Were the Hell

Were the Hell? - 1

Were the Hell?

By Berengaria Brown

Dedication:

For Toby, Lassie, Shay, Buster and Melisande.

Chapter One It seemed to Septimus that every time he had to catch an airplane, which admittedly was only a couple times a year, the seats had shrunk. He knew he hadn't grown any. These were the same jeans he'd worn to travel in the last four times, his lucky jeans, and they still fit him just fine. But the seat in front was crippling his knees, and every time someone walked up or down the aisle and he moved his shoulders inward to avoid being hit, he worried the chick in the middle seat would have him arrested for sexual harassment. Basically, the only way his shoulders would fit in the seat was to keep them hunched into his chest. And his legs bent up. Not a good look on an eight-hour flight. Note to self: book a bulkhead seat next time. Being the seventh child in a family of werewolves was no picnic. He invariably got the jobs everyone else wiggled out of. Like this one. Travelling across the country to visit a werewolf pack that had an even number of male and female children. In Septimus' pack, there had been almost no girl children born in over thirty years. When his only sister was born, she was the first girl born in two years, and the pack had assumed the boy-trend had passed and now a girl-trend had begun. Not so. Only three girls had been born since she arrived, and twenty boys had been delivered. Not even the most optimistic person could see this as anything other than a major problem. Were the Hell? - 2

Which is why the pack leaders had been sending him, and others, to investigate every possible community that could help them. This was Septimus' fourth such trip, and he really hoped this time there would be a solution. The pack spent many hours every day trolling all the health websites looking for clues, checking out plant species, and testing for environmental pollution and contaminants in their foodstuffs. So far, although they'd researched every lead they'd found, they were no closer to discovering what was wrong. Some of the younger weres had deliberately mated outside the pack, wondering if it was a chromosomal abnormality or some sign the pack was becoming inbred, but no daughters had been born to them, either. It was an all-consuming puzzle, one he hoped this distant pack could help solve. *** Septimus had sometimes wondered if he'd only ever been sexually attracted to other males because there were so few younger females in his pack, and the few there were didn't light his fire. But the minute he walked into the meeting room with the weres from the Forest Hill pack, he knew he was genuinely, one hundred percent gay. He could smell his mate. His cock stood up and fought to get out of his jeans, stretching the fabric so tight that he was going to have blue balls for a week. The tiny hairs on the back of his neck were also standing straight up. His skin tingled, electrified with sexual arousal. And the scent of his mate was overpowering him, dragging him into the room with almost physical force. His nose led him unerringly to his mate: a tall, lean man of about thirty, with tanned brown skin, dark brown Were the Hell? - 3

hair, and liquid chocolate eyes. Those eyes were staring at him, and the man's strong nose was flared, smelling his scent. From the huge bulge in his pale cargo pants, the man was every bit as aware of him as he was of Mr. Tall, Tan, and Delectable. As Septimus walked across the room, his cock leading the way, the man moved to meet him. Their gazes were locked, and Septimus was totally oblivious to everyone else in the room and the task he'd been sent to do. He was about to put out his hand when the other man reached him and grabbed his shoulders, pulling him in for a hard, body-blending hug. "I'm Dai. We're mates." The words were harsh, bitten off, said almost as a challenge. "Septimus. I know." The Alpha of the Forest Hill pack stood just a few feet away. He coughed, cleared his throat, then said, "Gentlemen, let's get this meeting underway. Dai, you should sit next to Septimus, not in your usual place." So even the Alpha smelled their attraction. That certainly proved he was not being misled by his cock. Damn! His dick had never been this big before. If only he could undo his jeans and give it some room before it broke his zipper. The meeting covered all the same old ground -dietary changes, environmental pollution, chemical or genetically altered foods, changes in the air or water quality, the forests where they ran. The same old ideas, the same old circles, offering nothing that his pack hadn't tested one hundred times already. But facts were facts. His pack was not breeding females. This pack was. Finally, an old man spoke. "What about paranormal reasons?" Were the Hell? - 4

"Would you care to unwrap that a bit for us, Arthur?" asked the Alpha. "Well, I guess I was mainly wondering about whether someone in your pack had upset someone with paranormal powers. For example, a wizard who put a curse on your pack. Or vampires. Or even demons, although they're usually very obvious about their attacks. This would likely have happened a year before you started having no girls born." Septimus looked at the old man. At last! A new avenue to research. No one had suggested it before, and as far as he knew, his pack had not investigated this as a possibility. "An incident like that would have happened years before I was born, and I haven't ever heard of anything, but it's also something I don't think has been checked. Thank you for the idea," said Septimus. "What made you suggest it, Arthur? Have you heard about something like that happening before?" asked the Alpha. "Oh, yes. If there's a vindictive wizard or vampire out there, other packs may have had to deal with him before." Septimus butted in before the old man could answer.. "When I was a boy," Arthur began, a faraway look in his eyes, "a young were fell in love with a human. The Alpha wasn't very happy about it, but agreed they could mate. He was worried that their children wouldn't be able to shift. There'd been other cases where half-weres couldn't shift and were ostracized by their packs. The Alpha made it very clear to the entire pack that any future children were to be treated equally, even if they weren't shifters." Arthur paused and seemed to be remembering. Then he shrugged his shoulders. "The woman's father was a Were the Hell? - 5

wizard, and threatened to curse the pack if the mating took place. He took his daughter and left the area.. The young were eventually left the pack, too, so I don't know what happened in the end. But with Samhain only a month away, I remembered the old story." Talk burst out again around the room, but nothing new came out of the discussion. However, Septimus was happy that one alternate pathway to follow up had been discovered. That by itself made his trip worthwhile -even the horrible, tiny airplane seats -- not to mention discovering his mate. His mate! He could hardly wait to be alone with Dai and learn all about him. *** Dai ushered Septimus into his bedroom and kicked the door shut. "There are so few gay weres. I never expected to find my mate. I'd resigned myself to always being alone," he said, pulling Septimus into his arms. "I'd wondered if I was gay only because there are so few women in my pack. But as soon I scented you, I knew you were my mate," replied Septimus. "We'll talk later, get to know each other later. Right now, I must fuck you. I can't wait." "I can't wait, either. My cock is so stiff it's aching.." Septimus unzipped his jeans and pulled his cock free. It was hard enough to pound nails, longer than it'd ever been in his life before, even when he was a hot and horny teenager. Dai had kicked off his shoes and pulled off his t-shirt. He was a couple inches shorter than Septimus, but seemed taller because of the long lines of his body. He was very tanned, with the tan extending all the way to his waistband. Septimus watched eagerly as Dai Were the Hell? - 6

