Talia Of Animalistic - Chapter 21

At dawn, they’re awakened by the sound of Talia and Wildcat making love in the guest bedroom. Then the sounds of love making turn to soft talking.

“Wildcat,” Talia asks concerned, “does it bother you that you’re not in love with me? I know you love me, but…”

Wildcat asks her, “What makes you think I’m not in love with you?”

“I’m not Irene,” states Talia matter-of-factly. “I know how much you loved her, how much you miss her. I remember how you looked at her. I know you’ll never look at me like that.”

“No, you’re not Irene and I’m glad of that. Yeah, I still love Irene and I miss her.” Wildcat tells her sincerely, “But I am in love with you Talia. I have been in love with you since the day you were born. There was just no romantic nor sexual attraction attached to it until you put out that scent and marked me as one of your mates. And I’m glad you did it. Although, I must be getting the better end of the deal.”

“How are you getting the better end of the deal,” asks Talia smiling.

Wildcat tells her good humoredly, “Because I get a beautiful hot young mate while you’re getting a horny old goat.”

Talia laughs out loud. “I’ll never look at you and see an old goat.” She pushes her fingers through his mostly silver hair and kisses him. Then she gets up and pads softly into the guest bathroom which is connected directly to each of the two guests rooms. She only partially shuts the door behind her and checks the door to the other guest room to make sure it’s shut and it is.

Talia checks for the toilet seat to be down and it’s not, so she puts it down. She and Wildcat need to have a talk about the toilet seat she thinks as she sits down on the toilet. Urinating is little disappointing because it felt like her bladder was going to burst, but then there isn’t as much urine as the urgency made her think there would be. Yet the bowel movement is the most painful bowel movement of Talia’s life.

Tears well over from her eyes as her face flushes red. She clamps a hand over her mouth to muffle her own pained whimpering as her other hand grips the edge of the sink’s counter. Wildcat catches sent of her pain and asks if she’s alright in there and Talia hollers back, “Fine.” Except she feels anything but fine. It feels like glass shards are being pulled down her rectum and out her anus.

Cougar is a very well hung man like his father. The twins penis size Cougar would rate as barely PG-thirteen. Talia and Cougar had anal sex a few times when they were teenagers and Cougar hurt her once by accident. But Talia had not suffered this badly afterward. The twins had simply not cared whether they hurt her or not. And by the time Talia’s bowel movement is finished, she’s shaking and sweating as she sits there on the toilet afraid to wipe herself.

She carefully pulls out exactly seven sheets of toilet paper just as she always does. Then folds them in half twice just as she always does, concentrating on folding perfectly just to distract herself. She reaches around and carefully wipes from front to back. She grimaces as the toilet paper slides over her sore anus. She peeks back at the toilet paper despite her fear, and even though her sight is still quite blurry, the streaks of dark red blood are unmistakable. She carefully wipes herself two more times, the final time the toilet paper is clean.

Talia doesn’t flush the toilet immediately. She steps to the door and calls with a shaky timber, “Wildcat, would you get Cougar for me please?”

“Dearest, what’s wrong,” asks Wildcat concerned. Her voice is shaky, he smells pain and the scent of her bowel movement is off and he can smell she’s scared too.

“Please get Cougar,” Talia request.

“Yes Dearest,” but Wildcat doesn’t have to go far to find Cougar. He opens the bedroom door and Cougar’s sitting right outside it in the hall on the floor with Greywolf.

Wildcat informs his son, “Cougar, Talia needs you.”

Cougar trips over a sheet but doesn’t fall.

“I’ll get Mist,” Greywolf volunteers to go after Richy who went to let Big Boy outside.

Talia steps back and allows Cougar into the bathroom with her.

“Are you alright,” asks Cougar quickly looking his naked mate over.

“I don’t know,” answers Talia. “There’s blood in my stool.”

Cougar glances into the toilet. The bloods not fresh which is good. It’s dark red not bright red, and there’s no scent of illness. But the blood in her stool means the twins hurt her badly. An ordinary human being would have required a trip to the hospital and possibly surgery. Yet Talia is standing before him, in pain and afraid, but standing.

“It’s okay,” Cougar assures her. “It’s not fresh blood. You may have another bowel movement or two like this, but you’re okay.” He kisses her forehead and hugs her tightly.

