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Alpha and Omega (SilverDreamer x JacksAreWild)

Azura had decided that simply going back to her room and waiting the day out was not going to be the wisest of decision. The thought of a very long, hot and scented bath had crossed her mind but baths to be enjoyed had lost there draw since the cold bath at the house. Each time the thought had crossed her mind the image of what could of been seemed to haunt it.

She could feel the hot water envelope her up to her neck, felt the steam rise and could see how it rose in the cooler air. She could breathe in the combined scent of Sasha's masculine and feminine forms as Sasha settled in the water before her. She could feel her mate lean back against her while Azura combed through the dark brown curls until the hair was soft, silky and tangle free. The comb teeth starting just at the scalp and slowly worked through each lot softly until Azura felt satisfied and pinned the mane into a loose pony tail with only a few strands escaping. After she had put the comb down she poured several drops of oil on to the palm of her hands and warmed it by massaging it slightly along her fingers before she brought the determined digits upon the broad shoulders in front of her and started the process of easing away any knots, tension and simply enjoying the feel of her mates form and more than enjoying the sounds that came from her. Her thumbs would start at the nape of the neck and spread out before sliding back and forth softly but with increasing strength.

She settled her legs on either side of her mates as she dipped her head forward to kiss the oily skin she could hear Sasha moan, could feel her writhe and then heard Sasha gently call out of her name in enjoyment. At least in those rare moments where she permitted herself to day dream did she have the happy ending she longed for and was able to give Sasha the one she desired also.

She blinked as she drew her attention from the window she had not even realized she had stopped before to stare out at the garden fountain that bubbled gently. "Azura!" She heard the call out and for a moment she wondered if the day dream was lingering subconsciously until she turned to see Tala. The woman that seemed intent on truly pushing Azura to her limits of patience. She managed to keep a smile on her face until she breathed in and caught the scent of Sasha in the air as she fully turned and caught sight of her.

Multiple emotions Slammed into her all at the same time. She had not expected to see Sasha especially not after her mind had drifted to hopes she should truly simply forget about. Lust, want and love showed themselves fleetingly at the surprise sighting but each one faded rapidly as she tried to smother them. A pained look filled her eyes for mere seconds until her eyes focused on the large and in Azura's mind too prominent bite mark.

Tala's words had not helped as that made it clear that Sasha had made her choice and she had opted for Tala rather than her room. She felt her heart twist and jealousy swelled undiluted as the wolf managed to loosen the door of the cage , it was not enough to get out but she was slowly escaping.

Lunch? The notion of food made her stomach churn. Her appetite had already dwindled and what ever hunger her body may have not long felt dissipated at the idea of eating lunch with Tala.

She forced her gaze to shift from Sasha and made it remain on Tala as the mask slid back into place completely. She turned into the swan again, calm, and graceful above the surface and scrambling like made beneath to simply keep going. "In truth I am not particularly hungry Tala. I think I shall save my appetite for later on this evening if you do not mind at all?"

"Where the hell did that mark come from...?""She was sparring remember..? We heard the guard state such earlier..""Yes but she won those spars. She is not meant to be marked at all by any one but..."" Well if she chose to let any one mark her..or perhaps she sparred and lost..We gave up any claim..." "No, we did not. You did and your stubbornness to see this fool's folly to the end. STOP THINKING AND START FEELING!"

Azura lifted her hand to her head at the final outburst from her inner wolf before she shook her head gently and turned her gaze back to those before her.

She disliked asking permission to be excused for something she did not wish to attend but this was Tala's home. "If that is acceptable then I think I shall get some fresh air. Besides perhaps after the bath Sasha would enjoy eating lunch with you?"
 
Sasha had been hoping that she would not run into Azura this whole time that Tala had been leading her through these endless hallways. Right now she was dirty, sweaty, and there were several dark bruises beginning to form along her bared arms. The once neat ponytail was now down and nothing but a wild mane of brown that spilled over her shoulders. Sasha was not in any fit state to impress or attract anyone! Especially not an Alpha female. Her wolf buried himself within Sasha's consciousness, not wishing to come out or for anyone to see him because he could be vain and proud at times. He had lost a match! And now they wore that damned bite on their neck all because the human side had the attention span of a bird, and was easily distracted by shiny objects.

"Oh stop being melodramatic…you act is if we have never lost a match before." She does not need to know that we lose! We need to show her that we are strong, that if we have pups together, they will be good and healthy, and that we are more than capable of keeping her and our children safe." "She recoils at our slightest touch…there will be no mating, no pups if we cannot even stand near her. Just forget it…she does not want us." At the memory of how cool Azura's skin had felt and how she had pretended that nothing had happened in the house in the woods, Sasha's wolf finally fell silent with his tail down and his ears drooping down in sadness.

"I was just going to eat lunch with the other guards…" Sasha said in response to Azura trying to make a lunch date that seemed to only involve only her and Tala; which was silly. The young guard sounded as though it hadn't crossed her mind for even a second that she would be eating with either of the Alphas. "Sorry Tala…I promised straight after lunch I would let Zane practice with my sword." Tala of course took the idea of eating a solitary meal gracefully and after saying their goodbyes, she began to lead Sasha back down the hallway, towards her bedroom.

"You should have lunch Azura… No wolf should have to ingest as much charcoal as I have made you with my poor cooking." She spoke up before they had parted ways entirely, trying to make a little joke. It hurt her to see Azura looking so stoic on a day where she thought her charge should be having fun….so she thought she might try her hand in making the Alpha smile. "And if I remember correctly…you are quite the lightweight, you should make sure that you have food in your belly before the wine begins to flow."

Tala was a surprised by Sasha's boldness, but did not say anything further as they rounded a corner and rapidly approached her bedroom.. Never before had she heard an omega tell an Alpha what they 'should' or 'should not' do.
 
A sense of relief coiled itself around Azura as Sasha revealed that she had already planned to eat lunch with someone else. That fact did not surprise he and Azura wondered for a moment if she was going to actually struggle to get Sasha to leave the estate when it was time to the following day. Perhaps if Sasha felt the desire to remain she could simply hire one of Tala's guards for the rest of the journey. While the idea appealed because she would not have to pretend any longer the idea of actively leaving Sasha behind any where twisted and turned the heart until she struggled to breath.

She smiled and nodded to Tala as the pair started to turn away her gaze lingering on the back of Sasha's form now that she had turned to walk with Tala. Her words made her smile ever so slightly. "If I recall rightly it was not me that decided to collapse on the inn floor and had to be dragged upstairs!"

She had no sound of rebuke to her tone of voice even though she knew she should even if for pretense sake. The fact that she felt no need to snap out against Sasha forced her to realize that she genuinely no longer saw her as an Omega. Not even close.To her they were equal rather than Alpha or Omega....equal perhaps but not mates.

Once the pair were out of sight she finally bolted. She needed fresh air, she needed to run and she needed to get her thoughts straight. There was hours until the dinner party and she was certain she would of driven herself insane if she did not escape the building. Using her sense of smell to locate one of the many doors that lead to the grounds she moved swiftly and with purpose.

Once in the large gardens that had late blooming flowers filled the air with a bitter sweet scent she started to run. She weaved through the gardeners, guests and delivery folk as she escaped. She wanted to hear no voices, smell no one and howl. She wanted to mourn and find something to fight all at the same time.

She ran for over an hour when she finally slowed as she came to a wide lake, the water had already started to freeze along the edges and turn to ice but the centre of the lake was still completely liquid. She could see fish jump through the surface of the water, wriggle and splash back down as if showing off.

She could hear no one and had not seen any one for the last fifteen minutes. Her breathing was heavy but she felt wide awake, refreshed to some degree but also knotted up. Both sides of her had started to argue almost constantly, neither side now willing to back down to the other.

With a slow hiss of breath she started to circle the lake until her feet caught some smooth, palm sized pebbles. Slowly she bent down and picked just one up at first. Her fingers stroked over the pimply surface and she examined the flaws in them intently before she attempted to skim the pebble across the lake. She watched it strike the surface twice before it sung into the depths.

She was utterly unaware of the presence with her. She did not notice the woman covered from head to toe in a thick cloak that walked with a bent back and yet a smile to her lips. The grey haired woman.

"It be bad when you be all twisted up like that."

The woman spoke with a chuckle to her voice as Azura jumped and spun at the same time almost dropping several of the pebbles she had in her hands to the ground. "Pardon?" She replied with a frown on her face at the sudden appearance.

"When the wolf within and the human can not get along. Twists one up until they are nothing but a bug on a spider web. Can't break free can't stay still..."

Azura stared at her at least appearing to be puzzled. "Sorry, I do not know what you are referring to."

"Course you do. Can see it all over your face, in your eyes. Heart an' mind fighting it out like two stray wolves. 'ever be 'appy that way. Some point two 'ave to come one."

Azura slowly started to approach the female that seemed to know far too much without even knowing who she actually was. "Not when the two sides want different things."

"Do they?" The crone completed the gap between the pair of the them as she stared into Azura's silvery orbs with pale ones of her own. Her right hand, gnarled with age and speckled with dark spots reached up and pointed to Azura's chest. "Animal be the 'eart. It know what it wants , it know what it needs. " Her hand lifted up and tapped Azura gently on the forehead just above the nose and between her eyes. "The mind be the human, all thoughts, all complications. So easy for it to try an' please everyone...but self."

Her voice lowered as it turned raspy. "'hat be it that your 'eart wants or who..?" "I can not have what I want, our ranks are too diff...."

"Ranks, spanks. Your rank make ye a batter wolf..or human? Make them better than ye?" The crone's voice had snarled slightly as she spoke just as Azura shook her head sharply. "Not at all but I have been promised to another..."

"Did ye make the promise? Ye want to settle with this promise..?" Azura started to shake her head once more. "It was promised before I was walking and I have to...if I don't....they will get killed..."

The crone smiled suddenly, showing crooked teeth. "They die anyway, slow 'nd painful. If they be your heart mate...ye be killing them slowly...excruciatingly....'ope dies...spirit...'eart..."

"I may not be their heart mate...I have been trying to make them hate me..to make it..."

Suddenly the crone blurred in movement as she slammed a hand against Azura's throat, propelling her backwards with such speed and strength she was left staring at the sky above as the woman bent over her, her hand still on her throat. "Ye not be sure if they be?" She started to put pressure on the neck as Azura attempted to lift her arms up to sink her nails into the woman hand but her limbs suddenly could not move. She could feel her heart racing, her chest heaving as it attempted to fight and drag in oxygen. "Imagine now...if this be your last moment...who it be ye wish to see...?"

Azua's could feel a darkness start to grow in her mind, felt her wolf snarling and attempting to break free while blood thumped in her ears but her mind focused only on one person. Sasha came to mind, her stood there all sweaty and with tangled hair, next she was laughing as Destry bolted while she simply attempted to hold onto the reigns. She was there drunk and swaying from side to side as she threw the dart at the board. Sasha appeared in various memories while Azura simply yearned to see her properly again, to spend the rest of her life saying sorry for what she had inflicted upon her in the last week. To make her smile, laugh, make her feel proud of Azura. To hold her in times so sorrow and cheer for her in times of joy.

The darkness started to spread to her vision and grew. "Who ever it be ye be seeing, that be ye heart mate. "Azura could hear her chest rattle as she tried to force in a single breath. "Ye can make changes..for ye, for ye mate. Stop thinking.."

The crone growled and suddenly Azura could breathe. Her eyes opened to find herself alone and the air still besides the lake, her hand still filled with pebbles as she slowly rose to her feet. Her neck hurt slightly as if she had been screaming while her eyes scanned the lake.

It only took ten seconds for her to start running, the pebbles falling through her fingers as she made her way back to the estate with the desire to find Sasha and apologize, to beg for forgiveness and make it clear what she truly wanted.

