"You know, this werewolf this is a little more complicated than it shows in the movies and books," Stephanie pointed out. She needed to start keeping notes, and really hoped there wouldn't be a test on these areas later. "Is there some sort of a manual I can reference so I don't have to keep asking you all this stuff?"
"I'm afraid not. It'd be a little dangerous if a human found the werewolf how-to manual." Her companion tapped the side of his head with a finger. "Besides, everything I need is in here, and I don't mind if you ask me all these questions a thousand times over. It won't hurt me to have a refresher course."
"Well, it'll hurt my pride. I feel like I'm learning to walk at age ten," Stephanie insisted in a huff. She hated to be treated with kid gloves, and even more to be dependent on someone else for such important information. After all, he wouldn't always be there when she'd need that info.
"Then I'll start writing the manual when we get back to my house, but for now we should be focused on tonight. It's only a few hours until the sun sets," Chuck reminded her. He nodded at the window, blocked against by the curtains to allow them to sleep without the sun blasting its light inside the cabin. "The symptoms of the change only get worse as night approaches."
"What am I supposed to be expecting with these symptoms? You said something about me getting all happy and energetic." Stephanie wasn't sure if those side-effects were going to be good or bad for her.
"Those are the two common effects, though if there are complications other things could happen."
"Like what?" Stephanie really didn't like the sound of those side effects.
"Extreme pain mostly, but the change into your full wolf form would be complicated. A smooth transformation is where you start at one point, either the head or feet, and change up or down. One with complications has you starting at several points, which causes more strain on the body and mind. You'd pretty much end up like Simon did with his transformation." Stephanie leaned in and looked into Chuck's eyes.
"You've seen a lot of people change, haven't you?" she softly asked her partner. He bitterly smiled, glanced down at the blankets and nodded his head.
"Yeah, and some of them didn't go so well. Sometimes the human didn't make it." Stephanie shuddered, and he noticed her show of fear. He wrapped his arms around her shoulders and gently shook her out of her terror. He also smiled as brightly as he could manage, because in the end he, too, was worried. "There haven't been any indications of you having trouble, and there usually is by now."
"But what if I'm an exception and bad things haven't started yet?" she asked him.
"Well, let's put that to the test." Chuck looked her over, and suddenly she had to brush away his clingy hands. He brushed his fingers against her skin, particularly on her back, and had no qualms about inspecting personal places.
"Knock that off, I told you none of that!" she scolded as she knocked his prying hands from her breasts.
"I'm only trying to see if there's any physical signs of complications. So far, so good," her partner explained. "Are you feeling uneasy or comfortable?"
"Uncomfortable with you seated beside me," Stephanie shot back. She slid out of the bed out of reach of him. Then she glanced down at herself and raised a brow. "But other than that, I actually feel pretty good. I noticed that when I woke up."
"Good, then maybe a little less panic is in order," Chuck mildly scolded her. "Besides, I'm sure you're feeling more than a little hungry. The change involves a great deal of energy, even for the time running up to it."
"Yeah, I am kinda that, too," she agreed. It was almost like he was reading her mind with all his suggestions. She supposed that was a good sign, since Chuck was taking the feeling good and hunger as positive effects. "So we have to drag more water? And where's the bathroom around here?"
"All good questions, and yes, all of them involve going outside," he informed his boss. He slipped out of bed and stretched. His side was cramped against the splintery wall, which was one of the reasons he'd snuggled up to her. One of them, but not the only reason. "I can get the water while you change, though, and then you can go outside for some privacy behind a tree."
"There's not even an outhouse?" This roughing it was getting less and less appealing.
"To be honest, I never expected to have a lady friend up here, so I only planned for myself," he sheepishly admitted. Stephanie sighed and rolled her eyes. Males were so predictable. "But I promise if we stay here long enough I'll build you an outhouse." To her ears that option sounded even worse.
"I really hope we don't stay here that long," she more than hinted at. He waved off her concerns with a hand and a smile.
