
# The 21st Curse

Written By: Steven Sterup Jr.

Copyright 2019 Steven Sterup Jr.

Legal Disclaimer - This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents are either the products of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Book Cover Art by 100 Covers.

Special thanks to my wife, Tammy. Without her support, none of this would have been possible.
Table of Contents

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

# Prologue

To most people, their twenty-first birthday is a time of celebration. The day a child becomes an adult. To others...

At the twenty-first hour on the twenty-first day of the twenty-first year, a child will become a beast. Such is the legend that is handed down, mother to son and father to daughter. On that fateful day, a choice must be made. One of consequence and importance. For on that day, a child who has transformed must choose between the evil of the curse and the responsibility of protecting their chosen. For no creature is as feared as the werewolf. A creature without conscience nor fear. It will feed on whoever is unlucky enough to cross its path or protect its charge until it ceases to draw breath.

At least that is the first passage of a book my mother used to read to me as a child. Why this book? I had no idea. Not a clue why my mother read me this book instead of a nursery rhyme. Not one hint of why this passage would become so important. And no idea of what was in store for me. Not until I was much older. Not until I met Nicole.

# Chapter 1

I walked up to the counter in Sam's Fresh Burger restaurant, where I was the assistant manager. Apparently, some college girl had asked to speak to the person in charge. One of my employees had messed up the girl's order, and she was not happy about it.

Sam's Fresh Burger was as you would expect it to be. Greasy but not dirty. A mess but not unclean. We passed all the health inspections with flying colors, but during rush, there was little we could do to keep the place from nearly falling apart. And today was no different.

I pushed by two of my pimple-faced employees as they rushed to the walk-in-fridge to start unwrapping more meat. We don't use frozen patties, but that in itself presents even more obstacles. How to keep the meat fresh when over twenty burgers at a time were cooking. The place was like a furnace. On one side of the counter, a cool seventy, on our side? More like ninety-plus, depending on how many burgers were currently cooking. And right now, we were at capacity.

I walked up to the counter with more annoyance than I should have had. This girl...woman. One look at her and I could tell she wasn't a girl. She had gotten the wrong bag, and it was our fault. Despite this, I had at least five other people pulling me in different directions

I leaned on the counter and looked down at the attractive brunette with her hair in a ponytail. She was dressed like someone who had just finished running or lifting weights. She was sweaty. Though her light pink tank top didn't look drenched, it was a little damp. The skin-tight black workout pants also added to my theory that she had just gotten done exercising in some fashion.

"What seems to be the problem, miss?" I asked a little too briskly for her taste. Even I knew it had come out with more annoyance than she deserved.

"The problem is...I ordered a chicken sandwich, no mayo. Just lettuce and tomato. What I got was...," she said, matching my annoyance level and going beyond it. She slapped down an unwrapped sandwich then flipped the top bun off with disgust.

Even with the disgusted look on her face, I could tell she was pretty. I had vaguely noticed that she wasn't a girl but didn't pay enough attention to realize exactly how much of a woman she was. Until now.

Her brown eyes had a hint of gold. She had the sharp features of a woman from the Middle East but had no accent. She was American of Israeli descent, I assumed. Though I could have been way off. Most Mediterranean cultures blended together to me. She very well might have been Iranian or Syrian. A mistake that would probably have gotten me more contention than giving her the wrong food.

She had on flattering makeup, so I assumed she was at a gym somewhere. Women don't usually wear makeup to work out alone. At least not makeup as meticulous as hers. The care she had taken was something women only did when they were trying to look good for someone else.

"I'm very sorry, ma'am. I'll fix this right away." I took the burger and replaced it with a coupon that we kept for these exact moments. "Next time you can have a free meal on us. Anything you like. Again, I apologize."

I had lost my tone and look, but hers seemed to grow. Then she looked behind her at a tall man with dark, styled hair and light blue eyes.

"Can you believe this place?" she asked the man.

"Hey, Simon," Mike said to me with a silly smile. It was almost a cringe.

"You know this..." I got the impression she was about to say something rather nasty until she saw the look of recognition on Mike's face.

"Yep. He's my roommate and best friend," Mike said with a laugh. "Nicole meet Simon. Simon. This is Nicole."

I decided to go for the higher ground. Not only was she a customer. She was my best friend's new girl and drop-dead gorgeous. Talk about awkward.

"I'm very sorry, Nicole. We're swamped. In about five minutes I'm sure I'll be getting an angry phone call from the guy who got your chicken sandwich." I smiled and even cringed a little. Probably looking a lot like Mike.

"Ok," was all she could say then tossed her ponytail as she turned on her heels and found a chair.

I noticed how her hair curled a little, even while in the ponytail. What would it look like when it was down? The color was quite striking on her, almost the same as her eyes, yet still a shade darker than her skin. And it was long enough to hit the middle of her back. The more I let myself notice about Nicole, the more I realized just how beautiful she was.

"We'll be right over here, Simon," Mike said then mouthed the word 'Sorry' as he pointed to a booth where Nicole was sitting.

As I spun to make Mike's new girl the perfect chicken sandwich, I started to get a little jealous of Mike. He was built like an athlete. I wasn't a toothpick. You could see my muscles, and I was in decent shape, but I was nothing compared to Mike.

His dark hair was styled. My lighter brown hair, was a mess, even when it wasn't up under a Sam's Fresh Burger cap. My hair went to below my ears, even the bangs. I'm not one for style. It was straight and not greasy, but I'm not a slob. I'm just lazy.

He was also about an inch taller than me. And even without his more abundant muscles, his features would still make girls swoon. I think they call that 'Tall dark and handsome'. Yep, that's Mike. Always just a little better looking than me in every respect.

And his new girl...damn. Not that a girl that pretty would ever be interested in me. I worked as an assistant manager at a burger joint. I barely made over minimum wage. Mostly I played Xbox and sat around the house when I wasn't at work. My mother calls this 'time to figure myself out'. I call it being lazy.

I had no clue what I wanted to do with my life, and that was depressing. So, what did I do about it? I killed make-believe enemies in a make-believe world with make-believe weapons and magic.

It took me about five minutes to fix Nicole's _fancy_ chicken sandwich. The one with nothing but vegetables on it. Then I brought it out to her and even tossed in another coupon. That's what we were supposed to do. The loss of two meals is nothing compared to the amount the average customer spends here in their lifetime. Making a repeat customer out of a disgruntled one is worth it.

"Sorry about that, Nicole," I said as I handed her the bag.

With it, I handed Mike his standard order. A double cheeseburger with everything and fries to go with it. It confused me how a man like that could eat like he did. He ate fast food more than I did. Probably the exercise, I assumed.

Mike was a fitness instructor slash personal trainer at the local gym down the street from here. So, him showing up with Nicole was not a stretch. In fact, I should have been expecting Mike. I just hadn't realized what time it was. It was almost time for me to clock out for the day.

Since it was so close to my manager showing up, and the fact that Mike was there, I decided to sit down with my water and talk for a few minutes. I hadn't gotten the chance to have a break, and the rush was dying down to a dull roar.

"So, what do you do, Nicole?" I asked.

I wasn't asking what Mike's new girl did for a living for my own benefit. Mike was my best friend. Had been since kindergarten. I had to play nice each time he found a new girl, and there had been many. This time was just a little more difficult and incredibly awkward.

Nicole was Mike's girl, which meant that I had to keep my own interests in the back of my mind. She wasn't my girl and never would be. The fact that this girl was nearly the epitome of my dream girl wasn't helping me keep my own curiosities in check though. I just hoped Mike and Nicole wouldn't notice the fact that my eyes had a hard time staying still.

"College...still not sure what I want to do though," she replied without the previous amount of animosity. She bit into the chicken sandwich then smiled at me. "This is good," she said while covering her mouth.

It sounded a little silly, her mouth half full of food. I chuckled a little and Mike gave me the weirdest look. Almost like he was happy that I was attracted to his new girl. How could I not be? Still, I'd keep my distance.

"Hey, buddy. We're going out to a club tonight. Want to go?" he asked.

"Nah," I replied. "I'm beat. I need a shower, and it's Thursday. Tournament night."

Mike rolled his eyes, but Nicole seemed strangely interested.

"What kind of tournament?" she asked.

"It's stupid," I replied. "Video game stuff."

I felt a little embarrassed. I was twenty, in two days I'd be twenty-one, and all that was in my life was a job and video games. Maybe in two days I'd finally grow up and figure out what I was going to do. But not tonight. Tonight we were storming the castle of our bitter rivals, and I wanted to enjoy every minute of still being a kid.

"Which game?" she asked between bites.

It was strange. I was the one who was supposed to be finding out about Mike's new girl for him. This was what we always did. I'd ask the questions while he listened to everything. It felt a little dishonest, but the girl usually had a good time. Many nights I had to wear headphones to bed to keep from hearing the enthusiastic pleas for 'more' coming from the room across the hall. I was guessing that it would be one of those nights. Nicole was absolutely stunning. And I was more than a little envious.

"Selenthal Siege," I said and waited for the laughs I usually got.

"That one's fun but a little dated. Have you tried Ruins of Lothen?" she asked and seemed sincerely interested.

If I'd been drinking, I would have spit it out all over her. Thankfully, I hadn't taken a drink of my water yet, and all I did was let my mouth hang open. How in the world was a woman this hot interested in online sword and sorcery siege games?

"Yes," I replied, after finally shutting my gaping mouth. "I find the gameplay to be a little...umm....," I said, trying to find the right word. I didn't want to insult her choice in games, but I really didn't care for Ruins of Lothen.

"Yeah. It's a little clunky at first," she said, interrupting my search for that exact word. "If you can get used to it, the forty versus forty castle sieges are worth the effort." Then she paused and gave me another smile that made my heart race. "Oh, and update twenty-five is out. A lot of the clunkiness was fixed."

"Some of my friends have been pushing me to give it another shot. Maybe I'll take them up on it," I replied. I was still trying to picture this woman playing with a controller. She was not quite how I imagined a gamer-girl.

"Oh, wait. Are you a pro or something? Is that why you stick with Selenthal? Lothen has plans to whittle the teams down to a four-man. Said they were really interested in the eSports stuff," she said between bites.

Again I was stunned. Who was this girl? And was someone playing a joke on me? That had to be it.

"No, I'm not a pro," I said with a laugh. "How exactly does a four versus four castle siege work?"

She looked at me strangely. Was that disbelief? I'm not a professional gamer. I don't stream for the world to see, nor do I play in paid tournaments. I'm lucky if I can get our team together once a week. Plus, I doubt anyone would watch us play. We're really not that good.

"Ok, so you get one mage, one tank, and two dps. The goal is to...," she looked at Mike guiltily. "You're really not interested in this stuff, are you?"

"Not really," Mike said with detachment.

I decided to give them their space. I was getting a little too close to flirting with Mike's new girl. So, I gave her a way out. It was the least I could do. She had given my ego a well-needed boost. I could at least help her salvage her date with Mike.

"Another time, Nicole. I'd better get back to work anyway. My employees might take my absence as a sign that they can goof off," I said with a chuckle as I stood and started heading back to the kitchen to finish all my shift work. Mike and Nicole stood as well. I took another long look at Nicole to solidify my revelation that you can't judge a book by its cover before I left.

Nicole was short, five four, maybe less. She had curves like a woman who worked out to achieve them, but a smile that told me she was sweet. I got the distinct impression that, although she was proud of how she looked, she was not vain about it. This told me that she hadn't always looked like this. It was recent.

Some men would have considered her too heavy, but I like curves on a woman. A stick with breasts is not my idea of what a woman should look like. They should have hips. And breasts like Nicole's would usually cost the 'stick girls' their college savings. I was guessing double Ds, though I only glanced at her chest in passing. I was pretty certain that both of them had caught me staring at Nicole's other stunning features. I wasn't about to let them catch me staring at those.

This is the part that made no sense to me. An hourglass figure is just fine with me, maybe even a little heavier. What was Mike doing with a woman like her? Mike and I had very different opinions on what a beautiful woman looked like. He went for tall, leggy, skinny blondes. Most times, a B cup at most. He disliked larger breasts. He was a fitness nut and liked his women trim and fit. I had heard him rant about it many times. His perfect woman was almost the exact opposite of this Mediterranean beauty.

He was probably helping her work off some extra pounds, though I didn't think she needed to. She might have been an overweight child or just overtaken with society's idea that sugary sodas went with every meal. Either way, I got the distinct impression that she was very happy with the way she looked now. This made her all the more attractive.

Vanity can be a real turn off. At least for me. What Nicole had shown was very different. There was pride in the way she held herself but no hint of the self-absorbed notion that she was better than anyone else.

Then I noticed her writing on a napkin. She shoved it at me before grabbing her wrapper.

"If you try Ruins, give me a shout," she said.

I grabbed the napkin and read the gamertag she had written down. Shy_egirl2990. It seemed very appropriate with what I had surmised so far.

"But not tonight," I said with a laugh. "You guys are going to a club, and I have a tournament to win."

"Good luck," she said with a cute wave then headed out, and Mike was strangely silent.

It wasn't like Mike to just clam up. Even though I had sort of monopolized the conversation with Nicole, Mike always had a way of directing attention toward himself. This exact situation had never happened before, the girl talking to me about me, but it was still weird for him to be so quiet.

I continued to go over it in my head for the next forty-five minutes, up until my manager came to take over for the night shift.

# Chapter 2

After work, I plopped on the couch, trail mix, and water on my left-side end table. I had my controller in hand, headset on, and was just waiting for the Xbox to log me in.

Our apartment wasn't huge, but it was decently sized. Plain, dark brown couch in the center of the living room, end tables on either side. In front of it, a sixty-four inch TV on top of a dark wooden table. The couch, end tables, coffee table, even the small table holding the TV, all matched, thanks to my mother.

Our living room wasn't large though. Just beyond my sizable TV, was the front door. To my left, was a hallway. The doorway to my right led to the kitchen.

The kitchen wasn't much to look at. Fridge, stove, sink, etc. A normal kitchen. And it was pretty small. Going down the hall on my left was our bedrooms and bathroom. My room was on the right, Mike's on the left, and the bathroom at the end of the hall.

While I logged in, my friends could be heard laughing. I waited for their laughter to quiet before I announced my presence.

"Sup, guys," I said, and the giggles started again.

I don't actually know most of their real names, they're online friends. It takes years before you divulge your actual name to online friends and I'd only known this group for a couple of months. They were still friends, but there was always that barrier of animosity that a gamertag provided. We weren't going to meet up in real life for coffee any time soon.

"Oh, now he shows up," Ebil666 said. His voice was deep, and the way he spoke told me that he was an African American man in his thirties, possibly older.

"What's so funny, Evil?" I asked.

Each of us had nicknames because saying our gamertags every time was a little hard on the ears. My gamertag was SGant204. Simon Gant, but the 204 isn't significant. I just liked the number at the time. Mostly my friends called me SG or Gant.

"Boles isn't here either, so guess what?" Evil replied.

"Great. I'm the gate crasher. You know I suck at it," I stated with exasperation.

"You're the only one with a heavy," JJ stated. "And besides. You're not that bad."

Her gamertag is JJacobs111. She sounded cute. Judging by her voice and things she let slip, I guessed her to be a thirtyish woman, divorced but younger. Her two children, which we heard once in a while weren't in school yet. And she was Evil's girlfriend. I heard him call her by name once, so I was fairly certain her name was Jenny. Despite this, our friendship wasn't at the point where calling her by name was appropriate.

The one who was supposed to be the gate crasher was SBoles99, Boles. He was sporadic and often times would vanish for weeks at a time. He had a very demanding job, but that left us out in the cold more times than we were comfortable with. As it was, we had to PUG four other people due to the fact that four of our other members were on vacation together. But tonight we'd have to PUG five.

And for those of you not up on the term. PUG stands for Pick Up Group. A term coined in a different game a while ago. It basically means we have to sit around and advertise that we are looking for people to fill in our eight-man group or we don't get to compete tonight.

"Fine. I'll get my heavy," I complained as I logged into my heavy armored knight. The only class that could stand at the castle gates and chop away at the door without getting completely destroyed.

Most groups had two heavies, but Evil and JJ were the mages. Also very important. They dealt magic damage to enemies and cast healing spells on the group. Without two mages, we would be worse off than if we only had one heavy. The rest of the people would probably be archers. Why? Because archers did the most damage and had the longest range. Your average gamer is in it for the personal glory. Team achievements mean nothing to them.

As I was inspecting my gear, making sure I had everything I needed for a night of sitting at the gates, I realized something. I was an archer most of the time. I was the stereotypical twentyish guy. I wanted the high numbers to boost my ego. How pathetic is that?

Before I had found all my gear, I heard a knock on the door.

"Be right back, guys. I think it's Mike's new girl," I said with more contempt than I had for being made to play the heavy. I really didn't want Nicole to be Mike's girl. I wanted her to be mine.

The door opened, and Nicole stood, clutch purse in her hands, in the most stunning dress I'd ever seen. To be fair, I'm not sure it was the dress that was so impressive. The woman wearing it was probably the cause of my reaction.

"Holy shit," I said quietly. I felt like covering my mouth because, after my statement, I was pretty certain that my mouth was wide open.

"What?" Nicole asked and began inspecting herself. "Did I leave a zipper undone or something?"

I thought they were going to a club. Why in the hell was Nicole wearing a strapless, black dress that was skin tight? It went to her calves with a slit up her left side almost to her thigh. How could she possibly dance in that? And she had on three-inch black heels to match. All her curves were on display, and it was all I could do to stop from staring at her.

She had her hair up, and her makeup was even more pristine than it had been that afternoon. She must have really wanted to impress Mike.

I struggled for something to explain my outburst yet not hit on her too much. She was Mike's girl, but my guy brain wouldn't let me get away without at least complimenting her.

"I'm sorry," I said and held the door open for her. "I thought you guys said you were going to a club. You look like you're going to a royal banquet."

I saw the pink spread on her cheeks as she looked at her hands, which were both holding her purse in front of her.

"I felt like dressing up," she said. She moved her eyes up to mine but left her head tipped down. "Is it too much?" she asked with a cringe.

"If I was Mike, I'd skip the club and take you to dinner instead," I said with a laugh. Then I walked back to the couch. "Come in. He's not home yet. Not sure where he could be."

"Oh! Has your tournament started yet?" she asked with excitement as she shut the door then kicked off her heels. She headed to the couch then flopped on the couch beside me, just as I was sitting down. Not something you'd expect from someone wearing a dress like that, but this woman was full of surprises.

"Not quite. We have to PUG five tonight. Four of our members are on vacation. Our heavy didn't show up, and I have to take his place," I explained.

I think she could sense my annoyance. She scooted closer and put her ear up to my headphones then spoke into my microphone.

"Hi, guys. Kick their asses tonight," she said then started to laugh as both Evil and JJ tried to figure out how I'd gotten a girl to my apartment.

They had heard me call her Mike's new girl but were taking every opportunity to tease me about having an actual girl in my apartment. Not that I'm celibate or anything. I just hadn't found an interested girl in the last six months. Probably my fault in the end. I didn't go out much.

"She's Mike's girl," I said again, skipping the 'new' part. I didn't want to insult the gorgeous woman sitting beside me.

She looked down at her invisible watch then smiled.

"Not if he stands me up," she said with another laugh.

She had a strange yet enchanting personality. She seemed very open. I barely knew her, and she was acting like I was a friend she'd known for years. This was really strange, but I wasn't about to complain.

Just as Nicole made the comment, Mike walked in. He took one look at Nicole, and I swear he sighed. I don't think Nicole caught it. She was too busy listening to my headset. JJ and Evil were being very friendly to her, and I was glad she had been distracted. I knew the look on Mike's face, and it wasn't good.

Now I also understood why he had been so happy about my attraction to Nicole when I was at work.

"Simon, can I talk to you a minute?" he asked then headed toward his room, completely ignoring Nicole.

I turned to Nicole, wanting to come up with a lie to protect her, but I saw the look on her face. I just couldn't lie. I think she even knew what was coming. Although she did look upset about it, I expected more indignance and less disappointment. It was almost as if she had hoped for too much and understood.

This look filled me with anger. How could she just take it? And from Mike, no less. Mike didn't deserve a girl like Nicole. I wasn't really sure I did either, but she certainly should have been treated better than this.

"Could you talk to JJ and Evil for a minute? And if you don't mind...," I started with a fake cringe. "Could you get my heavy ready? You said you've played before."

Her face fell as I tried to place the headset over her hair. It took a few attempts. She'd really gone all out. Finally, she gave in and pulled out the hairpin, more like a six-inch stick, that held her hair up. I think it was starting to sink in. Taking out the hairpin was a sign that she'd given in to it.

"Doesn't look like I'm going anywhere anyway. I might as well," she replied sadly.

"I'll be right back," I said and forced a smile but as soon as I turned toward Mike's room, my look was one of anger.

I practically stomped to Mike's room. I knew what was coming. He'd done this before. I slammed the door behind me as I followed him in.

His room was about as messy as mine was. One bed, one dresser, and clothes all over the floor. Laundry day was when we couldn't stand the layer of stinky clothes any longer.

I walked to the middle of the room, not removing my look of disgust.

"Her? Really?" I asked angrily.

"You don't understand," he countered.

"I don't care," I said loudly.

"If you saw Shelly," he said, still trying to get me to comply.

"Have you even looked at Nicole?!" I shouted. The door was shut, and she had my headset on. I could yell. Believe me. I needed to, and Mike more than deserved it.

"Yeah, she's...frumpy," Mike said.

I suddenly felt a strong desire to punch my best friend in his smug face. Frumpy is what polite men call women who are overweight. Which Nicole was not! Not if you asked me. Her proportions were perfectly balanced for her body type and height.

"She's.... You...," I said, unable to come up with words to describe my anger.

I balled up my fists and forced my mouth to stay shut. I wasn't about to punch my best friend or say things that I'd have to apologize for later. I'd done this a hundred times for Mike, but Nicole was different. How could he not want her?

"If you feel that strongly. You take her," he said with a grin then patted me on the chest. "I saw how you looked at her earlier."

I lost it. That comment was just too much. Friend or not, Mike was going to hear my rage.

"She's not a fucking consolation prize!!!!" I said and pushed his hand away. "She's a beautiful woman who's here to go out with you!" My voice was lower, but I was still shouting. Just not loud enough to wake the dead. "Did you see that dress? Her makeup? She really went all out for you."

"I know. You hate this. But, seriously. You should see Shelly," he said, still thinking this might convince me. It did not.

"Fuck off!" I said, then headed toward the door.

Before I opened it, he grabbed my wrist and lifted both eyebrows.

"You'll still do it though, right?" he asked.

"Yeah, I'll still do it," I said blandly but still angry, then walked out.

Nicole was adjusting the headset, and I panicked. Had she heard us? Was she going to be angry at both of us?

I could handle her being mad at me because of Mike. Being angry at me because of what I'd said was another matter. The fact that I was more attracted to her than Mike was. I wasn't sure how I'd handle her being mad at me for that.

I walked up to the side of the couch and looked down at her. I could feel my guts wrenching. I hated this part of being Mike's friend. Any time he found a 'better' girl, he had me dump the previous one. But this time was different. This wasn't some self-absorbed bouncy blonde who would just brush it off then go pick up another guy. Nicole had put effort into this date. She would be hurt. I felt a strong desire to protect her feelings.

"Nicole?" I asked, sadly. "Can I talk to you?"

"Guys, I'll be right back. Simon wants to talk to me," she said without the sadness I expected. Perhaps she hadn't heard me.

I took her into the kitchen for privacy, both from Mike and my headset that seemed to pick up everything. I didn't want to embarrass Nicole by having two complete strangers hear her break down. I also didn't want to give Mike the satisfaction of making Nicole cry. I'd lie to Mike. I'd tell him that she wasn't that into him or something. He deserved it.

In the kitchen, she sighed, then put her hands on her hips.

"He doesn't want to go out, does he?" she asked.

I was flabbergasted. She had heard us and seemed ok with it. Maybe my taunt for Mike wouldn't be a lie. Maybe she really wasn't that into him.

"No," I replied with more sadness than she was showing.

"That's ok. I think I'd rather watch you win that tournament." She gave me that same look from when I had let her into the apartment. She looked down, then moved her eyes up to meet mine. "If you don't mind."

"Mind?" I asked with raised eyebrows. "Of course, I don't mind, but you are a little overdressed."

I laughed, trying to lighten the mood, and it worked.

She looked down at her dress then laughed with me.

"Evil and JJ will never know," she said then stood on her tiptoes and kissed me on the cheek. "Thanks for standing up for me. I'm glad someone thinks I'm not a consolation prize."

My face must have been beet red at that point. It felt very hot. I didn't even know what to say. Thankfully, she rescued me from myself. She grabbed my hand and started pulling me back to the couch.

"I got most of your gear, but I couldn't find your shield. You might have to buy one. I seriously looked everywhere," she said, looking over her shoulder while she drug me back into the living room.

"Oh,...umm...I think it's on my horse," I said, still trying to wrap my mind around what was happening.

A sexy, beautiful woman was pulling me to the couch to play video games. Was I in some Twilight Zone episode or something? She was barefoot, wearing a dress that would be more suited for meeting a foreign dignitary, and she was just going to sit around cheering me on. What in the hell was happening? Was I dreaming?

"Well that's a silly place to keep your shield," she said with a laugh then plopped down and pulled me with her. After a moment she grinned at me. "You don't mind if I listen in, do you? It doesn't break your concentration if I lean against you while you fight?"

At this point, my stomach was doing flips, and my heart was racing. Was she hitting on me? Or was she really just wanting to be part of the conversation? One way to find out.

"I don't mind, but I could get you one of my backup sets if you want," I stated, hoping she said no. "They're in my room somewhere."

"Nah, you're about to start. We got four of the five you need. All archers," she said, rolling her eyes. "You'd think someone would want to play a heavy."

"Cause you like playing the heavy?" I asked with a laugh.

She'd given me my answer. She didn't want another set. She preferred to lean against me. Now it was time to figure out if it was friendship or something else that she was interested in.

"I like mages," she said then leaned against my ear to hear JJ and Evil agreeing with her.

Strangely, she was no longer just leaning. She was on my right side, and she had her left arm circling my arm. Nicole squirmed a little then pulled on my arm.

"Can you scoot down a little?" she asked, and I obliged. She was a good six to eight inches shorter than me. Even sitting, her ear didn't quite line up with mine.

"You sure you don't want your own set?" I asked, staring into her eyes.

"I'm sure," she said, then put her hand across my forearm. "This is much more comfortable."

We both heard JJ and Evil making suggestive noises and kissing sounds. This time it was Nicole coming to my rescue.

"Come on, guys. It's our first date. We're not going to have sex on the couch. Especially not when you guys are about to win a tournament." She looked up at me as she finished the statement and, at that moment, I really didn't care about the tournament anymore.

"I could bail," I joked.

She took her hand and slapped my chest playfully.

"Don't be a Mike," she said with a laugh, which caused JJ and Evil to burst out laughing.

# Chapter 3

We spent the next couple of hours struggling to get the tournament together. It seemed that the fifth guy was a lot harder to find than the previous four. Not that I minded or even really paid much attention to the frustration from JJ and Evil. I was too interested in joking with Nicole.

During our conversation, I got the distinct impression she was trying to get me to play Ruins of Lothen with her. I think she even convinced JJ and Evil to give it a try.

They really seemed to like my 'date'. The one who had basically conscripted me. Not that I minded. In fact, it was turning out to be the best date I'd ever been on.

Nicole laughing and joking about the silly outfits Selenthal had, then teasing me with the new cosmetic appearance changes in Ruins of Lothen. The whole time she kept her arm tightly around mine and stroked my forearm.

I could see it in her eyes, at least I think I saw it a few times when our eyes would meet. She was attracted to me. A woman who looked like Nicole actually thought I was good looking.

I didn't want to find our fifth, and I never wanted this night to end but, as luck would have it, we found our fifth. And the moment we did, my phone rang.

Now, I'm not a popular guy, and I knew that it was one of two people. It was after ten, and the only people who would even want to call me would be my parents. Then a strange thought occurred to me. After tonight, perhaps Nicole might want to call me.

I nearly forgot about my phone that was ringing as I envisioned other things Nicole might want to do. Was she a good kisser? Did she like snuggling on the couch to watch TV? Was this the real Nicole I was talking to or the date version?

People often put on a different personality for the first date. Usually what they thought their partner wanted. It was on the second date that you really got to know them. But Nicole had acted like this when I first met her at work. Even sitting on the couch before Mike had dumped her. Had she not even tried to put on a fake personality with me? I desperately hoped so.

Pushing this warm feeling aside, I placed the headset on Nicole's head and gave her a smile while I went for my phone.

"Probably my parents. Would you mind getting it started for me?" I asked, then had to add a joke. "You can play a heavy, can't you?"

"You better watch it, buddy. After I'm done, I'm going to replace you," she said and grabbed the controller from my hands playfully.

I could hear JJ and Evil laughing as I walked over to the end table on the other side of the couch and grabbed my phone. I'd plugged it in after work, so it was still sitting next to the only plug-in close to the couch. That was if you didn't count the surge suppressor attached to the TV and Xbox.

I really didn't want to leave Nicole's side. Things were getting pretty cozy between us, but if it was my mom, the phone call would be private. If it was my dad, it would be quick. So, I headed to my bedroom, in case it was mom.

The second I picked up the phone, halfway to my room, I heard the screech and knew it was my mom.

"Do you know what he's doing?!" she shouted.

"Calm down, mom," I urged her.

My parents have been divorced since I was six. Her tone and the words told me that my dad had done something she considered offensive. Probably found another girlfriend. He'd had a couple over the years, and each new one brought much the same rant.

I don't know much about the divorce other than what dad told me. Which is to say, that it was a private matter between them. Dad refused to speak about it any more than that. It just seemed more like disappointment from him than hate. I never heard a harsh word out of his mouth toward my mother. Almost like they would still be married if she hadn't done that one thing that let him down.

Then there was mom. She refused to speak about the divorce at all. Often changing the subject rather than talk about it.

I could tell that she was still in love with him. Why else would she get so angry every time my dad found a girlfriend? Even talking about him brought a look that solidified my theory. She was regretful and ashamed, but still madly in love with him.

The only time my mother ever said an unkind word about my father was when she thought he had a girlfriend. So I knew what was coming.

"I saw him with a girl less than half his age. She's your age!" she shouted, regaining her volume.

"Do you really care that much?" I asked.

I could hear Nicole from the living room. It sounded like she was having a blast. Every once in a while I could hear her call out things like. 'Grab the archer, JJ. He's too far up.' Or. 'Evil, I'm in trouble.' Standard things for a heavy to say. It was her job to locate easy targets while beating the door in. It was her tone that told me she was enjoying every minute of it. As well as the occasional laugh.

"Well. He's still your father. Do you want him dating someone your age?" she asked, my comment clearly stealing the wind from her sails.

"I don't care, mom. He can date whoever he wants. I barely even see him anymore," I replied.

It was true. I used to see my dad all the time. We'd go out to lunch nearly every weekend. Lately, since my twentieth birthday, he'd been mysteriously 'busy' every time I called. I understand growing apart, but this was abrupt. Perhaps it was his embarrassment over dating a woman my age?

"Still. Are you ready to stand at a wedding with your new stepmom while you are in the same college classes?" she asked.

I'd caught the clever barb in her wording. She was still upset that I hadn't started college.

"It will be fine, mom. And, no, I still haven't found what I'm looking for," I added.

"You better hurry up. Your birthday is in two days. Do you really want to be working at _Sam's Fresh Burger_ at twenty-one?" Her contempt for my job was clear in how she said the name.

"You do know that I'm the assistant manager now, right?" I asked, trying to disarm her somewhat.

"Oh, assistant manager," she said with even more contempt. "I'm sure all the girls will be really impressed."

Then I had an idea. A horrible, possibly suicidal idea. I blurted it out before I completely thought about the consequences.

"Nicole doesn't seem to mind," I stated and immediately regretted it.

"Who's Nicole?" she asked.

It was then that I realized what I'd just done. My birthday was in two days. My mom would be here. Hopefully, Nicole would be here. I had thrown Nicole under the bus. Now, mom was about to back it up and roll over her again.

"Did you tell her what you do?" she asked. "Surely..."

