The Lone Wolf

Stirrings

Naiyah’s eyes flew open with a start, the cabin was dark and she didn’t know where she was, the walls felt like they were closing in, she was back in that cupboard, hurt and frightened. She screamed in protest and tried to get away.

Brennan was awake in his room and heard her cries. He came to her without thinking and tried to calm her. He turned on the side light and came close to her, tried to talk her down.

“It’s OK, you’re safe, I’m here with you, no-one can hurt you.”

Naiyah’s vision came into focus as the warm light filled the room and the scent of Brennan washed over her.

Instinctively, Brennan began to purr softly, and he reached out to touch her. She jumped a little at first, but then accepted the touch and leaned into him gratefully. He put his arms around her and let her head rest on his chest.

Naiyah felt the soft rumble of his purr and marveled at the sound. It was instantly calming and grounded her to the cabin and his presence. It put the horrible nightmares back in the nether world where they belonged. Soon, her breathing evened out and she began to drift back off to sleep.

Brennan, however, was wide awake. His purr had not come out for a long time. It felt nice to use it again, and it felt different. The last time he used it, his mate had been labouring for their pup, she was using all her energy to try and bring forth life, but sadly, it had ended up in tragedy, with him losing not just her, but their pup too. He was so angry for a long time after that loss, accepting no help from the pack and gradually distancing himself from the village and the Drayda wolves. He found an abandoned cabin on the outskirts of the village land and rebuilt it. It turned out to be the best therapy renovating the home and his heart had healed somewhat. He no longer felt that intense anger and sadness, but he had felt empty for the longest time. When he was a young Alpha, he knotted everything he could in sight, anyone who would let him. Thea was a lot like him, she loved life, s*x, and hunting like he did, and their affair was passionate and intense. But he didn’t love her, nor want to take her as his mate. Her pregnancy came as a surprise, they had been using birth control as neither was ready for that next step. After getting over the shock, they decided to mate together and raise the pup. Brennan’s father had died young, and his mother was mated to an Alpha in a pack some distance away. He wanted this pup to know family, like he had not. When they died together in that cruel way, Brennan blamed himself. He thought by them not wanting it in the first place that they somehow wished it upon themselves. He wanted that pup so badly in the end, that it was the baby he mourned more than Thea. He punished himself by not putting himself in that situation again. The rare times he allowed himself to have s*x, he made sure it was with a Beta, and that he used a condom for sure. The rare times he saw his mother, she expressed her longing for a family to continue their line, but he was adamant he didn’t want to put anyone through that again.

Fate had now seen to it to drop this wolf on his doorstep, literally. He had always had to almost force his purr out for Thea, but now it had come out instinctively to protect the frightened little omega in his arms. She felt right like she was made to fit into his arms. Her scent filled his space, and eventually, he too was claimed by sleep, wondering what her name was.

Naiyah woke in Brennan’s arms and felt more relaxed than she had since leaving the facility. It was the second time she had awoken in his arms, and it felt natural to her now. She wondered if she should tell him her name. Could she trust him? Her body seemed to think so. Brennan began to stir, and she became aware of his hard length pressing against her thigh. It wasn’t the first time she had seen or felt the male member, but it was the first time her body seemed to react. She felt her body tingle with goosebumps in the most delicious way. She was draped over his muscular chest and her fingers played gently with his chest hair. His breath was coming out in gentle puffs over her forehead. As she continued to study him, a new sensation overcame her body. It seemed to start in her n*****s, then lower, a throbbing, pulsating feeling, accompanied by a warmth. Her body seemed to be heating up from the inside out. Her breathing was increasing at a rate as she became confused at what was happening to her. She shifted in his arms and Brennan began to wake.

Brennan stirred, his nostrils detecting something sweet and musky, something he had not smelled in a while. He was vaguely aware of the female body pressed to him, and that his c**k was straining for attention. Before he was fully awake, he subconsciously hugged her closer to him and inhaled her scent directly from the gland between her ear and her neck, drinking it in. He nuzzled her with his nose and breathed into her ear.

“Mine,” he whispered into her ear. He had no idea why he said it, it seemed to come from within, that primal place that remained deep down in all modern wolves, descended from ancient wolves. He tried to rut into her, but the clothes they were both wearing stopped any further exploration. As he rose into consciousness, his eyes opened and he realized what he was doing. He sat up and gently placed her on the couch.

“I’m so sorry…. I don’t even know what to call you. Will you tell me your name?”

