The Morning After

The bed felt too empty.

Nate blinked awake, sluggish, reaching for the warmth that wasn't there. His fingers brushed against cold sheets. A frown crept onto his face as his hand dragged across the empty space where Rhett should've been.

The wolf was gone.

His absence left the bed feeling too wide, the room too still. Nate exhaled, rubbing the sleep from his face. He hadn't expected to feel this off without him, but the ache of loneliness pressed in anyway — an unfamiliar weight settling in his chest.

The clock on the nightstand glowed 6:42 AM in dim red numbers. Early. Too early for Rhett to be out anywhere.

A flicker of concern crept in. The wolf had been out drinking last night, hadn't he? With his packmates.

*Wait—*

His ears picked up a sound. Faint, but unmistakable.

A slow, rumbling snore. Nate stilled, tilting his head.

There it was again — deep, guttural, almost comically loud.

He sat up fully now, listening. The sound was coming from the next room.

*Rhett.*

A breath of relief slipped past his lips, the worry easing as quickly as it had come. The idiot had passed out on the couch. *Again.*

Nate swung his legs over the side of the bed, pushing himself up. The apartment was dim in the early morning light, the air still tinged with the remnants of sleep. He padded barefoot across the floor, stretching the stiffness from his muscles as he stepped out of the bedroom.

The sight that greeted him stopped him in his tracks.

Feathers. Shredded fabric. A crime scene of ripped cushions, clawed-up upholstery, and what looked like the remains of a third pillow that had been absolutely annihilated.

And in the center of it all, sprawled out on his stomach, was Rhett.

The massive wolf lay half-off the couch, limbs loose, chest rising and falling with each heavy, satisfied breath. One arm dangled toward the floor. His ears twitched slightly but stayed relaxed.

And the drool. *God, the drool.*

A thick, damp patch darkened the cushion beneath his face. His lips were parted just enough to let out those ridiculous, rumbling snores.

Nate stared.

His brain took a full five seconds to process the absolute mayhem before him.

Then he exhaled slowly.

"...*Fuck me.*"

Rhett didn't even stir.

Nate dragged a hand down his face.

For a moment, he just stood there, taking in the disaster zone that had once been his perfectly functional couch. This idiot. This absolute menace. The wolf had fully reverted last night, tearing through pillows like some wild animal, and now? Now he was just sleeping through it like nothing happened.

Nate stepped closer, arms crossed. His gaze flicked over the wreckage, then down at the sleeping wolf.

A quiet snort left him. "Fucking lightweight."

Rhett let out a deep, contented sigh, stretching slightly before sinking deeper into sleep. His tail flicked once, draped lazily over the ruined remains of a pillow.

Nate shook his head, the frustration could come later. It was too early.

Right now? Rhett was too damn adorable like this.

Still, he wasn't about to let him off the hook.

Nate crouched down, hovering just beside the wolf's ear. He smirked.

"Hey, dumbass.", he murmured, voice low and teasing.

Nothing. Just another loud snore.

A slow, lazy flick of an ear. A twitch of his tail.

Nate rolled his shoulders, stretching out the stiffness from sleep before sighing and stepping into the mess. No use just standing here. He might as well clean up. At least it would give him time to think.

As he started picking up the worst of the wreckage, his mind drifted. To Rhett. To his packmates.

Living with Rhett these past few months had been... interesting. Interesting in the sense, that he was apparently the adult in their relation and was fed up with it. Interesting in the sense, that Rhett was stubborn like a brick - and dense like one too, making talking to him quite the challenge. Interesting in the sense, that he absolutely loved and adored the doofus, regardless of how reckless he appeared to be.

But there was one thing.

The pack.

They weren't bad, exactly. Not lazy. Not criminals. Not lowlifes. Some of them had decent jobs. One worked in construction, another in finance. They weren't dragging Rhett into anything overly dangerous.

But they were still *pups* in their heads.

The moment they got together, all common sense just left the building. It was like some kind of dumbass-energy passed between them, and suddenly, they were hyping each other up into the worst possible decisions. It was like a downward spiral of increasingly stupid and reckless actions.

Like drinking.

Nate shook his head, collecting scraps of torn pillowcase. *Overgrown mutts.*

They'd probably turned it into a challenge. "Bet you can't drink more than me." "Oh yeah? Watch me." And, of course, Rhett — big, strong, stubborn Rhett — wouldn't have backed down.

Anthros had little alcohol tolerance. A few drinks, and they were wrecked. And yet, they still tried. Still pushed each other, hyping up their egos, testing limits that they did not have. Especially when drinking the human stuff.

*Unbelievable.*

His jaw tightened as he shoved a heap of stuffing into a trash bag.

This wouldn't happen again.

Rhett wasn't just some wild pup running with his pack anymore. He lived here now. With Nate. And that meant there were going to be rules.

There were limits, even for big, strong wolves. Especially for big, strong wolves who thought they were invincible until they were passed out in a wrecked living room, drooling all over their boyfriend's couch.

After he was done, he checked on Rhett again. He was still out cold - no sign of waking anytime soon. Which meant he had time. Grabbing a notepad from the counter, Nate scribbled out a quick note and left it on the coffee table where Rhett would see it when he finally dragged his sorry ass up.

*Morning, dumbass*

• There's food in the fridge. Eat it. Drink water. Lots.

• I cleaned around you. You owe me.

• I'm out running errands. Stay put.

• (We're gonna have a *talk* later.)

*-N*

Satisfied, he grabbed his keys and stepped out, locking the door behind him.

---

The morning air was crisp, the streets starting to fill with early risers. Nate pulled his jacket tighter around him as he made his way toward the shopping district.

*First stop*: groceries. Easy enough. He stocked up on essentials — bread, eggs, coffee (because God knew he needed it), and a few things Rhett liked. He almost didn't grab anything extra, but then he saw a pack of those snack bars the wolf kept sneaking from the kitchen when he thought Nate wasn't looking. Might as well.

*Second stop*: new pillows.

He debated getting cheap ones, but... nah. He grabbed a decent set, shaking his head as he tossed them into his cart. He'd make sure Rhett thought twice about ripping into these.

*Last stop*: a suture kit.

Because of course, the couch needed stitches.

Nate hesitated on the sidewalk. The last store was a little off the main street, discreet but unmistakable.

A blacked-out window. A sleek sign with a simple name.

He exhaled through his nose, a slow smirk creeping across his lips.

*Perfect.*

Pushing open the door, he stepped inside.

The air inside the shop was warm, low-lit, and carried the faint scent of leather and something faintly metallic. Rows of shelves and display cases lined the walls — handcuffs, ropes, paddles, gags — everything Nate expected, and exactly what he came for.

He didn't hesitate, didn't linger awkwardly pretending to browse. Instead, he made a beeline straight for the counter, where the shopkeeper stood polishing a row of metal-studded collars.

Another wolf.

Taller than Rhett, built solid, with dark fur streaked with lighter patches. Several piercings glinted under the shop's dim lighting — a ring through his nose, studs lining his ears, a few on his brow. His gaze flicked up as Nate approached, sharp yellow eyes giving him a once-over, already assessing.

A smirk tugged at the wolf's lips. "Need something specific, or are you just looking?"

Nate leaned a hand on the counter. "Very specific.", he said, voice even. "I need a collar. Strong. Heavy-duty. And I need a tag with it. You can make those?"

The wolf's ears flicked. "Personal or professional?"

Nate huffed a quiet laugh. "Oh, very personal."

The wolf grinned, already moving to pull out a few options. "Got a brand new shipment of reinforced ones — full grain leather, double buckles, lined with steel. No way in hell it's coming off unless you take it off. Especially not if you use the lock on it."

He dropped one onto the counter. It was heavy, thick enough that Nate could already picture how it would sit around Rhett's neck. The dark leather was smooth, polished, the metal fixings sturdy and cold to the touch.

"Yeah. This one", Nate muttered, already satisfied. "And a tag."

The wolf nodded, sliding over a tray of metal tags in different shapes.

"What's it say?"

Nate didn't even hesitate.

"Property of Nate. N-A-T-E."

The wolf's grin sharpened. "Good choice.", he picked up a blank tag and walked over to a stamping machine behind the counter. The steady clink-clink of the metal being pressed filled the silence while Nate tapped a finger against the counter, already thinking ahead.

When the wolf returned, tag in hand, Nate took it and ran his thumb over the fresh engraving. Perfect.

But he wasn't done yet.

Nate set the tag down and met the wolf's gaze. "Now. What do you recommend for getting unruly wolves back in line?"

The shopkeeper's ears perked, his expression shifting slightly — not quite surprised, but intrigued.

"Oh?" His smirk returned, slow and knowing. "Got yourself a wild one, huh?"

Nate exhaled through his nose, shaking his head. "More like one who still thinks he's running with his pack. Which means no discipline, no restraint, and a head full of dumb packmate ideas.", his fingers drummed against the counter. "He's good. Real good. But he needs to understand — he's not some wild pup anymore. And he sure as hell doesn't get to act like one when he's with me."

The wolf hummed, tilting his head slightly as he studied Nate.

"You know your way around this stuff?"

Nate nodded. "I do. But I've never had a wolf for a partner before."

"Ahhh.", the shopkeeper's grin widened. "Yeah. That's a little different."

He leaned forward slightly, lowering his voice like he was about to share something important. "You're dealing with instinct. You probably already noticed — he likes being challenged, but he also likes knowing where the line is. Problem is, he's never had to take it seriously before, because his pack? They're all idiots. They push each other, sure, but none of them ever rein it in."

Nate's jaw ticked. "You sure you don't know him?"

A chuckle. "It's commonplace amongst my kind. You know dogs, they're easy, but wolves? They need some of that *extra* care."

Nate nodded. "So what's my approach?"

The wolf nodded. "That means your best bet? Make sure he feels it. We don't just respond to words — we respond to touch, to pressure, to something physical. You want him to take you seriously? Make sure his body remembers what his brain keeps ignoring."

Nate's lips curled slightly. "Oh, I plan to."

The wolf chuckled. "Good. Then I'd start with a few things."

He turned, grabbing a few select items off the wall and setting them on the counter one by one.

A leash. A simple ball gag of red rubber. A blindfold of black velvet.

Nate cocked an eyebrow. "Come on. He is a large wolf. He will rip right through that. Hand me the real deal."

"You're not fucking around, are you?"

"Not even a little."

The wolf huffed out a low chuckle, tail flicking behind him as he took the items back and turned to scan the shelves. "Alright", he muttered. "Let's get you set up for real then."

This time, he too meant business. First came the mittens. Thick, reinforced leather, built to keep claws sheathed and hands useless. He tossed them onto the counter with a quiet thud.

"You want these with the D-rings?"

