A Lone Wolf

balls

s**t! I still hadn't told her about her heat. I palmed my own face as I turned into my own driveway. She was just too distracting, too sweet; and not mine, I thought guiltily.

When I got her text about that club, I panicked; a notorious Werewolf haunt, it often attracted trouble and with that unstable wolf out there, she could have been in danger. I didn't even think about how it might look to her friends; the domineering older lover wasn't a role I wanted to play but something in my gut urged me to go to her.

When I saw that brute manhandling her, I almost lost it; even with her wolf, she wouldn't have stood a chance against that behemoth; his smell was strong, possibly a beta or Gamma. Alphas were rare nowadays.

I had rubbed that masking oil on her almost without thinking though I felt awful about it; I hadn't even considered that her mate might be in there until she mentioned another scent.

I'd caught the wiry little barman looking at her a few times but who wouldn't look at her? She was stunning and that outfit hadn't left much to the imagination.

He'd been about my age, so a lot older than her. I frowned when I remembered the confrontation at the doors; clearly he'd thought I'd spiked her drink, I guess he was just doing his job but it still aggravated me that he'd questioned me. The guy was clearly a wolf and probably quite a powerful one if he was challenging me; he looked smaller but exuded a calm confidence I wasn't expecting and she seemed drawn to him.

Perhaps I shouldn't have done that in hindsight but she was a local girl so she'd be back in any case; if her mate was in this area , they'd be bound to meet eventually.

Right now I had so much to teach her before she left for uni, she was still so naeive and I wouldn't be there to protect her. I needed to teach her to fight both as a human and as a wolf; wolf life was so different from her human upbringing, so much more physical and hierarchical, she'd need to assert dominance sooner or later.

The thought of her totally submissive under my touch stirred my d**k; I wonder what she'd be like taking control. I licked my lips as I got out of the car.

A thought crossed my mind; if her mate was there tonight, would she be able to feel it if he touched other women? And vice versa? They hadn't mated or marked but would smelling each other be enough? I frowned, not liking the thought of her in pain; I hadn't considered that possibility.

Traditionally we'd been told that they needed to be mated at least but In recent years, my research had led me to believe that very little was actually required to spark the beginnings of a bond.

A bond, once started, could affect a wolf badly; if the mate died or left, the mate left behind would pine, slowly losing their minds until little humanity was left.

It was then that I got involved. I sighed, I really didn't like that aspect of my job. It wasn't so bad if they were vicious like the mountainous fuzzball from earlier, they put up a fight, they were a danger. It was the broken ones I regretted; the ones who really wanted to die; the ones whose light had already left their eyes, surviving, not living.

I shut the door behind me as I walked into my hallway, not bothering to lock it or light a candle, I could see well enough.

I climbed the narrow stairs to my room and stripped off my clothes. The moon was waning but especially bright tonight, streaming through my windows and leaving silver pools on the floor. In older times, they used to believe that sleeping under the moon caused insanity, giving birth to the word 'lunatic' lunar- caused by the moon. Of course, they didn't know about werewolves, the guild saw to that.

I had to wonder how many female wolves had been locked up because of that superstition. This is what Sarah and her ilk could never fathom; a whole race forced to hide, hunted, villified. Our modern sensibilities recoiled from racism and homophobia but in many ways, this was far worse, they weren't far from extinction and still, people like her viewed them as subhuman.

I left the curtains open and fell into bed where I spent a restless night dreaming of her creamy thighs around me.

I awoke to a good morning text from Della and I smiled, it was gratifying to know that she thought of me as I did her, though in her case, I had to wonder if it was more of a response to her increased physical urges than a genuine connection although I guess she trusted me; which was something at least.

I got out my tux ready for the evening then headed out into the nearby clearing to train. After three hours, I was sweating and sore, my knuckles raw from my assaults on the bag. I may prefer my research but I wasn't about to let my physical fitness slip; my life depended on it.

I grabbed my towel and wiped away the sweat, heading towards the house. I had to document what had happened last night. Meticulous records were kept of all interactions between members and other species.

I looked up from my scattered files to see that it was already six o clock. I was still in my training shorts and I stunk.

I went into the shower, spending a long time under the hot water. Thinking of her small mouth wrapped around me, I reached down to fist my c**k In my rough palm, the soap lubricating my strokes as I roughly brought myself to climax with a grunt, my hot seed spurting onto the tiles as I pumped myself dry before soaping my whole body thoroughly and scrubbing my hair.

I dried myself on the rough towel, tucking it around my waist and striding through the house up to my room to get dressed.

As I buttoned my shirt, I realised that I didn't know what colour she was wearing. Deciding that black went well with everything, I pulled the silk cummerbund around me and tied my bowtie, taking several attempts to get it straight.

