Beneath the Ruins

Calliope slipped into the City Hall, squeezing through the mass of people to try to make it up to the dais to see the leader of the remaining humans. Some were starting to call it the Throne Room when she left the last time, saying that Callum should be made King. Their nation hadn't had a monarchy in centuries, but times had changed.

The meteor storm had changed everything.

Finally making it to the front, she slipped in with the other scouts who were giving reports. Most had nothing to say as she hid among them. The last time she had come, Callum had sneered and said she shouldn't be allowed to be a scout despite all her father had taught her. She was too small, too weak... too female. He hadn't told her outright she was no longer a scout, so she had gone back to her duties and avoided returning unless there was something to report.

This time she had important news, though.

When she finally made it close and peeked out from behind Scout Damon, Callum saw her, and his passive expression turned to a glare.

"Let's have it then!" he yelled at her. "You who only ever brings bad news!"

"No news is good news, sir," she mumbled as every eye went to her. "If I'm not here, then all is well on the eastern gap."

"But you're here, so all is not well," he surmised, tossing papers to the table as he threw himself back in his chair petulantly, sneering down at her. "I still say you shouldn't be allowed on the wall!"

"Sir, she's exceptional at her job!" Scout Vance spoke up. "She can track like her father and remain unseen while doing it. She's exceptional at remaining unseen unless she wants to be seen, and that's what's needed at the gap!"

"Just tell me what's wrong so you can get out of my sight," Callum rolled his eyes.

"Sir... the Underdwellers... there's, ahh..."

"Out with it!"

"There's evidence they're coming out during the day and no longer staying underground, and... they may be less feral than they were. There are signs that they are developing intelligence."

"What? How can you possibly know this?"

"There's evidence of tracks along the wall on the other side, and..."

"How do you know that?"

"I climb the trees on our side to look over. Boards were loose, and I looked over, there were tracks all around and what looked to be a campsite not far back in the trees, cut away from the wall."

"Human tracks?"

"Mixed with some I have no name for," she agreed. "I've never seen what might make tracks like were left. It's been a few decades, I think they're adapting and evolving."

"Like I said, never good news with you," he huffed, glaring. "Keep an eye on it and report any changes! Let me know if they try to breach the wall or if they do more than look."

"Sir, I would like to ask again that you assign another pair for the gap. Two isn't enough for the mile span, and the gap is closest to the old city where they are..."

"No. Why would they risk the mountains when it would be so much easier to use the old highways to go around? We're spread thin on Scouts as it is; you don't need four in such a small space. Make do with what you have. Get out of my sight."

Calliope sighed, but slipped out of the room to go see to provisions to bring back.

Supposedly, Callum was smart and a clever tactician, but he had an obvious blind spot when it came to women. If she hadn't been born to it and raised in it, he never would have let her train as a Scout or take over her father's spot when he died. He only allowed it because so few were left who wanted the job of being a Scout on the wall, a dangerous and lonely job.

Scout Vance caught up to her as she made it to the supply barracks.

"Cal, wait up!" he called, catching her arm. "Sorry, kid. I'll speak to him, alright? If the Underdwellers are adapting and getting intelligent, then you're right. The gap will need shoring up. Roads mean little to them; it's distance they will care about, and the rocky foothills won't stop them from heading to the closest portion of wall. You still working on shoring it up with stone?"

"As best I can, but I can't get it very high."

"Can't scamper like I've seen you do?" he teased.

"Not while hauling heavy stones. I can only get them so high... but I have about a quarter of it shored up to shoulder height on me. No shortage of stones, it's making them fit and getting the clay to make them stay put. Those wooden walls won't hold up much longer, they're already rotting in some places and loose from weather and falling rocks in others. Why is he so stubborn-stupid about listening to women?"

"No idea, it's his one big failing. He's smart about everything else, but he has a hate for women for some reason. Don't let it get to you, kid. You're doing great, and we all rely on you. So you really think they're getting smart? The Underdwellers?"

"I don't know, Vance... I saw the campsite and the fire... and a few of the trackers were human. Boots at least... but some of the tracks? I don't know what they were. Not human. No animal I've ever seen. Huge animal tracks mixed in with the boot tracks, right up to the wall, and milling around where the boards were loose. Like they knew, like they'd found the weak spot they were looking for. I have Dun shoring that spot up, but the problem is they know the wall has weaknesses. Hell, Vance, a sledgehammer could take the wall down even in a strong spot. It's basically there for looks! If they set fire to it..."

"I know, but look at it from his point of view, kid... in thirty-four years since the wall went up, they haven't come near it. They haven't tried to come at us at all. They stay in that old city, in the buildings, in the dark, and they haven't come at us. They've attacked caravans outside the walls, but never tried to come in the walls. Even if they're a symbol at this point, they're a symbol the Underdwellers are respecting."

"Until they don't," she grumped, handing her list to the Supply Sergeant.

"Callum has only known peace," Vance went on. "Most people here have only really known peace. We all know what happened, but only a few of us can remember what happened. Even me, kid. I was a teenager when it happened, and the chaos that went down when those meteors hit... I can't even describe it. Every single city that was hit was turned, and we don't know the how or why, or science of it. Radiation like we had no experience with got to all those humans they they fucking lost it. Turned into Underdwellers to a man, every one of them in proximity to a meteor. Only safe places were rural or mountainous. Little towns like this one. We didn't..."

"I know the stories, I know what happened," she huffed. "I'm stationed with Dun, remember? He's older than you, and he was outside the city when it was hit. Helped found the town," she rolled her eyes.

"Helped found it," Vance scoffed. "He was a fucking liability as I was told. Fancy lawyer, new out of school, losing his shit over everything. He had to be sedated for a whole year before someone sent him to the South to watch the shoreline. He was there almost a decade before they moved him to the East wall, and there fifteen years before they moved him to the gap with your dad."

"I know," she sighed, leaning against the counter to look up at Vance. "You swear you'll ask him? For an extra detail at the gap? He listens to you, Vance."

"Swear on my life," he agreed quickly. "It was already on my list of things to bring up at the next council meeting since we've been getting reports of increased activity all around."

Calliope nodded, then started gathering the things the Supply Sergeant was setting out for her.

Vance helped her get everything to her horse and lashed on before saying goodbye to her.

Calliope didn't waste time, hurrying back to her post at the gap, four miles from the town. Dun wasn't there when she arrived, and she was sure he was patrolling. Putting things away, she watched for him as she worked. As soon as she was done, she went out to the paddock and frowned, watching his horse grazing over the fence.

He wouldn't go on patrol without Fozzy!

"Dun?" she called loudly, looking around the outpost for him.

The axe wasn't in the woodblock like normal; it was lying a few feet away, but the ground was too packed and walked-over to tell if he'd been there last.

"DUNLOP!" she yelled more loudly, cupping her hands towards the woods where he had some foraging spots.

Hurrying back inside, she got her crossbow and extra knives, then went in search of him and some fresh tracks.

There were no fresh tracks leaving the post, the only new tracks were from Misty, her horse. Searching until dark, she found nothing at all. He'd been cutting wood, obviously, it was clustered around the block, but not stacked.

It was like he'd vanished from that spot, the axe dropping from his hand as he did.

Or dropped as he was yanked into the trees by something.

Looking up at the trees, she did note that there were no limbs over the block, though there were trees nearby. None had anything in them, though...

Not even birds or squirrels.

Shit!

Hurrying, she fed Fozzy and put Misty in her stall, then ran Fozzy back to the town since he was fresh and Misty wasn't.

It was nightfall by the time she raced into the town, but she knew where Callum would be. His manor was all lit up, and she ran Fozzy all the way to the door before jumping down and tossing her reins to a groom who ran up. Not waiting to give her instructions, she rushed inside and went straight to the loud dining hall where Callum was sitting to dinner with several council people.

"Dun is gone," she told Callum breathlessly. "I got back and he was gone! Tried to track him and it was like he vanished or was snatched up in the air!"

Callum leaned back in his chair and smirked as he sipped his wine. "You think, what? The Underdwellers got so smart they got helicopters to work again?" he asked mockingly.

"No, I think they were in the trees!"

"He probably just went on a bender," Michael Johnston laughed. "Crazy old coot!"

"He'll turn back up," Allyssa Freemont waved it off.

"You don't understand!" Calliope cried, upset that they were brushing her off. "He wouldn't! He doesn't drink, and he takes his job seriously. Yeah, he's a little crazy, but it's conspiracy theory crazy that made him more vigilant!"

"That's right," Callum mocked. "What was it he called Earth? The alien petri dish? Their science experiment? So, was it aliens, Scout? Did they beam him up like the old stories?"

"This isn't a joke! It's not funny! He's missing! He even left his horse behind, and he wouldn't do that! He loves that thing like a kid! Not only that, but the wildlife was all gone when I got back! No birds, no squirrels, nothing at all!"

General Brigman stood up. "We'll send a team out, Scout Mills," he promised gravely. "As well as a replacement. We'll find him."

"So you're saying that no one is on the gap right now?" Callum asked, also standing. "You abandoned your post."

"What else was I supposed to do? Stay there and man it alone with no way for you to know what's happening? I can't man it alone anyway, I need sleep!"

"You can't man anything alone," he sneered. "Last I saw, men didn't have cunts."

"It's a turn of phrase," she told him angrily, clenching her fists.

"Scout Mills," General Brigman turned her attention back to him. He was a tall, slender, stoic man who was usually quiet unless he had something important to say. "I will need you ready to lead a team back tonight. I will go and tap four Scouts and four Infantry, as well as a replacement. Kilkirk suit you?"

"I've never met Kilkirk, only heard about him. He's a new Scout?"

"The newest," he agreed. "You can show him the ropes."

Calliope said nothing, feeling outraged. A veteran should be on this, not someone fresh out of boot! They all thought Dun had wandered off or walked away."

"That's going to take you, what?" Callum called to General Brigman. "An hour at the least?"

"About that long," General Brigman agreed. "Maybe longer since it's so late. The men I have in mind might have had a couple drinks, and I may have to hunt them down."

"Take your time," Callum told him, then turned back to Calliope. "I have some words for our little bad news bear. Follow me, Scout," he commanded, turning and leaving the room.

Calliope hesitated, uncertain what he would want to say in private. He usually loved to humiliate her in public. Glancing at General Brigman as he left, she took a breath and followed Callum out into the hall and up the huge staircase. He led her down another hall, then opened a door.

She stepped in, looking around the large bedroom, not understanding why she was here.

"I have no time for rest, I need to go help..." she began.

"Do you know what they say, Scout Mills? About not being able to get a girl out of your head?"

"What? Sir, I don't understand?"

"They say to get her out of your head, just fuck her. You'll stop thinking about her the second you've conquered her. It's true. It never fails that I lose every bit of interest as soon as I've fucked a girl. I don't know what my brain's sick fascination is with you, Scout Mills, but my guess is that it will go away soon enough. Take your clothes off."

"Sir, I don't..."

"Now! That's an order!" he commanded, pulling his shirt off. "Take your clothes off and get in that bed."

Calliope felt panicked as her eyes darted to the bed and the messy blankets. This was his room! He was serious!

"Sir," she began again, unbuttoning her coat just to pacify him. "I am in no way required to fulfill this sort of..."

"Shut your fucking talking! God, I can't stand to hear you talk! Always with the codes and regulations and the bad fucking news! I'm not asking you, Scout! What the fuck is your name?"

"Cal," she answered, looking around the room for an escape besides the door he was blocking.

"No, idiot! YOUR name! Not my name!"

"It's my name! Calliope, but everyone has always called me Cal!"

"Stop stalling and get your clothes off! Or I can cut them off, and you won't have anything to ride back with! Hurry up, I want this done with so I can stop thinking about your annoying ass!"

"Sir, please!" she begged, shrugging her coat off, but holding it.

"I will bring up every guard on shift right now," he sneered. "Have them hold you down while I fuck you, then let them all have a turn! Either way, I'm fucking you! Take the clothes off and get in bed! Or do I need to call down to Trooper Bryant to gather everyone up here and form a line?"

Calliope dropped her coat and kicked off her shoes as she unbuttoned her shirt, feeling sick.

She could get through this! Just let him do what he wanted, and she could go!

