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** Valley of the Beasts, Chapter 1**

** By William W. Kelso**

Bridget had screamed and begged as the Mayor and Lord Protector read his verdict, it was so horribly unfair. "Guilty as charged." and her screams had become even louder when he announced her sentence. She was to be given to the beasts!

Now she waited in the town jail, chained to the wall in a small filthy cell, the dirty straw crawled with vermin and she shuddered as she felt the small creatures exploring her body. She could do nothing as her arms were chained over her head and the insects roamed her body at will. She thought it rather ridiculous that she was considered so dangerous she had to be chained up this way. Her great crime had been stealing bread because she was hungry.

She'd had a brief flash of hope when the Mayor had her brought to his private quarters in the town hall. He had told her if she was "nice" to a "lonely old man" he might be able to have her sentence changed. Then after he'd fucked her he'd tired of his game and had her taken back to her cell. When she tried to tell the jailers that he had raped her they just laughed and cuffed her a few times, then they had taken their pleasure with her as well. It had taken the three of them several hours to tire of her as though she was skinny and malnourished she was young and her body still had the appeal of youth. They had used her brutally, both in her sex and her ass; sometimes both at once, and she had cried and begged to no avail, her cries only seeming to excite her assailants even more. To her horror she actually felt some pleasure as they took turns with her, and they called her a slut when moaned in unwanted pleasure. Several times she felt something building in her loins, but they always finished before it peaked and she wondered what might have happened, what that building feeling had been. When they were done her tattered clothes were even more tattered, what remained of them. And they gave her no more rags with which to cover her virtual nakedness. And every few hours over the next five days they had raped her again and again until she was almost used to it, and every time there seemed to be less pain and more horrible pleasure. At least the youngest jailor had seemed to feel bad enough about it that he'd brought her a good meal a few times. She knew what they did was wrong; was against the law of the land, but here they WERE the law, and she had no one to appeal to for aid or redress. No one cared about a poor orphan with no money, no friends, and no protectors. She just sat and stared into the dark as tears ran slowly down her bruised face as she waited for them to come for her again.

*Her life had never been easy, far from it. Her father had been a charcoal burner, her mother a maid in one of the local noble's households. When her mother became pregnant with her she had been dismissed from her job as a "wanton slut". The fact the baron had regularly fucked everything on his estate; some with four legs it was rumored, was well known. For all Bridget knew she was one of the baron's numerous bastards, but had no way to prove it of course. He was a noble; her mother's word would certainly have not been taken against one of "noble" blood. But she hoped she was her mother's husband's daughter as old Jack had been good to them, so far as his means allowed. Jack Kemp had been much older than Bridget's mother, but her mother had loved him. He had been a simple hard working man who had been a good husband and father, none better. When he had died of an apparent heart attack while chopping wood to burn for charcoal one winters day they had been devastated as Bridget had loved the kind old man she thought of as her "da" too. The townsfolk had given the old man a decent funeral as most had known him all their lives, and they felt it was the least they could do as he had been a Gods Fearing man. They even allowed his wife and daughter to keep living in the old cottage he had rented from the community public property council. But when Bridget's mother had died of the fever this past winter Bridget had been evicted. Since then she had taken what odd jobs she could and tried to find gainful employment. She was a bright pretty girl, though a bit on the skinny side, and a hard worker. She had refused to become a prostitute even though it would have meant good money, her mother had called it a sin and Bridget was a fairly religious girl, though she often wondered why they Gods seemed to hate her so much. But now she might as well be a prostitute, then at least she would have gotten paid. The mayor had taken her virginity; and the jailers had taken what little self respect she still had. And in the morning they would deliver her to a truly horrible fate that would take her life. All for a loaf of stale bread she had needed to keep from starving to death. *

*Several years ago when the great and evil Warlock had been killed; it was said he was eaten by his own dragon mount, and his armies had collapsed great mobs of soldiers and beasts had roamed the land pillaging and doing what they would as few were strong enough to stop them. The town was raided several times, and she remembered huddling in the root cellar with her mother as monsters and men in black armor had roamed the streets, the screams of the townsfolk and roars and laughter of the raiders loud in her terrified ears. At least they had been spared that horrible fate. The beasts had set up a camp in an old ruined keep in a nearby valley. Whenever they were hungry, for food or women, they had raided the town almost with impunity, and the local baron merely shut the doors to his fortified manor and let them run amok. He claimed his few soldiers could do nothing, but everyone knew the fat bastard was a coward as well as a lecher. Then one day the baron had sent a young man who; though scared to death, had approached the camp of the beasts and asked for a truce. Then they had asked what the beasts would take to leave them in peace. The beasts had demanded food and beer, and women which to slake their bestial lusts. No woman or girl who had been "sacrificed" had ever been heard from again. It was said that when the beasts tired of raping the women provided for that purpose they devoured them raw, and that the ground around the old keep was littered with their bones. So once a month a cartload of food & drink was left at the mouth of the valley, and when they returned for the cart it was always empty. No one had seen the beasts for at least four years, but something took the food and returned the cart, so they must still be there, and the men who left the cart claimed to have heard horrible howls and other unnatural cries. And every two months a woman was left strapped to a boulder with the regular offering, and they too disappeared. There was supposed to be a "lottery" of some kind to decide which woman had the "honor" of giving her life for her Lord and fellow townsfolk. Of course somehow it never was a rich or noble woman, but always the poorest and least influential of all. And now they didn't have to bother with the joke of a lottery, they had a "criminal" to send. How convenient. Cowardly curs, thought Bridget. *

In the early morning the jailers came for her; and after gang-raping her again 'for old time's sake', they had loaded her into a cart and chained her to the iron railing around the low sides. One soldier had driven the cart, and two others escorted the slow moving cart. As soon as they were well into the woods the soldiers had stopped, and taking her into the woods they had ripped off the rest of her clothes, and bending her across a log had taken turns fucking her until they were spent. She had just endured it, grunting and sobbing in pain and humiliation; and to her shame had sometimes moaned in pleasure, much to their amusement. Under different circumstances it might have been enjoyable. Her body had given her unwanted pleasure at times, and it confused her how something so horrible could feel so good part of time. When they were done they had dragged her back to the cart; still naked, and when she asked for some clothes they had laughed, and said "You won't be needing them anymore dearie!"

And now she was tied down and spread eagle, nude and helpless, across a large flat topped boulder with four staples driven into it for that purpose. She could barely even wiggle, and the sun felt warm on her bare bruised flesh, her nipples hard from fear. As the soldiers had been tying her down a strange bellowing cry had rang out from farther up the valley, and they had hurriedly finished securing her and then fled on their horses. They certainly were brave when it came to a helpless woman though. She turned her head trying to see in all directions as she had no doubt whatever had made that horrible mournful call would soon come to collect her. She hoped it would be over quick.

The beast watched from the cover of the trees as the three armed humans mounted their horses and galloped away. Such brave lads, he thought to himself. He threw back his head and gave another bellowing cry to help speed them on their way. He waited until they were out of sight, then leaving the tree line he slowly approached the offering's they'd left. He barely glanced at the rather scrawny naked girl strapped to the altar, and instead inspected the cartload of supplies. He could smell her, and could scent she had recently had sex, but controlled his lust. Hmmph, not much he muttered as he examined the "tribute". It seemed like they sent less each time, and the damn beer was sour again. But the food was welcome as he was running low of just about everything, and there was more than enough to keep him well fed until the next tribute was due. Even the slightly soft turnips were welcome; he was not a picky eater. Then he turned his attention to the obviously terrified girl. He clopped over and stared down at her, and she screamed. He closed his eyes, they always did that and he could not blame them.

Bridget could see a large figure moving around the cart out of the corner of her eyes, but couldn't get a clear look as it was above her head and she couldn't' bend her neck enough. But she should see it was big, and upright, but surely those weren't horns on its head! Then it came over and looked down at her and she saw a hulking figure with what were indeed horns on its head outlined by the sun which shone over its shoulders, and when it moved to one side and she got a clearer look she screamed in terror. It wasn't human, no man ever had a muzzle filled with fangs like that, or two great horns on their head. It looked part human, part bull, and part wolf. But her scream choked off a little when she saw the beasts eyes, strangely gentle looking soft blue eyes, then he closed them almost as if in pain.

*"Be quiet girl, he grunted in a deep growling voice, you'll shatter my eardrums. By the Gods you're loud!" *

"Please, please don't hurt me! Bridget pleaded; I'll do anything, please! Please don't rape me!"

"Do you want me to rape you?" asked the Beast.

"By the Gods, sobbed Bridget, please, no!"

"Then be quiet like I said, the Beast replied, I will not harm you girl. Just shut up a little bit please, you're scaring Rupert."

Rupert? Thought Bridget, there's more than one of them! She heard a scrambling sound and screamed again as a large reptilian head suddenly popped up over the edge of the boulder, and when she yelled it gave a frightened squeak and disappeared.

"Girl, PLEASE be quiet, came the growling voice again, or I will leave you here for them to find next time they come. What the wolves leave, that is."

So Bridget shut up. Being left tied up naked like this sounded almost as bad as the alternative. Die quickly at the hands of monsters, or die slowly from starvation and exposure. What a choice, truly the Gods hated her.

Finally the beast came over and undid her bindings. The circulation to her ankles and wrists had been cut off, and when she tried to stand she gave a cry of pain and started to fall over, but the beast caught her and she froze, trembling. She could feel the strength in his large powerful hands, and smell his bestial musk. But he was gentle and held her for awhile, then said,

"Can you walk now girl?"

"Yes, yes, I....thank you."

"You are welcome girl, the beast replied. Wait here, and don't mind Rupert, he's harmless."

Bridget saw that "Rupert" was a rather large bipedal lizard like creature; about the size of a large goat or calf, and he looked at her with bright curious eyes and bobbed his head up and down. Then he slowly approached her, his head low as he looked up at her, as if the strange creature wanted something.

"He wants you to scratch his nose, the beast said in an amused voice. He must like you."

Hesitantly Bridget reached out and rubbed; then scratched the lizard's nose, and it made a soft hissing sound and its tail whipped back forth, much like a dog wagging its tail. She started scratching harder, and the lizard closed its eyes and gave a sweet sounding, almost cooing noise. She heard a snort of amusement, and looked up again as the beast approached,

"Here girl, this is better than nothing."

The beast handed her a large piece of burlap he had found in the cart. He had cut a slit in the center, and she slipped it over her head like a rain cape. It was amazing how much better she felt with even just that most simple covering. It made her feel human again.

"Now follow me, the beast said, evening is approaching and a wolf pack runs this valley at night. They would not bother one such as me, but would make quick work of a morsel like you."