unzipped his cargo pants and freed his cock. It was beautiful. Perfect. Red and engorged with need, the head was a slightly flattened mushroom shape, the thick vein running up his shaft a deep purplish blue. Septimus dropped to his knees in front of Dai, gently cupped the other man's balls in one hand, and guided the shaft into his mouth with the other. He shuffled a few inches closer to suck in even more of the shaft. His mate tasted wonderful, tangy and spicy, his scent overwhelming Septimus so that his own cock begged for release. Septimus tilted his head back to relax his throat muscles, taking Dai deep into his mouth. When the cock head hit the back of his throat, he hollowed his cheeks and sucked hard. A few drops of pre-come hit his palate, and Septimus nearly orgasmed on the spot. His mate's taste was delicious. Better than the finest wine. More of an aphrodisiac than oysters. Driving him higher than any drug ever could. He let Dai's cock slide out of his mouth so he could speak. "Damn, you're delicious." Dai grabbed his shoulders and pulled him to his feet. "Now let me taste you." First Dai pushed the button-down shirt up to Septimus' neck, and ran his tongue across Septimus' pecs, licking the lines of the muscles, running his tongue through Septimus' chest hair, and then swiping his mouth over to a nipple and gently biting it. Septimus' nub responded instantly by elongating and standing up like a tiny cock. Then Dai attacked the other nipple, sucking it deep into his mouth until it, too, was as hard as a pebble. Dai licked down the line of Septimus' chest, across the intercostal muscles, and down to the nest of black hair surrounding that yummy cock. Were the Hell? - 7

Septimus gasped. This was torture. Then Dai's hands were on his jeans, pushing them over his hips and down his legs. Dai's mouth was on Septimus' aching dick, licking across the head, running the tip of his tongue into the slit, and finally, finally, sucking the needy flesh deep into his hot, hot mouth. "Agghhh," groaned Septimus, thrusting up into that wonderful cavern. Dai rolled Septimus' hard, aching balls in one hand, then tongued up the side of his shaft before sucking him deep again. This time was even better. Dai's mouth was so welcoming, Septimus' cock wanted to stay there forever. But once again Dai let him slide out and began to nibble teasingly along the vein in his shaft. Septimus held onto Dai's shoulders, his hips thrusting up into Dai's mouth almost of their own volition, his balls hard and tight, drawn up against his body so he knew he wasn't going to last long. Again Dai sucked him deep, this time running his tongue under the ridge of the cock where the stalk and cap joined before teasing the length with his tongue and prodding the slit for more pre-come. Over and over Dai played with him until Septimus' knees were wobbling, and he knew he couldn't hold on any longer, no matter how good it was and how much he wanted to prolong the game. As if reading his mind, Dai thrust a finger deep in Septimus' ass, twirling it to ping his prostate. "Fuck, yes!" groaned Septimus, his cock exploding into Dai's mouth. Dai licked and sucked, and sucked some more, his finger continuing to twist and twirl and tease in Septimus' ass. And Septimus came and came, longer and harder than he ever had before, until his legs were so weak he was surprised he was still standing up. Were the Hell? - 8

Dai gently pushed Septimus over to the bed, where he rolled onto his back, opening his legs wide, holding them over his forearms. Dai pulled out the nightstand drawer, grabbed a condom, rolled it down his shaft, squirted some lube on it, then pressed his cock head at the opening to Septimus' ass. With so little preparation, it should have hurt, but it didn't. There was a slight burn as Dai's cock pressed through the ring of sphincter muscles, then it slid deep inside, filling and stretching Septimus in a totally delicious and wonderful way. "Damn, that feels good," he murmured. Dai clutched Septimus' hips and slowly withdrew his cock until only the head remained inside, before gradually sliding it back in again. Septimus put both feet flat on the bed, wide apart, and pressed his hips up into Dai's, forcing the other man's cock back inside. "Damn. It'll be all over in ten seconds if you keep that up," gasped Dai. "Not a problem. We've got all night." Deliberately, Septimus thrust up again, swirling his hips as well this time. "Ooohh." Dai, took a tighter grip on Septimus, trying to hold him still, and began thrusting in and out, faster and harder. Joyfully, Septimus matched Dai's every movement, pushing back to absorb each luscious inch of Dai, clenching his ass muscles to enhance the feeling of fullness, loving every moment of the sex. Dai's hips jerked rhythmically as his cock jackhammered in and out of Septimus. Their hands met and gripped each other over Septimus' waist, and with one last groan Dai exploded into the condom, the heat of his release jetting into the thin rubber enhancing the experience even further for Septimus. Were the Hell? - 9

"Fuck, you're good," he whispered to Dai. "No, it's you. We're good together, my mate," Dai replied. *** Their bodies were slicked with sweat, so they showered together quickly, then lay, bodies entwined, in the big bed. "Tell me about yourself," Dai asked Septimus. "Well, with a name like Septimus, likely you won't be surprised to hear I'm the seventh child in my family. I have just the one sister, Julia, who is child number five. My two oldest brothers are mated, each with two sons. My third brother is visiting another pack two days' drive from ours, where several other of our young men have found mates. But none of them has a daughter. Still, Ed will be happy if he finds a mate, I think." "And where do you work? Do the weres in your pack work outside the pack?" "Our pack has been established for many generations and so has plenty of financial resources for our daily needs. Although they made me travel economy class instead of business class on the plane. My shoulders still haven't recovered from that!" Septimus joked. "But we all work, either on the farm, in our little community, or in IT. I monitor a lot of health blogs and blogs related to werewolf complaints. What about you? Tell me about your life." "My parents were shot by hunters when I was five, so this pack has been my home since then. They've raised me, sent me to school, given me a home, and loved me. When I was a teenager and first understood that I was gay, I was worried I'd never mate, but the Alpha explained that although male/male pairings are rare, Were the Hell? - 10

they're perfectly acceptable. Since then, I've been watching and waiting for my mate. You." Dai pulled Septimus to him for another fierce hug and a harsh, teeth-clashing kiss. "The pack has its own import-export company, where we buy and sell things to provide ourselves with a comfortable income, and also to get the things we need that we don't produce ourselves. I'm an accountant and work for the company, as does almost everyone in the pack," said Dai. Once again conversation stopped as they began to kiss. This time they didn't break for breath until they were both gasping for air. Dai found Septimus' kisses almost drugging in their intensity.. Never had he been so aroused by a simple kiss. Not that these kisses were precisely simple. Their tongues danced and tangled together. They took turns to run them behind each other's teeth, along the roofs of mouths, and across the insides of their cheeks. When they finally broke apart, their chests were heaving, they were gasping in air like drowning men, and their bodies were once again slick with sweat. Dai rolled over, sat with his back against the headboard, and snagged another condom from the nightstand. He rolled the latex down his upright cock and patted his lap. "Climb aboard." Grinning, Septimus straddled Dai's lap, then accepted his mate's dick. Dai knew his mate's ass was still stretched and supple from their earlier sex and his cock slid home sweetly, the hot, wet channel gripping him perfectly, feeling oh-so-very good. For long moments they both sat totally still. Then, using their thigh muscles in tandem, Dai thrust up into Septimus as Septimus pressed back to accept the cock. At first their thrusts were slow and steady, long, smooth Were the Hell? - 11

