Topic: Checkmate

Ry

Date: 2009-07-13 18:31 EST
The business meeting was over. His sole purpose of coming to Rhydin was to meet with prospective investors to his private little war. The meeting had went well, but then, with purebloods, there was no question. There was a hierarchy within their group and they all looked down upon the half breeds as beneath them. So the funding was an easy thing to obtain. Now all Alaric wanted was a glass of wine, a woman to rub his feet and a long soak in a hot bath. All at the same time. Dressed in a black as ebon silk suit with a bright red tie and white dress shirt under it, his highly polished Italian leather wing tipped shoes hardly made even a whisper of a sound as he walked along the cobblestones of the Market. He had to admit, this place held a certain charm. That is, when it wasn't crawling with half breeds.

The white wolf lurked in shadows, watching, remembering all she saw and heard. All she smelt. Pureblood, her nose was telling her, pure and ruthless as many of her kind were. He smelt of years of experience, of a family once close and now torn asunder. Perhaps the change to wolf had been an ill-judged one, for she did not now have the sense of the human to gauge her next move. All she knew was to follow and watch. People were paying good money to learn of this elder's next move, and though it was risky, it was also a job only a wolf could take. So she waited and watched, and followed him through the Market, alert and watchful.

Always, his sense of smell was his leading and most effective tool. And though he detected a great many others, the scent of the white wolf was distinct and pleasant. He knew he was being followed, and he had a good idea as to why. None of this played any effect upon his pleasntly smiling face. He simply continued to walk casually through the Market, as if he hadn't a care in the world. When a dark alley presented itself, Alaric simply disappeared.

Some part of the human remained, just enough to warn the wolf from entering that alley in pursuit. The De Lauriers were known, this one was feared, and there was no telling the danger she might fall into should she follow as he clearly expected her to. Instead, she circled around to the other end of that alley way. Her nose told her he still lurked within. She rolled in the dirt of the street to dull the shine of her coat, and slipped into the shadows, tense, ready for fight or flight, whichever the human mind suggested.

Eyes so white they glowed within the darkness watched as the white wolf turned and walked away. Leaning back against the brick wall, Alaric blew out a soft sigh. Would his enemies ever give up" A hand raked through dark tresses as he continued to watch both ends of the alleyway. Though the coat was dulled, the distinct scent was there. Quickly and quietly he moved down the alley. With a flash of his hand, and a snarl baring white overly sharp teeth, his hand was brought down, intent on grabbing the scruff of her neck. "Who are you and what do you want?"

The human mind was too slow, the wolf too tense to react quickly enough to the sudden attack. She struggled against the grip on her scruff, snapping and snarling as the wolf took over. Front paws rose, claws reaching to rake at his leg as she threw herself about, wanting nothing more than to be released that she might flee.

His grip was released in an instant, as well as the clothes that lay tattered on the alleyway ground. The very large, pure black male wolf snarled in return and snapped his own front paws out in front of himself. He meant to hold her shoulders so he could snag at her scruff with his sharp teeth. It was a show of dominance that Alaric was accustomed to. He snarled and bare fangs shone in the moonlight. Rarely did he miss when attempting, but this time he did.

Ry

Date: 2009-07-13 18:32 EST
She was no pack animal, not any longer, no wolf held dominance over her! She pulled back, sharp teeth bared in a growl that came from deep within, from the wolf that was now all of her. Her human mind was pushed aside, unable to do anything but watch, and hope like hell the wolf could prevail. Her nose was filled with the scent of him. He was bigger, yes, and stronger without a doubt, but agility had saved her this once. He would not allow her to escape without a fight. Muscles bunched, amber eyes flashed with intent, and she pounced towards him, her aim his back. His dominance was to be turned against him, if she possibly could.

Oh, this was new. Never had a female dared to strike him, much less fight for dominance. If he could smile, he would. With a quick side step, he watched as her leap landed her against the hard cobblestones. Sitting back on his haunches, he wagged his tail behind him and lowered himself to watch with amusement.

Claws scrabbled on stone frantically, keeping her upright as she spun to face him, again tensed and ready for battle. But he simply watched. She could smell his amusement, his lack of fear or anger, and it infuriated as well as unnerved her. Her muscles bunched once more - the human mind yelled for the wolf to wait, not to put herself into an inescapable position - and she leapt at him, snarling in fury.

As she leapt, again, Alaric simply sat up quickly and braced himself for impact. He put himself right in her way, but knew that she hadn't expected the move, so it would throw her off balance. Paws went to her tender underbelly and he attempted to flip her over, onto her back with his heavily muscled shoulders and back.

