Original Stories Fan Fiction ❯ Scent ❯ Scent ( One-Shot )

  ~ ^ ~ ^ ~

It was in the air, in his nose, all around him, suffocating him; it was driving him mad, slowly, painfully, purposefully. He raised his snout to the nighttime sky, the moon reflecting off his snow white fur, and he could practically taste the scent suffocating him, and it tasted good. Like dying roses and morning dew. Like sugar and spice and everything nice. He could feel his paws tingle with delight, and he knew he was getting drunk off it. Blue eyes darted all around, and though he could see perfectly, he could not find the source of the intoxicating scent. His time would be over soon, and as he ran he began to panic. Soon, he would not have the senses he had now. He was afraid he would never find who ever made this euphoric sensation. Panicked in his run, he howled loud to Selene for assistance. The sound tore through his throat and pierced the air. Birds flew in panic, and nighttime animals scurried away. But it was too late. Selene was disappearing, and with her he could feel himself change. He howled once more, this time in raw pain as he collapsed in his run. His paws changed and morph, twisted and turned and bended into his arms and legs. His fur burned from his body and fell to the ground, melting into the dirt. Last, his long, magnificent snout pushed itself inward until a dainty nose and perfect lips were all that was left.

Cowan cowered in the dirt naked for a moment. Finally, he got up on all fours and pounded the cold frozen earth with his new hands. “Dammit, Selene! I needed more time!” He growled before giving a human cry to the moon he worshiped. “I’m sorry my goddess,” He whispered, hanging his head in defeat, “It was not your fault, but mine. I will find the source of the smell. I will have it for my own.” He heard feet running behind him and welcomed the feel of a blanket being put over his freezing, naked human body.

“Cowan Sir, we apologize for not keeping up,” One of the pack members panted, also draped in a blanket.

The leader nodded and stood tall, holding onto the blanket. “It’s not your fault, Diz.”

Diz was his Beta and oldest friend. When he was a wolf, his fur was pitch black compared to Cowan’s snow white. Diz was also the largest in the pack, twice the size of Cowan, but the younger wolf was also the gentlest; in his human form he even refused to eat meat, choosing instead to be a vegetarian. “That smell…it was…different.” He said in a whimsical voice.

Cowan nodded. “It was.” He agreed before turning to the other six members. “Alright guys, go home. We will meet again in the usual spot when the moon is full once more. I will be keeping tabs on all of you,” He barked out to his pack. It was his right as Alpha to watch over his brother and sister wolves. “Praise Selene!”

“Praise Selene!” The pack shouted before each left in turn, returning to their homes.

“You look tired.” Diz spoke from next to him. “We’ll find the person that scent belongs to. I promise, friend.”

Cowan was tired. He could feel the exhaustion from the run in his bones. To worn out to speak any longer, he merely nodded to his Beta and followed the teen looking man back to their run down truck. Diz pulled their clothing out and Cowan dressed himself, and then allowed the other man to drive him home.

His parents weren’t back from their own run yet. He said his farewells and entered the empty house and sighed in grief. He was 16 years old. Soon, he would pick a mate; an Alpha female for their pack.

Werewolves were not like wolves. They mimicked wolves in many ways though; both praised the moon, both consisted of an Alpha, Beta, and Omega, and both thrived at night. However, werewolves were not wolves that changed into humans; they were humans who turned into wolves. At 16 Cowan was an oddity; rarely did werewolves too young to mate be Alpha of their own pack. But Cowan was strong and fast, intelligent and just. He was the perfect example of a leader, despite his age. His pack respected him, but they needed an Alpha female. There were two females in the pack; however, Cowan would never mate them. To him, they were his sisters. He needed to find a new female, and he had standards. His pack needed the best.

Cowan’s ears twitched as he heard footsteps and talking outside. He turned and smiled just as he father opened the door. “Did you enjoy your run, Father?”

His father smiled back at him. The man was a giant, towering over him by two heads. His hair was a light auburn, and his eyes were as blue as Cowan’s. “I always do. And how is your pack?”

“Ryan got a promotion, and Liz is expecting a child.” Two of his pack members were his father’s age and lived in the next town over. “And how is your Alpha?”

The father was not the Alpha of his pack, nor was he the Beta; he was merely a member. “He is well,” The man spoke gruffly, walking past him, “He is also expecting a child with his mate. Any day now.”

