Blinded By The Bear

From TSade

Abandoned in the middle of the forest, the blind woman Wynd is forced to survive on her own. Fortunately for her, there is someone else in the woods who might be willing to help her, if she could convince him.

The bright sound of songbirds yanked Wynd from her nightmares, bringing her back into a reality she could never see. The deep smells of earth flooded her nostrils as her mind struggled to identify her location. She was face down, that part she could feel. Damp soil and sharp needles shoved up into her, digging into her face, stomach, and hips. The sharp edge of something, probably a rock, pressed against her right breast painfully.

Whimpering to herself, she felt out her fingers along the ground, exploring the world around her even as the sharp edge cut deeper into her side. Her fingertips caressed the ridges of earth as she pushed away the needles and identified the other rocks. The pain in her side continued to grow, digging into her side until she felt something dripping down from the pain. Her whimpers grew louder as she fought the pain, but she couldn't move until she was absolutely sure more pain didn't greet her if she moved.

She hesitantly pulled away from the pain. The sudden relief from the cutting agony ripped a sob from her throat as her hand slapped against her wound. Cooling blood dripped against her hand as she pressed her palm against her wound. Her other hand slowly waved above her, searching for branches and outcropping that could harm her. Not finding any, she slowly pushed herself up into sitting position.

Wynd's lungs hurt, but she still gasped for breath, her hand still pressed against her side. Her senses pushed out, feeling the dampness of the air, the smell of smoke and sourness in the air, the sound of crackling and birds, even the feel of a breeze against her skin. The summer dress she was wearing felt like tissue paper, barely slowing down the streamers of wind that circled around her. Underneath her hand, she could feel her nipple tightening slightly, but she was already focused on the smell.

Smoke.

Fire was never natural in the woods, no matter the reason. Her ears focused on the sounds of fire, the popping of sap, and the crack of burning wood. Woodsmoke filled her nostrils as the breeze drew it closer to her, almost choking her. In the currents of air, she could smell her father's perfumes burning away, a stark sour smell that undercut the smoke and earth.

Wynd tried to push out words, but her throat ceased up on her. She choked as she felt the smoke pouring into her lungs. Her coughing shook her body until she managed to clear it. She lifted her head slightly and finally managed to croak out a single word.

“Pa... papa?”

Warm swirls of air brushed against her face, teasing her hair as more smoke filled her sense of her smell. She waited hesitantly, straining to hear her father speaking. Only the sound of cracking wood and fire greeted her. She gasped for breath, then called out again, this time louder.

“Papa?”

Nothing answered her. Not even breathing or a moan. A whimper of fear filled her as she reached out in front of her, trying to identify the world and find her father.

A sharp pain radiated out from her hand and she yanked it back. The burning sensation continued to grow, an ember landing on her. Shaking it quickly, she managed to brush it off against the ground. Her body shook as she tried to slow her beating heart, the pounding almost slamming into her chest as she gasped for breath.

“Papa? Papa!? PAPA!”

She could hear her voice echoing off the trees, the shrill sound almost painful against her ears. A fresh wave of heat and smoke slammed against her, tightening her skin underneath her summer dress. The thin fabric did nothing to protect her as another wave of heat cut through it.

Slowly moving back, she crawled away from the heat. Her hands stretched behind her, exploring the path away from the heat and flame. Her fingers found the roots of the tree, then the rough part as she found a niche inside the tree. Inside, she could feel a cool dampness, something to protected her from the heat. Slowly, she backed into the hole, her back pressed against the inner wood of the tree.

The sounds of the fire faded, as she found shelter in the dampness. Her heart continued to pound in her chest, but slowed down to an even beat. Her hands explored the niche in the tree, finding every crack and ridge until she understood her enclosure.

Protected at least briefly from the burning wood, she closed her eyes from the smoke. One hand explored the side of her breast, teasing the ragged rip right above the cut. It hurt, but not as much as the fear growing inside her, of being alone in the forest.

Her mind worked furiously, trying to find out how to survive. She let her thoughts follow her plans: crawling along the road until someone found her. But realizing she couldn't find the road again, nor could she identify what direction to go ruined that plan.

The tightness in her chest began to grow.

She could wait, praying for rescue from someone. But stories of the packs of thriban, werewolves, and other foul creatures in the woods sent a bolt of fear through her She was young and female, something the stories threatened with. And the woods her father was taking were known for the brigands that prowled them.

That thought broke open a memory, of horses and screaming, of her father screaming as the wagon she was riding stopped suddenly. She was airborne, unable to see where she was falling or identify up or down. The absolute terror that shook through her reflected in her memories and she crawled back tighter against the tree, unable to pull her thoughts away from her loneliness.

A dull pain throbbed in her chest, her heart beating painfully as she tried to find some way to survive being blind and alone in the woods. Plan after plan continued to rush through her mind, being rescued or finding someone, they drifted into fantasy or mere hope, but all of them were crushed by the overpowering terror that was growing inside her.

She felt the tears against her cheek, but only a moment before the first sob ripped from her throat. She gasped for breath even as another sob shoved out, choking her as she let the terror grow inside her. Tears flowed down her cheek, drying quickly as waves of heat and smoke brushed against her. Her thoughts slowly dissolved as the terror and fear washed over her with a black wave of despair.

The sound and sensations of something heavy slamming into the ground stopped her in mid-sob. She choked and pulled away her face from the inside of the tree. Gulping hard, she listened again, trying to find the source of the heavy noise.

