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Alrighty, the next chapter of the wolf and the rose is finally ready. Hope you enjoy it.

As always, comments are apprecaited and requested.

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Continued from "A Contest of Wills..."

I stood alone on the balcony of my suite of rooms, leaning on the railing and staring out on the green world under the bright rays of noon sunlight. I had awoken peacefully, well after sunrise, to find my love still asleep, curled against me, nestled closely into my grey fur. I had lain for a while in silence, watching her while she slept. Her beautiful face was unlined, filled with the peace of the dream world. No nightmares disturbed her while she lay within my arms and that simple fact made me happy. It was as if I was her shield, her armor against anything that could bother her.

And, as I had lain beside her, I had thought about the journey that had led me to this point. What had started as my Slayer duty, protecting innocent people from the demons, had changed over the time I had known her. At first, my duty itself had seemed to have been sufficient reason to protect her. Then, I had sworn an oath to a good man while he lay dying to watch over Julianna, to protect her where he could not. And then, when we had fallen in love, I had devoted myself to her. And yet, as I had lain there beside her, my arms around her, feeling her warm body press against me in her slumber, I had realized something. All along, I had been protecting her for the same reason. Since the moment I had first laid eyes upon her on the King's road, there had been something about Julianna that had drawn me to her.

At first, I had thought that it was simply that she was beautiful, and while she certainly fit that description, that wasn't what had drawn me in. It was something else, something rare. It was a decency within her, something that had made her comfort me when I had been in pain, even though she had known what I was. And, even the first time she saw me transform, it hadn't been fear that I had seen in her eyes. She had felt betrayed perhaps, that a Slayer could also be a werewolf; but not afraid. And the fact that she had fallen in love with me showed who she was on the inside, beyond the masks that she wore when in the company of anyone else. She was truly special, not one in million would have done what she had done. And, perhaps it was fate then that I had always been set apart from other slayers, even during my training.

I had always been set apart because I possessed something rare as well, something that had allowed me to defeat even the strongest of opponents. It wasn't that I had always been more skilled than everyone else, for my brothers had been just as skilled as I during their training. The reason why I had been set apart from them was actually very simple. While we had been equal in skill, I had had odd instincts. I had long ago learned to trust them, for they had always stood me in good stead. They had guided me in my endless fight, warned me of danger along the way. And more than that, they had led me to Julianna, the one that I had come to love. And now, despite having slain my greatest foe, Redamarc, the Demon lord who had cursed me in the first place, despite having walked through Hell and lived, my instincts still foreboded that things were not all well. My instincts told me that as much trouble as we had endured recently, it was not over yet. And that feeling had kept me from enjoying my love's embrace as much as I should have. So I had risen from my bed, taking great care not to disturb the sleeping princess, and now I stood on the balcony, looking out on the world once more, trying to understand what my instincts were telling me.

I had not bothered to don any clothing on the way out, not even my cloak, for I was enjoying the breeze flitting through my grey fur, the sensation very pleasing after the utterly still air of Hell. It didn't really bother me to be naked, since my wolf half found it to be perfectly natural. I knew that to be polite, I would have to clothe myself eventually, but here, in the chambers I had been given, I felt like being comfortable. And, that thought brought to mind something that I had been thinking about, marveling at really. When I had first had my curse thrust upon me, I had been shackled within my own mind, the wolf spirit seizing control by virtue of demonic magic. And after I had regained control, I had kept the wolf chained within me the same way that I had been chained. But it had been the love we both felt for Julianna that had allowed us to make peace. And now, we stood united in purpose, neither in chains, and together we were stronger than either of us had been when we were at odds. And yet, though we wanted the same things, it didn't mean we always agreed. Right now, though I wanted to stand here and consider what to do next, the wolf in me wanted to leave the confines of the castle and walk in the wild once more.

Returning my thoughts to the matter at hand, I looked out on the world, trying to figure out the reason that I felt this way. But, even more disturbing than my troubling feelings was something that had been bothering me for a long time now. Why had the demons spent so much time and effort trying to get to Julianna? Why did they want her so badly that they were willing to stage an assault on a fortified castle? Why had they brought her alive into Hell, intending to corrupt her rather than kill her outright? Was it simply a plot by Redamarc to draw me into his realm? I didn't think so. The questions echoed endlessly through my mind, replaying again and again and no answers rose to quiet them, allowing them to continue their incessant rebounding. Not even my long experience of fighting the demons gave me any insight into the problem.

