Episode 9

I am cold, so, so cold, my body numb from lying here in the snow. How did I get here? My mind struggling to make out where I am. I can't move, my legs, I can no longer feel them anymore.

I am so tired, so, so tired, It hurts to breathe, even if the pain in my body is now fading. Maybe if I just stop, just stop fighting, just close my eyes and let go, the pain will go away.

I hear a low whine, then wetness on my face. Go away, let me sleep...

Behind my eyelids I see a light, the light is warm, it is calling to me, let go...

The whining is getting louder, there is nudging on my shoulder. Go away...

The light, it is so pretty, I think, I think I can see my mother, she is walking towards it...

Whining, why can't you be quiet? Let me sleep.

I will just open my eyes for a second, make the noise stop, then I can go back to the light...

Cracking my lids open, just a fraction, I see, I see yellow eyes, large sorrowful yellow eyes. A pink tongue lolling from a furry black muzzle... Beautiful, so, so beautiful...

I know you, I know you... You're my wolf

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Pine, spiced musk.

Teeth on my neck.

"My Doe eyes."

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I open my eyes, I am alone.

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'My Wolf.'

I have not thought or dreamt of him in years. After my parent's accident, he was a constant companion for me at nighttime when I closed my eyes. He became my family when I had no one left. But as time went by, and I began to heal, the visit from my wolf became less and less.

What would I have dreamt of him again, and why now?

That thought, of last night's dream, lingers in the back of my mind as I make my way to Brady's.

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Checking my scarlet lips in the mirror of my compact, I smack them together in satisfaction, doing one final check before pulling up the hood of my cloak and entering the bar.

"Damn red, you look amazing." Liam, who is currently perched on a stool, whistles as I walk towards him.

Offering him a coy smile, I allow my eyes to drift over his frame, my lady parts fluttering at the sight. Liam also looks fantastic in his 1920 gangster outfit, like he just stepped off the set of Peaky Blinders, sporting a grey tailored frock coat with a matching flat cap. A perfect combination to his Irish roots, his hair slicked back, and old fashioned brass cane in hand.

"Now if I knew you would be arriving like that love, I would have either dressed as a woodcutter or the big bad wolf." Liam purrs, looking me up and down as I move towards him.

Grinning, I drop into a messy curtsey, ankles crossed and lifting the edge of my ruffled skirt.

Tipping his hat Liam climbs off his stool and comes to stand in front me, his arm outstretched, which I gladly take, linking us together.

Little zaps of electricity courses through me as our skin touches.

"Lads, I will be back late, close up without me." He shouts to his team whilst keeping his dark eyes focused on mine.

"Will do boss," one of them, the burly man with a flaming red beard and large tattooed arms replies.

"Good work Seamus, I will have my phone on me for emergencies only." Liam finalizes as we take the front exit, making our way towards the main street.

Stepping out into the night air, the mist swirling from my breaths, I take in the magic before me. The town looks spectacular, orange pumpkins glowing with candles litter the street. Fake cobwebs and skeletons hang from shop windows, colored lights drape over fences and light posts, and the smells coming from the food vendors make my mouth water.

"Where too first lass?" Liam asks as I look at the different costumes flooding the street, kids dressed as their favorite superheroes shouting with excitement, as they run down the street, their frazzled parents who are also dressed as monsters and princesses chase after them.

"Drink?" I suggested looking back up at Liam, his mouth, his lips...

Smiling back at me, his dimples appearing, he runs his tongue over said lips. "Ah, I know just the vendor for that, they make a mean mulled wine that will warm you from head to toe."

Shaking my thoughts and squeezing my legs together I allow Liam to lead, taking us left, we walk towards a large marquee lit up with fairy lights and line up to place our orders.

Standing closely together, I take in the smell of his cologne, a mixture of fresh-cut grass and wood, and shiver. The sexual tension between us is extreme, and even touching myself last night has not quelled the need.

"You cold Ava?" Liam asks moving closer, his body molding itself to mine, as we make our way to the front of the queue.

Before I can reply we are greeted by the server, a rotund man in his early 50s, ruddy cheeks, and round bulbous nose. "Ah, Liam, good to see you lad, and who is this lovely lady you have with you?"

"Ian, this is Ava, Ava this is Ian."

Leaning over the counter, Ian holds out his hand to me in greeting. I take it, his thick but warm finger gripping mine in a firm handshake, "Well aren't you a beautiful lass, you going to make an honest man out of our Liam are you?"

"That's enough Ian, now don't go scaring the girl away, " Liam laughs, removing my hand from Ian's and taking it in his own, kissing my knuckles, "Let me at least take the girl out on the town before you all start declaring wedding bells."

"Oh you take out all the fun, anyway, lovely to meet ya lass, and what can I get you both?"

"2 of your famous mulled wines thanks," Liam orders.

"Coming right up," Ian replies moving to a large black pot and ladling the deep burgundy liquid into 2 large mugs. "On the house," he continues handing the drinks to Liam who passing one to me.

"Thank you," I smile as Liam leads me away from the stall.

"Look forward to meeting you again lass," Ian shouts as we continue down the street, our hands still entwined, the electricity still pulsing between us and I shiver again.

