9 comments/ 44695 views/ 44 favorites A Classical Werewolf Ch. 01 By: rosamundi To Lord Reynard's Fancy readers, please be patient as I edit and re-write, my disability has been rearing its ugly head. Enjoy this much shorter multi-part story for now. This story is dedicated to my partner, who hates junk science on wolves. Remember to rate and comment, I am always encouraged by your kind or constructively critical words. Thanks! - Rosamundi * Addy planned a peaceful hike that day, not a panicked marathon through brambles. She'd been running for approximately eternity. Fleeing, actually. Only the fact that fetching the next breath absorbed all of her attention kept her life from flashing before her eyes, even now her vision tunneled and dimmed with hypoxia. She only regretted that she'd not thought of the simple expedient of climbing a tree while she'd still possessed the strength. Now she consigned her soul, such as it was, to God or the Conservation of Energy. If indeed they differed. "It was so fucking obvious. Wolves don't climb trees." Addy thought as she collapsed to the forest floor. She was amazed to wake, breathing easily again. Addy chose to assume this meant she was still living and in one piece. She just enjoyed the rest for a few seconds. Then the howling started again in the distance. Too bad. Though she could breathe again her muscles had quit for the time being. No tree climbing for her, let alone another run. Ten miles a day did not a marathon runner make. She gasped her eyes open but held very still instead of starting another chase when she felt the warm tongue and cold nose in the crook of her neck. Freezing took all of her considerable will, her muscles suddenly screamed for action. Whining, not growling, vibrated on her skin as the huge grey wolf lapped at her. She relaxed a fraction and the whining stopped as it sat back, tongue lolling out and tail sweeping the undergrowth. Moving slowly, careful not to startle the wolf even though he looked about as threatening as a puppy at the moment, Addy sat up and looked around. Okay, not nearly a marathon. All uphill though, she noted with pride. She was thoroughly lost, no trail in sight, but she could tell from the landscape reflecting their elevation that she was about twenty miles into the national park she hiked and camped regularly. She'd been about five miles along when three wolves started running AT her, a puzzle in itself. The grey one beside her seemed well nourished and calm, and as far as she knew healthy wolves did not hunt adult humans. Though admittedly she was no zoologist. And they should have outrun her almost immediately instead of erratically slowing then speeding up again. "What were you thinking? And where are your buddies?" Addy asked the wolf softly, scooting to lean her back against a tree. He followed and his head settled on her lap. Just as she grew comfortable in a guarded way, two other wolves tore into the small clearing howling and baring their teeth as they approached on each side. Addy didn't realize she could scream so loud and found herself on her feet without thought. She'd never been the screaming type before. Wrong tree too, no branches in reach. She clenched closed her eyes wishing they'd managed to reach her still unconscious. That's when the yelling started. "You cheated!" In good humor. "No fair monopolizing the bitch before the fight!" Furious and petulant. "Look, I outran you both because I'm faster. If you want to monopolize women, maybe you should take a run once in awhile. Also, you have ten seconds to back out before I decide to fight you for real." His voice grew quieter, and charmingly smug. "Trust me, I'm motivated after a few minutes of monopoly." Interested in the last speaker, Addy opened her eyes. Instead of wolves, she saw three naked and visibly aroused men standing toe to toe, ignoring her completely to fight amongst themselves. They were built, and the white guys sported all over tans. Maybe they were houris, and somehow despite not even trying she'd been a good enough Muslim to make it to Paradise after the wolves ate her. A psychotic break seemed more likely. Did houris fight each other? Were there even male houris? Eternal virgins seemed a tiresome prospect to her. Or maybe hell was full of pre-ejaculating virginal boys or hot naked gay men who would ignore her for all eternity to argue? The fact that she was debating any of this made a psychotic break the obvious explanation. Addy slumped back to her butt. "Oh, thank God! I'm just having a psychotic break. No wolves chasing me. Now I'm hallucinating gorgeous naked men instead. Best psychotic break ever!" "I'm guessing you didn't mean to say that aloud." said the smug voice belonging to the prematurely grey man who turned to her with a brilliant smile. "And I'm afraid you're wrong, no psychosis for you. Though I'll take that last bit as a compliment." Great, now all three of them were staring straight at her lustfully. Just as well she'd worn bike shorts under her sundress. The grey haired man offered her a hand up, which she accepted gratefully. His dark eyes burned into hers, conveying his desire to touch more than her forearm. "Thanks, and no I didn't mean to say that aloud. If you'll excuse me, I need to go home and blush for a few years. Later, good luck finding some clothes." Addy managed to mumble, wondering if paranoia ever presented as embarrassment over what you say to your own hallucinations. "I'm afraid you can't leave just yet. These wiseguys haven't decided whether to fight me for the honor of mating with you." He circled her wrist with a loose but strong grip. She supposed being restrained so would frighten the typical woman, but it aroused every submissive cell in her body. The other two men glared but didn't get in a word in edgewise as Addy ignored the manhandling and confidently replied to the stranger restraining her. "You aren't a very convincing real man, I have to say. The odds definitely favor you as a hallucination based on that little speech." Grey sported a salt and pepper beard just begging her fingers to run through it. Addy felt that she was enjoying psychosis way too much. The other two men were objectively just as handsome, but she couldn't tear her gaze away from the fascinating one holding her arm. "You're not hallucinating, it's much more prosaic than..." Addy ranted, still in an adrenalin rush, "Think prosaic? Okay. A nightmare of wolves chasing me morphed into a sex dream with a foursome. Almost. Before you started talking, so thanks for that. Because I've earned a foursome damn it, even an imaginary one. What with the chaos at work, and nobody to go out with except people that the university rules say I can't - the entire frigging biology department, instead of just neuroscience. Asshole admins. I really need to start dating someone, anyone, get out of the lab once in awhile, have sex again before my vagina is condemned by the authorities." "I'd hate to see that happen." Dimples appeared on his face. "I'll be delighted to help in any way I can, short of a foursome. I was about to explain that's why we're here. It's very simple, we're werewolves and we caught your wonderful scent, and then I caught you, and now I'm going to win you if you'll just give me a few minutes." "You seriously just decided to convince me I'm neither hallucinating nor dreaming by announcing that werewolves are more prosaic?" "Yes." "Chemical exposure, that's it. If those cock suckers from biochem dumped Bunsen burner LSD into my root beer again I'm gonna have them written up." "Again?!" he asked before focusing, "Wait, no! This is not an acid trip. I told you the truth. And do you talk to your mother with that mouth?" Addy raised one eyebrow and a half smile blossomed on her face, her bright green eyes sparkling with amusement, "Have something against cock sucking, do you? That rules you out as Bachelor Number One, since I definitely do more than talk to my mother with this mouth." "Wrong again, don't rule me out just yet." His voice grew deep and he growled out, "And don't call me bachelor number one, Bachelorette. Unless of course you're being flippant because I just hunted you to ground and you're a little frightened of