“What’s wrong,” asks Richy stepping into the bathroom.

“Blood in her stool,” answers Cougar glancing at Richy, Wildcat and Greywolf, who’s standing just outside the bathroom door. “But she’s okay, just scared.”

Richy glances into the toilet, “Did you see this,” he asks Wildcat.

“I did,” answer Wildcat unhappily, “means the twins hurt her pretty badly. But there’s no scent of illness or other signs of illness which is good.”

“How many fingers am I holding up,” Cougar asks Talia.

“Two,” Talia answers correctly.

“How are things looking,” Cougar asks her.

“Still pretty fuzzy,” answers Talia, “but much, much clearer than last night.”

“That’s good,” says Cougar relieved. She seems to be heeling and recovering well.

“But,” Talia has another concern, “nothing that happened last night could cause a miscarriage, could it?”

Cougar squats down and carefully feels her tummy, “Are you having any cramping like you might get your cycle?”

Talia shakes her head, “No.”

“Dearest, you’re pregnant,” asks Wildcat taking her hand.

Talia nods as she asks, “No one told you?”

Wildcat shakes his head as he kisses her fingers, “It’s wonderful news,” he kisses her, “simply wonderful.”

Cougar stands and takes Talia’s face in his hands, “I think everything’s fine. I want you to hop in the shower and then we’ll get some breakfast in you. I want you to spend the next few days resting. Let us take care of you.” He steps over to the tub to start the shower.

Richy steps up to Talia and kisses her. “I love you. I know you’re scared. But Wildcat’s here for you now too. Everything’s fine. Now, do as Cougar says and hop in the shower.”

She steps into the shower and Cougar flushes the toilet. Wildcat motions for Richy and Cougar to come with him. He informs Greywolf and asks,” We’re stepping over to Mist’s room. Will you keep an eye on Talia?”

“Of course,” agrees Greywolf with a nod, “I’m honored.”

Wildcat is direct with Richy and Cougar, “I’m not a young man like the two of you. I’ve got about another fifty years before I move on to the next level of existence. As her mate, I need to think about a safe secure future for her and all our children.

Mist, your rank as a ghost is incorrect. You’re a guardian. But because of the amount of time you spend in domesticated society, other tribes may always think of you as a ghost or choose to ignore the fact that you’re not truly a ghost and will try to take advantage claiming you’re a ghost.

My rank as number one elder won’t protect her after I’m gone and I’m no guardian. She needs relationships with other males that could possibly slip forward to take my place as her mate after I’m gone and can fight for her when I can’t, consorts of a sort. It’ll also help erase the damage Black Bear did when he made her untouchable. Plus, she needs to be able to yield to the desires of visiting chiefs. I know Doe did. It’s just being hospitable.

Being here in Water Tribe territory doesn’t help either. If she were at the estate, her own territory within her tribe’s territory, it would make an incident like last night less likely to happen because they won’t want to disrespect Roar or her in their own territory. That’s just a bad move.”

“So, I take it you have a few males in mind, Dad.” Cougar knows his father.

Wildcat nods, “Bass for starters. I know he’s an ass, Mist. But he’s still your first cousin and it just looks bad for her to refuse him constantly. And it’s one thing for us to be selfish with her while she’s not pregnant. But while she’s pregnant, it’s rude.

Buck is young and low ranking, but he made her feel pretty and she likes him. And who know, in fifty years he may have a significant rank. He’s a smart kid. Plus it shows she doesn’t discriminate according to rank or age. You both may technically be thought of as ghost, but you’re still considered excellent catches.

Finally, Savage and Greywolf, especially Greywolf. They’re both highly respected guardians, half-brothers that breed dogs, the best dogs in Wild Mountain Territory. But Greywolf’s been in love with Talia nearly as long as you Cougar. He’s honored just to be in her presence. Another guardian to protect her, one who isn’t busy with domestic society, who can always be at her side when she’s in wild territory would benefit her greatly.”