A yawn tore through the son’s mouth, and he sighed in frustration. “Well, I’m going to shower and head to school.” In the days of olde, a werewolf could sleep after his run. But now, if he, Diz, and the other pack members his age missed school, it would raise alarm. The wolf turned on the hot water and stripped down before standing in front of the mirror. Ice blue eyes stared back at him and he smiled. His hair was dirty blonde, his chest was muscular and bare of any hair. He assumed he was an appealing human, judging by how many girls he had bedded. He waited until the room was full of steam before stepping into the scalding hot water.

When he was a wolf, his senses were sensitive to everything around him. They were better than even a vampire’s – but we’ll get to them later. Now, in his human form, he was dulled. Still, his senses were much better than a human, and almost as good as the night walking fiends mentioned earlier.

The water relieved his tense muscles and he groaned in satisfaction. Slowly, he washed his hair and massaged his scalp and sighed in pleasure as his worries faded away. After he finished with his head, his hands moved downward to his pecs and his abs, leaving a soapy trail in their wake. He moaned in rapture when his hands ghosted over his erect member. His time as a wolf made his body tingle and tremble with excitement. He stroked himself slowly and closed his eyes, leaning back on the tiles and allowing the hot water to flood over him.

He gasped as he recalled the intoxicating scent from that night. He could remember how it invaded his senses and made him see red all around. How it was in him, pleasing him, teasing him. ‘Come to me’ it had whispered across his mind and soul. He could picture the woman it belonged to, with long curly dirty blonde hair, and sharp forest eyes. He moaned as his pace quickened around his member and he pictured it was her stroking him, torturing his rock hard prick. “Selene,” He moaned his goddess name as if it were her name, for she was a goddess in his mind. “I’m cumming for you,” He whispered hoarsely as he cam, his liquid stream flowing into the tub under him. He heaved a few times before finally he opened his eyes and blinked away stars. Panting, he hung his head under the water before he slowly turned it off and stepped out of the shower.

After he dressed in his casual jeans and blue AE sweater, he said bye to his parents and left his house. He wasn’t surprised when he saw his pack walking over to him. “School sucks.” He growled a human growl as they came to him and he began to walk with them.

“Why don’t you stay home? No one would care.” Roark said with a yawn. He was the youngest member of the group, only a freshman this year. “You’re the golden boy. They would be more concerned than annoyed.”

Cowan looked to him, then shrugged. “I will be fine, Roar. You needn’t worry. Besides,” He added slyly, slaking his shoulders, “The ladies would miss me too much.”

“Speaking of ladies,” Purred the Omega, Lukas, “That scent was intoxicating. I wouldn’t mind finding that girl for myself.”

At this, the Alpha looked sharply to him. “She will be mine, Omega. Do not forget your place. I am the Alpha.”

Lukas glared, but backed down. He was 18 years old, and had challenged Cowan before for leadership of the pack. Cowan had broken Lukas’s arm, two ribs, and his nose. Not to mention the various places the older wolf needed to get stitched. Lukas had spent a month in an animal hospital two towns away. When a werewolf is injured, their body forces them to stay in their wolf form to heal. It isn’t pleasant in the least, and being treated like a vicious animal will drive the werewolf insane if it happens for too long. “Yes Sir.” He bit out spitefully. “I have to go, 0 period weight training,” He spoke softly before running away from the group.

The three other boys rolled their eyes. Lukas was an odd one, but he was still their friend. As Alpha, Cowan would tolerate him for Roark’s sake; they were brothers. “How is your girlfriend?” Cowan asked the youngest wolf.

Roark blushed. He had been dating Mêlée, a female in the pack. She was 17 years old and lived two towns over. As a wolf, her fur was deep, dark purple, and she was small and lean. “She is doing well. She was tired from the run and decided to sleep.”

Cowan nodded. “She is a good wolf. Be sure to keep her.” They arrived at the school and each went their separate ways. Cowan headed to his 1st period history class and sat in the corner in the back like always. The students shuffled in and the teacher arrived; the Alpha yawned, tired, and rested his chin in his hand. He was about to drift off to sleep when a scent hit his nose, filling him. Dying roses and morning dew. Immediately, his heart began to pound and his ears twitched, zooming in on the hallway. He could here soft footsteps and he had to resist the urge to pant. Closer they came, the seconds on the clock ticking in his ears, and his teacher’s voice boomed over him, but he paid both no mind. Closer, closer, closer still until finally a hand turned the knob on the door. Immediately as the door opened the scent hit him full force and he held in a groan as his sense of smell went into overload. He watched as a head poked into the room and his eyes widened.

