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[flowerbetweenfangs]

Traditions

This was posted a while ago under an old account of mine. I spruced it up and changed a few things. It features one of my most popular characters, a minotaur named Rosso. Here he and the reader discuss traditions.

CW: Pregnancy. Injury (Rosso + hammer = ow)

Metallic clanging echoed through the house when you entered. Then, it was followed by a meaty smack.

“Chronos’ Balls!” Another smack, then a thud of something hitting the carpet. “Gaea’s Tit!”

Pausing in the kitchen, you double-checked to make sure the burners were off. Whatever had been prepared was still in the pots, but it smelled good. At least you didn’t have to worry about the house burning down.

Sucking in a breath, you set down the groceries and prepared herself for what you were about to find in the second bedroom.

Hunched over the floor, was your fiancé. Rosso pulled back, sucking on his index finger. As he cradled his hand,

You took in the mess.

There were blood splatters on the floor, but he’d thankfully put down a tarp. Your eyes followed the chaos, seeing a broken screwdriver, warped hammers, splintered nails, and stripped screws. A bag of tools was spilled over the carpet, thankfully none stuck in it.

His project was a pile of scrap metal and leather. It had started to form some sort of foundation, but it wasn’t obvious where it was headed. Papers were scattered all over the outside of the tarp, spared from the mess.

Looking down, You saw the diagrams. They’d been hand-drawn. The pictures were clear enough, showing a breast and shoulder plate, with a few pieces of leather. Apparently, it would form a sort of bassinet that could be converted into a pen. There seemed to be additional instructions written in Ancient Greek, the print big enough for the Minotaur to read.

Rosso bandaged his finger, and there were several more dressings on his hand and arm.

“You know, if you wanted a crib for the baby, we could have bought one.” If they could find one big enough it. Getting one custom-made would be costly. You tried to do mental calculations, but your thoughts were interrupted by the occupant of your womb kicking.

Knees weak, you sucked in a breath and put a hand on your stomach. The movement must have pushed on your bladder because you needed to pee.

Once you came out of the bathroom, Rosso was laying on his stomach, having cleaned up the worst of the mess. His chin rested on the back of his hands as he stared at the diagrams.

“It’s tradition.” He said, frowning.

“To brutalize yourself with a hammer?” you looked at the tools, your back hurt at the thought of leaning down and picking them up.

Sighing, he looked up. “No. We break down our armor. Melt it to scrap. Tear up the leather. That way a small piece of us is there to protect the calf. Then, we get new armor so we can be a better fighter for them.” His ears flapped in irritation, tail whipping through the air. You had to sidestep to avoid it.

“I tried with the hammer and kept breaking the nails. I broke the screwdriver and stripped all the screws. And the drill’s too small for my hands.” Sitting up, he rubbed the length of his horns. Squeezing the points, he let out a long breath.

“I wanted to surprise you. But I just made a mess.” He sighed and knelt in the mess of papers and metal. “The Herd wanted to help, but…” His tail whipped again. “It’s hard enough to move around this place on my own.”

Staring at the scrap, you put a hand on top of his head, fingers tangling in his hair. His ears flapped and he let out a soft grunt of enjoyment.

“Why don’t I help? “you took the remaining nails and frowned. “Are these even long enough…?”

Holding them next to the bandages, you rolled your eyes. No wonder he kept smashing them. They were shorter than his fingers were thick. Some dents in the metal told you he’d tried to hammer without holding them.

Athena had not been his Patron Goddess.

“Are you sure it’s a good idea?” His eyes went to your stomach, ears drooping.

“I’m pregnant, not helpless.” Picking up the diagrams, you tried to match the pieces. “Besides, it’s my baby too.”

“Here.” You passed the papers to Rosso. “You brains. Me brawn.”

He looked at the diagrams, sucking in a breath.

“What?”

“… I was reading this upside down.”

“I keep telling you that you need glasses.” you chided.

Picking up the least broken hammer ,you begin to try and make sense of the mess.

“That puff machine… I don’t trust it.” He rested his chin on the back of his hand, picking up the heavier pieces and beginning to move them around. When you shot him a look, his ears flicked back.

“You ain’t helpless, but this is Asterian armor, baby.” He rapped his knuckles on the metal, wincing and shaking his hand. “Heavy and sturdy.”

Rosso showed you what pieces went where, and you want to work. When your hands shook trying to hold something, he’d steady it for her.

The leather was easy enough, but it would go last. Metal to metal was another thing entirely, and you had to throw your full upper body strength into the swing and pray the nail didn’t give out before the armor.

Eventually, you were able to drown out his wincing when you brought the face of the hammer down close to your hands without injury. Your palms ached, but you didn’t want to stop. The armor had been Rosso’s most prized possession. This meant more to him than you could even fathom.

One of the few things he had left from his side of the Blend. And he’d used it to make something new.

You managed to get it looking similar enough to the final picture, albeit more dented and scuffed than probably intended. The family crest was at the head of the bassinet. She’d have to buy blankets and pillows to make the thing actually comfortable for the future occupant.

Putting a hand on the side, you shook it. The structure held. Rosso mimicked her, smiling when it didn’t fall apart. If Earthshaker himself couldn’t break it, then it was safe for a baby.

It was a lot bigger than any she’d seen before. But if Rosso was anything to go by, the baby would be huge. Even at five months, many thought you were due any day. The visits to the doctor had shown a large fetus, but thankfully no horns. Possibly a tail.

The thought of four more months of this…

Sighing, you put a hand to your stomach, letting it rest there.

“Kicking again?” Rosso put his hand on the bump, ears flicking with excitement. Then, he frowned, his disappointment palpable.

“No, just thinking. “you looked at the structure. “Seeing this makes it feel more real, you know?” It was all coming so fast. The months had seemed like an eternity, but each day seemed to slip by faster and faster. It had only been six months, but the doctors said that due to the baby’s size, you would likely have to induce and possibly cut them out. you didn’t like the idea but, after a bruised rib, your body was ready to evict.

Taking your hand, Rosso bent down to kiss it. “I know he wasn’t planned, but between us and the herd, that’s going to be the most loved calf this side of the Blend.”

“So they’re a boy? “you teased.

Rosso shrugged. “Boy. Girl. Something in between, they’re gonna be the luckiest kid in the world.” He chuckled. “If they’re twins…”

She seized the front of his shirt. Despite your own strength being no match for his own, he allowed himself to be pulled so their eyes were level. He held perfectly still so his horns wouldn’t accidentally puncture her.

“If you Cassandra another baby into me, I will make what happened at the Labyrinth look like child’s play.”you released him, “It’s hard enough with just the one.”

Clearing his throat, Rosso smiled apologetically. Then, he snapped his fingers and went to the diagrams. Picking up a folded piece of paper, he turned it over and dumped something into his hand.

“One more tradition.” He showed your four pieces of scrap, grey and small. Well, small for him. “I was going to take these to the silversmith tomorrow.”

“We don’t exchange rings. Isn’t too practical with how much you’re going to be punching and moving things.” He lifted it up and held it in front of his ear, where an earring would go.

“If you want, we can get it engraved, but if we have a matching set, then everyone’s going to know…” He placed two pieces of the scrap in your hand. You turned it over, running your finger along the length.

“I know we’ve been open about the relationship, but this is… It makes it real. And it’s…”

“Important.” you finished, smiling. Putting a hand to your lobe, you nodded. The metal was heavy, but would probably be more manageable post smithing. “Just make sure these won’t rust.”

His eyes widened, and you realized the thought hadn’t occurred to him. Closing his fist, he nodded.

“I’ll take care of it. I promise.” He fiddled with his ear. “I’ve never been pierced before, so it’ll be interesting.”

Taking the metal back from her, he secured them in the envelope and smiled, placing his hands on his hips, looking around the room.

“Next question.”

“Hm?” you let your breath out.

“Who’s going to be your fellow sacrifices?” He said it so plainly, you wondered if he’d said something else.

She blinked rapidly, shaking your head. “I beg your pardon?”

“Minos had seven maidens and seven striplings sacrificed to the minotaur each year.” He paused, rubbing his chin. “Or was it nine years?” He shrugged and shook his head. “But it’s a tradition, just a spectacle, and a simple foot race, because… Greek.” He chuckled. “And then I’ll have to carry you to the altar.” 

“Am I going to have to run from you with this?”you gestured to your stomach. “I think that’s a short race.” And knowing Rosso, he’d break the venue apart.

Picking you up, he kissed you.

“You know I’d always catch you anyway.”

“Implying I don’t let you.” You wrapped your arms around his neck. “And at the rate this baby’s growing, I’m going to be the size of seven maidens, anyway.”

“Aphrodite would be jealous of your beauty.” He nuzzled you, “She’d send you right to me, intending you to be a sacrifice. But that punishment would be a reward.”

“You’re playing with fire.” You warned, but couldn’t help but smile. His mood was a lot higher than before.

He kissed you again, setting you down and pulling out his phone. “I’m going to call the Herd and see if we can get something set up.” Holding it up, he began to snap pictures of the bassinet.

“Going to show them what we did?”

“Yep.” He frowned. “We still have to pick out a name…”

“One thing at a time.”

[flowerbetweenfangs]

Just the basic concept art of my previous post

[flowerbetweenfangs]

[flowerbetweenfangs]

Cream Filling: Chapter One

Warning: Use of drugs and dubcon.

(MC is dosed with an aphrodisiac and is all too willing... But you know)

This was originally posted on A03 and is my most popular work, so I thought I'd put it here.

I hope you enjoy.

Lightning flashed overhead, lighting up pitch black streets for an instant. Elle Shepard nearly slipped on a horribly placed patch of mud. Windmilling, she caught a streetlight and came to a stop. A crack of thunder made her let go. Another bolt struck, enveloping the buildings and pavement in a brightness that was almost blinding, before a loud boom shook the windows.

Finally, she came upon a neon sign, showing a drink being shaken, then poured into a martini glass. The glass then changed to a coffee mug, the shaker into a pitcher. The words read: Ramses Brew, Bar and Café.

Pushing open the door, Elle stepped inside and pulled down the hood of her raincoat. Closing her umbrella, she stuck it in the container with the rest. Music played, pool balls cracked, conversations blurred together in one continuous hum. A bartender passed out drinks, moving with inhuman speed.

Walking up to the bar, Elle took a seat on the stool near the end. Reaching into her bag, she pulled out a stack of papers and set them on the polished wood.

“What will it-” The bartender flinched at her, their nostrils flaring. Their voice sounded like many people talking at once.

“Oh, you’re the human.” They reached into their pocket and pulled out a phone. Tapping on the screen, they sent a quick message and put it away. They dropped their voice and leaned in closer to her. “Sorry, our drinks are a little too strong for your kind.”

They were most likely a demon, with horizontal lined pupils and a pair of antlers. Their sunken face showed a skeletal structure that was more deer than human, with a slight brown fuzz instead of fur. Their hands were coal black, their fingers tapering off to a clawed end.

“Can I just have water?” She swallowed, her mouth suddenly dry, her heart fluttering. Focus! The job was more important than a one night stand.

“Of course.” They bowed their head, before going to a new arrival at the bar.

Sighing, Elle debated pulling her hood back up when she felt the eyes on her. No, she’d have to get used to the stares if she wanted to get this job. A human woman, with dark hair and hazel eyes, wearing dress pants and a button up peach blouse. No horns, fangs, scales, or a tail. Not even markings that would signal she was a mage or tied to someone with magic. 

Swinging her leg back and forth, Elle sipped at her water, looking around the bar. There was a pair of trolls playing pool. A pair of drow were in the corner, looking like they were discussing more… Intimate plans. A human looking man sat on the couch, a cane between his legs. A spread of cards were on the table in front of him, small black wisps curling around them. He seemed to be the shortest occupant, he was probably a head and shoulders taller than her. 

“Ms. Elodie Shepard?” The voice made her turn.

An angular face stared at her. It was human in appearance, but black scales appeared like freckles, shimmering in the low light. A pair of ram horns curled around cheeks, the ends sharpened and looking ready to puncture anything that got near them. He was dressed in a white button up shirt and a red vest, with a black tie. He was young, appearing to only be in his early to mid 30s.

“Yes!” Elle held out her hand. The speaker took it in shimmering black hands that were very large compared to his body. They left a residue on her skin that she tried to discreetly wipe off when he turned around, looking at the loft above. "But please, call me Elle." 

“Let’s go talk more privately.” He walked to the bottom of the stairs, unclipping a chain that indicated the area was closed until the morning.

Elle nodded and followed him. Stepping aside, he allowed her to go first and clipped the sign back in place. Once the links were formed, a small bit of magic rumbled through the floor, making Elle’s knees weak. Gripping the handrail, she kept herself from falling and quickly climbed up.

Once they were in the loft, Ramses clapped his hands and a few candles lit. The light was warm and calming. There were a few couches set up, with a coffee table between each pair facing one another.

Taking a seat, Elle set her papers on the table and cleared her throat. Even with the water, there was still a tickle in her throat.

“Alright,” The man sat down. “So, as you may know, this is my business. Ramses Sesbrun.” He pushed his glasses up his nose. “I appreciate you coming out so late, but since demons don’t do so well in sunlight…” He shook his hand back and forth like he was tipping a scale. “I still have a limited staff, so I don’t have much of a day shift.”

Elle nodded. “It’s fine. I’ve got this.” She reached into her shirt and pulled out a silver chain, with wire wrapped around an obsidian stone.

Ramses flinched at the charm, before clearing his throat. Elle quickly stuffed it into her shirt and shuffled her papers.

“Alright. So as you may have noticed, we have a bit of a uniform.” He gestured to his attire. “It doesn’t matter if you prefer skirts or pants, just make sure it’s got a white button up shirt under your apron and a tie or scarf.” Inhaling sharply, he adjusted his glasses again. “We have a very diverse staff. If you do get the job, expect to work with all kinds of people.”

Elle simply nodded. “I know it is probably a strange thing, getting a human to apply.” The thought of being around so many demons and patrons of the “other side”, it was somewhat exhilarating.

“A little. But your safety is promised here,” Ramses insisted. “I’ll do what I can to make sure that you and your fellow employees are comfortable in this environment. Everyone here is just looking for a place to unwind.” He smiled at her, showing his teeth were fangs.

Shifting uncomfortably, Elle gave a smile. Those fangs looked like they could leave some decent hickeys. Wait, no, she had to remain professional. “Erm, not to sound too forward, but the job posting mentioned pay?” Right. Stay professional.

“Oh, right.” Ramses picked up a staff of his own papers from a table next to the couch. Flipping through the stack, he left small black thumbprints on each page. No wonder he needed help with the kitchen and other places. He probably couldn’t even touch the food he served his customers.

Finally, he stopped at what he was looking for. “I know the pay is high, but that means I’ll be expecting more from you. But if what I’ve heard about humans is correct…” His cheeks flushed. “Sorry. I don’t mean to rely on stereotypes, but I know humans are known for getting things done faster.” He clicked his mouth closed, not wanting to insert his foot into his mouth.

“Then you’ll be happy to know I fall into that!” Elle said quickly, hoping her tone didn’t sound too desperate. “I promise I’ll be fast and get the work done!” She clasped her hands together. “I just really… Need a job.” A job that seemed to offer a lot of eye candy...

