Werewolf Boyfriend: Arsene (complete)

Hearthway Hollow seemed like such a boring place on paper, the kind of town you’d go to visit grandparents. Your job takes you to many places - you decorate sets and do special effects makeup for a traveling theatre troupe. You get sent to all sorts of locations for different productions, often at the last minute. You are given a per diem for room and board, but you usually save that and sleep in your car.

Then, one morning, there is a knock at your window. You wake up to see what looks like a giant shadow outside your car.

“Hey, you,” a gruff voice beckons like something from a noir movie. “Get out here, I need to talk to you.”

You weigh your options. You could easily get into the front seat and drive away, or actually talk to the guy. Hearthway Hollow doesn’t seem like the type of place where you need to keep your doors locked, but it is the kind of place you expect to see witches in gingerbread houses. You decide to roll down the window and find out what the giant shadow wants.

“Something the matter, sir?” you ask.

The man is a big, solid sort made of hair, grisle, and hard times. His dark eyes pore over you for a moment, studying you. “Young ladies shouldn’t be sleeping in their cars, no matter how safe a place might be. You never know what weird shits are roaming the streets.”

You want to say ‘like you?’ but you hold your tongue.

“If you need a place to go, I got an in with the lady who owns the hotel down the road from here.” He points with his thumb down the street.

“Oh, it’s fine,” you answer.

His thick brows pinch together. “It’s fine?”

You open your mouth to speak again, but the aura that radiates from him is the sort of tough love a good father gives to his wild child. “Yeah, it’s fine.” Your voice cracks - very unconvincing. 

The big guy looks over your car, then back at you. “Take the hotel, young lady. It don’t matter how tough anyone is nowadays, there’s always someone out there who could hurt them.”

You frown a bit at his words, wondering if they’re a threat.

“I got two girls and a granddaughter!” he scoffs. “I worry, a lot!” He shakes his head. “I own the hardware store across the street. Name’s Billy.”

“Oh,” you gasp. “You’re Kamilah’s dad.”

“Oh, crap, you know the mean one,” he chuckles.

You get out of the car and stand in front of Billy. You’re not a small person, but you feel positively petite beside him. “I think she manages the theatre?”

“It’s best you believe that.” Billy holds out his thick hand, and you shake. “Take up my offer, and be glad Mrs. Locklear didn’t find you, or else she’d have you by the ear and forcing you into a room.”

You chuckle. “Okay. I mean, I get it. I’m just used to this, is all.” You glance back at your car. “I’ll stop by after work.”

Billy looks to your car as well, and the special paint job you gave it to look like it had been through a zombie apocalypse. “What the hell is work for you?”

You shrug. “Set design, special effects makeup, a hodgepodge.” 

Billy smirks. “You want some extra work?” he asks. “Halloween is coming up, and it’s a pretty big deal around here. Come paint my windows and I’ll pay for your room, plus a little extra.”

“Who am I to look a gift horse in the mouth?” You chuckle as the two of you trade business cards.

You head to the theatre, where you spend most of the day painting sets. Behind the theatre is the old fire department. As you paint and build, you see the firemen outside training some new hires. Today, they’re washing and inspecting the fire trucks, and it is quite a show.

“Ogling the firefighters?” Kamilah chuckles.

She comes out of nowhere, suddenly appearing beside you. She’s tiny, so you could understand that, but her presence is as massive as her father’s. “Oh, uh-” You turn off your airbrush, noticing you’ve messed up a spot while staring.

“I grew up with most of them,” Kamilah huffs. “It makes the visuals lose their appeal when you know one of them stuck a fork into a socket on a dare, and a couple of others have eaten worms.” She turns and looks at you with a smirk. “Any of them spark your fancy?”

“No,” you lie. 

Kamilah shrugs “No harm in looking.” She takes a seat on the stairs. “Everything going well? It looks like your team is vanished.”

