Escaping Animal State

[monique_minx]

OOC: Closed for Deevo and myself, we hope you enjoy our tale and feel free to give us feedback!

The black feline sat atop a rusted bucket of bolts someone had parked out on the street, she watched her surroundings with bright blue eyes and her tail flickered nervously. It almost seemed as though the cat was waiting for someone, she made little movement until she heard feet slapping the pavement behind her and her shiny ebony coat of fur stood on end as she twisted around. She mewed softly and relaxed as she saw the three female children coming down the path, returning from school by the looks of their uniforms and bags. The cat tore its eyes from the three girls and looked up at the sky for a moment; the sun indicated that it was about 4pm, it was still fairly high in the sky for winter but not high enough.

The feline’s tail flickered angrily and she looked back at the children, the youngest girl appeared to be about seven years old as she approached the cat who was slightly alarmed.

“Oh look at the pretty kitty girls!” She exclaimed as she walked up to the rusty blue car it was sitting on top of.

“Brianna don’t touch it! It might scratch you!” The oldest girl warned.

“Sarah don’t scare her! Besides it has pretty eyes, I’ve never seen a kitty with blue eyes before!” The middle aged girl piped up, she seemed to be about ten.

The cat was on alert with all the sudden attention from the three children but instead of scratching Brianna as she moved to pick up the feline, the cat jumped from the car and sped off across the field next to the pavement. Unfortunately Brianna was not deterred by the action and took off after the ‘kitty’ with her sisters chasing after her, yelling and demanding that she stop.

“Brianna wait! You don’t know where it’s going!” Ten year old Emily called out.

The cat looked over her shoulder completely bewildered by the fact that the three sisters were chasing her. She ran to the end of the field and slowed at the large wooden fence that blocked her path, she swiped a paw at a loose fence paling and jumped through the gap as it presented itself.

The three sisters stopped at the fence, too large to fit through the hole and Sarah pulled the paling aside so Brianna and Emily could peek. However as Sarah heard the sound of a man’s voice she chose to look as well. The cat was twining itself around his legs, meowing and rubbing up against him, her tail curling and reaching up at him. Her blue eyes looking into his as he knelt down to pet her, her ears twitching as he murmured a question to the feline.

“Where have you been Sienna?”

The cat purred and her eyes flickered from him to the three girls at the fence as though giving an answer to him. Sarah gasped and Emily fought to hide herself as he followed the feline’s line of sight and looked up. Brianna however was too young to understand why her sisters were behaving like that, she was mostly just curious about the cat.

“Why did you call her Sienna? Why not Fluffy or Blackie or something?” She asked confused and in a loud questioning tone nearly accusatory of the man who owned the cat she had fallen so in love with and chased across a field.

 

[deevo]

Robert couldn't help but grin at the young girl's attitude. You're gonna be a troublemaker some day, he thought as he gently lifted Sienna into his arms. He took a few steps towards the fence, which rose up to his broad shoulders. He was a well-built individual, tall, his body strong, wrapped up in a large jacket to fight off the chill Winter air. He had a shaggy head of dark brown hair running down toward the nape of his neck and steely grey eyes that could have frozen a man. But for now his eyes were warm and welcoming as he fixed the inquisitive girl with a smile.

"You don't think she looks like a Sienna?," he said, stroking the cat's head. "She doesn't look like a Fluffy to me." The little girl smiled, then shrugged.

"She's very pretty," she said. "Really beautiful." Robert's eyes moved from the young girl to the others, who looked a little older but didn't have the youngster's spirit.

"Oh, she's beautiful, all right," he said. "Most beautiful creature in the world." He kissed the top of the cat's head and laughed, and the girls couldn't help but smile. A frown crossed his face, however, when he looked towards the horizon.

The Sun was beginning its quick descent. Winter was always hard - short, cold days; long, silent nights. He looked back to the girls and said, "You should get on home. It's gonna be dark soon, your mom's gonna wonder where you are."

"Can we come back and see your cat?," said the youngest girl.

"Brianna, don't be rude!," muttered the oldest girl, tugging on her sleeve. Robert chuckled quietly.

"Tell you what," he said, leaning against the fence, "you ever see this kitty running around where she's not supposed to be, you just tell her 'Sienna, go home!' And if she doesn't move, you have my permission to carry her here yourself." The little girl smiled brightly before Robert motioned with his head, letting them know it was time to get going. He watched them make their way across the field for a few moments before turning and heading back towards the house.

