#I wanted to write rabbit but being hunted by a fox wolf or what ever is probably a bit stressful...

[givemeasword-callmequeen]

I need to disappear in the woods, walking through some wierd fog & then turn into a fox or something because I can't do that shit anymore.

[thechaoticplayer]

Eating His Prey

author's note: I really wanted to write a fic about Ike, more specifically sadistic and yandere Ike because holy shit it was kinda hot what he was doing sheeeeeesh Summary: Being such a sly (apparently my keyboard wanted to make you slay so you're also very slay) and mischievous little fox you are, you decide to mess around in a wolf's territory. However, you're in for a wild reality check... Contains: degrading oh wow, dom Ike, hes literally using you, and all that spicy stuff mmm

Hunting in the wolf's territory was an adventure within itself, the new terrain and yummy prey was something that you desired very much. Besides, wouldn't be fun to mess around a bit? You are a great predator yourself, enjoying making your prey squeak and cry underneath your arms. You'd drag out their suffering for a good while. It was all fun and games for you.

You are currently traipsing through the forest full of crowded trees, scattered patches of sunlight kissing the grass floor. You finished having a good meal of a rabbit, a cute little thing you almost felt bad for devouring. Your nose quivered, sniffing the air and catching a scent.

Wolf scent. But your senses told you he was away at the moment. You grin, lips pulled back to reveal canine teeth. His little home! Maybe you could get some sort of rabbit shit and litter it all across his home. Maybe you could build a little fort out of sticks for him.

You dart in and out bushes with ease, your feet silently tapping the ground. Your prey hardly ever heard you coming, which was fortunate and unfortunate at once. Unaware little things. Thank god you were an excellent predator and not some weak ass prey!

You find yourself at the mouth of a cave, looking awfully gloomy inside. You sniff once more. Yup, his scent is much stronger here. Without a care in the world, you skip on inside.

It was very dark for a good few feet, your night vision clicking in after a few seconds. Bones lay scattered across the cave floor: skulls, ribs, femurs, arms. Some even arranged in twisted ways, like horrific art. Wolf must be some sort of sick freak. Not like you were anyone to judge. But still. Freak.

But it gradually began to get brighter, and you walk faster, you didn't want to dilly dally after all. You emerge within a bigger room, with a hole on the ceiling like a window. You notice there was no patch of leaves or soft grass for rest (what the fuck does he actually sleep on this hard ass rock? The wolf is literally a psycho) and surprisingly, no weird bone art. Just tallies on the wall, made with his claw you presumed, lining the walls. Several rows after row. What is this? his body count?

Eh. you don't care. You just wanna create a mess out of his home.

You drag some of the bones from the corridor and toss them around. Snapping some in half and creating your own work of art. You giggle as you line up some bones, a picture of a cock on his floor now. Your tail swishes back and forth with excitement. Perhaps you should go back to the riverbed, gather some mud and plaster it all over the wolf's walls. A nice touch to such a bland room.

You turn your head and freeze. Your heart rate increases.

The wolf himself is here, staring you down with golden eyes. Glowing from the darkness, expression blank as he watched you. Caught-red handed. How long was here there anyway? How did you not hear his entrance? as for the smell, his scent was all over the place, and it is very strong. Luck was simply not on your side.

"Well well well," the grey wolf chuckles darkly, sending electricity down your spine. Instinct told you to run your ass out of there, but you froze, out of fear. "What's a little fox doing here in my domain? Wrecking my home, hm?"

You say nothing, eyes glancing behind him. The only exit. A laugh, as he approaches still.

"Since we are going to get very acquainted, my name is Ike Eveland," the wolf says cheerfully and you furrow your brows because what the hell? "And now, answer me this: what gave you the idea to come here? Death wish?"

"...b-because i wanna," your shaky voice replies and you clear your throat. You straighten your body and stare back at him, never backing down. Not too some puny wolf. "I go wherever I want."

Ike tsks at you, stalking closer. "Now now, I like the confidence yes, but do you realise your situation, dear?" He smiles, sharp teeth bared. "I'm going to eat you alive."

Finally, he launches himself at you, claws glinting in the sunlight. Immediately your legs tense and push you, sprinting below him out of the room and into the corridor. Your heart roars in your ears as you run as far as you possibly can out of the cave, breathing heavily.

What a fucking insane little shit! He was definitely a bit smaller than other wolves you met, but something about the way his sinister gaze sent shivers down your spine. You hated to admit it, but the wolf was actually pretty intimidating. His eyes were such a lovely shade of gold though...

You shake your head and keep running, hopping through a small river to make him lose your scent. You turn towards another direction, toward the familiar big tree you liked to lean against when you wanted to think. It was a good distance from the wolf's territory, so you should be fine. Besides, why would Ike come all the way over here for one silly fox? Heh.

You arrive at the foot of the tree and plop down, regaining your oxygen. Damn, you've never ran so much in your life. You curl your fluffy tail around you, plucking out leaves. Your beating heart slowed a bit as relief flooded your veins. That was simply a vibe check from the gods above. You have learned to stay away from there in the near by future, because if you went there again, you wouldn't have a future.

You lean down with the balls of your hand on the grass, stretching with your ass in the air and felt every bone crack in your back. You sigh contently. It has always felt good to do that after a run.

Your ear twitched and a sound of rustling bushes interrupts your stretch. You sit back, suddenly alert. You sniff the air, but only smell your wet fur. You survey your surroundings, and seeing nothing. A squirrel? However, you stayed cautious and kept your ears open.

While you were cleaning your teeth, another sound, the noise of a twig snapping under a huge weight. It is closer to you than before.

With no warning, you high-tail it out of there, not even turning to see who it is because you could already tell by that menacing aura alone. The grey wolf is hunting you.

"Go away!" you shout, shooting through bushes and swerving around thick trees. "Go find some dumb rabbit to devour!"

"You're much more intriguing!" Ike calls, and you're startled by how you can't hear his footsteps and yours is loud as shit. "Let's play a game, huh?"

"I don't play no games!" You snap, diving into a fox hole made from another fox and scurrying through the small tunnel. He couldn't get through because he's too large! ha!

"It'll be fun!" He calls from outside the tunnel. "Let's play hide and seek, little one!" Ike sings, and you find it oddly pretty.

Dude, really?

You shoot out the other end and continue sprinting. Fuck out of here with that hide and seek nonsense!

"I'll be the seeker," Ike says from behind, startling so much you almost stumble. "I'll give you some time to hide!"

His voice fades and you glance over your shoulder. Gone. Kapoof. Finally, holy shit, his presence was getting annoying as shit. Wait. Is he actually going to play hide and seek?

You curse in your mind, running as far as your legs could carry. You pause, chest heaving as you breath rapidly through your mouth. You turn in a circle, attempting to find a good hiding spot. You spy a big tree with a hollow center, obscured by a flower bush. It is right by a river too!

You dive into the hole without delay and try to rein in your breathing. You quickly adjust the bush so it didn't look like it was rammed through. It was not long before you felt that ominous presence again, your tail poofing up instantly.

"Little fox, where are you?" Ike coos from a good distance away. You cover your mouth with both hands. "You're a sly thing, huh? Walking around my own territory like it was your place. Now, it's time to make sure you learn your place."

You press yourself against the wall so hard, the grooves start to imprint on your skin. You're starting to regret your decisions. It seems like the wolf will never let you go until he captures you. You silently pray to whatever gods were listening.

Turns out they were not. They said screw you kiddo you're on your own.

"I will find you," Ike promises, his voice a tad closer. "I can feel your heart. So fast. Am I making you nervous?"

You grind your teeth, stopping yourself from growling. This cocky bastard.

"I tend to get that reaction a lot. I didn't think I was that horrifying, being on the smaller scale," Ike says and you roll your eyes because who the fuck asked? "I give off threatening vibes, supposedly. that's what the last one said anyway."

Huh?

