“I thought you said his name was really Erik?” Hondo asked, his mind and body waking even more as she spoke.
 
Harlow nodded, “It was, but he will always be Fallon to me.”
 
“So, you fell in love with royalty, eh? Interestin’ twist.” He said, as he gently rolled Zoey off of him, and laid her beside Esther, so he could stretch and sit up.
 
Zoey groaned as he moved her, and quickly grabbed onto Esther, who barely flinched.
 
“I am not sure I was in love with him then, but I am not sure I was not either. You see, I did not think much of it, other than respect from a former cadet, and though in our talks I grew to really like him, and understand that all my beliefs about him and hatred were wrong. I always thought it all came easy to him, but I did not know he had been training with a private trainer since age 13, three years before he and I joined up with the cadets for training, and on our leaves, when we could go home, he was in the royal residence, learning more about governance as well as still training. You see, Fallon was to be the next king, so even if I loved him, I would have been sure he would not reciprocate that feeling. I was not queen material. He deserved better.” She replied.
 
“So, when did you realize you loved him?” Hondo asked as he sat up, groaning a bit as he did, and wobbling a bit from the spinning his hangover was producing.
 
“I am not sure, exactly. We seemed to spend a lot of time together after, talking, training, and so forth. As soon as I was back on my feet there was a royal ceremony for me to welcome me, and two others to the Royal Elite Guards, and I was given a royal apology for all I went through after the simulation. I was put under the leadership of Thegn Sigrid, as was Fallon, and he was to see to further training for us, me as an Elite guard, and Fallon as the next king. I was told later that Thegn Sigrid was the best of the best for his rank, one who naturally would be training the next king in battle skills, but someone of whom I should not have been worthy. I found out Fallon had insisted, as he believed in me and wanted me to get the best training, and Thegn Sigrid was that training.” She said.
 
“Someone named their kid Thegn? No wonder he was a tough bastard.” Hondo said as he rubbed his eyes.
 
Harlow shook her head, “No, Thegn was his rank. Of the general guards and military, they use ranks much like the human world does, but the Elite Guards have four ranks, Dreng, which are the young warriors, Thegn, which are your seasoned fighters and trainers, Ulfhednar, which are your high ranking officers, and Berserkers or Valkyries, who were your elite specialist, which all the king and queens personal guards were Berserkers or Valkyries.”
 
“What were you before.. before I came and screwed thin’s up for ya?” Hondo asked.
 
Harlow frowned, “You did not mess anything up, My Jarl. I chose this assignment.”
 
“Why would you do that?” He asked.
 
“I will get to that, but to answer your question, I was Ulfhednar, though had I stayed I would have been promoted to Valkyrie by harvest moon.” She replied.
 
“I am sorry.” He said.
 
She shook her head, “Do not be sorry, my Jarl. Though there are things I wish were not so,” He did not miss her putting her hand over her belly, absentmindedly, as she said that, “I am finding a thing I thought was gone from me, by being your thrall.”
 
“So, you said you lost him?” He asked, changing the topic as he had a feeling what she meant, and it was not something he could deal with right now.
 
She looked down and frowned deeply, “Yes… Well, we trained together, and celebrated big when I made Thegn. We had fallen in love in that time, but I kept him at arm’s length, most of the time, besides the rare times I could not fight my feelings… Still I thought it could not be. On the celebration night of me making Thegn, he told me he wanted me to be hid bonded mate, and someday his queen. I laughed at first, as I was sure he was joking, but he was serious. When I realized, I turned him down flat… I had made my choice, taken my path to fulfill my oath, and due to that, I was not a woman lovely enough for him, nor worthy to be his mate and queen. Still, Fallon was not one for taking no as an answer when he wanted something. He knew I wanted him, as well, that was not something I had been able to hide well, but I think he figured out that I felt I was not worthy. For the celebration, he had rented out a local tavern, and there with us were our friends, fellow soldiers, cadets, and some relatives. In front of all of them he stands on a table and challenges me to sexual combat. The terms were if he won, I was to be his bonded and someday be his queen. If he lost, I may ask anything within his power to grant, and he would grant it. I wanted to refuse for his sake, but he had done it in front of too many. It would have been a dishonor to him and myself if I had refused… He was the prince after all, though that made little difference in how I felt about him personally, though it was at the root of my feeling unworthy… The date was set for a month out, just a week after the thirteenth celebration of Annika’s birth, which was mid summer. I promised her I would be there, like my father had promised me, but I made sure it happened. She had passed her education with marks as good as mine were, and after talking with the lead healer, he agreed to take her in as an apprentice. She had been apprenticing there for three months now, and the healer praised her as the smarted apprentice he had ever trained. She was going to live my dream, and I was happy for her, and bore her no jealousy, as a new dream for me seemed to be coming, and I could not be happier with it… There was much talk of being in the running for Fallon’s younger brother’s mate, especially with our sexual combat coming soon, and I could not be prouder of her if I had tried, and even daydreamt of us sisters being together as queen and princess. She had talked of trying to make it into the Royal Elite Guards, like I had, but most laughed and told her she was too small and slender, to take on the harsh training needed. She was smaller than I was at her age, and built more like mother, so I regret that I too discouraged her.”
 
“Let me guess, she made it?” Hondo asked, as he looked at her through one eye, as that was all he was managing to keep open for any length of time.
 
Harlow nodded, “Yes, she did, but a lot happened between the thirteenth celebration of her birth and then… The date for the combat match came close, and I had never been more nervous in my life. Normally sexual combat is done in a small, private gathering as more of a ceremony of the Male’s strength, though it is often done in private at the anniversary of the bonded’s ceremony in the woods. It originated as a way to prove a male would be a strong bonded, stronger than the female, as that is the way of our kind. A male needs to be able to protect his pack, and his clan, and keep his female in her place, so he must be strong and be able to handle her at her worse. Later, even a loss could be bought out with goods or gold, proving the male, though not stronger physically, had other strengths to provide for his pack. When it was originally used as proof or strength, the parents and sometimes other members of the two fighters’ packs would watch, and would a couple officials for outside judging, and if it was a high enough status event, maybe the Jarl. It is not a big deal, though it is still a bit embarrassing, as Fenrir do not have the same modesty standards many human borgs, or towns have. Still then male and female are allowed arm, chest, belly, leg, and head leather armor, but no clothing and both the males penis, and the females puppy have to be bare and accessible.”
 
“Wait, Hondo said, squinting at her with both eyes now, “Did you just call your vagina your puppy?”
 
She gave him a confused look, “Yes, uhm, is that not a common term for in among the humans?”
 
“No, usually pussy or kitty, among others, but not puppy. Puppies are usually used to refer to breasts.” Hondo replied.
 
“We used puppies for our breast too, but really you call it a kitty??” She asked.
 
He nodded, “Yeah.”
 
Harlow cocked her head, “I can see why our kind does not use that term, as it would be degrading.”
 
“Hey!” Hondo said sharply, “Zoey an’ KC aren’t less than you for bein’ feline! Just cause your kind an’ some of the feline wessen are enemies, doesn’t mean they are lower kinds of bein’s!”
 
Harlow hung her head, “I.. I am sorry, my Jarl… It is habit to think that way… Please forgive me.”
 
“*sigh* … Don’t worry ‘bout it. Just.. Just work on it… *sigh* … Damn does my head hurt… So, what else ‘bout the combat?” He said, sounding a bit weary still, but better.
 
“Oh, uhm, where was I… Oh, yes, the penis and pu .. er, kitty being exposed, right?” She asked
 
Hondo nodded.
 
“Well, So, yeah, those areas had to be accessible, and both have to drink some herbal tea. The tea makes the female’s canal relax and open some, as well as makes her very wet and sensitive. The male’s tea makes him hard and keeps him hard.” She said, “Had our match just been some of those from our pack, and officials, it would have been easier, but his whole pack insisted on being there, which his parents were the king and queen! I did not know until the match started by Annika and Nanny came as well. Had I known I would have tried to forbid it, but it was too late at that point. Apart from his pack and what was left of my pack, most of the cadets we trained with, almost all the Royal Elite Guards, and most of the royal council came to watch. At that point the whole town could have been there and I would not have been any less embarrassed. I came in with my armor and my pup.. er, kitty…”
 
 
“Just say puppy, as that’s what you’re used to.” Hondo interrupted. “I’m fine with it if you don’t disparage against the feline girls here.”
 
 
She nodded, “Thank you, My Jarl… So, I came out in my armor and with my puppy gaped and dripping, and as I saw all the people, all those I worked with, and they started cheering. I thought of what it was about to do, and I started sweating and panting, and I think I might have passed out if.. if it was not for Fallon.”
 
Hondo crossed his legs, Indian style, and set forward so he rest his forearms on his knees, and cradled his head in his hands, “How did he help?”
 
Harlow smiled softly, “Well, he walked out and the crowd started cheering louder, and instead of looking down he waved at them! He waved, clasped his hands and shook them at the crowd as if he had already triumphed, looked my way, winked, blew me a kiss, and then thrust his hard penis at me, teasing me as if he had already won. He showed no fear, and no embarrassment, and even knew what I needed from him to get my blood pumping again and focused on the task at hand… *Sigh*… The rules were simple, we fought, fought to subdue. No weapons were allowed and no killing moves. The opponent could tap out at any time, and until the male lets loose his seed, it was not over. The female’s goal is to keep the male’s penis out of her puppy and make him spew his seed on the ground. If he gets off in a female’s puppy and she pulls away and makes him spill at the last moment, it is up to the judges whether it was because she was stronger or just more cunning, though this is not something that happens often, for obvious reasons.”
 
The reasons were not yet obvious to Hondo, but would be later.
 
 “For a female to truly claim victory, she must subdue the male, and rub his penis until he sprays his seed. For the male to win unconditionally, he must subdue the female, put his penis into her puppy, and pump his seed inside her. Both are to fight to their full potential for non-lethal combat. Though some in the past have successfully put on a show and let the one subdues them per the outcome they wish, though many have been caught by the judges on this, and have faced a year as a bannfær, or banished. After the year they may either fight again to prove they are strong enough, unless the female returns with a child, or close to baring a child, and is brought again into the clan borg safe, having never stepped foot into any clan borg in that years’ time, even for supplies. This also proves that the male is strong enough. For Fallon and I, being judged as not giving forth out full potential, was not acceptable if we wished to return to our positions.” She continued
 
“So, you fought him?” Hondo asked.
 
She nodded, “To my fullest ability, though I cannot say it lasted too long. I put my all into it, and within a short amount of time, he had my hands pinned, my legs over my head, and was pumping his penis in me as if it was a smithy’s hammer pounding steal! When he entered me, I was rendered unable to fight, even before he was locked in, I had no idea he was that far past me, and it only made me love him more…. Honestly, until you took me again, I had forgotten how hard a pounding he could give,  until you took me last cycle of the moon, and only you have equaled him, though I cannot say I have coupled with many in my time.”
 
“So, he won an’ you two were married?” Hondo asked.
 
Harlow shook her head, “No. Had he been a normal High Fenrir karl, like me, then we would have waited until I smelled of heat blood, there would have been a ceremony, and we would have gone out into the woods. He would be tasked to protect me from other predators, until my heat blood had passed, and then to take me in the wild, as the kin wolf ancestors do, until my heat is past. That is the way of our people. But with him being in line for the King, there are a lot more ceremony and traditions. I had to show a heat, to prove I had not been impregnated by another, I had to take a class in special rules and behaviors for royals, I had to be fitted for a dress, as royals have a ceremony much like humans do, but it is more of a ceremony to show I am a part of the royal pack now, and an area in the wilds had to be secured for us, so we can consummate in the ways of traditions. There was much else, but unfortunately, I was never to know it all.”
 
Hondo looked up again as she paused, and saw the tears in her eyes, “You alright?”
 
She nodded and swallowed before replying with a fairly steady voice, though it cracked a bit despite her efforts to hide it, “Yes, M.my Jarl… I just have tried to ignore this part of my life for many years now.”
 
“You don’t have to finish if it’s…” He started to say.
 
“NO!” Harlow said sharply, her eyes flashing for a moment as she looked at him angrily, before looking down and her frown returning, “No, my Jarl, I.. I must tell you… I must tell someone, and I have chosen you, as I want you to know you are not alone… *sigh* … Fallon and I spent a lot of time together, we still did our duties but our loads were lightened as there was things to plan and the royal pack wanted us to have the time as a pre-bonded pair that we had not enjoyed, to make sure this was what we wanted. Though the sexual combat match proved he was strong enough to handle me as a male should handle his bonded mate, it does not mean they must bond. Until the ceremony of protection in the woods, or for us the royal ceremony that brings me into the pack, we can back out of it without dishonor. Those.. those were without a doubt the happiest days of my life… *Swallow* … *sigh* … I miss those days, and our time together… we grew so close in such a short time that… *sigh, shakes head*… I … I cannot think on those days more, or I will be breaking my oath to watch you and instead joining you four in your inebriation… *sigh* … That fall, about three weeks before the royal ceremony, we had a call of an attack on one of the clan borgs several days away from ours, and there was word that a band of wessen had taken the borg hostage and wanted to speak with our king. They claimed to be driven off their lands by the wessen haters, and wanted a pact, but had been refused, rudely, by the jarl of that Fenrir borg. This was a small borg, and the jarl there had been known to be a pompous buffoon, and had been kicked off the council of Jarls for his inability to work with the other Jarls or talk civilly when opposed, so this was no surprise. The king ordered a squad of Royal Elite Guards to accompany him, as well as four squads of warriors. The queen also insisted on going, as the Jarl there was an uncle of hers, and the King told Fallon that he and his brother should accompany them, as it would be good training for when he took the throne someday… I, uh… I used my position, and my friendship with the Ulfhednar in charge of selecting the squad, Ulfhednar Zara, formerly Major Zara who helped me learn how to train my body to become the warrior I was, and I managed to get assigned to the squad being sent with the royal family… The trip was easy, and though I had my duties by day, the evenings still belonged to Fallon and I. Our last evening of camping before reaching the clan borg that had supposedly been taken hostage, Fallon and I argued over something. I do not remember what now, but I know it was stupid. I let the part of me that is not a warrior take over, and after our first fight, I slept alone that night, leaving him to sit by a fire in frustration, alone. I know this as he told me, the next morning, he was frustrated with the outcome. He said he loved me, and knew we would not always agree, but he did not want to end a day mad. I told him he should have held me down and coupled me hard again, to show me my place, but he reprimanded me for that, as he said it would have been improper in front of my squad. He scolded me privately, and I realized that he had saved my honor by backing down and not putting me in my place, as a male should when the female lets her emotions take control and she disrespects her male… he proved he was the more honorable one that day, and I was ashamed… We did not talk the rest of the day, as I was embarrassed by my action, words, and thinking, ashamed of my disrespect to Fallon in front of others and on a mission, and too proud to admit I was wrong in front of my warriors and his pack… I now wish.. I wish I had asked him to forgive me, and swallowed my pride, as I never really got to speak to him again… We.. We got close to the town just before the setting of the sun and.. and…”
 
Harlow started sniffling a bit, and breathing heavily. She leaned her head against the door frame of the jeep, closed her eyes and sat there for a moment as tears started to flow.
 
“.. and before we reached town we were ambushed by a wessen haters group, a squad of venomous cold bloods, and a band of mutant giants… We.. a few of us barely got out of that trap with our lives but.. but not.. not before my Fallon, his brother, and many others fell… I tried to rush to him as he fell, having been cut in half at the waist by a giant’s blade before my eyes, but the king grabbed me and drug me back… The Queen, she.. she had been bitten by a cold blood, before managing to cut off its head, but she was a true warrior and kept fighting to the end… The king, he… he gave me his royal ring and told me to take what was left of my squad and run back to our Borg and alert the regent, his said it was imperative I make it back with the message… I tried to argue but his voice sent a shiver through my spine as he gave me my final orders and sent me away... I never questioned why he was king before, but I knew now, as not only was his voice commanding, he turned and lit into the attackers, and as I looked over my shoulder one last time, I saw him standing back to back with the queen as they piled bodies at their feet. Most of the warriors lay dead by now, though the rest held a line to keep us from being attacked from behind. Myself and the rest of my squad, which was only three others now, managed to fight and run, though we lost one more to poisoning before we made it back… We made it back and rallied as many warriors as we could spare. I remember little details of it all, though I was told later that I was told to stay and rest, but the berserker that ordered this relented as he said no one had given him a look so cold, so hollow, and with so much hate in his life, that he feared what wrath might befall him if he tried to stop me.” Harlow said, her voice sounding distant and empty as she recited this part of her tale. “When we returned, we found all the bodies stripped…. The soldiers were all burned in a pile and Fallon, his young brother, the king, and the queen were hung in trees by rough ropes tied around their necks, and on their bare bodied the words carved into their flesh was “Abominations”…I remember looking at Fallon’s body, or what was left of it, as it was just his upper torso that they hung, and I fell apart. I fell to my knees, retched up what little was in my stomach, and sobbed… again, much of that time is hazy in my memory, but I know a good many warriors tried to help and I now regret lashing out at them as I did, though I could not help it at the time… … We found out later that the remaining cold bloods and giants were all killed by the wessen haters. Apparently, they have done this before, teamed up with those they despise and then slaughtered those who remained after their usefulness was over… We checked on the clan borg we were originally headed to, and found it razed. Every male and female there dead, many females, barely out of their pup stages, raped and disemboweled… Some were missing, but their bodies were found days away by a scouting party, and it was evident that they had been taken as toys of entertainment, and disposed of when no longer needed.”
 
Hondo sighed, “*sigh* … Harlow, I’m sorry I said you didn’t understand, I.. I didn’t know.”
 
“It is not your fault, my Jarl. You could not know, as I lied, in part. I lied as I can barely, even now, talk about it.” She replied.
 
“Lied in part?” He asked.
 
She nodded, “Yes, and I will explain…. After that we returned home and I fell into a deep sadness, and spent much of my time in the tavern, or in my barracks room, drunk, crying, sleeping off hangovers, or out brawling. They put me on leave from my duties, for a time, and I took advantage of time off for the first time in my life, but not in a healthy way… Fallon had two younger sister, one eleven years and one seven years… The older one is who you bred… I regret not seeing past my own grief to go to them and comfort them, but instead I forgot them and left them to grieve alone. This.. this is something I only recently started to regret… You see, I let myself be angry for years, and I let that anger eat me up inside. I had no one I felt I could let in or talk to, as I was grieving. My sister tried to talk to me, but she was young, could not comprehend what I had been through, and I did not want to try to make her understand, so I pushed her away… I pushed everyone away, people who cared and tried, but none of them understood… After about a month of drinking, fighting, and self-pity, I overheard an Ulfhednar I knew whispering to some others she was drinking with, and they said my fitness as a Thegn was being questioned, and if I did not pull together soon, there was doubt whether I would remain a Thegn, let alone a member of the Royal Elite Guards… After I heard that, I panicked. I paid my tab and stumbled back to my bed in the barracks to cry my last and finish up the bottle of alcohol I had… The next day I sobered up and made a decision to go back to my original plan, as losing my position would not only dishonor my pack, but it could lead to a loss of my income, which would mean Annika having to quit her apprenticeship, and possibly losing her dreams…I.. I could not let that happen, so I grit my teeth, buried my sorrow, and decided to throw myself into being a warrior again, with no plans of love or children, as I had lost the one love that was meant for me and I was sure there could be no other… I did not stop drinking, but when I did it was off duty, not sociable, and angry drinking… I quickly regained my reputation and more, becoming known as a true warrior, and a heartless bitch as the same time. My hardness, and dedication to training, put me into a position where I became the most sot after trainer among all the thegns… Annika finished her apprenticeship, and entered as a cadet, though I did not follow her training there much, as I was busy and I just knew she was not cut out to be a Warrior… Two years later I was surprised to learn she was doing so well that she was being given special training at the same time as she finished her last year of cadet training …. Since I had been a cadet, there had been some changes to the training program, with some additions. One of these additions was a type of fighting that was claimed to come from humans that lived on the other side of our world and across vast oceans, that they called Martial Arts. A couple Low Fenrir and a Shadow Fenrir had left the clan to train with humans that knew these fighting styles many years ago, and they came back to train others. These fighting forms changed warrior training, as they proved that one does not have to be built big and muscular to take out a larger opponent if you know how to use your size and strength to your advantage, and their size and strength to their disadvantage. I had heard about this, but thought it to be just idle talk spread by the weak who wished to feel superior. Even when I heard my sister was advancing in this, and getting special advanced training in this field before graduating cadet school, I took little interest. I cared about her, but I thought it was some blessing she had received when I was cursed for hating her, and I could not bare to watch as she thrived and I had lost almost everything… I am sure I did not hate her, but I was jealous of her, that I know… I missed her cadet graduation, as I was receiving a promotion of my own. The youngest female High Fenrir to ever make Ulfhednar… As I took on these roles and responsibilities, my sister went into special training. I was not happy about that, as she was supposed to go back to her apprenticeship with the healer, but instead she trained more on what they called advanced shadow arts, and started a second specialization with a Thegn trainer in advanced battlefield healing… I threw myself into my own training and missions, and other than coupling with a couple different males early on, to take care of my female needs, but soon learned to just pleasure myself to keep personal relationships to a minimum and make my work my life… A year after my sister’s cadet graduation I was surprised to hear that a combat simulation had been setup between my sister and one of the Martial Art trainers, to see about inducting the first of her fighting style into the Royal Elite Guards. I was not happy about this, and tried to have it stopped, but I was in the minority, and was told it would happen. She had not been out of cadet school for more than a year, and she was going to get a chance at the Elite Guards??…  I went to watch the simulation, though I was not happy about it, but I am glad I attended. You see, when I saw her come out I saw my mother standing there, slim, beautiful, graceful, and elegant… I feared for her, as the trained who came out was a big male with years of experience, and I was sure my sister would face great injury when fighting him… When the fighting started I could not believe what I was witnessing. The movements, the flow of energy, the speed, the grace, the boldness and strength which with she attacked and defended… It was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen in my life, and in that instant, I saw both of my parents again, in her… After the fight I went back to my room in our barracks and looked in a mirror at myself… There was a time when everyone said they saw my parents in me, and when I looked at myself that day I realized they were no longer there, and I questioned who I even was… After a night of serious drinking, I just hardened myself more, trying to drain all emotions from my mind and body. I was a stone, cold warrior and that is all I would ever be, and when I died the best that might be remembered is that I was a strong warrior. My sister, though, she had a future, so my goal became to move up the ranks, and protect my sister so she could raise a pack that could carry on, and succeed for our pack where I had failed out pack… I managed to get her put under me for training, which was unheard of, a Ulfhednar taking on a dreng trainee, but I did. I had to work with other trainers as well, as she worked on her specialty trainings, and I found out the theng who had been doing her advanced battlefield healing training and her had fallen in love…”
 
“That must have been hard to hear.” Hondo said, as she paused.
 
