The Shifter's Claimed Bride-Mate (Ruphhausin & darkangel76)

[darkangel76]

Slowly the sky was going from blue to deep golds and reds to even dark shades of twilight. With the onset of night came a brisk wind blowing through the castle grounds. The day had been pleasant enough for one in mid-autumn, a bit warmer than most. In fact, it had been a perfect day for riding and Elana spared no moment in seizing the opportunity to do so. Given the state of everything around her, riding her horse, Lavender Mist—a horse she'd had since he was a pony and she a little girl—was one of the few times she could ever feel truly free from all the chaos about her.

As Elana walked Lavender Mist back to the stables, she found her mind drifting a bit. She was saddened that her day was nearing its end, her one and only time for true freedom coming to a close. Though she'd known know other way of life—the ongoing war keeping her close to the castle at all times—she often found herself longing to know what life would be like on the other side of the castle's walls, beyond the boundaries of her kingdom. But the war had been going on for generations now. And, far as she could tell, wouldn't be ending any time soon either. Of course, that meant she'd be bound to the castle and the protection it provided for many more years to come, if not her entire lifetime.

Elana knew the story well. She'd grown up hearing it told again and again, a reminder of her past, her lineage. Her great grandmother had been presumed to be the key to uniting two kingdoms whose threads holding them in a peaceful truce were thin and fraying. The hope had been that the marriage would solidify the peace and ease the tensions once and for all, bringing both kingdoms together. What hadn't been known, not at first, was that her grandmother feared the shifter man she was to marry. Quite honestly, Elana could find no blame or fault in that. Shifters were indeed a frightening lot, savage in their ways, lovers of chaos and disorder.

Just then a chill ran along Elana's spine. She could feel her body jolt slightly, but it hardly bothered Lavender Mist. He just continued to walk, following the girl-turned-lady who led him to the sanctuary of the stables. She could feel her lips tremble at the thought of being forced to marry a shifter, let alone one from a kingdom whose agenda had always been one to make her own so wary and fearful. But yes, her great grandmother had indeed been afraid, or so she'd been told. As such, she sought protection from another man, one whom she loved and long to marry. Having pity on their daughter, her parents—Elana's great-great grandparents—bestowed mercy upon her, not requiring her to fill the vow they'd made to their 'enemy'. They knew the risks, but had hoped they'd see reason.

They… those shifter's… did not.

Suddenly, Lavender Mist let out a soft whinny. "Shh… It's all right, boy," Elana spoke, her voice melodic and sweet as it softly fill the air of the stables. She was handing her horse over to the stable boy now, getting ready to say her 'goodbyes'. The horse sensed her unease. It was almost as if he knew what thoughts were plaguing her just then. "I must return before I am missed. It'll be full dark soon."

Lavender Mist let out a soft grunt and gave Elana a nuzzle. Being her only 'confidante', she knew the beast understood her. After all, they'd been together most of their lives. She gave her horse a tender kiss upon his nose and began to head back inside the main halls of the castle. Her parents, her father especially, would expect her to attend dinner. And judging by the color of the sky, that didn't leave her much time to prepare. She had to hurry.

Elana ran through the corridors of the castle, her long pale blue dress billowing out behind her as she made her way to her chambers. No doubt a chambermaid would be waiting to dress her for dinner as they were always a formal affair and in her current state of dress, she'd hardly be considered presentable. Hurrying, her breaths coming in short rasps as her heart began to pound, she could feel those eyes. Eyes of the guards, the common folk who helped and assisted about the castle and its grounds. They were watching her as she raced to her quarters and it made her skin prickle with goose bumps. Feeling uneasy, she quickened her pace. It hardly mattered that her shoes had a slight heel.

Finally, Elana made it back to her room. As predicted, a chambermaid awaited her and helped her change. She helped pull her corset tight, accentuating the curves she had already been fortunately blessed to bear. As the servant girl worked her hair, she looked at her reflection in the looking glass. Her own skin was so pale, like fine porcelain. And it was only accentuated by how dark her long tresses were. Blinking her blue eyes, she watched as her chambermaid began to curl and braid her long, wavy locks, working them into a most exquisite hairstyle only befitting a princess such as herself. Licking her lips, she took note of the dress she was now donning—silks and sheers that covered her just right, revealing just enough and making her look the epitome of feminine.

"Thank you," Elana said, addressing the servant girl as she stood up and readied to leave.

Luckily, the girl had helped get Elana ready with more time to spare than she'd anticipated. As such, she could take her time going to dinner and not give away the fact that she'd very nearly been late. In the end, though, she supposed it wouldn't have mattered much. Dinners, though formal and expected, were never much of a social gathering. At least, not for her. Her parents and a few others would converse, but more often than not, she sat there quiet and still until the food was finished and conversation stilled. She had no reason to believe this night would be any different.

Again, Elana could feel those eyes—the eyes of the guards and servants. Something about them felt off, made her adrenaline surge and her heart beat hard beneath her breast. Her breath catching a bit, she tried her best to keep her composure, hide her fear. Whether she succeeded or not, she didn't know and as the great hall neared, she didn't have the time to dwell on such things. After all, she had dinner to attend to. Once done with that, she could address such things, though maybe she was just letting her imagination get the better of her… She was known to daydream, after all.

"Elana, my dearest," the king suddenly spoke as Elana entered the great hall. "Always beautiful. Such a sight to behold."

Elana knew the look she saw in her father's eyes. He was proud of her and his hope was starting to come alive that she'd marry well given her beauty and lineage. Being two and twenty, she was more than eligible now to all the men at court. Though, none truly appealed. She just hoped that a day wouldn't arrive when, like her great grandmother, she'd be forced to marry against her will and to a man she loathed and feared. No. That wouldn't happen. Besides, in the story, her great grandmother had found her happiness, had found her love.

Consequences be damned!

In Elana's mind, it had indeed been worth it. Love wasn't something one came by easily. Sheltered as she was, she was intelligent enough to know that much without anyone so much as telling her.

"Thank you, father," Elana responded. She gave the king a tiny kiss upon each cheek.

At that, they both, along with several others attending court, sat down to eat. Fortunately, the meal passed quickly and without event and Elana found herself finally making her way back to her quarters where she could get the rest she felt herself suddenly desiring.

 

[Ruphhausin]

RE: The Shifter's Claimed Bride-Mate

In the dining hall, Brian was finishing his meal. He had been waiting for the moment for many months, especially after his cousin, who could afford to risk being discovered, introduced him into the court of Altair, King of the Northeastern Kingdom of Lass. He had been in the position of senior guard for over a year, and as the king, queen, and their daughter left the dining hall, he knew that the small dose of the sleeping herbs that he mixed in with the seasoning of Elana’s food was already working. The two pinches were without any real flavor of their own, so the normal herbs and spices that went on the meal would hide them. He didn’t want her completely out, rather he wanted it where she would not be able to physically stop him from removing her from her room.

