Fangs (Chapter 11)

I was woken by Talin shaking my shoulders, “Where are we? Were we attacked? What happened?” blearily I opened my eyes and changed to human.1

“No we weren't attacked. I...” I swallowed, knowing the truth was best but dreading it, “... I lost control, I attacked you. We're at the witch's house now, he healed you.”2

I noticed that as soon as Talin realised there was no danger his gaze had drifted from my face. I reached for a blanket to pull over myself, then decided I didn't care, he'd seen me naked before anyway. I also realised that very soon I might have to choose between him and being a werewolf.3

I sighed unhappily, “Talin, I'm not going to become human.” Talin's face became serious again.4

“Why? Can't the witch help?”5

“Probably, but I don't want to be cured. I'm never going back to being human.” I looked at Talin, hating myself for how much I had already hurt him, hating even more what I was about to say, “and it's not safe for me to travel with humans, last night made that very clear.” Talin's face was twisted, he looked ready to cry. Why had I said that, it was true but I should have found a nicer way to say it. Did I ever do anything that didn't hurt him? I leaned forward to kiss him.6

Talin lurched back “No, you know we can't.”7

“Why not? You'd be free, we'd both be free. Free and together.” I looked at his face, mistrustful and full of doubt, I moved closer, sliding my arms round his shoulders.“Why should I have to become human, why is it me who has to change?” He tried to move away but I pulled him closer.8

Talin gasped as he felt my body press against his, I felt his hands slid down my back and made another attempt to kiss him. He turned away again “No, I'm not prepared to become a werewolf. We came here so you could be human again, don't you want that?” I smiled slightly, he was giving in, I could hear it in his voice, I could smell his indecision.9

“I was human once and after being a werewolf I never want to be again. Trust me, being a werewolf is better.”10

I wrapped my legs tightly round his and leaned closer, my nose pressed against his cheek, my lips paused above his. Talin's fingers brushed against my bottom, I licked my lips, making them drip with saliva then leaned forward to kiss him.11

Talin twisted his head away from me. While this moved his lips away it exposed his throat, not the best thing to show a hungry werewolf. My tongue slid from my mouth, one good lick from collarbone to chin would be easily as enjoyable as a kiss and have the same affect. I paused, tongue hanging from mouth, to enjoy his scent; there was fear, the most appetising emotion and doubt; good, uncertainty suited me but the strongest was desire, a sweet, heavy smell that made it hard for me to think, hard to care about consequences, I loved the smell of desire.12

Thud, both me and Talin jumped at the sound. It took me a second to realise the sound was someone knocking. I was naked, I was sitting on Talin. Instantly I changed to wolf and dived under back into my bed. Talin also hurried back into bed before, the witch came in, carrying two plates. The smell of fried food filled the air and I noticed Talin look up hungrily, I ignored it far more interested by the fainter, sharper smell of blood.13

The witch passed us each a plate, mine containing large strips of raw meat, starvingly hungry we both started eating immediately, after several seconds I heard Talin ask if the witch was awake, making the same mistake as me. The boy laughed and explained that he was the witch. I smiled, silently laughing at Talin's embarrassment. Talin's next question wiped away my smile.14

“Can you cure Lycanthopy?” I froze, hoping the answer was no yet dreading the idea that there was no cure almost as much as I hated the thought that there might be. The witch glanced sadly at me.15

“I've spent all night researching it, and unfortunately I think I can.” he turned to me “Sorry you are going to have to choose.”16

I stood up “I am never going back to being human.” I growled “I am free, I will not go back to what I was.” I glared at Talin “You can join me and be free, or you can stay here alone.”17

Talin looked at me sadly, I could see tears glistening in his eyes “I'll miss you.” he whispered.18

***************19

I watched the witch carefully measuring out fluids and powders, two hours had passed, during which I had watched him go from flicking through books to sorting through shelves of stuff. Finally he approached me with a cup and a small quantity of powder , he handed me them. “The drink should change you back to human and the powder should make it a bit less painful.” he gave me a sad, worried look “are you sure you want this?”20

I didn't answer, just shrugged his question away “Do I eat them?” he nodded and left.21

I stared at the cup and the powder for a few seconds. As a werewolf I had lost everything, till I thought the only thing I had left was the freedom it gave me. I was wrong, I had Talin. That was more valuable than freedom. I poured the powder into the cup and drank it.22

It was foul to my werewolf taste, but I had expected that, forcing myself not to retch I managed to swallow it. Nothing happened, I waited for about an hour before giving in. I stood up and the room spun round my head, I fell on all fours, head swimming nauseatingly, struggling to breath. After a few minuets it began to hurt, blinding, maddening pain spasming through my body. I screamed and writhed before falling unconscious.23

Early morning light filtered into my vision. I rolled over and looked round. Talin was sitting beside my bed “You're awake. How are you feeling?”24

I blinked, “Dizzy, disorientated.” I mumbled, something wasn't right everything seemed flat, bland, or unreal. I struggled to find out what was wrong with the world but couldn't. I only worked it out when I looked at Talin again. I couldn't smell him, I was human. “where's the witch and the dragon.” I mumbled.25

“Looking through their books,” Talin answered “I don't think they believe you made the right decision.” he paused “But I know you did.” he leaned forward suddenly and kissed me. For a second I was completely confused, then I wrapped my arms behind Talin's head and pulled closer.26

Finally. It had taken a long time but it was worth it. I dragged Talin onto the bed without breaking the kiss. My hands moved lower as I began exploring his body. As Talin did the same27

I realized I was fully dressed under the covers, but then with his help it was the work of a moment to correct that.