*Sneaks into the room. Slides a chapter over the desk. Runs away with a shield to protect her.*

Promise the next chapter will contain heat between our two wolves

Chapter 8

A cool, night breeze blew through the pack grounds, rustling the trees. The forest seemed to be breathing as they rocked, their branches pulsing like a heartbeat. Hermione closed her eyes and relaxed her senses, opening up to everything around her.

A deer stalked deep in the forest, pausing to listen, his head weighted down with massive, curving antlers. On the other side of the pack grounds, among the forest trees, an owl was scanning with his bulbous eyes, watching for any sign of prey. The clear rush of the nearby river broke through the relative silence of night.

With a contented sigh, Hermione turned her senses closer. Four sets of paws padded around the clearing, guards watching their pack protectively. A smirk pulled at her lips when her ears picked up heavy breathing and moans coming from one of the cabins. With a shake of her head she turned to something else. In another cabin, a shewolf sang quietly to a whimpering baby, quietly lulling the child to sleep.

Opening her eyes, the brunnette tilted her head back, baring her neck while she gazed up at the sky. The break in foliage revealed the wide expanse of the night sky, stars blinking lazily at each other. The moon was a sliver of a smile, grinning down at the earth below. Splashes of dark purple and streams of silvery light broke the vast darkness, creating a breathtaking painting.

Hermione's heart tugged. She had a sudden need to lean back against Fenrir's chest, to settle herself against his body as they gazed upwards. But he wasn't there. It was only Hermione, the forest, and the grinning moon.

After Hermione's meeting with Lord Voldemort, the Dark Lord began questioning Fenrir's loyalty. To determine his stance, Voldemort had ordered Fenrir on a lengthy mission. For nearly two weeks the notorious werewolf had been scouting and recruiting to banish the Dark Lord's suspicions.

Though she was still accepting her role as mate, Hermione had found herself longing for the massive man. There were moments, such as now, when she would imagine them together, his arms wrapped around her, their bodies pressed together.

Hermione squeezed her eyes shut and took a deep breath, trying to calm her ache. Her hands began shaking harder in her lap. Even after two weeks, Hermione's body still quivered with the after effects of her torture. Her hands shook constantly. When she became stressed the rest of her body would being quaking.

Hermione tensed as her ears picked up approaching footsteps.

"It's just me," a gentle, accented voice rumbled. The shewolf relaxed as Joshua approached carefully. Even though she trusted him, his quick eyes caught the way she tilted her head to better listen. Her encounter had left her jumpy and alert.

Joshua rested a warm hand on Hermione's shoulder, settling himself on the mound next to her.

Unconsciously, the witch leaned towards his body. Joshua's green gaze took in every little movement; the way her hands shook, her tense back, her shifting eyes. When Hermione finally turned towards him he gave a small smile. Her eyes narrowed. "Your eyes are old again. Did you read me?"

The mahogany haired werewolf wiggled his eyebrows, shifting to a more comfortable position. "Maybe - but," he quickly continued at Hermione's snort of annoyance, "there's a reason."

Lifting a graceful hand, the young wolf grasped her chin, turning Hermione so their gazes locked. His eyes softened, a sad smile on his lips. "You were tortured for protecting those you love. Then your mate was called away while you recover. You realize it was all intentional? The Dark Lord called him away because it left you to heal on your own, without the one person you need."

Joshua's free hand lifted to brush a curl behind her ear. His gaze followed the motion, watching as the wild curl bent to curve around Hermione's ear. A heavy sigh escaped the young woman. She leaned into his hand as her eyes squeezed shut.

"We've only known each other for two weeks, most of that time spent fighting each other! But..." she drifted off sadly.

Joshua chuckled quietly. "You want him here with you." In his usual way, Joshua stated it as a fact rather than a question.

Hermione nodded against his hand. "I need him here. It hurts," she pressed her fingers against the curve of her breastbone. Her features hardened and she huffed out a breath. "I hate it, I hate that I crave someone. That I can't be fine by myself." Joshua's hands fell away as she threw her arms to the sky. "I survived Bellatrix carving into my arm and torturing me without him!! Why, in Merlin's name, do I need him now?!"