For Cougar, facts are facts. He’s not a guardian either and he doesn’t have any problems with anything his father has said. But Richy takes a deep breath and blows it out. He doesn’t like it, not one little bit. He’ld like to move Talia out of free territory entirely and not have to do any of this. But Talia’s too wild to live tame full time. Children will slow her down and keep her busy for a time, but she would still be unhappy. The estate is a good idea. It would only be an hour drive to work for him and Cougar. And while she’s pregnant, no one else can impregnate her. But he still doesn’t like the idea of sharing her with so many other men.

“Mist,” Wildcat questions concerned.

“I’m not going to argue with you,” Richy tells Wildcat. “I’ld like to, except I know you’re right. We can discuss the moving later, but fine.”

“Let’s go check on our girl,” says Cougar.

As they walk back over to the guest bathroom they hear Talia giggle and say, “That was so horrible of him.”

“I wasn’t really hurt,” says Greywolf smiling.

“You had a bloody nose,” says Talia recalling fondly.

“It was sweet of you to come check on me later,” says Greywolf.

“I felt responsible,” admits Talia. They see her sitting on the edge of the tub wrapped in a towel. Greywolf is behind her towel drying her hair. He’s actually smiling, something he doesn’t do often.

“I don’t know how you were responsible,” Greywolf cocks his thumb back at Cougar, “You didn’t throw his fist at my face.”

Talia looks back at her three mates and smiles brightly. Even with the left side of her face mostly purple, it’s a dazzling smile. She can’t make out there expressions, but none of them smells happy so her smile falters, “What’s wrong?” She gets up and goes to Richy because he smells the saddest.

Richy hugs her and kisses her. “Nothing’s wrong,” he assures her.

“Everything’s fine Dearest,” assures Wildcat pushing a lock of wet hair away from her face. “Just us men folk discussing serious business.”

“I didn’t do somethin’ socially inappropriate did I,” ask Greywolf concerned. “I know things are different for tame folks and y’all live tame like in a fancy house and all. Don’t be upset with Talia. Cougar can punch me in the nose if he likes.”

Cougar laughs out loud, “Nah man, that’s okay. Once when we were kids was enough. Besides, you haven’t done anything wrong.” He caresses a finger on Talia’s shoulder. Then leans over for a quick kiss.

“Something’s on your mind Greywolf,” asks Wildcat watching Greywolf’s eyes move over Talia longingly.

“I have a gift for Talia,” answers Greywolf. “But after last night and me not knowing what may offend Richy, Cougar or Talia, I thought maybe I shouldn’t offer it to her directly. Besides, she’s bruised up and sore. So I figured I’ld give it to one of y’all for her. That way she’s not obligated to thank me for it. Even though, I admit I would like that.”

“You will give your gift for Talia to her directly,” Wildcat tells Greywolf, “and she will thank you properly.”

Talia’s insides jump at Wildcat’s words. Richy feels her twitch with shocked surprise in his arms and he tells her, “It’s alright.”

Talia pulls away from Richy confused. She looks at all three of her mates and wonders what’s going on inside their heads. She walks away from them and goes to her vanity in Richy’s room. She sits down and begins combing out her damp hair. She thumbs a tear from her cheek, but she’s not sure why she’s crying.

Wildcat follows Talia and asks her, “Do you trust me Dearest?”

“Yes,” answer Talia meekly.

He asks her, “You know I only want what’s best for you? That I would never do anything to harm you?”

“Yes, I know,” answers Talia.

Wildcat tells her, “You may not be being shunned any more, but you’re still not really thought of as tribe. The only reason they haven’t labeled you a ghost like Mist and Cougar is because you don’t truly live a tamed life, but you don’t exactly live a free one either. You’ve been livin’ wild, but apart. You need to develop some more normal social habits.”

Talia’s upset as she tries to respond, “I don’t need to… I don’t want to be a… How many will I have to…”

“Not many,” says Wildcat watching her white eyes in the mirror. “Mostly just a select few with the odd one thrown in here and there. No one you’re terribly uncomfortable with except Bass. I know he can be a real jackass, but he’s Mist’s first cousin. You understand the significance there. Plus, you need to be able to yield to a chief from another tribe. If what happened last night had happened in Mantis’s own territory, it would have been an insult. In our own territory, terribly inhospitable. But because of the circumstances last night, he just made himself look bad. It didn’t kill your mother and it won’t kill you.”

