Fur and Fangs Box Set

by Rae D. Magdon

  “Just in case, stay in that chair for a while.”

  Izzy lifts off my lap, heading over to the fridge with a cheerful bounce in her step, plus a matching one in the springy curls of her afro. She pulls out a jug of apple juice and pours me a cup, offering it with a kiss on top of my head. “Drink up, mon chou. I don’t want you passing out.”

  I down the juice in a few gulps. The rush of sugar gives me back some energy, and soon I feel strong enough to sit upright instead of slumping like a sack of potatoes. “Izzy, what d’you want for your birthday?”

  Izzy sits in the chair next to mine, reaching over to take my hand. “What brought that on?”

  I shrug. “Nothin’. You just make me happy, and I wanna make you happy. So...”

  “Elyse gave you a list, didn’t she?”

  “Yup.”

  “Thought so.” Izzy rubs her thumb across my knuckles, a tender gesture that makes my stomach fizz and pop like a fresh root beer. “Tell you what. Just ignore the list. I’m sure I’d love any of the things Elyse suggested, but I want something from you.”

  “Somethin’ from the heart?”

  “Exactly.” Izzy pauses, her brow furrowing adorably. “Do you know what I really want, Riley?”

  “What?”

  “More of you. More of this. Every day.”

  My grin stretches wider than the distance between stars. “Yeah?”

  Izzy gazes at me from beneath her lashes, eyes half-lidded. “Yeah. Think you can manage that?”

  I stand up, pleased to see that some of my strength has returned. “Hell yeah, I can manage that.” I pull Izzy up with me and draw her into a hug, swaying her back and forth. “I love you, sunshine. And on your birthday, I’ll give you all the Riley Evans you can handle.”

  Izzy nips at my ear. “Is that a promise?”

  “A double promise. You won’t know what hit ya.”

  ***

  Next morning at the office, the words on my computer screen smear together before my eyes. I can’t keep my mind on work. It’s all Izzy, and I feel like a lovestruck fool. It’s true that we’re still new, coming up on our first anniversary, but since our trip down to Georgia and New Orleans, things have been different between us. More serious.

  I give my head a good shake, trying to refocus. Sylvan Solutions is one of our biggest clients and making a mistake on an account owned by the fairy folk is not a mistake I’m prepared to make. They’ve got keen memories, and they can hold grudges for a long, long time.

  What about you? Would you be willing to live that long, for Izzy’s sake?

  Her words from yesterday evening float back to me. “Do you know what I really want, Riley? More of this. More of you. Every day.” Did Izzy mean every day of my lifespan, or every day for the indefinite future? And if she meant the second one, how can I tell her I want to give that to her without spooking her?

  I chew my lip as I remember our talks. Izzy’s cautious about the subject, but she hasn’t said no either. Part of me knows she wants me. I believe that with a confidence the old Riley might not have been capable of before I met her and came out as nonbinary. Izzy’s changed me for the better. If I did spend forever with her, I can only imagine we’d keep growing together.

  That plants the seed of an idea in my brain-soil. I ponder for a second, then glance over my shoulder, checking to make sure Mrglsptz isn’t lurking nearby before pulling out my phone. I switch to data instead of wifi and open up a browser, typing in my search term: Vampire Immortality Counseling.

  Several options pop up, some quite close to work. I click on the first one and scroll through their website, pleased to see they’ve got a tab for hybrids. If I’m gonna do this, I need to find a place that’s non-human inclusive.

  “Evans!”

  I shove my phone between my legs and swivel my chair around. Mrglsptz is standing behind me, arms folded across his chest, tapping one of his shiny shoes on the carpet.

  “Yessir?”

  “Did you finish making the corrections to the Sylvan Solutions account?”

  I swallow the lump in my throat. “Just about done, sir.”

  Mrglsptz narrows his eyes at me, clearly suspicious. “Send it to me when you finish.” He pauses, then lowers his arms to a slightly less threatening position. “Also, I received a message from employee resources. They’ve made a note in your file that you prefer gender neutral pronouns and titles. All future communications from the company should reflect the change, including your pay stubs and insurance paperwork.”

  My heart does a full-on backflip. “Really, sir?”

