A/N: Clearly, the wolf dynamics are very different in my world. I promise, everything is going to be explained fully in later chapters.
Chapter 2
Three Months Later…
Regina, Ruby and the White Wolf ran through the forest together, taking turns leading the way. Regina and Ruby showed the White Wolf all their favorite places in the forest they have been running in their entire lives, the White Wolf in awe of all the new places. Each night of Wolf's Time, they met at the same clearing, Regina and Ruby rushing over as soon as they changed, always finding the White Wolf waiting, still out of breath from running there as well. As each night ended, they found the White Wolf would follow them closer and closer to Regina's house, still hesitant to follow them home completely.
As the sky started to brighten, ending the first night of Wolf's Time, they found themselves only a ten minute walk from Regina's house when the White Wolf whined and stopped walking, pulling Regina's attention back to her. Regina said a silent goodbye to her Omega with a nuzzle and a light lick on the face, before the White Wolf took off running, trying to make it back to her clothes before she shifted back. Regina and Ruby were asleep no more than ten minutes later, curled up under their blankets. The air was cold when they woke up, the women shivering as they ran quickly into the house without saying a word, eager to warm up. They kept their conversation quick as Ruby disappeared into the den to get dressed, rushing home as usual to wake up Granny and take a much needed hot shower.
Regina sat on her bed for a moment, listening for the sound of Ruby leaving, as usual, before making her way into the shower herself. Under the warm spray of the water, she once again noticed the slight growth in her Alpha Penis after another night with her Omega, smiling as visions of her White Wolf flashed in her mind. She wondered how much longer she would have to wait to find out her true identity, but was just as content to wait for her to be ready to reveal herself.
Getting dressed and ready for her day quickly, Regina made her way to the diner as usual, famished after another Wolf's Night. When she got there, Ruby was already setting out her breakfast, joining her as they ate quickly, unable to contain their hunger.
"Whoever she is, she seems pretty cool." Ruby said, after finishing three quarters of her omelette in silence.
"She certainly does." Regina answered, a slight blush across her face.
"I'm glad she's starting to warm up to me." Ruby said, scrapping the last of her food from her plate, reaching over to steal some of Regina's home fries. "She still seems really skittish about following us home though." Ruby added, as Regina swatted her hand away from her food.
"She's made great progress. Maybe a few more months and she'll feel comfortable enough to reveal herself." Regina said, sipping her coffee, giving up on guarding her food from Ruby.
"I still feel like it's because of me. Maybe she's still not sure about me." Ruby said, finishing off Regina's home fries. "Maybe tonight I should let you guys run alone."
"Nonsense. You're my Chosen Beta and my Best Friend. You're a part of my life too." Regina said, finishing her coffee. "Plus I like running with you." Regina smiled.
"And I, You!" Ruby said, stacking their empty plates. Regina glanced at her watch, eyes widening at the time.
"Crap! I'm late again." Regina said, rushing off the stool. "I'll see you tonight!" She said, rushing out the door, making her way to her office, her mind constantly wandering to her White Wolf she would see in the forest again that night.
"So, how big is it now?" Ruby winked, motioning to Regina's crotch.
"I don't know. I didn't measure it." Regina said, as she closed the door behind her, following Ruby outside into the backyard, as the last moments of sunset hung in the sky.
"Why not? Isn't that what normal guys do? Measure their junk?" Ruby laughed, enjoying the blush creeping across her Best Friend's face.
"Well, it's a good thing I'm not a 'normal guy'" Regina said, adding air quotes under her blanket.
"But in all seriousness, is it still growing?" Ruby asked.
"Yes. A little each time I spend the night with her." Regina answered, as she closed her eyes and inhaled the cool night air, the tingle of anticipation moving in waves over her skin.
"Hey, let's hunt tonight. Let's see if your Lady can keep up with us." Ruby smiled, feeling a similar tingle shoot across her body. "Last one to make hunt buys drinks!"
"You're on!" Regina winked, as their familiar cloud of smoke surrounded them, transforming them into their Wolf form. Letting out her usual loud howl, marking the beginning of the Wolf's Night, Regina and Ruby ran full speed into the forest, making their way to the clearing where the White Wolf would be waiting for them.