Ramses nodded, taking her papers and flipping through them. “I’ve already read what you sent me, but I just want to make sure…”

He made a couple more noises of affirmation, before setting the now spotted pile down. “I don’t know if you’ll have a uniform on standby, but I think we might have something in your size. If you are willing to come in tomorrow, then I can have Wrecks and Horac show you the ropes.” Tapping a finger to his lips, Ramses’ brows knit together. “You don’t have Arachnophobia, do you?”

*** “Welcome to Ramses!” Elle called out, bowing her head. When she straightened, she ignored the look of befuddlement from the new arrivals. “Just two?”

After seating the pair, she bid farewell to some patrons as they left. They acknowledged her, but seemed more confused than anything else in her presence. When the door closed behind them, she went to quickly clean their table.

Despite looking bulky, the maid outfit they had provided her was light and cool, with a long skirt, deep pockets in the apron. She’d brought her own tights and comfortable shoes. Her hair was tied into a pair of buns to keep it out of her face.

The morning rush was a surprise. Most demons were supposed to be unable to walk in sunlight, but that didn’t stop the clientele from coming in, carrying parasols, charms to protect them, and even wrapping themselves in bandages.

The newly arrived pair were dragonborn, who had quickly fallen into an in depth discussion about maidens and maids. When she approached them with her notepad, pencil to the paper, they quickly quieted.

“Can I recommend one of our Ashburnt Scones?” She asked. “They’ve got an arsenic glaze!”

After taking down their order, Elle quickly scampered to the kitchen and placed the paper on the counter.

“A pair of Coalpressed Muffins with Ashen Dustings!” She called out.

The Drider at the stove nodded, pulling out some blood red pancakes with a tar like topping that he set on plates, the two smaller legs at his waist doing small clean up details. A pair of triple lens spectacles balanced on his nose, which he was constantly adjusting to allow a different pair of eyes to see. Despite his name being “Wrecks” he actually seemed rather dexterous and nimble.

The second was the boarman, Horac, who was frying several cuts of meat and eggs. He seemed immune to the open flames, casually reaching across them to turn over a large slice of ham. Elle tried to not think too hard about the implications.

“Breakfast rush is almost over, rookie.” He said, his voice barely audible over the chaos of the kitchen.

“Thanks!” She took the plates and lined them up on trays, before rushing back out to the main room with the orders.

“I can’t believe a real life human is here,” A goat headed man said as she passed.

“I know. And so fast, too.” Their companion appeared human, but their teeth were too sharp. Enough to pass the line from sexy to frightening.

Just smiling, Elle passed over their food, which they quickly began to ravenously tear into. The remarks, while strange, seemed mostly positive.

By the time the morning rush was over, Elle’s feet were killing her. She collapsed into a chair once the last customer left.

“Elle, can you tell Ram I’m coming in late tomorrow?” Horac said, not giving further details as he went out the back. The bell chimed as he left.

“Sure.” She merely lifted her hand to give a wave he wouldn’t see.

“I’m going out for a smoke,” Wrecks said, his voice jolting through her. He hadn’t spoken all morning, only cooked and passed the orders to Elle. The dishes and counters were clean, so she wasn’t going to complain.

Once the ache had mostly gone, she got up and went to change the menus over. The bell chimed again when her back was turned, and she quickly turned back around.

The newcomer had silvery hair, a pair of fox ears twitching on his head. His eyes were closed, his mouth pulled into a vulpine grin.

“Welcome to Ramses!” She tried to pour in the sugary sweetness that customers loved. “I’ll be with you in just a moment.” Hopefully, Wrecks wouldn’t mind serving up breakfast still. “So, he did have a human on his payroll.” The new patron muttered to himself. “How quaint.” A bushy silver tail waved behind him.

Elle felt herself blushing. “Can I get you anything? Our Blasterjelly rolls are a customer favorite, along with our Hadesfire Pomegranate Tea.” She reached for a menu to shove in his hands. His gaze seemed focused on her, despite his eyes being closed.

“No,” He held up his hand. “Thank you. You served my friend earlier.” Reaching into his sash, he pulled out a box about the length of his hand, the width of two put together. “He’s too shy to show his gratitude in person, so he sent me in his stead.”

Setting the box on the podium, he turned on his heel and gave a backward wave, the bell chiming as he left.

Frowning, Elle used her pen to open the corner of the box. Inside, she saw a small flat pastry, the side of one showing a beet colored paste. Picking it up, she realized they were covered with powdered sugar. Setting it back down, she closed the box and stuffed it under the podium. How odd she’d been given a human friendly dessert.

“Ready for round two?” Wrecks asked when he came back in, wiping his hands on a towel.

“You know it!” She brushed back her hair, pushing the fox man out of her mind.

The bell chimed, a trio of trolls coming through, looking like they’d gotten off a construction job. A goat headed woman burst through the door behind them, looking frazzled. By the end of the second shift, Elle was nearly laying on the table. Her feet and back ached, her hair was a mess, and the uniform was rumpled.

“And my favorite part of the day…” Wrecks said, flipping the sign to indicate they were closed until the bar opened. He laughed to himself as he went to tally up the totals.

“Count this for me to make sure my math is right.” Taking the cash from the drawer, Wrecks slid it to her. He poured himself a sludge looking coffee, enough steam and heat coming off it to fog up his spectacles. Sweat trickled down his brow.

Elle’s stomach growled, and she found herself blushing. While his lower half made her nervous, his upper half was certainly handsome.

Right. Focus.

“Oh, right.” Wrecks paused. “You can’t…” He struggled to find the words. “Eat anything on our menu, can you?”

“Not without getting violently ill,” Elle admitted, before remembering the podium. “Oh! Right!” Rushing to it, she pulled out the box. “I was going to pack my lunch, but I woke up late!” She’d actually slept in her car because she was terrified of missing her first shift. It wasn’t like there was anyone waiting for her at home. And driving nearly half an hour both ways seemed like a poor use of her time.

Sitting next to the money, she took out one of the cakes and took a bite. Powdered sugar flew around her in a cloud, sending residue all over the uniform.

Keeping the cake in her mouth, she nursed at the paste and counted out the cash, keeping notes. Once she finished, she paused over the calculations and finished eating. Then, she quickly ate a second, barely tasting it as it went down.

“Get some actual food,” Wrecks chided. “I can smell the sweetness from here. Where did you get that if you didn’t pack your lunch?”

“Apparently one of the customers really liked my service and gave me a gift.” Elle shrugged. She looked down at her tips for the day, her breath catching in her throat. How much money did this damned clientele have!? Pulling out her wallet, she quickly signed off on the amount and collected it. Looking down at her uniform, she excused herself to the bathroom.

There was no way she was going to risk getting it dirty and looking unprofessional. If she was going to be making money like this every day, she was going to take this job seriously. Going to the restroom, she did what she could to clean up her uniform. No way was she going to take a dock in her pay to pay for the outfit.

Her face felt hot. Slipping off the apron, she unbuttoned her blouse and splashed water on herself. Looking in the mirror, she saw her cheeks and neck were crimson. The blush spread even further, hidden by her shirt.

Slipping off her blouse, she stared at the sleeveless shirt, which only showed off more of her flushed skin. It was still hot, but more bearable. And she was NOT undressing more. Splashing her face again, she got her hair damp. Slicking back her loose bangs, Elle took in a deep breath.

When she walked out, she saw Wrecks looking at the cakes. Holding one between his thumb and forefinger, he squeezed it. The paste oozed out, dripping onto his fingers. He had his phone to his ear, waiting for someone to answer.

Elle was about to complain he’d ruined part of her gift, but his expression was serious. It sent a twinge of worry through her, followed by another hot flash. This one made her head spin, and she quickly sat down.

“Where did you get these?” His voice was sharp.

“Some guy dropped them off. Um… Foxy.” She started to recall his face, but all it did was cloud her mind with other details she’d overlooked. The way his collar bone peeked out over his robe. How veiny and strong his hands looked. His lips, perfectly glossy, the fangs peeking out with his grin.

“Shepard?” Wrecks asked.

“Hmm?” She smacked her cheeks to try and refocus. “Where was I again?”

Before Wrecks could answer, the person on the other end picked up.

“Yeah.” Wrecks tossed her a damp towel.

Wiping it across her sweaty skin, Elle began to inhale deeply. She felt hot all over, her body starting to shake. Every fiber of her clothing brushed against her, scraping her raw.

“I’m sure it was him,” Wrecks’ voice sounded like it was coming from the other end of a tunnel. “Bet my first born on it. I could smell fuckery on the box.” He looked over to Elle, licking his lips nervously. “She seems fine now, but I don’t want to touch her, could you get a hold of a human doctor?” He paused, nodding along with the speaker, small grunts escaping his mouth.

“Alright.” He hung up, inching closer to Elle.

“That was Ramses. He’s on his way.” He pulled another towel off the counter and soaked it in icy water, before passing it to Elle. “Those cakes were laced with… Something.” He frowned, brows coming together.

“I guess it was Tanpopo’s way of saying hello…”

“Who?” Although Elle was sure she had a good idea who the Drider spoke of. Her insides twitched, needing to be filled. Sweat trickled down her neck and back. Slowly, she laid down in the booth, her legs facing the wall.

“An asshole who runs the bakery down the road.” Wrecks jerked his thumb behind him. “He thought it would be funny to “prank,” He added air quotes. “Some of our staff last year by spiking some cakes and tea with Hellfire Mint.” Three pairs of eyes watered at the memory. “Most of them were fine, but one of our hosts got sent into early labor and had to go to the hospital.”

Fanning herself with a menu, Elle panted. “I wish I’d been warned.”

“Well, there hadn’t been any problems since then,” Wrecks explained. “Horac was a pretty decent deterrent.”

Elle’s mouth was suddenly dry. The heat was becoming unbearable. Her legs refused to budge, each breath making another flash of arousal go through her. “I’ll get you some water.” Wrecks excused himself, quickly coming back with a glass. He passed it to her. “Now, I’m not sure how long this is supposed to last, but Ramses seemed pretty sure he knew what it was.”

Their hands touched. Elle let out a cry, dropping the glass. She shook, nearly convulsing as the need seized her.

Wrecks jumped back, his legs skittering across the floor, unable to gain traction.

Elle was on her feet, grabbing the front of his vest and pulling him to her. Their lips nearly brushed.

“No no no no no no!” He said rapidly, using his front legs and arms to push her away. “It’s flattering, but you are in no condition to be initiating this!”

His skin was scalding hot against hers. She grabbed his clothing so tight she thought it would rip. Pulling him close again, she ignored the impact of his front legs against her skirt.

“I’m terribly sorry, Shepard.” Wrecks said, before she suddenly couldn’t move.

Looking down, she saw she was covered with white bindings. Webbing kept her still, binding her legs together below the knees, and her arms below the elbows. He then pushed her back into the booth.

The bell chimed. Nostrils flaring, Elle thrashed around to try and sit up as the scent of Demon hit her.

“Oh, thank Arachne.” Wrecks backed away. “You made good time.”

“Of course.” Ramses' voice thundered in her ears. Elle’s lips parted slightly as she continued to wriggle around, trying to get free of her bindings. “Leave us. This is easier if there’s only one target.”

Wrecks didn’t have to be told twice. He picked up his scant belongings and quickly scampered out the door.

Ramses stood in front of the booth, his crotch the perfect height for-

And he was gone.

The door locked.

Then, he was back.

“You’ve ingested Asmodeus Fruit,” He explained, pulling out a knife. “Better known as Lustberries.” Looking at the blade, he set it down on the table. “Hold still.” His visible skin was wrapped in bandages. To protect him from the sun?

The order made Elle still, the only movement was her shaking with desire.

“I’m going to cut you loose. But you have to promise me you’re not going to jump on me. Okay?”

Despite the words barely registering, Elle nodded, her body still trembling.

Ramses cut the bindings, his bandaged hands brushing against her. Unlike with Wrecks, it didn’t send a jolt through her. But his scent, the way he panted with exertion… She found herself leaning forward.

“KNIFE!” He yelled, shoving her back. His hand hit her protective charm, and both of them went flying back. She hit the wall hard, and he slid into the front counter in front of the kitchen. Wincing, he slowly got back up, rubbing the back of his head.

“Are you okay?” Her legs were still bound. She started to climb out of the booth.

“Stay!” He commanded, getting up.

Elle’s legs became weak, and she nearly face planted on the floor. Catching herself, Elle held onto the corner of the table. Her charm hung low. 

Ramses rushed over, cutting her legs free.

“Now. Listen.” He shook his finger in her face.

Nodding, Elle leaned forward.

“Go to the loft.”

She rose up, the charm snagging on the corner of the table, the wire wrapping coming undone and the stone falling to the ground, sliding under the booth. 

Her feet slapped against the floor, she nearly tripped over the chained sign as she ran. But she was up the stairs, lungs and chest heaving. Collapsing onto the couch, she felt the heat rolling over again, almost unbearable. Clothes continued to rake against her skin so roughly she thought it would make her bleed. Her hands went to her top, trying to pull it off.

“Okay, Elle. I need you to listen to me.” Ramses said, coming up in the loft. “Normally this stuff wears off after a few hours. But it’s demon fruit, so humans suffer-” He let out a surprised noise as Elle rushed over to him.

When her hands touched his shirt, she realized he wasn’t wrapped under his clothes. Working her fingers through the gaps between his buttons, she touched her fingertips to his bare chest. The heat of his skin made her shudder.

Dropping to her knees, she started to unbuckle his belt.

“Elle!��� He said sharply. “Hold on!” Grabbing one of her buns, he held her head in place. Lips parted, she looked up. Panting, she reached for him. Despite denying her advances, his erection was growing quickly.

“Here.” He pulled out a vial, a white liquid inside. “Drink this first. I know it’ll be nasty, but-” As he spoke, the white liquid suddenly yellowed and seemed to become crusty.

She grimaced.

“I know. But the other cure is… Not ideal.” He offered her the vial. Uncorking the top, he pressed the glass to her lips.

Slowly, he tilted it. Once the liquid touched Elle’s lips, foul gelatinous sludge tried to worm its way into her mouth. Pulling back, she sputtered and coughed. Eyes watering, she shook her head.

There was glass breaking, and the liquid spilled all over the floor. The fog was gone, but Elle suddenly felt so hot she started to claw at her clothes.

“You’re going to hurt yourself!” Ramses grabbed her arms, straddling her. His erection dug into her as he pinned her to the floor.

“Elle, listen to me.” His breath was warm against her skin, caressing skin, the wetness from it sliding down her body. 

Closing her eyes, Elle thrust against him. Ramses let out a distressed yelp, before gripping her tighter.

“Fuck me…” She moaned, rubbing against him. A wet spot was left on Ramses pants, although she wasn’t sure if it was from him or her.

It was getting so hot she felt like she was going to pass out, black spots filling her vision. Her clothes felt like they were tearing large chunks of her skin off.

“I’m… So sorry.” Ramses picked her up off the floor, setting her down on the couch.

“For what?” She grabbed his shirt, pulling him down. Their lips almost touched, but he turned his face so she kissed his horn.

“You’re in no state of mind…” He knelt between her legs. “Just let me try something.” Taking her tights, he clumsily pulled them down. Catching the waist of Elle’s panties, Ramses left her completely bare. At the sight, averting his eyes, Ramses cheeks turned crimson.

