Tag: Elliott and Killian

Flash Fic Friday, Serial

Flash Fic Friday

Kristbethke

**Episode 4, finally, for Elliott and Killian and this is the last one. It’s just a beginning for them, but this is where my telling of their story ends. I’ll put up another post on another day explaining some of the things in my life and where things are going for me. But for now, enjoy!**

fff

Killian was bloody and bruised when he returned. I’d been anxiously waiting, along with most of the pack. He’d gone with several enforcers and representatives of the Shifter Council, intending for a peaceful resolution but expecting the worst. By the look of the alpha, it hadn’t gone easily.

I knew my old alpha was dead. I’d felt it the instant the pack bonds broke. And there was grief in that, but also so much relief. Then it became a waiting game, anticipating Killian’s return. When he got out of the car, and I saw him, panic threatened for just a moment. But he was whole and what few injuries he had would heal quickly once he shifted again.

Everly tried to hold me back, but she couldn’t. I ran to him, throwing myself into his arms, not caring that he was a mess. Not caring that it was my old alpha’s blood, and probably some of his own. I needed to touch, to scent, and I couldn’t explain it. But I didn’t care. Killian was home and I needed.

Killian didn’t hesitate to gather me up, hold me close, and bury his nose against my neck. And that was the moment it hit me, with him holding me so tightly and his scent all I could smell. The reason I’d felt safe with him right from the start, even when I’d been scared, even when I couldn’t talk, even when his actions accidentally caused a trauma response. He was my mate.

I started shaking, but Killian just squeezed me tighter. And even though he was probably hurting and even though other pack members were speaking, asking questions, Killian ignored them all, lifted me so I could wrap my legs around him, and carried me into the house. He didn’t stop, not even a moment’s pause, and headed straight for his bedroom, kicking the door closed behind us. He tried to set me down, but I whimpered, clinging tighter, so he sat on the bed, still holding me.

“Mine,” I whispered, awe and worry coursing through me.

“Yeah.” Killian’s voice was just as soft, but a lot more confident. He brushed my hair back and kissed my temple. “Yeah. I was hoping, if that bastard’s bonds to you were broken, you’d feel it.”

I lifted my head then, so quickly I nearly clipped his chin. But Killian moved his head at the last second. I squinted at him. “Is that why you went after him?”

“Not the only reason.” The truth rang in his words. “But one of them, yeah. He needed to pay for what he did to you, and others. He needed to be stopped. And I would have done it anyway. But the hope for you to feel our bond? That was a big motivator.”

“You didn’t say anything. You didn’t tell me.”

Killian smiled, a soft, affection expression sweeping across his face. “And I wouldn’t have. It was more important that you are safe and cared for. If you never recognized it, we would have kept on as we were. But I’m glad you did. Do.”

“I don’t know how I feel about…everything,” I admitted softly.

“That’s okay. We’ll take our time. Of course we will.” He rubbed my back with a soothing sweeping motion. Then he gave me a cheeky grin. “Do you think you can let go of me long enough for me to get cleaned up?”

My first reaction was to cling more tightly, but then I realized that he really was a mess and probably wanted to wash up pretty badly. I had to talk myself into sliding off him, but after a minute or two, I stood on my own two feet.

“You’ve got blood on you now too.”

I cocked my head, studying him, not quite sure where he was going with that. He’d just said we could take things slowly, but was he suggesting we cleaned up together? That seemed at odds with his previous intent and that wasn’t like Killian.

He stood, crossed to his dresser, and pawed in the drawers for a moment. Then he turned and handed me a shirt and a pair of sweatpants. He nodded his head toward the bathroom.

“Change and wash the blood off. I’ll be right here.”

I did as he asked, nearly tripping over my feet in my haste. It wasn’t so bad because the blood had mostly dried so there wasn’t a ton of transfer to me. My jeans were actually still clean. But since Killian had given me the clothes, I changed as soon as I wiped the blood off my forearms and face. He was only a little bit bigger than me, so while the clothes were baggy, they weren’t falling off. I pulled the drawstring on the pants tight, and emerged a few minutes later.

