Werewolf Boyfriend: Finn (rough draft)

I came to Hearthway Hollow not long after my father had passed away. An old friend of his offered me a place to stay, and promised that the town would be a quiet and safe place for me to stay. Although, I am uncertain about that, because after all, anywhere there are werewolves, there is certain to be some level of danger. 

My mother was a werewolf, although I had never known her. She left not long after I was born, leaving my dad to raise me alone. When I was young and began shifting, there was a lot of struggle between us, a lot of hurt, a lot of confusion, some of it still lingers now. It took us both a long time to understand what was happening, but we soon were able to get a grasp on it. With help from his friend in Hearthway Hollow, I was able to survive my teenage years with the minimum amount of trauma, or at least, no more than any anxious kid. 

Anxiety has always been an issue, even when I was little. There was a time in my life I would rip out my own hair because the anxiety got to be too much. My dad dealt with it too, but not to the extent he saw me suffer with it. Having an anxiety riddled werewolf around the house couldn’t have been easy for anyone, so taking care of him when he got sick was the easiest choice for me to make. In order to pay off the medical debt, I had to sell the house and dad’s car, a big reason why the move to Hearthway Hollow was necessary. Due to my anxiety, there was only a handful of jobs I could do, some jobs just sapped the life out of me and made things worse.

My dad’s friend, Billy, owned a lot of property in Hearthway Hollow as well as several businesses. He gave me an old cabin that used to be used for rentals, it was small, but for just me it was perfect. He also helped me get a job on Hyacinth Farms where I would be working with animals. I wouldn’t have to deal with more than five people during a day, probably often less, and after working in a kennel for so long, I was used to animals.

The farm was run by Billy’s adopted son Beau and his family, but I’d be working under a man named Daisuke. Right away, when I stepped onto the farm, I already felt at peace. The barn wasn’t the usual bright red, instead it was a pale purple gray color. The property stretched on and on for miles, including an orchard, room for cows, and much more. I was told there was an even a buffalo somewhere on the property.

“You must be Aysel,” a woman comes out of the barn followed by the biggest goat I had ever seen. “Hi! It’s so great to have you here, I’m Shauna.”

I already feel a camaraderie with Shauna as we have a similar build. We’re both quite plump and big busts, but I am a bit jealous of hers as they look more manageable than mine.

Shauna shakes my hand as the big black goat stares at me from behind her. “Come with me, I’ll show you where to find Daisuke.”

I look at the goat then at Shauna. “I know this might sound silly, but can you see that thing or am I going crazy?”

“What? Remi?” Shauna turns and beams. “I know he looks scary, but there’s no reason for you to be afraid of him. He only attacks when needed.”

“That still sounds scary,” I murmur. Following along with Shauna, we take a path that goes around the farmhouse and towards the back. There’s a long barn painted pale yellow where all sorts of animals are coming and going. Inside there are stalls for horses, as well as a massive indoor chicken coop that goes out through the back. Walking along the path chickens and ducks waddle around carefree. 

I hear a loud bang and nearly jump out of my skin. “What was that?”

“Sorry, the farrier is here today putting new shoes on the horses.” Shauna points to a stall where I see a massive clydesdales standing shaking his head.

“Good boy, Atlas!” A man is rubbing and petting the horse’s face. “Just one more to go! Good boy.”

The horse snorts and nibbles on the brim of the man’s hat.

“Daisuke!” Shauna waves. “When you’re done I have your new employee here.”

“Almost done,” Daisuke calls. “One hoof to go.”

Shauna puts her hand on my shoulder. “I’ll give you a small tour then.” She takes me back outside and around the back where the chicken coop comes out. There’s a pond where ducks are splashing and flitting around, as well as some cows and an old donkey.

“Wow, this is beautiful,” I murmur.

“A lot of hard work,” Shauna smiles with pride. “When Beau first got this place, it had fallen into disrepair. Most of this was overgrown and uninhabitable, but we finally managed to make it a place worth bragging about.” 

“What all is this for?” I ask. “Do you rent the space to people? Or do you tend to everything by yourself?”

She chuckles. “Sort of everything. We have some plots rented out to people, and some of the animals are ones we take care of for others. But Beau started this just to have something for the future. He grew up with basically nothing before coming here. He wanted to have something to pass on to his kids one day.”

“Amazing thing to pass on,” I breathe.

Daisuke comes out of the barn with the clydesdale in tow. “Go show off your new shoes to the girls.” He lets the horse go towards the pond and he approaches us. Behind him someone else steps front he barn.

“Howdy!” Daisuke extends his hand to me. “You must be Aysel.” His hand slaps into mine and gives it a big, hearty handshake. “Glad to have you on board.”

I nod silently.