“Yep…” He struggled to find the words. “That’s certainly Asmodeus fruit.”

Elle touched herself, spreading the soaking lips wide. Grinding against the couch, she felt herself drenching the fabric.

“Okay.” Ramses draped her legs over his shoulders. “I’m going to try something. If it doesn’t work, then we have one option left.”

Elle nodded, but her mind was buzzing. Grabbing Ramses by the hair, she shoved him into her drenched folds. Whatever response he had was muffled, making her shiver.

His tongue began to trace her lower lips, before he slipped it inside. Ellen held his head in place, biting her lips as he continued to lick. Reaching up, he seized her thighs and spread her legs wider. His breath made her tingle.

Closing her eyes, Elle focused on the sensation, the heat now concentrating in her lower half. Ramses’ head bobbed back and forth, the sounds of licking and sucking so loud in the empty loft. She let out several moans, trying to lock her legs around his head.

Keeping her legs open, Ramses continued to lick, before exposing her clit and swirling his tongue around it. Elle moaned, releasing his hair and grinding against his face. “Come for me, Elle.” He groaned into her, his breath so warm. “Come for me, please.”

Letting her head lull back, Elle moaned and grabbed the couch tight enough to feel the fabric start to rip. She felt the orgasm start to build, each lick eliciting another cry from her. Eyes watering, she nearly screamed when Ramses plunged his tongue inside.

But before she could release, it was like slamming into a brick wall. White filled her vision as the heat became a searing pain. A scream escaped her and she shuddered, falling to the side.

“S-stop…” She panted, tears streaming down her face. “It… It hurts.”

Ramses pulled back, his bandages around the lower half of his face now loose. They were soaked with Elle. Small bits of skin were visible. Despite the pain in her lower half, Elle grabbed Ramses by the shirt. She then climbed on top of him, rubbing her aching groin over his crotch.

“Fuck me, please.” She begged, continuing to grind against his hardness.

“Hold on.” Ramses pushed the table to the other couch, his glasses askew. Picking Elle up, he placed her on the couch. Unzipping his pants, he let them fall to the ground. His fully erect cock came forth, beads of precum dripping from the tip. Elle leaned forward, wrapping her lips around it.

Ramses let out a surprised moan, knees nearly giving out as Elle sucked. Once the few drops of precum were swallowed, the heat drastically reduced. Panting, Elle pulled back and let her tongue swirl around the tip.

Then, she felt herself blushing. The reality of the situation began to crash around her. Pulling her head back, she quickly let go of Ramses cock and put her hands at her side.

“Um…” The wetness between her legs was almost unbearable. “I’m… Sorry.”

“It’s fine.” Ramses panted, sitting down on the table. “It wasn’t your fault. I understand if you want to leave now.”

Elle stared at his cock, swallowing hard. It was glistening with her saliva. She should leave. This was not only inappropriate, but they were both in a bad spot. But her body was literally hurting with need.

“Ramses.” Her face was probably tomato red. What had she just done? Ramses probably thought… “This wasn’t your fault.”

“I know. But I should have warned you.” He was attempting to put his dick back in his pants, which seemed to be a challenge.

“Erm…” She prodded her forefingers against one another, biting her lower lip. “This is super inappropriate. But is the antidote for this fruit…” Her voice trailed off as she became more flustered. “You know, demon semen?”

Mutely, Ramses nodded. “I didn’t want you to either get too excited or too disgusted.” He looked up at her when she stood over him. “Because I’ve been told it can be rather potent.”

“So, are you sure you gave me enough of a dose?” She lifted her skirt, showing him her wetness. “Because I would, uh, prefer not to go back to how I was.” Her legs shook, the blush filled her entire body.

Ramses’ eyes went wide, and he took off his glasses, setting them down on the table. “I’m not sure. It’s not an exact science. But…” He was cut off when Elle kissed him, straddling his lap.

“Oh.” He kissed her back, looping his hands around her waist.

“Elle,” He said, his voice muffled by her mouth. His pupils dilated slightly, the blood vessels thickening.

“Hm?” She pulled back, her arms around his neck.

“If you want to wait, the lust will wear off.”

Elle thought about it, but shook her head, “I want to do this.” She nibbled at his exposed skin, hands running up and down the nape of his neck.

“Very well.” He stood, keeping her legs wrapped around his waist.

Setting her back onto the couch, Ramses straddled her, pinning her arms above her head against the armrest.

“Are you still hot?”

She nodded.

Taking Elle’s shirt, he slid it off and let it fall to the floor, leaving her in only her skirt.

“Aren’t you?”

“Sunlight.” He gestured to the windows.

“Oh.”

“Consider this… Paid overtime.” Nudging her legs open, Ramses lined himself up, prodding against her slit. Each touch made Elle gasp, grinding against him.

Then, he slid inside. Elle gasped, instantly clenching around him. Ramses gripped the back of the couch, letting out a surprised whimper. Leaning down, he wrapped his arms around her and began to thrust. Once her arms were free, she let her hands explore him.

The touch seemed to encourage him further and he hilted himself.

Elle screamed in pleasure, digging her nails into Ramses’ shirt. Covering her mouth with his, Ramses began to pound into her, each thrust making her see a flash of color.

“God,” He said between thrusts. “You’re so tight.” His breath was warm against her face and neck. Leaning down, he nibbled her neck. “I…” The blush returned to his face.

Elle pulled him back, their lips meeting again. Pushing her tongue into his mouth, she let them dance as he found his rhythm and continued to pump back and forth. Each moan encouraged him, and he went harder.

As the thrusts went deeper, Elle cried out, her back arching. She ran her hands down Ramses shirt and vest, the fabric chafing against her skin. Unlike her own clothing, it pushed her closer to the edge, but she felt herself hitting the wall again.

Her breasts began to bounce, and Ramses groaned, his legs and buttock suddenly clenching.

“Please!” She begged, squeezing him tightly. “Finish inside me!”

“Fuck!” Ramses yelped, before he released, the fluid spilling out of Elle. Panting, he shuddered, placing his hands on either side of her head. Sweat trickled down his face. Clenching, he thrust against her as he emptied everything inside.

The orgasm finally came, and Elle clenched, wrapping her legs around his and pulling Ramses close. Shivering, she panted and closed her eyes.

“I think… That’s enough.” He slipped out of her and sat up on the couch, his softening cock still shimmering with her wetness.

Elle shuddered, then slowly sat up, rescuing her shirt from the floor and holding it up to her chest. She was covered with the strange black residue from his hands.

“I am very sorry about that.” Ramses zipped his pants up and buckled his belt. “I completely understand if you want to quit.”

“Umm…” Elle worried at her lower lip. “You see, I didn’t exactly dislike it and I really need this job.” She couldn’t even look at him without blushing.

“I could tell.” Ramses eyes went wide and he put his glasses back on. “Although I’m not sure how much of that was me or the Fruit.” He rubbed his face. “I’m going to kill that fox the next time I see him.”

Elle swallowed hard, thinking of the cakes. “Um, before you get all worked up, shouldn’t you get ready to open the bar?”

Ramses rubbed his face with a sigh. “I’ve got some time.” He looked her over. “I know you live farther away, but do you want to get cleaned up at my place? Er, not that I’m inviting you back over for...” He let the silence hang in the air. 

Sighing, Elle nodded. “One thing at a time. I need to get this ‘antidote’ off me before it leaves a stink.” The scent of sex was already making her dizzy and flushed.

Helping her up, Ramses helped her dress and helped her back down to the main gathering area, collecting the charm from the floor. Stopping at the umbrella holder, he pulled out a parasol and opened it. When he took a few steps outside, he suddenly staggered.

Wrapping his arm around her, Elle helped him walk.

“It’s not too far," Ramses explained. “Erm, so, about what happened.”

“My lips are sealed,” Elle mimed locking her lips and throwing away a key. “As long as you don’t tell the others about me trying to blow you. And everything else.”

Ramses stifled a noise and looked away. “It’s fine. Just erm… Expect a bonus on your first check.”

“A bonus?” Now she was starting to feel like it was some sort of hush money.

“I take… Very good care of my employees.” Ramses frowned. “It’s hard to keep them on.” Swallowing hard, he sighed. “Elle, what I did back there, I promise I’m not normally like that. I know demons have a reputation for being sinners, but I don’t want you to feel I took advantage.”

“Too bad, I had a lot of fun.” Elle blushed at her words. “Sorry, was that too much?”

Ramses bit at his lip. “No, but I am your boss. I don’t want rumors to spread.”

“I understand.” She felt the rest of the heat finally leave her body, leaving her head clear. “But don’t… ever be afraid to ask. I um, headed after this job for a reason. Not just for the pay.”

Ramses hid his face and nodded.

If every day was going to be like this, then this new job was going to be interesting. She’d have to apologize to Wrecks tomorrow.

At least there was hazard pay.

[flowerbetweenfangs]

Raum, demon lord of the seven sins and rune mage Kiara. Commissioned by Grimm.

Now, you may feel compelled to say, but Inka, he got 6 arms. Why he only got 2 pectorals? And I will tell you that I absolutely suggested 6 pectorals as well.

[flowerbetweenfangs]

Paranormal Romance, yeah I’m into this.

You can interpret it as you like.

[flowerbetweenfangs]

Marked by the Moon: Part 02

This is part two of a previous story, which you can read here!

Originally posted on A03

(CW for Dubcon in part one. Part 02 does discuss infertility and there is an animal harm in a dream. If anything else needs to be tagged, let me know)

Carmen stared at the face of the older man and her breathing became labored. The thoughts of the night before clawed their way out, making her stomach drop. He rose up, rubbing his eyes. She could see small red lines across his back. Looking down at her fingers, she saw the small bits of dried blood under her nails. 

Her throat closed up, and she started to scoot away.

No. 

What happened couldn’t have possibly been real. But the way her body felt, the scents in the air, and the fact that she had already woken up meant that it had to be true. 

Esau sniffed. In the silence of the cave, the noise was amplified. His nose and brow wrinkled, his jaw setting. 

“What the?” He turned around, the bewilderment clear on his face. She saw the silver ring on his shoulder, indicating a bite mark. 

Getting to her feet, Carmen looked around the den. The only thing she had on her was the necklace, which felt like a lead weight trying to drag her back to the ground. She could see scraps of fabric across the floor. Her clothes. The only thing she could even recognize as a piece of an outfit was her shirt, but the edges were torn and frayed. 

She ran, her body protesting every movement. 

“Carmen!” He yelled after her, but she put the voice out of her head. 

The world around her became a blur and Carmen’s vision swam. As she ran, every noise sounded like it was coming through the end of a tube, echoing and buzzing directly into her ears. The scents of the reserve were strong, as if each bit of flora was being shoved directly into her nostrils. Gagging, Carmen fell to her knees and tried to catch her breath. 

Cradling her head, Carmen fell into the fetal position. How could last night have happened? Werewolves were real? Several had spoken to her. One had… 

The thought made her heave. Her body was shaking and sweating, her injured arm burning like it had been dipped in liquid fire. 

When she managed to get her wind back, she brought down her hands and saw the statue above her. Worn down and in need of some restoration, but she recognized the crescent moon mask and wolf across the woman’s lap. 

“Please.” She said, grabbing it by the base and pressing her forehead to it, “I need some answers. Give them to me.” Shivering, she felt the stone become slick in her fingers. Small vines and thorns pricked at her skin and she finally let go. 

The woman’s voice had vanished from the wind. 

A scent on the wind made her turn, pressing her cheek against the base. 

The hair was ginger and shaggy, covering his face with a beard, with the lupine eyes she’d looked into enough times to recognize them on sight. But he was a man now, maybe in his late twenties, like Carmen. He’d dressed in a simple baggy shirt with a faded sports logo and basketball shorts. 

And he made a rage boil over in her stomach and heart. Clenching her jaw and fists, she tasted blood and saw red. 

“Beautiful, isn’t it?” He asked, looking at the statue. 

Carmen was on him in an instant, slamming her fists into him and screaming with a primal fury she didn’t even realize was possible. He snarled, snapping at her with teeth just long enough to not be human. 

“Hey!”

Carmen was yanked off him. Her hands clawed at the air, her feet kicking at the empty space being created. 

Esau’s scent overpowered her nose, his arms wrapped securely around her torso and pulling her away. She fought against him, slamming the heels of her palms into his wrists and twisting her body, howling with rage. The strange sounds scraped her throat raw. 

A dark haired and bearded man was grabbing onto the ginger, hauling him back. Both were now sporting scratches and bruises. His scent hit Carmen, she felt herself trying to place it. Snapping her jaw, she continued to thrash and try to get free of Esau’s grip. 

Esau was breathing heavily, his whole body sweaty against Carmen’s. For an old man, he certainly had a strength she wasn’t expecting. His fingers dug into her, and she could feel his nails, curved and sharp. 

“Enough!” He said, his voice dropping to a pitch that made Carmen’s ears hurt. It almost made her want to drop flat against the ground. The sound seemed to rattle her very being, threatening to break her open. 

 “You’re hurting yourself.” And it was gone, his tone more gentle. 

Carmen looked down and saw her sutures had burst open. The pain that she’d pushed back registered, and she felt her whole body shaking again. 

“Give her your shirt.” Esau slowly let Carmen go. She fell to her knees on the ground. Blood dribbled from her arm, the drops staining the grass below. 

The bearded man walked over, offering up the balled up shirt to her. Taking it, she hugged the article of clothing to her chest. Almost as if on cue, she could hear them turning away so she could dress in privacy. 

Despite being taller than most women, Carmen still found the shirt hanging almost to her knees. 

The scent of the dark haired man overpowered her, and she finally placed him. The beard had aged him, but the smell was familiar because he had been at the clinic only a couple days prior, pulling the wolf away just an instant too late. Max. His name had been Max. He’d signed the paperwork. 

  Taking a few deep breaths, she got to her feet. How far did all of this go? Before she could think, her head began to pound. 

“Listen here,” The ginger got back in her face, his eyes flashing with fury. “Don’t think just because you’re a-” 

“Quit!” Esau barked, his voice dropping low again. Carmen could hear the click of his teeth as they snapped together. “This is your fault, Peter.” 

“He’s right.” Max finally spoke up. “You were the dumbass who was running through bear territory. And you fucking tried to bite her!” Carmen wondered if he’d been so harsh with Anna. 

Peter’s eyes flickered, losing the hunter’s glint and his pupils dilating. Carmen was sure that if he still had his tail, it would be lowered into submission. His whole body shifted and he pressed himself closer to the ground.  

“How was I supposed to know there would be traps there? It’s not hunting season.” Peter scowled. “Although having a bunch of rednecks attempt drunk triage on me in the bed of the pick up truck was an adventure.” 

Carmen was about to lecture him on how rules and laws didn’t deter people from still doing illegal things, but she held her tongue. How had she been so worried for him less than a day ago? 

Her arm stung and she yanked back, before realizing it was Esau trying to check her for injuries. His fingers were tinted red with her blood.

Holding his hand to her, Esau let out a deep breath, his whole body going slack. When he looked up, he just looked exhausted. 

“Can I look at your arm, please? I want to make sure it’s not going to get infected.” 

Reluctantly, she held it out to him. 