"Stop hiding yourself! Get up on the bed and spread your legs," he commanded, shoving his undershorts off last. "No more hiding yourself!

Calliope got in the bed and rolled, tangling the messy sheets as she hurried to obey him.

He climbed in with her, and the sheets were already tangled around them, heat clinging to their skin in waves as he shoved the offending sheets back so he could see her.

Calliope lay on her back, breath shallow, every nerve alight as Callum's weight pressed her into the mattress. He didn't rush, he didn't need to. The look in his eyes said everything: she was his, and he was going to take his time breaking her in.

One of his hands held her wrists above her head, fingers wrapped tight like iron shackles. The other ghosted down her side, slow and possessive, grazing the curve of her breast, then lower, just enough to make her squirm. He smirked at her reaction.

"Look at you," he murmured, voice dark silk. "Already trembling. And I haven't even fucked you yet."

Calliope tried to speak, but her throat was dry. Some sick part of her was reveling in this, a thrill tingling along her spine. She could feel the slick heat pooling between her thighs, the ache building, the unbearable tension winding tighter every second.

Callum dropped his head, lips brushing the line of her jaw. He kissed her there, soft, just for a second, then sank his teeth in hard enough to make her gasp. His tongue followed, soothing the bite as he whispered, "You don't get to hide from me. Not anymore."

Her breath hitched when his free hand slid between her thighs. He cupped her pussy completely, fingers rubbing slow circles over her clit, dragging out every reaction like he was studying her responses, memorizing the way her body begged even when her lips didn't.

"I want you desperate," he said, fingers teasing but not giving her what she needed. "I want you aching for it."

She bit her lip, hips shifting, grinding against his hand, then halting and going rigid as she fought the feelings. The terror she had felt was gone now, replaced with expectation and the knowledge that she'd never worry about being a lifelong virgin again.

"Good girl," he growled. "Show me how bad you want it."

He finally slid a finger inside her, then another, stretching her slow, careful even in the middle of all his roughness. The contrast burned. He curled his fingers just right, watching her fall apart piece by piece beneath him.

Her walls clenched around him. Her breath turned ragged. She was so close already, it felt like a curse.

But just as the pressure crested, he stopped.

"No," she whimpered, bucking her hips.

Callum's eyes gleamed with something dangerous. "You come when I let you."

He pulled back, leaving her empty, aching, and completely at his mercy.

With a commanding shove, he rolled her onto her stomach. Her cheek hit the pillow, hair falling over her face, and before she could move, he was already behind her, dragging her hips up, positioning her exactly how he wanted.

"Stay like that," he ordered, voice rough.

She obeyed.

A moment later, she felt the thick head of his cock pressing against her entrance. He slid just an inch inside, then stopped, gripping her hips with bruising force.

"This is your first time?" he asked, low and guttural.

"Yes," she whispered, barely audible.

He leaned over her back, mouth brushing her ear. "Then you'll remember it for the rest of your life. This is going to fucking hurt and I want to hear you screaming my name."

He pushed in slowly, but it still burned. The stretch was overwhelming, her body struggling to take him. She hissed, fingers twisting in the sheets, eyes wide and wet.

Callum stilled, his hand on the small of her back.

"You're doing so fucking good," he rasped, and there was something softer hidden in the heat. "Breathe, Calliope. Let me in."

She exhaled, and he moved again, deeper, inch by inch, filling her until there was no space left between them.

By the time he was fully buried inside her, her thighs were shaking, her body stretched to the limit.

"Fuck," he groaned. "You're so tight. So fucking perfect."

He started to move, slow at first, letting her adjust, then gradually faster, rougher. Each thrust rocked her forward on the mattress, the sound of skin meeting skin echoing around them, primal and raw.

Calliope moaned, the pain laced with something electric, something addictive. Her body stopped resisting and started wanting. Needing.

He gripped her hair, yanked her head back so he could watch her face as he fucked her. "Look at you. Already ruined for anyone else."

His words seared into her. She moaned louder, no longer caring how she sounded, no longer able to hold back.

"You feel that?" he growled, slamming into her deeper. "That's me claiming you."

His hand slid around, fingers finding her clit again, stroking in perfect rhythm with his thrusts. She gasped, clenched, and trembled.

"That's it," he said. "Come on my cock, Calliope. Let me feel it."

She came with a cry, body locking around him, pleasure ripping through her like wildfire. She shook, convulsed, and collapsed onto the mattress.

Callum kept going, chasing his own release. His rhythm faltered, then he grunted, low and feral, spilling deep inside her, his body collapsing over hers like a tidal wave finally crashing ashore.

They stayed like that, tangled in heat and sweat and silence, hearts thundering together.

When he finally pulled out, he stayed close, lips pressing to the back of her neck.

"You're mine now," he whispered, voice low, possessive, final. "I had you first. I claimed you. Don't forget it."

Calliope didn't answer, wiping away tears as her body shook. She had no strength to get up yet, her limbs wouldn't hold her weight.

Chuckling as he pulled his clothes on, he watched her in his bed, unable to move from where he'd left her. "Close my door on your way out," he told her as he shoved his shoes back on. "Take all the time you need, and... fuck. Fucking virgin," he sighed as she rolled slightly to try and get up. "Change my sheets before you go. Take those down to Mariah and see if she can wash the blood out. She'll get you a tea as well to make sure you don't get pregnant. Tell her to put clean sheets on my bed," he commanded, then left.

Calliope was still trembling, hugging herself as she mounted over an hour later to ride back to the post with the soldiers. They all seemed grumpy and tired, but she didn't care as she led the way, wincing at how uncomfortable it was.

There had been no sign of Callum when she had finally gotten dressed and left, and she'd been hoping she wouldn't have to see him again before she led everyone away. Riding back, she didn't know what to think at all as she rode uncomfortably and took stock of her new bruises. Especially the bite, which was throbbing now.

Jerk.

It had been horrifying... but the part that scared her most was how quickly she'd given in to him. Not just getting it over with, but allowing those feelings to wash over her and take over like he wasn't a monster. A misogynist. She was angry at herself for that, and her body for wanting it so badly.

Now, maybe he would be nicer to her. Or worse to her. Maybe he'd want to do it again... or somehow worse, he wouldn't want to.

Her mind wandered back and forth, trying to decide if she wanted it to happen again or if she just wanted him to want it to happen again. That had been amazing, hadn't it? For him? Or was that dull for him, and other women were much better? Had it been mediocre, and she just didn't know better?

Her body had certainly enjoyed it, even if her soul had hated it. Hated him.

When they arrived, Captain VanWelton announced that it was too dark to search; they would have to wait for morning, then promptly commandeered Dun's bed. The others bedded down on the floor or in the barn loft above the horses.

Calliope had a hard time sleeping, hoping that Dun was safe.

Morning found no sign of Dun, and they spent the day searching for signs of him. There were none, and the following day, everyone left except for Kilkirk, who was a sour and prim little man who seemed to think being assigned with Calliope was some punishment.

She still trained him, but otherwise ignored him as she kept looking for some sign of Dunlop. He had to have gone somewhere!

Four days later, she found a hole in the wall. It was cut into the wall from the other side and pushed in, just big enough for a person to get through. The boot tracks were easy to follow, and she followed them on foot, all the way to an outcropping that overlooked the town in the distance from up high. Following the prints back to another spot on the wall, they had cut through a different spot to get out, not bothering to try and find the hole they'd already made half a mile away.

Stacking stones over the hole, then the other when she came back across it, she hurried back to Kilkirk and told him what she'd found.

"You can take that back," he scowled. "You saw it, not me," he told her after she suggested he go tell the others.

Huffing, she geared up and rode into town after telling Kilkirk to stay inside.

Callum was lounging back on his 'throne', listening to two women arguing, when Calliope pushed ahead of everyone and hurriedly approached him. Standing, he waved the arguing women to silence, scowling down at Calliope.

"Let me guess? Bad news?" he asked angrily. "The new Scout disappeared?" he asked as General Brigman stepped closer as well.

"No, sir, I left him barricaded in the post. Sir, they cut holes in the wall! The Underdwellers! There was more than one who cut the hole, but one came in in the middle of the night, went all the way to the Eastview Outcropping where the town can be seen, then went back and made another hole and left. It was just the one set of prints outside the second hole, but they went along the wall like they were meeting up with those at the other hole. A large male, size fourteen boot, and heavy. At least three hundred pounds, maybe more. I blocked off the holes with stones, then came here."

"You're just full of wonderful news," he scowled. "Brigman, get two scouts ready to go double-check her assessment. She'll wait here for them to return. Scout Mills, I want to see you alone."

"Sir?" she asked, terrified and thrilled at the same time.

"Now! Go!" he commanded, shoving her out the door and to his manor house, then up the stairs to the same room.

"Sir, you said..." she began, feeling lightheaded as he yanked his shirt off.

"Shut up! Once wasn't enough, apparently! It made me think of you even more! I get the next three hours with you at least! Maybe four. Enough time for them to verify and return. Clothes, Calliope! Get them off!" he told her, pulling his shirt off.

Four days. Four days without her sounds, her taste, her body trembling beneath his. Four days of distance, of burning through every thought of her with clenched fists and cold showers.

It hadn't worked.

Nothing could.

He stepped forward slowly, boots heavy on the wood floor, his eyes dragging down her naked body, stopping at the subtle bruise where his fingers had held her last and his teeth had left their mark. She hadn't hidden it. That pleased him more than he'd admit.

When he reached her, he didn't touch her. Not at first.

"On the bed."

She obeyed without question, crawling across the mattress and turning onto her back, arms at her sides, legs parted. It was an offering and an invitation.

Callum stood at the edge of the bed, undoing his belt, the metallic clink loud in the silence. He tossed it to the side and slid his pants down his hips, eyes never leaving hers.

"You remember how I fucked you, don't you?"

Her breath hitched. She nodded once.

"Say it."

"I remember," she whispered.

He climbed onto the bed like a wolf stalking prey; slow, confident, dangerous. He hovered over her, one knee between her thighs, his hand gripping her jaw tight enough to make her gasp.

"I'm going to ruin you again."

And then he kissed her, rough, hungry, all tongue and teeth and control. There was no warmth in it, no romance. Just possession. Just hunger.

His hand moved down her body, fingers trailing her ribs, her stomach, her hips before grabbing her thigh and shoving it higher, opening her wider for him. He didn't check if she was ready. He didn't need to.

He knew she was.

"Hands above your head."

She obeyed.

"Don't move them."

He lowered himself, lining up without breaking eye contact, and then thrust into her with a force that knocked the breath from her lungs. She cried out, body arching, but her hands stayed in place.

"That's it," he snarled, pulling out almost to the tip, then slamming back in. "You fucking take it."

The bed creaked beneath them with each brutal stroke. Calliope writhed beneath him, gasping, moaning, helpless. She clenched around him like her body couldn't help itself.

His fingers gripped her throat, not tight, just enough to feel his control. Enough to make her eyes widen and her muscles tense.

"You want more?" he growled.

"Yes!"

"Yes, what?"

"Yes, sir," she gasped.

He groaned low in his throat, thrusting harder. "That's what I thought."

He grabbed her wrists, pinning them down now, holding her completely in place as he fucked her deep, hard, unforgiving. Her body slammed against the bed with each thrust, her moans rising in pitch until they broke into sobs of need.

"You feel that?" he hissed. "You feel how deep I am?"

"Yes!"

"You missed this cock, didn't you? Missed me ruining that tight little cunt?"

Her answer was lost in a scream as his thumb found her clit, pressing merciless circles while he thrust harder, faster, angling just right to send her over the edge.

She shattered around him, body locking tight, mouth open in a soundless scream.

Callum didn't stop.

He flipped her over, pulling her onto her knees, dragging her back onto his cock before she could recover. He gripped her hair, yanking her head back.

"You come once," he growled, "and think you're done? I haven't even started."

She was gasping, crying out, but not saying no. Never no.

He fucked her harder, hips snapping, his grip bruising her hips, his breath rough in her ear.

"You'll take it all," he said. "Every inch. Every drop."

She came again before she could stop it; loud, messy, legs trembling beneath him. Her arms gave out, collapsing her onto the bed, but Callum stayed inside her, followed her down, pressed into her from behind.

