4 comments/ 11556 views/ 2 favorites Learning to Trust By: vampireicslave (First of all a big thank you to Markrazi for Editing this. Remember to leave comments , and hope you enjoy. this is only the first chapter.) Rose was panting hard as she pushed herself to keep running. As a wolf she had blonde fur and was only about half the size of a normal wolf as she was barely sixteen. Her paws were cut and bruised from her running; she had run from near Weatherby all the way up to the Northumberia National Park. She knew that was where her brother intended to attack in order to claim the land and the females. Rose had been punished severely for voicing her objection and felt she had to do something she had never done before. After her punishment of being beaten by the males of the pack, she had run as soon as the guards had left her. Rose had been running night and day only stopping to lap up water when she could. It had taken her a long time, but she had crossed the boundaries of the park and now she just had to find the Alpha before the other pack members killed her for trespassing. Rose had made her way through barrow burn and deeper into the woods, but before she could start to track, an extremely large wolf appeared in front of her and growled. Rose's heart thundered as she sniffed, making sure it was not her brother's friend. She whined at the wolf before dropping low on her stomach and exposing her neck. She remained still as the wolf came over slowly sniffing her and, even as her muscles protested, she remained still until he snorted and tilted his head. Rose whined again weakly, ::pack... danger... William... coming... fight...:: Rose wasn't able to say any more -- everything went black after that. Alexander cocked his head as Rose passed out in front of him. He watched to his surprise as she shifted back to her human form. For her wolf to willingly retreat she must be in bad shape. He growled low as he finally saw the deep ugly bruises that covered nearly 80% of her body, which was petite and very pale. With the deep cuts from claws and bite marks, Rose looked dangerously thin and dehydrated, her blonde shoulder-length hair matted with dried blood, he silently wondered what had happened to her, but he also had to warn his Alpha of what she had said. Alexander shifted back to his human form. As a human he was an impressive sight, standing at nearly 6' 7" tall, with shaggy black hair and bright green eyes, he was built like a brick house and looked mean as hell. He picked up the young girl in his strong arms and started back toward the manor house. He was worried at how light she appeared to be to him and, as he walked, his anger built up even more. How could someone hurt a child like this? She looked no more then sixteen and it just wasn't right for one so young to be beaten so. As Alexander came upon the manor he quickly approached the back entrance and carried the girl into the libary where he knew Edward would be. Edward was built similarly to Alex, but was slightly shorter at only 6' 5", and he had shoulder-length black hair. Edward frowned as Alex walked in and nodded to him. "Who is that?" "I found her as I was patrolling the east side of the forest. She said the pack was in danger, someone named William was coming and something about a fight. Before I could question her more she passed out." Edward came forward still frowning and let out a slow breath as he saw her face and the wounds the girl had sustained. "Get her downstairs to the safety room. We don't know how she will react when she wakes up, with her being this hurt. I will have Nicholas come down and take a look at her." As Alex carried the girl down to the safety room, she let out a soft whimper, Alex started to hum softly to try to keep her calm. He knew an injured, confused wolf was a very dangerous thing and wanted to soothe the girl. As he entered the safety room, which consisted of a fully padded room with a section on the floor more padded than the rest to use as a bed, toilet and a blanket. He laid her down on the bed area and moved back to give her room in case she awoke. After a few minutes Nicholas came into the room followed by Edward. Nicholas approached the girl carefully and placed his bag on the floor. Nicholas was a portly man, who looked around mid 40s, he had slightly graying hair and had been around for a very long time; a relaxing aura seemed to surround him. He very carefully examined and cleaned her wounds and it was a very long process; particulaly her hands and feet which were raw from her running, He placed an IV into her left arm to help replace fluids and then backed away out of the room to speak to Edward and Alex. "She must have been running for a very long while. I'd say a few days at least. Her other wounds were extensive and are very likely from a beating, so we don't know how she will react when she wakes up. She will be extremely sore and possibly traumatised when she wakes. If possible I would like to speak with her and she should start to eat as much as she can handle." Edward nodded at this, his mind already in overdrive. "Before she passed out she warned us of an attack coming, I have people readying to deal with one if it comes. Do you think we can ask her about it when she wakes up?" "It would be best if we could build some trust with her and only ask a few questions. I honestly will not be able to tell until she is awake. But if she was able to speak in her wolf form, she must have extremely good control; rare for one so young." Nicholas and Alex both agreed to wait for the girl to wake up while Edward returned to make preparations and contact some of the other packs in England. Rose awoke briefly a few hours later. She gasped as she opened her eyes and tried to keep them open. She looked around and frowned until it slowly came back to her... the wolf in the forest... she had made it to the pack! She slowly made herself sit up and look around. She was in a padded room, as she slowly became more awake she gulped hard trying to swallow as she saw two extremely tall males standing by the door, Alex and Nicholas. "You're safe," Nicholas said, his voice soft. "Alex found you in the woods and brought you here." Rose moved back against the padded wall and looked at the IV in her arm and then back at the two men. "My name is Nicholas, what's yours?" Rose frowned a little and mimicked writing and a notepad. Taking the hint Nicholas pulled out a small notebook he used to make notes on and handed her a pen as well. Rose quickly wrote out: William will attack your pack. Must stop him. He has only male warriors. 