Bringing the Inside Out
Pairing: Ares/Joxer, other
Rating: very NC-17
WARNING: Contains scenes of bestiality, do not read if this squicks you, I won’t say I told you so!
Disclaimer: they’re not mine okay, happy????
Thank you to whoever it was on the JP3_Alan_and_Billy list whose phrase ‘fucking like bunnies on speed’ I used at one point
Again for Toby, thanks for the beta, the title and help making it into a decent story. And my real friends, most of whom I’ve never even met, isn’t that sad. Gee, can you tell I’m in a bad mood?
Ares paused in the middle of battle, he had the feeling he was being watched. His eyes flicked over the battlefield until he saw two figures, fighting side by side. One of them turned briefly to look at him, as if feeling his gaze. He grinned and turned back to the fight.
Quickly and easily, he fought his way to the centre. He stopped again, growling when he saw Hercules, and fighting at his side, Iolaus. Then he frowned, his expression slowly turning to shock.
He didn’t even flinch when a sword was plunged through his shoulder. Calmly, his eyes never leaving his brother, he caught the warrior, pulled him under his arm and broke his neck. He pulled the sword from his shoulder, lifted it, and threw it straight into the chest of another warrior.
The battle was drawing to a close, most of the warriors still living from the opposing force were starting to run. Ares grunted in satisfaction, then turned his attention back to Hercules. He stalked over to his brother. Hercules glared at him, putting his hands on his hips.
"So, brother,” Ares’ voice held a hint of amusement, "Was it just my imagination, or were you fighting on *my* side?"
"Don’t get any ideas, Ares,” Hercules snapped, "I was fighting on the side of right.”
"Excuse me?" Ares raised his eyebrows, "Doesn’t me fighting on one side constitute wrong automatically?"
"We found out what was going on, and made our choice accordingly,” said Iolaus.
Ares snorted, "You mean, you stopped Hercules from rushing in against me, found out what was really going on and made him see sense.”
Iolaus ducked his head, but not before Ares caught a guilty grin. Hercules flushed, continuing to glare at his brother.
@>-->---
Strife watched his uncle with Hercules and Iolaus, then he looked down. "I think we should go over there don’t you?" He reached down and petted the wolf by his side. It snorted at him and pulled away, then growled lightly in the back of its throat.
"What? How is that cheating?"
The wolf cocked its head and made a whining noise.
Strife shuddered, "Okay, okay, maybe you’re right. Anyway, what you still doing here? He’s gonna wonder what you’re doing.”
The wolf sneezed and shook its head. Then it turned and ran over to Ares.
@>-->---
Hercules and Iolaus backed away slightly when a huge wolf bounded across the field towards them. Ares grinned. The wolf stopped next to him and butted its large head against his legs. Ares crouched down and wrapped his arms round his neck.
"Hey, where’ve you been?" he asked, gently stroking the thick fur. The wolf whined in the back of its throat and started to lick his face, cleaning off the blood.
Hercules and Iolaus exchanged confused glances as Ares groaned and allowed the wolf to push him back onto the ground, where it continued to lick him.
"New pet?" Hercules asked sarcastically. To his surprise the wolf lifted its head and turned to stare at him. Then it growled, baring its teeth. Ares caught the wolf around the neck.
"Baby,” he whispered. The wolf turned his attention back to Ares.
"Baby?" Hercules whispered to Iolaus.
"Um, Herc? It could just be me, but are they, uh are they *kissing*?"
Hercules stared at his brother in complete and utter shock, and not a little revulsion as he watched the wolf dip its tongue between the God’s lips.
Strife sauntered over casually. "So, Jerkules, what you doing here?"
Hercules dragged his eyes away from Ares, to look up at Strife. His mouth opened and he stared almost pleadingly, then pointed at Ares, who’d started to moan.
Strife looked down at the pair and snorted. "For Hades’ sake, would you two get a room?!” He winked at Hercules and Iolaus. "You know what newlyweds are like, always fucking like bunnies on speed!”
Hercules choked, "Newlyweds?"
Strife frowned at him, "Haven’t you spoken to Xena?"
Hercules gagged as he shook his head. Iolaus just blinked, continuously.
"Ahh!” Strife nodded knowingly. He looked down. "Yo, Uncs! Will you give it up? We’re getting an audience here!”
