Old Bounty, Old Fling
In exile, yet again, Astor arrives in the Wild Marches where he runs into a long lost love. Unfortunately, she has other plans for him...
Story is standalone, despite taking place shortly after Two Princes, One Girl, One Thief. Events are referred to, but it is not mandatory reading.
On the horizon, the town of Antul came into view. Nestled between rocky crags, it was little more than a trading post with only a mere handful of log buildings, but as a Merchant League owned town, the only such one this far West and the sole port of entry to the Wild Marches, it was an important town nonetheless.
Technically speaking, I was informally banned from League territory after I escalated a simple burglary to arson and plutocide, at least, for as long as my good friend Prince Ylan was upset. He could never hold a grudge, but now that he had money and power, it wasn't good to test that, even when I gave him someone new and soft to stick his cock into.
The ship's captain, an aging black Wolf with a similarly black eye-patch over his right eye, stepped up beside me. Normally seeing a Wolf get that close so casually would prompt me to clutch my hilt and prepare for immediate attack or worse, a tired speech by a green bounty hunter trying to take his target off-guard by getting chummy. But the captain had earned my trust on the voyage and he had plenty of opportunities to abuse it.
“We'll be docking in a few hours," he said, motioning towards the post with his nose.
“Very good," I said, leaning against the railing, “It'll be nice to be on land again."
“Aye, though you couldn't pay me to stay in the Marches. Don't know why so many people are going there."
“First I've heard of that."
The captain grunted, wrinkling his snout, “Aye, well, another captain I'm familiar with was talking about how some girl and her partner paid him an absurd amount to charter his ship, enough for a good cargo run to any of the richest League cities. Not long after, the Prince's men came by and bought your passage."
“Odd."
“Speak for yourself," he grunted, “Her partner was an Equine, probably fell in love and wanted to take her back to the Confederacy."
“The what?"
“The Ironhoof Confederacy," he spat, “Bunch of the grain-eaters are trying to make their own Kingdom, bring some order to their corner of the Marches or at least protect against us from encroaching."
“Sounds like a noble goal, I suppose."
He laughed, showing off his yellowed fangs, “They claim every hoofed race will be equal, but as far as I've heard, only the rich Horse landowners have joined up so far. It'll be dead in the water in a couple of years," he lowered his gaze to the deep, blue waters below, “At least we're honest, Wolven Kingdom, and damn all the others who dwell within it."
Smiling knowingly, I shot back, “Somehow that was not a very comforting attitude when I grew up in Wolven lands."
“I guess not...Astor Skinwolf."
I had given an alias but anyone who had spent any time in Wolven territory has seen bounty posters with my face drawn on it, followed by a detailed list of known residences and descriptions of my scent. The posters the Humans in the Guild put up, were far less meticulous.
Regardless of the recognition, I still did not sense a threat and kept my hand away from my sword, “You knew."
“Aye."
“And you know how much the reward is."
“Aye."
“So, why not…?"
“I'm Wolven, but the last thing I want is another war, which I know will happen sooner or later if they learn how to make that little Guild weapon of yours. It's bad for business," he said, causing me to instinctively rub at the red lettering tattooed on my left palm, feeling the slightest twinge of magic shoot through my nerves as I did, “Besides, after seeing that feline Prince's ship go up in flames, well, we just don't know what that tattoo is capable of."
“Or what I'm capable of..."
He didn't respond to that.
Docking was a slow, plodding affair, but once the gangplank was down, I stepped off without delay. At least, until the Dockmaster, an older, but still quite attractive Cougar, startled hassling me about my purpose of visit. This was not normal procedure for League ports, they generally wanted merchandise and coin to flow quickly and freely, and I soon realized she had ulterior motives. I let her down easily. It was too soon, the events of the last month had killed all of my desire for Cougars. Worst of all, thanks to the incestuous nature of League posts, she could very well have been a relative of Mril's, given that position with his influence and money.