Another pound in the ground, vibrating through the earth below her. It was heavy and powerful, an immense weight that shook the tree around her. A third shook the ground, then a fourth. Something was moving around her.

Something powerful.

A heavy breathing drifted through the sounds of burning wood. The pounding continued, a measured pace of some creature she couldn't identify. Cutting against her face, she felt the hot wind as it splashed against her face, bringing her the smell of the creature, filled with musk and sweat. The primal smell was nothing she ever sensed before, something inhuman.

The realization brought a shiver of fear down her spine as she crawled deeper against the three. The smell grew stronger as the creature continued to pound closer, a powerful vibration followed by the heavy breathing.

Wynd held her breath, hoping that whatever creature was out there couldn't see her. The pounding stopped, but the slow, measured breathing continued to cut through her senses, dangerously close but she couldn't identify where. Smoke-filled wind pushed against her, pulling up the edge of her dress to expose her thigh. Moving slowly, she pushed the edge back down, covering the bare skin. More wind cut through the thin fabric, but she continued to move as slowly as possible, as not to attract the attention of whatever creature was near her.

The sounds of breathing grew closer as something sniffed close to her. The snuffling sound was dangerously close, but Wynd could do nothing as she felt the hot, humid breath of the creature against her thigh. Shivers of fear coursed through her, but she was trapped inside the tree, unable to escape the hot breath against her naked thigh. Moist heat, of the creature's sniffing, brushed up against her breast, close to the cut along her side.

Wynd whimpered softly, shaking from fear, but unsure how to escape the sensations of some creature sniffing at her. Her body shook from the effort not to scream, not to bolt. The noise sniffed higher, whiskers scraping against her cheek as the creature smelled her face. The heavy smell of the creature flooded her senses as it sniffed at her face, the wet heat strong against her face. She was violently shaking, but she couldn't escape. The only thing Wynd could do was wait... and hope.

No savaging came, no bite or sudden pain. The creature pulled back, two heavy vibrations as it stepped back. She gasped in surprise, unable to understand what happened.

Suddenly, the sensations of ice water poured against her skin, as if someone doused her with water. Her fingers shook, then felt along her dry skin. The sensations grew stronger, with sparkling intensity that crawled along her skin. The heavy sound of breathing slowed, faded away from her as the ice-cold tingling grew stronger, following along channels of nerves. It seemed to gather along her neck and breasts, teasing her nipples before plunging deeper down, finding the core of her being before exploding out through her skin with an intense fury.

Wynd gasped for breath, her hand still clutching at the bottom of her dress. Her senses caught the sound of breathing, lighter but still deep, the sound of something more human standing over her. She lifted her head slightly, to catch the sounds better in her hearing. The smell of something else, of sweat and effort, teased her senses. Movement trembled in the air before a voice, a warm growl of a human man, spoke out.

“Are you okay?”

Even as she was expecting something, the voice startled her. Choking back a shriek, her body automatically tried to crawl further into the tree. One of her fingernails broke on the wood as she scratched at it, trying to find some purchase away from the sudden voice.

A warm hand pressed lightly against her thigh, a pressure of warmth and strength. As fast as her panic slammed into her, it drained away and she slumped against the tree, the realization of her helplessness finally hitting her. The man was making quiet soothing sounds as she turned slightly to hear him.

His voice was a sweet rumble, a baritone sound that sent strong shivers down her spine. The hand, rough through the thin fabric of her dress, didn't move from her thigh, just sat there without threatening. Still gasping for breath, Wynd, felt her hands down to the hand, touching to rough skin. It was the hand of a laborer, full of cuts and scratches and the leather of weather-tanned skin.

The voice came again, “Are you okay?”

Wynd managed a nod. She could feel the tears streaking down her cheek, but there was nothing she could do about it. Her world was focused on the hand and the voice, her only chance of survival.

“Are... are you blind?”

A dull pang tore at her heart, a fear of admitting the obvious. Wynd started to shake, but somehow manage to find the willpower to force her throat to work.

“Y-Yes.”

The hand on her thigh rolled over, presenting his palm to her. She focused on the feeling of the knuckles against her thigh for a moment before sliding her hand into his. Her soft hand was tiny compared to his, dwarfed by the immense size. Moving slowly to prevent her from panic, he closed his fingers almost tenderly against hers, holding her hand firm.

“Please?”

She felt his hand tugging slightly. Nodding, she let him guide her out of the niche in the tree. His other hand touched her briefly on the forehead to prevent her from hitting the wood. The stranger was just as gentle as he helped her stand up and lean against the tree.

After a few moments to catch her balance and breath, she turned toward his breath.

“What happened?”

“It looks like a wagon caught on fire. There is one crate still burning, smells like perfume or something.”

“Signs of fighting?”

“No, why?”

“I heard screaming and the horse bolted. I was thrown clear, but I can't remember. The wagon should have been full, I could hear the bottles clinking against each other, and the smell of father's perfume.”

The man stood for a second, moving slightly. Then the hand tightened slightly on hers, “Can you stay here for a moment?”

Wynd nodded slightly, her senses straining toward the wagon. The man gently patted her shoulder, then pulled away. Wynd felt suddenly alone and helpless, but she only leaned against the tree as she listened to her rescuer move toward the wagon. Wood crackled and popped, sending waves of smoke toward her.

