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Big Bad, Little Red, and the Hunters. (Fates.Gamble and Gunner)

LilGunner

Nonsolis radios sediouis fulmina mitto.
Joined
Jul 16, 2017
Location
Michigan
Death metal always made her feel better. Maybe not better but neutral at least. Blue eyes were red and puffy, her freckle specked nose just as red. Three family pets cross the Rainbow Bridge that day. Literally the worst part of being a vet. The man who owned the animal hospital was older, kind and considerate. There was silence for when the families had to say their goodbyes and he waited two weeks before sending a bill. Still, it was always heartbreaking. Oh, that and she had caught her boyfriend of four years cheating that morning. It was just a very good day for her. Danny Filth soothed her soul, just a little even if, admittedly, she only understood one word in five for most of the songs.

Catriona, Catty as she preferred, had removed her lab coat and scrubs for the drive home. She wore little workout shorts under her scrubs and a simple tank top. Her curling red hair was caught up with a large, leaf-shaped leather barrette. Gentler on her curls and easier to remove than even a scrunchie. Too bad the scrunchie trend died out twenty years ago. Her car was old and well worn. Well over 100,000 miles, 16 years old, it needed replacing. Too bad rent was painfully expensive in the city and a doctorate wasn't exactly cheap either. She was lucky to be taken on by Dr. Henderson. While the money was enough to afford her bills and some enjoyment there wasn't much else. She'd prefer to get an apartment in the nice little suburb where the animal hospital was. Trouble was the suburb had crazy expensive "McMansions" as she liked to call them. Pop-up suburbs with massive, cookie cutter homes that went for $400,000 or more. They drove the surrounding prices up. An apartment inside the city was surprisingly cheaper. A studio apartment in not exactly the best of neighborhoods. Catty was safe enough though, apparently. She had taken care of a few neighborhood dogs and her payment was "watching her back." She tried not to think exactly what that meant but it seemed to work, no one bothered her. Though it was often recommended she get herself a dog or even a gun, just in case. Neither of which she felt like she could afford anyways.

Only a mile or so outside of the city. It was dark on the two-lane road. With all the construction it was easier to take backroads in. Catty wasn't the most confident of drivers and preferred to take the roads that made the least turns possible. Even though the back roads were darker, and it took her an extra fifteen minutes, there were far fewer other cars to worry about. She had been driving that road for half a year. Since it was later the deer should already be bedded down to sleep. It gave her more time to focus on her heart. How it felt ripped in two once more. This was the last time, the only time. It had to be. Of anything she couldn't tolerate it was cruelty to animals and disloyalty. When she got home she was going to open some wine and some Ben and Jerry's maybe put on a...

Something was in the road! Catty slammed on her breaks and swerved. Her father had always said don't do that. What if it was an animal?! With a few erratic jerks of the wheel she came to a grinding halt. Tears were gone and she was sure her heart was in her ass. Catty took a sudden, gasping breath as the adrenaline coursed her veins. Her head throbbed to her music, which she quickly reached over to turn off. What the hell just happened? Limbs shaking like a chihuahua shitting a cueball she slowly exited her car. If it was a deer corpse she would have to call the DNR. Unplugging her phone she headed to the shadow bulk in the road. Her feet skittered to a halt.

That was the biggest damn dog she had ever seen in her life. It could be a wolf! No, wolves didn't live here. Not for hundreds of years! Just a big dog. Maybe a hybrid. Slowly she approached, focusing the light from her phone on the dog. It was still breathing and looked wounded. Maybe even sick. Catty didn't even hesitate. Was she a licensed veterinarian or wasn't she? Heart still hammering, blood rushing in her ears, she backed up her old car near the dog. It took a good ten minutes of grunting and profuse sweating to lug its massive body into her back seat. Just how she would get it up to her studio...she would worry about later. In ten miles. With the dog safely in the back and as buckled in as possible they started their trek into the city.

The apartment building was decently secure. Well the parking lot. She entered her code in and the arm bar raised to let her in. Right to her personal spot she parked and got out. How the hell was she going to get the dog up to her apartment? More grunting and sweating she managed to get it out of her car at least and began hauling it towards the building. Just as she got to the door it swung open. "Catty!" Came a low, growling voice. She looked up. "Raymond! Boy am I glad to see you! Help me out?" She asked. Raymond was an older gentleman but strong and burley. He had worked as a bouncer since he was 15. Honestly, while Catty couldn't picture him working any other job, he seemed like too much of a teddybear to be a bouncer. She had never been to the club her worked at, namely because it was a stripper joint, so didn't know what he was like on the job. "Uh...yeah sure...new patient?" He asked, raising up his eyebrows and scratching his bald head. "Something like that."

Between the pair of them they got the massive dog up to her apartment. It was decently furnished, barely decorated and very small. Hell, the big dog seemed to take up half of the main floor space. With a thanks and promise of poker on Sunday Raymon left Catty with the large dog. "Ok boy...let's see what we can do for you." She said to it as she grabbed her traveling kit and fixed him up as best a possible, complete with a rabies vaccine and an I.V. "Well...that should do it..." She covered the dog with a blanket when it was all done before going to the kitchen. As she had promised herself before she got a glass of cheap wine, Ben and Jerry's halfbaked, and settled down on the couch near the dog. Dogs didn't know to keep still if they have an I.V. In and she'd rather he not rip the vein open. If he woke she wanted to be there to keep him settled. For the first time since running across the dog she wondered if he was tame. Maybe bringing an unknown dog into her apartment wasn't the most brilliant of ideas.
 
The night air held a sense of unease as the members of their pack stood in the circle, The night of the New Moon brought tension every month, as unlike the Full Moon; a cause for celebration, these gatherings were more so a forum to express woes and concerns. And lately, there’d been plenty of reason for concern. At one point their pack had been 15 strong. Now they were down to eight, and as the days wore on the threat of losing more was becoming all too real. Everyone was on edge with the realization they could be next to fall to their most cunning and organized enemies.

Their alpha stood above the others; perched upon the ancient stone formation he’d addressed them from so many times before. The cliffs just outside of the city had been their gathering spot for decades. Looming above the trees, the gnarled rocks stretched for the sky; the closest one could get to the moon in this territory. Of course tonight, their deity was absent. Without the silver light to bathe them, they appeared nervous shadows in the night. “Times are changing,” he addressed his kin. “If the hunters haven’t found us yet, they will soon.” His strong voice fell silent as he let them drink in the reality of that moment. “This has been our home for generations, but now it is no longer safe. Now is the time to return to our ancestral home; the lands from whence we came.”

This sent a murmur of uncertainty through the pack. One member decided to speak up, stepping forward to break the circle. “You can’t be serious father.” Aeric, the Alpha’s son, was young; still in the prime of his manhood. But he held an air of impressive authority. He was strong of body and mind; with a chiseled chest, an iron jaw and penetrating eyes of the deepest emerald beneath a mane of ebony locks. He’d proven himself a powerful member of their pack on several occasions, though was often prone to butt heads when it came to various beliefs they carried. “What are we supposed to do exactly?” he continued on, “Run off to Norway and become sheep herders? Play 21st century Viking?”

Plenty of the elders loved to drone on about the days of their ancestors before they settled in these lands centuries ago. It went far beyond a homesick fondness for their birth lands though; many of his pack spouted the nonsense that they were the descendants of Fenrir himself; Mighty king of wolves betrayed by the other gods and bound until his wrath brings the end of days. Aeric however, grew up in the modern world. He accepted the things that made sense, not the fairytales and longings of old wolves past their prime. “Are we cowards?” He demanded, the shadow of a snarl crossing his face as his eyes narrowed, “Or are we wolves? I say we fight this threat. We find them and rip their hearts out!”

“Stay your tongue, Aeric!” commanded the Alpha. “This rash temper would see us all killed. We are but eight wolves, boy! Do you understand the gravity of what we’re up against? Even if our pack was at full strength we could not hope to stand for long. Our only chance of survival is to leave this place; to get beyond their reach.” Sounds of agreement resonated throughout the group, but his son remained unconvinced. Stepping down to his level, Aeric’s father placed a hand on his shoulder in consolation. “I know this is the only life you understand. But that doesn’t mean it’s the only life you shall ever know. One day you shall take my place as Alpha… and you will come to see reason in these most difficult of decisions.”

Aeric wasn’t so content to agree, but before he could argue further the attention of all eight lycans were snagged by a peculiar scent. Their heads swiveled, silence blanketing the air as they peered into the inky obscurity like animals who’d heard a peculiar sound. “What is it?” Aeric asked quietly, sniffing the air. His answer came in a sudden whistling sound as a crossbow bolt sliced through the air and sunk right into his father’s chest. Angry shouts followed an instant later as a group of men burst out of the darkness. But Aeric could scarcely comprehend the sudden ambush. He’d reached out to grab his father, crumbling to the ground as the alpha’s legs gave out on him.

“Dad!” He shouted, trying to keep him alert as his eyes rolled into the back of his head. Panicking, he looked over his shoulder towards the source of the shouting and saw the man who’d fired the weapon. Dressed in dark black garb and a wide brimmed hat, he couldn’t make out the man’s face before noticing the crossbow he was reloading. The other lycans had already scattered, most shifting to their bestial forms as they dashed to engage the sudden enemies. But Aeric’s attention was solely on the one who’d taken down their leader. Snarling, he leapt away from his wounded father, making a mad sprint for the Hunter. With his weapon primed, he took aim at Aeric and fired.

Before his finger could squeeze the trigger however, the young lycan shifted. Dropping to the form of a massive, shaggy black wolf with ivory jaws and hellish green eyes, the bolt went zipping right past where his head used to be. His clothes were left in a jumble on the ground, carelessly discarded as he leapt at his prey. His wicked jaws closed around the hand closing the crossbow, snapping and gnawing and looking to inflict as much damage as possible. His foe screamed; a terrible sound mixed between anger and pain. Aeric was too busy to notice him reaching with his free hand; going for the hilt of a narrow sword sheathed at his hip. He drew the weapon and struck in the same fluid motion, and a piercing howl of pain cut through the night as the wolf felt cold metal slice through his chest and stomach.

Aeric hit the ground hard, whimpering as he tried to scamper away from his assailant. Lycans were superiorly fast healers and more than capable of taking their fair share of pain… but something was wrong here. His wound burned like molten fire and he could feel blood pooling out of him at an alarming rate. Wide, fear-stricken eyes viewed the sword in his enemy’s hand. He quickly came to realize the blade was not steel, but silver. An incantation in a strange language was etched into the face of the weapon, looking especially foreboding when laced with his blood. Aeric snarled as he tried to inch further away, barely able to stand on all fours. The Hunter snarled right back at him, drops of scarlet dripping from his hand as well as his blade.

At a loss, all the black wolf could do was retreat, his panicked eyes wildly surveying the scene. The other members of his pack were fairing no better. Two hunters were down bloody on the ground, but all of the other 7 were quickly overcome. Who’d been killed and who’d only been wounded was impossible to tell. Before he could even formulate a plan, he suddenly felt himself at the cliff’s edge. With his enemy approaching, there was no other choice. He ignored the pain; adrenaline helping him to lunge in a last ditch effort. But the hunter was ready for him. He didn’t even bother to lift his blade; the lycan being so sluggish now that one well-timed kick was all it took. Aeric found himself thrown back from the hit, sending him right over the cliffside.

The world was a painful blender of blunt objects as he hit the rocks several feet below and rolled down the hillside. By the time he finally crashed through the trees below he could scarcely recall what just happened, let alone stand up. He was conscious of the shape of the Hunter high up above, staring down upon his broken body. When the wolf wasn’t moving, he left the cliffside, moving on to the rest of the pack. It took a while after that, but Aeric found the strength to move again. The prospect of survival looked grim, but he knew to remain here would mean certain death. With slow effort he was able to get to his feet; too battered to shift back into his human form. All he could do was put as much distance between him and the hunters as he could. The anguished howls of his kin’s suffering haunted him the whole way.

When he finally broke free of the tree line, he struggled up the dip that led to the old quiet road. Few people traveled on it, especially this time of night, but maybe just maybe he could find help. Of course his senses were so skewed he could barely process the fact he’d made it this far. His legs gave out by the time he made it to the asphalt, the loss of blood driving him to the point of unconsciousness. He was barely aware of the blinding headlights as he collapsed, his vibrant green eyes fluttering closed as darkness enveloped him. Luckily he was still breathing, albeit it shallowly by the time his happenstance rescuer appeared. He was already well out of it upon her arrival, completely unaware of the transpiring events…

~
Out of the darkness of his mind, a massive figure materialized. Suddenly, he’d taken the form of a mighty wolf; bigger than the Earth itself, with a thick coat of flawless silver fur. His eyes were wild and untamed; like the very forces of nature as they burned furious and red. Throwing his head back, he howled; a sound so powerful it shook the universe to its very core. The planets, the stars and everything inbetween trembled as they heard his fearsome name: Fenrir. God of Wolves and herald of the end times.

Yet something wasn’t right. Despite his immense power, huge chains shot out of the gloom, snaring themselves around his massive paws and strong back and bringing him to the ground. He roared in protest, his jaws opening wide to swallow the world in revenge. But a sword appeared; narrow and silver with a strange inscription. It formed between his jaws, wedging them wide open and unable to snap closed. Tears filled the eyes of the once mighty wolf as he realized he’d been beaten. And in the acceptance of his defeat, the hand of a hunter appeared. It reached out, taking grip of the sword and pulling it free of his jaws. Then without word, the giant raised his sword, and brought it crashing down upon the wolf’s neck.
~

Aeric’s eyes snapped open upon the God’s death, coming to a startling realization he was still alive. Confusion clouded his mind as he tried to remember what happened and where the hell he’d ended up. Instinctively he tried to jump to his feet, unaware he was tethered by an IV. As soon as he felt the resistance and the painful tug of the needle however, everything came back to him. He sagged under the agony of his wounds, collapsing back to the ground as quickly as he got up. His mind ran wild as he realized there were stitches where the sword cut through; bandages around one of his legs and not to mention the IV drip. Anxiety coursed through him, coming to assume the hunters must have caught him.

There was no hesitation; complete intelligence in the way the wolf appraised the needle stuck in his arm and closed his jowls around it. In one swift pull he yanked it right out and attempted to get back to his feet. He’d heard more than enough stories of what happened to things like him if they caught and taken to facilities. The hell if he was going to be a guinea pig or locked in some cage for the rest of his life. But as soon as he took a step forward on wobbly paws, the stark reality of his location settled in. The homey studio apartment certainly didn’t seem like a testing facility. All too slowly did he finally turn to notice the fiery little red head coming at him. Aeric rebounded at once, lunging away from her despite his battered body. He put as much distance between him and the woman as he could, fur going on end as he snarled at her with impressive, pearly white teeth.

This was quite the curious situation. Given her carefree attired and tiny little home looking more than a little lived in, it would have been a damn good effort if someone was trying to trick him. But everything was muddled right now, clouding his senses. One of his stitches had popped open, leaving a sprinkling of fresh blood on her floor, but he ignored that, keeping ready to rip this girl’s throat out if he had to. Despite his defensive nature however, his intense green eyes watched her like a curio. Just who was this girl? In his beaten down state he wouldn’t be shifting into a man to ask her anytime soon. He just had to play this safe, waiting to see what she would do.
 
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Catty wasn't expecting the dog to wake any time soon. She figured she would be a couple glasses in and half the pint down before he even began to stir. Titanic played but she wasn't entirely paying attention. Her attention was a couple blocks away probably balls deep in some bitch. Though it was partially in front of her as well. The massive, shaggy black dog. Still she was convinced he couldn't be a wolf. Definitely a he and definitely didn't have owners that believed in stopping unwanted canine reproduction. Maybe he was a show dog or something, she didn't know and it wasn't her business. What was her business was the amount of wounds on the poor dog. They didn't seem like wounds from another dog, too clean. Maybe someone had gone after him? That was terrible. Catty couldn't abide animal cruelty.

'You jump I jump....' the famous quote passed through her ears but she barely heard it as the canine began to stir. Her attention snapped to him as he suddenly jumped up. Though just as quick his impressive weight came crashing back to the floor. Catty winced but was up on her feet, wine and ice cream forgotten. "Hey boy, easy...easy," she said but was entirely disregarded. With a strangely keen sort of intellect her took the IV in his leg and drew it out. Catty blinked and stared. How did he...? He was already trying to get back up. "No no...down...lay down..." She said as she went after him to get him to lay down again. Immediately he was on the defensive. Fur bristling, backing away from her. Not so far given the size of her apartment. His snarl deep and aggressive, those green eyes wickedly vivid and his teeth fine and pearly. This was no stray that was certain.

"Easy...easy...it's ok," she said in a slow, gentle voice. She backed away from him and went to the kitchen. Dogs couldn't resist any kind of treat. She rifled in her fridge and took out some chicken from her meal prepping. For an injured dog she could have a cheap peanutbutter sandwich for lunch instead of chicken. She filled up a bowl of water too and walked close, but not too close to him. In slow, easy movement she sat down on the floor, her right side facing him. She was careful not to make direct eye contact, to not seem like a threat. Next to her she set the bowl of water. She leaned just a little towards the dog and tossed half of the chicken toward him. It lay halfway between where he stood and she sat. Though sitting she was at perfect maw level. He could end her with ease. She kept the other half held in her hand. He needed to come close to establish at sort of trust. A very tasty treat for a likely hungry pooch. A dog his size would need a lot more food at some point though.