"I met her at work, mom," I replied. Still feeling like I was treading water but it was too late to back out now.

"And what does she do?" mom asked.

Now I fully understood how stupid I had been. I could have been off the phone by now. But, no, not me.

"She's in college," I said and cringed.

"Ah ha!" mom shouted. "You better find out where she goes and get some pamphlets or something. A girl like her won't hang around when she realizes you're..."

"Mom, I gotta go," I lied.

I had really stepped in it this time. Now, not only would Nicole be subject to my mother's ranting, but I would never hear the end of it. Nicole was in college, I was not. A crime, according to my mother.

"I'll be there Saturday. I doubt your father will be brave enough to show up with his new girl," she said then waited for me to confirm her suspicions.

"He already called. He'll be out of town," I said, hating how smart my mother was. She had known somehow.

"With _her_ , I'd bet," she said.

"It's fine, mom. Love you, see you Saturday," I said.

"Love you too, honey," she replied, then hung up.

Now I had to break the news to Nicole. Assuming that she was even coming Saturday. She had pretty much ignored Mike on his way out. Would she really be willing to stand around and talk to Mike and my family? I really hoped so, but I doubted it.

When I re-entered the living room, Nicole was standing in front of the TV, and she was looking very intense. Despite her look of absolute concentration, I couldn't help but admire how beautiful she was. She was scowling and pushing the buttons rapidly, sometimes leaning forward toward the screen. Like leaning forward or standing had any outcome inside the game. Still, she was gorgeous and cute.

It often surprises me how women can be both. A grown woman, full of beauty and grace, yet they can still hold onto that childish cuteness. I've even seen it in women much older than myself. Working at a fast-food restaurant lets you meet a wide variety of people.

Then, without warning, both her hands shot in the air, and my new controller went flying across the room. It smashed into the wall, and she turned to me, her hands quickly finding her mouth.

"I'm so sorry," she said, fear in her gaze.

A smile started as I walked closer.

"I'm guessing you won?" I asked.

"Yes?" she asked, half cringing, half begging for mercy.

I slid my arm around her waist, hoping I wasn't being too quick with physical affection. She'd started it earlier. I was just moving things forward.

"You're not mad?" she asked.

I could hear JJ and Evil begging for a description of what was going on. I could also see my character standing inside the enemy castle holding up the trophy. He was no longer moving, the controller being smashed and all.

She didn't object to my arm, so I put my other arm around her waist and pulled her in.

"You won," I said, and her look changed from childish to all woman. "Why would I be mad?"

"Guys, I gotta go," she said then pulled the headset off and tossed it on the couch.

As I looked down at her, I felt very guilty. I couldn't kiss her yet. Not until I told her how I had sold her out to my mom.

"My birthday is Saturday," I started.

"Are you asking me to come?" she asked, looking up at me. She slid her hands up onto my chest. Not quite to my neck, I think she was still deciding on whether or not to kiss me.

"Yes, but with my invitation comes a warning. I sort of told my mom about you," I said grimly.

"Oh, that's a little fast," she said and hesitated. I could feel her hands sliding down.

"It's not like that. We were talking about my sucky job, and she told me that no girl would find it very appealing." I looked at her guiltily, and her hands stopped descending.

"And you just had to site a case where that wasn't true," she said.

I couldn't quite get a read on how she was taking it. She hadn't backed off, but she wasn't moving forward either. Had I messed this up after only three hours?

"Your name sort of came out before I realized what I was saying," I begged.

"It's your mom. I guess I can let this one slide. Moms have a way of pulling out all sorts of things." She flexed her fingers, still deciding on whether or not I was worth kissing. But she didn't pull away.

I needed something to convince her. At least something to get her mind off of how weird I'd been.

"So? Will you come?" I asked. "Please."

"Will Mike be there?" she asked. Her hands started inching their way up again.

"Yes," I replied regretfully.

To my surprise, her hands didn't stop.

"Good. I want him to see what he missed out on," she said, and a strange grin filled her face. It was almost evil, but not quite. Sinister, but still cute.

"So, you'll come?" I asked hopefully.

"I suppose. As long as you quit stalling and kiss me," she said with a laugh.

I squeezed her waist more tightly, and her hands finally made their way to the back of my neck. As I leaned down, I stared at her perfectly plump lips and wondered how soft they would be. When my lips touched hers, I was not disappointed.

It started as an innocent kiss, but as soon as it started, I could tell she wanted more. She completely encircled my neck with her arms to make sure I wasn't going anywhere then licked my lips enticingly. I let my mouth open slightly, and she took advantage of it. Parting my lips with her tongue gently. She ravaged my tongue in a way I'd only read about. To say that Nicole was an amazing kisser was an understatement without compare.

The kiss seemed to last minutes, I even forgot to breathe. When she pulled away, I gasped for breath, and she smiled.

"I think that's enough for a first date," she said then slid her arms from my neck.

"You sure?" I asked, but she pushed me back.

"You have to have something to look forward to on your birthday," she teased.

"I like the sound of that. I've never wanted to unwrap a present so much in my entire life," I said as a joke. I didn't expect it to go that far. At this point, I was just praying for another kiss like that.

"Hmm?" she said and looked at me with that devious smile again. "You'd better be good, or I won't let you unwrap it."

Nicole hadn't taken it as a joke. I think my brain stalled for a moment. Why in the hell was this amazing woman even wanting to kiss me? What had I done to be rewarded so abundantly?

I couldn't recall feeding orphans or donating my check to the poor. However, something I'd done had caused the universe to see fit to put this amazing woman in my living room tonight. And she wanted me. The confused guy who worked at a fast-food restaurant and played Xbox most days. I wasn't about to complain. It just didn't make any sense.

"Yes, ma'am," I said then walked toward my destroyed controller. I had a spare, and I truthfully wasn't that upset about it. The kiss more than paid for it.

"Oh, geez. Don't call me ma'am. I'm like twenty days older than you," she said, then headed toward the door to find her shoes.

"When is your birthday? Mike's was a few weeks ago," I said, suddenly afraid to say the name Mike around her.

"That's how we met. We have the same birthday. Weird right?" She asked, then bent down and grabbed her shoes. "We were both at the DMV getting our updated licenses. You know. The ones that let you drink in bars."

"Oh, shit!" I exclaimed. "I haven't gotten mine yet."

"Don't worry about it. It's not like you're going out to the bars Saturday, are you?" she asked. Then I saw the look.

This look nearly made my heart stop. She had been serious about me unwrapping my present on my birthday. It wasn't a joke. I was definitely not going to bars Saturday. I was very hopeful that I would be spending the night inside, making Mike wear headphones for once.

"Nope," I replied assuredly.

"Smart answer," she said with a wink then opened the door. "See you tomorrow?"

"I work til about seven or eight. After that?" I asked then headed toward the door, hoping for another wonderful kiss.

"I'll be here, and I'll bring my own controller. I don't want to destroy yours again," she said, then headed out the door.

No second kiss. I was disappointed but also encouraged. She'd be back tomorrow night. And Saturday...I'd get to unwrap my present!

# Chapter 4

At about a quarter after nine, I finally got out of Sam's Fresh Burger. Friday night rush was nothing like the other days. It was like all the other days combined, then compacted into three hours of torture. My manager and I both worked on Friday nights. It took both of us to keep some sort of sanity in the place.

As I strolled along the sidewalk, I enjoyed the cool, damp air. The sun had set an hour ago, and the night was in full force.

I only lived six blocks from work, a fact that had led me to applying there two years ago. That was after I had decided to move in with Mike.

Most nights, I was happy for the six blocks of 'unwind time'. The stress of this job was incomparable. The pressure on Friday night was even worse. It could make most people either scream or cry. Believe me, many of our high school employees did one or the other their first Friday night, sometimes both.

Most Fridays, I was left alone as I walked home. People my age were usually at bars or parties by now, and I was glad for the silence. The few cars that zoomed by on the street were annoying, but I only had two blocks of this, then I turned onto a much quieter street. The one leading to my apartment.

The apartments in this part of town were mostly college-aged kids, so it was practically a ghost town on Friday and Saturday nights. The apartments here were too small to throw parties, so the residents were usually at a bar by the time I got off work.

I smelled it as I passed an alley, only two blocks from my apartment. A smell I'll never forget. A smell no one ever forgets. Death.

I turned my head into the dark alley and saw something, or someone, lying beside a garbage can. We have a few homeless in our town, but not on these streets. We were mostly college kids. The homeless tended to become the victims of drunken pranks on the weekends. Not saying that I condoned it, I just knew that it happened.

I covered my nose and started walking toward the alley. I wasn't sure what it was that I was smelling at first. Then I saw the dress she wore and long hair across the ground. From my angle, it looked just like Nicole's dress. In the darkness of the alley, I could have sworn that her hair was brunette. My heart raced, and my thoughts filled me with panic. I felt like my heart was going to break from my chest as my stroll turned into a sprint.

This was why the universe had rewarded me unjustly. It was a chance to break my heart. I wasn't in love with Nicole. We'd spent only a few hours together, but I saw it as a possibility. Seriously, one date, and I knew I could eventually fall in love with Nicole. There was nothing about her personality that I didn't adore.

When I reached the dead girl, I knew it wasn't Nicole. The relief I felt was enough to exhale loudly. It wasn't quite a sigh, but it was loud. Then I felt tremendous guilt. I felt horrible because I had been so happy to see the dead girl's blonde hair.

The dead woman was tall and wearing a similar dress, but it was red. The blood covered her dress and the alley beneath her. It was even seeping into her blonde hair.

As I dialed 911, I leaned in closer, still covering my nose with my other hand.

She had a huge hole in her chest that had once contained her heart. It had been ripped from her chest with a tremendous amount of force. She had a few scratches on her forearms and neck but nothing serious. Whoever had killed her had torn out her heart while she was still alive.

The anguish on her face told me that she had felt it happen. Her makeup was still pristine, deep red lipstick to match her dress, not even smudged. Whoever had done this, had done it swiftly. She didn't even have much time to fight back. I'm not a detective, but it doesn't take a genius to recognize the signs. She hadn't even seen it coming.

After giving the operator my address, she had told me to stay put. The cops arrived about five minutes later to take me to the station. I spent the next hour answering questions. Ones I had no answers to. I didn't even know who the girl was...until they told me that her name was Shelly.

At first, they had thought that I had done it, but I wasn't stupid. I watched TV. I didn't touch the body. I didn't take pictures. I just called 911. After that unsuccessful hour, they finally gave me a ride home.

# Chapter 5

I trudged my way up the stairs and into my apartment to find, not only Mike waiting for me, Nicole was sitting on the couch with him.

I had hoped Nicole would wait for me. But based on my revelation that she was just to perfect and part of the universe's joke on me, I hadn't expected her to be here. Her look only enforced the feelings inside me.

She sat one leg over the other, bouncing her foot. The look on her face was one of annoyance until she saw that I was the one at the door.

At first, it was joy, sincere joy, then it fell, and worry replaced it.

Nicole hadn't quite dressed up like she had last night, but I did notice it. How could I not notice?

She had on a pair of black pants that fit her curves nearly as well as the dress had. Her blouse was a little fancy for sitting on the couch playing games. A pinkish color that was lighter than the red lipstick she wore. And then there was the makeup. She had spent time on that. Tonight should have been a real date, and Nicole dressed like she expected it to be. Even her hair was amazing. Long with a hint of curls and probably brushed within an inch of its life.

As I felt the regret of our second date being ruined, they both looked at me with compassion.

Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a strange red smudge on the door handle when I turned to close it. I made certain to wipe my finger across it as I shut the door. Then I pretended to itch my nose.

The smell, like from the alley, assaulted my nose once again. It was blood. And I could tell it was the dead girl's blood.

I'm not sure when I first started to notice that I could smell better than most people. A week before the murder, maybe less. It was a recent thing. I just knew that I smelled things others didn't. Even Nicole's subtle perfume. I had smelled it on the way up the stairs. I knew she had at least been here. I had just been surprised that she had waited and that she would be willing to sit on the couch beside Mike.

I scoured both of the worried-looking people in front of me. One I had known my entire life, the other, I had just met. One of them was a killer. Either that or a murder scene groupie. I hoped for the latter. I could forgive Nicole or Mike for wanting to take souvenirs from a crime scene. I could not forgive either of them for causing it.

Despite my apprehensions, neither of them looked guilty, and neither of them smelled like the blood from the alley. Perhaps my suspicions were unfounded. Maybe one of them had accidentally smudged the blood by touching something in the alley. They both seemed very aware of where I had been.

"You're the one who found her?" Nicole was the first to ask.

Her look was one of concern. She looked like she wanted to hug me. And if it weren't for my suspicions, I would have loved for her to do just that.

"Yes," I replied. I stood in front of them like the officers had done to me in the room. I was the one doing the grilling now.

Mike leaned forward and put his hand on his head.

"I still can't believe it was Shelly," Mike said.

His tone, his sadness. I doubted that it was fake. Nicole, on the other hand, didn't seem as upset. Like she had seen this type of thing before. She just looked concerned for me. Very strange.

"It was the same Shelly? Your new girl?" I asked Mike but kept my gaze on Nicole.

"Yeah. She was on her way here for our date tonight," Mike sobbed.

Ok, maybe not beyond suspicion. I'd never seen Mike get so upset about a girl. He had a new one every other week. But, then again, this one was dead. And he did seem to blame himself for her being there.

Then there was Nicole. She could have been angry that Mike dumped her for Shelly. There was motive there, but was Nicole capable of that kind of violence?

Shelly's heart had been ripped from her chest. I doubted that even Mike could have pulled that off without various surgical instruments. Mike was strong, but not that strong. Would Nicole know where to get the type of tools needed to pull someone's heart from their chest? And did I really believe that my girlfriend was capable of that?

I needed time to think, time to investigate. I still wasn't a detective, but if I was living with, or dating a killer? I needed to know.

I sat between the two of them, and Nicole immediately leaned on my arm. She grabbed it with both hands, then nuzzled her head against it. The feelings that rose begged me not to suspect her, but what other explanation could there be for the blood on the door handle?

"How in the hell does someone pull another person's heart from their chest while they are still alive?" I asked. Hoping to notice something on one of their faces.

I regretted sitting between them now. My head felt like I was at a tennis match. Back and forth, every few seconds, waiting for a telling response.

"That...I don't know," Mike said somberly.

"Why do you think she was still alive?" Nicole asked.

Once again, something about her look told me that she was ready for this. She wasn't as shocked as Mike. Nicole was surprised, but it was not the kind of shock you would expect. Almost like killing someone that way was normal to her.

"The look on her face. It looked...pained," I said, keeping my gaze focused on Nicole.

"I'm sorry you had to see that," Nicole comforted.

Even this sounded wrong. Not the kind of thing a normal girl said to her boyfriend. It sounded like something a police officer would say...or a killer. At the very least, someone who had seen this many times before.

"Mind if we watch the news?" I asked. "I want to see if they have any clues or leads."

"Sure thing," Nicole replied then reached over to the end table, grabbed the remote, then handed it to me.

Afterward, she clung to me again, almost like she was afraid I'd leave or that I wouldn't want her. Not exactly the reactions of a nervous, guilty killer. More like a woman who has seen this type of violence and understood that I needed time. I was comforted by her attachment to my arm but concerned by her lack of fear for what had happened. It honestly didn't seem to faze her that a woman had her heart pulled out while she was still alive.

"Did either of you go down there?" I asked, hoping that Nicole hadn't. I doubted Mike's involvement, but my suspicions about Nicole were growing. I really didn't want it to be her.

"We were both there," Mike offered.

"We saw them haul you away," Nicole added. "I didn't get to see the body, though. They had it all covered and such. I'm really sorry you had to see that."

Mike nodded in agreement.

Great. Both of them. Only one more thing to do. I leaned over and patted Mike on the back while I took a long breath through my nose.

Mike had showered recently. But, that wasn't damning in itself. He often took showers after work. The downside of working at a gym was that you got sweaty and stinky on a daily basis.

Afterward, I turned to Nicole and hugged her.

I took a long sniff of her as well, but my mind was clouded. The feeling of hugging her. Her warmth, her willingness to hug me back, it was so alluring. She didn't seem to want to let me go either.

I smelled no blood on her. Only her perfume, her shampoo, and her skin. She had not showered recently. This morning, more than likely. And she smelled wonderful.

After releasing her, she returned to hugging my arm. A very strange thing for a killer to do. She seemed to think that I needed comforting. Her reactions were strange, but she seemed sincere.

Maybe I was being paranoid. Perhaps I had somehow smudged the blood on the door without realizing it. I had made sure not to touch the body, but the blood was everywhere in the alley. I could have accidentally touched some.

I looked over my clothes and hands carefully, trying not to look too obvious about it. Nothing. Then my thoughts returned to my companions.

I had almost screwed this thing up with Nicole once already. Did I really want to do it again by accusing her? Even suspecting her might cause tensions between us to rise. I wanted no tensions. What I wanted was more hugs. More kisses. More of Nicole.

Then there was Mike. I'd known him as long as I could remember. Best friends since I knew what a friend was. And the dead girl had been his date.

I was certain that I was losing my mind. Traumatic events often messed with your mind. I let out a small laugh as I realized how ridiculous I was being. It had probably been me that smudged the blood on the door.

Even though I couldn't find any blood on me, it had to have been me. There had to be a completely sane explanation for how the blood got on the doorknob. My mind was just overwhelmed after finding a dead girl in an alley. That had to be it. That had to be why I was suspecting my best friend and my girlfriend.

# Chapter 6

That night passed slowly as we watched the news for any sign of resolution. There was none. The story about the dead girl, Shelly, wasn't even on the news. That in itself was suspicious. A murder like that and not one report?

Nicole didn't push for more, she simply held my arm, sometimes even holding my hand. This was exactly what I needed, and somehow she just knew.

As the night came to an end, I gave Nicole a tender kiss. Nothing like the previous night. Then I said goodnight. I felt a little guilty for not wanting more, but sexual excitement was not what I was in the mood for. Not after seeing Shelly dead in the alley.

I think Nicole understood. She squeezed my hand kindly before she left. Her sad expression had more to do with compassion than wanting more. At least I hoped that was all it was. I hoped she wasn't disappointed.

That night was a restless one. I tossed and turned, seeing Shelly in the alley over and over again. Then, sometime in the early morning, maybe two or three, the dreams changed.

I was no longer looking down at a dead girl I didn't know, I became the killer.

Blood coursed through my veins as I approached her. Her heels clacked on the wet cement and echoed through the alley. But she wasn't leaving it, she was entering it. She was walking up to me.

"What do you want?" she asked with annoyance. "I told you... What the fuck?!" she shouted then turned to run but my clawed, furry hands grabbed her arm and spun her around.

I saw my claws make the marks on her arms and smelled the blood coming from them. I wanted to taste her, but she needed to scream first. I could not get satisfaction if I killed her now.

My claws swiped at her neck, and she screamed loudly, unable to break the grip I had on her arm. She pulled and tugged, but she was no match for my strength. I could hear her heart pounding, and I could smell her fear. She was ready.

I heard the purse hit the ground as her fear grew. She no longer screamed because she was too afraid. Then I saw my furry reflection in her eyes, for a brief second, right before I plunged my hand through her chest. I was a werewolf!

I forced myself to wake up, sweating and panting.

It had felt so real. But werewolves didn't exist, and I wasn't one. How could it have been real? So many things about the last couple of weeks had made little sense. But was I really a werewolf? Was I really a killer?

My sense of smell was not the only thing that had grown. My hunger had grown with it. I was eating twice as much as I had the weeks before. I was always hungry now. Even my eyesight had gotten sharper, especially in the dark.

I looked around my room, that should have been pitch black, and read the spine of the book that sat on my dresser. 'Curse of the 21st.' The book my mother had read to me as a child. The one she had insisted that I take with me. Why?

I sat up in bed, sweat still drenching me, and retrieved the book. Then I switched on the bedside lamp and read the first passage again.

At the twenty-first hour on the twenty-first day of the twenty-first year, a child will become a beast. Such is the legend that is handed down, mother to son and father to daughter. On that fateful day, a choice must be made. One of consequence and importance. For on that day, a child who has transformed must choose between the evil of the curse and the responsibility of protecting their chosen. For no creature is as feared as the werewolf. A creature without conscience nor fear. It will feed on whoever is unlucky enough to cross its path or protect its charge until it ceases to draw breath.

Was I a werewolf? Was I crazy? Did I kill Shelly?

I read the book with renewed passion. I had heard this story a hundred times from my mother but never really listened. The changes to my senses. My appetite. My new strength.

I hadn't even made that connection yet. I knew I was stronger, but I had attributed it to a growth spurt, the same as my hunger.

It all made sense now.

As the sun started to shine through the window, I reached chapter four, and I believed it. I was a werewolf, and I had killed Shelly.

# Chapter 7

At my birthday party the next day, I tried to get a moment alone with mom, but it was impossible. Mike was there, Nicole, mom's new boyfriend, and another couple mom had brought with her.

And mom was complaining about dad? This guy wasn't my age, but he wasn't a lot older than me. Maybe five years. People in glass houses...

My mother wore her usual dress. This one was blue with yellow dots here and there. Her black, greying hair was short, and her ever-present glasses seemed to be a little newer than I remembered. I'd seen her a month ago, and the new glasses were much more stylish than the ones I remembered. Come to think of it. Her hairstyle also said that she'd recently found a reason to look younger. Perhaps the new boyfriend?

Her boyfriend, Scott, was tall, had a beer belly, red hair, and a red beard. He was a strange one. Suit coat, suit jacket, but no tie. He didn't even pay much attention to my mom.

Then there were the friends. A couple that was younger than my mother, but only by a few years. The woman, Margret, spoke to my mother a lot. She had long sandy blonde hair and a nice figure for an early forties woman. She also wore a dress similar to my mother's, only in peach, with no spots.

Margret's husband, Dave, was a stout man, bigger than Scott in height and girth. He laughed a lot, adding fuel to the stereotype of a portly jolly man. But he was nice. A lot nicer than Scott.

Then there was Nicole. The fact that Nicole looked so stunning didn't help me find time to talk to mom either. I kept getting distracted and talking to my girlfriend. A crime, I know.

Who would have guessed that a white tee-shirt could be so sexy? I think Nicole was trying to look casual. It didn't stop mom's new boyfriend from staring at her though. Even the tight jeans were a sight to behold. The other guy, Dave, spent most of his time staring at mom. It was a weird party on many levels.

Still, something seemed off about Nicole today. She was very quick with our conversations and hadn't tried to hold my hand nor grab my arm. Perhaps it was all the attention she was getting from my mom and her friends? Maybe Nicole felt self-conscious. I hoped that was all it was. I hoped that she wasn't upset with me.

As the party wound down, I found time to get mom alone. I left Nicole in the capable hands of Mike. He'd at least keep my mom's new boyfriend away, though I now doubted my faith in Mike. Was he really the least bad option out of everyone there? I saw the looks Margret was giving Nicole as well. Like I said, many levels of weird going on in our apartment today. Everyone except my mom had been staring at Nicole lustfully. Well, not Mike. But he had made his intentions very clear when he had tossed her aside.

I sat on my bed and had no idea which topic I wanted to start with. Mom busied herself, trying to clean up my room. Then I finally decided to start with the weird sexual vibe I was getting from her group of friends.

"Mom, those are dirty," I said to get her attention. She was folding my dirty laundry before she set them in the hamper.

"Yes, I know, honey," she said and continued.

"Ok, I'm not sure how to say this. I have a lot on my mind," I said.

"Just start at the beginning," she said kindly, then picked up my socks with two fingers and ushered them to the hamper as well.

"You're friends are...ummm...how do I say this?" I asked, unsure of what I wanted to say. Did I want to say swingers? Is that really the term for those types of couples? Surely there was a better term, but it was all I could come up with.

I was pretty sure that Margret and Dave were trying to get Scott and her to swap partners or worse, have an orgy or something.

"No judgments, Simon. I'm a grown woman," she said and forgot about the laundry.

"Wait...you're ok with this?" I asked, not wanting to say it out loud. Her attitude was not helping me at all.

"Oh, come on. Your father was the one for me. I'm not exactly a lesbian. I like her company. It's comforting," she said, and nervously sat beside me.

My mind ground to a halt. Had I misread everything going on in that room? I scanned back, replaying every look, every word. Oh shit! I had misread EVERYTHING!

Margret had been looking at Nicole lustfully...and my mom! Scott wasn't my mom's new boyfriend. Margret was her girlfriend!

"Margret...?" I asked, referring to the woman I'd barely paid any attention to. "I thought Scott..." I trailed off.

"Scott? No. He's Dave's brother. He just came along for the free cake. We're heading out to dinner later with his girlfriend," she explained.

"Let me see if I have this straight," I said, then started to lay out what I was thinking. "You and Margret?"

"Yes," she replied with a guilty smile.

"Margret and Dave?" I asked.

"No. Margret and Dave are practically divorced. They still live together, for their children, but they haven't been intimate in many years," mom continued to explain.

"And Dave is ok with this?" I asked, still feeling lost. This was nearly as uncomfortable as the crazy conversation that was to follow.

"Dave and his secretary have been having an affair for a decade. It's how Margret found out that she...liked women. When she caught Dave and his secretary, she was relieved. And attracted to the secretary." My mom lifted her eyebrows, and I felt very, very uncomfortable. Having the sex talk, many years ago, had been a cakewalk compared to the 'your mother is almost gay' talk.

Mom patted me on the leg, and I jumped. Then she laughed.

"What else did you want to discuss?" she asked.

Clearly, a weight had been taken off her shoulders. It was the first time I'd seen her this at ease in years. I'd almost call it happy. How long had my mother been hiding the fact that she was almost a lesbian? I think the word she had been looking for was bisexual, but I wasn't about to put that word out there. Not to my mom.

I wasn't even sure how I felt about it, but I had gotten her alone to talk about something else. Something much more pressing than my mother's bisexuality.

"That book you used to read me as a child," I started. Then I noticed the fear creep over my mother. Creep might be the wrong word. It looked like it was taking her over, violently.

"You need to talk to your father," she said brusquely.

"But...," I objected.

"You need to talk to your father." She looked very distraught. Something bad was coming. "Simon, please understand. A long time ago, I made a mistake. A horrible, regretful mistake that I have to live with every day," she said, and her fear gave way to regret. "Your father let me raise you on the condition that I never talk to you about this. Never."

"What kind of mistake?" I asked. "Let you raise me? What does that mean?"

A million questions flew through my brain, but these three were the most pressing.

"The kind of mistake I pray you never make," she replied, but I wasn't satisfied. And she completely ignored my other questions. I was guessing that it meant I'd have to ask dad about those.

"What was it? Was it me?" I asked, working on the question she would talk about. "Am I the mistake?"

"Oh, heavens no. Don't you ever think like that, Simon. You are my life," she said with conviction.

"Then, what was it?" I asked.

She squirmed a little and wrung her hands.

"I suppose. You are older now. I can tell you my mistake without disobeying your father," she said.

I didn't understand why she was so afraid of my father. I was an adult now. He couldn't keep me from her any longer. And I still didn't believe that my father would be so uncaring. Then again, I hadn't believed I was a werewolf until that morning. I also hadn't known that my mother was bisexual. What I believed was changing rapidly.

I saw tears form in my mother's eyes as she struggled with her secret. Then, as one fell onto her lap, she spoke.

"I cheated on your father," she said, and another tear fell.

I sat there staring into her teary eyes for minutes, trying to grasp this.

She was still in love with him. Why had she done it? Then another thought, more disturbing than this one, entered my mind.

"When?" I asked, suddenly understanding the significance of it.

She looked up at me, tears still streaming down her cheeks, and grabbed my chin.

"Just because you're not his, doesn't mean your father loves you any less. In fact, all of this secrecy is to protect you," she said. Then she felt the need to add something else. "And yes, it was his idea to keep you in the dark. He hates me, but he loves you. He loves you so much more than you can ever understand."

This was not at all what I had hoped for. Not at all what I had expected. I was the child of some mysterious man, not the man I had loved all my life and called dad. As crushing and devastating as it was, it made a whole lot of sense.

My dad was most certainly a human. My birth father? He could very well be a werewolf. Now I had to ask the question more bluntly. She might not answer, but the way she avoided it would tell me a lot.

"My birth father was a werewolf, wasn't he?" I asked.

My mother looked right at me, the tears stopped, and she smiled.

"You'll have to ask your father that question," she said.

The fact that she didn't say no or even call me nuts, spoke volumes. I was a werewolf, and it was because my birth father had been one. Or still was one. He very well may have been alive and well.

"Thanks, mom," I said and gave her a huge hug.

"I love you, Simon. All of this was to protect you. You have to believe me," she pleaded.

"I believe you, mom. I'm twenty-one. I can feel it starting," I explained.

She pushed away and gave me another smile as she started cleaning my room again.

"I'm not allowed to talk about that. Please call your father," she said and smirked.

It was like she was pushing off the sex talk to her partner. Although she had been the one to give me the sex talk at twelve, this one would be just as awkward. It was dad's turn now. He'd be the one to give me the werewolf talk.

# Chapter 8

After everyone left, I was nervous. Nicole stayed, and Mike had left the apartment. Perhaps Nicole had arranged it. Maybe it was just a lucky coincidence. Either way, I hadn't been with a woman in months, and never a woman like Nicole. What if she didn't like it? What if I did it wrong?

I had twenty-one days until I turned, if you included today. This might very well be my last chance to be with a woman. And there could be none more perfect than Nicole.

The book detailed all the symptoms and side effects for the twenty-one days but was very ominous about what came afterward. After 'the change' as the book called it, you had to choose. Find someone to protect or become an unstoppable, insatiable beast. Perhaps I could choose Nicole? Then again, maybe my change would send her running and screaming.

Almost as if she sensed my fear and my intentions, she slid her hand up my chest. The way she moved her hand was strange. Almost foreign to me. It was very seductive, along with the gaze she fixed on me. She even smelled a little different.

She wore the same perfume as the last two days, even smelled of the same shampoo, but under it was a different scent. Maybe different wasn't quite the right word. It was similar to how she had smelled before, but there was something else there. Something hidden.

Again, she seemed to sense my emotions and tried to quiet my unspoken apprehensions by kissing me. But even this caused confusion to rise in my mind. Her kiss was also different, forceful.

She wrapped her arms around my neck without hesitation and pulled me, eagerly, toward her. When our lips met, she didn't playfully convince me to part my lips, her tongue forced its way in. Not that it was unpleasant, it just wasn't the same kiss from the other day. Truthfully, the other day had been too perfect. Perhaps I'd embellished it in my mind. No one kisses as perfectly as I had imagined it. Not even Nicole could kiss like that.

After the greedy kiss, she grabbed my hand and led me to the couch. I was glad it wasn't the bedroom. At least not yet. I needed to tell her about me. About what I was, without sounding crazy.

I cleared my throat as she looked across the couch at me. She looked like she was ready to pounce.

I hadn't expected that. Maybe it was all the excitement. Was Nicole a different person in the bedroom? I was a little disappointed. It felt like she had deceived me a little. I wanted the caring embraces. The tender, gentle touch from the days before.

"Before we..." I nodded with my head. "I have something to say."

"Oh? You're a virgin?" she asked and looked at me with more hunger.

What had gotten into Nicole? Was this how she acted when she was excited? I wasn't quite sure I liked it as much as the kind, caring woman I'd kissed the other day.

"No. Not that. I'm serious," I said, trying not to be pulled in by her alluring stare.

It was still Nicole. She was still gorgeous and, maybe she was as nervous as I was. That might explain her strange behavior. Perhaps she would calm down and go back to the almost shy woman I wanted.

"I was being serious," she replied.

"I'm not a virgin," I stated.

"Then what does it matter?" she asked and slid her way onto my lap.

She started running her fingers through my hair impatiently as she stared down at me.

"I...," I started, but she wasn't interested in listening.

"After," she stated then kissed me again, even more forcefully than the first time.

She broke the kiss as she lifted my shirt over my head. Then she started kissing my neck, down to my chest. This was wonderful, just not as wonderful as I'd imagined. Just like the kiss, I expected a shyness and a soft, gentle touch. Then again, reality was never as good as you imagined. My brain was telling me that something was off, but it was still Nicole. Despite this nagging feeling, I didn't want her to stop, and I pushed the thoughts aside.