Frustrated, I growled and slammed my fist onto the stone balcony. To my surprise, with an odd cracking sound, my blow chipped a fist sized chunk from it. Surprised, I looked at my hand for a moment, reminding myself that now that I was rested and refreshed, I would have to work on controlling myself better. My strength, now so far beyond that of a human, took some getting used to. I was just beginning the process of running through my thoughts once more, ignoring the irritated growling of my wolf side, when I heard the sound of bare feet on stone behind me. Filing away my troubled thoughts, I turned back towards the suite of rooms and leaned back against the railing, a smile coming to my lips. Julianna stood at the threshold of the balcony, dressed in her white sleeping frock once more, a sleepy look on her face. Even like that, with her long hair tousled by sleep, she looked beautiful to me.

"Did I wake you?" I asked, and she nodded her head. "Sorry."

"Your absence did, yes." She replied, walking up to me. When she was near enough, I drew her close, putting my arms around her. She smiled and returned the hug, giving me a kiss.

"Thank you." I whispered, holding her close. She looked up at me with a puzzled expression and I smiled at her. "If I hadn't met you, I never would have been able to break the curse. It wasn't my strength that did it, it wasn't the powers of Auré; it was the love I feel for you that allowed me to make peace with what I was. So thank you, my love."

"You're welcome then." She replied, smiling and laying her head against my chest. We stood embraced for a few more moments, and I breathed in the faint odor of roses that still clung to her. I wished that I could put my thoughts away for good, but the foreboding instinct remained where it was. Julianna must have sensed something, for she looked up at me after a few moments and spoke quietly.

"Something is bothering you." She stated and I sighed, smiling slightly. "Will you tell me what it is?"

"Well, I guess there is no point in trying to hide it." I replied, making the decision in that moment to tell her about my concerns. "Have you ever wondered why the demons are so hell bent on getting their hands on you? I can't think of a reason why that might be so and it is starting to concern me. I mean, look at all they have done to get at you. What's more, I have never known the demons to take anyone alive before."

"I don't know." She replied, looking concerned for a moment before she smiled once more. "I didn't really have a chance to think about it, but you are right, they seem to be going to a lot of trouble to capture me. But there will be little point in their trying to get me now." She laid her head back down against my chest and nuzzled her face into my thick growing grey fur, making me smile.

"Actually, I wanted to ask you about that." I said and she looked up at me in surprise once more. "I have to be sure that you understand what my life is like." She nodded for me to continue and I took a deep breath before speaking. "All you have seen of my life is this small slice of it. Most of my time is spent wandering the wild places of the world, hunting down demons where ever I find them and trying not to let them find me first. It is a hard, dangerous existence, and not one I would wish on anyone that I loved, least of all you."

"I know all that," She said, "But of all the things that I have ever wanted, sharing in your life is the only thing that has meant this much to me." She paused and I could tell she was collecting her thoughts. "Since I was a little girl, no one has cared about what I wanted. No one thought to ask me what I felt about going to the temple to become a priestess. It was just expected that I would go. Not even my father thought to ask what I felt about marrying Talorn. No one, not even Isander, cared; no one but you. That was what drew me to you in the first place. But it is more than that. You are unique Galen; you devote yourself totally to something and you let nothing stand in your way of it. Your devotion to the duty of the Slayers was so strong that you kept doing it even though you had become the enemy that you hunted. And, you were devoted enough to me that you walked willing into the realm of Demons to save me. You don't know what it means to me to be loved like that. All I want now is to devote myself to you like you have devoted yourself to me. I want to be with you for the rest of my life, and I won't have you giving up your way of life or your duty for me. And the fact that you are so concerned for my happiness and wellbeing that you want to warn me off from your life only makes me want to be with you more."

"I love you Julianna." I said, holding her a little tighter and kissing her once more. Her words made me feel far warmer inside than I had ever before and I felt a similar sort of feeling resonating from the wolf that shared my soul. She returned my embrace and smiled again, though tears had formed in her eyes while she had been speaking.

"And I love you." She replied. She was about to speak again when there came a knock at the door. She sighed instead and we walked back into my chambers once more, arm in arm. While Julianna went and sat down in one of the chairs at the room's table, I walked to the door and pulled it open, revealing a young page dressed in the colors of the royal house. When he saw me, his eyes went wide and his jaw fell open, his eyes tracking upwards to my face. I wasn't particularly surprised at his reaction because, in my transformed state, he only came up to about the level of my waist. I waited a few moments for the boy to recover, but he seemed to have forgotten about the reason he had come to my chambers at all in the wake of finding himself staring at a werewolf.

"Yes?" I finally said, my voice shocking him out of his stupor.

"Uh...I beg your pardon, Lord Galnikin." He said, bowing low, his face flushing until it nearly matched the color of his burgundy tunic. "But his majesty, the King of Gulnia, and Master Hunter Galnikin of the Slayers of Auré request your presence in the king's meeting hall."

