16 comments/ 57073 views/ 61 favorites Beastie By: lovelemur Rowan walked swiftly down the rapidly darkening street, trying to put as much distance between her and the hole where she worked as possible. The evening was chilly and the scent of burning wood floated on the air so heavily she could almost taste it. This was her favorite time of day. Everything was so peaceful with all the daytime shoppers gone for the evening and at least an hour before the crowds for the clubs really started to pick up. She paused briefly at the window of an aging used bookstore, digging in her bag for her keys. The owner of the shop stared at her for a moment before calling her inside, "Hey, Miss Lottie," Rowan greeted the older woman, "What's up?" the shop owner blanched gently at Rowan's use of the phrase "What's up?" but decided to ignore the irritating slang. "I was just about to call you, your book is in," Miss Lottie delighted privately in the shine of Rowan's eyes at the news. It was moments like this that the old woman had gotten into the used book trade in the first place. Without hesitation, Rowan dug into her pockets for all the tips she had made that evening and frowned slightly. Business had been slow and if she paid for the book tonight, she would have to get really creative for dinner. She looked at the money and looked at the heavy volume in the shop owner's hand and without a second thought handed the cash over. Miss Lottie smiled, "Is there anything else I can do for you, dear?" "No thank-you, ma'am. Actually, I have to get home before the landlady locks me out again" "Well, hurry along then. And don't let that dragon sister of mine bully you," Rowan slid the book into her bag, "Goodnight, Miss Lottie" She shouted over her shoulder as she raced out the door and down the block toward the bakery where she lived. Less than five minutes later she crashed noisily through the front door of the bakery with a cry of "Evening, Miss Scarlett" as she dashed through the dining area, past the kitchen, and up the back stairs to her rented room while her landlady, Miss Lottie's older sister, Scarlett, hollered after her about being late. Rowan silenced her with a quick slam of the door. "Goodnight, Miss Lottie," was the only warning Kai had before nearly being knocked over by a blur in a long blue sweater charging out of the bookstore he was about to enter. He walked into the tiny shop and noticed the scent that lingered there; it had to belong to the girl who had just run past him. It was lovely, and it engaged his wolf's attention completely. He walked up to the counter and was greeted by the elderly proprietor, "Sorry, but I am closing up in five," Kai smiled charmingly, hoping that he might be able to get some information about the girl from the woman, "I know, and I am really sorry to come in at the last minute but I was wondering if there was any chance that you could track down a copy of this book for me," He handed her the slip of paper with his order and information on it. The shop keeper glanced over the order and promised to see what she could do. "Is there anything else?" the lady asked, "Well, yes, actually, there is. I know this is going to sound strange, but what can you tell me about the girl that just left here?" The old woman looked at him cautiously, trying to edit as much as she could without being impolite to the gentleman who had just ordered and incredibly rare and expensive tome. "Her name is Rowan. She's one of my best customers. In fact, she just spent her last dollar on a Kaufmann translation of Faust," Kai's wolf stirred at the name, Rowan. He was already getting attached. He knew that he could not press for any more information without arousing suspicion, so he thanked the lady and left. Traces of her scent still hung in the air outside the shop, mixing pleasantly with the earthy smells of autumn. Inside him, Kai's wolf demanded that they follow the scent; his human half reasoned that the girl was small and this was not a great neighborhood, it would only be considerate to make sure that she made it home safely. The trail ended at a bakery that was already closed for the night. Kai felt a nip of disappointment at having missed her, but the wolf was unwilling to concede so easily, insisting that they stay and investigate further. In the alley behind the bakery, Kai noticed a sign that read ROOMS FOR RENT. Not believing his good luck, he climbed the fire escape peering through each lit window until he found his target. She was beautiful, and she was alone. Rowan stared at the screen of her laptop, willing pages and pages of research material to organize and outline themselves. So far, she was having no luck. Giving up, she shut her computer and padded over to her tiny kitchen area to make some tea. She looked around her miniscule apartment and sighed. It was only one room (two if you counted the bathroom) barely big enough for her bed, dresser, dressing table, and bookshelves, it had a sink, miniature stove, and shelf in a corner that the landlady had rather generously referred to as a kitchen, but it was cheap, it was convenient, and most importantly, it was hers. Just the right size for her and her guinea pig, Sodapop, who was chirping happily from his cage in the corner. Once her tea was poured, Rowan grabbed her latest acquisition and headed to bed. It had been a long day. She opened her book and began to read. Kai crouched low on the fire escape, trying to convince himself that what he was doing was not a little sick. While Kai's human half was screaming at him for being perverted, the wolf was endeavoring to push him through the window and into Rowan's home. It wanted to be near her. Kai knew that would frighten her, and he tried to force his wolf to see reason, promising that they would find some way to meet Rowan in a more socially acceptable way. It was just about to give in when the light went off in the girl's room. Even though Kai could clearly smell her and hear her heartbeat and her steady breathing, it somehow felt profoundly wrong not to be able to see her. He was clawing through the screen without another thought. He was just about to enter the room when his phone vibrated in his pocket. Swearing under his breath he leapt from the fire escape and onto the ground before answering the phone, "Hello?" "Hey honey, where are you?" Kai tensed; of course that bitch would have to call now, "I'm just out for a walk, be home soon," He was kicking himself. If Emma ever found out about his little peeping tom transgression it would mean a world of misery for him. "Hurry, everyone is waiting," Crap. He had forgotten about the meeting. He could not believe that he had gotten so sidetracked. With a quick glance back at the darkened window, he headed toward home, shifting as he ran. His wolf would have to wait. Beastie Ch. 02 Emma stood before Kai, a smug expression played at the corners of her mouth. The meeting had not gone well for Kai, he had argued with his father in front of the entire council, and his father had put Kai back in his place like an ill-tempered child. "Awww, did Daddy hurt little Kai's feelings?" Emma asked him in a mockingly saccharine voice. Kai was not in the mood for this, "Is there something that you wanted?" He asked, trying to keep his temper even. "You know, I could convince your father that there are other ways to gain more territory. All you would have to do is ask," "And what would the price of this divine intervention be?" "Oh, I'm sure we could come to some agreement, don't you?" Kai rolled his eyes at the implied proposition, "No, thank-you, I'm not interested," Kai moved to step around her, but she stopped him with a hand on his arm, lowering her voice seductively she whispered in his ear, "Daddy would never have to know," this angered Kai, "Good thing my father doesn't know what a whore his new mate is, he might get angry," "At least I've given him a son that won't be a total disappointment, that's more than what can be said for his previous mate" with that Emma stormed off, actively ignoring the shouts of her toddler son, Christopher, as he called after his mother. Kai heard Emma call for a drink before the sounds of her departure were dissolved by the wailing of two-year-old Christopher. Kai pitied his little brother; Emma had no maternal instincts to speak of. "Come on little man," Kai said as he lifted the baby off the floor, "let's go find your Grandmother" After dropping Christopher off with Emma's mother, Kai decided to go check on the progress of his book, he knew it was early, but he needed to get out. Rowan woke up with the feeling that something was wrong. Crawling unwillingly out from under the warm blankets, she examined every corner of her one room apartment. Nothing seemed to be out of place. Cursing her paranoia, she turned to climb back into bed and noticed the shredded screen in the window leading out to the fire escape. "Crap," She thought to herself, "Now I'll never get my security deposit back" About an hour later, Rowan was exiting the bakery in a hurry. She and Miss Scarlett had just had an argument over who would get the screen repaired. Not only had the landlady refused to handle it, but she had also threatened Rowan with eviction if the problem was not fixed by the end of the week. Rowan needed to relax, and the constant bustle of the bakery was not conducive to unwinding, so she was headed to the one place where