Chapter Text
Your hand covered your mouth as you looked into the pen, looking at the chunky, feathery remains of your chickens and trying to swallow down the bile that was rising up the back of your throat. You gave a quick look around, spotting tracks and the hole that had been dug under the wire fencing.
It seemed your late father was having a wolf problem here, you thought. You steeled your resolve to face that issue today, after you dealt with scooping up after the cows in the barn. You suppressed a shudder, the farm life was not going to come easy to you.
The walk was longer than you thought it would be and the basket of apples on your arm was weighing heavily on you by the time you reached the Hermina forest, otherwise known as Reiner Braun's territory.
You started feeling nervous as the forest closed in around you, locking the sun out, not really sure what you needed to do to get the man's attention, if you could even get an audience with him. Reiner was known for being friendly at least, there was nothing to really fear here.
It didn't take very long before you heard rustling in the woods around you. "Hello?" You called, "sorry to bother, but would it be possible to speak with Reiner Braun?"
A curious crackling and crunching sound filled your ears for a moment before a deep voice called back, "why yes, it would."
Looking towards the sound, you saw a tall blond man with a curious expression on his face, and he was mostly hiding behind a tree. "You're him?" You smiled, dismissing the oddity.
He noticed your look apparently, because he gestured to the tree, giving you a brief glimpse of some impressive muscles. "City folk prefer clothes and I wasn't running around with any so," he gave the tree a pat, "and yeah that's me. What can I do for you, beautiful?"
"Oh, it's okay," you assured him with a smile, you were pretty sure you could survive seeing some nudity. That was just how werewolves were after all, it would be impolite to not be accepting of this.
"You're sure?" He smirked, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
You gave him your blessing with a nod and almost immediately went redder than your apples, staring very hard at his nose. At least you remembered to not stare him in the eyes.
He didn't suppress a smile as he sauntered over, every inch on proud display.
Taking a steadying breath, you held the basket out with faintly shaking hands, forever grateful that it was blocking his lower half, however briefly. "First, this is for you," you said.
"Oh?" He took it, his warm hand leaving a tingle in yours where he touched it, grabbing out an apple, taking a quick bite and giving an appreciative mmm. "These are great, thanks," he said. He worked on the apple, waiting for you to recover and probably to get to the point of your visit.
Clearing your throat, you pushed away the embarrassment and smiled again. "You're welcome. I came here today because I have reason to believe a wolf ate my chickens, and I heard you were the one to talk to about that kind of problem."
Gold eyes regarded you intently as he chewed, thoughtful. "You didn't smell like a farm girl," he admitted.
You felt your cheeks heating again. "A recent development, I admit," you said.
"Hm. Okay," he said, gesturing over his expansive shoulder, "take me to your farm and we'll have a look."
Well, that was easier than you expected, you were pleased that what you heard about the pack leader was true. Though, in your more primitive thoughts, you wondered about the other things you heard about him too. "Excellent, this way then," you said, leading on. It was with some relief to you he kept the basket blocking his...self.
"You said this was a recent change for you?" Reiner asked after a while of walking, breaking your comfortable silence.
"Yes, my father passed away and it has fallen on me to take care of the farm," you said solemnly, "I'm afraid I have lived in the city my whole life, this is quite a system shock for me."
"My condolences," he offered easily, eyeing up the farm as the two of you walked down the path to it. "That is a lot of work for one person."
"Never ending," you said, suddenly feeling tired from the truth of the words. "Over here," you guided him to the chicken pen, having cleaned up most of the meaty bits and feathers, all that was left was the tracks and the hole.
"Let's see," he said. He handed you back the basket of apples, crouching in front of the tracks quietly. You stared at his shoulder, very determined.
He was chuckling, a deep, joyful sound, shaking his head and eyeing you over his shoulder.
"Is something the matter?" You raised an eyebrow.
He waved you over until you were tentatively standing directly beside him, leaning forwards. "You've never seen a wolf at all, have you?" He said, amusement clear.
"Ah, well, no," you admitted, sheepish.
"This," he pointed at the small print, "is a coyote paw print."
"Oh," you said, pursing your lips, "I'm sorry for wasting your time Mr. Braun, it was not my intention."
"Just Reiner," he waved off the formality. "For future reference, a wolf paw will be at least this big," he held his hands out around the small paw print, giving you a better idea of what to expect.