"The last prey I had," the wolf continues, almost as if he just read your mind. "You must've seen the lines on the walls. All animals I've killed and perhaps devour. Sometimes, I kill for the fun of it and leave the carcass for other animals. Oh, how thrilling it is, watching the blood seep onto the floor and the life draining out of their eyes!" Ike sighs and your blood goes cold because it's outside your hiding place. A big hand reaches out to touch the flower in front of you. "Their blood, such a pretty shade of red just like this poppy."

The hand snakes out like a viper and snatches your ankle and you yell, kicking at him but he drags you out of the tree. Still kicking and screaming bloody murder, you kick his face in sheer desperation. His head turned toward another direction but his hand still latched onto your ankle.

"That wasn't very polite," Ike says, his gaze on you and you still. "What's wrong? Sad because you lost?"

"No way!" You claw at his hand but he doesn't budge. Just watches your pathetic attempts. "Let go!"

He leans in close to your face and you halt your actions. His breaths on your face as the wolf holds eye contact with you. The flecked color of brown in his eyes are mesmerizing to look at, entrancing. You swallow hard. Ike's hand slides from your ankle to your knee, to your thigh, sending goosebumps across your skin. He squeezes, his nails digging in slightly and you wince.

"No. You're mine to play with now, cute little fox."

Something about the way his voice went lower, or was it the hand movement? made your heart beat faster, and not in a frightened way. The wolf's hand travels to your hip and your breath hitches, still staring into the eyes of your enemy. The hand goes all the up from your arm, feather light, skins your collarbone and finds itself a new home on your neck. Wrapping his fingers around your delicate neck, Ike begins to squeeze lightly. Still looking down at you with those pretty eyes, hovering over you with such a smirk on his lips.

Ike stops squeezing, evidently surprised. He sniffs the air, but still a hand around your throat, his nose dipping lower. His nose bumps against your thigh and he growls low in his throat, yanking your legs apart. You squeak.

Arousal. Pure arousal, glittering in the light. Ike stares for a moment, still sniffing. His gaze slides back up to you and you stop breathing.

"Little fox..." he says quietly, and excitement jolts up. "Are you... aroused, right now?"

You don't respond, a bit ashamed. Why the hell were you getting horny for the man about to kill you? Who in their right mind-?

You gasp as you feel a hot mouth against your pussy, lapping up the juices with a shocking pace. You whine, struggling to get away but both his hands are on your thighs now, keeping you spread open and down on the grass as he ravaged your pretty little hole.

You tasted so fucking good, more than he could ever imagine! His nose bumps your clit as his tongue glides in and out of your wet hole, making squelching noises. You moan loudly, digging your nails into his scalp as you push him into you. Ike growls, sending more electricity up your spine. His teeth grazes your clit as he suckles the bundle of nerves and you gasp.

"Oh fuck fuck fuck- mph!" You cover your mouth, attempting to muffle your embarrassing sounds.

The wolf stops, narrowing his eyes at you. "Who said for you to hide those pretty noises?"

You bite your lip, legs squirming as the breeze hits your pussy. "I-I, well..."

"Keep our hands. Off. If you do so again, I'll make sure you never do it again, do you understand?"

You nod quickly, getting even more aroused by his threat and you subconsciously think, 'what the FUCK' and he smirks.

Ike eats you out like a wolf starved, fucking and teasing your hole with such accuracy you start to see stars, and watching him eat you like you were the best meal he ever had turned you on even more and you felt your walls clamp around his tongue.

"Good slut," Ike whispers against your clit, sucking on it for a brief moment before sinking his teeth into your thigh, making you yelp. "Horny little thing, for a predator who was going to devour you whole..." the wolf chuckles.

Your slick slathered across his face, buried in you, legs over his shoulders was a sight to see. You moan, "a-ah! Mmm, right there, t-there!" Your toes curl, eyes rolled back as the orgasm comes over in waves, making your body shake from pleasure as you release soft whines. But Ike isn't done, he's just getting started.

A finger pushes itself into you and you gasp yet again. It explores your walls, tickling that one spot. Then another is added, and Ike slowly pumps his fingers into you, watching with fascination as your pussy eagerly swallows his digits. Pulling him in.

"What a fucking whore," he notes, flicking his eyes up at your flushed cheeks and the drool leaking down your chin. "I haven't even put my cock in you yet."

Your walls squeeze around his fingers at the sentence and he laughs darkly. He bites your other thigh, drawing blood as you wince in pain. The wolf quickly laps up your blood with a groan. His fingers pump faster, curling at the right time and you moan in a mix of pain and pleasure.

"Greedy bitch. Do you want me to let you cum?" He asks, gold glowing between your legs. New hickeys flourish all over your inner thighs along with obvious bite marks.

"Yes please," you moan, angling your hips up and he repeatedly hits that delicious spot. "Hah- f-fuck! N-ngh! Pleasepleasepleaseplease... "

Ike pulls his fingers out and you immediately protest but he shushes you. The loss of his fingers inside you was making you insane, until you get filled up by something entirely different.

"O-oh... " you moan quietly, his cock hard inside of you.

"Dumb fox." Ike takes your wrists and pins them above your head as he looks down at you. Your breath hitches. "Dumb, horny fox."

He snaps his hips and you make a guttural sound. Ike's pupils are big, drinking in every single detail from your sweat collecting on your skin, your body squirming underneath him, to your mouth popped open slightly. Oh, and those luscious lips of yours, appearing soft and unkissed...

Might as well make you his new toy now, eh?

Ike smashes his lips into yours as he fucks you fast and hard, shoving his tongue inside your mouth as you open to moan. Tongues dancing together and his muscle exploring every single space within your mouth. You tasted so delicious and felt so delicious, there was no way in hell he was letting you go now.

Satisfied with your bruised lips, the wolf goes to mark your neck. Biting, kissing, sucking. Your legs wrapped around his waist as he digs his nails into you. Tears running down your face as you hiccup, crying and saying "it's too much, it's too much'.

Ike could not give a damn. You brought this upon yourself, and now he's going to have fun with his new fucktoy.

[oh-for-fic-sake-library]

 The wolf of King's Wood

Masterlist

Summary: Charles didn't know what he expected from the shifter plaguing his territory, but them turning out to be his confused yet fiery young mate wasn't it.

Warnings: shifter au, soulmate au, swearing, mentions of sex, saucy (no smut), fluff

A/n: this took me about 3 days to write but 2 weeks to finish off 🤣🤣 this is part of my shifter series. I hope you enjoy. And a huge thank you to @eldarwen333 for being my beta reader!

"What?! What do you mean another attack!? I thought you’d been tracking it!" the king roared, throwing yet another spectacular royal fit. Charles had to sip his wine to hide the grimace. As much as he owed the king and was close to him, the wolf was growing tired of the monarch's hissy fits over the years. He'd hoped the king would mature over time; it would seem his hopes were in vain. He found he grew tired of it all.

"Well, the err, animal is faster in the undergrowth-" Charles bit his lip still hiding his irritation behind the goblet, eyeing the king who was growing red in the face with anger. He looked like he would burst any second under the weight of his own embarrassed fury.

"Do I look like I want excuses?! I want results! How hard is it to kill this mutt!?" the king screamed, angered that his soldiers had once again been defeated. 'Another win for the she-wolf' Charles thought. He was somewhat impressed by the female roaming. She was light enough on her feet to avoid being caught. But acting like a pup, she was all over the place.

Charles knew exactly what it was prowling the King's Woods. He could scent her from here. A shifter. Wolf shifter, female, young and foolish. The pup was trying to bait him out of hiding, probably thinking he was weak if he was alone. And wanted his territory.

Charles admitted ignoring her wasn't the best idea, but he didn't think she'd start a fucking killing spree! Enough was enough.

"Your majesty, please allow me? I will find this beast and deal with it," Charles spoke up, drawing the king’s hard gaze.

"Charles? You only ever hunt game?" Henry uttered though grit teeth. But Charles stood strong and tipped his head to the human.

"On the contrary your majesty. When the mood strikes me, I hunt much more then foxes and rabbits," he explained vaguely. He had hunted much in his long life. Shifter of all kinds: bears, wolves, cats, you name it. But it had been a while since he'd had to defend his territory.