It was about so much more than one wedding, his plan to abduct Elana, rather it was about three generations of disgrace that his family of shifters had to endure from humans. It was something that was not told in the humans’ history at all. His great grandfather was the proud negotiator who had thought that he had bartered a fair and just end to a war that never should have happened in the first place, over land that didn’t belong to either human nation. He nodded and gestured almost as an afterthought to the other three men who were with him, and they all began to move. Tonight, they would never be here again, and now was the time to act. Soon, the daughter of the daughter of the daughter would be married to the prince of the Southwestern Kingdom, and they would be done with both nations for the next century.
Brian was one of the major leaders of his race, the Shifters, though they called themselves the Blessed. They had for many centuries, too numerous to count, had the power to change into animal forms and to be in touch with the natural world around them. They were far more civilized that the humans in their “kingdoms” could handle, but they were not the only humans. Entire clusters of humans, from all levels of civilization, freely traded, negotiated, and even married with his People. They had much larger possessions f land than others thought they did. From the peeks of the Mountains of the Mist to the shores around the Jade and Onyx coast and as far out as the Isles of Coral, they numbered legion even in their smallest settlements. The other races, not just humans, intermarried and communed in other ways with them as well, so his brethren blended. The haughty ones, who falsely believed they really ran the world, had no idea that the Children of Selene and Arun were as numerous and organized as they were, spent far too much time “shining their armor and fighting each other”. Tonight, however, he was going to close a chapter on their dealings with the haughty ones, and then he was going to return his great grandfather’s honor.

He just never understood why his great-grandfather had never said much about it, and it never hindered his rise to the Council of Grand Elders, but he also didn’t understand why also his great-grandfather, if he didn’t care, returned to confront Elana’s great-grandmother about what she did. Something he would use Elana to get an answer for, but for now, as he moved up to Elana’s room, he would wait on that. He now slowly opened Elana’s door, using a tool set his people had perfected. He soon was inside of her rooms, her sleeping for there in her bed. He smiled, knowing that if he timed it right, she would not wake until it was too late.

He soon was binding her wrists and ankles, her sheer sleeping gown distracting to say the least, but he expected that. She was beautiful, but he had been able to distance the thoughts from his mind. He was going at the right pace for getting her bound. He also made certain to make sure that he had a fast way down, the rope that he had hidden in the vines by the window pulled out and ready. Her rooms had a window that was overlooking into the courtyard, and near the stables. He would not leave his faithful mount Dancing Wind, and he had her over his shoulder and sliding down where he was soon sprinting across to the stables. The guards had left the gate up, as the nightly patrols had to move about. He had Lavender Mist ready, the horse surprisingly cooperative after he told him what he was going to do. His People could speak to horses, and perhaps his explanation of his cause was just.

The other three were already there, their own horses mounted as they got on, Brian securing Elana to her horse with her draped over it. He then heard her stir, knowing that any moment she would realize and he was getting up onto his mount, wanting those in the castle to know she was taken. His hair, braided and off to the side as was the custom of a Warrior Chief, was brown under the lamps of the stable. His green eyes scanned around, judging precisely how far they had to go to the gate. His lithely muscular body, like that of the cats that were his primary forms group, was tight and lean as he moved his horse out and then pulled Lavender Mist along by the lead he had bound to his saddle. His dark studded armor, a blend of leather and flexible hide, was more than adequate for this escape. One of his men took the other lead, binding it to his, and they formed a quarter around her, and the moment was almost there. The moment she woke and made the alarm, they would go.

 

[darkangel76]

Elana didn't quite remember falling asleep. When she'd finally reached her room and gotten herself changed into her nightdress, she'd suddenly become so tired, that she'd all but fallen against her pillow only to drift off into an extremely deep slumber. The air had been cold too, causing the filmy, sheer fabric of her nightdress to cling to her body like a second skin as she'd let the darkness of sleep consume her entirely.

Though sleep came strangely easily to Elana, it was far from fitful. No. Peculiar dreams, frightening dreams swirled about inside her head. Images that were so vividly clear they made her blood run cold within her veins.

Hands. Strong hands grabbing and grasping… not 'touching', just… taking…

Oh, if only Elana could wake herself up, end the nightmares that were descending upon her like a rush of night air. But, she couldn't. Her body was held fast by the dreamy visions dancing about her head. Those hands? No. It was the nightmares. So real, so lifelike… She could feel a sense of dread, unease and terror, building up inside her body. It was bubbling up through her skin and crawling all over her flesh until she was completely covered with it all. It made her shake, tremble. It was as if something inside was telling her that something was wrong. She needed to wake up, to open her eyes.

The soft sound of horse's hooves gently stamping cold, hard ground suddenly filled Elana's ears. She could hear them along with whispers, but her eyes wouldn't allow themselves to open. Not just yet. It was as if they wanted to stay closed just a bit longer, a means of denying the reality of what was happening. Those dreams… she was being taken!

Elana's body began to tremble violently. Fear consumed her fully now and the flimsy nightdress she wore did nothing to stave off the chill of the cold, night air. Finally, she could feel her eyes begin to move, to flutter. Her long eyelashes gently brushed at her flesh before she opened them wide and began taking in the sights about her. It was dark. And she was somehow secured to Lavender Mist, her body thrown like a ragdoll on top of him. Her body was so cold… so cold…

Just then, Elana turned her head. She could see the silhouette of a man, though she knew he wasn't the only one present. But that man… Even in the darkness she could feel those eyes. Shifter eyes. They had to be. But, why… why…

In that moment, Elana suddenly found her voice and once she did, she let out a blood-curdling scream.

 

[Ruphhausin]

At the same moment that Elana's eyes were fully open two of the men moved the lined skin that was secured to Lavender Mist's saddle. They had it over her body so that only her head could be seen, and then her scream brought a smile to Brian's face. He paused only about five seconds after she started screaming, and then he gave the signal, and the four Shifters bolted for the gate on their mounts with Elana on Lavender Mist between them. They all moved in unison, and when the alarm was sounding, they were too close together. Brian knew that with them that way, they would not risk shooting at them. The two men in the rear shot warning bolts from their special repeating crossbows, keeping anyone who may try from stopping them. Brian himself shot one of his right where the chain was so that the gate could not be lowered, and within minutes they were thundering over the bridge, the King's men not able to raise it in time. As they left the third man turned and fired a bolt that hit the door of the main hall of the castle, the symbol of the Shifters' tribe punctuating the letter declaring that this was about what it was about.

Brian edged Dancing Wind on, and the horse, like the other four, was well fed for the night and full of energy. They were soon off into the night, he and his men using there ability to see in the dark allowing them to move swiftly. He knew that, with the element of surprise he had used, it would take at least ten minutes for the King to ruse a pursuit. He took that time well, moving them onto a secondary road as two of the men got read of the tracks. They had other men, not in the area any longer, that had timed it just right and made their own horses take off in the direction opposed them, causing confusion. They did that twice, soon returning back to the main road miles away in the same main direction and then they stopped after over an hour at a crossroads that forked five separate ways. Two other shifters met them there, and Brian silently signaled all of the other five men, they each had a horse very similar to Lavender Mist, and they all went on one of the other five roads while Brian took the one heading to his destination.

