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Chapter Text

Wednesday

At the age of twenty-four, Wednesday finally managed to find the perfect apartment. This was no small accomplishment- oh no. Said findings took years of trialling out many places, until she stumbled upon the perfect one. 

The first had a draft in the north room that forced Wednesday to invest in a selection of knitwear, and yet, the draft persisted, felt on the skin of her neck. When her mother had suggested a turtleneck, Wednesday scowled at the image of being suffocated by her clothing and instead set to looking once more. 

Apartment two had a neighbour to the left whose amorous tendencies needed to be thoroughly studied. She was unsure why he saw it fit to take a new woman home almost every day and found it even more concerning that he only ever sounded like the one enjoying said event. Eventually, she grew tired of his incompetence and left a textbook on human biology on his doorstep, where she marked the page for the anatomy that he seemed to be most unfamiliar with. 

There were many more apartments where the neighbours were ghastly, several where the lighting was overbearing, two where the noise from the street was intolerable, and many more between that had many problems also. 

So now, Wednesday finally felt at peace. She managed to find an apartment above an old cinema that basically saw no clientele under the age of sixty and ran purely black and white movies- the sound of which did not bother her. There was something calming about their enunciation and the way they seemed constantly at peril, plus the classical scores. The other bonus to the place was the smell, which was reminiscent of an antiques store, and the fact that the only other apartment beside her own was unoccupied- and had remained such since she moved in two years ago. 

No one wished to live here, and that, for her, was the ultimate win. 

Now, she could ask her parents for money, but Wednesday had been fuelled by the spite of showing them such help was unneeded. Her mother had a tendency to coddle, and that was not something she wished to carry the label of. 

So, she stuck it out in apartments because writers didn’t make a great deal, especially as they started out. For three years, she worked as a tutor and occasionally picked up stray jobs doing so now; it was decent money, and the parents seemed to appreciate Wednesday’s lack of vibrance and efficiency to remain on task. 

Now she sat in her apartment, typing away until she had a bang. Assuming it was someone dropping a box of film below, her fingers only briefly halted before returning to their rhythm. 

Another bang. “Ahh, you’ve got to be kidding me!” 

Her head whipped up because that voice sounded far closer than the distant murmur of sound from the cinema. And so, she headed towards her door, clasping the handle firmly before swinging it open to reveal a woman on the floor, trying to gather pieces of a broken…. Wednesday tilted her head, unsure what on earth she was picking up. “Are you lost? Deliveries for the cinema are made at the counter below, using the other door for access.” 

Peering up at her, the girl blew her hair out of her face. “Huh, you must be my new neighbour. I’m Enid. I’m renting out this apartment here, but the handle is broken, which is becoming a nightmare.” 

There was a small chance that Wednesday had intentionally messed with said handle in the dead of night to make the apartment even less interesting to anyone looking to rent it. Clearly, that was of no use because now she had a neighbour. “You have moved in?” 

“I’m trying to,” she uttered, chucking more things into the box. “Stupid door is trying to prevent that from happening. Is there a trick to these? Jiggle them?” 

“No. Only suffering,” Wednesday replied. “The building is incredibly outdated. As such, I must ask why you are moving in?  Surely there are better options.” 

“Better?” The woman replied, standing. “Oh, I’m sure there are. Many.” A scoff left her, and she pulled her glove off, offering a hand to shake, but Wednesday merely eyed it with disdain. “Okay. Not big on contact. Got it.” After pocketing her gloves, she ran a hand through her hair. “My grandma owns the cinema downstairs, and since my mum passed away, she thinks I need to ‘remain close to the pack’.” 

“Pack.” Wednesday’s eyes widened. “You are Lana’s grandchild?” Unfortunately, Wednesday hated to admit that she and Lana had struck up something of a… mutual understanding of one another. Occasionally, they would share a pot of tea or discuss films that Lana was considering running for the month. The cinema rarely saw any customers, but over time, Wednesday learned that she could somewhat help with that and drafted up marketing plans in her free time- something she never charged for. It was more of a passion project, respecting the importance cinemas played in archiving old film media lest it be lost to the times of mobile devices. 

“Yeah. That would be me.” 

As she flashed a smile, Wednesday couldn’t help but notice the sharpness of her canines, which led her to wonder what they would look like when dropped. Wolf fangs varied greatly, depending on status and lineage. But Wednesday always found a beauty in them, something so dangerously enticing. Nonetheless, she returned to her prior horror that this woman was moving in. 

If she were lucky, her neighbour was a beta rather than an omega, lest Wednesday return to being horrified by amorous sounds at all times. There was a certain… peppiness to the girl that screamed omega. Gods. “I see. Lana has always stated that her grandchildren all live out of state.” 

“We did. My siblings and I moved back when we lost my mum, although we were all working elsewhere. Been a while since this has been Sinclair pack turf, but it is nice returning. The forests here are way safer than the ones by the city we used to run in. The hunters there kind of took to messing with us, and people should know better than to piss off wolves, you know?” 

“You ate them?” Wednesday asked, raising a brow. 

The statement, which was entirely absurd, caused Enid to snort. “Um, no? We’re not really big on the whole murder thing, my pack. Wolf sanctions are rough now; you so much as bite a non-wolf, you’re facing some kind of monster prison hell.” 

“The prisons are incredibly disturbing,” Wednesday agreed. “My mother’s sister never returned from the one she was sent to.” 

“You don’t smell like a wolf,” Enid uttered, leaning closer as her nostrils flared. 

Taking a quick step back, Wednesday’s jaw tensed. “Because I am not. My family have genes from all sorts of monster lines, a mixed bag if you will, but my mother’s side primarily births psychics.” 

“Ah, so you’re into the whole… You know… Eye of newt and all of that.” 

“Not all psychics practice witchcraft, but I do partake,” Wednesday replied. 

“Cool. Well, if you want to come over sometime-”

“That shall not be needed,” Wednesday cut her off before she could even indulge in such a thought. “I do not enjoy the company of others. I am someone who prefers to be alone, and I enjoy the comfort of isolation.” 

“Oh. If you change your mind, I’m right here,” Enid said, pointing behind her. “Once I figure out how to open the door at least.” 

“That will not be the case.” 

Enid’s face changed then, the overly bubbly pep vanishing as she rested her shoulder against the wall. “You sound pretty sure of that.” 

“Because I am. I do not wish to socialise with…” 

“A wolf?” Enid guessed, her gaze hardening a fraction. 

Something odd happened to Wednesday then, the strangest sensation in her stomach left her folding her arms as she watched the bob of Enid’s throat. “With anyone. As I said, I am not one for company.” 

A cocky smile slowly pulled across Enid’s lips. “Is that so? I give it a week.” 

“You give what a week?” 

“That stance,” Enid said. “People find me very… magnetic. Alpha thing.” 

For a moment, Wednesday’s mind crashed to a halt. “You’re a woman, though.” 

“That I am. Also, an alpha.” Enid took two steps forward until she was standing right in front of her. “Rare, I know. But it does happen. As for you… I really love working out a mystery.” 

“I am not a mystery to be solved.” Wednesday stepped back again, her hand on the door handle. “And I would much prefer it if you would leave me alone.” 

“As you wish.” Enid stepped back and then shimmied her door handle several times until it clicked. 

“How did you open that?” 

“Wolf strength and hearing. Makes life a whole lot easier. Why did you mess with it, by the way?” 

