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Subject: {ASSM} The Challenge Universe 3/4: Mind Home 2/3: Karen and Cory (zoo/best, asst codes, alternate reality) TBD
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Date: Fri, 13 Apr 2012 15:10:05 -0400
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The Challenge Universe 3/4: Mind Home 2/3: Karen and Cory (zoo/best,
asst codes, alternate reality)
---

Mind Home: Cory, Karen, Stealth, Tracker, Gypsy (zoo/best)

    A style convention in all these stories is the use of normal
quotes for normal speech and doubled quotes for telepathic speech.
    ---

    Companion
    ---

    "Hello, Karen." My boss gestured at the chair in front of her
desk. "Come in, close the door and sit down."

    "How come so serious, Laura?" I am puzzled by her summons.

    I had just finished closing yet another case involving people not
taking proper care of their animals.

    Soon after I joined the force, I had gravitated to the section
dealing with animals.

    Usually, we are able to catch things before they go seriously
wrong. This time, a farm had been abandoned and many of the animals
had been left penned. A lot of them had been close to dying but we
managed to save them.

    It is times like this I feel fortunate we have Companion and
Protector teams. Not enough to really do our job well but enough to
prevent major disasters. Usually.

    The abandoned farm is in an area on the edge of our jurisdiction.
Usually, a Guardian team would have discovered it but things had been
so quiet recently, none had visited the area in question.

    A Protector team headed for a vacation in the area had spotted it
and called us in.

    "Good work, Karen. You and your team did better than anyone
expected.

    "I have other news for you though.

    "You are up for a promotion." She smiled lopsidedly.

    "If you accept, it will also mean more training and more work.

    "If I accept?" I raise my eyebrows and look at her. "Since when do
I get to choose if I want a promotion?"

    Instead of answering immediately, she swivels her chair so she can
reach over to pet Darkness, her K-9 partner, where he has settled and
is looking out the window.

    He started to shift before she started turning the chair. His
anticipating her is so routine that I have long since quit wondering
at it.

    "When the promotion means a major change in your life." I can't
figure out her tone. I could swear she sounds awed. Awed and a bit
amused at something.

    "Headquarters wants to know if you'd be willing to see if you can
become a member of the Companions. There is a new batch of Companion
trained K-9s that just arrived at Guardian Headquarters.

    "Take a vacation. Take as long as you need before before you make
any decisions. I've unlocked some files for you to study."

    She turns back and holds up a hand to stop my questions. "If I see
you anywhere near this place in less than a week, I'll have you
forcibly removed, escorted home and placed under house arrest.

    "Dismissed."

    I am halfway to the door before I think to protest. I took a
vacation just before this case. Time off is the last thing I want. I
don't want a repeat of what I have just spent the last month fixing.

    I turn back to see her sitting there with a slight smile on her
face. She is pointing at the door and Darkness is watching me
intently.

    Their message is clear.

    I leave.

    When I get back to my cubical, there is a note on the screen of my
terminal.

    "I said - GO!"

    When I try to use it, I discover it is locked.

    Smiling wryly, I consider my options.

    A vacation I haven't planned for. What am I going to do?

    Laura mentioned unlocked files. She wouldn't have done that unless
I was supposed to study them. I can't do it here so that means I will
have to go home.

    "Laura. You're manipulative." I mutter it to empty air.

    "Karen. You're stubborn! Now go!"

    I should be used to it but her response causes me to flinch
slightly. She has enabled the monitor override on my intercom.

    As I step into the afternoon sunlight, I pause.

    'OK.' I think to myself. 'Where to and how do I get there? For
that matter, what *do* I do now?'

    I am bemused from the sudden change to my normal routine.

    I walk. I drift. I became just another person wandering the
streets of Port City.

    It is after I am settled at a sidewalk cafe that I realize where
my wanderings have taken me.

    I am across the street from Guardian Headquarters.

    Nebulous purpose firms. I finish eating, walk over and enter.

    Before I am able to do more than start approaching the information
desk, I am intercepted.

    "Hello Karen."

    "Hello Ben.

    " So you and Tip are doing public relations work now?" I smile. He
and I have worked a few cases together.

    He smile and nods. "Yep. They called us in to evaluate the new
K-9s. Then they decided we didn't have enough to do and put us out
here.

    "What brings you here? Something important, if I had to guess."

    Habit makes me look around to see if anyone can overhear us.
"Well, you'd be right. A few hours ago, Laura told me I'm being
offered a chance to join the Companions.

    "Then she locked my terminal and threw me out on the streets."

    Ben chuckles at my tones. I am still upset and it shows.

    "I see." There is something new in his voice. An earnest
seriousness. I turn to comment and he holds up a hand to stop me from
saying anything. We study each other in the uneasy silence.

    He's turned inward in a way I recognize from being around other
Protectors. He and Tip are talking to each other.

    "That *is* news." He's returned to the here and now. "I knew they
had been discussing potential recruits. I didn't know you were one of
them.

    "Someone moved pretty quickly if you've been told already. The
dogs just got here yesterday."

    He takes a deep breath and smiles. "Well then. I guess it's up to
me to fill you in.

    "Let's take a walk."

    As we stroll through corridors I am familiar with, he begins to
explain the situation.

    When I protest that I haven't decided yet, he chuckles softly.
"You have and you haven't. Otherwise you wouldn't be here.

    "Karen, you understand 'duty'. If you didn't, you wouldn't have
been offered this chance."

    "There are things..." He breaks off guiltily. "I babble too much
sometimes."

    I am left to wonder at what he was going to say before he stopped
himself.

    "If you'd gone home and tried to access the unlocked files, you
would have been told to come here.

    "For various reasons, the files are only readable from Guardian
terminals.""

    We stop at an unmarked door and he enters an access code.

    "Karen. Trust me. I can't come with you past this point.

    "Go through this door and follow the directions you find. Follow
them *exactly*.

    "There's a reason for everything you are about to do."

    Not trusting myself to speak, I nod slowly.

    I flinch as Tip nudges my hand. I hadn't been aware he joined us.

    Tip takes my hand in his mouth, carefully places it on the handle
and then settles on his haunches.

    "Remember your studies in school Karen. Remember that *they*... "
he nods towards Tip, "Choose.

    "Good fortune Karen." With that, the two of them turn and walk
away.

    I enter a room containing a screen and a door. The screen displays
a familiar face.

    Laura.

    I hear the click of the door as it closes and I shiver. Something
feels... *wrong*.

    "Relax Karen." Laura is calm and her voice tries to soothe my
feelings of uneasiness.

    "As soon as you showed up, they contacted me and set up this link.

    "Do you feel odd? As if something is wrong but you can't figure
out what it is?"

    I nod slowly. "Yes."

    "That room, the corridor from it and the room at the end are all
telepathically shielded.

    "That's how come you feel like something is wrong.

    "Everyone in the Port City jurisdiction who is invited to become a
Companion has to go through what you are about to experience.

    "Once made, the offer is good for the rest of your life. You can
leave at any point and come back whenever you wish, be it later today
or even years from now.

    "All locks are keyed to your access code so you no longer need a
guide such as Ben or myself.

    "At the end of the corridor, you will find a room. There is a
terminal and a set of instructions. Until you read all those
instructions, the only way out of the room is the way you came in.

    "The room is set up as a study and living quarters. There is no
time limit on how long you stay there.

    "Once you read everything...

    "Well, you'll know what your choices are." She smiles.

    Very softly... "Karen, I fought hard to get them to take you as
the first person offered a chance at teaming with someone from this
batch.

    "Good Fortune."

    The screen blanks and the door to the corridor swings open.

    Interesting security interlocks they have here.

    For several years, I've wondered at the seeming inconsistencies in
building security here.

    I shake my head and try to forget about those things.

    I've been led here for a reason. Everyone is also being mysterious
about this.

    All these mind-games... I hesitate.

    'Mind-games?' Something flutters at the edge of my awareness.

    I look at the set of stairs that lead down and into the unknown.

    Spooky.

    Ben's 'reminder' finally makes sense.

    Companions and Protectors are telepathic within the team.

    I *had* forgotten that basic fact.

    Now, the interactions between Laura and Darkness make sense. They
are always talking to each other over that link.

    But, *they*? Who are *they*?

    Shrugging slightly, I walk down the stairs to discover a long,
dimly lit passageway.

    My footsteps echo faintly as I walk it.

    When I reach the end, there is another set of stairs that leads
upwards.

    I gasp when I reach the top step and take the time to look around.

    'Room.'

    Luxury suite with a view is closer.

    One wall is filled with a window.

    In one corner is.. An elevator?? Next to that is a stairway that
obviously leads to upper and lower areas.

    Further study of the room leaves me puzzled. There is something
subtly 'different' in the way it is constructed. I finally shrug to
myself and decide to ignore that difference for now.

    Before the window is a desk with a recessed terminal. On the desk
is a stack of papers.

    I settle in the chair and read the top paper. It is a handwritten
note addressed to me.

    'Before you is a view of the recreation and training area for Port
City's Guardians.

    'The window is designed so it can be fully withdrawn on command.

    'Because of the shielding, none of them know you are here.

    'Once you have studied what is in the files, you will be allowed
to open that window.

    'At that time, all the shields will be dropped so you and the
other Guardians will be able to mingle.

    'If, during that mingling you and a suitable Companion meet, the
two of you will know.

    'Take your time and be very certain Karen.

    'Trust the Companion's feelings.

    'Love, Darkness.'

    Darkness?

    I sigh softly to myself. More games. How could a dog write me a
note?.

    As it gets dark, I gaze out and try to decide what to do.

    After considering alternatives, I decide.

    I'm a policewoman.

    I'll treat this as I would any other case I have been asked to
investigate.

    With that, I figure I've done enough for one very long day and I
go to bed.

    ---

    I look at the calendar. I've been here almost two weeks.

    I've watched as life has flowed past outside.

    I know my decision.

    I study my new home through new layers of understanding.

    That's what the first room, the corridor and this place are.

    Home.

    Yesterday, a cover retracted into the desk to reveal a touchpad.

    The controls for the window.

    Once I touch it, it will be sensitized to my touch and this room
will be mine.

    Once I make that simple movement, I will always have a home.

    Buried in the Guardian Charter is a simple clause.

    'Only on the *proven* death of a Guardian or after they have
selected and moved to new quarters, may a room be reassigned.'

    There are pages of legal words that are summed up in a single
sentence.

    'Without genetically identifiable remains to prove a Guardian's
death, their quarters will not be reassigned.'

    I still wonder about the wording of that section. When I tried to
ask about people who were 'missing - presumed dead', I got 'Without
genetically identifiable remains, no missing Guardian is considered
dead'.

    'Is?' Does that mean that Guardians who helped found our world may
still be carried as active? No matter how I tried to approach the
subject, I got 'Restricted information available only to coordinators
and those with a need to know. Contact your coordinator for access.'

    Once again, I am reminded that Guardian security is far more
sophisticated than it looks. Whoever had designed it had been very
skilled.

    I go over to the closet that opened at the same time the controls
were revealed. I study the clothing there. From my reading, I know
these are the various uniforms worn by Companions. All are my size. I
know I don't have to put them on for what I am about to do but, a
sense of duty compels me to put one on.

    Once dressed, I go over and push the button. A soft chime sounds
as I step though the opening window.

    Canine heads turn.

    I am greeted by a mob of barking and bouncing dogs and bitches.

    The other teams present glance in our direction and drift closer
but stay clear of the frantic 'mob' that surrounds me.

    With the shields gone, I can some feel of their emotions.

    I smile tentatively and form the words I have wanted to 'speak'
for over a week.

    ""Hello. I'm Karen.

    ""Is anyone there?""

    A romping bitch stops so suddenly she trips over her own feet.

    She gets to her feet and turns to look at me.

    I barely notice as everyone present forms a living corridor with
me at one end and her at the other end.

    ""Karen."" It is a gentle whisper.

    We study each other.

    ""I'm Stealth.""

    She launches into a full run. As she approaches she sends a single
word.

    ""Catch!"". Ten feet from me she slows her mad dash and launches
herself.

    I find myself holding her as I fall backwards.

    As we are surrounded by the rest of them, I 'hear' Stealth's
laughter.

    ""I guess we're Companions now aren't we?""

    I catch my breath and chuckle softly.

    ""Do I have a choice?""

    ""NO!"" Her voice is emphatic.

    ""Bitch!"" I'm laughing.

    ""Of course.

    ""And I'm *your* bitch!""
======

    Do What?
    Karen, Stealth and Cory
    ---

    ""Him."" Stealth is sitting at the window of our office and
watching the people go past outside.

    ""What? Who is 'him'?""

    ""That one. Cory.""

    ""Cory? What about Cory?"" As usual, in spite of our link, Stealth
has managed to lose me. I would have thought that after almost 5
years, 4 of them as Protectors sharing a deep bond, I would be able to
follow Stealth's reasoning. Not a chance.

    ""Stealth, what in the world are you talking about?"" I'm getting
exasperated.

    ""Of all the men you've been around, he's the one.""

    I sigh, turn the chair to face her, lean back and resign myself to
another round of Stealth's version of 'Twenty Answers'. I started
calling these cryptic sessions that because she sits there and expects
me to figure out the questions she's already found answers for.

    I hit the privacy lock before continuing. If this time is like
some of the others, I don't want to be interrupted. I don't want
people overhearing either. The last time someone walked in uninvited,
we had been discussing, in very explicit detail, what kind of sexual
stimulation we prefer.

    Somehow word got to Cory that I had been talking to myself about
what we did together.

    He thought it was funny. I wish I had at the time.

    "OK. Are you going to explain yourself or do I get to keep
guessing until you become incoherent from laughter?"

    ""It's simple, Karen"" She sounds as if she is talking to one of
her puppies.

    ""Cory is so good to you, I want him too.""

    "Am I being dense?" You already have him as a friend. "I've
*always* let him take time to pay attention to you.

    "Besides, you've been pushy enough that he couldn't ignore you if
he wanted to."

    Uncharacteristically, she pauses before replying. Instead of
making a flippant reply, she sighs.

    ""I want him to be my first human male."" She seems... Frightened?
Unsure? Whatever she feels, it isn't her usual bouyancy.

    ""Stealth... "" I fall silent as I realize I don't know what I was
going to say.

    "I thought... " I mumble some choice oaths to myself.

    "OK, call me stupid. It never really crossed my mind that you'd
want a man sexually. Or that you are... 'Technically a virgin' in that
regard.

    "He doesn't know about us.

    "I can't tell you how he'll react. I refuse to even make a guess."

    ""It's ok then?"" She surprises me again.

    ""After all, he's your mate and I know how possessive you humans
are. We studied that as part of our training.""

    "My mate?!"

    I swallow my immediate retort and sag in my chair.

    I want to call her a liar but I can't.

    Being a partnered Guardian has its disadvantages. One of them is
that you can't lie to yourself for very long. Inevitably, your partner
will do or say something to make you admit the truth.

    It's a painful lesson that gets repeated with boring regularity.

    I maintain my silence until the alarm announces the end of our
shift. Stealth, for once, has stayed silent and let me think.

    Usually, she will interject comments about what I'm thinking.

    "We need to do some checking on a few things." I get her
agreement.

    "Let's go home."

    ---

    ""Interesting."" I settle back and stare out the window.

    ""Not very helpful."" Stealth is direct about it.

    A quick search of the records told us that there are as many
possibilities as there are people when Protectors decide to allow
another human to form a sexual relationship with the animal partner.

    About the only things 'definite' are that there are no cases of it
breaking the existing links. Nor are there any cases of it triggering
a link between the humans involved.

    Other than that...

    Sex can trigger telepathy, raise blocks against the person ever
developing it, make a stronger link with the new person, be just sex,
scare the person off...

    ""Stealth, I give up. All I can do is trust your judgement and
wish you well in your adventure.""

    ""Will you help?"" She's oddly hesitant.

    ""We're *partners* young lady. Of course I'll help.

    ""There is *one* potential problem. Or should I say
'difficulty'?"" I can't help smiling.

    ""Cory's penis is larger than average. I think we should take the
time to make sure you can handle his size.

    ""Hmmm... Now there's some data that *should* be in the records
but isn't. Well, maybe it is but it isn't obvious. I wasn't looking. I
can get the medical data for canines and lupines. Everything except
vaginal length for females and penile length when expanded for the
males. Same goes for the humans.

    ""I wonder if the Scouts have anything? I'm sure they would be
somewhat concerned about potential problems. Still doesn't help us
much - if at all.

    ""Now that I think about it... No, that doesn't work either. DAMN!
I forgot the link is triggered by simultaneous orgasms and not
penetration.

    ""A negative indication would be searching the medical records for
injuries related to intercourse. That would tell us what is too large
or too small.""

    ""Hmmmph! You worry too much."" Stealth is disdainful.

    ""You measure Cory then we get a dildo and find out if I can
handle that size.

    ""Besides. I doubt if he's much bigger than some of the dogs I've
mated with.

    ""I've had puppies too. That helps.""

    ""Point. I've mated with some of those dogs. A couple were about
Cory's size. Not his length though."" I grin as I remember just how
deep he can get.

    ""OK. He's all yours."" I chuckle. ""I'll find an excuse to let
him know how you feel and then the rest is up to you.""

    ---

    A few weeks later, I find my opening.

    "Cory, I love you. But, you can be dense sometimes." We just woke
up after spending the night together. More and more, the three of us
have been staying together when off duty. Sometimes at his place but
usually at mine. He's always enjoyed being around the other canines
anyway. None have singled him out for partnering. Most of that is
because none have felt linked to him but a lot of it is because of
Stealth's rather possessive attitude towards him when he's here.

    "Hmm??

    "Oh? How so?" His words are slightly slurred.

    I laugh gently as it's obvious he's still trying to wake up.
"Stealth is very fond of you you know. If fact, you're her favorite
human male." I look over at Stealth and smile mostly to myself.

    She's laying with her head on his chest instead of bothering me as
she usually does in the mornings.

    "She wants you as her first human male mate."

    "I agree with her. She's been chasing you for weeks. Done
everything but actually rip your clothes off and rape you."

    "Stealth?! Me? Sex???" I'm laughing openly as he jerks awake
finally.

    He looks at her, then me. Then back to Stealth.

    She deliberately looks at him and then nudges his crotch through
the light blanket.

    "Stealth. You. Sex."

    "But..." I seldom see him stunned speechless and the timing is
worth it. He'll recover soon enough.

    "Cory. Being a Protector means something we keep quiet about.
Stealth and I have a sexual relationship as well as our telepathic
link. We have to. Otherwise, we wouldn't *be* Protectors."

    "No, change that. We had to make love in order to trigger the link
to the deeper stages required of Protectors. Most teams continue with
sexual relations, a few don't.

    "We continued with the sex. I have to admit I feel it keeps us as
close as you and I.

    "That's how I know she wants you. She told me." Now it's time for
me to drop the subject.