The three ran together for a few hours, stopping briefly to catch their breaths, taking a sip of water from a small brook, when Regina and Ruby heard rustling in the distance. Peaking their heads up to see the cause of the noise, they realized it belonged to a squirrel and a rabbit, two unsuspecting creatures out for a late night stroll. Looking at each other with excited eyes, they suddenly took off at full speed in opposite directions, leaving the White Wolf standing alone, confused. It had been the first time since making contact with the Wolf that both Regina and Ruby left her alone. The Wolf paced a little, before sitting on the ground, hopeful that they would return eventually.
Ten minutes later, Ruby returned to the brook, a dead squirrel hanging from her mouth, a look of accomplishment in her eyes when she discovered Regina had not returned yet, making her the winner of the bet. Realizing this was the first time she was alone with the White Wolf, Ruby kept her distance, leaving a lot of room between her and the Wolf, hoping not to scare her away while they waited for Regina to return. A few minutes later, Regina walked briskly to the brook, a small growl of disappointment when she saw Ruby had already returned with her prey. A yip of excitement came from Ruby as she made her way over to Regina and the White Wolf, ready to feast on her prey. Regina approached the White Wolf, and immediately dropped the rabbit in front of her, nudging it slightly towards the Wolf, offering her the catch. The Wolf looked at her with confusion, not sure what to do with the dead rabbit being offered to her. Regina nudged it once more, once again offering the animal to the White Wolf. When she still didn't take the offered meal, Regina picked the rabbit up and quickly started biting the body, pulling the animal in half, picking up one half and dropping it in front of the White Wolf, before laying down to eat her half. Finally taking the hint, the White Wolf sniffed the rabbit, before cautiously laying next to Regina, taking a tentative bite, before devouring the rest quickly.
After their snack, the three of them took off again, running through the forest as they often did, visiting all of their favorite places before the first signs of dawn began to appear. As always, Regina and Ruby began to make their way back to Regina's house, with the White Wolf following behind cautiously. When they were a little over ten minutes from the edge of the forest, Regina heard the familiar whine from the White Wolf behind her, indicating she had reached the edge of her comfort zone, and was going to turn back. The White Wolf sat down as Regina approached her, saying her usual goodbye with an affectionate nudge and a small lick on her face. Instead of turning to run off, the White Wolf whined as Regina turned to walk away, causing Regina to turn back to her. As Regina approached, the White Wolf laid on the ground, nudging Regina's shoulder until Regina nuzzled her head one last time. Turning to leave again, the White Wolf whined again, this time pawing at Regina's leg, whining louder until Regina realized what she was trying to say. Ruby bowed her head slightly, understanding what was happening, and took off towards the house, leaving Regina alone with her Omega. She laid down next to the White Wolf, nuzzling the Wolf again, licking her quite a few times on her snout and head while a soft yip of excitement came from the White Wolf. After a few moments, they laid their heads on the ground, the exhaustion of another eventful night weighing heavy upon them, inching closer and closer together until they were touching, as dawn quickly approached. Brown eyes locked with green as they fought the pull of sleep, eventually giving in to the exhaustion and falling fast asleep. Moments later, a familiar black cloud engulfed the Black Wolf as a white cloud engulfed the White Wolf, transforming them back into their Human forms. They shifted instinctually once the transformation was complete, compensating for their Human bodies.
Regina was the first to wake, when she felt the woman next to her shivering against her body. She opened her eyes to see the most beautiful woman she had ever seen laying next to her. She had pale skin and her long blonde hair ran wild and curly like Regina's, a small portion covering the woman's face, obstructing her features. She gently moved the hair from the woman's face as she shifted to move closer, a move that caused the woman to stir. Familiar green eyes fluttered open, as the woman looked at Regina for the first time, a shy smile forming across her face.
"Hi…"She said, her teeth chattering slightly. "I'm so cold." Regina didn't say a word, as she moved to drape her arm around the shivering woman, pulling her closer into her arms, hoping to add a little warmth, when suddenly she heard the sound of something moving quickly towards them. Regina instinctually moved to cover the woman protectively, a small growl coming from deep in her chest as she watched on high alert in the direction of the noise.