"There now...easy...it's ok," she said in the same slow, gentle voice. "I'm not gonna hurt you bud, I'm a friend. I just want to help. Come on, come over here. It's chicken. Yummy yummy." Catty was patient. Despite ice cream melting on her floor she waited for him to calm down, all the while speaking gently, trying to coax him over to her. By the way she spoke and her actions one thing was very clear. She was entirely certain he was just a dog. Even with the odd wounds and apparently keen intellect.
 
Aeric could not stop the sporadic flash of images popping up in his brain. The sight of seeing that crossbow bolt sink into his father’s heart was like an open wound, constantly reminding him of the pain. But that sight was not nearly as horrifying as the thought of the scarred face approaching him in the dark, silver sword in hand. He tried to put this all in the back of his mind though, weak legs barely holding him up as he glared his captor down. He may have been a man in truth, but after everything that happened he was every bit the scared, untrusting animal he appeared to be. Wild green eyes bounced appraisingly, intelligently around the room, as if surveying every possible escape route. This place was far too small for his liking; there was nowhere to go and he was too weak to put up a good fight if she came at him. No way could he open the door without thumbs…

But something in his expression changed as he cast his gaze towards the finer details of her apartment. His head looked right at the TV as he heard a familiar penny whistle song… Spotting the Half-Baked ice cream and the wine shortly after, he quickly surmised that if this girl was a government agent she was a pretty fuckin weird one; and probably heartbroken. Perhaps there was not quite so much to fear… yet his fur bristled and his ears fell flat, his whole body practically shaking as she he watched her walk towards the kitchen. His eyes drank in every movement, showing none of that tell-tale interest as she came back with water and food. When she set the bowl down and broke up the chicken and he finally paid attention to the soothing words of her voice, he realized what was going on.

Gods… how degrading. He couldn’t help but think as she treated him like a house dog. What the hell kind of woman brought a wounded wolf into her apartment thinking it was a house pet? His eyes dropped from her to the meat she threw on the floor. Oh this day was just getting better and better. Nothing like getting your belly sliced and watching your entire family destroyed by a Van Helsing wanna-be, followed by a hearty meal off a dirty floor. Hopefully it was cooked at least; a nasty case of salmonella sounded like just the thing to top it all off. Worse yet, after such an ordeal his stomach growled painfully in temptation to eat it. It was the water bowl he truly had eyes for, but that was right next to her.

His growling had stopped as he carefully considered the girl. She seems innocent enough… he thought to himself. I mean, she’s watching Titanic in the middle of the night; how much of a threat could she be? He took a tentative step forward, his eyes swapping back to the IV and medical equipment. That was his true worry. Was it a coincidence he just landed into the hands of some sort of EMT or Nurse? Or was this just all some elaborate plan? He’d been cautioned many times on just how clever the hunters and the men behind them were. In the end, he decided he just had to take a chance. His parched throat was too hard to ignore; he desperately needed that water. Another couple more tentative steps forward; now more so because of the searing pain in his bones rather than his anxiety over the woman.

As he padded near the discarded chicken he bent down to take a sniff, but hungry as he was his stomach roiled over the effort it would take to eat it anyway. He just ignored the meat, body crouched low and eyes watching her carefully as she tried to coax him nearer. Fuck my life… He silently thought, swallowing his pride over the fact he was being lured in like a hapless puppy. He gave a warning growl as he came within reaching distance, his posture doing its best to keep itself as far away as possible. Of course her crafty little trick of putting the only source of water he could reach right beside her wasn’t helping in that regard. Screw it, he finally decided, laying himself right down next to her where he could easily lap up the cool waters with his tongue. It did wonders to soothe his throat and lessen some of the throbbing in his head.

When he had his fill, he pulled back and licked his snout, wetting his terribly dry nose. Now that he was not quite so parched maybe he could think of a way out of this mess. Then again… He was reminded painfully of his wounds, and his eyes fell on the girl once more. Maybe this was a good thing. If she really was an EMT than she could finish patching him up at least. If the hunters had any reason to come looking for him they’d never suspect to find him in the apartment of a strange woman. For the sake of survival maybe just this once he could stoop to such pathetic levels…

Aeric was never very good at Drama but he certainly played it up with his whimper as he ambled forward, hesitantly inching closer to her. If there’s one thing he could tell by her gentle, soothing voice that she was an animal lover. How else would be crazy enough to put a bleeding, dying wolf in the back of their car without a second thought? He went right in for the kill, shuffling himself over her legs and plopping all of his big fluffy weight right into her lap; oh so carefully exposing the fact that he wounds needed a little extra tending to in the haphazard position. He continued whining; soft miserable whimpers. It was mostly to ham it up… but as he sat there feeling the warmth of her body and her healer’s touch, he took comfort in it. Weird as this was, he’d just lost his entire family. Nothing terrified him so much as what events would follow, but at least this place might keep him safe for the night.
 
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The seconds ticked by and the dog was not calming down. She could see some stitches had split and he was bleeding again. If he didn't relax she didn't know what to do. Maybe it would have been wiser to muzzle him. All she could do was keep her attention elsewhere while she spoke calmly to him. Try and put him at ease. It was strange he wasn't eager for the chicken at lest. Even a quick lunge for the food before retreating. Though she kept her face and body pointed away from him as she spoke gently she kept glancing over at him. His eyes, fierce and green, seemed keen as he looked around. Maybe for an escape? It was very strange behavior. Then again So was pulling out the IV like he had. A very strange dog.

Finally his growling ceased. Well it was a step in the right direction. Catty smiled a little. Maybe he was finally realizing she meant him no harm. She was there to help. More, importantly, she had food. Treats were the easiest way to gain the trust of a dog. "There's a good boy..." she said as she dared to turn her head just a little to get a better look at him. Wounds had definitely opened back up. Not bad but with his sudden movements he must have broken some of the stitches. Perfect. The best she had was topical lidocaine. That or super glue. Honestly, small, sterile vials of super glue were a medical marvel. His coat was beautifully thick and dark as sin. She already knew it but he was absolutely massive. Catty couldn't bring herself to believe he was a wolf. That would just be silly. There weren't wolves in the area. He seemed interested in the chicken at first but only sniffed at it, passing it up. Red eyebrows quirked in surprise. She was sure he would want some.

No, instead he made his way closer. The water. Poor fella must be parched. He was slinking forward. Catty could tell each step was agony. She almost felt bad for keep the water far from him, making him walk. At the same time she needed to get him to trust her. To know she was a friend. As he got close she stopped her coaxing and just kept her gaze forward. She heard the final warning growl before he lowered himself to the ground and drank noisily. With slow, easy movement Catty edged her hand over. Her small, gentle fingers brushed his fur before she laid her hand on his back. Featherlight she didn't even rest the full weight of her hand on him at first. Slowly she eased her arm, letting the weight settle on his back. His fur was delightfully soft. She had a sudden urge to ruffle him and wrap her arms around his big, fluffy body. Yes, even vets got excited about fluffy dogs.

When he stopped drinking Catty let herself turn her head towards him. He seemed to have relaxed finally. Maybe he at least realized she wasn't a threat. Catty inhaled to speak to him again but stopped at the long, low whine. She paused, holding the breath as he looked up at her with those eerily intelligent yet suddenly liquid green eyes. Her own bright blue stared down, releasing the held breath in a woosh as he whined and whimpered at her, slowly shifting himself towards her. "Well this is..." she began right up until he flopped most of his weight into her lap. "Oof!...different," she finished with a small groan. It was as if someone had magically swapped dogs on her! Well she got what she wanted, right? He seemed to shift just right for his wounds to be easily accessible for her. "If I didn't know better I'd say you're smarter than the average pooch," she said to him with a small grin. Silly of course. Catty had to lean back and stretch for her kit. Really it was a tackle box but it was perfect for a traveling kit.

"There we are ok...good boy..." she said softly as she began her work again. "Now if you have even a bit of sense you'll take it easy...cone and hobble you if you don't behave..." She gave a short quiet laugh. He was warm across her lap and she didn't mind a little blood on her legs as she fix him back up once more. Rather than put him through stitches while away she opted to tie what she could of the thread back up and bind the rest with super glue. With that done she wrapped the wounds with bandages so he at least couldn't lick them over much. She paused every so often to gently stroke his neck and back. "Gosh you're a handsome boy, aren't you? Maybe I'll run a test at work," she said as she lightly scratched the back of his neck. "Check you for a chip too, no collar but I bet your owner must be missing you. No way you're a stray."

He was all fixed up but Catty seemed content to let him lay on her lap. Her hand gently stroke his fur from neck to flank. She smiled down as she studied him. His dark coat, massive paws and pearly teeth. "You know...I kind of hope you are a stray. I've been thinking about getting a dog. Think you'd like to stay here with me? Feed you good food, we can watch bad movies, go for walks, go to the park. I think that'd be nice." She spoke idly to him as if he could understand. That was silly of course but it didn't stop her. Better than talking to herself, right? Catty yawned widely and groaned. It was really late, she needed to get to bed. Just as careful as always she slid out from under him and got up. First she had to clean up the mess she had made. A waste of good ice cream. "You're lucky I like you...wasted damn near a whole pint..." she said with a fake frown followed quickly by a laugh.

Before heading back to the small bedroom she refilled the water dish for him and shredded up some chicken on a plate. He might get hungry later. She put the chicken and water near him and trotted to her bedroom. Catty was gone only a couple minutes before returning with a massive, fluffy, down comforter. Easily the third most expensive items in her apartment, after the television and couch, she folded it up some and laid it out on the floor for him. There was no carpet and she knew he might be more comfortable on something soft. She had other blankets. "I'd appreciate it if you didn't rip this up..." she said with a small sigh as she stood up and put her hands on her hips. "Or...pee on it or whatever. But you need somewhere better than the floor to sleep." Catty stepped over to him and crouched down, gently stroked him and rubbing his ears. "Good night handsome," she said with a bright smile before heading to her bedroom. Living alone she never bothered closing the door and having the dog around was no different. By the time she got to bed Catty only just remembered she was upset about her cheating boyfriend. Weird how easily she had forgotten.
 
As far as humiliating experiences went, this was topping the charts. Aeric was already feeling low from how easily the human bested him; now he was being treated like a common pet. It was like the world wanted to beat some unknown lesson into him. He tried not to think about it too much, lying as still as he could across her lap while she saw to his injuries once again. He didn’t really listen to the words she was saying, just closed his bright green eyes and tried to will this day to be over already. Her voice was calming at least, and she had a deft touch that told him she knew what she was doing. It eased much of his tension, but did little to help him escape the dark thoughts inundating his mind.

The shadowed face of the scarred hunter was like a picture burned directly into his retina. He didn’t see enough of the man to get an idea of what he looked like, but he knew if he saw that scored chin again he’d recognize him. Just who the hell were those guys anyway? He’d come across his fair share of hunters, but never anyone like the man who’d laid him low. Cross-bows and swords? What the hell was this, a renaissance fair? In the age of modern technology, what kind of hunter still relied on such ancient weapons outside of the most special situations? And that language on his blade… there had to be more to these enemies than the average affair.

His eyes opened to become glued to the door while Catty bandaged him back up. He felt like it would spring open at any minute, revealing a cloaked man who’d come to finish the job. A pang of guilt came with the fear as his gaze shifted back to the redhead who worked so diligently on him. She seemed a sweet enough girl; hell she saved his life after all. Was it right to endanger her like this; to play the part and use her as his shield? Not that there was much choice with how hurt he was. I’ll just have to leave as soon as I’m well enough to shift again, he thought. Normally that wouldn’t take long, but he’d never been quite this injured. And given the nature of the weapon that damaged him so, who could say when it would heal.

When Aeric heard her talking of lab tests and microchips he uttered a groaning sigh. Perhaps she was a veterinarian? Ugh this was going to be a pain in the ass. He really hoped he could shift before day break; no way he wanted to go through all of that. If she was convinced to keep him in a shelter or animal hospital that could seriously complicate things when he was able to drop this form. Suddenly this looked like it was becoming a race against time. He continued to sigh, appearing a very disconcerted mass of ebony fur as she stroked his neck. How the hell was he going to get out of this mess… At least her interest in keeping him here was a little inspiring. It would be much easier to catch his bearings if he had a safe house like this for a bit. Not that he had any intentions of actually being this woman’s dog. But if he needed a place to rest up he couldn’t look a gift horse in the mouth. Who knew if it was safe to go back to his own home?

You looking for a dog or a boyfriend? He couldn’t help but silently ask as she laid out her list of activities. The poor girl seemed as lonely as the world just rendered him. Though, if she asked Aeric’s opinion, maybe she would be better off with a little dog instead of a legitimately wild animal that took up half of the apartment. If she was indeed a vet, she was an eccentric one. He might have found her personality charming if he wasn’t so god damn miserable right now. He let his misery be known in the form of a loud grunt as she shifted her legs out from under him, suffering reminders of his bangs and bruises even with her careful maneuvering. He laid perfectly still, trying not to test his wounds while he watched her go about cleaning up the mess and placing the rest of the food next to him. Well, at least it was chicken instead of kibbles.

Now that he was a little more alert his stomach had settled enough to indulge. He’d cleaned the plate before she returned with the comforter, only to stare up at her as she put her hands on her hips and laid out the rules for using it. He huffed; something of a little grunt as if a frustrated acknowledgement. Luckily for her his dignity would keep him from partaking in such animalistic behavior. He’d be lying if he said the idea wasn’t a little bit tempting though, just to get back at her over being treated like a dog in the first place. It was just an exasperated thought however; not like she knew any better. He ambled right over to the makeshift bed and settled himself into it. His head was flat and perfectly still as she stroked his ears and called him handsome. At least she knew that much at least, he considered with a little amusement.

He watched her go for the bedroom before shutting his eyes and trying to get some much needed repose. His sleep however, was broken and unrestful. If the pain of his abdomen wasn’t keeping him awake, his foul thoughts and worse dreams kept stirring him instead. Every hour or so, his eyes would pop open, leaving him to attempt shifting only to woefully try falling back to slumber in failures. After a few rounds of this, Aeric groaned, rising up from the comforter to test his legs. He was gaining some of his strength back, at least. It was an effort but he could manage walking. His curiosity getting the better of him, he decided to investigate the apartment of his rescuer a little bit.

He tried to get a glimpse of just who she was by scoping out her belongings and any pictures or mail she had laying around. He spotted the name Catriona on something, but couldn’t say for certain if it was in reference to her. At the end of his rounds of her home, he stalked towards the open door of her bedroom. The dark fur of the wolf blended into the inky darkness, betrayed only by the glowing emeralds watching the sleeping girl. He took the time to really drink in the features of her freckle-kissed face. He could think of worse girls to play with. She was quite cute actually; a definite catch. As he cast his gaze to the rest of the room he noticed a pair of discarded scrubs, confirming she was indeed in some sort of medical field. It was such a twist of luck that she should find him on the otherwise most unfortunate night of his life.

Quietly, he slinked back out of the threshold and returned to his comforter. Instead of using it as a bed he gripped it with his teeth and stalked over to the couch. His massive size let him hop up easily enough to spare his wounds, though his body still complained with agony. Still it was better than the floor blanket or no. With his injuries leaving him so worn out, even his fur hadn’t been enough to keep him war. So he curled up on the couch, dragging the blanket over him so that only his head poked out on the cushion. Finally cozy and warm, his eyes fluttered closed and he finally found the rest he needed; leaving him in the same exact position well after dawn.
 
Catty slept comfortably through the night. There was a great deal she was unaware of. The wild animal prowling about her apartment for one. That same creature trying to read her mail and look through her pictures, most of which were just photos of friends and family in cheap DIY type frames. There was nothing extraordinary about anything in the apartment. Right down to the cheap, mass produced art on the walls. The nightlife outside of the apartment, however, was quite lively. Shouting sometimes, sirens every so often. Aeric was lucky that there were no gunshots that evening. It was, at minimum, a monthly occurrence. The apartment was, at least, decently secured with a sturdy deadbolt lock. Apparently she was also greatly unaware of the area she had chosen to call home, at least from an outsider's perspective. Still, as she had told her folks, it was simply cheaper until her bills could be paid. She never mentioned paying Carl's bills to them though. Something to consider at a later date. For the time she slept in her comfortable cocoon of ignorance.

A feint light dawned in her room along with strange, soft sounds. Almost like a quarter, accompanied by a piano, were playing in a field near a chattering brook. The sounds so soft at first even Aeric would struggle to hear with his wolfish ears. As time passed the sounds grew louder, the light brighter. In the kitchen the coffee pot suddenly beeped and turned itself on. By 0530 there was a full, dramatic concert coming from her room and a soft yet bright glow from her bedside. Catty yawned widely and reached over, tapping the gentle alarm clock. Such a pleasant way to wake in the morning. She stretched languidly for a moment, very tired from being up so late. Have to go to the gym. "No gym, no ice cream..." she grumbled as she pushed herself up to her knees. Another long stretch, a lazy feline waking from her afternoon nap. With another grumble she stepped out of bed and shambled to the kitchen, pulling on a thin, fake silk robe. By the time she made it to the kitchen a single mug was ready. A splash of milk, a dash of stevia and she headed to the couch.