"Good girl," he breathed, slowing just enough to grind deep. "Taking me so well. So fucking perfect."

She whimpered beneath him, wrecked and shaking.

But he wasn't done.

Not until she was dripping with him. Not until she could barely speak. Not until she knew, down to her bones, that she belonged to him, at least in his mind.

And when he finally came, grinding deep, hands on her throat and hip, teeth at her shoulder, it was with a growl so feral she felt it in her chest.

He collapsed over her, still inside her, both of them soaked in sweat and need.

She didn't move.

He didn't let her.

"Next time," he murmured against her ear, "you'll beg before I even touch you."

Calliope didn't answer, she couldn't. She could only breathe and hold on to the messy sheets and try to hold on to herself.

Easing his shrinking cock out of her, he rolled to his side, panting.

Calliope sighed, still trying to breathe as he pressed against her side and smoothed her hair off her face. She waited for his harsh and angry words, but the silence stayed heavy between them instead.

Jerking, Calliope lifted her head and blinked at the dim light from the windows.

She'd fallen asleep? Passed out was more appropriate.

"You can't sleep all day," Callum admonished, getting back into bed with her from behind her.

The door closing had woken her, she realized, as she looked over her shoulder at him.

"I took another break," he told her, his scowl easing slightly as he pressed her to the bed. "The thought of you in here, ready for me, was more than I could take. I fucking hate you, Calliope. Hate you for doing this to me! Making me think about you when I have more important things I should be thinking about! You're an annoying little bitch who has no business being in my military! Fuck. Why can't I get you out of my head?" he raged, then shoved her legs apart with his knee before thrusting his hard cock into her as far and deep as he could.

Calliope let out a wail of shock as the bliss filled her.

"Fuck! You feel good!" he sighed, then hunched to kiss her quickly before gently biting her lip.

He was rough and angry with her after the single kiss, pulling cries from her before flipping her to drill into her from behind. His hips bouncing off of her ass made a loud slapping sound echoing in the room and Calliope struggled to hold on to herself. To not give in this time.

It didn't work, and he knew she was losing the battle as he laughed at her, watching her.

It was over too soon as he grunted and went still, and Calliope let out a yelp of disappointed shock.

"Get yourself off," he told her mockingly, pulling out and quickly getting dressed. "I don't have long. You need to get up and out of my room, get dressed, and meet me back at the hall. That's an order," he told her as she rolled and struggled to escape the mass of sheets and blankets.

In half an hour, she was sitting in the hall, aching and feeling sore all over as she listened to people speaking to Callum. She stayed out of his line of sight, right up until the Scouts came in.

Jumping up, she followed them up to where Callum was writing something down for another Scout, then listened as they confirmed all she had already told him.

Callum turned to glare down at her, then lifted his chin. "Fine. You're so keen on demanding we find out what's happening, Scout Mills... you can go. Go beyond the wall and into their city and come back to tell me what you find."

"Sir, I can send Scout Vance and..." General Brigman began.

"No! Her. Just her. She can go alone. You all say she's quick and good at hiding. Let her prove it. Let her prove her place."

"Sir, alone, it's a suicide mission!" Vance cried, upset.

"Then maybe she'll never bother my thoughts again," Callum told her darkly. "Go. Don't come back until you can give us information about the Underdwellers and if it's them or someone else."

Calliope nodded, then turned away from him to gear up.

"Sir," General Brigman called loudly. "I have to insist that she take a contingent with her. She's one of my soldiers, and she can't go alone. I run the military, and I won't waste a life like this."

"You run the military, but I'm in charge of you. This is her fool's mission, her supposed scenarios. I think she's making it all up, and she's staged it all. She's going to go get first-hand information from the city, then come back here after she has. She will not return until she has something GOOD to tell me. Assign another to the gap in her place until she returns."

Calliope had paused, but she hurried out after he had spoken.

Vance caught up to her quickly. "Kid, I'm going with you," he growled angrily. "He can't stop me! The General won't even tell him! He'll sign off on it."

"No, Vance, you're huge and heavy-footed. You'll be seen and heard. I plan to slip in and out and be back in a day. Vance? Do you really think he thinks I'm making it up?"

"I think he hopes you are. It's too terrifying to imagine what's ahead if you aren't. Underdwellers breaking in during the night and spying on us? Taking our people in the middle of the day? It's a lot to swallow. My hope is that it's another town making a move on us for supplies and not the Underdwellers."

"From the gap? Not likely. No humans would go all the way around on that side of the fence that close to the city just to break in and make it look like Underdwellers."

"I doubt it as well, but we can fucking hope. Humans are less scary than smart Underdwellers who know how to snatch humans."

"There's really no humanity left in them at all?" Calliope asked sadly as she adjusted the supplies behind Misty's saddle.

"No," Vance sighed. "None. They tested hundreds, they're just... feral creatures who can only kill. No thoughts, no mind, just a drive to destroy."

"But not each other, just people."

"Anything alive," he agreed.

"And sunlight killed them?"

"It incapacitated them, shut them down, and in most cases, they scratched their own eyes out and killed themselves trying to get out of the light. It hurt them, and most died, but it didn't directly kill them. They hide from the sun and light, stay underground, and only come out at night to hunt for food. At some point, they had to turn on each other or starve, right?"

"I guess... the meteors and radiation... it's gone now, right? By now? If I go in there, will I be exposed?"

"According to reports we've gotten from mother towns, no one has gone feral from exposure to the meteors in over a decade. Maybe longer, but there were no cases of accidental exposure before then. Seems like it happened fast and sort of dissipated over the years, and now it's normal in the cities. Unless you count the Underdwellers that lurk there and kill off anything that gets close."

Calliope nodded, then mounted Misty. "I'll see you when I get back, then," she told him. "I'll go to the outpost and sleep and cross over first thing in the morning. Once I see what there is to see, I'll come straight back here, alright? Might take a couple days, but my hope is to be back here before nightfall tomorrow. Next day at the latest."

He nodded, clasping her wrist in his. "Good luck, Scout Mills. I know you can get in and out without being seen if anyone can. I'll see you back here soon."

She nodded, but the lump in her throat wouldn't let her speak. Instead, she kicked her heels and guided the horse to turn and head to the outpost.

It hurt to know Callum was sending her away to die, feeling like that was his best chance at getting rid of his obsession with her. She would just have to show him that she was a better soldier than he gave her credit for, and she was hard to kill... and avoid his bed if she did return. Tell him to fuck off.

Kilkirk was especially grumpy when she arrived back, griping about people showing up and yelling at him for not doing his patrols after she had told him to stay inside.

Calliope ignored him, going to her room and shutting the door to get some sleep before morning.

When morning came, she said goodbye to Misty and told Kilkirk someone would be coming to help him soon and to take care of Misty and Fozzy both until she got back. Climbing a tree near the fence, she lowered herself to the other side with a rope, then tried to stay in the shadows and stay quiet as she trekked through the woods to the outskirts of the city.

She found Dun at the edge of the woods, just outside of the city that was overgrown with vegetation and trees itself now.

He was tied to the trunk, and he'd been tortured slowly, probably for information.

Shit.

She would bury him on her way back, she decided, slipping into the shadows of a nearby street and edging closer to the massive buildings. She knew the Underdwellers massed in the larger buildings, but she was sure some few must be in the smaller buildings too.

One by one, she cleared the smaller buildings as she went. Gas stations, restaurants, liquor stores, all kinds of small places that crowded the huge space. As she got closer to the inner city, the buildings got taller.

Not wanting to waste any more time, as she looked around carefully, she headed to the closest tall building. It was at least thirty stories, and she guessed that was big enough.

There used to be words on the side of the huge building, but now there was only a shadow where letters used to be and a single 'Y' still there. You could still plainly read 'Hyatt'.

Going to a boarded-over door, she looked in the massive window to an empty hall, then slipped in. The hall had a wall on one side and windows on the other. The windows had been covered at some point with taped-together garbage bags, but someone had ripped them all down now, and they lay shredded on the floor of the long, empty hall.

Slipping down to the end, she looked into a large open space, and she knew from old magazines that she was looking into the lobby from the back side. Old chairs and tables barricaded the front doors and windows, and trash littered the floor. There were stairs up, and there were more doors.

She noticed that one set of doors, still clearly marked 'stairs', was chained shut. The chain and padlock were both in very good condition, like they'd just been put there.

Going to it, she looked in the little rectangular window, and could see very clearly from the high window that the stairs up were gone. There were only stairs down. There was also another door down there, and it was partially open.

Something glittered in the darkness down there, and Calliope was fairly certain it was a pair of eyes, watching her. Whatever it was, it stayed out of the light, but the reflection on those eyes made her feel sick. Whatever it was, it couldn't get out. The doors to the lobby were chained shut, and the chain was thick.

A noise made her flinch as she spun, then she sprinted to the desk and dove under it as voices came down the stairs.

Strange, garbled voices.

"... check them every time and be sure no stragglers get out," a male voice was saying, his voice somehow having a liquid quality. "Check every perimeter building and make sure none have broken through."

"We should just kill them," another man growled, his voice sounding like his mouth was misshapen.

Calliope didn't dare peek out to look, fearing being seen.

The chain rattled on the door to the stairs as if they were testing it, then they walked on, back the way she had come in.

"You know we cannot, they don't die easily. Easier to keep them contained and away from us."

"Normal humans die easily," the misshapen voice spoke regretfully.

"As we discovered. We will not make the mistake again. We can get another, just don't tell Jinakka we go behind his back to contact them."

"He would rather exterminate them! He would if he knew how easy they were to kill!" the voice trailed off, then she heard the back door open and shut.

What the hell was that?

She stayed where she was for the count of one hundred, then peeked out and slipped out. Going up the main stairs, she tried to see where they were coming from and found it quickly. They had hotel rooms that they were stashing things in. Weapons, food, ammunition for guns, though there were no guns, all kinds of things. Every room on the fourth floor held stockpiles of things.

Heading back down, she slipped out the way she had come in, then hesitated as she slipped out and saw something moving up the street.

Was it a man? She thought? But no, the man was dark and looked soft. Black fur, even, and he had some contraption on his back like an umbrella. He was tall, taller than any man she'd ever seen, and he wore only pants as he stood and motioned like he was speaking to someone she couldn't see in the building nearby.

The umbrella on his back shifted and flared, and Calliope gaped as they turned into massive wings, flapping slightly before settling and folding again.

Another being came out of the building, and Calliope had no idea what she was looking at, since it was another giant man with fur covering its whole body and some sort of hand thing where its mouth should be.

A mole, she realised. It was a mole man hybrid, and the other thing was a bat hybrid!

Holy shit. Holy shit! The meteor had fucked with the animal genetics and crossed them with the humans somehow! Evolved them!

She had to get back!

Staying low, she slipped around the building, then hurried back the way she'd come in. Offering an apology to Dun as she passed, she didn't have time to bury him! She had to get back and let everyone know what the fuck was happening!

The trip back seemed to take forever, and she was winded when she got to the wall, using her rope to climb back up and over before pulling it up after herself.

She didn't look for Kilkirk, or her replacement; she saddled Misty and headed into town, feeling sick.

Callum was going to lose his shit over this!

Riding to the Grand Hall since the lights were still on, she slid off Misty and dropped her reins, rushing inside.

The moment Calliope stepped into the great hall, dirt-streaked and blood-smudged, every voice stilled. Her braid was a mess, her uniform torn at the hip, and she knew she must look as bedraggled and scared as she felt. Callum stood from his chair before she'd even spoken, the reports he carried clutched in his hand like a weapon.

General Brigman opened his mouth to speak, but Callum lifted one hand. "Get out," he said coldly to everyone.

General Brigman hesitated. "Sir..."

"I said get the fuck out!" Callum roared.

Silence, then shuffling feet, and within seconds the room was cleared, doors slamming shut.

Calliope stared at him, not with fear, but with fire. "They're real. They've evolved. You need to bring everyone back here! I saw them, I..."

Callum stormed down from the dais and grabbed her wrist, pulling her hard through the inner corridor toward his office, not saying a word.

"Callum!" she yelped, stumbling. "I have to tell you!"

"You're alive," he snarled, slamming the office door behind them. "You're fucking alive."

"I said..."

And then he was on her.