“What?” 

“The handle. I could scent you on it on the inside when I checked out the apartment, which means you’ve been in there, near it. You said that you hate company, and I know for a fact my grandma has been trying for years to rent this place out. So, what did you do with the handle, neighbour?” She flashed those wolfish teeth again, and Wednesday stepped inside her apartment and simply shut the door in response. 

She would not be looking for a new apartment. Not when this one had grown to be her home. 

Chapter Text

Enid

“A little heads up that you took on The Grinch as a tenant in the other apartment would have been nice, Grandma.” 

Since she moved in last week, Enid had tried to wear the girl down. She was charming, funny, and after going through her alpha puberty, she was taller with muscles that many would fawn over. But oh no, not the storm cloud that was her neighbour. It was like she perpetually had a stick up her ass, which Enid should find exhausting, but something in her wolf saw it as a challenge. It was like her damn wolf was clawing within her at the chance to get a slight glimpse of her, and any time she saw her, she huffed, irritated, as her wolf practically rolled over. 

It was something she had never experienced before. Since she came into her alpha status years ago, Enid liked her space free of anyone else. She had sexual encounters, but they were fleeting, merely to pass a rut or when boredom drove her to find someone. 

Her mindset was hard to explain, but Enid, unlike other wolves, never felt a relationship drive. She always told herself it was because her mother had been sick for years and her priority had always been caring for her, but that was a shit excuse. The truth was, Enid felt like no one ever saw her. Not really. Yet one glance from her neighbour, and she couldn’t help but feel like the girl saw more than Enid felt comfortable with. 

“Who?” 

Her grandmother’s memory had been pretty slow the past year, so Enid didn’t comment that she only had one other tenant she could be referring to. “Eternal storm cloud, wears a lot of black, allergic to human interaction.” 

Her Grandmother’s face lit up then, “Oh, you mean Wednesday.” 

“I didn’t see her yesterday,” Enid replied, perplexed. 

“No, her name is Wednesday. She’s been renting out the place for years now. I told you about her.” 

For a moment, Enid scoured her memory with a frown. “You told me about a tenant many years ago, and that was all.” 

“No,” Lana said, shaking her head. “I told you more than that. The young woman who helps me with the marketing around here.” 

“The person who helped you with getting the cinema back on its feet was Wednesday?” 

“Is that not what I just said?” Lana replied, raising a brow. “She’s a very intellectual young lady. And single.” 

“And she totally hates everyone around her,” Enid finished. “I saw her three times last week in the hallway, and each time she scowled at me like I pissed on her doorstep, and then she walked back inside her apartment.” 

“I think you, Enid, should know better than most that some people are simply different. It doesn’t make them bad people.” Stepping forward, her grandmother straightened out Enid’s collar. “I know you grew up with a mother who tended to judge everything and everyone, so you should know exactly why people need a little lenience sometimes. Wednesday is sweet. Peculiar, yes, but she has a good heart. And good hearts these days are hard to come by.” 

Knowing what her grandmother was getting at, Enid said, “Not happening. She’s not a wolf.” 

“Call it a hunch,” Lana started, “but I think Wednesday has one in her ancestry.”

“Okay, say she does, the chance of her inheriting wolf traits would be like a gazillion to none unless one of her parents is. And they’re not. Plus, she hardly screams omega. The other day, she was leaving the house with a collection of knives, Grandma! Sharp ones! For murder stuff!” 

“Ah, yes, she did mention collecting antique weaponry. I think it’s rather unique, don’t you?” 

Of course, her grandmother was trying to depict a weapon collection as something quirky. “Unique, yes, but not in a good way. Unique collections are like… butterfly specimens or stamps. Not weapons.” 

With a roll of her eyes, her grandma said, “You’re talking an awful lot about the girl for someone you supposedly have no interest in.” 

“Because she’s infuriating.” 

“Well, she’s your neighbour now. Best make amends.” 

Amends. Days passed, and Enid could have lost her mind at the number of times she saw Wednesday only to be glowered at. Initially, she told herself it was water off a duck's back. Why did it bother her what Wednesday thought about her? But each narrowed glance, each scoff, or huff felt like claws beneath Enid’s skin. 

The first mistake Enid Sinclair made was underestimating just how many emotions Wednesday felt. It was easy to assume she felt none, given the lack of what was shown across her face. 

That week, on Monday, a knocking sounded from her door in the evening. Reaching for her sweatpants, Enid pulled them on, knowing her boxers likely weren’t enough. She wore nothing other than a sports bra above, but their elderly postwoman never seemed bothered by that before. 

Yet when Enid swung the door open, Wednesday stood there with a parcel firmly in her grip that she soon held between them. Her focus dipped down to the floor as she said, “One of your parcels was delivered to my apartment. It would likely help if you specified Unit A on your orders in the future. The visit was most unwelcome.” 

Taking the parcel, Enid worked her jaw. It had been a long day at work at the library, and after everything, she wanted some peace and quiet- not her neighbour being sassy. “Gee, thanks. I’ll make sure that never happens again. Wouldn’t want you to have to spend two seconds signing your name.” 

“It was roughly four minutes if you count the time it took me to bring this to you and to make chit chat with the person who delivered it, which is a pastime I try to avoid.” 

“Shocker. Well, thanks. It won’t happen again. Wouldn’t want you to have to act like a normal human for a few minutes.” Something happened then. Wednesday looked up at her, her eyes widening the slightest bit before returning to usual, and her lip twitched a fraction, betraying what Enid would dare to label as hurt. Enid’s wolf reacted violently to the sight, snarling within her in warning in a way that she had never felt it do before. It was angry at her- Enid, not Wednesday. Furious, even. “Sorry,” Enid said quickly. “It was a long day. Thank you for bringing this over.” 

Instead of moving instantly, Wednesday stood there, her gaze dropping to her hands as she played with a scorpion ring on her left finger. “I should...” She frowned then, stepping backwards. Her mouth twitched once more, and Enid felt her gut turning. Without another word, Wednesday moved back to her apartment, shutting the door behind her. 

“Shit,” Enid groaned. 

Try as she might, Enid couldn’t figure her irritating neighbour out. 

She headed over to her grandmother's on Monday, two bags in hand filled with takeout. “I got the egg rice you like from the place in that other town. You realise the point of takeout is meant to be it’s fast to grab, right?” 

Lana peered in the bags and began plating it. “You cannot put a price on a good meal, time-wise or monetary-wise. Sometimes good food is worth the effort.” 

They sat down on the couch, watching a documentary on television that took Enid back to her childhood. When her dad was alive, she was far closer to her grandma. Enid’s mother wasn’t around a whole lot, so Murray raised them for the most part, until he was taken out by a hunter while roaming some lesser-known forest routes. 

But Enid still took comfort in this; the smell of takeout and her grandmother’s lavender bags, the television on loud because her grandmother could never hear it, and the warmth of comfort she hadn’t felt since her father passed. Shockingly, her grandmother never held it against Enid; she rarely saw them after he passed. She knew Enid’s mother well enough to know who was truly at fault. 

However, her attention was drawn to a couple of colourful diagrams on the table. Leaning closer, Enid peered at them and frowned. “What’s that? I thought you were against showing modern films.” 

“Oh, that. You know Carrie, right?” 