It was a modest but comfortable home, a sturdy wood frame building that must have been close to a century old. It had needed a little work, but Robert had always been good with his hands and soon got the place in shape. He placed Sienna down on the front porch and opened the door, letting her go in first before he stepped after her.

He closed the door tightly and removed his jacket, hanging it up before walking into the kitchen, where the oven was gently humming, radiating a little heat into the room.

"Cute kids, huh?," he said to the cat as he sat at the table. Robert pulled off his boots and flexed his toes, leaning back in the chair. "Kinda good they found you. I was a bit worried you'd be out there in the dark. Can't have that, can we?" He smiled, but it was a weak expression and it only lasted a moment. He nodded towards the oven.

"Little something for you, figured I'd keep it warm," he muttered. He stood up, walked towards the window and looked out. The Sun was making its way further down past the horizon. The darkness was coming in, and he had that old ache in the pit of his stomach.

 

[monique_minx]

Sienna watched Robert sit at the table; she looked up at him as he spoke and mewed her response before jumping up onto the wooden surface. She bowed her head as he nodded towards the oven and observed him as he wandered over to the window. She tilted her head and meowed loudly, causing him to turn to face her as she jumped from the table. She wandered over and curled around his legs once more as the sun began its descent.

Sienna backed up and faced him, watching as he knelt before her and her eyes widened into deep pools of pain. Her ribs cracked out and her agonizing meow became a human cry as her black fur receded to her head and lengthened. Her jaw structure morphed and her teeth elongated and retracted in places to become human. The cat's pupils ballooned out and shifted, still a brilliant blue but now belonging to those of a homosapien. Sienna’s legs stretched out and toes appeared and she wriggled her fingers just to feel them as finally the change was complete; she knelt there before Robert as a naked human woman.

“Robert…” She gasped and wrapped her arms around him, falling into his hold with a quick glance to the window.

“There’s not much time, I love you.” She whispered into his ear as tears fell from her eyes and she thought about how unfair their situation was for the millionth time.

They never deserved this and worse; he didn’t deserve it. Sienna felt that horrible pang of human guilt all over again as she squeezed him tightly.

“Please don’t give up on us baby!” She pleaded with him and ran her fingers through his hair, “Did you find anything today? Anything that can help us?”

It had been two months with no luck and tonight he would visit her again to ask the same question he’d asked every week. She dreaded it and wished him dead but to do such a thing was an impossibility under their peculiar circumstances.

"Forgive me Robert..." She whispered and the tears fell from her eyes all over again.

 

[deevo]

Robert held Sienna tightly, blinking back tears. He was not an overly emotional man, but watching his love's agonising transformation was sometimes too much to bear. He stroked her hair, whispering into her ear.

"Forgive you? My love, there is nothing to forgive. This is not your doing..." Black thoughts sprang forth, the thought of ripping out that bastard's throat, but Robert knew if he did so there might be no way to lift the curse. He brought his calloused hands to Sienna's soft cheeks and kissed her, her scent and her taste driving him wild. Oh, to lay with her... but there was no time.

He could already feel it radiating out from the pit of his stomach. It started as an irritation, almost like heartburn, before swallowing up his entire body. Every nerve ending began to twitch as if an electrical impulse fired through them. Reluctantly, Robert pulled himself away from Sienna and began to unbutton his shirt. Sometimes instinct got the better of him; it was important to be out of the house before he changed entirely, for her safety.

He pulled the shirt off and wrapped it around her shoulders to protect her shivering form.

"I didn't find anything," he muttered. "Not yet. But there still books we haven't read. There might be someone out there who can help." He gripped her shoulders tightly.

"Just promise me you won't give in," he said. "Whatever happens, never give in..." He stumbled backwards, holding his stomach. The last light was fading; it was almost time to go.

 

[monique_minx]

"Forgive you? My love, there is nothing to forgive. This is not your doing..."

Sienna's hands closed around his wrists as he touched her cheeks and his tender kiss only made her long for him more but time was too short and the pair broke apart. She marked him in her memory forever as he wrapped her shirt around her, she desired him more than anything in that moment.

"I didn't find anything. Not yet. But there's still books we haven't read. There might be someone out there who can help."

Sienna's face fell as he spoke; it was the same hopeless story they'd repeated over and over. She sniffed and looked up as his fingers pressed into her shoulders and she met his eyes.

"Just promise me you won't give in. Whatever happens, never give in..."

Sienna watched him pull away and stumble backwards, she glanced at the window as she stood up - it was time. She slipped her arms into the sleeves of his shirt and barely noticed her own nudity as her concern for her love was greater than anything. She stepped forward and grabbed his arm, fighting to hold on even as he pulled away from her. It killed her everytime she had to witness him run into the night and she wouldn't go through it again.