what else I might be able to do to you?" Grey crowded her against the tree trunk and scraped his beard along her cheek as he brought his mouth to her ear, "Is that it? Because frankly, I would find that very, very sexy in my mate." This stole her breath away. Addy wasn't used to anyone reading her that well. It felt mildly dangerous and unexpectedly welcome. She didn't get to be a respected neuroscientist in that male dominated field by shirking challenges, though. This big bad wolf had no idea what he was up against. Her eyes narrowed as he pulled back and caught her gaze. Addy's eyes still sparkled, but with pride as she threw down the gauntlet. "Oh, it's on! I agree to be your mate...IF you can win me. And no, I'm not frightened of you, but I am into BDSM. Frankly, I would find being hunted down by my mate very, very sexy." "Will you two SHUT UP for a minute so we can fight here?" Interrupted the petulant redhead, previously a reddish wolf. Addy turned on him, "Don't bother, Miss Manners. I wouldn't so much as hook up with you if it got me tenure at Berkeley. So far in the five minutes you haven't been chasing or growling at me, you've managed to call me a bitch AND tell me to shut up. Which officially makes you non-mating material in my mind." Suddenly the red wolf was back and terrifying, advancing snarling at her. Then so was the grey, standing between them before aggressively chomping at the red wolf's scruff. He twisted neatly out of Grey's grasp and bit back but missed. Addy couldn't tear her eyes away as they circled each other growling. Though as men a few inches in height and barely heavier build scarcely showed, as wolves that difference made Grey appear giant in fighting context. Red clearly showed superior agility and speed, almost dancing around Grey and swiping at him then occasionally ducking underneath his muzzle to snap at his throat. Grey was heavier and stronger, he conserved energy and let Red tire himself out. After untold, nerve wracking, wince inducing minutes of neatly dodging with his long legs or batting the smaller wolf away with an idle swipe of a paw, Grey suddenly surged into full on attack mode. Within seconds he had charged into Red's side, bowled him over onto his side and closed his powerful jaws on his opponent. Red struggled briefly before he showed his white belly and Grey let go. Addy saw that the smaller wolf's throat dripped blood as he ran off yelping. Addy threw her arms around the Grey's shoulders and held on whispering her thanks. Then remembering her manners, she stood and held out her hand politely to the remaining fellow, whose light hazel eyes stood out against his mahogany skin and dark brown hair. "How do you do? My name is Addy O'Malley, and I may be an idiot but apparently I'm not psychotic. I've just learned never to backtalk a werewolf," she smiled. "Pleased to meet you, Addy O'Malley. I'm Robert Carnegie. Please call me Rob. Kevin's always been an asshole, don't worry too much about us in general." "That's a relief, Rob. Self restraint isn't my strong suit." "So it seems. That's why you and Hera..." at Grey's growl Rob grinned and amended, "...Harry here were clearly fated for each other, and I'm bowing out. Reluctantly, since you're beautiful and funny, Addy. Harry here might take some convincing, since he doesn't believe in true mates, er, true love in your terms. But I do, and I know it when I see it. I hope to meet you again soon. Fight you back home, Harry. I wouldn't want to risk winning your mate away from you." With this the Rob actually bowed, shifted and ran off. "Show off. Theater people are all alike," Grey snorted. "Hey! I resemble that remark, Grey." "No, Harry. Not Grey. Oh no, Harry...hairy, werewolf." Addy started laughing and couldn't stop herself. She slid down the tree again and buried her head in her arms and laughed harder and harder until she fell on her side. Harry just stared. "Addy?" This made her laugh harder still. It had been a really long day. She was apparently going to be a werewolf soon. A mousy werewolf, because of her mousy brown hair. Three species and counting. She couldn't quit giggling, hysterics no doubt. "Addy, are you all right? I think you should calm down, sweetness." Tears streaked her face and she gasped for air, rolling on her back and covering her face with her hands as she wondered what werewolf taste buds were like, what the equivalent of sweet was. Fortunately, she was laughing too hard to speak, this was definitely all rude to laugh about. Lust threatened to eclipse Harry's concern when Addy's short dress rode part way up her legs, exposing an intriguing black garment that seemed like reverse stockings, leaving her shapely calves bare but clinging like lace edged tights to her thighs revealing every contour. Harry's throat went dry and he switched tactics, moving to sit next to her and stroking her throat lightly with his thumb. "Addy, we're alone now. I out fought Kevin and Rob backed out. May I have a kiss?" The soft request got her attention. Addy sat up sobering herself and said, "Of course. I agreed to be your mate if you won, and you have. I don't make promises lightly. Even if I didn't like you best, which I do, I'd be honor bound to be your mate. Could I please call you something other than Harry, though? Hal, maybe?" "Anglophile much? You could 'call me Ishmael.'" "That's American, and if I think about _Moby Dick_ right now I'll start laughing again what with the naked men, uh, naked werewolves and all. I'd much rather kiss you. But yes. How did you guess?" "Well, Hal's not very common stateside. Plus the copy of _Pamela_ in your backpack, which I stowed for you. Do you only read 18th century smut or are you open minded?" "Impressive literary fu. Up to the minute smut is fine, given certain elements." "I aim to please. And yes, call me Hal if you like Addy. I certainly like it. That kiss?" "I'd be very pleased with a kiss, Hal." He smiled at her word play, leaned over and kissed her cheek reverently. Addy felt like velvet and smelled like roses and salt and home after a long journey. "So that's it, we're mates now?" Addy asked, wide eyed. Hal looked horrified. "Dear God, no. Addy, you're not some toy we fought over for possession. I won the right to court you, that's all. Some people believe that mating can be instant, that you find your true mate and you are fated for one another and winning any challenge confirms it. I'm not one of those people, as Rob said, because I'm not completely irrational. We just date, and you are free to break things off if you wish, refuse to mate with me. Right now if you want." "I told you I don't break promises if I can possibly avoid it, and even if I did I'm not inclined to break this one. Honestly, I would date you under any circumstances, so thank you for asking. I never understood those types who meet and fly to Vegas for a fake-y wedding at a drive through chapel myself. True love may exist, but it builds over time with work and commitment. But what happens to you if I refuse you?" "It just means I blew my chance at mating, and I remain a bachelor. It happens sometimes. I'm glad we're of one mind on this, Addy. We have a lot to talk about and learn about each other. I admit that I've never seen or touched or scented a more beautiful, alluring woman before. And I'm comfortable sharing my wolf with you. Maybe the true mates idea has a kernel of truth that's been exaggerated over the centuries." Hal thought back to Addy's fearlessness toward him when he couldn't resist tasting her at first, how she'd allowed him to rest on her lap before they were rudely interrupted and rushed to embrace him after the fight as if blood weren't still dripping from his fangs. This was not a normal reaction from a human woman who'd just been hunted like prey. It added up to more than a kernel, but he doubted a sharp thinker like her would agree that the superstition might be true. Addy herself interrupted his line of thinking with a question. "Wait, you mean there's no second chance for you? You'll be alone forever?" "No second chance to mate and father children, no. But I have a family and a home in my pack, and that wouldn't change. I could still have casual partners if I