  Mrglsptz smiles ever so slightly, one of the only times I’ve ever seen a pleased expression on his craggy face. “It’s taken care of, Evans. Now, get back to work. I want that account finished before your lunch break.”

  He turns and walks away, his spiky tail swishing behind him. I pick up where I left off on my computer, typing with renewed enthusiasm. This may not be the job I want for all eternity, but it’s nice to know I’m working in a place that respects me. Mrglsptz might be a hardass, but I have to admit, he’s been supportive in his own way.

  I bet the company would be supportive if I did decide to become a hybrid, too.

  I lean forward in my seat, trying to focus on my work. The faster I get this done, the sooner I can take lunch and research more counseling options.

  ***

  “Be careful with that,” Elyse calls to Colin and Li Min, who are doing their best to set up the projection screen.

  Colin casts a sultry look over his shoulder, batting his eyelashes. “Aw. Don’t tell me you’re worried for little ol’ me?”

  “Don’t flatter yourself,” Elyse grumbles. “I’m worried for my equipment. I need it back in the classroom tomorrow.”

  Colin pouts, his lower lip wobbling as though he’s been deeply wounded. “So, you wouldn’t be the least bit worried if the screen fell on me?”

  “Don’t test that theory, seal boy,” Li Min says. “If it goes down on me, I blame you.”

  “Heh. Goes down.”

  “That’s what she said.”

  Elyse rolls her eyes and turns to me. Fortunately, I’ve been given the less complicated task of setting out the refreshments on the long, rectangular table Elyse somehow got ahold of before we arrived to help set up. There are two punch bowls—one with blood for Izzy, one with sangria for the rest of us—and four fresh pizzas with various fixings. At the end of the table are the donuts Li Min scored for us.

  “Remember to tell Izzy that the ones with pink icing have blood filling inside,” Elyse says. “The ones with white icing are blood-free.”

  It’s the fifth time she’s told me, but I let it go. I can’t blame her for wanting Izzy to have the perfect party. After all, I’ve been stressing over getting Izzy the perfect present, although I think I made the right choice. At least, I hope I did.

  Elyse clears her throat. “Riley?”

  “Sorry, I’m a mite distracted.”

  Elyse’s annoyed look softens, and a smirk curls her lips. “Oh?”

  My face heats up. It’s true that just thinking about Izzy is enough to distract me, and I did double promise my girl the best birthday sex of her life. Somehow, it feels like Elyse knows that. “It’s nothin’.”

  “By the way, what present did you end up getting?”

  “Um…”

  I’m saved by a triumphant sound from Colin and Li Min. They’ve succeeded in setting up the tripod and projection screen, and it’s only ever so slightly crooked. “How’s this, Elyse?” Li Min’s a bit breathless, but I can’t tell whether it’s from exertion, or because of Elyse’s low-cut top. Considering where their eyes have landed, it could be either one.

  I guess Colin isn’t the only one with a bit of a crush, I think. Let’s hope they’re more mature about Elyse than they are about everything else.

  “That’s good,” Elyse says. Li Min and Colin both smile.

  I pull my phone out and check the time. “We’v
e got ten minutes. Is the projector ready?”

  Elyse nods. “It’s all set up. Let me test it.”

  She goes over to the wheeled cart with the projector sitting on top and switches it on, making adjustments until the title screen of Legally Blonde is centered in the right place.

  I swallow, straightening my bow tie. The folded brochure I picked up from the counseling center on the way home from work feel heavy in my pocket. I’m not sure when I’ll give it to her, but hopefully the right moment will come along. Sweat sprouts along my skin, rolling down my back as the seconds tick by.

  Before I know it, the door to the roof opens, and Izzy glides through like she’s walking the runway. My jaw drops. Those legs are made for strutting, and she’s squeezed into the tightest yellow dress I’ve ever seen in my life. It must be new, because I don’t remember her wearing it on any of our dates. Her boobs are practically popping out, and the bottom hem rides high enough to reveal a lot of thigh.

  “Wipe the drool off your chin,” Elyse drawls beside me.

  I shake my head but remain dazed as Izzy claps her hands over her mouth and makes a delighted noise. “Oh my god, you guys! This is amazing!” She bounces over to us, giving me and Elyse a front-facing double hug with one arm around each of our necks.

