Tom Herald stood and stared at the woman (did that term even still apply???) before him.
On one hand, it was Alice Stevens, right?
She still had on the dress Alice was wearing before she went to the bathroom, and whatever this... thing was before him, it spoke with Alice's voice.
Yet a part of him couldn't help thinking What the fuck is going on here?
What's the matter mate? Tom suddenly heard a voice inside his head ask, still not understanding why it was speaking with a British accent. This is what you've been dreaming of since childhood. Your own foxy Maid Marion, or should I say beautiful werevixen. All you have to do is claim her and all your dreams will come true.
What do you mean? Tom silently wondered, still staring at Alice.
The two of you get intimate. Do the horizontal mambo or whatever you want to call it. Then not only do you gain your own fur coat, but she'll be yours forever, replied the voice.
How?
Don't you remember anything from high school? the voice asked in return. When one fox finds its perfect partner, they mate forever. We call it a life/soul mate bond, but you get the idea.
How do I, you, or whatever the right term is, know this? Tom silently wondered, still just staring at Alice.
Magic? Fate? Does it matter? If you truly love Alice Stevens and want all your private dreams to come true, now's your chance. Her fate is in your hands.
How so? silently asked Tom, still wondering if he was arguing with himself or going nuts.
Alice is taking a VERY big risk revealing herself to you mate. She's afraid you might turn her in and expose not only her existence, but that of every other were in the world too. You better say something soon or she's going to become more afraid than she already is, cautioned the other voice.
Alice Stevens thought Tom Herald would be receptive of this revelation.
Their budding relationship was not only going well, but he had shared his secret desire for a "vulpine Maid Marion" ever since seeing that animated version of Robin Hood when he was younger.
Did I do the wrong thing? she feared. Maybe it's just too soon, she reasoned, trying to calm herself. At least he hasn't gone running out the door screaming in terror.
Time seemed to drag on forever, although it was just a couple of moments for both of them.
Then, when Tom Herald finally spoke, he changed the course of their lives and relationship forever.
"Alice..."
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