The wolf had not expected it, but the human had, forced to watch as she was flipped to her back, exposed and vulnerable to whatever he chose to do to her. The snarl became a whimper as she struggled under his strength, trying to regain her paws.

The tall, proud, ebon wolf stood over her, eyes shining white in the night. He snarled down at her, baring just his front teeth and fangs. Hiking one leg, he sprayed her with his scent. The fur on his snout creased as he lowered his head until they were snout to snout. Either she would concede, or there would be more fighting to be had. Either way, Alaric was truly enjoying himself. He hadn't had such sport in a long time. And with a female, never.

His scent covered her, and she knew, both beast and woman, that she was lost. Her body relaxed, the tension gone, and though the wolf accepted him as pack leader, it was the human that glared at him from behind amber eyes. The body accepted; the mind did not. He had not totally won her over.

The nose sensed the human mind behind those amber eyes. But the relaxation of her body was enough for him, for now. He gave her snout a lick, more of a familial thing than affectionate. Then he was off of her and sat back, again, on his haunches. Lifting his head, a low, plaintive howl was directed at the moon, giving the Goddess thanks for bringing yet another into his fold.

The wolf in her nuzzled at him, grateful for that familial lick, but the human seethed, rebellion already forming in her mind. With his weight off her, she allowed the wolf to lift her own voice to join that howl for bare seconds, before taking control for the few moments it took to remind her beast of their purpose in being here. Aware of the betrayal in the movement, but unable to avoid it either way, she crouched, preparing to slink away while he was distracted with his thanks.

Ry

Date: 2009-07-13 18:33 EST
Alaric would have no part of it. Now that she was family, she was to stick by his side at all times. The howl was cut off by a loud snarl and a snap of sharp teeth at her tail. He sat up taller and glanced down his snout at the ground beside his paws. It was a silent, but direct order.

The human mind was overruled, screaming insults and fury at her beast as the white wolf stilled and slunk back to him, lowering to her haunches before him. Ignoring the clamour inside that was her weakened half, the wolf's head tilted as she looked at her new master, curious.

Once she was at his forepaws, he lifted one to rest it upon her shoulder. He gazed out of the alleyway. With a flare to his nostrils, he moved quickly. A sharp yip instructed her to follow. Out of the alleyway he came, dark, sleek, fur so black it looked blue in the moonlight. This was not a safe place for them. There were too many others like them around. Mostly half breeds that he wanted no part of except to exterminate them. Quickly he moved through the market until he found himself on the path towards the Glen.

And she followed swiftly, as sleek as he but seemingly the reverse of him. White flecked with silver where he was jet black, smaller, more delicately rendered by the moonlight. Still the human rebelled, but the wolf followed willingly. The trouble would come when he allowed her to change. Slowly the sights and sounds, and more importantly, the smells of those around them faded as they left the city, and the danger he seemed to sense therein.

Once to the Glen, he hurried to where he had kept his den. No hotels or fancy to do for this businessman. He preferred to be in his natural, wolven form. Between two stones, he slipped into the burrow. It was wide enough inside to fit himself and four others if he so choose. But he was alone, save for the silvery white wolf that had become part of his pack. Moving into the deep darkness, only his eyes gave his position away. Back against the far earthen wall, he waited.

She paused, scenting the air within the den. The human within warned against entering, but her pack leader called and she had to obey. Slowly, with deference to the watchful eyes of the black wolf, she entered, lowering her snout to the earthen ground before him.

With her on the ground, he quickly mounted her from behind. With a growl her scruff was grabbed with his mouth as he positioned himself behind her. She would produce beautiful pups, of this Alaric was sure. Purebred from a pair of purebreds. It was a dream come true. Her tail was pushed to the side as his carnal instincts took hold.

But in this, both wolf and human were as one. Never before mated, raised with the belief that she should be allowed to choose, no matter her pack leader's intention, she fought against him, squealing in pain as she pulled hard at her scruff caught in his jaws.

He lowered his massive chest against her back, trying to keep her from moving. She was his, his territory and would mother his pups. He was pack leader and there was no argument, ever, to that fact. So her putting up a fight did surprise him, some, and angered him. Growling fiercely, he bit harder into that scruff.

Howling in fury, she Changed. The shift from wolf to human would shake loose his grip on her scruff, no matter how hard he held her in his jaws. Expecting any moment to be mauled and left for dead, her elbow snapped back, hitting him hard on the side of his dark head.