Looking at my hair, I dragged a comb through, scraping it into a rough ponytail, not bothering with the strands that escaped. The overall effect was acceptable. I was never going to look as slick and smooth as some of the other guys there, especially with my scar slashed through my face, making me look more like a buccaneer than James Bond.

I pocketed my blade, wallet and masking oil and grabbed for my phone; I had fifteen minutes to collect her. I frowned seeing no messages; perhaps she just wasn't the possessive type.

Grabbing my keys from the hook, I locked the door and jumped into my cab.

I stood at her door sweating with nerves. What on earth would I say to her parents? I fought vampires and werewolves for the love of cheese, why was I sweating bullets about this?

I finally found my balls and knocked, stepping back slightly when a diminutive blonde with big blue eyes opened the door. Clearly the mother and clearly not a wolf.

"I'm here to collect Delphine," I stammered.

She narrowed her eyes at me, clearly not liking that I was older but she turned and bellowed for her daughter nonetheless.

I heard the rustle of skirts as she descended the stairs and a wave of honey rose drifted to my nostrils.

With the sun at her back, she came into view, looking like an angel, a literal bearer of light. Her long, dark hair was swept into an elaborate up do, studded with red roses and sparkling stones, a couple of tendrils curled around her face. Her sparkling diamond and ruby earrings fell against her soft, pale skin with a matching necklace at her slender throat.

Her delicate shoulders held the thinnest of straps whilst her magnificent bust was lifted by a swathe of red taffeta which scooped down into her tiny waist, cinched in with the corset bodice.

The dress flowed to the floor with a scattering of sparkling sequins, her pale arms bare. For the first time in my life, I was rendered utterly speechless by a woman as she walked bashfully towards me.

Her mother kissed her cheek as she offered her hand to me, bidding her take care.

I took her arm, leading her to the truck and lifting her carefully into the seat, helping her arrange her skirt before gently closing the door.

She waved enthusiastically at her mother as we pulled away, heading to the Scorpion pit.

"Wow," I breathed, " you look stunning Princess"

She smiled shyly,

"I don't want to embarrass you, you look very handsome," she said, that delicate blush I loved spreading over her cheeks.

We pulled up into the car park of the hotel hosting this year's event and I helped her out of the cab, trying not to crease her.

"Do you want your scent masked?" I asked. She looked indecisive, "you won't be in danger here, I promise," I reassured her, "it's only when a wolf threatens to reveal to humans that we get involved,"

She nodded and tilted her chin up defiantly.

"Then I shall just be myself," she said determinedly.

I was so proud of her in that moment; she could easily have hidden.

She took my arm as we walked to the entrance, the concierge opening the door and directing us to the terrace. I did not miss the admiring glances aimed at her as we moved through the main bar area.

We came to the top of the steps and she took a breath, looking up at me, we began our descent. Despite her obvious youth, she moved with grace, her bearing elegant, drawing more than just the casual gaze.

As we reached the terrace, I grabbed a glass of champagne from a passing waiter and an orange juice for her. She looked every inch the lady and my chest swelled with pride knowing that, for now at least, she was mine.

I spotted the guild master, John, barrelling towards us, drink in hand. I put a hand on her back protectively as he bore down on us.

"Adrian!" He bellowed, "good to see you my Man, sterling work on that last research paper by the way, a real eye opener; and who is this lovely young lamb? A wolfette no less! She's exquisite Adrian," he gushed, barely taking a breath.

I shook my head with a laugh; John was a bit much sometimes but friendly enough.

"Glad you liked it John; this is Delphine, Delphine, this is John, our current guild master."

She gracefully bobbed her head and offered her slender fingers to him.

"Pleased to meet you sir," she said, her dark eyes sparkling.

He kissed her hand a little too long and looked up at her, making her blush and cover the smile on her lips.

"The pleasure is all mine," he rumbled, "there will be a few jealous ladies tonight; Adrian is something of a favourite amongst the guild ladies, even if he does look like a pirate!" He smirked.

I rolled my eyes at him and shook my head slightly in warning.

"Enjoy your evening sweet Delphine," he smiled, turning to grab another drink as a tray passed, he bowed lightly and barrelled away to the next arrivals.

"John can be a little bit of a steamroller," I said.

"Well I thought he was nice," she smiled.

We worked our way around the room, greeting the people I see a few times each year, most had wives or partners with them, a few hopeful singles loitering at the bar. Della seemed to enjoy the canapés I snagged for her as we moved through the throng and was impeccable. Once again I wondered at what a Luna she would have made.