14 males. Rose. Nicholas smiled, "It is nice to meet you, Rose. Where did you run from?" Rose frowned softly but wrote: Weatherby. Alex stepped forward slowly. "You really ran all the way from Weatherby, to warn us? Who beat you, Rose?" Rose nodded to the first question but tensed up at the second question she looked around the room and lay back down. Nicholas held up his hands and hushed Alex. "Rose, it's ok you don't need to tell us who hurt you. Just know you're safe with us, alright?" Rose nodded. Rose remained in the safety room for the rest of the day. She wrote a few answers on the notebook for Edward and Nicholas, she slowly ate the food that was brought her, and slept most of the day away. When night fell she awoke to find Edward standing by the door, Nicholas once again at his side. "Would you like to come upstairs into the living room where there's a fire?" Nicholas moved forward to look at what Rose wrote. With you? Nicholas nodded and smiled, "Of course, you can stay with me. Shall we go upstairs then?" They waited until Rose had gather the notebook and pen and led her upstairs, they noticed she kept her contact with the others down to a minium for now, until she was ready. They joined her in dinner; steak and salad, in the living room. The rest of the Raval wolf pack were eager to meet the young wolf who had ran over half the county to warn their Alpha but understood they had to wait before they could meet her. That didn't stop the rest of the pack from talking about her and being curious. Rose wrote down as much as she could for Edward about how her brother planned to attack, although she didn't know when. She spent the day with Nicholas and Alex, keeping her distance from the other people of the pack. Rose wrote down bits and pieces of her life as they asked her questions, but always kept away from any questions about injuires or beatings, though Alex, Edward and Nicholas had all come to the same conclusion: her brother, William. Nicholas was staying in one of the many small cottages just inside the tree line near the manor house with his mate, Samantha. When he saw how comfortable Rose was with him and after he spoke to Edward and Alex, he took Rose into the libary and sat down. "Rose, dear, I know how uncomfortable it makes you with the other pack members trying to get near you. Would you like to stay with me and my mate in the small cottage? None of the other pack memebers will come near the house with me in it. They know I value my privacy." He smiled encouragingly. Rose blinked in shock and hesistated a little before she nodded rapidly and wrote: Please. Nicholas smiled as she stood up, "We should also get you some clothes. We can't have you wearing the same clothes over and over now can we?" Nicholas slowly led her from the main manor and down toward his cottage. As he opened the door he walked in and kissed his mate's cheek. Rose stepped in hesitantly to be greeted by a very petite, 5' 6" woman with a smiling face; she had waist-length brown hair, bright blue eyes, and a very friendly smile. "Hello there, you must be Rose. It's very nice to meet you. My name is Sam. And you look like you could use some ice cream." Rose's eyes widened as she smiled a little before sitting down on a stool and wrote: Thank you. She was handed a bowl of ice cream and began to eat it slowly. Sam looked questioningly at Nicholas who laughed softly. "I'm afraid she doesn't speak, dear, she writes everything down." "You were very brave to come warn us, Rose. Once you have had your ice cream there's a spare bedroom on the left and one of Nic's old shirts for you to wear." Sam smiled and went to give Rose a hug. Rose bolted off the chair and cringed back, her heart suddenly beating rapidly. "Oh, dear, I'm so sorry, Rose, I would never hurt you." Nicholas hugged his wife close and whispered to her, "I'll explain later." He turned to Rose and said, "Shall we get you settled? It's been a long two days." He showed Rose the room and switched on the TV before pulling the covers back for her. "If you need anything then just come find one of us." With that he left and closed the door all but a sliver. Nicholas sat with Sam in the living area, curled into each other. "You should have seen her when she first arrived. There's no doubt she was abused and the most likely suspect is her brother. What she did was nearly impossible and she has nearly full control over her wolf." He stroked Sam's hair slowly. Sam sighed, "No one should go through that, the poor thing. And she hasn't spoken since she woke up?" Nicholas shook his head as he kissed her and let his hands roam her body. "Hey! Hey stop that! We have a guest and she might need us! You behave yourself tonight!" Nicholas groaned softly but gave in and settled for cuddling into her... To be continued... Learning to Trust ******************************* Ok people, this is my first submission so please be nice lol. I hope you like it. ******************************* Finishing late at work again, I stood at the bus stop waiting, my feet sore from running around all day and my thin jacket doing nothing to protect me from the chilly Scottish weather. It had been another busy night at the pub and being the only person on the floor meant I had to work twice as hard to get everything done, serving food, clearing dishes, washing dishes and making dessert. I had worked my seven hour shift without a break and couldn't wait to get home, grab a quick snack and put my feet up. I glance up as the glare of headlights approach and thank God that my bus was finally here. Climbing on I take a seat up the back, ignoring the small sign in the window to "keep you feet of the seat" and got comfy for the half hour bus ride home. With my earphones and my playlist of favourites I lose myself in my own little world as I watch the people we pass. As the bus stops at a junction I look to my right and see a young couple laughing and kissing as they walk past and my heart lurches as I remember my last relationship. Splintered and broken a mere two weeks before in a drinking argument. I shake my head and fight the tears that threaten as my heart is filled with longing, wishing I could turn back the clock and take back the things I said. Wishing I had the courage to phone you and explain the reason behind the words, my insecurities that refuse to allow me to believe you actually loved me, desired me. Wished I could tell you that I do trust you. I know I'm not model material, could do with losing a few pounds, it had been drummed into me throughout my life that I was fat and needed to lose weight. And I wish I could explain to you that having lived with so much criticism, it take a while to believe the praise, but