#((she finds two sleepy wolf pups yawning and looking up at her!))

[theheadlessgroom]

Susannah smiled lightly at Philippe's teasing, squeezing his arm as she replied playfully, "I dunno...I was wondering if they had anything blueberry-flavored in there myself!"

Her mouth began to water as her eyes wandered from every colorful corner of the window display, catching sight of everything from peppermint sticks to boxes of chocolate to spiraling lollipops to barrels of saltwater taffy to everything in between: Marshmallows, various fruits, nuts...it made her sweet tooth ache a little, just looking at all of it.

She seldom got sweets growing up, at least ones bought in town; more often than not, if she and her father got a hankering for something sweet, they'd usually make something together, like cookies or a fruit pie. What was offered at the candy shoppe in New Orleans tended to be a bit too rich for their blood-the only time she got to sample it was at the Gracey's.

"I remember when Doreen and her family came back from a vacation to their summer house in Florida," she recalled with a little chuckle, as she eyed the many barrels of taffy. "They brought home what looked like a mountain of saltwater taffy, in all these different, wonderful flavors-we both made ourselves so sick eating so much of it, we could barely move afterwards!"

@beatingheart-bride

"That would be such an honor."

As they left the theater arm in arm, Susannah elaborated a little further on her feelings regarding the idea, saying, "I don't see people wearing my work very often, but when I do, when I see them wearing my hats and bonnets out in town...there's nothing like it. It gives me a-a sorta...a feeling of pride, I guess you'd say. A job well done."

Of course, no one knew the name of the maker of the hat; all who made them were anonymous. Those who shopped and bought from the haberdashery usually just cheerfully told their friends, "Oh, I got it from Mickey's!" giving no thought to the people who really made them. But even so, when Susannah saw her work out in the park, people donning her top hats and sunhats and the like, and to see others compliment her handiwork without knowing it was hers...it put a little smile on her face.

"I know they don't know it's mine, but...it still feels good, knowing they're so happy with it," she smiled softly, cheeks pink as exited back out onto the street. "So to think about people seeing my work on a stage night after night and loving it, admiring it, actually knowing that it's mine? It...it would be nothing short of an honor to me."

[heynikkiyousofine]

The Fairy Princess and The Hanyou Prince

First things firsts, this story is my first muti-chapter fic, but as always, an inukag story. I’m still really knew at writing, so bear with me, haha. Inspired by so many people in the fandom, let me know what you think! I’m still writing this story, but I’ll be updating it pretty quickly. 

@keichanz @neutronstarchild

Chapter 1

Once upon a time, in a far away land, there resided four kingdoms, whom all lived in harmony with each other. The northern kingdom, King Toga, an incredibly powerful dog demon, and Queen Izayoi, an equally incredibly beautiful human, ruled with grace and fairness, along with their hanyou prince, Prince Inuyasha. The west, King Sesshomaru, King Toga’s first born, and his queen, Kagura, a powerful wind demon, ruled at a distance, but peaceful. To the south, King Koga an arrogant wolf demon, and Queen Ayame, a sassy, but strong wolf demon, ruled with laughter, promises and joy. The final kingdom, to the east, ruled King Suikotsu, a kind, strong fairy, and Queen Kikyo, a fairy as well, ruled with grace, beauty and love for all things, for they themselves were beings of the earth. In these kingdoms lived a variety of people, demons, humans, hanyous, even mythical creatures, such as gnomes, elves, fairies, unicorns, mermaids, even ghouls and trolls. Everyone lived in harmony and tranquility for hundred of years.

One spring evening, the kingdoms united together to celebrate the birth of the new princess, Princess Kagome. A huge celebration was in order, with treats, gifts, music and dancing and everyone throughout the land traveled to the eastern lands to rejoice in the new birth. They knew with happiness in their hearts, the peace would continue throughout the lands with the birth of this new child. 

“Mama, there’s a baby.” Inuyasha pointed, looking up at his mother.

“Yes dear, that’s the new princess.” A woman with long, silky black hair told him.

“Why does she have wings?” He asked, tilting his head, his ears perking up straight, like the cute puppy he was.

Laughing softly, Queen Izayoi picked him up and spoke softly to him. “She is a fairy, baby. Fairies are wonderful, extravagant, beautiful creatures, who spread love, joy and happiness wherever they go. Fairies have wings when they are born and grown into them as they become big and strong, like a certain hanyou I know.” She spoke, nuzzling his cheek.

“Mamaaaaaa, stop.” Inuyasha laughed, pushing gently on her chest, trying to get away from the kisses. He wanted to go take closer look at the new princess. “Can I go say hi, please?”

“Let’s go together.” A baritone voice came from behind.

“Okay papa!” Izayoi let her son down to his feet and gracefully turned to her handsome husband, smiling softly, and took his outstretched arm. Together, the three of them approached the dais, where the new parents sat.

“King Toga, Queen Izayoi, we are overjoyed you could make it. My my, Prince Inuyasha, you have grown since we’ve last seen you.” King Suikotsu exclaimed, laughing loudly, standing to welcome the northern royalty.

“I’m two now!” Inuyasha said excitedly, holding up two small clawed fingers, jumping from foot to foot, in anticipation of the new princess.

“Well, you are growing strong everyday kind sir, did you want to say hi to the new princess?” He gestured to his left.

Suddenly shy, he nodded and turned to face his parents, unsure of what to do. Softly pushing him forward, Toga smiled softly for his pup. Inuyasha took a deep breath, stepping up towards the queen, whose large, blue wings glittered like the ocean in the sunshine. The queen knelt down, holding a soft bundle to her chest and smiled warmly, beckoning him forward with her manicured fingers. Inuyasha took another small step forward and looked down.

What he saw made him gasp in awe. There in her arms, was a smiling little baby girl with the bluest of eyes he had ever seen, gazing at him. They seem to match her mother’s wings in color and shimmered so brightly. Taking a sniff, he smiled softly. She smelled like wildflowers in a meadow and sunshine. Her small wings, gold and silver twirling throughout, shifted to open upon seeing him. The little girl laughed, reaching her small hands out, as if she were trying to reach his ears. Blushing a little, Inuyasha reached his hand out and Kagome grabbed onto his fingers and laughed a little more, her laugh like a tinkering of bells in the wintertime. “She smells pretty.” He whispered to himself, unaware of his father’s hearing, who just smiled upon hearing this.

“Her name is Kagome.” The fairy queen in red spoke to the young prince.

“Hi, Kagome, I’m Inuyasha.” Kagome squealed at his words and smiled at him once more, before yawning, bringing her fists towards her mouth. Laughing quietly, Queen Kikyo stood again, “She’s getting sleepy. Dear, let me put her down for a little bit, while you get the celebration going. The Southern Kingdom can’t be quite loud during celebrations.”

Agreeing with a chuckle, Suikotsu kissed his wife’s forehead and steered towards the door. Suikotsu then turned and announced the feast was about to begin, while Inuyasha skipped towards his parents with a grin on his face. As Kikyo walked Kagome to other room to lay her down, Inuyasha gripped on his mother’s pale blue skirt and couldn’t help but watch her leave and smile excitedly, knowing he had a new friend. 

The kingdoms rejoiced for days for the new brith and all was well in the kingdom for a few months. Four fortnights had passed since the celebration and Kagome was beginning to grow into the beautiful child, with the most loving parents. Little did they know, an evil hanyou with a wicked plan would destroy everything. One warm summer evening, as Queen Kikyo put the child down to sleep in her bassinet, she heard some cries come from the meadow outside the castle. Rushing into the room, King Suikotsu shut the door quickly, turning towards his family with fear in his deep blue eyes.

“Naraku is here.” “No!” Kikyo gasped. She knew he would come, had heard of the man who hunted creatures, but not this soon, not with Kagome so young. “What do we do?!” She cried, tears beginning to form along her lids.

“Pack a bag, we’ve got to run, the other kingdoms know what is happening. I sent a carrier to each kingdom a day ago to let them know Naraku was coming. I’ve told everyone to help evacuate the castle, get to the villages safely, try and travel to any of our neighboring kingdoms for safety. They will welcome them with open arms.” He explained, his voice wavering, reaching for a bag near the door.

Before Kikyo could reply, there was pounding and slamming against the large wooden door, followed by loud screaming. Kikyo picked up Kagome, who still sound asleep, curled into her mother’s arms. Knowing exactly what to do, she ran to her jewelry chest, a small black opaque box, and picked up three necklaces. Each with the symbol of the fairy kingdom. She infused her power to the first one and lifted it over her head, changing her appearance, removing her wings completely. She said a soft chant, the second pendant, a blue similar to the sky, began to glow and she wrapped it around her bundled up child. Kagome’s wings disappeared instantly, her aura changing to that of a human. Infusing the last, Kikyo turned towards her husband, just as the door burst open.

Naraku strolled through the doorway, sword in hand, with blood coating his chestnut coat, and before Suikotsu could take a step forward to defend his family, Naraku plunged the steel blade into his chest with a sinister grin on his face. Crimson eyes watched as the  fairy king fell to the floor with shattered breaths, blood pooling around his wings and turned towards the queen with the small child in her arms blood coating the weapon. Dropping the third necklace quickly, Kikyo covered her daughter with both hands, closed her eyes and softly chanted a spell. Naraku took a step forward, raised his sword and slashed, catching Kikyo’s shoulder, slicing a wing in the process, just as she disappeared into twinkling dust. Enraged, Naraku, knelt down and grabbed  at Suikotsu’s chin, snarling, “Where did she take her?”