strokes that massaged the walls of Septimus' dark channel, arousing Dai higher and higher. He knew Septimus was just as aroused because they were face to face and his mate's eyes were glazed with lust, his muscled chest slicked with sweat, and his cock incredibly wide and hard. Dai wrapped one hand around Septimus' cock and scraped a fingernail along the length. He watched Septimus' face and reveled in the knowledge of what he was doing to his mate. His mate! The most beautiful words in the English language. Their thighs continued to move in unison as Dai pumped up into Septimus and Septimus pushed back down on him. Septimus placed his hand on top of Dai's and they stroked Septimus' cock together, adding to the sensation of unity. They were moving as one entity, four legs, four arms, four hands, but one body with two hearts attuned so every move, every breath, every heartbeat was in complete accord. Dai was aching to come, but he was hanging on with an iron will until his mate was ready. Already Septimus' balls had drawn up tight and Septimus' cock was leaking pre-come.. Dai thrust up hard, swiveling his hips to ping Septimus' prostate and adding a twist to his hand movements on Septimus' cock. That was all it took. Septimus' dick erupted in their hands, coating them both with streams of white come.. Dai relaxed his control and allowed his own cock to follow suit, his long-controlled orgasm exploding deep inside Septimus, blasting his own come into the latex sheath. He thrust and stroked a few more times, then wrapped his arms around his mate, resting his head on Septimus' shoulder as they both relaxed, hearts pounding, lungs rasping for air. Were the Hell? - 12

Finally they pulled apart, and Septimus climbed off his lap. "I reckon another shower is the next item on the agenda." He grinned. "I guess so."

Were the Hell? - 13

Chapter Two Septimus was back in the conference room with the Alpha, Dai, Arthur, and a smaller group of the pack leaders, this time including several women. "Alpha, I think what Arthur said is the best lead we have to solve my pack's problem. What I'd like to do next is interview him and anyone else who may remember the problem with the wizard he mentioned. I'd also like to try to locate the young were who left this pack and interview him, too, with your permission." "I'm seventy-two. That 'young were' would be well into his eighties now, likely even dead," warned Arthur. "Plus the whole 'we don't know where he went' thing," added another older man, who Septimus thought was called Colm. "My pack has contacted many other packs of weres trying to find out why we're no longer breeding females. I think if you can remember when he left, and which direction he headed in or what his plans were, anything like that, we can send out requests for information to all our contacts. My brother, Keith, is pretty plugged in to the Internet side of things," said Septimus. The Alpha stood. "We're prepared to give you any assistance we can. Weres stand together always. Arthur, Colm, Lucy, Dai, you'll form the basis of a team to support Septimus in this. And don't forget old Richenda either. She may be bedridden and almost blind, but her mind is as sharp as ever it was," added the Alpha. *** "Some coffee might help us plan," said Lucy, striding to the wall and picking up the phone there. "Hi, Mandy. Can we please have some coffee, and can you ask one of Were the Hell? - 14

the kids to bring us a few laptops so we can start our searches? Thanks, sweetie." Arthur had pulled an envelope out of his pocket and was scribbling on it, his face screwed up in thought. Colm was obviously thinking, too, fingers tapping methodically on the table. Dai leaned back in his chair and looked at Septimus. His mate! He still could hardly believe just how lucky he'd been that the one man who had visited them was his mate. Out of all the weres in Septimus' pack, only one man had come on this quest -- and he was Dai's mate! Dai offered a swift prayer to every deity in the pantheon, thanking them for this stupendous, wonderful, marvelous gift. Septimus raised a black eyebrow at Dai, his dark eyes shining with good humor. Instantly Dai's cock grew and stood to attention. Damn! Should have worn my cargo pants not these tight jeans, he thought. But, damn, he's so hot. Look at his eyes, all sparkling black onyx. Shit. So hot! Dai smiled back, then deliberately took a deep breath and started mentally reciting the presidents in chronological order to help his cock behave. Hell, he had a mission here to help save Septimus' people. But maybe they'd be able to squeeze in a quickie over lunch... He was rescued from trying to remember the name of the man who came between Martin Van Buren and John Tyler by the arrival of young Joss, a tray in his hands with coffee pot, mugs, cream, and sugar, and three laptops slung over his shoulder. Dai hurried forward to help him, and set the coffee out on the table. Joss opened one of the laptop bags and pulled out a plastic-wrapped parcel of sandwiches. "Mom didn't want y'all to starve," he said laconically, Were the Hell? - 15

leaving the room and shutting the door silently behind him. "Oh, good, egg salad," said Colm, unwrapping the food. There was a flurry of movement as they helped themselves to coffee and a sandwich, then Arthur said, "I was seven." "Huh?" said Lucy. "When that young were left. I was seven. So now we have a year as a starting point for our search. Also, I'm positive his dad had given him a really pretentious name that he hated passionately. So there's a chance someone will remember it. Though likely he never used it once he left our pack." "Thank you, Arthur. That's two really good pieces of information. The year is particularly important. Now we know where to begin our search of the databases," said Septimus. By lunchtime they had gleaned a few more nuggets of information, and Lucy, Dai, and Colm planned to begin following them up after the break. Arthur looked at Septimus. "I think we should go talk to Richenda straight after lunch. She'll be alert for an hour or so after the meal, then mid-afternoon she'll sleep." "Sounds like a plan," agreed Septimus. They all walked over to the communal dining room, where a hot meal was available. Most of the pack ate together in the evenings, but the midday meal was more casual, with many people away conducting business, shopping, or running errands. Still, Dai made a point of introducing Septimus to anyone who he thought might be able to help his mate. The electricity between him and Septimus was unbelievable. He'd heard stories about the power of Were the Hell? - 16