 

[darkangel76]

Everything was happening so quickly. A rush of shadow, her lungs expelling air as she screamed and the next thing Elana knew, she was being wrapped and bound with animal skins as her horse, Lavender Mist, suddenly took off into the night. Her body secured tightly to his back. She could see the other horses, those ridden by other men—shifters—riding close by. Too close. But she didn't have time to dwell on that. Her heart was pounding while both fear and adrenaline swirled together inside her very core. Her mind racing as it took in the reality of what was unfolding before her waking eyes.

Elana was being taken. But by whom and for what reason… she had no idea. She could only begin to speculate as her mind drifted and wandered, the most horrid of thoughts entering her mind as they all rode through night. It seemed like hours, time nearly standing still, as they continued on, the air so cold as it stung against her face making her body shiver and her teeth chatter.

"Please," Elana whimpered. But she knew none of the men could hear her. The thundering pounding of the horses' hooves, the surge of adrenaline coupled with masculine energy blinded and deafened them, no doubt, to her feeble pleas.

Terrified, cold, Elana just clamped her eyes shut. She hoped that whatever it was that fate had in store for her, it would be merciful. It was all she could hope for now that she'd been whisked away in the night. From her father, her home, her kingdom. All that she knew and loved was gone, taken from her so easily and in a single moment. And, like it or not, she had to face the possibility that she'd never see any of it ever again. At that, her tears began to fall, so warm compared to the night air whooshing about her slim body. She could feel the tiny droplets rolling down her cheeks, her breath suddenly catching as she felt a sob bubble up in her throat seeking its release.

Biting down on her lip, Elana dared to stifle that threatening sob. No. She wouldn't give in, wouldn't let these men see just how much they'd hurt her already. Not yet. She had to be stronger than this. It was the only way she could cope whatever future laid in store for her. And how she hoped it would be merciful. The more her mind wandered and spun, the greater her fears became. Fear of what these men could do to her. Abuse, death. The possibilities were endless and none too appealing, though of them all she prayed for death first…

Suddenly, the horses' riding slowed. Elana tried her best to see what was happening, but it was too dark. Not even the silvery light of the moon was of any help to her eyes. Trembling, she swallowed once and mumbled another soft plea.

"Please… please…" Again, Elana knew that no one had heard her. The men just acted and reacted as if she wasn't there, putting into action whatever plan it was that they'd seemingly orchestrated. One that had most obviously resulted in her abduction.

Suddenly, Elana noticed that the group of men—shifters—was dispersing. She watched them disappear into the night down various roads while she remained with one and traveled down another. She was fairly certain she knew that they were to be decoys, a means of making it difficult for her family, her father's men to find her. Oh, it was no use. She truly would never see any of it again… Scared, desperately wanting to cling onto some semblance of hope, she tried to look at the man—shifter—she was now traveling with. Alone.

"Sir," Elana began, trying her best to muster up all of her courage. "Please… where are you taking me… please, don't hurt me." Her lips trembled as she spoke, her words so soft they nearly floated on the wind. Looking up into his silhouetted face, she could feel fresh tears suddenly falling down her cheeks once again. She just hoped he didn't notice them given how dark it was, but something deep inside her told her that she could only be so fortunate.

 

[Ruphhausin]

Brian slowed down as the cold wind was biting at him as well, and he didn't want Elana to be frostbitten either. He had heard her, and he quickly checked his senses in the dark and then the map which with his night eyes he could see clearly. He then moved to Lavender Mist, and her, and he moved to put a hood with a scarf that would protect most of her face. It would make it where she would not be able to do much talking, but he looked into her eyes and knew she could see his face and know how close it was. His tone was commanding and intense, and he made his words very plain and simple for her.

"You, dear Princess, are going where you belong, which is not only to fill the obligation that your parents promised, but also for the long overdue on of your great-grandmother. The time has come for your house and your Kingdom to owe up to it's promises, and you will learn just how many of them your family has avoided over the years."

He felt something, a disturbance in the flow of his aura as he touched her. He was not accustomed to explaining things like that, but as she most likely was totally unaware of what happened so long ago, he felt she should be informed.

"You are going to be betrothed to the great-grandson of the male who your great-grandmother so foully wronged years ago, but first, I am going to take you to my home.. where you will personally apologize on behalf of your family to the great man who was cast into shame because of it."

He was soon back on Dancing Wind, and heading off to where his home was. His tribe had great town in the wilderness and natural places, and he wanted to get home as soon as he could. He would just arrive in the next two days, and as he rode Dancing Wind slowly, both his mount and hers knew that things were never going to be the same because of this.

 

[darkangel76]

Elana felt her tummy lurch slightly when the shifter slowed them down to a halt. That hope she'd been desperately clinging to was about to present itself. She had no doubt about it, but she had to wonder why coming face-to-face with that suddenly felt so unnerving. So… terrifying. At that, her heart began to race, pounding beneath her breasts as her breathing sped up, a sign of her fear and worry. Her eyes locked onto the shifter as he checked something he held on his person before finally turned his attentions toward her.

The moment his eyes found her own, Elana thought she'd never be able to breathe again. Her heart stopped for what seemed an eternity, though had only been a beat or two. Though she couldn't make out his face or see his eyes clearly, she knew he was looking into hers, seeing into her soul. Something about that was oddly comforting despite the terror she felt washing over her entire body. Shivering, shaking, she finally let out a gasp when he moved to place a hood about her head.

Did this shifter just show a gesture of care and kindness?

Elana was about to mumble a soft 'thank you', but her words were stayed when the shifter suddenly spoke. His words were harsh, full of seething apathy bordering on what seemed to be hatred. But, she didn't know this man—shifter—nor had any idea as to what he was talking about. Betrothed? Apologize? Surely, he was spouting lied told by generations. Wanting to make an innocent pay for something that had nothing to do with her.

Did it?

Elana knew the story regarding her great grandmother. How she fell in love and followed her heart. What barbaric culture couldn't understand that? Couldn't accept the fact that her elder relative loved another. It was cruel to have held her to such expectations when her heart had already belonged to another. Besides, the shifter she'd been promised to was a terrible man, a feared man. Was it worth quashing true love for a life of imprisonment with someone who had no care for them?

No. It wasn't!

Elana's body just shook, both from the cold as well as the fear. Still looking into the shifter's eyes, she began to shake her head in disbelief. She was completely dumbfounded at how his people wanted her to uphold something she had no part in. Surely, her parents hadn't made the same promise her great-great parents had all those years ago. And even if they did, surely they had to have been forced into such an obligation. Her parents wouldn't have promised her to another, especially some… shifter… after everything that had transpired between the two kingdoms. They valued the ideals of love.

Didn't they?

"You must be mistaken, sir," Elana suddenly spoke as the shifter re-mounted his horse. Her words were shaky and laced with fear. "I have not been promised to anyone," she added, knowing that she needed to have an answer there, whatever it may be. "And what sort of people would hold such a grudge over the actions of following one's heart?" She was being bold now and she knew it. But despite how bold her words were, the terror behind them was evident. But even still… she had to know. "Surely, you'd follow your own if you found love…"

Elana's words trailed just then. Could these people—these shifters—truly love? Their past actions proved otherwise. And given her current situation, she found herself starting to doubt, losing that hope she'd been clinging to only moments ago.

