Belle awoke feeling very warm and content, the soft tangle of limbs around her, and she couldn't help but smile at the quiet conversation she could hear between the two women who had claimed her as their own.
"That was intense. Is that what you felt when you marked me?" Ruby asked in awe. The feeling of desire and rightness had overwhelmed her, and instinct had become her driving force.
"It felt very similar for me when I bit you, but different at the same time." Emma answered with a smile in her voice. She had no regrets about her decisions tonight. "We are going to have to open the window before we leave though. All I can smell is the arousal coming off of both of you, and its driving me crazy."
"Believe me, I know what you mean. Belle has always smelt mouth-watering, but the two of you in a room together makes it hard to concentrate." Ruby shot Emma a wolfish grin, her eyes flashing yellow.
"Mmm, at least now you know how I felt watching you two earlier." Belle said in a sleepy voice. She heard matching chuckles, and then felt her neck being nuzzled on either side. It was tender, but not overly painful, and the nuzzling was already driving her to distraction. "How long was I out for?"
"It's only been about fifteen minutes. If it had been much longer, we may have started to really worry." Ruby replied. "This one took at least 10 minutes of it to calm down after you passed out. Almost had to slap her, she was so frantic."
"Hey, you didn't pass out when I bit you. I was worried that something went wrong. I'm not exactly used to everything wolf-related yet. And don't act like you weren't either. You were the one whimpering for the first five minutes." Emma retorted, playfully pushing at the brunettes shoulder.
"Quit it you two. I'm enjoying myself right now, so no bickering. You haven't even been mated a day yet and you sound like an old married couple already." Belle teased her mates, causing both to look at he in stunned silence.
'Mates. Our mates. We will be strong, and they will be safe. We will make them happy.' Again came the thoughts to Emma. Smiling at the new voice-thought in her mind, she didn't bother to try and shake it away this time. She was happy, and she knew what her wolf was saying was true. She wasn't going to fight it, unless it was something that would make them unhappy, and so far, she was blissfully happy with how things were going.
"Now go for your run and leave me to get some rest. I expect the both of you back here before the sun rises to high. I'm sure you will both be restless after your run, and we can talk then." Bell shooed both Ruby and Emma towards the door, smiling at the women who were still silent at her direction.
Standing from the bed, each woman changed into the clothing Granny had left for them in the joining washroom. Ruby changed into cut off denim shorts, and a white tank-top. She didn't bother with shoes as she was used to being barefoot before her runs, and clothing was useless when she had four legs anyway. Emma changed into a sports bra and running shorts, her usual running gear when the weather was warm enough. She also went without shoes as she felt the need to ware as little as possible tonight. Sharing a look, Emma and Ruby both jumped back on the bed, each kissing the mark they had made on Belle's neck, before sharing a quick kiss with her. All three women giggled at the happiness they found bursting in their chests tonight, and they all hoped it never faded.
After the other two women left, Belle snuggled back into the blankets that smelt of her mates, and drifted off to a contented sleep, hoping to dream about what she now knew were her mates, and the lives that they would share together.
Outside the B&B, Ruby led Emma to a well-worn trail leading into the forest. Both were eager to run off the energy they could both feel building inside them from the pull of the moon. Taking the lead, Ruby led Emma to a small path that headed off deeper into the woods, knowing the way by heart.
"This leads to a clearing just at the edge of the deeper woods. There is a place there that I usually hide my clothes and my cape. Saves me giving half the town a show when I am too tired to run back and the moon has already set." Ruby said with a smile, taking Emma's hand and lacing their fingers together. "There is enough room for a couple sets of clothes, so we can all use it when we have enough control to run together."
"I always wondered where you kept your clothes. I know you lose them when you shift. But I thought you just ran home as a wolf." Emma laughed, enjoying the mental picture of Ruby streaking through town.
"I do sometimes, unless I forget or am upset close to moonrise. It is hard to control my shift then sometimes, so I have to be careful coming home." Ruby smiled sadly at the thought.
Pulling Ruby to a stop, Emma gently pulled her chin up to, forcing Ruby to meet her gaze. "You are a passionate person, who feels things very deeply. There is nothing wrong with being upset and needing to run it off, or losing your composure every so often. Everyone blows a gasket at some point, and so long as they don't hurt anyone, no one is really upset with them. Its human nature, and even if you are part wolf, you are just as human as they are, and they need to remember that. I was only bitten last night, and already I know that it's a part of me, but I also know I will mess up, and blow up, and I know I will be forgiven for it just like anyone else. But heaven help anyone who gets an eyeful of my mate though. Mine." Emma finished with a playful growl. "Besides, running off some tension is a favourite pastime of mine as well."