After an indeterminable time, he returned, his feet pounding into the ground as he moved heavily. Clearing his throat slightly, his hand reached out to gently touch her shoulder. Wynd rested her hand on his, almost comforted by the gesture.

“I couldn't find any brigands. No weapons, no blood. It looks like the wagon was emptied though and the straps holding the horse was cut.”

“No horses?”

“No horse in sight, no corpse. Judging from the tracks, it looks like the horses and most of the supplies were moved from your wagon to another. I can see the tracks of two other sets of wheels. If there were brigands, they were very organized.”

Wynd desperately processed the information, trying to avoid the nagging fear beginning to prickle her spine.

“N-no bodies? No fighting?”

She felt him start to shake his head, then stop as he realized she couldn't see it. A heavy sigh, filled with resignation, shook through her as he spoke.

“No fighting. There isn't enough torn leaves or footprints in the dirt.”

“He left me? Papa left me?”

Her rescuer said nothing, but his hand tightened slightly on her shoulder. The nagging fear sparkled up inside her as she felt a sob pushing out of her throat.

“No, he wouldn't have left me!.”

Even she could feel the utter desperation in her voice. Warm hands pulled her into an embrace as she leaned toward him. She felt her body encircled by his arms and she felt the floodgates burst open. Tears and sobs wracked her body as she clutched to him. She was unable to do anything other than sob, as the full realization that her own father abandoned her in the middle of the woods.

Her heart ached from the tears when she finally stopped. She made no effort to leave his embrace, the heavily muscled arms held her tightly in silence. Above her, she could hear his breathing, slow and measured. His smell, a thin musk of sweat and earth, drifted through his coarse shirt. She tasted it in the air before she realized her thoughts were drifting from her sorrow to the only anchor in safety she had left.

“What... do I do now?”

He didn't answer for a moment, then spoke quietly. His voice rumbled in his chest and she felt it as much as she heard it.

“Do you have family to go to?”

Wynd thought for a moment, “No, papa was the only one I knew. There were people in the trading house, but they all work for him and if he abandoned...”

She felt a sob growing, but her rescuer stroked a warm hand against the top of her head, making tender soothing sounds.

“No, don't think about that. Do you know anyone else?”

Wynd shook her head before pressing against his chest.

“Money?”

“No. I-I can't... not with being blind.”

Badly hidden malice rumbled in his chest as he tightened his arms around her, “And he left you helpless in the woods. What kind of father would do that?”

Wynd was frightened by his anger, the vibrations of his chest almost shook her as his breathing turned deeper, almost a growl. Freezing, she felt the emotions almost wash over her as the rumbling in his chest slowly faded.

Feeling the need to say something, Wynd spoke softly, “What do I do?”

He moved underneath her, his head looking around.

“You can't stay here, the Pack will be here soon. If you don't mind... I'll take you to my cave, at least you'll have shelter tonight.”

Wynd's body froze as thoughts of rape and torture flooded through her. The man shook his head quickly, “Not for that, just for food and shelter. A storm is coming soon and the Pack is more serious than you think.”

“The Pack?”

“Werewolves. They patrols these woods, watching for violence or the intrusions of man.”

“What about you?”

A faint chuckle rippled through him, “I am not exactly a man. Plus the Pack and I have... arrangements.”

Wynd frowned at his words, “not exactly a man”, but said nothing. Instead, she found the energy to stand up on her own, the leave the warm embrace. To her surprise, she found it difficult to push away.

“If you don't mind, your name?”

Another chuckle, a warm rumbling of sound that brought a faint smile to her lips, “I'm sorry. My manner. Blackfur is my name, no first or last, just Blackfur. And yours?”

“Wynd. Wynd Cli... just Wynd.”

She felt her hand drawn up to his face and the soft pressure of a kiss on the back of her palm.

“A pleasure, Wynd.”

She felt a blush creep up her cheeks, but she managed to smile. A long pause grew between them for a moment, then Blackfur cleared his throat.

“We have a long walk ahead of us, probably about two or three hours.”

“Is it rough?”

A faint chuckle. “I'll have to carry you in parts,” he paused for a moment, “is there anything you needed in the wagon, I didn't see anything.”

She barely felt a loss for her clothes, but she still fingered her light dress.

“No, but I don't think this dress can take much more.”

Blackfur's laughter echoed in the woods, bringing a smile to her face.

There was hope.

Hours later, Wynd was exhausted. Moving through the woods, even at the slow pace Blackfur held himself too, was tiring. Her face stung from thousands of branches and her thighs ached from the effort. Her feet stopped talking to her a few kilometers back and were content just to send sharp pains up through her legs.

Blackfur, on the other hand, was tireless. He guided her gently through the woods, avoiding the worst of the hills and rocks. Twice, he stepped away from her, leaving her alone in her universe until he finally came back, smelling of blood. Wynd never asked, but he seemed almost protective of her.

When she started to stumble, he carried her. It felt like forever, nestled in his arms as he effortlessly moved. His entire body moved in a rhythm, powerful and protective at the same time. Wynd found herself enjoying being carried, but soon she needed to walk on her.

Finally, Blackfur halted smooth and set her down. His hands lingered on her side until she caught her balance, then pulled away until only one hand was resting on her shoulder. She automatically brought her hand up to his, to feel the muscled warmth as much as for balance and direction.

