Talia Of Animalistic - Chapter 37 Still Alone

“Mommy, I’m nervous and a little scared,” admits William. “What’s a domestic funeral like? Who all will be there?”

It’s very rare for her Will of Fire to admit he’s nervous and scared. Talia squats down in front of Will, “It’s very grown-up and brave of you to admit that. As you will learn, domesticated people like their formal ceremonies. They have many, many different types of ceremonies for different things.”

“Like yours, Daddy’s and Dyie’s wedding ceremonies that we’ve watched,” says Will.

“Yes,” confirms Talia with a smile. “And just like we wore wedding robes for the wedding ceremony, we’ll wear funeral robes for the funeral, some domesticated people will be wearing suits or the best they have depending upon their economic situation. We’ll drive to the funeral home. And luckily, this funeral home is right next to the grave yard where Sheila will be laid to rest so we won’t have to drive in a long funeral procession. That makes things more convenient and means things won’t take as long as they often do with a domesticated funeral.”
for visiting.

“What’s a funeral home and a grave yard Mommy,” asks Maia.

“A funeral home is a building or house where a family or people that specializes in preparing the dead for a funeral work or if it’s the family business, they often live there as well. They sell coffins the dead will be buried in and stuff like that… And a grave yard is a big fancy garden where domesticated people bury their dead in the ground.”

“In the ground,” says O.P. skeptically.

“Yes, in the ground,” confirms Talia.

“So what all will happen when we get there,” asks Will.

“Someone who works there will greet us and take our photo for a digital photo book that will go to Sheila’s family,” explains Talia. “We’ll be shown to a viewing room where we’ll take a seat on long benches called pews. Sheila’s body will be in a coffin at the front of the viewing room. A man or a woman of faith will say a prayer. We’ll bow our heads and listen respectfully during the prayer. The man or woman of faith may say some other things which are meant to comfort Sheila’s loved ones. Then we’ll be allowed to line up and view Sheila’s body. And when it’s our turn, we’ll step up beside the coffin to look upon Sheila for the last time and say good-bye… After everyone has had their turn to say good-bye, the casket will be shut tightly and men called pall-bearers will carry Sheila’s body in the coffin out to the grave yard. The hole in the ground to place Sheila’s body in will already have been dug. The person of faith will pray again and say more words meant to comfort those grieving Sheila’s death. They will lower the casket with Sheila’s body in it down into the hole and refill it with earth. Then we’ll come home and honor Sheila by living lives where we love and care for one another the way all people free and domesticated should.”

“Come on,” calls Richy, “Let’s load up.”

“If you have any more questions,” Cougar informs their three oldest children, “you may asks during the drive there.”

Will, O.P. and Maia are placed in booster seats on the middle row of seats. Talia sit between Richy and Cougar in the front seats. Wildcat, Greywolf, Richy’s grandfather Walter and Talia’s Uncle Bob all sit in the third row back seats.

“Why are we going to this domesticated lady’s funeral,” asks O.P. from his booster seat.

“Because she was very special,” answers Talia.

“Special how,” asks O.P.

“Sheila gave birth to our Will,” shares Talia. “She’s Will’s birth mother.”

“Oh,” says O.P. thoughtfully, “I guess that does make her special… I’m sorry your birth mother died Will.”

Will shrugs, “It’s okay. I didn’t know her. We only met her once. She was that lady that visited the day Dusk at a bug.”

“The skinny domestic lady that smelled funny,” recalls Maia.

“Mommy said her medicine made her smell like that,” explains Will to his brother and sister.

“Was she sick for a long time Mommy,” asks Maia.

“Yes, her whole life,” answers Talia.

“Was she the lady that was your wife before Mommy Dyie,” asks O.P.

“Yep,” answers Cougar. “When y’all get a bit older, become teenagers and can understand better, I’ll tell ya all about it.”

“Now, when we get there,” Talia tells her three oldest children, “remember to be on your best behavior while we’re there; even if some of the grown-ups there behave badly.”

“What do you mean Mommy,” asks O.P.

“Well,” explains Talia, “most of Sheila’s family isn’t fond of Dyie and Mommy. Sheila’s mother, Ma O’Connor and Sheila’s sister, Connie, are very angry with Mommy and Dyie and may say some mean things. They may say some things that aren’t true at all, but that they believe are true.”

“What are they mad about Mommy,” asks William.

“When you were born, my sweet little man, Sheila’s illness meant she couldn’t take care of you. She was a danger to herself and others at that time. So domesticated law gave full custody of you to Dyie,” explains Talia.

