Werewolf Boyfrined: Liam (complete)

I came back home to stay with my great-aunt about a month ago. I’ve been gone for a long time, traveling, working, whatever comes up. I returned to recuperate from an accident I had while on assignment. I’ve been traveling for so long I forgot what being settled felt like.

As I hobble around the house with my bum leg, my great-aunt gives me a cane her father used to walk with, though she says she’ll beat my ass if anything happens to it. This old house is full of things like that. Many a Locklear has been raised in these walls, and Lord knows I spent my fair share of life here. It’s not where I grew up, but it’s more home than most places. 

I have one of the downstairs rooms so I don’t have to bother with the stairs, but I can hear my great-aunt when she goes up and down them. She’s one of those ageless creatures, still strong and formidable. She’s not changed at all since the last I saw her. It’s comforting. I can only hope I inherit some of those genes. 

There’s a knock on the door and I slowly sit up from bed. “You up, Liam?”

“Getting there,” I grunt. 

“I’ve gotta go into town today. So if you have to limp anywhere, leave me a note.”

Aunt Winnie is always busy doing something. The Locklears always are in Hearthway Hollow. As I get up, I go through my routine - I check my camera, taking a few pictures of my window as the morning light comes in. I check each detail of the equipment just out of habit. I’m used to being in much more inhospitable places, where my camera was all I had. 

I’ve not done much since the accident. I guess I’ve kind of been bummed out. I’m also not used to being around people all the time. Ever since I came home, my family has always been around. Siblings, cousins, other aunts, nephews, nieces, and there’s no end to them. Even old high school friends have been stopping by, people I’ve not seen since I went off to college. It’s amazing to see Rowan as a teacher - I thought he’d be in jail by now. Adam and Canvas have families of their own, which is worrisome considering how the Three Musketeers used to find trouble wherever they went.

I was a loner even when we were kids, but they always found a way to try and include me. Adam was the sort to never leave anyone behind, which is good for a leader I guess. For me it was just annoying. Now I can appreciate their effort to include an asshole like me, and they still want me around.

I’ve been fishing a lot lately. It was something my dad and I used to do. Now that he’s gone, it feels nice trying to conjure up those old memories. The fishing hole we used to go to is now part of the Hearthway Park, with the entrance marked with signs, and a picnic area with an all-new bridge. There are small placards everywhere that describe the local wildlife and parts of Hearthway Hollow’s history. It seems history follows me wherever I go.

For the most part the place is still secluded, and I don’t see people if I don’t want to. With my bad leg the new paths are easier to traverse. There are a couple of cabins on the creek, but I don’t think anyone is in them. It’s quiet here, and it is becoming easier and easier to not think about the accident.

I must have fallen asleep, because when I come to, I look up and see you. You’re holding a flashlight and have a concerned look on your face.

“Are you okay?” you ask.

I get up groggily, rubbing my eyes as I look around. The area is dark, save for some lamps in the distance and the lighted window of a cabin across the way. I squint, looking towards you as you crouch down beside me.

“I saw you from my window and I got worried. I didn’t mean to bother you, but it’s late and there are lots of wild animals out there.”

You’re in pajama bottoms and a hoodie. You smell like coffee and vanilla with a dash of soap, and it makes my head spin in the most peculiar way. The way your eyes focus on me, and the concern that pours from them, set my heart to a scared-rabbit pace. I’m not sure what’s happening to me. Your scent, your eyes, even the way you hold the flashlight, all seem to attract me.

“Sorry about that,” I grunt. I pull my fishing pole out of the water.

“You need to be careful!” you scold. For some reason, that makes me happy. “You can’t be falling asleep by a river.”

I nod my head. “Noted.”

You frown and start to look embarrassed. “Well, now that I know you aren’t dead, I’m going back home.”

I point to the cabin. “How long have you been there?”

You glance back at me as you start to head towards the bridge. “About a month now.”

You’ve been here as long as me, and for some reason my mind races as to why I haven’t met you until now. “Vacation?”

You frown again. You probably don’t like me questioning you. After all, we’re strangers, and I am the strangest one here. “Work, actually,” you answer. 

I want to know everything about you. I want to be buried in your scent, and all this is starting to make me panic. I know what’s happening, and I never expected it to. “Have a good night.”

“You too.” you wave as you step onto the bridge. 

