FSE

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formerly SoFurry search engine

Yep! I am Strangling You!

Chapter 19

The room was dimly lit, faint morning light bleeding through the curtains. Daniella sat at the edge of the bed, forepaws gripping the sheets and tail flicking in irritation. She let out an exasperated sigh before shaking Conner awake with a rough jolt.

“Wake up!" she barked.

Conner groaned, dragging a pillow over his face. “What the fuck!?" he mumbled from beneath the fabric, his voice muffled and groggy.

Undeterred and, by far, the more stubborn one, Daniella hopped out of bed and yanked the covers away with a dramatic flourish.

When Conner still refused to move, she grabbed his ankles and yanked him off the bed. He landed in a tangled mess of sheets, hissing insults in Draconic as he fought his way free from the stubborn fabric.

“Don't gimme that garbage!" Daniella growled. “Our interview's in like three hours," she added, her voice strained with frustration.

Conner muttered something unintelligible and shot her a tired glare before stepping past her with a lazy middle finger.

Daniella snorted, rolling her eyes as she grabbed her phone and wallet from the night table. Once her satchel was secured across her chest, she left the bedroom after him.

…

Later, Daniella returned to the bedroom to check on Conner. She let out a sigh — of course, he'd thrown on his usual dark colours: black pants and a maroon-red shirt.

“As flattering as it is that you copy my colours, we need to sell the story that we aren't fucking," she groaned.

“Ah, right..." Conner muttered before switching to an army-green t-shirt instead.

“Better," Daniella quipped before turning, her tail flicking behind her as she disappeared down the hall.

Conner rolled his eyes with a sigh, turning his gaze to the balcony door. Snow had piled up against the glass overnight, and fresh flakes drifted down in lazy spirals. He pulled out his phone, scrolled through a long list of vehicle names, and tapped one.

A deep growl rumbled through the house as his Raptor roared to life.

The truck's door thudded shut with a satisfying weight before hissing as the waterproof seal engaged. Conner gripped the steering wheel, taking a steadying breath. This was going to be stressful. He and Daniella needed to put on a front—bullshit their way through it.

The passenger door clicked shut before Daniella spoke. “So how the fuck are we gonna manage this one?" she asked as Conner threw the shifter into first. The truck growled louder as he eased off the clutch.

Conner laughed—sharp, edged with nerves. “Oh boy... Well, we both have combat experience, from past lives, and have killed in this life already."

“I'm assuming you're sticking to the failed mugging attempt story?"

“Yeah, and we should also mention that we've known each other for a long time, so the other multitude of scars I have can be explained away as stupid childhood sparring," Conner chuckled, scrolling through the truck's infotainment screen to tweak its appearance.

“Well, half the scars across your body are probably from me," Daniella quipped with a grin.

“Right, so I'm not technically lying... about that, ahem." Conner cleared his throat dramatically, glancing away as if the windshield had suddenly become the most interesting thing in the world.

Daniella chuckled softly, leaning over to bump her snout against his cheek. Conner gave her a crooked smile and scratched her along her jaw before returning his focus to the road.

The nervous weight in his chest lingered, but with Daniella beside him, it felt a little easier to carry.

…

The office smelled faintly of coffee and ink, the scent clashing with the sterile crispness of paper and pressed uniforms. Overhead, the fluorescent lights buzzed faintly, adding to the heavy silence.

Conner and Daniella sat side by side in front of the desk, the chairs noticeably modified—one standard, the other a reinforced platform built to accommodate draconic recruits.

Across from them, a broad-shouldered warrant officer flipped through their files. His uniform was crisp, his expression unreadable. He finally looked up, tapping a pen against the paperwork.

“Mr. Stephens and Ms. SannNord… or should I say Mrs. Stephens?" His tone was neutral, but the implication was clear.

Conner opened his mouth, but Daniella spoke first. “No, it is Ms. SannNord, thank you." Her voice was steady, professional, though he caught the slight flick of her tail as she bit back a growl.

Conner exhaled sharply through his nose, fingers curling against the armrest. The reinforced material creaked under his grip, but he forced himself to loosen it before it broke. Losing his temper now wouldn't do him any favours.

The officer studied them both before flipping to another page. “Conner Stephens. You're above the official height cutoff. Why should I overlook that?"

He knew that initial comment was meant to throw him off, so he didn't hesitate. “I still fit standard gear, and my reach gives me an edge in hand-to-hand. I don't see a downside."

The officer raised an eyebrow. “You sure about that?"

“I wouldn't be here if I wasn't." Conner's tone was even, unwavering.

The officer shifted his attention. “And you, Daniella? Not every draconic can handle military life. Why do you want this?"

Daniella straightened her posture, her tail flicking behind her. “I was built for combat. Speed, power, firepower—I'd be wasted anywhere else."

“Not every human can handle military life either," she added calmly.

The officer nodded slowly. “You applied together. That's rare. What makes you two a good pair?"

Conner glanced at Daniella before answering. “We've known each other since we were kids. We don't have to second-guess each other's moves."

Daniella chimed in. “In combat, hesitation gets you killed. He doesn't hesitate, and neither do I."

The officer tapped his pen against the desk, then flipped to another page. “Hmmm, it seems you've had some… colourful experiences. Conner, tell me about this scar." He gestured to the mark on Conner's neck.

Conner leaned back slightly, shrugging. “Mugging. Idiot brought a knife. Didn't work out for him."

“You report it?"

Conner scoffed. “He ran off, so I saw no need."

The officer's eyes lingered on him for a moment before moving on. “And combat experience? Either of you ever been in a real fight?"