Killian’s gaze darkened, his pupils blowing wide, as he stared at me. Then he shook his head like he was clearing his thoughts, picked up his own pile of clothes, and headed into the bathroom. A moment later, I heard the shower turn on.

I sat on the edge of his bed, staring at the closed door, and tried to get my brain online. My old alpha was dead. My former pack was, no doubt, disbanded. Those who were innocent were being sent to rehab with other packs. Those who were guilty would be punished. Everly had explained it all to me, how it would go. They no longer had a hold over me. I was safe and cared for and, just possibly, loved. It was a novel concept I couldn’t quite wrap my brain around, even after living with this pack for more than a month. And I had a mate.

Killian walked out,  drying his hair with a towel, while I was still trying to process all the information. He tossed his towel toward the bathroom where it landed on the floor with a plop, and then sat at the end of the bed, got comfortable, then opened his arms.

“Come cuddle?”

I practically dove into his arms. Both of us let out a contented sigh, and then Killian chuckled. “It’s going to take time, and work, but we’ll get where we need to be. And we go at your pace, all right? There’s still a lot you need to work through. But I’m here for you. So is the pack.”

“When I ran, I thought I was going to die,” I said, after a few minutes contemplative silence. Killian squeezed me tighter. “I didn’t think I could trust you, or the pack. I didn’t think I would ever feel safe again.”

“And now?” he whispered.

“Now I know I was meant to be here. And I do. Trust you and feel safe. But I think it’s going to take time to really feel it, down to my bones. And now the whole mate thing. It makes sense but also…” I shrugged as much as I could. “It’s a lot.”

“Yeah. But you’ll be okay.”

I nodded, wanting to believe it so badly that I almost did. Suddenly, I didn’t feel like talking anymore. Or thinking.

“I wanna shift.”

Killian looked down at me, brows raised. “You want to run?”

“No, just…shift and…dog pile.”

If Killian thought it was a weird request, he didn’t show it. He simply stood up and pulled off the clothes he’d just put on. I did the same and then we both changed into our wolf skin. Then Killian hopped up on the bed and curled up, leaving the perfect spot for me. I hesitated, then joined him, fitting myself against him. Killian licked my muzzle, then settled down, and I tucked my head against my paws.

I was warm and safe. The bad man couldn’t get me anymore. And my mate was by
my side, giving me cuddles. I was a long way from healed, but I finally felt like it was possible, that someday, I’d be whole again. That my life would be good. Killian would make sure of it.

 

Flash Fic Friday, Serial

Flash Fic Friday

Kristbethke

**Episode 3 comin’ atcha! I know it’s been a minute, again. Stuff, life…you know how it be. Sometimes I get in my own way. But here we are, with the wolves again, and our sweet Elliott who is trying to heal. And the big, strong Alpha who will help him. Enjoy!**

The weird thing was, I found myself seeking out Killian’s company. At first, I ignored it completely. Because of course I couldn’t just hang out with the alpha whenever I wanted to. He was important and necessary. I was coming to actually trust that he had the well being of his pack at the forefront of everything he did—because after a month of seeing it constantly, there was no way to deny it—that didn’t mean I could just follow him around like a puppy.

Weirder still was that, not only did he come find me regularly throughout the day, but he never seemed to mind when we just spent time together. He talked sometimes, and I jotted answers or made gestures. Other times we just existed in the same space.

I liked it. I liked it a lot. I liked the whole pack, in fact, and was beginning to truly feel comfortable. There was a part of me that sill feared the other shoe would drop, and they would reveal their true natures—or worse, kick me out to fend for myself—I was settling and learning to trust.

Sort of.

Wolf shifters were pack animals, and we did best as a group. My human brain had been conditioned long ago not to trust, to fear instead. But my wolf side knew better. At least as far as Killian was concerned. My wolf trusted him in a way it had never trusted before. Those instincts had done everything to keep me safe before, and now they were telling me to accept that what I saw and heard and felt here was true.

It was a work in progress still, but I felt better than I had in probably my whole life. I wasn’t any kind of risk taker, but with Everly’s words from the day before in my head, I went looking for Killian.