The wolf backed off and Ares sat up with a sigh, glaring at his nephew, then at the surrounding warriors who had cautiously approached.
"What?!” he snapped. "If it hadn’t been for your featherbrained husband, we’d still be on our honeymoon!”
"Oh, I see. When he’s featherbrained, he’s only my husband, may I remind you of his parentage?"
"Strife, don’t push it,” said Ares quietly. "Now what was it you wanted?"
"Xena hasn’t spoken to Jerkules and Blondie here yet,” Strife snorted, "He thinks you’re makin out with a wolf!” He bent over and started to laugh.
Hercules stared at him, "But he *was* making out with a wolf,” he shuddered.
Ares stared at his brother, his lips twitching in amusement. He reached over to the wolf and pulled it into his lap. The wolf whined and nuzzled his neck.
"Shall we end the suspense, baby?" he asked. The wolf yipped and began to lick his mouth again. Hercules, Iolaus and the warriors brave enough to stick around, watched in horrified fascination as the wolf’s legs began to slim down and lengthen. Its muzzle shortened and its ears shifted down its head, becoming rounder. The pelt melted into clothing. Within a few seconds, a young man sat in Ares’ lap, kissing him hungrily. The last few soldiers, broke and ran.
After a couple more seconds, he pulled away and turned to Hercules and Iolaus, grinning.
"Hi guys!”
"J-Joxer?" Iolaus exclaimed. Hercules couldn’t even speak. Ares stood up, carrying Joxer with him. Gently he deposited his husband on the ground, then wrapped an arm round him.
"Well, I was going to make an official announcement but, whatever. Hercules, Iolaus, you know Joxer the Mighty, meet Joxer, my consort, immortal werewolf and 1st Protector of War.” Hercules’ jaw dropped.
Joxer elbowed Ares in the stomach.
"What?"
"Protector of War?" Joxer raised an eyebrow. Ares shrugged.
"Sounds good to me,” said Strife with a grin. Joxer smiled at him.
Iolaus finally managed to pull himself together and smiled, sort of, "Wow, I’m guessing there’s quite a story here.”
Joxer nodded, "Yeah you could say that.”
"Why first protector?"
"Jett and Jace,” said Strife.
"You mean they’re werewolves too?" Iolaus asked in surprise.
Joxer nodded, "It’s how we were born.”
"Well, it explains how Jett manages to pull off some of his stunts,” Iolaus chuckled.
Ares pulled Joxer round into a hug, "If you don’t mind, now we’ve sorted out Cupid’s mess, Joxer and I have things to get back to!” He gripped Joxer’s hair and kissed him fiercely, then the couple disappeared. Strife smirked at the empty space.
Hercules finally snapped out of his daze, "Cupid’s mess?"
"Yeah, Flyboy got a bit arrow-happy,” Strife chuckled, "Managed to make this girl fall for the wrong guy. She wasn’t pleased when she found out he don’t swing that way, if you know what I mean?" he winked.
"And that caused all this?" Iolaus asked, looking round at the carnage.
"Yeah, she went crying to her Warlord daddy.”
"Wait, I’m confused,” said Hercules.
"So what’s new?" Strife giggled.
Hercules frowned at him. "Ares said Cupid was your husband?"
"Yeah, that’s right. The Love dude and I have been together for like, ever!”
"But Psyche?"
Strife snorted, "That was cover man! Mortals don’t deal well with pregnant Gods, you know. Bliss is my son, mine and Cupe’s.” He paused, "Talking of my honey, what am I doing here with you? Unc had the right idea, see ya!”
"Wait! What about…”
"If you want to know bout Unc and Jox, ask Xena. I’m outta here.” Strife flashed away.
Hercules stared at Iolaus, who shrugged. "Let’s find Xena and Gabrielle.”
"Yeah,” Hercules nodded vigorously.
Part 2
Joxer rolled Ares onto his back and pushed his arms over his head. He stared down at his husband and smiled, then leaned down and kissed him. Ares moaned, sucking on lips and tongue as they teased his mouth.
Joxer shifted slightly, rubbing his cock against Ares’. Ares moaned again and thrust his hips up. He tried to lift his arms and was surprised when Joxer pushed them back down. Then he grinned at the smaller man. Joxer smiled down at him, continuing to grind his pelvis against him.