 

[Ruphhausin]

Brian paused, looking at Elana as he moved Dancing Wind around. He was looking into her eyes again, and he felt something. He wished he could hate her, to make her a proxy for her great-grandmother, but he couldn't. It was out of his hands in so many ways, but he still would have the one part of the satisfaction. He was calm, with no anger in his voice as he answered her. She had given him a challenge, and he needed to answer it in the best and most direct way possible.

"This is not about a grudge.. it is about honor, Elana. My great-grandfather, who still lives, lost honor because of your grandmother. A war over the last three generations has waged because of that, both public and behind the cloaks of royalty and diplomacy because of that. My people took the blame for that broke engagement for almost a hundred years. I love my family.. my clan.. my tribe... my people.. too much for this disgrace to continue."

Brian's words were from pain over his great-grandfather, who had not left the Great Forest in that time. His grandfather and father had to assume the reigns of the tribe outside of the Forest all those years. It was their way, and both human kings of the Two Kingdoms of Lass knew this and used his silence to rewrite their history. He then decided to shatter the first lie, as he somehow felt he owed that to her.

"Your great-grandmother was not betrothed to my great-grandfather. She originally was betrothed to Salazar, the King Emeritus of the Southwestern Lass, Elana. His grandson, the Prince Elect, is whom I am supposed to deliver you to. Until such a time as his emissary comes to meet me after I send word I have you, you are in my custody."

He didn't know why he told her that last part, that he had not contacted the other Kingdom. He also didn't know why he reached out his hand and caressed her face without moving the cloak, but his fingertips lingered on her face. He felt something, and his senses were flooded for several minutes. He pushed those things aside, then began the slower ride. They were only a few miles to the beginning of the Forest, and then things would be much different than even he knew or she would think.

 

[darkangel76]

Elana felt her breath catch, her heart stopping as the shifter looked into her eyes and began to speak. A strange knot formed deep within her belly all of a sudden. Creating an odd burning sensation that slowly began to build. As her tummy fluttered, she blinked her eyes several times. Her vision blurred slightly as she did so, her eyes watery from tears, cold and wind. Terrified and unsure, she just stayed quiet as the shifter-man said his peace, her eyes reluctantly tearing away from his so as to focus on his mouth as it moved.

The shifter's tone was firm, but not harsh. It held a manner of deep-seated emotion, but Elana could still hear his own version of logic laced with every syllable he uttered. On their own, her eyes drifted back up to meet his once more, as if they'd beckoned for her to stare deeply into them. The silvery moonlight was still dim as it was full dark. But despite the darkness enshrouding them both, she somehow was able to make out more of his features.

Slowly, Elana's mind processed more of what this shifter-man had to say. He brought up a history that caused her eyebrows to furrow, knitting together thus showing her confusion. The story to which he alluded, she knew it well. Had grown up hearing it so often she could recite it word for word. Her great grandmother had been betrothed to a terrible man, a shifter. She'd been the supposed key, or so her people had thought, to uniting the two warring kingdoms, bringing about a true peace they hadn't known for decades. The truce they'd had, had always been an uneasy one and the day her family broke the agreement was the day fate had been decided. Her great grandmother had fallen in love with another before she'd met her betrothed. Soft hearted and wanting happiness for their daughter, the hope had been that the shifters and their followers would understand, help them find an alternative plan for union. Was what this shifter-man saying true? Was it?

Elana found herself not knowing. Somewhere someone was lying. That much was plain. But who? And why? And…

Elana shook her head, hot tears rolling down her cheeks as she choked on a small sob that bubbled up and escaped her lips. "Sir…" she whispered, her eyes pleading. But the shifter did not break his speech. It was clear that he believed in what he was saying. Had her great grandmother truly been betrothed to another human… not a shifter? Then…

Confused and frightened, Elana just looked at her abductor, this shifter-man who was rewriting the history she knew and grew up hearing. Her mind began to swirl, trying to determine who had lied and why. As she looked into his eyes, listening to his final words, she found herself almost starting to believe this shifter. Pain. Yes, pain. She could hear it ever so slightly in his voice. His relatives lived. And she wondered if she'd ever be brought before them so as to prove the apparent truths he claimed to be speaking. Just then, a shiver worked its way down her spine. If this shifter's family had been a pawn and she now being delivered to another human, not a shifter, then… Her eyes widened as she realized she'd be brought before the relative of the man her great grandmother had supposedly been betrothed to… a human man.

Shivering from cold and fear, Elana could feel her heart racing. It was pounding so hard she could almost taste it in her throat. As she looked deeper into this shifter-man's eyes, she tried to make sense of everything. Suddenly, he mentioned something that made her tilt her head. The humans she was to be delivered to… didn't know he had obtained her.

Why?

All of a sudden, Elana felt her tummy flutter once more. The shifter reached out and touched his fingers ever so lightly against her face. The caressing brush was gentle, so very light. It made her skin jolt with a strange tingle at the sudden contact. When he finally pulled away, she found an odd sense of loss. One she couldn't explain let alone understand. Shaking her head, she just remained silent for several minutes.

Elana wasn't entirely sure where they were any more, but she knew she'd never be able to face life the same way. In a matter of hours, this shifter-man had taken her from her home and family, rewritten her history and now was planning on giving her over to a man he knew to be terrible. For… honor? She understood loving one's family, but could he really wish potential harm and unhappiness on an innocent to prove that? Given her situation, she had no choice but to believe that.

But the way his hand had felt when he'd touched her face…

A part of Elana couldn't believe that this shifter could be capable of such things. Yet, he'd told her as much and showed no signs of altering his plans. Though, she wondered, why he hadn't sent word of his success yet. Just then, a small part of her held out a hope. Though, despite that hope, she could still feel the fear, heavy and looming, about her as it squeezed her heart and body like a death shroud.

"Sir," Elana then began, her voice soft and low. "Why would your people be made pawns in a generations long war?" She could hear her voice beginning to shake and waver as she spoke. "I thought they ruled my neighbor, I…" her voiced trailed and she bit down on her lip. "Is turning me over to these terrible humans who used you going to truly right any of the supposed wrongs your family has suffered? I am an innocent in this. I cannot help from whom I was born." She was crying now though she found herself hardly worrying any longer. She was frightened and confused, her mind reeling with questions. "Please, sir. Why?" Just then she paused. "And… why haven't you sent word already about your success here. Why not be rid of me and seal my doomed fate. Why wait? Why?"

Elana just stared at the shifter, her eyes sore as her tears fell. She knew she must sound ridiculous, but it didn't matter any more anyway. Her fate had been altered, decided by another. Everything had been taken away so why should she care any longer? Better to let the tears come and fall. Better to let the emotions out. Only then could she find a way to hopefully cope and bear the unhappiness life surely had in store for her now.

