that much is clear. Part of him want to push this so-called prince off the cliff and be done with him. Another part is desperately seeking the very things Jason has offered. "What do you want now, your Highness?"

Jason Christopher looks at Ethan with a look that almost says 'really?' "Sarcasm Ethan?" He sighs some and turns on his heel. It looks as if he is just going to walk away. He came here to warn them they may all die. He has been insulted repeatedly. He was attacked, however ineffectively. He never raised a hand in his own defense, despite having the capacity to kill everyone present. He offered to help. He offered to teach. Certainly, his manner may not be quite what they were used to. But if actions speak louder than words, maybe someone in this thrice damned town might start actually paying attention!

"Wait!" Ethan calls, stepping forward without thinking. "Look, I...Your name's Jason, right? I'm sorry, okay? Just...Tell me what you want. What you -really- want." He tucks his hands into the front pockets of his jeans, shifting from one boot to the other, eyes downward. "Can you really teach me to do all the stuff you did last night? All those different transformations and stuff."

Jason Christopher stops in mid stride, his back still turned. Without a moments pause he replies simply to the latter question. "Yes." Slowly he turns around and shakes his head slightly. "Ethan, far more importantly than what I want. What do you want? You are torn, right down the middle. You want to belong here, but a part of you feels you do not. It would not take someone that has lived as long as I have to see why. You feel like you don't deserve it. Why Ethan, please tell me and then...then we can proceed."

Ethan Carver sucks in a quick breath, flinching back just a little. "I don't know what you're talking about," he says too quickly, glancing away. "This is where I belong...now. I'm part of McCall's pack, and he has my loyalty. Absolutely." He looks back then, fixing defiant eyes on Jason. "That's not going to change. I won't lie and say what you offer isn't attractive. Really attractive. But I stand with McCall and his pack, no matter what. He's a True Alpha, what I've been looking for my whole life, even when I didn't know what I was really looking for. He's accepted me, and he'll accept my brother, once he gets back to town. So I guess you just need to know that up front: my loyalty is to Scott McCall."

Jason Christopher nods and smiles, genuinely. "I respect that Ethan. And, I have not challenged that. I told you before, we are of seperate strains of lycanthropy. I could not replace Scott McCall as your alpha. Not in the way your kind bonds. For my kind, an alpha is recognized through their strength. I have been an alpha by that definition since I was ten years old. But not of the sort that will ever give you entirely what you need. I neither asked for, nor desire that from you. If your loyalty was so easily taken, what would it truely even be worth? I do believe loyalty is not something you only give to a single person in life either. But then I have lived substantially longer than you, perhaps you will have occasion to see that as well. I have asked to teach you, nothing more. If your brother was here, I would surmise I would ask to teach him as well." He pauses and cants his head some. "You miss him, greatly. It is as if a piece of you is missing. It is in your voice when you speak about him. I am sorry."

Ethan Carver takes a long, deep breath, slowly nodding. "I do. And it is like part of me is missing. A big, important part. I don't know what I'd do if I ever lost him forever." He lowers his eyes then, as well as his voice. "You keep saying how ancient you are, but you don't look -that- old. Just how many lifetimes have you lived? And more importantly, how did you manage it? Is that something you can teach me, too?" He lifts his head once more. "Though honestly, that ten-foot beast is what I really want. Aiden and I used to be able to merge into a form much larger than either of us alone, but we lost that ability. That's another piece of me that's missing. I guess I'm
pretty broken after all."

It all falls into place then. The boy really is broken. Jason frowns and he again surprises himself, that he feels empathy for this boy. "I am going to ask for something that may be hard to give. And then I give you my word that I will answer any question you ask of me, to the best of my ability. Then I am going to ask you a question. One I have asked you several times. Your reply will determine the nature of the rest of our relationship."

Ethan Carver cocks a brow, head tipping slightly to one side in a curious-canine manner. "Which question is that?" he asks, still very unsure about this entire encounter. Conflicted, definitely. Because he really does feel an intense loyalty to Scott McCall and his pack...one member in particular. Scott embodies all his imagined ideals of a good and true Alpha, putting the safety of everyone else ahead of his own, fighting for what's right, rather than what's easy. And yet...Jason is POWER. True power, ancient power, unimaginable power. The sort of power a Beta is naturally drawn toward, Ethan perhaps more than others. "I'll answer as honestly as I can, without betraying any confidences, of course."

Jason Christopher nods and smiles softly. "This will betray no confidence. I merely will ask for a fleeting moment of your trust. True trust. It is a powerful thing I am asking you for. It is why I am offering you things I, would not otherweise grant in return. If you believe you can give me that trust, bare your chest." Really something that comes ludicrously easy for Ethan anyway. "I will lay a single hand upon you. You may, see things. Please do not reflect greatly on them. I merely need to see something, deeper."

Ethan Carver is standing on the path between the cliffs and parking area, closer to the cliffs than not, with Jason Christoper, and Ethan is eyeing the man somewhat suspiciously. He hesitates, the conflict again apparent, but in the end, he realizes that, if Jason truly wanted to do him harm, he could have done so very easily the night before. And so Ethan slips off his leather jacket, letting it fall to the ground, then peels off his muscle shirt. "If this is a gay thing," he says with a hint of amusement, "there's something you should know: I'm already out and proud. But I'm sorta spoken for right now." He hopes!

A roar sounds from realatively near by, potent but not the most impressive howl anyone has heard. A few seconds later, Liam appears completely wolfed out in the Teen Wolf style. But he doesn't Charge after the new person. He rams into Ethan managing just enough control to keep his fists balled rather than clawing, Ofcourse while he's a potent little IED, he's still very new and likely not that hard to control. He also says nothing yet too white hot with rage to see straight, must less talk.