“I have something very specific in mind for you,” Daisuke suddenly says very sternly. “Something very difficult and only fit for the most dedicated of people.”

“I uh-” Oh god, what have I gotten myself into.

“Daisuke, no,” Shauna scolds.

He breaks into a great big grin. “Sorry, it’s nothing bad. It’s hard work, but at the same time it’s pretty easy. We’re getting ready to set up a sort of goat sanctuary so we can make goat cheese and the like. So we need someone who can take care of the goats everyday.”

I slouch visibly from relief. “Including the scary one?”

“Hey now, you’re talking about my best friend there,” Daisuke chides chipperly. “Remi’s probably going to father a lot of kids, the ladies just can’t keep their hooves off him.”

“We talking about Remi?” A man comes up clapping his hands down hard on Daisuke’s shoulders. “Whose he gotten in trouble now?”

“No one yet.” Daisuke grins up at the man. “Finn, this is our new goat mama, Aysel. Aysel, this is local blacksmith and farrier, Finn Hanstad.”

Now, from what I had already seen in Hearthway Hollow, they grew them big out here. Billy was a mountain, and I had seen more giant people downtown than anywhere else in the world. Finn fit right in, hell, he looked like he could have been Thor in a previous life. His hair was long and sandy blonde, with strips of silver gray peeking through. His beard was well kept, long but trimmed and neat, the same dark blonde with visible grey. 

His bright blue eyes pierced me and I felt both nervous and elated at the same time. “Aysel, what a pretty name. It’s very nice to meet you.” He extends his big, burly hand to me. 

I know I need to speak, or move, or something, but it feels like I’m in a vacuum and everything has been sucked from me. I eventually take his hand to shake it. His palm is warm and a little damp, his palm is callused and his fingers are hard as rocks. I watch the vein in his arm flex as his grip tightens. Is this love at first sight? Or have I just regressed to teenage hormones?

“Hi...hi…” My voice quivers as I look up at him.

His smile stretches, revealing beautiful teeth. 

“I didn’t know blacksmiths still existed.” I put my foot in my mouth, I’m sure I did. I have a habit of, when I’m nervous, sounding mean and sarcastic.

Finn breaks into a laugh. “You’d be surprised how many of us still exist in the wild.” He winks at me. “Family trade, you see.”

“Oh,” I nod and smile. “Cool.”

“Well, let me finish in the barn,” Finn says. “I’ll leave you to get acquainted, Aysel. Nice meeting you.” He waves as he walks back up to the yellow barn.

“Thanks, you too.” I really don’t like myself right now.

“Come on, I’ll show you where we’ve started building out goat eden.” Daisuke points beyond the pond.

“I’m going to go get the boys from school,” Shauna says. “I’ll be at the house later so we can finish getting all the business stuff in order.”

“See you then.” I finally catch my breath.

“You gonna be okay with goats?” Daisuke asks as we walk.

I nod. “Should be. I worked with big dogs before, goats shouldn’t be too much of a change. I won’t mind the walking either.”

Daisuke chuckles. “There’s carts in the purple barn. You can use those as much as you like. It can be difficult going back and forth quickly, especially if there is an emergency. So make use of those to get around.”

Up ahead I see the framework for a new building. It’s a much smaller building, but if it’s going to just be for goats, it’s perfect.

“We’re going to have an enclosure around the barn for the kids, and we’re going to put a playground for them in it. Things that can climb and go under so they can have fun. We’re also going to make sure you have phone service out here, just in case we need the vet or there are any emergencies.”

I look around the frame, realizing it’s much bigger than I expected. “It looks like it’s going to be nice. But what will you need me for until it’s done?”

“We’re going to get you some training, as well as basic emergency animal care. Plus, we want you to get time to get acclimated to the farm. I would also suggest getting friendly with Remi, since he’ll be your second in command.”

“Is this the goat we’re talking about, or some magical goatman?”

Daisuke grins. “It never fails to confuse me how Remi is just a goat, he’s pretty much the poster child for the entire farm. But still, merely a goat.”

I know there is something I need to ask, something that is weighing extremely heavy on my chest. I fidget in place as I search for the right words. “You aren’t-” I clear my throat to hesitate. “You aren’t worried about having a, well, a werewolf looking after the goats?”

Daisuke furrows his brow. “What do you mean?”

I place my hands upon my chest. “I’m a werewolf.”

He shrugs. “So am I, and I’m over all the animals.” He points over his shoulder back towards the house. “Beau owns the farm and he’s a werewolf. Or, are you saying there is a reason you shouldn’t care for the goats?”

I shake my head. “No I just...just wanted you to know what was up. I’m a werewolf, and uhm...yeah.”