attraction between mates, but the instant recognition was hard to explain. The man hadn't even walked inside the room before Dai's cock was standing up, longer and harder than he could ever remember it being before. And Septimus' scent. He couldn't describe it. Earthy and tangy and spicy all blended together in a mixture so potent he'd been ready to come on the spot. Even right now, he couldn't decide whether he wanted to fuck the man blind or suck him off. Or maybe both. But there was no time for sex at the moment, not even a quickie. Arthur was coming across to the table where he and Septimus sat, surrounded by members of his pack. Time to go to work again. Damn! *** "It's less than a mile to Tony's house. He's Richenda's grandson. But I'm getting old these days, so we'll drive, okay?" asked Arthur. "Yeah, sure, makes sense, then if she gives us some leads, we can head off and follow them straight away without having to walk back for a vehicle," replied Septimus. "Good point." Septimus looked out the window eagerly as Arthur drove. As with every pack he'd visited to date, the Forest Hill pack's lands were expansive, with lots of wide open spaces, some forested areas -- with a name like Forest Hill, he'd have been surprised if there weren't -- yet still only a half-hour drive from the city. He saw a lake with kayaks and other small boats on it, some long, low, warehouse-style buildings, what looked like an airport runway, and a car racetrack. "What's that?" he asked, pointing to what he assumed was an airplane runway. Were the Hell? - 17

"That's one of our Alpha's ideas. We have two light planes, and anyone who wants to can learn to fly them after getting a driver's license. The racetrack is so everyone can learn evasive driving techniques. Every now and then, prejudice arises against weres; you know, all those old stories about being bitten and going hairy on the full moon." Arthur snorted. "As if! Anyway, the Alpha decided the more skills we had, the better the pack would survive if trouble ever did come." "That's a really good idea. I'll ask your Alpha and ours if we could send some of our young men over here to learn. Our Alpha is worried that the lack of women will increase aggressive behavior in our daily dealings. Apparently, cultures where females are unavailable experience definite increases in violence in their communities, and we really don't want that to happen." Septimus spent a moment thinking about the prejudice regarding werewolves and biting. Just as the average human two-year old learned to control his impulse to bite the playmate who took a shared toy, so, too, a young were learned not to bite in lust or anger. And sure, a were could shift on a full moon. But he could shift at any hour of the day or night, twenty-four seven, if he chose to. Shifting required a conscious decision to shift, and didn't happen by accident. Hell, if it did, he and Dai would have been wolven and howling last night. They were both way beyond aroused, and so full of lust for each other that his control had been hanging by the thinnest of threads. But there was never any likelihood he'd shift, unless Dai and he both decided to do it. Not that he wasn't looking forward to their official mating as wolves. He was. One hundred percent. The only decision to be made was whether it would happen here or at home with his pack. Were the Hell? - 18

Hmm. And with which pack would they live and make their home? They'd need to talk about that. At least modern technology meant they both could work anywhere with a laptop and the Internet. Septimus gave himself a mental shake. They'd just parked out back of a neat clapboard bungalow. Likely Tony's house. Time to get his head on straight and talk to Richenda. *** A slender young woman, aged about twenty, opened the door to them, and once again Septimus felt the pain of his pack not having a generation of young women like this. "Hi, Cindy. How's Richenda today?" asked Arthur. "She's doing well and looking forward to your visit. Is it all right if I go over and visit with Kaydee while you're here? Just for half an hour or so?" "Of course. And if Richenda gets tired, we'll just sit quietly until she falls asleep," answered Arthur. Cindy took them through to a big bedroom, where a tiny old woman was propped up in a bed with dozens of pillows, and swathed in multicolored blankets. Beside the bed was a table cluttered with photographs, china ornaments, large-print books, several pairs of eyeglasses, a magnifying glass, a jug of fruit juice with a glass, a bowl of chocolate candies, and other items halfhidden under the accumulated mass of things. "Great-Grandma, Arthur is here with Septimus to see you," said Cindy, speaking clearly but not overly loudly. "Come in, come in, don't stand in the hallway," said the old lady in a quavery voice. Septimus followed Cindy and Arthur into the room and stood at the foot of the bed. Were the Hell? - 19

This close, he could see her pale blue eyes and the dozens of fine lines on her face. Her hands were wrinkled and shaky, but he sensed her spirit was still strong inside the old body. "Sit beside me, Septimus, and tell me what you want. There are no girls in your pack, they tell me." Septimus looked around the room, located a chair, and pulled it up to the bed as instructed. Arthur grabbed another chair and sat beside him, then nodded at Cindy, who left the room. Septimus faced Richenda and answered her. "That's right, ma'am. My sister was the first girl born for two years. That was almost thirty years ago. Since then, there's been another three girls born and twenty boys. There's no way that can be coincidence." "Your pack has checked all the usual things, changes in the food supply or in your water source, chromosomal abnormalities and so on." She waved a frail hand. Septimus was not surprised this old lady knew about chromosomes. He'd have been more surprised if she hadn't known about them. He nodded. "Yes, ma'am. We've had teams of people checking into everything for many years, and gotten absolutely nowhere." "How can I help you? I've been chained to this bed for two years now, since I broke my hip. That stupid doctor told everyone it'd be the death of me, but he was wrong." Septimus leaned back in his chair and nodded to Arthur to explain his thoughts. "Sixty-five years ago, I was seven, you were thirty. There was an uproar in the pack when a young were wanted to mate with a human girl. The Alpha agreed to the mating and said that even if any future children were not shifters, they were not to be discriminated against. The girl's father was a wizard and opposed the mating. Were the Hell? - 20

Said he'd curse the pack if it took place. He and the girl left the area. Later, the were who'd wanted to mate with her left, too." Richenda nodded, folded her hands together under her chin, and closed her eyes. But it was obvious she was thinking, not taking a nap. From time to time, her fingers stroked over her chin or tapped her teeth. Septimus waited patiently, hoping she could give them some information that would lead them further on their search for an answer. He was very open to the idea of his pack having been cursed, simply because they'd found no other solution to the problem. Finally, after maybe five minutes of total silence, Richenda opened her eyes again and looked from Arthur to him. "Yes, I remember that now. Marjory, the girl's name was. Marjory Wilms. The girl had been living with her mother, but it was her father who took her away, who was so completely opposed to her union with a were." Richenda sat silently, drumming her fingers against her chin again. "The boy's name will come to me if I let my subconscious work on it. Septimus, tell me more about your pack." Septimus was beyond thrilled to have the woman's name. It was an excellent lead for the pack to follow. "Thank you for the name. That's wonderful. What would you like to know about my pack?" "Who is Alpha there now?" Septimus answered all her questions conscientiously, grateful for the information she'd given him. By the time Cindy came into the room with coffee for them all, it was clear the old lady was tiring. They drank their coffee, ate a chocolate cookie each, then said their goodbyes. "I'll tell Cindy the were's name when I remember it," she promised. Were the Hell? - 21

Septimus thanked her again, and they left. "Marjory Wilms. The name means nothing to me, but you should be able to track her father through the databases," said Arthur when they were in the car. "Yes, I'm texting it to my brother Keith right now. It's the second lead we've had in two days, which is wonderful," replied Septimus.