Then, Nicole abruptly stood and held out her hands to me. After grabbing them, she pulled me to my feet and undid the button on my pants. She gave me a commanding look then removed her own shirt and started to undo her bra. Apparently, we weren't going to the bedroom.

I had envisioned undressing Nicole slowly, taking my time with every button, every garment. My desires were again dashed by the rush Nicole seemed to be in.

I removed my pants and underwear as she did the same. Then we both just stared longingly at each other for a few seconds.

She looked amazing, more perfect than I could have ever imagined. If this was going to be my last time with a woman, at least it was with her. Despite her bizarre change in personality, I only wanted Nicole.

After a few moments, she grew tired of looking, and her urgency returned. She pushed me onto the couch then eased her way onto my lap. As she brushed against me, I gave in to the rush. I wanted Nicole, I'd learn to like this as well. Just as long as her personality outside the bedroom remained the same.

Nicole returned to kissing my neck then made her way up to my ear.

"Do you want this?" she asked in a soft, breathy voice.

Her voice sounded a little off. Was it lower? Did her excitement make her voice different?

"Yes," I replied, pushing my disappointment away.

"Do you want me?" she asked, even quieter.

I still couldn't shake the feeling like something was off. Was this really how Nicole acted when she was excited?

"Yes," I replied again, matching her volume.

Then she grabbed me and lifted herself up.

As she slowly slid herself onto me, I could hear her breathing pick up. I could also hear her heartbeat do the same.

She pulled me in for another greedy kiss as she slowly lifted herself, then let herself fall. I grabbed her waist, which encouraged her to go faster. I wanted to savor every moment, but it seemed like Nicole wasn't interested in going slow. Once more, I was disappointed. But it was still sex. It was still Nicole.

Nicole broke the kiss long enough to smile at me then returned to kissing me as she slid up and down quickly. With each time she lifted herself up, she breathed in. Each time she landed into my lap, she breathed out, letting a sigh escape with her breath.

My hands found the way to her back as she pushed herself away from my face. She was no longer able to kiss me as her breathing picked up speed, and the sighs became cries of pleasure. When she threw her head back, I suckled at her breast and was rewarded with more cries.

"Yes, Simon," she cried out as she picked up speed. Her voice still sounding strange to me. Almost like someone else's voice.

Over and over, she slammed into my lap, and I took turns, my lips unsure of which breast they preferred. Still, it felt strange. She felt strange.

I didn't want this to be over so quickly, yet Nicole seemed to be in a hurry. We had all night? Why did she want it to be over? I could give her a night to remember if she'd just slow down.

As she stared at the ceiling, letting me support her, she slowed. I thought to myself that this was more like what I wanted, but it was almost over already. I could feel it coming, and her breath told me hers was not far off.

"Say my name, Simon," she urged me.

"Nicole," I replied, then kissed between her breasts.

I was getting very close. I wanted to hold on, to make it last, but I couldn't.

As the room was starting to fade away, and my mind was slipping into the void of orgasm, she leaned forward and looked into my eyes. Her eyes the deepest shade of blue I'd ever seen. Why were they blue?!

"I'm so close," she said. "Say my name."

"Nicole," I whispered as I was losing my grip.

Then I saw her face contort and she spoke once more. Softly, as if she could barely hold on as well.

"My name is Tamara, not Nicole." Then her mouth fell open, and her head flew back as explosions wracked my brain.

I felt her grab my back tightly, her nails digging in, while I wrapped my arms around her back for stability. She stopped moving, and even her knees felt like they were gripping my hips as her body shuddered uncontrollably.

When my eyes could focus, I found myself staring at a woman who looked similar to Nicole, but it wasn't Nicole.

Her hair was black and longer than Nicole's, her eyes a deep shade of blue. Even her nose was a little sharper, and she had none of the womanly figure Nicole had. This woman was thin and had slightly darker skin.

"In the future, you should probably get the girl's name right," she said, shrugged her eyebrows, then lifted herself from my lap. "Some girls might be offended."

As I sat there, unable to speak, she dressed quickly. Almost as if she needed to leave.

"Sorry to fuck and run, but...," she started, but someone knocking loudly on the door stopped her. "Oh, she's going to be so mad." Tamara's grin was devious and evil.

"What?" was all my brain could come up with.

Tamara pulled her shirt on, then tried to pull up the pants that were a little too large for her. As she was holding them with one hand to keep them from falling down, she smirked at me then spoke.

"We should do that again sometime, Simon," she said, then headed toward the door. "That was pretty good."

When Tamara opened the door, I saw as Nicole's anger turned to disbelief. Then sorrow sunk in, as Tamara patted her on the shoulder with her free hand.

"Not him!" Nicole shouted at Tamara, and I could see the tears forming in Nicole's eyes.

"I was just warming him up for you, Sis," she said. "Don't worry. This one actually knows what he's doing. You'll have a fine time." She looked right at me lustfully but continued to speak to Nicole. "He certainly has some decent equipment." Then she headed toward the stairs leading out.

I quickly jumped up and pulled my pants on as I heard Nicole shut the door. Then I sat back down on the couch, pulled my shirt over my head, and tried to wrap my mind around what had just happened.

Nicole wiped her tears then sat beside me on the couch, almost as if she didn't know what to do with me. I didn't blame her. Somehow, I had just had sex with her sister. And I still had no idea how it had happened.

"I'm sorry, Simon," she said, after wiping one more set of tears. She didn't look at me, she couldn't bear it. "I should have known something was up the minute I realized my cell phone was gone. Then I found myself locked in the basement. I just didn't want it to be true."

I felt so ashamed and guilty for what I'd just done.

"I'm the one who's sorry," I replied. "I still don't understand how it happened."

I felt guilty, but I wasn't about to go down without a fight. I wanted Nicole. I had thought that I was with Nicole. I just hoped she could find a way to realize that. I hadn't wanted to cheat on her.

Now all the subtle hints made sense. The kiss had been off, even the way she treated me had been off. I assumed that it was how Nicole acted when she was excited or nervous. I had been so wrong.

"It's not your fault, Simon," she said regretfully.

I turned sideways on the couch so that I could face her. I had screwed up, and now I needed to take my punishment like a man.

"I'm really sorry, Nicole. I knew something was off. I was just so...," I said and lowered my head.

Nicole also turned to the side. She uneasily put out her hand, like she thought I might not accept it. Then she grabbed mine, and I felt her body release all her tension when I didn't pull away.

"Please don't hate me," Nicole pleaded.

"You?" I asked. Her reaction was even more mindboggling than the fact that I had just had sex with a woman I'd never met. "Why aren't you mad at me?"

"I should have known Tamara would do this," she said and lowered her head. "I should have warned you."

"Warned me about what exactly?" I asked.

How had I thought that Tamara looked like Nicole? How exactly had my mind accepted her as Nicole? They did look similar. It was obvious that they were sisters, but they weren't twins.

Tamara was the same height but a lot skinnier. She had small breasts and thin hips. Tamara was very petite. Nicole was not. She was luscious. Full figured and absolutely perfect. How had I made this horrible mistake?

"Umm...ok...you can do this," she said to herself, then stood and started pacing. "You can do this, Nicole." Then her voice got quieter. If it hadn't been for me being a werewolf, I doubt I would have understood it. "He's not going to leave you. Simon is different."

"What do you mean, I'm different?" I asked.

She spun and stared at me with disbelief.

"How did you hear that?" she asked. Some of her apprehension faded. Curiosity started to take over.

"Believe me, I've had a really, really strange day. Just tell me what's going on. I doubt it will compare to everything else I've learned today," I said with confidence.

This made Nicole grimace.

"Ok. But please, just listen with an open mind. I really care about you, Simon," she stated.

"Why are you the one begging me? I just had sex with your sister," I said a little loudly. Why was she not mad at me?

I stood and walked over to her. I didn't get too close, I still thought I deserved a slap, at least. So I didn't want to push my luck, but she had no such reservations.

As I cringed, she shot forward, threw both her arms around my waist, then squeezed me tightly. I could feel the tears soaking my shirt. After a few moments, I gave in to it and hugged her back.

"My sister and I are witches," she sobbed.

"Well, then," I stated.

"Well, then?" she asked and leaned her head up to see my expression. She still didn't let go of my waist. "That's it? No name-calling? No objections? You don't think I'm nuts? Just 'Well, then.'?" she asked with so much astonishment that I nearly laughed.

"I'm a werewolf," I stated, and my grin grew.

Her smile overshadowed mine. She pushed away from me and, despite the fact that she was pacing with her hand on her forehead, I could see the dimples on her cheeks.

"What are the odds of that?" she asked rhetorically. Then she started whispering, quiet enough that only a werewolf like me could have heard her. "I mean, seriously. What are the odds that the guy I fall for turns out to be a werewolf?"

"Wait? Fall for?" I asked for clarification.

"Oh, shit," she said and covered her mouth. "I forgot how well you hear. Forget you heard that."

"But I just had sex with your sister," I stated. Still not understanding why she wasn't pissed off.

"I know. You won't quit reminding me," she said sternly. "But it's my fault. I can't blame you."

"Why not?" I asked adamantly. "Please. Blame me. Get mad at me. Something."

"She glamoured herself. You'd practically have to be married to me to know the difference," she stated then threw her arms around my waist again. With her voice muffled by my shirt, she said. "I still can't believe that you're a werewolf and you don't think I'm nuts."

"How many?" I asked, starting to understand things a little better.

I didn't need an explanation about how Tamara had been able to look like Nicole. Not any longer. Anyone who has ever seen a movie or read a book about witches understands what a glamour is. It did, however, make me wonder how powerful these two sisters were? Was a spell to change her looks the best or the least of Tamara's abilities? And could Nicole do this as well?

Despite my questions, I was in no position to ask them. I had just cheated on my girlfriend. I was scum.

"How many what?" she asked, her voice still muffled by my shirt.

I lifted her chin to look at my face. She knew what I was asking. She just didn't want to answer it.

"How many times has she done this?" I asked.

"Umm...," Nicole said with a cringe. "Four?"

"Four times?!" I shouted. "She's done this to you four times?!"

"Actually, you'd be five," Nicole said, and her cringe gave way to real guilt. Her eyes looked away from mine. "I didn't think she even knew about you. I was going to tell you...after. I'm so stupid."

"Don't say that. You're not stupid," I reprimanded.

"I've had this exact conversation five times, I must be stupid," she argued. Then she looked into my eyes again, and a smile started. "Well, not this exact conversation. No one ever wanted me...not after Tamara."

"To start with, you're confusing being naïve with being stupid. You innocently believe that your sister will be good and your boyfriends will choose you. That isn't stupidity. That's hopeful and naïve, but it's not stupid."

Her smile grew as I went on.

"And if you're willing to overlook my lapse in...umm...judgement, for lack of a better word. I still want to be with you," I said humbly. "Do you still want to be with me?"

Her answer came in the form of a tighter hug and Nicole pushing her cheek against my chest.

"I'm sorry about your present," Nicole said, face still against my chest.

I let out a small regretful laugh.

"So am I," I replied with resentment. Perhaps I'd been a little too loud, but I was really sorry about my present.

Not quite how I saw my birthday going, but at least I hadn't lost the girl of my dreams. I just wouldn't be getting to have sex with her. Not after what had happened. I still had twenty days left. Perhaps we could get over this before I turned.

I wanted Nicole. The fake version had been pleasant. It was sex, of course, it was pleasant. But half of the enjoyment was derived from being with the one you wanted. After finding out that the woman I'd just been with hadn't been her? It diminished the act considerably in my mind.

# Chapter 9

After our talk, we sat on the couch silently for nearly an hour. Nicole leaned against my chest, and my arm stretched around her. I think Nicole was debating about whether she could really be with someone who had been with her sister. I, on the other hand, was wondering if I was worthy of someone like Nicole.

When she spoke, I was startled.

"Simon?" she asked, then proceeded to apologize for another thing that wasn't her fault. "Sorry, didn't mean to scare you."

"It's ok and quit saying sorry so much. I still don't understand why you want to stay with me? At the very least, you should be yelling at me," I said, looking down at her.

She tilted her head to look up at me, but all I saw was happiness. No sign of the anger that should have been there, nor the disgust that I wouldn't blame her for.

"You wouldn't understand," she stated then looked away from my gaze. "My sister is..."

"Selfish?" I asked when she didn't finish it.

"Maybe," she replied, much too kindly, if you ask me.

"She practically runs my life. I'm her little sister. She raised me. If I tried to find someone she hadn't slept with yet, she'd sleep with him after we'd been together. I think that might be worse."

"I guess," I agreed. I could see the merit of her logic. It would be more like cheating then. Though I didn't think I deserved a pass for what I'd done.

"And...," she said while returning her gaze to my eyes. "If it happens again, just tell me. I'll try to understand."

My eyes grew wide.

"Understand?" I asked with shock. "No, you won't! If I ever let that happen again. You will leave me. Yell at me. Beat the shit out of me. Something." Then my tone softened. I wasn't mad at Nicole, I was mad at myself and frustrated because she wouldn't get mad at me. "But I'll make sure it never happens again."

I had noticed the subtle differences before, Tamara would not fool me again.

"But, if it does happen again," Nicole said, and a sadness came over her.

"I'm a werewolf. It will never happen again," I said with even more conviction.

Nicole laid her head back on my chest, and I could feel her smiling.

"So, I suppose I should explain about my sister and I being witches," she stated. I could even hear the smile in her voice.

"If you want to. I still feel like you should just yell at me until you feel better," I stated. It was the truth. I wanted her to yell at me. It would feel better than this. Her acceptance filled me with guilt.

She ignored my plea for some punishment and explained.

"Mom and dad died when we were young. We were raised by our grandmother," she started. "She was not kind. Not to me. Tamara was the elder sister. She was my grandmother's protégé. Anything Tamara wanted, Tamara got. So, when grandma died, Tamara took care of me. I was only nine, but I was old enough to do the housework. I clean her house, I get her supplies. Whatever Tamara needs, I'm there. That's how it's been, and it's not so bad. I owe her so much."

"Not so bad?" I asked indignantly.

"It is true that I haven't really had any boyfriends. She takes them all. But, everything else is fine," Nicole stated, though I could hear the hint of deception in her voice. Everything was not fine. Was she trying to convince me or herself?

"You don't have to sugar coat it with me. I want to know the truth," I explained.

"Tamara is Tamara," she said as if that statement meant anything to me. Then she explained it further. "She's not the leader of our coven, but she's Tamara. Everyone does what Tamara wants. Either out of fear or respect. I'm just the little sister. It's my job to take care of her now."

Then something came over her. She got excited.

"You know where werewolves come from, don't you?" Nicole asked.

It was clear to me that she rarely got to speak about witch subjects. Perhaps not even with her own coven. My excitement rose with hers, not because I wanted to know, I already knew. It was because I could give her something. This kind woman, so beautiful, yet so alone. I could give her my attention. I could listen. It didn't make up for the horrible thing I'd done to this incredible woman, but it was a place to start.

"Where?" I asked, hoping I didn't sound too fake.

"Witches," she said with a grin as she pushed away from my chest.

"Explain please," I said.

A strange look came over her. She looked disappointed, and her enthusiasm faded.

"You already know," she said and leaned back on my chest again.

And she thought she was stupid? What had Tamara done to Nicole? She was far from stupid.

"I'd still like to hear it from a witch's perspective. I have one book. It might not even be right," I said, hoping to cheer her up again.

"Ok," she relented, though her enthusiasm was gone. "A few centuries ago, witches got into a war of sorts with each other. The fighting was horrible. I hear that hundreds died with no clear winner. One side would take the advantage, then the other would retaliate."

"This went on for years until one witch, no one even knows which side she was on, but this witch put a curse on a man. He became her bloodthirsty protector. The first werewolf. And after that, no witch dared touch her. She quit the war. Just like that. And no one tried to stop her. The war went on but without her. She found peace with her chosen man. Eventually, they had a child."

I pulled Nicole in and listened intently. This was far beyond the story from my book. I'd had no idea about why the witch had cursed the man, nor that they had been together other than as protector and witch.

"Their life was happy until the child was twenty-one. On the twenty-first day of her twenty-first year, their daughter turned, just like her father. Without someone to protect, the girl went insane and killed everyone she came across."

I interrupted.

"I still don't understand how more werewolves were born. She was a beast without reason. How did she have children?" I asked, honestly interested. I had been right. The witch version of this story was much more detailed than the one in my book.

Nicole smiled up at me, happy to explain.

"She found a man to protect." Then she placed her head on my chest again and continued.

"Finally, after years and years of bloodshed, she found the man she needed. She found someone who didn't fear her. He didn't hate her. He loved her. He had fallen in love with her when she was in human form and didn't cower when she changed. The night he first saw her cursed form, he didn't run. He just accepted her for who she was."

I felt a little choked up after that tale. Perhaps it was the look on Nicole's face and the tears in the corner of her eyes when she checked to make sure I was still listening.

"My book doesn't have that part," I said.

"Everyone thinks of it as a curse, but it's not exactly a curse. I think of it as a love spell gone a little sideways," she said with a laugh, then wiped her tears away. "I really think that first witch intended it that way. The man did fall in love with her eventually. The spell just had some strange side effects."

"I guess you could see it like that," I agreed.

For the next few hours, we talked about nothing important. Mostly we just enjoyed sitting together on the couch. Eventually, Nicole stopped talking and drifted off to sleep. I carried her to my bed, completely intending to spend the night on the couch.

As I laid her out and covered her, she grabbed my wrist when I was about to leave.

"Sleep with me?" she asked, then added a joke to ease the tension she must have seen on my face. "I won't try anything. Promise."

That was all I needed. I slid into bed behind her and placed my arm across her waist. She grabbed my hand then slid it up between her breasts and hugged it until she was back to sleep.

I had never felt so content to not have sex. Never felt so wanted in all my life. It was better than sex. Yes, I still wanted to have sex with Nicole. I wasn't dead, but it could wait. This part was more important. It was what had been missing with the fake Nicole. Tamara hadn't wanted me, she had just wanted her way. And her goal was to keep me from Nicole. If only she knew how badly she had failed.

# Chapter 10

The dream was clearer this time. I rushed along a street I didn't recognize. My hands and forearms covered in brown fur. I could even make out the detail of my claws, the second claw on my left hand had split. It caused me pain as I ran along, but the hunger was more painful than the injury.

I smelled her scent, the scent of a woman aroused. She was the one I wanted, but where was she?

Then I turned a corner, following the intoxicating scent, and I saw her. The tall blond woman had her back to me, and she was flirting with a man only a little taller than she was.

I watched from the shadows as she laughed at the man's stupid jokes. The scent from her nearly made me blind with lust. Then the man put his hand on her shoulder, and it sent me into a rage. I charged the both of them, intending to kill the man but he noticed me. She hadn't seen me yet. The cowardly man screamed then took off running, and we were left alone.

As she turned to me, I wanted to protect her, to hold her, to love her. Her scent urging me to have my way with her. Her form eliciting thoughts of protecting her. I struggled against my darker impulses, and my loyal side won out. If she would have me, I would protect her. Even from the things my other self wanted to do to her.

Then she saw me and screamed. I lost the little control I still had over the beast within and tore into her chest.

I forced myself to wake up before I could see any more of the gruesome scene that I knew had happened. These were not just dreams. There was another dead woman out there, somewhere.

This new woman had looked very similar to Shelly. Tall, blonde and thin. This one didn't have larger breasts like Shelly, but other than that, they were nearly identical.

When I shot up in bed, I remembered Nicole. Where had she gone?

Thankfully I hadn't killed her. I looked down at my hands. No blood. No injury. They looked as clean as when I had finally fallen asleep. Which had been at nearly three AM. Lying next to Nicole had been too comfortable and too perfect to permit myself to sleep through it.

I had spent hours squeezing her lightly and listening to the comforting sounds she made. She would pull my hand more tightly to her chest, to make sure I wasn't going anywhere, then make sweet sounds of satisfaction.

I relished in the memory of holding Nicole as I got out of bed to search for her.

After I made my way to the living room, I recognized the smell of eggs and bacon cooking. Had my mom come over? Mike didn't cook. I'm not sure if he had even come home last night. I hadn't heard him at all, and I'd been awake most of the night.

"Hello?" I asked as I peered in through the kitchen doorway.

"Morning," Nicole chirped as she was scooping eggs onto a plate. The bacon sat on another plate with napkins under it.

"I thought you'd left," I said, feeling a great deal of relief.

"I can go if you want," she said with so much sadness that I didn't doubt her sincerity. That was not at all what I wanted.

"No. No. I was worried," I said then walked over to her.

I put my arm around her waist and realized that she was wearing one of my shirts. It had a restaurant logo on it, though I'd never been there. It had been a present from mom.

It didn't quite fit her so well. Her chest was stretching out the front. The shoulders of my shirt were too wide for her body. And, with the exception of her breasts, it was too large everywhere else as well.

Her smile warmed my heart as she stood on her toes, then kissed me on the cheek. Apparently, I'd done a good job of overcoming her self-doubt.

"Figured I'd make breakfast since you let me sleep here...," she looked down and held out my shirt. "And were kind enough to let me borrow a shirt."

"You can wear anything of mine you like," I said with a laugh. "But you don't have to make breakfast. Not that I'm complaining. It smells wonderful."

Then I got another grateful, loving smile from her as she sat down at the very small table we had in the kitchen.

The kitchen wasn't huge, so a table just big enough for two people was almost too much for it. The chair on the fridge side kept the fridge door from opening if someone had it pulled out. The one on the other side, nearly blocked the doorway coming into the kitchen.

Despite the cramped quarters, I enjoyed every minute of our cozy breakfast. Up until the point where I remembered the change that was coming. And the dreams.

The symptoms of my change were more attuned today than the day before. Not only could I smell Nicole's perfume, which was at least a day old. I could smell her deodorant. I hadn't been able to smell that yesterday. As well as the fact that she had eaten a doughnut or something similar. Probably on her way to buy the eggs and bacon. I knew for certain that we didn't have those in our fridge. We had nothing but Mike's beer and my cold pizza in there.

I nervously swallowed the delicious eggs and the perfect bacon before I decided that I needed to be honest with Nicole. Then I blurted it out.

"I think I killed Shelly," I said quickly, then added. "And another girl last night."

Nicole looked at me with mild disbelief, then an explosion of laughter forced its way through her closed lips.

"You're kidding, right?" she asked, trying to contain her amusement.

Not only did she find it ridiculous. For some reason, it was funny to her that I'd even considered it.

"No," I replied guiltily. "I've dreamt about both murders. I know exactly how they were killed."

"Ok," she said in a patronizing voice. "Let's put aside the fact that I can't see you doing it and look at this rationally. There are two very good reasons why it couldn't be you. Other than the fact that your twenty-one days are not up yet."

The look she gave me expressed her compassion as well as the absurdity she felt about my statement.

"Ok, hit me," I said, matching her tone.

"Well, for one. You have alibis for both nights," she stated, letting her food sit. She had put down the fork and put both hands together under her chin. She was very serious about this.

"What alibis?" I asked, still not believing her.

"You were at work for the first one. And last night?" she asked, lifting one eyebrow.

"I was with you, but maybe I slipped out while you were sleeping?" I asked defiantly.

She giggled again.

"I didn't get much sleep last night," she said with a grin that told me that she had been awake and feeling much the same as I had. That it was just too perfect to sleep through. "But that's also reason number two."

"I don't understand," I said.

"You have me," she stated with certainty. "I'm pretty sure last night wasn't a fluke."

"What do you mean?" I asked.

I didn't understand. What did last night have to do with anything? We hadn't had sex. In fact, I had cheated on Nicole. How did that make me not a killer?

"You wouldn't kill like that. You have someone to protect. Right?" she asked hopefully, and I understood how right she was.

One look in her eyes and I knew it. I may not have been in love with her yet, but it was coming. If I let my guard down for one second, I'd fall. Not that I'd mind. I just wasn't sure I was ready. And I doubted she was. Not after what I had done.

The look on her face, as I processed this, was one that made me feel horrible. It was the same as when she realized Mike didn't want her. Like she had hoped for too much and was preparing for the bad news.

"Yes," I said after a pause that was too long. She misunderstood.

"That's ok. You don't have to patronize me. I understand," she sighed. Then she looked down at her food.

"You are the one," I said adamantly. "I was just wondering what all protecting you would involve." I laughed, but it didn't seem to lift her spirits.

I desperately wanted to explain what I'd really been thinking about, but I was too ashamed. Did she really want to hear that I was falling for her? Especially one day after I had cheated on her. I didn't think she did.

"Oh," she responded, but she didn't sound convinced.

I concentrated on eating my food. The food prepared by the one I had enlisted myself to protect. Though I wasn't in love with her yet, I was most certainly her protector. I would gladly die for her, but I would rather I didn't have to.

After a few awkwardly silent moments, Nicole spoke.

"Let's quit all this talk about you being the killer and try to figure out why you're having these dreams," she said.

She had mysteriously finished her food while I was lost in thought. Mine was still half-eaten.

"How could I dream events from someone else's life? And why am I seeing the dream as if I am them?"

She was the witch. Surely she'd know more about this. It seemed more like magic than anything else. Not that I even understood magic.

"It would have to be someone close to you. Blood relative," she said then went on with questions. "Any brothers or sisters? They would be the most likely to share that kind of bond."

"No...oh, shit," I stated flatly.

"Does that mean yes?" she asked curiously.

"It means maybe. I just found out that my father isn't my father," I said vaguely.

"And?" she asked.

"I might have a brother or sister. My birth father is the werewolf. And I have no idea where he is. Or even who he is." I looked down at my eggs then gobbled them down. When I was finished, I tossed my plate in the sink and headed for my phone. Which was still in my bedroom.

"What are you doing?" Nicole asked as she tossed her plate in the sink then followed me.

"I'm calling mom. There's so much I don't know," I stated as I briskly walked across the living room, into my bedroom, then returned with my phone.

Upon seeing me, Nicole sat on the couch and waited for me to sit with her.

It was so nice to see her like that. She was apprehensive but in a cute way. Like she hoped I'd pick the seat next to her. Where else in the world would I want to sit? Where else would I rather be than beside the woman I had chosen to give my life for?

After I was beside her, I pulled her head onto my lap. She didn't seem to mind. In fact, she even smiled as she figured out what I was doing.

When she was more comfortable with it, she stretched out on the couch, staring right up at me. I played with her hair after dialing mom's number. At any minute, I expected to wake up, and this to also be a dream, but it wasn't. This woman in my lap wanted me. I could see it in her gaze. In those beautiful brown eyes with gold streaks. She really wanted me. She didn't believe I wanted her, but I could change that. How had I gotten so lucky?

As the phone rang, I continued to stroke Nicole's hair and realized how quickly I was falling for her. I may not have been ready, but my heart didn't care.

Then a horrifying thought occurred to me. What if I couldn't protect her? That one sentence produced a feeling of dread like I have never felt. There was no thought more terrifying than 'What if I can't keep her safe?'. Then my horror was interrupted as I heard my mom's voice mail pick up.

I took my hand off of Nicole's hair reluctantly and dialed the only other person who might have the answers, dad. I desperately hoped that he would pick up.

As I waited, I looked down at Nicole again, wondering how I'd ever suspected her. The guilt was almost as bad as when I had found out I had sex with Tamara instead of Nicole. However, it was doubtful anything would ever be able to top the guilt I felt for that.

Finally, dad picked up.

"Happy birthday," he said too joyfully.

"I think you know why I'm calling, dad," I stated dryly.

He was silent for a while, then cleared his throat.

"I'm sorry. I figured it was for the best," he explained.

The calmness I felt, stroking Nicole's hair, almost alleviated the anger. But not all of it.

"Really? Do you realize what happens if I don't find someone to protect?" I asked, loudly, though I felt like shouting. I was very glad for Nicole at that moment. Shouting would probably have caused my dad to hang up.

"Those are just stories in a book. The reality...," he started, but I didn't let him finish.

"I think I know the reality of it. I'm living it. Believe me. The story is very true," I replied angrily.

"How was I to know? The research I found said that you could control it if you tried hard enough," he said.

"This is magic, dad. A curse," I replied.

He laughed.

"Magic? Oh, come on now, son," he patronized.

I wanted to give him proof, but I had learned my lesson the first time. Nicole was not going to suffer, so I could win an argument. Not again.

"Dad. I'm a werewolf. Believe me. Magic is very real," I said sternly.

"If you say so...," he started. I cut him off once more.

"I just want one thing from you and your support isn't it. I know what I know," I said, anger rising in my voice again.

Nicole reached up to the hand that was caressing her hair and grabbed it with both of hers. She pulled it to her chest, and I leaned to the side to allow her to do it. It was like she knew what I needed. My voice softened as I continued.

"I just need to know my birth father's name. I'm fairly certain I have a brother or sister out there killing people. I need to stop it," I said calmly then Nicole pressed my hand up to her lips and kissed it. I gave her a grateful smile in return.

"Oh...uhh...are you sure?" he asked nervously.

"Yes. Just tell me," I said sternly but without the anger.

It was hard to be angry with Nicole smiling at me and holding my hand so gently. The look of her small hands covering my large one made me happier than I could express. 'Thank you' I mouthed to her. I wasn't sure my smile was enough gratitude for what she was doing for me. But the smile she gave me was more than enough reward.

"His name was Sean LeDrone. Pretty sure he was French or something," my father said.

"Do you know what he looked like?" I asked. Nicole cringed, and I almost laughed.

"No, I don't know what he looked like," my father said with disgust. "I didn't find out for five years. I just know his name. I left the next day. Your mother and I never spoke of it again."

"Sorry, dad. I had to ask. This is really important," I stated. Nicole lost her silly face and looked at me with concern again.

"I knew this day was coming, and it still hurts. I figured you'd want to meet him someday," dad said with sadness.

"I don't think you get what's happening here, dad. I don't want to meet him. I want to stop my brother or sister. I just need his help finding them. You're still my dad. Nothing will ever change that," I explained.

I could almost hear the sadness wash away from him as he sighed. He probably thought I couldn't hear it. Even over the phone, my new ears caught it.

"I love you, son. I'm sorry I don't know more. Tell your mom that I give her permission to speak about it," dad replied. Then he sat there for a few moments, and I could tell he was going to add more. "I thought I was doing the right thing for you. I really did."

"I love you too, and don't worry, dad. I solved it on my own. I found someone to protect," I said, and Nicole rolled her eyes. Again I almost laughed.

Then we both hung up.

"I need to know something," Nicole said as she slid up to nearly sitting on my lap...sideways.

"What?" I asked.

She leaned in and kissed me on the lips, gently at first. Then like the first time, she opened her mouth slightly, waiting. Next, I felt her tongue gently slide across my lips, and I reciprocated.

This kiss lasted longer than the first. I was getting the hang of how to kiss her and not hold my breath. I wanted it to last as long as possible. This was the woman I had wanted to kiss yesterday.

As I thought this, my mind was assaulted by a thought that I had forced myself not to think about out of guilt. If she kissed like this. How good would the sex be?

With Tamara, the kiss and the sex had been forceful and in a hurry. This kiss was not, and I hoped...

"What's on your mind?" she asked as she broke the kiss.

I pushed the feelings back down. I couldn't do that to Nicole. There had to be time between what I'd done and when I would let myself want her like that. I couldn't let myself just forget what I'd done. Nicole deserved so much better.

"Just enjoying the kiss." It was a partial truth, but I hid the rest.

"Better than Tamara?" she teased. Though I could see the fear in her eyes. Her teasing tone covered the worry she kept inside. I could even hear her heartbeat quicken as she waited for me to answer.

"Not even in the same league," I said with a laugh, but my words must have been confusing.

"Oh," she said with disappointment.

"Nicole, I meant you were better," I explained.

"You don't have to say that," she sighed as she tried to stand up.

"Please, Nicole. Let me explain," I said quickly, and she stopped.

After she was securely in my lap again, I began trying to explain my statement.

"When I kissed her, I was disappointed. I wondered if I had been imagining how good it was to kiss you. Then...just now. I knew it wasn't my imagination. You are so much better than her in every way." Finally, I felt like I had explained it in a way that left no possibility for misunderstanding.

"Oh," she said, this time without the disappointment.