"Yeah", Nate answered, picking one up and rolling it between his fingers. The leather was heavy, but not stiff. "Gotta make sure he doesn't start tearing up my furniture again."

Another chuckle from the shopkeeper.

Next, the bite gag again. However, this one was different. Not that feeble plastic or rubber. It was specifically made for muzzles. A ring attachment to keep the mouth open or keep the muzzle shut without it.

"Got a biter?", he gave Nate a sideways look.

Nate huffed. "Something like that."

The shopkeeper nodded knowingly. "Yeah, they get nippy when they're feeling rebellious. *Or* when they want to push your buttons.", he tapped the gag. "This'll handle both. And not even I could bite through that."

The next item made no argument. The paddle. A solid slab of heavy, varnished wood - no frills, no decoration just pure *discipline*. The shopkeeper grabbed one with a wide surface, built for maximum sting without bruising too deep.

"Wolves,", he muttered as he dropped it onto the pile. "act like they're all tough 'til you warm their ass up real good.", he smirked. "Then suddenly, they're a whole lot more *polite*."

"I wasn't thinking about his ass.", Nate stated flatly.

The reaction was no chuckle this time. The shopkeeper looked him up and down. Almost concerned - but not quite.

"Just make sure you're careful, alright?"

"He certainly wasn't with my couch. But yeah, I know. Safety first and all.", Nate just waved him off. He knew how to be careful.

The wolf paused for a second, then nodded, before turning to a nearby display case. His ears flicked. His tail stilled. "You *really* wanna go through with this? It can get pretty intense. It's not for-"

"The concern is noted - but this ain't my first rodeo.", Nate appreciated it, but he wasn't about to be lectured now.

A slow exhale, the wolf turned, opened the glass case and pulled out a steel chastity cage. It was sleek, sturdy. Secure. No unnecessary design - just pure function. He set it on the counter with a quiet *clink*.

Nate eyed the chastity cage on the counter, tilting his head slightly. The design was... different from what he'd used before. The shape... it wasn't just a standard cage.

It was made for canines. A sheath cage.

He knew what it was, knew what it did, but he'd never actually used one.

Nate tapped a finger against the counter. "Alright,", he said, tone even. "I've worked with cages before, but never one of these. Walk me through it."

The shopkeeper let out a slow breath, ears flicking as he leaned against the counter. His fingers drummed absently against the wood, as if debating how much to actually say.

"You sure about this?"

Nate shot him a look. "If I wasn't, I wouldn't be asking."

The wolf snorted. "Fair."

He picked up the cage and turned it over in his palm, running a claw along the steel. "Alright. So, first thing — you already know what a humanoid cage does, yeah? Keeps ‘em locked up, reminds ‘em who's in charge, makes sure they're focused on what you want, not what they want."

Nate nodded.

"Wolves aren't like humans.", the shopkeeper went on. "You wanna keep a human from getting hard? Easy. You cage 'em up, let them suffer, let 'em squirm.", his smirk twitched. "Wolves? Different anatomy. They don't just get hard — they swell. And that's where things get tricky."

Nate leaned in slightly, interest piqued. "Go on."

The wolf rolled the cage between his fingers. "This design doesn't just stop them from getting fully erect — it keeps the sheath compressed, so they can't even start. If they do? It turns into pressure real fast.", he gave Nate a sharp, knowing look.

Nate looked it over. "Anything I need to watch out for?"

The wolf nodded. "Two things. One — fit matters. If it's too tight, he's gonna be miserable in the wrong way. Too loose, and it won't do its job. I'm guessing you know his measurements?"

"Yeah. This one looks fine to me."

"Two — behavior shift.", the wolf leaned in slightly. "First couple of days? He's gonna fight it. Maybe even fight you. Sulk, maybe. Try to act like it's not affecting him. Then, when he really starts feeling it? That's when you'll notice the shift. He'll get... more compliant. More obedient. His body's gonna start associating submission with relief. Because that will be the only way he gets relief. From you."

"What about cleaning?", Nate asked. Humans were quite tricky in that department. He figured canines might be even more troublesome.

The wolf nodded. "Canine sheaths are mostly self-cleaning. But you should press a shower nozzle down the opening from time to time - every few days. Make it ice-cold if he gets any funny ideas. Or, if I may - you could just tease and edge him during cleaning time and then lock him back up. Keep him extra needy."

Nate liked what he was hearing. He was sold. "I'm taking it. Anything else that I need for a disobedient puppy?"

"Depends on how creative you want to get. But I think you've got enough ways to remind him who is in charge.", the wolf mused.

Then he reached under the counter and pulled a small carton. It was a simple white box with only an embossed golden label on the top. It read *Treats*.

"These are on the house. Specially made for canines."

Nate picked up the box, giving it a skeptical glance. "What, some kind of fancy dog biscuits?"

The wolf responded in kind. "Not quite. Think of it like catnip but for canines. Gets us all warm and fuzzy inside, lowers our guard. Not a drug or anything - just a blend of herbs and amino acids that makes us think and feel of... eh... pack bonding. Something like that. It makes us extra receptive, extra eager to please. Not a bad thing to have in your back pocket, especially if you want to reinforce good behavior."

Nate's grip on the box tightened slightly. That did sound useful. He pictured Rhett, all stubborn bravado and sharp grins, melting under his touch with just the right nudge.

"Huh", he mused, weighing the box in his hand. "And how long does the effect last?"

"Depends on the wolf. Usually about half an hour, give or take. Just enough to take the edge off, make him pliable.", the shopkeeper leaned on the counter, his grin widening. "Give him one after a good training session. Watch how fast he starts behaving just to earn another."

Nate rolled his eyes, but he couldn't deny the appeal. "Fine. I'll take your magic wolf snacks."

The wolf chuckled again and rang up the total. Nate paid, pocketing the treats along with his other purchases.

"Pleasure doing business with you.", the wolf said, handing him the bag. "And good luck with your soon-to-be pup."

Nate slung the bag over his shoulder. "Appreciated. Have a nice day."

With that, Nate stepped out of the shop, the bag pressing against his hip. His couch-destroying pup was in for one hell of a wake-up call.

---

By the time Nate stepped through the door, it was already noon.

And Rhett? Still out cold.

The wolf had shifted in his sleep, now sprawled out on his back, one arm flung over his face. His breath was deep and steady, rising and falling with the kind of complete, undisturbed exhaustion that only came from a night of heavy drinking. He wore no shirt, exposing toned muscle, the soft fur of his stomach, and just a hint of his deep V-line. The blankets had long since been kicked aside, leaving him open, unguarded.

Nate closed the door softly behind him, setting the bag down on the counter. He stepped out of his shoes, moving with quiet precision. No sudden noises. No unnecessary movements.

The wreckage was still there — feathers stuck in the carpet, loose stuffing clinging to the couch, little reminders of the disaster Rhett had left in his wake. Everything Nate had missed in his sleepy stupor before his trip. But Nate wasn't focused on that anymore, he would make Rhett clean that later.

He was focused on the opportunity right in front of him.

His lips curled slightly as he reached into his bag, pulling out the chastity cage. The weight of it was solid in his palm. Sleek, cold steel, crafted with precision, designed for one very specific purpose.

And Rhett, blissfully unaware, had just given him the perfect opening.

Nate moved in closer, standing over him. Even in sleep, the wolf was a picture of untamed strength — broad chest rising and falling, thick arms slack but still powerful. But right now? Right now, he was vulnerable.

*Perfect.*

Nate crouched down, reaching for the waistband of Rhett's shorts. He moved slowly, deliberately, making sure not to jostle him. The fabric was warm from his body heat, clinging slightly as Nate eased it down over his hips.

The moment his sheath was exposed, Nate paused. His eyes flicked over the sight before him, assessing.

Rhett's sheath was thick, furred and relaxed. His balls, however — God. Nate knew them intimately, of course, but like this? Fully displayed, settled heavily against his thighs? It was different. More pronounced. They were large, full, a weighty presence that added to the sheer masculinity of him.

A quiet hum of appreciation left Nate's lips.

*And now they're all mine.*

With a careful deliberation, he slid the sheath cage into place. It was a snug fit, his estimation had been pretty much on point, no room for even the slightest hint of arousal. The compression was subtle but firm, ensuring that if Rhett so much as thought about getting hard, he'd feel it. The base ring settled behind his balls, keeping everything perfectly secured.

Nate reached for the small lock, clicking it into place with a soft *snk*.

There. Done.

He sat back on his heels, admiring his handiwork. The cage sat flush against Rhett's body, steel cool against the warmth of his fur. His sheath was fully contained, locked away, leaving only his heavy, exposed balls resting in plain view.

Nate smirked.

*God, that's a fucking sight.*

Rhett stirred slightly, shifting in his sleep, a soft breath leaving him. For a moment, Nate paused, watching to see if he'd wake. But no. He was still too deep under, body too heavy with sleep to notice anything yet.

Nate let his fingers ghost over the curve of Rhett's thigh, just barely touching. Not enough to wake him. Just enough to test.

Nothing.

Still out.

A slow, dark chuckle rumbled from Nate's chest.

Oh, this was going to be fun.

Nate moved through the apartment with quiet efficiency, unpacking the groceries first. He wasn't in a rush — he had time. The fridge hummed softly as he put things away, tucking Rhett's favorite snacks into their usual hiding spots. Not that it helped much, his canine nose smelled them anyway. Next came the pillows.

He grabbed the new ones and arranged them around Rhett with careful precision. Not that the wolf would appreciate the effort — he'd probably just drool all over them before knocking them to the floor. But still, it was the principle of the thing.

The wolf had rolled onto his side, burying his face deep into the cushions. One arm was tucked under his head, the other draped lazily over his stomach. His tail flicked slightly, his ears twitching as he let out a long, contented sigh. The heavy rise and fall of his chest was slow, deep, the picture of complete relaxation.

*If it weren't for him being so damn adorable, I would've already torn him a new one.*

Because fuck, did Rhett deserve it. The absolute carnage he'd left in his wake was inexcusable. The couch had suffered the worst of it, and Nate should have been waking his ass up with a bucket of ice water, making sure he learned his lesson.

But then Rhett did that thing.

The thing where he nuzzled deeper into the fabric, ears flicking slightly, lips parting just enough for a tiny, barely-audible sigh. The thing where his tail twitched lazily, his entire body stretching out like he had not a single worry in the world.

The kind of thing that made Nate grit his teeth because, Goddamn it, he's useless, but also, Goddamn it, he's cute.

Instead of waking him up, Nate sighed and grabbed the suture kit.

He knelt beside the couch, surveying the damage with a critical eye. It was mostly salvageable. Threading the needle, he set to work, pulling the fabric together stitch by stitch.