Jason Christopher does not choose to speak to Ethan's comment about his sexuality. That has been nothing but a weapon for Jason for, nearly a hundred years now. He chants quietly under his breath for several moments, words that are clearly picked up by supernatural hearing. But all the same seem to squirm, and slip away from the mind. Ultimately leaving them impossible to understand. For a moment the air seems to still, to take on a measure of weight. Whatever he is doing, whatever he is calling upon it is ancient, and it IS power. The last few words seem to echo, as if the trees, the grass, and everything of nature around them are speaking them back. He opens his eyes and they are a milky white. Then he lays a hand palm first against Ethan's chest.

Two lives intermingle for a moment. Ethan has a fleeting sense of another time and place. Centuries flowing like water past his mind's eye. To fast to focus on any one thing really. Hazy images of more places in the world than anyone has a right to be aware of. Flittering by like a netflix movie on fast forward. Hovering over Japan for several seconds, and a dark, and run down castle in a dark mountainous woods. In the background of it all, a pair of eyes. Gentle and loving, watching without judgement or malice.

For Jason's part he sees a brother, he sees a madman of an alpha twisting and manipulating. He feels remorse for the similarities Ethan must feel between them and again is suprised to see he cares at all. Then he sees a fight, and with a sudden *SNAP!* he gasps and recoils backwards. Falling backwards over the parked motorcycle, and catching himself to land on his feet. His breath ragged, he looks up wild eyes at Ethan. Just in time to see him tackled by a werewolf. That, was unexpected. And honestly Jason loathes unexpected. Had he NOT been calling on druidic magic, he would have detected it's approach. As it is, now it simply must be dealt with.

Brock Bryant arrives from West Hills North.

LJ arrives from West Hills North.

Ethan Carver is left reeling by the rapid montage of images flying past his inner eyes, and for a long moment, he forgets to breathe. And then suddenly, there's a rabid wolf knocking him flat on his back, balled fists slamming into him. No, not a rabid wolf -- it's a werewolf, one he knows well. Would like to know much better. "Liam?" he grunts, trying to grab hold of the boy's wrists while blinking away confusion. "What the hell? Calm down!" With little effort, he manages to roll over until he's on top of the smaller teen, pinning him to the forest floor. "Deep breaths. Listen to my voice, Liam. Deep breaths."

Liam Dunbar phases to his werewolf form.

Liam Dunbar lets out a piercing howl.

Liam Dunbar is in a rage now but slowly calms down, and surprisingly it takes most of Ethan's strength if not all to keep him restrained without hurting him, not that he wouldn't heal. Slowly her gets back to himself to where he's only partially transformed jsut the teeth and clowing eyes and claws. He stops punching but he glares, "WHAT ARE YOU DOING STRIPPING WITH ANOTHER GUY IN OUR SPOT!" He was a hair away from going full wolf again, and that would likely mean him having to be chased down and such.

Jason Christopher rolls back easily to his feet and cracks his neck, rubbing it absently. He had just finished a spell, one that revealed the depths of the damage that had in fact been done to Ethan. He wasn't so much broken, as snapped in half. "Fucking hell..." he whispers under his breath, and suprises himself *yet again* with his next words. "I am sorry Ethan. I am sorry for my, similarities to him. Gods and monsters he should be hunted down and gutted. The blood on his hands....the werewolf deaths he is directly responsible for." He is speaking, but not really to anyone just yet. Still very much lost in the visions. Jason's eyes shimmer red and his teeth elongate as his head cants side to side in aggitation. Blood dribbling from his finger tips as claws very nearly grow. He growls and the sound again seems to be echoed by every trss, and every blade of grass. Like a vibration in the air itself. Then he shakes off his shift and it falls away from him effortlessly. He is back in the present again. "Ahh a domestic dispute. I never get involved with domestic quarrels." He shakes his head and crosses his arms leaning against the motorcycle.

Right place, right time? Wrong place and wrong time? It's a tossup for Brock when the winds of Fate push him into the area. The main issue is that he wanders into the area at the exact moment that werewolves start to change and pounce on people. He doesn't stealth in either. Brock is difficult to not notice. Supernaturally so, given that he practically glows. Not literally, but he possesses a sort of radiant presence that is his Majesty. That and he's almost seven feet tall too. Big guy, gorgeous hair, and really sorta rugged. His brilliant blue eyes stare as he stops. Yep, he saw it all, but what now? He's not running and screaming in terror. But his eyes do appear to be judging or just investigating.

"Ssssh," Ethan says soothingly, bring his face very closer to Liam's, lips almost touching. "It's not what you think. At all. This is the guy I was telling you about last night. He was just doing some weird voodoo to show me...I don't know what, exactly. His past lives, maybe. It's like the thing we do to each other with claws to the back of the neck. That's all." He looks deep into Liam's eyes. "Don't you trust me?" But then his eyes suddenly flash brilliant blue, and he lifts his head, sniffing at the air. "What the hell is that?" he asks, looking around while keeping Liam pinned down, straddling his thighs. Somewhere in the back of his mind, he realizes that Liam is jealous, which gives him hope, but he files the information away for a less frantic time.

Liam Dunbar is totally not jealous of his not boyfriend. Yep not at all... He slowly starts to struggle less and less as the inevitable was of insecurity and apology sweeps over him after an episode. His eyes starts to fade slowly, though he was still fighting a bit, "Well after you told me about the club. Not that I care, I mean we're not... I mean are we.. I... Did I scratch you?" The last snaps him out completely as he sees the thin cut where one of his claws had grazed etha's cheek and chest, not that they wouldn't vanish in minutes. He's kinda oblivious to everything else.

Jason Christopher glances sharply in the direction of the new comer. His scent is one he has never encountered, not on this continent anyway. He replies to Ethan even though the question was not directly asked of him. "That. That is a cat, a big cat." Hells, what a debacle. He has promised to answer questions for Ethan. But ONLY to him. That promise does not extend to half the supernatural poplation of Beacon Hills. Again, not for the first time he snarls inwardly. . o 0 (WHAT the actual Hell is it about this thrice damned little speck of a town that draws in the supernatural like ants to a fucking picnic!) Though he had felt something, when he cast the spell. This would NEED to be investigated. . o 0 (It makes a tribe of werewolves and a coven of vampires seem fucking boring by comparison. I can't wait to be back to Washington!) "If your domestic dispute is over Ethan, we are not without company. Perhaps we will need to continue our discussion later." Unlike Brock who people can't avoid seeing. Jason can make it so no one CAN see him. Or detect him in any fashion at all for that matter. He slowly starts to fade away. Apparently the Prince in exile is in a less than social mood. "I have made you a promise Ethan. I will honor my word to the letter. But that promise is made to you. And only to you."

