Khalia groaned, burying her face deep in her pillow.

"...Pillow?"

Raising, she shuddered before crashing back down. If someone smashed a brick across her head, gagged her with barbed wire and lit her on fire, it'd feel like this. The sun was in full bloom as the rays came through, making the room glow with yellow vibrancy. Soft voices came from her open window which drew more confusion. Sitting up slowly she released a string of curses.

Pain rocketed across her back. Sharp and throbbing, it pulsated with a life of its own. Luckily, she knew exactly what would help. Throwing the comforter off she swung her legs over the edge.

"What in the..." Intrigue appeared on her face at the bruises covering her skin. Cuts covered her knees and feet. Contusions gathered around her ankles, calves, and thighs. The way they bunched looked like handprints.

"Oh. Ohhhh."

Realization shone in her eyes as fragments of last night came back. A smile tugged her lips. Reaching behind her she dragged her hand across her back. Multiple welts and cuts, still fresh, caused her to suck air harshly through her teeth.

"Theo."

He had hoisted her up by her ass and shoved her bare body against a tree. Teasing her clit with his cock before burying himself deep in her pussy. They moaned instantaneously. She tightened around his dick, gasping as he drew back and thrusted. She winced as the bark broke skin with every thrust. Moans played out like a symphony in the forest. The man was endowed, and she begged for every inch of it.

He made her a submissive animal, and it was ecstasy. Wave after wave of endless pleasure. They must have been out there for hours, at least it felt like hours. She recalled asking for a break, then darkness.

"Well, that explains a lot." And she didn't die last night either. Win-win.

Yawning, pain zipped around in her mouth and down her throat. Another lovely reminder of Theo. Sighing, Khalia looked around, realizing he must have carried her back. She'll have to thank him for that. Pushing off the bed she stood.

"Son of a bitch!" Screaming, she crumpled on the floor. Pain vibrated between her thighs, and her pussy was throbbing, not in a good way.

"Lord, please don't let me walk funny."

Pulling herself up Khalia was grateful she was the only one present. This was embarrassing. Taking baby steps, she hobbled to her bag on the floor. Clothes were scattered around and hanging over the bag. She didn't recall the mess, but she also didn't recall much after the shower.

Pulling out gray leggings and a baggy black sweater, Khalia limped to the bathroom. She didn't need them to ask questions. Luckily, she didn't run into Marcus on the way. A twinge of guilt gnawed at her soul. Just a twinge though, she regretted absolutely nothing.

Locking the door, she caught her reflection in the mirror. Instantly she wanted to cry. Her kinky coils were matted and filled with knots, sticking out in every direction. Looking closer she saw bits of mud and leaves. Her lips swollen and tainted magenta; small bruises lined her jawline and chin. The most shocking were the purple and blue splotches on her throat. Extending her neck, she noticed they formed a large hand.

"Oh, come on!" Khalia groaned. There was no hiding this one. Her shoulders sagged and she limped into the shower. Hoping for no more surprises she let the water cascade down her body.

"OW! ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME?" Jumping from the warm water Khalia gritted her teeth harshly. Looking down a stabbing pain arose, and a frustrated moan escaped her. There was a wound on her tattoo. Upon closer inspection she saw multiple holes with crusted blood around them. The blood loosened pressure and ran down her legs. Studying further the gnarly site of it made her skin crawl.

It wasn't like your average love nip. The canines were huge, along with the other teeth marks. It was clean cut, not jagged. He did it right over the face of the wolf. Causing the eye to appear gouged out and the grin spotted. Bringing a hand up to her head, she slowly rubbed her scalp.

"I need a blunt."

*~*~*

It was a while until the sun touched her skin again. A sudden wardrobe switch left her wearing a white long sleeved turtleneck crop top. She was thankful it made it into the duffle because questions weren't necessary today. Lucking out with a first aid kit in the bathroom, she dressed the bite wound as well. Now, she was ready to socialize.

They had gathered around the Bears Den fire pit. Trinity had her hair pulled back in a ponytail; ocean blue eyes focused on the pot mixing over the fire. Jay and Joey were gathering more wood by the tree line while Alexa and Marcus chatted on a log. Both had cups in their hands and didn't notice her.

Curiously she glanced over at Theo's cabin. The blinds on the windows stayed close and the Tahoe didn't look moved recently. The mess around the campfire was clean. Leaving no trace of the previous night shenanigans. Concluding that he was sleeping, she smirked. Reveling in the fact that she was the reason.

"Ooouu! Good morning sunshine or should I say afternoon!" Alexa gleamed. Standing up she walked over to the cooler, tossing a water to Khalia before returning to her seat. She curled her lip at knowing she slept in so late.

Catching the bottle she moved to sit next to Marcus, hoping that her limp wasn't too obvious. Instantly he stood, not sparing her a glance and mumbled to Alexa. They watch him toss his cup in the fire, then head over to the guys. Khalia frowned.

"Look who's finally awake." Trinity, grabbing a towel, wrapped it around the pot. Removing it, she sat it down a few feet from the fire to cool. Walking over, she took Marcus's spot in-between Khalia and Alexa. A wicked glint was in her eye and a knowing smile on her lips.

If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.

"First, why are you walking like that? Second, did y'all use a safe word?" Trinity clasped Khalia chin, giving it a shake.

"Ah, stop! What have you heard?" Swatting her hand away she downed the rest of her water before crunching up the bottle.

Alexa snickered, "Marcus told us that Theo asked to talk to you alone. By talk he made sure to hip thrust the air. By how you look, lie detector confirms...he was telling the truth."