I was still concerned though, because there was no happiness. No realization of how magnificent she was in my eyes. That would take much more than one well-worded statement. That would take time. Time for me to prove how I felt.

"Please tell me that you'll kiss me again," I begged. "Please."

"Maybe," she said, and her cheerfulness started to return.

"Knowing what it's like to kiss you...I'm not sure what I'd do without it," I said with a laugh and watched her spirit's lift even further. This was going to be a hard battle.

I didn't know all of it, but I had caught some hints. Nicole was not very self-confident. Whatever her sister and her grandmother had done to her, had broken her spirit. She felt unworthy of affection. Like it was a gift, not something she deserved. Believe me, she deserved more than I could possibly give her. She'd just have to make do with me. I wasn't about to share her, nor give her up. I'd just have to learn to be what she deserved.

# Chapter 11

Nicole stayed until three in the afternoon that day, watching TV from the couch with me. I was glad for the closeness, though I kept myself from wanting anything more. I didn't even feel worthy of another wonderful kiss. Not after what I'd done. I just hoped that I was giving Nicole what she wanted. And I prayed that I was on my way to proving how much I cared for her.

Nicole headed back home to care for Tamara, even though I tried to talk her out of it. I gave in because she was very determined. Who was I to tell her what to do? I was the man who had cheated on her. I didn't see that conversation going very well, so I didn't push it too hard.

As she left, she looked at me guiltily.

"I'll be back at about eight?" It sounded like she wanted permission to come back. As if I'd refuse? I didn't want her to go.

"What would you like for dinner? I'm not the best cook, but I'll try. Or if you prefer, I can order food," I stated.

"Don't you dare," she said, taking my offer for dinner as permission to come back. "I'll make the food. What would you like?"

"Something simple," I stated, not really sure I wanted her to cook for me again. Not that she was a bad cook. I just didn't feel like she should be cooking for a cheater like me.

She grinned then kissed me on the cheek.

"How about steak? Wolves like steak, I hear," she said with a laugh. Then she headed out the door.

I held it open, not answering for a few seconds. Still unable to believe that this wonderful woman wanted to make me steak. Then, I rushed into the hall to give her my response.

"I'll run down and pick some up," I said with enthusiasm.

She turned at the stairs and gave me a scolding look.

"I'll buy the food. You just make sure you're hungry," she said then she disappeared down the stairs.

I sat on the couch, unsure if I wanted to play Xbox or revel in the fact that the most perfect woman in the world wanted to make dinner for me. I chose to sit in silence and thank fate.

At about nine o'clock, I started to worry.

Not having any way to contact her, it was all I could do. I didn't know where she lived. Didn't know where Tamara lived. I knew nothing about this woman who meant the world to me. I resolved myself to finding out everything when she returned as I waited...and waited...and then the sun rose. I knew it was all my fault.

How had I not seen it coming? I had cheated on her. With her sister, no less. Of course, my perfect Nicole would leave me. That was why she hadn't given me her cellphone number. No address. I didn't even know her last name. Because she had planned to leave.

I wasn't quite sure why she went through all the trouble of the charade. That part didn't make sense, but the rest I felt I deserved.

I spent the next two days in bed, wallowing in self-pity. Only leaving my bed to use the bathroom or get the door when the pizza guy came. I even called in sick to work.

Believe me. I was sick. Sick of looking at my stupid ugly cheating face in the mirror. Sick of being me. Sick of not being good enough for her.

As dirty clothes and pizza boxes filled my bedroom floor, I contemplated ways to punish myself. Things I could do to make sure I never ever made that mistake again.

Not that I'd ever find someone as good as Nicole. But, I didn't deserve someone like Nicole. Women like Nicole, if there even was anyone else that perfect, deserved men who didn't cheat on them. Men who would do anything to please them. Men much better than me.

It was two in the afternoon, while I was contemplating getting a tattoo of the word 'Cheater' written across my chest, that I heard the door open.

My excitement overshadowed my doubts, and I rushed into the living room to see...mom picking up the empty pizza boxes that hadn't made it to my room. As she carried the boxes, she noticed my face fall and my body slump. I think she even recognized why.

"Oh, honey. What happened?" she asked, dropped the boxes, and rushed over to me.

How does a mother's concern always turn a strong, determined man into a puddle of goo? Is that voice attached to some buried feelings? Does it bring out the child in every man? Needless to say, I started sobbing as my mommy held my head.

"I really fucked up, mom," I said and leaned over her shoulder, tears in my eyes, almost ready to fall.

"It can't be that bad. And watch your language," she scolded.

"She left me," I said and felt the tears falling.

"She wasn't good enough...," she started, but not even my mother was allowed to disparage Nicole.

"It's my fault! Not hers!" I shouted through the tears and pulled myself away. "Nicole did absolutely nothing wrong. I did!"

This produced a look of recognition in my mother.

"You didn't?" she asked with fear.

"I did," I replied and hung my head.

My mother did exactly the right thing. She didn't try to comfort me or make arguments in my defense. She simply headed to my room and started to clean it up.

I walked in shamefully and sat on the bed as I watched my mother cleaning and found some comfort.

"What am I going to do?" I asked her.

Mom stopped and turned. A stern look on her face.

"If she ever speaks to you again. You will get on your hands and knees and beg her to forgive you. You will not ask anything of her other than that. Do you hear me?" mom scolded.

"Yes, mom," I replied and hung my head once more.

"My boy was not raised to treat women like that. You will show her the respect she deserves. If, by some miracle, she takes you back. You make sure every minute of every day is spent showing her just how much you realize how badly you fucked up," she said then smiled. "Pardon my French."

Mom went back to cleaning as I let her words sink in. She was right. I was scum. No, scum wouldn't even give me the time of day. I was the lowest form of life on the planet. I was a cheater.

After resigning myself to my lonely fate, I was reminded of my other problem. My French birth father.

"Do you know what Sean LeDrone looks like? Where I can find him?" I asked. Still sulking, but calmer.

"I can't...," she started, but I interrupted.

"Dad said you could talk about it. It's ok," I explained.

"I'm sorry, he died," mom said.

I was very proud of her at that moment. There was the right amount of grief. The grief of an acquaintance. Not of a lover. Then another thought occurred to me.

"Why did you do it?" I asked, hoping to understand why she would cheat on a man she clearly loved.

Perhaps this might help me with my situation. I had been tricked, but still. I had known something was wrong. If I had just stopped long enough to ask questions. Slowed things down enough to understand why. Maybe I'd still have Nicole beside me.

"I'm not really sure," she evaded. Then she turned and saw the look on my face and decided that I needed to hear it.

She sat beside me on the bed and patted my leg. Her heart went out to me, but she would not be making any excuses for my behavior. It was just what I needed from her.

"I was at a bar while your father was away for work. He'd been gone for a week, with a week left."

"I just had a couple glasses of wine with friends. We laughed and joked, then they headed home. As I was paying my tab, a tall, dark man walked in the bar. I'd never seen him before, and something about him was..." She struggled for a word, grasping her hands in an attempt to find it. "I don't know. There was just something about him. Something primal. Something urgent." She looked up at me with a fondness for this memory, but it was tempered by disgust. I understood the disgust part very well.

"I barely remember what we spoke about. Ten minutes later, we were in his hotel room. It was...," she said with a smile as she remembered the feelings then she forced it away. "A mistake. A horrible, unforgivable mistake."

"He was killed in a car accident the next day." A sadness crept over my mother. Then she went on. "His mother came to find me a year later and gave me the book." She motioned to the book on my dresser, and her sadness grew. "She explained everything. A few years later, I told your father."

Now she looked like she might join me in my sobbing.

"It's the worst possible thing you can do to another person, you know?" mom asked, and I saw the tears. "Betray them so deeply. Hurt them in a way only you can. That is why I beat it into that stupid man brain of yours since you were old enough to notice girls." She poked at my skull and grinned, which made me laugh. "Yet, you still did it."

"I'm sorry, mom. I let you down," I said, and my grin washed away as my head slumped again.

"Don't tell me. Tell her. She is the one you let down," mom said and gave me a hug. "Better yet. If you do get the chance. Don't tell her. Show her. Be the man she needs. Be the man she deserves." Then she backed away and started laughing. "After you apologize until you're hoarse and your knees are numb."

"Yes, mom," I said and smiled sadly at her.

Afterward, mom finished cleaning my room, cleaned up the living room, did the dishes, then made me dinner. I moped around the apartment the whole time. Contemplating how I could ever make it up to Nicole if she did return. Going over every word I'd say if she gave me a second chance.

Four days after she left, Nicole finally returned. By then, I had quit my job at Sam's Fresh Burger. I had fifteen days left of my sanity. I wasn't about to waste them ordering teenagers around and groveling to customers. The fact that I had gotten into five arguments with customers on the day I went back, caused me to realize that I wasn't doing them any favors either.

My symptoms had progressed. I now felt the rage without the slightest provocation. Not being with Nicole was becoming a problem. If I wasn't mad at myself, I was mad at anyone in my way. I was on my way to becoming the unattached rage-filled beast that I had read about.

And as soon as I opened the door, I felt all the rage wash away.

"Hi, Simon," she said with a cringe that I'd come to expect.

"Where have you been?" I asked and nearly pulled her into the apartment.

My excitement seemed to please her. Her cringe became a smile as I ushered her to the couch. I plopped down and waited, but she picked at her fingernails while she stood in front of me.

All my words that I had planned out so carefully, faded in my mind. All that I could think about was the fact that she had come back.

"You really missed me?" she asked.

"You have no idea," I said, nearly sighing as I said it.

"What have you been up to?" she asked.

"Just missing you," I said, realizing that something really strange was going on.

Why was she acting so shy? Nicole was shy, but she was not this shy. She was reserved and self-conscious, but she didn't act like this.

I inhaled deeply. Her perfume was really strong today. Overpowering every other scent. My nose had gotten pretty sharp recently, but I couldn't smell anything besides her perfume. It filled the apartment like a sweet-smelling cloud.

"Oh," she said, then sat beside me.

"Are you ok?" I asked.

"I'm fine. What do you want to do?" she asked. She continued to pick at her nails, giving me nervous glances. "Would you like to go to the bedroom?"

That was about the time I understood what was happening, and I came up with a plan. I pushed my anger to the side and concentrated on doing exactly what my mother told me. I'd show Nicole that I could be faithful.

"Let's play some Ruins," I said then hopped up and turned on the TV and Xbox.

I saw her frustration grow as I handed her the controller, and I could barely contain my satisfied grin.

"You said you wanted me to play with you, right?" I asked slyly. Hoping I wasn't being too obvious.

Nicole turned to me, and I saw her eyes turn blue. Disgust filled her face.

"Is that all you two do?" she asked as her body changed into Tamara.

"Wouldn't you like to know?" I asked with contempt, feeling very proud of how I'd turned Tamara down.

"Yes, I would," she said and held up her hands.

I could feel the air in my lungs being forced out. I started to gasp, but no breath would come. As my vision faded, I saw the hateful look on her face.

"What can you possibly see in her?" were the last words I remember hearing before I passed out.

When I woke, I was in a dark room. There were bars for walls. It looked like an abandoned prison. Even the smell told me that this place hadn't been used in years. The cot I was on was brand new, but the rest smelled of mold and rats.

I sat up and looked around at many more cages, just like the one I was in. Mine the only one with an occupant. Then my eyes found Tamara.

"Good, you're awake," Tamara said with disdain.

She was standing outside my cell with her arms crossed. If it wasn't for her attitude and cruelty, she would almost be as pretty as her little sister. Yes, she was thin but still pretty. Then I was suddenly aware of how the beauty of a woman was so closely tied to how they act with you. In that category alone, Nicole was the most beautiful woman in the entire world, and Tamara didn't even rank.

The evil witch wore blue jeans and a white frilly blouse. The top looked too fancy to go with the jeans that had a hole in one knee, but it would have still looked pretty. If it hadn't been Tamara.

"You're about the most pathetic werewolf I've ever met," she spat then started to pace around the outside of my cage.

"I'm not a werewolf," I said.

"Oh, really?" Tamara asked, unconvinced.

"Not for another fifteen days," I said, hoping I hadn't been knocked out longer than I assumed.

It might be fourteen. Who knew how long I'd been down here? I was starving, so it must have been a while. Despite my hunger, I wasn't about to let Tamara see it. I didn't want to owe her anything. She was the manipulative type, she'd expect repayment in a way I would not allow. I would starve before I betrayed Nicole again. I had vowed to die for Nicole. Dying for her trust would at least let me die with a clear conscience.

"Well, still. You play video games and serve people hamburgers. What the hell kind of werewolf do you think you'll be? You couldn't protect yourself, let alone a witch." She seemed very adamant, almost too convinced of my inferiority.

"Then why go through all the trouble of kidnapping me? Why keep Nicole away from me?" I asked. I assumed that had been why Nicole had been absent.

And maybe I was just hoping, but if that was the case. Nicole didn't hate me. Maybe I'd have my chance to prove to her what kind of man I was. I could show her what she meant to me. Become the man she needed and deserved. Even the thought of her pushed the beast back. I felt more like me than I had in days.

"I'm just protecting her from becoming too attached to you," Tamara said angrily.

"Oh, really?" I asked with contempt. "It has nothing to do with the fact that I want her instead of you?"

Tamara laughed and uncrossed her arms long enough to throw her hands in the air.

I could see the truth in the way she walked. Someone wanting Nicole instead of her was something she didn't think possible. It was also something she wouldn't allow to happen.

"And why would I even want you? You're so pathetic. Just like her," she said, then crossed her arms again and stared at me.

I could tell by her false contempt that she was trying to play an angle. Berate me and convince me of my inferiority. Perhaps this is what Nicole had endured for years. I would not fall for it. She would not belittle me into betraying Nicole. I would never betray Nicole ever again!

"Then let me protect her," I said.

My anger was growing, but I didn't want to press my luck. I had wanted to add a barb about her not being able to hold me longer than fifteen days but figured that it would only piss her off more.

"Why her?" Tamara asked.

"Does it really matter?" I asked in response.

This seemed to frustrate her, and I reveled in it.

"Answer the question," she said loudly.

I would not play Tamara's game. Why I wanted Nicole was none of her business. She could just guess and fret about it. If I died, Tamara would always have me as a reminder that someone chose Nicole over her.

"When are you letting me out of here?" I asked instead.

"Never, if you don't answer my question," she said spitefully.

I couldn't stop myself. It was just too perfect.

"It will be a very short never. You really think this cage will hold a werewolf?" I asked with a satisfied grin.

"Arg!" she huffed, then stormed off.

I felt very proud of myself. The anger hadn't overcome me. My insinuations had been slight, but they had elicited the correct response. Tamara knew that to me, Nicole was superior and that would haunt her forever, no matter what happened to me.

Tamara returned after about five minutes with Nicole. She was pulling her by her hair, and Nicole was wearing the same clothes she'd had on when she left my apartment. They were dirty and ruffled, just like her long beautiful hair, that was now knotted and matted.

"Tell him you don't want him!" Tamara shouted.

"I won't lie to him," Nicole said meekly.

I felt the rage rise in me as soon as I recognized Nicole. I could feel something unfamiliar inside of my body. All my muscles tensed as I gripped the cot. As soon as I heard the wooden frame crack, I let go and stood. I crossed the cage quickly, which startled Tamara. As I stood only inches from the bars, she pulled back, releasing Nicole.

When I spoke, my voice sounded strange. Lower than normal, more like a beast. I could feel strange teeth in my mouth, as well.

"Don't you ever touch her again!" I shouted.

I slammed against the bars, and the cage shook. Maybe I wouldn't have to wait fifteen days. The strength I felt, I could have toppled the bars now.

Nicole didn't look afraid. In fact, she moved closer to the cage and put her hand on my forearm.

Her touch soothed me, and I felt my new fangs descend.

"Are you ok?" I asked Nicole, my voice back to normal.

Instead of answering me, she turned to Tamara.

"I'm taking him home," she said sternly then waved her hand, and my cage unlocked.

The fear I saw in Tamara's eyes confused me. Was she afraid of me being loose or her sister standing up for herself? I doubted I would get my answer, so I grabbed Nicole's hand as she led the way out of this dungeon.

We walked through many more rows of cages, each of them empty and unused. Eventually, we reached a set of lighted stairs. It surprised me how Nicole was able to navigate through this pitch-black dungeon, almost as if she could see as well as I could in the dark. The other possibility was that she had been held here often. I shivered at the thought and forced myself not to think of Nicole down here all alone.

When we reached the top of the stairs, I was surprised to see the door open to an empty field. We were in the middle of the country, maybe a mile from town. The area was fenced in with a twenty-five-foot tall security fence, but there were no buildings anywhere to be seen. Then my eyes found two cars parked at the gate, which was wide open.

It was dark out, the only light from the half-moon. I'd lost another full day.

I was about to ask which car to get in when Nicole turned and grabbed both my shoulders. She looked at me very seriously as she spoke.

"Are you sure you want to do this? Tamara won't forgive you if you chose me again," she said with such conviction.

Did she not understand? I'd turned Tamara down. My cleverly hidden insults to Tamara were insults none the less. But Nicole hadn't heard any of that. My pride would be mine alone. I was not about to flaunt the fact that I'd chosen Nicole. Not unless Nicole asked me.

Nicole was too perfect. Bragging would make me sound vain. It would also sound false. It might even lead to her doubting me. I couldn't handle that. I knew I had been faithful, and that would have to be enough.

"I've made my choice," I replied. Then I remembered how easily Nicole would assume the worst. I decided to make myself perfectly clear. "I choose you."

This produced a slight grin, then more worry, as she turned and led me toward the car which must have been hers.

I was surprised at how new the car was and how expensive. It was a Mercedes Benz, almost brand new. Nicole's was black, the other one silver, but the same car. Inside I could smell the leather seats and the scent of a new car.

I didn't even have the money to buy a junk car. Where in the world did Nicole get the money for a brand new one? Was it Tamara's money? Or was Nicole wealthy as well? I wanted to understand Nicole's life better, but now was not the time. She still looked upset and worried. And I had a long way to go before I would be able to ask Nicole for anything.

Just like mom had said. I couldn't just tell her. I had to show her...which would take time.

While we drove down the dirt road and eventually found a highway, I could sense the concern from Nicole. I could smell the fact that she had been held prisoner for days. She hadn't eaten, hadn't showered, hadn't even been allowed to change clothes.

"Are you ok, Nicole?" I asked.

"I'm fine," she said without a second thought. She even added a weak smile, but I didn't believe it.

"Why did she hold you prisoner?" I asked, hoping she might answer this one.

"She just wanted to prove a point," Nicole said, this time not smiling.

"What point is that?" I asked, dreading the answer.

"That you were just like the other guys." She glanced at me and gave me a real smile this time. "You proved her wrong." Then it faded to sadness.

She knew! Tamara had told her how I had rejected her. Then why didn't she look happy about it?

As I contemplated it, she explained.

"But I can't be with you. I'm...I'm not ready."

"What?!" I asked loudly.

"Tamara may not have tempted you, but she did prove her other point. I couldn't escape. I just sat there for four days, and I couldn't do anything. I'm not ready to be out in the real world." I was about to object, but she wasn't finished. "I keep trying, but Tamara is always right. I'm not ready. I'll end up getting you killed because I'm too weak. Or worse..."

"You don't have to be strong. I will be strong enough for both of us," I objected, and although I didn't know if I believed it, I wanted it to be true. I'd somehow make it true. Then I wondered about her other concern. "What do you mean by 'Or worse'?"

"That's really sweet, but you couldn't get out of the cage either," she stated.

She ignored my other question. And I didn't feel I had the right to ask it a second time. Instead, I decided to enforce my offer to be strong enough for both of us.

"I didn't get the chance to try," I explained. "And besides. When you were in danger, I almost took the wall down."

Nicole gave me a weak smile, I was winning her over.

"I wasn't in any danger. But I did notice. You nearly pulled the bars from the ceiling," she said.

"See? I'm getting stronger. I will protect you," I argued.

"What if I get you killed because I'm weak?" she asked.

"I don't care. Every day with you will be worth it. Even if it's our last." I meant every word. Perhaps it was the wolf in me talking, but I truly didn't care if I died. Just as long as I got another day by Nicole's side.

"Ok, you win," she said, and her true smile came out.

That was the smile I'd do anything to see. That was the one that filled me with joy.

For the rest of the ride home, we were mostly silent. I leaned back and relished in the thought of getting another chance to prove to Nicole how much I cared for her. Eventually, she would come to understand that I wanted her and only her. No one else in the whole world mattered more than she did. Tamara had been a horrible, unforgivable mistake, but I would never allow anything like that to happen again.

I nervously placed my hand on her leg as she drove and she didn't object. I think she even wanted it there. She did give me another smile, though this one was not kind and sweet. This one had more of a playful look to it.

As my heart raced and my hand shook, I pushed it out of my mind. I hadn't waited long enough yet. Maybe another few days. Maybe then I'd be able to think about Nicole like that, without feeling the shame of how badly I'd betrayed her. But not today.

# Chapter 12

On the way back to the apartment, Nicole stopped at a supermarket. I waited in the car while she grabbed some food. Her idea. I wasn't entirely sure why she insisted on me staying in the car, but I also wasn't about to argue with her. She had sort of rescued me, though technically we had rescued each other. And I had my second chance. Nicole was the boss now. Anything and everything she asked, would be law to me from now on. A decree from the woman who somehow deemed me worthy of another chance.

After she was inside the store, I saw myself in the mirror, and I understood.

It was my eyes. They were bloodshot, and the irises were red. Blood red. Although I had pushed back the fangs, I couldn't get my eyes to return to normal. I knew that sunglasses would be in my future until I learned how to control them. At least in public.

As I looked closer at myself, I noticed the bones in my face. They were more pronounced. I couldn't completely change yet, but something under my skin was changing. Perhaps sunglasses wouldn't hide everything about me that was different.

When Nicole returned, we headed back to the apartment. I gladly carried the two bags of groceries in while trying not to devour the raw steaks. Believe me, it was a real struggle. Even wrapped in plastic, I could smell them.

Once in the kitchen, I began to lay out the food Nicole had bought. Steaks, eggs, asparagus, and some instant mashed potatoes. She had gone all out and knew that I needed a lot of food during my change. It didn't surprise me that she knew so much about my needs during my transformation. She was a great deal more intelligent than she gave herself credit for, but I would never take her for granted.

I wasn't a great cook so I just hoped I could make a meal she would enjoy. I had gotten out a few pans but hadn't started cooking anything yet. Then, as I was unwrapping the steaks, she grabbed my wrists sternly, and I panicked. What had I done wrong already?

She looked at me with the sweetest smile. A sharp contrast from her hands which held my wrists tightly.

"I'm making supper," she commanded. "Remember?"

"But you're my guest. I want to make you food," I stated, almost pleading.

Somehow, deep inside, I knew I wasn't going to win this argument. Her smile said she cared about me, her grip told me to give in. So I removed my hands from the steaks and took a step back.

"I'm the witch. I take care of you. You protect me. That's the deal," she stated.

"Ok," I relented.

"You could stay and talk to me," she said, and her smile weakened. Almost like she didn't dare ask for something she wanted.

"You're the boss," I said with a laugh, but she didn't join me.

"I'm not your boss. I just take care of you," she said blankly.

"You're the witch. That makes you the boss," I said, using her own words against her.

"Fine," she relented, and I heard her laugh a little.

While she started cooking the wonderful smelling food, I decided to ask some of the questions that had been bothering me. Hoping that I wasn't overstepping.

"How rich are you guys?" I asked to start. This was an easy one.

"Mom and dad had a lot of money," she said while moving swiftly around the kitchen.

I got the impression that she was a very good cook due to years of practice. I doubted Tamara cooked for herself. Which brought the next set of questions back with urgency. But I wasn't ready to ask them yet. First, I needed to keep them simple. Ask about her money.

"So, it belongs to you and Tamara?" I asked.

"Yes," she stated. "When I turned twenty, I got my half. It's a lot." Then she giggled.

She was recently rich. This explained some things. It certainly explained the new car that wasn't even broken in yet. I'd seen the odometer while I waited outside the supermarket. It had less than a thousand miles on it.

What it didn't explain was why this gorgeous woman wanted to cook for me. Why she insisted on taking care of me when I should have been waiting on her hand and foot. I had nothing, no savings, and I had just quit my job. Plus, I had cheated on her. Why was she the one serving me?

"Tell me about your family...if you don't mind," I said, adding the second part to give her a way out.

I didn't want to force anything. If she didn't want to talk about it, who was I to insist on it? She owed me nothing. I, on the other hand, felt like I owed her everything.

She kept me calm. I wasn't sure I could do this without her. I'd seen four days of that and didn't know if I could handle any more. If she allowed it, I'd stay by her side for the remainder of my fourteen days. Tonight was almost over. It was after midnight, and I was sure that after we ate, Nicole would want to go to bed. She looked very tired.

I waited patiently. I needed her to understand that it was a request, not an order. I was in no position to require anything from her. So, I felt the need to add more.

"If it's uncomfortable, I'll understand. You don't have to talk about it. I was just curious," I said anxiously. I felt like I had pushed too hard.

It took her a few moments before she spoke. She laughed nervously as she started and it worried me.

"Mom and dad died when I was six. So, grandma took us in. Then, when I was nine, grandma died. Tamara is older than me by ten years, so she took care of me. I owe her a lot," she said sadly.

This explained some of Nicole's behavior. I listened closely and didn't interrupt as she went on.

"I know Tamara seems cruel, but she's always looked out for me. Showing me what those other guys were really like before they broke my heart," she said, though I didn't really believe the words. She didn't even sound like she was convinced by them.

Somewhere inside her, Nicole saw what I saw in Tamara. A woman trying to keep control over her little sister. Keeping her away from anyone who might take her away. It would be sweet if Tamara wasn't so cruel about it. If she hadn't taken it too far.

I would not be the one to force Nicole to see this. I would be there for her. I'd give her support, but Nicole would have to be the one to come to this conclusion herself. Although I suspected that she already knew. She was just not ready to admit it.

I decided that I was making Nicole uncomfortable and tried to change subjects.

"So, how strong are you?" I asked with a laugh.

This did not go as I'd hoped.

"Tamara is very gifted," she stated with pride. Then it gave way to sadness as she spoke about herself. "I'm still a novice. I can barely move objects."

"The lock on my cage?" I asked, hoping to prove that she was more than she believed.

"A simple spell. That's about the extent of what I can do," she said, pretending to concentrate on the food.

I could see the self-doubt and sadness on her face.

"You'll get stronger. You're helping me so much. Anything you need, I'll gladly do," I said and saw her smile return.

"Am I really helping you?" she asked with disbelief.

I could not pass up the chance to reassure her, possibly flatter her a little. She deserved so much more.

"I was without you for four days. I'm a wreck without you. You have no idea how much you do for me just by being near me. Your smile fills me with peace when everything else causes the rage to spiral out of control," I said.

"Really?" she asked.

I stood and walked up behind her. Then I slid one hand around her waist. With the other, I pushed her hair away from her neck. Next, I kissed the back of her neck gently.

"Really," I stated.

I could see the smile in her cheeks. Even from behind. Then, as she tipped her head to look at me, I knew I'd succeeded.

"Enough of that. Go sit down before I burn your food," she said with a giggle, and I felt victorious.

I had done it. I had made her feel wanted. At least for a moment. I didn't believe that it would last long, but for that moment, she understood how much I wanted her to be there.

The rest of the conversations were inane, both while she finished cooking, and while we ate. I didn't dare ask anything else of her. She'd tell me when she was ready to talk. What we had was still a struggle and still uncertain. There was no way I was going to push her away, I needed her more than she needed me.

After supper, she wanted to sit on the couch and watch a little TV before bed. I happily agreed. Nicole took her position, head in my lap, legs stretched out along the couch. This time she laid sideways to watch the TV while I stroked her still messy hair. I had offered her a shower, but she said she would take one before bed. She wanted time to 'unwind' first.

As I stroked her hair, attempting to pull some of the knots out of it, Mike came in. He looked to be in a hurry.

"Hey, guys," he said, almost cheerfully.

He apparently had no problem with us being together.

"Where you been, man?" I asked.

"New girl. I'm staying with her. Just here to grab some supplies," he said as he raised his eyebrows quickly a few times. He meant condoms. Possibly clean clothes.

"Is she nice?" I asked. Just to be polite. I honestly didn't care. I was glad he'd be gone. More time for me and Nicole to be alone.

Mike rushed to his room without answering. Then as he zoomed by to the front door, he answered.

"You'd like her. She's sort of like Nicole. Blonde but less...," he started then paused as he saw my face.

If he said frumpy or even insinuated that Nicole was heavy, I would be at his throat in under a second. Even Nicole's presence couldn't keep the beast inside me from coming to her rescue. Protecting her was what the beast lived for.

Nicole was not heavy, she was not frumpy, and she was not overweight. Just because she had hips, where his normal girls had none, did not make her anything but what she was. Perfect.

He apparently caught my anger and changed his mind.

"Less of a gamer," he said quickly.

I could feel the tension that had risen in Nicole fade with his correction. She had expected the same as I had. But, where I was angry, she was cowering from what she assumed everyone thought of her. That was another thing I'd have to strive to change.

She needed to see herself as I saw her, not the way Mike did. She was curvy, yes, but she had no extra pounds that needed hiding. Her breasts were big, her hips were wide, but she had no flab under her arms. She had no belly to hide. I thought she'd look perfectly stunning in a bikini, but doubted she'd have the self-confidence to even try one on.

"What's her name?" I asked as Mike quickly opened the door, then was gone.

"Guess he's not ready for us to know too much about her yet," I said with a laugh as I ran my hand down Nicole's arm.

She just giggled, then returned her attention to the show I'd barely even noticed. It was a cop drama that I had little interest in. Nicole was the center of my attention. Even if it was a show I cared about, I doubt I would have gotten much out of it. My change was coming, and Nicole was the only thing that could help me cope with it. Thinking about her, touching her. It calmed the fire in my mind. The one that was slowly growing beyond my control.

But even the beast knew. We belonged to Nicole.

# Chapter 13

When the show was over, Nicole sat up and cringed, as I'd come to expect, while she spun to sit in my lap.

"Do you have any sweat pants and possibly another shirt?" she asked as she held out my shirt. It was a mess, and I doubted even my mom could remove the black stains of whatever that was on her clothes.

I smiled then scooted her off my lap. Something I was not entirely sure I wanted to do, but Nicole needed clothes for after her shower. My personal wants were not as important.

"Sure," I said.

"We should go shopping tomorrow," she said with excitement as I headed toward my room.

I hated shopping. Standing around a mall, picking out clothes, even the walking from store to store annoyed me. But I was excited by her proposal. It was the perfect chance to show her how beautiful she was.

"Sounds like fun," I said, then stopped at my door to see her reaction. It wasn't even a lie. Not even an embellishment. I was almost as excited as she was.

"You really don't mind?" she asked.

"Are you kidding?" I asked, perhaps overdoing my astonishment a little too much. Her look told me I'd gone a little far, but I had a reason. "Getting to see you try on clothes?" I lifted my eyebrows, and this time she laughed.

I saw the hint of pink fill her cheeks then I rushed into my room to find a pair of sweat pants that might fit her figure. Though I doubted I had any that wouldn't be tight on her hips and backside. Then again, perhaps tight sweats might be a little more pleasing to look at.

I found a decent pair of grey sweats that would fit. She'd have to cinch them around the waist...or maybe not. Her hips would probably keep them up. Then I found an old soft shirt. One that would stretch to fit her chest, yet not look so large on her. Unlike the one she currently wore, which appeared oversized for her small body.

Perhaps I was being a little selfish. Picking out clothes that would accentuate her nice figure, but after handing them to her, I felt I'd done a good job.

"These might be a little tight," she said as she grabbed them from me.

I picked up the shirt and pulled it.

"They'll stretch," I said with a grin.

The look I got in return worried me. Was that lust in her look? Then, before I could be certain, she turned and headed into the bathroom.

At the doorway, she turned.

"I'll only be a few minutes. Why don't you go lay down? You look almost as tired as I feel," she said with a giggle.

"Does that mean you want me to sleep with you again?" I asked, just to be sure. I hoped, but I didn't want to assume.

"Of course," she answered, then shut the door.

