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The next few days were spent worrying and constantly watching over his shoulder. He knew that Dawson would be back. And the next time she would be kicking down the door with a warrant ready. Every noise the mountains made had the author looking over his shoulder. Steven mulled over how he would hide Crystal, how to protect her, and how to keep them both together. Maybe she should run. She's not safe here anymore. But Steven knew he could never leave her. The two loved each other. They needed one another. He would find a way to keep her safe.

After he finished doing the dishes for the evening Steven joined the wolfess on the bed. They cuddled together for warmth. Winter was rapidly approaching. The days were getting shorter and night lasted longer. The sky was a permanent dismal gray, and a light layer of bright snow covered the ground. And it was cold. The kind of cold you can feel in your bones. A cold so thick that you can see it before ever exiting the warmth of your house.

The pair had plenty of wood for the fire place. They were by no means in danger of freezing. But they held each other close at night. Crystal's fur was soft again the human's pale, aged skin. Her head was heavy on his chest. His hand gently stroked and scratched between her ears as they both lie in silence. In that moment they were safe, and nothing could reach them.

It was a Wednesday, and Steven had slept in. Eyes closed, he turned to embrace his companion but found only empty space. Panicking he sat up and reached for his glasses before knocking them off the night stand and onto the floor. Rolling off the bed, he searched the floor for them and put them on, standing and quickly scanning the room. It was empty. Immediately Steven's thoughts found their way to the worst scenarios. She was alone and hurt, she was captured, she was in danger and needed him but he wasn't there. Without bothering to put any clothes on he quickly threw on his boots, his thick winter jacket and a winter cap. Just as he was pulling on the last boot the door opened.

Crystal entered the room carrying a stack of firewood. The fire had gone out and the change in temperature had woken her. She didn't want the room to be cold when Steven got out of bed and so she snuck out to bring in more wood. She couldn't see over the large stack of wood in her hands, and so it wasn't until after setting it down she got a full view of what was happening. Steven stood there in his white underwear, a coat unzipped, boots that were nearly up to his knees, and his hat on sideways. She couldn't help but turn her head curiously and giggle at the strange sight in front of her.

"Oh, thank god you're alright." Steven hugged her as though they hadn't seen each other in days. "I was so worried." Crystal gently patted him on the back before ending the embrace. Her hands rested on her hips as she continued to laugh at the man.

"It's not that funny! I was seriously worried." His glasses started to fog as the cold air rushed in and made him shiver. Noticing, Crystal closed the door and gestured toward the dresser. Steven looked down and realized how ridiculous he looked. "Well, alright. I guess I do look a little odd. Still! You could have been in danger." He sauntered over to the dresser and changed. The wolfess just sighed and shook her head at him.

"I suppose I have been a little too tightly wound since the incident with Dawson. It's been a few days and we haven't heard anything. I'm not getting any grand ideas about what to do anyways. We should have some fun." Steven picked out mismatching clothes. He was never very fashionable. But he was warm. "Hey, have you ever been sledding?" Crystal nodded her head as he looked over his shoulder for her reaction. "No? You've got to try it. I know a great spot. Come on." A smile spread across his face.

As the two left the small cabin, Steven searched around the shed for something to ride on. He found an inner tube that was often used in the lake during the summer. Dragging it out, he handed it to the anthromorph. "Here. Carry this. It's what we'll be riding." Steven could see her curious look again. Her expressions had become their own language to him. "You'll see."

After about twenty minutes of walking - Steven making enough conversation for the both of them - they had come upon the spot he talked about. The hill was impressive. It sloped down steeply and ended in a large open field. Steven started running when he they were close. "Come on! Not going to let an old geezer like me beat you, are ya?" He laughed as he watched her try to run while carrying the inner tube. Finally they met at the edge, the man doubled over and struggling to catch his breath.