Then the beast harnessed himself to the cart, and started pulling it along the barely discernable old road bed that led to a break in the trees at the edge of the large clearing. The lizard ran ahead and disappeared into the tree line. Bridget looked around in the failing light; then started after the beast. She had nowhere else to go. If she went back to the village they would no doubt just bring her back, after most likely gang-raping her again, and she was terrified of being alone in the wilderness. Something howled in the distance, so she hurried up until she was walking beside the cart, her eyes nervously scanning the forest around them. There was no sign of the lizard, and the beast just ignored her as it pulled the heavy cart with apparent ease.

Eventually they exited the forest again, and on a low mound at the other end of a clearing was an old keep, partially in ruins now. She had seen other similar ruins in the countryside around the town, and knew it was from the days of the old Empire. An old military road had once run through the valley until the pass was blocked, and the fort had been abandoned well over a hundred years ago. The ruins were evidently the beast's goal as he pulled the cart through the portal in the old main gatehouse, and turning closed the great gates and pushed a huge bar through the brackets.

"We will be safe now, the beast grunted, nothing can get over the walls unless they have ladders or can fly, and last I heard wolves can do neither."

Bridget shivered in the crisp night air, and when the beast picked up two large bags of food and walked over to the main keep tower and entered she hesitated, and then followed. As she approached she heard a scrabbling sound, and looking up saw the large lizard climb over the wall, hop down into the courtyard, and it scampered past her; turning its head to look at her, and into the tower after the beast. Shivering from more than just the cold she followed the lizard into the dark beckoning doorway.

"Shut the door after you, said the beast, did you grow up in a barn?"

Bridget almost laughed at the somewhat strange statement, seeing as it came from a creature that looked as much like a barnyard animal that DID live in a barn as it did a man. Turning, she shut the door after her, the only light now being provided by the fire the beast was stoking and throwing wood on. Unsure what to do Bridget sat down on an old trunk and pulled her burlap cape closer around her, shivering in the cool dank air of the old keep. The beast lit a lantern with a stick from the fire, and standing up it approached her. She watched as it approached, its eyes reflecting the light like an animals, and as it walked it make clopping sounds like a horse and she realized it had hooves instead of feet. She closed her eyes as it got closer. So it starts, she thought, well at least I'm used to being raped. When nothing happened after a minute or two she slowly opened her eyes again.

The beast stood and looked down at the girl. She was filthy and stank of many different males, all human. He had no doubts as to what had happened; most of the girls brought to valley had been raped first. But he could smell her own scent; strong and female, under the overlying stink. He felt a stirring in his loins, but NO, he wasn't like that anymore. Since his slave collar had fallen away he was a free being now, and he would not relive those horrors he had performed under the orders of the Warlock. He wanted to hold her and reassure her as she cringed, but knew that would be the worst thing he could do. And Gods help him he wanted her, it had been a long time, but he would not force himself on a woman, not anymore.

Bridget looked up in something like disbelief as the beast handed her the lantern, and then said,

"You're freezing girl. You see those trunks in the corner, the two large and three small ones? They are full of clothing and such; see if you can find something more appropriate to wear. Help yourself; you may have anything you like. There is also water in those buckets if you wish to clean yourself."

Then the beast turned and went back to fire. The lizard was lying next to the fire, and as the beast prepared some food of some kind he threw scraps to the lizard who snapped them out of the air with happy hisses. Bridget stood up, still a little unsure of herself. Maybe he wanted her to have a chance to run, to try and escape? She went over to the trunks he'd indicated, and gasped when she looked inside. There were all sorts of beautiful and fancy dresses of all manner. They were haphazardly stuffed into the trunks with no order or concern to keep them folded. Some pieces had fallen on the dirty floor, and rodents and insects had been at others, but many were in fine condition. She finally settled on a simple blouse and skirt of fine brown linen with a matching vest. There was also a shift of fine muslin and other underclothes. It was all a bit too large, but fit well enough. The clothes were finer than anything she had ever worn before, and she'd only looked in one small trunk. To finish her ensemble she added a pair of plain leather shoes. Then taking the lantern she approached the large figure by the fire, and the lizard watched her approaching, its tail tapping the floor in greeting. The beast looked up, and said,

"Much better, and I hope more comfortable. Are you hungry girl?"

"Ye-yes sir, she replied, I haven't eaten in two days."

"Good! Said the beast, you're just in time, the stew is ready. Sit; there is water in that pitcher."

Bridget felt herself salivating as the smell of the stew filled the air as the beast took the cover off a large kettle. He used a large ladel to scoop large helpings of the stew onto two plates. Her portion was much smaller than his, but then of course she was much smaller than him. Plus he shared with the lizard. But it was still a very large helping, far more then she was used too. Then to make it even better he broke a large chunk off a loaf of bread and handed it to her. The water in the pitcher was cool and sweet and she gulped it down, her thirst horrible. But she did not drink enough to give her cramps; she had learned to avoid that.

The beast began to eat using his hands to shovel the stew into his mouth, grunting and smacking hungrily like a, well, beast. Or the mayor who looked like; and ate like, a pig. He paused only to toss chunks of meat to the waiting lizard. He finished his first helping very quickly, and then got himself another huge helping.

*Bridget had watched this rather revolting show; and total lack, of table manners with fascinated revulsion. Ugh. Then realizing her own heaping helping of the thick stew was getting cold, started to eat as well, using her fingers as no utensils had been provided. She took a couple of bites, and then thought "Ugh" again. The stew was well cooked, but bland and almost tasteless. It had no seasoning, no salt, no herbs, nothing to give it flavor. She could taste potatoes, turnips, and carrots, but the meat was unknown and stringy. She added her own pieces of meat to the offerings being provided to the very happy lizard who did not turn his snout up at the treats. She was so hungry that despite the rather unappetizing flavor; or lack of flavor, she too took a second helping and cleaned her plate, the lizard helping by licking it clean. If anything the stew was at least warm and filling and there was lots of it. *

As Bridget was finishing off her second helping of stew the beast stood up, and with a large belch that made her squeak in surprise, he stretched, and walking over to another corner rummaged around. When he came back to the fire he had a rolled up mattress and armful of blankets and bedclothes. He threw them down, and said,

"Make your bed anywhere you like girl. There is plenty of room near the fire if you desire, it gets cold at night after the fire burns down."

Then the beast walked over to a large pile of what she had thought was a bunch of rubbish and old rags, but realized was his own bed. He had worn only a kind of kilt or breechcloth, and her eyes widened as he took it off and draped it over an old broken backed chair before he lay down in the bed and drew some blankets over himself. She had know he was male of course, but just HOW much male she had had no idea. Blushing, she looked away. By the Gods he's huge! And he has a sheath!

Soon rather loud, but soft, snores were coming from the beast's bed. Bridget still had no idea what to expect, but she was exhausted and full of food for the first time in how long she couldn't remember, and in spite of herself soon feel asleep, the beasts snores strangely comforting. She woke up once with a scream on her lips as something lay down next to her, but the scream died as a soft hiss told her it was just Rupert. She was surprised to find the reptiles scales were dry and warm as he snuggled up against her side, and she scratched his head again, his eyes glowing eerily in the soft glow of the coals. He hissed in pleasure, and then curled up in tight ball next to her, tucking his snout under his tail. She kept scratching his head until his side was rising and falling slowly as he slept. She put a corner of a blanket over him, and then she slowly fell asleep again herself.

It took her a moment to remember where she was when she woke up, and as the events of the last few days flashed by her fear returned. She had slept clothed, but still held the covers to her chest as she sat up and looked around. There was no sign of the beast, or the lizard. She was trying to think of what to do when the door opened and the beast returned, and to her great surprise he had a pail of fresh milk with him. The lizard darted around his legs and ran over to her, lowering his head begging to be scratched, so she ran her fingernails over his rough hide and he hissed in delight.

"Good Morning, the beast said, it appears you've made a friend. I'm impressed; Rupert usually doesn't take to strangers so fast, especially humans."

"He's sweet, Bridget replied, what is he?"

"Rupert? The beast replied, he's a beast like me. One of the Warlocks twisted experiments. He used to be human as did I."

Bridget looked at the happy lizard in horror, there was nothing human about it at all, even its reptilian eyes showed no trace of human intelligence.

"By the Gods, that's horrible!" she gasped.

"Yes, it is, the beast said. But at least he has no human memories left; he is nothing but an animal now. The majority of my fellow beasts and I were not so....lucky."

*Bridget hugged the now very happy lizard and started crying. Sensing her distress the lizard started licking her face worriedly, not liking that the nice lady was so sad about something. He hissed in concern, gently licking her tears away. *

The beast seemed a little unsure of himself all of a sudden, then said in a soft voice,

"Thank you for caring, no one has ever shown any sympathy for Rupert before. Why he stays with me I'll never know."

Bridget replied, her face still wet with tears, "He stays with you because you're kind to him, and you love him. I can tell. He certainly loves you."

"I love him because he is my brother, the beast said sadly, he was five years old when the Warlock changed us, I was twelve. For him the change from human to beast was total, but I was left with my human memories intact. The monster felt that younger changelings would be easier to control, and be more loyal. And we were, we had no choice, it was all we knew."

Bridget hugged the confused lizard even closer, and the reptile decided he liked the feeling of the nice lady holding him, and cooed in delight, his tail slowly whipping back and forth. The beast watched for a second as the girl hugged the confused but happy lizard, then said in a somewhat unsteady sounding voice,

"Uh, I, My apologies. There is fresh milk for breakfast, and leftover stew, should you want some. There is also more bread, but I fear it is stale."

Bridget replied, "Thank you; that would be nice. It is far more then I'm used to."

As they ate Bridget examined her host closer. The daylight filtering in through the high narrow archers windows lit the large room fairly well. The beast had; thankfully, put his loincloth & kilt back on, but was otherwise naked. But she remembered the sight of his naked body, and couldn't quite shake that memory and it kept resurfacing. He was so....male. Because of his fur the fairly chill air did not seem to bother him, but it was more like the hair of a cow then the fluffier fur of a dog or cat. It was a dark russet brown color and covered even his head, with no other markings she could see. His face was a bovine muzzle, but she could see rather impressive fangs as he ate, and a long thick tongue occasionally snaked out to clean his muzzle and large black wet looking nose. The large bestial ears and horns also added to the overall bovine impression. He was, she realized, what they called a Minotaur, terrible beasts with a reputation for rampant lust and great cruelty. His chest and arms were massive and well muscled, and while his waist was not narrow it was trim and no showed no fat. And from what she could see of his legs they were bovine as well, in shape as well as ending in black hooves. A long brown bovine tail with a back tuft on the end hung below the kilt, the tip slowing twitching back and forth, much to the delight of Rupert who watched it mesmerized, his head following its movement. And Bridget guessed the hulking beast must weigh at least five hundred pounds, give or take another fifty. He was a very imposing and terrifying creature, except for his gentle blue eyes, and his demeanor seemed to be that of a bovine in some ways, calm and placid, not the snarling monster she had expected. For whatever reason she found that all the fear she had felt before had faded away. She worked up her courage, and said,

"Thank you again for the food, I'll get fat if I eat much more. Um, please Sir, what are your, um, plans for me?"

