Taming the Beast

My body was tense with wanting her. Everything within my soul cried out for me to join us, mind to mind, body to body, blood to blood. Unfortunately, the wolf that controlled half of who she was had other ideas. She made it clear that she would not allow me the luxury of completing the Carpathian mating ritual.

The moment she had reared her head, making it blatantly obvious that she would not allow me to make love to my lifemate, the beast within me had retaliated, wanting nothing more than to force the wolf into submission. I flipped the fiercely powerful animal's body off of me, cringing as I heard the thud of her hitting the floor. I knew my lifemate was within the wolf and it was the worst feeling in the world to know I had just harmed her.

The anger I felt towards the wolf had grown to a deafening roar in my ears, my mind and the demands my body was making on me were simultaneously urging me to force the wolf's compliance, but when I met her eyes all I saw was the woman I loved and her fear reflecting back at me. I couldn't stand to look at her, those innocent blue eyes looking back at me through the body of the willful wolf. I turned my back to her and took a few moments to simply breath, forcing the air through my lungs in an attempt to calm the raging beast demanding release.

Then, as I was walking towards her, an idea came to me. What if I don't intimidate her beast, but tame it instead? Without a second thought I shifted into my own wolf form. My body contorted beautifully, muscle and sinew stretching and reshaping itself over my newly changed skeleton. I felt the fur ripple to life over me, the sensation unlike any other in the world.

I stood before her for a moment, holding my breath to see what the she-wolf's reaction would be. Her ears perked up and she immediately stood at her full height, shaking herself off as if she hadn't just been cowering in the corner. I reached my mind out to Nathalie and was overjoyed when there was no barrier blocking me out. I found her skeptical, but the wolf was not, and that was all the encouragement I needed. I wasted no time, leading her out of the sleeping chamber up into the house and out into the night. The minute I stepped out into the night air, I felt completely at peace. The night was my world, it belonged to Carpathians as we belonged to the night.

I looked over my shoulder at the smaller wolf beside me. She also seemed more at ease within the new surroundings. The moonlight shone on her body and I allowed myself to be lost within the mind of the wolf I was for a moment, simply admiring her body in its animal form. It took a great amount of effort for me to pull my gaze away from her and I did so reluctantly before taking off at a slow easy run.

I looked back and found that she hadn't moved and so I eased to a stop, turning as I did so. Christian? Her voice was hesitant in my mind and I could feel the fear she was trying so valiantly to hide from me. My heart turned over as I realized how brave she had been, trusting me so quickly even though she had already endured far too much suffering within my presence.

It's alright, ma cherie, no harm will befall you this night. She visibly relaxed as I said this and my human half ached for her all over again with renewed fervor. Run with me. I whispered it as a caress in her mind. I watched her body tremble in response before she began to follow me, loping to my side with the beauty and grace of a Carpathian woman, though she was simply a wolf. Once she was beside me, I nudged her muzzle with mine, making a deep loving noise within my throat as I did so. I didn't wait for her response, not knowing whether it would be from the woman I loved or the wolf who had consumed her. I took off at a run once more.

This time she followed, keeping up with my long strides much easier than I had expected her to. I took that as a challenge and she seemed to understand, both of us picking up speed until we were at a full out run. I kept my eyes fixed on her, marveling at how the muscles stretched over her glorious body as she kept pace with me. Her eyes met mine for a few minutes before she put on an extra burst of speed and left me in the dust. I was stunned, until I realized that she had been a wolf all her life and running in that form was as natural to her as moving the earth was to me.

I watched in admiration as she kept pace easily ahead of me, occasionally turning her head to make sure I was just out of her reach. I felt a primal urge surge through my body, begging me to make contact with her, but try as I might I couldn't even catch her enough to touch her tail with my nose. She let out a bark-like sound that resembled that of a laugh before she took off again, this time running at her full out speed. Astonishing. It was the only word I could think of to explain how fast she could run. The thought that it was partially preternatural speed popped into my mind, but I just as quickly dismissed it. No, she was a born hunter, made to chase down even the fastest prey. She was a miracle of nature. My miracle.

As the fog my astonishment created wore thin from within my mind, I realized that she was quickly escaping my sight, and a pounding fear took hold of my heart. Nathalie! Return to me now! I couldn't hide the fear behind my sharp command, however, I didn't see it necessary. She would know what was going through my mind if she only looked.

I received no mental reply, though I could feel her presence within my mind. I held my breath, hating that she had such iron control over whether I could see into her mind. I knew that mine would be forever open to her, as easy for her to read as if she were simply opening a book. It saddened me to think that we might never possibly share an equal mind merge. My spiraling thoughts were quickly uplifted when I saw her come trotting towards me, her head held high. I was not going to leave you behind. If I remember correctly, the last time I did that neither of us had a very good time of it, did we?

