Chapter 18 - Fisher

The Wolf”s Den is filled with the sounds of music and people laughing and chatting. There are wolves mingling everywhere you turn, drinking and eating as if there aren”t any troubles plaguing their town.

My mind”s been racing ever since I came back from visiting Ram, thoughts spiraling in my head over the events of the past couple of days. What started as a simple errand turned into a serious shitshow when those shifter traders showed up. Just thinking about them brings back unpleasant memories of my encounter with them in the forest.

I take a sip of my drink, the bitter taste of whiskey doing little to ease the turmoil inside me. Liz”s face fills my mind, her laughter, her strength, and the undeniable connection I feel with her.

I”ve been an idiot, sitting here pondering over my feelings for Liz instead of taking action. The danger surrounding us is real, and with those traders still out there, the last thing I want is for Liz to get caught in the crossfire. The very thought of her getting hurt sends a sickening wave of dread through me.

Maybe it”s time I help her tap into her shifter abilities again. She needs to be prepared, especially if I”m not around to protect her. After all, who knows what could happen to us while we”re trying to uncover these shifters? It”s best if she knows how to defend herself in case anything goes wrong.

”Everything alright, Fisher?” Bailey, the bartender, asks. ”You look like you”re somewhere else entirely.”

”Yeah, just thinking,” I mutter, forcing a smile. ”Another round, please.”

As Bailey pours another glass, I can”t shake the feeling that I need to do something, anything, to ensure Liz”s safety. It”s not just about the physical danger; it”s about the bond we share, the connection that”s been growing between us. I”ve come to realize that my feelings for Liz run deep. Deeper than anything I”ve ever felt before.

The chatter around me fades into the background as I focus on a plan. Liz needs to be trained. To hone her instincts and strengthen her abilities. If the traders ever come after her again, she needs to be ready to defend herself.

When I glance around the room, my eyes land on Ram at a corner table, deep in conversation with a few other wolves. If anyone knows what to do, it”s him. Gathering my courage, I make my way over to him.

”Ram,” I say, sliding into the seat across from him. ”We need to talk.”

Ram looks up, his sharp eyes meeting mine. ”What”s on your mind, Fisher?”

”It”s Liz,” I start, my words coming out in a rush. ”She still can”t shift, and with those traders out there, I”m worried about her safety. I think Liz needs proper training, and I was hoping you could help.”

Ram leans back, rubbing his chin. His expression gives nothing away as he ponders my request. He takes a sip of his drink before nodding slowly. ”I don”t see why not. What do you think would be best?”

”Well, I”ve been working with her some. She”s got good form and can fight pretty well already. What I”m ultimately hoping for is to coax her wolf back out of hiding. I think her wolf is just traumatized, and that”s what caused the issue.”

Ram nods again, crossing his arms over his chest. ”This could work,” he says after a moment. ”Justin would be perfect for this. He”s the one who handles the more volatile animals at the shelter, helping them heal and tame their instincts.”

My heart jumps at Ram”s suggestion. I don”t like the guy, and I”m certainly not keen on the idea of his paws all over Liz. But this isn”t about me and my petty possessiveness. This is about making Liz”s safety a priority, even if it means someone else has to help train her.

”That works for me,” I reply, clearing my throat awkwardly. ”When can we meet with him?”

”I”ll give him a call,” Ram replies, pulling out his phone. ”How about tomorrow evening? He”s usually free after work most days.”

”That works,” I confirm, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. ”Thanks, Ram. I appreciate it.”

Ram puts his phone away, locking eyes with me. ”Fisher, I know this is hard for you. But sometimes, we need to let others help, especially when it”s for the greater good.”

I nod, taking his words to heart. ”I understand. Liz”s safety comes first.”

”Good,” Ram says, clapping me on the shoulder. ”You”re growing, Fisher. And that”s what matters most.”

Feeling a newfound sense of determination, I thank Ram once more before heading back to my bar stool. As I sit back down, I catch Bailey”s curious gaze.

”Everything sorted?” he asks, pouring me another glass.