"That's quite large," you said, trying to imagine how big a wolf actually was. You saw illustrations of them of course, but that was it.
He pulled out of his crouch back into a stand and watched in amusement as you straightened very quickly in turn, cheeks flushing prettily. "Wolves are pretty big," he said.
You stared at his nose. "I understand now, thank you very much for your assistance. Please enjoy the apples and know you are welcome here any time," you said, offering the basket back.
He kept his arms loose at his sides, regarding you with a picture perfect relaxed expression, intending to put you at ease. "It's okay to look me in the eye, you know," he teased softly.
Your eyes flicked to his for a second, not quite believing. "I heard it was just something you weren't supposed to do?" You said.
"Well," he shrugged his shoulders and gave a little dip of his head. "It's more of a man thing in general, but you're also a human," he tried to catch your eye. "Unless you plan on taking over my pack?"
You laughed softly and shook your head, returning his warm gaze in full then. You were glad, he had very nice eyes. "No, I don't imagine I'll be trying to do that any time soon," you said.
"Good," he hooked a finger in the basket, giving you a crooked smile. "I'd hate to have to step down, I can't say no to beautiful women," he said.
You clasped your hands at your front and shook your head at him, smiling like a beacon. "Tease," you said.
"No teasing here," he gave a lazy cross of his heart. "If you ever need anything, you know where I am," he gestured towards the woods with his head. "Even if you need to know what isn't a wolf print," he smirked.
"Alright, you have a good day Reiner," you watched him turn to leave, and you had to admit that you did not mind seeing him go. You chastised yourself and made to get back to work, using the warm, fuzzy feeling Reiner and his compliments gave you as a buffer against the misery of your current situation.
The next few weeks were full of tears, frustration and frustrated tears, but you did take note that there was no further coyote problem. Of course, it already ate your chickens so maybe it just ran out of things its own size to eat. You secretly hoped Reiner ate the thing.
Vaguely you registered the farm animals kicking up a fuss at some point in the dead of night, but you were too tired to get up and see what was going on. That morning you paused at the base of the stairs to your home, looking at a print in the dirt.
It was like the coyote paw, but so huge it gave you pause, well beyond the basic radius Reiner had given you. Your brows furrowed in concern, should you go and tell Reiner about it? You scolded yourself at the thought. Even if it was a wolf, nothing was amiss here, you just wanted to see that big dumb blond again.
He's not dumb , you thought wistfully as you began the days work. I quite like him.
That evening you were sitting in your father's faded old chair, tea in hand and just wishing for the end to come. You were so sore, not as bad as when you first started, but you suspected this ache was not something you would entirely grow out of. Your father was always full of aches and pains, after all.
You perked in surprise when someone knocked firmly on the door. "Coming!" You said, placing your tea down and shuffling to the door as fast as you could manage. Your day brightened considerably when you looked up at Reiner. "Hello! What brings you back?"
He looked at you intently for a moment, speaking before the silence became awkward, "I missed you, would you like some company? I have pants this time, a little slobbery, but still good." He pointed down with a smile.
Your cheeks became rosy and you stepped back, gesturing him inside. "Please, come in. Tea?"
"Sure," he said, sauntering in and heading into the living room. With pants on, you found your eyes were more bold, traveling across his broad back and leaving you with butterflies in your stomach.
You quickly glued your gaze on the kitchen as he turned around and sat on the couch. "I'll get you a cup, one moment," you said as he smiled after you knowingly.
Cup in hand, you poured him some hot tea and settled back on the chair, fighting off a groan. "I hope you have been doing well," you said softly, barely able to drag your eyes up to him like a proper hostess.
"I have," he admitted, eyeballing you, "but you are sore and tired."
You nodded quietly, forcing your eyes open wider, you must look terrible. Running a hand through your hair, you dropped it to the arm of the chair and chuckled, taking another sip of tea.
He put his tea down and shifted forwards until he was crouched in front of you, "I can help with that," he said.
"Oh, I'm-I'm okay really-Ohhhh," your panic faded away into a moan as he expertly took one of your legs into his hands and started massaging your tender calf muscle. You were keenly aware his hands were under your long skirt, even if the touch was innocent, and your cheeks blazed like the sun.