"And the mood has struck?" the king asked, sitting in his chair at the table. He seemed tired; it was the leg. Charles could smell the festering wound again. Acidic and filthy. He also sensed the animosity directed to him. Henry had been ageing faster each year. Charles had not, he still had the strength and agility of his youth, no lines or wrinkles to speak of. He hid his face under a thick beard and let his hair grow long the give a weathered aged appearance. But the king had begun to suspect, Charles knew soon he would have to retire from his position. Fake his death and let another have everything he'd ever worked for.

 It was a depressing thought. Having to return to the small secret holding his clan lived. Him, his father, mother and brother. In a strange way it was bittersweet. He had missed them. His clan were everything, but opportunity came knocking. No one would ever know his wealth was keeping his family fed and clothed. On that thought he should start hoarding his wealth more, gain enough to tide them all over for a few more decades. Just long enough for two or three generations of humans to pass. Then he could resurface.

"Of course, I'm eager to find this beast and bring it to its knees. The King's Wood should be safe for all. It may be my last great hunt." Charles managed to pull from his bleak thoughts and utter a quick reply to the monarch with a slight bow, humbly asking for permission to hunt the King's Wood pest.

"I envy you, go have your hunt. Take all the fun whilst I'm trapped here attending to this unpleasantness," the king waved over the table that had documents about the upcoming siege on France. Charles smiled to the king before bowing low.

"Thank you, your majesty," he said, backing away from his long-time companion.

"Yes, yes. Just deal with it, Charles," Henry called, out waving him out of the room and began scouring the documents again.

Charles left the opulent room and made a hasty retreat down the hall. He was giddy, it had been a while since he'd shifted, and to hunt when shifted was a real treat. He would have to be careful and not get mistaken for the beast.

You ran through the woods panting harshly, yet holding the breathes close to your chest willing them to be quiet. It'd do no good being caught now, with blood on your maw and flesh in your teeth. It was all fun and games toying with the humans until one of them saw your change.

You could hear them, the clumsy staggering, and clanking of armour. Hooves striking the ground as they ran in search of the beast in King's Wood. You scoffed slowing to a casual trot across the stony embankment. The hunters were going the wrong way. As usual.

You jumped making sure to watch your footing, pressing your pads on the rocks with no moss. And logs that would hold firm. You’d leave a half trail to the small ravine and disappear without a trace. There was only one who would ever truly track you. Another of your kind, the one who had lured you here. A scent of a male in his prime.

A shifter. A wolf. You’d been looking for the male for some time but he had ignored your scenting. Your claw marks and trails. He was trying to pretend you didn't exist. Feigning ignorance of your presence. It was foolish. He was weak to let another roam in his territory so easily, he was alone. No pack, no patrols nothing. Just a lone weak male frightened of facing you.

He knew you were young and ambitious. It’s probably what put him off seeking you out. But you refuse to be ignored. You wanted this territory, it was vast and bountiful and if he won’t fight you like a true alpha should, then you will drag him out by killing the humans.

So that was what you had been doing. Once a week, you’d stalk and ambush a human, guard or civilian, young, old; it didn't matter. Each time you roll in the dirt scenting the area making it clear just who and what you were. And that you were here to stay.

You waded into the shallow stream and ducked into the water shaking trying to clean your fur before turning back. It was much more comfortable ridding yourself of the blood in the cold water when smothered in fur rather than your thin-skinned human form.

With a sigh you leapt up the rocks on the other side before settling by the log stuffed with your dress, and began to dig away the dry dirt hiding the thick fabric.

'What the?' you growled under your breath as you dug. Your dress was gone. Shit! How were you going to get out of here now!?

"I should have known a lost little she-wolf was causing all this fuss in the King's Wood." You yelped in fright and spun just in time to see the human?... No. Not human! It’s him!

You ducked low, growling, showing fangs, but watched warily as the male stood tall. He was different from what you imagined, handsome even. Black leather doublet that was lightly studded, long hair pulled into a ponytail, a few loose curls framing his angular face. A jaw decorated in a thick beard that looked just coarse enough to stimulate the senses. Despite still being in his prime with a wide frame, it was clear he was an older shifter and trying to blend in with the humans. Trying to look as frail as they do, it made him scruffy and mature.

He stood wide and held a sword at you threateningly. You growled and tried stepping back, suddenly feeling very foolish for luring him out for a fight. He was no simpering lone wolf chased from a pack or left behind. He was out on his own because he could manage. He could survive, you however may not.

"It wasn't hard to track you, female. You’re very clumsy. Unless you wanted to be found? Silly pup, you should know better than to try and flush out the big bad wolf."

"Change. Let me get a look at you in your human form, bitch," he added, waving the blade higher coaxing you up. His lips tugged into a smirk. He was smug, daring you to change and try to hide your nakedness. You bristled at the thought. You were a fucking wolf! Not a pretty, slight maiden! You did as he instructed standing with your head held high, looking him in the eye.

He smiled wider when your human form revealed itself before him. You made no move to hide yourself, instead just managed to stay stock still. He was impressed: you were young, strong and fierce.

"I wondered how long it would take for you to sniff me out. What? All that wine and sickly perfume ruined your nose?" you snipped at him, voice unamused and teasing him harshly. The bite to your words made him shake his head. By god, you really were like no other female. Brazen and headstrong.

"What are you doing here, pup? Shouldn't you still be with your mother?" Charles huffed, still eyeing your shapely form, drinking in the sight as the feeling in his chest grew. Alarm crossed his face as he realised what the feeling was. What it meant. The pulling, the tug to his chest locking onto you like heated talons.

"I wanted to see the king’s pet," you ground out, getting more uneasy around him as a strangeness overtook you. Your chest heavy, stomach churning and skin prickling. You couldn't help appreciating the baritone voice of the strong older male. And his scent was divine this close. Like sage and pine, a hint of sweet honeysuckle. Your nipples pebbled as the intoxicating scent rolled over you. He smelt like sin.

"Pet?! I am no one’s pet! I am a duke!" he bristled, and took a large step towards you.

"Colour me impressed then, sir duke," you teased with a playful curtsy, trying to hide the rapid beating of your heart and the deep inhales. You were scenting him, trying to take his essence into your lungs. You wanted to taste him. To drown in the luscious thick scent that rolled off of him, wave after wave of the intoxicating smell crashed into you. It made you dizzy in the best of ways. He was infuriatingly delicious to behold. And huge. The few inches closer he came to you seemed to make him double in size. You shrunk slightly, your inner beast willing you to roll over and give into the wide assertive alpha.

Charles smirked and lifted his head letting the scent waft over you stronger. He already knew you were his. Already bonded himself to you in a soul tingling way. You, however, were not so fortunate. You really were a wee pup snapping tiny teeth at the big bad alpha. You didn't understand yourself; he could see the clumsy scenting and panic. Hear your heart stutter as he spoke.

“Tell me, do you play fetch with the king? Lick his balls as well as your own? You must have done something to gain such a title." Charles boomed a laugh, finding your aggression cute. The way you tried to play the stone-cold madam whist looking around for a quick escape was quite something.

You snarled at him, stomping a foot, demanding he be silent! But he only laughed harder to spite you. Finally, you'd had enough and lunged, arms high ready to claw at him. His laughing stopped and he sidestepped you, crossing his sword across your throat and growled. His face was a storm, eyes alight like dangerous thunder.

You gasped feeling a fluttering in your stomach and your thighs clenched. His snarl, his growl seemed to shake the earth below you. He pealed back his lip and revealed a lengthy fang, his form seemed to swell, muscles bulged. You’d awakened the beast. His wolf was there, the predator so well hidden now shone through his eyes like a beacon. Daring you to try and attack again.

"This is my territory and you'd do well to remember your place," he uttered under his breath and leant forward speaking into your ear, breaths fanning your neck. You're sure he could see your jugular jumping to his words. The low calm threatening tone sent shivers up your spine.

"O-or what?"