His mouth crashed down on hers, all teeth and fury, and she barely had time to react before he shoved her up against the wall, his hand tangled in her filthy braid, yanking her head back to bare her throat.

"I thought you were dead," he hissed, dragging his mouth across her neck. "I was relieved for an hour, you know that? One goddamn hour. Then I started dreaming of you again."

His hands were already stripping her jacket off, his fingers bruising her arms as he wrenched her around and shoved her against the desk. "I'm going to fuck you until I forget that I wanted you to die."

Calliope braced her hands on the edge of the desk, breathing hard, already wet, already trembling. "You're a bastard."

"And you're still here! I needed you to come back! I needed it so badly! I almost sent people after you!"

He ripped open her pants, shoving them down just enough to expose her ass, and then he dropped to his knees behind her, spreading her open with rough fingers and burying his face in her already wet pussy.

Calliope gasped, fingers clawing at the desk as his tongue drove into her, savage and punishing. His grip was merciless, thumbs digging into her thighs to hold her still while he devoured her like she was his last meal.

She came quickly, too quickly, her body too raw from the adrenaline and fear and relief of still being alive. She sobbed his name into the desk as she clenched around his tongue, and he growled like an animal in response.

Then he stood, unbuckling his pants, letting them fall as he lined himself up behind her.

"You want it rough?" he growled. "Because I'm not holding back. I can't. I need you!"

"Fuck you," she whispered angrily.

He thrust into her in one savage stroke, burying himself to the hilt.

She cried out, gripping the edge of the desk hard enough to cut her fingers.

He didn't pause, he fucked her like a man possessed, like he needed to burn every thought of her out of his mind by forcing himself deeper, harder, faster than he had any right to after sending her to her death.

"You think I don't see you?" he grunted into her ear, hand twisting in her hair to yank her head back. "Coming back alive like you're invincible. Making me feel things I don't want to feel. Did you even go?"

She couldn't answer, her body shuddering, all sensation centered on the place they were joined.

He reached around and found her clit with brutal precision. "You're going to come again. You're going to milk my cock and remind me why I hate you."

She came, screaming his name, collapsing forward as her body shook, her legs barely able to hold her upright. He followed a moment later with a raw growl, thrusting deep and spilling himself inside her, but he didn't pull out.

He pressed against her back, panting, sweat dripping from his brow onto her neck.

"I sent you out there to die," he murmured. "And now all I want to do is keep you locked in this fucking room so you can never leave again. You're mine."

Calliope closed her eyes. "I'm not yours," she whispered, but it didn't sound convincing.

He laughed bitterly. "You are, and if you aren't, you will be soon. You want it as bad as I do."

"No," she panted, trying to catch her breath. "Let me up, Callum, this is important!"

"More bad news? More of your by-the-book bullshit? For once you could come in those fucking doors and look at me, Calliope! See the man sitting there! Come in when you didn't have shit news, just to see me! See how badly I needed you to fucking look at me! You're such a fucking cunt, Calliope! You don't deserve all the headspace I allow you!"

Calliope was stunned, feeling a bit awful now. "You never do anything but say how much you hate me!"

"I fucking talk, Calliope! I always fucking say shit, everyone knows it's just talk! Everyone! It's common knowledge! I never hated you, I was just giving you shit like I give everyone shit! I wanted you to see me!"

"How could I know that?"

"Everyone knows that!"

"I'm never around anyone!" she cried, pushing back, forcing him off of her and out of her so she could try and fix her pants. "I was raised away from people, away from here at the outpost! Trained out there! I lived there with my dad and then Dun, and that's all! All I knew about you was that you were mean to me every time I came in, so I avoided coming in unless I had to!"

"You could have asked! Anyone could tell you!"

"None of this matters! You need to call everyone back," she told him as she trembled with adrenaline and guilt. "It's so much worse than I imagined!"

"Tell me."

"I'll tell everyone. Call them back in."

"Calliope..."

"I don't want to talk to you right now! I'm angry at you! You have no right, Callum! No right to use me this way and make me feel... like I'm feeling! I need to tell everyone what I saw, and we all need to decide on a course of action! It's important!"

Callum growled, then closed the distance and kissed her again before fixing his clothes.

Calliope didn't wait for him, fleeing the room and hurrying outside, where several of the council were waiting. "Call everyone back in! Hurry up! Call the major council and everyone important!" she yelled out to them. "Sound the alert, it's an emergency!"

"Turner, get her a meal," General Brigman ordered. "Mills, inside to the council table and get off your feet before you collapse. Gilkey, get her some water. Everyone else, form up in the council chambers!"

Calliope let General Brigman lead her into the large table and sat in the chair he pulled out for her. "How's your wife?" she asked him tiredly.

"Enjoying time with the new grandbaby," he told her mildly. "How bad is it?"

"Worse than I could have ever imagined," she sighed, closing her eyes and pinching her nose.

"Greene, get her a tea for her headache from the kitchen," General Brigman ordered one of the nearby Scouts. "Any of that blood yours, Mills?"

"Dun's."

"He alive?"

"No, dead when I found him," she sighed as the room began filling.

Callum glared daggers at her as he took his seat at the head of the table, ignoring everyone else.

Calliope ignored the plate that was placed in front of her, but downed the water before standing up. "Brief the rest when they get here, I'll tell you all what I saw," she told them, then relayed all of it from start to finish as more trickled in.

"This sounds absurd," Captain Hynden scoffed. "Bat people? Mole people? You're making this up!"

"I can tell when someone is lying or embellishing, and she isn't," General Brigman announced. "She saw it, and now we need to decide what to do about it."

"We need to build a better wall at the gap!" Gilkey offered.

"Not if they have some with wings!" Greene scoffed.

"Right now, they are scouting us," Calliope told them. "And he intimated that their leader wants to attack, but some of them don't. Maybe we can find a way to negotiate with them, broker a peace."

"How did they get rid of ALL of the Underdwellers?" Callum demanded.

"They didn't get rid of them, they locked them in the basements of all the big buildings. They had a way to get them in there, and they locked them in."

"So if we let them loose, they'll have Underdwellers to deal with and they'll leave us alone," General Brigman mused.

"How do we set them loose without putting ourselves in danger?" Callum asked.

"Detonation devices," Calliope answered. "Timed detonation devices. We can think along those lines later. First, I think we need to try and see what they want from us and if we can try and work something out."

"They killed Dun."

"From the sound of it, they didn't mean to. They seemed upset that he died so quickly and so easily, like they thought humans would be as hard to kill as Underdwellers. He sounded upset."

"You're sure it was a mole? And a bat? Not costumes of some sort or ceremonial garb?" General Brigman asked.

"Not positive, I wasn't super close to them, but I saw what I saw. Not to mention, their voices were weird and garbled like they had unnatural mouths. I have good eyesight, sir. If they were costumes, then they were very well done and believable ones."

"I want more eyes on these creatures," General Brigman shook his head. "I need to know what I'm dealing with here. I want three separate verifiable sources. Not that I don't believe you, Scout Mills, I do, but I need to be certain and I need more information."

"Understood, sir," she nodded. "I can lead a..."

"No," Callum cut in angrily. "He can send a separate team in. His best Scouts. I need you to stay here for the next forty-eight hours, Scout, and go over all of this again, then write a report, then write out reports to send out to other towns."

"Sir, a scribe can copy my..."

"No. I want you to do it, Scout. You're staying here for the next forty-eight hours."

Calliope shook her head, then leaned on the table, taking a stand. "No, sir. I am going back to my post tonight. I will write out the report and send it back with whatever Scout was filling in for me while I was gone, and a Scribe can copy it. You're not putting another hand on me."

Heads swiveled to Callum in surprise as he went red and stood as well.

"You'll do as I command you!" Callum hissed darkly.

"No, sir. You give me an order that's under your jurisdiction, and I will obey it. Opening my legs for you is not in my job description, and you can't force me to do it again. I won't."

"You're begging for a court-martial!" Callum snarled, moving around the table as if to put his hands on her.

General Brigman stepped smoothly into his path. "Sir, I think we all need to take a moment to consider the next course of action and cool our tempers a bit. Scout Mills has a fair point, if what she's saying is true. You can't force her to your bed, and I won't allow you to put hands on her again if this is what you've been doing to her."

"She and I have been working out our miscommunication issues, that is all! Calliope, you will stay in town and rest, you're dead on your feet. Go back to your post in the morning. In the meantime, you and I will have words."

"If you have something to say, say it with witnesses," she demanded, sitting down in her chair.

"Fuck you," he spat venomously. "I'm not playing your fucking game. I told you how I felt and I am fucking serious. You're staying here, Calliope. In my room, in my bed, with me. You're mine."

"And like I said, I'm not yours. You won't use me against my will again."

"Like you weren't begging me to make you come again," he sneered.

"If you want to behave civilly," she told him coldly, "I will return to town once we have dealt with the current crisis and take a few of my many days of leave that are piled up. You can speak to me like a normal human being and not an entitled prick."

"Take your leave now."

"No. Crisis first. Get your priorities in order, Callum."

"I have them in order," he told her darkly, shouldering General Brigman aside bodily. "I know exactly what is most important to me! I should be just as important to you!"

"Because you commanded me to?" she asked angrily. "It doesn't work like that! Let it go, Callum, I won't give ground on this."

"We do have more important matters to delve into," General Brigman told him, moving Calliope's chair down so he could get between them again. "Have a seat, sir. It's going to be a long evening. Scout Mills, go ahead and eat, then go get washed up and fall out for the evening. You can write out your report in the morning before you return to post."

"My room," Callum demanded. "My bed. You'll sleep in my bed tonight."

Calliope didn't answer him, hurriedly trying to eat her rations as she wondered what to do about how possessive and terrifying Callum was acting.

As soon as she finished eating, she slipped out without looking at anyone and headed to the barracks showers, and General Brigman fell in next to her as she walked.

"I sent Greene to get you a clean uniform, he'll bring it to the showers before you're finished. Scout Mills... I have an extra room in my house. It was my daughter's before she married. I feel like you would be safer there for the night, and I would make sure you weren't bothered."

"Thank you, sir."

"I'll let Megan know to get it ready for you, then," he told her, then peeled off to head to housing.

Calliope smiled slightly, feeling warm just then. Someone in the world cared what her fate was. He may care about everyone's fate, but it felt good to be looked out for. Plus, her father had always spoken highly of the man, so she already had an ingrained affection for him.

The showers were empty when she went in, and she'd assumed they would be this time of day. Peeling off her clothes, she got in a stall and turned the water on as hot as it would go, then stepped into the warm water as she undid her braid and sighed, trying to let all her tension go.

She braced her hands on the tile as the dirt, sweat, and blood of her mission swirled down the drain in brown rivulets. Behind her, she heard the door open, then soft, purposeful footsteps. She didn't turn.

Callum stepped in without a word. There was no command in his presence this time. Just silence and something heavier behind it. His hands came to her shoulders. Warm. Gentle. Not claiming, not yet.

"You shouldn't have gone alone," he murmured, picking up a bar of soap and lathering it in his hands. "You nearly didn't come back."

"That's not true at all, I was never in danger. You sent me. You made that choice, Callum."

"I didn't think it would matter." He hesitated, his breath close to her ear. "I was wrong."

She didn't answer... she couldn't. Her throat ached with words she'd never give him.

He began to wash her slowly, carefully. His palms slid down her arms, over her back, mapping every scrape and bruise like each one left a mark on him, too. He knelt behind her, trailing the suds down her legs, pressing soft kisses to her hip, the back of her knee.

It wasn't the kind of reverence she could mock, it felt too real.

"I thought losing you would free me," he said roughly. "But all it did was make me realize I'm already lost to you."

She turned slowly at that and faced him. Water streamed between them, washing away the filth but not the tension. Not the heat.

Callum cupped her face, thumbs tracing the curves of her cheekbones, jaw tight with restraint. "Tell me to stop."

She didn't. She couldn't as she looked up at him, feeling lost and wishing she knew what to do.

His mouth found hers, patient and coaxing, lips brushing, tasting, until she let herself open to it. The kiss deepened, and he groaned against her mouth as if the act of kissing her was a relief he hadn't earned. She was allowing it and not fighting it, and that was more than he'd deserved, and he knew it.