You scoff and start peeling off your work gloves, then tug down your mask. “I’m fine working alone, honestly. Most of them just stand and stare anyway.”

“Want me to yell at them?” Kamilah’s grin is dark.

You shake your head. “Nah, I don’t think even Satan deserves that.”

Kamilah snickers, glancing up as one of the firemen comes across the street. “Arsene, stay on your side,” she points. “You know how these turf wars work.”

The man who approaches is wearing a wet white t-shirt and some dirty jeans. His hair is silver, but his eyebrows are dark, and his eyelashes are so thick it looks like he has eyeliner. He has a dark beard, neatly trimmed and peppered with silver.

You instantly feel your face heat up as you look at him. You’ve been noticing him a lot as you work, and he’s been a major distraction.

“You can enact your blood oath later, you monster,” Arsene smirks at Kamilah. His bright green eyes flick over to you. “I’ve been watching you work. I’ve seen these stage props go from dull to remarkable, and I wanted to poke my nose around.”

“I, uh-” you lose your train of thought for a moment.

“She’s pretty good right? Better than the usual volunteers from the college.” Kamilah stands up. “The troupe that’s here now hired her.”

“A professional, eh?” Arsene asks with a smirk, a slight hint of an accent in his voice. “You’re the one who owns the bloody car right?”

“Oh, yeah,” you gasp. You clear your throat. “I painted that myself.”

“Damn.” Arsene poses in a way it looks effortlessly alluring. “Wish we could do that to the fire trucks.” He points behind him to the station. “Would make a good statement.”

Kamilah rolls her eyes. “Are you here to pussyfoot, or are you here to flirt with intent?”

Your heart jumps into your throat, and you choke for a second while Arsene throws his head back and laughs. “Careful now, chevrette.” He gives her the eye. “I’m working on it.”

The scowl that crosses Kamilah’s face is deep and vicious. “I know what the word means, do not call me that!”

Arsene winks at her, then turns back to you. “Cat’s out of the bag then, I suppose.”

You’re still a bit stunned, shocked even. He’s way too good-looking to exist in real life, let alone in your life. “What cat?” The words slip before you can form a sentence. 

Arsene’s smile is charming, full of sharp canines and huge dimples. “If you aren’t busy tonight, perhaps I can tempt you with some of my home cooking.”

“I, uh-” You know your whole face is as red as a baboon’s ass, but you have no clue how to rectify it.

“Take him up on it. There’s a reason the firehouse wins every cooking contest the town throws,” Kamilah scoffs. “Even if you don’t like him.”

“Be kind, chevrette,” Arsene teases.

Kamilah glares at him again.

“Mind if I have a moment alone, actually?” Arsene motions his hand towards you while he looks at Kamilah.

“Scream if anything happens.” Kamilah waves as she goes back inside the theatre.

“Beaucoup,” Arsene laughs.

You look him over, taking in the shape of his body before he catches you staring. He’s quite stocky and well-built, all muscle from the looks of him. You swallow your heart back down and chuckle nervously. “What does chevrette mean?”

Arsene’s smirk turns into a grin. “It means shrimp.”

“Oh,” you gasp. “You were being mean.”

Arsene bows his head as he laughs. “Kamilah is a hard hitter. Sometimes you have to hit back.” He comes close, looking over your paint work on the setpieces. “You really do have an insurmountable talent. I am impressed.”

‘You have a nice ass, I am impressed.’ is what you want to say, but instead you reply, “Practice.” You shrug. “Lots and lots of practice.”

Arsene rubs his chin through his beard. “Same for my cooking. Can’t tell you how long my grandmother worked with me to get it all right.”

“You hinting?” you smirk at him.

He grins. “Un petite brin.”

Your heart might as well be a wrecking ball at this point, and your ribs are loose putty. “I don’t have any dinner plans. Really, I’ve just been eating at the diner.”