“Of course, I know Carrie,” Enid said. “Haven’t seen her in years, but she used to babysit us all the time.” 

“Well, she has a daughter now. She’s a very sweet beta, and she’s autistic. We were talking the other week, and she was complaining that no local cinemas offer sensory-friendly viewings. It means a lot of people around here can’t go, which is quite a shame. The cinema is there to be enjoyed by all. So, I’ve been chatting with Wednesday, and she’s helping me put together some plans for a more comfortable viewing space. We’re getting new lights that dim and can remain on during the viewing, the screenings will run at a lower volume, the doors will be opened early, and there will be fewer rules, and we will let the customers bring in their own food and drink. A few other things too. The first movie we’re running is one that her daughter really wanted to see.” 

“Why did Wednesday help you?” Enid asked. “Surely when it comes to something like that, it’s better to ask someone in the community with knowledge on the subject.” 

“The community?” 

“Somebody who is autistic, Grandma,” Enid blurted. “Many people have no true understanding of what disability friendly spaces need. Back in the city, the government funded an accessible park space, and the pathway wasn’t even wide enough to turn a wheelchair around in. They didn’t consult people who would utilise the space to ask what they needed.” 

Lana tilted her head and frowned. “Wednesday is autistic, and she worked in both her high school and college disability groups to improve accessibility standards. She also emailed a local charity to check that she wasn’t missing anything. I think she’s more than capable of handling things.”  

“Wednesday is autistic?” 

“Yes.” 

“Why did you not mention that?” Enid asked, horrified when she remembered her last words to her. Her wolf was growing upset again, and Enid felt her fangs dropping as her eyes glowed. 

“Are you alright, dear?” 

“No!” Enid rose. “God, I was such a dick to her the other day.” 

Lana sighed. “Knowing that shouldn’t make you treat her any differently, Enid. As I said, people are all different. As a female alpha, you know that. Life would be far better if we all accepted differences a little more and got upset less. And I meant it, Wednesday is one of the kindest people I know. Never once has she charged me. She never tells me I’m asking for too much help, either. And when I tried to pay her, she spent every dollar on cinema tickets that week, making sure I took it all back. Pain in my ass that girl, she reminds me of your father.”

“She bought cinema tickets?” 

“Yes. And I know for a fact she’s not someone who’s fond of television. The girl always has her nose in a book- it’s why I thought you might get on. You work in a library, and she’s a writer.” 

“She writes?” 

“Pretty damn good at it,” Lana added. “Got a few awards under her belt.” 

“What does she write?” Enid pictured something extra like artsy literary fiction, mythology, or history texts.

So, she was surprised when her grandmother said, “Romance and fantasy. Queer ones.” Slumping into the seat, Enid rested her face in her palms. “What’s going on in that head of yours, kid?” 

“Not a kid. Halfway through my twenties.” 

“Since your father died, you’re my kid. I always let him know you would be taken care of. And when I lost my son…” She shook her head. “I needed someone to take that place. Fill the boots. You know what wolves are like.” 

“Yeah, I know.” She ran her tongue across her fang as she thought. “My wolf, she’s weird with Wednesday.” 

“Weird?” Lana asked. 

“It’s hard to explain. It’s like she’s constantly on edge and angers when I upset her.” 

“Like it would a mate?” Lana asked. 

“Yeah. Like that, I guess. From what I’ve read, at least. I upset her a lot the other day, and the whole evening, my wolf was just mad at me in a way I’ve never felt before. And then my body…” 

“Your fangs,” she realised. “They drop when you worry about her.” 

“Maybe I should talk to the doctor. My pheromones might be out of whack. It could be because I haven’t settled down.” 

“Wolves can choose not to settle down,” Lana replied. “It doesn’t impact them, certainly not like that. Give your wolf some time and see if you notice anything else. For now, maybe you should work on a friendship. Your wolf could simply be hurt because upsetting people isn’t like you.” 

“It was a long day,” Enid replied. “Which I realise isn’t an excuse. And Wednesday is just so curt sometimes that I assumed-”

“She was being rude,” Lana finished. “Mm. Takes you a moment to unravel her, but when you do, she has a heart of gold. Don’t ever tell her I said that, though. That girl would have my hind on a platter. She reminds me a lot of you in many ways. Forthright, always has to be right, driven, intelligent.”

“Can you please stop trying to set me up with my neighbour? You know that I don’t date.” 

Her grandmother chuckled to herself. 

Chapter Text

Enid

For the next week, Enid tried to make amends, but that was hard to do when she never saw the woman. She caught Wednesday a single time, and the woman refused to look at her and stiffened before walking to the stairwell. 

Eventually, Enid called out, “Have a good day!” by the time her brain was working again, but it came out so awkwardly that she facepalmed and groaned. She was an alpha. Wooing women should have been a basic instinct. 

The fates finally decided to spare her on Friday evening, the day the storm hit. It was rough outside with extreme wind and sheets of rain that fell with force from the grey skies above, screaming of only worse to come. The storm would not let up until the next day, and as such, people locked their doors and stayed inside waiting for it to pass. 

Just as Enid was preparing a coffee for herself, she heard several bangs, like a fist on a door- yet it was not her own. She put down the spoon and headed towards the source, biting her lip as she debated not opening her door. If it were Wednesday, she seemed to want her space from the wolf at present. Yet something within her left goosebumps raising across her skin in warning, and Enid frowned. For some reason, her body did respond to Wednesday like one would a mate, but the goosebumps sent alarm bells blaring in her mind as she swung the door open and stepped out. 

There, she found Wednesday with her forehead resting against her door. The woman was drenched, her clothing sopping wet, and she shook visibly. “Is everything okay?” Enid asked, hesitantly.

Although Wednesday stiffened, she eventually said, “I did not realise a storm was due to hit. I got caught in the worst of it. When I fell, I must have dropped my keys, and now I cannot get in because your grandmother did the sensible thing and remained home whilst it hit, but that means I have no access to a spare key at present. I tried to pick it, but the locks here are so worn and outdated that I seem to be making no progress with such.” 

“Okay, well, you can’t exactly stick it out in the hall all night, and you shouldn’t go back out there unless you have a death wish.” Enid stood taller as her wolf calmed. 

“Thank you for stating the obvious,” Wednesday replied, turning around. Although the words lacked the usual bite instead lost to the edge of exhaustion. Her sodden hair clung to her face, and her nose and cheeks were rosy from being pelted with rain. 

Without a second thought, Enid found herself saying, “You can crash at mine if you’d like. I have a spare bedroom and warm clothes.” 

For a moment, Wednesday’s brow pinched, and Enid prepared to be mocked. Instead, Wednesday said, “I do not think you would enjoy my presence. The hallway will do.”

Enid rested her shoulder against the doorframe and smiled, folding her arms. “I know we didn’t exactly get off on the right foot, but you look a breath away from death. You’re soaked, it’s freezing out here, and you need to change out of those clothes before you catch something. Pneumonia is no joke.” 

“It is fine. This will suffice.” 

At that point, Enid knew it would take a little more work. So, she shut her door, retreating inside, only to return five minutes later with a black coffee in hand. Wednesday was sitting against her door now, shaking enough that Enid’s wolf grew agitated, but she knew she could not rush this. “It’s black,” she noted as she passed her the steaming coffee. “I can add milk or sugar if you want.” 

“I drink my coffee black,” Wednesday said. But then she peered up, swallowing thickly before she said, “Thank you.” 