I was getting there. I sit on the bus and can't help but remember the last happy time we had been together. You had came over after work with a few DVDs and a bottle of my favourite wine. Your grey eyes sparkled as you looked at me when I opened the door and for just a moment I thought you were laughing a me, but the kiss you gave me was anything but amusing. You kissed me like you hadn't seen me for days, despite seeing me the day before. Your big hands were full but as soon as you dumped the wine on my coffee table, you pulled me to you and buried your face in my neck as your hands slide around my waist and down to my ass, grabbing it as you moaned. I laughed as I felt you lifting my skirt and playfully pushed you away. You grinned and chased me into the kitchen, pinning me to the counter, your strong arms on either side, boxing me in. I remember looking at you and thinking how gorgeous you were, how you could have any girl you wanted, wondering why you were with me. It didn't take me long to stop thinking as your lips touched mine and you whispered how sexy I looked, your sweet breath mingling with mine, your eyes soft as you looked into my eyes. Our kiss was gentler this time but no less arousing. Your fingers slipped into my hair as you cradled me head and stepped towards me, arching my back as my head tilted up. I always loved that you were so much taller than me. I could feel the hard plains of your chest against my soft breast through my thin bra and my nipple puckered as I thought about running my hands across your muscles. Without thought my little hands slid beneath your top and slid up your back. You know I love your back. Love to watch the muscles ripple as you move. You moaned again and you move, one hand to the base of my neck, keeping me in place as your lips trail across my face to my ear, the other to my hem of my dress as your fingers tickle smooth skin of my thigh. My breathing gets heavier as my pussy gets wetter and I rub my self against you. You chuckle in my ear and ask me if your turning me on. I moan in response and raise my leg causing you hand to slid higher up my hip. Mmmmmm, I love your ass, you tell me as you grab it again, you hand slipping beneath my underwear, touching bare flesh.... I jerk out of my daydream as I realise the bus is pulling into my stop and rush to get to the front before the driver pulls away. The chilly air hits me as I step onto the pavement and glance around. The black sky looks threatening, hiding the stars behind thick depressing clouds. The street lamps illuminate the dark street as I walk quickly to my stair door, throwing shadows grotesquely across the walls and road. I shiver as I reach my door, keys in hand, thankful for the safety of my home only a few seconds away. The bright starlight blinds me as I step into the cold yellow stair. I let the door swing close behind me as I rush up the old stairs, thinking of the small amount of food in my fridge, what I can throw together for a quick meal. If I didn't have my earphones in, my music loud and my thoughts else where I might have heard the stair door taking longer to close. I might have heard the footsteps behind me as I ascended to the third floor. I might have heard them stop behind me as I stopped at my chipped green front door. I might have known some one was behind me before I did. As I entered the house I thought I was safe and never thought to turn and close the door myself, instead letting it close on its own as I unbuttoned my jacket, pulled my earphones out and unplugged them from my phone. I opened the cupboard door and hung up my jacket, kicking my shoes off at the same time and as I closed it I saw him. My heart stopped and I opened my mouth to scream but no sound escaped as his arm clamped around my waist and his hand across my mouth. He pushed me against the door I had just closed. I fought and twisted but nothing moved him. Tears spring in my eyes as his head lowered to mine and I thought about all the horrible things that could happen, the images flashing through my mind like a sick slideshow. "Shhh baby, shhh" he whispered in my ear. I sobbed and my eyes widened. I knew that voice. I couldn't see his face, the hall so dark it was mere familiarity that prevented me for walking into the small table in the corner and the cover on the radiator, but I knew that voice. He didn't remove his hand but his hot breath bathed my ear and neck, the smell of alcohol strong and oppressive. "I'm not gonna hurt you baby, you know that. I love you but I didn't think you'd listen if I just phoned." he said urgently. I pushed at his shoulders, his clammy hand still over my mouth repressing my pleas to stop, but it was no good and as he straightened, pulling me closer, I had to stand on my tiptoes to keep my balance. He maneuvered me down my hall to my bedroom, bumping us into the wall partially due to the drink he'd consumed and partially due to my weight slowing us down. Soon we stumbled onto my bed, his weight pressing me down, his legs trusting between mine. His arm comes off my waist and he strokes my head, the hand across my lips doesn't move. My rooms a lot lighter than my hall as the window looks out into the street, the light from a lamp making it almost bright. I look at his face for the first time in two weeks and am shocked at what I see. His once bright eyes are puffy and red like he hasn't slept in who knows how long, the alcohol making the whites of his eyes blood shot. A thick layer of stubbed covered his jaw and cheeks and it's obvious he hasn't shaved in days. "God baby, you look so good." he murmured as he stroke the hair back from my face. "I've missed you, babe, so much...so much. Can't stop thinking of you...thinking of us....I should never have left the way I did...left you crying...kills me thinking of you crying." He leans down and I close my eyes as he slowly kisses the none existing years from my face. My heart hurts at the tone of his voice, he sounds so lost and alone and it kills me. "I know you don't believe me baby but I love so much...never knew I could feel this much pain...can't lose you baby...can't live without you..." he groaned, his head dropping to my chest as he whispers. "Need to show you I love you...show you that I don't want anyone else...only need you." The hand left my hair and he fumbled between us his hand searching for something. At first I thought he was undoing his trousers but he soon pulled a small bundle of fabric from his pocket and as he brought it to my face, he finally lifted his hand from my mouth. "Jason..." I started to speak but never finished as the small bundle was forced into my mouth. I