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[eyarazrushost]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[eyarazrushost]

The bell jingled above the door. An officer stepped in and chatted with the woman behind the counter. His body language was relaxed and unguarded. He didn't seem to be looking for anything but his morning cup of coffee. She'd gone tense next to Aleksander as well, but she reminded herself that they couldn't know who they really were. They look nothing like themselves.

Even Tatiana didn't know the true extent of her Tailoring. She'd used her for beauty touch ups. Not such drastic changes that Genya had done to herself now. No one in the Manor knew that the wolf had a human form. They'd only give themselves away by acting guilty. They needed a reason to keep the office from looking too closely at them.

She ran a hand along his shoulder and down his back. She leaned in towards him with their faces close together. She wanted to create the air of intimacy since people tend to skate their gazes over that. They didn't like intruding on private moments.

"You're okay," she murmured to him. "Just focus on me."

Her eyes looked into his. She smiled softly and cupped the back of his neck. "We're okay, Aleksander."

[oftheshadow]

Her touch worked its magic, pulling him out of predator mode to blink at her, eyes widening sightly when she leaned so close. Like this, her scent was the only one in his nose, and it calmed him almost immediately, the golden rings in his dark eyes thinning once again.

He was acutely aware of her, the fine hairs on his skin quivering when her fingers drifted across them, and he suppressed an involuntary shiver. Without realizing it, he surreptitiously reached for her other hand, long fingers tightly lacing with hers atop the table.

“…on you,” he breathed back, mere inches between them. The wolf stared at Genya, seemingly spellbound. “…I can do that.”

[eyarazrushost]

"That's good. You're doing a good job," she praised. They were close enough that their noses were nearly touching. She brushed the tip of hers against his for a show of affection. The office got his cup of black coffee and a pastry. His eyes assessed the cafe to take in everyone there. The normal regulars he knew well, but there was a strange new couple. Tourists. They got those this time of year to see the winter wonderland the town became. He saw their intimate moment, so he left them be.

He stepped out of the shopping and back to his patrol car. They'd received a BOLO for a red haired woman and a large dog that had gone missing, but nothing like that ever happened to their sleepy town.

Genya released a breath when she heard the bell on the door jingle again. They were safe for now. They needed to get their clothes and gear and go. She squeezed his hand and smiled. "See? We're okay."

[oftheshadow]

His breath caught when her nose brushed his. Such a small thing, almost unthought, but it captivated him without hesitation. Black lashes drifted down over equally dark eyes, and without even realizing it, he tilted his head to return the tiny, gentle gesture.

A strange feeling began to coil in his gut, sending soft warmth flooding through him. His breath quietly stuttered, hitching just the slightest. Her sweet scent was all around him and Aleksander drank it in, letting it wash everything away.

Until the bell above the door rang again, shattering the spell.

He blinked again, abruptly pulled out of that warm, sweet haze, and glanced quickly about, smoothly releasing Genya’s hand and leaning back in the chair.

“…yes,” he agreed, voice low, cool. “For now.”

[eyarazrushost]

Genya was surprised when she felt something stir within her. She'd never felt it before. It was like a liquid warmth that had something looked in both her chest and belly. It was something about his eyes. The way he looked at her made her heart stutter. The moment felt like it stretched forever, but when he pulled away, it suddenly brought the world back into full focus.

She was still leaned in when he pulled back. She took in a deep breath and sat straighter in her seat. Her hand still held on to his. She was reluctant to let go.

"Are you still hungry?" she asked. She wasn't sure why she asked. She knew he likely was, but he'd want to make their move forward now that stores were opening. They needed to plan their next step.

She released a breath and took one last sip of her tea. "What do we need then? We need warm clothes, winter boots, hiking gear? The cabin should be well supplied."

i had to 'borrow' genya a little for this, otherwise he'd have never done it, lmao

[oftheshadow]

Even though he'd shaken his head to her question, Genya still took two more sausage sandwiches to go, snugly wrapped and stored in her duffel as they exited the cafe. The town was waking, all of the main-street shops opening for the day. There weren't many, but they were sufficient for what they needed, although 'trying on clothes' nearly ended in disaster.

