Chapter Text
Colin sits in his favourite tree watching the world go by. He had just eaten his mama’s delicious roasted pig and berries, smiling he rubs his bloated belly. He had always had a big appetite but his mama’s food is famous in their pack and nearly everyone goes back for seconds. Colin had been raised to be polite and kind so he always makes sure no one else wants anymore before finishing what is left.
The gentle breeze tickles his fur and he hums softly as he stretches and turns his face to the ground below.
He spots a flash of gorgeous red and grins widely. He waits until the small figure turns away from him then howls.
He watches as she jumps and spins around. Her soulful baby blue eyes are open wide as she frantically looks around.
“Pen do you not trust what I told you?” He calls jokingly.
She raises her face up to his spot in the tree and frowns.
“Colin Bridgerton!” She huffs.
He jumps to the ground and lands nimbly right in front of her. He raises his large paw and gently lifts her face so their eyes meet.
“Please don’t be angry with me my sweet little Pen. I apologise most sincerely for scaring you, just think of it as payback for the prank you pulled on me last month.”
“Me joking that I didn’t believe you could catch a live fish and you making me think I was about to be eaten are not the same thing Mr Bridgerton and you know it.” She pouts.
“I promised you and it still stands. You will always be safe here, everyone knows not to touch you or harm you.”
He bends his knees so their faces are level and gives her his best sad puppy eyes. He sees her lips twitch and he whimpers softly. She rolls her eyes and pats his cheek. He smiles wide and she finally loses the fight with her giggles.
“You are a very naughty mutt Colin.” She jokes.
He gasps and puts his paw to his chest in horror.
“Miss Featherington what an awful thing to say. You are comparing an excellent specimen of a werewolf to a common pet.”
She lets out a belly laugh and he joins her.
“Now that I know I am not going to be werewolf dinner today, will you help me find some berries for my mama’s jam? She wants to make 10 jars this time. Yes before you ask one is for you.” She asks once they have calmed down.
“Only 1 jar Pen. I am a growing boy.” He pouts.
Portia’s jam is as famous around here as his mama’s cooking. He doesn’t know what she does to it but one bite and he is in Heaven.
“You are a greedy boy. Now help me and I might see if I can persuade her to let you have 2 jars.”
He looks at her cute little face and sighs. He would honestly help her do whatever she wanted or needed even without a reward.
He knows she owns his heart, she has done ever since they met as pups. Well children as her people call it.
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It had been a long day of following his papa and older brothers. They had taken him out for the first time to properly teach him how to hunt, sniff out animal trails and how to collect the types of plants they can eat.
He was exhausted and was trailing behind them when he heard a crash and a cry. He looks up at his papa and sees his ears are perked up and hears him growl.
“Boys stay close, there is something evil here.” He orders.
The brothers gather together behind him and he walks them silently to an opening in the trees. Colin peeks around his brothers and sees an old looking creature with no fur and a small creature with stunning red fur falling in long waves from her head.
“Your mama will soon reconsider my offer and take me back when she has no other choice. If she doesn’t, well I will make sure none of you girls have a choice ever again.” The furless being tells the small red head.
Colin looks up at his papa worriedly. He doesn’t understand all the words but he can sense the small creature’s fear and the furless one’s evilness.
“Anthony we are going to use the maneuver I taught you last month to take down the man. Ben, Colin you will very gently grab the girl and bring her safely back to this spot. Remember not to dig in your claws as it will hurt her.” He orders.
The boys nod and get into position. Edmund nods and Ant returns it, as one they howl. The furless creature looks around in fear. Then father and son jump as one, they pin the man to the ground and Edmund covers his mouth with his huge paw.
“Silence human.” He growls.
Meanwhile Colin and Ben wait until the man is down then run to the girl. They softly take one arm each and pull her into the trees. She looks up at Ben and cries in fear. Colin is scared, he wants to help the small creature but he doesn’t know how. Ben kneels down so he is her height, she is such a tiny thing it looks comical how low he has to go.
“What is your name little one?” He asks softly.
She meets his eyes and gasps.
“We can understand you too. Please if you can, explain what happened.”