”Yeah,” I reply, taking a sip of my drink. ”Everything”s going to be all right.”

The next evening, I”ve set up the backyard as a makeshift training arena with various equipment and obstacles littered around. Justin arrives just after sundown, already wearing his workout gear. He walks over to me with a smile plastered across his face, like we”re long-lost friends who”ve reunited.

”Hey, man,” he greets, clapping me on the shoulder. ”Ram told me you need a wolf wrangler.”

I suppress the urge to roll my eyes. I don”t like this guy one bit, and it shows in my sour tone when I reply, ”Something like that.”

Liz steps out into the yard, fidgeting nervously. She hasn”t stopped fretting since we agreed on this arrangement with Justin, but I keep reminding both her and myself that it”s for the best. She’s scared it”s going to end in a brawl between Justin and me, and after the other night, I don”t blame her. But I promised to behave myself.

I watch from a distance as Justin begins instructing Liz. His methods are patient, encouraging, and surprisingly effective. He seems to have a good handle on what he”s doing, which is more than I can say for myself. While I”ve been focused on teaching her about brute strength and combat maneuvers, Justin seems to be more concerned with her inner psyche, helping her identify her own instincts.

He speaks in hushed tones while pointing at various parts of her body. ”It”s all about awareness,” he says gently. ”Your wolf is hiding deep within you, but if you can feel her presence, you”ll be able to bring her out.” He turns to face Liz again, his eyes warm and reassuring. ”Let your senses come alive, Liz. Tune into everything around you. Find the connection.”

Liz sighs softly, then closes her eyes. Her lips move silently as she works through a series of slow breathing exercises. She nods at Justin after a few moments, letting him know she”s ready.

”You”re doing great,” he encourages her. ”Now, try and picture what your wolf looks like in your mind. Describe her to me.”

My eyes fall on Liz once more, studying her body language. Despite our initial reservations, she looks comfortable with Justin, which I take as a sign that this was a good decision after all. There”s something peaceful about her, like she”s finally relaxed, no longer weighed down by fear or apprehension.

But she”s also determined and centered. I”ve never seen her look quite so fierce before. Her mouth is set in a firm line, her posture straight and poised, her muscles tense with focus. And the way she stands, legs apart, hands at her sides... she reminds me of someone ready for battle.

My throat tightens when my eyes linger on her face. Her features are soft yet serious. She bites her lower lip softly as Justin continues his instructions. To my surprise, I”m not the least bit jealous when Justin puts his hand on her hip to correct her position. Instead, the sight turns me on in ways I never imagined. Seeing Liz like this, powerful and focused, makes her irresistible.

It takes all my willpower not to storm over and kiss her right then and there, but I restrain myself. Instead, I watch quietly from across the yard, trying to control the raging heat within me. My cock swells slowly in my pants as I imagine how hot it”s going to be to feel her lips wrapped around me again.

After what feels like hours, Liz lets out a triumphant shout. I see her arms shaking, her eyes gleaming with a mixture of exhaustion and exhilaration. She hasn”t fully shifted, but there”s blue-silver fur sprouting from her arms, visible proof of her progress.

”Yes, Liz! That”s it!” Justin cheers, clapping her on the back.

She beams at him, her face glowing with pride. ”I did it!” Her voice is full of disbelief as if she still can”t believe it. ”Well, okay, maybe I didn”t fully shift, but I made some serious progress! That”s huge, right?”

Justin smiles warmly, resting his hand on her shoulder. ”It is,” he replies, beaming. ”I”m so proud of you.”

My chest swells with happiness for Liz, even as she lets out a long breath and the fur recedes. She”s spent weeks trying to work through this issue, and finally, it”s paying off.

”You did amazing,” Justin tells her. ”That”s probably good for the day, though. We don”t want to wear you out too much.”

Liz nods. ”Yeah,” she replies with a small laugh. ”I”m feeling pretty wiped.”

