by Haley Weir
“I’ll believe it when I see it, then,” Mikayla says. Ethan is leaning closer to her now, his face mere inches away from hers.
Then Ethan pulls away and starts talking.
“I have two brothers, Blake and Douglas. We’ve always gotten along, but it’s been complicated giving the way we all…are. You know, when you choose to believe it. We fought a lot as kids, but our fights would get really violent. We never meant any harm, we just had all of this extra emotion swirling around inside of us. We would disappear into the woods for hours, to really let go and try to understand. Blake got better at controlling it before any of us. He’s always been really strong and…put together. Douglas is still learning like I am, I guess. We used to scare our mom so much coming home in tattered clothes, or no clothing at all. Sometimes there was blood. She tried separating us because she was afraid of what we were up to. My dad isn’t in the picture, really. So I get what it’s like growing up with separated parents.”
“Wow...that sounds like it was a lot for your mom,” is all Mikayla can muster up. She is having trouble separating reality from fantasy. She wants to accept everything he’s told her, but it goes against her better judgement.
“Yeah,” is all Ethan says.
“Yeah,” says Mikayla. Her face is so close to his she can feel his warm breath. She’s staring at his mouth, wondering what it would feel like against hers. He must have noticed where her eyes were straying, because he leans in.
His lips lightly brush hers. She looks into his green eyes and presses her mouth against his, finally feeling just how soft his lips are. He slides his tongue into her mouth, swirling and massaging. Mikayla feels dizzy and light. There is a warm feeling like liquid sunshine coursing through her entire body.
Ethan and Mikayla are kissing hard when she wraps her arms around his neck, and runs her fingers through his hair. He moves from her mouth to her neck, lightly kissing, and then increases in intensity until he’s gently biting. As he kisses her neck, Mikayla already feels excitement between her legs. She is sitting on his lap now and she’s in bliss. She feels his arousal as she straddles him. Mikayla grinds on him, slowly rocking her pelvis back and forth. She’s wet now, wishing there was no clothing between them. She wants to consume him in his entirety and let him enter her with his throbbing member to rock her world continuously.
In the heat of the moment, Mikayla unties Ethan and he gets on top of her. He presses his body against hers, continuing to dry hump her while kissing her neck, then biting, then back to kissing. Mikayla lets a low moan slip out, and upon hearing her sounds of pleasured approval, Ethan’s erection hardens.
He begins to work his way down her body, taking in every part of her. He slides his tongue down her neck, lightly kissing every inch until he reaches her breasts. Pulling her shirt over her head, Ethan begins to kiss all over her perfectly plump breasts. He unhooks her bra without fumbling and throws it across the shed. Mikayla giggles in sheer delight, her heart racing and her toes curling.
Ethan kisses her breasts, one at a time, then sucks on her nipple, biting just a little bit. Mikayla feels like she’s already ready to explode. She is desperate for him to slide his cock inside her, but he’s taking his time with her. She loves it every moment of it. He’s now working on the other nipple, and comes up for a breath.
“Tell me you want this,” he says, cupping her breasts with his hands and massaging them like he can’t believe they’re real and they’re in his hands.
“I want this. I want you,” she says, hoping that’ll be enough to get him to pull her shorts and her panties down, and slide himself into her.
“Tell me again,” Ethan says breathily. He gets off on hearing her say it, and he wants her to say it over and over until she’s screaming. But he moves gently and kindly, worshipping her body and her soft skin.
“I want you. I want you. I want you!” Mikayla says as he moves his lips down her body, grazing her stomach and approaching her essence. She pushes his head down, fingers in his hair, as he works her clit with his tongue. He uses his tongue to trace circles on her throbbing clit. She’s so wet, and he loves the physical response that lets him know he’s hitting all the right spots. He licks her, enjoying her taste.
Mikayla feels like she might finish any second. She wants to keep going, she wants him inside of her desperately, but she isn’t sure she can hold on much longer. When she feels like she’s about to cum, he moves back up her body with his mouth, meeting her face to face again. Now, his finger is inside of her, rubbing her clit over and over as little squeals escape from Mikayla.