wished, and enjoy my nieces and nephews as I do now." Addy decided that he had put a brave face on what sounded in truth to be a lifetime of loneliness to avoid pressuring her, and deserved better than a modest kiss on the cheek. Besides, he was eminently kissable. So she threw her arms around Hal's neck and kissed him soundly on the lips. Then again, and again as he twined his arms around her waist and deepened the kiss, parting her lips with his jaw and tenderly exploring her mouth with his tongue. Addy never wanted to stop, she felt like her skin was on fire and his smooth skin felt hot as well over solid muscle in his shoulders and arms. She ran one hand down under his shoulder in a pleasant haze. Their embrace grew increasingly intense and romantic, until she felt a wet patch and gasped when her hand came away bloody. "Oh my God! Hal, you're hurt! Come on, let me see, let me get you cleaned up. Where's the nearest water?" "Don't stop, Addy, it's just a scratch," he groaned trying to pull her back into his arms, "the blood will clean it out. I'm fine. Never felt better," he drawled, seeking out her soft lips again. "Dripping with blood is fine? I don't think so. No more kisses until I get you patched up. My hands are covered with dirt, it's gonna get infected." She dodged his mouth and knelt up, trying to see over his shoulder. This dragged her breasts up his chest inadvertently, ending a tempting few inches from his mouth, which did not make him eager for a first aid intermission. "Stop fretting! Trust me, I'm feeling no pain with you in my arms and I'll settle for the anesthesia." Hal retorted, nipping at her neck and nearly bare shoulder. "Endorphins don't prevent infections," Addy insisted as she resisted his charms. Then at his frown she slid back down his chest and continued seductively, "I can make cleaning you feel so good you'd regret missing out if we stay here. Wouldn't it feel nice to have me run my cool, wet hands all over your body, Hal? It's the least I can do after you fought for me, protected me from that other werewolf." "You certainly can be persuasive, Addy. Very well, the creek's this way and my immune system is used to it, before you argue again." Hal took her hand with a hot smile and led her out of the clearing and downhill. A Classical Werewolf Ch. 02 Hal and Addy walked about a quarter mile in comfortable silence. The creek was broad with a sandy bottom and a shallow ledge of a waterfall that suited their purpose well. Addy knelt at the top while Hal stood below. She hissed in her breath when she saw the claw mark running from his right shoulder in a backslash toward his spine. After carefully washing her hands and cleaning under her fingernails with a rinsed off twig, Addy cupped water in them and rinsed the wound until she could see how deep it was. Considerably more than a scratch, but not a deep enough gash to need stitches. "The patient will live." Addy admitted, "Where did you get all these scars? Prison? The French Foreign Legion? Jealous husbands?" Hal threw back his head and laughed, "None of the above. Sparring for fun, mostly. The occasional miscalculation when hunting. I told you this was just a scratch." "I would be whining like a jet before take off if I had this kind of scratch." Addy said. "Guess I'll be doing all the fighting then. I may start whining if I don't get that all over washing you promised, now that you seem done fussing." Addy responded by lifting wet sand in her palms and scrubbing his neck and muscled shoulders in slow circles. Pummeling as a kid and hateful comments even now by other athletes usually ensured she avoided considering them as potential partners, but Hal clearly had no such issues so she simply enjoyed feeling up his hockey player physique. She cupped water in her hands to rinse off the sand and repeated the process down his back and sides in a leisurely fashion, protecting Hal's wound. Both felt their breath quicken as her hands traveled lower. Addy halted at the small of his back. "Hal?" Addy's hesitant question seemed to hang in the air. "I'm yours, Addy. Whatever you want, that's what I want too." Hal sighed. Addy wanted to jump him and ride him until they were both sore and exhausted, and had to concentrate fiercely to remind herself that a few hours of acquaintance was a bit early to act on the impulse. Slow seduction would be much better. Well, more prudent. Fucking him raw immediately would definitely be better. Addy couldn't believe herself. She never, but NEVER had sex with men she'd just met. She had to be careful of that easy fat chick stereotype, even in BDSM circles where people should know better than to deliberately shame anyone. Addy knew she was both fit and attractive, and had too much self respect to indulge other people's prejudices. She just did not respond to anyone so strongly so soon, even ovulation didn't inspire this kind of blinding sexual need. She seriously needed to get a grip. Dammit, that phrasing was a mistake in itself, especially since it ended with her hands caressing his firm stomach muscles. Drawing a slightly shaky breath she chose to aim for his chest. Harry already scarcely had the control to stay in his human shape and abstain from marking and mating Addy on the spot. She hadn't done anything unambiguously sexual, she'd just bathed his shoulders, back and neck. Her hands simply rubbing that sand on his back, then dousing him with cool water over and over, made him mad with passion. No other woman drove him into frenzied lust with relatively innocent touches. He eagerly anticipated what he would feel when Addy did intentionally arouse him. Like maybe now, he thought as his belly clenched under her soft hands. This was like being fifteen all over again. Yet he knew nothing about her, he reminded himself in an effort to calm down. Beyond "evidently not jail bait" he wasn't even sure of her age, it was hard to tell with humans. Addy spoke like an experienced lover, but her enviable skill at verbal sparring might cover up inexperience. Not that he would object to playing the teacher. This train of thought led to a vision of Addy in a schoolgirl uniform over his knee, which he sternly suppressed. They needed to talk, maybe catch a movie and dinner. Get to know each other. Hal actually felt relief when Addy's hands headed north. Addy gritted her teeth and tried to quell the overwhelming lust, "Hal, I'm sorry, I have to stop. Now. I don't think I'll be able to control myself otherwise. If you want to date instead of just screw during the foreseeable future, I need to stop touching you for awhile." She clenched her fists and forced herself to take her hands off of his dreamy body, the last thing in the world she wished to do. "That's a good idea, you're right. We should stop. We're going to be mated in about ten minutes if we don't, and it's not a snap decision. Lifelong, life changing, especially for you." Hal agreed fervently, looking over his shoulder at her. Both still labored to breathe, and he tried very hard to ignore the effect that panting arousal and kneeling in cold water had on her lovely breasts. Suddenly he plunked himself down in the stream's shallow depth with a groan. "Are you all right?" Addy asked, startled. "Working on it." Hal replied in a strained voice, "Consider it nature's answer to a cold shower." "Oh." Addy was at a loss for words, vaguely embarrassed. She decided to put some distance between them for safe measure, physically by sloshing ashore and mentally by putting on her scientist hat and looking at Hal's anatomy more objectively. She leaned against an oak and let herself stare. Hal looked decidedly canine to her upon close inspection, as had Rob and Kevin, she thought. If "Lucy" had evolved from wolves and not apes, she might have looked similar. Hal's skull seemed slightly angular, his jaw narrower than hers. His body hair was much sparser than his wolven fur, but retained its texture and was straight all over, no curl or kink to it at all. His calves and forearms appeared leaner than an ape's and the bones more defined. Hal's musculature seemed slightly different than hers, but she quickly moved on because that was getting into dangerous territory. The hair on his