automatically moved to remove it but he grabbed my wrists and before I knew it he had them pinned above my head and was tying them together. I started to get pissed know. He knew how I felt about bondage! How it scared me to give up control like that to another person. I could never bring myself to trust another person to do that. "shhh...shhh...its ok sweetheart...I'm gonna show you you can trust me...gonna show you just what that gorgeous body of yours does to me...not gonna hurt you...love you...." I struggled as he moved off me, pulling me up as he did. He pulled the thin cloth in his hand around the tall poster at the base of my bed and tied it off, keeping me me captive and freeing his hand. I sat there glaring at him as he looked me over, cursing and calling him all the names I could think of, though my voice was muffled through the gag. Jason knelt in front of me, his hands quickly pulling the button of my work trousers off and my zip down. I tried to kick him but he ignored me and my trousers soon were down at my ankles then off, followed by my socks and knickers. I sat there naked from the waist down, my fat belly and thighs on display. Despite my anger I could feel tears of humiliation stinging in my eyes as I tried to turn away and hide my faults. Jason's face was unreadable. He simply sat an stared his hands on my knees forcing my legs apart and exposing my most private place to his view. Suddenly he pulled of his jacket, followed by his top and sat on his knees. I had managed to lock my knees together but once he was stopped enough he pried them open again and I cried out in shame. I felt so self conscious having him stare at me like he was. I watched in horror as he fished another length of cloth from his pocket and proceeded to tight my knee to the post. I shook my head and screamed at him, the words unintelligible and muted, the tears streaming down my face and as he held my other leg, pulling me open, I wondered why he hated me, why he was humiliating this way. My lungs burned as I sobbed and to add to my shame i started to hiccup. "Baby why are you crying? Why can't you see how gorgeous you are?" hi eyes dropped to my pussy and he moaned. "You're a Goddess! All ripe and full! Every time I see you move...see your arse sway and your belly jiggle I get fucking hard as steel." I stared in disbelief as he undid his trousers and pulled his hard cock from the confines of his boxers. As he stared at me he stroked his cock. In the light of the steer lamp I could see the glistening head as he rubbed the pre-cum across his shaft. His eyes were wide and focused and his thumb rubbed small circles across the skin of my inner knee. I couldn't look away. I had always loved it when he stroked himself for me. Jason slowly leaned forward and kissed my thigh. I jumped and he chuckled, "You like that baby?" I had never let him go down on me, too scared that it would turn him off, but I sat there wide eyed as his lips and tongue worked their way towards my centre. Despite the situation I could feel my pussy getting wet and I squirmed on the bed. His eyes never left mine as he got closer and I stopped breathing all together as I waited for that first touch. As soon as it came I jumped. His firm tongue slide through my folds, his nose nudging my clit. I squeaked as his pointed tongue buried itself inside my damp hole and soon my juices were flowing. Jason groaned and attacked my pussy with enthusiasm, his tongue lapping my honey from the source, his nose rubbing my clit. Soon I could feel my orgasm rising and I moaned behind my gag as he pushed me over the edge. I sagged against the post of my bed as he slowly brought me down from my high, sucking and licking my cum from my pussy lips and thighs. Looking down I could see he was still stroking his cock, his hand a blur. Jason rose and wrapped my hair in one of his hands, the other tugging his dick . He had moved forward and I could feel the friction of his arm against my thigh. His breathing was harsh and fast as he panted towards release. "Baby....God.....baby I'm gonna cum...gonna come...right on that pretty pussy of yours." He licked his lips and. His forehead rested against mine, our eyes locked. " God you taste so fucking good!! So good! I've wanted to do that....for so long....definitely gonna...do it again....here it comes baby...you ready....do you want to see me come...watch me come...watch me come....watch...." he groaned as his seed shot out and landed on my stomach. He moved closer and the rest landed on my pussy, colouring my dark pubes white. Soon he was spent and his cum dripped down through the hair and over my lips, pooling beneath my ass. As we both sat breathing, letting out bodies return to normal, I marvelled at what had just happened. Jason had been so turned on by me, he had cum buckets all over me. I thought them that he would release me but he didn't. He kissed me quick on my partially open lips and rose to his feet. He pushed his jeans and boxers all the way off and I was awestruck at how sexy he really was. Jason untied me and ordered me to shuffle to the centre of the bed. I complied not thinking of doing anything else and sat there with my legs drawn up. Soon my hands were secured above me and my legs were tied spread. Despite what had just happened, I still felt embarrassed and anxious ad he stood beside me and let his eyes drift over my body. I still had my top on and I honestly don't think Jason had thought about removing it. I panicked when he suddenly left to room and my panic doubled as he returned with my kitchen scissors. He climbed on my body and straddled my hips. Takin my top in hand he cut it from hem to collar and across one shoulder before pulling it from beneath me and pushing it up in arm. No sooner said than done I was naked and his hard on had returned. "Babe...your tits are....amazing...every time I see them I just...I just want to slip my dick between them and fuck them hard....mmm I bet they'd feel so good around my cock." I stared as he shuffled closer to my face, his knees tucked under my armpits as he positioned his cock between my tits. Softly he stroked the sides of my breast and up to my nipples, flicking the hard little nubs causing me to groan and writhe beneath him. "You like that baby?.....You like it when I play with your hard little nipples?" he whispered as his talented fingers twisted and tweaked my nipples until the hard little nubs stood proud. I couldn't help but moan as he worked my breast. My breast were my weak spot, he knew that an was shamelessly using that fact to his advantage. My already wet pussy gushed with each tug and my hips rose on there