The beast grunted, and said, "I want you to be fatter, that way there will be more meat on you when I put you in the stew like the other women."

*Bridget's jaw dropped, and she stifled a little scream. Then she noticed the beasts shoulders were quaking, and he was making muffled snorting sounds. She realized he was laughing! *

"I'm, I'm sorry, the beast grunted, but I couldn't resist, you should have seen the look on your face! It was priceless! Urf, urf, urf, snort!"

"You, you were teasing me! Bridget said in shock, you almost scared me to death! That was a horrible thing to do!"

*"Yes it was, agreed the beast, urf, urf, urf, but it was SO funny! Snort!" *

Then the beast suddenly jumped up with a roar as Rupert; finally unable to resist the tempting target, had bitten his tail. And then it was Bridget's turn to laugh, and the beast finally joined in. His bellows of mirth and her giggles filling the room, and Rupert just sat on his tail and wondered what the heck was going on.

Having finally calmed down, the beast said, "No lady, fear not. I mean you no harm, I will give you what I can and you may leave in peace. I would suggest you do not return to the town, I fear you would not be welcome."

"I don't understand, said Bridget. Make no mistake, I am more grateful for your kindness then you can imagine. But all I have been told about you; and the other beasts, was that you were heartless monsters, the raids, the tribute, and the other sacrifices. Was it all a façade, a sick joke?"

"Oh no, it was no joke, the beast replied in a somber voice. At one time you would have been raped until you were worn out, then you might have been eaten or let go. It would have depended on our mood, and whether our bellies were full. Or we might have let you go, and then hunted you down for sport and raped you again. When we first came here there were many more of us, now only I remain."

A little shocked by the beasts admissions, Bridget said, "I, I find it hard to believe you would had done such things. You are such a, a, ......gentle person."

"I am very different now from what I was then, the beast replied. The collars we wore bound us to the Warlock, and also twisted our minds with his evil. We were more like animals then, we relished the foul things we did. The Warlock fed us human flesh to keep us that way, and gave us human females; and animals, with which to slake our lust. We truly were monsters, wretched evil things. When Dragamort killed the Warlock our slave collars came off and the great dragon set us free. And at first we were confused, leaderless and without a purpose, and we roamed the countryside doing what we had done for so long, what had become natural for us. We pillaged and raped; destroying mindlessly. A group of my fellow beasts and I settled here, terrorizing the surrounding area. But then something began to change, without the collars and our evil master's influence our human sides began to surface. We thought all human memories and emotions had been gone forever, but they came back. For some faster than others, for some like poor Rupert they never did and they remain animals. We began to see ourselves for what we were, what we had done, and it sickened us. Dragamort took over the rule of some of the Warlocks former lands and his fortress, and they make anyone who wishes to live free welcome no matter if they are beasts or human. My fellow beasts all eventually left to join him as only there are we welcome and seen as something other than monsters. I did not follow as I needed some time to be alone, to come to terms with what I am and what I have done. It was hard as I hated myself for the longest time and was a miserable creature, but I have come to accept what I am now. But no more will I serve a master unless I feel he is worthy of my loyalty. When the final snows have melted from the mountain passes I will rejoin my fellow changelings in Dragamort's service. We will build a home for ourselves and defend it against all who challenge us. We have much to atone for, and all hate us and understandably so, so I may very well die doing it but at least my descendants will live free."

*Bridget was very impressed, and moved, by the beast's long speech. No, he is NOT a beast, she realized, but a person, a rather kind and gentle person. Not at all like the stories she had been told about beasts. He has certainly treated me better than all but a few of my fellow humans. *

"I'm sorry, said Bridget, I didn't realize. I am glad you are free now, it must have been horrible to have done what you did, but you had no choice. Tell me, are humans allowed in your new kingdom?"

"You are kind lady, replied the beast, and yes, all are welcome in our land. No one is turned away. Man, beast, or animal. All are treated as equals, and our leaders earn that right, they do not inherit it or buy it through favors and corruption. We will accept no more of that. And we will no longer take what is not ours."

Surprising herself, Bridget asked, "Would there be a place for me, would I be accepted? I have no family, no home, may I come with you?"

The beast seemed surprised, but pleased as well. "Why yes, you would be welcome. And if you wish to travel with me Rupert and I would appreciate the company, and it would be much safer. A young lady on her own would be at risk, whereas few would challenge one such as myself. But be warned, it will not be the same as a human realm for we are not human. You may see things you find disturbing."

To her embarrassment Bridget started crying again, and the beast reacted with concern.

"Please, he said, I did not mean to upset you lady! I am sorry I teased you about eating you, it was boorish and rude. Please, I meant no offense!"

"It's not you, Bridget said between sobs, you have been so good to me, and all I could do was fear you and see a beast. The very humans who should have helped me raped and brutalized me for days, and then they left me to suffer what they thought was a horrible fate. But instead of a monster I find a kind and gentle person who's willing to care for, and help me find a new life. I'm sorry, the only others who ever cared for me where my mother and Old Jack, and they're dead. I have no one, have been alone for so long."

The beast didn't know what to do. He had never dealt with humans very much; let alone a young crying woman. The other sacrifices had been only too glad to accept his offer of freedom and flee at the first opportunity. But this one was different, she actually took the time to talk to him and see him as an intelligent person no matter his appearance. Her request to join him on his journey had touched him in a way he didn't really understand. His fellow beasts had slowly left over the years until he was the only one left, and he had been so lonely. It was nice to have someone to talk too again. Finally he got up, and approaching the crying girl slowly had stood there like a great lump, not knowing what to do. He felt he should do something, but what?

*When Bridget looked up she realized the beast was standing in front of her, a confused look on his bovine face, evidently at a loss. So she stood up, and wrapping her arms around his warm soft body she hugged him and her tears soaked the hair on his chest. After a short while he hugged her back, but so very gently, and she didn't see the tears running down his muzzle. *

The beast hugged the girl back gently, it was the first time a woman; a human one anyway, had ever embraced him unless he was, was forcing himself on her. He felt strangely touched by her obvious lack of fear, and as he remembered the horrible things he had done under the Warlocks control; often raping girls younger than her in the breeding pens, he felt tears sliding down his muzzle. He hoped he could earn that trust in some way, be worthy of it. Her warm body and scent began to arouse him, but he fought the lust and beat it back. He would not force himself on her, would not betray that trust.

Finally Bridget pulled back from the beast, he had been so warm, and his scent, already strong and musky, had grown even stronger. He seemed embarrassed by what had happened, but held her hands for a minute before letting them go and she sensed a yearning in him, but for what she had no idea.

"Well, the beast finally said, it appears we have eaten all the stew, I think you ate as much as I did."

"Did NOT!" retorted Bridget.

The beast gave an amused snort, and said, "Be that as it may it is all gone, at least it will be after Rupert cleans the kettle. We have plenty of vegetables thanks to the generosity of your fellow town folk, but there is no meat. So I will see if I can run down something for dinner. You are free to wander about, but I suggest you do not leave the keep, there are less gentle beasts then I about."

"Wait, please, said Bridget. Please, I don't even know your name! I can't just think of you as, well, a beast anymore. Not now."

"Well, the beast replied, my fellow changelings call me Cruk, I do not remember my human name, it has been too long and the memories have faded. That will do for me."

Bridget thought, what a horrible name, it's a name for a beast. But if that is what he wants, then she would use it.

"Nice to meet your Cruk, my name is Bridget."

"Bridget, said the beast softly, that is a nice name. I will leave Rupert to keep watch while I am gone. If he gives a loud hissing bugle like sound bar the gate and do not come out until I return."

*Cruk left quickly, afraid the girl would notice his increasing arousal. By the time he reached the courtyard he was growing hard, and with a snort he headed for the old stable. He had other ways of satisfying his lust, and he knew he had better make use of them or the girl would be in danger if his need grew too great. He entered the stable, and lighting a lamp walked slowly down the line of stalls. A couple contained goats he kept in case the hunting was poor, there was an old cow he kept for the milk he liked so much, but what he needed now was in the last stall. He rubbed the rump of the pony, and when she raised her tail he guided his aching erection into her large rubbery vagina, and mounting her began fucking her with strong thrusts, grunting in pleasure. He did not see it as bestiality; after all he was a beast himself. Without the mare to slack his lust he would have been driven to find other means. *

*The small pony mare pricked up her ears when she smelled him, and his scent told her what he was there for. She lifted her tail for him, and he mounted her. She was used to being serviced by the large beast and it no longer bothered her that he was not a stallion. He pleasured her well enough, and she snorted in pleasure as he mated with her. *

A short time after Cruk had left Bridget noticed the water bucket was empty when Rupert tried to get a drink, and hissed in disappointment. She picked it up and went to fill it at the well she'd seen in the courtyard. She had assumed Cruk would be gone by now, so the strange sounds in the stable alarmed her at first. The grunts and snorts were fairly loud, and curious she decided to see what was causing them. She entered the dark stable and walked quietly towards the only light she could see. She noticed goats and a cow in the stalls, but the sounds came from the last stall. When she saw what was going on it shocked her, and at first she didn't understand. Cruk was standing behind a small horse and doing something with it, and as he pulled back she gasped as she saw he was fucking the mare! He lunged back in with another bestial grunt of lust, the horse snorting softly. Suddenly turned his head and looked at her, and she jumped back at the look on his face, it was the look of a rutting beast, there was nothing human about it.

Cruk grunted as he coupled with the mare, by the Gods it felt so good, the horse's warm wet sex against his shaft felt incredible. He took the mare as one animal mating with another; it was brutal and feral with no gentleness. He was nearing his climax, and as he sped up his thrusts and approached his release he suddenly sensed a presence watching him, and turning his head he saw to his horror that Bridget was watching him rut with the mare, her mouth open in shock. Even as he felt his orgasm start to explode in his loins he managed to bellow,

"GO, please, please don't watch me like this, GO AWAY!! PLEASE!! UGGGGH, URRRAAAAHHHH!" And then he threw his head back and bellowed and roared in agonized ecstasy as he helplessly thrust into the mare, and as the massive orgasm racked his body he kept roaring as he poured his seed into his bestial mate.

Bridget cried out as the beasts loud bellow of pleasure and pain filled the stable; and turning she ran from the stable with her hands over her ears.