    "So what do you want for breakfast?"

    "Anything..." His voice is soft and musing. Then he blushes.
"Anything that is food, I mean."

    I ignore the blush and kiss him gently. "I'll find something."

    ---

    I've spent the whole day in a slight daze. Karen's 'revelation'
this morning did it.

    'Dense' she called me.

    She certainly has a point this time.

    How come I didn't see things as they were?

    Stealth *has* been obvious about things.

    Were she a human, I'd have seen her seduction for what it was a
long time ago.

    I declined their invitation and stayed home. I have some serious
thinking to do and little data to work with.

    Do I still like Karen?

    Yes.

    Do I still want a sexual relationship with Karen?

    Yes.

    Do I still like Stealth?

    Of course.

    Enough to have sex with her?

    I don't know. For some reason, I'm reluctant to pursue that idea.

    I look at the terminal in front of me. How come I never realized
Karen and Stealth shared a telepathic link? It's public knowledge.
I've known about it as a part of companion teams. It makes sense that
Protectors would have it since they are formed from those Companion
teams who have moved up in their training and abilities.

    I snort softly as I realize my blindness. I've even known that the
Guardian teams formed with wolves often have sexual relationships.
Every piece has been there. I work with them as a normal part of my
job.

    Human blindness. I didn't see because I didn't *want* to see. Damn
stupid way to live if you were to ask me.

    Hmmm... Now there's a thought. I've known of the sex with wolves
and had no problem with it. It isn't the sex with Stealth that bothers
me. Nor, in truth, does knowing that Karen and Stealth share some type
of sexual relationship bother me.

    What's left?

    The telepathy. The sharing of thoughts.

    I have my own secrets I haven't told anyone. I don't *want* anyone
to know.

    Zoophilic sex can be a trigger for telepathy. I fear someone
knowing too much about my inner self.

    Now, after hours of hiding, I've faced my real problem.

    I see telepathy as a violation of my privacy. I fear that I may
have no more control over what I reveal about myself.

    ---

    "So there you have it. I don't really fear the sex. If that were
all it was going to be, I don't have a problem with it.

    "I'm afraid of having someone, even an animal, know some of my
deep, inner secrets. There are things I try to hide from myself in
order to survive."

    I study Cory. A different Cory than I've ever known. Defensive,
scared, nervous. Jittery from feeling forced to talk about something
he obviously never thought he'd have to reveal.

    ""Stealth. Did we make a mistake?"" I'm worried about Cory -
seriously worried.

    ""No. It's his fear that inhibits him. If he were less afraid,
more aware and accepting that almost every human feels this way, I
think he'd relax.""

    She's a bit agitated from the strength of Cory's reactions but
otherwise fairly calm.

    ""What was it you remembered? A Guardian can't hide from
themselves for very long?"" She half taunts me with my own memories.

    ""Cory could be a good one. If he lets himself accept he's
normal."" I'm startled. This is a side of Stealth I've not seen
before.

    ""Stealth! Are you a finder?"" I get the mental equivalent of a
nod.

    ""But they're..."" I hesitate... ""Rare. Assigned to the outlying
districts all the time.""

    ""You are almost right. If I hadn't teamed, eventually, I would
have been doing field work at random with other teams.""

    ""It was... Something 'different' that I felt when you asked if
anyone was there that 'told' me we were partners.""

    I come back from our conversation and realize Cory is studying the
two of us. I get the impression he asked me something and I ignored
him.

    "Did I miss something?"

    He nods slowly. "Were you talking to Stealth? About me?"

    I nod.

    "How can I say this? Cory, you're normal in wanting that privacy.
Feeling some shame at some of your inner thoughts and desires."

    " *I*... " I pause because I'm not happy about what I must say
next. "Accept that as part of you and being human."

    I point at Stealth. "She doesn't."

    He looks puzzled. I can't blame him. I'm not sure how I would have
reacted to learning a bitch doesn't accept one of my decisions.

    "And?" He's a bit aggressive.

    "She's going to work to change your mind and I'll help her. If you
want to continue as more than working partners with us, with *me*,
you're going to eventually have sex with Stealth with my knowledge,
active support and consent."

    I stop. I was afraid of this. His face has drained of all color
and he stares at me. I shiver at what I see in his eyes for a brief
moment. He is filled with a cold rage that were it unleashed would be
unstoppable.

    Without a word, I see him get himself under control. He stands,
looks at me and whispers... "Goodbye."

    I watch as he walks out.

    ""He'll be back. He's confused. Afraid. Give him time to deal with
it. He still has to see us at work and he knows it."" Stealth's words
are scant comfort.

    ""Are you certain?""

    ""Nothing is certain. Except his love for both of us.""

    I shiver anyway. Cory's mental blast of hatred and anger chilled
me.

    ---

    I'm seething with anger as I step outside Guardian Headquarters.

    I expected anything but what happened. I thought Karen and Stealth
would accept my reluctance and we could move on.

    Not that... I pause in my internal rant. Was Karen so unfeeling?

    Was that really out of character?

    More importantly, how come I blew up?

    OhNooooo... I let out a barely suppressed moan as I stand in
stunned realization.

    The very thing I feared revealing by telepathy, I showed them
anyway.

    The trip home is a blur.

    Waiting for me is a message.

    "Hello Cory. This is Stealth. Karen is entering the message for
me. We've made some files available to you. Access the heading
'Considerations when desiring to invite a non-Guardian into a sexual
relationship with the animal member of the team.'

    "Also, read the material on 'Finders' and 'Psychological
Implications of the telepathic link'.

    "We'll be here when you're ready.

    "See you at work.

    "Love, Stealth."

    PS from Karen: "Self-awareness and self-honesty can be painful.
It's also a lesson Stealth is constantly reminding me of. I love you,
Karen."

    I shiver. What did it cost them to leave that message after I
walked out?

    Stealth is right. Unless I request a transfer or change jobs, I'll
have to see them tomorrow.

    I study the three headings and wonder which I should read first.
'Sex' is a bitter taste in my mind right now. Psychology not much
better. That leaves 'Finders'. What are those? It's a term I've never
heard. Must be important if they want me to look at it.

    I spend the next hour skimming. For all the words, the essentials
are summed up simply. Finders are canines capable of detecting
potential Guardians. They have an average of 90 per cent plus
accuracy. They are rare and generally not members of Companion or
Protector teams on a permanent basis.

    There's a lot of technical details and histories of individuals.
Towards the bottom of the list of known finders is Stealth's name and
a note she is permanently teamed with Karen as a Protector.

    I gaze off thoughtfully. OK. I guess she is implying I have the
potential to become a Guardian of some type. Do I want to?

    Too much has hit me all at once. I don't know.

    What was the note? Self-honesty. I've certainly received a good
dose of that.

    Once again, I sigh. I need time to figure things out. Best I get
some sleep and hope the day is pretty routine at work.

    --

    "I need to use some of my time off." I'm talking to my boss.

    "Oh? That's not like you Cory. You seem a bit abstracted.
Problems?"

    "Yes. No." I hesitate. "It's..." Then I remember something from
the file I read. 'Restricted access on a need to know basis.'

    Oops.

    "I just need to think about some things. The job's been pretty
slow and I've been rethinking my plans for the future." That's closer.

    "I need some time alone without distractions." Mostly true.

    "It's unexpected but..." He trails off in thought. I get the
impression he's studying me.

    "How long?"

    I shrug a bit. "I don't know. Maybe a week."

    "Go. You're not at your best right now anyway. Take as long as you
need. Hell, you've earned it after all these years. I've always felt
you should take more time off. We'll manage."

    I can't help a wry smile in return. It's true he's been after me
to relax more often.

    "Thanks." I leave his office and head off to close my area down
for the day.

    ---

    'Most animals can't understand the human need for self-deception.
This attitude requires a major mental adjustment for most human
Guardians. Extreme resiliency and mental toughness is required of a
Guardian more for this reason than any other single reason or
combination of reasons.

    'Over time, a Guardian will find themselves adopting some of the
attitudes of the species they are teamed with. Especially in
interpersonal relationships, they generally find it unusual to
maintain a long term one with a non-Guardian. The primary reason is
once again, that few 'normal' humans can be comfortable with the
self-honesty required.'

    I shudder. I've been studying. Not the sexual files yet. This has
been bad enough.

    Reading between the lines, it's obvious to me that if I don't join
the Guardians, I might as well forget about Karen and Stealth.

    Hidden in the words is the implication that it's unlikely for me
to be able to be totally comfortable around Karen and Stealth unless,
essentially, I walk the same path.

    I do know one thing. Maybe it's what makes me fear the telepathic
aspects involved.

    I happen to know my ancestors. It's been 100 years since any of us
have been Guardians. I'm descended in a direct line on the male side
from one of the Founding Guardians. Ward.

    With Stealth a known finder and me knowing about Ward... I have no
doubt that my telepathy can be triggered.

    At least, after three days of intensive research and
soul-searching, I know my problem.

    I fear the level of self-honesty I can expect from having a
telepathic link to an animal.

    So, since I have been forced to realize how deeply I love Karen
and Stealth, I can't see any solution other than working past my fear.

    It's the first time I've known just how driven I am by my sense of
duty. I accepted I am driven in my work. It's hard, very hard to
accept I am just as driven in my personal life.

    I wonder if Karen feels the same and then laugh bitterly to
myself. She does. Why else her statement that caused me to walk away?

    With that laughter, bitter though it is, I realize I have no
choice but to return to Karen and Stealth and seek their help.

    ---

    "I'm sorry. I need your help." He's so gaunt. Haunted.

    "I." He pauses and visibly gathers himself. "I love you Karen." He
kneels down to look Stealth in her eyes. "I love you too. I don't know
if you can understand me but... It's not you I fear, it's myself and
the telepathy. What *it* could reveal.

    "Ironic since I already revealed most of *that* the day I walked
out on the two of you."

    Again, I nearly turn away from the pain filled eyes that gaze at
me. "I figured you'd meet me when I showed up." It's then I realize he
wasn't surprised that Stealth and I met him at the door to our
quarters even though he never called.

    "We understand. She knew." I hold out my hand. "Welcome home."

    That gets me a wan smile.

    As we walk the corridor in awkward silence, he seems abstracted.
Not all here.

    "I'm a direct male descendant of Ward's. I'm certain my telepathy
can be triggered."

    That quiet statement stops me and I grab his arm and turn him to
face me. "You?" He nods. I start to say something and then stop
myself. I gesture for him to continue on our way.

    It was something that had puzzled me. None of Ward's children or
descendents born here had become Guardians.

    All records that might have explained were sealed or missing.

    Now, in Cory, Stealth and I are bringing that line back into
service.

    ""Stealth? What have we done?"" I'm anguished at the implications.

    ""What we had to do. Who his parents are is meaningless."" As
usual, she ignores all but the essentials.

    Once we are settled in the living area, I face Cory. "I did what I
had to do. I'm sorry." It's not much but it's the remaining human part
that makes me say it.

    "I know." He laughs bitterly and I wince. "Oh, how I know."

    "Because..." It's a whisper. "I'm doing what *I* have to do.

    "Guardian Duty is a legacy I hoped to avoid. Until now, we have
managed to find other, less painful ways, of assuaging that duty
within us.

    "I can't thank you yet for what you have done."

    His laughter turns loud and hysterical... "Duty... Love..."

    He chokes it off suddenly and stares at us. "Ward left us warnings
about our heritage and what could happen. I should have heeded them."
It is a bitter whisper. I don't understand him. Dare I ask?

    "I should never have chosen a job that put me in contact with
Guardians. The rest of my family was wiser than I in this."

    Oh. Everything clicks as the pieces fall into place.

    "You and Stealth have your work cut out for you. I can't break the
'conditioning' alone."

    ""Stealth!"" I'm numb.

    ""We'll manage ok. Relax."" She goes over and nuzzles his hand. He
stiffens, stares at her and with a slight smile begins to pet her. His
motions are stiff. He's forcing himself.

    She puts her feet in his lap and licks his face in a familiar
gesture. Reassured slightly, I go hug him gently and leave to prepare
some food.

    ---

    "I never thought about it before but do you realize this," He nods
at his glass of herbal tea. "Is a 'legacy' from the original
Guardians?" Cory stares out the window and sips quietly.

    We ate a simple dinner and I opened the window so the evening
breeze could be felt. Stealth is out playing with the others and
generally relaxing as Cory and I try to overcome, no understand, his
problems.

    "I figured that since Ward and the rest of my family is oriented
to wolves, I could avoid becoming a Guardian by staying in town and
limiting my work to association with canines.

    "It didn't quite work." He sighs softly and I study him.

    This is... The same Cory I've known for years and yet, there is a
difference.

    ""He's quit trying to hide."" I manage to hide my reaction to
Stealth's comment. Apparently, she's already sensitive to his
emotions. ""His surface thoughts too."" Damn bitch. I'm so worried
about Cory, I didn't try to hide my thoughts from her.

    "She's beautiful isn't she?" I turn to watch her at play. I'm
trying to say something that's 'neutral' so I don't jar him out of his
line of thought.

    "Never denied it." He's switched moods again. Now, he's off
somewhere else. Oh well.

    "While most Guardians had a familiarity with alcohol and other
ways of diverting themselves, Allister and Ward never really enjoyed
them. It makes sense when you figure just what they were responsible
for.

    "All of this." He makes a vague gesture. "Self-honesty made them
realize that they couldn't live by using excuses for their actions and
decisions.

    "Thus, they preferred the more calming aspects of the various
teas."

    I'm fascinated. Cory's family must have an awesome oral tradition.
I never thought about the reasons for many of our commonplace
activities. I think back and realize he's made a valid point.
Guardians tend to prefer teas and fruit drinks over the distilled
types.

    "Ward and Julie are philosophers you know. They love to explore
but as they do so, they also like to explore the inner worlds.

    "It would appear I share that to a great degree. I have a need to
understand that is hard to suppress."

    I pause as I lift my own cup to my lips. I can't help it. I study
him carefully. He doesn't appear to be aware that what he's said could
be unknown to me. He's... Lost in himself to the point nothing else
exists for him.

    "Cory?" I'm gentle as I try to get his attention.

    "Julie in particular..." He stops. "Did you say something?"

    How do I phrase it? "Cory? Ward and Julie. Are they still alive?"

    "That's one of the 'trusts' in my family I was worried about
revealing.

    "So far as we know, even though we haven't seen them since they
returned to Earth... Yes. Arrangements were made so that should they
die, all their descendents would be told. Their known death would
release us from promises made regarding us and the Guardians.

    "It is an oral message passed on to all of us when we are old
enough to know our heritage. That and other, more important things we
need to know."

    Now I'm really confused. According to all the records, there was
no way for anyone to return to Earth. We are an independent colony
founded and left to live or die on our own.

    "I'm sorry Karen." Sorry? What is he sorry about.

    "There are records with the Brethren about this. I'm sure Allister
left notes with the Scouts.

    "I'd forgotten about it until just now."

    I watch as he refills his tea. I nod when he wordlessly asks me if
I want mine topped off.

    "That still doesn't explain how come none of you became
Guardians." I've let myself get sidetracked because I know that Cory
follows his own logic. I'm certain his rambling has a point.

    He nods and smiles wryly. "Simple really. The family got together
when Ward asked them.

    "Consider this. For generations, to many people, *including* the
Guardians, Ward and Julie had been the de-facto leaders. The family
was steeped in a 'tradition'.

    "After a long period of discussion, they voted to step away so the
Guardians could break away and find new paths.

    "People are creatures of habit. Ward and Julie were aware of this
and did what they could to avoid having the Guardians become a
dynasty. That meant our whole family staying away for as long as we
could.

    "We managed for about 150 years."

    He looks wistful. "It's not that we deny our heritage. Each person
gives their word.

    "I got caught by conditions mostly beyond my control. None of us
are foolish enough to deny that eventually someone would return. Just
foolish enough to hope that we wouldn't be the one."

    Something finally clicks into place in my mind.

    "Duty, your given word and your emotions." He nods.

    "You managed to find a choice that lets you be true to duty and
your emotions. And, your word was given while everyone knew that you
might have to break it."

    "Exactly." There is a long silence.

    "Since you now know the secrets I didn't want to reveal," I watch
in surprise as he raises a hand to wave at Stealth and give her our
private signal that means 'return immediately'. When did he learn
that? I never taught him. "All my objections to sex and a possible
link with Stealth are answered."

    He smiles slightly as he watches Stealth. "She's still going to
have to seduce me and convince me that there is more than sex
involved. Once she does, I'll name when and where.

    "I come from a long line of zoophiles. The Guardians were founded
with that as an essential part of the teaming."

    I sit in stunned amazement. He's casually mentioning things I
didn't know until I had studied obscure records.

    "Maybe now, I can be what I was meant to be rather than what I had
to be."
======

    Consumation
    Cory, Stealth and Karen - The Early Years
    ---

    Once we figured out where I was having problems, we worked towards
solving them.

    I never did figure out how the two of them managed to decide how
to share me. Oh, actually, the only thing that changed was that
Stealth became a regular part of our love-making. Rather than watch,
she sometimes joined us.

    After a few weeks, I discovered that Stealth was reading my
emotions and surface thoughts. At first I was nervous but after a few
days of thinking about it and living with it, I relaxed.

    Shortly after that, I was relaxing with Stealth and was startled
by a 'feeling' of contentment that was distinctly not my own. A few
questions later, I had to accept it was Stealth I was 'listening to'.

    Obviously, over time, we were forming a link of some sort. Karen
reassured me that it would never be strong enough to compete with the
link she and Stealth had.

    I kept quiet about my doubts. I couldn't reason out what made me
question everything but the doubt was there. Finally, I shrugged it
off as knowing more than I should at this point. Better to let things
happen as they would.

    It's been about 6 months. The 'link' I have with Stealth seems to
have stabilized at the point it reached within few weeks. The only
real change has been my increased skill at reading her.

    That has let me *know* she is serious about taking me sexually.
With that settled, I do what Stealth has wanted all along. I make the
decision to confront Karen and tell her our plans.

    Yes, during those times when Karen has been elsewhere, Stealth and
I made our plans.

    ---

    "Alone.

    "You're going to have to trust me.

    "Stealth does." I'm firm and a bit exasperated with Karen. She
insisted on this. Now, all of a sudden, she's balking.

    "Look, you've done everything else with me around. Why not this?"
I recognize that tone of reasonableness. Usually, it makes me rethink
my position.

    Not this time.

    "Call it a quirk of mine. First times are special." I hold up a
hand to stop what I know she will say.

    "OK, so we all know Stealth isn't a virgin.

    "Thing is, in this case, both of us are.

    "I don't want distractions." I sigh a bit. "Stealth agrees even if
you don't."

    Oops. I can see in Karen's eyes that she didn't know Stealth and I
found ways to communicate with each other. She 'reads' me and in
return, I get her emotional state. Awkward, but it allows us to do
more than guess.