For a moment she was started at the massive lump on her couch, her heart suddenly in her throat. "Oh yeah..." she said quietly. How could she have forgotten? Well it was early and she was tired. Catty gave a rueful smirk and she looked down at the massive, black dog. Pets on the furniture had never bothered her. Why shouldn't they be comfy too. What was odd was the fact he had pulled the comforter over her. That was an interesting trick for a dog to do. Sure she had seen it on the internet but never in person. Catty leaned over and gently stroked the top of his fluffy head. Hopefully none of his bandages loosened with a heroic leap onto the couch. Catty went and settled into a chair that matched the couch to fool around on Facebook while drinking her coffee. Nothing like silly cat videos to start the day.

Coffee downloaded she got up and went to her room to change and pack. She pulled on workout shorts, sports bra, tanks top, tied her curling red hair into a braid, then packed her bag with everything she would need for work. Before heading out she refilled the water for the dog, put out some more chicken and went back for a couple of farewell pets. With all that done she headed out for the day.

It was just after dark when she got back home, her bag over her shoulder and her arms laden with grocery bags. He sure was a lucky pooch. Catty believed in a more natural diet for dogs. "I'm home," she called into the apartment as she stepped in then toed the door shut. The grocery bags were full of meats, mostly cheaper cuts but dogs didn't know the difference. Veggies, fruit, other things for herself. Catty was quick to unpack the groceries and started cooking after pouring herself a small glass of wine. She had given him half of her prepped chicken already so she prepped some more while she cooked up some chopsteak for him. "Here you are boy," she said as she set down the steak she had cut up into small pieces with some vegetables and roots mixed in for a decent balance. "Maybe....if we find out you don't have an owner I should think about naming you..." As he settled in to eat so too did she, scratching away on a note pad and googling up names to potentially call him. It would seem Catty was becoming settled into the idea of keeping him.

The night wound down in a similar fashion. Catty checked the stitches and bandages, making sure all was well. Surprisingly better than well really. With his performance the other night she half expected him to break more stitches while she was away. "You are such a good boy..." she praised him as she finished the bandages and stroke his fluffy head. His fur really was beautiful and not just to look at, but to ruffle around and pet. So thick and silky. With him all set she settled in for a quick movie, opting for a Disney flick that evening. Almost ironically Beauty and the Beast. Once the movie was finished the bed time routine followed once more. Though this time she simply draped the comforter over the couch. "Well you behaved here last night so I guess it's alright. So long as you're comfortable." That was that. With a few more pets she headed to her room for bed.

The same routine followed for the next three days, though not needing to grocery shop she was home before dark. Each day she had something new for him. Actual bowls for his food and water, a handsome leather collar, a leash, some actual blankets so she could take her comforter back. She didn't bother with a dog bed knowing all too well he would probably just keep hopping onto the couch to sleep. Catty didn't try the collar just yet, still not knowing if he was actually owned. She also hadn't settled on a name yet, mostly just calling him "Buddy" or "Boy" or simply "Handsome." There was a small upset in the routine once night when her cell went off. She answered with a curt, "what?" A man's voice was on the other end, clearly drunk but attempting to sound apologetic. "Yeah...no....no....no you can't come back...no...stay the hell away from me Carl. You didn't leave anything there. No I don't want to talk. Don't call me again, I don't want to talk to you!" A loud screech of "fucking bitch!" came through as she pulled the phone from her ear and hung up, quickly blocking the number.

Though when friday rolled around she did as she had said and brought him to work with her.

It was a quiet little animal hospital. A few sick animals were kept in the back where she brought him. She weighed him, measured him, took some blood, cleaned his wounds up better, check for a chip. Checking for a chip certainly took the longest of everything. She checked three times before being satisfied that there was no chip. Her eyes lit up in delight, nearly sparkling as she grinned wide. "Well...maybe you can stay with me after all! Would you like that boy? Guess I'll have to actually pick out a name for you." The older Veterinarian, Dr. Henderson, comments on the massive black dog his protege had brought in. "You are sure that's a dog? Looks more like a wolf...or part bear." Catty just scoffed. "You know there are no wolves around here...he's probably a shepard mix...maybe mixed with Leonberger or something." The older gentleman didn't seem convinced. "Well we'll know after we get that blood work back."

Catty was positively ecstatic as she brought the dog home. It was selfish but she had been hoping there would be nothing and she could keep him. His massive, fluffy presence had been a comfort in the empty apartment. Up until her ex had called she had pretty much forgotten he existed. She promised a very big, very tasty meal that evening as they drove back home.

As soon as they arrived Catty started cooking. A great big T-bone for him and a filet for herself. Potatoes, mixed greens. As she cooked she kept going through various names. Most of which were Gods of some sort, from all branches of mythology. She was just setting out his meal when her phone rang. "Hey Jess, what's up?" She answered as she plated her own meal. Very suddenly she froze up and stared at the distant wall. "Wh....tonight?" She asked with a puzzled frown. "I mean yeah it's been a while but...yeah...yeah cheating. Well sure dancing is fun..." Honestly she had been a bit of a homebody for months, ever since starting up at the clinic. "Ally and Holly? Yeah of course I want to see them..." Catty huffed a small sigh. Clearly trying to get the girl to go out was worse than pulling teeth. "Ten? That's really late..." she grumbled some. "Yeah I know clubs don't open until that late...no it's close enough I can walk....yes I'll bring slip ons I'm not stupid...ok yeah sure see you then." She hung up her phone and sighed a little. She had a big night of watching movies and hanging out with her new dog. Catty looked over at him and smiled a little. "I have a sad life, huh boy? Maybe this will be good. We can go to the park or something tomorrow...maybe sunday. There a craft fair and wine tasting there this weekend, dogs allowed."

Catty was quick to finish up her meal then headed off to her room to shower and get ready. She was female and of course it was going to take the full four hours.

Shower and makeup were easy enough. She was careful to dry her hair, drying each curling lock so it fell in curling, shimmering waves of fire around her pale, soft face. Minimal eye makeup, a soft smokey look that made her blue eyes pop and shimmer like sapphires with soft lipstick and minimal contouring, more highlight than anything. Unlike most redhead she didn't bother trying to hide her freckles with her make up, though they were hard not to cover up. She ran the gambit of outfits, having to step out of her room for the full length mirror near the door. First a very small, strappy black dress with red heels. On the other end of the spectrum she tried jeans and a white, lacy tank top. Far too casual. She tried out a flowy pink number that was just god awful and she change back out of very quickly. Finally she settled on a sheer green, A-line skirt with a white miniskirt underneath. For a top and off the shoulder, poet bell sleeves mid-drift and tall, white pleather gladiator heels. She looked every bit like some celtic faery trying to blend into modern society.

"Ok...now you behave...I probably won't be gone long..." she said with a rueful grin as she gave her dog a quick pat and headed up, leaving her small, flat shoes on the table beside the door. Just like she said she wouldn't.

The walk wasn't too long to the night club from her place, only about eight blocks. A block away she could heard the throbbing music. Outside she spied Jess and Holly, both of them tall and lean blondes. Holly in a skimpy red dress while Jess wore a blue micro mini, a black tank top and a white duster. They waited only a little for the others to show before heading in. The music was pumping, lights flashing. The mod pulsating and heaving on the dance floor. The four women waded through the crowd to the bar for drinks. First two rounds of tequila shots then regular drinks. Catty was a fan of wine. This club served sparkling moscato with a splash of pomegranate vodka. It wasn't long before the tequila kicked in, followed by the sparkling wine and Holly managed to drag Catty to the dance floor. The group stuck together, dancing with the heavy beat, laughing and grinning. Even Catty was cutting loose, not exactly the best dancer ever but unabashed with a wild swing of her hips to the music.
 
The urban ambiance surrounding Catty’s place was far more disturbing than his home back in the quiet suburbs. It made an already tense night even more worrisome and unfamiliar. Luckily, being hacked with a sword and kicked off a cliff did wonders for exhausting you to the point of a practical coma. Though his triangular ears perked at the sound of the music stirring his new roommate from her slumber, it did not interrupt his own. It wasn’t until Catriona appeared with coffee in hand and announced her surprise that his bleary eyes finally cracked open. He drank in the bubbly woman in her faux silk gown like he was dreaming. After a huge yawn with jaws wide enough to fit your head in, clarity came back to his foggy mind. Unfortunately, so did the pain.

He winced and shuffled deeper beneath the comforters, trying to stretch out as much as he could without testing his injuries. So much for bailing before dawn; now he’d be stuck going to the vet and being poked and prodded like an animal… all irony aside. Air nosily escaped his nostrils as she stroked his head. At least he didn’t have to worry about anyone in the pack finding out about this. They’d never let him live it down… But at least she wasn’t overbearing. His head remained still while his eyes shifted to watch her plop into the chair. As she pulled out her phone he painfully realized that he’d lost his in the hunter attack; one more complication to deal with.

Aeric continued to doze off and on while Catty got ready for work. He was still more worn out than he cared to admit, even with his recovery quickly apace. As soon as she was gone however, his head popped up to watch the door. Ears perked for her retreating footsteps, it wasn’t until he was sure she was off that he finally tried to shift again. His body groaned in protest, tingling with the familiar sensations of a skin change that would not actually come. He was getting closer but it would still take time. Grumbling, he shuffled back into the blankets and drifted off for a couple more hours. Nothing changed when he woke up, and now he was becoming impatient. Hopping from the couch he ate the food she left, then wandered Catty’s apartment out of boredom. Not that there was much to explore in her tiny living space… if he wasn’t able to shift soon he’d go crazy.

Fearing his sanity he hopped back up on the couch with TV remote caught between his teeth. He set it down on the cushion and used his massive paws and nose as best he could to hit the buttons. It was a surprisingly difficult effort; giving him five minutes or run around fucking with the outputs before he even managed to tune into anything. Changing the channels wasn’t much better… it was over an hour before he gave up on trying to get something he actually wanted to watch and just left it where it fell. He spent the entire day there, sprawled out over the couch caught between his thoughts and people buying homes he could never afford on HGTV; not that he was paying much attention but it made good background news and something to look at.

It helped the day pass by a little quicker, leaving Catty to find him in his stretched out pose with his eyes glued to the screen of the television that was very clearly turned off before she left for work. He shot up to growl when the door first began to unlock, but his keen nose quickly alerted him to the presence behind the door, allowing him to relax. He barely paid attention to her as she came home with the groceries; feeling lethargic and worthless after such a pitiful day of nursing his wounds. His eyes did however, fall upon the clock to make careful note of the time she got home. He scoped the amount of groceries she bought, calculating the time it took while he made a quick estimate of her schedule. With her gym and work routine her days seemed busy and long; that would work to his favor if his stay here was extended for any reason.

The smell of sizzling steak distracted him from his meticulous thought process. Even as a man such delicacy was hard to deny. What luck to land himself with an apparent vet who believed in an all-natural dog food diet! Maybe dogs really did have it better… if he couldn’t get out of this soon he might just risk being spoiled in her efforts to wait on him hand and foot. He ate the hearty meal with gusto after it was provided; trying to let her skill with cooking overcome the fact she was contemplating names for him now. Yeah, don’t get too attached darling, he thought, chomping down, As soon as I’m on two legs again they’re walking right out that door. Though, currently he was feeling perfectly content to spend just one more night.

I am, aren’t I? Aeric mused over her praise while she saw to his recovery. May as well have fun with it, it wasn’t often a woman wanted to dote over him quite this much. Little did she know the secret to his success was in truth the enhanced healing of his species. It wasn’t blatantly obvious to the naked eye just yet, but his cuts and sprains were healing much faster than was typical. Her being in the medical field it might become blindingly apparent if there was an increase in the rate. Hopefully he’d be gone before then; he was already exhibiting less than normal dog behaviors. The last thing he needed was to get busted by his savior. A thought for tomorrow perhaps, as he settled in with her to watch a movie. You could always do worse than Disney. Her ironic choice however, struck a deeper chord with him than he would have thought from an animated film.

By the time the movie reached its climax in the swell of the Mob Song, Aeric’s eyes were narrowed angrily at the screen. The way the humans rushed for the beast was painfully real after the ones who tried to kill him last night. Especially when his ears focused on the lyrics…

Sally forth! Tally ho!
Grab your sword, grab your bow
Praise the Lord and here we go!
…We’ll kill the beast!


Though it was not Gaston leading the charge… Aeric was hardly even aware of the movie at this point. All he could think of was the hunter who led the charge, sword and bow in hand, to slay his alpha; his father. And who could say what happened to the rest of his family? Were they gone from this world, or shivering alone, locked in cages by inhumane creatures that refused to understand them? It all made him far more emotional than any fucking Disney movie should have and needless to say he was in a foul mood again by the end of it. His dreams were every bit as haunting as the night before; filled with painful howls of Fenrir struggling against the weight of massive chains. Once more the wolf god submitted; only this time he changed, relinquishing his power to become a mortal man: Aeric. The alpha’s son looked up at his executioner, sickened by the wild grin on his scarred face as he brought the blade down once again.

The next day saw him in his worst mood since he arrived. He was even cold towards Catty, little rumbles of annoyance issuing every time she patted him on the head like a good little boy. The good little boy was getting good and pissed off. Three days in and he still couldn’t shift, though he could feel his body practically on the urge. It made him antsy as fuck, filling his mind with the idea that perhaps whatever was inscribed on that blade was meant to lock him in this state permanently. Even as his wounds began to close and his energy return, his body would not relent. He even managed a growl as Catty provided him with his new blankets that night. Oh, not handsome enough for the good stuff anymore am I? he grumbled to himself. Truthfully he didn’t notice that much of a difference when it came to sleeping but it let it bother him anyway. He was getting serious cabin fever now; the prospect of remaining her house pet growing louder and louder as she came home with new bowls and other amenities.



But everything changed on Thursday. After Catty left Aeric found himself pacing around the apartment in frustration. His massive paws padded back and forth across the hardwood, deep rumbling growls coming from the furious wolf. God damn it, why won’t this work!? He demanded of himself, trying to shift over and over again. It was like orgasm denial at this point; getting right there and then nope! And it was pissing him off all the more. He refused to give up though. If he had to stay like this he would literally go crazy. Now that a collar and leash were on the table he had to get the hell out of this body. With a deep breath, he focused his mind and gave it one last effort.

Fucking…. SHIFT!” He shouted, surprised to actually hear the words and nearly stumbling as, miraculously, the universe heeded his command and plopped him back into a biped. Aeric gasped as he flailed to catch his balance, the entire world suddenly feeling very, very off. But as soon as he caught himself on wobbly legs, his eyes went wide as joy washed across his human face. “YES!” he announced, triumphantly. His hands patted down his muscular chest and toned stomach, as if scarcely to believe it was real. “Ugh, fuck yes! Finally!” He relished in the sound of his own voice as he suddenly fell backwards into the couch, completely in the buff.

“God yes…” he continued to drone as he rolled around in cushions and blankets so very much like the wolf he’d been for so long. “No more fur…” he moaned. “Ugh no more tail and constant itching…” Everything felt amazing on his smooth skin. It must have been a good ten minutes before he finally caught himself and what he was doing. It was always a rough transition; that moment caught between man and beast. But he was soon brought back to Earth by a painful throb in his side. Groaning, he pulled up to a sitting position and appraised his abdomen. His transformation accelerated things. His stitches having dissolved in the change, the wound was fully closed now; looking very fresh and red. It still hurt like a son of a bitch though, and the effort of shifting suddenly left him very tired and hungry.

He ignored both wants, steadily rising back to feet he’d nearly forgotten how to walk on as he stumbled his way into the bathroom. He wasted no time getting into a steaming hot shower, taking all the time he could to run up her water bill a bit. “Ohhh… Fuck yeah” he breathed out, relishing in the warm water. Her products would leave him smelling like a woman but he didn’t care. He would finally be clean and fresh and human and everything would be right as rain again in time. With the tension steadily flowing out of his body, things were finally on the upswing. There was still the tragedy of his family to deal with; answers to be sought and vengeance taken. But he took all the joy in this moment that he could, uncertain if it was the shower that wet his cheeks or tears of happiness.

He used one of her towels to dry off while contemplating his next move. First things first he had to find out what happened to the rest of the pack; but where to start? Perhaps home… he thought. If by some chance one of his brothers or sisters escaped, that would likely be the first place they went. After filching a piece of Catty’s fruit he went straight for the door, only to stop as he reached for the handle. He’d only just realized he was completely in the nude; the perfect path to becoming a registered sex offender. Likewise, running around as a wolf was all good and fine but he lived on the other side of town and he couldn’t cross the whole city like that. What was he gonna do now?

