TRIBES

by Mia Frances

  Wolf watched as she crossed the room. He shook his head, half in amusement, half in dismay. She looked like a forlorn waif being marched to the woodshed, instead of a woman about to be taken to bed. She stopped a few feet away, cautiously observing him. He stood up and began walking toward her. Alex shrunk back. He narrowed his eyes, then stamped his foot, shaking the floor. Spooked, she went running for cover. Alex stood cringing behind the protruding wall of the old fireplace, while Wolf doubled over with laughter. She peeked around the brick at him; then, seeing that he was watching her, quickly pulled back.

  "Come on Alex," he coaxed. "Give me a break. I'm too tired to chase you around the room." The top of her head emerged, a pair of blue eyes staring at him. His laughter subsided; it was evident that she didn't see the humor in the situation. He straightened up, still chuckling, and came closer. Alex blushed, averting her gaze, chewing her bottom lip anxiously. He was grinning like a Cheshire cat. Extending his arm, he crooked his finger, bidding her to come to him.

  All the color drained from her face. She glumly moved from the corner, her heart pounding faster with each faltering step ahead. She stopped just beyond his reach, reluctant to go closer.

  "Here Alex;" he ordered, pointing to a spot right in front of his feet.

  The room was spinning as she cautiously took the last few steps forward. Wolf brought his hands to her throat, then slid them down to her naked shoulders, his fingers fondling the warm, pliant flesh. He petted and caressed her, then slowly drew her to him. Her body went rigid as his lips sought hers, but Wolf wouldn't be denied. He held her tight as she squirmed and tried to flee. When their lips finally touched, she was amazed by the tenderness of the kiss. She stopped struggling, puzzled by the strange change in his behavior. She had expected him to be rough, even violent, to attack her, but instead he seemed almost loving. As his mouth explored hers, she found herself studying the man. No matter what she felt about him, Alex had to admit that he was handsome, in a rugged, brawny sort of way. His tongue pressed against her lips and without thinking they parted to receive him. Her body jolted at the disquieting realization that she was responding to him. The idea horrified her. Yet she couldn't deny that she found the feel of his mouth on hers pleasurable.

  Wolf pulled back, his hands moving slowly to the place where the sheet was tucked above her breasts. Realizing what he intended, Alex quickly positioned her arms across her chest, defending her modesty. She fully expected him to say something crude and vulgar as he ripped the sheet away, but he didn't.

  "Take away your hands Alex. I'm not going to hurt you," he assured her, his tone neither angry nor threatening. "I know you're afraid, but you've no reason to be."

  She shut her eyes, unwilling to be a party to her own humiliation, then slowly brought her hands down to her sides. His touch was gentle as he undid the sheet, allowing it to drop to the floor. Alex could feel her cheeks burning with embarrassment as she stood naked in front of him.

  "Look at me," he demanded.

  Alex glanced up quickly, but couldn't face him, her bottom lip quivering uncontrollably. He'd taken the last vestige of her dignity away. She was a piece of meat on the hoof, being inspected before being led away…like a lamb to the slaughter.

  His hand exerted gentle pressure against her cheek. She resisted, then reluctantly turned to him, tears streaming down her face. Wolf tried to wipe them away, but she started sobbing hysterically. Alex angrily shoved his hand away and began beating him back with her fists, her arms flailing. Wolf grabbed hold of her wrists, trying to restrain her, but she wrestled and thrashed, fighting hard. Her knees buckled as he pulled her to him, holding her tight in a bearlike hug, pinning her arms to her sides. Alex struggled, but couldn't break free of his hold. She finally quieted, burying her head in his chest. She'd been swept into a swirling maelstrom; there was nothing to cling to…only him. Alex could hear the sound of his heart beating, feel the warmth of his body against hers.

  In order to survive, Alex had created a fantasy world in her mind. Allowing her to escape the harsh reality of her existence. Retreat to the peace and safety of happier times. She could close her eyes and be with those she loved, but they were merely shadows. When she reached out to them, they vanished. There was an aching emptiness inside her, a void so deep and vast that it threatened to swallow her whole sometimes. Her ears filled with the rhythmic sound of his breathing. He wasn't a phantom or an apparition, but flesh and blood. Shaking, Alex raised her arms and embraced him. He could fill the emptiness, satisfy her need.

