by H. L. Graham
He looked me over again and agreed. Throwing my arm around his neck, he dead lifted me from the floor. Cradled in his arms and carried me to the sofa, placing me gently on the fluffy cushions, propping my head on a throw pillow.
“Sometimes it’s nice to be the queen,” I said weakly.
“Well, its confirmed,” Gaven took the sofa blankie and tossed it over my legs.
“What is?”
“If you’re making jokes, then it’s probably not fatal. Especially with that nasty bump on your head.” He checked me out again from head to toe. Gaven had extensive first aid experience. He suffered minor injuries from all his outdoor sports. Once he was convinced I wouldn’t pass out again, he sat at my feet.
“Well it seems we have a bit of a problem,” he said rather calmly. “Given A) you’re dream, B) Leslie’s research and C) what we just experienced, I conclude you will turn into a werewolf on the full moon.” He said as if we were calmly making the grocery list, eggs, milk, bread, oh honey could you pick me up one of those werewolf starter kits? Great thanks.
“Gaven, did you hear yourself?” My voice came out like a squeak. “My hands, eyes, and god knows what else began to turn into a wolf. Like in the movies! Are you calmly talking about this as if it were normal?”
“I’m just being rational. Isn’t that what you’re always asking? Look at the evidence. You dream about a witch and wolf man. You wake up screaming and have a wound on your shoulder. There is nothing in the bed that could have cut you. You started to eat raw meat, which before today you found disgusting. Leslie finds out about your family history, verifying you are seven generations descended from the wolf man. Exactly what the witch said in your dream. All this cannot be random. Tonight was just the beginning. I think this will keep happening until you finally shift.” He seemed concerned, but I could tell he already accepted the situation and started to plan our next step.
Taking a deep breath, “Assuming everything you just said is true, and I’m going to turn into a wolf…”
“Werewolf,” he corrected.
“Werewolf,” I snapped. “Wait a minute. Did you know this was going to happen? You said this morning you would support me regardless of what happened. How could you know such a thing? This is so not normal.”
Gaven reached out to put his hand on mine. I felt the emotional weight fall into my lap. “I’ve been studying supernatural mystery and lore my whole life, as you are well aware. You’ve always dismissed my hobby as silly, but underneath all the Hollywood movies and Anne Rice books, there are some truths. What is happening to you is real and it is easier to accept it and help you than to run from it. I’ve run from things in the past.” I had no idea what he was referring to, having known him since middle school. How much could he really be hiding? I dismissed that part and focused on my little wolf problem.
“You’re telling me I’m going to turn into a wolf, so suck it up and accept it?” I stared at him in disbelief. “Wait, in all those movies, isn’t the hero bitten before turning into a werewolf?” Again, I was trying to rationalize my way out of this little problem.
“This is not the movies. It’s reality and apparently it doesn’t work that way in real life,” he said sarcastically.
“Listen buddy, keep the condescending tone out of this. It’s a lot to take in for me. For anyone.”
“You’re right,” Gaven took my hands. “I’ll help in any way I can. I love you. Would I run away from something as silly as this?” He smiled. I leaned forward and kissed his lips, they were always so soft and cushy. I loved kissing his lips. He kissed me back gently, slowly testing my frame of mind and my acceptance level. The kiss hard and passionate, attempting to find strength in one another.
I decided acceptance was my only choice. I was going to be a werewolf. I guess there are worse things in the world. I began to look at this in a new light, as in I had no choice in the matter, so I better learn to deal with it.
I pulled away from Gaven, paused and then kissed him again.
“Just one question, dear. What happens when I turn into a wolf and kill you in your sleep?” I wanted him to be at least a little freaked out. What the hell was wrong with him? If our roles were reversed, I’d be buying dog collars and big cages and stuff like that.
Gaven smiled, “we’ll figure it out. Let’s analyze why you partially turned tonight. The full moon isn’t for weeks. We had already decided it isn’t a major factor. This is consistent with the witch’s curse? She said you wouldn’t be tied to the moons cycles.” He stared out the window as he thought.
