Mohegan was si ng on his porch steps, pe ng Trensha, seeming to be enjoying nature and the comfort of his dog when Henry drove up. "Hey, Mohegan, can you help me with these?"

  Mohegan stood up and walked over to the truck, grabbing a wooden crate in his large arms before walking back to set them on the porch. "What are these for?"

  "That's what I wanted to talk to you about." Henry grabbed the bags of cups as Mohegan returned for the other crate. "How would you feel about a party?"

  "Uh…" Mohegan looked surprised and his smile quickly turned into a frown.

  "Good, because the pack is coming over, so we need to get a bonfire going for tonight."

  Mohegan's face was star ng to look scary as he grumbled, "You invited the pack here?" "Yeah, you need to see them outside of your furry moments," Henry said, heading towards the house, bags in hand. Calling Trensha over to him, he gave her a bone he'd picked up from the butcher. "It will be fun." Henry said over his shoulder.

  Mohegan looked at his dog, who was chewing on the bone happily, then to Henry who's eyes seemed to sparkle as he smiled. Mohegan sighed, nodding. "Okay."

  Henry kissed Mohegan's cheek before con nuing with going through his bags. Mohegan scratched the back of his head, unsure how to broach the subject. "There's something..."

  "What? What is it?" Henry asked, as he began setting up. "I—" Mohegan looked away. "Nothing." Mohegan wrapped his huge arms around Henry, pulling him close and taking in his scent.

  "Do I smell different?" Henry asked, leaning against him. Mohegan smiled, surprised at Henry's ques on. "I can smell myself on you." Mohegan kissed down Henry's neck. "It makes me want you."

  Henry felt lightheaded from the so kisses, but he forced himself to pull away. "You need to get the bonfire set up."

  Mohegan reluctantly let go and headed outside. Trensha followed, proudly carrying the bone with her as they le . Henry smiled at Mohegan's back, then busied himself with pu ng the beers in the ice box and cleaning up Mohegan's house. He did take a few minutes to look outside and watch Mohegan work in all his shirtless glory. Sweat was trickling down Mohegan's back as he piled the wood. Mohegan would have to take a shower to wash off all the dirt and grime, and Henry wondered briefly if Mohegan would let him join in. After a moment, Henry made himself look away and return to setting up.

  *~*~* That night Mohegan nervously greeted his pack. He wasn't used to seeing them in their human state. The pack was just as awkward around Mohegan, a man they had learned to respect, but also feared. He was a monarch, a man they bowed to in submission. Once they said their gree ng, the pack sequestered themselves into groups that felt more familiar.

  Jake moved easily between the groups of people, cha ng easily with everyone. Henry was being avoided, though; even though he'd put the whole thing together, the pack was avoiding him. Every

  me he went to speak with one group, he found they slowly dissipated, excusing themselves politely un l he was le alone once more. Mohegan's large hand fell onto Henry's shoulder after yet another rejection. "It's all right, Henry. You don't have to try so hard."

  "No. It's important." Henry drank down his beer quickly, enjoying the courage it gave him to once more a empt conversa on with the elusive pack. Henry scanned the yard, and saw Shiva speaking to another woman. Shiva was just as beau ful as ever; she seemed to glow in the fading light.

  Shiva looked up. "Oh, Henry! Come, meet Mary." She nodded to the other woman, who was much more homely.

  "We've met," she said, taking a long drag of her cigarette.

  "Oh? Where from?" Henry asked, but when she grinned at him he regretted asking.

  "Don't you remember, out in the woods?" She blew smoke at Henry. "No wonder Mohegan keeps you. I bet you taste real nice."

  Henry quirked an eyebrow at her. "I'm sorry?" She moved her hair, revealing a mangled ear, and a large claw mark on her neck which had previously been hidden by her long dark hair. "This is your fault!"

  Henry remembered the night a female werewolf had a acked him, how Mohegan had pulled her off. Had Mohegan done that to her?

  Shiva flicked the woman. "Mary! You can't talk like that." She turned to Henry. "Please don't mind her, she's a little tipsy."

  Henry's smile fell, and he tried to excuse himself. "I should—I should check on the other guests."

  Mary pushed past Shiva, joining another woman nearer to the fire. Shiva put an arm around Henry. "Listen, it might be harder for you to fit in, but that doesn't mean you never will. You're a swell guy, Henry. The pack can see that." Shiva waved over at a group of men gathered around Jake. "You may have better luck over there."