 
Harlow nodded, “It was a bit hard, and I did not handle it well. I said some harsh things about love and being a warrior not mixing, but she insisted this is what she wanted… She also resented that I insisted on her being under me as a trainer as she had wanted to be under her thegn lover… She was a good warrior, though, and put those feelings aside and did her job, though we did have words occasionally about her feeling like I was being over protective of her, and not giving her the missions she wanted, where she could prove herself… She was not wrong… I thought I could protect her, and maybe she would give up, leave the guard, and go be a healer for our borg, but I did not detour her. After a year, her love interest made Ulfhednar, and I found out she made a transfer request to be under him, behind my back. I confronted her over it and we fought. I told her she was throwing her life away for someone who would just use her and leave her someday. She told me I was not her sister, as her sister was not a stone-cold bitch, and I was… She also said that their sexual combat match had been set, weeks before, and she had not planned to tell me, as she wanted nothing to do with me anymore, and she was only telling me know to let me know I was not welcome to it, or their woods ceremony. She said he was a good, loving man, and they were a team. She knew they could get hurt or killed on their job, but she would never regret the time they had together and wanted to make the most of the time they had by helping him and furthering his goals. She said they were a team, and that though I might not be able to understand that, I could not keep them apart or keep her from doing her duty for our clan... “
 
 
That had to cut deep... Urgggah!” Hondo said, as he cracked his neck and then groaned at his head pain.
 
“It did, but she was right… She was right about me, completely.” Harlow said quietly, “I was not her sister anymore; I had no identity other than a warrior. I told myself I was trying to protect her, but she was an adult. She was a warrior. I had not right to do what I was doing, and I was not protecting her, only pushing my pain on her… I was too broken to know how to fix myself, or repair my relationship with my sister, so I pushed her away and approved her transfer, and we did not speak again outside of our duties. She seemed to thrive under Ulfhednar Chiron, her love interest, and she was popular among the other troops… Her Sexual Combat happened and he bested her, though I was told she stood her ground longer than I had in my combat, and she even managed to push him off once, even after he was in her… He was no Fallon, it is true, but he was still a strong Fenrir, and she was talented... Only when he finally knotted her did she stop fighting.”
 
Hondo’s brow furrowed again, “Knotted?”
 
“Oh, yes, I did not think about you knowing that term… uhm, most male Fenrir have a knot on their penis, towards the back, like our feral wolf cousins. Once inserted it sort of locks the female in, so she cannot pull away and allows him to make sure his seed is deep in her, there is more to it, but that is the important part. If a female tries to pull away once knotted, it can cause her great pain or even harm.” Harlow explained.
 
“That’s… interestin’.” He said slowly as his mind went places.  
 
Harlow continued, leaving him to choose his thoughts or to listen. “Three weeks after Anika and Chiron’s sexual combat match, a message came in to gather all the Royal Elite Guard female warriors under the age of thirty, as there would be a special assignment coming up, and it would be decided by lottery. We were told it would be an unusual mission but it would a great honor, as it would provide protection to someone extremely important to the princess, our future queen, and thus be a mission of great importance to the whole clan… Though they would not tell us what it was, we were told that we had a choice to put in for the lottery or not, but once our names were in, we were committed… I was close to getting my review for promotion to Valkyrie and thought if I got it, it would insure my promotion. Even putting in for it would be noted, so either way I would not lose…  My sister’s heat was still a month or two off, so she put in too, hoping to get promoted to Thegn before the ceremony in the woods… I did not care, if she wanted to risk herself, it was on her, but I knew I wanted it… The next day the twelve of us who put in for it, me being the highest rank, waited for the drawing. The drawing happened and much to my dismay, my sisters name was drawn. Being Ulfhednar, I was pulled into the task assignment meeting, with 4 other Ulfhednar, including Chiron, Valkyrie Gertrud, and of course my sister… When the assignment was given, everyone else gasped, Chiron got angry, and my sister did her best to stand strong, though tears flowed from her eyes and when she was dismissed, she fell sobbing not far outside the door.”
 
“That assignment was me, wasn’t it?” Hondo asked.
 
Harlow again nodded, “Yes, my Jarl. A month or two from taking her woods ceremony and being proclaimed bonded to Chiron, her name had been drawn to not only be permanently attached to a human that was sire to the future queens children, but to be reduced to the title of a thrall, and to be chemically rendered infertile. There had been other such assignments in the past, though they were few, and being made infertile had always been done through surgery, as the chemical process was said to be cruel, and only used for punishment against traitors and spies, but time was of the essence, as this human and his packs lives were in danger. Chiron argued that it was unfair as the nature of the assignment had not been made clear, to which Gertrud said that she had the opportunity to not participate and should have weight the potential to hurt their future before submitting to the lottery. In truth, others, already bonded, have been pulled from their pack and bonded to another permanently for assignment before, but that had always been with a Fenrir Jarl or other dignitary, and rarely with non-Fenrir. The Valkyrie did apologize for the pain it caused them, but she reminded them that laying down their lives for the good of the royal pack, and the clan was expected of every member of the Royal Elite Guards. She did say that it had been the decision of the regent to keep the nature of the mission from all Ulfhednar rank, on down, as they feared there would be no candidates, and they would have to pick someone, which could cause hard feelings among the guards… I am sad to say I stayed quiet for the most part, and did not say anything until they had all almost left, but I finally spoke up, and stopped them all… I had no life there, and my oath to my sister was still there… I had to protect her, and by volunteering myself, there was no loss, as I had little future outside of some day dying in battle, no plans of love or a pack, and if I let my sister take this assignment, her dreams and future pack would be loss, ending the line of our pack… I stopped them, and told them to give me the assignment. Most immediately refused, though Chiron was all to eager to let me take it in my sisters’ stead. After some arguing, it was decided to lie, and say my sister had been deemed too valuable, due to her fighting style and knowledge, and it was put up for volunteers, of which I took. The other Ulfhednar were swore to silence on the nature of the mission, as was my sister… I was taken from their to a nicer holding cell than I had been in before, to be guarded while Chiron gave me my first, and strongest, doses of the infertility chemicals… My sister did not come to say farewell, as she said she could not bare to see me, as I am sure Chiro told her of my state… The first few days of the IV treatment are critical, as is how the body responds. The dose us Fenrir require, especially one my age, is considered almost lethal, which is why most slavers start such treatment on young slave girls. Chiron, the guards, and even myself, thought I was going to die, but I survived, and though I was sicker than I have ever been in my life, ten day later I was turned over to protect you.”
 
“Which is why you were so grumpy an’ harsh when we first met.” Hondo said.
 
She nodded, “Yes, my Jarl, and for that I am sorry… The shots still make me sick, but your understanding has helped, though we have never really verbalized this between us.”
 
Hondo shook his head, “I wish you would stop takin’ them.”
 
“I cannot, my jarl. You know this.” She said sadly, “You saved me from ending my life, after I found out about the time loop, and I realized my sister, my clan, my reason for living was gone. I had no purpose anymore, or I thought I did not until you talked me down. You made me realize something. Your words made me realize that though I was not in my timeline anymore, I still had made oaths and promises, and no matter where I am, I need to keep those, still, to be true to myself… your kindness, even in your own times of sorrow, distress, and pain, made me realize that even without the people here that had made my purpose worthwhile, you were worthwhile to me, and I had to protect you still. Because of that, I must honor my orders and take my chemicals, and make myself infertile. I.. I must kill the womanhood inside me, to be what I was told to be, and what you need me to be.”
 
He shook his head, “You are killing your ovaries, but you are still a woman, an’ always will be to me… If you have to finish them, do so, but I swear I’ll fix your fertility someday, Harlow… You might be my slave, or thrall as you call it, an’ are tasked with my safety, but we’ve been through too much together in these last four, or five months, however long its been.”
 
She nodded, “This is true, my Jarl, but please do not make promises you cannot keep… I.. I cannot take hope that is not possible. I am a warrior, and will always be one, but you.. you keep reminding me I am a woman, something that I tried so hard to deny, and now that a womans essence is being killed within me I.. I want to be one more than ever… for you.”
 
 
Hondo leaned against the seat back and sighed, shaking his head lightly, “Harlow, I’m sorry ‘bout what you went through… I’m sorry you are hurtin’ so much an’ no one took the time to find out why or help… It helps a little to know someone understands, but it doesn’t make the hurt go away, you know that.”
 
She nodded, “Yes, my Jarl, I know.”
 
“I’m also sorry I can’t be the man you need or deserve.” He said
 
She cocked her head at him, “How so, my Jarl?”
 
He looked at her then at the passed out, bare three women around him, before looking back at her, “Look at me! Look ‘round me! … #$@!… I’ve become a drunk whormongerin’ bastard!  … *sigh* … I know this all doesn’t fill the hole left inside of me, but it’s the only thin’ keepin’ me goin’. IT’s the only thin’ keepin’ some of them, goin’ too… damn… All of them, includin’ you, deserve better from me. Hell, I should have tried to be more of a father to Zoey an’ KC, as that’s what they needed. Now I’m more like some perverse uncle, that screws them… Should have been better for Macey an’ Arcie too, biut if they weren’t screwin’ Jefe I’d probably been on top of them too, or let them on top of me, damn it all! … *sigh* … I’m not.. I’m not a good person, Harlow… I used to think I was but… When Val died I… I tried to hide the pain, but I started just drinkin’ an’ #$@!in’ it away… Last winter, befer we met, it was a hard time… We went through a bad winter, cold winter. We had small spaced out in the Yellowstone to sleep an’ try to keep warm. Little previsions, an’ little time to prepare… You try livin’ without a lot, you can make due, but things change. We had lights from a solar setup I rigged from Jefe’s electric van, an’ a few parts I had. We managed some gas heaters, thought they had to be used for our sleepin’ space in moderation. We had six or seven hours of daylight to cook, hunt, harvest wood, and wash, before we had to crawl back into our holes. 50 degrees was the warmest we could do, without burnin’ our fuel up too fast, so it was strip off your clothes, hang them to dry, and crawl under the blankets with others, Jefe with his gals and me with mine.. I’m not sure how Karl an’ Axel made it, but I ain’t askin’. They did have a wood heater in their camper, an’ I managed to get it against a dirt bank an’ insulate it well, so they probably were warmer, but the heat wasn’t the only issue. The long hours of dark with little to do, all the boredom, an’ time to think ‘bout what we had gone through… We just started #$@!in’, an’ whoever was ours was fair game. Truth was, they prompted it as they wanted the stress an’ boredom relief as much as the rest of us… That no one came out pregnant, was a miracle, though they did a good job of knowin’ if it was dangerous for them an’ takin’ our seed in places that wouldn’t get them pregnant… After that I thought I lost the rest of who I was, but now… After losin’.. losin’… … #$@!, I can’t even say their names right now…”
 
Harlow grabbed his arm, “My Jarl! I know it hurts, and it will take time, but do not despair! I know the honor of the humans can be different, and I have seen you work harder to save others and protect them, than any other human I know, except our Chief, Fernando, as he too works just as hard, though he too has suffered lose and bares hurt and anger! You are strong, my Jarl, and it is not wrong for the strong to have a harem and spread their seed, even if it is for recreation and not to produce young. No one expects you to live as some celibate holy man, when evil and chaos reign around you! We just need to you lead us, to keep fighting, to keep moving forward and find us a goal! We will follow you and the chief anywhere you lead, but you have to lead us!”
 
“You want me to lead after seein’ me like this?” He asked.
 
She smiled, “I would see you like this a thousand times and still want you to lead, as long as you did not willingly put us in harms way to have a drunken coupling, and as long as you include me, when I can know you are safe enough for me to partake with you.”
 
He shook his head, “I don’t know how I can, but… *sigh* … I should not put this on you, Harlow, but if I am to keep leadin’ us, I need your support.”
 
“Of course, my jarl! You will always have my support!” She said.
 
He shook his head, “Not just as my slave guard. I need your tactics, experience, your strength. There are times I will need your kindness, and the gentle side you just showed me, when alone, an’ there will be more times I will need the stone-cold Harlow, I’ve mostly known these last several months.”
 
She cocked her head and burrowed her brow as him, “My Jarl? Are you sure?”
 
“Yeah, but I need you to temper that hard side. I need you strong, but not bein’ a bitch. He said.
 
“I take it you mean my attitude, and not that fact that I am a female Fenrir.” She asked more than said.
 
He nodded, “Yes, your attitude. I need you to be hard at times, but I’d rather you did so a bit more softly… Harlow, I need your strength, but in a way that does not piss me off.”
 
“You mean, show my care for my jarl, even when I must remind you of harsh truths and be firm about quick, decisive actions?” She stated this time more than asked.
 
“Yeah, if you can.” He said.
 
She nodded, “I believe I can, now that you know my truth… I think I was so hard in, as you say, a bitchy way, as I knew I was a lie. Even my hardness is often a lie. I was never a mean, hard, heartless Fenrir as a child, or a teen. I only made myself like that when I rejected my nature and desires, as I thought it was the only way I could do what I had to do.”
 
“There are times, that is true. Sometimes we have to swallow our wants an’ feelin’s to do an’ be who we are needed to be. It’s not easy, an’ what’s harder is lettin’ those back out when we are done with that task, to heal an’ be who we need to be for ourselves.” He said.
 
She smiled softly at him, “You are wise, my Jarl, but you need to take some of that wisdom for yourself.”
 
He chuckled softly and nodded, “Heh… I knew you were gonna say that before I had all the words out of my mouth, on that topic… an’ you’re right… I’m hurtin’, Harlow.. Hurtin’ an’ really sad right now… but I need to push that down for now, though I’m not sure how to.”
 
Harlow fished in the front seat and pulled out a full flask and handed it to him, “Here. Maybe a little will help, and until we are safe, try to use just flasks so you do not drain a whole bottle. If it helps, I will fill them for you, so you are not temped, and I will tell you when you are seeming to have had enough. I will try to help you be who you are and need to be, my Jarl, and even if I am sick in my belly from the chemicals I must take, I will couple with you and take your stress anytime, as will the others… It may sound strange to a male, but even the females who can only wash or cook feel better about their contributions, when they can couple with the male they follow and take his stress as well as lessen her own.”
 
He took the flask and took a deep pull from it, “ Ahh… that tastes like more, but … I’ll take it slow... I’ll hold you to offer of helpin’ me, an’ take ya up on helpin’ my hungover ass out of here!”
 
She smiled again softly, and went around the back of the jeep and let the tailgate down as her gingerly got onto his knees and crawled out. She grabbed his arm and helped him sit on the tailgate, and gave him a moment to rest and let the spinning slow down. He tried to look around but he winced at the sun, and Harlow noticed, so she left and returned with his hat and dark glassed.
 
“These should help, my Jarl.” She said.
 
“Thanks… I wondered where I left them…. An’ can you use the Jarl thin’ a little less?... I don’t feel like much of a Jarl at the moment.” He replied, a bit gravelly.  
 
“I will try, but you should know that of the Jarls I have know, you are fitting the part rather well at the moment.” She replied.
 
“What? Hungover, naked, and with nude, passed out women?” He asked
 
She nodded, “Yes, honestly! The Jarls are leaders, and most warriors, as are all our kind, but they also use their position to take their ease a bit more, and party with much alcohol and females. It is what one stressed does. Many officers do the same, though underlings do from time to time, especially on leave. The Royal Elite Guards do the same but differently, keeping it amongst ourselves, with infertile slaves, or with captured prisoners of our enemies, that will soon be slaves, and often made infertile.”
 
“I learned that even your kind had slaves, when there, but they have some different rules to it all.” He said as he sat there and gathered himself.
 
“It is true our rules are different than humans, but they are often more kind, and we do not believe in the slavery of our own kind, where humans seem to not mind selling their own if it means more coin in their pocket.” She said with an edge of a growl to her tone.
 
Hondo nodded, “It’s unfortunately true. An’ somehow humans see your kind as the savages! Bah! … We are the true savages in this world. Not the wessen or even the mutants.”
 
“I would call the so-called Spirits, those who would deign usurp the authority of the Great Creator, and rule our world, the greatest savages of all. They just messed with the humans minds and turned them savage.” She replied.
 
Hondo shook his head, “No, the humans were savages before your kind existed, or the spirits controlled everythin’. The spirits wouldn’t have control without human vanity an’ greed. We allowed them into power… Maybe.. Maybe had we revolted originally, we would have been wiped out, but maybe they would have left too… Unfortunately too many humans had sold out to them, before they even took over, just to secure a place, wealth, an’ longevity for themselves. They didn’t care who died in the wake, as long as they had what they wanted… The spirits are bastards, but it’s the humans that are the savages, and that savagery enabled those bastards to do all this… Now we must fight an’ pay the price, or all will be lost.”
 
Harlow smiled again, “That sounds more like my Jarl… Do you have a plan?”
 
He shrugged, “Maybe, part of one at least… Jefe thought we needed to get across the Mississippi inland sea, as there was somethin’ important there. He did not share a lot with me, but whatever it was, he got darker the day he learned of it’s importance, an’ that was his focus… He was worried that it was known that we knew too, but here.. here we would not be known to have it. From what information we have, we only have people after us as someone said we had treasure, vast treasure… Heh!.. we barely have a pot to piss in, let alone treasure.”
 
A moaning was heard behind him and as they turned to look, Zoey had pushed herself up and was crawling towards them.
 
“You alright, kitten?” Hondo asked.
 
“Guhhhhh.” She groaned as she crawled out.
 
She sat down beside him a moment and looked at the ground. She rubbed her one remaining eye, before getting up and leaning against the  jeep. She stood there a moment and then puked down the side of the jeep, retching her guts out for a minute at least. Hondo was turning a bit green from listening to her and could barely stand, so Harlow put a hand on Zoey’s back and helped steady her. Once done Harlow asked if she wanted to go lay down now, to which she shook her head, before walking ahead, pulling her panties down, and the squatted down, leaning against the tire for support so she could pee.
 
“Apparently, we do not need a pot to piss in.” Harlow said, to which Hondo chuckled, and then winced as it hurt his head.  
 
After Zoey was done, Harlow helped her stand again, pulled up her panties for her, guided her around the pile of vomit, and helped her back into the jeep where she collapsed face first between the unmoving Joanna and Esther.
 
“Thanks for helpin’ her, Harlow. I would have but I’m not sure I can stand even yet.” Hondo said.
 
“It is my pleasure, My ... Uh, sorry… I, uh, I do like Zoey and KC, and I understand what you mean about them. They are special and I am sorry I have been hard on them. It’s a new think seeing feline wessen in this light, as not enemies, and new for me to try to understand non-warrior teens. I may be a bit hard on them at times, and I apologize.” Harlow said.
 
“Don’t worry ‘bout it. I’m not as hard or soft on them as I need to be at times, which reminds me, I need to get dressed an’ go fine KC…” He paused to look around, but did not see his clothes.
 
Since they had lost the camper, they had not been able to stop and resupply. Money was low, and he and the girls had one set of clothing, though the bunny girls had been kind enough to give KC and Zoey each a couple pairs of panties, so they did not have to go without, though they rather go without.  
 
“I think the little whore named April washed your clothes, if that is what you seek.” Harlow said.
 
“You really got to stop callin’ them that.” Hondo said.
 
“But that is what they were, was it not?” Harlow asked
 
Hondo nodded, “Yes, but not anymore. I don’t share my women with other men.”
 
“Except for Yoona.” Harlow said.
 
“If I did, it was not intentional… An’ I have to talk to Karl ‘bout it… damn.” He said.
 
“I have your boots, here.” Harlow said, pulling his boots out from under the jeep.
 
Hondo frowned, “That’s a start, but not enough… Not that everyone hasn’t seen my ass and cock floppin’, but doesn’t make me look very leader like.”
 
“They have seen your penis in it’s hard glory too, and that is a lot more leader looking than soft and flopping.” Harlow replied.
 
Hondo looked at her blankly for a moment before shaking his head.
 
“Something wrong?” She asked.
 
He continued shaking his head, “Nope, but… Sometimes I think I’ve got you figured out an’ you’ve got me figured out, an’ then there are times like now.”
 