"Thank you. Tell them I will be there shortly." I replied and the page bowed once more before running off. Shaking my head a little, I shut the door and turned back to Julianna. She had one hand to her mouth, shaking with a fit of silent giggles at the reaction of the young page. I smiled at her and walked on past, heading back to my bedchamber to retrieve my cloak and weapons. Returning to the main room, I laid my weapons on the table and frowned. Seeing my look, Julianna got herself under control and cleared her throat before speaking.

"What is it Galen?" She asked. I shook my head a little, picking up my battered cloak and running my fingers along the tears in the grey cloth.

"I really need to get this fixed." I said, and my love nodded understandingly. The cloth had been savaged, torn and tattered until it could barely be called a cloak anymore and not a rag. It wasn't even properly grey anymore, since much of its surface was stained with black soot and blood. "I am not even sure it is worth it at this point."

"Well, you can't very well go walking around the castle with nothing on." Julianna commented and I nodded, a sudden idea coming to me. Smiling, I took a step back from the table, giving myself room. Grinning, I closed my eyes, seeking back within my spirit for a moment, seeking the memory of my old body, my human form. After a moment's hesitation, my body responded, the familiar feeling of shifting flesh crawling over my body. Soon, I was in my human form once again, and dressed in my white Slayer uniform, trimmed with its silver runes. I opened my eyes and looked down at myself, starting to take the uniform's belt off, but I paused. A frown came to my face and Julianna cocked her head to the side at me. "What is it?"

"Nothing, I suppose." I replied after a moment, finishing with the belt and pulling the tunic up over my head. "It's just that this form feels...I don't know, wrong, to me now. I guess this isn't me anymore."

"Interesting." My love said, watching me intently while I removed the white breaches of my uniform. I could feel her eyes tracking over my body with interest, for she was seeing me naked as a human for the first time. Setting the clothing aside on the table, I turned to her, watching her for a moment before speaking once more.

"Do I meet with your approval, your majesty?" I asked, teasing her. I posted my hands to my hips and posed for a moment. She grinned and drew herself up straight, composing her face into the familiar mask of royalty.

"Yes, I think you are quite satisfactory." She replied, her tone distant, as if she were commenting on the weather. We stood there for a moment longer in silence, but she couldn't keep it up. Her mask cracked with a smile and she started giggling once more. Smiling to myself, I concentrated again, my body swelling swiftly back into my werewolf form. But again, something had changed. This time, there was no spike of pain within my guts, and my skin did not split as it did before. Instead, it changed as easily and peacefully as if I were simply putting on a new set of clothes, my fur sprouting from my flesh like a forest. While I pondered this new development, Julianna spoke once more. "Though I must say, as odd as it sounds, that I like this side of you better."

Nodding my agreement with her sentiments, I picked up the breaches and slid them on, the enchanted cloth growing larger, taking to my new form as easily as my human one. The tunic came next, then the belt. Over that came my baldric with its sheathed sword and I was about ready to go to the meeting. I briefly contemplated putting on my cloak over the uniform, but ultimately decided that the savaged garment wouldn't look right over the pristine white cloth. When I was finished dressing, Julianna looked me over and nodded her approval.

"Well, I think you look quite dashing like that." She commented, rising to her feet, a warm smile curving her lips.

"Thank you." I replied, readjusting the battle dagger in my belt to a more comfortable orientation. "Well, I have to go to meet with your father and my brother. No doubt they want to know all about what happened. What will you do while I am gone?" I asked and she smiled once more.

"I think I will go get dressed in more proper clothing as well, then I will see about getting your cloak fixed." She said. I nodded and she walked to where I was standing, embracing me. I gave her a tender kiss before I left the room, walking easily and ignoring the wide eyed looks of all the servants and residents that I passed. Most shrank against the walls, giving me a wide berth, but I didn't truthfully care, since their opinions were not worth much to me. It took me a few minutes to reach the throne room and the meeting hall that branched off of it. The moment the footman standing at the door opened it, I could tell that this was going to be a long meeting.

The king sat at the head of a long wooden table, almost on the other aside of the room from me. Nearest to him were seated my brother and the Head Priest. Also in the room was a captain of the Nightlancers, his arm bandaged up in a sling, as well as the king's military and spiritual advisors. When I entered the room, I bowed to the assembled company and the King waved me to a seat at the foot of the table.

"Lord Galen, we asked you to join us because we wish to ask something of you." Julianna's father said, after he had introduced the people that I had not met before. "Though it must have been a terrible experience for you, and we know that we have no right to ask you to relive it so soon after returning, but we wish to know what happened when you entered the portal to the realm of the demons."

"I understand." I replied, taking a moment to think back to the first moment I had stepped into that bleak world. "When the portal's magic faded, I found myself in a chamber much like the one below this castle..."