So, I just turned down a chance for sex, big deal. It was a big...well, it was a small post, but even the smallest league outposts attracted people of all kinds. It wouldn't take much effort to find a pretty girl or a handsome man to spend the night with.
I flung open the tavern doors, swaggering with my hand on the pommel of my sword, letting the scabbard slap against my leg. Immediately, I felt a wave of smells, of Beasts of all kinds, invade my nostrils. Most Beasts would be able to tell the makeup of the room based on that, but to me, a Human, I had to rely on my eyes.
It was mostly Wolves and Humans, each sticking to their own corners lest a skirmish break out, but there were some locals from the nearby Marches. I saw a few Cougars sitting at a table together at my side, not a chance; a pack of Coyotes, each one obviously paired up with another, not my kind of game; a Tiger sat on the far end, dressed in rich clothes and nursing a tankard of ale, now he had potential, so long as I was on top…
A figure sitting at the bar caught my eye. I couldn't make out what she was, her brown hood was up and her tail was bundled up in her winter clothes, it did not look very comfortable. It was a rather warm evening out and judging by how she drank, she had a muzzle; perhaps she was as hot as she no doubt felt at that moment?
It had been a long time since I rolled the dice and went on a blind fling, so I slid up and took a seat, ordering an ale from the Collie bartender (He'll be the backup plan). Feigning ignorance, I waited for the mug to arrive and took a long gulp when it did. Then, I turned to face her…
And saw a white, thin muzzle poking out of the hood.
Oh no…
Her black nose twitched and I felt something poke against my side. Peering down, I saw a white paw gripping a hand crossbow with its bolt pointed directly at my ribs, her cloak concealing the weapon from most prying eyes.
“Keep still and keep your hand on your mug and off your tattoo," she said, lifting her lips to reveal her slender, white fangs, “It has been a long time, Astor."
“Min, it has been too long!" I exclaimed, forcing a smile. With my right, and significantly less deadly hand, I slapped the counter, “How about I buy my favorite Vixen a drink?"
The end of her crossbow jabbed against my rib, “Don't give me that favorite girl routine. You showed who your favorite girl was when you ran off with that witch."
“She bewitched me!"
“Oh yes, I totally buy that. The world is just littered with Fox mages, isn't it? Has the Guild been training them in secret?"
“It wasn't magic, you were there. I think she put something in the tea."
“She was blasting scent everywhere, even a Human could tell what she was after and considering your predilection for Vulpines..."
“Look, I wasn't in control," I sighed, taking a sip of ale, “Besides, she's dead now."
“Ah, so you did kill her eventually, that makes everything better, doesn't it?"
“Well, we were hired to kill her."
She paused, a sudden realization coming over her. Her lips frowned, “Did you get the bounty?"
“I don't see how that's..."
“I didn't get my share."
“Neither did I."
“You're lying," she said, her nose twitching ever so slightly, “I can smell it."
“Oh please, every time we get into a fight you pull the “Oh, I can smell it," act. I grew up around Wolves, they're bullshitting when they say they can do that and so are you."
“And yet I'm right, you got the bounty, didn't you?"
As a matter of fact, I had gotten the bounty, but that was five years ago when I last visited the Wild Marches and it was now long gone. I really hadn't expected her to stick around the Marches, she was prone to wandering much like me and we shared a lot of adventures together, going all the way back to my time in the Wolven army. We both betrayed them for the Guild of Arms together and then ditched them around the same time.
My heart was aflutter at the good times we had together. The open road, narrowly dodging the authorities, planning the occasional heist. Not to mention the time we spent together beneath the stars with nothing but her soft, white fur for warmth. Bewitched or not, I didn't like our relationship ending like it did.
Thankfully, I didn't have to reply just yet. A gray wolf with large, powerful muscles took a seat on the other side of her. He gave me the perfect chance to think up the right words to rekindle our love.
“Hey there little Vixen, why don't you ditch the Human and come join us for a drink," he said, a wide smile growing on his muzzle.
“Not interested," she replied, not bothering to turn her head.