“Oof.” His brow pinches and he shakes his head. “You deserve better, allumette.”

You’re not sure what he’s called you, but you giggle like a schoolgirl regardless. “Uhm… I’m taking a job with Billy and I’m meeting him to discuss it. I can meet you up after that.”

Arsene turns, pointing towards the little green house just behind the fire station. “That’s my home.”

“Oh, cute.” You’re not quite sure what to say.

Arsene chuckles. “Think so?” He looks to the fire station as someone starts shouting his name, then scoffs and rolls his eyes. “I’ll make something special for the occasion.” He smiles when he looks back at you. “See you soon, allumette.”

You wave unsurely as he dashes off across the street, shouting at the young men who are on top of the fire truck. You’ve not quite taken in the hefty weight of the moment, but it comes crashing down on you that evening as you make your way to Billy’s hardware store.

“Kamilah told me the fire chief asked you out.” Billy says as you look through pictures to get an idea for his shop window.

Your skin bristles, and an electric current zaps your mind into a mild panic. “Oh, uh… Arsene? Yeah, he asked me over for dinner.” Your mouth has gone dry.

“Good kid,” Billy says. “He and his grandma moved here when he was a brat. They made money selling her preserves and sauces.” He looks you over as if wanting to say something, but he stops himself. “I want something like Sleepy Hollow,” he says. “A scene, not just some painting.”

“I can do that,” you answer. “I can get a sketch or something done tomorrow and we can discuss it.”

Billy nods. “Sounds good. I want your talents, young lady. I’m going to win this year.” His grin seems almost vicious, but you decide to take it as a compliment.

You go to Arsene’s house just behind the fire station. The house has a little white porch with a swing, and it seems very cute. Knocking on the door, you can already smell something wonderful inside.

The door opens and Arsene is standing there, a towel wrapped around his waist and his body on full display. You might has well have been shot, for all the shock you feel.

He lets out a flurry of words you’re sure are profanities as he realizes it’s you standing there. “Forgive me. I was expecting a little more time.”

Even his chest hair is peppered with gray. You force yourself not to stare at the muscle, the curves, and the jut of his hip bones. You look up, feeling like a peeping tom. “Sorry! I can leave if-”

“No, no,” Arsene steps aside to let you in. “Make yourself comfortable and I’ll get dressed! Ça me fait. Give me a moment.” He dashes off as you take a seat on a green leather sofa. The walls around you are filled with old photographs, mostly in black and white. You try to focus on them, but the image of Arsene’s half-naked body is burned so hard into your retinas that you see it when you blink.

When Arsene reappears his hair is damp and shaggy, but he’s wearing a cozy red flannel and snug, clean jeans. “Again, so sorry,” he says, his face as red as yours. “Was hoping to save that for a later date but, uhm-” he grimaces, cussing again. “Anyway, would you like something to drink?”

“Yeah,” you chuckle. “Sounds good.”

Arsene offers you a beer and gives you a tour of his kitchen. All the appliances are vintage, handed down from his grandmother. He offers you a sample of etouffee he has made, and already you’re half in love.

You go and sit out on the porch swing while the food simmers for a moment. Arsene smells good - beyond the scent of soap he smells like the wind and pine needles, like pepper and comfort. You talk about many things. He asks you about your work, and all the places you have been. Arsene tells you that he and his grandmother moved from Louisiana when he was little, after his parents died. 

“I’m amazed someone like you found their way to our sleepy town.” Arsene sets his empty beer bottle aside.

“Sleepy?” You laugh. “As far as I can tell, Hearthway Hollow is far from that. It seems so alive despite its appearance. It feels like there is something in the woods too.”

Arsene gives you a side-eye. “Something in the woods?”

“I don’t know how to explain it,” you murmur. “It just feels like something is breathing out there. It’s not scary or anything, but more like… you ever seen Totoro?”

Arsene chuckles. “Something big, warm, and furry?”