“My mother,” questions Talia.

Wildcat confirms, “Yeah, your mother. Shark was particularly fond of her. Plus, being selfish with you while you’re pregnant is considered rude.

Greywolf is thoughtful. He’s trying to see things from the other side. He’s being considerate of all our feelings where others wouldn’t. That kindness itself deserves a reward. Now, you’re not uncomfortable with Greywolf are you?”

“No,” she answers softly.

“What do you think of him,” ask Wildcat.

Talia shares, “He’s kind and thoughtful… I really like Big Boy. I’ve always wanted my own dog. And he’s handsome.”

Wildcat motions Greywolf over to himself and Talia and tells him, “Give Talia your gift,” and he steps out of the way joining Cougar and Richy by the bedroom door.

Greywolf stands behind Talia as he removes an object from a leather pouch. Holding an end of each object in each hand, he lowers it past the front of Talia’s face. Talia can make out enough of the jade, gold and turquois object to recognize it.

Talia gasps, “Your mother’s necklace. You cannot give your mother’s necklace to me. You should save this for someone dear to your heart.”

“You are dear to my heart,” Greywolf tells her as he fastens his dead mother’s favorite necklace around Talia’s neck. He pulls her hair out over the necklace and takes the comb from her hand.

Talia is humbled and honored. Greywolf has just pledged his heart to her. She tells him as he combs her hair, “If you ever meet someone who touches your heart, you ask for it back.”

Greywolf smiles, “That sounds fair.” He carefully combs out her damp hair, spreading it over her bare shoulders.

Greywolf gently combing her hair relaxes Talia quite a bit. But she still grips her towel in place unconsciously.

“Why are you so nervous,” Greywolf asks Talia. “Is mating with wild men so different from mating with tamed men?”

Talia’s a little confused by the second question and asks a question of her own, “Do you consider Richy and Cougar tamed men?”

Greywolf looks over at Richy, Cougar and Wildcat as he answers, “No. I think of them as wild like me.”

“Greywolf,” Cougar informs him, “until last night, the only men Talia had ever mated with are me and Richy.”

Greywolf looks at Talia with soft awe, “How is it possible? You’re so beautiful and intelligent. Tame men must have been falling all over themselves for you.”

A tear glides down Talia’s cheek from one of her white eyes, “I’m nervous because I lack experience. Those men asked for a justice session because they feel my father denied them certain opportunities. But none of them have considered my denied opportunities and how it’s affected me. My father didn’t just deny them opportunities, he denied me as well.

I’m not good at being around people in casual social situations. I’m good at my job, but not much else. And they all just showed up here and demand I submit to them when they are all strangers to me without a thought for how I feel. And I know what our tribe thinks of me. I am less than a ghost to them. They think I’ve only been mating with domesticated males because I supposedly believe I’m too good for free men.

But all that time, I mated with no one. I was alone until Richy found me.”

Greywolf’s heart goes out to Talia, “I don’t want to make you do anything you don’t want to do. I want you. I admit that. But not like that, not if it’s going to hurt you in any way. I want to be a good friend to you. I can wait for the benefits. So, let’s just start simple. Let me hold you.”

Talia nods her agreement to that, “Okay.”

Greywolf leads Talia by her hand to the foot of the bed. He sits on the foot of the bed and guides her onto his lap then he wraps his arms around her. She rest her head under his chin and he rests his chin on her head. Then they both close their eyes.

Richy steps in front of them. “Greywolf, you’ve given my mate a precious gift. The necklace is lovely and the gesture is genuine and pure. Plus, it looks good on her. But your gift of kindness, understanding and patience is rare, precious and priceless. For this, I give you permission to kiss my mate, any place you want, any time you want and as often as you want or need. Any and all benefits we receive from her as her mates, are yours as well as reward for your precious gifts to her. Find authorized novels in Webnovel，faster updates, better experience，Please click www.webnovel.com www.webnovel.com for visiting.

Talia, try not to make the man wait too long for his benefits.” He leans over and kisses her. “I’m gonna go check on the breakfast situation. It’s important to keep one’s pregnant mate properly fed.” Then he leaves the room followed by Cougar and Wildcat. It’s a huge compliment that they trust him alone with their mate.