Ry

Date: 2009-07-13 18:33 EST
He nearly collapsed down onto her, not expecting her to Change from under him. He shook his head and snarled when elbow met the side of his head. He may be angry, but he wouldn't maul her. In her human form, he could see her plain as day and naked as a jay bird. Quite nice to look at, in either wolf or human form on his side. He, too, made the Change and sat on the earthen floor, holding the side of his head. He glared at her and scowled. "Who are you and who sent you?" Of course, he sat before the small opening that led to the outside world. She was trapped.

Shaken by his attempt to mate with her, she crouched low opposite him, all pale skin and chocolate hair, with eyes of a matching hue glaring at him watchfully. "Release me." The wolf in her howled at her defiance, but she was human for now. She did not care to be just one of many, to be used and thrown aside. And she would not be answering his questions willingly.

"No." his response was quiet and unflappable. Continuing to rub the side of his head, he had to concede that she got him good. "Your true form conceded submission. You are now mine." He lifted his head and looked down at her. "You are marked with my scent that no soap will ever wash off." He was self confident and the smugness oozed from his every pore. "Now tell me who you are and who sent you."

She took an obscene amount of pleasure in the fact that he seemed still in pain from her blow, lowering to one knee to protect her naked form from his eyes as much as was possible. Damn her wolf, she knew he was right. But that didn't mean she couldn't fight him every step of the way. "I may have submitted to you, but it does not make me yours," she growled quietly. "I may be younger, but I know the rules of mating. I must be given the choice, not forced as you would have done."

He chuckled softly, knowing just what the reaction would be from the females in his pack. In his pack, it was his choice, who mated with who. It was never questioned. Alaric believed in strong bloodlines. And the females of his pack considered it an honor if Alaric visited them. "You've so much to learn. Your pack was weak because the alpha gave the females a choice. He let you think you were smart enough to know which would be more suitable." he waved his hand and shrugged. "Does not matter who you were, who sent you. You're mine now. And you will learn your place."

"My place is in the city, away from you." It slipped out before she could stop it, and she felt her wolf cringe back from the reaction it had to cause. Ry was not prepared to give him any advantage over her, and yet she had just handed him her stomping grounds on a platter. But she had to return; her clients, her staff, would be expecting her.

"Your place," His voice was becoming low as he became irritated. Quieter, more menacing. "is with me, in France. With the pack." He leaned forward and narrowed his eyes at her. "Crystal will demand it of you. Your human form has no say so in the matter." Yes, he'd just named her wolf, Crystal.

Some folly inside her did not allow her to lean backwards as he leaned in, but rather to lean towards him, trying to match that menace in expertly with her own irritation. "I have no pack, I have not heard of this 'France'," she snarled quietly back at him, ignoring the way her wolf was so willing to lay down and submit the moment he named her. "And I will never answer to that name."

"Oh, but you will." He whispered, so sure of himself. "Crystal, come to me." he called before quickly Changing. His head canted, white eyes meeting with her dark browns. A quiet rumbling growl emitted from his throat, though his mouth remained closed. He was calling to her.

Ry

Date: 2009-07-13 18:34 EST
The answering rumble left her human throat before she could stop it, but she clamped down quickly. In this form she had control over her wolf, forcing reason to take precedence over instinct. Even so, she found herself staring at him in mute, wary fascination, feeling the tug within as her eyes flickered with amber.

He could feel the wolf within her drawing so close to the surface. He continued to call to her, in that low rumble. Sitting up, tall and proud, white eyes glowed in the darkness. Yes, he could feel Crystal drawing closer with each flicker of her eyes. "Come to me." He spoke to her and her alone.

The flicker became a flash, amber shining forth, and she closed her eyes, bowing her head as her teeth began to lengthen, her nails sharpen, until suddenly ...."NO!" It came out a howling, snarling growl, but the voice was human. She had lived among humans long enough to be able to control the instinct within that he called to. If he wanted her to Change, he must either force her, or cajole her. Tearing her apart from within would earn him nothing but a madness that would have to be put down.

Deep down, he admired her will. Lesser females gave in with just a glance. Learning that simple suggestion would not do it, he suddenly snarled and lunged forward with most of the strength his hind legs could put behind it. His forepaws outstretched, mouth wide open, aiming at her throat.

A normal human would, perhaps, scream and duck. A lesser wolf would Change. But she was pure, and she had a nerve of steel. As he leapt, her hand shot out, her palm flat. Yes, when his leap landed, he would pin her to the ground, but it's a supernatural creature that can ignore a flat-palmed punched to it's most sensitive organ - in this case, his nose.