she was able to completely let go. The bell over the bookshop door tinkled merrily as she entered. "Good morning, Miss Lottie, How are you?" She greeted the shop owner. "I am doing well dear," was the ever polite response, "However; I do have a slight favor to ask of you." "Certainly, how can I help?" Rowan was grateful for the distraction. "Somehow, a wasp got into the shop last night and has started to build a nest in the corner by the biographies. I would kill it myself, but I am allergic to the stings" The old woman handed her an ancient can of bug spray and wished her good luck. Without another word, Rowan headed straight back to the infested part of the shop to begin her hunt. Kai was already feeling a little calmer when he walked into the shop. The old woman from last night was there, reading a magazine at the counter. She looked up from her reading and smiled, "I'm sorry, sir. I just sent out the order last night, I have not heard anything back yet," Kai nodded his head in acknowledgement, but he had barely heard the woman speak. That scent filled the shop, calling to him, drawing him further back into the room. She was here. He found her in the back corner of the store, standing on an old wooden ladder that had been built in to the shelves. There was a can of bug spray in her hand and a look of total concentration on her face. He was just about to say something to her, when a wasp came out of nowhere and flew directly at her face. Attempting to dodge the insect, she lost her balance and slipped from the ladder. Without hesitation, Kai dashed over and caught her before she hit the ground, "Are you alright?" He asked her, "Yeah, I'm fine, thanks. Wow, that was a pretty amazing catch," "Glad I could be of service," She was light and warm in his arms; her greened eyes sparkled up at him framed by thick dark lashes. A light blush swept across her pale cheeks, and when she spoke it was musical, "Umm, you can put me down now," Kai snapped out of his reverie and reluctantly set her on the floor. She smiled sweetly up at him and ran her fingers through her long coffee colored hair, "Thanks again," she said, holding out her right hand, "My name's Rowan, by the way," The strange man took Rowan's hand gently in his and said, "Kai" Clearly, he was not a man of many words. Rowan smiled again and moved to walk past him. He stopped her with a strong grip on his wrist, "Excuse me," she said, attempting to twist out of his hold, "I just need to return the bug spray to the front" Kai still held her. She looked up at him, suddenly a little afraid. With terrifying ease and surprising gentleness, Kai pressed her up against one of the bookshelves. Rowan gasped in surprise and tried to shove him away. Effortlessly, he caught both of her hands in one of his much larger ones and pinned her wrist over her head. She was about to call out for help when the stranger placed one hand over her mouth, "Shh," he whispered soothingly, stroking the side of her face with the back of his free hand, "Don't be afraid" despite the assurances, Rowan's heart was racing with panic. This stranger had her pressed from toe to tip against the wall, their noses practically touching as he spoke, "I'm not going to hurt you," she knew that she should probably scream, but she could not find her voice. He must have taken her silence as consent, because he moved to run his nose along her jaw line and down to her throat. It felt like he was sniffing her. She squirmed uncomfortably and his grip on her tightened. As his finger tips brushed across the sensitive area along her collarbone and down her side, he began to kiss gently at her throat. Rowan was suddenly aware of a feeling that frightened her even more; a small, warm epicenter of desire was building and expanding in her core. Something about this man made her want him. Ever so slightly, she tilted her head to the side, granting him better access to her neck, a low growl of approval came from him, and she heard herself emit a small, barely audible whimper in response. The desire for him grew and she felt her body responding to his attentions. She squirmed again, this time trying to get even closer to him. His free hand found its way under her shirt and he gently tweaked an increasingly sensitive nipple, causing her to arch against him. His grip on her hands had loosened at some point and she wrapped her arms around him, trying to pull him even closer. She needed him now, wanted him inside her and he seemed more than willing to oblige. His other hand slid over her stomach and under the waistband of her skirt. He growled again in pleasure when he discovered that she was wet and ready for him. He deftly slid a finger inside her. This touch brought Rowan back to her senses. She did not know this man, yet here she was moaning for him like a common whore. How had things gotten so far out of control? She was just beginning to panic again when she remember the red spray can in her hand. Pulling back as far as she could from the embrace, she let loose a mist of pesticide directly into her assailant's eyes. He staggered back, howling in pain. She tried to run toward the front of the store, but was brought down quickly by Kai. Snarling at her, his face was more animal than man with yellow eyes, a slightly protruding muzzle, and fangs. Frightened, Rowan reached for the heaviest thing she could grab, and struck her attacker repeatedly on the head until he collapsed, motionless on the floor. Rowan got to her feet, straightened her clothes, and headed for the door. "Is everything alright, dear?" Miss Lottie asked. "Fine" Rowan mumbled as she raced out the door. She could not believe that the old woman had not heard what was going on not fifty feet behind her. Rowan debated going to the police about the incident, but the same part of her that made her want him also wanted to protect him. Even now, a small corner in the back of her mind was waiting anxiously for the next encounter. Kai woke up with a splitting headache, but was otherwise undamaged. Without even opening his eyes, he knew the girl had gone. Her scent still lingered in the room, a painful reminder of what had transpired. He had lost control. He had frightened her. He had meant to introduce himself. But one touch had made him completely loose command of himself, one electric touch and he attacked her like some lust crazed adolescent. She was right to have fought him. His beautiful Rowan had actually managed to incapacitate him. She was magnificent. He walked to the front of the store, his mind filled with plans to meet Rowan without scaring the living daylights out of her, "Did you find what you wanted, dear?" the shopkeeper asked, "Yes, yes I did" the odd phrasing of the question nagged at Kai's mind, but he pushed it out of his head. He had bigger things to worry about. From across the street the nondescript little bookshop was being carefully watched by a pair of sharp eyes suddenly very interested in the goings on in the little store. The wheels in Emma's mind turned darkly, "So he's found himself a mate, how sweet". Beastie Ch. 03 Two days had passed since her encounter with the strange man at the bookstore, but it was still fresh and hot in her mind. She tried everything to get the incident out of her head. She picked up extra shifts at work, threw herself into her studies, and spent more time reading; but no matter how hard she tried to distract herself, thoughts of him lingered in the back of her mind. And when she collapsed into bed exhausted at night, he invaded her dreams. Those dreams both terrified and thrilled her. There was something so dark, so powerful about him that even in her dreams she found it difficult to resist him. The way he touched her, so gently but with so much passion, his lips caressing every inch of inch of her, his deep brown eyes staring into hers with barely contained excitement, her skin became heated and she would wake up breathless. The presence of him in her dreams made her more acutely aware of her waking loneliness. She almost regretted her harsh response to him. He had been so.... "Rowan? You okay doll?" The voice of the head bouncer, Greg, broke through her musings, snapping her back to the reality of Mac's. Both Greg and the bartender, Alex, were looking at her like she was crazy, "Yeah, what did I miss?" Alex responded, "We're about to open up, you ready?" Rowan shook off the last of her daydream, "Absolutely, let's go" *** Kai had not left his rooms for two days except to go pilfer food from the kitchen. He hated to admit it to himself, but he was hiding. Twice his father had come banging on his door, demanding to speak with him, and both times Kai had studiously pretended not to be home. He hated feeling like a coward, but he needed time to clear his head. The girl, Rowan, was constantly in his thoughts. He needed to see her again, but was at a loss for how to do so without scaring her. He needed to make it seem natural. He thought about visiting the bookstore again, but she was probably avoiding that place like the plague. Trying to catch her at the bakery would be too close to her home and that might freak her out. She looked like a student, so he might try the university library. He turned the idea over in his mind. He could take a seat next to her at one of the tables, maybe strike up a conversation, and perhaps offer to buy her coffee, ask her out on a real date, dinner, possibly