"I'm sure we'll be out of here by the end of the week at the latest. We just need to get you through the change, and give us some time to get out of Gregory's focus of attention." He walked over to the door and peeked out. He jerked back and shut the door. "Brr, kind of chilly out there this morning."
"Yeah, something about us being up in the middle of Nowhere Mountain," Stephanie teased him. She glanced at his meager wardrobe, just a thin shirt and shorts. "Maybe you'd better change before you go outside so you don't catch a cold or fever. I'd hate to have to keep care of you and handle my change on my own."
"I'm sure you'll do just fine tonight, but it would be a good idea to get some warmer clothes on." He suddenly paused and appeared to be pondering a thought. Stephanie glanced at him and wasn't sure she liked the look on his face. "Unless I just wear my fur coat..." she heard him mutter.
"You're not thinking what I think you're thinking, are you?" she asked him. Hardly had she finished her question then she noticed stubbles of hair appear on his bare arms and legs. She stepped away from him until she hit the bed, and then her kneels buckled and caused her to fall down onto the blankets.
Stephanie was both mystified and disgusted by his transformation. The change flowed over his body like ripples, with each hair rising up right after the one below it. His fingers lengthened, as did his nose into a soft snout. His eyes change from their normal color to the golden she so very much remembered. His clothes were swallowed by the long, silky tufts of fur. The whole process took less than a minute, and then he stood up on his claws feet and stretched his long, furry arms. Stephanie looked him over in awe and some trepidation. He did look like a wild animal, after all, and wild animals weren't exactly safe to be around.
"Does that...does that hurt at all?" she wondered. The werewolf formally known as Chuck turned and shook its head. "And, um, you're not naked under that, are you?" Again an answer in the negative, the fur must have covered his clothes and not torn them too badly. She was relieved, not for him but for herself. She didn't want to change and then return to human completely naked every time.
Chuck suddenly slid over to her so fast that she hardly had time to flinch. He shoved his nose into her face and she stiffened. Those large, dark nostrils sniffed her own nose and cheeks, and she got a good glimpse of his eyes. They were a little darker and more interested in her than she wanted them to be. Her fears were justified when he settled his hands down on either side of her and his nose descended lower to her breasts. She shuddered when his warm breath washed over her bare arms and drifted through her thin pajamas.
"C-Chuck, are you all right?" she whispered. She hadn't meant for her words to come out in a breathy whisper,but the wolf noticed. Its dark eyes glanced up at her and he leaned in closer. His body pressed up against hers and her breaths quickened in response. She almost didn't want to push him away, but she knew Chuck would regret taking advantage of her in this moment when he lacked control of himself. "Chuck, I really think you need to snap out of this."
The werewolf's eyes snapped wide open and then it emitted a whimper. Chuck pulled back and sat down on his haunches on the floor. His eyes were back to their golden color and she got the feeling he was pleading for her forgiveness. She sighed and shook her head.
"I'm fine, you didn't hurt me. I just got a little scared, that's all." The werewolf turned aw
ay in shame, and she couldn't help smiling at the strange show of a creature that large exhibiting remorse. It was almost like a puppy who'd just been caught peeing on the carpet, but much larger and not quite as cute. "I said I'm fine, you don't have to be moping all day. Besides, that water isn't going to fetch itself and I'll be sure to change while you're distracted." The wolf nodded without turning to her, and she had a sudden thought that made her laugh. At the sound, Chuck turned a questioning glance at her. "That's what you get for trying to show off," she teasingly scolded. The wolf bared its teeth, but she could see it was just in a grin. Probably a sheepish one if he was human, but it was intimidating as a wolf. "Now get on before I throw your furry hide outside."
Chuck nodded and left the cabin on all fours with the bucket handle stuck between his strong jaws. Stephanie hurriedly dressed, both from the cool air and the fear he would arrive a little too early. When her partner returned, though, he was back to his human self. His elastic shorts were fine from the change, but his shirt was stretched and torn in a few places at the seams. He found her trying to start a fire in the fireplace, and failing miserably at the attempt.