"Regina?" The figure inquired, coming into view.
"Ruby." Regina answered, a sigh of relief washing over her, causing her to relax.
"You guys must be freezing!" Ruby said, rushing towards them. "I brought your blanket" She said, quickly throwing the blanket over the naked women.
"Thank you, Ruby." Regina said, appreciatively, as the woman next to her buried her head under the blanket, burrowing closer to Regina.
"I have to go wake up Granny. She's going to get worried if I'm late." Ruby said, glancing over at the body that lay in Regina's arms. "Will we see you at the diner later?" She asked.
"I'm not sure." Regina motioned with her head to the woman under the blanket. "I'll text you either way. Go tend to Granny. And tell her not to worry about my absence." Regina said, once again motioning towards the woman hiding under the blanket, silently telling Ruby to let Granny know why she might be late.
"Will do. See you later." Ruby said, turning around and running back through the forest. A few moments later, the woman slowly stopped shivering, the warmth of the blanket and Regina's body heat warming her up, as she tentatively peeked her head out from under the blanket, to meet Regina's face again.
"She's gone." Regina smiled, as she looked into those familiar green eyes again, another shy smile reaching across her face. "Hi." She whispered, holding the woman a little tighter.
"Hi." The woman answered, tentatively moving her arm around Regina's waist under the blanket, not quite sure if she should touch her. "You're Regina?" She asked, as Regina gently moved the woman's hand down, letting her know it was alright to touch her.
"Yes. I'm Regina Mills." Regina said, smiling as she felt the woman hold her a little tighter.
"I'm Emma." She stuttered out of shyness. "Emma Swan." She said, a blush spreading across her face.
"It's nice to finally meet you, Emma." Regina smiled, brushing another strand of hair away from Emma's face.
"It's nice to meet you too." Emma said. "The other Wolf? The Red one?" Emma asked, glancing into Regina's eyes.
"That's Ruby. The woman who brought us the blanket." Regina explained, as Emma fell silent for a few moments. "We should probably get up. It's freezing out here." She said, as she shifted away from Emma and out from under the blanket, standing up gracefully, offering a hand to help Emma up. Emma pushed herself off the ground, her hand shooting out from under the blanket to accept Regina's offered help. Regina shivered slightly, as the cold air settled into her skin, rubbing her arms to help warm them up. Emma took a step closer, and wrapped the blanket around Regina, pulling them close together once again. Their bodies instinctually molded together, warming Regina instantly.
"Where are your clothes?" Regina asked, taking in everything about Emma.
"Umm…I parked my car a….a couple miles…that way." Emma pointed behind them, after figuring out the direction of her car.
"Come with me." Regina said, motioning towards the direction Ruby had come earlier. "I live about ten minutes away. We can get warmed up and I'll give you a ride to your car." Regina said, waiting for Emma's response, trying not to scare her.
"Umm…ok. Sure." Emma said, taking a step in the direction of Regina's house.
They walked in silence through the forest, arms tightly around each other under the blanket, picking up speed once they entered the backyard, moving quickly towards the backdoor. Once inside the kitchen, Regina pulled herself away from the blanket again, adjusting the thermostat to make the house warmer, returning to Emma's side to make sure the woman was warming up now that they were inside.
"I usually take a shower then meet Ruby and Granny at their diner for breakfast before work after Wolf's Night. Would you like to join us? If you don't have to head home right away." Regina said, hope filling her eyes.
"Umm…sure…I don't have to head home just yet. But…umm…I don't have any clothes." Emma said shyly.
"That's ok. Ruby leaves some clothes here just in case. I'm sure she wouldn't mind if you borrowed some things. I'm pretty sure she left some shampoo and conditioner in the shower as well. You're welcome to use it if you want to take a shower too." Regina said, leading Emma upstairs.
"So…you and Ruby…are you guys like…dating?" Emma asked, as she followed Regina upstairs.
"Oh no! No No! Ruby is my Best Friend and Chosen Beta." Regina smiled, as she stopped in front of the guest room.
"Oh." Emma said, relief and slight confusion in her voice.