"This adorable, useless mutt is absolutely worth the hassle", he muttered under his breath, tugging the thread tight.

Rhett shifted slightly, mumbling in his sleep, his ears twitching toward the sound of Nate's voice.

Nate finished the last stitch, tying it off with practiced precision. He leaned back, rolling his shoulders, surveying his work. The couch was still battle-scarred, but at least it wasn't on its deathbed anymore.

Now, for the real precaution.

He grabbed the tiny key from his pocket — the one that belonged to Rhett's cage — and twirled it between his fingers, lips pursed in thought.

*Where to put you...?*

Because, knowing Rhett, the second he figured out what was happening, he'd do everything in his power to reclaim his freedom. And Rhett was dangerous when it came to mischief. If Nate kept the key on his person? Rhett would absolutely find a way to tickle it out of him. Or worse, torture it out of him. The wolf had no shame when it came to dirty tactics — Nate had learned that the hard way.

So, no. The key had to disappear.

He scanned the apartment. His gaze landed on the light switch, and an idea crept up. He pried off the cover — one of those clip-on types, no screws — then tucked it behind, securing it with a strip of duct tape to keep it from rattling. Snapping the cover back on, he stepped back. No way in hell Rhett would find it.

*There. Safe.*

Satisfied, he padded back toward the living room, taking in the sight of Rhett still blissfully unconscious. The wolf had shifted again, now splayed on his back, limbs stretched in different directions. His tail was draped over the armrest, one leg bent at the knee, the other lazily flopped open.

*Fucking ridiculous.*

But also... irresistible.

Nate sighed through his nose, then did what he should've done hours ago.

He grabbed the remote, flicked on the TV at the lowest possible volume, and slipped onto the couch, molding himself alongside Rhett's solid warmth.

The wolf barely reacted, just gave a slow, accepting sigh as Nate settled in, pressing against his side.

Nate let his fingers drift, tracing lazy circles over the soft fur of Rhett's stomach before sliding lower to rub at his belly.

A quiet, pleased rumble vibrated through Rhett's chest.

Nate smirked.

*Yeah, wolves love that.*

He kept up the slow, absentminded motion, fingers combing through thick fur, rubbing gently in small, soothing circles. Rhett responded without waking, his ears flicking slightly, tail giving a lazy thump.

Nate exhaled, relaxing against him, soaking in the warmth.

The discipline, the teasing, the punishment — all of that would come later.

---

Nate stirred at the sound of muffled cursing. A sharp, frustrated grunt, followed by the distinct thud of something hitting the bathroom counter.

His lips curled into a slow smirk before he even opened his eyes.

*Ah. There it is.*

Rhett had woken up.

And if the gritted-teeth swearing was anything to go by, he had also just discovered his predicament.

Nate stretched, rolling his shoulders as he blinked himself fully awake. At some point, he'd dozed off against Rhett's warmth, tucked comfortably beside him. But now, his wolf had dragged himself out of the nest of pillows and stomped off to the bathroom — no doubt to take care of business — only to be met with a very rude surprise.

Another curse. Another thump.

Nate chuckled under his breath, rubbing a hand over his face as he sat up.

Yeah. He knew exactly what Rhett was cursing about.

A few moments later, Rhett emerged from the bathroom, still in his shorts, ears pinned back in clear frustration. He hesitated in the doorway, rubbing the back of his neck, looking uncharacteristically embarrassed.

Nate just waited.

Finally, Rhett huffed and muttered, "I, uh... think I got a bit too wasted last night. Because, uh... I got a problem between my legs."

His gaze flicked down, then quickly back up, ears twitching. He shifted awkwardly on his feet, deeply aware of the snug compression against his sheath.

Nate arched an eyebrow, unimpressed.

"Oh?", he drawled. "You think that's from last night?"

Rhett gave him a wary look. "Yeah? I mean, I woke up like this, so—"

Nate scoffed, gesturing lazily around them. "No, this—", he waved a hand at the feathers, the sutured-up couch, the general war zone of his living room "is what you did last night. That mess between your legs?"

He leaned forward, locking eyes with him.

"That was all me."

Rhett's whole body tensed.

Nate saw the exact moment realization hit.

The wolf's ears shot up. His tail stiffened. His pupils dilated ever so slightly as his brain caught up with reality.

"That's right," Nate said, voice low, edged with amusement. "That cage didn't magically appear because you drank too much. I put it on you."

Rhett stood frozen, mouth slightly open, like his brain was still buffering the information.

Nate smirked and lifted one of the new pillows. "And if you want any chance of getting out of it anytime soon?" He pointed at the mess. "You're cleaning all of this up. Every last feather. Every bit of stuffing."

Rhett's jaw worked silently for a moment, his tail flicking as if trying to decide whether to protest or submit.

Nate just leaned back, crossing his arms.

The wolf was trapped, and he knew it.

And God, it was *adorable*.

Rhett shifted on his feet, ears twitching as he fumbled for words. His tail flicked behind him, his usual confidence noticeably absent.

"Babe," he started, voice hesitant. "I... ehhh, I'm not sure about this. I mean—" He swallowed, rubbing the back of his neck, clearly struggling to find the right approach. "Can I get the key? I really gotta pee."

Nate barely blinked.

"You'll manage without."

Rhett's ears pinned back at the sharpness in his tone.

"And if not—" Nate leaned forward, gesturing around the absolute carnage of the room. His jaw tightened. "You can always pee like the damn rabid animal you apparently are."

His voice was edged with something deeper than amusement now. A low, simmering displeasure. The kind that made Rhett straighten slightly, shoulders squaring out of instinct.

Rhett tried to stammer out a response. "Okay, but— look, I don't even remember— I mean, yeah, I drank, but that reaction isn't really—"

"Stop."

Nate's voice cut through his excuse like a blade.

Rhett's mouth snapped shut.

"You're not talking your way out of this.", Nate said, voice low and firm. "Not right now. We will have a very thorough discussion about what the fuck happened last night—", his eyes flicked pointedly to the destroyed remains of his living room "—but that happens after you clean this mess up."

Rhett swallowed, shifting slightly on his feet.

For a second, he looked like he might argue. That usual stubborn streak flashing in his eyes, the quiet resistance, the instinct to challenge and push back.

But Nate didn't move. Didn't break eye contact.

And Rhett hesitated.

His tail twitched. His ears flicked.

Then, finally his shoulders dropped just slightly, and his ears flattened in something dangerously close to guilt.

"Fine," Rhett grunted, rolling his shoulders before wandering off, tail flicking in frustration.

A few moments later, distant grumbling reached Nate's ears. The occasional sharp inhale, the quiet curse of someone coming to grips with their new situation.

Nate smirked. *Yeah. He's feeling it now.*

He settled back onto the couch, stretching out as he watched Rhett return.

The wolf was noticeably more subdued now — slumped slightly, ears still pinned back, moving stiffly as he crawled around the floor, picking up feathers and stuffing alike. Every so often, he let out a small grunt, rolling his shoulders or stretching his back, muttering complaints under his breath.

"Fucking hell.", Rhett grumbled, rubbing the side of his head. "Back's killing me. My head, too. Ugh.", he exhaled, then finally looked at the couch.

His ears twitched as he traced the suture marks, eyes flicking over the damage. He reached out, running his fingers over one of the stitched-up wounds, his brows furrowing slightly.

"Y'know,", he started, tone half-heartedly casual. "this isn't that bad. I mean, the damage could've been worse, right? I probably just—"

*Wrong move.*

Nate's jaw tightened. His fingers drummed once — just once — against the couch before he growled.

Rhett stiffened.

Nate tilted his head slightly, his expression darkening. "Your drunk ass,", he said slowly, voice edged with restrained displeasure, "slept through me cleaning up twice.", his eyes flicked pointedly to the room, then to the couch, then — finally — to the pillows. He reached to the side and lifted one up for emphasis.

Rhett blinked.

The realization clicked.

"Oh.", he muttered.

Nate let the silence hang for a beat.

Then, flatly. "Yeah. *Oh.*"

Rhett's tail gave a weak, guilty flick. He cleared his throat, rubbing the back of his neck. "Uh. Right. That's... fair."

He grumbled something under his breath — something about overreacting and not remembering half of it anyway — but he didn't argue further. Instead, he focused on picking up the rest of the mess, keeping his head low, his tail still.

Nate huffed.

At least he was learning.

When Rhett finally finished, he straightened up, looking thoroughly miserable. His ears were low, his tail tucked between his legs, his entire posture radiating cautious submission.

Slowly — carefully — he approached.

He hesitated.

Then, with a voice that almost sounded small, he asked, "...Can I get the key now?"

Nate — who had expected this moment — retorted.

"Oh, pup.", Nate said, loaded amusement from his tone. He shook his head, disapproving as he met Rhett's eyes. "If you think that cage is a punishment for the torn couch—", he tilted his head slightly, eyes gleaming. "—then you are gravely mistaken."

Rhett's ears flattened even further and Nate's smirk deepened.

"This,", he tapped a finger against his knee, slow and deliberate, "isn't just about one night of bad decisions."

He leaned forward, voice dropping just slightly. "This is about correction. About teaching you."

A slow swallow. Rhett's tail curled slightly tighter.

Nate sat back, exhaling in expectation. "Take a seat, we're going to have that talk now."

Rhett hesitated for a second before he moved, ears flicking as he slumped onto the couch beside Nate.

His tail curled instinctively into his lap, covering himself — even though he still had his shorts. It was a subtle movement, but Nate noticed. A quiet, instinctual display of vulnerability.

And the way Rhett sat? Shoulders slightly hunched, head tilted downward, legs together, hands resting stiffly against his thighs? *Yeah.*

That was the posture of someone who knew they were caught.

Nate exhaled, letting the tension settle. Then, slowly, deliberately, he reached over and rubbed Rhett's thigh.

A simple touch. Reassuring. Steady.

"You know I love you, right?", Nate murmured, voice low but firm. "That hasn't changed. That won't ever change."

Rhett's ears twitched slightly, but he didn't lift his head.

"There's nothing to be afraid of here.", Nate's thumb brushed slow circles over the fabric of Rhett's shorts. "But I will leave absolutely no doubt in your mind that I'm done with you getting wasted and acting like a damn fool with your pack."

Rhett inhaled sharply, shifting slightly in his seat, but Nate continued before he could speak.

"I knew what I was signing up for with you,", Nate said, voice calm but resolute. "I don't mind you hanging out with them — I really don't. I know they're your pack, I know what they mean to you. But what I won't tolerate is you being reckless and childish just because they hype you up."

Rhett's tail twitched. His fingers clenched slightly against his thighs.

Nate's grip on his leg firmed slightly.