His hand tightened slightly, “We're at my home. I'd show you around, but... I don't think it'd matter.”

Wynd felt a giggle escape her lips, but let Blackfur lead her into his “home.” It was a cave, she could figure that out from the dark smell to the area as the fading sunlight no longer warmed her skin. She stopped for a moment, drinking in the scents of the cave. It smelled like Blackfur, but different. Like it gathered his smell and concentrated it, pooling in the places he stayed and drifted away at the entrance.

“It smells like you.”

Blackfur chuckled, “Yeah, I've been here a few years. There is a bed in back, around the edge so the wind doesn't get you. I have a fire pit near the front, there is circle of rocks around it, so be careful. Some barrels...”

He spent a few minutes describing it to her before leading her around, guiding her hand to the interested places. Wynd was surprised, he almost understood what she needed to find herself: the touch of the rocks, the feel of air, even the curve of the floor. He still occasionally pointed to something, but she could tell he was trying.

Finally, Blackfur left her on the bed, a thick pile of furs covering branches. A set of thick blankets rested on top. He gently touched his palm against her shoulder.

“I need to gather food and finish my duties. It'll be at least an hour.”

Wynd shivered and felt around, “Will I be safe?”

“Yes, nothing in their right mind would ever come in here. Not even the Pack.”

She nodded, keeping her hands tight against the fur. She senses Blackfur moving toward the cave opening, then stopped.

“Will you be okay?”

She couldn't find any words to say, so she nodded, hoping he would see it. Blackfur grunted and moved out, leaving her alone. Wynd felt her normal fear of alone growing, but she crawled underneath the blankets, smelling the scents of Blackfur. It was comforting in a way, a thick scent that swirled around her until exhaustion finally caught her.

Nightmares crashed into her mind, pounding at her sides and tearing at her heart. She heard her father's laughter, but this time it was haunting and painfully. Even in her dreams, she was blind and helpless, unable to fight against the betrayal and abandonment. But she still lash out.

With a tearing sensation, she was ripped back into reality, her hands holding the edge of her dress. A soft whimper crossed her lips as she felt the torn edges, the thin fabric finally gave up and tore almost up to her side, exposing herself to the cool air of the cave. Frowning, she tried to arrange her dress in a better position, then crawled out from the heavy blankets. The air nipped at her, reminding her of her vulnerability.

Nearby, she could hear the measured breathing of Blackfur. His sniffing was deeper, like the original creature she heard but it was him. She crawled toward it, following his scent. Her fingers patting along the stone almost silently as she followed the edge of the cave, toward the entrance.

Following the sounds of his breathing, her fingers finally brushed up against something furry, a blanket like the one she slept under. With a smile, she crawled closer and leaned against it.

To her surprise, he felt larger than before. Her fingers explored his edge with feather touching. She could feel immense ridges of muscles, thick rolls of fur, and even the impressive shoulder blades of something not human.

When the breathing stopped suddenly, she gasped and yanked back her fingers. She froze, waiting for the breathing to continue. Instead, she felt the ice water sensation dripping across her skin for a moment before the sounds of bare feet, human feet, started to pad away from her. Wynd rubbed her dry arms, not sure about the sensations but she called out softly.

“Blackfur?”

The movement stopped, a pause. She could hear his breathing grow deeper, more measured.

“Yes?”

“Was that you?”

Silence drew out between them, a pressure building on Wynd as she rearranged her body, pushing the tore dress to cover her front. She managed to get her knees underneath her as she used her feet for balance. With a slight smile, she listened for him. He didn't answer, so she prompted him.

“Was it you before, sniffing me in the tree? Is that why you are called Blackfur? Because... you turn into something with fur?”

The sharp intake of breath rewarded her but he said nothing. She felt a slight smile growing on her face, “I don't mind. Are you a bear... a werebear, like the werewolves?”

She could hear him step back but not respond. She pressed, needing to hear him talk, “Is that why the Pack doesn't bother you?”

Waiting for him to response, she was finally given one. His voice was harsh, filled with a pain of something that tore at his heart.

“Yes. I'm a monster, a creature so horrible it would make your own father seem like a saint. I change because I want to and I don't always resist the anger that is always building inside.”

His reference to her father hurt, but she could sense that he needed to speak out, even in his pain-filled, sullen voice. She could hear his breath grow ragged, a shuddering breath as he struggled with his own emotions.

“I've hurt a lot of people, innocent and not. I've killed more than once, even after I fled here to the woods. I'm the monster you've probably been warned about, the creature with no hope, no mercy.”

He signed heavily, an angry sound, “And you can't even escape. Can't escape the monster.”

Blackfur's feet slapped against the ground as she heard him storm toward the exit. She could do nothing, not even follow him, so she remained kneeling. He slowed, then stopped near the entrance, a rock skittered to the ground from where he knocked it loose. His voice was streaked with emotions and tears.

“Why did you have to ask?”

Wynd thought for a long time before answering. Her voice, strong and solid, surprised even her.

“Because I cannot see you. You didn't have to rescue me, but you did. You didn't have to carry me, but you did. Last night, you could have... taken me, but you didn't. The man who rescued me is not a monster.”

Her fingers played with the edge of the dress, “And... I don't think you would abandon me. Would you?”

Heavy sounds on the stone moved closer, as he came back from the entrance. His scent grew stronger, his presence, before he settled in front of her. Large, warm hands caressed her shoulders, stroking lightly for a moment. His voice, when it came, was close and deep as the warm breath washed against her face.

