Mbwa Mwitu

Chapter Summary: Courtship, a full moon, and something that will cause you all to throw vegetables at me.


.Chapter Five.


The courtship of Tara and Oz was rather interesting to watch, if Spike was completely honest. It was almost as though the two weren’t aware that they were doing it. After waking up from their cuddly nap, they had avoided one another fervently. Then, Xander had literally ordered Tara to gather her things and move in with them. Briefly, Spike wondered if his lover was insane. They didn’t have enough room for all four of them. But the pack mentality that Xander seemed to own could not be questioned.

It was Oz that took Tara to the dorms for her to get her things. What they did during this time, Spike couldn’t honestly say. However, when they returned, they each held one another’s scent. Spike knew that they hadn’t done anything sexual, for the only thing resembling the smell of sex was the slight mist of desire that seemed to envelope Oz every time he looked at the witch.

The main difference, Spike noticed, between the way Tara and Oz gravitated toward one another and the way a normal relationship was developed, was it was done silently. Like it was all prepared and set up in the back of their mind. There was no denial or debate. Spike didn’t know how to react to it, in all honesty. With Xander, their courtship had been passionate and almost to a point of violence.

Tara seemed completely unaware of the effect she had on the werewolf. It was the look in Oz’s eyes, and the fact that he didn’t understand it himself, that caused Spike to bring it up with Xander. He figured if anyone could understand the werewolf it would be Xander.

“Have you noticed how close those two are getting?” Spike asked, his head resting in Xander’s lap as they pretended to watch television. In the kitchen, Tara and Oz were busy doing the dishes.

“You mean the fact that Oz is following her around like a lost puppy?” Xander asked in an amused voice. “It’s kind of sweet.”

“Well, as long as he doesn’t hurt her…” Spike said in a warning. He could almost feel Xander roll his eyes.

“He won’t.” Xander said softly. “I think… Nah, never mind.”

“No, tell me.” Spike insisted. He opened his eyes and looked up into Xander’s face. His mate was frowning slightly, deep in thought.

“I’m probably wrong.” Xander informed him.

“But you’re usually not. Not when it comes to this sort of thing, anyway.” Spike pointed out. Then added, with a teasing smile. “My smart little hyena.”

“It all comes down to pack, you know.” Xander said, his voice still soft. His fingers began threading themselves through Spike’s hair.

“We’re Oz’s pack now.” Spike stated.

“A pack isn’t complete without a mate, Spike.” Xander informed him. “I don’t know if that’s what Tara is for him, but if she is… Well, hopefully Tara will be okay with it.”

“Would kind of fit, wouldn’t it?” Spike commented. “The four of us, each paired off.”

“Hmm, yes.” Xander tugged gently at Spike’s hair. Taking the hint, Spike sat up and moved to curl up against his side. With a smile, Spike kissed him lightly on the lips. “Let them figure it out, okay?”

Less than a week later, on the day of the full moon, Tara found herself in the living room with Oz. This wasn’t the most unusual of events. Oz had taken it upon himself to be near her at all times. Tara, though a part of her was almost fearful of the intensity in Oz’s eyes, couldn’t help but be flattered by the attention. This afternoon, however, seemed different than most. For one, Oz looked nervous – an expression that really didn’t suit him.

“Tara?” Oz asked, glancing over at her. Tara turned in her seat, in order to give him her full attention. “It’s kind of strange, because I have this strong desire to tell you something. Only, I’m scared of how you will react.”

“You can tell me anything, Oz.” Tara replied. And she truly believed that. There was something about the young werewolf that just… Hit her. It was strange and new, but comfortable.

“I want you to know…” Oz took a deep breath and seemed to have to force himself to look into her eyes. “I would do anything for you.”

The statement shocked Tara. That was the last thing she had expected him to say. A feeling of contentment washed over her at the words, but at the same time she fought it. She had no clue as to what he meant, though deep down she had a small idea. Gulping, Tara forced herself to speak. “What do you mean?”

