Greywolf

by Mary A. DeCarlo

  "Ma'am,” he said as he nodded his head in greeting, “your car's finished and Mr. Greywolf said you can settle up the next time you get into town. No need to hurry. He said being you work for the government and all, he figured you could be trusted not to skip town.” He smiled at the joke. “Well, I've got to go, dinner will be getting cold.” He handed her the keys to her car and an envelope she assumed held the bill and turned towards the tow truck. He paused and looked back, “Oh yeah, welcome to New Hampshire. I'm sure you're going to like it here. It's a real nice place to live.” He turned and walked to the tow truck and was quickly gone.

  Altheia stood there for a few minutes not feeling much of anything. Then she began to cry silently. He obviously didn't want to see her again. He even had to get someone else to return her car. Lord, she would never be able to look him in the face again. Well, she'd make sure he wouldn't have to look at her again. She'd make it easy on both of them. She would send him what she owed him. Then from now on, she'd just go into Lancaster for any servicing on her car.

  Determined, she decided to do it now and get it over with. Finding her checkbook and a spare envelope, she sat at the table and opened the envelope from the garage. Pulling out the paper, she looked at it and stared. This wasn't a bill. It was a note from Michael.

  Dear Ms Jones,

  I want to apologize for my behavior last night. I was totally out of line and I promise it will never happen again. I enjoyed your company at dinner and I'm sorry we couldn't have been friends.

  Sincerely,

  Michael Greywolf.

  PS There's no charge for the car.

  He was apologizing to her? Was he blind? She had been all over him! The last thing she'd had in mind was being friends. She had wanted to get laid so badly, she'd almost begged him when he pushed her away. And what did he mean no charge? Was that supposed to be for services rendered, because she let him touch her breasts?

  No way. Come Monday, she'd go into town and tell him a thing or two. She wouldn't let anyone pay for her favors. Since he obviously hadn't wanted them anyway, he owed her nothing. She was so mad she could just spit. Just who did he think he was? She could hardly wait till Monday to put him in his place. The nerve of the man. To think she had lost sleep because she had been so embarrassed. That would be the last time she'd lose sleep over any man. If he didn't want her, she was sure there were plenty of men out there who would enjoy her company.

  That is, if she ever decided she wanted one again.

  FOUR

  Michael had experienced his share of sexual encounters through the years since he was first seduced by his sixteen year old neighbor when he was only twelve. In fact, it was apparently this sexual awakening that had triggered his first transformation on the full moon a few days later.

  His promiscuousness during adolescence had almost gotten him in trouble several times. Then his father impressed on him the possible consequences of impregnating some young girl, outside of the financial and social problems, that could come of being a father at 16. After he realized he might pass his condition on to his own child, if he could indeed father one, he vowed to make sure it would never happen.

  Since then he had restricted himself to prostitutes, along with adequate protection. Somehow, ladies-of-the-night seemed an ironic description of the women he frequented. Becoming involved with anyone was not in his life plans.

  So what was it about this stranger that had his defenses in a shambles? He'd never before had trouble avoiding a tempting woman. A monthly trip to Boston's red light district had always kept his over-active libido to a controllable level. But then, no one had ever set him on fire quite like this before.

  * * * *

  Early Sunday morning found Michael in a hotel with two ladies-of-the-night of previous acquaintance. Despite the girls’ impressive talents and more than willing bodies, Michael found his lust unchecked. It was almost as if the last two days had never been. He was still rigid.

  Both girls were sleeping, the smaller girl with her bottom pressed against his side. He reached out, kneading her buttocks. Perhaps once more, he thought. The girl moaned in her sleep as Michael slipped a finger into her, stroking, enticing. Unable to resist, he suddenly rose to his knees. Pulling her up, he plunged into her, thrusting unrestrained, seeking that elusive repletion. Growling, he persisted in his quest, striving, seeking ... to no avail.