Not used to being in such proximity with so many humans at once, Aleksander very nearly snarled at the bright, sunny salesgirl who bustled over to 'assist' the couple when Genya tugged him into a clothing store. He'd hung back in a paroxysm of anxiety and irrational fear as the two women discussed warm clothes, winter boots, and sturdy hiking gear. Taking them as a new pair of tourists come to experience the wonderful winter wonderland, the saleslady was more than willing to trot out a plethora of articles from which to choose, by which time the poor wolf had devolved into a whiteout overload of frozen panic.

But thanks to the saleslady's willingness to earn her commission and Genya's discerning eye when it came to fashion and function, they at last left the store considerably better outfitted than when they'd departed the train earlier. Well, Aleksander did, at least. All of the clothes procured actually fit, praise the Saints.

And he was itching to get out of this place; even such scant civilization as this was grating, especially when the Wild was so very close. He kept lifting his nose, scenting the cold air, instinctively turning his head towards the north and the clean pine fragrance that drifted down from the Great Forest.

"...a vehicle," he finally said, pausing on one of the few street corners. "Something sturdy."

it works for me!

[eyarazrushost]

Clothes and style were her forte. She handled the situation as gracefully as she could between handling the sales lady and a wolf on the edge. She made sure to be as efficient as possible. She'd been able to eyeball his measurements with good accuracy. She made sure they both had a good variety of clothing to get them through the trip and their stay beyond. They'd dropped a hefty amount of money, but she felt better in her new clothes.

"Like that?" she pointed out. Her toes wiggled in her new socks and boots. They were comfortable, but best of all, they were warm. Down the street, there was a beat up red truck with a for sale sign n the windshield. It was sitting right outside of a shop which presumably the owner of said truck was. Hopefully anyway.

"Come on. Let's buy it, so we can head North," she said with a tug of his hand. It was natural now to take his hand and slide her fingers between his. She led him to the shop, but she left him outside to examine the truck to his liking. The shop was a hardware shop with a grizzled old man behind the counter. He was sipping his coffee when he spotted he'd. Genya gave her sweetest, sugary smile and played up big doe eyes.

"That truck out there? Is it yours?" she asked cheerfully. It took all of five minutes to broker the deal. The allure of cash was too much for him to resist to ask for any details. Besides, she'd look harmless enough. She left the shop five hundred dollars lighter, but she had the keys in hand. She dangled them in front of him.

"Do you want to drive?" she joked. Genya winked at him. She felt a little less anxious now that they were about to be on the road. She unlocked the truck and opened the door to the driver's side. She pushed the duffel bag in first then slid behind the wheel. "You let me know how far to go before we stop."

🖤❤️🖤❤️

[oftheshadow]

He wasn't very proficient with vehicles; he'd watched others drive and sort of knew how it was done, but when it came to engine maintenance, he was absolutely clueless. Vehicles were human contraptions, and he'd put more faith in his own four feet than in such a temperamental type of machine.

So he waited with dwindling patience as Genya ducked into the shop and bought the rickety thing, but she came out with the keys and a bright smile, causing his eyebrow to rise with her obvious delight. Putting the pack he now carried on the passenger floor before clambering in himself, he replied, "Since you now own it, we don't need to hide it." Closing the heavy door, he added, "Everyone seems to believe we're nothing more than tourists, so they have little reason to be suspicious."

Provided that the road, or trail, was passable, she could drive all the way to her cabin in the foothills. Beat the hell out of hiking the rest of the way.

[eyarazrushost]

Driving wasn't something she'd done a lot of, but she had learned. She was glad she did because it was a paramount skill for an escape. She wouldn't have gotten them out of the manor if she couldn't drive. She buckled her seatbelt, but this time, she reached over and made sure his was secured as well. He may be a great Shadow Wolf, but she still wanted him to be safe.

"Yeah?" she replied. The relief was palpable and written all over her face. She'd been prepared to make the hike with him, but she'd known it wouldn't be pretty. At least this way, she wouldn't slow him down or be a burden. She started to drive out of the city and followed the road signs from the directions she'd memorized to get to the cabin. It was a winding road up towards the mountains. The cabin was tucked away in them.