I pulled her onto the dance floor in a gentle waltz; I'd never asked if she could dance but she glided flawlessly across the floor with me, her bearing proud, every inch the Princess. Perhaps it was best she wasn't destined for me, I'm not sure I could handle the covetous gazes she was drawing, it got under my skin far too much.

At the end of the waltz, she was asked to dance by a younger member. She looked up at me, I nodded and she allowed him to lead her onto the dance floor.

I took this opportunity to visit the bar, leaning up against the polished wood as I waited my turn.

"So, what's the story," a rough voice spoke behind me. I turned to see Tim, a long time friend, grinning at me. I clapped him on the shoulder in greeting.

"Long time no see old man," I said, "what brings you here? You're not one to visit guild functions usually?"

"Whispers, rumours if you Will; they say there's a problem brewing here."

I shook my head, taking a sip of my cola.

"There's an unstable somewhere in the city; it's not critical yet but I'm watching."

He nodded thoughtfully.

"And the wolf girl? What's the story there? She's a bit young for you old dog,"

" Now that is more interesting." I began, "went to a bar in town, just for a but of people watching, a bit of a wind down and she comes in with her mates," I continued, "of course she's got the attention of every guy in the place but is oblivious,"

"Girls like that usually are," he nodded.

"Anyway, I'm outside on the balcony when she charges out all hot and bothered, trying to cool off; absolutely no clue what she is or what's happening to her,"

His eyes widened, "she didn't know? I mean, not even a hint?" He whistled, "that's got to be a shock to the system; she looks like she's handling it well enough though," he commented.

I sighed; "she fought me at first, I ended up having to jump with her off a wall to stop her shifting out in the open; she did pretty well considering she had her first shift with a complete stranger rather than a pack." I said.

"Sounds like it; and you just happened to be her knight in shining armour?"

"Just call me Lancelot" I laughed. "She goes away to uni in September so I'm planning to train her a bit; she's vulnerable at the moment, she can't fight though her wolf is an old, strong spirit." I mused.

"That should be an advantage; the old ones are usually more adaptable," he said with a nod. "Anyway, are you going to introduce me? We're sat together for dinner.... with Sarah," he winced.

"Oh f**k sake," I grumbled, "that's going to be fun; do me a favour will you, if I have to leave her for any reason, just stay with Delphine for me?"

He nodded and I clapped him on the arm gratefully.

Seeing the dance about to end, we wove through the throng and met her at the side of the floor. Introductions were made and she seemed to be getting along with Tim famously, happily laughing and talking with us both.

We made it through dinner without incident, Sarah never showed so at least that was a blessing.

I was on the way back from the bathroom when I heard her high, nasal tone behind me.

"Really, you brought a wolf to a guild ball?" She sniped.

She was dressed up in a green sequin dress, far too short and tight for her, putting everything on display. Once it would have excited me, now it just brought to the fore her lack of class.

"Not your business," I snapped, turning to leave.

"A wolf is always my business," she hissed, the threat implicit in her tone.

I turned back to tower over her, "you touch the girl Sarah, and it will be your last kill, do you understand me?"

She cringed back then smirked before stalking out.

She hadn't been at the table, where had she come from?

I groaned as I saw her sashay towards Della, who looked up at her with an open, innocent smile.

I saw the smile fade and Tim shoot up from the table with a face like thunder, moving to put Della behind him.

John was making his way towards the group as I marched over.

"Why are you all protecting the little b***h?" She hissed, casting daggers at her.

"Because she's not the one in the wrong here Miss Sarah," John said sternly. "This is not the conduct we expect of our members at all. I'm going to put it down to too much champagne rather than a wilful breach of guild etiquette. I would like to remind you that it is as imperative that we have secrecy as well as the other races."

Sarah looked down in submission and bowed her head but I could see the rage directed in the look she levelled against Della.

"My apologies wolfling," she sneered before turning on her heel and barging past me. "You'd better keep her away from me," she hissed as she marched away.

Della looked shocked and upset by the bitchy display and I put my arms around her as soon as we made contact, kissing her head and soothing her.

Tim looked furious and John expressed his apologies, reassuring her that she had not been at fault in any way. I was thankful that he was a fair minded man, guild masters had not always been so welcoming.

We finished our evening without further incident, Della becoming increasingly popular with the other male hunters as they tried to make her feel welcome; even Tim took a turn on the floor with her, a sight I never thought I'd see. Finally, the music slowed and I took her hand from him.

"May I dance with my date?" I asked with a grin.

She laughed and stepped into my embrace as we stepped out and started to softly sway to the music, her small body pressed against my own.

I couldn't deny that she soothed me in ways I couldn't explain, her soft lips tilted up to me as I stole a kiss. Before gently leading her from the floor, ready to take her home.