Chapter 8

THE AWAKENING

I awoke from a restful, dreamless sleep feeling better than I had in years. It was light outside and a beautiful day. I remembered Steve was in the same motel and rose to see first hand what my friend had brought to the party.

I started for the office to confirm the idea that he would park in front of his own door when the answer came to me. A beautiful blonde left the room in front of his bike. It was deja-vu a moment later when she came out again. I put one and one together and came up with Steve. I didn't need the office to find him after that and went directly to his door.

I knocked and waited only a moment before Steve stood in the doorway. We stood there for a moment, each waiting for the other to speak first.

"Are you going to ask me in?", I asked.

"If we're going to fight, I'd rather do it in the parking lot.", he said without conviction.

"We both know if there was going to be a fight it would already be over.", I replied.

"True, but it never hurts as much to ask, does it?", Steve said smiling.

"It's been a strange couple of days amigo. At this point some normal company would be a nice change of pace.", I answered and smiled, holding out my hand.

Steve took it and we embraced as friends with to much past to be unhappy to see the other alive. We went into his room and sat at the table while he explained Lori's general opinion of me. I told him I had already had an idea about the game she was playing. But it was good to know for certain. We cleared the air and began talking about the strange events of the past evening.

"It's odd that you mention biting and blood tasting. I just met two girls that were strange enough without the werewolf bullshit added to their list of quirks."

"Do you think there's a chance of it, or have we run into a nest of nuts?", I asked.

"I would take it seriously, until we know for sure they're nuts.", Steve cautioned.

"That's ok, but how do you find out about this sort of thing?", I asked.

"The twins said you would know the truth."

I thought for a few moments before deciding the best route was a direct one. We had to return to the haven and approach Jack, asking for proof. That would determine our next move. We had lived from one moment to the next before. It felt good to have someone there for backup again, for both of us.

Once outside we decided to stop for breakfast at the diner Steve had visited the night before. He wanted to introduce me to a waitress he had met.

I asked," Does she have a sister?"

Steve smiled and said," Yes, maybe you'll get to meet both of them."

We were disappointed at the diner. Rachel wasn't there and the food was lousy. We mounted up and left to return to Jack's ranch. There would be answers or we would be the butt of a huge joke. Either way we would be sure and out of there before dark.

Steve fell-in beside me as we casually rode to the ranch. It was a beautiful day and I felt great. It seemed that my bike was handling better than usual as I easily dodged a jackrabbit that skittered into my path. The wind in my face was full of fragrances I had missed the night before.

As we rode I became more aware of everything. I felt in tune with nature, my bike, the road, the wind,... everything. I saw animals in the brush along the road that I shouldn't have. I felt a confidant power come over me as I traveled toward what was becoming an unnecessary meeting. The truth was coming to me in waves.

Before we arrived at the turnoff to the haven I had shed any doubt. I was changed and I knew it in my heart and soul. It was clear to me that the haven was just what I had been told it was. A colony of werewolves posing as bikers.

I stopped at the turn-off to Jack's house laughing out loud. Steve stopped along side me and looked at me uncertainly.

I said to him," It's true. We don't have to go further.", and began laughing again.

Steve asked, " So what's so damn funny about that."

"I was just thinking. They're werewolves posing as bikers. Then I relized, so are we.", I said as I laughed at the irony. "Guys like us."

Steve got it, and as simply as that, we accepted the truth.

We continued to Jack's ranch to introduce Steve to the man who had changed our lives. Besides, I felt up to a return engagement with Tera and the rest of the girls. We concluded the twins had to be somewhere, and that it was a good bet they would be with their own kind.

We arrived at the haven shortly and knew we were right. The place was crawling with people. If people is the right word. My senses were keener than ever as we pulled into the drive. I felt at home as I led Steve through the gate and to the back entrance of Jack's home.

Tera ran to greet me and whispered that she felt that she was pregnant and that Robin had confirmed her belief. The twins were there, nude sunbathing and rolled over to flash Steve two identical smiles and four perfect tits.

