Chris
An arm draped over my chest. I took it and dragged it with me as I turned in bed. "You always liked being big spoon."
"Mm." Sita agreed and shifted even closer. Her smooth legs mingled with mine, and soft, supple breasts pressed against me while hard nipples piqued my interest.
"Last night was amazing."
"I agree." Sita groaned. "But we'll be late for work if we go on like this."
I lifted her arm to scoot out of bed and stood for a second, admiring my handywork. Long blond curls lay perfectly sprawled on the pillow behind her. Exhausted. Mission accomplished.
She lazily opened one eye. "Doesn't seem like you want to go to work? You know—we could take the day off."
We had a fantastic night. No, we had an earth-shattering marathon. Sita, on top of me, riding me like a wild horse, wasn't something I'd soon forget. She mastered my soul right down to my dangly bits.
"Chris? We were supposed to talk last night."
I waved my hand in the air. "Don't— It's not the right time. If neither of us could bring it up, we should forget about it."
"I'm bringing it up now. I want you to be happy—just quit. You can find something else. Or we move back to Chicago. "
I fell face down, next to her, gently stroking the hair out of her face. "You'd move? For me?"
"Yes. You're not the only one who wants to leave this small town… It was just going so well—you know. Why rock the boat?"
"Okay! Then I'll hand in my resignation today and start looking for a job. From here to the big city."
"You can really look anywhere across the country. I don't mind."
I brushed my teeth, thinking, looking forward to the future. Sita came in to stand next to me, doing the same thing. It was great. Life was too good at this point. If we moved, we wouldn't be working together. It might take half the fun out of our relationship. We were naughty at school, acting like two teenagers around every corner.
I glanced at the calendar. Sita needed to go into confinement this weekend. I tapped on the paper. She rolled her eyes and rinsed her mouth. After wiping her mouth on a towel, she came in for a lengthy kiss. My hands strayed to every part of her.
"Okay, you have to decide if we're going to work."
"Oh, we are. I'm setting the mood for the rest of the day… It's great when you think about me the whole time."
***
The moon painted the dark scenery in subtle tones. We'd been driving in companionable silence for half an hour before Sita spoke, "Christopher, should we try to meet with someone about why I'm not pregnant yet?"
She interlaced our fingers and squeezed my hand. I rested the joined pair on my leg. "I don't know who we'd talk to… If Nick can't help us, what were you thinking?"
"I know we can't go to a normal doctor, but we could pressure Nick into telling us the truth… I still feel there is a lot he's hiding."
I fleetingly looked her way. "Is it so important? If the problem lies in the werewolf race as a whole, maybe we should focus on us. Our lives. How it will look in twenty years… Where we'd go when people start asking questions. Saving to be able to cope—with this life."
"Yeah, we could. But it's such a long life without any future. And Nick's not always going to be there."
"If I knew more about the vampires, I'd meet with one of them. Nick says it's useless."
"No, we can't, if the ones on the outside don't even want to discuss the compound. How could we march in there and ask them if they'd help us with our infertility?"
I whistled. Going to the compound. Sita must be desperate. Granted, this year would be our sixth wedding anniversary.
Around the fire, Nick was the one to broach the subject. Seemed like everyone was desperate for a baby. I didn't really care. I was sure in nine hundred years we'd have one somewhere. The vamps didn't conceive easily, yet they did eventually.
"Another baby was taken this week from the Thompson farm. Sad business the wolves have to endure."
Jack and Francis served us all a cup of tea.
"Thank you. What do you think, Chris?"
The two cousins sat down, and then everyone was looking my way.
"I don't know Nick. We've discussed it so many times… All we can do is wait. Unless there's something you're not telling us."
He stared deep into his cup. "There is."
"It will be better for Sita, so she can have closure."
Nick took a deep sip of his tea before it took him hours to navigate us through all the logistics. An information dump with the finale being: They might have made a mistake in thinking I was the one Rodrigo had infected. Sita should've gotten pregnant if it was true, and we'll never have kids as two different species.