“Give me all of you, I’m ready,” says Mikayla.
“Not yet,” he says, a smile creeping across his face. He rolls onto his back and pulls her on top of him. It’s her turn to perform.
Mikayla unzips his shorts, letting out his beast of a cock. She’s excited and she’s ready, but first she rubs her hand up and down, knowing just the right spot to make his toes curl. She puts her mouth on his penis, sucking him as hard and as passionately as she possibly can, wanting desperately to have him inside of her. She likes being on top, being in control. She likes having her hand (and mouth) on the steering wheel, directing the show as she sees fit.
He finally slips into her, and she rides him hard. The feeling of him inside of her is like no drug she’s ever had before. She’s dizzy in the best way, her head light with ecstasy as she grinds up and down, up and down, up and down, until finally, he lets out a great big moan and finishes. But he’s a gentleman, so he immediately rolls Mikayla onto her back and goes down on her once more.
Now it’s his turn to do the work. He’s thrusting his tongue inside her with vigor, going as deep inside of her as he can. He’s making sure to lick her in all the right places. He is still feasting upon Mikayla as her back arches and she lets go, finally experiencing the sweet release of completion. They lay next to each other, breathing heavily, their hearts racing, and adrenaline rushing.
Mikayla and she lays her head on Ethan’s chest and listens to his heartbeat. She wants to live in that moment forever. She’s cozy and safe, with the butterflies in her stomach dancing in circles, fluttering in rhythm with Ethan's heart beat. She feels sleepiness overcome her and her eyes begin to close. She doesn’t fight the urge, figuring she’ll just remain in the moment as long as possible. She has no idea how everything is about to change after this moment.
Chapter 9
When Mikayla opens her eyes, the first thing she notices is that she is in complete darkness. She’s still in the shed, but it must not be morning because there’s no light creeping through the windows. She remembers letting herself fall asleep on Ethan’s chest. She stands up, noticing that he is nowhere to be found in the shed. His clothes are still in a clump on the floor, a reminder that he was here and that their night together did happen. She opens the door to the shed, and the yard is lit by a lantern. Her eyes adjust to the dim lighting, only to meet face to face with a giant brown bear. She can’t mistake those green eyes with their dancing yellow speckles: it’s Ethan.
“Mikayla,” he says with in a low voice. She stays silent, shocked and trying to come to terms with what is in front of her. She tries to pinch herself awake, certain she’s having some sort of bizarre dream. Mikayla isn’t afraid, though. In fact, she feels calm with the giant grizzly bear.
“I’m a shifter, Mikayla,” Ethan continues. “I run in a pack with Blake. There are others. There’s so much I want to share with you, to show you about my world. I don’t want you to be afraid.”
“I’m not afraid. I guess I just was always a skeptic about...all of this. This world. I really guess I had to see it to believe it,” she says in awe. She begins to reach her hand out, to stroke his fur and fully accept the reality of what is right before her eyes, but she stops herself.
“Can I?”
“Of course,” says Ethan.
Mikayla reaches out. She is calm and gentle. She feels safe and secure. Ethan curls up next to her, still h
uge even when he’s not standing, and she pulls over one of the lounge chairs next to his resting spot. She lies comfortably while stroking his fur. If this is a dream, it’s a sweet dream, and she’ll savor every moment of it.
Suddenly, Ethan rises and darts away into the forest and disappears. Mikayla sits up, not sure if she should wait for him. But it’s buggy outside, she’s tired, and possibly delirious, so she begins to hobble slowly into the house. She makes herself comfortable on the couch where she’ll wait for Ethan to return, in whatever shape or form.
Chapter 10
Mikayla is woken up by Ethan. He’s back in his clothes, looking like he haphazardly threw them on without even buttoning his pants. Mikayla notices his shirt is inside out. He’s not wearing any shoes, and he’s dirty. Mikayla wonders what he’s been up to all night. Where did he run off to after they passed out in the shed?