“Excuse me sir, are you Mr. Elms?” Came an angelic like voice. An angelic male voice. The teen had big, bright green eyes, and tawny long hair, pulled back into a pony tail that reached down to his mid back. His skin was pale, smooth, and his lips looked soft like petals. After the teacher nodded and beckoned him in, he entered to room quite nervously. “My name is Gealach. I’m an exchange student.” His Irish accent was thick and heavy, making Cowan shiver in delight. Gealach. It meant moon.

“Right. Has anyone volunteered to show you around yet?” The teacher asked politely. Once the boy shook his head, he smiled. “Cowan –”

“Sure, I’ll do it!” Cowan spoke hoarsely. He felt odd. The smell, the intoxicating scent, he was coming from this boy and not a beautiful girl as he had imagined. Many vampires chose male mates, but it was unheard of for a Were to do it.

The boy sat in the desk connected to his. Cowan smiled and held out his hand. “I’m Cowan.”

A blush arose across the boy’s pale face. “Gealach.” He said softly, shaking the Were’s hand.

“Moon?” Cowan asked, though he already knew what the name meant. After the younger teen nodded, Cowan smiled again, “Your parents named you well.”

“Thank you,” Gealach smiled once more, and then furrowed his brow. “Are there…wolves here?”

The Alpha was cautious. Hunters were rare nowadays, but still around, lurking in the shadows. “There is one or two, but they never come into town. I’ve only heard them howl. Are you afraid?” He asked, his breath hitching in his throat.

“Oh no!” The boy suddenly smiled, “They are my favorite animal. I heard some last night as we came into town! I was actually very excited about it.”

They fell into a relaxed silence after that, at least relaxed for the human. Cowan’s heart was speeding up in pace and he found it hard to breath with Gealach so close, yet so far away. Cowan had never wanted a male before, and he had certainly never wanted a human as much as he wanted Gealach. After class ended, they waited for everyone to leave before they departed together.

“The school isn’t so big,” Cowan said, leading the younger down the hall. “What grade are you anyway?”

The younger looking boy blushed, “I’m a sophomore.” Suddenly, there was a hand on the humans shoulder, and he turned to look at the man it belonged to. “Hello, can I help you?” He asked in a shy voice.

“You’re a boy.” Diz spoke slowly. “I mean…I’m Diz. Cowan’s friend.” The Beta was shocked. From behind, he could have sworn the man looked – and smelled – like a female.

“I get that a lot.” Said boy blushed once more. “My name is Gealach. I didn’t mean to steal away your friend, if that’s what you are worried about,” He teased, politely shrugging the hand off his shoulder.

Diz looked at Cowan, who was looking to the ground, ashamed at his growing arousal for a boy. “Moon. It’s a nice name.”

“I was showing him around,” Cowan spoke up to his Beta. “Wanna help?”

  ~ ^ ~ ^ ~

Gealach fell down onto his bed and stared at his ceiling. It had been a week now in this new town and he had rather liked it. The first thing he had done when he got his room was decorate it to match his old one. Glow-in-the-dark stars where everywhere, and in the corner, there was a large, crescent moon. Three different posters were on the wall by his bed, all of them had some kind of wolf.

He looked to his dresser and smiled at a photo of a girl. She had midnight black hair with purple streaks, and soft brown eyes. She was standing on the beach, wearing a yellow sun dress and a straw hat. One hand was holding the hat, keeping it from blowing away, and her other hand was making a peace sign. He grabbed the picture and held it close before fondly touching it gently. “Sister. Are you happy where you are? Is he treating you like a queen? Do you feel loved now, as a wolf?” He sighed softly before returning the picture to its post. He laid down for a second longer before jumping up and looking outside. The moon was plump and almost full in the sky; it had just begun to wane. He smiled and turned around, heading downstairs to the kitchen. He lived alone, though his records said that his older sister, Elise, took care of him. Since she had left him, the woman would find him and check in with him once a month, as a wolf, with her mate.