Daniella's wings flexed slightly. “Self-defense. Growing up where we did, you learn quickly."

Conner added, “We know how to handle ourselves. Both my parents and hers made sure of that."

“And I'm sure you're aware that you will be responsible for combat engagement. Draconics can't exactly hold a firearm."

“I assumed that was obvious," Conner responded casually.

The officer smirked slightly but didn't comment. Instead, he leaned forward slightly, his expression growing more serious. “One last question before I decide. How would you react if… Daniella, was it? If Daniella was injured in battle?"

Conner took a slow, measured breath. He knew exactly how he'd react. But that answer wouldn't get him through this door.

“There's no way to know for sure," he said finally, his voice even. “In the middle of combat, training kicks in. Priority is getting her to safety, getting the medics on her, and finishing the fight. Emotions don't win wars."

The officer let the silence stretch before leaning back in his chair. “Alright. You'll need to pass medical and psych evaluations, but if you clear those, you'll move on to basic training. If this Partner Unit experiment works, you two might just be part of something new."

He closed the files. “Welcome to the process. Don't make me regret pushing this through."

“Understood, sir. We'll be ready for the next step," Conner said.

The officer grunted and gestured toward the door with his pen. “We'll contact you for your medical and psych evals. Dismissed."

…

Conner let out a sigh of relief as the driver's door of his truck thunked shut behind him.

“What the hell are you going to do if I get injured?" Daniella asked, her tone sharp.

“We'll cross that bridge if it comes to it," he responded casually.

Daniella groaned, tail flicking in frustration. “Oh no, no, no—you're not just a regular Elemental, Conner. It hasn't all come back to me yet, but I remember what happened the last time I nearly died." She fixed him with a glare. “You wiped out an army of three thousand."

Conner let out a nervous chuckle, scratching the back of his neck. He pulled his hand in front of him, focusing his mana. His skin darkened, fingers twisting and shifting—his ring and middle fingers merging as blackened claws took form, long and wickedly curved.

“I haven't quite gotten the hang of shapeshifting again yet, but I'm sure I can keep the monster in the cage." He forced a chuckle, though even he wasn't convinced. He flexed his hand, willing it back to normal, but the weight of what those claws had done still lingered.

Daniella's wings twitched. “For the love of God, keep the King of Shadows in the cage."

Before Conner could respond, a low, ethereal chuckle came from the back of the truck.

“Even after all these years, you two bickering is never unassuming."

Both Conner and Daniella snapped their heads around so fast they smacked into each other.

Conner groaned, rubbing his forehead. Daniella let out a hiss of pain, wincing.

“Who the fuck was that?" Daniella muttered, shaking off the stars in her vision.

Conner pinched the bridge of his nose. “I don't have time for this nonsense right now. Let's just get home."

Daniella scoffed, watching as Conner started the truck. “You're seriously just going to ignore that?!"

“Yes."

“How?"

“Because I can," Conner grumbled, too sleep-deprived or too annoyed to deal with it. Probably both.

Daniella opened her mouth to argue, then sighed, shoulders slumping. She hadn't slept well either—anxiously gnawing at her claws, waiting for Conner to answer his damn phone.

Huffing, she turned to the window, watching the scenery blur past. The drive home would take a while, even with Conner's lead foot. His truck was fast, but it didn't corner like his Corvette or Viper.

Conner raised a brow at the sound of a seatbelt unbuckling. He glanced sideways as the passenger seat reclined.

“What are you doing?"

Daniella popped the headrest off and climbed into the back. “You kept me awake until after midnight! I am taking a damn nap." She shot him a look. “And if you drive like an idiot while I'm trying to sleep…"

Conner exhaled through his nose, resisting the urge to argue.

“Computer, give her earplugs, will you?" he muttered, tapping the infotainment screen.

…

“Retracting earplugs," the AI's voice spoke softly, pulling Daniella from her slumber.

A deep, irritated sigh dragged her closer to awareness.

“What the fuck are you doing?" Conner groaned, his voice thick with confusion and annoyance. The truck's engine barked as it downshifted hard.

The horn blared, jolting Daniella fully awake just in time to feel the truck lurch—she yelped as she was flung into the back of the front seats.

“Are you fucking serious!" he barked, now on the horn again holding it down.

The sound of the window rolling down made her heart sink. Oh no.

“WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING!?" Conner bellowed.

A muffled voice responded outside the truck—she couldn't make it out.

“No, you shut the fuck up! You cut me off and then brake-checked me?! GO FUCK YOURSELF!" Conner snarled before rolling the window back up.

He gave a quiet gasp, then a chuckle. “Awww, that's a cute pistol," he said darkly. “Computer, revert the truck's appearance to default, will you?"

“Copy that. Would you like me to disable the power limiter as well?"

“Absolutely."

Daniella finally managed to wedge herself out and climb into the front seat. “What the hell just happened?" she asked, irritation and adrenaline tingling through her voice.

“Douchebag cut me off, didn't like that I honked at him," Conner snorted, nodding toward the man outside now waving a standard pistol. “Also didn't like my choice of vocabulary."

He reached for the PA system mic, his smirk twisted. “Go ahead, shoot my truck. Pussy-ass bitch ain't got the balls!"

He tapped the accelerator lightly. The truck growled as the front end jolted.

Three sharp pops rang out—bullets flattened uselessly against the reinforced windshield.

Conner pressed the mic again. “Gon' take a helluva lot more than nine mil to even leave a scratch… fag!"

Daniella's head turned. Slowly. Eyes narrowed.

“Seriously?" she asked, voice low, sharp. “Did you really just say that?"