Brock is actually watching this with a pretty lazy interest. Nope, he's not surprised, but he does look suspicious. Solid arms cross over his chest, the large man looks kinda like a lumberjack in his flannel and jeans, leaning his head to one side, while one broad shoulder rests against a tree. "Now-- s'prolly none a my business, but ah can't help but notice that you blokes ain't exactly what yah'd call normal." The Australian in his accent is very thick, and he shoulders off and away from the tree, arms uncrossing and very boldly, he begins to approach. "'Magine my surprise ta lumber in at exactly the right moment." Brock takes two fingers and makes walking gestures with them, "But tha's kinna typical fer me. What can ah say? I'm a charmed kinna bloke." His blue eyes squint to narrow at Jason starting to vanish of all things. Jaw tensing in thought, "Wolves, eh? I'd like ta ask the lot of ya a couple'a questions. C'mon, let's chat." He walks at the group of them with not a single step of hesitation.

Near the edge of sight, some distance away amidst a copse of trees, LJ watches. It's unclear exactly when he made his appearance--those with exceedingly good senses may have noted the stealthy approach some moments before, but it was quite stealthy, unlike a certain Lion. Also unlike a certain Lion, he quite adamantly stays right where he is, leaning against an elder alder tree, arms folded, single brow raised. He doesn't actually have to speak for it to be clear enough why he's carrying that perplexed expression. Liam did just put on a little a show.

Ethan Carver releases Liam's wrists and sits upright, twisting to get a better look at his surroundings. "No, wait!" he calls to the fading Jason. "Come back, man. You can trust Liam. I do." He brings his gaze back down to the younger wolf he's still pinning, and with a sheepish grin, he shifts off the boy entirely. "Just a scratch," he says softly. "No sweat. But don't think I didn't notice how jealous you were just now." He jumps to his feet, then offers a hand up to Liam, as he finally catches sight of Brock. "This isn't what you think...You know what? I don't care what you think this is. Who the hell are you?" That doesn't look like any cat Ethan's ever seen. "Wolves? There's no wolves in California. You probably saw a dog or something. Or coyotes, we've got a few of those, I think." He glances to Liam, raising a brow. "Right?" Ethan's nostrils flare, and then he's looking around again until he spots yet another odd-scented man. Damn that Nemeton attracting all sorts of things to Beacon Hills! "Hey, you!" he shouts toward LJ. "This ain't no peep show. Either join the party, or buzz off." Feeling like they'll soon be outnumbered, he steps in front of Liam, putting himself between the smaller wolf and the newcomers.

Liam Dunbar hadn't even realized there was anyone else, he was still in his very important teen jealousy mode. He looks around having not heard anything else, and sniffs rather obviously, "Kitty, Kitty, Wolf." He shakes his head then steps slightly from behind Ethan, and gets in a fight position though he doesn't have his claws out yet. He's still new to all this, very new, as in wolfing out even not on the full moon new. "Are there any normal people in this town?"

Jason Christopher knows a werecat. But her origins are quite unique. Brock was not like her, though the scent was not entirely dissimilar. His mentors in his father's court had spoken of the great cats. But while Jason did love felines of all shapes and sizes he had never met any that walked as he did. Centuries of walking the world and he had not met one. But goddamned Beacon Hills? Naturally. His voice is quiet, and centered. Just above a whisper and betraying no signs of aggitation if he feels such. "My apologies, I must decline. There was a conversation I was inclined towards here." He pauses and looks away towards the trees. "But I am afraid that it shall need to wait." When Liam speaks he looks at him sharply. "Do not make the mistakes of others in this town. Do not betray yourself so readily to those unknown to you." Back to the blast furnace intensity gaze again. He then looks at Ethan. "This conversation shall have to wait Ethan. But again for what was done. For how like him I must have appeared. I am eternally sorry. Should I *ever* find him. His last breaths will be screams, though not particularly lengthy." He then looks to Brock and further away to LJ. "This place. It is like a magnet. If they find it..." He shakes his head grimly, clearly referencing an earlier conversation that someone here must be aware of.

"Oi! Oi! Dun try and smooth it ova now mate." Brock holds up his hands and shakes them. His voice is pretty commanding with the initial exclamation. And yes, he is still approaching, even with Liam jumping up to the defensive. "Yah dun wanna fight me, mate. Trust me. Jus settle down. I jus wanna know if ya know a pack, or are PART of a pack, made up of some Aussie blokes like me?" Brock rewinds that thought a bit, "Not LIKE me, but like you, just talks like me." Coming all the closer still, and it doesn't look like he is gonna stop at all. "Dun go hidin the fact of what ya are at this point. Ah saw ya." His human ears actually twitch a small bit as he walks past where LJ is standing in the distance. But his eyes stay on the wolf boys. "Oi! You, oi!" he firmly wags a pointing finger at Jason, "Ya can't just disappear! It's bad manners." Brock's face grows somewhat feral, and he hunches his neck, leaning and flaring his nostrils at Jason, taking it deep into his chest. The air is slowly released in a leonine rumble in his throat. "Let's not play the huntin game, mate. We can all be friends, right? Be honest and forward with eachother?"

LJ Knight neither confirms nor denies the assertion that he might be a cat of some variety. Indeed, he continues to say nothing. Though his eyes do flick in Jason's general direction, his expression belies little else to what he might be thinking, or seeing, for that matter. He just... watches. It's possibly a bit disconcerting, really. Maybe even a little infuriating. That said, he fishes out his smart phone, taps a few things, and then turns up the volume. It's a wolf howl--not Liam's, but it gets the point across. Then he stows the phone, refolds his arm, and speaks, briefly, "Someone called."