Having the man touch her again made her squirm, knowing he’d been a monster only a few hours before. But aside from the hirsute body and slightly elongated nails, he looked no different than the doctor from the clinic. 

Taking Carmen’s arm, Esau tilted it back and forth, before rubbing his face. His jaw clenched and unclenched as he glared at Peter. 

“There’s a first aid kit in the visitor center. I can patch you up.” He sighed. “I know you’ve probably got a thousand questions, and I can hopefully answer some of them. Just… Come with us, please?” 

Mouth dry, Carmen nodded. What could she even do at this point? 

“Are you two the only ones who decided to stay human?” Esau asked as they went down the hill. 

“Reluctantly.” Peter snarled as he walked ahead. “Diana would have probably let me die if I stayed in my wolf form.” He tilted his head side to side and cracked his neck. “I thought you wanted to actually kill me when you struck me last night. Some leader.” 

Esau shot him a look, and the younger man visibly shrunk back into Max. 

“Someone’s got to work at the reserve.” The dark haired agent said, “Did you get shaving cream this time?” He scratched his face. “I look too much like a mountain man with this scruff.” 

“How many of you are there?” Carmen asked, walking into the visitor center. The scent hit her. The barest amount of nature to set off a human nose and make them feel closer to the forest around them, but compared to outside, it was… Bare. 

“Half a dozen werewolves.” Esau said as he went to the front office. “And a dozen actual wolves. We can pick which form we want to stay in at the full moon, but I try to urge people to stay in one or the other because people going missing can be… Noticeable. And the wolves get stressed if they lose and gain pack members too rapidly.” 

He looked through the cabinets as Peter went to the cafeteria, a stove firing up. The scent of meat made Carmen’s mouth water. She looked down at her hand when she felt liquid and saw a silvery puddle of drool forming around her palm. Wiping her mouth, she shook her head. What on earth was going on with her. 

Max let the sink run in the bathroom, starting to shave. He was humming a tune she could place, but the lyrics wouldn’t come. 

“You said last night you try to keep the social circle small.” She wanted to ask him about their… Other activities, but couldn’t bring herself to do it. Esau couldn’t meet her eyes. Was he feeling the same way she was? 

“Yes.” Esau finally found the first aid kit, setting it on the desk next to him and holding out his hand for Carmen. Sighing, she let him take her arm and start to work. “Because otherwise things like this happen.” He sniffed, the confusion coming back to his face. 

“There’s normally a more formal vetting process, to make sure we’re not changing someone who has a young child at home or has a lifestyle that won’t allow them to make the change.” He sighed, before glowering in the direction of the kitchen. 

“Or changing someone literally days before the full moon and then having them run around as a crazy monster of fangs and claws with no preparation. The fact that you didn’t start chasing down random people and animals is a miracle.” He swallowed, taking care to dab at her arm and clean off any dirt and dried blood. 

“The first few months are rough, but if you have a pack then it becomes easier and you’re able to keep your mind.” Turning toward the kitchen, he gave a nod. “That’s why we took in Peter. Although he’s still learning to be a team player.” 

Swallowing, Carmen stared at the desk in silence outside of a wince or a hiss as Esau applied the disinfectant to her arm. What would have happened if Anna had been the one scratched instead of her? 

“When you visited me at the Urgent Care, I saw the wound, but I couldn’t smell the wolf inside you.” He continued to explain, before he finished bandaging up her arm. 

The phrasing gave her pause. 

“Wait, smell the wolf inside me?” Carmen asked, flexing her fingers. “The one you were trying to make come out?” 

Esau clicked his tongue. “When you’re bitten, the wolf inside you starts to wake up, becoming stronger the closer you are to the full moon.” He frowned. 

“It’s like… having two minds able to control you, but only one of you gets to be in the driver’s seat at a time.” He held up two fingers, waving both up and down. “I assumed that since you were only scratched, that meant that Peter wasn’t able to infect you.” 

“I was just thinking we had to add something to break up the sausage party.” Peter said as he came out of the kitchen, a plate piled high with food. “Welcome to the pack, girlie. You’re the first bitch we’ve ha-” 

Carmen glowered at him and he withered under her look, mouth opening and closing without sound. Muttering to himself, he set the plate on the desk and walked back into the kitchen, legs slightly bent, an invisible tail curling between them. 

“ Normally,” Esau emphasized. “But so far, it’s been the farthest thing from normal in this whole process.” He rubbed his face, shot a dirty look at Peter, then shook his head with a sigh. “I understand you’re probably feeling all sorts of… Everything. But you’re in this now, and there’s nothing we can do about it. I’m sorry. And I can’t say it enough.” 

Carmen stared at the food, then felt her stomach heave. Fatigue, disgust, and sickness all warred, before the nausea finally won out. 

Max yelped as she shoved past him into the bathroom, kneeling down at the toilet and vomiting her guts out. Her whole body shook with fatigue and she pressed her forehead against the bowl. Max carefully put down the razor. 

“... You want me to hold your hair back?” Water ran and Max toweled off his face, suddenly very interested in the wall. 

Carmen shook her head. With a noise of understanding, Max stepped out of the bathroom. Then, a moment later, he tossed in a pair of boxers through the door and retreated again. 

After what felt like forever, Carmen drug herself out of the bathroom, boxers now on. The three men had eaten most of the food from the plate. 

“So what do we do now?” Her stomach flipped, but she knew there was nothing left. Picking up a slice of toast, she forced herself to eat it. Esau handed her a water bottle, which she sipped. 

“Back to normal life.” Esau shrugged. “Make sure everyone is healthy, then meet up again next month.” He looked over at Peter. “Although I’m going to have a new roommate for the next cycle.” 

“Not my fault,” Peter said without looking up from his food. “Someone decided to throw me off a cliff and make me shift to my human form.” 

Carmen and Esau both shot him a dirty look, and he got up and headed back to the kitchen with the dirty dishes. 

“I’m going home.” Max announced. “My roommate is worried sick about me. I keep getting texts.” He looked at Carmen and sighed.

“You can uh… Keep those.” He gestured to the clothing and exited the Reserve, putting the phone to his ear. 

Carmen looked at Esau, who set a keyring on the table. Carmen realized it was hers. Taking it, she went to shove them in her pockets, then remembered there wasn’t any on the boxers. 

“I’m sorry about everything.” Esau said insistently. “I know it’s a lot to take in. But I also need to remind you that you can’t go telling everyone about what happened last night.” Looking down at the table, he sighed. 

“Not only would no one believe you, but those that would are the type of people we need to keep out of the pack.” He swallowed, eyes flicking back and forth between her and the wound. 

“Look, about what went down.” Swallowing hard, he pinched the bridge of his nose and then looked up at the ceiling. 

“I don’t have a good excuse for myself. I don’t take women into the pack for that reason. Because the full moon triggers a heat cycle in you and it can be painful if…” He suddenly looked very flustered. “Well, that doesn’t happen. As you found out.” 

He scratched nervously at the desktop, scraping up shavings of wood. 

“While most others can control themselves, I never wanted to try and take that chance.” He rubbed the side of his head, “I understand if you can’t forgive me, nor do I expect you to. I can offer you apologies and a safe place to change each month.” He leaned against the desk. 

“I promise I will do what I can to make this right.” 

The events of last night finally cascaded, hitting her all at once. Carmen looked at the desk, seeing the tears landing on the wooden surface. 

Covering her face, Carmen clenched a fist and felt the rage and sorrow swirling inside. How could one event cause such a ripple effect? What would she even tell everyone when she came back to the clinic? 

“Is it safe for me to go home?” Her sides heaved. “I don’t… I don’t have anyone there but myself. But I don’t want to suddenly wolf out and destroy my apartment.” She made a growling noise and wiggled her fingers like claws. 

Esau nodded, wincing at her impression. “The change only happens at the full moon.” 

Carmen then licked her lips, the thoughts rattling around in her mind. “You mentioned that the full moon triggers a heat in female wolves…” Her breathing was shaky and she felt the toast about to come back up again. 

“Does that mean that they can get pregnant?” Each word was a chore to push back her lips. Dreading the answer, Carmen stared at him. The desk seemed to groan against the grip she had on it. 

Esau’s eyes went wide, and he quickly shook his head. “No. The only way we can increase our numbers is through the bite.” He scratched the back of his neck. “I’m… Sorry if you had plans to do that.” 

Carmen felt relief wash over her. 

“Oh, thank god.” She pressed her forehead to the desk and felt more tears squeeze out. Esau offered her a paper towel, which she used to blow her nose and dry her eyes. “You uh… Also you don't have any wolf … stuff, do you?” The amount of viruses and diseases she had to vaccinate for flashed across her mind. How would she even treat them? 

Esau shook his head. “I can run a few tests for you at the clinic, having another person process them if you don’t trust me.” His face was pale as he spoke. “I’m still so sorry for what happened. Had I known, I would have done so many things differently.” 

“What’s going to happen to Peter?” Carmen looked at the man as he paced back and forth. The limp was a lot more pronounced. Maybe he hadn’t been completely healed from his injuries after all. Or he was faking again. 

“I’ll come up with some sort of punishment for him.” Esau looked back at him. “What would you want done?” 

Carmen couldn’t come up with an answer. There were so many thoughts rattling around in her mind, but none stuck. She had been willing to kill him earlier, trying to claw out his throat. But seeing how pathetic he was… She almost felt sorry for him. 

Almost. 

“Let’s put a pin in that.” She drank down another water bottle, then got up. She needed to leave. This was starting to make her feel sick all over again. She was also probably behind on her medicine. And she needed to check back in with Anna and the clinic.  

“One more thing.” Esau grabbed a scrap of paper and scribbled down on it. “If you have any other questions, or just need to talk, here’s my phone number.” 

Carmen clutched the paper tightly. What could she even say? 

“I guess… See you next full moon?” She couldn’t even bring herself to force a smile. Everything was happening too fast. 

“Hopefully. You know how to get here. But I’ll be in contact with you just in case.” He watched her leave, and Carmen wondered how someone who looked so… Tired and frail could have been the same beast that was about to tear her apart only a few hours before. 

“Jesus, Carmen,” Anna remarked when she came back into the clinic three days later. “You look like Hell. But I’m glad to have you back. Full moon makes everyone act a fool.” 

“Turns out when a wolf scratches you that it can be a horrible experience.” Carmen remarked as she started to look through the files of the clients they had coming in for the day. As she flipped through the papers, she picked up on the scent of Anna. It brought to mind the coffee they’d drank, and the fear and worry she’d been feeling. 

“I’m fine,” Carmen said, turning and trying to smile. But her teeth suddenly felt too big for her mouth and the scowl returned. Her skin still hurt from the scalding hot showers she’d subjected herself to. She’d probably seared off the top three layers of tissue in an attempt to feel clean. 

“I just…” Anna sniffed. “I just worried that I had done something wrong. I’d missed his dose or something, or I hadn’t secured him properly. God, if he didn’t have the muzzle… Then when you vanished for a week, I worried you’d-” 

Carmen got up and hugged her. Anna sniffed again and rested her head on Carmen’s shoulder. Her scent of sorrow, worry, regret, wafted up and about made Carmen reel back from it all. 

“I’ve seen what they can do,” Anna sobbed. “I know nature is beautiful and everything, but when I worked on the reserve…” Sniffling, she pulled back and wiped her eyes. “God, I’m sobbing and I wasn’t even hurt.” 

Shrugging, Carmen turned to face the door when the bell chimed, a howling maine coon being carried in by a distraught looking man. 

“Hello, Kelser, is Bruiser giving you trouble again?” 

In the back room, Carmen worked through the patients almost mechanically. Sure, she smiled and waved, but she could feel… Something stirring in the back of her mind that she was pressing down. 

The thought of harming the animals wasn’t flitting across her mind, but she just saw them in a way that was hard to put her finger on. Bruiser yowled, and she found herself giving a sour look to the cat. He stopped the act almost immediately as soon as Kelser was out the door. 

“Dramatic.” She mumbled to herself, before checking him over. The feline purred and rubbed up against her. Cradling his squishy face, Carmen sighed. 

Then, his ears went flat. Pulling back, he hissed and swiped at her arm, nearly ripping the wound open. Snarling, he backed himself into a corner and continued trying to phase through the wall, spitting and hissing. 

Carmen found herself snarling back, and she bore her teeth. 

“ Quit it .” Something in her throat rumbled in a way that made it sore. But Bruiser was suddenly laying on the ground, pupils dilated as he stared at her. Then, he gave her a slow blink. 

Shaking her head, Carmen felt a twinge of worry about what had just happened. Bruiser didn’t seem hurt, but he was suddenly a lot more submissive. He made irritated chirps, but allowed her to work. 

Once the day was over, Carmen stretched her arms above her head and looked over at Anna, who was shuffling their last customer out the door. 

The clinic closed, Carmen dashed out the door and checked her phone. 

“ Hw ws ur 1st dy bck ?” Esau's message lit up her screen. Carmen messaged him back, then saw she had two more messages. 

“Here’s my number in case you need it, Max .” 

“ E wants you to have my number. So here it is. Peter.” 

Carmen sent a response to both and slipped the phone in her pocket. Anna was calling someone, making plans for the weekend. She gave Carmen a friendly wave, before pulling the phone down and covering the speaker. 

“Hey. Me and the gang are going to get together tonight. You want in?” 

Carmen opened her mouth to agree, but the thought of so many people around her, scents assaulting her nose, loud cries and wails making her ears ache… She didn’t feel like it would be wise. A craving to be around others was stoked in her, but it felt hollow. 

“Sure.” Carmen cracked a smile, feeling the muscles in her neck strain. 

Anna nodded, then went back to the conversation. 

At the bar, she met up with Anna’s college friends, a man and a woman. 

They all said their greetings, making small talk that Carmen tried to participate in, but she couldn’t really come up with much other than “ Yeah, I’m Anna’s friend ” and “ Yeah. I was sick as a dog for the past week. ” 

“Oh! You’re the one who bought the necklace!” Mae smiled broadly. “I’m glad you liked it! When Anna told me her coworker wanted it, I just had to make it extra special! The wolf-” 

“Don’t talk her ear off.” The man, Nick, lectured. 

But Carmen didn’t need to do much talking. Once she was around others, Anna took control and began to catch them up on current events. 

“So get this, this huge ass wolf comes in,” Anna said, recounting the story, a wine cooler in her hand as they were served an entree of greasy food. 

Carmen stared down at the sandwich she’d ordered, picking and prodding at it with her silverware. Overstuffed, with oily meat that would fall out if she lifted it up. The scent coming off the cocktails and bottles was making her sick. 

“Jesus,” Nick winced when they got to the part about Carmen’s injury. “Good thing it wasn’t a bite, eh?” 

He looked at Carmen’s arm, which she slipped off the table and settled into her lap.

 “So what about the wolf?” Mae asked. “I mean… I know they sometimes put down dogs for biting people…” 

“He’s been relocated.” Carmen answered quickly, drawing the attention of the table. “...I was talking to one of the agents while I was recovering.” 

Anna stared at Carmen with confusion, and she realized that it had never come up. But then again, she’d been keeping him out of her thoughts. 

A sudden wave of fury came over her at the reminder of Peter. He’d scratched her, and for what? So he could get laid? Set her up to be at the mercy of the pack? What would have happened if Esau hadn’t intervened? 