With that beginning, I recounted the tale of my journey, providing as much detail as I could, since this was the first time anyone had actually seen Hell. The assembled members of the king's court looked disgusted at my descriptions of the demon-spawning slimes I had seen, but the priests that were present only looked thoughtful, one of the assistants to the head priest taking meticulous notes in a large tome. Finally, after a long time speaking, steeling myself from the horrors of the memories, I came at last to the final duel between myself and Redamarc. But at that point in the story, I hesitated. It wasn't that I was having trouble remembering. I recalled the moments when I was dying, the release of my wolf half and our subsequent victory over the demon lord, with perfect clarity. No, the problem was that I didn't know how to articulate what had happened.

"...As nearly as I can tell, as I was fighting Redamarc and he began to gain the upper hand," I said at last, knitting my fingers together on the table before me. "I didn't have the strength to match him and he would have taken my head except for one thing. When we were struggling against the dias, I felt a presence in my mind. Its touch was wholesome, and when I seized the dagger I had lent Julianna, I felt another will in my arm, a power that was so much greater than anything that I thought a mortal could wield. And, with its power within me, I stabbed Redamarc in the heart, and I think that it was a mortal wound, though I don't know how that is possible. After I struck him down, I freed Julianna and we escaped." For a moment, there was silence within the hall while everyone present pondered my words. And then, finally Aldric spoke.

"Well, that is quite a tale, little brother." He finally said, and the Head Priest nodded in agreement.

"I have a few questions to ask you, if you are feeling up to it Hunter." The old priest said and I nodded my assent. "You said that you believe that your blow was a mortal one. How did you come to this conclusion?"

"When I struck him, golden light wrapped the blade of the dagger." I began, remembering the details with as much clarity as I could manage. "And the wound did not bleed, instead it seemed to be leaking his power itself. And, as we were leaving, I noticed that his flesh was starting to disintegrate. And, more than that, I just knew, somehow, that he was dying." The priest nodded his agreement with my explanation, but the Nightlancer captain spoke up before he could continue.

"Surely you are not suggesting that a mortal, even one with Galen's strength, could have killed a dark god?" he asked and the priest shook his head.

"No, of course not." He said, and I watched him curiously while he was speaking, for that seemed to me to have been exactly what had happened. As the priest began to explain himself, his wizened eyes were clear, and I knew he wasn't being false. "The priesthood has long known that only a god has the power necessary to kill another god. No, I believe that Auré, not Galen, killed Redamarc. You see, when he cast out the dark gods from his realm, they established a realm all their own that suited their dark ways. But Auré, because he is a god of good, could not set foot within their domain. So, he used Galen as a conduit, lending him the power needed to slay a god. All the proof you need lies in Hunter Galen's account. The powers of Auré and his servants are always golden when visible." The Nightlancer nodded at this explanation and I agreed as well; it made sense. "The next question I have regards this new form of magic that you say you discovered..."

***

The meeting dragged on for hours, most of which was spent answering questions and debating inconsistencies. It was nearly sundown when we finally ended, but the king finally spoke up, standing in place.

"Well, I think we have exhausted the topics of discussion for the moment." He said and I smiled gratefully. My throat was sore from speaking for so long, and the wolf within me was restless. The King's court immediately got up to leave, bowing to the king as they did so. The nightlancer captain, the priests and my brother were slower to get up, but they too made ready to depart. "Hunter Galen, Master Hunter Galnikin, will you remain a moment? I wish to speak with you both." I nodded and rose to my feet, stretching the kinks out of my back. Aldric did likewise and the king smiled at us, for he was no doubt seeing the similarities between us, even with me in my wolf form. "Would you please follow me?"

I nodded and followed my brother and the king out of the chamber and into an adjoining room. This one was much more to my liking than the closed in stone chamber had been. It had grand windows looking out over the Gulnian plains, which seemed to be glowing vibrantly in the failing sunlight once more. A single table with five chairs had been set up in the room and I wondered just why he had led us here. The king waved us to seats near the head of the table before taking the seat at the end for himself.

I had about resigned myself to another few hours of talking when Julianna entered the room, accompanied by her young sister. She was dressed in a gown much like the one that she had been wearing at the banquet days ago except that it was a simple forest green, without the ornate silver trim, or the jewelry that she had been wearing that night. Her hair had been tied back into a single plait and the king smiled at my surprised look.

"I know you must be tired of talking Galen, and if I had allowed you to eat in the main hall, you would have been besieged by questions once more." He explained, smiling as Julianna took a seat near me, laying her hand on top of mine. When everyone was settled, the King clapped his hands once and servants brought in trays heavily laden with food. Roast turkey, potatoes, cheeses, fresh vegetables and fruit as well as loaves of fresh bread and fine golden wine went down on the table and I found myself suddenly feeling ravenous once more. The king indicated that we should eat and all of us dug in eagerly. It was good food, but plainer than what had been served at the feast, and therefore more to the liking of my palette.