Groaning, he strode into Catty’s room and looked through her drawers. He couldn’t believe where his mind was going as he looked for anything that would keep him covered just long enough to make it home. His best option appeared to be one of her favored workout shorts and tank top combos. They weren’t exactly a comfortable fit on his bulky body, and looked fucking ridiculous, but they covered everything albeit it with a bit of sculpting around his goods. As Aeric overlooked himself in the mirror he wished he just had a gun to end it all. They were definitely girly, but at least they were color neutral. Still, it looked like he was on his way to a precarious bachelorette party… Suddenly, being treated as a dog dropped several notches on his list of embarrassing moments.

Fortunately, none of her neighbors were around to witness the show as a strange man dressed in her clothes snuck out of her apartment. He tried ignoring any eyes that may fall on him as he hit the street and hailed down a cab though. He hopped into the back as soon as a driver stopped, eager to be out of the eye of the public. But that couldn’t hide him from the eye of his driver, who’s face was twisted with confused wonderment as he looked at his passenger in the rearview mirror. “Um…” he started to say.

“Just drive please…” Aeric woefully told him, followed by an address. It was the most silent, uncomfortable cab ride of his life. It didn’t help that he had to keep shifting on the leather seats, adjusting his junk in Catty’s tight little shorts. He’d take the hunter and his silver sword over this shit any day. And a new enemy would be made once they arrived at his home and he revealed he didn’t have the money to pay for this long carbide. Upon arrival he simply threw open the door and bolted. The cabby was slow to notice, though leap out of his car shouting. He reared in surprise as he saw no sign of his customer, only a big shaggy dog sprinting down the sidewalk with a pair of discarded shorts and a tiny tank top lying on the street near his car.

Aeric moved quickly to his large, three story family home a couple blocks down in the suburbs. He crept quietly along the hedges, keeping careful watch for people as the wolf trekked through a known path that snuck into his backyard; designed for anytime he family needed to be on the move in their bestial forms. Getting through the wrought iron fence, there was tons of privacy in his yard. The trees and shrubbery were grown to see to that. He was able to take his human form as he came upon the locked back door. With his knock unanswered and his keys being lost with his pants, wallet and phone, he was left little choice but to punch through a small window to reach inside and unlock it.

The scent of strangers filled his nostrils as soon as he was inside; they were here not very long ago in fact. As if that wasn’t enough, the entire place had been trashed. Drawers were empty, utensils thrown askew, furniture flipped, pictures smashed. Clearly the hunters knew more than just where the wolves gathered for their rituals. This ran deeper than he could ever have imagined… Now his home wasn’t even safe. He could tell by the air they were no longer here, but who knew if they had eyes on it? They could be waiting to lure any stragglers into a trap. Aeric decided to take a chance and work quickly to scope the place out. He went first to his bedroom; as ransacked as the rest of the house. His clothes were all intact if thrown askew. So far it didn’t seem like anything was stolen.

If he was gonna make this work he needed a simple outfit, easily disposable or concealable for anytime he needed to shift. The drawback to becoming a beast is your clothes weren’t inclined to hang around waiting for you to come back. He settled on a fine-fitting black t-shirt and faded denim jeans. A pair of dark grey sneakers and a single pair of socks would have to do. Everything else, he left behind as he moved on to the master bedroom. Diligent as the hunters were, they didn’t know every trick the wolves had up their sleeves. His father prepared his brood for this sort of event; showing him where to find a hidden stash if they needed it. A quick stomp to the right spot on one of the floor-boards flipped it open to reveal a bulky safety deposit box and a .45 pistol with one spare magazine of ammunition.

Aeric retrieved it all, tucking away the gun and pocketing the extra clip before counting out the cash; around $45,000.00 in total. Regretfully he didn’t have the means to carry that much money on him, and he certainly couldn’t go around lugging a deposit box. He didn’t exactly want to leave it all either, but considering the hunters hadn’t found it perhaps it would remain hidden. He took five grand for now, stuffing half in each pocket before replacing the rest to its proper resting place. He carefully situated the floor board and left the house before he pressed his luck any further.

Hailing another cab, he went to the base of the cliffs where he’d left his car the night this all started. He was able to pay for the fare this time, and enticing the driver with a $100 bill and the promise of another on his return, had him wait while Aeric scoped out the area. The cars of he and all his kin were gone; vanished is though they were never there in the first place. Winding off the road, he walked the trail back up to the summit. Everything looked different in the morning light; quiet and with absolutely no evidence that anything had gone wrong here. Aeric walked the area anyway, hopelessly searching for some sense in all of this. He approached the spot where his father fell, knelt there and ran his hand across the dirt. There wasn’t a single drop of blood to be found; not even so much as a footprint. Their sacred spot for singing to the moon was left desolate and hollow; an unmarked graveyard to times now gone.

“I’m sorry…” he said mournfully to the open air. His apologies were for the entire pack; for his failure to do anything to change this. But the world as his witness, he would hunt the ones responsible.

Heading back to his driver he pondered over his next destination. With his home no longer an option he needed somewhere else to sleep. He could easily afford a hotel but that would burn through the cash he’d taken rather quick. He wanted to avoid going back for more for as long as possible. So he gave the man the address for Catty’s place. He still had time to make it back before she was home for work. It wasn’t ideal, but he also had to admit that having her company made this all a little more tolerable. He paid him once they arrived, and rushed up to her apartment, once more lucky enough not to be spotted. He walked right through the unlocked door, luckily the place having been spared any burglaries other than his borrowed outfit. In a hurry, he ran to her bedroom and tore off his clothes. He did thigs very carefully, stuffing the extra clip of ammo into the bundle of his socks before stuffing that into one of his shoes and the actual gun into the other. Then he held his shoes together tight and wrapped them up in his shift, followed by his jeans, careful to keep any bills from spilling out of the pockets.

He realized he might just be making Catriona a felon if anyone searched her apartment, but he tried not to worry about that as he stuffed the concealable wad under her bed as far back as you could see. It looked like a dark mass to a cursory glance, but nothing that should draw her attention unless she had cause to go looking. He’d only just finished when he heard the front door open. He realized he’d forgot to relock it in his wake, but hopefully she wouldn’t think much of it. His naked human body dropped into the form of a shaggy wolf just before she came into view, and the great big beast lumbered out of her bedroom to come and greet her for a change, tail wagging to distract her from any other suspicions.



Everything seemed normal that night, though his head popped up when she argued with her recent ex. Aeric cocked his head, trying to listen to the voice on the other end with his enhanced hearing. It didn’t sound like anyone he specifically had to worry about, though if some asshole was going to come banging around that could fuck up this delicate thing he had going. Luckily Catty told him to go fuck himself, something her ‘dog’ gruffly agreed with in a annoyed huff. He used the opportunity to earn some extra points for himself, approaching her and laying his large head in her lap for scritches and attention. Women were easy when you didn’t have to talk to them, he’d never been quite so good at the consoling in his human form.

In the time they’d spent together he was growing fonder of Catty as he came to know her. Even with their one sided relationship she was fun to be around, and she was a pretty damn good cook. He almost felt a little guilty getting to know her so well while she was under a grand illusion about her newfound companion. He tried to keep a little modesty at least, what with the way she was so willing to change and be herself around him. He’d earned a few peeks here and there, it was impossible not to in their tiny place, but as their rapport grew it was becoming harder not to look at her in that way. Still, he had to remember this was on the short term. His plans for the next day were already formulating, conceiving how he would begin the hunt for his crafty prey. Of course none of that happened as Catty decided to make good on her plans from earlier in the week.

He sat patiently in the living room, tail wagging while he excitedly waited for her to leave so he could shift into a human and leave the house again. Instead he was collared and leashed and brought to the damn animal hospital. Knowing the gravity of the situation what with an impending DNA test, Aeric was 100% obedient though grumpy as fuck. He always walked within pace to keep from tugging the leash and reacted to every requested word without hesitation. The obvious training would at least help impact the idea he was not some wild animal; even if the tests did come back as wolf. What scared him most however, was what the blood test would show exactly. Weres typically avoided human hospitals; their secrets were too precious to risk.

Yet everything seemed alright for now as he was poked and prodded and practically experimented on. He let out a little woof for her at the prospect of coming back home with her, hoping he wasn’t playing things on as a little too smart. The doctor’s suspicions were a little worrisome, but the man seemed to brush them off easy enough. The prospect of a great big meal tonight almost made it worth all the trouble, but he still regretted losing a chance to gain some ground on his enemies. The longer he waited the less likely he was to pick up some sort of trail on the men who assaulted him. If the girl had weekends off, that could mean he was stuck like this until Monday. His prospect of freedom would be dashed before he even had a chance to do anything with it…

At least there was T-Bone, which he hungrily devoured. He had to admit, he approved of her godly suggestions of his names. If he had to go by some title it was better he had a badass one at least; rather than ending up with some girly girl who called him Princess or some shit. He found it fitting and amusing besides, as he thought back to stories of his childhood about his great ancestors of Norse legend. But those thoughts were torn away as she received another phone call. He knew exactly what was going on when he heard the girl on the other end, his ears turning towards the voices. He simply stared ruefully at Catty when she addressed him afterwards. Well this was unexpected; what was he supposed to do now? Lame as their evening were at least it was something to do. He couldn’t well go sneaking off in the night without an idea of when she would be back; not if he wanted to maintain his presence here.

He grumbled some as she got ready for her night out; missing his own life and his own friends. Of all the ways he pictured his life going, playing her house dog certainly wasn’t one of them. Being cooped up was just becoming too much. He whined a little at her, just to make her feel bad about it when she finally wished him good bye; looking very tantalizing in her outfit for the evening. Hopefully she wouldn’t bring some guy back with her… that sort of affair was the last thing he wanted to listen to tonight. After she left he shifted to human form and stretched his legs, happy to at least have some time back in his natural body. He plopped down on the couch and channel surfed for a bit, but nothing drew his attention. Somehow, he found his mind drawn to Catty and how she was out having a good time with her friends. His mind began running and finally he said fuck it.

Turning off the TV he hopped up from the couch and dashed to the bedroom. In a hurry he retrieved his hidden wad of money, clothes and guns, and dressed himself. He took a couple hundred dollars and left the rest along with the weapon behind, thinking better of going into a club with such things. Once it was hidden he left her apartment and strolled out into the cool night air. He’d given her enough of a head start that she was well ahead by now, probably already in the establishment. He didn’t see her anywhere when he arrived, nor as he made his way through the crowd and to the bar. After a couple shots of crown he leaned back and scanned the mob of bodies dancing on the floor. The lights and the music were especially intense with the lycan’s keen sense. It was like he was conscious of an enhanced flow all around him, especially as the warmth of the alcohol lit a fire in his belly.

After a time, his eyes landed on Catty moving on the floor. She was easily spotted by her bright red hair, and as Aeric saw him he bore a wolfish sort of grin, throwing back another shot before he came up with a devious plan to introduce himself to her somehow. With careful planning, he left the bar and threaded himself into the crowd. He made his way forward on a few simple dance movements, remaining inconspicuous as he got closer and closer. When he made it across the throng and was right behind her, he expertly maneuvered himself in her way, leaving her helpless but to bump into him and nearly knock the two of them over.

Aeric reached out, catching her body the shoulder to steady both of them before either of them fell over. “Oh!” he exclaimed, feigning surprise, “Oh man, I’m sorry! You okay?” He looked into her soft blue eyes, his bright green emerald ones somewhat familiar along with his shade of ebony hair if she cared to look that closely. Somehow he found himself feeling a sort of nervous tension as he looked at her. He thought knowing her so well would make this easier, but somehow his tongue felt thick and he wasn’t sure how to strike next. But with a little smile, he decided to just throw it out there. “Maybe you should just dance with me instead of bumping into me.”
 
The small group of women were kicking up their heels. Quite literally. With the loud, thumping music it was impossible to talk much except to shout about loving a song or needing to use the bathroom. They always moved at least in pairs if not the whole group. Catty was easily the shortest of the group. Even in her heels she barely made it past five and a half feet. The girls seemed to take turns either dancing or just being sort of silly on the floor. For the most part just having a good time, pausing for pictures. In a group of four it was less likely they were approached but for the bravest of males. Catty was approached a couple of times. Mostly by sweaty guys immediately trying to grind. The girls seemed to have a system. The one in need of assistance would stretch out a hand, palm up. Without hesitation another would take her hand and give a pull, maybe a twirling flourish, to get the friend out of perceived harms way. It was quick, simple, and needed no words. Ally, quite often, never held her hand out for reprieve. She, of the group, seemed the happiest with men coming to her. More often than not, a man rejected by one of the other three would make his way to Ally.

Honestly Catty hadn't needed a night out to forget about Carl. Except for him having the audacity to call her she hadn't given him much thought. Having found Thor had been a Godsend, not that she really believed in deities of any sort. Anubis(she still hadn't settled on a name) was a perfect distraction to the loss. Honestly, when she paused to think of it, it really wasn't much of a loss. She wasn't well off by any means but Carl had been far, far worse off. His greatest aspiration was manager at the Domino's he worked at. Brilliant. While she might have preffered a night at home, curled up on the couch with Rowan, she was enjoying herself at least. The pulsing music was both stimulating and a sort of soothing balm. A catalyst to just let go. Who cared what they did so long as they had fun. The alcohol helped a lot too. Though not so much with her balance which was not particularly keen given the heels.

"Time for another drink?" Catty called to the group and was met with short cheer. "And a sit...my dogs are barking..." Holly groaned. Catty turned to go and slammed right into a brick wall. A brick wall that caught and steadied her. A very warm brick wall with big, strong hands that held her shoulders firmly yet gently. Her own small hands gripped the heavy, hard arms of the brick wall. Catty looked up and met with the most startling pair of green eyes she had ever seen. They practically glowed in the dim light of the club. The brick wall with beautifully bright green eyes asked her if she was alright. Holy dog shitting baby Jesus....Her face froze in red shock as she stared up at the strange. Some GQ centerfold was missing its model. Her lips parted some in clear shock as she studied his face. Slowly her blue eyes traveled down the chiseled jaw, strong neck, broad chest. Couldn't see any further but oh mama she was very interested in seeing further.

She never responded to his inquiry to her well being. Yes. Just dandy. Never been better. The words came to her head but got lost on their way out of her mouth. His next words stunned her into response. "Uh huh..." Perfect. Suddenly she remembered she was supposed to be getting a drink with the group. They had stopped as witnessed the entire scene. Holly was giggling, Ally somehow looked horny and pissed all at once. Jess's lips were puckered to a thin line, her eyes staring Catty down. Say yes and dance with him you dumbass her eyes seemed to scream at Catty. "I mean...at least that way I can see you to...not....bump into you..." Even better. She could swear she saw Jess smack her forehead. Catty's face felt on fire, she wanted to just melt into the floor. Smooth as a kumquat. "I'm Catty," she said with a sudden and firm set to her jaw as she gathered her wits back together. She managed to at least find most of them and stepped in close to the very handsome stranger, finding the musics rhythm in the easy, fluid motion of her hips. Not quite touching him save where her hands rested, one on his shoulder, the other on his chest. The hard, toned muscle nearly enough to make her want to feint.
 
Aeric’s smile increased when he caught the redhead stumbling over her thoughts. “Yeah that’s sort of what I was thinking,” he teased her over the bumbling acceptance of his invitation. Personally he found their awkward encounter somewhat charming. It was exactly the sort of reaction he’d come to expect from the girl he’d spent the last week watching corny movies with. He was perfectly aware of her friends watching them, though the dark and handsome man appeared to have eyes only for her. Even the bodies moving around them in the club seemed invisible as blue met green in a focused gaze.

“Catty huh?” He said, grinning a little at the unique name he’d already learned. Hi Catty, I’m your dog, were the words that came to mind, though a simple “Aeric” is what actually came out in response. Formally introduced at last, he moved forward to dance with her. Being a tall 6’1 he was quite a bit higher than his dance partner, but as he led her with a fluid two-step he was surprisingly lissome. His dancing was far more tasteful than the average lust-driven male; where everyone else around them was eager to grind in a raunchy sort of foreplay, Aeric and Catty appeared even more passionate in the way their bodies simply refused to touch despite an obvious magnetism.

But he drew closer as they lost themselves in the rhythm, one hand taking her by the slender waist while the other rested lithely on her hip. His hips followed hers as things changed it up, the two moving like poetry in motion as they followed the beat. “You’re a great dancer!” he complimented her half way through. It felt good to just lose himself in the music and in her, just what he needed in fact to forget all the shit that had fallen on his doorstep lately. But it was also sort of surreal, he realized. To think he’d somehow ended up living with this woman who didn’t even know his face and now here he was dancing with her in a club. If he was wise he would have kept as little interaction with her as possible; after all this was just a temporary thing. Yet as the music shifted and their bodies with it, Aeric taking place behind her, he was having far too much fun with her to worry about it.

