Chapter 17: The Were

Disclaimer: I don't own Yugioh

Yami and Atem danced for quite a while and Yami found herself really enjoying it. The party was definitely fun if not completely unexpected. She actually was a bit disappointed when Atem finally called an end to the celebrations. Although, he did have a point that it was getting late.

Yami leaned heavily against Atem, his arm wrapped tightly around her waist and her head resting on his shoulder as the pair began to make their way back towards their den.

"Alpha?" Seto called out.

Atem paused briefly, "Yes Seto? I trust that everything is in hand." Atem said.

"Yes, it is. I will take care of everything." Seto vowed.

Atem nodded, "Good. I expect nothing less. Now, I'm going to put my mate to bed and tomorrow morning I am going to take a few Weres with me while we go and track down this other Were and find out what business it has in our territory. I would truly appreciate it if this minor matter does not end up dragging my own mate in. She has more than enough to be getting on with, wouldn't you agree Seto?" Atem said.

Seto nodded, "I would indeed Alpha. Rest assured this matter will be dealt with without you or your mate having to be involved." Seto replied.

Atem nodded once more, "Excellent. Now, I bid you a good night Seto." Atem said.

"Good night Alpha. Alpha female." Seto replied before he turned and walked away.

Yami snorted, "Do I even want to know what that was about? And I swear that is the first time Seto has addressed me as Alpha Female. Its actually kind of weird." Yami said.

Atem chuckled, "Well, you should probably get used to it because a lot of Weres are going to start calling you that because they are coming to respect you as exactly that. My mate and the female Alpha of this pack." Atem said.

Yami snorted, "And you still aren't going to tell me what you and Seto were discussing?" Yami prodded.

Atem shrugged, "We were discussing a minor matter that is no concern of either mine or yours. Seto was merely assuring me that he would make sure that the matter was addressed without myself or you having to be drawn in." Atem replied.

Yami rolled her eyes, "And if that wasn't a vague answer than I honestly don't know what one is." Yami muttered.

Atem snorted before his arm slipped briefly from around her waist before he scooped her up into his arms.

"Atem! I can walk the what, forty or so feet to our den. I'm not that tired." Yami squawked.

Atem laughed, "But you are tired. And I wouldn't want to be neglectful of my duties as your mate by not carrying you back to our den." Atem said.

Yami snorted, "Yeah. Neglectful, that's exactly what you're being." Yami muttered.

Atem just chuckled as he carried her into their den before playfully dropping her on the pile of pelts. "Ass." Yami growled as Atem dropped down onto the pelts beside her and pulled her back into his arms as he rolled onto his back.

Atem paused before he released his hold on Yami without warning and sat up, his hand swiping out and grabbing a hold of the blanket that Yami and the other ladies had made earlier that day. "You made this?" Atem asked.

Yami blushed, "Yeah. I mean Kisara, Serenity and Mana all helped me. I'm really not the greatest at sewing. But I swear I am getting better." Yami whispered.

"I think its fantastic." Atem said.

Yami shyly glanced up at him, "Really?" Yami asked.

Atem nodded, "Yes, we'll definitely need the extra blankets. Even with their fur and our own body heat winter will be cold. Blankets are definitely important." Atem said.

Yami smiled, "Thanks. I just, well blankets are popular gifts at baby showers so I figured that it might be a good idea." Yami said.

"I couldn't be happier that you are so excited about this." Atem said.

Yami shrugged, "I mean, I can't change it. So, I might as well just embrace it." Yami replied.

Atem just looked at Yami for a moment before he set the blanket aside and pulled Yami in for another deep kiss. Yami's arms slipped around Atem's shoulders as the two fell back against the pelts with Yami beneath Atem as the two kissed.

The kiss broke leaving Yami and Atem both gasping for breath. "Why did you do that?" Yami asked.

Atem snorted, "Do I need a reason every time I decide to kiss my mate? Don't think I haven't noticed that almost every time I've kissed you lately you've asked me why I did." Atem replied.

Yami shrugged, "Well, I guess you don't need a reason. I just figured that there might be one." Yami said.

Atem snorted once more, his hand lightly tracing the edge of Yami's cheek. "Then I guess we'll go with the most simplistic of reasons then. I love you. And I like kissing you." Atem whispered before he captured Yami's lips once more.

Yami mentally froze as Atem whispered those three simple words. He said them so casually, like he hadn't even had to think about what he was saying. Did he even realize what he'd said. Atem loves me. He LOVES me. Yami's mind was racing as her and Atem continued to kiss.