 

[Ruphhausin]

As he moved Dancing Wind and Lavender Mist, Brian's mind was telling him how intensely wrong it was. Not the taking of Elana itself, rather the idea he was giving her to the Prince Elect of Southweastern Lass. He heard everything that she said, and he manuvered the two horses through the Forest. He soon found one of the natural clearings at a high point of the Forest, moving the horses up and then securing them to the same tree. First taking advantage, he used a naturally inward curved log as a trough, putting the horse feed for them both in it. It was more than clean enough, and there was room for both portions for the two mounts. He had them by the stream that flowed from the river, where it collected to branch off to where a natural steam filled the just not quite surrounded area, more than enough room in it for them, the horses and for the shelter he set up.

The hot spring, which flowed from the mountain on the other side and ran contrary to the river, was off to one side. It allow the steam that rose to move through the center of the dense collection of interweaving branches and limbs that gave a natural skylight to the clearing, but there was enough that kept the right amount there. The clearing, in the middle of a cold Forest at night, felt like a room of a castle that had a fire going. After getting the open shelter up, which really was extra protection from any rain that might fall, he then got her off of Lavender Mist. He set her down, and something in him was touched. She was a very beautiful young woman, and his loins did ache for what she had to offer. He ignored them for the time being, and then started to take off his clothing. He had not bathed, and he had a change of clothing himself. His people did not have shame, and he used a large contraption to take the right amount of hot water from the spring and cold from the stream. He was soon bathing in front of her, soaping and then rinsing himself off.

After drying himself and then putting on something to sleep in, he looked at her again. When he spoke, his tone was a bit softer. His words were still clear, but his thoughts remained firm.

"The Council will have things to say on the matter, that is why I am taking you there first. We sleep here for the night, and they we begin the next leg of the journey tomorrow. It will take most of the day through the densest part of this area of the Forest of Arun, and few if any of your people know how to navigate it."

He moved to lay down next to her, her hands and feet having been rebound so that she couldn't try to attack or escape. He laid on his side, looking at her for a while. He didn't know why he felt drawn to her, but something told him she was different than those of her father's household he was used to. He reached out and brushed a strand of hair from her face, then spoke again.

"You don't even know why it is called the Forest of Arun, do you, Elana? You have no understanding of whose Forest this is and always has been.. or why it stretches so far on the Continent."

He gave her a look that told him he was actually sorry that this had to happen, and he waited until sleep started taking them both, somehow knowing when she had fallen asleep before doing so himself.

 

[darkangel76]

Elana just let her tears silently flow as she waited for the shifter-man to speak, to tell her why he hadn't sent word. He took his time before answering. Whether it was to instill fear or let her know that he had the upper hand, she wasn't sure, though a part of her was certain that it was both. Or at least in part.

The air was still somewhat cold as Elana continued to watch the shifter-man as he silently tended to the horses needs by setting up a trough for the animal and then arranging things in such a way so as to shelter them both from the elements of the outdoors. Though she was amazed at how well the location he chose seemed a natural shelter of sorts in its own right. At first glance, she wouldn't have noticed such a thing. But as he situated his things, it became evident and it was then that she realized if she tried to run she'd be even worse off than she was with this man and the unknown fate that lied ahead of her.

Out there. Alone. She'd be dead.

Feeling rather vulnerable, Elana saw the shifter-man approaching her. She felt her breath suddenly catch as she waited for him to answer her question, but no answer came. Instead, he remained silent and picked her up off her horse only to set her aside and away from him. It was most peculiar and left her mind reeling with even more questions. She was beginning to question his motives, his actions. There was a hesitance, she was almost certain of it. But… why? Though she longed to ask, she dared not to speak.

As Elana looked into the shifter-man's eyes, he suddenly began to undress. Immediately, she felt her cheeks begin to burn and her tummy began to feel uneasy. Just what was he doing? What was he planning? Surely… No. He wouldn't. He wouldn't! She clamped her eyes shut at the thought and when she opened them she saw that he'd walked over to the nearby hot spring. A wave of relief washed over her in that moment. The fear that had consumed her was unlike anything she'd ever felt. Such terror. Such horror. At least she now knew this shifter-man had some semblance of honor. He might be barbaric and savage, but he was honorable. Letting out a shaky breath, she tried not to watch him bathe. It was difficult not to look. He was handsome. She couldn't deny it if she tried. And then there was the strange pull she felt… despite the fear trying to takeover her senses.

When the shifter-man finished his bath and returned to Elana, she met his gaze full on even though she'd been watching him in what she'd hoped had been in a discreet manner. The moment their eyes met he told her that he'd be taking her before the Council and that they'd travel through the Forest of Arun. All she could do was nod, her will and want to speak lost in that moment as he rebound her so that she couldn't run. A part of her wanted to laugh. She wouldn't run. She wasn't foolish or stupid. Though she was afraid of him and of her fate, she knew full well if she left his side only death would befall her. But she supposed she couldn't fault him for the precaution.

Letting out a sad sigh, Elana watched the shifter-man move to lie down beside her. She could feel her eyes prickling with tears once again. Then, as if he understood her pain, he reached out and touched her face, brushing her hair away from her eyes. She looked at him for a long moment, the silence deafening as they stared at each other. Finally, he broke the silence once more, his words almost melancholy as he spoke of the forest and her lack of understanding.

Elana just shook her head. She didn't understand and wasn't sure if she ever would. All she knew was at that moment her life was in this shifter's hands and her future… Well, she didn't want to think on it as she hoped that somehow a miracle would befall her. Not knowing what else to do, she finally managed to get herself down into a laying position on the ground. It wasn't comfortable given she was bound, but it was the best she could do. Closing her eyes, she silently cried herself to sleep.

Elana's dreams were vicious and terrible. Hands, so many hands grabbing at her body… tearing and snatching, trying to take hold. She didn't like them. And those eyes! She didn't like they way they looked at her. Suddenly, she could feel the hands groping at her and her clothes were all but removed. At that, the eyes just looked at her, judging and scrutinizing every inch. Sizing her up. The eyes, they were hungry. She didn't like them. They scared her. Just then, the hands started grabbing again, grabbing and groping, searching for parts that were not meant to be touched. She started to whimper, to cry. Finally, a scream left her lungs, a loud blood-curdling scream.

At that, Elana's eyes bolted open and a real scream escaped her lips. She was terrified and shivering. Oh the dream had been so real, so very real. Crying, shaking, she wished she could clutch herself for comfort, anything to make the monsters of her dreams disappear. Monsters she feared would soon become all too real.

 

[Ruphhausin]

Bryan was there, as he already had heard Elana's noises and felt her tossing and turning. He had unbound her, and now he was holding her tightly to him. He somehow knew that it was the only thing that would calm her. She hadn't even realized yet she was no longer bound, something about that telling him it was not the first nightmare she had had. That was the thing about the Forest of Arun, as it had the power to make dreams and nightmares seem real. He held her close, concerned with how she had gotten nude. Her nightgown was torn off of her when he awoke, nothing of his doing of course. He just held her, close to his own body.

He didn't know why, but her body, naked against his own, was very intoxicating. He was able to maintain, as was in his Breed, but her form, and her being, were stimulating to him. He let her cry, not certain if any words would comfort her. He wondered if she really had learned of the Prince's infamy and that caused her nightmare, something even he himself had pause in his plan from. The Prince Elect was a cunning and tenacious warrior, but also a man given to the cruelty of treating women like objects. He was known to rape the human females... and allow his men not only to do the same but to participate in group rapes of women, no matter their station.

