Heart Breaker [Harlot-Mature]

[Arche]

The days had been growing shorter, colder, and more miserable as time continued marching onward with little care about the creatures that stumbled and toiled on the earth's surface. Hell, even the birds that flew through the skies and avoided the blanket of snow under their wings could not escape the freezing temperatures and occasional precipitation that the sky poured down on them. Thankfully, the large alpha of Airila had a natural benefit, or aid, against the colder months. His thick undercoat had grown in rather nicely, making him look larger and even more formidable than usual as he finally pushed himself up to his feet. He had spent the night in the Issimor Caverns, feeling rather anxious about the freezing stretch of water that was the only thing separating Airila's territory from the central hub of Kairos.

The Ina'mos was never something that Arche had any intention of taking, but he was unsure of what the leader of Kairos had in the way of plans for the other territories of Anikira. He had heard of both Descai, and now Valyn losing their territories to the monstrous pack, but he hoped that Airila would be able to maintain peace and their own stretch of land unconquested for some time. Still, one could never be too careful. With numbers still far fewer than the largest pack on the island, Arche had no intention of simply sitting back and not looking out for an attack that may or may not be coming. A downfall to his chosen location of sleep was that the cold wind from the ocean blew heavily down upon him as soon as he stepped out of the guarded cavern walls. His ears pinned backwards with distaste as he looked up at the sky, mentally threatening the clouds in hopes that such thoughts would prevent any snowfall upon Airila today.

Of course, Arche could not control the weather, but it was nice to think he had at least some say in the things he knew he could not control. The past several months had been long and hard, though he had to admit that he was proud of all he had done. Not only was Airila thriving again, but they were strong and united, something that he had not been sure he was capable of when his father had fallen ill and chosen to name him interim Alpha. He had no intention of allowing Airila to fall apart, regardless, but he was hoping and praying that soon Toiro would recover and take his position back and lead them even further into their promising future.

The thought of fishing for his father briefly crossed his mind, but as another cold wind blew into his face, the male decided that getting wet and attempting to catch fish that were likely much deeper within the water now that winter had arrived was not the best idea. Perhaps he would find something during his patrol of the perimeter, but for the time being he let himself slowly walk across the frozen sand of the beach, his mind on much more trivial and concerning things than where his next meal would come from. Airila was everything to him, his family, his home, his life. He would never back down in defending them, or in making them strong. But how well did he really know his pack? He had friends here, family, but he had been more focused on patrolling lately than bonding with each member of Airila. Mentally he scolded himself for the lack of effort he was putting in, and promised silently that he would try harder in the future. They would be one, and they would be stronger and better because of it.

Words: 621
Tags: Harlot
Muse: Medium
Notes: We can do a mating thread here if you'd like, or we can have them "bond" a little first and do another thread elsewhere. Just let me know ^.^

[Harlot]

For some time now, Harlot had laid still and silent in the mouth of the cavern upon the shores. Only her front paws and the tip of her snout peaked out from beneath the overhand, resting gently in the sand as sapphire eyes scanned the horizon slowly, listlessly. At last winter had reached Anikira, bringing bursts of chilly winds that had eventually morphed into full-blown cold. Harlot’s coat was not entirely ideal for winter, but neither was it hindering – the sleek pelt of the red wolf in her genes had mixed oddly with the thickness of the grey’s pelt, leaving her somewhere firmly between. With each day the temperature seemed to plummet, and this one was no different; the sky was a dismal gray, and Airila somehow seemed quieter now that winter had descended.

The season was not the only thing that had changed, however. In the early months of spring, Harlot had reached full maturity as her second name-day had passed, and now it had become apparent that her body was taking to the change well. In the beginning she’d been confused when her hips became shapelier as the winter cold crept into the dens. She’d put on the slightest bit of weight as well, although she doubted anyone but her had noticed, her body preparing itself for something that Harlot was not sure she wanted. She’d always been flirtatious and suggestive, as if she had to live up to her damning name…but she’d been young, and never before had she experienced a heat cycle. Until now.

It was strange and foreign, and it was the result of Harlot’s brooding. She did not think that any of the males within Airila were brutes, but she’d been warned by her mother when she was very young what a she-wolf’s scent during her prime would do to a male. Harlot had spent the majority of her time lately hidden away, mulling over how things had changed. Today, however, it seemed as if she would no longer spend her time in her self-made isolation. A shape appeared on the horizon, moving slowly and leisurely towards her. Harlot was still, doubting that whoever it was with bother to look up and see her, but silently debating between retreating further into the caverns just in case. But then the wolf grew closer, the muscular shape and mottled pelt becoming familiar before her very eyes. Arche.