Tears of frustration and longing filled her eyes. She tried to furiously rub them away but they fell down her cheeks, driping onto the ground to mix with the earth.

Joshua sighed and turned his head upwards, curious green eyes fixating on the dance of the stars. "There is a time to be brave and a time to lean on someone else." He closed his eyes and his voice took on a low lilt, almost like someone else was talking through his voice. "You have been the brave one for years. You have been the column others lean against. The past several years have been the hardest; trying to balance your education and saving the world. Being the strong one while being the most attacked. Worrying about others while seemingly no one worried about you. It seemed as though no one could see past the plan, no one was watching the damage their own drive was causing others."

Joshua opened his eyes. A sadness glinted deep within the glowing gaze. "Then the world seemed to end." His voice echoed as the two voices grew in strength. "In fear people reveal the ugliest side of themselves. For you those whom you had been strong for, turned their back. They were ripped away and you were left alone, torn apart in a world you no longer recognized."

The two voices gave a soft laugh and their tone lightened. "That's where you were found, by someone who could be strong for you, who could let you break down before helping you back to your feet. Just as you were beginning to recognize that, you were brought to the slaughter house."

Joshua's head lowered from the sky before turning to meet Hermione's gaze. His eyes were glowing green, odd grey streaks circling close to the iris. "You needed strength and assurance from someone you trusted. Someone that would stitch you back together. But the Dark Lord knew that so he made sure it didn't happen."

Reaching forward, the young man grasped Hermione's hands in his. "When Fenrir returns, don't hold yourself back. Embrace the weakness, let him support your weight. This is the time to lean, to rest against someone else instead of your own strength."

Hermione had let the tears stream down her cheeks long ago. Silvery streaks revealed the trails her tears had taken before dropping to the ground. Joshua smiled tenderly. Leaning forward, he pressed his lips to her forehead, lingering for a long moment before pulling away.

Hermione chuckled quietly. "You know, you're a bit scary when you do that."

Joshua opened his mouth to reply but the air changed. Hermione's body tensed suddenly as the air sparked with magic milliseconds before the crack of apperition sounded. Joshua lept to his feet to face the massive, muscled figure stumbling towards them.

The scent of sweat and blood was overpowering but another familiar perfume set Hermione's heart pounding. The crisp smell of forest mixed with the husky caress of masculinity. A whimper pulled from Hermione's lips as she launched herself at the figure.

The man had barely enough time to react before Hermione lept into his arms. Her limbs wrapped around his neck and waist, her face burying into his neck. Thick, warm arms encased her back, caging her trembling body against his chest.

"I'm here baby, I'm here." His deep, smooth as bourbon voice soothed down her body. Hermione wasn't sure when she had begun sobbing but her tears soaked into Fenrir's ripped flannel, her hiccups muffled against his shoulder. One of his massive hands lifted to press against the back of her head. His body began swaying back and forth as he murmured gentle nothings in her ear.

A soft chuckling sounded as footsteps approached. "Seems you've been missed Alpha."

Fenrir turned towards the young man. "How have things been?" He beckoned with his chin to the young woman in his arms. "Has everything healed up?"

Joshua shrugged. "The remedy Mr. Longbottom gave us did the trick. It's still a bit tender but that is to be expected."

Hermione calmed herself enough to look up from her mate's shoulder. She arched an eyebrow at the curious werewolf next to the couple. "You can call him Neville, Joshua." She scrunched her nose. "Mr. Longbottom makes him sound like he's seventy years old."

Fenrir chuckled and pressed his lips to his mate's temple, breathing deeply as he let her being wash over and calm his still shaking nerves.

Hermione smiled, turning to press a kiss between his eyes. The werewolf nuzzled against Hermione's neck, pressing a kiss underneath her jaw, before turning back to Joshua. "Thank you Joshua. I'll brief the pack after I've rested."