Conner chuckled. “Relax. I'm not calling anyone gay. Just trying to get a rise outta him."

“Still doesn't make it okay," she snapped, her tail thumping against the seat. Her voice wasn't raised, but the warning was clear. “That word? It's not some edgy insult—it's the kind of thing I'd expect from him. Not you."

She jerked her head toward the man outside, who was now practically foaming at the mouth.

“You know I don't mean it like that," Conner muttered.

Daniella leaned in, Scarlet eyes flaring just slightly. “I know. But someone else hears you say that? They don't know. They just hear hate. And they'll remember you as the asshole who used it."

Conner hesitated, face unreadable for a moment. “...Yeah. Okay. You're right."

She held his gaze a second longer, then huffed and turned away. “Besides, there are better insults. You're creative—act like it."

Conner cracked a grin, even if sheepish. “Fine. 'Emotionally stunted paint-huffer with a toddler's IQ' next time?"

Daniella smirked. “Now that's more like it."

The man outside screamed and kicked the truck's door.

“Alright," Conner said with a sigh. “Time to end this before he shoots someone who isn't bulletproof. Can you grab the Tek suit, hun?"

“Ugh. Sure. But how are you this calm?" she asked, hauling the case out of the backseat.

“Because even a tank round couldn't get through this truck, and the bystanders aren't close enough yet for me to care."

She glared at him but passed the suit over.

Conner chuckled as he stomped the accelerator, shifting into first. The tires squealed as the truck surged forward, smashing the little sedan aside like a soda can.

He flung the door open and slammed it into the gunman, knocking the man clean off his feet. The Tek suit snapped into place across Conner's waist as his boots took shape, heavy and armoured.

“You picked the wrong fucking guy to play this game with," he growled, stepping out as his faceplate slammed shut.

He grabbed the man by the throat, lifting him clean off the ground. The pistol was snatched away and crushed with a single clench of his hand.

“You see that?" he snarled, holding the mangled remains of the pistol up. “Now imagine what I could do to your neck."

He dropped the man just as flashing blue lights lit the scene.

“Hands where I can see them, Blackout!" an officer shouted.

“Ah, shove it, copper," Conner muttered, tossing the destroyed pistol aside and ducking back into the truck.

As they sped off, Daniella exhaled. “I'm honestly surprised you didn't kill him."

Conner's helmet retracted as he side-eyed her. “Sometimes violence isn't the answer."

“Shocking," she said dryly, shifting her hind legs as she stared out the passenger window.

He quirked a brow at her attitude—something had been off with her all day. That's when he caught a scent he hadn't noticed before. Earthy. Spiced. Familiar.

Oh.

Of course.

That damned smell. Earthy, with a faint hint of cinnamon.

…

“Hey, Conner, don't worry about making food for me. I'll be a little busy for the next few hours," Daniella called over her shoulder as she disappeared up the stairs.

“O-Okay!" Conner called back. He wanted to ask—hell, to argue—but it wasn't worth it. Not with a 'ness in heat.

He blew out a breath and muttered, “Guess that gives me time to do some shit I've been putting off."

He stepped into the garage, paused, and stared between the Corvette and the Viper before walking behind his Mazda. A flick of the wrist and his right palm pressed to the wall—green light flared around his hand, scanning. A happy chime echoed as a hidden section of wall slid away with a mechanical thunk.

Conner slipped inside quickly, letting the wall thud closed behind him.

His boots echoed through the narrow corridor, cold and metallic, the walls humming faintly with energy. He moved on instinct, weaving through the maze until he reached a reinforced door. Pressing his thumb to the biolock, he waited for the click.

Lights snapped on as he stepped inside. The lab was a scene ripped from a sci-fi dream—or maybe a nightmare. Sleek workstations, humming machines, a few prototype tools of his own design. Jurassic World by way of mad science.

“Computer, what's the status?" he asked flatly, walking to the central terminal.

“Uhhh, genome synthesis… right-right. One final step is left. Thought maybe you'd want to be here yourself."

He sighed. He had a feeling he knew exactly what the AI had saved for him.

Stepping to the side, Conner adjusted the microscope and leaned in.

“DNA samples ready. Preparing final step."

And there they were—two cells on the screen. A single sperm and egg.

Conner froze.

“Fuck me…" he muttered.

His hand hovered above the console, breath caught in his chest. The full weight of what he was doing crashed down on him. What he had started… what he had hidden from Daniella.

A deep breath.

“They look good," he said, voice hoarse. “How long will incubation take?"

“Six to eight months. Can't rush this one. Neural development's a delicate process when you're mixing genomes this aggressive."

Conner forced a smirk. “Pfff, that's a fucking understatement."

He stepped back from the microscope as the machine began to hum, cells starting their slow, impossible dance.

He whispered under his breath: “But you didn't ask for reality. You asked for more teeth…" Then louder, almost laughing: “I never asked for a monster."

The AI responded, calm and unbothered. “'Monster' is a relative term. To a canary, a cat is a monster. We're just used to being the cat."

“Good one," Conner said, shaking his head with a bitter smile as he turned to leave.

Conner paused with his hand on the door, the AI's words echoing in his head. Monster is a relative term.

He glanced over his shoulder, eyes narrowing at the slowly pulsing incubation chamber. Something ancient was beginning in there. But it wasn't just teeth, claws and instinct.

“It doesn't have to be like the movies," he muttered.

He wasn't building monsters… at least, he believed so. That was the difference. That was the line in the sand…

People used creatures like weapons, trained them to kill, to obey, then locked them in cold cages when the creature that understood only violence… was violent. Conner refused to repeat those mistakes.

