Van Helsing Slash

[munnin]

Title: Beware Wolf

Author: Munnin

Pairing: Van Helsing/Carl
Rating: R

Notes/Disclaimer: No money. No ownership. Just enjoyment.

 

It had been over a month between Van Helsing’s disappearance and the Cardinal sanctioning a second team to look for him. Carl begged, pleaded and even threatened not to work if he wasn’t allowed to go with them.

 

They had worked so closely and so well together in Transylvania Carl reasoned. Who better to help in the search than the one man who knew him best?

 

The only man who knew him really. It was Van Helsing’s sadness and solitude that drew Carl to him like a moth to the flame. The other knights and churchmen treated Van Helsing with such reverence and respect that it seemed almost to border on fear. Only to Carl saw through the fierce countenance to the man within. They had grown close during their time together and Carl treasured Van Helsing’s trust and friendship. With the Hunter now missing, Carl fretted and worried for the tall brooding man. The thought of never seeing him again stung Carl’s heart with intensity he could barely believe.

 

The Cardinal finally relented, permitting Carl to travel with the two knights sent to search on the condition he made himself useful and kept out of danger.

 

‘Two knights!’ Thought Carl, almost crowing as he saddled up his mount and checked over his equipment one last time. ‘One Hunter is worth two knights.’ The knights Michael and Talbert.

 

Carl had worked with Michael in the lab on several occasions. He was a softly spoken, sweet-faced man who was deeply religious and unerringly kind. He treated everyone he met with compassionate consideration and was always deeply respectful to those who as he saw it, worked to assisted in the task assigned to him by God.

 

Talbert on the other hand. Carl had never had occasion to work with the man directly but the lab was as good as a cat-house for gossip. From what Carl had heard, both directly and indirectly, the man had no respect of those he saw as underlings and had a cruel streak to match. There had been whispers that he had been sent to St Peter’s after an incident involving a young monk but nothing was said straight out. All the same most of the lab team stepped softly and avoided him as best they could.

 

As they set out, Carl marvelled at the diametrically opposed team the Cardinal had chosen. It took three days hard riding to reach the town where Van Helsing was last heard from. The two knights asked around for any information but the villagers were tight-lipped and distant, almost worried. It seemed to Carl that most of them spoke little Latin or Italian and understood even less, especially when Talbert was shouting at them. Carl did his best to quell his natural desire to intercede. He had been told to keep out of the way and he would do so, if only to spite Talbert who he had taken an instant dislike to. Carl found the interplay between Michael’s kindness and Talbert’s rudeness almost comical. If Carl had known of the phrase ‘good cop/bad cop’ he might have used it to descript them.

 

After much argument, Talbert managed to find them an inn for the night. Only two beds of course. Carl was a subordinate after all, that’s what the stables were for. Michael offered to give Carl his bed but the friar refused. He would not have Michael suffer for Talbert’s discourtesy besides, the stable loft was warm and clean and probably more comfortable than an itched inn cot.

 

Carl was settled in for the night, reading over his notes, tracking Van Helsing’s possible whereabouts when a soft movement in the stable below caught his attention. The kitchen maid, a tall dark-skinned girl of about 17 called up to him in broken Latin. “Sir I bring food. I come up yes?”

 

Taking a guess based on her Moorish features, he answered her in flawless Spanish. “Thank you for your kind thought.” Encouraged by her broadening smile, he continued. “If it is permitted for you to do so please join me. I would be glad of your company.”

 

She scrambled up the ladder, platter balanced expertly in one hand. Carl held out a hand to help her but she scuttled past him with a giggle. “It is not permitted but my master is long in bed so it matters little. I bring you fresh bread and cold meats, cheese and wine.” She laid the little feast out before him with a satisfied smile. “It didn’t seem fair that the others ate so well and you did not.”

 

“Thank you.” He pulled two cups from his pack and started to pour the wine as she sat, spreading her skirts around her. He handed one to her but she hesitated. “This too is not permitted?” he asked seriously.

 

She shook her head with an amiable laugh. “It is not but little matter. I have no head for wine. It makes the morning unbearable.” She tipped half of it into his cup and mixed the rest with water from his saddle bag. They sat in companionable silence as he ate and she flicked through his pages. He doubted greatly if she could read much of them but she examined each carefully never the less. She came at last to a little sheet of velum Carl had hidden amongst his notes.

 

A little painting of Van Helsing that Brother Peter had made. Despite the loss of his hearing as a child, Peter had a talent for capturing the beauty in others in his art. He had done several studies of the Hunter and on a bright day, Carl could almost see Van Helsing’s face among the stain-glass angels Peter designed for the Lady Chapel. Peter had pressed it into his hand as he packed for this mission. Although mute, Carl could almost hear Peter telling him to never give up hope. It was a shameful little thing to carry but in its own way, comforting.