He wasn't expecting the palm to smack him in the nose as it had. He reared back with a feral snarl and brought both forepaws down onto her bare skin. Snarling in pain, he gnashed his teeth, just inches from her own nose.

She cried out in pain, falling back under his weight, flinching away from the teeth gnashing so close to her face. Let him kill her; it would be a thousand times better than submitting to a mating without choice, even her wolf agreed. Somehow, without cause or reason, he had united beast and woman against him. She refused to Change now.

He merely backed off, licking his nose with his purple tongue. Pressing his back to the entrance, he lay down and lay his head upon his paws. Milky white eyes continued to watch her as he pondered, silently, just what to do now. The will of steel that she presented had to have some breaking point. Steel was an amalgam, after all, and always had a weakness. Always. He was patient, and he would find that weakness.

Catching her breath, she pushed herself to her haunches once more, glancing down just once at the score-marks his claws had left on her skin. Not bleeding, but they stung like hell. Brown eyes flecked with amber watched him where he lay. Not even Ry was stupid enough to make a break for freedom through her captor.

Ry

Date: 2009-07-13 18:35 EST
His shoulders rose and fell as he exhaled a sigh through flared nostrils. It was an old fashioned Mexican stand off. He continued to watch her with those patient white eyes. Canting his head to the side, he closed those eyes, finally. No where near sleep, he was deep in thought.

There was no way out. She was trapped, physically at least, though her wolf was nudging at her to give in. Crystal, he had named her. Why, she wondered" Was it simply for the colour of her fur, or the hard core within that was resisting him' She sighed herself, dropping onto her backside and curling up, still upright, against the back wall of the den. So be it. She could wait.

As he rested, he slowly changed back to his human form. He lay there, still stretched out before the opening. "It does not have to be this way, Crystal. You will know untold amounts of love and kinship within the ranks. My mates all do. They are honored and doted upon."

"It is not right." She shifted, one palm soothing over the stinging marks on her skin as she watched him. She could not deny that he was attractive, in both forms, a fine example of the males of their kind, and were circumstances different, she might even have been disposed to choose him. "A mating is a meeting of equals, a life bond. It is not simply a way for a male to mark many females as his own."

"What makes you think I do not bond for life?" He raised a brow at her, curiously. "You think it was a chance meeting" In all places, this place" It's littered with half breeds that reek of their stench." He smiled then. "You think me a bastard?"

"In your bloodline, no. In your dealings, yes." She shifted again, uncomfortable with his gaze on her, wishing for something to cover her nakedness. But she dared not Change, knowing all too well the pull he had over her wolf. "You have said yourself, you take many mates. That is not the way of the wolf. One mate, for life."

"In your circles, it may have been that way." He shrugged then and rolled to his back, hands behind his head. "But we're talking about my pack, now. I have many mates that I dote on, regularly. Our race is dwindling, Crystal. Even you must see that. We need fine, strong pups to continue our blood."

"That is not my name," she growled faintly, resting her chin on her knees. "That is all I am good for, is it' To be there for your pleasure, to bear and raise your pups until I am too old and infirm to continue" And then what? Will you simply cast me aside, or kill me for your pack's pleasure?"

He couldn't help but laugh at her naive and uneducated view of his pack. "Oh ye of little faith. The elders of the pack are held up and revered. Unable to hunt or do for themselves" The pack does for them, willingly and gladly. It is not what you think, Crystal. But you will learn. The others will be curious about you and think your ideals are funny."

She moved quickly, her hand settling at his throat. Teeth bared, she snarled at him. "Do not call me that!"

Ry

Date: 2009-07-13 18:36 EST
A brow quirked and he remained still. His only movement were his hands moving up to grasp her wrist in an ironclad grip. He applied pressure onto the tiny bones in her wrist. "You will not do that again." his voice a low growl.

She winced at the pressure he exerted on her, tugging at her hand in his grip. "I will do whatever it takes to be free of you," she growled back, ignoring with no little difficulty the thump of her heart in response to the clear dominance he held over her. No matter how she looked at it, she was of his pack, at the very least.

"So you say." he shrugged and kept his grip on her wrist. He gave a tug, attempting to pull her down on top of him. "The more you resist, the harder it is on you. Do you think I enjoy inflicting pain on such a beautiful creature, Crystal?"

Her other hand came into play, her nakedness forgotten as she curled her fingers to claw at his face with a snarl of pain, trying to resist the strength pulling her towards him. "Don't call me that! I am not yours, I will not answer to it!"