"It looks like there's a storm rolling in," she remarked. Genya glanced up at the sky through the windshield. The morning light was turning grey and murky from the gathering clouds. "It'll hinder their search for us."

If they even thought to look here. Surely the old man would think she'd go to another major city.

[oftheshadow]

The further and higher they went, the rougher the road became. Which was perfect, as the snows would hamper any other vehicles headed this way. He didn't protest when she fastened his seat belt; getting tossed about the cab wasn't exactly pleasant. And it became a blessing as the road narrowed and the twists and turns became sharper.

He'd smelled the storm earlier, its electric signature filling his nose and raising the hair on the back of his neck. And he sensed it growing ever closer, as if chasing their heels up through the rising foothills. Nature's way of aiding their cause, perhaps.

"Yes," he agreed, also peering out of the windshield and the passenger window. "With luck, it will make the roads impassible for a day, perhaps more." He'd be able to move about in it, once he donned fur and fangs again, but his companion would be confined to their shelter. But he'd protect her, come what might.

[eyarazrushost]

It was the toughest drive she'd ever done. The roads became rough with the snow. The further along they, the less worn and paved it became. It was clearly a path not often traveled which was a good thing for them if they could just make it to the cabin. As they got closer, she allowed the Tailoring she'd done to herself to fade away. It could have lasted several more hours, but right now, she felt safe enough to be herself.

The darkness of her hair seeped away. The rich coppery red returned in all its springy ringlets. Her skin and eyes lightened while her features returned to their familiar shapes. Soon, it was Genya at the wheel. She released a breath of relief to be herself again.

"Is it difficult to change between forms?" she questioned. Now that she'd made the transition back, she wondered how quickly he'd want to return to all four paws. She'd missed the wolf, but she was becoming fond of the man too. The cabin was within view now. They were nearly there.

He could change back now if he wanted. He could get out of the truck and bound and explore their new surroundings.

[oftheshadow]

Watching her magic fade was far more arresting than the view out of the windows. The wolf watched without shame, fascinated at how the disguise just seemed to bleed away, leaving the girl he remembered right down to the very light touch of freckles across the bridge of her nose. She was such a beautiful woman.

Then she asked him a question, jolting him back to the present. Changing his form. Was it difficult. Oh. He looked away, sniffed, swallowed, then gave a slight shrug. "Sometimes." In actuality it was bloody hindering awkward. "It's...hard to remember how all the parts work," he involuntarily added. Then lifted his hands to stare at them.

"Especially hands. And...and walking on just two feet is...challenging." His center of balance shifted greatly in such a form. "...it's always cold," he said in a quieter tone, suppressing an instinctive shiver. "My fur is thick and warm, although it takes forever to dry after getting wet."

[eyarazrushost]

In the light of day, her hair was like a fiery banner. It was so obvious and eye catching. It had been the first thing she Tailored when disguising herself. She didn't want to be memorable to anyone. She didn't want them to really recall any details about her at all. She continued he winding drive towards the cabin while she listened to him describe what it was like to shift between two forms.

"Hands and walking can feel a little clumsy if you're not used to them," she agreed. There was a smile tugging at her lips. She'd certainly had enough to drink to feel like those two things were foreign to her. "There should be firewood for us to light the fireplace when we get there. You'll be warm no matter the form."

She pulled up and parked outside of the cabin. It was a cozy looking log cabin that had all the picturesque aesthetic of winter. The roof was coated with snow. The porch had a rocking chair in front of it. She'd never seen anything so quaint. She unbuckled her seatbelt and got out to breathe in the cold mountain air. It filled her lungs with its cleansing chill. Everything was so fresh and clean here.

"How long can we stay?" she asked when she grabbed the duffel bag.

[oftheshadow]

Their destination came into view, and despite his judgement of all things human, even he had to grudgingly admit that it was...sufficient. Surrounded by thick, tall pines, with a half-frozen lake in front, the place looked carved right out of a 'winter wonderland' postcard.

He got out of the truck right behind Genya, pausing to lift his nose and deeply scent the air, recognizing pine, snow, prey, and even a few predators in the general vicinity, but he wasn't worried. In his true form, he had enough bulk to take on a grizzly, so they'd be safe from any errant wildlife.