 

She rolled the image flat, brushing her fingers with infinite care over the painted surface. “This is the man you seek?” Carl nodded. She handed him back the painting and gathered up the platter, leaving him the bottle. She turned to leave but stopped as if reaching some decision. “He has gone into the North, to the Wild Lands but you should hurry. I fear he is ill.”

 

They set out the next morning, spurned into haste by the young lady’s warning. Talbert took every opportunity to make nasty comments about what she’d been doing in the loft with Carl. The friar brushed off the nastiness; Van Helsing was in trouble and to Talbert’s baiting was not worth the delay.

 

The Wild Lands were aptly named and the going was tough. Two days into the journey Michael took ill and they were faced with a choice; turn back or press on. When Michael’s condition worsened and Carl suggested they go back. Talbert showed no sign of caring either way; he was not overly concerned about the missing Hunter but was in no mood to play nurse maid to Michael.

 

Michael took Carl aside. “You must go on.” The blond knight whispered urgently, “He needs you Carl. You’re the only one who can find him if he does not wish to be found. I will make for the town and wait for you there. May angels watch over you.” He took only a day’s provisions and was gone.

 

Carl and Talbert pressed on through the thick forest, stopping far too often for the friar’s taste. When Talbert called a halt midafternoon and announced they would make camp here for the night, Carl rebelled. “We should keep going. We can make the base of the mountain by nightfall. From there we can see most of the valley. If Van Helsing has a fire we’ll be able to spot him.”

 

But Talbert snorted disdainfully. “And what do you know about hunting hmm little Lab Rat? Nothing! Prepare some food and bring me wine.” He lay down, resting his head on his sable bag.

 

Carl bit his lip, trying not to rise to the bait. He built a fire and warmed some cold meat. He could feel Talbert’s eyes on him always, unnervingly and irksome. When he turned to hand Talbert the wine, the leer on the man’s face was unmistakeable.

 

Talbert caught Carl’s wrist as he took the wine, pulling the little friar down to his knees. He took the cup with his free hand, examining Carl’s face as he took a deep slug of the strong wine. “I can understand what he sees in you. You are a pretty thing.” Carl was too shocked to react as Talbert pushed back the heavy wool cowl and ran his fingers through the friar’s hair. “I bet he takes great pleasure in you.”

 

Carl finally snapped to his senses, yanking his hand out of the knight’s grasp. “How dare you! Van Helsing in an honourable man! How dare you imply…” Carl spun on his heels and stormed over to the horses, fuming. He was so preoccupied by his rage he didn’t hear Talbert walk up behind him.

 

The knight dropped a kick into the back on Carl’s legs, sending him stumbling to his knees. Talbert dropped to his knees behind him, straddling Carl’s legs and pulling his wrists up behind his back. “How dare I imply what?” The knight growled dangerously, twisting Carl’s arms till he whimpered. “How dare I consider what a delightful partner you’d make? How lovely it would be to have a sweet little whore like yourself with me on missions.” He ground his growing erection against Carl’s buttocks and nipped at the exposed flesh of the friar’s throat. “He’s a fool if he doesn’t realise what a prize he had in you.” Carl cried out as Talbert’s free hand lifted the skirt of his robe, fondling him through the thin fabric of his pants.

 

Carl tried to pull away but the awkward angle of his arms meant every movement sent shooting pains to his shoulders and making stars explode in front of his eyes. “Talbert. Let me go now.” He insisted in a voice far more composed than he felt.

 

He felt Talbert’s laugh against his cheek. “Why? If Van Helsing is fool enough not to take advantage of your beauty, why shouldn’t I? I shall enjoy breaking you in.” He used his thigh to force Carl’s legs apart, yanking the friar’s pants down and caressing the firm flesh of the younger man’s buttocks.

 

Carl tried to pull away, swooning from the pain of his shoulders. Talbert wrapped his hand around the young man’s jaw. He tracing the shape of Carl’s lips with his thumb, “Suck it Carl. Suck it as you would my cock.” Carl balked but the thumb pressed insistently, forced him to part his lips and accept the invasive digit. Talbert skimmed his thumb over Carl’s teeth and pushed deeper, making the younger man gag reflexively. Carl gave a moment’s thought to biting down but Talbert’s cruel laughter made him think twice. “Don’t think I won’t break both your arms little friar.” A quick twist showed Carl it wasn’t an idle threat.