“You’ll never find her.” “You’ll die before seeing either of them again and your kingdom will be mine.” “Go to hell.” Suikotsu sputtered, blood begin to spill from his mouth. Chuckling softly, Naraku used his sword to slice the king’s neck. The sword began to glow brightly, absorbing the fairy king’s power. Standing and calling to his men, he instructed them to dispose of the body. However, before his henchman took a step, the king’s body disappeared into gold dust, leaving only the large pool of deep red blood on the floor. Snarling softly, Naraku sheathed his sword turning to head out of the room. Catching his attention, he noticed the remaining necklace, glowing softly with Kikyo’s concealment charm, Naraku smiled and picked up, clutching it in his hands, knowing he would one day find the princess and make her his.

Kikyo stumbled through the trees, gasping for breath, blood covering her right arm. She tried to stop and use the leaves from the trees to stop her bleeding, to heal her, but she was fading fast. Taking another step forward, she looked up to the full moon and prayed for help, for her and her child. Breathing deeply, she pushed through the underbrush, trying to go north to King Toga’s kingdom, knowing he could protect her child. Tears streaming down her face, whether from the pain or the situation or her daughter’s future, she wasn’t quite sure, Kikyo sobbed, holing the still sleeping Kagome to her breast. Stop to catch her breath, Kikyo looked down to Kagome, looking like a normal human, no sparkle to her skin in the moonlight and kissed her on the forehead. “My little girl, one day you will be strongest and most beautiful fairy. You will be the answer. I love you.” Sighing and squaring her shoulders, Kikyo used the last of her energy to walk into a small meadow, near a stream, where she spotted a cottage along the water. Pushing herself even more, she stepped towards the doorway, when the reed mat swung open to reveal a woman around her age, wearing an eye patch, with a startled look across her features.

“Child, are you alright?” The women asked, taking a step towards the wounded mother.

“Please, help me. Take my child.”

“Child?” It was then, the woman in red hakama and a white kosode, looked down towards the bundle in her arms, noticing the blood dripping along the ground beside the queen. “Come inside. Let me help you.” She urgently requested.

“Please protect her. She is special, she will save our kingdom. This necklace will keep her hidden from harm. Her name is Kagome.” With that, Kikyo sank to her knees, Kaede catching her, to keep her from dropping Kagome and falling in the dirt herself. As Kaede took the sleeping child, she locked eyes with the queen, unbeknownst to her, that the queen was dying. As Kaede began to reach out towards Kikyo to help her stand, KIkyo gasped, holding her right shoulder, and fell, disappearing into twinkling dust as she passed. 

Not knowing exactly what just happened, Kaede looked down to the sleeping babe, who had began to fuss, knowing she would protect this child at all costs and sensing a great power beneath the concealment charm. Standing and turning towards her little, but warm cottage, she looked up at the full moon and prayed for all the help in the world with this child.

Not too far away, in the northern kingdom, King Toga held his wife a little closer at his side, watching the eastern kingdom fall, with the rise of an evil ruler, knowing the time of peace had ended.

20 years have passed since that eventful night, but Kaede kept her promise to Kikyo in keeping the princess safe. Naraku began to become even more powerful, catching any creature he could, and absorbing their power with his sword. He became unforgiving, creating a ruthless reputation for beheading his servants. The southern wolf kingdom locked down their borders, not allowing anyone in or out without protection. Sesshomaru merely didn’t change anything, as if he didn’t care. Toga welcomed anyone who needed help with open arms, aiding his villages in support and creating a strong army in defense. Demons, mythical creatures, and humans feared Naraku, many fleeing the eastern kingdom and seeking protection among each of the kingdoms. Families were separated, lost to each other and the King and Queen of the eastern kingdom lost to its people. Many mythical creatures almost became extinct, many of the remaining hiding from the evil.

However, in a small cottage, at the border of the northern and eastern kingdoms, Kagome grew into a lovely young woman, with her powers growing exponentially everyday. She loved gardening, growing different kinds of flowers, herbs and vegetables. She loved the feeling of the soil in her fingers, learning new remedies and recipes from her mother, Mother Kaede as well as her neighbor, a friendly half-demon, Jineji helped her with her garden and always accompanied her on her walks to the neighboring villages. Her hair, a long, almost black, ran to her waist, curling slightly at the bottom and her eyes the bluest of blues, like the ocean. Her small waist almost always had a basket of flowers perched against it, and her smile never seem to left her face. The nearby villages praised her kindness and beauty, while fearing her temper on some occasions.

A bright spring morning, Kaede and Kagome were beginning their day with breakfast. “Child, I think today would be a good day to gather some flowers, while taking these herbs and remedies to the fox family down the road. Shippo’s mother just gave birth and needs a few things.”

“Okay Mother Kaede! I would love to see Shippo too, he loves my snack cakes that I make, almost as much as you do. There are a few left, may I take them with me?” Kagome asked brightly, giggling softly.

“Of course my dear. Please be careful, if you should need help, call for Jineji if you are near his home. DO you have your dagger?”

“Always! I can’t wait to see all the flowers in the fields, I wonder if the tulips have sprung yet….” Kagome began to talk to herself, as she packed her knapsack. 

Laughing quietly, knowing just how much Kagome loved the wildflower field on a warm day, Kaede helped her with her cream cloak, buttoning it along her right shoulder. “Do you have your pendant? As well my child?”

“Yes Mother!” Kagome huffed, grabbing her basket with the herbs and began to step through the door. Breathing deeply, she smiled, knowing today would be a wonderful day.

Following the green path, she spent a good hour walking towards the fox hut Letting go of the pendant she was fingering around her neck, she stopped to hear voices inside, along with a laughing squeal. Jumping out front doorway, Shippo waved at Kagome and hurried towards her, with the biggest shit eating grin on his face “Kagome! Kagome! Can we go play in the wild flower fields today?”

Smiling even brighter than she was, eyes glimmering in the sunshine, Kagome laughed along.”Of course! I brought these for your mother from Mother Kaede. It’s for your brother and sisters too.” Sniffling at the package, Shippo jumped onto her shoulder as they headed inside the hut. “Now, what did you do? I know that smile.” Kagome asked, ticking Shippo’s rounding belly.

Not too far away, Prince Inuyasha, followed by his closest friends, began their hunt. It was near the end of the deer season and he wanted to catch one more for the dinner table tonight. He wanted to show his father how good he was at catching game and as they travel toward the thick forest, Inuyasha began to daydream as he rode his horse. Something about gold and silver wings and the smell of wildflowers. Hearing a slap against skin, he sighed, shaking his thoughts from his head, and turned, looking at his friends. “Serves you right Monk, you should know by now Sango will hit you every time.” He snickered at the couple.

“It’s the hand! I swear this thing is cursed.” Miroku responded, his left cheek sporting a bright pink hand print, raising his own hands in the air.

“No, you’re just a pervert!” The brunette beside him cried loudly, pulling the reins, slowing them to stop.

“Okay you two, hush, while we hunt for game. I smelt a steed not too far from here. Sango, close are we to the border?” Inuyasha turned toward the demon slayer, his companion being in charge of the maps.

“Not too far. There is a village a little ways that way, the one where the hanyou horse resides, who helps with herbs in this area. After that, you’ve reached the border.” Sango pointed, stating.

Nodding his head, Inuyasha began the dismount from his horse, grabbing his crossbow and arrows, his sword bouncing along his leather clad thigh. Stopping suddenly, his ear twitched and turned toward the wildflower meadow he knew was near here. He could hear soft giggling and a small child talking. Miroku and Sango climbed down from their horse, squabbling at each other again. Taking a step towards the sounds, he left his friends behind at the horses and followed the sounds. When he approached the edge of the meadow, he stopped in his tracks.

[xmagicxshopx]

Moon Monsters - Chapter 2

Genre: Fantasy Adventure, Romance (possible smut later), Comedy Rating: PG-13 Warnings: none at this time Pairing: Jungkook x reader, Jackson x reader Notes: werewolf!bts au. Not idol!bts. Same goes for GOT7. Single quote marks ‘ ‘ are for thoughts and double “ “ are for talking. Additional Notes: I take zero credit for any of the photos used in these chapters. They are just for visual enhancement for the both of us. Also I did not proofread so good luck. XD

Tagging: @och-ako @kfictionstories @trcvias @justbangtanandjams @lizardsocial @breadcaaat

Summary: You’re the CEO’s new personal assistant. But there’s something strange about him and the company you work for.

SERIES MASTERLIST

Flushed cheeks, half-lidded bedroom eyes, hips swaying to the music. You looked absolutely delectable to Jungkook as he watched you from afar. You.....

His mate.

His inner wolf had been nagging at him ever since Jungkook bumped into you that very first day of your new job. It was like the stars aligned and everything made sense. That’s usually how normal humans described finding their one true love. But for Jungkook......It worked a little differently.

Like any other werewolf, Jungkook is at the mercy of the Moon Goddess. It used to be a myth that she controlled the wolves like her puppets. But the alpha of his back, which happened to be Namjoon, explained that it was just that. A myth. The Moon Goddess helps her pups and guides them down the right path. But she also decides when it is time for her pups to mate.

And that was when Jungkook bumped into you. God you were absolutely stunning that day. Well.....in his eyes, you’re stunning every day. No matter what you’re wearing. You could be wearing sweats and a t-shirt and you’d still look like a goddess yourself. Just thinking about that image caused his inner wolf to perk up.

‘Think about it. How beautiful she would look in your t-shirt and sweats; her belly round and swollen with pups. Your pups.’

“God shut up. It’s all I can do to think straight right now.”

He was enjoying the fantasy of you carrying his offspring.......till trouble showed up.

“Hands off her, Wang.”

The alcohol you had consumed earlier was definitely starting to effect you. Hearing a voice that felt like coming home, you immediately turned around and noticed Jungkook standing there looking furious. In your drunken state, you feared he might be mad at you, but you also wanted to get away from Jackson. With whimpers that were drowned out by the thumping club music, you launched yourself out of one man’s arms and into another.

