Deadlier Than The Male – Serialised Exclusively For Steemit

Wolves abandon the War of the Roses, an Execution of a Throwback, Accusation of infidelity, Complexities of Wolf Society and more trouble than you can shake a stick at…

When the hunting party arrived at Elizabeth’s villa, satisfied from their kills, they found Anton, Darius and Nichasin enjoying lewd conversation, which ceased as soon as the ladies appeared. Nichasin stood in order to greet Hazel but was made wary by her attitude and held back. Instead, Nichasin pulled out a chair for Elizabeth and then one for Hazel, and then went to shake Luke’s hand.

“Nichasin; this is another great friend of mine, and almost brother to Darius whom you have already met; Luke.” Anton stood to clap Luke on the back and continued: “We are no wiser as to your visit here, Luke; Darius has been skirting the issue magnificently. Will you enlighten us?”

“Of course, once I have washed down my meal.” He poured Hazel and Elizabeth a cup of wine, then sat and poured one for himself. “The war, as I told Elizabeth, has been abandoned by us. We have left the Humes to battle it out amongst themselves.”

Anton looked surprised at the news, but did not interrupt. Darius smiled at Nichasin as he refilled Nichasin’s cup and then poured Anton more wine too

“We had heard there were plans afoot to dispose of our armies. It appears someone has given the Humes the secrets we cherish and keep so close for the sake of our survival. Silver was being used in the manufacture of arrowheads and pikes. Anton, would you please show your silver scar?” Luke asked.

Anton appeared taken aback, but did as he was bidden and stood away from the table. He pulled down his breeches on his left side, twisting further around so as to put light onto the scar. The flesh on Anton’s thigh was ruined. It melted around a defined knife-shape. It looked very much as though an ice-cold knife had been placed onto a slab of wax, and that it had protected a small part of it, but the surrounding area looked to have been subjected to intense heat that had melted skin, flesh and tissue to such an extent that flesh resembled a melted candle.

“If the knife was laid upon your flesh, how is it that it is the surrounding flesh that is destroyed?” Hazel asked.

“The knife was not put onto my flesh; it was put into my flesh. The clear knife mark that you see is where it went in; I had to remove the knife myself, for as you see, the destruction was spreading. This is where I was damaged on my hand.” Anton held open his right hand and the imprint of a handle was faintly etched across the palm and fingers. “The handle was only decorated with silver, which is why I was not so badly damaged on my hand. Silver is destructive to us, never forget it.”

Luke nodded his thanks as Anton sat. “The carnage that was wrought when our Wolf army was set upon not only by enemies, but also by comrades was horrific. Oscar, Darius and I knew in advance about this, but we had to sacrifice the majority of our army in order for the ruling classes to believe we are wiped out completely. For if they once believe we are not, then the onslaught will begin again and more throwback Hunters will be sought and employed, as in the old days. That is why we have come to join you, to escort you in your pilgrimage to Rome, Hazel.”

“But how did the Humes find out about our secrets?” Elizabeth asked.

“We were betrayed, lady.” Darius spoke for the first time. “She was well-rewarded for her efforts however. She was put to death, portrayed as the last wolf to survive in England. They chased her mercilessly so I am told; Oscar got word of her demise. He was extremely interested in what became of the traitorous bitch. The conniving turncoat was hiding with a pack of wolves and when they were all killed under the directive that goes back to Edward I, she was caught up along with them. They captured her, encouraged her to change to Wolf and then set her loose with a silver collar on. Her pelt as she was wolf protected her skin from the silver, but if she were to change back from Wolf, the silver would have immediately touched skin. She was hounded to the sea, which is poetic justice as we have fled across the sea, scattered in many directions. Oscar and Victoria have gone adventuring to find this ‘New World’ we hear tell about. But I digress, the traitor was slain at Cumbria, an arduous journey at the best of times, but with huntsmen and hounds chasing, it must have been terrifying for her.”

“Darius, it is beginning to sound as though you have some compassion after all.” Hazel said.

“Not at all, I am revelling in appreciation for the misery she deserved and was dealt. As you know Hazel my dear, I feel that everyone should get what they deserve, eventually.” Darius’s smile was coloured with animosity.

