Chapter Two - Thomas

I sit in the dark, making a fire with my flint. Outside, the wind howls, like an ominous premonition of things to come. I pray the rain will hold off. The last thing I need is the girl to arrived here drenched to the bone.

I told myself I wouldn't do this. That I wouldn't resort to buying a whore to fulfil my desires. But I cannot hold off anymore. I have been alone ever since I was bitten. I refuse to succumb to the life of a werewolf. I will not join a pack. I will not give in to the dark urges that course through me day in day out. And that means I need her. I need a release before the wolf inside of me forces me to tear some innocent human to shreds.

I look over at the pile of animal furs I've collected so far. Ten deer have been devoured by my monster's teeth. They barely satiated my hunger. I need human flesh to nourish myself. I can only pray the soft feel of a woman's naked body as I thrust myself deep inside of her will quell that desire. Perhaps then, I will finally sleep.

I hear a noise from outside and crane to look through the cave door. Someone is approaching. I leave the fire and peer outside to see. Three wolves are approaching - two large, hulking, and muscular; the third smaller, diminutive, trembling. Her scent reaches me and the monster dwelling within me responds instantly. It takes all my willpower to hold it back. It wants to burst from my human form and ravish this young, scared wolf where she stands.

I swallow hard and step out of the cave.

"We've brought the omega," one of the wolfs calls to me.

I eye the young female. There is a heavy silver collar around her neck, and a silver muzzle fixed across her snout. The flesh beneath is turning red.

"She's not harmed is she?"

The two males look at one another like I'm crazy.

"Who cares," the first states simply.

My rage flares instantly. I feel my sharp canines elongate and my skin ripple. They think so little of this woman? She is nothing to them? An object? I feel the urge to rip their throats out with my teeth.

"Take off her muzzle," I demand.

"No way," the second snorts. "She'll bite."

I clench my hands into fists. "Do as I say. She's mine. I paid for her."

The first wolf barks out a laugh. "You paid for an omega." He shakes his head.

I keep my mouth shut. I am not looking for a fight. I want to get this over with so I can be left alone with her.

The two large wolves advance, dragging the girl behind them. They hand me the chain.

I look down at her. As a wolf, she is beautiful, with brown eyes like pine cones. The smell of her stirs my arousal. She is scared of me. I can tell by the way she eyes me. I can't help but find it thrilling.

"I'll take her from here," I tell them. "Go."

The two wolves back off and I turn to face the girl. She looks at me with wide eyes, but does not run.

"I'd like to see you in your human form," I tell her. "If I remove your muzzle and chains, will you shift for me?"

I know this is a risk. As a human, I am weak, and she could easily devour me. But I hope my show of vulnerability earns her trust.

She hesitates. Then it happens. She shift from wolf to human and crouches there, naked in the mud.

My heart skips a beat as she lifts her head and I see her human face for the first time. She is beautiful. It has been too long since I saw another human.

The monster in me wants to take her right now. To drag her into the cave and have my wicked way with her. But my human side wants to treat her like a goddess. I do not want to hurt her.

But, with disappointment, I know I inevitably will.

"Stand up," I say.

Slowly, she rises to standing. Moonlight glints of her milky white breasts. Her nipples stand on end. My mouth goes dry.

I step forward and she flinches back. I remove the muzzle and chain. She does not move.

"What's your name?"

"Angel."

"I'm Thomas."

"I don't care."

Her words sting. I understand them but that does not make them any less hard to hear.

"Go inside of the cave," I tell her, gesturing towards the entrance.

She nods and walks inside.

I watch her go, willing my monster to remain at bay. No matter what, I will not give in to the wolf. I will not hurt her.