I put on a clean shirt and some soft shorts then laid down. I wasn't about to sleep like I normally did, shirtless. I wasn't going to insinuate that I was expecting sex. I wasn't sure either of us was ready for that yet. Maybe tomorrow.

Just thinking about Nicole sleeping next to me made me nervous. I was incredibly tired, despite the fact that I'd been passed out most of the day. Though I doubted I'd fall asleep until Nicole was beside me.

My heart was pounding, and I felt shaky. When she spoke, I felt like I was going to have a heart attack. I hadn't heard her open the bathroom door, nor had I heard her walk up behind me. My new hearing was being overshadowed by my nervousness.

"You don't have a hairdryer, do you?" she asked with her normal cringe.

"No, but I could run down to the store and get one," I offered as I sat up.

"It'll be fine," she said then rubbed her hair with the towel more vigorously as she sat on the bed. Afterward, she pinched my shorts with two fingers, pulled them away, and let them snap back. "Besides, you're ready for bed. Might get a little chilly walking around in shorts at night." She laughed, and I felt my cheeks turn red.

Perhaps I should have stayed in my jeans. I hadn't meant to insinuate anything, but her look told me that I had.

She flipped her hair over in front of her, then bent forward and continued to dry it as much as she could with a towel. That was when I realized the mistake I'd made. The shirt was white. Her wet hair and damp body were causing it to become translucent. And she didn't have a bra on. I was behind her so I couldn't see anything...yet.

It was true that I did know what she looked like naked. Assuming that Tamara had copied Nicole accurately. I just wasn't sure I wanted that kind of feeling tonight. Tomorrow would be another story, but I needed to give it one more night. One more night to prove to her that I wanted her for her.

After drying her hair as well as she could with a towel, she tossed it into my hamper. And I was very aware of how mom had saved me once more from a beautiful woman seeing my room in the state it was usually in.

Mom's words came back to me as I was trying very hard not to think of Nicole in that way.

Mom's statement made me wonder about other things from the book that she'd given me. Was it true that werewolves had a certain magnetism toward the opposite sex? This might explain some of my problems with Tamara and Nicole. Not that I was being vain, but they both seemed to want me. Though Nicole wanted me for a different reason than Tamara.

Tamara wanted to have sex with me, of that I was sure. She'd succeeded once, the second time I'd shot her down when I realized it was her. Nicole wanted something different. She actually cared about me. Sure, sex was part of the equation. It almost always is, but there was more too it with Nicole.

Then Nicole snapped me out of my thoughts as she laid down facing me, and pulled my hand to her waist.

"Tired?" she asked.

I felt the struggle with my eyes as I tried to keep them on hers. Her shirt was nearly see-through. Even though I knew having sex with her tonight would be wrong, I couldn't convince my eyes of that. They wanted to see her attractive body again.

"I'm beat. How about you?" I asked.

"I haven't slept in days. But we can stay up and...talk. If you want," she offered.

The look in her face made me panic. Was she insinuating that we'd...? I really don't think talking was what she had in mind.

"We have to get up early to go shopping. Remember?" I asked, more as an evasion than anything.

Even if she had meant talking, I knew that talking would lead to kissing. Kissing would lead to...We weren't ready for that yet. I still felt so guilty about Tamara. How could I not? Maybe tomorrow would be too soon. Maybe never would be too soon.

"Ok," she said with disappointment. "Can I get a goodnight kiss?"

I couldn't deny this. Despite all my guilt, if she asked directly, I could not tell her no.

"I was hoping you'd ask," I said with a grin.

This was the truth. I wanted so much from Nicole but was afraid to let myself want it. My guilt would not allow me to start anything or even think about it.

She grinned as she moved her face closer, eyes fixated on my lips. She even put her hand on my cheek. Then her lips touched mine, and I felt warmth spread through me. Even if we never had sex, I still wanted this.

I was surprised as her hand slid around to the back of my neck then pulled me with her as she laid on her back. We didn't break the kiss. Then her other hand eased around my neck as well, and she nearly pulled me on top of her.

It was so wonderful. I was lost in the moment. I'd finally figured out how to kiss her without feeling like I was suffocating. Breathing through my nose was not sufficient, not when I was kissing Nicole. My heart raced, I practically panted as the excitement filled me. I would catch a breath as our lips parted slightly then continue. Kissing her deeply once more until I could feel my lungs demanding more oxygen.

Kissing Nicole was like kissing no one else. I never had to think about how to kiss a woman before, it just happened. With Nicole, I had to plan it out. I had to catch breaths when I could. It was just so amazing that, when I wasn't wondering if I was doing it wrong, I was concerned I might forget to breathe. It was so overwhelming and so wonderful.

Again my thoughts returned to the one I tried not to think. If a kiss was this enjoyable, this completely sensual. What would sex be like?

As I thought this, I broke our kiss and leaned on my arm. I could see the disappointment, but she didn't understand. I couldn't keep kissing her like that. I could barely contain my desire for her. My change was making it nearly impossible, but for Nicole, I'd do it.

"We should get some sleep," I said with a laugh.

"You sure?" she asked.

How I wanted to say no. I desperately wanted to say no. But for Nicole, I'd stop. For Nicole, I'd do anything.

"Yes. We'll have time tomorrow for more kissing," I said with a grin.

Then she did something unexpected. She pushed on my shoulder playfully, and I let myself fall onto my back with a laugh.

"What's this?" I asked.

Then she laid her damp head on my chest.

"I just want to lay on you for a while," she said as her hand made its way around my waist. "Do you mind?"

"Mind? You can lay any way you like." Again I laughed, but this time it was a nervous laugh. I pictured her on top of me in a much different way and forced the image from my mind.

Not like that. Not Nicole.

# Chapter 14

I fell asleep in under five minutes. The comfort I felt with Nicole on my chest was something I hadn't been prepared for. My life was turmoil now. Except when she was near. Especially when she was touching me.

The dreams came to me again as I slept under Nicole. Even she couldn't keep them away.

The dream version of me raced down another unfamiliar street in the damp cold night. One clawed hand after another, one clawed foot after the first. On all fours, I galloped along the street until I found my target.

As I watched the leggy blonde walk down the stairs from her door, I felt my lust for her rising. I wanted her with every cell in my body but knew she'd never accept me like this.

This blonde wore a jacket over her frilly blouse and a short black skirt with heels to match. She looked like she was dressed up for an evening out. She was pretty. I could feel the male hormones begging me to have my way with her.

The dream version of me, the wolf, watched her with anticipation as she reached the bottom of the stairs. Those legs, so perfect. Her body thin and toned. This one worked out often, but not tonight. Tonight she was heading out for a drink with friends. I could hear her on the cellphone, talking to someone and laughing.

With each word, my lust rose. With each laugh, I drew nearer to uncontrollable desire. My yearning for this one would not be satisfied with just her heart. I had kept myself from defiling the others, but this one was too perfect. I would not be able to resist my other urges with her.

The breeze caught her long hair and tossed it over her shoulder, then wafted her scent toward me. This one was not aroused, but her scent was just as irresistible. My vision blurred as I crept closer to her.

She would never accept me as I was, but I was a wolf. She wouldn't be able to stop me. Then she hung up her cellphone, and I attacked.

I shot up in bed, wrenching my mind free from the horrific sight of my dreams. He hadn't just killed this one. He had raped her first.

As sweat poured from my body, sticking my shirt to my chest, I panted. Then I noticed Nicole was gone.

"Nicole?!" I shouted, and I heard her bare feet padding across the living room floor. Then the vision of a woman who kept me sane appeared in my doorway.

"You ok?" she asked and was worried by my appearance. "I was making breakfast."

"I was just worried that you went back home," I explained, trying to catch my breath.

"Another dream?" she asked apprehensively, ignoring my words.

"Yes. And...," I started but wasn't sure how Nicole would take it. I knew who the killer was now. Would she even believe me? Did I believe me?

"What is it? It's ok, Simon. I know the dreams are real. Just tell me what happened," she urged me.

"I think I know who the wolf is," I said.

"Oh?" Nicole asked with disbelief. Then without warning, she shouted. "Oh, shit!" She frantically turned and ran to the kitchen.

I followed her into the kitchen to find smoke billowing from the bacon. Despite our tense conversation, this made me laugh.

"I guess no bacon today," I said.

"I'm so sorry," Nicole turned with unfounded worry on her face.

"No need to be sorry. It's just bacon," I assured her.

"I wanted everything to be perfect," she sighed as she scraped the burnt pieces that used to be bacon into the garbage.

"I can live without bacon, you know," I stated as she rinsed the pan then grabbed more bacon from the fridge

"My wolf will want for nothing," she said with a laugh.

A joke? Really? This was the Nicole I was wanting to encourage. That brief glimpse of a woman confident that I was hers. How could I say no?

"Thank you," I said and laughed. Hoping that it was enough encouragement to keep this attitude from hiding again.

I returned my thoughts to the wolf in my dreams. I was pretty certain it was Mike. The lust for blondes. It made sense. And that was how the blood had gotten on my doorknob. That was also why Mike hadn't been home. He knew that I would figure it out. He had used a fake 'new girl' as cover for what he was really doing. Was he seeing my life in his dreams? I hoped not.

I felt a strong urge to harm him as I thought of Mike, seeing Nicole through my eyes. I was hers! No one else would ever belong to Nicole. I would overcome anything in my way to become what she needed. No one else would be willing to change so much for her.

If I could only figure out what it was that she needed.

"It's Mike," I said with more certainty than I'd had a few minutes ago. It just made too much sense.

"You're sure?" Nicole asked, but seemed to take me at my word.

"Pretty sure," I stated.

Then I had a thought.

"Wolves bond for life." I didn't want to use the term mate. That would imply things about Nicole and I that may never happen.

As this relationship progressed, I felt less and less like I could even have sex with Nicole without crushing guilt. She seemed satisfied with how things were. And if that was what she wanted. That was what she would get. Until the day I died.

It's easy to say you'd die for someone. You die, and it's over. It's another thing to say you'll live with them without sex. It's another matter entirely to give up something you wanted and never blame them for it. And I knew I'd never blame Nicole. Not even if I had to be celibate for the rest of my life. Nicole was worth it.

And celibate is what I'd be. I'd never, not ever, cheat on Nicole again.

"Yes, wolves bond for life." Nicole restated my words. "What do you have in mind?"

"We need to find him a witch," I said, assuming I was smart. I was soon reminded of how much smarter and more knowledgeable Nicole was about all of this.

"It doesn't quite work that way. I mean, we can try, but the witch would have to agree," she explained while still managing to make perfectly crisp bacon...for me.

Once again, I was overtaken by the fact that I did not deserve this woman.

"How about Tamara? She's alone, isn't she?" I asked.

"Not Tamara," Nicole said with a laugh that I didn't understand.

"Why?" I asked.

"Tamara only tries to steal men I like. She has never been interested in a wolf. She doesn't really need a protector. I'm sure there are plenty of witches that would be better for Mike," she said as she dished out my breakfast.

I didn't quite understand why Tamara wouldn't need a protector. Not unless she was extremely powerful. Wolves were resistant to magic. The book had laid this part out in great detail. That is why a witch needed a wolf.

What the wolf got in return was so much more than protection. I may have been more than a little bias, but belonging to a witch seemed to me like the better end of the deal. Especially if that witch was Nicole.

"Where do you find witches?" I asked, trying to ignore my growing hunger.

Even as I spoke to Nicole, I could feel that the change was stronger today. I was more wolf than I'd been yesterday, and the wolf was starving. It was all I could do to concentrate on the conversation while my witch dished out our food.

"How about we go to a club where witches meet. We'll go shopping, and I'll get some nice clothes. Then we'll head over there," she said, still looking at me with the pan in her hands. "Deal?"

"Deal," I agreed. Then I gave in to the hunger.

I didn't even wait for her to sit down. I gulped it all down, not even really chewing. I could have eaten three times more than she gave me but felt guilty as I watched her push her plate toward me.

"You want mine? I can make more," she said.

"I'm good," I said, eyeing her food. I could barely contain the urge to gobble hers down as well. But I would never steal from Nicole. I would never take what was hers. She was my witch.

No. That's not right.

I was her wolf. She didn't belong to me. I belonged to her.

The word 'witch' produced feelings of ownership in my mind now.

Witch was nearly akin to master to me but more desirable. I wanted to belong to her. I needed to belong to her.

Then Nicole stood and scraped her food onto my plate.

"I insist," she said as I looked up at her, full of guilt.

The guilt did not stop me from devouring her food in seconds. I would not steal from her, but I would gladly accept it if she offered. I was so hungry. The only thing stronger than my hunger was my desire to please my witch.

"Do you want more?" she asked as I finished off hers and was about to lick the plate clean. I had never felt hunger this strong in my entire life.

"Yes, please," I said and put my plate down before I did something even more embarrassing than what I'd already done.

She didn't look upset as she got out more eggs and another package of bacon. The kind smile she gave me let me know that I was pleasing her and my guilt washed away.

With my hunger somewhat under control, I returned to our conversation.

"I didn't want to admit that it was Mike. All the victims have been blondes. But last night, I could feel his lust for his target. This wolf doesn't just like blondes. He obsesses over them. It's Mike." I kept talking, smelling the food cooking, and growing hungrier by the second.

"You were excited by her?" Nicole asked meekly.

"No. Not me. He was," I stated, adding a laugh to let her know how ridiculous it was.

I wasn't the least bit excited by the blonde. Mike was. How could I be? I had the world's most perfect woman right here. Making me breakfast. I just hoped that someday I could get her to understand that. And if it wasn't for my burning hunger, I might have tried.

I shut my eyes as the eggs bubbled and the bacon sizzled. I could almost taste them. I gripped the table and heard it creek, then let go as Nicole emptied both pans onto my plate.

"What about yours?" I asked.

I desperately wanted to dig in and devour everything on my plate, but not if it kept Nicole from eating. The hunger was so strong I could barely think, but Nicole was more important. I'd starve myself for her if it made her happy. All she had to do was ask.

She bent down, grabbed the fork I'd forgotten to use. Then she forked one helping into her beautiful mouth as I watched, mesmerized. The hunger waned a little as she smiled with her mouth full of eggs. The thought of kissing those beautiful lips and the warmth of her smile pushed the hunger back.

"I'm done," she said with a mouth full of eggs, and I laughed, the hunger a distant memory.

When she turned to clean up, my hunger crashed back into my brain, and I devoured everything on my plate.

I really wanted to explain how much she was helping me. Despite my desire to explain, things were really bad today. I was not certain what had caused it, but the beast inside me seemed to be in control.

After cleaning up the kitchen, Nicole headed toward the living room. I followed, brain still in a haze. I wasn't hungry any longer, but something was still causing the beast to cloud my mind. Being by Nicole seemed like the safest place to be. It controlled me less, the closer she was to me.

Her smile broke his control. Her laugh nearly pushed it away.

"I'm going to get some shoes, then we'll head to the mall," Nicole said, pulling her hair up into a ponytail.

I let myself flop on the couch, not taking my eyes off her. Even the act of her pulling her hair up into a ponytail was enchanting to me. Then my eyes made their way down, to the skin-tight sweats I had picked out for her. Why had I chosen those?

I'm not sure if she noticed how my eyes washed over her, but her grin, as my eyes found her face once more, worried me. What if she knew how badly I wanted her? Would she be repulsed? I had cheated on her.

She spun, hands still working on her ponytail, then headed toward the bedroom.

I watched from the couch as she walked away from me, hips swaying, and my mind started to drift from loving thoughts to sexual ones. As she lifted her arms to secure the ponytail, the shirt I had picked out lifted so I could see the skin on her back. As well as the size of her waist.

How I wanted to put my arms around her waist. Not like all the other times. I wanted to slide them around her sensually, slowly. I wanted to feel the muscles in her stomach quiver at my touch. Hear her panting in anticipation of where my hands would end up. Then I wanted to hear her gasp as my hands slid under the waistline of her pants. I wanted to feel her ass press against me while I slid my finger inside her warm, slick...

"Simon? Are you ok?" she asked, and my mind snapped back to reality.

She was standing in the doorway to my room with a smirk on her face, one hand on her hip.

While I was perfectly happy to remain celibate for Nicole. The wolf had other plans.

"I'm fine," I said quickly and stared at the TV, despite the fact that it wasn't on.

Certainly she had seen where my eyes were staring. Even if she had missed it the first time, she had seen it now.

The wolf and I had very different opinions of what Nicole needed. I just hoped I could keep the wolf side of me at bay.

# Chapter 15

The trip to the mall ended up being a very bad idea. For the first few shops, I watched as Nicole paraded before me in loose-fitting pants and flowing blouses that were pretty.

It was all fun and innocent. Her blushing at my enthusiastic compliments. Mostly, I complimented her on how she made the clothes look much better than they had on the hangers.

Every minute of this time brought me joy and seemed to encourage her. Which was where I had made my mistake. I was encouraging her to try on clothes closer to her size. Never realizing how much of a mistake it was.

That was when she headed toward shops with tighter fitting clothes. And I completely understood the error of agreeing to come with her.

When she walked out of the changing room barefoot, with tight stretchy pants on, I knew how bad the mistake was. These particular pants had no back pockets, and she deliberately flaunted that fact to me.

As she spun, she lifted her shirt.

"How do these look?" she asked.

We were only ten feet away from each other, and the wolf took hold.

I imagined how nice it would feel to run my fingertips up her inner thighs. What sounds she would make as my fingers inched closer and closer. Then, I'd skip over her womanhood and up her finely shaped ass as she groaned in protest. I'd come back to give her what she wanted, but only after making her beg for it.

"Simon?" she asked as she turned to face me. She lifted the shirt she had on up to her breasts and asked it in a different way. "Are these too tight?"

My eyes washed over her soft stomach, not muscular, but not pudgy. She was perfectly soft where she needed to be, perfectly curved everywhere else. I imagined how nice it would be to kiss down the middle of her stomach. Was she ticklish? Would she giggle, or would she moan?

"Simon?!" she asked loudly as she walked closer to me. "Are you in there?"

I could smell her body as the part I desired to taste was only inches from my face. Then she pulled my chin up to look her in the eyes.

"Are you ok?" she asked, but something in her stare told me that she sensed what was going through my mind.

I scrambled for words.

"I'm sorry. You're just so beautiful," was all I could think to say.

"So, not too tight?" she asked again. Her smile told me that she appreciated the compliment.

"Definitely not," I said with more flirtation in my voice than I had intended. I felt horrible. What was the wolf doing to me?

Her smile grew, and I cowered, then she walked back to the dressing room with her head held high. Perhaps flirting and insinuating was helping her self-confidence. That couldn't be bad, could it?

Next, she came out in a tight dress. It was very similar to the black one she had worn on our 'first date'. The one where we played video games. It was black but tighter than the last. This one had a slit up both sides, nearly to her hips.

It also had straps and a plunging neckline, to show off Nicole's abundant cleavage.

My mouth fell open as she walked up to me and spun.

"How do you like this one for the...," she leaned in and whispered. "witch club?"

I could barely make out the words, I was too busy staring at her luscious breasts, which were practically in my face.

Was she the type of woman who liked it when someone paid attention to her breasts? Was it sexy to her? Or were they too tender? Did she prefer other things?

"What was that?" I asked.

"Should I wear this to the club?" she asked, then scrunched up her face. "You sure there's nothing wrong?"

"Yes," I blurted out. "Wear that one."

I sounded like I was begging. Maybe I was. The dress was spectacular. It showed every curve of Nicole's body. I wanted to stare at her for hours wearing that dress. Then the wolf returned with his impure thoughts.

Perhaps it would be more enjoyable to help her take the dress off.

As Nicole turned and walked away from me, grinning from ear to ear, I pictured how nice it would be to see the dress fall from her shoulders. I could tell she didn't have any underwear on. How could she? It was skin tight.

I felt warm, sitting in the air-conditioned store, and sweat started to bead on my forehead. As I wiped it away, Nicole out of sight, I wondered how much more of this I could take.

Then she returned in a white blouse with sleeves that went to her elbows. This one was white and had a certain amount of fluff to it, but it was nearly translucent. I could see the outline of her breasts underneath. She had no bra on. And each time she moved, the gap between the buttons let me see a glimpse of skin. Skin I wanted to kiss and lick, tantalize, and tease.

Then my eyes worked their way down. She now had on a skin-tight pair of workout pants. And to my dismay, still no panties. She did a little spin and my mind flooded with images.

I saw every part of her I wanted to touch. To kiss. To run my nails across. Every inch of her that I wanted to tease until she begged me for release.

"You don't look so well, Simon," she said, and my eyes found hers.

"I'm...," I said, not sure how I could describe what was happening to me.

She leaned in, and I caught a whiff of her scent. The smell under the perfume, under the deodorant and my shampoo I had let her use. The smell that was her true scent. I shut my eyes and breathed in deeply, but this only tortured me more.

"Is it the change?" she whispered.

"Yes," I whispered back, almost whining.

I wanted her so much I could barely keep my hands off of her. I wanted to take her right there in the mall. I pictured every surface we could use to support her weight while I tasted her. Then after she found her release, I'd toss her over the nearest flat surface and...

She stood up straight and looked down at me as she spoke.

"Just let me pay for these, and we'll head home before we go to the club. Ok?" she asked.

As she waited for my response, I couldn't stop staring at what was now in my view. In the workout pants with no panties, I could almost see it, but not quite. Then I returned to my first fantasy. Sliding my finger down into her depths was not enough. After I had warmed her up with my finger, I wanted to use my tongue. It would provide her with much more pleasure, and I longed to taste her.

"Simon?" she asked again.

I made myself look up at her to reply.

"Ok," I agreed.

I felt my breath pick up, and my heart pounded. The sight of her walking away from me produced even more urges that I struggled to contain. As she vanished from view, I expected the lust to fade. It did not.

I no longer saw Nicole, but that didn't stop her sensual form from invading my mind.

I imagined pleasuring her with my tongue. The sounds she would make, the taste of her. The smell of her. Then. When I'd finally given her release, I would hear the cries of passion as I...

What in the hell was happening to me? I read nothing about these desires in the book. Only the hunger. Why was I being flooded with ideas about Nicole that I would never do? I couldn't do. Not after what I'd let happen with Tamara. I should have known it wasn't Nicole that day and I was to blame. I couldn't be with Nicole. Not after that. Not unless she asked.

For a few torturous minutes, I daydreamed of things I would never allow myself to do to Nicole. Not that I wanted to have these visions. I just couldn't stop them. But I would not let these visions complete. I wouldn't allow them to get to the point where we had sex. The moment I saw this, I forced the vision away. I fought them with everything I had, but every time I stopped one, another would start. The wolf was ingenious with his imagination. Things I've had little interest in with other women, now seemed like a need to me.

I never imagined that tasting a woman would feel so...urgent. Despite my previous disinterest in this act, it filled my mind. How wonderful she would taste. How she would enjoy it so completely.

Perhaps it was the fact that I would not allow my mind to engage in sex, that the beast chose this act to torture me with. But it was not a cruel torture. It was a sensual, desirable torture, and I wanted it. I wanted to taste her more than anything I could remember!

The hunger for food was nothing compared to the hunger I now felt for Nicole.

When she returned, she had three bags. I gladly grabbed all three then carried them with the two from the previous shops, while she led the way.

"This is enough for now," Nicole chirped.

"Ok," I said, only half-listening.

Somehow Nicole had gotten them to agree to let her wear the workout pants and the fluffy blouse home. I guess she had bought them. Why would they mind? Still, it was doing a number on me.

I could barely watch where I was going. There was nothing that could break my gaze from the woman walking in front of me. Thankfully, we reached the car without Nicole even noticing how I was watching her ass. What would she think of me?

With a sigh, I sat in the passenger seat and waited for her to start the engine. But Nicole had other things she wanted to discuss.

"Are you having second thoughts?" she asked.

I turned to her, my eyes wide.

"Are you kidding?" I asked her.

If she could only see my fantasies, she'd never have asked that question. Perhaps she would be disgusted, but she would have no doubt that I wanted her.

"You seem distracted," she said and put her hand on my leg.

I nearly jumped out of my seat.

"I'm so sorry," she said and pulled her hand back.

"No. Don't be," I urged her. "It's the change. I am distracted and extremely...jumpy. I'm just having a hard time today. Please believe me when I say, I want to be with you."

There was no way I was telling her what was really wrong with me. The fact that I was imagining sexual acts with her would not go over so well. I wasn't even sure she wanted me in that way. Kissing sure. Holding her at night, yes. But the things on my mind? The ideas that wouldn't stop playing out over and over? Did she really want that?

She once again tried to put her hand on my leg, and I braced myself for her touch. When her hand landed, I placed mine over hers.

"See? I like it when you touch me," I said. "I'm just jumpy today."

"You're sure that's all it is?" she asked.

Her inquisitive gaze led me to believe that she sensed what was really wrong with me. But how could she know? How could she know and not be revolted by me? Despite this, I pushed the feelings down.

Not until it was her idea. I'd live with this torture until then.

"I'm sure. I'll try to keep it under control," I said guiltily.

My pulse was racing. Her touching my leg had changed from soothing to sensual. I wasn't even sure why, but the urges were very strong. It was nearly blinding.

It wasn't just the wolf side of me now. All of me wanted Nicole. Though I knew I could never let myself have her. Not unless she wanted it. I'd suffer for her if it meant that she'd be happy.

I shut my eyes, feeling Nicole's hand on my leg as she drove back to the apartment. Every once in awhile she'd lift her hand to steer, but as soon as it was safe, she placed it back on my leg. Occasionally I'd jump at her touch, but it wasn't for the reason I'd told her.

Her touch made my stomach sway. It made other parts of me yearn. I wanted to feel her bare skin on mine. I wanted to kiss every inch of her body. And now, just the thought of tasting her made me shake with urgency. That was the true reason for it. Her touch felt taboo to me. Something I wanted but shouldn't want. Something I needed but could never let myself have.

# Chapter 16

After a very awkward few hours at the apartment, we finally headed toward the witch club. My urges had lessened during those hours, but only because I let the fantasies play out with my eyes closed. The whole time I was caressing Nicole's lovely hair as she laid in my lap watching TV.

Oh, how I wanted to caress more than just her hair, but Nicole wasn't ready to accept me in that way. If she had, she would have said something. Instead, she watched her TV shows completely oblivious to the depravity that went through my mind.

In my mind, we had sex in every room except Mike's. On the bathroom counter. In the kitchen on top of the small table. Under it. On the couch. You name it, we had sex there.

I felt shame for what I let happen in my mind, but it was better than putting Nicole through that. She didn't want me like that. How could she after what I'd done?

If she had seen my fantasies, she would have been embarrassed, possibly disgusted. The things I thought about even made me blush. But the only way to alleviate my distraction with them was to let them play out to completion in my head. To fully accept them as something I wanted. Even if I could never share that with Nicole.

It was like the hunger, but it was all in my head. As soon as I had eaten my fill this morning, the beast had let me rest. As soon as I admitted to myself that I did want to do those things with Nicole, the beast let me find a little serenity.

In my mind, it was safe to imagine. But that's all it could be. I'd never do those things to her. Not unless she asked me to.

On the car ride to the club, Nicole noticed my change in mood.

"Feeling better?" she asked with an upbeat tone.

"Much better," I assured her.

"Just lying on the couch, playing with my hair. That's all you needed?" she asked.

I saw the look of want on her face. Did she want more? Was that the look? Maybe, but she didn't want what I had pictured. She couldn't want that. Not after I'd betrayed her so badly.

"It helped me more than you know," I said, avoiding the question entirely.

It wasn't all I needed. It was all I deserved.

"Ok," she replied with a little disappointment as she pulled into the parking stall. Then she turned with concern on her face.

"That looks bad," I joked. Now that the wolf let my sexual urges rest, I was in control of my mind again.

"Just be careful what you say in there," she warned. "Wolves are welcome. They are treated like VIPs. Just let me do the talking. Mentioning me or Tamara to the wrong person might cause problems." She laughed afterwards.

"Do I want to know why?" I asked.

"I'll tell you when we're at home," she replied with a wink then stepped out of the car.

There it was again. That little bit of confidence. The ability to joke. I wanted more of that.

Then it hit me. Home? That word brought another flutter to my stomach. Was it now her home? I didn't mind, though I doubted Mike would agree. Perhaps we should move. Then I realized, I had no job. No money. And nothing to offer Nicole. Once again, I felt very unworthy of the woman who had chosen me.

I followed her into the bright, flashy club with my head down. Feeling like I was using her. But as soon as I caught the smile she threw my way, the notion washed away. I was giving her something. Though I didn't know what that could be. At that moment, she looked content.

I just wished I could give her more. I was getting so much from her. What did she really need from me? If I asked, would she even answer? Or would she not allow herself to hope?

If only she knew how badly I wanted to please her. I just needed to work harder to boost her confidence. Maybe then she might dare to share what she wanted from me. Maybe then she might tell me what she really needed.

Nicole grabbed my hand after entering the club and pulled me along while I took it all in. I didn't mind. I was her wolf. Wherever she led, I'd follow.

There were about fifty people packed into this place, from what I could see in the hallway leading to the club. And from what little I could see, it looked just like every other club I'd ever been to or seen. Not that I'd been to many, mostly ones that would let underage kids in. We got a different stamp on our hands to let the bartender know not to sell to us, but tonight it wouldn't be like that.

Strangely they didn't ask Nicole for her ID, and she didn't offer. I wondered why, as I showed the bouncers my ID, which had finally come in the mail. Then he asked for something else. And I felt very lost.

"Affiliation?" the larger of the two huge men asked, looking right at me.

I breathed in deeply, they were both wolves. Perhaps that was what they meant? Did wolves have packs? Affiliations? Thankfully, Nicole came to my rescue.

"He's mine," Nicole said while giving me a guilty grin.

I felt the urge to agree and couldn't stop my words as I blurted them out.

"Yes. I'm hers," I said with enthusiasm that made the grim man frown.

"Congratulations, Miss Nicole," he replied coldly while his partner barely blinked at the remark.

If only she knew how completely happy that exchange had made me. Despite the bouncer's lack of interest, I was elated that she would admit it in public. In a witch bar. I was hers! I just hoped my smile would let her know some of it.

Afterward, the two men parted then closed ranks to interrogate the next couple. As we passed by the two men, I wondered. What was 'Miss Nicole' about? Was she a big deal? They obviously knew her on sight. I hadn't seen them let any of the people in front of us pass by without IDs. I pushed this aside as the scene in the club filled my mind.

This club turned out to be a little more erotic than I'd been expecting.

As I scanned the room, pulled along by Nicole, the patrons watched a woman dance around a shiny golden pole in the center of the stage. She had no clothes on, so it wasn't exactly a strip club. It was so much more than that, and I felt my temperature rising as I watched the woman rubbing herself up and down on the pole.

She had a wireless microphone on, and over the murmur of the crowd, I could hear her sighs as she drew closer to orgasm. The whole time Nicole didn't even glance her way. Had she been raised in this atmosphere? Was a woman masturbating in front of a crowd, using a large shiny pole, not new to Nicole?

As I thought this, she turned and grinned at me.

"Gets the blood pumping, doesn't it?" she asked loudly.

"Umm...," I stuttered.

"Don't worry. The first time, it's a little shocking. At the same time...it's a little exciting," she said and a grin I had not seen before, spread over her face. It was very lustful.

While she did this, she rolled her eyes, almost like she was embarrassed to admit it. Her cheeks even turned a little pink. Then she continued to usher me to a table she had found.

We sat, and when the waitress came up to take our order, Nicole looked at me guiltily.

"Would you mind driving home? I sort of want to drink. I never got to on my birthday," she said with a cringe.

"Not even a little," I said with a grin then looked at the waitress. "Water, please. It looks like I'm the designated driver."

Why would I mind? I was proud that she'd asked me. In fact, if she asked me to throw myself in front of a bus, I'd grin the whole time as I stepped into traffic. I didn't mind driving so she could drink. Not at all.

Nicole thanked me with her eyes, then ordered some drink I'd never heard of.

While we waited, Nicole inched her chair close to me and leaned on my shoulder while we watched the current dancer 'finish', in more ways than one. Then the announcer walked on stage as everyone clapped.

This place was indeed strange.

"For our next exhibitionist, please welcome Melanie," the man said, and everyone started clapping. While he was announcing her, two women dressed in flattering lingerie wiped the pole down with antiseptic then some type of lubricant.