“The man is apparently my father but mama says he ran away before I was born. He broke into our house earlier. My mama was doing paperwork, I always read then so I am quiet and don’t disturb her. My sisters are at their lessons. He came in and mama asked what he wanted, he mentioned a deal then pushed her down. She fell on the floor then he grabbed me and ran. He said someone would pay money for me and he was in debt, I don’t know what that means.” She explains in a shy voice.
“Thank you darling.” Edmund says.
He had left Ant in charge after the man fainted in fear and had heard her explanation.
She looks at him and swallows nervously. He understands, he is over 7 foot tall and quite muscular while she is a tiny little thing.
He sits down and crouches as low as he can then holds out his paw, she looks at it shyly before stepping forward and placing her tiny hand on top.
“Is your mama called Portia Featherington?”
She nods holding back her tears at the mention of her mama. The last thing she saw was her screaming as the man pushed her to the floor.
“It’s alright darling we will keep you safe. Now can you be brave just a little longer and stay with my son Colin while I go and help your mama.”
She nods and he wipes the few tears that escaped off her cheeks.
“Good girl.” He says proudly.
She blushes and smiles, she always feels happy when her mama and sisters praise her for doing well.
“You are Penelope is that correct?”
“Yes.”
“Excellent. Now Penelope meet my 3rd son Colin. Colin please look after young Miss Penelope here until we return.”
“Of course papa.” He replies seriously.
He loves it when his parents trust him with important tasks and this might be the most important task of his life so far.
Edmund and Ben leave.
Pen takes a breath and looks up, her eyes lock on his and she gasps. His eyes are the most remarkable shade of blue and he is the most handsome boy she has ever seen.
He is also stunned by her eyes and beautiful face. He feels his heart race and lets out a small howl, his papa asked him to look after her not stare at her.
She whimpers at his howl and he feels her fear increasing.
He falls to his knees and holds out his paws like his papa did.
“I apologise Pen. I did not mean to scare you. I was just thinking, I did not mean to howl.” He says quickly.
She carefully places her hand in his paw. He sees her blush increase and smiles kindly at her.
He wants to keep her happy and distracted so he starts telling her about his day and what he learnt, she listens, fascinated by what he tell her.
She sits down opposite him their hands/paws still joined in front of their crossed legs. That is how their parents find them two hours later when they return.
They watch in silence as the two children laugh and make up a story together.
A noise grabs Pen’s attention and she finally looks away from Colin.
“Mama!” She cries happily.
Portia catches her when she runs to her. Edmund and Violet place their paws on her back so she doesn’t fall backwards.
“Oh my darling girl. I am so glad you are safe.” She says as she presses kisses to her cheeks and head.
“Are you ok mama? He pushed you over.”
“I am well. I hurt my hand but the doctor checked it and gave me some medicine. She said I needed to rest for a few days to give it time to heal. The Bridgertons said we can stay with them for a few days, would you like to do that?”
She feels Penelope nod against her shoulder and smiles.
“Right Colin and Ben go and set up the guest room. Violet if you can start dinner I will just get the girls settled then come and help. Ant go and gather your siblings and explain what is happening.” Edmund instructs.
Colin follows Ben excitedly. He is still young and he has never seen anyone in the guest room before. Ben explains that they had friends in the village that used to stay but some moved away and some had children so were busy with them now. He explains the last time it was used was just before he was born. An old friend of the family stayed over for a few days before carrying on his travels.
The guest room is in a small cave a just a bit away from the family caves.
It has a few small beds that humans liked to use, a small table and a shelf with stacks of blankets. The boys set up the beds and Colin makes sure the blue blanket is on Pen’s bed. Ben gives him a look and he shyly confesses that she said it was her favourite colour.
“Well then of course she must have it. We need to make her feel welcome. Yes she will make an excellent new little sister.”
Colin growls and Ben laughs.
“Did I say something wrong little brother?” He questions.
“She is not my sister. I don’t need another sister. She is special she is my little Pen.” He huffs angrily.
“My apologises brother. Is she your future mate?”
Colin blushes bright red and twists his fingers.
“Is it possible?” He asks shyly.
“Love is always possible Colin. Sometimes it is just a harder fight to win. Your heart will tell you, listen to that and no one else, well except for your little Pen of course.” He tells him seriously.
