The Lone Wolf's Lycan Princess

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Erin POV

After my appointments, I always felt groggy. They would give me a ride back to my apartment, and everything would become a blur. I would wake up in my bed, feeling fuzzy and disoriented. Typically, I would have a lingering nausea, making it difficult to eat. This time, however, there was something different. I woke up in a soft bed next to River, who was fast asleep in a chair. His laptop teetered on the edge of his lap. Glancing at the clock in his room, I saw that it read 3 am. Had I really been unconscious for that long?

Silently, I slipped out of his bed, feeling the grip of nausea tightening. I managed to carefully remove his laptop without waking him, placing it on the bed. I made my way to the bathroom just in time, as my stomach churned and I emptied its contents into the toilet. The sensation always left me drained, forcing me to sit for several minutes. Kneeling by the toilet, I closed my eyes, knowing that more would soon follow.

Suddenly, I felt a warm touch on my back, startling me. It was River. He gently pulled me closer to him, and I could feel his presence as he placed a glass to my lips. The contents had a strange smell, causing me to hesitate momentarily. "Drink this," River's voice greeted me. "It will help with your nausea." I placed my hand on the glass, accepting it, and took a small sip. "I need you to drink it all," he said, his hand still on my back. "You can take your time, but you need to finish it." I nodded, and he continued to rub my back as I slowly sipped a little more.

It was difficult, especially since the taste of vomit lingered in my mouth. "Good," he said softly, remaining by my side for several minutes. "Feeling better?" he finally asked, and I nodded weakly. As he helped me up, the sound of the toilet flushing filled the air, and I couldn't help but feel embarrassed that he witnessed me in such a vulnerable state.

Leading me to the sink, he handed me a toothbrush with toothpaste, patiently waiting as I brushed my teeth. Then, he handed me the drink again, urging me to consume more. I took several more sips, which seemed to please him. Guiding me back to the bed, he swiftly lifted me into it, arranging pillows behind me for support. "Finish the drink and get some more rest, your body needs it," he instructed gently. I wasn't accustomed to someone caring for me in this way, and it felt peculiar. He watched me intently, making me feel slightly uneasy, causing me to retreat under the blanket in an attempt to hide myself. He turned off the lights, but instead of joining me in bed, he returned to the chair and retrieved his laptop.

__________

I woke up to the soft sunlight streaming into the room, the gentle rays warming my face. As I glanced at the clock, I was surprised to see that it was already 1 pm in the afternoon. I couldn't believe I had slept so much. Looking around, I noticed that River was no longer in the room. Slowly, I got out of bed and as I did, my foot accidentally kicked a box, causing me to stumble slightly. I reached out to steady myself and went to push the box back under the bed. But as I did, something caught my eye - the box was filled with various restraints and other items I didn't recognize, but I knew they were from an adult store. I quickly shoved the box back under his bed, my mind racing with thoughts. Was River into that sort of thing? It made me uncomfortable, especially when I thought about the other girls he had been with. I didn't know what to think about it all. He didn't seem like someone who would be into that, or at least he didn't treat me that way. But then again, I had only known him for a few days.

I ran my hand through my messy hair and left the bedroom. The house was quiet, but as I walked towards the kitchen, the aroma of freshly baked blueberry muffins greeted me. I followed the scent and found a fresh batch sitting on the stovetop. Did River make these for me? It felt like I had stepped into an alternate reality. He had already been so kind and caring towards me, more than I ever expected from a man. On the kitchen table, there were a few open packages that must have been delivered. I didn't mean to snoop, but books were stacked on top of them. "Sign language for beginners" and "Helping calm panic attacks" were two of the titles. Did he get these to help me? I had always hesitated to learn sign language because it felt like accepting that my voice would never return. But now, being with River, I felt a desire to learn. It would make communication with him so much easier.

I heard a cacophony of sounds coming from below, echoing from his basement. Assuming it was just storage, I neglected to clean it. Curiosity got the better of me, and I found myself drawn to the door leading to the basement by the enticing scent of River. It was remarkable how someone's fragrance could have such a magnetic effect.

A sticky note adorned the door, "Eat a muffin, Erin, fresh juice in the fridge as well." Intrigued, I grabbed a muffin and settled at the table, only to discover another note awaiting me. It urged me to drink a glass of juice and I couldn't help but be taken aback. This was all so unfamiliar to me, but it was evident that he was putting in considerable effort.