She’d thought of him often since she’d joined Airila; whenever she’d glimpsed him in passing, Harlot had aimed a coy smile or a wink in his direction before continuing on her way. She’d intended to seek him out sooner, to get to know the devilishly handsome brute, but now…now it seemed very much like playing with fire for her to approach him in her current condition. And yet, at the same time, it was a challenge; she wished to speak with him. Surely her heat didn’t mean she had to sequester herself away for months at a time with no contact.

In one fluid movement she rose to her paws, strolling languidly from her shelter and down the shore towards him. When she was close enough to see the vivid jade hue of his eyes, she stopped and smiled. ”Arche,” she greeted him, with a dip of her muzzle to show respect for her alpha – something she’d swiftly learned was required. Her deep blue gaze fell upon his face then, and she did not look away for a moment as she continued. ”It’s a little cold to be taking a leisurely stroll, don’t you think?”

TAG: Arche
WORDS: 596
NOTES: So I figure we could maybe do both? ^.^ Like have them talk and get to know each other for a few replies, and then later in the thread they can do some baby-makin' xD

[Arche]

With the wind from the ocean blowing his scent towards Airila and bringing him only the salty smell of the water, he did not smell her before he saw her. She was much smaller than him, and though he had not technically grown at all, it seemed like he was even larger than he remembered in comparison. Perhaps it was because of his much thicker winter coat, but she seemed so small, so fragile, and so feminine to him. The moment his eyes met her form, he could help but light them up with a smile and a slight tilt of his head at her approach. She was confident, she always had been, but there was something else in the way that she made a bee line towards him today. ”It’s a little cold to be taking a leisurely stroll, don’t you think?” He shrugged slightly at her words, and lowered his head in a dip that mimicked a small bow of greeting. "I enjoy the cold occasionally. At least the snow has given us some rest." He said, looking up at the sky briefly once more. It seemed that his threats and prayers had paid off, at least for the time being, anyways.

"How have you been fairing? Airila has been growing lately and there are many new faces within our family." He said, enjoying the way the word 'our' rolled right off of his tongue and made his body warm at the sound. This place, this pack, they were his everything. Toiro, his father, was a part of that, and though he had no intention of pushing the male to a faster return to his proper place in the pack, he could not help but find himself wishing for his sire at his side once more. But, as the wind shifted slightly to blow both of their scents down the beach behind him, his attention was immediately brought back to the pretty little female in front of him. Was it that time of year already? Her heat nearly knocked him off of his feet as he inhaled, eyes closing for a moment in both surprise and enjoyment of the excitement that ran like electricity through his body. It took him a moment to recover, and as he did so, he blinked several times and shook his head probably far too many times to make it look natural.

"I, uhm, would you like to join me?" He stumbled awkwardly through the words and mentally kicked himself as his ears flattened to the sides slightly in obvious embarrassment. Good job, Arche. Now she probably thinks you're an idiot. His thoughts could be so cruel sometimes. He shook his head again, probably only adding to the awkward vibe he was giving off, and moved forward slightly in an attempt to shake off the stumble with a walk. Hopefully she would join him, as he truly enjoyed her company, but he would not be much worse for wear if she did not. He swallowed heavily, perking his ears up once more and forcing himself to focus on anything other than the overpowering scent of the female beside him. The waves, crashing against the beach, even this far into the cold season. The birds screeching overhead in disgust at the frozen waters that hid their meals so deeply within them. Anything, everything, except for the smell that was still overpowering all of his senses.

Words: 571
Tags: Harlot
Muse: Medium
Notes: Sounds good to me ^.^ I'll probably just change the title to add "Mature" in there just in case, then xD

[Harlot]

The smile that sprang immediately to Arche’s muzzle upon seeing her approach made Harlot own half-smirk widen in response; she did not miss how pleased he always seemed to see her, something that gave the she-wolf a considerable (and unneeded) boost to her confidence. Standing there before him on the shore, closer to him than she’d been in a while, Harlot noticed how very large he seemed in comparison to her own lithe frame. He was certainly not small, and something about his size along with his unquestionably handsome features made Harlot desire, more than anything, to remain with him for a while.

”How have you been fairing? Airila has been growing lately and there are many new faces within our family.”

”Yes,” she agreed, briefly thinking back to the odd male that she’d met, Hannibal, and his spotted companion. ”It’s…nice, though. More bodies to feed, more hunting to do – something I always enjoy, luckily.” Despite the wry hint to her tone, Harlot truly did enjoy the job she’d been assigned. Since the day she’d joined Airila, it had kept her occupied, and kept her in shape, something that she would be thankful for now that winter had descended upon them. ”I’ve met Hannibal, and…and Graham,” it had taken her a moment to remember the spotted dog’s name, but she recovered with a blink of her eyes, continuing, ”and Cherokee. They seem…”

Here she trailed off, her sentence left forgotten, for Harlot had seen the very moment that Arche had realized that she’d gone into heat. He paused as the wind shifted, eyes fluttering closed briefly as he stilled, and Harlot did the same, lifting her chin a fraction of an inch. She was not sure what she expected – her mother had always made it seem so awful, like males simply could not control themselves, but a moment later this was proven false as Arche straightened, shaking himself and seeming to rein himself him. Harlot let out a soft sigh that was part relief and part…disappointment. It wasn’t that she’d wanted him to leap at her as if he were a crazed animal, but to know that he desired her…it made some more primal part of her awaken.