  Wolf held her close, sheltering her in his arms. This was where she belonged. She didn't understand that, but he did. She was meant to be his! Their lips met, sending tremors through Alex. He fondled her, exploring the gentle curves of her body. His hands slid over her warm skin, the need inside him growing. The fullness of her breasts pressed against his chest, her belly against his groin. He slipped his hands around her waist then down the slopes of her hips, finally resting them on her soft, plump bottom. Desire stirred him. He wanted her, wanted to lose himself inside her, experience the pleasure, forget the pain. She could do that for him; she could stop time, make the world go away. Take him to a place where there was no death or misery, only her, warm and soft in the darkness.

  A steadying hand pressed against the small of her back, steering her toward the bed. Alex dejectedly shuffled forward, her steps hesitant. She had the look of a condemned man about to face his executioner. He patted her shoulder reassuringly, but the awkward gesture only increased her agitation. She stopped five feet from the bed, staring at it with dread. Fearing she'd bolt and run, Wolf gathered her up in his arms and carried her the rest of the way. She neither struggled nor cried out as he deposited her on the mattress.

  "Get under the covers," he told her as he pulled back the mound of blankets. She quickly complied, slipping beneath the threadbare assortment of quilts and comforters. Feeling less vulnerable now that she'd concealed her nakedness, Alex glanced up at him, startled by the emotions evident in his eyes: sorrow and remorse.

  Wolf drew the covers down again, focusing on her hips. She shuddered as his hand prodded her over onto her side. Then winced in pain when he touched the bruises on her buttock.

  He studied the thin red welts and black and blue marks, then turned away. "Why do you make me do that to you? God knows it gives me no pleasure to hurt you," he said in exasperation. "Why do you fight me? Why can't you just do what you're told?"

  She rolled onto her back again, pulling the covers up to her neck. She had no answer, at least nothing he'd understand.

  "This isn't a war, Alex. We're on the same side. Why can't you see that? You treat me like I'm the enemy. I'm not! I'm just trying to keep you all safe and alive the best way I know how."

  Alex watched him, wondering what it was he expected from her. Did he really think she'd accept her bondage willingly? She could only bend so far without breaking. He wanted her to relinquish control of her life, let him govern her every action, every thought. To consent to that would be like dying. Not a physical death, but a death of the spirit. If nothing else, the spankings, paddlings, and strappings he administered reminded her she was still alive: living, breathing, and capable of feeling pain. For him, though, they were glaring evidence of his failure. Unpleasant reminders that he'd yet to emerge victorious in their war of wills.

  Wolf began undressing. Alex averted her eyes at first, but then, unable to resist the urge, took a peek. His back was toward her as he peeled off his shirt, revealing thick, well-defined, muscles. His shoulders were wide, tapering down to narrow hips, his forearms and biceps massive, his legs long. His skin was darker then hers and dotted with freckles. He turned around as he started to undo his pants, and catching her staring, laughed. Her face turned beet red as she quickly looked away.

  Alex could hear the sound of clothes being shed, a zipper descending, fabric dragged over skin, and finally the clunk of metal on wood as his belt buckle hit the floor. She wiggled closer to the wa
ll as the mattress sunk under his weight.

  The covers shifted as he crawled in beside her and stretched out. The seconds seemed endless.

  "Pretty nice don't ya think?" he asked.

  The question threw her. She looked at him, clueless.

  "So what do you think?"

  "About what?" she responded, wondering what he was talking about. If he was referring to their being in bed together, the answer was obvious…not much!

  "The bed. It's comfortable huh?"

  It was like asking a dying man if he appreciated the design of the car that just ran him down. Why the polite small talk? Why didn't he just do it and get it over with? She grudgingly nodded her head.

  Wolf rolled over on his side, his eyes searching hers. He laid his arm across her chest, his fingers gently grasping her shoulder, pulling her closer. He smiled, slipping his arm underneath the blanket, cupping her breast with his hand. He was conscious of the way he touched her: petting and stroking, rather then groping or pawing her. He didn't want to manhandle her. Wolf wanted Alex to accept the fact that he was her mate now. Her husband! Not her attacker! She wouldn't believe him if he told her in so many words, but he could show her, be tender and loving, then she'd understand. He fondled the smooth mounds of flesh, then pulled back the covers and gently kissed them.

