Male of the Species Duet (Print)

Male of the Species (Print)
Kate Steele
All rights reserved.
Copyright ©2020 Kate Steele

A sharp crack and the rattle of falling limbs pierced the forest as another tree relinquished part of itself to the growing weight of the ice that settled on its branches. The wolf barely acknowledged the sound, it had become so common. Instead, he limped steadily on, searching for a place to rest, a place to escape the steady drizzle that matted his thick, dark fur.

Hunger was beginning to pinch his belly -- the rabbit he’d managed to surprise two days ago had long since been digested. For a wolf alone, catching larger prey was difficult unless one managed to find prey that was old or infirm. The weather had driven the deer herds on to more hospitable climates, and the snow made any chase that much more difficult.

His injury was another strike against him. Though not severe, hunger had drained his body’s resources and slowed the healing.

The capricious wind shifted and he again caught the scent that had intrigued him since entering this area. Another wolf, male and alone, had laid claim to this territory. The evidence of this claim was clearly evident at the scent stations that were marked with his musk.

From the size of the paw prints he’d seen, the wolf knew this lone male was large -- it would mean a fight if they crossed paths. At this point he didn’t care -- tired, hungry and alone, he’d lost the will to care. His entire being was now focused on survival and the need that burned inside -- the determination to prove himself to those who had driven him out of the pack he’d been born into.

He continued on, the ground beginning an uphill slant. The wind shifted and brought strongly the scent of the other. Halting, the wolf tested the breeze, found the direction and turned toward it. Fate had already dealt him a series of blows that would have felled a lesser soul, and he decided to tempt it once again.

He found a small, well-hidden trail, the path worn and rich with the scent of the other. He followed it to its ultimate destination, a den.

Some instinct told him the owner was not at home, and with only a slight hesitation he ducked under the rocky entrance and entered. It was surprisingly warm and he shook himself to rid his coat of the ice that flattened his fur. Moving farther into the cave, his eyes were drawn to a strange glow farther back in the cavern.

He walked slowly, deeper into the gloom and was puzzled as the glow became brighter. A small corridor led farther into the side of the mountain and he ghosted through it, then halted before he entered the second chamber. The source of the glow was revealed.

The rock-lined space housed a pool of water from which a gently wafting cloud of steam rose. The walls of the chamber were coated with a form of phosphorescent lichen that produced the soft light. He looked around curiously and shivered as the warmth began to penetrate his coat and pull the ever-present chill from his body.

The discovery of a carefully constructed bed of pine boughs and grasses brought puzzlement, then a sudden understanding. No ordinary wolf would have made such a bed, but he needed shelter and this place was more than large enough for two. He was staying. He was tired of wandering aimlessly with no place to call home. The owner of this den would have to accept him or kill him.

Deciding to mind his manners, he settled by the pond -- no hardship, as he enjoyed the warm vapors drifting up from the fragrant mineral water. He closed his eyes, his last thoughts centered on the smell of the wolf that called this place home.

Not long after falling asleep, he was roused by the sound of a deep, rolling growl. Instantly awake, his body tensed but he did not rise. Instead he lifted his head and made momentary eye contact with the wolf whose scent had filled his dreams. He was a full-grown adult, his coat thick and gleaming with a healthy sheen. It was a rich shade of salt-and-pepper gray with hints of golden brown around the muzzle, ears, and legs. The color grew lighter as it moved down his body, his legs and belly a deep cream.

His eyes glowed, blazing green orbs that held not only a challenge but a question. Some mutual knowledge passed between them and the wolf felt a surge of hope. The baring of teeth and another growl startled him. With the inherent knowledge of his kind, he kept his body low and nonthreatening.

The older wolf stalked forward on stiff legs and halted before him. His head came down, warning growls keeping the younger wolf still while the elder drew in his scent. Slowly the older wolf relaxed his stance, his muzzle drifting close enough to stir the other’s hair as he sniffed at various parts of his body. He hesitated at the half-healed wound that marred the younger wolf’s shoulder, then stepped back.

Normally a subordinate wolf seeking to placate an elder would roll to his back, bare his throat, and willingly concede dominance to the elder, but not this one. He rose with quiet dignity and met the other’s glowing green gaze. Again, a silent knowledge passed between them and they touched noses. Walking away, the older wolf moved to his bed and settled in. The young one approached and joined him. He lay down, his body quivering for a moment at the much missed contact of another. Curled together, sharing the bed and newfound companionship, the wolves slept.

During the night -- lulled by warmth and security -- a transformation took place, and Devin Grant woke in his human form with his arm flung over the naked body of his host. The warm, sensuous skin-to-skin contact increased the hardness of his already firm erection. He breathed a soft sigh and rolled away, sitting up quietly.

“It’s been a while since I woke up with someone holding me. It felt good,” the older man commented. He too rolled over and sat up to face Devin. “What’s your name, cub?”

“Devin Grant. And I’m no cub.”

The older man looked him over appraisingly, noting the length and thickness of Devin’s morning erection. “Perhaps you’re no cub, at that.” He smiled. “I’m Quinn Alexander. Pleased to meet you, Devin Grant.”

Devin nodded. “Same here. Thank you for letting me stay.”

“Always happy to help a brother in need. You look like you’ve been through some rough times.”

“I did my share of damage.”

“I’ve no doubt you did, young alpha-in-the-making. Question is, why was it necessary? Who did you fight?”

“My pack -- most especially my father. He wanted me driven out.”

“For what reason?”

Devin raised his chin proudly and gave Quinn a challenging stare. “Because I’m attracted to other males. He, and the majority of the pack, consider that a perversion.”

Quinn turned his head slightly, a questioning gesture. “And what do you consider it?”

“The way God chose to make me.”

Quinn nodded, a slow smile wreathing his lips. “Believe it or not, I’ve been waiting for you, young wolf. We have a lot in common, but first, I don’t know about you, but I really need to piss.”

He rose effortlessly and headed for the cave entrance. Devin’s brows beetled slightly as he watched Quinn’s retreat and considered his words. He snorted a soft laugh at his last comment then rose and followed in Quinn’s footsteps.