own, tilting Jason towards me. His hard cock rubbed obscenely between my tits, leaving a trail of sticky pre-cum as it went. Jason moaned at the sight and his big hands grabbed my tits, mashing them together around his thick dick. Only the head was visible and I was fascinated as I watched it disappear with each thrust. "God....baby, you have know idea....how fucking.....hot.....this looks.....Your gorgeous....tits....wrapped around....my hard cock!" he panted, each word followed with a steady thrust. Letting a man fuck my tits was not something I had ever done, nor something I thought I would ever do but as I lay there, my body bound and completely under his control, I couldn't help but watch Jason's face and his expression was....awed. He truly looked like he was loving it. And the more I watched the more powerful I felt. I may have been bound and helpless but it was my body that he was worshiping, my body that turned him on to this extent. I couldn't help but feel proud and excited that he truly wanted me. Soon Jason stopped his assault on my boobs and I watched as he moved down my body, planting little kisses as he went. He settled between my outstretched thighs, his warm hands caressing my hips and belly. For what seemed like eternity we stared at each other and without breaking his stare he reached over and slowly withdrew the cloth in my mouth. I licked my lips, my tongue slowly wetting them and his gaze dropped to my mouth. My heart pounded and for a few seconds time seemed to stand still. For a few seconds it was like our first time together all over again. We looked in each others eyes, our lips mere inches apart, our breathe mingled and our bodies humming with anticipation. As I thought this I realised it was a first time. Our first time as equals. Our first time without restraint. "Untie me." I breathed. For a moment he hesitated and I could see his Adams apple bob as he swallowed. I realised he didn't want to release me, fearing I would still get up and leave. But my stare never wavered and with a slight nod of his head he gentle untied my wrists followed my my ankles. I didn't speak as I rubbed the tender skin on my arms and he watched me anxiously. I sat up slowly and as my face became level with his, I ran my fingers across his whiskers and brought his mouth to mine. He moaned in relief as I pulled him on top of me, my arms wrapped around his neck. I poured everything I had into that kiss, letting him know that I loved him, trusted him and wanted him unconditionally. Jason's hard, muscular body lay across mine as we kissed and touched and for the first time I never thought about my size. Never worried that he would suddenly come to his senses and be turned off. I let his greedy hands wander and relished the feel of them grabbing my wide hips and rubbing my chubby belly. Our kiss grew and soon we needed more. I raised my legs, wrapping them around his hips as he positioned his hard cock at my opening. With one deep thrust he was inside me, his steel pole sheathed in my wet pussy. We bother moaned as he started moving, pounding a steady rhythm that brushed my clit with every thrust. My back arched as my climax neared, my little nails digging into his shoulders as it rolled through me and my mouth fell open in a soundless scream as I struggled to breathe. With a few quick pumps Jason joined me, groaning in my ear as his hot cum flooded my womb. We lay there for what seemed like forever afterwards, his head buried between my breast, my hands running through his hair. I was exhausted but sleep wouldn't come. Jason snored softly, his warm breathe tickling the underside of my tits. I couldn't help but chuckle as I was usually the first to fall asleep, worn out after numerous orgasms, leaving him horny and wanting more. I lay there and for the first time in a long time I felt happy and secure. It seemed to be a night of many firsts for me and I couldn't really say I minded. I don't know when, but I finally fell asleep and woke late the next morning. As I opened my eyes the first sight I saw was Jason's worried grey eyes. "I'm sorry babe, I never meant to scare you or hurt you I swear. I just....I just wanted you to know you could trust me and that I love you and.... I couldn't think of any other way to show you." he said in a quiet voice, his eyes shadowed with guilt and worry. "These last few weeks have been...pure hell. I've missed you so much babe, so much." Tears pooled in his beautiful eyes and he broke his gaze, his eyes drifting down to the sheet between us. Learning to Trust My heart broke and all the emotions I'd pushed to the back of my mind came flooding back. My own eyes leaked as I reached for him, my hand finding the nape of his neck. I pulled him down to me, his forehead against mine and I whispered three little words that brought a grin to his lips. "I trust you." His eyes glistened and shone as his lips pressed against mine and I knew that no matter what happened in the future, I could trust the man above me with everything I had. Learning to Trust Again It took me about twenty seconds to come crashing back to reality after the last twitch of a hard orgasm left me motionless. I grabbed the back of her head and half-pulled, half-shoved her from my drenched walls. Her face, as she crawled up my weakened body, was shiny with cum and still sporting a slightly predatory look. As our lips met, I tasted the leftover remnants of her venture south. I loved the feel of her silky lips on mine. It was the one pleasure I allowed myself on the other side of the wall that kept me safe from any kind of emotional risks. Everything else, I kept at a distance. But, the feel of her lips was my version of Heaven. Maybe the only one I'd ever see, so I cherished it wholly and without reservation. The only problem was, lately she had been coming closer than anyone ever had to breaching that wall I'd so carefully built. I could see it coming, this frightening emotional risk of disaster, but I was beginning to find myself helpless to prevent it. That didn't mean I was about to let her know how close she was to becoming "the one". If she found out, she would have too much power over my emotional well-being and after the last roller coaster of pain; I wasn't about to open that door without first being dragged through it. "Mmhh..." Her satisfied moan eased me from my reflections as I felt her delicious hands roaming freely over my hot, sweaty torso. A tingle followed as she took my right nipple in her magical mouth. "I can't go anymore..." I panted, slightly breathless. My slick, puckered nipple popped angrily from her mouth as she lifted her hooded eyes. With a slight