Not this time.

This one would be smart. Empathetic. Morally aware. Capable of choice. A weapon that could choose not to fight—and know why that mattered.

And maybe, just maybe, it would prove that monsters weren't born… they were made by people who never gave them the chance to be anything else.

He let out a tired chuckle and ran a hand through his hair.

Somewhere out there, Jeff Goldblum was probably breaking into a cold sweat—and he didn't even know why.

“Life finds a way," he said under his breath, mocking the voice in his head.

Then he turned and walked out, the echo of that quote lingering in his mind.

---

Creatures of the depths scattered as brilliant lights washed over a place that had never known sunlight. Bubbles rose rapidly, stirred by the dull thud of metallic footsteps echoing through the still, crushing black.

“Computer, what's our status?" Conner asked, voice steady as he walked along the ocean floor.

“Armour integrity holding strong. By my calculations, you could walk on Europa's ocean floor and be completely unaffected by the pressure."

“Oh, fuck—really!?" Conner laughed, pride and disbelief crackling in his voice.

“Yes, really. I'll run more tests, but I theorize you could even walk on the surface of the Sun—"

Conner chuckled.

“—which I highly recommend you don't test. For the love of all things holy."

Conner huffed. “Killjoy."

His HUD lit up, tagging never-before-seen species of flora and fauna.

“Still blows my mind we haven't mapped more of this place," he muttered. “Challenger Deep's like a damn alien world."

“You're building aerospace tech. Why not map the entire Pacific and Atlantic yourself?"

“…Not a bad idea."

Conner looked up, toward the edge of his armour's light field. “Okay. Suit test complete—let's move on to the virus."

“Almost there. Tapping into their systems now…"

“I want their nuclear launch codes. And I want those missiles upgraded. I'm done letting that fat bastard hold the world hostage," Conner growled.

“And… I'm in!" the AI announced proudly. “Drone fleet's en route."

“Perfect."

---

Miles above…

A US Navy destroyer floated just off the edge of Challenger Deep. Unusual sonar and strange energy spikes had put them on edge.

“Say again—what do you mean 'a fleet of UAPs heading for North Korea'?" the captain barked into the radio.

Then the ocean exploded.

A column of water shot hundreds of meters into the air. A black blur tore across the sky, trailing sonic booms like thunder.

“We've got chaos on the Peninsula! North Korea's gone dark. Their nuclear sites—under attack!"

In the Pentagon, alarms wailed.

Satellite feeds locked onto a single black object: Mach 30, and accelerating… FAST, inbound to North Korea.

Suddenly—every single missile in the DPRK's nuclear arsenal launched at once.

But they didn't fall.

They rose.

Higher. Faster.

Until they broke atmosphere.

---

“Initiating World Broadcast Protocol…"

“We're live, sir," a voice said—feminine, human… but with a synthetic lilt.

The camera feed came online, showing a vast expanse of black space. Stars glittered in the distance. Earth loomed far below, pale and blue.

A low hum filled the background.

The camera dipped slightly—revealing armoured legs. Black plates gleamed under the light, laced with pulsing red lines that ran like veins.

The world froze.

They knew who it was.

Blackout was watching.

“Perfect," he said, voice calm but coiled tight with fury. “You're clear to send them."

“Target lock confirmed. Engaging Elemental Boosters."

The camera tilted again. Earth rotated slowly beneath him. Dozens of nuclear missiles streaked past the lens like burning spears, vanishing silently into the vacuum of the endless void.

“Let this be a warning," Blackout snarled. “Use nukes against anyone—ally or not—and I will find you. I will kill you."

The world held its breath.

“Sir, all hazardous asteroids neutralized. Redirect debris?"

“Send the useless shit elsewhere. Bring home the good stuff—tungsten, titanium, diamonds, gold—whatever we can use."

“Copy that. Drone fleet en route."

“This is my planet," Blackout growled. “And I won't hesitate to kill anyone who dares nuke it."

The feed cut.

---

Back home…

The house was quiet—TV remote reduced to splinters against the far wall.

Daniella stared, mouth agape, at the now blank TV, barely paying any mind to her reflection.

“W-What… The… Fuck…!?"

Disbelief wouldn't even begin to describe what she was feeling in that moment. She was speechless, baffled, confused, and angry… very angry.

“I'm going to fucking strangle him…"

…

It was like the sky tore itself open.

The roar of a fighter jet—no, louder, deeper.

Daniella peeked out the back door just in time to see a black object drop from orbit. Its bright blue thrusters flared, then cut. It fell like a meteor, crashing into the forest beyond with a distant, bone-rattling thud.

Birds scattered. Trees splintered. Dirt and rock flew.

She squinted into the dark until red light glinted through the snow covered trees. The black armour emerged, lights pulsing calmly as Conner stepped around the backyard pool.

“Was that necessary?" Daniella grumbled, tail flicking erratically behind her.

“What, the superhero landing?" Conner grinned, his helmet peeling back.

“No! Everything, you daft cunt!" Daniella shrieked, wings flared and tail lashing violently. “What the fuck was that!?"

Conner's smirk faltered. His reflective eyes widened slightly.

Daniella stormed forward, voice rising with each word.

“When I told you to go make yourself food, I figured maybe you'd hit the garage, go shoot targets out back—not unite FUCKING KOREA!!"

Conner twitched, his mouth opening—then closing. His helmet clanged shut with a defensive snap.

“You are un-fucking-believable," Daniella groaned, dragging a paw down her face.

“In my defense, I didn't unite Korea…" Conner muttered.