"Robert! Stay baby! Please just stay?! You won't hurt me, you couldn't..." She begged him with fresh salty tears sliding down her cheeks as she embraced him one last time.

Sienna lifted her head from his chest with a gasp as she heard the distinct sound of cracking bone and she stepped back. A quick glance told her the sun was gone completely and Sienna had to plant her feet firmly to stop herself from running away from Robert.

"Oh god...I love you...I won't give up, I swear it!" She whispered passionately and closed the shirt around her weakened body. "Just stay with me Robert..."

She sobbed quietly and watched her love kneel down with his pain, her expression contorted into one of agony, desperately wishing to just turn away but she forced herself to watch Robert's suffering - the voice inside her head told her it was her fault in spite of all he'd said to her. Sienna had witnessed his transformation only once before and she knew his fear, she had a wonderful set of scars down her back to show for it. That had been almost two months earlier when the curse was fresh but now they had it under as much control as they could and she'd show her love and trust by staying with him through it.

Sienna found herself wondering if this was how Robert felt watching her transformation, the pain in his eyes was tearing at her heart like a razor blade and she mouthed 'I'm sorry' to him before his eyes made the shift.

 

[deevo]

Dark voices whispered to him, repeating the same thing over and over again: all is like this. Life, love; all is pain.

Agonising pain that ravaged his body, a knife running through his gut and up his chest, blood cells burning in his veins. Pain of such fury that he was certain he would die, but that release never came. Robert's eyes met Sienna's, his agony reflected in pools of blue as tears streamed down her cheeks.

"Si...enn...," he tried to speak but his throat closed up and pulled itself apart, his jaws cracking and elongating. With frantic hands he tore the last of the clothes from his body and rolled across the floor.

She begged him to stay, just as she always did. But he couldn't risk hurting her, not again. There was something inside him, a wildness that he couldn't guarantee wouldn't overcome him. He could control it with time, but for those first few moments after the change, all he wanted to do was lash out and feed. Robert crawled towards the door, his ribs snapping and moving, cutting up his lungs.

The world was already fading into a different light, his eyes now so accustomed to the darkness outside. He could see everything; he could feel everything. His hands had already changed almost completely before he finally managed to open the door, pulling it shut behind him.

Robert lay on the porch, his shaggy hair now covering much of his body. He screamed as the last remnants of his human form disappeared until the scream turned into a strangled howl. He rolled to his feet and stared out at the wide expanse of land in front of him. There was a fence in the way. Would have to figure out a way through. He smelled blood and fear in the air. A thousand terrified creatures stood in nervous silence, waiting for him to strike.

His ears twitched as he padded out onto the yard. He looked back for a moment and spotted a figure inside the big house. She stared at him with sorrowful eyes, a strange animal. For a moment there was a flash of recognition; he felt some kind of link with this animal, but he couldn't fully determine what it was. She was... she was... in his pack?

Yes. Yes, that was it. And he... he was alpha male. He was alpha male and had a responsibility to care for his pack. He walked back and forth along the fence; there was one small gap, but it was nowhere near big enough for him. He would need to find a way out and track something down. The pack was hungry; he had to provide.

 

[monique_minx]

All Sienna could do was watch as he scrambled for the door, the sounds of his pain echoing in her head like some terrifying symphony that only she could hear. She wanted so much to help him and yet she knew she could do nothing as she moved to the window and looked out upon her love in the hopes that one day he would remember her at night. His grey eyes were alight now and staring at her, she wiped her tears away and took a deep shuddering breath.

“Remember me Robert…please remember me…” She whispered softly as he stalked further away from her and she knew the smell of cat on her only made it more difficult for his canine senses.

Sienna finally turned from the window and ran frustrated fingers through her raven tresses as she walked up the hall and entered the bathroom. She stared at her red rimmed eyes in the mirror as she peeled his shirt from her body, smelling him one last time before she threw it aside angrily and stepped under a waterfall of warm water. The cat smell never truly left her but each night she attempted to get rid of it anyway, the four long scars covered most of her back and she was glad at the very least that in her feline form; she had fur to cover them.

She twisted the taps and stopped the water flow before stepping from the shower recess; Sienna grabbed a towel from the rail and wrapped it around herself. She sighed and took a quick glance at the clock as she wandered to her bedroom…no, their bedroom. She walked through the door with the same expression of pain she had watching Robert’s transformation and as always she found herself unable to even look at their bed. She turned to the small armoire and opened the wooden doors, Robert had built this wardrobe for her and she ran fingers over it smiling.