Daisuke’s smile is bright and charming. “This is a town founded on the belief that werewolves are not something to be afraid of. We live, we love, we laugh just like everyone else. Sure, we hunt and shit too, but really, only shitheads and deer need to worry.”

I smile shyly. “I never grew up with other werewolves, I’ve only met maybe one or two in my entire life.”

Daisuke gets a serious look again. “So then, have you been told the rules of Hearthway Hollow?”

I shake my head. “Billy said there were some, but he was going to let me get settled before I was shown to the pack.”

Daisuke nods. “Well, there’s no reason to worry. It’s just basic things. If you were raised without werewolves, you probably had similar things told to you. The only thing really different I can think of would be the courtship ritual.”

I frown a bit. “Courtship ritual?”

Daisuke nods. “Yeah, a safety measure put in place so when us weres find a mate, things don’t get too crazy, especially if it’s a human.”

I swallow. “What about other weres?”

“Oh well, the ritual is still highly suggested. Makes things a little more consensual, you know?” Daisuke glances back. “Come on, lets head back and I’ll give you a tour of the grounds on one of the carts.”

After a few days, I start getting more used to my surroundings. I start training on the farm, as well as at the veterinary clinic. The town itself opens up to me, and I find it’s not just some small town in the woods. There’s a college, lots of places to shop, not to mention some very nice restaurants. The entire town is like the farm, massive and unending. 

One day, while exploring some of the shops, I find a lingerie store. Knowing my exorbitant bust size makes bra shopping a literal nightmare, I decide to go inside and see what I can. But when I walk in, I see something shocking.

It’s Finn, the farrier. He’s standing at the counter talking to the pretty girl behind it. I grow nervous and a bit upset. Of course someone like him would have a girlfriend! It should have been so obvious.

“Oh hi!” The girl chimes. “Come on in, can I help you with anything?”

Finn turns and looks at me, a smile blooming on his face. “Aysel, long time no see.”

Why did he have to remember my name? “Uhm, hi.” I step in further. “I came in to ask for uhm-” I stop and shake my head. “I don’t mean to bother, it can wait.”

“I was just leaving.” Finn says. “I was dropping my sister off some lunch.”

I glance at the girl who smiles. She was his sister!

Finn rises from the counter. “I’ll get on back to the shop. See you later Lene.” As Finn approaches me he smiles. “Your hair is cute today.”

I’m gobsmacked and just nod as he walks out the door.

Lene steps out from behind the counter. “Let me guess, bras?” She asks.

I nod sheepishly. “Yes. I have a hard time finding my size so-”

“How about we do a sizing then? I can help you figure out from there the best options for you.” Lene offers to take me to the back. “We do custom sizings here. My husband and I make most the lingerie you see here.”

“You make it?” I marvel.

“My brother you just saw leave used to too,” she says. “He decided to go off with our big brother to take over our dad’s old shop.” 

In the back she has me undress to take my measurements. 

“O cup,” Lene murmurs, scribbling down notes in a book. “Do you have any back problems?”

I nod as I dress. “Since I was in high school,” I scoff.

“I’d love to make you something!” Lene says chipperly. 

I sigh heavily. “I don’t have any other option. The bras I get I have to order and they’re so expensive. Might as well just get something custom.”

Lene grins in victory. “I’m going to make something that will change how you see underwear forever!” She takes down my information then hands me a card. “I usually have mockups by the end of the week, so I’ll give you a call.”

“Thank you. I’ll see you then.” As I leave the shop I notice Finn across the street walking out of a candy shop. The sweet smell that fills there air along with his beautiful face makes me dreamy. Finn waves, at me and comes back across the street.

I mildly panic as I see him coming towards me. What do I do? What do I say? I can’t get sarcastic when he talks to me. I won’t make this ancient god of thunder hate me.

“How’d you like the shop?” He asks.

“Your sister is nice,” I answer quietly, keeping my head down. “She helped a lot.” My face is burning red hot, I know he must be seeing this.

“How are you enjoying it here?” He asks as we walk down the street. “I know you’re pretty new to town.”

“I’m getting used to everything. I’m having dinner with Billy tonight so he can tell me all the werewolf rules.” I keep looking down at my feet, I feel like looking at his face will be like gazing directly into the sun.

“I see,” he breathes. “I guess he didn’t want to overwhelm you with everything. But it’s nothing to worry about. Everything we have here is in place to protect us.”

“I never grew up with other werewolves,” I confess. “My dad was human, so I’ve never been somewhere I felt I could-” I shut my mouth into a tight line. 

“My family have all been werewolves since the dawn of time. Actually, there’s a story we tell. It’s kind of gruesome, but it’s a fun story. Maybe I could tell it to you one day.”