 

After a couple of thrusts into Carl’s mouth, the thumb was withdrawn. Carl struggled to catch his breath, mind racing for a way to get out. Talbert had other plans, pushing Carl forward till his forehead rested on the ground. Carl blanched as he felt Talbert trail the saliva slicked thumb down between his cheeks. He clenched tight hoping against hope he could find a way to stop what was about to happen. “Please Talbert. Don’t do this.”

 

The only response he got was the thumb thrust hard inside of him. The burn was too much and Carl screamed, his vision blurring. He heard something crashing through the trees towards them but too weak with pain and shock to turn his head to see. Something tackled Talbert, wrenching him away from Carl’s prone form. Carl screamed again as the force of the impact yanked his left arm out of socket, dislocating it.

 

The strange dull ache down his left side helped Carl to focus. He could hear Talbert’s screams and finally managing to pull himself upright, seeing the attacker for the first time. A werewolf. Huge and black, head raised in triumph as it tore open the knight’s throat. It turned to face Carl, sniffing at the air with jowls that dripped with blood.

 

Fear spurred Carl to his feet and he ran for it, stumbling unseeingly through the undergrowth. He dared not look back but plunged ahead, terror driving his aching body forward. He tripped as his feet splashed into the dark water of the river. He threw his hands out instinctually to catch himself but his left arm hung useless at his side and he pitched forward into the freezing water.

 

Spluttering for breath, he dragged himself onto the flat stones of the shore. Shivering with pain and fear, he could hear it now among the trees. And another sound, the low roar of a waterfall at his back. Too close for comfort.

 

The werewolf was close now. He could hear its rushing breath over the thundering of the falls. This is it, he through heaving himself to his feet. Nowhere left to run. He knew all too well how few feet there were between his heels and the cliff-face.

 

Carl lifted his eyes to face impending death, determined to die with honour and nearly cried with relief as he recognised Gabriel Van Helsing. But not his Gabriel. His Gabriel didn’t drip with blood. He’s Gabriel’s eyes didn’t glow green in the moonlight. Carl stepped back without thinking. Oh God no!

 

Van Helsing put out a hand to stop him. “Please Carl. It’s not what you think. I won’t hurt you. Please! Come away from the edge.” He held his hands out, palms up showing he meant no harm but Carl stepped back again, stones slipping unheeded beneath his feet.

 

Carl could see the fearsome glow fading from Van Helsing’s eyes. “The werewolf! It was you. But the cure…”

 

“It’s alright Carl. Please trust me. You’re in no danger from me. Now please! Come away.”

 

“But you…Talbert…” Carl stuttered.

 

“I needed the wolf Carl. I was too far away and it can move faster than I can. I knew I had to reach you before he…” The thought too painful to voice.

 

“But you killed him!” Carl backed away from him, too frightened now to give any thought to his surroundings.

 

Van Helsing backed off, hoping Carl would follow. “He was hurting you Carl. I couldn’t let him.” He met the friar’s eyes, his voice low. “I’d kill for you.”

 

The painful honesty of Gabriel’s words rocked Carl to the core. He turned away, hoping to escape those intense eyes. The slippery stones beneath his feet gave way, pitching him over the edge.

 

Van Helsing watched in horror as Carl lost his footing and tumbled off the cliff. He ran and leaped without thought, catching Carl mid-air and wrapping his body around the little friar. The pool below was deep and churning. Thunder filled his ears and he felt himself tossed like a rag-doll against submerged rocks. It seemed like an eternity before they surfaced. Gasping for air, Van Helsing dragged the unconscious friar onto the bank. Blood flowed down his arm as he rolled Carl onto his side. The little friar coughed up water and drew long ragged breaths. ‘Thank God!’ Van Helsing thought in silent prayer, ‘He’ll live.’ And he let the darkness take him.

 

***

 

Searing pain filled Carl’s universe. He tried to open his eyes but he couldn’t move. Large hands lifted him and he could hear a familiar voice. “It’s alright Carl. Be still. Your shoulder’s dislocated. I need to set it right. It’s going to hurt. Just hold on to me. Focus on me.” He felt a strong arm around his torso and…

 

CRACK

 

Van Helsing laid Carl back down. The younger man had passed out from the pain but at least his arm was back in place. A roaring fire would stave off hypothermia at least for now but he knew it would not be enough. Their camp was not that far away and if he hurried…Carl moaned and shivered in his sleep. No time to waste. Van Helsing stripped, throwing his head back and letting the moonlight wash over him. He could feel his body ripple and change. He knew it was dangerous to let it out twice in one night but for Carl, it was worth the risk.

 

***

 

Carl woke to find himself covered in a pile of blankets and the hunter’s own heavy jacket. He tried to push himself up but his shoulder sung with pain.