I’ve always been comfortable with the idea of going about life alone. I worked alone, I ate alone, and I’ll probably die passed out by the river alone. But seeing you ended all of that. I never understood the way the other werewolves in the Hearthway Hollow felt when they met their mate. It all seemed like such nonsense that someone could ‘know’ from a first meeting. But now that I’ve met you, it all makes sense.

I head home to find Aunt Winnie on the porch, with a drink in one hand and the paper in the other. She looks up as I step onto the porch. “There you are. Catch anything?”

I sit down in the rocking chair beside her and take a few moments to coherently speak my mind about our meeting. I look at her, and she cocks a brow high.

“Liam, what’s wrong?” She sets her paper aside and hands me her drink, which I happily finish off. 

“It happened,” I say in a low voice. “I don’t know why or how, but it happened.”

“‘It’ being?” She sets the empty glass aside.

I nod and take a few deep breaths. “I fell asleep while fishing...”

Aunt Winnie grimaces. “What?”

“I know, just listen.” I rub my chin and shake my head. “There was this woman, in one of the cabins. She woke me up, and when I saw her I just...” I clutch my head between my hands. “It was overwhelming.”

“Oh!” Aunt Winnie gasps knowingly. “Are you going to court her now?”

I grimace. “I don’t know,” I grumble. “It’s not something I ever planned or wanted, but...”

“When it happens, it happens.” She sighs, leaning back in her chair. “When you know, you know. How did it feel when you saw her?”

“It wasn’t exactly when I saw her. It was more like...” I don’t want to wax poetic, but that’s how everything seems to sound when I want to talk about you. “It was that first breath of her scent on the wind. I inhaled, and the sudden ‘a-ha’ clicked on in my brain. It was like a light turning on, and I could see what I was looking for.”

Aunt Winnie smirks. “But you didn’t even know you were looking for it.”

I shake my head. “Nope. Not at all.”

I’m not in any sort of mood, nor condition, to go out hunting to begin the courtship ritual. Instead I decide to go to the cabin and introduce myself. You open the door, looking so cute in your robe and holding a coffee mug. “Oh, it’s you.”

“Yes,” I had been so prepared, but now I’m knocked off guard. “Um… my name is Liam, by the way. I owe you a life debt.”

You chuckle and shake your head. “No, no, really. It’s okay. You don’t owe me a thing at all. But it’s nice to meet you, Liam.”

You say my name and it goes straight to my head. I feel goofy and lightheaded, and all I want is for you to say it again. “I can’t let it slide,” I answer softly. “If there is anything I can do to thank you, anything at all, I’d be happy to help.”

Your eyes dart over me and a shy look crosses your face. “I really hate to ask.” You hold the mug with both hands and fidget. “In fact, I probably shouldn’t.”

I shake my head. “I’m in your debt. Please ask.”

You smile in embarrassment and laugh. “It’s so weird, though.”

I smile, feeling like a truly lovesick puppy. “You found me passed out on the river. I think weird might be our new hello.”

You frown before you screw up the courage. “This is really, really embarrassing,” you murmur. You step outside so we can talk. “Like I said, I’m here working. I’m writing a novel...” You tuck your hair behind your ear.

“That’s amazing,” I say excitedly. “So you’re a writer?”

“I also do illustrations for the books I write, and...” You bite your lip. “Oh god, I can’t do this.”

Your awkward smile is so cute. “Sure you can. What’s wrong?”

“I write erotic novels and comics,” you admit in a quiet voice. 

My eyes light up. “How did you end up here?”

“A couple of my friends live here, so I decided to come work here and visit them.” You look down into your mug. “Only thing is, I’m kind of having trouble with this new book.”

My cheeks start to burn. “Is that what you’re trying to ask about?”

You flinch and look aside. “I’ve been struggling with drawing some of the scenes and I can’t find the right reference photos, so...” You look at me and my eyes light up.

“I’m a bit shaky on my feet these days, but I can pose.” I would say yes to anything at that moment, if it means spending time with you.

A car pulls up and out of it steps my sister, Little Winnie. She looks shocked when she sees me, and I can hear her twin girls giggling in the back seat.

“Sorry, this is my friend,” you say to me.

“Your friend is also my sister.”

You look stunned for a moment as Winnie smiles towards me. “What the hell are you doing here?”

You glance back at me with a shy, almost guilty look on your face. “This is the passed-out river guy I was telling you about.”