“The wolf – I mean, me.” Oz paused and took another breath. After a moment’s thought, he scooted down the sofa toward her. Tara couldn’t help but notice how much warmer his body was compared to hers. “I feel a little foolish here.”

“Don’t.” Tara said. She felt captivated by his gaze. It was a feeling that she had never experienced before. Just by looking at her, Oz kept her from even thinking about moving away. “Just… Talk.”

“I’m not known for talking.” Oz admitted.

“I won’t tell anyone.” Tara gave him a light smile.

“I meant what I said.” Oz started. “I would do anything for you. I… The wolf wants you.” Tara blushed slightly as Oz continued. “We would submit to you fully, Tara. We would love you and give you everything you ever wanted, if only it meant being called your mate.”

“I…” Tara blinked and forced herself to look away. “Oz, I… Why? I don’t understand.”

“I’ve never met anyone like you. Even Willow…” Oz glanced down. “There’s something about you that I can’t describe. You’re… You’re everything, Tara.”

“No, I’m not.” Tara replied, shaking her head. “I’m not much of anything.”

“You’re wrong.” Oz said, his voice stern. “You are everything. You hold a power over me that even I can’t understand. You’re so strong, Tara.” Tara started to shake her head again, but stopped when Oz spoke again. “I can’t tell you why, because I don’t know myself, but… I’m yours for the taking.”

“Oz…” Tara closed her eyes a moment, before meeting his eyes. “I don’t know how to take this. I… I had always thought Willow was my m-mate.”

“Funny, so did I.” Oz gave her a sardonic smile. The smile fell away, and Oz scooted a little closer. His thigh was now flush against Tara’s, bringing another blush to her cheeks. When he spoke again, his voice was almost a growl. “Tara? May I have one kiss?”

Oz didn’t move forward, waiting from some sign from her. Instead of answering, Tara found herself moving toward him. Their lips met in a soft brush. Oz remained very still, giving Tara full reign of the kiss. Shocking even herself, Tara pressed her mouth against his in a hard kiss. A strange reaction went through her as she rested her hands on Oz’s shoulders. The kiss was pleasurable, but there was more to it.

It felt like a part of her was crumbling apart, and then rebuilding itself. She couldn’t figure out what it was that was happening, but she knew one thing: She wanted to kiss Oz forever. And as Oz’s parted his lips, she immediately slipped her tongue into his mouth.

Kissing a guy was different than kissing a girl. Girls were soft and almost always tasted like their lipstick or lip-gloss. Boys were still soft, but angled and hard at the same time. They tasted like musk, like nature. Or maybe that was just Oz. It had to be Oz, because as she tasted him, she could taste the moon itself.

When Oz had said he would submit to her, she didn’t think he meant literally. And yet, there they were. Tara was completely dominating the kiss, setting the pace and taking control of the situation. Unable to control the passion that was suddenly filling her veins, Tara pressed gently on Oz’s chest. He took the soft hint, falling onto his back. She leaned over him, pressing her body against his and delving her tongue deeper into the recess of his mouth.

And this was how Spike found them. Night was falling, and by all standards Oz should have already been locked up. Instead, there he was on the sofa, with Tara on top of him. Spike could only stare, with wide eyes. He had never seen Tara like this before. He had always appreciated her beauty, but it was mostly from a brotherly perspective. To see Tara completely dominating the werewolf, and Oz complying to her every command in return, was oddly erotic.

“Hey, Spike, we should get-“ Xander stopped, his jaw dropping. With a squeak of surprise, Tara literally fell off the sofa. Spike couldn’t help but notice how red her lips look, then quickly felt a little uncomfortable for thinking about how hot it made her look. “Holy moley.”

“Umm, we… That is, I.” Tara stopped herself from babbling and took a deep breath. “So, where is it that you guys are going?”

“Woods. I figured that was the safest bet.” Xander said, his face still carrying a high degree of shock.