He removed one hand from her wrist as her nails sliced the skin of his face. "But you already are." he whispered and kept hold of both of her wrists. "Now, quiet down. Calm yourself, Crystal. Be calm." He sighed softly and gazed into her eyes. "I am not the monster you think I am."

She stared down at him, unnerved and confused by the contrast between the softness of his voice and strength of his grip. Guilt welled up in her, fueled by her wolf, at the sight of the damage she had inflicted on him, and it was only with an extreme effort of will that she stopped herself from leaning down to clean those minor wounds. "Then what are you?"

"I am the Alpha, Crystal. In charge of keeping the pack safe, thriving. I do not treat the others with anything other than a gentle hand, unless punishment is deserved. Just this once will I explain it to you, as you are unaware. But now that you are aware, any further disobedience will be dealt with quickly."

Tugging, she tried to pull away, ashamed by this reminder of what it was to be under an Alpha, to have a pack leader who ruled you. "You forced me to submit," she pointed out in a quiet, almost frightened voice. "How can I trust an Alpha who would harm me to make me one of his?"

"I would not have harmed you." He suddenly released her wrists and brought his hands behind his head. The scratches to his face were already fading. "And trust is to be earned, oui?" He nodded his head, answering his own question. "As I've said. You will learn." Then silence as he closed his eyes once again.

She drew back from him again, this time displaying her back to him as she, too, lay down, up against the wall of the den. He was confusing her. Her wolf wanted him, was already one of his; her human mind rebelled against the thought of being mated without her choice being taken into account. But it was just her mind; her body wanted him, she was old enough to know that much. "Please do not call me Crystal," she murmured, not expecting any reply, or any acquiescence to her wishes. He was the Alpha, he would call her whatever he wished.

"Then what shall I call you?" Turning to his side, he reached for her, fingertips brushing against her soft skin. He kept his voice soft, alluring. Fingertips then palms gathered her, pulling her back slowly. "Beautiful" Pretty one" Fur like snow, pure as the Goddess' moonlight?"

Ry

Date: 2009-07-13 18:36 EST
Her wolf seemed to have won, this battle at least. She rolled onto her back under his hands, then to her side to face him, keeping her eyes averted, submissive and quiet. "I ....I answer to Ry, dark elder," she whispered softly, hesitant in her use of the formal phrase. After all, her former pack were clearly not as his was; he could be offended by the respectful title.

Alaric recognized the term of respect that she laid upon him. His arms curled around her, holding her to his chest, protectively and possessively. "That is not your given name, either, is it?" He kept his tone low, soft. More flies with honey than vinegar. Where one method did not work, the other did. And Alaric was well versed in them all.

She stiffened in his arms, unused to closeness with any male, be he of her kindred or not. Shaking her head was the only reply she gave him, her hands clasped at her breast, not touching him, but not pushing him away either. Within, her wolf was almost purring in pleasure at the proximity to one she wanted.

"Do not be frightened, little one. I am a lot older than you, and am able to sense things that you think are deeply hidden. You can rest assured that your secrets are safe with me." He took a deep inhalation through his nose. "Why not give in to what your body, your heart, your true self wants, little one" I can smell your body's arousal."

She could not quite believe it. It felt as though her will was crumbling beneath his, though she could not sense any force from him. "I am unmated, dark elder, I would not please you." Who knew where those words came from' Certainly not the human, overwhelmed by his closeness, his gentleness. Perhaps from the wolf.

A virgin" How had he missed that' What a delicious and special treat the Goddess herself had delivered to him. His eyes closed in silent prayer of thanks. "Then our mating will be that much more special, blessed by the Goddess, herself." He whispered as his hands held her, splayed upon her back. He did not give any indication of any further advances.

Very slowly, her hands turned from her own skin to his, resting palms to his chest. It was not much of a sign, but she hoped it would be enough for him. "Who is this Goddess you speak of?" she asked softly, her eyes fixed with alarming focus on his jugular.

Her touch caused a singular gasp from his barely parted lips. Yes, she was coming to him. "Luna, our Goddess, Crystal." He whispered the Goddess' name in reverence. "She watches over our kind, keeps us in her warm embrace and bestows gifts upon those that are deserving. She also punishes those that are deserving." He took in a deep breath, his chest rising and falling with it. "And she has blessed me with the gift of your presence in our pack."

Ry

Date: 2009-07-13 18:37 EST
Blessed ....it had been a long time since anyone had thought her a blessing. Her eyes closed, trying to push away memories that crowded in of running with the pack as a juvenile, a lone silver shape among grey. "I have never heard Her name," she murmured. "I am not a blessing, dark elder. My coat reflects the barest of light, my human and wolf parts constantly battle one another ....please, I am not what you think I am."