Were the Hell? - 22

Chapter Three Sitting beside Dai through the evening meal, answering endless questions about his pack and his family, almost drove Septimus insane. All he wanted was Dai's cock pounding in his ass, or his mouth around it, sucking it deep. But his mama had brought him up to have good manners, and besides, he knew that he and Dai would be burning off a lot of calories later that night in bed, so it made sense to eat now. But he could smell how aroused Dai was, too, see the huge bulge in Dai's pants, and knew he wasn't the only one here suffering blue balls and zipper burn. And it was more than just lust, too. Oh, hell, yeah, he was desperate to fuck and be fucked, but he also craved some alone time with his mate. Time together to rest and relax in each other's arms, to ignore the outside world and his pack's problems. Just him and Dai, alone together. Mates! As on the previous night, Dai kicked the bedroom door shut behind them. Then they turned into each other's arms for a teeth-clashing, nose-knocking, feral kiss, all their raw passion and tamped-down need exploding the instant they were alone. Their arms were wrapped around each other, their hips pressed hard together, their cocks grinding against each other through their clothing. They didn't break the kiss until they were both gasping for oxygen. Dai's hands were at Septimus' waist, unbuckling his belt and unzipping his jeans. Septimus' hands were wrenching at Dai's shirt, trying to force it upward even though the man's arms were hanging down. For a few moments they wrestled sweatily with each other's clothing, then Dai's shirt ripped in half, and Septimus' jeans slid down his hips. Were the Hell? - 23

Dai pushed his own pants down, and they both stepped out of their shoes. Then Dai shoved Septimus back against the wall. Eagerly, he thrust his ass out, crossing his forearms against the wall and waggling his hips to stir Dai into moving faster. "Gonna be rough. Can't wait," groaned Dai. "Don't care. Want you, now," Septimus replied, widening his stance. Two slippery fingers scissored in Septimus' ass, stretching the opening, softening the tissues, but neither man could wait any longer, and very soon Dai's cock was pressing at Septimus' entry, pushing hard past the barrier of tight muscles. Dai felt so good inside him, Septimus almost came right then, but he managed to pull the shattered threads of his control together and clench his ass muscles hard on Dai's cock. "Shit!" gasped Dai. "You're so hot, so tight. Feels so good. Not gonna last." "I'm on the edge, too. This one will be fast; next time we'll do slow." Then Dai's hands were gripping his hips, Dai's pelvis was pounding against his ass, Dai's balls were slapping the backs of his thighs. Septimus leaned into the wall, moving his ass and hips with Dai's every stroke, drawing them out, squeezing and pushing, trying not to explode like a teenager. But they were both much too aroused to last long. Testosterone surrounded them like a cloud of incense. Sweat poured from their bodies as they moved together in an animal, carnal rhythm. Septimus waggled his hips, making Dai's cock drag along his walls, setting each nerve ending on fire like a Molotov cocktail. He just had time to grab his cock so it exploded over his own belly instead of all over the wall, Were the Hell? - 24

and in that same moment he felt Dai spurt jet after jet of hot come into his ass. Dai thrust into him a few more times, then wrapped his arms around Septimus in a hug. "Oh, man, zero to a hundred in two seconds. You're that hot." "We're that hot together. It's not you. It's not me. It's us." "Damn straight." They clung together for a few more moments, then Dai slapped Septimus' ass. "Time for a shower." "Good idea. Then we'll do it all again, but slowly." *** Dai's apartment was in a long, low building that housed many of the unmated adults in the Forest Hills pack. Each person had a sitting room, a bedroom, and bathroom. Some prepared their own meals, but most preferred to eat in the communal dining room. The rooms were a generous size for one person, but not really suitable for two. Nevertheless, they found they fit quite comfortably together in the shower. Dai squeezed shower gel into his hands, then smoothed it across Septimus' broad shoulders, down his spine, and over his gorgeous, tight ass. "Damn, that's a mighty fine ass you have." "It's all yours," groaned Septimus. Then Dai kneeled down to smooth more gel into Septimus' muscled thighs and long legs. He had a mat of black hair on his legs. By no means a pelt, but enough to stand out clearly against his paler skin. In fact, their skins together were a sexy contrast, his own so tanned beside Septimus, who was a paler olive rather than a tanned brown. Were the Hell? - 25

Septimus' arms were also sprinkled with black hair, the center of his chest was lightly covered with fine black hair, and his cock was surrounded by a thick nest of wiry, black curls. Dai concentrated on massaging the gel into every inch of Septimus' skin, rubbing his strong, solid muscles, smoothing up his long limbs, and teasing over his nipples and down to his cock. The game came to a sudden end as he gripped that thick, hot shaft. The moment he touched it, lust shot through him like a dagger, and his own dick exploded into life. For long seconds they stood gazing into each other's eyes, his hand still wrapped around Septimus' cock. Without saying a word, Septimus reached out and turned the water off. Dripping wet, and still slightly soapy, they stepped out of the shower. Dai pulled the towels off the heated rail and dropped them on the floor, then sank to his knees, dragging Septimus down with him. In silence, they arranged themselves on the towels, Dai's head at Septimus' cock, Septimus with his mouth level with Dai's cock. Half on their sides, they bent to their task, sucking and licking, teasing and nibbling. Dai wanted this to be good for Septimus. The sex when they'd first arrived home had been harsh, both of them far too needy to be patient and gentle. This time he'd go slow, draw every ounce of emotion out of the act of sucking his mate. But damn, it was hard to take his time. His own dick was harder than marble. He could pound nails with it for sure. And the cock in his mouth was so delicious. Dai loved Septimus' taste, salty and tart, a little spicy, but altogether yummy. Just like the man. Septimus was one hunkalicious package, too. Were the Hell? - 26