Joxer transferred Ares’ arms to one hand and reached down. He lifted up slightly and grasped Ares’ shaft.
"Oil,” he growled. Ares moaned and with a thought, lubricated his cock and Joxer’s ass. Joxer guided Ares’ erection to his opening and pushed down, growling again. Ares sighed, his eyes closing briefly as he was engulfed by tight, hot flesh. Joxer sat all the way down, impaling himself.
He leaned forward again, pinning Ares’ arms back with both hands. Ares bucked impatiently and he grinned. He stared down at Ares, smiling, but not moving. Ares blinked questioningly and tried to lift his arms again. Joxer pushed them down.
"Baby?"
Joxer lifted up, barely an inch and sat down again. Ares groaned.
"Jox, please.”
Joxer shook his head, then clenched his ass. Ares gasped and his hips bucked again. Joxer closed his eyes, growling quietly in the back of his throat. His form began to shift and Ares felt claws start to dig into his wrists.
Joxer leaned down and began to lick his neck, tongue growing slightly, becoming rougher. Then finally he began to move, lifting his hips and slamming back down. As his teeth lengthened and sharpened, he nipped gently at Ares’ skin.
Ares groaned and writhed under him, thrusting his hips up to meet each downward stroke.
"Joxer,” he gasped, "I want to touch you.”
Joxer finally let go of his arms and Ares left thin trails of blood down his back as his hands slid down to his ass. Using his formidable strength, he lifted Joxer until he was almost off him, then pulled him back down, hard.
Joxer threw back his head and howled, his claws tore at Ares’ chest, drawing blood. He fell forward onto his husband’s body, panting harshly as their pace increased. Ares began to push into him, more and more urgently, and Joxer growled continuously, as he hit his pleasure spot again and again.
As Joxer’s body began to shudder, he opened his jaws and laid his teeth against Ares’ skin. Ares tipped back his head, exposing his neck, at the same time he reached between them and stroked Joxer’s shaft.
Joxer jerked hard and his jaws clamped down on Ares’ neck. Sharp teeth sliced through skin; hot, coppery blood gushing down his throat as his seed jetted into Ares’ hand.
"Jox, baby, yes!” Ares grasped Joxer’s ass, pulling him down hard, as his come shot deep inside Joxer’s shuddering passage.
Joxer collapsed bonelessly on top of Ares, gently licking the blood from his skin as the wounds healed under his tongue. He nuzzled Ares’ neck, sighing happily as his husband wrapped his arms around him. He melted back into human form.
"I love you, my beautiful wolf.”
Joxer sighed again, and kissed the clean, smooth skin beneath him. "I love you, Ares.”
He lifted his head and leaned forward to drop a kiss onto Ares’ lips. Then he got up and shifted round to the top of the bed, lying on his side. Ares pulled him closer, resting his head on his stomach as he transformed into a wolf. They fell asleep curled up together.
@>-->---
Ares woke suddenly and scanned the room. He had the distinct impression something was wrong. Seeing nothing, he reached out his power to search the area for anyone or anything that shouldn’t be there. Again there was nothing.
He sighed, deciding he was being paranoid and snuggled back into Joxer’s fur. Joxer snuffled in his sleep and Ares gently stroked his ears until he quietened.
@>-->---
When Ares woke again, Joxer was huddled in the corner of the bed, whimpering, large tears rolling down his muzzle. Ares sat up and pulled the shuddering wolf into his arms.
"What is it, baby?"
Joxer sniffed and whined, nuzzling at Ares’ neck. Then he pulled back and snapped his jaws in the air.
"What do you mean you’re stuck?" Joxer whined again. "You can’t transform?" Joxer shook his head. "Try again.”
Joxer’s eyes filled with tears again and he shook his head. Ares hugged him, hiding the slight panic he was feeling.
"It’s okay baby, I’ll fix it, I promise.”
He transported them to Hera’s temple, dressing himself on the way.
"Mother!” he yelled.
"Ares, do you have to shout?" Hera appeared. "Hello, Joxer.”
"Mother, something’s wrong. Joxer’s stuck in wolf form,” Ares couldn’t quite keep the worry out of his voice. Joxer nudged his hand and he crouched down, gently stroking his ears.