"I have to see a man about a wolf.", he said. They laughed and returned to sunning themselves. We entered the house and found Jack sitting at the bar with a beer in his hand and two more beside him.

"We heard you turn off the road. Have a seat. I'll bet you have some questions.", he said.

Steve and I joined him at the bar and after tasting the cold draft told him of our acceptance of the truth.

"How did all this begin? How much of the legends are true? What's bullshit?", I fired off quickly.

"There's more bullshit than truth.", he started, "It began before I can remember. I was born this way. The same way Tera will bare her child."

"You mean she really is pregnant?', I asked. "How can she know since yesterday?"

Jack answered many questions before they had been asked," Yes, but you aren't responsible for anything more than being a sperm donor. She will make no demands. She doesn't need anything. She has plenty of money and a very nice home. The child will be cared for by all of us as an extended family. He will be loved and protected."

"You say ' he ' .", I asked.

Jack pointed to Robin and said," If you can believe her?"

"O.K. I'll accept it for now. Now sort the bullshit from the truth.", I continued.

Jack stated what I already knew from experience. The heightened senses were the first thing. Secondly, the regenerative power of our bodies healing was not as obvious. He pointed to my wounded side and told me I could remove the stitches.

I opened my shirt and removed the bandage to see stitches with no trace of a scar between them. It looked as if someone had just put them there for looks. I was convinced of the healing.

"Can we be hurt or killed?", I asked.

"Yes, you can be hurt, it varies with some, but you will recover almost instantly once the transformation is complete. You can also be killed but only by near total destruction of your body by fire, or by some extreme mutilation, like being tossed into a wood chipper. You are not immortal, but you will live a long time and be very hard to kill.", he said.

"What about a silver bullet?", I asked, hoping he would tell me what I wanted to hear.

"It's bullshit.", he said smiling," You're drinking one now. How do you feel?"

"Pretty damn good.", I said with certainty.

"I have been wondering about something. What do you do for a living?", Jack asked.

"I work for a insurance company.", I half lied.

"Bullshit.", Jack said flatly," I know a predator when I see one, and right now I'm looking at two."

It has never been wise to tell anyone I hunt men for a living. Telling a werewolf might be even worse. I thought about it for a moment and decided to broach the subject slowly.

"Jack, what I do might offend some people, and I don't want to piss you guys off. You have been very good to me and I don't want to jeopardize that.", I said.

"You don't have to hint around about it. I know you are a good man. I'm going to guess you are either a cop or some sort of PI or the sort of thing where you have to find people. You are generally speaking, a hunter of men.", Jack guessed.

"True, but only some men. And right now I'm only looking for answers.", I said in my defense.

"Most of us here are hunters of some sort.", he said, almost whispering, "You're a bountyhunter, aren't you?"

"Like I said, I'm not hunting anything today, but answers.", I reaffirmed.

Jack almost busted a gut laughing so hard. He was drawing attention from a crowd of people that had started to gather around waiting for the punch line to be retold.

"Hey, our new friends here are bountyhunters.", Jack blurted out to the crowd.

They reacted in similar fashion. They laughed. I didn't get the joke.

"You guys are something else.", he said," I'm the local Sheriff, and David and Jim are two of my Deputies. Almost everyone here is involved in law enforcement in one way or another."

"No offence, but I thought you guys were thugs.", I said almost ashamed.

"Well, we almost are."

"No shit, and for the record, we prefer the term Bond Enforcement Agent.", I said trying to recover some pride.

"Call yourself whatever you want. You just caught a break that will make your life easier and much less dangerous. With your gifts I wouldn't want to be on the ten most wanted.", Jack said and then raised his glass to invite the others to join us and introduce themselves.

The ensuing line of guests and friends that greeted us was impressive. We met all four of Jack's Deputies. Their wives or girlfriends filed past with them. We greeted Private Detectives, INS Officers, a Parole Officer, and one professional wrestler. The party continued through the afternoon and into the evening. We talked with and asked questions of everyone there. We wanted to know more about our new lives.

