Disclaimer: I do not own Law and Order: SVU or any of its characters. They belong to Dick Wolf, NBC, all the other people who own it, and the actors.

Note: To those who follow me and what I write, you may be a little nervous to see what I've written after my last controversial AO story. Don't worry. This is rated M but for the usual stuff, cursing and [consensual] f/f action mostly though there will be reference to rape in Casey's past (not detailed) in the next part. To those who have no idea what I'm talking about, you just carry on reading. I'm not always so good at beginning my stories so I can't quite decide if I like how this turned out. But we'll go with it since I have a pretty good idea of where I want this to go. Anyway, hope you enjoy!

~~~~~SVU~~~~~

Casey could not stop her heart from racing in her chest as she waited for the elevator to reach the right floor. She was on her way to pick Olivia up for a night out; they were going to dinner, which they did once every week since they became friends so it really shouldn't be a big deal. But to Casey it was. Tonight was going to be THE night, the night she was going to tell the brunette detective how she felt about her. From the very moment they met, Casey had loved the fierce, sexy detective. It didn't matter that Olivia hated her, that she practically skinned Casey alive with her words and glares, that she made Casey feel a little scared and very unwelcome. There was just something about her. Olivia was not only sexy appearance-wise, but she was dedicated, determined, strong, compassionate, and oh-so-kind. Casey still remembered that first case; Casey had been feeling so shitty about herself and because of the awfulness of the case and SVU in general, and for a few moments she couldn't stop the emotions from escaping. She sat sobbing in her office when Detective Benson walked in. Casey had been sure that Olivia would bite her head off and rip her a new one with her words and then leave. But instead Olivia had been sweet and kind and did her best to comfort her. It was at that moment that Casey began to hope that things between her and Olivia would change, that they could be friends or maybe something more. It had taken a while for Liv to completely warm up to her, but once she did they became very close. And as time went on, Casey fell more and more in love. She couldn't keep it to herself anymore. However, there was just one teensy, TINY problem. That wasn't the only secret she'd be confessing. In addition to telling Olivia that Casey loved her, she'd also be telling her that she wasn't human.

Casey was a member of an ancient race called the Therianthropes also known as Therians or Shifters. She was a shapeshifter, particularly a Wolf Shifter. Most of the Therian race could only take the form of one animal. Shifters looked and acted human for the most part; the only visible difference was the tattoo every Therian was born with that showed what bloodline you were born into and what animal you would later shift into. Casey's was located in the center of her torso, just below her breasts between each half of her rib cage. It was, like any other Shifter's, simple and black and, uniquely Wolf, in the shape of a wolf's paw print. Casey was rather found of it and liked to show it off as often as she could. If everything went in Casey's favor maybe she'd get the chance to show it to Olivia. She wasn't sure what she was more nervous about: telling Olivia that she loved her or telling Liv that she was loved by someone who could turn into a wolf whenever she wanted. Either way, Casey believed she was pretty much screwed. One truth came with the other as a package deal, and surely these confessions would lead Olivia to assume Casey was insane. Maybe Olivia would cuff her and force her into a mental hospital. Yah, that'd go over real well; Casey could see it now. They'd walk in with Olivia pulling Casey behind her. The nurse would smile sweetly and say, "Can I help you?"

Olivia, professional as always, would show her her badge and say, "Detective Benson from the Special Victims Unit and this is our ADA. Or maybe I should say 'this was our ADA'. She's claiming that she has a wolf spirit inside her and can change into a wolf at will."

They would laugh and look at her sympathetically, like she couldn't help that she thought that. And the nurse would say, "We'll get her the proper medication and therapy. Don't worry. She'll be well taken care of here." And then Casey would spend the rest of her life in a crazy house. Unless she changed and broke out through force. Of course, that would mean people would probably get hurt. Or killed. Or her pack would come rescue her. People would still die. Maybe even her pack mates. And then all-out war would break out between the humans and Therians. Oh God! Maybe this wasn't such a good idea. Casey began to breathe heavily in the beginnings of a panic attack. She placed one hand against the wall of the elevator to steady herself and the other on her chest over her rapidly beating heart.