"Your former pack shunned you." He murmured softly, his hands beginning to pat her back in a comforting gesture. "They did not know the truth, Crystal." His shoulders shrugged as another deep breath was inhaled and blown out slowly. "The Goddess only blesses one child in a generation with the flawless coat and the will to decide for themselves. You do not know how special you truly are."

Again she stiffened, not at his touch, but at his use of the name he had given her. She had not chosen it, it was not the name of her birth, she felt she had the right to object to it. "Why would you ask what to call me, if you mean not to use the name I gave you?" she asked, forcing herself to be curious and not angry.

He was feeling generous and granted her boon. "Crystal reflects you more than that other name. Neither is your given or birth name, so Crystal it shall be until we discover what the Goddess had meant for you to be called. She's not told me yet."

"I will not answer to it." It was whispered, quiet and rebellious, accompanied by a shudder as her wolf berated her from within, harsh and angry that she would dare to defy him again.

"You already do." He repeated himself, calmly. "Do not get into a huff over a name, little one. It will be changed, soon enough. Now that you know of the Goddess, she will speak to you, as well." He breathed softly against her ear, still holding her close.

Her hands shifted, fingertips digging into his flesh for a moment before she relaxed once more, her sighing breath ghosting warm against his throat in answer to the faint quiver that touched her at his breath against her ear. "Why would you even want me, dark elder?"

"It is not for me to be saying." he breathed out, his eyes closing. Her scent was heady, she was ready, ovulating. Truly a gift from above. "The Goddess, she will show you. She will speak to you and you will know your true place." The fact that he held a queen in his arms was not to be spilled from his lips. He wanted her to belong to him before she came to realize the truth within herself. Together, they would rule the entire Lycan race. But, first, he was to make her his.

Ry

Date: 2009-07-13 18:38 EST
Her nose twitched, catching a subtle change to his scent, a tang she was unfamiliar with. No, not entirely true; she had smelt something similar before, in human males. One, in particular, who had been attempting to force himself upon a female, and now had nothing left with which to force himself upon anyone. Her eyes lifted, brown sparkling with ever more amber, to stare at him. This fine, black wolf, this dark elder ....he wanted her. She couldn't quite believe it.

He merely smiled in the dark. The scent, oh yes, the scent was there, released unwillingly, but it furthered his wants and needs. "Give yourself to me, little one. You will not regret it. I assure. You will sit by my side and others will bow to your paws to do your bidding."

It was tempting ....oh, he could not possibly know how tempted she was. But one thing she knew she would hold true to; her pack had taught her - one mate, one life. If he took her for a mate, if she chose him, she would challenge and kill any other he lay with after, or die herself in the attempt. "And your others" What of them?"

"They will worship you." It was true, but he wouldn't elaborate for her the true reason for it. "We are a peaceful pack, little one. Ruthless and driven, yes. But peaceful." He saw in her eyes the temptation. He knew it was time. Rolling her to her back, he lowered his head and placed a kiss upon her lips. His body covered hers and remained still.

She saw the determination in his eyes, smelt his purpose, barely a moment before she felt him move. Trapped beneath him, she stilled, her eyes wide and perhaps even afraid, her lips unmoving under his. She did not know this dance, not as wolf or woman, and even her beast was deathly afraid of what he might do if she displeased him.

Leaning his head back, he chuckled softly. "Relax, little one. I will not harm you." His whisper soft and reassuring. And just to be even more reassuring, he rolled to his back, leaving her to lay there alone in the darkness. One arm moved behind his head to cradle it from the earthen ground.

It was all she could do to keep from whining as he rolled from her, missing the heat of his body against hers acutely. Her mind raced. What better way to achieve her goal, given her current circumstances, than to accept him as her mate? She would have to careful that he did not discover it was she who passed information back to those who had employed her services, and it need only be once. Decided, and ruled more by her wolf than ever, she rolled onto her side towards him, seeking that heat and comfort once more.

As she rolled towards him, he curled his arm around her shoulders. He simply held her there and continued to contemplate the darkness. "I have your name, now tell me who sent you." Of course, that had not slipped his mind. He had many enemies who wanted to know his next move so they could thwart him. Never had they placed a young girl in harm's way before. And once he found out who it was that sent her, they'd be dealt with swiftly and with conviction.

