Page 7

We’ve been in the community for over a week and there hasn’t been a repeat of what I tried to do. It’s the oddest thing, but I have an enormous obsession with pleasing Larc. The look on his face when he asked me.

“Why did you have a knife with you when you went into the forest?”

pierced my heart, and I don’t want to see it again.

I’m also trying to change to please Larc by sleeping on the bed and remaining clothed.

Nudity has never been an issue for me, but those situations are gone.

Here, everyone goes about their days like regular people.

My teen years were the last years spent around normal people.

Even though Larc and the community might be werewolves, not one has ever raised a hand, yelled, or chastised us for doing something wrong.

They’ve never acted like…well, humans.

The only two I sense aren’t at all too happy with me are Kyle and Larc’s mother.

Their behavior isn’t one you’d consider impolite, only distant.

Unfortunately, my nightmares haven’t subsided in this calm environment.

The only time I had a nightmare-free night in all my horror-filled years was in Larc’s arms the night I found out he’s a werewolf.

It’s a mystery how Larc kept my nightmares at bay, and why this magnetic pull exists in his presence.

And as much as I want him to be proud of me, Larc has only set his gaze on me at a distance over the course of the week.

I know he’s busy as Alpha, taking care of everything and everyone in the pack, yet I’m saddened he hasn’t come to check on me.

We had this connection and understanding while he told me about werewolves and the pack.

At least, I thought we did.

I even respected his wish for me not to divulge anything to the other women.

When I returned to the bunkhouse the next evening after our talk, I hid the book he gave me about werewolves in my dresser.

When all the women were asleep, I sat on the floor using my side lamp, and shuffled through pages to find the word Luna.

My finger slid across line after line until I found the definition.

“Luna – the Alpha’s mate and partner.

The Luna leads the pack alongside the Alpha.

She’s a strong leader for the pack and helps make important decisions with the Alpha.

Their first male pup will become Alpha of the pack when the current retires or dies.”

I wonder who’s Larc’s Luna.

Pups. It makes sense to call them pups instead of babies.

We all wake early to contribute to the community.

After the werewolf run-in, I decided to join Mandy in the garden area instead of wandering the grounds.

It’s important I integrate into the community since this will be my everlasting home, and so Larc will be happy with me.

The thought of pleasing him has me recalling how I satisfied men through my adult life.

That’s what the phrase conjures up.

Gratifying men was my main existence, and I find it difficult not to think this way.

Not to offer myself to Larc or say something sexual.

The tasks of blowjobs, anal, vaginal, bondage, and fetish fulfilment are ingrained in me, which has given me a sex addiction.

Not that I want a man touching me now.

Nonetheless, I seek a daily release, and in turn, it quiets my mind and body.

Ever since meeting Larc, my releases are prompted by my fantasies of him touching, tasting, and fucking me to obliterate the dirty hands, mouths, and cocks of the past.

He’s become my freedom.

My escape into an imaginary world comprising of a better man and first-rate orgasms.

Mandy pulls me from thought when she asks.

“Are you ready, Ivy?”

Bundled up in jeans, a sweatshirt, and winter outerwear, I let her know I am. Trudging down the plowed pathway with Mandy to the garden center, I lower the sides of my hat to cover my ears and ball my hands into my mittens. We’ve had the most gorgeous snowfall last night, leaving me shivering yet in awe of the crystallized snow shining in the sun. I’ve put on a couple of pounds, but not enough fat to swaddle my bones for warmth.

We pass several people, including Maggie, Larc’s mother. She’s cordial to everyone and reserved toward me. I assumed I was imagining it, except Becky joked about it once. Maggie’s never been rude or unwilling to help. When it comes to me, though, she smiles and makes a quick exit. Maybe Becky is messing with me.