The scarier question for Yami to answer though was, could she really possibly be falling in love with Atem? On the one hand it was utterly and completely ridiculous she'd known him for less than two full weeks. People don't fall in love that quickly, not really. The only time that actually happened was in fairy tales where people fall in love at first sight.

Was she attracted to Atem? Without question she was. She'd noticed that even before the whole mating beneath the full moon that he was handsome. And that seeing him had her heart racing in ways a guy never really had before.

Did she care about Atem? Yami sighed into the kiss. She could feel that Atem's hands had slipped up under her shirt and she allowed the kiss to break momentarily so Atem could cast it aside before he turned his attention onto her throat. Did she care about him? That was a bit trickier to answer.

She knew that yesterday she had really missed Atem while he had been gone. And when Malik and Marik returned shouting for Seto her heart had literally dropped down to the pit of her stomach because she had thought that something bad had happened to Atem. And that thought had continued to linger in the back of her mind the longer Atem had been gone. Did that mean she cared about him?

Yami groaned as Atem continued to just kiss her. Figuring out if she cared about someone really shouldn't be this complicated Yami mused. Take right now for example, here she was getting ready to for what, the seventh? Or was it the eighth time have sex with Atem. Which she could not deny she was completely willing to do but she can't seem to wrap her head around the possibility that she might care about him.

Putting her being worried about him earlier to the side Yami really tried to think about how Atem made her feel. Not regarding her sexual attraction to him, no that was something else entirely. Something she could probably blame on the animal that she now partially was. Animals have no problem rutting in the dirt and there aren't any deeper emotions or connections than that. So, beyond sex how did Atem make her feel?

He made her feel, safe. As strange as it was to think about it she did truly trust Atem to be able to keep her safe. He was strong and his own ridiculous story went right along those same lines. Atem was more than willing to fight to the death to protect those that he cared about. Akefia was his pack mate, and Atem was willing to take on a bear of questionable size although probably bigger than a cub, to protect his friend. And that was him not even knowing if his friend was even still alive. And wolves, yes it was completely possible for a pack of wolves to kill a bear. But, it was far from a guarantee and the odds certainly dropped when it goes from a pack of wolves to four young teen Weres who had been caught unaware. And yet Atem had stayed and fought. And deep down Yami knew that Atem would fight just as fiercely if not more so for her because when Atem said he cared about her...hell, he said he LOVED her, she believed him.

He also drove her up a wall. He made her mad. He was bossy. He was controlling and when he set his mind to it, or worse he did it without even trying to, he could be a downright ass. He could also be caring. Kind to a degree. Patient, oh god was he patient. Her multiple hours of practice hunting immediately sprang to mind. Not to mention the hours they spent shopping for clothes Atem could honestly care less about ever wearing.

Did she care about him? Yami sighed. As nonsensical as it might be yes, Yami believed she did care about Atem. If something were to happen to him she would be absolutely crushed. And as much as she missed her family and her friends if someone told her tomorrow that there was a way to erase the whole werewolf thing but the only thing was she would have to be okay with never seeing Atem again...Yami deep down didn't know if she would be okay with choosing that.

But she put her foot down when it comes to the idea of falling in love with him because that was impossible. Maybe in a few months she might be willing to go back to that idea. But for right now she was going to settle for caring about the arrogant ass.

Not that she would be willing to admit even that to him. So what she cared about him? Atem didn't need to know. He had a big enough ego as it was without her admitting that she cared about him.

"I thought you said we weren't going to be having sex tonight dearest." Atem huskily whispered in Yami's ear.

Yami chuckled, "And maybe you turned me on more than I wanted to admit with your little bear story." Yami gasped out.

"Oh? Is that so?" Atem chuckled as he began to pepper Yami's face and throat with teasing kisses and nips that drove her beyond wild.

"Yes! God damn it Atem, quit teasing me already and get your damn pants off so we can do this." Yami groaned.

Atem chuckled, "Well, if that is what my beloved mate wants than that is what she shall have." Atem whispered.

"Pants. Off. NOW ATEM!" Yami growled as she attempted to push them off his hips as much as she was able to from her current position. Although, speaking of pants she still had to take off her own shorts.

Atem chuckled once more before he slowly rolled off of Yami to finish tugging down his own pants. Yami seized the opportunity to quickly strip off her own shorts and underwear before Atem once more had pulled her into his arms.

"Now, I believe you said something about wanting to continue." Atem whispered before he pressed another teasing kiss, this time to her breast.

"You're damn right I did. I want you inside me right now Mr. Alpha or do I need to take over and do it myself again?" Yami growled.

