Chapter 4: Climax
Madison's eyes fluttered open, blurry in the early morning light filtering through the dense canopy above. She lay on crunchy leaf litter, her body still humming from last night's change, not to mention the fervor of her wolf's encounter with Steven's. Her body ached not like a marathon she was unprepared for like last time a month ago, but an intense workout she'd just endured. She took a deep breath, inhaling the earthy scent of the forest, could hear the distant chirping of birds, the rustling of leaves as small creatures scurried about nearby, the gentle babble of the nearby stream. It was a symphony of nature, a soothing melody that helped to calm her frayed nerves. She then realized she wasn't alone, not just the fact she was near her pack, but someone was behind her, a man. He was pressed up against her, arm draped over her waist, spooning her as his semi hard cock pressing into her ass.
Madison could feel his breath on the back of her neck, his chest rising and falling with each breath. She could feel his heart beating against her back, steady and strong. She let out a soft sigh, her body relaxing into his, feeling a sense of comfort and security in his presence. She could feel his hand on her hip, his fingers tracing lazy circles on her skin. She shivered, her body responding to his touch, her nipples hardening beneath her fur. She let out a soft whine, her body aching with need. She turned to see it was Steven.
Steven was still asleep as his rough, calloused hand simply on her stomach, she then moved away from him, startled as his hand fell where she'd been, waking him as well. He stirred looked at her, his eyes still heavy with sleep, but they quickly cleared as he took in her expression. "Madison, what's wrong?" he asked, his voice still thick with sleep.
Madison looked at him, her eyes wide as she said, ''Sorry, I just wasn't expecting to wake being held by someone since...''
Steven's expression softened, ''I apologize, Madison. I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable. It's just... instinctual for us to seek closeness after a full moon. It's a way to reinforce our pack bonds. Plus as the newest member of our pack and my wolf in control, I wasn't aware, but it was out of protectiveness more than anything.''
Madison nodded, understanding, but still feeling a bit unsettled, but still confident. She sat up, before stretching languidly, her muscles protesting slightly as she looking around where other members of the pack were beginning to stir. Steven sat up as well, his body moving with a fluid grace that spoke of his comfort in his own skin. He looked at Madison, his expression thoughtful. "How are you feeling this morning?" he asked, his voice gentle.
Madison looked at him, her eyes still wide, but her expression had softened. "I'm okay," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "My body aches, but not as bad as last time.''
''That's why hydration was stressed, both for the change into your wolf and back. But I think you did well, from the pieces I can recall. You didn't fight much, which is good. You're still learning, and that's okay. It's a process. But you did well from how it sounds. You listened to your wolf, and you didn't let fear control you.'' Steven said, his voice filled with pride.
Madison felt a warmth spread through her at his words. She had always been a quiet, reserved person, but her wolf was a different story. She was fierce, assertive, and confident. It was a side of herself she had never known existed, but she was beginning to embrace it. She looked at Steven, her eyes filled with gratitude. ''Thank you,'' she said, her voice soft.
As the members of the pack around them started to stir and wake, others were walking towards them from other oarts of the forest, such as Shadow whose eyes flicked between Steven and Madison, without a word and expressionless face. She then spoke wishing everyone a good morning, which was echoed by the rest of the pack, before asking Madison how she was feeling. Madison replied with a smile, ''I'm good, thank you. My body's a bit sore, but nothing too bad.''
Shadow nodded, before turning to Steven and asked, ''Should we wait for the others or start heading back now?'' Steven looked around, seeing the rest of the pack starting to stir, some already up and about stretching.
He looked at Madison, who was still sitting, stretching her muscles, before turning back to Shadow. ''Let's give them a few more minutes. I want to make sure everyone's ready before we head back.''
Shadow nodded, before turning to Madison. ''My wolf tells me you did well last night, Madison. Good job.''
Madison looked at her, a small smile playing on her lips. ''Thanks, Shadow.'' she replied before standing as both June and Hannah approached giving her congratulations and hugs, which despite everyone's casual nudity including her own she accepted regardless. There bare tits pressing together. Madison felt a flush of warmth spread through her, a sense of sisterhood and camaraderie that she had never experienced before. She hugged them back, feeling a sense of belonging that she had never felt before. She looked around at the other members of the pack, seeing the same sense of camaraderie and affection reflected in their eyes.