She was sitting on the lip of the well when Cruk finally emerged from the stable. They looked at one another, and Cruk finally said,

"I am sorry you saw that, but I make no excuses. I am not human, have not been for a long time, and I have urges....needs which I must satisfy. But rest assured I can satisfy them with my animal mates, I will not force myself on you."

*Bridget, still somewhat in shock, just nodded her head. She watched as Cruk turned and left through the gate, stopping only to tell Rupert to "stay, protect!". The big lizard gave a hissing whine, but obeyed. She was conflicted by what she had seen, it had driven home to her that he was not human like a slap to her face, but part of her had been, well, excited by what she had seen. Those sounds the mare had been making had been sounds of pleasure. She shivered even thought the sun was warm, and returned to the keep. *

*Vark paused as he saw the keep, and then with a weary hiss continued up the old road towards it. He had finally been kicked out of his last band of fellow beasts for stealing from the group's trove, or more correctly, had fled before they found out. But after all some of it had been his, and he hadn't taken it all, only the portion he felt was his share. That had been two weeks ago, and he doubted if any still followed him. When the Warlock fell he had been one of the group who had set up their own little domain in this valley, and he hoped some of his old "friends" would still be at the keep. They may not have liked him much, but they wouldn't turn an old comrade and fellow beast away, the idiots. He felt no loyalty to those like himself; his only loyalty was to Vark. And unlike most of his kind he liked being what he was, it was so much better, so much more powerful, then the skinny thief and vagabond he had been before. Of course when the Warlock had changed him it had hurt, Gods know it had hurt, and he had been sickened and terrified at first when he became something inhuman. But soon he had come to like his new form, and had returned to what he was good at, stealing. Why work when you could just take what you needed from some git? He did not steal from the poor though, he told himself it was because it wasn't worth the effort, but the truth was he had been poor himself and knew what it was like to have so little. Steal a purse from a fat merchant and he might yell and rave, steal a copper from a beggar and he might die of starvation. *

Cruk carefully moved through the dense brush alongside the stream, his human and animal senses alert for any sign or sound of prey. In a way he was glad the girl had seen him mating with the mare, it should help her to understand exactly what he was. For such a large beast he could move surprisingly quietly, he may look more like a bull than anything else, but he had the instincts of a predator, and he was no herbivore, he enjoyed meat as much as any omnivore. He had seen fresh droppings and deer sign, and hoped to bag a nice fat doe or buck. He drooled at the thought, saliva dripping from his fangs.

Bridget spent a little time playing with Rupert, the big lizard loved the attention, and rolling over on his back had looked at her hopefully with his big eyes, so she had rubbed his belly while the lizard squealed and kicked his legs in delight. Finally Rupert had settled down to take a nap, so Bridget poked around the old keep some more to see what she could find. There was a stairway to the upper stories, but it was blocked by debris and it looked like the second floor had partially collapsed, so she came back down the stairs. She noticed Rupert was gone, and guessed he must have gone outside to snoop around, or take care of other business as he seemed housebroken. She rummaged through the pile of supplies and some small boxes, and was delighted when she found a bag of salt and a tin of assorted spices. They were old, but he sealed tins had kept the flavor in. She was bound and determined to do the cooking from now on, Cruk was certainly no chef. His stew had been bland and tasteless. She would have a surprise for him when he returned; she could do wonders with a pinch of spice and spoonful of salt. But first she wanted to clean the kettle Rupert had stuck his snout into and licked with gusto, it might look clean but lizard slobber was not on her list of ingredients for a good stew. She picked up the kettle and carried it out of the old keep.

Rupert lifted his head, the air bringing him a fresh scent. With a soft hiss he got up and ran to the gate and watched from the shadows in the portal as a figure came nearer. He had sensed the beasts approach as he had been created to be a guard beast, and his senses bordered on the supernatural as they had been augmented by additional magic. So far as he knew he had always been like this, and could remember no other life, but he was quite happy. He hesitated to give a warning call as from his experience beasts were to be trusted; humans were the enemy, except for the nice lady. He recognized the sight and scent of the approaching beast, and hissed softly. He knew the beast, but didn't really care much for him. Even among the beasts this one never quite fit in. Still, he assumed the beast was no threat, so made no move as it entered the gate.

Vark paused when he saw the lizard crouched in the shadow of the gate portal. He recognized Rupert; the large lizard had been the mascot of their band. He felt neither one way nor the other about the lizard; to him it was just an animal. Of course that meant Mr. High and Mighty Cruk was around somewhere, the big Minotaur had been getting downright preachy the last time he was here, like he was better than his fellow beasts of something. Vark had never really understood why his fellows had seemed to lose their interest in raiding a year or two after they were set free. Frankly Vark wished the Warlock was still in power, his life had been much simpler then and he missed all the fun and the females he had gotten on a regular basis, both human and animal. He'd gotten to fuck more females as a beast then he ever had as a human, the fact they hadn't been willing partners had just made it even better. He had relished his stints in the breeding pens, and would have willing stayed there if he's been allowed. Like all his kind he bred true with human and certain animal mates, but as to his offspring he could care less. He didn't even acknowledge Rupert as he passed through the gate.

As Bridget left the keep carrying the kettle she noticed a figure in the gate portal and smiled, saying,

*"Hello Cruk, that was fast, you must have gotten lucky." *

Then she dropped the kettle as the figure moved into the light. It was a beast, but it wasn't Cruk. This one looked like a furry reptile of some kind. It was large, but not as large as the Minotaur. I stood upright with a forward leaning stance and had the long fang filled snout, banded belly, long tail, and nasty claws of a reptile, but other than its belly it was covered in greasy looking fur. Its eyes were an almost solid black with thin golden-yellow oval pupils, cold and emotionless. It hissed and ran a long forked tongue over its fangs, and said,

"Sssorry pretty girl, not Cruk, but Vark, old friend of Cruk's. He be about, yessss? Are othersss here too?"

"Um, no, he's hunting, but should be back soon. Who are you, what do you want?"

Vark liked what he saw, the girl was young, and while not beautiful was pretty in that way all youths have. He felt a stirring in his vent; it had been long since he'd had a female, even longer since he'd had a human female. His decision to return to the old keep was looking better and better. He was sure the girl was well broken in and reamed out, and would easily accommodate his own cock. If she was Cruk's slave then she could probably handle a stallion by now. He stepped up to her, and grabbing her arm roughly squeezed one her breasts with a hiss of lust.

Bridget twisted away, and said, "Don't touch me!"

Vark tried to grab the girl again, but she danced away, "Hissss, what's wrong sslave, iss Cruk keeping you for hisss own personal fuck toy? We beastsss share you know."

Bridget stared at the foul creature, and replied, "I am NOT his slave, and he's been very good to me! And he hasn't touched me, he doesn't do that anymore! Now go away, he will be back soon and I don't think he'll like it if he finds you here."

Vark hissed in amusement, "I find that hard to believe girl, old Cruk alwaysss liked the femaless, oh yesss indeed, whether two or four legged, hisss, hisssss. He wass one of our masters favorite studsss, oh yess, our massster would cast a spell on him to make him insssatiable and he would ssservice female after female, bellowing his lusst and pleasure! Oh yessss, he wasss magnificent! I have no doubt his isss just saving you for some fun later, hiss, hiss, hissss."

"NO, he's not like that, GO away!" Bridget yelled, and turned and ran inside the keep. She tried to bar the old door, but the bolt had rotted away. She realized too late she had trapped herself.

*Vark reached down and rubbed his vent, this should be fun! He removed his well worn leather harness and armor; they were the only clothes he wore. He had no need of other coverings, his fur kept him warm and looking at him he appeared sexless to the untrained eye. But he was very much male, and as with most beasts he was subject to both human and reptilian lusts, driven by instinct to mate and also by human lust and the desire for sexual pleasure. He approached the keep hissing in anticipation as his lust and arousal increased, yessss, this would be fun, it had been a long time. The female was feisty, which would make it even more enjoyable. Yessss. *

Bridget backed into a corner by the mantle, she had armed herself with a poker from the fireplace, it was the only weapon she had able to find. She waved it at the hairy lizard beast as he approached her, and swung it as hard as she could, but he disarmed her with ease, giving an amused sounding hiss. Then he held her arm with a strong painful grip, and stripped her naked with his free hand, his claws making short work of her lovely new dress. She had been beating on him with her free arm, but now he grabbed it as well, and she turned her head in revulsion as his long forked tongue began licking her face and breasts, and to her horror she felt her nipples stiffen under his tongues warm wet caress.

"Mmmm, yessss, hissed Vark, so young and sssweet, your sssweat tastess of fear, yesss! I will make you ssscream in pleasssure!"

"Please no, don't!" Bridget sobbed, first the mayor and other men, and now this horrible creature, why did this have to happen to her? Gods, it wasn't fair! "NO, let me go!" she squealed as the lizard forced a clawed hand between her legs and rubbed her sex. "Noooo, don't!!!!"

*Vark rubbed his hand against the girl's mound; and she felt hot and dry. No matter, he had plenty of pre to go around. He felt his penis began to push out of his vent, and that feeling was so pleasurable just by itself. He pushed the girl to her knees and pressed his cock against her face, but she refused to open her mouth and swallow him, clenching her teeth and squealing. That angered him, so he cuffed her and she fell over with a loud cry. She needed to be broken, be taught who was in charge. *

Nooo, damn you, Bridget thought as the lizard beast fingered her sex, not again! He forced her to her knees and she watched in horrified fascination as his penis came sliding out of what looked like a vagina, it was a dark purple color, long and thick, the head pointed and it had a large flared corona with scalloped edges, several large veins stood out on its shaft, visibly pulsing. The tip was slick with beads of pearly pre, and one drop hung suspended on a strand like dew. Then he grabbed the back of her head and pressed his penis against her face, and disgusted she turned her head as the head of his penis rubbed against her face smearing it with pre until it was slick. He finally gave up trying to force himself into her mouth, and with an angry hiss knocked her to the ground.

Rupert ran back and forth just inside the door, hissing in consternation. He didn't know what to do. The other lizard was someone he knew, but it was trying to hurt the nice lady. Rupert let out a frantic hiss, he was confused and torn between a impulse to protect the nice lady, but couldn't bring himself to attack a supposed friend. He gave a wail of distress, his tail lashing desperately.