"You want to act like a reckless pup?", he murmured. "Then I'll treat you like one."

That got a reaction.

Rhett's head finally lifted, ears flicking in mild protest. His lips parted, an argument already forming. "*Come on*, babe, I think you're overreacting and-"

"No.", Nate cut in sharply.

Rhett tensed.

"You don't get to talk to me about overreacting.", Nate said, his voice edged with finality. "Not when you literally tore the entire goddamn living room apart last night."

Rhett's mouth opened, then closed.

Nate watched him — really watched him — taking in the way his ears pinned back, the flick of his tail, the slight drop of his shoulders as guilt finally started to set in.

Nate exhaled, tilting his head slightly.

"I talked to another wolf about this.", he said casually. "How this is a common problem. And you know what he said? He said wolves must be tamed."

"Tamed?!", Rhett's voice cracked more than he wanted, and he immediately shut himself down, ears flicking in sudden embarrassment.

His tail gave a quick, nervous flick before he clenched his jaw, forcing himself back into something that resembled composure.

"Babe,", he tried again, voice lower, more controlled. "Wolves don't get tamed. We're not dogs. We're—"

"Shut it.", Nate's voice was calm. Deadly calm. Yet firm. Absolute. Rhett's mouth snapped shut.

"I've tried talking to you.", Nate continued, his tone even but unyielding. "I've used words. Lots of words. But apparently, words don't work on your kind.", his fingers drummed once — just once — against Rhett's leg. "And especially not on your thick skull."

Rhett bristled slightly at that, his tail twitching, but Nate leaned in, voice dropping just slightly.

"You're stubborn like that. And while I love you for it-", his gaze pinning Rhett in place "I will not stand it any longer."

A slow silence settled between them. Rhett swallowed, ears flicking.

"You will learn,", Nate murmured, voice like iron wrapped in silk, "by touch. By pressure. By force."

He tilted his head, watching as Rhett's throat bobbed with a slow swallow.

"Because apparently,", Nate exhaled, "that's how you tame wolves."

Silence.

Rhett's fingers twitched against his own thigh, tail shifting slightly behind him. His jaw worked for a moment before he spoke again.

"I'm sorry, okay?", his voice was softer now. "I didn't see how much it hurt you."

Nate studied him for a beat before giving a slow nod.

"Thank you."

A flicker of relief crossed Rhett's face. His ears perked slightly, his shoulders loosening.

"However,", Rhett started, shifting his weight. "A cage? Really? Give me the key already. We can work through this some other way."

And then he moved. Crawling over Nate. Pushing him back into the couch, his body warm, solid, heavy as he pressed him down, a slow, deliberate show of dominance.

He was testing.

Pushing back.

Challenging him.

Nate let out a slow breath, unimpressed.

He had known this was bound to happen. The wolf in the kink shop had told him and he had enough experience with Rhett to see it coming. It was instinct to challenge authority. And while Nate had no shot at physically overpowering him, he didn't need to, because he got something better: Leverage.

Then, without missing a beat, he lifted his hands — calmly — and showed them to Rhett, palms open.

"I don't have the key on me.", he said, tone dangerously patient.

Rhett looked at the open palms then in Nate's eyes. Uncertainty lingered in them.

"You will either obey—", Nate continued, voice smooth, intentional "or you will spend the foreseeable future locked, needy, and very, very desperate."

Rhett's ears flicked sharply back. His expression twitched — somewhere between annoyance and panic.

"This isn't some stupid game, Nate.", Rhett growled, frustration bubbling under his voice.

Nate moved. He clamped his hands around Rhett's muzzle.

Firm and unyielding.

Rhett startled, eyes widening in shock as Nate held his muzzle shut, his grip firm but careful. Rhett's tail stiffened, body locked in place.

And then—

Nate leaned up and kissed him.

Right on the tip of his snout.

The wolf's entire body stiffened, his tail flicking just once in stunned confusion.

Nate pulled back only an inch, voice low, close to a snarl, but without the sharpness.

"This-", he murmured, slow and deliberate. "is absolutely not a joke."

His fingers tightened just slightly around Rhett's muzzle. "And you will obey, pup."

A slow swallow. Rhett didn't move.

Didn't argue.

Didn't even breathe for a second.

Nate waited.

Slowly, reluctantly, Rhett's ears lowered. His tail gave a single, small flick.

A silent concession.

Nate didn't expect a full on surrender. That wasn't Rhett's way. No, but he could see when his mate backed down from a challenge. Just like he had just now. That didn't mean he would submit fully now, but for that Nate had different - more fun - methods.

"It's time for you to learn about the consequences of your actions now.", Nate said after a while of sharing body heat.

Rhett tilted his head in an all too canine manner.

"I just picked all the feathers and stuffing and I'm hungover and I'm in a cage and have to pee while almost being horizontal. I think I have good idea what consequences are."

"Let me rephrase then:", Nate chuckled, kissing Rhett's wet nose again. "It's time for your punishment."

"I'm pretty sure I've been punished enough already.", Rhett chuckled.

Nate too chuckled, but for a different reason. "Oh no, puppy. Far from it. All this up to now? That's just setup for *correction*. But punishment is for things like *ripping my pillows to pieces and ruining my couch*."

A grunt of disapproval left Rhett's throat, then his eyes got all big and watery.

"What did you have in mind, babe? I'm already suffering..."

"Don't you puppy-eye me, Rhett. You will find out shortly. Now fetch me the large bag over there. No looking inside.", Nate pointed where he had put down the bag with all the kinky equipment. It was high time he got started with training - and fun.

Rhett complied and commented while handing Nate the bag. "I smell leather."

His fingers found what he was looking for — the thick, reinforced mittens.

"Now-", Nate said, tone cool and firm, "extend your paws to me."

Rhett arched a brow at the phrasing but obeyed, lifting his paws.

Nate slid the mittens on, one at a time, securing them snugly over Rhett's hands.

The wolf flexed his fingers inside them, testing the restriction, his ears twitching.

"Kinky.", Rhett muttered, tilting his head slightly.

Nate didn't react. Instead, he reached around him to secure the rings of the mittens behind his back.

Rhett gave an experimental tug, testing his arms. His muscles flexed, but the positioning kept him effectively restrained, leaving him helpless. He exhaled sharply through his nose.

"Damn," he muttered. "You really went all in on this, huh?"

Still, he sounded amused.

That was fine. Nate wasn't finished yet.

Without a word, he reached into the bag again and pulled out the next item—

The gag.

Rhett turned his head slightly, his brows furrowing as he caught sight of it.

"...Really?"

Nate ignored him, smoothly removing the ring attachment.

Then, with just the tiniest hint of hesitation, he wrapped the gag around Rhett's muzzle.

Rhett grunted, his ears snapping back as the pressure settled around his snout. He tried to speak, but the moment his jaw flexed, the gag held firm.

His words came out muffled — a mix of sounds that almost resembled words but were too garbled to form anything coherent.

Nate sat back, exhaling in satisfaction. His mate was now securely bound. Well, at least enough to not cause any mischief or overpower him. Should Rhett decide to stop playing along and challenge him again - and he would, no doubt about that - he now had an easier time to handle him properly.

Nate smirked, tracing a finger along the curve of Rhett's locked jaw before leaning in and pressing another slow, deliberate kiss against his forced-shut muzzle.

"There.", Nate murmured against his snout. "Now I'm happy. Well, almost."

Nate rose up a bit and pushed his mate over. Forcing Rhett to lie somewhat awkwardly on his back. His tail betrayed his annoyed grimace. It swished between his legs now, instead of being tucked. He was getting excited about this situation.

*That won't last.*

The human climbed on top his wolf. Sitting on him like a cowboy, running his hands through his belly fur. Eliciting groans of pleasure.

*Belly rubs - the weakpoint of even the largest of canines.*

Nate adjusted his weight, settling comfortably over Rhett's thighs as he worked his fingers through the thick fur of his stomach. He could feel the muscles beneath twitching, the restrained huffs of breath through Rhett's nose, the way his tail flicked just slightly — somewhere between irritation and anticipation.

"Enjoying yourself, love?", Nate murmured, letting his fingertips skim lower, brushing the edges of Rhett's bound arms.

A low grunt answered him. A muffled noise, thick behind the gag. Rhett shifted beneath him, testing the tightness of the mittens, the restraint against his back. His ears flicked in mild frustration, but his tail betrayed him — swishing slow, betraying just how much he was still enjoying himself.

He let his hands drift, ghosting down, fingers slipping beneath the waistband of Rhett's shorts. The wolf tensed. His body reacted instinctively — hips shifting slightly, an anticipatory flick of his tail. Nate took his time, peeling the fabric away with deliberate slowness, exposing thick fur, powerful thighs—

—and the snug, locked cage sitting perfectly against his sheath.

Rhett's whole body jerked. A sharp inhale through his nose, his ears snapping back in immediate, startled awareness.

Nate chuckled.

"Oh, that got your attention, huh?"

Rhett growled something unintelligible behind the gag, his chest rumbling, but it wasn't anger — it wasn't real resistance. It was the realization of what was happening. The shift in dynamic. The flicker of realization that he had no way to resist.

Nate reached down, running his thumb slowly along the exposed ridge of his sheath, feeling the slight twitch of muscle beneath. "Not so fun anymore, is it?", he murmured, voice thick with amusement.

Rhett twitched beneath him. He tried to shift, to roll his hips, to— *something*. But the cage did its job. The sheath, compressed, had no room to expand. He couldn't get hard. Couldn't relieve the growing pressure.

A growl rumbled in his chest, half protest, half something else.

"Mm, yeah.", Nate mused, cupping the weight of Rhett's exposed balls, rolling them between his fingers, appreciating their warmth, their heft. He knew how much tension they must already be holding. "Bet you didn't think about that, did you?"

Rhett twitched again, shifting his legs, trying to— what? Get away? No. There was nowhere to go. His thighs flexed, but Nate simply tightened his grip, his fingers curling around them, keeping him still. Even starting to knead them ever so slightly.

"Look at you.", Nate murmured, voice full of wicked amusement. "All big and tough. And yet—", he dragged a slow, teasing fingertip over the top of the cage, pressing just lightly against the exposed slit of Rhett's sheath.

A soft, stifled whine escaped Rhett's throat before he could stop it.

Nate's smirk deepened.

He repeated the motion, pressing his thumb slightly at the cage's opening, feeling the way Rhett twitched, the frustrated flex of muscle beneath him. The attempt to get hard. The push against the restriction.

And the inevitable failure.

Rhett let out a muffled, frustrated grunt, his ears flicking back, his tail curling instinctively between his legs. He tried shifting again, but Nate was already tightening his grip around his thighs, keeping him firmly in place.