dancing, and then back to her apartment.... His mind lingered on the idea of her, beautiful and warm; she would moan his name at first, and then scream it, her soft body pressed against his as she writhed beneath him.... Knock. Knock. Knock. The quick rap at his door startled him from his reverie. He growled in frustration. Judging by the tone of the knock it was not his father, so that was at least some consolation. He opened the door to find his best friend, Wes, standing in the hallway. "Dude, where've you been? I've been trying to call you for hours," Kai sighed heavily. Wes was great and all, but he really just wanted to be left alone. "Sorry man, I've had my phone off," Wes looked confused, "Why?" "I've had a lot on my mind," he briefly considered telling him about the girl, but decided against it. "That's why I came over here, I know just the thing to get your mind off that shit with your dad," Kai arched his eyebrows apprehensively. The last time Wes knew "just the thing" he ended up spending the weekend in jail. "This isn't going to end with my pants in a tree again, is it?" "Probably not; look, Scotty's mating ceremony is tomorrow, right? So a few of us are going out to celebrate, you in?" Kai's first instinct was to say no, but his friend's enthusiasm was contagious. He grabbed his wallet and was out the door. "A strip joint? Really, Wes?" Kai rolled his eyes at the clichéd destination. "I believe the PC term is 'Gentlemen's Club' thank you very much. Come on, lighten up. So we go in, have a few drinks, look at few babes and call it a night, it'll be great," "As long as nothing catches fire this time," "That only happened once.it was a long time ago; we were young then, stupid. Look, I promise not to burn down a striper, ok? Can we go in now?" Kai grinned at his friend, "I believe the PC term is 'Entertainer' thank you very much," Wes punched him in the arm and they climbed out of the car, and went inside to meet their friends. ** Rowan's heart stopped dead when she saw the man enter the club. Her breathing hitched up a notch when she saw him crossing crowded room toward an empty table in her section. Fortunately, he was hailed by a group of men sitting in another waitress' section. She let out a sigh of relief even as she felt a slight pang of disappointment in her stomach. You'll be fine, she told herself, just act like he isn't even here. Hoping that he wouldn't notice her, she turned her back to him and took a customer's order. She managed to make it halfway through her shift without anyone noticing her distraction. In fact, except for a few slaps on the butt and some not-so-smooth innuendo from the customers, it was a fairly uneventful shift. On her one- millionth trip to the bar that night, Alex asked her to bring a case of water back to the dancers. This made her nervous; she would have to walk straight past Kai's table to get backstage. She tried to think of a decent excuse not to do it, but nothing came to mind. She pulled herself together and reluctantly agreed. She was carefully picking her way through the crowds, when one of her patrons flagged her down. She approached the table and set down the case of water, pulling out her notebook in case they needed to order something else, "How can I help you gentlemen?" One of the men, obviously their leader elect for the evening, asked, "How much to get some private time with her?" drunkenly pointing in the general vicinity of the stage where her friend, Annabelle, was crawling on hands and knees toward a sweaty man in a cheap suit, "Forty-five dollars gets you two dances, and she doesn't do groups" "No, no, no. How much to get some real alone time with her?" Rowan tried not to roll her eyes, "I'm sorry, sir, but this isn't that type of club," the man frowned. "With the amount I paid to get in here, it had better come with some perks. You're cute, how much for you then?" Rowan faked a good natured chuckle, "I'm sorry, but I'm not for sale, now if you gentlemen will excuse me..." she moved to back away from the table, but she found herself being dragged back. She was pulled into the man's lap, "What, you think you're too good for me?" Rowan struggled against him, trying to stand up. She was panicked. This was not her first time being manhandled, but this was far worse than any of the feelings that she had experienced during her incident with Kai at the bookstore. This was dirty, and these men might seriously hurt her. "Let me go, or I will have you removed," She threatened, "Not so fast sweetheart, now my friend's and I came here to have a good time, and that's exactly what we plan to do. Now if you're a good girl, we'll leave you a nice big tip." "You're disgusting," Rowan spat as she fought him. "Now, that is really no way to talk to a paying customer. Johnny, come over here and teach the little bitch some manners," another man, obviously Johnny, grinned wickedly and got up from his chair. She kicked out at him as he got near, her foot connecting with his groin. He doubled over in pain, swearing, "I'm going to kill you, whore!" Suddenly, a large voice boomed from behind the group, "Is there a problem here gentlemen?" She twisted around to see Greg standing over them, looking menacing. The man holding her released her instantly, and she ran backstage, completely forgetting about the water. Annabelle met her in the dressing room. Rowan was pressing herself into a corner, shaking and crying, doing everything she could to calm down. Annabelle wrapped her arms around her comfortingly. "Oh, sweetie, what happened? I saw Greg leave the side of the stage and then I saw you on some asshole's lap, are you ok?" Rowan took a deep breath to steady herself before relating the whole story to her friend. Annabelle listened to the story sympathetically, and murmured words of reassurance into the younger girl's ear while smoothing her hair. Both women were startled when Greg burst into the room carrying the case of water. "How you holding up, kid?" He asked. "I'm fine, just a little shaken." "The boss wants to know if you plan on finishing your shift. Don't worry, those guys are gone." "Yeah, absolutely, like I said, I just got a little shaken up is all. No permanent damage done." "Excellent. Now go head on out there before your customers get antsy." Rowan stood, gave Annabelle a quick hug, and returned to work. When she got back out onto the floor, the first thing she noticed was that her assailant and his posse were in fact gone. The second she noticed was that they hadn't left her a tip, cheap bastards she thought to herself as she cleared the messy table. As she was carrying a tray loaded with empty glasses and broken bottles, she noticed Kai. He was staring at her strangely. She could feel the heat from his gaze from across the room. She pretended not to see him and continued on into the kitchen. When she reemerged, she still felt him watching her, she glanced over at him. He was openly gaping at her. He was making her nervous. He continued his watch until one of his friends was finally pressing the group to leave. He kept his eyes on her until the group was out the door. Rowan once again breathed a sigh of relief; she could finally finish her shift in peace. ** "Can you explain to me again why we can't go home yet?" Wes whined from the passenger seat. Kai knew his friend wouldn't understand about the girl, so he simply said, "I've got a bad feeling." "You sound like my mother." Wes scoffed, but didn't press Kai any further. They sat in silence as Kai replayed the scene in the club over and over again in his mind. He hadn't even known she was there, the smell of alcohol, sex, and desperation had thoroughly masked her sweet scent. He had no idea how close she was to him until he heard someone cry out. Out of curiosity, he followed the sound to find Rowan, his Rowan, struggling with another man. Even from where he sat, Kai could feel the man's intentions. He had felt his blood start to boil as the change began to take hold. He would have attacked the man if it hadn't been for Wes, "Dude, what's gotten in to you?" "He's going to hurt her." Kai snarled back, fighting to keep control. He could not change in the club, he could not risk exposure, Wes had reminded him urgently, keeping a hand tightly on his arm. He kept his voice low, "I have to go to her." "You can't. This is not the place for heroics. Do you want to end up on the news?" "You don't understand!" Kai fought with Wes as the second man approached Rowan, leering at her. Their friends watched the pair nervously; they had never seen their future alpha so worked up. "Look, the bouncer is already heading over to help," Wes pointed to a large man in a tight black t-shirt headed toward the table, "she'll be fine," The group watched one of the bastards double over in pain, "Besides, she can take of herself." Kai watched the girl as she ran backstage, fighting the urge to follow her. Instead he settled on watching a group of bouncers herd the men roughly toward the door. Rowan had seemed alright when she came back out, but still he watched her just in case there was any more trouble. Wes, sensing the fun was over, suggested they leave. Now the two of them were sitting in a cold, dark parking lot waiting for her to come out so he could make sure she made it home okay. After about three hours, the club closed. Kai was anxious to see her again, but she never emerged. "Where is she?" he