    Karen turns to Stealth and they lock eyes. Karen is angry. Stealth
is defiant.

    Me? Time for a strategic retreat. I know they won't return to the
world until one of them grudgingly decides she needs to change her
mind.

    I shake my head and hide a smile. It won't be Stealth who backs
down.

    ---

    ""We had a link before sex."" Stealth is calm but firm. ""I
understand his surface thoughts and emotions but all he can get are my
emotions.""

    ""You didn't tell me he could get anything from you."" It's all I
can get out because of my anger. I feel left out.

    ""Of course not.""

    I let my silence speak for me. Stealth settles on her haunches and
turns her head to watch Cory.

    ""At first he thought I would tell you everything we do or think
about.

    ""I haven't told him everything about us. I'm not going to tell
you everything about him and me.""

    ""Oh."" I sag finally. She's once again hit me over the head to
get me to see something obvious.

    ""I didn't tell *him* about you and I did I?"" I'm rueful at this
point.

    ""He's not for me anyway. Someone else will get him someday.""
She's off again. ""We're a team. This isn't going to change things.""

    ""Stealth. You're frustrating, exasperating, annoying,
self-centered... "" I can't help smiling at her. ""Don't ever change.
Partner.""

    ---

    It is early evening and the sun is just starting to disappear
behind the mountains. We've hiked to one of our favorite spots.

    "Well, there's our campsite. I know you can't answer me but I hope
this all works out."

    Stealth had on a day pack and I was wearing my weekend backpacking
outfit. The only unusual thing about this trip is that I know Stealth
and I will be making love soon.

    Tonight actually. I still have some reservations about how it
might affect my relationship with Karen. That she and Stealth have
cooperated in this helps a lot. I know both of them will be able to
accept any changes. Bluntly, I am wondering how *I* will handle the
changes. My mind is a turbulent river that doesn't know which
direction it is going to go next. I know there will be changes, but, I
am constantly having to remind myself to just go with the flow and
accept what happens.

    'What if?' is not a fun game when it involves someone you love as
deeply as I love Karen. Anything that risks that makes me nervous.

    We stop at the edge of the clearing.

    I kneel and hug Stealth. Looking her in the eyes, I watch her.
"You're going to have to help me with this. When I get things set,
I'll be ready. You're going to have to help me though. I don't know
what position you want to do this in. I guess I would like to do it
face to face but it's up to you." I get a feeling of reassurance and
acceptance. It's enough.

    I set up our camp before anything else. The routine is an excuse
to settle myself. As I start to lay out the sleeping bag in the tent,
Stealth stops me by blocking my path. She grabs an edge of the bag and
gently tugs at it. I feel purpose so I let go and watch.

    "Oh." This when I realize what she has in mind. Love under the
stars. Something Karen I discovered we both enjoy. Looks like Stealth
is the same way.

    I'm chuckling as she carefully straightens it to her satisfaction.
Then , she goes and rummages through her day pack, pulls out her
brush, turns and flags me and then goes to settle. I can feel her
'laughter' as she stretches out on her back with her vulva facing me.

    Legs spread, brush in her mouth and her head curled so she can
watch my reaction, she waits for me to move.

    "Stealth, you're impossible." I'm grinning as I begin to strip.
Still chuckling, I settle next to her, gently take the brush and begin
grooming her. "Karen isn't this obvious."

    It's fully dark before we agree it is time. When I move to
straddle her, I get a feeling of denial. Puzzled, I pause.

    She rolls out from under me and nudges my side firmly as if trying
to push me over. I let myself fall on one side. Instead of laying next
to me, she puts her nose against me and lifts as if to roll me on my
back. Still puzzled, I follow her lead and roll to sprawl on my back.

    I am rewarded with a feeling of satisfaction. I flinch as her nose
is firmly planted in my crotch.

    I feel and hear her slurp at me in exploration. She continues this
until I am about to orgasm. I tense and at that moment, she stops.

    I feel chilled as she pulls back and then there is the touch of
fur on both sides of my body. She's straddled me. Dimly, I see her dip
her nose to my face. She uses her tongue and gently forces it into my
mouth.

    We share a deep kiss that is more relaxed and intense than any
that have gone before. Her feeling of satisfaction is overlain with
unmistakable lust as she lowers herself so her vulva contacts my
penis.

    The meaning is unmistakable. During the grooming, I liberally
applied some lubricant. All I have to do is position myself at her
entrance and start a gentle push.

    There is resistance at first and then as she removes more of her
weight from her legs we begin coming together. Several times, she
braces herself for a bit and then continues.

    Eventually, we are rewarded with pubic contact. Minutes pass
before she indicates it is time for me to become active.

    The newness of the experience makes us reach orgasm very quickly.
Her spasms trigger my own.

    ""I didn't even think of this position."" My thoughts are tender
with the afterglow of release and wonderment.

    ""So, now you know.""

    ""Yes."" I am limp from exertion and she is collapsed on my chest.
Neither one one us wants to move and destroy this moment. Our tongues
gently probe each other's mouths. Still connected by my penis, her
warmth is starting to restore my desire.

    The wordless explosion of her mind in mine had shocked me.
""You're really a person in your own right aren't you?""

    A pause.

    ""Of course. But you always thought otherwise didn't you?""

    I can't hide from this truth. Not any longer. ""I did. I never
fully accepted that animals are just as much people as I am.""

    I laugh gently and hold her face close to mine. I kiss her deeply
and with the same care and love that I always use when kissing Karen
after we have made love.

    ""I love you, Stealth""

    ""I know. I love you, too. Ever since you first paired with
Karen.""

    ---

    "It's a strange feeling. I have to 'reach' to talk to Stealth." We
have returned from our weekend outing.

    "I still can't feel you anywhere. She tells me you are sort of a
'presence' that is always there." I watch as Karen nods slowly.

    "If neither one of us makes an effort, there's nothing.

    "In a way, I'm glad, but then I'm not." I sigh pensively and stare
at the dogs romping n the compound.

    "I don't think I'm ready for more."

    ""Do you think you'll have a choice?"" Stealth's tone is smug. I
look over and see Karen trying to hide a grin.

    "She does it all the time. She enjoys baffling us mere humans."

    ""Stealth, you've convinced me it's easier to change Karen's mind
than that of an interfering bitch.""

    "Cory!" Karen is openly laughing now. Stealth must have relayed my
comment.

    What can I do? I laugh wryly and then the three of us have lunch
and relax for the rest of the day.

    ---

    After that first weekend, the three of us slowly settled into life
as a sexually active threesome. Somewhat to my relief, once her
curiosity was satisfied, Stealth's requests for coupling with me
didn't happen more than a few times a month.

    Much to my chagrin and Karen's amusement, Stealth developed a
taste for semen and oral sex. I would wake up to her working me in the
middle of the night. It took some doing but I managed to convince her
that I needed my sleep and wasn't capable of supplying her addiction
in the amount she seemed to want.

    At long last, we managed a compromise that kept the three of us
more or less sated. After about a year, we had found our routine and
could think of plans for the future. Those plans included deciding if
we wanted to commit to pairing and the possibility of children.

    I also decided I might as well take the final step and find a
partner of my own.

    Once again, life took over and someone else decided my future. I
should have expected it. Things had been going along far too smoothly
and my life seems to abhor letting me make serious decisions on my
own.
======

    Tracker
    Cory, Tracker, Karen and Stealth
    ---

    After years of searching, I feel a human presence in the back of
my mind. As I relax, I keep my senses alert and try to figure out who
it is.

    I wander about the area and discover that the feeling of
completion gets stronger whenever I am near a specific group made of
three Guardians. One of them is a sister, one is a woman and the third
member of the group - is a man. I hope it is the man who completes me.

    By gently probing them, I discover my sister and the woman are
already mated. The woman is not the one I seek.

    This is good. I do not want to mate with a woman unless I must.
But, the man talks to my sister even though they are not mated. This
is very strange and something I have never heard of.

    What should I do? I am tired of being unmated. I will learn who he
is and break tradition by asking him if he wants to be my mate.

    I listen carefully and discover his name. Cory. A nice name. I
like it.

    I like him.

    As I wait, I wonder about something else. How come he hasn't asked
me who I am? I feel him in my mind, so he should be able to feel me in
his. Maybe he is afraid to ask?

    I have waited long enough. It is evening now. Everyone is quietly
settled. As the afternoon changed to evening, I drifted closer to
their quarters. Now, as it gets darker, I finally walk over and stop
at a respectful distance. I settle on my haunches and it is my sister
who first notices me.

    ""Why are you here?"" She demands to know why I have invaded their
space.

    ""I am going to ask him."" I have no need to say more.

    ""That is not how things are done."" Her response is firm and
filled with her shock.

    ""Nonetheless, I am going to ask. *He* hasn't asked me."" I get no
response.

    I focus and gently send my call. ""Cory."" He shakes his head from
side to side. ""You haven't asked. Cory, am I unworthy?""

    ""Who? Where are you?"" I delight in the intensely male tones.

    ""Tracker. I wait before you.""

    He stands and I see he is naked. I study him and shiver. He is
longer than any dogs I have mated with. He is male as I have sometimes
dreamed of. The way he radiates his maleness - teases me into a fuller
awareness of my own needs.

    I stand and turn. I flag him and reveal myself. I let him know I
desire him.

    ""I am unmated. You are unmated. I want you to be my mate."" I
invite him to me. I turn my head and wait to see what his reaction
will be.

    He looks at my sister and then at the woman. I sense an exchange
between him and my sister.

    ""Tracker. How fitting. You're beautiful."" His mind is a gentle
caress in mine.

    I am suddenly bathed in light as someone turns on the outside
lighting. I sense his amusement at some inner joke.

    ""Of course I will mate with you."" As he walks towards me, I
brace myself and shiver in my eagerness. He bends down and draws his
hands along my sides. I feel his fingers spread slightly and increase
their pressure as he slowly and firmly draws me back to his maleness.
I moan as I surrender to him.

    There are no more words, only feelings, as he takes me.

    I shiver as he starts to enter me. As he slowly sheaths himself in
my body, I feel new pressures. Our minds open to each other as we
become one. He is gentle and skilled. He takes his time to let me
adjust. Gently, then more urgently, he moves. Discomfort is brief and
then is replaced by pleasure.

    We smile in each other's minds. As he peaks, I let his peak
overwhelm me and push me into mine.

    ""You are skilled. More skilled than I expected. This is not my
first mating with one of your species."" I felt his pleased surprise
that I was able to pleasure him and I also felt him feel my surprise
at his ability to please me. Our minds are so intertwined that we
can't tell who is saying things. We realize it doesn't matter.

    We laugh at the shared thoughts.

    He withdraws himself and reaches to touch me gently. I turn and
nose myself and his hand.

    He surprises me by laying on his back and showing me an image. No
human has offered this. I comply.

    As I clean him, he cleans me with his mouth. I shiver again as he
gently washes me. My spasms cause him to reach and grasp my
hindquarters to steady me.

    ""I did not know..."" I trail off as I realize he has firmed
beneath my tongue.

    ""With the right partner, many things are possible."" His mental
grin warms me.

    Eventually, sated for the evening, we fall asleep on the grass.

    * * *

    The morning breeze caressed us into wakefulness. We had fallen
asleep while still coupled and it was with a bit of regret that we
pulled apart. Nature's demands insisted that we both take care of some
basic needs before we take the time to explore our newfound
togetherness.

    While Karen and I wait for Tracker and Stealth to return for
breakfast, we settle on the couch. I smile as I talk a little about
what happened last night.

    "Karen, you saw how much 'choice' I had."

    I get a grin in return. "Stealth had you to herself for six
months. Spoiled bitch."

    "Ummm... Speaking of spoiled..." I let my amusement show. I am
rewarded when Karen jerks upright and starts to head out the patio
door.

    "No. It's over and no harm done." I grab her arm and lead her back
to the couch. "It's too late anyway."

    "About time she ran into someone who could say no to her." Karen
is recovering. We just had images from our partners of Stealth and
Tracker in a brief but intense physical struggle. No anger, just a
dominance disagreement over me.

    I smile. "Tracker made her point didn't she? *She* decides when
she'll share me."

    "I better look into getting quarters of our own."

    ""Thank you for not hurting anything except her pride. My love.""
The two of them walk back side by side. Stealth is a bit subdued but I
know she'll soon be back to normal.

    ""Stealth, you said it yourself six months ago. I'm not for you.
Not completely anyway.""

    ""Hmmph."" Her snort speaks volumes as she settles next to Karen
and pointedly turns her back on Tracker and me.

    ""She's off duty. She doesn't control my or your mating rights.""
I choke on my tea. I always thought Stealth was direct.

    I study my partner. I blink in surprise. I knew she was larger
than average last night. In daylight, I realize she towers over
Stealth by at least a foot.

    ""Borzoi."" She answers me before I can remember the breed name.
""Not many of us around.""

    She settles on her haunches next to me and rests her head in my
lap. Eyes close and I hear... ""You may pet me.""

    I can't stop my laughter. I gently stroke her head and marvel.
Tracker is like no dog or bitch I've met.

    ""How come?..."" I wonder at her presence here and her being
unpaired as well.

    ""Nobody suitable until you. I've been checking all the Guardian
stations.""

    ""You're right. We have a lot in common with wolves."" She pulls
that thought out before I verbalize it.

    ""I don't understand.""

    ""We are strong willed. It takes a special type of person to team
with us. Someone who does not display a gentle hardness is someone we
tend to dominate and lose respect for. You fit my mind in a way no one
else has. When I called, you answered. It is enough.""

    I shake my head to clear the thoughts that churn within it. During
the time I have known Karen and Stealth, I learned that Stealth can be
obscure in her thinking. Tracker has already convinced me that she is
capable of being far more obscure than Stealth.

    "Karen? I never thought to ask before. How do I go about getting
rooms of my own and who do I tell about my change in status?" With
hindsight, I realize she has never spoken to me of just how she wound
up in these rooms.

    "Wait a bit longer. I'm still checking on your rooms. The
notification I've already taken care of. I had to when they wanted to
know about the reason you wanted quarters here." She turns to face me
and I see that her eyes are laughing and she has a decided quirk to
her lips. "Actually, what I was told is that new files were already
sent to my terminal. Some of the other canines were quite impressed
with the show the two of you put on last night. They told their
partners and the word filtered up the levels." She turns back to her
screen.

    "Oh." I should have guessed we wouldn't need to announce things.

    ""I was happy. I told the world."" Tracker is smug sounding.

    ""So I wasn't hearing things when I thought you were vocalizing.""

    ""That too."" She is definitely laughing.

    I sigh and then smile slightly. I've seen Karen get exasperated
with Stealth and always laughed at her. Now, with Tracker, I
understand that frustration and its source. ""Do I get an
explanation?""

    ""I shared with those other dogs who were capable of sharing my
thoughts."" She snorts. ""Not all were able but enough were to serve
my purposes.""

    ""And those were?""

    ""I am a bitch. I run in a pack. I marked you as mine."" She falls
silent and I have the sense that she will say no more right now.

    I get an image of her standing between me and the other bitches
who are all flagging me and vying for my attention. ""My kind was bred
to hunt wolves and capture them. I have captured you.""

    I sit in stunned surprise. The emotional impact behind those
simple words has grabbed me and left me speechless. Before I can find
words to comment, Karen looks up and smiles.

    "Join me. Things have been settled and I'm to show you where the
entrance to your rooms is at." She looks at me thoughtfully then seems
to withdraw slightly into herself. Without any more comments, she gets
up and gestures for me to accompany her out the door and down the long
hallway that leads back to Guardian headquarters. I enjoy the feel of
the carpet on my bare feet. Bare feet? "My clothing?"

    Karen smiles. "Not unless you feel the need. We will be staying in
the residential areas."

    I decide I don't need my clothing.

    As the four of us walk though the corridors and wind up back at
the residential entrance hall, we sometimes stop and visit with
others. Tracker remains aloof during all this and the greetings, while
friendly, seem to be somewhat ritualized.

    Eventually, Karen takes us to a corridor that is one I've never
seen. Before we entered it, she paused a long time and seemed to be
debating something with Stealth. Eventually they looked at each other
for long seconds and then turned as one to stride forward as though
with renewed purpose.

    We reach a door that looks no different than the one that opens on
the entrance to her rooms.

    She reaches up and quickly enters the access code. After she does
so, she turns and studies us. "When you enter that room, you will face
some choices. There are two exits. This door and the door that opens
on a hallway similar to the one that leads to Stealth and my rooms."
She comes over and hugs me before stepping back and looking down at
Tracker. "Good fortune to the two of you." I have the feeling she is
performing a ritual. Instead of responding with words, I nod my head
in thanks.

    Stealth must have said something to Tracker before they touch
noses. I notice Tracker is shivering.

    ""We are to proceed alone from here. I... Stealth says to trust
our feelings in this. She would tell me no more."" She falls silent
and I have the feeling she is watching the door as if it were some
dangerous enemy.

    I take a deep breath and then let it out. ""Let's do it."" I reach
for the door and it opens easily. Without looking back, we enter the
small room that is revealed. On the wall above the closed door on the
far side of the room - is a screen. It is the only decoration. I let
go and the door sighs shut behind us. I feel a subtle 'difference'
once we hear the lock firmly engage.

    The screen lights up and then clears to display two faces I know
well. I sag back against the wall as they gaze out calmly.

    "Ward? Julie?" I whisper in my shock. My recognition seems to
trigger them to awareness.

    "Greetings." Julie's voice is calm. "We recorded this welcoming
message and set aside this special set of rooms before we left. We
*knew* that someday, one of our descendants would become a Guardian.
Whoever you are, this message is only for you and your canine partner.
All knowledge of this message and the purpose of these rooms has been
wiped from the public records. Hopefully, except for the members of
our line, the rest of the world will 'know' that we left and never
returned."

    "Forgive us for this method of welcoming you to the Guardians. We
knew that someday one would again take up the duties our line chose to
abandon." Ward looks out calmly. "Once someone indicated one of our
line was joining the Guardians, a special set of files was sent to the
one who was to show you to your permanent quarters. Not even they know
what is happening in here. They only knew that you were to be brought
here. Simple questions, seemingly routine, allowed the system to
determine their relationship to you. Depending on that relationship,
certain things may have been revealed to them. We have no way of
telling you what was mentioned. If you feel the need to know, you will
have to ask that person. She has been instructed to give you full
cooperation." He paused and seemed to be marshaling his thoughts.

    "Welcome back to the Guardians. There are two paths before you.
You may leave here and return anytime you wish. Once the offer to join
the Guardians is made, it is never withdrawn." He smiles warmly. I am
reminded of a carefully hidden portrait the family has.

    Julie looks out at us. "Or, you may go forward and discover a
future and your past." Her whole body grins. "If you are one of us, I
know the choice you will make. We wish you 'Good Fortune'."

    The screen blanks and the closed door silently swings open.
Tracker had quietly shifted so she was leaning against me while Ward
and Julie were briefing us. When the door swung open, I felt her
flinch.