Cougar takes Talia’s hand and shares, “But I felt it was important you have a Mommy. And not just physically and emotionally, but legally too. So I asked Mommy to become your mommy legally, to adopt you legally in the domesticated courts of law. Mommy being the wonderful woman she is and loving you very much from the moment she first laid eyes on you agreed… Except Sheila’s mother didn’t like that idea. She tried to sue for custody of you herself and held up Mommy’s legal adoption of you in domestic court for a few months. We had a big legal fight that they lost.”

“Dah, of course they lost,” says O.P., “Mommy and Uncle Bob are lawyers.”

“There’s something else they’re mad about too,” says Talia.

“What else,” asks Maia.

“Ma O’Connor, Sheila’s mother,” Cougar trying to put it delicately, “she has the same illness as Sheila. She’s sick in her mind. It’s something that passes from mother to daughter in her family and it affects their thinking. But with the right medication, they can think fairly clearly. But Sheila’s mother won’t take the medicine. She refuses to admit she’s sick in her mind. Anyway, she thinks it’s Mommy and Dyie’s fault that Sheila died.”

“But she got her mind sickness from her mother,” says Maia. “You and Mommy didn’t make her sick. It’s not your fault she died from her sickness.”

“Maia,” Richy’s voice soft and soothing as he continues to watch the road as he’s driving, “Sheila didn’t die from her illness. Somebody killed her and Ma O’Connor thinks Mommy and Dyie had something to do with it.”

“Somebody murdered her like Stinger tried to do Mommy,” states Will shocked.

“That’s so sad,” states Maia.

“That’s silly,” says O.P., “Mommy and Dyie would never do something like that.”

“You just remember that,” Wildcat tells the three children. “Your Dyie and Mommy both have jobs they use to help other people. They would never hurt anyone for selfish reasons. For what Stinger tried to do, Roar and Windwalker could have put her to death. But Mommy asked them to show her mercy and return her back to her own tribe.”

“I’ve heard Hyena talk about how Mommy saved her from her ex-husband,” shares Maia. “He used to beat her up. She said Mommy didn’t even asks for any money for helping her. She said domesticated people put a price tag on everything.”

“While many domesticated people are obsessed with acquiring money, not all of them are obsessed with it,” Uncle Bob informs the children. “Many attorney’s would have refused to help Hyena because she didn’t have any money. Your mother has never denied help to anyone who needed it and she provides assistance to attorneys who do help people regardless of their ability to pay.”

At the funeral home, they are greeted by a domesticated woman as they enter the front doors.

“Whose funeral are you here to attend,” asks the woman.

“Sheila Wilson’s,” answers Talia.

“If you’ll step right this way please,” request the woman. “We’ll get a photo for Ms. Wilson’s surviving loved ones. May I have your name please?”

“We’re the Devonshire family,” answers Talia.

“Thank you,” responds the woman. “Now, let’s just get you all organized a bit… You here, please…Move in together just a little tighter please… And let’s make sure we can see all the children, such lovely children.”

“Thank you,” Talia, Cougar and Richy all say together accepting the compliment.

The woman request, “Everyone look right here please.” A light flashes and she checks the shot. “Perfect, we got it. Now, if you’ll…”

“Miss,” Talia interrupts.

“Yes, madam,” the woman responds.

Talia looks down at Will as she holds his hand then back up at the woman, “This is our son, William. Sheila is his birth mother. I think her family would appreciate a picture of just him.”

“I’m sure they would,” says the woman touched by the gesture. “We’ll just zoom in on him real quick for them… Okay… Look right here for me William… Good.” There’s another flash and she checks the shot. “Got it,” she confirms, “it’s perfect.”

Then the woman steps back over to them. “That was very thoughtful of you. Please, follow me.” And she shows them into a viewing room and a pew just three rows back on the opposite side from Sheila’s family. “Just have a seat. Services will begin shortly.”

Talia and the men with her are very aware of Mrs. O’Connor glancing back at them. Sheila’s sister glances back as well after a whisper from her mother.

“I don’t know how this is going to play out,” Richy whispers to his grandfather, Walter.

“No matter what,” Uncle Bob directs, “everyone just stay seated and calm.”

There’s a lot of hushed angry whispering from Sheila’s family up in the front pews on the other side of the viewing room.

“Mother don’t,” orders a man as Sheila’s mother gets up followed by her daughter Connie. She’s a tall imposing woman and her outrage is clear upon her face.

“Here she comes,” states Wildcat.

“Daddy, I’m scared,” admits Maia.

“It’s okay,” Richy assures putting an arm around his daughter. “She’s just gonna bark at us. She’s not gonna bite.”

“How dare you,” Sandra O’Connor shouts outraged. “How dare you come to my daughter’s funeral,” she shouts as she slides in front of the pew in front of them to better yell at all of them.

Cougar looks his ex-mother-in-law in her crazy eyes, “Sandra,” his voice is calm but firm, “We’re just here to pay our respects to Sheila.”