She hesitated but wanted to trust him, so she felt she could give him this small thing in return for all he had done.

“Naiyah. My name is Naiyah.”

It was like a song, her name. He smiled, and it changed his face entirely, the frown lines were gone, and it lifted his mood straight away.

“Thank you, Naiyah. I’m sorry for getting too close just then, my body doesn't get much female interaction these days, and certainly not with an omega. Are you due a heat soon? Don’t worry, I’ll keep away from you, I can control myself.”

“I-I.. don’t think so, I, um, I can’t, I mean, I don’t think I can.”

“What do you mean? Can’t what?”

“Erm, I haven’t ever been through it, it never happened for me.” Naiyah was looking down, she felt ashamed again, like she had done before.

Brennan closed his hands over hers. She lifted her eyes slowly to his, on the brink of tears. She couldn’t meet his eyes.

“Look at me, Naiyah” he growled softly, and she complied, her eyes brimming with tears. His eyes were stormier than ever, and he spoke with sincerity and authority.

“No matter what anyone has told you, whether you can go into heat or not, you are safe here with me and the Drayda wolves, we can find you a place where your worth is more than just your heat or the fact that you can or can’t have a child.”

Naiyah couldn’t believe what she was hearing. This was what she had been looking for, a place where she could settle, be of some use, and belong. She was hoping beyond all hope that this could be true.

“Really Brennan? I could stay and be of some use? I want to help you here when my ankle is better, you have been so kind to me.”

“There’s no need. Right now, you need to concentrate on healing. Let me worry about everything else.”

He busied himself helping her to the bathroom, preparing breakfast and tidying the cabin. He built up the fire and it was soon warm and cosy in the room. Naiyah watched him work, that warm feeling coming again as she watched him get the fire going, his muscles rippling as he did so. He looked over to her and smiled, and she felt a pulse throbbing down low. It was not unpleasant, and she wondered what was happening to her.

After the chores were done, they had breakfast together and chatted easily. She discovered that he was well read and enjoyed books, he had a collection of classic literature, nonfiction books about carpentry, and some more modern fiction, mostly thrillers. He had a radio for communicating with the village when necessary, and a music player with a variety of tunes on it. He didn’t press her about where she had come from or her past, which she appreciated. The snow was still falling, and Naiyah found it soothing watching it fall. Her ankle was still sore, but it didn’t hurt any more than it did. Brennan was careful to check that her toes were not getting blue or swollen in the makeshift cast. He managed to find a long stick she could use to hobble about with, and he chuckled at her clumsy attempts, but was by her side as he helped her master her wobbly legs.

During the afternoon, he read to her his favourite comedy book whilst she watched the fire. She laughed when he took on the different voices of the characters and when they got into their inevitable awkward situations. Brennan loved to hear her laugh; it made his heart glow. He vowed to make her laugh more often.

As night fell, he made sure she was comfortable on the couch and was careful to leave a small lamp burning. He didn’t want the nightmares to return.

“Will you be alright here alone?” he probed gently.

“Yes, I think so.”

With reluctance, he turned to his own room. He tossed and turned for a long time before he finally settled into sleep, with her smell burning his nostrils. He woke at some point in the night with a jolt and sat up, straining to scent the air. Her aroma was so powerful, his c**k was rock hard, his body had a sheen of sweat, and his fists were clenched in the sheets. Dammit, he was going to go into rut. But why? It wasn’t due, it must be her pushing it to come upon him. Gods, he hoped he could control himself.

She had a hard time settling into sleep. She felt hot, and kicked off most of the blankets, then immediately regretted it as she was besieged with chills. She tried to snuggle into the sheet as she drifted into a half sleep, fraught with dreams yet still being vaguely aware of where she was. She could smell Brennan’s strong scent calling to her through his door and if her ankle had let her, she probably would have gone to him. She craved his warmth and strength, and his body was drawing her to him on a subconscious level she couldn’t explain.

As dawn came, she awoke from an apparent sleep with her hand between her legs, stroking herself. That had never happened before, she had just never felt the need to explore herself. It felt nice and she experimented gently through her folds, finding her c**t and moving it in slow circles. She pressed her thighs together and felt a surge of feeling that surprised her, and there was a trickle of something wet on her thighs. Her eyes opened wide at the unfamiliar sensation, and she stopped exploring as she heard Brennan moving about in his room.