"You don't do much camping, do you?" he asked her as he poured the water into the large pot on the stove.
"I'd have to say werewolves don't usually drag me out into the middle of nowhere for short camping trips," she returned in a voice hinting at frustration. She was especially irked when Chuck got a fire going in the stove before she had even a flame from the logs. After a few more minutes she finally managed to produce a steady fire, and she eagerly fed the hungry flames from the wood piled on the left side of the chimney.
"How are you feeling? Still have that good feeling in you?" Chuck inquired while he started up their first meal of the day.
"You're going to be asking me that all day, aren't you?" she countered. She really didn't want him to act like a worried mother hen.
"Think of them as periodical checkups. I'm the doctor, your the patient, and you answer the question truthfully."
"Truthfully? If I hadn't been feeling this good I would have been swearing and cussing at the fire. I probably would've given up, too."
"So you didn't give up, and probably would have otherwise?" he mused. He paused over the heating water and rubbed his chin. "Perhaps this change isn't going very well. Anything that makes you more stubborn is bound to be worse for everyone." Stephanie's face fell and she narrowed her eyes.
"Oh, hardy-har-har," she replied, and rolled her eyes for emphasis. She glanced out the open window and admired the view. Though it was cold, the sun was out and strong. "How about you just get that food done? I feel like taking a walk."
"That's probably your wolf self wanting some fresh air, but a walk wouldn't hurt," Chuck agreed.
Food was soon dispatched, though by the time they'd cleaned up the plates and cooking bowls there was hardly an hour left of daylight. The fires were extinguished to avoid the whole place burning down while they were gone, and Chuck dressed himself while Stephanie stepped out into the sun. She inhaled deeply the scent of pine trees and wild grass. Everything smelled so fresh and vibrant, and the colors were brighter than she ever imagined they could be.
"Everything's so much nicer up here," she happened to informed Chuck, and he smiled.
"Not really, I think it's just your senses becoming more attune to your surroundings. Having heightened vision and a sense of smell is often a benefit to being a werewolf."
"Except in the city where everything smells so bad?" she asked him, and he nodded.
"It was often unpleasant living from city to city where ever the mission took us. The rooms rented for our use weren't exactly in a four-star hotel, either."
"I bet that was fun," she agreed. The young woman idly glanced around the meadow and noticed there was a path to the left o the cabin which led off into the woods. Animals no doubt frequented it for easy access between to the meadow grass. "How about we take a walk up there." Chuck glanced over to where she was looking and nodded his approval.
"Just the place I wanted to take you. There's something up there you should see," he informed her, and she waited for an explanation. Instead he started forward toward the path.
"What am I going to see?" she asked him. Her giddiness was not letting his mysteriousness ruin her good mood. "Is it something scary or nice?"
"I'd call it beautiful, but you'll see when we get there," Chuck insisted.
Stephanie rolled her eyes at his elusive answer, and followed him up the narrow path. It was only wide enough for one person, so she followed behind. They went along for several minutes in silence, with the young woman enjoying the new scenery and Chuck apparently lost in his thoughts. Before she knew what she was doing, though, Stephanie found herself staring straight ahead at her leader's posterior. She was almost mesmerized by the motion of his tight ass moving with his legs, and her hand reached out to brush against his pants.
Chuck abruptly stopped and turned around. Stephanie gave him a nervous smile and he raised an eyebrow.
"Did you just grope me?"
"Um, maybe on accident?" she suggested. She could tell from his serious look, though, that he didn't exactly believe her.
"Is there something you need to tell me about? Something to do with your change?" he carefully asked her. Her guilty expression told him everything, but she still wanted to try to save face.
"I just got carried away with the view, that's all. How far are we going to be walking, anyway?" It was a horrible effort at changing the conversation, but Chuck merely sighed.