 

Van Helsing was beside him in an instant. “Gentle now Carl. How do you feel?”

 

“Sore.” Carl tried again to sit up and balked with alarm. “I can’t move my arm.”

 

“I strapped it to your side. Your shoulder’s back in joint but I thought it best…”

 

Carl nodded. “That was wise. Thank you.” He eased back down. “What happened?”

 

Van Helsing rocked back on his heels, allowing Carl time to remember. He watched as fear and revulsion washed over his friend’s face and wondered if he should say something. But instead he waited, letting Carl come to it in his own time.

 

Carl turned to him with a look of panicked confusion. “The wolf…Talbert…you?” Carl pitched suddenly to one side and was violently ill. Van Helsing hovered protectively close, hesitant to touch his friend yet. He sat a cup of wine near Carl’s hand and waited. Carl smiled wanly as he wiped his mouth and accepted the drink. “I’m alright now.”

 

“Take your time.” Van Helsing whispered.

 

Carl laid back in the blankets and let the waves of nausea pass over him. “This is why you didn’t come back after the mission.”

 

“I know I kept you waiting. I’m sorry.” Van Helsing settled himself down as the friar’s side, still making no move to touch Carl although he dearly wanted to. “I had to be sure I could control it.”

 

“The wolf?” Carl asked, both worried and curious.

 

Van Helsing nodded. “Even with Dracula’s cure I could feel it inside me. Not as intense as it was in Transylvania but still enough to be a danger. I didn’t want to risk it getting out.”

 

“In case Cardinal Jinnette found out?”

 

Van Helsing laughed. “In case it hurt you. I can’t care less about what Jinnette thinks.”

 

Carl looked confused. “Why me?” but the Hunter lowered his eyes, refusing to look at Carl and inwardly cursing himself for the slip up.

 

Realising Van Helsing wasn’t going to answer, Carl pressed on. “So you came out here. To do what?”

 

“To train myself. I can control it now. Even in the full moon. I can also change at will.”

 

Pieces of memory fell into place. “But last night?”

 

“I changed because I needed to. I was too far away to help you when he…” It was Van Helsing’s turn to feel ill.

 

“How did you know?” Carl was far less frightened now, the curious scientist taking over. 

 

Van Helsing smiled to hear the eagerness in the friar’s tone. “The werewolf venom has…side effects. Heightened senses for one.” His desire to touch Carl was becoming overpowering. He wanted show Carl that he was safe, to show how much he cared but he knew he couldn’t. It was too soon. “Your fear, your pain, it…flooded my headspace. I couldn’t let him...” The unspoken words hanging in the air between them.

 

The thought terrified Carl too. He bit his lip and squeezed his eyes closed, pushing back the memory and forcing himself to concentrate. “I remember you and the river but after that…things are a little blurry!”

 

Van Helsing smiled. “You went over the waterfall. I…went after you.”

 

Carl stared up into the Hunter’s face and laughed.

 

Van Helsing reached out as if to touch Carl’s face but paused, dropping his hand to his side. “I meant what I said last night. I’d kill for you.”

 

“But Van Helsing! To kill a knight of the Order?”

 

 “Talbert is no loss to this world! Believe me.”

 

Carl looked at him reproachfully. “I’ve heard the stories too but that doesn’t make it alright to…

 

Van Helsing angrily cut him off. “Listen Carl. I know the truth behind the rumours. I make a point of finding these things out. The monk was 17. Barely out of his noviciate. He took his own life! Committed mortal sin out of shame because of what Talbert did to him. He planned to rape you Carl! He was not a holy man and I do not regret killing him.” He trembled with indignant rage, rocking back on his heels and fighting to calm himself. Carl’s ability to see the best in everyone was one of the things he loved most about the little friar. He turned away, furious at himself for raising his voice.

 

Carl reached out to take the Hunter’s hand. “Thank you.” He whispered quietly. “For protecting me.”

 

Van Helsing’s heart melted from the warmth of the touch but was still too uncertain to return it. “You should rest. You’re safe now. No harm will come to you.” Carl settled back on his sleeping mat and Van Helsing pulled the blankets back over him, tucking him in like a child. “Besides, I should be thanking you. For coming for me.”

 

Carl smiled sleepily. “If you’d told me I would have waited for you. But if you run, you know that I'll give chase. I was afraid I’d lose you.” His heavy eyes slipped closed.

 

“You’ll never lose me.” Gabriel whispered to his sleeping companion. “I swear it.”

 

***

 

Carl woke to a dull ache in his side. His strapped arm itched and he longed to move it. He was about to sit up when he noticed Van Helsing crouched near the fire. The Hunter was shirtless and had his back to Carl. Deep cuts and blossoming purple bruises marred Van Helsing’s back and side.