Except by the time she returned it seemed the fates had other intentions. She barreled down the hallway leading to her room to pick up the small token only to find a group of rather stressed looking hand maids and Miss Erin frowning.

"Ah! Finally you are here. Do you know how long we have been waiting on you? No matter, no matter we need to get you ready. The event begins in an hour."

"But I just need to go and tell Sasha that."

Miss Erin frowned slightly at the mention f Sasha. "That tom boy is already enduring her preparations and is busy being made to look suitable for the party. I hope you are not going to attempt to bite any of my minds." Miss Erin glared at her nervously as Azura sighed. "You know I could simply get myself ready. I have been able to do so for quite some time now..."

Miss Erin grinned darkly. "Oh no. You are going to look perfect. To Miss Tala's orders so her mother has no need to lose her temper with us during the party. You look almost feral with your clothes torn and muddy. Your hair is tangled and knotted. Alpha Azura, I swear I am beginning to believe that guard of yours is a bad influence on you."

"No," Azura thought to herself. " she is the perfect influence upon me..." As she surrendered to the assault of scalding hot water, the hairs from her legs and under arms being shaved off and her hair smoothed in oils and lotions. The hand maidens knew what to do without exchanging information or chatter as they went about Tala's orders.
 
Sasha smiled at the memory of Azura dragging her drunken body up the stairs after their games of darts. They had had so much fun that night…she had almost forgotten how much she truly did enjoy the Alpha’s competitive nature and the sound of her laughter. Though…the smile dissipated as she remembered the blurred memory of her numbed body being pushed up against the wall. The sight of Azura’s perfect rear as she had bent over to close the window… ”Stop that! You did not wish to share that memory with me before, you will not share the damned thing with me now! Just to vex her, the wolf dredged up the feelings of a lithe body pressed against her own, of soft lips pressed against her mouth.

“Here we are!” Tala’s cheery voice interrupted Sasha’s thoughts. They had finally arrived at the Alpha’s room. “Go ahead and take as long as you like with your bath… I’m afraid I must leave you to get lunch and then meet with my mother to help ease any issues she may be having with last minute party troubles.” The young Alpha took her leave from her friend, leaving Sasha alone to bathe and find her way back to the barracks.

---

It was difficult to not wish to spar with the men of the barracks, especially as they teased her with offers of escorting her to the party tonight. Boys could be so silly sometimes. But at the mention of the party and it nearing the hour at which dinner was supposed to take place, Sasha decided she should get ready, just incase she lost track of time because the lot of them that were off duty were going to play a few games to pass the time. No sooner had she finished pulling on her left boot did an older looking female barge into the bunk room, trailed by two other young girls.

“You are Sasha, I assume?” Miss Erin asked as she sized up the female guard dressed in men’s clothing.

“Ah…yes ma’am. May I ask who are you?”

“I am Erin, these are two of my girls, they will be helping you get ready tonight. You will need a bath, your hair brushed and then help-”

“A bath?” Sasha interrupted, confused. She had just had a bath a few hours ago! “But I am already bathed. And I am already dressed. I do not need any help…but thank you very much for your offer.” Sasha stood, showing off her formal guard’s tunic; green with a golden trim, and pair of her newest leathers.

To her little display, Miss Erin shook her head disapprovingly. “No, that outfit will not do at all. Alpha Tala has had me make an outfit for you.” The older wolf neared Sasha in order to inspect her to see if she did indeed already bathe so that they could at least skip that one step. “And what is this? Under your nails?”

Sasha looked down at her nails and sure enough, there was a brown residue under them. But it wasn’t dirt! It was just shoe polish. Unfortunately the seamstress did not care for excuses, she already had it fixed into her mind that it was dirt. Now Sasha found herself being herded out of the barracks by three crazy women and towards a private bath that was entirely to hot. She didn’t like these other women, they did not listen to reason! And they were not men, so she could not punch them. Miss Erin would not leave until she stripped down and climbed into the tub, so of course that was what Sasha had to do.

”Well…at least I like water-“ “Ow, ow, OW!” Sasha howled as her body was suddenly subjected to the roughest scrubbing she had ever experienced in her entire life. She snapped her teeth threateningly at the young maidens around her, only to get bopped on the head with a brush. “I can wash myself! I assure you, miss, I do not need any help.” The maids just shook their heads and repeated Miss Erin’s orders that they were to scrub the guard from head to toe to make sure she was presentable. Then they went back to work, leaving Sasha to sulk as she was cleaned like a pup that had just rolled around in the mud for hours.

When the torturous scrubbing was over, it was time for Sasha to have her hair brushed. Usually she enjoyed getting hair cuts or having her hair combed, but the maids did it with such thoroughness that her scalp was aching by the end of it. And even then, it was not over. “I assure you, I am fully capable of braiding my own h-AIR.” Sasha tried not to yelp as her hair was tugged upon and dexterous fingers wove the long strands into a perfect braid. ”Getting ready for this is nearly as terrible as getting ready for one of father’s inspections…”

She wasn’t even allowed to get dressed on her own! The maids treated her as if she did not know how to fasten her own buttons. They just kept batting her hands away every time she tried to pull, or tug, or clasp something herself.

At least Miss Erin had made her a very handsome black doublet with golden buttons and streaks of grey satin down the edges to help give Sasha a more feminine shape while even wearing men’s clothing. To go with it were a pair of black pants. ”I look like I am going to a funeral…” Sasha sighed as she peered at herself in a mirror after the maids had gone. She did think she looked quite handsome, she was just not used to wearing something so formal.

“Hrrrmph…” The guard Captain grunted as he entered the room behind Sasha. He took a look at the girl and immediately voiced his displeasure. “I am to…escort you…somehow…” He sighed and offered her his arm. “I do wish you had chosen to wear a dress.”

“How am I to guard my charge if I am in a dress?” Sasha said simply and the Captain seemed to be a little less aggravated with her because she took her job so seriously for one so young. They did look like quite an odd couple, a tomboy and an very nicely dressed old guard walking together, arm in arm.

Once in the hall, Sasha was herded over to the opposite end of the table from Tala and Azura, forced to sit next to the Captain and some of the lower ranking Alphas. She did very well through the meal. Her father was always concerned with excellence, and so they Sasha and the other guards had all had several classes in etiquette. It wasn’t enough to pass Sasha off as a lady, but it was enough to let her get through a formal dinner without looking like a barbarian. She was very mindful of her table manners, her back was always straight, her elbows were never on the table. And thankfully after a couple of glasses of wine, the Captain was much less abrasive and a better date.

More often than not, those bright blue eyes would cross the table and land on Azura's. Sasha had missed her terribly today... Even though she had been distracted with her new guard brothers, once the distractions were gone, she found herself feeling terribly empty inside. It was even worse than the silent rides...at least they had been together for those. It was so strange...even if Azura did not wish to be around them, Sasha still found herself wishing to be around the other female.
 
Azura was contemplating how to escape her current keepers for just long enough that she could actually sneak away even if only for a few minutes. She knew where Tala's room was as she had been in it several times over the years. Yet it seemed the maids were set on keeping her until her seeming escort arrived. For a moment she felt hope flare that perhaps it would be Sasha though as she considered it she realized that was highly unlikely. If any one it would either be Tala herself or a male of current equal rank who would quickly leave her knowing that she was already spoken for and seek out a possible mate or simply a female to bed for the night. Honestly if Sasha was not the one to appear she hoped for the latter because she knew they would likely leave her alone quicker.

The maids had been ruthless. They had shorted and curled her nails into dainty and annoying curls, her body had been perfumed to the point that she no longer could smell her own scent. The weeks of simply using stream water to wash herself had left her sensitive to what she decided what was overpowering enough that she was going to start rendering others unconscious by simply being in their presence. It was not that the scent was not pleasant to some degree but goodness did they have to use so much!

Next they decided that they were some how going to annoy her further as they fastened her into a simple corset for beneath the seeming outfit she was to wear, not that she had seen it yet. She felt them tug and tighten the damned material until she was almost shy of being unable to breathe. A scary repeat of what had happened earlier in the day but she contained herself by biting her bottom lip gently.

The next assault was upon her hair which had been oiled and soothed in lotions to remove any trace of dirt left on it and help drag the comb through the tangled mane before they made it a mess again. She was forced to sit still as she tried to breathe without using her nose as they took their time to comb through her hair then curl it a certain way before she felt them add delicate adornments to her hair. She felt almost five again and suddenly understood clearly why Sasha had attempted to bite one of the maids. She was coming awful close to doing that herself before they felt satisfied with their hard work.

Finally it was the dress that she was helped into after being told to keep her eyes closed the possibility that Tala had more of a hand in it's design than she had anticipated filled her with pending dread. She felt what could be cold silk slip over her skin as she was ordered to lift up her arms, lower them and put them in a variety of other poses before the material seemed to be settled into place. It felt unexpectedly heavy as the hem of the dress skimmed at her ankles and she could feel that the hem at the wrists were not meant to cling to her smaller ones. She moved to open her eyes before she felt warm hands be placed over them. "Not yet. We are just tying the dress in a little."

What felt to be yet another eternity later the hand was finally lifted and Azura stared at the reflection of herself in the large mirror. "What in the name of the gods is Tala thinking...?"The dress looked to be made of ivory coloured silk, the trim of it dark to the point of being black but upon the trim was delicately weaved grey thread of what looked to be two types of flowers entwined together. The dress also had a strange hint in Azura's mind of a wedding garment.

Her dark red hair appeared to glow as if it burned gently in coppery tones after the severe combing which contrasted vividly with the pale gown. Thankfully simple but elegant black shoes were put upon her feet and only a little make up was applied to her skin before the room suddenly emptied out.

Azura had only a moments peace before someone knocked on the door. Before she could speak to permit them entrance Tala walked in with a approving grin on her lips. Her own dress by far out shined Azura's own and would draw the attention of the crowd with the amethyst tone to it.

"Tala, what are you tryi..."Before the question could be asked Azura was silenced by the noise of those walking along the hallway. The event had beun and she had no time to try and understand what strange workings Tala's brain had put into play. Especially seen as she was quite set now on trying to speak to Sasha. If she ever got the chance to.

Tala simply entwined her arm with Azura's as she lead her to join the train of people that were already making their way to the dining room . She leaned in briefly and issued a kiss on Azura's cheek. "Just name one of your pups after me." She whispered and gave Azura no time to react to the remark as they entered the dining room.

Azura tried to make sense of the rather blatant remark. Was this her way on congratulating her on her betrothal to Lazarus or perhaps a warning that she should follow through with it? It did not matter as she forced a smile to her lips as they crossed the threshold into the large room.

Tala settled her at her table before sitting alongside her mother and the dinner began. Her gaze instantly seeking out one particular face but nearly missed it. Sasha looked as if she was a brand new penny and almost as comfortable as the guard besides her. Azura ate through the meal, constantly wishing that she could simply be left alone with Sasha. Even if only for a minute but at least she was close by.

At times when not being asked questions or spoken to Azura's gaze returned to the same place, watching to see if any look of discomfort or frustration was revealed upon Sasha's face.

The dishes came and went slowly, the meal seemed to last forever especially now Azura was used to the simple meals she had been having the last few weeks.

Gradually the last of the dishes was finished and the people started to rise from their seats as they were lead into what if Azura remembered correctly was the music room which was large enough for more than a hundred people to dance comfortably. Soft music started to play as Tala's mother and father took to the wooden floor.
 