To anyone else, they wouldn’t have heard you. But Jungkook did and your whimpers broke his heart. His inner wolf reared it’s head and practically begged to be let out so he could rip Jackson a new one. But this was a public place. A very public place. There was no way letting out the wolf was an option right now. So he settled for cradling you to his chest and smoothing down your hair.

“Hey, Miss Korea. Why don’t we go find Small Fry, okay?”

Moving your face just a little from where you were hiding in Kook’s firm chest, you saw a very warm looking Taehyung with that boxy grin that never failed to make you smile. Suddenly letting out girly, drunken giggles, it was as if all was well again as you replied happily,

“Okay!”

Jungkook flashed the male a grateful smile while Taehyung just gave a curt nod as he took your hand and started to dramatically and comically search for their little friend as he was now being labeled. It only made you giggle more. Dear God Jungkook wished he could join you right now. But he had business to take care of.

Jackson was surprisingly still standing there; his erection still very noticeable. All the disgusting possibilities ran through the younger’s mind and he jabbed the inside of his cheek with his tongue; a habit whenever he was thoroughly ticked and fuming.

“She’s off limits, Wang. Leave her alone.”

“Why? She yours or something? I don’t see you imprinting on her. As far as I’m concerned, she’s free real estate.”

That was when all hell broke loose.

One second Jackson was standing and the next, decked clean off his feet. A nice bruise was already starting to form on his cheek as he attempted to pick his half drunken self off the floor. Breathing heavily, Jungkook gritted and bared his teeth as he hissed out in anger,

“You should be ashamed of yourself. The Moon Goddess teaches us to love and respect females. They are beautiful beings who deserve more respect than that. They go through so much pain and yet still put on beautiful smiles that light up the world. They work just as hard as we men do; all the while bearing our pups.”

It really was a lovely speech. But all Jackson did was respond with a roll of his eyes; clearly bored and sporting deaf ears.

“Yeah yeah. Whatever. It’s not like she’s your mate or anything. I can still have her if I want.”

When Jungkook was about to throw another punch, a swift hand quickly came up to stop him and another arm wove around his waist. Looking over with pure rage, the youngest saw that it was none other than Taehyung and immediately simmered down. Gently shaking his head, the older male spoke calmly,

“He’s not worth it, Kook. Come on. I found Jimin. He’s with her now. But she’s getting antsy and asking about you.”

‘You hear that? Your mate is worried and asking for you. We can deal with dirt bag here later. Right now your mate needs you. Go.’

“Right. Let’s go.”

After the whole Jackson fiasco, it was hard for anyone to stay in a bright mood. When a very drunk Jimin found out, he threatened to go punch the male’s lights out but all that got him was another Small Fry jab in the ribs. Jungkook was relieved to see that made you giggle a little behind your hand. God you were so cute when you giggled. Especially when you were drunk. When those giggles started turning into a yawn, the youngest male spoke up casually but loud enough over the music,

“Okay, you love birds. I’m going to take her home. I think someone’s getting sleepy.”

“No I’m nnooooooottt. I’m wide awake. See!”

Kook watched as you clambered off the bar stool to which he had to catch you before you could fall and the next thing he knew, you were staring right into his eyes with wide ones of your own. The look on your face was priceless and he wished he had his phone handy but sadly it was stuck in his back pocket.

“Sure sure. Well you can be wide awake on the drive home, okay?”

“Okay! Let’s go for a ride! Choo Choo! All aboard the Kookie Train!”

“Oh my god I wish I had my phone out.”

“Got you covered, babe.”

Jungkook looked up to see Taehyung recording the whole thing. Wanting to milk this moment for all it was worth, he gently turned you around in his arms and pointed to the male holding his phone up and said as if like a father to his daughter,

“Lookie. Say hi to Taehyung.”

“Hi, Taetae!”

“Oh wait! I wanna say hi too!”

“This is gold. I’m never deleting this. I’ll put it on an external hard drive if I have to.”

Both Taehyung and Jungkook snickered as a very drunken Jimin was hugging a very drunken you. In this moment, the youngest male of the group found his heart thumping but growing soft all at the same time. This was his pack. His family. And one day soon, he’d introduce you to his world. His pack. Because the Moon Goddess wills it so.

Once Taehyung was finished recording his blackmail material, it was time to pry Jimin away from you so that everyone could get home safely and in one piece. But surprisingly enough, getting the two drunks away from each other was quite difficult.

“But she’s so cozy. I don’t wannaaaaaa.”

“You can cuddle up with your girl back home. And if she’s sleeping, I’ll throw you in the cage with the birds. You’re small enough, you’ll fit.”

“Why I oughta!!!”

With the drunken male now completely absorbed in defending his small size, you were left giggling and falling into a very strong pair of arms. Looking up with that same drunken and dreamy smile, you saw a warm and amused looking Jungkook staring down at you.

“Did you have fun tonight?”

“Yep! I drank lots and lots!”

“Yes I can tell. When we get home, we can drink lots and lots of coffee.”

“Ooouuu! Are we gonna have a slumber party at your place???”

“Slumber party at Kookie’s?!?! I wanna go too!”

“You are going home to your mama bird, Small Fry.”

Jungkook was currently trying to get certain thoughts out of his head when Taehyung came up to him and whispered in his ear,

“Let’s get them out of here before I’m tempted to drop Jimin off at the closest dog shelter instead.”

Snickering and now able to think much clearer, the youngest nodded and instead of trying to help you walk through the crowds, he simply hoisted you up into his arms and carried you out bridal style. It wasn’t till outside in the fresh crisp night air that they all realized how stuffy it had been inside the club.

After lots and lots of whining from a certain Small Fry, Taehyung was finally able to maneuver a very wiggly Jimin into the passenger seat of his car. Meanwhile, Jungkook had it much easier for you had fallen asleep within minutes of being carried and cradled in his arms. He handled you like glass as he carefully pulled the seat belt across your body and clicked it in place. Oh how he wanted to......well.....no. That would be taking advantage of you while you were extremely vulnerable. No. He would kiss you on the cheek with your consent. And that was that.

He took his Moon Goddess’s rules very seriously. Unlike someone he knew....

The drive home was uneventful. Truth be told, Jungkook had full intentions of dropping you off at your apartment building and staying with you till he was certain you were going to be okay with only a mild hangover instead of a killer one. But as he slowly pulled up to your building.......something didn’t settle well with him.

‘Is this her den? Tisk tisk. She can’t stay here. I can smell the mold from miles away. It’s not safe or healthy here. You must take her back to our den where we can protect her and keep her safe and healthy.’

Honestly, the young male didn’t need to be told twice. He didn’t have a good feeling about the place when he first picked you up. Hell, he had that same uneasy feeling when he first followed you home. Truth be told, he’d been looking for an excuse to get you out of here. So naturally he’d use this as the perfect excuse to take you home with him.

Putting the car into gear again, he started the drive to his own home. Looking over for just a second, he could see where you were still sleeping peacefully. His inner wolf was wagging his tail happily as he too took in the sight of their beautiful and precious mate.

‘The Goddess has blessed us, little one. We must not take her gift for granted.’

Being the youngest of the pack, Jungkook never dreamed that he would find his mate so soon. But here he was driving in his car with some of the most precious cargo he’d ever transport. All he wanted to do was scent you and love all over you. But his inner wolf seemed to have other ideas as images of you waddling around his apartment with a swollen belly and swollen ankles to match popped into his head. Lounging on the couch and bawling over cheesy k-dramas because the hormones were killing you.

“God. Will you stop with the pups. You’re killing me. We haven’t even set her down for the talk yet.”

‘You can’t blame me, little one. Our special week of the month is coming up and you know what that means. She’ll be ovulating and if you think this is hell......you haven’t seen anything yet.’

Groaning out loud, the young male let his head fall back against the head rest of his seat. His heat cycle. With everything going on, he had completely forgotten about that. Good lord his heats were already painful to begin with. Now that he knew about his mate......there was actually an inkling of fear crawling up his spine. What if he became feral and tried to hunt you down and force you to mate with him? What if the separation from you made him sick? He’d have to talk to Namjoon about all of this on Monday. Maybe sooner because time was running out for Jungkook.

Once parked in his designated spot in the parking garage, he got out and carefully closed the driver side door so that he wouldn’t wake you. Lightly jogging around to the other side, he opened the passenger door with just as much caution and worked on getting your seat belt undone. Just then, your head lulled over to where your nose was just lightly brushing his collarbone and the poor boy thought he might die right there. It took all his self control to get you out of the car without throwing you in the back seat and having his way with you.

After moving and wiggling you till you were finally out of the car and back into his arms, he was able to ease the passenger side door closed and locked his car before carrying you towards the entrance of the apartment building. Already he was feeling more at ease with the knowledge that you would be staying with him for the night where he could protect you. He wouldn’t put it past Jackson to try and sniff you out and take you away from your very own home. This way, Jackson wouldn’t be able to get anywhere near you.

Once inside the building, the trip in the elevator was fairly short before he was exiting and walking down the hall. Being careful not to drop you, he fished around for his keys and unlocked the door to his own little cozy den. As his inner wolf liked to call it. Walking through and easing the door closed behind him, the first thing he noticed was how beautiful the city looked all lit up with different colored lights. Sure it was probably a hazard having an entire wall made of nothing but glass but he couldn’t help it. Jungkook was a free spirit and he always wanted to be able to see the city from above. Especially at night time.

But he could admire the night scene later. Right now he needed to get you into bed and resting because you were going to have a killer hangover in the morning. Carrying you down the hallway with ease, he stepped in through his bedroom doorway and carefully set you down on the bed. Good god you looked so perfect. Drunk or not, you looked like you belonged in his bed. Because you did. It was fate. Mother Nature and the Moon Goddess willed this to happen.