scalp was fluffy and thick, a direct resemblance to his fur plain to her eyes, but not unlike a human male with wavy hair kept shorn to look butch. Fully dressed, none of this would stand out, especially to someone without much biology who didn't believe in werewolves. As it was the subtle differences caught her eye and intrigued her. He looked neither entirely human nor entirely lupine, but a blend all its own. Four species and counting then, she grinned. "So, I know of werewolves only by rumor, Hal. Can I ask stupid questions for a bit?" she called out. "Did you just quote Hermes stealing Apollo's cows there?" He inquired with a radiant smile, striding out of the water looking like a descended god himself. "Good catch." Addy replied with shining eyes, as he settled himself cross legged a few feet away. "My parents gave me _D'Aulaire's Book of Greek Myths_ when I was about five. Hermes stealing the cows then trying to trick Apollo was my favorite story, because he looked so sneaky in the picture. And I was pretty mischievous, so I guess I identified with Hermes, and the Elephant's Child from Kipling too. Pack life sucks for naughty children, all the adults have a parent's authority and they use it! My folks are Classics scholars, emeritus professors at the U." "Small towns work the same way, it's like the Fifties never ended. I was always in trouble. Nobody believed Hermes style blarney, and everybody spanked me like the Elephant's Child, then called my parents so they could spank me some more. They didn't, they made me chop wood instead, much worse. Oh, and I had the Norse Myths too. Irish, Viking, same difference. But how can werewolves be classics professors?" Addy asked in wonder. "Same way humans can, I suppose." Harry sniped cheerfully, then continued soberly, "People don't see what they don't believe or expect or wish to see. We're all over the place, hiding in plain sight as it were." "Did you go to public school?" Addy followed up curiously. "No, it's too hard to control shifting to suit your immediate purpose when you're little. Tag would turn out badly, especially since wolves can't help chasing and hunting until we're grown, and it's hard even then. And puberty...well, we're a lot more forgiving of sexual experimentation than most humans. Or at least most Americans. Although we can't impregnate humans we can get and spread your diseases. We heal quickly from all of them, human partners don't. And we're fairly promiscuous, especially as teens, until we mate, and then it's for life. No divorce, no serial monogamy, we're more like wolves that way." Hal explained. "You can't impregnate me? Isn't that sort of the point of having a mate?" "Well, yes, and I can if you choose to change. If you decide not to be a werewolf we can adopt children. Your body, your decision." "Good feminist, especially since you clearly don't expect a cookie for it." "Feminists in wolf form have very effective arguments called claws and teeth, in addition to basic reason and decency. All of which they possess well before they can bake cookies without adult supervision." "A compelling reason to become a werewolf in itself. What about my parents, if I decide to change into a werewolf, can I tell them about us? A few fibs aside I've always been honest with them." "My parents are going to love you, that's for certain, I couldn't make such a claim. Of course you can tell them, we'll be family. If a big wedding is expected, that's fine too. In fact, you can tell anyone you want that you met werewolves, whether you become my mate or not. You might recall how hard it was to convince you when you had already seen us shift in front of you. I wouldn't try to apply for a grant to research werewolf neuroscience. Back to questions about mating." He winked at her. "I am your mate already, and I'll be thrilled when you make me pregnant." Addy answered softly and seriously. "That's it, I'm officially in love with you, Addy. And to prove it, I'm going to reveal my deepest, darkest secret." "What would that be, Hal?" "My real first name. Rob threatened, but I made him stop." "Can't be worse than mine, trust me." "Oh, but it can, trust ME. What's wrong with Addy? A little retro maybe, but very pretty." "You first, Hal. I promise I have the most embarrassing first name ever. It'll be comforting." Addy stated grimly. "No laughing." he warned. "I wouldn't dare, but I'm holding you to the same deal." He sighed and stared at the ground. "Heracles. There, I said it. Told you my parents were nerds." "Atalanta. Retro enough for you?" Hal looked up to find her cheeks flaming. "Holy shit. Maybe there is something to this fated true mate thing. This can't be a coincidence. There should be a support group for children of Classicists like us." "At least you know you can trust me with your deepest, darkest secret," Addy grinned, "but my parents are apple breeders. The orchard's been in Dad's family for generations, and mom's a geneticist. When I was born, they were developing a new breed of..." "Golden apples, I presume?" Hal, or rather Heracles, interrupted. "Precisely." "Nonetheless, you are well named, Atalanta. You are not easy to catch. I can't wait to repeat our chase, but this time I will catch you awake and...responsive." Hal's heated gaze traveled up and down her, all wolf despite his manly body. Addy's heart pounded with a blend of fear and excitement even her most intense bondage scenes never inspired. Probably because Hal never stopped being a wolf, and though her cortex could trust him entirely in either form, her brain stem remained unconvinced. Arousal that other lovers needed a few rounds of sex to accomplish, Hal evoked with a word and a look. It completely disconcerted her and she loved every second. "Now that introductions are out of the way, you can ask more questions." Hal invited, taking in her flushed face and neck, heaving breasts and aroused scent with pride. He was starting to rethink waiting, Addy's passion seemed likely to ruin him on other women, mated or not. "Questions?" Addy asked distractedly, looking at him like he was a delicacy. "About werewolves," he prompted. "Oh, um." She closed her eyes and tried to think. With her brain. Hal smiled quietly to himself and waited. "Okay, so were you confident you'd win the fights because you're an alpha male?" she asked. He laughed, "No such thing, junk science. Says a lot more about the scientists than the wolves. And animals behave differently in captivity. In any case, werewolves aren't wolves, we're hybrids." "Hey, I'm a scientist! And an animal, I might add." Addy sounded offended. "Oops. Sorry, I should've said..." "Oh no, you're totally right about scientists, especially when they were basically all men, that proposed wolf hierarchy is amazingly apt in describing the old school guys. Devastatingly accurate, actually. Everybody wanting to win and be most important instead of say, figuring out scientific stuff. I was just messing with you." she laughed, "And my ape self is as much an animal as your werewolf self, it's just that I only have one shape. There's a lot of junk science about us too. Most people would believe you're a werewolf before they'd believe my fat ass can run fifteen miles. Or a block, for that matter. They think all kinds of weird and untrue things about fat people." Addy pointed out. "That's strange, but I see it all over the news. You seem very strong and healthy to me. Most apes I know can't run fifteen miles uphill at their top speed. People are different sizes, wolves too. Your single shape is enchanting, and I say this with the authority of a man who spent that fifteen miles pursuing and perusing your luscious ass. In answer to your question, though, I was confident Kevin would lose because he's incompetent. Rob can take me in a fair fight any day of the week, or vice versa. He's my best friend, we fight all the time." "Thanks, your ass is pretty delectable as well. Of course you fight all the time, scar each other up, because you're best friends. Is that why he bowed out, to preserve your friendship?" Addy asked, a little nervously. "Can he change his mind?" "I said a fair fight, Addy. Having met you, I had no intention of fighting fairly." Hal shrugged. "Rob