I sighed. No, we didn't. You nearly cost me my sanity. I thought I had lost you.

She laughed, the sound flickering around in my mind like a thousand fireflies. Fear not, my brave hunter. You cannot get rid of me so easily.

Is that a promise? I didn't wait for her to reach me entirely, closing the distance between us with a few calculated leaps. I rubbed my body up against hers, reveling in the sensation of her fur brushing against the my sensitive face and muzzle. I buried my nose within the fur at her neck, loving that I could touch her and know that she was mine. I circled her slowly, being sure to keep our bodies tightly pressed against each other, so that she would feel my every movement.

Nathalie, mon amour, you are so very beautiful. Just looking at you makes my heart turn over, my blood boil and my body burn with need.

I thought we tried this, 'seduction' thing earlier. Remember how that one turned out? She laughed somewhat hesitantly, though her wolf body was melting to fit mine. Her human half was mentally stronger than the wolf's at the moment which caused for an interesting mix of power between the two species in her single body. The human realized I was attempting to seduce her, but the wolf half was reveling in each touch.

Indeed we did, but now I intend to work with your wolf counterpart…she desires and needs as much attention as you do, ma cherie

Oh really? Is that so? She asked as I realized she had purposely tuned her mind into that of the wolf's, and was now flirting shamelessly. She began circling me, moving her body so that I was helpless but to watch the graceful curving of muscles. My eyes met hers and I nearly collapsed, the intensity of her gaze almost too much to handle. I wanted her, wanted her so very badly.

You cannot entice me this way…I want to seduce your wolf counterpart, but I do not wish our first joining to be in wolf form…

Why should that matter? She asked as she continued to prance around me, nudging me gently with her muzzle, seemingly uncaring as to how I answered.

I leaned into her ministrations, wishing that we were in our human forms and I could feel her mouth on my body as apposed to fur against fur, though that was pleasurable in its own way. My entire body was on fire, but I dug my claws into the dirt, forcing my paws to remain where they were. Suddenly I felt her within my mind, feeding me erotic images that were far too enticing. Suddenly I heard the sound of a pack of wolves approaching rapidly.

My dear, we are no longer alone. I suggest we leave.

She paused for a moment, her entire body going rigid. Alert. She was completely in tune with her surroundings; a huntress at work. They are upon us. And at that point they were.

The pack burst into the clearing, surrounding us with fluid grace of deadly predators. I lunged in front of Nathalie, placing my body before hers, willing to protect her with my life. I hastily sent the wolves images that conveyed friendship and peace, all the while cursing my lack of self control. I had completely forgotten about scanning the area as I was distracted by Nathalie's attention, and I vowed after we made it through this ordeal, I would never forget to put her first ever again.

For some reason the wolves did not react to my plea for peace, simply snarling deep within their throats as a response, warning me to leave. One wolf, presumably the alpha male, lunged at me before I could prepare myself and he clasped onto my throat tightly. I heard Nathalie cry out within my mind, as I gasped for breath, blindly snapping at my attacker, attempting to clamp my own teeth onto anything that might make him release me. It was nearly impossible to resist the roaring of the beast, who urged me to use my extensive strength and powers. However, I knew it would do me no good to allow Nathalie's wolf side to see me engage in a battle with the wolf, defeating him using, what she would consider, unfair means. Before I could save myself, I felt the wolf being rammed off of me as Nathalie leapt over my fallen body, lowering her head and exposing her fangs to the wolves.

Nathalie, what are you doing? I snapped at her. Get back behind me! I got to my feet and as soon as I had regained my composure, I met her eyes. They were cold and fierce, so unlike the compassionate creature I knew her to be.

Quit playing the dominating male! This is my pack and they only seek to protect me from you. I must make it clear that I have chosen you as my mate. So remain impassive for my sake will you! They know me to be the dominant pack leader and so you best make it clear that you follow me as well, or they shall chase you away regardless of my wishes!

The thought of her as 'dominant' made me smile to myself, quieting the raging monster for a second. With me, she seemed to be a different person, though I had to admit that I was beginning to see her bold side occasionally when she forgot the extent of the power I kept on a short leash. I do not care for this at all, mon amour. I am the man, I am supposed to be protecting you…

You don't like this? Really? I hadn't noticed. She mocked, clearly hoping to distract me from the problem at hand. In any case, these wolves recognize a female as their leader and so, you are simply going to have to allow me to handle this.

