Read Online Of Wolves and Men by G. A. Hauser - Free Book Online Page A

trouble you’re causin’ me?”
    “You think I have any control over this bullshit?” Roman shivered, rubbing his arms. “And that stupid dog is the problem. Not me.”
    “You’re not the one killin’ them deer up the mountain, are you?” Charlie could see Vernon walking closer to get another horse to inspect in the light. “Go wait at my cabin. I got to check all these horses out and get them in the stables.”
    “They’re fine. I didn’t touch them.”
    “Go.”
    Charlie brought another two horses over to Vernon, seeing the other three men coming over to help out. “Boss, none of them are hurt. Harley just shook ‘em up.”
    “No harm in making sure. And they’re used to Harley’s antics. No. The dog had something.”
    He took another two horses by the halter and walked them to the barn.
    JP asked, “What’s the plan, Charlie?”
    “Just look ‘em over in the light. Make sure they didn’t hurt themselves. Then put them in their stalls for the night.”
    JP and Goat immediately complied. Butch asked, “Who’s Roman?”
    “There ain’t no Roman. Now go help out before I get mad.”
    Butch entered the enclosed area and walked two more horses out. Charlie rubbed his face in frustration. He had no idea what to do about Roman.
    ~
    Roman paced inside Charlie’s cabin. He felt pent up and caged. Dragging his fingers through his hair, he clenched his teeth, Roman didn’t want to mess up Charlie’s life. But he needed help.
    And Charlie was the one to help him. He just felt it in his gut.
    Roman looked down at his hands. He was filthy. Something he was getting used to. It had never been that way. He was a well groomed man before this happened to him. Figuring Charlie was going to be a while checking out a herd of horses that size, he stood in front of the bathroom mirror and stared at himself. It wasn’t often he could see his reflection anymore. He didn’t exactly live in his city apartment any longer.
    He rubbed his hands over the scruffy black stubble on his jaw and looked at his teeth. “Fuck!”
    He looked like a wild animal more every day. He reached into the tub, turning on the shower.
    When was the last time he’d had a hot scrub down? Cold water dipping into streams and lakes, yes. That was his new bath time. Not fun. No. Not fun at all.
    He stepped under the running water, moaning in pleasure. Using Charlie’s soap and shampoo, he washed himself over and over, as if he could rinse off the curse he was saddled with. He leaned both hands on the shower wall, letting the hot water run over him, knowing a hot scrub wasn’t going to happen often. His cock became hard and a shiver washed up his spine. “No.” He shut the water, standing still, dripping. “No!”
    The first place he felt it was his teeth. Always his teeth. Then his cock. He stepped out of the tub and wiped the steam off the mirror, inspecting his mouth. His canines grew longer. Through the misty fog of the hot steam, a figure appeared in the mirror behind him. A hideous red mask of a painted woman. “It wasn’t me!” Roman spun around to nothing. He screamed into the echoing wet room, “I wasn’t the one who arranged the search. Why me? Why do this to me?”
    He covered his face and slid down a wall to the corner, shivering and knowing he could not battle this curse that was sent upon him. He simply didn’t know how.
    ~
    It was late and he was dead on his feet. Charlie had had intentions of going out to check the fence line but not after having to inspect sixty-five horses.
    He opened his cabin door, taking off his coat and hat. “Roman? You here or did you fly out the door again?” He poked his head into the bedroom and noticed a light coming from under the bathroom door. “You all right?”
    A low growl followed by scratching of wood alerted Charlie, Roman was not all right. He walked up to the door and put his ear against it. “Why? Why, Roman? How am I supposed to deal with this? I know what you are in there.”