Ethan Carver's suddenly flash -- not glowy-blue, but simply with understanding, or so he thinks. "We don't know where he is," he growls, fists clenched at his sides. "And even if we did, we wouldn't tell you. So you may as well go back Down Under, because you won't get any help from us." More softly, aside to Liam, he adds, "They must be the Big Bads Jason was talking about, looking for the Nebraska kid. You wanna call McCall, or think we can handle 'em?" If Aiden were here, he'd know the answer, but he's less sure of Liam's fighting abilities. And it sounds like Jason is planning on pulling another vanishing act. "What, you're just gonna take off? I've still got questions." He glances briefly to Liam. "We both do. Let's just stomp these two, then go have that conversation." He fixes his gaze defiantly on Brock then. "Unless you'll let us go peacefully. Don't get me wrong, I like a good fight as well as the next guy, but I'm hoping we can do this without bloodshed." Because that's how McCall would want it. Turning toward LJ and the phone-howl, he frowns deeply. "Seriously, we don't know where he is. You're barking...meowing up the wrong tree."

Liam Dunbar is just overwhelmed, like usual he's only gotten like 1*4 of the story. He's so confused so reacts in typical Liam fashion since he'd already exploded lately and isn't likely to explode again, "Hi I'm Liam who are you guys?" He steps out from behind Ethan when he says this and is all smiles and butterflies. Yep definitely Scott's beta. He then waves around, "And Nope we don't know any wolve... Er packs nope not at all. Um We're just up here, uhh, Making out." Liam turns blood red and nibbles at Ethan's collarbone. Hey, coming out is better than fighting, right?*

Jason Christopher pauses and slowly swings to look at Brock. His head cants slowly to the side and he smiles, his humorless smile. "I am many things cat. I have been many more over the years. But never let it be said that as a prince, I failed to offer a measure of hospitality. Or displayed bad manners" He walks pointedly towards Brock, to a very close distance, placing himself quite immedietly between the cat and the other werewolves. One does not threaten werewolves in his presence, not even potentially. But he was not a threat, yet. Just a curiosity for the moment. "Why are you seeking these wolves, this pack. Once I know your intentions. I can better determine if we can in fact be. Friends." The way he says it, makes it sound like it would be the far more prefferable option. He meant what he had said the day before. He did not come to Beacon Hills with death on his mind. For some reason he knew Jacob would never approve if he came back to La Push soaked in blood. WHY that mattered at all to him was infuriatingly beyond him though. Of course on the other hand, most of his 422 years of life had been spent killing or perfecting the techniques to do so. He was always a moments notice away from it should it come to that. But having hears Ethan's comment, he slowly shakes his head and hopes the young werewolf understands. NOT the threat he meant.

Brock's eyes DO flash with a glow. They're not blue, they're very very red. It happens when Ethan say that her wouldn't tell if he did. A lion's rumble builds up into his throat. He did NOT like that answer at all. It picked at his beast, very effectively. A lesser shifter might have lost control, flew into a rage. But the strength of his will becomes very clear when he doesn't give into that rage or reflexive instinct, and he runs his fingers back through that golden mane of hair, giving a broad chuckle. "Ain't lookin for a kid from Nebraska. Ah asked if ya-- Actually nevamind." He narrows his eyes at Ethan and Liam and he takes a sniff of them, his tongue passing over his upper lip. "Nah, ya ain't got their stink on ya. Yer America wolves, and ya ain't been absorbed by em." His body language shows him to relax, especially after Liam speaks. LJ makes him smirk, his eyes blue again and peering out of the corner of his eye at the phone antics. Jason interposed position makes the giant man look at the other, "Prince aye? Heh--" And then Brock does something that may come as a surprise from someone that sorta looks like a bit of a brute. The gesture is without a doubt trained, and of noble baring. A closed fist, touching his chest, with his forearm perfectly diagonal, and a dip to bow his head. But without subjugating himself. "His highness." he acknowledges, and he returns to his casual mannerisms, "Mah intentions? Heh-- Nevamind the details," He shakes his head, "Gunna shake em down. Make em give back somthin they stole. There's GUNNA be violence, no questionin that, but I ain't gotta kill em lest I gotta." His arms cross over his chest. "Brock Bryant's the name."

Not until Brock has finished his expression of respect does LJ finally (finally!) push himself from the tree. He moves easily, smoothly, gracefully, even, his gait strong, but polished, masculine, and very certainly feline. It takes him past Brock, towards whom he nods, and past Jason as well, towards whom he bows a little--no need to be rude, after all--and stops a few paces away from Liam. "Lawrence Jasper Knight," he says while extending a hand and allowing the Scotsman in his voice to drawl the name. "A pleasure. I believe I've seen you at the high school, Liam." He glances at Ethan and nods, indicating Ethan's face is also familiar, but returns his attention to the younger of the pair. "I'll be subbing there, occassionally. We'll likely see more of each-other." And he leaves it at that.

The nibble at his collarbone causes Ethan to shiver slightly, his own skin flushing for a few moments, and he's distracted just long enough for Liam to slip away from him and begin his cheerful-friendly dance. Ethan lets out a small groan, rolling his eyes. Then again, maybe this is just the approach they need to diffuse this situation. Jason is being all rational and reasonable, which doesn't seem to be hurting either. Closing his eyes, Ethan takes a few long, deep breaths, willing some of the tension from his shoulders. Keeping both Brock and LJ in sight, he leans down to snatch his discarded leather jacket from the ground, not bothering with his shirt, and slips it on. "No violence," he says firmly, stepping up behind Liam, sticking close to the boy. "This isn't your territory, and those who hold this territory aren't the sorts to steal anything from anyone. I don't know who you're looking for or what they took, but they aren't here. You might try Frisco or down in LA. If they're coming from Australia, you want to look in a city with an international airport or seaport. That sure as hell ain't Beacon Hills." He narrows his eyes a bit when LJ addresses Liam so casually. "You're a -teacher-?" Wasn't Jennifer Black enough trouble? Now there's a werecat at the school in a position of authority. This day just gets better and better.