He opened the fridge and bent down to rummage through it. Finding nothing he sighed and closed it once more. He knew he needed to go shopping, but he didn’t have a car to carry the groceries in. All of his stuff had been moved here with a rental van. He looked at his phone and the number set beside it. On his second day at school the strange man, Cowan, had given it to him. He needed a ride to the store, but he would hate to ask someone he had only known for a week. Finally, after a few minutes delay, his stomach protested loudly and he sighed, reaching for the phone. He dialed the number and waited, his breath stuck in his throat for reasons unknown to him.

“Hello?” Asked the gruff voice.

“Hey, Cowan? It’s Gealach.”

“Oh, hey!” Immediately, he sensed a delightful change in the other boy and he blushed. “Hey, hang on a second,”

Gealach bit his lip as he heard talking in the background. Many different voices, one of which was a girl. All of them seemed teasing.

“Hey, everyone wants to know if you wanna get some food?” Cowan seemed hopeful, and at that Gealach smiled.

“Actually,” The younger boy spoke slowly, “That’s what I was calling about. My sister isn’t home and I needed a ride to the store.”

There was a pause, “Do you like Chinese?”

“Yeah…” Gealach spoke slowly, not understanding, “Why?”

“How about we pick up some Chinese and head over there? Then after everyone is gone, I can take you to the store!”

Gealach sighed in approval. “That would be great!” They talked for a minute more before hanging up, and the boy started to bite his nails. Immediately, he ran upstairs to the shower and jumped in. By the time he got out, did his hair, and got dressed, there was a knock on the door. “Come in!” He yelled from the living room as he picked up a stray box. When he stood, he saw seven people standing in the hallway. “Oh, wow. A lot of you! Come on in. I just have to take this box upstairs! Make yourselves at home!” He called, running up the stairs. He set the box down in his room and sighed, straightening himself out. He turned around, then yelped in surprise. “Hello there…”

“Cowan sent me up!” Roark said with a smile. “He wants to know where the plates are.”

“Oh!” The host smiled, “I’ll get them,” He said, running down the stairs into the kitchen. He counted seven people plus himself, so he grabbed ten plates just in case and walked back into the living room. Five different takeout bags were placed on the table. Cowan was going through and opening them all, then setting them down on the coffee table. “It smells amazing.” Gealach smiled, handing everyone a plate.

“I figure we’ll just dig into what we want. Oh,..” He looked down at the one in his hands, “Diz, this is yours. He’s vegetarian,” Cowan explained, handing off the white container. “Ok, so let me introduce everyone. You know Diz; the boy I sent upstairs was Roark. Roark’s brother is Lukas.” Gealach looked at the goth teen and smiled. It faded when he got a flirtatious look in return. Cowan glared at Lukas before continuing. “The girl next to him is Roark’s girlfriend, Mêlée.” The girl had long brunette hair and pale brown eyes. She smiled softly, and Gealach eagerly returned it. “And last are the twins, Phoe and Larch.” Both boys had short, crimson red hair, and dark auburn eyes.

“It’s nice to meet all of you.” Gealach smiled to everyone. “It’s nice to have people over. I haven’t had company for a while, even when I lived in Ireland.”

Everyone exchanged pleasantries to the new teen and retrieved their food. Both sets of brothers sat on the couch, Mêlée sitting on the arm next to her boyfriend. Diz sat on the floor with his back to the opposite arm. Cowan and Gealach moved the table to the side of the room, to make more space. The host took the last seat; an arm chair, and Cowan readily sat on the floor at his feet, his back against one of the arms.

“So, where is this mysterious sister of yours?” It was Diz who asked, but all of the Were’s could tell no one else lived in the house. The only scent in the place was that of dying roses and morning dew.

Gealach blushed. “With her boyfriend.” He said before filling his mouth with meat. He wanted to avoid to subject. He had never liked lying to people, but technically, it wasn’t a lie.

“Oh, you’ve been here one week and she already found a boyfriend?” It was Cowan who spoke this time, though all eyes were on Gealach.

The teen looked around the room, and then sighed. “I’m too young to live alone. Please don’t tell anyone?” He asked, breaking down under their stares.

They all laughed. “And ruin out new favorite hangout spot?” One of the twins – Larch, he thought – said with a smile. “Besides, you’re cool. And we’ll all take care of you, so you won’t really be living alone!”