  "Thanks, Shiva," Henry said. He felt a bit uncomfortable with her so close to him. She turned her own a en on to Mohegan, standing by himself on the edge of the group, and walked over to greet him.

  Henry watched their exchange for a moment, until Jake called over to him, "Hey, Henry!" Henry walked over to Jake, whose cheeks were red. "Hey," Henry said, taking another drink from Jake. "You enjoying yourself?"

  "Yeah." He put his arm around Henry. "Have I ever told you guys, that this guy right here, is my blood brother. He's the best guy."

  The others chuckled, and a man Henry had never met before asked, "So, you were already part of the family?"

  Henry laughed. "Yeah, Jake and I go way back." Someone else chimed in. "He's been telling us all about you. I must admit we were curious as to who could get that beast to settle down."

  The first man cocked his head. "I don't really understand it, but you got guts, kid, and that counts for something. We don't really see why Mohegan changed his mind. I mean, Shiva is a queen." He looked over to the other men. "But it's not our place to say who Mohegan wants. If you're his mate, that makes you pack."

  They all nodded, and the man offered his hand. "The name's Jacy." Jacy introduced Henry to the other members and laughed when they all began sniffing him.

  Mohegan put his hand on Shiva's shoulder in farewell, walking past her towards Henry. The other men tenta vely backed away, bowing their heads in submission to him.

  "Come, Henry," he said, pu ng his arm around Henry. He turned around and gave a small snarl to the other men. They moved closer to the fire. Henry was feeling fuzzy from his drinks; he cuddled closer to Mohegan, enjoying the feel of Mohegan's solid chest behind him. Mohegan kissed his head, then his cheek. Finally, he turned Henry's head so he could take a proper kiss. Henry snaked his arms around Mohegan's neck and opened his mouth to greet the tongue that slipped inside. Pulling away, Mohegan murmured, "Thanks."

  Henry grinned. "I should thank you." "No, I mean for pu ng this all together." Mohegan kissed Henry again, a quick peck. "Now, I think I'm gonna have one more drink before I tell all these dogs to go home."

  Henry chuckled. "Yeah, get me one, too." "Are you sure?" "Yeah, I told my Dad I'd be out camping tonight. Can't go home like this, right?" Henry grabbed Mohegan's arm. "Is it all right if I stay with you?"

  Mohegan grinned widely. "Yeah, I'd like that." He walked off, leaving Henry alone by the fire. Men on the outskirts of the fire yelled, "Cyanthropes!" Everything seemed to happen in an instant— large pitbulls ran into the party, knocking over the people who began to defend Henry. Looking around him, Henry found himself surrounded by pitbulls. The most striking of stood up onto two legs, snarling down at him. He was tan in color, his head large and fat, and though he stood the way Mohegan did, he was much shorter. He was muscular but stocky.

  The standing dog grabbed Henry and looked to Mohegan, apparently unaffected by Henry's struggles. Henry could feel the man's hot breath on his neck, and then a thick wet tongue slicked up his neck. The dog was clearly more interested in Mohegan's reac on than in Henry. "I told you I was coming Mohegan." The dog's voice was deep and rumbling, his muzzle right next to Henry's ear.

  Roaring, Mohegan shi ed and leaped toward the dog. The other pitbulls tried to fight him off, but Mohegan tore through them quickly and came to stop before the standing pitbull, his face mere inches from the Cyanthrope's. The pitbull looked at Henry, who struggled in an effort to kick and punch him. "So it's true? 'Dis kid is yo mate?"

  "Either let go, or I'll relieve you of your arm, Balrog," Mohegan said, reaching out and grabbing Balrog's shoulder. He dug his claws into the other man's shoulder.

  Balrog let go, chuckling. "You have fun making pups with 'dat." Mohegan tore into him. They barked and howled as they fought, hair and skin flying in the midst of their brawl. They rolled on the ground as Henry looked on in horror. The rest of the pack seemed to be just watching idly by as Mohegan fought Balrog.

  Balrog got a good hold on Mohegan, jaws locked around his throat, suffoca ng him. Mohegan was making sickening gasping sounds, his arms and legs thrashing wildly in an a empt to get Balrog off him. Seeing the only weakness accessible, Henry moved up behind Balrog and kicked his lowhanging balls, causing an agonizing shriek to billow out of the dog's mouth.

  Mohegan seized the advantage and flipped him over, throwing Balrog to the ground and pinning him there un l he submi ed. It took Balrog a moment, but as he panted on the ground, clutching himself, he began to chuckle. "Didn't know your mate was'a feisty one."