"Aw, puppy.", Nate crooned mockingly, running a slow, deliberate hand up his belly, splaying his fingers over his abs, pressing down just enough drive home the message. "What's wrong? Something bothering you?"

A growl vibrated through Rhett's chest. A low, frustrated noise. He bucked his hips, but— nothing. The cage held firm. The pressure remained. A small spurt of pre wet Nate's fingers.

And Nate knew exactly what was happening. Rhett found pleasure in submission. He brought the sticky fingers up to his wolf's snout and smeared it across his wet nose. Being a creature that sensitive to scent had quite the effect. Causing him to close his eyes and tilt his head back, his hips started bucking, tossing Nate around a bit.

"You feel it, don't you?", he murmured, fingers tracing along the edge of the cage again, teasing, making sure Rhett knew exactly how little control he had. "That tension? That aching feeling?"

He pressed down slightly against Rhett's heavy balls, rolling them deliberately, making the wolf groan behind the gag.

"That's your body trying.", Nate said smoothly. "Trying to swell. Trying to push out. But it can't, can it?"

Rhett's breath came out sharper now, short exhales through his nose. His muscles had gone tense, locked beneath Nate's touch. His tail was a rigid line between his legs, his body fighting itself, fighting the instinct to get hard, because it couldn't.

And Nate relished it.

"Poor pup.", he cooed, sliding a hand up his stomach, tracing slow, patronizing patterns into his fur. "You thought you were in charge, didn't you?"

Rhett whined. Low, muffled, his ears flattening. A barely contained sound of frustration.

"You're going to learn, pup.", he murmured.

A slow, deliberate press of his hand against Rhett's groin.

"You're going to feel this lesson."

Another whine. This time, more broken. More needy.

"And you are going to beg me for mercy before we're done."

Rhett's whole body shuddered and Nate decided to proceed to the next step: He stood up and stripped. His own modest erection on full display. He gave it deliberate pumps, stroking it.

"Don't get it twisted, love. This is punishment.", Nate chuckled and grabbed the paddle from the bag. As soon as Rhett realized what was in his hands he stiffened even more. His eyes darted between Nate and the paddle in his hand. The heavy, hardened wooden paddle.

The fact that it wasn't some small, flimsy leather one drove the point home even further.

Rhett slowly shook his head. Nate responded in kind and nodded, then climbed back up his wolf, turning around and pressing his taint into the wolf's muzzle. If there was anything more effective on Rhett than his own scent of arousal, it was Nate's. His mates.

The reaction was even more urgent now, being fixated beneath his mate, forced so close to his mates private parts, but not being able to do anything about it. The musk seemed to drive him wild. He started bucking his hips more desperately. The red tip of his member showed again, raging against its confinements.

"This is how it's going to work, pup.", he said coyly.

Rubbing the wooden paddle against Rhett's exposed balls. Rhett didn't dare move as he felt the cool wood against his orbs.

"I will spank you now. And I will explain how you will improve your behavior. By the end, I will take the muzzle from you and ask you to repeat what I taught you. If you fail, if you act out of line, I will repeat the process. Over and over. Got it?"

It took a solid while for the tensed up Rhett to muster an answer, but alas he conceded. Not that he had much of a choice, really.

"Good boy!", Nate cooed, giving Rhett's balls a slow rub. "See? You're already learning."

Nate grabbed his wolf's balls by the base to keep them nice and exposed and before his victim could react, he landed a soft slap on them.

The sound was heavy and meaty. The sound that Rhett made, was high-pitched and not very fitting for such a large wolf. He coiled up, tensing trying to cover himself with his legs.

"Put your legs down. Now. Or I will make it way worse on you.", Nate enjoyed the process, but there were more pressing matters at hand. This was about correction and teaching after all. Pleasure was just a nice side effect.

Rhett took a while, but very slowly spread his legs again, exposing his vulnerable bits. Nate rubbed the paddle along the balls, this time making very sure to keep a firm grip on the balls. Next time the wolf would try to pull away, he would tug harshly on them, keeping them for easy access.

Another slap. A lot firmer this time. Rhett yowled in pain and almost threw him off from thrashing, but Nate doubled down, flexing his legs - which caused him to drive his taint further into the wolf's snout.

"This, puppy, is for hiding *my* property from punishment."

That time Rhett listened, he kept the legs out of the way.

"You are all ears now, right? We can get started for real now."

Rhett just grunted and Nate took that for confirmation, before driving home another firm swat.

"Listen, now.", Nate growled. The shift in demeanor immediate. There was enough frustration boiling beneath the surface to make it easy enough to switch between teasing and commanding. "Should you ever dare to get black-out drunk again, then I will double down on the spanking. Are.", another slap. "We.", another. "Clear?"

Rhett was a writhing mess. Much to Nate's surprise he seemed to be rock hard in that cage. Well, at least as hard as he could get. The pressure in that cage must've been immense. Though, to his credit, he did quickly grunt in acceptance. At least, that's what Nate thought was what that grunt meant. Nate came to realize his position might be quite teasing, but quite unfortunate for disciplining his pup.

He grunted in discomfort as his legs unbend and turned so that he could keep that firm grip on Rhett's balls, but was sitting next to him. The wolf's eyes were a mixture of being lost in a haze, frustration, anger and begging. It was a lovely sight.

"Alright, pup-", Nate continued. "in the future, you will think twice about what you're about to do with your packmates and in general. Recklessness like that will - one day - get you into trouble. Way more than I could ever inflict on you. And I love you too much to see you in troubles. Got it?"

Rhett nodded. At least now Nate could see, whether the message had been driven into that thick skull or not.

A hard slap was Rhett's reward. He writhed, yowled again and fumbled with his bound paws.

"You didn't think, you'd get off easy, did you?"

The nodding became frantic.

"Gooooood."

Underneath the thick fur, Nate thought he could see a nice prominent shade of red on the balls of his unfortunate partner.

*Lovely.*

"From here on out, things will change. Again, I love you for who you are, Rhett.", Nate slapped his balls lightly - enough to flinch, not enough to lose focus. "But in your best interest, I will tame you. That entails making you understand consequences. That means showing you responsibility and discipline. That means giving you structure and order - hierarchy."

Nate slapped hard this time. Hard enough for Rhett to jolt away - or trying to, because Nate held his grip firm on his balls, keeping him in place. Rhett's tail tried to cover his aching balls, but Nate shoved it aside with the paddle again.

"Ssshhh...", Nate rubbed the paddle along the wolf's orbs in a false attempt of soothing him. The anger was gone from Rhett's eyes. He didn't see frustration in them. He saw defiance, that would be taken care of in time, but he also saw clear submission. Rhett was doing puppy-eyes now. If on purpose or not, Nate couldn't say, but it wasn't effective. In fact, it was just confirming, that Rhett was more willing to submit as time went on. He went from denial to begging now, soon acceptance should follow.

"I will hand out rewards if you are on your best behavior and I will hand out punishments just the same if you're not. Simple as that. You will even be able to earn back certain privileges,", Nate tapped the metal cage with the paddle, causing a clinking sound. "should you convince me that you really learned your lessons."

The nodding was frantic and fast, he most certainly didn't wish to experience another swat. Nate just chuckled.

"I know you're just trying to get out of this punishment and therefore just do what you think I want you to do. But that's fine. I don't expect these lessons to stick the first time.", Nate leaned in and kissed Rhett on his snout again. Even digging his tongue between his clamped shut muzzle, licking across his teeth.

Then he slapped him once again. The hot breath of alcohol shot into his face and he pulled back as grunting and moaning resumed.

"Didn't know you were into pain like that. It will certainly make things more interesting in the future, don't you agree?", the voice was laced with malice and temptation. The reason for it was the twitching and pulsing excuse of an erection between the wolf's legs.

"Or maybe it isn't actually the pain, but the domination and the reinforcement of hierarchy?"

Nate had expected some form of rejection or resistance, but his wolf companion leaned forward and nuzzled his neck, whining. A chuckle of laughter escaped Nate's mouth.

His heart melted a little, but he forced himself to be stern.

"Listen, puppy.", he chuckled leaning away, out of reach of nuzzling range. "If this weren't just an act, you would earn yourself a lot of bonus points doing that. But during a punishment? Nuh-uh, I know you too well for that."

A heavy swat was Rhett's reward. He dropped the act in an instant and returned to grunting and moaning.

"Your balls aching, boy?"

Strong nodding.

"Well, let's see if you remember what I just told you. You will list them in order. If you do *anything* but tell me your new rules, I will clamp your muzzle shut again and we will start over."

Nate pulled the muzzle-gag from his mates snout and in response Rhett worked his jaw and let out a sigh.

Nate waited.

"I... I will not get wasted anymore. Is that stuff for anthros still okay?", he started. His voice was a mixture between hoarse and sheepish.

"Absolutely, love. I don't want you to *not* have fun, I just wish for you to be responsible about it.", he leaned in and gave Rhett a smooch on the side of his muzzle.

"I will think twice about acting out of line?"

"Is that a question or...?"

"A statement!", Rhett quickly corrected as he felt the grip on his balls tightening.

"Go on."

"I will be-", he swallowed hard, not looking up. Pouting almost. "tamed. You will make sure I'll be on my best behavior."

Nate smiled in appreciation. "See? You're a quick learner. I honestly expected you to go through at least two more rounds, but it seems stinging balls are driving my point home, huh?"

Rhett nodded, ears folded. He didn't dare look up. He was pouting. A cute sight.

With a content sigh, Nate set the paddle aside and let go of Rhett's tormented orbs. They hung heavy and reddened. The cage was still tight from the looks of it. Nate reached for the last two items in the bag. The collar and the box that said "Treats".

The wolf looked at that collar suspiciously. "What do you plan on doing with that?"

"Enforcing hierarchy.", Nate stated and crawled back over the still bound wolf. "I think it fits your coat beautifully, by the way."

Rhett couldn't put up much resistance. His ears were still folded back, when the collar clicked into place. Nate made sure it was tight, but still had a few fingers room to wiggle. Enough that Rhett would feel it constantly, not enough to choke him out.

"What does the tag say?", Rhett asked, trying in vain to look down at it.

"Property of Nate."

Rhett stiffened, but before he could argue more, Nate locked the collar. "You can ask me for the key if you want to shower. But other than that, you will wear it constantly."

"Constantly?", Rhett cocked an eyebrow, incredulous, maybe even disapproving. "As in outside - in public, too?"

"Oh, absolutely.", Nate's voice was matter-of-fact-ly. Straight and calm.

Rhett's defiance came back in an instant. "Now listen here, Nate. This is not funny. I will not have my status and independence be undermined by a collar."

Nate just smiled, leaning down and kissing Rhett on his snout again.

"I expected as much."