“Respect,” questions Sandra. “What do you know about respect you fucking drunk?”

“She said the F-word,” states O.P. in disbelief.

“Mother stop it,” says a man stepping up to Sandra followed by a second man. Both of the men are tall with the same Nordic looks as Sheila, her sister, Connie and their mother.

“They shouldn’t be here,” insist Connie.

“They’re not doing anything wrong,” the second man tells his mother and sister.

“How dare you come here Wendel,” shouts Sandra, “How dare you come here and bring that filthy wild whore with you!”

“What’s a whore,” asks O.P.

“Something bad,” answers Will even though he doesn’t know what it means either.

“Don’t pay any attention to her,” Richy tells the children quietly. “On top of her mind sickness she’s grief stricken. When she’s finished barking at us, she’ll go back to her seat.”

“And you, Mr. Sheriff,” Sandra now shouting at Richy. “You’re no better than him! Sheila was crazy about you! And you tossed her aside, broke her heart, left her vulnerable to that lecherous leech you son of a bitch.”

“Mother,” pleads her first son, “please, there are children present.”

“Children… humph,” sneers Sandra, “just a bunch of little nasty wild bastards.”

Talia hadn’t looked at Sandra because she didn’t want to provoke the unstable grief stricken woman any further. So she had chosen to ignore Sandra and whisper soothing things to her children. She’s sitting between William and O.P. Maia’s between O.P. and Richy. Then there’s Walter and Greywolf on the other side of Richy. Sitting on the other side of Will is Cougar, Wildcat and Uncle Bob.

Talia quietly ignores the ranting woman as she looks at her children lovingly and whispers loving comforting things to them.

“I’m talking to you, you nasty wild whore,” shouts Sandra. “Don’t you ignore me you wild bitch!” Then she grabs Talia by her hair.

Talia lets out a surprised pain filled yelp as Sandra drags her over the back of the pew Talia was sitting behind by her hair that she had carefully pinned up.

“I know it was you,” Sandra yells as she drags Talia out into the aisle by her hair. “I know you killed my Sheila!”

“Mommy,” all three of the children cry out afraid.

“Don’t touch her,” Richy orders the other men knowing Sandra would try to claim they attacked her. “Let her sons pull her off.” But it’s hard to stand there and not come to Talia’s defense; even though, Talia could easily defend herself against Sandra, but she won’t. She won’t lift a finger against Mrs. O’Connor.

Then Will afraid for his mother slips away from Cougar, runs past Wildcat and Uncle Bob charging as he yells, “Let my Mommy go!!!” He shoves Sandra hard as he kicks her shin and stomps her foot causing Sandra to release Talia’s hair. Sandra’s son’s grab her arms as she hops up and down in pain. Talia snatches Will up into her arms hugging him to herself and kissing him.

“Did you see that,” asks Sandra indignantly. “Did you see what that little wild bastard did? That little evil wild animal attacked me!”

Talia takes a deep breath and composes herself. Then she informs Sandra, “This particular ‘little evil wild animal’ as you say was given birth to by your daughter, Sheila… Say hello to your grandson, Will, Sandra.”

“Mommy, I don’t want to be related to that lady,” howls Will. “She’s crazy.”

“My grandbaby,” says Sandra, “she’s turned my own grandbaby against me. Did you see that?”

“Stop it, Mother! Shut up,” orders her oldest son. “Just shut up! The only person here who’s done anything is you.”

“This is embarrassing,” states her younger son. “This is why Michael and I live a state away. If we lived any place close by, you’ld make our lives miserable.”

“Connie, take Mom back to her seat,” orders Sandra’s oldest son, Michael, firmly.

“But…,” Connie says nervous and confused.

“Now,” orders Michael even more firmly.

“Yes, Michael,” Connie taking her mother’s arm. “Come on, Mom. Let’s sit back down.”

Some tears make a run for it down Michael’s face as he takes a deep breath and apologizes, “We are so sorry… I’m Michael O’Connor. I’m Sheila’s older brother.”

Talia shakes his hand, “Talia Devonshire.”

“I’m Gabriel O’Connor,” the younger brother shaking Talia’s hand next. “I’m Sheila’s younger brother.”

Talia places a hand on Will’s chest, “And this is my little man, William… William, these are your uncles, Michael and Gabriel.”

“You are really brave,” Michael compliments William with a smile.

“She was hurting my Mommy,” responds William. “I couldn’t let her hurt Mommy and the babies.”

The two men glance down to see that Talia is indeed pregnant. She’s not huge pregnant yet, making the pregnancy easily hidden by her funeral robes.

“I’m okay,” Talia assures. “But it seems we’ve caused quite a commotion. We should get back to our seats.”

“May we speak with you at the end of the funeral,” request Michael.