Colin relaxes at that and smiles. He straightens out the blanket making sure it is perfect for her. Ben rubs his shoulders and they head back to their parents.
After dinner and a bedtime story by Edmund around the fire the children are all tucked into bed. Colin wanting to be a gentleman like his father asks to escorts the Featherington ladies to their room. His parents nod and Violet goes with him. She helps Portia settle and take her medicine, then tucks the older two girls in.
They quickly fall asleep. They are exhausted from being in lessons all morning to being quickly rushed out and home, seeing the doctor examine their mama and hearing what happened to their baby sister. Then brought to the wolves home, dinner and story. Violet smiles softly and strokes their hair before turning to Portia.
She sees were she is looking and turns as well. Both mothers bite back a smile at the sweet sight. Colin is fluffing up Pen’s pillow and straightening her blanket while she watches with a blush on her cheeks and love in her eyes.
“Come on Colin let’s leave the ladies to get some rest they have had a long day.” She calls softly when he starts fidgeting.
“Of course mama. I hope you all sleep well. Goodnight Pen.”
“Goodnight Colin, Violet.” She replies politely.
Violet strokes her cheek gently then guides Colin to his own bed.
“We are so proud of what you did today Colin. You will make a fine werewolf just like your papa.”
“Thank you mama. I want to be a protector like him, Ant and Ben.”
“You already are my sweet boy. You helped Penelope feel safe and protected when she was very scared and worried about her mama. Being a protector isn’t all about fighting although it is sometimes necessary like with that vile man today. It is about providing care to those we love, making sure they feel safe and comfortable. Doing little things that show you love them, like making sure their bed is comfortable.” She explains raising her eyebrows at the end.
He wriggles and looks away. She chuckles and cuddles him.
“My precious boy.” She kisses his head and tucks him in.
He smiles as he drifts off and dreams about Pen.
He wakes up a while later sensing something is wrong. Quickly jumping up he races outside to the guest room. He spots Pen at the opening and calls to her.
She sees him and wipes her tears quickly. He gently takes her hands and stops her.
“It is ok to cry Pen, a lot happened today.” He reassures her.
“It was so scary, I didn’t know what happened to my mama and he said he was taking me far away. I would have never seen her or my sisters again.” She sobs.
He offers her a hug and she curls into his chest. He strokes her silky hair and rubs her back.
“Is this ok?” He whispers.
She nods and he carries on, being extra careful that his claws don’t scratch her.
When she calms slightly he gently moves her back so he can see her face.
“Come with me.” He whispers.
She takes his paw and he guides her a bit away to his favourite tree. She frowns when he points to a branch and explains it is his favourite place.
“Why are you frowning?” He asks.
“Colin you are much larger and stronger than me. I can’t climb like you can.”
He grins and crouches down.
“Climb on my back. Trust me.”
She takes a breath then does as he asks. She wraps her arms tight around his shoulders, he holds both her hands in one paw then starts to climb. He feels warmth fill his heart when she squeaks and grips him tighter. He reaches the branch and sits down so she has enough room to climb off. She slowly unwraps herself from his back but keeps one hand tightly gripped to his sleepshirt. He holds up his arm and she looks at him before snuggling up to him.
“It’s so peaceful up here.” She whispers.
“That is why I love it. I love my large pack and spending time with my siblings but sometimes I just need to sit quietly so my thoughts can stop racing and I can just be.”
She nods and they enjoy the silence for a while.
“Thank you for helping me.” She says quietly.
“I will always help you and keep you safe. You will never have to fear being in these woods. I promise you will always be safe here. No one will harm you and if anyone tries I will do whatever is needed to protect you.” He replies seriously.
She presses a soft kiss over his heart and he holds her closer.
He feels her fall asleep. He wraps her in his arm, gets a solid hold of her then carries her down and back to her bed. He tucks her in and sees Portia watching him.
“Thank you for looking after my baby.” She whispers.
“I will always look after all of you. I promise.”
She waves him closer and he goes to her. She strokes his cheek and presses a sweet kiss on his forehead.
“Goodnight dear boy.”
“Goodnight Mrs Portia.”
He goes back to his bed and dreams of a life with Pen.