Leaning in to nuzzle Emma's jaw, Ruby knew she was never going to look at being a wolf the same again. Emma hadn't even shifted for the first time, and seemed like she was already comfortable with everything that was being thrown at her. Being a werewolf, prophesies, mates. It was almost more than Ruby could handle, but Emma just gave a smirk, shrugged and started comforting her best friends turned mates. She really was an amazing woman. Ruby knew she was lucky to have her. And the fact that she had had a crush on Emma since her second day in town didn't hurt either.
Returning to their walk to the clearing, Ruby thought back to the last time she had a pack to run with. It had been when she had found her mother, Anita. She had felt so complete, so cared for, and with people she had barely known. Even though Emma wouldn't change tonight, she knew this would be special. 'My first run with my mate.'
Arriving at the clearing, Ruby showed Emma the hollowed out tree that she used each month to hide her clothing in. There was a hidden compartment that she used to keep her things safe when she ran, behind a panel that could be moved and replaced.
Taking a step back from Emma, she let a sultry smile grace her lips, before she slowly began to remove her top, followed quickly by her shorts. Tossing the clothing to the side, Ruby enjoyed the hungry look in Emma's eyes as she stood bare before her in the moonlight, save for her red cape.
Swallowing hard, Emma let her eyes roam Ruby's figure for a moment before meeting her gaze. 'OURS!'
"Running always leaves me feeling very restless. Maybe we can work off some of our nervous energy, when we get back from our run. Assuming you can keep up, of course." Ruby taunted with a saucy wink.
Never one to shy away from a challenge, or a flirt, Emma boldly walked up to Ruby, and tangled her fingers in her hair, and gripping her hip. Pulling her into a kiss filled with as much passion as Emma could, she tugged Ruby's head back, until her slim neck was fully exposed. Nosing the newly healed mark, a feral grin, and a low husk to her voice, she growled into Ruby's ear, "Let's find out just who has the most tension to work off then, shall we?"
Quickly stepping back out of Ruby's personal space, she noticed that Ruby had begun panting at their exchange, her eyes a solid glowing yellow. Holding her hand out for Ruby's cape, Emma quickly placed all the clothing into the tree, and turned in time to watch Ruby quickly shift into her wolf.
'Our mate is gorgeous.' The thought echoed in her mind, and Emma couldn't agree more. Emma hadn't had the chance to interact with Ruby yet in her wolf form, and this was in fact her first time seeing her, as well as the transformation from human to wolf.
As a woman, Ruby was breathtaking. Lithe, toned limbs with flawless pale skin that seemed to almost glow in the moonlight, graceful when she moved, so much so that it seemed almost unnatural, and eyes that were an open book for any that cared to read. She could make you feel comfortable with a single smile, or cut you to the quick with a single glare. It was truly amazing the woman that she was.
As a wolf, Ruby was imposing. Her fur was black as night, eyes bright yellow, she stood chest height to Emma, larger than any wolf she had seen in a zoo. Her body screamed strength and power, ferocity. But at the same time, you could see the woman under the fur, the gentle soul who longed to be free and happy.
Unable to resist, Emma reached out and stroked her hand through the soft fur on Ruby's neck, an unconscious "beautiful" falling from her lips. Ruby nuzzled her hand, locking he gaze with Emma. She had never felt better about being her wolf around anyone. With Emma, she had no fear that she would hurt her, and her wolf was simply overjoyed to the physical affection she was receiving.
'She will be everything we need her to be. And we must make sure we are the same for her as well. Anything and everything she needs, we will provide it for her, and she us. Our mate.'
Suddenly jumping away, tail wagging playfully, Ruby pranced a few steps, hoping the blonde would follow her, before she took off into the woods. Not to be out done, Emma chased her with her own new found grace. The game was on, and neither would let the other win without a fight.
They raced through the woods for miles, panting as they ran, revelling in joy of being out in the forest at night, running free in the wild. Neither paid attention to where they ran, only to the one they ran with, to the game they played only with each other. The connection was incredible for them. They were free, and together, and beyond happy.
Emma had some trouble keeping pace with Ruby at first, her four legs offering greater speed then Emma's two could ever hope to produce, but still they ran. Running eventually turned into a game of tag, Ruby's growls and barks mixing with Emma's laughter and giggles. Tag eventually turned into hide and seek, each taking turns tackling the other to the ground, before running off to find their own hiding spot, to wait for the other to find them.
As the moon moved through the night sky, Emma and Ruby continued to play their games of tag/hide and seek through the woods, not noticing they had begun to come close to the areas that Robin Hood and his men tended to camp.
Having heard the sounds of an animal and what sounded like a woman being chased, Robin grabbed his enchanted bow and quiver. "It sounds as if there is someone in trouble, my Queen. It sounds like an animal. I will be back soon. Please stay here with the fire where it is safe."