As evening turned into night the party kicked into high gear. It was in honor of our turning. A birthday party for grown men who had been reborn into a new life. The ramifications of which we were only beginning to be understood. We were comparing notes when two beautiful blondes came in and stood naked before us.

The twins greeted me by kissing both my cheeks at once. They greeted Steve by nearly eating his face. They were really glad to see him and immediately took an arm apiece and were his escorts from that moment on. They drew him along as they disappeared into the crowd. I spent the next half hour looking for Tera.

I weaved through the crowd going to the back yard where it was less crowded. Nikki spotted me and came over to give me a hug and a kiss.

"Welcome back.", she said.

"I'm looking for Tera. Do you know where I can find her?"

"She was walking towards the barn a few minutes ago. She was alone and I know she wanted to see you too.", Nikki said and nudged me in the direction I was to go.

I headed in the direction Nikki had indicated with a great deal of anticipation. The thought of having Tera all to myself was very appealing. I found myself on a path in the dark guided by instinct and heightened senses to what I knew was a woman who wanted me.

I could see the unlighted barn as if it were daylight. Tera's scent led me to the open door. I moved with the practiced quickness and stealth of years of training only to find my skills had improved immeasurably overnight. I was at the door only a moment when I heard Tera's soft footsteps on the dirt floor as she moved near the rear of the large building.

I was through the door in a wink and side-stepped to avoid being shiloetted in the doorway. I heard more movement at the rear of the barn and saw a blur of quick movement. I recognized the game of hide and seek and was excited by it. I closed the door to shut out any light. It was then that I found another gift, I saw the thermal image of a mouse scurrying along a wall. My attention was then drawn to a human form quietly moving up a flight of stairs in the rear of the cavernous building.

Equipment and items covered by tarps were easily avoided as I moved through the building. I moved slowly, exploring my surroundings as I moved to the foot of the stairs. I heard Tera stir in the loft and continued tracking her with the natural abilities of a predator. I was in awe and could see how this could be applied to my work.

At the top of the stairs I peered into the darkness of the loft and saw it was finished as living quarters. The hardwood floors held furniture nice enough for any home. Tera lay naked on a bed across the room, her clothes were cooling draped over the back of an unmoving rocking chair. It was eerie and provocative at the same time to see everything when I shouldn't have been able to see at all.

Tera raised her hand and motioned with one curling finger for me to join her. I moved to the bed removing my clothes on the way.

"You should know this will be different than before.", she said.

"How so?", I asked.

"We held back yesterday to keep from freaking you out. Just keep in mind I will never hurt you. You are the father of the child inside me.", she said.

"It couldn't be any stranger than the rest of the shit I've seen today.", I said.

"Yes, it can, but don't worry. Your own nature will guide you. I have to know before we start anything, how do you feel about me?", she asked sounding worried.

"I've only just met you, but I feel close to you and want to help you and protect you from harm.", I said seriously.

"Good. Then we can do this. It's a little dangerous the first time if you aren't sure about the person your with.", she said.

"What do you mean?", I asked, now worried myself.

"Trust me, and trust yourself. Let your true nature guide you. That's all you have to know for now. The rest will be an experience you will want to repeat as often as you can.", Tera said as she pulled me into her arms.

We lay side by side kissing and exploring each others bodies with a passion I had not known before. I was driven by primal instinct. My need to breed was all-consuming. The rest of the world melted away as we were driven by lust. I felt my heart beating in my chest so violently I thought it would explode. Tera was hot, she wanted me as badly as I needed her.

I rolled onto my knees and carried Tera's feather weight body with me. She positioned herself to receive me from behind. My hard-on was at it's fullest as I drove all I had into her waiting flesh. She took it all and thrust against me arching her back to take me even deeper. I pounded into her and pulled her hips back to me each time I slammed into her.