The effect of the dress that Azura wore was entirely lost to Sasha as she sat far from the other female. With the table and plate after plate of food in the way, Sasha was more interested in those lovely silver eyes than clothing. But once the food came to an end and everyone began to stand, Sasha felt her heart stop as she saw Azura rise. She looked so very beautiful tonight…

Let me out! Let me out!!!! We must claim her her right now!! The wolf flashed a very vivid and lewd image through their mind: his muscular frame towered behind Azura as he bent her delicious looking body over the table and kicked her legs apart -- “No! We are not going to mount her in the middle of a dinner party like an animal in heat.” ”RELEASE ME!!!!!” The wolf roared, bashing his half of their consciousness all around their mind. "Let them see! Let them all know that she howls only for us!!!"

Sasha was nearly overwhelmed as the wolf's fantasy continued... The sweet smell of Azura's arousal... The sound of clothes tearing as the wolf ripped her dress down the back, revealing beautiful porcelain flesh... The soft sounds of whimpers of embarrassment and whines of lust that Azura made as she struggled against him, half naked and bent over a table in a room full of prestigious Alphas. She could struggle all she liked...he saw how she tilted her hips, presented herself willingly... Before he could be stopped, he forced the flared head of his throbbing cock into her, growling possessively as he felt her barrier break... And that was all it took to release the animal that Azura had locked away in a cage. Now bent over the table was no longer the gorgeous human, but his wild wolf that howled and bucked her hips backwards into him... Squeezing his cock...tempting him to fill her with his seed...

By the time Sasha had regained some semblance of control over her mind, she was panting and a little flushed with an unbearable throbbing between her legs. For a moment Sasha shot Azura a heated look, her eyes glowing bright and her teeth lengthening. It looked as though indeed the wolf would win this battle of wills for a moment. Thankfully the Captain, who had had entirely too much wine by this point, was getting out of his seat and roughly nudged Sasha in his attempt to stand. The abrupt contact was enough to distract the wolf so that Sasha may ram him back into his cage and muzzle him. She was busy having her own fantasies of slowly stripping the Alpha out of that dress in a private room, she didn’t need him to add his desire to rip the garment off of her and bend her over the dinner table into the mix.

]”I will do something…just…sit…and I will figure something out for us.” The wolf did not believe her…but he laid down, for now. The night was still early, and he would have plenty of time to also plan how he would get out in order to take their mate. He hoped for the human self to drink more wine, enough so that he may take over without having to fight her again.

As Sasha began to brainstorm a plan to woo the Alpha, the idea of asking Azura to dance came to mind. Sasha was a lovely dancer, when she let herself get lost into the music, she rarely had a misstep. However, as Sasha stood with the Captain, the older gentlemen escorted her to the music room before she could even sneak away to talk to Azura. And then she was bound by politeness to watch Azura’s mother and father dance on their own for a song before they opened up the floor to everyone. Of course by then, the Captain had it in his mind that he would like to dance, and that Sasha would be his partner. Not like it mattered anyways…now Sasha had lost Azura to the crowd, and though she heightened her sense of smell in order to try to find her, she could not catch the Alpha’s pleasing scent anywhere! Her nose was bombarded by the scents of too many and too much perfume which almost gave her a headache.

With a forced smile, she accepted the Captain’s hand and let him lead her in a dance. It had been a long time since she had waltzed backwards, usually Sasha was the lead. And right now she wished that the man would let her lead them right now! He was not particularly good at keeping the beat and kept stomping on her toes.

“Captain…if I may suggest smaller steps? You are much taller than me-EEE!” Sasha let out a squeak of pain as the Captain stepped on her left toe and she made to retreat with her right foot, only to land incorrectly and roll her ankle. She was unsure which hurt more, the pinching of her toes of the throbbing of her heel.

“My goodness, are you alright?” The older man’s face immediately took on a look of worry as the young guard nearly dropped in his arms. “Would you like me to take you back to the barracks to lay down? Perhaps the infirmary?”

“Fine! No sir, I am fine…I assure you. Just a scratch, Captain.”

“I apologize Sasha… my mate is much taller than you, I am not used to taking such small steps.” He looked down at the young wolf’s feet. Neither one was jutting to the side at a weird angle so he figured she was fine, just as she said. “Here…let me ask one of the servants for something a little bit stronger for you, it will help ease the pain in your toes.”

---

Sasha couldn’t help but feel as though she was completely and utterly drunk. Whatever the captain had given her that was ‘a little bit stronger’ turned out to be ‘a lot a bit stronger’. She couldn’t feel her fingers or face! Though she supposed the feeling of numbness that the alcohol caused was the point, because she did not notice the pain in her foot either.

Sasha was trying to find her hardest to get Azura alone, really she was. But locating the Alpha while she had been inebriated was impossible. Now that the night was drawing closer and closer to the end and the effects of the alcohol were wearing off, she stood a better chance of finding Azura. However, every time she found the Alpha, the other woman would get whisked away by a new dance partner before Sasha could hurry over to her. After heaving a jealous growl, Sasha would do her best to calm herself down, and distract herself with another dance with a stranger.

Finally, towards the very end of the evening, Azura appeared to be all by her lonesome and Sasha hurried over there as quickly as she could without limping too badly. Yes! She was finally going to get to ask the beautiful Alpha for a dance!

“Sasha!” A feminine voice cried out.

”NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!” Sasha stopped in her tracks at the sound of a familiar voice saying her name. It was none other than Tala, who wished to have a dance with her. Of course Sasha couldn’t just tell her ‘no’, she so rarely saw Tala now that she knew that it would have been impolite to deny her. So, as the next song started, she immediately took the younger girl up into her arms and began to lead, trying to keep Azura in her sight so that she did not lose her again.

“Are you having a good time tonight, Sasha?” Tala was all smiles as Sasha led her around the ballroom. The guard was an excellent lead, Tala found it very easy to obey the gentle, but firm commands of Sasha’s body and her eyes. And despite her experience with Sasha’s clumsiness, the omega was surprisingly surefooted when she was dancing.

“Oh yes, I am-“ Sasha’s voice suddenly dropped off as she felt eyes on her. The hairs on the back of her neck stood on end and as a sense of danger struck her. She had to stop looking at Azura for a moment to find the source. With Tala in her arms, she twirled the pair of them about, now on edge and looking for the owner of the gaze that had been on her back.

“It’s just my mother…do not worry about her. She may as well get used to seeing me dance with another female.” Tala giggled as she looked over to see her mother, who was shooting daggers at Sasha with her eyes. Just to vex her mother further, she inched closer to Sasha to dance more intimately.

The little changes Sasha now had to do with her step as Tala drew closer made the guard let out a soft hiss of pain. The Alpha immediately stopped in her tracks and looked up at her friend with concern. “Sasha, are you alright? Did I step on your toes?”

“Yes…I am fine.” Sasha winced as she took another step. But she changed that wince quickly into a reassuring smile. “No. You did not step on my toes. I twisted my ankle earlier tonight-”

“You have been standing on a sprained ankle all night?!” Tala interrupted her. And when Sasha nodded an affirmative, she quickly continued. “Sasha, you need to lay down.”

Sasha sighed, now remembering why her and Tala would only ever be friends: the other female could be quite bossy at times. Like many Alphas, Tala did not take ‘no’ for an answer from an omega, even if that omega was her friend. With great reluctance, Sasha could only nod her head and then slowly broke up their dance. Though, now that she was left without a person to help steady her, she let out another whine of pain as she put her full weight on her right foot. The alcohol was rapidly wearing off and now she could feel the searing hot pain radiate from her ankle.

“Here…throw your arm around me, I will help you to the room. And then I want you to take a nice hot bath to help loosen up your ankle.” Tala took Sasha by the arm and urged her to put it around her shoulder so that the younger female should help bear some of the guard's weight.

”Another bath?! Sasha thought she was going to look like a prune before this was all over. Three baths in one day? It seemed a little excessive... But…she would not argue. The hot water would feel nice, and there was no use in arguing with Tala anyways. Though, before she left, she wanted to tell Azura good night. “Wait…I need to go tell Azura where I am going.”

“I will tell her that you have gone to bed when I come back from getting you settled.” Tala patted Sasha gently on the shoulder and gave her a reassuring smile. It looked as though her plan to get the two together was going awry. But perhaps when she came back later and informed Azura that Sasha was injured, the female would rush over to check on her. "Perhaps tucking Sasha into bed naked or in a silken nightie will do the trick…" Tala grinned a little to herself. She would see her two stubborn friends together yet!

Sasha heaved a dejected sigh as Tala helped her sway unsteadily out of the ballroom. "Great...now Tala's mother will think I am drunk and need to be escorted to bed by her daughter..." Well, even if her mother was probably going to scold Tala, Sasha was very thankful that her friend was helping her to her room, it was making the walk go by much faster than if she had done it alone. Sasha gave one last look around the room before she left, hoping to see Azura and be able to wave her down. But there were so many people that Sasha could not see the striking head of dark red hair, or smell the familiar scent of her lover. ”I guess we will just have to see her in the morning…” At these words, the wolf inside of her huffed in a sort of ‘I told you so’ manner. The human form had ruined their chances yet again.
 
Miss Esme felt her body relax and breathed in as she shook off the ugly sensation that astral projecting often created. Especially when that form had, had to take on a solid matter no matter how briefly. She had not been strong enough to remain and see what effect the old woman's words and actions had, had upon the Alpha female but she knew it had to of done something. She heard a masculine cough and turned on the hammock that swayed dangerously as she looked over to see the Captain of the Guard stood in the archway to the small room. "I am sorry to disturb Miss Esme but I was wondering if you could inform me if the charge and her guard are safe?" Miss Esme gave him a small smile and nodded her head slightly. "If I read the signs right they are just about to venture into the land of Alpha Tala and her family. The signs indicate they are both well. Tired and weary but safe. If they are wise enough they shall some time to stay at the estate ,recuperate and prepare. The worst of the weather is about to strike, in the next five days or so." She looked to the Guard with a look of concern. "They may require their wolf forms to survive the cold that is coming. " The Captain frowned deeply at the possibility. "I am sure the Guard is wise enough to find a way to survive the cold without exposing what she is."

Miss Esme chuckled. "Perhaps you should look at her as your daughter rather than simply as the Guard right now." She whispered faintly. "Perhaps being..exposed is best thing for her?" She heard the Captain growl in the back of his throat. "If she exposes herself for what she truly is do you not think that our Alpha's daughter will have any choice but to report what she will have discovered? That report would arrive here before my daughter could get back and she would be made an out cast! I can not take that risk with her. I won't. The moment she starts showing anything beyond her human form you will inform me so I can prepare." Miss Esme simply nodded her head slightly as the Captain of the Guard turned and left her home with a loud slam of the door. Each day since Azura and Sasha had left one if not both fathers appeared to find out whether the young women were safe or not. Miss Esme had spoken the truth most of the time but she was wise enough to know when some secrets should be kept.

She rose to her feet and walked into the small alcove where a large table that filled the room to it's edges was set. Engraved into the wood was a map of the lands near and far. The wood painted and decorated neatly. She watched the small sculpture of the red haired figure running back towards the estate at speed. She already knew what had been transpiring between the pair. She had not seen in details but enough. In truth she could say she had seen it coming years ago but there had been no certainty and the young women had no idea what would happen when they started their journey together. Miss Esme knew, she could see far more than most and had even she would like to believe had a hand in helping Tala understand that canny ability. She had seen the way Sasha was one of very few who could make Azura smile no matter how she had felt and she had seen that smitten expression on Sasha not long after the girl had struck puberty. Even if the pair had not been aware of it they had been far more aware of each other than any one else of the pack. Now was the time for change perhaps..if the pair were brave enough.

Her gaze turned to Tala's little figurine and wondered what the imp like female could do next. Little did she realize that the pesky were female could be about to ruin what Miss Esme had been trying to save......