Even as his hands slid back down to her hips as they swayed, he never attempted to press his body into her like her friend Ally would have been all too eager for. Oh the temptation was certainly there, but he found that space of tension between them just as, if not more thrilling. They were facing each other once again, as dangerously close as ever, as the song came to a close. He found himself feeling surprisingly flushed after the liquor and energized by their dance. Though, he leaned in close enough to speak lowly in her ear. “I think your friends are a little upset I stole you from them,” he said, wearing a little grin as his eyes shifted to spot her group watching them like vultures. “Why don’t I buy you girls a round to make up for it?”

He offered a hand to lead her out of the crowd and back to her friends, allowing her to make introductions and declare his bold intentions to buy them all a drink. He kept close to Catty as they went to the bar, his interest clearly in one direction as their little group congregated. In the mood for something a little sweeter, he ordered a round of Chocolate Cake shots complete with sugared lemon. With hearty cheers to them he downed his shot, the stiff liquor turning sweet once he bit into the lemon. He bantered with her and her friends for a moment, though his real interest was in striking up a conversation with Catty. After all, how many chances would he get to actually interact with her like this? It was a rare opportunity.

“So you want a real drink?” He offered her specifically, hoping they could sit one out and talk for a bit. He used some insider knowledge to shuffle the deck even more in his favor. “You kind of strike me as a wine girl,” he said, trying to look inquisitive as if sizing her up, “A moscato maybe?” He ordered a Water Moccasin for himself; having always been able to rely on a good ole’ whiskey. “So…” he started, finding himself at a loss for words again. He already knew so much about her that the standard every day questions were coming up short, “You ladies out for any special sort of occasion tonight?” Great… you finally meet the girl and that’s the best you can come up with, Aeric thought to himself. Maybe he should have just kept dancing with her…
 
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Catty couldn't believe it. Part of her was waiting for some camera crew to leap out and say this was some weird throwback to candid camera. Even as they moved and swayed to the music, his large, warm hands on her body, it was hard to believe this was happening. Catty wasn't falsely modest, she was perfectly aware she was a pretty girl and took good care of her body. But this guy? This walking Calvin Klein ad? Then it kind of struck her. Did it matter? Even if for just one dance why would she question it? Just enjoy it. Catty managed a smile as he gave his name and they slipped into rhythm with the music and with one another. The space between their bodies so minuscule but filled with heat. Nothing like the other men who were quick to grind their crotch on you like a dog humping your leg. Thank goodness Cronus didn't do that. Honestly he would probably break her leg if he tried. His shouted compliment made her grin. "You too!" She called back.

As the song changed so too did their dance and he found his way behind her. Still their bodies just barely didn't touch. She could feel the back of her flouncy shirt and the tails of her skirt brush and catching his clothes on occasion but never felt him against her. It was thrilling and scintillating. That small space crackled with energy warming her back. Heavens it was almost as good as sex. Maybe ice cream. Then again ice cream didn't bring a flush to her face and a swarm of electric butterflies to her guts. They didn't stay that way for long, back to facing one another. Catty was thankful the club was as dark as it was, certain her face was the same shade as her hair. The song, sadly, came to a close and Catty moved to step away. Well it was fun while it lasted. She was notably surprised as he leaned in close to her. His warm breath drifted over her ear making her shudder, his low voice turning her legs to putty. She looked around as he leaned over her and saw her group still at the bar. More surprise as he offered to buy them a round. "Uh...yeah, sure..." she said as those little butterflies came back. This couldn't be real.

Aeric's large, warm hand was certainly real as it found hers. She obliged, wrapping her fingers with his hand as best as she could as he led them off the floor. With his size and height it was easy enough. The crowds parted for him as if he were Moses. Once at the bar the other women were quick to surround, curious about this handsome stranger. Jess stayed to Catty's side while the other two were quick to slide closer to Aeric, of course Ally was closest. Hell, she stood closer to him than Catty did. Introductions were made and cheers all around for the chocolate cake shots. Given all four of them had gone to college together they were familiar with the shot. The strange, amazing way such an odd combination of things turned to cake in the mouth. There was some laughter at the quick banter. Catty's eyes kept jumping between Aeric and Jess. Her friend seemed just as stunned as her but highly encouraging.

Catty blinked a moment as Aeric leaned in again offering another drink. Maybe just one more, she needed to take it easy on the alcohol. "That would be great," she said with a sheepish grin. Though her eyes widened in surprised as he seemed to appraise her and quickly pegged her for enjoying wine and very specifically moscato. "Good guess," she said with a cheeky grin. As he turned to order she reached for Jess who quickly leaned in. "Every ten?" She asked and Jess gave a sharp nod. "And Ally?" Catty added. "Dance floor. Staying?" "Deck," Catty responded. The women nodded. As the drink arrived Jess suddenly grabbed Holly and Ally by the arms. "Favorite song! Let's go!" She shouted and bodily dragged the other two away. Ally glanced back with a pouty glare but didn't resist. Putting up a fight in heels and such a short dress was a recipe for everyone seeing your underwear. Jess really was a great friend.

With Jess taking care of the other two Catty could fully focus on Aeric. Suddenly it was quiet. Well not the club, the music was a loud as ever. He seemed hesitant. Like when he was searching for that line of her bumping into him. His question raised her eyebrows some but she grinned a little as their drinks arrived. Of course she wasn't going to tell the truth. Recently broken up women made for easy targets. Sure he was handsome and seemed polite but Catty was cautious, a woman had to be. "Just out for fun," she shouted the small lie. "Hey you wanna go onto the patio?" She asked as she picked up with glass of moscato. It was less of an offer and more of a 'I'm going outside and if you want to talk you're going to follow' sort of question. With a little wave she led him past the bar and the bathrooms where the line for the women's room was four women deep.

The cool night air swept around them. There were plenty of people out there as well, most of them smokers taking a break from dancing. One couple was making out and dry humping in a dark corner. Catty shook her head and led Aeric to a spot away from the smokers. She always kind of wished they would bother to put chairs out. Holly had it right, her feet were getting tired already. Stupid heels. Catty took a deep breath of the night air, her ears ringing a little from the music. Outside she seemed a great deal more relaxed, leaning a little on iron railing that surrounded the patio. "Honestly clubs aren't my first pick for a night out," she admitted with a small laugh. "But....I'm kind of glad I came tonight," she said with a bright grin for him. Very glad. "What about you? Here by yourself?" That could either be bold or a little creepy. Maybe she shouldn't ask questions she didn't fully want to know the answer for. Honestly she was trying to be cautious. It was very hard to want to. So far he seemed...perfect. Look aside he didn't basically try and hump her while dancing, bought her friends shot, got her a drink. By all accounts he was a gentleman. And incredibly hot. So what was the issue? Baggage? Girlfriend? Her eyes flicked to his hands. Wife? No...no ring but that could be removed.

"So what do you do for a living, Aeric? Do you live in the city?" She probed gently. Catty wanted to know more about this handsome, gentlemanly stranger than just materialized out of no where. Though she honestly couldn't say if she wanted to know more to see if there was a catch or just to know. To settle the way her heart beat a little quicker around him or how her ears had felt warm ever since they started dancing. The first ten had elapsed and her phone vibrated. Catty shot a quick back to Jess. Yep she was still alive and well. Not kidnapped. Or dead.
 
“It was those heels,” Aeric joked with her, looking down at her strappy footwear when she complimented his guess, “The Greeks always did love their wine.” His brows quirked as her friends ran off, leaving the two of them to each other. He smirked a little when he noticed forlorn expression on her friend Ally’s face, uncertain if Catty or one of the other two arranged it after the way she girl was practically throwing herself at him. Had the thrum of the music not been quite so loud, his acute ears probably would have picked up on the discussion even as he ordered the drinks. Once their beverages arrived he grinned back at her, waiting for her to answer the question. If only she realized he already knew all about her breakup. He might have felt guilty for toying with her this way if it wasn’t so fun. It felt like fair revenge for their day at the Vet if nothing else.

“Yeah let’s do it,” he said enthusiastically. The cool night air sounded like exactly what he needed. Such an energetic crowd could get a little overbearing at the best of times, and he didn’t really want to shout over the music just to talk with her. He sipped on his drink, following the sway of her skirt with his greedy eyes as she led the way outside. His brows furrowed at the two scarcely able to contain themselves from one another while his nose wrinkled at the smoke, but once they were nice and secluded in their own little corner he found the brisk air refreshing. His eyes shot to the dark sky where the twinkling light of all but a few stars were extinguished against the light pollution. The growing crescent of the moon is what drew his attention though. It had been over a week since he’d last seen its light outside of a window, but he could feel a sort of wideness growing inside of him as more was exposed night by night. Only three more weeks until it would be full…

Forcing his attention away before she thought too much of it, Aeric posted himself next to her, relaxing his weight against the railing as he took another sip of his drink. As it drew nearer to the half way point, an increasing fog in his mind reminded him he’d already had four shots and most of a drink in the span of about 20 minutes. But so be it, a night like this was exactly what he needed. He didn’t expect to find the prospect of fun again so soon but his accidental roommate was a pretty good time. He grinned right back at her when she admitted enjoying herself too. Though as the topic of discussion turned to him specifically, he realized this was going to be a little harder than he thought. How much could he really tell her? Perhaps he didn’t think through this meeting as much as he should have.

“Yeah actually,” he said, deciding to play the sympathy card to soften her up a little bit. “Truth be told I’ve had a really tough week. I um… I lost a family member recently so you know, that’s been a little tough. Then I lost my phone a couple days later.” As well as my car, my home and pretty much everything else I’ve ever known. Of course he didn’t tell her all of that, no need to reveal just how pathetic everything was right now. “So I figured what the hell. I’d come out and try to have a good time tonight; put all the other shit behind me you know? I couldn’t get a hold of anyone after losing my phones but wasn’t about to let that stop me.” He smiled though, meeting her gaze. “I’m feeling a lot better after bumping into you though.” It was a statement that held a truth beyond anything she could even understand considering she saved his life and didn’t even know about it.

But that wasn’t exactly what he had in mind as his eyes wandered. Aeric was anything but shy, and he had no qualms in letting her know he was interested. The way he looked at her could speak volumes, but it was also fleeting. He didn’t drool over her like other guys that might have approached. His expression was more calculated and confident than the lust driven masses simply wanting beneath her skirt. Not that he would have anything to say against that opportunity after the way he felt her hips moving with his. He could only imagine what a more private dance might be like. But again came the tricky situation of navigating details about his life. Of course, he’d never actually had to make a living before. But he couldn’t exactly tell her how his family of werewolves had been living on a dwindling fortune earned from priceless artifacts his Viking forefathers plundered ages ago. That was sure to change though; his father’s accounts were likely cleared out by now.

“I’m uh,” he quickly cut himself off with a long sip from his drink, trying to stall as he fought to come up with a good lie. “A web designer,” he came up with rather suddenly. It was quick enough to overlook his reluctance and as good a lie as any: Something he could do from home without any sort of real schedule. Deadlines were much easier to work with than scheduled days if he was ever planning to see her outside of their apartment again. Of course, he didn’t know a damn thing about web design but it sounded impressive yet boring enough that not many people were likely to ask him for details. But he made sure to hammer in that idea just in case. “You know, coding and stuff. Nothing exciting, boring and monotonous work, but eh it’s a good field.” He took another sip from his beverage, silencing himself before he became too obvious. “Anyway, yeah I do. Not too far from here actually.” About 8 blocks up in fact, and I’m sure you’d know the place if I told you… Oh if only she knew the truth.

“How about you? Do anything fun for work?” He smiled down at her, knowing her love for animals and her work as a veterinarian could make for a much more engaging topic than his supposed web design. Even though he already knew the truth, he was surprised to find himself no less excited to hear what she had to say. It was like a transition from knowing of her, to actually getting to know her and for some reason that enthralled him.
 
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Catty's eyes widened some as he mentioned the loss of a family member. Her eyebrows pinched and raised, her expression falling. It was a good ploy on his part. "I'm sorry," she said gently as she laid a small, gentle hand on his arm. Suddenly she was glad she didn't mention her ex. His week had likely been far worse than hers with such a loss. At first she didn't quite understand how the loss of a phone fully factored in. That was rough but they were easy enough to replace and it seemed to pale in comparison to a family member. Then she understood. He was here alone because he couldn't reach out to anyone. Made sense. The poor guy. Though he managed a smile and Catty flushed some. "Well...I'm glad I could make your week a little brighter," she said with a sheepish grin as she pulled her hand away from his arm and sipped her drink.

Glancing back up Catty caught the very end of that look he gave her. Warm, tingle shudders raced down her back. How did he do that? It was a fleeting look but it burned right into her guts, setting a small fire aglow. Most guys were fully unabashed, staring at chest or rump. She honestly wouldn't have been surprised if she saw men actually drooling at times. Such dogs. No, that wasn't fair...to dogs! Her new companion, Zeus (nope, still couldn't settle on a name), would never behave like that. He had more manners in his paw than most men had in their entire body. Poor Loki, all alone at home. She felt a brief whirl of guilt as she stood there with Aeric while Hephaestus was left behind. He even gave her that sad whine before she left. Why was she thinking of her dog right now? Her eyes refocused on Aeric as he sipped at his drink for a moment. Yeah, definitely a better place for focus. She was unabashed for a few quick looks at the rest of him. Tall, strong, lean. That simple t-shirt did wonders on him, even the jeans. She could fully ignore or forgive such a simple outfit out at a club if they fit the man so well. It gave him a very...roguish look.

Web design. Boy how interesting. Catty gave him a sort of wan grin as he spoke of his work. Well she had asked. At least that meant he was somewhat smart. She would consider herself quite intelligent but coding and just anything computer related in general gave her a headache. He couldn't even seem to talk web design up as anything exciting. His dry comments on it made her give a short, high laugh. Something maybe closer to a giggle but grown women don't giggle. "You make it sound so thrilling," she quipped with a cheeky grin. He, apparently, lived close by but didn't bother to comment further. That was...strange. If he lived in the city she thought, perhaps, he would give a general direction. She was sure he didn't live on her side of town, eight blocks east. Maybe he was just cautious? She wouldn't tell him where she lived, not yet. Hell even if she felt safe enough to tell him she wasn't sure she wanted him to know where she lived. It was kind of the hood and her apartment wasn't very nice. She imagine a web designer had a much nicer place to lay his head at night. The irony of her thoughts was utterly lost on her.

"I'm a Veterinarian," she said before taking another small sip of her wine. She was determined to nurse the drink, not wanting to get too stupid. "I....can't entirely say it's always fun. It's never dull that's for sure," she said with a small laugh. "I've been bitten and scratched and....well....it's not always a clean job either," more laughter. She had settled somewhat with talk of something familiar, feeling a little more at ease even if the butterflies were still wreaking havoc in her guts. "It can be sad something too..." No, don't mention the euthanasia earlier in the week. He just lost family. "But it's really rewarding. I...kind of acquired a dog recently. It's a weird story but...I found him on the road. Someone had beat him up bad, he was bleeding and almost gone. So I got him home and fixed him up...he's beautiful and...massive! Biggest dog I've seen...well maybe not. I've met some very big great danes...but the biggest sort of...I don't know...shepard I think? No collar, no chip and he was hurt bad. Being able to save a life is a reward itself but now I've got this beautiful, massive, very intelligent dog. Here..." she pulled out her phone but stopped. "Huh...I just realized I never took any pictures of him. Just busy making sure his wounds heal right."

Catty's chatter suddenly came to a grinding halt. A long, low groan reverberated in her head. Sure Catty, babble at the hottie about your dog. You sure are a catch. Crazy dog lady. "Uhm..." Had to recover. "Sorry," she said with an awkward laugh, lightly rubbing her neck. "Did you...hear about the craft festival this weekend? Over at Greenbriar park? Basically a huge art fair and craft brew festival. Can't say I'm big into beer, maybe the occasional wheat beer but nothing too dark or sour...or hoppy. There'll be wineries too, more up my ally," she add with another laugh. "Musicians too, not entirely my taste of music sort of...hipster rock? I don't know, never heard of the bands before." Yes it was unlikely an art fair was going to feature death metal artists. "Anyways I uh..." Despite the ease of chatting only a few seconds ago her tongue and throat were suddenly swollen. Catty cleared her throat and looked away from Aeric. The alcohol helped with a feeling of ease but not at the moment. Why was it so hard to hear? Her ears burned painfully, blood rushing so hard she couldn't think. "I was, ya know, going to go...maybe bring my dog. If, ah...if it was something you...ah...might be interested in?" Literally the smoothest offer for a date ever. Not really a date of course! No that was stupid. Just an art fair. Yeah. Walking around an art fair.

Her phone suddenly vibrating made her jump and nearly toss her phone in panic. With a couple close call fumbles she managed to hang on. It was Jess. Right on time. Still alive. Not entirely well, her face burned with embarrassment. Just once it would be nice to be able to maintain her cool. She tried to be a little proud of herself at least. It took a certain amount of bravery to ask someone out. Especially a someone like Aeric. A sick, twisted part of her brain waited for the rejection. It was all fun and games at the club but he seemed so far out of her league they might as well be playing a different sport. The fair would be fun enough with Cerberus.
 