“Okay.” Tara gave them a shaky smile and turned to Oz, who was staring at her with a look of what Spike could only describe as complete devotion. It was rather sickening. At least, it would have been, if Spike weren’t aware that he had that same expression when it came to Xander. Tara slowly stood. “You’ll be safe?”

“Well, we’ll try.” Xander announced. “I’ll keep him from doing something stupid.”

“Good.” Tara nodded. Oz stood as well, but his eyes still focused on Tara. “Come back to me.”

“Always.” Oz replied.

“Bloody hell, enough sap!” Spike exclaimed. “Let’s get going before the moon decides to come out of hiding, yeah? It’s dark enough for me to make it to the woods with you.” As they turned to the door, Spike noticed that Tara was following. “Where are you going?”

“I thought I’d go to the Scooby meeting.” Tara replied, suddenly timid once more.

“I don’t know if I like the idea of you going without us.” Spike informed her. He ignored the amused look Xander was sending him. He was not about to let Tara get hurt by Xander’s extended pack.

“I can take care of myself, Daddy.” Tara informed him with an almost sly smile.

“Hmph.” Spike narrowed his eyes and took a step towards her, as though hovering over her would prove his point. Of course, the fact that they were practically the same height didn’t register. As he took the step, however, he heard Oz growl slightly. Xander automatically growled at him in reply.

“Oz.” Tara said as Oz started to bare his teeth. At the sound of Tara saying his name, he stopped immediately. “Don’t.”

“Tell you what.” Spike said, watching with interest as Oz followed Tara’s order. “Once I’m certain Xander’s got control of the pup, I’ll go to the Magic Box. Maybe we can get some patrolling in, yeah?”

“You want me to patrol with you?” Tara asked, shocked.

“You need to learn to defend yourself sooner or later.” Spike replied. “I will not let some fledge finish you off.”

“Guys, we need to get going.” Xander pointed out. Spike glanced over to see that Oz was suddenly getting very fidgety.

They left the apartment building as a group, before Tara parted for the Magic Box. Not before listening to Spike lecture her over safety precautions, of course. The other three made it into the woods and a good distance within it, just as the clouds parted to reveal an orange colored moon.

Even in all his years, Spike had yet to see a werewolf transform. It looked painful. In fact, it looked downright cruel. The snap of Oz’s limbs filled his ears. Oz hadn’t had time to get undressed. As his body curled forward, his t-shirt ripped in half. Moans drifted from his form, but were quickly turned into growls. Finally, it was finished. The clothing fell away, revealing a strong, muscular body, covered in thick black fur. He looked like an absurdly large wolf.

As Oz turned toward them, Spike noticed something rather strange. He had learned enough about what to expect from Xander, so he knew that something was a little off. Oz looked intelligent. He wasn’t running on pure instinct. In fact, as the wolf tilted his head, it was obvious that he recognized them.

“Uh, pet? Is that supposed to happen?” Spike asked, knowing Xander would understand what he was talking about.

“No. No, it’s not.” Xander replied rather nervously, before realization appeared on his face. “Oh, God. It must have been Tara.”

“What do you mean?” Spike asked. Oz appeared to have gotten tired of looking at them, and was now sniffing at the ground. Spike started circling him carefully, praying the werewolf wouldn’t try to escape.

“Mates.” Xander said. “Remember what I told you? About how pack and mates kind of go hand in hand? Well, it appears I was right. Tara is Oz’s mate. She started the process.”

“So, what does that mean for us?” Spike watched as Oz sniffed the air, before letting out a howl.

“Hopefully, it will make things a little easier.” Xander informed him. However, as Xander spoke those words, Oz let out one more howl and darted off, quickly disappearing through the trees.

“Shit!” Spike cursed, immediately running after him.