I finally glance up at him and his stupid, handsome face. How dare he? Really. I smile at him while my heart does the tango all around my chest. “I scare easy,” I chuckle.

Finn’s smile brightens. “Well then, maybe I should tell it to you over dinner one day. That way, it won’t seem so scary.”

“Uh-” I’m really unsure how to respond to this. Is he really asking me out? Or am I just going crazy?

Finn looks up at the crosswalk. “But I guess you’re still getting used to things. When you want to, the offer stands.”

“I’m still not fully unpacked.” I want to try and divert the conversation. “I’ve not found all my clothes yet.”

He chuckles. “I moved a year ago into a new place and still have boxes. I’ve been thinking about just donating them. If I haven’t needed what's in them all this time, then maybe I don’t really need it after all.”

I steal a glance at him while his attention is turned onto the crosswalk light. He’s so big and pretty, but that’s not what steals my breath. I feel different in his presence, like there’s an electric charge in the air that creates this ozonic smell. I breathe the air differently, I taste things differently. Around him the world is new and strange, but not frightening at all. 

That evening I have dinner with Billy and his wife Maria, as well as Adam and his family. Adam is the alpha over Hearthway Hollow, although he was not what I expected an alpha to look like. He looked like a cherub, very sweet and angelic, complete with golden curls. He and Billy explained to me the rules of Hearthway Hollow, as well as the courtship ritual in detail.

“What if there’s someone-” I start to ask but I quickly clam up. “Never mind.”

“No, what?” Adam asks. “Is there someone already?” He seems excited about it. “If so, please tell us!”

“It’s silly,” I shake my head. “I’ve not been here long, it’s crazy.”

“Sometimes these things are instant,” Billy says in his gruff way. “You see this person and you just know. It’s like breathing for the first time.”

Those words struck a chord with me. “But, what do I do if they don’t feel the same way?” 

“That’s part of the courtship,” Adam says gently. “It’s a way for you both to get your intentions and feelings across in a safe and honest way.”

I bite my lip and finidget in my seat. “Well-” I fight with myself on what to say or do. It feels right to want this, to even think about going through with this courtship. “Finn Hanstad,” I finally say lower than a whisper.

“Finn is wonderful!” Adam exclaims exuberantly. 

I glance up at them, almost feeling guilty. “I barely know him though.”

“There’s time,” Adam says. “While you court you can get to know him, and he can get to know you. So whatever you want to do, we’ll help.”

My heart is pounding nervously as I take this all into consideration. “Let me think about it,” I say finally.

I decide to give a few days to think on it, after all, it’s a pretty big decision. I’m grateful for work, because it gives me a chance to calm down and clear my mind. The new goat barn is coming along quickly, and I’ve been helping get the kid play area set up with Daisuke.

One afternoon though, as I am painting, Finn shows up. He’s carrying with him some wrought iron work and equipment. 

“I’ve come to install the light fixture,” he says. “As well as the fence posts.” He steps out of the cart with a big smile on his face. “I won’t get in your way.”

My heart is tangoing again as I look at him. He’s wearing a tight t-shirt and jeans, a very assault on my delicate senses. “I won’t get in your way, either.”

He laughs and takes the iron fixtures from the back. “I wouldn’t mind honestly.”

The lump in my throat is huge at this point. As he bends over I can’t help but look at his handsome endowment in the back. I look away, chastising myself.

“How did dinner with Billy go?” As he stands he ties up his hair. The way his arms flex and ripple as he lifts them above his head is a work of art. When it comes to arms and hands, I am the weakest person in the world, and from what I can tell Finn’s are the strongest. There’s just something about the way the veins run up the arm, and the muscle flexes along the armpit that makes me turn into pudding. 

“It went well. I think I’m pretty up to date now on town. There’s a lot, but I don’t plan on doing anything stupid anytime soon, you know?” I try not to look at him, it’s like gazing into the sun yet again.

His laugh comes from the chest, deep and light all at the same time. It goes with his perfect smile all too well. Once his hair is tied he picks up the iron again. “Well then, how about you have dinner with me next and I’ll tell you my family’s scary story about our history.”

I look back at Finn and it isn’t just a question anymore, it’s a fact in my mind. I smile at him and nod. “Sure, if you don’t mind me.”

Finn’s smile is breathtaking. “What’s to mind?” He gives me a wink as he goes into the barn. “Let’s finish work before we start talking about playing.”

“Okay,” I say breathlessly. I nearly kick over the paint bucket as I swoon over him. I pick it up off the ground and sigh heavily. My mind is racing yet absolutely confirmed at the same time. As I look into the can of pale blue paint which reminds me of the color of Finn’s eyes, I know what I am going to do.

The fact stands, I am going to court Finn.