Nate let the kiss linger, slow and deliberate, before pulling back just enough to meet Rhett's glare head-on. The wolf's ears were twitching now, his tail flicking behind him in agitation, his bound paws curling in protest.

"Status?", Nate echoed, his tone smooth, but laced with quiet amusement. "Independence?", his fingers trailed along the edge of the collar, thumb pressing slightly against the locked buckle. "You've already given those up, pup. You just don't want to admit it yet."

Rhett's growl rumbled from deep in his chest. "I am not wearing this in public.", he said firmly, shifting beneath Nate, his body still tensed from the punishment, but his voice regaining some of that natural defiance. "You can pull all the kinky shit you want behind closed doors, but I have a reputation, and I—"

"You will wear it.", Nate cut him off smoothly. His voice wasn't raised, wasn't angry — but it was absolute.

Rhett hesitated.

"And if I don't?" he asked, testing.

Nate smiled. *There it is. The challenge.*

"Oh, pup", he said, his voice soft, almost affectionate. His fingers brushed along the sensitive underside of Rhett's chin, a gentle touch that belied the steel in his words. "If you don't, I'll make sure you regret it."

Rhett scoffed. "You think you can make me?"

"I can and I will. I will smack your balls blue if you dare tearing it off. I will keep that cage on you for *months*, if you dare misbehave. You should wear it with pride, not frustration."

Nate exhaled through his nose, shaking his head like he was dealing with a particularly stubborn child. Then, without breaking eye contact, he reached into the small white box.

The wolf's ears flicked instantly. Nate didn't miss the way his pupils dilated just a fraction when he popped the lid open.

"Oh?", Nate mused, watching the subtle shift in Rhett's posture. "Curious, are we?"

Rhett's nostrils flared slightly. He could smell them now — the subtle mix of herbs and something almost familiar. His tongue flicked over his lips on instinct before he scowled, trying to shake it off.

"What—", Rhett started, but Nate had already plucked one of the small, dark treats from the box and held it just an inch from the wolf's lips.

Rhett eyed him warily, then the treat. "What the hell is in it?", his voice was sharp, but there was a crack of uncertainty beneath it.

Nate smirked. "Something good.", he promised. "Something that makes stubborn wolves... relax."

Rhett's jaw tightened. His ears flicked back, but his nose betrayed him — twitching slightly, following the scent. His pupils were still slightly blown, his instincts pulling him in two directions at once.

"I'm not some pet you can hand-feed.", he growled, but the words lacked their usual bite.

Nate chuckled. "Of course not," he said smoothly. "Pets don't need to learn obedience. But pups like you? Pups who wreck furniture, drink themselves stupid, and still have the nerve to challenge me?", he pressed the treat closer, letting it barely graze Rhett's lips. "They need a little extra reinforcement."

Rhett's breathing had slowed. His tail twitched once, hesitating. He hated this — hated that Nate was right, hated that the collar was still locked around his throat, hated that his body was betraying him, inch by inch.

Nate waited.

And then — slowly, begrudgingly — Rhett parted his lips just enough for Nate to slip the treat inside.

"Good boy.", Nate praised, voice dripping with satisfaction as Rhett's mouth closed around it.

The effect wasn't instantaneous, but it was immediate enough. Rhett's entire body gave a slow, almost involuntary shudder as the herbs hit his system. His tail gave a single, lazy flick, his bound paws twitched, and his ears relaxed just slightly from their tense, flattened state. His muscles, which had been locked in resistance since the moment the collar had clicked into place, started to melt — only a little, but enough.

Nate watched the realization flicker behind Rhett's half-lidded gaze. He teased, leaning in, brushing a soft kiss along the curve of Rhett's jaw. "Does my pup feel nice?"

Rhett swallowed thickly. His lips parted slightly, but no words came out. The fight was still there — Nate could see it, a simmering defiance just beneath the surface — but the edge of it had dulled. His shoulders had lowered a fraction. His tail gave another lazy flick.

"Yeah.", Nate murmured, running his fingers through the fur on Rhett's stomach, making the wolf shudder despite himself. "That's what I thought."

Rhett's breath came out in a slow, reluctant exhale. "You drugged me.", he muttered, but his voice lacked its usual fire.

Nate just grinned, rubbing slow, idle circles into the soft fur of Rhett's belly. "Not a drug.", he corrected. "Just a little something to make obedience easier for stubborn wolves like you."

Rhett scoffed, but it was weak. "This is low, even for you."

Nate just grinned smoothly. He let himself down next to his wolf. His hand rubbing and kneading the mistreated balls. His head resting on Rhett's shoulder.

"This is what obedient pups get. Belly rubs. Massages. Cuddles. Treats..."

Rhett groaned. "This is... ridiculous."

But Nate heard it more than he saw it. Rhett couldn't put up resistance. The treat was working wonders, making him all cozy and malleable. Lowering his inhibitions and making him feel safe and cared for.

The tension in Rhett broke down, piece by piece. Even his tongue started lolling out to the side. Nate placed another smooch on his wolf's cheek.

They enjoyed the calm for a while. Rhett continued to melt from the treat and Nate was content that it went so smoothly. He really didn't want to have a fight over it. Wolves and dominance were always a bit of a challenge. All things considered it went about rather smoothly.

---

"So what now?", Rhett asked after a while - completely relaxed now, almost dozing off. "I'd like to take a shower and brush my teeth."

A sinister smile crept across Nate's face, but Rhett couldn't see it, from his position. "Are you asking me for permission?"

Rhett almost responded, but hesitated for a second. He noticed that he should rather be careful about how he answered. "I-... I don't have to ask you permission for basic things, right?"

"No, you're good, don't worry.", Nate rose up, letting go of Rhett and stretching. "But I also have some needs that have to be taken care off. Let's go."

Nate tugged the collar of Rhett and pulled him along - without leash it was a bit awkward, but Nate didn't mind. The wolf had to bend down to accommodate the height difference, grumbling as he was still bound and led into the bathroom. He didn't voice his complaints, though. *Progress.*

"You know I can't brush my teeth, with my paws locked behind my back. Can you please?", Rhett turned when they entered the bathroom. Offering the mittens for Nate to undo.

But Nate didn't. "Knees, boy.", he pointed his finger down on the ground.

Rhett hesitated, his ears twitching, his pride warring with his situation. He was already collared, already bound, already at Nate's mercy, and now the bastard expected him to just—

He huffed.

Nate arched a brow. "You want clean teeth, don't you, pup?"

Rhett's jaw clenched. But after a beat of silence, his shoulders dropped slightly. His tail flicked once, and with a heavy, reluctant sigh, he sank to his knees.

*Good boy.*

Nate didn't say it out loud, not yet, but the satisfaction curled in his chest as he watched Rhett kneel before him. The big, proud wolf, subdued and obedient, looking up at him with that mix of defiance and reluctant submission.

It was beautiful.

Without another word, Nate stepped closer, threading his fingers through Rhett's thick fur, gripping the scruff of his neck gently before pulling him forward into his arms. Rhett tensed slightly at first, his breath hitching, but he didn't resist as Nate cradled his large head against his chest.

"There we go", Nate murmured, nuzzling into the top of his mate's head, pressing lingering kisses along his fur, his muzzle, the soft edges of his jaw. "Good pup."

Rhett grumbled something into his chest, but Nate just chuckled, running his fingers through the thick fur at the base of his skull.

"You're taking this so well.", Nate praised softly, scratching behind Rhett's ears, feeling the slight, involuntary flick of them under his touch. "Better than I expected."

Rhett snorted. "Doesn't mean I like it."

Nate *knew* that wasn't true. Rhett's body had already betrayed him a hundred times tonight. The way he melted under Nate's touch. The way his tail thumped when he wasn't thinking about it. The way his tongue had lolled out just slightly from sheer relaxation.

Nate knew the truth.

But he didn't call him out on it. Not yet.

Instead, he just pulled back, cupped Rhett's muzzle firmly in both hands, and kissed his nose again, slow and deliberate.

Then, he reached for the toothbrush.

Rhett's ears flicked again. "Oh, come on—"

Nate ignored him. He squeezed a generous amount of toothpaste onto the bristles, lifted the brush, and before Rhett could turn away, he slid his fingers along the wolf's jawline, tilting his head up, keeping his muzzle fixed in place.

Rhett made a low, begrudging noise deep in his throat but stayed still as Nate pressed the toothbrush against his sharp canines, starting slow, methodical strokes.

"This is humiliating.", Rhett muttered around the brush.

Nate just hummed, brushing along the edges of his fangs. "This is reinforcement.", he corrected. "Your body remembers better than your brain, remember?"

Rhett grumbled but let Nate continue.

"Besides,", Nate added, "if I let you do it, you'd just sulk your way through it and half-ass it."

Rhett let out a snort of protest — only to immediately choke on the foam. He sputtered, twisting slightly, trying to move away, but Nate tightened his grip, shushing him.

"Uh-uh.", Nate soothed, holding his muzzle steady. "Stay still."

Rhett whined — actually whined — as Nate kept brushing, cleaning every inch of his sharp canines, his molars, his tongue. The foam built up in his mouth, and his ears flattened completely in silent misery.

Nate was loving this.

When he was finally satisfied, he stepped back, turning toward the sink and filling a cup of water.

"Rinse.", he instructed, tilting it toward Rhett's mouth.

Rhett grumbled under his breath but obeyed, taking the water, swishing it through his teeth before spitting into the sink.

Nate grinned. "See? That wasn't so bad, was it?"

Rhett shot him a look — mild murder behind those sharp, yellow eyes.

Nate just chuckled and wiped a lingering streak of foam from Rhett's lower lip with his thumb.

"Adorable.", he murmured, running his fingers through Rhett's fur one last time. "I'm going to remove the collar and the mittens now. If you're good, the mittens will stay off, if not... welp, these-", Nate reached down and put Rhett's balls in a vice grip. "will suffer the consequences. The collar goes on either way after."

Rhett nodded, pretending to be upset, but the tail betrayed him again. Nate made quick work of the restraints and set them down.

Immediately, the wolf rose and rubbed his neck and his wrists. Flexing his paws and ruffling his fur. He then reached for the key for the collar and tested it against the lock of his cage.

Nate laughed. "You really think I'm that stupid?"

"It was worth the try.", Rhett growled in frustration and tossed the key back.

"You know, I'll punish you for that, right?", Nate smiled with full-on amusement.

The wolf, in response, straightened up. Towering his massive frame over the smaller human. But Nate wasn't impressed. He knew it would come to that. The second he was free, he would challenge again.

Nate didn't flinch. Not when Rhett hoisted him up like a child, not when the deep growl rattled in his chest, not when those sharp, yellow eyes locked onto his with unmasked frustration.

