Come closer. I’m no werewolf!

The young human stepped into the clearing, brushing aside the tall undergrowth only to find her there, resting on a rock, as if waiting for him. His jaw dropped. She resembled a human girl swirled with the visage of a wolf. With a fanged snout she beamed at him, recognizing his discomfort.

"At last you found the courage to brave the woodland! I knew you would, for it was shown to me," she grinned. "Let me step closer. I'm no werewolf!" Her voice had a twinge of gravel, like a wild beast; she flexed a set of clawed toes, wagging her tail softly as she did so, which rustled the leaves all around her. The wolf girl's luxurious fur did nothing to mask her feminine features, and she had a strange, primal beauty that arrested him. His throat choked with shame at first... he couldn't take his eyes off her. But it only took a moment for his embarrassment to melt into desire.

She stepped down, padding through the brown autumn grass. "If you found me here, then it was meant to be! Feel no shame for drawing your gaze upon me. No other but the goddess's chosen would be allowed to set foot in this glade."

Through his huffing and puffing, his heart finally rested long enough for the boy to cough up a few words. "What... what do you plan to do with me? Surely not... something dreadful, oh she-wolf!" He stammered. She giggled for a moment and held out her hand, gently waiting for his touch.

"Feel the warmth pulsing through me, and know that you have no reason to fear! You shall be a warden of these woods, as I am. And I am to be your packmate."

For weeks, the dreams had eaten at his spirit, until he felt at last compelled to disappear into the forest, searching for her. Was he to leave his humanity behind? Is that what she meant? The very thought of it lit his soul aflame. It was almost too much to take in.

The beast girl whirled, anxious to bound back into the trees. She beckoned for him to follow. "Stray not from my tracks, and I will take you to the place. The others are waiting!"