"Or I may just put you in it, mate," he added, still a breath away from unleashing hell on you. His beast was raging, willing him to pounce on you, take you. There was a strange lull to his words this time. Had he been a cat you'd said he purred in delight. Taunting you in a sense. Trying to educate you in a cocksure smug, overly pompous way.

"What did you just call me?" You hadn't meant to ask aloud. Your world stopped. Your games stopped. Everything, your entire world came to a devastatingly abrupt end.

"Mate." Mate? He said mate? You blinked at him stupidly. No. No way! You quivered and tried to inch backwards but your feet were rooted to the ground. Your inner beast hummed in agreement. Though volatile and unpredictable your lesser beast was little more then a pup yipping and melting under the weighted word, she was all to happy to submit to the male before you. Your mother always said mates knew. They felt one another before seeing. The scent, the need! Could he be telling the truth?

All you'd thought about since being here was the unidentified male in the area. You'd convinced yourself you wanted to challenge him. To fight and claim the woods for yourself. Maybe you knew he was your mate? Sensed it? You'd never normally go to such lengths to seek out one of your own kind. Killing humans was the quickest way to have an enforcer sent after you. It was foolish, even you understood that.

"You are jesting, that’s? We cannot be!" you cried out, trying to deny what you already knew. Your body grew hotter, the chill of the open forest air now a memory. Your blood was pumping liquid heat, bringing your body to life before him.

 

"I can smell you, pup, you'd be dampening your breeches if you were wearing any," Charles cooed a soft taunt, growing closer to your frozen form before tipping forward, leaning to purr in your ear.

"I'm surprized you're not already on all fours. You're quite a stubborn thing." His words made you shudder, a tiny whimper releasing into the silence. He chuckled again and rose a hand, his fingers making a bee line to your puckered bud sat atop of your breast. Just as the heat from his fingers warmed your skin you snapped out of your stupor and growled at him, snapping your jaws defensively and staggered back forcing yourself from him.

But his hand followed this time seizing your arm just above your elbow. He smiled at you playfully, he seemed amused by your antics and thrashing as you began to screech at him in a worried yet enraged temper.

"I- how dare you!" Your voice was shrill, and lacked the anger you wanted to throw at him. You were more disturbed by his touch than you wanted to admit. His hand was strong, dexterous fingers calloused, manly and huge. The single hand to your arm was enough to make you weak at the knees. Every fibre of your being wanted to cave and submit, to roll over and plead for him to have you. It made you furious.

"Oh, I dare, pup. I most certainly dare," he hummed low into you, dragging you to him making you yip like the frightened pup he claimed you to be. He quickly dived in tucking his head to your neck, nuzzling you. His beard scratched in a tantalising prickle of sensation. You had to get out of here, now! Before it was too late and you were left nothing but a simpering love sick bitch in heat!

"We- we are not mates! It’s just? Just lust! Physical attraction! Natural even to humans!" you snarled, trying to find your inner beast. But the once proud feral she-wolf had been domesticated by this handsome male. She was but a loyal hound wagging her tail furiously, all too happy to follow commands for a claiming bite.

"So, you are lusting for me? Attracted and drawn to me." You hadn't noticed how close he had drawn himself until his lips parted. The contrast of the harsh whiskers of his beard and soft supple skin of his perfectly bowed lips tracing yours. Your tongue lapping up the taste of his scent, the heat of his breath mixing with yours. The blush on your cheeks rose and you stammered for a few seconds. Willing yourself to pull your gaze from his before you became a goner.

"I- no, I? Release me! You’ll release me now if you know what's good for you!" you hissed, and slapped at him, desperately trying to fend off the stirring in your loins as his scent and dominant demeanour overwhelmed you. You fought him despite eyeing the blade in his other hand, sword pointing to the ground yet still seemed threatening. You could feel yourself falling into the age-old trap of a pairing. As much as you always hoped to find your mate, you'd never willed him to be such a pompous ass!

"I thought you wanted a fight?" he asked coyly, his stupidly bright blues twinkling with mirth. He had scented your arousal, the desire you tried to fight but failed in a mortifying trickle of female lust, the kind that was undeniable as it seeped to your thighs. Your body trying to lure him to you, your inner beast wanting him to taste the ripe fruit and tie you to him in the ancient dance of lovers.

He held firm as you clenched your legs together and leant back sinking, trying to free your arm so you could run. Anywhere, any direction would do, you needed to run. Transform and run before you were tied to this distinguished, handsome infuriatingly divine yet cocksure ass of a male.

"Well now I don’t, I want to go!" you hissed, grinding your teeth and tugged harder leaning further to the ground, your free hand stretched out trying to find a stick or rock, even some dirt to throw at his face and escape. A few seconds head start was better than none. But hope was fading fast, he'd give chase. And he really did look strong, you had no doubt he could hunt you.

"Go? Now, you know I can't do that, you’re butt-naked, I can’t have my soon-to-be-wife caught out in the woods bare as a wee new born. The courtiers would have a field day," he chided, pulling a yelp from you, jerking you back up to your full hight as your fingers grazed a large flat rock to hurl at him.

"I am not your wife- or mate or anything! And I wouldn't be naked if you'd give me my dress!" You sneered at him venomously. Lashing out at him with your free hand only for him to slap it away. You panicked feeling the strength. He merely batted your offending palm away and it landed back at your side.

"Give me my dress now!" you demanded, eyes looking past him, left right up down anywhere but his amused face. His grin was that of a man who believed he had won some grand game already.

"Just my luck to have a petulant little chit for a mate, as if being a murderous female wasn't enough?" he scoffed playfully, and reached out again, this time aiming to cup your face. But you hissed at him and snapped your teeth at him again, forcing another laugh from him. The duke seemed to find your threat of biting his fingers funny.

"Just my luck to have a lapdog as well as a coward for a male! If you'd have faced me, I'd never have killed to lure you out." Your scathing words were meant to rile him, to coax anger and make him as furious as you. That way you may be able to dart off with a little head start.

"I was biding my time," he uttered with a lopsided grin and slouched slightly, relaxing before you. Your tongue rolled behind your teeth irritably and your jaw locked. He thought you were no threat to him. So smug and confident he wasn't ready to lunge should you dart off. It made you sour, yet your tummy fluttered. The self-confidence and cocksure nature made you want to swoon for him. To sit at his feet like some tiny pup. You shook away the thought before opening your mouth and argue. You couldn’t let him know of the effect he was having; it was bad enough he could smell it.

"Doing what? Curling up at your master’s feet? Getting fitted for a new coll-Ah!" You were cut off as he lunged, heaving his sword into the dirt beside him piercing the ground, and had your throat in his grasp.

"I do not have a collar. You will cease this behaviour," he huffed, still trying to be light and playful. But you were obstinately refusing him, he could see your battle. Your wolf wanted him, yet you denied both him and your instincts. It was beginning to irk him. And it wasn't lost on him how you were starting to dig at him, trying to turn the tide of fortune.

"No collar? That chain around your neck says otherwise," you quipped at him with a laugh. The larger male puffed his chest and looked down to his badge of office with a growl. It was insulting to have anyone jest at his position, many had when he first gained the title. Somehow it was even more of a blow to have his mate teasing him over it. His cheeks flushed in embarrassed anger and he stood taller, towering over you and flexed his fingers on your neck.

"Impudent bitch," he sneered, leaning closer breathing harshly over your face. You blinked up at him shocked watching as his own expression morphed into something sinister and divine. Your legs quivered. Why, oh, why did this male’s anger hit you right in the gut. It made your heart race and blood sing. It was a dreadfully wonderful feeling, bubbling anger and lust rolling around inside of you, with a dash of fear and apprehension.

"King’s pet!" you snapped back without a care. You'd poked the beast, annoyed and angered him. The fire in his gaze made your skin prickle.

"Mangy little mutt."

"Take that back! I'm no mutt!" you snarled, and lunged at him teeth bared, your aim was true. Jaws open poised to bite his nose, cheek, jaw anything you could reach. Your attack was halted by his hand swiping up from you neck. The large palm covering your chin, thumb on one cheek and his fingers splayed on your other, squeezing. Smooshing your face. A low rumble from his chest echoed around you. His lesser peeking through the drapes of the well-kept man.