---------------------

Miles away from the birthday party a slim female pushed off the cover that she had been contently sleeping under for just an hour. She rolled onto her side to span her fingers along the broad shoulders of a masculine back. A small playful growl sounded as she followed the fingers with her lips as she moved to spoon against the larger form. "Lazarus...you need to wake up. Your father is bound to coming looking for you soon." She chuckled as the young man grumbled and hissed all at the same time. "The plans do not start to be put into place for another seven days Topaz. I am sure my father will not require my attendance until it requires my appearance before those out of the family." "This is true..but seen as we have only weeks before you are a claimed and owned wolf I think we could spend our time doing much more than sleep..." She smiled as she heard a throaty and thick chuckle that combined with a growl as the male rolled over to look at her. "I am going to miss you. " He whispered huskily before he moved forward to capture the females mouth in a battle of wills.

--------------------------------

Azura politely watched as Tala's mother and father danced their way around the dance floor alone as the first song was played. She badly felt her foot wanted to tip in patiently. She was not certain but she thought for a moment that Sasha was in trouble. There had been a fleeting look that she could not quite place. A look caught between being nervous and on the verge of the wolf escaping all at the same time.

Finally the first song came to and end and she was just about to start moving in the direction she had seen Sasha last when a young male Alpha smiled at her and asked her to dance. Unable to track Sasha in that moment Azura nodded her head gently and started yet another part of the day where eternity seemed to linger often. She breathed in deeply and tried to use her sense of smell to attempt tracking Sasha that way but the air was clouded with the stench of perfumes and odours it was impossible to detect Sasha's single one down. Azura wondered if she too had suffered a similar fate and been scented from head to toe with oils that even her owns cent could not escape the pores. The male was polite, a good dancer but he would be the first of many who sought her favour for when the ceremony would come. A favour from Azura would also be a token from Lazarus and his family if they managed to convince her first.

She kept a smile in place, nodded her head when it was required and appeared to be focused entirely on her dance partner. Except she was looking out of the corner of her eyes as she was passed from partner to partner. Each one wanting to make small talk, each one seeking her compliment whether it be about their family, their style of clothing or ability to dance. They would compliment her to and then would come the inevitable mention of something they could provide or required.

At a moment of desperation she sought out the large punch bowl and filled a carefully crafted glass to the brim to catch her breath while she let her silvery gaze try and seek her mate out seen as her nose was currently unable to track down a rat in a sewer. Finally she found her, being swamped from dancer to dancer just as much as she had been but all he could see was the head and not the out fit that had been crafted for her. Slowly and with glass in hand she side stepped around the room until finally she had sight of her mate from time to toe.

She felt her fingers tighten around the glass until she was certain she felt it finely crack. Sasha looked almost exotic in the exquisite attire that had been made up. She looked almost completely balanced. Masculine and feminine all at the same time. It did not help that Azura now knew what was currently out of sight beneath the material and her imagination drifted to slowly removing her mate out of it.

Her wolf side certainly was not helping and she had no intention of taking her time with freeing Sacha from the attire.. In her mind the human forms had already had two slow introductions to each others forms. They knew what it felt like to be with the other as well as without and were still willing to act coy, shy and give time to play and chase. That also meant there was times for something to go wrong and get in their way. In particular that little vixen who seemed dead set on having Sasha to herself.

"Stop thinking, why do you keep thinking...you only have to go over there and do this..." Suddenly all Azura could see was herself walking over to Sasha as she kicked off her shoes, the people in the room would part to let her through the crowd before she came to a stand still just in front of Sasha. Her body pressed against the front of her mate before she slid her hands up along Sasha's arms and to the back of the fastened jacket. She heard the material rip as the jacket only lived second longer as Azura removed it with a grin. Azura's mouth pressed against the sensitive ear, her voice nothing more than a demanding growl used to directly reach the wolf within. "Claim me."

Azuta felt her skin warm, her heart skipped beating calmly and hard turned into a frantic racer. Especially as she recalled in that moment those had been the last couple of words her wolf side had wanted her to call out before she had cum without begging.

"Stop it..!""Then stop fighting me! We both know that you want them just as much as I do. We both know you would only think about the others in this room for seconds before becoming lost in the moment. You and I are quite aware that if Sacha escaped his human right now you would submit to him. That is what we have wanted to do. His human may not understand it yet, you may not understand it yet but Sacha and I do. We know you better than you know yourselves. ""

Just then another male appeared before her, disturbing her from her thoughts and thankfully her wolf acting out that would certainly make this event like no other before.

"Alpha Azura, you are looking radiant this evening. Would you care for this dance?" Inwardly the wolf sighed as the human obliged yet another male to dance with her. "Why do you always have to polite and civil and damned repressed?""In this case..if we truly want Sasha as a our mate and have a chance of keeping her alive and ours...I may need to recount these moments and favours in times to come. I am planning ahead." Her wolf growled low at the annoyance of such inane ways but settled down.

Hours passed slowly but finally Azura felt she had danced with all but the one she wanted to. Her feet hurt but she wanted to have one last dance. The most important. Her silvery gaze sought out her mate and found her within seconds. Dancing with Tala...

Her body stiffened at the sight, the wolf within perked an ear almost having fallen asleep. "It is just a dance..." Her wolf rose to her paws and banged against the already weakened doors. "Just a dance..."She stated again perhaps to convince herself but that dance was suddenly intimate as Tala moved closer to Sasha, or perhaps it was the other way around. Either way the dance between them was no longer innocent. Their forms pressed against each other. Azura felt time freeze, unable to drag her eyes from the pair.

She could only watch as the pair seemed to have become in a world of their own. A world of their own that included them leaving all on their own. She noticed Tala's arms settle around Sasha's waist while Sasha seemed eager to have as much physical contact as possible, her body leaning against Tala's smaller frame.

"The vixen won't get to them hmm?"She heard her wolf whisper faintly as Azura started to make her own way out of the too loud room. She had been polite, been proper and done what she had been raised to be. What she ahd not counted on was letting time run out on her and Sasha.

She slowly made her way up to her room, thankful the rest of the house was mostly quiet. Once she was there she calmly removed the silver links in her hair and tired the styled mass into a long plait. Stoicly she removed the dress and shoes. Almost throwing them into the blazing fire but managed to avoid that only just.

Her head was too full of images, she could see Sasha stripping Tala out of the heavy robe, taking her time and exposing the young wolf's flesh inch by inch. She could hear Sasha growling and moaning. Almost even smell their mutual arousal's. "You waited too long!"

She was not sure what happened next. She vaguely recalled pulling on her sparring attire. Long sleeved and trousers clothes that stuck to the skin to prevent them being easy to grab in a spar. She would remember walked through the house once more and to the sparring house near the barracks. Several of the guards were still there having not been invited to the party. Some were training on equipment and others were testing themselves out against each other.

She heard the satisfying sound of impacts and started off on the sand bags. She let go of everything. Surrendered to the emotions that she had buried. The need to vent came first as she started to batter the swinging sand bags until she felt the protective skin split and heard sand grains spill upon the floor.

Next she spent some time attacking a soldier dummy, she felt no pain along her arms nor hands as she accepted it was her own fault for the out come. That she had been the one to cause this all to end. She had not thought of actually sparring with any one else but one of the guard through something in her direction. A damp cloth which landed on her forehead.

"Hello pretty lady. Here to vent?" She had been aware of the growing attention she had been receiving. Her skin had turned pink with exertion, the scent of perfume now gone and her natural scent started to reveal itself. Her frame looked to be exotic in it's pale nature, the red hair and the silver gaze almost gleaming and her frame was lithe, moving in supple, graceful movements. "I think I can help you better than they can?"

The broad guard gave his friends a wink. Earlier in the day he had been beaten by a visiting female. He was not about to fail again. Especially against someone as skinny as her. One breath and she would be over.

Azura silently accepted the offer with a nod of her head and entered the ring. She heard a man call dual as she let instincts take over. The man moved with speed but his bigger build made him slightly slower, he ha strength on his side but lacked dexterity. As he suddenly swung forward to attempt a blow tot he females side he was caught by her side stepping out of danger while her hand came backwards upon his shoulder and yanked him sharply back while his feet continued to go forward.

In that moment he lost his balance and struck the mat as Azura stared down upon him. His friends that had been chuckling were now laughing their eyes out at his simply over estimate of himself. "I take it I get to mark you now.."

The wolf asked while knowing the answer as she crouched over him and tilted his head to the side to expose the unmarked side of his neck. She bit down sharply but kept the bite small. Yet she heard him groan beneath her and pulled her head back sharply.

Her silvery gaze glowed as the wolf finally battered her way out of the cage and the human stepped mentally backwards.

The wolf did not need her human side to direct her. She knew where she was going. With a smile she walked out of the sparring room and ran towards the main house. Silently she made her way across the ground and into the house. Her feet moved urgently as she made her way up to Tala's room. Her body had started to shift from human to wolf.
 
“Ow! OWWWWwowowowowowow!” Sasha whined as Tala yanked at her boot once more. Her ankle had swollen up so bad that she could not remove it herself, and so her friend had stayed to help her get out of it.

“Sasha…I think we’re going to have to cut it off. Your ankle is far too swollen.” Tala just about dropped Sasha’s foot the moment the brunette had begun to hiss in pain. She really was not suited for this sort of thing…knowing that she was hurting Sasha, even if she was helping her, made her not wish to take any more attempts at removing her boot.

“No! I only have two pairs of boots…just…pull harder. I will not yelp this time.”

“Sasha! I will buy you another pair of boots if you will stop being so silly and let me cut these ones off.” Tala chuckled and shook her head. Honestly her friend could be such a tomboy at times. “I will even pick them out for you myself so that you do not have to go shopping.”

“But I like these ones…they’re broken in and comfortable…” Sasha pouted. She could not bring new boots on their journey, the thought of feet full of blisters did not seem like a fun time. And she did not trust Tala to pick her out a pair of boots, all that came to mind was something impractical and with a high heel. “Please? Just one more try…”

“Oh alright…but if this does not work I’m cutting them off.”

Sasha nodded. She closed her eyes and bit her bottom lip, not wishing to make any noise because Tala would not pull hard enough if she made a peep. Pain shot through her body as Tala gave a gentle tug and increased the pressure into finally it was a sharp yank. Once it came off, Sasha finally let loose the breath that she had been holding in.

“Perhaps we should go to the infirmary?” Tala asked as she removed Sasha’s sock.

Sasha looked down at her ankle. The flesh was only bright red, not purple. And she could wiggle her toes. Those were a good signs. “No…it is not broken, merely sprained. They will just tell me to let it rest so the swelling will go down. I do not wish to be a bother.”

“Alright, well, you finish undressing and then I will help you into the bathtub.” Tala smiled and patted Sasha lightly on the leg before she stood and headed over towards the bathroom so that she could fill the tub up with water for her friend. Once she was finished, she came back out, only to see Sasha flailing about the bed as she tried to get her trousers off. She motioned her friend to lay still and then helped Sasha out of her last few articles of clothing. Then she assisted the guard in standing and then walked her over towards the bathtub.

“Take your time…I will just lay out something for you to wear to bed and leave you in peace.” Tala carefully helped Sasha climb into the tub and then left the bathroom once her friend was all settled. Then she headed towards her very large closet to start sifting through the night clothes she owned. Sasha was a little taller and broader than her…but perhaps she could pick one of her looser articles of clothing. They would still come up high on her thigh, but hopefully the sight of some skin would help entice Azura to stop being so proper around her guard.
 
Azura could feel the partial transformation as it started and continued. She felt the nails that the maids had spent time perfecting.."taming.." extended and sharpened at the tips. She felt her legs grow longer adding a inch or two to her size while her hips and shoulders broadened. Her canines had curled and developed sharp points that dipped into the skin of her lower lip. Her ears grew pointed and a shimmer of coppery bay fur could be seen along the back of them. Her skin glistened with perspiration and the slight odour of a male were.