Regina had thought that having found Robin after the curse had broken was a sign that she had earned her happy ending. She had fought hard and redeemed herself in the eyes of many, and although she would never consider herself one of the 'good guys', she felt that with Emma's help, she had at least reclaimed her spot in the moral grey of the real world.
This was the man that fairy dust had told her was her True Love, and that she would be happy with. And yet they always seemed to be at odds with each other. He was adverse to the modern conveniences that this world offered, aside from the improvements around bows and arrows. He preferred to sleep in the woods, with his men, and avoid the rest of the town at all costs. He was never a part of the society in Storybrook, and had no desire to be now.
His aversion to the town included both Henry and Emma as of late. He had wanted to have Roland around with the men, but as Henry preferred to spend time with Charming in the outdoors, she found that he was away more often as of late. Robin had no real desire to get to know Henry beyond the few encounters for dinner, and Henry did not seem inclined to press the issue either.
And between spending time with Robin, and with no longer running the town singlehandedly as the Mayor was now under the rule of the counsel, she had not seen Emma in days. Their relationship was still not the best, but she would no longer consider them enemies. She had hoped that they had moved towards being friends, but since her involvement with Robin, Emma had become increasingly distant, much to Regina's dismay. They were closer than Regina was to anyone else, but she was still unsure of how to move their friendship into more solid standing.
With a sigh, she again gave voice only in her mind to the thought that had been plaguing her more and more as of late. 'If he is my happy ending, why am I not happy?'
"I'm not some helpless damsel. I'm coming with you." Was Regina's frosty reply, not liking that Robin still often treated her as such.
Robin had insisted that she spend the night out camping with him and his men today, and despite her aversion to the forest, she had agreed. Regina had tried to enjoy herself, but the food burned over the fire, and the hard ground did nothing to improve her mood. Being the only woman in such a large group of unwashed men did not help her disposition either. 'Could they not at least use a solar shower?!'
Disregarding his weak protests, Regina followed as Robin began to lead them towards the sounds in the forest. They seemed to be moving towards them, quickly.
Moving silently through the woods, Regina continued to listen to the sounds of the woman and the animal that sounded like it was chasing her. It sounded like it was coming from the side of the forest that was around the far side of town. Pausing, Robin quickly nocked an arrow, motioning for Regina to stay back. Taking aim into the forest in the direction of the sounds, Robin began to move towards a large clearing he knew to be a short distance away.
Ignoring Robin's motions to remain behind him, Regina stepped into the clearing, and noticed that the moon was full and bright. 'Wolfs time.'
Just as the thought crossed her mind, Emma burst into the far side of the clearing in a dead sprint, looking back over her shoulder with a wide grin as she ran. Darting to the left, a large black wolf was revealed behind Emma, clearly chasing her. She had spent enough time fighting the werewolf to know that it was Ruby.
As the wolf leapt at Emma, Regina's heart seemed to stop. But instead of the scream of fear that she expected, a shriek of playful joy followed by a loud peal of giggling left Emma's lips. Quickly, and with more grace than Regina knew she possessed, Emma ducked under the wolf's outstretched paws, coming to stand directly beside her, a large grin on her face as the two faced off, Ruby's tail wagging playfully.
At the same moment that Regina realized that there was no danger, she heard the distinct twang of an arrow being released, shouted a resounding "NO!" into the night air, hoping to warn the wolf, but knowing it would be too late, even for her magic.
Hearing the loud "NO!" at the same moment as the twang of a bow string, Emma felt a surge of energy push up through her body, her instincts telling her to protect Ruby from the threat they had not noticed during their play. Emma's hand shot out to her left with lightening speed, and plucked the arrow that had been headed straight for Ruby, from the air as if it had been floating as slowly as a feather.
Shock flooded her system at what she had done, unsure how she was able to pull off the amazing feat. Studying the arrow for a moment, Emma felt the anger in her rise, alongside her power as the realization of the situation sunk in. 'Someone tried to kill our mate! They will die before they harm her!' Having never felt this level of rage, or power, Emma reacted purely on the new instincts that were rushing through her system, urging her to defend and protect her mate.
With a deep growl, Emma disappeared in a white cloud of smoke, before reappearing in front of Robin on the other side of the clearing, her eyes glowing yellow in the dark night. "You will not harm our mate!" Emma snarled at Robin, moving quickly forward to strike at him, rage contorting her features.
Frozen at the sight of Emma grabbing his arrow from the air, then appearing in front of him in a cloud of white smoke, looking for all the world like a savage beast, Robin did not react. Standing frozen, he did not even flinch when Emma moved.
Inhaling deeply again, Emma eyes snapped to Robin's right, locking on Regina, who had whispered her plea, but knowing there was nothing she could do. "Stop."