"We should get to the top by about sunset or a little before." He was indifferent to the time, but Stephanie was nervous.
"Should we really be out here when I start to change? I mean, it's going to be right after the sun goes down, right?"
"We don't have much choice about have you change outside. I don't think we want you wolfing out around our limited food supply. I can't think of any way that would turn out well."
"I guess..." Stephanie agreed, but her fears weren't allayed. The farther they walked, the more everything around her became louder and brighter. Those were no doubt part of the changes, and it worried her how else she'd change before they reached their destination. She didn't exactly want to wolf out on a narrow dirt path.
"We'll get to the top in a few minutes and set you down in a good spot for the change," he reassured her, seeing that she was scared. The young woman nodded, and they continued on with their journey.
Chuck's promise proved to be true, and in a few minutes they had indeed reached the end of the trail. The path opened up to another meadow, though this one was marked by a more wild appearance. There were no structures nor any obvious signs of man among the wildflowers and grass. The trees around the open area grew close together and created an almost impenetrable wall of trunks and foliage. Stephanie stepped forward and glanced around the field. Her eyes caught something shining off the setting sun, and she noticed a stake and rusted chain in the very center of the area. The young woman noticed there was a marred shackle on the end of the chain. She got Chuck's attention and nodded over to the two items.
"What are those for?" she asked him. Chuck frowned when he noticed what had caught her attention, and he sighed.
"After I left the pack, my wolf self wasn't too happy being alone. It generally liked to be around others, even if they were complete monsters. Sometimes I'd feel him getting a little too angry during the full moon and I'd lock the shackle around my ankle to keep me from hurting anyone or anything."
"This certainly would make a good place to stay away from everybody," she agreed. Stephanie stepped out into the center and glanced up at the large, darkening sky above them. Her searching eyes couldn't help but fall upon the large, gray orb in the sky. The moon was waiting there for its time to shine in the night sky.
Stephanie felt something shift within herself. It was the same emotion, the same need she'd experienced the night before after their run-in with Gregory, but this
time it was stronger. She felt as though her whole body was wrapped in a hot, smooth blanket. The cold of the air vanished and she wrapped her arms around herself to embrace the heat within. Her eyes softly glowed and she shuddered when a wave of the heat washed over her. Chuck noticed her sudden change, and he stepped up beside her. He settled his hands on her shoulders, and she turned to look into his face.
"It's starting then," he stated rather than asked.
Stephanie nodded anyway. She felt she couldn't speak, not with his scent so close. Her eyes settled on his firm mouth, and before she knew what she was doing she'd leaned in and planted a soft, heated kiss on his lips. He pushed against her, wanting to deepen the touch of her lips against his. The broke apart, both gasping for air. Their eyes were shining and their bodies were tense, heated. They desired, needed each other.
Chuck growled and Stephanie whimpered her subservience. He captured her lips in another intense kiss even as his hands groped over her body. She felt his fingers length and sharpen, and they tore at her clothes. Her body pressed up against him and she ground her hips against his own, eliciting a grunt of approval from her partner. By now her clothes were in tatters and she, too, was tearing at his shirt and pants. What remained of her pants and shirt were growing tighter as her hips widened and her breasts swelled. He wrapped an arm around her waist and lowered her to the ground.
Stephanie lay on the ground and gazed into his hungry golden eyes. A thrill went through her warm, tense body and she groaned. Chuck's eyes dilated and his hand slid down to her thigh. His fingers slowly glided up her side, the long nails cutting through the remains of her shirt and pants. Her clothes split open and fell away, and she reached up to brush aside the few fragments that remained.
Now she was naked before his intense eyes. Her rapid breathing pushed her breasts up and down in a quick, sultry pattern. He growled again and she squirmed when he settled his heavy hand on her hips. He was playing with her by stretching out the agony of her need, and satisfying his own lust by gazing upon her with a possessive gaze. She whimpered again and raised herself up to plant soft kisses along his neck, pleading for him to take her.