'Okay. Just take it easy Novak,' she told herself. 'Breathe in. One, two, three. And out. One, two, three. Don't get yourself all worked up over something that's not happening. Just tell her. Everything will be fine. She's Olivia. Even if she doesn't love you and/or thinks you're crazy, she'll still be your friend because she's sweet, caring, kind, beautiful Olivia.' Casey was still pretty freaked out, but she managed to slow her heart and breathing back to normal just as the elevator dinged and opened. She took one more deep breath before exiting and doing her best to walk confidently. Once she rounded the corner she was greeted by her favorite detectives. Well most of them. Elliot and Fin smiled widely and welcomingly as Munch called, "Well isn't this a pleasant surprise getting a visit from the lovely Casey Novak."

Casey laughed at John's typical outgoingness, "Hey John. Fin. El." Each man gave her a grin, a wink, and a wave as she said their names. Her eyes went to Liv's empty desk, "Where's Liv?"

"Oh yah! She said you two had a date tonight," Fin spoke.

Casey's smile faltered slightly, "A date? She said it was a date?"

"Technically she said it was a dinner-date," Elliot explained. "That's what she called it when she said she was going to get in some work-out time beforehand."

Casey smiled affectionately. It was so like Olivia to do that and then lose track of time. She'd done it before so Casey knew not to take the fact that she forgot personally. She nodded, "Hope that means she'll have a big appetite. Thanks guys!" She waved to them as she made her leave. She wasn't at all surprised when she walked into the gym and found Liv training. What she was surprised to see was that she wasn't alone. She and another woman were wrestling on the padded area of the room. Both of them were wearing nothing but sports bras, shorts, and boxing gloves. For a moment, Casey froze and began to drool as her eyes wandered over Liv's body. She was solid and built yet soft in all the right, womanly places. Her muscles bulged as she battled with the other woman. She was making these fantastic, primal grunting noises. And to top of that, she was covered in a delicious-looking layer of sweat; her body glistened, appearing to shine, and her shaggy hair was sticking to her in some places and spiked out in different directions in others. The whole scene caused Casey to fight not to reflect her wolf's growl of arousal and need. Her wide, hungry eyes followed Liv's movements for a few more moments. Then, as Olivia got the upper hand and pinned the other woman under her, Casey and her wolf began to growl with jealousy. The other woman, who appeared much younger than Liv and a few years younger than Casey, smiled up at Liv and panted, "You're a really good fighter."

Liv laughed, "You always say that but thanks. You're coming along quite nicely. Certainly gave me a good fight." Casey relaxed slightly as Olivia moved off her, stood, and removed a glove. She reached out her hand to help the other woman up and then moved to her water bottle. She gulped down several well-earned gulps before she pulled it away with a gasp, "Shit! What time is it?"

Casey answered before the other woman could, "Just after six."

Liv whirled around and grinned happily. Then it turned guilty, "Case. I'm sorry."

Casey held up a hand to stop her, "It's alright Liv. I know you always lose yourself in your workouts."

"Just gimme like ten minutes," she quickly grabbed her towel and tank top she'd shed earlier in addition to her water and started rushing to the showers.

"Don't rush Liv. Wouldn't want you to look all sweaty and gross for our date," the red-head teased. Olivia chuckled as she gave her the finger. Casey smiled innocently back then Liv was gone, leaving Casey wishing she could've gone with her instead of being out here with the younger woman. She did her best to act like she didn't want to bite her for getting too close to what was hers and said, "Hi. I'm Casey Novak."

The blonde smiled, "Oh! Nice to finally meet you! I've heard a lot about you. I'm Officer Kellie Young."

"You've heard about me? From whom? And how come I've never met or seen you before?"

The blonde chuckled, "Such a lawyer. Um. I heard about you from everyone here first off. You are the ADA after all. But mostly I've heard about you from Detective Benson." That confession as well as the use of Liv's title soothed Casey and her wolf. Kellie paused as she looked back to where Liv had just gone and quietly said, "I think she's got a crush on you, but don't tell her I told you that." Casey smiled and Kellie winked before speaking normally again. "And you've never met or seen me because I'm new around here. Only been here for a week. She's been giving me lessons every day so I can do better on my next assessment."