Dai sucked Septimus deep into his mouth, relaxing the back of his throat and relishing the feel of his mate's cock pressing against his palate. Gradually he released the shaft, licking and nibbling along the thick vein, then running his tongue under the ridge where the cap and shaft joined. Finally, he scraped his teeth lightly across the head before sucking him deep inside again. Dai hollowed his cheeks to add extra suction to the mix, reveling in the feel and taste of his mate. He couldn't resist flicking the tip of his tongue into the slit to draw out a drop of pre-come. As he let Septimus slide out of his mouth, he rolled the man's balls in his hand and couldn't help but notice how hard and hot they were. Septimus wouldn't last much longer. Dai redoubled his efforts, sucking Septimus' shaft and playing with his balls, letting one hand slide over that taut ass to play in his mate's butt crack as he nibbled along the fat shaft. Meanwhile, Septimus was driving him closer and closer to his own orgasm with his devilish attentions to his own cock. There was no denying the man had a very talented mouth. And educated fingers. It looked like "slow" was not on the menu this time either. Desperately, he sucked Septimus in once more and rejoiced as a blast of hot come hit the back of his throat. He swallowed fast and sucked hard again, being rewarded with another jet of come. Then Septimus bit lightly at the head of his cock, and he opened his mouth to shout as he came and came and came, spurt after spurt as if he hadn't already orgasmed just half an hour ago. "Do you reckon we'll get as far as the bed before morning?" asked Septimus with laughter in his voice. "I sure hope so. These tiles are not only hard, but cold as well." Were the Hell? - 27

Dai reached back into the shower, turning the hot water on, and this time they rinsed up quickly, dried themselves on fresh towels, and made it into the bedroom, snuggling together under the blankets. Sated, happy, fulfilled, they drifted off to sleep. *** Septimus woke early the next morning with a huge woody. He'd had more sex in the last two days than he'd had in the previous six months, but he still wanted more. He wanted to feel Dai pounding into his ass again. It was the best feeling in the world. And they hadn't done it doggy style yet, so ... He trailed a hand down Dai's chest, lower, lower, lower, until his fingers reached Dai's bellybutton. Septimus swirled a finger inside the little hollow and was rewarded by a groan. A little lower still, and the damp head of Dai's cock pressed into his palm. Ah-ha, Dai was as ready for action as he was. He ran his hand lightly up and down the length of Dai's shaft. Then he gripped a little more firmly and added a twist and a tug. Dai pulled Septimus' head over to his mouth and planted a kiss on his lips. Septimus responded by tracing his tongue along the seam of Dai's mouth. Together, their mouths opened and their tongues danced and tangled, running inside each other's mouths, along the cheeks, behind the teeth until Septimus sucked Dai's tongue into his mouth and they had to break apart again to breathe. Dai reached into the nightstand for the lube, and Septimus kneeled up on all fours, pushing his ass out to Dai. "You want to do it doggy style this time, huh?" Were the Hell? - 28

"Seems appropriate," replied Septimus. It seemed to Septimus that Dai took forever to rub the gel into the walls of his ass, stretching the muscles, massaging the sphincter, loosening and softening the tissues. But finally he dropped the lube onto the nightstand and pressed his cock against Septimus' waiting, aching, needily empty hole. "At last," he breathed, as Dai's cock popped inside and slid deep into his core. "So good," he added. Braced on the bed, Septimus was able to push back into Dai's every stroke, setting up a hard, fast, pounding rhythm. Dai kept one hand on Septimus' waist, but the other he had wrapped around Septimus' cock, so each stroke gave Septimus double pleasure. Slowly and jointly, they cranked up the pace, gradually moving faster and harder until sweat was pouring off their bodies and Dai was jack-hammering into Septimus' ass. The orgasm began as a tingling in Septimus' balls, then progressed up his spine until it burst out every nerve ending at once. As he shouted his release, he felt Dai explode deep inside him and knew that once again they'd orgasmed together, as true mates did. That knowledge felt unbelievably good. *** Over the next week, weres from both Septimus' pack and the Forest Hills pack followed every hint and trace of any person named Wilms. There were a surprisingly large number of them, but most were easily eliminated as long ago dead or much too young. They even found a few mentions of a Marjory who was about the right age, but could not find any record of her in the last thirty or more years. Were the Hell? - 29

The team was once again gathered in the conference room when a timid knock came on the door. "Enter," called Colm. Cindy stood in the doorway, looking rather scared. "What is it, sweetie?" asked Lucy. "I've left Great-Grandma home alone. She said I had to come and tell Septimus right now, in person, not to wait until Dad got home, or phone him." "Richenda will be fine for a few minutes," soothed Lucy. "What did Richenda want you to tell me?" asked Septimus. Cindy took a deep breath, then recited, "The young man's name was Shakespeare. That's what his father named him, and he hated it. He was always telling people not to use it. He had a nickname but GreatGrandma hasn't remembered what it is yet." Happy noises erupted from all around the table, and fingers were already clicking on keyboards as Septimus smiled at Cindy and thanked her. "And please tell Richenda thank you, too. That's a wonderful piece of additional information. There can't be too many Shakespeares around!" Cindy nodded and left, obviously wanting to get home to her great-grandma as fast as possible. Septimus texted Keith with the latest information, and the team dived into the databases once again with renewed vigor. *** That night in bed, Dai said, "We really need to start planning our mating. How does having the ceremony on Samhain sound to you?" Were the Hell? - 30

Septimus leaned over and kissed him. "That's exactly what I was thinking. It's a powerful, auspicious night, perfect to celebrate the beginning of the rest of our lives." Dai took a deep breath, well aware that the next decision was a lot more complicated than merely choosing a date. This one had the potential to make or break their relationship. "What about where we'll live? Have you thought about that?" "Well, yeah, I've thought some. What about you? Where do you want to live?" "I asked you first." Dai realized he sounded like a spoiled child. "I mean, I want you to be happy about what we decide. For it to be your free choice. Or at least a meaningful compromise." Dai was unhappily aware he was not making things better. He decided it might be smart to shut up for a while. "I love my family. I get on well with them, respect them. Our Alpha is a good man, fair and reasonable in his decision-making. I'd be perfectly happy living with my pack forever." Septimus stopped and looked at Dai. Septimus' eyes were black pools, and just looking into them made Dai's heart pound with the love he felt for this miracle of a man. His mate. Even now he could hardly believe the magic and wonder of having found his mate, something he'd always hoped for but never really thought would come true. This place was his home. They'd taken him into their arms when his parents were killed, and had loved him and reared him. This pack was very important to him; the people were very close to his heart. But to be with his mate, he'd move across the country -- across the world if he had to. Septimus began talking again. "I've known for a long time that I'd likely have to leave the pack to find a mate. Were the Hell? - 31