 The knife in her hand cracked the plate as she continued to saw at the sandwich with it. She looked at the mess she’d made as the bits of food sprayed across the table. 

Everyone looked at the broken plate, before staring at Carmen with what she hoped was concern. But the fear and confusion started to penetrate her nose. The scent it put off made her stomach churn. Even Anna was staring at her with wide eyes. 

“ It’s fine .” She felt her voice trying to slip into the calming pitch that she’d used on the animals, but she fell into a coughing fit instead. Taking her water, Carmen took a drink and sighed, knowing the night was ruined. 

The tension around them began to rise. Carmen apologized, excusing herself to the restroom and staring at herself in the mirror. Her face was clammy, sweat soaked hair clinging to her skin. Taking a deep breath, she fished money out of her purse and headed back to pay her portion of the bill. 

“Do you mind if I walk you out to your car?” Nick asked. “You don’t look so good.” 

Carmen looked to Anna and Mae, who both nodded. 

They walked outside, and Carmen leaned against the vehicle. Her legs felt like they were about to give out. A familiar shiver of a fever began to creep up her body. 

“You alright?” Nick asked.  

“I’m okay.” She insisted. “I’ve just been having a rough patch.” Turning to the side, Carmen gave an exaggerated fake cough, hoping it would deter him. 

With a nod of understanding, Nick gave her a pat on the shoulder. 

And it was like he’d stabbed her. Her legs buckled and if she hadn’t been leaning against her car, she probably would have hit the pavement. When Nick pulled his hand away, she saw the flash of silver on his finger. If he noticed her reaction, he didn’t say anything. Opening her car door, Carmen ducked inside.

Clutching her shoulder, Carmen took a few deep breaths. Giving herself a squeeze, she jolted awake. Ears ringing, she started the drive back home. 

When she got back to her apartment, Carmen tore off her shirt. The skin on her shoulder was now raised and angry, marbled with red and silver. Grabbing a bag of frozen peas, she set it on the wound. 

Sitting on the couch, she fluffed up the pillows and tried to lay on them and focus on the television to take her mind off the pain. But nothing could hold her attention. 

Holding the biggest body pillow, Carmen curled her entire body around it. Looping her legs and arms around the softness, she sighed and sniffed. She wormed her way into the pile, pushing them off the bed and making a sort of nest on the floor. 

Laying between two and peeking at the television, she finally was able to watch it. But something still felt… Off. 

She found herself tearing through her laundry, then her trash. After a few moments of searching, she found the baggy shirt and boxers that Max had given her. Taking the shirt, she draped it over the pillow and rested her cheek against it. 

Taking the trash, she found the bandages Esau had used to patch up her arm and the piece of paper he’d given her. Not wanting to touch them directly, she slipped them under the pillowcase. 

Despite it having lost most of their scents, it still brought Carmen some degree of comfort. She hung the rose quartz necklace above her head, then felt herself slipping into sleep. 

She was sitting in the field, but her vision was distorted, almost as if she was looking through a telescope. Something warm rested against her. Looking down, Carmen saw a wolf laying across her lap, shivering and bloodied. 

“Shhh…” Leaning down, she dropped her voice and watched the wolf lift its head, sniffing at the air. Fingers running through its fur, Carmen continued to soothe it as it whimpered and whined, nosing against her palm. A strange heat was coming off it. As it whimpered, she saw the silver arrowhead in its haunch. 

“Please…” It whined. “It hurts. Like my blood is turning to fire. Turn me back...” 

Despite her efforts, she wasn’t able to pull out the arrow. The silver sliced through her own fingers, leaving the whole thing a mess of fleshy ribbons and blood. The wolf whimpered and whined, looking up at her with piteous eyes, before it slowly turned to stone. 

Something called out. When Carmen looked up, she saw a woman running toward them, her stomach swollen with pregnancy. Her eyes fell on the wolf and she fell to the ground, sobbing. 

“You were supposed to keep this from happening,” She said as sobs wracked her body. “They were supposed to be smarter than this.” Hands beat at the earth, and a look of pure hatred pierced into Carmen. 

“I will never forgive you.” 

In the distance, she could see a silhouette of a deer. More hunters walked alongside it, notching more silver headed arrows as their necks craned. Distant howls echoed in the forest, followed by yelps and snarls. 

Carmen sat up, tangled in blankets and pillows. Her sweat soaked through the fabric. Pulling herself free, she flinched when touching the now warm bag of squishy peas. 

Taking in shaking breaths, she got to her feet. The necklace had become entangled around her wrist again. Going to the sink, Carmen splashed cold water on her face to wake herself up, then shoved the peas back into the freezer. Her shoulder was still sore, but it was just uncomfortably warm rather than white hot. 

Sitting in her pillow pile, she pulled out her phone and sent a message to Esau. 

“ Hey. Sorry it’s late. But are dreams normal ?” She paused, before sending up a follow up message. “ Like, dreams about the Statue Lady? Diana? ” 

Opening the window, she sat on the windowsill and stared up at the moon. The cool night air felt better on her skin. They’d talked about the gods in school, but it wasn’t something Carmen took to heart. 

Her phone buzzed. Slipping back inside, she closed the window when she saw a video call incoming. Reluctantly, she answered it. 

Esau grumbled as he rubbed his bloodshot eyes. His face was pale in the blue light of the camera. 

“Sorry, fat fingers.” His voice was still groggy with sleep. “You okay?” 

“Yeah.”  Carmen recounted the dream. “But it was weird because… I had a dream the night I turned.” 

“You’ll only turn on the full moon if that’s your worry.” He rubbed his face and shook his head as if that would loosen sleep’s hold on him. 

“Diana… Sometimes you’ll have dreams about her. She is the goddess of the moon, so a lot of wolves think she’s a dream walker of sorts. One of the theories is that we’re descended from her hounds that she hunted with.” Taking in a deep breath, he rose from the bed and she realized he was shirtless. Carmen made sure that she had a blanket wrapped around her shoulders. 

“Aside from the dreams, you feeling alright?” 

“A little sick.” She admitted. “And… Kinda lonely.” 

As soon as the words left her mouth, Carmen berated herself. Why did she say that? It wasn’t like she could command someone to come over. Looking over her shoulder, Carmen winced at the little den she’d made of the pillows again. No way would she show him that.

“That’s normal.” He assured her. “Your body is going through a change. And… We’re pack animals.” He paused, as if mulling over his options. 

“You want me to send Max down to check on you?” His mouth opened to say something, but he clicked it closed, before glowering as something shuffled off camera. 

“Don’t worry about it.” Carmen didn’t want to drag Max out of bed. He would probably come to resent her for making things so difficult right off the bat. She already felt guilty about waking up Esau. And she was sure that if Peter was sent over, he wouldn’t leave the apartment alive. Thankfully, Esau never brought up that option. Nor did he invite himself over. 

They stared at one another in silence, before Carmen inhaled sharply and gave a wave. 

“Well, have a good night. Sorry for waking you up!” 

Hanging up the call, Carmen tossed her phone away. It clattered noisily on the floor, skidding into the pillow cavern. 

Another restless night had Carmen feeling like a slug in the morning. More sweat and heat rolled off her. 

Groaning, she looked at the homescreen of her phone and tried to will it to an earlier time so she could go back to sleep without guilt. Being a werewolf didn’t come with reversal powers, it seemed. Just a lot of sickness and irritation. 

After dragging herself to the shower, Carmen felt a wave of fatigue and soreness come over her. The tile slammed against her head. Groaning, she curled into a ball on the shower floor and just let the water pour over her. 

Grabbing a blanket, she burritoed herself inside and called the clinic, apologizing profusely. 

“Just… Get some rest, okay?” Anna swallowed. “Nick said you didn’t look so good when he walked you to your car." 

 Carmen groaned and shivered, her body feeling like it was on the point of a convulsion. 

Anna swallowed hard as a dog bayed in the background. “Carmen, please let me know if you feel any worse, okay?” 

“Anna, you’re the real MVP, you know that?”

“...Carmen, go back to sleep. You can barely string together a sentence, don’t leave your apartment.” Anna snorted. “And feel better, okay?” 

Sighing, Carmen hung up and looked at the ceiling. 

“ How much longer is this supposed to last? ” She messaged Esau. “ Because I do not want to deal with this and keep missing work .” Pausing, she let her thumb hover over the screen, before she added. “ And hit Peter, for me, okay ?” 

“ Wts ur adrss ?” 

Carmen sighed. How old was this man? Sending her address, she laid her head back down. 

Sleep continued to be elusive, so Carmen laid in her little pile of pillows, watching the tiles and shadows on the ceiling. 

A couple hours later, there was a knock at the door. Rising from the pile on the floor, Carmen shuffled to the door and opened it. 

Esau was standing at the door, a plastic bag in hand. His scent rolled over her and she suddenly was ravenous. The fatigue and the nausea fell off like heavy manacles, leaving Carmen feeling lighter than before. 

They stared at one another, awkward silence following. Shifting from foot to foot, Esau looked around at the halls, before clearing his throat. 

“Don’t you have work?” She stepped back and let him in. He walked in, looking around with raised brows. Carmen was suddenly aware of the state of disarray of the apartment. Her clothes and blankets were strewn about, the pillow pile in the middle of the living room, positioned so she could peer out and rest her head on the coffee table to eat. 

“I’m on break.” He set a plastic container on the counter. “I couldn’t sleep last night after your call, so I did some cooking. I figured you’d want to eat something. I managed to rescue some ingredients from Peter before he ate me out of house and home.” 

Carmen scowled, before she found herself rushing over when he popped the lid on the container. Her stomach growled.. 

“I thought you were feeling sick.” He put his palm to her forehead. “At least it feels like your fever broke.” 

The touch was warm, his hands soft. Fingertips brushed against brow and temple. Carmen found herself leaning into the touch, the familiar scent of Pack washing over her. Quickly, he pulled his hand away. 

“Sorry.” Sliding the container to her, he inhaled, putting a hand on his hip. His eyes swept around the apartment, taking in everything. The silence was suffocating. 

“Thanks for coming by.” Carmen forced a smile, but she felt a flicker of happiness that made it somewhat more real. She grabbed his arm to escort him out. 

It was like a jolt went through her. Her vision became tinted with silver and blue again, and her grip on his wrist tightened enough for him to grunt with discomfort. She stared up at him, her lips parting slightly. The familiar sensation of arousal stirred between her legs. Nowhere near as intense at the first time, but she recognized it. 

Esau looked down at Carmen, hands not leaving hers. 

“You’ve got wolf eyes…” He said softly, brows coming together. “But it’s not the full moon…” Sniffing the air, he stared at her, the confusion and fear rolling off him. But it was quickly overpowered by curiosity. 

Carmen let him go, rubbing her eyes. “Sorry.” She blinked, shaking her head and looking at him again. “Are they gone?” 

But her vision still remained the same silvery blue. The aching need was filling her again. The attraction she felt toward Esau was something she wasn’t sure about. Or was she just feeling that lonely?

Esau’s eyes never left her. There was something familiar about how he looked at her. The way the beast tried to push her away while he fought his own arousal. However, she felt them slowly coming closer together. 

“Carmen,” He said softly, “It’s not the full moon. You shouldn’t be looking at me like that.” 

“What if I’m not being affected by the moon?” Tongue flitting across her lip, she stared at him. "What if I just… really like you?" She’d never been too terribly into older men, but if someone was attractive, they were attractive. 

His eyes wouldn’t meet hers. “It’s not right. I’m so much older than you. And I made too many mistakes already.” Placing his hands on her shoulders, he let out his breath. 

“I’ve contacted an all female pack about three hours away from here. You should be able to get along there just fine without having to worry about-” 

“Are you kidding me!?” Carmen jerked away. “I’m not moving. I’ve got a life here. A job. People who rely on me! If you should be sending anyone away, it should be Peter, he’s the one who did this to me!” 

Esau flinched at her words. “I know. And I’m sorry. But if I send him away, then he's going to get himself killed.”

He clenched his fist, his whole body shaking with an effort to contain himself. “I lost control once. I’ll never do it again. And the best thing for that is to send you away.” 

Carmen grit her teeth. 

They stared at one another, not breaking eye contact. 

“ No. ” Carmen’s throat felt raw at the word. Esau’s face went pale and he fell to one knee, his whole body shaking. Hands clenched and opened, scratching at the hardwood floor. Veins bulged, joints twisted, and he let out a pained whimper. 

Could she really hold so much power? Her eyes widened as Esau slowly got to his feet, his body slick with sweat. Breathing heavily, he stared at Carmen. There was a flicker of the wolf in his eyes, but his body strained and it was snuffed out. She opened her mouth, almost ready to call for him to change. 

Horror filled her and she backed away. 

"You keep talking about staying in control, keeping it, never losing it." Carmen flexed her fingers. 

"But you didn't hurt me when you…" Cheeks burning, she shook her head, remembering how she was crying out with a need that frightened the both of them. And it was starting to rise again. 

And she didn't want to stop it. 

 "What do you want to do?" She asked, nearly begging. 

Esau turned away from her, staring at the den of pillows. "What I want isn't important. I need to keep the pack safe. I've sent away people before. That's why I took in a lone wolf like Peter, because he needed a pack to ground him. And that's why I need to send you away, before I-" 

Carmen reached out and touched his chest. She could feel his heart racing, hear the blood singing in his veins. Shifting, he turned to her touch. Fingers curled around the back of her hand, slowly lifting it away and cupping Esau's face. 

"We shouldn't be doing this." But he only leaned more into her hand as he spoke. 

 "Do you not want to?" 

"I do. By Diana, I do. But you're…" His words trailed off and he sighed. "I owe it to the pack. And to you." 

"You're not the pack leader right now." She reminded him. "You're just a man checking in on one of his patients." 

Standing on her toes, Carmen brushed her lips against his. The small bit of friction lit a flame. Fingers twisted in Esau's hair and brought him down. 

Arms looped around her waist and he pushed himself against Carmen. She could smell the shaving gel that he'd used that morning, the cologne he barely applied to cover up the faint scent of animal on him, and the desire. 

Head swimming, Carmen pressed her nose to the curve of his neck and inhaled his scent. Lips rain across scorching hot skin, making Esau's knees buckle. A raspy moan rattled in his throat, years of desire and repression finally unraveling. 

 Squeezing her shoulders, Esau brought her mouth back up to his. Stubble from the day scratched against her chin, but she didn't care. Their lips parted for an instant, only to come crashing back together. She shoved him, hard. With a grunt, he landed on the couch. 

Taking his shirt between her teeth, Carmen realized she wanted to tear it off him. Sanity came back an instant later, and the garment was pulled over his head instead. She inhaled his scent deeply, the arousal making her shiver. 

Her eyes went to the silvery bite on his shoulder. Fingers traced the wound, and it seemed to pucker and raise under her touch. Esau flinched, sucking in a breath, his fist making a white knuckled grip on the couch. 

Slipping off her pants and underwear, Carmen straddled him. Hands cupped the small of her back and rear. Nails pressed into skin, making it prickle at the touch. 

"This is going to be different." He warned her. 

“That doesn’t make it bad.” She kissed him again, grinding her hips against his. 

Fabric rustled, and she felt him pressing against her. Even the brief touches seemed to send a jolt through both of them. His nails dug more into her skin, making the contact last just an instant longer. 