The outfit that had fitted so snugly before now revealed the wrists and ankles while the material stretched over the shoulders and hips that had drawn the attire taunt. Fortunately there was no staff to pass as they were all busy making sure that the event was going to pass as smoothly as possible.

For several minutes Azura simply stood outside though she had missed the screams of pain and from within all she could hear was the running of water and the sound of clothing being moved around as if someone was sorting out a wardrobe or drawers.

As her hand settled on the handle the human rose within the mind. "We should not be here..this is no longer our business...we made that clear...""It is our business, our mate is on the other side of the door...at least if...they have picked another we know one way or another...""We should simply ask in the morning...""Stop being so damned polite, so damned nice and respectful. It could be too late by then. ""She could of already made her choice.."The wolf paused and considered the possibility, a possibility that made her growl inwardly and Azura could feel her upper lip rise as her teeth bared. "At least then we shall know the truth....and I shall let you complete your fool's folly in peace...everyone will be happy."

Her hand turned on the handle and she pushed the door open with a little too much effort that caused the door handle to bang on the wall behind the door.

Perhaps if Tala had noticed Azura in the moments that Azura had noticed her and Sasha or perhaps if she had recalled that if there is more than one way to interpret a situation most will pick the wrong one she may have been more prepared for the more feral being that was stood in the door way just as she was measuring a nightie for Sasha against her own frame.

She managed to realize though as she looked to the bed with the mess of clothes, the floor with Sasha's boots at the foot of the bed and certainly Tala stood there as if she was preparing for a night of seduction that her plots and attempts to help were just about to get her into quite some trouble.

She only just managed to drop the nightie as Azura entered the room far too swiftly. "Azura it is not quite what..I think you may be...It is not what it looks like..."

A low growl sounded from Azura's throat before she found herself launching at Tala who at least had the sense to stay still and let herself get captured by the long nailed hand that suddenly with a second loud crash had her pinned to the wardrobe door.

Tala could see everything in Azura's eyes in that moment. Everything that Azura had tried to keep hidden was obvious and Tala was for a moment stunned at how Sasha could believe that Azura was at all repulsed by her. "You are in love with her..." She whispered faintly as the grip tightened further but she noticed the human reached up and prevented the wolf from skinning her alive. Tala knew how much exertion that could take and wondered if she would have such control over herself if she thought another was trying to nab her future mate.

Tala's gaze drifted from Azura's gaze as she noted something behind her.

"Honestly Sasha.." She spoke with a faint squeak to her voice. "I think you are going to have to explain to me...if Azura is so repulsed by you..why she is ready to skin me....because she believes I am trying to bed you"....

Azura's grip relaxed ever so slightly at the word repulsed. Who was repulsed by who? Had she really made Sasha believe that...? Her anger started to fade as she understood what she had done though had not at all intended.
 
Sasha sighed happily as she sank into the warm, soapy water. She let her ankle soak for a little while before propping her leg upon the edge of the tub, figuring that a little elevation and some exposure to the cool air of the room would help bring some of the swelling down. Now, left alone for the first time all day, she had time to mull over her thoughts as she stared up at the high ceiling of the bathroom.

”Perhaps…Azura is not our heart mate.” Sasha had been carrying that doubt with her ever since they had left the house in the woods. Only now did she actually put words to the feeling. ”How can you say that?! Of course she is! I know she is.” The wolf could not believe his ears! How could the human side possibly be so stupid?! ”We want her…we think she is beautiful, yes. But wishing to vigorously mate with a female does not a heart mate make. Besides, she does not want us, she all but recoils from our touch. She is cold to our words… ”We would not want her so badly if she were not our heart mate! She is just being bounded by her responsibilities as Tala said!” ”We are getting older…perhaps what we really want so badly is just a mate in general; one who we can raise a family with.” The wolf had never thought about this before, he had never had any doubts that Azura was meant for them…but Sasha was becoming very good at shaking up his beliefs.

”Maybe…maybe tonight was a sign… Azura did not seek us out for our company today. Nor did she come to ask us to dance tonight. She was constantly entertaining other males…and when we finally found her, we were not able to approach her because Tala swept us away. Perhaps it is all a sign that we are meant to be apart even if I try to bring us together.” Like many wolves, Sasha still believed in signs. She believed in fate, in waiting for that fate to unravel because opportunities would show themselves. But tonight…she had grasped at so many opportunities to dance with Azura, only to have her attempts backfire. ”So what? Do you now think Tala could be our heart mate because she is the only female we have gotten to spend time with today? That we should stay here and try to find out? ”No…I do not think that. Tala is sweet, she is kind, and she is very pretty. But she does not see us as her equal. Even though we are friends, she treats us as though we must obey her, for no other reason than it is tradition to obey. Besides…all of her tricks and pranks would probably cause us to go grey before next winter.”

Sasha shut her eyes and sank underneath the water to wet her face and hair. When she came back up for breath, she sighed and rested the back of her head against the edge of the tub. Perhaps when this was all over…when she finally released Azura to Lazarus, she would go searching for her heart mate-

CRASH!

A loud noise startled Sasha from her plans. She was immediately splashing and struggling to get out of the tub. She could smell a male, she could hear Tala talking with a tinge of fear in her voice, she knew that her friend must be in trouble. Sasha slid clear off the edge of the tub and belly flopped onto the cold floor with a soft grunt. She quickly scrambled to her feet, trying to be very careful of the slick surface that was now as slippery as ice from the water and soap.

”Gaaaahhh… ‘Do not bring your sword tonight Sasha, you are a guest.’” Tala’s words rang in her mind. Great, no sword. And she did not wish to shift into her wolf’s form and reveal herself, er, himself, to defend her friend from whatever drunken guest may be in the bedroom. A quick flick of blue eyes around spotted a long brush used for scrubbing one’s back and Sasha quickly grabbed it by the wooden handle. It was shorter than her sword, but it would do nicely for a weapon. The young guard quickly hobbled out of the bathroom, stopping dead in her tracks once she passed the threshold and saw a very familiar backside facing her.

Stark naked with only a few frothy bubbles clinging to her form that was glistening with water and soap, wielding a brush as a sword, Sasha looked almost as ridiculous as the scene before her. Tala and Azura, fighting! Well Tala wasn’t really fighting…she was just sort of losing… But she thought they were friends! Tala must have really played some joke on Azura to get her charge this angry, Sasha had never seen her friend so furious before.

“She- You…- What?” Sasha panted softly from the physical exertion that being greased up like a young pig caused. Walking without falling on her ass was becoming a task in and of itself. She blinked in surprise at Tala’s words. What on earth was going on around here?! Azura was fighting Tala for...her? Azura thought Tala wanted to bed her?! It was all so silly!

“Azura…” Sasha’s voice was soft and gentle because she had no wish to fight her friend. “Could you perhaps…let Tala go?”

“Hey! I have her right where I want her!” Tala rasped. For the first time in a long time now she wished she had paid attention during her lessons on sparring.

“Yes…I can see that.” Sasha couldn’t help but chuckle softly. Even to the bitter end it seemed, Tala would still be making jokes. “Azura…she wasn’t trying to bed me. I just sprained my ankle and she was trying to take care of me like a good friend.” Sasha put emphasis on the final word. Because, even if her and Tala had kissed and fooled around a little bit when they had been younger, they were nothing but friends now. The young guard paused, thinking for a moment before she asked. “Why are you here?” Not that Sasha wasn’t glad to see her. Even if Azura did not like her, for whatever reason, Sasha still had a feeling of being whole whenever Azura was around. But she was still confused as to why Azura would care who she bedded when the Alpha had been acting as though she couldn’t care less about anything Sasha did for the past few days.
 
"She believes I'm repulsed by her?"The sentence seemed to echo as she tried to understand fully how what she had done had lead to Sasha believing she was repulsed by her female or male form. She could not grasp it. Nor understand it properly. "Make them hate you if needs must." With the reminder her of her mothers words in her mind she started to see what Sasha must of done. Sasha had not seen her find the reminder of the pending wedding, had not seen the moments when Azura had wept or seen the anger at the realization that what ever she had wanted to have was beyond her reach. That she had truly believed then she was doing the best for them both. She had to put herself in Sasha's mind. All Sasha would of known was that Azura had seen her true self, each part of her and the nature beneath. The nature that had denied Azura because she had not submitted them. To wake up to find Azura brooding and almost as cold as ice. If the roles had been reversed would Azura have thought anything else? Sasha had taken the risk of revealing the form she had shown no other, a side to her nature she had kept to herself and Azura had turned her back on her.

She shuddered slightly as she heard Sasha's voice from behind and a little to what sounded to be her right. She could even hear the dripping of water and the popping of the soapy bubbles on her skin yet she did not take her gaze from Tala, even as the woman joked and Azura felt her wolf want to tighten her grip she pulled her back. "Heel damn it! If you hurt Tala you are going to upset Sasha and then when you actually calm down and see some semblance of sense your going to feel foolish.""Feeling foolish is better than simply letting her ..""Letting her what exactly..She knows how we feel. She saw it, see's it. Let her go. Focus on Sasha."She growled quietly but slowly released the grip around Tala's throat and took a small step backwards and then another but her silvery gaze remained on the current still perceived threat rather than look to Sasha.

If there was anything the wolf disliked giving voice to it was mistakes. Misunderstanding and certainly one that she could not hide from, especially seen as Sasha was now in all likelihood going to consider her a fool and Sacha? She wanted to bolt, return to the woods and hide in her wolf form for the rest of her long life.

"I..I.." She gritted her teeth firmly as she considered the next few words and had to force them out between the pride filled wolf that paced back and forth in her mind. "We saw you kiss out side the shops, we saw the bite mark upon your neck and then this evening..no matter how much we tried to dance with you something seemed to happen or someone got in the way and we had to behave properly and then we saw you dancing...and then the dance changed..it turned .." She could feel her wolf baring it's teeth at the reminder..."it was ...sexual and you seemed lost in each other....and Tala had mentioned something about me and someone naming pups after her..I assumed she was warning me that you and she had..were..would be..."

It all sounded so ridiculous now she had voiced the incidents but she turned to face Sasha suddenly and forced her gaze to remain on her face. Her wolfs emotions constantly shifting and swirling. "I thought you wanted to be with someone else and after all I have done I couldn't blame you but I got jealous, my wolf got jealous and possessive and clearly several degrees sillier at the idea we were losing you...even if we deserve it."
 
“That was just a kiss on the cheek… And the mark on my neck is from Bryce, I became distracted during our match and he won…he bit me only because I bit him first for being an ass… It wasn’t like other bites…” Sasha’s voice trailed off before she said ‘like the bites I give to you’. Even if Tala had an inkling that the pair of them cared for eachother, Sasha did not want to air out all of her and Azura’s secrets from the trip infront of their friend.

“Oh Azura the dance was my fault… I thought you had had a chance to dance with Sasha by then” Tala quickly apologized, not realizing that Azura had not gotten to dance with her beloved all night. She had been too busy playing the part of good hostess and good daughter to know. “I wanted to make sure I got a chance to dance with her before the night was over… And the only reason we danced so close was because my mother was watching us and I wished to annoy her for being so nosey.”

“Eheheh…about that…should I perhaps be sleeping in the barracks tonight?” Sasha had almost forgotten entirely about Tala’s mother. Now at the thought of the lady of the house being angry with her for dancing with her daughter, she wished to go hide in the guard’s barracks for her own safety.

“You will be fiinnneeee.” Tala didn’t sound entirely convinced herself that Sasha would be safe from her mother’s wrath if she stayed in the same room as Tala tonight. “Though…I do think she will be barking that you are not allowed to stay in my room when I see her next.” Tala’s lips formed into a grin. Plans have a funny way of working out in the end indeed. “So, I guess that means you will just have to sleep in Azura’s room, what with my mother surely not wanting you in here with me, there is just nowhere else to put you I’m afraid.” And with that, Tala took her leave of the pair of them, quietly shutting the door behind her as she left to return to the party.