pout, she gave my left nipple a quick tweak, then sighed audibly before leaning up to give me a peck on the lips. Reaching behind her, my Goddess of Mystery gathered the wadded sheets and covered us both. She snuggled into my side, comfortably assured of her place. I fought back momentary panic. She was too comfortable and that was making me uncomfortable. Too close. Too damn close to my heart. I had a sudden urge to fling back the covers and run screaming from the room. However, my sanity returned as I heard and felt her soft, even breaths caressing my bare shoulder. I gave in to the turbulent thoughts racing haphazardly through my mind. What the hell was I doing letting this woman past the barrier? I was setting myself up for heartbreak and I damn well deserved it if I broke my one standing rule, to never let myself depend on anyone for anything. Another panic wave hit me as I faced the realization that I'd already broken that rule with her. I needed her. Fuck! She shifted in her sleep and I felt the weight of her breast resting on my arm just above my elbow. In the dark, alone now that she was sleeping, I allowed myself a moment to fantasize that maybe this could work. Maybe I had a chance at happiness after all. Images of a life together strayed cautiously to the edge of my thoughts, but I was too frightened to embrace them fully. Within seconds, the voice of reason returned. Happiness was just a word. I was too much of a realist to let silly fantasies of so-called "true love" make a fool of me. I convinced myself I was simply more emotional than usual because of the phenomenal sex we had just finished and I would feel differently in the morning. All I needed was rest. I purposefully forced thoughts of her from my mind and concentrated instead on my upcoming photography shoot. My last thought as I drifted off was of the finicky male model I would be working with tomorrow. The little prick better be on time... She was gone when I woke. On the pillow beside me was a note card with a single word printed in her flowing script. Tonight I shivered despite myself. No one since Nicci had even come close to touching my heart, until now. I smiled softly and laid the note and the promise aside, at least until tonight. After a steamy shower, I steeled myself for another stressful day and eased out the door of my apartment. Memories of the night before refused to be ignored, but I was somehow able to push through the day and complete the photo shoot. Six o'clock found me on the couch in my apartment, staring at the television without really seeing it. My thoughts were centered on the one thing I was trying not to think about, her. I wanted her. Who wouldn't? She was beautiful, calm, and intelligent ... and she wanted me. Wasn't that enough? It should have been, but I was deathly terrified of letting myself fall. I knew, without admitting it that this woman had the power to save or destroy me. She was seeping inside my soul and if I allowed it, she could own me. What if she left? I barely survived Nicci. How could I possibly survive having the Earth ripped from underneath my feet once again? I would surely disappear. Sternly, I wouldn't allow myself the luxury of believing she would never leave. Everyone left. It was just a question of when. I sipped the Smirnoff without really tasting it. My nerves were as raw as my emotions so when I heard her key in the lock, I froze. Anticipation coupled with nervous energy drove me to her side and I was on her before the lock clicked behind us. I tugged and ripped until she was gloriously naked and squirming in my arms. We tripped and stumbled to the carpet in front of the sofa where I pulled her down with an intense need I wasn't about to analyze. The only way to push aside my confusion about my feelings for her was to overpower them with even stronger feelings. I decided the way to do that was to bring us both to the edge of sanity with fierce, mind-numbing sex. Maybe then I would be too tired to think, too tired to analyze. The reasoning side of my brain took a hike at the first touch of her probing fingers. Aaahhh! Magic. I was once weak. But, the one lesson I had learned had come at a staggering cost to my personal outlook on love and life. It wasn't even a breakup; it was more like a breakdown. The breaking down of my personality, my beliefs and my expectations of what the world had in store for me. I was once weak, but not anymore. At least, I told myself that until her mouth moved to replace her fingers. Weak didn't begin to describe the state of my muscles as they quivered and jumped under her familiar seductions. Too soon I screamed and clawed the wonderfully silky skin of her back as she edged upward to claim my lips in a fiercely passionate kiss. "Pryce..." I moaned her name into her possessive lips. Just saying her name sent a shock wave of emotions through my senses. I suddenly had a consuming desire to touch her, to taste her. I pulled her closer in an almost brutal embrace. Pryce groaned lowly in anticipation as I shifted our bodies until I covered her naked form with my own. I released her mouth regrettably and dropped my head to one of her glorious breasts. I attacked both nipples with intense focus, determined to bring her to the brink. She squirmed under my assault and I reveled in the passion she displayed so openly. I loved the way she responded to my touch. It was always that way with us. We were combustible in bed. It was almost unbelievable how adept we were at anticipating the other person's needs. Her breathing became ragged and I wasted no time moving lower. My nostrils filled with the heady scent of my own personal drug as I felt her soft curly hair brush my chin. She gripped the back of my head as I plunged hungrily into the warm, wetness I knew would take me to where I belonged. Her moans, louder now, reached my ears as I feasted on her noisily. Within seconds, Pryce hissed my name loudly and I felt her contract all around me. Her thighs gripped me in a powerful grasp as a staggering orgasm washed over her. She held me there within the confines of her magnificent legs until I felt her muscles relax. "Cori, you are magnificent." Her soft, throaty voice caressed my senses and seeped into my soul. I slid upward until I was inches from her satiated features. "Only when I'm with you." It sounded corny, even to my own ears, but it was the truth and it was out of my mouth before my brain had a chance to call it back. "I love you." She said with such calm acceptance that I shook involuntarily. This was the first time the words had been said and they hung there, heavy in the stillness of the room. Once again, my