However, as delicious as you looked there laying on his bed with your hair fanned out everywhere, he was going to be the gentleman and take care of you in the most innocent way possible. After slipping his own shoes off, he carefully eased your heels off your feet so as not to wake you. It was then that his inner wolf decided to be a snot nosed brat....as usual.

‘You know.....those clothes probably aren’t comfortable to sleep in either....’

“I hate you.”

‘No you don’t.’

With another groan out loud and wiping a hand down his face, Jungkook stood there trying to figure out the best way to get you out of those club clothes without, one, driving himself crazy. And, two, not to wake you and cause an extremely awkward situation. After chewing on his bottom lip till it was flaking, he finally decided it was best just to jump in. Being extremely cautious, he took your clothing off one piece at a time. And soon enough, you were left with only your bra and panties.

“Dear god, shoot me. Put me out of my misery. Please. Someone. Anyone.”

‘Oh stop being dramatic. Just slip one of your t-shirts on her and she’ll be good to go.’

“You just want to see me die, don’t you?”

There was a small pause and the young boy wasn’t sure his inner wolf was going to answer till he suddenly said,

‘Okay so I might be getting a tiny bit of satisfaction out of watching you squirm.’

Glaring out into space, Jungkook huffed through his nose like a typical wolf and walked over to his dresser drawer where he kept his extra large t-shirts. Of course any of them would work but he was being extremely picky and making sure he got one for you that was the most comfortable and least worn out. Just when he had deemed one good enough, he turned around only to see you had....well....moved.

You were now laying on your stomach with your perky bum slightly raised in the air while resting your head on one of his pillows; a small peaceful smile on your face. But no matter how hard he tried to stay focus on that beautiful and innocent smile, his eyes slid down your body to stop at your bum every time. You were nearly in the perfect mating position. Half naked with your tush on full display.

Before he could stop himself, a small but quiet howl of pain filled the room followed by what could only be described as puppy whimpering. If Jungkook’s neighbors didn’t know any better, they would have thought he had recently gotten a puppy from the shelter.

‘Oh stop being a baby and just put the shirt on her.’

With another huff and a childlike pout, the young wolf did as he was told and approached you with caution. If he thought clubbing had exhausted him, exercising all of this self control was what really wore him out. But fortunately he still had some luck on his side for he was able to get the over sized shirt on you and eased you back into the position you were in previously. Before he could be tempted any further, he walked to his closet, grabbed some pillows and a set of pajama pants and t-shirt for himself and was out of the room in a flash.

When it was finally time for you to come back around to the world of the conscious, the first thing you realized was that you’d very much like to remain unconscious. Head pounding, eyes aching, body sore and throbbing, feet feeling like they were swollen. Yeah. Definitely prefer unconscious right now. However, cracking your eyes open, you realized real quick that........this wasn’t your bedroom. This wasn’t your apartment.

So there you laid with a horrible hangover and trying to understand why you weren’t in your apartment. Your recollection of last night was fussy at best. You remembered arriving and having some drinks, obviously. Then there was......Jackson! Fear crawled up your spine as you wondered if this was his place. Had you seriously left with him? Or maybe he kidnapped you? He was awfully persistent. That was when you looked over to the bedside table as your world swayed in front of you. There laid a piece of paper along with two pain pills and a glass of water.

After slowly easing yourself up into a sitting position, you took the two pain pills and downed them with the glass of water and attempted to read what was on the piece of paper. Turns out you were in fact not at Jackson’s, thank goodness, and you were actually at Jungkook’s. That was when you finally started taking everything in. Looking down at yourself, you realized you were no longer in your own clothing aside from your undergarments. Oh lord. That meant.......oh god. Groaning, you let your head fall and the blush was overwhelmingly warm on your face.

Pulling yourself together, you also realized that said male wasn’t in the room. Was this his bedroom or a spare bedroom? Looking around, you quickly confirmed this was in fact the young man’s room. It had Jungkook written all over it. So of course that made you wonder if he had been sleeping in the bed beside you. Looking over, you could tell there was no way he had been in the same bed with you. The wheels in your head started turning and you quickly decided that you wanted to find the living room.

But first, bathroom.

After managing to find the bathroom without any help and taking care of your business, you splashed some water on your face and realized that your makeup had turned into a mess at some point through the night. With no makeup removing materials, it proved to be quite the task to get that crap off without making a complete and total mess of your coworker’s bathroom.

Looking as presentable as you could be with all things considered, you padded out of the bathroom and down the hall which you assumed would lead you out into a very bright living room. Very bright. Like ouch that freaking hurts bright. Squinting and trying to hood your eyes with your hand, you noticed standing by the window or rather a glass wall was none other than Jungkook himself.

Aside from the slight bed head, he looked just as handsome as ever. Standing there leaning against the glass and admiring the early morning sun shining over the city. He was sporting a t-shirt just like you were only he had these simple red and white checkered pajama pants on and dang did he look comfortable. Oh how you’d love to just cuddle up with him on the couch and------wait what????

Maybe you were still drunk?

“Oh! There you are. How are you feeling? Did you find the meds I left for you?”

Face turning flushed pink once more, you smiled sheepishly and nodded timidly. Tucking some of your own somewhat tamed bed head behind your ears, you cleared your throat and spoke up softly,

“I’m pretty embarrassed. Never before have I gotten that drunk. I can’t even remember some things. I didn’t puke all over you or anything, did I?”

Laughing softly while shaking his head, the young male replied while motioning for the couch,

“Ani ani. You held your liquor quite well. Way better than Jimin hyung. In fact, he’s already texted us in our group chat saying the next time we go out, it’s going to be at a dog cafe. Here. Take a seat and rest.”

Giggling as you could totally picture Jimin saying that, you gave a small and slow nod before timidly taking a seat on the couch. It was then that you were quickly reminded of your current attire. Blushing heavily, you glanced over to see Jungkook shyly staring at you too. Swapping bashful smiles, the male cleared his throat and said as casually as he could,

“Speaking of Jimin, he also mentioned something about grabbing lunch with the guys today and having you officially meet his girlfriend along with Tae’s. Would you like that? A girls day out? You know, where you girls can go out and do whatever it is you females do for fun.”

You couldn’t help but snort followed by giggles as you listened to him talk. Such a typical guy. A male who will never understand the female species. Then again. Would females ever understand males? Probably not. Smiling widely and already feeling much better than earlier, you nodded and replied with a joyous tone in your voice,

“Yeah! I’d like that. I don’t have any female friends, really.”

“Well now you do. Come on. I’ll drop you off at your place to wash and change and then we can meet up with them at the mall.”

And with that, the two of you started your day. You waited out in the living room patiently while Jungkook hopped in the shower and made himself presentable. Of course you had simply changed back into your clubbing clothes but knew that it wouldn’t last long since the drive to your apartment was pretty short. Upon seeing the male step back out into the living room, you couldn’t help but smile wider. He always looked so good no matter what he was wearing.

“Ready?”

“Ready!”

Walking out to the parking garage where his car was, you both noticed the sounds of what seemed to be fire trucks. You glanced over at him and noticed he was staring back at you too. Those trucks sounded awfully close. However, it could have been anything but it was never a good thing for a fire truck to be blaring so close to home. Climbing in, you both buckled up and were off onto the streets.

Within five minutes, your heart sunk and you felt like you were going to puke.

The fire trucks were all parked outside the front of your building as it started to collapse on itself with the help of the flames that were trying to engulf it. Fire. It was everywhere. The entire building was up in flames. Fight or flight instincts kicked in and you quickly unbuckled yourself and was flinging yourself out of the car before Jungkook could even put it to a full stop; shouting after you.

“Wait! Stop!”

Fortunately the male was part wolf and could use his speed and strength to his advantage. Within seconds, he had his arms wrapped around your waist and stopping you from going any closer to the burning building. You screamed and thrashed in his arms; exclaiming that you had belongings in there. Belongings that were important and precious to you. Once you had stopped screaming at him, he softly shushed you and held you to his chest as he whispered sweet nothings in your ear.

“I know. I know. I’m so sorry, beautiful. I’m so sorry. It’s going to be okay. We’ll fix this. It’s going to be okay.”

His inner wolf howled in pain and it rang in his ears. Dear god this was pure torture seeing you like this. It had tears stinging his own eyes as he held onto you for dear life. You had since then lost all your will to stand and so he had to hold you up as best he could. You just wouldn’t stop sobbing and honestly he couldn’t blame you. He could only imagine what precious items you must have been referring to.

Managing to get you back in his car, the two of you sat there in silence. You were silently crying and he was sitting there trying to figure out how to clean this mess up. It was killing him. So much so that it was hard to think straight. All he wanted to do was hold you in his arms and make all this go away so that you’d smile again. Swallowing hard, he suddenly remembered their previous plans and that’s what an idea struck him. Pulling out his phone, he found the contact he was looking for and pressed the phone to his ear.

“Hello?”

“Jiminnie hyung. Have you guys left yet?”

“Nope. Cutie here insists I’m not sober enough yet. I think she just wants to see me choke back black coffee.”

“Look. I’m coming over now. I’ll explain when we get there.”

“W---Okay. Sure. The door will be unlocked. Kook is everything o----”

But the male didn’t give his older brother a chance to finish as his car was already back out on the street and zooming towards their destination; Jimin’s girlfriend’s house. You took one last look at the place you had called home for the last three years before closing your eyes and bawling all the harder as you slumped further into the passenger seat.

“Shhh. It’s okay, beautiful. We’ll fix this. We’ll make everything okay.”

Once arriving, Jungkook looked over to see that you had finally stopped crying but the alternative wasn’t much better. If anything, it was worse. You just sat there staring out into space; thinking only God knows what. Turning the car off, he got out and helped you out and you let him; not having the spirit in you to do it yourself.