 

Carl’s gasp made Van Helsing turn suddenly, pulling at the gash on his side and making it bleed afresh. He winced, trying to staunch the blood with his shirt.

 

“Oh God Van Helsing. You should have just let me fall.” Carl cried, trying to wriggle out of his bedding. Each movement made the ache in his shoulder worse and it showed on his face.

 

Van Helsing laughed. “What a pathetic pair we make. Here.” He helped Carl free of the bedding and started carefully unwinding the bandages that held the friar’s arm to his chest. The shoulder joint was swollen and inflamed.

 

“If only I had my kit…” Carl muttered, prodding at his own flesh cautiously.

 

Van Helsing dropped it in front of him.

 

“But how?” Carl asked, not waiting for an answer to pull out for the jars of ointment.

 

“I grabbed it when I collected the blankets from your camp. The river’s snow run-off and I knew if I didn’t get you warm you might not wake up.” He peered curiously at the array of bottles and pots. “You must have half of Brother Mark’s infirmary in there!”

 

Carl smiled reproachfully. “Well I didn’t what state was going to find you in did I? So I have to pack for all eventualities. Although I must admit, werewolf didn’t occur to me as possibility.” The playful, chiding tone a sign of their closeness. He hauled out a heavy jar. “Foul smelling stuff but it does wonders for the bruising. Yours and mine.” 

 

Van Helsing watched Carl struggle with the salve before finally mustering the resolve to take it from him. “Here. I should do that. After all it’s my fault. I dislocated your shoulder when I tackled Talbert.” But he hesitated to touch Carl.

 

Carl surrendered the jar gladly but wondered why Van Helsing didn’t open it. The strange expression on his friend’s face both puzzled and worried him. “Van Helsing? What is it?”

 

“Carl I…” the Hunter trailed off, lost for words.

 

Carl reached out to take his hand. “It’s alright. You can tell me. What’s wrong?”

 

“I just…are you sure you’re alright with me touching you. After what Talbert did I understand if you don’t…” it was only half the reason he hesitated but he wasn’t ready to admit the main reason to himself yet, let alone to Carl.

 

Carl smiled and took up the Hunter’s hand. “Thank you. For your concern but I want to about forget what Talbert did or would have done had you not saved me. I trust you Van Helsing. With my very life.” He pushed the jar back into his friend’s hand. “Please do this for me.”

 

Yet again he felt Carl’s kindness melt his heart. He sat down next to the little friar but Carl, determined to be as close as possible, shimmied himself till he knelt between the hunter’s thighs. Having Carl so close and so warm was almost unbearable. He could hear the wolf howling inside his mind, begging to touch, to taste. Van Helsing bit his lip and started to smooth the balm over his friend’s damaged shoulder. Resolved to do his best for Carl, he forced the thought down as concentrated on salving the swollen skin.

 

Carl groaned appreciably. “Oww. That feels so much better.” He caught his friend’s hand with his own, trapping it against his skin and rolled his shoulder. “Thank you. Now my turn.” Carl turned round to examine Van Helsing side, his hip unwittingly brushing the already hardening bulge in the Hunter’s pants. Van Helsing bit his lip harder, trying to stifle a groan but thankfully Carl was too intent on his examination to notice.

 

Carl ran his fingers down his friend’s side. “Well this isn’t good.” He shifted his knees to straddle Gabriel’s outstretched leg hoping to get a clearer look. “This cut is going to need stitches.”

 

Van Helsing could hear the wolf crying to be let out, wordless but insistent. The heat of Carl’s groin against his leg was maddening. Carl dipped his head to press gently on the torn skin and his hair brushed the Hunter’s broad chest. No-longer sure of his self control, Gabriel pushed Carl off him and stood up.

 

Carl, concerned and slightly ruffled, scrambled to his feet. “I hurt you. I’m sorry. The wound is rather a mess and if I don’t stitch it…”

 

Van Helsing held up a hand to silence him. “You didn’t hurt me Carl. It’s alright.” He growled, stalking to the other side of the fire.

 

Carl watched his friend. “It’s the wolf isn’t it?”

 

Van Helsing could only nod.

 

“But you can control it?”

 

“I can.” Van Helsing said, as much trying to convince himself as reassure Carl. “It just…gets loud that all. I hadn’t planned to be near you til after the full moon. Just in case. But you're keeping up such a good pace and Talbert forced my hand.”

 

Carl risked a step closer to the Hunter. “Is there anything I can do?”