Aleksander fetched their duffels as Genya headed inside, following and placing their supplies on a small table right at the door. "As long as we need to," he finally told her. "If we're lucky, until spring."

[eyarazrushost]

She wondered what this place looked like in the springtime. She imagined so much greenery all around. The lake would thaw, and the sun would be a glittering light upon it. For now, the cabin was like a beautiful winter palace. She unlocked the door to give them access. The interior was just as perfect. The living room had an L-shape couch set with a quilt neatly folded over the back. It was set before the great hearth that was ready to be filled with fire. The cabin was an open concept with a kitchen and dining table flowing behind it.

The appliances were modern. There was a stove and oven though no dishwasher or microwave. Not that they really needed it. There was a fridge with double doors and a spacious freezer below it. The cabin had one bedroom and bathroom. It was enough space for the two of them. The bedroom had a king sized bed and an empty closet and bureau for all their clothes. The bathroom had a claw foot tub and a standing shower. The cabin had clearly been designed for both comfort and aesthetic.

She checked the cabinets to take stock of their supplies. Lots of non-perishables. Anything they didn't have, Genya could go to town to buy. They could make the money last.

"I like it," she decided after looking around. "It's peaceful."

[oftheshadow]

Peaceful, and perfect for humans. The interior earned a grunt from the wolf, who immediately turned around and went back outside, looking for a woodpile. Which he found thoughtfully stacked around the side of the cabin, sheltered under a protective eave to keep the snow from settling on the cut blocks. Further investigation discovered the artisan well not far from the house, no doubt fed by the lake and into the dwelling by magnetic pumps; good.

Returning inside, he firmly knocked the snow from his boots, unzipped his jacket, then his eye fell on a peculiar black case sitting on the floor at the end of the couch. Opening it, his human brows lifted in pleasant surprise, and human hands lifted out the small handgun and turned it over, examining it carefully.

"Nine millimeter Ruger," he remarked, expertly jacking the slide then ejecting the empty magazine. Gun still in hand, he half-turned to his companion, expression amused. "Your friend must care about you deeply, to leave weapons, too."

[eyarazrushost]

"Saints know I don't know how to use it. Nothing besides point and shoot," she replied ruefully. She unwound the scarf from around her neck and slipped off her knit hat. Her coat soon followed. She hung it all up on the coat tree right by the door. She was dressed in a long sleeved thermal and black jeans. She felt snug and warm. She saw him handling the gun with ease and familiarity.

"You know how to use it though," she said more as a statement than a question. Now that they were finally there, she felt unsure what to do with herself. All the energy seemed to drain out of her. Genya opted to sink down onto the couch. After a beat, she reached down to begin untying her boots. "We can go back into town later if we need fresh items. There was a little grocery store there."

[oftheshadow]

Again he shrugged, placing the gun back in its case. "I'm familiar with most man-made weapons, but I prefer my own. More reliable." And deadlier. "You should learn how to use it," he told her, indicating the case. "It may save your life."

He slid out of his jacket, hanging it near hers. Then turned to silently watch her unlace her boots. After a minute or so of silence, Aleksander said, "You should sleep. It's been long since you have." He knew she was exhausted; it was likely only the adrenaline keeping her awake now.

He'd spied a generator in a small shed out back, and the fireplace needed to be lit, but he could manage all of that. Power and heat were seconds and thirds to safety.

[eyarazrushost]

"Are you going to teach me?" came her wry answer.

Once her feet were free from their confines, she curled them underneath her on the couch. She slowly slipped onto her side with her head cling to rest on a throw pillow. She hadn't slept at all. Not even on the train. Her nerves and adrenaline had kept her going until now. Her eyelids were heavy. Genya curled up with a fist tucked beneath her chin.

"I'm just going to rest my eyes for a few minutes," she agreed. There was still much to do surely. They needed to settle and figure out what they needed. "Wake me in five minutes, okay?"

[oftheshadow]

"If you like."

He went to the hearth while she settled on the couch, stacking wood in the grate and coaxing it alight with a sprig of pine. Once the blaze was going nicely, he banked it so it would burn slowly, and rose to see his lovely companion all but snuggled on the couch. His mouth twitched.