“No, I will not abandon you.”

She smiled, but could find no words to say. Blackfur's hand held on her shoulder for a moment, his body vibrating from deep breathing. Then, he let his fingers trail slightly before he pulled away. A short pause as he padded away from her. She heard him moving around, then a wet tearing sound.

When he padded back, she found her smile growing. His hand caressed her fingers, then brought them up slightly. Placing still-warm food in her hand, he brought it up to her mouth.

“It was cooked, but it cooled.”

Wynd smiled thankfully, then ate. It was a bird of some sort, mostly tasteless and overcooked, then cooled. But it was food. She ravenously finished it and licked her fingers clean.

“More?”

Blackfur chuckled and helped her up. With careful movements, he guided her to where she remembered the fire pit. Her foot found a pillow on the ground and she knelt on it. Closer, she could hear the slight sounds of a banked fire. Blackfur's hand guided her to the half-devoured bird, then let her eat as he built up the fire.

“I need to go again, I have my duties. But, I'll bring back more food.”

She finished her bite and swallowed hard before speaking, “I can cook, if you get me some spices. And... water?”

A leather wineskin was pressed into her hand and she smiled thankfully. Drinking deeply, she heard Blackfur moving around the fire; a wave of heat and smoke briefly washed over her.

She heard him opening a crate or chest and digging through it. Soft rustling of sound, maybe clothes, before he padded back.

As he set a bundle of clothes against her leg, he spoke softly, “It isn't pretty, but at least its comfortable. I'll bring something to cook in a few hours, maybe five. I'm sorry to leave you this way, but-”

“No, don't worry. As long as nothing comes, I should be okay.”

Warm fingers brushed against her shoulder and she leaned her head against it. Neither of them pulled back for a while until Wynd smiled.

“But, tell me where I can relieve myself before you leave.”

Days past quickly and Wynd found herself in a strange sense of peace. True to his word, Blackfur didn't abandon her. Every morning, she found him sleeping in his bear form and every morning she crawled over to him to comb her fingers through the thick fur. She found a pleasure of his animal form, the power and immensity, the strength. It was so much like him, yes utterly alien to the man whose voice reached to her.

He brought food in and she cooked, setting out the spices and knives in places she could remember. Blackfur moved a heavy, fireproof box near the fire so she had somewhere to store them. At first, he watched her cook, but as she got more adept at moving around the cave, he returned to his own duties. Blackfur never explained them, but she felt his duties were related to the Pack's, to patrol the woods and protect the creatures inside. One day, he came back stinking of blood and refusing to let her near. He quickly cleaned himself up, but it left Wynd to worry about her protector.

Neither brought up bringing her back to civilization, back home. She found that she didn't want to go home, to the parent who abandoned her. In the cave, the world seemed safe, as long as he was there. He never spoke of cities or other humans, nor did he ever bring up his outburst from before. He barely spoke of the Pack and other intelligent creatures in the woods. But, she could feel him listening with rapt attention as she told her stories of the cities, of the tales she heard when she was growing up.

Life grew more comfortable, her days filled with cooking, sleeping, cleaning, and even talking. Blackfur didn't treat her with scorn or as a chore, he was almost always apologetic for leaving her for his hours-long duties, but she found things to occupy her.

She was enjoying her days.

But the nights were horrible. Nightmare after nightmare slammed into her, tearing at her mind as she shook with fear. Her father abandoning her, throwing her away, or even attacking her. Slashing pain ripped through her mind as she slept and every morning she almost woke up screaming.

It lasted almost a month.

It was the first dream that wasn't a nightmare since she was abandoned. The dreams were strange, filled with stress and imagery, but not nightmares. And, for once, her father's voice never came up in her mind.

She woke up quietly, a gradual process that surprised her with its gentleness. Even as she grew aware of the body pressed against her back, she was filled with the scent of Blackfur, in his human form. He was curled around her back, protecting her almost as much as holding her against him. One arm was under her neck, giving her a place to rest while his other hand rested lightly on her hip. It was a warm embrace that left a smile on her lips and a strange sensation rippling through her body. His breathing was slightly ragged. He was awake.

“B-Blackfur?”

His voice was close to her ear, a soft wash of warmth, “I'm here.”

She turned her head towards the sound of his voice, “Why?”

She could feel him shift slightly against her, his legs pressed against the back of hers.

“I couldn't think of anything else. I... don't want you to have nightmares. And, they stopped when... I...”

She smiled, “Thank you.”

His breath kissed her ear again, “My pleasure.”

Pressing up against him, she smiled and relaxed. She could feel his body almost around her, his strength and his power. She felt safe in his embrace, safer than she ever felt before. His heat curled around her, keeping her warm in the chilly night. Underneath, she was wearing a shift he found in one of his crates, it felt desperately thin underneath the warm hand that rested on her hip.

Behind her, she could hear him slowly drifting back into sleep. She started to, but her thoughts were draw back to his embrace. to the hands on her body, to the pressure against her back.

“Blackfur?”

His hand tightened on her hip and she felt her breath catch in her throat.

“I'm here.”

“Why? Why are taking care of me?”

His hand started to pull away from her shoulder, but she brought one of hers to hold it against her, to keep the safe warmth against her skin. Blackfur cleared his throat, his body moving slightly and curling his body more around hers.