I thought about his question, trying to remember exactly what the witch said in my dream. “So, the witch said I would not be tied to the moon.” Thinking rationally felt really good! If I could logically figure this out I might be able to keep my desire to scream at bay. “Maybe the power will build until I choose to change or it’s like the man in my dream, where the change was forced. It seems the ability to control my anger might have something to do this.”
I continued, “when I got angry at Leslie, I lost control. Then my hands and eyes changed. This may have something to do with shifting.”
“So if you don’t lose control of your emotions and you don’t release control of yourself, you should be okay? At least for now.”
“Well the part about releasing control should be easy because I can never relax, so it shouldn’t happen by itself. I can’t make any promises about the anger.”
“You don’t have to tell me, I’ve lived it,” Gaven replied.
“Ha-ha. What if the power builds until I can’t hold it back, what then?” I asked.
Gaven thought for a moment, “So far it’s not an issue. You were able to keep it from fully taking over. Only your hands and eyes changed, so that means you are stronger than you think. We do need to have a safety mechanism in place if you lose control. We have no idea what will happen in wolf form and I don’t want to be your dinner.”
“Are you going to tie a bell around my neck so you can hear me coming?” I smiled at him. “How about a leash, then you can take me for walks? I prefer a pink collar with rhinestones that spell Princess.”
“No,” he said seriously, ignoring my joke. “I’ll have to think about it more, maybe get some inspiration from the Internet. I have a lot of questions about what’s happening. Nothing I’ve read talks about shifting at will without magic. Even the other curses I’ve read about, the moon forces the onset of the change. What else did the witch say?” He asked absently, going through his memories of every wolf story he had ever come across.
“She said something about being the ruler of wolves. Do you think there are others?” As soon as I asked the question, my mind raced back to Rebecca sitting in my office fully recovered from her attack. Could she really be a werewolf too? Oh man, this was getting more and more complicated.
Gaven noticed my expression change and I shared with him about Rebecca. I figured that client confidentiality did not hold when both the therapist and the client were werewolves. At least I never read it in the Psychotherapist ethics handbook and HIPPA only applied to humans.
“I saw Rebecca during the moon cycle. She must have already turned and that’s how she healed so fast. One week she was so battered and the next, nothing. I bet the dreams she talked about were not dreams, but memories of her running and killing animals. Wait, didn’t Leslie say of all the people attacked only Rebecca had survived and now the killer was coming after me. Why her and why me? Do you really think she is some long-lost cousin?” This was getting confusing.
I felt like Velma from the Scooby Gang hypothesizing who done it.
“Leslie said you were related to Rebecca and the other victims. What if the killer is not a person, but another werewolf who knows about the curse? If you are different, and destined be the wolf ruler, maybe other wolves don’t want that to happen.”
“Well that doesn’t help much because I’ve never heard of a real werewolf, ever. So, I can’t go ask anyone.” I said sarcastica
lly. I still couldn’t believe I was having this conversation.
Gaven ignored my outburst, smiling at me like I was a child throwing a temper tantrum. “How about Rebecca? When are you scheduled to meet with her again?”
“Friday, but I could call and reschedule for sooner.” I offered. It sounded like we almost had a plan.
“You need to find out what kind of animal attacked her and why she healed so quickly. You also need to find out whether her shifting is tied to the moon or if she is like you.” Gaven said.
“How do you propose I go about that task? Hey Rebecca, umm, I suspect that a werewolf attacked you and now you are one too. Guess what, I’m a werewolf too. Isn’t that cool?” My sarcasm was comforting, it reminded me I was still part human.
Gaven ignored it again. “Just tell her the truth. If you’re right, she’ll be happy to fill in all the details. If you’re wrong, you’re just another crazy therapist playing mind games with your patient.”
I faked offense, “Is that what you think I do for a living?”
He sighed, “Hannah, I’m not fighting with you. And no, I don’t think that about your career, but many other people do so use it to your advantage.”
“Alright, I’ll try,” I conceded.
“Good, now can you call her and try to reschedule for tomorrow? I’m going to do some more research, maybe we can find out some more information. It’s interesting how much stuff on the Internet looks like fiction, but can provide accurate information.” He headed to the desktop computer in the office.
