Where Foxes Hunt with Wolves (Folk Lore 2)

Warmth ran throughout his body like threads stitching all the parts of him together, but where they left his flesh, they stabbed into Radek’s, and while in this moment their separation seemed painfully obvious, Yev pushed closer in a bid to change that. His teeth found Radek’s lips as their limbs entwined, holding on until his sweat soaked into the pores of Radek’s skin, tightening their connection until his lover was no longer his own being but a part of the wolf who claimed him.

Their world had white fumes for air and chanting for walls, and as Radek rocked his body, Yev sank his teeth into the white meat of his throat and sucked on the neck his lover so willingly exposed in a display of absolute trust. With his sweet, coppery essence dripping down Yev’s throat, he rutted like a beast until the very essence of him shot all over Radek’s stomach and chest.

Warm palms squeezed his shoulders as Radek found his own release, but the wolf in Yev pushed him to gather their sperm in his hands and rub it all over Radek, leaving its hot streaks on his thighs, stomach, and torso. Radek shivered when the claiming became too much, but he didn’t fight the love bite, and Yev withdrew on his own, covering the punctures in flesh with his healing saliva.

The connection had Radek panting and with streaks of tears painted down his temples. Yev lost track of time, focused only on the bliss of marking this boy who chose to give his life to him. Radek might not understand it, but Yev was his in return without any bites or marking. His love was engraved in Yev’s soul.

The witch's voice came from out of the fog. "It’s done, you may stop."

But Yev didn't want to stop. He never would.

Epilogue – Radek

“If you have any more trouble with the paperwork, come by or call me,” Emil said, getting up from the table prepared for a feast.

They’d had a hog roasting in a pit for hours now, but didn’t even know how many of their guests would actually arrive. Worst case scenario, they’d be eating pork sandwiches for the next six months. It did smell fantastic.

“Are you the one helping Radek with the EU grant for the sanctuary?” Mom asked, approaching with Mrs. Irena’s help.

Since Radek had come out, the suspicion that Emil had been Radek’s lover in the past was constantly in the air, but Mom never tried to confront anyone about it, probably sensing she might not like the answer.

She was warming to Yev, at last, and graciously nodded when he walked over carrying one of the comfy foldable chairs they’d purchased for the occasion. Most of their guests would sit on long benches, but seniors deserved more comfort, which was an example of thoughtful, hospitable behavior Radek still needed to learn if he was to be successful in this new venture. He had Yev to point out when he slipped.

“It’s gone through,” Emil said with a wide smile, glancing toward one of the large mesh enclosures where some of the foxes were housed. Some of them still needed rehabilitation—and not only physical—but Iga had taken on the task of organizing volunteers, and Radek’s ability to communicate with his furry charges did speed up the process.

He smiled at Emil, who might have not outright said it to Radek’s face to not be patronizing, but seemed proud of him for taking on the huge responsibility.

“Another achievement for the young gay government official in the South-East. I can already see the headlines.” Radek laughed, punching Emil’s arm. Emil offered him a soft smile and patted Radek’s shoulder in return.

“Hope your new extended family likes the meal,” he said, and they both glanced toward Yev, who attempted to help Radek’s mom befriend Coal. He was so tall, and his smile never failed to light up Radek’s heart. Even in moments when he felt hopeless.

He couldn’t have dreamt a better partner, and he already knew he’d never regret his decision to bond with Yev.

Just as he’d been warned, his interest in other men had waned, and porn no longer held the kind of appeal it used to. He could still tell that Emil was handsome, or which men he found attractive, but their presence no longer made his blood flow faster. Yev had been the best, most compatible partner ever even before the ritual, but their bond had felt different since that memorable night. Their love would never falter. It would always remain mutual. And this gave him immeasurable comfort.

Radek stood a little taller, embarrassed when he unexpectedly choked up. “I love him so much. I know I ranted about him when we broke up for, like, half a second, but it’s great. We’ve smoothed out those wrinkles, and we really are going in the same direction, you know?”