“Okay, fine, a nightmare. It’s nothing. I used to get it all the time as a kid. Thought I was over it. It’s always the same. I’m trapped in this dark place with no air. It’s black and hard to breathe, and…” He looks again to the open door.

I sigh with relief. It wasn’t a visit from Alexei. He wouldn’t trap the boy in darkness. He’s more likely to seduce him with an orgy of nymphs. “Is it a memory? Do you know why you fear small spaces?”

His frown returns. “I don’t fear them. I just don’t like them.”

His answer draws a smile. He’s terrified and severely claustrophobic yet loathe to admit his weakness. I’d like to know the origin of his phobia. The dream sounds like a memory. Goddess forbid I ever meet the person who did that to him. The beast growls in agreement. I will shred them to a bloody mess and eat their remains.

Stroking his lips with mine, I thrust till he grinds against me. I long to be inside him. The beast hungers to pin him down and fuck him till he’s bruised and sore. He’s never been with a man before me and still fights his needs. I know he wants more because he begged me during his second Haze. Begged for my fingers, my cock. The Flame frees our deepest desires, melting all the conditioned blocks and social insecurities that prevent pleasure.

I glide my mouth across his again, tasting his fresh-apple scent and the salt of his sweat. His lips part. He wants more, but he grimaces.

“What?” I ask.

“You’re hairy.”

I bury my beard into the sensitive area beneath his jaw, brushing along to his ear and nipping with extended incisors. I’m hairy, and he doesn’t have a single bristle. His Anlu’kyr skin is as smooth as a woman’s. He feigns a disgusted sound but shivers.

“And you like it,” I growl into his ear.

“It’s all right.”

Leaning away to see his grin, I find myself joining in with one of my own.

Michael reaches to stroke fingers along the claw marks down the left side of my face, no more than white lines now. “It’s healed,” he says with wonder.

“Yes.”

“I’m glad you’re okay.” He tilts his chin. “Give me that kiss, Wolfman.”

I take his mouth and bury my tongue, grasping his head to push as deep as I can. He matches my fervor. His fingers slide into my hair, hips arching as his tongue meets mine.