wondered out loud. "She probably went out the back door. Can we go home now?" Kai panicked, why hadn't he thought about the back door? "Shit." He swore loudly, making Wes jump. Kai smashed the accelerator and the car shot forward, careening toward the back alley. What they found there made Kai shift into his hybrid form instantly and without control. There she was, her back pressed toward one of the alley walls, surrounded by the guys from the club. She was crouched low to the ground one hand pressed to her head, from where he sat, Kai could see her blood leaking from between her fingers. There was a small blade on the ground next to her; she had tried to defend herself, but there were seven of them and they were each armed with chains, lead pipes, or baseball bats. Their leader closed in on Rowan, as she looked up at him fearfully. "Easy, buddy." Wes cautioned, as Kai sped toward the assembly. The goons scattered, leaving Rowan against the wall. Kai and Wes both exited the vehicle, placing themselves between Rowan and her attackers, "Hey man," their leader started, "we were just playing around. We didn't know she was with somebody, honest." Kai heard the menace in the man's voice and saw his grip tighten around his length of pipe. He saw the newcomers as competition; he was willing to fight them for what he considered his prize. The man ran to attack Kai, but Wes was faster. In a single motion, he pulled a pistol out of his jacket and shot the man through the foot. The man crumpled to the alley floor, howling with pain. "Okay, listen up," Kai barked, "The girl is coming with us. Any of you attempt to prevent that, and you'll find yourself with a brand new bullet hole. Do I make myself clear?" the rest of the gang instantly took a step back, allowing Kai to approach the injured girl. Her head was leaning against the wall and her eyes were closed. She was still conscious, just dazed. She would survive. Gently, Kai placed her in the backseat. ** Everything was quiet when Rowan woke up. Absent were the sounds of her guinea pig, the traffic, and the neighbors arguing. She was instead surrounded by a low industrial hum and the rush of her own breathing. Instinctively, she knew, even in the pitch dark, that she was not in her own room. The space felt too large and the bed that she was lying on lacked the scent of lavender and sleep of her own, familiar, linens. She moved to brush some hair from her face and felt a strange imperfection near her hairline, stitches. The night before came back to her in a flash of memories. The attackers, shadowy figures that were menacing at first, threatening, fear and pain, the smell of blood, her blood, mixing with the filth of the alleyway; then two other, separate figures, a loud bang, screaming, a cool hand, being lifted.... Maybe I'm in the hospital. She thought. But it did not smell right. It lacked the sterile aroma of ammonia, it smelled to comfortable and home like. Shit, I've been kidnapped. The thought made her panic a little. From somewhere near the left side of her head, a female voice spoke, "Oh, good, you're awake." Rowan sat up in bed, "Who's there? Where am I?" "Hush," the voice said comfortingly, "You are safe now. Young lord Vukasin brought you here the help you, he has been worried to death about you since you were sick in his car. In fact, he wanted me to call him the second you were awake. Just one minute please." Rowan heard the woman pick up the phone, "She is awake now, sir." was all she said before turning her attention back to Rowan, "He will be down in a minute, he has been waiting to speak with you." Rowan tried to keep the terror out of her voice when she spoke next, "Can you turn on the light please, I can't see a thing." "Of course, dear, how thoughtless of me" The bedside lamp snapped on, momentarily blinding Rowan. Once her eyes adjusted to the light, she was greeted by the sight of the most grandmotherly woman she had ever seen. A short woman with silver-gray hair and light blue eyes framed by thick glasses, her mouth molding easily into a comforting smile as if Rowan had simply woken from a nightmare in the middle of the night. The old woman puttered around the room, smoothing out the covers and arranging and rearranging various bottles on the desk and bedside table. "Who are you?" Rowan asked, realizing a moment too late that she was being impolite. Fortunately, the older woman either did not notice or chose to overlook the rudeness. "My name is Mary-Hope. Young lord Vukasin asked me to watch you until he had a chance to come down here himself." "Did I really throw up in his car?" Rowan asked, reddening with embarrassment. "I'm afraid so, Dear. He thinks you were in shock, some things cannot be helped." There was a light knock on the door. Before Mary-Hope had a chance to move, Rowan jumped up and opened the door slightly. Standing outside in the hallway was Kai. He smiled warmly at her, and she promptly slammed the door shut. Kai knocked again. This time Mary-Hope pushed Rowan aside and threw the door wide open. Rowan groaned in frustration. She felt like a fool for letting Kai get under her skin for the past couple of days. She had actually fantasized about him, now here she was, being held in a strange hotel room by him. ** Kai only briefly acknowledged Mary-Hope. His eyes were locked on the girl who stood shyly off to the side, watching him warily. He could smell the fear emanating from her, it was a startling contrast with the determination lighting her eyes. The stitches in her head reminded him of his purpose here. Slowly, he approached Rowan, extending a hand toward her as reassurance that he was not going to hurt her. Still, she backed away from him, keeping just out of reach of his outstretched fingers. Somewhere behind him, he heard his old governess step out of the room, shutting the door on her way out. He was alone with Rowan. She must of sensed it too because she quickened her retreat, backing up two steps for every one step he took toward her. She did not trust him. He did not blame her. Eventually, Rowan backed into the bed. She sat down heavily. Kai quickly closed the gap between them, brushing his fingers lightly along the side of her cut. A shiver ran through Rowan at the touch. He smiled at that, even in fear she still responded to him. "Does this hurt?" he asked her. She responded in a voice that was barely a whisper, "No." he allowed his fingers to trail further toward her hair, "Rowan, I want you to know that you don't need to be afraid of me. I only brought you here to protect you." Rowan had no response to this, so Kai leaned in closer and continued, "I also wanted to apologize for my indecorous behavior at the bookstore, I lost control in a way I never, ever should have, and for that I am truly sorry." Rowan was staring into his eyes and he could feel the heat radiating from her skin. They were so close, he could almost feel his lips brushing against hers as he spoke, "Rowan, I..." ** He was right there in front of her, after days of fantasy, he was so close she could practically taste him. Her breathing was ragged, just another inch, one tiny little flex of the muscles and she could touch her lips to his. She was practically dizzy with the thought. Everything, the bookstore, the club, the alley, everything was gone because he was right there next to her, warm and alive and masculine. Her heart thumped in her chest as she closed the gap between them. ** Kai was shocked when she kissed him. She pulled back, and looked away sheepishly. "Sorry." Kai slid his hand under her chin and turned her back to face him. Without another word, he pressed his lips to hers. ** Rowan's heart was racing as they kissed. He held her to him and she felt safe. He coaxed her lips apart tenderly and his tongue slipped into her mouth. His hand moved gingerly down the side of her face and neck to cup her breast through her shirt; at the same time, his mouth moved down, kissing along her jaw line and landing at her throat. She whimpered in reply, feeling that same core of warmth spreading through her that she felt that first time in the bookstore. She tilted her head, providing him with better access and he growled his approval. Both his hands moved down her body, tugging roughly at the hem of her t-shirt. Privately, she noticed that someone had removed her work clothes and put her in just a t-shirt and panties. She un-wrapped her arms from around him and pulled the shirt up over her head. His hands felt rough against her sensitive skin sending a current of heat through her body. She was hurriedly trying to unbutton his shirt, but her trembling hands made the task difficult. Impatiently, he tore the shirt of and flung it across the room. She ran her hands over his muscular chest and arms, he was solid and strong. He slipped one hand into the waistband of her panties. She gasped lightly as he found her clit. She felt the heat building as he rubbed her, bringing her closer and closer to climax. Deftly he slid a finger in to her slick passage, causing her to moan. Urgently, she unzipped his jeans and pulled them off his body. She wrapped her hand around his thick shaft and something in his carefully cultivated command of himself broke. He pressed her down into the bed and settled himself above her, being careful not to put too much weight on her. He positioned himself between her thighs, Beastie Ch. 03 "Are you sure you want