With a loud hissing snarl Vark reached over and picked up the girl, he was much larger then she; and he lifted her easily. He draped her face down over the side of the old heavy oak dining table, then bent down behind her and used his tongue to lube her vagina and get her ready for him. He was pleased when his attentions caused her sex to respond to the intrusion with her own fluids. Yessss, she wasn't dry anymore, her sex growing sweet and wet. Now the "foreplay" was over. He positioned himself, and reaching down with one hand he pressed the head of his rampant penis against the shiny wet lips of her sex, and with a loud grunting hiss of pleasure he mounted her. Yesss, nice and tight, but slick, and he slid in fairly easily, but had to brutally lunge a few more times before hilting, and the girl gave shrill screams which only increased his lust, and he started fucking her with strong steady thrusts, leaning over and griping her shoulders to pin her. Oh yesss, it felt soo good! She was no virgin, but was as nice and tight as one and old Cruk had certainly never had her! He hissed and grunted in pleasure as he fucked her, taking her like the animals he was used to.

Bridget struggled weakly; still dazed from the blow he had given her, as the lizard beast picked her up and threw her face down across the table. He gripped her thighs and spread her ass with his thumbs, digging his claws in painfully. She squealed as she felt his tongue licking her sex, and gave a louder squeal as it pushed in between her lips and he lapped at her with wet slurping sounds, his tongue sliding in and out of her sex, and she gave an involuntary moan of pleasure as his warm wet tongue triggered the flow of her own juices. NO! She thought, NO! She gasped as he pulled his tongue out, and suddenly felt something blunt pushing against her mound, and then screamed as the lizard brutally mounted her, feeling like she was being split in half as he lunged into her until she felt his belly bands slapping against her rump as he fucked her, grunting and hissing in pleasure, his claws digging into her shoulders. She clawed at the table and sobbed, but there wasn't as much pain as she had expected, and as real pleasure began to build she thought, Oh Gods, how could something so horrible start to feel so good? The hardness inside her had pushed past her cervix and into her womb, and the pleasure grew with each stroke, she could actually feel the penises large flared corona folding first one way, then the other, as he fucked her, the feeling incredible. She gasped as he sped up his thrusts, her involuntary sounds as much ones of pleasure as pain now, and she hated that horrible pleasure, hated her body for betraying her. She heard a loud wail, and turning her head drooled onto the table, grunting and moaning as the lizard slammed into her, and she saw Rupert running back and forth by the door, and he stopped and wailed again. She gasped,

"Rupert, get Cruk, oh, uggh, find Cruk, Ugggghhh, ooooh it, I...UGGHH, OH GODS NOOO!"

She sobbed helplessly as a massively pleasurable orgasm racked her body, her first, and the lizard reared back and grabbed her waist as he came, and gave a guttural hiss of pleasure as he poured his cum into her writhing body as he slammed into her.

*Vark hissed in pleasure as he orgasmed, and from her sounds the female had cum as well, which pleased him. Yesss, this was most enjoyable. And he had only whet his appetite, like all the Warlock's beasts he had an extremely powerful sex drive, far beyond that of normal animals or humans as the males had been meant for breeding as well. He licked the back of the girl's neck almost gently for a minute, and she gasped as he dismounted from her. *

Bridget sobbed as her orgasm faded, she had heard the term before, but had never understood what it meant. She had never thought anything could feel so good, give so much pleasure. Even as the beast's penis slid from her she realized something that shocked her, she wanted more of that pleasure, wanted it now. Perhaps it was the very brutality of the rape; the unnatural bestiality of it, that had aroused her own lust and passion. There was something about being taken by a dominant male animal that....excited her. Her only experience with sex so far had been rape, so maybe her body had come to see that as the norm, and to respond with pleasure. Whatever the reason part of her was horrified to find she wished the beast wasn't through with her yet, that he would give her that incredible pleasure again, hopefully many times.

Vark stood back and stretched, his rampant erection still dribbling cum. He bent back over and spun the girl around so her head was facing him, then flipped her over front side up so her head was hanging off the side of the table. He pushed his penis into her face, and said,

*"If you do not open wide I will bite off your nippless, and if you bite me I will tear out your entrails while you live, do you underssstand me ssslave?" *

Numbly Bridget nodded her head, her eyes wide with fear, she had no doubt the beast meant exactly what it said. So when it pressed the head of it penis to her lips she opened her mouth and choked and gagged as the lizard man forced his penis into her mouth and down her throat. She watched as inch after inch of it slid into her until her face was pressed against his belly bands, slobbering as the huge organ filled her mouth and throat.

*Vark hissed in pleasure as the female swallowed his cock, he could see the bulge in her throat as his penis slid down it, ohhh, what a turn on that was! Her automatic gagging reflex made her suck and push at his cock with her tongue, and that felt oh so good! He pushed in until he felt her lips brush his vent, and even the feel of her teeth rubbing against his cock was incredibly erotic. He started thrusting, and leaning over cupped her ass cheeks with his hands, and resting his elbows on the table he raised her rump off the table, and pressing his snout against her sex began to tongue fuck her, enjoying the taste of her, and his own, cum and sexual fluids. From her muffled squeals it almost sounded like she was enjoying it. Her pussy was sopping wet, her fluids flowing, hot and sweet, and he thrust his tongue into her as far as it would go as she bucked and writhed. Yesssss! *

*Bridget moaned around the penis filling her mouth and throat, sucking on it helplessly as she tried to breath better, and she gave a muffled squeal as she felt the lizard mans tongue push into her sex again, oh Gods it felt so good as it lapped at her sex and slid in and out of her. To her the thought of oral sex has always seemed nasty and unclean somehow, but this, this was fantastic, so..much..pleasure! She tried to push her sex against his muzzle, wanting more as she sucked the cock filling her mouth and throat, sucked it eagerly. *

Cruk stood over the deer he had brought down and bellowed in victory, his cry a combination roar and belling. He had just finished dressing the dear; and thrown it over his shoulder, when Rupert came running up, obviously worked up about something. He scratched the frantic lizards head, worried. Rupert was upset about something, and that could only mean something had happened at the keep. Bridget! With a snort Cruk started for the keep at a fast distance eating trot. There were dangers in this valley other than him, and he hoped he would not be too late. Rupert sped ahead, the swift lizard quickly outdistancing him.

Bridget gave a guttural groaning squeal around the penis in mouth as she felt it pulse as it pumped cum into her stomach, and the lizard mans warm wet tongue brought her to another orgasm at the same time, the beast letting out a loud hiss of pleasure even as he kept his tongue busy inside her spasming throbbing sex. Oh Gods, she thought, tears of pain and pleasure running from her eyes. As he started to pull his penis from her mouth she reached up and grasped his legs, and kept sucking on the head, and with a pleased hiss he lowered his head between her legs again, his wonderful tongue pleasuring her again as she sucked and licked his penis, then slowly swallowed it again.

Vark hissed as he climaxed again, his cum pumping from his balls and down his shaft into the woman's body, her lips sucking him dry, and he kept his tongue inside of her as he felt her orgasm as well, enjoying the increased flow of her sexual juices. He gave a very pleased hiss as she kept sucking him; even holding him so he remained inside her mouth, evidently voluntarily now, and he started licking and tonguing her sex again. Yesss, very nice, he had seldom had a human female mate be so...cooperative. Finally he pulled away, and excited by her willingness spun her around so her open legs faced him, and he ran his tongue over his fangs as he looked at the pink lips of her sex, her pubic hairs sodden with her juices and his saliva. The girl spread her legs wider, and said,

Bridget stared at the rampant lizard, his penis slick and glistening, and realized she wanted him, wanted the pleasure he could give her, and with a moan said, "Please, oh please!"

Yessssss! Though Vark as he gave her what she wanted; was begging for. He thrust between her legs and she locked her legs around his waist, and when he lowered his snout to her face she kissed him ardently. She ran her hands across his chest and shoulders, griping his thick fur tightly. Who is seducing who now, he wondered in amazement, running his tongue over her face and breasts. No human female had ever so willingly accepted him as a mate. And he realized he had never enjoyed sex with a human female so much before. For the first time in his life that he could remember he felt the stirring of something other than bestial lust, and it felt good. He slowed his thrusts, trying to be gentler and more considerate of his partner, but it was hard as she writhed and bucked under him, her moans increasing his own lust.

Bridget gasped as the lizard man mounted her again, lifting her head to watch as his huge erection disappeared inch by inch into her, shocked and amazed she could accommodate such a huge organ. It felt wonderful, the incredible pleasure growing as he fucked her, and she spread herself for him as wide as she could, locking her legs around his waist. When he lowered his head and kissed her it was almost gentle, and he seemed to making an effort to service her more as a man then animal. His strokes became slower, less forceful, and the pleasure built and built. She clawed at him, kissing his snout, letting him run his tongue inside her mouth, the feel of his warm wet tongue against her rigid nipples divine. Finally he eared back and sped up his thrusts as he watched her intently, his emotionless reptilian eyes betraying nothing. But when he came he threw back his head with his mouth open, and gave an agonizing hiss of release as Bridget screamed her own ecstasy as they both exploded in sexual euphoria. It was the most pleasure she had even felt in her life, and Vark almost passed out for the sheer intensity of his relief.

Cruk stood in the door and froze at the sound of the loud hisses and screams, staring in horror at the huge lizard man thrusting between Bridget's legs. Vark! He recognized the lizard and knew his scent. It was obvious to him what had happened. Vark had shown up, and was taking his pleasure with Bridget like the beast he had always been, and always would be. With an enraged bellow Cruk threw the deer's carcass to the floor and charged.

Vark looked up; still dazed from his incredible release, as something roared and a huge body slammed into him. Caught by surprise he went down under the great weight, and was soon fighting for his life as massively powerful hands closed around his throat. He kicked and struggled, gasping for breath, as the hands tightened. He was an incredibly powerful beast himself, and using every move he knew dug his claws into his attacker's body drawing blood, but was no match for the enraged Minotaur.

Bridget watched in horror as the two great beasts battled, rolling on the floor until Cruk came out on top, his hands locked around the lizard mans throat. She had mixed feelings at first, but as he watched the struggling lizard his tongue lolled out of his mouth as his eyes turned up in his head, and his frantic struggles becoming uncoordinated and weaker as he hissed and gasped. In horror she realized Cruk was choking him to death. The lizard gave a faint squeal of terror as he felt his life slipping away, his claws scrabbling at the floor, his legs kicking helplessly.

The lizard man had raped her; that was true, at least at first. But what had come later had NOT been rape as she had wanted the pleasure he gave her, and at the end he had done his best to be gentle and she had never felt such ecstasy. She couldn't stand the thought of him dying even if he was a brute. With a scream she slid from the table and grabbed Cruk's arm.

"NO, Cruk, stop it! She screamed, you're killing him! Please stop, he wasn't hurting me, I, I wanted him to make love to me, please, for the God's sake, stooop!"

Slowly what Bridget was screaming in his ear got through Cruk's battle rage. The red haze faded and he loosened his grip around Vark's neck, then let go. The lizard fell back with a soft hiss, pawing feebly at his neck as he gasped for air. In disbelief Cruk looked up at Bridget.