His hand slid to the nape of her neck, the other to her waist, drawing her against the solid heat of him. She could feel his arousal pressing between them, restrained only by the intensity of his control.

"You don't have to give me anything," he said, voice low, hoarse. "But I'm going to give you everything."

She swallowed, eyes locked on his, then nodded a single time.

That was all he needed.

He turned her gently, reverently, and pulled her back to him, skin to skin under the stream of water. One arm wrapped around her middle, holding her against him, while the other slipped between her legs, his fingers sliding through her slick folds with practiced care.

Calliope gasped, hips jerking, but she didn't resist. She let him touch her, let the pleasure pull her under even as a piece of her stayed carefully locked away.

"Just feel," he whispered into her shoulder. "You don't have to mean it. Not now."

She arched as he stroked her, the edge of her climax building far too quickly after everything she'd held in. When it hit, it did so like a dam breaking, her body trembling, her moan strangled in her throat as she came with his name on her lips.

Then he turned her again, hands on her hips, eyes burning into hers. He lifted her easily, and she wrapped her legs around him without thinking. When he pushed into her, it wasn't brutal. It wasn't rushed. It was need stripped bare.

His forehead rested against hers as he began to move, slow and deliberate, every thrust deep and aching. "I want more than this," he murmured, jaw tight. "But I'll take what you give me."

She didn't respond. Just closed her eyes and let herself feel.

The steam rose, the water pounding down, his breath catching against her skin as he drove into her again and again, until she came a second time in his arms as he struggled to hold her against the wall as she shuddered. He came moments later, buried deep inside her, his groan muffled against her shoulder.

Still, he didn't let her go, and she didn't ask him to.

Not yet.

The door opened, and she hunched, hiding herself as Callum finally stood up straight. "Give us a minute," he called over his shoulder.

"I have her uniform here," a male voice called. "I'll set it here."

The door opened and closed again, and Calliope shrugged Callum off of her, wriggling down out of his arms. Quickly washing his cum away as he stepped back, the fled as soon as she finished and snatched up a towel.

"Calliope?" he called gently, stepping out and picking up a towel for himself. "Say you'll stay with me tonight? In my bed with me?"

"I'll think about it," she told him, knowing she was going to do no such thing, even if she ached to be needed and wanted like he wanted her. Just... not him.

"I can take you there from here. We can..."

"You need to go help decide what to do," she told him, as it occurred to her what she needed to do. She knew he'd disagree with her now, though; he wasn't going to let her leave if he had a choice. She needed to take the choice from him and just do it, then tell all of them the outcome later.

If it even worked, and she didn't end up dead.

"Calliope?" Callum nudged her and she realized she was standing with the towel and staring through the wall. "You need rest. Let me see you to bed," he urged, handing her her underthings. "Put those on and I'll find you a shirt to sleep in when I get you to my room."

"I need to go to supply and give them a list to have ready by morning, then I will go to bed," she promised, hurriedly pulling on her clothes now.

Callum sighed, then leaned down and kissed her wet hair before holding the door open for her.

Calliope hurried to the Supply office and wrote down a quick list, then slipped out and headed to General Brigman's house. Megan was waiting for her, smiling her beautiful smile, and leading her to a bedroom.

Falling into bed, she sighed, but was too exhausted to spare Callum a second thought. She wanted him, but she knew that was just intrusive thoughts and her loneliness. Callum was poison. Poison that could make her melt and handled her body like he'd known it his whole life, but no less toxic for it.

She wanted love someday, but she had always thought it wasn't that important. It would come eventually, when she was ready for it. Now it was feeling like she was ready, and she was even missing out. She was ready and she wanted it, craved it. Craved him, even... but she knew there was better. Someone sweet and loving, and nice. She wanted something like what General Brigman and Megan had, not Callum and his possessive and jealous anger and hate.

She would take her leave when this was all over and come into town, meet someone. Find someone who was good for her.

If Callum let her.

She was pretty sure he wasn't the type to bow out gracefully or let her move on. He'd sent her off to what he thought was certain death because he thought she was spurning him; what would he do if she actually did it? Kill her and whoever she picked? Surely someone would stop him.

General Brigman would if no one else did.

He wasn't a king yet.

She fell asleep imagining phantom arms around her, a man who was sweet and loving from the moment she met him.

General Brigman woke her in the morning before the sun was up, speaking softly. "Scout Mills, he's been here twice looking for you. I had them saddle your horse, and if you're leaving, now's a good time. He finally went to get some sleep."

Calliope nodded, getting up quickly and pulling her boots on since she'd slept in her uniform. "Thank you, sir," she told him quickly.

"Had Greene get your supplies you ordered tied on to your horse as well. Be careful, Scout. I'll try and run interference on him, but I've never seen him like this. He's never been a man who couldn't focus or see right to the task at hand, but just now, you're all he can see or think about."

Calliope nodded, then hesitated. "Hold off on making a decision for a few days, alright?" she asked him. "About sending anyone into the city or doing anything about them. I have an idea, and I'll be back here as soon as I can to report in on it."

"Are you sure? If what you say is true and the Underdwellers are contained, it wouldn't be a dangerous or hard mission to send a few men in."

"Give me a few days?" she asked him, looking up at him hopefully. "I can do this, sir. I have a plan and I think it will work. If it doesn't, you're out nothing."

"If I know you, I know your plan, and that's not true. Worst case, I'm out you and that would be a lot, Scout. You're an asset to our unit, despite what you've been told. We need you."

"Thank you, sir. I'll be careful," she promised, then hurried out to Misty and left before the sun had made an appearance.

The first thing she did when she got back was to sit down and write out her entire statement before waking up her replacement to send him back with it.

When Kilkirk woke up, he scowled at her and rolled his eyes before going out to check the wall. She ignored it until he got back, then told him when he returned that she would be gone all night. He would be taking day shifts alone, and she would be taking overnight shifts for a day or few.

She'd expected him to ask why, but he just mumbled 'whatever' and made himself some lunch.

Calliope left the post but stayed close, not wanting to be there if Callum showed up. She wasn't sure if he would or not, but she wanted to be able to easily hide and pretend to be gone if he did.

Part of her kind of wished he would show up, but she knew that was the selfish part of her that wanted the affection and attention. He wasn't good for her, and she knew she could never love him... but that didn't stop her from craving him. Even as dangerous and obsessed as he was, part of her wanted to feel that. Feel something.

Evening came, and she bedded down in the woods to take a short nap, getting up when the sun was setting.

Going over the wall, she went out to where the camp had been made and climbed up a nearby tree, then waited.

An hour in, and she was shifting constantly, her hip falling asleep, uncomfortable. Two hours in, and she was regretting her decision. Three hours and she couldn't feel her toes, and her back was killing her, but she stayed up there as still as she could, waiting.

The sun rose with nothing ever happening, and she climbed down, feeling stressed. She was sure they would come back!

Going in, she fell into bed and passed out.

When she went up the next night, she brought up a wide board to put across branches to sit on and something to lash herself to the tree so she didn't have to hold on so tightly. She also brought up a snack and water.

It wasn't as uncomfortable, but it was far from comfortable.

It was also another night that bore no fruit.

The third night, she brought her pillow to lean on and settled in, hoping General Brigman wasn't getting antsy waiting on word from her.

In the small hours of the morning, as she sat there wishing she hadn't drunk so much water, she heard something.

A snap of a twig, the shuffling of undergrowth, an odd grunting noise.

It paused about ten feet back, then she heard whispers and footsteps approaching the little campsite below her.

Immediately, she recognized the bat person, but the other one looked like a snake man. The body of a man with the head, back, and tail of a snake. It was just the two of them, no mole man.

"You get the fire, and we'll wait two more hours to go over. The new man did night patrols. We will wait to see if he does them tonight," the bat spoke softly.

"How many new people have there been? You said they are changing them often."

"They have, I have seen all new faces. The girl child is gone now, and it's just men."

"A shame. You could have taken the child and demanded a meeting with their leader in exchange for her. They would not attack us on sight if we held one of their children as a shield."

Calliope drew up in effrontery. Then hefted her crossbow before dropping down to her feet and pointing it at them. "I'm not a kid, you assholes!" she half yelled.

They spun to her, the bat reaching for the gun in his holster.

"Don't! Don't you touch it! I'm a great shot and I'll put this bolt between your eyes!"

"Then what will you do with me while you reload that unwieldy thing?" the snake mocked.

"Both of you just have a seat there on the ground and sit on your hands," she demanded. "We're going to have a talk."

"You shouldn't play with weapons," the bat told her, folding his legs to sit down, holding his hands up.

The snake laughed and sat as well, but he looked poised and ready to strike. Pissed.

"Why don't you go get one of your parents?" The snake asked darkly.

"I'm twenty two, shithead! I'm not a kid! I'm a grown fucking woman."

"A woman, perhaps," the bat grinned. "But not grown. You're a clever little thing, aren't you? How did you know we would come here? How did you know about us? Your kind never leave your walls."

"Until someone is stupid enough to cut holes in the walls," she rolled her eyes.

"We have questions," the snake told her imperiously. "Put the weapon down and speak to us."

"I don't think so," she shook her head. "We can talk, but I'm not putting this down. I have questions for you, starting with what the actual fuck are you?"

"We both have questions," the bat cocked his head. "Why don't we trade off. We answer, you answer. You're truly a grown female?"

"Yes," she told him, getting irritated on top of offended. "What the fuck are you?"

"We are... evolved," the bat answered mildly. "I am batkin, he is snakekin."

"How? How did that happen?" she asked, looking them over as best she could in the dim light of the moon."

"It is our turn," the batkin told her mildly, lowering his hands and folding them in his lap. "What's your name, girl?"

"Calliope. How did you become what you are?"

"Radiation from the meteors. It did not affect all the humans the same. Some went feral, and the light hurt them; others had to hide from them. They hunted what they could, at what they could. Rats, birds, bats, whatever they could find. The DNA somehow... amalgamated. They evolved, our parents. Then, when we were born, we were more evolved. As much animal as human. Our turn. Who leads you?"

"A man named Callum, unless you mean the military. General Brigman leads us."

"I have read of this military and the ranks. You are military? As small as you are?"

"I'm a Scout and I'm good at my job."

"So you are."

"Where did you get all those guns? And the ammunition?" she asked, motioning to his gun.

"There were a great many to be found in the city. I am guessing there were fewer out here?" he asked, looking at her crossbow.

"Guns, sure, but less ammunition. We ran out fast. How did you herd the Underdwellers? Corral them all underground?"

"You have been in our city!" the batkin noted, sounding shocked.

"Yeah. How?"

"And no one saw you," he chuckled. "You are a very clever little thing. My name is Fortiz."

"How did you herd the Underdwellers?"

"With light. Torches and lights, we forced them down and locked them in. It wasn't very hard, it was just making sure we got them all and setting the traps for them beforehand," Fortiz shrugged.

"Why did you kill Dun?" she asked him angrily.

"The old man? It was not purposeful. He was not your mate, you disdained him too much for that. Was he? We thought him a grandfather, perhaps."

"No! We were only stationed at the post to work together!"

"His mind was unsound... too unsound to be in your military service."

"He was well enough to be a Scout, he could do his job. Why did you kill him?"

"It truly was not purposeful! We tried to ask questions, and he was insensible! Screaming about aliens and taking him to do experiments," Fortiz went on placatingly.

"I killed him," the snake man spoke up. "I struck him to make him quiet and to calm him, but his neck broke. I did not imagine humans were so fragile, or I would not have done it."

There was a snap and a whuff from behind her, and Calliope turned in alarm at the loud sound from something large. "What is that?" she asked worriedly, turning her crossbow to aim into the night.

The snake man sprang like a coil and put her on her back, wrenching the crossbow from her hands before she could take a breath to scream.

"Kanach! Do not harm her!" Fortiz cried in a loud whisper. "She's not offered us harm, and she answers questions freely! She was only protecting herself!" he told the snake man, pulling him back and taking the crossbow from him.

Calliope scrambled to sit up and scoot back, then paused when Fortiz handed her crossbow back to her.

"Our mounts," he told her, sitting across from her and gesturing to the darkness. "Neither would harm you."

"You have a mount when you can fly?" she asked, eying his wings folded behind his arms.

