Things that go bump in the night

"So...when she said wolf during the day...she wasn't joking."Willow said as she watched Faith stand staring out the window at the wolf as it stalked some unseen creature in the bushes.

"Looks that way.Did you find anything?" Faith asked turning towards the redhead who was sitting at the table with old books strewn about her.

"I think so. Its in old Egyptian but it talks about a Prince who is blessed by the Gods themselves. But is cursed. The curse is kinda like this beauty and the beast type deal. Until she wins the heart of her true mate during the Moon Fever she cant go back to waht she was. So basically I'm guessing until you two...you know...shes gonna be after you."Willow could see the dark slayer process this information.

"So i just need to sleep with her and then its five by five? No more mate talk?"She asked. Red shrugged.

"Thats a possibility but there is the chance that with her being "wolf" it'll turn into a life-long thing. No way to be sure though."Willow looked at the writing on the pages. A lot of it was water damaged and just hard to make out. God why did Giles have to go to that damn conference right now. She could really use his help on this one.

They both looked up as wolf/Raya walked through the door. She really was a large wolf. She sat down at Faiths feet and just stared at her with an unwavering intensity.
At that moment Dawn came downstairs and walked into the kitchen and came to a halt at the sight of the large dark wolf.

"Woah when did we get a dog?"Dawn asked. Taking a step back when the 'dog' in question growled.

"She doesn't like being called dog...shes a wolf. This is Raya."Faith said. She bit back a smile when Dawns eyes widened and she looked at the wolf.

"So...she doesn't play fetch then?"Damn she thought...that could been fun to have a pet around again.

*That Night*

The whole group had made there way over to Buffy's as new spread of the stranger. They all sat warily at the table as the wolf lay down utterly bored and still no more human than shed been moments before.

Anya looked down at the wolf.

"So you found her huh? Damn Raya its been to long. You remember me?Anyanka?"Anya asked, pleased when the wolf perked up at the mention of her name.

Standing Raya reared up onto her hind legs and felt the change go through her. Shaking her head and waited for her vision to clear and shift back into color. Looking over at Anya she smiled.

"Hey its been awhile. How have you been? You ever get that nosy little soldier?"Raya asked,not caring once again that she was naked.

"Oh yes i did. That little bastard got turned into a cow. Serves him right for groping all those women."Anya laughed along with Raya, both unaware that the present Scoobs were staring at them wide-eyed.

"So your mated to Faith? Thats good. Least now i can stop worrying about her trying to take Xander."Raya stiffened and glared at the boy sitting in front of her, pleased at the waft of fear she smelled.

"Raya chill. Look lets get you dressed and we can figure out what to do."Dawn said as she stood and gently took the taller womans hand and led her up the stairs. Going to a closet at the end of the hall she stepped in and pulled out a box of old clothes. After holding up a couple pairs of pants to Raya and determining which ones would fit she did the same with the shirts. The jeans were snug and fit the woman like a second skin, and the shirt was a dark purple and off set her coloring very well. Dawn studied the woman. Noting the symbols tattooed up the inside of her arms. Knowing there were similar tattoos on her legs and along her spine. The scars that stood out white against her dark skin were covered.

"Dawn...this place is new to me. Tell me...how do you convince someone to be your mate?"Raya asked softly. Blushing even when Dawn looked at her stunned.

"Umm...well i don't know about Faith but some women like flowers or small gifts. You know things that show you care."Dawn stammered and put the clothes away.

"This works then? These gifts?"Raya was stunned it could be so simple. When she was mated to Yakumut, daughter to the chief. It had happened because the chief wished to strengthen his people by mating his daughter to the wolf. The tribes totem guardian.

At Dawns nod she turned and walked down the hall and outside. After a few minutes Raya returned dirt smudges on her face and holding in her hand the sorriest looking excuse for a bouquet any of them had ever seen. Holding it out to Faith she waited as the dark slayer took them, glaring at her friends as they seemed to be fighting smiles and giggles.

"Faith. I...care for you."Raya stated standing as tall as she could. It was not until that moment. Seeing the cold stubborn look cross Faiths features that she thought she may not succeed.

"Thank you Raya."Faith laid the flowers down on the table and turned to the taller woman."It doesn't work that way. I'm not gonna be your mate because you bring me flowers or throw vampires at me. It doesn't fucking work that way." Faith said as she grabbed her leather coat and walked out the house.

Turning to look at each of the people in the room."What does it take to convince that woman that this is best? I will make a good mate."Raya asked. As the shy witch stepped forward.

"Its not about whether or not your gonna be a good mate Raya. Its because Faith isn't the easiest person to get along with and well...your gonna have to really work to get her to do anything really."Blushing the young witch stepped back into her girlfriends embrace.

"Very well. I will try again later. Now...what is an X-box?"She asked curiously.

TBC

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