Accept More, Damage Less

Chapter Twelve

(Nyxtons POV)

I watched the woman, Anastasia, through the clear glass windows encasing the pharmacy we were currently parked in front of. After everyone's shock at my joking with Anastasia at the vets office, she decided we should go and retrieve my prescriptions from the local pharmacy. Since she was now legally bound by a contract to look after me with the bastard male doctor I had no say in her jumping at the opportunity to come with River and his team to collect my medicine.

Personally, I didn't even think medication would work on me. Be it human or animal. They had no sources to rely on that could prove the medicine could effect my system but it's worth a try. Even though I didn't voice it or show it in any way, I was willing to use any means to escape the pain I felt.

I stood leaning up against Rivers personally owned black 2015 Ford 250 truck. He said no one but friends and family ride in it because the team uses the cars their work provides. It was a nice car and I could tell where he was coming from but I think a cars a car no matter what you use it for. I would have just shifted and ran if not for the fact that was not considered a normal thing now that I was in the presence of humans.

Not being able to sit in the confines of that metal contraption any longer, I got out to enjoy the air. We had already been here for over twenty minutes and I was slowly losing my patience.

People were visibly staring as they passed. Either gasping in shock or horror at the sight of me. I didn't like that. They were judging me solely on my looks. It was hard to tell who the real monsters were. Our society has always been like this. It breeds judgment, segregation, and hate. People can't understand something so they express negative emotions or thoughts in hopes of keeping their fears at bay. If only humans were more curious and open. Then maybe they could accept more and damage less.

One tweener boy, looking maybe around 12 or 13 years old, decided it would be cool to walk right up to me and have a little chat. And oh my god did he have a mouth on him. It was like he was on a sugar high and was speaking 1000 words per second!

He was skateboarding with his three pals it seemed and they kept pointing and looking in my direction. I knew they would try something. I could hear their conversation and sense their overflowing curiosity. In my mind at least curiosity was better than disgust or hate. I've had enough of those feelings directed my way.

While the kid talked I just stared with my arms crossed. Occasionally I'd turn to gaze at the smurf running about the store, but then I'd turn right back to the kid. He wasn't so bad for a human but he was still male and a potential threat. Keeping him at a distance was priority number one. Killing him....? I guess I didn't have to. He was after all still a youngling.

Anastasia was just checking out at the cash register when a flash caught me off guard. I hunched over and covered my eyes from the blinding light while yowling in pain and fright. River, Ty, and Cole were heard scuffling with the kid and his buddies to pry, I'm guessing a phone, from his hands. Apparently they just wanted to get my picture to show their friends at school and post it online that they got the chance to meet someone of my "kind".

I could understand that. I'd been in school before too. Students struggled to be on top in the social ladder. Like the food chain in the animal kingdom; it was a brutal dog eat dog world. But it didn't mean I was okay with being used as a stepping stone for someone else's fame.

Once I could see again, I just about lunged for the boys throat. The only thing holding me back was Rivers' teammates, my personal morals, and Anastasia's shouting. She had apparently rushed out of the store after witnessing the debacle. She was chastising their asses like an angry mother would her own misbehaving children. She sure as hell wasn't someone to take any shit.

Ignoring her and shaking off the males' hands, I got into the truck and slammed the door shut, breaking the glass window slightly. We got what we came for and now I just wanted to leave. I wanted to take a shower, eat some more meat, see the kitten awaiting my return, and sleep. All in a place I could call mine. My own territory.... if only for a little while.

Everyone hopped into their cars once the kids were shooed away. River said nothing as I'm sure he could sense my escalating mood. We just sat in silence as we drove down the street.

We followed Jakes vehicle down a dirt path an hour into the drive. It led us ten more minutes into a huge forest area. There were trees in patches every where but what I zoned in on was the gorgeous cabin sitting in the middle of all this lush shrubbery.

"This is your new home Nyxton." River stated as he parked in front of the cabins porch. "Thought you might like being close to nature. Doc Jax said it may calm your inner animal as well as relieve some stress being away from the town full of people. You like it?"

I looked it over once more before taking in a big gust of fresh nature air. I nodded. "Yeah..I like it a lot."

"I'm glad. Let's go." River smiled before covering it up and getting out of the car. I followed, wanting to check out my new home.

'Finally.' I thought. 'I'm free of that place and it feels as though I'm just dreaming.'

I walked up the wooden porch and opened the front door. The inside was astounding. The wood made it look so bright in the inside. There was a goldish brown carpet adorning the floor beside a desk. A beautiful dinner table was set up beside an unlit fire place. Antlers hung all around the first floor of the house making perfect decor. I couldn't wait to check out the upstairs. I wondered if it was just as amazing as down here.

Before I did that though, River and his team brought all the supplies and my medicine in and put it away for me before telling me where everything was in the house. Not long after that everyone decided to leave and give me some time alone to adjust and get comfortable. It was after all a big change in my life.

River and Anastasia were the last two to leave. Anastasia made sure to lecture me about the importance of taking my meds properly everyday. I didn't care but said whatever just to get her nosy self off my back. She left with a humph and a smile.

Lastly, River said he'll come by tomorrow to check up on me. He also said since we are family now he will also bring our other brother, my other older stepbrother, with him. I didn't like that. I growled my distaste but said nothing after that. I should just get it over with. I'd have to meet him someday anyways so why not sooner rather than later? Either way, it was happening.

River hesitated at the door for a brief moment before saying goodbye then turning and walking out to his car. He waved out his side window as he drove off down the dirt path.

Perfect.

I slumped down in the desk chair huffing out a breath I didn't even know I was holding. I was tired. I dreaded going to sleep. I knew the nightmares would start up again. They always did. I just hoped being free would lessen the fear they instilled in me every time I had them.

I trudged upstairs and slunk down onto the bed, not even taking in my surroundings. I'd save that for tomorrow. I took off my shirt I borrowed from River and tossed it to the floor. I turned of the lamp to my left. Scooping up the kitten, I got under covers I've never used in so long and laid my head upon a pillow I've craved the chance to have in over ten years before falling asleep on a bed I've only ever dreamed of sleeping on again.

Here's hoping I can enjoy a nightmare-less night as well.