Instead, he smirked.

"Predictable.", he mused, voice cool, amused, utterly unfazed. "You really think this is going to work?"

Rhett's grip on his sides tightened. "Take. It. Off."

Nate just chuckled. "You're adorable when you think you have leverage."

The wolf bared his teeth, muscles coiled tight, but Nate only leaned in closer, lowering his voice just enough to make it *cut*.

"Let's be clear, pup.", he murmured. "You can tickle me, toss me, torture me if you want, but this?", he tapped the cage with his fingers, feeling the slight twitch beneath it. "This stays on. And every time you pull this bullshit? I add time."

Rhett let out a sharp exhale through his nose, nostrils flaring. His ears flicked, his tail bristling behind him. "You can't keep this on me forever."

"Oh, I don't plan to.", Nate smirked. "I just have to keep it on *long enough*."

Rhett's lips peeled back slightly. A real snarl curled up from his throat now, his claws flexing against Nate's sides. "You'll be wearing one by tomorrow.", he growled. "See how you like it."

Nate laughed. "You want me locked? Go ahead. Do it. I promise you'll be suffering way more than I will."

Rhett's jaw twitched, because he knew Nate was right.

The idea of Nate in a cage might have sounded like revenge, but both of them knew who'd be the real loser in that situation. Rhett would be the one suffering, unable to do anything about it, unable to touch, unable to fuck, unable to claim what was his.

Nate knew his wolf.

And so, Nate tilted his head, staring him down with slow, growing amusement. "Go on, then. Lock me up. I dare you."

Rhett didn't move.

"Thought so.", Nate murmured, smug as ever.

Rhett's snarl turned guttural, desperate, but instead of relenting, Nate let his eyes darken, let the sharpness creep into his voice.

"Alright then,", he said, voice going razor-sharp. "have it your way. You submit once and for all and I'll stop adding days to your sentence."

And then — he started counting.

"One."

Rhett's ears flicked.

"Two."

His fingers tightened around Nate's ribs.

"What are you—"

"Three."

A muscle in Rhett's jaw ticked. His tail bristled.

"What the fuck are you counting?"

Nate's smirk widened.

"Four."

Rhett's grip twitched. His breathing went heavy. His pupils dilated ever so slightly. His hackles bristled as his tail flicked erratically.

"Five."

Rhett's ears pinned back.

"Nate—"

"Six."

A visible shudder ran through the wolf's frame. His fingers flexed, his breath came out short and ragged, his muscles coiled—

"Fucking—"

"Seven."

Rhett *cracked*.

A sound ripped from his throat — somewhere between a frustrated snarl and an anguished whine, so deep and reverberating that the walls of the bathroom shook.

And at last, he set Nate down.

Roughly. Grudgingly. But he set him down.

Nate won.

He exhaled slowly, savoring the moment, adjusting his stance, rolling his shoulders casually like nothing had just happened.

Then, he looked up at his utterly seething wolf and said, as smoothly as ever:

"Two weeks. And don't think one second this kind of behavior flies. It was *exactly* what I warned you not to do."

Rhett let out a second, miserable, frustrated, soul-deep groan, his ears fully pinned, his whole body rigid with defeat.

Nate grinned and pulled his wolf into the shower.

The water ran warm over Rhett's thick fur, steam curling around them as Nate adjusted the temperature to just the way he liked it — comforting, soothing, perfect for breaking down that last layer of tension.

"Down, pup.", Nate's voice was softer now, but still firm.

Rhett hesitated for a fraction of a second before lowering himself to his knees, his fur already damp, droplets clinging to his broad shoulders. His ears were still folded back, but his tail had started flicking - but not in defiance.

Nate smirked. *That's better.*

Reaching for the bottle of coat conditioner, he poured a generous amount into his hands and then ran them over Rhett's shoulders, rubbing slow, firm circles into the thick muscle.

A low grunt escaped the wolf. A mix of frustration, begrudging pleasure, and exhaustion. He wasn't fighting anymore.

Nate took his time. He worked his way down, fingers pressing in deep, finding the knots and kneading them out. Firm when he needed to be, gentle when it felt right. Rhett didn't say a word, but his breathing changed — his shoulders sagging ever so slightly under Nate's touch, his body melting into the attention.

"You like that?", Nate murmured, rubbing circles into the taut muscles at the base of his neck.

Rhett let out a quiet huff, but didn't answer.

Nate smirked. *Subtle submission.*

His fingers worked lower, tracing over his arms, down his biceps, over his forearms. He ordered Rhett to extend them, and the wolf complied without hesitation. Nate scrubbed the fur, massaging deep into the muscle.

More low rumbles of appreciation vibrated through Rhett's chest. The tension was slipping away, little by little.

"See?", Nate said casually, working the soap into his thick fur. "Good boys get taken care of."

Rhett let out something between a huff and a quiet whine, shifting slightly under Nate's hands.

He leaned in, his breath warm against the damp fur of Rhett's ear. "And you *are* a good boy, aren't you?"

Rhett hesitated.

Nate's fingers tightened around his shoulders, just slightly. Enough to remind him.

A pause.

Then, finally—

A soft, quiet, reluctant "Yeah..."

Nate grinned.

"Good.", His hands moved lower, sliding down Rhett's chest, fingers pressing into his pecs, thumbs rubbing over the fur. He worked in slow, teasing circles, feeling every ridge of muscle beneath the thick coat.

Rhett inhaled sharply, but he didn't pull away. His tail flicked once.

Nate took that as encouragement.

With slow, deliberate motions, he worked his way lower, rubbing over the taut ridges of Rhett's abs, tracing the deep V-line that disappeared beneath the cage. The warm water sluiced over them, rinsing away the soap as he teased his way downward, stopping just before he reached anything too sensitive.

Rhett twitched. His hips shifted — just a little — but he held himself still.

Nate smirked.

"Such a good boy.", he murmured.

Rhett groaned softly, tipping his head forward as Nate's hands kneaded into his sides, slow, firm, relentless in their exploration.

By the time he reached his legs, Rhett was pliant, obedient, his ears still lowered but not in defeat anymore. He wasn't fighting. He wasn't resisting.

He was... accepting.

When Nate ordered him to turn around, Rhett did.

When Nate spread the fur over his back and shoulders, washing away the soap, Rhett stayed still.

When Nate's hands massaged lower — working his glutes, kneading the firm muscle beneath the fur — Rhett let out a slow, deep breath. A small, subtle sound of contentment.

Nate leaned in, lips brushing just over Rhett's wet fur, right behind his ear.

"You will be tamed.", he murmured.

Rhett shivered.

And didn't say a word.

By the time he had taken care of Rhett's body he moved over to the front again. "I'll show you how unruly pups and how obedient pups are being treated now. Still. Don't you dare move a muscle."

Rhett pressed his lips together and folded his ears back, but again, he remained quiet.

With quick hands, Nate turned the shower head to blast mode, the concentrated massage mode, that no one ever used. And he turned it from hot to ice-cold.

The second the ice-cold jet of water hit Rhett's caged sheath, the wolf yowled — a sharp, instinctive sound that echoed off the tiled walls. His entire body jerked, muscles coiling tight, ears snapping flat against his skull. But, to his credit, he stayed still.

Barely.

Nate grinned, adjusting his grip on the cage. "That got a reaction, huh?"

Another blast of frigid water, this time directly into the sheath.

Rhett twitched so violently his claws scraped against the wet tile. His breath came out in ragged, sharp exhales, his tail curling inward, trying to protect himself — but Nate had him right where he wanted him.

He adjusted the angle, making sure the freezing water hit every crevice, sliding over the sensitive sheath, shocking the nerves. Rhett's balls — already sore from their earlier punishment — began to draw up, reacting to the sudden cold, retreating closer to his body in defense.

"You feel that, pup?", Nate murmured, pressing the nozzle firmly against the opening of the cage again, sending another sharp burst of cold straight into him. "This is how bad pups get cleaned up."

Rhett let out a deep, trembling whine, his whole body tensed so tight he was practically vibrating.

Nate smirked. "Mmm. So sensitive now, aren't you?", he traced his free hand over Rhett's stomach, rubbing slow, teasing circles over the shivering muscles there. The contrast — his warm touch against the freezing water — had the wolf sucking in a shaky breath.

Nate kept going, shifting the angle, making sure every part of Rhett's sheath and cage was thoroughly rinsed. Ice-cold water ran over the heavy, still-flushed orbs beneath, cooling the heat that had lingered from the paddling earlier.

Slowly, deliberately, he traced his fingers over the now taut, drawn-up balls, letting them rest against his palm for a moment, feeling how tight they had gotten.

"Look at that.", he mused, giving them a light squeeze. "Bet they ache, don't they?"

Rhett growled — low, frustrated — but did not move. His restraint was commendable, really.

Nate chuckled, finally withdrawing the nozzle, letting the last remnants of icy water drip away.

And then, just as smoothly as he had begun, he switched gears. He turned the shower back to normal and slid behind Rhett.

He knelt behind him, putting his fingers against the wolf's mouth.

"Get them nice and slobbery. And I will show you how good boys are treated instead."

Rhett began sucking and working his tongue on Nate's fingers, while Nate reached around with his other hand and started massaging and kneading the sore balls again.

A groan of appreciation left Rhett and Nate moved over, removing his fingers. "Raise your tail, pup."

One hand placed firmly on the heavy balls that started to soften again. The other invading the wolf's hole.

A groan turned moan. Rhett toppled over and had to hold himself steady against the shower wall as his prostate got assaulted by the human's dextrous fingers. Meanwhile his other hand started kneading and pulling the wolf's testicles again.

Moan after moan escaped Rhett, he whined, he shivered.

The wolf had a hard time staying upright, even when holding himself against the shower wall. Nate chuckled as he saw how pre ran down from the tip of the cage.

His big strong wolf turned into putty in his hands. When he felt the wolf's prostate harden, he stopped. Removing himself from it. Giving the wolf's rump a firm slap. Calling him a good boy once again, before moving away and out of the shower. Toweling himself off.

Surprisingly, Rhett didn't protest when the collar went back on. He didn't even argue about the mittens, accepting his situation at last.

---

"You hungry, pup?", Nate rubbed the large wolf head that rested on his belly. They had returned to the couch, watching TV without really *watching* TV.

"I'm starving, love."

"Tell you what, I'll take care of that, if you take care of me now.", he slid up a bit more so that the Rhett's head rested against his crotch.

"My paws?", he asked sheepishly.

"You'll manage."

Rhett grunted, but didn't argue. He leaned back and started working his broad tongue along, lapping at his reward. It was Nate's turn to grunt and moan now. A long canine tongue that worked him over was a level of pleasure, that rivaled sex itself. The constant teasing, the play of dominance and submission, the bondage. It was all getting him riled up rather quickly.

