“We’re here,” the wolf announced as he crouched and allowed Stellan to slide off his back. They were near the edge of a pool and Stellan was enchanted as he peeked through the trees and went to explore the shore. Fenrir’s teeth snatched the back of Stellan’s hoodie, halting him. “Stay!” He ordered in a low growl and Stellan nodded and pressed himself against a tree. “I’ll catch you if you try to run and I’ll have my meal for the night,” the wolf warned.
“I won’t!” Stellan promised and swallowed the knot in his throat. “Honestly, I think I’m safer here with you than in Jötunndal and I’m not in a hurry to go back to my old life. And I’m never going to get a better research opportunity than this,” he said flippantly and the wolf’s eyes narrowed.
“I don’t understand half of that but you might be right about the jötunn. They aren’t to be trusted,” he said and Stellan’s lips twisted.
“Fritjof is a snake but I know who your father was so I’m not letting my guard down around you either,” he stated as his hand cut through the air. Fenrir’s head pulled back before he laughed.
“You’re very clever and you’re amusing. Now, be quiet and wait. Don’t make another sound until I tell you.”
“Got it!” Stellan whispered then bit down on his lips and held up his thumbs when Fenrir snarled at him.
Fenrir lowered and kept one eye on Stellan and the other on the pool. Stellan sat and hugged his knees and enjoyed the stars as he leaned against the tree. The night grew silent around them and Stellan let the smells of the forest, the soft wafting of the breeze and the moon lull him until his eyes became heavy. Then, as if Stellan had dreamt it, a large stag appeared and regally pranced to the edge of the pool. The stag was unaware of the giant wolf and lapped at the water as if the pond belonged to him. Fenrir silently rose and slid Stellan a warning glance before he crouched and dove through the trees at the pool.
As fast as a lightning strike, it was over before Stellan could close his eyes and cover them with his hands. He heard the stag cry and Fenrir’s barks and snarls as the sound of flesh tearing and bones breaking echoed through the forest. There was nothing left but smeared blood and bits of fur and hooves when Stellan finally pried his hands away from his face and looked. Stellan held onto the tree as he stood and opened his mouth to ask if they could go back to the cave but Fenrir’s low warning rumble stopped him. Stellan nodded jerkily and Fenrir launched and disappeared into the woods. He reappeared a moment later and galloped across the pool with a rabbit between his teeth. The wolf dropped the rabbit at Stellan’s feet and offered him a faint nod.
“You did well, boy. Get on and we’ll collect some wood for a fire,” Fenrir said and lowered in front of Stellan again.
“Thanks. I used to go camping with my dad all the time but we weren’t hunters. I’ve never been able to do it,” he said as he scooped up the rabbit. It was still warm and Stellan whispered an apology as he hugged it and climbed on the wolf’s back.
“It?”
“Kill. I’m not a vegetarian but I’ve never had a desire to kill an animal,” Stellan explained. This time, Fenrir strolled through the woods and stopped whenever Stellan spotted a good stick for his fire.
“Is that why you wouldn’t use the weapons the jötunn left?” Fenrir asked and Stellan hummed.
“And I’ve never liked guns. They scare me, and I’ve been looking for you my whole life. How could I kill a dream?” He said and softened his voice so there was a hint of awe. Fenrir wasn’t technically a god but he was close enough and gods liked to be awed and adored. And it wasn’t entirely an act. Stellan was truly in awe of Fenrir and it had always been his dream to get as close to the source of the myth as he could. He came to Jötunndal because of his family’s connection to the local lore but that lore was one of the few and earliest known Fenrir sightings.
“You aren’t like most men. Your name suits you,” the wolf said when they reached the cave and he crouched so Stellan could slide off his back.
“Does it?”
“Yes. You’re peaceful and calm. You think instead of panicking and fleeing, like most men. Like a rabbit,” Fenrir said and Stellan brightened. He had the rabbit tucked under one arm and the beginnings of a decent fire under the other. His odds were improving by the moment.
“Thank you. You’re just as fearsome and wise as I imagined. I’ve got to find some really dry wood or grass so I can start this fire,” he murmured as he looked around the cleaning.
“I have matches,” Fenrir said and Stellan’s brows pulled together.
“Really? Where did you get them?”
“That’s none of your business. Get what you need and get in the cave,” Fenrir ordered.
7
Stellan awoke with a start but he was warm and safe as he nuzzled into the wolf’s chest. It was so soft and smelled like the green things of the woods. He didn’t think he’d be able to sleep but Stellan was exhausted after his crude meal. It took him a while and a lot of silent tears but Stellan was able to skin the rabbit and cook it over the fire. He wasn’t very hungry so he picked at the meat then tossed the rest at Fenrir. The wolf was pleased with the morsel and ordered Stellan to lay with him so they could rest. The wolf curled on his side and Stellan carefully settled against his chest and snuggled closer. Fenrir was right, Stellan was more than warm enough and his eyes became heavy as the fire went out.
But he was wide awake and his curiosity got the better of him. He had no idea what time it was or how long they’d been asleep as Stellan took stock of the situation and remembered his vow.
Step one: tame the wolf,he decided with a firm nod then chewed on his lip.Right. How do I do that?He considered the giant sleeping animal and reminded himself that Fenrir was essentially a large dog. Stellan said a silent prayer and sifted his fingers through sleek, silky fur, exploring the solid, heavily muscled abdomen beneath.
“What are you doing, boy?” Fenrir rumbled as he stirred but he allowed Stellan to scratch and knead as his hands pushed through the fur on his chest and side.
“You’re so soft and warm and you smell nice,” he said and there was a low growl that resembled a purr as Fenrir shifted. He raised his paw and rested it on Stellan’s shoulder so he could scratch along his ribs.
“That’s…nice,” Fenrir admitted and his hind leg kicked and Stellan heard a heavy thump that he suspected was his tail. “I’ve never been… I’ve never let a human touch me before,” he said. Stellan hummed knowingly and leaned back so he could scratch swirling circles over the softer parts of Fenrir’s stomach.
“Most people won’t pet a dog or a wolf if it’s trying to eat them,” he replied and Fenrir snorted.
“You tried. You’re the first man who’s ever been brave enough.”