Greywolf slides his thumb along the edge of Talia’s jaw. He frowns at the bruise on the left side of her face, “I don’t think it’s right for a man to hit a woman, nor to take her by force. A woman’s got the right to say no, even to a chief.” He runs a thumb over Talia’s lips. He’s never kissed a woman out of desire before. And Talia’s the only woman he’s ever desired to kiss.

Greywolf gives Talia a gentle kiss, a tender sipping of her lips that makes her feel precious and treasured. He whispers in her ear, “Say yes to me Talia… Please say yes to me.”

The scent of Greywolf’s sincere desire combined with his soft words and sweet kisses have sent Talia’s heart racing and blood rushing to her groin. She takes a deep shaky breath and responds with a soft, “Yes…”

Greywolf returns his mouth to Talia’s as he transfers her directly onto the bed. She releases the towel as his hand slips over her breast. She doesn’t initiate any of the kissing, but accepts his mouth willingly, gladly and playfully.

“I’ve never been with a woman like this,” admits Greywolf a little nervous and very concerned about possibly making current injuries worse as he puts a hand on her inner thigh next to a big purple bruise. “I don’t want to make any of your injuries worse. These bruises have got to hurt like heck.”

Talia smiles at him as she admits, “Yes, I’m sore. I’m sore in a few places I’ve never been sore before. But you’re not going to make it worse because you care.”

Greywolf carefully slips between Talia’s thighs, “Can you spread your legs a little wider? I think if you spread a little wider, I can avoid bumping the bruises on your thighs.”

“How’s that,” asks Talia as she frees his erect cock. “Nice, Cougar would definitely give you an R rating.”

“An R rating,” questions Greywolf. “What’s that,” he ask pushing the head of his cock inside her.

“Nothing important,” Talia answers as she angels her hips to aide his entrance into her.

“Sweet Mother Earth, you’re a tight fit. It’s hard to believe Mist can get himself all in ya,” he says as he works to get all in her himself.

A couple of minutes later, Greywolf is stroking smoothly into Talia. He grey eyes go completely smoky grey instead of black. He’s careful not to damage anything with his claws. He especially doesn’t want to put a scratch on Talia. One, that would be a big no, no. She’s not his mate to mark. Two, she’s banged up enough as it is at the moment; and because of that, he doesn’t allow himself to get carried away.

When Cougar returns to get Talia for breakfast, she’s curled on her side sleeping peacefully. Greywolf is curled around her, but he’s awake. He’s just watching her sleep. That’s something Cougar began doing when they were children, and it’s something he and Richy sometimes do together now.

“She looks like an angel,” Greywolf says softly.

“Yeah,” agrees Cougar slowly sitting on the edge of the bed by Talia. “Me and Richy both love to watch her sleep. Has she been sleeping long?”

“Just a few minutes,” answers Greywolf.

“I hate to wake her up, but she needs to eat. But before I do, I want to talk to ya for a minute,” says Cougar sliding a lock of Talia’s hair out of her face. “The serious business we were discussing earlier this morning is Talia’s safety. My dad’s kicking himself for taking so long to come to her. But Richy and I are just glad he’s here. Richy ought to automatically be elevated to guardian status, but Dad and I aren’t guardians. Mantis respects my dad enough that he won’t challenge him for Talia. Plus, I don’t think he’s truly interested in having Talia permanently.”

“It would be kind of dumb to take a woman home that’s gonna fight ya every time ya try to touch her,” says Greywolf.

Cougar shrugs, “We’re men. Even when we’re smart, we’re dumb, especially when it comes to women. But Dad’s still worried about possible challenges for Talia. If someone challenged for her while Richy’s around, we’re confident Richy could handle just about anybody. But if Richy’s away at work; like I said, Dad and I ain’t guardians. They’ld kick our asses and do their best to make off with Talia.

So what we’re hopin’ is that you’re fond enough of Talia to be a sort of consort to her. Someone who’ll stand by her and protect her when we can’t.”

“I’m honored you would even consider me for such a thing,” responds Greywolf.

“You’re a logical choice,” Cougar tells him, “you’re a well-respected guardian. Respected because you’re a guardian and because you’re an excellent breeder of our tribe’s dogs.”