Sita didn't say one word and went into the house. What did this mean for us? My mother was dead. I was stuck on a planet not meant for me. A lonely riphath.
I could only teleport for short distances, so I did all the way to the river. I couldn't be angry with Nick. The wolves at least took me in. What if I manifested all alone? Sita at least told me after a month of dating, despite Nick's orders. At the next full moon, we ripped bodies apart together. It was a difficult time getting used to them—me, us, everything.
I walked back with my shoes hanging on two fingers. My eyes were on the path, my mind worrying about what I would say to my wife.
It didn't matter. Nick was alone in the lounge waiting for me, and our room door was open.
"Is everything okay?"
"Sita left."
"Where to?"
"She said she needed to think… Why don't we give her a few days to figure this out?"
"Yeah, of course, but the full moon?"
"She'll be okay. I made other arrangements for her."
"Fine, then I'm going to bed."
"How about we have some fun instead. A weekend away."
***
I didn't expect a literal helicopter to land near the house. It made a few stops to pick up some of the other wolves joining our—boys' weekend.
We flew for hours and landed in Utah on the roof of a building. Ducked getting out to avoid the blades coming to a slow stop. Only then did it all sink in. Desert. Desert and oh, more desert. My muscles twitched to teleport for hours, just to see how far I could go. Drawing in a deep breath of the arid, sandy air, a sense of familiarity filled my lungs. As if the open space were made for my species.
The pilots disembarked. Without their headgear and glasses, I could take a good look at them. Were they human? Why were they in military uniforms?
One man reached out to shake hands. "Hi, my name is Kubra, I'll be your escort for the weekend. It's nice to meet you."
"Same, Chris."
Kubra and Jessy took us down an elevator. Sunlight beamed in for a few floors, then disappeared. Underground? So many floors? Where the hell was I? This was the part where I got probed and prodded. Tied up and experimented on.
Kubra tapped on the display. "Your rooms are on B6, if you get lost and I'm not close. Find the elevator and you'll find your bed. Mess hall is on the ground floor. We eat at six, twelve, and five. None of the floors are restricted, and this is mainly sleeping quarters."
The doors opened to a clean, well-lit floor. Rather welcoming. Wasn't expecting a high-grade facility.
"Down there to the right, all the way to the end, are four rooms. You guys can pick, and there are no locks."
Kubra waited for the doors to close and pressed the ground floor. Seeing daylight again took away the claustrophobia, though I could teleport back and forth. What was Nick thinking? Where were we?
Our group moved through a lobby and then through glass doors into a grassy area the size of a few football fields. As we rounded the corner, the three of us came to an abrupt halt. A sea of men was divided into different quadrants, doing various sorts of military exercises.
"Come, let me show you what we do all day."
This was the compound, wasn't it? What in the world? The wolves were dying out, and the vamps were taking over. How is this fun? Everyday? For what? Why?
"Here we do live fire exercises." Kubra didn't stop walking or talking, giving us a tour of every detail. We reached a matted section—gutter fighting, he called it. One man stood in the middle, while others came his way. He incapacitated them, tossed them out within seconds, and the waves kept coming. Like a machine, he moved. So fast, I couldn't keep up with how he did it or which maneuver he used to counter his opponent.
I stared because he was shorter than me, slightly built. Barefoot and dressed only in pants, his lean muscles swollen. I'd never even seen a vamp manifest, and he wasn't using his creature side. None of them were.
"So what do you think?" Kubra asked.
"I'm impressed."
"Nick says you can control yourself on a full moon."
"Yes… And?"
"How would you like to fight him?"
A nervous chuckle escaped as I faced Kubra. "You're joking, right?"
"I'm not. He'll go easy on you."
The other men kept walking; I wondered if I'd die tonight.
After a quick meal and good conversation, Kubra ushered us back into the elevator. This time we went to an upper-level floor with a fighting ring and a panoramic view of the desert. The wolves were shown their cages, while I was told to wait for my turn.