Following the instructions, I opened the fridge to find a glass accompanied by yet another note that insisted I finish all of it. Taking a sip, the peculiar yet soothing taste washed over my senses. Turning the note over, I discovered a list of ingredients - orange, carrot, ginger, and turmeric - and a note of encouragement that it was good for me. A smile crept upon my face as I realized how much time he must have spent preparing all of this.

After finishing the muffin and the juice, I tidied up and noticed another note by the sink. It instructed me to come down to the basement once I was done. With hesitation, I reached for the doorknob and made my way downstairs. As I descended the steps, I gazed around the corner and was astounded by what I saw. The basement was transformed into a gym, filled with various equipment. River was lifting weights, his laptop resting on a nearby bench. The moment his eyes met mine, he ceased his activity.

I couldn't tear my gaze away from his glistening body, each muscle highlighted by sweat, an unfamiliar sensation of arousal washing over me. "Morning, Erin. I have a gift for you," he said, walking towards his bench and retrieving a small package beside his computer. He then gestured towards a small bathroom in the basement, instructing me to change in there. With a smile, he handed me the package. I attempted to express my gratitude, mouthing a silent "thank you," to which he nodded in response.

Following his instructions, I entered the bathroom and noticed my sneakers neatly placed nearby. A note stuck to them reminded me to put them on. I opened the package, revealing a pair of gym shorts and a sports bra inside.

I pulled on the workout clothes, avoiding eye contact with myself in the mirror. The fabric hugged my body perfectly, leaving me feeling more exposed than usual. But I took a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves as I slipped on my shoes and stepped out of the bathroom.

"Looks like it fits perfectly," he remarked, his voice filled with encouragement. "Come to the gym mat with me, I'll help you stretch, and then we'll work on getting you more in shape. Working out can be relaxing and help build your confidence."

Our eyes met, and I nodded, feeling a spark of determination. He reached out and briefly held my hand. "Did you eat and drink the juice?" he asked. Again, I nodded, offering him a smile.

"Good. From now on, let's focus on eating healthy meals. We'll start small, but I want you to be healthy."

I looked down, feeling a sense of unease about accepting so much from him when I had little to offer in return, apart from my cleaning skills. As if he could read my thoughts, he reassured me, "Let me take care of you. I want to. In exchange, just promise me that you'll work on getting healthy and stronger. That's all I ask."

Once again, I nodded, silently agreeing to his terms. "Can I guide you through stretching?" he asked. I nodded, and he gently placed his hands on me, showing me the proper techniques. It was astonishing how his touch on my skin had such an effect on me.

After we finished stretching, he pointed to a treadmill. "Let's start with something easy today," he suggested, guiding me toward it. He instructed me to walk and then jog, emphasizing the importance of not pushing myself too hard and allowing my body to adjust. Familiar with treadmills, I easily got on, while he went back to lifting weights.

Thirty minutes later, he returned to me, slowing down the treadmill. "You did good. Let's take a break now," he said. He grabbed his laptop and led me back upstairs. "Let's shower, and then I want to talk a little more," he said.

The word "let's" caught me off guard. Was he suggesting we shower together? Nerves started to take hold of me again, for reasons I couldn't quite understand. After all, he had seen all of me. But now, I felt unsure.

"I won't force you to shower with me, Erin. I want you to, but I won't be mad if you say no," he reassured me.

I looked at him, questioning why he even wanted to shower with me when I felt so gross. But I also didn't feel right saying no. So, swallowing my nerves, I followed him into the bathroom, where he turned on the hot water.

I removed my shoes, feeling the cool floor beneath my bare feet. Slowly, he placed his hands on me, his touch gentle as he unclasped my sports bra and slid it off. The sound of fabric sliding against skin filled the room. Trembling, I tried to stay brave, but fear coursed through me. In response, he pressed his warm hand against my face, his touch grounding me.

"Look at me, Erin," he said softly, his eyes meeting mine. "It's always okay to say no to me. I understand that you're scared and uncomfortable. While I want to help you confront your fears, I also don't want you to feel uneasy in my presence. I know it will take time for you to trust again. Your heat led us to be intimate before, but now, I want you to know that I want you, but only when you are truly ready."

I nodded, feeling a sense of calm wash over me. His words reassured me, easing my fears. I did want this now, with him.

"Be honest, Erin," he asked gently. "Do you want me to leave, or do you want me to shower with you?"

Taking his hand, I pointed towards the shower, hoping he would understand my desire for his presence. "Okay, I'll stay then," he said, undressing himself. Together, we stepped under the warm water, its soothing streams cascading over us.

"From now on, Erin," he whispered against my wet skin, "you make your own choices. You have the chance to take charge of your life."

His words resonated within me, filling me with a newfound sense of empowerment and control.