Hera frowned, "That isn’t possible. Joxer was born a werewolf, both wolf and human are his natural forms.”
She stepped forward and crouched in front of Joxer. "Joxer, will you try to transform for me?"
He nodded. Nothing happened. He whimpered and Ares buried his face in his neck, whispering comfortingly.
"I don’t understand,” said Hera in confusion, "Nothing feels wrong.”
Ares looked up suddenly, "Something was wrong during the night.”
"What do you mean?"
"I woke up and it felt like someone had been there, or something, but when I checked, there was nothing. Except Joxer’s sleep was a little disturbed.”
"Have you checked to see if Jett and Jace are affected?"
Ares shook his head, trying to comfort the shaking wolf in his arms.
"Strife, Cupid,” Hera called her grandsons. After a couple of minutes, she tutted, "Boys, here, now!”
Two very dishevelled and sulky looking young Gods finally appeared. They took one look at Ares’ face and the crying wolf and turned to their grandmother.
"What’s happened?"
"Joxer is stuck in wolf form,” she explained. "I want you boys to find out if the same has happened to his brothers.” The couple nodded and vanished.
"It’ll be fine son, I promise.” She squeezed Ares’ shoulder, tactfully ignoring his hitching breath. A few minutes later Strife and Cupid reappeared, each with a triplet in tow.
"Joxer?" Jace hurried over to his brother. He transformed into a wolf and sniffed him. Joxer whined at him and Jace licked him. Jace transformed back.
"He says he can’t feel his human form, I don’t understand,” Jace looked worried.
"If he can’t feel it, it isn’t there,” said Jett.
"What do you mean?" Jace asked.
"I’ve been to a lot of strange places with my work, I’ve had the opportunity to research our people.” He looked at Hera, "As no one’s ever bothered to explain it to us.” Hera flushed.
"So, how about you explain it to us,” Jace said sarcastically.
Jett stared at his brother coldly, "Well, we’re an ancient immortal race. We can’t make other werewolves by biting or scratching others, despite the legends. We can mask our presence from the Gods," he smirked, "And they can’t read our minds, although they can understand us in animal form to a certain extent. The only thing I’ve ever heard about losing one of our life forms, is punishment by elders,” he explained.
"So an elder werewolf may have taken Jox’s human form?" Jace asked. Jett nodded.
"But why? Since when does Joxer deserve punishment like this?" Ares demanded.
Jett shrugged, "I don’t have those answers.”
"Where did we come from?" Jace turned to Hera.
Hera sighed, "I suppose I should have spoken to you, after you saved Ares.”
"You think?" Jett asked sarcastically.
"You were taken from your parents at birth, to hide your origins. Your mother, Jalaya, is the oldest living werewolf in existence. Your father is dead, he was also a werewolf. Immortal you are, unkillable you are not. The legend about silver is true,” she sighed. "The main reason I didn’t tell you is because we can’t find Jalaya. We had hoped to reunite you and let her explain your people to you. There are very few werewolves left, and even I don’t fully comprehend them.”
"This is fascinating, I’m sure, but how do we find out who did this and fix it?" Ares snapped.
"We can mask our presence from Gods, but not from each other,” Jett smirked, "I’m sure we could find whoever did this.”
"Let’s go then,” said Ares, getting to his feet.
"You can’t come.”
"I beg your pardon?" Ares gripped Jett by the throat in a lightning move. "I’m coming whether you like it or not!”
Joxer butted him in the legs and growled. Ares let Jett go.
Jett glared at his brother-in-law. "You can’t come, because as far as I can tell, our people don’t like the Gods. Your presence might jeopardise our chances.”
"I have to go. If I have to be mortal, so be it,” Ares growled.
Jett raised his eyebrows in surprise, "Fine, have it your way.”
Joxer whined and Ares crouched down beside him. "I have to baby, you know that.” Joxer licked his face gently. "I’ll be fine. It’s you I’m worried about.”
"Do you want us to come?" asked Strife.
"No, thank you, keep an eye on things up here. You know the plans,” Ares replied.
Strife nodded, "No probs.”
"I can’t come, I’m sorry Joxer,” said Jace quietly. Joxer whined and Jace smiled at him, "I love you too, brother.”
"Well, I got nothing on right now, but, I don’t know. You think we might need help?" Jett asked Hera. She nodded.