"Whew. Okay, now." He took another breath and stood. "You put it down and sit on it." He waited for her to do so. When she looked back and waited for further instructions, Steven suddenly she pushed her down the hill. "Hold on!" He yelled. Crystal attempted to find a place to grip tightly as she flew down the hill with incredible speed. Toward the bottom she started to spin, and then spun over and over until coming to a stop at the bottom. Steven watched as she got up and stumbled back and forth. Stopping, she shook her head in an attempt to gain her posture. Then she tilted her head back and let out loud howl. Birds flew from nearby trees and smaller game fled the field. She laughed and started back up the hill.

The two took turns a couple times before Steven suggested they both go at once. He could tell Crystal was hesitant but he reassured her. Sitting down he patted his lap and told her to get on.

"Alright. Here we go. One! Two! Three," and he pushed off. Their weight had increased the speed of the inner tube, and they both laughed as they went. However, they failed to see the dip at the bottom. The front of the tube met it and flipped causing them both to fly off and into the snow. They rolled a few feet before coming to rest in a tangled mess.

"Ugh. My glasses are gone. Have you seen them?" Steven lied on his back and half attempted to search for the glasses without moving. Crystal was positioned on top of him. She found them, wiped the snow off and put them on his face. Her face came into view and he smiled.

"Are you okay?" he asked.

She nodded. Then they both started laughing together. The laughter faded and the couple just stayed there in the snow, looking at each other. Suddenly, Crystal bent down and pressed her lips to his. His eyes widened in surprise before narrowing in acceptance. Snow began to lightly fall as the two continued to kiss and embrace. It felt right to them both. Something that should have happened long ago, but neither one wanted to make the move. The flakes were big and heavy. But they fell slowly. The whole world seemed to be moving at a slower pace. Every breath seemed longer. Every touching of tongue and lip felt like hours. Every heart beat was counted. They were happy. They were in love.

During the walk back to the cabin the two held hands. For once nothing was said. They just smiled and enjoyed each other's company. It was quiet and peaceful. Warmth flowed through them that only two who needed each other ever felt.

As they approached the cabin, Crystal's ears perked. She stopped and tugged on Steven's arm.

"What's wrong?" He looked at her curiously. She hid behind a tree and bared her teeth. He understood what she meant. "Ok. Uh. You stay here. And if you hear footsteps coming then you run. Alright?" Her ears flattened and a look of concern spread over her face. "Shh. It's alright. I'll be fine. I promise." He kissed her for reassurance. Turning, he pushed his glasses up with one finger and made his way back.

When the cabin came into view he saw a familiar vehicle. I wonder what he's doing here. As Steven opened the door he was greeted.

"Uncle Harry. Hi. The door was open so I let myself in. I hope you don't mind." The man sat on a chair in front of the fire place. He held his hands out, fingers splayed, as he tried to warm them. "It's cold up here. How do you manage?"

"Cold? I never noticed. Guess I'm just used to it." His eyes scanned the room trying to find any proof that Crystal had been living with him. He could see patches of fur in the comforter and on the floor. Shit. I should have been more careful. Maybe he won't notice.

"So, Gary. What are you here for?" He asked. Closing the door, Steven took off his heavy jacket and hung it.

"Well, I had some more information about that wolf that's been let out on the loose. Buddy of mine had a bit too much to drink and let some things slip that he probably shouldn't have. After I heard I had to come up here and check on you."

"Why? What's wrong?"

"Well, you see. You remember how I mentioned that the creature was some kind of criminal?"

"Yeah, I remember." Steven took a seat and sat across from his visitor. A serious look washing over his face. "And?"

"Well, it turns out that they were murderers. The whole lot of them. Been sentenced to death row. This was an alternate offer made to them. If they survived the testing and did what was asked of them then they could get time off of their sentence. Of course, they weren't ever told what it the testing was actually about." Gary's eyes glazed over for a second. "Poor souls." Steven wordlessly nodded in agreement. His palms were sweating. While he loved Gary, he didn't like having him around.

"Anyways. I'm telling you this because that thing is more dangerous than I thought it was. I think you should leave. Immediately. I have four wheel drive. The roads aren't too terrible right now. I can get you back to town simply enough and you can call for a ride from there." Gary stood and started making his way toward the door.

"Now hold on a minute. I told you last time that I didn't see any wolves up here of any kind. I'm not in any danger. You're overreacting, Gary."