"Help yourself to anything in the drawers in the guest room. The bathroom is right next door. Feel free to take a shower if you want." Regina said, handing Emma a stack of fresh towels. "When you're ready, just come over to my bedroom, the last door at the end of the hall on the right." Regina said, pointing to her open bedroom door.
"Ok. Thanks." Emma said, shyly, before turning to enter the guest room, shutting the door behind her. Regina walked back to her room, sitting on the bed for a few moments until she heard the shower turn on down the hall, before heading to the shower herself. She smiled as she stepped into the shower, the hot water warming her instantly, as she tried to process the last hour. Waking up for the first time next to her Omega, holding her close in her arms, was everything she had ever dreamed of. Emma was the most beautiful woman she had ever seen, Regina was certain if they had not been Wolves, Emma would forever be out of her league. She pulled herself from her thoughts when she realized her Alpha Penis had grown significantly since sunset, no doubt a result of being so close to Emma.
By the time Regina finished showering, she could hear the water in the other bathroom was no longer running, indicating that Emma was out of the shower. She dried off and made her way back into her bedroom, dressing quickly, realizing it would be difficult to hide the sudden bulge in her pants. She was just finishing up drying and straightening her hair when she heard a soft knock on her bedroom door, the door Regina had purposely left open for Emma.
"Regina?" Emma asked, half whispering.
"I'm in here." Regina yelled back, watching Emma approach the bathroom.
"Hey. Oh Wow!" Emma said, before her brain could process what she was saying. "I mean, you look really nice." Emma said, suddenly realizing what she said.
"Thank you." Regina smiled, turning back to the mirror to finish applying her mascara and eyeliner.
"I look homeless." Emma said, nervously trying to make a joke.
"You look wonderful." Regina smiled at Emma, who nervously looked down at her borrowed clothes, her long blonde hair trailing down her back, leaving the back of her shirt slightly wet. "I don't think Ruby left a hair dryer, did you want to dry your hair before we go?" Regina asked, as Emma nervously started to fidget with her wet hair.
"No thanks. I usually just air dry my hair." She said, as Regina finished up her make up with her signature red lipstick.
"Great! I'm ready, just had to put on my shoes. Are you ready?" Regina asked, sensing the woman's nervous energy.
"Umm…yeah. I'm ready. But I…uh…I don't have any money. I left my wallet in my car." Emma said, looking at the floor.
"Don't worry. Granny never lets me pay when I go to the diner. She says, 'Alpha doesn't pay!' I'm sure the same goes for my Omega." Regina laughed, zipping up her ankle boots, noticing another strange look of confusion washing across Emma's face. "Let's go eat. I'm starving." Regina said, leading them out to the car, stopping to offer Emma a spare coat, texting Ruby to let her know they were on their way.
Emma was quiet as they drove the short distance from Regina's house to Granny's diner, her eyes drifting over to Regina as she drove, her head snapping forward quickly each time Regina caught her looking at her. Regina held the door open for her, and as Emma entered the small diner, it felt like all eyes fell on her, as Regina walked in behind her. Spotting Ruby behind the counter, she motioned to the booth in the back of the diner, Regina leading the way, motioning for Emma to choose whatever side she wanted. Still feeling nervous, Emma chose the side facing the door, ensuring she wouldn't be surprised if someone came up behind her, a defense tactic she learned from her childhood.
Emma looked over the menu, as Ruby came to the side of the table, a pot of coffee in her hand.
"Good morning!" She sang, pouring Regina a cup of coffee "Coffee?" She asked, the question directed towards Emma.
"Yes, please." Emma said, shyly, as Ruby poured her a cup. "Do you mind if I join you guys for breakfast?" Ruby asked, more so towards Emma, not caring what Regina's answer was.
"Umm…sure." Emma said quietly.
"Great!" Ruby screeched, practically bouncing, as she poured a third cup of coffee in preparation for her own meal. "What can I get you?" She asked.
"The usual." Regina smiled, as Ruby turned her attention back to Emma.
"Pancakes, please." Emma said, looking down at the menu.
"Sure! Want any bacon or sausage with it? Or both?" Ruby asked.
"Umm…both…please." Emma said, shyly, embarrassed of how hungry she was.