Gealach looked down at his plate with a small smile on his face. “Thanks guys.” He said softly, water in his eyes. “It’s been hard since my sister left. But I don’t want her to know!” He added quickly, whipping his tears. “She’s married now, and they really belong together! Their soulmates!”

Everyone smiled at him. He felt safe, and cared for. It was the first time in a long time he felt this way. His sister had been gone since he was 14. “Hey, you can think of us as your family now!” Cowan said, looking up at him with a smile. “We all kinda take care of each other anyway!”

         &nb sp;  Gealach smiled down at him, and the wolf’s breath hitched in his throat. “Thank you, Cowan.” It was so soft, so gentle, that the Alpha had to resist the urge to groan at the sound. “Thank you so much.”

  ~ ^ ~ ^ ~

Everyday. Everyday, the pack minus the two adults would go over to Gealach’s house. Slowly, each member brought something over for their host. The first thing was a nice tv to replace the sophomores black and white one, then an Xbox 360, games for it, a stereo, until it was the perfect place for all the teenagers to hang with plenty to do. Cowan had never gotten the courage to stay last, or to spend the night. No, he was too afraid now with the moon growing again. Each day he could feel his powers grow, his animal side was getting stronger, and it wanted Gealach bad.

“Hey, Cowan.” Said boy called from the kitchen.

Cowan followed the voice, and smiled at what he saw. Gealach was dressed in an apron and making everyone what looked to be a cake. “You needed something?”

“Yeah, can you get me the milk?” The boy asked as he stirred the batter and looked in the cookbook.

Cowan did as he was asked, retrieving the milk and setting it on the counter next to the man. “Looks difficult,” Cowan shriveled his nose. He had never been good at cooking. He then frowned when Gealach looked his way. “You got some batter,” The older teen said, stepping forward and reaching out to wipe it away. He froze as his thumb brushed over the younger teens lips. The world melted away in that instant.

“Cowan,” Gealach couldn’t look away from the taller teen, nor could he stop the shiver that ran up his spine at the feeling of the appendage on his mouth. Swiftly, Cowan stepped forward, and Gealach stepped back, afraid. One step after another until they hit the wall. “Cowan,” The younger boy whimpered, shivering once more at the predatory look in Cowan’s eyes.

“Shh,” The Were hushed him before cupping his chin and lowering his lips. They ghosted over the smooth petal like skin, so close, yet barely touching before the moment was ruined.

Lukas stood in the doorway and cleared his throat. “So, you’re gay?”

Gealach pushed Cowan away, and the startled teen fell, landing on his butt. “I um, well, I…I’m not feeling so well. I’m going to bed. You guys should go home!” He said as he ran from the room, heading up the stairs and to his bedroom. His heart was going wild, he couldn’t breathe. Sinking to the floor, tears welled up in his eyes. It wasn’t fair. He had been there a little less than a month, and already he had to leave. He couldn’t stay there now that they knew one of his closest guarded secrets. “Sister…I need you so bad right now.” He looked over at his calendar as he heard his front door open and close as people left. Tomorrow would be the full moon. He had missed out on seeing his sister last month because of the move, but now, he was sure she would show up.

He went to bed and had fitful dreams. The next day, he decided to skip school and slept in late. Around noon, he got up and took a shower. When he looked at himself in the mirror, he glared. His long hair made him look like a girl. That’s why he was always mistaken for one. Quickly, he pulled it into a tight ponytail and retrieved a knife. Sighing, he looked at himself once more before cutting off the length. It flowed around him, onto the ground and he watched it happen as if in slow motion. He was fascinated as it feathered all around him and his now short hair framed his face. After a moment he glared. His new hair made him look like an elf with pointed ears. “I hate my life.” He sighed and left the room, heading down the hall naked to his bedroom. He dressed in baggy clothing and went downstairs and turned on the TV.

He sat there for hours, staring at the TV, but not really watching it. Cowan’s lips had been so soft. Gealach shivered and touched his own. He then shook his head. Cowan’s friends would kill him, and he knew it. Suddenly, he jumped as two forms jumped over him and landed in front of the TV. “Elise! Diasuke!” Gealach jumped up and rushed to the wolves, petting each on their heads.