The tip pressed inside her, already damp and slick with precum. 

“Are you sure?” He asked, even though his cock was pulsing, twitching against her wet slit. 

In response, she slid down onto him. Esau gasped, pushing Carmen’s shoulders and burying himself to the hilt. Panting, he began to thrust up into her as she met him in the opposite direction. 

They continued their movement, becoming entangled in one another, skin slick, breath catching, soft noises escaping as they explored one another with hands and mouths. 

“You alright?” She asked, trying to not moan too loudly and keep her rhythm going. Her breasts began to bounce as she took more control, putting her hand on the back of the couch to allow her better balance. 

Esau continued to gasp and whimper, each movement seeming to awaken something new to him. When she took him to the hilt, he'd toss his head back and let out a growl that rumbled through Carmen. 

“It’s just…” He took in a couple breaths, holding her to him. “Been a while.” Cupping her cheek, he stared at her. "It's a lot different when… you're human." 

"Just let me take care of it." She laced her fingers with his and continued to roll her hips. There was something about the two of them that just fit , and she couldn't put her finger on it. 

Picking up her pace, Carmen buried her face in Esau's neck. Moans escaped them both, before becoming muffled by lips. Carmen felt herself approaching climax, the orgasm building before she could even think to slow down and enjoy it. 

This was what she had craved. What she'd needed. 

Esau's nails dug into Carmen's hips, and he held her down. At first, she struggled, but he hilted himself, grinding against her to push in more than she thought possible.

A cry went past her lips as he twitched and she clenched, their climaxes within an instant of one another. With labored breaths, he weakly thrust upward as fluid covered the both of them, before finally slowing when he was spent. 

Pressing her forehead to his, Carmen inhaled their mingling scents. They kissed, Esau slipping hands inside her shirt and not allowing any space between them.

When he finally pulled back, there was a look of awe on his face. It was the glow and glint in his eyes as man and primal need were both satisfied.

Resting against him, Carmen closed her eyes. His hands remained around her waist, and her arms around his neck, cheeks, torsos, and groins pressed together. 

"What do we do now?" He asked, sounding genuinely lost. 

"I guess leave it up to the mercy of Diana."

[flowerbetweenfangs]

"Elk Centaur" by Francois Lelong

Stevens Point Sculpture Park, Wisconsin, USA

[flowerbetweenfangs]

I've written and published a book! If you'd like to support the blog and also get something to read out of it, then follow this link.

Summary:

Mochizuki Yuzuki, 29. Junior High Teacher. Unmarried, no children. After the death of her coworker, Mochizuki "Moon-Moon" Yuzuki finds herself plagued by horrific visions. Feelings of guilt twist themselves into creatures with enormous maws and fangs. Monsters and shadows stalk, the dead speak, and darkness creeps ever closer. The lines between fantasy and reality blur as she becomes able to escape, even in sleep. Desperate, she solicits the help of a Tea Shop and its surly owner. It promises the banishment of her nightmares, at a cost. However, the creatures are very real and on the hunt. If Yuzuki doesn't act soon, it will cost lives. Including her own.

If you like yokai, a mentally ill (anxiety) lead, and a magical world just under our own, I'd love for you to check it out.

[flowerbetweenfangs]

Not spoilers because it's at the beginning, but...

One time I almost died in the VERY start of BG3 because I got distracted by the illithid and the talk of being flogged and degraded, and knowing my place as beneath them. Like I was literally one dialogue choice away from being killed. My brain went the very wrong way, lol.

Apparently that game knew me a little too well and TESTED me right out of the gate.

[flowerbetweenfangs]

YES! Thank you so much. Not sure what to do to celebrate, maybe post one of my most popular works on A03 to the blog (Reverse harem monster fucking, anyone?)

[flowerbetweenfangs]

Your vampire lover taking you out to the beach (at night of course). They know the water can hurt them, and the thought of the sun is terrifying to them, but they'll brave it for you, to watch your reflection in the sea as you dash down the damp sand, splashing in the tide.

They sit in their coffin, far away enough to be safe and observe.

But before too long, they flit to your side, running alongside you. Then, they take your hand and spin you around, lips to your exposed wrist and neck as they pull you into an embrace. And soon you're making love on the beaches, their impossibly long cloak and attire acting as a barrier between you and the sand. You, clothed in only moonbeams as you smile at them.

One you're finished, your fingers lace with theirs, they take in the moment, knowing it will one of many like the grains of sand at your feet. Happy memories that will one day fill the beaches and ocean.

[flowerbetweenfangs]

One thing I love about the Monster x Human dynamic is the possible misunderstandings that come with being separate species.

The possible cultural differences. The awkwardness. Language barriers. Anatomy differences. Maybe they mistake a platonic gesture as romantic or you mistake a romantic gesture from them as platonic.

Maybe you accidentally touch a merperson's gills and they immediately shy away at the unexpected touch. You freak out and apologise because you think you've hurt them while they try and hide their obvious arousal at the intimate touch.

Or an alien whose skin colour changes with their mood. You notice they're always a more reddish colour when near you. When you ask them about it they get even redder and try to make something up while their friends watch and snicker cus they know exactly what that colour means.

You playfully bite your werewolf partner while cuddling and they let out a very erotic groan. Now they have to try and explain to you what marking is to werewolves while also being very horny and embarrassed.

[flowerbetweenfangs]

Marked By the Moon: Part One

CW: Dubcon due to heat/breeding. Originally posted on A03.

An oldie, but one of my favorites.

Buzzing shook the nightstand. Bluelight pierced through the blackness, making it impossible to ignore. 

Reaching forward, Carmen groped across the polished wood, then seized her phone. Sitting up on her bed, she pressed the glowing screen to her ear. Sleep clogged her throat and eyes as she grunted out a greeting. 

It was just after four in the morning. She knew better than to say “Someone better be dying”, because a call this early meant somebody probably was. 

“‘Lo?” She gurgled, blearily staring in the darkness. Sweat clung to her face and clothes in the summer heat. Her window was open, the breeze doing little to cool her off. 

“Carmen!” The voice on the other end was frantic. “You’re not going to believe this!” Several dogs barked and howled in the background. “I’m sorry for waking you up, but we’ve got an emergency surgery.” There were several grunts as her coworker pulled something. “I think some poachers got to him. It looks like he was torn open by a bear trap.” 

The words floated in the air, before bringing horrific images to mind. Carmen’s phone beeped, indicating there were messages sent, images attached to them. 

“I’ll be there soon,” Carmen was out of bed and throwing on her clothes. “Start prepping.” She pulled her dirty blonde hair back without brushing it, making sure it was secured in a knot at the back of her head. Squeezing into her jeans and a presentable shirt, she quickly grabbed her phone and quickly looked at the incoming messages. 

What followed were images of a male ginger wolf, with a large wound on his leg and shoulder. His fur was damp, having been cleaned up. There was a muzzle around his snout, but his eyes were open and alert. He looked directly at the camera with what could only be described as a lupine scowl. 

No matter how many injured animals she saw.  Carmen always sniffed and felt a pang of pity for them. From little Spot and Mittens getting into a spat to the various wildlife people brought in, every creature needed a caring touch. 

“He really tried to fight me when I put on the muzzle.”   Anna’s words read. “ But a good jab of sedatives has him going night night. He’ll be completely under when you get here.” 

“Sorry buddy,” Carmen said aloud to no one. “But your jaw could tear off our arms.” Shoving her phone back into her pocket, she started to psych herself up for the upcoming meeting with this new patient. There were several wolves in the area, but they tended to stay in the mountains and parks, away from the city. A local wildlife reserve rehabilitated them and worked closely with the clinic, taking on all sorts of feral creatures that didn’t belong in the city. 

The poor thing was probably all sorts of confused. 

Going to the bathroom, she splashed cold water on her face and sputtered, slapping her cheeks to wake herself up. Quickly, she brushed her teeth and let the rush of mint further energize her. This was going to be one for the books. 

Seizing a canned coffee from the fridge, Carmen grabbed her keys and stumbled out the door. Guzzling it down, she drove through the dark streets, slowing strategically at speed traps. The one good thing about her random late night trips, the normal people of the world were still asleep. Although it was nearing a full moon, so the crazies of the world would be out. 

Something dug into her hip. At first, she tried to ignore it, but it dug into the sensitive skin at every movement. It felt sharp. Adjusting how she sat, Carmen tried to keep her eyes on the road. She was waking up, but the risk wouldn’t be worth it. 

Once she pulled up to a stoplight, she looked down to see a flash of silver wrapped in a leather string. 

Reaching down, she fished it out and saw the trinket she’d bought a month ago, a piece of rose quartz with wire wrapped around it, a small crescent moon, tree, and wolf charm tied to the gemstone. It had been a weird impulse buy. She couldn’t help but think of how thematically appropriate it was. 

Ducking her head, Carmen slipped the leather over her head and tucked it under her shirt. The light turned green, and she floored it once she got on the highway. The night whipped by. Rolling down the windows, Carmen let out a scream to further wake herself up. It was going to be a long day. 

It was barely four thirty when she pulled into the animal hospital. 

Anna let her in before she reached for her badge. She looked frazzled, her eyes wide and bloodshot. There were small scratches covering her arms, but it was a side effect of the job they were more than used to. Passing off the coffee, Carmen took the clipboard and quickly skimmed the contents. They didn’t have a lot of time. 

“He’s completely out,” Anna said as they rushed to the surgery room. “I think he’s a juvenile. But it’s hard to tell.” 

“Then let’s make good use of the time,” Carmen stopped to wash her hands. Once she was certain they were sufficiently clean, she went through the door. 

On the metal table was the body of the wolf. His hind legs were being propped up by a stool. His paws and ears twitched in his sleep. Instead of chasing rabbits, he was probably thinking of chasing sheep. Or perhaps deer. Hell, he probably could take down a bear if he wanted to. 

“I knew wolves were massive, but this guy is just…” Carmen fanned herself with the clipboard, trying to wrap her head around the sight. 

“Huge?” Anna asked, arching a brow. “Even when I worked at the park as a teen, I don’t think the wolves there got this big.” She took a long drink from the coffee. “He’s bulky too. Nothing but muscle in there.” 

“Yeah.” Carmen rubbed her eyes. The sight of the patient had completely sobered her up and released sleep’s hold on her. “Alright. Let’s patch this guy up.” Approaching the table, she placed a hand on the wolf’s haunch. 

There was almost an audible snap as his jaw clenched, lips curling back to show his fangs. His whole body went rigid under her touch. Slowly, his upward eye opened and tracked, staring at her. 

Carmen’s stomach dropped and she sucked in a breath. His paw twitched, brushing against her thigh. His claws could easily tear open her clothing and skin if he so chose. Silvery drool dribbled from his mouth, hitting the floor with a wet smack. 

Blinking rapidly, Carmed put a hand to her chest and kept her breathing under control. The gemstone firm in her grip, she willed the wolf to go back under. Something tugged at her, and she smelled something… Musty. 

The wolf’s eye rolled back and slowly closed again, his body relaxing. The drooling stopped. When Carmed rubbed her eyes, the puddle of drool was gone.

She was more tired than she thought. But she needed to give this patient the best care. 

At least the sedatives were doing their work. Anna hadn’t seemed to notice the incident, having rushed to the front desk when the bell chimed, indicating they had another patient. No doubt this one would be making the rounds on social media, if not the local news. 

She washed off the wounds again, then made quick work of them. His skin and fur were so thick that her tools were warped and bent when she started. Putting away the tools, she went and found the newest set she’d managed to scrounge up the money for. 

 Sutures were simple. Once she’d pieced most of him together, she bandaged him up. It was almost comical to see an entire roll wrapped around his leg, tufts of fur peeking out between the cloth. His paw twitched when she touched it. 

Now she had to convince a wild animal to ignore his base instincts. With man’s best weapon. Painkillers and more sedatives. 

His eyes moved under the lid, his nostrils flaring and lips twitching. 

They didn’t have an Elizabethan collar big enough to put around his head. Carmen doubted it would stay on even if there was one. He would probably find some way to tear it off. 

Hurt, thrown into the hospital parking lot, muzzled, sedated, then probably going to wake up drugged out of his mind. 

“Don’t worry,” She said, patting the side of his head. “I’m sure the assholes who did this to you are going to get what’s coming to them.” His heartbeat thrummed under her fingers. Hands sinking into his fur, Carmen found it somewhat comforting. Warm. She found herself leaning down to rest her head on his side. Stopping herself, she pulled back. 

How tired was she? Maybe she should have drank the coffee instead of passing it off to Anna. 

Sighing, she rubbed her eyes. 

Then, there was a growl. 

Eyes opening, she saw the wolf staring at her again.

No, not staring. The light was gone from his eyes. His paws twitched, like he was running in place, but in his sleep. She debated on tying his paws, but knew the poor thing would only wake up more confused and scared. The sedatives would work on him for another couple hours. Moving the patient to another large kennel, she locked him inside. 

Exiting the room, Carmen went to the back room and sat down, curling up in a chair and closing her eyes. 

It felt like she’d only blinked when she opened them again. Her whole body was stiff and sore. Tilting her head back and forth, she heard her joints popping and cracking. Taking in a deep breath, she got up and went to check on the patient. 

He had been moved to the kennels, a private section to keep him away from the domestic pets. His head laid on a pillow, his whole body limp. The exhaustion came through the glass, his expression pitiful. 

“I called the Wildlife Reserve.” Anna said, coming in with a steaming mug. “They’ll be here to pick him up in half an hour. They had some… Colorful words for me when I told them we had already gone ahead and done surgery on him.” 

Carmen crossed her arms and rolled her eyes. “I still want to know who the hell did this to him? Who sees an animal and thinks “You know what, I should hurt him?””

“I dunno. Crazy.” A buzzing rang through the room. Sighing, Anna turned on her heel and went to greet the customer who had just walked in. 

Walking up the glass, Carmen put her hand on it. The wolf tilted his head to look up at her, eyes looking sorrowful. His sides heaved, the barrier muffling the whines. 

Then, his head snapped to the area behind her. Looking back, Carmen saw uniformed men with a large cage. They towered over Carmen, their bodies thick with muscle. Their uniforms had the logo of the local wildlife reserve. 

“Oh. I thought you wouldn’t be here for a while.” Carmen straightened. 

“When we heard about the wolf, we had to make quick time.” One said, offering his hand. “Especially knowing he was injured.” The gloves were thick, ready to take on any bite. He was maybe mid thirties, with salt and pepper hair and dark eyes. 

Carmen took the hand, shaking it. She wasn’t even sure if  his fingers could move within the fabric. 

“Well, he seems to be responding well to the medication. Here’s what we dosed him with.” She found the chart and passed it over to the agent as the other moved to the wolf’s room. He was younger, maybe in his early twenties with dark hair pulled back into a tail. 

“Good. Thanks for taking care of him. We’ll try to see if he belongs to a pack not too far from here. If he doesn’t, then we’ll make sure to release him somewhere safe.” The man handed her a card. “If you want to visit him.” 

“Of course,” Carmen heard the sounds of a struggle. Whirling around, she saw the wolf snarling and growling, lunging at the Agent despite the muzzle. They had him in a hold with a catch pole. He went to try and paw it off, before collapsing with a yelp when he put weight on his injured legs. 