“I…” Sasha’s cheeks had blossomed bright red now that her and Azura were alone, and her Alpha was looking at her, still holding the brush and still naked with goosebumps covering her chilling body. This was really not a position her and her wolf would have liked to be in. “I am still right here…you have not lost me.” Sasha smiled gently and took a few uneven steps forward. “I just…did not think you wanted me in the first place. What with the way you were acting…” Sasha’s voice trailed off at the memory of how Azura’s skin had chilled with her touch. And now she nervously reached forward, taking light hold of the Alpha’s to see if coldness would still be what would greet her affections. “But ah…I will say…that there is something very attractive about a jealous and possessive female fighting for me. So you and your wolf needn’t feel so silly.”
 
Azura watched only Sasha as she explained what had happened and the mark had been placed on her neck. She also noted the way Sasha had carefully stopped before she revealed perhaps a little too much on what the were wolves had been up to on the journey so far.

Azura only just glanced at Tala as she explained the misunderstanding on her part in regards to the lost and missed dance and made no remark as Tala stated that Sasha would be fine. Tala's mother could glare anyone down at a simple misunderstanding let alone what she perceived as a wrongful act. Sasha would be lucky if she did not end up sleeping in the frosty fountain by morning had Tala not proclaimed that Sasha was now to sleep in Azura's room.

Azura kept still as Tala walked between the pair and with a almost gleeful expression walked out of the room and closed the door behind her. Her silvery gaze returned to Sasha and watched her cheeks change colour while goose bumps rose up along the cooling flesh. She dipped her head slightly as Sasha remarked about the fact she found it attractive that Azura had been ready to fight for her. She wanted to shoo away the embarrassment she felt but perhaps it would be good for her wolf to continue feeling such as it had been that part of her that had caused such trouble.

At the gentle touch Azura shuddered slightly as her breath hitched as she lifted up her hand to stroke some of the damp , dark curls behind one of Sasha's ears. "I had found the gift I was meant to give." She did not wish to mention his name but knew she had to. It was still an issue they had to resolve. "To give to Lazarus. With everything that had happened between us I had forgotten about him, what was expected of me. Everything. You had made me forget everything that my parents told me I should be ready to do, ready to give. Up until you I had not wanted anyone for my own. I always knew what my fate was meant to be. I had simply accepted it and there was never any reason to fight against it. It just is the way of the Alpha's life.."

She paused slightly as she pressed her forehead lightly against Sasha's own. "Then I fell in love with you. Every part of you and for the first time I knew what it would be to lose you..then I recalled one of my mothers conversations...about if ever a male fell in love with me..what could happen to them, what they would have to do to try and keep me. I couldn't risk your life like that and I could not ask you to do so...the pack needed this wedding and it still does...so I tried to do what my mother had advised me back then. I tried to make you hate me. I tried to stop everything I was thinking, feeling and wanting..but I was miserable. The tent without you was alien and cold, I was sneaking out of it when you was asleep and breathing in your scent because I at least had that of you while I could...but today ..something happened...."

She breathed in deeply as she traced her other hand up along one bare shoulder of Sasha's frame as her heart rate accelerated and her body heat started to rise while she fought against the growing distraction that her mate was stood before her very much naked, very much with someone else bite mark to her neck. "Something happened that made me realize that I can not live without you as my mate. Not really. I would be nothing more than a lost spirit. Smiling, posing, playing at being happy...pretending to love a were while dying all at the same time. I need you Sasha, every part of you. The part of you that no matter how many times stumbles you get back up, brush yourself down and carry on, that part of you that loves life and is scared of eager bar maids. That part of you that would protect and defend everyone and anyone you care about. The part of you that you have kept hidden for so long , the dominant nature beneath the omega teachings." She tilted her head slightly so that she brought her lips gently up Sasha's chin, just shy of her lips as she inhaled through her nose deeply and breathed in the almost intoxicating scent. "The side of you that challenges me and makes me believe that anything could be possible. "Her voice lowered as she started to whisper. " I am so very sorry I forced you to believe other wise. I could never be repulsed by you. "
 
Sasha’s mood began to abruptly spiral into sadness as Azura spoke the name of her betrothed. It was so easy to forget about him sometimes… To just ignore responsibilities from home and continue on their journey, treating it as though it were an adventure rather than a long march to Azura’s unwanted fate. With everything her Alpha was saying…it sounded as though she were willing to shoulder her burden and neglect her own happiness in exchange for making her family and their pack happy.

”She…loves me…?!

Things took a sudden turn as Azura confessed that the feelings that Sasha were carrying were mutual. She loved it! And if Sasha’s ankle wasn’t a swollen mess, she probably would’ve picked the Alpha up and twirled her around in joy. But feeling Azura press her forehead to her own…having a more quiet, intimate moment with her lover was perfect as well. “I don’t want to live without you as my mate either. With you I feel whole… like an equal. Few Alphas are like you…even fewer women are like you. I have never met a woman who thought it was a good idea to bathe in an icy river…nor one who would fight five bandits on her own and live to tell the tale.” Sasha whispered softly with a smile. Azura truly was an amazing wolf indeed. “I have been trying to forget how you make me feel…trying to pour myself into my work, or redirect my thoughts with distractions… But at the end of the day, I see you in my dreams and wish with all of my heart to just hold you and keep you safe.”

“I forgive you Azura…” Sasha smiled gently and nudged her mate’s cheek with her nose. “But please…do not hide things from me just because you think it is better for me to stay hidden in the safety of darkness rather than get burned by the truth. I may not be as clever as you…but I am stubborn, and I will not give up on you on or us for as long as you will have me.”

“We have…a little more than a week before we get to Darcia.” Sasha apparently had no intention of running away or turning back. She would not have them hunted, and she would not give their families cause to turn their backs to them by not resolving their issues. “We have all that time to figure out a plan. And if we cannot figure out a proper one…then I will challenge Lazarus for your hand.” The young guard said firmly. She was not afraid, if she died, it would be better than living a hollow life without her heart’s mate. Though, Sasha had no plans on dying. “You make me strong…you make me focused… I know I can beat him, because he cannot possibly love you as much as I do.”

“But…enough of that. We are in a nice warm home…” Sasha murmured huskily. It had been so long since she had been so close to Azura…and even though her scent was tangled with perfume and the scent of her other dance partners, she could still pick out the delicate, intoxicating strand that belonged to her mate. Unfortunately, Azura did not smell like her at all anymore, and now Sasha really wished to rectify that. “I think…I would like very much if we could go back to your room.” Sasha growled softly as she dipped her head down, nipping at the sensitive flesh of Azura’s neck affectionately. “And you can tell me again how much you like my dominant side.” Sasha teased, and then she winced, pain from her ankle shooting up her leg. “And…if we could possibly lay down, that would be very much appreciated.”
 
Azura could feel the wolf settle as the jealousy faded away. Felt the anger at Tala start to dissipate and she knew that at some point she was going to have to apologize to the trouble making were and thank her all at the same time. If herself and Sasha survived all that was to come. Azura smiled slightly as Sasha spoke of her surprised still in some way that Sasha had not yet met women before that would and so such and then grateful that she had not or perhaps she would of been caught up by someone else.

Peace filled Azura at the whispered words of forgiveness. She felt pain she had not understood had been there disappear in an instant though she knew she would still be working at proving to Sasha that she had learned from her mistake. While Sasha may have found it so easy to forgive her she certainly doubted that she could forgive herself so easily.

Her eyes widened slightly as Sasha spoke of the fact that they had little over a week to reach Darcia and a sensation of dread settled in her stomach, just making sure she could not quite fully enjoy the intimate and gentle reunion with her mate. She had perhaps hoped that Sasha would of been more willing to run though in truth she was aware that such an act was in neither of their natures. If they ran both their families, their pack would be in danger at the insult that would not and could not be ignored. They had just over a week to consider their options, to come up with a plan. Part of her wanted to start working one out there and then. At the mention of Sasha challenging Lazarus herself Azura frowned and shook her head slightly. "Even if you challenge him Sasha.." She started to inform her of how the family could act on revenge for his death and still remain within the letter of laws and traditions that were in place to keep the packs from attacking each other until only the strong remained. She lifted her head up slightly to press her mouth gently against Sasha's chin again once more just avoiding the mouth as she decided for now and only for now what they did not need to think of or discuss was what the future would hold in the next week.

Sasha seemed to have thought the same thing as she declared that was enough for now and Azura silently agreed with that decision. As Sasha's tone of voice changed she felt a shiver run along her spine as her form started to shift back to it's human appearance fully. Her body trembling as she did so as Sasha nipped her neck slightly, a soft groan of desire sounded from her throat to be replaced by a look of concern on her face as Sasha winced. "I think your dominant side is going to have to settle for simply observing for now." She whispered softly as she gently nuzzled her nose against Sasha's neck and carefully detached herself from her mate's frame as she turned her attention to the room to find something to cover Sasha with so she could guide her to her room.

Deciding that Tala would not mind if she used some of her clothing she walked towards the still open wardrobe making sure that Sasha could at least remain stood up while she browsed and selected a couple of items. She had found a nightie that was quite long and a long sleeved dressing gown that would hopefully cover up enough of Sasha's form that she would be discretely covered.

Once selected Azura quickly returned to her mate's side and helped her to the end of the bed. For a moment she considered the idea of putting that bed to use but decided that was a little too far. "I am going to get you a towel..before I change my mind about having you..." She looked to Sasha's naked form a moment, seeing her completely bare in what felt to be the first time in a decade and could remember how it felt to be pressed upon the beautiful form. " Having you ..rest just here." She felt was the safest word to use before she acted on the word in her mind and walked into the bathroom, finding two long and luxurious towels to help Sasha dry her hair and her skin.
 
Sasha smiled at Azura’s concern. But she had her own plans to force Lazarus out of his wolf and then attempt to beat him while she was in her half human state. What wolves would be so stupid as to attack a pack whose human states were as strong than their wolf ones? But there would be plenty of time to worry later…for now it was time to enjoy themselves. Though it looked as though Sasha would not get to do as much enjoying as she would have liked. The guard’s face turned into a cute little pout as she was told that she was going to have to leave her dominant to observe tonight. Not like her wolf would truly be able to take control, not with the swelling to their leg, but it was still in her nature to want to be on top. Though…now she was curious to see if perhaps Azura would be the one to be more dominant tonight.

The soaked guard immediately missed Azura’s presence once her mate left her to go pick out some clothing for her tonight. It was silly to miss her when she had not gone far, but after a week of not being allowed to touch her, that was all Sasha found herself wanting to do right now. She was patient, and accepted her lover’s help as Azura wrapped an arm around her, helping Sasha stay steady as she limped over towards the bed so that she could have a seat.

Sasha grinned at Azura’s choice of words. Of all the things that the beautiful Alpha would have her do tonight, Sasha was going to see to it that resting would not be one of them, at least not immediately. Even with the aid of the chill of the room to dull her sex drive, she was tempted to do a little ‘resting’ right here. But that would be cruel to their friend, messing up her sheets and then making the room reak of sex.

“Thank you…” Sasha murmured as Azura came back with towels. She gave her mate a soft kiss to her temple and smiled before she accepted one of the towels to begin drying herself off with. Then it was time to get into the borrowed clothing…which turned out to involve quite a little bit of pulling and wiggling in order to get into. Tala was a little more slender and shorter than she was, so getting the nightie over her broad shoulders and wide hips turned into a bit of a chore, but was entirely doable. Now entirely on her, the silken fabric clung to her supple breasts and curvy rear; shimmering in the firelight every time Sasha moved. She was glad when Azura helped her into the heavier dressing gown, Sasha had been starting to feel even more naked than when she was actually naked while in the nightie.