“I don’t breed ’em alone,” states Greywolf, “Savage breeds ’em with me.”

“You’re a good brother, but we all know you’re the serious breeder and Savage is riding on your coat tails.” Cougar continues, “Plus you never shunned Talia and you’ve always been fond of her. And we all know the dog was really meant for her. Even the dog understands that. You’re kind and thoughtful and Talia likes you. You don’t have to decide now. Just think about it and let us know.”

“Hell, I don’t need to think about it.” Greywolf answers, “I’ll do it.”

Cougar shakes Greywolf’s hand with an easy smile, “I thought you might feel like that and thanks man.”

“No need to thank me,” says Greywolf appreciatively, “Thank you.”

“Talia…,” says Cougar as he caresses her cheek with his finger, “Talia, sweetheart… come eat breakfast.”

Talia blinks her white eyes open and asks, “Where are the children?”

“Outside playing with Big Boy,” answers Cougar.

“Good,” states Talia as she sits up. “I don’t want them to see me beat up like this. They have enough on their little minds.”

“They know you’re hurt,” Cougar informs her, “They smelled it this morning and wanted to come up. But Seal and Walter reasoned with them, said if you are hurt, you’re gonna need to rest. Then Richy and Dad assured them it wasn’t bad, but you would need to rest for a couple of days and convinced them to play outside with Big Boy so he doesn’t bother you and keep you from resting.”

Talia chooses her clothes based on what will best cover and hide most of her bruises. A pair of comfortable pants and a shirt with three quarter length sleeves, both comfortable enough to nap in. And take a long nap is exactly what Talia does after eating breakfast. Richy lays with her as she sleeps. He goes back to work the next day and wants to be near her. Cougar comes and gets them for lunch and they manage to coax her outside to eat lunch. The children were told not to ask her about her bruises. They were told she had a misunderstanding with a visitor from another tribe.

While they’re having lunch, Mantis’s sister, Stinger, approaches accompanied by two guardians. Stinger herself is not a guardian like her half-brother. While not a guardian, Stinger is highly intelligent and logical, so is a valued advisor to her brother, who often forgets to listen to her like he did last night. As she approaches she’s carrying two bundles. Big Boy notices the woman approaching and trots over to sit by Talia.

Stinger knows the dog has moved closer to Talia to better be able to protect her and stops a couple of meters away, “Please, let me start by apologizing for my brother’s behavior last night.”

One of the guardians with Stinger places a hand on her shoulder as if to quiet her. Stinger snaps at him. She may not be a guardian, but she is a dominant female and she knows her role and duties to her tribe.

The guardian snatches his hand away, and Stinger reminds him, “I may not be an elder but I am still the number one advisor. And I don’t need to be hushed or put in my place.” And after they had retired to their camp site for the night the previous night, she had reminded her brother of the same thing along with chastising him for ignoring her and asked him if he was proud of himself for beating and raping a pregnant woman.

Stinger focuses back on Talia, “I’m very sorry for my brother’s behavior. There’s no excuse for him. Our father spoiled him. His mother was our father’s favorite and Mantis is the only son they had together.” She sighs sadly, “Still, it’s no excuse. He just knows Fjord is desperately hot for you and he’s convinced there’s a significant reason for Fjord’s desire for you. Plus, pregnancy hasn’t changed your scent yet. He thought he might get lucky and be the first to fill your belly with his seed.”

Talia shrugs as she responds, “Sorry, no vacancies here.”

Stinger smiles as she shoes the two guardian away. “Zenith, this gift is for your new baby.”

Zenith accepts the beautiful quilt, “It’s lovely, thank you.”

Then Stinger informs Talia, “And this one is for you.”

Talia accepts the gift graciously, “Thank you, it’s beautiful.”

“May I join you,” request Stinger.

“Here, take my seat,” offers Bass getting up from the picnic table. He has manners and occasionally chooses to use them like now. Besides, Stinger is a beautiful woman. And if he’s nice to her, she just may be nice to him.

“Thank you…,” Stinger is unsure of his name. She just knows he’s Water Tribe and a relative of Mist’s.

“Bass, I’m Bass. I’m Mist’s first cousin.”