I walk over, taking in her flushed cheeks and beaming smile. I can”t help myself—before I know what I”m doing, I lean forward and plant a soft kiss on her lips. Liz seems surprised, but she returns my kiss, deepening it immediately. Justin turns away awkwardly, giving us privacy as we embrace. When the kiss breaks, my heart flutters as I stare into Liz”s eyes. The intensity of our connection strikes me again, stronger than ever.

”I”ll, uh...” Justin clears his throat. ”I”ll get out of your hair. You two have a good night, all right?”

He leaves quickly, seeming eager to escape the situation. As soon as he disappears around the corner, Liz starts giggling.

”What are you laughing about?” I ask playfully.

She grins up at me, her expression filled with mischief. ”I was just thinking how incredibly sexy that was, the way you were watching me with him. I didn”t expect it, to be honest.”

My body heats at her words, my cock already hardening in my pants. ”Really?” I murmur. ”You liked me ogling you, did you?”

Liz giggles again. ”Yes. It was... really hot. You seemed so focused on me. Like you wanted me all for yourself.”

”I do,” I reply with a growl.

”Oh, yeah?” she teases. ”Well, you”re going to have to catch me first.”

Liz takes off like a shot into the woods, bounding through the trees like a deer. Her laughter echoes across the forest, making me grin like a madman. She”s such an enigma—so bold and confident, yet so vulnerable. It drives me wild, seeing her in action.

I chase after her, darting between the trees as I attempt to keep up. Each step feels light, almost weightless, like there”s not a single obstacle stopping me from running freely. For a moment, I feel like my wolf again, free to roam the forest without a care in the world. Liz glances back over her shoulder with a mischievous smile, egging me on.

It only makes me want to catch her more.

When I see a lake in the distance, I expect that she”s going to stop, but instead, she plunges in head-first. Her brown hair fans out around her face as she emerges from the water with a splash. My heart stutters in my chest when I notice how the moonlight glimmers on the droplets of water running down her skin. She turns, flashing me a coy grin. ”You gonna stand there all day or join me?”

Her invitation is too tempting for words. Stripping quickly, I toss my clothes aside, then race toward her, splashing into the water. The cold temperature sends shivers through me, but it also revs me up at the same time. By the time I get to her, she”s completely naked, waiting for me.

”Come here,” I growl, pulling her body against mine. She comes willingly, sliding her arms around my neck and locking eyes with me. Her silver eyes seem to glow under the moonlight, and she has the biggest smile on her face.

My blood boils hotter when I see her naked wet body pressed up against mine, and my cock throbs with need. I kiss her deeply, cupping her ass in my hands as we make our way toward the bank. My arousal spikes when Liz pushes me onto my back, crawling over me and straddling my thighs. ”Let”s take this inside,” she suggests, a playful glint in her eye.

”Oh, no,” I tell her. ”You started this. We”re finishing this right here.”

Her mouth falls open slightly when I roll us over, pinning her beneath me. Liz stares back at me, surprised by my sudden dominance. Her eyes narrow as she gets into it and lets me take control. ”What are you going to do to me?” she murmurs, wriggling slightly under my touch.

I slide a hand along the length of her thigh, my lips brushing her ear. ”Just be patient,” I purr. ”I”m about to give you what you want.”

Liz bites her lip softly, watching with wide eyes as I crawl down her body. I pause above her breasts, taking a moment to appreciate their firm roundness, and pull the pink nub of her right one into my mouth. Her skin tastes sweet, and I let out a low growl as my tongue swirls around her nipple. Liz moans softly in reply, her fingers twisting in my hair as I suckle her.

I continue lower, leaving a trail of kisses along her stomach until I reach her pussy. The scent of her arousal fills my nose, causing me to salivate at the sight of her glistening entrance. My cock is already hard, but as I settle between her legs, it swells even more at the sight of her exposed center.

I run my hands along her thighs, spreading them wide before burying my face between them. She lets out a startled gasp when my tongue presses against her folds, tasting her nectar on my tongue. Liz”s fingers dig into my scalp, pushing me closer. When I graze her clit with my teeth, she bucks against me, letting out a low moan. ”Fuck!”