Sienna almost laughed as she found her clothes all hung up neatly; he’d done her laundry and she thanked him silently as she took a pair of jeans and a bright red halter from it. Her matching black underwear was fine enough she decided as she dressed quickly and ran a brush through her long waves until they were straightened out enough to be tickling her derriere. She slipped some low heeled strappy blacks on and returned her towel to the bathroom.

Sienna wandered to the kitchen and opened the oven; she turned it off and smiled as she removed the plate of food from it. It was only baked potato but it made Sienna happy to think Robert had made it for her, she was just glad he hadn’t been in a joking mood this week; sometime last week he’d left her tuna and it was impossible to be mad at him so she just laughed. Sienna ate quickly; her eyes always on the clock as finally she left the dishes in the sink, ran to her room and fetched her purse from the nightstand.

Sienna dashed out the door and got into her adorable little yellow beetle of a car and drove out wondering where Robert had gone tonight. It was a long silent drive into the city and more than once she had to drag her thoughts from her love so she was rather grateful when she pulled up and wandered into work. Work if that was what you would call it was at a night club; she’d quit her previous job after the curse was enacted as it was rather difficult to work a 9am to 5pm job when you had fur and claws.

Also she could never be around him so often after what he’d done to them. Sienna worked through the night with relative ease, hiding her concerns and anxieties from her co workers, she was actually grateful for the loud music on these nights. Finally it was time for her to knock off, she was thankful that she only had to work a five hour shift before she could head home. It was 1:30am but Sienna wasn’t going anywhere and she knew that when she got to her car; he would be standing there waiting for her.

She took her time and dawdled at first but as it approached 2am she shook her head and growled; she wanted this over with! Sienna wandered around the last corner and sure enough there he was; leaning against her little yellow car. She held back tears of anger and sadness as she walked over to it, unable to get in and just drive off as he leant against the driver’s side door just staring at her in that unnerving way he usually did.

“Why do you keep coming here when you know my answer will be the same as it was last week and the same as it was two months ago?” She asked flatly, emotionless and void as she stood in front of him and stared at the ground.

 

[deevo]

Vincent

[OOC: Very sorry to keep you waiting so long for this!]

For Vincent, this was the best moment. The moment when she walked towards him, radiating heat, angry but still oh so sensuous. This was the anticipation and it sent a shiver up his spine every time. He leaned against Sienna's car, casual as could be in his suit. Nice thin lines, his blonde locks cut and styled, his favourite cologne dabbed around his neck. Even if she didn't care, he still made an effort to look his most presentable.

“Why do you keep coming here when you know my answer will be the same as it was last week and the same as it was two months ago?”

He wished it didn't have to be like this. She spoke to him as if he enjoyed all this. And perhaps there was a sliver of satisfaction knowing the brutish rogue spent his nights chasing down rats and howling at the moon. But Sienna...

Sienna had rebuked him, even after he promised her the world. She didn't need the world, all she needed was love. So Vincent simply wanted to see how strong that love actually was. Stronger than his desire for her? He had to admit, she had held out for quite some time, but he knew it couldn't last forever.

"You know me, Sienna," he said, giving her a sly grin. "I'm ever hopeful." He took a few steps towards her, his intentions never hidden as he eyed her curvaceous figure.

"You're keeping well, anyway," he said as he walked around her. "Looking very good, as always. But what is this...?" He noticed a number of marks near the top of her back and placed a finger on the back of her halter top, gently pressing down to reveal more of the scars.

 

[monique_minx]

OOC: It's sweet, tag you're it!

"You know me, Sienna, I'm ever hopeful."

She looked up as he took the few steps toward her and fought to control herself, tears wanted to flood her face, anger made her want to scream at him and the hopeless sinking feeling he invoked made her want to fall apart and beg. She’d promised Robert she’d never give in and each day that passed made it just a little harder to keep that promise.

"You're keeping well, anyway."

She watched as he circled her and reminded her insistently that he was something of a vulture. She forced herself to remain still just as she had for the past 7 meetings during which he seemed to get bolder and bolder with her and his comments.

"Looking very good, as always. But what is this...?"