Joshua bowed his head, sent Hermione a comforting look, then turned towards the forest. His body slid among the trees, disappearing from view as he resumed his shift.

Fenrir shook his head as the fellow werewolf disappeared. "Sometimes that wolf unnerves me."

Hermione laughed. "I told him something similar just before you arrived." The two werewolves were silent for a moment, the cool darkness soothing their nerves as they embraced each other.

Hermione suddenly turned to the dark haired werewolf. Sliding her hands into his long, black locks, Hermione pulled the man into a deep kiss. The Alpha growled hungrily against her lips but Hermione pulled away, nipping his bottom lip as she did. "I missed you Fen."

Fenrir pulled back from her, his eyes quickly soaking in the details of her face. Her features softened as she watched him but he could see the exhaustion weighing her body down. Dark circles hollowed her vibrant eyes, her cheeks held the shadow of nights spent awake. Her body sagged against his chest with weariness.

"I've missed you too. Let's head home, beauty." With that, Fenrir began moving towards his cabin, Hermione wrapped in his hold.

Fenrir rumbled happily as he stepped into his cabin. Her scent filled his nostrils, wild, brisk, and comforting. Walking to the bed, Fenrir lowered his mate onto the mattress. A whimper escaped her lips when he pulled away. He chuckled and leaned back to press a kiss to her pouting lips.

"I'm just taking some layers off, baby." She nodded, turning to settle herself among the furs. Fenrir quickly stripped out of his shoes, socks and flannel. Turning back to the bed, he slid behind Hermione, pressing his chest to her back.

A quiet noise escaped Hermione's throat as she leaned back against his chest. "These two weeks have been horrible." She paused to gather herself. "I needed you here. And that horrid, vile-!"

"Easy babe," Fenrir soothed, brushing his fingertips up and down her arms. His lips turned down as he felt the tremors underneath her skin. "He's still the one in power right now. Don't do anything that could upset him."

She snorted. "Yeah like me being alive hasn't already done that."

Fenrir flinched. He knew that Hermione's words were an unconscious cry of pain. Most people would have asked her to explain in an attempt to help her. But the Alpha had a gut feeling that Hermione was not one who would appreciate people using her vulnerability. Instead Fenrir took note of her words and moved to distract her.

The werewolf wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling Hermione into his body before laying them both down onto the bed. Fenrir tucked his face against Hermione's neck, nuzzling and pressing open-mouthed kisses to her skin.

"Don't place your worth on what that monster says. You are so much more than your blood or your heritage. You are strong," he pressed another kiss to the column of her neck. "Fierce," another kiss. "Loyal," Fenrir gently scraped his teeth across her skin.

Hermione's breathing and heartbeat picked up as she arched at his touch. "Fenrir," she murmured.

Fenrir grinned against her skin. "There is nothing I would change." He paused, "Except maybe helping you become a little more...experienced." He bit down on her shoulder. Hermione growled, arching her arse into his hips.

The man groaned, pushing one of his legs between Hermione's. He rumbled against her shoulder when her leg bent to wrap around his leg. His grip tightened on her hip. The werewolf began kissing up her neck again. Hermione's breath hitched when one of Fenrir's kisses turned into a nip. His tongue rolled against the skin as he pulled gently. A soft moan left Hermione's throat. Releasing the skin, Fenrir began kissing and sucking on it possessively.

After pulling another soft moan from the shewolf, Fenrir retreated, tucking Hermione underneath his chin and closing his eyes. Hermione growled low in her throat, shifting her legs as the rich, enticing smell of her arousal hit Fenrir's nose. The werewolf chuckled, the vibrations of it seeping into Hermione's body.

"I'll get you back for this," she muttered.

"I can't wait for that," he cheekily responded.

Fenrir woke the next morning to an empty bed. Sitting up, Fenrir's eyes fell on the open cabin door. In the frame of the door sat Hermione, knees pulled up, feet resting against one side of the door frame while her back leaned against the other. Her head was bent over her lap. Long, wild curls fell over her shoulders from the lopsided bun at the top of her head. A book lay open in her lap, the cover lovingly held in her slim, graceful hands.