  Suddenly disgusted with himself, he thrust her away, retreating to the edge of the bed. She followed, pressing against his back, her hands circling his body to reach his unruly organ. Sickened with his own behavior, he wrenched away. Grabbing his clothes, he dressed rapidly. Tossing another $200 on the dresser in a fit of guilt, he left. A few minutes later he was on his way home. Just the thought that each mile was taking him closer to his new neighbor soothed his raging manhood, finally allowing him some measure of peace.

  A few hours later he was standing in his shower, the water scalding, trying to rid his body of the stench of his weekend. Only when his heightened sense of smell could no longer detect the women did he leave the shower. Naked, still dripping water on the floor, Michael strode out into the yard. Several moments later Wolf was racing through the forest, to her.

  Wolf crouched beneath the oak tree, watching the bungalow. She was there. He could sense her presence. For now it was enough. Exhausted from his weekend, he rested.

  Altheia had done everything around the house there was to do. There was nothing on television she wanted to watch and she hadn't brought any books with her. She was simply bored to death. Then she remembered she had a great big National Forest for a back yard. She'd do a little exploring; the weather was more than nice enough.

  Instantly alert, Wolf watched as she left the bungalow and started toward him. Slinking back into the thicker brush till he was hidden from view, he watched her pass by. Her scent drifted toward him in her wake. Feeling the need to be near her, he silently padded along behind her.

  Altheia breathed in the crisp mountain air, feeling the tension of the last few days drain away. While spring had not yet arrived, one could somehow smell its pre-emergence in the rich earthy scent of the forest. She resolved to take time to walk in the forest as often as possible.

  Besides, she could use the exercise. After all, society viewed her figure as a little overabundant. Maybe Michael went for tall, willowy blondes.

  She stopped dead. Damn. There she was, rehashing the whole thing all over again. She never learned. He was gone and good riddance. She spun around and froze.

  Wolf, not expecting her move, was caught exposed about fifteen feet behind her. They stared at each other for several moments.

  FEAR! She was afraid of him? WOLF NOT HARM FEMALE. He didn't want her to fear him. Slowly he wagged his tail.

  Dear Lord, she thought, a wolf! And it was between her and home. She glanced warily about for something she could use as a weapon, then noticed it was wagging its tail. She was puzzled and finally it dawned on her, Michael's dog. He had said it looked like a wolf.

  "Hi baby.” She extended her hand toward the dog. Was it a boy or girl she wondered; it sure was large. It must be a boy. He sure was beautiful, shades of grey with some gold highlights across his back and he had the most gorgeous and expressive blue eyes. “That's a good boy. Did you stop by to say hello?” she cooed.

  Wolf watched her carefully. She was no longer afraid of him, but still wary. He took a tentative step toward her, then hesitated.

  "That's a boy. Come to Mama.” He really is a magnificent beast, she thought.

  Slowly Wolf approached. He didn't want to frighten her, but he was compelled to move closer until she could reach out and touch him. He sniffed her proffered hand in greeting, then rubbed his head beneath her hand. Her slender fingers buried themselves in his coat. Her fingers moved to scratch between his ears and his eyes closed with pleasure, his body tingling from the sensation. With a whimper he lay down and offered his belly in submission. With a little laugh of joy at his action, she d
ropped to her knees and scratched his chest and belly. Wolf whimpered and wriggled ecstatically, his tongue lolling from his mouth.

  Suddenly he threw himself to his feet causing Altheia to fall to the ground. Indignant, she turned to reprimand him when she saw another dog about thirty yards away, barely visible among the trees. Or was it a dog? This one looked like a wolf, smaller and leaner, with the stance of a predator.

  Wolf had caught her scent when the wind shifted. KOANI! STAY AWAY. His hackles rose, his lips peeled back from his teeth and his tail stood straight out behind him. A low fierce growl rumbled from his throat.

  Koani watched silently for a minute. Wolf took a measured step or two towards her and snarled, his teeth snapping. GO! Koani turned and vanished into the forest.

  Altheia saw the wolf disappear into the underbrush. Michael's dog was still growling slightly but he seemed to be quieting down. She was amazed that this dear dog, who barely knew her, would defend her so fiercely.