Ry

Date: 2009-07-13 18:38 EST
"No one sent me," she answered truthfully. She was employed, not sent out at random. "I chose to come after you." She knew there would be nothing in her scent or body language that could give her away, but it puzzled her that he believed he had her name. She had given him only the name she had chosen for herself, and he had refused to use it, preferring his own choice for her.

"Why did you choose to come after me. You did not know of me. Even as big headed as I can be, I do not believe that you even heard of me before. So who is your employer?" He canted his head and quirked a brow at her.

She lowered her eyes. Her word had been given; no matter the consequences, she would keep her word. "I employ myself," she answered softly. "I choose my work from what comes to me. And I do not give away the names of those who use my services."

"So you'd keep my enemies a secret from me. Aid them in my demise?" He continued to stare at her with ebon eyes. "Whoever it is that sent you sent a young girl into harm's way. They disrespected themselves and the Goddess in their foolish actions and deserved to be punished. Stinking half breeds." he grimaced and closed his eyes. "Keep your secrets, little one. Eventually even those that use your services will have to atone for their sins."

The wolf in her whined, ashamed at the honour that bound her and made him angry. In truth, she had not known what to expect, had certainly not known that he was an Alpha. She had been lucky to remain undetected as long as she had; luckier still that he had not yet worked out that she was the reason his first attempt at that meeting in the Market had been attacked. "I am not without defense against even you, dark elder," she murmured, gently reminding him that she had managed to put him on his arse while in human form.

"None the less. They will pay for what they've done." he took in a deep breath and kept his eyes closed. He knew the Goddess would not be pleased with whoever had employed Ry, and left it to her to determine their fate. "Do you wish to do me harm, still?"

"Fulfilling my task will not do you harm, I will see to that." And again, she was puzzled as to where the words had come from. He had forced her to submit, trapped her here with him, and yet she found herself more than willing to remain. She no longer fought to be free; even stranger, she and her wolf seemed in agreement. He wished to mate her; she had no wish to deny him. "As for wishing you harm ....that will come about if you see fit to do harm to me."

Ry

Date: 2009-07-13 18:39 EST
"What is your task, little one?" He felt the warmth and comfort of her body against his, yet did not move to make her his. Not just yet. Alaric was waiting, for what, even he did not know. "And as I've said. I will not harm you, little one."

"I cannot tell you." She felt her wolf howl in misery at having to keep anything from him, was sure it must be reflected in her voice. He would not want a mate who was secretive, no male ever would. She had condemned herself with those words, she was certain of it. She rolled away from him, turning her face once more to the wall and curled up, suddenly miserable and very alone.

He sighed softly as she rolled away, but made no attempt to retrieve her. "You torture yourself, little one. Why do you do that?" He crossed his feet at the ankles, body stretched out to his full height. The fact that she was being secretive only made him want to learn her secrets.

"I gave my word." It was little more than a whisper in the darkness, unhappy and stubborn all at once. "They asked for only one thing more, and once it is theirs, I will tell you, I swear it. But until then, allow me my secrets. They are all I have."

"As long as it is not my head on a silver platter, Crystal, I shall grant you your secrets. You've given your word to share them with me. Do not forget that." No matter what she told the others, plans could be changed, attempts on his life had been thwarted before, countless times. He settled then, his breathing becoming soft and regular.

She flinched at the word silver, her hand reflexively going to her hip. Her palm covered it, hiding a mark from him she could not believe he had not noticed. She lay there for a long while, listening to his breathing, to the clamouring of her wolf to return to his side, and the agreement of her human self with that instinctual want. But still she hesitated. If she was to turn back to him, she did not know what to expect.

A soft snore escaped his lips as he lay there, prone, vulnerable in his sleep. The wolf, always at the ready, just under the placid facade. He mumbled softly, incoherently, before sighing. Then back into a regular, shallow breathing pattern.

But turn back, she did. Uncertain of herself, she did not reach for him, only curled close by, afraid to disturb him in his rest. Her eyes lifted to the opening of the den, through which moonlight shone invitingly. She shook her head at her own musings. Her work could wait; she had chosen this now, and attempting escape while he slept would not help her.

Ry

Date: 2009-07-13 18:39 EST
As she turned, his lips curled into a smile. Reaching his arm out, he pulled her to his side. "As you should be, little one." His lips barely moved as he spoke, and his voice was sleepy. "Now rest your head. You've a big day tomorrow."

Willingly, almost eagerly following the pull of his arm, she rested herself close to him, nuzzling a little at his skin as she settled. "What happens tomorrow?" she asked softly.