“No problem.” Sliding down to the floor against her own door, Enid took a seat in the hallway too. 

“You do not have to sit out here. I believe you stated just moments ago that it was cold.” 

“Wolves run hot,” Enid returned. “And as I said, I’m worried about you.” She waited for Wednesday’s shoulders to relax as the coffee met her lips. “If we’re being totally honest, my wolf is not about to let me agree to leaving you out here, so you’re stuck with me.” 

“Your wolf?” Shaking hands lowered the mug slightly. “Protective instincts?” 

Offering a firm nod, Enid replied, “Sometimes our wolves can be pretty adamant about helping. It’s the whole pack protection drive thing, but it can rarely extend to others in our lives. I have no idea why my wolf is doing this with you, maybe it’s the neighbours proximity situ, but it’s not about to risk your health.” 

“Fascinating,” Wednesday whispered, more to herself than anything. “You said you were an alpha?” 

For a moment, Enid’s defences rose and her gaze hardened. She was used to judgment, mocking, and bigotry. Initially, Enid tried to hide that side of her through dresses and pretty nails. But it never worked: hiding. Wolves could smell the alpha on her, and humans could tell by her height and the muscles on her arms. Enid was slim, but her biceps were prominent, as were her abs. When hiding failed to work, Enid turned to tomboy aesthetics that felt more her. She reached for chinos and boy cut jeans, paired them with cropped vests or band shirts. Whilst she felt more like herself, it came at a price. Even more people gawked, and then Enid learned she needed thicker skin. 

So now, she waited for Wednesday’s repulsion. “Yeah. It’s not exactly common, but it does happen.” 

Wednesday dragged her focus across her, taking in every inch of Enid in a way that felt all too intimate. Just as Enid was waiting for a cutting remark, Wednesday said, “You should be proud of such. To fit in is awfully bland. Being an alpha is most… becoming. It suits you.” 

Her wolf whined inside of her, and Enid wanted nothing more than to peel that clothing off Wednesday and- 

Eyes widening, Enid chided her wolf immediately. What the hell? Her wolf was acting like someone who had just come into their alpha status. Around Wednesday, it was like she had zero control. 

“Are you well? Your eyes are gold,” Wednesday stated. 

“I’m fine. My wolf is just…” She shook her head, hoping her eyes might settle back to normal. “Think of it as having a second voice in your head, one that is often pretty demanding. It gets tiring sometimes.” 

“What is your wolf saying now?” 

Images of Wednesday pinned against the door, moaning as Enid’s mouth moved against her own. Her fangs dropped then, and Enid covered her mouth with her palm in horror. “Nothing. Just… stuff. Wolf stuff.” This was definitely not typical wolf stuff. When Wednesday finished her coffee but failed to stop shaking, Enid said, “You’re welcome to stay at mine. If it makes you more comfortable, I am happy to stay out of your way. But I think you might benefit from a warm bath and some dry clothes.” 

“It is no issue for you?” Wednesday asked. “I realise you are not fond of my presence.” 

“Well, I can be annoying as hell too,” Enid hummed. “Alphas can be a lot. Especially to non-wolves.” 

“You are direct and sure of yourself.” Shifting, Wednesday wrapped her arms around herself. “It is not a bad thing.”

Enid rose and then pushed open her door. “Come on, I’ll get that bath started for you.” 

Once Wednesday was inside her apartment, her wolf relaxed. Regardless, it pushed her to help, and Enid ran a bath and added vanilla bubble bath until the room smelled fragrant and the water foamed. She moved to her room and found Wednesday a dry pair of sweats, a t-shirt and a thick hoodie as well as some fluffy socks. Underwear was where her brain stalled, but Enid had some new boxers still in the packet that were likely too large for Wednesday but better than nothing. 

Placing everything on the floor, Enid hung up a clean, fluffy towel and then moved back to her living room, where Wednesday still stood, shaking far too much now. “Through here. There are wash products here, and you’re welcome to soak for as long as you need to warm up. I’ll grab a thick blanket too when you get out, and we’ll just work on getting you warm again.” 

“Enid?” 

“Yeah?” 

For a moment, Wednesday hesitated, and Enid knew at that moment she would not air her true question, which only left her wondering what it was. Instead, she said, “Thank you. It is most appreciated.” 

“No problem.” 

As Wednesday soaked in the bath, Enid rushed around her apartment, cleaning it up. It wasn’t that she was a slob, per se, but more that she tended to leave her clothing wherever she took it off. So now she grabbed it all, shoving it into the laundry basket before moving on to dust things. Eventually, Enid felt like the nest was ready. She stilled then, her body growing rigid. Nest. Nest? What the hell was her wolf doing? Pulling out her phone, she texted her older brother, Tate. 

Enid: Is it normal for alphas to get weird about non-mates? 

Her phone lit up immediately. 

Tate: In what way? 

Enid: Like being weirdly protective. Feeling their wolf getting angry when they’re upset. Wanting to… nest.

Tate: Shit. Are you near your rut? 

Enid: No. 

Tate: Okay. No, it’s not normal. Even in a rut, that’s a mate response. Is it an omega you’re around often?

Enid: Nope. My neighbour. She has no wolf parents. Definitely not an omega.

Tate: Book in with your doctor in case it’s some pheromone issue. That shouldn’t be happening, ‘Nid. Maybe take some space away from her until you get it figured out. 

Enid: She got locked out, so she’s in my apartment. She lost her keys in the storm and got soaked. She’s freezing.

Tate: Your wolf is protective of her? 

Enid: Uh huh. Understatement of the year. If anyone tried to harm her, I think I would totes make them regret it. Seeing her cold, I just needed to get her warm. I don’t know what’s going on with my wolf.

Tate: Then don’t fight it. You don’t want to get sick. Are you attracted to her?

Enid: My wolf keeps picturing things. You know, like a mate would. Those things. 

Tate: Shit. Book an appointment, and for now, just don’t wind your wolf up. Listen to your instincts if they’re to keep her safe.

She was still chewing on her nail anxiously by the time Wednesday appeared. Her hair was wet now and loose, falling around her shoulders in a way that took Enid’s breath away. It didn’t help seeing her in her clothes, swamped by Enid’s hoodie. 

“Hey,” Enid said. “Warming up at all?” 

When Wednesday shook her head, still shaking, Enid gestured to the sofa. As she sat down, she draped a thick blanket over her. “I’ll get you another hot drink. Tea or coffee?” 

Eventually, Enid placed the tea on the table and then hesitated before taking the space on the sofa beside Wednesday. It was big enough that she didn’t intrude on her space, and she flicked the television on. “What kind of shows do you like?” 

“I do not watch much television,” Wednesday replied. “But when I do partake, I am partial to horrors. Especially classics.” 

Although Enid loathed horrors, she clicked on The Silence of the Lambs and felt her wolf appeased as Wednesday calmed. 

They spent the entire afternoon and evening like that, until finally, Enid showed her the spare room. “If you need me, I’m just next door.” A small nod was given in response, but Enid’s wolf wouldn’t settle. Instead, it stirred, uncomfortable and on edge as she sat in her own bed. 

She couldn’t see Wednesday now, and something about that left her wolf clawing away at her. It was so restless that come midnight, Enid had failed to sleep at all. She headed out in search of a drink, hoping to take her mind off the irritation. Oddly, as she was making the tea, her wolf calmed. 