Atem snorted before rolling so that Yami was once more lying comfortably beneath him. "No, I am more than capable of taking care of everything you need beloved." Atem growled as he settled himself between Yami's thighs.

"Good. Than do it. Dominant me." Yami growled.

Atem chuckled. "As you wish my dear. As you wish."

XXXXXXXXXX

It was almost dawn when Atem slipped from his still slumbering mate's embrace. There was something else he had to take care of and he couldn't do it while his mate was awake. He slipped on his deerhide pants before he headed out into the clearing and over to his Beta's den.

"Seto!" Atem called out, it didn't take him long before Seto came wandering out of the den dressed in only a comfortable pair of pants himself.

"Good morning Alpha." Seto greeted.

Atem nodded, "Now, onto what we were discussing briefly last night. Do you have any more specifics for me?" Atem asked.

Seto nodded, "Follow me Alpha." Seto beckoned as he slowly made his way through the clearing. "As you know last night Ishizu decided to text me, alerting me that someone had come into the Domino ER from a wild animal encounter who tested positive for lycanthropy." Seto said.

Atem nodded once more, "Yes, that was what you told me last night and I told you to take care of it. You said you had the matter well in hand. So, what's the situation?" Atem asked.

"I sent Anzu to go and meet with the newly turned Were and explain things. And then once that matter had been address she was to accompany the new Were onto pack grounds." Seto elaborated.

"Good. Now, where did you have the Were sleep?" Atem asked.

Seto sighed, "I know it probably wasn't the wisest decision but I had her sleep in Anzu's den with her and Joey. I didn't really know where else to put her and I didn't want to disturb you and your mate. And seeing as how Anzu had already met the new Were it seemed like the best short term solution that I could think of. We can of course relocate her if we need to. That's up to you Alpha." Seto said.

Atem's eyebrow rose in mild shock, "I was expecting you to tell me the new Were was a male. Yet you said 'her' three times. Are you saying our mysterious hunter was in fact a female?" Atem asked.

Seto shrugged, "So it would appear. That or we have a mysterious rogue on our hands that is attacking people. I'd prefer to believe this was our mysterious hunter." Seto replied.

Atem nodded, he would prefer to believe the same since if the other story was true then they had a serious problem. "What can you tell me about the attack? As I said from what I could tell it looked like there was a very bloody battle." Atem said.

Seto shrugged once more, "I asked Anzu to fill me in on how she got bitten after the new Were had finally gotten settled. Anzu said that she had gone for a hike in the woods and after she had made her way across the river she'd gotten herself all turned around. She'd been hiking for more than an hour before she said she stumbled upon two very large wolves." Seto explained.

Atem rose a brow, "The two Weres." Atem said.

Seto nodded, "I believe so, yes. Anyway, the girl said that she had pulled out the hunting knife she had grabbed from her father's garage for protection. She brandished it while she tried to slowly back away. The wolves however didn't let her and they attacked. She said she slashed one wolf across the face with the knife to get it to let go of her forearm while the other wolf had latched onto her leg but it let go when the first wolf had been attack. Then the second wolf came back for round two and knocked her to the ground and she said went to go in for a killing blow when she buried the knife in the wolf's belly all the way up to the hilt. The wolf dropped and she claimed that she had been pinned beneath its dead body while the other wolf had taken off. To get help was what she had worried. After she managed to get from under the dead wolf she said it took her hours before she was finally able to make it back home. She tried to clean herself up and use first aide but the bites looked pretty deep so she ended up taking herself to the ER." Seto explained.

Atem sighed, "Well, that certainly sounds like she could be our mysterious hunter. Anything else you can tell me about her?" Atem asked.

Seto shrugged, "Only the basics. She's young, midteens. Lived with her parents on the edge of Domino City." Seto said.

Atem frowned, "Did you say midteens? Like my mate's age?" Atem asked.

Seto nodded, "Yeah, sixteen, seventeen somewhere in there." Seto replied.

Atem said nothing more before he turned and strode off heading over to Joey and Anzu's den. Unlike with Seto's den Atem did not pause before he strode inside his eyes flicking over the three sleeping Weres. He recognized all three of them. Joey and Anzu were lying curled up together on one side of the den. And there on the other side of the den nestled in amongst some deer skin pelts was Yami's best friend Mai. Of course it couldn't possibly be anyone else. It had to be the one person who stands the best chance of unraveling all the progress that Yami has managed to make. Well, this much is clear I will not let her ruin things. Atem thought to himself.