The king dropped his regal façade once more and I felt as though this were a family meal with friends rather than a meal with royalty. The king seemed to be doing all he could to ensure that I felt that way as well, a gesture that I appreciated. The meal was followed by much laughter as we all told humorous stories from our pasts. With the cool wine soothing my dry throat, I even managed to recount a tale from my many wanderings, one that I had told to Julianna while we had walked in the wild towards her homeland. All in all, the evening was surprisingly pleasant and I figured that the king had been so shocked to have his daughter back that he was taking great care to make her feel at home. But finally, long after sundown, a time of day that went unmarked for me for the first time in twenty years, the king yawned widely and stood up, a little unsteady once more.

"Well, I think I will turn in for the evening." He said, walking towards the door. "I bid you all a good night, and pleasant dreams."

We all rose as well, my brother and I bowing to him. Aldric stretched once more and nodded to Julianna and I before he went off as well, followed by Julianna's little sister. Finally alone, Julianna put an arm around my waist and looked up at me with a sleepy expression.

"My chambers have seemed so empty and unfamiliar since I have returned." She began, walking at my side, one arm around my waist. "I don't think that I will be able to sleep there now..."

"Well, in that case, you can stay with me." I said, gently pulling her closer. "If you must."

Julianna smiled and nodded, allowing me to guide her to my chambers. Once we stepped beyond the threshold to my rooms and the door was shut once more, we disrobed and slid side by side beneath the sheets of the bed. I lay back comfortably for a little while with my hands behind my head, looking up at the dimly lit ceiling. In truth, I didn't feel the least bit tired, for I done nothing strenuous that day. Even all the wine I had drunk at dinner, admittedly more than any human my size should have, had had no effect and it took me a moment to puzzle out why that was so. Werewolves were almost totally immune to all poisons, and by consequence, alcohol as well. I breathed a deep sigh and wondered what I could do to make myself fall asleep, and then Julianna stirred from her place beside me. She had been lying on the other half of the bed, staring upward as well, but at my sigh, she rolled over so she was lying against me again.

"Can't sleep?" She questioned, idly running her fingers through the fur of my chest, making me shiver. I shook my head and put an arm around her, feeling her supple and smooth skin beneath my fingers. "Me neither."

But, as she said this, I caught a hint of a familiar tone within her voice, a tone that I had heard only twice before. We had not lain in this position for long when she suddenly pushed herself up on one arm, her face coming into my view once more. There was a mischievous gleam in her eyes and a smile crept onto my lips as I recognized it. Without a word, my princess moved closer to me, giving me a tender kiss. I felt her fingers begin to stroke my fur and the flesh beneath more teasingly and I grinned up at her, kissing her back, sliding my tongue into her mouth, twining it around her own. While we were so engaged, she shifted over gradually more and more until she was on top of me again, pressing her naked body against me while we kissed. I was becoming steadily more aroused by the moment and I felt the werewolf rise within my mind once more, eager to begin, to satisfy its primal lust. While we were kissing, I took a moment and exerted my control over my wolf half once more. I would not hurt Julianna if I could help it.

The last two times we had joined, she and I had become so aroused so fast that we jumped right into the sex, thrusting into each other hard, wildly seeking our climax. But something told me that this time would be different. And, as it turned out, that instinct was right. After a few more moments of passionate kissing, Julianna straightened herself up, straddling me once more. At that moment, my penis was just starting to peek from the furry sheath that protected it. But Julianna did not seem disappointed. Instead, she pressed herself against my sheath, rubbing her moist lips along it. The sensation was incredible, pleasurable and exciting at the same time. Slowly, she began to increase the pressure on my privates, grinding her nethers against it. From the minute, excited shivers running through her, I could tell she was very much enjoying it as well. Grinning up at her, I reached out and caressed her smooth legs gently with my claws, making her shiver more violently while I ground upward with my own hips, heightening the pressure. I played my claws along her legs again, tracing her outline in the dim light of the chamber with my hands. She let out a quiet moan and my wolfish grin spread wider. Gently, I caressed her breasts with both hands, teasing her exposed flesh with my claws.

With every thrust of her hips against me, I could feel my member growing, sliding from its sheath slowly, gradually becoming rigid once more. Finally, just when the slight bulge of my knot cleared the sheath, Julianna lifted herself upward, reaching down with one hand to guide me into position. Seeing that her face was flushed with desire, I gently placed my hands on top of her thighs once more, ready for her to begin. A moment later, I felt a familiar warm, slick surface touch my tip, but she did not immediately drive me into her. Instead, she slowly began to rub herself along the head of my rod, teasing me. I grinned ferally up at her and she grinned in reply, sinking down slowly onto me until my member was poised to enter her, held upright by her throbbing labia. There she paused once more for a few moments, taking a steadying breath. Then, she pushed herself downward.