As I approached my orgasm I felt light headed . I seemed to leave my body. It seemed like I was watching from above my own body and saw myself changing as Tera shape shifted along with me. My human body was transforming into a mixture of human and wolf. I grew in physical size to almost eight feet tall. I was a giant tangle of muscled flesh. My jaw distorted to show a line of viscous looking teeth.

Hair grew, as I watched, from almost every inch of my body. My fingers had claws that were at least three inches long. I saw these things from above and in the next instant I was back in my transformed body. Tera had matched my transformation with one of her own. We were werewolves.

Our fucking grew in intensity along with our transformations. My passion was controlling me. Tera's changing was the only thing that kept me from injuring her small human form. My cock had grown with the rest of me. I now was slamming 14 inches of raging hard cock into a creature thrusting back to take it all.

Tera's moans turned into blood chilling howls. They were somewhere between human and beast. She came with the same urgency that drove me. The warmth from of her cunt flowed into my body, drawing an orgasm from me that shattered reality. My entire malformed body shook with uncontrollable rigors.

Tera stopped trusting and was satisfied to cling to the meat buried deep inside her. She cunt massaged my still convulsing cock until I reclaimed reason.

I was kneeling behind a female werewolf having just bred her. I was feeling, more than thinking, that this couldn't be true. But I was my own proof, I couldn't deny it. Tera was shifting back to herself and sliding off my enlarged cock as she returned to her normal size.

I didn't move. I watched her as she became the beautiful woman she had been just a short time before. When she turned to face me, she was not afraid. I could not hurt her. I remained a werewolf, my heart was still racing and I felt the strength of the species stronger than any human in every muscle in my body. I raised my voice to announce my transformation in the inhuman cry of what I had become.

Tera kneeled in front of me placing her hand on my heart. She spoke to me in whispers and moved next to me to cling to the hideous form I had become. She then stood in front of me holding my eyes to hers with a compassionate gaze. I was mesmerized by the tenderness she showed me. I felt her love and it calmed me. I felt myself falling into darkness.

A moment later she was holding me in her arms. I was human again. We lay together side by side without talking. There are no words to describe what can only be felt. We spent the rest of the night in each others arms talking and making love. She taught me to control the transformation while we made love and in turn, at any other time. Dawn came to soon.

The sun rose spilling light onto a world that was changed forever. Tera stroked my chest and gently kissed me awake. I began to speak but she placed a finger on my lips to silence me. She was smiling a contented smile that was tempered by the sure knowledge that neither of us could hide in the loft any longer. There were stirrings at the main house and we knew it was time to go.

I walked with her along the path to the house talking about my return. She said I could find her through Jack. I gave her one of my cards to reach me if she needed anything or just wanted to talk about our son. I knew I couldn't walk away from him, even if I wasn't needed.

When we arrived at the house Steve was waiting with a worried look on his face.

"How was your night?", he asked.

"I'd say a howling success.", I said masking it's importance with humor.

"We are expected back East. I called to let people know we are alright.", he said without saying I had a worried wife at home.

"Tera knows I'm married.", I said letting him know there were no secrets between us.

"We should be going before it gets to late.", he said.

I kissed Tera and stepped onto my bike. She turned and went toward the house. She didn't look back as we left. I knew I would be back soon, and so did she.

Steve asked as we turned onto the main road," Were you yourself last night?"

I replied," Sometimes."

" I know what you mean. The twins shot some video.", he said.

"Cool. I'd like to see that sometime.", I said and smiled.

"They said they'll mail me a copy.", Steve said and smiled with me as we rode away into the morning sun.

We didn't speak again until we stopped for gas two hours later.

Steve began the discussion," You know what we have to do, don't you?"

"I've been thinking about it.", I replied.

"We have to go find a bad ass type and try out this new shit.", he said topping off his tank and handing me the hose.

"You know where anybody might be hiding from the law.", I asked.

"They don't have to be wanted, just a bad-ass.", he said smiling.