The amusement was gone. He was angered. And you were suddenly reminded of the vulnerable state you were in, not only naked but alone and outmatched.

"And I'm no pet. You'd do well to submit, know your place, mate, I won’t warn you a third time," he grunted managing to channel his ire into something much more controlled. He didn't want to really frighten you, or control you as such. He found this little game fun, toeing the line between anger and lust, playing a sweet yet dangerous game. You were a challenge and he was thankful. After all you were his soul mate and destined to be his one and only love from here on out.

"Again, I ask. Or what?" you bit out in a bittersweet tone, eyes squinting slyly up at him. It would do no good to let him see your anxiety or the realisation you were very out matched.

"Or I’ll fuck you into it." You laughed out loud, louder then you should have. The threat was undeniably exciting, and had your insides trembling you wanted nothing more than to fuck him. The female weakness in you begging for him to dominate you as a real alpha, to hold you close and mount you, rut into your aching body until you were spent. Bruised from his demanding lovemaking and hard needy kisses.

You wanted to feel weak for once, the fall to your knees at a male's feet. Human males couldn't withstand your stamina and strength, but Charles could. It was the tantalising promise of any shifter bed mate. You could be powerless, yet in this moment you wanted to argue, to rebuke him and make him see you were no mere simpering pup. You were a wolf through and through and you won't go down without a fight... or at least you hoped you wouldn't. The fear and instinctual tugging of the bond was slowly building. You wanted to submit, yet still prove a point.

"Threats do not work on me," you breathed out, unintentionally trying to step back from the huge warm male. Needing distances so you could think. His scent! That god-awful addictive scent was making you delirious.

"’t is not a threat, but a promise," he uttered without giving you any reprieve. His heavy palms ghosted your body in swift motions, tracing the curve of your flesh and settled at your fore arms curling around them and lightly pressing them to your sides. His body inched forward again, the supple leather grazing your taught nipples making your breath hitch.

"Doubtful, you didn't have the balls to face me so I doubt you'd ever-" You faltered. Was this wise? He was faster than you'd thought. And stronger and had pinned you without a scuffle, without any resistance from you! What was wrong with you? You were rooted to the spot, eyes frantically roaming him, pupils wide and wanting. He was alone because he didn't need a pack weighing him down.

You whined at the thought. He was stronger than any you'd met before. And you wanted him. You wanted him in every way; it was frightening. You mind was erratic, jumping from angered shifter, to melting little female. You wanted to snap at him, and kiss him all in one. And the bastard knew it!

"Well, look at that? My mate, tail between her legs so soon? Truly a wondrous sight to have such and feisty bitch crumble with little more than a firm restrictive hand," he teased, leaning over you, smirking as his beard ghosted your skin. You whined again, mewling and craned your head unable to resist him tipping your face to his and arched to him, trying to kiss him. But he moved, pulled back seconds before you could taste him.

The move made you yell, shout wordlessly in anger and embarrassment as you realised it was you who'd given in so fast! It made you want to cry in fury. You thrashed in his hold, trying to ignore the way he held you still, all but your torso, which wriggled against his. He held firmer, tighter not willing to let you escape him.

"I- I get- let go!" you roared, eyes welling with unshed tears. You were mortified and confused. You hated the feelings plaguing you. The contradiction that dwelled within you and the ultimate outcome. You knew he would have you, and you would love him, you would remain by his side for the rest of your days. That is what a mate was. It was a ball and chain, yet one you would cherish.

"I’m afraid not, pup. You came into my realm. My home, attacked my people, ransacked my territory. You're lucky you're my intended. Had you been any other I'd have you bled out, strapped to the back of my horse by now," he explained. You could hear the change in his voice. The way he grew tired of this little game. He was still amused but wanted you to cease your stubborn behaviour and give in to him, do as your told. And your lesser wolf wanted to, she was all too happy to be his good girl. It was sickening, shifters weren’t meant to be like common house pets! You were meant to be fierce!

"But as I said. Mate. You’re lucky," he reiterated with a quirk to his lips and nuzzled you. Instantly your struggles stopped, you stilled in his hold as his nose and whiskered cheek rubbed over you. His scent soaking into your skin and hair

"Instead, I’ll seek your submission once you are wrapped up in the furs in my nest, in my very own courtly den," he uttered, a rattle-like grumble echoed in his chest, a purring of his beast. He was pleased. All too excited to have you in his den and mate you for a few days. And to your horror, so were you.

"W-wait, no! No, fight me! Fight me- I want the territory! I want the wood!" Your voice grew higher as Charles began leading you back towards his horse. You tugged pulling back as the finality of it all hit. He would claim you, mate you. You'd never be free again. No more hunting or roaming. You'd be a brood mare! Fucked and pupped at his convenience. It terrified you!

Charles hushed you turning, one arm left you to pull his sword from the ground and return it to the sheath at his hip. Your panic was understandable. He had a few guesses why. You were young, alone and free. You feared being tied down.

"You’ll get your wood alright," he uttered playfully, trying to ease the mood with some much-needed light heartedness. There was nothing he could do to ease your panic.

"Noo! No please- fine, I will leave, I'll leave don't bind me- do not bind me to you! I wish to belong to no man!" Charles' suspicion was confirmed. Your rage was from fear, the ultimate fear was being used and treated poorly. For a second, he faltered thinking over how he could help ease you, or dig deeper.

"Then you are in luck, for I am no man, but a beast like you." The words came out before he could catch them. But he took it in his stride and finished the teasing statement off with a grin. His grin dropped as you just stared at him as if you couldn't understand what he was trying to say.

"The bond has been created already, pup. And I intend to finalise our union post haste," he added with a quieter voice. He felt uncomfortable as he explained something that your mother should have.

"It- it can't be!?" you gasped, shaking your head at him. This wasn't? No! That’s not how it works! If you fought it and ran from the bond. Escaped mating him then you would be free!

"Did no one ever explain our bonds? The ties that bind? Your pack never taught you?" Charles hummed, feeling more and more uncomfortable. Why were you let loose without being taught this? What kind of pack neglected this type of teaching?! It boiled his blood. You must be so confused and frightened! That must be the reason for your behaviour, not just your bratting but your killings, your erratic attacks to try and draw him out. Your need to try and fight him for territory. You were confused.

"I thought it fairy tales! They- it's a life sentence! My mother, sister, everyone! They are property!" you yelped, still pulling from him as he took slow steps towards his horse, dragging you with him up the bank with one hand still on your arm.

You could see the mistake, Charles turned to you with pain in his blue eyes, amber roared to life before melting away once more. His wolf was snarling inside of him. The mere thought of you dreading your union, fearing he'd mistreat you, made him rage. Without much thought he cupped your face locking eyes with you, the need to coax you out of your panic and chase away the fear and doubt now.

"That is absolutely absurd! You'll never be property. However, you will be spoiled rotten, all the finery your feral little heart desires. All the lovemaking your little knees can handle. Kisses and scenting day and night. I will treasure and honour you," he cooed, a strange desperation taking over him. It made you pause.

He sounded hurt but sincere, there was something that made you want to believe him. Deep down you wanted everything you hadn't seen. Love, respect, a true pairing that was written in the stars.

"And love? Will you? I mean... I've heard things about you, your exploits.” Your voice was smaller than you would have liked, uneasy and timid. Vulnerable. Charles’ whole demeanour softened and he wound himself around you, holding you tightly to him and pressed kisses to your head whilst scenting you, making your shudder, heart fluttering in your chest as a complete calm washed over you. You were safe.

"I love you already, you are my mate. My sacred mate given to me by the ancestors. I shall cherish you like nothing else on god’s green earth. I have waited a long time to have a mate of my own. A true meaningful bond. I'll not squander it for mediocre harlots," he hummed, whispering the promise in your ear, drawing around the shell of your ear with the tip of his nose before pressing the most gentle of kisses to your bear ear lobe.