  Alex could have tuned him out, doing multiplication tables in her head, recalling scenes from old movies, or even making-believe it was Matt, but she did none of those things. Instead she watched him, like a scientist scrutinizing a specimen under a microscope.

  In the faint firelight his features appeared almost chiseled. His hands were rough, yet she couldn't help but be amazed at how gentle they were. She was confused. It was easier to hate him when he behaved like a brute, when his mood was black and his voice boomed. The frightening images that plagued her every waking hour these last few days faded away.

  Wolf suckled her breast hungrily. His mouth, lips, and teeth devouring, feasting on her. The sensations he engendered were almost frightening in their intensity. His mouth felt hot against her nipples, the raspberry-colored peaks growing harder with every flick, every swirl of his tongue. An unnerving aching developed in her groin. Like an insistent, irritating twitch. His mouth captured one nipple then the other, laving and nipping one breast, while his fingers plucked, and pinched the other. Engorged and hard as pebbles, her nipples had become sensitive and sore from his constant attention. His fingers continued to knead and caress her, eliciting a grudging sigh of pleasure. Pleased at her reaction, he twisted and squeezed the tips until she whimpered from the titillating mixture of pain and pleasure. It was sublime torture, delightful torment. In a moment of weakness, she found herself arching her back, driving her nipple deeper into his mouth. Alex froze when she realized what she was doing. Stunned, she lay there unable to understand what was happening to her. She should be seething with rage, loathing his touch, despising him. Why was she allowing him to do this to her? Stoic resignation? Perhaps. But there was more to it than that. They'd lived and struggled together these last few weeks, enduring hardships, trying to survive. He'd ceased being a stranger, he was part of her life now.

  His hand stroked her belly, then inched its way down to her thighs, fingers slipping between her legs. Her body tensed. This was still rape! She hadn't come to his bed willingly. He was forcing her to submit to him. So where was her anger, her outrage?

  Wolf lifted his head, and kissed her again. She could feel his warm breath on her cheek. She tried to fight it, but he aroused something deep inside her. His was a violation performed with gentleness and restraint. There was no pain, only passion; no fear, only the promise of pleasure yet to come. His victim had fallen under his spell. Wolf drew back, then taking her hand in his, placed it on his chest. She explored the thatch of curly dark hair and the thick muscular plates of his pecs while he nibbled on her neck and shoulders. Her fingers glided across his rippling abs to the firm flesh of his belly then stopped, afraid to go further. Wolf directed her hand down to his crotch, forcing her to touch him, her fingers grazing the side of his cock. She could feel blood pulsing through the purplish veins roping around it. Wolf guided her hand over the throbbing head, slowly drawing it down the length of his spike-like shaft. He wanted her to touch him willingly, but she was reluctant to do so. Timidly, she began to stroke him, encircling his stiff manhood with her fingers. He responded to her touch, his kisses searing her lips as the passion inside him grew. She seemed inhibited and shy, her hands trembling, palms sweating as she handled him. Wolf let go of Alex's hand and began to fondle her thighs. Things were happening so fast she couldn't think. All she could do was feel. Smothering her face with kisses, he gently pried her legs apart to receive him. His fingers stroked along her silken crease then slipped between her inner lips and entered her. One finger, then two, pumped in and out of her. Her core was hot to the touch. His thumb found her bashful little clit and drew it out of its hooded hiding place. Alternately kneading and pinching it until it stood swollen and hard. He smiled when he felt her nectar begin to flow. When he rolled over on top of her, Alex panicked, her hands moving frantically to push him off. His response was to grab her by the wrists and pin her to the bed. She squirmed at first, then yielded as his body pressed against hers. She was on fire, burning up. Molten lava, liquid heat was coursing through her veins.

  Alex felt his manhood probing and pressing against her, then in a burst of pain, he impaled her. Alex moaned, the discomfort intensifying with each spearing thrust. She struggled, but unable to fight him off, her mind numb, she lay still. His movements became more rhythmic, less stabbing, as he rocked in and out of her. The pain slowly subsided as her insides stretched to accommodate his girth. He filled her completely. Every inch of him.