“At first, I was just trying to save you. I was going to... suggest taking you back to town. But then I heard about your father and what he did, and I realized I couldn't return you to him. I only know of two cities and they are days away. The Pack would have delivered you, they travel to the human places for me, but... then I didn't want them to.”

He sighed heavily, “Then, things kind of fit. You seemed to so happy here, except for the nightmares. You smile more, there is a joy in your life that almost lights up the cave.”

She said nothing, just listened to his words and felt the pounding in her chest. Her entire body felt alive or even aware. She rub against his legs and chest while he paused but soon he continued.

“I was going to take you to Boron myself, but then I found I...”

He cleared his throat again then paused. Wynd felt his body tightening and whispered out the words she was feeling herself.

“...didn't want me to leave?”

His voice was filled with a rumble, a sigh of relief, “Yes.”

Wynd didn't know what to feel. Her heart started pounding in her chest as she focused on the maelstrom of emotions that crashed in her mind. Her fingers tightened around his.

“You... want me to stay?”

She could feel his breath on her cheek, hot and heavy. She smiled as he answers in a deep, rumbling whisper.

“Yes.”

Her hand stroke along his, feeling the rough ridges. She could feel her body responding to her thoughts, warming quickly as she realized where they were heading. Her ass pressed back, rubbing against the body encircling her. She could feel the heat building up from him, a sensation that seemed to dance along her nerves. Unsure, she managed to whisper softly.

“Do you want me?”

Wynd could feel his body shifting and grow hotter. His breath was ragged, filled with hope and desire, as his hands slid slightly against her hip, exploring the ridge. In her back, she could feel something growing harder, pressing against her spine as he finally rumbled a response.

“Yes.”

She felt her own breathing grow deeper and faster as she drew his hand forward, along her hip to her stomach. Her fingers were dwarfed by his, but he let her draw him up, toward the curve of her breast.

“Now?”

His hand reached up, gently exploring her breast. His fingers, even rough, were warm against her skin, teasing her as he gently cupped one breast. His thumb pushed up, finding the hard peak of her breast and gently rubbed against it. Wynd moaned very softly, her hand following his as she listened to his breathing and felt it washing against her cheek.

The hardness in her back was growing, stretching out against her and the fabric resting between them. She could feel the heat pouring off it, but the single hand on her breast, so powerful and huge against her body, was drawing her attention. His thumb found the sensitive part of her body, exploring the ridge and edge until it felt like it was going to ignite with pleasure. Her legs rubbed against each other as she felt the warmth growing inside her, between her legs and at her entrance.

Wynd let a moan slip from her throat as she leaned back, exposing more of her breasts to the hand exploring them. Blackfur moved the hand underneath her to cup her other breast with the same warmth and pleasure as the first. Pulling her close, she could feel the heat from his body growing. His lips brushed lightly on her ear, then neck. He wasn't rough, but he wasn't gentle. Even though it was more of a fumbling stroking, it still sent delicious shivers down her spine.

Her body was slowly writhing as her own hand, the only one free, reached back to stroke along his body. He was wearing shorts and nothing else, the thick hair of his legs and back were startling, but also something she had grown to appreciate. She let her fingers swirl around the tiny hairs as his hands, his immense hands, continued to stroke and touch her breasts. He was the first one to every touch her that way and she felt like her heart was about to explode from the intensity.

She didn't need any words as he stroked the upper hand down her side, running along the ridge of her flanks until it reached her hip. With a gentleness, his fingers curled around, finding the place were her heated body was already soaking the fabric. His breath, strong and ragged against her ear shook her world as she felt the thick fingers ease her legs apart, sliding down slightly to catch the fabric.

He paused as his fingers curled around the hem. Wynd moaned softly in response, pressing her breast against his hand as she rubbed her buttocks against the growing hardness behind her. Her body ached for his touch as she spread her legs more, hooking her upper leg back on his. His breathing grew stronger as he slid his fingers toward her exposed sex, sending shivers of pleasure along her body as she moaned quietly.

Gasping at the first touch of her slick opening, Wynd quickly found herself trying to spread her legs further. Her hips moved slightly, rocking back and forth in tiny movements as his fingertips danced along the folds. Every touch, every sensation was new to her; it had an emotional intensity that took her breath away. His fingers, though slightly rough, were exquisite as he ran them along her folds. He circled slightly before slowly parting her labia. His finger continued to swirl back and forth at her opening, invoking tiny gasps and moans from her as she slowly writhed against him.

His fingers finally found her opening, a tiny hole into the core of her being. Wynd could feel his breath as it hotly blew across her neck. His other hand continued to stroke her nipple, but her world continued to be focused on that finger, poised to enter her body.

Then it happened. Slowly, he twisted it in, fitting the thick digit into the snug wetness of her depths. She felt every centimeter of his finger as he eased it in, letting her body grew accustomed to the thickness and roughness as more and more slipped in. It felt hot, and thick, filling her comfortably. A single whimper of pleasure rocked out of her body as she shifted her hips slightly around the finger. Soon, his knuckles were pressed up against her labia, his finger inside her. The sensations were so unlike her own fingers, so different. Each twitch sent another wave of pleasure up her spine.

Slowly and gently, Blackfur slid his finger out, then back in. Wynd moaned softly, her hand clutching the edge of his shorts as she felt the finger plunge deeper into her body, almost stretching open her sex as it began to slide in and out quickly. Pleasure was growing inside her, not enough for a crest, but just enough to let the tightness in her chest ease.