There was a sharp intake of breath as he pressed his finger on her halter top and pulled the fabric down; she almost growled that she’d been so stupid thinking her hair would cover the scars properly. She balled up her fists and forced herself to remain still, shaking with fear, anger and sadness. He couldn’t do worse than he’d done to them but in the past she’d pleaded with him, done the angry retorts and cried tears but he would not relent; she could give him but a single thing and he would lift the curse. It was the promise to Robert that stopped her; she loved him more than anything but watching his pain was worse than living her own. She didn’t know what to do anymore…

“Do you care Vincent? They’re old wounds now after all, when you enacted the curse and we were…unprepared. Robert attacked me in his…wolf shape…but of course you know that. Does it get under your skin even a little to see mine so marked?” Sienna’s tone was fletched with sadness but she didn’t give the tears she wanted to cry and she spun around to face him. “Does it matter?”

 

[deevo]

Vincent

Vincent frowned and said "Of course it matters. That beast left you scarred and yet you still run to him." He paced back and forth; he did not like to see her sad or angry. Why couldn't she understand that what he did, he did to show her how unworthy that bastard Robert really was?

"I could mend those wounds, you know," he said. "Either with a few words or by the best plastic surgeons in the country. But I don't because they show you, better than anything, the price of foolishness. But Sienna, I am a forgiving man." Vincent stepped forward, as close as he dared, and stared softly into her eyes.

"You do not love me - very well," he said. "But grant me a gift. Grant me one night with you, and in the morning you may travel wherever you wish, free to be with whoever you think you love. Is that so much to ask for?"

 

[monique_minx]

"Of course it matters. That beast left you scarred and yet you still run to him."

She wanted to retort angrily at that, it was he who’d made Robert a beast in the first place and before that Robert would never have harmed her. When he’d found her at the dawn, just prior to the change, she was curled up on the floor and hadn’t moved. She was bleeding and Robert had near vomited his self loathing when he realized he’d done it to her. He’d had to bandage Sienna the cat instead of the woman and she hadn’t been able to move much for weeks. Robert never spent too long with her at dusk after that.

"I could mend those wounds, you know, either with a few words or by the best plastic surgeons in the country. But I don't because they show you, better than anything, the price of foolishness. But Sienna, I am a forgiving man."

She broke from her memory and looked up at him as he stepped closer to her, she didn’t flinch or step away out of curiosity to hear what it was he had to say.

"You do not love me - very well. But grant me a gift. Grant me one night with you, and in the morning you may travel wherever you wish, free to be with whoever you think you love. Is that so much to ask for?"

She was left speechless by his request as she was instantly reminded of her promise to Robert but at the same time his painful transformation was still fresh in her mind. To be unfaithful to him was unthinkable to her and she swallowed hard before she looked Vincent in the eyes.

“That depends on what you’re truly asking of me Vincent, one night that entails what exactly?” It was a question she feared asking for it was a dangerous line to walk along, for tonight she was safe as it was almost over and soon she would be a cat again. A quick glance at her wrist watch told her it was nearing 2:30am; they’d never spoken for this long before!

Inside her mind she was silently begging Robert to forgive her for merely speaking to Vincent but she wanted the chance to remove the curse without giving herself over to the man. She wondered if he was giving her the option now or if he just wanted her to break her promise to her love and in turn; break them apart.

 

[deevo]

Vincent

“That depends on what you’re truly asking of me Vincent, one night that entails what exactly?”

Vincent suppressed a smile. Come now Sienna, he thought, you're a clever girl. You know exactly what it entails. But he knew he couldn't say as much. He had never been able to hold her attention for this long before and didn't want to destroy any progress he might have made.

Could it be her resolve was starting to crack? Perhaps, after two months of painful transformation - and, of course, the frustration of an empty bed - Sienna was finally willing to hear him out and accept his offer. He glanced up and down her body, taking in the view of her divine curves. Something primal stirred within him, wishing to take her here.

But no - he wouldn't do that. He could force her, he could control her mind, he could turn Sienna against her will into his slave... but Vincent didn't want that. He wanted her to come to him willingly, to accept him with a clear mind if not a clear conscience. That was the only way he could gain the most satisfaction from her, knowing her actions would break Robert's heart.

Head bowed, he spoke quietly, saying, "I simply wish to show you all that I might offer you. For one night, experience the comfort and respect that comes with being by my side. Surely that wouldn't break your vow to Robert?" Vincent practically spat the name, wondering what that rotten dog was doing at that moment.

 

[deevo]

Robert

He felt totally free. He was in the wind, blown along an overgrown path, frantically running between the trees. The forest blanketed him with comforting darkness. He chased after rodents scrambling through the undergrowth. He wasn't really hunting, just playing, enjoying the strength in is body.

His muscles rippled with nervous energy as he gazed into the darkness. He felt at home here, among friends. And yet...

