the consequences of a prying eye

The behemoth had been traveling for an extended period when he found himself in a cove. He stood at the point where the sea met the land, gazing outward with a stoic expression, followed by a look of disgust. The sombre man was evidently not in the mood for company.

He’d sling himself down, his frame ricocheting against the grounds beneath him, arching his back the gentleman stretched, his frontal paws almost overhung against the earth – silvered eyes would watch, as the rippling of the seas clashed against the rocky banks beneath him, a spray of water fell upon his back, cooling him to the core as he let out a large, over exaggerated yawn.

Despite traversing these lands, the man was not seeking a permanent abode. Instead, he roamed as a traveller, though his mind continued to wander. The thought of pursuit caused him to tense, and he felt an involuntary reaction in his lower body as he maintained a stern expression, a beast now aroused. He was a large wolf, standing at an impressive 38 inches. His dense, umbral fur added to his formidable appearance.

Dire had prominent scarring on his face, with large claw marks disrupting his otherwise distinguished appearance. Additional scars were hidden beneath the mass of his dark coat, each with its own unique story.

He regulated his breathing, inhaling and exhaling deliberately. He then turned his head slightly to the left and then to the right. Although he appeared composed, his muscles were subtly tensed in readiness for any unexpected encounter with a stranger.

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Hawkes had been here for days. Odd, for him - he rarely stayed in one place so long, and the ocean was beginning to repulse him once more, so he could not foresee remaining near it for very long. Already nausea was building in his gut as he watched the waves lap at the shore nearby, an instinctual reaction to run the opposite direction as quickly as his paws could take him.

But he wouldn't. It would feel like a loss, somehow, if he did.

No, he'd linger, as he always did. Pulled in like the tides, unable to escape for very long. It felt like only a matter of time before it pulled him down, down, down into the depths once more, inescapable.

Hawkes did not believe in fate, but staring out across the sea, it was difficult not to.

For better or for worse.

The scent of a stranger mingled with the briny air, jarring and grating. Hawkes wasn't much in the mood for a meet-and-greet, either, but it was better for him to approach than be approached, he'd wager, on a purely strategic level.

It wasn't hard to find the man, standing on the edge of the tide, hulking in stature and tense where he settled. Not the friendliest posture, but Hawkes wasn't the friendliest guy.

He huffed by way of greeting, yellow eyes watchful. "Been here long?" he asked, testing the waters to see if the man was one for conversation.

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@Hawkes

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As anticipated, it did not take long before the solitary umbral giant was approached by another presence. A voice echoed loudly within his ears, causing them to twitch momentarily before settling calmly atop his head. Been here long

The man grimaced at the question, initially unable to focus on the person speaking. He adjusted his position slightly, turning his head until he settled his gaze on a lone male. The man's discomfort was apparent, prompting an immediate response from the individual.

Dire observed them for a short period before rising from his position. His muscles twitched, indicating a readiness to pounce, akin to a predator eyeing its prey. Although the thought occurred to him, the prowler remained safe for the moment.

The giant raised an eyebrow before furrowing them at the stranger in response to his question. “You speak as if we are acquainted; yet, we are not,” he remarked in a hoarse voice as he took a step forward towards the man with a deliberate stride.

“Young man, did you possibly lose your way, or were you intentionally following me?” He paused, taking a breath before addressing the male with a playful yet teasing remark, “Are you familiar with hunting? I believe a game of cat and mouse is in order, don't you think? Let us see how far you get, little wolf...”
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The beast turned toward him, movements slow and deliberate. Hawkes quirked a brow, eyes half-lidded as he studied the other man, his own body tensing in preparation to run. It was not often that he felt the need, but in the face of a much larger wolf, all tense and staring at him like he was a lame deer, well. That flight response was kicking in.

But Hawkes wasn't one to bolt at the slightest sign of trouble. He'd faced more frightening men than this, and if he didn't have teeth on his throat yet, there was no need for an immediate reaction.

"Just tryin' t' make conversation," he brushed off in response. The stranger took a step forward and Hawkes had to tense to keep himself still, unwilling to turn tail just yet. It was a bold move from the other man, though, and one Hawkes couldn't quite figure out the intent behind.

Until the strange man's next words, at least.

"Intentionally," he admitted breezily. There was no point in trying to conceal that fact - he'd been the one to approach after all. "An' I'm not that young. Not much younger than you, far as I can tell."

The man's voice took on a teasing lilt as he brought up his idea of a game - one of Hawkes' favorites, in fact, though Hawkes wasn't usually the one playing the mouse.

A small smirk crossed his maw.

"What'll y' do if ya catch me?" he inquired, intrigued. Was this a game for fun, or a game that involved risk? Hawkes had been known to enjoy a bit of both in his life.

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@Hawkes

---

Amused by the stranger's response, Dire puffed out his chest, indicating his willingness to engage in such interactions. Although the idea crossed the mind of the shadowy giant, he had no desire to end a life so full of youth. Entertaining the latter notion, he nodded in acknowledgment and asked, “Do you have a name?” His voice was deep and resonant as he took another step forward, confidently.

Dire was not one to easily succumb to fear, as such behaviour would be entirely out of character for him. He carried himself with an air of dominance, regardless of the challenges he faced. The unfamiliar wolf was of average size, which afforded Dire some strategic advantage though his opponent would possess stamina suitable for sprinting—an attribute Dire lacked due to the significant muscle mass that defined his physique.

“Regardless of age,” he stated in a calm manner, a slight smile appearing on his otherwise stoic face.

The stranger mirrored this expression, further motivating him to pursue him. “Depends, what might you offer as a prize?” He spoke softly, his eyes observing the curve of his spine. “Perhaps, something else for an man of many preferences.”
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There was a small shift in the stranger's posture that had Hawkes relaxing. That broad chest puffed out and a rumbled request followed, indicating at least some level of interest. There was no imminent danger so long as that remained, he'd wager.

"Hawkes," he offered up. What was the harm in sharing? He was betting that his name might sound nice in that rumbly bass voice, as a matter of fact. He quirked his head to the side with a small upturn of his maw. "What 'bout you?"

He couldn't deny it - the strange thrill this encounter provided. Rarely did Hawkes feel like prey - a morsel to be devoured, - but he felt it now.

This... well. This was fun.

A prize. Hawkes watched the way those eyes scanned over him, red tail swishing back and forth as he preened. He wasn't a particularly attractive wolf - he was well aware of that - but he certainly enjoyed the way he was being looked at right now.

A man of many preferences.

"I'm a man of many preferences, m'self," he purred, licking his lips and allowing himself a moment to check the other man out. Scarred, grizzled, massive. Dark fur, silver eyes. Attractive in a feral, appealing way. "An' ya might be one of 'em."

Taking a deep breath, Hawkes stretched, preparing himself for the running he was about to do. "Tell y' what," he began, meeting the man's gaze directly, confidence of his own bleeding into his eyes, "if y' catch me, y' can do whatever ya want with me." His grin took on a sharper turn as arousal burned hot beneath his skin. "Think you'll find I'm worth the chase."

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