Casey nodded. She was saved from having to say anything else by the reappearance of a freshly showered, dripping wet, towel-wrapped Liv. Casey's eyes nearly popped out of her head at the sight. She was too busy watching Liv to notice Kellie smirking at them knowingly. Liv felt her stares and looked up with a coy expression, "See somethin' ya like counselor?"

Casey's mouth looked like a fish's as she tried to formulate a response. Liv just chuckled and moved behind the lockers to change into the outfit she'd set aside for this date. They more often than not dressed for a casual outing and tonight was no exception. Casey was dressed in a simple pair of dark blue jeans, a white blouse, and a black sweatervest. Liv went for regular blue jeans, blue v-neck sweater, and her signature leather jacket. Once dressed, she toweled her hair and brushed it into place. She checked to make sure she looked good before stuffing her gym stuff away and walking back out. She smiled at Casey who returned it, "Ready?"

Casey nodded and teased, "I'm always ready for you Liv." She winked and Liv laughed, ignoring how that made her feel. They waved to Kellie and walked out. It wasn't long before they were sitting down in their usual pub, ordering burgers and fries with beer. One thing Liv was surprised to find out when she became friends with Casey was that, though she came from a very well-to-do family, she hated anything fancy. It was one of the things that first endeared Casey into Liv's heart. Olivia had had feelings for the gorgeous red-head for a while now; she didn't know when it happened. It was just one of those things that hits you when you realize you smile and get butterflies every time you see them, when you wonder what it would be like to be in their arms and taste their lips on yours, when you see you coworker flirting with them and have the sudden urge to shove him away so he knew he was trespassing. She still remembered the look on Fin's face when he caught her glaring at him and how he removed his arm from around Casey's shoulders and put a few inches of space between them. Olivia chuckled slightly at the memory for her own silliness now but then she'd been relieved and thankful for his backing off.

When Casey had asked her to this week's dinner, Liv had picked on a different tone in her voice. She had sounded nervous and shaky. Even now as they caught each other up on their week and joked about work and life in general, Casey avoided eye contact with her and seemed off. If Casey didn't tell her what was wrong soon, she'd ask, but the lack of eye contact worried her. They had finished their meals and were working on their third beers when their waitress returned to collect their plates. "Can we have the check please?" Olivia asked, eager to get Casey somewhere private so she could find what was wrong.

"Your check's been paid for tonight ladies," she responded with a smile.

Casey and Liv shared a confused look and Casey asked, "By whom?"

"By the handsome gentleman sitting at the end of the bar," she motioned with her head to where the man was sitting before leaving.

They instantly looked over; Olivia had to turn around in the booth to look. He was a good-looking man with dark blue eyes, slicked-back blonde hair, and pale skin. He'd been watching, waiting for the waitress to motion to him so he was already grinning charmingly at them. He waved when their eyes found him. "Shit!" Casey cursed, making Olivia jump and look back to her.

"What?"

Casey was glaring at the man. In a low, dangerous voice she said, "I know him."

"You do?" she looked back to him, trying to remember if she had seen or met him before.

"We have to leave," Casey said harshly as she gathered her stuff and stood. Liv gaped at her and rushed to follow. Casey was already nearly to the door. Liv gave the man one last look before exiting behind her. Casey instantly grabbed her hand and pulled her along, trying to get away from there as fast as possible. Liv's mind was a little slow to catch up so when Casey was grabbed and pulled into an alley, she was unable to react as she was jerked in as well. Casey however was instantly on the defensive, moving her body in front of Liv's and snarling at the same man from the pub. "What are you doing here Caius?"

"Well it's nice to see you too Casey," he responded sarcastically. His charming demeanor was gone. He clenched his fists at his side and glared back at her as he answered her question. "I'm in the market."

"Well this shop is closed. Find something else."

"But what if I like this product?" Caius' smile turned teasing as his eyes flicked over Casey's shoulder to Olivia and back again.