I watched as she walked boldly towards them. Not one inch of her body was timid, walking with an air of total confidence. It was interesting to see such a boldness in her, when with me she was all fear and nerves. Her muscles stretched gracefully with every move she made, and all eyes followed her. I took a moment to scan the minds of the surrounding wolves, looking for any hint of malice. Within many of the male wolves was the urge to claim her as a mate and I felt the beast within my rise up, baring its fangs. It pulled against the strict bonds I had on it, wanting supremacy. Needing it; demanding that I make Nathalie mine and mine alone. All movement ceased and all eyes were upon me as I struggled with the darkest half of my soul. All of the creatures could feel the power and fury radiating from me, and I saw many males take a few steps back, clearly retreating from my anger which was directed at them.

Please, Christian, don't do this…

I am not in control here, mon amour, I would gladly stop the beast if I could. But I cannot. Only you can. You are my only anchor.

Oh beautiful! I heard her soft sigh as it echoed through her mind and escaping through the wolf's body. I watched in awe, as she slowly stalked all of them, making soft throaty noises as she did so, using both body language and actual speech to tell the pack that she had chosen me as her mate. Many of the wolves moved to protest, but I took a firm step forward, baring my fangs, wanting all of them to know that she was mine. The beast within echoed the actions of the animal without and all other creatures retreated, submitting to my power.

There was a few more tense moments as time seemed to halt, before one female wolf took a step to the forefront, clearly staking her claim as successor. She let out a long, mournful howl; a salute to their previous leader. And then they were gone, disappearing into the dark night, almost as efficiently as Carpathians. I turned to look at Nathalie who simply watched them leave, her eyes riveted to the last place we had seen a tail. When she felt my gaze upon her, her eyes snapped to meet mine.

What do you want now, Christian? She said it softly, the fatigue she felt in evidence.

You banished yourself. Had you ever thought of leaving me and returning to them, it is now impossible… The thought of her even considering a life with someone other than me made my blood boil, but I quickly extinguished the rage.

I know.

Why? In truth, she barely knew me, and yet she had just eliminated all other options for her future besides that of life with me.

I suppose it is because I am in love with you Christian. Ever since you saved me the first time, I have been. My heart leapt within my chest and I pranced over to her, licking her muzzle with tenderness. Her eyelids drifted down as I allowed my love for her to swarm her mind. A moment later she was fully alert. Christian! You are hurt!

I had long since forgot about the wound on my throat. I took a moment to become light and energy, seeking to heal myself from inside out. The worry in her mind quieted as she watched the blood stop gushing out of the healing wound. It is nothing, ma cherie, the wolf was simply protecting you as any male of a species should.

Just wonderful, Christian! Now you are sensible! Though she clearly thought to reprimand me, her laughter bounced around the walls of my mind. I continued to shower her with my affection, wanting her to know the love I felt for her was genuine and would never fade. I watched in awe as her body form began to mold itself into that of a woman's and I quickly followed suit, not knowing what she was doing, but knowing that whatever she was, or wanted to be, would be what I was as well.

I had been in my human form for less than a second before her body was flush up against mine, her mouth a scant inch from mine. I felt my body tremble at the close proximity of hers. Her hands rose slowly, my muscles clenching at the leisurely way she moved. Her right hand spanned my throat, tracing the fading line that indicated where my throat had been torn by the wolf. Her other hand rested on my chest.

"Nathalie…" I meant to say her name strongly, hoping to break her enthrallment, not wanting to let the domineering sexual need overtake me when she was not ready, but it came out as a needy moan. What had happened to my self-control? My strong will? With her so near, all I could think about was her. My love for her, and my desire to demonstrate that love with my body.

What is to stop you? I certainly have no intention of doing so… Her voice within my head sent another streak of heat searing through my blood stream, making every inch of me hard with need. Her connection with my mind was a double edged blade. On one hand it pleased me immensely to know she was not frightened of my thoughts, but on the other hand, it was not a full mind merge. Her mind still skillfully blocked me out.

"But Nathalie, your wolf…"

"-accepts that my life is with you. You have shown her that you can be considerate of her needs as well, and she thanks you for it by allowing me my freedom of choice in all matters. This included."

I shivered as her hand moved from my neck down to my chest, joining the other in moving lower. I brought my hands up to hers, pinning them in place at the waistline of my jeans. "Nathalie…you were frightened of me. You may be still. But I cannot know if you do not allow me into your mind. I will not allow you to seduce me until you feel comfortable enough to open your mind to me. I would not know if I was hurting you…" I confessed feeling slightly ashamed, knowing that I could not control the beast's sexual hunger for long.

"Open my mind to you?" She questioned softly. "You cannot always read my thoughts?" She sounded baffled. "And all this time, I thought you were simply demonstrating your power over me…which was why at times I seem frightened of you. Christian. Believe me when I say I had no idea I was still not allowing you in."

