Even in these chains, you won't stop me

The sensation was electrifying, addictive, and exhilarating. Alastor had been her lifeline more times than she could count. He had been there with her when she had been beaten senseless by her father and mother both. He had been there when she had discovered her half-siblings existence, and he'd been there for the aftermath of her crimes against them. The man had seen her cry before, had seen her in pain before, had been there when she was vulnerable, and he was with her now. Pain still fogged her mind, but the scent of him in her nose and the press of his lips against hers in return, it helped her touch her paws to the earth again. The sight of him kissing her back made her eyes roll shut as his eyes closed, a soft feminine sound escaping her as she felt something shift in her. It was like the earth moved beneath her paws, her head spun and she was dizzy again, euphoria washing away the tortured thoughts of her past and present. He'd been the only wolf she could be all of herself with, he matched her violence, he matched her desire, he matched her. Even now, as she so desperately clung to reality, he made it all better. Lurid knew she would have been lost to herself a long time ago if not for him, he probably wasn't even aware that she needed him like that. The thought probably never crossed his mind that she needed him just as much as he needed her.

Their kiss ended abruptly, making a soft whine of protest leave her, but she had no need to. Locking eyes with him, Lurid was almost frightened by the intensity of emotion in his gaze. The change in the way he held her was tangible, from gentle assistance to full possessive, loving embrace. Then, it was his turn. Dipping his head to capture her lips once again, Alastor practically devoured her. She let her own rumbling purr escape her, fighting herself not to push too far. Lurid had known he was a loyal wolf, he'd been a steadfast friend, and a faithful one. But, now, with a blistering passion, she understood the depth of his devotion. Alastor was probably the only wolf she had ever truly trusted enough to have at her back, even with such a grievous wound.  He'd been on the receiving end of her best and worst, had been with her while she grew up, and he had come looking for her when things got bad at home. She had loved him for a long time, as a friend and as something more, but had never understood exactly how much until this moment. Perhaps, it had always been so. They had always been drawn to another for a reason, perhaps the fates knew they needed one another to function. He pulled her from her own hell and had placed her on her own little heavenly pedestal.

It was too soon when he ended their kiss a second time, causing her to give a soft whimper as he withdrew from her. "Alastor..." His name was whispered softly, but the need for him was in her unique voice, and no less intense. When she met his gaze this time, Lurid could see the desirous flames in his eyes that burned for her, it was a look he had never given to any other, and she treasured the expression. Now he didn't look so sad or angry, now he looked like he could eat her alive in the best way. The dark woman knew what he looked for when he searched over her face and met her eyes, and she gave it to him. A smile formed as he spoke, teasing her gently, and she found herself giggling softly with delight. "I'm here. I'm me again, I'm okay..." She did her best to reassure him that she was back in her head, even though she wasn't physically okay. Her leg still throbbed fiercely with every sped up heartbeat, but she did want more of him. Instead of taking him up on his offer, Lurid only smiled and shook her aching head before leaning into him for him to hold her and laying her now bruised forehead on his chest. It wasn't often she was afforded the luxury of comfort, and if Alastor was willing to give it - however brief it had to be - she was willing to take it.