"You got it! Be back in a few!" Ruby said, disappearing into the kitchen, the women falling into an awkward silence.
"I'm not usually this shy." Emma said eventually, barely over the volume of the diner.
"It's alright. There's a lot to take in." Regina smiled, feeling Emma's mood shift slightly. "We can start with the basics. Where do you live? I've never seen you around town, so I'm assuming you don't live in Storybrooke." Regina asked.
"I live in Portland. I just moved there a couple months ago. Right before the first time we met, actually." Emma said, quietly, taking a sip of coffee.
"Portland is quite nice. I try to visit a few times a year. Not too far either." Regina said, smiling at Emma.
"No, not too bad. About thirty minutes without traffic." Emma said.
"What do you do for a living?" Regina asked, after a few moments of silence, taking a sip of her coffee.
"I'm a Bail-Bonds Person. I guess being… you know …helps me track people down easily. I'm pretty good at it. I guess I can kinda sniff them out." Emma said, nervously babbling. "What about you?"
"I'm the Mayor of Storybrooke. Hence the pantsuits." Regina said, motioning towards her clothes, a slight laugh fell from her lips.
"WOW!" Emma said, shocked at Regina's job. "Once again, I pale in comparison to you." She said, putting herself down again.
"Don't do that." Regina said, frowning slightly.
"Do what?" Emma asked.
"Put yourself down like that." Regina said, locking eyes with Emma.
"Ok. Sorry." Emma said, a blush creeping across her face.
"There's nothing to be sorry about." Regina smiled, "It makes me sad to hear you talk about yourself in that manor." Regina said, causing Emma to blush once again. Just then, Ruby appeared at the side of the table, placing the three plates down, sliding into the booth next to Regina, immediately diving into her huge omelette that is more bacon than eggs.
"Ruby." Regina said, clearing her throat. "Just because we turn into Wolves, doesn't mean you have to eat like one." Regina laughed. "Can you please restrain yourself so I may formally introduce you to my Omega." Regina said, trying hard to say it with a straight face. Ruby's face dropped, realizing how she must look to the woman she has yet to formally meet.
"Oh shit. Sorry. We're not used to having new people join us." Ruby said, wiping her mouth.
"Ruby, this is Emma Swan, my Omega." Regina said, looking at Emma "Emma, this is Ruby Lucas, my Best Friend and Chosen Beta." Regina said.
"Nice to finally meet you, Emma. You're gorgeous, by the way." Ruby said, extending her hand to Emma.
"Uhh…thanks. Nice to meet you too." Emma said nervously, shaking Ruby's hand.
"Ruby also has no filter." Regina said, beginning to eat her steak and eggs.
"What? I'm not allowed to compliment her?" Ruby asked, as she resumed eating her omelette, only slightly slower than before. "OW" she yelled, as Regina elbowed her in the arm.
"Do you get as hungry as we do after Wolf's Night?" Ruby asked after a few minutes, the three focused intently on eating.
"Yeah." Emma said, quietly, blushing slightly.
"Regina shared her rabbit with you last night. That's a big deal." Ruby laughed, waiting for Regina to elbow her again. "Regina doesn't share her kills with anyone. Especially not her rabbits." Ruby laughed again.
"Oh. Really?" Emma asked, looking at the two women across from her. "You guys do that a lot? Hunt I mean." Emma asked, perking up a little.
"Yeah, we try to. It's harder to find prey in the winter though." Ruby answered. Emma was silent again, processing the new information when an older woman appeared next to the table, carrying a coffee pot, refilling the cups.
"Emma, this is Granny, our Pack Elder and Ruby's grandmother." Regina said, motioning towards Granny. "Granny, this is Emma Swan. My Omega." Regina said, smiling from ear to ear as she introduced Emma.
"It's such a pleasure to meet you." Granny said, extending her hand as Ruby had.
"Uh…nice to meet you too." Emma said, shaking Granny's hand.
"Ok girl! You've had your breakfast. You've met Emma. Now it's time to get back to work." Granny scolded, her tone changing drastically while addressing Ruby. "Emma, it's a pleasure to meet you. I hope to see much more of you." Granny said, before turning and walking away.