"You shall be my wife. My lawful wedded wife. My love, my mate, my entire world. My very own feral little duchess to love and treasure, now and forever."

"Pretty words are cheap," you said, trying to pull back from him and his sweet words. Not trusting yourself to believe him. You couldn't afford to hope. But he shook his head and captured your chin once more, pulling you to look him in the eye.

"An oath on the ancestors is not. I swear on the blood, on the spirit of our ancestors that I, Charles Eskel Rivaria Brandon, will love you and honour you as my mate until the end of days. I will be the mate you dreamed of. I will be a good loving father and a loyal husband." His eyes held yours as he spoke, laying his cards on the table, whilst promising to the ancestors. Something not done lightly, you would break a vow to god before breaking one to your honoured ancestors.

You could have cried. Tears welled in your eyes from the meaning behind the words. The simple fact he was taking the time to calm and reassure you meant the world to you. In your pack, mates were just that. For mating and breeding, nothing more. It was common for pairings to turn sour but it was too late to do anything by that point. Within a wolf pack, love had nothing to do with it. Mates were simply a means to an end, to bolster numbers and keep the pack strong.

Perhaps he would be different? Could he have a clan? A family bloodline of different shifters all together? Clans were different, more freeing and happy. Less rules and more love, no toxic views for mates and ownership. No birth quotas or inequality. Just family and respect with the occasional scolding from your elders.

"Now will you return with me nicely? Though our little game was fun, I'd hate to have to force you to return with me? The last thing I'd want is to have your courtly debut being swaddled and hog tied and draped over my horse," Charles then added, trying to lighten the mood once more as you finally settled into him, nuzzling and scenting him clumsily trying your best to hide yourself in him. It was sweet seeing you try to be stubborn when you have already given in to him. You were saving face like a shy little thing, all red cheeks and stink eye. Trying to get a hold of yourself now your outbursts were over.

"And I will tie you, have no doubt. I brought enough rope," he joked, wagging a finger at you whilst nodding over his shoulder to his horse that had a good thirty yards or so of rope coiled on the side of his saddle.

"I'll bite you if you do that," you pouted at him, before playfully nipping at his poised finger, only for him to move at the last second and tap your nose, making you squint and cover it quickly fending off a sneeze.

"If you do, I'll bite you back harder. So, mate? Will you give me a chance to be the mate you deserve?" he questioned after one final tease. You blinked up at him for a second, shrinking slightly in his arms. You were still worried, unsure of your future. But he was your mate, and you just knew in your heart you couldn't walk away from him.

"I supposed being a duchess will have its merits... It beats swindling money from drunkards. But no collars," you uttered slowly, trying not to seem too needy or desperate. Despite being needy and desperate.

"You have my word, my lady, no collars. Now let’s get you in this dress, shall we?" he said, quickly pulling your dress from the ground and held it open for you. You flushed at his wolfish smirk, his handsome face returning to the teasing cocky duke you'd met earlier. You rolled your eyes at him before stepping into the skirts. You should feel annoyed, scared, overwhelmed. But all you felt was a strange calm tinged with excitement.

Charles wasted no time in taking you back to court and mating you. He even wedded you in the court! The king himself giving you away and the archbishop of Canterbury performing the ceremony and blessing you both. Shortly after, you became pregnant. Not that you minded, you grew accustomed to life as a duchess and your husband. Though you still had your little spats now and then, your age peeking through in rebellious acts and snide teasing words. But it worked for you both, Charles enjoyed dousing your wild temper, and you enjoyed being brought to heel by him.

But one failed attack on you by a human envious of your swelling stomach and happy union quickly brought your happy home to a halt. Charles wasn't so much threatened by the nasty wench that had tried to attack you. It was more he partially shifted, uncontrollably. Age and self-control managed to overcome the killer instinct to dispose of the harlot. But it had made his mind up. By the time his pup was born both you and Charles would be dead to the world. He purchased the entire woodland his family lived in, paid for new homes to be constructed for him and his family under a false name. Charlie Rivaria.

He moved his money in secrecy and faked your deaths on the lesser travelled country roads. A nasty carriage highway raid. Blood everywhere and no bodies. It was a strange thing, reading your own obituary in the pamphlets. But one you soon got over. You both had tombstones somewhere in Surrey. In a few decades you'd both visit them, for now though the woods were safe. But until then, you’d reside here. There was just the small matter of meeting the clan first.

Charles had barely got to the new gate before a young cub came running out of the small cottage to the left of the home. The boy’s curls bouncing with each enthusiastic step, an adult male with equality fluffy hair stepped out behind him, calling the cub back for his bath.

The boy ignored his father and darted to Charles who met him crouching and scooping him up before spinning the boy and settled the hold on his hip.

"Sherlock!? Gosh, look at you, so tall already?" Charles spoke whilst tickling the young cub’s side, making the boy squeal.

"Uncle Charles! Papa said you have a mate and cub now!" Sherlock cried out excitedly, he was ecstatic to have someone to play with. And to have his uncle return home to the clan’s territory.

"Yes, indeed I do, your very own cousin to play with," Charles added proud as a peacock. He was overjoyed to be home and finally settle. It wasn't until escaping the king’s court did he realise how on edge he had been. The stress was making him old before his time, but now he could breathe easy. He and his clan were safe and secure; he had made sure of it.

"Can I see them?! Is it here? Is it here- hello missus lady! Is that the cub!?" Sherlock spoke a mile a minute, twisting to greet you before gasping and leant over to you trying to peek at your son in his swaddle. Charles grunted as Sherlock’s knee jammed under his rib as the boy shifted.

"This is your new aunty. Aunty y/n," Charles added, whist setting Sherlock down before you and crouched before him, tugging his tiny shirt back into place. As the older male, Melot, Sherlock’s father, caught up to his son.

"And aunty y/n is holding your little cousin. A boy, Charles?" the newcomer said with a smile, peeking at the bundle himself whilst speaking to Sherlock.

"Yes, a boy of my own, brother," Charles hummed, before meeting his brother in a hug. You smiled watching the two as Melot congratulated Charles.

"Aunty, can I see him, please?" You smiled down at the pup tugging your skirts trying to pull you down to his level so he could inspect the infant.

"Of course, pup, here he is," you cooed, crouching down for him to see. Sherlock’s eyes went wide and he froze blinking at your son quietly. Before a huge grin lit up his face and he turned to his father.

"Wow, he’s small! Papa, he’s tiny! Look, he’s really small!"

"Yes, he is, isn’t he? And probably cold too, we should get inside and see grandpa," Melot suggested, and began walking slowly to the larger of the three houses. You stood and followed, Charles taking your arm and Sherlock walking beside you one hand fisting your skirt as he jumped occasionally trying to see the baby again.

"What’s his name?" Sherlock spoke quickly, still excited, wanting to know everything about the small cub. You grinned. It was sweet, the boy has obviously never seen another pup before and was curious, you could tell Sherlock was going to be a little clever clogs.

"Humphrey. Humphrey Rivaria," Charles answered, making the boy beam up at him, chattering away about 'his cub having a good name'.

"Humphrey? You named the pup, Humphrey?" Melot quizzed, laughing out of the side of his mouth. You'd admit you weren't sold on the name at first, but Charles had been insistent and you had come around to it.

"Oh, because Sherlock is any better? The boy’s nick name is Shelly," Charles quipped back, elbowing his brother only to be shoved back. You rolled your eyes, they were children themselves, lord help you.

"Well, yours will be Hump!" Melot chuckled, as he held open the small garden gate leading to the house. You frowned. You hadn't thought of that. Bugger.

"Well, that is how he came to be," your mate laughed, making Melot shake his head at him, rolling his eyes.

"Why not name him missionary?" came the exasperated yet amused reply.

"Because I was humping her properly from behind, I'm not a savage, brother." You gasped out loud and swiftly flicked out a foot, knee knocking Charles making him yelp and stumble through the entrance of the house. He turned to yip at you but was silenced by a deep, unimpressed voice calling from the room to the right.

"Enough you two- where is my new daughter and grand cub?"