“Yes of course,” answers Talia.

“Thank you,” Gabriel appreciatively. Then he and Michael return to their family.

Uncle Bob hugs and kisses Talia and Will. He asks her concerned, “Are you alright?”

Talia nods, “I’m fine. I’m not harmed.”

Uncle Bob kisses Will again, “That was very brave.”

Will’s response is a shrug.

Wildcat hugs and kisses Talia and Will next.

“I’m sorry Paw,” apologizes William.

“Sorry for what son,” asks Wildcat.

“For my behavior,” answers Will. “I know that’s not how we’re supposed to behave.”

“No, but you did good,” Wildcat tells Will, “That’s what counts. So don’t worry about it.”

Cougar hugs Talia and Will tightly.

“Dyie,” William protests, “you’re squishing us.”

Cougar takes William from Talia and kisses him, “I am so well pleased with you. But you nearly gave me a heart attack. She might have hurt you.”

“But I’m okay,” says William with a shrug.

Cougar kisses Talia deeply and runs a hand over her belly, “Are you sure you’re alright?”

Talia nods, “yeah.” Talia turns and Maia and O.P. both throw their arms around her waist.

“It’s alright,” Talia assures stroking their red haired heads. “It’s over and Mommy’s fine. We need to take or seats.”

O.P. and Maia slide back onto the pew as Richy hugs Talia and kisses her. He puts a hand on her belly as he asks, “Are you sure you’re not injured in any way?”

Talia nods and accepts another kiss. Then she accepts a hug from Walter, who kisses the top of her head repeatedly. Finally Greywolf gets to hug her. He grumbles to her in a whisper, “Crazy old bat.”

“Hush, I’m fine,” Talia whispers to him. And Greywolf doesn’t care that they’re surrounded by domesticated people at the moment. He comforts himself by kissing her deeply. He presses his forehead to hers for a moment then they both retake their seats.

More people arrive that missed all the excitement. The woman that greeted them slides in behind them, leans forward and whispers to Talia, “I called the keepers of the peace, Ms. Devonshire.”

“Oh no,” Talia whispers, “that wasn’t necessary. I’m a little rattled, but I’m not harmed. Besides, I would really prefer for the sake of all the children present at the funeral that there be no more disruptions.”

The woman pats Talia’s shoulder, “They’re sending a cruiser with peace officers and they’ve agreed not to arrest her until after the end of the funeral.” Then she slides back out to the aisle and walks away.

Except for soft breathing and some soft sobbing from Sheila’s relatives, everyone is silent as the woman of faith says the things that are supposed to comfort those who are grieving. They all bow their heads during the woman of faith’s prayer. At the end of the prayer, the woman who greeted them comes to the front of the viewing room.

“At this time,” says the funeral woman, “those who wish may come forward to the front and say their last good-byes to the deceased. Then you may line up in the hall if you wish to accompany the family of the deceased to the deceased final resting place. We’ll start with the family up here on the front row. Then you may come up front row by row to pay your final respects.”

They sit quietly and wait until it’s their rows turn. Talia steps up beside the casket with Sheila’s body lying in it as she holds Will’s hand. Talia’s grief is great and she’s grateful for the domestic practice of dressing and putting make-up on the body. She wouldn’t want Will to see Sheila’s bruised, broken battered body.

“Sheila,” Talia says softly as she glances down lovingly at Will, “I’ve brought our William. You have no idea how much I adore him. He’s smart and brave and loving… I’m so sorry. I had hoped that one day you and he would be able to get to know each other. If I had realized you were in danger, I would have done my best to keep you safe. I’m sorry I failed you there.” She leans over and kisses each of Sheila’s cheeks and her forehead last. “But I promise I will raise our son well. In this, I will not fail you. I bid you good journey… William, would you like to say something?”

Will nods yes then focuses on Sheila’s still face, “I’m sorry you died. My mommy’s really sad about it. She’s the best mommy ever. Thank you for giving me to her. I really love her and she really loves me. I really love my family. They make me very happy.” Then he turns to his father and requests, “Pick me up please Dyie.”

Cougar picks Will up and holds him as he leans over Sheila. Will does as he saw Talia do, kisses each of her cheeks and her forehead. “Thank you, Dyie.”

Cougar kisses him and sets him down. Then he steps up to the casket himself. “Mother Earth, Sheila, I’m so sorry… I could have been a better husband for ya, but it wouldn’t have saved our marriage. But you gave birth to our William, and for that we will be eternally grateful to you and we love you for it…”

Cougar stands there for a long moment staring at Sheila’s face. Then he leans over kisses both of her cheeks and her forehead, “Have a good journey Sheila.”

“Do either of you want to say anything,” Richy asks O.P. and Maia.