  Wolf let go of her wrists; stroking her hair; tenderly exploring her soft, pink lips. In the muted glow of the flames, with light and shadow playing on her face, he thought she was the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen.

  Alex was alive with sensation. Friction. Heat. Pressure. She tried to suppress the fires of desire burning inside her, deny their existence, but her body responded regardless.

  Her back strained against the mattress. Their bodies entwined, flesh against flesh. They moved together in a sensual dance: undulating, kneading, stroking, caressing. Wolf was breathing hard, his skin damp with sweat as he drove into her again and again, his cock claiming and conquering her. An unfamiliar tingling began in her core. Alex tensed as the feeling swept over her, her back arching to meet his thrusts, her channel clutching his cock. She was delirious, wanting more. She rose off the bed forcing his cock deeper inside her! Then pulled back and rammed it in again this time harder! This couldn't be happening! But it was! Alex moaned. Her insides were melting. It was like a volcanic eruption. An explosion going off inside her. Sending showers of burning embers and searing heat radiating from her core. Pulsating through every muscle. Her body convulsed, twitching and jerking, as wave after wave of pleasure sent her spiraling into the stratosphere. Past stars and planets. She was weightless, floating, soaring. He groaned as she spasmed, ramming into her one last time, the force of his thrust lifting her off the bed. His body jolted and shuddered as he spent himself, his warm seed filling her. Exhausted, he collapsed on top of her.

  Alex could still feel the spasms as she stared blankly into space, unable to understand what just happened; what had come over her. Was that an orgasm? No! It couldn't be! In the two years she'd been married to Matt, she'd never had one, never reacted like this. She'd always faked them, telling Matt how satisfying their lovemaking was, when, in reality, it wasn't. Most times she'd felt nothing. Not a tickle or a twitch. Though she liked the closeness and intimacy of sex, the true pleasure of it had always eluded her. So why now? Why him? Wolf stirred, planting a long, lingering kiss on her lips before rolling over onto his back. She turned away, too embarrassed to face him. Why did she respond like that? To him of all people. To a rapist. Why had her body betrayed her? Ho
pefully he hadn't noticed. She peeked over at him. He had a smug, self-satisfied, shit-eating grin on his face. She blushed. It was apparent the meaning of her moans hadn't escaped him. Wolf reached out for her, pulling her into his arms. Resting her head on his chest, she closed her eyes, torn by feelings of guilt and shame, trying to convince herself that nothing had changed.

  Chapter 19

  Curls of steam rose from the bowl of soup. Alex was hungry, but couldn't eat, her stomach tied in knots, her mind imagining one frightening scenario after another, each more terrifying than the last. She angrily shoved the soup away, splattering broth all over the table. Wolf should have been home hours ago. For all his faults, his brutishness, and fits of temper, the man took his obligations and responsibilities seriously. He wouldn't leave them alone like this, not for so long, not without food. Something was wrong, terribly wrong! She pushed the chair back; and grabbing a rag, tried to wipe up the mess before it dripped on the floor. He'd left early this morning to go hunting. She'd expected him back by early afternoon, but hadn't been too concerned when he didn't return. Because of the severity of the weather, game was becoming scarce. Many of the animals that survived the fallout were now starving, floundering in the deep snow, unable to get to food. Deer herds were dwindling, their numbers shrinking, making Wolf's task all the more difficult and time consuming. That might explain a delay of an hour or two, but not several hours. Not this! She was getting scared.

  Alex stared at the bits of chopped maple bark and roots floating in the bowl, wondering what they'd do if he didn't come back. How long could they survive without him? By the calendar it was only three weeks to spring, yet the snow showed no sign of melting. She used to love winter, the mountains covered in a blanket of pristine white, the air crisp and clear, but things were different now. The snow had a dirty, grayish cast to it, from the ash, soot, and dust in the fallout. The winter landscape was no longer beautiful. Everywhere you looked there were trees and branches down, some from the fierce winds, others cracking and splitting from the intense cold. It looked like a Siberian wasteland out there.