"You ride a mount when you could run?" he countered, amused. "I can fly short distances, as you can sprint short distances, but I cannot do it all the time. My body is too heavy and I am not built to remain in constant flight. I am not a true bat, I only share DNA."

"You seem smart enough for someone who's half animal," she noted, trying to understand what they were.

"Humans are animals. We're all animals. Some of us are more... tame than others. Instincts run deeper in some," he offered, glancing at the snake man, who seemed grumpy now. "Calliope," he went on, and she knew he was about to ask her something as he hesitated in worry. "We wish to meet with your leaders. To ask them for passage through their walls and not to be attacked on sight. We are cut off from other cities where our kind dwell, and we wish to make contact with them, but we are cut off from mountain to sea. The humans... it is well known that they do not like different, or what they do not know. We want to meet with your leaders and ask them to remove a portion of their wall and allow us passage through. Not through your villages, but along the roads, away from the humans."

"How do I know you don't mean to see us all dead?" she asked darkly. "Like your leader wants? To kill us all?"

"We want to show a better way. A chance for your kind to prove they won't try to bring war and kill us all on sight. They will look and see abominations, as some of the humans who did not get altered DNA among us have all done."

"You have humans among you?" she asked curiously.

'Some, not many," he agreed. "They choose to live in their own cluster in Mecca. We see them fed and housed and cared for, but they have strange gods."

"Mecca?"

"Our hive under the city," he nodded. "Calliope, you are important among your brethren?"

"Not important enough to ransom," she told him quickly.

"Important enough that your word has sway?"

"I don't know, I'm only a Scout... but my leaders know that if I say a thing, it's true."

"Come into Mecca with us. Be an envoy for your people. Meet with our leader and see for yourself that our kind means the humans no harm."

"Dun would disagree."

"The old man was a sad accident. We only wanted answers, but his mind was unsound," Fortiz shook his head.

"We had to tie him down just to make sure he didn't harm himself," Kanach scoffed. "He kept trying to take his own life! Claimed he would not be tested like a lab rat!"

"I saw his body, he was tortured!"

"Any harm that was done, he did to himself. Kanach only hit him once to try and bring sense to him. We did not harm him, only tried to show him and question him."

"Fool started slamming his own head into the tree, screaming about probes and needles," Kanach spat incredulously.

Calliope believed them, that sounded like Dun. And Fortiz, at least, didn't strike her as a violent... being? Person?

She didn't know how to think of him.

"Come with us and let us show you Mecca, so that you can return and tell them that we are not violent or a threat," Fortiz offered. "I will personally ensure your safety."

"How do I know you aren't trying to just get me to come along willingly without any issue so you can interrogate me and then ransom me?"

"It would be easier to snatch you up and bind you than convince you if that was our plan," Kanach scoffed. "We aren't evil or violent or bad! We only want to survive and contact those like us in other places! We know we cannot be alone!"

Calliope looked back at Fortiz and wished she could make out more of their faces in the moonlight. She did feel like they were being honest, though, and she wanted to give them a chance. Their chance meant no war.

"Give me a moment," she told Fortiz. "I will go leave a note that I will be gone for some time and won't be back until tomorrow night."

"Perhaps it should be two nights. Mecca is large and there's a lot I think you should see," he countered.

Kanach snorted, a hissing sort of sound.

Calliope only nodded and stood, going to the wall and her rope to climb up.

"She moves like a squirrelkin," Kanach quipped.

"Hush. Do not wake the other," Fortiz whispered.

If they said more, Calliope lost it as she dropped to the other side of the wall and hurried inside.

The note didn't take long, but packing took her a bit more consideration and time. Finally, she opted to change out of her uniform so she wouldn't alarm anyone and put on her only clothes that weren't a uniform. Pants and a blouse that she had liked with pretty little pink and white flowers on it. Packing a few toiletries, just in case she had to sleep in this 'Mecca', as well as a change of underclothes and a sweater, she grabbed some rations then hurried back over the wall.

Kanach huffed and handed Fortiz something as Fortiz seemed to smirk. Lifting something that shone in the moonlight at her as she approached, he was showing her what Kanach had handed him. "He wagered you would not return! I knew you would! You cannot bring your mount over, so you will have to ride with me or Kanach. Do you have a preference? I think my mount will not mind your extra weight, and it is not cold-blooded as his is."

"That's fine," she agreed, motioning him to lead the way as she wondered what sort of mount was cold-blooded.

She found out quickly enough as Kanach mounted the largest lizard she'd ever laid eyes on. It looked like a dragon! It could probably eat her!

It was still less startling than the horse-sized possum that Fortiz led her to. The giant beast sniffed Calliope, and she giggled in a hysterical sort of frenetic fear as the wet nose touched her cheek.

"She won't harm you," Fortis promised. "She is only curious. I will help you up," he told her, taking her by the waist and lifting her to a large saddle on the possum's back. He flapped his wings and flew up to settle in behind her rather than climb up, and she didn't know why that threw her off as she second-guessed her decision. "I will tie your bag on back here," Fortiz promised, taking her bag from her and securing it to the back of the saddle.

"This is insane," Calliope whispered to herself.

"I have sworn your safekeeping," Fortiz assured her. "You will be well."

"It's not that," she told him as the animals started moving, turning to head towards the city. "It's not JUST that. All of this is just... so hard to wrap my head around! There are animal kin who can talk and think and are smarter and nicer than some people I know... I never imagined anything like this, and now I'm riding on the back of a giant possum! I feel like I'm dreaming!"

"Surely you would dream of something more pleasing to your eye than the likes of us," Kanach jested.

"You can't tell me that you don't understand how someone... a human could imagine this was all made up. When I told the leaders about your kind, they suggested I made it up! They talked about sending in more scouts to double-check my word."

"They are sending military in?" Fortiz asked, alarmed.

"I asked him to wait for word from me. I have a plan. I am going to send for the General to meet you first, so he can meet you and see that you are no threat, then let him introduce you slowly and talk to you about your needs. If everything you say is true, I mean. If your kind aren't just looking for an easy way in to kill all of us."

"We could have simply poisoned your water supply if we wanted that," Kanach offered conversationally from the back of the lizard nearby.

Calliope leaned up and slid her fingers into the soft fur of the possum, then rubbed and scratched her shoulder blades, giggling slightly. "What's her name?"

"Kit," Fortiz told her happily. "She likes that. She likes you."

"How do you know?"

"She let you on," Kanach laughed. "She usually only lets Fort ride her. She lies down if anyone else tries."

"Oh," Calliope smiled, happy now as she scratched her shoulder and leaned up to stroke her neck. "I like her too!"

Thunder rumbled in the distance, and Calliope sat up, trying to see the moon through the trees.

"Storm is coming, we will not make it back before it hits," Kanach noted.

"Can we outrun it?" Calliope asked nervously.

"Kit does not run," Fortiz chuckled. "Not even for rain. Do not fear, you will be warm enough," he assured her.

Calliope said nothing as she sat up from petting Kit, wondering if they could see better in the dark than she could. She felt blind, especially not that the moon was behind clouds.

Thunder rumbled again, and the sky flickered as lightning struck in the distance.

"Fucking hate rain," Kanach grumped loudly.

"Go ahead of us!" Fortiz told him. "Let them know I am not far behind with a human envoy!"

"Most will be asleep, those who matter! They won't see her until morning."

"Some will be out and on guard. Let them know!" Fortiz called over more thunder.

Kanach didn't answer; he made a clicking noise, and the lizard sped up, quickly leaving them behind.

"Will they be angry you're bringing me?" she asked Fortiz, worried now.

"Some might be nervous, but none will be angry. They know we have a desire to reach the others of our kind. They might be afraid the humans will try and destroy us... the humans who live with us... if they see you, they may ask to come live among you. We have been sheltering and protecting them, but they are very adamant that they only procreate and couple with each other. They do not hate us, but they disdain us. Will your people allow it?"

"I don't know, I'll have to ask. They may fear they have residual radiation."

"The radiation is gone, and it has fundamentally changed what was meant to be changed. It won't change more... but I do think that if two separate Kin couples in that way, that there will be hybrids and bastardizations like the humans among us fear. Many stick to their own kind, but not all do."

"Is your wife batkin?" she asked him, wondering if he was mocking those people like it sounded like, or if that was the weird inflection of his non-human voice.

"I do not have a partner," he told her quickly. "No one has gathered my interest enough to pull me from my duties."

"You can't work if you have a partner?"

"Not at my current job. We do not have a military as you do, but we have jobs that are similar. Mine is similar. If I take a wife, I would have to pass my job to the next in line and take a job within the Mecca."

"Can women do your job?"

"We have many females who are guards, but few come above and keep the feral herds in check."

"You call them ferals?"

"They are feral."

"We call them Underdwellers," she told him as sprinkles began on her arms and hair. "That's cold!"

"I can keep you dry," he promised, forming a canopy over both of them with his enormous wings.

"That's very handy! Thank you!"

"You mentioned you did not have a mate, and the old man was not kin to you. You've been there at that post for some time, though."

"I was born there. My mother stayed there with my father when he was posted there, and she died when I was only a baby. Rockslide on the mountain while she was foraging. My dad raised me as a Scout there at that post, and I never left after he died. General Brigman says I was grandfathered into the military, trained like I was. Our leader feels like women shouldn't be in the military; he thinks we're incapable."

"Why is he your leader?"

"I used to think it was because he was so smart and charismatic... he's changed, though. Fewer people stand behind him now, and he's becoming more... unstable."

"You sound as though this bothers you on a personal level," he noted as lightning lit up the sky again and the rain started coming down harder.

"How much longer?" she asked him instead of answering.

"Not too much. We are almost out of the trees and at the edge of the city."

Calliope was worried about this 'Mecca' and what it would be like, imagining bridges between skyscrapers in the center of the downtown and a city contained in the buildings.

What she was not expecting was for Kit to waddle down a dark stairwell into a tunnel where sounds echoed around them.

She stopped at the bottom, and Fortiz dismounted, then led Kit by hand to a set of huge wooden doors that he pushed open.

Light from within made Calliope blink as she tried to take it all in as quickly as she could.

Animal pens were the first thing she noted, as the smell hit her. The second thing was Kanach standing nearby, talking to what looked like a Rat-man. Ratkin, she guessed.

The ratkin looked her over, and he looked scared, just like Fortiz had predicted.

She finally got her first good look at Fortiz, and he was tall and well-muscled under a leather vest with cutouts for his wings. His huge and pointed ears stuck out of bushy and disheveled black hair as he looked her over with solid light green eyes. No pupils, no whites, just pools of light green.

Stepping up, he lifted her down from Kit, then led Kit to a pen with other giant possums as Calliope looked around at the other pens. Giant lizards, giant squirrels, and ants and beetles the size of rhinos.

It was a bit insane.

"Have you told anyone else?" Fortiz asked Kanach.

"Not yet, Sinday and I were having a word. He's going to speak to the ratkin and micekin, make sure they know why she is here."

"Nice to meet you, Sinday," she told the large ratkin, trying to alleviate his fears. "I'm Calliope, but most everyone calls me Cal."

"Cal," he repeated, nodding at her. "It is nice to meet you," he told her, still sounding afraid.

"Sin guards the kennels," Fortiz told her. "The handlers are in bed. Through here," he told her, leading her down a long tunnel.

A man-made tunnel that she realized used to be some sort of sewer system, like she'd read about. A massive hole in one of the pipes led down another corridor that was lit by a naked bulb hanging on a wire. The corridor seemed to be made of packed dirt from what she could tell, and she quickly found out, as they entered a cavern, that 'Mecca' was an underground city. It looked a lot like an ant hive with all of the round caverns and tunnels leading off of them. It was enormous, and Calliope couldn't fathom the amount of work it took them to make this place over the years.

There were a few more Kin in the halls, and they all stared, but Fortiz didn't pause to speak to them or introduce her, taking her down one of the main halls and then up into the basement of a building.

Another snakekin was there, a different one, and there was a molekin with him. She wasn't sure if he was the same molekin she had seen, but the little feelers around his nose and mouth drew her eyes and made her queasy. They almost looked like hands on either side of his mouth and nose, and she was more terrified of him than she was of the black snakekin who was looking at her like he wanted to harm her.