“Stand back, ma’am. I have to go help him.” The agent rushed into the room as the wolf continued to pull and twist, trying to get himself free. 

When he opened the door, the wolf suddenly shot forward, knocking him aside and heading straight for Carmen. 

“Shit!” Carmen didn’t have time to move as the wolf barreled into her. When she hit the ground, the Agents managed to get hold of him again. 

Then, he lifted up a massive paw and raked it across her arm. Two long crimson lines formed across the skin. Blood welled up, dripping onto the floor. 

“Carmen!” Anna shrieked, rushing over. “Oh my god, are you okay?” 

“It’s fine.” Carmen insisted, getting to her feet. Drops of crimson fell on the floor. The skin was already red and puffy. “Jesus.” She struggled to draw in breath, her heart leaping into her throat. 

The wolf continued to pull and tug at the Agents, but the second wind seemed to have gone out of him. Once they got him into the cage, the fight completely went out of him. With a metallic WHUMP, he collapsed, staring at Carmen through the bars. 

“You need to go to the hospital.” Anna insisted. “That looks bad.” 

“ER visit is not in the cards.” Carmen argued. “Can’t afford that.” She winced and cradled her arm. “How far away is the closest urgent care?” 

Walking to the desk, she pulled out a first aid kit, popping it open with one hand. At least they had plenty to handle small incidents. No way was she going to walk through the front lobby while bleeding like a stuck pig. Pulling out disinfectant, she went to the bathroom and applied it. 

The burning sensation nearly made her black out from the pain. Her head hit the wall, and she barely registered what Anna was saying. The other Agents were apologizing, or at least Carmen hoped so. 

“- about ten minutes?” Anna frowned. “I’ll fill out the incident report.” She looked Carmen up and down. “You don’t look so good, you should take the rest of the day off to rest. I’ll call someone from the other clinic and see if they can cover the surgeries. Thank God those guys knew the nearest Clinic offhand.” 

“Probably go there all the time themselves." Carmen shrugged. Anna reached over and helped hold her arm still. 

"Thanks, Doll.” Carmed winced again, seizing a roll of bandages and binding her arm the best she could. The Agents were gone, with the cage loaded in a trailer. “I’m not even mad. Poor boy was probably scared out of his mind.” 

***

The Urgent Care had just opened when she pulled up. Once admitted, she sat in the room, still cradling her arm. She didn’t dare unwrap the wound to get a better look at it. 

When the door opened, Carmen jerked her head up to look. 

The man who came through was older, maybe mid to late 40s. His hair was completely white, small bits of stubble on his face. Tired brown eyes looked her over, dark circles under them. A fatigue they both seemed to recognize and share a sympathetic half smile over. 

“Alright, tell me what happened.” His voice rumbled, still raspy from sleep. He held up a clipboard, clicking a pen to take notes. Old fashioned, then. She caught the name on his nametag, Esau Remington . 

“So, I’m a vet,” Carmen began, unwrapping her arm as she recounted what she thought was needed. He paid attention, unblinking and nodding. 

By the end, his brow was furrowed, the pen’s clicker tapping against his lips. 

“Are you sure it was a wolf and not a really big dog like a shepherd or a husky?” 

Fishing her phone out, Carmen showed him the pictures that Anna had sent her. His frown deepened, his brows rising to meet his hairline, the pen twirling back and forth between his fingers. The corner of his lip twitched, and he sucked in a sharp breath. 

“Well, I’ll be damned,” His cheeks flushed and he gave a nervous chuckle. 

“Sorry about the language. It’s not every day you see a wolf.” Clenching his jaw, he looked at the wound on her arm. “Just the scratch? He didn’t bite you anywhere?” 

Carmen shook her head. “No. They had a muzzle on him.” She winced as he rolled her arm between his fingers to look the gash over, making sure there was nothing inside it. The skin was more swollen, the congealing scabs weeping with clear fluid. “I’m up to date on my rabies shots and the like, unless you think I should take a booster?” 

Shaking his head, Dr. Remington sighed. “No, I think you do need sutures though. He did a number on you.” 

The pen scribbled as he took down a few notes. “I’m going to write you a prescription for some antibiotics and steroids. Take them all , even if you feel better.” The tone did not offer an argument. “And I’m going to recommend you take the next few days off. If you have a wily patient, you’re going to rip the sutures back open.” 

Carmen let a groan slip past her lips. The Doctor seemed taken aback, pen pausing mid scribble. Brow cocked, he looked her over. 

“I’ve got a lot of patients I need to look after.” She complained. “The wolf was a wild card, normally I just handle check ups.” 

“I’m sure your patients would appreciate you in a healthy state.” Remington argued back gently. “Take some time off, don’t strain yourself.”

  He looked over his shoulder, then back to her. “I know when I have some days cleared in my schedule, I like to go camping with some of my friends. We go hiking, swimming, and get to see nature.” Looking pointedly at her wound, he shrugged. “Although it wouldn’t surprise me if you’re a little sick of nature right now.” 

With a sigh, he began to prep her arm. Another round of disinfectant, making her hiss with pain. 

“I don’t mind nature.” Carmen shrugged, wincing as he began to apply the first suture. “Just don’t know if it’s a good idea to make a spontaneous trip into the woods with a messed up arm.” She tried to force a smile, but hissed when he pinched her wound closed. 

Dr. Remington tilted his head to the side with a grunt of agreement. “True. But it was just a suggestion.” His Adam’s Apple bobbed and he swallowed hard, his lips moist. “Not to mention the meds you’re on… Probably will make you too woozy to do anything strenuous.” He chuckled. “I got a little ahead of myself, sorry.” 

Carmen shrugged. “I get it. A little early, trying to wake yourself up.” 

"I find it hard to sleep some nights. Especially around this time of the  month. Always finding people doing stupid things. Must be the full moon." 

Once he’d finished stitching her up, he presented her with a prescription and doctor’s note. After calling the clinic back, Carmen assured Anna that she would be back as soon as possible. 

At home, she popped the first round of pills and collapsed onto her bed. 

When Carmen woke up next, sweat soaked her sheets. Panting, she pulled herself from her blanket cocoon. The cool air of the night was like ice. Shivering, she popped another round of meds, then  got into the shower, letting the water pour over her. 

The sweat and grime from sleep rolling down into the tub made her feel a little more like a human. Her phone was blowing up with texts from Anna and other coworkers. Pushing her phone aside, Carmen collapsed onto her bed again, shivering and trying to cover herself up enough to combat the shivers, but not feel overheated. 

Shaking, she tried to claim sleep, but it refused to come. Getting up, she began to pace back and forth across the floor, feet slapping loudly across the hardwood. The walls around her seemed to close tighter. 

Opening her window, she popped out the screen and leaned out. A spell of dizziness hit her. Head swimming, she nearly fell forward. Holding tightly to the sill, she yanked herself back in, rear slamming hard against the floor. Leaning against her bed, she took a few shaky breaths. 

Closing her eyes, she drug the sweat soaked blanket down from her bed and wrapped it around herself, falling into a fitful sleep. 

When the first rays of sun pierced the open window, chilly winds of dawn rolled over Carmen and made her hair stand on end. The necklace pressed into her hip, leaving red indents over her skin. Fishing it out, she simply tossed it aside, watching it skitter across the floor and come to a rest against her dresser. 

Crawling to the window, she pulled it closed and then collapsed under it. Curling into the fetal position, Carmen fell into another fitful sleep. 

She found herself standing next to a woman made of stone. A crescent moon covered her eyes like a mask, her mouth open in a howl. A silver wolf draped itself across her lap, head thrown back to mimic hers. Cracks and chipped off pieces had worn it down, but it still held a beauty to it. 

The grass around it was green and lush. Thick trees grew around the statue, the song of the forest crying out. Animals, insects, bubbling streams, wind, all of it calling out to something in her. Taking a few steps forward, she looked at the wolf. Its stone eye seemed to move, looking right at her. Even though she was clothed, it made her feel naked and nervous. Stomach flipping, she took a few steps back. 

“Come to me, my child.” A woman’s voice whispered in the wind. 

The golden sun had become the silvery moon when Carmen opened her eyes again. Her whole body ached. A throbbing in her head and arm helped drag her away from the land of sleep. She saw the necklace tightly clutched in her grip, leaving an impression of the moon in her palm. 

Every muscle protested when Carmen drug herself off the floor and took the meds. They went down hard, nearly making her throw it back up. 

Filling up a tall drink of water, she guzzled it down to fill her stomach. Hunger gnawed at her, staving off sleep. Breathing hard, she took another shower and let the hot water soothe her muscles. 

The strange fever and fatigue had worn off, replaced with an energy that she hadn’t felt in years. Blood sang in her veins, wanting to run. Even in the shower, she found herself shifting from one foot to the other, eager to start… Something. 

Stepping out of the shower, she found herself dressing quickly. Hair still damp, she pulled it back and mapped out a potential run she could do. She just had to go outside. Get away from the walls of plaster and sheetrock. 

A smell made her pause. It was buried under her smell. But she could still pick it up. Pulling out her pants from the other day, she pulled out the business card and sniffed it. A small drop of blood was on the corner. Hers? No. The scent drove her wild. She held it close and inhaled deeply, before pulling it back. 

“What the hell am I doing?” Setting it back down, Carmen rubbed her face, sweat pouring down her brow. She stared at the address, the image of the wolf coming to her mind. 

He stared at her, looking pitiful. Then, his claws flashed and raked across her arm. When she fell to the ground, she saw the statue. 

“ Come to me, my child .” The woman’s voice whispered in the wind again. “ Join the hunt. ” 

Walking outside, Carmen let the night air roll over her and went to the car, heart thrumming. Pulling out her phone, she punched the address of the wildlife reserve and then prepared to travel. 

Her drive was a blur. Tunnel vision made her unaware of how fast she arrived, or even if she was driving safely. Static crackled in her ears, making her hair stand on end. 

The mechanical voice telling her she’d arrived at her destination was what brought her back. She stared at the spot illuminated by her headlights. A line of trees, then a chain link fence. More foliage behind that, but it was too thick to see past. 

Getting out of the car, Carmen slammed the door and began to take a few steps toward the fence. The wind shifted, blowing a scent toward her. Wrapping her fingers around the links, Carmen inhaled.

  Closing her eyes, she let the smell wash over her. It caressed her very being, tugging at something within her. Dropping to her knees in front of the fence, she clenched the links tight enough for her knuckles to turn white and her injured arm to throb. Metal warped under her grip, the coppery scent of blood following. 

Bringing her hands down, Carmen saw crimson pooling in her palm. A laugh escaped her and she sat with her back to the fence. Lapping at the wound, shook her head. 

“What on earth am I doing?” She started to stand. Her body protested at the movement. The soreness was back with a vengeance. Closing her eyes, she pressed her bandaged hand to her face, pulling it away to see it soaked with sweat and grime. 

Staggering to her feet, she ignored the tantalizing scent as she headed back to her car. When Carmen put her hand on the roof, the smell hit her like a load of bricks. Opening her eyes wide, she turned back around to look at the line of trees. The area around her was tinted with a silvery-blue hue, but it was almost as bright as day. 

This had to be a dream. None of this made sense. Leaning down, she touched her forehead to the warm metal of the car. 

“Just wake up.” She urged herself. “You’re having a bad reaction to the medicine.” 

Slowly, she raised her head. 

Time seemed to slow down. Turning back toward the fence, she felt her feet moving on their own, dragging across the asphalt. 

Something glistened on the links in the silvery light. Reaching out, she brushed her knuckle to it. Once she touched the metal, it sent a jolt through her.  

Then, she saw the small gap in the links. Someone had cut through it with bolt cutters. But they’d put it back to where it was almost invisible to anyone far enough away. No wonder she had been able to bend the metal so easily.

 Clenching the fence, she pulled it back and crawled through, metal raking across her back. Wincing, she dropped to her stomach and drug herself through, feeling more tugs at her clothing. 

Once she stood up, her arm was throbbing, the pain making her head spin. Staggering, she sniffed the air. The scent was stronger than before. Her whole body ached, but she had to follow it. Cradling her arm, she began a slow walk. 

Cicadas cried, a creek flowed, and the wind continued to blow, stirring a few stray wisps of her hair out of its knot at the back of her head. 

Then, she came to a break in the trees, showing a sheer drop. In the meadow, a group of wolves ran around, wrestling and snapping at one another. Her breath caught in her throat when she saw one stop, then stand up on its hind legs and sniff the air. It turned a massive head around to look right at her. 

“I knew you’d come.” A voice called behind her. It was gruff, like it wasn’t used to speaking. As it rumbled through her ears, Carmen’s hair stood on end. 

Slowly, Carmen turned to see a bipedal wolf looking at her, its hindleg bandaged and stiff. Its shoulder was also wrapped up. 

The wolf took a few shaking steps toward her. Then, it dropped down onto all fours. Even then, it still looked her in the eye. Drool glistened on its teeth as it licked its muzzle. Then, she saw the same eyes, in what she recognized as a lupine scowl. 

Her ginger wolf from the clinic. 

Now she knew she was dreaming. 

It took another step toward her. She backed away, stopping when she felt the give of the ground, warning her of the drop below. Heart hammering in her throat, she could only stare at the wolf as it took a few steps closer to her.

Her stomach fluttered. Fear? No. Something else she couldn’t identify. Head swimming, she tried to string thoughts together to make a plan of escape. However, her vision began to blur. Daring to blink, she took in a shaking breath. 

Something tore through the grass. But she didn’t dare take her eyes off the creature approaching her. Caught between a rock and a hard place, she focused on the visible threat. 

“The Goddess has blessed you. And you’ve been marked by her hounds.” Ginger grumbled, nose nearly touching her. The inhales were strong, almost like a human. 

“You’ve gone into heat.” His tongue lolled out of his mouth, hot breath rolling over her skin. Something about it made the ache worse, spreading it through Carmen so fast she nearly screamed. “You’ll send the rest of the pack into rut.” 

Then, a large silver wolf slammed into the ginger, swatting him with a human shaped front paw. The action was so quick, Carmen could only gape. Her knees nearly gave out, but she managed to keep herself upright. If she went over the cliff, she’d drop and probably break below. But if this was a dream… 

Ginger flew back, screaming in pain. The noise shook her thoughts loose and she gasped, reaching out for him. Crimson blossomed on the bandaged haunch and shoulder. His back legs gave out as he struggled to get on all fours again.

“You bastard!” He barked at the silver wolf. “You broke my leg!” Yelping, he looked at Carmen with pleading eyes. “Help me!” 

Carmen took a step forward, only to feel a hand clamp on her shoulder. Claws dug into her skin, making her stand still. Then, she was whirled around to face the silver wolf, who towered over her. 

“You shouldn’t be out here.” The voice rasped. “Not without being taken into the pack first.” His nostrils flared, his pupils blowing all the way out as he stared at her. Brown eyes, glinting with the want for a hunt. His scent overpowered Carmen. 

Squeezing her eyes shut, she whispered to wake up over and over again. 

The fear held fast to her, not allowing her to move a muscle in fear of both wolves tearing her to shreds. 

Then, the hand on her shoulder went to her waist, picking her up. Before she could scream, it squeezed tight enough to push the air from her lungs. Finally, she opened her eyes to see that she was moving. Well, the wolf was walking, simply carrying her like a ragdoll. His massive paws had wrapped around her, although he’d taken care to not scratch her further with his claws. 