“My Jarl?” She asked, cocking her head at him, curiously.
 
Hondo shook his head again and groaned as he pulled his boots on Never.. urrgh! Mind.”
 
He got his boots and pushed himself to his feet, and swayed a bit, holding onto the jeep for support.
 
“You need help standing?” She asked.
 
He shook his head, “No, I think I’ll manage. I do need my clothes, though.”
 
Harlow nodded, “Of course, my Jarl … APRIL!”
 
Hondo winced, “No yellin’!”
 
“Oh! My apologies, my Jarl!” Harlow said quickly, in a worried tone.
 
“An’ again with the jarl use… oh never mind… I have got to piss, so if you’d go find April, an’ my clothes, I’d appreciate it.” He said.
 
She nodded, “Of course, but please stay close until I return.”
 
Hondo nodded, “Yeah, I’m not plannin’ to go hikin’ like this, so I’ll be here.”
 
Harlow nodded and look off in search of April.
 
Hondo staggered off a way, trying to get away from their parking area before talking a leak. He found a place, and grabbed his dick, and with a groan started to relive himself. As he did, some soft footsteps drew near, but the feeling of her was familiar and not of malice so he kept going. He was surprised though, and nearly whipped around, as a smaller, soft, white fur covered hand wrapped around his waist, and another grabbed his dick.
 
“Let me hold it for you!” A familiar voice squealed excitedly.
 
“Foley! For #$@!s sake! Don’t do that, an’ let go! I’m tryin’ to piss!” He said in an annoyed tone.
 
“But I want to try to hold it for you while you go! Come on, master, let me!” She said.
 
“I’m not your master, an’ what is with you women an’ wantin’ to hold it when I piss? I have to! Wantin’ to is just… weird, an’ rarely goes well.” He said grouchily.
 
“How can it go wrong, out here?” Foley asked.
 
“… Fine, but get any on my boot an’ I’ll spank your furry, white ass.” He grumbled, as he let her hold it, though his stream slowed as he found it arousing and awkward at the same time.
 
“Maybe I want master to spank me.” She said playfully.
 
“Foley, I’m not your master. You ran away form that an’ stayed free, why would you want to be slaves now?” He asked
 
“Because… *sigh* … because being free is not safe and.. and I feel like you would be a good, kind master to us, keep us safe, not try to hurt us, and.. and maybe give us some attention.”
 
“How old are you, Foley?” He asked.
 
“I turned nineteen last month.” She replied.
 
“An’ it’s just been you an’ Inneal for a long time, hasn’t it? No male friends or boyfriends?” He asked
 
“No, there’s no one we can trust!.. I mean, I was made to have sex about three years ago, of be turned over to the slavers, and both of us have had to pleasure a man or two to escape, but weve never had someone we can enjoy being touched by… e.except each other when the heats make us crazy.” She said a bit hesitantly, feeling shame for it.
 
Hondo finally finished, so he took her hand off his dick, and turned to look at her, “We all have to do things we aren’t proud ‘bout to survive. I’m not sure I’m the best master you could get, but if it is what you both want, then we will make it work… an’ if you need a little touch in the night, an’ for me to take you, then we will do what we can, when we have time, alright?”
 
 
She nodded, “Thank you master, and I understand… I’m not sure you remember or not, but we #$@!ed a couple times in the last few days, and it was the best think I have felt EVER! I did not know humans could be so long and thick, and you have balls bigger than many bull wessen, even Axel!”
 
“Wait… trot that horse by me again? How have you seen Axel’s balls?” He asked.
 
“OH! That was nothing. We all went swimming yesterday, was all.” She said.
 
“Without swimsuits?” He asked.
 
She scrunched her nose and titled her head, “Why would we put on clothes just to get them wet?”
 
He shook his head, “Never mind. Just know that I don’t share women with other men. You want to #$@! someone else, don’t expect me to take you back.”
 
“I won’t go to anyone else, I promise! But.. What about you and Yoona?” She asked
 
He rubbed his eyes, “Did I #$@! her?”
 
Foley shrugged, “I don’t know, but Karl seems to think you did.”
 
He shook his head, “Seems like it doesn’t matter if I did or not, it’s gospel ‘round here now… Listen, if I do, that’s between me, Yoona, an’ Karl. The rest of you, I’m sayin’ no to, alright?”
 
“I understand,” She said with a nod. “I wouldn’t do anything to mess up getting you in me again!”
 
“Does Inneal feel the same way?” He asked.
 
“Well, it’s more complicated with her. She’s shy and after all she’s been through kinda scared to try and get hurt… I mean, you do hurt! Damn! But after it stops hurting it feels like.. like… shit, I can’t describe it! It feels damn good!!” Foley exclaimed, making him wince again.
 
“Damn woman! Keep the voice down!” HE said.
 
“Oh, I’m sorry!” She said quickly. “But as far as Inneal goes, she wants you but she’s scared. You will either need to give her time or I’ll tell you that she just needs you to be her master, and throw her down on a bed, and and, tear her clothes off, and tire her little hands to the bed, and forcefully spread her mousy legs, and then take that big, fat cock and plung it deeply into her love hole and …” She said, getting more and more excited until Hondo cut her oss.
 
“Hold up! … We talkin’ ‘bout inneal or you??” He asked.
 
“Inneal of course!” She blurted out, before moving her hand down her front and sticking it into her pants, where her face took on a momentary look of surprise before she gave him a sheepish look, “Well, I might have excited myself a little.”  
 
He shook his head at her.
 
Before either could say more, Harlow called to him and waved him to come back to the jeep, as April was on her tail with an armful of clothes.
 
(Split post 2 ...)

(Roll Back)
 
His other hand ran down her torso and then down her leg until it found the hem of her jumper. He pulled up the hem and then slid his hand along her thigh and up to her woman hood.
 
“*Oh, beloved! Must not! Must not or Jamie might make visible!!*” She moaned.
 
He felt Jackie’s warm cheek against his and her soft voice enter his mind, “*Loved touch Jamie. Make Jamie feel what Loved make Jackie feel. Jackie keep hidden. Keep hidden Jamie and Loved.*”
 
“*No! Jackie low Jackie! Not keep Jamie, Jackie, Beloved hidden!*” Jamie replied worriedly.
 
Jackie’s voice seemed to get louder all of a sudden and it seemed to purr in his head, “*Jackie no longer low Jackie. Loved make Jackie strong again. Make High. Loved hear. Jackie know now. Never low. Unsure. Afraid. After fallen children take power, Jackie no believe in Jackie. Jackie believe now. Lover make Jamie feel good. Jackie keep hidden.*”
 
Jackie kissed his cheek then and pulled back, continuing to massage him as she could. Hondo’s hands kept busy and Jamie began to squirm at his touch.
 
Jamie’s voice again moaned in his mind.“*Too long no touch! Miss beloved. Miss beloved touch. Touch good. Keep touch Jamie, beloved… Love beloved. Happy beloved with Jamie again. Happy touch. Soon both take stress. Soon Jamie, beloved be one again. Soon Jamie couple with beloved and feel good. Loved beloved… thank beloved. Thank.*”
 
As Hondo, Jamie, and Jackie sat on the Bronco’s laid-back seat, kept invisible by Jackie’s powers that had grown, due to a renewed confide, he kept stimulating Jamie’s body with his hands and lips as he fondled her breast, played with her pussy, and nuzzled, kissed, and lightly bit Jamie’s neck, shoulder, and ears, keeping her on the edge of orgasm. As he did this, Jackie nuzzled and kissed his neck, massaged his back and shoulders, and after a bit, unbuttoned his shirt, so she could rub her hands on his bare chest, as she kissed on him, and looked down with glee and watched Jamie squirm at their beloved’s touch, as her vision could see more than humans could, allowing her to see Jamie in other spectrums though invisible to the normal naked eye.  
 
About thirty minutes later, all the night guards had gone to work, and things seemed quiet. Though Hondo was not watching his camper, closely at least, he heard the rear door open and glanced back to see a weary, bedraggled looking Valentine, climbed out, shut the door, and trudge back to the dirigible’s rope ladder. He saw her stop at the ladder, look down at the ground, look back towards his direction with a sad, longing look, and then turn back to the ladder and slowly climb up to the dirigible. The dirigible had been anchored, and left to float aloft, instead of being landed, to be able to use it as a watchtower of sorts. It made it less accessible, and more dangerous, but neither Valentine nor Maria V. had complained.  
 
Though Hondo saw this, and noted her, her mood, and the danger claiming that ladder posed, especially in the dark, but his mind filed it away and cut any connected thoughts, as a self-protection reflex, and turned his attentions back to the Jackies with him.
 
“Well, we can relax a bit more, now. My night crew is done eatin’.” Hondo said quietly.
 
“*Loved couple Jamie now? Make Jamie wiggle? Make Jamie moan? Make Jamie cry out from BIG Penis, like loved do Jackie?*” Jackie’s voice purred in his mind.  
 
He grinned, a bit sinisterly, “I don’t know… I do kinda like makin’ her squirm, though.”
 
“*Beloved! Beloved, no tease Jamie more! Jamie need happy Juice! Need Beloved couple! Jamie mind go crazy with Beloved touch!!*” Jamie’s voice moaned urgently in his mind.
 
“*Jackie think lover make Jamie squirm more. Take Jamie hot pool house. Tie up. Tease Jamie. Feed happy juice slowly… Tease! … Squirm! Make Hot! … Make Beg! … Then Lover Take! Take Jamie, take Jackie!!*” Jackie purred, excitedly.
 
“*Jackie Fire belly talk! Cruel to Jamie! Beloved, no tease Jamie!*” Jamie begged.  
 
Hondo heard her beg, but felt that she liked this. She craved for him to be inside of her, but loved the teasing too, as it only built up the burning desire and longing in her more.
 
Hondo slipped a hand out from the top of her deer-hide jumper and slid it up her body, grabbing her neck forcefully, but not enough to choke her, and pulled her more tightly into him, with pressure both on her neck and pussy.
 
“Do you trust me, Jamie? Trust me to give you what I feel you need? ... What we need?” He whispered leaning in close to her ear, his low voice and warm breath tickling her ear and causing a rippled of pleasure to run through her.
 
She trembled, and her pussy grew wetter, despite not having any alcohol in her, nor being in heat. She felt as if she was in heat, though in a heat that was more intense than any heat she had before, yet she knew she was not. She was not sure if it was just this version of him, how he reacted, the stress within her, how he touched her, the wait she had, or because every version of Hondo only grew her level of bonding to him, to a point now where she loved him so much that she had become his slave. His lack of fear in her was arousing too, as was the slight fear of him that she had. Yet she trusted him, and loved him, and long before now, she had decided to lay her bodily well being into his hands, whenever he asked for it, or took charge of it.  
 
She nodded slightly in his tight grip, as her body trembled against him, “*Jamie trust beloved. Beloved take. Jamie trust. Beloved be rough to Jamie. Jamie like. Jamie trust beloved to no hurt. Jamie mind become crazy! Frustrate Jamie in good way, please?!*”
 
He grinned a bit more, as he whispered even closer to her ear, “Then I will frustrate your body an’ make your mind completely crazy, before I take you.
 
Jamie trembled again and almost came at the thrill.  
 
Jackie leaned in and kissed his cheak again, “* Jackie take Jamie to hot pool cabin? Make Ready? Come back for loved?”
 
Hondo frowned a bit as he looked around, “I’m not sure I should go, at least not without talkin’ to Jefe.”
 
“*Friend Jefe busy, Beloved! Mmm… Jamie mind go crazy… Uhhnnhh… … … Jamie talk with friend Jefe Jackey. Friend Jefe, Jackey coupled. Busy. Fine to go. Have Jackey, jamie friends watch. Watch camp! Ohhh! … Let Jamie, Jackie know if trouble! Gahh! Beloved Make Crazy!*” Jamie’s trembling voice echoed in his mind as he continued to hold her tightly by the throat with one hand and work his other hand on her kitty.
 
Hondo nodded, “Alright, Jackie. Take her an’ come back for me. Give me five minutes, as I have to grab the whiskey, and I think I have some packaged sweets from my time that I’ve kept hidden as there just aren’t enough to go ‘round. Might be a good time to get rid of them before they spoil.”
 
Jackie nodded and kissed him again, quickly, “*Jackie come back for Loved. Tie up Jamie. Tease. Be back for loved.*”
 
“*Jackie no tease Jamie! No Tie Jamie! Guhh!!!*” Jamie replied quickly.
 
Though he could not see it, he felt Jackie grinning at her, “*Jamie hush! Jamie like. Jackie no allowed do before! Jamie want! Jackie turn tease Jamie with Loved!*”
 
“*Beloved!*” Jamie called out, sounding more like a sibling calling for a parent to intervein on their a just punishment from another sibling.
 
“You do this to Jackie before?” He asked.
 
Jamie stayed quiet, so he tightened his grip a bit and lightly pinched something very sensitive down below.
 
“Huh?” He asked
 
“*EEEP! … Jamie mind crazy crazy because beloved touch! … Yes, Jamie tease Jackie! Make Crazy! Jamie, Jackie missed beloved! Much stress! Much desire! Help each other!*” She nearly shrieked.
 
“Sounds like you dominated her but never gave her the chance back. Thought she was too low to dominate you?” He asked.
 
 “* Yes! Jamie sorry! Jackie always timid. No think strong. Jackie, Jamie believe!... Jamie tease Jackie. Jackie think deserve, no can fight Jamie! Jamie wrong!*” Jamie squealed in their minds.
 
“Sounds like you deserve a little back… Alright, Jackie. See ya in a bit.” He said.
 
“*Jackie returned. Loved wait.” She replied, seeming very happy at the moment.
 
“*Beloved?!?!*” Jamie whined loudly and then they both were gone.  
 
Hondo looked down at himself and the invisibility wore off slowly, instead of quickly, making his reappearance not catch any eyes, though partly because he was inside the back of the bronco and the window reflected much of the light back into the eyes of anyone looking at it. He climbed out and buttoned his shirt, as he walked to his trailer and grabbed out four one-liter bottles, that he had bought back at Flight Town, that were less to his liking than the ones from Center Town, but at this stage he did not care and figured they would not either. He placed them in a canvas bag he had, checked on Scarlett, who was still out, and then headed quietly into the camper.  
 
In the camper the main area was empty, which was unusual, as he was used to someone always sleeping on one of the couches, the folded down dinette, or the recliner. He paused for a moment as he realized a lot had changed since he last slept in here too, and that was enough for his mind to shut down that line of thinking as well.
 
He quickly found a box of nutty-buddy bars, and a box of star crunch rounds, that he had put away for a rainy day, but had left hidden as he had been away and there had been too many kids around to give any out.  
 
Once ready, he leaned against the counter and tried not to think about everything. This was a time for him to destress and be what the group needed him to be. He felt a bit guilty taking pleasure with these two Jackies, but he pushed that aside too, as when he was with them it just felt right.
 
A few minutes later, though he was not sure how long it had been, he felt Jackie close.
 
“*Loved no speak. Nod if hear Jackie.*” The now familiar voice said softly in his head.
 
He nodded.
 
“*Loved ready go hot pool cabin? Loved nod if yes.*” Jackie’s voice said softly again.
 
Hondo nodded again and as he thought he heard a door open and started to turn to look, he found himself by the hot spring pool, again, and in front of the little cabin.
 
-,-,-,-,-,-,-,
 
Tonya walked out of her little room, headed for the bathroom, and thought she saw Hondo standing in the kitchen, out of the corner of her eye. She turned to say something to him but all of a sudden, he was not there. She stared at the empty kitchen for a moment looked down and then back up in confusion. She sighed, rubbed her eyes with one hand and put the other on her belly, as if in pain.
 
“*Sigh* … Hallucinations now? … damn… This one is going to be bad.” She mumbled groggily to herself. “How am I going to tell papa? … He’s going to hate me, I just know it.”
 
Tonya worried how Hondo would handle her telling him what was going on, and feared how he would handle it. She had pushed him hard with her falling for Hector and trusting him over her adopted father and uncle. She feared that this on top of it would not help, and worried what she might do when it took hold of her. She loved him, and if this time was going to be bad, she was not sure she could hold herself back.
 
After finishing in the bathroom, she stumbled back to her bed and lay down to stare at the darkness.
 
“Papa, please don’t be angry at me… I’m not sure I can control this one.” She whispered into the darkness.  
 
She soon fell asleep, but it was not a good sleep as the pain in her belly, the surging of hormones in her body, and the turmoil in her head plagued her with unkind dreams. Dreams of pain, rejection, humiliation. Dreams of being rejected by the only man she had truly loved and had loved her in return, because she was no better than a common animal; because she was a wessen.
 
-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-
 
At the Jackie’s cabin, Hondo was led inside the cabin by Jackie, who promptly started to undress him once inside. The cabin was small, but had the normal amenities, a kitchen, a couch, a table and chairs, armchairs, a rug, a fireplace, a dresser, and a bed. The items all obviously made by hand, not far from her or even possibly on site, though the craftsmanship was quite nice. The furniture was all made from stripped logs. The cushions were softened animal hides, filled with feather down.  The place was small, though not as small as it seemed from the outside, allowing four or five people inside comfortably. The fireplace had been lit, and the fire cast a soft glow into the room, showing the cabins rustic nature, as well as a now bare Jamie, laid on a very large bed which had been made the same as the rest of the furnishings.
 
 A bandana, much like one of his, was blindfolding Jamie. Her hands were tied securely together, above her head, with the rope used wound around her arms in such a way to keep them from moving them or being able to lower them across her body. Her legs were bent and tied in that position, and her kitty was wet and glistened in the firelight.
 
“You were busy.” Hondo said as Jackie helped him out of his clothes.
 
Jackie nodded, “*Make Jamie ready for loved. Tease Jamie. Make Jamie mind crazy. Leave as loved see. Make Jamie mind more Crazy crazy! … Loved make Jamie no know Jamie anymore!”  
 
Jackie’s smile was a bit sinister, and it make him grin. He looked back at Jamie who pulled at her bindings some, but then lay back trembling. He knew she could get out of that at any time, but Jamie did not want to. He felt she was forcing herself to be powerless at the moment, though it was all driving her insane with desire.  
 
Once undressed he moved to the bed and crawled over to straddle her, before leaning down and whispering in her ear, “Ready to lose your mind, little bunny?”
 
“*Beloved make Jamie mind crazy crazy! Ease Mind, Beloved, please?!*” She begged.
 
“Not just yet.” He said before lowering himself down, kissing the nap of her neck, and then sinking his teeth into it, like he had done with Jackie.
 
He did not bite enough to cause her any real damage, but the pressure, and slight pain of a bite like a predator would use to take out prey sent her nearly over the edge as she arched her body at him the best she could in her restraints, and his head was filled with a bunch of unintelligible shrieking and moaning.  
 
He teased her body for a while, with Jackie going between kissing and caressing him, to teasing Jamie’s body in places where Hondo was not teasing at the moment. Once he was close to ready Jackie pulled Jamie up, and put a bottle to her lips, and slowly poured it into her mouth, making Jamie take it slowly instead of chugging it like she desired.  
 
While Jackie did this, Hondo continued to play with her kitty, tracing her labia with his tongue, kissing her inner thighs, and sucking on her small clit, as he drug his fingers up and down the sides of her body, making it extremely hard to drink the happy juice that she craved to make her relax and be fully ready for him.  
 
Jamie could think of little as the waves of pleasure washed through her. She almost wondered if she could take him without happy juice, after a teasing like that. She thought she might like to try, someday, but for now she slurped the trickling, harsh liquid that was slowly poured into her mouth, aching for it to all be in her, as she knew that then she would be that much closer to rielf from this maddening, yet glorious, pressure that was building inside of her.
 
Once the bottle was empty, and Hondo had stopped teasing and straddled her again, giving her a moment to make the anticipation grow again, heard the first intelligible words from her in several minutes.
 
“*Beloved take, please! Jamie need bad! Need beloved couple bad bad!*” her voice said sounding weak and desperate.
 
“That’s the plan, little bunny… He who spareth the rod, hateth the Jamie, right? So, let’s see if you can take it all, in one go!” He said, as he grin a bit wicked again.
 
Jamie let out a vocal squeak as he entered her, and her words became barely understandable again, as he started rocking his hips….
 
With Jackie’s help and teasing, they got Jamie almost over the edge, sending her through several series of growing, mind blowing, orgasms. Hondo had never quite done anything like this before, not even with Molly, though she hinted at wanting something like this, and with Valentine they had not even come close. It was new, thrilling, and he loved the feeling of controlling his woman completely, and her wanting to be at his mercy. He admitted he could get used to it, and was hopeful that this would not be the last.  
 
As that session ended, he pumped her full of his seed, pulled her blindfold off so she could look at him, gave her a soft smile, and then kissed her deeply. She fought against her bindings, as she pressed into the kiss as much as she could, and once they were done, she let her body flop and just lay there panting.
 
Hondo pulled out and flopped beside her, while Jackie crawled over and licked his cock off, before moving to Jamie and licking her off. He found it odd but arousing, somehow, but to them it was normal. They liked him better than each other, but they had a bond because of him and had used that bond to help each other out, and found themselves comfortable with each other’s bodies. On top of that, they were a part of nature and nature does not understand the rituals, rules, and inhibitions of the humans.
 
Once Jackie was done, Jamie teleported out of her restraints and on top of Hondo, straddling him, before laying on his chest, with a sigh of content.
 