"Tomorrow you tell your employers what they want to know. Then we disappear." he deliberately left off the part of where they were to disappear to. "You will meet many new friends tomorrow." He sighed softly, his fingers curling into the ends of her hair. "It will be a big day, yes."

His pack ....that could only be the new friends he spoke of. She felt her heart sink, her wolf snarling inside her. "They will not accept me," she said softly. "No pack ever will. It would be better for you to just leave me behind."

"You will be their queen, little one. Do you not know the Goddess" The stories of the single snowy white wolf she bestows as a gift upon the world?" Ok, in his sleepiness, things slipped out. He'd curse himself for it later. "The pack truly and completely believes in the Goddess and her blessings. A White Wolf would not only be welcomed, she will be revered and worshipped."

"Queen?" She sat up abruptly, staring down at him in shock. No one had ever ....why would he say such a thing" No pack have ever allowed her to remain longer than a few months, why now would his pack accept her as a queen" "I am no queen. I am a freak, as others have taken pains to tell me."

"You've ran with ignorant, stinking half breeds, little one. They do not know your significance. If they did, they'd take pains to keep you well guarded and within their own ranks. They'd have mated with you, giving their wretched bloodlines meaning. But they're stupid. the lot of them. They were created by foolish fullbloods who thought it would be funny to pull a trick on mankind. It's not so funny, now." He growled with anger. Half breeds always did this to him. "You were sent from the Goddess, little one."

Her hand reached to him, gently tracing down his chest. "It is not their fault they were made," she said softly. "That they bred, believing themselves to be as we are. You cannot hate them simply for being what our kindred made them, Alaric." Her eyes widened as she heard herself say his name. It came so easily to her lips, and yet it was among those pieces of information her client had refused to give her. How had she known?

Ry

Date: 2009-07-13 18:40 EST
"No, not their fault they were created. Is their fault that they think they can run things, change things, traditions. They do not believe in the old ways or the Goddess. It displeases her that they so rudely mistreated..." he sat up and frowned as he looked down at her. "How do you know my real name?"

She stared into his eyes, her body flinching back from that frown as she searched her mind for an answer. But there was none. She simply knew, as she had not done before. "I ....I don't know," she murmured quietly. "I just ....do."

"Praise the Goddess." he whispered in reverence. "She has spoken to you, little one. She approves of this union." He breathed out and his hands went to her shoulders. "Do you not see the signs?"

"She approves?" She blinked, confused. "I do not know what signs there are to see, and ....If I know your real name, shouldn't you know mine?" Her hands lifted to him, soft and still uncertain as she groped around the edges of an education she had never had.

His hands went to her face and he closed his eyes. "Knowing things, you did not know before, and not knowing.." His voice trailed off, his face lifted upwards. The moonlight shone against his pale skin, making his dark hair that much more inky black. "Arianwen." he whispered, barely breathed out. "Thank you, Goddess." He blew out a breath and opened his eyes. "That is your name."

She trembled suddenly, deeply unnerved by his all-consuming trust in a deity she had never known existed, and further more by the ease with which he said her name. Her real name. How had he guessed it' Was this Goddess of his truly so powerful as all that' She nodded a little, short jerks of her chin as her hands clenched and relaxed reflexively against his skin. "I have not been called by that name since I was a cub."

Her trembling had his smile fading quickly and he drew her into his arms, protectively. "Do not be frightened. So much you will learn, so many good things. It will overwhelm you." he whispered and gently stroked the hair down her back. "And if you wish for nobody else to know your real name, I will not reveal it."

Shyly, her hands crept up his back, holding him as he held her, immensely comforted by the stroke of his hand against her hair. "I would only have those I know and trust call me by my name," she murmured softly. Her head lifted, her eyes meeting his gaze in something close to wonder. "Alaric ..." She found it wondrous to know without knowing, honoured to be able to say his name without fear of punishment.

"Arianwen." he whispered in reply. And even as she felt reservations about his pack being trustworthy, he knew that her name, her true name, would ring out in songs for generations. "Sleep now, we have a big day, tomorrow."

She nodded slowly, lying back against the packed earth beneath them. Unconsciously, her arms rose to him, wanting him against her as she settled to sleep. Tomorrow would be a big day. And with revelations to be made on both sides, they would need their rest.

As she lifted her arms, Alaric realized that was what he was waiting for. Rest could wait. Laying down in her arms, he covered her with his body. He could take her, now, if he wished. And yet, he chose not to, rolling to his side to cradle her gently. But in the days to come ....yes, then he would make her his own.

((A collaboration between Ry and Alaric De Laurier))