  “Anything for you, birthday girl,” I say.

  Izzy plants a loud, smacking kiss on my cheek, then bonks her head gently against Elyse’s. She lets us both go, but I’m still entranced by the sweet scent of her perfume mixed with her coconut sunscreen.

  “I went simple this year,” Elyse explains while I recover. “Pizza, donuts, and your favorite movie.”

  Izzy’s eyes are shining. “You’re the best, Elyse. You too, Riley. I’m sure you helped with this…as much as Elyse actually let you.”

  “We all helped,” Colin says from behind us. “Li Min and I were the muscle.”

  Izzy side-steps me to give him a hug too. “I’m sure you were. Thanks, Colin. And Li Min, thanks for being here. It’s nice to have a bigger party!”

  “Five is the perfect number of guests,” Li Min says. “Small enough that shit doesn’t get crazy, but big enough to drink a lot of alcohol without feeling weird.”

  “Well-put,” Izzy says, giving Li Min a hug as well. She peeks back at me, offering a sly smile. “Speaking of alcohol, who’s gonna get me a drink?”

  I hurry to comply. Anything for my sunshine on her birthday.

  ***

  The evening flies by in a blur of laughter. Li Min’s donuts are a huge hit, and we down a few drinks before starting the movie. We’ve all seen it before, so there’s plenty of time for the five of us to talk. Colin’s his usual charming self, and he manages to make Elyse blush and stammer more than once, a hilarious reaction considering her usual take-charge demeanor.

  To my relief, Li Min doesn’t mind. They actually seem to encourage Colin’s flirting, but that doesn’t stop them from getting in a few lines of their own. It’s like a competition, but without any rivalry, since they seem to be on the same team—the Make Elyse Flustered team.

  “What d’you think about those three?” I whisper to Izzy.

  “I think they should go on a triple-date,” Izzy whispers back.

  The idea’s a bit much for my old-fashioned Southern heart, but it’s also kind of adorable, in its own odd way. “Really? Would Elyse say yes?”

  “Maybe. She’s never been the monogamous type anyway.”

  “Neither has Colin. What about Li Min?”

  Li Min is currently leaning into Elyse’s personal space, grinning widely. Elyse doesn’t seem to mind.

  I shrug, then stretch my arms above my head, wrapping one of them around Izzy’s shoulders. She seems chilly, so I cuddle up as best I can while we’re in separate chairs, offering some of my body heat. “They’re all adults. Maybe somethin’ good’ll come of it. If not, Colin’s a trans man, Li Min’s nonbinary, and Elyse is bisexual. Queer folks stay friends even when romantic stuff doesn’t work out…unless there’s a good reason, of course.”

  Izzy doesn’t respond right away, and I worry I might’ve done something wrong by bringing up Natasha, even indirectly. To my relief, Izzy leans her head on my shoulder and sighs. “I’m so lucky, Riley. You make me feel safe. Even if we split up, I know you’d always be my friend.”

  I kiss the top of Izzy’s head. “Nope. Not a chance. Although I can’t see myself fallin’ out of love with you, to be honest.”

  We relax in silence for a while, but soon Izzy starts shifting, like she’s struggling to get comfortable. When I give her a curious look, she stands up from her lawn chair and scoots over, plopping herself in my lap.

  “Gross,” Li Min says.

  “Yeah,” Colin agrees. “Gross.”

  “I’m cold,” Izzy protests. “Besides, you two are the ones making the moves on my best friend. I think that’s gross.”

  Colin and Li Min look appropriately embarrassed, while Elyse cackles. “They should be so lucky. Here, Izzy, you want a blanket? I brought some up.” She tosses one over, nearly beaning Colin in the face. Fortunately, Izzy catches it, draping it over both of us. I have to admit, it’s nice. The two of us, all warm and cozy under a blanket.

  We watch the movie for another couple of minutes, but the vibe has changed. Holding Izzy in my arms reminds me of the other birthday gift I promised besides the pamphlet. I try to be patient, but it’s hard. Izzy’s so soft and warm, and she smells so good.