“It’s okay to want to be near him,” Everly had said, her eyes kind and her voice soft. “If you’re driven to be at his side, trust that. There’s a reason for it. And I promise you, on Mother Moon, it’s okay.”

It still had taken me more than a day and a whole lot of nerve to do it. And even though I was looking for the alpha, I was walking slowly, cautiously, hoping to come across him without having to actively track him down. Somehow I thought that was better.

Eventually, I caught his scent when the wind shifted and my feet headed in that direction without conscious direction from my brain. Around the back of the pack house, down a path, until I found him sitting by himself. He was stretched out on the ground, his back against one of the log benches someone had placed there long ago, his attention on the pond before him. I stopped a good twenty feet away, as soon as I caught sight of him, suddenly unable to make myself get closer. I had no doubt he knew I was there, though.

“You all right?” He asked eventually, turning just his head to look at me.

“Yeah,” I said, so softly he wouldn’t have been able to hear if he was just human.

He went still. I realized I’d actually spoken, for the first time in far too long, and froze too. A heartbeat passed. Then another.

“Well, come on over,” Killian said, trying his best to act like it wasn’t a big deal. I appreciated that more than I could say. I hadn’t been able to make my voice work in so long, there’d been a part of me that thought it was gone for good.

Once again I moved without thought, until I was suddenly right beside him. He patted the ground next to him and I lowered myself, crossing my legs and tucking my hands in my lap. I couldn’t look at him, but that didn’t seem to faze him. I could feel his gaze on me though.

“It seems like you’re finally settling in,” Killian stated quietly. His voice was a soothing rumble. I’d always noticed that. Other than a few times when he’d raised his voice, he always spoke like that. I wasn’t sure if it was for my benefit or that’s how he always was. Either way, I liked it.

I nodded, then took a breath. But when I couldn’t speak, it wasn’t because my voice was gone again. Instead, I had no idea what to say. Killian reached out a hand, offering it to me without any kind of demand. It took me a minute. Maybe two. Then I slid my hand into his.

Killian let out a pleased little rumble and squeezed gently.  “Elliott, we need to talk about your former pack.”

I liked that he considered me one of his now, that the pack I’d grown up in was the before, my past, and that this pack was my future. But then his words really sank in and fear spiked. I turned wide eyes to him and tried to pull away, but Killian held firm. Strangely, it didn’t feel constrictive, only comforting.

“I haven’t pushed,” he said, almost conversationally, his attention back on the water. “It was more important to get you safe and healthy. But the abuse you suffered—” Killian choked off the words and took a slow, calming breath. That I knew was for my benefit and I appreciated it more than I could express. “They need to be stopped.”

“They’ll hunt you,” I whispered, the words scratching my throat as I forced them out.

“Probably.”

“He’s…a very bad man.” It was inadequate, but it was all I could say. I certainly couldn’t utter my old alpha’s name. Just the thought of it made my insides quake.

“I know.” Killian turned his head and offered me a smile that warmed me. “I won’t be alone and I’ll go through proper channels so justice is served.”

I didn’t believe it. I wasn’t the first one that had gotten free over the years, and nothing had ever happened to change things. I used to think that was because the pack managed to hunt down and kill whoever had escaped. But I’d made it. Surely someone else had too.

“I promise you, no matte what, you will be safe. I won’t ever let anyone hurt you again.” Killian tugged gently and I listed sideways. When he tucked me under his arm, I went willingly. The alpha’s embrace was soothing and protective, warm and comforting, and I trusted my instincts and cuddled in.

Killian dropped a kiss on my head. “I swear, Elliott.”

And the conviction was so strong in his voice, I believed him.