O.P. shakes his head no and asks in a very soft whisper, “Do I have to kiss her?”

Richy shakes his head, “No you don’t.”

Maia looks at the woman in the casket and says softly, “Thank you for William. He’s a good brother and we love him very much.”

Richy pats their heads, “Go on over there with your mother, Dyie and brother.”

Then Richy stands there pulling at his chin with one hand. “Damn,” he says under his breath. “I didn’t see this coming and I’m sorry Sheila. If I had listened to Talia and let her give you a message for Fjord, you’ld still be alive. I don’t know why you were ever interested in me. I’m usually easy going and down to earth, but sometimes I can be very stubborn and pigheaded. Sometimes I don’t know how Talia puts up with me. If I could have prevented this, I would have…” He quickly gives one of her cheeks a quick peck, “Good journey Sheila.”

Greywolf only pauses and nods to the dead domestic woman in the fancy box. He’s grateful for William and sorry she died horribly, but there’s no sense in saying things that have already been said.

Uncle Bob sighs sadly as he looks at Sheila with his hands clasped in front of him. He shakes his head as he says, “This shouldn’t have happened… Farewell Sheila.”

Walter never met Sheila while she was alive. But it’s always sad when someone passes so young and so horribly. All he can do is shake his head sadly.

Wildcat’s face is set firm, “Well, girl, neither you nor Cougar had your wits about ya when ya married. I still think it’s a ridiculous practice. Especially for domestic folks since most of y’all just turn around and get divorced a short time later. But I’m grateful for William. He’s a fine boy. We all love him to pieces. And I think having been married to you first has made Cougar appreciate and treasure Talia all the more. He’ll never take her for granted. Whether you intended to or not, you helped him become a better person, helped him find himself. I thank ya for that and good journey.” He pats her cold lifeless folded hands and joins his family.

After the last person has filed past Sheila’s body, the lid to the casket is shut tight. Then four pall bearers, Sheila’s brother’s and two other men from her family lift the casket. Then they follow them out to Sheila’s final resting place. The pall bearers carefully set the casket onto the winching system that will lower it into the ground.

Talia and the men with her glance at the peace cruiser with the two peace officers leaning against it waiting patiently. The woman of faith says more words meant to comfort the grieving family. But Talia is not comforted as she stands there holding Will’s hand with Cougar just behind them with one hand resting on Will’s shoulder and the other on Talia’s waist.

The woman of faith says another prayer as the coffin is lowered into the ground. The coffin settles at the bottom of the grave and there’s a collective “Amen.”

“This concludes the services for Sheila Wilson,” announces the funeral woman. The crowd begins to disperse accept for them and Sheila’s immediate family. The peace officers push off their cruiser and walk over calmly.

“Sandra O’Connor,” one of the peace officer’s calls getting her attention. “We need you to come with us please.”

“Why? What for,” asks Sandra.

The second peace officer pulls out a hand held flat screen and plays a recording of Sandra attacking Talia unprovoked.

Sandra looks at Talia and accuses, “You called the peace office.”

“No,” the funeral woman tells Sandra, “I called the peace officers. The recording of you attacking a pregnant woman unprovoked came from my cameras. Ms. Devonshire actually asked me not to call.”

“You don’t understand,” says Sandra. “She killed my daughter. I know she killed my daughter.”

They start to read Sandra her rights as they attempt to hand cuff her, but she resist arrest and protest quite vocally. The two peace officers have to wrestler her to the ground to hand cuff her with her sons pleading for her to be cooperative as her daughter Connie cries. The peace officers place Sandra in the back seat of the cruiser. Both officers take a deep breath. Then they walk back over to take statements.

“We’re sorry about that,” apologizes the first peace officer. “We were really hoping something like that wouldn’t happen.”

“At least we didn’t need to taze her,” says the second officer.

“We just need to ask a few questions,” adds the first officer.

Everyone still present nods their understanding and cooperation. The officers take their names and numbers. Talia makes sure they understand Wildcat and Greywolf can be reached through her. Then the peace officers climb into their cruiser with the cursing Sandra and drive away.

“I’m so sorry,” Talia apologizes to Sandra’s sons, “We didn’t mean to cause any trouble.”

“No, no,” Michael tells Talia, “You guys are not the problem… the best thing about Sheila being arrested was she finally got the treatment she needed. It was nice to finally be able to have a rational conversation with our sister. We’re grateful for that.”

“Maybe now our mom will get the treatment she needs,” says Gabriel hopefully. “Since our father died, she’s gotten progressively worse. He was her stabilizer. They loved each other very much.”

“And with mother out of the picture, so to speak, for a little while,” says Michael optimistically, “We should be able to talk Connie into seeking treatment.”