mouth took off without giving my brain a chance to think it over. "I love you, too." Her kiss was tender and undemanding. The gentleness of it took my breath in a rush of overwhelming emotion and a solitary tear slid slowly down my cheek. She drew back a fraction of an inch and peered cautiously into my eyes. I watched the flickering changes of color in her beautiful jade eyes as a bevy of emotions came and went almost instantaneously. I held my breath as she moved forward purposefully. This time her lips settled gently on the trail left behind by my lone tear. Her words, when they came, were whispered so quietly I had to strain to understand. "I belong right here, with you. Please don't cry. I want you to feel safe with me. I know it's hard for you, but try to trust me when I say I want a life with you, no matter the cost." How my heart ached at the promise in those words, but my head was filled with the lingering doubts I knew too well. Damn you, Nicci! Pryce took my silence as a retreat from the conversation. She sighed and pulled back slightly. I wanted to cry out at the pain of my rejection as it stared back at me through her eyes. "No, wait..." She paused, hearing something in my voice she had never heard before. I looked at her, really looked at her and saw the truth for the very first time. She was not Nicci. I was stunned by the realization that I'd never stopped comparing and because of that, I'd never let myself see what I had in Pryce. She was my chance. My one chance at a real life with real love and I'd fought so hard to keep her at a distance. In that moment, the ridiculousness of it all slammed me hard in the gut and I gasped softly at what a fool I'd been. "Pryce." I touched her cheek with just a fingertip and felt the tears start again. "I've always thought love was something I was destined to watch from a distance. Until you. I'm terrified of losing you. The last time I lost someone I loved, it nearly destroyed me and I made a promise to myself. I swore I'd never again allow anyone to mean that much to me. It was the only safe way to guarantee I would survive. But you... you changed everything. You made it so hard to keep that distance. All I wanted to do was hold you, be with you, be loved by you." The tears were flowing freely now and I trembled slightly as I continued my confession. It was suddenly terribly important to make her understand the depth of my devotion, even though I'd only accepted it myself mere moments before. "I can't promise it will be easy, but if you'll stay with me, I will promise to be faithful and honest to you. I'll live for you, with you and I will fight to keep our love strong." I paused to take a deep breath. I felt drained, as if I'd opened the plug and emptied all the sludge from my soul. I had purged the weight of Nicci's betrayal and opened my heart for the first time in two years and I felt timidly hopeful. Pryce surprised me by smiling teasingly in the face of our seriousness. "Guess that means I should cancel my date with that cute redhead from work." I wasted no time responding. Instead, I pounced. I shoved her to the carpet and began to tickle her until she begged for mercy. We were both breathless when I released my hold. "Clown," I chuckled. "The only redhead I'd better see you with is your little cousin, Julie." Pryce smiled. "I can live with that." She reached for me then. I went willingly, giving myself with no hesitation, no fear. It was my gift to her. And her gift to me. Learning to Trust Ch. 02 (Hello all, this is the second section. Remember to leave comments and feedback. And let me know what you think, I'd like to say a big thanks to Max for editing and for those who are wondering, why Rose doesn't speak. That will become clear in section three.) Rose screamed again as she bolted from the bed, looked around, and backed against the wall; her heart hammering as she tried to stop her shaking. It had been almost a week of pure bliss being with Nicholas, Samantha, Edward and Alexander. They were all so nice to her and she didn't want to see them hurt. Her brother was coming, she could feel it. He was close and the wait was driving her mad. Rose jumped when the door swung open to show Sam with a warm glass of milk in her hand. "Another bad dream, deary?" Sam had grown used to Rose's nightmares and did her best to soothe her. Sam placed the milk on the side and sat down on the bed, knowing Rose still cringed away from touching anyone. "Want to write about it?" Rose shook her head as she tried to keep calm. She hadn't changed since she had came here and her wolf was wanting out now, but she was scared to change back into her wolf form. She was always safer in her human form around her brother. Rose finally calmed down enough to sip the milk and wrote that she was ok and Sam should go back to bed. Reluctantly Sam went back to bed. Rose couldn't get back to sleep; she was restless now, but unsure if it was her wolf or her brother that caused the restlessness. She walked to the window and slid it open. Taking her notepad, she slipped out of the window and walked deep into the forest. She liked to walk on her own; unfortunately Edward and Nicholas were not keen on the idea. Rose had yet to go near any of the pack members, they did not understand why she had kept her distance, but she had her own reasons for not getting too close to them. Mainly she was scared. She sat by an old oak tree right by the lake. She couldn't swim, but she liked the calmness of the water. She had finally relaxed, but it was short lived. Rose pressed back against the tree, her heart picking up, as she heard the sound of running. She counted five people and saw three older females who all looked alike. Each had brown hair with hazel eyes; it was easy to tell they were sisters. They were all slender and appeared around the age of 25-30. They dived into the lake and were quickly joined by two boys. The boys were twins; six-pack abs, long black hair and deep green eyes. They appeared to be over 6' 4" and not too happy with the girls who were oblivious to the fact that the boys didn't appear too happy to be at the lake. Just as Rose was about to leave one of the girls turned and growled pulling herself out of the lake. "Well, well, look who finally made an appearance." The girl sneered. "The mute finally comes out of hiding." Her sisters laughed, but the boys narrowed their eyes. "What's the matter, mutt? Cat got your tongue?" Rose simply tilted her head as she watched them. The girls continued to snicker and mock her. Rose could sense their jealousy, but she didn't know why. "She doesn't even know when she is being insulted! She really