Xander ran along with him, his inner hyena giving him the same speed as Spike. They quickly caught up with the werewolf, who snapped at Spike’s heel. They flanked the werewolf, insuring that the only direction his could run was forward. Spike, unable to stop himself, let out a roar of pleasure as they continued to chase after Oz. He couldn’t help the thrill that shot through his body. It was almost like hunting again. Across from him, he could hear the telltale sound of a hyena: a mixture of a hiccup-like laugh and a growl.

“Tackle him!” Xander suddenly ordered. Without thinking, Spike followed his mate’s order. His body connected with Oz’s, causing the werewolf tumble to the ground. They rolled a few times, before stopping with Spike pinning the overgrown wolf to the ground. Oz snapped at him, a growl continuously echoing from his throat.

“Now, pup. This is no time for violence.” Spike said with a cheerful tone. Xander knelt next to him and Spike found himself momentarily captivated by Xander’s face. A soft ring of glowing green circled his irises. He was taking in deep breaths, more from scenting his surroundings than being out of breath. He looked feral, and the sight immediately caused Spike’s cock to harden. “Well, now what?”

“Release him.” Xander ordered with a growl. Spike crawled off of Oz, resting in crouch next to them. Oz rolled onto his four feet, his eyes darting between Spike and Xander, before resting on Xander. “You’ve got a choice, Oz.”

Again, Spike was struck by how Oz was not a normal werewolf. Tara must have really affected him, because the werewolf tilted his head and started at Xander with complete understanding.

“Do you want Tara?” Xander asked, his voice low and calm. Oz let out a small whimper. “If you want her, then you’ve got to be pack. She belongs to us.” Oz growled slightly, but caught himself before he did anything more. “You have to accept me as the pack leader. I am Alpha, and Spike is my mate.”

Oz appeared to be debating something, his dark eyes flickering briefly to Spike. Then, he lowered his head. Xander looked over and met Spike’s eyes, before slowly crawling toward Oz’s form. Xander’s head brushed slightly against Oz’s, almost in greeting. Then, with a harsh growl, Xander pushed Oz onto his back. Oz went willingly, baring his belly to Xander.

Xander made a small motion with his hand, gesturing Spike over. As Spike approached, Xander leaned down and nuzzled Oz’s throat. Spike watched, cataloguing everything, as Xander opened his mouth and bit down on Oz’s next, hard. Oz let out a small whimper, but otherwise remained motionless. Finally, Xander pulled away and grabbed Spike by the shoulder.

“You will obey me, as pack leader.” Xander said, sternly. “As my mate, Spike holds the same power as I do.”

Then, Spike found himself biting down on Oz’s neck. Mid-bite, his demon features shifted forward. He managed to keep his teeth from breaking skin, and instead focused on how Oz’s coarse fur wasn’t as foul tasting as he had expected. Pulling away, Spike turned to Xander and was immediately pulled into a deep kiss.

“Mmm, love you.” Xander whispered as they separated.

“Love you, too.” Spike replied. They turned back to Oz, who slowly rolled back onto his feet. “What’s next, love?”

“Now?” Xander grinned, pulling himself into a crouch. “Now we play.”

Spike watched, astonished, as Xander leaped toward Oz. The werewolf let out a yelp of shock, before quickly realizing it was a game. Spike chuckled, shaking his head. “As much fun as this is, pet, I’m going to go take care of our little witch.”

“Alright.” Xander said, beaming up at him. Spike rolled his eyes as the two continued to play, before leaving the woods. Xander watched him go, before quickly diving into their wrestling match. Oz snapped at his arms, but not at all violently. In fact, Xander would be shocked if the bite would even break skin.

They continued to play for at least an hour more. Xander found himself completely submerged into his hyena psyche. He was completely aware that a glowing ring of green circled his eyes and that his teeth probably appeared sharper than they already were. Grinning a feral grin, Xander tackled Oz to the ground once more.

And then the pain came. Electricity wracked his body. He could feel Oz let out a pain-filled howl against him. Turning, Xander let out a low growl of warning. But just as the figures dressed in army garb came into focus, his world turned black.