  Wolf knew Koani was gone. She wouldn't dare come back. He was the Alpha Male, the leader. She would not disobey him.

  Shaking himself, his fur settled. Turning to Altheia, he wagged his tail, knowing she was now safe. He'd let nothing harm her; she was his now. He didn't understand how or why this could be; he just knew.

  Altheia threw her arms around him. “Thank you, baby. You were magnificent. You chased that big bad wolf away.” She was hugging and kissing him and he wriggled away, not used to physical contact with humans. Even though he craved her touch, it made him uneasy somehow.

  "Come on baby, let's go home. I've got a reward for you,” she said as she turned and started for the bungalow. She'd taken only a few steps when Wolf stepped in front of her. When she tried to go around him, he stopped her again. He crowded her till she stepped back. He turned left and moved off, turning to watch her. When she again went the other way, he swiftly stepped in front of her once more. This time when she tried to step around him, he growled. She stopped. He approached, gently took her hand in his mouth and tugged her to the left.

  "What do you want? Do you want me to follow you? Okay, but I can't go far."

  When he was sure she was following, he padded off. A few minutes later they emerged near the oak tree at the back of her property. Altheia stared; she was in her own back yard. He knew she was going the wrong way and led her home. Amazing. “Wait here boy,” she ordered as she ran into the house. She still had some freeze dried liver treats that Jasmine loved and she thought he would like them.

  When she returned to the yard, disappointment flared. He was gone. Then she saw him beneath the oak tree. Calling him over, she offered him the treats.

  Wolf looked from Altheia to her hand. What was this strange stuff? The smell was interesting. FOOD? He sniffed. DEAD. OLD. DEAD. He took it from her daintily, holding it in his teeth. He didn't really want it, but she had offered it. And he'd do anything for her, anything, forever. He ate it.

  Licking her hand, he wagged his tail and turned away, vanishing into the forest.

  FIVE

  The man was staying in a seedy motel near the airport. He was furious. It had all gone as planned; the gas leak, the pilot light gone out, having to light a match, and POOF. There was only one thing wrong, damn it. She wasn't the one who got killed. She'd moved to New Hampshire. Her husband barely cold in his grave and she up and left town! A foolproof plan and she had to go and fuck it up. Not only did he now have to follow her to New Hampshire, but also he had to come up with another plan. If her old place blew up and her new one too, some nosy detective might get suspicious. Damn her, he'd make her pay for the trouble she'd caused him.

  He'd planned to make it quick and painless. He'd not really felt any malice toward her. But because of her, he was still stuck in this limbo. He couldn't make a move until she was dead, and now he had to trek halfway across the country just to catch up with her. How in the hell did she end up in Jefferson, New Hampshire? That was at the end of the world. Sticksville.

  Well, he better see what kind of a car he could steal. He wanted to be in New Hampshire by the end of next week. He had to take care of Altheia so he could get on with his life.

  SIX

  Michael originally did not intend to go in to work on Monday, but he was too keyed up to sit home. He decided to go in anyway and catch up on a bit of paperwork. He was sitting at the desk in the office working on the weekend's receipts when Altheia walked in.

  Her hair was like a flame in the sunlight streaming in the windows, and her brown eyes had turned almost black with emotion. Her back stiffened at the sight of him. She was obviously pissed off.

  He glanced up, his heart stopping at the sight of her. His groin immediately tightened in response to her presence as her scent washed over him. Unable to rise and greet her without exposing his obvious desire, he turned away. “Ms Jones?” He was curt with her, afraid of allowing his emotions to slip. But when she didn't respond, he was forced to raise his eyes to meet hers. Fury burned deep in those gorgeous orbs. It pained him to think he could have done anything to make her feel like this.

  "You bastard,” she spit. “Just what do you think I am? Some whore you can pay off for a few kisses and a cheap feel?” She threw $40 at him. “Nobody pays for my favors, especially when they weren't even wanted.” She turned and stormed out of the office.