I breathed a sigh of relief, wondering at the ease with which she protected herself. I felt my grip on her loosen, my hands easing off of hers on their own accord.

"I love you Christian. You are my lifemate and I feel for you as a lifemate should. Together, you and I will control your darker side, allowing you a lifetime of peace without fear of turning vampire." She said the words softly, her breath against my mouth, a sweet sensation. I felt her hands begin to move again, pulling at the shirt tucked into my pants. My breath caught in my throat. Every nerve within my body told me to take control, but the whole situation seemed like something out of an erotic dream. I remained stoically still, not wanting to wake and find that she was still deathly afraid of me and my strength.

The silk of my shirt whispered against my skin as she slowly pulled it over my head, choosing to take her time with seducing me. Allowing her to have the lead was taking its toll on my self-control and so I plunged my mind into hers, seeking out a sign within her thoughts, anything that would confirm that this was real. I felt a leap of joy within my chest as I saw nothing but love; no fear, no mistrust. Nothing but love. Deep within her mind was the fear that she could not please me, that she would know what to do to give me pleasure. My heart flipped as her compassion washed over me. She imagined that she was not good enough for me and that in itself was a sweet thought, no matter how wrong she was. I would show her how wrong she was.

I quickly reversed our positions and walked towards her, backing her up against a tall tree. As her back hit the rough bark, her eyes widened with surprise a moment before a dark flame smoldered behind her eyes, taking its place. I bent my head to her neck, caressing her pulse, knowing that life beat within her and for the moment, her sole purpose of life was to be mine. I suddenly felt the beast bellow from where it was tightly chained and hunger followed soon on its heels. I noticed then that I had lost a great amount of blood from the wound, because I had been too pre-occupied with Nathalie, as I was now. I watched as her eyes met mine, the look within them telling me that she knew my inner struggle.

She craned her neck slightly sideways and whispered to me, "take what I offer freely." With that mantra in my head, the dark side of my soul could not claim me, nor her life as I fed from her. I appreciated her gift more than she realized. Tears welled up in my eyes as my fangs lengthened and I bent my head to her throat.

She tasted like nothing I had ever experienced before. Sweet honey and spice trickled down my throat as she writhed against me, her body taking on a life of its own as the pleasure my taking of her blood produced took over. I closed the pinpricks with a sweep of my tongue, lingering there longer than was necessary. I saw only her complete devotion, plainly displayed for my pleasure where I could admire it best, in her hot green-blue gaze. I could resist her no longer and I took her mouth with mine in a searing kiss. Her mouth was like heaven, her tongue like velvet as mine tangoed suggestively with hers. I broke away reluctantly, only to trail my mouth down along her neck, pulling at the neckline of her shirt to allow myself access to more of her luxurious, silky skin. She took a harsh breath, that turned into a gasp when I trailed my hands along the curve of her body, willing her clothes off of her in the way of my people.

She stood in front of me, her body completely bare and my eyes devoured the sight of her slowly, taking my time appreciating every feminine inch of her, even as my body demanded I wait no longer. She closed her eyes, and I saw the doubt floating within her mind. Crazy worries plagued her thoughts: What if I'm not beautiful enough? There must be a million women out there better looking than I am! She didn't bother to look into my mind and see I loved her as she was; see that she would be the only woman I would ever have eyes for.

Her insecurities were beginning to become bothersome. I knew there was a smoldering seductress, a siren, aflame just below the surface, waiting for the right man to bring it out in her. I was her lifemate. It was my job to bring out that side of her and I'd be damned if I wasn't determined to do it. I placed my hands gently on her hips, not wanting to startle her out of her thoughts, though it was tempting to do so and prove her fears were useless. Her eyes snapped open and met mine, hesitation a sudden haze in their beauty.

"Mon amour, Nathalie…You must know by now that you are the most beautiful woman in the world. I know you have been a wolf nearly all you life and you only remember you body as it once was, but let me assure you that you are now everything a man could want in a woman and so much more, though should another man even think about touching you, he will die…" I added, feeling smug at the thought of her belonging only to me. "Your worries are pointless…you are gorgeous and I intend on showing you how you make me feel." I raised my hands to grasp hers, pulling them down to the closure of my jeans where a bulge already proved my point.

She gasped and her face turned crimson as I held her hands to me. I stared into her eyes and watched as they darkened. I was suddenly aware of the cool breeze washing over my body and my breath caught as I realized she had willed my clothes off of me as well. I stood still, stunned by the sudden boldness in my timid lifemate. I was beginning to think that I was in for many surprises!