Fenrir by K. Sterling

8

“Ithought you were dead,” Fenrir murmured when Stellan’s eyelids fluttered. He forced them open as he returned to his body and the cave. The cave was still cold and dark around them but Stellan was surprised to note that there was only a mild twinge of pain as he carefully stretched then pulled into a ball. He was also surprised to find that he’d been wrapped in a thick wool blanket.

“I thought I was dead too. I was sure you broke me,” Stellan said and raised the blanket so he could get a peek but it was too dark.

“I might have but I thought cleaning you might help and I think it did,” Fenrir said as he sniffed at Stellan’s face.

“You thought cleaning me would help?” Stellan asked and laughed and shivered as Fenrir huffed against his ear. He seemed relieved that Stellan was conscious and not broken.

“My saliva and tears made the fjords, so I thought I’d see if they could heal as well. You were bleeding and shaking but you stopped and I couldn’t find where you were injured once I’d licked the blood away,” he explained.

“I guess it worked,” Stellan said with a shrug. He wasn’t feeling as nonchalant about nearly dying but it could have gone worse, he reasoned. “Where did this come from?” He asked and sat up so he could inspect the blanket.

“I can show you,” Fenrir offered and gave Stellan a gentle nudge.

“Alright.” He pulled himself up then gasped as his legs wobbled and grabbed Fenrir’s side so he wouldn’t fall. “Sorry!” He said and attempted to balance himself but Fenrir’s giant snout swung around.

“Hold on to me. I don’t mind,” he said and sniffed at Stellan’s face again. “Are you still injured?” He asked and Stellan shook his head.

“No. I’m sore but I’ll be fine. I am a little dizzy and weak,” he said and there was an answering growl. It was a low, pensive rumble as they walked. Fenrir led Stellan deeper into the cave and it became narrower as it turned until Stellan had to press against the wolf’s side.

“I didn’t mean to hurt you,” Fenrir mumbled and Stellan went ahead and grinned.

“I appreciate that and I know. It all happened really fast and it was…” His other hand flapped vaguely as he tried to find a word that could encompass how erotic and terrifying it had been. There were moments when Stellan felt powerful and highly aroused and then there were moments when he felt possessed and utterly insignificant beneath Fenrir. He was pure animalistic power and the act was more primal and brutal than anything Stellan had ever encountered. Much of it was thrilling and there were moments of sensual ecstasy but they were tempered by the panic and pain Stellan experienced at the end.

“You pleased me, boy,” Fenrir said just as they squeezed around another turn and Stellan’s jaw stretched as he took in the giant cavern. It was littered with clothes, books, backpacks, boots and sneakers from various eras. This is where he found the matches. Fenrir’s claws were long and he was able to use them to light matches to start fires, Stellan learned. There were other odds and ends around the cave and Stellan had wondered how the wolf had come by them. Stellan’s eyes swept upwards and he noted a glint of moonlight from an opening over their heads. Water spilled over the lip in a slender cascade and pooled on the far side of the cavern.

“What is all of this?” He asked.

“This is where the jötunn hides everything after he’s left another sacrifice,” Fenrir explained and Stellan’s eyes widened when he spotted his backpack and one of his duffle bags at the top on the giant mound in the center.

“That monster!” He cried and lunged for it but Fenrir caught Stellan as he tripped drunkenly.

“What’s your hurry? Some of these things have been here for hundreds of years.”

“My laptop might be up there!” Stellan hissed and tugged at Fenrir’s fur so he’d move a little faster.

“Is that something you think you’ll need?” He asked as he prowled closer to the scattered bits of hiking supplies and travelers’ detritus littering the floor of the cavern. Most of it had landed in a large heap in the middle but Stellan’s other duffle bag had rolled to the opposite corner by the pool and he pointed at it as he carefully scaled.

“My life’s work is in my laptop,” Stellan explained and he leaned and strained to reach his backpack. He cheered when he caught one of the straps and pulled it over his shoulder. He snatched his duffle bag’s handle and was able to get a hold of it and gave it a heave. It slid free and Stellan tumbled back and would have landed on his ass if Fenrir hadn’t caught him.

“Stay here and I’ll get the other one,” he said and Stellan smiled and pointed.

“Thanks it’s that one over—”

“I know which one is yours. It smells like you,” Fenrir said and went after it. Stellan’s eyes widened as he spotted several pans, stainless steel mugs and utensils and a really fancy camping shower. There were numerous sleeping bags, coats and blankets and plenty of toiletries for him to choose from. Fenrir returned with Stellan’s duffle bag between his giant jaws and laid it at his feet. “Help yourself to whatever you want,” he said and Stellan nodded as he looked around the cavern.

“I think I can make this place really comfortable.”