    ""Cory?"" She is shaking and I can't tell what her emotions are.
""Are you truly from their line?""

    I can no longer deny my past. ""Yes.""

    She lifts her head to gaze into my eyes. I feel her wonder.

    Embarrassed, I whisper "I am who I am. Who sired me is not what
matters."

    Instead of answering me directly she nudges my hand with her head
and then turns to face the open door. ""The way ahead is clear. Let's
go!"" She launches herself through it and after she scrambles down the
stairs, she takes off at a full run.

    "Tracker!" I shout in my fear for her safety. I've never seen any
dog as fast as she is.

    ""The way is well lit. I have trained in more restricted areas. I
am agile and in my prime."" She shares her sight with me. Before I
reach the door, I feel her slide to a stop at the end of the long
hallway and settle on her haunches. Impatient and not even breathing
heavily, she is amused at my ill-concealed frustration. ""I did not
have room to reach my full speed."" She's definitely laughing at my
shock. ""Well, are you coming?""

    I shake my head in bemused wonder. ""Not as quickly as you my love
but I will get there.""

    As I reach the bottom of the stairs, I am treated to the sight her
sliding to a stop next to me. ""This is fun. I like waxed floors.""
Her laughter echoes within me and is contagious.

    Laughing together, we walk to our new home.

    When we get to the bottom of the steps that lead upward, I realize
something and turn back to look at the hallway. "Tracker. I don't know
about you but every entrance hallway I've seen has been carpeted. This
one isn't."

    I feel her consider this. She slowly turns her head over her
shoulder to look back. For the first time, I sense confusion in her
thoughts. ""Every dog or wolf who has described their home to me has
made a point of telling me about the soft and comfortable carpeting to
be found there. The only exception to this has been the other Borzois.
Each of them told me they had to ask that the carpeting be removed.""

    We look at each other and then back at the hallway. ""Tracker, it
shows no signs of ever having been carpeted.""

    Rather than answer me she walks part way back along the hallway
and I feel her studying the walls and floor. She sniffs carefully.
""It smells old but looks fresh.""

    ""Cory?""

    ""Yes, Tracker?""

    She returns to my side and leans against me. I feel her shiver.
""How did they know?""

    I look up the stairs. ""Maybe we'll get some answers up there.
Let's go find out.""
======

Gypsy
The Challenge Universe - Mindhome
Cory, Tracker, Gypsy, Karen and Stealth
---

Tracker and I freeze in surprise as a shadow moves to stand before us.

""Hello, Cory. Cousin.""

The words are calm and gently spoken in our minds.

Before I respond, I turn to look at Tracker. ""You didn't notice
her?""

""No. Nothing. But wolves are cunning and able to hide in places where
one does not expect them."" Her 'voice' is tinged with a bit of anger.
Not at herself. She is too self-confident for that. I have the
impression she is angry with the wolfess.

Meanwhile, the wolfess has settled on her haunches to watch us. I can
read canine body language pretty well and I get the impression she is
filled with a purpose but also somewhat amused at something. That I
get from the slight tilt of her head and the way her mouth and tongue
are positioned.

Yes, were it Tracker or Stealth, I would be certain she is inwardly
laughing at something she finds hilariously funny.

Something is missing. ""Track? Any sign of her partner?""

""No."" Eyes far more acute than mine have carefully scanned the
entire visible area. Were there someone visible who might be one of
the Brethren, Tracker would have spotted them by now.

""Hello."" I finally direct a thought to the wolfess. Her first words
gave me a good idea as to her sex and then I have been studying her
while talking with Tracker. Considering the good lighting, it's
obvious there is no sheath. It's something I tend to notice whenever I
see a canine.

""Problems? Where's your partner?"" Small talk really. ""Unless it's
something urgent, would you care to talk as we continue our patrol?""

""I will join you. I am not partnered right now.

""I am Gypsy.""

The three of us proceed. Tracker and I are well known here. This
section of town has been our primary area for several years. An older
manufacturing area, it is usually pretty calm. Because of the noise
and assorted smells, her eyesight has been invaluable. It didn't take
long for people to realize just how good she is. With an extremely
wide angle of vision, there isn't much movement that escapes her
notice.

""What are you doing here?"" I can't understand what would bring a
wolf to this part of the city. Normally, they get called in on special
duty or show up as the result of tracking someone into town.

""I'm here because of you.""

""No!"" A blur hits Gypsy and knocks her into me. The three of us are
a tangle of bodies.

The tangle resolves itself into a frozen tableu with me staring at
Tracker and Gypsy. Tracker has Gypsy pinned. Her mouth is clamped to
Gypsy's throat and a deep growl is rumbling from her.

""Cory is mine."" I'm getting the leakage from their conversation.

""I am here to make the offer. That's all. Then you and he will
decide.""

They stare at each other. Strangely, Gypsy is calm about the
situation.

"Tracker." I pause and realize I am being ignored. "Tracker!  She
means no harm. You've made your point.

"Release her." Brown eyes flick in my direction. I glance around and
see people standing in stunned silence. Few have seen Tracker move as
quickly as she did. Had she wanted it, Gypsy would be dead, her throat
torn so quickly nothing could have been done.

""She would take you from me if she could.""

Oh. I feel stupid.

There's only one time non-partnered wolves can talk to a human.
Instead of answering and making things worse, I gesture vaguely. ""We
have a job to finish. Shall we?""

Tracker releases Gypsy and moves back a bit. Gypsy stands, shakes
herself a bit and then stares at Tracker. She turns back to me. ""I'll
be at Headquarters.""

With that, she lopes off.

Wonderful. I have a sour feeling about all this. That means she'll be
there when we get home.

* * *

"So what happened?" Karen met us in the lobby. "All anybody knows is
from the newscast. Something about Tracker attacking a wolf and then
the wolf left and came here."

"Wolfess. Her name is Gypsy." I pause as I seek a way to express what
happened.

"Track was making her opinion clear on certain matters."

Now, as we settle in our chairs, I gaze out the window.

"Gypsy will be around until I make a decision about her 'offer'.

"I've been invited to join the Brethren as a 'Pack-Brother'"

A muted rumble is Tracker's reaction. Karen's is a soft "Oh."

I move to the couch and invite Tracker to join me. She does and I
gently pet her after we get settled.

"I don't know.

"Well, that's not true." I sigh deeply.

""You and Alonzo work well together already. Had things been
different, you would have teamed with him. He happened to be on
vacation when you showed up."" I direct this to Tracker.

""Must you?"" I wince at the pain in her voice.

""I don't know yet. I never planned on leaving you. You know that.""

""Love and duty, Cory."" She's resigned and angry. ""Admit it. Duty
has won. You wanted to go with Gypsy as soon as you knew.""

""Yeah."" I sag. ""And it's tearing me apart inside. It means leaving
all of you. You, Karen, Stealth...""

I'm bitter. ""All left behind for a maybe.""

"I wonder if anything is ever permanent?" I open my eyes to study
Karen.

"You. Then Stealth. Now Tracker.

"Will I always be moving from one relationship to another?

"Forget that there are so few invited. Forget about my ancestors.

"Will 'duty' always be such a burden?"

* * *

There is a long silence after Cory speaks. I've come to know him on a
level no other human has.

I think on some level, he's been preparing just in case something like
this happened. Not consciously, just something he's known. He and
Tracker make a good team. Darn good. One of the best in the area.

They share a 'hardness' and dedication that is almost the same as what
the Brethren share.

Maybe that's the problem. I don't know. Maybe none of us are hard
enough to fully capture him.

I muse about our lives together. Our first meeting. Stealth and I
convincing him to have sex with her. Tracker finding him. Now Gypsy
and her offer...

I realize.

I can't openly speak of this to him yet. Maybe not ever. I feel
Stealth's reluctant agreement. She's been following my thoughts.

Of course he'd feel strongly about Gypsy. She asked him. No one else
has done that.

I sigh to myself. I never realized that the Companions and the
Brethren are so fundamentally different in outlook. Cory grew up in a
family that has ties to the brethren few will ever understand. I
didn't understand.

His joining the Brethren was inevitable once he decided to join the
Guardians.

On the other hand, nothing says he will be unable to renew old
friendships once he settles in. He's done that much as a Protector.

"No." I have to fight to find the right words.

"This isn't a permanent leave-taking.

"Once you finish training, we can get back together." I have a hurried
conversation with Stealth.

"We'll wait for you.

"No matter how long it takes."

"I imagine she, " I point at Tracker, "Feels the same way. We might be
with other partners by then. Still, we'll always be friends and more."

He stares at me and then nods slightly.

I watch as he bends his head to study her eyes. There is a long
silence.

He bends down as she reaches up with her nose. They share a lingering
kiss before he wraps his arms around her and begins to cry.

Stealth is unusually gentle when she finally comments on what has
happened. ""They've started to settle their differences. Lots of
mutual pain. It was wise to point out this isn't truly a permanent
separation. Let's leave them for now. They have many memories to share
before he leaves. Our time will come soon enough.""

I sigh before I gesture to Stealth and we get up to leave. ""That's
right. You lost him once and then got part of him back later."" A
flick of Tracker's ears in our direction is the only notice they take
of us as we leave.

* * *

""Tracker. I know it hurts. I hurt."" I feel her pain as if it were
mine. ""I wish I could lie about this. You've taught me how useless
that is."
---

End Abandoned Work: 'Gypsy' 
======

      If you are offended or dislike stories about consensual sex
between humans and animals, don't read this.

    This is a work of fiction.

    The first part sets the background for the rest of the story. The
attitudes presented there are those of two combat experienced beings.
As such, they are portrayed as very caring but ruthlessly efficient at
what they do. I seldom use this type of action in my stories but this
time it is essential to the story that follows. After that start, the
story continues exploring the wolf/human Bonding that sometimes
happens on this world. For those of you who have read my 2 part
Pack-Brother story, this takes place about 100 years before we meet
Karen and Greybeard in part 2.

    zoo M/wolf
    ---

    Hunters
    Greybeard - part 1
    ---

    I and my current partner, Cory, have been brought in via combat
flyer to a point a few kilometers from Port City. He's a good partner,
the best I've teamed with in years, but not my Pack-Mate. Sometimes I
despair of ever Bonding.

    As team 'Hunters' we've become the regional trouble-shooters.
Especially in situations where Bonded pairs would be at extreme risk.
Unfortunately, this situation is such a one. Our back-up consists of
20 of the best hunter teams from all over the world. All of us are
combat experienced and from the time Cory and I enter the city the
other teams will be fully combat ready. As well, Cory and I will be in
full body mesh and wearing heads-up combat lasers for the duration.
Personally, I hate wearing body-mesh. It doesn't allow me use my teeth
and claws in combat. Sometimes though, our duties require we wear it.

    Hopefully, we will be able to make a surgical strike out of this.
The last thing we need is for this to escalate. The hunter teams are
strictly for use if we get into trouble or things need to be contained
quickly. The local police, as good as they are, don't have the
experience to deal with what this could become if our target discovers
we are after him. Or, he panics.

    Mind-linked, Cory and I have been discussing the job.
    --------------

    I've just finished telling him the teams are ready. "Well, what do
you think? Even here I can feel the aura of violence that permeates
the city. During the flyover, I could feel traces of our quarry. Good
thing he's not a Brother. Felt like he was self-trained. His shields
are good but they leak quite a bit if you know how to look. No wonder
he's been so hard to trace. And he's going to strike again fairly
soon. Think we can get him first?"

    "I don't know Grey old pal. I damn well plan to try. Good thing
the Chief told us to solve the problem and nothing more. Wish we could
have inserted closer. I HATE wearing body-mesh on a long hike."

    Privately, I agreed with him. Body-mesh is a flexible protection
developed for teams entering high risk situations. It's not as good as
regular armor, but it allows us the freedom of movement we were going
to need. What we both hated was that it gives TOTAL coverage. In my
case that means I have to control my urge to use my fangs during a
hunt. Even my claws are covered. It has artificial ones in the boots,
but it takes experience and training to use them in combat. As well,
my tail is confined and the extra weight of the cover causes control
problems. Still though, if what we have heard is true, I may need the
protection. As will Cory. A police K-9 team had been taken on a
supposed normal trouble call. That spoke volumes about our target's
abilities. And explained why the hunter teams had been called in.

    Cory was updating me with final info. "While you were briefing the
other teams, I got word from the Chief. They just found the missing
team. They'll survive. They were barely alive when found. Both had
been raped and tortured. Our trauma team said that from what they
could get, this guy gets his rocks off from the mental feedback while
he's inflicting pain during sex. Also, this guy is responsible for a
lot of the reports we've been getting from around the world that we
didn't realize were related. He's been active for about a year. This
was his first snatch of a team though. His big mistake. The bitch
managed to delve deep enough to find out he's planning on killing his
sex partner sometime soon. Not the next one, but she felt that it
would be less than a week before he does it for sure. As well, they
got a direct mental print we can use. This guy stinks." Then his voice
grew harder as he delivered his next words.

    "The Chief gave me a final message just for the two of us. She
said 'Solve the problem.' I very carefully didn't ask how." He is
tight with suppressed rage. I wonder about it. This tight control is
not something I expected. We have been called in on situations like
this before. It shouldn't tense him up like this. I wonder what he's
not told me yet.

    Cory's next words were so soft that if we had not been linked,
even I would have had trouble hearing them.

    "It was Karen and Stealth. I surely will solve it."

    Startled, I jerk around to face him. The venom in his voice and
mind is unmistakable. I knew of the team even though we had never met.
They are considered one of Port City's best teams. He had loved them
deeply. Their parting when he joined with the Brethren had been
painful for all of them. His love and concern for the bitch Stealth
had triggered his telepathy when he first had sex with her many years
ago. Soon after that he became part of a K-9 team that had served with
them. He had talked of them quite a bit after becoming a Pack-Brother
and we had started training together. For him to find out at the start
of our mission was about the worst thing that could have happened. For
our target.

    I shuddered as I remembered the only other time I had seen him in
this mood. He was all focused killer. Rumors later had it that even
the Orcas had felt him. I knew they had. Their coordinator had sent
the Chief a private message afterwards. Which she had passed on to me.
3 words. 'Use him wisely'.

    The Chief must have known who was missing. To wait until now to
let us know was an unmistakable message to us. That one of our trauma
teams was already in the city meant that she wanted us to extend
ourselves and move quickly. As well, she didn't care how we got him.
And she wanted him dead. Quickly. Linked with Cory, I let my thoughts
flow to him.

    I felt his grim agreement. He was too good not to have reached the
same conclusions already. "He's a dead man Grey. Let's go collect the
body."

    Turning back towards the city, I reach out and find our quarry. "I
have him Cory. Let's move." My deep combat growl is well matched by
his mental snarl.
    ----------------
    We got him before he could do any more harm. We caught him walking
along a main street contemplating his next victim. Cory's shouted
'You've raped and tortured your last bitch!' had jerked him around so
that Cory could use a low intensity shot to burn away his crotch. As
he lay screaming for help, I left my place of concealment.

    Cory walked over to him and softly told him "That was for Karen
and Stealth. They're my friends. And I'm going to have to apologize to
them for giving you a relatively clean death.'

    His eyes widened in realization as he saw both of us together. He
read what the payment for his actions would be from Cory's stance and
soft words. Hunter 'Justice' is well known for its sometimes pragmatic
ruthlessness. Now he knew that we felt it was one of those times. And
too, it was obviously the kind he had not expected to have happen to
HIM. We are rarely called into the cities. As his terrified scream of
horror was leaving his lips, I vaporized his head with a full
intensity shot that left a smoking hole in the pavement.

    Justice had been served. Grimly, we knew that nobody in Port City
would soon repeat his actions. Our message was well understood by
those who had witnessed the action. And, as always, word would spread
rapidly.
    -----------------

    "Hey Cory! Want to relax a bit before we go see Stealth and
Karen?" We had been picked up and had time to get out of our mesh and
clean up. Now unwinding in the quarters maintained for visiting
Brethren, we had time to get the taste of the mission out of our
thoughts. I especially had to do something to mute the revulsion I
felt. To track our quarry, I had had to maintain mild contact with
him. His mind had tasted of things that were distasteful to say the
least. So, our custom after a mission was to have some good healthy
sex to remind ourselves what life was really about. As well, it
allowed us to share our impressions and support on a level deeper than
was available to us from day to day.

    The rough and tumble of foreplay released a lot of tension too.
And, this time, neither one of us wanted to see Karen and Stealth
until Cory had a chance to get rid of most of the anger he had been
feeling.

    Cory was before me now. "Hey old wolf. Forget what to do with
this?" He was on hands and knees with his ass facing me. Slowly, he
rocked from side to side in his way of simulating a bitch.

    Rudely, and suddenly, I jammed my nose between his cheeks. As I
felt him flinch from the cold contact, I laughed. "I thought you'd be
used to this by now you old goat." Slowly, I let my tongue reach down
and caress his balls and penis. I could feel his mind focus on the
sensations now. Totally into the moment, I savored the taste of him as
I worked my tongue over and around his hindquarters. Oh yes, he was
definitely male. His penis slowly expanded as he became aroused.

    Finally, our lust became so great that I mounted him. He was
wearing a heavy vest so that we wouldn't have to worry about his being
scratched by my claws. Long practice let me align myself with no
trouble. As my sheath and tip contacted his asshole, we both paused
for a moment. I could feel him savoring the feel of my fur on his
back. The feeling of having my front legs wrapped around him and
controlling him. We both knew and acknowledged that right now, there
was nothing he could do about what I wanted. Yet, I felt no fear from
him. Only total and absolute love and trust.

    For myself, I had reached the point where all I could do was view
him as a willing and ready bitch. I finally released myself and
slammed into him. A few seconds of thrusting had me buried deep inside
him. Now, unless we wanted to risk injury, it was too late to back
out. As my knot swelled inside his ass, I reduced my hammering to
short thrusts that did not risk my suddenly pulling my knot out of
him. As I allowed my orgasm to overwhelm me, I relaxed on top of him.
I felt his back arch and stiffen as he took both of our weights. I
could feel his body move under me as he vigorously stroked himself to
climax. Finally, he tensed and then his asshole spasmed in time with
the jets of semen he spurted. The added stimulation caused me to
respond with my own rhythmic spurts and pulsations. Lost in that
timeless now of orgasm, our minds at last merged on a deeper level
that needed no words. Fleetingly, I wondered if we would Bond. Then,
we would no longer need sex to merge on this level.

    As I remained locked within my lover, and time lost meaning, we
again shared our experiences and thoughts.
    ---------------

    Now dressed in nothing, Greybeard and I were relaxing after the
mission. I was still tense from the rage I had felt while tracking our
target. It had not vanished when I blew his crotch away. I had savored
the fear in his eyes when he finally realized who we were. And why he
suffered. Still, I had wished that I could have saved him for Karen
and Stealth. I was sure they would have liked to be in at his end.
They and all his other victims owed him. Our orders had been clear
though for all they were unsaid. Forget revenge. Make him a visible
example and end it.