  Michael stared after her, stunned at her outburst. She was angry because he didn't charge her? Then he realized what she had meant. He'd insulted her and she thought he didn't want her. God! He'd never desired a woman more! Swiftly he followed her, catching her just as she reached her car. Grabbing her arm, he swung her around to face him. Seeing the tears in her eyes undid him. Pulling her into his arms he kissed her. All his restraint vanished as he tasted her lips against his. At the feel of her breasts crushed against his chest, his manhood instantly hardened again, and he pressed close into the soft warmth of her belly. His hands slipped down to her buttocks and he pulled her still closer, his rampant organ throbbing between them.

  With a muffled whimper, he felt her surrender, her arms wrapping around his neck as she rocked her pelvis against his shaft, making him moan. Pulling away from her sweet lips, he looked down at her, his eyes heavy with desire. “You can't believe I don't want you,” he gasped as he rocked gently with her.

  "Then why?” she groaned, her tongue teasing the edge of his mouth. He couldn't answer her, instead he captured her mouth with his, delving its sweet interior, tasting her ... wanting her.

  "Michael! Phone call,” Joe shouted from the garage.

  Breaking away from her with a growl, he stood facing her, his need for her shining in his eyes like a beacon. With hands clenched at his sides, he fought to regain his composure. “Coming,” he shouted back as he closed his eyes, wishing he could stay and ... Looking up, he pierced her with his cobalt eyes. “Don't leave.” He turned and strode away to answer the phone.

  Altheia stared after him, confused. What was it about this man that could reduce her to a whimpering, grasping female who felt she would die if he didn't touch her, want her? They had been standing in the middle of the yard in full view of the street and the garage, ready to rip each other's clothes off and have sex right there on the ground. She flushed because she was sure she would have welcomed him had he tried.

  She moaned in embarrassment. Her reputation wouldn't be worth mud if they had been seen groping each other like a couple of teenagers with overactive hormones. She couldn't face anyone now, she thought as she stumbled into her car. She had to get home; she wanted to hide. There was no way she could face Michael after this latest escapade. When he cooled down and realized what a wanton bitch she was, he'd never respect her. Of course he'd want her; any man would be a fool not to want what she had practically begged him to take. She was so mortified that she wished she were dead, or at least a thousand miles away from here. Home would have to do.

  Michael hung up the phone and took a deep breath. Damn! So much for his self control. Every time
he got within ten feet of her, she reduced him to little more than a wolf sniffing around a bitch in heat. And with the full moon but hours away, he didn't know how he was going to suppress his rampant lust.

  Tossing the papers he had been working on into the desk drawer and locking it, he leaned into the garage. “I'm going now Joe; see you Wednesday."

  Joe grinned at him from around the corner of the van he was working on. “Have a good time,” he chuckled suggestively.

  Michael frowned. He'd known Joe had seen him and Altheia, but he hoped he didn't really remember that. He stepped out into the yard and cursed. She was gone! She'd left while he was on the phone. Frustration threatened to consume him. He wanted to follow her. But he knew his need for her was too consuming. This time nothing would be able to stop him from taking what he wanted. But it was too late, the moon too close. He was too afraid of what would happen if he was still with her when the moon rose.

  God help him, but he couldn't risk hurting her. He already knew she was too precious to him. Even as Wolf, he was unable to resist her charms. God help them both.

  ***

  Michael was in a foul mood. He couldn't think clearly with the full moon so near. Why did she affect him this way? It was all he could do to keep from going to Altheia's. When she was out of his life circle, it was as if a part of him was missing. He wondered if she felt any of what he was feeling. She certainly seemed to respond as strongly as he did. Unless she was just one of those women who like men. No! He didn't believe that. He wouldn't believe that. Somehow he needed to believe that she wanted him as much as he wanted her. But these thoughts would have to wait. The moon was up and tonight he had no desire to delay.

  It was lucky that the tourist season had yet to start. There weren't many people visiting the park and the rangers were few at night. It wouldn't be difficult to hunt tonight, and with Koani to join him, they could hunt for larger game. His blood began to race at the thought of a deer. He had seen a few in the area in recent weeks. Maybe they wouldn't need to hunt too far afield.