Ginger flew at them with a snarl, his back leg suddenly seeming to work perfectly. 

Silver swatted at him, then heaved. The wolf flew through the air, screaming as he went down into the meadow below. When he hit the ground, the crunch echoed through the night. Carmen felt sick, her stomach heaving. Covering her mouth, she squeezed her eyes shut again. 

There was a grunt. Air whipped around Carmen, stirring the scents again. An impact jostled her, and she opened her eyes. They’d landed in the meadow, the other wolves approaching, much more cautious in their steps. A few sniffed, inching closer with flared nostrils, but never close enough to touch. 

The smell made her mind swim. Heat flushed in her cheeks, and she shivered. All the eyes on her were like hands, caressing her very being. Each one hungrily taking her in, assessing her. 

The ruined pile of fur and bone groaned. 

“Your brother decided to go against the rules and try to bring another member into our ranks. Without permission. Or consent, for that matter.” Silver growled. “So now, he must put himself at the mercy of Diana.” He set Carmen down, setting his massive hand on her shoulder so she couldn’t run. His touch froze her further. Not even a breath passed her lips. 

The wolves sat or laid down in the grass, staring at the pair. They knew who the one in charge was. 

“What’s going on?” Carmen choked out, eyes watering. “Please. Tell me or let me wake up.” She slapped her cheeks, stopping when Silver’s hand wrapped around her entire uninjured forearm. It was a gentle, but firm grip. 

“No one touches her.” Silver insisted, before forcing her to face him. His eyes seemed to stare into her very being. They looked alert, but so tired. More fluid dribbled onto her legs and shoes. But she didn’t dare break the gaze. To assert dominance with a canine, you couldn’t be the first to break eye contact. 

Hopefully the same rules applied to lupines. Alpha and Omega only applied to captive and family packs, but this was all she knew to work with. 

As they stared at one another, Carmen felt the fear and desire to know more about everything warring with one another. Part of her wanted to escape the dream no matter how, the other part wanted to stay and listen. Sit on her haunches like the other wolves, watching him speak. 

His eyes explored hers, flicking over her form to take her appearance in. The gleam only added to his dangerous look. His pupils were slightly dilated, his muzzle twitching. His tongue tasted the air around her. 

Silver broke away first. A sigh of relief escaped her, and she dropped to her knees. Silver’s grip on her arm didn’t release. Closing her eyes, she urged herself to wake up. 

Then, she was being pulled back to her feet. Arms cradled her, twisted and alien enough to make her uneasy, despite the strength behind them. She tried to not shake, but her body refused to listen. 

“What do we do?” One of the wolves asked. “Her scent is going to roll on the wind. If she’s changed, there might be others we don’t know about.” 

“Guard the entrances. Make sure no one else gets in.” Silver rumbled, before he started to walk, each step jostling Carmen enough to nearly make her cry out. 

Then, he took her away from the meadow. There was a hole on the side of the cliff. Bowing his head, Silver brought her inside. Only then did he set her down on the stone floor. Once he’d done that, he went to the mouth of the cave and sat down. 

“Can you please tell me what’s going on?” Carmen begged, not daring to move from her spot. “Did… Did you kill that wolf?” She’d have to call the Wildlife reserve when she woke up to check on him. 

“No. If Diana is merciful, he will be healed when the moon and sun switch.” Silver didn’t look at her. “You care about the one who did this to you? Was he your mate?” 

The question made Carmen blush. “N… No. I just…” Her brain felt addled. Why was she getting flustered over a wolf? “I took care of him. He was already hurt.” 

Silver snorted. “We’re sturdy. Don’t worry.” He slammed his paw on the ground. The open palm slapped hard, the noise amplified in the cave. Carmen resisted the urge to clap her hands over her ears. “As you saw, he wasn’t nearly as injured as he pretended to be.” 

Still, getting flung over the side of the cliff… 

Carmen shuddered. “I just… I want to go home. Or wake up.” She scratched at the side of her head. The blood on her palm smeared on her cheek. 

Silver turned to look at her sideways. “You think this is a dream?” 

“Talking wolves, seeing them walk upright, it’s like a werewolf movie.” Swallowing, Carmen flinched when she felt the sting of pain, more blood dripping on her clothing. 

Standing upright, Silver approached her, taking her hand in his massive paws. Rolling it back and forth, he stared at it. Then, he slowly leaned down and ran a large pink tongue over the wound. The sensation sent a shiver up Carmen’s spine. 

The wound slowly began to shrink, before sealing itself closed. Carmen stared at it in awe. She flexed her fingers and brushed them against the twisted digits that now clutched her hand. Silver’s fur suddenly bristled, and he dropped her hand, turning away from her again. 

“You are werewolves, aren’t you?” Swallowing hard, Carmen tried to calm the roaring in her ears. 

“Correct.” Silver sighed. “We don’t bring pack members in willy nilly. It was supposed to be a tight ring.” He scratched at the ground, his claws bringing up grains of stone. “And not without my permission. Every werewolf in this pack is under my protection. They abide by my rules. In exchange, they are given this area to run every cycle.” 

“Why haven’t I changed?” The words were hard to force out. 

“You’re refusing to.” Silver turned to face her fully. “You’ve surely felt the way your body is hurting? How you need to do something, but you’re not sure what?” His nostrils flared, his pupils nearly overtaking his iris. “The Goddess has touched you. But you’ve managed to keep control, I’m impressed.” 

His hands shook as he reached for her. Claws traced her cheeks, making her hair stand on end. The scent of him was overpowering, making her mouth almost water. Something in her ached. 

“You are safe now. If you give into the change, you will not harm yourself or others.” He assured her. “I will take you into the pack. Every moon, we will come here. Once you are recognized as a member, we’ll do what we can to make sure that this is as painless as possible.” 

His hands on her, the rumbling of his voice, his scent, the way the air tasted around him drove Carmen crazy. Trembling, she felt herself nearly falling again. Why was she so weak in the knees? 

Something in her finally let go. The world exploded in silvery blue, the scents, sounds, and feelings overpowering her. Gasping, she felt her back arch. 

She suddenly jolted forward, slipping from the grip of Silver. He stared at her with wide eyes, flinching when she touched him. Burying her hands into his fur, inhaled his scent, listening to the rapidly increasing beat of his heart. 

The touch seemed to awaken something in him, his rapidly growing erection brushed against her midriff, pushing the hem of her shirt up. 

“N-no.” He weakly tried to push her away, nearly tripping over his feet as he tried to get away from her. “You can’t.” 

A fire formed in Carmen’s belly. She felt the emptiness inside her clawing up into her womb, begging to be filled. Dropping to her knees, she panted, sweat trickling down her brow and upper lip. 

“Please.” She said, her mouth dry. “Please. Help me.” Her eyes widened and she felt heat flash through her. The scent rolling off her mingled with the air. It was hard to resist the urge to tear off her clothes and start plunging fingers inside herself. 

Silver’s erection grew, beads of precum dribbling from the tip as he inhaled her scent, tasting it in the air. Silvery saliva drooled out of his mouth, and he stared at her. But he didn’t dare move. His hand gripped the mouth of the cave, looking ready to rip it down rather than come near her. 

“You must have your first change,” He urged her. “Please. Let the Wolf inside come out.” He flexed his free hand. “My fangs and claws would rip you to shreds.” His voice was growing more raspy, each word a chore to push past his teeth. 

Carmen’s body twisted as she cried out with a need she’d never felt the intensity of before. Her throat felt raw from the primal screams escaping her. She tried to find the part of her mind and push for the change to occur. Begging the wolf to come out. 

The other wolves were making their way over. Their scent made Carmen launch herself, only for Silver to clothesline her. With a grace that suggested practice, he managed to push her back into the cave. With his hand still tight around her waist, he laid Carmen on the floor. 

“Diana, forgive me for what I’m about to do.” He muttered, holding her to the ground. “You can’t scream like that. You’ll make every wolf in the area come running.” His cock brushed against Carmen’s clothed groin, the sensation sending another blast of lust through her. 

“Please.” Carmen panted, unable to catch her breath. “Help me.” Eyes watering, she reached for the Wolf’s arm, gripping it tightly enough she thought she might burst her stitches. 

“I could rip you in half.” He shook his head. “You’re not changed. You’re not made for it.” His nostrils flared, his hands shaking and gripping her tighter. 

“Help me change.” She urged him. “Please.” Why was she in so much pain if it was a dream? There was no way she’d been this horny in real life. Sure, she’d wanted sex before, but never this bad.

Sighing, he looked over his shoulder to the entrance of the cave. It was empty. But each movement and second he made her wait was agonizing. 

Slowly, he took his hand off her. With considerably less grace and control, he tore off her pants and underwear. The full scent of her arousal hit him. His hand slammed the open area above her head, his cock dribbling onto her thighs. A few drops landed on her exposed groin. Crying out, she bucked her hips up, reminding him what needed to be filled. 

Leaning down, he nuzzled against her neck, his nose cold. Fangs traced over her skin, making her gasp. Warmth followed as his tongue went across her neck, trailing to the collar of her shirt, leaving a large wet spot. Tensing, he ran his hand up her stomach, slipping it under the fabric of her top. 

It rested there, his open palm’s warmth mingling with her own. Slowly, he slipped it off her, taking care to not tug on the bandages on her injured arm. His claws tore through the cheap fabric of her sports bra, but the loss wasn’t going to break her heart. 

His eyes rested on the necklace now laying against her chest. 

“Diana forgive me,” He said again, before pushing her legs apart. His fur tickled her bare skin. It was softer than she thought it would be. Lowering his head, he lapped at the wetness forming between her legs and spilling out into the floor. 

The touch of his tongue made her cry out. Her legs locked around Silver’s head, forcing him to inhale her scent and arousal completely. Whether the motion or her cries finally made him let go, it seemed to awaken something in him. 

Growling, he sent a rumble through her that shook her very being. Breath escaped her, and she fell back flat, drowning in the pleasure. 

Grabbing Carmen’s thigh, Silver plunged his tongue in deep, rolling his head with each lick. She thought she would scream, but all that came out were quiet moans of satisfaction. Her hands tried to grab at something, to distract her from the sensation long enough to hold her rapidly approaching climax. She settled on resting her hand on his head, pushing him in further. 

Her legs went slack, shaking with desire. He gave a few more licks, before pulling back and running his tongue over her clit. Each movement sent a wave of pleasure over Carmen, making her cry out and arch her back, wanting to be filled again. 

Then, he pulled back, fur slick with her arousal. Breathing heavy, the Wolf stared at her entrance, his warm breath tickling her wet folds. Leaning down, he licked the ground and lapped up every drop of her that had spilled out. 

He picked her up off the ground, pressing her to the wall. Carmen’s legs snaked around his waist, barely able to hold herself up. Rocking his hips, Silver, growled in her ear. The breath tickled the curve of her neck, making her shiver. 

“Tell me you want it.” He rasped, the tip prodding against her. She could feel their fluids mixing together, dirtying the cave floor. 

Wrapping her arms around his neck, Carmen nodded. 

“P-Please.” She begged. 

Then, he entered her. She was so slick it slid right in. Once she’d wrapped around him, he grabbed her shoulders and pulled her down. Rolling his hips, he thrust up into her. Arms wrapped around Carmen’s body, he kept her from scraping against the stone of the cave. Cradling her head, he had her look at him. 

“Your pupils are so wide, I can’t see your iris anymore.” He growled, each thrust sending pleasure through Carmen. “I didn’t think my cock would fit, but you’re taking it so well.” The words weren’t teasing or hurtful, he seemed just as surprised as her. “It’s like you were made for me. There’s a little bit of the wolf getting teased out.” 

Carmen couldn’t deny the pleasure sweeping through her. She wriggled her hips and took him to the base, gripping him tighter. The growl that escaped him was one of pleasure. His thrusts were strong, each one filling her with white hot heat. Every moan and gasp that escaped her echoed loudly in the cave, no doubt funneling into the meadow. 

“Hold me tightly.” He encouraged her. “Scratch, bite, yell, let yourself fall to your base instincts.” His thrusts became almost vicious, impaling Carmen and reaching deeper than she thought possible. 

She screamed, tearing at his fur. The cries encouraged him further, and he bucked his hips hard, slamming into her. Bareback scraping against the wall, Carmen took it all in, pleasure building in her stomach and bringing her closer. 

There was no way she should have been able to take his cock. It was too big. The thought of it entering would have made her scoff, but now she was drawing it into her like it had always belonged. 

Then, she grew uncomfortably tight. Wincing, she dug her nails into his thick fur. Part of her was tempted to bite down on his shoulder, but the sensation would probably shock him into letting go of her. 

She grew more slick, wanting to take him all the way in, thicker cock be damned. It needed to be all the way inside when he came. Rolling her hips, she tried to press herself down against him when he thrust up. 

“Fuck… The knot.” Silver panted. “I’m about to-” 

He winced when she wrapped her legs tighter around him. “Wait, I’m going to-” His eyes were clouded with lust, his tongue lapping her neck. Words became grunts and growls 

Carmen’s body tensed. Throwing her head back, she nearly slammed it against the wall of the cave as the orgasm ripped through her. She clenched down onto the cock inside her. 

The pressure made Silver howl, and he erupted. Thick ropes of fluid filled Carmen, then dripped onto the floor. Two more aftershocks followed, although they paled in comparison to the first, merely spilling more onto the stone and Silver’s feet. 

Panting, Silver brought her down, collapsing onto the cave floor. His rapidly shrinking and softening cock was still slick with Carmen’s wetness. 

Carmen crawled over to him, falling onto his chest. His rapidly beating heart gradually slowed, his shallow breaths becoming deeper. Within moments, he was snoring. 

Closing her eyes, Carmen laid against his sleeping form. Even though he was a beast, it felt safe. His clawed hand rested against her thigh, the other encircling her chest and pulling her to him. 

***

Slants of light fell on Carmen. Groaning, she tried to move. Soreness filled her body, her joints and muscles straining against the movement as she tried to rouse herself. The floor underneath her was cold and hard. Hadn’t she closed the window last night? 

Looking down, she saw her naked body. Bruises traced up and down her hips and thighs. Stone was beneath her, scents of sex and animal mixing with her nose. 

Warm hands clutched her close. A half hard cock rubbed against her leg. 

“Mmm…” The person holding her groaned, pulling her back down to the ground. Stubble scraped against her bare shoulder, followed by a kiss. Squirming, she resisted the urge to twist away. 

“Morning.” The grogginess was clear in the voice. 

Carmen felt a familiar soreness between her legs. Panic seized her when she realized what had happened wasn’t a dream. 

Slowly, she turned to look down at her partner. 

And into the half asleep face of Doctor Remington. 

[flowerbetweenfangs]

Godwyn, Prince of Death

[flowerbetweenfangs]

[flowerbetweenfangs]

🦇 𝕹𝖔𝖈𝖙𝖚𝖗𝖓𝖆𝖑 𝕯𝖆𝖓𝖈𝖊 🦇

Piece done a few months back for @Nova_Mali's "And They Were Monsters" LGBTQ+ monster lover collaborative art book!

It was such an honor to work beside so many incredible artists, I hope to get invited to do more projects like this in the future! ❤️