Alpha and Omega

Chapter 42

After breakfast the next morning, Gwen and Bucky started their hike toward the wolves' den, backpacks full of water and jerky on their backs. Gwen stayed in human form as they walked together, enjoying the trek through the woods with the man beside her. Bucky was just as excited as he was the day before to meet the wolves. "This is so cool!" He informed her for the millionth time.

Gwen giggled and held his hand as they walked. There was a well-worn trail that the wolves used, so the hike wasn't difficult even on two legs. "Because we're going to see the wolves?"

"Yes, and I'm spending time with you."

She smiled and bounced up and kissed his cheek. "That's definitely the best part," she agreed with a grin.

"Maybe we can get our own place, what do you think?" Bucky threw the comment out casually, but the offer was genuine. He wanted to make a life with Gwen, and the best way to do that would be for them to move in together officially.

She smiled warmly, considering the offer as they walked. "That sounds wonderful, but can we? Don't we need to live in the tower to be part of the team?" She didn't want to take Bucky from his life, but she did want a home of her own.

"Not necessarily. There are options and I can still be an Avenger,"

She nodded and beamed up at him. "Then it sounds wonderful," she purred. Their own place really did sound great.

"Great! It may be a little while, but I'll work on it." A lot of planning would have to go into how Bucky would remain an Avenger and live outside the tower, but he'd make it work.

She nodded again, relaxed and happy. She was herself in the woods, a wolf in her heart and should. "There's no rush. We've only been dating not even two months," she reminded him, though she was already daydreaming of marrying him and having puppies and he could practically see the daydream in her eyes. It was just a daydream, so it wasn't anything too serious. They were a good couple, but still at the beginning of their relationship.

He kissed her softly, "It feels like longer." It felt like they knew each other forever and not just a few months.

She kissed him back the kiss soft, gentle and chaste. "It feels like I've known you my entire life," she agreed "And loved you just as long." He felt like her alpha, even though he wasn't a wolf.

He melted at her words. "I'm 4 times older than you."

She shrugged. "So? I'll live forever. Age doesn't matter"

He'd forgotten that particular point. "Oh right. Then I'm even more lucky to have you. "

She giggled and they continued on their way to the wolves' den. It wasn't that far of a walk. Gwen paused before they approached and howled a greeting. They were met with barks of reply and the wolves came out of the den to swarm around them. Bucky found himself marveled at the wolves and how many different colors they were.

The honey-colored puppy from the previous day remembered Bucky and trotted right over to him on unsteady puppy legs. He picked her up with a grin. "Hey little darling! You're even more cute in the daytime!" She yipped happily and licked his cheeks, her tiny tail wagging. "Oh, if only I was allowed to take you home. But that's not fair to you or your pack." He kissed her furry head and eskimo kissed her.

Gwen giggled as she watched the pair. "You're going to love werewolf puppies," she told him

"What if the serum overrides the wolf gene? Would you be disappointed in halfway wolves or human offspring?"

She shook her head. "I'd never be disappointed in my child," she replied as the puppy licked Bucky's nose, wiggling her entire body happily as she tried to wag her tail He cradled the pup, and rubbed her belly. Gwen was on her knees petting all the wolves who wanted to see her.

Bucky watched her fondly "You can shift, if you want to," he told her. He didn't want to limit her to one form.

She shook her head. "I'm ok," she replied and got back to her feet to lead him to the den proper. It was a nice cave these wolves had.

"They could use some lawn pillows, courtesy of Stark industries." He laughed.

Gwen giggled. "I don't think Tony would appreciate taking care of a pack of real wolves," Her ears pricked as the wolves all dove into their den.

Bucky saw the signs, knowing something was wrong and something was off. "What's wrong?" He asked her quietly, reaching for his knife.

"There's something in the woods," Gwen said softly, turning to listen, to scent the air, to try to figure out what it was. Her eyes glazed. "That can't be..."

"What? Good or bad?"

Her eyes were wide as she looked to Bucky. "Werewolves,"