Atem turned and quickly swept back out of the den. Seto was waiting for him just outside, "As I said keep the new Were far away from my mate. I do not want them interacting at all. Make this plain to your mate I don't want Yami even hearing that there is a new Were here. Am I understood Seto?" Atem growled.

Seto nodded, "Of course Alpha. I'll tell Kisara." Seto said.

Atem nodded once more, "At dawn I want you to get her transformed and keep her in her wolf form. Send Akefia to take her out to the West and try and teach her some basic scenting techniques. It might also be a good idea to inform him that she is to stay away from Yami." Atem said.

Seto nodded once more, "We will do as you say Alpha. Your mate won't hear a single word from us." Seto vowed.

"Good. She had better not. She has finally begun to slowly accept that she is a Were. I will not have this damn bitch screwing things up for her. And if its going to be a problem I'm not above having the other pack take her in. It was one of theirs that turned her. They can deal with it." Atem growled.

Seto nodded, "It will be as you have said Alpha. The new Were will not go any where near your mate. I'll personally make sure of it." Seto said.

"Good, now I would like to enjoy some more time with my own mate this morning before I have to head out to try and track down the wounded Were." Atem replied.

Seto merely inclined his head before Atem turned and trotted back to his own den. Yami was still sound asleep and Atem could not help but smile as he looked at his beautiful mate. God above he loved her. Atem crawled back into the pile of pelts and his mate subconsciously turned towards him making it even easier for Atem to gather her back into his arms.

"Where were you?" Yami sleepily whispered as she nuzzled Atem's throat.

"I had to discuss something with Seto for a moment. But, don't worry, I'm back now. I won't be going anywhere again until its time to get up." Atem whispered.

"Okay." Yami sleepily replied before she drifted back off to sleep not that Atem was even sure she'd fully woken up in the first place.

Atem just laid awake as he held his mate close. He really did hope that this new Were didn't cause Yami any problems. But, he did trust Seto to be able to keep Yami ignorant of the new Were's presence. Perhaps tomorrow after I've dealt with the rogue Were I can take Yami out of the clearing. Perhaps we can do some more hunting practice? Perhaps I can teach her the basics of how to fight? There is still so much that I really need to teach her before I need to start turning my attention onto preparations for winter.

Atem sighed, winter. The pups would be about a month maybe two old when the first snowfall comes. Atem was going to hope beyond hope that they don't end up trying to shift because winters could be downright brutal and that wasn't when you were a babe. The trick will probably be managing to keep Yami in wolf form. If the pups don't see either of their parents really shifting then they won't wish to shift themselves. However, if they see their mother in human skin regularly then they will subconsciously try to shift in order to mimic their mother. I'll have to try and explain that to her. It would be one thing if the pups were born in the spring and the weather wasn't as cold. Atem mused.

Atem laid beside Yami until he was able to see the sun beginning to peak over the horizon. Atem sighed he really should be waking Yami up, although perhaps he could let her sleep in a little. After all, she was up late because they had mated again.

He could leave a little later in the morning to go and track down the Were. He wasn't going to be leaving his territory to to do so if the Were had been smart and retreated back into his own territory then Atem would leave him be. But if he hadn't then Atem was not above chasing the Were off.

"Alpha?"

Atem glanced up to see Marik awkwardly standing in the entrance to his den. "Yes Marik?" Atem asked.

"I was wondering when you were planning on heading out." Marik asked.

"We will head out as soon as my mate is awake. Don't worry Marik, I will come and find you once I am ready to head out." Atem said.

Marik nodded, "No problem Alpha. Enjoy your time with your mate." Marik said before he turned and trotted off leaving Atem and Yami alone once again. Atem sighed as he just allowed himself to enjoy the feeling of holding his mate close.

Yami finally began to wake up about an hour or so later. "Good morning." Atem whispered before he pressed a light kiss to her forehead.

Yami slowly stretched, her body subconsciously arching into Atem's own hard body. "Morning." Yami yawned as she slowly blinked her eyes open. "So, what's on the big agenda today Atem?" Yami asked.

Atem sighed, "I am going to be gone again today. I need to go and make sure that a rogue Were that was in my territory is gone. And if he isn't then I am going to chase him out. With any luck I should be back a little bit after mid day." Atem said.

Yami bit her lip, "Atem, if you are only going to be gone until midday maybe when you get back you and I could head into Domino for a little while." Yami asked.

Atem quirked a brow, "Oh? And why would you want to do that?" Atem asked.

Yami sighed, "Well, I was actually hoping that we could go to the pet store. Maybe buy some stuff that might help with the puppies when they get here. Stuff that isn't as easy for me to learn how to make." Yami said.