"Five minutes," he agreed, knowing better.

And indeed, five minutes later she was fast asleep, relaxed and soft. Aleksander simply covered her with the quilt, gently tucking her in warmly. A second trek outdoors had him filling the generator with fuel and cranking it, making sure it was secure and would purr for the rest of the day. They'd save fuel if they only used the power when they needed it, which would require less trips down the mountain.

Then he skinned out of his clothing, shivering as he folded the garments and left them on the front porch, along with his boots, and a swirl of Darkness briefly covered the cabin. Out of it emerged the massive black wolf, stretching every leg and each toe to at last be back in his natural form. After a second nose-to-the-ground check of the cabin's exterior and a brief glance through the front window at his slumbering companion, he was off, disappearing into the trees to truly take the measure of this place.

[eyarazrushost]

Genya was sleep within moments. Sleep pulled her deep into its embrace. She slept dreamlessly at first. Her brain and body desperately needed the rest. While Aleksander explored the ground, she caught up on the sleep she needed after all the stress that had weighed her down.

But the peaceful sleep didn't last long. She slept a long while before dark dreams in whispered into her subconscious. She dreamt that she hadn't escaped at all. Instead, she was still trapped within the manor. She felt the bed dip form Lantsov's weight as his heavy body covered hers. His groping hands forcefully pried her thighs apart. His putrid breath overwhelmed her. It was sour with alcohol as it choked her.

Genya fitfully fought against the quilt. She struggled on the couch until she screamed herself awake in a panic.

[oftheshadow]

He was on his way back to the cabin, having scouted a wide circumference of the surrounding area, when her voice reached his ears. Unpleasantly. Without hesitation the giant wolf broke into a surging run, ears flat against his head as he galloped through the thick trees.

Immediate thoughts of her being captured - and worse - by the old man's henchmen rippled his lips in a dark snarl, but the closer he came, the more puzzled he was, because he neither saw nor smelled anything out of the ordinary, but Genya's screeches were klaxons in his sensitive, sharp ears.

He burst from the trees, saw nothing, but put his furred shoulder to the door and forced it open, immediately spying his companion upright on the couch, panicked and afraid. At her side in an instant, he put his head against her chest and tried to reach her terrified mind with his voice, soothing and calm.

I'm here, I'm here, he repeated over and over. You're safe, you're safe. I'm here, I'm here...

[eyarazrushost]

Genya's eyes were unseeing. She still felt the phantom hands molesting her. She felt the old man all over her skin. She felt dirty and worthless and used up. Tears streamed down her cheeks. She'd was tangled in the quilt, but the sudden solid press of fur and muscle didn't make her feel more panic. He smelled clean. Like evergreen and fresh snow.

Her arms wrapped around his neck. She buried her face against him as she sobbed brokenly. He moored her back to the present.

"Aleksander," she choked out. His voice was in her head again. He wrapped her up in his protection and comfort. "I thought-- I thought--"

[oftheshadow]

Soft, warm Shadow fell over her like a silken blanket, obscuring both the woman and the wolf from view. Genya clung to him, her small fists tight in soft fur, but he didn't pull away. Without dislodging her grip, the huge wolf climbed up onto the couch beside her, half-draping his heavy bulk across her smaller frame. Shielded, protected.

It's all right, he continued to soothe her. He can't find you now. You're wrapped in the Darkness, safe with me. He'll never touch you again. I swear it. He nuzzled his nose beneath her chin, letting her feel his tangible weight. I have you. You're safe. You're safe with me.

[eyarazrushost]

Slowly, her breathing and pulse settled. She held on to him just as fiercely because she was reluctant to let go. He made her feel sheltered. Like Lantsov couldn't touch her as long as he was close. The rational part of her knew the danger of growing codependent on him. He was a wild thing that was meant to be free. He didn't need her baggage burdened upon him, no matter how strong he was.

She stroked along his fur to self soothe. She released a shuddering breath. His nose was wet when he nuzzled her. It made her gasp out a laugh. Genya pulled back and wiped away her tears. She gave him a sheepish look.

"I got your fur all wet," she said apologetically. They were shrouded in darkness, but it didn't frighten her. "You said it takes forever to dry. I'm sorry."