I stayed on the sofa wondering how the hell he knew so much about this stuff. I guess I’ll worry about it later, I thought as I reached for my briefcase digging for my iPhone to pull up my appointments. Lucky for me I tossed my briefcase next to the sofa so I didn’t have to get up. It’s the little things.
I was still unsure whether standing up so quickly after fainting and bumping my head would be a bad idea or not.
I called Rebecca and lied about why I needed to reschedule for tomorrow. I made up something about cancelled appointments and reworking my week.
After hanging up, I settled into the sofa and closed my eyes. I tried to keep my breathing even and my thoughts away from wolves. I decided to chant a new mantra, “it’s all going to be okay.” Simple, easy to remember, just like a good mantra should be. I just needed to feel normal if only for a minute. I needed something logical to grasp onto and relaxation exercises were it for now. Clearing my mind I began to worry about Rebecca. I sure hope she had some answers for me.
Chapter 11
I felt great when I awoke. I mean really great. I’m not sure what changed while I slept, but I felt like superwoman. I felt sexy too. Now don’t get me wrong, Gaven tells me how sexy I am on a regular basis. But I usually needed some beauty and fashion tips. This morning I was ready to pounce and Gaven looked so sweet and delicious sleeping next to me. What the hell, I haven’t attacked him in several months, now’s as good a time as any. He smelled amazing, must be guy pheromones and it was driving me wild. I leaned in smelling his beard. That’s where all the good man smells hang out. I gave him some light kisses on his neck. Yum, I don’t remember Gaven tasting so good either, sort of a mix of hamburgers and chocolate. Gaven began to stir and I eased myself next to him and began to rub my hands roughly on his chest and buttocks. As he woke, I reached under his boxer briefs and stroked him softly, but with just enough friction to wake him up properly.
“What are you doing?” He said sleepily, his eyes closed. He breathed in a long steady breath, moaning as he breathed out. “Umm, what is that smell? Woodsy and musky, your new perfume is intoxicating.” He began to move toward me sniffing his way up my neck.
I gently pushed him onto his back. “I want to take care of you this morning, lie back.” I straddled his body and slid his boxer briefs down his legs with my right hand.
“No perfume, just me.” I whispered, slowly leaned forward and licked at his nipples until he began to get hard against my stomach. I quickly shifted so he slid inside me before he knew what was happening. I was a woman possessed. I began moving slowly at first not hesitating to pick up speed. Gaven grabbed my hips and helped me create an even rhythm. It built so fast, faster than anything I’ve ever experienced. I began to peak as I felt Gaven speed up for an instant and then we were both climaxing.
“Wow, what did I do to deserve that,” Gaven finally said after catching his breath.
I leapt off the bed, “Don’t know, just in the mood. Good morning husband.” I bowed and flashed him my toothiest smile as I slipped off toward the shower to get ready for the day.
In the bathroom, I quickly got ready for my meeting with Rebecca. I finished my makeup when my bathrobe fell off my shoulder exposing my bandage. I removed the bandage to take a look. It was damp from the shower and easily removed. Slowly peeling the gauze back, the bandage was sticky with dried blood and wouldn’t budge. Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath and ripped the bandage free. I fully expected pain as the scab ripped off. But there was no pain. I looked down at my shoulder and couldn’t find the wound. Turning toward the mirror, I shifted to get a better look. Yesterday the wound was ragged and angry. Today it was simply a thin scar. I rubbed the scar and it tingled slightly. No pain. I smiled. Awesome, I thought. At least there’s something good to this wolf deal. Fast healing and super sexiness. I would have to let Gaven know to add that to the list of my new superpowers. I hope I also got something good like mind reading or flying. That would be really cool. I was amazed how accepting I had become of my new, um, wolfiness. Maybe I’d gotten over all my crazy hang-ups overnight? Maybe becoming a wolf was a good thing. Yeah right, me accepting the supernatural and curing myself of all emotional limitations, doubtful.