    Sighing, I turned to other matters. Stealth had recovered enough
that our nearness in the city had allowed her to contact me. She had
been a ghostly presence as we ended the chase. She told me that Karen
had been linked with her at the end and shared what she had seen. Both
had been upset at first with his relatively clean end. The only thing
that had kept them from giving up at times was plotting ways to get
even. To loose that revenge had left them temporarily empty. Still,
they agreed that stopping him was what was important.

    And now that it was over, would I get off my ass and visit them? I
had stayed away since my choosing to go to the Brethren. Would I come
and be with them and renew our feelings for each other? They needed to
be with someone who cared for them. And once the Fast-Heal finished
its work, they would thank both of us in the best way possible. When
Stealth told me that, I had to hide my thoughts from Greybeard. He was
going to get quite a suprise. Stealth when aroused was quite
something. As I well knew.

    Finally, Grey started things by making the first moves. I put on
my leather vest and we began the rough and tumble foreplay that wolves
enjoyed. As he would grab and shake some protected part and I would
throw him roughly across the room, I finally started to loose my
anger. How could I stay angry when here I was with someone who so
obviously loved me? And I loved him.

    I had learned many years earlier that love doesn't care what
species are involved. Nor does it care what sex your partner is. My
years as one of the Brethren had taught me that love simply is. And it
is to be savored whenever found. And, as I looked forward to our sex,
that who did what to whom didn't matter either.

    Relaxing into the moment, I knew it was time. As I presented
myself for him, I teased him some. In a way, I viewed this time after
a mission as a ritual cleansing. A time for us to remind ourselves
what life was about. And when we shared during our orgasms and
immediately afterwards, I felt sorry for Greybeard. I could feel his
yearning to form a Bond-Pair. Something inside us wouldn't allow that
to happen no matter what we felt for each other. Was it the killer in
both of us that didn't allow for a bond? We had speculated on this and
finally decided that we would probably never know.

    I love the feel of his tongue as it caresses me. I shiver and rock
myself into his efforts. Finally, I feel him decide it is time. As I
feel him mount me I am totally aroused by his power. As he locks his
powerful forelegs around me and gently grasps my throat in his
powerful jaws, I acknowledge the total control he has at this moment.
I don't fear this time. I savor it. Something in me enjoys the feeling
of allowing myself to let go and be fucked by Greybeard. I don't feel
this with human men. Is it the way he radiates sheer male animal power
when he screws me? I don't know anymore. I find it easy to accept we
both enjoy this and no longer try to reason it out. Trite and inane as
it is, learning to accept that 'love is' and 'love accepts without
question or desire to change the other' was the hardest lesson I had
to learn in my life.

    As he slams himself home inside me, I feel the slightly larger bit
as his knot slides into me. Not painful as it would be if he was fully
aroused, but large enough to be noticeable as my asshole suddenly
stretches and then collapses again after entry. Now, as he stops his
lunging thrusts and settles for quick little thrusts, he swells inside
me. I can feel him swelling. In a matter of seconds, he has fully
swollen and I can feel myself stretching to accommodate him. He penis
is massaging my prostate and exciting me now. Each little backward
motion he makes sends shivers through me. Were it not for my aroused
state, I would feel it as painful. Instead, it adds to my pleasure.

    As he throbs in his orgasm, I can feel him pulsing inside me. I
can feel each jerk of his penis as it pulses against my sphincter.
Lost in himself now, he collapses and becomes dead weight on my back.
I stiffen myself to support both of our weights. The feel of his fur
on my back, his pulsing inside me, his hot breath on the back of my
head, his legs locked around me. All this and more are what I
concentrate on as I stroke myself to climax. Lost to the outside
world, I feel my own climax approach.

    With climax, comes release of tension. I can feel his penis
responding with renewed vigor as I spasm in my orgasm. The outside
world finally vanishes as our minds merge into one.

    It is this merge that we seek. More then sex, it affirms our
feeling for each other. As we remain locked together, we use the time
to share our thoughts.
    -----------------

    ""Well old wolf? Ready to go meet Stealth and Karen?"" I bubble
with silent laughter. ""Stealth says she can't wait to thank you
properly. I warn you, she's something else."" I send images of some of
our sessions together. ""She's not a typical dog when it comes to
sex!""

    ""Hey two-legs. I can handle any bitch. You look to Karen. They
took quite a lot of damage. They need us right now. More for the
support than the sex, but I look forward to meeting them."" His tone
is serious yet tinged with amusement.

    With lighthearted banter, we wash our minds clean of the tension
and cares of our last mission. Better than any debriefing, this helps
us to regain our centers and continue with life. Finally, we discuss
going to see and support Karen and Stealth. Anger, tension and
revulsion are finally banished and we are once again ready to return
to our daily life.

    ""Watch yourself guy. I think you're more interested in Karen than
Stealth. Developing a taste for two-legs? Pervert!"" It's a standing
joke between us when we are like this. Greybeard has a decided
preference for humans in his sexual encounters. As for myself, well,
if I didn't like canine sex, I wouldn't be a Pack-Brother. And over
the years, I found that I prefer to have human sex with other
Pack-Mates.

    ""Cory... Would you be upset if our partnership ended soon?"" I
feel his hesitation while he asks me this. His mind has suddenly
filled with a wonder that has nothing to do with our love-making. As
well, there is a real concern for me in his tone. His question can
mean only one thing. He has felt the soft touch that means a human he
has the potential to Bond with is nearby. Partnerships end while both
are alive usually for two reasons. The partners mutually agree to move
on separately. Or, one partner finds their Bond-Mate. It has to be the
Bonding possibility. We've never discussed changing partners.

    ""Hell no, Grey. It's about time for you. Any idea who it is?""

    After hesitating even longer, he finally tells me. ""It's Karen.
Every time we mention her there is a slight taste of being completed
in me when I hear her name.""

    Startled, I manage to turn my head enough to look up into his
glowing eyes. ""Karen? KAREN??!!"" I mutter inanely. ""Are you
sure??"" I pause for a bit... ""Of course you are. I can feel it.""

    Now it's my turn to pause as I consider what he is telling me. As
well, I reach for Stealth and share the news with her.

    ""Well old wolf, I may be prejudiced, but she's one fine person. I
wish you well. Of course, go for it. I won't try to deny the
inevitable. We both hoped it would happen eventually. It may not be
the best of circumstances, but what the hell. Stealth and I always did
get along well together. Think the Brethren would mind if we helped
run escort for you two? And by the way, Stealth knows already. We've
been maintaining a light link. I didn't think you'd mind. Escort was
her idea. And, she's going to leave telling Karen to you.""

    As well, we all knew that there was only the possibility of a Bond
forming. Karen would not be told of this. Had she been a Pack-Mate, we
would have shared this with her. As it was, there would be no mention
of the Bond possibility to her. Pack-Mates are aware of Bonding and
how it proceeds. But long years had taught the Brethren that telling a
human not of the Brethren was a path to problems. Better that they
spend time alone to discover and adjust to life as a Pack-Mate. Should
Bonding happen, it would happen during that time alone.

    It hadn't happened for me during that time of adjustment. And, it
was only during my later pairing with Greybeard during training that I
learned many of the details of Bonding. (Old Greybeard was not the
Wolf who originally chose me. That was someone else who had been on a
scouting mission near Port City.)

    ""If they object, which I doubt, I'll tell them I asked for you.
And thanks, I'll miss our partnership."" Now wistful, he continued.
""Bonding at last... I can only hope... I wonder what it will be
like?..."" Lost in his thoughts now, he finally softened enough for me
to pull away. Still kneeling, still in that deeper link, I turn and
gently hug my former partner and fill his mind with my happiness for
him.
    -------------------

    a note about the story:

    For those of you wondering about my portrayal of the suppressed
rage that Cory feels, it comes from experience in some ways. Years
ago, I had to stay on the phone line while on the other line to the
police trying to get a call traced. I spent a good 20 minutes
listening to the woman I had been seeing get raped. She had called me
and then the phone had been dropped near the bed. Turned out to be her
ex-boyfriend who had just been released from prison. Later, I found
out that she still cared for him and wouldn't end the relationship.
She never did contact me afterwards. Instead, she talked with my
mother and told her what had happened. And ended our relationship. I
hope it never happens again. In a very real sense, when Cory shoots
the rapist, it's me speaking through Cory about how I feel towards
someone like that. For those people who tend to focus on how rape can
destroy a woman emotionally, don't forget that if there is a man in
her life who cares for her, he can be devastated as well.

    And having to listen to it happen is an experience I never want to
repeat.
====== 

    First of all, I want to thank Equine for allowing me to place this
in his world.

    Briefly, his stories take place on a world where there are
horse-human pairs called Scouts. Part of the final Bonding process
involves mutual telepathy triggered by sexual intercourse.

    I felt that since there were horses, there could very well be dogs
and wolves. And if there are wolves, well...
  
  Read the following story.
---

    As always, if you are offended by consensual caring sexual
partnerships between humans and animals, read no further.

     M/wolf/bitch/F zoo - introspection/discussion - no sex
    ---

    Revised
    On rereading, I decided to make extensive revisions. I hope the
changes add to and smooth the flow of the story. The basic theme is
unchanged. Some of the changes were made to make it better fit the
Challenge Universe Series as currently written
    ---

    Karen
    Greybeard - part 2
    ---

    As Greybeard and I stroll through Port City on our way to the
hospital, I savor my memories.

    Karen and Stealth had been a big part of what had kept me here.

    I was born and raised here.

    Until joining the Brethren, Port City had been my home.

    I enjoyed being around animals, especially canines, but had been
sexually uninterested in them.

    At the time I met Karen, I had been sexually oriented towards
human females.

    Soon after she had teamed with Stealth to become part of a
Protector team, we had been discussing what it meant to her.

    I knew they worked well together.

    Thing was, I hadn't put that skill together with what we all
learned in the short class on The Guardians that we all were required
to take.

    Looking back, I now realize that those classes were deliberately
vague on many aspects of The Guardians.

    I never figured out that much of their closeness was due to the
telepathic link they shared. Karen had needed to tell me of that link.

    Karen was always telling me how much Stealth liked me.

    Stealth herself was obviously glad to have me around and would
bother me until I paid attention to her.

    Until Karen told me of the link, I figured their skills were due
to special training at reading each other's body language.

    I was at first shocked when Karen revealed that it had been a
sexual encounter that triggered their link. That such was *required*
if a team was to become Protectors.

    Ultimately, Stealth and Karen combined to seduce me into having
sex with Stealth.

    That triggered my latent abilities and the three of us shared a
telepathic link with Stealth acting as a 'relay' when Karen and I
wished to mentally talk.

    Later research by both of us turned up that for some reason, in
the years around the time our world was colonized (and we couldn't
narrow it down closer), Earth's bio-engineers had developed a genetic
link for telepathy in humans.

    They had also managed to tie the trigger to interspecies sex in a
way that once triggered, the telepathy was both species and partner
specific.

    Direct telepathy between humans was (and still is), extremely
rare.

    Human/animal telepathy was more common but only between humans and
a few selected (usually bioengineered) species.

    Canines (Dogs and Wolves), Horses, Orcas and Dolphins were the
link capable species brought to our world.

    Within a year of learning the details of Karen's situation and
having my own abilities triggered, I decided to team with another
bitch and become a Protector.

    I enjoyed the work enough to want to make it a life choice. Part
of that choice included serious talk of Karen and I becoming a long
term pair.

    All that changed when a wolfess on scouting duties came to me and
told me I could become a Pack-Brother.

    It was not an easy choice for any of us.

    It took several days and much discussion before I decided to leave
and become one of the Brethren.

    Even now, a part of me wonders if it had been the right decision.

    I don't like what duty sometimes forces me to become.

    A killer.

    Assassin.

    I hadn't known I was capable of such things and it had only shown
up during training with Greybeard.

    With Greybeard teaming with Karen, I dare to hope those duties are
over.

    Now I get to choose again.

    Do I team with Stealth?

    Do I continue with the Brethren?

    Do I team with Stealth and go back to being a Protector?

    Do I team with another wolf?

    I know of several Wolfesses I could team with.

    Should Stealth come with me? She can't stay with Karen for at
least several years.

    Do we enjoy this last time together and go our separate ways
again?

    I sigh.

    So many possible choices...

    For now, I can put decisions on hold until after we see Karen and
Stealth.

    They may have already made their own decisions.

    Life has gone full circle and I am going to be seeing Karen and
Stealth again after many years.

    Karen is going to be invited to join The Brethren.

    With that thought, I look over at Grey and smile.

    I know that for all his outward show of dignity and alertness, he
is very nervous.

    In spite of that, he enjoys the looks of awe he is receiving from
many people.

    The attention of the children is especially pleasing to him.

    Classes and images are one thing. Since the Brethren seldom enter
the more populated areas, few realize just how impressive they are.

    We took special care in getting him ready for this meeting.

    I'm wearing a casual outfit but he has on his vest with its honors
and symbols proclaiming him as a senior member of the area council.

    The earlier events combined with our calm presence will serve to
remind people of their own responsibilities.

    It's also a reminder that there is still justice on our world.

    I hide a grin as Grey relays snatches of whispered conversations
to me.

    It seems that word of our earlier work is already spreading faster
than we had hoped.
    ---

    Admit it to yourself old wolf.

    You're nervous.

    As Cory and I work our way towards the hospital, I keep coming
back to that.

    For all my experience and years, I am nervous and even a little
frightened inside.

    I even know what has put me in this state.

    I am facing the possibility of Bonding.

    I have no idea what to do or what could happen.

    The instructions to any wolf facing the Bond possibility are short
and simple.

    'You and your partner will get together and spend a few days
wandering together.

    If that new partner is a human not of the Brethren, you are not to
mention the possibility of Bonding until it actually starts happening
during the first time you have sex together.

    If it starts, only then do you tell them.

    If it doesn't start, you have to find a way to avoid simultaneous
orgasms.

    Finally, Bond or not, you will both know when it is time to
continue on to the training center at Mind-Home.

    You will have escorts in the area to make sure you are not
disturbed during this time.

    The only difference in these instructions is that if the new
partner is already one of the Brethren, they will know this much
already themselves.'

    So, in spite of my joy at the possibility, I am nervous.
    ---

    As we walk through the hospital to the area reserved for
interspecies teams, we notice the respect we get from people.

    Of all the people in the world, these learned a long time ago that
it is best to keep team members together during the healing process.

    They also know, from experience, what it does to a team member
when their partner is injured.

    All here know of Cory's former pairing with Karen and Stealth.

    They know it must be costing him emotionally to come back to them
under these circumstances.

    Our trauma team greets us and then smiles openly as I tell them I
am going to ask Karen to become a Pack-Sister.

    As we enter their room, we stop in shock.

    Stealth's images have prepared us somewhat.

    To actually see the results is still shocking.

    Even after 24 hours of fast-heal treatment they are in sad shape.

    Cory and I have seen teams injured on missions.

    To see such injuries as the result of someone deliberately
inflicting them makes us both wince in sympathetic agony.

    As I hold back, Cory goes first to Stealth and carefully hugs and
kisses her.

    He turns to Karen and carefully does the same.

    I gently nuzzle Karen and Stealth before quietly settling on my
haunches to study Karen.

    ""She's beautiful.

    ""Strong too."" I'm sharing my impressions with Cory.

    ""Be good to her Grey. She deserves it after what she's been
through."" His anger is still there but muted for now. I can
understand his reaction when he discovered she and Stealth were the
latest victims.

    ""For now, Stealth and I are going to stay together. I've told her
that we trained to deal with cases like this.""

    We fall silent as I consider ways to ask Karen if she wishes to
join us.

    Those thoughts remind me I have an special advantage that Cory
seems to have forgotten.

    Apparently he has forgotten about it happening with him when he
was chosen.

    I am able to link directly to Karen because of the possibility of
our Bonding.

    It's the only time a wolf can directly link with a human they
haven't had sex with.

    I use that link. ""Hello Karen.

    ""I've always wanted to meet you.

    ""I *do* wish the circumstances were more pleasant.""

    Karen gasps in shock and turns to Cory.

    He stiffens in surprise and then starts laughing.

    "Well? Care to explain this?" Karen's question is tinged with
exasperation.

    Still laughing, he comments, "I should have remembered..." and
motions for me to continue.

    Once we are looking at each other, I give her my best grin and
drop the bomb.

    ""Hello Pack-Sister.""

    "WHAT?!"

    She looks over and glares at Stealth and Cory.

    Ignoring Cory, who is choking in an attempt to stop laughing, she
turns to Stealth.

    "You BITCH! How long have you known?"

    "Go easy on her Karen." Cory makes calming motions in Karen's
direction.

    "She didn't know until just after Grey and I did.

    "That was just before we got ready to come and see the two of you.

    "Part of being asked to join the Brethren is for the 'finding
wolf' to be the one to tell the person."

    Now he smiles a bit lopsidedly. "Because of that discovery, I'm
not allowed to do much more than congratulate the two of you.

    "Stealth and I will have to leave the two of you to sort out your
new partnership.

    "The rest of this is will be between you and Greybeard.

    "You have some decisions to make.

    "I'm also aware that in spite of all of us wanting to be intimate
again, the recent experiences will take time to heal."

    He gazes off at something only I can see. "The aftermath of rape
is never pretty. You and Stealth will need time to adjust. Time to let
yourselves learn to trust again.

    "Right now, you won't be able to trust me in spite of what we once
shared."

    I can feel her digesting this information.

    After a bit, her eyes refocus and she simply looks at Cory and
raises her eyebrows.

    "You sound pretty sure of yourself. Any reason you can give me?
The trauma team said the same thing. To hear it from you sounds...
Well, like you have reason to know."

    He squirms a bit and blushes. "Grey and I are specially trained to
deal with this type of situation. It was my choice in our final
training as a Hunter Team."

    He shakes his head slightly from side to side. "I'm not allowed to
say more than that. The rest is for Grey to tell you. Alone."

    No, it isn't his place to say more.

    Her eyes widen slightly and then he flinches under her probing
gaze.

    That wordless communication reminds me again of how much they had
shared.

    What they had once meant to each other.

    For them to communicate on this level after so many years apart is
amazing.

    More silence and then some fast 'talk' between her and Stealth.

    I feel Stealth asking Cory for an explanation.

    He gives her what he is allowed to say and then she studies him in
a silence of her own.

    More questions and probing on Stealth's part.

    I can feel her reluctant agreement to what he asks before she
reopens her link to Karen.

    A longer, very tense silence ensues before Cory gets up and sits
down beside Stealth.

    ""Goodbye for now - old friend.""

    ""Soon Cory."" We break our link to each other.

    Cory begins gently petting Stealth.

    Through my link with Karen, I feel him reopen his link with
Stealth.