Adorkable works for diffusing tense situations, and Liam is definitely that. He smiles then blushes he is feeling more than slightly out of place so many strangers. He shyly takes Ethan's hand in his and is crimson, "Anyway we were uh kinda going to have a date... Um Not a date we were going to study... No really study. Not a date hang out...." Liam is getting redder by the minute and digging himself in a deeper hole. He then just shuts up and says, "Ni nice to meet ya Brock... And Um See you at school uh Mister Knight?" Then he tugs Ethan gently towards the Ethan's bike blushing all the while.

Jason Christopher watches Brock, and takes a shallow breath. Holding it a moment and then slowly exhaling. His lips pursed for a moment as he genuinely studies the man. His mannerisms, his herat rate, his movements, the very twitch of his eyes and muscles. Then he inclines his head back. "Jason Christopher. It is a pleasure to meet you properly Brock Bryant. If these wolves have taken something that belongs to you. I encourage you to find it, but would ask that you minimize bloodshed. Mistakes are made, often in youth. Everyone deserves second chances, and the opportunity to better themselves. T grow and move on from past mistakes." Odd how it almost seems like the words are meant for more than just Brock.

As LJ moves past him, those blast furnace intensity eyes follow his movements. Jason's position alters slightly to keep both cats in view. Old habits die hard, particularly at his age. New enemies died hard too, because really he only had one old enemy left. His father. But neither cat seemed to be a threat. "I am new here, but Ethan is well aware of the customs of this area. His council is wise in this matter." He glances at Ethan and nods to him. A certain respect for him there in those blast furnace eyes, that certainly was not there just last night.

As for Liam, Jason was intrigued now. He had anger in him, and power to be sure. If that anger could be controlled, if Liam could learn to channel it. He growns inwardly at the very inkling of the thought he was having. Was he going to have a boarding house for borrowed werewolves in Washington? But if Ethan did come with him, it appeared it would not be without Liam connected to his hip. Well, perhaps two for the price of one. His classroom was filling up rapidly.

Jason Christopher Lupus' School for Gifted Werewolves? Nahhhhh.

Nobility he might be, but Brock is no prince, and is alota beast. LJ walks past him, and the tall blond watching him go by, with a blatant lascivious gaze and smirking grin. Head to toe he scans him, and not a single second of it is reserved or subtle. Brock doesn't look like the one to be such a thing. "Teacher aye? Maybe if ah had teaches like you in school, ah wouldn'a skipped so much." brows waggled. But then he shrugs his broad shoulders, "Mah, I prolly still woulda. Got mah reasons." a fist thumping to his chest, a sign showing that he intends to keep those to himself. His eyes flit to Ethan momentarily. He'll get to that in a moment. A brow is raised at Jason, "Ain't a mistake. It's THE mistake. Gave em a chance ta walk away. But they jus had ta push the letter. This was the second chance-- An ya don't wanna be linkin yerself ta their lot, believe me. They'd take no second thought ta makin light of ya cutsie lil teeny faces. An' whateva else they can get their paws on." And then Brock turns away in a very feline manner. Physical attention going elsewhere, his back facing the other predators. Would be one that is very stupid, brave or very strong to turn their back to any of them. Or a combination perhaps. "An' they ain't inna seaport or whateva'. They're here, or near here. Ah tracked em, right? Ah'm gunna stick around, sniff em out." Brock goes and stretches his large arms up over his head, lazily. "Ain't mah territory, no." He turns his head, looking over his shoulder at Ethan, "Not yet, but it will be. Not all of it, I ain't that kinna bloke but-- I'ma make a bit'a this mah home, least fer a while." Yeah he says that not in so much a threatening way, but very relaxed, and confident. There is just something about it that indicates that he isn't just posturing. He moves and carries himself with so much assurance in his strength, and that radiance is a testament to backing that up. The predatory waves that come from him in his human form alone are almost as intense as a shifter in their shifted self.

LJ Knight isn't one to push the envelope or press buttons--not without good reason anyways. It's clear he can see Liam's discomfort, so as he retrieves his hand, he simply nods. "Substitute teacher," he corrects. "I'll only be there when the school requires it of me. Until then I'll be working at the public library." That appears all the information Ethan's going to get for "free," and LJ turns to retrace his steps. Another nod to Jason, though he stops at Brock's flattery. "Well, thank you," he replies cordially, moving to adjust his glasses. "You're an attractive man, yourself. Certainly, If I hear anything about a lupine band of aussies, I'll make it a point to inform you. As I said, you can find me at the library." As for how long he intends to say in town, those particular cards he keeps held close to his chest. "Good evening, gentleman. Do take care of yourselves." This said as he moves to return to that earlier copse of trees.

First a nibble, and now hand-holding? Ethan can't stop the grin from tickling the corners of his mouth. Sure, Liam is still denying they're dating, with his words anyway. But what's that they say about actions? Yep, Liam's on the hook all right, and Ethan couldn't be more pleased. "That's right, we're going to study," he says, a hint of pride in his voice. "And Jason's our tutor. Right?" Okay, that probably didn't work the way he intended. It's pretty obvious nobody plans to do any studying tonight. And despite Liam's attempts, it's probably clear there will be kissing and possibly groping. But how would Jason fit into that puzzle? Nope, didn't think this through at all. Ah well, go with it. "So uh. Good luck finding your friends. Or enemies, whatever. Bye now!" And with that, he allows Liam to tug him toward the motorcycle, shooting quick glances toward Jason to see what he plans to do. He pauses though, focusing on Brock again. "Oh hey, about territory? You might wanna think about the lake, maybe. Or the falls, I hear they're nice. No need to start a turf war, right?" He flashes a cocky grin, though his eyes follow LJ as he begins to depart. Okay, maybe this won't end in bloodshed after all. That'll be a welcome surprise.