"Just relax," he assured you as he continued his ministrations from your knee to your bare feet, his strong grip giving you momentary pain that faded to comfortable warmth. "I have some news for you and I don't want you upset," he eyed your reaction.
You almost didn't react, you were too busy trying not to drop your tea and turn into a groaning, moaning mess. "What news?" You murmured.
"There have been a few people sneaking around your farm at night these past few weeks," he ran his thumbs up the base of your foot, squeezing as he went. "I've been keeping an eye on it, but I can't do anything about them unless they try to hurt someone," he said.
You were just melting into his hands, this was glorious. Maybe the farm life was for you after all, if your friendly neighborhood adonis would come and rub your feet every now and again. Oh, he said something, right. "Maybe I should try to talk to them," your words came out in a breathy sigh.
He shook his head negative, switching to your other leg and enjoying your little hiss. "I just want you to lock your place up and keep safe," he said.
"Alright," you said, placing your tea down beside you, unable to keep holding it up properly in this situation. "I can do that, but you don't have to linger here for my sake Reiner."
He shrugged, kneading at your muscles and watching your face twist in pleasure. "This is my territory, it's my job to keep it safe you know. And even if it wasn't," he leaned towards you, looking serious, "I'd still want to."
You bit your lip, forcing yourself to not lean towards him and his entrancing eyes and warm voice. "I am very glad," you said.
Chuckling softly, he saw that look on your face, those lips wanting to be kissed, but leaned back and smoothed your skirt down, giving your covered leg a pat. "That said, come with me for a minute, I want to iron something out real quick," he said as he stood and offered you his hand.
You took it and allowed him to pull you to your feet, wobbling for a moment before steadying. "Iron something out?" You wondered out loud, following after him on your jelly legs. Vaguely, you thought about putting shoes on as was proper, but decided that Reiner wouldn't mind. He wasn't wearing any at all, after all.
"Mhmm," he said as he wandered out on to the porch with you, thumbs hooking into the edge of his pants. He hid his grin when he dropped them and heard you make a little choked sound.
You looked away respectfully, trying to gather your wildly inappropriate thoughts.
He kicked the offending pants aside for the time being. "You've never seen a wolf, but I want you to see me and know who I am on sight," he said.
"Okay," you said faintly, catching his eye as he glanced at you and giving him a small nod. As anxious as the idea made you, you also wanted to see and couldn't fault Reiner for his logic. If you were going to be neighbors, it was good to know what he looked like.
Walking down the stairs, he stepped away, around 5 feet or so, before turning back to face you, hands on his hips.
You sat down on the stairs, hands in your lap, watching in rapt attention.
"Feel free to pet me," he grinned impishly before dropping to all fours, landing as a wolf, just as big and golden as the man.
You sucked in a breath and stared, his snout was pretty much right in your face and he was looking down at you. You understood what the crunchy popping sounds were in the forest now, his muscle and bone shifting around.
Slowly, cautious to not startle or scare you, he pressed forwards until his huge head was resting on your lap, golden eyes looking up at you and tail swishing gently. Women lusted after the man, practically worshipped him at the altar, but they loved the wolf. Always.
Maybe you were just a stereotypical maiden falling for the bad boy werewolf at this point, you pushed aside those thoughts for now and drank in the strange and welcome opportunity given to you. Hands lifting, you shifted them through his fur as you looked him in the eye, feeling a strong sense of peace. "So soft," you murmured.
His ears perked in surprise when you drew him into a hug, burying yourself in his fur. He squinted slightly after a minute or so, feeling you going lax against him. Had you really fallen asleep? He nudged at you gently, feeling you slump further into him. Well, you were comfortable around him, he'd give you that. With care, he changed back and rose up to a stand with you cradled in his arms, quietly easing back into your house and placing you on your old couch. Watching your peaceful sleeping features for a time, he turned and made to leave. You couldn't lock the door behind him, so he would watch tonight, for you.
You woke up feeling well rested, given you were on the couch, and just about died of embarrassment when you realized you fell asleep on poor Reiner. It was later than you meant to wake up, so you compartmentalized all the strange feelings and thoughts you were having for later digestion and dressed yourself for another day of hard work.
Something was...wrong, you felt, as you approached the barn with the intention of letting the cows out, they appreciated getting to romp around. It was very quiet.
When he smelled blood on the wind, Reiner came running.