Aeric bore a sad smile as she reached out to console him. On one hand it felt nice to admit part of his sorrow to her, on the other hand he felt a little guilty for using it in an attempt to soften her up. But he did not care to linger on tragedy, happily moving on as the very obvious attraction between them continued to grow. “Me too,” he confessed. It was funny how quickly something he only thought to do for fun was evolving into something more. He certainly didn’t expect it to become quite so flirty. Then again, maybe I’ve always sort of had a thing for her… he realized. How could he not grow attracted to the smart, funny and unquestionably gorgeous girl he’d spent the last week with? Perhaps it only took the reciprocation of that attraction to make him realize it.

And he could definitely tell Catty was reciprocating. Aeric always had an eye for detail, and he saw the way her body shuddered; turning to putty under the weight of his emerald gaze. He couldn’t stop the devilish smirk from taking over his face when he noticed, nor did he shy away from the few glances she was giving back. This was crazy of course… where could they possibly go with it all? Yet as his mind continued buzzing from the copious amounts of liquor, he seemed all to willing to roll the dice anyway. How many chances like this was he going to get, after all?

“I make it sound about as thrilling as it is,” he said with a laugh. “Admittedly I’ve never felt like it’s anything more than to earn a paycheck.” Or lie about earning one… Maybe it wasn’t too late to pick up a copy of Web Design for Dummies. Even if Catty didn’t ask questions about it, he had to start thinking beyond that 40k possibly still in his family home. But those were concerns for later; for now he listened to Catty talk about the job she apparently did love. He sipped his drink, delighted to hear the passion in her voice when it came to the work she did and her love for animals. An especially knowing smile passed his lips though, when she brought up her new ‘dog.’ Though his eyes flashed with a little anger as she mentioned the state she found him in.

“Wow that’s so fucked up!” he exclaimed with genuine displeasure. “Who the hell would do something like that to an innocent animal?” Of course it was particularly easy to be upset when you were the victim in question. “But that’s amazing you were able to help him. You should be proud of yourself. He’s so lucky you found him.” I really am, he thought to himself, smiling as she seemed to lose her words again. “I’ve always loved dogs,” he told her. “I feel like I have this connection to them; like we just get each other.” He laughed a little, trying not to think about how he’d be pretending to be one all over again tonight. Hopefully he wouldn’t find the act too difficult to pull off after this rapport between them.

It seemed like things were fated to become more complicated, however, when she brought up the craft festival. He’d already heard mention of it several times over the week, what with how excited Catty was to take her unnamed canine companion. And now apparently, her same companion in human form. Well, well Catty, did you just ask me out on a date? It was a little hard to tell with all the bumbling awkwardness of dragging the words out. The poor girl seemed ready to be shot down, and honestly, Aeric very much should have shot her down. Fun as it sounded, how the hell was he going to pull off being her date and her dog at the same time? He found the answer waiting on his lips; the edge of a sword that could go either way. Come on Aeric… Come up with some excuse.

“That sounds like a lot of fun,” he said finally. That’s not an excuse… “I’d love to go.” What the hell are you doing? “What day were you thinking? Could be a little tough to plan things without a phone number to give you…” Good good… he regrouped his thoughts, a plausible excuse for why things could go wrong. After all, he couldn’t really find a way to pull this off could he? Her attention was pulled away by her friends texting her before it could really be planned in full, and Aeric knew he had to seize the opportunity to steer the direction away from an impending date for now. As soon as she was done replying, he downed the rest of his drink and grinned at her.

“Tell you what, why don’t we put that thought on hold and go dance with your friends for a bit? I’d just as soon enjoy you while I have you.” When she was ready he walked with her back into the crowds to find her friends. While his focus was still mostly Catty he decided to make a good impression by having just as much fun with the rest of her group. He danced with each of them in turn, though his light-hearted frivolity with the others remained a far cry of difference from the intensity he had with their red head friend. Even when he danced with Ally, who was by far the most eager for the intention and the most willing to grind up on him and try to get him moving with her, his movements seemed lackluster in comparison. After her latest attempt at throwing herself with him he switched back to his favorite partner for the next song, coming in close to Catty to speak quietly in her ear.

“You wanna make her jealous?” he suggested, eyes flickering with devious intent as he spoke of her promiscuous friend. Having got to know each other a little bit he was much more comfortable pulling her in close, moving his body with hers in synchronicity. It remained as tasteful as their first dance, though with a hell of a lot more spice. When he came behind her this time he no longer allowed that heated space between their bodies. He coaxed her back right up against him, his hands sliding up from his hips and across her flat stomach as their hips rolled together. Meanwhile he leaned in close over her shoulder, head down so that their mouths were but an inch apart. The honey-sweet smell of her breath was like a siren song, tempting him to close the gap and seize her lips. Yet somehow, the denial was just as tantalizing as he pulled away, the moment gone as quickly as it had come. His careful positioning on the floor made certain Ally drank in the whole affair.

After a few songs he needed another shot, offering one to the ladies as well for those who would take it. Afterwards he found himself sitting in one of the empty corner booths with Catty , finally letting her rest her feet. “You really should have brought flats,” he told her, his mind running with the conversation she had with Jess before even leaving her house. He had another drink in his hand as they sat together; probably not the best idea given his need to stay sharp enough to make it home and hide all the evidence of this before her. But he also needed the scape this once, and if nothing else the alcohol worked to annihilate his inhibitions. The two sat close as could be, his arm around her by way of the back of the chair, giving her plenty of room to get even closer. He sat talking with her for a bit, but Aeric knew they had to cut this short if he was going to keep up appearances.

“So listen, I had a really great time tonight. Like I said though I uh, don’t really have a phone right now. So maybe you should give me your number, and I can call you sometime when I do?” He waited until she had, before appraising her with another smile. “I really hope I get to see you this weekend,” he said, his eyes traveling the fine contours of her face, down to her plush lips. “But just in case I don’t…” The heat of the alcohol had him more bold than usual; aided by the pounding beats of the music that seemed to silence compared to the blood rushing through his ears as he leaned forward and pressed his lips tenderly against hers. It wasn’t a sultry kiss so much as it was sweet and soft; a delightful invitation that promised so much more, only for him to pull away shortly after. He grinned a little as his forwardness, yet it had to be short lived. “I’ve really got to go,” he told her after. With practiced skill he downed the rest of his drink before sliding away from her and getting back to his feet. He bid farewell to her other friends as well, before turning to her one last time. “Say hi to your dog for me,” he told her, before slinking back off into the crowd.

The world was practically spinning as he weaved his way back out of the club, trying not to let his sizable consumption of liquor slow him down from making it back to her apartment. He couldn’t say how much longer she would stay out; with friends like hers he could see them trying to keep her out til the crack of dawn. Given she likely just had the highlight of her outing however, it was just as possible she’d be right behind him. So he kept a brisk pace, making it all the way back to her place and through the front door while Catty remained none the wiser. He made straight for her bedroom, his poor balance getting the better of him as he kicked off his shoes and socks and began compacting the clothes back into their hiding place. In his wobbly state it came out a little messier but he still managed to get everything tucked away.

Feeling the couch was too far a walk, he simply climbed into her bed, snuggly situation himself into the down comforter she’d taken back for herself. He stretched out with a groan, enjoy his last few moments as a man before he was replaced by a huge black wolf instead. The cloud of stupor in his brain made his night with Catty appear like a hazy memory as his eyes drifted shut and he passed into an intoxicated slumber. Yet the girl remained his last thought, evening unto his dreaming subconscious.
 
A year passed, maybe ten, as Catty waited for Aeric's answer. She couldn't manage to fully look up at him as she waited for his response about the fair. Maybe she shouldn't have left it so open ended? No, that made it easier on both of them. Her heart was beating heavily but steadily in her throat, blood pounding through her ears. He'd love to go. Her heart stopped. Catty felt like she was going to fall over. He'd love to go. As he mentioned the lack of phone was when Jess decided to text. Catty sent back something unintelligible with a couple smiling emojis. Though before anything concrete could be planned Aeric offered for them to head back in and dance some more. Catty was both thrilled and deflated. Part of her wanted to nail down the idea of the craft fair first. At the same time she wasn't about to object to dancing with him some more. Naked dancing would be nice. No! What the hell was wrong with her. "Yeah, sure," she said with a toothy grin and followed him back in.

Jess seemed relieved when she sighted the pair, Catty's mane of fire easy enough to spot in a crowd even if it was below most peoples' shoulders. "What was up with the text?" She asked Catty as she eyed Aeric like he might be to blame and needed a good punch. "Sorry...just...I'll tell you later, kay?" She said with an awkward laugh, rubbing her neck. The subject was dropped as the whole group went to the floor to dance. Catty appreciated that Aeric did his best to include her friends though she couldn't lie she was just a bit jealous as he danced with the others, even if it had every appearance of just being for fun. Maybe it was and she just needed to relax. The way he dance with them looked far different than it felt when she had danced with him. Especially when Ally got her turn. Catty caught Jess's eye and both girls gave pained grins to one another. They loved Ally but she certainly had some things she had to work through and acting like this wasn't the way.

Catty blinked at Aeric's whispered offer in her ear. Honestly, no. She had no need to make one of her friends jealous. Even still she wasn't about to shoot Aeric down to dance. Duh. That would be the opposite of what she wanted. All she did was grin at him some and fall into rythm. Somehow, either after more alcohol or their chat, there seemed to be a little more between them. Catty could honestly say she liked Aeric somewhat. As much as she could like someone she had known for an hour. He was impassioned when she had mentioned her wounded dog. At least she knew he was an animal lover. People who loved animals were, in general, good people. Catty's eyes had a little bit more of a shine to them as she looked up at him. Though the dewy sheen to her blue eyes didn't change the tingling warmth in her lower stomach. She couldn't say she was much for one night stands but for Aeric she could make an exception. He made good on his offer though, switching up and moving behind her once again.

Catty's knees nearly buckled as he coaxed her backwards more. Her back collided with him, she could feel every lean, hard muscle pressing against her. Instantly her face was on fire and the fine hairs on her arms raised. His hands left hot trails as he traced them from her hips to her exposed stomach. She shivered as their warmth splayed against her navel, feeling the rough strength of them. Catty wasn't religious but thank God for making a man like Aeric and letting her near him. She turned her head a little as she felt a tickle on the side of her neck. He completely enveloped her body as their hips moved and swayed together, going so far as to lean over her shoulder. She lifted and turned her head just a little more. Just a hairs breadth far, she could feel his breath fall across her lips. She couldn't tell if her heart stopped or beat so quickly she couldn't feel it. Time held still as he held her every fiber in sway. Then ice, buckets of it as he pulled back. Christ above what a tease. Catty really felt like feinting now.

Another offer of drinks, none of the women were inclined to say no. Ally suddenly seemed withdrawn from the group, almost sulking. Catty was still reeling from the one dance. The extra shot not helping the strange yet joyous floating sensation. Aeric found a tucked away booth to sit at, taking a seat close to Catty. She groaned a little, feeling the blood painfully rush to her feet as they sat down. His comment made her stick her tongue out at him playfully. "Yeah yeah....I meant to bring them...just forgot..." she said as she unlaced her heels. Feet were washable and they couldn't take being in the heels anymore. Catt sat close, but not quite touching as Aeric draped, his arm behind her on the chair back. The second round of chatting was nice, she was pleased that he wasn't just interested in dancing and grinding. Maybe there was a small hope of seeing him at another time after all.

That hope glowed brighter as he brought up the fair and his lack of phone once more. Maybe this was crazy but she did want to see him again. Get to know the man a little more beyond how incredibly sexy he was, a great dancer and, most importantly, an animal lover. "Sure...uh...." At a loss for pen and paper Catty grabbed a napkin and, in large almost childish numbers, scrawled her phone number in lipstick, laughing quietly to herself. It was silly and ridiculous but it worked, right? She folded it carefully so the numbers wouldn't smudged and handed it over, still snickering. Though the laughter vanished as he spoke of his wish to see her again. The way his eyes traveled her face, the low tone of his voice. She was caught again, frozen and she body shivered some as his gaze settled on her lips. Her breath stilled as he leaned forward. Then the world shattered as his lips pressed to hers. Catty managed a small return just before he pulled away. The world spun and not just from the alcohol. "With a goodbye like that you better see me again..." she muttered, the words out before she could even consider being shy about them. With a final farewell and a request for a greeting to her dog he was gone.

The second he was out of sight the gossip commenced. Catty was in a haze for the first round of excited giggling. After a few moments, and another round of shots, she snapped back. "That was...real right..." Catty finally asked, more shrill giggling. "Yes...yes it was. Oh boy was that real," Jess said wistfully. "Think he has a brother?" Catty laughed but came up short. A death in the family. Maybe that was bad taste. "He won't call," Ally said curtly. The table fell quiet. She glanced around and folded her arms with a little huff. "Catty, you couldn't even hold onto scrawny, pizza delivery guy..." Jess was swift to cut in. "Ally...don't be a bitch..." Contention was rife at the table. Catty didn't entirely disagree with Ally but even her shitty comments couldn't quell the elation in her chest. Well it might be fun to try.

Tensions eased as the group got one more round of shots and returned to the dance floor. Their shoes in the middle of their little circle. At some point Ally met up with a guy and said she was leaving. With the guy. With promises of safety texts she was gone. With the group down to three they decided to leave and grab some food at the food trucks that tended to stalk around clubs and bars in the wee hours of the morning. It was nearly two when they settled in for some street tacos. "So...think you'll see him again?" Jess asked. Catty paused with a mouthful of taco and chewed thoughtfully. "Well...I hope so," she said after a little while. "So it was real?" She asked again. Jess laughed and shoved her shoulder. "For the millionth time, yes! Real as that taco your scarfing down!" Catty laughed, "probably better tasting too." Squeals of laughter ensued.

Finally, close to three, the women separated. Jess demanded safety texts, especially from Catty who insisted on walking home. Wether stupid or brave Catty walked herself home, still a bit drunk and wistful. Her mind focused on nothing but a strong, taut body and bright, emerald eyes. She passed only a handful of people on the street, a couple of which waved pleasantly. It was the guys who's dog she had fixed up. "Hey Dori, hey Max," she said with a grin and greetings in return. Catty made it to her apartment without any incident. Never noticing how a few of the people on the street watched her and around her for any signs of trouble. Nor the couple of sleek, black cars parked a block away.

She unlocked her door and tiptoed into her apartment. Can't wake mom, she'd be pissed if she found out Catty had been out all night. Wait...she didn't live with her mom. With a giggle and a wistful sigh she closed her door a little louder than she meant to and leaned on it for a while. Her face was red as she thought of her evening. More so the beginning. "Don't let it be a dream..." she muttered to herself as she locked up and wandered into her bedroom. There she saw Adelphos on her bad. For a moment she paused an stared but eventually smiled and shook her head. "Guess he wanted to upgrade," she said with a laugh. Uncaring she was quick to drop her shoes and haphazardly remove her clothes. Putting on pajamas was far too much effort. At least she remembered to go wash her face before bed. Very important. And brush her teeth. Hygiene was good. With an ungraceful flop she rolled into bed, balling herself up into a cocoon with the down blanket and tucked against Bahamut. She really needed to settle on a name for him. Not the best time to consider. Cuddled away in her bed she let her mind drift around to Aeric again, giggling quietly to herself into her pillow. Suddenly she felt like a stupid teenager with a new crush. Which she pretty much was, minus being a teenager.

Finally she managed to stop day dreaming about Aeric and fell asleep with a silly grin plastered on her face.
 
Aeric’s head jerked up with a start when he heard the front door slam shut. His heart was racing as he was jostled out of his very sound, intoxicated slumber. The giggle of a familiar voice told him it was Catty, and memories of their night came flooding through his head like a waterfall. Part of him wanted to hop up and go out to greet her, yet he could still feel the alcohol rippling through his furry body like a pleasant little vibration. So he simply stretched out in bed, lamenting over the fact she was left to find him as a dog instead of a man. And oh man was he really bummed about that when he began shedding off her layers of clothing. Stupor or not, his green eyes were open wide in focus, drinking in the silhouette of her naked body in the dark room as she shimmied out of her skirts and everything else.

Don’t think about it, don’t think about it… Aeric tried to tell himself, rolling over on one side and shutting his eyes tight. Hopefully sleep would find him just as quickly as before. There was a little bit of a relief as his perky ears picked up her retreating footsteps and the sound of running water as she got ready for bed. He thought he might be tired enough to drift back to sleep before she finished, but nope. It all got so much worse as she simply dropped into bed and nestled up to him. So not helping me not think about it… He realized as she felt her bare skin rubbing against him. Beyond all temptation he managed to ignore the fact Catty was lying next to him; likely lost in thoughts about the mysterious man she met at the bar if the pleasant mumbles she made in her sleep were anything to go by. It was tough but he ignored the sound of those too, eventually reclaiming his own repose.

His dreamscape was as peculiar as ever. Once more, Aeric saw himself as a massive wolf feared by all. Only this time, there were no chains to hold him down. With a fierce joy in his heart, he ran wild and free. When he threw back his head and howled, it was not the voice of Fenrir that shook the cosmos. This time, they trembled before Skoll. Like mice, the stars fled before his mighty jaws, scurrying as he ran across the skies. But there was only one star worthy enough for his prey. Enormous and beautiful, he’d chased the sun across the heavens for as long as he could remember. Yet it seemed no matter how close he could get to his beautiful Sol, she remained one step ahead.