The women cackled at their discomfited friend. Khalia knew this wasn't going to die. A heavy sigh left her. Shrugging, she brought her hand up and yanked down the turtleneck. Squeals resounded in the clearing causing the nearby birds to take flight. The men turned in their direction then went on with their own conversation.

"Spill. Now." Trinity crossed her legs.

"Honestly, I can't remember much. I know we smoked; I was so fucked up."

"So were we. You don't see Joey's handprint embedded on my throat."

"Tell him to do better." She smirked when Alexa rolled her eyes.

"If Jay sees that he'll freak."

"Keep my brother out my sex life please."

"Sweetie," Trinity rested her hand on Khalia's leg, face feigning concern, "You're walking with a limp."

"Oh shit, that's why Marcus is all moody! He didn't the Punani-Dasani first?" Alexa looked at Marcus gathering wood by himself. Occasionally staring off into the forest before continuing.

"You're so annoying and no. Marcus left on his own, then we went to Theo's spot."

"Aww, fucking under the stars, how romantic." Trinity swooned.

Again, Khalia rolled her eyes at the hopeless romantic. "Yea I don't think I'd have so many cuts and bruises if it were romantic."

"What happened there?" Alexa pointed at her abdomen where the bandage was.

I-I think he bit me. Trust me with how it looks, I should remember it."

"Y'all some freaks." Alexa chuckled.

"Pfft, anyway have you guys seen him? I need to thank him for carrying me."

"Carried you! Awwe!" Trinity clasped her hands together making Khalia snort.

"No, we haven't seen him. Still sleeping?" Alexa stood up, dusting off her Denim shorts.

"Come on, let's go knock. We can invite him to eat. See if he fancies soggy bacon and Great Value Mac and Cheese."

The two ladies laughed. Mumbling curses, Khalia hobbled after them. Reaching Theo's cabin, they stepped onto the porch.

"Do you smell that?" Trinity wrinkled her nose.

The air around the porch had a heavy-duty funk to it. Like driving pass a landfill in mid-thaw spring. A mixture of rotten eggs, feces, and ammonia. A hint of moldy vegetation too lingered about. Alexa gagged and Khalia covered her nose. Trinity walked off the porch, dry heaving. The other two joined her. This was not an everyday stench. Khalia soon felt a hand on her back, then a good shove.

"You go knock, he's your stinky man." Alexa waved her hand in front of her face.

"He's not my man and he doesn't stink!"

"Well, you've claimed him for this week, so go knock."

Khalia sucked her teeth before heading back to the door. Hesitating she knocked lightly.

Nothing.

She knocked again, this time louder.

Still nothing.

Khalia put her hand on the knob. Hearing the click of the latch releasing she started pushing the door in.

"What can I do for you ladies?"

The women screamed. Khalia flinched violently, jumping and looking at the voice. Theo stood behind them. An unsympathetic expression blanketed his face as he watched the three. They squirmed under his gaze, searching for the words to get them out of this confrontation. A pressure seemed to come down on them after his arrival.

Khalia released the knob and sprinted down to him. He wore only black sweats that sagged around his hips. She made a mental note that he exercises without drawls. His body sheened, sweat cascading down into the defined curvatures of his abdomen. His hair was wet, clinging to his neck and the sides of his face. Unconsciously she scratched at the bandage over her tattoo.

"I-Uh, thank you. Do you eat food?"

A loud snort came from behind her. Alexa covered her mouth and tapped Trinity on the shoulder. Taking the hint, they scooted past Khalia. Giving Theo a quick nod and smile they ran back to their campsite laughing. Theo arched his brows then looked back at Khalia.

"Ha, I mean would you like to join us? We're about to eat some Easy Mac. Also, thank you so much for getting me back to the cabin."

Theo stared then gave her a warm smile. "No thank you Lia. I already ate. Let me apologize, are you hurt? I seemed to have gotten carried away."

His gaze went to her wound.

"Oh, um, no, it's fine. I liked it."

He laughed at that. It was dry and sounded almost hollow. Reaching out he captured her chin with his thumb and forefinger. She inhaled sharply when he glided his thumb across her swollen lips. Studying her face, she wondered what he was thinking.

"Thank you...for reminding me who I was." Leaning down he planted a chaste kiss on her forehead. Then on her lips where he stayed. His free hand tugged at the fabric around her neck.

"Don't ever hide what I made you beg for." Giving one last peck to her lips he walked by and headed inside his cabin. Enamored by what took place, she ignored the putrid smell that wafted out the open door.

"Khalia!"

Startled she turned around to see Jay jogging over. He gawked at Theo's cabin. His face held a bit of caution. Khalia could tell something was on his mind but didn't feel up to pressing him.

"Sup?"

"Gah-damn it smell like shit over here! Come on, Distraction Day has commenced. The guys and I are going to set up."

Khalia watched his eyes rake over her face, then neck, and finally her abdomen. Extending his hand, she flinched at the pressure he applied to her bandage and stepped back. A reddish-brown color began to form, and she realized she'd have to change it soon.

"...What did he do to you?"

"Nothing I didn't beg for."

"Jay grimaced, "You're fucking nasty."

Laughing she shoved him back towards camp. Giving a last look behind her she jumped, seeing Theo in the window, a smirk plastered on his face. For once his eyes weren't on her. Instead, she followed his gaze to the clearing. There was Marcus seated on top a picnic table. Her heart leapt when she saw his fixed stare. Like the latter, it wasn't focused on her. A sigh slipped while she watched the men glare daggers at each other.

"Three more days of this shit."