As the pair of them made their way out of the room and into the hallway, there were already the sounds of groans and howls coming from several of the other guest rooms. With excellent food and sweet wine, Sasha could not blame them for wishing to relax and let their wild sides out. Though, the sounds of other wolves partaking in carnal pleasures was beginning to stir something inside of her. As soon as they were in the safety of their room and the door was shut behind them, Sasha could not contain herself any longer. With a heated growl, she exchanged the helpful grasp that was keeping her steady for one that was much more sensual. Her arms wrapped about Azura and tugged her so close that every inch of their bodies molded together as one. Eager lips immediately sought out her mate’s and Sasha could feel her heart suddenly shoot off at a mad gallop. A relieved moan rang out from Sasha’s lips as she drank Azura’s kisses like a woman that had spent the last month in a desert.

“I have missed you so much, my mate…” Sasha was panting out her words, having to pull away from their liplock only when it was necessary to breathe. Kissing and holding Azura felt like coming home after a long journey. The days that they had spent together but still apart had been terrible…and now she was eager to make up for lost time.
 
Azura managed to resist the lure of the pout by simply pretending she had not actually seen it. What ever she truly wanted that night could wait. They had just over a week to fully explore their complication, unusual and highly arousing relationship. She wanted her mate to at least have some time to recuperate even if her every other instinct was telling her to do anything but that.

Azura smiled at the thanks and the careful kiss to her temple before she helped her mate dry away what moisture continued to drip and dribble along her form which as it turned was far easier than actually getting her into Tala's night wear but finally the task was complete..even if after all that hard work and effort Azura wanted nothing more than to slide a claw along the delicate seam of the material and watch the slinky material fall away from her mate..or to simply tear it to shreds to get to her mate beneath it.

Thankfully the heavier and bulkier gown at least hid the goddess before Azura simply caved to her growing desires. Those desires which only strengthened as they stepped out into the hallways and made their way to her room quietly. Not that they would be easy to hear over the various noises that came from it appeared to Azura, almost every room. The hall ways smelled of sexual enjoyment, smoke and the scent of were no longer in their human skins. She decided that neither her nor Sasha would be venturing outside at all, quite certain that such activities were not solely being kept to the rooms and house alone.

The air started to make her skin prickle and she felt the wolf within starting to rise again, it was always hard to try and control oneself when others had started to take to their wolf forms. The more that did so the stronger the urge became and several times Azura had to fight the urge to pin her mate against the nearest wall or door and remove the clothes that were now barriers from being in her way. Heat that was not truly settled stirred again, it did not help that she could sense the desires in her mate rising to.

After what seemed to be a life time they reached her room, she had only let go of Sasha for one second, had turned to close and lock the door behind them as she fought to hold herself in check. Reminding herself over and over again that Sasha was hurt and needed to rest..though it seemed some one had forgotten to inform Sasha of that as the moment Azura had turned back around to guide her mate to bed she found herself hearing a growl that was not one of pain but desire and Sasha had snared her up in her arms, giving her no chance to speak a word of resistance or perhaps common sense as her mate's mouth found her own and Azura's attempt at pure intentions were undone.

It had taken only a second for the concern about Sasha's foot to fade into the back ground of her mind as she growled quietly in turn, her own arms curled around Sasha's hips and held her tight against her smaller frame in case the taller female suddenly decided to pull away. "I have not been able to think about anything else but you.." She managed to whisper into the urgent kiss. Her hands skimming along Sasha's back gently, one going up to her shoulder while the other traveled down wards and cupped a buttock. The fingers gently pressing through the material of the nightwear. " I have wanted you in that tent every night since we left the house my love. "She added thickly as she suddenly spun around, not letting go of her mate but actually managing to just lift her a inch or so from the ground to not damage the foot further before pressing her up against the door she had only just closed. "Tala is going to have several things to forgive me for by the morning.." Knowing this time she was not going to simply have the patience to try and strip Sasha of the borrowed clothing. She slowly eased the kiss as she moved her head downwards, trailing her mouth along Sasha's jawline while her hands wriggled to come unstuck between Sasha's frame and the wooden panel behind her. "I am afraid to say, that the mark of what ever guard caught you of guard..also has to be claimed. It has been driving me insane knowing that is there..Especially after seeing you glowing and sweaty. Goodness..part of me thought you would of seen how much I wanted to simply pounce and claim you then."
 
Sasha let out a soft gasp of surprise, followed by a little chuckle as she was lifted from the ground and pushed up against the door. She wriggled a little bit, not to get away, but in order to bring her legs up so that she could wrap them about Azura’s waist to help her bear Sasha’s weight more easily. It was good to see that she was not the only one who was incredibly eager to make up for lost time. And it was also thrilling to see a more commanding side of Azura. Sasha did not want a mate that would cower and give into her in the bedroom. Dominant side or not, she still wished for a lover that would challenge her, not mindlessly obey.

As Azura began to work her way down from Sasha’s lips and towards her throat, the young guard could already feel her skin prickle with anticipation. She had missed the bite marks, missed the feeling of belonging to her Alpha. Sasha’s head immediately tilted slightly to the side, baring the delicate flesh to Azura, showing her lover not only her submission, but also her trust.

“I have wanted nothing more than to pounce ontop of you as well…” Sasha heaved a throaty growl, a shiver running down her spine at the memory of Azura in that dress… That dress which she was currently not wearing right now, and Sasha would have to question her about why she was not wearing it later. Her mate seemed to be unharmed, she had no marks that Sasha could see and did not seem bothered by anything serious. Though she did smell a little off…as though she had been wrestling with a male. For now, Sasha pushed thoughts of jealousy aside; she would tear apart whatever male had laid a hand on her lover in the morning. But tonight, she would focus all of her attention on the beautiful female infront of her.

“When I saw you in that dress… All I could think about was darting across the table and ripping it to shreds…” Sasha nipped Azura’s ear playfully as she whispered into it. “I nearly claimed you right then…part of me wishes I still had…” The young guard confessed with a sheepish smile. Sasha had never considered exhibitionism before. It wasn’t totally uncommon for wolves to lose control of themselves during festivals if they had had too much to drink, or during their heats when their mate was nearby and smelling especially delicious. But Sasha had sort of thought of herself as a sort of romantic, private wolf, the type that would make love to her mate in a nice warm bed with candles and flower petals strewn about. But the thought of claiming Azura infront of others, of possessing and marking her mate for everyone to see made her core burn with want.
 
For several moments the older woman stood over the note she had just written herself. The words were perfect and clear so no misunderstanding could be made. She rolled the tiny note into a roll before she gently pushed it into the small metal tubing then took it into one of the highest towers. The steps were clustered with various feathers of various sizes. With a grin of determination she passed the tube to the keeper of the birds. "Make sure this note is attached to our fastest bird that knows it's way to Darcia. It should be there as soon as possible. "The dark haired woman spoke softly. "Make sure my daughter never finds out about it's dispatch." Carla looked out of the high window to her estate as she watched the clear sky and the moon that had just entered the waxing stage of it's cycle. When her daughter had informed her of her disgust at the touch of a male she had accepted for the sake of politics and in the long run the family name that the courtship with Azura's sibling must end. He would of eventually taken a mistress or perhaps another Alpha would would of yearned for his touch and in time a cub would of been the fruits of such a twisted tree. She loved her daughter dearly and while now she had started to have proposal, proposals in the dark of females that sought an attempt at courtship with her daughter. Some how she knew it had been the fault of that guard that had been sent with Alpha Azura to supposedly protect her. The way her daughter had danced with her convinced her of such. Now what she did not want to see was the dark haired Omega sink her claws into Azura as she had failed to settle claim on her daughter. She could not prevent the pair leaving and nor could she send extra aid without possibly revealing her hand but she could make sure that the welcome Sasha received at Darcia was more to her station. A grin touched her lips as the owl with the note was released and soared into the late night sky.

---------------------------

Azura shifted her frame slightly, moved her hips and hands so that the injured foot and leg rested more heavily over her hip and against her buttocks so that Sasha did not have to bear any of the weight on her foot at all as she heard the gasp of surprise and the chuckle leave her mates mouth within seconds of each other. The way Sasha tilted her head to the side, exposed the skin that Azura sought not only revealing that in that moment Sasha submitted to her desire but even more important that Sasha trusted her had Azura simply wanting to complete the claim of that dark mark and render what ever unspoken words that were behind it silent but instead she trailed soft, teasing small kisses along the edge of the bruise as she heard Sasha whisper in her ear. The thought and idea that came to mind made her squirm slightly. Heat coiled within her veins and surged through her form until her skin was flush with arousal.

She did not stop her attentions to the dark and purple mark as her body trembled slightly. "When I saw how Tala had dressed you up to night...when I was admiring you dance I almost gave in to the urge of offering myself to you, there and then with everyone dancing around us. I wanted you to claim me then...though I will admit part of me is certainly grateful our patience won." She slowly drew the tip of her tongue over the mark before she nipped it softly only using the edge of her teeth as if playing with it before she gave way to the more pressing need. Her lips parted as wide as they could, her jaws opening as she finally took a firm hold of the marked skin and very carefully started to bite down, her bite wider and longer than the mark that had been left. Her body pressed more heavily against Sasha's frame while her hands stroked along the outer detail of the night gown that was currently between her and her mate. "MINE!" She suddenly growled out as the bite increased with pressure and she started to suckle on the skin while her fingers found the sides of the gown to separate them, she pushed the sides apart until she felt the material slide free over Sasha's shoulders and along her arms without disturbing Azura in her deed of claiming her mate as her own.

After several minutes she reluctantly let go after she was certain that what ever mark there had been would be all but impossible to distinguish now. Bringing her head up right she brought her flushed face and her eyes lit up with arousal and hunger so that she looked in Sasha's eyes. "I shall remember then not to burn that dress yet and perhaps next time I wear it, you shall act on those urges. "
 
Sasha felt the fire inside of her burn hotter at the knowledge that Azura wanted her just as much as Sasha wanted her in turn. It was a relief for the attraction to not be one sided, that their attraction would be balanced. Even if the scales of power tipped one way or the other depending on Azura's or Sasha's whims, to know that their love and desire for one another would be equal made her heart swell. The young guard let out a soft whine, impatient, and now wanting nothing more than to have her mate sink her teeth into her neck in order to mark her. She squirmed in her lover's arm as a teasing tongue barely made contact with the blemish on her neck. "Please..." the guard whimpered softly. Finally she could feel Azura give her what she needed. Hot breath tickled the skin before a warm wet mouth and sharp teeth made contact with delicate flesh. Sasha let out a relieved moan, arching her back, pushing her body forward, offering everything of herself to Azura.

"Yours." Sasha completed the claiming ritual without hesitation. Both parts of her, masculine and feminine, human and wolf, it would all be Azura's. As she felt the pressure of the bite increase, she tilted her head back, resting it on the cool wood of the door as she let out another sweet moan. She could feel streaks of pain shoot out from the rougher bite, but the pleasure she received from knowing that she belonged to her mate made the ache worth it. She felt Azura begin to move the gown off of her and instinctively shrugged her shoulders to help, shivering slightly as the cool air hit her now bare arms and shoulders.

"I will, my mate. I will show the world how you howl for me and only me." Sasha's voice was wrapped up in a thick, throaty growl as the wolf snuck out enough to make his promise. The human form would not be able to lock him away this upcoming heat, not when they had finally found their mate. And if he saw her in that dress again... The way the corset underneath the silken fabric had pushed up Azura's breasts to make them even more tantalizing to look at than they already were... Before Sasha could remember that she was supposed to be taking tonight easy, was supposed to be behaving and letting Azura take the lead so that Sasha could relax and let her foot heal, she was grabbing the collar of her lover's sparring shirt. With an animalistic growl, she tore the fabric straight down the middle and ducked her head down to immediately kiss and nip at the flesh that was bared at her as she continued to tear the shirt apart and devour Azura's perfect breasts.
 