“I’m sorry I left you like that,” Ethan says. “And…I’m sorry I look like....this,” he says. Mikayla giggles. She can’t help but think he looks rugged and sexy. She doesn’t mind a guy who can get a little dirty. As soon as Mikayla saw Ethan, the butterflies in her stomach started up again. But what does he mean by “left her”? Mikayla’s mind starts to race, and she begins to put together the pieces from the events of last night. She can’t distinguish reality from her dreams.
Ethan continues. “I felt so calm and safe when you were sitting with me, petting me. I’m so used to being alone in that shed, tied up so I can’t hurt myself, or worse. I was just so calm I began to...shift back. I had to go-,” he explains. But Mikayla interjects.
“Petting you?” she says in shock. He really was there. So that was not a dream.
“Petting me,” he confirms. “Mikayla, we can never do that again. You can’t be with me when I’m like that,” he says. He’s very serious. “It was my mistake. I don’t know what I was thinking.”
What? You don’t think I can handle it?” Now she’s defensive. She can handle anything. This she is sure of. She’s always been sure of her ability to cope and manage whatever life throws at her.
“I think you can handle it. I do. It’s just not safe. For either of us,” says Ethan.
“What’s not safe? You were so...gentle,” she says.
“I’m unpredictable, Mikayla. There’s so much you don’t know,” he says.
“But I want to know. Please.”
“Mikayla, this is a dark burden I carry with me. I’m not proud, and I feel trapped. You can’t imagine what it’s like,” he says. He’s right. She can’t imagine shifting. But she does know what it’s like to feel trapped. Suddenly, she felt a wave of sadness for Ethan.
“I’m so sorry,” she says softly.
“Don’t be sorry. I didn’t mean to make you feel bad. I just don’t know how to talk about this with a human. I’ve never really had the opportunity,” he says.
“You can tell me anything. I’ll try to understand,” Mikayla says. Human. Mikayla’s never been distinguished from others as “human” before.
“Thank you. We just have to take it slow,” he answers.
“We didn’t take things slowly last night,” Mikayla responds, and she wants to smack herself for saying something so cheesy. Ethan laughs. The heavy sadness that permeates the room is relieved for a moment.
“Well, I guess not like that. That we can do again. And again…and again,” Ethan says.
Mikayla blushes. “So, it’s true about Blake then, too?”
“It is. Avery knows. I didn’t know if that’s something girls would share with each other when talking about boyfriends and stuff,” Ethan says. Mikayla laughs.
“No, she didn’t mention it. Maybe she thought I would not have believed her. She would’ve been right.”
“I could see why,” says Ethan.
“So, every night you’re chained up?” Mikayla can’t wrap her mind around it.
“Yes. I have dreams that get me fired up and cause me to shift in my sleep. Sometimes I just shift because I have to. It doesn’t feel good to resist it too many days at a time,” he explains.
“What do you mean?”
“It’s hard to explain. I get really on edge. My muscles ache. I can’t sleep. It’s almost like withdrawal. My body needs certain things it can only get when I am in my other form.” He almost looks ashamed when he says it. “Can you help me?” he asks.
“How?”
“Every single night. The ropes. Who knows what could happen if I get loose in the middle of the night…it’s just too risky. Blake helps me, and in the city, I have my assistant help. Out here when Blake is away, or with Avery- well, I could just really use for the next few weeks,” he says.
“Okay,” Mikayla says without doubting her answer for a moment.
“But,” she continues, “you have to do one thing for me.”
“And that is?”
“Go with me to my sister’s wedding. It’s in a week from Saturday,” she says. She planned on going alone, but she was sure her sister would be overjoyed to have a last minute guest. She’s been practically begging Mikayla to find a date.
“Well, I typically don’t do weddings. But I guess I’ll make an exception,” says Ethan. He smiles. Mikayla is excited, but she hopes Ethan doesn’t get the wrong idea about the wedding date. It’s not just a favor. She would be fine to go alone as planned. Mikayla just loves the idea of having him at her sister’s wedding. She really loves the idea of Ethan.