Flash Fic Friday, Serial

Flash Fic Friday

Kristbethke

**Episode 2 of Killian and Elliott! Because of course you knew where this was going. But poor Elliott, he’s been through it. Once again, content warning for mentions of abuse. Enjoy!**

I knew from experience that kindness could not be trusted. There was always an ulterior motive. But it was hard to remember when everyone I’d met in this pack was just so darn…nice. Everly checked in on me frequently, always wearing a smile and speaking in a gentle voice. Killian was never far, and though the first dozen or so times he’d appeared, he’s startled the crap out of me, I was getting used to it now. There was Milo who cooked for the pack and offered me at least a twenty options before settling on something to make. He didn’t seem to understand that I wasn’t picky in the least. And Raina who made sure I had the softest clothes and warmest blankets. And Bob who was grizzled and cranky, but sat with me in silence, never expecting me to say a word.

I’d met so many people, and even though I couldn’t remember all their names yet—it had only been a week—they simple reintroduced themselves and asked after my well being and reassured me, time and again, that anything I needed would be provided.

And no one seemed to mind that I couldn’t make my voice work.

Everly assured me it wasn’t physical. Yes, I’d been strangled at some point but my wolf healing had corrected that after a few days. It was a mental block of some sort, something none of us understood, but even if I wanted to talk, I just couldn’t.

But even though I communicated non-verbally and with the small pad of paper I carried around all the time now, no one seemed upset or frustrated with me. Everyone displayed infinite patience, even though it took time for conversations. Much longer than if I could just make my damn voice work.

I had all the evidence before me that this was a kind and caring pack. Not a single wolf sported bruises, everyone was well fed, and projected an air of happy. There was no oppressive weight of fear bearing down, suffocating and constricting. But even though it seemed clear this was actually a good pack—I’d heard they existed—I still couldn’t quite believe it. I was still stuck in fight or flight. Mostly flight. I wasn’t any kind of fighter.

That had been beaten out of me long ago.

Killian appeared in the doorway, as he did, but this time I’d heard him coming. I was pretty sure it was on purpose, because of course he hadn’t missed the way I reacted to him. He gave me a smile and stayed on the other side of the room, making sure there was plenty of distance between us like he always did. At first, I’d thought that it was because he couldn’t stand to be near me, but now I wondered if that was something else.

“Hi.”

I waved.

“You doing all right?”

I nodded and involuntarily hunched down a little, burrowing a little tighter into the fuzzy blanket I currently had wrapped around me. It was safe and warm. But I also readjusted it so that I could get my feet free in an instant if I needed to.

That, too, was not missed by Killian.

“You up for a little conversation?”

I shrugged one shoulder, eyeing him warily as he sauntered into the room. He kept his movements slow and easy, telegraphing his intent to sit on the other end of the huge sectional couch. There was still plenty of space between us so I didn’t feel crowded.

Once he was settled, never taking his gaze off me, he let out a tiny sigh, then rubbed a hand over his face. I studied him, trying to parse out his emotions. Usually, I was a good judge at reading the room and being able to adjust my own reactions accordingly. It was harder with Killian because I wanted to trust him and his intent, but I knew better.

“I’m going to start by saying,” he began, his voice gentle, “that you have a place here no matter what, okay? We’re here to help you and keep you safe. We want you well and healthy and whole. I swear to the goddess.”

I eyed him, still wary, but otherwise didn’t react.

“You were in quite a state when we found you at the edge of our territory. Malnourished and horribly abused. It was touch and go there for a bit. Elliott, what were you running from?”

I opened my mouth, then closed it again. I pulled the blanket tighter around my shoulders and slid my feet out from under me.

“Right,” Killian muttered to himself. “Okay, lets try this again. Were you running from your old pack?”

I nodded, slowly and just once, wide eyes never leaving the alpha.

“Did you alpha know this was going on?”

This time my nod was tiny.

The rage that filled Killian’s expression was terrifying, and his voice was guttural when he asked, “Did he do this?”

I started to shake, but at the same time was frozen, unable to move. Suddenly Killian was there, kneeling in front of me, and the only reason I didn’t make a noise was because I knew better. But unlike my previous experiences, Killian didn’t raise a hand or get in my face or scream and yell.

“Elliott, you need to breathe.” His voice was so gentle, so caring, and that was somehow even scarier than if he’d yelled. I knew what to do when someone was yelling. But this what uncharted territory. “Come on, breathe. You’re okay. You’re safe. I swear to you. Breathe.”