But what if I could bottle this feeling. I could be on TV and be the new Doctor Oz. I pictured myself back stage at the Today Show. I was introduced as the latest hot psychotherapist, I helped countless celebrities cope with major traumatic events. “I would like to welcome Hannah Dorian, wolf psychotherapist.” The audience claps as I walk out on stage in full wolf costume. They cheer. I lean in for my obligatory hug and bite off the hosts head. Tasty I think as I laugh. That would be great. I smile in the mirror and finish with a coat of lipstick.
Gaven and I decided I should go on with my day-to-day business as if nothing wolfy was going on. He planned on calling Leslie to let him know that a police detail for the three nights surrounding the full moon would be great and that I was sorry for freaking out and thankful for his concern. I didn’t think two police officers were going to be able to save me from this killer, but I would let him think he was helping. I’d already decided if someone tried to attack me, I would just turn into a wolf and put an end to it. Gaven remarked on my newfound aggression. My acceptance of the cycle of life, as Gaven likes to call it. I prefer Darwinism. May the strongest survive? If I was going to be a wolf leader, super strength must be part of my superpowers. I was confident that as a wolf I would be kind of like the Hulk, but less green. It seems in my continuing metamorphosis, my views on hunting had changed drastically. I no longer believed it to be a bad thing, just part of nature. Gaven thinks I’ve been changing physically and emotionally. All the years, he’s never known me to change my mind this quickly.
What can I say, the newfound wolf in me is a powerful motivator.
I don’t feel I’ve lost myself, only found something dormant. Until now!
Chapter 12
While sitting in my office waiting for my session with Rebecca, I found myself thinking about my psychotherapy practice. I’ve spent many long hours staring at the phone hoping it would ring. I finally have a nice practice built up and more referrals than I can handle. I can work as much or as little as I want. I guess it all depends on whether I’m going shopping that weekend. I was a bit worried my new furry situation would force me to close shop. Gaven convinced me not to do anything right now and see what the next few weeks bring. He was a strong proponent of not making
rash decisions, especially ones that you couldn’t reverse.
I’d already unlocked the front door and started my morning routine, lights, crank air conditioning, start coffee, and soft music. A strong smell of cleaning supplies hung in the air. I guess the cleaning service had come the night before. Strange, I’ve never noticed the smell. Today the combination of Pine Sol and Windex overwhelmed my senses. Um, maybe I’m more sensitive today after all of the excitement of last night. Yeah right, lying to myself habit I needed to break. I opened the window to air out some of the stink. As I finished cranking out the window, the phone rang.
“Hannah Dorian, Psychologist, can I help you?” I said in my serious professional voice which kicks in whenever I step though the front door of my office.
“Hi, Hannah, this is Rebecca Hughes. I’m running a few minutes late, but I’m on my way.”
I consulted my appointment book, “No problem Rebecca, see you soon.” I was looked forward to discussing this wolf thing with someone else who was afflicted. I worried I was wrong about Rebecca. She would think I’m crazy and needed to be put on 72-hour psych hold.
I sat at my desk intending to take advantage of Rebecca’s tardiness, enjoying my coffee and getting some paperwork done. The office still stank of cleaning supplies. I propped open the front door and stood outside for some fresh air. This must be another superpower. Just great. The power to detect stink from miles away. Yippee. Why couldn’t I get a cool power like X-ray vision? Now that could be fun. I watched an old man shuffle slowly across the parking lot. He was headed toward the Internal Medicine Practice whom also resided in my plaza. Scratch that, no X-ray vision for me if it meant seeing that guy naked. I leaned against my front window and giggled. Super Smell it is.
I normally have a terrible sense of smell. You could blindfold me, put a bucket of sludge under my nose and I wouldn’t notice. Gaven constantly joked about my dysfunctional nose. When he returns home from fishing, even our neighbors Kevin and Frank complain before I do. I have learned to live with my disability, which I always felt was a blessing. But today I could smell everything. Come to think about it, I really could smell everything. The blooming plants hanging in my window smelled sweet. The aroma from the brewing coffee was overwhelming, and was that paint I smelled? I wandered down the strip toward the other end of the plaza. Six stores down, a wet paint sign was taped to the window.