  "He's one of a kind," Mohegan snarled. "S ll can't beat me without help, th'ough." Mohegan helped Balrog up, and hugged briefly. "I had you where I wanted. Another minute and I would have had you by the throat."

  "What's going on!" Henry yelled, gri ng his teeth. Balrog shi ed back into his human form, snapping his fingers at one of the other pitbulls. Standing naked before Henry was the man from the liquor store. Henry's eyes traveled quickly down to his sizable package, but just as quickly darted back up and away, a large blush flooding his face. "My name is Balrog, but you can call me 'Daddy.'"

  "Don't call him Daddy." Mohegan growled, glaring at Balrog. "He's a friend, I guess you could say."

  "Here, Daddy." A man handed Balrog his clothes, bowing low to the Cyanthrope.

  "D'ese are my boys." He adjusted his hat, l ng it towards Henry, "I's 'spect da council will be coming for ya soon."

  "What?" Henry looked between them. "Balrog, go bother someone else." Mohegan rolled his eyes. He waved for his pack to se le down, the wolves eyeing the Cyanthropes warily.

  "All right. Stay cool, stay cool." Balrog's eyes seemed to twinkle. "You have a female, here? Not just'a any female." He turned and looked at Shiva. "Why, hello."

  Mohegan growled at Balrog. "Party's over. Time to call it a night." The pack began to clear out, snarling at Balrog's entourage as they walked past. "Shiva, don't let this old man fool you."

  Balrog bent and kissed her hand. "Ah, Mohegan's just joshin'. Daddy takes care o' all his girls." "Daddy, we should—" Balrog punched the subordinate who'd spoken, a young mula o boy. "You need to learn your place, Lootah," Balrog growled. He snapped his fingers, and his pack formed behind him. "'A'ight, doll, I'll be seen'n ya." Shiva sneered at Balrog, but so ened as Lootah took one last look back at her, his soft blue eyes shining in the firelight.

  It almost four in the morning before Henry and Mohegan had finished cleaning up everything and made sure the fire was out. They collapsed in bed, completely exhausted. Henry looked at Mohegan, reaching his hand around to touch the large bruise around Mohegan's neck.

  "Does it hurt?" Henry asked, rolling closer to Mohegan. "No, you don't need to worry about me." Mohegan climbed on top of Henry, and helped him remove his shirt. "There's something I need to talk to you about."

  Henry unbuckled Mohegan's belt, pulling it out of the loops. "Hmm..." Henry felt light and fuzzy, and the thought of touching Mohegan again made him excited. Henry unzipped Mohegan's jeans, looking up to see Mohegan's face was red with lust. "Oh, you're naughty, Mohegan." Henry licked his lips, touching Mohegan's exposed cock, no ng Mohegan hadn't put on underwear a er his earlier shower.

  "Never mind." Mohegan grunted, pushing Henry down and wriggling out of his pants. Henry's hand closed around Mohegan's cock, enjoying the feeling of the other man hardening in his palm.

  Henry sat up, pushing Mohegan to lay back against the pillows. "Lay back, I wanna try something." Henry kissed Mohegan's bare hip, rubbing his cheek in the curly hair that traced up to his belly bu on. He followed it down, his lips kissing dangerously close to Mohegan's cock. Taking it in his hands, Henry licked the p, enjoying the shiver it caused.

  It was difficult at first, but as he grew more accustomed to Mohegan's length and girth, Henry was able to take more of Mohegan's cock far back in his throat. Mohegan was beginning to pant, his fists turning into claws as he got more and more excited. Henry reached down, cupping Mohegan's balls in his hand and enjoying the way they moved in between his fingers.

  Mohegan's large clawed hand came around the back of Henry's head, forcing him further down on his cock. Mohegan let out a series of deep huffing breaths, shuddering moans, and then he came hard into Henry's mouth. Henry coughed, pulling back, even as more of Mohegan's come hit face. He looked up at Mohegan, hoping to see that he'd pleased the Lycanthrope.

  Mohegan pulled Henry closer and licked his own seed off Henry's face. Henry smiled, snuggling closer to Mohegan, feeling a sudden rush of fa gue. Mohegan cleared his throat, then rumbled, "What I have been meaning to tell you is that my sister came to see me."

