“No.” Sam grabbed a hand full of his fur and tried to hold him still. He outweighed her by at least seventy pounds, all of it muscle and could easily rip her arm out of its socket. “Please.”
She had seen his desire, both in his eyes and his heavy manhood hanging between his legs and she wanted him. She wanted to know what it would feel like to be taken by such a creature, to feel that power and strength thrusting into her body.
“You don’tttt know whaaat you arrrre askingggg.”
“I think I do.” Sam let go of his fur, her hands moving to the buttons on her blouse.
“Noooo. Iffff youuuu do thisss you can nevvvverrr return to your hommmme.” More then anything he wanted her to stay. He had seen something in her, it was as if they were connected in some way but he wanted to make sure she knew exactly what she was setting herself up for.
“What if I don’t want to return?” Her words were little more than a whisper.
“Why wooould youuu want to stayyyy?”
Sam looked away. “My parents died when I was very young, I was an only child and I buried myself in my school work.”
“I’m sssorrry.” Nafarius felt the pain in her voice.
“I don’t need your sympathy. That isn’t why I’m asking to stay. It’s just that there is such a feeling of home and family here and that’s something I’ve never had. I’d like to be a part of this.” Sam took a deep breath and prepared to take the plunge. “And I know you want me.”
“Youuuu don’t undersssstand; the pack issss a fammmmily but it issssn’t eassssy.” There would be tests and trials ahead for her but he felt certain that she possessed the strength to see it through. Besides, he had his own selfish reasons for wanting her to stay. The time had come for him to chose a mate; unfortunately it had caused problems between the female members of his pack. Furthermore, he owed a duty to his pack members and that meant exploring the possibility of an alliance with another pack. The problem was no matter who he choose he would offend the other packs. The alternative was to pick someone else.
“It can’t be any harder than living alone.” Sam brought her hands up to her blouse and started slipping the buttons free. A moment later she saw Nafarius’ hands cover her own. The long, fur covered claws were gone; looking up she saw that he had once again returned to human form.
“There is much you need to know before you make this decision.”
“Like what?” Sam snapped; she couldn’t help it. The world around her had suddenly shifted; everything she thought she knew and believed in had changed. She was looking for a place to fit in with this new reality and she got the distinct feeling that perhaps Nafarius didn’t want her to find it with him and his pack.
“Like the fact that wolves mate for life.” Nafarius could see that she was surprised by this bit of news. “If you chose to join us, to mate with me or any member of the pack then you will never be allowed to leave.”
“I don’t want to leave, that’s what I’ve been trying to tell you.”
“There’s more; we’re hunters that prey on the weaker species in the forest. There is a hunger inside of us, always. Not just when the moon is full though that is when it is at its strongest. We crave the hunt, the chase and the kill. You will awaken something inside yourself that is not human. Men will fear you, you will be considered a monster and hunted for the rest of your life.”
“You’ve survived.”
“Yes, but it is never easy. I want to make sure you know these things before committing yourself.” Nafarius watched and waited. He held his breath; he could see that she was thinking about all the things he had said and he was afraid that she would chose to walk away. If she did he would be forced to let her go but it would cost him.
In answer to the question she saw Sam leaned forward and kissed him. Her lips brushed against his mouth once, twice before seeking entrance. A small moan escaped her as he took the kiss deeper, his tongue invading her mouth to explore her hidden depths. They knelt facing each other, their bodies bronze in the firelight. Sam wanted, need to get closer. Her hands slid up and over his chest before resting on his shoulders. Feeling the muscles quiver beneath the surface she tried to pull him closer.
“No.” Nafarius reached back and unclasped her hands from around his neck. “That isn’t how we do things around here.”
Sam looked at him, confused but willing to let him take the lead. She was the newcomer, an outsider that lacked the basic knowledge of how his pack lived.
“I must go; the moon is full and as leader I need to join my pack in their hunt. Tomorrow you will be introduced to the rest of the pack. You have until then to decide whether or not you want to go through with this.”
Sam watched him stand, still naked in the firelight and longed to have him cover her with his body. “I won’t change my mind.”
Nafarius ignored her comment. “There are things that I must do to prepare to make you my mate, should you decide to do so. In the meantime you may sleep in here.” Nafarius led her to the largest alcove located at the back of the cave. “These are my private quarters; you will be safe in here. Tomorrow I will send someone to explain what is expected of you.”
“Thank you.” Sam didn’t know what else to say. “Good night.”
“Sleep well.” With that Nafarius turned and made his way out of the mountain and into the clearing. He broke into a run and dropping down onto all fours he had completed his change and was in animal form before he reached the woods.
Sam watched from the entrance, marveling at the speed and grace with which he moved, before returning to the alcove. Lying down she curled up in the pile of blankets and fell asleep.
Late the next morning a petite blonde woke Sam with the offer of a bowl of stew. The rich smell was enough to remind her stomach that it had been several hours since she last ate. Smiling in embarrassment as her stomach growled Sam tipped the bowl up to her mouth and ate. She was surprised by the thick stew and rich flavor. For some reason she had assumed that the meals here would be primitive and plain.
Sam started to rise only to stop as the young woman spoke. “Nafarius requests that you remain in here. There are things that need to be done in order to prepare for tonight.”
“Am I not needed to help?” Sam didn’t like the idea of being kept away from the activities. She was curious but also she didn’t want to cause resentment among the others by not helping.
“Your part will come later and for that I guarantee you will need to rest and reserve your strength.” The blonde seemed genuinely concerned and that gave Sam pause.