Greywolf

by Mary A. DeCarlo

  Michael felt his blood go white-hot in his veins and his breath quicken. His body began to tingle. It was time, the night was his, and the bloodlust consumed his soul. Quickly stripping off his clothes, he went into the yard.

  The full moon hung low, barely clearing the trees to the east. The night air was crisp and clear, the wind still. It felt cool and refreshing against his heated skin. He raised his eyes to the moon. It was as white as alabaster, framed in a midnight blue sky, with stars scattered like diamonds to compliment its brilliance.

  He felt the tremors start to ripple through his body, rapidly increasing till he moaned and dropped to the ground on his knees. Hair, thick and rich, seemed to erupt all over his body. Then his image flickered, transforming between one heartbeat and the next, and a large grey wolf stood where Michael had knelt a moment before. Raising his head to the full moon, he howled into the night.

  Another howl answered his from nearby and Wolf sat in the yard and waited. A few minutes later Koani slipped from the forest to approach him, stopping a few feet away. Wolf growled, baring his teeth.

  With a whine, Koani lowered herself to her stomach. Inching forward, she closed the distance between them. Whimpering, she rolled over baring her belly, acknowledging him as the leader of the pack.

  Wolf rose and stood over her, a menacing growl rumbled from his throat. He snapped at her exposed belly, but didn't actually touch her. He wanted her to know he was displeased with her. He wanted her to stay away from the female. She froze beneath him in submission. Wolf stepped away from her and lifted his nose to the wind.

  DEER! The bloodlust roared in his ears and his lips peeled back from his teeth. Time for admonishment was over. It was time for the hunt. The need for the kill coursed through his veins and he could almost smell the fresh blood in the air. With a yelp, he looked back at Koani. Scrambling to her feet, she raised her nose in the air. Whoofing softly, she moved to stand next to him. She could smell the deer and trembled in anticipation of the hunt. She knew they would eat good this night. Wolf didn't often join her for a kill, especially something as grand as a deer. She whimpered, rubbing up against him, impatient for him to start the hunt.

  Turning, Wolf padded softly into the forest, Koani at his back. Swiftly and silently they slipped through the trees, the moonlight casting eerie shadows across their path. After traveling deeper into the woods for about twenty minutes, Wolf halted, his nose up, his tail lowered. They were downwind of a small pool at the edge of a large open meadow. There was a large, five point buck in velvet, standing watch over two does, one heavy with new life. Wolf didn't want to tangle with the buck, nor would his human conscience allow him to harm the pregnant doe. The remaining deer was oblivious of its impending fate. Without turning, he knew Koani would swing into action at his command. They had hunted together all their lives and communication was instinctive. Whoofing softly, he slipped to his left to circle the edge of the meadow till he was just yards away but still downwind of his target. He knew Koani was taking a more direct path, straight for the buck. When she was several yards away, she rose up in full view of the deer and swiftly attacked, racing between the buck, the pregnant doe and their intended victim, sending them in opposite directions. Snapping at the buck with a vicious growl, she spurred him on faster, and quickly turned back toward the lone deer and Wolf.

  Wolf watched Koani efficiently separate the deer, sending the doe straight towards him. Saliva washed his mouth in anticipation. With a snarl, he rose up in front of the doe as she madly raced at him. Seeing the other wolf right in front of her, the deer panicked and turned right, toward the buck fleeing in terror at the opposite end of the meadow and right into Koani's snapping jaws. She caught one of the doe's legs in her jaws and, with a powerful bite, severed the tendons, bringing the doe down. Wolf quickly reached beneath the doe's head and severed the artery, blood flooding his mouth and throat. The doe struggled briefly and died.

  Reluctantly releasing the deer, he stepped back and looked at Koani. Impatient, she whined, hungry for the feast. But Wolf knew they couldn't leave the kill exposed. Moving to the back, he grabbed a leg in his powerful jaws and began to drag the carcass into the trees. He and Koani took turns until they had maneuvered the doe deep into the forest, where they both set to satisfying their hunger.