For a moment, her body resisted the pressure of the large rod poised at her entrance, but then, my head slipped inside, making her gasp quietly as she was penetrated. But this time, instead of pausing there as she had done before, Julianna continued to push downward, drawing my shaft further into her. A few moments after she had begun, her hips were flush to my body once more, even the slight bulge of my knot enclosed by her crevice. Finally, she paused, panting slightly, my length trapped within her. Then, with a grin of utmost pleasure on her face, she lifted herself up, slowly sliding herself up and off of me, until only the head of my penis remained in her. But the mischievous gleam remained within her eyes and she suddenly drove herself downward, taking my entire shaft into her at once. She gasped again, louder this time and I realized what she was doing. We began to build a rhythm different from what we had done before. My princess would slowly rise from me, then quickly thrust herself downward while I thrust upward.

Each leisurely rise made both of us shiver with pleasure, and each swift downward thrust brought a wave of powerful, exciting sensation. The odd hybrid rhythm was so unfamiliar that the surprise alone was making the sensation all the more intense, and I could tell that at this rate, it wouldn't be long until we peaked. Already, Julianna was panting hard, her body slick with sweat, her pale skin flushed pink. But, after only about a minute of this odd pattern of loving, I became aware of a problem that would prevent us from carrying on like this for much longer. Every time she thrust herself downward, hilting me within her, my knot grew in girth, and it became harder for her to rise off of it. But my lover didn't even seem to notice, her eyes closed in bliss, every downward thrust eliciting another gasp from her. But finally, after two or three minutes of this wondrous pattern, the moment came. Julianna pulled herself upward once more and let out an impassioned gasp as my knot came free from her again. But this time it had swelled so it was almost as big as it would get without actually tying and she paused again with just my tip within her. Knowing what was coming, I gritted my teeth, attempting to hold back my peak, and readying myself to thrust upward. Then, we thrust as one, her hips leaping downward, mine rising to meet her.

For a few moments, her vagina, already tightly stretched by my large member, resisted the force of the knot, but then, it began to stretch further. Slowly, inexorably, her entrance stretched wider, and then, without any warning, my knot shot inside her once more. Julianna was so surprised by the suddenness of it that she came right then, letting out an impassioned cry of ecstasy, her whole body quivering as she came. But, as her already tight passage clenched harder around my knot, it exploded in size once more, tying us together. The sensation of tying my mate sent an explosion of pleasure through me and I couldn't hold it any more. With a final thrust upward, jabbing the last bit of my cock within her, I came as well, barely managing to restrain a howl of pleasure. My penis began to throb within her, each pulse sending a jet of werewolf seed into my lover's womb. And as jet after jet of white fluid shot into her, she gasped once more as a second orgasm washed over her, making her twitch once more. After almost a half minute, the waves of pleasure from our peaks finally subsided. On their heels came a wave of placid calm, descending like a blanket over us. As my muscles relaxed beneath her, Julianna slumped forward onto my furry chest in a strangely slow motion, shivering slightly as her own body calmed.

I managed to convince my arms that it was indeed worth it to move, sliding them up so I held Julianna to me, the warmth of my body keeping her from shivering. We lay for a long time like that, enjoying the warm afterglow of mating and Julianna didn't seem inclined to move at all. After a few minutes of lying in that sweet embrace, I raised my head and looked at her. Her eyes were closed and her face was flushed, a blissful expression on it. After a moment, she opened her eyes and looked at me, a smile coming to her lips.

"I wish we could stay like this forever." She whispered, her voice still breathless from my knot stretching her, gently playing her fingers through my fur, the sensation perfectly pleasurable and calming after so intense an experience. "I love the way you feel inside me when we are like this. It makes me feel closer to you than ever before."

"Well," I replied quietly, brushing her back with my fur covered hand, making goose bumps rise all over her body. "The feeling is very mutual."

Smiling dreamily, Julianna lay her head back down against me and we cuddled in silence. While we lay there, I realized that both halves of me were once again in agreement, content to lie in that position for the moment at least, tied with my lover, and it took me a moment to realize that it was for similar, if not exactly the same reasons. I loved doing this because, like Julianna had said, it made me feel closer to her. But the wolf spirit within me liked it for a much more simple reason; being tied with her claimed her as its mate. But, finally, after a good fifteen minutes of lying there, I could feel my knot shrinking and my cock finally relaxed, slipping from her moist crevice. When I came free from her, Julianna made a sad face and rolled off of me, onto her side, pressing against me once more. I turned over so I faced her and she moved even closer to me, clinging to me gently. Drowsiness washed over us both, but, as the comforting oblivion of sleep started to tug me into its embrace, my wolf half sent an image into my head, an image that instantly banished the sleepiness from my mind. As the image ricocheted around within my mind, enticing me to a possibility, arousing me once again, I was surprised at the spirit that shared my mind and soul. I hadn't known it was so playful. Grinning, I looked down at my princess, seeing that she was about to go to sleep as well.