"You, you wanted him to mate with you??" Cruk gasped, I thought he was raping you! I know him; he is more of an animal then most beasts!

"Please, thank you, Bridget said softly. Yes, he took me at first, but something happened. I..I'd never felt like that before, felt such pleasure. What he did to me, Gods help me, but it felt good. But I wish, I wish it had been you."

Cruk took the bucket of water and threw it on Vark, who regained full consciousness with a loud hiss of shock.

"Cruk, hissed Vark, what by the dark onesss, is your problem!? You near killed me you ssstupid bull!! Hisssss!"

"Get out, snarled Cruk, get out before I DO kill you!"

Vark gave a pleading hiss, "I have nowhere to go, you know how our kind are treated, I have no food, no sssupplies, I have not eaten in daysss! I'm ssorry, I did not know you wanted the girl for yoursself!"

Cruk paused, HAD he wanted the girl for himself? It was a good question, he had to admit he didn't know what would have happened during the remaining weeks before the snow finished melting, or during the long trip to Dragamort's realm. Would he have given in to his lust and taken her against her will? He truly didn't know, and it bothered him. He felt a sudden gentle grip on one arm, and smelled her sweet scent and sexual arousal,

"Please, she said, let him stay. Look at him, he's starving, you can see his ribs. I think he'll behave now, you've shown who the boss is. Please, you said your kind turn away no one. Let him stay, at least until he's had a good meal or two."

*Cruk was surprised to say the least, he knew what had happened; he knew Vark too well. But if she claimed she had wanted the lizard beast to mate with her, then so be it. Her sympathy and concern for another like him also touched him more than he had thought it would. *

"Vark, snarled Cruk, for whatever reasons the lady wants you to stay. Do you promise to behave yourself, to do as you're told?!"

Vark was as shocked; even more so, then Cruk was when the girl pleaded on his behalf. No one, beast or human, had ever shown him much kindness. He suddenly felt something he rarely felt, shame for what he had done. Oh, not for the pleasure, that had been exquisite, especially after she had become a most willing and energetic lover, but for the fact he had forced himself on her.

"Yesss, Vark said, you are in charge. And girl, for what it is worth, my thanks for your mercy."

*Cruk leaned over and pulled Vark to his feet, and told him to "put some clothes on", but later had to admit the lizard looked funny trying to wear pants with a hole cut out in the back for his tail. Finally he settled on some shorts that left most of his digitigrades legs free for easier movement. *

*Rupert had watched the exchange in happy confusion as he greedily devoured the deer, that is until Cruk chucked a goblet at him with an angry roar. With a squeal he ran to the nice lady and hid behind her until it became apparent he had been forgiven for his greediness. He had no idea why he was later given a whole leg to feast on, but hissed and wagged his tail in delight while he fed as the large beast gently rubbed and scratched his snout. *

The next couple of days were tense, and Cruk made Vark sleep in the stable, but Vark apparently had no problem with that arrangement, he had know much worse accomodations. He was perfect gentlebeast towards Bridget as well, going out his way to be helpful, but Cruk watched him carefully. He need not have worried; Vark had learned his lesson and was doing some serious soul searching. Her act of kindness had awoken motions long buried. Surprise, gratitude, a desire to please, and others.

One day as Bridget was getting water from the well Vark had come out of the stable and offered to carry the bucket for her. She was pleased, but a little leery. Cruk was in the keep somewhere, he had been interested in trying to clean the second floor of debris and see if there was anything of use. As they neared the door to the keep Vark had suddenly grabbed her arm, but gently. Bridget had froze, ready to yell for help, but the lizard said in his soft hissing voice,

"Pleassse, I mean no harm. Why did you ssspeak up for me? I am grateful, but do not undersstand. You sssaved my life, after what I did to you."

"What you did was wrong, replied Bridget, at least at first, but later...it was different and you tried to be gentle. I'd never enjoyed sex before that." She reached out and gently ran her hand down the side of the surprised lizards jaw. "I, I couldn't stand to see you hurt." Then she pulled away from the dazed lizard and ran into the keep.

*Vark reached up and felt where she had touched him, so gently and with affection. No one had ever, ever touched him like that; had even looked at him with anything other than fear and revulsion. And after what he had done. He felt another new emotion stir deep inside as the beast began to give way to some human emotions at last, and for the first time he felt love. With a confused hiss he carried the bucket of water into the keep after the girl. *

Later that night as Vark sat staring into the fire he was surprised again as the girl came over and sat down beside him. He could hear Cruk snoring; as usual, and Rupert was curled up in a ball next to the fire. For awhile neither said anything, and Bridget looked at the firelight reflected in his eerily glowing eyes, and asked,

"Who were you before, I mean, when you were human?"

At first Vark didn't want to answer, that was a topic beasts seldom discussed because it brought back confused and terrifying memories, and in their company it was considered very rude to ask. But the question was innocent and well intentioned, so for the first time since his change he told somebody his story, such as it was.

"Me, he hissed, I wasss a nobody, a thief. I had no family to speak for me, no parentsss I can remember, and when I was caught I was ssold to the Warlock with other prissonerss by the sheriff. He, he casst a spell and I became what I am now."

"It must have been horrible." Bridget said softly.

"It wasss more pain then I could imagine, Vark hissed sadly. I...hisss, I felt myself becoming an animal. He put the ssslave collar on my neck and I was hisss, and I did asss he commanded without quesstion. I did things, ssuch horrible things; we all did in his sservice. And he bred us like animalss, I had sex for the first time asss a beasst, and I enjoyed it, I have never known ssex as a man. Now that I am free I don't know who, what, I am. I am neither a man nor animal, and less then either. There iss no place for ssuch as I. The way I treated you was the beassst, I am asshamed now. You have sshown me such kindess, kindnesss I do not desserve."

"Like Cruk you could not help what you did, you had no choice, Bridget replied, but you do have a choice now. When the snows have melted I am going with Crux to the dragon's realm, why don't you come with us, I would like you too. And it's funny in a way; our early lives were not much different. I too was a thief, and was sentenced to be sacrificed to the beasts of this valley, only to find the only kindness I have ever known from a beast."

"Crux was one of the worsst of usss, Vark hissed, he wass one of the Warlock'ss favoritess, and the Warlock alwayss gave him firsst pick of captured femaless to breed with. Wait, I tell you thiss not to dissparge Cruk, I jusst want you to know how much he hass changed. He iss still a mighty warrior, but he has alsso become a gentle creature, haunted by what he did. He needss ssomeone, ssomeone like you, to love and protect. Have you not sseen how he lookss at you? Perhapss your sensess are not as acute as a beasssts, but he lovess you."

Bridget was caught by surprise. "But, but why? She asked, why should he love me?"

"Becausse you treat him as a persson, not a mindless animal, hissed Vark. You treat uss both ass people, and to usss that is very sspecial. We are not human, and never will be again, but your acceptance of uss as intelligent beingss iss rare." He took Bridgets hand and held it, "And your kindnesss to me iss ssomething I treasssure."

Bridget took his hand and kissed it gently; and Vark hissed softly. I love you too, he thought, but you are Cruk's. After what I did you could never love me, and just your friendship is more then I could hope for. But I will remember out mating, it was the most pleasurable I have ever experienced. But he did not speak that aloud. He let her hold his hand as long as she wanted, and when she left to go to bed her scent lingered for the longest time.

The next morning they finished the rest of the stew, and this time Vark announced that it was his turn to try his luck at hunting. His weapons of choice were javelins and a spear, and he was deadly with both. Cruk was a little surprised, but had no doubt the lizard was as good a hunter as he was, so agreed. He watched a Vark slung his quiver of light javelins over one shoulder, picked up his heavy war spear, and loped out the gate with head and tail stretched out, low to the ground, and rapidly reached the tree line and disappeared. Got to give him that, thought Cruk, that lizard can really run. Rupert had gone with Vark, and they looked amazingly alike as they ran, the smaller lizard scouting the way. Rupert knew how to hunt, and would drive prey to Vark's waiting spear.

Cruk returned to the keep to see what he could find to do, but as Bridget was already getting the nights stew ready he just sat and watched her for awhile, content just to look at her. She had filled out amazingly in the short time she had been here, it was amazing what a little good food could do, and she really was a very pretty girl. Her scent filled the keep now, and Cruk enjoyed her sweet female smell. She stood up and bent over the kettle, and he felt a stirring in his loins. He had not mated with the mare since Bridged had seen him in the act of servicing the pony, and his need was growing almost unbearable. He gave a sad grunt of inevitability, and getting up started to leave the keep and go to the stable to satisfy his bestial need, he had just reached the door when Bridget said softly,

"Please wait Cruk, don't go."

Cruk paused, but did not turn as he was already growing rampant, the growing bulge in his leather kilt obvious.

"Girl, he said in a guttural voice, I have too, the need is upon me. I must or I might hurt you."

*Bridget got up and slowly approached the large beast. She stood hesitantly for a few seconds, his strong musk filling her nostrils. Then she embraced him from behind, putting her arms around his waist, and resting her head against his back. *

"You don't have to, not with an animal." She whispered.

"But I AM an animal!" he moaned.

"Yes, she said, but you are a man too, a kind, gentle man. And I want you; I want you to make love to me, both as an animal and a man."

"But, but WHY!?!" he sobbed.

"Because I love you! You're the mate I want." Bridget said, meaning every word.

He turned slowly to face her, and bending over he pressed his large black rubbery lips against her face, and as she kissed him she didn't see a beast, all she saw was his gentle blue eyes and the love for her burning in them. She closed her eyes as he held her close for the longest time, his shoulders shuddering as he cried, and felt her own love burning for him, for this strange, kind, confused person who cared so much for her. He held her tenderly, his hands gently stroking her back and shoulders.