this?" Rowan simply nodded in affirmation, Kai held her face so that she was forced to look into his eyes, "Rowan, I'm at the edge of my control, I won't be able to stop, look me in the eyes and tell me you want this." "Yes!" And with that one simple word, Kai pressed the head of his cock against her entrance and slowly pushed into her. She could feel every inch every vein of him as he invaded her tight channel. After what felt like an eternity, he finally bottomed out in her, leaving her feeling so deliciously full. He started pulling back out, until just the head was still inside her, then he slammed home, causing her to cry out. Over and over he pounded into her, she felt the familiar tightness building in her; until finally, she was pushed over the edge of bliss. Her nails dug into the flesh of his back, and he growled in pain laced pleasure. Her legs wrapped around him, constricting him, trying to force him to stay in place while she rode out her orgasm. The spasms of her tunnel around his tool almost finished Kai off. She groaned in disappointment when he withdrew from her, but that disappointment was short-lived. He rolled her onto her hands and knees, and thrust himself as deep as he could go in a single motion. At this new angle, he was touching parts of her that he had not been before, spurring her to new heights of ecstasy. He leaned over her and whispered in her ear, "I promise you that while I'm around, no other man shall touch you." This sent a slight shiver of fear through Rowan. Much to her surprise, it actually served to bring her climax crashing down like a tidal wave. In the midst of her orgasm, she felt him give one or two more hard thrusts, pushing himself as deep inside of her as he could reach as he roared out his own pleasure. The feeling of him feeling of him filling her sent her into paradise one last time. ** Kai pulled himself out of her slowly. He lay down on the bed, carefully pulling her down with him. She rested her head against his chest, luxuriating in the glow. It felt right to have her here, so close to him. The steadiness of her breathing told him that she was already well on her way to sleeping. Tightening his arm around her, he shut his eyes and drifted off. Beastie Ch. 04 A predawn gray showed through a gap in the curtains as Rowan awoke. She instantly recalled the events of the previous evening, groaning with embarrassment. A gentle snore from beside her assured her that Kai was still sleeping deeply with one arm thrown over her almost casually. Gingerly, she began to make her way toward the edge of the bed, hoping that she would not wake him as she made her escape. After about five minutes of silently wiggling liberally interspersed with lying completely still and checking for signs that Kai was stirring, she was free. Grabbing what she could find of her clothes, she tip toed out the door and almost ran to the elevator, praying that Annabelle wouldn't ask too many questions when Rowan asked her to pick her up. For the second time in a week, Kai woke up knowing that he was alone. At least this time, he didn't have a headache. "Crap," he mumbled to himself, feeling his disappointment keenly, "I guess I shouldn't be surprised". Already, he was making plans to find her again; there was no way he was going to let any length of time pass before their next encounter. But first, he had to find some coffee. Annabelle was livid on the ride across town from Kai's hotel. At first, she had been surprised and delighted when Rowan had called and asked to be picked up from a swanky hotel in a strange part of town, but as Rowan told her and Greg about everything that had happened after she left the club, Annabelle's mood grew steadily darker until she was staring out the window muttering profanities. "Are you sure you don't want to talk to the cops honey?" Greg asked, smiling comfortingly at Rowan from the driver's seat. "Yeah," she responded weakly, "I don't really remember much. Besides, if I talk to the police, they'll want to talk to him." She gestured vaguely behind herself, indicating Kai. This just served to redouble Annabelle's expletive monologue. Finally, she burst out, "I can't fucking believe he took advantage of you like that! Who does that? Who the fuck does that? Who looks at a girl bleeding in an alley and drags her to a strange hotel room? Psychos! That's who does that, fucking psychos! Shit!" Rowan responded sheepishly, afraid of bringing her friends wrath onto herself, "To be fair, I came on to him..." "You were in shock. He should have known better," Rowan remained silent; knowing that there was no way that she'd be able to explain the strange dynamic between her and Kai. To her great relief, they were pulling up to the bakery. Without waiting for them to say anything further, she said "Thanks so much for coming to get me, I'll see you guys tonight," but before she could open her door, Annabelle was stepping out of the car and heading toward the bakery. "Umm, Anna? Where are you going?" she called out, rushing to catch up with her friend. "Upstairs. There is no way I'm leaving you alone today," It was a long morning with Annabelle in the cramped apartment. She was always right on top of Rowan, constantly trying to do things for her, and incessantly asking if she was ok. She had even tried to follow Rowan into the bathroom when Rowan went to take a shower. Rowan stood under the warm deluge, having barely convinced Annabelle not to keep her company, and collected her thoughts. She was surprised at how little she felt any sense of violation from the whole experience. Even her encounters with the men from the club seemed like a distant memory, wiped clean by Kai's touch. Her thoughts lingered on that touch, the feel of him. She had just started to dwell on the more pleasant memories from the previous evening, when there was a knock on the bathroom door. "You okay in there, Sweetie?" Rowan turned off the water with a sigh. Maybe it was time to get some breakfast. Kai was surprised at how much he enjoyed hanging out in Rowan's neighborhood, and by how little his enjoyment was dependent on its being Rowan's neighborhood. So far, he had visited the bookstore and a coffee shop, and found both to be awesome. And, as an added bonus, no one from his pack ever came down here. He took another sip of his coffee; his thoughts, as usual, were on finding Rowan and getting to know her under circumstances that would not leave her traumatized. His eyes scanned the room. This was the exact type of place he had had in mind for his and Rowan's first real conversation: laid back, neutral, and non-threatening. So, of course she would choose this moment to walk in with a friend and make him look like a stalker. He groaned in frustration, and sank low in his chair. He hoped that he could get out of there before she noticed him and ran off. Again. Fortunately, her friend (who looked vaguely familiar) seemed to be keeping her occupied with a steady stream of chatter. Kai was just about to make his escape when the heat kicked on and the vent next to Rowan's table blew her scent in his direction. His wolf stirred, demanding that Kai stay put and wait for a chance to be alone with Rowan. He knew he shouldn't run from this. He watched the pair subtlety, doing his best not to garner attention from Rowan's friend whose chair was facing him. Suddenly, as if she felt him willing her away, the friend got up and, after what seemed to be an apology, walked into the ladies room. Kai took his chance. He quickly crossed the room and stood next to Rowan's table. "Hi," he said as her eyes flicked up to look at his face. He looked deeply into her eyes, trying to gauge her reaction to his presence. He was relieved to see only surprise registered there, no fear, anger, or suspicion. This was a good start. "Hi," she responded, waiting for him to continue. "Can I buy you a coffee?" he asked lamely, looking for a good way to start. "I already have one," she answered kindly, "Would you like to sit?" she indicated the third chair at the table. "Actually, can we go for a walk?" He felt the strong urge to get her somewhere more private. "I don't think that's a good idea, my friend will be back any second..." She still did not trust him. He sat down heavily in the vacant chair and started speaking with a confidence he did not feel, "About last night..." She held up a hand to silence him, "I don't think there's anything about last night that we need to discuss," Even as she said the words, Rowan did not believe them. A small strange part of her wanted nothing more than to follow him out that door and never look back. His nearness to her was making her lose focus, the warmth radiating from him made her want to reach out and touch him. He looked a little hurt by her abruptness, causing her to shift her eyes down to look at her hands. She sighed in concession, "Maybe we should take that walk," she said after an awkward moment. Silently, she scribbled a note for her friend on a napkin, explaining where she was going, and assuring her that she shouldn't worry. Then she gathered her things and followed Kai out the door. At the end of the block, her cellphone dinged. It was a text from Annabelle, If I don't hear from you in one hour I'm calling the National Guard. She chuckled a bit at her friend's protectiveness. "What's so funny?" Kai asked, curious. "Nothing, just a text from my friend" they walked on for