When he came out, he seemed a little distracted, not his usual self. There was a tense air to the way he moved today that wasn’t there before. She wanted to help him, to ease his pain, but she didn’t know how. They ate breakfast in silence and then he helped her to clean up.

“I have some clothes that may fit you if you would like to change today.”

“Oh yes please, I would love that,” Naiyah was grateful for everything he was doing, and she wanted to do something for him too.

“Is there anything I can help you with, Brennan? I know I’m not much use physically but I can sew, prepare food, make baskets and write letters, or anything else you need.” Their eyes locked together at this point, and Brennan wished he could tell her what he really needed and wanted, but he would never put himself upon anyone. He was pleased to note she could have useful skills though.

“If you can sew, perhaps I can give you my mending pile, it’s been a while since it was cleared, I’d be grateful for any help there. I’ll change your cast today and see how it’s healing.”

Brennan disappeared for a while and came back with some clothes for her to try. They would be big on her of course, but he had some smaller T shirts and a jumper he had shrunk before that would fit her. He had some long johns that would just about fit her. He laid them out for her to change into in between changing the bandage.

Once he had gathered what he needed for the dressing change, he gently took her ankle and unwound the bandage. She winced as his fingers brushed the sensitive injury, but it was already feeling better than it was, omegas healed quickly, and it wouldn’t be long before she was on her feet again. He bandaged her up again with a more flexible cast so it would still heal but she could have more movement. Every time his skin touched hers was pure torture for him, it was like being starving at a banquet but not being able to eat. Her skin was so soft, and he could remember the sight of her body when he undressed her just a short time ago, but he felt like he had known her for a lifetime.

“I’ll, er, leave you to change, then I can wash your clothes,” he said gruffly, his eyes looking down as he hurried away.

Naiyah could tell he was aroused, that much was obvious. His face had flushed and his hands had shaken slightly when he redressed her ankle, then when she had looked down his body, she couldn’t help but notice the prominent bulge in his jeans. Why hadn’t he asked her to help him relieve himself? Because he knows you can’t, you’re useless. Her inner critic couldn’t resist replying. Something was changing though, if this morning was any indication. She gingerly began to undress and changed into his clothes. She hesitated about her underwear, should she take it off as well? She decided to go for it, it had the odour of being worn too long, and she didn’t know when she would get the chance to have them cleaned or get new clothes. So, she put on his long johns, which were like warm jersey leggings designed to be worn as an extra layer underneath trousers. They felt like a warm hug around her, and they were roomy enough to go over her bandages, and together with his socks that came to her knees she felt super comfortable. With his T shirt and jumper on too, she felt encased in him, his scent and protection and she inhaled deeply.

Her body reacted instantly, heating and that tingling feeling returning, but more insistent this time. Her n*****s tingled and became sensitive peaks, her c**t actually started to throb and pulsate and there was a definite trickle of slick. She was mindful of her lack of underwear situation, and silently begged her body to calm down. She slowed her breathing, and it slowly calmed her senses.

The rest of the morning passed straightforwardly, Brennan got her a walking stick to help her get around, and he provided her with a sewing kit and the mending pile. He wasn’t joking when he had said that it hadn’t seen the bottom of the basket for a long time. She focused on the task; one she enjoyed even if it was just mending shirts and socks and other mundane items. She felt comforted that she could be of use to him, and she poured her feelings into the mending, making sure each darn was strong for him.

Brennan had smelt the change in her today. He knew what slick smelled like and he smelled it in the air. He’d already had to take himself in hand twice to stop himself from trying to seduce her. It wasn’t as strong as he had scented in other females before, but it was so potent for him even in this small form that he wondered more about her. Where had she come from, and what was he going to do with her? He had vowed to help her and wanted to integrate her into their society somehow. He hadn’t had much to do with the village for a long time, but he felt like she could help him get involved again. He now wanted to socialize instead of hiding away. But first he needed to know more about this mysterious omega who had landed practically on his doorstep.

That evening, after he had prepared more wood, and she had almost got to the halfway point in the mending, he gently took her hands and said she could stop for the day. He was already impressed with her neat work and how quickly she had got through the pile. He sensed her need to feel useful and wanted, but he wanted her to know she didn’t need to do any of it.

“Naiyah, I am here for you, I would like to take you down to the village when the snow clears and find a place for you to be happy. Can you be honest with me? Tell me a little of where you came from? You don’t have to, only when you are ready, but I want to help.”

She took a breath in and held it nervously, she wanted to trust him, she saw that he was a good person and cared for her, but could he understand? There was only one way to find out.