My smile spreading and my heart beginning to speed up, pounding in my chest as anticipation washed over me, I reached out with my arms and slowly rolled Julianna over in my arms. For a moment, the beautiful woman that lay in my arms looked confused, then she smiled as well and rolled over willingly so her back was to my chest. When she was in the position I wanted, I moved up close behind her, spooning her with my body and she smiled dreamily again. But I had a surprise in store for her. I moved my hips upward a little, probing with my member, seeking the familiar slick warmth of my lover's crevice. Julianna gasped in pleased surprise when she felt my slick tip slide across her thigh. She looked back at me with mischief in her eyes and spread her legs a little, using one hand to guide my rod to its goal. A moment later, my tip found its target and slid inside with little resistance this time, her nethers already stretched from our previous love making. Within moments, I was hilted within her once more, the slight bulge of my knot within her again. Then, I wrapped my arms a little tighter around her and whispered into her ear.

"Are you ready?" I asked, panting in anticipation. Julianna didn't say a word, instead, just nodding in confirmation. Then, taking a deep breath, I allowed the wolf spirit forward into my mind, allowing it to take charge. It didn't need any more encouragement. Together, we began to move our hips, undulating back and forth, withdrawing my penis from her, then thrusting hard into her. My rhythm began to pick up, going faster and faster until my penis was driving into her with so much force she was bouncing upward a little with each thrust. At first, I feared that the quick pace might hurt Julianna, but she didn't seem to mind. Quite the opposite it seemed. With every hard thrust, Julianna gasped in pleasure, her sounds of passion growing louder with every passing moment. Then, after about a half minute, my knot began to swell again and Julianna's eyes began to grow wider as my increasing girth stretched her wider with every thrust. All of a sudden, she climaxed, squeezing her eyes shut and letting out a sound that was more the inarticulate cry of an animal than the sound a human might make.

But my wolf half didn't slow down one iota. Instead, the sound seemed to drive its intensity higher. Every thrust was sending waves of electric pleasure through my whole body, exciting and pleasuring at the same time. Soon, all of the hair on my body was standing on end, every muscle tense as my wolf half bred its mate with all its might. I felt my arms tense up around Julianna, holding her in place and pulling her downward with every thrust. My princess gasped suddenly as another orgasm washed through her, then another and another as my knot continued to grow. And then, suddenly, the wolf howled within my mind, the sound carrying out past my lips as well, my knot suddenly exploding within Julianna once more, sticky ropes of seed shooting upward into her once more. When Julianna felt the warm seed filling her again, her eyes suddenly grew wide once more and she let out a cry of passion that sounded almost like a wolf howl, her body clenching down on my member all the tighter. Our cries of fulfillment filled the chamber once more, the thick stone walls rebounding the sound back upon us in endless echoes until it sounded like an entire wolf pack was mating in the chamber.

The peak was so intense this time that my vision swam and it was all I could do not to pass out completely. I completely lost track of time in the waves of pleasure flowing from my loins, my whole body shivering and quaking as my muscles locked up. At last, after an eternity in a sea of pleasure, it at last began to subside. And then, finally, my muscles unclenched and I had to remind myself to breathe. Drawing a breath filled with the musty scent of sex and the scent of my lover, my vision began to return and I looked down at my lover. Julianna was lying close to me once more, her eyes half closed, staring at nothing, her hard breathing slowing down gradually. She didn't seem to be capable of movement, and truth be told, I didn't think I could go far either. And, as I regained control over my body and protectively drew Julianna close against me, wrapping my limbs tiredly around her, the wolf spirit withdrew from control, curling up in its corner of my mind, giving off smug impressions that I took to mean 'You're Welcome'. Finally, after a few moments Julianna smiled, drawing in a deep breath in a sigh, pressing herself backward so she was pressing into my fur.

Her eyes closed and her breathing slowed down once more until I knew she was asleep. And then, the sweet oblivion of sleep descended upon me once more. Utterly spent, I went willingly into the temporary darkness, still tied together with my lover...