Francis was the first to be let loose, joined by a manifested vamp. It stirred every baser instinct. In awe, I cheered when Francis chased him out.
A few fights later, I didn't know if I'd be eating tonight. However, I was enjoying myself. The little stadium for spectators was divided into classes—I suspected, given the only distinction was the quality of their clothes among all the vamp faces. So weird.
Our box had only a few seats filled. I looked back to see who was behind me. My eyes met the man I was supposed to fight. Lifting my chin to greet him, all I got back was a scowl. Why was he not manifested? A little to the side sat another, more friendly-looking guy with serious dimples when he smiled. He sat reclined, one foot resting on a chair in front of him. Boots loosely laced. So weird. I was laughed at for some reason. A cigarette went to his mouth a few times. Next to him sat an ancient, grey-haired man dressed in a three-piece suit. English?
The older man stood and held out his hand. "Good evening. My name is Samuel."
"Chris."
"This is Louis." He only waved his cigarette in my direction. They were dressed well enough to be in the rich boys' box. Why were we pushed together?
The bell in the ring pulled my attention. Jack and Kubra met, and poor Jack— I felt for him. Every punch, I flinched. Kubra gave his bow and received his meal. I sighed. I'd definitely not be eating tonight.
My opponent walked past me down into the arena, waving a hand for me to follow. "Hey, Chris, use your teleportation," Louis said. A little nugget of wisdom. Like it would help any.
I used my full moon manifestation. Marcus had the first flicker of feeling pass his eyes. He'd never seen one of us. How could he? I was the only one. Marcus manifested. The menacing aura he carried was made ten times worse by the black eyes.
I decided to give it my all. What else was I going to do? Teleporting, I landed behind him, hitting him in his back. Marcus quickly adjusted his vigilance. A few times, he anticipated me. Our fight went on for a while. He, of course, had me on my chest face in the sand at the end.
I was taken aback when he held out a hand to help me up. "Not bad. Who's been training you?"
I grinned sheepishly. "Nick."
My gaze drifted to the two meals pushed into the ring. I was going to be fed! I looked at Marcus. "Race you."
We ran like two schoolboys in our human faces, pulling each other back and trying to trip one another, laughing. All jokes aside, when we slaughtered our prey. "You're not as mean as you look," I said, blood spraying."
"Why don't you stay for a few days?"
"Yeah, why not?"
"I'd like to give you a few pointers."
***
I'd never have guessed I'd make friends, ones I could talk to about anything, and we were going to a party. Pumped up after the day spent with the vamps, I could use a drunken night to forget.
Coming out of the shower, I noticed a suit laid out on the bed. They did know how to host a man.
Marcus came into my room. "You ready?"
"You clean up nice? Is it really such a grand affair?"
"You'll see… Only a little culture initiation."
He drove me to the real compound in his car. I had no idea. A different world than the barracks, the desert, or even anyplace I've seen before.
A crowd of men stood around drinking and laughing. In one way, it was an upper-class affair; the next moment, it was a bunch of men with nothing better to do.
"Do you need another drink?" A voice behind me asked. Louis came around, meeting my eyes.
"No, I'm good."
"I heard you only found out about everything on Friday. You must be reeling?"
"Yes and no. Can't be surprised anymore. I'm relieved it all makes sense now."
He nodded and lit a cigarette. Was the guy always smoking? He held out the pack. I took one. "Have you been here all your life?"
"No! Maybe. Trying to find my second wife."
I stuttered, "I don't know about that."
"You're married to a wolf."
"I am— Maybe— If she can accept that we'll never have kids."
"It's a problem for—" The crowd split, cutting him off, leaving the red carpet bare between the two rows.
A car pulled up. Who was this? A tall man got out dressed well. Behind him, a vision in red appeared. The crowd quieted down. Without looking up, she was still in some sort of parade. One man whispered behind me. "Lacks bust."