Winnie grins. “Should have known that would be my brother.”

I scowl down at her. “And how do you two know each other?”

“College,” Winnie replies brightly. 

“I’m getting a late start, Winnie,” you say quickly. “If you don’t mind waiting, I’ll get ready soon.” Then you look at me. “I’m sorry, I have to go. Winnie can give you my number and we can talk about… that later.” You head back inside.

I walk towards Winnie and shake my head. “Don’t start.”

“Wait, don’t you want her number?” Winnie laughs.

I look at Winnie for some sort of sign. “Don’t take this the wrong way, but do you know if she is seeing anyone?”

“Her?” Winnie whispers in excitement. “She’s single. Are you going to court her?”

She slaps my arm and I scowl. “Yes,” I huff.

Winnie gives me your quick bio - you’re shy but sweet, you tend to be nervous, and you’re a hopeless romantic at heart. I send you a text message to say I’m still willing to help you with poses if you want.

You don’t reply for a while, but eventually send a message back. “I’m sorry it’s so weird. But I won’t make you do anything that would make you uncomfortable. I just need a few poses and then I’ll be okay. You won’t ever have to see me again.”

“I’m not doing much these days, so I’m happy to help you.”

“Winnie said you had been in some sort of accident. Are you still hurt?”

“I’m fine, but my leg isn’t the best.”

“You really don’t have to do this.”

“I want to. I told you I owed you a life debt.” I smile and hope you’re smiling too.

A few moments pass before you reply again. “You need to stop saying that. You don’t owe me a thing. Well, maybe an explanation.”

“Explanation?”

“How did you fall asleep like that?”

I lay back in bed as I look at the phone screen. “I get lost in my head a lot these days. I must have gotten too far gone and just went out.”

“You grew up here, right? You must just be comfortable here.”

“I did, although it’s been years since I’ve been home.”

“Winnie said you were a photographer for some magazine. Are you still going to do that when you get better?”

“They fired me, so I’m not sure what I’m going to do.”

“I’m so sorry! That’s awful.”

“It happens. I’ll get on my feet again, so to speak.”

We text for hours. I’ve never done that with anyone, but when it’s with you it all just happens so easily. You ask about the places I’ve been, and I show you pictures from my various jobs. You share some of your writing and artwork, and I ask how you wound up in such a line of work. It was a happy accident, you said, just something you tried doing to earn a few bucks, and it took off. Eventually to force ourselves to bed, and I promise to see you tomorrow.

I’m so excited to see you I can’t stand myself. 

The next afternoon I go to your cabin, and when you answer the door you’re dressed in a hoodie and leggings. You look cute and comfortable. “Come on in, Liam.” You lead me inside and through the kitchen. In the living room you have your computer set up with a drawing tablet. “Thanks for coming.” You look me over and duck your head. “Do you want anything to drink?”

There’s a sofa in front of the desk, and I head towards it. “I’m fine right now. We can start if you’re ready. So tell me, what’s this book about?” 

“You won’t laugh?” you ask shyly as you sit at the desk.

“What is there to make me laugh?” I chuckle.

You sigh and shrug. “It’s a retelling of Little Red Riding Hood.”

“Ah,” I say with a smirk. “So the big bad wolf is...”

You give me a look and grin. “Yes.” You play with your hair for a moment. “Okay, so… first pose.”

“First pose.” I nod.

“I need you leaned back on the sofa, legs splayed, arms over the back, head cocked to the side.” The way you watch me, I suddenly feel nervous. I do the pose as asked, and you give your approval. For a while, you’re quiet as you work, which I don’t mind. It’s peaceful here, and your scent surrounding me makes me feel safe. I almost feel like I do when I’m fishing.

“Liam?” you ask softly.

I perk up and look at you. “Do I need to change something?”

“You seemed like you were falling asleep.” You look back down at your tablet. “Winnie said you were the quiet type.”

“She said the same about you,” I murmur.

You chuckle. “I’m sort of surprised you’re here, considering what Winnie has said about you.” You glance up and my heart melts. Your expression as you look from the tablet to me is beautiful.

“Depends on the person,” I say softly.

You bite your lip and go back to sketching. “I’ll need a new pose in a minute, so you can relax now.”

I straighten out my leg and rub it. Just below the knee, my leg ends.