“Feelin’ better now, Jamie?” He asked.
 
She nodded, “*Jamie better. Loved make Jamie mind, Jamie body crazy crazy. Make Jamie good crazy. Give Jamie good stress. Take much bad stress. Beloved make Jamie body feel very good good! … So good good.*”  
 
He held her close, closed his eyes, and rubbed her back, just enjoying the moment.  After a couple minutes he felt Jackie crawl close, and lean over him. He opened an eye just as she moved in to kiss him, lip locking him as she did.  
 
After a good, long kiss she pulled back and looked at him longingly, “*Loved make Jackie mind crazy now?! Help fire belly more? Make new Jackie, then fire belly go!*”
 
Jamie looked over her, with a put-on scowl, “*Jackie mind already crazy crazy! Know not low Jackie, feel fire belly. Both make Jackie mind crazy crazy crazy!*”  
 
Jackie grinned at her, “Jamie like! No should complain. Jackie mind crazy crazy, yes. Help make Jamie mind, body crazy crazy crazy! Good Crazy! Jamie like, no argue! Hehe!*”
 
Jamie’s mock scowl melted into a soft smile, “*Yes, Jamie like. Jamie love Beloved. Love Jackie. Both make Jamie mind, body crazy crazy good, together. Jamie need. Thank Beloved. Thank Jackie. Jamie sorry for make Jackie feel low Jackie, use Jackie weakness, sadness. Jamie sorry sorry.*”
 
Jackie nodded, “*Jackie like make Loved good feel. Like make Jamie crazy crazy. Fun for Jackie. Jackie like Jackie now. Thank loved. Forgive Jamie. Jamie Jackie fun sister. Make good feel when no Loved here. Make feel good good when Loved here.*”
 
Hondo raised an eyebrow at them, as they were more naturally involving him in their conversations now.
 
“You two are really close, I take it.” He said.
 
Hey both turned to look back at him.
 
“*All Jackies close. Sisters. Family. Jamie Jackie close close. Beloved make Jamie Jackie close close.*” Jamie said.
 
Hondo raised an eybrow at her, “Bit odd for sisters to be that close.”
 
Jamie shook her head, “*No odd. Good! Jamie Jackie love Beloved! Jamie love Jackie! Jackie love Jamie! Close, close. No odd!*!
 
Jackie gave him a confused look, “*No understand. Jackie do wrong?*”
 
Hondo sighed and shook his head, “No, you did not do wrong, Jackie. It’s just … Where I come from it would be considered… taboo for family members to do that.”
 
Jamie shook her head, “*No same same. Different. Jackie sisters no like human sister. Different. Much different, still sister.*”
 
“I don’t get it, but plenty of folks have twin fetishes, an’ you don’t get twins that ain’t related… Don’t mind me. Just human rituals again.” He replied.
 
Jamie shook her head at him, but smiled, as she knew he thought differently, and she planned to challenge his thinking, like she had done the others before, but this one was fast becoming very special to her.
 
Jackie just scrunched her nose, “* Jackie no understand.*”
 
“*Jamie later explain. Jackie no worry. Human ritual odd.*” Jamie replied.
 
Jackie frowned, “*No understand rituals… Frustrated.*”
 
“Not you too?” Hondo replied, shaking his head and grinning slightly at her.
 
“*Beloved let Jackie take stress, now?*” Jamie asked, changing the topic.
 
Jackie nodded, “*Jackie take loved stress, loved help Jackie firebelly, yes?*”
 
Hondo sighed, “I’m not sure I’m up for much more. Kinda had sex a couple times this mornin’, with someone who wants to bond with me, as we both needed some stress relief, then with you two… Not sayin’ I’ve not done more in a day, but my system is feelin’ tired an’ empty. Just feelin’ run down.”
 
Jamie sat up and put a hand on his chest and then turned around and grabbed his balls.
 
“What are you doin’??” He asked, somewhat perplexed.
 
“Feel beloved. Feel beloved stress, sick, energy low, human seed balls low from sick, stress, no sleep, eat no good… Jamie no can make sick go. Jamie fix rest.*” She said.
 
“Fix? I’m not sure I like that term.. Hey!” He exclaimed as that tingling in his chest he had felt now surged through his gonads.  
 
His energy picked up a bit, his cock immediately got solid, and his balls sagged with weight greater than he was used to and felt full to the point of being a bit sore.
 
“What was that?!” He asked.
 
“*Jamie give energy to seed makers, to beloved rod, to all beloved. Can couple with Jackie, Jamie again again!” She said.
 
He tried to sit up, but Jackie jumped on him, drank down a quarter of a bottle, and then held it to his lips so he could take a couple swings from it.
 
“*Firebelly make Jackie mind crazy crazy! Need loved inside Jackie!*” She exclaimed before leaning down and kissing him passionately again.
 
“*Jackie say Jamie crazy crazy crazy?!? No, Jackie mind crazy crazy crazy… Help beloved. Help beloved take stress, take crazy crazy mind Jackie.*” Jamie said as she rubbed his cock and balls, aligning his cock with Jackie’s wet womanhood when she was ready for it.
 
For the next couple hours or so, they #$@!ed, kissed, caressed each other, and drank whisky, with the Jackies cleaning up the sugary food themselves, before they all ended up relaxing in the hot spring, letting the spring rejuvenate their tired, and in places, sex worn bodies.
 
“You both feelin’ better?” He asked.
 
Jamie nodded as she lay in his arms, breasts against him, and cheek pressed against his chest.
 
“*Jamie happy. Good feel. Crazy mind gone. Love hold beloved… loved beloved.*” her voice whispered tiredly.
 
Jackie hung on his arm, and stretched up to kiss his cheek, before nuzzling his neck.
 
“*Jackie better, happy. Jackie firebelly lower. Happy. Better. Still firebelly for loved. Jackie Loved help take away firebelly more later.*” Jackie purred softly.
 
“Heh… Well, I hope Jackie always has a firebelly for me.” He said
 
She shook her head, “*Jackie like have firebelly for loved always, but no have. Have firebelly in heart for loved always. Not in belly always.*”
 
“Hmm… Well, either way, Thank you both… I did need this, an’ I had no clue.” He replied, thinking Jackie meant she always wanted him, though she was not always horny.  
 
They relaxed a while longer, but that relaxation was cut off as Jamie sat up suddenly and looked towards the camp.
 
“*Friend Jefe make ready to go. Leave soon, friend Jefe Jacky say.*” She said to him.
 
“*sigh*… Well, it had to end sometime.” He said.
 
Jamie nodded sadly, “*Jamie understand, though no want beloved go… wish beloved stay, make fun, couple lots, spread seed. Good, strong beloved… Jamie know beloved have job, no can stay long time. Beloved come back when can?”
 
Hondo pulled her to him and kissed her softly, before letting her up, Of course. I have others who need my time, but If you are watchin’ an’ I’m alone an’ not bust, we can spend time together then… An’ you two will be comin’ along with us tomorrow? Or just one of you?”
 
“*Jackie, Jamie come. Both come.*” Jackie answered.
 
“* Jamie, Jackie bring friend too? Two friend? Maybe three? Jackie friend Jefe bring two friend.*” Jackie said.
 
“I wasn’t told ‘bout that one… More Jackies?” He asked.
 
“*One jackie, if come. Other not Jackie. Wessen, cast out. Human call feral. Good girls. Watch camp. Strong beloved spread seed to friend of Jamie, Jackie, maybe?” Jamie asked
 
Hondo sighed, “They can come, but you’ll all need to stay hidden for now… We will have to see ‘bout spreadin’ seed. I have bonded and others that need me too, and I can’t be gone all the time.”
 
Jamie nodded, “*Jamie understand. Beloved no need gone all time. Just spread seed. Help friend firebelly. Practice seed spread with friend, Jackie Jamie. No need happy juice friend that no Jackie.*”  
 
He did not understand it fully, but thought he got the jist, “We’ll see.”
 
“*Where Jackie, Jamie, two, three friend ride?*” Jackie asked.
 
Hondo scratched his chin, “I’m not sure. I don’t like anyone in the camper when we are on the road.”
 
“*Jamie keep safe. Hop hop if trouble. Fast hop hop!*” Jamie said.
 
Hondo nodded, “That may work, then, but can you keep everyone invisible? … Wait, Zoey will see you, damn… Can you hop everyone into the camper as we are leavin’?”
 
Jamie nodded, “*Yes. Jamie hop hop all as leave.*”
 
Jackie frowned, “*Jackie hop hop all too!*”
 
Jamie gave her a surprised look before shaking her head and smiling softly, “*Jamie forget. Used Jackie afraid of hop hop. Happy Jackie not low Jackie.*”
 
Jackie’s look softened, “*Jamie happy Jackie not low? … Jackie think Jamie want Jackie low… not want Jackie high Jackie.*”
 
Jamie frowned, “*No true! Jamie sorry Jackie feel Jamie want Jackie low Jackie.*”
 
Jackie was about to say something but Hondo butted in, “Ladies, you two can talk after I get back, but I need to get out an’ dressed here first.”
 
“*Wait Loved!*” Jackie said before diving on him and kissing him deeply. When she pulled she smiled at him, “* Love loved. Thank Loved. See loved morning.*”
 
He nodded, “Yeah, I’ll see you tomorrow… Uhm, I would like to introduce you both to my bonded, Molly, if possible.”
 
“*Why loved?*” Jackie asked.
 
“Call it those silly human rituals. Molly is wessen an’ accepts me bein’ with others or spreadin’ my seed as you call it. I promised her I’d not lie to her ‘bout anyone I was with an’ not bring any sickness to her.” He said.
 
“*Jamie no understand human ritual, though Jamie understand beloved. Can meet. Ask wait. Wait until can bring beloved bonded here. Time to meet. Time alone. Rest for Beloved. Rest for beloved bonded?*” Jamie asked.
 
He nodded, “I’ll try to wait, but I cannot wait for too long. Molly deserves to know… Now, I want at least one of you to meet me, in the mornin’, lookin’ like the little Indian girls you did earlier, in case seomthin’ happens. But we’ll plan for you to stay up in my bedroom in the camper, that way in case Zoey has to use the bathroom, you won’t be seen.”
 
The nodded and told him they understood. After another kiss each, Hondo got out and headed towards their shower. Them came and helped him wash again, though Jamie stayed back this time, knowing that Jackie wanted to take him back. After some further help getting dressed, Jackie teleported Hondo back, teleporting to a dark edge of the camp where they would not be seen. After giving her another kiss, that she asked for, she teleported away and he headed into camp.  
 
He stayed to the shadows, trying to avoid being seen, as Fernando’s camper was gone and he did not want any questions. He managed to avoid notice, for the most part, with just Madison giving him a quick wave as he passed by.  
 
Hondo felt a bit tired, but decided to check on Scarlett one last time, before laying down. He popped the door open as quietly as he could, and when he did, a set of eyes looked back up at him.
 
“You finally awake, there, girl?” He asked softly. “Was worried ‘bout you for a bit there. You were pretty beat up, an’ I wasn’t sure that pill would help.”
 
She looked away from him and sighed, before speaking in a weak voice, “*sigh* … If.. if you’re going to rape me, go ahead. I’m used to it, but please don’t hurt me anymore… I can’t fight you, as I’m too weak, so please, please just #$@! me and leave me in peace.”
 
“I’m not here to rape you, so relax, now…. You were damn near dead on your feet when I took you from that jail, so you probably don’t remember me. I’m tryin’ to help you, not hurt you, I promise.” He said.
 
She looked up at him and then back down, “Human promises mean little to me… They.. they always break them… they say they won’t hurt us but they do… I don’t know what you want from me, but just take it… I .. I don’t have any reason to live anyway.”
 
“You have plenty of reasons to live, but I understand they are hard to see at times. An’ I understand that you have little reason to trust me or anyone, but I need you to try to believe me.” He said softly to her, seeing the fear and anger on her face. “Now, I know you’re weak and tired, an’ we’ll get you fed and washed up here in a moment, an’ hopefully that will help some. It probably looks pretty bleak, but we’ll try to help you find a new way, here. Besides, your sister would be devastated if somethin’ happened to you.”  
 
She looked at him quickly, “My sister?? … No, you are trying to trick me… My sister is dead or a slave somewhere…. She can’t be here.”
 
She looked back down sadly, keeping her eyes averted from him.
 
Hondo shook his head, seeing that she was going to be a tougher case, “Scarlett, that is your name right?” She did not make a move or look at him. “Well, after I got you from that jail cell, though barely as that Roy was a piece of shit, I tracked down Bella.”
 
She looked at him suddenly, “Bella?? You know her name?!? How!?!?”
 
Though she tried to exclaim, it was weak at best, and not loud enough to wake even Zoey who was passed out in the bed behind her.
 
“I’ll explain everythin’ in time, but I tracked down Bella an’ bought her from the slavers. Now, before you ask, I gave you both some limited, old world medicine to heal you. You both were bad hurt, an’ malnourished, so the healin’ took a toll. She wasn’t as bad as you were, though, so she woke earlier. My mate an’ a wessen slave of mine, who had med trainin’, have been takin’ care of her an’ watchin’ her since she woke up. Now, we need to get you taken care of. You should be mostly healed, but there will be some healin’ left as you were too weak and skinny. It will take time an’ food to get you on your feet again, but be patient, an’ work with us, an’ you will recover.” He said.  
 
 
She tried to push herself up but her arms collapsed under her weight, and she lay there trembling for a moment.
 
“Here let me help you.” Hondo said as gently lifted her up and then sat on the edge of the laid down seat, to prop her up in his arms.
 
“I.. I think I remember you, a little… I remember being walked out and.. and that cruel man with the black hat… I remember him hurting me and.. You stood against him, right?” She asked.
 
He nodded, “I did.”
 
“Is he daed?” She asked.
 
Hondo shook his head, “No, as I couldn’t protect you an’ the woman with me an’ fight him at the same time.”
 
“Oh… I think I remember some racoon wessen in a slave robe helping me and then… then it’s all fuzzy… Was she your slave?” She asked.
 
He nodded, “She is, though she is more than a slave. It’s complicated, but I will explain later.”
 
“So, you are our new Master?” She asked.
 
He frowned and then nodded, “I guess, after a fashion.”
 
“You guess? What does that mean?” She asked.
 
“It’s complicated. I saved you both, I hold Bella’s papers, an’ will be gettin’ your papers. You will both be under my care for now,  an’ need to obey me, if you want to do well.” He said
 
“Or you’ll beat us?” She asked.
 
“Beat? No. Depending on what you do, there could be punishments, but I’m not beatin’ you. IF you do not wish to listen, an’ do jobs given you, you can leave. We aren’t forcin’ anyone to stay and serve us, but you either obey an’ help, or you walk away.” He said.
 
“So, we obey or die? Sounds more cruel than beating us.” She said, glaring at him a bit.
 
He sighed, “*sigh* … Maybe it sounds that way, but what we want is to help you all become free wessen, free people, who can make a good living an’ contribute to society. I will hold your papers to protect you, while you learn, but you are free to leave if you wish. If you stay, you will help and do work to help all of us.”
 
“In other words, I owe you, so I’m your whore until you’re done with me.” She replied, looking away from him.
 
“Not at all… I understand you are scared an’ a bit angry, but I’m tryin’ to help you.” He said.
 
“If you want to help me, just tell me I’m your slave, and treat me as one. If you want to #$@! me and then leave me for dead, just #$@! me and put a bullet in my head when you’re done. Same for Bella! She.. She doesn’t have my anger, hate, or distrust. She’s a sweet girl, always is no matter what those animals did to her… Just.. just be kind to her and shoot her in the back of the head when you are done so she doesn’t see it coming.”  
 
He scowled and his voice got firm, “Listen, I did not risk my an’ Maggie’s lives to save you just to #$@! an’ throw away! I’m tryin’ to help you both! Maybe no one has shown you any care, but I’m tryin’.”
 
She scowled back angrily, “If you really care then.. then just cut the bullshit and tell me we are your slave, and you will beat us if we get out of line!”
 
He almost answered back angrily, but he noticed the tears forming in her eyes as she fought to look angry.
 
“…Please… Please just… just beat us if we disobey… Don’t throw us away… I.. I want a good master, for Bella more than me… If.. If you need to use anyone hard, use me… I’ll obey and do whatever you want as long as you treat Bella good… She.. She needs a good master.. a kind master… Please, just be our master and be kind to Bella and I’ll give you my life… I cannot say I will be happy or love you, but I will obey and give myself to you as fully as I can. #$@! me if you want, beat me, starve me, cut me, break my bones, do whatever you want with me, but be kind to Bella and I’ll lay still and let you do whatever to me, even kill me slowly and painfully if you want.” She begged through grit teeth.
 
Though he sensed a lot of anger in this one, he sensed even more fear and despair.  
 
“Alright. You are my slaves, for now…” He started to tell her she could be free anytime she asked, but she cut him off.
 
“No!” She exclaimed as she looked up at him quickly,  “… No… We are either your slaves, and you agree, or we are not… We cannot be your slaves, nor you our master if we can choose… Only you can choose, and we do your bidding… please, I’m begging you.” Her faces softened, “We know nothing else… We.. we can’t survive out there… I can’t.. *shutter, sigh* .. I can’t go through that again.”
 
She remembered more now than she admitted, and the memory of Roy and that man with him, raping them, the sounds of her and Billie’s bones cracking, the sound of their laughing as they hurt them and #$@!ed them without mercy, and the sounds of Billie’s ragged breath, her raspy voice that cried out in fear as she begged for someone to save her from the pain in her, and then the sounds as the life left her body, they all haunted her mind. Above that, though she had liked Billie and they had become closer at the end, what scared her most was the thought of Bella’s life ending like that. Scarlett saw them beat and rape her sister, and heard her cry out for help, but luckily, the courier came in time to take her away before she had ended up like her or Billie. Bella did not know that Scarlett was even there for part of it, as Bella had been taken first, and her and Billie had been captured days later, while they searched for her and others.  
 
“*sigh* … Alright. You two are my slaves, an’ I call the shots. You do what I say, show me respect, an’ we’ll have no trouble.” He said a bit flatly.
 
“I will obey, I promise that, and will try to respect you if you are a strong master. I will try to keep Bella in line, but if she disobeys then she will need punished. If its beating or whipping or the like, then.. then give it to me. I’ll take her harsh punishment, and before you argue, I know my sister. She does wrong I urge you to whip me without mercy… She may be afraid of you after that but she won’t do anything that would get me hurt.” Bella said, a coldness to her voice that was almost painful to hear coming from such a young woman.  
 
“Alright. I’ll take that for now, but once you are on your feet, we will be talkin’ more.” He replied
 
Scarlett looked away, “What else would there be to talk more over with a slave like me, master?”
 
There was the coldness again, with a hint of contempt, but he was not sure what to make of it. The young woman had obviously seen the cruel side of life, but he was unsure if she needed a soft touch, a hard hand, or a mix of both, and if both to what extent? She perplexed him a bit at the moment, but he wrote much of it off as her feeling weak, sick, and being full of fear. He hoped in time she would settle down.  
 
“Nothin’ at the moment, but when I’m ready, you’ll know.” He replied firmly.
 
She half looked up at him and seemed to relax a bit.
 
“… Master, may I ask if you saved Luna?” She asked.
 
“Luna? Hmm… I think that was the name of the wessen girl that was sent to the slavers with Bella, who I was told did not make it.” He replied.
 
“Oh.” She replied as she looked down again.
 
Luna had looked bad, as she had seen her limp out, holding her gut and crying in pain, but she was not sure what happed after that, until now.
 
“Well, you have been sweatin’ a lot due to healin’ an’ that fever, so you’re smellin’ a bit rank. Let’s get you inside, fed, an’ washed up.” He said, as he pulled off the blanket, to see her bare form still sopping wet, and as the cold night air hit her, she started to shake.
 
“I.. I n.n.eed a m.m.minute to g.g.get up.” She said as her teeth started to chatter.
 
Hondo shook his head as he took off his coat to wrap her in, pulled her to him, lifted her way too light form in his arms, and step out of the cab, “Nope. I’ll just carry you.”
 
“N.no! A M.m.m.master doesn’t c.carry their sl.sl.slaves!” She protested. “P.put me on my f.f.feet and I’l w.walk!”
 
By this time, Hondo was sure some of the night guards were watching, but they kept their distance, knowing he was grouchy and dealing with a situation.
 
“You’re too weak!” He growled back.
 
Scarlett weakly pushed on his shoulder, “A s.slave c.c.carries themselves or th.th.ey are w.w.w.worthless!”  
 
Hondo sighed in frustration and shook his head, “*SIGH!* … Fine! Walk then!”
 
He set her on her feet and let go, her trembling form faltered and her legs shook as she stood there a second before falling to her knees. Even her knees were too weak to hold her so she went down to her hands for support, and when her arms gave out she faceplanted in the dirt, losing the coat from her shoulders in the process.
 
“That went well.” Hondo replied sarcastically, without a hint of emotion to his voice. “Well, you think that maybe I should carry you?”
 
“No! I’ll I’ll c.crawl!” She said angrily.
 
He shook his head, put the coat back on her shoulders, and picked her up, though it was against her will still, “I don’t have time for this.”
 
“I g.got to do it m.myself! N.no M.m.master should c.carry a sl.sl.slave! It’s beneath th.them! And.. and a sl.slave that n.n.n.eeds carrying is w.worthless!” She said through chattering teeth.
 
Her body trembled in his arms, and he could see she was still crying, though that angry look still was on her face.
 