 

Van Helsing stopped and let Carl come nearer to him. He breathed deeply, forcing the wolf down. It helped that there was no alarm in the friar’s voice. If Carl had smelt of fear, the wolf would have wanted to leap but Carl’s trust in him gave him strength. “I’m alright now. It’s fading.”

 

Carl reached out to touch he friend’s shoulder, his tone one of curiosity. “Does it bother at night? While you’re sleeping I mean.”

 

“Not particularly. Why?”

 

“That cut really does need stitches. You’ve always been a fast healer and I’d imagine the wolf blood help too but without stitching you’ll have a terrible scar and it may not heal at all.” He straightened out the Hunter’s sleeping mat and laid a blanket over it then rummaged round in his bag. “Here.” He pressed a glass vial of cloudy liquid into Van Helsing’s hand. “It’s a sedative. Poppy juice. Bother Mark makes it. Drink it and come lay down.”

 

Van Helsing accepted the vial and dropped it back. The juice was bitter-sweet and thick on his tongue.

 

Carl smiled as Van Helsing lay down, carefully exposing his injured side to Carl’s reach. ‘He does trust me.’ he thought gladly as the sedative took effect. For a moment Van Helsing seemed to fight it but Carl laid a calming hand on his shoulder. “It’s alright. I’ll have it cleaned and stitched by the time you wake up.” And he started to stroke the Hunter’s dark curls. Van Helsing found the friar’s touch amazingly soothing and he let his eyes drift closed. 

 

It was dark when he woke. The moon had not yet risen but he could feel the wolf stirring inside. Carl was curled up on his sleeping mat on the far side of the dying fire. Van Helsing smiled to see Carl so at peace. The last few days had been hard on him but the friar had still made a point of making the Hunter as comfortable as possible. His side was clean, bandaged and surprisingly painless. A plate of food was set aside as well as a bottle of wine. ‘Ever considerate’ He thought smiling as he slid onto his back to stare up at the stars.

 

The full moon was just starting to peek through the trees and he could feel the wolf’s insistent pull. His first full moon had been hard and shockingly painful but he had mastered it by forcing himself to focus on the things that made him feel human. But laying here with Carl so close it was hard to deny that most of those thoughts were of the little friar. Of his long, dextrous fingers, his cute, messy hair, his soft, pouting lips. Oh God! The lack of distraction breeding temptation within him. Van Helsing bit hard of his lip and closed his hands, driving his nails into the skin of his palms leaving bleeding crescents. The wolf howled in his mind. It wanted Carl. Wanted to take him, hard. To mark him, claim him.

 

He moaned loudly at the thought then risked a glance across the fire to be sure he hadn’t woken his companion. The wolf poured images into his mind. How easy it would be, to stalk over there, to pin Carl to ground, to strip him, to take him…

 

Van Helsing rolled away from his slumbering friend, hoping to shut out the visions in his head. The pain of injured side helped him force down his rising lust. He couldn’t risk these thoughts now, not with Carl so near. He couldn’t let the wolf get the upper hand. Any slip up now could be disastrous for them both and he could not afford to lose the one thing that kept him sane.

 

He pushing down hard on his wounded flank, letting the waves of pain drown out the wolf’s cries. ‘No!’ He thought sternly to himself. The thought of committing the atrocity he had so recently protected Carl from was too terrible. He had to find a way to control it. Pain had helped before but it was not violence the wolf craved this time. He rolled onto his back and started unlace the ties of his pants. The wolf lusted and maybe in release he could find some peace and for Carl, some protection.

 

Van Helsing freed himself of his pants with a sigh. This was hardly a new thing to him or anyone who worked in the field alone. But he had to admit there was something uncomfortable about taking his pleasure while Carl was so close. Especially as it was Carl he’d been thinking of lately. He wrapped his fingers round his cock, squeezing gently and setting himself a slow steady pace. He needed to draw this out. To find the most shattering release to sate the wolf.

 

Reaching a comfortable rhythm, he closed his eyes and let the wolf take over. Let the images wash over him. Images of Carl. Of the firm body underneath the shapeless robes. Of those long clever hands. Of Carl’s lips and what they must taste like. Van Helsing had often found his attention drift to those sweet pouting lips while Carl was explaining the latest modifications to whatever toy he was playing with at the time. The wolf seized on this and Van Helsing found himself imagining Carl kneeling in front of him, peeling his fingers away. Gabriel could almost feel Carl’s touch as he surrendered his senses.

 

He imagined Carl taking hold of him, teasing him with the tip of his tongue. The blond locks brushing his hips as Carl tilted his face up to meet the Hunter’s eyes with that mischievous grin that always made Van Helsing’s heart beat harder. That cocky, irreverent little smile as those gorgeous lips enveloped him. Van Helsing groaned hard, bucked forward into that heavenly warmth. Carl’s warm hands caught his hips and pinned him down. It seemed that this time- Carl was in control.