It seemed that Arche was a gentleman, however. He fumbled with his words only slightly as he offered her his companionship, and Harlot cast a coy glance in his direction as she nodded in response, falling into place beside him as he began to walk. Had it not been so very dismal out, it might have been a scene straight out of a dream; walking beside the handsome alpha as they strolled down the shore. Harlot very nearly snorted at the idea.

”And how have you been?” She asked him at last. It was delayed, but had it been anyone else, Harlot might not even have asked to begin with. ”It must be strange to have been thrown into a leadership position so swiftly,” she said, having heard of his father’s lingering illness. Her gaze flitted to him them, her smile slow as it spread across her muzzle. ”But you’re doing very well, in my humble opinion.”

As if anything about Harlot was ever humble.

TAG: Arche
WORDS: 533
NOTES: ^.^

[Arche]

She joined him, and it took the male a moment to actually realize she had accepted his offer of companionship. That scent, the overpowering smell that surrounded him as she moved alongside him, it clouded his mind and made him dizzy as he moved forward slowly. ”And how have you been?” His head turned as she spoke, green eyes focusing on her face as his paws carried him aimlessly forward. There was no destination in his mind, nor was there anything other than the scent that was making his body warm with thoughts that he should not have been experiencing. Well, at least not according to his values and morals, anyways. Before he could think of a proper response to her question, however, she was speaking once more. ”It must be strange to have been thrown into a leadership position so swiftly, but you’re doing very well, in my humble opinion.” Ah, flattery, it made the male smile as the words fell on his ears.

"I would be nothing without Airila behind me." He said, brushing off the compliment as if he did not truly take it to heart. He had, of course, for he loved the feeling her praise gave him, but he did his best not to let on about it. His pace picked up slightly, but as they neared the end of the beach and turn in the territory border, his paws slowed once more. They would either have to continue down the next border line, or they would have to turn in another direction to go into the pack lands or back down the beach. Suddenly incapable of making a sound or coherent decision, the male stopped moving altogether and looked down at Harlot as if she had all of life's answers in her paw. Green eyes blinked slowly, and his tail even ventured to wag slightly. "Shall we continue our walk back in the direction of the caves? I do enjoy your company and the caverns provide a bit of comfort and escape from the winds of the beach." He said, hoping that she would once again accept his offer and join him in the cozy caves that laid further back on the beach.

Even after speaking, though, the male did not move. Instead he seemed to watch her for instruction, taking his time to breathe in her scent and let it fill his entire body. All of the hard work he had put in to be a strong and decisive leader vanished, and he seemed only able to stare at her and stand there silently, hoping that she never left his side. Perhaps it was just her heat, the scent that left him dizzy and confused, or maybe it was more than that. He had taken a liking to her from the very beginning, when he had first accepted her into Airila. She was not only interesting, but she had personality and she was incredibly beautiful. He hated being away from her, and he relished every moment he was privileged to spend with her. They had only known each other for a short time, but that was really all he needed. Finally, after what felt like years to the somewhat dazed male, he shook his head slowly and turned gradually in the direction of the caves they had left behind them.

Words: 557
Tags: Harlot
Muse: Low
Notes: Sorry it sucks

[Harlot]

"I would be nothing without Airila behind me."

Harlot glanced towards Arche as they walked, tilting her head just slightly. It was clear that he was proud of the pack he now ruled – and for good reason. What was it like, Harlot wondered, to be so heavily devoted to such a large group of others? To be in charge of them, but to also befriend them, to balance precariously on the fence, always knowing which way to lean? The very thought made Harlot’s head ache, her gaze sliding forward once more as they continued on. She admitted Arche for his dedication, though she did not always understand it…and his strength.

He came to a halt beside her and Harlot did the same, tipping her head back to glance up at him as he spoke once more. He seemed practically enthralled by her, and while he did not stumble over his words again as he posed his question, she did not miss the way he shook his head as if to clear his thoughts as she gazed into his vivid jade eyes. Then he was turning, and she moved with him, sashaying off down the shore with him at her side. ”The caverns sound lovely,” she told him, though something in her gut was torn between excitement and hesitation. The close confines of the caves would not only amplify her scent, but it would bring she and Arche close together within the confines of the stone walls. A part of Harlot had been worried when she’d first seen Arche on the horizon, wondering if he would be able to resist her. But now it was she who wished to tempt him; the admiring gleam in his gaze and the way his eyes lingered upon her made her skin beneath her pelt heat.