There was something missing. He was a lone wolf, separate from his pack. He sniffed the air, searching for a scent, listening intently for a sound. In the back of his head, he knew he had to travel back to the big house. Something was waiting for him there. Someone.

He turned and padded back down the path.

 

[monique_minx]

"I simply wish to show you all that I might offer you. For one night, experience the comfort and respect that comes with being by my side. Surely that wouldn't break your vow to Robert?"

Sienna felt a tear roll down her cheek, imagining Robert spending a night with her instead of Vincent. She missed lying in bed with him, his arms around her as his skin pressed against her’s, how he would tease her and laugh with her. She was silent for a long time as his emphasis of Robert, the venom he put into the word ran through her veins. Whether or not Vincent removed the curse following a night with him, she was certain she’d lose Robert; was it worth it?

She was smart enough to know a night with Vincent meant crawling between sheets with the man and while he was quite attractive, he wasn’t Robert. Sienna could stand her transformation but watching her love go through it was another matter entirely and it tore her apart. They’d lost two months of their time together because of this, because of her and there was nothing Robert could do about it but hope Sienna wouldn’t give in. Her face finally flooded with tears and she looked into Vincent’s eyes.

“You know exactly what that would do to Robert, what that would do to me Vincent. How…I can’t and I would never do it to him. Why are you doing this to me?!” She sobbed as her expression went from helpless to angry in seconds.

“Do you even know how much it hurts me? Every time I have to change, the pain of it? Watching Robert’s pain when he changes? The beast as you called him was the beast you turned him into and the beast that shredded the woman you claim to love! How can you look at me professing love and put me through all of this?!” She asked disparagingly, her tone was fletched with anger and hurt, more than anything she just wanted to-.

SMACK

Her hand connected with his cheek hard before she knew it was in motion and she glared at him furiously before the adrenaline induced fear coursed through her and she turned on her heel to stalk away from him; barely resisting the urge to run as she made her way through the underground car park quickly.

 

[deevo]

Vincent

It was the shock of Sienna's sudden movement more than the pain of her slap that most affected Vincent. He took a step back and rubbed his cheek, anger rising up from the pit of his stomach. Sienna turned and began to walk away. Vincent, with fire behind his eyes, marched after her, spinning her around and grabbing her by the wrists.

"You talk of pain!?," he yelled. "You act like I enjoy watching you suffer! I didn't make the wolf that Robert turns into; it was always there, just as that little feline was always inside you. I simply showed you the truth - he is an animal, a beast, and he could never give you what I can! I don't want to watch you in such pain, Sienna, but you have to see how much you hurt me!"

His hands were tight around her wrists, squeezing hard. He knew this would only make Sienna hate him more, but Vincent was so incensed that his own instincts momentarily overtook him. He pressed his lips against hers and kissed her angrily.

 

[monique_minx]

Sienna was shocked at his painful grip on her wrists but it was the kiss that had her completely boggled, she barely had time to understand his words before his lips pressed hers. She pulled back from him, twisting in his grip but it still hurt to get free and left red burn marks on her wrists. She slapped him again, her face flushed with embarrassment and anger.

“I hope I hurt you Vincent.” She said coldly and turned on her heel; she got into her little yellow beetle quickly and fumbled with her keys until finally she’d turned the ignition on. She gave him one last shake of her head and put the car in reverse knowing she’d see him again next week if not sooner but as the clock ticked over to 3am, she started to worry about getting home before dawn.

She drove out of the car park and burst into tears, the long drive home was quiet but for shaking sobs and when she finally pulled into the lengthy driveway it was 3:30am. Sienna turned the car off and slammed her hands against the steering wheel just once before she grabbed her purse, got out and closed the door. She was lost in her thoughts as she wandered to the front door and merely leaned against it as though she was exhausted; she was tired; sick and tired of this.

A low growl alerted her to his presence and she spun around quickly, her back pressed to the front door as she watched the wolf approaching. Her eyes widened and she gripped the edges of the door frame, dropping her purse and keys on the ground.

“Robert…” She whispered in a frightened tone, praying he’d remember who she was this time round.

 

[deevo]

Vincent

Vincent watched Sienna leave, not making any more effort to stop her. His tongue slipped out across his lips; he could taste her lipstick, still smell her perfume. It was worth another slap to the face; he grinned slyly and wondered what he could get for a punch.

"You hope you hurt me, eh?," he muttered to himself as he watched her car speed off. "Maybe now, but not forever." He was certain of that much - whether her love for Robert or her own needs as a woman brought her, Sienna would some day throw herself at Vincent's feet, offer anything to lift the curse. He could feel it, knew it. People were all so similar - all you needed to know was what buttons to press. The pursuit was almost as satisfying as taking her would be. Vincent turned and walked towards his own car, parked nearby.