"You mean you want to pick a fight just to beat the fuck out of someone?", I asked thinking it over.

"We don't have to fuck them up to bad. I just want to test myself.", Steve replied in his own defense.

"Let's ask the local police if they know anybody that just really needs an ass-whipping.", I said getting into the spirit.

We paid up and got directions to the local Sheriff's Office. It was nearby and only took a couple of minutes to get there. The tough part was getting a cop to admit to a couple of strangers that he thought anyone needed an attitude adjustment. After talking to several police officers we gave up and were leaving town when we were stopped for not running a stop sign. We knew we had struck pay dirt.

"You guys don't seem that tough to me, but if you want to get beat up that's your problem. There's a man that wears a big black hat playing pool at a local dive called The Cattleman's Club. Just ask for Wild Bill.", the officer said.

"How will we find the place?", I asked

"Just left at the corner and follow your ears to the loudest place in town.", the officer said thumbing over his shoulder.

"Don't come crying to us if it goes wrong. I don't want to hear or know about it. He fights every time we get a call on him. If you boys would, give him a message for me.", the unidentified officer asked.

"What's that?", Steve asked.

"Tell him you'll be back if he ever fight's a cop again.", the Deputy said.

"It sounds like he's our guy. We'll be sure he gets the message.", I said, and the Deputy drove away.

Steve looked at me and smiled a wicked smile. I hadn't seen that in a long time. He felt like breaking things. He was always better at it than most. With the advantage we now had, Wild Bill was going to get what he needed.

We followed our ears to the Cattleman's Club. It was as seedy a place as I've ever seen. We backed our bikes into the curb near the door for a quick exit if needed and went inside.

Wild Bill was there and easy to spot. He was only about six feet six and weighed about as much as any pro-football player. He was also the loudest, ugliest man in the building. He had been beaten badly before and bore the scars that proved he could be hit. But he also had a mean look that came with being beaten once to often. He would be tough to surprise with any dirty tricks. He probably had seen them all and made up a few along the way.

Steve asked," How do you want to do this?"

I answered," It's your idea. You go play, and I'll watch your back and jump in if I'm needed."

"That sounds good to me. I think he would start a fight under the right circumstances", Steve said as he prissed over to Bill.

"Hey hansom, you want some company?", Steve didn't fit the roll but he was pushing the right buttons.

"Hell no, you faggot! Get out of here before I kick your ass!", Bill said it loud enough for the whole place to hear.

A hush fell over the bar and all eyes were fixed on Steve and the man who had taught them to be afraid.

Steve pushed some more," You have pretty eyes when you get mad. Don't you want to come with me and get to know each other better? You liked my friend and he said you suck dick like a pro."

The next sound was a pool cue cutting through the air aimed at Steve's head. It didn't connect. Steve ducked under the wild blow spinning around on one foot. The other foot came around and into Bill's guts with enough force to lift him off the floor. Steve stood upright in front of him without backing up an inch. Wild Bill's face contorted into a mask of blind rage. He gasped for air and held his guts and the cue hoping to catch his breath before the next assault came.

Steve was making sport of the big man. He allowed him time to recover from the kick and regain his focus. Bill didn't wait. He saw the pause as a mistake on Steve's part. He hadn't figured it out yet that Steve was giving him a chance to prolong his own suffering.

Wild Bill dove at Steve's midsection with his head down trying to tackle him. Steve kneeled low under the charge and grabbed Bill's hair in his left hand and drove his right into Bill's gut. The momentum of Bill's charge and the force Steve applied to his punch raised Bill up and over Steve flipping him onto his back and dropping him onto the floor. So far, Steve hadn't done any other harm than knocking the wind out of Bill for the second time.

Steve stood his ground and waited for Bill to stand and face him. Nobody else in the place moved to help the bully. I could see smiles appearing on faces all over the bar. Steve stood toe to toe with the bully as Bill tried a different approach. Verbal intimidation.