really is as sappy as he claims. He bowed out so he wouldn't interfere with Fate, true love and whatever other fairy tales are floating around in his little thespian brain." That's when her stomach rumbled like an earthquake, to Addy's embarrassment. So much for their idyll in the forest. Hal stood up, mentally kicking himself. Of course she was hungry, they'd scented her early this morning followed by a long run, fairly protracted explanations, a fight, a giggling fit, kissing, bathing, conversation. He'd lazed around instead of feeding his mate or even getting her water bottle. "Addy, I'm so sorry, I wasn't thinking! Let me run get your pack for you and I'll hunt us up something to eat. You must be famished, thirsty too. I really am usually less selfish." he promised. "It's fine Hal, I ate breakfast. I'd love a drink though. I planned to camp, so I have food with me. We can build a fire ring and I'll start the foil packs in the bottom, then we can roast whatever you catch. Do you take requests?" she asked. "But of course. If I may suggest, in addition to one very tasty, very beautiful woman, this wood is just teeming with rabbits and deer." Hal replied with an excruciatingly bad French accent. "I haven't eaten rabbit in ages, Hal. And please never try to imitate a French waiter again - or was that supposed to be someone whose scurvy is making their teeth fall out? I have plans for you later that don't involve sleep, so you don't get to eat most of a deer. And salting venison, while very entertaining in an old timey way, is not what I had in mind." "Has anyone ever told you that you're rather blunt? Good thing I'm not sensitive about my acting ability. Rabbit it is, sweet one. I'll be back in a few with your backpack." "Good thing indeed, since you don't seem to HAVE any acting ability if that's a sample. Not so fast," Addy protested, pulling him back down, "I haven't kissed you goodbye yet." "You expect a kiss after that insult? You're rather blunt, you know, Addy. In case my meaning wasn't clear the first time." Hal groused. "Yes, it's a much better use of your mouth, since you are a stunning, terrific, amazing kisser. In technicolor. Who cares about acting ability?" Addy got her kiss. Soon Hal returned as promised with Addy's hiking pack and a few logs to find her near the stream bank stacking stones. With a few more kisses she waved him off, pulling an aim and flame and foil packet of root vegetables seasoned with olive oil and herbs out. She added a layer of pebbles, laying a scout quality fire over that then fashioning a roasting frame of forked sticks and skewers. "Impressive pyrotechnic fu." Hal observed as she drank an entire pint of Gatorade, "See you when I have a few rabbits to cook." He tried to sound casual, but his heart was pounding with excitement and pride as he shifted to hunt for his mate for the first time, thinking ahead to starting their family and feeding her when she grew heavy with their pups. A Classical Werewolf Ch. 03 Thanks to so many of you for encouragement over the last 2 months. Good news, I am now healing from my illness instead of still dying from it, and getting back in good shape has been occupying most of my time! Thanks for hanging in there. I hope to write at a faster pace now that I am feeling better! Remember to vote and that I live for your comments! - Rosamundi * Full and a bit drowsy, they relaxed together as the afternoon faded, forgetful of the time. Addy looked at Hal longingly across the fire, "I'm fairly skeptical about the idea intellectually, but that true mate notion seems more plausible by the moment to my body. And..." she trailed off, looking down shyly. It was adorable. "And your heart," Hal replied quietly, gently. "Mine too." He unfolded himself gracefully and moved to her side, then lay down with his head in her lap again. Her skirt was damp from washing up and cool against his nape. He closed his eyes and smiled, basking in Addy's softness and scent. Content. Addy's hand soothed Hal's forehead, she stroked it slowly and rhythmically, running her fingers through his thick wavy hair as she had longed to at first glance. From afar it looked solid grey, but she noticed as she gazed down at him fondly that it was a mix of white, silver and charcoal, like his beard and his fur when he took wolf form. Why did men always get the perfect hair? Her fingers moved down to his whiskers, scratching lightly. Hal tilted his head back to grant her better access and sighed happily, exposing his throat without a second thought. Addy didn't know much about werewolves, but suspected she understood what that meant. They just didn't go around making themselves that vulnerable, she was sure. His trust in her moved her deeply. She felt curious, but didn't want to talk just yet. Instead she gently stroked Hal's throat with her thumb, as he had done with her. He turned his head and kissed her belly, then snuggled into her with a tiny growl, a blend of cute and erotic. She returned to scritching his whiskers, something every bearded man she'd ever known enjoyed. Tired but comfortable, Addy took in the bubbling sound of the stream, chirping of birds and wind in the trees as a sense of peace and joy welled up in her. She could stay like this forever, Hal in her lap and the forest all around her. Touching just Hal's head and neck, Addy suddenly understood as she never had before why heroines in her favorite classic novels considered such modest touching love making. It was. She was falling in love with Hal at every pass of her fingers. Though slow to engage in relationships, once in them Addy's lusty nature had always prevailed and her fondness for kink assured that rough and ready sex quickly followed. Now the strongest lust she'd ever known warred with a new urge to take things slowly, explore every millimeter of Hal's handsome body at her leisure and for his pleasure. She recalled the old Anglican wedding vow, "With my body, I thee worship." It seemed profound to her in this moment, describing her desire perfectly. She sighed out, "Hal, do we really have to wait? Date for a long time? I will if you feel unsure, but I feel that I can trust this instinct. Sometimes they are right, most scientific progress is based on gut feelings that we eventually demonstrate with evidence. I'm content with the evidence so far. I want to be with you, be one with you." Hal opened his dark eyes and looked into hers solemnly. He did not speak for so long that Addy started thinking how she could back out of what she had just said. She'd never made such a bold declaration of love, and the thought of rejection pained her. She was about to stammer out an apology when Hal stopped her with a joyful murmur. "It seems we already may be one with each other, sweet. And there's nothing I want more than to make you mine forever. There are things you need to know though, you have to understand what mating entails. It's more than just a marriage, though it is that. And we don't know anything about each other, if we could make a happy life together, if we're compatible." "Well, I don't feel like running twenty miles to my car, even downhill. You wore me out, remember? We could camp out and talk. I don't have to work 'til Tuesday. Give me some parameters, here. Any relationship deal breakers, ideas about what makes a good mate and whatever facts you think I need to know about mating, how we go about it." Addy proposed. "I'd love to. Let's switch places." Hal said to her, obligingly sitting up so she could move. He stretched and smiled at her affectionately as she scooted away from the tree trunk. "So now I get to lay in your lap?" Addy asked brightly, biting her lower lip with twinkling eyes. Hal had Addy pinned to the earth before she knew it, hands held down on either side of her head. "Bad grammar isn't a deal breaker," he growled, "but it doesn't go unpunished either. It's 'lie in your lap.' Would you like to know why I'm off until Tuesday as well, before I start?" "Hal, I used perfect grammar. I had no intention of just lying there forever." Addy said as innocently as possible: not very. "That just means you've gone from bad to wicked, and I have to punish you twice, or twice as much, or twice as