Liam Dunbar just blushes way too much but waits until Ethan's on the Bike then hops on behind him His arms wrapping around the other boy's waist and head resting against his back. Its totally not obvious he's falling in love or having an identity crisis not at all. And he did remember to wave to the others before he leans up and whispers in Ethan's ear, "Your place." Then goes back to clinging and trying to pretend he's just a friend going to study.... without any books.

Jason Christopher shrugs some as to Brock's statement. As was made very clear by Scott McCall last night. This was the true alpha's territory. Jason was a visitor here, with no intention of remaining. Perhaps Scott would have issues with Brock planting roots of a sort. Or LJ since he seemed to be a teacher here, correction substitute teacher. But as was also made clear, Scott wishes to handle things on his own. As to the trouble coming to the area, according to Jason's predictions. Well Brock seemed amiable enough. If prone to underestimating who he was standing alongside of. A trait which incidently Jason didn't mind really. He encouraged people to see him only at face value. At least when they could see, or sense him, at all. Ultimately though Brock was NOT a wolf. His fate when trouble came was his own to sort out. He rather doubted the Volturi would differentiate between cat and wolf if they made it here first. They would kill shifters they found. Likewise his father's forces would have no use for cats. Unlike the wolves they would not be offered the courtesy of join, just die. But, there were two cats present. Maybe they would have one another's backs. Or at least act to distract the death that was surely coming to Beacon Hills. Jason nods to LJ, with all of the courtesy one might expect from a prince.

Jason Christopher glances back and nods to Ethan. The silent message and the look in his eyes clear. He will follow. He has made a promise, and he will see that promise through. Looking back to Brock Bryant's back, he takes another shallow breath. "Good hunt to you then Brock Bryant. May you find what you are seeking." Then he too steps back towards the bike. Not that he would ride it with them. He can easily keep pace on foot. Even if it means phasing to four of them. But likely it wouldn't.

Didn't sound like Brock had intentions on starting a war. He was threatening there in the beginning, but once he saw that these were not the wolves he was looking for, Brock seems to have gotten pretty laid back. His claim of taking territory sounds like it was simply that. He is a shifter of a different variety. And he's really large. He's GONNA take up space whether you want him to or not. Law of physics and nature. Sure he's a little cocky, and of course he is the dominant sort, he's an alpha. But really he seems to lack the major capacity to be truly shitty. Easy enough to talk to, and get along with, but of course he looks like he would not shy away from a fight. If that is what he had to do. Anything to return his brother to the safety of his side. The cruelty he endured from the wolves that were supposed to be his family, and from the father that oppressed him makes him distrusting, especially of wolves. Which is why he refused to go into detail. He takes two fingers and tips them from his brow in a salute to the departing wolves, "Thanks. Seein ya around."

LJ Knight doesn't actually leave. Much like before, he finds that one tree (it must be a very comfortable tree) and leans against it whilst folding his arms. He watches the teens go; he watches Jason move towards his bike; and he watches Brock lumber. Actually, he watches Brock a lot--being another cat (a rarity in itself), they should probably talk. But that needn't be right this moment. The man, generally speaking, just seems to do a lot of watching.

Ethan Carver indeed climbs onto his bike, and it's only when he's absolutely sure Liam can't see that he allows himself to check Brock out, gaze moving up and down that large, muscular frame in a manner that is obviously appreciative, tongue darting quickly over his lips. Yep, broad shoulders, hard chest, nice backside, hefty bulge. All the boxes are checked in his mind. Aura of power and authority? Double-check. LJ gets the same appraisal, though more briefly. No sense in lusting after a teacher, especially if he's only a substitute. Even if he also has nice proportions going on. Once he's spotted Jason's silent signal, Ethan pops on his helmet and starts the engine with a roar. Oh yeah, he's just showing off now. Placing one hand over Liam's arm in an almost tender gesture, he says, "Hang on," then takes the controls and starts moving them down the path, gradually picking up speed without a glance back.

Jason Christopher is of course no longer there to be seen when Ethan looks. He vanishes like morning mist before the sun, just fading away from all senses. But there is a very good chance that he is not far from that motorcycle at any point in it's trip. Call that a very solid hunch.

*Later, at Ethan's place...*

Liam Dunbar enters with Ethan, having no clue that Jason is following and this time he keeps his hand fully in Ethan's and tugs him to the couch, the young teen fully planning on getting some cuddle time in, and Not realizing the serious talks have barely begun.

Ethan Carver keeps his hand in Liam's, almost possessively, as he leads the way into the large home that once housed the Argent family. He leaves the front door ajar and tosses his jacket at a chair in the entry hall. "So we have a lot to talk about," he says, as he settles on the couch, one arm around Liam. "What Jason has to offer, the dangers he says are coming our way. But first and foremost...." He fixes his gaze on Liam's eyes. "Am I your boyfriend or not? Because that was some pretty strong jealousy out there. Not to mention the possessiveness and rather open display of affection. So what gives? Are we or aren't we?"

Jason Christopher steps through the doorway just behind the couple. Despite having not been behind them a moment before. One thing you have to say, if you ever want a seriously good haunted house exhibit. He could pull it off. Of course all things considered his werewolf special effects would really steal the show. But then that is why they are here really. Ethan saw something Jason could teach him that he wanted. That he wanted bad. But now, well suffice it to say the pot was going to be sweetened. He pauses a moment, as they seem to have couple talk. But then in an uncharacteristic display of impatience he asks something he really needs to know right now. "Ethan, why isn't your brother here? Where is Aiden." He knows his name now, after all he was in Ethan's memories.

Liam Dunbar blushes and starts to talk to answer that question, but is saved from having to answer said question by squealing like a little girl when Jason simply appeared behind them. "WHAT THE FUCK DUDE" HE yells and his heart starts racing, which means drat it he's starting to shift again, and he hasn't learned how to calm down or control it again. His teeth are already fangs and the claws start to come out. Poor kid really needs to learn control.