“Mother usually does her thinking for her,” shares Gabriel. “She’s never lived on her own or had a serious boyfriend. I’m the baby, but mother has really dominated and controlled her life.”

“Who is that,” asks Michael looking behind them.

They all turn to see who Michael is looking at.

“Who is he,” asks Maia.

“Fjord,” states Richy angrily.

Talia puts her petite hand to Richy’s chest and softly says, “Richard.”

Richy takes a deep breath and blows it out.

“I am so glad to meet your wives and children,” Talia tells Michael and Gabriel. “I believe it’s good for William to know as much of his family as possible. Do you have lunch plans?”

“No we don’t,” answers Michael.

“Good,” says Talia hopefully.

“Talia,” Fjord calls leaning with his shoulder against a stately tree.

“I’m sorry for the interruption,” Talia apologizes. “I need to speak with this gentleman briefly then lunch will be on me.”

Will tugs on her wedding robe and asks, “Who is he Mommy?”

“He is Mommy’s fifth,” admits Talia.

“Your fifth,” questions O.P.

“If he’s your fifth,” asks Will, “Why doesn’t he live with us or visit like Arie and Bobba?”

“Because…,” Talia answers, “because he’s not a nice man. He has many bad habits. So I don’t want him around any of you… Now, stay here with Daddy and Dyie. I won’t be long… Wildcat, Greywolf, accompany me please.”

“Dad,” O.P. asks, “if he’s not a nice man, why is he one of Mommy’s mates?”

“He really didn’t give Mommy any choice is the matter,” answers Richy.

Talia steps up to Fjord with Wildcat and Greywolf on either side of her and just behind her. Fjord nods a greeting to both men, “Wildcat… And you are?”

“Greywolf.”

“Mate,” Ford questions Greywolf.

“Consort,” answers Greywolf.

Fjord nods his understanding to Greywolf. Then he focuses down upon Talia’s lovely round tan face, as Talia looks up into his sinfully beautiful face. His intense dark hungry eyes seem to pierce her soul. He reaches out and touches her face as he admits, “I’ve missed you terribly, Talia.”

“You look well,” she replies. “Domestic living seems to suite you.”

Fjord doesn’t look pleased, “I really don’t enjoy it though.”

“Enjoy it or not,” Talia tells him, “you’ve left yourself no home to return to. You abandoned your tribe and your children. You ran your tribe into the ground and after you abandoned them, they splintered to be absorbed into the other tribes. No one misses you or wants to see you ever again, not even your own children.”

“Not even you, Talia,” asks Fjord as his intense dark eyes seer her soul, “Not even just a little bit?”

A tear spills down Talia’s cheek, “You should not have attached yourself to me. I can never be whatever it is you need in a mate and you are not capable of being a proper mate to me.”

Fjord covers Talia’s mouth with his own. His tongue delves deep as he pulls Talia against him. Talia can’t stop herself from kissing him back and clutching desperately to him. She hates to admit it to herself, but she has missed him.

Fjord hugs her tightly as he rest his cheek a top her head, “I’m sorry Talia. I’ve done things ass backwards my whole life. But I am trying to do things right and proper now. I’m slowly severing my ties with my friends in low places.”

Talia lifts her head quickly to look him in his eyes as she asks him, “You’re not killing them off are you?”

“No,” Fjord assures her honestly.

“And what about Sheila,” asks Talia.

“I didn’t intend to get Sheila killed,” admits Fjord. “I did contact her, but I can’t be in two places at once. I prefer to watch you, make sure you’re alright. Richy and Cougar take good care of you. Wildcat here is a good choice in a mate or consort.”

“Mate,” Wildcat informs Fjord, “her third. You sealed that deal.”

Fjord nods respectfully to Wildcat, “And Greywolf is an excellent choice for a consort, a good strong guardian.”

“You said you didn’t mean to get Sheila killed,” Talia looking Fjord in his dark eyes. “You contacted her, offered to get her son back for her if she’ld help you?”

Fjord sighs as he admits, “Yes, I was getting desperate to see you.”

“So you would have stolen my boy from me,” questions Talia.

Fjord can’t bear the look in her eyes, “I… I didn’t know you were that attached to him. I should have known though. You don’t love anybody half way. I’m sorry. I just don’t know how to make things right.”

“What happened to Sheila,” asks Talia.

“I was paying a man to watch her for me,” admits Fjord, “for him that meant inserting himself into her life, befriending her. He became her jogging buddy. That last time I contacted her and she cussed me out, I was really pissed at her and said something in front of him I shouldn’t have including someone needed to teach her a lesson. He asked me if I was finished with her and I said ‘yeah’ not really thinking anything about it. But he took it as he could finally have all the fun with her that he wanted.”

“So what happened to him,” asks Greywolf.