Now that I've found you, seen this pack, I'd be content to live here with you, with them. But I would like to go back and visit my family from time to time." Dai pulled Septimus hard against him for a hug. "That would be wonderful. And visiting several times a year should be no problem. Everyone is entitled to a vacation now and then!" "I'd like to keep working on this challenge, though, to track down Marjorie Wilms and see if she has anything to do with the lack of females in my pack. Maybe she can lead us to the solution, or at least to the next step on the journey." "Agreed. And when you're ready, you can look around the pack for a job that suits you." Septimus smiled. "Well, I'll need to talk to your Alpha and ours, but I'd love to learn to fly your planes, and take the defensive driving courses. Then I'd like to teach young weres from my pack and other packs those skills. Your pack could charge a low fee, enough to cover costs, and we could maybe get some proper training courses going for other packs. We really do need to move into the twenty-first century, and prejudice against weres is alive and strong in some parts of the country. Avoiding trouble is smarter than trying to solve it, I reckon." Dai kissed Septimus gently, running his lips across the other man's nose, cheeks, eyelids, and jaw line. "So, how does this sound to you? Tomorrow we'll go see the Alpha and say we want to mate on Samhain, and that we'll be living here. You can talk about your plans to him and suggest that the actual mating take place in your pack. That way, your family will be included. Plus, it'll give us a chance to pack up your stuff. Maybe we could hire a U-haul truck and bring all your gear back with us. Kind of a road-trip honeymoon." Were the Hell? - 32

"Hey, that's an awesome idea. I like it!" "I have another awesome idea I think you'll like, too." Dai slid down in the bed and wrapped his lips over Septimus' cock.

Were the Hell? - 33

Chapter Four Two days before Halloween, Septimus flew back to his home pack with Dai to prepare for their mating. The ceremony was to take place in the early evening, followed by dinner for the whole pack and a lot of guests, most of whom were already arriving. Then many of them would run as wolves in the undeveloped part of the pack's property, and Dai and Septimus would mate for the first time in their wolven forms. It was a simple ceremony, just a few words of love and promise, because true mates were undeniably attracted to each with a lust stronger than any written contract, stronger even than chains. But tradition demanded the ceremony be public and outdoors, and the pack loved the symbolism as much as the opportunity for a party. Dai and Septimus boxed up Septimus' possessions ready for the move across country, and spent a lot of time meeting with those who'd been searching for Marjory, the Wilms family, and Shakespeare. Sitting around a conference table at one such meeting, Septimus said to his brother, Keith, who'd been coordinating their searches, "Have you talked to any of the really old people here to see what they know? Richenda was the one who gave us the lead in Dai's pack." "Yeah, but most of them aren't old enough. It happened sixty-five years ago, and most of them are in their seventies. Unlike your Arthur," he nodded to Dai, "none of them remembers anything much from that long ago." "What about Old Bill? He'd be over eighty, wouldn't he?" Were the Hell? - 34

Keith groaned. "Oh, please. I've tried. He's gotta be eighty-five at least, but he's deaf as a post and will not wear his hearing aids. I had a couple of his grandsons go through his room and find his hearing aids after I got a sore throat shouting at him the first time I went there. Even that didn't help. He kept fiddling with them, then one fell out, then the other one started screeching with feedback. It was hopeless." Septimus was laughing at the picture Keith painted. Keith grinned back. "So how does his family communicate with him?" asked Dai. "Actually, one of his grandsons has made a really clever little flip book with pictures of all his favorite things in it, and that's how he lets them know if he wants to drink coffee or have a beer or something. But it's not helpful for an actual conversation." *** Upward of two hundred people gathered in a huge circle on the football ground to watch as Dai and Septimus exchanged vows on the night of Samhain. Mothers with babies sat on the grass, while small boys ran around until their fathers caught them and made them be still. A row of seniors sat in wheelchairs, and adults and young folk stood quietly and watched as Dai and Septimus promised to love and support each other as long as they both lived. Septimus noticed his mom brush tears from her eyes and his dad's arm tighten around her waist. His five brothers and sister were there in the front row, along with his two sisters-in-law, his four nephews, and the Alpha and his wife from Dai's pack. Were the Hell? - 35

On the edge of the circle was a group of people Septimus didn't recognize, but he assumed they were either from his brother Ed’s new pack or friends of Dai's. All he had eyes for was Dai. So long and lean and luscious. Kind, considerate, thoughtful, loving. Everything he could ever want in a mate and far more. When they kissed, it was gentle, soft, sensual -promising a future of love and companionship as well as red-hot sex. Damn, his cock was stirring and ready for action, and the sex part of the program would not come for hours yet, until after the meal and a lot of socializing had happened. Child-appropriate socializing, he reminded himself, glancing at his nephews. A row of tables had been set up on one side of the football ground, and now women hurried over to them to start serving the food. Long lines formed at the south end of the field, and people wended their way north past the tables, taking a plate and filling it with hot and cold food, and then rejoining the crowd. A team of young men brought trays of food to the women sitting on the grass and the seniors. Septimus and Dai began making their way from group to group, chatting with everyone and receiving good wishes. As they approached the seniors, Septimus saw Old Bill climb out of his wheelchair, his gaze on an older woman standing at the edge of the crowd. "Marjory!" Old Bill called, in a voice still strong despite his frail appearance. People turned to Old Bill. One man moved toward him as if to catch him should he fall.. But Old Bill only had eyes for the woman. "Oh, Marjory, I've waited all these years, always hoping to see you again." Tears were running down Old Bill's face as he tottered toward her, arms outstretched. Were the Hell? - 36

"But you married another woman," she replied. "He's deaf." "He can't hear you." Half a dozen people spoke at once. Marjory lifted her left hand and waggled her fingers. "If you loved me so much, why did you marry that other woman? You always said you wanted kids, and my father and I saw you with her and your two boys." "Her sons, not mine, but they were wonderful boys and have grown into fine men." Old Bill pulled Marjory into his arms and pressed her to his body. "I've missed you so much. I never stopped loving you." A teenager pushed the wheelchair up behind Old Bill and tapped the senior on his shoulder, waving to the chair and making sitting motions with his hands. Another teenager ran up with a folding chair, which he offered to Marjory. Old Bill pressed his lips to Marjory's forehead, then waved at the young men.. "My grandsons, Colby and Stanton. They have their grandmother's fair hair and their father's blue eyes." Marjory and Old Bill sat, and even though Septimus knew he should be circulating among the people, he couldn't resist staying to hear the story. Dai was right beside him, and he knew Dai was as curious as he was about what had happened in the past. Was this going to lead them to the answer about their baby girl drought, at last? "Marjory, for years after your father refused us permission to marry and threatened to curse any pack that accepted us, I wandered the countryside. I travelled, I took odd jobs, I spent hours, days, remembering every moment we'd been together. When I turned fifty, I knew life had passed me by and I needed a place to call home. This pack accepted me. Ginny was such a sad woman. Were the Hell? - 37