Atem smiled, "Fine, I suppose we could do that but I want to be back here by nightfall. Is that okay with you?" Atem asked.

Yami nodded, "That would be just fine with me." Yami replied.

"Then that is what we shall do my dear, and tomorrow you will be spending the day with me. I think its high time I got back to helping you do some practice hunting and I should also at least teach you the basics of how to fight." Atem said.

Yami frowned, "Fight? As in I'd have to fight with you?" Yami asked.

Atem snorted, "Don't worry, it would only be playfully just so I can teach you the basics of what you would need to do. I won't hurt you. I promise." Atem replied.

Yami sighed, "Fine. You have yourself a deal Atem." Yami replied.

Atem chuckled, "Well, I'm glad that you are so agreeable. Now I really need to be going so I can track down this Were and get back with enough time for us to go to Domino." Atem said.

Yami rolled her eyes, "Then what are you still doing here? Get out of here. And I'll see you when you get back." Yami replied.

Atem smiled before he leaned down and pressed his lips to Yami's. Yami sighed into the kiss as she readily kissed Atem back. The kiss wasn't a particularly long one before Atem pulled away. "I love you. And I will see you when I get back." Atem whispered.

"Stay safe. Don't go tangling with any bears." Yami replied.

Atem chuckled, "Don't worry, I will be." Atem replied before he slowly released his hold on Yami and shifted. He paused once more briefly to lick Yami's cheek before he turned and trotted out into the clearing.

"Marik! Malik! Let's go." Atem called out as he trotted purposely through the clearing.

XXXXXXXXXX

Atem, Malik and Marik headed towards the North Mountain and all three were on heightened alert looking for the wounded Were. Atem led the way up to the peak of the mountain and that was when they saw, stretched out on the top of the mountain was another Were.

This Were was gray with a few streaks of white in its first and the right side of its face was covered in blood. The Were got to his feet as they crested the mountain.

"What business do you have here Were?" Atem growled.

"I should be asking you the same thing pup. This mountain is mine. I was ran out of my old pack because I had challenged our weak Alpha for the position and regretfully I was defeated. So, I've moved onto create my own territory." The strange Were growled.

Atem bared his teeth, "This mountain is a part of my pack's territory and I am the alpha. Return to your own territory before I make you." Atem growled.

The Were snorted, "You know the last Were to say something like that to me died. And like you it was another pup." The Were taunted.

Atem took a threatening step forward, "It was you that attacked our pups! This is your final warning. Leave now before I rip you apart." Atem snarled.

The Were snorted, "What can I say the two pups made a delicious meal."

Atem let out a feral snarl before he lunged at the other Were. Malik and Marik stood back as they watched Alpha and the mysterious Were fight. They would help only if Alpha asked and thus far he had not.

The fight was brutal with neither Were seeming to give an inch as they clawed and bit at one another. However the fight took a nasty turn when the enemy Were slammed into Atem's side sending both Were's tumbling off the side of the mountain.

"Alpha!" Marik howled as he and Malik went racing over to the side where the two Were's had been tumbling down.

"Shit!" Malik growled before he begn to lead the way quickly heading down the mountain looking for Atem. It was slowly going because it was practically a sheer drop on the side that the two Were's had gone over.

They had no idea what they were going to find, but all they did know was that it was not going to be good.

XXXXXXXXXX

"BETA! COME TO THE NORTH MOUNTAIN! QUICKLY!"

Yami glanced up at the unexpected howl. It wasn't Atem howling for Seto, it was either Marik or Malik. She watched as Seto quickly shifted before he started to run out of the clearing. Yami dropped her own sewing before shifting herself and taking off after him.

"Yami! What are you doing?" Mana asked.

"Something is wrong with Atem. I know it. And I'm not going to sit here and wait for news. I'm going after Beta." Yami snapped as she took off out of the clearing a short distance behind Seto. You had better be okay Atem. You promised that you would be. And you had better keep your fucking promise.

Mana hesitated for a brief moment before she shifted herself and ran after Yami, lightly knocking her shoulder against Yami's as she ran, "Beta doesn't know you're following him. And I'm not stupid enough to let you go alone. So, if you are so insistent on going then I'm coming with you."

Yami snorted, "Just don't get in my way." Yami replied.

Mana nodded, "Don't worry. I won't. Now come on, lets catch up with Beta." Mana said as he and Yami picked up the pace.

I'm coming Atem. Yami thought to herself. So you had better hang on until I get there.