“Don't be like that," he groaned contentedly, nuzzling at her hood with his nose, “All Vixens want a Wolf on top of them, don't you know? Much more man where it counts."
“I think my boyfriend would disagree."
Taking this as my cue, I spoke up, “Is he giving you..."
And was interrupted by her sharply whistling, causing my ears to ring out in pain.
A rumble shook the staircase followed by slow, heavy thuds that repeated the effect. Soon, a massive hoof with white feathering came into view and the brown Equine it belonged to followed.
No, no, no. This can't be…
He was massive, but then, all Equines were, with thick muscles that could squeeze the life out of the Wolf in seconds. The only clothes he had on were a pair of linen trousers with a belt that a human skull-sized mace hung from a loop. He stomped towards us, shaking the floorboards and the Wolf could do nothing but stare.
The Equine's nostrils flared and he crossed his massive arms, “He giving you trouble, Min?"
“Darling, you're just in time," she turned away from me, still keeping the crossbow primed. Her fluffy, black-tipped tail slipped out of her clothes and happily wagged away, “This Wolf just said the most hilarious joke, care to hear it?"
The Wolf looked at the Horse, then Min, then me. Fear was plastered all over his face. Conceding, he said, “I think I should go..."
“Yes, you should."
He got up and politely bowed towards Min and then the Equine, before scampering back to his table, tail between his legs.
The Equine took a seat on the stool next to Min and I was more than a little surprised that it didn't cave in under his weight. He leaned towards Min, who rubbed her thin nose against his long face affectionately.
I'm going to be sick.
He pulled back, brushing back the strands of his mane that had fell over his round, brown eyes. Motioning towards me, he asked, “He a mark?"
“Bounty," she replied, finally facing me. Her rare, violet eyes showing the slightest bit of warmth as we locked stares. I smiled back, resulting in her scowling, “Astor Skinwolf."
He snorted, nostrils flaring widely. Lowering his voice, he said, “That's a big one."
“Yes, and I appreciate you keeping your voice down. Last thing we need is to make a scene."
“Too late," I shot in, glaring at the Equine, “We already had a lover's quarrel."
“Former," was his reply. Simple, but effective.
I turned back to my favorite Fox, “Min, don't be stupid, you can't claim the bounty. You're wanted by the same people who want me."
“But Hale, on the other hand..." she placed her free paw on the Equine's shoulder, rustling his hairs, “Is not. And I trust him to collect and share, unlike some people I know..."
“Okay, look, I can pay you back for the bounty on that witch..."
“Yes, you can. By behaving and following us upstairs."
“Okay, okay!" I motioned towards my hand, still clasping the handle of the mug, “Can I move my hand?"
Hale lifted himself up and shuffled over, grabbing my hand and clutching it in his iron-tight grip. He leaned his face towards mine and I nearly gagged from smelling horse sweat. He muttered, “No magic tricks."
“Fuck you."
His grip tightened sending shockwaves of pain through my palm. Pulling me to my feet, he dragged me to the stairs, Min following close behind.
“If you behave," she whispered, leaning past Hale to me, “I'll let you decide between the Wolves or the Guild."
“How generous."
“I'd pick the Guild, if I were you. There'll be less torture and sodomy. They're more interested in just killing you, no fore-play."
“I'm aware of their preference."
I was nearly carried upstairs and upon reaching the landing, shoved down the hall to the door at the end. The bedroom was large for an inn like this, they had clearly gotten the most expensive room. A massive, king-sized bed with fresh linens dominated the room. A writer's desk and chair were in the corner.
Hale pulled the chair over, placing it in front of the bed and sat me down, still clutching at my hand.
“Hm," he muttered, staring at my hand, “Min?"
She breezed in, tail fluttering behind her and stared out the bedside window, “If you cover up the tattoo with rope or something thick, he can't use it."
“We have rope."
She spun around, a wicked smile on her muzzle, “That we do."