“Well, I’m the master an’ you’ll do what I say, an’ I’m tellin’ you to be quiet and let me take care of you. When you are well again, then you can do the work I tell you too, alright?” He said.
 
She looked away from him and after a moment nodded, “… Yes, M.master.”
 
He carefully closed the truck door, hoping the noise had not woken Zoey, and took Scarlett inside. Inside the camper he looked around, and it was empty as before, and not wanting to wake anyone, he finds a blanket to wrap around Scarlett’s shoulders, to replace the coat, and then sits her on the couch.
 
“Now, others are sleepin’ in here, like your sister, so keep your voice down… I’ll warm you up some broth an’ get you fed, so you can start to get your strength back, then we’ll see ‘bout gettin’ you cleaned up.” He said quietly, as set her down.
 
“Yes m.master.” She replied in a quiet, yet defeated tone.  
 
Her trembling lessened as she sat there, but did not totally subside, as some of it was from weakness and exhaustion. She sat a bit hunched as he worked, letting the blanket fall open a bit and expose her bae body again. He knew she looked rough before, but she looked even thinner now, as the bio-pill had used any resources it could to heal her, and would need a lot more time and fuel to finish, as skinny as she was. She was not covered in fur, like Tonya, but had patches like on her chest, her lower abdomen and thighs, and on the backs of her hands and tops of her feet. Much of the bruising had vanished and most cuts had seal, but she was pale and drawn, her hip and rib bones way too visible, and her limbs too thin. Her face was drawn and her cheeks sunken, and her eyes seemed hollow and distant.  How she had the strength to resist him at all was a miracle in and of itself. Her reddish hair was caked with dried mud and blood, to the point it was almost impossible to tell that she actually had bright red hair. Her body was dirty, and smeared with dried blood and possible other fluids, and the fur she had, which should have been white, was almost black.
 
Hondo kept an eye on her, but she sat, unmoving, just seemed to stare through the floor, as if she had all but given up living. He heated some broth, half vegetable and half chicken, as Maggie had said that would be the best for them without messing up their herbivore wessen type digestion systems. He made sure it was just warm, and not so hot as to burn her, and then after adding a little salt, he poured some into a coffee cup.  
 
With the cup in hand he sat down beside her, facing her, he lifted the cup gently to her lips.
 
“Here. Drink this slowly. It will help.” He said.
 
“I can fee .. *gasp*!” Scarlett started to protest, but as she lifted her hand to take the cup, she almost toppled forward, as her body was too weak to sit up on its own.
 
Hondo caught her with his other hand and leaned her back, “Quit fightin’ me girl! I know you’ve been through things I can’t understand, an’ have a lot of fear an’ anger because of it, but right ‘bout now, if you were well, I’d spank your ass for bein’ so belligerent.”
 
She sighed deeply and looked down again, “If I was well, you’d not have to do this for me… It’s so wrong for a master to help a slave like this… and..” She paused as she looked up a him weakly, “I’m not afraid… There’s nothin’ you or anyone else can do to me that would scare me anymore, so do what you like with me.”
 
“An’ what ‘bout Bella?” He asked.
 
She looked down again.
 
He continued, “You are back with her, now. She’s been worried ‘bout you an’ wouldn’t leave your side from the moment I bought her, until I made her so she could eat an’ get cleaned up. She wanted to go back to sleep with you, but she was told she had to sleep where people could help her, an’ where she could stay clean.”
 
Scarlett continued to say nothing.
 
“I know that girl cares a lot ‘bout you… But, maybe you just asked me to be kind to her because you think it’s your duty. Think it’s your last mission. Whether you live or die you did your job as a sister, an’ it’s all selfish. Maybe you just don’t care ‘bout her.” He said.
 
Scarlett looked up at him quickly and her eyes flashed with a spark of life, “I care! … I.. I care…”
 
“Do you?” he asked.
 
She looked back down and nodded after a moment, “I.. I do care, but.. but you aren’t wrong either… It is my duty to be her sister and protect her, but I’ve failed… Maybe I am offering myself up to save her selfishly, as I can’t bare the guilt of what I’ve let happen to her… I failed her so bad and yet.. yet I know she loves me still, and I don’t deserve it… I care but I don’t know how to show it.”
 
Her voice was quiet, weak, and quavered a bit. Her exhaustion was evident, and he knew if she kept fighting him, she would just soon pass out.
 
“Listen, there are thin’ that happen out there that we cannot stop, or fix. You had no control over what happened to her, an’ you know you couldn’t stop it. Now, if you care, stop tryin’ to lay yourself on some sacrificial alter. There’s no need of that, not now. How ‘boout you try to get better so you can be there for her, watch her mature, help teach her an’ guide her to a better life. Even if it’s just as my slave, she can either be a worthless biligerant slave, like the attitude you are showin’ me, or you can let me help you, get better, an’ show her how to do better, an’ with a better attitude. Maybe I’m just another human master, but maybe, just maybe, I’m a lot kinder than anyone who has owned or used you before, an’ maybe even as my slave, you can have a full, rewardin’ life with freedoms an’ comforts under me, that few other slaves have ever enjoyed. You ready to take that chance, for her, of you want to die, leave her alone, an’ hope to fate that she’s alright?” He asked in a calm, cool tone.
 
She sat looking down for several seconds before replying, “I want to but..”
 
“But what?” He asked.
 
“This.. taking care of me, it’s.. it’s not fit work for a master.” She said.
 
He raised an eyebrow at her, “Well, since you’re the slave, an’ I’m the master, that’s for me to decide, right? I decided what I do, an’ I tell you what I to do, I give the orders. The only things you have a right to decide on is your own actions, whether you follow my orders or not, an’ your attitude towards me an’ the orders I give. Not if what I do is worthy of my authority over you. Then it’s my job to punish or not based on your actions an’ attitude.”
 
“It was not exactly his feelings, but from what she said, and how she fought him, he figured it was what she needed to hear.
 
She visibly slumped a bit more, as if she was giving in, “So, what are my masters orders?”
 
“To let me help you get some food in you, let me clean you up, an’ get you tucked in somewhere to rest, then you are to do your best to get better, so you can serve me an’ be there for your sister. Those are my orders, will you follow them?” He asked.
 
She sighed and then nodded, “*sigh* … yes Master, though I still say helping me is beneath you… It dishonors you to help trash like me.”
 
“Well, as I said, that is my decision, not yours. Think of me as you will, but you did promise to obey me, right? An’ that you were mine to the fullest you could give?” He asked.
 
She nodded, “I.. I did say that and.. I will obey, master. I’ll obey, but I wish to be able to respect you too, master, and… this makes it hard.”
 
“Well, you’ll just have to get over that, now, won’t you? … Now here, drink slowly.” He said as he brought the cup up to her lips with one hand, and then put another gently across her chest. “I’ll hold you up if you want to put your hands on it to regulate it, but I’ll hold the weight for you.”
 
Tears fell from her eyes again as he fed her, partly from shame, partly from fear, and partly because she had never had anyone be so kind to her, at least not with strings attached. She told herself there would be strings, there always was, but at the moment, he was being firm to her in a kind way, and not as if he was trying to get something. She also knew he did not have to try to get anything out of her, as he could take what he wanted.
 
 Clients often acted nice, trying to get more time to screw her, or get her to let them #$@! her for the cost of a blow job, they would act sweet and get her to bend over then pound her ass, and run off without paying, while she was in pain on her knees, leaving her to get beaten by their handlers for not bringing money back. She had no trust, and a lot of anger, she knew, and though she would not admit it, a lot of fear too. Because of all that she did not understand his actions, and mistrusted them. She also had been told that a master never helps a slave, as it is the slave’s purpose to do, and one who cannot do is worthless and should be killed and their bodies thrown to the wolves. She had gotten into that ring to wiggle her butt, show off her smallish breasts, blow kisses at the fans, and wave that sign signaling a round, while swishing her hips with a smile, when her guts felt like they would fall out in a moment, or when her body had been bruised and battered to the point that every moment was pain, just to keep moving, keep useful, and try to stay alive.  
 
Hondo helped the cup but she did bring both hands to it, and helped guide him in regulating the flow. Her first few sips she had trouble getting down, and she coughed a bit, but as the moister started saturating her throat and tongue it got easier. She let her body lean against his arm, and even enjoyed the feeling a bit. He was strong, and even if she had been at her heaviest, he still would have held her up with ease. She marveled a bit, that such powerful arms could be so gentle, and yet they were.  
 
When the broth was gone, he made sure she was sitting back, before taking the cup to the sink and rinsing it out.
 
“Uhm, Master?” She asked hesitantly. “I know it’s not my place to ask, but could I have more?”
 
He shook his head, “No, not right now.”
 
“Oh.” She replied, thinking she had overstepped, though she felt hungry all of a sudden.
 
“You’re too weak an’ not eaten in too long. Too much could make you sick, an’ tax your system more. A little at a time, for now. In the mornin’ you can have some more. I’ll see that Maggie get you some more every couple hours, or so. You do well on that for a few days, an’ we’ll start to add in some solid stuff, like vegetable chunks an’ crackers.” He continued.  
 
She nodded weakly, understanding better but still very unsure what to think.  
 
Once the cup was washed and on the drying rack, he turned back to her, “Time to get you a shower.”
 
She shook her head, “I.. I can’t stand for that… I’m so tired.”
 
“That’s fine. I’ll wash you.” He said.
 
She shook her head, “You can’t.”
 
Hondo frowned at her, “Well, I think we just had a conversation ‘bout me ownin’ your ass, an’ you obeyin’, so I figured it can happen.”
 
She looked down again and said nothing. In her mind it just was not right. No strong master would wash his slaves. Whether he was a strong or weak master did not matter, though, she knew. He owned her and she promised to obey, though when she made that promise she had no clue she would be made to obey orders like this.  
 
He walked over and carefully scooped her up, before carefully carrying her into the bathroom, and sitting her on the toilet, making sure she propped herself up enough not to fall off. He then got the water started and took off his hat, vest, shirt, gun, and bandana, before checking the water and adjusting the temps again.
 
“Master.” Scarlett said softly, “If.. if you want to #$@! me, please just bend me over the sink… I.. hurt and am too weak to do it in the shower.”
 
He frowned as he looked over at her, but he paused from scolding her, as from her eyes, and the way she looked, he knew she was fading fast.
 
“No #$@!in’ my little slaves, at least not until they are all better, I promise that.” He said, as he was sure she could not understand that he had no plans on #$@!ing them, though he did not know the future, or the desires their bodies had that they might try to push on him later.
 
She just nodded weak, as he stripped down to his boxers. He checked the water again and then picked her up, but stopped before getting to the shower.
 
“Master ashamed to be naked with his slave?” She asked, weakly.
 
He frowned, “No, but I didn’t want you to think I was gonna use you or somethin’.”
 
She looked up and scowled, “Masters use their slaves, That’s how it is… If it’s little, you don’t have to be afraid. I’ve had lot of little ones shoved into me, and I told them all it was the biggest I’d ever seen.”
 
Hondo shook his head while scowling, “For a supposedly obedient slave, you are bein’ obnoxious, an’ tryin’ to make this as hard an’ uncomfortable on both of us as possible, aren’t you??”
 
“If you don’t like how your slave acts, you can beat me, #$@! me, or both until I comply or die… That’s a masters rights.” She almost half mumbled.
 
HE shook his head, before shifting her to one arm and dropping his boxers, “There. Bare as the day I was born! Now, can I get you clean so you can rest again?!”
 
“If that is the master’s orders.” She said sluggishly.
 
Hondo shook his head and sighed. Had it not been for the time with the jackies, he probably would have given up and let her sleep in her own filth, but they had reduced his stress and made this frustration easier to bare, plus diminished his fear of dominating a woman, something the feminists of his time had worked to demonize, in a plot to destroy masculinity.  
 
He set her on her feet, in the shower, and let her lean against him, as he started to rinse the dirt off her body, and soak her hair. He knew she was thin and frail from carrying her, but he did not realize how worryingly thin she was, until he ran his hands over her body to wash her.  
 
As he started washing her, the warm water revitalized and relaxed her a bit, and she came around a bit more. She looked up at him, and then down again in shame, and as she looked down she was what was between his legs, and that it was at that size and only maybe half mast at most.
 
“Master! That.. That is the biggest cock I’ve ever seen, and I’ve had to take horse and bull wessen cock before! Only seen balls bigger maybe once, but you are close!” She weakly exclaimed
 
“Hondo shook his head, “Heh… I heard tell you say that to everyone, even if they have a small dick.”
 
 
She shook her head, “N.no, I mean it, this time, M.m.master! … Please don’t put that in me until I’m well… You would kill me.”
 
“Heh! .. Now I said none of that until you are well, an’ then we’ll see.” He said.  
 
As he washed her there was a soft nock on the bathroom door.
 
“Yeah?” Hondo asked.
 
“Master?” A familiar voice asked.
 
“It’s me, Maggie. Come on in, if you need to.” He replied.
 
The door opened and Maggie came in half carrying a bare, blonde bunny girl, who was still too weak to walk on her own.
 
“Sorry, master but Bella needed to… Oh! I’m.. I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to disturbed you when..” Maggie started to bluster, turning red as she misinterpreted what was happening.
 
 
 “Maggie, settle down, now. This is Scarlett, Bella’s sister.” Hondo said.
 
“Scar?” A sleepy sounding Bella asked.
 
Hondo continued, “She’s weaker than her sister, an’ can hardly sit up, but she was filthy. I got her some broth, but couldn’t let her rest like this.”
 
“Scar?” Bella asked again, pulling away, to take a faltering step forward, just to be caught by Maggie again.
 
Scarlett looked up and through the glass shower door, “Bell? Is.. is it really you??”
 
“It’s me, Scar.” The younger girl said as tears streamed down her face, as she reached out to the glass.
 
Scarlett put her hand on the glass too, opposite of her sisters, “I… I thought.. I thought it was a lie to trick me into complying.”
 
Her voice was weak and quavering, as she spoke, and her body started trembling more.
 
“Didn’t believe me?” Hondo asked.
 
Scarlett looked up at him, then back at Bella before looking down, “I.. I didn’t .. I didn’t know what to believe I just.. just agreed in case and.. and as I did not think I had a choice.”
 
“You think you should have a choice, now?” He asked.
 
She looked up at her sister again and shook her head, “No. No choice… I have Bella back, and I will uphold my promise if you uphold yours.”
 
“I plan to uphold mine.” He said.
 
“Sweetie, you better sit down and pee, before you wet yourself. You’re body doesn’t have the control it used to.” Maggie said softly to Bella as she lead her to the toilet.
 
“But… Scar…” She said, weakly trying to turn back to her sister.
 
“Bell, it’s alright.” Scarlett said weakly. “Just get rest, and we will be together soon, I promise.”
 
“But… I want you to *sniff* to *sniff* hold me again *sniff*, now.” Bella said, sniffling as she spoke, and trying not to cry.
 
“I will very soon.” She said, her voice still weak, but it was obvious that she was summoning all the strength she had to make her words clearer and stronger for her sister.  
 
“It’s alright, sweetie. Your sister will come sleep with you as soon as she’s clean and dry, alright?” Maggie said softly to the girl, trying to keep her calm.
 
Bella nodded.
 
“Alright, you pee now, and we’ll get you cleaned up, and back to bed. Then your sister will be in soon.” Maggie said, as she sat her on the toilet.
 
The girl nodded again and did her business, and after Maggie helped her clean up, and washed both their hands, she helped the girl back up into the loft and into bed.
 
Hondo continued to work on cleaning the redhead, but her hair was a mess, and some of the dried elements were not rehydrating nor coming off easily.
 
It was not long before the door popped open again, “Master, why didn’t you wake me? You shouldn’t have to be caring for us like this.”
 
“That’s what I told him, its below him as a master.” Scarlett said weakly, her energy levels obviously dropping.
 
“I didn’t want to wake you. You’ve been through a lot lately, an’ needed rest to drive tomorrow.” He replied.
 
She shook her head, “But this is my job, master. These things are how I help you.”
 
He was surprised at how steady her voice was, and the care and strength in it at the moment. He had wondered before, but now he knew that she was at her strongest, and most steady, when she was caring for others.
 
“Maybe I should have, but I didn’t want to lay all this on you. I rescued them, so they are my responsibility.” HE said.
 
“Didn’t.. Didn’t we rescue them, master?” She asked a bit hesitantly.
 
Hondo looked at her for a moment, and then grinned, “Yeah. We rescued them.”
 
“And.. and you accepted me as your slave, right master?” she asked.
 
Scarlett squinted as her, “Wait, accepted??”
 
Hondo ignored her, “I did.”
 
“So, sh.shouldn’t I be partly responsible and.. and its partly my job as your slave to care for those you save?” She asked, obviously trying to stay strong but faltering.
 
He smiled and nodded, “Maybe so… Well, there’s stilla lot of work to do on her, an’ that hair is a mess, though I’m not sure she has enough energy to stay awake for it to be straightened out tonight… You want to take over?”
 
“Does master wish for me to take over?” Maggie asked.
 
He chuckled softly again, “Heh… Maggie, I’d like you to take over cleanin’ this gal here, an’ get her to bed.”
 
Maggie smiled back softly, “I will see it is done, Master.”
 
 
(To Be Continued ...)
 

“I’ll send them your way, just.. go, and hurry, and… good luck.” She said a bit sadly.
 
He just shook his head, and let off the clutch a bit fast, spraying some rocks as the large truck camper gained traction. Up the road he saw the gate and turned in, and almost to the end, the road wyed and he headed off to the right, on the other side of the trees. He saw Fernando and some others he did not recognize ahead and blew his horns as he approach.  
 
As he pulled up and parked the rest of the group slowly came filing in, having picked up their pace some, and not being stopped at the gate saved them time as well.  
 
(Roll into Fernando’s post. Reply #3015)

“Well, let’s go inside this place here...” Sheriff Collins says as he points to one of the several metal hanger buildings on the block. It takes them a few seconds for them to get there. He continues taking them to one of the store fronts inside. Outside the store front is a young male in his late 20. Sheriff Collins talks to him, “Got anything new Adrian?”
 
“Slim pickings today.” Adrian answers.
 
Fernando and Hondo go through the boxes of circuit boards the store had outside. Some said “Raspberry Pi” on them, others said “Arduino” and still others had other name brands like Beagle Bone, CubieBoard, Banana Pi, Orange Pi and Duino-Pi. Fernando pulls out a magnifying glass to look at the Chip names and numbers. First thing they notice is that many of them need an SD Card for some sort of memory storage, but not all.
 
Fernando asks, “You know what these things are?”
 
“From what my family gathered on research data information node before The Chaos, these are some sort of computer information system. Just the bare bones. But I have no way of testing them so they are as is.” Adrian explains.
 
Hondo finds a box of laptops and tablets in various conditions. Some might look new but who knows what is wrong with them. He takes a flashlight and shines it into the screens to see if they are cracked. He piles up a few in a separate corner – a pile for laptops and a pile of tablets. Fernando finds some sensors, servos, breadboard and wiring kits with some electronic components.
 
Fernando asks as he points on the board, “You have the chip that goes into these slots?”
 
“I do, but I cannot say what condition they are in.” Adrian says, adding, “I know there’s these tech kids who call themselves ‘The 2600’ and they say that they got a few of them working. But which ones, they won’t tell me.”
 
“2600, now that is a name I have not heard in a very long time. Anyways, you need to get into that group and learn their skills.” Fernando tells him. He then asks, “You got a shoe box?”
 
“Why would you want a shoe box?” Adrian asks.
 
“I want to put several of these boards and doodads in the box and buy it all in one shot, including the chips that go into the slot.” Fernando tells him.
 
“That is going to be expensive.” Adrian points out.
 
“It’s my money to spend. If I want to buy junk, I’ll buy junk. But I consider this as an investment, even if I only get one of these boards working, I will be ahead in that investment. And who knows, I might be back for more.” Fernando tells him.
 
“Then you are going to need these things.”  Adrian says as he points to some 17in Dell Flat Screen Monitors hanging on the wall. Then he adds as he points to the box of keyboards and mice, “And these.”
 
“Not a problem. I’ll take three of each. Hondo?” Fernando says and asks.
 
“Huh?” Hondo replies.
 
“How many keyboards, mice and monitors?” Fernando asks.
 
“Oh. I’ll take two.” Hondo answers.
 
Fernando turns to Adrian, “OK. Make that five of each total. Plus the box I asked for so I can fill it and the chips for the boards.”
 
“Give me a minute.” Adrian tells him. He goes into the store.  
 
“What are you getting?” Fernando asks Hondo.
 
“A few laptops and tablets. Broken or not, they are still good for some things.” Hondo says. He then asks, “What about you?”
 
“These mini board systems got me thinking. Before these damn spirits dragged me to this time, I was hearing about credit card sized computers that run Linux and microcontrollers on a small board. Interested in a few?” Fernando explains and asks.
 
“Yeah, get me a few of each. Want any laptops or tablets?” Hondo answers and asks.
 
“Yeah, get me a few; a couple of small screens and a couple of large screen units would be good.” Fernando replies.
 
Hondo goes back to the boxes and makes another set of piles for Fernando of a few laptops and tablets. Adrian comes out with a couple of his staff with several boxes of monitors. Fernando looks at the boxes.
 
“Are they brand new?” Fernando asks.
 
“New as they have never been used but they are very old.” Adrian explains.
 
“Oh – NOS equipment.” Fernando replies.
 