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They find enough berries to fill Pen’s two baskets. She thanks him, kisses over his wrist in her usual way of affection, his heart became too far away as he grew taller, and promises to return soon. He watches her skip away with a huge smile on his lips.
Neither of them notice eyes watching them.
She returns a few days later as promised. She sets the two jam jars down by their tree and takes off her cloak as she waits.
She doesn’t realise anything is wrong until she is grabbed from behind. An arm grips around her middle and another covers her mouth, stopping her scream. She is carried fast through the woods to a small cave opening. She is shoved inside and turns. She sees something quickly blocking out the sunlight and before she can even move it has disappeared completely. She feels herself panic as she turns back to the inside of the cave. She sees it has some candles around the edge providing some light at least. As her eyes adjust to the dim light she spots a lump in the corner. She recognises Colin’s cape and races over.
“Colin, darling are you ok?” She asks worriedly.
His eyes fly open and she jumps at the suddenness as well as the look in them. It is a look of passion and desire.
“Pen! No my angel you need to leave it is not safe for you to be here.” He replies hurriedly.
“I cannot leave Colin the entrance is blocked and I am worried about you. Please tell me what’s wrong.”
He looks past her and growls. He jumps up and races over doing his best to find a way to unblock it.
“Colin please calm yourself. Why are you so worried, I’m sure someone will come and help us out soon?”
“You don’t understand Pen it is dangerous for you to be here.”
“Why? I am always safe with you Colin. Remember you promised you would always protect me.” She says trying to calm him.
She presses her usual kiss to his wrist and he yanks his hand away. She feels tears build at this fearing he doesn’t love her anymore.
“Please don’t cry my angel. I can’t explain properly right now but I promise I still love you.” He quickly tells her.
She looks into his eyes and sees the truth in them, it still doesn’t explain his strange behaviour but she believes him.
She gasps when he suddenly leans close and sniffs her neck. He whines and she moans when he licks up her neck and nibbles her ear. His rough breath makes her heart race and body hot.
They both jump as a bang sounds outside.
“Colin are you alright?” His father calls.
He quickly pushes her behind him and roars loudly.
“Colin it is ok. It’s your papa. I am not going to harm you.” He calls soothingly.
Colin looks behind at Pen and she feels her breath catch at the love and possessiveness in his dark eyes. He roars again at the covered exit.
“My boy keep calm. I overhead Eloise talking a moment ago. Colin listen to me and please answer me is Penelope in there with you?”
When he remains silent Pen holds his paw and steps forward slightly.
“I am here Mr B.” She calls.
She squeaks when Colin grabs her and lifts her into his arms, he rests her on one of his hips and holds her protectively.
“Colin listen please remember what I taught you. Please tell Penelope I am glad she is well but to only talk to me through you for now.”
Pen looks at him confused. She reaches up and strokes his cheek.
“Colin. What is happening?”
“Mating season.” He hums before getting distracted and nuzzling her neck.
Pen freezes. She had briefly heard it mentioned and tried to ask Colin but he reassured her she didn’t need to worry and he never felt the urge to mate. She thinks for a second and realises she needs to ask Edmund some questions.
“Colin darling. I know your instincts are in overdrive right now but I need to ask your father some questions. Is that ok?”
He pulls back and looks at her.
“You don’t want me as a mate? I am strong and protect you. I can provide and love you. I can give you pleasure.” He says brokenly, his brain being taken over by hormones and urges.
He pins her to the wall as he speaks, pressing their fronts together, she moans as he grinds against her.
“My mate.” He sighs happily.
She quickly remembers what she wanted to do and pushes him away gently.
“Colin look at me please my darling.”
He blinks at her and she smiles.
“I am yours always and forever I promise. I just need to ask your papa some questions. He will not take me away from you I promise. He has his mate remember, your mama and papa are deeply in love and mated, he is not a threat to us. Please Colin. You can hold me close while I talk so you can keep me safe.” She speaks calmly while stroking his shoulders and arms.
“Mate has questions for papa.” He says.
“Yes darling, I will be as quick as I can I promise.”
He walks with her still in his arms to near the exit.
“Mr B. I am here. Please explain as quickly as possible what happened, who grabbed me, why and what happens now?”