A heavier woman eased her way on stage. She was curvy like Nicole, but with a few more pounds. She looked embarrassed, but she was quite attractive.

The announcer handed her the headset, and she put it on while trying to cover her naked body with her hands. Then a few of the male patrons whistled at the stunning woman, and she found more courage. A few of the female ones, in the front row seats, shouted 'You're gorgeous!' and her courage overtook her.

"This is my first time," she said with a cracking voice and let her hands fall to her sides. This was greeted by several more whistles and shouts of encouragement. "Can I have some music, please?" she asked, and some sort of soulful Jazz started to play as she approached the pole then began making love to it.

I turned to Nicole with an inquisitive gaze, as the woman's moans started to grow louder, and the crowd hushed.

"I told you. It will get your blood pumping, but it is a little shocking at first," she said as she sipped from a straw.

I hadn't noticed our drinks arrive. I had been mesmerized by the scene on stage. I took a drink of my water while I watched Nicole eyeing the woman on stage.

"So...?" I asked and tried to concentrate on Nicole while the woman's sighs grew higher in pitch.

"I'll explain. This is an exhibitionist bar. Some women like to have someone watch them while they...," she trailed off and raised her eyebrows. "While they _perform_."

"So, this is a private club?" I asked.

"Yes, very private," she said.

Then I noticed her eyes flitting through the crowd as she went on.

"All amateurs. And all of it, very real," she said then returned her gaze to me.

I swallowed hard, and she nearly choked on her drink as a laugh escaped from her mouth.

"What?" she asked.

"I guess I just had this picture of what kind of clubs you'd like," I said, trying to avoid my true thoughts.

"Don't lie," she said and made sure I was looking. "What you meant to say was, you thought I was a prude. You never imagined me in a place like this."

"Ok, that's true," I admitted.

"You'd be surprised," she said and winked at me.

I was very glad the wolf had been appeased earlier. I doubted I could have controlled my urges. Not in a place like this and not with a woman like Nicole beside me.

"So, you...?" I started, not sure if I really wanted to ask the question on my mind. I let her fill in the blanks.

"No, I'm too shy," she answered.

"But you do like to watch?" I asked, feeling a little bolder.

"I wouldn't come here if I didn't," she said.

I had to look away as she found my eyes and gave me the most seductive look I'd ever seen from the shy woman. I pretended to be looking for my drink, but I'm pretty sure she knew the true reason for me hiding.

It brought thoughts to mind that should have stayed down. I had buried them at the apartment, but now, with this version of Nicole, they were clawing their way to the surface.

Without acknowledging my strange behavior, she raised her hand, her drink empty. "I'm going to get one more, then we'll approach our candidates."

"You've found some?" I asked and scanned the bar.

"Two blondes, like you described. And one brunette, but I know her. She might be able to convince him that brunettes are more fun," Nicole said with a flirtatious grin.

It seemed that her first drink was hitting her. She was loosening up some. Being in a club she was comfortable with, probably helped as well.

After the waitress produced another of the strange blue drinks, she took the empty glass away. Nicole then stood and stuck out her hand. I didn't hesitate before I grabbed it.

She pulled me along, drink in one hand, my hand in the other. We stopped when we found one of the blondes.

She certainly looked like Mike's type. Long legs, pouty lips, medium breasts, and skinny. So, in other words, not my type. Then again, my type didn't really matter anymore. I doubted I could ever think about having sex with another woman. Not when Nicole was everything I could have ever wanted.

"Hello. Do you mind if we sit?" Nicole asked.

The girl looked annoyed, completely engrossed in the next performer, a busty redhead. The redhead wasn't shy like the previous girl. She spun around the stage, occasionally grabbing the pole and grinding on it. She was going all out with the moans and sexual noises. And, I had to admit, the redhead looked like she was enjoying her performance more than the onlookers.

As soon as the blonde looked at Nicole's face, an uneasy look came over her. Almost like she was afraid of Nicole. Yet, behind the fear was a twinge of distaste. Like she wanted to say no but was afraid the word would cause her troubles.

"Please sit," she said nervously. "I'm Natalie, Miss Nicole."

"Hi, Natalie. Do you mind if I ask? Do you have a wolf?" Nicole asked.

Despite the fact that Natalie was nearly cowering at the sight of Nicole, Nicole didn't seem to notice. She acted like I'd always seen from her. Self-conscious and worried that she was bothering Natalie.

It enforced the thought that Nicole was someone important. Though I did get the impression that Nicole didn't even know how important she was.

"Yes, sorry, ma'am," Natalie answered.

"I'm just Nicole," my gorgeous host said then stood. "Thanks for your time, Natalie. And enjoy the show."

Natalie gave Nicole one more worried glance than I heard a sigh of relief as Nicole pulled me away. How important was Nicole?

Nicole once again pulled me along until we found the brunette, but she was all over a woman. I inhaled, but she wasn't a wolf. The woman kissing the brunette was another witch. Still, I doubt Mike would have been more than an annoyance to this brunette.

Her hand was down the other girl's pants, and it looked like, if we didn't move on soon, we'd be hearing them sounding much like the performer on stage.

"Well, only one left," Nicole sighed.

I started to wonder about the morals of finding Mike a woman after he'd killed several. Did I really want to set him up with another blonde? Wouldn't he just kill her without even trying to protect her? Or worse. Kill her after he had his way with her?

Then I remembered his thoughts. He was looking for that one woman. The one he could protect. He'd only killed the ones he found after they'd rejected him. After they had screamed in terror upon seeing him. A witch wouldn't do that.

"Maybe we should just head home," I said, and Nicole smiled at me while sipping her drink from a straw. Then she handed her empty glass to a waitress as she passed by.

Without a word, Nicole sat at the next blonde's table. This one was a bit older, maybe thirty. Not exactly Mike's type but her hair and body certainly were. Even more perfect than the last one. Toned and strong. Perhaps he could overlook her age. I would if Nicole was ten years older than me. Even twenty wouldn't cause so much as a second thought. But maybe that was just me.

"I have a proposition for you, Sandra," Nicole said without the same kindness as she'd shown the last woman. I stood at Nicole's side since there were only two chairs.

"Oh? And what is this proposition?" She looked around the bar. "Is this the kind I can refuse? Or is this an order from your sister?"

"This has nothing to do with Tamara," Nicole stated.

"Then, by all means, proposition me," Sandra said with a seductive quality to her voice then looked up at me with a hungry stare.

I was repulsed by Sandra's look and insinuation. It was a strange feeling. Just the thought of Nicole wanting to share me was revolting and disturbing to me. I was Nicole's and Nicole's alone.

"That's not what this is about either. There's a rogue wolf," Nicole explained.

"Let me guess. You want me to tame him?" Sandra asked with contempt.

"You don't have a wolf. You never know. Maybe you'll hit it off. He might be what you're looking for," Nicole said.

"Doubt it. But you never know," Sandra said and stared at Nicole with a little anger that she tried to hide.

I don't think Nicole caught it. It might have been because I was a wolf. Perhaps I could see the micro expression slipping out. Things a witch might not catch.

"You'll try?" Nicole asked with excitement.

"Yes," she said with a deviousness that I also think Nicole missed.

"Mike's number?" Nicole asked as she turned to look up at me.

I obliged and found it in my cellphone, then held it out for Sandra to copy.

"He's actually very nice...if you're blonde," Nicole joked.

I could sense the sadness she felt in that statement. And the grin on Sandra's face told me that she could as well. Mike had really hurt her with his words that night. I just hoped my diligence could eventually erase them from her mind.

"I'll call him right now," Sandra said then stood and walked off, cellphone to her ear.

Nicole took that as our cue, and she led me toward the door.

"Done already?" I asked.

"I've had two. That's enough," she said with a giggle that told me she was a little tipsy. "Besides, we found Mike a witch. Let's go home."

I happily followed her out the door, then drove her back home.

# Chapter 17

As we walked up the stairs to our apartment, I could feel the tension coming from Nicole. Something was bothering her. I couldn't quite put my finger on it, but something was there.

Every time I'd glance her way, she would look away from me. What was she hiding? Was she working up the courage to ask me something? Had I somehow been able to give her enough confidence to tell me what she really needed?

Although I could see the anxiety in her, she still didn't dare to hope. She couldn't bring herself to tell me what was on her mind.

When I shut the door, Nicole's shoulders slumped. Instinctively I placed my hands on them to comfort her. This was yet another mistake. I was getting very good at making mistakes lately.

I had not been ready for the warmth of her bare skin on my hands. Nor for the softness of it. It brought back the urges the wolf had let me forget. In that stunning dress, her body called to me. I once again imagined taking the breathtaking dress off of her stunning body. I quickly pulled my hands away and threw out a nervous laugh.

"You should probably get out of that dress," I said nervously. "Wouldn't want to ruin it."

Nicole spun, and I saw hope surge inside her. She held her shoulders up straighter, she even stood a little taller and smiled at me. Then I asked.

"Do you need me to find you another shirt and sweats?"

Her posture slumped once more as she turned and headed across the living room. I could hear something sad in her voice as she spoke while entering my room.

"No, I bought a pajama shirt. I'll just be a minute," she said then reappeared holding a long white shirt and headed into the bathroom. "You should get ready for bed too," she added as she shut the bathroom door.

It took me only a couple of minutes to find my shorts and shirt, then I laid in bed, waiting with anticipation. This had become one of my favorite things. Lying next to Nicole. Holding her or letting her sprawl out over my chest. Even during the day, I longed for this time. Except when the beast forced my thoughts to more impure ones.

It took another five minutes before Nicole returned, dress on a hanger and completely ready for bed.

At first, I was taken in by her beauty. She had removed all her makeup, and I was mesmerized by how beautiful she was without it. Why did she even wear makeup when she looked like this naturally?

Then the beast crept into my mind again. There was no warning this time. He was subtle at first, in order to get by my defenses.

My eyes washed over Nicole as she was bending over, folding up her gorgeous dress. Her new nightshirt was thin, very thin. I could see the black lacy panties she had on through the fabric and my pulse quickened.

Then, as she turned to face me, I saw her outline through the thin shirt. With the light behind her, I could see her curves perfectly. As my eyes made their way up Nicole's breathtaking silhouette, I noticed that I could see through the front of her shirt as well. Her dark nipples were clear to see as she stood, looking down on me.

I forced myself to stare at the ceiling and fell onto my back as the beast sent more images into my brain.

"What's wrong, Simon?" Nicole asked with a sadness in her voice.

"Nothing. The change is just getting stronger," I reassured her.

I thought quickly. I needed something to preoccupy my mind. At least until Nicole was asleep. Then I'd let the fantasies play out in my mind and possibly be able to get some rest.

"What was that about at the club?" I asked and held out my arm for her.

I glanced at her face and saw some of her sadness fade, then she eased into bed with me. I squeezed her tightly as she slid one hand over my chest. I wanted her to understand how much I enjoyed this. How much I had waited for this.

I could feel the tension in Nicole's body as she laid over my chest.

"It's Tamara's club," she said. "Remember when I said that everyone either fears or respects her?"

"Yes," I replied.

My thoughts once again becoming impure as I held her. The beast was even going to ruin this moment for me. My hand slid across Nicole's back, and I had urges to send it lower. To pull the thin shirt from Nicole's body and... I forced the thoughts away.

"There are a lot of witches that would like nothing more than to find a way to hurt Tamara," she explained. She pushed herself away to look at me. "You sure you're ok?"

I could feel all the muscles in my body shivering. The desire I felt for Nicole was causing my muscles to shake as I forced myself to lay still.

"It's pretty bad today," I said.

"Yeah, your eyes are red again," she said with worry. Then she sat up with excitement. "Are you hungry? I could make some food for you."

That wasn't what the beast wanted, but I couldn't tell her that.

"Yes, if you don't mind," I said, to cover for my true hunger.

This would give me time to let the fantasies play out. I would be able to placate the beast while Nicole made food. Then maybe I'd get to enjoy laying with her.

Nicole sprung from the bed and headed to the kitchen. I followed slowly behind her, reveling in her scent. It might have been a bad idea, but I couldn't help myself. She smelled so wonderful, I just couldn't resist.

I'd give the beast what he wanted. I had no choice. If I didn't, he'd never let me rest.

When I sat down, I was amused at how quickly Nicole sped around the kitchen. She really did enjoy cooking for me. It was strange, but I'd let her have this. I was her wolf. If this brought her joy, who was I to deny her?

While Nicole worked away, I let the beast loose in my mind. My eyes were glued to the thin fabric covering Nicole's voluptuous body.

I imagined walking up behind her while she was cooking. Inching my fingers up her thigh while she giggled. Then the sigh as she realized I wasn't trying to tickle her. Her excitement when she turned to find me on my knees.

My fingers pulling at the black lacy material of her panties as I slid them down. Then, her gasp as I lifted her onto the counter, and she realized that my hunger would not be satiated by steak.

As I licked my lips and stared at what I really wanted to taste...

Nicole slapped a steak down in front of me and broke the fantasy. Then she walked over to her chair and sat. She perched her hands under her chin and waited.

"Thank you," I said and tried to give her a caring smile, but something in it upset her. She looked like she was going to cry.

"You don't want me, do you?" she asked quietly.

"What?!" I asked, outraged by the assumption. "Of course I want you."

"But not like you wanted Tamara," she said and let her gaze fall to the table.

"I thought she was you," I argued.

Her eyes found their way up to mine again, and I could see the tears forming in the corners.

"Then why haven't you tried anything? Am I not pretty enough?" she asked.

My mouth opened, but words would not come out. I struggled between what I wanted to say and what I'd let myself say. I couldn't tell her all the thoughts I'd been thinking. But how could she think she wasn't pretty? How could she ever think that?!

"You want Tamara. Just admit it," she said, and the tears eased their way out.

"I...," I stuttered then failed to find words.

"It's ok," Nicole said and stood, defeated. She started to walk out of the kitchen. I had to stop her. I had to tell her.

"I don't deserve you," I said.

"What?" she asked, clearly confused by my words.

I grabbed for her hand. I felt like kneeling before her to show her how unworthy I truly was, but I remained in my seat.

"What I did to you. I don't deserve you." I paused and looked down at the floor. She waited patiently for me to finish. And when I finally found the courage, I looked up and said what I hadn't allowed myself to say before. "I want you. I want to kiss every inch of you. I want to pleasure you and hear you call my name. I just don't think you should want me," I explained. "Trust me. Every waking thought is about you. Please don't ever think that I don't want you. I just can't understand why a woman like you would want me."

As the words fell from my mouth, I felt the beast release me. This was what he had wanted all along. For me to admit how much I wanted Nicole. Not just to myself. To her.

Nicole didn't smile, as I'd expected. There was no sign that she understood what I had said. She appeared to be thinking. Then she started walking toward the bedroom and pulled me along with her.

When we were in the bedroom once more, she stopped and released my hand. She stood in front of me with determination in her eyes.

"You're having the...desires?" she asked, almost as if she didn't know what to call them.

"Yes," I said with embarrassment.

"And they are all about me?" she asked again, her determination giving way to hope.

"All of them. Every single excruciating one," I explained.

Then her smile started.

"You must have an iron will," she said with amusement.

"You have no idea," I sighed.

"I haven't heard of a wolf that could last a day. You lasted what? A week?" she said, and her amusement grew.

"I'm sorry," I pleaded. "I tried to stop them. I kept them at bay, but today it was just too strong. You're just so..."

I saw her amusement change to something else. One corner of her mouth tipped. Then she bit her bottom lip softly.

"What were they about?" she asked and raised her eyebrows. "No. Never mind. Don't say it. I want you to show me."

"Really?" I asked. "But what I did?"

Then she looked at me sternly.

"Do you think I'm a virgin?" she asked.

I shook my head, no.

"I've had other men...and women," she said, and I saw the pink rise in her cheeks again. "Does that make you want me less?"

"No," I replied.

"What happened with Tamara is in the past. I want you," she said.

"What do you want me to do?" I asked, giving in to it.

"No, no. That's not how this works," she said, and her seductive smile came back. "What do you want to do to me?"

Images flashed through my mind. Throwing her onto the counter so I could taste my prize. Then I pushed the thoughts away and looked at her once more. My eyes must have turned red again because it caused a reaction.

"Oh, my," she said as she stared into my eyes. "Whatever that was. Do that. That's what you really want to do. Isn't it?"

I shook my head, yes.

"Then do it," she said, her smile growing.

I nervously walked up to Nicole and put both hands under her ears. I pulled her face forward and started to kiss her, then she pulled away. She removed my hands from her neck and slid them down to her waist. Then she grabbed my wrists more forcefully and slid them around to her ass.

"Don't be so afraid. I won't object," she said quietly.

Afterward, she put her arms around my neck and continued the kiss I had started. As we kissed, I ushered her to the end of the bed. When we were there, I slid my hands up to the edges of the black lacy panties that obscured my prize. When I broke the kiss to start sliding them down, she encouraged me.

"That's better, Simon," she said and waited for my next move.

As I slid them down, she continued.

"Just understand. Women don't always...you know. Not until we're very comfortable with each other. It doesn't mean you're bad. I'll still enjoy it. Does that make sense?"

Why was she pre-apologizing? I didn't respond. But it had given me a devious idea and a steadfast resolve. I'd make sure she...you know, as she put it. Even if I had to keep trying. Not that I'd mind. The smell as I slid her panties down nearly drove me mad. I'd keep trying until I got it right. I'd spend all night on my knees and enjoy every second of it until she was screaming my name, if that's what it took.

When I took my position on my knees, she stepped out of her clothing, then I tossed them aside.

"What's next?" she asked, urging me on.

This was what I needed from her. And somehow, this perfect woman knew it.

I rose, sliding the thin shirt up as I went along. She lifted her arms to allow it to be pulled over her head.

"Tell me what you think," she commanded.

"I think you are the most beautiful woman I've ever seen," I replied.

"What do you want to do to me?" she asked.

Despite her normal shyness, she didn't try to cover herself. She let my eyes take her all in without any sign of embarrassment.

"What do you want?" I asked again.

This time she was even more stern.

"No, Simon," she scolded. "What do YOU want?"

"I want to please you," I said and moved closer to her.

She laughed.

"I'm sure I'll enjoy it. And don't worry, I'll get my turn." The look on her face had me wishing it was her turn right now, but she was adamant. I was to take my turn first.

I reached out my hand and cupped one of her breasts, and she gasped then bit her lip. It was like she wanted to tell me what to do but stopped herself.

I knelt once more, letting my hands slide down her body, tracing the curve of her hips. I heard her heart rate increase, and her breathing quicken as my hands moved to her ass.

I kissed her abdomen, right below her navel and finally had an answer to my question from earlier. She was a little ticklish, but she enjoyed the sensation. The giggle that turned into a sigh told me that.

I kissed lower until I found the edge of her hairline. Then I inhaled deeply, relishing in the thought of how she would taste.

"This is what you've been wanting to do?" she asked, a little astonished.

"Yes," I said, looking up at her.

She didn't respond, she just smiled her approval.

I pushed against her hips lightly, and she sat on the edge of the bed. Then I eased her legs apart and could hear Nicole's pulse quicken in anticipation.

"You're sure this is what you want to do?" she asked again to be certain.

I wanted to make sure there would be no more doubt.

"I have dreamed of tasting you. It fills my thoughts every time I smell you. It's all I can think about," I explained and watched as she lustfully nibbled on her bottom lip once more.

Without any more explanation, I set about my task. The one I had been waiting for.

I would please her. I would cause her to call out my name. Then, and only then, would I release her.

I started at her knee on the left, then slowly kissed my way until I was at her inner thigh. Her breathing increased as I reached my goal, her legs falling further apart as she ached for what I wanted so desperately. Then I pulled away and heard the grumble of disappointment. Just as I had planned.

I started over on the right knee, working my way inward much more slowly this time. The whole time she watched, leaning on her hands. As my lips drew closer, she let herself fall back onto the bed, unable to keep watching the suspense.

Then I heard her whisper.

"Please, Simon."

I gave in, and she took in a large breath as my tongue pierced her. I licked and sucked to my heart's content. Enjoying the taste and the smell that I had longed for, while she cried and moaned softly.

Then, as I was engrossed in my task, I felt her fingers running through my hair. Her nails scratched my scalp, and I knew she was almost there. I had wanted this to last, but once I started, I couldn't help myself.

Every lick urged me to take another. Every taste filled me with a desire for more as I tantalized the sensitive skin.

"Shit, Simon," she whispered in a pained voice.

I slowed but didn't stop. I had been too quick. I didn't want it to end just yet.

"Shit," she said again, louder.

I teased and kissed, licked and sucked as she drew closer and closer. I could feel her fingers gripping my head tighter and opened my eyes to see the expression of near torture on her face. Her eyes were shut, her face was grimaced, but I knew a look of pleasure and satisfaction would soon replace it.

This was what I had wanted. More than anything, I wanted to be the one to bring her to the edge, then ease her over it, watching the whole time.

My arms slid under and around her thighs. I lifted her legs onto my shoulders and held on tightly. I knew what was coming next. If I had done my job correctly, I needed to hold on.

"Wait!" she urged me as her hands gripped my head, but that only encouraged me to suck harder.

"Oh...Fuuuuck!!" she shouted in a lower voice as her whole body tensed.

I felt her legs shake as they wrapped around my neck. Then her hands left my head and slapped against the mattress where they squeezed for something to hold on to. I could no longer see her face as she arched her back, but I didn't need to.

Her breath came in quick bursts as it concluded, then her back relaxed as did her legs. I lifted up my head to survey the pleasure I had given her, and it was marvelous.

She panted, looking up at the ceiling, then a satisfied smile crept over her. As she looked down at me, she raised her hand to her mouth, then chewed playfully on her index fingernail as she looked at me appreciatively.

"That's what you have been wanting to do?" she asked.

I could see the gratitude in her eyes, but there was another impulse in her look. One that wanted more.

"Yes," I agreed.

I felt so content. So satisfied. The beast was nearly placated.

"Anything else?" she asked hopefully.

I grinned at her deviously as I gently pulled her off the bed. We knelt together, her back against the edge of the bed.

"Well?" she asked.

Without a word, I turned her around and pushed her gently over the edge of the bed. Then I took my fingers and ran my fingernails along her back, placing my knees between hers then spreading them. After hearing her nearly purr while I teased her back, I pulled my shirt off. Then I stood and removed my shorts.

She looked back at me, eyeing my body like I had done to hers. Her look made me wonder if I had looked at her so hungrily, so ready for what was coming next.

I returned to my knees and entered her slowly while enjoying the sounds she made as I filled her. She gasped as I first entered, then muffled sounds came from her mouth as she tried desperately to remain quiet.

The sensation nearly made me dizzy. Once I was completely inside of her, I had to stop and take a breath for fear I might fall over. She was so incredible, and perhaps it was my excitement, but I was afraid to move. Scared I might not get to enjoy this sensation long enough.

The feeling was so intense, so consuming. If I didn't come up with another plan, it would be over far too soon. Sex had never felt like this before. Then it hit me. I didn't have to move to pleasure her.

As I slid my right hand from her hip around toward the front, she looked back at me with confusion.

"What are...? Oh!" she replied happily, as my hand reached its target, and she understood what I had in mind.

Still, I felt the need to explain so that she understood the reason for it.

"I'm sorry," I started, and she turned her head to look at me again. "You feel so incredible. I'm afraid to move. And I want to prove you wrong."

"What do...," she started but was unable to finish as my fingers got to work. "Never mind," she said, almost breathless.

Her head fell to the bed, and she bit the sheet.

I slowly retreated until I was nearly out, then slowly entered her once more, but the sensation was no less disorienting. I wanted to enhance her pleasure, but I didn't want to push myself too far. Once it started, I knew I'd have no way to turn back.

"Faster, Simon," I heard her whisper. "With your fingers." Then she realized what she thought was a mistake. "Sorry. It's your turn."

I saw her turn her head and give me an apologetic look. I grinned back at her deviously.

"I got to do what I wanted. I'd like some direction now if you don't mind. I'm not the best at this," I said with a laugh, and her apologetic look vanished.

I needed to know exactly how to bring her to the edge where my own body waited.

"Then move them faster and push harder," she ordered with a sly grin.

I saw her pull her arms underneath of her so she could hold her head up. Probably to breathe easier. She was panting now and making high pitched cries as my fingers worked away or grunts of pleasure as I slowly entered her.

"Yes, Simon," she said then turned to look at me. "Sorry."

"Don't be sorry," I said as I struggled to control my own breath. "I want you to talk. It lets me know how to do it right. I especially like it when you say my name."

"You're doing...fine," she panted in encouragement. I saw the smile as she added. "Simon."

I pushed a little harder and concentrated on spots where it sounded most pleasurable to her.

"That's it, Simon," she cried, her voice sounding almost pained once more.

I tried to laugh, but my throat was dry, and my breath uneven. I was getting closer to the point of no return. I just needed to hold off until Nicole was satisfied one more time. I hadn't expected it to feel so damn good!

"I..." I tried to speak but could barely make a sentence. I was very close, and I wasn't sure how much longer I could hold on.

The sensations were too overwhelming. Too wonderful. I had never imagined sex could be so all-consuming. I could barely think straight. Even trying to concentrate on the vision in front of me, Nicole bent over, her lovely behind staring me in the face, only loosened the grip on my self-control.

Shutting my eyes didn't help either, because then all I could do was feel. And I had never felt anything quite like having sex with Nicole.

"Yes, Simon," she panted, sending me one step closer to the edge.

Then I heard her gasp.

"I'm gonna...I'm gonna...!" she said loudly. "Oh, shit!" she shouted, and the rest was a blur.

White explosions filled the back of my eyelids as I held them tightly closed. I removed my hand from where it had brought her so much pleasure and grasped Nicole's hips for stability. Then my body spasmed uncontrollably, and the cold electrical impulses shot across my brain. Afterward, I fell forward onto Nicole's back, barely able to catch my breath.

When I opened my eyes, I saw her laying before me, both hands out on the mattress, panting as quickly as I was. The smile on her face telling me that she had indeed found satisfaction a second time.

This part was usually embarrassing for me, removing myself then cowering to find my clothes. But not this time. This time as I pulled away from her, I saw her lying there, still smiling, unwilling to move just yet and it brought me comfort. I had succeeded in pleasing my witch.

Instead of finding my clothes, I ran my hand up her outer thigh. This time it wasn't with my nails. It was caring and expressive of my gratitude.

Nicole pushed herself up, then stood. With a silly laugh, she let herself flop onto the bed then patted my side to let me know that I was required to join her. Which I didn't mind in the slightest.

As I slid up beside her, both of us facing the other, we stared into each other's eyes. Most of my lustful thoughts had subsided, though I probably could have been persuaded to go one more round. Despite this, the loving gaze from her had me wanting something else more urgently. I wanted to hold her. To feel her bare skin on mine as we drifted off to sleep.

When she pushed on my shoulder to topple me onto my back, I laughed. How had she known what I was thinking? Perhaps it had been just as urgent to her as it had been to me.

When she sprawled out over my chest, I felt her smile on my chest before she spoke.

"Was that ok?" I asked.

"My face is numb," she said with a laugh.

"That's good?" I wondered.

"I've only had that happen once before...and she was very good." Nicole added a laugh to enforce her statement then looked up at my eyes to see if I would object.

I didn't mind her comparison. Perhaps if it had been a man, I might have been jealous. Being compared to a woman, one who knew exactly what she was doing, seemed more like a compliment.

"Were you and her together?" I asked.

"No," Nicole said with a laugh, laying back down over my chest. She continued speaking as her body relaxed. "It was a one-night thing. I never really had much luck keeping lovers. I thought maybe..."

I did not let that sentence finish. I could not let her finish it.

"It wasn't you. Of that, I'm very certain," I said with confidence and amusement.

"That's nice of you to say but...," she started, but again I wouldn't allow her to finish that thought.

"I have never felt anything like that," I admitted. "You are spectacular. Seriously."

"I think most of that was you," she said somberly.

"I'm pretty sure you were there too," I chuckled and felt her smile on my chest.

We laid there for nearly twenty minutes, not speaking, not wanting to interrupt this moment of sheer happiness with words.

The feeling of her bare breasts against me, her stomach on my side, the warmth of her body. I had never been happier. Then I felt her grip around my waist loosen, and all the tension in her muscles released as she fell asleep. I was soon to follow.

# Chapter 18

The dream took me, despite how peaceful Nicole had made me. Even the serenity she had given me would not keep the other wolf, Mike, from invading my sleep.

He padded along a street he didn't know, once again. This time it was a dark alley. Was Mike aware of our connection? Was he intentionally trying to confuse me tonight? Somehow I got the impression that this was the case.

He turned right and left as I saw through his eyes, winding around aimlessly through dark alleys. He avoided looking at street signs and kept away from businesses I'd recognize. I started to get a sinking feeling as some of the cars he passed, with his eyes focused on his feet, looked familiar.

When Mike looked up, I saw the very recognizable door that led to our apartment. Was he here to kill me?

I struggled to wake from the dream, but something wouldn't let me escape tonight. The shouts and screams from my mind fell on deaf ears as Mike used his clawed hands to open our front door quietly. He slipped inside then shut the door just as silently before he sniffed the air.

I could smell bacon and eggs cooking through his nose, then I realized, with horror, why he was really there. I screamed in my head, the sound almost deafening to me, but no one listened.

He inched his way into the kitchen, keeping his claws up so only the pads on his feet would hit the floor. Then he saw her. I felt his revulsion as he looked at my beautiful Nicole, and he was repulsed by the sight of her in her new pajama shirt.

He found her sickening, not only her hair color. He even disliked her body. The curves I loved were a failing that exercise could remove, in his eyes. The ass that had nearly pushed me over the edge was nothing more than excess weight to be eradicated.

As he crept closer, she turned with a smile on her face, expecting me.

"Simon...," she started then screamed as Mike's wolf encased her in his iron grip.

His arm around her shoulders, she couldn't move, despite how hard she struggled. Then he placed a cloth over her mouth, and she soon succumbed to the substance that burned his nose.

I struggled to release myself from this dream as Mike carried Nicole down the street over his shoulder. The sun was coming up, I could feel his anxiety. He needed to get her somewhere, but where? Now I wanted to stay. To see where he took my witch, my savior, but something pushed my vision away, and it blurred. Still, I couldn't wake up.

After what seemed like hours of torture, my vision cleared and before Mike stood Sandra. Her outfit leather. The whole thing was tight on her, black pants and tank top. She looked like a biker or dominatrix of some sort, and I felt his desire for her. His need to please her so she might show him some sort of affection.

"That's a good dog," she said with a hint of contempt. Then she looked into his eyes and got down on one knee. "Is he watching? Are you in there?"

The anger I felt was incredible. I wanted to use Mike to kill her, just like he had killed all the other blondes. I wanted to tear her heart out and show it to her as she died. The rage that consumed me would not be satisfied with hurting her. It needed her to suffer for stealing my witch!

"If you can hear me, I want you to listen very carefully," she said in a patronizing tone. "Don't look for her. Don't do anything or I'll kill her." She paused as if I could answer, then went on. "On your twenty-first night, I want you to come here at exactly fifteen minutes until nine o'clock. Until then, you will do nothing. I hope I am making myself clear."

Then she stood, and Mike's vision turned to look at Nicole, unconscious. I could still hear Sandra speaking as Mike moved closer to my beautiful witch. The one I'd call master if she wanted me to. The one who had saved me. The one I would kill for.

"You had better keep your phone on you. I'll call with instructions," she ordered. Then she decided to add one more final threat. "I'll have Mike defile her before he kills her if you don't obey me. And I'll make you watch it all!" she snapped, and I once again felt Mike's revulsion at the thought of it. Though he would obey his master, of that, I was very sure.

I shot up in bed, once again drenched in sweat and panting. The fire alarm was blaring, and the apartment was filled with smoke. I rushed to the kitchen to put out the fire that had once been a breakfast my witch had been making for me. Then I sat in the kitchen and stared out at the emptiness that was my life without Nicole.

# Chapter 19

For the next two days, I sulked in my apartment. Everything was a blur. I didn't notice the passage of time, I didn't eat, and only slept when I couldn't keep my eyes open any longer.

