Constraint: (n.) 1 a: the act of constraining b: the state of being checked, restricted, or compelled to avoid or perform some action. c: a constraining agency or force 2 a: repression of one's own feelings, behavior, or actions b: a sense or being constrained

I haven't the knack of telling tales, nor am I much in the mood to do so, but your eager eyes don't leave me with any other option. Still, I will do my best to abstain from the half- hearted attempt some storytellers make when relaying urgent information without out the help of heavy coin.

My name is Shizuru Viola and my story goes as such.

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Of Impulse and Fey

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A woman in my position has no chance of acting on whim and fancy without the whiplash of consequence. Now CEO of Violet Corporations, a strong woman such as me cannot indulge in frivolous impulses. Distractions, however, are welcome. Albeit few in number, temporary distractions are necessary evils. They are as needed as any important contract or employee to keep such a successful business going. That is not forgetting that certain distractions are to be handled carefully. I choose my women wisely and dispose of them in just the same painstaking manner. I can say I am very proud of that. Distractions are easy and impulses are known to be my first steps into causing self-harm.

So, please, somebody tell me why I have given in to purchasing a gigantic beast on whim.

"I thought Sundays were meant to be boring." I muttered to myself while cruising through the molasses of cars during rush hour. "This is why I don't like to leave work on time," I sighed. There was nothing pending my approval at the office. All paperwork finished on time, no sudden lawsuits, and no petty meetings meant that I could drive home at an earlier hour. A nice thought it was at the time, I found that the saying "No good deed goes unpunished" rang true all too soon. Leaning my head back against the headrest of my vehicle, I closed my eyes with my foot on the brake and the top rolled down, I felt the warm sun beam on my face amongst the gridlock.

Half an hour later, my impatience began to take a hold of me, my foot itching to switch into high gear and speed home. Only a couple blocks more until I can hit the free road home. Creeping slowly toward the last of the congested streetlights, I felt the hairs on the back of my neck prickle. This was my customary response to the feeling of being watched, and that is quite often, truth be told. Used to being admired from afar, I discreetly looked over to my left. Nothing exciting but the horrifying spectacle of an old man digging deep into his nose thinking he had the privacy of an enclosed space. Suppressing a mild shiver, I looked to my right. A young man silently screaming to his favorite song in hopes of making traffic move faster was all I found. Puzzled, I checked my rear view mirror and saw nothing but the outline of a person bent over to their right. "Most likely dropped something," I said to the air.

Looking around again with no results, I felt my agitation simply begin to rise. Finally inching first in line of the pedestrian crosswalk, the first sparks of irritation sizzled out of my usually cool composure. "Won't this damn light turn already?" I exclaimed through gritted teeth. These imaginary set of keen eyes were perturbing to say the least. I gripped my steering wheel and wiggled unhappily in my tan buttery leather seat. Perhaps I was in dire need of relaxation and distraction after such an uneventful, traffic-filled day. After what felt like an eternity later, the light turned green and I gunned it home.

Two weeks have passed since I first felt the eyes and the feeling has not lessened. I was getting rather edgy because of it. It didn't matter if I was at work, home, or with company, I can always sense them. I feel as though I've been targeted. No, not targeted but chosen, I thought while shuffling through an irate employee's report of a new product line gone wrong.

The pit of my stomach felt cold at the sudden realization and I pushed away from my desk abruptly. For the past two weeks I had taken care to avoid the street altogether, but honestly it feels like it does nothing but worsen the problem! Rolling back to the edge of my desk, both exhausted and a bit defeated from a serious workweek and this never-ending uncomfortable situation, I rested my red irises.

It started at the base of my skull, this dull ache of loneliness. Apprehension and impatience flashed through my nerve system making my fingers twitch restlessly on my armrests. Suddenly, a hot spear of abandonment twisted with rage tore through my heart. Gasping awake I found that it was nearly two hours since I rested my eyes. "I must get home. I can finish my work there," I grumbled hastily while shoving the report in my suitcase.

Over the past torturous weeks, this was most definitely a first. I….Well I suppose I felt sorry for…whatever it was. It felt human, yet it most assuredly was not. "I'm just tired and that is all." I told myself firmly as I punched viciously at the elevator button to the company garage. I took a cleansing breath as I felt rather than saw the elevator dive down fluidly to the appointed floor. A small ding informed that both the apparatus and I made a safe touch down and the smooth sliding doors opened to reveal an empty parking lot save for my Aston Martin Vanquish that was in a dark magenta. Pushing the recent events somewhere in the recesses of my mind to go over later, I trudged down to my vehicle and took the back streets home. I completely missed in my weariness that this route took me through the alley of that street. With my windows rolled down, I began my journey home.