We both start to ease up as the day goes on. We talk like we did when we texted. You laugh, and it makes me lightheaded. At lunch, we have sandwiches and sit on your porch. This happens for the next couple of days. I pose, we talk, I try to make you laugh, and we have lunch.

Winnie will show up sometimes, just to check up on things. I appreciate that she’s looking out for her friend, as well as helping me through my shaky courtship. She makes a decent wingman. She helps me get the courage to ask you out to dinner, which you happily accept.

On our first date we have dinner and drinks, and then I take you home. You invite me inside for coffee, and I kiss you as the percolator begins to drip. Your lips are soft and I like the way you clutch my shirt in your hands. “You smell nice,” I whisper into your ear.

“Really?” Your whole face is red from the kiss. “I didn’t realize.” You slowly let go of my shirt and you look aside as you smile. “I had fun tonight.”

“Me too.” I start to kiss your cheek and neck.

You shiver all over and ball up your hands in my shirt again. “Wait.” You push me back “Not tonight. I’m sorry but...”

I shake my head. “Sorry. I’ll stop. I’ll behave.” I sit back. “I’m just excited. I’ve liked you since, well, since you woke me up.”

You glance at the coffee pot. “I like you too, but I’m not used to… I mean, I just want to be sure.”

I bow my head. “You don’t need to explain it to me. Just say no and I’ll listen.”

You smile softly. “Thanks for saying that.” You brush my hair aside. 

A few dates later, I show you my leg. I tell you about the wreck, everything I saw, and I tell you how I still have nightmares. You have tears in your eyes as I lay out the whole story. All the while you hold my hand and listen to me.

“I don’t mean to hog the evening with my sob story,” I tell you. I get ready to tell you the other thing, the werewolf thing, but you kiss before I can open my mouth. It’s a strong kiss, one that nearly knocks the air from my lungs. You move into my lap, kissing me all over. The heat starts to rise and I can feel myself giving in. Your warm, soft body presses into mine and I hold you tightly as the kiss grows more powerful.

“Wait...” I manage to stop myself. “We should stop.”

“I’m sorry,” you gasp. “I don’t know what came over me.” You move aside and sit stiffly on the sofa. “I’ve been drawing you all this time.”

I swallow and take a cold breath. “It’s okay. I want to, trust me, but there’s something you should know, something you should think about before we go any further.”

You furrow your brow at me. “Okay. Is there something wrong?”

I rub my shoulder, then look at you. “Hearthway Hollow isn’t the most normal town. It has secrets and there are… things out there.”

Your expression grows more worried. “Like drugs?”

“No,” I huff. “I’m nervous. Just give me a second.” I look down at my hands. 

“Do you want to go outside?” you ask softly. “Maybe for a walk?”

I nod silently, and we head outside. We go along the bank of the river while I gather my nerves to talk. Eventually the moon peeks out from behind the clouds, and you look up at it.

I start to speak when coyotes start yipping and howling in the distance. You cling close to me then, holding my hand and hiding behind me.

“It’s okay, they won’t hurt you.” I turn and brush the hair from your face. “I’ll protect you.”

“What did you want to tell me?” you whisper.

“It’s something - maybe - that would be better to show you.” I take a step back. “Hearthway Hollow is a safe and wonderful place, but there’s a reason it exists.” I take off my shirt and set it aside. “If you get scared and have to run, I understand.”

“What does...” You stop as you watch. Your eyes grow wide as my body begins to shift. I’ve gotten used to the sensation of my bones changing, my fur growing. All of it has become a sort of numb tingling for me. It used to hurt when I was young, and sometimes it still does after I have changed back to a human. But what hurts most of all, right now, is how you look at me.

I have to rest on my arms, as my prosthetic is too small for my werewolf frame. I look at you, waiting for the scream, waiting for you to run. I know it’s terrifying, and I don’t expect you to stay. 

“Holy shit,” you whisper. 

I hang my head low. “This is the secret of Hearthway Hollow, and one I trust you’ll keep.”

I feel your hand in my fur, and I start to cry. You move in closer, running your hands down my neck and then lifting up my face. 

“I’ve been drawing you all wrong.” Your hands are trembling. “Let’s go back.”

“You’re not afraid?” I whisper.

You shake your head. “Not in a bad way. It’s just… it’ll take time, Liam.” She helps me get back to her cabin and once inside she takes me to bed. We lay together in silence and I hold her lovingly with my muzzle in her hair. 