As the approached the cavern Harlot slowed just slightly, pausing in the mouth of the cavern, her eyes bright and vivid as she gazed at Arche. Then, with a sweep of her tail, she ducked inside, moving deeper until the opening disappeared around a bend, stopping once the cavern walls began to widen and split off into separate sections. She turned, her gaze moving to find Arche in the dimness of the cavern, a slow smile spreading across her muzzle. ”Much cozier,” she murmured, her lowered voice echoing softly around them. His own scent seemed to surround her now, masculine and earthy, and Harlot took a single step towards him. ”I’m glad I saw you on the shores today,” she told him, her voice dipping even lower as she boldly tilted her muzzle upwards to gaze into his eyes. It was as her body was no longer cooperating with her brain, her skin still flushed and heated beneath her pelt, her lids lowering just slightly over her sapphire eyes. ”I’ve been meaning to get you alone for a while now.”

TAG: Arche
WORDS: 481
NOTES: Sorry for the wait <3 

[Arche]

The moment she agreed that the caverns were a good destination and turned to join him, the male's heart skipped a beat. Something was happening to him, something that he had experienced only once before. The memory was painful, but as the small female moved alongside him and her scent surrounded him once more, all memories - and thoughts - faded instantly from his mind. He followed her blindly, tail swaying slowly back and forth behind him as his paws carried him as if he was floating on air. It took them only a few minutes to reach the caves once more, and as they moved inside, he shifted to let her into the darkness before him. He followed her eagerly, of course, and they moved together into the warmth of the darkness until they both finally stopped.

”Much cozier. I’m glad I saw you on the shores today, I’ve been meaning to get you alone for a while now.” His green eyes moved down to meet hers, a smile on his face and his tail wagging behind him even though he did not mean it to. "I'm glad that I saw you too." He said, the words much softer and lighter than he had meant them to be. Finally, though, he let his instincts take over. She was so close, they were in an enclosed space, and her scent was more than overpowering. He was dizzy, he could not tell his right from his left, but he knew she was right in front of him. "I'm all yours, love." He said, leaning into her and finally making the contact that he had been wishing for all day. His nose brushed lightly against the base of her ear, teeth nibbling affectionately at her fur.

He was lost in her scent and her presence. She was overpowering and she was beautiful. The most beautiful thing that he could think of at the moment. The only thing he could think of. He would let her lead, though. He would follow her anywhere, and as he leaned forward to move closer to her, he closed his eyes and shivered slightly at the physical contact between them. She was warm, soft, precious. He lowered his head, resting it lightly on hers and then lifted himself up onto his feet once more to walk slowly around her in a tight circle. His body rubbed up against hers, his eyes still closed until he stopped in front of her and nuzzled against her cheek.

Harlot - Sorry it's so short and took me so long. I figure we should probably get this going so that we can request the litter, though xD

[Harlot]

”I'm all yours, love.”

Harlot had seen the change in Arche the moment it occurred, his ability to resist her seemingly disappearing as he moved forward to press against her. The scent of him was overpowering, and Harlot’s eyes fluttered closed for the briefest moment as he circled her, his sides brushing against her own with each step that he took until at last he stood before her once more. Sapphire orbs opened as she gazed up at him, her heart thundering in her chest as if it might crash straight through her ribcage. Usually she was the one coaxing feelings from others, teasing them and toying with them until she was bored. But somehow it wasn’t like that with Arche; she was the one who’d found herself surprised by her feelings towards him. It was not love, which was an emotion that Harlot had never felt for a brute…but it was a light-hearted rush whenever she was near to him, as if she were flying.

Everything within her was a jumbled mess of desire and nervous reluctance; a part of her insisted that she should know better, that she should turn and slip from the dens with her mother’s old warnings fresh in her mind. But another part of her could not forget how much she’d come to enjoy Arche’s company, or the way his eyes lingered upon her form. He made her feel wanted, and it was ultimately the realization that made Harlot move towards him, burying her muzzle in the fur of his chest. For a moment she stood still, and then she was stepping away, eyes half-lidded as she gazed up at him for the span of a heartbeat.

Then, wordlessly, she was turning to press her backside against his chest suggestively. For all of her flirting and bold comments, Harlot had never allowed a male to come as close as Arche was now. And while she never would have admitted it, there was an ounce of fear beneath her desire, though she was determined to ignore it. There was no turning back now, and as Harlot turned to glance over her shoulder, she allowed her wanting to flicker in her gaze until there could be no doubting what she was inviting him to do. There were no words that would be fitting in the moment, so she did not speak, instead allowing her eyes and body to communicate for her.

Arche