“Kind of,” you laugh.

When you go inside to eat, you feel like you can’t get enough. Arsene’s cooking is out of this world and your plate is empty far too fast. You end up talking all night, happy to listen to him talk about his grandmother and the recipes that had been passed down through the family for generations.

“I’ll have leftovers tomorrow,” Arsene says when you start to go. “Enough for two, really.” His hand brushes against yours as he goes to open the door. 

“Is it better as leftovers?” you ask shyly.

“Far better,” Arsene smirks. “See you soon, allumette.”

You close your eyes, feeling his lips press against yours and tasting the spice of the etouffee on him. It’s a feeling that carries you through the night, and you aren’t sure exactly how you make it back to your hotel room.

You wake up early, earlier than you usually do. You’re not usually one to wake easily in the mornings, but something feels different. You wake up, alert and bright-eyed. There is a feeling in the air as you breathe in, like the woods themselves are breathing.

You get out of bed, and are opening your door to let in more fresh air when you see it. In the woods across from the hotel is a monstrous wolf, dark gray all over and peering through the early-morning fog. 

“Holy shit,” you whisper. “Totoro.”

The wolf leans forward a bit, sniffing the air as you stand there. Its green eyes seem strangely human, and you shudder. It feels like the wolf is staring directly at you. 

“Is he bothering you?” 

You nearly jump from your skin and look aside to see Mrs. Locklear standing by your door, watching the wolf. 

“He’s keen on you, alright.” Mrs. Locklear puts her hand on your shoulder. “Come now, we’ve got a lot to discuss.”

You turn to look at the wolf, who bows its head as Mrs. Locklear leads you to her office. She pours coffee and opens a box of donuts. Then she tells you a story about the history of Hearthway Hollow, her family, and the town’s beginning. All of it weaves together a mythology of creatures you thought belonged in books. Werewolves. She says the name over and over.

“You’re not from here, nor do you intend to stay,” Mrs. Locklear sighs. “But your wolf is already smitten, and despite the road you travel, he wants you to know.”

The werewolves performed courtship for their intended mates, but due to the circumstances of your stay, your werewolf is going about it differently. 

“It is also a secret, and should you tell-”

“Who would believe me?” you gasp. “This is all like a fairy tale, so…” You hesitate for a moment. “It’s breathtaking!”

Mrs. Locklear smirks. “Regardless, word is to not be spread, and if you intend to keep traveling that is something that needs to be taken into regard. Courtship is serious, and it matters. We do not perform it over a crush, we do it out of love. You need to decide if that is fair to both of you.”

“But who would-” You stop again and sigh. “Is it Arsene?”

Mrs. Locklear shrugs. “You have to ask him. I can’t tell you that.”

That afternoon as you work, you keep glancing across the street at the fire station. There is barely anyone outside, but you can see people through the windows. You’re distracted enough that you cross the road and go inside, and find yourself at the front desk, where a young woman is sitting at a computer. 

“Can I help you?” she asks.

“I’m looking for Arsene?”

Through an open door to the garage, a bunch of young men are making a ruckus until Arsene pushes through them. They tease him until he slams the door in their faces.

“Allumette, what a surprise,” he smirks.

“Can we… talk?” you ask, fidgeting in place.

Arsene nods. “Of course.” He leads you back to his office and closes the door, and you both sit down on the small couch.

“Mrs. Locklear talked to me-” you start.

“I know,” he says with a nod. “I saw her take you off.”

The big gray wolf - it really had been him. “So, you are a...” You hesitate, feeling almost silly.

Arsene chuckles. “I’m something big, warm, and furry, just like you said.” He reaches up, brushing his fingers along your temple and against your hair. “Is that a problem?”

“No,” you gasp, shaking your head. “Different, but not a problem.”

For a moment things are silent, and there is a heavy crackling in the air between you. You know you need to discuss what this courtship means, and whether it really means anything at all. Yet as you try to speak, you find your words failing, and your body inching ever closer to Arsene’s. Then, like the night before, Arsene kisses you and everything melts away.