“NOS Equipment?” Adrian asks.
 
“New Old Stock, like you said, new in the box but never used from long ago.” Fernando explains.
 
“Hmmm... Yeah.” Adrian says.
 
“You got a shoe box I can fill with these assorted boards?” Fernando asks.
 
Adrian reaches under and behind the tables by his store and pulls out a cardboard box about the size of a shoe box He hands the box over to Fernando. Fernando starts filling it with several of various boards.  More than a dozen Raspberry Pi Zero boards, several Raspberry Pi 2 and 3 boards, a dozen Arduino Nano, Uno, Mega and Mini Boards, several USB Communications (FTDI) boards for the Arduino Nano boards, several Orange Pi bards (PC, Lite, Mini, Zero and Zero Add-on boards), a couple of Banana Pi boards (M1 and M2, with the M2 being similar in shape and size to the Raspberry Pi Zero), a couple Beagle Bone Black Boards, and a couple of pcDuino 4 Nano boards. Hondo found some Power adapters for the boards and “Power Cell” batteries which have seen better times. They get piled up onto the box.
 
“That should be enough for now, we can get more later.” Hondo says to them.
 
“You’re right, that should keep us busy for a while.” Fernando replies. He then asks Adrian “How much for everything?”
 
“Let’s see what you got...” Adrian says as he looks at the piles they have assembled. He makes a mental note and does the math in his head of the piles Fernando and Hondo made and adding it into one lump sum. “Give me $1000 for everything.”
 
“That’s a little steep for junk.” Hondo points out.
 
“Wait. You counting the chips that goes into these slots?”  Fernando asks.
 
“Damn... No. I’ll get you some and throw them into the pile – no additional costs.” Adrian says.
 
“Thank you.” Fernando says.
 
“Still a bit steep.” Hondo says to himself.
 
“I’ll give it that. But there is no way we will get anything like this for unless we run into another Tech Town.” Fernando points out.
 
“If you are going to Sturgis, it’s sorta like a tech town but they cater to mostly motorcycle things and some vehicle modifications. Next tech towns would be south of that and they are near by the Tech Mines**, so buyer beware.” Adrian interjects.
 
“How far have you been out?” Fernando asks.
 
“Sturgis is the farthest I have been out, but it’s been years. I just know from what I heard back then and can verify on the map with those tech towns.” Adrian says.
 
“Sounds like Jason’s kind of place.” Hondo throws in.
 
“I was just thinking of that myself.” Fernando says as he reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small sack of coins. “Hondo, I’ll take care of paying for this, you help start packing things up.”
 
“Will do, Jefe!” Hondo says as he begins packing things up onto the pull cart.
 
“What are those for, daddy?” Macey asks.
 
“Well, if they work, or if I can get them to work, you and the others can have something to start your education with for one. Two – for me to test out ideas and do a few experiments.” Fernando explains as he hands over the money to Adrian. He then asks, “Hondo, can any of your systems burn DVDs? Mine can only burn CDs.”
 
“They can burn DVDs though I use them sparingly.” Hondo answers. He adds, “I try to use USB Thumb Drives more often.”
 
“I think I have a few blanks to copy my software on for them, the encyclopedia CDs and a couple educational CDs I have.” Fernando explains.
 
“We’ll talk about that later.” Hondo throws in as he finishes packing to up the pull cart.
 
“Let’s go then.” Fernando says, he then turns to Sheriff Collins, “Anything else we should see? Before we go, I would like to see where are the Radio Doctors as I may have a couple units that need tuning up for another time.”
 
“Well, come look at this.” Sheriff Collins leads them out the store and through another merchant in building.
 
On the table there were coils of different colored plastics and a simple machine cutting a plastic bottle into string. On the other table was a contraption that was taking the plastic string and seems to be melting it and rearranging it various shapes and things onto a bed by moving the print head about on the surface. In front of it was several “prints” that came out of the machine. Another machine next to it was taking used plastics and grinding it up and making it into more string, recycling the old used string.
 
“A 3D Printer. How cute.” Fernando says.
 
“Could use one myself. It would be nice to make needed parts.” Hondo points out.
 
“Well, plastic bottles are everywhere. We would need the cutter, the printer and that thing to recycle used plastic.” Fernando points out, adding, “That’s not counting the software to design and then send it to the printer.”
 
“I have copies of AutoCAD and other 3D Design programs.” Hondo states.
 
“So do I.” Fernando says. He then asks, “Want to pick one up?”
 
“I would say pick up several and use them one at a time as needed.” Hondo says.
 
“I remember some websites saying that 3D printers can make a copy of themselves. well, build the frame, as you need to add the motors and electronics to it, but it is doable. I’ll pick up three printers for each of us and one of each of the other things.” Fernando explains.
 
“Sounds fair. Just worried about the price.” Hondo points out.
 
“Yeah. I can see this running over 10-grand easily.” Fernando says.
 
“Not that money is no object for us, I prefer to deal with someone honest and may not know all the answers than some crook selling us junk and givin’ us lies and false information for every question we have.” Hondo says.
 
“Same here.” Fernando replies as somebody steps out from the store.
 
“Lionel Prusa is the name, I hope you like what you see. My family has been doing 3D Printing for over 80 years since before The Happening and The Chaos happened.” He says as he approaches them.
 
“Yeah, I remember this long ago.” Fernando says.
 
“So have I.” Hondo replies as well before he asks, “Tell us what you know about this, and how much it costs.”
 
“My family has sold these as kits and preassembled units all this time. But since The Chaos we have sold services to build things for others, it is rare if anyone wants to buy a 3D Printer though we have many of them.” Lionel explains.
 
“To start off with, how much for a printer?” Fernando asks.
 
“A thousand dollars a piece.” Lionel answers.
 
“Preassembled or kit form?” Fernando asks.
 
“Never thought about that. Tell you what - $800 for the kit and $1000 for a preassembled one.” Lionel answers.
 
“That’s fair and honest. What about the plastic print with?” Hondo states and then asks.
 
“You use plastic bottles that you make the filament with. But you need this Jig to cut the bottle to the right thickness. $50 for the jig.” Lionel explains.
 
“What about this thing that looks like it is making filament?” Fernando asks.
 
“Well, with anything you 3D Print, you are going to have support and other scrap. You can take that scrap and recycle it into more filament with this unit. $200 for it.” Lionel says.
 
“OK then, 6 kits, 2 preassembled unit, 4 jigs and 2 of that recycling filament unit. How much for everything?” Fernando tells him.
 
Lionel’s eyes popped out wide open. Never had anyone bought so many printers, at most anyone bought was one and that was years ago!
 
“Are you serious?” Lionel asks.
 
“Quite serious. And maybe a friend might drop by later today or tomorrow and buy a unit or two from you as well. But until then, how about that order? And be honest. You will be rewarded for your honesty.” Fernando tells him.
 
Lionel sighs before he starts counting on his fingers, something Fernando remembers when he taught children on how to count multiplication tables on one’s fingers when he taught at school. He comes up with the figure of “$6600 for everything.”
 
“I’ll give you $8000 for everything. One you were honest in your counting and I have not seen that finger counting dance in a very long time. Hope you are teaching it to your children. It is a very useful skill to have.” Fernando tells him.
 
Lionel could not believe what he is hearing. But he shakes himself into reality so he can properly respond, “Right away sir!”
 
“Thank you...” Fernando says before Lionel steps away into his store.
 
“Finger Counting Dance?” Hondo asks.
 
“Watch.” As Fernando holds up his hands with 9 fingers showing. He moves one of his finger up and down across as he counts off by 9s, “9 – 9 fingers up, 18 – 1 finger up, gap, 8 fingers up, 27 – 2 finger up, gap, 7 fingers up, 36 – 3 finger up, gap, 6 fingers up, and so on. All the other times tables have a similar set up and pattern. Once you remember the finger dance, multiplication is simple. I used to teach it to students that had trouble with their times tables long ago.”
 
“You definitely going to teach that to Zoey when she’s old enough to do her numbers.” Hondo almost demands.
 
“It’s on one of my educational CDs. I’ll make a copy for you in the near future when this headache of a mission is done and over.” Fernando says. He then looks at Macey and Tammy, “You two will learn it as well.”
 
Lionel and a couple assistants come out with various sized boxes, 6 being of the equal size, 2 small ones and 2 medium ones. Hondo starts taking the boxes and puts them into the pull cart, making things fit within its space. Fernando pulls out his small sack of coins and starts pulling out the large $1000 gold coins from within it. He counts of 8 of them and hold them in his hand as he puts away the sack in his pocket. As soon as the boxes are put away, Fernando hands the 8 gold coins to Lionel. Two completely built units are placed on top of the pile in the pull cart and secured with a bungie cord.
 
“Pleasure doing business with you.” Fernando tells him. He then turns to Hondo, “Let’s get these home and put them away.”
 
“Definitely.” Hondo says.
 
Fernando looks at Sheriff Collins, “We’ll be back. But it’s been nice seeing the show.” He then turns to his group, “Ladies, Hondo. Let’s put these away and then come back to see if Mrs. Clean is finished. There will be more cake and sweet water if she is not. But there will be more walking to do as well.”
 
The girls look at him before he guides them away in front of him as he pulls the pull cart behind him. It takes them a few minutes to get them back to camp. Fernando takes them to the area between Hondo’s and Fernando’s campers. There they divide up the loot they had gathered between them.
 
 
(To Be Continued...)

{Delta Hondo Awakes – Continued}
 
“I’m sorry, Bunny.” He said softly.
 
“Oh, my love! ... I’m sorry! I’m sorry!! *Sob* I miss her so much!... I loved her too! I loved her!! *sob* I’m sorry she’s gone and you’re hurting and I wish I could bring Ruth back!  *Sob*” April cried into his shoulder.
 
He managed to keep his voice steady but his eyes got misty too, “Shhh, Bunny. It’s gonna be alright… I know.. I know… I miss her too… I didn’t realize how special she was until she was gone…”
 
April eventually stopped sobbing, but he held her a little longer.
 
“Th.thank you.” She whispered.
 
“For what?” He asked.
 
“For this.” She replied softly.
 
“This isn’t nothin’ to thank me for… *sigh* .. I know you’ve tried hard to do for me, an’ I’ve not really acknowledged it, so I should be thankin’ you.” He replied.
 
“You saved me.. Bella and Luna too, as well as others… I..I do not see how you could owe us thanks when.. we can’t even begin to repay you.” She replied softly.
 
“So, you only take care of me ‘cause you feel you owe me, eh?” He asked, trying to rile her a bit.
 
She pulled back quickly, “No! That’s.. that’s…”
 
She saw him have that ornery smile on his face, and she knew he was messing with her, and probably did so to change the topic.
 
She smiled softly back, “You know th.that we care, and we do it because we c.c.care, but because we owe you so much, thanks are n.not needed.”
 
He nodded, “Fair enough, though I am sorry I was too drunk that you got pushed out to pick up the slack an’ couldn’t mourn with us… Seems like I made a few folks feel left out, an’ made others feel like they could not as they had to do my job an’ take care of things.”
 
“As you say, my love, no worries… I am sad, but.. I’d rather cry in your arms, than just be drunk, #$@!, and pretend it didn’t happen… Besides, Bella, Luna, and I were glad to help where we could, and we felt safe with you close and Harlow on duty, though I think she doesn’t like us very much.” She said, slowly, so to not stutter or stumble.
 
“I do not dislike you either.” Harlow said, who had been standing there and heard it all. “My Jarl cares about you, so I will do my best to protect you, if I can, but other than that I have little regard for you.”
 
April knew Harlow would hear it, but she had a way of just saying what was on her mind, if she could get the words out. April was smart, handy, and worked hard, though she was often quiet as she felt she could not express herself well. That was from her being dyslexic, though she had gotten better with some help from Ruth and Hondo. She spoke more now, and stumbled less, though she still lost words at time, but she learned to speak slower, to be able to speak steady. Most thought she just talked slow, but it was purposeful. April really did not have a mean bone in her body, either. She tried to be protective of Hondo, but she did not act jealous, of him or his attentions to others, though she was at times. Other than keeping that to herself, she was generally very open and plain speaking about what she thought and felt, so saying that was how she felt, and not to poke at Harlow.
 
April turned to look at her, “I like you, though. You’re strong, pretty, you take good care of my Hondo, and though I’ve not been able to do so, you look like you would be nice to cuddle with. Bella has bigger breasts, though a bit smaller than yours, but not much fur, and she’s fun to cuddle up with. You have more fur, and those nice big breasts, covered in soft fur, and as strong as you are, you could hold someone tight.”
 
Harlow blushed a bit, “Uhm, yes, well, it’s been a long time since I have cuddled with anyone, but uhm.. I imagine the attributes you named off would be, uhh, be, uhm, good things for such a recreation.”
 
“I bet your fur is very soft too.” April said.
 
“Fairly soft, I gu…” Harlow started to reply but was cut off as April reached out and rubbed her belly.
 “Uhm? ... mmmm, oohh..Stop, that!” Harlow said, pushing her hand away, after a moan slipped out.
 
April giggled, “Hehe! I heard dog and wolf girls liked their bellies rubbed as much as actual dogs do, but I wasn’t sure until now!”
 
Harlow gave her a hard look, “Do not touch me without permission, again, little whore!!”
 
“But you want me to ask, don’t you? And you want to say yes if I did, right?” April replied with a grin, in her normal soft, slow way of speaking.
 
Harlow blushed, “I.. I don’t know what you m… I mean, I wouldn’t, uhm… It’s my job to Guard my Jarl, not take pleasure from his harem!!”
 
Hondo cringed a bit, “Great save, there, Harlow, but next time, not so loud.”
 
“Sorry, my Jarl!” She said quickly, frowning that she had caused him pain, and still blushing as she thought of the smaller human woman curled up with her, head on her breasts and hands rubbing the fur that covered her firm abs.
 
“She is soft, my love. You should pat your protector more, and maybe she wouldn’t be so wound tight.” April said to Hondo, which caused Harlow to blush more.
 
“I’ll keep that in mind, Bunny.” He replied, “Now, I probably should get dressed, unless you need me to hold you longer.”
 
She shook her head, “No, I’m alright for now, though if you can, I could really use your cock in my pussy, though I might cry again while you do me… There’s this knot in my chest I can’t get rid of, and it hurts… Maybe if you #$@!ed me good and hard it wouldn’t hurt so bad… I don’t have any panties on, so I could just bend over the tailgate and you could do me quick here, to see if it helps.”
 
“I have the same knot too, an’ screwin’ helps, but only so much… I’d do you here, an’ I know you don’t care ‘bout an audience, but I’m just too hung over an’ have things I need to do first.” He said.
 
She nodded, “I understand… How about a kiss, at least, and then maybe tonight, if you are feeling better, we can #$@! then, and help each other’s pain, even if its just for a little while.”
 
“Later is possible, but I’m not sure you want a kiss from me now, as I’m sure my breath could peel the varnish off a canoe paddle.” Hondo replied.
 
“I don’t care.” She said, slowly, as she wrapped her arms around her neck, before leaning in to kiss him.
 
He pulled her into him with one hand in the middle of her small shoulders, and with the other reached up under her skirt to grope her a bit, finding her very wet already. She moaned as they kissed and even pulled away from the kiss at one point to pant and moan over his shoulder and she held onto him tightly.
 
“OHhhh, mmmm! … You’re going to make me go crazy!” She moaned.
 
He grinned slightly, “That’s what I’m tryin’ for.”
 
“Ahem!” Harlow cleared her throat, “I know my Jarl and the little.. and April are grieving, and would do anything to take their minds off of it, but there are things to do, and plans to make.”
 
Hondo shot her a glare, “I’m pretty sure you said that already, an’ I’ll get to it, but April is wound tighter than Dick’s hatband, an’ she deserves some relief for helpin’ an’ puttin’ up with me.”
 
“My love, you are w.winding me up more, not giving me relief!” She moaned into his ear.
 
“I must insist, my Jarl.” Harlow said. “Foley has a report on the vehicles, and decisions need made.”
 
Hondo gave her a blank look before pulling his hand from under April’s skirt, and grabbing her sides to lift her off of him.
 
April frowned and spoke a bit glumly, “Now I really need that cock of yours in me.”
 
Hondo eased himself up, his member now mostly hard from her being on him, her scent, and more.
 
“Alright, three birds, one stone… Bend over the tailgate, Bunny.” He said.
 
“Really?!” She asked excitedly.
 
Harlow gave him a hard look, “Really?!”
 
He nodded, “Really, now bend over, as I need to make this quick, Bunny.”
 
She bent over the tailgate, and arched her back down and her ass up, before pulled her skirt up onto her back. He rubbed her again quickly, and then stroked himself a couple times, before pushing into her tight pussy.
 
“So Big! Gah!... Keep going, My love! I can, uhhhggmm! Take it!” She groaned as he pushed into her.  
 
Once in as deep as he could go, he let her breath a moment and then started thrusting, slowly at first.
 
“My Jarl, as impressive as it is to watch you couple with your harem, I must insist we take care of planning!” Harlow said emphatically.
 
“That sarcasm, Harlow?” He asked.
 
“Was what sarcasm? I am serious about needing to plan!” She replied.
 
“I’m talkin’ ‘bout the part where… Nghh! .. its impressive to watch.” He said, grunting a bit as he thrusted as his head throbbed and body was not into it.
 
“Oh, uhm, that was not sarcasm.” She replied in softer tone, seeming surprised that he asked, or that she even said that.
 
Hondo grinned a bit and looked up at her with one eye open, in still just his hat, bandanna, and glasses, “So, you like to watch?”
 
Harlow blushed and looked away, “It is not unnatural to watch. We Fenrir find no shame in coupling nor see a reason to hide it, but…”
 
“But what?” He asked as she paused, and seemed like she was not going to finish her thought.
 
She shook her head, “Nothing, My Jarl.”
 
“Oh, spit it out!” Hondo said  
 
“But , what? You miss being involved?” Foley asked, grinning, to which Harlow gave her a hard look, that caused her to shrink back a bit, as if afraid, “S.sorry.”
 
Harlow frowned, and looked angry, but the blush in her cheeks and the way she struggled to make eye contact, said more, “But, … *sigh* … but I do enjoy watching you couple more than I usual enjoy watching others… That is what I was thinking.”
 
Hondo chuckled and shook his head, “Heh! … You blush easy, you know.”
 
She looked away from him, “I’ve been a warrior for a long time now, and only watched or engaged if on leave and really drunk, my Jarl, so I am not used to it, and you have become a bit freer with the exposed coupling as of late.”
 
She made sure not to leave another open-ended sentence, though she left off that she had urges to be with him, and feel the way he made her feel the one time they had #$@!ed the month before. But the urges actually went more deeply than that, in all reality. Those and other feelings she tried to bury, as she was his guard thrall, and she was not worthy of his love, though she would not push away some master-thrall rough #$@!ing if he allowed.  
 
“So, this bothers you?” He asked, as he kept thrusting, grunting a bit here and there from the effort and his headache.  
 
She looked at him quickly, “Bother me? Of course not! But, we do have business, for our leader to handle.”
 
He nodded, “I know, three birds, one stone, like I said.”
 
“My Jarl?” She queried.
 
He closed both eyes and refrained from saying anything about her overuse of calling him, ‘my Jarl’, “Three birds, one stone. I’ll take care of three thin’s at one time, so while I’m workin Bunny over, to help her stress, Foley can give me an update.”
 
“Oh… and the third?” Harlow asked.
 
“I’m givin’ my system a bit of a.. gggnnhh… wake-up boost by screwin’ her, though I could use some .. nghh.. coffee still.” He replied.
 
“*pant* NGMmmoooo… Bella has..Ooooommmm.. *pant* Coffee on the.. gahhh! .. Fire! Oh, god, yes!!” April managed through her moaning.  
 
Harlow nodded, “I will get you some, while you and Foley talk then.”
 
Hondo nodded, “That works for me.”
 
She nodded and then left, to go where they had setup a make-shift kitchen.
 
As she walked away Hondo glanced over at Foley, “You alright? You don’t have to stand so far away.”
 
“Oh! It’s nothing like that, Master!” Foley said as she quickly walked up and sat on the tailgate beside where April half lay, “It’s that Harlow. The way she looks or growls at me at times… I think she’s going to eat me if I get too close!”
 
Hondo chuckled again, “Heh! Well, she’s more *grunt* bark than bite, if I’m vouchin’ for ya. If not, she’d *groan* just kill ya if she thought you were a threat, but eat you? …*groan* Well, she is a wolf wessen, so maybe we shouldn’t.. Nnngghhh!  rule that out.”
 
Foley swallowed hard, “Uhm, am I safe, then?”
 
He nodded, “Yeah. You’re with me *groan* now, so unless you become a *grunt* threat, you’re fine. … Gahhh… Now, your report!”
 
“Hmm? .. Oh! On the vehicles! Duh!” She said, slapping herself in the head for spacing out. “Yeah, so the jeep is mechanically sound, though you will need a new hitch adapter before pulling anything, as the one you have is twisted to shit!”
 
He nodded, “*grunt* Bus frame camper flipped an’ rip *groan* off it, so makes sense.”
 
“That would do it! It’s amazing that you did not flip with it, but I’ve talked to the others, and even for all the bad luck you are having, it seems some guardian angel watches out for you.” She replied.
 
 
“An’ some demons as well… *grunt* … Think the demons are winnin’.” He replied, flatly.
 