"Why?" Ares growled, "Even mortal, I can beat anyone. And Jett is almost as good as Xena.”
"Thanks,” Jett said sarcastically.
"Because,” Hera raised her voice warningly, "You don’t know where you’ll be going, for how long, or how many people will try to kill you while you’re mortal.”
Joxer whined and nudged Ares.
"Okay, okay, we’ll ask Xena.” Joxer whined again. "Well, she’s not going to go anywhere without her is she?"
"What about Hercules?" Jett asked.
"What about him?" Ares growled.
"Well, he’s a friend of Joxer’s and that Iolaus is a cute, ah, good guy.”
Ares had to bite his lip to stop himself from laughing. "Fine, we’ll ask them too.” He turned to Hera, "Can you ask father about making me mortal? And some way to get my Godhood back quickly if there’s an emergency.”
She nodded and concentrated. There was a flash.
Ares looked down at himself. "Damn, I hate being mortal!”
"He says just call him, it’s unusual enough that it’ll get his immediate attention.” Ares nodded. "Jace, I’ll send you home, the rest of you to Xena and Hercules.” The last word was hissed more than spoken. Ares’ lips twitched with amusement.
"Good luck Pops, Joxer,” Cupid hugged the wolf and then his father before he could protest. Ares nodded.
"Yeah, g’luck Uncs,” Strife waved at them as they disappeared.
Part 3
"So that’s the story,” Xena finished.
"Wow,” said Iolaus, "And it turned out Ares had always loved him?" She nodded. "I didn’t think he knew Joxer even existed.”
"I know, me either.”
"You didn’t know about the demon, Gabby?" Hercules asked.
"Didn’t have a clue,” Gabrielle replied.
There was a flash and the four leapt to their feet.
"Ares!” Hercules exclaimed.
Xena smiled at the wolf and glared at Jett. "What’s going on?" she asked Ares. "I thought you two would be, well, you know,” she gestured vaguely.
"Yeah well, we would be if, one, Cupid hadn’t started a war, and two, if Joxer wasn’t stuck as a wolf,” Ares said angrily.
"Never stopped you before,” Gabrielle muttered. Ares glared at her.
Xena stared at Joxer, "Is it true?" she asked. Joxer nodded. "I’m sorry Joxer.” The wolf whined quietly.
"So why’s Joxer stuck as a wolf?" Iolaus asked.
"We think another werewolf has taken his human form,” Jett replied, staring at him. Iolaus met his eyes and his cheeks pinked. He looked away quickly. "But why?" he asked.
"We’ll find out if I let them live long enough to explain,” Ares snarled, "Once we’ve found whoever it was.”
"I take it you’d like us to help?" asked Xena. Ares stared at her, until Joxer growled at him.
"Yes, we’d like you to help,” he said quietly.
"Man, you are so whipped,” Jett chuckled.
"Fuck you!” Ares snapped.
"No thanks, I like blonds,” Jett glanced sideways at Iolaus, who flushed again. Joxer made a noise that sounded like laughter. Ares crouched down beside him and stroked his ears.
"You’re no help, you know that?" he whispered. Joxer snorted and licked his mouth, slowly and deliberately. Ares groaned, his grip tightening in Joxer’s fur as he kissed back.
"Euw, do you have to do that?" Gabrielle exclaimed. Hercules was pale and staring intently at his feet. Ares pulled back and glared at her. Joxer whined. "I’m sorry Joxer, I know it’s you and everything, but it’s still gross.”
"Get used to it,” Ares snapped. He dropped a kiss on Joxer’s muzzle and stood up, resting a hand on Joxer’s head. "Will you help?" He looked round at the four. Xena, Gabrielle and Iolaus nodded. He stared at Hercules, who sighed.
"Okay, okay.”
"Good, let’s go.”
@>-->---
"So, where are we headed?" Iolaus asked Jett as they walked in front of the others.
"I’ve heard of a place that’s supposed to be like a gathering place for werewolves. I thought it would be a good place to start.”
Iolaus nodded. He watched Jett walk out of the corner of his eye. Then he realised Jett was watching him watch him, and he looked away quickly.
"So, how have you been?" Jett asked quietly.
Iolaus cleared his throat nervously, "Uh, fine, good. You?"
Jett flashed him a grin, "Better for seeing you.”