"Well, I guess that's my cue." Ruby said, picking up her plate and cup. "Regina, see you tonight. Emma, I hope to see you tonight as well." Ruby said, before rushing off to the kitchen to drop off her plate before tending to a customer.
"They seem nice." Emma said, feeling a little more at ease now that it was just her and Regina again.
"Yes. They are certainly a strange duo." Regina laughed. "They are the best people I know." Regina added.
"They seem like it." Emma said, taking the last bites of her breakfast.
"I know there's a lot to take in after waking up with me this morning." Regina said, sipping her coffee. "Do you have any questions for me?" She asked.
"Umm…yeah. I have so many questions actually, I don't know where to start." Emma said.
"Well, start with the one that is bothering you the most." Regina smiled.
"Ok…well…I…uh….I couldn't help but notice that you are a woman." Emma said, pausing, not finished with her question. "And I…um…couldn't help but notice that you also have…ummm….an addition…a fairly large addition actually…" Emma started to say, hoping Regina understood what she was asking so she didn't have to finish the question.
"Oh. That's just my Alpha Penis." Regina said, matter-of-factly. "It's only there for us to mate." Regina added.
"Uhh…I'm sorry…What?!" Emma asked, wide eyed and slightly scared.
"For you and I…to mate." Regina repeated, becoming a little scared at Emma's response.
"What?" Emma said, in shock. "You know what…I can't do this. I'm sorry. I need to go." Emma said suddenly, climbing out of the booth, walking quickly towards the door, trying to not cause a scene.
"Emma, wait!" Regina said, rushing after Emma. Ruby and Granny stopped suddenly, the only two people who registered the tension between Regina and Emma. "Emma!" Regina said, as she caught up with Emma, who was standing on the sidewalk, clearly trying to figure out how to get back to her car.
"Regina, I can't do this. I'm sorry." Emma said, avoiding Regina's gaze.
"It's ok." Regina said, doing everything in her power to keep from crying. "Let me at least give you a ride to your car like I offered." She added, motioning towards her car parked in front of the diner.
"I…uhhh…ok." Emma said, walking towards Regina's car.
They drove in silence, the only communication being Emma's directions, finally pointing out her vintage yellow bug parked in the corner of a small parking lot, at the edge of Regina's forest.
"Emma, wait." Regina said again, as Emma reached for the door handle. Without saying a word, she turned her attention to Regina. "Here's my card. It has my cell and address on the back. If you would like to talk, please call me. Anytime." Regina said, handing Emma her card. "There's one final night in Wolf's Time. Please come meet us at my home and run with us tonight. If not before, at least meet us at our spot after sundown." Regina added, hoping Emma would change her mind suddenly.
"I don't know." Emma said, looking down at the card. "Thanks for the ride." She said, as she jumped out of Regina's car and ran to the yellow bug. Regina watched and she pulled the keys out of the glove box, started the engine and immediately drove away, tires squealing as she peeled out of the parking lot.
Regina took a few minutes to collect herself, before driving back into town, going directly to her office instead of stopping back at the diner. She buried herself in work, trying to keep her mind from thinking about Emma, and her reaction. Ruby texted her several times during the day, eventually threatening to show up at her office if she didn't respond. Regina simply said she didn't want to talk about it now, but asked Ruby to come over earlier before Wolf's Time, because she would definitely need to talk about it by then, whether she was ready or not.
"So." Ruby said, as she sat in Regina's kitchen, as the two of them sipped a glass of wine, blankets already wrapped around them in anticipation of Wolf's Night. "What happened earlier?"
"She freaked out, Ruby. She freaked out and ran off." Regina said, her demeanor changing drastically with the new subject matter.
"Yeah, I gathered that. But what exactly happened? What were you talking about before she ran off?" Ruby asked.
"She asked me why I had a penis. And when I told her it was for us to mate, she freaked out and ran away." Regina explained. "It's all because of this stupid thing! I wish it never grew. It's only caused more problems than it's worth." Regina said, hurt and anger in her voice.
"Don't say that." Ruby said, reaching for her friend's hand. "That thing? That thing is your birthright!"
"Well, it doesn't feel like a good thing anymore." Regina said, a stray tear falling from her eye.