"Harry. That thing is dangerous! It's a killer! A killer with enhanced senses and instincts. It could very well end your life before you knew it was around. Now come with me. There are a few soldiers coming with a warrant to search your property. They'll hunt it down and kill it. As it should be. Damn abomination."

"That's not true! She wouldn't hurt anyone!" Steven yelled in anger. He immediately regretted it.

"..what did you say?"

"Now, Gary, wait."

"She? You've seen it?

"Well, maybe. But she isn't a dang-" Steven sputtered.

"Yes it is! It's extremely dangerous!" Gary interrupted. "You have to tell me where it is, Harry. You're putting lives at risk by keeping this to yourself. You could be arrested for this. I care about you. I'm trying to protect you."

"I don't need your damn protection! I just want to be left alone with her. She's kind, and funny, and understanding. She isn't anything like what you think she is." The two just stared at each other. Suddenly Gary opened the door. He headed to his vehicle. Steven watched expecting him to leave. But instead he opened the truck's door and close it again. He was holding something. A rifle.

"Gary. What are you doing?" The sound of the gun being cocked rang loudly through the open mountain air. "Gary!" Steven headed outside to follow him.

"I'm doing you a favor, Harry. You'll thank me for this. Now tell me where she is. She's nearby I assume?" Steven caught up to the young man and put a hand out.

"Stop." He commanded. A rustling noise came from behind them. The snow was falling heavier than before, but a figure could be made out. It was Crystal. She had heard the shouting and came to check. "Crystal! Run!"

The soldier's mouth hung agape as he took in the sight of the bipedal wolf. She wasn't wolf nor human. She was a freak. Unnatural. She didn't belong here. Shutting his mouth he aimed his gun. The snow made the shot difficult, but he was confident he could make it.

"Gary! No!" Steven reached for the gun and started wrestling for it. The two grunted as they tried to rip it from the others' grasp.

"Harry, you have to let me." He tried to shift his weight and pry the gun out of the weak author's hands. Somehow his grip remained firm.

"You don't understand. I love her." Grunting he started to push Gary back with a new found strength. "I won't let you hurt her."

"Steven, stop!" Gary yelled. As he did, his foot slipped in the snow and he fell backward, pulling the older man down with him. A gunshot echoed throughout the air. Then there was only silence. Crystal's eyes widened and she ran toward the men on the ground. She slid onto her knees and rolled Steven. His eyes were wide and unmoving and he was covered in blood. The wolfess searched frantically for a wound and didn't find one. She put her head to his chest and listened for a heartbeat. Thump. Thump. Thump.

Steven was alive. Pulling his head into her lap, she tried to get him to move or say something. She pinched him and slapped him. Finally he blinked, and seemed to come to.

"What happened?" Steven sat up and gathered his surroundings. Gary's body lie limp next to him. The gun in his hand, and the snow around them red with blood. "Oh god. No. No no no no." He crawled over and flipped the limp body. Gary's eyes were cold and distant. The open wound still oozing blood from his chest. "No. This isn't what I wanted." Sorrow and despair crept into his heart as hot tears fell down his cheeks. Crystal embraced him as he wept.

"This wasn't supposed to happen. I just wanted to keep you safe." Her warm arms wrapped around him and pulled him into her fur covered chest. After a few minutes had passed, she pulled the man off her and nodded toward Gary's corpse, implying that they should do something with it.

Wiping the tears and fluids off his face with his sleeve, Steven nodded and got up. He rushed to the shed, practically knocking the door off the rusty hinges. Panicking, he looked for a shovel to dig with. He couldn't believe what he was doing. But he had to. Turning himself in wouldn't solve anything. And it wouldn't protect Crystal. She would be hunted down like an animal. She would be possibly killed.

After a few seconds of searching, Steven had returned with the shovel. Crystal had dragged the body farther into the wooded area and away from the cabin, a red streak trailing behind it. Steven desperately kicked snow over it in an attempt to cover up the evidence of a fight. The wolf anthromorph looked up as she heard Steven coming. She had positioned Gary's body very respectfully. If not for all the blood one could imagine he was just sleeping. The pair simply looked at each other and nodded. This needed to be done.