long. Ignorance of the law is no excuse, but since we have the long weekend, I'll let you pick." Hal allowed with an amused yet feral grin. "Even good grammar warrants being pinned to the ground and punished? Now I'm officially in love with YOU. But what does this have to do with having Monday off from work, of all things?" "Safe, sane and consensual hardly requires a warrant, my dear. Though I do plan to search your person thoroughly. I'm holding you down so you don't hurt yourself when you swoon." Hal transferred her wrists to one hand and pulled them above her head, starting to unbutton her dress with the other while fighting to keep a straight face. "Well, since you evidently know how to cope with a swoon by unfastening my completely loose dress, please tell me whatever it is with perfect confidence for my safety." Addy entreated sarcastically. "Triple punishment for disrespect. Now, if you wish to mate with me you must first be made aware that I am..." he licked down her throat. "...the Henry Fielding..." then down her collarbone to her gaping bodice. "...Professor of British Literature at our fair University. We both have Monday off because we both work there. Some administrative thing no doubt." Hal kissed and nibbled the tops of her breasts once he finished speaking. "I have to give you credit for knowing how to make me swoon, Hal." Addy gasped out after a long low moan of approval for his words as much as his actions. Though unsurprised, delight bubbled over in her knowing he was both a fellow scholar and Car Talk fan, though they were nowhere near Cambridge, Mass. Then there was his ardent treatment of her bared flesh, and the way he was keeping her firmly pinned and grinding his reinstated erection into her. Hal bit rather hard at her left earlobe then licked apologetically at her startled yelp. Addy struggled to free her hands so she could likewise explore him, and she was strong but he was stronger. He sing-songed into her ear as he traced the shell with his lips, "And I have tenure. Health insurance. Paid conferences all over the UK and Ireland. Familial tuition forgiveness. So I'm looking to start a family, say, this minute. Or at least begin a few years of constant practice. You're an admitted thespian, I expect your help rehearsing this production over and over and over, Addy." She felt perfect beneath him, downy, slightly cool compared to lycan women, with the smoothest skin he'd ever felt. Addy's futile struggles inflamed his lust, the more because he read the same heated reaction on her countenance. He sprinkled kisses over her face and then took her sweet rosebud of a mouth again, hard and demanding. Her tongue caressed his, she dueled her way into his mouth then tantalized him by curling it around or switching to quick little laps followed by outright sucking. As she played his tongue as he knew she would his cock, Addy moaned and her thighs started to part unconsciously. Hal's passion rocketed, but he exerted control by squeezing her legs shut again with his own. He pulled back from the kiss and gazed down at her, anticipating her reaction. As if on cue Addy fought him and gasped in protest, "Hal!" "You've earned a few punishments, as I recall." He deliberately thrust his arousal against her yielding belly as he grinned sadistically down at her. Addy looked even more beautiful to him as helpless fury overtook her. "This is completely unfair and disproportionate punishment. How can you tease me this way? I need you, Hal!" she demanded. "Topping from the bottom, Addy? You know better than that, I hope, or you will when I finish with you. That could mean punishment four, but I'll just lump it in with your previous disrespect, since I want no more delay before I check our compatibility in fit." Hal leered cheerfully, "Now, will you finally follow orders like the good sub you've implied you are?" "Yes, sir." Addy breathed with the most glorious smile he'd ever seen. Hal climbed off of her reluctantly, ignoring the groan of disappointment. He rose to his feet and glared playfully down at her still prone form, his wolf going wild over sexually dominating his mate as well as her eager submission. His cock pulsed as he ordered her to stand and she complied instantly, lowering her eyes after casting him a bright green sultry glance. Goddess, he wanted to bury himself between her thighs, but it would have to wait while they tested limits first. "Safe word?" he snapped. "Shamela." she answered without pause, and he fought down a snort of amusement. "Fine choice. It's the last one you'll have this night, agreed?" "I understand and agree wholeheartedly, sir." Having asked for and been given Addy's enthusiastic consent, Hal settled into his role as Dom. "Strip." he growled. "Slowly, mate." Hal was a living, breathing fantasy, Addy concluded, trembling with desire as she raised her fingers to the remaining buttons on her sundress. They were tiny and placed all the way to the skirt hem, which produced just the sort of halting strip tease both desired. Inch by inch she revealed her body to her mate for the first time, skin tingling, captivated by Hal's heated scrutiny. With human vision the rich variety of colors on Addy's exquisite form rushed upon him. He marveled at the honeyed tones of her skin, and eyed the abundance of darker brown freckles with a silent vow to tease every one with his tongue. Tan lines appeared revealing that his mate enjoyed swimming and predictably didn't mind wearing a two piece suit, since her rounded midriff glowed the same dark gold as her shoulders. When Addy's tapered fingertips reached the gathered waist, he commanded that she slip her shoulders out of the sleeveless bodice. The lacy cups of the black bra he'd only seen a peek of pushed her breasts up in a breathtaking display, and Hal decided tithing to corsetiers was definitely in his future. As the top fell, Addy's dress slid precariously down her hips for a moment, but stayed in place. Hal's breath quickened as he gazed raptly on the flow of her hourglass shape and he didn't know whether to feel disappointed, or thrilled at the prolongation of the enticing show. Each subsequent button carried suspense, until the fourth caused the pretty orange calico to succumb to gravity and fall in a heap at Addy's feet. She paused for a moment, looking up for his response, heart in her throat at Hal's wondering admiration. They simply stared into each other's eyes for a few endless moments, until he spoke softly in a ragged voice. "Let down your hair now, Addy." The setting sun caught red in her walnut locks, which rippled down to her waist as she unravelled her braid. Hal anticipated stroking that fine hair from scalp to ends. He nodded for her to continue undressing without lifting his eyes from her body. Addy slipped out of her cross trainers stepping toe to heel, then her anklet socks by stepping heel to toe. She gracefully leapt out of the pile, contemplating whether to shed her bra or bike shorts and deciding on the first, since it was the only sexy garment left. When she reached for the front clasp she heard Hal gasp with surprised approval. She couldn't help the sly smile that stole over her countenance as she teasingly revealed one breast at a time, an advantage to that front clasp she'd never fully appreciated before. Then again, no man had ever gazed upon her with such fascinated intensity until this day. His very expression hardened Addy's nipples as she dropped the bra on the pile behind her, bare toes curling into the damp forest floor. Hal looked on mesmerized as she stood dressed only in that alluringly shiny fitted garment that had intrigued him earlier, riding just below her hollow navel. "Oh, Addy love," he breathed and quoted," 'Thy navel is like a round goblet, which wanteth not liquor: thy belly is like a heap of wheat set about with lilies. Thy two breasts are like two young roes that are twins.' " "'A bundle of myrrh is my well beloved to me; he shall lie all night betwixt my breasts.' " She invited in turn. Having exhausted the fun clothes and more than ready to bare herself entirely to Hal, Addy hooked her thumbs carelessly into her waistband. "Freeze right there!" he scolded, stalking toward her then tracing