“Would you consider making a second?” Wednesday’s voice came from behind her. “It appears I am not the best at sleeping elsewhere.” 

“Unsurprising. I think I’d be the same if I were in your position. The unknown isn’t exactly welcoming.” She poured a second tea and passed the mug to Wednesday, watching as she sipped it. But then she noted it, the way Wednesday still shook when she should have been warm by now. As she drank, a sweet scent met Enid’s nose. Whilst it was barely there, Enid’s fangs throbbed. “Wednesday?” 

“Yes?” 

She shouldn’t have asked. It was probably weird to even do so, yet she couldn’t get the thought out of her head. “Do you… Do you get heats?” 

Lowering her mug, her brow furrowed. “I am not a wolf; that is not something I face.” 

So, Enid let it go, even as alarm bells raised in her mind.  
 

Chapter Text

Wednesday

The hours ticked by, and they ended up watching more films curled up on the sofa. For the past week, Wednesday had felt cold, shivering uncontrollably, but since the storm, it had worsened. So now, Enid watched her with worry and said, “Let me get you a heat pack.” 

Even with said heat pack pressed against her stomach, cradled in trembling arms, Wednesday could not warm up. But then a scent met her nose, like spiced pears on a winter’s morning, and she inhaled it deeply, feeling that coldness retreating for a fleeting moment. She was unsure what came over her then, but Wednesday shifted the blanket off her and headed out into the kitchen, where Enid was making coffee for them both. 

The scent grew stronger, and Wednesday headed closer, until her nose was pressed against Enid’s back. The material of her shirt was soft under her nose as she inhaled again, her arms lifting until they wrapped around her waist. Finally, Wednesday stopped shaking. The coldness dimmed, and with it settled the horror of what she had done. Stepping back, Wednesday looked at the floor as Enid turned to face her. “I apologise. I have no idea what drove me to-”

“Can I be brutally honest?” Enid interrupted her with a gentle calmness- something Wednesday did not think she deserved. Not after she randomly intruded upon her neighbour’s space like some creepy, unhinged being. Usually, Wednesday hated it when people did so to her, even with something as small as a handshake, so this felt unforgivable. 

“Yes,” Wednesday said.  

“Are you cold again?” 

“It would seem so.” 

“Were you warm just now, holding me?” Enid asked. 

“I… Yes, I suppose I was.” 

Her neighbour's nose crinkled slightly as her gaze grew more intense. “You smell sweeter by the hour, and your scent is not one a non-wolf should produce. Sometimes, on rare occasions, people can carry wolf traits if a distant ancestor is a wolf. It’s super rare, and like alphas like me, it doesn’t happen much. And yet sometimes…” 

“I would know if I had wolf traits,” Wednesday replied, her arms wrapping tightly around herself as she shook. 

Unable to watch her discomfort any longer, Enid stepped closer and took her into her arms. “Let yourself warm up a bit.” 

Surely enough, as soon as she was encased in those arms, warmth flooded her system. The chill began to retreat, and her neighbour's scent left her body feeling like it was sat before a fire. “What is wrong with me?” 

“You smell like heat,” Enid replied. “It’s barely there but growing by the hour. You’re likely a few days off from it arriving, and if that’s the case, you need to prepare.” 

“Wolves get their first heat upon reaching adulthood,” Wednesday debated. “I have read enough texts to know that. Late bloomers have theirs by twenty-one. I am long past that. I cannot be in one.”

“There isn’t much research on wolves who differ from the norm, like me,” Enid explained. “If you're a wolf from a distant ancestor, there could be a delay. I got my first rut later than my brothers. I have never presented like they have- not fully.”

“I cannot have a heat,” Wednesday stated. “My body should know better than to betray me like that.”

“I can call my doctor. See what he says. He might be able to help with whatever weird shit is happening. For now, your wolf is in early heat stages, which means proximity to a beta or alpha is needed, or else you’ll get flu-like symptoms, which explains the shaking.” 

“I do not hug,” Wednesday said. 

“Shit, sorry, maybe we could-”

“No,” Wednesday rushed out. She could feel it now, the fear of separating from Enid. Those warm arms around her offered her comfort and let the chill ebb away, but it was more than that. As her scent enveloped her, and Enid held her, she felt her worries melting away. Her usually busy mind calmed, and she found herself taking comfort in something that she usually found the concept repugnant of.

Touch. 

Unfortunately, Wednesday began to realise Enid was right. Because that comfort soon turned to her eyes slipping shut as she nuzzled Enid’s chest. As the scent met her nose, the image of Enid pulling her hoodie off, removing her sweatpants, and dropping her fingers between her legs played across her mind. It was a curious thought, mainly because Wednesday never had fantasies or dreams of a sexual nature prior. Yet now she dwelled upon the mental image, thinking about Enid brushing against parts of her she hadn't even explored herself with those large hands and- 

“Wednesday, your scent is going to kill me.” 

“It is bad?” 

“No. I can smell whatever you want right now. Alphas can scent arousal.” 

“Oh.” 

“It’s fine, it’s just… wolf biology.” 

Wednesday flushed nonetheless, mortified as she buried her face further into Enid’s chest. But try as she might, those thoughts didn’t go away. If anything, they worsened, and Wednesday thought about Enid kissing her as her fingers made her feel things that she wasn't sure she was even capable of feeling. But now a fire burned within her, and she clenched her jaw as a pain pulled in her stomach. 

“Shit,” Enid whispered. There was still a storm out; it wouldn’t clear until late today, and nothing was open. Even if they could get to a doctor by some miracle, suppressants took two weeks to process because they were tailored to every wolf. “Wednesday, your body is going into heat way too fast.”

“I believe you are correct,” Wednesday said, her voice tense as she held Enid tightly as the pain returned. Whatever this was, it wasn't human. Her neighbour was correct, her body was acting like a wolf, and this was rapidly falling in line with what Wednesday had read about heats. 

“Breathe through it,” Enid said, softly stroking her hair. “There you go.” 

“Enid-”

“Let me get some bane oil,” Enid rushed out, but when she left her side, Wednesday’s knees met the floor, and she cried out, gritting her teeth. Wednesday, as a psychic and an Addams, was not scared of pain- very little phased her as it would most. Yet this agony paired with needs that Wednesday wasn’t used to and left her deeply uncomfortable.

“I’ve got you,” Enid said, and soon Wednesday was in her arms, being taken into a room she hadn’t seen before, where she was placed on the bed. “My scent here might help. Omegas tend to nest as close as they can to an alpha's scent, so maybe my room will ease it for you.” 

It was easing it, but Enid now felt too far away. “I require you closer.” 

Slowly, Enid smiled. And gods below did it do something to Wednesday. Watching Enid’s assuredness, the calmness and cockiness that she sometimes presented drove her wild. Most nights since they met, Wednesday dreamt of it. That slight tilt of the corner of her mouth and the glint of a canine that Wednesday wanted to drop so that she could- 

“Hey, I said, would you like a massage? We learn that the easiest ways to sate a heat are through contact like a massage or a hug, and sometimes it’s enough that an omega won’t need more.” 

Unfortunately, Wednesday knew that to be true. She had a great interest in werewolf texts when she was young and read a great deal. But she also knew that more often than not, that would not suffice. For now, she smelled the bane oil in the air, and it relaxed the tightness in her stomach, so she hurriedly agreed. 