After they had finished burying him they headed back home. Steven had vomited a few times out of guilt during the burial and felt the need to lie down. They closed the door and laid together on the bed. Steven couldn't think of anything to say. He couldn't even think. All he could do was imagine Gary's blank stare. He couldn't get it out of his head.

Crystal embraced him. Kissed his neck. His cheek. And his lips. They started to kiss passionately. Suddenly they were both naked and making love. Their hips pressed together. They became one. Their thoughts were emptied of any grief or worry. Steven studied her naked body. Her breasts bouncing as she rode him. She was beautiful. Their bodies shook as they both reached climax together.

Lying together in the afterglow they felt perfectly connected. Suddenly Crystal's ears perked again. She sat up suddenly and growled at something outside the window. Getting up, Steven checked to see what it was. He could see a vehicle. It was Dawson. This time there were several other vehicles with her. Quickly getting dressed, he searched the closet and found the pistol that Gary had given him. He paused as he looked at and then got dressed, tucking the pistol in the back of his pants.

As he approached the door, Crystal reached out and grabbed him. He turned to her and kissed her once again. "I have to. For us." Then he opened the door.

Dawson's vehicle came to a stop and she exited it. "Mr. Harold. I have a warrant. You know what I want."

"I'm afraid I can't let you in here." Steven replied.

"If you try to stop up then we'll put you under arrest for obstruction." Her jaw set and she grinded her teeth together.

"If you have to. But you're not getting in here."

"Yes, we are." Dawson motioned with her hands. Two soldiers stepped around her and made their way towards Steven. Again sweat beaded on his head. I should grab the gun. I should shoot them before they can get into the cabin and find her here. She needs me to do this. I need me to do this. His hands shook. He tried to will himself to grab the gun. But he just couldn't. He hung his head. Maybe there's a non-violent way out of this. For Gary.

As soon as the soldiers touched Steven's shoulders, Crystal pounced with a ferocious growl. She tore the throat of the first guard with incredible speed, and immediately broke the arm of the other. Before anyone could react she was tearing through the guards in the drive. Finally Dawson said something.

"There it is! Open fire!"

"Crystal! No!" But she didn't hear. The remaining soldiers started to open fire in an attempt to bring her down. She was so fast it was hard to follow her movement. Her claws tore the flesh off the bones without any effort. Steven had never seen this carnal side of hers before. She was protecting him, but also giving into a primal instinct. Steven couldn't stand it.

"CRYSTAL! STOP!" He shouted. This time she heard. She stopped attacking the current guard and looked back. And that was when she was shot. She let out a yelp and fell to the ground. "No!" Steven yelled and tried to start toward her. But Dawson was already atop of her, gun out, and fired a point blank shot.

Steven's heart stopped. He couldn't move. She was dead. She died right in front of him and he didn't do anything about it. He watched. After all the promises, and all the time they spent together, he couldn't protect her.

"Mr. Harold. This isn't good for you. Not at all." Dawson looked back at him. "You're going to be doing some serious time."

"You killed her. I loved her. And you took her from me." His eyes narrowed and his hands formed into fists.

"You're not well, Mr. Harold. You couldn't have loved it. It was an animal." Dawson walked closer toward him.

Steven's hand reached behind his back for his gun. "You ruined my life. You took the only person that ever understood me. You made her feel like a monster."

"I didn't do anything except protect people from that.. beast."

"She wasn't a beast! And her name was Crystal!" He pulled out the gun and pulled the trigger. He wanted to end her life. Steven wanted her to feel the pain that she caused Crystal and himself. But nothing happened. The safety was still on. Before he could say or do anything he felt a short, sharp pain in his chest. And then nothing.

Bodies and blood lie everywhere in front of the cabin. Crystal was covered in blood. Some her own. Most of it belonging to the soldiers. Steven had a single wound in his chest. His glasses laying broken on the ground. Snow fell heavily from the sky. The winter storm had come. And in the cabin Steven's laptop remained open to a blank document. The cursor blinking waiting for him to start the first chapter.