Sometimes I don’t know whether the women are joking or serious. I’m still learning their different personalities, who to beware of, and who is loyal. From day one, Louisa has been a crutch for me when I didn’t realize I needed one. Every day, she checks in with me to see if there’s anything I need. It’s one of the sweetest things anyone has ever done for me. Her gentle smile and soft touch settle my nerves when I’m overwhelmed by the amount of people nearby. This has me feeling guilty for keeping Larc’s secret from her. I’m not sure when he’ll tell the others about being a werewolf. Every day is harder than the last to remain silent.

When we arrive at the garden center, Mandy and I stomp our boots on the front mat to rid the excess snow from them. There are small puddles of water scattered on the floor in places from the melting snow and the watering of plants.

Sybil meets us by the coat racks and says.

“Don’t take off those coats, ladies. Larc asked me to have you go to the mansion’s library.”

Mandy and I exchange glances.

“Nothing to worry about. He wants to talk to you two along with Louisa and Tara, who will be there too.”

I wind the scarf around my neck, put my mittens back on, and we head to the mansion. This will be the first time for me since I’ve been avoiding the place due to all of the activity. A couple of men are talking by the door when we arrive.

One of them nods and the other says.

“Ladies. Can I help you with something?”

Mandy gives him a smile, bouncing on the balls of her feet, and replies.

“We’re supposed to meet Larc in the library.”

“Then you better not keep him waiting.”

His eyes haven’t left Mandy, sizing her up and down, smirking, and she returns the attention. He takes a step forward, extends his hand, and says to her.

“I’m Simon.”

She takes his hand.

“Before you go though, I was wondering if you’d like to join me for a movie tonight? They’re showing Batman in the downstairs theater.”

She shifts her weight to her other foot, curling her hair around her finger like a coy girl.

“I’d love that.”

The other guy turns to me, asking.

“I love Batman,”

he places a hand on his chest.

“I’d be honored if you’d join me.”

Suddenly, the door flies open and Larc comes between me and the guy.

“No, she can’t join you.”

He seems physically shaken by Larc and gives a slight bow.

“Alpha Larc. Apologies for making the women late.”

Larc places his hand on my lower back, ushering me inside, and gives Mandy a nod to the door.

“No problem, Parker. There’s work to be done in cabin twelve. See to it that the broken windowsill is fixed.”

Parker pulls his shoulders back as if proud of being appointed a job, and responds.

“My pleasure, Alpha Larc.”

Parker and the other man disappear, and we meet Tara and Louisa in the library. Another woman is also there, taking our drink orders and preparing them. I recognize her from the group of werewolves I ran into. Her eyes meet mine, and she gives me a friendly smile. Tucking my hair behind my ear, I offer the same, then look down at the floor.

Larc gestures to the two empty bulky chairs by the fireplace.

“Have a seat Ivy and Mandy.”

Louisa and Tara are seated across from us, and Larc stands between the chairs.

“Ladies, this is Amanda, one of the onsite doctors.”

Introductions are given, and then Larc continues.

“Are you all comfortable?”

We all agree that we are.

“There’s something important I must discuss with all of you. It’s regarding the community.”

Here it comes. Louisa, Tara, and Mandy trade glances while I find solace in my lap. I hope they won’t be angry at me for not saying anything sooner.

Larc pulls a chair up to the four of us and sits down.

“I’d like you all to understand that we normally wait a week or two before revealing anything about our community. Do you remember how I said that once you come here, you can’t change your mind? It’s a lifetime decision.”

They nod.

“There are two reasons for you to remain here. The first is regarding the secretive missions we do with the FBI. We can’t afford anyone finding out what we do, which could affect our operations.”

He takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly before adding.

“The second is about who we really are.”

The women begin fidgeting, eyeing each other, and swallowing hard.

Louisa asks.

“What do you mean, who you really are?”

He folds his hands in front, resting his elbows on his knees, and says.

“This next revelation is of a delicate nature, so I’m trying to cause as little fear as possible.”

She rubs her right arm, scratches her chin, and counters.

“Now I am afraid.”

Larc holds his hands as if surrendering and says.