Iolaus choked. He choked so badly he had to stop and bend over. Jett watched him with hooded eyes and then sniggered as Hercules ran forward.
"What’s wrong? What did you do?" He glared at Jett.
Jett raised his eyebrows, "Nothing, just exchanging pleasantries.” He smirked when he caught the glare from Iolaus.
Ares frowned and crouched next to Joxer, "What’s with those two?" he whispered.
Joxer made a strange noise like he was trying not to laugh. Then he yipped and whined.
"No way?!” Ares chuckled, "You mean they…? I’d never have guessed!”
"What is with everyone?" Gabrielle stared at them all in astonishment; Ares, Joxer and Jett all sniggering, Iolaus still recovering from choking and Hercules glaring at Jett.
Xena shrugged, "I think this is going to be an interesting journey.” She smiled at the group.
@>-->---
Once everyone was back under control, they started walking again. Joxer trotted forward to walk beside his brother, now that Iolaus had dropped back with Hercules.
He whined. Jett looked back then shrugged and morphed into a wolf. Ares watched Iolaus curiously and was surprised to see no disgust, only awe on the hunter’s face.
Xena and Gabrielle fell into step with him and he glanced at them.
“Ares.”
“Xena.”
“Are you worried?"
Ares sighed, “Yes.”
“What will happen if Joxer doesn’t get his human form back?" she asked.
“Nothing.”
“Nothing?"
Ares frowned at her, “Nothing. Wolf or human, Joxer is Joxer and I love him.”
Xena sighed, “I guess. It’ll be hard though, won’t it?"
Ares shrugged, “Not for us.”
Xena stared at him for a moment. “Make sure he knows that,” she said quietly.
Ares looked thoughtful, it wasn’t something that had occurred to him, that Joxer might not realise that it made no difference to him if he ever got his human form back, except maybe for missing the sound of his voice. “I do, I will, every day.”
He glanced up at the two wolves leading the way. As if feeling his gaze, Joxer looked back and their eyes locked. Ares smiled sadly and Joxer turned and ran towards him. Everyone stopped to watch Ares drop to his knees and catch the large wolf in his arms.
Ares buried his face in Joxer’s fur, “Oh my beautiful wolf,” he whispered. Joxer growled, then whined. Ares pulled back and stroked his ears gently. “I’m fine. Whatever the outcome, I’ll always love you, Joxer,” he whispered.
Joxer nuzzled his neck and gently nibbled his ear. Ares chuckled, "Later, baby.” Joxer snorted and licked his face. Ares hugged him once more, then stood, resting his hand on Joxer’s head. They looked at the other’s who were staring at them.
“What?" Ares asked almost defensively.
Hercules shook his head, “I just never would have thought to see you so loving.” Gabrielle nodded in agreement.
“I just like seeing you two together. Although I certainly didn’t expect the God of War to be one half of the most beautiful couple I’ve ever seen,” Iolaus said quietly.
Joxer whined and trotted over to Iolaus where he licked the hunter’s hand.
“He says thank you,” said Jett quietly, having transformed back to human form.
Iolaus glanced at Jett and gave the assassin a shy smile. "I meant it,” he said quietly. Jett smiled at him.
“As long as Joxer’s happy, I’m happy,” said Xena finally.
Ares put his hands on his hips. "Now that we have everyone’s opinion, can we please get underway?!” he glared at his companions.
Jett smirked at him and they all started walking again.
Part 4
“It’s too dark to carry on, can we please stop now?" Gabrielle asked. Ares glared at her, but kept silent when Joxer nudged him.
“Yeah, let’s find somewhere to camp," said Hercules with a barely stifled yawn.
They walked a little way off the trail until they found a clearing. Gabrielle lit a fire while everyone settled their belongings.
“It’ll be quickest if Joxer and I hunt for dinner,” said Jett. The others nodded in agreement.
Ares stroked Joxer’s ears. “Be careful, love,” he whispered. Joxer snorted and licked him. Jett morphed into a wolf and they trotted off together.
Iolaus watched them disappear into the trees until he felt Ares’ eyes on him and he looked away, flushing. His emotions were all over the place. He had thought he’d gotten over his feelings for Jett, but obviously not.
They’d had a thing for a while, regular, casual sex whenever they’d bumped into each other. But he’d withdrawn when he’d realised his heart was involved, knowing the assassin would never feel the same way.