Fair and pretty, but so broken after her husband died, and she had two little boys to rear." Bill took Marjory's hands in his large, wrinkled ones. "I have never stopped loving you, ever. But with Ginny I could have a home and a useful role to play in a pack once again. And I loved her boys. They are fine men, a true credit to her, as are their sons. But tell me about you. Are you here to stay?" "My father used his skills to make herbal remedies for complaints common to werewolves and other paranormal beings. I traveled with him. We visited this pack thirty-three years ago. We heard you say to your wife how much you loved children, and how you hoped for a daughter one day. I was so upset at the thought you'd married, when I'd remained faithful to our vow to love only each other, that I left my father and returned to our hotel in town. It was only years later that he told me he'd cursed the pack to never have another girl child." Marjory squeezed Old Bill's hands, then looked around at the crowd. She stood and spoke loudly. "I came here on Samhain to lift my father's curse from the pack." Marching into the center of the oval, Marjory raised both arms to the sky. Suddenly she seemed younger, stronger, taller, filled with power. "From now on, Mother Nature will choose. Let male and female offspring be conceived according to Her wishes alone!" Lightning sparked from the tips of her fingers flickering up into the sky then down again to the earth. A single boom of thunder cracked, causing the children to scream. Then Marjory lowered her arms and walked over to the Alpha of Septimus' pack. She nodded to him and said, "My father's curse is lifted. I'd like to stay with Were the Hell? - 38

the pack for the next few years and see the arrival of the first girls." The Alpha gave her a piercing look. He gestured to Septimus and Dai. "It's Septimus' and Dai's mating ceremony tonight. You're welcome to stay this night. Tomorrow we'll meet and talk, but it occurs to me your gifts may be valuable to this pack. And I believe you and Old Bill have much to discuss that may better take place in private. Tomorrow you can explain to me how you restored his hearing, as well." Marjorie nodded, and the party resumed. Septimus and Dai moved among the people again, talking, laughing, and receiving everyone's well wishes. But all the weres wanted to know whether or not the curse had really been lifted, and if there had ever actually been a curse to lift. Would there be baby girls born at last? *** An hour later, as darkness fell and the Samhain moon glowed, the pack shifted and changed, running in twos, threes and larger groups through the trees and over the hills, stretching limbs and reveling in the special glow that came with Samhain. Septimus showed Dai all his favorite places: the two trees entwined together, the sandy slope perfect for rolling down, the tiny creek with crystal-clear water ideal for drinking. But underlying the run was the knowledge that soon they'd consummate their mating as wolves, fucking under the Samhain moon with animal lust. He could hardly wait. They stopped on top of a low hill, raised their muzzles to the moon, and howled. From around the property, other wolves howled in reply. It was time. Were the Hell? - 39

Dai nudged Septimus over to a grassy space, then licked his nose. Ohh, sexy. Septimus licked Dai's nose in response, then flicked his tongue over Dai's ears. They tasted of Dai: slightly earthy, slightly sweaty, but with his usual spicy tang. Yum! By its very nature, the wolf mating was fast, harsh, and carnal. Out in the wild, animals couldn't spend too long making love or a predator could attack. But that was fine by Septimus. Running and playing together was all the foreplay he needed, and their mutual love shone through their every action. Septimus braced himself on his four legs, looking back over his shoulder as Dai mounted him. Dai took a firm grip of the ruff of fur around his neck and pressed his cock at the tight ring of muscles. With no lube, Dai didn't pop inside as easily as usual, but they'd had a lot of sex in the past month to prepare. Septimus pushed back hard against Dai and soon Dai was inside, setting a brisk, deep, thrust-and-retreat rhythm. Eagerly, Septimus leaned back into each stroke, whining with excitement as his own cock grew harder than a rock and began to weep with need. Dai gave a sharp bark, then gripped Septimus again, thrusting deeper, faster, harder. Septimus pushed back again onto Dai's cock and Dai spurted deep inside him, jet after jet of hot come. As soon as the last stream had released, Dai nudged Septimus to lie down. Septimus rolled onto his back and Dai licked his cock, one long sweep from balls to tip and back again, with his rough, red tongue. Just like that, Septimus exploded, too, jetting come into the air and onto his belly. A few blobs even landed on Dai's nose and Septimus licked them off. Although you did look kinda cute with my come on your nose like that. Were the Hell? - 40

Cute, huh? Oh, yeah, real cute. Hey, we're mind-talking already. I thought that took a while to develop. I guess not! *** Three days later, they were driving a U-haul truck along the interstate, heading back to the Forest Hills pack and their mated lives together. "No wonder we couldn't find any recent trace of Marjory Wilms. How amazing she chose to call herself Hecate after her magic powers developed, as a memorial to Shakespeare. Not that I can think of him as anything other than Old Bill," said Septimus. Dai rested his hand high up on Septimus' thigh. "It's amazing that both Marjory and Old Bill recognized each other instantly. Pretty awesome, though, that the first thing she did was cure his deafness. She's a very powerful witch, I believe." "Yes. Likely she's stronger than her father ever was, even though she didn't trust her ability to break his curse except on Samhain." "And interesting that her powers didn't really develop until after her father died. I wonder if he had some curse on her to make sure she never surpassed him in witchcraft?" Septimus glanced from the road to look at Dai. "That's a very perceptive comment. And that would make sense. Her father sounds like he was pretty selfcentered and self-important. Besides, she's made a far better living with the herbs and potions she sells than he ever did, and I don't reckon it's just that she's selling from an Internet website instead of in person." Were the Hell? - 41

Dai slid his hand higher until it pressed over Septimus' cock. His dick instantly tried to burst through the zipper of his jeans. "Let's pull over for a quickie before we crash," gasped Septimus. "Hell yes. I plan for us to live long enough to welcome nieces, great nieces, even great great nieces into the world." "What's the bet the first girl born into the pack is named Marjory?"

Were the Hell? - 42

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of either the author or the publisher. Were the Hell? SINGLE SHOT An imprint of Torquere Press Publishers PO Box 2545 Round Rock, TX 78680 Copyright © 2011 by Berengaria Brown Cover illustration by Alessia Brio Published with permission ISBN: 978-1-61040-232-3 www.torquerepress.com All rights reserved, which includes the right to reproduce this book or portions thereof in any form whatsoever except as provided by the U.S. Copyright Law. For information address Torquere Press. Inc., PO Box 2545, Round Rock, TX 78680. First Torquere Press Printing: June 2011 Printed in the USA

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