"Until we meet again, sweet Sienna," he said.

 

[deevo]

Robert

A running leap got him over the fence, dropping to the ground and shaking his fur. He couldn't understand why he had to get back into this cramped space; he wanted to be out beyond fences and walls. But there was a familiarity to this place. Was this...? Yes, this was the den. He felt proud of himself for choosing a place so safe. He was able to climb over the fence, but other animals would not. His pack was safe here, and that was good.

He smelled her before he saw her. He pricked his ears and followed the sounds of her footsteps. She was walking towards the door - right into the den! He had to stop her!

He ran up and stood within striking range, teeth bared as he growled at the intruder. She looked back at him with fearful eyes and he was glad. Yes, fear me! Fear me and run away before I tear out your throat! He took another step towards her, his muscles primed and ready to leap.

He stopped momentarily at her whisper. Rob urt? What does that mean? Was she trying to tell him what she was? But there was something in the sound that sparked a memory or a feeling that he couldn't explain. He lowered his tail and looked at her quizzically, his head cocked slightly. There was something familiar about her, too. He padded slowly forward, inhaling more of her scent. She smelled fresh and cool, like a meadow at first light, coated in a blanket of dew. Her face... he recognised her face. She was... he saw her earlier! She was inside then. That meant...

He pressed his nose against her hand, sensed her fear, felt every shiver that ran up her spine. No need to fear, he thought. I know you. You're in my pack. You look a little strange, but you're in my pack. I like you. He licked her hand, hoping to calm her. He whimpered slightly, running his rough tongue across her palm. She was afraid, but there was sorrow, too. He nuzzled against her, a confusing mess of images running through his head. They didn't seem to be his and yet they were. There was a word - something beginning with "S." He was feeling very confused.

 

[monique_minx]

Sienna quivered but stayed as still as she could as the wolf she knew to be her love pressed his nose against her open hand. She felt the tongue run over her palm and smiled gently, it tickled but she tried so hard not to move; the last thing she needed was for Robert to attack her because she made a sudden movement. She felt him press against her and while she was apprehensive; she couldn’t help the smile that spread across her face.

She moved her hand slowly over his head, letting him see her motions as she gently petted him. She could see the red glowing skin on her wrist and knew she’d be bruised before too long, Vincent’s hard kiss had also bruised her lips and she shook her head in anger, slowly. Sienna knelt down to Robert and picked up her keys in slow motion before standing just as gradually. She turned to her side and kept her eyes on him as she slid the key into the lock and heard the click. Sienna pushed the door open and wandered inside; hoping he’d follow her as she stood barely a few paces from the door.

“Come in Robert, this is our home…you remember me don’t you? Do you remember your home?” She asked the wolf in a hushed tone.

In the light of the room, her face was a mess and her hair hung limply but her entire focus was on her love as she knelt down slowly and beckoned to him. Come on Robert, please just remember…I don’t want to be afraid of you anymore…

 

[deevo]

Robert

He stepped forward tentatively, understanding trying to cut through the haze of confusion. She spoke to him with strange tones, but there were occasional sounds he could understand. "Home" - that was one. Yes, this was home. She was home; he felt at ease when she petted him, enjoying her touch.

Indeed, he was remembering more and more about her. Nothing specific, but enough to paint a clearer picture. His eyes moved to take in his surroundings, everything in the den seeming to be right. Thre was no one else here, but that was OK. This was still his pack. He was the alpha male, responsible for its care. She was the only other member. Did that make her alpha female?

He noticed the marks on her wrist and gently licked them. She was hurt; he immediately felt a surge of anger and nuzzled her protectively. He placed a paw on her knee and licked her face. The alpha female, his chosen mate. He would protect her from harm.

 

[monique_minx]

Sienna felt a tear glide down her cheek as Robert licked her face, he remembered and that meant everything to her. She petted him again, watching as he nuzzled her and licked her wrists; she knew he was worried that she was hurt and nothing could compare to that kind of recognition from her love’s wolven shape. She ran her hand down his back and fur one last time before she stood up slowly and spoke to him in a gentle tone of voice.

“Robert, I have to go and clean myself up baby…stay here for me…please, please stay…stay home…” She smiled at him fondly and turned slowly, wandering down the hall and into the bathroom.