However, once Jimin opened the door and saw you standing there, you burst into tears all over again and flung yourself at the small man; clinging to him and sobbing into his shoulder. Meanwhile said man was staring at the younger male with question marks all over his face mouthing ‘What happened?’

But instead of answering the older male out loud, Jungkook simply gave him a look that said he’d explain everything in a minute. It was then that he turned to the cute, petite female standing a few feet away in the living room and he asked softly,

“Mama Bird, could she use your shower and......perhaps borrow a fresh set of clothing?”

Nodding eagerly, the female spoke in a soft, sweet, and motherly tone as she replied,

“Of course, of course. Come on, sweet pea. Let’s get you washed up. You’ll love my shampoo I use. And we’ll pick out a really pretty outfit that will have you feeling good as new.”

With soft whimpers falling from your quivering lips, you allowed the other female to guide you deeper into her cozy home where the bathroom could be found. Lucky for you, the female was quite the literal mama bird. You would be in good hands for the moment.

Once the two females were out of sight, Jungkook sighed heavily and closed the front door behind him before leaning against it and rubbing his face tiredly. Jimin stood there shifting his weight from one foot to the other before he finally cracked under the suspense and asked once more,

“Jungkook, what happened? Did someone die?”

“No......but something tells me they might as well have.”

Just as Jimin was about to nag about the younger beating around the bush and speaking in riddles, the dark haired boy spoke up once more.

“Her apartment was on fire this morning, hyung. The whole building is completely destroyed. I have no idea if anyone was in the building but thank the Moon Goddess she wasn’t.”

When the blonde male gave him a look, he added in brief explanation,

“I took her to my place after last night. I just......my inner wolf told me to. And I can’t really say I wanted to argue. I want her home with me so bad, Jimin. Is this what it feels like for you and Taehyung?”

“Oh yeah. Trust me. That’s why I’ve been staying here at her place. Thankfully she doesn’t mind it. And honestly I could see myself moving in here if we get that far.”

Suddenly one of the colorful birds in the living room spoke up but what came out of his mouth was not what Jungkook was expecting.

“Heehee heehee you’re such an idiot, Jiminnie. But I still love you.”

“Stupid parrot.”

[bensbuttercup]

The reader seducing werewolf!Shawn by wearing a tail plug and his inner wolf makes him go crazy?

Okay this is new territory for me writing wise 100% new and I hope I can do it a little justice.

Shawn walked into the pack house, running a hand through his hair further destroying his already messy curls. He had just left a rather stressful meeting with his neighboring pack and all he wanted to do was find his mate and cuddle with her. She always knew how to ease his nerves when she could smell it on him.

Shawn parted ways with His father and two of the betas before walking up to his wing of the house. His boots slapped quietly on the wooden floors of the hallway before he finally found where his mate was. He followed her scent into their room where he slowly and carefully opened the door hoping not to wake her if she was sleeping.

The sight that greeted Shawn was one he would never expect. His mate was curled up in the middle of the mattress, Shawn’s sweatshirt covering most of her frame, the hood pulled up over her head. As his eyes trailed lower he saw a small bundle of fur poking out the bottom of the pink hoodie his mate was blanked in. Shawn moved across the dark brown shag carpet and sat on the bed next to his mate.

His hand carefully moved to pull the bottom of the hoodie up just enough to expose that surprise it was hiding. Shawn saw a tail poking out from between his mates soft behind and the noise that left his lips was a mixture between a purr and a growl. She had done this just for him? He allowed his hand to stroke along the soft gray fur before he pulled slightly on the tail, his other hand running through his mates hair.

“Shawn?” She let his name tumble past her lips as she sleepily blinked to look up at him. When did she fall asleep?

“Hey pup.” He hummed as he continued his movements, pet, pull, stroke. “This just for me?” His mate sleepy nodded before stretching and yawning, the tail swaying as she moved.

“Mhum.” She hummed crawling into Shawn’s lap and closing her eyes again. “All for you.” She blinked up at Shawn. “Figured you’d wanna maybe leave it in tonight, something new for later, but for now can we finish napping?” Shawn felt his body relax when she was back in his arms. He nodded before moving up the mattress still holding his mate in his arms.

“Of course pup, I’ll play with this later.” Shawn twisted the plug causing a small moan to slip past his mate’s lips before she closed her eyes and rested her head on his chest again.

“Later.”

[do-you-want-mawr-blog]

A beginning of a new chapter

After the years that followed Gilneas’ downfall, not everyone escaped with the evacuation to Teldrassil. Feral Worgen, corrupted wildlife, Blight. All remained behind after the population left. Those, and Rhodri Savage with his meagre pack trying to survive them all.

(This is quite an old, old story when Rhodri was first created! Whilst I’m no longer as proud as I was at the time, it would be a disservice to the character to not post this along with the other shorts I plan to write.)

With a snuff and the gaping yawn of an old, sleepy wolf, Rhodri awakens. His blissful mid-afternoon nap had greeted him to the thousands of slapping splashes made by the rain in its tireless war on the Headland’s prisoning crevice walls rising from the land in violent defiance. Sleepy, Roman silver eyes, contrasting against his fur the same colour of the storm clouds outside, blink into focus, groggy and old.  

Scarred lips smacking obnoxiously as his monstrous head, along with the rest of his gargantuan body, stretches from the curled position on the dreary cavern floor. An eruption of tremendous applause from cracking, aged bones that notifies the others sharing the area with him of his arrival back in the world of the conscious.

An unfortunate wind sends a battalion of the cloud’s soldiers off course, likely costing them a concise victory, to instead disrupt the Worgen’s waking ritual by soaking his shifting back muscles in shivering water. Such is the price of guarding the entrance of their den. The leader has to make sacrifices, after all, even the smallest ones. 

His rusting, horrendously homemade armour wasn’t faring much better as it laid distraught beside him. The freezing downpour getting into the crevices of its weathered, painted copper pieces, all caught embracing scraps of steel in a scandalous display of inter-metal relations and quickening the mould that had engrossed the worn leather strips that bound it all together.  Even worse still, the same fate occurred to the weapon that made everything happen, the decision to pick it up that changed their lives, his poorly smithed Claymore. A weapon that was only meant as a training exercise for Kelsie’s husband to attempt to smith his biggest blade yet, one that only the largest of soldiers would be able to wield. Or one oversized butcher, as Rhodri proved.

His memories of their change were disrupted by the reality of it. Vicious snarling and snapping coming from behind him, only moments before the whimpering of an injured, young male. A pathetic yelp that caused his wistful mind to react on instinct and set him up for his daily wrestle to keep his position of leadership. 

Even without any of his stolen or salvaged items, there were no Worgen, whether sane or feral, that could pose much threat to the beast that the Alpha had become, and that includes those that were meant to be part of his animalistic family. 

Irritated eyes swivel around to land solely on the cause of the ‘lovable’ bullying, and they unsurprisingly find the two brothers picking on Charlie as they always do. Eamon and Logan Hall, the pair always needing to fill their lives with hostilities and bitterness, and such emotions are always directed to the easiest target they can find, either prey or, as they were doing now. The ‘runt’ of the pack, Charlie Reynolds, laid cowering beneath the two, arm hugging close to his chest dripping with his crimson blood that started the beginning of an unwanted paint job in their cliffside home.

Now was not a time for thought, bargaining or begging, now was the time for punishment, which Rhodri meted out with swift justice towards the brothers. A mere cracking of tired leg bones in action again was Logan’s only warning before the brunt, brutal impact of his leader’s uncovered shoulder against the brother’s sinewy side, sending the smaller male scraping his claws for anything to latch onto to halt his progress towards the cave’s jagged wall. Attempts that were evidently fruitless as the second collision was almost as pain-inducing as the first and left him joining Charlie in the whimpering choir as he collapses to the welcoming comfort of the stone floor. 

Eamon wasn’t as dim as his sibling and swiftly caught on that they were in serious trouble, but pride wouldn’t allow him to cower, only to turn on his brother’s assailant even if that meant sharing his fate. While the wrecking ball of an Alpha Worgen had his side towards him after his barreling manoeuvre, the junior took his defiance of being unable to attack who he wanted and poured it into his resolve to leap at the uncovered, naked leader and do as much damage as possible. 

The result, perhaps, wasn’t as significant as he had hoped. The older brother plummeted towards Rhodri, landing on a rugged back stretched tight like a canvas, smothered in multiple scarring from previous assaults. Like a proud artist, Eamon eagerly added another stroke to the masterpiece as chipped claw raked through toughened flesh and yellowed fangs found a weak grip near the nape of the trunk that supported the alpha’s head, but that’s where his success ended. 

Whilst the assailant merrily gnawed on Rhodri’s back, sounds of furious howling spelling vengeance bounce off the den’s compact, slick walls as the huge Worgen recovers for a counter-attack. 

Throwing his weight into his tirelessly worked arms, the seasoned fighter shoves his bulk backwards and launches Eamon off his vulnerable, weak stance. The pup swiftly finding himself scrambling under the sudden, bone-breaking pressure of a monster crushing his rib cage by sheer weight alone. 

After a sudden thwomp against Eamon’s snout with fisted claws as he clambers off the trapped brother, Rhodri helps the beaten challenger gather his bearings behind the bloodied nose whilst he’s dragged across the dirtied floor to be tossed into the shameful pile that Logan makes the foundations of.  

With brother’s whimpering mercy in unison, Rhodri rises over them on his back legs, dominantly displaying everything his nudity allows, before erupting the outcome with a victorious howling that rivals the storm raging outside. 

As this announcement draws on, three other, slender Worgen come scampering from crevices deeper in the den to add their unique, feminine voices into the fray of their Alpha’s. All of the females slimmer, smaller than the other males of the pack, yet none of them share the lack of modesty that the others seem to insist on, draped in tattered clothing as they continue their sporadic outburst of wolven singing. 