"It's alright... it was just a nightmare, Elana..."

He held her, again his hand moving down to the small of her back. He was touching her to console her, but in a way that was not that of a captor. He did care about what she was afraid of, and that was why he merely sent word that he had Elana to the Prince. Why had he been deliberately vague? Was it he wanted others, including his own family, to see how horrid the man behaved? Was it in retribution for all of the times his family had done similar things.. making vague promises that could be altered on a whim? Bryan didn't know, but he suddenly started to lick on Elana's neck and shoulder, like one of his people would do for each other. It felt right, just as having unbinding her so she could move felt right. He could feel every minute part of her body, including areas that naturally were sexual. He just licked her, his hands still consoling but also caressing her body.

 

[darkangel76]

Elana shivered as her eyes desperately tried to adjust to the darkness that still surrounded her. Had it been a dream? It must've… but it had been so real. So very real. Terrified, crying, she suddenly felt strong arms encircle her cold and shivering body. She didn't know to whom the arms belonged, but somehow she knew they wouldn't harm her, that they'd protect her and keep whatever it was that frightened her away. She clamped her eyes shut for a moment, those eyes and snatching hands so vivid in her head as she recalled their forms.

"Keep them away from me. Please… please… Please, keep them away from me." Elana whimpered softly against something warm, another body.

Suddenly, Elana realized it was her abductor, the shifter-man who'd taken her from her family, her home. It was he who was holding her just then and providing her the comfort she so desperately needed. She should've been disgusted, wanted to scream, to run… but for reasons she couldn't even begin to explain, she felt didn't want to. The way he held her and felt against her. Something about it just seemed right. Safe.

Safe.

Yes, Elana felt strangely safe as this shifter-man cradled her against him, letting her just cry and shiver as her fears coursed through her. His whispers reassured her, his touches soothed. His touches…

Suddenly, Elana realized that her nightdress had somehow gone missing along with her bonds and a part of her became shy and modest. As she felt the blush rise to her cheeks, sweeping down along the slope of her neck and over the curves of her breasts, she didn't have a chance to dwell on her modesty. Just then, the shifter-man licked at her neck. Her eyes went wide for a moment as the gesture was unlike anything she'd ever heard of amongst the more torrid and lurid whispers she'd heard amongst the women at court. No, this was definitely unusual, unique to this man, to his kind.

Elana wasn't sure what to do. She was still very frightened from her dream. Though now she found herself wondering if it had been a dream or something more. Something real, powerful. Magical and terrifying. Unsure and scared, she just stayed close to the shifter-man as he continued to lick and caress at her body. Though some of the gestures seemed rather odd, she had to admit they provided her comfort, made her feel better, mad her feel…

What this shifter-man's intent was with her, Elana wasn't sure, but at least he was willing to provide her protection and so far he was upholding his honor. However, the more he touched her, the more she could feel her body react. They way it responded was curious and frightening and new and strange. She could feel her skin heating up, yet why was it breaking out into gooseflesh? She felt protected, yet her heart was racing, pounding. And then there was that ache growing between her legs. The dull throb that echoed the pounding she felt beneath her breast. What was that? What was it?

Confused, Elana tried to find the shifter-man's eyes, to peer into them. "Sir," she began, her voice a breathy whisper, so shaky. "I… I…" Her voice stammered and trembled as she tried to find the words to explain her modesty and fear of arousal. "Please, sir. I don't understand what's happening to me…" At that, fresh tears began to fall from her eyes as everything she'd been through, was currently feeling and feared would be coming to pass as her doomed fate suddenly flooded her all at once.

 

[Ruphhausin]

"Trust me."

That was all that Brian said to Elana, those two small words as his hands moved over her body. He somehow knew what she wanted.. what she had needed deep down all of her life. The birthmark on her body, so small and not something that would immediately draw attention, spoke to him and he knew what he was doing was the right thing. He licked away her tears, his body pressing hers down and letting her feel his transformation.

He knew what she had been taught, that it was something horrid and violent. What she had to be feeling was the smooth transition, his body hair slowly and steadily becoming a short coat of fur that would be warm but also soft and appealing. He was not interfering and letting it naturally happen, which meant that if she noticed it would be his half-tiger form. that of the tigers of the forest/jungle they were now in. If they were in his natural area, one of a snowy forest, it would have been that of a White tiger, but as his orange, white, and dark brown striped fur came his tongue also got a little bigger. He knew at that moment she had to feel his cock, and he knew at that would be the telltale sign.

He was well-endowed, a trait which all of his fine sub-breed had. Shifters were naturally bigger than the average human, but he knew that having what was literally the width of a small tree limb rubbing against her thighs and sex. He was already doing so, accepting the rhythm which his body was already marking hers with his scent. He wanted her, knowing instinctively she was not going to refuse no matter how frightened she was. It would not be force, as her body was reacting favorably to his. He felt her wetness starting to grow, and he told her the truth.

"You are getting wet.. you are wanting what is going to happen, Princess..."

 

[darkangel76]

Elana began to tremble as the shifter's words lingered in her ears, the words soft, yet full of something more. As her heart pounded, her sex aching between her legs in a way she never knew could happen, she suddenly had the urge to hide. But with this man, this shifter, beside her, on top of her and pushing her down, that was something she very well couldn't do. Looking up into his eyes, she wasn't quite sure what she should do or what was even happening. A part of her was terrified as she felt the ache between her legs grow stronger, her body reacting in ways that seemed almost obscene.

Tears falling, Elana just looked up into the shifter's eyes with great confusion. He told her to trust him. But could she? She wanted to. After that dream… one that she was beginning to think had been laced with magic, with reality, she desperately wanted to. But with the way he aggressively began to handle her and press against her, the fear she felt also began to grow. Everything about the situation she found herself in caused her great confusion, which only furthered the fear she felt.

Just then, the shifter-man began to change, his body altering in ways that made Elana's eyes go wide. What was he doing? She wanted to scream, to shout out for help. But there was no one about who could or would. There were only demons and other monsters about. That much was plain given the dreams she'd just had…

Elana could only whimper as more tears fell from her eyes. Try as she might she couldn't understand what was happening, but she could feel this shifter's cock growing larger and pressing firmly against her thighs as his body changed before her very eyes. As he changed, she could feel his body grow slightly in size and with it, his cock also grew a bit bigger, pushing her thighs apart as he did so. Crying, trembling in fear, she could feel a wetness pooling between her legs as he rubbed against her smaller form.

As she looked up into the face that was half man, half tiger, Elana couldn't find her voice. Instead, she just laid there naked beneath him, her body trembling from both fear and the throbbing ache she felt growing steadily between her legs as he rested on top of her, his cock still rubbing against her slicked up sex.