"C'mon ya mangy mutt, eat! I ain't got time fer yer tantrum ta-day," shouted a raspy deep voice just a bit further down the street. His voice had echoed up the road and filtered into my ears. Curious, I slowed to a stop to witness a middle-aged red haired fellow scolding a humongous dog. At least, I thought it was a dog. The thing was massive and born with a coat in such a rich navy blue, that if it had been any later in the evening, I would not have seen it slinking in the shadows. All at once, the great hound jerked his head in my direction and apprehended me with bright, glittering unearthly green eyes. Instantaneously, I knew that these were the same ghost eyes I had been assaulted by for weeks.

Unnerved, I quickly parked at the mouth of the alleyway, not trusting myself to drive safely for my knees began to quake. Not knowing what to do next, I sat in my car for a few beats, then noticing the expecting eyes of the canine and the quizzical look of the man, I sheepishly stepped out of my car. Figuring that a good stretch of the legs would do me some good anyway, I walked over to the figures standing about fifty feet away. The big thing's tail thumped loudly on the uneven cobble stones that made stretch of the alley at my oncoming arrival. "Well I'll be damned, she likes ya," harrumphed the man when I was within five feet of them and then stuck out his meaty hand with a chuckle. "The name's Jack. And she, well, ne'er got 'round ta namin' 'er." My throat was as dry as a bone. Nerves were creating fluttering butterflies in my belly as I stood before Jack a tad disoriented. "A- Sorry," I said clearing my throat, "Shizuru Viola, pleasure to meet you."

Unable to keep my gaze from slipping down to the dog that sat just at my hip, ears not accounted for, I saw her lips peel back to reveal a smug toothy grin. Surely, dogs are not capable of such facial expressions. "Ma'am, I know this is a pretty odd thing ta ask and it's pretty late at night, but can ya help me wit' somethin'?" Snapping out my daze, I looked up at the man almost forgetting that he was present.

"Erm, I don't see why not if it doesn't take too long." I replied, plastering a smile on my face in hopes to distract from the light sheen of sweat I could feel forming on my forehead. A little shamefaced, the man scrubbed the back of his neck. "Nah, it shouldn't take too long. It may be a bit much ta ask though, but I can't get 'er ta eat. I saw that she started ta wag 'er tail an' that's somethin' she ne'er does. She likes ya well enough. Can ya try feedin' 'er?" A strong gust of wind rustled the shutters of a nearby house and I took a step back to really look at the dog. "I shall do my best." I responded with a shaky smile. I was terrified. I don't know a thing about pets, let alone this…this tyrannosaurus rex! Facing the hound, I placed my hands to my knees, now at perfect eye- level. "So, what does a beautiful beast such as you eat?"

Human food.

After asking the question, she gazed at me for a short while, making sure I was ready for her request I suppose, and then began to lightly trot to the small burger joint on the adjoining street. Incredulous that she understood me, I followed and made two orders of hamburgers from the dingy little screened window without much thought. "Hey! Waitaminute! Dogs can't eat 'uman food. It makes 'em sick!" Jack cried while hobbling over to us. It was at this moment I saw his artificial leg in the moon light.

"Well," I began, "she seems intelligent enough to know what she wants." Even though these words came out calmly, I was still rather piqued. This creature left an odd feeling in my stomach.

"No, really, it makes 'em vomit an' 'ave painful gas," Jack said trying to reason with me.

"Would you like mayo or mustard with your burger miss?" The bored, pimple- ridden male cashier asked me while smacking his gum. For reasons unknown, I looked down expectantly at the dog. Expecting this massive canine to answer, pah, what in the world was I thinking? "Ah mustard, plea-" Before I could finish an enormous paw stepped over my right foot followed by a menacing growl of warning. Lightly bouncing on my toes and with another clearing of my throat, I tried again, petrified. "Sorry, I'd like mayo instead please."

Her tail began to knock against my leg and I figured she was pretty damn pleased with herself.

When her food had arrived, Jack and I realized that we were hungry as well. I ordered for the both of us; although, it was a near out brawl because Jack insisted that women should never pay for a man's meal. That aside, it was a nice evening.

I also learned that the gigantic thing damn near loved mayo. I did my very best to hide my disgust when she licked her chops languidly in delight. I was never a fan of mayonnaise. "So, Jack, have you always owned the little pet shop?" I questioned. Jack had been wearing a green polo shirt with the bright gold engraving of Juliard's Pet Emporium. I deduced by this and the large amount of keys that hung on the belt loop of his khaki pants that he was the owner of the place. "Hm, oh no, came 'ere maybe a coupla months ago wi' my wife an' three kids."

"I see. How did you come by the shop?"

"Oh, well, I'm good wi' animals an' 'ad a shop of me own once. Guy out 'ere said he was leavin' an' couldn't take the animals wi' 'im an' he didn't wan' ta put 'em all down or take 'em to a shelter. Said they would rot there. So I said I'd come 'round an' take over th' shop an' 'ere we are." He waved grandly over the alley with a brilliant smile. "That is very kind of you," I replied smiling myself.

"And, if ya don't mind me askin', what do you do?"

"I'm the CEO of Violet Corporations."

"Oh! Ya mean ya own tha' big fancy building? The computer company on Cavear Avenue?"