a bit before Kai finally began, "You snuck out on me this morning," his tone was almost accusatory. "Umm yeah, it seemed like the right thing to do at the time," "I wish you would have stayed a little longer, or at least said something before you left," "I didn't realize that was standard procedure for one night stands," A low sound emanated from his chest at her words, but he chose to move on, "I would have liked to take you home myself, to make sure you get there safely," he stopped her and pulled her around to face him, brushing his fingers gently along her stitches as he had done the night before, "I won't let this happen again," somewhere in the back of her mind echoed "No other man will touch you" the words still caused her to shiver. She backed away from his touch, the intensity of the situation causing some alarm. He held her in place for a second longer before allowing her to retreat. After a beat, he tried for safer, less intense topics and was pleased to find that the conversation flowed easily between them. After hours of wandering aimlessly around the neighborhood (interrupted only by one brief but reassuring phone call to Annabelle), they found themselves standing at the door to the bakery. He had both of her hands and was holding her as close as she would let him, "Let's do something tonight!" Kai declared, unwilling to part from Rowan. "I'm sorry, I have to work tonight" "You're not going back there?" Kai raised his voice at the last second; turning it into a question instead of the command he had meant it to be. "I have to. I need the money," she was getting defensive, she had not missed the commanding tone in his voice. He did not like the idea of her going back there, not just because that's where she was hurt, but because he saw the way the customers looked at her, the way they touched her, the things they said to her. He knew that he was in no position to ask her to change her life, but he would keep the promise he had made to her last night. "Let me pick you up after your shift" this time it was not a question, but she chose to see it as one, "We'll see, I don't get out until three in the morning, and Annabelle might drive me home, so..." "I'll be parked in the alley near the back door, waiting for you," "Because that's not creepy," "I'm serious. I'll be waiting. Just get in the car and I'll take you straight home, unless you want to go somewhere else. But I meant what I said about keeping you safe," the intensity in his voice caused her heart to skip a beat. His gazed was locked with hers, daring her to challenge him. Her usual sarcasm failed her as he pulled her closer, wrapping her in a tight embrace. He placed a hand under her chin, gently guiding her to look at him while he placed gentle kisses along her scar. She felt the strength rippling through his body, holding her in place with seemingly no effort. It was in that Rowan realized that this man could crush her; it was also the moment, as he kissed steadily down her jawline, that she knew he never would. A barely audible sigh became completely silent as he covered her mouth with his. This kiss was a far cry from the desperate need that had consumed her last night. He was taking his time with her, his lips gently molding against hers. His tongue brushed against her lips, and she happily yielded to him. A slight yelp escaped her as he wound a large hand into the hair at the nape of her neck and pulled her head to one side, allowing him better access to her throat. "Not here," she begged softly, coming slightly to her senses and realizing that they were still on the street. He growled in frustration, what did he care if people saw? Why were humans so insistent on sex being a private act? But her concern was taking her mind off the task at hand, so he accommodated her, pulling her into the bakery and up the back steps slamming the door to her apartment behind them. Things were just getting back into a good rhythm when there was a pounding knock at the door. "Rowan Marik you little slut, you open this door immediately!" the voice of Rowan's landlady screeched through the door. "I think you'd better go," Rowan whispered, pushing him toward the fire escape. Reluctantly, Kai climbed through the ruined screen and descended the ladder. Just as he was turning to start the long walk home, he heard Rowan call down to him. He looked up to see a mass of messy dark waves and a pair of laughing green eyes looking down at him over the fire escape railing, "I'll see you tonight," was all she said before disappearing back inside to face the wrath Miss Scarlett. Beastly Brother I opened the doorway and stepped back, as she walked through the hall not a word spoken between us yet we had said so very much. She looked back her chrome eyes on mine. I motioned to the bottle of red wine on the table set with two glasses. She nodded and I poured. Half way through my first cup and after her second she smiled pleasantly and said, "I don't know what I am doing here but I just have to see you." I sipped from my glass my eyes adverted. It was typical, I knew she'd come back for more. They always do. Though I kept telling myself she was no different from the rest I knew it was a lie. She was special; after all she was my little sister. "I am so sorry I don't mean to come here unannounced..." I smiled as she stammered on so politely, she was always so well mannered so well bred, compared to her I was always the mangy mutt of an older brother. "If you busy I can come back another time..." She pulled out a black planner one with darling little puppy prints. Just like her to have something sweet and innocent. She then began looking for a more appropriate date. "How would the first be it's on a Saturday, and I can come by after you get done at the establishment." I chuckled at that, since when was working at an underground lycanthope bar and nightclub an "establishment?" "Sis... Saturday is also the full moon, shouldn't you be hiding under the covers from us freaks?" I lifted a brow. "With sweet Jarred?" She shook her head sending her black hair back and forth across her cheeks, "No Darrian you know that isn't fair I never said you were a freak, I was there the whole time you were in the hospital." I shrugged "So you held my hand... after that it was a year until you could even stay in a room alone with me." I threw back my head and chugged down the remainder of my wine. "And don't give me that, I was being cautious shit, you were afraid I was a monster, I had to go through the whole thing alone, because all of a sudden I didn't even have a family... not two brothers one being my twin and not even my little sister, not to mention mom or dad, Are all the pictures of me still hidden away so that guests don't ask about the son who disappeared?" I couldn't hid my anger in that moment it all came back to me, the attack by a seemingly harmless date, the way she tore my entire stomach out and how I laid there for two days before someone found me. Then months in the hospital and the diagnostics... well hate to tell you but your now a Lycanthrope and will never have your life back. No it wasn't fair and I can't say it didn't hurt when they all forgot about me. But I found a new family one who accepted me; I became numb and learned to forget my birth family, all except her. Tears formed in her chrome eyes, "I am sorry you felt alone Darrian, But I still love you and I want to be here for you." "Well its too late Allysha. I said coldly. "You can't even bare my touch..." I looked at her then saying without word how much it hurt when she left. "Don't call me Allysha... call me Ally and stop thinking I don't want you to touch me, why do you think I am here?" She smiled briefly and tilted her head. "You're my big brother and I could never stop loving you." I took a step toward her the she stepped back with instinct. I reached up to brush my hand through my short black hair and felt as a few strands fell into my eyes blinding me from her. I pushed them out of my eyes and inhaled her scent, saw with eyes and other senses her form before me. Her cheeks became a slight pink as she rose a hand to trace the scar across my left cheek traced it all the way down to my lip where the scar tissue cut through my top lip. I waited for her to grimace waited for the look of horror and saw only a confused, curious look. "Does it hurt?" She asked meekly. "The scar?" I asked. "No... changing, becoming an animal... shapeshifting your body. I shook my head slightly feeling the warmth of her hand on my cheek her fingertips on my lips even as I spoke. "Yeah, it gets easier with time though, kind of like rough sex." She glared. "Don't compare it to sex... sheesh you pervert!" I kissed her fingertip and nipped it gently she trembled. "Don't..." I licked her finger and kissed it slowly my eyes on hers the whole time. "Don't what? "Don't think I am going to back down and let you win, I want to prove that I am not scarred of you." That surprised me, I backed away and let her hand drop. "You should leave." "No" "Now" "Why wont you let me get close to you?" I growled and my eyes stared to become beastly changing from my cool chrome to my wild amber. "You don't understand now, now is just not a good time." I felt the wolf in the center of my mind the instinct to dominate the instinct to mate. I had avoided it as much as possible and now I was paying for it. Many women many lovers none could