“Please don’t be, Louisa. No one in this community will harm you. This is a safe place for all of you.”

She folds her arms over her chest.

“Okay, I’ll just say it.”

He pauses, making eye contact with each one before blurting out.

“This community is a community of…werewolves.”

It’s so quiet you can hear a pin drop. And then Louisa giggles, glancing at all of us, which has Tara and Mandy joining in. Larc remains quiet, allowing them to release whatever dread they conjured up in their heads. Their laughter increases, eyes watering, and dies down once they see Larc and I aren’t laughing.

Louisa points to him.

“You’re serious.”

Larc nods.

“You’re a werewolf.”

Again, he confirms her statement. She places a hand over her mouth as she says.

“Larc, come on. You expect us to believe all of you are mythical creatures?”

Larc looks at me from the corner of his eye and back at Louisa.

“Ivy can attest to what I’m saying.”

All their eyes lock on me, and Louisa asks.

“Ivy? Are you playing along with his charade?”

I regard Larc, who gives me a signal to proceed, and I clear my throat.

“Well, I can see how it might seem that way…”

I talk into my lap, tucking hair behind my ear. “But...”

I exhale and for once, I make eye contact.

“About a week ago, I left our bunkhouse during the night. Near the forest, I saw a group of wolves.”

Amanda stands next to Larc’s chair, and I pause to stare at her. It’s the first time I’ve paid attention to her appearance. She’s a beautiful, powerful female. Chestnut hair flows over her shoulders. Her brown eyes catch onto mine, and she gives me a soft smile.

My eyebrows dip when I turn back to the women, worried about how they’re going to react to my admission.

“The wolves didn’t see me, sniffing the air, and then one-by-one, each transformed into a person.”

Louisa, Tara, and Mandy’s mouths drop open. Their facial expressions appear as if thinking I’ve gone mad. Between my nightmares, fear, and this story, they’ll probably suggest I get committed. From me to Larc to Amanda and back to me, each woman studies us for signs of some kind of prank.

Louisa stands and paces while stating.

“So let me get this straight. We were saved by, cared for by, and brought back into a community of werewolves.”

She stops and stares at Larc.

“We’re talking about those mythical creatures in stories where they shift from a man into a wolf, right?”

Larc lowers his head a bit to acknowledge her. She’s tossing her hands in the air as she paces and talks.

“You and these men rescued us with the FBI’s assistance, offered us a home, only to let us know a week after we’ve made ourselves comfortable that you are fairytale monsters.”

Larc puffs out his cheeks and exhales.

“Technically, we’re not fairytale monsters.”

I let out a tiny laugh, and Louisa aims her next questions at me.

“Why are you laughing? If this is true, why didn’t you tell the rest of us?”

She gestures to Tara and Mandy.

“I thought we were friends.”

Not used to this kind of confrontation, I do what I do best and curl into myself by hugging my legs into my body. I cast my eyes downward to avoid any more guilty pain.

Larc cuts in and says.

“I asked her not to say anything.”

“Why?”

“Because you all have been through a lot. We rescued you from a skin trade facility and you’re still processing everything that’s happened to you.”

“And you thought telling us a crazy story about being a werewolf weeks later would help us do what…accept it?”

He stands, and Louisa takes a step backwards.

“I understand it’s difficult to believe what I’m telling you, but I’m revealing this to you so you know what we are. Yes, you’ve been through a lot, and we figured a week or two to ease into your new home is enough time. At least, that’s how it has been in the past.”

“What do you mean in the past?”

“Some of the other people living here are human trafficking survivors who decided, like you, to come live here. The women in the bunkhouse.”

Louisa’s jaw tightens.

“Look, you have every right to be upset.”

She places a hand on her chest and says.

“Oh, thanks for giving us permission to be upset.”

Larc looks at Tara and Mandy and asks.

“Do you ladies have anything to say about what I’ve revealed?”

Mandy chews on her fingernail and meets my eyes, but asks Larc.