As the song dies down, one of the latest arrivals pads her way to the side of the boisterous Alpha Worgen, her sleek, distinct steel fur glistening under the stormy-lit skies brightening the cave enough to reveal her strikingly similar set of silver eyes as she glares down to the defeated brothers.

“Dad, they’ve got the message. They start up again, I’ll ‘andle ‘em. Get yourself cleaned off at the shores.” comes a rough proposal in her canine dialect, Silvia always the one to make sure that her father didn’t neglect his own well-being. 

As the Worgen’s words catch Rhodri’s ears, there’s a grunt of agreement as he falls down to all fours, giving a final growl of a farewell before he skulks off to gather his armour whilst abandoning the absurd and clumsy weapon at the entrance. The pack left behind in the care of his daughter as he ventures into the wilderness of the headlands.

Roaming a short distance away to equip his rag-tag grouping of plating that make his clothing of choice, Rhodri enjoys the pattering of rain against his skin as he observes the thunderous war above. His outer legs loosely draped by the unrespectable attire thanks to an overworked belt stretched across the waist and strained leather strips around the thighs. The choice intentionally failing to hide the proportionally sized testicles, acting as a clear display of his status as the dominant male in the area. 

His shoulders sharing a similar fashion of armouring using a harness around his upper torso, leaving him looking like an abandoned, old castle whose roofing is desperately hanging on for grim life, subjects to the will of the weather, or in this case, Rhodri’s movement. Begrudgingly dressed as an unemployed teenager asked to adventure outside by his parents after several days of lying about, Rhodri sets off in his skulking hike towards the shore after his less than graceful scramble down the dangerously soaked rocky outcroppings beneath the den’s only exit.  

The lupine man is soon meandering through the decaying ruins of the headlands, destroyed portions of ancient housing still standing despite the local downpour. Their existence almost reflecting the people that once inhabited the landscape of Gilneas, resolute in their purpose despite all the odds, with the relentless vines and moss smothering them that would eventually cause its downfall. Such as the Forsaken and the Horde would do with their own actions to the peninsula that jutted from the landscape in southern end of Silverpine Forest.

Travelling without distraction, the Worgen was left to his thoughts. Distant whispers that fell back towards the drastic change of his entire world only a few short years ago.

The assaults of the feral Worgen across their lands after the Court Archmage Arugal unleashed them to combat the mindless scourge, only to then have their ‘saviours’ turn on the population to add to their savage ranks by infecting them with the transformative curse. 

The Forsaken followed next under the leadership of Sylvanas Windrunner, a faction of supposedly willful living corpses that allied with the Orcs, both intent of breaking down the stalwart Greymane Wall. 

They were left broken as a nation whilst caught in the jaws of war and violence that enveloped the land, that was until the Kaldorei, the Night Elves, made their appearance known. With the help of their wizened druids who had knowledge of the curse that plagued them, they taught them how to control the form that Rhodri now wore like a second skin. Their ships came as well, allowing evacuation of the citizens to distant lands he never learned the name of. Lands that he and the rest of his kin were meant to escape to, but not before the Horde made their next push from the ocean. The would-be pack split off from the crowds and forcing them to flee into the wilderness to hide from the renewed assault against their capital.

Abandoned and cut off from the evacuation routes, Rhodri led the few trusted survivors to his butchery’s storage warehouse that an old friend owned and kept stocked for trading, supplying them with dried meat and locations across the headlands where the wildlife could be hunted. Luckily Rhodri remembered where he kept the maps hidden away in the hunter’s personal cabin nearby, no sign of the owner ever seen since. 

Such is that they embraced their change, some more than others, but they survived. Within a few months, the band of sane Worgen uncovered the destruction of war upon their homeland, a contamination of plague as a parting gift courtesy of the Forsaken. It’s revolting, stomach-churning gases and slime spreading through the heart and city of Gilneas, leading to Rhodri making the decision of scraping by on the outskirts as the beasts they had become.

Coming to the end of the ruins, Rhodri found his eyes drifting to the skyline of the withering city caught in the same rainstorm as he was. The odd, suffocating stench that his nostrils picked up from the billowing winds reminded him that it still reeked of death even as far out as he was.It wasn’t long until he saw something new on the horizon. A lone sail towering over the docking of Keel Harbour, the quaint harbour town once acting as the first stop for the fisherman to unload their catch. 

This ship wasn’t a forgotten remnant of those times, though. It was sitting there, proud, boastful, elegant in craftsmanship and ability to resist the abysmal weather, a behemoth of Human origin as far as Rhodri knew. 

In the distance amongst the collapsed houses, the vessel, as well as the oncoming shouts of crewmen floating towards his grey-tipped ears, were all unknowing of the effect they were having on the Worgen’s mind as it filled with hope. Perhaps, this time, they might make the evacuation, if only a lifetime too late.

[katrinawritesthings]

Jonghyun/Taemin; Sidequests; PG

when you’re a bounty hunter for dangerous fiends but the dude that lives at your favorite rest stop rescues animals so he’s always grumpy at u

Taemin leans back on his palms, watching as Jonghyun turns back to his charge and makes soft, soothing noises as he wets his scrub brush again. The flarequestrian huffs and grumbles, flicks its tail in the grass and wiggles when Jonghyun gently scrubs up to its neck. Taemin can see fiery red glowing from underneath its skin and shakes his head disbelievingly. Whenever he sees one of these horses in the wild he avoids them as quickly and effectively as possible. Not worth the trouble or the burns, but Jonghyun leans over its head and pets its nose softly, not worried at all about the possibility of it opening its mouth and scorching him to a crisp.

ao3

Taemin closes his eyes as he walks, smiling up at the sun as she shines down on him. This is so nice. Calm. Relaxing. Gentle crops sway behind the corner of a fence as he approaches his favorite little cottage on the west side of the plains.

And also the only little cottage on the west side of the plains, the only rest stop between the city and the beach camp on the other side of the hills up ahead. But that’s not why it’s his favorite. He trails his right hand over the fence as he walks, smiling at the leaves that brush his fingertips. He’s watching the left side of the path, looking for any fiends hiding behind rocks or sparse trees and hands prepared to grab either his crossbow or his dual swords out of habit, but like usual, it’s calm here. Jonghyun makes sure of that.

When he reaches the far corner of Jonghyun’s garden fence he grabs the post and swings himself around and onto his cobbled walkway. Wind chimes tingle as he steps up and he cocks a brow, amused. There’s been barely any wind all day. He always suspected that they were enchanted. Jonghyun likes people even less than he likes fiends trying to eat him or his plants.

Taemin steps up his porch steps and knocks on his front door, looking over the intricate designs carved into the frame curiously. They look cleaner than usual. Jonghyun must have tidied up a little since the last time he was here. Soon he hears noise from inside; looking in the little window in the door, he watches Jonghyun walk up, peep out at him, and sigh at his lazy smile and wave.

“Hi,” he says when Jonghyun opens the door. “Can I come in for an hour, maybe, tops?” He doesn’t need to rest much. His mark today should only be a little further out. He doesn’t even have to go all the way to the hills this time.

“Mmgh,” Jonghyun grumbles, even as he steps aside and gives Taemin space to step inside. His fluffy pink hair and light apron aren’t matched at all by his sharp frown. “You on another murder hunt?” he asks as Taemin passes.

“A bounty hunt, yeah,” Taemin agrees. He knows that they don’t share the same opinion on which fiends are okay to kill. Taemin technically agrees with Jonghyun’s whole “all life has value” thing, but for him, sometimes physical value is worth more than the spiritual kind. He’ll take a few thousand dollars from a grumpy merchant for saving their caravans from a rampaging bashura over whatever moral points Jonghyun will take away from him in his head for doing it. “How’s Roo doing?” he asks, wanting to change the subject to something that won’t include Jonghyun shooting him grumpy little looks the whole time he’s here.

“She’s still adorable,” Jonghyun shrugs. He closes the door behind him and slips passed Taemin and into his little kitchen. “She’s napping outside,” he adds as he opens his fridge and pulls out a pitcher of strawberry lemonade. Taemin pulls out his money pouch to pay Jonghyun’s usual hourly rest and food fee, and they exchange hands easily, used to this from the many times Taemin’s work has brought him this way.

“I have stuff to do outside, too,” Jonghyun tells him, handing him a cold little sandwich and a few plums. “So, just. Don’t break anything.” He gestures around his kitchen and small living room with a stern little look and Taemin nods. He can do that. Simple. He used to think it was weird and kind of naive of Jonghyun to leave strangers alone in his home like this without even a warning to not steal things, but that was before he came to rest here at the same time as that one bandit. Since then he’s learned that surprise traps and cursed hands are how Jonghyun likes to protect his things and has very wisely kept extra far away from anything that could have secret magic hanging around it.

Jonghyun’s back door clicks behind him and Taemin sips his lemonade, looking around at all of the cute little herb jars and charms and wards decorating his walls. His place is always so cozy and safe. Sun filters in from the window over the sink so Taemin stands there as he eats, soaking up even the indirect lights and feeling all warm on both the inside and the outside.

When he finishes eating he washes his glass and then lets himself into Jonghyun’s quaint little living room, bypassing the cushy beanbag chairs in favor of spreading out over his couch for a quick power nap. Fifteen minutes, at the most, and if he stays too long then Jonghyun will wake him up. He tugs one of Jonghyun’s spare pillows close under his chin and nuzzles it comfortably as he drifts to sleep.

Some time later, Jonghyun does manage to wake him up, but not on purpose. Taemin just hears his voice, low and soothing, murmuring words through the wooden walls.

“Shh, it’s okay, sweetheart,” he’s humming, voice a quiet but clear hum. “I won’t hurt you, you know that, shh, shh.” A low grumble, almost a growl but far too soft, follows his words and Taemin raises sleepy eyebrows. Hmm. Seems like he’s taken in yet another injured fiend.