Killian suddenly blew in my face, and I involuntarily gasped. Only when it started to recede did I realize the edges of my vision had been going dark. I sucked in another breath, and Killian smiled.

“That’s better. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you. My anger was in no way directed at you. I’ll be more careful. But the thought of an alpha abusing their power just because they can makes me rage. Will you tell me who they are so I can take care of it?”

Panic welled up, but this time in fear for Killian’s safety. I didn’t understand the reaction, but I threw out a hand and gripped his forearm, desperate for him not to move, to not go after the alpha who had abused us so.

Killian went still under my touch, then slowly and carefully, set his hand over mine. He squeezed gently, and though I felt all his strength, I knew I could pull away at any moment and he would let me.

“Okay. Okay. We’ll work on that. Let’s just sit here and breathe, okay?”

I nodded, unconsciously matching my breaths to his. And it wasn’t until quite a while later, when I was once again alone, that I realized I’d been more scared for Killian than of him. And that I touched him, and he me, and nothing bad had happened. There was something about the alpha that called to me, made me feel safe.

My head still didn’t trust it. But my heart was another matter.

Flash Fic Friday

Flash Fic Friday

Kristbethke

**After a few week break, we’re back at it. For those interested, the new job is going well! I don’t dread going to work every day. There’s some usual office politics, but for the most part, the work is good, the people are good, and my team lead is of the mindset that humans make mistakes and there aren’t any mistakes that can’t be fixed. It’s refreshing. For the first time in the better part of two decades, I don’t mind my job! But now that I’m settled in and finding a new normal, here’s some story for you. Probably a multiple parter again. Content warning for mentions of abuse. Enjoy!**

Run. RUN. RUN!!

I had to keep moving. I couldn’t stop. If I stopped, they would catch me and that would mean my death. Exhaustion swamped through me, my legs giving out. I had no idea how long or how far I’d run. It didn’t matter. It wasn’t far enough. I pushed myself to my paws and kept moving.

Each step felt like a mile, my body giving out. Every time I stumbled, I got up again, but it took longer and long to find my feet. To get my body to move. My fur was matted with sweat and muck, my paw pads scraped and bruised. Everything hurt. My muscles cramped and seized, too long without nutrition.

I collapsed and I knew, this time, I wasn’t getting up again. My last thought, as the darkness came for me, was at least I’d be dead by the time they found me.

<><><><> 

Low murmurs penetrated the fog in my head, bringing me back to awareness. I couldn’t make out the words, or even who was speaking, but it was the first thing I noticed. The second was the soft sheets and comfortable bed. I couldn’t seem to move my body, and sleep threatened to take me under again. So I just breathed and tried to figure out what was going on.

“There you are,” a melodic voice coaxed gently. “Take your time. You’ve been out of it for two days. We’ve been doing our best to help, but recovery is hard work.”

“Everly, step back. We don’t know—”

“He’s fine.” That melodic voice came closer instead of moving away as the harsher voice instructed. “Aren’t you? You’re not going to hurt anyone. I know it.”

I wasn’t. I would never. That was part of the reason I’d ended up in this situation to begin with. Not that I knew what was going on now. Just that this voice was not one I recognized, and it was actually speaking to me with kindness. Gentleness. That wasn’t something I’d had in a very long time.

I manage to get one eye open, but immediately slammed my lid closed again, the bright light stabbing straight through to my retina. I bit back the whimper that wanted to escaped. I’d learned very young that making distressed noises were a good way to get hit.

“Killian, dim the lights please,” Everly commanded sweetly, and even though my eyes were closed, I could tell when it was done. It took me another minute or so before I could pry first one, then the other, eye open.

My body still wasn’t cooperating, and the fact that I couldn’t move made me panic. My breathing sawed in and out as I desperately tried to get my limbs to work. If I couldn’t move, then I couldn’t protect myself. Not that I was that good at it, but it was better than getting beaten without fighting back.