“I could not agree more.” Anton said, Darius looked to Anton then back to Hazel, if he was wondering whether Hazel had told of his attack, he did not show it, for he was calm and collected, ever the gentleman in the presence of others, charming to a fault and Hazel hated him.

“How did you discover that I was on my way to Rome? No one knew that.” Hazel said catching them by surprise.

Darius and Luke exchanged glances, which was not missed by Hazel.

“You are lying! You didn’t follow me to join me. You were hunting me and since you have found out that we are travelling to Rome, you now find that convenient for you. Am I correct?”

Nichasin spoke then, “You are. Darius met with Anton and me as we hunted after the party. We got to talk and as Anton knew him so well, and as I had imbibed at the party, I am afraid I told him of our plans. I suppose that Darius then went to find Luke and told him that he had found your hiding place and what our plans were.” Nichasin hung his head, ashamed.

“So, I travel for months, in constant danger of being found by Phillipe’s sycophants, we continually avoid contact with other Wolves for exactly this reason and the first contact you make with Wolf kind, YOU tell everything you know! And Darius complains of traitorous bitches?” Hazel yelled. “I hope for both our sakes, you did not tell everything, you fool.”

“He did not, Hazel. I did try to prevent him talking, but as he admitted, he has been drinking and was full of exuberance at the fact that we had met with another Wolf, one that I so obviously trust. Don’t blame Nichasin completely.”

“Of course I will not blame him completely; I can also blame my husband and his friend for even following me. Did you not wonder as to why I had left? Or did you assume that after such a time I would have calmed down and you would be free to forgive me?” Hazel turned and stormed out of the room, up the stairs to her bedchamber. She did not see the dismayed look on Nichasin’s face, as realisation sunk in that one of these Wolves he had befriended would have been the end of him if that part of their tale had slipped out.

An argument was left in her wake. Luke began with: “What does that mean? What is it that she so desperately does not want me to know?”

Nichasin answered: “I have told you all you need to know. I have betrayed Hazel’s trust and my lips are sealed, it is too late, I realise, but that is an end.”

“Listen, LISTEN!” Elizabeth had to shout to make her voice heard. “Hazel is on the roof, she is going out. Someone follow her!”

Nichasin changed fast, but Darius and Luke were faster, changed, out of their clothes and the house before Nichasin. But Nichasin had an advantage; he thought he knew where she would go in this mood. He set off out of the back and towards the expansive Villa where a party would still be taking place.

Elizabeth and Anton also changed and followed Nichasin. They soon caught him up and were dodging through deserted streets, snapping at stray dogs but being careful to keep away from Hume eyes. At the road leading up to the villa, they took a roundabout way to the back of the property. Belafanta and Encresciuta were indeed affluent for they could afford a house in the most prestigious part of town, as well as having a glorious view from the rear of the property onto open countryside. The obligatory high walls protected them, unless of course, the intruders were werewolves. The Wolves scrambled to the top of the wall to look down on the party, which had spread from the confines of the balmy house, outside into the cooler night.

Anton spotted Santi, still plagued by the hostesses; he was now naked and bound by his wrists to what can only be described as a purpose-built rack, disguised as a day bed. The Wolves atop the wall chuckled to themselves but remembered the reason they were here.

Nichasin saw Hazel, creeping through the hedged garden close to where the fishwife had accosted him. The seat, where Elizabeth had been comforting him, had an occupant, a male sitting quiet but he was looking towards where Nichasin had seen Hazel – it was Stephan. Nichasin’s guess had been correct; Hazel had come for her prey.

“This is not right; she should not carry out the duty of Sentinel in anger.” Anton whispered to himself.

“I don’t think Stephan has seen her. Ah and that is why, look.” Elizabeth pointed to Stephan.

Anton manoeuvred his body across the top of the wall a little in order to get a better vantage point. He soon saw what Elizabeth had pointed at. Stephan was not looking towards where Hazel had been, he was looking at something entirely different. He was masturbating whilst watching two of the attendants indulging in their own gratification.