“You might want to take off your hoodie. I’ll do your arms.” 

So, she peeled it off, immediately shaking from the cold until Enid’s hand found her arm and thumbs began to apply pressure, rubbing it in. “That smells pleasant.” 

“Bane helps a ton with heat pains, but it also can calm any low emotions that come with them. With my rut, I tend to hate the emotional side more than the physical one.” 

“Ruts,” Wednesday echoed, feeling a tug beneath her naval. “How do you usually spend them?” 

Tilting her head, Enid’s hands stopped moving for a moment. “How detailed an answer do you want for that?” 

“Specifics would be best,” Wednesday stated. “The books suggest every alpha is different.” 

“Okay, well, for me, I normally find an omega up for riding it out with me. Then I spend a few days… getting it out of my system.” 

Anger flashed through Wednesday then, and she pulled her arm away. “Omegas?” 

“Yeah. I’ve never felt the need to mate, nest, or even date for that matter, so I usually just pass it by with someone.” 

Swallowing thickly, Wednesday’s throat felt dry, and the pain crept back. “So, I would be another notch on your belt, so to speak. An omega to pass the time with.” She was unsure why it hurt so much, but the pain began to build to a point where she winced again. When Enid’s hand moved to her arm, she shrugged it away again. 

“Wednesday-”

“Leave me,” Wednesday snapped, furious. 

But Enid didn’t move an inch. Her mouth dropped open in confusion, and she froze. A minute passed, and when Wednesday gasped and clutched her stomach, Enid said, “Your eyes are gold.” Sure enough, she returned with a mirror, and Wednesday stared at her reflection with confusion. “Omega's eyes only do so when they’re upset with a mate. All week, I have been confused because I have been the same. My body is acting as if you are my mate. And that would also explain your anger with my answer just now.” This time, as Wednesday cried out, Enid moved her hand to her stomach. 

“It is getting worse,” Wednesday stated, her voice a rasp. 

“Okay. I- My brother said that if my wolf is acting like you’re my mate, I should follow the instincts, so I don’t get sick. Maybe you should do the same.” 

“What do you mean?” 

“Listen to your wolf. What do you want?” 

So, Wednesday finally listened. It was strange, tapping into a part of her she supposed had lain dormant for so long, yet now it was vibrant and almost as loud as her own thoughts. Her wolf, which made up half of her and half of her soul, guided her swiftly. She quickly shrugged her shirt off because she was burning up, and then she reached for Enid’s hand and drew it back to her stomach. 

“Let’s try the massage again. Roll on your front, I’ll do your back.” 

Normally, Wednesday kept as much space between herself and those around her as possible. Hugs were new. Enid, massaging her arm, was also such. But Enid straddling her ass as her hands met her back was a leap so big it took Wednesday a moment to relax into it, even when her body responded in the most divine way. She couldn’t help the sound that fell from her lips as Enid’s pinkie fingers caressed the sides of her breasts, the sensation leaving her clenching around nothing. Nor could she remove her focus from the weight of Enid's ass resting against her own. 

Oh. 

Wednesday wasn’t one to experience arousal, nor the desire for sex or even self-pleasure. Usually, it was something that had repulsed her, and she never felt the need to explore such. It was simply something that didn't exist in her world, in any form. Yet now, as hands worked the muscles in her shoulders, Wednesday thought about it. She wondered how Enid’s mouth would feel against her, and if she was aroused, perhaps her fangs would drop again, and Wednesday would feel them pressing against her as Enid pleasured her. 

A groan pulled Wednesday out of her thoughts, and all she could do was moan in response. It was soft, and most unlike a sound that would ever leave her lips, and yet there it was. But it was followed by a whimper of pain, one that left her hands balling the sheets up beneath them. “I need more.” Her body was screaming for it, some form of touch, something she couldn’t understand. "This is not enough." Lips met her back, and Wednesday sighed. “Enid?” 

“Yes?” 

“I- I have not done this before.” 

“Heat sex? I kind of figured.” 

“Any intercourse,” Wednesday replied, glad her face was hidden. 

“Oh. Uh, okay. That’s fine. We can try something simple first. Clitoral stimulation can sometimes ease a heat without the need for sex. Some wolves just have an alpha in proximity as they touch themselves.” 

“I have not done that either.” 

“Touched yourself?” 

“Yes.” 

“You’ve never come?” 

“No.” 

“Shit, okay,” Enid said, her lips finding her back again. “Your body will tell you what you need, and we won’t venture past that, okay?” 

“Thank you.” At least the alpha seemed accommodating and hadn't judged Wednesday for her preferences. 

“Is the massage helping?” She asked as her hands moved across her back, kneading. 

“Yes. But I… know I require more.” 

Enid softened the press of her hands. “Are you nervous about that?” 

“Addams do not do nervous,” Wednesday said, but then Enid stilled. 

“Addams? As in…” 

“Yes. Those ones.” 

“Huh.” Wednesday was prepared for the judgment as was usual. Many were not fond of her family. They differed from societal norms and had a love of the macabre, all of which did not sit well with humans. But her mother was one of the biggest writers in the country, and her father worked high up in a law firm, and when Wednesday was young, they had their own reality show. One Enid clearly saw because she heard the whispered curse. “Oh my god.” 

Before Wednesday could panic, Enid began moving her hands again. “We do not have to do this if you would rather I leave,” Wednesday started. 

“You realise I’m a wolf, right?” Enid’s teasing tone met her ears. “The whole goth thing is hardly enough for me to judge you for when I eat steaks uncooked. Like, I think we’re fairly well matched on the fucked-up scale. That must be a lot, though, having parents that famous.”

“Partly why I live in the middle of nowhere,” Wednesday stated. “I prefer a life away from the insanity of the press. Pugsley and my parents always adored the attention, but I found it rather claustrophobic.” She bit her cheek then, releasing a sob as her stomach twisted. 

“If you want more, we can try that. Do you want to turn over or stay like this?” 

“Like this.” 

Enid shifted where she rested on Wednesday’s rear, moving back a little. “Okay. Take your hand for me and move it down your body. Do you know much about self-pleasure?” 

“Some things.” The biology books she stumbled upon through research on anatomy had proved... illuminating, even if Wednesday did not wish to test the diagrams. 

“Find your clit, you’ll know when you do. It will feel good, sensitive.”  Enid waited as Wednesday followed her instructions, her breath heavy against the mattress as she reached between it and her body, pushing her hand into the sweatpants. She hadn’t bothered with underwear- something she now regretted as her fingers met wetness. When Wednesday’s breathing changed, and Enid smelt her in the air, she said, “Good. Keep touching yourself.” She had climbed off Wednesday now, but her hand stroked her back with long fingers trailing up her spine. 

The sensation only left Wednesday’s breathing growing heavier, the feeling between her legs beginning to build to something otherworldly. She bit her lip, fingers slipping against her clit now as her hips rocked into the mattress. 

“Good,” Enid said. “Let it build.” She ran her hand lower, and Wednesday moaned as Enid rested it lower on her ass, her hand dipping beneath her sweatpants as she palmed it. The contact was helping Wednesday far more than the touch on her back. 

“Enid-” The sensation was too much now and yet not enough. No matter how much she touched, she couldn’t get where she needed to. It had built initially, but now that pleasure was beginning to turn into an annoyance. 