ACT II
Chapter 11
Mikayla rests her head on Ethan’s shoulder. They’re laying on the couch with Avery and Blake sitting near them on the other couch. It is a muggy night, too warm and sticky to sit outside around the firepit like they had been the past few nights. Mikayla feels giddy, like she’s in high school again. It feels like telling her parents she’s at her friend’s house when she was really sneaking out to hang with her crush. There’s something about a summer fling that will always feel youthful to Mikayla.
However, Mikayla doesn’t want to repeat mistakes from past relationships. She doesn’t want to fall head over heels for someone who is going to drop her when the summer nights get colder and the leaves start falling. Mikayla decided that if she is going to go for this, she’s setting some rules for herself. She does not want to get too attached. Plus, Mikayla isn’t one to forgo her independence for a man.
For Mikayla, balance is essential. She’s weary to give herself over completely to something only to have the rug pulled out from under her, leaving her with nothing but a name in her metaphorical Little Black Book. Just one more ghost in her closet. She muffles the voice that tells her there’s something different about Ethan.
“It’s getting late,” Mikayla says to Ethan. It’s almost 2 A.M., and Mikayla realizes Avery and Blake are passed out on the couch. If Blake is what Ethan is, why he doesn’t need to be shackled up like Ethan? Mikayla wonders. Does Blake have a better way to control his inner beast, or is it Avery’s influence? Has finding his one true love tamed him? Mikayla wonders if there’s hope for her and Ethan to have something resembling normalcy, but she quickly shakes the thought away. Planning for a future together creates a fantasy situation out of what is most likely a fling and nothing more.
“I guess it is late,” Ethan agrees. He stands up and stretches. A little bit of his rock hard abs peek through from under his shirt, and Mikayla sneaks a glance. He catches her eyes and winks.
“Don’t tease me,’ says Mikayla playfully. She stands up. She’s gotten much better at walking with the boot. She thinks she’ll be able to at least dance to a few songs in a week. Her sister’s wedding is swiftly approaching, and Mikayla’s nervous about introducing her date to her family, especially her brothers.
“I’m no tease,” Ethan says. He grabs Mikayla’s face with his big hands. Her cheeks feel warm. She looks up at him and their mouths meet, they exchange a kiss that is so gentle, soft, and sexy that Mikayla nearly goes weak in her knees. She’s worried she’s getting too caught up in her f
eelings and pulls away.
“Let’s get you ready for bed,” Mikayla says. She’s been tying him up for a few days, but she can’t help but still feel a bit weird about the whole situation. Sure, there’s the fact that the man she’s sleeping with literally shifts into a bear, but then there’s the other aspect that freaks Mikayla out: how much he depends on her. It is not like Mikayla to be responsible for someone else. She doesn’t exactly have maternal extincts, but she knows how to be a good friend, at least. She questions how exactly she would define her relationship with Ethan.
“Hey?” Ethan says, breaking Mikayla’s train of thought. She wonders how long she let her mind race.
“Sorry, I’m just tired,” she says. “Let’s go.” Hand in hand, they make their way out the back door.
Chapter 12
It’s morning. Avery and Mikayla are in the kitchen hanging out in their pajamas, sipping iced coffee. Blake is out back doing yard work. Mikayla hasn’t seen Ethan yet this morning. She wishes she could wake up next to him, but is opting not to sleep on the cold floor of the shed. Plus, she isn’t sure if it’s safe. She’s still learning the ways of the bear world.
“So, Blake hired you to shackle him every night?” Mikayla says in shock. Avery is finally sharing the details of her romance with the rich Manhattan hunk.
“Basically, yes. It’s crazy how these things happen, am I right?”
“Pretty damn crazy,” says Mikayla. She wonders what will happen when everyone moves back to the city in a few weeks. Will Ethan hire her as a live-in assistant and caretaker? Or does he have someone else for that? Mikayla sips her coffee.
“Something on your mind?” Avery asks.