"Hey, it's all going to work out." Ruby said, drinking the last of her wine. "Let's go stand outside. The fresh air might make you feel better." She said, leaving both wine glasses on the table, ushering her friend outside, as the sunset painted a bright picture on the horizon.
Regina followed Ruby outside, standing on the edge of the grass, the familiar feeling of the grass between her toes lifted Regina's mood slightly.
"Can I ask you something? Something a little personal?" Ruby asked, as she looked over at Regina, her eyes closed as she inhaled the cool air.
"Ruby, you've seen my Alpha Penis. On more than one occasion." Regina giggled, turning her attention to Ruby. "I don't think there's anything too personal between us."
"Very true." Ruby laughed. "What does it feel like? Now that you've finally met her?" Ruby asked, her mood shifting drastically.
"It feels like a warm fire on the coldest day of the year. She is literally the only thing I could think about all day." Regina smiled, thinking about Emma once again. "But it's also the most painful sensation in my chest…knowing that she might not choose me." Regina said, her face changing suddenly, another tear falling from her eyes.
"Of course she'll choose you. You're her Alpha. It's kinda written in your DNA." Ruby said.
"We're destined to mate together. Doesn't mean she has to choose to Love me." Regina started to say, wiping her eyes on the blanket. "My mother didn't choose my father." Regina said, after a few moments of silence.
"Wait, really?" Ruby asked. "I never knew that."
"I never told anyone that." Regina said, turning towards Ruby. "She didn't choose him. If he hadn't been her Alpha, she would never have been with him. She stayed out of obligation to him and to the Pack. She hated every moment of her life with him. She told me once that she was relieved when I was born an Alpha, because it meant that she would never have to mate with him again." Regina said, taking a deep breath.
"That's why she left after your father died, isn't it?" Ruby asked.
"Yes. She left in the middle of the night while I was sleeping. She didn't even say goodbye. I told everyone that she was too distraught to attend the funeral. Truth was, she had already left." Regina explained.
"Regina. I'm so sorry." Ruby said, moving to hug her friend through their blankets.
"I can't force Emma to stay with me, out of obligation. I won't do that to her. If she doesn't choose me, I won't make her stay." Regina said, tears falling freely from her eyes. "I don't want to talk about this anymore." Regina said, trying hard to smile.
They stood in silence for a few minutes, watching the sunset, waiting for the freedom that awaits them once the sun sets completely, when suddenly, there was a knock on the fence gate that surrounded Regina's property.
"Regina?" A familiar voice called, slightly embarrassed.
"Emma?" Regina said, snapping out of her thoughts, as she ran over to unlock the gate.
"Hey. I uhh…I knocked on the front door but you didn't answer so I thought…uhh that you might already be outside." Emma said, as she walked into the backyard, Regina locked the gate behind her. "Can we talk?"
"Yes, of course." Regina said, looking at the sky. "We still have a little time before Wolf's Time begins. Let's go inside." Regina said, leading Emma into the kitchen.
"Hey, Emma!" Ruby said as they passed.
"Hey." Emma answered shyly.
Emma stood nervously in the kitchen as Regina closed the door behind them, waiting for Emma to initiate the conversation.
"So…I wanted to apologize for running off this morning." Emma said, staring at the floor.
"It's ok. There's a lot to take in." Regina responded, resisting the urge to hold the nervous woman.
"Yeah, but the truth is, I got really freaked out and ran. You started saying things like 'Alpha' and 'Chosen Beta' and 'Pack Elder' like I was supposed to know what those words meant. Then you called me your Omega and said you had something called an Alpha Penis so we could mate and it really scared me, because I don't know what any of this means. I don't know what being your Omega means." Emma said, nervously looking at the floor again.
"Your parents never explained Pack Dynamics to you?" Regina asked, confused.
"I never had parents to explain anything to me. I'm an orphan. I grew up in the foster system. I don't even know what I am. Not really." Emma explained. "In fact, you and Ruby and the only other people like me that I've ever met."
"Oh Emma…" Regina said, not sure what to say next.
"And…well…I also have these feelings. These strong feelings towards you, Regina. I can't explain them and I certainly don't understand them. But I've been feeling them ever since that first night in the forest when I saw you and Ruby for the first time."