    There is a flashing exchange between Stealth and Karen and
suddenly, Stealth and Cory's presense is gone.

    Karen watches them for a bit before turning to me.

    I can feel her hurt and puzzlement.

    I better have a good explanation for what has just happened.

    Cory, his posture shouting his frustration, wheels Stealth out the
door.

    There is a barely audible click as it latches behind them.

    I feel the special shield go up.

    I let Karen feel my sigh of relief as the shield comes on.

    ""Well?"" It is definitely a challenge.

    At last, I can turn to more immediate problems.

    With that one word she signals her acceptance of the offer and
made a request for information.

    ""Karen.

    ""Cory could not say anything because really, there wasn't much
for him *to* say.

    ""Once selected to join the Brethren, the choosing wolf and the
person are required to spend time alone with each other.

    ""It's what he went through when he was chosen.

    ""This gives the human time to relax and get to know more about
the Brethren.

    ""As well, it will give you time to discard some of your past and
become more comfortable with the idea.

    ""Basically it's a time of adjustment to a new lifestyle.

    ""This situation, with you unable to travel and recovering from
being raped physically and mentally is unusual. It has happened before
so we do have ways to deal with the problems involved.

    ""We will wait and then, as soon as you can travel safely, we will
do so.

    ""There is no hurry and we can take as long as we like.

    ""If we decide to stay together, it is up to us to decide when we
are ready to start training.

    ""Once you decided to accept, Cory was required to remove himself
and Stealth from near us.

    ""Later, when we decide to rejoin the Brethren, they will rejoin
us.

    Now I sigh sorrowfully and let Karen see that sorrow.

    ""I know what you mean to each other.

    ""It was something he and I shared early in our partnership.

    ""He talked constantly of you and Stealth.

    ""He had many doubts at first about his choice to join the
Brethren.

    ""In all my years, he's been the best partner I've had.

    ""I'll miss him as a partner.

    ""Now, however, even though you can't travel for a day or so, we
can get to know each other better."" This in a cheerful tone as I let
some of my happiness show.

    Not the reasons, just the fact I'm happy about what has happened.

    ""I'm sure you have questions and we can discuss much even though
we aren't in more congenial surroundings.

    ""Yes, when you are ready for it, I would like to make love to
you.

    ""Not yet.

    ""Wait until we are well on our travels and away from here.

    ""Wait until you are healed mentally as well as physically.""

    With that, I carefully but deliberately place myself within her
reach. The next move is hers.

    ---

    "Stand up Greybeard.

    "Can you take off that vest? I want to get a look at you.

    "Later you can tell me what everything on it means."

    I stand, remove my vest and let it drop to the floor. I'll worry
about it later.

    At her slight gesture, I jump on the bed and stand next to her.

    When she touches me, I shiver.

    Her eyes widen as she feels me shaking.

    "You're nervous.

    "How come?

    "I can't do anything to you.

    "I'm not worried about you hurting me.

    "Since Cory and Stealth trust you, I do.

    "Even after seeing what you did yesterday, I trust you."

    Gently she strokes me and eases my trembling.

    I find it very easy to lose myself in those eyes.

    Her soft touch tells me how she cares for me even though this is
our first meeting.

    I let myself believe that here at last is my Bond-Mate.

    Already, the surface link between us is deepening past what I
shared with Cory.

    From what I know, there is every indication we will Bond once we
share sex with each other.

    I realize I am aroused and showing it.

    Far from being upset, Karen looks between my legs and smiles
tentatively.

    "So, wolf, I affect you that much already.

    "I'm sorry I'm not up to more than petting you right now.

    "Cory was right. Right now, I find thoughts of sex distasteful.

    "I have to force myself to believe that will change.

    "I 'm trying to look forward to later on.

    "I'm well aware that if we are to be partners, there will be sex
between us.

    "After Cory left, I did a lot of research on the Brethren."

    Her next words shock me into frozen immobility.

    "Think we'll Bond?" Her eyes gleam in a manner I found
irresistible.

    Carefully I lean to her face and gently wash it.

    ""How?

    ""How could you know?

    ""That's something only known to the Brethren. Or so I thought
until now.

    ""Yes, I think there's a good chance we'll Bond.""

    As I carefully lay back down beside her, I let my mind and eyes
focus on her.

    ""How did you realize?

    ""One of our most sacred trusts is to never tell a human not of
the Brethren of that possibility unless it starts happening.""

    I feel her remembering the time right after Cory had left her and
Stealth behind.

    "Grey, after Cory left us, I felt I had to understand more about
Pack-Mates. I spent much of my free time doing research about them and
the Brethren.

    "Early in that research I discovered there were great gaps in what
was known about you. Some gaps were explainable by lack of
observations. Other gaps had the feel of deliberate evasion.

    "I've spent my adult life as a policewoman and then a Protector.
As such, I find I am unable to let something like that alone for any
length of time.

    "Slowly, over the years, I have accumulated bits and pieces. Some
of it is direct observation of the few teams that came into the city.
Some is from conversations with people who have worked with the
Brethren.

    "I was led to the idea that within the Brethren, there are several
types of pairings.

    "One time, I came across casual mention of Bond-Pairs in a story.
Intrigued, I started researching our past.

    "Buried in the records of the first settlers, were hints that all
of the Guardians were Bond-Pairs or Bond-Mates with their partners.

    "I also noted that in some cases, people who left to join the
Brethren stayed with the original wolf that contacted them while
others didn't.

    "It took a lot of digging into very old records and I had to make
charts to track everyone but eventually, the pattern started to
emerge.

    "I couldn't see some of it until you called me 'Pack-Sister'.

    "Our isolation only makes sense if something is at risk if we
aren't isolated.

    "The only thing I can think of is our forming link." She pauses
and I take time to marvel at what she has managed to discover.

    It's obvious that we never considered how much information would
be available in the public records after a lot of time. Admittedly,
few would take the time to make the search. What's in the private
records of the Protectors is more difficult to access and most likely,
only those who would understand what they learn would find it anyway.

    We'll have to discuss this at a full meeting.

    I make a decision. ""You're right. Forming the Bond-link is
something filled with dangers. What they are, I don't know.

    ""I do know that many sealed records are available only to
Bond-Pairs.""

    Karen is silent as she organizes her thoughts.

    "What I've learned isn't obvious.

    "I didn't realize what it meant until now.

    "I had a special reason to keep looking. I love him Grey.

    "I've hoped we could get back together sometime.

    "I never expected our reunion to involve the breaking up of his
team." She hesitates again.

    "He's never Bonded has he?"

    Now sadly, she continues. "All my research leads me to believe he
may never Bond. Worst of all, is the knowledge I can never tell him
that. Or why." At that her hand clenched in my fur where she had been
idly stroking me and she started crying.

    "There's something else.

    "How long Greybeard?

    "How long have you lived?

    "How long after Cory is dead will I live to remember?"

    Now it's my turn to drift to my past. ""Many, many years Karen.

    ""At least seventy-five years.

    ""No wolf dies unless they want to or if there is an accident or
we are deliberately hunted and killed.

    ""It's not something many except the Brethren notice. We accept it
as something that simply is.

    ""That you will live longer than a normal lifespan is not certain.

    ""It takes a special way of looking at life and time.

    ""Not many humans seem able to do it. It only happens to Bonded
humans.

    ""No, Cory never Bonded.

    ""Had he Bonded, he wouldn't have become what was until today.
Part of a Hunter team."

    "Grey, there was a chance for him at one time.

    "In my studies, I discovered that once a person becomes a hunter
their chances of ever bonding are sharply reduced.

    "Once in a while, some have managed to throw off the part of them
that keeps them isolated.

    "It doesn't happen very often though. From what I learned, it will
take a very special wolf to get through to him and Bond.

    "Another thing. From what I could see, once a hunter team is
split, the partners never become hunters again."

    ""True. There are reasons for that. It's something he and I have
known since we started training as a Hunter Team.""

    "What about Stealth? Will we ever be together again?"

    ""Well, Cory told me he and Stealth have already decided to stay
together for a while. That means you'll get to see her next time we
see Cory.

    ""I hope we can persuade them to make it permanent.

    ""They'd make a good team and there are things they could do for
the Brethren that Wolf/Human teams can't.

    ""After our adjustment time, they will rejoin us and maybe we can
persuade them to stay together and work for the Brethren rather than
return to being Protectors.

    ""As for all of us living together, that will not be possible
until after we are well started in our training.

    ""That will be at least two to three years from now.

    ""We can see them regularly. It's permanent living arrangements
that aren't allowed in training.

    ""Once we Bond, and I am confident we will, there will be no
problems with them joining us and even our having sex with them.

    ""Once formed, the Bond is only lost at the death of a partner.

    ""It's the days just before and after forming the Bond that are
critical.""

    Karen had finally unclenched her hand and I could feel her
relaxing a bit.

    I could feel her pondering what I had told her.

    With the release of my tension, I found myself drifting off to
sleep.

    As I did so, Karen was stroking me gently.

    Nothing more was said between us.
    ---

    As Greybeard drifted off to sleep, I automatically tried to call
Stealth so we could discuss this.

    The blankness caused by the shield reminded me that I no longer
had that option.

    It hurt but what I knew and what Grey had told me forced me to
realize that they must have good reasons for breaking all other links
at this time.

    Grey's quiet confidence is soothing.

    As well, there is a subtle 'feeling of rightness' to our link that
tells me that with Grey, I will share something I never knew I missed.

    It seems strange to have many of my guesses confirmed.

    Beside me is a wolf who appears to be about ten to fifteen years
old.

    He's in prime condition and is a magnificent example of his kind.

    I have trouble accepting he's over twice my or Cory's ages.
Seventy-five years or more. I wonder what he's seen. What has he
learned?

    His casual expectation that he will live until he chooses
otherwise.

    Are all 'immortals' like him?

    Will I become the same way?

    I find it easy to accept that he and I will be teamed for however
long we choose to live.

    Already, his gentle presence in my mind is soothing me and
bringing me back from the hell Stealth and I survived.

    As I allow myself to drift into sleep, I realize I have found the
patience to wait for enough healing so I can mate with him physically
on the same level we are coming to share mentally.

    I have heard stories about the 'lustfulness' of Wolves.

    It will be nice to find out how many of those tales are true.
======

    I had no specific help with this. Any unbelievability in my female
character is strictly my own. I do however, thank the two women who
took the time to point out that as originally planned, my story was
heading for disaster. In one case, our discussion was far ranging and
I gained much insight and got rid of a hell of a lot of misconceptions
in the process.

    I plead that I am writing in a different world. And sometimes one
must suspend disbelief.
    ---

    Bonding and Beyond
    Greybeard - part 3
    ---

    Well, we were finally traveling together. Karen had been released
from the hospital. She was slightly stiff but all her physical wounds
had healed. Mental scaring was another matter. We both knew it could
be some time before she could put her rape in perspective. During her
convalescence we had spent time simply getting to know each other. I
found her knowledge of the Brethren fascinating. While I knew much of
it from the viewpoint of the Pack memories, her research clarified
much of it for me. So, she knew more of our history than someone out
of training. And with her background as a K-9 handler she would be
able to step right in and perform many of the duties of a team. All
she really had to learn was our code of ethics and how to survive as a
team member. Once she settled in, we would have to figure out our duty
choice.

    Karen borrowed a horse from the police stables and loaded up our
travel supplies. With that done, we were on our way.

    Port City is at the edge of a river valley. So, we had our choice
of mountains or meadows. For now, we chose meadows and followed the
road until we were well into the valley. Already, we shared a link as
strong as the one I had shared with Cory. Soon, I hoped, we would
enjoy sex together and find out if we would Bond. I did realize that
she might not be able to have sex for some days yet. We had discussed
this at length while she was convalescing. Neither one of us could
predict how her recent rape would affect her normal responses. Karen
felt that since no canines or other animals were involved, she could
more readily accept having sex with me. Once physically recovered, she
had quietly admitted that she might not have been able to have sex
with Cory as soon as both of them would have desired. She needed a
time of mental healing. How long that would take, she had not yet
known. She also felt that should she be unable to couple with me, my
years of experience would give me the ability to stop myself at any
point short of the actual tie.

    Simply put, because of the mind-link we already shared, she felt
she could trust me completely and I would allow her to set the time ,
place and how much activity we would do each time.

    Yes, she had already stroked me and orally brought me to orgasm.
Several times while I never did more than lay quietly by her side or
stand beside her. She was still coming to terms with what had happened
and I agreed that anything that would happen should happen at her
pace, not mine. She would know when the time for my coupling with her
was right for her. And my years had taught me patience. I had also
learned the all important control that she needed in a sex partner
right now.

    Both of us worried about how Cory and Stealth were doing. If they
had been able to work past Stealth's trauma yet. I had to explain that
as a Hunter team member and one who was regularly given assignments
such as this, Cory was actually more experienced at dealing with
bitches (canine and wolf) who had been forced than I was with human
females.

    I was embarrassed to admit that in all my years, I had spent more
time helping canines than humans. This was in spite of my preference
for humans for sexual contact. Rape among the Brethren was unheard of.
Our pack bond allowed for detection of such impulses before they were
actually carried out. And it was not mentioned publicly that the Pack
could actually force compliance mentally if enough wolves and humans
desired something. The Pack links could be strengthened in such an
emergency but it took a heavy toll on all involved. After all, it
violated one of our most basic tenets. It had been long before I was
born that such a thing had been done. Anyone who had experienced any
kind of mental link among the Brethren seemed to be strongly averse to
anti-social actions such as rape. As a Hunter who regularly helped
such victims of rape by human partners, Cory was conditioned against
it more than most. He'd seen the results far more often than he liked.
As had I.

    So Karen was reassured that in spite of his flippancy, Cory was
well aware of what he was dealing with. In point of fact, he was the
most capable of the four of us when it came to dealing with rape
victims. I chuckled ruefully as I told Karen that dealing with rapists
and rape victims had actually been his duty choice after our training
together. Our duty choice had been the reason we had been called in as
the team to rescue her and Stealth. We hadn't know who the victims
were until just before the mission started.

    Cory's reasons for choosing to specialize in helping rape victims
was an aspect of him she hadn't been aware of. She planned to ask him
what made him choose such a specialized duty. Rape in any form was
fairly rare. They had dealt with abusive pairs on the police force,
but she admitted neither one of them had responded to a true rape case
while they had been serving together.

    I could sense life around us and I knew many of the Brethren and
Cory and Stealth were escorting us. I couldn't feel any of them
specifically. Only a feeling of the pack bond being slightly stronger
than usual indicated their concentrated presence. Custom and prudence
dictated they would be scouting the area. Experience had taught us to
take no chances when it came to forming a Bond-Pair.

    As we traveled, we talked and shared our impressions of the area.

    I was again wearing my vest and people often stopped us.
Generally, they wanted to visit or ask questions. With Karen to act as
interpreter, I was able to answer and reassure a lot of people about
what had happened recently. We also spent a lot of time visiting with
the children along the way. Many had only heard of wolves or seen us
from a distance. All had studied us in their classes however. To be
able to ask a wolf questions would be something many would remember
for the rest of their lives. Some would even become Pack-Mates. Of
this I was certain. Especially when there would be the rare and
hesitant admission that one of these young adults enjoyed sex with
their canine friends and that they had a telepathic link. Only a few
mentioned the link. It was reassuring to know that even here near the
city, enough of the ethos our planet had been started with still
remained for people to link with canines. These few were the ones
Karen was especially tender and open with. After all, she had been a
member of a human/canine team for years and could pass on some of her
knowledge and experiences.

    Some people were surprised when they discovered Karen had been one
of the victims. The constant sympathy and welcome she received was
doing much to ease her mind. Many people asked about her former
partner. She had to spend a lot of time thanking people and explaining
that Stealth was elsewhere and being well taken care of by Karen's
former partner, who was also a Pack-Brother. The obvious concern
displayed by people was helping to reassure her she was indeed a
worthwhile person. We could have spent weeks staying with the various
families along our route.

    I privately wondered if she would decide to become a teacher
amongst the Brethren. I had been one many, many years ago and I would
enjoy becoming one again should the chance present itself. I would
have to mention this to her when we finally stopped for the night. She
certainly displayed the skills of a good teacher.

    This area was new to me. Karen, being a city person, had only
traveled here when her job required it. Sometimes, for sheer delight I
would break into a run and she would get the horse to gallop alongside
of me. When we slowed, we sometimes stopped in the shade and I would
settle beside her with my head in her lap. I could feel that she
enjoyed these quiet moments as much as I did. Finally though, we both
started anticipating our stop for the night. And we openly
acknowledged what could follow.

    We hoped we would finally be able to release ourselves and
acknowledge the sexual attraction we felt for each other. Every time
the wind blew her scent past me I savored it. As the day wore on and
our thoughts turned to the evening, I could tell she was getting
aroused as well. Whether her recent experiences would allow us to
finally couple and Bond remained to be seen.

    ---

    Regretfully, I sighed.

    We had inquired of the locals for the location of a nearby camping
spot we could use. We had been directed finally to a quiet little area
next to the river. The woman who told us about it had grinned slightly
when she told Karen it was one of her favorite spots. And she would
inform her children that it was being used for a few days. Somehow, I
had missed the exchange between the two of them that let the woman
know we might be there longer than overnight. Karen reassured her we
would stop back and let them know when we left the area.

    We had set up our camp and Karen had groomed her horse. I hadn't
done any hunting so we ate some travel rations. It would be a few days
before we had traveled far enough that I could hunt again.

    "It's not time yet is it?"

    My thoughts were gentle and understanding. Karen had undressed and
allowed me to tongue her and slowly work her over. After the first
flinching and uneasiness, she had relaxed into my actions. But, when I
indicated that I was willing to mount her, I could feel her return to
her past. Her body had frozen in remembered pain and terror as mind
relived those terrible moment of her rape and torture. I could only
wait patiently for her to return. Gently I insinuated my thoughts into
her mind. She wouldn't feel them at first but I knew they would become
a lifeline she could use to aid in her return to the world.

    Finally, slowly, I felt her awareness return.

    ---

    "Oh, Grey. I'm sooo sorry. I tried. I tried. I thought I could
deal with it."

    Sobbing softly, tears of frustration, sadness and remembered pain
streamed down my face.

    "I can't help it. Gods above, I can't help myself. It's too soon.
The pain is still too fresh in my mind. I want to accept you but I
can't."

    My body was still frozen in denial. I had had a flashback when
Grey had indicated his willingness to mount me. Still on my back, I
shivered. Not in pleasure but in remembered terror. My lips were
pressed tightly together as I moaned softly at the remembered pain. I
wanted to scream my denial as my mind remembered my body responding to
that man's actions.

    "Noooooo....." Suddenly, my mind was lost in the past yet again.
"I can't be doing this.... It isn't reaaalllllll....."

    Grey's mental contact, his gentle presence was forgotten. All I
could see was a man's face. His evil smile as he fed his lust on my
terror.