Ethan Carver isn't surprised by Jason's sudden appearance -- he's starting to get used to the way the man materializes and dematerializes at will. Liam's reaction, however, causes Ethan to tighten his hold around the boy's shoulders. "Breathe! Listen to my voice, Liam. Focus. Deep breaths." Once he's sure Liam is going to calm down enough to keep his human form, Ethan looks to Jason. "He's...dealing with stuff. We had a pretty rough couple of months, and he needed some time to deal with it. I offered to go with him, but...." He shrugs one shoulder, trying to sound casual about the whole thing, even though the tension is clear in his eyes. "Someone had to stay here, rent the house, get everything ready for school, and make sure McCall was going to accept us into his pack. Aiden should be back soon though." He hopes!

Jason Christopher leans down and locks eyes with Liam. His voice is calm, yet has a commanding tone that is born of centuries of telling other werewolves what to do. Through sheer raw power, not any alpha commands. "Look right at my eyes Liam. Breathe when I breathe. The only thing you are listening to is my voice and my heart beat. Listen." Centuries ago in the ryu in Japan, he was taught meditation. It has helped him over the centuries to prevent his wolf from ever controlling him. He and the wolf are one, well, almost one. Just don't get him really angry. Fortunately meditation exercises help with that as well. "Listen......listen...." each time he says it his heart beats. Slower and slower, which he hopes to get Liam's heart rate to do as well.

He looks at Ethan again with respect. That he was using the same techniques. That he remained behind. "Ethan...I apologize again. When I said you seemed broken. I naturally had no idea. Now I do. But..." He shakes his head some and turns, walking away a few paces and clasping his hands. "I do not want to get your hopes up Ethan. But several hundred years ago I studied with druids in Europe. I know some of their magics and ways. Their traditions. I...I may be able to restore that which was taken from you. Your fused form. In all of my years I have never seen such a thing. That it was so callously taken from you is a travesty. One I would right if I can."

Liam Dunbar is still right on the edge, and in any other company that would be a danger, but for all his anger and potential strength he was still a puppy. Once again the bitten wolf struggles and it takes him a while and basically Ethan pinning him to the back of the couch full force before he finally gets enough control to whimper and instead of struggling, he was curled up into Ethan's arms trembling. Two outbursts in one night and it wasn't even a full moon. Not. Good.

Ethan Carver relaxes visibly once Liam is curled against him again, gently stroking the younger teen's hair. "Really?" he asks Jason, the eagerness more than evident in his voice. "Of everything we lost, I think that's what hit us the hardest. Aiden even more than me, I think. I don't care about being an Alpha, wasn't something I ever wanted. But merging, that's what made us...us. Without that, we're just another pair of run-of-the-mill Betas." He takes a moment to press a soft kiss to the top of Liam's head. "Not that there's anything wrong with being a Beta. Beats the alternatives, believe me." After another few moments of hesitation, he looks hopefully to Jason. "Would you teach us both? Not just me and Aiden, when he gets back, but Liam too?"

Jason Christopher shakes his head some and sighs. Liam was a danger, not so much to those immediately here around him. And of course Jason didn't care a whitt about potential 'danger' to humans. But a danger of doing what Scott Howard had done. Revealing himself TO humans. Perhaps he could convince them to come along. In La Push Liam would be no danger. Surrounded by an entire tribe of shifters or those that new they were a part of the tribe. If Ethan was convinced, so too would be Liam. That much was obvious already. He catches himself again, for the...Fuck he had lost count virtually! Empathy was not something he had much of. But dammit if all of these wolf...Pups...Gahhh! He made up his mind then and there. Even if Ethan declined his offer to tach him. He would try and find a way to restore his fused form.

As Ethan speaks he looks back at him and nods. "If Liam is willing to learn. I will teach yes. Liam, you are very powerful, more so than you know. Your anger, can be strength. I will try and teach you to use it. Use it to help you better fuse with your wolf." Ethan has heard Jason's voice before. It is typically powerful, quiet, but cool. Yet when he speaks to Liam, it seems to change. To much to be superficial as well. There is a warmth to it, that suggests that maybe once...he was a very different person than he is now.

Liam Dunbar wasn't paying that much attention he was just clinging to Ethan. HE was going through the same thing that Scott had gone through, but he didn't have an Allison. He had Ethan, but as scared and in denial as he was that was almost more of a Hinderance than a help. Combined with everything that's going on in his life, having to change school's being bitter, and every thing he was so overwhelmed. Adding in IED which there isn't much control over and he's a ticking time bomb that really relies on the pack to keep him out of trouble. He fumbles for his back pack which he'd left earlier pulls out his Ipod and shoves the earbuds in his ears and starts playing music and curls in Ethans arms letting them music wash over him and help him find his center. HE wasn't meaning to ignore Jason he just wasn't up for anything until he calmed down, one thing was clear though he'd finally accepted he Needed the bigger wolf, at least as much as he needed Scott.

Ethan Carver frowns a bit when Liam puts in the earbuds, and it looks for a moment as though he's going to pull them out and force him to join the conversation. But in the end, he just shakes his head and looks to Jason again. "I want to know. I want to -learn-. And I want to be able to trust you." He glances at Liam again, rubbing a hand up and down the boy's arm soothingly. "He needs to learn, too. Learn to trust most of all. That and control, but he's still got that fresh out of the box smell going on." He squirms just a bit, clearly affected by all the cute cuddling, not to mention the presence of the incredibly strong Alpha in the room, but he tries to keep his mind focused above the waistline. "It's just...I don't even know where you're from. Where we'd have to go, or how long we'd be gone. Scott needs us here, especially with werecats and whatever else is headed our way. If it's somewhere closeby, some place we could commute back and forth quickly...."