"Now I understand why you kept running away." Regina laughed slightly, causing Emma to smile.
"Yeah." Emma said, shyly. "There's so much I don't understand, and it scares me. And that's what I do when I get scared. I run away." Emma explained, staring nervously at her feet.
"Hey, there's nothing to be ashamed of. Why don't we do this." Regina said, closing the gap between them. "Run with us tonight. And when you're ready, we'll sit down and I'll explain everything to you. But not until you're ready. How does that sound?"
"That sounds great." Emma said, looking at Regina for the first time since they entered the kitchen.
"HEY! YOU GUYS BETTER HURRY UP. IT'S ALMOST TIME" Ruby called from outside.
"She's right." Regina said, as Emma nodded, kicking off her shoes, pulling her shirt quickly over her head. "Oh hey wait. Take this blanket. I'll go find another one." Regina said, opening the blanket to give to Emma.
"That's ok." Emma said shyly, as she quickly undressed, standing in front of Regina. "I don't mind sharing." She said, a shy smile forming across her face.
"Of course." Regina smiled, opening the blanket for Emma. Emma wrapped her arms nervously around Regina, not quite sure how close she should get to Regina. Sensing Emma's hesitation, Regina wrapped her arms around Emma and held her tight, wrapping the blanket around both their naked bodies.
"Thank you." Emma whispered in Regina's ear, before pulling away slightly, allowing them to walk towards the back door. "One more thing…" Emma started staying, embarrassed again.
"Of course." Regina said, stopping before she opened the back door.
"Can you guys…ummm…teach me…how to hunt?" Emma asked, a slight blush across her face.
"Yes! Yes we certainly can!" Regina said, excitedly, as they made their way outside.
"I'm glad you're joining us tonight, Emma." Ruby said, when she saw Regina and Emma emerge under the same blanket.
"Emma has a request." Regina said, smiling.
"Anything!" Ruby said.
"She would like us to teach her how to hunt!" Regina said, hardly able to contain her excitement.
"Abso-freakin-lutely!" Ruby said, excitedly. "Get ready Emma. Tonight is going to ROCK!" Ruby added, as they all felt the familiar tingle of anticipation. They watched as the last rays of light turned to night.
Three Wolves stepped out from under their blankets and stretched their legs, preparing themselves for the night ahead. If Wolves could smile, Regina would be smiling from ear to ear, having Emma join them for the first time. Tilting her head high in the air, Regina let out her customary howl, joined shortly by Ruby and Granny off in the distance. Confused at first, instinct eventually took over and Emma joined in the collective howl for the first time. Wolf's Night had officially begun, as the three Wolves took off at top speed, racing into the forest.
Regina's heart was so full that night, as she ran with her childhood Best Friend, the woman who had been there through everything, the good and the bad, for their entire lives, and her Omega, the woman destined to be with her, in whatever capacity Emma was comfortable with.
They ran for hours, Regina and Ruby showing Emma the fundamentals of hunting. And although Emma didn't catch anything her first time hunting, they could tell she was giving it her all each time she attempted to make hunt. When they took a break to enjoy what Ruby and Regina had caught, Regina once again shared her rabbit with Emma, who nuzzled Regina affectionately to say thank you, before eating the animal, slowly this time around.
After a long night of hunting and running through the forest, three exhausted Wolves made their way back to Regina's backyard, as the sky began to brighten, curling up underneath their blankets. Regina laid close to Emma under their shared blanket, giving her a tired nuzzle and a light lick on her snout before laying her head on the ground. Emma returned the nuzzle, and for the first time, licked Regina's face before laying her head next to Regina's. They gazed into each other's eyes for as long as they could, before the eventual pull of sleep took them, and they fell fast asleep.
As the first rays of light hit the sleeping Wolves, they were transformed back into their Human forms, each woman shifting to accommodate their Human bodies. Regina instinctually shifted closer to Emma, wrapping her arms around the sleeping woman, holding her close, as the three slept in the yard for a few hours before starting their day.
A/N: I'm not going to lie. I still get chills whenever I read the scene when they wake up together for the first time. I hope you got the same chills as I do!
Let me know what you think so far!