This time was no different. The shadowy wolf ran with all his might, the labor of his breathing practically silent next to the beating of his heart. He was so close… so close yet the Sun evaded him as though a treat tauntingly pulled by string. He knew that catching Sol was everything; the key to breaking his father’s chains and allowing the Arch Wolf the reclaim his rightful throne. This purpose gave him strength, and beyond all possibility, he was finally gaining on his prey. His strong paws tore through the sky as he ran, jaws snarling as he came within lunging distance. The heat of the sun sizzled across his fur, but he didn’t care as he made a huge leap and finally caught her.

The heavens fell into permanent obscurity as the wolf came crashing to the Earth with his prize. But as they collided with the ground, Aeric realized he was no wolf at all; but his normal human self. Nor was it the sun he held within his grasp. Instead his hands were wrapped tightly around Catty’s delicate throat. Her blue eyes were vast like the oceans, her hair the halo of fire that had been luring him across the skies all this time. She didn’t look terrified as she lay there at the mercy of her carnivorous captor. If anything she looked daring and wanting, her body arched to offer herself up to the wolf that had fought so hard to claim her. And Aeric was keen to oblige, his hands releasing her throat and wandering across her bare body as their mouths came crashing together in a dance of passion. Yet while the lovers succumbed to their desires, the world was plunged into a lingering darkness; the beautiful, life-sustaining light of Sol having at long last been devoured.

It was hard to tell what was dream and what was reality as Aeric’s eyes cracked open to find a pitch black world. Somehow he had shifted in the night, finding himself in the form of a man again just like his dream. And just like his dream, he was pressed tight against Catty, one arm draped down her bare body. He could tell by the flutter of her eyes she was in a light state of sleep herself. He couldn’t say what pushed his mind into it… perhaps it was how real everything felt in his mind just moments ago. But for whatever crazy reason he pushed forward, his lips pressing back into hers just as softly as when they’d bid their farewells back at the club. But he didn’t stop there this time. He coaxed her into the kiss, opening his mouth to tease the tip of his tongue along her lips while one of his warm hands graced its way down her silky body to grip her soft ass. He pressed himself closer, wondering where this bold course of action would leave him. Who knew what would happen if she woke up to realize exactly who was in her bed right now?
 
Catty was sound asleep. It had been a long night and her body needed the rest. She was snuggled into her bed, comfortable and cozy. The added heat from her dog a welcome addition. It wasn't long before she began to dream. Mostly just sounds and light, the occasional flash of something more concrete. A flash of green and ebony. Color and sound, a distant throbbing beat. Her own heart? Or music? Catty followed the sounds, the flashed of green. Nothing ever solid but the further she moved the more concrete the surroundings became. The city, her home, solid buildings and concrete surfaces. Windows shimmered in low evening light. The club music pulsated and vibrated but distantly, as if through a tunnel. Catty wounded a corner and felt her waist grabbed. She spun to meet with a set of sparkling eyes encased in a chiseled face, framed with hair as dark as a crow wing. Startled a moment but not scared. Aeric said nothing but descended on her and Catty was not going to stop him.

The scene shifted. She was in her bed. Naked as babe. Her lips warmed by another. Coils of warm, silken iron wrapped around her body. Heat radiated against her. Her hand had found her way to Aeric's sides, lightly dancing against his taut body. Catty moaned softly, thrilled and content all at once. The dream was so real. She could feel his hard body pressed against hers, the silkiness of her own comforter. Her eyelids were heavy as she looked up at Aeric. His handsome face hazy in the fog of sleep and alcohol. She gave him a wide but sleepy smile as she gazed up at him. Her leg shifted some, running along his. She shivered at the feel of his body so close to hers. Her hand left his ribs and traced up his strong chest, her fingers grazing his neck before coming to rest on his jaw.

"This is...the best dream ever," she muttered, her eyes slow to blink. It was a dream of course. Aeric didn't know where she lived and she was sure he didn't come home with her. No, she remembered him leaving and her eating tacos with Jess and Holly. Since it was just a dream why not go on? In the real world she wasn't one for a one night stand but if this was just a dream. Her sleepy smile grew almost mischievous as she leaned up while tugging him down towards her. She caught his lips with hers. The kiss hard and soft all at once. Hungry. She clung tightly to him, fully unabashed. No reason to hold back in a dream. Gooseprickles covered her flesh and she felt her breasts tighten at the sensation of him. The warm, masculine scent invading her head. Her tongue flicked against his, teasing for a game of chase. All the while her hand slid from his jaw and into his raven hair, digging in and letting the soft onxy silk curl around her fingers. Her other hand drifting over to roam the sturdy muscles of his back.
 
Aeric practically shivered as he felt Catty’s hands explore him; finding her quite receptive to his sudden forwardness. His hands were just as eager, one plotting course down her smooth leg as it came to brush against him. His fingers traced their way across her thigh as he mumbled in uninterested agreement as she commented on the dream. Maybe this was all simply a dream; his reward for catching Sol. Either way, it wasn’t the time for talking about it as their teasing kisses developed into something deeper at least. He was just as voracious, just as brazen as she pulled him down over her. He gripped her leg and pulled it up, allowing him access on top as his strong hips settled in right between her thighs. It felt like his skin was on fire as their naked bodies were entangled, making Aeric feed a hungry moan into her mouth.

He soon broke away from air, lest his tongue be trapped in that game of chase for all eternity. But he made up for it by peppering her with hot kisses across her neck; lips fluttering down to her collarbone and eventually her chest. Aeric licked, kissed, sucked and teased all around her breasts and taut nipples, while his commanding grip pulled her legs up to hook around him. It would have been so easy to take her then and there; and he probably should have before Catty’s hazy mind wizened up to the truth of all this. But living with this incredibly tantalizing girl for over a week had driven him mad with desire. He’d been watching her so long that he craved every bit of her, and it seemed obvious in the way his lips trailed her body like a canvas to be painted. They venture down her toned stomach; heaving with passionate breath, and down further until her legs were slid up over his shoulders with his head between them.

Aeric feasted like the hungry animal he was as his tongue sought out her womanhood; aiming to get her was warm and wet as possible for the generous length now marble hard between his own legs. He delighted in her reactions as he continued to work, but Aeric seemed nothing if not a tease as his treatments came to a sudden stop. His lips lingered inches away, breath teasing as he kissed everywhere except the sensitive places. Though, that too was short lived as he pulled back up to his knees with her legs draped on either side of his hips. He looked right down into her blue eyes thrown back in the pillow as with a careful hand, he guided his cock forward and pressed it right at her welcoming entrance. It was pure heaven as the first few inches pushed into her wet grip, and the pleasure brought his eyes to a firm close when he plunged the rest of the way in.

Somewhere really far away, his brain was saying this was a bad idea. But it seemed silent next to the moan that shook him upon burying himself into her warm depths. It felt like nothing else in the world was real as his hips rolled, shifting himself back and forth ever so slightly. The muscles in his back rippled with a shudder as he found himself leaning down and pulling her back into another deep kiss. The game of chase was on again as he sought out her tongue and continued to grind into her. But soon that slow tempo wasn’t enough for his animalistic nature. Catty found their kiss broken and her hands pulled away from his body and pinned against the pillows above her head. Aeric grinned down a her with a devious smile and began to thrust himself into her with a much more driving force.

Overcome with the pleasurable sensations, he could hardly even think straight while he watched Catty, loving the expressions from her own experience. He didn’t know what was more beautiful; her comely face or her gorgeous breasts bouncing up and down from the repetitive joining of their bodies. Yet he could watch neither for long before he was forced to throw his head back and moan his delight as though howling it to the moon.
 
Dream Aeric was smooth and maneuvered over her body with ease as she pulled him to her. Though their lips and tongue tangled his hands were demanding and brash as he pulled her leg up around his lean hips. Catty shivered at the feel of hips hips settled between her legs. Every inch they were flesh to flesh was hot, boiling lava. Her hands trailed and explored his body as their tongue played their fierce game of chase. Gone were the sweet kisses, the soft touches. Catty couldn't get enough of Aeric. The feel of his hard body against hers, the taste of him, his scent clouding her mind. She felt like a woman starving, unable to be satiated.

For a brief second it was disappointing that Aeric broke away. The briefest of seconds. Catty couldn't help a small giggle which lapses into a moan as he peppered her neck with kisses. Further down he traveled, of course pausing with her breasts. Catty was unabashed with little gasps of delight as he explored her body. Her nails dragged lightly against his back and ribs, the motions in contrast with the light scraping of his skin. He surprised her traveling further down. Trailing his lips over her flat stomach then to her hips. Surely he wasn't...Catty nearly sat up as he delved between her legs. A sound not quite human leapt from her throat at the attentions. Her blood turned to pave as he feasted on her. She writhed at the sensation of him licking and delving into her core. It had been years, the previous ex even, since a man was so courteous. Her mind was gone, her body hardly her own.

When he stopped, teasing with kisses everywhere but her core she nearly whimpered. Her body ached and throbbed. Chest rising and falling in intermittent short gasps and long sighs. If the dream ended there she might be nearly satisfied even if the lack of release was nearly painful. It wasn't even close to ending. Her eyes fluttered half open as Aeric reared up like some mythical beast. She lay back, her hair spread out like a halo of fire in the darkness of her room, eyes hooded as she gazed up at him. It was just a moment but his hungry gaze sent a shudder through her. Air rushes past her teeth as she felt his length prod her warm, wet entrance. Another small gasp as he eased in a few inches. Her toes curled and dig into the sheets at the feel of him parting her folds. Then, with a hard thrust, he speared right into her body. Surprise and pleasure created a shrill, morning sort of gasp as their hips came together.

Catty wrapped her arms around Aeric as he leaned in to take her lips once more. Just like when they danced her hips found a seamless rhythm with his. Her heart fluttered as they moved together in slow, grinding waves. If the dream could never end she could die happy, trapped in the slow, easy motions of his body forever. Yet Aeric broke away. Catty's eyes fluttered open to look up at him. That wicked grin set her face aflame. She was fully unable to defend herself as he caught up her hands and pinned them above her head. Her eyes went wide in surprise even as a thrill raced through her. She had never felt more helpless and yet safe at the same time. His paces suddenly ferocious her back arched into him with the frantic speed her drove into her body. Her lips parted as her breath came in short, squeaking grasps.

Her smooth walls gripped his length as a pressure built. Catty's back arched further, her chest nearly flush with his. No more sound made it past her lips as the pressure came to a screaming head. Even as his hips slammed into hers with a finality her own pressed up as ever fiber of her body seized. Like the breaking of a dam waves of fire and electricity courses her body, reducing her to a trembling mess. Then she could relax and breathe once more.

For someone who went to the gym nearly religiously she was winded. Her chest heaved as she panted, wriggling her hands out of his grasp to wrap her arms around him. She had nothing to say. What could be said? Slowly her breathing eased as he body fully relaxed, snuggling into the strong warmth of Aeric. "We should do this again sometime," she muttered with a sleepy laugh. If she had an easy time getting to sleep before it was as much of a struggle to stay awake. To not let go of feeling Aeric there with her.
 
Thoughts of all the bullshit and tragedy from the past week seemed to disappear while Aeric lost himself in Catty. Her nails gliding across the rippled muscles of his back, the feel of her legs brushing against him as they opened wide to accept him in full, the sound of her pleasant little gasps and moans… it was all sensory overload. Yet even as they fucked with wild abandon, Aeric remained stunned by just how beautiful she was. Her head thrown back while her back arched in ecstasy was a sight to behold. And he couldn’t help but notice the way her fiery mane of red hair splayed out across the pillows to look so very much like the sun he’d been chasing in his dreams.

Needless to say, such a plethora of sensations had him reaching his peak pretty damn quick. The tighter Catty’s wet fold squeezed around his engorged length, the better it felt. Then when her walls clutched him with that telltale sign she’d reached her own Everest of pleasure, there was nothing Aeric could do nothing to hold back any longer. He moaned; a deep guttural sound of pleasure as he leased himself deep within her core. His hands released hers at the first sign of wiggling, coming down low to nuzzle back into a kiss as she wrapped her arms around him. He remained plunged within her slick walls as they relaxed; muscles still pulsing between the two of them to provide a warm afterglow of pleasure.

After a long moment however, he pulled away, retaking his place beside her even as they remained tangled in embrace. He was exhausted after that; the efforts of dancing and their romp having teased the injury across his abdomen. Though it had healed well over the past five days, it was still evident by way of a bright and fresh scar; barely noticeable in the soft light of Catty’s bedroom. He ignored the pangs however, steadying his breathing while he remained entwined with his unexpected lover. Already his eyelids were drifting back closed as they simply enjoyed the presence of one another. He chuckled though at her suggestion; his mind on the cloudy cusp of sleep. “Definitely,” he agreed, forcing his head to look over and press one final kiss into her sweet lips.

His mind was buzzing with warning signals of how impossible this relationship would be to continue on though. He couldn’t just sneak around doing this with her every night. She’d learn the truth; and if that happened who could say how she would react? She likely wouldn’t be so happy over their encounter when she realized it was far, far more than a dream. That all seemed like problems for tomorrow rather than right now though; so Aeric just tried to empty his brain and focus on the sound of Catty’s gentle breaths as she fell victim to slumber’s warm embrace. He knew he needed to slip out of her arms; to change back into his bestial form before she wizened up. But the moment was too serene; he couldn’t bring himself to pull away from the comfort of her body. And before he knew it, he too had drifted off.

Luckily beyond all fate of chance, the morning light spilling through her window stirred Aeric before Catty. He roused with a dry tongue sticking to the roof of his mouth; penance for not drinking more water after all that alcohol. After a moment he realized Catty’s arm was still draped across his chest, and everything that happened between them came rushing back. His eyes went wide in a sudden state of panic, but he knew better then to pull away too fast. Chastising himself for allowing this to happen, he gently maneuvered himself out of her embrace and to the edge of the bed. Quietly as could be he stepped down and shifted back into the form of the shaggy black wolf she was coming to love.

This is getting too risky… Aeric though, staring up at the redhead still caught within her prison of repose. What if she’d waken up first? Still, where else was he supposed to go? As much as he would have loved to remain in the family home he’d grown up in, staying there would be even riskier. He would have to think of something, but that was hard with a throbbing head and a tongue like sandpaper. After a careful stretch that teased his agitated wound, he ambled out of the bedroom and to his water bowl. Back to the degrading life of a house pet. The nosy lapping of his tongue couldn’t have been a more humiliating taunt over the fact.
 
Catty reveled in the feel of Aeric even as he rolled back over. Her arms draped around his body, halfheartedly clinging to him. She was exhausted and satiated. His final sweet kiss made her grin happily as she snuggled down into his warmth. She couldn't even say it had been ages since curling up with such a raw, prime male specimen. Her type, pretty much forever, had been the spindly bookish type. Carl was even minus the bookish. Just spindly. It was...wonderful. The way he could engulf her body, radiating warmth and security. Catty could get used to such a feeling. Too bad it was just a dream.

Her final thoughts before drifting off back to sleep. Slowly her breathing evened out. Even in sleep she was tangled up to him, nestled in as close as could be. A little squirrel in winter. It wasn't long before another dream penetrated her thoughts. Warmth and light. Dozing on a beach in summer. Hot sand, the gentle whisper of waves. Someone was near but not too near. Tan lines of course. Can't cuddle on the beach. Peaceful. Serene. She hadn't had such a simple, joyful dream in a long time. Catt smiled in her sleep, huffing happily.

Morning came and light spilled into her room. The soothing warmth was fleeing. Catty lay abed a little long than Aeric, now a canine once more and her utterly unaware. She gave a muffled little groan of protest as the warmth left, turning and burying her face into her pillow. Slowly she came awake with a mild headache and a weakness in her limbs. She danced too hard in the night. With a groan she shifted her legs feeling the wet, slickness of them. Catty sat up suddenly in surprise, her head giving a painful throb. It wasn't the second week! It always came on the second week. She looked down to find...nothing. Well not nothing but not the nothing she didn't expect. Catty blinked a moment, staring at her naked self with a puzzled frown. Her dream came crashing down and her puzzled stare turn to crimson shock. Seriously? A wet dream? Was she a teenager? Oh she remembered the dream vividly. Vividly enough her core gave an aching throb. She shivered at the fleeting memory of the dream. It had seemed so real. For a moment she sat and reveled in it, trying to imagine the feel of that hard body between her legs.

Another long groan and she scrubbed her face with her palms. "Stop being stupid..." she grumbled to herself and slow got up. Her legs wobbled and she nearly collapsed at the attempt. If she was utterly insane she'd say the dream was real. Of course she was quite sane and knew Aeric didn't swoop in from the night like some...crazy vampire guy and absolutely fuck her silly. "Get a grip Catty...." she groaned again and staggered to the bathroom. There she cleaned up with a short shower, brushed her teeth and staggered into the living room. She smiled at the massive dog in her dwelling as she wandered to make coffee. "Anubis...you wouldn't believe....well you're a dog so maybe you wouldn't believe anything since you have no idea what I'm saying." Her expression was wistful as everything poured back. She shivered again at the memories as he coffee brewed.