“Hey, hey. You’re okay.” Everly was suddenly in my line of view, her pink hair a curly fluff around her face. Her eyes were warm and concerned, and while she kept her distance, she didn’t seem afraid. I focused on her face, willing myself to calm. If I could do that, then I could figure out how to get free.

Everly smiled, showing off white teeth and one canine that was a little pointier than the rest. “I promise. You’re okay and we aren’t going to hurt you. I won’t let anyone hurt you. Not after I did so much to patch you up. You were in a right state, do you know that?”

I didn’t answer her. I couldn’t. It was better to stay quiet, to not speak, so my words couldn’t be used against me in the future. I’d learned that lesson young as well. Everly didn’t seem to mind, though, as she kept talking.

“We found you two days ago.” She paused and looked at her watch. “Almost three days now. You were near death, so we brought you immediately back. Can you tell us what happened to you?”

I didn’t move. Didn’t speak. Barely even blinked. After a long few minutes of silence, Everly smiled, but this time it was sad. “Well, it doesn’t matter. Not right now anyway. You’re safe now and we’ll get you feeling all better. I’m going to pop down to the kitchen and get you some broth to sip on now that you’re awake.”

She stood and panic ripped through me at the thought of her leaving. She was the first person who treated me with any kindness in years and even thought I didn’t trust the motivation behind it—conditioning was a powerful thing—I thought I was safer with her around. If she left, there was no telling what would happen.

“It’s all right.” Everly soothed, and even went so far as to smooth some of my hair back from my forehead. I flinched when she reached for me, but she wasn’t deterred. The touch felt nice. I didn’t trust it, but I craved it. I was so starved for touch. “I’ll be right back, I promise. And Killian is going to stay right here and watch over you until I return. Be nice, Kill.”

With that, she left and I turned my head to watch her leave. The panic hadn’t subsided despite her words and in only increased when the big man who must be Killian came closer. But he didn’t yell or hit or hurt. He sat in the chair Everly vacated and offered me a smile.

“I’m Killian, the alpha of this pack. I swear to the goddess, I will protect you now that you’re here.”

There was power in the words. The vow. I felt it deep in my bones, and for the first time in more than a decade I relaxed. Just a tiny bit, just enough to unclench. But I still eyed the alpha warily. He was pretty, there was no doubt about that. With dark hair and dark eyes, and cheekbones sharp enough to cut glass. But I didn’t let that show. I knew better.

“I don’t recognize you, so that means you aren’t from a local pack. Which means you had to come from a distance.” He squinted at me, assessing. “Just how far did you travel to make it to my territory?”

I opened my mouth to tell him I didn’t know, but nothing came out. It was as though my voice was trapped, because even though I wanted to answer him—he was the alpha after all—it didn’t work. I couldn’t speak. I lifted my hands and held them far apart.

“A long way, huh?” Killian relaxed back into the chair, his gaze never leaving me, seemingly unconcerned by the way the chair creaked. “What’s your name?”

I managed a squeak that time, but nothing else. Had I suffered some kind of damage to my throat or vocal chords? I didn’t think so, but I couldn’t remember all that had happened before I escaped. That was probably a good thing. All I knew in that moment though was that my voice didn’t work, and if I couldn’t answer a direct question from the alpha, I was in for a world of hurt.

Before I could hunch in on myself, the alpha’s expression softened. “Do you think you could write it down for me?”

I nodded, because he seemed understanding. He stood and turned, striding across the room, but a moment later he was back with pen and a small pad of paper. I took them when he handed them over, and my hand shook as I tried to hold the pen. I snuck a glance at the alpha, but he didn’t seem upset at my slowness. Even still, I wrote, the letters a little wobbly. It had been a long time since I’d written this name, and longer still since someone had used it. But I gave him the nae I’d been before I was five, the last time anyone had treated me with anything but ill intent.

The alpha peered at the paper when I turned it, then he smiled again. “Elliott. Welcome to the pack. We’ll take care of you.”

I didn’t believe it, but I nodded anyway and then closed my eyes. Once I had my strength back, I could run again.

A life alone was no life for a wolf shifter. But it was better than abuse. And I was never going to be in that position again.