Daniella turned like a turret.

She opened her maw and unleashed a torrent of flame, engulfing Conner in golden fire.

His HUD dimmed under the blinding light. He stood still, smouldering.

Once the flames faded, he raised a hand and wiped away the soot caking his faceplate. Steam trailed into the air from the rapidly cooling metal of his armour.

“…Are you done?" he grumbled.

“Explain yourself, or so help me Conner—" Daniella snarled, smoke curling from her nostrils.

“I didn't unite Korea. I just took Kim's nukes away!"

“Well Kim is dead! And now South Korea is blaming you!"

Conner groaned, turning away.

“I set a line years ago—five more threats, and I'd act. That fat bastard crossed it. Six innocent farmers shot near the border. Then a nuke threat toward NATO forces in Ukraine. That was it!"

“AND! I didn't kill that fat fuck," he added with a snarl before storming away.

“…Ma'am?" the AI said quietly in Daniella's earpiece.

“What!?" she growled.

“…I killed the North Korean dictator."

“…Oh."

…

The buzz of an electric chainsaw carving through wood grew louder as she weaved her way through the underbrush. Her instincts as an ambush predator screamed at her to slow down, watch her footing, crouch lower.

She froze when she finally found him.

At the edge of a massive impact crater, Conner moved with mechanical precision, the chainsaw blade mounted to his gauntlet cutting clean through the downed trees from his landing.

The speed and efficiency with which it sliced through wood was terrifying… She sincerely hoped he hadn't used it on anyone.

He probably had.

Or would.

Daniella waited in the shadows, knowing better than to approach too soon. Conner had a short fuse and was terrible at de-escalation—if she pushed now, it would just end in another argument. As good as he was at pissing her off, he was equally good at bottling things up until they exploded.

“Are you going to keep watching me like a creep," Conner's voice boomed through his suit, “or are you going to say something?"

He turned, gaze locking onto her through the thick snow-covered brush. She felt a tingle crawl up her spine—the weight of predatory menace behind his words. She shook it off. This foolish, volatile human was hers, and for all his recklessness, he was still smart enough to listen when it mattered.

“Can we please talk like mature adults," Daniella sighed, stepping into the unnatural clearing, “instead of screaming at each other like children?"

Conner's shoulders rose with a deep breath. The chainsaw blade retracted with a hiss, and his helmet peeled back, exposing his head to the cold winter air.

“Issuing a global ultimatum to world leaders during an election year probably wasn't your best idea," Daniella said, her tone edged with frustration. “Right before you're due to join the military, no less."

“I know," Conner sighed, running a hand through his thick brown hair. “I saw the article about those farmers in South Korea yesterday... I guess I cracked. Threw reason out the window."

“You were doing exactly what a soul like yours is meant to do," came a voice—ethereal, everywhere and nowhere all at once.

Daniella froze.

Then bolted.

She nearly knocked Conner over in her sprint to his side, pressing against him like his shadow. She wasn't sure why she did it—only that her body had moved on instinct. Something ancient and terrified whispered through her bones.

Conner stood still, tension fading as his memories flooded back like a tidal wave.

“So… she finally decides to show herself," he muttered, eyes scanning the forest.

“I could take no more of this foolish bickering," the voice replied, and the forest went still. No wind. No birdsong. Not even the distant rustle of snow.

Then she appeared.

A black cloak hung over her form, concealing her entirely save for a skeletal hand gripping a massive gardening scythe—its shaft carved from twisted darkwood.

“Here we meet again… myself, in a different body," Conner said dryly.

“Your bonded may be right about your actions being foolish," Death replied, her tone flat. “You could have handled North Korea far more discreetly, My Avatar."

“Bold of me to assume you're Death?" Daniella asked, voice shaky.

Death chuckled. “You offer your most intimate treasure to one the world has called Living Death… and still you have doubts?" She tilted her head. “You've gotten soft, little flame. I remember when you used to bare your fangs."

Daniella blinked.

A flicker of memory struck her—a shadow of a scythe gleaming under a blood moon. A voice. A battlefield. Fire and bone.

Her pupils narrowed.

Conner caught the look and immediately clamped a hand around her snout. His glare said it all.

Do not sass the literal Angel of Death.

She gave a huffy snort.

Death smiled knowingly. “Punish the wicked, the greedy, the sadistic. That is your role. But next time… perhaps be more discreet when dealing with despicable politicians. Your little ultimatum has a very real chance of drawing… attention."

“I—… fuck," Conner muttered, dragging a hand down his face. “I should've thought that through instead of letting my anger run wild."

“Give it time. You'll learn to control that rage again. It is a Berserker's greatest strength—and their greatest weakness."

“A what?" Conner asked, brow furrowing.

“Oh, for my Father's sake… read your damn books." Death waved her skeletal hand dismissively. “You're a Berserker Elemental, Conner."

She turned, beginning to walk back toward the dark treeline, her cloak swaying with each step.

“One last thing before I leave you two," she said without turning back. “There's a reason the scum of this world seem drawn to you both like flies to rot…. I cannot kill them. But you can."

She paused just long enough to glance over her shoulder.

“Some call it a curse. I call it a burden. A purpose."

“And Daniella…" Death added, voice coy. “You always did fall for him, no matter the lifetime. Try not to set him on fire every time."

Her voice echoed through the trees as the wind finally returned.

Daniella blinked then exhaled as she slowly pulled away from Conner's side. “Well then, Death's Avatar…" she muttered, brushing the snow from her scales. “I'm going to fucking strangle you when we get back inside."

With a flick of her tail, she turned and stalked off, her gait smooth, with a feline's grace as she vanished into the brush.