  It was almost dawn when Wolf returned alone to the cabin. Padding softly onto the porch, he stood, a totally magnificent beast. His keen blue eyes took in the peace and quiet of his domain. He sighed with contentment. His bloodlust was sated for another month and his stomach full.

  Tremors coursed through his body, rapidly increasing till they ripped through him like electric shocks. In an instant, Wolf vanished and Michael knelt in his place. Drawing several deep breaths, he got to his feet.

  Letting himself into the cabin, he headed for the shower to wash the dried blood from his naked body. It was the one thing the human part of him viewed with distaste, even while the taste of the kill was still tantalizing in his mouth.

  After his shower, Michael crawled into bed and fell into a deep slumber. For the first time in days, since he had met the intriguing and intoxicating woman from New Orleans, Altheia was far from his thoughts.

  SEVEN

  Tuesday

  Michael stepped out of the forest into the sun-washed meadow. After a kill as large as last night, he needed to be sure there were no signs to show they had been here. He couldn't risk being careless. If man suspected there were wolves in the area, they would likely organize hunting parties. While he could maintain some control over his nature, Koani would be at risk. She'd had little contact with hunters and he didn't want to risk her being hurt.

  As he approached the scene of the kill, his nostrils flared and his mouth watered at the scent of blood remaining from last night. Suppressing his response, he turned away to follow the path they had left dragging the doe. The next rain would take care of any residual blood left in the meadow.

  Obliterating any signs of their passing, he approached the remains of the deer. They had managed to pull it back into a shelter of trees and boulders. By taking a bit of deadfall and placing it carefully across the entrance of the small enclosure, he was able to hide the remains from casual view. No one would accidentally stumble over it and Koani could still reach it. Satisfied, he turned towards home.

  * * * *

  He tried to resist, but found himself beneath the oak tree behind Altheia's. There was a moving van in the yard and two men were unloading her things.

  As he watched, she stepped onto the porch. She was wearing tight fitting jeans that hugged her hips and a v-necked sweater that clung enticingly to her ample breasts. Her hair was tied back with a matching scarf and she was talking and laughing with the two guys.

  Jealously consumed him. She looked so tempting. He wished it was him she was flirting with. The light breeze brought her scent to him and he inhaled deeply. Fingers of lust raced through his body. If she had been alone, he didn't think he would have been able to resist her lure.

  Hungrily he gazed at her. He knew she was a passionate woman. Would she welcome advances from these two men? He could tell they were attracted to her. Would she mate with them? God help them if they tried.

  Shaking his head at his thoughts, he sighed. He didn't want a relationship with the woman, yet here he was, ready to defend her virtue from all comers, as if he owned her. If he couldn't accept her as his own, then he had no right to contain her. She had the right to someone who would love her and give her babies. He shouldn't even allow himself to dream of what might have been.

  Forcing himself, he turned away and went home, his emotions in turmoil. How he wished things could have been different.

  Altheia was unpacking later that afternoon when she heard a knock at her door. Who could that be, she wondered. The only one who knew she was here was Michael. Her heart started to beat faster at the thought.

  She opened the door to find a delivery boy standing there with a large bouquet of yellow ro
ses. They were gorgeous. After signing for them, she took them inside and opened the card that came with them.

  Altheia,

  I know it seems as if all I do is apologize to you, but I am sorry for the misunderstanding. I didn't mean to insult or offend you.

  I do hope we can still be friends as well as neighbors. I really enjoyed your company last Thursday night. Perhaps you'll join me for dinner again some time.

  Sincerely,

  Michael

  Maybe they did misunderstand everything, she thought. They both had been a little carried away. Maybe she should give him another chance. After all, he was most definitely attractive, and he did seem to really like her. Maybe this was all because she'd been without a man for so long. If she was careful, maybe she could keep her libido in check. Then, after they got to know each other better ... yes, definitely. There was something about Michael Greywolf that intrigued and attracted her. She would see that they got to be very good friends. And then, who knows?