His length disappeared into the muzzle of the wolf and from licking came sucking. And sucking the wolf did. His nose worked overtime, sniffing his partner in the meantime. Nate looked beyond that muzzle, saw how the canine's thighs rubbed over the cage, pressed between them and the couch, trying to get the faintest hint of stimulation.

"Stop the grinding back there. The couch was drenched in drool just this morning, I don't need it covered in pre or spunk either."

A whine and Rhett stopped the humping and grinding.

"That's right. Your focus is *my* pleasure, not yours."

The wolf redoubled his efforts and started sucking even more eagerly. Nate had to distract himself quickly, he wouldn't be able to last against that vigor for long otherwise. He reached for his phone and quickly called their favorite pizza place.

His partner stopped sucking and looked up at him, the member still buried deep inside his muzzle. Using his free hand Nate pushed Rhett down again, holding him by the scruff and forcing himself up and down.

The size difference made it technically impossible for him to pull Rhett's head up from that angle using only one hand, but his wolf got the message and complied. Continuing to slurp and suck like his life depended on it.

"Yeah hi, this is Nate... yeah that's me... a large pepperoni and a fungi... no, that's fine... just one of your large soft-baked chocolate cookies... wait, I'll ask.", Nate turned to Rhett and made him stop. "Dessert?"

"One of those thick-shakes - caramel, if they still got those, unless-"

Nate didn't let him finish. He pressed him down his length again.

"...yeah, you heard that....hahaha, no..."

Rhett stopped again, looking at him, his sensitive ears twitching as he tried to make out what exactly was being said over the phone. An annoying glance was shot in his direction and Nate wrapped one of his legs around Rhett's neck and *forced* it down, before interlocking it with his other leg. Rhett's snout was being pressed against his crotch. It didn't cause him to gag, Nate wasn't long enough, but it drove the message home with emphasis.

*Stay put, boy.*

"...no no, it's fine. A thick shake with caramel. You got those?... yeah sounds good... delivery... uh-huh... alright. Thank you. Yeah I will. See you."

Nate turned to Rhett who was looking at him with watery eyes.

"Next time, I'll make you tell them, what your predicament is, if you stop working at any point."

Rhett nodded quickly and resumed slurping like his life depended on it.

"Tell you what, boy, you get me off before the pizza gets here and I'll brush your coat until you're nice and sleek. Just how you like it. A nice grooming session for you. Sound good?"

The reaction was to be expected. After today, Rhett wasn't trusting such simple statements anymore.

"And if I fail?", he rested his head against Nate for a second, catching his breath.

"That big plug you got me for Christmas? The one that ripped me in half just trying to get it in? The one that is made for your kind, *not* mine? Yeah that's going up your ass for the rest of the evening. And should you prove even more difficult I *promise* you, you'll sleep with it too."

Rhett licked his chops in hesitation. "I'm not sure I want to play this game."

Nate grinned devilishly. "Too bad, because I do and you're wasting valuable time, unless you want that plug of course, in which case, let me-", he rose up in an attempt to move off the couch, but Rhett quickly resumed sucking and slurping with renewed vigor. "Awww, too bad."

It was quite the battle of wills being fought here. Wet, slurping noises and bobbing heads on the one side and discipline, mental fortitude and a raging boner on the other side. Rhett really gave it his all, no doubt about it. Nate was convinced to reward him regardless of the outcome later, but that didn't mean he would go easy on him.

When the doorbell rang, Nate was but a writhing mess that tried his hardest all muscles tensed - almost sweaty to the point of exhaustion. But he had held firm, imagining some rather gruesome pictures of violence to keep that building orgasm at bay. He had won, barely.

"Guess that settles it.", he breathed heavily. Sitting up on his elbows, but Rhett didn't stop. He continued the assault. "Pup, enough... the door."

It rang again.

And finally Rhett relented grunting in frustration. He was equally out of breath, but got up and let Nate go.

"Fucking... human endurance...", he wheezed.

Hastily, he wrapped a towel around his waist and headed for the door. It was a bit difficult hiding the boner under that towel.

The delivery guy was young, fresh-faced end entirely too perceptive. He gave him a slow once-over, eying the towel, the flushed face, and the musk in the air. The guy, though, remained quiet. Much to his credit.

They exchanged pizza and money and the most superficial of pleasantries, before the door was shut again. Nate set down the food on the table and went into the bedroom again.

Rhett eyed him suspiciously when he returned. The large blue plug was pretty soft, but still a monster for human standards. Nate barely managed to fit it and not for long.

"Can we at least eat first?", the wolf asked, his lips pressed into a thin line at the thought of that large plug invading his behind.

Nate didn't answer. Not verbally, anyway. Instead, he climbed behind the bound wolf in such a manner, that his partner was sitting between his legs, his back facing him. A slight push and Rhett toppled over to the side, exposing his rear. The tail remained tugged.

"Pup. I'm not asking. And if you refuse to obey, you will wear that plug all night one way or another."

The threat was enough and his wolf raised his tail all the way up. Exposing his fuzzy ass.

Nate grabbed the lube and used his towel to combat any potential spillage. A generous serving made the plug slick and Rhett's tailhole just as much. Nate started working his fingers into his partner.

*Thank the size difference.*

Rhett, already somewhat prepared from their short shower adventure, moaned and shivered.

The plug followed shortly after. However, it didn't go nearly as well as his fingers.

As soon as his wolf felt the cool surface of the plug press against him, he shivered and tried to shift away, even though he knew it was futile.

"Stayyyyy.", Nick grunted, reaching above him, grabbing the sore balls of his partner in that vice grip again and holding him in place with it. The escape attempts stopped in an instant. Though, Nate's slow and deliberate pressing made the wolf voice all kinds of grunts and complaints.

"Babe, please, I'm not that stretchy.", he complained, rising his voice.

"And I'm not one for letting things slide. You lost. You will wear that plug. And after that stunt you pulled in the bathroom? You should count yourself lucky, that I'm cutting you that much slack already.", Nate responded, increasing the force he was applying to the plug and the balls alike.

"Babe, I didn't know it was like this!", Rhett lost all pretense of being a strong, independent wolf. His voice cracking as his ass started giving way and the iron grip on his balls pulling him back, making his leg kicking worthless.

"This, right here, Rhett. This is consequence. You ramming that plug in me last time, because you thought *I was just overreacting*? You acting before thinking and almost tearing me in half? Today was the last time you've been reckless. Trust me, by the time-", Nate changed the angle and started turning and twisting the plug, even squeezing it as best he could to make it a bit smaller. "I'm done with you. You will be the thoughtful and considerate."

Finally. With a loud *plop* and a certain set of obscenities shouted by his partner, the plug nudged itself inside. Nate let go and let Rhett roll and thrash for a solid while as whe got accustomed to the large thing wedged inside his ass.

"And you will be quite horny and stretchy, too.", he laughed and wiped his hands on the towel.

"You're being cruel, Nate.", said Rhett after a moment of silence, after his thrashing had concluded. He stared at the ceiling as if contemplating the last few hours.

And that was something that had to happen sooner or later as well. The bargaining hadn't worked, the threatening hadn't worked, the pleading hadn't worked. It was guilt-tripping now, maybe tinged with a hint of true regret. Nate had seen that coming, too.

He climbed over to Rhett and sat himself on his broad chest, looking down at his partner.

"Feels awful, doesn't it? All this naughty stuff is suddenly not fun anymore, right?"

Rhett sulked, even pouted a bit, and looked at the ceiling again.

"I love you, you big, overgrown mutt. And I'm thoroughly fed up with you acting without a care in the world. Do you have any idea how cruel it is of you to expect me to put up with that? To drag you to appointments? To clean up after you? To me not knowing where you went to? To you ramming sex toys up my ass, without considering if I can actually manage them? The list goes on and on."

Rhett turned his gaze on him again. The pouting was still there, but he did realize what was being said.

"You know we've talked. We've talked a lot. You got commitments now, Rhett. You've got me now. And I'm not just another packmate you can fool around with."

The silence stretched, but the pouting stopped. There was concern in Rhett. True, actual concern.

"I... I didn't know.", he stammered.

"You did. I told you, but you didn't listen or thought it important."

A realization set over Rhett's face. One that twisted his demeanor to one of genuine shock.

"You would've broken up with me.", he stated. Voice flat, hoarse almost.

Nate sighed. "I thought about it, but I was aware that there would be challenges to overcome with you. I was- and still am, ready to work through them. This right here," he gestured around. "is an attempt at that."

Rhett shifted underneath him, visibly uncomfortable. Maybe from the plug, maybe from the situation, probably both. "You could've said something."

Nate laughed. "A star is not as dense as you are! Words have absolutely no effect on you! I *literally* just told you, that I've talked to you in the past! You even forgot the beginning of this conversation."

Sulking and pouting and concern turned to groveling. It seemed Nate had finally reached a part of him with words. *Hopefully.*

"Sorry, I just... I work differently."

Nate continued to laugh. "And I love you for it! You are the greatest anthro I have ever met. And I wouldn't trade you for a fortune, but you're just so god damn stubborn!"

"Sorry, babe.", he was actually blushing now. Embarrassed at the situation.

"I knew what I signed up for, love. And this is why I resorted to more... delicate measures to drive these points home. And look, you're already a bit better at listening."

Rhett grew quiet for a moment again. By the looks of it, he was seriously contemplating what was being said. Finally something seemed to reach him for real.

"I don't get out of this, do I?", Rhett ultimately asked. It had been the question on his mind for the longest time.

Nate leaned close and kissed him on the tip of his muzzle again. "You get out the moment you finally learn that actions have consequences. But by then I've got the sneaking suspicion you might actually enjoy it."

Rhett went through multiple emotions at the same time. They played across his face in the span of a few moments and brought a smile to Nate's.

"I do enjoy it - *a bit*. But if you ask me later, I will deny I ever said that."

Nate chuckled again and kissed him once more. "Of course you do, my big, strong wolf. I wouldn't have it any other way. Now come, I'm hungry and I want you see struggling to sit on that plug."

Rhett stretched out across the couch, letting his body go slack, muscles melting into the cushions. His tail twitched once, then settled.

"You planned all of this, didn't you?", his voice was low, grudging.

Nate smirked. "Of course I did."

Rhett's ears flicked. "You're insufferable."

"And yet,", Nate murmured, tracing a slow finger over the locked cage, watching Rhett twitch. "here you are. Caged. Collared. *Tamed.*"

A long pause.

A slow, reluctant sigh.

"...*Fuck me.*"

Nate chuckled, running his fingers through Rhett's fur, pulling him close.

"Love you too, puppy."