*As she pressed against him she could feel his erection pushing against her through the thick leather of his kilt. By the Gods he's huge, she thought. But he was not that much larger then Vark had been, and the lizard man had filled her fairly easily, so she hoped she would be able to take Cruk into her, would be able to accommodate him. She rubbed against his hardness, and his musk became stronger as his breathing quickened. He gave a low lowing sound, and pulled away from her. She undid his kilt as he stood grunting softly, and as it dropped to the floor her eyes widened. He was rock hard and rampant, and while his penis was a little longer then Vark's it was thicker, and more human shaped then the lizard mans, and instead of a corona around the base of the head there was just a smooth raised ridge. He had a penis sheath, a long loose one covering about half the length of his rampant shaft, but when he was flaccid only the tip showed. And unlike the lizard his balls were on the outside and they hung low and heavy between his legs, the hairy scrotum huge and swollen, and she could feel the heat coming off of them. She felt a wave of intense lust wash over her at the sight of his malehood, his need for her. Standing up she slowly took her clothes off and let them drop to the floor, to her surprise not embarrassed in the least as she revealed herself to the rampant male. Then she reached between his legs and cupped one of his balls, and it easily filled her hand, and he gave a soft squeal of pleasure as she gently squeezed. With her other hand she began to rub his shaft, marveling at the size and hardness of it, and Cruk grunted in pleasure. She pushed he sheath back to expose more of his penis, and watched as a thick drop of pre welled from his slit, and with a lick of her tongue tasted the sweet salty liquid, and then took his head in her mouth and gently sucked as she fondled him and stroked his shaft. *

Cruk stood still as Bridget removed his kilt, moaning softly as his loins felt the cool night air caress them. She looked at him for awhile, and he smelled her own lust growing, then she stood up and stripped for him and he just stared as her beautiful body as she bared it to him. He had seen her nude more than once, but not like this, this was special. She was offering herself to him, of her own free will, and no woman had ever done that before. Women brought to him for servicing in the breeding pens had already been nude, or he had ripped off their clothes in his lust. Never before had a woman willingly disrobed in front of him, slowly and senousaly and he watched in wonder as she revealed herself to him. He gasped and squealed as she reached between his legs and fondled his balls, first one, and then the other, squeezing them. He gave another soft squeal, and then a deeper grunt as she caressed his aching erection, and then he shuddered as she took him in her mouth and gently sucked on his penis, pushing his sheath back, and no one had ever done that either. Gods he wanted her, but he'd never mated as anything other than an animal. He had serviced hundreds of females; both human, beast, and animal, but this was different, it almost felt like the first time for him, and she was in charge. But he didn't know if he could hold back much longer, the lust, then need, was building to unbearable levels. But fortunately he didn't have to wait much longer.

Bridget looked at Cruk's bovine face, and his eyes stared pleadingly back at her, his breath deep and ragged. He's in rut, she realized, but doesn't know what to do! She suddenly realized he'd never had a real lover before, only "mates". For some reason that made her love him even more, she would be his first in that way. She let his cock slide from her mouth, then she took one of his powerful hands, and he followed her docilely as she led him toward the heavy oaken table. She knew she would need its support when he took her for the first time. As they reached the table he gave a loud snort, and picking her up by the waist set her down on the edge, and she lay down on her back and spread her legs for him. She was a little frightened; he was so big, and hoped he would be gentle. But even if he wasn't she wanted him, whether he took her as a man or animal. With a grunt he took his penis and pressed the head against her nether lips and pulled his sheath back further, and she watched as it parted her sex and the shaft followed the head into her as he mounted her. She gave a gasping moan as her pushed into her, laying her head back with her eyes closed from the pain and pleasure. He thrust into her again, and then again, her sex spreading for him more with every thrust. Oh Gods, it hurt, but at the same time she felt pleasure building as well as her sex stretched. As he pushed into, and through, her cervix, the pain faded and only the pleasure remained. He suddenly lunged into her and hilted and she gasped, the loose skin of his sheath rubbing against her lips, then with a bellow he began fucking her with steady powerful thrusts, holding her legs apart by the ankles, and she moaned and squealed in pleasure at the unbelievable hugeness filling her, writhing and bucking in her frenzied lust, staring up in awe at the great beast serviced her and gave her more pleasure then she would have thought possible.

When Bridget took his hand Cruk was almost oblivious to everything but his still growing need for her, waves of lust washing over him. He had never desired a female so much; needed one so badly, before. As they reached the table he snapped out of his lust hazed trance, and desperate to mount her picked her up and sat her on the edge of the table, and she laid back and spread her legs presented her sex for him. With a grunt of lust he pressed the head of his penis against her wet pink lips, and fighting the bestial need he penetrated her as gently as he could, thrusting powerfully; but slowly, as she opened for him. Fortunately her sexual juices were flowing, and his pre also helped to lubricate them, so he slid in fairly easily. It took some time for him to hilt, feeling his sheath press against her lips after one final lunge, and he held her wildly kicking legs by the ankles to open her as wide as he could, and she was so wet, and tight, slick and hot, and with a bellow of pure lust he began servicing her with steady thrusts as she squealed and struggled.

Oh, oh Gods, thought Bridget, will he ever stop!?! But at the same time she didn't want him too, the pleasure growing and growing, and she lost all track of time as her bellowing lover serviced her. She looked up at him; his eyes glazed in lust, his tongue lolling form his muzzle, slobber dripping from it. He was as much an animal as a man, and she found that excited her as nothing else could, and she wanted to give the magnificent beast as much pleasure as he was giving her, but for now was totally helpless. His bellows slowly became louder, and he began to speed up, his strokes lifting her rump off the table as he slammed into her, and if not for his hands holding her ankles he probably would have shoved her off the table with his mighty thrusts. Then he suddenly let out an agonized roar and she felt him explode inside of her, and his blasts of hot cum triggered her own building climax and she added her scream to his roar of ecstasy as she came, and came, and came as he filled her womb with his seed.

*Vark stood in the doorway and watched for a few seconds, then quietly stepped back outside. He'd been very lucky and had brought down a nice fat doe very close to the keep, and gotten back much earlier than he had anticipated. As soon as he heard the bellowing he knew what was going on, but just had to look. Now he wished he hadn't, his penis jutted up hard and rampant, and he remembered what it had felt like to mate, and make love, to the human female. As Vark turned Rupert took one look at his jutting erection, and giving an alarmed hiss turned and ran back out the gate. Stupid lizard, thought Vark, I'm not interested in you! Since he couldn't masturbate, the pads of his reptilian paw/hands were not made for it, it would have been like jacking off with sandpaper, he headed for the stable at a fast walk. As the bellowing coming from the keep grew louder he sped up his pace. Soon the stable filled with equine snorts and hisses of pleasure. *

Cruk threw his head back and roared as his orgasm exploded; waves of intense pleasure rising and then cresting as his lust slowly tempered and faded. He was vaguely aware of Bridget screaming and bucking frantically, but he could only keep thrusting until his loins stopped pumping, and with a moan he collapsed across her as he tried to regain his breath and his heartbeat slowed and returned to normal. He had never felt such intense pleasure before, never mated as anything little more than an animal. Finally; concerned for Bridget, he was able to push himself upright and his still hard penis slid from her with a loud wet pop, like a cork from a bottle. At first her feared he had injured her as she lay so still and quiet and panic began to build as he gave a low cry of worry and concern. But then she turned her head and smiled at him, and lifted her arms. He pulled her into his embrace and she hugged him like she would never let go. He closed his eyes and thanked the Gods for sending her to him.

*Bridget hugged the gentle giant as hard and as close as she could, and his arms that could tear a man in half held her back as gently as if he was embracing a fragile eggshell. She could not believe such incredible pleasure was possible, not after all the pain she had experienced before. She knew many would consider it vile and unnatural, but she did not care in the least. She had found what she wanted, what she needed, and would never let it go. She was his mate as long as he would have her. *

He took her three more times before they were finally spent, and each time was better than the previous. Having taken the edge off his animal lust Cruk was able to be more attentive to her needs, and he learned how much pleasure just foreplay could give. Before he had just mounted and serviced females, whether they were willing or not. But now he found he enjoyed pleasuring a female, finding out what she liked, the best places to use his hands and tongue, and discovered the joys of oral sex as Bridget licked and sucked his rampant erection and he enjoyed pleasuring her with his tongue, loved the taste of his mates sex. They both learned; and taught one another, what the other liked, and both did their best to give one another what they liked the most. They also experimented and found wonderful and marvelous new ways to give one another pleasure. And both were happier then they had ever been in their lives. There was no doubt they were mated now, no marriage was required as that was a human concept. They would remain together until one tired of the other and agreed to go their separate ways, but both knew there was little chance of that ever happening.

*Since it would still most likely be three to four weeks before the upper passes were clear they settled down into a fairly stable routine. Vark and Cruk took turns hunting, and with the capable help of Rupert they seldom returned empty handed. Both agreed beyond a shadow of a doubt that Bridget was the official cook of their small band, seeing as how neither Cruk nor Vark had the slightest clue how to do much more then burn something to crisp, or throw a bunch of stuff in a kettle and hope for the best. And raw meat was out. And soon everyone was sleek and healthy; Vark alone put on almost twenty pounds and lost his not-quite-starved-to-death-but-soon-will-be look. Rupert became downright pudgy at the scraps were numerous and delicious. *

Vark was certainly quite pleased how things had turned out. He was in better condition than he had ever been. His scales and bands were sleek and healthy, and had lost the dry flaky look and itches that had plagued him for years. He attributed it to good regular food and a real bed (more or less) to sleep in instead of damp bedrolls in the mud. Plus Bridget had warted him unto near death to groom his fur, so he finally gave in and patiently sat for over two hours as she ran combs through his pelt. She started out with a wide-toothed comb, and worked her way down to fine-toothed ones. When she was through she stood back and gave an "ooohhhh" of delight, and even Cruk had snorted in approval. Vark's fur had gone from looking like a mess of greasy rats nests to a long shiny fine pelt, longer and curly around his neck and down the center of his back. It was a sleek black lustrous color, like spun silk, and nicely accented his dark green scales and yellow belly bands. Though Vark would never admit it he was quite pleased with the results, for once he actually felt, well...less then ugly; and that was very nice. It was even better when Bridget ran her hand through it with a smile on her face, and then plaited the longer hair on his head and upper back into intricate plaits. She also wove in some gold and silver rings that she said looked "quite rakish", and he agreed. He covertly added some combs to his basic kit when nobody was looking. And he fell more in love with the gentle human female who saw; and treated him, as something much more than just an abomination, who saw him as a friend and person. And he accepted that she was mated to Cruk, which made her off limits unless she wished otherwise.

A few days later while Cruk was off hunting with Rupert Bridget was puttering around the fireplace getting the fixings for one of her "fabulous" stews ready. She had found some more spices and had been experimenting, and so far her concoctions had meet with loud acclaim from the hungry beasts, and even though Rupert didn't seem to care what he ate he did a particularly good job of licking the kettle "clean" now. Vark was puttering around with some repairs to his armor and harness, but she had seen him sneaking glances at her more than once. Despite the nature of their first "meeting" she had come to like the lizard man very much. He had a dry wit and humor that was appealing, and often made her; and even Cruk, laugh. He was so different now she could hardly believe it. She glanced at him, and he looked away again guiltily. Getting up she went over to him with a mug of sassafras tea, which she knew he liked. He hissed his thanks and took a sip, the rising steam disappearing into his nostril as he smelled the sweet drink. She sat down next to him on the bench, and asked,

"What are you doing?"