"Here, father. The newest additions," Charles preened, as he crossed the threshold of the new large home he'd commissioned for his clan.

You shrunk into your cape slightly, rising to your full hight and pulled the swaddled infant to your chest. Charles was quick to comfort you, curling his arm around you pressing you into the warm home. He knew you were worried despite his reassurance. You won’t calm until you met his clan’s alpha.

You took deeper breaths walking into the generous home and spied the large male whose voice had echoed across the room. You were well aware both enforcers in the room knew of your past deeds, the killings that drew Charles from behind the palace walls.

The amber eyes took in your slight tremble and he held out a hand to you, motioning you forward. You did so with a small gentle shove from your mate. Crossing the small remaining distance on your own strength was nerve wracking. But you managed to close the distance. Finally standing next to Geralt with your young pup.

You smiled anxiously; you were very out of your depth. Today was huge. Not only were you introducing your first born, and meeting Charles' clan. But also moving next door to them, building a small holding for the clan creating a life for yourself. But before any of that, you had to make a good impression.

"I hold no grudge against my own clan. You'll not be hunted for your past. You’re kin now," Geralt said calmly, smiling to you. There was a kindness in him. Despite the power and authority he commanded, he seemed very gentle.

"R-really?" you uttered quietly, eyeing the huge male; he was double the size of Charles! And much more intimidating.

"Of course. We're family. You're my responsibility, as the oldest male and alpha of the clan you have my word," he reassured you, and craned his head trying to see the swaddled infant. Everyone was excited for the new pup.

"No harm will come to you or your cub. Speaking of which, may I hold my latest grandcub?" You nodded, relaxing your shoulders almost melting on the spot, relief flooding you so much that your eyes welled with tears. You sniffled and leant over the small distance, letting Geralt cradle your precious bundle. Charles came over coiling around you.

As soon as you felt your mate beside you, you turned, tucking your face into his chest hiding your tears, weeping into his jerkin. Geralt must have pulled a face because Charles quickly began to explain.

"It’s... Meeting you has been plaguing her. She feared punishment and exile for her... behaviour." You trembled, sniffling, trying to stop your weeping, but it really had been a worry. And since having Humphrey the worry was worse. You thought you might be chased off from him, that your son would be kept from you. Like they do in wolf packs when a mother is seen unfit or a rogue.

"Oh, did you hear that, Humphrey? Your mother’s being such a silly pup. Hmm? A silly pup indeed, you see she thinks, I’m going to punish her," Geralt huffed to the small child, but kept one eye on you. You needed to have reassurance from him. Wolves were strange and needed more guidance from their alpha. It had been a steep learning curve for him with Charles, but Geralt was old and knew exactly what needed to be done.

"But what your mother doesn't know is that I know monsters. Seen evil, true evil. And she’s not evil in the slightest. Just rash and impulsive. The most she'd get from me is a swift uncomfortable scruffing," Geralt's small monologue came to an end with some gentle hushes as he rocked the tiny infant in his arms. Humphrey was almost fast asleep, making him preen. Geralt always prided himself on getting the youngsters to sleep, his voice had that certain deep lull that worked each time.

Geralt looked up to the latest daughter-in-law and smiled. Nodding to the small space beside him.

"You are famished and cold, come take a seat. Boys, our females need food, go prepare them plates. The beef is resting in the kitchen. Charles, fetch my new daughter the fur from my seat in the den." You blinked, gasping at him, again dumbfounded as Geralt continued to call you his new daughter.

It felt odd, but extremely reassuring to hear, your instincts were yelling at you. This man was the pack alpha, he was your alpha. There was a pull to him, like with all wolves. Nothing like the bond between you and Charles, but paternal. You wanted to have this pack’s scent on you, to smell like the rest and integrate into the group.

It wasn't until your mate draped the thick fur over your shoulders, you realised the old bear knew. Geralt sent you a knowing look before turning to the small table where Melot had placed a plate of food down in front of you, his mate and mother. Sherlock climbed into his mother's lap across from you and began digging in.

"Fox, I bet he is a fox shifter, oh it’s so sweet to have a tiny fox in the clan," Charles' mother added, as she moved to sit the other side of Geralt, who was not giving up the swaddled infant anytime soon.

"Fox, you’re sure?" you asked between bites, trying not to let the overwhelming feeling of having a pack’s acceptance send you into another bout of tears.

"Yes, indeed all redheads end up fox shifters, smart and cunning, if not a little prickly at times. You’ll have your work cut out for you," she teased, lightly running a finger over your sons cheek cooing at him.

"You hear that, brother? A cunning, prickly ginger fox cub? Karma certainly does have a sense of humour," Melot laughed out loud earning a scowl from Charles. Who made to retort but was interrupted by Geralt.

"And Sherlock will be worse. The boy is the biggest of all cat shifters. By the age of sixteen he will probably out match you, son. Charles won’t have that issue with his boy. Best start adding some extra training now," the alpha’s words stopped any brewing argument or scuffle.

"Biggest feline? You mean he is a-" Charles asked wide eyed, looking from his brother to Sherlock who seemed none the wiser to the conversation, happily eating his meal. Charles grinned turning to you.

"I want one," he stated with a huge grin, wriggling his brow at you.

"What, Charles, no," you whined at him, but he shook his head and smirked to you still.

"I want one," he repeated, not budging one bit.

"Charles, we have just had Humphrey. We can wait," you tried again, but your mate was persistent, especially when it came to the bed room.

"Yes, we can, but it doesn't change the fact that I want one," he agreed, ending the argument with a victorious grin. You sighed rolling your eyes at him; there was no point in arguing with him. He was as stubborn as a mule! But then again did you want to argue? After all, making a pup was quite fun. You wouldn’t mind christening your new home without fear of servants and courtiers sneaking about

[thetoffeefox]

A Break and A Bouquet of Lilies

I’m on a streak today!! I just finished this one after a long on and off again writing phase hope you guys enjoy!!

NOTE: Aslaug is my OC and no one has permission to use her for any and all purposes. Nakura belongs to @nakuravanner any and all questions regarding him should be asked to them not me.

Aslaug looked on in awe as she watched a man buy his female companion flowers from the stand across from them. She wondered if anyone had ever got her flowers before she lost her memories. Honestly, she wondered what her life was like before she lost them. Did she live in a big village like this? Or was it small and off ways? Or maybe she lived in a den with a close family like Cherry did. She couldn’t imagine having a mate, but from how February acted most of her kind at Aslaug’s age were already settled down and had at least one litter of kits already. Cherry countered on Aslaug’s age for the simple factor that it has been almost a year since Aslaug had been traveling with Nakura and not once has she went into heat. Her size didn’t pan out to that theory though, so the only logical explanation was, that she was possibly barren. She didn’t want to think such a thing. After all, any female of any species always dreamed of having young ones. Shaking her head slightly she ducks into Cherry’s all too familiar flower booth.

  “Aslaug it’s been awhile, I take it Nakura and February are browsing through the market?” Slate states.

  Slate was a long time friend of Cherry, over the course of knowing the little rabbit they had gotten to know Slate as well and it was obvious a certain young vixen had developed quite the crush on him, but Aslaug wasn’t going to pester February too much on that. She did wonder though if Slate could tell and was being polite or if he simply honest to God didn’t see the adoring looks the young girl has been giving him over the months.

  “You know how they are always one to make sure they’re prepared.” She laughs while gently observing a Lily in full bloom.

“Someone has to be in charge of basic supplies or all of us would go hungry.” Nakura’s voice makes her head snap to the side as a bright smile comes to her face.

“C’monnn can’t we at least just have a treat once in awhile?” A pout comes to her features.

“Don’t you indulge enough on the bugs you eat?...” He grumbles.

  Normally the comment about her bug eating habits wouldn’t bother her at all, but something about his tone made her twinge. She stopped going after the red beetles right after he told her they were poisonous, what else did he want from her? It’s worse enough they’ve barely had any proper sleep.