The fact that Jett was a werewolf didn’t change anything. And the way Jett was acting was making him rethink the possibilities. Iolaus shook his head with a sigh, it really wasn’t a good idea to get into wishful thinking.
It didn’t take long for Jett and Joxer to return, Jett back in human form carrying several rabbits and small birds. Joxer carried an already half-eaten rabbit in his jaws.
Gabrielle grunted at Jett when he handed her the food and he rolled his eyes at her.
“Greedy pig!” Ares chuckled at Joxer, “Couldn’t wait?" Joxer cocked his head and whined. Ares smiled at him. “I know, I hate being hungry. I *hate* being mortal.”
Hercules and Xena looked up, “You’re mortal?!” they exclaimed simultaneously.
Ares glanced at them, “Yeah, what of it?" he snapped.
Hercules frowned, “Why?"
Ares was tempted to tell Hercules where to go, but for Joxer’s sake he decided to maintain the peace. “Because, werewolves apparently don’t like Gods.” He ignored Hercules’ nod, “My normal presence would possibly have jeopardised our chance to help Jox. And there was no way I wasn’t coming along,” he glared at Jett, who just smirked at him.
Hercules nodded silently. He still couldn’t quite get over his brother’s relationship with Joxer. Xena watched the whole proceedings silently, as she sharpened her sword.
“Yo, Gabrielle, any chance of some food this decade?" Jett drawled.
“If you want it cooked, you’ll have to wait!” she snapped irritably.
“Doesn’t bother me, chuck me one now,” he said.
She glared at him and threw a half-cooked rabbit at him. He smirked at her and transformed into a wolf, bolting the rabbit down in two snaps of his jaws.
Iolaus and Ares stared enviously at the two wolves as their stomachs rumbled. Gabrielle looked faintly nauseated and Hercules grimaced in disgust. Xena continued to watch in silence.
Finally the food was ready and they all ate ravenously, despite it being slightly burnt on the outside.
“Oh, that’s better,” Ares groaned, lying back, pillowing his head on Joxer’s forelegs. Joxer lifted his head and licked him. Ares smiled and closed his eyes, relaxing against Joxer’s warm fur. The camp was silent as everyone dozed quietly.
Part 5
Ares woke to Joxer nuzzling his neck. “Hey baby,” he whispered. He looked round the camp, everyone else was still asleep, except for Iolaus, who was nowhere to be seen. Jett was still curled up in wolf form.
“Want to slip away for a while?" Ares whispered.
Joxer answered him with a slow, suggestive lick on his lips. Ares grinned and stood up. They slipped quietly away.
Jett lifted his head and watched them go. He looked round the camp then stood and sniffed the air, before trotting off in a different direction.
@>*~
Iolaus sat with his feet in the river, staring up at the moon. Jett watched him for a while, then approached him quietly, licking the unsuspecting man’s ear.
“Hades!” Iolaus swore in shock. “Jett, shit, don’t sneak up on me like that!”
Jett transformed into his human form, chuckling slightly. “Sorry. How’d you know it was me, anyway?" he asked curiously.
Iolaus shrugged, “Just did.”
Jett sat next to him and pulled off his boots, dunking his feet in the river. He lay back on the grass, closing his eyes and sighing contentedly. Iolaus felt distinctly awkward as he stared down at Jett.
“Relax,” said Jett, not opening his eyes.
Iolaus blinked and lay back next to him. “So, how come you never told me about the werewolf thing?" he asked quietly.
Jett turned his head, staring at Iolaus. “It was a secret. Besides, I didn’t think it would be an attractive feature, if you know what I mean!” Iolaus hmmm’d thoughtfully. “So, why did you break it off?" Jett asked.
Iolaus frowned, “Break what off? We fucked occasionally.”
Jett’s face was inscrutable. “Was that all it was to you?"
Iolaus flushed and looked away, “Wasn’t it to you?"
Jett turned onto his side and propped his head up. “No,” he said softly.
Iolaus’ eyes snapped back to Jett’s face. He stared searchingly at the assassin. “Really?" he whispered. Jett nodded seriously. “Oh,” Iolaus breathed out heavily.
“Why did you break it off?" Jett repeated.