Fjord looks and smells guilty, but he answers honestly, “I took care of him like I did Grimm… I know by wild standards I’m a sick son of a bitch. But I’ve been stuck surrounded by tame people for years now, and some of them make me look like a saint. I’m tired of being surrounded by people that lie almost constantly. I want to come home to Wild Mountain Territory, but I know I’m not welcome… All I need now, want now, is to be able to see Talia regularly. I love her. She’s my mate… I love you Talia.”

Talia looks at Wildcat and Greywolf and looks back over at Richy.

Wildcat sighs, “Richy’s not going to like it. Talia wanted to give Sheila a message for you but he wouldn’t allow it.”

Fjord caresses Talia’s cheek with his thumb, “I’ve made such a mess of things. I’m sorry… I love you so much Talia. I didn’t know it was possible to love anyone so much. Do you love me Talia? Even just little?”

Another tear spills down Talia cheek as she admits, “Just a little… And don’t kill anyone else.”

“But they were all bad people,” responds Fjord, “people much worse than me. Sheila wasn’t the first woman that guy had killed, but he won’t be stalking and killing any other women now.”

Talia takes Fjord’s sinfully beautiful face in her petite hands, “You want to find a way to start making things right, correct?”

Fjord nods his head as he answers, “Yes.”

“Then you can’t kill anyone else,” Talia tells him, “Not even bad people that are worse than you because killing other people is wrong. Plus, it’s not your job to be judge and executioner. It’s the authorities’ job to track down bad people and punish them.”

Fjord nods his understanding and informs her, “I have an honest job now.”

“That’s good,” Talia tells Fjord, “That’s a start.”

“Talia,” Richy calls.

“No more killing,” Talia tells Fjord. “Work hard and be honest at your new job and I will find a way for you to have time with me regularly, okay?”

Fjord nods, “Okay,” and he kisses Talia deeply again.

“I have to go,” Talia informs Fjord.

Fjord nods sadly, “I know. They’re really good about making sure you’re eating well while you’re pregnant.” He puts a hand on her belly, “You’re pregnant, Richard again,” he sniffs her more closely, “and someone from Air.”

“My fourth, Windwalker,” Talia supplies.

“It was him and his brother that came for you,” recalls Fjord. “Good men, good choices in mates, strong guardians.”

“Talia,” Richy calls again.

“I have to go, but I will find a way,” and she accepts another kiss, turns and rejoins her family.

Once Talia is sitting between Richy and Cougar in the front of their vehicle Talia shares, “He didn’t do it. It wasn’t him.”

“Are you sure,” asks Cougar.

“Yes,” Talia answers earnestly, “he didn’t do it.”

Cougar turns in his seat to look in the back past the children and questions, “Dad?”

“It wasn’t him,” confirms Wildcat.

“He didn’t attempt to lie once,” shares Greywolf. “He was totally honest.”

“Let’s go have lunch,” says Richy irritated. “We can talk about it later.”

“Richy,” Talia says tenderly.

“Later,” Richy says firmly.

Talia hangs her head and a barely audible, “Fine,” escapes her lips.

Cougar puts a comforting arm over Talia’s shoulder and flicks Richy behind his ear to let him know the tone he took with Talia was unnecessary. Richy grits his teeth. He knows why Cougar flicked him. He didn’t mean to let his anger and irritation seep into his voice. But watching Fjord touch and kiss Talia, watching Talia accept his touch and kiss and touch and kiss him back just irritated the hell out of him. But they have a nice lunch with Michael, Gabriel and their families and buy the children ice cream.

When they get home, Talia gets lots of hugs and kisses from her younger children. They’re full of questions for her and their older sister and brothers. They change out of their funeral robes and Talia spends more than an hour with her younger children playing with them, hugging them and kissing them. But Talia needs to talk with her men and finds them in the rec-room.

“Not now, Bass,” Talia’s tone tells him she has something important on her mind and won’t be bothered with him at the moment.

Cougar sits back in his chair at the chess table, opens his arms and motions Talia to him. Talia steps over to Cougar and he slips his arms around her waist. Talia asks, “Is this a good time,” but the question is meant for Richy, not her other men.

“Wildcat and Greywolf informed us of what happened at the funeral with Fjord while you were spending time with the children,” Eli informs her as he steps up behind her and kisses her cheek.

“You told him you would find a way for him to have time with you,” Richy sounding as if he’s accusing her of something.

“Yes,” Talia confirms grateful for the comfort of Cougar at her side with an arm around her waist and Eli pressed against her back with an arm around her hugging her.

“Why,” asks Richy, “Why did you tell him that without making sure it was alright with me first?”

“Why must everything be approved by you first,” Talia shoots back at him. “Did becoming your mate suddenly make me incapable of making decisions?”