…

“If you fucking communicated more!" Daniella growled as she slammed Conner back onto the bed, claws digging lightly into his neck. “We wouldn't argue so much!"

Conner bit back a snarl, then pried her paw off his throat.

He gasped, then shot her a glare. “If you were truly unhappy with me, you would've left."

“You're fucking lucky… I care enough to pretend I can actually fit in the Viper and the Corvette without making myself smaller…"

“…What?" Conner blinked. “What do you mean pretend?"

“Oops…" Daniella grimaced, glancing away. “Said that out loud."

“You could've told me you didn't fit naturally instead of pretending." He shook his head, frowning.

“Well, I expected you to say something ages ago…" she huffed, then unfurled her wings slowly.

“I did think it was a little odd you didn't seem to have any issue getting in… but I didn't want to pry," Conner admitted with a chuckle.

“Come on, look at these wings," Daniella laughed, stretching them to their full span. “What is that, like… twenty feet?"

“Think bigger," Conner said with a grin. “You're like twelve hundred pounds. I'd say at least thirty."

“Would you like me to provide her exact dimensions, sir?" the AI chimed in from Conner's computer.

“Go ahead."

“Daniella measures twenty feet from nose to tail tip, with a wingspan of just over thirty-five feet."

Conner smirked. “Your head's about level with mine when you're on all fours."

“Tiny human…"

Conner scoffed and shoved her playfully. “Yeah, tiny human who can carry the big scawy dwagon around like she's nuffin!"

“Oh, I'll show you a big 'scawy' dragon, alright!" Daniella giggled, flashing a mischievous grin.

“Oof!" Conner grunted in surprise as Daniella slammed him back down into the mattress.

She raised her paw with a predatory glint in her eye. Conner let out a gasp as his hands shot up to stop her.

“Please do not shred my clothes off!" he pleaded with a wide eyed expression.

“No fun," Daniella grumbled with a sigh as she lowered her forepaw and got off of him so he could remove his clothing himself.

The corner of Conner's mouth twitched up in a half smirk as Daniella waited for him to remove his clothing, her entire body practically vibrating with anticipation and need.

Before Conner had managed to fully pull his shirt off, the dragon was on him, pawing at his chest and abs as she whined in desperation. Her hind legs and tail were trembling.

“The temptation to tease you…" Conner chuckled with a smirk.

“If you dare, I will tear your pants to ribbons and ride your dick until it breaks!" Daniella threatened with a growl.

Conner's eyes became the size of dinner plates as he launched his shirt across the room, fumbling with his belt in a panic. He kicked his pants off quickly before he actually ripped his underwear in half just trying to get them off.

“Oh, so I can't do it but you can? What kind of bullshit is that?" Daniella scoffed with a smirk.

“I didn't fucking mean to!" Conner shot back with a glare.

“Hush human…" Daniella growled hungrily as she crept forward, grasping Conner firmly by the shin as she stared at her prize.

“Mine, all mine…" she purred as she bumped her nose against the underside of Conner's erect member.

Conner could already feel his heart rate pound in his ears. The look she gave him nearly sent him over the edge right there. That hungry twinkle in those bright crimson orbs.

It was nothing short of predatory, and by God, he was in love!

“If I wasn't dying from this damn heat, I'd be more than willing to tease you…" Daniella huffed as she pushed herself off the bed and crawled up his body.

She sat down on his legs, scooching forward until Conner's dick was resting against her lower abdomen.

Curling her neck around, she let out a rumbling trill as she ruffled her wings on her back. “Mmrph! Just look at it!" Daniella growled hungrily as she leaned back and scooched closer.

“You made yourself smaller, didn't you?" Conner questioned with narrowed eyes.

“Pffff, ha!" Daniella laughed as she gently grasped the tip with her paw. “No, I don't, you'd penetrate my cervix if I was any smaller."

“Bullshit!" Conner scoffed. He knew he was lucky, but he was 6'5. If he wasn't well endowed, it would look silly. Although being enough to satisfy a mid sized dragon was ridiculous.

“Oh Conner, my precious human…" Daniella smiled. “My species in particular aren't known for being hung like a horse…. Some dragon's are but not Mountain Wyrms."

Daniella rolled her eyes when Conner continued to glare.

“Conner! You've got… what is that, ten inches?" Daniella chuckled when Conner nodded. “That's on the bigger side of average for males where my parents came from!"

Conner pursed his lips with a frown, still clearly unconvinced.

“Gahh, fuck it! You believe what you want, I am riding you senseless!" Daniella growled in exasperation as she lifted her rump up. Stifling a moan as the tip brushed her soaking nethers.

Daniella lowered herself down slowly, biting her lip as the human beneath her began to shudder and squirm.

“Y-yes! Squirm for m-me!" Daniella moaned once their hips finally met.

“F-fuck!" Conner rasped as his hands flew to her hips, squeezing like his life depended on it. The sensation was even more intense than he remembered, hotter and tighter than when she wasn't on her cycle.

Her passage rippled and clenched as Daniella orgasmed right then and there.

“Holy shit! Already?" Conner gasped in disbelief as his fingernails dug into her scaly hide. He kicked and squirmed, hanging on for dear life as he began to feel lightheaded.

Daniella hummed in satisfaction as she opened her eyes. “I'm going to have sooo much fun with you tonight…" she purred, floating on the euphoric high of post orgasm.

After finally collecting herself, she picked herself up slowly, before settling back down. Moaning at the feel of Conner's stiff member sliding along the heated walls of her passage.