  My resolve weakens when Izzy guides my hand to her thigh. I hold still at first, afraid to move, but she encourages me to start petting. It’s not quite as fun as playing with certain other parts of her body, but she does have great legs, and since she’s wearing a dress, I get to enjoy feeling her bare skin. She’s running a little warmer than usual, which I take as a good sign.

  It’s easy to sneak my hand beneath Izzy’s dress under the cover of the blanket. She shifts in my lap, spreading her thighs wider. Compared to the rest of her body, there’s a fire between her legs. Heat radiates outward, warming my palm through her panties. I give a gentle squeeze, and wetness seeps through the thin fabric.

  Izzy bites her lip, swallowing a moan. “Riley?”

  “Just watch the movie, sunshine.” I massage her swollen lips through the clinging lace, keeping my motions slow and circular. I can tell from the way Izzy’s stomach muscles twitch against my forearm that she wants to buck, but that would give us away. She holds still, shaking with the effort.

  We stay like that a while, her trembling, me teasing. I can’t help but smile into her neck. Izzy’s scent is so delicious that I could just eat her up, but I settle for a kiss behind her ear. I’ve gotten used to the taste of sunscreen on her skin, and the smell of her shampoo is enough to stir my desire all by itself.

  Another smell blends with the others, growing stronger as I spread Izzy’s wetness around through her panties. It’s the scent of her need, demanding and mouth-wateringly delicious. Having a werewolf’s nose in a crowded place like New York is usually a pain in the ass, but moments like this almost make my keen sense of smell seem worth it.

  “You’re ready,” I whisper.

  Izzy shudders in my arms. She’s more than ready, eager enough to risk arching for a better angle. I splay my other hand over her stomach to keep her still. I can’t get over how soft she is, how silky and smooth her skin feels. The slippery heat between her legs is even softer, though. We both gasp as I slide my fingers beneath her panties, stroking without barriers.

  “Is this my birthday present?” she asks, barely moving her lips.

  I steal a glance at our friends. They’re watching the movie, and if they can tell I’m feeling Izzy up under our blanket, they’re polite enough not to look in our direction. I doubt they have any idea what’s going on. “No, baby.” I position my index and middle finger on either side of Izzy’s clit, forming a ‘v’ over the shaft. “That comes later. I’m gonna take you to bed. Fill you up.”

  Izzy’s breath hitch
es, and she curls her fingers tight around my knee. “Fill me?”

  “Count on it.” I stroke light and slow, enjoying the way Izzy squirms. It could get us caught, but her reactions are so beautiful. I rub a little harder, whispering in her ear: “You’d like that, huh, birthday girl? Being stretched nice and wide?”

  More of Izzy’s wetness spills around my fingers. Even though I’m not inside her yet, I can feel her pulsing. She wants it bad, maybe even worse than me—and that’s saying something. My core is pounding, and if I was wearing my cock, it’d be pressing right into Izzy’s perfect ass.

  “Riley, please?” Izzy licks her lips, aiming an imploring look at me.

  I check the movie. To my surprise, it’s almost over. Elle Woods is driving past the White House, and when she winks at the camera, it’s like Reese Witherspoon herself is telling me to go and get me some. Besides, it’s Izzy’s birthday. You can’t say no to your girl on her birthday.

  I pull my fingers out of Izzy’s panties and slip them in my mouth while no one’s looking. She tastes tangy-sweet, as always, and I forget myself for a moment as I suck them clean.

  “Riley?” Izzy shifts in my lap, looking extra needy.

  “Don’t tell me you already forgot all the other words besides my name. I ain’t even made you come yet.”

  “Just take me downstairs for a minute,” she grumbles. “You’ve got me all hot and bothered, so it’s your job to fix this.”

  “You got it.” I scoop Izzy into my arms and stand up, holding her bridal style. The blanket falls, pooling around my feet. “Sorry, folks. Bathroom break.”

  Colin gives a thumbs up.

  Li Min smirks.

  Elyse rolls her eyes. “Bathroom. Riiight.”

  “I drank a lot of that punch,” Izzy mumbles, but no one buys it.

  “And yet, you’re still so thirsty.” Elyse dismisses us with a wave of her hand, and I carry Izzy over to the stairwell, blushing as Colin and Li Min’s laughter follows us.

  Izzy sighs. “I’ll never live this down, will I?”