***

I stood in the vast courtyard of the Gulnian castle once more, breathing in the fresh scent of the air. It was three days after that wonderful night where Julianna and I had affirmed once again that we were indeed alive. I wore a brand new cloak in Hunter grey over my baldric, my enchanted uniform secured at the bottom of my pack. The air was crisp and clean in the aftermath of a spring rainstorm and I smiled to myself. It seemed the perfect day to start out once more. The Slayers and Priests that had survived the battle were gathered in the courtyard as well, preparing to return to the Slayer headquarters for rest before going back to their usual duties. I was not going with them though. I had realized after reflecting on my life that my true calling was Demon Hunting, not training or leading other Slayers. With that matter settled in my mind, I was prepared to go out into the world once more, resuming my wandering. But this time, I went not alone. Julianna, the love of my life, was coming with me. All I was waiting for was my companion. When she arrived, we would head out, leaving the human world behind us once again to live in the wilds. Smiling again, I looked up to find my brother walking towards me, leading a saddled horse by its reins.

"Are you sure you won't come with me?" Aldric asked, his white uniform and cloak glittering with the mist that had collected within the castle's walls. "I am sure that in light of what has happened, the council will grant you the rank of Master Hunter."

"No, I am sure." I replied, petting the stallion's mane. The noble beast huffed and rubbed against my hand, sensing the good in my spirit and not fearing my touch, fearsome though I was to it. "My place is in the wild, hunting the demons. Besides, what initiate would willing learn from a werewolf? Tell father, when you see him, that I still think of the family. Tell him, I haven't given up."

"I will." Aldric replied, swinging up into the saddle. He offered me his hand and I shook it, returning his smile. "Good luck, little brother."

I nodded to him and stepped out the way as he rode from the castle gates, the other Slayers forming up behind him. As they walked from the castle, I saw Julianna striding through the milling crowd, coming towards me. She had been furnished with two long battle daggers by the Slayers, each almost a short sword in length. She wore a light green traveling tunic and matching breaches with the insignia of the priesthood picked out on them in silver. Over that, she wore a light green cloak and a pack with supplies in it. When she came up to me, I embraced her warmly, smiling broadly.

"Shall we go love?" I asked and she nodded. Together we followed the last of the priests out of the gate and into the city streets. Many of the populace regarded us with curiosity as we passed and I nodded to those who called out in greeting. Word of my deeds had gone before us in the streets and many had gathered to see the 'good' werewolf, and the princess who loved him. Under the rays of a sun that peeked out from the thin clouds, we walked out into the wild once more...

***

Julianna sat on a stone, stretching out her legs before her. It was around mid afternoon and we had stopped for a break beside a stream in a copse of trees north of the castle. I was standing beside her, one hand near to the hilt of my dagger, looking around the clearing warily. Though my spirits had been high that morning, a shadow had grown within my mind as we walked in the plains. The wolf spirit within me was restless and wary, ready to leap into action at any moment. And, with every passing moment, the feeling of foreboding was growing worse. Despite all that had happened, trouble was brewing around us, I could feel it. I was about to mention it to my love, but one look at her face told me she understood. She too was on edge, looking around at the trees, her hands near to the sheathed daggers. I was about to say something to break the uncomfortable silence, when my ears perked up. A sound had worked its way to my ears, a sound that did not belong in the wild. It had been the quiet rasp of cloth and leather, and it had come from multiple directions. And then, from behind me, the jingle of chainmail rings. Moments later, there were figures between the trees, dozens of them, all of them human shaped, and all of them armed.

When Julianna saw them, she instantly leapt to her feet, drawing a dagger in each hand, standing back to back with me. I myself drew my sword from its sheath and took the dagger in my other hand, setting into ready position. The dark figures resolved themselves quickly into the form of human warriors, all dressed in the varying armor and uniforms of mercenaries. There were at least forty of them, and none of them looked remotely friendly. Normally, this sort of situation wouldn't have bothered me, since I had faced such odds before, but these were humans, not demons and I didn't want to fight them if I didn't have to. But, a fight became a foregone conclusion when another figure stepped out from a knot of soldiers clad in scale armor. It was a figure clothed all in black, a black hooded cloak concealing his features. But, when he was fully in view, he swept back his hood and I felt my heckles raise, a snarl coming to my lips. It was Prince Talorn, a dark frown coloring his face with anger.

"Last chance Julianna." he said coldly, holding out his hand to my love, "Come with me and maybe I will spare your werewolf."

"I would rather die." She replied, her tone caring a heavy note of finality within it.

"And I would prefer that neither happened at all." I added, measuring the distance between me and the man who threatened my love's future. Within me, my werewolf half added its mind fully to mine once more, readying itself to fight. The wolf's instincts were a blessing once again; it didn't care that our foes were human. If they threatened its mate, then they would die all the same.

"So be it," Talorn said. At his words, the mercenaries started forward, their weapons drawn and at the ready. "Take the princess alive, but ten thousand pieces of gold to the man who brings me that werewolf's head!"