Before I knew it, Hale had tied a knot around my palm blocking off my tattoo. This was followed by him tying the rest of me to the chair in a ridiculously complex series of knots. It didn't take long for me to realize that despite having escaped from plenty of ropes in my time, this was not a viable escape option at the moment.
It will be a long trip back. There will be plenty of chances. Don't panic.
“Min, this was not how I imagined us meeting again."
“And what did you imagine?"
“Well, if I recall, you were the one who liked being tied up..."
“Ha!" she laughed, nudging Hale in the ribs, “Listen to this bullshit! You're practically going hard right now."
That was not true.
“Different people, different tastes," Hale said, nodding.
“Thanks for the Horse wisdom," I fired back.
Without showing even the slightest bit of anger, Hale simply replied, “Equine. Horses have four legs, we have two."
“And this whole time I thought you had three," Min slid up behind him, sneaking a paw inside his trousers.
“Oh no," I muttered aloud.
“Oh yes," Min giggled, climbing up on Hale's back and whispering in his ear.
“Sounds fun," Hale replied.
“He might like it," Min said, letting herself fall to the floor. She yanked Hale's pants down with one swipe, revealing a massive sheathed bulge on his crotch, “He's always gone for men as well."
“Not like this."
“Well, it will be a new experience, won't it?" she stepped in front of Hale, letting her cloak and trousers fall to the ground, revealing her entire snow-furred body, her eight, tiny nipples running down her chest, and her sweet, little pussy, still as perfect as the day we met. She pressed her butt against Hale's bulge, smiling triumphantly at me as she straddled it, moaning with exaggerated joy.
“If you're trying to make me jealous..."
It's working.
“It's working," she giggled, pointing at me with a claw, “Look at him blush!"
“Cute," Hale muttered, grinding against her butt, causing her tail to swish, slapping him on the nose.
“Perhaps, hm..." she moaned, “Perhaps you should do him after? After taking your cock, the Wolves knotting him will be nothing."
“Min, I'm done playing games here," I said, failing to hide my anger, “Enough."
“Well, we're not," she smiled, breaking away from the Equine's crotch and kneeling down, tongue escaping her mouth and lolling idly. She took a few, slow licks at his sheath, prodding the head to peek out.
Running her long tongue on the head, the rest of it began to reveal itself. It was, of course, massive and black, with a flared head and a ringed section on the shaft. I could barely imagine it fitting in her.
Neighing, Hale scooped up Min and tossed her on the bed. Giggling, she leaned up against the pillows, rubbing at her pussy with a claw. Hale quickly joined her, clawing onto the bed and I got a good view of his muscular butt that his long tail failed to conceal, flicking on occasion as if to entice me.
It wasn't working.
“Okay, I get it, Min. There's no way that...thing will fit. I should know."
Min moaned as Hale's shaft rubbed against her pussy, “He doesn't know anything, does he?"
“Does he ever stop talking?"
“No, he doesn't," she giggled, clasping at his shaft and directing its flared head to her pussy, “He once started an argument about what city was the capital of the League while...mm...well, doing this."
“I was drunk, okay!"
“Talk, talk talk..." she slowly shimmied her hips, letting the massive cock carefully slip inside her pussy, groaning uncontrollably as he thrust his hips, pushing his member deeper into her tiny slit.
There was a brief struggle as the ringed section near the base. Min grunted in pain as Hale forcefully thrust past that section and soon the entire thing was inside. She smiled, craning her neck and peering past Hale to smile smugly at me.
“See? All the way."
“I'm sure your mother would be proud."
“Shut up, Astor!" she shouted, fangs flashing.
“Calm," Hale said, pressing his long face against her muzzle, nuzzle her nose gently, “Let's focus on each other...mm..."
“Agreed..." she whispered, “Bite my neck."
His nose slid against her face, finally rubbing at her neck before he clamped his teeth against it with his large, flat teeth.
“Oooooh! Hale…!"
Hale began thrusting in and out of her small pussy, somehow still accommodating his massive cock. She started waiting in ecstasy in that inimitable Fox way.