  * * * *

  Michael couldn't believe he'd sent her roses. And asked her for a date! He was supposed to cool things, not heat them up. But the thought of not seeing her again made his guts turn cold with dread. Maybe they could just be friends. Maybe when he got to know her better, the attraction would abate.

  Yes, that would be the plan. He'd take her out a few times, keep his distance, and let this attraction die a natural death. After all, if it was sex he needed, he knew where to get it with no fuss and no commitments. In the meantime, he'd just enjoy her company.

  He seemed to forget that Boston had not diminished his attraction to her one bit.

  EIGHT

  The man had arrived in New Hampshire two days ago. After finally finding Altheia's place, he moved on to Lancaster. It was big enough to get lost in but close enough for what had to be done.

  He'd finally decided on a plan. He would have her stalked, and after she was sufficiently frightened and had notified the police, he'd see that she was killed by the stalker. But first he was going to need help. He couldn't risk stalking her himself, since she would recognize his voice and him if she should accidentally catch sight of him. An accomplice would solve that problem. When the stalker and Altheia got killed, there would be no one who could tie him to the crime when he collected the insurance money. The plan was perfect. He was going to enjoy terrifying her after the trouble she was putting him through.

  On his way through Philly, he'd managed to get the name of a man for hire. They agreed to meet in Lancaster. The man, Jack Trent, was to meet him tonight.

  At 9:00 p.m. that night, the man was in Jack's room at a local inn. They would be able to call from there since the call couldn't be traced without equipment. After giving Jack information about Altheia, the man sat back to enjoy the first step in the harassment.

  * * * *

  Altheia was resting and reading a book when the phone rang. After disturbing Jasmine, who had been curled up in her lap, she went into the bedroom to answer the phone. I'm really going to have to get a phone for the living room, she thought, or I'm going to have one annoyed cat every time the phone rings in the evening.

  Breathless, she answered on the eighth ring, “Hello."

  "Hi doll,” a strange voice purred in her ear. “Welcome to New Hampshire."

  "Excuse me?” she asked. “Who are you trying to reach?"

  "Just you, baby. After seeing you in town the other day, I just knew we were meant for each other. And I can't wait to get to know you a lot better."

  "I'm sorry, you must have the wrong number,” she said as she started to hang up the phone.

  "Altheia! Wait! Don't you dare hang up on me!"

  Altheia froze when the man called her name. Who would know her name? “Who is this?” she demanded.

  "You don't know me baby, but I know who you are. Brown hair, brown eyes and a well rounded figure. I can't wait to feel those plump ripe breasts of yours in my hands. I'm going to pinch those pretty pink nipples of yours before I use my teeth on them."

  She stood there in shock, unable to move, listening to some guy talk dirty to her. How could he know her name? How did he get her number?

  "Yeah,” he continued, “you and I are going to get real close. In fact, I'm going to get all the way inside you. I'm going to..."

  Altheia slammed down the phone, cutting off his obscene words. Who was that creep? The phone rang shrilly again, making her jump. She wouldn't answer it. But maybe it wasn't him calling back. Reluctantly she picked up the phone and held it to her ear, not saying anything.

  "Hey, doll, you forgot to say good night. Give Jasmine a hug for me, okay? Nighty night,” he chuckled as he hung up on her this time.

  She stood there shaking, staring at the receiver. How could he know she had a cat?

  Still shaking, she called the police, but they told her that they could do nothing about a single obscene call. Maybe she could stay with friends if that would make her feel better tonight. They said they would have the patrols keep an eye out when they were in her area. Then they told her to report it to the telephone company in the morning. She hung up the phone frustrated and scared. She'd just moved here a week ago. She didn't know anybody yet in this one horse town.

  Walking into the living room, her gaze fell on the bouquet of yellow roses. Michael! Didn't he give her his home phone number that first night? After rummaging through her purse for a few minutes, she finally dumped the entire contents on her bed. There it was!