Taemin sits up, yawning into one hand and pushing his wavy blonde hair out of his face with the other. Patting his pockets to make sure that he still has everything, he hesitates when he feels a hard lump in his jacket. Oh, right. That thing. He wiggles his hand inside and pulls out the gem, a jagged, reddish brown hunk of carnelian. Hmm. Well, at least he has a real reason to go outside and talk to Jonghyun again besides just curiosity.

Slipping the rock back into his pocket, he makes his way to Jonghyun’s back door, pushing it open and taking in his wide backyard. The garden extends to the left, and in front of him and to the right are various simple fences separating Jonghyun’s animals. Beady-eyed wolf vultures eyeing soft cottony hares, large earth lizards soaking up the sun, that one gargoyle Jonghyun rescued from smugglers perched in the corner, and other little misfits that chose to stay with Jonghyun after he nursed them back to help all roam around in comfort. Just like Jonghyun said, Roo also is napping in her usual spot next to the door and Taemin smiles at the little pup before he turns more to his right. There, he finds Jonghyun on the ground by his water spigot, a damp scrub brush in one hand and a stone flarequestrian laid down under the other.

Taemin blinks in surprise, taking in the bulky horse as it lies in Jonghyun’s grass. What the fuck. Even for Jonghyun’s usual standards, this seems a little dangerous. Its teeth are jagged iron, it’s hooves heavy stone, it’s grey skin rough like sandpaper with sharp obsidian throughout, but still Jonghyun shushes and pets it gently.

“Come on, honey, I know you want to be clean,” he’s smiling, trailing his hand lightly down to pet its back leg. The flarequestrian snorts softly, a horsey sound of pride and stubbornness, thick smoke puffing out of its nostrils, and Jonghyun just chuckles softly. “Don’t give me that, Cinders,” he chides. “Let’s finish this, okay, and then you can go back to your running.” He pats the horse’s leg gently and Taemin watches Jonghyun’s smile grow when it huffs again and looks away with a flick of its steel tail.

“Thank you, sweetheart, my good girl,” Jonghyun beams, wetting his brush again. He presses it gently to the horse’s stomach, loosening dust and dirt with slow circles and rinsing it away with gentle trickles from the hose. The water makes its stone skin darker, but Taemin can see Jonghyun’s progress in the washed and sundried hindquarters versus the unwashed rest. He wonders how much convincing Jonghyun has had to do already.

“Hey,” he says, as softly as possible, and still winces when the flarequestrian huffs and hisss at him, eyes flashing red. Jonghyun glances at him, then looks back to his charge, shushing it gently with soft pets. Eventually, it flops its head back into the grass and Jonghyun turns to him again.

“What?” he asks shortly.

“Uh,” Taemin says, and wiggles his hand into his pocket. He steps forward only a few steps, just close enough to lob Jonghyun the stone. “I was in the city mines the other day and I found this,” he says, handing the carnelian over. “I read that it’s good for love spells, and, well, I don’t think you need any, but you can still do more with it than I can.” He shrugs. Even if Jonghyun isn’t looking for love from a human he can at least maybe get a little extra affection from his animal friends.

“Oh, neat,” Jonghyun says, looking it over with genuine interest. He rubs his thumb over the rough edge and quickly looks up at Taemin. “How much do you want for it?” he asks.

“I mean,” Taemin says. “I don’t know.” He feels a soft nudge against his ankle; looking down, he finds one of Jonghyun’s stray voidcats poking at his shoe. He crouches down to pet her, but as soon as he hovers his hand over her fur, she blinks out of existence and reappears on the other side of the yard. Taemin huffs. Little shit. Every time.

“The magic shop lady told me it could go for around two hundred if I found the right buyer, but.” He shrugs as he sits himself down fully in the grass. He doesn’t have the time or patience to find the right buyer. “Some extra food would be nice, I guess,” he says. “I’m thinking about crossing through the Marshwood to get to the capital soon, so.” That’s about a week’s worth and he always did like Jonghyun’s cooking more than the generic stuff he gets from the shops. Jonghyun regards him and his decision for a moment, looking over the carnelian again before nodding and slipping it into his pocket.

“Sure,” he says. “I’m gonna finish this first, though,” he says, gesturing to his flarequestrian. “So you might wanna just hit me up on the way back from your thing instead.”

“Oh, it’s not urgent,” Taemin shrugs. “The thing’s nocturnal. I can wait.”

“Mmgh,” Jonghyun says, “fine,” and just like that, his stern little frown is back on his lips. Taemin looks away awkwardly; he’s never been ashamed of his profession but fuck if being in Jonghyun’s animal-loving presence doesn’t make him feel kind of weird about it. Oh, well. At least Jonghyun didn’t ask him why he was in the mines in the first place to get the stone. Hearing of another bounty hunt of Taemin’s probably would have made him even grumpier.

He leans back on his palms, watching as Jonghyun turns back to his charge and makes soft, soothing noises as he wets his scrub brush again. The flarequestrian huffs and grumbles, flicks its tail in the grass and wiggles when Jonghyun gently scrubs up to its neck. Taemin can see fiery red glowing from underneath its skin and shakes his head disbelievingly. Whenever he sees one of these horses in the wild he avoids them as quickly and effectively as possible. Not worth the trouble or the burns, but Jonghyun leans over its head and pets its nose softly, not worried at all about the possibility of it opening its mouth and scorching him to a crisp.

Taemin has never quite figured out if Jonghyun is brave or just recklessly confident, or if there’s even a difference between the two.

He watches Jonghyun work in silence, all the way until Jonghyun finishes cleaning one side and casts a light protection spell to keep it clean as he urges the horse to lie on its other side. On this shoulder it has a wide bluish tint on its skin, reminiscent of Jonghyun’s usual healing salves and magic. About halfway through Jonghyun’s cleaning of its hind leg, his wind chimes out front start tingling again. It sounds like more than just the one that sounded for Taemin’s arrival and when Jonghyun looks up, he scowls.

“We’re not here,” he mumbles, and quickly casts a small spell over the both of them. After the magic settles, Taemin can still see Jonghyun, but he recognizes the feeling of an invisibility spell and raises his eyebrows.

“Do you know them, or are they just…?”

“People,” Jonghyun finishes for him, a little furrow between his brows. Taemin hears the knock on Jonghyun’s front door easily but they both stay where they are, Jonghyun grumpily wetting his scrub brush again and Taemin watching with curious interest. He leans back on his palms as the group of people out front knock again, and then a third time, and then as they peep ineffectively around the side of the house before finally giving up and continuing on. Taemin watches them shuffling on down the dirt path before turning back to Jonghyun.

“I know why you don’t like me, specifically,” he says, plucking a blade of grass from the ground and rubbing it between his fingers. “But are you ever going to tell me why you don’t like people in general?” He feels like they’re close enough for that kind of knowledge. He’s known Jonghyun for years. Unless Jonghyun has some deep, scarring, extremely personal reason for keeping his dislike of people a secret, Taemin doesn’t see why he’s never grumbled out an explanation.

Still, Jonghyun just looks at him, a sharp, annoyed little glance, before going back to his task. Taemin shrugs. Must be the former, then, he guesses. He can respect that. He yawns behind his and and looks out at the rest of the yard, at all of Jonghyun’s fiends and animals. His bunnies are hopping all around one of his big lizards, bugging it as it tries to relax, but it just swats lazily at them with its tail.

“They bred these for the war, you know,” Jonghyun says quietly.

“Hmm?” Taemin hums. He focuses again on Jonghyun, but Jonghyun isn’t looking at him. Rather, he’s still petting and washing his flarequestrian, eyes down. He nods at it and gives it a gentle pat.

“These horses,” he says. “Unbreakable stone and lethal glass, cruel teeth, an inferno on the inside. ‘Vicious and brutal temperaments,’ they said. They would break them to make them obey and then ride them into battle until they broke again. They said they were bred to be bloodthirsty proud and only care about killing those weaker than them. So aggression would be in their nature and their first instinct would be to attack.”

Taemin looks at the flarequestrian between them, eyes closed and breathing lazy.

“The war was barely three years ago,” Jonghyun says. “I don’t think this one is even second generation.” He leans close to pick a stubborn piece of dirt away with his fingernail. “All she wants to do is sleep and run in the grass.”

He doesn’t say anything after that, and neither does Taemin. They stay silent in the grass, Jonghyun only speaking in low, gentle murmurs to his stone horse as he finishes washing her rough skin. She’s clean soon, Jonghyun pulling gentle fingers through her mane, the steel strands so soft and yielding when they’re not being whipped towards an attacker. When Jonghyun stands up, she does too, a soft whinny nuzzled against his neck in thanks. Jonghyun smiles warmly, patting her rough neck, and gets her to stay for a quick, final misty rinse from his hose.

“Alright, Cinders, you can go now,” he says when he’s done. “Come back whenever.” He makes little shooing noises with his hands towards the wide plains outside his fences. She bumps him with her nose one more time before turning and taking off into a clunky run. She jumps and clears the fence easily, and then breaks into a real gallop, shrinking into the distance along with the sound of heavy hoofbeats. Jonghyun watches her go with the softest little smile on his lips before he notices Taemin watching him and looks away.

“What did you want again?” he asks, looking back almost as quickly. Taemin points to the pocket that Jonghyun put his gem in earlier.

“Some food,” he says, pushing himself to his feet and rubbing grass dampness off of his thighs. Jonghyun’s hand pats his pocket too and he nods in remembrance.

“Right, right,” he says. “This way.” He stepps passed Taemin with a wave to come along, heading towards his garden and stepping over the low fence. Taemin follows easily, first to his garden and then to the kitchen, allowing Jonghyun to pick out what he wants to give him without much protest. In no time they’ve put together a little box of food, enchanted to stay cool by Jonghyun and placed into Taemin’s enchanted bottomless bag. It should last him even a few days into the capital city, Taemin thinks, which is good.