Fenrir chuckled, the sound low and husky from sleep. "Only you would find a book out in the forest."

Hermione smiled and stood from her spot, carefully marking her page before closing the cover. Making her way to the bed, Hermione pressed a kiss between his eyes. The April blue orbs closed blissfully.

"Good morning sleepyhead." When she pulled back she scrunched her nose and shook her head. "You smell fresh as a corpse this morning."

Fenrir smirked, his eyes catching and noting the little freckles splashed across the bridge of his mate's nose. "Yes, well that's what happens when someone's been gone two weeks, hiding among werewolf packs without a second to bathe."

Hermione shuttered dramatically. "Well there's a river that is calling your name." She turned away but Fenrir hooked her hips, pulling her down onto his lap.

She squeaked at the sudden motion. The sound quickly turned to a quiet giggle when the werewolf buried his nose against her neck, tickling and pressing kisses to her skin.

He gently nipped her jaw before laying his chin on her shoulder. "I'll go if you come with me."

Turning her head to face the man she arched a brow, lips scrunching to hide a smirk. "And why would that be?"

Fenrir pressed a kiss to her scrunched lips, smoothing them against his mouth. The corner of his lip quirked up as he pulled back. "Because I like having you around."

Hermione's eyes scanned his face for a moment before she seemed to melt slightly. Her body relaxed against his. Cupping his jaw she pressed a sweet kiss to his eager lips.

Fenrir leaned his forehead against hers. "Besides," he rumbled. "It'll be fun to show off my mark."

The brunette pulled away with a frown. "What mark?" At the wolfish grin on Fenrir's face Hermione's hand flew to her neck. Leaping from Fenrir's lap she ran to the small, smudged mirror hanging on a wall.

Shocked silence followed at the revelation. Fenrir heaved his aching body from the bed, strolling to wrap his arms around his frozen mate's waist. "So what do you think? I find it quite..." he nipped at her ear, sending a shiver through the witch. "Arousing."

Hermione smacked her hand against his shoulder. "You certainly made sure I couldn't hide it." She brushed her finger tips across the hickey painted along the column of her neck.

A rumbling chuckle vibrated from the man behind her. He turned his lips to the hollow beneath her ear and behind her jaw. "Perhaps I should give you another?"

Titling her head, Hermione twisted in his arms so they faced each other. April blue eyes narrowed at the wicked glint in his mate's eyes. Her fingers drifted up his chest, fisting the fabric at his sternum. With a jerk, Hermione pulled Fenrir's chest down until their eyes were level. "Or I could give you your own." Her voice had gone low and velvety. It was a seductive purr breezing over Fenrir's lips.

He growled in lust as Hermione's mouth moved to his jaw. She nipped against his jawline, gently rolling the skin between her teeth to leave a red mark against the bone.

With a little chuckle the shewolf pulled back and smirked. "Bath time, yeah?" With a wink, she spun on her toes and strutted from the cabin, leaving a stunned and lusty wolf behind.

Shaking to clear his head, Fenrir quickly moved to follow his mate. His eyes fixed on the way her hips swayed, the inward curve of her waist, and the long, strong legs carrying his mate into the forest.

Her wild curls were still pulled up into a messy bun, stubborn stray locks framing her face. A smirk tugged at his lips at the clear mark along the column of her neck. He loved seeing the lovebite, to know that everyone could see it and know that she was tied to someone. It sent a shiver of lust though him. He ached to mark more of her body, perhaps her hipbone, the dip of her collarbone, her shoulder blade...

A laugh shook him from his daydreams. Landon leaned against a tree on the edge of the forest, arms crossed over his chest. His cheeks were practically exploding with his grin. "If you keep watching her like that she might burst into flames!"

Fenrir rubbed his hand over his face. "I've been gone for two weeks, I've only been around her a week, and yet..." He shook his head, dark locks swinging.

Landon pushed off his tree and clapped a hand onto Fenrir's shoulder. "It's called having a mate." He winked as he backed away. "It the best thing in the world."