Breeding the Female(9)

Sophie rested on top of Crofton as she slowly sank back to reality. The sunlight on her skin, reminded her of her life before. Sophie felt as if she had been away for months instead of days. How different she was now. No longer the pristine virginal young woman who read fairy tales, but now a full-blooded woman, with sexual desires and needs, and living among these creatures of fantasy.

Sophie eased herself off Crofton and sank into the water, kneeling so that the water reached her shoulders. Feeling of sex, Sophie washed herself clean again, knowing soon enough she would be made dirty by more of the pack. Crofton lazed on the rock, watching Sophie bathe herself.

“You are magnificent,” he said smiling. Crofton flexed his arms and legs, “I feel stronger already! Usually it takes a few rounds,” and then he blushed at his words. Sophie shrugged and smiled as she paddled a bit where the stream became deeper. “Sophie! Quick!” Crofton suddenly called out, a note of panic in his voice.

Sophie turned hastily to see a large grey wolf racing towards them, with a screeching owl flying alongside. Sophie scrambled out of the water and hastily began throwing her clothes on, not caring as the water from her skin soaked through the material. Crofton came to her side, pulling on his pants, and stepped protectively in front of Sophie.

Before her eyes, Sophie saw the wolf transform into Linwood, yet the owl flapped nervously above his head.

“Where is Rylan?” Linwood demanded, panting.

“I–I don’t know,” stuttered Crofton, “He was here earlier but — “ his voice trailed off.

“No time! Get her to the caves — now!” Linwood ordered. The owl began to screech.

“What-“ Crofton interjected.

“NOW!” he roared, before phasing back to wolf form.

“Let me take you,” Crofton said quickly, and without waiting for a reply, he scooped Sophie into his arms as if she were a small child and began to run toward the caves, flanked by Linwood and the owl.

“What’s going on?” Sophie asked fearfully. It had been less than a minute since Linwood and the owl approached them, but Sophie knew something was very wrong.

“I have no idea,” Crofton panted as he ran swiftly. Sophie wrapped her arms around his neck, staring back into the forest behind her. Sophie wasn’t sure if her eyes were playing tricks on her, but she swore she saw black shapes weaving in and out of the trees. She clutched Crofton tighter as they approached the caves. Sophie saw some of the pack begin to run alongside Linwood and the owl. Rylan, as wolf, skidded into focus and raced to Crofton’s side.

Once safely inside the cave, Crofton put Sophie down, and doubled over trying to catch his breath. Rylan phased quickly, grabbing Sophie’s hand and dragging her deeper into the mouth of the cave. Crofton followed, and Linwood and the owl brought up the rear. Sophie imagined the rest of the pack staying outside the opening.

Quickly, Linwood transformed into his human self and Sophie watched in awe as the owl transformed into an old woman. She was small and hunched over, dark scraggly hair hanging in her face. Sophie’s stomach turned as she noticed one eye was milky from cataracts.

“What the hell is going on?” growled Rylan, “Why is she here?” he asked angrily, gesturing towards the old woman. “She’s nothing but a crazy old hoot!”

Linwood gave Crofton a pointed look and he took the hint, leaving the group.

“Sophie is in grave danger,” Linwood warned, “Bathilda has been a great help.”

“What kind of danger?” Rylan asked, his body rigid.

“Bathilda has reason to believe that Sophie is not entirely human.”

“That’s ridiculous!” Sophie exclaimed, “Of course I’m all human! What else would I be?”

Rylan tugged on her hand, silencing her, and Linwood continued.

“It makes perfect sense. In fact, I wondered the same myself, as I’m sure you did, Rylan. She smells different, sweeter. She is slight in stature, pale in skin and hair. Not to mention her eyes. She looks like the Dwellers.”

Rylan nervously rubbed his chin. “Is she?” he asked in a clipped tone.

“We cannot be sure. But that would explain your speedy strength.”

Sophie listened to this exchange, not understanding a word.

“What is a dweller?” she asked, exasperated.

“The Forest Dwellers,” Rylan snapped and then his voice softened, “They consider themselves the rightful inhabitants of the forest; the pure ones who have the right to make their lives inside these woods. They tolerate us at best,” Rylan scoffed. “They consider themselves superior due to their magic. They are compromised of different forms, yet all are magical in their own right.”