“Fu-uuck!" Daniella moaned, her walls perfectly stretched around the invading shaft. She glanced down at Conner with a twisted smirk as he hissed in pleasure. Moving just fast enough to stave off the discomfort of her heat and just slow enough to drive her human wild!

“Oh God!" Conner groaned. “Do you find pleasure in teasing me?" he rasped.

Daniella merely chuckled as she sank back down and stayed there, rocking her hips back and forth. Letting his member poke and prod her in all the right places.

“G-grg… you assh-hole!"

“Mmhmm, getting ahead of ourselves are we? That's for later…" Daniella murmured as she raised her rump painfully slowly.

“Wh-what?" Conner rasped out.

“Ohh, nothing," Daniella giggled as she let her ass drop down into Conner's lap, making him grunt.

Daniella clamped her jaws around Conner's neck as she began speeding up her pace, pawing and grasping at his chest. Losing herself in the pleasure as Conner's rigid pole sent stabs of euphoria through her body, making her wings shudder.

Conner kicked and thrashed as his senses became overwhelmed again, the primal fear of having a dragon's jaws clamped around his neck putting him in a daze. He definitely wasn't a masochist, but being roughly dominated by a female dragon did things to him. Wonderfully pleasurable things.

“NnRGH! Don't stop!" Conner croaked.

A muffled moan filled his ears as Daniella continued pounding him into the mattress, bed frame groaning in protest every time their hips collided.

Her fluids began trickling down his legs to soak the sheets as she approached her second orgasm. Whimpering and whining as her passage rippled and squeezed across Conner's shaft, trying to prevent it from slipping out every time Daniella raised her hips.

Daniella's breathing turned ragged as she began slamming down onto Conner's lap harder. Drooling all over his neck as her hind legs began to tremble.

Changing the angle of attack, she let out a cry of pleasure when his member began to hit her g-spot on each stroke. She nearly screamed when her second orgasm struck her. Conner's eyes widened in disbelief. He had never heard that sound come from her before.

“Holy fuck! Holy fuck! Holy fuck!" Conner groaned, gritting his teeth as he used every ounce of willpower not to explode right then and there. His hands desperately grasped at her flanks as stars began to dance across his vision.

“You—" Daniella gasped, “—have no idea how hard it was not to breathe fire there!" she croaked out between gasps of breath. Her wings hung limply at her sides as she picked herself up and shakily hopped off the bed.

“Wha—"

“Get up and follow me, stupid!" Daniella snapped as she grabbed a bottle he hadn't noticed off of his desk.

Conner swallowed hard as he sat up, heat pheromones weren't supposed to affect humans…. He had a feeling that wasn't the case for Elementals. He was up and moving out the balcony door before he even had time to process what was happening to his body.

“I have been waiting to try this with you… forever!" Daniella growled heatedly as she hiked her tail up and over her back. With her forepaws resting on the railing and her hindlegs slightly squatted, her tailbase was at the same level as Conner's waist.

Conner cocked an eyebrow, her hindpaws tapped against the porch as her wings fluttered and twitched. “You've been excited to try wha–"

His lower jaw would have hit the floor if it were physically possible.

“Are you sure about this?" Conner asked nervously.

“Why the hell do you think I haven't eaten anything in over three days?"

The green of Conner's eyes nearly vanished as he blinked in disbelief.

“I don't see this being any different then if I had a cloaca…" Daniella scoffed in annoyance as her tail tip flicked erratically above her head.

“No, no, that's not an issue… but are you sure about this?" Conner swallowed nervously as he hesitantly approached the increasingly irritated dragon.

“Why do you think I said I'd be busy for a few hours… before you went and did something stupid–"

Conner sighed deeply as he closed his eyes.

“I haven't eaten in days and made damn sure I was clean!" Daniella growled. “Now fuck my ass before I lose my patience!"

Conner nearly choked on his own tongue as her tail shot back and coiled around his neck, dragging him closer before he could back away.

“Fuck. My. Ass. Now!" Daniella snarled as her tail wrapped around Conner's mid section, holding him tight against her undertail.

“Can you loosen up a little so I can take the buttplug out?" Conner rasped as his ribs began to pop from the constricting pressure.

Coughing once he could finally breathe properly, he reached his hand right beneath her tail, his fingernails tapping lightly against the hard object. Conner slowly and carefully grasped it before easing it out gently.

Conner rolled his eyes when he finally got a proper look at the plug. Black metal with what appeared to be a bright red coloured gem on the back.

“What the hell do I do with this?" Conner questioned as he pressed the tip of his member to her puckered tailhole.

“Put it in your mouth," Daniella deadpanned as she looked over her shoulder, her ear flicking in impatience.

Conner slowly turned to look her square in the eyes, his face twisted in a look of disbelief and possibly dismay.

“I'm joking, stupid!" Daniella laughed before handing him the small bottle she had grabbed on the way out the balcony door.

“Slather a healthy amount of that on your dick… and hurry up before I bite you again!" Daniella threatened with a huff.

Once he had applied a healthy amount and handed Daniella the bottle back, he made sure he was lined up properly before slowly pushing his hips forward.

“Ghhra!" Daniella clenched her jaw and shut her eyes tight as Conner pushed in halfway before pulling back.

Even without pushing in fully, he could feel just how tight her asshole was…. Her pussy was tight, but this? Oh my!

Beads of sweat freezing the moment they fell from his skin as his breathing increased.

“Did we have to try anal in the middle of negative twenty five degree weather… my feet are sticking to the ground!" Conner gasped as he took in another deep breath of the frigid Canadian winter air.