Olivia was still trying to figure out what was going on, but she was pretty sure they were talking about her. A deep, loud, threatening growl erupted from Casey's wolf and Casey had no problem reflecting it. She could feel the tingling in her hands and mouth that let her know her claws and fangs had descended; she'd gone Feral and was ready to change completely if need be. Olivia looked at Casey in confusion wondering how she could make such a noise, not yet noticing her changed appearance. "I'll give one last warning," Casey snarled, "Leave or I'll make you. This human is off limits."

Caius lifted a brow, "Oh is she now?" He looked back to Olivia and his evilness only seemed to deepen, "That's interesting."

Olivia couldn't stop the shiver of fear at the way he was looking at her. Casey's growl only deepened. The two glared at each other, as if having a silent conversation; everything seemed to freeze as all three waited for someone to move. Suddenly, Caius flashed forward. Casey changed instantly and was ready when Caius got close enough. She snapped her wolf jaws around his outstretched arm and flung him away from Olivia before jumping on him, both her and her wolf defending the woman they considered theirs. Olivia jumped back and watched with wide eyes as the large, red-furred wolf that had seemed to come from where Casey had been attacked the man who moved with inhuman speed. The two beings snarled at each other. The man slashed and punched as the wolf clawed and bit in retaliation. Finally the man cried out in pain as the wolf ripped open his shoulder and left his arm immobile. The wolf backed off and waited to see if that meant the man was done. Caius panted and returned the glare but said, "Alright Casey. I'll back off. But you know better than most people that I always get what I want in the end." Casey growled again, but Caius was already jumping high into the air to the top of the nearest building to escape.

Casey stayed still for a moment, wondering whether she should even bother turning to face Olivia. She could tell by her sense of smell as well as hearing that Liv was still there; she could smell the detective's fear and confusion and hear her heavy breathing. She could only imagine what must be flying through her head at what she'd just witnessed. Deciding it would be best, she changed back. Unfortunately, since Casey did not have the ability to shift back and forth and stay clothed, the clothes she'd been wearing were in a torn-up pile and she was left to face Liv naked. Olivia gasped as the red-furred wolf morphed into the red-haired ADA before she turned to look at her. For a moment, they stared at one another; Casey didn't want to startle the detective while Liv just tried to get her mind to comprehend what she'd seen. Finally, she asked, "Wha- What the hell just happened?"

Deciding to be as honest as possible, Casey answered, "My vampire ex-boyfriend tried to take you as his own."

Olivia continued to stare. "He- Vampire? … What?"

Casey sighed. This was so not how she wanted this to go. Now Liv was clearly traumatized. She hated Caius even more. As she slowly took a few steps forward, she gently said, "Why don't we talk about this at my place?" Olivia took a step back, unconsciously taking a defensive stance. Casey froze, her heart jerking and her wolf whining at the realization that Liv was afraid of her. She wanted to cry. "I'm not going to hurt you Olivia," she practically whispered.

Instantly, Olivia felt guilty for reacting like that. Of course Casey would never hurt her. She let herself relax and said softly, "I know Case. I'm sorry. Yes, let's go to your place. I think you have a lot of explaining to do." She attempted to smile, but Casey still looked like a kicked puppy. It broke Olivia's heart to know that she was the one who caused the red-head to feel that way. Quickly, she pulled off her jacket and draped it around Casey's shoulders, forcing away the guilt and sadness when Casey flinched. Next she reached for her belt and undid her pants. She was wearing boxers underneath that could easily pass for shorts. She handed them out for the ADA who gladly took them and put them on. Casey was nearly driven to tears again at Olivia's selflessness. Wanting to show Casey she truly wasn't afraid of her, even though she didn't understand why she wasn't, she stepped closer and reached for her hand. She entwined their fingers and squeezed it tight. Slowly, Casey relaxed as she realized Liv wasn't scared of her. She smiled slightly and uncontrollably leaned in to kiss Liv's cheek. She was ecstatic when the brunette didn't jerk away. Liv found she rather liked that move and grinned. "Come on," she said softly as she grabbed Casey's purse and began to pull Casey with her to find a taxi.