“Because I wanted it to be more than just a casual fuck,” Iolaus whispered.
“It was.”
Iolaus sucked in a breath and blinked. He smiled shyly up at Jett, who smiled back, his face, for once, completely open. Jett lay back again, his hand moved over to find Iolaus’ and they wove their fingers together.
“Jett?"
“Yeah.”
“What’s it like? I mean, you know, when you’re a wolf?" Iolaus stumbled nervously over the question.
Jett smiled, “I don’t know, never done it, not even merged.”
“Merged?"
“Yeah, you know combination of wolf and man,” Jett explained. “We could go see though,” he muttered to himself.
“What?" Iolaus turned his head to frown at Jett.
Jett sat up, “Come on.” He pulled his boots back on and waited for Iolaus to do the same. He hauled the hunter to his feet and dragged him along.
“Where are we going?" Iolaus asked.
“Shh, you’ve got to be really quiet,” Jett whispered.
Iolaus became aware of noises and followed silently. Jett stopped in some trees and pushed aside a branch, beckoning Iolaus over. Iolaus peered through the gap and barely held back his gasp.
Part 6
Ares and Joxer walked a reasonable distance from the camp before they stopped. Ares took a deep breath and sighed happily, staring at the clear sky. Joxer nuzzled his groin gently.
“Oh Jox,” Ares groaned, hardening quickly at Joxer’s insistent nudging. He quickly pulled off his vest and knelt down, pulling Joxer’s head up. Joxer lapped at his mouth and he sucked on the large, rough tongue. His own tongue flicked out occasionally, stroking carefully over sharp teeth.
Joxer whined and pulled away. Ares quickly took off his boots and pants and sat down. Joxer lifted his forelegs onto Ares’ shoulders and pushed him back onto the ground. Ares sighed deeply as Joxer’s warm tongue lapped his neck and down his chest.
He reached down and slipped his hand between Joxer’s hind legs, gently rubbing the hard length emerging from its sheath. Joxer growled low in his throat, continuing to lick Ares thoroughly.
“Yes, lover, so good,” Ares panted. Joxer moved out of his reach and he lay back groaning again when Joxer’s tongue started on his cock. “Oh Gods,” he gasped quietly.
Joxer bathed his shaft with long, firm licks leaving him breathless and writhing. “Wait, Jox.” Joxer looked up, whining in surprise. Ares smiled at him and rolled over, getting on his hands and knees. Joxer whimpered softly.
“I know, I didn’t think to bring oil,” Ares whispered. “But I need you, baby.” Joxer paused for a second, then he licked Ares’ ass. “Oh yes… good idea.”
Joxer swept his large, rough tongue across Ares’ asshole, before plunging it into him. Ares jerked under him and dropped to his elbows, pushing back, urging Joxer deeper.
After thoroughly licking his husband, Joxer slowly withdrew and lifted himself over Ares’ body. They were vaguely aware of a noise, but ignored it as Joxer’s heavy cock slid slowly into Ares.
Ares’ eyes closed in ecstasy as he was stretched and filled to the hilt. “Yes, love, deeper,” he groaned. Joxer paused for a moment and Ares groaned again. Joxer dipped his head and licked the back of Ares’ neck before he started to move again, agonisingly slowly.
“Oh,” Ares’ breath hitched. Joxer’s cock brushed over his pleasure spot with the whole stroke. Each thrust was slow and deep and left Ares panting for more.
“Jox, Jox, please,” he begged. Joxer gently took Ares’ neck in his jaws and continued his tortuous pace. Ares shifted his weight onto one arm and reached between his legs to grasp his aching cock.
Joxer growled lightly and his teeth grazed Ares’ skin. “Need to, love,” Ares panted, tugging hard on his erection. Joxer whimpered and started to move faster.
“Yes, baby, yes!” Ares yelled, his entire body stiffening as he came hard. Joxer threw back his head and howled, jerking into Ares, filling his husband with hot seed.
“Oh my dear love,” Ares whispered contentedly. Joxer licked away the small amount of blood he’d drawn with his teeth, then gently pulled out. Ares collapsed onto the ground and reached round to pull Joxer close. He snuggled up to the warm fur.
Joxer licked his face and yipped.
“I love you too, my beautiful wolf,” Ares whispered with a smile.
Page 2
Xena Series Index