When I woke on the third day, the beast was angry. Not at Mike and Sandra. He was angry with me. And I didn't blame him.

I had let his witch down once more. The first time by what I'd done, the second by what I hadn't done. I hadn't protected her. The one thing that I could give her and I had failed miserably.

My one purpose was to make sure nothing happened to her. Why had I been unable to do that?

I rose from the couch that had been my life recently and made my way to the bathroom. The beast was starving once again, sex with Nicole had put him to sleep for days, but that had now worn off. I would not be allowed to sit around the house and do nothing. He required me to find her.

As I stared into the mirror, hands gripping the side of the small counter around the oval sink, I got angry as well.

"You failed!" I shouted at myself.

My eyes turned red and bloodshot.

"You're not even a wolf yet, and you probably got her killed!" I shouted again, squeezing the counter in my hands.

I heard the material crack and didn't care.

The bones in my face started to contort, and my eyes filled with red.

"First you cheat on her. Then you let Mike take her. What good are you?!" I shouted and the counter, along with the sink, snapped in half. Right down the center.

When I looked back up, I noticed the grey hair around my face. It looked like I was an old man who hadn't shaved in days. It wasn't a complete transformation, but I got a good look at what I would become and felt ashamed.

"I can't even become a decent wolf! Why did I ever think I could protect her?!" I was furious. I tossed the pieces of the broken sink and countertop into the tub then stomped out.

I found the cold pizza in the fridge and couldn't remember the age of it. Despite this, I ate it all. I needed food. Then I slumped on the chair and felt myself sliding back down into the pits of despair once more.

But the beast had other plans. The beast would not allow me to fall into self-pity. Not when Nicole's life was on the line. He took over and the next thing I knew, I was standing on top of a building. It was night and the cool air rushed by me as I looked toward the street below.

I was three stories up and had a good view of this section of the city. I sniffed the air, hoping to catch her scent. Then felt the reason for the beast releasing me. I was starving again.

The beast could find food if he had to, but he could not kill and be faithful to Nicole. And, despite my failings. My beast had none. He would never betray her like I had, and he would never let her down. He even gave control back to me so that he would not be tempted to feed. I could feel his loathing for me, but even that would not stop him from doing what Nicole needed. And in order to find her, he needed food.

I wandered into a fast-food restaurant and ordered five double cheeseburgers. The teen who took my order looked at me like I was nuts, but I ignored it and handed him my credit card. Not that I had much money left. Maybe fifty bucks. And that would have to see me through the next two weeks.

Then I looked at the calendar on the wall and realized. I had lost three days. Three days the beast had scoured the city in hopes of catching Nicole's scent. Three days I had been suppressed so that he could do the job I had failed to do.

This added with the two days I had let self-pity take, left me with far less than two weeks left. This thought brought me joy and anguish. I would get the call sooner now but dreaded what I would find. Would Nicole already be dead? Surely the beast would have sensed it. He wouldn't still be searching so diligently, would he?

After eating the cheeseburgers, I headed to the bathroom and noticed my shirt. It was tight on my arms and chest now. It had been loose when I was last in control. Had the beast shrunk it somehow? Then I lifted up my shirt to see the muscles that now lined my stomach and chest. What in the hell was happening to me? I was now bigger than Mike.

As I marveled at the size of my arms, then at my legs, I felt him clawing his way back into my conscious mind. He wanted control again. I had served my purpose, he was fed. Now he wanted to resume the search.

I didn't even fight it this time. Nicole was important to me as well, and he seemed better suited to find her. So, I let myself slide back into the void where I slept until the beast needed me again.

The next time I woke, I was in a part of town I knew but never visited. It was where all the drug dealers and street thugs lived. Even the streets here seemed messier. Like the street cleaners didn't dare come here either.

As I walked along the street, hoping to find something to douse this burning hunger, I saw a group of younger guys. Probably my age, maybe a little older. And the way they were walking, their stance, even the looks on their faces, told me that they thought I was an easy target.

I checked my arms, and they were even larger than last time. I wasn't really sure how it had happened, but I looked more like a football player now. The group of five guys walking up to me had my pity. I was not going to be an easy target.

"What day is it?" I asked loudly, which produced a round of laughter.

"What are you on, dude?" one of them asked.

He was taller than the rest, but skinny, as they all were. His torn up jeans and his leather jacket were meant to intimidate. They did not.

"I just need to know what day it is." Then I had another thought as the burning hunger urged me to fulfill my part of this partnership. "And where can I get some food around here?"

One of the shorter ones was acting nervously, holding his hands behind his back. I guessed that he had a weapon of some kind. As I thought this, I noticed the top of a bat as it swung behind him. Once again, I pitied them. This was a very bad idea.

"It's the sixteenth," the tall one replied. "And there's nowhere to get food around here. The burger joint closed up a year ago." Then he laughed. "Kept getting robbed."

"Holy shit!" I exclaimed, ignoring my would-be-assailants.

I had lost eight days this time. I only had until tomorrow. Then I would get the call. Yet the beast hadn't found her. Wherever they were keeping her, even her scent couldn't escape.

I felt sorry for my beast and felt his pain. He had failed as well. Now he understood my shame and self-loathing. He understood what it felt like to let her down, and he was no longer angry with me. Instead, his anger turned toward the two that had taken our Nicole. Then his rage found focus on the five men who now surrounded me.

But I would not let him out. I would not let him fail her again. He would not get to kill like he wanted to. He did not get to just give up on Nicole!

I would hurt them. These men might even end up in the hospital, but none of them would die.

The small one swung the bat hard, and it cracked against my skull. I felt the force, and I think he meant to kill me. Instead, he had only pissed me off, as well as the beast. He didn't want to know what would happen if I let the beast have his way.

I spun and grabbed the bat then thumped the short one on the top of his head. He crumpled to the ground. Then I turned back and saw a gun pointed at my chest.

"This is a bad idea, guys," I said and let the beast show some of his power.

I could see the reflection of my glowing eyes in theirs, and I could tell my fangs were showing.

The gun went off, and the bullet hit me in the chest. I only know because I saw the red stain on my shirt. I didn't feel a thing. It was no more distracting than the bat against my skull. Our mutual fury for letting Nicole down would not let us feel pain.

Using my new bat, I knocked out the gunman, and the rest fled. With a satisfying snap, I broke the bat over my knee then tossed it on top of him as I walked down the street. I needed to go home. I had almost no money left and no time. I needed to get my cellphone, which the beast had left in the apartment and he didn't even try to argue.

Then, out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Tamara.

She leaned against a lamp post that looked abused and bent. It still lit the street, as did all the others lining the street for countless blocks. The ones in this part of town were just a little more worn than normal.

She grinned as I walked up to her with anger. Had she organized this? Was she the one to blame?

The beast forced his way forward, but I was in control only seconds later as Tamara held out her hand and my body froze. I was not a full wolf yet. Her magic wasn't painful, but I was held firmly in place. So, the beast let me do the talking.

"Was this you?" I asked.

I didn't shout, that would only make this worse. I do think she saw my anger, and it made her laugh.

"Really? You're not even wolf enough to figure out who is behind this? She really picked a winner," she said with contempt.

"Sandra has her. I just thought..." She cut me off.

"Well, not completely useless after all. And no, I'm not behind it. Though I must say. It works out perfectly for me." She pushed herself away from the lamp post and walked toward my frozen body. "I don't even have to lift a finger."

When she reached me, she used her index finger, and her long fingernail to trace a line from my chin to the back of my neck.

"When you fail to save her, I'll swoop in and do your job. Then she will realize that she does need me. Your failure and death will make sure she doesn't even look for a boyfriend for years to come." She continued tracing a line down my back. Then grabbed my ass with both hands.

"It's a shame," she said then continued around in front of me where she stared down at my pants. "You were extremely pleasant." She continued to circle me, taking in the rest of my recent changes. "And damn, have you filled out."

After one more lustful glance, she then started to walk down the nearly empty street lined with lamp posts. When she reached the first pole, she began to speak.

"Good luck, wolf," she taunted then snapped her fingers.

All the light bulbs in everything, for at least four blocks, burst at once. House lights, car headlights, even the neon signs above, all exploded. The explosions blinded me for a moment, and when I could see once more, she was gone.

My body was my own again, but not my mind. The beast was infuriated by Tamara. He surged to be free so that he could find her and punish her, but I would not let him out. I argued that finding Tamara would take too much time. Time Nicole didn't have, and he relented.

As we started to walk back home, I could feel his rage for me wavering. He understood that he had failed the same as I had. He even found some acceptance for me along the way. While we walked the nearly two miles back to my apartment, my beast found that he didn't hate me after all. He was no more perfect than I was. We had both failed to protect the most important person in the entire world.

# Chapter 20

I picked up a pot roast on my way back home and couldn't stop the urge to eat it raw. My beast had pushed the limits of what he was capable of. He had nearly starved himself trying to find her. And that I could respect.

When I reached the apartment, I quickly found my phone and sat on the couch. I fully intended to wait through the night, and the next day, but sleep had other ideas. My beast hadn't even given in to the need for sleep while he scoured the city. I was very proud of him.

As I drifted off, expecting to be invaded by dreams, I was pleasantly surprised to have none about Mike. Instead, my own beast provided the dreams tonight. Showing me everything he had done while I was pushed to the back.

He had scoured block after block. Starting at one end of the city, then upon reaching the other end, he'd move down two or three blocks, and head back. He did this for days on end, not sleeping, not eating, and constantly pushed back the desire to feed.

His Nicole...our Nicole, he corrected, would not accept us if we fed on humans. She was too pure for that, too perfect. The beast could suffer for her. He wanted to suffer for her. It might alleviate the pain he felt for being unable to find her.

Then the beast showed me the night Nicole and I had spent together. How calm it had made him to please her like that. His rage was eased by her touch. Her skin next to ours produced happiness in him. Something he was unaccustomed to and wanted again. He would do almost anything to feel that again.

Then I woke on the final day. But I was not angry. I was not frantic. Today, I was calm. The beast was calm. We both had a purpose today. Today we would save our witch.

My cellphone ringing beside me had woken me up. I had known she would call but hadn't expected to sleep through the day. The cushions of the couch had not fared so well during my restless sleep. They were torn and ragged, stuffing falling out everywhere. It seemed that my claws were not so easy to control when my own beast was controlling my dreams. His frustration became mine, and together we had taken it out on the couch.

"Hello," I said angrily into the phone as I flipped the cushions over.

I couldn't hide what I'd done to the bathroom, but I could hide this. Nicole would be back, of that I was certain. And I didn't want her to see what her absence did to me. I'd keep that part of me far away from Nicole. I never wanted her to see the desperation and anger I had felt.

"Calm down, dog," Sandra's voice said. Then she went on when I was silent. "Corner of thirty-third and Semus. You have thirty minutes." Then she hung up.

I looked up at the clock as I shoved the cellphone into my pocket. It was eight-fifteen. Did she want to watch my first change? That was the only thing that made any sense at this point. Though, I don't think I was all that rational any longer. Being without Nicole had worn on my sanity but, at the same time, it had provided me and my beast with time to come to terms with each other. Sandra would not like it when we worked together.

I rushed out the door, then sprinted toward my goal. As it came into view, I saw an empty warehouse with its doors wide open. Mike was standing at the doorway, waiting for me. It was funny how small he looked to me now. He hadn't changed. I had changed a lot.

Mike gave me a look that filled me with pride. Was he scared? I'd seen his wolf, his wolf was very large. I wasn't sure how well I'd fare. Perhaps my wolf would be smaller. I did look like an old man with my grey fur.

The human me was larger and more muscular now, but could I win? If not, I'd die before I let them harm Nicole. I would become a full werewolf in a few minutes. Then I'd let my rage consume me. The beast and I would become one. And we would both rather die than see anything happen to our Nicole.

Mike ushered me into the warehouse then shut the door. He even chained and locked it to make sure we had privacy for whatever they had planned.

As I was escorted through the empty space, I saw Sandra, then I saw Nicole.

My heart raced, and my anger surged as I saw her tied to a chair. She looked clean, a contrast from when Tamara had held her, but she also looked weak and sad.

Her clothes weren't her own. Pants too long and too tight on her voluptuous figure. Even the shirt looked similar to when I had let her borrow mine. The only thing that stretched out Sandra's shirt was Nicole's chest. The rest was baggy and loose.

"I'm here," I said, anger tainting my words as I walked up to Sandra.

Nicole's head jerked, and despite the gag in her mouth, I saw her smile. Then I saw a look of astonishment as she saw my newfound strength. I felt very proud but turned myself to the task at hand. I had no time to show off for Nicole.

"If you hurt her," I growled as best I could and thought myself menacing.

Sandra held up her hand, and I heard Mike change behind me. Then she waved and a wall of force collided with my skull. I spun, then landed on the cement floor. The blood tasted bitter in my mouth, and the scent reminded me of what it would taste like to feast on Sandra's heart.

"You will not speak to me unless spoken to. Is that understood...dog!" she snapped.

I lifted myself up and felt the rumble in my chest as my beast prepared to show everyone what a real growl sounded like. What I had thought was a growl before, was nothing like it felt coming from me now. I think even Sandra heard the grumble in my chest as I tried to contain the beast's anger.

The beast loved Nicole. Nicole was his master. And my beast was loyal to a fault. He was prepared to die for her, even longed for it. But I kept him down. I wanted to live. To spend my life with her as her wolf. We would die if we had to, but life with Nicole was our goal. The beast found comfort in my argument. He calmed as I spoke once again.

"I'll do whatever the hell I please," I said angrily. Then I pointed to Nicole. "If she tells me to shut up, I will. I'm hers."

Sandra huffed then walked over to Nicole and removed the gag.

"Tell him to mind his tongue," she ordered.

"Simon, just be calm," Nicole said, and her voice eased my mind. It was her. It was really her. Then I saw her smile a little. Not enough to be telling to anyone but me. "Let the change happen."

I knew what she wanted. She wanted me to wait. Once I was fully transformed, Sandra's magic would barely tickle. Then I'd only have to deal with Mike.

I looked Mike over while I waited the few minutes I had left of being separated from my other half.

Mike was large as his wolf. His muscles bulged under his fur, and his claws were long and sharp. His wolf-shaped head looked frightening with all his fangs bared. But I was not afraid. If I was going to die, I would go down fighting. I would give my witch every chance to get out of here, even if I didn't survive.

Suddenly, I felt something clutching my chest, squeezing it. I could breathe, but it felt labored. When the pain reached a height I didn't know possible, I fell to my knees and brought one hand up to the center of my chest. I gasped, hoping it would alleviate some of the pain, but the pain didn't stop.

"It's time," Sandra said menacingly.

"Why wait? Why not kill me now?" I asked between breaths that felt almost too difficult to achieve.

Nicole answered, instead.

"Killing a wolf who hasn't changed is against witch laws," Nicole said. Then she added more. "She can't kill you until you change. And Tamara won't show up until I'm in danger. With you alive, she has no reason to come." Then she turned her stare at Sandra, and malice replaced her amusement. "You think your wolf can kill Tamara for you, don't you?" The laugh at the end told me of how stupid Nicole thought Sandra's plan was.

I could hear the pride in Nicole's voice. Despite everything Tamara had done to her, her loyalty to her sister and pride in her sister's abilities were still there.

I didn't dare tell Nicole how I'd met Tamara. How Tamara had wanted me to fail. It would crush Nicole's spirit even further. I would not allow that. This secret would remain between me and my beast until Nicole was ready to hear it. Until the day she accepted the fact that her sister didn't care about her at all.

"If you hadn't enlisted this wolf, mine would have already torn Tamara to pieces. I've never seen one as strong as this one," Sandra said with pride pointing to Mike.

Nicole laughed again and struggled against her bindings.

"You've never actually met Tamara have you?" Nicole asked.

"No, but she's just a witch," Sandra said. "Once my wolf kills her, I will have the respect of every witch in this country. Or their fear. I don't really care which. Just as long as they listen to me."

"Tamara isn't afraid of a wolf," Nicole replied, but Sandra ignored her, coming closer to me.

Nicole's words stuck in my mind. Then why had Tamara shown such fear when Nicole let me go? Was it not me that she was afraid of? Was she afraid of Nicole? Why?

My concentration was shattered as another wave of pain assaulted me. My limbs hurt now. The muscles felt like they were tearing. I could hear my ribs cracking, my leg bones snapping. The pain was excruciating.

Mike took another step toward me, and Sandra raised her hand.

"Not until he is fully changed," Sandra ordered. "He has to be able to defend himself. That is the law."

My skin began to itch as fur came out of it, my whole head pounded while my face elongated and the fangs pushed their way out. I cried out when the pain overwhelmed me, and I fell onto my hands. They shook from the excruciating pain but were able to support me.

"It will be over soon, Simon," Nicole's angelic voice echoed in my brain, and the beast responded.

My transformation picked up speed. He longed for her approval and wanted her to see him as he really was. I felt the bones snap more quickly. I shouted at the ceiling in protest, but there was no relief.

My bones snapping made Nicole wince. Even my spine popped loud enough to echo in the empty space...then it was over. The pain a distant memory, as I stood and looked down on Mike, nearly a foot taller than he was.

It took a moment for the change in my mind to happen. Even after the transformation was complete. As if the fog in my brain was suddenly cleared, the confusion, the arguments, and even the distaste for one another vanished. I could feel him, but even that faded as the seconds ticked by. The beast and I were now one mind, one voice. I was whole.

"He's...he's...," Sandra stuttered and tried to walk backward, nearly tripping.

"He's a silverback!" Nicole shouted in glee.

I had no idea what a silverback was. My fur was grey, not silver. I had seen it in the mirror. I thought it made me look old, but Nicole's reaction brought more pride. My appearance pleased her.

I turned my head to catch Nicole's loving stare, and Mike took the chance to catch me off guard. His clawed hand slammed into my head, throwing me sideways, but not knocking me over. I growled in defiance.

It started low in my chest, like the sound of a train coming. Then it rose, and the rumble became a roar. It echoed in the empty space, causing Sandra to cower, but Mike would not back down.

Mike lunged at my throat, I did the same. When we met, the collision made Mike grunt, but his right hand kept my jaws from his throat. As he struggled to push me back, I felt the claws on his other hand pierce my chest. Instinctively I pushed him away, sending him ten feet. He slid to a stop then lunged at me again.

While he attacked, Sandra held her hands up to hold me still, but although I could feel her power, it was nothing to me now. A swift breeze would have caused more of a reaction than her magic.

I caught Mike's jaws with my hands as he tried to go for my throat again. When I pulled them apart, something in his jaw snapped, and he whimpered. Still uncertain if I wanted to kill Mike, I released him and he cowered on the floor. Then I turned my attention toward Sandra. The real culprit. Mike was just the tool. Sandra was the one behind it.

Again she tried to throw magic at me, but I barely felt it. It slid over me like water, and she fell while she tried to backpedal.

"Please," she begged from her position on the floor, while she tried to skitter backward.

I heard Mike get to his feet behind me, but I was focused on punishing Sandra. That was when I felt his teeth sink into my shoulder. He had nearly gotten my neck. I needed to be smarter. And Mike needed to die. He had the same desire to protect his witch that I had for mine.

Letting him live would put Nicole in danger. I would not allow anyone who threatened my witch to live.

I spun, hearing Mike's neck snap from the force. I grabbed his waist when his limp body was in front of me, then slammed his head into the cement. But he was still alive. Barely, but I couldn't let him attack again. I had made a huge mistake letting him live. What if he had gone for Nicole instead of me? I would not have been able to survive without her.

I plunged my hand into his chest and grabbed his heart. With sorrow, I pulled it free. His body reverted to normal as I watched, full of remorse. I hadn't wanted to kill my best friend, my half-brother. I'd had no choice. He would have harmed Nicole. Then I stood and turned my hatred toward the one who deserved it.

Sandra had made it to her feet and was almost to the door, but even thirty feet was nothing for me to cross in seconds. As I grabbed her by the arm, I thought of Nicole. Mike's death had been to protect Nicole. This death would be out of anger and retribution. I needed Nicole's permission.

I drug the small woman along, barely noticing as she punched and clawed at my hand that was holding her arm so tightly. She screamed obscenities at me, but my attention was held by Nicole's beautiful form. When I finally reached my witch, I freed Nicole's bound hands with one careful swipe of the claw on my index finger.

I wanted to ask permission, but my wolf mouth wouldn't allow human speech. Instead, it came out as a whine.

Nicole picked herself up and glanced at Sandra. I lifted the frail witch up to show my witch and let Sandra's feet dangle in the air. When I heard her shoulder pop, I lowered her to the ground.

"Please, Nicole. I'll leave. I'll never...," she pleaded.

"Kill her," Nicole ordered, and without pause, Sandra's heart was in my hand.

After dropping the heart and the woman who it had once belonged too, I was astonished to see Nicole throw herself at me.

"Thank you," she said and hugged my large body. Then her hands started caressing my fur. "It's softer than I thought it would be."

I was very proud at that moment. I had become one with the beast, and my witch didn't cower from me. She had called my fur soft. It was silly how important that word became to me.

Then she pushed herself away and smirked.

"Don't suppose you thought to bring extra clothes?" she asked, then rolled her eyes. "I'll find something."

As she took off to find something to cover me, I let the change reverse. I could feel it, but the pain was much less this time. Soon I was standing in the middle of an empty warehouse, two dead bodies beside me, and I was naked.

# Chapter 21

That night we went straight to the bedroom after we got home. Nicole had changed in the bathroom once more. I assumed she had noticed the broken sink lying in the shower. It was pretty hard not to notice it. Despite this, she didn't say a word

I was worn out, but I did have a few questions about what had just occurred in the warehouse. I didn't feel I'd be able to truly rest with these on my mind.

"What's a silverback?" I asked. This seemed to be very significant, though I had no idea why.

The reaction I got was a little strange. It was dim in the room. My dresser lamp the only light. So I couldn't quite be sure, but she seemed to be blushing. As good as my eyesight was at night, it was in black and white.

While she made her way to the bed, I was thankful that I hadn't spent any time in here while she was gone. I hadn't even spent much time in the apartment. So, my room was still in decent shape. Most of my clothes had made it to the general vicinity of the hamper.

"Umm...," Nicole said as she slid into bed.

This didn't sound promising.

"A silverback is a rare type of werewolf," then she paused again.

I was starting to get nervous at this point.

"Like one in a thousand. Maybe even less common than that," she said, still not getting to the reason.

"Why do I get the feeling like they're also special?" I asked.

"They are because they're so...umm...territorial," she said, still sounding like she didn't really want to explain it. "That's not quite the right word. Loyal? No, loyal isn't strong enough. Maybe umm..."

"As in?" I asked, hoping I could help, but not really understanding what she was getting at.

"Well..." she started again. "Other than the fact that they are larger and stronger than other wolves. They're..." It still seemed like this was difficult for her. Then she went on. "You know how wolves mate for life?" she asked.

"Yes," I replied.

"Well, silverbacks pick their partner and will die before they leave them. Even if that partner doesn't want them," Nicole explained, and I wondered why that was a bad thing.

"Go on," I said, hoping she would get to the bad part. I assumed by her tone that there was a bad part.

"They will often times love their _chosen..._ ," she said changing words. And I understood why. Since mate and partner did not fit if the other person wasn't interested. "Even if they are not loved in return. Choosing to become their bodyguard. Even a servant if they have to, just to be near them."

"And?" I asked, still not seeing the bad part.

This all seemed perfectly reasonable to me. I'd be Nicole's servant if that was all she wanted from me. I just hoped for more. I'd gladly stand by her side until the day she was ready. Even if that day never came.

"And...," she said. This time I knew her cheeks were pink. Even in the dim light, I could tell. "They are very attentive...lovers." Now her face was bright red.

"That's it?" I asked.

It was all true. Where was the bad part? Why had she been so reluctant to talk about it? Sure, I can see Nicole getting a little embarrassed, but it was still true. I'd do anything for Nicole, even if she didn't want me like that. Just as long as I could be near her.

"I've never met a silverback before. You're not objecting to any of it. Is it all true?" she asked.

She laid on the bed then took a position on her side so she could look into my eyes.

"Yep, sounds like me," I replied.

Nicole pushed me playfully onto my back so she could lay on me. As she sprawled out over me, she tilted her head up and looked into my eyes with lustful intentions. I was sure of it, but she didn't say a word. It was her turn. I had to wait. She had said so, and I would never break one of her rules.

After a few seconds, she snapped her fingers, and the dresser light shut off. Having a girlfriend who was a witch was pretty handy at times. Not that she could move anything heavy, but she could shut off the light from across the room. Very impressive, if you ask me.

Then she laid on my chest and sighed. Oh, how I wanted to kiss her, to pleasure her once more, but I couldn't start anything. No matter how much I wanted to. As I laid there waiting for her to start, I realized how tired I was. The final transformation and the fight that followed had worn me out. But I loved every second of the two minutes I was able to stay awake.

I had no dreams that night. Not even good ones. It was like I'd finally been allowed to rest after weeks of torture. The beast and I were one, and Nicole was safe. I thought I understood peace before, but I had no idea what peace truly felt like until that night.

When I woke in the morning, Nicole was curled up next to me. She looked so peaceful, both hands under her face, on top of my arm. Then I saw her eyes open. Her grin soon followed, and her hand slid across my bare chest.

"Morning," she said with appreciation in her eyes, perhaps it was more.

She did seem to enjoy the changes to my body. Her eyes spending extra time as they took it all in. I believe it was lust in her eyes. Even on her face. And that expression as she bit her lip? What else could it be? But I was not allowed to start it. Not this time. It was not my turn.

"Morning, beautiful," I replied. Hoping this would encourage her.

Her cheeks turned pink then she sat up.

"Sorry, I slept in. I was just too comfy," she said, then headed toward the kitchen. "I'll have your breakfast ready in a minute."

I watched that perfect body, barely covered by the thin nightshirt and was no longer at odds with myself. I wanted her. I lusted for her. But there was more. I needed her. I'd do anything for her. I lo... Not yet.

When I rose, I threw on a shirt, then admired my newfound calm and sanity. Now that the beast and I were one, it was no longer a struggle between what he wanted and what I wanted. At the twenty-first hour, on the twenty-first day, of my twenty-first year, the beast and I found common ground, and I was finally whole.

Our common ground was the one thing we both could agree on. Nicole was everything to us. No happiness could be found without her. No joy could be felt with her gone. We both needed her, and now he and I were of one voice.

I followed her into the kitchen then sat and watched the wonderful woman cooking my food. How I wished I could be the one serving her, but she had made it very clear. Cooking was her thing. She enjoyed it. I would not rob her of that.

A silly thought came to my mind as I watched this breathtaking woman and marveled at her kindness.

"Would you be upset if I called you master?" I asked. I had meant it as a compliment, but her look told me that I had upset her.

She turned, full of worry and anguish.

"Don't you ever say that," she said. Then the snapping bacon caught her attention, and I scrambled for words to make it up to her.

"I wasn't serious," I said, trying to cover for my mistake. I had been serious, but that look. I didn't understand why she had gotten so upset, but I did not want to upset my Nicole.

"I'm not your master, I'm your witch. I will not tell you what you can and can't do. Do you understand?" she asked and glanced at me quickly before flipping the bacon once more.

No. I didn't understand. I didn't understand at all.

It wasn't offensive to me. It was what I wanted. Someone to tell me what I could and couldn't do. Not that I thought she'd pick out my clothes for me. Nor did I think she would treat me as a slave. That was just not Nicole's way. Yet, I was still hers. I was all hers. Everything about me belonged to Nicole.

I quickly decided that since she wouldn't allow me to call her master, I'd substitute this word for another. One that meant the same thing. A word that produced the same feelings inside of me. Nicole.

"Yes, Nicole," I said with a snicker as I substituted the word and felt how happy it made me.

She turned and looked at me funny while she had the pan in her hand to serve my food. I think she caught my stupid grin. But she had no idea what I had meant.

"Why did you say my name like that?" she asked as she dished out the bacon then went for the scrambled eggs.

"I like to say your name, Nicole," I said with another snicker. This one caused her to grimace, then she started to laugh as her eyes rolled.

"What's going on in that head of yours, Simon?" She put the same emphasis on my name as I had hers.

My name held significance as well, but to me, I heard it as 'protector', maybe even 'servant'. Which was what I was. I would do anything for her. Suffer anything. She was mine, but more importantly. I was hers.

"I l...," then my voice cracked. I knew what I wanted to say, but it wasn't time for that yet. I wasn't sure she wanted to hear it. "You make me very happy, Nicole."

That was as close as I dared come to the realization of my feelings. Perhaps when she was ready, I'd be brave enough.

She smiled at my admission, then sat and ate her eggs. She had only one piece of bacon. The rest was for me, and I gobbled my delicious breakfast up while she picked at her eggs, lost in thought.

"You make me happy too," she replied after a few moments.

What had been going through her mind? What had she wanted to say?

"What do you want to do today?" I asked as I put my plate in the sink.

At least she let me do the dishes...sometimes. It was even a struggle to get her to allow me to help her with this task. But, doing dishes didn't bring her the same joy that cooking did. So, sometimes, I was able to convince her.

I started washing my plate without asking today, then started on the pans as she came up behind me. She slid her plate under the running water, then left her arm there and slid the other around my waist. Next, she laid her head across my back, and I could feel the contentment in her loving embrace as she squeezed. There was nowhere she would rather be, and that was my contentment.

After a few more seconds, she finally answered my question.

"This," she said simply, and I understood.

After I finished cleaning up, she ushered me to the couch and sat me down. Then she laid out on my lap, remote in her hands and waited for me to start stroking her hair. I did so happily and watched her while she watched her show.

After her show was over, she rolled over and looked up at me lovingly, then she frowned, and I panicked.

"Don't think I didn't notice the sink?" she asked with condescension. Then she looked even more upset. "And the couch?"

In her hand, she held up a piece of the fluff that had once been inside the couch.

I fumbled for words.

"I was angry. I'm sorry," I apologized.

She must have noticed my panic because I felt her hand slide up my arm, then to my cheek.

"I suppose that's what you get when you live with a werewolf," she stated.

"I'm really sorry, Nicole," I said again, with more guilt.

"And why do you keep saying my name? I'm starting to dislike the way you say it," she said. She laughed afterward, but I felt guilty, nonetheless.

I then vowed not to use her name in place of master. It was like I was disobeying her. She had told me not to call her master. Substituting her name, was just as bad.

"I'm sorry," I said again.

"And you thought I said sorry a lot," she laughed then turned back to the TV.

I felt horrible, but she pulled my hand back up to her hair, and my guilt faded as I stroked it.

"Shall we go shopping again?" she asked, and I saw the deviously seductive smile on her face.

Did she know what it had done to me last time? Had she seen it in my stares? I hadn't specifically told her, but my admission about my 'desires' must have told her why I had been so distracted. Nicole was very smart.

Today would not go like last time. Today, I would not cower from my thoughts. I would not push them back. They would fill my mind, and I would enjoy every second of them until Nicole made them reality. They might even give me ideas to please her.

"That sounds like fun," I said, and Nicole turned her head up to look at my face.

I saw the look of want. Then I remembered. It was her turn. The fantasies could play out, but afterward, when we got home. I would wait for her. Now that I accepted the fact that I could lust for her and l... I wasn't sure I was even ready to say that word in my head. What if I slipped and it came out when I was talking to Nicole? I had almost done that once already. How would she take it? Was it too fast? Should I wait longer?

My singleness of mind now caused other problems. I knew what I wanted, but I didn't know if Nicole felt the same way. I didn't want to push her. What if I went too fast? I didn't want to scare her away.

"What was that look for?" she asked.

Even saying seductive things would be breaking our agreement. When it was her turn, it was her turn. She was in charge. When she wanted sex, she would let me know.

"Nothing," I said with a grin I couldn't contain.

"Oh, you must be thinking about fixing the sink," she said with a laugh then stood. "We should go right now. We'll do the couch another day."

I laughed and marveled at how her personality had changed. It wasn't a complete transformation, like the one I had. It was subtle and still working toward completion, but it was there. That confidence I had struggled to nurture would peek out every once in a while. And I loved it.

"That's a great idea," I said and stood.

Since when had shopping been something I looked forward to? Not just the clothes shopping, which was my favorite part, even the sink shopping sounded fun. Not in the same way, but it did fill me with a feeling of happiness, all the same.