After a few more minutes of people stretching and chatting, the rest of pack met up and they began to make their way back to The Den. Madison walked alongside Steven, their bodies close but not touching. She could feel the heat radiating off his skin, the power and safety of his presence. She looked up at him, her eyes meeting his. He smiled down at her, his eyes crinkling at the corners. Madison was trying to plag it cool as she remembered what their wolves had done, but didn't know if he did. She was feeling a bit awkward and guilty, but also a sense of excitement, a thrill at the memory of their encounter knowing it was her wolf and not her. She looked at Steven, his rugged features softened by the morning light, his blue eyes intense as they held her gaze. She felt a flutter in her stomach, a warmth spreading through her at the look in his eyes.
Steven, meanwhile was acutely aware of what had transpired between their wolves. He could smell the scent of their mating on her, could feel the memory of it in his own body. He was trying to keep his distance, to give her space due to her grief, but he was finding it difficult. He wanted to reach out, to touch her, to pull her close. He wanted to feel her body pressed against his, legs wrapped around his waist, to hear her soft sighs, to see the look in her eyes when she came. He wanted to claim her, to make her his, but he knew that he had to be patient, give her time to overcome her grief for Thomas her passed on fiancé, adjust to her new life, to her new self. He had to respect her, to honor her, and to protect her, but knew his wolf wouldn't.
As they all walked Madison's stomach growled in hunger, as did many others. ''We'll be back at The Den soon, we always take a quick head count, before Kai and a few others get breakfast started.''
''That's good, because I could also use a shower. I'll grab one before breakfast'' Madison said which prompted Kasumi, who was nearby, to say ''You read my mind girl. Shadow, June, Hannah and Briana, you four, me and Madison get first dibs on the shower when we get back.'' she replied loudly which elicited a groan from some who grumbled in response.
Madison felt flustered as she tried to say something, but Shadow just waved her off. ''Those groaning were hoping to join you instead of us. The morning after a full moon, except when it's raining everyone feels the need for a shower to get the dirt, blood and potential grime off. Last month was different as you weren't a part of the pack yet, now that you are, these mornings we shower in groups, it adds to the ritual of pack bonding. Besides it's not like we're strangers or aren't currently walking back to The Den naked together and both this naked walk and the shower will help get you more comfortable with said nudity.'' Shadow explained, her voice matter of fact.
Madison nodded, understanding, but still feeling a bit self-conscious. She had never been one to be uncomfortable with her own nudity, but the casualness of others was different. But she'd been adapting over the past month and was even more confident last night which still remained high this morning. The pack soon arrived at The Den, where Steven did a headcount, ensuring everyone was present and accounted for. Madison followed Shadow and the others to the communal shower area, a large, open space with several showerheads. The air was soon filled with the sound of running water and chatter as June turned on the water.
Once the water was warmer Madison stepped into the shower area, moved under one of the showerheads, letting the warm water cascade over her body, washing away the dirt and sweat from last night. She could feel the tension in her muscles beginning to ease as the water worked its magic. Shadow, June, Kasumi, Hannah and Briana joined her, under their own shower heads. As they washed themselves June asked, Madison how much she remembered from last night. Madison stayed silent for a minute, her expression thoughtful. ''I remember... bits and pieces. The pain of the transformation up to around where my tail sprouted which is when my wolf took over fully as I became the passenger in her body, thank you Briana for letting me know exactly what to expect physically and Shadow for telling me what to expect with her in control. I remember her excitement, a few moments of playing like tugging on a deer leg, not sure where it came from, pouncing, you nuzzling me, June and my wolf lamenting the fact it wasn't fair for me to get a month in control while she only gets a night right before falling asleep.'' Madison told, omitting the fact she remembered Steven's wolf and hers fucking.
''Not bad for your first, more controlled, time. Once you were fully transformed you caught a scent of that deer, ran it down and killed it with ease before a few of us joined you in feeding.'' Hannah said, her voice filled with pride. ''You did well, Madison. You're wolf's a natural.''
Madison felt a sense of accomplishment, spread through her at Hannah's words. She looked around at the other women in the shower, seeing the same sense of pride reflected in their eyes. After several minutes of scrubbing and washing their bodies, they began to rinse off, the water cascading over their skin, washing away the remnants of last night's activities. Madison felt a sense of relief as the water washed away the dirt, blood and grime, leaving her feeling clean and refreshed. She took a deep breath, inhaling the scent of the soap and shampoo, feeling a sense of normalcy return to her.
As they finished their group shower, they began to towel off, the sound of their laughter and chatter filling the air. Madison took a moment to look around at these other women, feeling closer to them in ways she'd never felt outside her mother and best friend. They all dried off then strode down the stairs where others were waiting to use the shower breakfast was still being cooked.