“Harder, apply more pressure and speed your hand.” 

Yet minutes later, Wednesday could only whimper because she couldn’t get where she needed to. Her body grew agitated, and Wednesday learned that the irritation came from her wolf- a part of her she was still growing used to. “I cannot.” 

“Maybe if you-”

“No. My wolf is not allowing it.” 

“Huh.” Enid gulped. “Okay. We can… Roll onto your side and face the wall for me.” Wednesday did so, and she felt Enid moving behind her. “I won’t watch you, but I’ll be here. Does your wolf desire my touch?” 

“Yes.” 

Enid’s hand rested on her hip, and her breath met Wednesday’s neck before her lips pressed there. “You’re okay. I’ll touch you, but you can dictate how fast and firm. Does that sound okay?” 

"Yes." Whilst Wednesday knew that the alpha was trying to make this as easy as possible, she still grew rigid as her hand pushed into her underwear. “I am sorry.” 

“Why?” Enid asked.

“I- I am incredibly wet.” 

“It’s a normal sexual response for wolves, and it’s worse between mates. Even if we’re not mated, our bodies are acting like we are. And alphas enjoy it. The wetter an omega gets, the sweeter they smell… and…” Enid moved closer. 

Wednesday felt it then, and her eyes widened. A firmness pressed against her ass, and at that moment, she understood why Enid was partial to baggy jeans. “You have…”

“Yeah. I didn’t use to. When I came into my alpha status, a lot changed. Does that bother you?” 

“No.” It had the opposite effect. Wednesday’s eyes slipped shut, and all she could think about was Enid pushing into her. She clenched lower, an ache forming even as Enid’s fingers began to swipe across her sensitive flesh. If anything, Enid’s touch only worsened that ache, and soon Wednesday pulled her hand away. 

She sat up, her breathing erratic as Enid moved behind her, holding her firmly to try and keep the heat pains at bay. “Talk to me. If it upsets you that I'm built like this, I don't have to-”

“It does not upset me, Enid,” Wednesday whispered. “It is biology, a wolf trait. Yes, it is not typical, but I have no issue with that which differs from the norm. If anything, I admire that. Your differences. They make you unique, and uniqueness is nothing to feel shame for.” 

A kiss was pressed to her shoulder. “If it’s not that, why are you panicking?” 

“I cannot finish from you touching me like that.” 

“Was I too rough?” 

“No. The more you touched me, I-” She snapped her mouth shut. It was clear what she and her wolf needed, what would quell her heat, and yet that was a truth that held an awful lot of weight to it. Because the issue at hand was that Wednesday needed penetrative sex, and whatever they were doing now wasn't going to ease her heat at all. 

“You can tell me,” Enid said. 

“I ached lower.” 

Letting out a long breath, Enid said, “For wolves, most with heats need penetration. They need something within them to come.” 

“I need you,” Wednesday admitted, her hands clenched in the sheets with nerves. "Not something. You. Since I felt you, my wolf has made that more than clear."

“And how does that make you feel?” 

“Worried. Anxious.” Aroused. She left that last thought out though as she played with the sheets in her hands.  

“What worries you?” 

“Being so close to someone. I do not allow people in my space. This is a great deal of change at once, and I am taking a moment to accept my fate.” 

With a nod, Enid said, “You’re in charge, Wednesday.” 

“Is that not against all that alphas stand for? I read that they always take charge.” 

“Our situation isn't exactly normal,” Enid replied. “And eventually I will if you ask it of me. But for now, all my wolf wants is for you to be comfortable in our nest.” 

“Nest.” 

“Yes.” 

“Enid, does that not mean-” 

“Yes and no. I have no answer. Ever since I met you, my wolf has been on edge, acting as if you are my mate. It shouldn’t happen. I have no clue what the hell is happening, but regardless of all that shit, I like you, and I don’t want to see you in pain. Plus… the scent of you is driving me mad.” 

Wednesday moved from Enid’s grasp and stood. “Might you look away?” When Enid averted her gaze, Wednesday peeled her sweats off and moved into the bed beneath the sheets. “Please could you take yours off?” 

“Oh. Did you want me to penetrate you? With, uh… You know.” She gestured down at the hardness in her jeans. 

“Yes. I need you.” 

Nodding, Enid climbed off the bed and moved to a cabinet where she removed a foil pack from a box. She then reached for her sweats and said, “I don’t mind you looking.” 

So, Wednesday looked as she revealed her hard length. As soon as she pulled the sweats down, it sprang up against her stomach, and it was far from small. Wednesday knew wolves had far more substantial anatomy, but even for a wolf, Enid was huge. She tore open the foil and then removed the condom, pinching the tip as she rolled it into place. “Like what you see?” 

“Fear, might be a better choice of words.” 

“If I don’t fit eventually, we’ll stick with my fingers. Even wolves used to sex tend to need to adapt to take me.” But the idea of Enid lying with others once again left Wednesday pained. “Sorry. You’re okay,” Enid said quickly, moving closer. “You’re all I desire; you’re all my wolf wants.” 

The words relaxed her, but then Enid moved beneath the covers and pulled Wednesday to face her. An urge overcame Wednesday, and she found herself reaching for Enid’s neck and pulling her mouth down against her own. The kiss was soft at first. It allowed Wednesday to grow used to the sensation and to figure out how to move with the wolf. Enid’s lips were tentative as they worked against her own, and Wednesday’s wolf calmed as a tongue traced her bottom lip. This was yet another first for Wednesday, and her body reacted to the kiss far more strongly than she could have predicted, mimicking Enid's actions as she sought to live up to her past conquests as the thrill of pleasure hummed through her. 

That gentle press of lips soon turned hurried and hungry, Enid swearing as her hand found Wednesday’s rear again and palmed it. It was intoxicating, and Enid’s mouth only aroused Wednesday further, until that ache returned tenfold. Their bare lower halves pressed against one another as Enid lowered herself, and Wednesday felt herself utterly aware of the way her body responded like a livewire.

Enid rocked, and each rock rubbed her firm length against Wednesday, sending the most wonderful feeling through her extremities. She was ridiculously wet now, which allowed Enid to slip between her labia and across her clit with each arch, parting her in the most delicious way. It left a feeling beginning to tighten in her lower stomach, and the next time it rubbed against her clit, she felt her body craving more. 

The wolf was having a harder time with the sensation of Wednesday’s wetness against her. “I want to push into you so much. You smell like heaven. God, the things I want to do to you. I would make you feel so good.” 

She only considered her reply for a split second before saying, “Then do so.” As Enid's fingers moved lower, running between her folds, Wednesday's wold reacted firmly. "No, I need you. Not your fingers." 

"Wens, it will hurt. You're not used to it." 

"Regardless, my wolf is quickly growing impatient, and I fear that discomfort will pale in comparison to my heat's agony." Slowly, Enid relented, knowing she was right, and eased Wednesday against the pillows, gently pushing her thigh back as the tip of her pressed to where Wednesday now ached enough that tears formed in her eyes. “Soothe it. Please, Enid.” 

Swallowing, Enid said, “You're sure you don't want to try my fingers first?” 

With a shake of her head, Wednesday refused. Her wolf was not giving them the time for such. She felt more wetness leaking between her legs and squeezed her eyes shut. “No. I need your length.” 