is a retard!" "You're all such asses!" one of the boys snarled. They both got out of the water in only their boxers and moved away from the girls who looked shocked and horrified. "She risked her life! Ran half the damn country and was near death when she got here and all you can do is insult her?" Shaking their heads, they walked toward Rose, who stepped back as if ready to bolt. The girls had gone quiet and were mumbling apologies, trying to appease the boys, but they weren't listening. Rose bolted, running deeper into the forest and through the trees as fast as she could. She used her senses listening and her nose trying to keep out of the way of the boys. She came to a small platform of rocks that made a 30 foot ledge. After listening for a while and not hearing anyone, she relaxed and sat on the edge of the platform. Below was a small clearing of grass. "Hey!" Rose jumped and almost backed away until she realized she had sat right on the edge and there was no place to go. The twins each held up their hands and now wore two loose, silky, black tops. "I'm Shade and this is my brother Fury. Its hard to tell us apart, but our scents are slightly different." Shade smiled, "We mean you no harm. We just wanted to meet you." Rose looked down at the grass area and considered jumping, but she had never tested her wolf's ability with things like jumping before. As if sensing this, Shade's eyes went wide, "Please don't jump. We won't hurt you." Fury stepped forward slowly his hands still held high, "Take it easy, Rose. Come away from the edge." Rose's heart was beating frantically as she stood up looking between the fall and the two boys. She whimpered softly. Her emotions were confusing her. She had come here to be safe with a new pack, but she couldn't seem to shake the fear she held inside of her. "Rose, come away from the edge. You could get hurt if you fell and we don't want that," Fury's voice was calm, but he kept edging closer to her. Just when Rose was about to jump he lunged and pulled her back from the edge. He wrapped his arms around her and held her firmly so she couldn't run off the edge or hurt him or herself; yet his arms were soft and didn't hurt her. Rose started to panic even more as she thrashed and tried to claw at him. Shade came up and held Rose's head still. "Rose...Rose! We aren't going to hurt you, we only wanted to meet you, Please calm down." Shade frowned at Fury, "Put her down you're scaring her!" "She was going to jump! What if she hurt herself! Do you want to be the one who has to tell the Alpha? Rose, calm down please!" Fury lifted Rose carefully, carrying her away from the edge before he let her down and slowly let go of her, stepping back. His hands were raised up again. Rose backed away gasping for air as she fought against images from her past, of her brother and his friends. She looked at Shade and Fury as she tried to calm down. She sank to the grass and curled up trembling. She didn't care that the two of them were there. To her surprise they sat down near her and seemed content to just wait as she tried to sort out her emotions. Shade and Fury both walked Rose back to the main manor where, upon coming out of the tree line, they where surrounded by Edward, Alex, Sam and Nicholas. Who all started asking questions almost instantly and looking extremely worried. "Where have you been? Why didn't you tell someone you were going for a walk?" Alex's worried voice continued to mumble his tirade at her for not telling anyone where she was. Nicholas came forward looking her over and making sure she was unharmed. "Rose, come to the living room and get warm I want to make sure you're not hurt, dear." Edward and Alex both fired questions at Shade and Fury, but she couldn't do anything as Nicholas ushered her into the house. Alex growled at the twins, "What happened out there?" "Em, Jo and Trish had a go at her, we found her sitting by the lake. When she ran off we followed her. She was sitting on the east platform and almost jumped so we pulled her back to stop her, so she wouldn't hurt herself. Then she sat down and got a funny look on her face. We stayed close in case she needed any more help and, when she wanted to walk back, we followed, Sir." They bowed their heads respectfully. Edward calmed Alex as he spoke to the boys, "You did the right thing. The east platform is about 30-35 feet. We don't know if the drop would have hurt her. Thank you both." Edward had an idea as a slight smile curved is lips. "She didn't run from you?" He looked at them both expectantly. "No, Sir, well...at first she did, but then she was ok with us being near her...I think...she didn't try to run again." Edward smiled even more, "I would like you both to stick close to her. She has shown a reluctance to be near the wider pack; with you two this could help her. Follow us inside and we will explain the things we know about Rose so you are better able to understand her and help her." He looked into their eyes, "Oh, and, boys, whatever you learn of her, you are both sworn to secrecy. Understand?" They nodded. After Nicholas and Samantha had spent 20 minutes ensuring Rose was alright, they all sat together in the main living area, including Shade and Fury, who looked at Rose sympathetically. They were now fully aware of what their Alpha knew about Rose. Edward stood up and cleared his throat, "Rose, we don't want anyone walking alone for a while; it's not safe right now. Especially because of your brother. We would like you to take Shade and Fury with you if you go out anywhere. They will be staying close to you, alright?" Rose nodded slowly as she stayed curled up by the fire, she had written out her apology several times, for making them worry, but she still felt bad about it. She wasn't used to people caring for her. Over the next two days Rose did he best to avoid Shade and Fury, but they always seemed to find her. They were kind, caring and very friendly. They walked with her in the woods, ate meals with her, and were always poking fun at each other which amused Rose, often leaving her having to hide a smile or stifle a laugh. Why couldn't her family be like this? Shade and Fury had even taken to protecting her from other pack members, not allowing them near her. When she had looked shocked at him, he had just smiled at her and said, "You'll meet them when you're ready; until then they will not bother you." Rose had slowly spent more and more time with the twins, she trusted them not to hurt her and they became almost inseparable with each others, where ever Rose went Shade and Fury where right beside her. She finally started to feel accepted. To be continued....