Foley shrugged, “I don’t know, but we will see… Anyway, you do need a couple windows, and some bullet holes patch, plus your air filter is split at the seams, and I had to patch some hoses. It will need replacement parts soon, but it should hold together until the next town.”
 
“Which is?” He asked.
 
 “It used to be called Douglas, before the happening, but it was abandoned for many years, until the spirits built a shipping port south of there, on the coast, about half a day’s journey from there.” She said.
 
“The coast… gghhnnn! … I’m still not used to it bein’ so close… *groan* Go on.” He said.
 
“Well, then some folks moved in, sort of fixed some of the old interstate, and setup road patrols there, and turned it into a trade route town, so they called it Trader’s Junction. It has a lot of junk there too, but has a little of everything, so it’s not considered a junk town. Now Old Casper Town, that is a junk town.” She said.
 
“Not goin’ there aaahhnn… though. Goin’ east, but need… grrrnn.. need to know what can make it an’ what nnnnngg … needs repaired or replaced.” He said.
 
“I have coffee for you, My Jarl, but it is really hot, still.” Harlow said as she approached with a large cup filled with dark brown, almost black, liquid.
 
“Sit it *groan* Down, an’ I’ll drink it when *grunt* I’m done.” He said.
 
Harlow nodded and set it down, “Have you gotten a full report on our vehicle situation?”
 
“Not yet.” He said.
 
Harlow looked as Foley with a hard look that cause her to grab Hondo’s hand, where it was on the tailgate, and shrink back, “N.not fully… I, uhm, told him about the jeeps, and then he asked about the next town so I told him about it!”
 
Harlow narrowed her eyes at Foley before, stepping back with a grunt, “Hmmm… Well, at least you were not completely idle in my absence. Continue, little mouse.”
 
Foley swallowed hard as she looked at Harlow for a minute, before looking back at Hondo, and the puddle of woman, formerly known as April he was plowing. Foley was pretty sure April did not know her own name at the moment, as she moan, drooled, and her eyes almost rolled back into her head.  
 
“Uhm, so, yeah, vehicles… Well, lets see…. Oh, that slaver rig we grabbed when you saved us is pretty rough. I tuned it up as best I could, and Inneal patched up the frame, and some other items. It will make it, but I’d trade it off. The same with that van of yours. It runs fine, amazingly, but the body is literally shot to hell, as is the interior, and all the windows need replaced.” Foley continued.
 
“I plan to get *grunt* rid of it, an’ rather not talk ‘bout it.” Hondo said coldly.
 
Foley furrowed her brow, and started to ask why, but Harlow shook her head, pointed at her own chest, where her heart would be, then pointed at Hondo. It took Foley a second but her eyes got wide as realization hit her.
 
“… Oh!, uhm, yes, of course. So, the box trailer, you need a new one as it will not make it. The axel is bent and the bearings are almost gone from that… Uhm, the rest of the vehicles need minor parts, only, or can be patched with some fiberglass kits or bondo.” She said.
 
“Did you tell him about the little.. April and the other’s camper?” Harlow asked.
 
Foley shook her head, “Oh, uhm, not yet. Uhm, but yeah, so Karl and Axel’s camper has a couple holes, but I patched them for now with aluminum tape, and I put some plastic over a blown-out window. Mae and Stitches camper is pretty good, though I did have to pack and tighten wheel bearings, and patch a few holes. They had some cushions and blankets torn up a bit, but Stitches said she could fix them. April’s camper is worthless, though. Too much damage. Everything in cupboards survived, but everything not was burned up from an incendiary round, looks like. The frame is shot as well, and the body is barely holding on. The only thing on it good, is the axel and tires.”
 
“Can you… *grunt* use that axel on the *groan* cover trailer?” He asked.
 
“Gahhh! Gahhh! Oh! B.break me! Please! Break me and take it all away! *Sob* gahhmmnn!” April moaned, and cried at the same time, as she took her pounding, enjoying it, but using it to let out a lot of emotions too.
 
Foley looked at her, then at him, “Uhm, yeah, I guess, but it’s not rated as high as the trailer axel… Is she alright?”
 
Hondo nodded, “She’s fine… It doesn’t take her a lot to ooohnn! Just lose her mind when we screw, an’ Ghhhaann!  She warned me she might cry.”
 
“Oh, okay… Uhm, yeah, if you want to ditch the camper, we can move it out of the way, and take the axel for the covered trailer, otherwise, we have everything else patched and ready to roll. We should switch the covered trailer to my and Inneal’s truck, though, unless we steal the hitch from something else for the jeep.” She added.
 
Hondo nodded, “Ghunngnn! .. Whatever you think *grunt* … Just get us ready to roll Humnnn! .. by mornin’, at the latest!”  
 
Foley nodded, but looked down at April as she babbled incoherently at the moment, as her orgasm built to a peak.
 
“… Uhm, yeah we should have that done before supper…” She said slowly as she stared at April before looking back at Hondo, “… She’s making me want a turn.”
 
Hondo chuckled and shook his head, “Heh! You’ll have to Mhmmm… wait! But maybe this evenin’, we’ll see… *pant, groan* … Depends on what happens… *Grunt* … Doubt Esther or Joanna will be up to anythin’ today, but they are gonna be.. Mmmmhhnnn! .. emotional for a while, I’m sure.”
 
“Or Zoey, though KC would like to couple, and she could time with you.” Harlow added, to which Hondo frowned a bit.
 
“Yeah, well, that’s my business to figure out.” He said, curtly.  
 
“Of course, my Jarl. My apologies.” Harlow said flatly, as she took a step back.
 
She wanted to help but she did not understand him at times, and why certain things were sore spots to him.
 
Foley felt the tension there, so she stood up, “Well, maybe I should get things jockeyed around and.. get to work.”
 
Hondo nodded, “Sounds good.”
 
Foley started to walk away but Hondo grabbed her shoulder and pulled her in close, and kissed her, while still thrusting at April, and using his other hand to grab April’s waist and keep her up, as her legs were trembling too much.
 
He kissed Foley deeply, and she returned it, sneaking in some tongue as she kissed him back. When they pulled apart, Foley blushed a bit, but smiled hungrily at him.
 
“You do know how to stir a girl up.” She said a bit breathily. “Was that just to tease me?”
 
He smiled softly and shook his head, “No. Just to let you know you’re appreciated.”
 
Her blush deepened, “I’ve not really been appreciated before, and it’s nice but… You saved our lives, master, and more… I’ve seen what bandits due to wessen girls like us, and getting killed outright would have been a kindness over what we would have faced… Thank you, Master, and if you need anything, let Inneal or I know, please.”
 
He nodded, “I will.”
 
“Oh god!! Ohhh, #$@!!!!! *incoherent words and moaning*!!!!!” April let loose as her orgasm peaked, and her body tensed, causing her to even squirt on the ground a bit.
 
Foley grinned, “After Inneal and I get a chance at a threesome with you, I want to tag in with you and her! We could drive her absolutely mad together, then after she can’t move or remember her name for the next twenty-four hours, then you can work me over, and see how much of myself you can make me forget!”
 
“That sounds like a plan!” He replied through grit teeth as he was getting close. “Sounds good to you, Bunny?”
 
“AHaweeemah, mah uhve! Noo cak mwee Crfyy! Wah ha! *sob* Roof Gob!! Gahhb! Ohoo! *pant* *sob*” April incoherently babbled.
 
“I’d better leave you to it, and get to work. I’ll move the trailers on the other side of the shovel, and be there if you need me.” Foley said, before walking off with a wave.
 
Hondo turned his full attention back to April, leaning forward and bracing off the jeep with his other hand so he could pick up the pace.
 
After a minute of silence, Harlow spoke up again, “My Jarl?”
 
“Just give me a minute! I’m almost done!” Hondo hissed through his teeth at her.
 
Harlow frowned and turned her back to them, as she scanned the area, while letting them finish.
 
April was well on her way to a third orgasm, when the urge to climax came for Hondo, and after a couple last deep thrusts, that caused April to yelp at their voracity, he grabbed her waist with both hands and held himself as deep in her as he could as his pulsating cock and throbbing balls pumped seed into her womb.  
 
As the pulsating stopped, he let go of her with one hand and leaned against the jeep again, panting a bit. The last few days of steady drinking had not done him any favors, and he felt lightheaded from the exertion.  The world swirled a bit, so he let go of April entirely, and as he pulled out of her, to sit on the tailgate, she slid to her knees, with her legs spread, and leaned her forehead against the edge of the tailgate, as she let a mix of her and his fluids slowly drip from her womanhood and fall to the dirt. She panted and trembled as she leaned there, and said nothing for a good couple minutes.
 
“You alright, Bunny?” Hondo asked softly after a couple minute.  
 
She nodded, “Y.yes, m.my Love.”
 
“You need a hand up?” He asked.
 
She shook her head, “N.no. I.. I n.n.need a m.minute… I’ll c.clean you up. Just.. just g.give me a m.m.minute.”
 
April knelt there for another two minutes, and shook her head, “I.. I r.really n.n.needed this… I w.wish we had t.t.time for m.more, but I n.needed this… I w.will clean you in a m.moment, I promise.”
 
Harlow turned and frowned at her, “We do not have time for you to pull yourself together!”
 
“S.sorry, H.harlow… Just.. I can’t y.yet… T.too sensitive to m.m.move.” April replied shakily.
 
“Fine! I will take care of my Jarl, myself!” She said, as she got on her knees in from of Hondo.
 
“Harlow, what are… Ohhhhmm..” He started to ask, but moaned as she nearly engulfed his still slightly sensitive member in her mouth and sucked it clean.
 
He looked down at her as she sucked and then licked around his balls, the base of his shaft, and anything else missed when sucking on him, with her wide, soft tongue. She glanced up once and looked down again quickly, blushing as she did. She had never done this before, but he had never put her in such a place before, so he was not sure if this was new, or something she would have done all along to take care of him.
 
Harlow tried not to look at him, but she looked up just for a moment to see if she had angered him, but he was grinning at her instead. It was not a full grin of happiness, but that partial grin he gave when something amused him. Her embarrassment peaked, and she looked down quickly, as she asked herself why she had done this. True, she had building feelings for him, but she was his guard thrall, and tried to burry those feelings. She told herself she did this to serve him, and help him get going. It was just a service that she, as a female guard thrall should do for her Jarl, and nothing more, yet she knew it was a lie. She had made it out like she was frustrated with both him and April, but she had surprised herself, not fully comprehending what she was doing until his long, thick cock was deep in her throat and she tried not to gag on it.  
 
She finished up as quickly as she could and stood back up, not making eye contact with him, but looking around at anything else but him.
 
“There! The little whore’s job is done. Now, you can get dressed and we can get on with planning.” She said quickly.
 
“You did not have to do that.” Hondo said, as he seemed to study her, curiously.
 
“It is my job to serve you, my Jarl, and the little whore could not as she was overstimulated! That is all.” She said.
 
“Th.thank you, H.harlow.” April said weakly. “I’m not even g.good as a whore, I g.g.guess.”
 
Harlow frowned, “I meant nothing by…”
 
“It’s okay.” April said, interrupting her softly. “I kn.know what I am… I’m a whore, but only f.for my m.m.master now.”
 
“I did not mean…” She started to say, but stopped as April shook her head.
 
“No, Harlow… You meant it, as its wh.what I am… I know you don’t like me, and I’m s.sorry for that… I still like you, even if I’m n.nothing more than your Jarls, Wh.whore.” April answered softly.
 
Hondo frowned at Harlow, before standing up, and leaning down, with one hand on the tailgate to support himself, and the other grabbing April by the arm.
 
“It’s alright, Bunny. You’re not a whore to me. You’re more than that. Now, let’s get you up.” He said softly.
 
April nodded, but said nothing as she tried not to cry.
 
It was not Harlow’s words that hurt her, so much, though they did make her feel bad. When they had first been rescued, April had wanted a relationship with her savior, and master, Hondo, so bad, but her mind told her that he was deserving of more than some little whore like him. Bella was not plagued with such worries, though she had her own insecurities. Both her and Luna, Luna because Bella drug her along and did not let her own fears get in the way, tried to get Hondo to #$@! them early on, but it did not work initially. Though they tried, as did the McDonald girls, but in a subtler way, it was not until after Valentine had been killed that April even let herself get near to him. She had been in bed with him, after he was injured, and Ruth caught her looking and asked why she had not tried. April ended up spilling to her why she had not, and Ruth chastised her, in a kind way, for talking bad about herself for all she had been forced to do. Ruth was the first one to make her not feel like a whore because of her desires. She told them that the slavers messed with all of their heads to make them more compliant and hornier than they had been before, and there was no shame in it if they gave themselves to one man. After what April had been subjected to, in fight town, Ruth told her it was even more understandable, and she needed to start being understanding of herself and her own needs. April’s first time with Hondo had been after Ruth pulled her into one of her lovemaking sessions with Hondo, and turned it into a threesome.  
 
Hondo helped her up onto the tailgate, before turning to give Harlow a hard look, “Since you’re so eager to run your mouth, how ‘bout cleanin’ her up?!”
 
Harlow blushed, “If.. If my Jarl so wishes.”
 
April quickly shook her head, “No…No, I’ll clean myself up… I’ve done it many times before, but I just.. I n.need a few minutes.”
 
“You sure you’ll be alright, Bunny?” He asked.
 
April nodded and forced a soft smile, “I’ll be fine, m.my love… Sorry I can’t h.h.help you d.dress.”
 
“It’s fine, Bunny. I’ll manage.” He said softly.
 
Harlow stepped up, “I can help, my Jarl, with that.”
 
He turned and looked at her with grit teeth, “I SAID I’ll Manage!”
 
Harlow stepped back and managed a hard look again, though she was unhappy with herself that she had made him angry.
 
He turned back to April and gave her a soft kiss, before stroking her hair.
 
“You take your time, Bunny. I’ve got things I need to do now, though.” He said softly to her before stepping back and starting to dress.
 
“Th.th.anks, my love… Uhm..  Do.. do you n.need me to do anything?” She asked.
 
“How are we lookin’ for food?” He asked
 
She shook her head, “N.not good. We st.started a stew for s.s.supper, but it’s the last of the canned goods. There is s.s.some dehydrated stuff, but no meals. Some vegetables, some dried chicken, and Mashed potatoes… A l.little powdered butter, milk, and.. and ch.cheese as well, but not s.sure how to use it as Ruth, she…”
 
April looked frowned as she realized what she was saying, and paused not to tear up.  
 
Hondo looked down and frowned as well as he pulled on his shirt, “Yeah, she did a lot for us… more.. more than I ever got to thank her for… *sigh* … Well, Joanna knows how to use that stuff too, an’ there should be a couple days’ worth there. Unfortunately, most of the fresh an’ canned goods were in that damn camper… Speakin’ of campers, where are you three sleepin’?”
 
April shrugged, “Uhm… Well, Bella and Luna c.crammed in with Mae, June, and.. and Stitches… Maggie and I have been just sleeping on the ground, together, to stay warm.”
 
His frown deepened, “I’m sorry Bunny. I should have taken care of you all before gettin’ drunk like that.”
 
“Please, my love, d.don’t be hard on yourself… No one blames you… If we all could have joined you, we would have stayed drunk with you for a week… I know I’d like to be.” She said very softly.
 
“Hmm.” He grunted before quickly changing the conversation. “Well, you can add some of the milk, butter, and cheese powder to the stew for flavor, if needed, though use only a tablespoon at a time. The potatoes can’ be used to thicken an’ stretch the stew out… What about Foley, Inneal, Yoona, Karl, an’ Axel, an’ a herbivore friendly meal for them?”
 
April wiped her eyes on her sleeves, “Uhh, well, Like stitches, Foley and Inneal said that meat doesn’t bother them, as long as it’s no more than half their meal, but, uhm, I saw… I saw J.joanna cook and season beef in a skillet once, and add it to those who c.c.could eat, so we are doing that on the side with the last of the b.burger that was in the twelve-volt freezer-coolers in the covered trailer.”
 
With Hondo’s help, back in Tech town, after defeating Lord Lucifer and his gang, April installed a small solar system with batteries to run a portable washer and four twelve-volt freezer/coolers, that they had found at one of the stores. April had wanted to learn more about electrical to help the group, so Hondo helped her design the system, and install it. She had been reading the few books that he had with him, or had picked up later, to help with their education, and the electronics ones engaged her the most. Though the solar panels had taken a couple rounds, during the attack, they were still charging at about half rate.  
 
He nodded, “That will work. What about breakfast?”
 
April frowned, “Unless we make another stew, we have oatmeal with Blueberries, that is dehydrated, we can make up for a few people, but it’s not enough for all of us, so some will have to just have bread and peanut butter.”
 
“Damn… I’d shoot an antelope, but sounds like Axel might have seen a dust cloud not far off, plus that other mine where those bandits are camped out isn’t too far… Can shoot down in these old pits, as they absorb the sound, but gettin’ antelope in one is the hard part… Well, make do an’ we’ll try to get out of here in the mornin’ an’ get supplies in Trader’s Junction. If we have to wait, we’ll see ‘bout drivin’ some antelope into one of the old pits.” He said, as he pulled up his pants, tucked his shirt in, and buckled his belt.
 
April nodded, “Anything else I sh.should do, my love?”
 
Hondo almost shook his head, but he paused and looked into the jeep at the three passed out inside.
 
“Yeah, uhm, keep an’ eye on them. No more drinkin’, as I need them sober. They can have some coffee with a shot of whiskey in them, but no more than two cups of that, an’ space it out. If there is enough bread, might toast some for them once they are up too, an’ see if they can hold it down. I figure they will not be of much use today, but need them ready for tomorrow. Zoey may sober-up faster than them, since she was up already once, but if I’m gone, try to keep her here.” He said.
 
April shook her head, “Zoey is sweet, but she doesn’t really listen to me. She only listens to you, Fernando, and… Uhm, Well, she listens to Harlow a little.”
 
April caught herself before saying Ruth. She frowned as she glanced at the young, blue haired feline wessen teenager, and knew she had to be hurting. Zoey never was too rebellious, but she had a lot of hurt, and this would only make it worse. She had confided in Hondo a lot, but a few things she only told Ruth, and feared to tell Hondo, though Ruth told April, as they had been closer than friends or sisters even. They were both straight women, but they teamed up as a pair of wives to care for Hondo, and that made them grow close in ways neither thought possible with another woman. There was no term to define what they were, and now with her gone there was no figuring that out either. Whether it was their care for and desire to serve Hondo that brought them together, or all they had gone through before he rescued them, they were not sure, but something clicked and they became close almost overnight.
 
Zoey had some of the same issues, becoming friends with Susanna, and her heat, mixed with her past and their proximity and boredom, over the winter had made things happen. Susanna had pushed back at first, and Zoey had not understood why. Susanna got over it, after Zoey explained her past, and what she had been training for in the rings was not the conventional fights one saw in fight town, but were ones reserved for special events at most places, whether for festivities or from traveling groups, as very few towns, outside Chinatown by the inland sea, held these exhibition fights continually, though they often brought in more money. The fighters were just more unique and often did not have long careers, and there were still groups who boycotted them, so many towns did not have them outside special days, which included the former Fight Town. Whether out of sympathy, or Zoey touched something inside of her that made her long for someone who understood a little, Susanna warmed up to her. Now Zoey too was without a friend, and worse a mother figure to boot, having lost both Susanna and Ruth.
 
“Well, try your best, Bunny. I’ll take a radio and give you one in case you need me, but stay off it unless I’m needed urgently… I think they’ve tracked us by our radio usage same, which is why I confiscated them all.” Hondo replied as he pulled on his boots.
 
 
April frowned, “I’ve r.read about that in some of the b.b.books you bought… *sigh* … are we going to make it out of here alive or find peace anywh.where?”  
 
Hondo wanted to tell her the truth, the truth that he did not know, and even had doubts about it all, but he held that inside.
 
“Sure, Bunny.” He lied. “We just got to get back on our feet here and head east. Jefe is probably already on the other side of the inland sea, so we just have to meet up with him, look into a couple things, then talk ‘bout what’s next.”
 
“What is next, my love?” April asked quietly.
 
He shrugged, “I don’t know exactly, but soon here we’ll be lookin’ for a nice safe place to settle down. Maybe build our own little town somewhere.”
 
“And.. and w.we can maybe build a h.h.house to live in too?” She asked, hopefully.
 
He nodded, “Of course! A nice big, warm house that will fit all of us, an’ another for Jefe. Maybe a third for the others like Karl an’ Axel if they want to stay close an’ help build somethin’.”
 
“Th.that sounds nice.” April said, smiling softly to herself as she thought about it.
 
“You doin’ better now?” He asked.
 
April nodded, “Yeah. I’m still a bit sensitive, but I should be able to wash up here in a minute and get back to work.”
 
He pulled on his vest and buckled his gun belt, before leaning down and kissing her on the forehead.
 
“Thanks, Bunny. I’ll leave a radio on the front seat for you. Keep it on you in case I need to call you.” He replied.
 
She nodded and smiled at him, in reply. He grabbed his coffee and looked up at the sky, wincing even in his dark glasses. He frowned and looked back down before take a drink of the coffee his frown deepened into a look of disgust.
 
“Damn… Cold already… I miss my insulated cup.” He muttered as he looked into the cup of dark, cold liquid.
 
Harlow gave him a blank look and shook her head before speaking, “If my Jarl wants hot coffee, I can get him some.”
 
Hondo turned and raised an eyebrow at her, “Why don’t you say what you want to? If I had drank it when you gave it to me, instead of #$@!in’, it would still be warm.”
 