    Finally, after an endless time, I realized Grey had been there
with me this time. Sharing my terror, sharing my disbelief as my body
had responded in spite of my mind telling it not to.

    I realized Grey had felt my pain as if he had been there. There
was no lust coloring his thoughts. Only his gentle concern as he
wordlessly helped bring me back from that pit of darkness.

    With a shuddering sigh, I forced my body to relax.

    I let myself remember what we had shared only minutes ago. Eyes
closed, I focused on what Grey and I had been sharing. I used those
solid, real things as a pillar of stability.

    Something I could lean on until I could stand again.

    ---

    His first gentle caresses of my body had been greeted by flinching
on my part. With much patience and gentle caresses and soft mental
reassurances, He had gentled my reactions. Convinced my unconscious
that I really was in control.

    I remembered his gentle sigh of regret when I froze. With that, he
had told me how deeply he cared for me. That he really could control
himself past the point most males could not.

    I focused on the pleasure I had felt as I surrendered to his
gentle thoughts and the soft caresses of his tongue.

    Patiently waiting, he let me recover.

    "Sorry Grey. I guess I need more time. I thought I would be able
to accept having you mount me by now." Ruefully, I smiled slightly and
shrugged mentally. "You're going to have to settle for oral sex or
hand jobs for a while longer."

    ---

    "I had hoped... But... I can wait."

    I did a little mental shrug.

    "However... I can still use my tongue..." At this I looked at her
and slowly used it to lick her thighs. And let myself grin mentally as
I felt some more of the tenseness leave her body.

    "And just so you know, the Bond is triggered by mutual orgasms.
That doesn't mean we have to be coupled. So, shall I reposition
myself?" At this I sent a her picture of me standing over her. My
penis was fully swollen and she was gagging in an effort to swallow
it. As well, my knot was inside her lips. Face distorted, she was
sucking and working me for all she was worth by the time I was fully
inserted.

    As for me, my nose was actually inserted part way into her vagina
as she hunched herself upwards to drive it deeper.

    I got warm laughter in return. All the tenseness suddenly left her
body.

    We had discovered the cure for now. We shared warm tender laughter
as we realized that fact. I could feel her relax completely as she
allowed the humor of the situation to get past her fear. Yes, it was
serious. But the humor of having a wolf calmly sitting between her
legs and watching her was what she had needed to restore her balance.
I was not a man and she had never suffered any harm from a canine. I
could feel her relax as she finally separated the two acts. As that
realization calmed her inner fears, She spoke the words that forever
changed our lives.

    "Now that I think can handle. What I did for you in the hospital
was only practice. I'm going to really drain you this time." With
that, she sent me an image of me slowly collapsing as she sucked the
fluids out of me through my penis.

    As I carefully repositioned myself so I stood over her, we both
smiled again at the shared thought that we had found a solution to our
problem. Finally, we would discover if we were truly meant to be
together.

    As she gently worked me free and positioned herself for easier,
more comfortable access to my penis, I finally lowered my head and
began working her in earnest.

    No gentle, questioning caresses this time. I was now doing my best
to get her to orgasm as quickly as possible.

    My reach was somewhat limited but that didn't stop me from calling
forth every skill I had learned in all my years of coupling with human
females. Her fingers and mouth were equally skilled at getting me to
respond. I cautioned her that she needed to slow down a bit. I would
be ready to orgasm fairly quickly but I would have to get her on the
brink before I actually came. Not that she was that far from it by
now.

    Gently, I licked along the join of her legs and body. Deliberately
and slowly, I licked her belly and thighs. I could feel her body
quiver as I ignored her moist prize. Finally, as I licked her lower
lips, she hunched up and drove herself at my nose. I rested my lower
jaw directly on her clitoris and used my tongue to lap up her fluids.
The sympathetic motion was having the desired effect. I could feel her
mind emptying of all thoughts except for those of sexual lust.

    As well, I could still feel thoughts of love and trust. I was
amazed that even through the mutual haze of shared lust, she could
still focus enough to send me those feelings. Somehow, she had found
the inner strength to let go at last and put her doubts on hold.
Almost gone myself, I reminded her that she had better get me to
orgasm quickly. I knew she was dangling on the brink and I had paused
just long enough to be sure I was also close. As I felt her grasp me
in a way that started me swelling to orgasm, I shifted slightly and
let my tongue find her clitoris at last.

    A few quick licks and her body started convulsing. The sudden
shock of her orgasming and thrashing body driving up as though she
wanted to busy my nose in her vagina triggered my own hunching into
her mouth. I was lost. There was no way I could have stopped my
driving thrusts. I reached that timeless moment when all I could think
about was my spasming penis.

    At that point, her mind exploded into mine. Mentally stunned, I
froze as I learned of her whole life in one timeless blast of
information. I could feel her freeze in stunned amazement as my mind
filled hers. As that brief moment of orgasm passed, our minds became
so completely one that I lost all sense of my own body. I froze as I
realized that I couldn't even be sure what I was now feeling was from
my body or hers. And she did the same thing.

    I didn't dare move. I couldn't know if a movement I started would
cause my body or hers to move. Slowly, oh so slowly, our minds
gradually became our own again.

    Finally, I regained a sense of my own body. As I regained sight
through my previously unseeing eyes, I was stunned to realize it was
now well into daylight. We had started our lovemaking shortly after
dusk. We had spent hours frozen together as we adjusted. Sometime
during the night, I had collapsed on top of Karen. Neither one of us
had noticed. As I found the strength to roll myself off of her and
flop on my side, I could feel and hear her take a couple of deep
shuddering breaths and come back to reality. Minds linked, we were too
tired and emotionally drained to do more than mentally smile at each
other as we drifted into sleep.

    ---

    When I finally woke, it was late afternoon. I was alone in the
tent but I could feel Karen nearby. I could feel her gentle presence
in the back of my mind. It was stronger than the pack bond and gave me
a feeling of completeness. That feeling went far beyond what I had
ever felt before. Even the temporary links I had felt when coupled
with Cory paled beside this.

    I could tell Karen was brushing her horse and using the activity
as an aid in thinking about what had happened. As I stood in the
opening of the tent, I could see her staring unseeingly at the river
gently flowing by.

    Without her turning to face me, I was greeted. "Good afternoon
Grey." A gentle smile accompanied this as she turned to face me
finally. "Thank you."

    I needed no words to convey my love for her. I let my thoughts
flow through our link as she shared with me. I knew her life and she
knew mine. We would still have to speak of things and integrate
ourselves but there would be no misunderstandings. I fleetingly
wondered if I would ever be able to conceal anything from her. As
quickly, I decided I would have no need to do so anytime soon. I let
her see me reach this decision. I also let her know that I would not
use the link to probe her feelings. I could wait for her to express
things when she was ready to.

    As I moved to lie in the shade and watch my mate, I knew we would
have plenty of time to get to know each other. I could feel her mind
drifting in that timeless now that told me louder than words that she
was truly meant to be a Pack-Mate. She wouldn't be fully aware of it
for some time but I knew she was already feeling the changes that
would finally convince her she really would live as long as she
wished. I let my reassurance gently flow through her mind as I reached
this conclusion. In return, I received a burst of amazement as she
sought within herself for the changes I had noticed.
======

    M/bitch/fwolf zoo sex

    Many thanks to ThePhoenix, who helped me with this one. Your
editorial comments made me think a bit and you'll know which changes
you inspired.

    As a note, this one mentions some terms recently decided on for
canines.

    All canine/human telepathic pairs are referred to as 'Companions'.
Further, after some discussion, we decided that a further distinction
is sometimes used amongst working teams. 'Protectors'. This is a
specialized reference I plan on using for companion teams doing police
or other types of utility work.

    As always, comments are welcome. Good or otherwise. Due to
circumstances, my responses may be a few days delayed until I get my
backlog cleared. Thanks in advance for being patient with me.

    A style convention in all these stories is the use of normal
quotes for normal speech and doubled quotes for telepathic speech.
    ---

    Reunion
    Cory and Stealth
    ---

    As I wheeled out the bed on which Stealth was laying, I inwardly
cursed the restrictions placed on me. Karen and Stealth were special
to me. How special I had not fully realized until I had to refuse to
tell Karen what I knew. I could feel her hurt at my refusal to say
more than I had. I didn't have to like it even though I knew Greybeard
would explain the hard won knowledge that had forced the Brethren to
place such restrictions on all involved when a new Pack-Mate was being
welcomed.

    I could feel Karen's quick exchange with Stealth as we went out
the door. As it ended, I began the process of building shields that
would cut the link the two of them had shared for so many years.
Already linked again with Stealth, I was giving her the explanation
for my actions.

    Thus reminded of my duties, I also summoned the trauma team and
the hospital staff who had been dealing with Karen's and Stealth's
recoveries.

    Many years in the past, the Brethren had developed ways of
handling situations like this one. Shields were already in place
around the room where Karen and Grey were staying. Anyone having to
deal with them would be required to wear shields in their presence.
All medical duties would be taken over by members of the trauma team.
I fully expected Greybeard to maintain shields strong enough to keep
out any stray thoughts but I had to be as sure as possible. Our later
stages of training had emphasized this point with graphic memories of
Bondings that had gone horribly wrong. Those mistakes had been made in
the early days of colonization before the Brethren had worked out the
ritual wandering now used.

    Once the necessities were taken care of, everyone relaxed and
rejoiced. Karen's former superiors and workers were notified of her
new status. While these arrangements were being made, I had a chance
to locate Tracker, my former partner from my years as a Protector. She
is happily teamed again and we exchanged warm greetings as we caught
up on what the other had been doing since we last had a chance to
visit.

    In a way, I am both saddened and relieved that Tracker found
another partner. I miss her and had things been otherwise, would enjoy
teaming with her again. With Stealth in the shape she's in, I'm glad
we don't have to consider that possibility. I chuckle a bit and share
that thought with Stealth. One of them was interesting enough. Teaming
with both, even though they had long ago settled any differences...
Well, I'd be a mental wreck from trying to keep up with them.

    I get an inner smile that is closer to the Stealth of old as we
share that inner amusement.

    Finally, since Stealth had no broken bones and needed rest more
than anything else, we made arrangements for her to come with me to my
quarters in town. I had to appeal to headquarters to get this
concession. Once reassured by the Chief that I was one of the
Brethren's people trained to deal with rape victims, the hospital was
happy to release her to my care.

    The Chief was initially surprised at the sudden change but readily
accepted what had happened. In the next few days, Port City would be
overrun by Hunter teams and Pack-Mates as they were called in to run
escort for Grey and Karen. I shared a chuckle with Stealth as I told
her what would be happening. The police were going to have very little
to do for the next week or so. They wouldn't be told all of the
details but I knew that the teams would be quietly scouring the city
for problems until Grey and Karen were safely out of town and on their
way. Then we would all spread out into the country and continue
providing escort until Grey and Karen asked us to join them. I also
wondered how people would react to the sudden influx of teams. How
would the Chief explain our increased presence? Not my problem.

    Finally, all of the things I could do were done and Stealth and I
could relax together and worry about her mental and physical healing.
I knew from bitter experience that it might be weeks or even months
before Stealth would be able to accept sexual advances or contact from
anyone, human or canine. For all our casual flippancy and desire to be
together, unspoken between us was the knowledge she had suffered a
very deep trauma. That I was her first human male lover and trained to
deal with such situations was a bonus.

    I knew that she would need to work up to things at her own pace
and that I would have to use every bit of control I had learned from
my time with her years ago and from my training from the Brethren. I
could openly admit my desire to be with her but I could also have to
let her control the terms of our being together.

    Once I mentioned I still loved her and desired her sexually, I let
the matter drop. Experience had shown me that it was best to let the
other person mention it in their own time.

    Fortunately, it would be a couple of months before she would go
into estrus. And the rapist had not been sophisticated enough to
artificially induce estrus in his victims. He had craved his victim's
reluctance in his sexual encounters. Had she been in estrus he would
have lost that feeling of control over their coupling. So, we had time
to help her accept what had happened and work her back to something
approaching her normal attitude.

    For right now, I would have to be satisfied with gently petting
her and occasionally cuddling a bit closer. We had separate sleeping
arrangements for now and only later when she was ready would we resume
sleeping together.

    As I sat beside her bed and quietly petted her, we discussed our
future together.

    ---

    Part of that discussion inevitably led to our past.

    ""Remember the first time we made love?"" Her mental touch was
quiet as she asked me this.

    I chuckled softly. "How could I forget? You had to do some serious
seduction to get me to finally do the deed."

    I had been fascinated but reluctant at the time. Karen had
recently told me how she knew that Stealth was sexually attracted to
me. I had been aware for some time that Stealth was more than friendly
towards me. Having a bitch back into my crotch was not something I
could pass off as simple friendliness. Karen had often made some
rather pointed comments about it. What surprised me was that they were
sexual partners. Karen had to remind me of my studies in school before
I remembered that Protector partners were sexually intimate as a
normal part of their pairing. Essentially, while Companions and
Protectors both have telepathic links, the intimacy of sex triggers
some abilities not available otherwise. I was to discover that sex
with a Guardian descended animal could trigger latent telepathic
abilities in some humans.

    I could still hear her hesitation as she told me that Stealth
wanted to have me be her first human male. I had never looked at
Stealth as a sex partner or lover. When Karen told me that, I hadn't
believed her. Why should I? How could Karen know something like that
and state it as fact? That was when I found out about the link. How it
had been triggered by their orgasming together.

    During this discussion, Stealth had been watching me. To say she
was beautiful was to state the obvious. Even I had to admit that. What
I was having trouble with was the idea of having sex with her. All of
her attentions took on new meaning as I thought back on them.

    She was quite a temptress.

    The thought that we might also link worried me. I didn't know what
to expect. Would we suddenly know each other's every thought and
memory? I had some parts of my past that I had never told anybody.
Could I handle having her know them? Would Karen also learn them
through her link with Stealth?

    We spent several days discussing my fears. Karen and Stealth
reassured me that the telepathic link would never be more than surface
communication with an ability to sense what the other was feeling. It
would *not* be a melding in which everything was shared. If I had
things that I didn't want to share, I could learn to conceal them.
Also, it would be extremely unlikely that I would also form a link
with Karen. For some reason, telepathy between humans was extremely
rare.

    Still, I was still reluctant about sex with her. I found the
thought of it intriguing but wasn't sure if it would be right for the
three of us. That was when she began her seduction. Looking back on
it, I had to admit Karen had been an enthusiastic partner to it.

    It started simply. Karen asked me to brush Stealth after she had
bathed her. Since I had been doing that chore for some time, I didn't
give it any thought. Stealth had other ideas this time. Instead of
being passive, she lay on her back with her legs spread apart. Since
we were sitting on the floor during this, she managed to curl so her
crotch was facing me. Then she kind of flopped her chest and head over
so she could focus those brown eyes on me as I combed her. When I
started brushing her hind legs, she gave a little sigh and closed her
eyes in seeming pleasure. If I needed to move her to comb somewhere,
she would help out. She also let her tail lay flat on the floor so I
had an unobstructed view.

    Next was the back into my crotch and look over her shoulder
routine. Then, several times after making love to Karen, I would wake
up with Stealth laying between my legs and/or licking me. Those brown
eyes and smile were beginning to have a definite effect on me. The
first time that happened, I had been dreaming it was Karen licking me.
When I woke up, I realized that it couldn't be. The tongue doing the
work was too long and wet. Not only that, Karen didn't have whiskers
or fur. Karen's chuckle was dismaying at first. When I realized I was
very hard, I couldn't help my sheepish grin.

    After several weeks of Stealth's increasingly aggressive
attentions and Karen's pointed remarks, I finally consented to having
sex with Stealth. It was obvious by know that they would have little
trouble dealing with the changes in our relationships. Karen convinced
me that their mutual telepathy allowed them a deeper openness and
understanding than would otherwise be possible. And that if I did
link, I would find many answers that could be obtained no other way.
Karen also reassured me that Stealth had mated with dogs so she would
have no problem allowing me to enter her. Also, Karen had been using a
dildo to help stretch her for me. All without telling me.

    There had been one condition attached. I would do it privately on
a weekend camping trip. That was my only condition. That Stealth and I
be alone at the time. I couldn't face doing it with Karen present.

    ""Yes, Stealth, that was quite a weekend wasn't it?"" I gently
stroked her side as we shared our memories of that time.

    ""Cory, those memories helped me stay aware while I was being
raped and tortured. I knew that I was loved by a man who would be
there for me afterwards. That and the thoughts of revenge sustained
us. Neither one of us could help responding to his attentions. He was
very skilled at what he was doing. What I don't understand is how he
was able to link with me. There was no love or care. All he wanted to
feel was our terror and pain."" At this, she shuddered and I stayed
linked as she relived parts of those days again. I ceased petting her
because each touch only triggered more painful memories. Helpless, I
could only wait for her to return to me.

    As Stealth shuddered and moaned softly, I sent her images of those
happy times together.

    ---

    I was again walking along a mountain path with her at my side.

    It was early evening and the sun was just starting to disappear
behind the mountains.

    "Well, there's our campsite. I know you can't answer me but I hope
this all works out."

    Stealth had on a day pack and I was wearing my weekend backpacking
outfit. The only unusual thing about this trip was that I knew I would
be fucking a bitch sometime this weekend.

    Tonight actually. I still had some reservations about how it might
affect my relationship with Karen. That she and Stealth had conspired
in this helped a lot. I knew both of them would be able to accept any
changes. Bluntly, I was wondering how *I* would handle the changes. My
mind was a turbulent river that didn't know which direction it was
going to go next. I knew there would be changes, but I was constantly
having to remind myself to just go with the flow and see what
happened.

    'What if?' is not a fun game when it involves someone you love as
deeply as I loved Karen. Anything that risked that made me nervous.

    We stopped at the edge of the clearing.

    I knelt and hugged Stealth. Looking her in the eyes, I watched
her. "You're going to have to help me with this. When I get things
set, I'll be ready. You're going to have to help me though. I don't
know what position you want to do this in. I guess I would like to do
it face to face but it's up to you."

    ---

    A quiet mental chuckle gently worked its way into my thoughts.
Stealth had returned to the present enough to catch that image.

    I had laid on my side and called her to me. Instead of laying by
my side as I had hoped, she had gently nosed me until I was on my
back. Then she had carefully licked and nuzzled my crotch.

    ""I was curious and usually Karen was in the way. Before, I was
seducing you. That time was for my own satisfaction. I wanted to
really savor you and fix things in my mind.""

    Her thoughts were warm as they flowed within my memories. They
didn't really register except as a counterpoint to mine.

    Then, after I lubed her, she stood over me and sat on my penis in
an unmistakable invitation. Somehow we managed to get the parts in the
right places. I held still as she lowered herself on me.

    Moving gently, I gradually worked myself into her. Finally, I held
her and worked my way to that age old rhythm.

