Part 1
Rain fell in heavy sheets from the sky, the dark grey a far cry from the normal bright happy blue that Ebony had grown to expect. It didn’t often rain, a fact that had weighed very heavily in her choice to move to the small island, but when it did it was mean. A soft sigh left her lips as she stared out at the storm through the clear glass window, soft chatter filling the room behind her as the last few customers made their way to the door. A light touch at her shoulder pulled her from her thoughts and she smiled up into the handsome face of her favorite customer.
“I did it again, didn’t I?” A soft laugh lit up her grey blue eyes as she ran her fingers through her fur and shook off the last of her wandering thoughts. “Sorry about that Darren. Was this all you wanted today?” Pulling herself away from the window she moved behind the counter of the quaint little shop, gesturing to the small handcrafted nick nacks scattered in front of the register. “You know, I’m curious what you do with all these. Not that I’m complaining.”
The last customer pulled the door open, a light ring of the bell at the top pulling her eyes up as she waved goodbye to them. “Bye! Have a good night! Stay dry!” A soft click and silence filled the darkened shop, broken only by the click and dings as she rang him up. A few quick glances was all she allowed herself of the tall man that stood in front of her. He was handsome, for a human. Dark skin that almost matched her own black fur and piercing green eyes that should have seemed out of place and yet somehow only drew her in more. She’d always been on the shorter side for her kind but when looking up at him she felt every inch of her 5’11 stature. He had to be over 6’3 and it only added to the draw he had over her.
Gracing her with a rare smile, Darren let out a low rumbling laugh. “Perhaps I’m just looking for an excuse to enjoy some company.” His eyes cut to the window for a moment before meeting hers again. “Although it seems I’ll be paying for that in more ways than one.” Every stolen glance she gave him brought a knowing smirk to his lips. This would be fun. A small look at his watch and he knew time was slowly running out for the little wolf, although she didn’t know it herself. He struggled to maintain his composure, his heart speeding up with every passing second. As she slipped the last of his items into a bag he let himself look over her once again, that familiar surge of desire over taking him for a moment as his eyes traced every curve of her form before he pulled himself back under control.
Ebony reached out to hand him the bag, her fur suddenly standing on end as a shiver ran down her spine. For just a moment she watched his face change, an edge and hunger to his eyes she’d never seen before and then in a blink it was gone. So fast she almost doubted that it had happened at all. Clearing her throat she tried to push aside the unease that gripped her for a moment and forced a smile. “Well whatever your reason I’m happy to have you. I hope you have a good night Darren!” Her fingers grazed his as he reached for the bag, her eyes widening as her heart thumped hard against her ribs and warmth spread through her body at the simple touch. What was wrong with her? She was reacting like she was being chased, her instincts screaming for her to run.
Her reaction didn’t escape his notice and he sighed internally. That would complicate things. Outwardly he just smiled at her and nodded, taking the bag gently from her hands. “Oh I’m sure I will. See you around Ebony.” He kept his tone light and headed for the door, hearing the soft sound of her footsteps as she followed him. One last glance and a smiling nod and he stepped out into the deluge, listening for the click of the lock before walking quickly to his car. A small black bag sat nestled in the backseat as he dropped off his new purchases and the sight of her still watching him from the door caused a sharp spike of excitement to run through him. It had been a long wait but that would all be over tonight. Sliding into the front seat he blasted the heat for a moment before driving off into the growing darkness, the sun finally giving up its hold to thick dark clouds.
Ebony couldn’t help the sigh of relief as she watched him drive away, turning to lean back against the door as her eyes closed. A tension she hadn’t even known was there lifted and she was left to try and sort through what had happened. It was such a simple exchange, one she’d had so many times before with so many of the townspeople but this had felt different. Pushing it from her mind she drew herself up straight. No point in dwelling on it now. Instead she focused on her work, counting the days earnings and cleaning up the shop. Soon enough she fell into the practiced rhythm and the worries of the day melted away. A few hours’ time and she was finally finished, dragging herself towards the back of the store and the stairs that resided there.
The storm only got worse outside but she paid it no mind as she climbed the stairs, too tired to notice the small crack in the back window and the warm, wet breeze that drifted in. Opening the door she stepped into the small apartment, not bothering to close the door behind her before shedding the thin dark green dress she’d worn that day. She walked through the small living room to the open kitchen, tossing the dress on the back of the cream colored couch as she went and opened the fridge door to grab what was left of her dinner from the night before. Thunder cracked outside and her ears went back slightly at the sound. She always hated storms. A tall glass of wine poured from the opened bottle on the fridge door was taken along with her plate into the living room and she curled up in the corner to watch some tv and enjoy her meal.
A small creak of wood on the stairs was quickly dismissed as she drained her glass and got up to pour another. It was an old house after all and it was always making such odd noises. In time she’d get used to them. A sudden dizzy spell had her putting her glass on the counter as she closed her eyes and swayed. When she opened them again she could swear she heard another creak just behind her. Everything in her body felt heavy, slow, as she turned around or at least tried before a strong arm wrapped around her waist, a hand around her muzzle and she was pulled back against a warm solid mass.
“Looks like you’ve had too much to drink, love. You should be more careful.” The deep familiar voice drifted over her ear and she let out a startled whimper in response, pulling against the heavy weight of his hands as they dragged her backwards. Her feet slid across the floor, her breathing quickening to panicked gasps as she tried to jerk away from him. “Now now... no need for that just yet. I’m just gonna help you to bed.” The snide tone in his voice made her blood run cold and she growled weakly, her head growing foggier as her eyes grew heavy.
As her struggles grew weaker Darren knew he had her, chuckling softly as he removed his hand from her mouth. “There’s a good girl. Why don’t you just go to sleep? I’m sure we’ll have plenty of fun when you wake up.” His free hand moved down under her knees, sweeping her up into his arms as her eyes finally closed and succumbed to the drugs. He’d have to work fast, knowing she wouldn’t be out for long. Long quick steps took him across the apartment easily, laying her on the bed before dropping his bag next to her. Even with the rush he couldn’t help but stop to admire his catch, his eyes drinking in every inch of her as he fought to push down the answering desire it awoke in him. All in good time. She’d be his by the time he was done with her. A cold smile spread across his face and he pulled open the bag and set to work.