The female was small in size, still bigger then a normal wolf.  Her fur was black, stripped in purple, and her eyes were the same soft brown ones he remembered, holding high intelligence. The male was twice her size, a full blooded Were. His fur was ruby red, and his eyes were almost black. “Werewolves were here.” He spoke, sniffing the air. His mouth did not move. “Seven. Pure blooded. What have you gotten into?”

Gealach gasped. “They are wolves!? I didn’t know! Most of them go to my school!”

“You would pick a town that was full of Werewolves and Vampires.” His sister snickered. She then paused and sniffed the air. “Are you…involved with one?”

The human blushed and sank to the floor. “He kissed me! And he’s a wolf!” Tears welled in his eyes and then threw his head back and laugh. “And I thought my life couldn’t get any more difficult!”

Then, both wolves froze. Their hair stood on end, and their heads cocked towards a sound Gealach could not hear. “There is a fight.” Diasuke spoke. “There is blood,” He sniffed the air, “A lot of it.” He turned to his mate. She looked back at him. Both were silent.

“What…what’s wrong…?” Gealach’s heart pounded. He couldn’t breathe again. “What’s going on?”

“The one who kissed you. It smells like him. Like his blood. We can’t be sure from this far away.” His sister said softly.

That was it. Gealach stood and ran towards the door despite both the wolves’ protests, and he left, out into the night, his sister and her mate following behind.

  ~ ^ ~ ^ ~

Cowan stood next to his truck with Diz and his pack. Everyone had gathered by the twisted oak tree in the middle of the woods like normal. Everyone except Lukas. The sun was setting, and Cowan turned to look at the last rays. “He’s not coming. I’ll have a talk with him later.” The group stripped down and placed their clothing in their cars. Soon, each one started to groan and yell as their bodies changed, twisted, and morphed. Soon, seven wolves stood in their place.

Cowan howled to his goddess and took off in a run. The pack followed, each howling as a unit. “Tonight, we will hunt separate! Each member is to bring back a small game and we will eat together.” He needed time alone. They all understood.

His feet gracefully led him away from his friends, from the safety of the pack; this was his first mistake. He was too deep in thought, he should have noticed to lack of forest life around him. When he finally did, he was too far away from the others. He paused to look around when something jumped on his back, it’s teeth digging into his shoulders, ripping into his flesh. Cowan howled in pain, bucking wildly. He then reared onto his hind legs and slammed his back into the ground. Once he felt the teeth falter their hold, he jumped away, panting, and looked at his attacker. “Lukas,” He snarled out. Before he could move, he was attacked again, and gave a howl of pain as the new wolf bit into his side. He roared and slammed it into a tree.

She was small and quick, jumping away before the contact. She smirked as the Alpha whimpered at the strike. “Hello, Alpha,” She spoke in a sultry voice. It was low and seductive, but it made Cowan sick. “We are challenging you. We will be Alpha’s of this pack.”

“Over my dead body!” Cowan growled, though his vision blurred as his life elixir poured from his wounds and matted his fur.

The she-wolf smirked, “That can be arranged!” She howled before leaping into the air. As Cowan jumped out of the way, Lukas pounced onto his side, his teeth and claws digging into his skin. Cowan let loose another roar and snapped his jaws onto Lukas’ neck. He threw the larger wolf into his new girlfriend.

The Alpha calculated his odds. He had the right to run. Two wolves couldn’t challenge one; it was against the laws of olde. He knew he couldn’t beat the two larger wolves and made to get away. “Argh!” He cried and fell as a searing pain raced up his paw. One of Lukas’ claws had torn into it. The two wolves approached him, murderous looks in their eyes. “The pack will never accept you.” Cowan panted.

“We will make them bow to us!” The female howled to the moon. “We will kill anyone who refuses. Just as we will do to you!”

Just as the wolves leapt into the air to deliver the final blows, two figures jumped from the forest, knocking them back. Gealach ran forward to Cowan’s side, holding the wolf’s head in his lap. “Cowan…” The human had tears in his eyes as his hands were stained in blood.

“Gealach…I don’t understand…” Cowan then coughed up blood, and turned to look as the two new wolves fought. He couldn’t tell who was winning; all four wolves were a blur of teeth and fur. Finally, they broke away from each other.

“Get back, treacherous bitch!” Elise snarled, her lips curling back to show her fangs.

The evil she-wolf panted and looked to Lukas, “They are too strong.” She said, wincing as pain shook her body.