  Michael was sleeping when Altheia called. He had trouble understanding her at first; she was almost incoherent and obviously frightened. “I'll be right there; don't open the door for anyone but me.” Hanging up, he quickly threw on some clothes. He would have liked to go through the forest but he was afraid she might get upset if she knew how close he was. He didn't even bother to tie his sneakers. He floored the van and raced to her place. Eighteen minutes later he was pounding on her door. “Altheia! It's Michael. Let me in."

  She opened the door and threw herself at him. He caught his breath in surprise at her actions and then his arms tightened around her. God, she felt good. Hadn't he just been here, with her, like this? He realized she was crying silently, and her tears were dampening his shirt under her head. Gently he backed her into the kitchen and without releasing her, he locked the door. Sweeping her up into his arms, he ignored her protests and carried her into the living room. Jasmine ran into the bedroom hissing. Damn cat, he thought, baring his teeth with a growl. He didn't have time to deal with it now. It had better stay out of the way.

  He sat on the sofa, holding her in his lap. Gently he rocked her in his arms, stroking her hair, calming her down. Finally he felt her relax against him, her head on his shoulder. “What happened?” he asked softly.

  With a sigh she told him about the call. He stifled a growl. Someone dared to threaten her! He'd tear them apart. When he got done, there wouldn't even be anything left for the scavengers.

  "I'm sorry I got you out this time of the night; I didn't know anyone else."

  "You did right,” he said roughly. “Any time you need me, you call. Day or night."

  They sat quietly for a few minutes. She seemed content on his lap and he didn't want to disturb her. And Lord knows, in his arms was definitely where he wanted her.

  Suddenly she shifted, snuggling closer. He felt himself begin to quicken. His arms tightened around her and he buried his face in her hair. Breathing deep, he inhaled her fragrance. His hand moved to the back of her head and he wound his fingers in her hair. Pulling her head back, he stared down into her eyes. She looked back at him with eyes half closed in sleep, and yes, there it was, the beginning of desire. He lowered his lips to hers, kissing her lightly. But her mouth opened to his and she ran her tongue across his lower lip. With a groan, he crushed her mouth beneath his, his tongue burst out, seeking the taste of her. His manhood swelled against her squirming bottom. With a moan she wound her arms around his neck and pulled him closer. Her breasts were crushe
d against his chest and he could feel her nipples harden. God how he wanted her.

  No! With a groan he pulled her arms away and gently pulled back. “We can't do this,” he whispered.

  "Yes,” she moaned, “we can.” She tried to kiss him again.

  "No. You're just upset. You'll feel different in the morning. I can't take advantage of you. I don't want it like this, when you're scared.” He gently pushed her away again. She whimpered and he almost lost control. He quickly shifted her so she was sitting on the sofa instead of his lap. “I want you to go to bed and get some rest."

  "No. Don't leave. Please,” she begged.

  "I won't leave,” he assured her, “I'm going to stay right here on your sofa."

  She was beyond shame. “Sleep with me,” she demanded. “Please?"

  His manhood throbbed at the thought, but he couldn't do it, not like this. “Not tonight love, you deserve better than this. Go to bed. I'll be here when you wake up. I promise. Go on,” he said as he pushed her gently to her feet.

  She looked at him, her eyes sleepy, as she swayed slightly with fatigue. He nodded and she reluctantly turned and went into the bedroom. A moment later she returned with a blanket and pillow. “You sure?” she asked.

  "Yes,” he answered softly. Standing, he took the linens from her and leaned down to press a kiss on the top of her head. “Good night. I'll be right here if you need me."

  "For anything?” she asked. When he didn't answer, she turned quietly and left the room, the bedroom door closing silently behind her.

  NINE

  Michael never slept the rest of the night. He heard every sound she made, knew every time she turned in her sleep. Once, he even stood by her bed, watching her ... wanting her. His desire for her burned through his blood relentlessly. Her scent surrounded him, tempting him. Somehow he maintained his honor and didn't touch her, though God knows how he wanted to.