"So you never answered me love, are you cold?"

"I quite warm," I reply inhaling the scent of hot beverage, the smell of cinnamon and cloves, honey, and citrus invading my nostrils.

"But your shivering, oh..."

Liam, releasing my hand, moves directly behind me again, so close I can feel every ridge of his sculptured body. "So if it is not the cold lass, then could it be me that is making you shiver?" voice dropping, his breath fanning my neck. I can feel his lips gently grazing the tender flesh.

Fuck!

Turning, I shove him back playfully, "maybe, or maybe it is just the smells of my drink."

Laughing, we make our way through several other stalls, stopping to peruse the local merchandise, Liam continuing to brush up against me as I search the different items, purchasing a few as we pass.

I am so warm, and with his constant presence, I am tingling all over.

I want, no need...

Stopping at a taco truck we order and find a bench to eat.

"So, he answered half a dog... half a bloody dog. I couldn't believe it, but then again, if you think about it, half a bloody dog would be considered something with two legs that bleeds."

Laughing, Liam finishes retelling the joke he heard earlier today from one of his regulars, as I wipe my face with a napkin, attempting to remove the creamy residue from my burrito.

Placing the discarded napkin with my rubbish I look up, directly into Liam's eyes intense, as they stare at me.

"What?"

"You have," leaning forward he raises his thumb and wipes away at a spot just at the side of my mouth.

Without moving his thumb from my lips, Liam's fingers extend to encase the side of my face drawing me closer.

Our breaths mingle, steam catching on the wind.

Angling my head our lips.

"Fuck!" Liam curses, interrupted by a loud ringing, "WHAT?" He growls, answering his phone.

Standing he paces, phone to ear, "Can't you just, fine I'll be there in 5."

Looking back to me I can see the apology in his eyes. Ending the call he curses again, "I am so sorry Ava, of all the bloody times."

"I get it, you need to go back to the bar, is everything ok?"

Frustrated he sighs, "Yeah, just some trouble, I would like to tell you that I will be right back but..."

"It's fine Liam, I had a really good night, you go to the bar and maybe we can reschedule?"

"Reschedule, yes," giving me a pained look, he continues, "Ava, I do have to head out of town tomorrow for the next 2 nights, but I get back on Tuesday if you want to come to by the pub, I can finish early, maybe we can have dinner and," dropping his voice, "dessert?"

The hopeful look on his face makes my heart warm. "Sure."

Smiling he gives me a lingering kiss on my forehead, before turning and walking towards Brady's. "Till Tuesday."

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I continue to browse a few more stalls before leaving the main street, my feet are sore and after checking my Fitbit I can see that it is nearly 10:00 pm as I make my way to the car.

Humming to myself, I notice that the backlot at Brady's is darker than usual and due to the festival traffic, I am parked further away from the building than normal.

In the distance, I can hear the sounds of howls coming from the woods beyond and given the limited light, the whole scene is slightly eerie.

The feeling of being watched that I had back at the cabin is present again.

Reaching my vehicle and reaching the driver's door I feel a presence behind me. Before I can turn, I am pushed gently against the bonnet, a solid body pressed against my back.

Liam...

"Miss me already?" I ask leaning into his chest.

"Always, pretty lady." A slurred twang greets me.

Freezing, I attempt to turn around but am pushed harder into cold metal, "I think I prefer you like this, little dress, all alone, with no one in earshot. I could just bend you over and, mmmm." Russell continues grinding himself into my ass his lips against my ear.

"So fucking hot, little red, you were just asking for it, ain't ya? Asking for a big bad wolf to take you." The smell of beer on his breath.

I know he is stronger than me and currently has the upper hand, I take a deep breath and force my body to relax.

"Russell, why don't we do inside and have a drink?" I try to reason with him.

I can feel his wet tongue on my neck as he groans, "you smell so fucking good, so ripe, so ready." His hands moving under my dress and between my legs.

"Russell, stop, please I don't want this," I plead hoping that my words will snap him out of whatever he is thinking of doing.

Ignoring me, his fingers meet the edge of my panties, wriggling to get underneath. I try to push him off me but that only makes him more determined, shoving them inside as I being to cry.

Before I can scream for help, his fingers are gone and his weight is removed with such force that I turn and glimpse his body being flung several feet backward, another presence taking his place pushing me towards my car door.

Almost like an animal the new person growls, "Leave now, DO NOT LOOK back!"

Not willing to take my chances I yank open to door, diving inside, locking it behind me, starting the engine, and reversing like a maniac.

I do not even bother to check my review mirror as I put the car into drive and burn out of the lot.

"Mother Fucking Asshole!" I shout as I turn onto the road and make my way to the Spur. I should call Liam about that fucker, but I can't remember what I did with his number.

Oh my God, who helped me?

"Fuck!"

Skidding to a stop at my driveway when I arrive back at the cabin, I grab my stuff and race inside ensuring to lock the door behind me.

Grabbing a bottle of wine, I head up to my room, my heart pounding.

Tonight is going to be a long night!

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Pine and spiced musk

"You are safe now, Doe eyes."

"You are nearly ready!"

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