"Jinakka is asleep," the snakekin hissed.

"I assumed. Wake him, this is important."

The molekin hurried up the stairs and went through the door at the top, but came right back down like he'd told someone up there to do it.

"What is this, Fort?" the snakekin asked angrily, looking Calliope over again.

"It is for Jinakka to know."

"She is not one of our humans. I would have noted one with that coloring on her mane and her size. If you are waking him to request a binding, he will be upset."

"It is not for that!" Fortiz told him quickly.

The snakekin chuckled, then moved closer. "Then you will not mind if I taste her?"

"She is not here for that! Leave her alone! I have sworn her safe passage and to come through unharmed and unmolested! Is it worth going through me, Tryldan?"

The snakekin huffed but stepped back. "I can at least ask her if she would like to try it," he mused. "Girl, have you ever had my kind? Snakes have dual peni, did you know that? Human girls have two holes. Have you ever been filled so full?"

"I'm good, thanks," she told him, alarmed.

"You cannot couple with him! Did you know he has two bulbs on the end of his? You would have trouble taking him at all, it would be impossible. You're too small."

"I'm not actually here for that," she told him, more alarmed now.

"You could be, though," he chuckled, then gripped his crotch vulgarly. "Let me know if you'd like to see how it feels."

Calliope turned away, looking around the room, which looked like there were usually more people in it. Tables and chairs, including one on the back wall that was larger than the rest.

The door at the top of the stairs opened, and the man-thing that came down was large. Round as well as tall, and it took Calliope a long moment to realize he was a badger. A man-badger. Badgerkin. He looked angry as he stormed down and went to the huge chair, throwing himself into it.

"What have you done, Fort?" he demanded grumpily. "What is this?"

"This is Calliope, an envoy from the human village. She has come in good faith to speak to us and see Mecca, to know our people mean her people no harm, so they will allow us safe passage through their lands."

"You didn't fucking ask me about this plan," the badgerkin snarled.

"No, this opportunity fell into our lap. We were scouting and she caught us, then seemed more curious than hostile. We spoke with her about her kind and she answered questions freely. We can meet with their kind, develop trade with them, pass through their lands peacefully, and get through to our kind in other cities. Help them herd the feral like we have, if they haven't already. We can take the world back from them, just like you've talked about!"

The badgerkin sneered at Calliope, then leaned back. "You're certain she's not some spy?"

"Positive. She's one of their Scouts who has lived at an outpost for years. We've observed her many times."

"How many times? Is she the reason you've refused Yotan and Salava both?"

"I refused them because I have no interest in binding with them," Fortiz told him, sounding grumpy.

"She looks young."

"She's only three years younger than me, only small."

"Too small for you."

"She's an envoy!"

"That he has given his sworn protection to," the snakekin sniggered.

"She's here to see Mecca and report back to the village about us and our needs. She has a plan to see it done."

"I do not like that you did this without asking, but I see the possibilities in it," the badgerkin grunted. "Girl, your name?"

"Calliope," she answered loudly and confidently.

"I am Jinakka. What do you think of Fort? As a female thinks of males, not just as a fellow soldier."

"He's a gentleman," she shrugged.

"She doesn't look like a soldier, but she stands and speaks like one," the snakekin noted.

"That is Tryl. What do you think of his looks?" he asked, gesturing to the snakekin.

"Very fearsome, I suppose."

"You will not look at Shaava, so I imagine you find him repulsive. Many do. Only their own kind seem to like each other," Jinakka chuckled, gesturing to the molekin. "Very well, Fort, you may show her around Mecca. Stay with her at all times and do not take her to secure areas. Let me know when you are to return her to her people, and I will send the appropriate envoys with you. I'm going back to bed," he announced, getting up and heaving himself back up the stairs.

"Come, I will take you where you can get some rest until morning," Fortiz told her gently, leading her back to the tunnel.

"Or you could stay with me," Tryl called, laughing.

Calliope ignored him, letting Fortiz lead her out.

There were more tunnels and caverns until Fortiz led her into a doorway that opened into a one-room housing space.

"I would offer you the bed, but you're tiny. You can curl up in my chair more easily than I can."

"It's fine," she agreed quickly. "More than enough room for me. Do you have a blanket?" she asked, hugging herself since it was so cold.

"Of course!" he told her quickly, yanking the blanket off his bed and handing it to her.

She curled up in the chair as he sat on his bed and pulled his boots off. "I'm sorry we don't have guest accommodations, but even if we did, I would have to stay there with you. You're my charge while you're here."

"It's fine, I've bunked up with other soldiers my whole life," she told him lightly. "What's the plan for tomorrow?"

"I will take you around Mecca and show you our people and infrastructure. Show you that we're just trying to survive down here, because we are. We've made this our home, and no one wants to move above, even with the ferals trapped like they are. It's safe down here."

"How many kinds of kin are down here?"

"Many."

"How come I haven't seen any dogs or cats?"

"Too many were domesticated; they were among the first things the ferals killed and consumed. There were none left for the normal humans, and the ones that were left were pets. They resorted to other animals before their pets. There are many feline pets down here, but no more dogs. I've read stories about them, though. I'd like to see one someday, if they have them other places."

"We have dogs where I'm from," she smiled sadly. "Not at the outpost, but in town. There's a few dozen, I think. They train them to accompany our convoys to other villages. Protect them. Is this your only blanket?" she asked as he lay down on his bed with nothing.

"It's fine! I don't need it!"

"If you didn't need it, you wouldn't have it to begin with! I thought you might have an extra! Here," she told him, getting up and tossing the blanket back to him before going to her bag and pulling on her sweater. "There, see? I'm fine," she promised, curling back up on the chair.

He laughed, shaking his head as he turned out the light. "I know you are going to insist on this, Calliope, so I will not force it. Still, if you get cold, I will make room for you. As you have stated, we are soldiers. I have read many, many books, and I know that sometimes soldiers must bunk close to share warmth. I won't read more into it than it is, on my honor."

Calliope smiled slightly, hugging herself and curling into a ball. "You can call me Cal," she told him softly. "What's it like, living underground?"

"It's all I've known, but even from a young age, I would sneak out and go above. There is a place above called a library, and it's full of books. I would stay there all day, reading and learning about how things used to be. Sometimes I could even forget the books weren't about me, they were about humans. I liked those books best, the ones that let me be a part of them."

"We have books... just not very many. There was no library in the little town, just the books that were in the houses."

"I like to hear the way you speak, Calliope. The way you say words and the quality of your voice, and how it changes depending on what you speak of. There is emotion there that your face does not always show. You keep your face very guarded and blank."

"I guess it's a survival tactic with where I'm from," she told him, thinking about that.

"I like Calliope," he went on. "Do you know what it is?"

"My name?" she asked, confused.

"An instrument. It's like a piano or organ, but it was used in circuses to make joyful and happy music."

"That sounds nice," she smiled, considering that.

"It is nice," he agreed. "A nice word and a nice name... so I will use all of it if you do not mind that so much."

"That's fine," she told him, grinning now, pleased with that. She felt a lot of joy now, and that was a new feeling to her as she lay there just reveling in it.

"You're shivering. You should come over here. I will share the blanket, and we can both be warm."

Calliope got up before he swore again not to read into it or press anything. She sort of wanted him to at least hold her... she liked him. He was so sweet and gentle!

Climbing into his bed next to him, he made room, then went still when she lay her head on his large arm and pressed into his wide chest. He said nothing, just covering her up and settling a hand lightly on her hip.

"Is this how close you sleep to the soldiers you serve with when winter comes?" he asked breathily.

"No. We have a fireplace that keeps the post warm in the winter. I've never shared a bed with another soldier to stay warm, I've always had my own bed. Am I bothering you?"

"No! No, not at all! I will keep you warm," he promised, then closed a wing around her as well, nestling her into him and enfolding her.

"That's wonderful," she sighed happily, pressing her cheek and head to the light fur on his chest.

"It is," he agreed, curling around her. "You're such a slight thing! It is adorable, matched with how lovely you look."

"Thank you, Fortiz."

"You may call me Fort unless you prefer not to."

"I like Fort. It suits you, you're big and solid and safe, like a Fort. I like that about you a lot."

"You do?"

"I do," she agreed. "But mostly I like that you're a gentle giant and I know you'd never hurt me."

"I wouldn't!" he agreed quickly. "And I would never let another hurt you, either!"

Calliope smiled and patted his chest softly. "Goodnight, Fort," she whispered.

"Goodnight, Calliope," he rumbled, and it sounded happy.

Her dreams that night were good, and she woke up feeling at peace.

She'd made the right choice, and she was in the right place, she was sure of it.

"I've never held anyone to sleep before," he spoke softly when she stirred. "I never even imagined it. I always thought that someday, if I were to share a bed, she would sleep on her side and I would sleep on mine, like my parents do. I can't imagine that would feel nearly so nice."

"I agree," she sighed happily, feeling just a bit giddy. "Thank you for keeping me warm!"

"Of course, it was my pleasure! Truly! I have so much to show you today, Calliope! I'm excited to get started, but I'm torn because I would also like to stay in this spot and not move!"

Calliope laughed, then patted his arm and wriggled free of him. "I need to use the privy, then you can show me around," she told him as he let her go and she got up.

He was visibly disappointed, and that only made her feel warmer as she slipped into the little bathroom.

As he led her around, he offered his arm like a gentleman, and she took it gladly as he led her to the dining hall, then to the school, and then to the hothouse. By the time he led her to the dining hall for lunch, she was tired of holding on to him so high up and took hold of his hand instead. He seemed to like that, holding her hand in his with the barest of pressure, like he was afraid of holding on too tightly. She loved that he was so conscious of his size and her size in comparison, and his goal was to make sure that he was especially gentle with her.

She didn't need it; she was a Scout, but she loved that he made the effort.

By dinner time, he led her back to the place where she'd met Jinakka and held a chair for her there at an already full table. Jinakka was looking her over, and the others were watching as well, as Fortiz sat next to her and patted her arm reassuringly.

"So you do intend to take the human to bind," Jinakka offered, picking up a plate of some sort of steaks.

"I have extended my protection, and that means reassurance as well, that is all," Fortiz told him quickly, his dark cheeks reddening.

"We're getting along well," Calliope offered, accepting a plate that was passed to her full of bread. "Where I am from, it can take months, even years, for two people to come to know each other well enough to want to get married. Bind. We just get along, that's all. My ways are different. Don't read too much into it."

"But you can have casual relationships that do not end in binding," Tryldan noted. "Fun relationships that are only about sex. I have read about humans doing that often."

"Some do, and that's normal for many... but not for me. That's not my way, and I'm still not interested. If I change my mind and decide I would like to try it out while I'm here, I'll let Fort know. He can take care of any needs I might have."

Tryldan chuckled along with a few others around the table as Fortiz stared at her in astonishment.

"I am at your service," he told her professionally, trying not to let on how much she'd surprised him.

A snakekin she hadn't met yet leaned up, looking vastly amused. "You realize that taking him would be like trying to take a human fist? The way he is shaped? A girl your size..."

"I'm sure he and I will both be up to the task of preparing me for that if it comes to it," she interjected. "What sort of meat is this?" she asked, pulling a small steak to her plate.

"Beef," Fortiz told her quickly, his voice a little breathy. "We raise cattle above. I will show you the pens and grounds tomorrow after I take you to meet the humans in their section of Mecca."

Calliope was half afraid they wouldn't let her change the subject, but Jinakka began asking her questions about the town where she was from and the people there.

At the end of the dinner, Jinakka came back around to it, though, at least partially.

"Your people, the humans... if you and Fortiz were to bond as a mated pair, would they allow him to live among you?"

"Are you asking if they would allow any type of Kin to live among them, or do you want to know specifically just Fortiz?" she asked, as if the question wasn't a little embarrassing since she did have a crush on Fortiz.

"Would they? Allow our kind among them?" he asked, watching her face carefully.

"I don't know. I don't know how they would react. I would like to say it wouldn't be an issue, but I do know that some people can react differently than others do. Some people don't like change, and they fear change and differences, and fear can show as hate. Would Fortiz specifically be allowed? I am sure, since I am stationed at the outpost and he would live there with me, away from most of the people in the town. They would assign a Scout who didn't mind being stationed there with me. I know General Brigman well enough to know that he would be accepting of anyone, so long as they were good and an asset to the community."