Whimpering, almost mewling, Elana then answered the shifter, "I am wet, sir." Her voice was a shaky whisper as it filled the night air. "But… what is going to happen? I've never felt this before. Please, sir… please…" Tears rolled down her cheeks as she looked up into his eyes. Closing her eyes, knowing that the shifter was right, that she wanted this, she added, "Please… guide me, sir. Please… help me…"

 

[Ruphhausin]

Brian was in control, and he knew that. But he sensed something else, something that he had not expected. Elana was wanting this, wanting him in control of her. He knew in the back of his mind what the costs would be, but her body was calling to him. He looked down into her face, somehow knowing that her eyes would open and she would be looking into his green ones. He didn't know if he willed her to, though it was said that a pair destined to Mate had that level of a bond. He wanted her to open her eyes , and when she did, he spoke to her.

"It is going to hurt, but you are going to like it."

He moved his legs, his knees pinning her legs wide open. He had to do so, as his tree limb of a cock was huge. He knew that she would stretch somehow, something in how her body stimulated him telling him so. It was said that, if a human female could take one of his kind, or if a human male was large enough to fill one of their females, it was a Destined Pairing, something that meant a lineage long forgotten or denied. He then gripped her small waist, his hands as large as they had been had almost connected around all the way now in his half-tiger form had the fingers touching. He then moved her, and as he did he pulled her slowly and groaned as he pushed with his pelvis.

It was an almost agonizing bliss, her exquisite tightness so slowly yielding as the head of his cock started to steadily push inside of her. He felt her vaginal muscles stretch, and he knew it was hurting her some, but the slickness of her pussy was not blood. That was, in fact, the only part that disturbed him. He was not smelling blood at all, something he had sensed when he found rough Shifters in their dens who had plundered human females in revenge. She was actually stretched as if.... he didn't totally understand.. but almost like one of their teenagers.. a teen female Shifter losing her virtue... but in his passion for her he just started moving the bit he had inside her for a minute or two, then pushing a bit more only to do the same thing again.

 

[darkangel76]

Elana just nodded as she slowly began to place all of her trust in this shifter that laid on top of her, his form so much larger than her own especially in this half human-half animal form he was now in. Trembling, she suddenly opened her eyes and looked up into this shifter man's animal eyes. Had it been any other man, she would've screamed, but something inside her wouldn't let her. No. Instead, she let her legs go wide for him, let him push against her entrance despite the fear that coursed through her veins and then braced herself for what would come next.

And what came next surprised Elana. There was pain, yes. But there was something else. Something… primal. She could feel her sex stretching, accommodating this shifter-man as he penetrated her virginal walls. She let out a tiny gasp as he did so, one of typical pain when a virgin loses her innocence and another of the shock at the want for more. She could feel her wetness growing as he pushed against her, her sex responding to him as he… mated? Was that what they were doing? The very thought made her cheeks burn. Just then a tiny groan passed over her lips as she felt the shift brush against her clit, which had already been swollen with arousal from earlier. But now with the closeness, with them joined in this way…

"I… I…" Elana stammered as she looked up at the shifter. Her eyes had already begun to spill tears as he thrust against her tiny body, his cock moving in and out, giving her both pain and pleasure. "Please, what… I…" She could feel a burn rising deeply within her core, her clit aching so violently as it twitched angrily. Her juices were gushing with each thrust the shifter made and she wasn't sure what was happening to her body. But it was something and she was finding it harder and harder to think. Panting, whimpering, she looked into the shifter's eyes, her legs spread wide as her hips began to tilt for him on instinct. "Please, please… guide me, help me…" she pleaded. "Oh god… I think I need more…" she whispered.

 

[Ruphhausin]

Bryan could feel it, an excitement coming from Elana that was almost Shifter in nature. She was opening her legs wider, her trembling from her growing need. She was looking into his eyes and showing her that she was not afraid somehow. He was starting to move into her, her sex accommodating his barbed cock. He heard her gasp, and that told him along with both her burning cheeks and her groan as her swollen clit also got stimuated that she was wanting what he was doing. Her gushing pussy also told him that, but it was also confirming as he was making it hurt and feel good to her that she was wanting him. She spoke, her words pleading and whimpering at the same time.

"I… I…" Elana stammered.... "Please, what… I…" "Please, please… guide me, help me…" she pleaded. "Oh god… I think I need more…" she whispered.

"Yes... you need more... "

His voice, a couple of octaves lower in his half-tiger form. He was claiming her, mating her. What was now lost was the initial purpose that he took her in the first place, and he suddenly knew what he had been thinking for all those months. First, however, he had to stake his claim on her and he started to speed up a bit more as he did so. He licked her, his mouth nibbling just the right way on her neck, shoulders, and breasts as he did.

"You need and are going to get much more..."

 

[darkangel76]

Elana let out a tiny cry as she felt the shifter-man speed up his thrusts. It hurt as he moved against her, but with the hurt came something else. Pleasure. And it was unlike anything she'd ever felt before. Never had she realized women were capable of feeling such sensations and, oddly, the pain she felt only heightened that pleasure. She couldn't explain it let alone understand it so all she could do was cry. Confused at what was happening yet feeling this bond to someone she probably shouldn't she let the tears come and fall.

Hot and salty, Elana's tears rolled down her pale cheeks as the shifter-man took away her innocence. Shaking and trembling, she just let her body respond. She didn't know what else to do and she was at the mercy of this shifter now, his to be guided by and for reasons unknown, she knew he'd show her the way.

Elana could feel her hips bucking upwards to meet his and as they did the pain increased. But with that so did the pleasure. She let out a mewling sound as her sobs grew harder, her body shivering as she cried. Her need was so clear and she there was nothing she could do to stop it all there was, was the acceptance of the moment. Of the claim this shifter-man had over her. With that thought came intense fear. Would he leave her when through with her? After he got what he wanted? Would he dispose of her after taking away her virtue and using her only to turn her over to a despicable man who'd then in turn do the very same thing?

The thought was abhorrent and made Elana suddenly feel sick. No. He wouldn't do that. He wouldn't leave her. Would he?

Still crying, Elana looked up at the shifter with watery eyes, her body starting to move in rhythm with his as his thrust sped up more and more, the pain still there, but her body growing accustomed to it. She looked into those animal eyes, her own full of fear and confusion, her body heated with need and desire as her clit swelled to the point of aching and she felt a burn cause her legs to spread wider still. Her cunt began to seethe, her inner walls tightening. Suddenly, without understanding what was happening, a wave of ecstasy unlike anything she'd ever known consumed her whole and she couldn't help but moan.

As Elana let out her gasping whimpers, she held fast onto the shifter-man, her tears flowing as hard as the juices dripping from her needy cunt. "Don't leave me, please… don't leave me," she begged the shifter as she rode out her orgasm, her words having more meaning than what might have appeared on the surface. Looking into his eyes, she felt a strange pull. She was supposed to be by his side. Why did she feel this? Why? "Please…" she whispered again. "Don't leave me…" And the words rolled off her tongue as her body trembled, her cunt still clenching about his thick cock as he claimed her body, her innocence… her soul.

 

[Ruphhausin]

Bryan didn't totally understand it, but Elana was responding like his mate is supposed to. He wanted to stop, wanted to preserve her for the Prince.. but the part of him that wanted her was in charge. He realized this was something that was not expected by either of them, and he knew now there were other reasons that his plans had been going so well. This was now something much different than he had been prepared for, and he was coming to the fact that she wanted him to do this. Her tears and words were not out of fear of him, but of fear that he would stop or worse.