Azura had not been able to prevent the way a smile had touched her lips as she heard Sasha whimper and briefly begged for the bite both of them knew was and would come. As she felt Sasha arched herself she felt a tremor of desire tickle down her spine while she did at least try and hold onto the reminder that her mate had hurt her foot. That she should be resting and that Azura should of been making sure her foot would start recovering properly, all of that just seemed to hover below everything else. Yes it was important but emotions and hormones, desire, want and love rode above it. She knew she was not harming her mate, knew she was not making the foot worse and as long as that remained to be the case the concern was secondary.

As Sasha completed the ritual Azura felt her wolf start to rise up again, it wanted to surge. After all why should it even wait longer now that the humans had finally and truly seen sense? A soft growl sounded from her throat that was only encouraged by the way Sacha had sneaked out just enough to make his claim. She knew that promise would come true as her body trembled lust that crept closer and closer to feral and wild rather than simply human. Not helped that just as the reminder of that injured foot bobbed it's head up Sasha seemed to have forgotten about it entirely. She heard the growl and then before she could stop her she felt her sparring shirt be ripped at the seams. She heard several buttons pop and land on the wooden floor just as Sasha leaned forward and started to nip and bite at her skin.

Azura for a moment seemed to pause as she simply enjoyed the sensations that each contact created before she hissed out an almost sounding disproving growl. Her hands reached down and gripped Sashas wrists before she pushed them up wards and gently thudded them against the door above Sasha's head. She used that moment to press her lips hungrily upon Sasha's own. "Keep them there." Her voice had turned thick and one that suggested Sasha may want to think twice before she decided to ignore the order. Azura recalled how Sacha had made her go without because she had not begged and she had no intention of being soft on her mate. Injured foot or not.

After a minute her hands released Sasha's hands as they within seconds settled on the delicate material of the nightie she had selected and found the weak points of the expensive garb. Without thinking further she pulled the stitched together material until Sasha was left only in shredded, spaghetti of material and her body was exposed to Azura's eager eyes.

Azura started to shift slightly, being sure that she did not cause Sasha's hurt limb to slip and strike the floor as she stroked and scratched her nails along Sasha's sides, and to the curve of her rear, her fingers gently gripping the buttocks as she smiled suddenly. She wanted to do something but not quite yet...instead she waited to see if Sasha was going to behave before she carefully started to kiss her way along Sasha's form, not staying for too long in any one spot as she explored Sasha's body as if she had not done so before. Her kisses alternated between loving drops before they turned into devious nips that would only mark the skin a little while. Her mouth captured one nipple between her lips as she sucked the neglected flesh and grazed her teeth along the sensitive nub just enough wind her mate up, to tease and arouse further before she moved onto her next destination.

While her mouth was busy her right hand slid down between Sasha's thighs , her fingers trailing in maddening patterns up to her sex before she diverted her hand away again. It seemed Sasha's attempted show at dominance had gained her nothing more than to be tormented as Azura refused to submit or relinquish her control.
 
Sasha had only ripped the shirt down to right above Azura’s navel before she gave up on destroying the garment in favor of touching the skin that it had been hiding instead. Her hands slipped inside the space provided, calloused fingers dancing lightly over the smooth skin of Azura’s sides as they wandered towards her back to rest and hold. Now the guard was perfectly content to nip and kiss the flesh before her, to mark Azura’s pale skin with little love bites all over her chest. Satisfied that she had paid enough attention the her mate’s collar bone and upper chest, she began to bite at her lover’s bra, growling and moving it to the side with her teeth, forcing Azura’s milky white breasts to be bared for her as well. Sasha licked her lips, ready to lean forward and take Azura’s hardening nipples into her mouth, but before she could get too carried away by tormenting those wonderful mounds, her hands were grabbed and Sasha found herself being pushed back into the door and pinned down!

“Nnnngh…” Sasha grunted softly, growling like a dog who’s bone was being taken away. For a moment she flashed her teeth, her dominant side ready to surge forward and overpower her lover, to take what she wanted. But at Azura’s disapproving growl, Sasha stood down. All she wanted was to make her mate happy, and if that meant letting Azura flex her power for the night, both sides of Sasha would allow it. Besides…it was one little command…how hard could it be?

Apparently, having the self control to keep her hands positioned above her head was nearly impossible. All she wanted to do was reach out and touch her mate. And Azura wasn’t helping matters by shredding her nightie to pieces. Sasha’s skin prickled in anticipation, but instead of satisfying any need that the poor guard had, Azura began to kiss her as though she had never touched before. Her hips bucked forward as her rear was grabbed, and Sasha began squirming, trying to find a little relief. It looked as though she wasn’t going to be holding still unless she were tied down. But Azura had only said to keep her hands above her head, she had not said anything about the rest of her body! And so the young guard was writhing in her lover’s arms, trying to wiggle and grind against her in a fruitless attempt to get more stimulation.

“Azura…no fair…” Sasha panted. She had been trying to move in such a way as to cause those digits that were teasing her inner thighs to brush against her needy sex instead, but to no avail. Every time Azura got close to her now swollen and soaking wet slit, she’d immediately move back down Sasha’s leg. In mere minutes of this cruel teasing, Sasha had forgotten the one rule she was supposed to be following and had lowered her arms with the intention of getting those damned pants off of Azura so that she could feel naked skin against her own.
 
There was an previously inexperienced pleasure that grew in her as she felt and watched her mate struggle to follow the simple and singular rule. There was something almost mesmerizing about the way Sasha moved, the way her body wriggled and writhed. There was also something arousing even more about the way she simply struggled to keep her hands up, the growling and the baring of teeth which Azura caught sight of but did not actually appear to react to. She had a feeling that as and when the roles shifted she was likely going to be reprimanded for such tormenting. Still she could not resist continuing to do so. That was until she felt two hands settle on her trousers as they attempted to tear her out of them.

With a soft growl Azura took her hands from teasing Sasha and settled on her rear again. Her gaze for only a moment leaving the hungry female to remind herself where the bed was before she lifted Sasha away from the door. This time she lifted Sasha several inches rather than just the few of before, the sparring trousers hopefully out of reach while Azura spun them both around until she was pointed in the direction of the bed and made her way towards it with a grin on her face. Once she was there she dropped Sasha on her back, with her rear just at the end of it, the drop was sudden but she made sure she released the injured leg carefully and slower than the unharmed one. The concern for her mates well being showing itself despite her desire to be rough with her.

Sasha on the bed she used a moment to slip off the now ruined material of her jacket and the bra beneath the material, letting her breasts drop slightly, the dark nipples seemed to turn a shade darker as they grew hard. Yet she did not remove her trousers but instead took a minute to remove the silky straps of material that had been left hanging over her form and dropped them to the floor, her fingers stroking the bare skin.

"Hmmm I will tie those hands to the bed if you can not keep them to yourself." Her tone playful and wanting as her silvery eyes watched her mate as her right hand settled between Sasha's legs at last. Her long, soft digits pressed against her lips as she bent her upper body over her goddess. "I love you Sasha." Her mouth suddenly turned gentle and tender as she trailed loving kisses along her lips. "I love all of you." Her voice soft, loving but could not hide the hunger that was continuing to grow. "Including Sacha." She added throatily while her fingers stroked along the edges of the swollen and moist lips of her mate's sex.

Azura's heart seemed to shudder in her chest as she held herself on some level of control. Ever so slowly she started to slide one digit into Sasha's sex treating her almost as if she was crystal while she waited to see Sasha's reaction.
 
"Ack!" Sasha let out a yelp of surprise as Azura boosted her up higher. She tried to bend down a little bit and counteract the height different so that she could continue to pull at those damned pants, but then she felt unsteady being up so high. Her arms quickly flew around Azura's shoulders instead to hold on as her mate carried Sasha towards the bed. "Ooof..." Sasha exhaled as she was tossed onto the bed as though she weighed nothing. She quickly picked herself up, propping her weight in her elbows as she got into a half-sitting position the moment Azura began to strip. Sasha was entranced by the sight of her lithe lover removing the little that was left covering her top.

Sasha glared menacingly at Azura's trousers, as though they were the reason for everything wrong in the world. The little bit of clothing that Azura was left in helped reinforce her power. Sasha was left entirely naked, sprawled out, and vulnerable on the edge of the bed. Her hair was now touseled and wild, her large, heavy breasts were exposed with dark nipples turning into stiff peaks that were practically begging for a nice hot mouth to keep them warm. Her muscular legs were parted slightly, revealing a glistening, swollen sex between them.

"I cannot help it that I wish to touch you so-ohhhhhh gods..." Sasha moaned as finally she received a little contact where she needed it most. A week without Azura's touch had made the flesh so sensitive, and Sasha eagerly bucked into the little bit of pressure. "I love you too, Azura." Sasha said between kisses, the biggest smile on her lips. Hearing Azura say those words made her happy, more happy than she had ever been in her entire life. "Mmmm...and we'll see how much you love Sacha tomorrow...when you will be in a lot of trouble for everything you do tonight..." Sasha grinned at the thought of a little payback. She loved her mate, deeply and truly, but she was also going to love watching her squirm tomorrow.

Sasha tensed up for just a moment as Azura began to ease her finger into her wanting sex. "I'm okay..." She murmured reassuringly, then she lay still, panting, trembling, and getting used to a single finger stretching her slick channel. It had been a very long time since she had played with herself in such a way, and now the young female was incredibly tight. But Sasha was still very, very eager to continue once she was comfortable with the feeling of fullness. She spread her legs wider and bucked her hips upwards, blue eyes staring straight into silver, silently pleading to be taken.
 
A chuckle had left Azura, a thick and playful one as she heard her mate let out a yelp in surprise. Another chuckle followed as she felt roughened hands attempt to still grab her trousers before the mind that controlled them realized she could not keep balanced and strip her all at the same time. The sight of Sasha staring almost venomously at her trousers amused her greatly. As if the trousers some how knew they were annoying her and doing so on purpose yet Azura enjoyed the small edge she felt it gave her. The little extra control that seemed to come in still being some what covered while Sasha was bare before her, nothing was hidden from her sterling hued eyes that shone with admiration, amusement love and lust in turn as Sasha cried out her frustration about how much she wanted to touch her or had started to before her words had cut off with the words and moan that escaped her.

Azura had gently increased the pressure of her fingers against her mate's sex but what seemed to affect her most was the smile that she could only watch as it formed on her lovers lips. A smile she had not seen it what truly felt in that moment to have been an eternity. A smile of genuine happiness that thrilled her and made Azura feel right at home. Whole and complete. A look of curiosity crossed her features at the next few words that were almost a challenge and a playful threat all at the same time. If Sasha had thought the notion of being in trouble with Sacha would have her considering being easier on her mate it had the opposite effect.Slowly she kissed to Sasha's ear, along the jawline, up the neck and then to the ear lobe. "If that is the case then maybe I should behave..." The words whispered and low before she started to ease her way down to the nipples that had been calling for her attention.

Her lips sealed around the left while the single digit very carefully moved in and out of her sex until only the tip was left before she slid it back again and stopped when she reached the thin barrier. Even though Sasha had stated it was okay she wanted to be cautious, give Sasha a moment to change her mind if she so wished to but the look in those blue eyes pleased with her, called for her to take her yet still she felt nervous. She did not want to hurt her but knew she would no matter how slowly or gently she would be.

With a smile she drew the edge of her teeth along the pebbled nipple between her lips before she started to carefully suck while the tip of her thumb started to circle the slightly hooded clit swiftly but softly while her other hand stroked tenderly along Sasha's side, just beneath her arm as she skimmed along her ribs.
 
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