“Yaaaaaaaaaah!"
“Min…!" Hale shouted, pounding fiercely.
“Cum inside!"
“Errgh!"
Hale shuddered and his cock throbbed. Despite the confines, droplets of semen leaked out, mixing in with her white fur seamlessly. Min leaned back, her tongue lolling out to the side of her mouth, moaning with pleasure.
His cock shrunk just a little and he pulled out, spilling a deluge of semen over the bed. Min was too exhausted to move, but Hale crawled over to her and placed the tip of his cock over her gaping mouth and let the cum drop in. Upon realizing what he wanted, she grabbed the base of it and slurped at it with her long tongue until it was wiped clean.
“You taste good," she gave him another lick, followed by a wink.
Hale responded by giving her little black nose a slurp with his thick tongue, “Not as good as you."
“Hmm," she nuzzled briefly against his nose before turning her gaze back to me, “How are you holding up, Astor?"
“I feel sufficiently embarrassed and emasculated. Is that what you want? Can we end this?"
“Have you learned anything?"
“No."
Sighing, she rolled off the bed from underneath Hale, emerging on her feet. She slowly padded towards me, gently swaying her tail with her steps as she used to do so often with me. She stopped in front of me, peering down from above. I caught the scent of her heavy Vulpine musk, even drowned out by the scent of Horse sweat on her it caused my cock to harden and press against my pants.
“He looks to have enjoyed himself," she muttered, giving a short laugh.
“You know I can't resist that walk of yours, it has nothing to do with..."
“Hm," she turned back to Hale, “Hale, would you mind if I gave him a kiss? I'd like to share your taste with him."
“Go ahead."
She grabbed my face and thrust her muzzle into it, parting her lips and forcing her tongue in. The salty taste of semen flooded my taste buds while she wrestled with my tongue, moaning with desire. Pulling away, she pressed her nose against mine, snorting and then backing off.
“Did you like it?"
“Only the part with you in it."
“So, you didn't enjoy his cum?"
“No."
“Very well," she pouted, leaning against the wall, “Are you going to apologize for five years ago or not?"
“I told you already, she bewitched me."
“I almost believe you. Almost," she turned to Hale, making a motion with her paw. He rose to his hooves.
Sauntering over, he stopped just in front of me, letting the tip of his cock press against my face, wiping the last remnants of cum and saliva smear against my nose.
Thankfully, he bent down, shoving his long face into mine and staring back at me with his large, round eyes.
“Are you going to apologize to her?"
“I told her, I was..."
“Okay," he said, his thick teeth appearing from behind peeled lips, “Now it's your turn."
Before I could protest, he pressed his lips against mine, his thick, disgusting tongue invading my mouth. Mixed with the scent of his sweat, I could barely hold my stomach in order. And if he were to do anything else…
He pulled back, immediately reaching down and stroking his cock.
“Okay! Look...I don't know what she did to me, but I wasn't in the right state of mind. I should have killed her first, I should not have given her the chance to take controland I'm sorry about everything I put you through," I paused, gasping for air, relieved a little to see that the Equine had stopped working his penis, “I'll help you get your share of the bounty, just...please, don't..."
They both stared back at me, expressions blank and unreadable.
Min finally broke the silence, “Apology accepted. Hale, let him go."
The ropes tumbled to the ground before I even realized Hale had ripped the knots apart.
“What?" I asked. Even knowing her for as long as I did, she still managed to surprise me.
“Did you really expect me to turn you in?"
“Well, yes."
“I would never!" she spat, flicking her tail in irritation, “Not even when you hurt me, I never wished that upon you. Not once."
“So...why did you…?"
“I wanted you to feel what I felt when you ran away with that witch. The shame...the betrayal...the jealousy..." she sighed, shaking her head, “I'm sorry. This was a very immature thing to do."
Grunting, I pulled away the ropes tied to my palm, “So, then you and Hale…?"