“Eloise grabbed you, I heard her muttering about Colin and you just getting it over with. I questioned her and she admitted to bringing you here. Colin comes here during the longest days of mating season to wait it out. He takes a special mix of berries that calm the urges and help him keep calm. They don’t work if ones mate is near. As for now I am sorry Penelope but I can’t get you out. Colin’s instincts are in overdrive right now and anyone trying to come near you will be seen as a threat, he will do whatever it takes to protect you. Some wolves have killed family to protect a mate. He has been taught what happens. When he started getting urges I invited an old friend to stay, he fell in love with a human and helped teach Colin how to mate in a safe way for both partners. His hormones are in overdrive but I promise he will listen to you Penelope. If you need to stop or it is too much tell him. He loves you and has kept away from you during mating season because he is terrified of hurting you. If I can speak plainly you are quite small even for a human and Colin is large in all ways, he has avoided being physical with you because of his fear of harming you during mating. Not just because of his penis size but also his knot, it is what grows at the base of the penis during orgasm, it will lock you together for up to an hour at a time.”
She blushes hard at the last parts, she loves how big he has always been compared to her. She had also felt his penis through their clothes a few times when they have been cuddled together, it had felt huge and she had dreamt about what would happen if they mated one day. Neither of them seemed to crave physical intimacy beyond the sweet kisses and cuddles they share so she never needed or asked for more.
“Ok thank you Mr B I understand now. Just a few quick questions. How long does mating season last? How do we get food and water? How do we get out when it finishes?”
“It lasts a few days to a week. Colin normally brings himself enough food and drinks for 2 weeks they should be in there somewhere. Tell Colin to call for me when it’s over and we will help you out.”
She grabs Colin’s face from where it had been resting on her shoulder breathing in her scent.
“Colin do you have food here?”
“Corner.” He answers and turns them to face it.
She sees a few baskets stacked up and smiles.
“I brought your blanket as well. I sleep with it when you are at home. It smells lovely like you.”
“Aw you are sweet Colin.”
She presses a sweet kiss on his cheek and he howls softly.
“Thank you Mr B. I think we are going to be alright now.” She calls.
“Ok. Colin look after her and remember what we taught you.”
“I always look after my mate. She is perfect and I will always protect her.”
“Good boy.” He calls proudly before leaving them alone.
“Colin darling can you put me down for a minute. I just want to make us a place to lie down comfortably.”
Colin carries her to the baskets then puts her down gently.
“Thank you darling.”
She quickly looks through the baskets and sees two are filled with food and some drinks, she frowns. It doesn’t look like enough food for Colin for 2 weeks. She blushes a few seconds later when she realises how he probably spends a lot of his time when he is alone during mating season. A quick look in his dark eyes makes her shiver.
“My mate is cold?” He questions. His words getting less as his hormones build.
“No Colin, I am excited and horny.” She answers honestly. She has only ever had a few sexy dreams but had woken up shivering and wet between her legs.
“I can help. Want my sweet Pen to feel pleasure.”
“Can you help me make us a bed first?”
He nods and opens another basket. It has some thick blankets in with her favourite blue one at the bottom.
“Mate is happy.”
“Yes Colin these are perfect.”
She grabs them and shakes them out before stretching them across the ground in the middle of the cave. She assumes they might need a lot of room to move around once they start.
She feels Colin caress her cheek and she looks up.
“Why is my Pen blushing?”
“I am thinking about us and what we will be doing. I don’t know much so I hope I will be ok for you.”
“My sweet Pen is perfect.”
He leans down and nuzzles their noses together. She giggles and he smiles. She presses up and kisses him chastely.
“Teach me Colin, my darling mate.” She whispers huskily.
He grins, lies down on the blankets she prepared and pats the space beside him.
She smiles and joins him. He rests his head on his raised hand while she lies on her back and turns her face to him.
“Mine.” He howls softly as he traces his fingertip down her cheek and across her lips. She hums and locks her desire filled eyes with his.
“Mine.” She replies as she takes his hand and kisses his wrist before licking his pulse point keeping her eyes locked to his.
He growls, pins her hand down beside her head and kisses her hard.
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