You were curled up at the arm of the couch and dry sobbing when he erupted through the door, heading directly for you. "What happened?" He said, pulling you away from the couch and into his embrace.
"Someone killed them," you hiccuped, someone had cut the throats of the cows while he was gone and you were still asleep. All you were going to have left soon was an apple tree. Your insides twisted and you tried to curl up harder, tears leaking down your red cheeks.
It was a wonder they didn't kill you too, and the thought made Reiner's blood boil. Taking a steadying breath, he placed his hands on your shoulders and gave you a firm squeeze, trying to draw your attention. "I need you to lock the doors behind me, I'm going to get some help," he paused, it was clear you weren't absorbing anything.
He growled then, deep and menacing, squeezing your shoulders hard enough to elicit pain. "Listen," he said.
You fell silent, unmoving.
"Lock the doors behind me," he spoke slowly, voice still a low growl of warning, "and I'll be back."
You nodded ever so slightly into his chest.
Pulling you to your feet, he all but carried you to the door, there was no time to waste. "I want to hear it lock behind me," he said, pulling your chin up roughly and making you look him in the eye.
"Yes," you said faintly, red eyed and teary.
He gave your head an apologetic pat and swooped out the door, listening to the lock click as you did as you were told.
Shaking, you tried to calm yourself. You clenched your fists when you tried to pour your tea and almost spilled it everywhere, forcing it into the damned cup. Your insides felt chilled when, later, you looked out the window and saw a steady procession of people walking towards your home. Were they the ones that killed your cows?
When you saw some wolves among them, your heart steadied. Your pain forgotten, you threw your doors open and entered hostess mode, regardless of your awful looking state.
They had come to take care of the cows, hunters with tools for butchering, so they wouldn't go to waste. You set up a small table and laid out food and drink for them, dismissing the apologies of those who arrived as wolves and lacked dress.
You counted fifteen men and four women, quite a few more than needed for butchering some cows, but it quickly became apparent they were here to help in general. You dabbed at tears as they spread out and methodically tidied up and worked the farm with practiced hands. Your gratitude went beyond words, you didn't even realize the place had become so run down in your short time alone here.
You were sitting on the steps, full of warmth and respectably calm, when Reiner appeared, stomping towards you and looking decidedly angry.
"I thought I told you to stay in the house and keep it locked?" He growled, teeth exposed at you, coming to a stop a short step away.
Raising your hands between yourself and him, you gulped and stuttered. When you were distraught you only vaguely registered his threatening behavior, but now you were actually scared. "Reiner, it was obvious they were your people, I couldn't just not thank them for their help," you said.
He took a deep breath and visibly relaxed. "You're right, I'm sorry," he said, genuine. He came to sit beside you and watch his people work, pleased.
You relaxed too, though with the revelation of him actually having anger as an emotion you knew a seed of caution had been planted in your chest. "Thank you for all your help, I don't understand why someone would do this," you said softly.
"We're glad to and it looks like you're feeding my people well anyway," he chuckled and threw an arm over your shoulder, stroking your arm with his thumb. "As for the why? Not sure," he shrugged, he'd been thinking about it too.
Pausing for a time, relaxing into his arm and grip, you finally said, "I think I'm going to give the farm animals to a nearby farmer, if they will take them."
"Why is that?" Reiner said.
"I wanted to do right by my father by taking over the farm and help people with what it produced but," your lip trembled for a second before you caught it, "I don't really think I can."
"Your father was a farmer," he bumped you against his side gently, "you aren't. That is not your fault and it is not a weakness," he said.
Gulping, you nodded, not trusting your voice for a minute. "I don't think I have enough storage for all that meat," you vaguely gestured towards the barn.
"We'll just set up a fire pit and have a good meal tonight then," he shrugged, "and you will store what you can."
You watched him get up and mingle with his pack members, getting everything sorted out. Something else was bothering you, and it had a lot to do with how your heart beat funny when you looked at the sturdy blond.
They set up a large fire pit that night and true to Reiner's word they cooked up everything that you couldn't store, and you packed away everything you could. You laughed when Reiner lamented that he couldn't share the taste of the meat with you the way a wolf tasted it, because it was far superior. You allowed your current troubles to fade into the background and enjoyed yourself, eating your fill and exchanging introductions with everyone who came to help. It felt good to be around people again.