You don’t remember how you end up on your back. You don’t remember when your shirt is taken off. You certainly don’t remember how Arsene’s pants get removed. 

You’re breathing hard as your half-naked bodies grind against each other. Arsene’s mouth is on your neck, moving down your chest. His hulking form seems even more powerful as he hunches over your body on the sofa. 

“I can make it stop,” Arsene growls in your ear. “Tell me to stop, and I will.”

You pull up his shirt, kissing his chest and running your fingers down the well-toned muscle. Arsene chuckles darkly and opens your legs to make room for his body.

“You feel it too, eh, allumette?” he pants.

“What does that mean?” you pant between kisses.

Arsene’s body starts to change. Dark fur starts to cover him, and his eyes become sharper. “A match,” he whispers. “A firestarter.”

You whimper as he kisses you again. Sharp teeth drag down your skin as his strong hands move under your hips. “What do you want?” His breath is ragged. “To stop? Or to burn?”

“Burn,” you answer truthfully.

His hand rips away your underwear, and his fingers move along your mound. His strong fingers work between your folds, coaxing panting breaths and dark whispers from you. He moans into your ear, growling about what a good meal you will make.

When his hand slips away, you brace yourself, feeling his heat against you. You really do feel like you are burning. 

“Pauvre ti bête,” he pants. “No worries, I will take great care of you.”

You hold your breath, biting your bottom lip as Arsene eases his way inside you. It hurts for a moment, but soon as he moves, it feels better. He’s quite thick, so he goes slow at first. His skilled fingers pamper your clit, rubbing it gently so you relax more.

The wolf above you is frightening, but beautiful. You cling to him, fingers digging into his back while your heels dig into his thighs. The old sofa you’re on rattles and shakes, but you have no time to worry whether it will break. Your mind is totally focused on Arsene.

His snarls fill your thoughts like white noise, while his cock pushes deeper inside you. Crying out, Arsene eventually cups his hand over your mouth.

“These walls are thin, allumette,” he warns. “Shall I kiss you to keep you quiet?”

You nod, meeting his kiss and sharp fangs eagerly. You already feel close to the edge, tipping and swaying over the abyss until the final blow. Your breath is knocked from your lungs as you topple. He drives deeper, harder, covering your mouth with his so your pleasured cries do not get beyond the door.

He pulls out suddenly, his cock throbbing against your thigh as his seed spills over your skin. It feels so hot that you swoon a little more as he peppers you with kisses.

The two of you end up on the floor, laying on your clothes. Hs fingers glide up and down your arms as you lay in bliss. After a while, you both start chuckling until it turns into belly laughs.

“I did not mean to go so far so soon, allumette,” Arsene says apologetically. “I fully intended to be a gentleman.”

“I’m as much to blame,” you huff. “I could have come to my senses and stopped.” You smile shyly. “So… this is courtship?”

Arsene sighs. “I know you will not stay much longer. I knew when I first saw you that you were my mate, and that was dangerous. I could not stop it, though. I want you.”

You kiss him, running your fingers down his chest. “I’ve never felt this way before. Trust me, it’s a first for me to have this sort of fire for someone.” You gaze into his eyes. “I don’t want to lose that. I’m staying through Halloween, so we have time to work on that.”

Arsene arches a brow. “Why through Halloween?”

“Billy has me painting all his windows. Plus a few other businesses hired me, so I’m staying for the money,” you chuckle. 

Arsene smiles. “I see. So we have a month to plan.”

“A month to burn,” you say with a smirk. 

Arsene cups your cheek in his hand. “Perfect. I’ll woo you with my cooking.”

“Oh, you’ve already done that.” You kiss him, easing closer to his body.

You don’t remember how you got there - but somehow, Hearthway Hollow became your home.