The morning went by simply enough. Catty made them both some breakfast before settling down on the couch for some Saturday morning cartoons. Her headache was receding somewhat. Close to noon her phone rang. "Hey Jess," she answered. The women launched into several hours of chatter. Plenty of which was about the previous night. They combed every possible detail, recalling everything they could. "So do you think he'll call?" Jess finally asked. Catty heaved a sigh, absently stroking Anubis. A name she finally settled on for him. "Doubtful...it was fun while it lasted though...I've still got a handsome date to the fair," she said with a laugh as she ruffled the dog's coat. "You're talking about the dog again..." Jess said with a heavy sigh. "Well I can rely on him being around can't I? The whole thing about his phone was probably some...excuse to be able to get out of going..." Catty somehow sounded deflated and blasé about it at the same time.

The girl hung up after a while and Catty hefted another sigh. "Yeah...just an excuse. Ah well...it was still fun...and that dream..." She sighed wistfully again, her eyes going dewy. Suddenly her stomach gave a grumbling squeal. She laughed quietly and patted her stomach. "Well if I'm hungry I am sure you are too," she said as she got up and stretched. Her back popped as her shirt lifted just to the underside of her breasts before she dropped down and headed to the kitchen to whip them something up. It was certainly a lazy Saturday. After their dinner was cooked and eaten Catty made sure to fill up the water bowl for Anubis before heading to bed, leaving her door open if he wanted to sleep on her bed again. Honestly she didn't mind. A whole day and she hadn't heard anything from Aeric. No surprise. She'd had a small hope he might call but didn't entirely believe he would. No reason to be upset. Just let it go. Catty curled up into bed once more, swearing she could smell the spicy, masculine scent of Aeric there. She was losing her fucking mind.

Sunday morning she was up early to shower and get ready for the fair. Nothing extreme. She parted her curls neatly, pinning some back with her leather barrette to keep it out of her eyes but still flowing down her back in wavy fire. Still she did her makeup, not nearly as much as the club, a far softer look. She chose a strapless, summer dress of pale purple that complimented her bright blue eyes. Once ready and with comfy sandals on, a little ugly perhaps but hidden by the dress, she grabbed Anubis' collar and leash to bring him with her. "We'll have fun today. First trip out side. Hopefully you are on your best behavior today, alright Anubis?"
 
Given the more than scandalous events that transpired between them the night before, Aeric was more than a little anxious as he spied Catty waking up. It all still felt so hazy and dreamlike, but he was not so lost to the reality as his apparent roommate with benefits was. She was quick enough to dismiss it as some erotic fantasy; after all, the truth was even more farfetched. Still, probably shouldn’t risk doing it again… He thought to himself while he watched her retreat to the bathroom. Yet it was hard to deny the temptation when the memory of their passion was so fresh in his mind. With sex that good, it was impossible not to reminisce upon; and to crave it.

Anubis? He pondered on the chosen name; well there were worse things to be called. And given he was a massive black canine it made sense. Not to mention the weight it carried. Of course it was all temporary. No matter how much Catty enjoyed having him here, he couldn’t live this life forever. So he shoved aside the matter, tilting his head with perked ears as she began to tell him a story only to stop. It wasn’t like Aeric couldn’t guess what the topic of conversation was about though. Oh Catty, he thought, feeling a little smug with himself, If only you knew the truth. Good thing she didn’t or she might just try to skin him and wear his beautiful fur as a coat of her own. Hopefully those truths would never surface over his tenure here. Boy would that be an awkward conversation.

It was hard to say what would be the worse punishment though; Catty discovering the truth about Aeric or having to secretly listen to her babble about him to Jess on the phone. On the one hand it was pretty entertaining and rewarding to hear a woman speak about you like you weren’t even in the room. But then it was also pretty shitty to hear her come up with all these misconceptions and put downs and not be able to counter them. He would have loved to shift right there on the living room floor, revealing the truth just to prove her wrong. How could it be an excuse to get out of going when I told you about the phone before you offered? He grumbled. Man… how could such a beautiful and successful woman be so unwilling to believe a man was into her? Truthfully, he would have loved to call her and spend a real date with her rather than this sneaking around crap. Pretending to be her dog was tense enough before the attraction…

Yeah I could eat… He answered, though his only way of actually communicating with her was a wag of the tail. And that was more so because she finally hung up the phone. Yet even after the conversation with jess she was still batting Aeric’s supposed excuse around in her mind. How the hell was he going to get out of this mess? While letting her down was undoubtedly the smarter choice, he found himself disinclined to settle for it. He was all the more averse when he watched her shirt ride up while she stretched. Talk about teasing a guy… err dog. The distraction was hard to ignore even as he ate another of Catty’s heartily cooked meals. After dinner he chose to share her bed again, but this time he curled up near her feet, trying to keep enough distance that this wild attraction wouldn’t keep him up or prompt him into fooling around again. Odds are he would not be so lucky without the alcohol in her system.

Day came to find his temptations resisted, though a bubble of tension remained on the air. The looming hour of the craft festival was like waiting for death. What was he going to do? Of course he wanted to go with Catty, but certainly not as a wolf. And as for the red haired lady herself, it was hard to say which version of him she wanted to take more. He knew how hopeful she was to see Aeric there, yet how excited she was to take ‘Anubis.’ God damnit… he grumbled in his head, pacing the apartment in frustrated angst while she readied herself for their outing. And I thought the guy from Three’s Company had it rough. It all got so much tougher when Catty finally presented herself in a dress. Fuck, why does she have to look so good? It was both a complaint and commendation. Though, his eyes fell upon the leash in her hand with trepidation.

He had to come up with a way out of this. Maybe the answer lied in her own words. Behavior, huh? Well maybe she wouldn’t be quite so inclined to take him away on that leash if she thought he wasn’t capable of behaving. As soon as she stepped forward with it, his hair stuck up on end and he became the wild wolf she’d met that first fateful night. Huge ivory-colored teeth on display, he hunkered down and snarled at her, giving the impression he’d snap if she tried to latch that thing on him. He would never actually harm her of course, but he could put on a good display. Of course, he knew this method was a double edged sword. For one, Catty could easily see through the bluff and trust him enough to bring him anyway. Or she could just say fuck it and stay home with her dog, ruining both of their days. Then again maybe her hopes of seeing Aeric were so high she’d go alone… But then there was still the fact he crushed her excitement over taking her dog to an event she’d been looking so forward to. There just weren’t any good answers here…
 
Catty pulled up short with the leash and collar. Her eyes shot wide as she looked down at Anubis. His bared teeth and raised hackles. She hadn't seen him like that since the first night she brought him home. Shock was clearly written across her face as she stared at him. Why was he like this all of a sudden. Catty looked at the leash in her hand. He was more clever than the average dog. Perhaps he just didn't want to go outside. When she looked back at him her expression was confused but dawning on sad. So not only did she never hear from Aeric now Anubis was suddenly acting up. Catty heaved a sigh and put the leash back up. "Alright boy..." she said in a quiet voice. With the leash put away she edged to Anubis and reached for him. "It's alright Anubis...I'm not about to drag you out," she said gently if sadly. When he finally relaxed she gently stroked his head. Her shoulders hung low as she pet him, her expression sad even if she smiled at him. "Guess I'll go to the fair alone. Thought I could rely on your company at least. Be good then." With one more ruffle of his luxurious fur and a kiss to the side of his head she got up and headed out.

It was a nice enough day out. Warm, a little overcast. As Catty walked she checked the weather on her phone. 20% chance of rain. Not bad, no need to worry. The park was a bit further than the club, close to a mile away, but she had chosen comfortable sandals for a reason. As she walked, all alone, she texted Jess. Not that Catty couldn't have fun at the festival on her own but company was always nice. Somehow though being alone felt more oppressive. Her dog had rejected her! See if she kept cooking him nice food. She made a mental note to get some Alpo on her way home. No that was stupid. She didn't want him to die. The behavior was very strange though. Something she certainly hadn't been expecting. No word back from Jess.

The park was bustling with activity. Four square miles of booths. Nearly a quarter of which served alcohol. It was too early to be drinking. If Catty has to guess she would say there were a couple thousand people in attendance. Keeping a hand on her small purse Catty headed into the crowds. The tents were lined up neatly in rows. Up one side and down another. Most of the art she certainly couldn't afford. Honestly she had only brought enough to get some wine or maybe she would chance a beer. She pause mostly at stalls with interesting ceramics and the occasional stall with paintings. Catty was more fond of art that actually looked like something but not necessarily entirely photo realistic. She was at one stall for a good while. The art, done in oil, had a dreamy quality to them. One piece in particular held her attention. A pack of wolves with long, slinking bodies passing through deep shadows of a forest. It was almost blurry but not quite. Like the way a dream might seem when trying to recall it. There was something about the wolves that drew her. The way they stalked through the darkness, powerful and quiet. Too bad the artist wanted a bit over a grand for it.

"Catty!" She heard a painfully familiar shout. She cringed and turned. Unshaven, wrinkled polo, unkempt and shaggy hair the color of dirty sand. Tall but lanky. She had been jealous of his ability to eat whatever he wanted and never gain weight. Carl had his dominos hat on but was holding a garbage back and one of those sharp sticks to pick up trash with. Catty didn't say anything as she looked at the man child. She hoped the scorn and disdain on her face would be enough to make him go away. Clearly she was mistaken. "Baby don't look like that," he said in a low simper. "I am not your baby," she snarled as aggressively as Anubis wishing he was with her. "Go away. I told you I don't want to see you again." She turned to go but her bare arm was caught in a damp vice. "Come on Catty. Give me another chance," he pleaded. "No! Let me go!" She tried to pull her arm out of the grip. People were parting and staring but that was all. "Come on baby...I know some of the vendors. Your here without anyone. This can be our first date again," he said with a leer. "Well I am here with someone!" She shouted back. A flat lie. "Oh yeah...who? The invisible man? Come on babe you don't have to lie to me."
 
That sad look on Catty’s face sure had a way of guilt tripping him. It didn’t feel great to deny to, but if her day long phone call with her friend was anything to go by, Aeric knew she’d be feeling well enough about it once she ran into the handsome man she was so gushing over. He was quick to relax when she accepted the situation though, allowing her to stroke his soft fur without so much as a grumble. You’ll still get my company, he silently promised upon her disappointed statement. After her farewell kiss he sat rooted to the spot, bright green eyes watching her make for the door and leave. He remained for a while, his perky ears listening to the retreat of her footsteps until he was positive she would not be returning to the apartment.

He bounded off to the bedroom and quickly shifted back to a man before dropping to the floor and reaching for his belongings stashed under the bed. He sighed, grumbling as he unraveled the clothes and hastily began to dress. Hopefully she wouldn’t be too put off after seeing him in the same outfit twice; it wasn’t like he had the luxury of a full wardrobe; nor the time to go and get anything else. Who could say how long Catty would remain at the festival without anyone to enjoy it with? Well, being seen in the same clothes is less embarrassing than that cab ride, he had to admit. Besides, Catty would likely be so elated to see him she wouldn’t think much of it.

After he was dressed, Aeric retreated to the bathroom where, lacking a toothbrush of his own, he was forced to used Catty’s to brush his teeth. After rinsing he overlooked the last of his appearance, making sure his wild black hair didn’t look too messy. It was strange how concerned he was with impressing her. Aeric usually wasn’t the sort to give a fuck what people thought of him yet something about the way she looked at him with those soft blue eyes grounded him; made him vulnerable. He’d had his share of women but none of them ever affected him to such a degree. Maybe it had something to do with all the secret time he’d spent with her. You could really get to know a person when you were a proverbial fly on the wall. Yet at the same time, it felt like a little more than that.

When he felt comfortable that enough time had passed, he left the apartment and left the door unlocked. I really should swipe her key for a copy sometime, he thought, making his way out into the warm daylight, it’s only a matter of time before some asshole robs her place if I keep leaving it open in this neighborhood. It was a concern for later though, as he tried to get his bearings and remember the address of this festival. Luckily she’d been so excited over the prospect of going with both Aeric and Anubis, that he heard her mention its location several times. He progressed slowly though, dragging his feet to give Catty a good head start on him. The last thing he wanted was to be caught following her.

Once he arrived at the festival however, Aeric hoped he didn’t give her too much of a lead. There were so many people here that he was a little worried he might not be able to find her. Luckily it worked both ways; assuming any hunters were searching for their missing lycan, they would have a hard time picking him out of a crowd like this. Still, the idea of being stalked was never too far from his mind as he waded through the ocean of bodies. Luckily it was a pretty straight forward path, so Aeric kept pushing forward, his eyes scanning faces as well as the assortment of goods on display as he passed each stall. He wasn’t so far behind that Catty had long to make it far, though he heard her name before he spotted her fiery mane of red hair.

His head turned on a swivel as he heard the man call out, only to find him approaching the woman he’d sought so hard for. Now who the hell is this guy? Though, his mind jumped to the conclusion even before their encounter began to escalate to an argument. The infamous Carl, I presume. Boy was Catty taking a step up from this guy. His eyes were already narrowed as he hung back, debating over how to proceed. When he saw the bastard reach out and grab her arm however, all hesitation was gone. Aeric hastily weaved his way through the crowd, coming upon the pair of them in an apparent fluster. He managed to hear Catty’s lie and knew to play along at once.

“Catty!” he called, much like Carl before him, “There you are! I’ve been looking all over for you, babe!” He threw the term of endearment out simply to antagonize the man; wanting to cement the idea that she was unavailable. Hopefully he wouldn’t come to be known for sparking jealousy in everyone she knew. It seemed the better option though, as he came up beside her, his hand reaching to the small of her back where it rested with familiarity while he appraised the man before them. “Is everything alright?” he inquired, his yes swapping from her snared her to her ex’s greasy face with a daring glare. He didn’t want to do anything rash around so many people, but he silently hoped the loser would make a move that warranted laying him out on the ground.
 
Both Catty and Carl looked up at the shout. Carl's eyes narrowed instantly, clear and sudden dislike written over his face. He took a moment to appraised the interloper, his lip curling into a sneer. Even still he was quick to look up and down Aeric, apparently noting the size of the challenger. It didn't take long for the smallest tinge of worry crossed into his face. Meanwhile Catty's mouth fell open as she saw Aeric. A ripple went through her as he approached with a determined stride. That wild dream came flooding back and even as she looked at the real Aeric an overlay of the dream appeared in her mind. Bright eyes and dark hair above her, that lean form pressed against her body, his lips on hers, on her neck, her chest. Her ears burned with the thought and she made every effort to push it away. For a brief moment she looked a little puzzled at him. Babe? What...Oh!

Catty was quick to shake her arm, Carl was distracted enough not to notice her confused yet delighted surprise and released her arm when she shook him off. Her newly freed arm slipped around his waist and she grinned up at him. In the light of day she was sure Aeric looked even better than Friday night, maybe even better than from her dream. She couldn't believe he was there! Exactly at the right time too. Which was weird but she wasn't about to complain. He was there! He was there and clearly Carl was less than pleased. She looked to her ex as he continued to stare at Aeric. There was a strange amount of anger in his eyes and...maybe fear? "Sorry Aeric...I just say this painting and came over to look..." she said with a sheepish grin, waving nonchalantly to the painting she had been admiring. "Everything is fine...now..." Her hand rested idly on his hip from around his back, lightly brushing against the hem of his shirt. Oh man to see, for real, what was under that shirt.

Meanwhile Carl's face was falling. Even the anger was disappearing. He looked genuinely sad but somewhat defeated. The atmosphere had cooled, really had turned thick and freezing, very awkward. Catty shivered some and scuffed her sandal on the grass. Catty wasn't a cruel girl by any means. Seeing that sadness and hurt take over Carl's face was hard to watch. She bit her lip, her hand tightening on Aeric's hip. "Uhm...let's go Aeric..." she said as she slipped her hand from his waist and caught his hand to lead him away. She shivered again as she pulled Aeric away as quickly as she could through the crowd. After a couple strides she glanced back and Carl was gone. Catty sighed in relief and slowed.

She stopped off at the side of the crowds and looked up at Aeric. Glancing to their hands she quickly let go and rubbed her arm. "I...wow...thanks. Uhm, hey, you're here! I didn't think..." Catty awkwardly reached up and brushed her hair back behind her ear. Suddenly she felt guilty for complaining about not getting a call. He took the time to go there and find her. Just at the right time too. Carl wasn't a dangerous man, at least she assumed so, but to run across him and for him to grab her like that. It was discomforting to say the least. "Thanks, by the way. He's, ah, a pretty recent ex..." She didn't need to get into it. Her stomach was churning with a fleet of bats, heart pounding. He came! "Anyways, it's nice to see you again. Have you been at the fair very long? I couldn't bring Anubis, my dog, he didn't want to go," she said with a rueful laugh. She needed to stop babbling. Hard to do when all she couldn't think of was all that taut, luscious skin. Her ears hadn't stopped burning since he had shown up.
 
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