Page 11 of Howls and Home Runs

I grin and nod, tears welling in my eyes. “With me. Forever.” It slips out, but I mean it. I couldn’t leave Wilder if I tried. I guess I’m going to be a mascot handler for the rest of my life. The pay is alright but the perks-yeah I love this job.

We cuddle as the sun settles behind the stadium, the starry night sky bringing a chill that only one of us feels. “Alright, let’s get back inside now. It’s getting chilly.” I shiver, wrapping my arms around myself.

Wilder scoops me up into his warm furry chest as I let out a squeal. “Alright sunshine girl. Let’s go inside.” I snuggle into him smiling as he walks us back.

Once back in the locker room, we clean up our mess and tidy up. I help Wilder back into his locker after many kisses and long hugs. “Good night, Wilder. See you tomorrow bright and early.”

“Good night, Lainey.” He smiles and closes the door. My heart aches leaving him here, alone, every night, but my dreams are always of Wilder so it’s almost like he’s there, in my bed with me. My pussy certainly thinks so based on the near empty state of my panty drawer. Self reminder; do the freaking laundry.

Pulling into my driveway, I notice a car I don’t recognize across the street. It’s running, based on the steam coming from the exhaust, but the lights are off. Weird. I keep an eye on it while I park in my driveway, turning mine off. Clutching my keys between my fingers in case I need to key shank a serial killer, I walk swiftly but calmly to the front door.

You’re not afraid. Be cool, Lainey. No one kills the confident girl. It’s just someone’s guest leaving for the night. I try to convince myself as I fling my door open before slamming it behind me. I lock the deadbolt and peek out the small window just in time to watch the car slowly take off into the night. “What the hell?”

I chalk it up to being paranoid and hop in the shower quickly before bed. My dreams soon take over, and I’m back in the locker room with Wilder, his wonderful head, and his capable tongue. God, I love that tongue. And the wolf attached to it too, my brain adds.

Chapter fourteen

Lainey

I’m up bright and early as promised, taking the time to curl my hair and do just a little more than my usual minimal makeup. Did I go out of my way to look good for my mascot? Yes, yes I did.

We’re practicing with the entire team today and Coach Reynar wants to see my progress with being Wilder. Oops. Hopefully our days exploring each other’s bodies give me enough confidence to impress Reynar and keep my job.

I remember to toss my laundry in the washer before grabbing my keys and bag to head out. I stop at my door, the car from last night plaguing my thoughts. I peek out the window before opening my door. Shaking my head at myself for being ridiculous.

Shortly after arriving at the stadium, I’m greeted by the team. “Hey Lainey!” One of the rookies shouts. I wave and smile. The team, although I haven’t really hung around them much, seem like a nice little family. With talented rookies and well loved veterans sending us to the World Series every year, the Westland Wolves really are a force to be reckoned with.

I turn the corner, heading to the locker room Wilder is in, my head in the clouds thinking about that gorgeous cock and thick tongue. Jett turns the corner at the same time I do, causing me to slam right into his body. His mustache bounces as he smirks down at me. God that thing is gross. “Hey Lainey. Lots of late nights practicing- are you ready for today?” He gives me a slimy smile, almost like he knows… No, he can’t. We were alone… I wrap my arms around myself and step back, putting space between us. “Oh, hey Jett. Yep! Looking forward to being the best Wilder there ever was!” Giving him two thumbs up attempting to walk backwards, I crash into a wall.

Jett looks up and down the corridor quickly before he closes the distance between us, caging me against the wall with his arms.

“Wha-”

“I see the way you look at that fur suit. Wishing it was a man.” He takes a long slow inhale by my neck, making me cringe. A growl echoes in the hall from the locker room but Jett either doesn’t hear it or ignores it. Shit. Does he know about Wilder?

He leans in further, his mustache scratching my ear and whispers, “Meet me by Wilder’s locker afterwards and we can have some one on one practice.” He nips my earlobe causing me to yelp. Footsteps echo down the hall, thank God the team is walking this way. Jett pushes off the wall walking backwards brushing his thumb over his lip before sternly saying, “Locker. After practice.” Then turns and walks back down the hall towards his team. Tears sting my eyes as I swiftly walk into the locker room slamming the door behind me, sinking to the floor.

Heavy paws come padding across the room. Wilder sits on the floor, cradling my face, looking me over. “I felt you, you were scared.” He growls. “It was Jett wasn’t it? I will rip him to pieces for scaring you. Tell me what happened.” My tears fall in ugly fat droplets and Wilder pulls me to his chest.

My heavy breaths come quicker, and my vision starts to blur. He takes deep, slow breaths. I know he does it solely for my comfort. My sweet wolf. I match his breaths, his warm fur grounding me. “That’s it sweet girl. Breathe for me. I got you.” His words wrap me up in a blanket of calm.

My breathing finally settles. I tell Wilder that Jett cornered me, caged me against the wall, and demanded I meet him here after practice. A thought snaps into place then I blurt out, “And there was a strange car by my place when I got home but it left as soon as I was inside…” “Lainey,” Wilder’s voice turns dark and feral, “Do you think Jett followed you home?”

“Oh my god!” I cry out. “Has he been watching us this entire time? Does he know? He did mention my late nights here…” Wilder holds me tighter and falls silent. His head is physically empty, I know that, but I swear I can hear his thoughts roaring like a dark storm.

“Tonight. Meet Jett here. I will handle it.” I look up at him feeling scared. Scared of Jett, scared of what Wilder is suggesting. What does he mean, handle it? Is he suggesting we kill Jett? Just get rid of him without any consequences. And use me as bait to do it? My fear bleeds into anger.

Chapter fifteen

Wilder

Lainey’s emotions turn prickly. She shoves at my chest, whisper shouting, “So that’s the plan? Feed me to the wolf?!” I scoff not realizing her seriousness. I am the wolf, not that pathetic rookie Jett, and his weird facial hair. “Lainey, I won’t let anything happen to you.”

“What are you going to do then? Huh?” She pushes me away, standing up, throwing her arms in the air. “You can’t kill him! You’re not a murderer. Besides, Coach Reynar would be suspicious. A second death in this locker room? That won’t fly, Wilder.”

I watch her carefully, anger flowing through her like lava making my body feel hot and unpleasant. “I would kill the entire team and Coach Reynar if they threatened you. They could take me apart seam by seam if they wanted. As long as you are safe.” My words pour out in a staccato growl. Just thinking about anyone hurting my Lainey makes me feel feral. There is nothing I wouldn’t do to keep Lainey safe. Lainey is my happiness. My purpose. My everything.

She stops pacing finally and looks at me. “I can’t lose you Wilder. You’re…”