Richy bolts up to standing sending his chair clattering over backwards onto the floor, “I am your true-mate and your first,” he declares.

Talia lifts an eyebrow and responds with a simple, “So.”

Richy’s face scrunches up as he asks, “What do you mean, ‘so?’”

Talia sighs sadly, “Being my true-mate and my first doesn’t make you wiser than Wildcat. It doesn’t give you more life experience than Cougar. It doesn’t make you a better leader than Windwalker. And it doesn’t make you smarter than me. All it means is that you got to make me your mate first.”

“I wasn’t the first at everything with you,” Richy reminds her. “You had already done things with Cougar that I’ve never done with any woman. And what do you mean, it doesn’t make me smarter than you?”

“Aw, come on, Richy,” says Cougar easily. “You know one of the things we love best about Talia is her intelligence. We all know she’s smarter than all of us put together.”

Richy crosses his arms as his face sets hard, “So I don’t get a say in this.”

“Richy,” Talia confesses, “I love you, but I’m tired. I have too many children and too many men. And I don’t know about everyone else, but I’m tired of dancing around you and your ego and your need to try to control everything. I’m tired Richy. All of these men love me first and best. Yet they all have to play second to you because I love you first and best. Yet nothing I do or say assures you of it. I’m tired of having to wait for Cougar and Wildcat to make you see reason… If I hadn’t listened to you and gave Sheila a message for Fjord she’d still be alive.”

“Are you blaming me for Sheila’s death,” asks Richy pointing at himself.

“No Richy,” Talia answers as she closes her eyes for a moment. “It’s my fault. Sheila’s dead because I let my love for you prevent me from doing what I felt was right. And I’m tired of my love for you preventing me from being me, making me feel inadequate, making me hate myself.”

Richy looks at Talia. He really looks at her and sees for the first time how tired, sad and lonely she is. She has him and his love, all these other men and their love, she’s surrounded by people and their love, and she’s still lonely. He knows it’s partly his fault because he still gets grumpy about sharing her. Yet there’s no one here capable of understanding her completely. None of them knows what it’s like to be an outsider and not fit in, but Fjord knows what it’s like.

Richy asks curiously, “Do you love him?”

“Yes,” Talia admits. “I can’t explain it, but I love him and hate him at the same time. Hate’s not a productive emotion. So what’s left for me to do? … Maybe the fact that I love him even though I wish I didn’t means there’s something wrong with me… I don’t have all the answers Richy. I just know I’m tired, tired of fighting a losing battle, tired of hating myself because I fail to be whatever it is that you want or need me to be… Fjord may do things that make me hate him, but he doesn’t do things that make me feel like I failed him. He doesn’t blame anyone for making him the way he is. His parents and his Aunt Milly were warm, loving, kind and generous people just like yours. If you give him half a chance, he’ld tell you himself he was a spoiled brat.”

“Why isn’t my love enough,” asks Richy.

Talia pulls away from Cougar and Eli and steps up in front of Richy, “No one ever said it wasn’t enough. It’s more than enough. And it’s more than I ever thought I would have. After being alone for so long, I didn’t expect to have one mate let alone wake up one morning and find myself with five mates and three consorts so essentially eight. It’s just the way it is for us.” A tear runs down Talia’s cheek, “I’m sorry. You probably would have been better off to have never met me and settled down with a domestic woman.”

Richy takes her face in his hands and kisses her, “It wouldn’t be real. This is real. The problem isn’t you. The problem is within me. I’m mad at myself for not being able to protect you and care for you on my own. Sharing you with Cougar and Wildcat doesn’t bother me. But even with the addition of Greywolf, Windwalker attached himself to you and Breeze came with him. You accidentally picked up Eli who’s easy to get along with and I’ve found myself grateful for him more than once… but Fjord… I don’t know how to deal with that. I’ve known the man since kindergarten like Cougar and we’ve never gotten along… We hate each other.”

“For the entire decade Fjord was Water’s chief,” Wildcat informs Richy, “He pursued Talia. Imagine what it must of felt like for him to see the one man he hates most, get the one woman he wanted above all others. He can’t compete with you so he doesn’t try.”

“This is my fault,” Talia tells Richy. “If I hadn’t been so stubborn and determined that he would never touch me, he never would have gotten so desperate that he kidnapped me. I could have used his desire for me to help make him a better chief, but I didn’t think to even try… Now, unwanted or not, he is my fifth. He’s my problem. I will deal with him. You won’t even have to see him.”

Talia pulls away from Richy to stand in front of a window and stare out it.

“Talia,” says Richy wanting to ease his tired, sad, lonely mate’s burdens, “you don’t have to carry this alone.”

Talia glances back at him and smiles sadly, “But it’s how I do my best work,” she looks back out the window and adds, “alone…”