“Lilly, let’s go. We will be back!” The evil male wolf snarled before he and his mate turned and ran, their tales between their legs.

“Are you alright?” Diasuke asked as he and Elise walked over to Cowan.

“I will live.” The Alpha winced in pain as he tried to move, but found he couldn’t. “I don’t understand. Who are you? How do you know Gealach?”

Elise looked at Gealach, “He is my brother.” She spoke softly, rubbing her muzzle against his cheek. “We heard your howls of pain and Gealach forced us to come to your rescue. I’m glad we did.”

The Alpha wolf chuckled. “I’m glad you did too.”

“Cowan!” Diz panted, running over to them. The whole pack was there. “What happened?” He turned to the mated wolves, “Who are they? Did they do this?” He snarled, showing his fangs.

“No,” Cowan stood on shaky legs despite the pain running through his body, “They saved my life. She is Gealach’s sister, and this is her mate.” He panted and tried to step forward, but was rewarded for his effort by falling. The human next to him caught him quickly, tears falling from his distressed eyes.

Diz stepped forward cautiously. “Lukas was here…” He said slowly, his eyes narrowed. “He did this.” It wasn’t a question. The whole pack could tell.

“I…I’m sorry. I’m so sorry!” Roark sobbed. “I didn’t know…if I had known…”

“It’s not your fault,” Gealach whispered, petting the snow wolf laying atop him. “Lukas is consumed with evil. It’s no one’s fault but his own. We have to get you help.” The human hardened his eyes and stood, then lifted his lover onto his back. “Where do I take him?” He asked, surprised with his own strength.

“He will heal soon. Take him home with you.” Diz walked over to the pair as he spoke, and nuzzled his Alpha’s side. “Praise Selene that Gealach has Werewolves in the family.”

Gealach nodded to the older wolf, then followed the pack back to their cars, all the while carrying his lover on his back. He paused many times to re-position the wolf, and was starting to pant.

“You cut your hair,” Came Cowan’s voice, breaking the quiet, despairing atmosphere.

The human blushed. “Do you…not like it?” He asked shyly, looking at the muzzle that was placed on his shoulder.

The wolf chuckled. “I like it. You look like an elf.” After a moment, his voice changed to a more serious tone, “Do you care to explain about your family?”

Gealach sighed and shifted the wolf once more. “Once upon a time, in a land far, far away, there was a happy family. In this family, there was a father, a daughter, and a son. When the daughter was just 16 she met a handsome man. She was swept away by his charm and soon, they were to be wed. The father and the brother loved the man very much and accepted him into their family. But the man had a secret; and, on a night during the full moon, two days before the woman and he were to be wed, he showed them his secret. He turned into a wolf. The father and the brother thought long and hard all night; they did not hate the man, but they did not want to lose the woman. But, once they realized that the love between the pair was true, they knew that she would be taken care of. So, they said their goodbyes to the woman they both loved so much.” Gealach paused to wipe tears from his eyes. “Three years later, the father became ill. He began to worry for his son; he didn’t want to leave him all alone. So, without telling the boy, he took out a life insurance policy on himself. A few months later, the man died, and the boy was left all alone. His sister tried to come home, to take care of him, but the boy refused.” He paused once more, and looked to his sister, who was walking beside him, looking to the ground, “The boy wanted his sister to stay with her pack. So he lived alone for two more years, before, finally, he moved to the United States. Staying in Ireland was too hard for him. The boy bought a house in a small town with the life insurance money, and tried to have a normal life. And he lived happily ever after. The end.”

They were quiet once more, the white wolf not knowing how to comfort the human. “I…I’m sorry.” He spoke quietly. “You’ve lost so much. You always think of your family first. It is…honorable, but very sad.”

Gealach shook his head. “No, it is not sad. Because, if all that stuff hadn’t happened, I wouldn’t have found you.” The boy reached the truck and set the wolf down gently. “Cowan, I…I like you, very much,” He spoke softly, rubbing the wolf’s fur.

Said wolf sighed, looking at Gealach with loving eyes. “I…like you too.”

The two sat together, Gealach pulled Cowan into his lap so they could watch as the sun slowly rose to the sky. Neither one moved or did anything for many hours, and the group had left them where they were. It was a brighter day, a better tomorrow, both of them could feel it in their bones. Because tomorrow didn’t hold uncertainty, tomorrow held love.