“Thanks,” he says, patting his bag closed happily.

“Mmhmm,” Jonghyun hums. He slips around Taemin and to his front door, opening it and holding it open for him. “No offense,” he adds, “but I hope your hunt doesn’t go well.”

“Oh,” Taemin says. He muffles a snort in his hand and shrugs, taking the hint that it’s time to leave now and heading out. “None taken,” he says. Jonghyun tells him the same every time he stops here on his way to a hunt. He never mans he wants Taemin to get hurt, just that he hopes that whatever fiend it is that’s been bountied can’t be found or doesn’t have to be killed. Taemin can’t say that that’s ever happened to him before, but he can’t blame Jonghyun for hoping.

“You stay safe too,” he says as he backs down Jonghyun’s front porch. He would hate for his favorite little animal lover to ever not be here.

“Bye,” Jonghyun calls softly. He’s doing the thing where he slowly closes his door and peeps through the crack, waving with a little hand, until the person has no choice but to either leave or just talk to a door. Taemin grins at his predictable tactics and just waves back before he turns and sets off down the path, continuing on to his mark.

It’s the closest hunt he’s ever had to Jonghyun’s land; maybe this one time he’ll be able to just catch it and bring it back for Jonghyun to love.

Probably not, but at least he’ll be able to tell Jonghyun that he tried.

[lonely-pages-of-ink]

Lost

The leaves under my back were uncomfortable and I let out a small whine, obviously I'd been pushed out of the nest in the middle of the night. I wiggled closer to where I'd expect to find a warm body, but there were just more leaves. Eyes cracking open, I let out a big yawn and sat up with a stretch. I wondered where Chelsea had gone, her usual snores were absent from the early morning sounds.

I let out a small yip and expected her to be my side almost immediately. Frowning when no one answered, I slowly opened my eyes all the way. Dragging my tongue over my snout, I shook out my fur as I woke up fully.

Peering around, I was surprised to find myself sitting in the middle of the forest. Confusion filled me as I swung my head around, unease suddenly chasing off the rest of any sleepy contentment I'd been feeling a moment before. I let out another small bark, fear filling me as I realized I was nowhere near the den.

There was only silence that followed my tentative cry. Heart pumping faster, I got up and started to pad around. Feeling scared and small, I looked around in hopes of finding something familiar. All the trees looked the same and nothing smelled right. The bad feeling in my tummy grew as I slowly made my way through the trees. I had never really liked being alone, but this was ten times worse. I had no idea where I was or why I was here.

I refused to think that they had just dumped me here, the pack covering their tracks and leaving me to wonder aimlessly. Chelsea wouldn't do that. We were family.

Repressing a whimper, I kept going. I knew that I'd eventually find someone, there had to be civilization somewhere. The world wasn't just woods.

I'd only been walking for about ten seconds when I froze, a twig snapping to the right. Before I could even think about running, a large black shape shot out from the bushes and slammed into me. I cried out, tumbling over onto my back. A large black wolf stood over me, pining me to the cold ground. Eyes wide, I stared upwards at them as a deep growl rumbled in their throat. Without realizing it, my body had begun to shake.

I knew I was small, it was impossible not to when I constantly had my sister by my side. She was older, bigger and stronger. Everyone in the pack was bigger, they all knew how to remind me of this daily. This wolf just made it glaringly obvious, their body looming over me as I cowered into the dirt. After a moment, they let out a huff and leaned down to drag their tongue over my forehead and between my ears. Even though was something you did to calm down pups, I relaxed a little and was able to recognize that this was a male warrior.

For a moment, he stared down at me as he contemplated something. Slowly, he nudged me over onto my stomach and lifted me up by the scruff of my neck. I let out a squeak of protests, but he didn't reply. Embarrassed and unsure what was happening, I went limp and let this stranger carry me. There was no way I could fight them off or ever outrun them.

In silence, we traveled through more unfamiliar land. I recognized nothing, my scruff prickling uncomfortably from being so far out of my element. I was scared, nervous and sweaty. I knew the other wolf could sense this, but thankfully he made no comment. Soon, they came to a stream and they leapt easily onto a rock in the center of the water flow. I let out a noise of complaint as some cool water splashed up as he landed, the stone just barely peeking out from under the surface.

"Quiet." he said, voice slightly muffled.

I complied, and we spent the rest of the journey without saying a word. I started to drift a little, the gentle rocking from the warrior's walking and the soft wind through my fur making me drowsy. The moment I spotted a den, I snapped back into reality as butterflies burst into life in my stomach.

Unable to do much else, I just kept my head down as we entered the dim cave. It took a moment for my eyes to adjust, but I didn't look up. I didn't want to see the scary guys in a new place or the questioning looks I'd get. I knew I was quiet, but I usually wasn't shy. Then again, I'd never met anyone new before, the nerves were most likely from the whole confusing scenario.

A hundred new scents assaulted my nose and I could hear voices all around me, but I couldn't bring myself to lift my head. I was ashamed of being carried around like some pup and I was tired from the emotional rollercoaster I'd been through. I had never been so far outside the den, I had never been attacked or comforted by someone I didn't know before. I could only absorb so much at one time, so when I was set on the ground I just laid there on my side and closed my eyes.

"Who's the pup?" I heard a gruff voice ask. I'd never met another alpha in my life, but I knew this guy had to be. He had the same aura that demanded respect that my alpha had.

"Not sure." The black wolf replied. "Found him by the border."

I felt a nose press into my flank and I squeezed my eyes shut tighter, wishing to be back by Chelsea's side. There was a soft snort and the touch disappeared.

"He's a little thing, isn't he?” I heard the alpha say. That hurt.

"Yeah. Whoever he belongs to, they left no trace, they left him there to die." Okay, now I was feeling sick. Left to die? Why would Chelsea do that? I was the only family she had left... "He's not even old enough to speak yet."

"Frank! Not in front of the kid." A new, distinctively feminine voice said, sounding appalled.

"Sorry." The wolf who had carried me, or Frank, grunted back.

"Hello, little one. Can you open those eyes for me?" she said in a kind voice. Slowly, I did as she asked. "Ah, there we are. You're a cutie, aren't you?" If I wasn't a wolf now, I would have turned bright red and sputtered out embarrassed non-sense. This she-wolf had blond fur and calm brown eyes, smiling warmly down at me. "Come along, I have someone I'd like you to meet."

I didn't want to move farther into this other pack's den, but it seemed I had no choice, so I hauled myself to my feet and trudged after her.

She was obviously the Luna, her presence grabbing the other's attention and softly nudged them into moving politely out of the way as she past. She wasn't forceful or commanding like an alpha, she simply got respect because everything about her seemed to naturally make you want to listen.

My attention was back on where she was escorting me the moment I heard the small squeaks. I stepped behind her hind legs, nervous and unsure exactly who to trust. The Luna tsked and reached back to nudge me unwillingly forwards. "This is Lola," she murmured. "She'll look after you." I could hear that she wanted to say something more but held it back. I took a deep breath and slowly padded forwards to the equally nice she-wolf. Her presence was warm and motherly, the soft sent of milk making me relax.

"Well hello there, little one." Her honeyed voice murmured, snout coming forwards to touch mine. "It's nice to meet you." I shied away, the action far more intimate than anything anyone's ever done to me before. She let out a soft chuckle. "No need to be shy. Come, I'd like you to meet my pups."

So, she drew me forwards, laying on her side so her stomach was exposed to the little wriggling bodies could burrow into the soft fur and suckle eagerly at her teats. Immediately, embarrassment prickled along my pelt. This she-wolf was feeding her pups and was inviting me closer. I had never been so flustered in my life, ears flat on my head as I quickly backed away. She frowned but smoothed out her features to coo comfortingly at me. I was on the verge of tears, frustration and pain from the abandonment mixing together into one big mess inside me. Closing my eyes briefly, I carefully came forwards under her promptings and joined the others. I pushed in close and considered one of the other pups drinking away before pressing my face into her fur and sat there under the illusion of feeding.

I wasn't going to sink as low as to feed from this stranger! I was nearly seventeen winters old, I shouldn't be here! I sniffled quietly but continued to pretend until the small bundles of energy detached from their mother and happily snuggled in close for a nap. I distanced myself from the rest and curled up alone outside the small bubble of the content family. I counted around five pups, a rather large litter, and I was the clear outsider. I was the same size as them, a sharp blow to my pride, but I didn't have any of the natural tawny and brown they all had. I was a dull gray and off-white, completely different from the others but not pretty like the other snow-pelted warriors in my pack.

I knew that I'd be here, in this pack of strangers, for a while. If it was true, if I had been abandoned...well I didn't want to dwell on that thought. They'd either come for me or they wouldn't, I couldn't go wondering alone in the woods. I'd been lucky to have been taken in by such nice people, I could have easily fallen prey to a feral pack of rogues.

I let out a long, shuddering breath. I knew I didn't belong, I barely belong in my last pack, but I couldn't help the big empty feeling in my chest. The feeling of the pack bond had been long severed and I knew that technically meant I was a rogue. This pack currently thought I was a pup, maybe no older than two winters, and that was a problem. I couldn't speak like everyone else, I never was able to master that. Not only did I struggle with something as easy as breathing to everyone else, I was unable to successfully shift freely. Sure, I could do it, but it wasn't smooth, and it couldn't be accomplished in one go.

I sleepily pawed at my eyes, a big yawn coming. I settled down more comfortably, content on trying to shift the first chance I got. I'd most likely end up spending my nights, writhing in the moonlight as I chased that burn and stretch of a true shift. Might as well get all the rest I could manage then.

With one final eye rub, I laid my head on top my paws and drifted into a dreamless sleep.

-an excerpt from the first chapter of my story First Choice