the lace edge all around one thigh until he stood behind her, nuzzling the nape of her neck, "What kind of lingerie is this, I've never seen it before?" Aroused or not, Addy couldn't help laughing, "Lingerie? These are just bike shorts, Hal, they're not sexy! You've seen them millions of times. On men too. They're for modesty when I decide to rock climb instead of outrun horny werewolves." At a quelling rumble, she attempted to resume respectful submission but her lips still quirked as she belatedly added, "Sir." "Forgive me," he whispered in a husky voice, "if a skin tight, lace edged, black, silky undergarment didn't immediately strike me as modest, sweet. And you didn't outrun me, as I clearly recall. I was conscious and quite memorably tasting you for the first time. How many of these do you own, by the way?" One hand trailed up her inner thigh while the other caressed her ass. "Sir, it's hard to think while you do that. I bike to work when I can, so four or five." "Let's triple that." "Your wish is my command." Addy sighed as Hal continued to fondle her. "Yes, it is. That's more like it. Delightful as you look and feel in your completely unsexy bike shorts, I'll be taking them now." He slid his hands into the waistband and ran his hands down her satiny hips, thighs, calves and ankles as he claimed his prize. When she had stepped out of them he stood and slapped her derriere. "All right, go find a switch, my little switch, and we'll sort out who the top is and who's the bottom. You won't be able to forget about yours for a week." "You can't be serious." "This will be a lot more serious for your adorable ass if I choose the switch instead of you. I'm inclined toward hardwood branches, personally." Addy made no reply other than swinging her hips saucily as she disappeared into the wood for a moment and quickly returned holding a thin, flexible switch with leaves intact. She knelt and offered it to him silently across her upheld palms, noting with forgivable pride the way his cock bounced as if reaching out to her in response to that classic submissive pose. Keeping her eyes lowered was sometimes its own reward. "Already you improve, Addy. Go ahead and look into my eyes. You've earned a good strong set of bonds, but since I lack rope, let alone iron manacles, you'll have to submit to my will alone instead. If you don't succeed, at least I know as a scientist you can likely count pretty high." She shivered with delight at his words as Hal took the offered switch and pointed it left, stripping off leaves. "Walk to that birch and lean over with your hands around the trunk." Addy complied fluidly, and Hal silently noted that he should ask later how long she had danced. Yet another pleasure to share with his mate. With a frown he realized her inability to stop shifting her feet in discomfort. He walked over and set her aside gently. Her heart warmed as Hal cleared the ground with his feet, then lifted her own one by one and brushed off the soles tenderly before setting each down in the soft silt. As a result she gasped when he immediately kicked them apart roughly, but recalled her wits and leaned again to encase the smooth papery bark in her hands. "Don't start counting yet, this is just a warm up." Hal breathed into her ear, then ran his left hand through her hair and all over her breasts, belly and thighs while he spanked her with increasing vigor using his right. Her beauty of mind and heart, while endearing, receded to the background as he fully beheld Addy's beauty of person. Had he played Pygmalion and sculpted his ideal woman, when the statue came to life she could not possibly please him more. Addy was soon panting raggedly and obviously trying to curtail the welcoming thrust of her bottom into his hand. That might be cheating to a purist, but he wasn't about to call her on such ardor. Sexual domination was definitely more about sex than domination for him, seeing Addy similarly focused neither surprised nor bothered him. Had it been otherwise, the breathtaking little moans she made would have converted him to her view before long, he was certain. And done with the warm up - he whacked her firmly with the switch. "One, thank you sir." Addy cried out unprompted, savoring the sting while trying to remember what comes after one. "Me, apparently." she thought to herself. "Well spoken, Addy. No need to thank me though, just numbers for now and you can convince me of your gratitude later." Addy scarcely counted into double digits before Hal dropped the switch with a shaking hand, brushed her satiny hair over one shoulder and commenced nibbling and kissing from her nape to the small of her back. Sinking to his knees, Hal feasted on the proof of her arousal. Her quim, covered in uncut curls, tasted sweet as the fluid that soaked it and ran down her thighs. Addy's uniquely addictive scent had been calling to him all day. He could never give her up now that he'd actually tasted her, he'd rather flop belly up and offer his throat to Rob every day for the rest of his life in apology for doubting him than go without. Hal caressed and nipped lightly at Addy's warmed ass cheeks, noting that though she was not the sought after pale and creamy sub, her darker skin marked beautifully. Her wide stance left her sex open to him, and he did not prolong his frustration, but parted her slick folds with his tongue, relishing her cry of pleasure. He was finally touching, tasting, seducing his mate. He quickly had Addy panting just from gently exploring from the outside her lips to her budding clit to its hood at the top of her mound. When she seemed on the verge of hyperventilation, Hal backed off, licking her arousal off her soft inner thighs and kissing down to the backs of her knees. Tiny nibbles there drew out helpless giggles and much squirming, which he rebuked by slapping one thigh sharply, and firmer small bites coaxed out moans so sweet he switched legs to see if there was a match. There was. Addy soared with happiness and arousal, she thought her legs might collapse, but didn't feel a shred of the usual self consciousness at the idea. She felt sure it would only elicit a new variation from Hal's unending collection of smug expressions. "Please, Hal..." Addy started begging, and he hastily replied, "Come for me, love." A Classical Werewolf Ch. 03 She promptly obeyed, calling his name and dropping to her own knees, before catching her breath enough to tell him she'd only meant to ask if she could start in on thanking him. "You just did." Hal replied sincerely. "Then allow me to show some respect and gratitude." Addy sighed into his ear, nipping at it and starting to bite at his neck, traveling downward with all manner of pleasant caresses. "Lie back and relax, love." Hal's taste, his body hair on her skin and scraping her nipples and his warmth only added to the frenzied need he'd created with his arm, hands and mouth. She sucked and nibbled on his nipples before kissing her way down the smooth crevice between his stomach muscles to lick clear salty drops from the peeking head of his penis. Addy drew his foreskin back with her fist, squeezing as she took the exposed tip into her mouth and sucked gently. Rewarded with an involuntary thrust of his hips coupled with a groan that was music to her ears, Addy ran her tongue around the ridge before sliding her lips down to meet her curled thumb and index finger. She fondled his balls gently as she continued to draw him in and out of her mouth, slowly building speed and pressure, wrapping her tongue around his length to replace her fingers. He couldn't stop the resulting growls, but if Addy felt fright or even noticed she gave no sign. His fingers twisted in her hair and his balls tightened as he felt himself in her throat. Addy swallowed around him with a moan as her little tongue lapped at the base of his cock. Hal howled in completion as he felt himself spurting straight down his mate's amazing, tight, hot little throat. He'd never felt such pleasure, or such a melding of man and wolf. Every goal in his life now faded in comparison with bonding his soul with Addy's forever. A Classical Werewolf Ch. 04 As Addy and Hal entwined and caught their breath between kisses, he