    After a few minutes, I felt my release approaching and with a
grunt I hammered myself against her and froze.

    ---

    ""I didn't even think of this position."" My thoughts were tender
with the afterglow of release and wonderment.

    ""So, now you know.""

    ""Yes."" I was limp from exertion and she was laying on my chest.
Neither one one us wanted to move and destroy this moment. Our tongues
gently probed each other's mouths. Still connected by my penis, her
warmth was starting to inflame me again.

    The wordless explosion of her mind in mine had shocked me.
""You're really a person in your own right aren't you?""

    A pause.

    ""Of course. But you always thought otherwise didn't you?""

    I couldn't hide from this truth. Not any longer. ""I did. I never
accepted that animals are just as much a person as I am.""

    I laughed gently and held her face close to mine. Then I kissed
her deeply with the same care and love that I always used when kissing
Karen.

    ""I love you Stealth""

    ""I know. I love you too. Ever since you first paired with
Karen.""

    ---

    ""Thank you, 'Longarm'.""

    Lost in my own thoughts of the past, I hadn't known she was fully
back in the present.

    'Longarm' was a private love name only she and Karen had ever
used.

    Stealth had given it to me one day after we had arrested a really
abusive husband. The woman involved had told him the 'Long arms of the
law' had finally caught up with him. Stealth had caught him while he
was still naked and swollen. Afterwards, I had finally admitted that I
was longer than average. Karen already knew this but Stealth had
immediately applied the name 'Longarm of the law' to her favorite part
of me.

    ""Cory?""

    ""Yes?""

    ""What happens now?"" There were layers to this seemingly simple
question. I knew she meant far more than just what happened to her.

    ""Well, I'm hoping you'll team up with me. There's no hurry
though. I know you will need a lot of time to recover."" I sighed.
""Canines generally take longer than wolves to fully integrate
unpleasant experiences into their lives. Blame it on all those
millennia we spent breeding you. Not your fault, just something that
is. So you needn't worry about how long it takes you to recover.

    ""I'm going to have my own problems for a while. I miss Grey. I
always will. We've shared a lot over the years we've been together.
I'm happy for him though. I'm also glad for Karen. They'll be a good
team. Even if they don't Bond.""

    ""Cory!! What's wrong?"" She turned and with a gesture I hadn't
seen since we parted, gently placed a front paw against my cheek.
Tears were streaming down my face.

    ""It's the Bond. I know I will never Bond with a wolf.

    ""You see, it's something only human members of a Hunter Team are
told. Then, we're blocked against discussing it except in theoretical
terms. Certain conditions can bypass the block. Evidently, we have a
link that is deep enough to let me talk about it with you now that
Grey and I will no longer be partners.

    ""Within the Brethren there is a prohibition within the pack-mind
against revealing such knowledge to non-Bonded wolves.

    ""It gets complicated but there are valid reasons for the human to
know and not the wolf. One of the most important is to keep from
inhibiting a wolf from searching for a Bond-Mate.

    ""Should Grey and Karen Bond, as part of their training, they will
be given access to those records.

    ""I can't say that I agree with it sometimes but I haven't figured
out a good reason for not doing it that way.""

    There was a long pause as I recovered from the release of finally
being able to talk about it. The block had been so effective that only
when I started talking about not being able to Bond did I realize how
much had been blocked from conscious thought.

    ""Anyway, assuming they Bond, those two will go on to training and
then work as team. We'll be able to meet with them as soon as they are
through forming the Bond and rejoin the Brethren.

    ""All we can do for now is wait.""

    ---

    After a couple of days, Stealth and I were contacted by my
headquarters. By then, we had decided to stay together and become a
liaison team between the Brethren and Port City and the outlying areas
nearby.

    "Hello Chief.

    "What brings you here?"

    "Cory, I hate to put you to work but we have a problem."

    I could see he was embarrassed about it.

    "You see, the teams are covering the area in preparation for Grey
and Karen leaving. Our 'problem' is that we don't really have anyone
except you to spare to go quietly contact the Companion pairs along
the route. We know where most of them are but we need to be certain
they won't accidentally intercept Grey and Karen. Also, some are
living in situations where we can't just call them and let them know."

    He sighed deeply.

    "Until they attempt to start the Bonding process, it won't be too
important. If it does start though, we'll need an advance team that
won't attract too much attention. We need to know where those
Companions are so we can put shielding in place before Karen and Grey
get to them.

    "I'm hoping that Grey and Karen get far enough out that we won't
have too many to worry about if the Bonding starts.

    "I've left word with Grey to head for the least inhabited areas as
soon as they get out of town. We've relayed possible routes to both of
them already. That gives us a good chance of covering everything once
they start moving.

    "In the meantime though, could the two of you leave early?"

    ""Well, girl? Are you ready?"" I was, sort of, but only Stealth
could decide if she was ready to be in the field.

    A long pause... ""To help Karen? Of course.""

    I sighed. I wasn't fully ready to go back to work but I knew that
sometimes duty requires adjustments.

    "OK, Chief. Give us what you know about things and we'll be on our
way.

    "You're going to owe us some time off afterwards though."

    That got us a rueful grin from him and Star.

    "Done then.

    "As a bonus, I brought along an old friend of yours to help the
two of you. She's turned out to have a knack for discovering
previously unknown Companions.

    "See you when we get those two out of this damn city."

    With that he and Star left and wolfess walked into the room to
join us.

    ""Hello, Cory""

    I jerked in shock. I knew that touch.

    ""What's wrong? Did you forget how to greet an old friend?""

    The thoughts were warm and silky within my mind. 'Old friend' I
thought. It had been a setup. She was scarcely 6 years old.

    Born from the most recent productive mating of Grey's, she had
something of a reputation as being strong willed and adventuresome.

    I recovered and made the introduction.

    Linked to both of them, I could act as a relay.

    ""Stealth, meet Smoke. She and I have had some wild times
together. Maybe you can settle her down a bit. I certainly couldn't.""

    "So, Smoke. Still unpaired are you?" I spoke aloud to hide some of
my emotions. Had I been able to Bond, this wolfess would have been my
first choice.

    ""Stealth. Cory."" Pure gentleness soothed through our minds.

    ""Recently unpaired."" We winced at the deep pain. She turned to
show us healed areas along her flank.

    ""A stupid accident, of all things. Some damn unregistered fool
doing some construction work in the mountains. We were on vacation and
this idiot blasted the mountain out from under us.

    ""John didn't make it. He was crushed in the rock slide and the
rescue team didn't get to us soon enough. I spent half a day listening
to him die.

    ""I nearly died as well.

    ""It was our third day together and we were planning on sex that
night. It would have been our first time.

    ""How that idiot got past the teams, we'll never know. Nobody knew
he was in the area. He won't be leaving either. Star ripped his throat
out as soon as she tracked him down.

    ""Not her usual calm reaction but nobody was thinking too clearly
at that point.

    ""I've been wandering alone for the last six months.""

    I winced. I knew what she was leaving unsaid. The 'vacation' had
been the initial stages of bringing in a potential Bond-Mate.

    Star was the Chief's partner and Smoke's mother.

    As Stealth and I got up and went to her, I let her feel my shock
and sorrow. From the first time we had made love, we had shared a
special affinity. Had Stealth decided to return to the city or retire,
I had planned on looking for Smoke. I had been hoping we could team up
until she found a Bond-Mate. To find out she had recently lost a
potential one was a shock. We hadn't seen each other for almost a
year.

    As I knelt and hugged her and cried and shared her grief, I let
her feel all of my care for her. I now knew why the Chief had teamed
us.

    In a strange way, the three of us were suited for each other.

    As I reached out to include Stealth in our embrace, I had this
feeling that in spite of how it happened, the three of us were meant
to be together.

    Heads together, minds and bodies in contact, a linkage formed.
Not, as far as any of us knew, a Bond. Whatever had happened, it made
the three of us part of a single being.

    A timeless pause as we mingled our thoughts and feelings.

    Then...

    ""We have to go"" Who knew who sent that thought.

    ""I know. Karen and Grey are depending on us""

    So saying, I broke free and started gathering our things. There
wasn't much. Most of it had already been sent back to my rooms at main
headquarters or was waiting for us at the Guardian stable just outside
the city.

    * * *

    As we walked the several kilometers to the stable, we were greeted
by stares. All three of us were in our duty uniforms. An unaccompanied
Protector Canine casually strolling with Members of the Brethren was
unheard of.

    Smoke had asked Star and the Chief to meet us before we left. She
hadn't told them why.

    "Duty uniforms, Cory?" The Chief was faintly disapproving of our
choice. Also, I could see he was puzzled.

    "Sorry, Chief. We decided we would wear them until we talked to
you and Star. It's to make a point"

    He stiffened as Smoke relayed to him through Star.

    ""We're in a three-way link.

    ""Cory and Stealth had already decided to stay together. Shortly
after you left us, the three of us formed a full link.""

    Then it was my turn. "Chief? I've never heard of this happening.
It's not a Bond but it's far more than what I had with Grey."

    Then I started to relay through Smoke.

    ""I think we need to study this. ""

    Then, suddenly, I felt the relay alter. I was linked directly to
the Chief.

    *That* surprised all of us. Somehow, a normal relay had suddenly
changed.

    I continued. "" We'll do the sweep if you still want us to. I
think you should get us out of here as soon as possible. Get us away
from any chance of mental contact with Karen and Grey.""

    Native caution honed by extensive training had me making that last
statement.

    "Ahh... Right..."

    He and Star looked at each other, then nodded. Once again, he
proved why he was in charge of all the Brethren.

    "Go. No more mind links except between the three of you. We can't
risk uncontrolled thinking right now. I'll authorize the use of a
portable shield. Take one with you when you leave and use it whenever
you aren't actively looking for or dealing with Companions.

    "I want it set to cover all three of you and you are to make sure
you don't accidentally set it up with one of you outside its coverage.
Use the setting that lets wolves maintain the link with the pack-mind.

    "I want the three of you to do a quick sweep of the areas I gave
you and there will be transport waiting when you're done. Let Smoke
handle any communication with Star. I don't want you and Stealth to
try and make mental contact with anyone except Smoke.

    "We'll get three of you to one of our remote stations and do some
studies on what's happened.

    "I don't want you to do any experimenting until we can get you in
a heavily shielded area.

    "Got that?"

    We nodded without saying anything.

    "Good. Now get moving. "

    * * *

    After I saddled my horse and we prepared to leave, we wondered
what had happened between the three of us. Whatever it was, It
obviously had the Chief extremely worried.

    Still lost in thought and in that strange link, we took the first
steps on the road to our future.
======

She's My Wolf Bitch
Challenge Universe - Greybeard and Karen
---

Karen's scent, after all these centuries, still brings a smile to my
lips and eagerness to my steps when we travel.

She turned in her saddle and grinned at me. "Greybeard, 'Old Wolf'.
Never sated, are you?"

I lifted my muzzle and pointed it in her direction. Ostentatiously I
inhaled through my nose. ""Living with a wolf-bitch in permanent heat
does that to me."" I grinned at her blush. ""Good thing Cory and Smoke
came back. I was thinking I'd have to do something stupid--such as get
you elected Alpha-Bitch for all of Mind-Home so I could get some
sleep.""

I felt her mood change. "I missed him, love. A lot." She looked away
and I felt her mental touch intensify. ""I owe him my life, you know.
After... Well, you too, of course, you helped me deal with the rape.
Cory helped me become human again--and reminded me of the reasons I
should keep living.""

Instead of a direct answer I made the one response I knew she'd
approve of. ""Steady your mare."" Then, I howled. It was the full
volume call to Cory that I hadn't used in years. I backed it it with a
simple mental message. ""Karen needs a hug. NOW!!""
---

End Abandoned Work: 'Greybeard 4 - She's My Wolf Bitch' 
======

Mind Home: Miscellaneous short work (Cory, Karen, Stealth, Smoke,
Greybeard )

    Cory's Theme
    ---

    Duty's burdens.
    Unwavering steps.
    A clearly marked path.

    Partners in life.

    Four legs.
    Two legs.
    One mind in two bodies.

    Partners in life.

    Choices made
    In pain,
    In joy.

    Partners in life.

    Many nows.
    Many pasts.
    Many futures.

    Partners in life.

    Keepers of a trust.
    Molders of the future.
    Minders of our past

    I too, walk with wolves.
======

    Greybeard's Way
    ---

    Nose uplifted.
    Mind alert.
    Cautious explorations.

    I am wolf.

    Many minds.
    Many bodies.
    One soul.

    I am wolf.

    Watcher of balance.
    Keeper of faith.
    I walk with many.

    I am wolf.

    Hard won knowledge.
    Lessons far past.
    Together, make a path.

    I am wolf.
======

    Karen's Song
    ---

    A starlit night.
    Shadows within shadows.
    Feet moving like whispers of wind.
    I walk with wolves.

    Eyes gleaming yellow.
    Unearthly knowledge.
    Inborn wisdom.
    I walk with wolves.

    Many bodies.
    One mind.
    Keepers of a trust.
    I walk with wolves.

    Shared lives.
    Shared purposes.

    Wolves,
    And I,
    Walk together.
======

    Smoke's Lessons
    ---

    What do you do?
    I walk the worlds

    Why?
    Because I must.

    Will I?
    Maybe. If duty requires it.

    Are you content?
    Yes. Responsibility brings its own rewards.

    Rewards? I don't understand.
    You are here. That is one reward.
    This world another.

    Do you love?
    Oh yes.

    Cory?
    Among others.

    Me?
    Oh yes. I love you as well.

    I still don't understand.

    Of course you don't.
    You *exist*.
    Just as I *exist*.

    That is enough.
======

    Here are some interconnected shorts based in Mind Home.
    ---

    Vignettes
    ---

    ""You know I must go, Cory.""

    The voice is soft in my mind.

    ""I know, Stealth. I've known for weeks. Doesn't make it any
easier though.""

    Stealth is dying. Age has at last taken its toll. The body is
still sleek but the fires within burn low. 20 Years of life. Ten of
them as my partner. My lover.

    Tears fill my eyes as I cradle her head in my lap. We are in her
favorite clearing. Miles away from Port City, I hold her and weep long
racking sobs.

    ""As long as you remember, I'll be with you.

    ""Goodbye, my love.""

    And those expressive brown eyes stare into nothingness. For an
endless time I gently I stroke her cooling body.

    ""Cory?""

    I nod. "I'll manage, Smoke. Somehow, I'll manage."

    ""We'll manage.""

    * * *

    "It's time, Cory." The man's voice is soft and filled with
compassion.

    I come back to the present. "Hello, Ward. I've been remembering.
This is where I held Stealth as she died and where I promised her I
would remember her."

    I sigh deeply and look over at Smoke and the wolf standing next to
her. They appear to be twins.

    Finally one of them turns away from us and leaves at a ground
covering lope.

    ""She's ready, Cory. I've done all I can and blocked off her
deeper memories leading up to this.

    ""In about a week, she'll report you as missing while on a private
hike.""

    Smoke sighs. ""I hate to think about how Karen will react.
Especially since they won't find your body.""

    I look at Ward. "Couldn't we have...?"

    He sighs. "No. We can't risk what a serious autopsy would reveal.
I wish there was a better way."

    We wait. Finally, another wolf suddenly appears.

    "She's out of range and integrated into the pack mind here. We can
leave now."

    I *still* have problems listening to Julie speak aloud. I imagine
I'll get used to it in time.

    Which, as I understand it, has a lot to do with where Smoke and I
are headed.

    * * *

    "Been a few years hasn't it, Smoke?" I'm meditating by staring at
the surrounding mountains.

    We've 'graduated' from advanced training on Terra-One.

    From now on, as world-walkers, these quarters will be our
permanent home between missions.

    "Missions!" I snort. Smoke's mind echoes that snort.

    ""Bringers of Luck."" Her voice is soft in my mind.

    "Except on one world line my love. Ours." My thoughts are
resigned. We understand the necessity but no one enjoys it. "Not until
we have to reveal ourselves to save it. That is many centuries from
now."

    "Still, we get to pick and choose in the meantime. Not even
Allister can tell us what to do. Or where.

    "Shall we take that vacation first? We have yet to tour Earth on
anything but training trips."

    She walks over and nuzzles me gently. "Old Canada?"

    I smile knowingly. "I'm homesick, too."

    We vanish.

    * * *

    We've checked in and picked up a set of traveler's packs for each
of us. The institute has aid stations scattered all over the world.
Similar to the Traveler's stops on our homeworld, these are stocked
with supplies to meet any situation.

    Smoke and I discovered a small lake during our training. As we
head for it on foot, I let the peace wash over me. I also feel the
pack-mind here. As we walk, we are joined by the wolves who call this
area home.

    Finally, we reach the shore of the lake. As I set up our tent and
camping area, I smile to myself. Smoke is in estrus. One of the young
wolves asked and she accepted. They will be gone for a couple of days.
In the meantime, I am being watched in turn by a wolfess. I can sense
her unspoken question.

    ""Of course, Wisp."" My thoughts are gentle.

    ""I'm Bonded but hardly that closely. Welcome.

    ""Will you join me? I'm Cory.""

    She tilts her head in thought. ""You're one of us but not. How can
this be?""

    I turn towards her and sit on the ground. "We come from another
world. Only recently did Smoke and I return to take up a greater duty
here." I gesture to my side.

    ""Will you share yourself with me?""

    Wisp regards me thoughtfully. ""Yes. It has been long since I
mated with one of your kind.""

    I feel Smoke's chuckle as she looks on in my mind. ""Prepare
yourself, dear. This one tells me she's a wild one.""

    ""And you aren't?"" Is my pointed rejoinder that gets her laughing
in my mind.

    * * *

    I lay amid the tatters of my clothing.

    I'm exhausted. It's a happy, complete, tiredness.

    Wisp wasn't willing to put up with letting me remove my clothing.
She literally tore it off of me. In the rough and tumble of foreplay,
her flashing teeth tore it into strips.

    Then, she paused only long enough to let me kiss her nether lips
and lubricate them. Her lust inflamed me and I took her from behind as
a wolf would.

    As I thrust into her, I could feel her mind in mine and mine in
hers. Not a Bond but a closer contact such as I had shared with Grey.

    She braced herself as I drove myself at her. Dimly, I could hear
her whimpers merge with my own grunts. Finally, with one last slamming
thrust, I buried myself in her and orgasmed. Seconds after my release,
she jerked away and did her own dance of pleasure and completion.

    Now, as I lay here on my back, she has calmed enough to return and
clean me.

    I manage to coax her to lay by my side so I can clean her as she
cleans me. Puzzled at first, she finally complies with my wish. A
pause of surprise and then we are both gently working each other.

    As I fade into sleep I murmur... "Thank you, Wisp"
======

End: The Challenge Universe 3/4: Mind Home 2/3: Karen and Cory

-- 
Pursuant to the Berne Convention, this work is copyright with all rights
reserved by its author unless explicitly indicated.
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