The next morning, after everyone had left and cleared the fire pit away, you found yourself solemnly walking towards your neighbor's farm. You only had to knock once before the man appeared to open his door, looking at you with furrowed brows. "Yeah?" He said.
"Galliard," you smiled, "it has been a very long time."
"Oh hell, it sure has!" He laughed and clapped your shoulder with a bear paw of a hand, rattling your bones. Porco Galliard was a handsome, hard working man that you had a crush on, ages ago. "What brings you here? How's your pa?"
There it was, you pursed your lips and clasped your hands together. "He passed away not long ago, Galliard, I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner. It has been difficult for me," you said.
"I'm sorry. Hell, if I did anything other than work all day I might have known by now," he admitted.
"That is a part of why I came over here actually," you said.
"Oh?" He tilted his head slightly.
"I tried to take over the farm, but it isn't working out," you fidgeted with your fingers, "I came to ask you if you'd take on the farm animals, or maybe know someone who might?"
"I can do that," he nodded, "pigs, goats, cows, right?"
"No cows," you whispered, grief tugging at your insides.
"Alright," he didn't seem to notice, "what about the property?"
"The property?" You hadn't really thought about it, and found yourself caught off guard. "I'm not sure yet, Galliard. Obviously it's a lot of useful space but it's hard, even the thought of giving it up...well, it will be on my mind, I promise," you said.
He nodded, content with your answer. "I'll get some boys rounded up and we'll come get those animals off your hands today, sound good?" He said.
"Yes, thank you, Galliard. I will have refreshments available for you when you come around, just knock," you smiled and bid him farewell.
On your way back, you thought about the property and what it really meant to you. Yes, it was your father's legacy, but without the animals living on it, it was hollow. You couldn't honestly take care of the buildings yourself, they would decay in time, never mind the work to keep the landscape in shape.
No, there was only one thing stopping you from giving it away without a second thought. He was 6'2" tall, blond and standing on your porch ass naked.
"There you are, I was about to go sniff you out," Reiner smiled, eyes dancing.
"I'm okay Reiner, thank you for your concern," you rubbed your hands together and sat on the steps, watching him sit beside you in your peripheral vision. "My neighbor and old friend, Galliard, is going to come by here today with some farmhands and take all the animals for me," you said.
"Oh yeah?" He said, looking at you intently, "what are you going to do with the farm itself?"
There was that question again, you swallowed the lump in your throat and gave a little shrug. "Not sure yet. I will have an apple tree left," you laughed softly, "I could look after that much."
He chuckled, leaning into you, bumping into your body with his affectionately. "Do you have a home in the city?" He said.
"Yes and no," you said, tilting your head this way and that. "I was working under a scholar, doing transcription and the like for him, and he was allowing me to live in his manor while I studied from his library and worked for him. It was a good mutual arrangement, but I'm not sure if it remains after I left for the farm abruptly."
Reiner crossed his arms, leaning over you and getting his mouth near your ear. "That's boring," he smiled.
"I like reading and writing," you leaned into him a little more, looking at his lips so near, "not everyone gets to run around nude and live in the woods." You giggled, watching his expression carefully to see if that went a little too far or not.
"I wouldn't stop you if you wanted to run around naked," he purred.
You swallowed, cheeks dusting with pink, words escaping you.
Bracing a hand on the porch, he leaned in further, watching as your eyes slid shut. He went past your lips and pressed his to the space between your shoulder and neck, inhaling you deeply as you drew in a sharp breath.
Your eyes opened wide as he laid kisses across your exposed collar and up your neck, stopping just below your ear. Your heart was racing, skin tingling, you were stunned in place.
"Tonight," he murmured, the sound electric and sensual, "I want you tonight. All of you."
"I," you gulped, discarding whatever jumbled mess of words you were going to try and throw at him and just nodding instead.
He stroked a finger from your hip to your knee, feeling your skin tremble beneath your clothes at the touch. "Nothing will happen that you don't want to happen, I promise you," he said before leaning back and rising to a stand. He wouldn't be making it to tonight if he hung around any longer.
You stared after him, flushed and breathing deeply. Your gaze connecting with his was like a bolt of lightning, "see you tonight," you whispered, voice low and velvety. You saw his muscles tense, pupils going huge, before he turned away sharply and took off as the wolf.