“I t-though you didn't m-mind the coold!" Daniella mumbled out between moans as Conner slowly pushed back in halfway.

Another deep breath blinded him as his hot breath misted the air. “I– mmmhm, don't, but— fu-u-ck!" Conner's words died in his throat as Daniella clenched hard around him.

The urge to thrust properly was strong, he had to bite his tongue just to keep control of his instincts. Conner slowly eased himself in deeper with each thrust.

Daniella kept herself as still as possible, fighting against the urge to push off the railing and be on top. “P-please, f-faster now…" she pleaded breathlessly as her hindlegs began to tremble.

Conner gripped her hips tightly as he leaned forward, pushing deeper and increasing his pace as slowly as he could muster. Part of him still terrified he'd hurt her.

“Ah, ha, ha! Yes, faster! Please!" Daniella practically screeched, her voice twisting and devolving into snarly growls as Conner listened. His balls slapped wetly against the outer lips of her vent.

A chittery snarl came echoing from deep within her throat as she felt herself teetering on her third orgasm. Daniella gripped the railing desperately as she fought back a roar. Their closest neighbours were her parents and Conner's. His parents might not know what was happening but her parents would. She didn't need that right now.

Conner sucked in a breath as the walls of her forbidden entrance clamped around him. He was completely stuck as her tunnel began to squeeze the life out of his shaft, painfully–not unbearably painful–but painful nonetheless.

He doubled over, snaking a hand beneath her body until he found his target.

Daniella's jaws opened wide in a silent snarl as she held back a roar. Her soaking nethers became overwhelmed as Conner's fingers spread her lips apart and delved in. Her mind was a mess, clouded as her body shook from the pleasure rocking her entire body. Every nerve became alive with delicious pleasure.

Even after her orgasm petered out and Conner could move again, his fingers never left her snatch.

“YES, DON'T STOP! FUCK MY ASS! CONNER!!" she cried out, her voice echoing through the trees as she chucked her worries and care out the window.

Conner's movements became more jerky and feverish as he began pistoning into her core like a primal human. Panting and huffing against the back of her neck as his fingers continued assaulting the needy 'ness's flower.

“I'm c-close!" Conner hissed through gritted teeth as he pounded in and out mercilessly.

“Good!" Daniella snarled. “Cum in my ass… CUM IN MY ASS CONNER!" she screeched as she already felt a fourth orgasm threatening to crash into her.

Conner groaned as he shoved himself in as deep as he could, his shaft swelling as his orgasm washed over him.

Feeling his shaft unload it's pearly load deep within her core undid her completely. She couldn't hold it back, her roar echoed through the trees as her throat tightened.

Bright white light illuminated the entire forest beyond as a pillar of bright blue and white flame shot straight up as Daniella lost grip of the railing and tumbled back into Conner.

Conner blinked his eyes open… he definitely just passed out.

Pulling the long tail off his face, Conner found Daniella sitting in his lap, her wings drooping and resting on the ground. Her shoulders still rose and fell rapidly as she took deep, ragged breaths.

“I think—" he swallowed, “—we should definitely do this again…" he gasped, coughing as Daniella burst into laughter. Her whole body vibrated as she twisted her neck around to look back at him.

Conner propped himself up on his elbows, grinning up at her. The soft light from inside the house made her bright red eyes shimmer. Moonlight and starlight danced across her iridescent black scales.

“Absolutely beautiful," he murmured, only to flinch a little as Daniella tried shifting her position in his lap.

“Sorry," Daniella winced, her smile returning as Conner waved her off.

Sitting up fully, he wrapped his arms around her front as they both looked up at the night sky.

“The stars pale in comparison to you… I love you," Conner whispered.

“God, shut up! That was sooo corny," Daniella laughed, her tail flicking.

“Well, it's true!"

They both broke into louder laughter.

“I think we should clean up now…" Conner muttered reluctantly as he released her.

“Y-yeah…" Daniella sighed.

…

Conner chuckled as he lowered his phone. The entire bed—and his body—vibrated gently as Daniella purred like an oversized house cat, her large form curled possessively around him.

“Is somebody satisfied?" he teased, poking her nose.

“Yes… but that doesn't mean I'm not still mad at you for the stunt you pulled earlier today," Daniella snorted, draping a wing over him and pulling him in closer.

Just as Conner raised his hand to snap the lights off, his phone buzzed again.

Daniella's eyes widened when she saw the name on the screen.

“Y-yeah, what's up, Mom?" Conner asked nervously, putting the phone on speaker.

Catherine sighed. “Tell Daniella she's loud."

Daniella recoiled as if she'd been struck, cringing hard. The scales on her face darkened even more.

“Uhh… what are you talking about?" Conner croaked, his voice cracking as embarrassment washed over him.

“Oh, Conner," his mother sighed again. “We heard her loud and clear. And Aeros already told your father and me that he accidentally walked in on you two a few weeks ago."

“What—?! You didn't tell me my father walked in!" Daniella gawked, her horror now fully blooming.

“Thanks, Mom! Loose lips sink ships!" Conner groaned as the dragon holding him began glaring directly into his soul.

“Goodnight, Conner," Catherine said firmly.

He sighed and dropped the phone onto the nightstand.

“Why didn't you tell me my father walked in? And when did this even happen?" Daniella asked, her voice sharp with irritation.

“When you marked me with a mate bite," Conner sighed. “And I didn't tell you because he backed away without saying a word… Sometimes what you don't know can't hurt you."

Daniella grumbled but let it go. Raising a paw, soft light shimmered at her claws as she shut the lights off.

“Goodnight, Conner."

“Night, Ella."