"My harnesss isss wearing out", hissed Vark, pleased she was showing an interest in what he was doing, but more pleased to be so near to her. She smelled so nice. "I need a new one, but mussst make thisss one last a while longer."

Bridget reached over and ran her hand through his silky hair, ever since he had let her comb it out he had kept it clean and well groomed, and she loved the feel of it as it slid through her fingers. He had what was almost a mane running down most of his back, but the hair was much longer on his head and neck. He really was a beautiful creature in his own way. He froze at first, and then relaxed with a sad hiss. Then to her surprise he gently took her hand and pressed it to his snout.

"I love you ssso very much." he hissed softly. "You have been so kind to me, no one ever hasss before, no one hass ever cared for me."

*Bridget was surprised and touched by Vark's unexpected admission, and couldn't help but remember what it had felt like to have the lizard inside of her as he mated with her, and suddenly realized her sex was getting wet, and she was becoming aroused. And she realized she wanted more of the pleasure he had given her. She reached up and gently caressed his snout, and then kissing him she took his hand and placed it on her breast. *

Vark gave a sharp intake of breath, and then kissed her back, licking his long forked tongue over her face, hissing softly, his nostrils flaring as he smelled her arousal, and realized her invitation. He was shocked, but very pleased. Why she wanted him after what he had done he did not care as he wanted her again, very much so.

Bridget watched in fascination as Vark's penis slowly slid from his vent until it jutted swollen and rampant, and this time he did not have to force her as she took it in her mouth. It seemed strange he did not have any balls she could see, but she quickly found that rubbing the bands under his vent was extremely pleasurable for the lizard, and the bulge she felt there were most likely his testicles. As she gently sucked him she felt the lizard quivering in pleasure and it pleased her, he ran his claws through her hair and hissed softly, his touch light and gentle this time, his male scent and taste exciting her more and more, her sex growing wetter and wetter until finally she could stand it no longer, she wanted him inside her, needed him.

Vark could hardly believe this was happening, he had never had a female willingly suck his cock before, and it felt incredible. He ran his fingers through her hair as her head bobbed up and down over his aching erection, her warm wet mouth and strong muscular tongue tonguing him and sliding up and down his shaft. He couldn't take much more of this before he'd lose control to his lust, and he could smell her increasing arousal as well. He gasped when she finally stopped and pulled away from him.

*Bridget moaned as Vark lifted her up and lowered her onto his waiting erection, gripping her around her waist and letting her own weight impale her on his rock hard penis. She wrapped her legs around his waist, squirming to help him slide in deeper as he penetrated her until she felt him hilt, then he lowered her onto the table and began to fuck her with powerful; almost brutal, strokes, his head thrown back and his loud snarling hisses filling the air drowned out her own squeals and moans of pleasure as he serviced her. Oh Gods she thought, oh Yessss, more, more! Franticly she kicked her legs, and gave a deep moaning squeal as she orgasmed, bucking under his thrusts as his seed pumped into her womb. *

Vark had never felt such pleasure in mating with a female before, no mate had ever given him such ecstasy, had ever wanted him before. He tried to control himself, keep his human part in control, but towards the end the animal took over and his thrusts became faster and harder, and as he came he threw his head back and gave a screaming hiss of sheer agonizing ecstasy as his aching throbbing cock pumped his seed into her womb. He had never wanted, never needed, a female more badly, had never felt love for a mate and it so very, very wonderful.

Bridget sat up, Vark's penis still inside her, and wrapped her arms around his chest. He held her, his warm slick bands felt good against her hot sweaty skin. A part of her was shocked she had wanted this, especially after their first mating, but he gave her more pleasure then she'd ever felt before, except with Cruk, but it was different with Vark, a very nice kind of different. He finally pushed her back down on the table, and when he started fucking her again she squealed in delight, her heels drumming against his back. He took her slower and longer this time, much longer, and she could only lie helpless and gasp from the almost unbearable pleasure as he sped up and slowed down, bringing her to the brink again and again. He seemed to know when she was about to cum, and would slow down until her peak ebbed, and then take her back to the edge, the pleasure growing and growing. Towards the end she was clawing at him, his open panting mouth revealing his own great need, and she begged him to let her cum. 'Oh, ohhh, Please Vark, oh please, uggghhh, Gods! Please!! I can't take..., I....UGGHHHEEYYAAAAA!' Her second orgasm wasn't much more intense then the first, and lasted much longer as he kept thrusting even as they came, waves of pleasure washing over her as she writhed and moaned. This time he dismounted, and crouching used his tongue to clean her sex and she almost came again.

Vark gasped as he started thrusting into Bridget again, he wanted more of that almost painful pleasure, to feel her underneath him again. This time his human part was in charge, the animal temporarily satiated. It took him longer to service her the second time than it ever had before, and he realized sex as more of a man also had its good points. He could tell when she was nearing release, and though it was very hard for him he would slow down for awhile until her scent faded, then would bring her to the edge again, her moans and squeals of pleasure driving him to give her as much pleasure as possible. Finally when she started incoherently begging him he could hold his own need for release back no longer, and sped up his thrusts. When his second orgasm came he squeezed his eyes shut and hissed through clenched fangs as it went on and on, his partners own sounds of extreme pleasure driving him to keep thrusting into her slick wetness the whole time they were cumming. Then with a grunt he pulled out, but even as he did realized he wasn't through yet. He had to have that new and exquisite pleasure again, and to his delight she insisted on it. With a hiss he flipped her over on her stomach.

*Bridget bit her lower lip as Vark mounted her from behind. He couldn't kneel due to his digitigrade stance, so he hooked one of his legs over one of hers to help support and pin her at the same time. Then he mounted her and took her fast and desperately, giving soft screeches of reptilian lust. It was quick and bestial and she loved every second, and she squealed as he exploded inside or her yet again, her own orgasm brutally powerful. Then she lay down with him by the fire and rested her head on his chest while he held her closely until she fell asleep. *

Vark gave soft hissing wails of agonizing ecstasy as he serviced his mate from behind, the preferred position of most beasts and more natural for him. This time he mated with her as if she was a willing female beast, and she responded in the same way with obvious pleasure, which surprised him somewhat. It was brutal and there was nothing human in their last coupling, he pinned her and gently bit her on the back of her neck as the animal took over and fucked her as fast and hard as he could, and he almost passed out from the explosion of pleasure as he climaxed. Afterwards she had lain down with him and he held her close, amazed at what had happened. It would seem that humans were not so different from beasts when it came to mating, for all their high and mighty morals and manners. He hissed in contentment, it was so much better when they were eager and willing. He continued holding her after she had fallen asleep, gently stroking her sweat dampened hair. He felt an incredible love for this female who had wanted him, and treated him as an equal instead of an abomination.

When Cruk came back later she didn't wake up, and Vark just stared at Cruk, who stared back for a minute. It was obvious to Cruk what had happened, but since it was consensual this time it was no business of his, if she wanted Vark for a mate that was her business. She was an adult and could pick any mate; or mates, she wanted. Many beasts, both male and female, had more than one mate. They shared everything, and their views on sex were more those of animals. They thought any binding obligations when a male or female tired of a mate were stupid and didn't make sense. If two mates lost interest in one another and wished to find other partners; or even if only one did, that was fine. Beasts didn't care if you "slept around". And bigamy was a human hang-up, beasts saw nothing wrong with it. Additional adults to help feed and care for young were a big plus, plus the sex with multiple mates was very nice too. So Cruk just grunted and went about his business. And if a female went into rut when her mate; or mates, weren't around then she would take a temporary mate to see to her need. And if a male encountered a strange female in heat he would respond to her if she wanted him. It was only natural. Afterwards if they liked one another a more permanent bond might form, even if only temporary. So the fact Bridget had also taken Vark for a mate did not bother him much at all.

*Bridget looked up sleepily as Cruk donned his war harness, and picking up his battleaxe called for Rupert. *

"Where are you going so early?" She asked.

*"Its tribute day, he replied, I'm going to collect the tribute and whatever poor soul they've sacrificed." *

"Oh my, I forgot all about that! Bridget said; just don't let Vark eat her or anything."

Cruk chuckled, "Our lizard friend took Rupert and left earlier to go hunting, he's bound and determined to get that big buck that got away. He doesn't like losing, and it gave him the slip last time."

"Well, he is pretty determined sometimes, Bridget said."

"Yes, he is that", replied Cruk. He hesitated, and added, "You know you've worked wonders with him, especially after your, um, initial meeting. He is not the same as he was before. He used to take pride in looking like he'd just been fished out of a sewer, and smelling like it. Now he's downright, well, decent looking and I don't have to stand upwind just to stand being near him."

"He's not so bad, said Bridget, I think he just needed a friend. Like you."

Cruk grunted, "Not me girl, you. He does it because you like it; you're a good influence on him, on both of us. You make us feel like; well...you make us feel good. We're both lucky to have you as our mate."

Bridget giggled, "Any you both make ME feel good, quite often."

Cruk gave an amused grunt, "Girl, you're insatiable; We're the ones that are supposed to be the beasts, but you wear us out!"

She got up, and holding the blanket around her in the chill morning air she walked over to Cruk, and standing on her toes gave him a long kiss, which he returned.

"You are a beast, she said, MY beast, both of you are, and don't you ever forget it."

"Never my love." Cruk replied in a throaty voice. He was half tempted to stay and prove it, but he could wait until later. He had found that anticipation could be very pleasurable by itself. But he'd have to be careful and control his anticipation; otherwise he'd scare the new "sacrifice" to death.

"Now you be sure to bolt the door after me, and do not open it until Vark or I return. Come to think of it, don't open it until I return."

Bridget giggled, and said, "You jealous thing, that's horrible! I won't leave him out in the cold!!"

She kissed her mate again, and then did as he had asked and bolted the door. After the last incident he and Vark had rebuilt the door and fashioned a heavy iron bar to seal it. It would take a battering ram to get in.

As Cruk trotted down the old roadbed he enjoyed the fresh morning air and life in general. He was still amazed at what he had found with Bridget, that someone so pretty and kind could care about him. And not only him, but Vark and Rupert as well. She had truly worked a miracle with the lizard man; if he had not seen it he would never have believed it. The vile, sly, selfish, obnoxious creature had been replaced by a hard working dependable friend who was anxious to please, all in just a few weeks. He had seen the way Vark looked at her, with affection and he evidently loved her as much as Cruk did. After the first unfortunate "misunderstanding" he had been a perfect gentlebeast, respecting the fact that Bridget had chosen Cruk as her mate, and they both had been surprised when Bridget had chosen Vark as a mate as well. Beasts seldom mated for life, but when they did their fellows always respected that, but if a female desired other mates that was fine. And as for Rupert, well, the little lizard was completely and totally devoted to her. Yes, it was a miracle.

** The End**

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