Her taste is addicting—sweet and spicy all at once. Her reactions are driving me wild, making me want to push her further. As I explore her folds with my tongue, I slide a finger inside her, curling it up toward her g-spot. Liz”s muscles tense around me, her body rocking as she rides my hand.

”Yes,” she breathes, tugging at my hair. ”Right there.”

When I suck her clit into my mouth, she lets out another cry of pleasure. Her hips buck against my face, her thighs trembling as she gets close. She writhes under my touch, whimpering softly when I graze her with my teeth. But even then, she holds on, clinging to me.

As I start licking again, she lets out a moan that sets me ablaze with desire. My cock is already hard as steel, and I”m desperate for release. The sound of Liz moaning my name, panting and gasping while my tongue explores her most intimate places, pushes me closer to the edge. A familiar warmth spreads through me, searing my core like it”s on fire.

My mind swirls with lust as I continue licking her pussy, wanting to give her everything she wants. Liz is writhing beneath me, letting out sweet little sounds of pleasure that only encourage me. She tugs at my hair, holding on for dear life as the orgasm rushes over her. Her legs squeeze around my head, and she writhes against the grass as if trying to get away from the sensation. But all it does is make me dig my fingers into her thighs and press harder, keeping her in place while I lap up her sweet juices.

Her climax makes me drunk with desire, and I don”t even let her finish before I push myself inside her. The warm heat enveloping me sends a jolt of pleasure straight through me, and I groan into her neck, thrusting hard and deep.

As my thrusts grow deeper, harder, I realize how much I want to feel this moment forever, how incredible it feels to be inside her like this. Each movement elicits new sensations, creating something so intimate yet intense that tears start to fill my eyes. This is different from any other sexual encounter I”ve had in my life, because unlike the others, I can feel our connection on an emotional level, too.

”Fisher...” Liz whispers, her voice barely audible over the sound of our bodies slapping together. Her words come out in short pants, broken up by soft whimpers. She says my name again as we move together, a sound of desperation and desire mixed with adoration and affection.

My heart skips at hearing my name pass through her lips like this. A wave of warmth washes over me, taking my breath away. For a moment, all I can hear is Liz”s voice calling for me. There”s a spark within her, something that grows stronger each time we”re together. It calls to me, enticing me with promises of endless possibilities.

I”m already close to my peak, but I need to see her first. ”Look at me,” I growl. My movements quicken as I feel myself approaching release. As the tension builds inside me, I grab Liz”s legs, pulling them over my shoulders to get deeper. She lets out a gasp when I hit the perfect spot, her back arching off the ground.

I”ve never felt so connected with anyone in my life. Our bodies fit together seamlessly, and everything about her seems made for me. There are no limits between us—no walls keeping us apart, no past traumas stopping us from being together. Liz is all mine, and she feels exactly the same way about me.

I gaze down at her face, studying each expression that crosses her features, memorizing every detail of her. Her beauty is staggering. She’s like a goddess born among mortals.

The heat between us ignites, threatening to burst into flames. As our lips meet, I know she feels it, too. There”s something there, something powerful and beautiful that defies words and reason.

As I pound into her, feeling myself on the verge of orgasm, I”m overwhelmed by emotions I can”t name. I hold onto Liz as if my life depends on it, thrusting harder and faster. My entire world has been reduced to this moment, to this woman beneath me who completes me like no other ever will.

Liz throws her head back, crying out as another orgasm hits her, her muscles clenching around me. It”s more than enough to send me over the edge. My body goes stiff as my cock jerks inside her, filling her with my hot load. The pleasure is so intense that it leaves me breathless and shaking as I collapse on top of her. I bury my face in the crook of her neck, pressing a kiss there as we recover.

Liz sighs softly, sliding her hands up my back before wrapping her arms around my waist. ”That was incredible,” she whispers.

I don”t respond at first. Instead, I lift myself up and gaze down at her. Her hair is splayed out across the grass, making her look even more beautiful than ever. A small smile graces her lips, and my heart skips a beat when she glances up at me. For the first time since we met, there”s something sparkling in those silver eyes. Something new and exciting.