“As Belafanta and Encresciuta’s guest, surely he would have been told to avail himself of every service on offer?” Nichasin asked, perplexed.

“Of course he would have been. They would have pampered him mercilessly if I know those two. Lecherous they may be, but generous hostesses they most definitely are. I did believe the man was deranged and I think that proves it.” Elizabeth said.

They saw Hazel at the same time as Stephan did. She walked towards him, naked and splendid, her skin glistening in the moonlight. Stephan stopped what he was doing to himself in surprise and he sat waiting for Hazel to reach him.

The Wolves dismounted the wall and loped closer to the hunter and her prey. The voyeur was now centre-stage although he did not know it. Nichasin moved over to where the attendants had been making love, he changed to Hume as he went and ushered them away from the garden with threats to tell their mistress. The pair fled in embarrassment and Nichasin rejoined Elizabeth and Anton.

“Hazel, you have overcome the beast. I knew you would come to me eventually. I was disappointed when I was told you had been to this party and had already left. I am so glad that you came back my love. We will overcome your inner-beast together and then Elizabeth will join us.” He enthused, lifting his good arm towards her.

“Stephan, what were you doing to yourself?” Hazel asked.

“I...” He looked down to his lap; his erection had not deflated any at the distraction of Hazel’s arrival and he had neither the sense nor modesty to cover it. “I was awaiting you Hazel. We will consummate our unity and your victory over your unnatural desires.” He held up his arm again as though to embrace Hazel and surprising the watchers, she bent forward in a slow and tantalising reach towards him.

She straightened suddenly as another figure emerged from the darkness, growling deep in his throat, Luke had arrived in time to see what he thought was his wife’s infidelity.

“This is what Nichasin should have told me is it?” Luke’s voice was heavier than usual, deepened by his restrained anger.

“Go away from me Luke. It is not as you would think.” Hazel said.

“I am sure it is not, two naked Wolves. No, I was mistaken, one naked wolf and a naked throwback. If it is not as it seems, Hazel, explain it to me now!”

“I will not! I have no need to explain anything to you. This is gone beyond you and I.”

Stephan’s attention was flicking between the two, his bewilderment evident, his erection had deflated and he was frightened by the presence of Wolves. But his curiosity got the better of him and instead of keeping silent, he asked: “How are you human if as this man says, you are still Wolf?”

“Man? I have not been a man for longer than I can remember, you throwback, do not insult me twice in one night!” Luke snarled, his Wolf features merging with human and melting back and forth. “You think to make love to my wife?” Luke was just reaching out his arm in order to take Stephan by the throat when his attention was diverted by Anton’s shout.

“Luke! Do not interfere. This is none of your affair.”

“I see that it is not my affair, but my wife’s. Yet that is indeed my business, I will not be cuckolded, especially not by a throwback.” Luke snarled.

“I repeat, Luke, this is not your business. Hazel is here as Sentinel in order to benefit our culture.” Anton reached Luke and pulled him away.

Luke jerked out of Anton’s grasp and made to return to Stephan, but he was too late. Hazel had again approached Stephan and taking him by surprise as he was distracted by Luke and Anton’s argument, she had ripped her teeth across his throat and he was struggling to stem the flow of blood as she leaned close to him, almost in intimacy. The sling that held his broken arm was soon dark with his blood, shining black in the moonlight.

Speaking quietly to him, she sat next to him, supporting his body as she said, “Stephan, you were almost one of us. Your mother was a Wolf, your father a Hume – human. It was ever meant that you be destroyed or would have been an end to some of us. I could not allow that to happen to us. Please believe me; I did not do this out of malice or revenge. I did this because you could have been a powerful enemy to us and we must kill or be killed. You were the greatest threat to our existence that I have yet come across, only by ending your life could I assure our own continuation. Please nod that you understand, give me at least some forgiveness.”

As Stephan nodded, Hazel grasped his body to her; his blood flowed over her chest and onto her lap. Stephan’s eyes looked up into hers and a tear brimmed at her eye and overflowed to drop onto his lower eyelid, but he did not flinch for his eyes had glazed over and he was dead.

Arrgh! Forgot! Images from Pixabay