"Too thin."
"Pretty face."
"Too tall."
Oh… No… This was where they got their wives. I glanced at Louis. Would he be interested? Yes, the way he was staring.
As she and her escort disappeared, he finally met my eye. "Come on, tell me, I'm dying to know."
"It depends."
"Depends! Her? Let's go. I want to see this."
The men ambled inside. For another hour, she was an object. Many greeted what seemed like her father. She was expected to lift her chin so they could have a good look at her face.
I moved around to get a better view.
"Come with me so we can meet tonight's auction candidate."
"Auction?!"
Louis didn't wait for my surprise to fade.
Didn't know why the men had a problem with her appearance. So what if she was tall. A body like hers belonged on a runway. Her breasts bulged—more than a handful. Gorgeous in a unique way.
"Juliet, can you greet the men?"
She only dipped her chin once in Louis' direction. I held my breath, waiting to see what lay behind the deadpan look she gave everyone. Yeah, she was going to be a pretty penny for the complete package. There was soul behind those blue eyes. She dropped her chin again without showing one emotion. I wanted to object and talk to her.
"You're Qadir's cousin," Liam said.
"Yes." My mouth pulled, impressed. Louis wasn't just another random vamp.
Samuel came from behind Liam and put his arm around his shoulders. "Brother, are you well?"
"He's your brother? You didn't tell me you had family." Louis sounded incredulous.
"Oh, shut up, Louis." The rest of us found it diverting, and even Juliet scoffed a laugh. "How is my niece holding up?"
Liam glanced at his daughter, pride evident in his eyes. "She's ready for whatever happens tonight."
"Let's hope our plans work out."
"You and me both."
I was so curious I could burst. "Are we allowed to talk to her?"
"Of course."
"How old are you?"
I thought I observed a sigh. "Twenty-one."
"Is she allowed to look at me when we speak?" I asked Liam.
"Juliet."
Her jaw flexed. Clenching her teeth? Irritated? Louis shook his head, laughing. Juliet and I looked at him. "Sorry, you go ahead."
"What do you do all day?" Juliet tilted her head, a question in her eyes. "Oh, I'm not a vampire. Sorry, was that rude?"
"No," Sam said, "They are homemakers."
I bobbed my head. "So you have no say in how the night turns out."
"No." She said with a tone. The corner of my mouth lifted. Attitude.
Louis chuckled again.
"Why do you keep laughing?" Juliet and I asked at the same time. Our eyes met, and hers flickered across my face, amused at our same thinking. "Can I get you a drink? Is she allowed to drink?"
"Yes, that is very kind of you, Chris."
I turned to find a server with a tray. Marcus hurried through the door and met me halfway. "Did I miss it?"
"Are you looking for a wife?"
"Depends."
"Is that all you guys can say? So? Are you?"
"I have a wife… Maybe number two. We're having a whole month of auctions. One every night, and you never know."
"Come with me, I need to give this to the future Mrs—"
"Ahmed."
Marcus and I joined the men talking around her, yet not including her. I pushed the glass in under her nose. "Juliet, this is Marcus."
She lifted her face for the formal nod. Stupid custom, really. Louis held back his laughter. "Okay, you've got to stop. Juliet will think you're laughing at her."
Louis's breath hitched like no one ever taught him any manners. "I'm not— Laughing at you."
Juliet ignored him to take in the new face. The two stared at one another. A moment too long for her usual indifference. Juliet cleared her throat and took a large sip of her drink. What was that? She played with the stem of her glass and, after an awkward pause, stretched up on her toes to whisper into Liam's ear. "Sam, will you please take her to the washroom?"
"Yes, of course, my dear." He held out an arm.
"I don't think she likes you, Marcus. She was scared out of her mind… You might want to turn your frown upside down."
"That's not how things work around here," Louis's words sliced, too fast. "The women have to submit. Most of the time she'll be wearing a veil anyway."