She was already acting like someone who never had made love, but there was an underlying point to her whimpering and whispering. She needed to know it was not about sex alone. He didn't know why himself, but he knew that was not all that was going on between them. He was starting to speed up more, thrusting into her and taking her as he pleased. But behind that pleasure, there was something much more important and intense.

"Not going to leave you.... mine...."

He was taking her harder, yanking her a bit so that his barbs were deep inside of her wonderfully tight pussy. He had it where her legs were so wide open that it may have really felt as if he were trying to split her in two, but he also was nuzzling and licking her, making it plain that there was not idea of abandoning her, and he realized that he was not taking her anywhere that he himself was not going or wouldn't be.

 

[darkangel76]

Elana's whimpers continued as the shifter-man continued his claim over her body, mind and soul. She felt connected to him in a way that made no sense and only added to the confusion over what was happening between them. As she looked up into his now strange and animal-like eyes, she could see his own surprise and confusion, but she could also see a determination.

"Not going to leave you… mine…"

His words had been said with such purpose and they were exactly what Elana needed to hear in that intense moment as her innocence was taken away. Her legs were spread wider, the pain almost bearable and now becoming worth it. This man wasn't going to abandon her, wasn't going to turn her over to the enemy… somehow she knew he wouldn't. Not now. Not ever. They were sharing something, completing something. Something she couldn't explain, something she didn't understand. But it was there. She could feel it and now she knew he could as well. There was a bonding occurring between them, something deep, something rare, something strong.

Elana could feel her tears slowing just slightly as the shifter yanked her harder still. She could feel something deep inside stinging a bit, almost as if it were biting into her flesh. But with that came an odd sense of pleasure and knowing that he was feeling the same things as she was, her body's tension began to ebb and her muscles began to relax, to give in to what he was doing.

At that, Elana's body became a bit more pliant and her hips raised slightly to meet the shifter's. He was nuzzling her, giving her comfort amidst the chaos and it touched her. Just then, she raised her hips again, the contact so sweet, so… And it was then that she let out a tiny gasping groan of pleasure as he ground against her body, so in need of his.

 

[Ruphhausin]

"All of you.. all of you now is mine... "

Bryan was aggressive, but in a way that he was realizing was a Mate's possession. His People believed in a very intensely strict Dominance ideal, with the Majority being Male. He had seeing it, even in the tribes where they interbred with those like the Warrior Women on the one side of the Southeastern independent coast. The Women, used to their own way, would succumb to this and willingly accept one if the People as... Master. He had heard that title, but it didn't sound right yet.

He started speeding up his thrusts, her hips raising up to him urging him to do that. He was shocked she was not bruised up as much as he had expected, but that was starting to fit. He wanted her, and was beginning to start on the road to possessing her. He lowered his mouth to her breasts, licking, sucking, and nibbling just hard enough on them. His voice was commanding, and as he spoke he made more things clear to her now. He knew she was listening, as he yanked her with each word.

"You are coming home with me.. as it is your new home.... you speak when I say... wear what say... eat what I say... do what I say... and ask permission if none has been given or no direction has come from me."

 

[darkangel76]

Elana just whimpered and mewled as the shifter continued his thrusts, his claim over her body. Her hips continued to move upward, desperately trying to meet his as he ground against her. When he spoke, his words a growling command as the rich sound resonated in her ears, she could do nothing but nod.

"Yes… yes… all as you say…"

Elana didn't know why she agreed to such things, but it seemed the right thing to do. For reasons unknown, she knew he was saying everything not as a means to hurt her, but to protect her. As a means to show that he knew what was best for her. It was as if she sensed this was his way of showing her this. She supposed many might not understand and she wasn't even sure how she did, but as she laid there underneath him… she knew this was right, where she belonged. That she was now the possession of this shifter-man's and that she was accepting it, wanting it.

Gasping and panting, Elana's body was alive with sensation. Never had she known she could feel such things and definitely not especially with one such as this. Tears still falling, she wondered if she'd ever learn his name or if that even mattered. She was his now and in the end that was the main thing and what was important. He'd never leave her… not ever.

Suddenly, Elana could feel that burn again, that need the shifter had mentioned would call to her. She could feel it deep inside, settling in her core. Her clit was swollen and aching, screaming for release as he mercilessly thrust in and out of her seething cunt. Groaning and panting, she held on to him tightly.

"Please, I need…" Elana begged. "I need… help me… Your Princess needs you, please…"

 

[Ruphhausin]

"Yes.. Bryan's Princess needs him.. needs him to push her to orgasm again..."

He was not teasing, rather stating the fact of what Elana was needing. Her body was so very intensely stimulated, his senses showing him that she needed so much of what he was doing to her. She was his now, and her need of him was now totally on the surface as well as deep within her. Bryan had to accept her destiny as much as she was, and the complications that went with that destiny for both of them. It was something that he often heard would happen, but he thought all of it mere myth told to young cubs to teach the reality that humans were only as fallible and as prone to wrongs as his people were.

"I will protect you, as you are my Princess now...*

Bryan was speeding up, but also pressing his pelvis into her more so he was stroking her clit with his own soft fur. He was making love to her, but he also in the back of his mind was thinking of just how ready he had to make his people. A war could, and most likely would, come from this. It was not that he and his were not prepared for one, rather that he detested bloodshed just for its own sake. He would fight for her.. fight to protect her and hers... even though he had been the one to take her.

 

[darkangel76]

Elana continued to cry and whimper beneath the shifter-man as he moved above her, thrusting and grinding against her until she knew she was going to shiver with orgasm again. As she panted, moaning with need, gasping for breath, she heard him mention his name… Bryan. His name was Bryan… she belonged to Bryan the shifter-man. She was his now, wholly and completely in a way she didn't understand. Her innocence was his. He'd taken it and she'd given it and she couldn't even remember any longer how it all had started, just that now things had been set in motion and couldn't be undone.

Suddenly, Elana was screaming out again, release washing over her as her swollen clit was granted what it both wanted and needed. She could feel Bryan so deeply inside of her as her legs spread wide to accept him in this form he'd taken. She could feel the slickness of her juices dripping along her thighs and wondered if any of it was a bit of blood given her loss of virtue. She had to admit, she expected there to be more, but somehow she didn't think it was overly bad. Or not as much as she'd thought there would be given the rumors she'd been told there would be upon the fateful day she finally let a man take away her most precious gift she could ever offer him.

"Your Princess… I'm your Princess, Bryan…" Elana mewled as Bryan sped up his thrusts and she rode out the final throes of her orgasm.

Elana opened her eyes to look up at Bryan. His eyes definitely didn't look human, though she refused to look away now. And as she touched him, she could feel fur rather than flesh. She knew she should be frightened, but she was finding that she no longer was now. No. She was accepting things in their entirety. She was his and he said he'd protect her, wouldn't leave her and she somehow knew he meant it. And what's more, she found herself liking that and knowing full well it was what she wanted and needed now. She was his. She would listen to him now. She would obey. She would follow.