 “Aslaug is right Nakura, maybe we should just take a day to relax.” February’s head popped into the tent her big blue eyes boring up at the gypsy wolf.

“See even February is exhausted maybe we could just stay here for a night.” Aslaug states.

“We don’t have time.” He states looking at both of them while getting irritated with the situation.

“We need to make the time Nakura, she’s a child she gets exhausted quicker than we do,” Aslaug states feeling a turn come out into her words.

“It’s not safe to stay here, it will never be safe to stay in this big of a village as long as your…”Nakura pauses, but instantly his sentence is cut off.

“As long I’M WHAT?! AROUND?!” She yells out making February shrink back.

“Now, now you two don’t you think you're being a bit illogical here. Let’s calm down.” Slate gets between them.

  Honestly, he’s surprised the two haven’t got into an argument sooner from how February has been speaking as of late. If he would have known any better he’d say this Shepherdstone character they seem to try to constantly avoid is actually hoping something like this would happen.

  “Has the notion of me trying to protect you even registered in your mind yet!!” He hollers back at her.

“Are you because if I didn’t know any better I’d say here lately you’ve done nothing but try and parent me!!” She shouts taking a step closer.

“Maybe I am because you keep putting your head in clouds.” Hissing he closes in as well.

“Excuse me then, for trying to have some light hearted moments so I can feel like I at least living a relatively normal life!!” She growls out

“You're never going to have a normal life again!! The sooner you realize your past is the past the better off you’ll be!!” He snarls invading her personal space.

  It gets quiet and that’s when he notices that not only has their argument drawn some onlookers but that he probably went way too far. He takes a glance at Slate who is looking at him like he killed someone's pet. Quickly he looks back at Aslaug, her mouth is straight and her breathing is even, but he see’s the slight tremor in her shoulders. He notes the tears starting to prick the corner of her eyes. He opens his mouth to try and say something, anything, but nothing comes out.  

  “Screw you.” She whimpers out pushing him out of the way to leave the tent.

  It’s minutes before he can even move yet alone say anything. It appeared that February had long since left as well. That’s when a more important thought entered his mind, Did he really see her as a burden? No...that’s not possible it couldn’t be. Yes, she could be a bit of a handful. She was loud, whiny, and really couldn’t see past her nose, but a burden? The change in lighting snaps him from his thoughts to see Slate has closed the tent to give them privacy.

  “Sigh, you really screwed up, this is exactly why you guys need a break. You're exhausted from running and exhausted from each other.” Slate states leaning against one of the tables.

  He thinks for a moment trying to recall a moment when he and Aslaug had ever just taken a break for an entire day...never….for almost a year they had been on the run non-stop. They haven’t taken a single moment to enjoy themselves or distract themselves from the stress and turmoil of being hunted down and on that note, it wasn’t really even him being hunted it was Aslaug. He couldn’t possibly imagine how she felt about her whole entire situation, A young vixen who remembers nothing but her name on the run from a madman who wants her magic that she barely understands but possibly at one point did so. He growls frustrated with himself while digging the heel of his foot in the ground. He was way out of line, who was to say her life was normal before he found her? The circumstances of how he found her were sketchy in the first place and he had let her known about it. He basically rubbed salt in the wound.

  “Look from past experience most girls do good with an apology. Say you’re sorry, it obvious you feel bad about it so go to her.” Slate states standing in front of a small vibrant mini rosebush....he could have sworn that plant was wilted moments ago…

  Shaking his head of the odd thought he nods at Slate leaving the tent presumably to find Aslaug. After about an hour of searching, he finally found her sitting in front of the river her knees pulled up to her chest with her head buried in her arms. He flicked his ears if she was crying she wasn’t anymore, he was certain she was at one point though.slowly he approached her as if she was a wounded animal and once she showed no response he sat beside her...still nothing. She was good at the silent treatment. She was a master at ignoring people altogether, but Nakura was just as if not in some ways more stubborn than she was. So he sat next to her silent, God knows how long she sat with her, but by the time he pulled himself out of his own musings it was starting to be sunset. He knew trying to talk to her until she showed any physical cues that she would be willing to listen to him would be no better than talking to a wall. Biting his lip he was starting to second guess if she would ever budge, but that’s when she uncurled from herself. Her legs were straight against the ground her arms holding her up with a slight lean in her posture, but there was a very evident pout on her face….aka tread carefully.

  “I’m sorry. You are not a burden Aslaug despite what was said, you are not a burden.” He says looking at her.

“But I’m not going to have a normal life right?” She grumbles out.

“You will. I believe you will. I’ll make sure you will.” He states a slight blush comes to his cheeks. WHAT THE HELL IS HE SAYING!!! HE’S SOUNDING ABOUT LIKE SLATE WHEN HE’S INTOXICATED AND NEAR BEAUTIFUL WOMEN!!

“You promise?” She slightly whines out gripping his hand causing him to look down into her emerald green eyes.

“I promise.” He smiles softly then continues. “With that being said, you were right we do need to take a break once in awhile, so I guess we can stay here tomorrow.”

“REALLY?! EVEN FOR THE FESTIVAL TOMORROW NIGHT?!” She shouts out as the joy of what would match a five-year-olds comes to her face.

“Yeah, even for the festival.” He states feeling anything but enthusiasm for it.

 He really did hate large crowds and he couldn’t help but feel anxiety. He could help but feel fear, the fear of Shepherd running into them and them having to run and disappear as quick and crafty as possible. He is snapped out of his musing by a slight hum coming from Aslaug. She turned around slightly alert and focused. He's about ready to jump up when he noticed what she is looking at, it's a couple and he can't help but notice the look of awe on Aslaug's face as the man hands the woman I small bunch of flowers. A small smile comes to his face before he realizes that they barely have any daylight left. Aslaug seems to realize this two and both of them head back to Slates and Cherry’s tent. February is in Fox form curled up in a ball on one of the futons he set out. Did he seriously predict Nakura was gonna let them stay here for the night?  He gives a light smile while Aslaug crashes onto the futon next to February who is startled awake but instantly curls up into her chest. Almost immediately she falls asleep. Honestly, he wonders if she has some type of internal on and off switch sometimes. Slate chuckles and stretches tiredness evident in his eyes.

 “Hey..” Nakura calls out catching Slate’s attention.

“Hm?” He turns looking at him. Then notices what it is the Gypsy Wolf was going to ask for and with a big smile, he quickly obliges to his request.

 Aslaug felt a tickle in her nose as she slowly was rousing herself from sleep. Something smelt sweet...Like honey?...No...Candy?...No, that wasn’t it either. She knew this smell this smell was...

  “Aslaug!! Sweety look at you, your face is dirty!!” A woman with bright brown eyes playfully scolded her.

“I was playing in the lilies mommy the lilies!! Lookie lookie I got some for you!!” She giggled as her tiny fist held up a small bouquet of perfect white lilies.

“They’re beautiful sweetheart, do you know why our village has so many white lilies?” Her mother asked while whipping the pollen off of her face.

“No, Why Mommy?” She asked.

 Aslaug’s eyes opened slowly finally and she blinked. Was...that...a memory? Did she remember something!! Yes!! She did remember something that was her mother!! Oh...oh her mother was so...beautiful..Now she knew where she got her hair from. She smiled smoothing out her long purple locks a light blush on her face. That’s when she spotted them. A small bouquet of lilies bound perfectly together with a white ribbon. She grabbed the bouquet and gave them a good sniff feeling the petals and pollen tickle her nose and face. She pulled them away from her a grin on her face while her tail was swishing around like crazy. Did...did Nakura get these for her?

 “......Aslaug your face...it’s…” She looked up, speaking of the devil.

 She left out a hearty laugh pulling the lilies closely to her with care. Nakura shook his head with his eyebrow raised in confusion. Sometimes he had to wonder if she really was her actual age. What kind of person nose dives their face into lilies. That didn’t matter though...the bright smile on her face as she laughed holding the flowers to her chest mattered. He feels his cheeks heat up again for the second time in less than 24 hours, and he felt a tug of sorts in his chest. He could get used this...maybe..he should give her flowers more often.