Pulling herself next to him, she leaped up, letting him scoop her up in his arms, “Are madly in love!" she poked his nose with hers, “It's been five years. I've moved on."
My heart had a quick jab of pain. I should have known, I thought I was over it, but it hurt, it hurt so bad to hear it.
“Alright then..." I muttered, motioning to the door with my head, “I guess I'll just be going..."
“Oh no!" she exclaimed, dropping from Hale's arms and pointing a claw at me, tail swishing proudly, “You still owe me for the bounty and I'm not letting you go until you pay it back!"
“I..." I paused, thinking, “I did promise that, didn't I?"
She nodded, “And don't think you can get out of it or else I'll have Hale tie you down again. Until it's paid off, we're partners."
“Just like old times, huh?"
“Mmhm."
“Okay, alright, yeah," I nodded repeatedly, “Well, I'll just go get my own room and leave you be."
“Wait," she stopped me, grabbing my shoulder, “You know, the bed is quite large, even for Hale...there's room for a third."
That forced a grin on my lips, “Well...I can't say no to snuggling with my favorite Vixen."
“Oh no! You'll snuggle with Hale on the opposite side as me. Seeing you kiss earlier...I think it'd be so cute. You like men too, afterall and I'll take a bit off of your debt..."
“I don't like men," Hale said.
“But you'll do it for me, right? Just like when you kissed him?"
“Sure," he said, shrugging his shoulders, “It's a new experience."
“There we go!" she clapped her paws together, “Go ahead, Astor, feel free to get a quick hug in. His muscles, his musk...irresistible."
Shaking my head, I replied, “I'll get my own room. Thanks."
Without waiting for a reply, I exited. As I closed the door behind, I heard giggling along with wild brays. Judging by the rattling of the floorboards that followed, they were getting amorous again and I felt my cheeks redden.
I headed downstairs, finding the tavern recently vacated, except for the Collie bartender who was polishing a stack of mugs.
“Hey, got any rooms available?"
He lifted his muzzle, staring back at me with pretty blue eyes, “Just one."
“I'll take it," I said, slamming the coin on the counter.
“Okay," he nodded, retrieving the key and passing it to me, “It's just up the stairs, last door on the left."
“Thanks," I said, preparing to leave but hesitating. A sudden realization came over me and I turned back to the bartender, “Last door on the left...right next to the suite at the end of the hall?"
“That's right."
“Thank you," I said, gently reaching for his paw and stroking it. He stopped cleaning and stared back at me curiously, “What time do you finish?"
“Ah! Ah! Ah!" the Collie panted, tongue flailing about and saliva spilling out while I pounded him from behind, grabbing his white-tipped tail to prevent it from slapping my face.
Between the Dog's moans, I heard the muffled moans of ecstasy from the neighboring room.
“Mm, so tight!" I grunted, thrusting in and grinding against his cheeks, “Say my name."
“Mmm...Astor!"
“Louder!"
“Astor!"
“LOUDER!"
“ASTOR!"
“Ahhhhhh!" I shuddered, ejaculating in his ass, causing him to collapse face down, sliding my cock out and getting a shot of semen on his black furred back.
Laying back in my bed, I listened for the sounds of sex from the neighbors and heard nothing. I knocked on the wall and called out, “You guys having a good time in there!?"
The only reception I got was a muffled “Fuck you!"
“Already done that," I shot back, though in truth, I wasn't over her and if she had shown the slightest desire to take me back, I'd let her. Still, for now, I could not let her win. If she could show off her new lover, so could I.
I really have not matured much, have I?
The Collie crawled up against me, resting his muzzle against my chest and flicked his tongue against my nipple, sending a twinge up my spine, “You shouldn't bother the other rooms. It's against the rules."
“It's okay, they know me."
“Oh..."
Sliding down, I pressed my face against his, licking his wet nose and pecking him on the lips. Resting our heads together, I breathed in his earthy musk and we drifted off to sleep together.
Note to self: learn his name before showing him off to Minerva.