In the morning, I’m woken by your soft kisses on my cheek. I shifted back in the night, and I’m lying half-naked beside you. I stretch as you kiss me more, and I wrap my arms around you to pull you in close.

“Good morning, beautiful,” I whisper to you.

“Good morning,” you giggle. “Liam, I have a favor to ask of you.”

I snuggle against your warm body, enjoying how the curve of your rear sits against my belly. “You can ask me anything.”

“I’m working on a chapter today, and I need some inspiration.” You wiggle your rear, and I’m awake in a shot. 

“Inspiration?”

“Your werewolf form is perfect for my big bad wolf.” You turn around in my arms and place your palms on my bare chest. “Would you mind showing me some more poses?”

“What kind?” I gently rub my hands down your body. 

You chuckle shyly and kiss my neck. “Lay back, your hands above your head.”

I do as you ask, shifting while your gaze focuses on me. You run your hand down my body, kissing me once I’ve fully transformed. You straddle my hips, wearing only your nightshirt and panties. Your thighs are warm and full, but it is the heat between them that makes me start to drool. 

“You look much less frightening in the light,” you giggle nervously.

I lick my chops. “I only look good because you’re on top of me.”

Your cheeks flush even darker red, and you bite your lip. “Seriously.” You slowly move down, tugging my pants open. The bulge in my underwear pushes upward, and I can see the gears turning in your head. 

“You look so cute right now,” I moan. “I want to eat you up.”

You look up at me as you slowly stroke the bulge. Your warm hand caresses me and my hips buck. I want to feel more, to be touched more. I growl low in my chest, and I see your eyes brighten up.

“Liam,” you mewl.

“Yes?” I moan.

“Wait right here for just one second.” You hop off the bed and quickly dash off.

I lay there, shocked and confused until you come back with your drawing tablet. “Lay still, please?” You quickly start to draw. All the while I can smell you - not the normal scent of coffee and vanilla, but something richer. I can smell your wetness, your desire. It wafts over me and makes me feel like I am starving. All I want is those soft thighs wrapped around me, while I sample that desire that is surely dripping from you now.

“Um...” Your voice squeaks. “Can you pull down your underwear… so I can, um...”

I happily kick off my pants and underwear, letting you see everything. Your eyes run down the length of me while your teeth sink into your lip. 

“All the better to please you with, my dear.”

You snicker, turning bright red as you try to hold in a laugh. You eventually let it escape, belting out laughter as you crawl into bed with me. You set the tablet aside, kissing me and pulling me towards you as we both giggle and titter. 

I strip you down, kissing every inch of skin I can reach. You’re soft everywhere, and I want to never stop touching you. You gasp in elation as I whisper into your ear. I tell you how sweet you are, how soft, how beautiful.

You open yourself for me, taking me inside, where I become buried deep. You’re hot and wet, squeezing tightly around me and not letting me go. I push deeper, watching your expression change. You ripple inside, making me go weak all over. I’m melting, caught in your fire, and I never want to escape. 

How can I explain it? This feeling of being one with you? I want to keep pleasing you, to keep hearing your voice rise with each thrust. I want to be your mate so badly. I need you, and I don’t know how to express all that.

That morning I try to express my desire to you. I kiss you and touch you. I taste you while you run your fingers down my scalp. Your body cries out even when you lose your voice, and I succumb to you. I find myself shivering on the bed as I try to catch my breath. You lay beside me, swooning and whimpering as you do the same.

Once I am able, I tell you about Hearthway Hollow, the secrets, the traditions, and that I will court you proper should you want me.

“Liam, I didn’t do this because it was easy,” you murmur. “I wanted this, even with the werewolf.” You smile at me as I look down at you. “Especially with the werewolf.”

I kiss you hungrily. “You’re so lovely right now. I’m going to have a hard time keeping my hands to myself.”

“I need a little more inspiration,” you purr. “So go ahead.”

Before I do, I think I need a little coffee. I kiss you as I sit up, slowly shifting so I can put the prosthetic back on to walk. You kiss my bare back, and I tremble all over again. I’m weak to your touch, your affection.

“I like you. All of you,” you whisper. “Even the parts you think are missing.”

I turn and smile at you. “I know they’re missing.”

You press your bare body to me, and all your softness and warmth pulls me back into bed. “You’re perfect, Liam,” you say. It makes me melt.