satisfy my animal urges none would cause my wolf to chase. I shook off the feelings and growled again this time my words less human. "Don't... just...now... leave... don't want to hurt... you." I grabbed at my head trying to force the beast inside to calm itself. I thought about how I'd feel if I hurt her and begged my body to stay human. "Darrian...?" Her hand was resting on my shoulder and my wolf soared to the surface taking over my mind, all reason left me all hope disappeared. I was just a wolf and she was just prey. "Darrian answer me, are you okay?" I grabbed her wrist as she made a noise close to fear, but for whom. I threw her down on the floor and paced around her. She whimpered and held her wrist close to her chest. "What's gotten into you?" "Run" Before she could move I was on top of her chomping at the neck letting her hold me just above her skin my saliva lightly dripping on her neck. I stuck out my tongue and lapped at her skin as she struggled, moaning in protest and begging me to stop. Finally she kicked my body a few inches away and scurried from under me. Hiding behind the couch crying lightly. "Darrian please don't hurt me." I lunged over the couch and landed in front of her crouched low to the floor my eyes dancing with my preys fear. Slowly I inched myself toward her and she slid along the floor crawling to escape my advances. I caught her leg and ripped her long blue skirt the soft fabric tore up her thighs revealing her heat. I licked my lips and dropped the cloth tearing into a run about my apartment chasing her, she ran and threw her body on the door trying to unlock the bolts as quick as she could. I reached her before she had the last lock undone and clawed at her front sending buttons flying about the hall, she shrieked and took off towards my bedroom, her body now exposed, undergarments needing to be ripped away. I had my needs and she would fill them she would be my mate. I tipped open the bedroom door slowly my amber eyes scanning the room intently, she was sobbing but I couldn't see her. I opened my closet doors seeing nothing out of the ordinary. I turned my head slightly seeing her out of the corner of my eye crawling towards the door with my blanket covering her body. Sliding down her shoulders thin little straps holding in her breasts. I smiled my canines flashing; her eyes widened like a deer being caught by a wolf. I looked at my doe and pounced my body falling awkwardly on hers my knees separating her legs, my jaws snapping her bra from her body, before I could even look at them I cupped both in hand filling them, kneading them roughly. She moaned and arched her back sending my hips to hers my ridged sex pulsating between her legs. Her mouth widened and let out a long sigh of pleasure. My tongue went to work my jaw accommodating her breasts, I lapped at them her nipple hardening, becoming a little bud. I worked them until she was just as hungry and her scent crept up from between her legs driving me crazy. I then took one hand and ripped away her panties soaked from me rubbing against them. My hands found her bottom and lifted her to my hips as I slid down her length and took her in my hot mouth lapping her up as a wolf would, licking and nipping at her tender flesh, wet and ripe with desire. My teeth scrapping roughly, my tongue softly creating circles and wet loops on her sex. She clenched her fists together creating bloody crescent moons in her palms; I inhaled her and swallowed her juices down forcing more from her body with each tasting. She arched her back and twisted above me in complex passion, her own body now revolting to a beastly side. She howled as I took her into another orgasm. Her cries of lust finishing with a soft pant, before she could recover I flipped her over and licked her sopping heat, taking my own pants and discarding them into shreds. Finally I freed myself of torment and unleashed my straining member taking it in my hand fighting my human urge to use protection. My wolf won slamming into her with a quick thrust of my hips, she screamed as I took away the last shred of her humanity and began to create a rhythm between us. I mated her as if I intended to fill her belly with my children, my puppies. I growled above her as she submitted and whimpered. My hips grinded and pounded into hers we made a dance with our animal sides. We made a fire, if she were the wood and my body made the friction we needed for a roaring flame. I took her into another state of mind. Her heat was so tight I felt myself swelling as would a wolfs sex, she contorted and shivered under me. I scratched at her back and shoulders pulling her to me so that our hips would never part. I felt it coming felt the climax erupting between us. My growl and cry of release echoed off the walls and her own howls of finish joined mine. My sex swelled inside her trapping us together tying her to me. My sweet little sister would have my puppies in the spring and join me as my mate on the moon. I fell into sleep spooning her thinking those very thoughts. Months later she tested positive for lycanthope and being pregnant. I am looking forward to fathering her children and being her mate. She divorced her husband and moved in with me, the entire family disowned her too. So she's my sister, mate and someday maybe my wife. I love her all the more for it. She left her perfect little world for her mutt of a brother and didn't regret it. The End By Middi Medici 1-8-07 BeastMaster He was the new master of the Midlands. Voden was perhaps the youngest man ever to rule the land. He was a tall, slender youth with blond hair and pale blue eyes. He was very handsome and a rather pleasing individual to look at. Voden rose to power by means of intelligent schemes and hard leadership. He was the King of the Nords. A fearsome foe to anyone who stood in his way. He was entertaining a special guest in his palace. He turned to look at the young woman known as Arina. Arina was tall and beautiful, with dark brown skin and long black hair. Her eyes were dark. She was a beautiful woman as well as a skilled fighter. She served first King Zad, then his archnemesis Voden. Tonight, she was here to entertain. The young king Voden wanted things and what he wanted became his. Such was his way. He admired Arina as she silently undressed. She took off the red tunic she usually wore. He watched her athletic body as she emerged from her clothes. She had nice legs, big tits and she was bottom-heavy, with a nice round booty. She smiled shyly at him. Voden grinned and beckoned her to him. She came and he grasped her tits in one hand and with the other caressed her firm butt. Hmmm. The girl had it going on. "Do you desire me, my king?" she asked. "Of course." said Voden. He undressed and she admired his body. He was lean but muscular. There was desire in his eyes. "Anything to please you, my king." she said. Arina wrapped her hand around Voden's cock and slowly pumped it as she watched his face. He leaned back against the table, preparing himself for what Arina was getting ready to do. He had to because she had the power to bring him to his knees when she sucked his cock. She took the tip of her tongue and captured the cum seeping from his cock. She drank it into her mouth and sucked his cock, taking in as much as she could. She continued sucking him and he looked at her beautiful face as she did. He soon came, shooting his load all over her. She drank his cum and cleaned up his cock. He asked her to turn around and get on her hands and knees. Arina obediently complied. He could control her like no one else ever had. He was her master, he was her love. He looked at her gorgeous butt and caressed it. Voden teased her asshole a little by rubbing his cock head around it, then he entered her, slowly. His cock head pushed past the tight ring of muscle. He went into her. She grunted and tried not to scream as the Nord King's cock entered her asshole. Voden felt a little resistance, grinned and pushed harder and deeper into her. If only he could see her face... Arina's beautiful face was contorted in pain as the Nord King's cock filled her ass. She had never been fucked up the ass before. He thrust deep into her bowels and held fast onto her hips and began to move in and out of her. She gritted her teeth against the pain. Voden was going so deep inside her that she felt like he was tearing her apart. She felt tears coming to her eyes. She was determined not to scream but when Voden thrust his huge cock impossibly deep inside her, she screamed at the top of her lungs. That only seemed to encourage him as he thrust deeper inside her. His cock throbbed inside her and she felt him grow stiff. He screamed and she joined him as his cock spat how cum inside her, filling her bowels with his seed. Once he had taken his pleasure, Voden pulled out. Arina lay there, and was breathing heavily. Her body was sore, and her ass hurt from the merciless fucking she had taken from the Nord King. "Are you alright, my dear?" he asked. He came and took her into his arms and put her on the bed. He was so slender she was surprised he could carry her. "Rest now." He smiled and gently stroked her cheek. "I will return and we can continue this later." He kissed her on the lips. Arina looked pale. "Anything to please you, my lord." she said. Elsewhere... Curupira walked in the Forest that was her domain. Anyone looking at her would have