“I’m from Randor. My Mother died when I was a baby, and my Father died when I was 12, so I had to go and live in a facility. They – they were, um, not so kind to me as you are. I managed to escape, and I crossed the border. I just want a new start, Brennan. I’m scared they will return me to my country, I was their property. I should go further really to cement my escape.”

She spoke quietly and quickly, keen to get her story out. She would never tell him the exact details of what happened, she was too ashamed.

Brennan listened intently. He was angry that countries so close together had such different views, and that had caused her such suffering. In Lavania they had small pack communities that helped each other when families needed it, rather than the sprawling cities of Randor. They may have more technology and industry, but they lacked empathy and community. He shivered involuntarily and clenched his fists. He wanted to help her, but if that meant she had to go further from him, he selfishly didn’t want that. If it was what she needed, could he help her? He vowed to try. He took her small hands in his and replied to her fervently,

“Naiyah, I will help you in any way you need. It’s only been a couple of days with you here, but I have enjoyed having you here. You can stay as long as you like, and then decide where to go.”

His blue grey eyes burned into hers and he wet his lips. She couldn’t help but look at the full lips and the way his tongue lazily flicked over his lips. Her eyes flickered back to his and she became acutely aware of his hands on hers. They were warm and heavy, and his thumbs were tracing circle patterns on her palms. His fingers were calloused, and it was making her shiver. Her body was starting that tingling feeling again and she fought to get her breathing under control. She only served to increase the feeling which made her legs press together.

Brennan felt the shift and slowly slid his left hand a little further up her arm. When she didn’t flinch, he did the same with the other hand, until it was behind her neck. He shifted closer to her, until their faces were within inches of each other. He could feel her warm breath on his face and a small sigh escaped her lips. Their lips met briefly, in an almost chaste kiss, no more than lips touching, Brennan straining for control. He didn’t want to overpower her, or make her feel like she had to succumb to him because she had no other choice. God knows what she had been put through in Randor.

Naiyah’s senses were reeling. Brennan seemed to be everywhere, his hot breath on her face, his hands, one behind her neck, one gently half way up her arm, both burning her with his touch. Then the kiss, she had been carried along on a wave of something unknown, she wanted him to take her under with him, but when it came, he placed the gentlest of touches on her lips, leaving her burning with unspent desire. He pulled away from her, his eyes full of questions, like he was warring with himself.

“Naiyah, is this alright? I don’t know if you know, but I think you might be going into heat, and it’s setting off my rut early. I’m trying hard to control myself and I can do it, I promise I won’t take advantage of you no matter what. You may find yourself wanting me, but it’s the hormones talking. I want you to be sure that you want me.”

She was trying hard to take in what he was saying. She knew that her body was evolving, changing even, but a heat? Her?

“I can’t go into heat, Brennan. I’m 23, it’s too late for me. I admit, I have been having stirrings, something, I don’t know, but a heat? I just don’t think I’m capable.”

Brennan looked down at where their hands were still joined together. He could hardly tell who’s hand was whose. He looked back up into her eyes.

“It’s OK Naiyah, I can guide you through it without laying a finger on you, or if you like I can help you explore your body and see what you can do without risking a pregnancy. I’ll leave you alone tonight to let you think.”

With that he left her alone for the night, as she tried to process his words. Heat, his offer, and talk of possible pregnancy? They were just alien concepts to her. Of course, she knew what happened when wolves had s*x, she had seen it at the facility in all its glory. Yet, seeing it before her had never had this effect on her that Brennan had. Did that make him her mate? Or was it just a coincidence, she had arrived here, relaxed a little and then her body had decided it was time. Her mind reeled with all the possibilities, and then finally his offer. When he had kissed her so gently, she had longed for more, for his hands to explore her, and she wanted to have free reign over his body, the thought of his muscular frame and the intensity of his eyes bringing the heat every time she thought of it.

By morning she was no closer to any answers, her body felt sore from lying down so much so she used the stick to gingerly walk around the small cabin. She managed to go and use the bathroom by herself for the first time since she had arrived, and she washed her face with cold water. There was a small mirror in there and she checked her face. It felt like a different woman staring back at her, one who had been through so much, but was coming out of the other side stronger, ready for a new beginning. Her eyes seemed to hold a new shine and her skin seemed brighter. Her dark hair had a new luster to it as it framed her elfish face with tumbling curls. She wondered if she could ask Brennan for a brush to try and tame her wild hair.