Stinger repeats his name, “Bass… Thank you, Bass,” and she accepts his hand and he guides her to his seat. “That was very kind of you Bass.”

There are lots of smiles as Bass says, “You’re welcome,” with a slight bow to Stinger. And pretty much every one at the table is smiling because they know what Bass is hoping his kindness will lead to.

“Things have been different since the avalanche of rocks,” Stinger begins. “Mantis has been different… Our father was his number one advisor after passing chief to him. And they were good friends with Shark and his elder advisor as well as with your father and the previous Amazonia… It’s left him distant and we have done much less interacting with the other tribes since then. We haven’t seen Air at all since then. And they were the tribe we traded with the most, them and Water… He didn’t even let us set up our road side stands for trading with tamed folks for a couple of years.”

“Sounds like he may be suffering from survivor’s guilt,” suggest Cougar.

Stinger nods as she repeats, “Survivor’s guilt… That makes sense… That rock slide changed things for many tribes, opened up opportunity for young ambitious ones to step forward and elevate themselves. Too bad most of them weren’t worthy of the station they elevated themselves to… I’ve felt bad for Water because Fjord is the worst of them. I’m really surprised he’s not here imposing himself.”

“He tried to walk in here and walk off with Talia,” shares Richy. “It really didn’t go like he planned. But that was the last time we saw him. Lord know what he’s up to.”

“Maybe he’s lost,” suggest Otter hopefully.

Wildcat chuckles at her hopeful suggestion while Cougar responds, “The devil can’t get lost. Be nice if he could.”

Otter sighs, “One can still hope.”

“Things are certainly peaceful around here,” comments Stinger relaxing. “Is it usually this peaceful?”

“Usually,” answers Richy, “something like last night has never happened before.”

“This morning was unique,” shares Bass cheerfully.

“What happened this morning,” asks Talia.

“When Mist brought Big Boy out,” Bass shares gleefully, “he ran after the twins. The twins were so focused on getting away from Big Boy, one ran straight at Mist and Mist knocked him out cold. The other twin tripped and fell and Big Boy bit his ass. Then Mist grabbed the water hose and woke the unconscious twin. And as he was getting to his feet, Big Boy ran up and bit him on his ass too. It was awesome. Mist cussed them out well, good and thorough and sent them runnin’.

Then a little while later, Wildcat came out and kicked a couple of asses. That one guy said, ‘come n get it old man.’ He obviously thought Wildcat was too old to fight, or maybe he just didn’t believe Wildcat was serious. But Wildcat showed him who’s the man.”

“You were fighting,” Talia asks Wildcat concerned.

“Dearest it was nothing,” insist Wildcat. “I’ve survived this long because I know a thing or two. That pup was full of shit. I promised an ass whoopin’ to the men who decided to demand that damn justice session behind my back, and I gave it to ’em this morning.”

Talia leaves her seat and sits on Wildcat’s lap and wraps her arms around his neck, “It wasn’t necessary. I don’t need you to do stuff like that. I just need you to love me.”

Wildcat gives her a long deep kiss, “I love you, Dearest. I love you.”

“You’re a very blessed woman,” Stinger tells Talia a bit envious. “Any of us are lucky if we just find one mate to love us all our days. I thought I would have a mate by now, but I have two children by two different males and no mate.”

Talia shrugs, “It just happened. I was alone and had no one for what seemed like an eternity and I had no hope that I would ever not be alone. Then suddenly in less than a month’s time I had three.” Talia’s face suddenly lights up and she asks Stinger, “Would you like to see the recording of the wedding Richy and Cougar gave me?”

“Yes I would,” answers Stinger curious.

“Me too,” adds Wildcat. “Let’s watch your wedding Dearest.”

Stinger has never been inside a house before. So her eyes are wide and curious as they walk inside the house. The group that goes inside is much smaller than the group that was outside. Stinger sits slowly on the overstuffed chair as Talia sits on Richy’s lap on the sofa. Cougar loads the digital recording. Then he sits on the side of Richy his father left him which allows him to rest a hand on Talia’s knee and lean over for a kiss.

Big boy lays down at Talia’s feet. Greywolf sits in the other chair. Everyone else remained outside. And the digital recording starts with footage of Richy and Cougar briefly describing what they’ve done to get ready for the wedding.