 

The tiniest part of Van Helsing’s brain still running now that all the blood had rushed to his groin was slightly puzzled by this. In all his past fantasies of Carl, it had been him in control. The wolf wanted to dominate, to take. Not to be taken but as Carl’s teeth grazed the vein on the underside of his cock, he lost the thought completely, too overwhelmed by the fantasy. Carl tilted his head slightly and accepted Van Helsing’s full length into his throat. Gabriel lost what little control he had left and buried his hands in Carl’s golden hair, thrusting hard into the younger man’s warmth and howling Carl’s name to the moon as he came.

 

As the waves of orgasm crash over him, Van Helsing realised with horror how loud he’d been. There was no way he hadn’t woken Carl with his noise. Worse than that, there was certainly no way to explain what he was doing. He closed his eyes and tried to collect his thoughts. In his mind he could almost see Carl on the other side of the fire and any moment now one of them would have to speak. He braced himself to face the consequences of his actions but he felt soft strands slide between his fingers.

 

Van Helsing opened his eyes in shock to find Carl kneeling between his legs with a confused look on his face. Oh God what have I done? He scrambled to his feet and head for the far side of the fire, falling against a tree in disbelief.

 

Carl watched him with bemused expression and reached for the wine, discretely rinsing his mouth out and rubbing his jaw.

 

Seeing Carl wash away the evidence of his mistreatment was too much for Van Helsing. He had let out the wolf and it had abused the one thing he truly held dear. He lent his weight on the tree, his knees weakening as nausea assaulted him. How could he ever face Carl again when he had committed a far more terrible trespass than that which he had saved his friend from? His knees buckled; pitching his to the ground but strong arms caught him.

 

“Careful Van Helsing. I don’t want to have to re-stitch your side.” Carl steadied him against the tree trunk. “Are you alright?”

 

Carl’s voice, so kind and full of concern, stunned Van Helsing to the core. After what he’d done, how could Carl bear to touch him? Be near him? He pulled away unsteadily. “Forgive me Carl! Oh God please forgive me! I never meant for it to hurt you!” He stumbled and Carl’s arms were around him again.

 

“Sit down for God’s sake. Before you fall down.” Once he had the Hunter down Carl rushed to pour him some wine but Van Helsing refused it, his knees drawn up to his chest and head buried in his hands. “Van Helsing? What’s wrong?” but the Hunter wouldn’t answered. Carl crouched down at his side, running his hands through the dark curls. “Gabriel please. Talk to me.”

 

Van Helsing looked up to hear his first name fall from those sweet lips, still swollen and red. “Carl I’m so sorry. I never meant for this to happen. Everything I have done has been to protect you from harm and it is I who have hurt you.”

 

“How have you hurt me?” Carl asked almost teasingly.

 

“I…” Van Helsing faulted to put his shame into word. “I’ve taken advantage of you. Forced you to…” Carl’s caressing finger pressed against his lips, silencing him.

 

“You didn’t force me at all. If anything I took advantage of you.” He cupped Van Helsing’s face to stare into the dark eyes. “I saw you in pain, in need. And I knew what you needed.”

 

“How?” he stared into Carl’s face, searching to understand.

 

Carl smiled, stroked his hair lovingly. “The wolf fought a rival for it’s mate. In it’s eyes that makes me it’s. Yours.”

 

“But your first experience…Talbert…”

 

Carl laughed warmly. “Talbert was not my first. Although if it wasn’t for your intervention he may well have been my last.” He took Van Helsing’s hand and brought it to his lips, kissed his way down the calloused fingers. “I’m no innocent Gabriel and I understand what the wolf needs, what you need.” He brought Van Helsing’s hand to his neck, guiding it over the smooth skin of his throat.

 

Van Helsing shook with need to feel Carl’s skin. His own desire drowning out the wolf’s howls. “I don’t…” his voice cracking with emotion at the enormity of what Carl was offering him as the friar pulled off the heavy robe. “I’ve never done this with a man. I don’t want to hurt you.” Carl guided his hand over his chest.

 

“I trust you. You won’t hurt me. Let me guide you.” Carl caught the Hunter’s hand and led him over to his abandoned sleeping mat. Carl stripped off his pants and lay down, stretching out, exposing his naked body to Van Helsing.

 

Gabriel knelt beside him, running his hands over Carl’s soft skin. The wolf screamed in his mind. Over and over again it howled in triumph. Mine! Mine! it called but Van Helsing hesitated. “I…” he panted, trembling with desire. “I don’t want to take you just because that’s what the wolf wants.”