Sienna looked at herself in the mirror, her lipstick smeared and her hair a mess. She looked at each of her wrists which were red raw and near identical. She leant against the sink and took a deep breath before she gripped a sponge and wiped the lipstick from her mouth; wincing as she realized how tender her lips were. She picked up her hairbrush and quickly ran it through her ebony curls before she finally turned from the bathroom with one last grimace.

Her eyes moved to the clock; 5am…dawn was approaching and before the uncomfortable ache could be felt for real, Sienna had already remembered what this would be like. She wandered out to Robert and knew her wolf mate would be feeling it too. She smiled at him as he was curled up on the couch and went to sit next to him very carefully, the ache grew worse the moment she sat down and Sienna doubled over with a soft gasp. Her intestines felt like they were twisting inside her already and she looked over at Robert, watching as his shape began to morph.

 

[deevo]

Robert

She appeared to feel better as she walked away, leaving him to watch the house for any peculiarities. Everything seemed in place, so he lay down and relaxed. He'd had a busy night; some rest would do him good. But no matter how he lay, he couldn't find comfort. There was a dull ache in his stomach; something he'd eaten perhaps. As she came back and sat beside, him, however, he suddenly jumped and yelped in pain.

He fell to the floor, frightened by the sudden shock of pain that shot through him. It grew until it affected every part of him, causing him to whine and growl. He rolled across the floor, shocked by the changes in his body. What was happening!? He could barely think straight.

He howled as his bones cracked and reformed, his muscles spasming as they were stretched and compacted. His howl became a strangled scream; he blacked out for a moment, and when he opened his eyes...

Robert found himself laying face down on the floor. He slowly pushed himself up, trembling with the exertion. On the couch he saw Sienna, doubled over in pain. He crawled towards her, terrified that he had done something to her again. Why was he in the house? Did she let him in? Had he bit her, clawed at her?

"Sienna," he whispered hoarsely, wrapping his arms around her waist. He lay his head on her lap and said, "Sienna, my love. What... I can't... did I hurt you?"

 

[monique_minx]

Sienna watched as Robert jumped from the couch and started to change, she stayed doubled over with the suffocating feeling in her chest. She saw her love naked before her and smiled gently at him, the concern in his eyes made her heart ache.

"Sienna."

She moved her arms aside as he wrapped his around her waist and she combed her fingers through his hair slowly. She wondered what to tell him about Vincent but his question saved her a moment to think.

"Sienna, my love. What... I can't... did I hurt you?"

She shook her head, “No Robert…you remembered me, I thought you were going to attack me but you seemed to remember…” A tear slid down her face and she sniffed, “I’m so sorry baby, I think I made things worse for us. Vincent presented me with another offer and I couldn’t accept it either. I don’t know what to do anymore; I can’t save us from this curse without destroying our love first…”

Her chest started to compress more and she gasped, it was strange and different somehow. The change never came on so quickly and the pain was agonizing, worse than ever before. She’d never felt pain before Robert had shifted; only after and she wasn’t changing yet. None of her ribs were morphing, she wasn’t coated in black fur and yet she was in extreme pain.

 

[deevo]

Robert

The joy of knowing he had remembered her in his wolven state gave way to panic and fear as Sienna lay in agony on the couch. Robert sat beside her, holding her tightly in his arms.

"Sienna?," he asked, eyes wide with fear. "What offer? What did he say?"

He received no response, however. Whatever was happening to Sienna, it wasn't like the usual agony of transformation. Was this a new punishment now? After two months, was Vincent merely turning the screw? Robert sat with her, his nude form only emphasising his total and utter powerlessness.

 

[monique_minx]

Sienna barely heard Robert’s question as her chest compressed rather suddenly, it felt like an invisible constrictor had wrapped itself around her torso and was slowly squeezing the life out of her. Her eyes welled up with pained tears and she wheezed in a strained attempt to breathe.

“Robert…what’s happening?” She gasped out in a panicked tone as she broke free of Robert’s arms and fell to the floor; clutching her stomach.

Her mind spun as she felt every part of her transformation, it had never been so slow or agonizing before and she was quickly reminded of her conversation with Vincent involving pain. She felt her ribs contracting at an insanely sluggish rate; each inch was felt and her eyes let the tears spring free. She curled into the fetal position and did all she could to alleviate the pain but she had a nagging voice inside her head telling her it was far from over.

“Baby, I fucked up…I’m sorry! I didn’t mean it…he kissed me, I made it worse…but I didn’t…I couldn’t break my promise to you…he wanted a night with me…one night and he’d take the curse away!” Sienna whimpered her words, trying to explain before she morphed too far to speak or entered a stage of pain beyond words.