“Okay. Tell me if you’re in pain. It won't be comfortable at first.” Enid rested it against her and applied some pressure, guiding Wednesday’s thigh back further as she pushed. There was no give, and so her thumb found her clit, rubbing until the pleasure relaxed her mate. Wednesday sighed, feeling her body melting right before she felt it. Pain, sudden and brief, left her gasping as Enid’s tip pushed into her. 

“You’re okay, baby. Breathe.” Enid continued playing with her clit, and that pain was forgotten as Wednesday came hard. Her orgasm coincided with the bed growing damp beneath her, and finally, her wolf felt appeased. But Wednesday needed more, and the comfort she felt as Enid continued to work her clit left tears dripping down her cheeks. “Are you in pain?” 

“Not anymore. You feel perfect within me.” 

Enid eased her thumb off her clit the moment Wednesday’s pleasure turned to ticklish overstimulation. And slowly, she eased herself in further. When Wednesday winced, she said, “You’re taking me so well. Breathe and let your body adjust. Alphas are a lot to get used to.” 

Her jaw hung slack as Enid held her, easing it in inch after inch, and all Wednesday could do was breathe raggedly as she stretched to accommodate her. It hurt, but that pain coincided with a pleasure that filled her body like hot syrup. 

“That’s my girl,” Enid said proudly, kissing Wednesday’s knee. But as she slid that final inch in, Wednesday fluttered around her length, and a loud moan tore from her lips. “Definitely a wolf,” Enid whispered. “Fuck, Wens.” 

“Do not move yet.” 

A smile pulled at Enid’s lips. “Wolves have a sensitive layer of skin that stimulates as a clit does near the cervix.” 

As Enid moved herself in as far as Wednesday’s body would allow, she grabbed her waist, pulling her against herself as she rotated her hips enough to massage her tip against that spot. It was far more intense than clitoral stimulation, and Wednesday felt her wetness welcoming Enid as she stroked against that spot. “There, let yourself get used to me. The wetter you are, the better it will feel.” 

She sobbed then, the feeling all too much. Her wolf was captivated by Enid, and Wednesday couldn’t think of anything but the wolf. Emotions overcame her, and for a minute, Wednesday loathed the condom. Loathed was an understatement, actually. She wanted to grab her knife and cut the thing away. The thought sprang up out of nowhere, but once it was in the forefront of her mind, she couldn't dislodge it. 

“Wednesday, hey, why do you smell like distress?” 

“The condom,” Wednesday uttered, annoyed. 

“What?” 

“I despise it. I need to feel you, and all I can feel is the ridiculous barrier that-”

“Okay, shit. I haven’t done that before. It’s probably the mates thing. Some mated omegas can’t use them. There are meds, you’d have to take them within a week of us having sex.” 

“That is adequate. Please remove it,” Wednesday said sharply, her anger only growing worse. 

Enid pulled out of her and slowly peeled it away, chucking it to the side. “I get tested after each partner.” 

Each partner. Wednesday shut her legs, her hands clenching in the sheets as her wolf took on a new level of annoyance until Enid forced her legs apart and pushed in. “Sorry. Omegas sometimes look to alphas for emotional regulation during heats. It can help if we take charge.” 

“Then take it,” Wednesday snapped. 

Smiling cockily, Enid groaned as she finally rocked, the smile slipping away. “Oh my god. Okay, that's new. Shit. I’m not going to last like this.” 

But Wednesday was in a state of utter bliss, far too gone to pay attention to what Enid was saying. Instead, she felt a rush of pleasure each time Enid thrusted, her feet wrapping around her back as she drew Enid closer. “Enid-”

“Is my omega feeling good?” All Wednesday could do was nod in response, her mind lost to the sensations. Her strokes grew rougher, hands finding Wednesday’s hips as she pulled her against the thick length. Grunts left Enid with each push, and she cursed, staring down at her with dark eyes. “I can’t wait to fill you.” Wednesday’s body clenched then, and Enid grinned. “You like that, don’t you?” 

“Yes.” 

A chuckle parted Enid’s lips. “Full of surprises, Wednesday.” 

“Do other omegas not?” 

Shaking her head, Enid began to use her in a way so rough that Wednesday saw stars. The pleasure built to a point that was intense enough that her toes curled and she sobbed. “Not often. Its more common with mates. Some mated omegas find their body reacts to the idea of it. Centuries ago, it was a pack response, driving wolves to create stronger packs with more members. Most lost the drive over time. But some…” Enid slowed, and Wednesday felt it then. 

There was a thickness to the base of her length now that would not allow it to press in as deeply as Wednesday needed it. “Push harder.” 

“No,” Enid said, suddenly losing her bravado. “Wolves usually work up to that over a year or so. I can’t-”

“Enid, please.” Wednesday’s pain returned, and as it did, Enid stared at her, confused. 

“It could harm you. Knotting without working up to it can cause pain, sometimes tears. It's a really bad idea.”

Wednesday’s jaw clenched as the pain grew worse, much worse. “Please. Enid, Please. My wolf-”

“Okay. Sorry, you’re fine, I’ll try.” 

Wednesday winced as she felt the pressure, her wolf growing irked when her body couldn’t accommodate it. Eventually, Enid’s fangs dropped as Wednesday’s distress grew, and she pushed Wednesday’s shirt up. 

“I need it.” 

“I know you do. Maybe this will work.” Enid bit her breast, her fangs sinking in as Wednesday came suddenly, her arousal flooding from her just as her body relaxed. Enid used that split second to push with force, and Wednesday sobbed with the discomfort of the stretch that was soon replaced with a level of pleasure she couldn’t comprehend as the knot rested within her. “Don’t move, it could hurt you,” Enid instructed. “Stay still, let me fill you. There, like that. Shit. You’re so tight I-” Enid slumped against her as the knot released. Her moans and the warmth of her come left Wednesday climaxing again with her. The intensity of it was so strong that her vision soon faded to black. 

It took an hour for Wednesday to wake, and when she did, Enid was still within her. Her eyes fluttered open, taking in the alpha who was stroking her hair. “You worried me,” Enid said, her voice gravelly with exhaustion. Lips met her forehead, and Enid sighed as she pulled away. “Are you in pain?” 

“No.” 

“Aching?” 

“Yes, but not from my heat.” 

“I’ll put some cream on you later; it will numb the soreness a bit. How are you feeling?” 

“Tired,” Wednesday decided. As she shifted, Enid grabbed her hip and held her firmly. “Don’t move, baby. If you shift the knot, it could harm you.” 

“I see. How long does it usually take to… return to normal?” 

“I don’t know,” Enid said. “I have never knotted anyone. As I said, my wolf doesn’t usually take to people in that way.” 

“In what way?” 

“Romantically. For knots to form, usually a wolf needs to want more with the omega they’re lying with and never have I wanted that.” 

“And now?” 

Enid worried her lip, but then Wednesday felt her changing within her. Slowly, Enid eased her length out. She stood, moving to the bathroom and soon returned with a cloth and a towel. “Let me clean you up, Wens.” 

Something about Enid tending to her left her turned on once more, and after Enid ditched the cloth and towel, her mouth enveloped Wednesday’s clit as her fingers slipped within her, three quickly turning to four as Wednesday bucked and grabbed her hair. 

This orgasm was fast and settled her, and by the time Enid peered up, Wednesday said, “I find myself feeling a great deal for you.” 

“Same,” Enid whispered, her eyes glowing.