Our first stop was a furniture store. It had everything people needed for a house, including a wide variety of sinks. I thought about looking at couches, but Nicole's argument was sound. Her car had no room to move a couch, and she wanted to spend the day with just me. Not a bunch of delivery guys that couldn't figure out how to fit it through the door.

I relented right away and went about helping her find a sink.

It was fun teasing Nicole about the dimensions and what color she wanted. I made a game out of it. How many times could I get Nicole to laugh at each sink? In the end, I lost count. But, then again, that really hadn't been the point. Her laughing was my main concern. I loved her laugh. It filled me with a warmth like nothing I'd felt before.

Then we finally got to go clothes shopping. Never thought I'd even think those words, let alone be so happy about it. But I was.

At the first shop, she tried on normal blue jeans. Pretty ones, some tight, some not. I complimented the tight ones more, and I think she got the hint. Then we hit another store. This one had a whole section in the back for women's underwear. Bras and panties in every size, style, and color. I was in heaven, thinking about each set on Nicole's perfect figure.

I may have been a little distracted as she pulled me along toward a wall with more intimate selections. Lingerie, to be more specific. I felt my breath quicken as I looked at some of the more revealing sets. Then my eyes found some items I was more interested in.

I probably would have been kicked out, had I not been accompanied by the most beautiful woman in the mall. The way I was staring and touching each pair of the thin panties probably raised some eyebrows. They definitely raised Nicole's.

"You like these?" she asked when she noticed I wasn't looking at the teddies and babydolls.

I was looking at sheer, soft panties. Ones that would not only accentuate Nicole's womanly qualities. They were nearly translucent.

"Yes," I replied, still touching all of them. "These feel soft."

She grabbed a pink pair, a white pair, and a black pair, then went to find bras that matched.

The one-piece lingerie was nice, but having that much material covering a woman like Nicole was not as appealing. I preferred the skimpier two-piece sets. I wanted to see her abdomen. I wanted see-through and soft. No metal bars, straps or clips in the way of my fingers. The soft ones would provide a multitude of sensations as my fingers ran across them. Right before I removed them.

After finding matching bras, she walked to the back to find more of the shirts she wore to bed. Somehow, I think these were made of thinner material. Not that I minded. Seeing more of Nicole could not be considered bad. Just as long as she got a robe or something in case someone came over.

After the sleepwear store, we headed toward more clothing stores, and I was lost in the flurry of different blouses, pants, and other garments. All in all, I had a lot of fun. I wasn't overtaken by the visions like last time and was actually a little disappointed.

That was about the time I realized. I didn't need vivid dreams. Nicole was picking out sexy clothing to tempt me. Surely she was getting ready for her turn. I just hoped it would be soon. I was starting to get a little overly anxious. What if I made a mistake and my hand slipped while we kissed? I did not want to break her rules.

That night, nothing happened. We kissed, she laid on my chest, even wore some of her new panties under her nearly see-through nightshirt, but she didn't try anything.

The next day, I set about fixing the sink, hoping this would encourage her. I was doing things for her. Maybe she'd take her turn today. Still, at bedtime, nothing happened. She again wore a different pair of her new panties. These were black and easily seen under her new, thinner nightshirt.

It drove me nuts. Seeing but not seeing. Being unable to touch her like I wanted to. But she was not ready for her turn. I felt like it might have been my fault somehow. Perhaps I needed to try harder to please her. It must have been something that I had done or not done. I just wished I knew what it was.

Then, on the third day, I noticed something change in Nicole. She was going back to the self-conscious woman, afraid to hope too much. Even at breakfast, she lacked the humor I had seen in her recently. By lunch, I was certain that something was wrong. And that it was all my fault.

After supper, she didn't automatically assume that I would sit by her. She looked like that scared woman once more. As I sat then pulled her to lay in my lap, I heard the sigh of relief, and I knew I had to say something. I didn't want to go back to that. She had me. She had all of me. How could she not see that? What had I done wrong?

"What's wrong?" I asked as she flipped through the channels absentmindedly. I don't even think she was paying attention to the shows.

"It's nothing," she evaded, but today I would not let her get away with that. Something was very wrong.

"Please, just tell me," I pleaded. I would get down on my hands and knees and beg if she made me.

Before I could do that, she sat up and looked at me with sadness.

"You sure you don't want someone else?" she asked.

I was flabbergasted. I had failed once again to show her how much I cared. That's what I had done wrong. I felt horrible. And the worst part was, I had thought everything was going along fine. What had I missed? What had I not done that she needed? I couldn't come up with even one more way I could try to please her.

"How can you ask that?" I tried to control my disbelief and urgency, but some of it came out.

She pushed her hair over her ear nervously, and I could see it in her posture.

"You haven't...," she said then pushed the hair over her other ear. "I mean. You aren't..."

I interrupted. I had to. Those words would tear at my heart.

"It's your turn," I said with a smile. Hoping I might cheer her up.

"I wasn't serious," she said and looked at me.

"Nicole. I want you to understand something," I said and grabbed both of her hands.

She looked down at her hands in mine, and I could feel the worry.

"If you say something. It's law to me. Whether you mean it or not," I said, trying to explain. "I'm a silverback, remember? I can't help it."

"But, I don't want that," she argued.

"Then what do you want?" I asked and lifted one eyebrow.

I felt like I was bending her rule, but it was for her benefit. This one time, it was ok.

She caught my meaning, and finally, that beautiful smile returned.

"You're really going to make me do this, aren't you?" she asked.

"Yep. I want to know what YOU want," I said, mimicking how she had said that to me last time.

"Oh, shit," she said and laughed as she pulled her hands from mine then covered her face. In a few seconds, she peeked out. "Seriously?"

"I've been waiting, not so patiently...," I said then grinned. "For you to take your turn. You have no idea how difficult it has been. The things I've imagined. The willpower it takes." I gave her figure a long look, which seemed to excite her.

"Maybe you could take one more turn," she said then cringed, and her excitement gave way to childish apprehension.

Despite her cuteness and the fact that she was my Nicole. I was steadfast. It was what she needed. Confidence. And giving in to her would only allow her to remain self-conscious. About this, I wanted her to be bold. She had to be able to ask for anything because otherwise, how would I know what she wanted?

I would give her any pleasure that she desired, no matter what it was. I just needed to know what she wanted me to do for her, to her, or with her.

"Not a chance," I replied. I felt a little guilty talking to her like that, but it was for her own good. How could I please her if I didn't know what she liked?

"Fine," she relented then pulled me toward the bedroom.

I laughed as she tugged me. She was acting like it was a punishment.

When we were in our room, she stopped, turned to me then spoke meekly.

"Take off your clothes and get into bed," she said, but it didn't sound sincere.

Again I felt like I was disobeying her, but this time I had a good reason. For this one purpose, I could disobey her. I think she wanted me to. It felt like a game. She said something she didn't really want, I pushed back. Making her tell me the truth. Perhaps this was what she wanted in the bedroom? She wanted me to pull her hidden desires to the surface. Maybe it was part of the excitement for her.

"Is that really what you want?" I asked.

She had done so much for me. I would play this game with her. She would get to play any way she wanted, but I wouldn't be too forceful. It was just a game, I would never make Nicole do anything she didn't want to do.

I put both hands on her shoulders and looked her in the eyes.

"Anything you want. Anything," I reiterated. "If it makes you feel good. I'll enjoy every minute of it."

"Anything?" she asked, and her hands covered her eyes. "This is so embarrassing."

"You want me to suck your toes or something?" I asked with a laugh.

Figuring that a little humor might help her admit what she really wanted.

"Don't be silly," she said and slapped my chest. It was working. Being playful let her forget her embarrassment.

"Something more embarrassing than that?" I asked and grinned at her as I raised my eyebrows.

"Now you're just being weird," she said and laughed again, but it seemed to be helping.

"I want you to...," she said then her embarrassment kicked in. "Ok. Never mind. This is too strange."

She started to walk out, and I grabbed her arm. I didn't tug, but I held on. I would never harm Nicole. The way I held her arm was playful and loving. As I was about to let go, she stopped.

"I'm willing to do anything you want. Anything at all," I said it again, with more emphasis.

She finally gave in and walked back in front of me.

"What I want is...," she stopped again but soon found courage. "I want you to tease me." Her voice was soft, like she didn't want to say it. But, deep down, I knew it was what she really wanted.

Victory never felt so exciting. Teasing I could do. Teasing was what I wanted to do. To hear her beg. To hear her plead. Then to give her what she desired, after she could wait no longer.

"Ok," I said, and I took a step forward. "You'll have to give me directions."

I didn't want to overstep or push her too far. Pleasing her was my main goal.

"Like what?" she asked.

I leaned forward and kissed her neck lightly. Then let my tongue glide along it from collar bone to earlobe. When I reached her ear, I whispered into it.

"Is that what you want?" I asked.

"Yes," she said, her voice breathy and lustful.

I whispered in her ear once more.

"Why would I not want to do this?" I asked, then nibbled on her earlobe.

"Because...oh, my," she sighed as I walked around her and sucked lightly on the back of her neck.

My hands grazed along her stomach, barely brushing across her breasts as they made their way to her hair so I could move it to the side.

"Take off my shirt," she commanded, and I complied. This was better. She was taking some control.

Once it was over her head, only her bra covering her top half, I started kissing along her neck. I kept going, down to her shoulder, then bit the strap of her bra and let it snap back.

"Take that off too," she said, her breath quickened.

As I unclasped it, my lips made their way down her spine. After her bra was released, I slid my tongue along the indention the strap had left across her back.

"Oh, shit," she said. She got braver. "I like that."

My hands found their way to the front of her pants, and I unbuttoned them while kissing down the small of her back. After the button was undone, her hands moved to her waist, but I grabbed her wrists and stopped her.

"That's my job," I said quietly, my lips barely an inch from her skin.

"Yes, it is," she agreed then moved her hands up to her breasts.

She caressed them while I slowly eased her pants down, kissing down one leg, then back up the other.

"Panties too," she pleaded.

"Yes, Nicole," I said, and she giggled.

I grabbed the pink fabric and recognized them as one of the pair I had said I liked. Then I slid them down slowly while I kissed my way down once more, no fabric between my lips and her soft skin. When my hands reached her feet, she stepped out of them, then turned to me, her look full of guilt.

"Just fuck me," she said, but I wouldn't fall for it.

"Not a chance. You asked for teasing. That's what you'll get," I replied.

The lustful look I got in return solidified my thoughts. She had felt guilty, but teasing was what she really wanted.

"Maybe you should sit down," I suggested.

She looked at me gratefully then sat on the bed. Then another cringe came, and it looked like she wanted to ask for more.

"It's your turn. Whatever you want," I stated.

"Do you like doing what you did last time?" she asked while cowering.

"Like it?" I asked with a laugh. "I dream about it."

She slid down to the end of the bed and dangled her legs over.

"You're sure you don't mind?" she asked again.

"Mind? I love it. But don't go thinking it will be the same as last time," I said as I made my way to the end of the bed on my knees. When I arrived in front of her, I grinned deviously. "Tonight is all about teasing."

"Oh, shit," she said then fell back onto the bed. "What have I done?"

Despite her objections, I could hear the anticipation in her voice. The subtle hint of desire and want. She had hoped for teasing with this as well. This was what she really wanted. And I would enjoy giving it to her.

I kissed up the inside of her thigh slowly while my nails scraped gently along the other side.

"I like that, Simon," she said, and when I looked up, I saw her hands squeezing her breasts.

As I reached my goal, I watched her pinch her nipples and had yet another answer to one of my questions. They weren't tender, and she did like it when they were shown some attention.

One quick brush by her warm desire, then I left her wanting, as I kissed higher.

"What are you doing?" she asked and looked down at me.

"I'm teasing," I replied.

When my kisses got to her waist, I eased myself onto the bed, and she removed her hands from her breasts, realizing where I was headed.

First, I touched the tip of my tongue to one, and it hardened instantly. Then I brushed my right hand gently around the other. Barely touching it, sending a shiver through her.

"I want more," she urged me, so I gave her more. But just a little more.

My right hand continued lower until my finger slid its way down and entered her, while I sucked her nipple into my mouth.

"Oh, shit," she said again, grabbing my head with the hand on my side, my right wrist with the other. "Don't stop."

I didn't listen because this was also part of the game. Something she was too embarrassed to ask for. She didn't want my fingers down there. She wanted my tongue. After a little anticipation, that's exactly what she would get.

My lips parted then kissed their way to the other breast while my right hand brushed around the edge of her womanhood. Then I plunged my finger inside her as she gasped. She groaned when I removed it, but I knew she was enjoying it.

"This is torture," she complained, but the laugh didn't support the words.

I started back down, and she encouraged me.

"Yes, Simon," she begged.

The closer I got, the higher in pitch her voice became.

"Please, Simon," she begged.

I was once again on my knees before her, and I knew that it was time to turn up the heat. She'd begged, that was the signal that it was time to give her something more substantial, but this was far from over.

My tongue teased her a little more, licking shyly and when I heard her groaning in complaint again, I sucked.

I think her gasp brought me nearly as much pleasure as my mouth brought her. My desire to please her, giving me satisfaction in her sighs.

"Oh, shit, Simon. I'm close," she said and grabbed for the edges of the bed.

I slowed.

"No," she complained.

I slowed more. Using the tip of my tongue to draw circles and letters but without much pressure. Barely touching the sensitive skin. Completely avoiding the spot where she desperately wanted my tongue.

"Please, Simon," she begged.

I could feel her body start to shake in anticipation, and I was ready to give her what she really wanted. Then, without warning, she sat straight up with a determined look on her face.

"That's it," she giggled. "Take your damn clothes off!"

I pulled the shirt over my head, her hands getting in the way more than helping, but I didn't complain. Then she tried to undo my pants, but she was in no state of mind to figure out the intricacies of a button. She just got frustrated.

"Take your damn pants off," she said, with less volume, but more urgency behind it.

I stood and finished removing them, then she pulled me onto the bed. As I fell beside her, she flipped me onto my back. She gave me one grin then let me know exactly what was going to happen.

"If you won't make me cum...," she said, leaving me to figure out the rest.

She threw her leg over me and positioned herself. Then she seemed to be wary of what would happen. As she lowered herself on me, her worries became reality. She started breathing heavily, the farther in I went, the harder it was for her to hold on. Inch by inch, she drew closer. She tried to go slow to stop what was happening, but it was no use.

"Oh, shit," she said, then slid down a little more. "Oh, fuck."

I put both hands on her hips and eased her down more quickly.

"Not yet," she said with a grimace and held her eyes tightly closed.

Her breathing picked up as I filled her completely, then she started to shake, holding onto it as long as possible. With my hands, I slid her back up, and she helped as much as she could. Then she released her hold on it and fell onto my chest as I filled her once more.

Her nails dug into my chest, and I grabbed her ass tightly while I plunged deeply into her many times, going slowly to lengthen the pleasure for her. This seemed to excite her even more. She shook and opened her mouth. For a moment I thought she might bite into my shoulder, but she bit her lip instead.

She kept her mouth shut as tightly as she could. Then sighs tried to escape, and her body shook. After her body relaxed, she spread over my chest and tried to catch her breath.

"What the hell was that?" she asked with a laugh.

"Teasing," I offered. Then I had to add a little more. "Catch your breath. We're not finished."

"Oh, hell," she said, then pushed herself up. "Time for you to do some of the work, mister."

I grabbed her waist and flipped her so that I was on top. After all the shifting was finished, she bit her lip once more. This time it was not to stifle a scream. It was intended to convey her want. I understood perfectly.

"Doesn't take much to convince you," she said.

I slid out then back in, which changed her amused look to one of pleasure.

"Faster," she urged me then slapped her hands on my ass to make sure I obeyed.

Perhaps it was the fact that I'd brought her so much pleasure, but I was already getting close. Or maybe it was the way her nails scratched my ass and her legs wrapped around mine, forcing me to go faster.

After only a few moments, my breathing picked up speed, as did hers.

"Are you?" I asked, trying to force out words between breaths.

"Yes. If you'll go faster," she said with gritted teeth. Her eyes shut once more.

Then her hands wrapped around my neck, and her eyes opened for a second. She found my lips, and I welcomed her tongue as I started to feel dizzy. In moments, I forgot about everything but her kiss and our connection. Everything else was nothing. The two of us existed in this nothingness for a few seconds, then my mind exploded.

I broke our kiss, fearing that I might hurt her as every muscle in my body contracted. I felt her hands slap against my back, and her nails dug in. After several moments of extreme pleasure, my mind returned to me. Then I heard her voice as I opened my eyes.

"Your turn," she laughed, and I rolled off of her.

She took her position across my chest without hesitation, then kissed my chest a few times before laying her head on it. After she was comfortable, she let out a sigh of contentment.

"So, what can I do to top this?" I asked rhetorically.

She giggled a little, but I could tell she was already drifting off. I was not far behind, and soon we were both asleep.

# Chapter 22

When I woke, I felt strange. My eyes tried to find something familiar, but even the objects in front of me caused confusion. And why was everything upside down?

My brain felt like it was covered in a fog. What had happened? Why was my head pounding? Why was I naked?

"He's awake. Tell him," Tamara said loudly.

Her voice was distant, but it was really Tamara. I wasn't dreaming.

"I don't want to," Nicole said with conviction. "He won't understand."

Her voice brought comfort and fear to me. Had Tamara captured her again?

"Tell him, or I will!" Tamara shouted.

My eyes found the two women. Nicole wasn't bound, but she cowered beside her sister. Looking like she was afraid she'd be beaten. Tamara pointed at me then waved her hand, and I fell...onto my head.

My equilibrium had been disturbed, waking up while upside down was bad, but the collision with the hard wooden floor made it worse. I was now dizzy to go along with the haze, which felt like I'd been drugged.

"Don't try anything wolf or I'll hurt you," Tamara spat.

I staggered to my feet, using a metal pole as support. We were in some kind of house. Presumably Tamara's.

The layout was strange. We were in a loft of sorts. A few metal poles here and there to hold up the roof. The space was open, except for the stairway in the far corner.

I was a wolf now. Magic couldn't hurt me. As I took a step toward Tamara, I realized why everyone was so afraid of her. One wave of her hand and I understood Nicole's fear.

The pain I experienced was so far beyond anything I had ever felt. I fell to the floor, wishing for the pain from my first transformation. Anything but this. My body convulsed on the ground until she was satisfied that I'd learned my lesson.

"Don't hurt him, Tamara," Nicole begged and started toward me, then looked at Tamara and changed her mind.

"Tell him!" Tamara shouted.

"Please, Tamara. Just let me have him. Please," Nicole begged.

The room spun as I got to my feet once more. This time grabbing the pole with both hands to avoid toppling over.

"Don't move, wolf," Tamara warned again.

I still didn't listen.

My transformation completed in about ten seconds, but the pain was preferable to Tamara's torture. I assumed that being a wolf would save me. And once again, I was very wrong.

The pain was worse this time. I think I blacked out for a second because I don't even remember hitting the floor. The wobbling room, from my position on the floor, was the next thing I saw. And I was no longer a wolf. I was just a naked human, sprawled out on the floor.

"This pain is unnecessary, Simon," Tamara warned. "Just behave."

This time I listened. I was no match for Tamara. Her power was incredible.

Then Tamara turned her focus back toward Nicole.

"Tell him," she said sternly. When Nicole fidgeted again, Tamara added more. "Tell him how mom and dad died."

"I can't," Nicole said then fell to her knees. Her hands covered her face, and I was sure she was crying. "He'll hate me."

"You did it," Tamara taunted. "Tell him."

"I...," she sobbed. "I lost control of my magic. I really didn't mean to hurt them, Simon."

She looked at me with fear in her eyes. I got to my knees but didn't dare make a move. I didn't want to threaten Tamara again, but I needed Nicole to understand. I could never hate her.

"It's ok," I said.

I believed her instantly. Whatever the circumstances, it wasn't Nicole's fault. Of that, I was sure. My Nicole would never hurt anyone on purpose.

"Tell him exactly what you did to them," Tamara said angrily.

"I tore them apart," Nicole sobbed. "One mistake and my power tore them to pieces. I still remember their screams."

I felt tears in my eyes as I watched Nicole sobbing. Her gaze told me that she was sure I would hate her. I would never hate Nicole.

"You were a child," I said.

"What?!" Tamara shouted.

She waved her hand, and my body was slammed into the nearest wall.

"Didn't you hear what she said?" Tamara asked and walked up to me. "She killed our parents. Then she did the same thing to our grandmother."

She held up her hand, and pain assaulted me once more. I heard bones cracking and felt the blood seeping from my nose. Everything hurt.

My ribs started to crush inward. My organs began to crowd inside my body. I expected to implode at any second.

I was a werewolf, I could heal, but not as quickly as Tamara was killing me. My death would be coming soon. My only regret was that I could do nothing to help Nicole. But I would not abandon her.

After Tamara thought I'd had enough, she released me. I was barely conscious and knew it was my last chance. I had to give her something.

"It wasn't your fault, Nicole," I said.

Blood came out as I coughed into my hands. That was when I realized Tamara would not stop. Not until Nicole was hers again. Despite my inability to fight for Nicole, I needed to tell her something before I died. It felt more important than my dwindling life. If I was going to die, Nicole would know how I felt.

"I love you, Nicole. Never forget that," I said, then pain assaulted me once more when Tamara closed her fist.

This was it. She was determined to kill me to hurt her sister, and there was nothing I could do about it.

My eyes wanted to shut, and I welcomed death as I gave into it. Then I felt the house shaking underneath my body. It felt like an earthquake. When I looked up, I saw Tamara stumble and fear engulfed her. She turned toward Nicole.

"Stop!" Tamara shouted.

Wind started to blow through the loft. Then, without warning, the roof of the house was sucked away, and the night sky was visible. I must have been knocked out all day because it was night again. The stars shone brightly, and the full moon lit the room.

"Leave him alone!" Nicole shouted.

When Tamara started walking toward her, Nicole stood up straight, pushed back her shoulders, and glared at her.

I had never seen this look from Nicole. It was pure, unabated fury.

From where I was, I couldn't see Tamara's face, but I saw her stop, only a few feet from Nicole. She waved her hand, but Nicole just pushed her hand out forward, and Tamara went flying into the wall beside me. Tamara's magic not even a concern for Nicole.

"Nicole," Tamara pleaded. "I took care of you. You need me."

"You didn't take care of me. I took care of you! I was your maid. Your cook. Your servant, since I was a child. When have you ever taken care of me?" Nicole asked angrily. "You only care because I left! Simon appreciates me!"

Clouds filled the sky and covered the moon as she spoke. After the clouds had completely blotted out all the stars, bolts of lightning shot down and scorched the floor around the empty loft while Nicole went on.

"Simon does the dishes after I cook. Simon comforts me when I'm afraid. He gives me support when I feel worthless. He stood up for me!" she shouted, and more lightning struck. The sound of thunder was deafening as Nicole's anger reached its height.

Tamara didn't answer, but she did try to attack Nicole again. She thrust out her hands, and one of the metal poles was pulled from its spot on the floor. When it collided with Nicole, it bent in half, then fell to the floor.

More lightning struck at Tamara's feet without Nicole even having to lift a finger. Then Nicole's eyes clouded over and became white. Her feet left the floor, and she levitated over to Tamara, who fell to her knees.

"Please, Nicole," Tamara begged.

"Never come near Simon again. Do you understand me?" Nicole looked terrifying. Yet, I was strangely proud of her for standing up for herself. Was she insinuating that I had been the cause? Everything I thought I was doing wrong was the reason she felt she could stand up for herself?

"I promise. I'll leave and never come back," she offered.

Nicole lifted her right hand, and Tamara was lifted into the air to the same level. Then Tamara was pulled toward her. Tamara had no choice but to look Nicole in the eyes.

"No. I'm leaving. I'm going home. You stay here, and if I ever see you again..." Nicole paused, giving Tamara time to object, but she was too afraid. Then Nicole's voice gained a cruelty and determination that I didn't know she possessed. "I'll kill you," Nicole said, then released Tamara.

Tamara fell hard on the ground then Nicole landed softly beside her.

"Yes, Nicole," Tamara begged.

After a few moments, Tamara scampered across the floor. When she was nearly to the stairs, she stood and ran the rest of the way.

I felt like I was about to pass out as Nicole walked up to me. My wounds were serious. I wasn't sure what Tamara had damaged, but I hurt everywhere. When I looked up at Nicole, her eyes returned to normal, and she gave me a compassionate grin then waved her hand across me.

The bones in my body started to snap back into place. It almost felt like the transformation, but with it, I felt a calm, warm feeling. I breathed in deeply as my body was repaired and the pain eased.

"Thank you," I said to my savior.

She didn't answer, only sticking out her hand for me to grab. Then she helped me to my feet and gave me a loving stare.

"Thank you for standing up for me again," she said after I was looking down at her.

"That's sort of my job, isn't it?" I asked with a laugh.

She didn't laugh. Her appreciative look remained, then she grabbed both of my hands.

"Do you trust me?" she asked.

"I trust you with my life. I trust you with my heart. I trust you completely," I replied.

Now a smirk formed on her lips.

"You don't have to be so cheesy about it. A simple yes would have been fine," she stated.

"Yes. I trust you," I replied.

"Shut your eyes," she said, and I obeyed without hesitation. Then she went on. "This is something Tamara could never figure out."

After her words, I felt the whole world shift. It was like every cell in my body was being pulled apart. It wasn't painful, but it did feel very strange. My body had no weight to it. I felt like I was floating. Then everything was sucked back in, and I felt weight on my body once more.

"Ok, open your eyes," Nicole said, and I could hear her grin before my eyes saw it.

We were at our apartment. I blinked my eyes as I looked around, then Nicole spoke.

"Grab anything you need."

I started toward the bedroom to do as she asked. Then I heard the seductive quality in her voice.

"It's a little cold where we're going," She added.

When I turned, I saw her look at my naked body and was proud once again to be me. She liked the way I looked. Her eyes made their way back up to mine as she spoke once more.

"You should probably get some clothes on too," she said with a laugh to cover the desire I saw in her gaze. "We'll have time for that later."

I zipped to my room, Nicole's suggestion, an order to my ears. When I returned with clothes on, she held out her hands again.

"Grab your cell phone," she stated as I took hold of her small beautiful hands. "You can call your parents, but I want it to be just the two of us for a while."

"It's in my pocket," I said and smiled at my savior with love.

"Then shut your eyes again," she said softly.

The same sensations of weightlessness and my body evaporating came over me, then just as quickly, subsided. When I opened my eyes this time, we were in a room I didn't recognize.

"Where are we?" I asked as I looked around at the dirty, dusty, yet very beautiful house.

"Minnesota," Nicole said.

The walls in this house were white with dark brown trim. The floors were solid wood, pine, I think. Even the winding staircase that went to the second floor looked expensive and intricate. There were no furnishings, giving the impression of a house abandoned.

As I walked through the large open double doors, into the room off the side of this entryway, my idea was reinforced. This room looked like some sort of dining room or meeting room. There was a dusty piano against one wall like it had been too large to move, but nothing else.

Beyond this room was another, and a door that possibly led to another. This place was huge.

"Where exactly in Minnesota? The governor's mansion?" I asked as a joke.

Nicole clasped her hands behind her back, like a child who was excited yet embarrassed about what they'd done.

"My mom and dad's house," she replied meekly. "Do you like it?"

"I love it," I replied. "Is it yours?"

"Yes," she stated, then looked at the floor.

Then I had a devious, yet wonderful idea. I had made many mistakes and miscalculations with Nicole's feelings lately, but this one I was certain of.

I walked up to her and put my hands gently on her shoulders.

"Can you change into other people like Tamara?" I asked.

Her eyes found mine, and I could see the disappointment in them, but I was resolute. This was no mistake.

"Yes, why?" she asked with sadness.

"Promise me that you'll never do that with me," I said, and I saw the tears in her eyes.

"I promise," she said and threw her arms around my waist.

I pulled her head to my chest and hugged her until she pushed herself back. The look on her face was devious and playful.

"We don't have a TV or an Xbox. No furniture. No food." She paused for a second, then grinned. "Want to go shopping?" she asked.

"How far from town are we?" I asked in return.

This produced another devious look then she ran out the front door. I followed to find her standing at the edge of a large forest. One road led from the house, continuing off into the distance before it vanished in the vast forest.

"It's about ten miles, but I can fix that," she said confidently.

I felt the wind pick up and heard it in the trees. Nicole had her hands outstretched. Clouds filled the clear sky once more, then everything just stopped. The silence seemed to stretch for minutes, then her new car came crashing down into the driveway.

It landed on its nose and Nicole was startled. Then it slowly creaked and groaned as it tipped over and fell on its top.

Nicole turned to me with disappointment.

"You'll get better," I said then laughed. "At least you didn't do that to us."

This washed away her disappointment.

"I guess we're walking. My magic is probably a little worn out. I probably just need to recharge," she said then started heading down the country road that seemed to have no end.

"I could carry you," I offered.

She turned and gave me a silly look.

"For ten miles?" she asked, not exactly turning me down.

"I'm a werewolf. I can handle it," I said then turned my back, keeping my head facing her. Then I knelt down and held out my arms.

She reluctantly climbed on my back, then as we took off, she kissed me on the cheek.

"I almost forgot," she said, and I felt her smile on my face. In a moment, I felt her lips as they brushed my ear. Then her breath tickled as she whispered. "I love you too, Simon."

While I carried Nicole down the road, something occurred to me. I now understood why calling her my master was so offensive to her. She didn't want a servant nor a slave. She wanted a partner. And I made myself a promise. I would never even insinuate that we were anything but equals ever again.

Then something else occurred to me. This one was more like a revelation, nearly knocking me over. Nicole didn't need someone to protect her physically. She was probably the most powerful person in the entire world. However, I did finally understand what Nicole needed. Why she had chosen me. It was so simple, yet so important. The funny part was, as much time as I had spent trying to figure it out, I had already given it to her.

Her words to Tamara had given me the final clue to the answer I sought.

I had given her what she so desperately needed on the first day I met her, without even realizing the importance of it. I had given her what no one ever had before. None of her previous lovers. Not her sister. Not even any of the other witches she knew. She had searched for it and never found it, yet I gave it to her without a second thought.

I put her needs and wants before mine. Any hardship or pain I would gladly suffer for her. She was my world. Her happiness was more important than my own. Because without her happiness I could have none. But it was bigger than that, simpler. And until this moment, I didn't completely understand why.

Throughout all of my bumbling, I had never taken it back, never wavered in it. Everything I did to please her stemmed from this. I think that is why she never gave up on me as I blundered around making mistakes.

The moment I stood up for her to Mike, I had given her my respect.

The End

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MOUS Investigations Series

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A book handed down for generations spells out the terms of their contract in a way that none with the curse can deny.

At the twenty-first hour on the twenty-first day of the twenty-first year, a child will become a beast. Such is the legend that is handed down, mother to son and father to daughter. On that fateful day, a choice must be made. One of consequence and importance. For on that day, a child who has transformed must choose between the evil of the curse and the responsibility of protecting their chosen. For no creature is as feared as the werewolf. A creature without conscience nor fear. It will feed on whoever is unlucky enough to cross its path or protect its charge until it ceases to draw breath.

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Demonic Temptations

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Set in the world of the Asuune several years after the events of Deception of the Asuune. Join Samantha as she gets help from many of your favorite characters from the Asuune series in her quest to keep half-demon offspring from destroying their lives as well as the people around them.

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Raven's Gamble Book 2 (Conclusion)
The Order of Human Purity

The books in this category are not intended as a series. They are grouped together because they all happen within the same universe where The Order of Human Purity (known simply as 'The Order') is trying to rid the world of monsters.

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Disclaimer: This book contains a considerable amount of violence and dark emotions.

When Kaya Nichols' step-sister turns up dead, the apparent victim of a mugging, Kaya leaves behind her job as a foreign journalist to find out what really happened to her step-sister. At least that is the job everyone thinks she has. In reality, she is a fixer for a variety of powerful European mobs.

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Explore the nightmare that has become Kaya's life as she tries to work through her anger and grief. And, as if, Trish's death wasn't enough. The man who ruined her life, her step-sister's husband, is a constant reminder of what she has lost and the secret she dares not tell anyone.

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