 

Carl sat up slightly, running his hand up the back of the Hunter’s thigh and pulling him forward. “Then take me because that’s what you want.” He tilted his head back, exposing the pale column of his throat.

 

The wolf moved before Van Helsing could react, nipping and sucking at Carl’s skin leaving a trail of red marks. Carl squeaked with surprise as the Wolf latched on to his nipple and sucked hard.

 

Gabriel released him as he fought to overcome its sudden burst “Forgive me Carl. It wants…”

 

“To mark me.” Carl breathed as Van Helsing kissed away the stinging bites. “I’m yours Gabriel.”

 

To hear Carl so willing, so submissive, made the wolf that little bit harder to repress. Gabriel nuzzled into the smooth skin of Carl’s neck, covering the friar’s lean body with his own. “Mine.” He growled, grabbing the little friar’s arms and pinning them above his head. He straddled the narrow hip, ploughing his rock-hard erection against Carl’s stomach with almost bruising force.

 

Carl bit his lip trying not to cry out. He knew this was the best way to help his friend but he could already see the eerie green glow returning to Van Helsing’s eyes.

 

The friction wasn’t enough for the wolf. In one swift movement it flipped Carl onto his stomach and dragged the friar’s hips up until he was on his knees.  

 

Carl threw his hands out to steady himself and whimpered between clenched teeth as the shock to his injured shoulder sent shotting pain through his body.

 

The cry of pain from his companion brought Van Helsing back to himself for a moment and he realised what he was doing. He had Carl bent over and ready for taking like the sacrifice on a pagan altar. Carl had offered himself up to the wolf’s lust for Gabriel’s sake. Van Helsing fell back in disgust. I would have done it. I would have forced him the same way Talbert would have. 

 

Van Helsing scrambled to his feet and made it a few paces before collapsing to his knees, heaving violently.

 

“Gabriel?” Carl was behind him, stepping carefully with bare feet. “Are you alright?”

 

Van Helsing managed to pull himself up stagger a few steps further before falling again. “Keep away from me Carl! For the love of God! I would have raped you! I’m no different to him!”

 

“No Gabriel. I give myself to you. Willingly. That’s the difference.” Carl pleaded, tried to reach for his friend but the Hunter launched himself to his feet and was off again. “Gabriel! Please!”

 

But there was no strength left in Van Helsing’s legs and he fell, landed heavily on his wounded side. He pulled himself into a tight ball, sobbing.

 

Carl dragged on his robe and threw his arms around his friend, whispering reassuringly. “I’m here for you Gabriel. Don’t be afraid.”

 

“Heard you.” Van Helsing gasped between shattering sobs. “I heard you tell him I was an honourable man. That I would never do such I thing. I would have hurt you Carl!”

 

“But you didn’t.” Carl ran his hands through Gabriel’s great mane of dark hair. “I’m here for you. I’ll always be here for you.”

 

The comforting caresses and the adoration in Carl’s voice pulled Van Helsing back, letting him gain control over both the wolf and his own horror. It was no longer carnal desire that ruled here but…love? Yes that was it. He loved Carl. It was that love that held him back from returning to Vatican when he realised what was wrong. Love that had fuelled his rage when he’d felt Carl’s pain at the hands of another. He hesitated, his head swimming with the revelation.

 

Gabriel cocked his head as if listening for some distant sound. The Wolf’s howl was fading to silence. He had control again. Complete control, even as the light of the full moon bathing them both in silvery light. “I can’t hear it. Carl! I can’t…” He laughed almost hysterically. “I can’t hear it anymore. Oh Carl. I think I’ve beaten it. We’ve beaten it!” He slumped wearily into Carl’s embrace.

 

Carl gently guided his friend back to their sleeping mat. The Hunter was heavy with fatigue. “Rest now Gabriel.” He lay down beside Van Helsing and pulled the blankets around them.

 

Gabriel gathered the little friar in his arms. “Oh Carl. Forgive me. I put you in such danger.”

 

Carl reached up to kiss the Hunter’s drowsy eyelids.

 

“You saved me,” Gabriel whispered as he caught Carl’s chin and held him. “and you knew what you were doing all along didn’t you?”

 

“Not all along,” He smiled. “but you’re worth the risk” and he lent in to kiss the Hunter, mouth open in invitation.

 

Van Helsing melted into Carl’s kiss, so warm and welcoming. He knew now that the wolf posed not threat to either of them. He threaded his hand in Carl’s blond-red hair and pulled him closer. “Stay with me tonight.” He whispered.

 

Carl chuckled warmly. “Tonight. Tomorrow. Forever.”