remarked, "Addy, if this is you when I've worn you out, I fear what you'll be able to do to me when you're fully rested!" "Be afraid. Be VERY afraid," she mocked sepulchrally. "Nah, I'll be merciful. I promise." "I knew you were a quality person, not wanting to strain me," he rejoined, eliciting a groan followed with a not at all merciful or restrained bite. His gasp, not of pain but delight, startled Addy. "You must have really thick skin to enjoy that, Hal. I wasn't trying to be nice there." He smiled at her tolerantly. "I highly doubt you can bite me hard enough to hurt me. Besides, being bitten by my mate is something I've dreamed about since I started noticing girls." She promptly tried harder, clenching her jaw as hard as she could on the curve of his shoulder. Hal moaned sexily as his eyes floated closed, "Oh, goddess, Addy...do it again, sweet," he pleaded, pressing into her mouth. "Pain slut." "No, werewolf, dense one. It's not like wolves can kiss each other, Atalanta." "Oh, you are SO in trouble now, Heracles!" She rejoined, her fingertips flying to his underarms in a heartbeat. Hal burst out laughing and struggled to escape, but Addy rolled on top of him to keep him in place and tickled him relentlessly. "Do not call me that! You of all people, sorry, werewolves, should know better!" "We're people!" he protested through mad giggling. "Addy, I take your point! I'm sorry." "Not good enough, say uncle!" "Why?" "Oh, you want me to find all your ticklish spots? Sounds fun." Addy threatened as she started in on his ribs and he convulsed under her. "No! I'm very ticklish, I admit it." Hal gasped. "Say uncle!" "Why would I do that?" "I dunno, because you want some oxygen at some point later in the day?" She teased. "Say it!" "Addy, what are you talking about? Why...oh no...aghhhh" she was moving in on his hips and flanks, even more ticklish. Now Addy couldn't help laughing out, "Surrender or I'll do your knees next!" "You aren't...hee...even my aunt. Stop it!" It took a moment, but finally Addy realized he was truly getting upset and halted her attack with a puzzled frown. "What's wrong? Did I hurt you?" "Thanks. Of course not. Why on earth do you want me to call you 'Uncle'?" "So I'd stop tickling, naturally." "There's nothing natural about it. What are you TALKING about?" "Ohhhhh." Realization dawned. "You've never heard of that, I get it." "Never heard of what? Is this some kink fad, calling you different family members?" "No, you just say it to make someone stop doing something. Not call me uncle, SAY uncle. Totally different." "Clearly." Hal stated dryly. "So what would you say instead? If I were another werewolf, what would you say to get me to stop doing something?" "I wouldn't say anything, I'd just stop you." He looked completely confused now. "But if you couldn't stop me, like just now, and wanted me to quit, what would you say? Pax, Give..um...Marco...?" Addy was running out of code words. "I TRIED to stop you, I asked repeatedly. I wouldn't submit unless you really overpowered me in wolf form. As it is, I didn't want to risk injuring you simply because you annoyed me. Have other men done that to you?" Hal's tone turned serious, "Hurt you if you irritated them? That isn't being a dom, that's abuse. I would never do that. No wolf would do that." Addy didn't see that coming. "No, Hal, I know. My partners haven't abused me. How did this go from play words to domestic violence?" "You're very delicate. It would be easy to hurt you by mistake." Addy's jaw dropped. "Nobody, in my entire life, has ever considered me delicate Hal." She shook her head in amazement. "I'm built like a Mack truck. I'm blunt and impatient and kind of obnoxious. Delicate is the last thing anyone would call me." Hal was all dimples as he started to nibble on her palm. "You are built, as my grandpa used to say, like a brick house. And very tempting, but we need to be clear on something." He grew somber. "Formidable as your personality and mind may be, you can't back them up with any real physical prowess. If you were a werewolf I'd have just fought you into submission, or you'd have made me submit, and it wouldn't hurt either of us, but if I had tried that just now I could have wounded you without meaning to. For a human you might be tough, but I don't think you have any real idea how much stronger werewolves are. I only look human, or wolven. I'm really both at once." "Got it." Addy nodded in understanding. "I could fight you into submission as a werewolf?" Hal shrugged, "Play fighting, certainly, and in an argument depending on our respective moods and determination. We'll likely be fairly evenly matched, most mates are. How else would you make decisions when you disagree?" "I'm going to plead ignorance on that one until I'm a werewolf. And I don't feel disagreeable just now." She took his hand and kissed his fingertips. "In turn, I should explain for you that those words are all sort of generic safewords human kids use, they tend to be regional. With friends it's like a safeword for real, where you're stopping consent to tickling or wrestling or playing in snow, for fun fights, like sparring with Rob. With enemies in real fights it's an indication of submission, but it doesn't work unless and until your enemy demands it. If you say it before then, you'll get hurt worse and labeled a coward which makes you a target in general. It's the kind of thing that induced C.S. Lewis to say fighting in the trenches in World War One was a cake walk compared to English boarding school." He looked at her closely. "Why do you know so much about this? Do you study aggression?" "I study sleep and its effects on nervous system connection formation. Human newborns are born palsied because of signal noise, they have a lot of possible hookups for each receptor but few of them are attached at birth. My mentor, who majored in physics, compared it to radio static. Even brutal spinal injuries before around eight months usually heal very completely, and people noted that that's when sleep drops off radically in infants." "Interesting. And only half an answer. When did you learn about brutal children, Addy?" She averted her eyes and remained silent. Her hand tightened almost imperceptibly in his but her stillness otherwise made him consciously aware that she was a fidget. He didn't need a dictionary to spell that out, even though there was no distress in her features. Then again, there was no expression at all. Addy felt rather than saw Hal sit up and cradle her with his free arm. He stroked her hair gently and rubbed his head against hers in a move so canine it would have made her smile usually. He wasn't actually whining, but it seemed imminent if she didn't pull herself together, so she tried. And failed. "Hal, don't...you can't be nice to me right now or I'll start crying." "So start crying. Surely you don't expect me to be cruel for such a stupid reason." He continued to hold her and nuzzled her neck. Addy started shaking and he felt tears on his skin but she still made no noise. It was downright eerie, completely foreign to him, bringing home that they were truly and essentially different types of creatures. When he needed to cry he just did, howling out whatever it was until he felt better. "Showing weakness is dangerous." Addy sobbed after a moment. "I am your mate, you are never in danger from me or near me, Addy. You are not in danger, there is nothing to harm you here. I will shift and scent the air if it will reassure you, but though my senses are human right now I still know everything I know when I'm wolven. You felt safe before I pried, and will again soon." Addy noticed that Hal was petting her now. Something broke inside her and she wept until she was gasping and croaking and snotting all over Hal's comforting shoulder. Noticing the last she looked around for any of her clothes and stuttered out that she was sorry. "...Says the biologist who drank down my semen and licked me clean too just in case." Hal laughed her off. "I think I'll survive. People whose baby food consisted of steaming entrails aren't usually squeamish." Addy made a face. "Noted. I'm never going to un-hear that, am I?" "Nope. Now let's wash your face and call it a night."