"Pity, I would like to see those eyes unleash that temper."
Liam clapped me on the shoulder. "You have it right there. It will take a whole lot to tame her."
"Tame her—" I let it go. What was the point? "Do you have any say? You wouldn't want to give her to someone who would break her."
"No, no. We have a plan."
My nerves were wound tight on her behalf. "Then I hope it works out."
We chatted about this and that, and none of us left, waiting for the only female in the room. Tired of talking to sweaty men. All our gazes went to Juliet, seeing her again. She pulled back on Sam's arm. He whispered into her ear. With a whole lot of reluctance, they joined us.
"Be careful, Juliet," Liam whispered.
The emotions finally pulled around her mouth. Now she wasn't faking anymore, or couldn't. A wave of sympathy filled my heart. It had to be tough. Treated like cattle.
From the corner of my eye, a figure approached. I turned and had to look up. A guy, six seven, pushed through our little huddle. "You guys have been monopolizing the object of attention for too long, give us a chance… What do we have here? You're a sweet little thing."
I didn't bother hiding my disgust. Were they all like this? Louis and Marcus, too? No wonder she was scared. This guy would break her.
"Come on, look at me." Juliet's shoulders lifted one last time. "Hand." I was ready if she snapped. I would. He grasped it tightly in both of his, rubbing her like she was a pet. My revulsion turned to rage. Keep it together, Chris, you have enough issues of your own. Couldn't ruin their plan either.
With a tiny pull on her arm, he yanked her forward. I guessed she couldn't anymore and looked up at him through her eyelashes, nose wrinkling. "Ah, yes, there it is. I've been watching you—" He turned her wrist around and pressed his lips to her skin. "I think I've found number five." He let her go and left.
Juliet closed her eyes tightly, tilting her face away from us, swiping over her wrist. Sam whispered, "Not long. Hold on, then it's over for the rest of your life."
What were they planning? "I hope you guys know what you're doing. If she ends up with him, I'll have to—"
"Don't we have a contingen—" Qadir clapped his hands. The men took their seats, places, filling the space around a podium. Juliet walked there with hunched shoulders. It wouldn't help.
A silence descended as people waited to see what amount they would start at. The board flickered. My breath choked me. What the f—!
Louis was the first to raise his hand. His eyes were riveted on the object for sale. Oh, no. Qadir bid. Lucius' father bid.
"Are the old men bidding for themselves?"
"Some," Sam said as a few more hands went up.
It didn't stop. All around Juliet, palms ended up in the air. The amount just kept climbing. Louis and Qadir, in succession, raised the stakes to astronomical heights all by themselves. The two stared at one another in challenge. What a cock fight.
Where would this end? I didn't want to see her end up with either… Louis seemed too callous for her. He looked my way and raised his hand anyway. What? Could the guy read minds? Qadir and his son had bad vibes around women. Either would ruin her life.
The war died down, slowed down, and in the end, only two hands made the number climb. Qadir looked at Marcus, who shook his head. My shoulders shuddered at what would happen next. Louis would walk away with her. Urgh, he was too old. Would he force her every night? Again, his eyes snapped to mine.
After a moment of no bids, the auctioneer began closing for Louis, saying, "Going once." At the same time as he lifted his gavel, a hand in the front row came up. The auctioneer slammed down and said, astonished, "Sold."
Sold to whom? Sam and Liam were hugging. This was their plan! Cutting it f—ing close.
The man stood, short and stocky. Fat. No, not him. The crowd had nothing to say until a younger guy pushed through, heading her way. Juliet turned and reached out to him. Helping her down, he put his arm around her waist, whispering to her the whole time. She clung to him like—she was finally safe.
A lot of feelings were rampant in my body. Relief, the most prominent. The young man seemed nice. And closer in age, they made a good couple. Attractive too, in a way… I grabbed a drink and drained the glass. This was too much. An urge to leave and never come back pushed me to the door.
I would find Sita and somehow make us work.