seen a slender girl with blond hair clad in a blue bodysuit. She was no ordinary girl but a Demon. She had magical powers beyond comprehension and she ruled the woods. At the moment, Curupira was experiencing something her kind seldom felt. Fear. True fear. She was running. Something very old and powerful was stalking her. The enemy she feared had come to her domain. She thought she could fight it but that proved impossible. She was facing something far more dangerous than herself and she was afraid for her life... Iara the Water Demon was at ease in both land and water. She hunted her enemy. She was a very old Demon, one of a rather ancient Breed that existed long before humanity. Iara craved power and would have it at any cost. One of the obstacles she faced was the female Demon known as Curupira. Curupira was a sniveling little bitch and Iara was gonna teach her a lesson. Iara sensed that Curupira was coming. She saw the blue-suit wearing female Demon and changed form. She went from a beautiful woman with short black hair, dark eyes and bronze skin to a large, slithering Serpent. Not any Serpent but a virtually indestructible supernatural beast. Curupira came running on the road. She wanted to get to the Ancient One and ask for his protection against the Demon Iara. She suddenly stopped. She sensed...something. Too late did she see the Serpent. It came out of nowhere and bit her. "AH!" Curupira screamed and she fell. Normally, nothing could harm Curupira. She was an immortal. But she had been bitten by no ordinary snake. She lay on the forest floor, watching as a large Serpent came near her. She closed her eyes. She could hear the thoughts of her enemy, the evil Iara. "At long last, I will have my meal." said Iara. Curupira felt very scared. She did not want to be eaten by a snake. "Please don't kill me." she begged. The huge Serpent's head was inches from her face. "Why not?" asked Iara the Demon in Serpent form. "I'll do anything." Curupira said. Iara changed from her Serpent form to that she preferred, the form of the beautiful, dark-haired, bronze-skinned woman. Iara looked at Curupira. The Forest Demon was scared. Very scared. Iara liked that. "You are scared of me." she said, smiling. "Yes, I am." said Curupira. Iara looked at her fallen enemy. The girl looked so...delicious. "Just grant me a dying wish." said Curupira. "What is it?" said Iara. "I can't let you go." Curupira bit her lip. "Just kiss me." she said. Iara looked at her. "Kiss you?" she asked. Curupira nodded. Iara glared at the girl. Forest Demons were strange... very strange. Still, she saw no harm in a simple kiss and kissed Curupira. Curupira kissed Iara. She waited for her power to be activated. Usually, whenever Curupira kissed someone, she sucked the life out of them, human or immortal alike. This time, it didn't seem to work. Curupira didn't understand why. It must be the Serpent's venom negating her powers. She kissed Iara, who seemed to really get into it. "Wow." said Iara. She looked at Curupira. "I've never felt anything like this before." Curupira stared at Iara. The Water Demon should be dead. Curupira's kisses killed. That was a known fact. So why was she alive? Iara looked at Curupira. Curupira shuddered, thinking that the female Water Demon was gonna return to Serpent form and devour her. She saw something in Iara's eyes...a different kind of hunger than she expected. Iara took Curupira's face into her hands and stared into the girl's eyes. She had never noticed how beautiful she looked. "You are so beautiful." said Iara. Gently, she caressed Curupira's face. Her hands went to Curupira's neck and breasts and finally to between her legs for an exploratory feel. Curupira gasped. "What are you doing?" she asked Iara. Iara looked at her. "I don't know." she said. "I just want to touch you." She looked at Curupira. "You are so beautiful and I never noticed that." Curupira felt revolted by that. "Don't touch me, you filthy snake." Curupira summoned her power and felt it return. The Serpent's poison was wearing off. She pushed Iara away and ran. She ran, thinking Iara was chasing her. She stopped dead in her tracks when she heard a strange sob. She turned around to see Iara, sobbing. Curupira glared at her with wide eyes. "What the hell is wrong with you?" she asked. Iara looked at Curupira with tear-filled eyes. "I don't know." she said. "What have you done to me?" Curupira stared at her. This could all be a trick. The Water Demon could be trying to lure her in, ready to eat her if she got too close. Still, Curupira approached Iara. "Are you okay?" Curupira heard herself say. She couldn't believe she was talking to her worst enemy that way. Iara nodded, and came closer to her. Curupira's heart beat faster. If this was a trick, she was gonna get eaten. She saw Iara come closer to her, with tear-filled eyes. Iara took her into her arms and embraced her. "I don't know what I am feeling." she said. "You did this to me." Curupira held the female Water Demon in her arms. "I am sorry." she said. Iara gently touched Curupira's face. "Don't be sorry. I'm not." She came closer and kissed Curupira. Curupira hesitated, then kissed her back. The two of them caressed each other and tenderly explored each other's young bodies. Curupira took off her clothes and Iara admired her smooth, slim and sexy body. Iara grinned and came to kiss Curupira and the two of them kissed and rolled around on the Forest floor. Iara found herself on top of Curupira. "I want you so bad." she said. "And I you." Curupira said. She caressed Iara's breasts and fondled them. Iara came and lay flat against Curupira, positioning herself so that her pussy was over Curupira's face and she buried her face in Curupira's pussy. She licked the other female Demon's pussy tenderly. She tasted her juices and fingered her. She breathed in the smell of another female's pussy, and liked it. Curupira was not inactive. Though she moaned under Iara's caresses and touch, she was determined to return the favor. She licked Iara's pussy and fingered it. She inserted her tongue inside Iara's ass. Iara gasped and Curupira continued what she was doing, fucking Curupira's ass with her tongue like it was a small cock. Iara relaxed as Curupira worked on her pussy and ass. She fingered and licked Curupira's own pussy, and watched as the other girl got excited and her scent changed. The two of them continued to suck and fuck each other until they achieved a mutual orgasm. Curupira screamed in pleasure at the top of her lungs and Iara joined her a second later. Iara turned around and rested in Curupira's welcoming arms. She kissed her. "I love you, Curupira." Iara said. "Back at you." Curupira said. They fell asleep in each other's arms. Somewhere else... Dar was walking in the woods. He was accompanied by his tiger Ruh, his ferrets Podo and Kodo and his best friend Tao. Dar was a tall, handsome young man with blond hair and pale blue eyes. He carried a staff. He was no ordinary human being but a Beast Master. He had the power to affect and control every animal in the universe. A great power indeed. Dar and Tao met awhile ago. They met while fighting their common enemy, the Terrons. The Terrons were the goons of King Zad. Zad was an evil king who wanted to rule the Midlands. Currently, he was at war with the Nord king Voden. "Dar, why is it so quiet in the forest?" asked Tao. Dar looked at his best friend. Tao was a slender young man with black hair, brown eyes and bronze skin. "I don't know, Tao." he said. "Sometimes the silence of the forest can mean so many things." "Or it can mean something good is coming." said a voice. Dar and Tao turned to see a girl with black hair clad in animal skins. They immediately recongnized her. "Lyca." said Dar. "What are you doing here?" Lyca came to him and gave him a hug. "Enjoying my freedom." she said. "Thanks to you." Lyca shook hands with Tao. The two men looked at her. She was even more beautiful than Dar remembered. She was slender, with black hair and dark brown eyes. Her skin was light bronze. She wore a shirt and dress made of animal skins. Although she looked like a beautiful young woman, both men knew she was far more than that. Lyca was one of the Lionmen. The Lionmen were a strange race of creatures. Supernatural beings. They could look like lions or humans. Half breeds imbued with supernatural powers. The Lionmen lived in a distant land. Dar first encountered them when Lyca came into the Midlands. She was a frightened Lion-girl fleeing from a life of servitude at the hands of a rather domineering Lion-man. Dar met the Lion-man named Navas. Navas was a Lion-man sent by the Lion-People to retrieve the rogue Lyca. He let her go free after having a long talk (and a fight) with both her and Dar. Dar looked at Lyca. He remembered the fury of the Lion-girl. She had a strength and speed far exceeding any human's. She was a dangerous creature. "Where are you headed?" she asked. "To the city of Xinca." said Tao. "Care to join us?" asked Dar. Lyca nodded. "Sure, guys." Lyca told them that she was just wondering, enjoying her freedom. What she didn't tell them was that the Ancient One and his Sorceress had changed her into something even more dangerous than the Lion-girl she started out as and now she craved human flesh and blood. She wanted nothing more than to kill them but she would take her time and enjoy herself before the final act.