As both of them felt her opening relax around his finger, Blackfur hesitantly added a second, pushing both against her opening. Wynd whimpered as she felt the width at her entrance, but she leaned back against his muscled check and let him slowly push it inside. It was tight but pleasurable. It took long, shuddering breaths until his fingers finally reached deep inside her, swirling around her wet depths until she writhed on them. Her hips rocked back and forth with desire as she grabbed tighter to his shorts.

The heat on her back was distracting, a long hardness she knew she now wanted inside her. The fingers plunging in and out of her body, though sending up sharp waves of pleasure throughout her body, was just a taste of her need.

Her fingers curled behind her, seeking out the hardness. She found it pressed against his back, soaking the front of his shorts. Her fingers explored it even as Blackfur continued to stroke two thick fingers into her body. A tight shiver of pleasure rippled up her spine as her exploring fingers found his thick balls first. She explored one, than the other of the almost hand-size sphere. Even through the fabric, they were firm and hot. Her fingers automatically slide up the fairly slender shaft, exploring it. Tiny ridges of veins crawled up the entire length, which was at least of her palm widths, before ending in a thick wedge. The tip, soaked in precum, was slightly thicker than the two fingers sliding in and out of her with soft slurping noises. As her hand explored the thick wedge of the to cock behind her, Blackfur's finger sped up, almost smacking against her entrance as he stuffed his fingers into her.

Wynd felt the shiver of pleasure growing stronger as his fingers continued to shove inside her, exploring every ridge of her insides as they moved quickly. But, she wanted him inside her. Her fingers stretched up behind her, finding the edge of his shorts and pulling them down. Inside, her hand touched his bare cock and Blackfur suddenly stopped.

Wynd whimpered softly, her hand exploring the slick head with gentle movements.

“Blackfur?”

Hot and heavy breathing rippled against her ear for a moment. His body shifted slightly, briefly trapping her hand between her back and his chest, but he quickly moved away, giving her access to the hardness.

“Yes?”

“Could I have this, please?”

The heat underneath her palm double as the cock jumped slightly. She felt more precum oozing through her fingers as she continued to stroke his shaft.

Blackfur said nothing, his hand exploring her sex as his other teased her breast. Reluctantly, he pulled away from her, grunting in agreement. Wynd could hear him kneeling, pulling down his shorts to expose the hotness she already desired. To herself, she shifted on her back while pulling the flimsy shift off her body.

The cool air teased her naked body, but soon she was enveloped in warmth as Blackfur embraced her from above. She could feel his hairy chest brushing against her breasts, his legs wrapped around hers and the hot wetness resting against her stomach.

Wynd let both hands reach down to grasp his cock, to explore the slender shaft leading up to the thick cockhead, a wedge of thickness even wider than his two fingers. Inside, she could feel her own heat growing as she thought about it inside her.

“Please?”

Her voice sounded so quiet, so tender in the darkness, but the hot response of his body send more shivers of pleasure through her body. With a steady movement, Blackfur drew back his hips, sliding the thick head of his shaft down her body until it slid between her legs. The anticipation grew inside her, then dissolved into pleasure as the thick member teased her opening.

Sounds of her need echoed in the room as she felt his body's heat against hers. Then he began to push inside her, spreading apart her labia as his thick cock easily entered her. It was hard and thick and filled her as it pushed deeper into her body, sending stronger shivers of pleasure rippling up her spine. Wynd could almost feel every ridge as it pushed inside her, shoving the thickness deeper inside her, further than she thought possible.

Her whisper turned into a moan as he nestled against her, his hips spreading her legs wide as she felt the teasing sensation of his balls tapping against her opening. Her body spasmed slightly around the shaft buried inside her, but nothing prepared her for his pulling out. It was slow, delicious, and tortuous as the thick member eased almost completely out. Cool air barely brushed against her inner walls when he pushed forward, burying his length back into her body. A wave of pleasure trembled through her body as she held his head closer to hers.

Their mouths found each other, not kissing, but just pressing against each other as Blackfur began a slow, steady stroking inside her body. Each length of his cock sent another growing shiver of pleasure through her body as his breath grew stronger. The smells of their juncture, musky and sweet and salty, drifted up to her senses as she leaned into his movements.

Soft grunts of effort vibrated through his chest as his hips lifted and dropping, shoving the hot hardness deeper into her body. She wrapped her legs as far around his body as possible to let that wonderful, thick cock bury itself further into her body.

But, too soon, his movements became faster just as the shivers of pleasure were growing in strength. The soft sounds of flesh against flesh filled her ears as he rammed his cock harder and faster into her, plunging it to her very limits with one stroke after the other.

Just her whimpers were growing louder, Blackfur rammed hard into her, his cock pulsating inside her. Liquid heat filled her body, curling into places she didn't know existed. It felt wonderful, the sensations filling her with more pleasure than ever before.

Above her, Blackfur panted heavily, his body trembling from the effort. Wynd brushed her lips against his cheek, enjoying the smells of sweat and sex, of their bodies intertwined.

Blackfur grunted, his legs adjusting to keep his weight above her.

“Was... that your first?”

Wynd shook her head, “No, but it was my best.”

She could almost feel his smile and let her fingers trail against his sweat-soaked chest.