“It is not my place to say such things.” She said, trying to look all stoic.
 
“Heh!” He snorted, “That’s not stopped you before!”
 
Harlow frowned, “Forgive me, my Jarl, I do not know my place at times and I… I say things I should not.”
 
“That sounds like bull-shit to me.” He half growled before downing the rest of the cold coffee and grimacing again.
 
Harlow stayed quiet, as he was right. She hated lying, and though she did not really lie, she omitted the truth. Truth was she really did care about him, wanted to follow him, and cared about the group because he did. She hated seeing him like this, as she had seen his strength, honor, and leadership before. Seeing him like this hurt her and she knew he was hurting which hurt her more. She wanted to tell him it was alright and that she was there for him, but it was a struggle for her to know how to act, so instead she lashed out with sharp words at times.
 
Hondo walked to the jeep’s front passenger door, and opened it. He then set his coffee cup on the dash, grabbed two radios out of the glovebox, and checked their power levels and channels. Finding them both fine, he pocketed one and set the other on the seat, before grabbing a carbine he had on a ceiling mounted rack, and grabbing a bandoleer of ammo for it from the floor, where one of the girls must have pushed it to.  
 
With rifle in hand, Hondo turned and glanced at Harlow, “Alright, where next boss?”
 
Harlow looked down, “My Jarl, if you feel I need punished for not knowing my place, then please bind my hands to something and flog me with the camp watching, but please do not inflict you anger on me in sarcastic words and hidden meanings.”
 
He gave her a hard look, “You are one to talk! … Now, where is Karl an’ Axel?!”
 
She closed her eyes and turned her face further away from him, “While you were coupling with.. April, I saw him head back up the hill above us to where Axel is watching.”
 
He stared at her a moment longer, before turning, with a grunt, and starting up the hill.
 
“Hmmph… At least that’s a straight answer.” He half mumbled.
 
Harlow sighed but followed, though she was feeling a bit confused and wanted to go sit somewhere alone for a while, but her job was to protect him.
 
After a moment of walking slowly towards the path that lead up the hill Hondo spoke again.
 
“What’s gotten into you, lately?” He asked her.
 
“My Jarl?” She asked, not sure exactly what aspect of how she had been acting that he meant. ”Have I not followed your orders correctly?”
 
“No, you haven’t!” He said firmly, “One moment you’re nice, an’ then you act like a complete bitch! I asked you to tone down the ‘my jarl’ stuff, to not call April, Bella, or Luna little whores, or to push me ‘bout Zoey an’ KC. Sure, if I tell you to go do somethin’ you do it, but you’ve been condescendin’ lately, an’ are questionin’ what I do! I know I’ve been a terrible leader the last couple days, but I lost people again, one’s I tried to not let myself fall for, so not to repeat the pain of losin’ Val again, an’ instead I took for granted, an’ all they wanted to do was help me an’ feel good with me!”
 
“Their deaths are not your fault, my Jarl.” Harlow answered quietly.
 
“I’m the leader at the moment, so they are! An’ I am responsible! An’ again with the jarl shit!” He growled.
 
Harlow stopped and closed her eyes, “Please do not ask that of me to stop calling you my Jarl… please.”
 
He stopped and turned to see she had stopped, and was looking down with her eye’s closed, fists clenched, and was trembling.
 
He raised his eyebrow, “What has gotten into you, I need to know now!”
 
She opened her eyes and looked up at him, “I know you are suffering, as are others, but you fail to see we all are! I know you asked me to be firm and kind, but I do not know how to be both! You are my Jarl, my leader, and I try to show you respect… I want to respect you, but you show yourself no respect! You push away respect when I try to give it, you ask me to advise you, when I am just a lowly guard thrall, you.. you put me in these positions that I cannot live up to, as I am just..! I am just a..!!”
 
She paused not knowing what to say.
 
“Just a woman?” He said more than asked.
 
She stared at him for a moment before shaking her head, “No, I.. I cannot be a woman and be what you need me to be. I.. I cannot be strong enough if I am but a woman.”
 
He fully turned and walked up to her, “Harlow, if you are denyin’ the truth of what you are, then you can never be strong as your full potential, because you are fractured… I don’t know what you are feelin’, as you won’t let me in, fully.”
 
“You are too far above me, to be burdened with my feeling and insecurities.” She said quietly.
 
“Other than that bein’ bull-shit, you already pretty well did, by tellin’ me your life’s story, unless it was a lie.” He replied.
 
She clenched her jaw, more out of guilt for not telling him the whole truth than from being offended, “It is a disgrace for a Fenrir to lie, especially to their superiors! That was why it was a struggle to even get them to agree to letting me take Annika’s place!! … It was the truth, but I did not tell you so that you would pity me!”
 
“Then why did you?” He asked firmly, still giving her a hard look, though she did her best to not meet his gaze.
 
“Because I ..! I.. I wanted to help you and I did not know how else to do so.” She said, her muscle relaxing, and her look of anger fading to one that looked vaguely sad. “I am conflicted, my Jarl, as you are the only one holding this camp together and at the risk of sounding weak, you are the only one holding.. me together as well.” She said quietly and with little intonation.  
 
“I find it hard to believe a warrior like you needs me to hold you together.” He replied.
 
“Please do not say things like that, my Jarl, please… We all do need you, and we need you strong and decisive! ... I cannot explain what I feel or why I am being the female dog towards you today, but you talking about yourself as if you are inferior fills me with dreads and I do not know how to process it!” She replied in frustration, still trying to deny what her inner voice said.
 
 
Hondo frowned, “I’m sorry I am makin’ you anxious… Maybe it’s the wolf in you or the woman, maybe both, an’ I’ve not been too thoughtful of that. You’ve been a hard ass, but also a rock that I trusted to stay strong, even when I’m fallin’ apart an’ that wasn’t fair to you… I don’t want you to just be a slave, or thrall, to me. I definitely don’t need a naggin’ bitch either.. I admit I #$@!ed April this mornin’ partly ‘cause you pissed me off by pushin’ me! It did wake me up some, but I feel too hungover an’ really didn’t enjoy it.”
 
“You.. you really coupled with her to make me angry?!” She asked in surprise.
 
He nodded, “In part, but not just to make you angry, but because, as you say, I am the leader. As so, I decide what I do an’ when. I asked for your advice, hard truths, an’ some understandin’, an’ instead I got bitchin’ an’ naggin’… April did need it, that was obvious from how she reacted, but I’d have held off if you hadn’t pushed me. Maybe that’s petty of me, but I’m not exactly myself at the moment, an’ I don’t know if I’ll be what I was before again… I just don’t know.”
 
“I am sorry, my Jarl.” Harlow said with a frown, “I am supposed to keep you safe and make life easier for you. It was my decree, and I seem to have failed that as of late.”
 
“Don’t worry ‘bout it. Just be there for me instead of against me. We have too many against us, as is.” He replied.
 
Harlow shook her head, “No, I must worry about this! As a warrior of my training, I was trained to fight, to harden my body, hone my skills, and kill the enemy. When I was ordered to protect you, I only thought about your body. The longer I am with you, the more I realize that my orders were more than that. My trouble is, I was not ready or trained on how to protect someone’s mind and heart. My.. my sister would have done a much better job at that with you than I can, but I know I did right by my oath to her, at least, even if.. she is not here to enjoy my sacrifices.”
 
“Yeah, must be degradin’ to your kind to be made thrall to a lowly human bastard, eh?” He said turning back to the path, and starting to walk again.
 
“I thought that once, but I was wrong.” She said softly.
 
She was not sure if he heard her or not as he kept walking and did not acknowledge her, but after a moment she trotted after him and followed him silently.
 
The trail up the hill was narrow, winding and steep. The hill itself was maybe only 150 to 175 feet high, but the trail was the best way to get up, as the mining that made the hill, made the sides too steep to climb straight up, so they wound back and forth up the side following the trail that the antelope and deer had made to get the grass at the top.  
 
About three-quarters of the way to the top, they saw Karl coming down. He was hunched down initially, trying to keep a low enough profile that he did not silhouette the horizon and make himself easily seen, but as he descended he straightened up, and came to meet them. He had a very unhappy look as he approached them, and his fist were clenched angrily.
 
“Come to #$@! my girlfriend again?!” He hissed as he approached.  
 
“Do not speak to the Jarl in that tone, goat-man!” Harlow growled.
 
“So, I’m just supposed to accept it, dog-woman?!” Karl snapped back.
 
“I am a Fenrir! Not some wessen cur!” Harlow barked back
 
“Enough! Both of you!” Hondo snarled. “We have enough shit without you two growlin’ circles ‘round each other!”
 
“This slave does not show the propper respect to anyone!” Harlow said, as she stared down Karl.
 
Karl glared back, “You aren’t my master, puppy dog!”
 
Harlow growled but was cut off from saying anything.
 
“Enough!!” Hondo exclaimed, to which he cringed at his own volume and rubbed his forehead. “Damn… That hurt… Listen, I know you two don’t see eye to eye, but I need you to get along! I rely on you both, an’ need you to work together!”
 
Harlow frowned, “Sorry, my Jarl. We have tried, but he has been even more insufferable since we’ve been here.”
 
“That’s because he #$@!ed my girlfriend!” Karl replied angrily.
 
“Again, enough!” Hondo said firmly, before turning his attention fully to Karl, “Listen, if I did, I am sorry, but I have no memory of it… Did Yoona say we did?”
 
Karl threw up his hands in frustration, “I don’t know, as she won’t talk to me! She’s even been sleeping in the Scout since yesterday and won’t talk to me! She’ll talk to Axel or Maggie, but just enough to say she’s not talking to me, so what else am I to think!”
 
“Settle down, now! Listen, I am sorry. I know I’ve not handled ..some thin’s well the last few days, an’ I failed you all.” Hondo replied.
 
Karl frowned at him and shook his head, “I don’t blame you for getting trashed after all that. I mean, damn… Ruth was a good woman and Susanna was sweet and spunky, but why my girl??”
 
“He is her master, is he not?” Harlow threw in, before she saw Hondo look down sadly, and realized it was at Karl saying their names. “And do not say their names, in front of the Jarl! Can you not see he is hurting enough?!”
 
Harlow was about to say more but Hondo held up his hand, “Harlow, enough… That.. that’s not on him, as it’s my burden to bear, an’ I don’t want anyone tiptoin’ ‘round me.”
 
Karl sighed and shook his head again, “*sigh* … No, She’s right and I’m sorry, Master… You do own Yoona, as Master Fernando owns me.”
 
“Karl, that’s not the way I see it, though.” Hondo said.
 
“But it’s the way it is.” Karl replied. “I know you both talked of freedom, and the sleigh ride we’ve been on has been one murderous asshole after another, and sometimes I take my frustration out in the wrong places over the stress from that, but if it wasn’t for you and Master Fernando, who the hell knows where we’d be… Now, I care about Yoona a lot, but.. *sigh* … damn, man… She’s.. yours first, so you two do what you want and.. and just let me know where I stand.”
 
“Listen, I saved Yoona because she needed saved an’ we needed intel. Yeah, we #$@!ed some right after, but she had this ‘I owe my master’ complex an’ I just didn’t say no. I figured I paid for her so if she wanted to, why not?” Hondo replied. “But I didn’t save her to use her, an’ I don’t share women. She an’ you got close, an’ you both were respectful an’ talked to me ‘bout you getting’ together, so you did right by me there. But, I’d not take her from you ‘cause unless I thought you used her wrong, which some rumors have me wonderin’ but until she complains I’ve not put much stock in them.”
 
“What rumors?” Karl asked a bit warily.
 
“You’re pissed off enough, as is, so let it alone.” Hondo said.
 
Karl shook his head, “No, if there is gossip going around about Yoona and me, I want to know what it is!”
 
“It is of you sharing your female with your roommate for coupling purposes.” Harlow said before Hondo could reply.
 
“Say what?!” Karl responded.
 
Hondo closed his eyes and sighed again as he shook his head lightly” *sigh* … damn… The rumor is you are sharing Yoona with Axel, an’ lettin’ him #$@! her.”
 
Karl turned a bit red, but from embarrassment it seemed like, “It’s not like that, Master Hondo, really it ain’t.”
 
“Well, then what is it like, Karl?” He asked, narrowing his gaze at him, as he had expected anger, but instead got what looked like fear of being found out.
 
 
“Listen, uhm, It was a long winter and..” Karl started to say but Hondo interrupted him.
 
“Stop!.. Damn.. You listen, I don’t want to hear anythin’ like that, as I don’t want to know! If we are to have any respect for each other an’ work together, I really don’t want to know.” Hondo said firmly.
 
Karl raised an eyebrow and scrunched his nose as he looked at him in utter confusion, “Don’t want to know?? I am lost!”
 
“About you and the Ox-man coupling.” Harlow said matter of fact like.
 
Hondo closed his eyes tightly and put a hand to his head as he growled in frustration, “Harlow!”
 
Halow looked down, “Sorry, my Jarl.”
 
“Me and axel coupling??” Karl asked, not understanding at first and then it hit him and his eyes got wide, “You me #$@!ing?! Oh, Hell No! No, no! Master Hondo, you got to believe me, we didn’t do anything like that!”
 
“I really don’t want to know.” Hondo said again.
 
Karl grunted in frustration, “Rrrrrrnn! We didn’t do anything like that! I swear! What I was going to say is we had a lot of time to talk and become more like brothers! I had not met him before we were brought out to be sold, and during the chaos after, we talked some but were always on edge and often guarding on different shifts, so we got to know each other well. Now, as a slave, before Master Fernando bought us, we took whatever female we could get, and we both admitted to #$@!ing a few we aren’t exactly proud of, but it was take what we were offered, abstain, or get the ol’ chop-chop to the bowery boy!”
 
Hondo looked back at him with a raised eyebrow, “That’s a name I’ve not heard in a long time, an’ never in that context.”
 
“I don’t know, that’s what our old Master’s father and the wessen vet who did that stuff referred to them as… Had that sick bastard come out and geld a ram wessen, named Jimmy, I worked with. He got worked up over one of the masters young sheep wessen in heat, of whom he agreed to let a buddy of his take her virginity and breed her, in exchange for an old debt being written off. Jimmy was a big, dumb bastard and like his balls do his thinking, and she was cute and in a bad heat, and wanted it bad! … The Master caught them at it, and had him tied to a post. That sick #$@! called that sick bastard of a vet and they made us all watched as they took his boys without any pain killers! And the bastard did it slow so it hurt more… Never heard a guy scream so loud in my life… *sigh* … Jimmy just wasn’t the same after, either. HE didn’t care if he got whipped even. Told me he just wanted to die, and I don’t blame him… They sold him not too long after and I don’t know what happened to him then.. Probably dead.”
 
“#$@!ing inhuman scum!” Harlow growled in a low tone.
 
“You think that’s bad?” Karl asked. “Had a Horse wessen screw one of the human girl slaves from the house once. A bunch of the other wessen were in heat, and he lost his mind between their scent, and seeing this cute girl bathing in the creek. He grabbed her and #$@! the shit out of her, I’m told. Might as well have been rape, but she just let it happen and then told the master. They called us all together under a tree in the yard, and they trotted him out, bare assed, with his hands behind his back. They tied the rope around his neck to a tree branch, just tight enough that he could breathe is he stood on his toes. They then brought out the girl he #$@!ed, made her strip and rub and suck on him until he was hard. Then the bastards cut off his cock and let him bleed out. They made us watch him bleed out, and get too weak to stand, so he strangled to death.”
 
Harlow shrugged, “That is barbaric, but he did force a female who was not strong enough to fight back.”
 
“That’s not the worse part. Once he was dead they made the girl dig his grave, drag his body to is, and roll it in. After they shot her and rolled her in with him, as they said she was ruined by wessen filth! *Pahtoo*” Karl spit angrily.
 
Hondo frowned, “That’s why I say that humans are the true savages.”
 
Karl’s anger softened at Hondo’s remark, “Eh, plenty of us wessen are pretty savage too, besides, you and Mater Fernando have been good to us, way better than any human has been to us… And no, Axel and I are just good friends. No queer stuff going on there. And as far as Yoona goes.. well, I kinda let her suck him off a couple times while I was banging her, but he’s never #$@!er her!”
 
Hondo just shook his head.
 
“What?!” Karl asked. “I can’t ask him to wait outside every time I #$@! her, and it’s not like we can #$@! outside at some of the places we’ve been. Besides, he’s got needs too! I figured if she didn’t mind sucking him off or giving him a handie every once in a while to keep him from getting blue bowery boys and getting’ his brains blown out for doing something stupid, then its worth it!”
 
“Just doesn’t seem right to me, but I’ve heard of worse. That’s between you all, though… *sigh* … I’ll try to talk to her an’ see what happened an’ we can go from there.” Hondo replied
 
Karl gave a frustrated sigh then nodded, “I guess that’s the best I can ask for, and I know you didn’t mean to as you were a bit too drunk to even know your own name, but I’m still pissed about it.”
 
“I understand.” Hondo said with a nod. “I’ll try to make it up to you, somehow, but can I still trust you?”
 
Karl gave him a long hard look before looking down and nodded, “Yeah… *sigh* … Not saying I’d not like to put some birdshot in your ass or poke you in the nose, but I’m not in a hurry to die either… Just want to hurt you a little bit for putting me through that, but I guess you have enough hurt right now, and.. we do need you.”
 
“I can understand the feelin’, trust me, an’ if you want to fight, I’m fine with that. I’ll even give you fist punch.” Hondo replied, trying to hid a slight grin.
 
“Oh, No no! Uuh uhh! Ain’t gonna happen! I’ve seen you fight, remember? I mean… You want to kill me or something??” Karl replied quickly, taking a couple steps back as he talked.  
 
Hondo chuckled, “Heh! No, nothin’ like that. Just thought I’d offer it.”
 
“Well, if you offer to let me full on hit you like five or six times with you doing nothing, then I’ll think about it!” Karl replied.
 
Harlow stepped up between them and growled, “Grrr, if the Jarl offered such a thing, It would be my duty to rip you apart, limb from limb, and let the little whore make goat stew from your remains!”
 
Karl backed up again, “Whoa now, Master, can you call your dog off?!”
 
“I’m a Fenrir, goat-man! Do not forget it again!” Harlow snarled.
 
“Harlow, enough!” Hondo said firmly, to which she backed off, and lowered her ears as if ashamed for being scolded.
 
“Sorry, my Jarl, but..” She started to reply softly.
 
“To protect me, I know.” Hondo interrupted, “but, there was no real threat. It was just Karl running his mouth, which he is good at doin’.”
 
“Hey!” Karl protested.
 
Hondo held up his hand again, “Enough, both of you… I’m hung over an’ I’m not exactly mentally fit for duty, so I need everyone workin’ together an’ gettin’ along, you two especially. Now, if you want to talk ‘bout this later, we can then, but for now we need to get to business.”
 
“You mean the dust cloud?” Karl asked
 
Hondo nodded, “Yeah, that. What has been seen?”
 
“Well, we were worried it was someone looking for us, but I was just coming down to let you know that from what Axel can see through those field glasses you got us, is that its so low-level bounty hunters, or bandits, and they seem to be looking for someone else, and caught them! But they are acting weird.” Karl replied.
 
“Weird, how?” Hondo asked.
 
“Well, they were chasing someone and shooting at them with weird guns. They didn’t made a bang, but more of a pop sound.” Karl said.
 
“Could be syringe guns, my Jarl. Maybe shooting tranquilizers at someone?” Harlow offered.
 
Hondo nodded, “Could be.”
 
“That would make sense.” Karl said. “As they were shooting as someone and finally hit them, though it took a while. And whoever they got they put in a cage. They drug the cage to a canyon, and then took off and have been waiting up on a hill across the way, as if they are waiting for someone… Looked like they were using a radio too, and from what Axel said, it looks like they were unhappy, like their message wasn’t getting through.”
 
Hondo frowned again, “Really don’t want more comin’, and not sure we should mess with them either, but hate to leave someone who may need help.”
 
“We should take a look, My Jarl, and see if an attack is feasible.” Harlow said.
 
“Yeah, that’s what I was thinkin’.” Hondo replied with a nod before turning to Karl, “I know you’ve been up and down this hill a few times, but could you got tell April to quietly get everythin’ we don’t need packed an’ ready to go?”
 
Karl frowned but nodded, “Sure… I guess my goat stamina is helpful today.”
 
“Oh, an’ have her tell Inneal an’ Foley that if the trailer ain’t ready, make sure they can easily leave it, an’ have their stuff packed… If it looks bad we might need to haul ass out of here. An’ hurry back.” He added.
 
Karl nodded, “Will do.”
 
As he took off down the trail, Harlow and Hondo picked up their pace to the top. Close to the top, they hunkered down and moved as low as they could, getting on their hands and knees right before getting to the little knoll where Axel lay, and crawling up beside him.
 
“How’s it look?” Hondo asked as he crawled up beside him.  
 
Axel glanced at him, “Master Hondo?! You were two sheets to the wind, for the last few days! How are you even on your feet??”
 
Hondo squinted as he looked out across the old mine, “Honestly, I’m doing better now that I’m layin’, but that’s beside the point… Sorry I checked out on you all for a few days.”
 
“Hell, I feel like checking out for a week after that, so I can’t imagine how you feel!” He replied.
 
Hondo frowned, “I’d rather not talk ‘bout it… What we got here, that’s what I’m more interested in.”
 
 
(split)