"Who the hell do you think you are coming in here and being sweet? You don't know who I am. Yak..., Yak..., Yak...", he went on.

Steve saw the punch coming in what seemed like slow motion. He didn't even try to block it. Wild Bill put everything he had in it hoping to end the fight before he took any more abuse. Steve's head was rocked back, but he didn't back up a single step. He smiled at Bill and grabbed his shirt pulling the big man to within an inch of his face and whispered low enough that Bill, and myself were the only others who heard it.

"I've got a message from the Sheriff's Office. If you get out of line again I'll come back and fuck you up in ways you haven't even dreamed. They are tired of your shit and want you to know it. So this one's for the last cop you fought.", with that said, Steve lifted Bill off the floor with a knee to his balls.

Bill was helpless. He puked, and doubled up on the floor where Steve let him fall. Wild Bill was looking pretty tame as Steve stepped around him casually picking spots to place a speeding boot. Bill's kidneys and ribs were being stomped almost as badly as his head.

Steve stomped Bill's hands when he tried to get up, breaking the bones like twigs. Those hands had injured so many in the past. Bill would be lucky if he could feed himself again, and they would never again be suitable for fighting.

Steve pulled Bill's head up and asked him," Is there anything you would like to say before they wire your jaw shut?"

"Fuck you sissy!", Bill spat through a mouth full of blood.

"You are a stupid bastard. Do you have any sisters in town? I'm horny and need a piece of ass. Where's your mother? I hear she fucks for booze.", Steve continued to provoke the battered bully.

Bill's pride drove him to his feet He stood waiting for the final blow he knew he couldn't prevent. Steve turned to the crowd in the bar and asked," Does he have a sister or a mother?"

"His sister works at the liquor store just down the street. He waits for her to get off work then walks her home.", a nameless voice called.

Steve looked Bill in the eyes and said," When I'm done with you I'll go see her. She's going to love me before I'm through ass-fucking her."

Wild Bill broke into tears. He couldn't prevent the rape of his sister. His 'tough guy' days were over. He was beaten. He stood racked with physical and emotional pain and was crying like a whipped child.

Steve moved close and whispered to him ," Your sister is safe, only as long as you behave. You don't ever want to see me again."

Steve tossed Bill into a wall at least five feet away. Before Bill could fall Steve pounced across the distance and slammed a fist into his jaw. The bone broke with a loud snap. Steve followed that with a elbow driving Bill's head back into the plastered wall. Bill stood long enough for Steve to snap his other fist and elbow into the other side of Bill's head. Then collapsed into a heap.

I dropped a hundred dollar bill on the bar saying," For the damages; and put the rest on buying a round for the house."

Everyone rushed the bar shouting orders to make sure they got a free drink. In the chaos Steve and I made for the door. A patrol car was waiting outside. The officer that had directed us to Bill asked if their was a problem inside.

"Someone just beat the fuck out of a big, ugly, asshole.", I said.

"Shit happens.", he said, then asked," Did he get the message?"

"You will never have a problem with Busted Bill again.", I said as I fished out one of my cards for him. "And if you do give me a call."

"If you're ever back in town, dinner's on the Sheriff's Office. You guys might be pretty handy.", he said driving away.

We heard him say to his radio as he moved away," False alarm at the Cattleman's Club, Unit 501 clear." Someone loved Bill enough to call the cops.

We wasted no time in finding the interstate and leaving town. Steve looked over at me smiling as he opened up his bike to full throttle. I could keep up, or ride in his dust. There really wasn't a choice. The ponies were loose again. I twisted the trottle and felt the surge of power as my bike lept forward in chase. The thrill was almost as good as sex.

We passed a Deputy as we were accelerating past one hundred miles per hour. He waved his hand in a circle outside his window and thrust that hand East. We didn't see another patrol car for the rest of the day. We rode on, eating highway in huge bites.

Only a few hours later, we split up at my driveway. Steve wanted to give Lori and I time to make up. I was glad to be home, but an uneasy feeling came over me as I neared the house.