"Yes," I said as politely as I could. Letting people know that I owned the company is not without its benefits, but neither is it without its deficits. One being that people who barely know you ask for favors . . . often. "Tha's verra good fer ya dear. I wish ya all well an' good." He said with another warm smile. Looking him over closely it seemed like he really meant it. Humbled, I relaxed further into my sparkling water. A small comfortable silence settled between the three of us as the now sullen wind drifted along its invisible path. Nodding my head in the great big wolf's direction I asked, "How did you come by her?"

"She was in th' shop when I came. Owner said a keep a wary eye on 'er. Said she was nothin' but trouble since he got 'er from th' pound, and I 'ave ta admit she was in the beginnin'. Nearly took ma hand off the big oaf! Anyway, Juliard, th' ol' owner, said tha' since he couldn't take 'er wi' 'im I 'ad a choice of keepin' 'er or sellin'. Sometimes sellin' is mighty tempting." He added eyes narrowing playfully at the hound in question.

She had been lying on her stomach with her paws tucked under her muzzle dozing off as one does when content on a full stomach. Upon noticing our attention on her, she merely lifted her massive head and huffed in annoyance before relaxing again. "It's like she can really understand us." I said with wonder. "Yeah, I think she can. I brough' my little girl in once, an' she said tha' th' dog was under a spell by th' fey." I nearly spit out my fizzy water.

"I'm sorry, the what?"

"Ah, I ferget tha' some people don't know, the fey are what ya may call 'faeries'."

"As in pixie dust and magic wands?"

"Oh no girlie, th' fey are pranksters an' things t' be cautious of at that. Evil an' cunnin' bastards they are. Nasty things that Americans sugar coat for the sake of their young. Bad parenting if ya ask me." He said shaking his head reproachfully before taking the last swig from his Coca- Cola bottle. "Right, well it was nice meeting you Jack. I had a wonderfully peaceful evening thanks to you two, but I've got to get going. I have a lot of work to finish up before the night is over." I took note that the moon was high above us now. "I need ta close shop as well, c'mon ya mangy mutt say good-bye coz it's time fer bed." Jack said nudging the dog with his foot. Stretching out across the pavement, I saw how big she really was.

"It was a pleasure Jack. I hope that our paths cross again in the future." I said walking backward happily to my car. The red haired man bade his good-natured farewell and turned to close up. The canine was having none of it. As I was walking to my vehicle, the keys jingling in my hand, I kept hearing the faint clicking of her nails trailing after me. I turned to find that she lugged her body over to me with a determined set of emerald orbs. "I am not taking you home darling. Heaven knows I cannot handle a pet. Run along to Jack, he'll keep you safe and warm." I knew she understood me somehow, so I tried to head back to my car again.

The continued clicking forced me to turn around again. " 'ey, girlie, looks like she really wants ta go 'ome wi' ya," Called out Jack after making several failed attempts at catching her attention to bring her back into the shop. "Look," I stated firmly as I possibly could, "I cannot take you home. I have a business to run. I have absolutely no time for you."

That would have worked if she hadn't dished out the heartbroken whine matched with the wet puppy dog eyes. Dirty trick.

Next thing I knew I was in Jack's shop trying to decide between purchasing standard pet food or simply buying out the burger joint next door. Our eyes met as I was holding a bag of organic puppy chow and I put it back with a sigh. I suppose I will make a call to the lucky owner in the morning.

Turned out Jack had not thought of selling. He didn't think anyone would actually want to because she usually snapped and growled at everyone who had gotten too close. Jack was a little shy when it had finally come to naming his price. He knew she was a beauty and valuable because of Juliard, but he did not want to scare away his potentially only customer for this hound.

After a quick look at the small run down shop, and how much Jack went out of his way to keep the animals comfortable by way of Mickey Mouse-d contraptions, I made my decision. I wanted Jack to live comfortably with his wife and three children and the cute zoo of a pet shop. After some negotiation, I loop holed myself into paying more than Jack had ever dreamed.

Yes, generosity was on the menu for tonight.

"I did some research when I first saw 'er." Jack commented as I placed my card into his wide palm. "I think she sort o' looks like a wolf. Th' closest comparison I could find was from th' canis lupis ligoni breed. They also call'em th' 'Alexander Archipelago' wolf. Still, she's too large an' blue in color. 'er teeth are different too."

"Thanks for the 411 Jack," I said smiling in amusement. "I'll keep in touch."

Driving on my way home, with the canis lupis ligoni-like wolf sticking its head out cutely in the passenger seat, I thought that perhaps this would not be so bad. Stealing another sideways glance, I caught her lolling her tongue out into the wind. No this won't be bad at all.

Hello again everyone, it's nice to be back! I know it has taken a VERY long time for me to wrap this story up, but it's time to get going. I will try to update the next chapter every 2 weeks. For those of you who have been following this story since the beginning, I have to say there are going to be some changes, but it is still the same concept of a story. Thank you everyone who has waited patiently.

-SCH