“Can you shift to prove what you’re saying?”

Louisa and Tara gasp, and Tara follows with.

“I’m not sure that’s a good idea.”

Mandy turns to her.

“Why? If they’re telling us they’re werewolves, a myth, then I think it’s only fair for us to witness it ourselves.”

Her finger points to me.

“Ivy claims to have seen them, so I want to.”

Larc and I glimpse at each other before he responds.

“Only if Louisa and Tara are comfortable with the idea.”

Tara stands next to Louisa, both distancing themselves from Larc, and Tara asks.

“Will you attack us?”

He shakes his head.

Louisa folds her arms and pipes in.

“Fine. Let’s see this mythical creature.”

He says.

“I won’t be the one shifting.”

With her hands on her hips, she asks why.

“Because I’d have to strip down naked, and I didn’t think you’d appreciate it.”

She smiles.

“Now that’s something I’d definitely want to see.”

Tara’s eyes widen as she nudges Louisa, and internally, jealousy flares. A heat shoots through me, but I reprimand myself for my envy. Larc’s not mine, yet Louisa’s comment prickles my skin. The jealousy I feel for Larc is greater than what I experienced with Ben.

Larc laughs at her comment.

“I asked Amanda to join us in case you asked for proof.”

He glances at Amanda.

“Shift for them.”

The women move toward the back wall while Amanda takes off her jeans, folding and placing them on the table, followed by her socks, underwear, and sweater. She unsnaps her bra, allowing it to fall to the floor. I’ve seen many naked women. Sometimes I’d even been forced to be with them, except Amanda’s body doesn’t have an ounce of fat and is solid muscle. She’s tall and beautiful. My eyes move to Larc as a tinge of jealousy sparks again. This gorgeous woman is naked in front of him. They might even be lovers. Or maybe she’s his mate. Instead of finding him admiring her body, he’s staring straight at me, eyes drifting over my face.

I dodge his stare by watching Amanda get on her hands and knees. Her bones begin to crack, forming into new limbs. The women scream and huddle together. Amanda’s nose elongates into a snout, and she sprouts brown fur all over her body. Within a minute, she becomes a full-fledged wolf.

Louisa, Tara, and Mandy are bunched in the corner, hugging each other and screaming. Larc walks over to them, saying in a soothing manner that everything is fine. Amanda’s not going to hurt them. Amanda’s wolf remains still. Their screams subside, leaving them wide-eyed and mouths gaping open.

He walks over to Amanda and pets her head.

“Amanda’s transformed, but she’s still in there. There’s no way her or any of us would ever hurt you.”

Mandy is the first to take a hesitant step forward.

“Can I touch her fur?”

“Yes, please.”

She takes small steps toward Amanda, I mean her wolf, and Larc stays by her. Mandy stretches out her hand, running it over the wolf’s head. The wolf presses into her hand and whimpers.

Mandy pulls back and asks.

“Did I hurt her?”

“No. She’s making that sound to show she enjoys it.”

Louisa and Tara are next to Mandy. All of them pet Amanda’s wolf, and the wolf drops and turns onto her back. Larc informs them this is a submissive pose to help them feel at ease. They’re going on about how soft and shiny her brown fur is.

Larc asks.

“Do you want to pet her, Ivy?”

I shake my head.

Louisa squats down, marveling at the wolf.

“I can’t believe it. Even witnessing it, I’m shocked that werewolves exist.”

She turns to Larc.

“How? Why?”

“How about we get more drinks, settle in here, let Amanda turn back, and I’ll explain everything?”

The women agree. After Amanda dresses, she joins us for a coffee, and Larc tells them what he told me. They listen intently, periodically cutting him off with questions. He’s patient, answering all their inquiries and concerns. We’re exhausted by the time he finishes, and we’re famished, so we head to the mess hall for lunch. I am hoping Larc would walk next to me. Instead, he talks and laughs with Louisa, Tara, and Mandy as they walk ahead.