“Thank you.”

His lips brushed against hers as he leaned forward. With a gentle motion, he rocked his softening shaft inside her as he licked lightly at her face. Wynd giggled and leaned back, relaxing around the hardness that penetrated her.

Near silence stretched between them, only interrupted by the sounds of their breathing and their hearts. Then, Blackfur stirred slightly.

“Did you... reach it?”

Wynd smiled, “No, but I-”

“Then you will. Do you mind if we switch positions?”

She shook her head, then let Blackfur pull out of her, leaving an empty ache in his place. With his gentleness, he gently rolled her on her stomach, then parted her legs. His nose brushed against her ass briefly before he kissed and licked his way up her spine. She could feel his legs going around hers. The growing hardness of his cock rested against the ridge of her buttocks as his chest brushed against her back.

Wynd rested her arms underneath her, enjoying the sensations of his body against hers. The heat between her legs was smoldering, just waiting for a single flick of pleasure to start growing again. The need for him, the ache for him, was growing inside her.

She could feel his holding his shaft, positioning it between her legs until the thick member pressed up against her soaked opening. Wynd moaned as she writhed between the fur below her and the powerful man above her.

He entered her in one stroke, his longer shaft easily penetrating deep inside her. Sensations she could only imagine burst into her senses as the thick member plunged inside her. She whimpered with pleasure, spreading her legs tightly against his. Blackfur's breath was hot against her neck as he shifted himself into position, finding a comfortable angle for the slow, but steady, stroking inside her depths; the shivers of pleasure were growing and she could feel deep inside her.

Blackfur grunted slightly, “Please don't be frightened.”

Wynd was curious of his whispered words when she felt the ice-cold sensations of water pouring against her body. It seemed to focus on the cock buried inside her, growing and swirling with intense sensations. The body above her shifted, grew, and trembled with almost violent shaking. She could barely open her mouth when she felt him grow.

It was sudden. One moment, the man was pressed against her back, then everything expanded, pulling her hips up on the hard shaft even as it was growing inside her. The thick wedge inside swelled, filling her up with the soft pressure of pleasure. The hair teasing her back turned to fur, brushing even more pleasure coursed through her body.

Wynd moaned, her body straining to accommodate her werebear's transformation. She felt the power surging against her, plunging deep into her with ice-water sensations.

Just as soon as it started, the water sensations rushed away, leaving her under the embrace of a bear. It was the same, but different. Her body was pulled up against him, the thick wedge of his cock almost holding her up as he grunted. The deep, powerful vibrations sent more shivers of pleasure through her as she felt it deep inside her, through the very cock that filled her.

She whimpered, a soft wordless noise begging for more. The thick paws, smelling of fur and earth, pounded on the ground next to her before immense muscles flexed. She could feel his cock pull out, almost dragging her insides with it until it pressed against the bone of her entrance. Then, with a grunt filled with lust, he drove her forward and toward the ground, ramming the hardness deep inside her with one powerful thrust. Wynd gasped with the sensations, then begged for more. Blackfur pulled back and his cock.

She could feel her entire body shaking from the need for the hardness. He gave it to her with a grunt, ramming it hard back inside her body with almost a growl. Wynd held the ground, spreading her hands until the grabbed the paws of her bear lover. Spreading her legs and letting them dangle, she moaned as Blackfur took another throat, plunging into her body with frighting ease and even more pleasure.

Her body almost exploded from the sensations, but he started to pound her hard, each thrust almost shoving her to her knees as the thick cock ramming again and again into her body. Nerves and sensations she only dreamed of raced through her body, sending waves of fire and heat to every finger, every toes. Her breasts bounced freely as he drove her forward, shoving her to her knees before yanking her back up with only the hot cock buried in her sex.

Screaming for more, Wynd leaned into the shaft, to enjoy every tiny burst of pleasure as the hard shaft plunged back into her. Her knees slammed against the ground, but the flare of pleasure exploded inside her washed aways any discomfort. The next thrust, one that shoved her breasts tight against the fur blanket, sent another sharp burst of ecstasy throughout her entire body.

He drove her forward, thrust after powerful thrust easily penetrating her sex. Each length sent stronger and stronger bursts of pleasure through her body as she just found herself begging wordlessly, her whimpers echoing against the stone walls of the cave with lust-filled desire.

The bursts of pleasure continued to grow, arcing through her body until she felt like she was part of it. Every part of her body was almost exploding with the near-constant sensations that rippled through them.

Then, every bit of ecstasy she was experiencing exploded inside her. Wave after wave slammed into her, filling her with sensations only hinted at in her dreams. It felt like electricity, like fire, like nothing she ever felt before. Her orgasm took over her body and she briefly left the world, letting the constant bursts and feelings course through her until she was left breathless.

When her senses finally returned to her, she still on the fur, her entire body pressed against it tightly. Blackfur was above her, his cock slowly moving in and out as he licked at her neck, her back, her shoulders. With a gasp, Wynd felt herself begin to cry.

Blackfur withdrew from her, letting the softening cock slip out with a wet sucking noise. She felt the ice-cold sensations of his transformation and then he was there, holding her. With a sob, Wynd curled in his grasp and let the tears flow.

He held her for a long time, until the tears stopped dripping on his chest. With a quiet breath, his hand cupped her chin as he brought her lips to his. His voice was a soft rumble.

“I won't abandon you.”