Jason Christopher shakes his head some and sighs again, shaking his head to the look of removing the ear buds. "Ethan, Liam would be better off where I am currently living. I...realize I may have come across heavy handed last night." An understatement akin to the Titanic took on some water. "Normnally I spend more time. Watch and access the situation. I was in a hurry and anticipated finding only one wolf. Damn that this town is not replete with every varioation of creature I have encountered in my years for some reason. But what Scott Howard did could have horrible reprecussions. Maybe not for him. But quite possibly for this town. I, rather hope I am wrong." He looks away, and something in his voice says loud and clear. He is not wrong.

"I currently live nearly 800 miles from here in Northern Washington state. A indian reservation, named La Push. Many of the young men of te tribe are werewolves as well, and the entire tribe knows of it. I would arrange for transport if you wished to return....But I have a student there already. Jacob. Jacob Black. I believe you would get along very well with him. That is where I want to train you...and as to how long. Every wolf is different. They learn new phases at their own pace. But if you do come with me there are things I will need....to sacrafice. I will have to tell Jacob and his tribe things I was not yet ready to." He again looks at Ethan. "I will do that, in order to teach you. If you decide you are willing. Either way, I will start working on some way to restore that which was taken. I give you my word."

Liam Dunbar is simply listening to his music letting the sounds drain away his anger and using it to focus on nothing and on every thing, soon the claws that were digging into Ethan's arms were gone and his eyes were closed though he wasn't asleep, his heart was beating more regularly and he was back human again, fully human. He wasn't quite ready to turn off the music though he just needed a bit more.

"Eight hundred miles?!" Ethan suddenly jerks upright, jostling Liam at his side. "That's freakin' Canada! We can't go that far away, leave McCall here with only Hale and Stilinski. Might as well leave him chained to a tree with a big EAT ME sign, for all the good those two'd do him." He's all but vibrating now, growing more agitated by the moment, and his own wolf is threatening to come out. What he's being offered is incredible, something he very much desires. But the price he'd have to pay is just too much. He lets out a long breath, head slowly shaking. "Eight hundred miles. On top of everything else, school starts in just a couple weeks. Why the heck is this tribe so far away?" Didn't they get the Nemeton's supernatural invitation, like everyone else?

Liam Dunbar is jolted out of his reverie by Ethan's own frustration, and pulls the ear plugs out of his ears and sits bolt up right, ofcourse right as Ethan is leaning over towards jason, so he bangs his head on Ethan's jaw pretty hard and sees stars for a second. Then he Look up and blurts out, "You okay Babe?" Then turns blood red instantly as if he heard it the second after he said it. "I I mean... What's wrong Dude?"

Jason Christopher spins and looks at Ethan, and is then kneeling in front of him, eyes blazing again. "Nemetron?" That thing was dead and gone, for years and years. He never even CONSIDERED that. He snorts as he stands back up slowly directly in front of Ethan. Considering the possibilities, just what that meant. "Of course...I will naturally need to go and visit it...Of course it explains everything. This is even worse news." For a moment he is checked out himself considering it. Then he looks back at Ethan. "Ethan, I can make it here in a few hours at top speed on foot...I have planes at my disposal too. I know this is a lot to ask and I understand if you choose not to." He chuckles at a thought and says aloud. "I suppose if I bit you, you'd potentially have more time to train. But that would not solve your other issues with this."

Ethan Carver breathes long and deep, getting himself under control. He's not some pup, exploding with rage at the slightest surprise. That's Liam's job. Speaking of Liam, Ethan manages to give him a small smile, leaning in to steal a peck on his cheek. "It's fine, everything's fine." A few more breaths, and then he can look at Jason again. "Even in a plane, that's hours of travel time. There've been times when even making it across time almost took too long. But...." He looks at Liam, fixing on his eyes. "What about maybe a couple of weeks? Just till school starts, to see how it goes. It'll be like taking a little vacation or going to summer camp. What do you think? Wanna go away with me for a little while, see this community of werewolves and find out what Jason can teach us?"

Liam looks very conflicted and rubs the top of his head a bit as he says, "I I don't know man I mean I'm 15 I have parents. I'd have to have a really good reason to leave." He bites his lip, "And I don't want to leave Scott at all, I mean they might forget about me but him and Stiles... They're family..." He bites his lip but is clinging hard core to Ethan, a few hours ago he'd have talked Ethan out of this, but now he's realizing he needs Ethan he just doesn't feel right or safe any more when Ethan's not around.

Jason Christopher sighs some and glances between them. "I have interupted time Liam clearly needs with you Ethan. I will go and investigate the Nemetron. It is a place of ancient druidic power. It may assist me in unravelling a way to restore you, though I would need your brother as well." He muses a moment and shakes his head. "Hells, imagine a fused dire wolf. You would be amazing. Simply beautiful. Then I might well bite you, if only to try and preserve that for eternity." He chuckles to himself and then nods to them both. "You need time to think. You also have other questions for me I know. I will answer them, as I am able. But Liam should not be pushed or rushed in this. Consider what I am offering. Consider how capable you know those here to be. Consider how much more so you all might be if you are armed with what I can teach you." He smiles faintly, and there is an element of it being genuine. Then he nods his head low, and backs to the door. Actually leaving in a more normal sense to preserve Liam's fragile nerves. The Nemetron being active changed things here yet again. The human, Stiles. He certainly recieved his present by now. He also clearly, for gods only knew what reason, was a important voice in this pack. He had to convince him of the impending danger. As wretched as it was even thinking of dealing with a human as an equal. At least Stiles was, interesting.

Ethan Carver pulls Liam a little closer, smiling. "Just tell your parents you're going to camp for a couple of weeks. They're parents, right? By August, after a long, hot summer, they're ready to do just about anything to get you out of their hair. And if we can learn these skills and bring them back, just think how much stronger the pack will be. McCall's gotta appreciate that." He looks to Jason then, nodding. "It's out in the Preserve, you can probably feel it as you get closer. Just, ya know, come back here when you're done. We'll keep talking things through." He steals another kiss from Liam's cheek, trying hard not to think about what Jason's bite might mean. It sounds really, really important, somehow. Immortality? That must be an exaggeration. Although, those memory flashes....