  "Mala?" Henry asked, his eyes closing as he settled under the covers. "Yeah, she was talking about you and me and our situa on." Mohegan's voice was comfor ng, and hearing it reverbera ng in the huge chest was lulling Henry to sleep. "If the council sees you're human they'll have you killed or worse. I couldn't live with myself if that happened to you. Mala has figured out an ancient secret of spreading Lycanthropy. Tomorrow I wanna make you into one of us. I know that it might seem rushed, but it's the only way to ensure your safety. There is s ll a chance that you could," he paused, bi ng his lip before con nuing, "You could die, but it's the only way for us to be together. Henry, will you become a Lycan for me?"

  Mohegan looked down at Henry, who was snoring so ly against his chest. "Never mind." He lay his head down and drifted off to sleep.

  Chapter Nine

  "He's not strong enough for that! How can you possibly think this will work?"

  "Jake, you can't yell at the Alpha." "You're an asshole! You need to end this! I'm not gonna let my best friend die, just because you want to fuck him!" A loud smack resounded, pulling Henry out of his slumber. "Shuey!" Jake was holding his cheek, glaring at Shuey.

  "I told you not to yell at him. You're not a pup anymore; you can't just spout out whatever you want!"

  Jake rubbed his face. "You hit me!" Mohegan looked extremely angry, but his face so ened when he turned to Henry. "You've woken him up."

  Henry could see the three of them from Mohegan's bedroom; they were standing in the living room near the kitchen, but instead of ge ng up he threw a pillow down the small hallway. "Shut up. It's too early."

  Mohegan chuckled. "It's past noon." Henry groaned loudly. "I made coffee if you want some." Henry forced himself out of the warm bed, walking out into the living room. He was s ll wearing his clothes from the previous night. Henry expected Jake to make a face at him for spending the night with the man, but Jake seemed more upset with Shuey at the moment. "What are you all yelling about anyway?"

  They were all standing looking irritated at one another, and Mohegan mo oned for them to take a seat before disappearing into the kitchen. Henry se led on the sofa, and Mohegan returned a er a moment, passing him a steaming mug and si ng down next to him. "We were talking about what we need to do to keep you safe."

  "Don't lie," Jake growled. "Don't believe either of them, they just want to save their own asses. They don't give a fuck if it kills you or not."

  Jake always cursed more when he was upset, but Henry couldn't understand what he was on about. "Kills me? What are you talking about?

  "They want to turn you, Henry!" Jake exclaimed, ignoring Shuey's attempt to shush him with a snarl. Henry turned to Mohegan. "I thought you said you can't make new Lycanthropes." "I didn't think we could," Mohegan said, grabbing his pipe and ligh ng the sweet smelling leaves. "But Mala's been researching it for years. She said she's found an ancient ritual that will work." He inhaled the smoke, holding it in for a few seconds before le ng out a long exhale of dark smoke. It seemed to calm him. "There's a problem though." "Yeah, it kills you," Jake scoffed.

  "It won't kill you. It has a chance of failing, but there's s ll a chance it could work," Shuey said, shaking his head. "The council could be here any day now, and they will kill you. I hate to say it, but trus ng Mala seems to be the only real op on right now."

  Mohegan took another drag of his pipe, before handing it over to Shuey."She's never been wrong before. She's not psychic, but she's got a knack for predicting outcomes."

  Shuey let out a breath, Jake glared at him and quirked an eyebrow. "I didn't know you smoked." "I don't," Shuey said, taking another long drag of the pipe.

  "So, this ritual, it will make me into a Lycan like you?" Henry couldn't hide his smile. "Not sure what it will do. I'm not sure if it will work, but as long as you smell like one, the vampires will leave you alone about it," Mohegan said.

  Henry looked up at Mohegan. "I want you to do it."

  "What?" Jake jumped up. "Henry!" "Jake, I'm sorry. I know you're worried about me, but the first me I saw you in your true form, I wished I could be like you. You know me; you know I could never pass up something this special. I know you're worried for me, but I promise, it will be all right." Henry smiled at Jake. "I want to be part of your pack, not just in words, but in blood."

  "God, you're such a dumbass, Henry." Jake shook his head. "If it's really what you want, but if this doesn't work," he looked up at Shuey and Mohegan, "I will never forgive either of you."

  Mohegan let out another breath of dark smoke. "Then we'll do it tonight."

  Henry reached out to touch Jake's hand. "You'll see, it'll be all right."

  "Do what you want." Jake stood and rushed out of Mohegan's house. Shuey looked at Mohegan apologe cally before following Jake out of the wooden cabin. Tro ng a er him, Shuey called out, "Come on, don't be like this."

 

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17