"They would allow you to continue in military service, even if you were to bond a mate?" Tryldan asked, shocked. "What if you come with child?"

"Then we would raise it a the outpost. It wouldn't hamper my job... also, now that you have all contained the Underdwellers, there will hopefully be less of a need for my job and surely less of a danger. They would keep the wall up in case they were to break out, but hopefully that won't ever happen."

"Even if they do, we have them separated out," Janikka shrugged. "Small groups of them in different buildings, just in case. That way, if one group escapes, it would not be overwhelming for us."

"We're also looking for ways to be rid of them completely," a molekin spoke up. "I am currently trying to find a gas that is deadly to them that we can disperse in canisters to eradicate them completely."

"That would be amazing," Calliope murmured, unable to look at him.

"So you imagine that the humans in your town would be much like the humans here?" Janikka went on. "Some would accept, and some would find us repulsive and against their god?"

"We actually don't have religion in the town," Calliope told him, surprised. "They have it in some other places, but not our town. The people who want that sort of thing have always gone to Kingston for that. They send those who don't believe to us and vice versa."

"We will speak more about this later," Janikka cut her off as two Kin came in, one a rabbit, the other a mouse. She'd learned to tell the rats and mice apart by their ears and incisors. "Fort, see her back to your quarters."

Fortiz stood quickly, pulling her chair out as the two newcomers looked anxious to tell Janikka some news.

She stayed quiet as he led her through the halls, but spoke as soon as he had her in his room. "Fort? Promise me this isn't some trap? That your people aren't going to attack the humans or run some sort of scam on them somehow?"

"I promise you, Calliope. We only want access to our people in other cities. We never imagined maybe dealing with humans as well, or maybe even trading; we assumed they would attack us outright as soon as they saw us. Like the old man did. Our true hope is to form an alliance and work with the humans."

"And you're sure that's Janikka's plan as well?"

"Laff and Griggs were there about ferals and probably assumed you were too young to hear about that sort of thing. At first glance, it's hard to tell you're a grown human. They didn't want to scare you, and Jan wants to keep information close until he has more trust. They're both on patrols above and would be reporting about that."

"Does he send you away every time they report?"

"No, normally they would be reporting to me, but I am on a detail right now. I'm sure they came to me, but Tryl probably signalled silence when they entered. Jan is very... odd about who he allows in the room when he gathers information."

"You're in charge of the patrols?"

"I am in charge of all that happens above. I report only to Janikka."

"Oh," she managed, surprised by that, and also a little afraid of that. She'd kind of liked the idea of him visiting her often at the outpost and even staying nights and days at a time with her. He couldn't do that if he were in charge here.

"That upsets you?" he asked, confused. "It's not dangerous, Calliope, and even if it were? I can handle it."

"I have no doubt!" she promised quickly, since he seemed a little offended. "Like I told you, you invoke a feeling of safety, and that means I know you can handle yourself. I'm not worried about that..."

"Then what?"

She blushed, then stood to look around his room. "You've read all these books?" she asked, a finger running along dozens of spines on a shelf.

"No, those are ones I haven't read yet. I return them after I read them. I didn't mean to shame you. You don't want to tell me what's bothering you, Calliope?"

"I guess I thought you were just a soldier like me," she shrugged. "And it wouldn't be hard for you to slip away sometimes and visit."

He grinned and sat down in the chair, watching her. "You want me to visit?"

"I was hoping you would."

I could probably still visit," he promised. "Just not often and not for long. Perhaps you could also visit me."

"I might be able to do that," she agreed, looking at a drawing of a map. "What's this?"

"A world I made up in a book I am attempting to write. I don't have as much time as I would like for it."

"It's neat looking."

"Would your General mind letting you come here? To visit? Or would you have to slip away?"

"I have a lot of leave accrued, and he wouldn't mind. I would let him know I was going."

"And you could stay for hours? Days?"

"I have about two months of leave accrued, probably more. I could spend it any way I like, in days or weeks."

"I would like that... I would find a way to get a larger bed in here, or another small trundle for you if you plan to visit often."

"I don't mind sleeping as close as we did last night," she told him boldly, but couldn't look at him after she said it, as her face went red.

"Then I would be pleased to leave it as is and simply hold you close. Calliope?"

"Yeah?"

"Here... we do not say small things casually to each other. I do not know how to take the things you say to me. Are you showing interest or simply being polite? If... if a girl were to say the things you have said to a male here, they would find themselves bonded as mates very soon."

"Tryl asked me to sleep with him," she snorted incredulously. "That seems pretty casual to me."

"It is a common thing among humans, so we have all heard and read. There are many stories... but the Kin? We are coded differently and have instincts for mating that humans do not have. If you were like me, I could tell from your pheromones if you felt as I did. Also, Tryl talks a lot, all of his kind do, but he would bond you as a mate more quickly than any other down here. It's their way to bond their first."

"He didn't talk like I would be his first."

"Like I said, that's their way. They talk to attract mates until they have one. You notice none of the others spoke that way? They were all bonded. Two of them to humans. Their kind like human girls. He will keep speaking to you that way, even if you rebuff him until he is bonded to another or you are."

"How does your kind know? Have you been with other girls like you?"

"Pheromones, among other things... yes. I have been with others of my kind, but they were not compatible. We did not suit. With our kind, many times the females initiate and do all that is needed, and the male allows it... I am not like the others of my kind in this way. I prefer it to be mutual, I don't want to be handled. It does not suit me to have no involvement and only be used."

"I can imagine not."

"Have you coupled with other human males?"

"One... but we also did not suit. Umm... I don't really want to talk about him. Let's just say he thinks he can claim me, and that doesn't suit me at all. I don't want to be claimed, and I want nothing to do with him. What do you have planned for the morning, and when are we going back?"

"I have two more things to show you, including our farming area above, then I am taking you to meet the humans here. By then, it will be lunch, and we will leave right after to take you back. Did you not want to answer my question, or did you get distracted from it?"

Calliope chuckled, then turned to him, amused. "I am not just being polite, Fort," she promised him. "I don't know what it is, yet, but it's more than just being polite. I like being around you, and I want to see where that goes."

"And you want to come spend perhaps weeks here with me?"

"Maybe," she agreed, still tickled at how earnest he was being. For a giant who was so confident about so many things, he was wildly uncertain about this, and he wanted her to spell it out. It was kind of adorable. "At this point, I wish I had more time to stay here now, just to get to know you more, rather than learn about Mecca. I have a job to do, though, and I have to do that first. As soon as it's done, then I can move on to getting to know you and taking time off work."

If Callum allowed it.

That thought made her a little sick, and she knew she would have to be very careful about how she proceeded. She couldn't let Callum know about Fortiz at all, or how strongly she felt for the gentle giant. He would lose his mind, and she had no idea what he would do to retaliate.

"You seem sad, suddenly," he noted. "I am not used to reading human faces, but you do... you seem very sad, now."

"It was just a thought I had," she shrugged, faking a smile. "I just really hope this all works out, and my people want to work with your people. So these books here, are they to read as well?"

"No, they are my favorites that I keep here for myself. Have you read any of them?"

"No... we don't get to read a lot. I've read some, but there aren't many books where I'm from. I can read, though... I just always did other things."

"You wish to know me well?" he asked excitedly. "Then I will read to you my favorite one!" he said happily, picking up a book and sitting on the bed, then patting it next to him.

Curling up next to him, she lay with her head in his lap while he read out loud to her, his rambling voice soothing.

She didn't know what time it was when he finally closed the book, but she sat up, alarmed. "It doesn't end there?!?"

"It does not, but it is late. I will read the rest the next time you visit... or perhaps I will bring it when I visit you."

"Not even one more chapter?" she pleaded, looking at the book in dismay.

"It is after three in the morning! As it is, we're going to get almost no sleep!"

"Is it really?" she asked, alarmed as she kicked her shoes off.

"Sometimes it's easy to lose track of time in Mecca, since we cannot track the sun down here. I have a clock there on the shelf, though. Are you going to share that blanket?"

"No," she giggled, curling up in it and balling up against him.

He chuckled and turned out the light, then extricated her from the blanket with ease, even as gentle as he was being as he laughed.

"Noooo!" she cried, but laughed as well as soon as he pulled her close and enveloped her in his arms and a wing.

"I want to tell you something, Calliope," he told her after a moment of just snuggling into each other and getting comfortable.

"Mmm?" she asked sleepily.

"I truly want to keep you."

That statement made her blink, then go warm to her toes as she smiled. "I think I'd like that," she murmured. "We'll see if things keep going so well."

"I cannot imagine anything would change my feelings on this."

"What if you find out I snore? Or I find out you have a bad temper?"

"I don't! Well... I do... but never for you! Never for a female or a child or anyone like that! Only for ineptness in those who work under me, and willful ignorance and laziness! I cannot abide those things in those who ask to work above in my command. If someone were to hurt someone I loved or a good friend, or my family..."

"I understand," she told him placatingly. "I just meant what if we discover things about each other that are dealbreakers?"

"I cannot imagine anything that would sway my heart in this. Even if... you decide you never want to try to couple. I would understand, and I would not press it."

Calliope laughed, wriggling so she could pull back enough to look up at his face in the dark. "Oh, my Fort! You have no idea how secretly thrilled I am to try that! It may take time and getting used to and a lot of effort on both of our parts... but I am more than willing to give it my best shot!"

He laughed then, a shocked sound filling the dark room. "Then I am glad I was not alone in dreaming of it! I have considered it many ways and how best to proceed!"

"Good. Keep considering it," she grinned, snuggling back into him. "Because at some point, we're going to try it."

He chuckled as well, holding her close.

Calliope fell asleep filled with joy and contentment.

She was still tired when he woke her in the morning, wishing for just one more hour, but she got up and followed him out to the dining hall.

Their morning went quickly, but he moved reluctantly when it was time to go to the human section of Mecca.

"You don't like it there," she noted, watching his posture go guarded and tense.

"Their kind... many do not like us. You will see."

She did see.

As soon as they entered, several people went scrambling out of the main area, ushering children inside to hide as they gave Fortiz a disgusted look.

A man met them in the central hub, followed by a few others, cutting Fortiz off from going further.

"Fort," the man nodded gravely.

"Henry," Fortiz answered, looking around. "Where is Aliyah?"

"Not feeling well. Her lungs again. What brings you down here?" he asked, looking Calliope over. "You find someone hiding above?"

"No, this is Calliope. She's from the human settlement on the other side of the wall. She's an envoy to Mecca, looking it over so she can report back to her people."

A woman stepped up, looking hopeful. "The humans?!? You've made contact? Can we move there? With the others like us?"

"I will have to talk to the leaders in my town," Calliope told her gently. "It will probably be fine, but... not the religious fanatics or anyone who disdains the Kin. Only non-prejudiced people."

"The zealots are all hidden away," Henry waved a hand at a side section. "They keep to themselves. We just want to live in the sun again, above ground with our own kind. We stay down here, and we'll end up with our kids marrying cousins close enough in blood to cause sickness. Most of us down here were already family. It's our blood type that saved us, all the humans down here have the same blood type, and that means many of us came from the same family here as well, since it's hereditary."

"It's the idiots not related to us that formed the cult of the pure," the woman who'd spoken rolled her eyes. "I'm Moira, Henry's sister, and this is my husband James."

"Nice meeting you," Calliope cut in before she could go on. "I'll ask our people right away if it's alright if you come, so long as it's fine with Fort and the leaders here."

"Why wouldn't it be?" Henry asked worriedly, looking at Fort. "Maybe they would feed us where she lives."

"You don't get fed?" Calliope asked, confused. How did they survive?

"We feed them all we can find!" Fortiz spoke up, offended.

"Not REAL food," Henry scowled. "We can't eat the food they eat, or eat with them."

Calliope looked up at Fort, wondering why that was.

"It's their choice," he told her, heaving a sigh. "We tried to feed them, but they won't eat anything with meat in it. They're afraid of changing like our parents did. We find them food from above, canned food from before. Tinned meat, canned vegetables, anything we can scavenge. They have a stockpile of it in here."

"But no fresh food," Henry noted.

"We have offered fresh food," Fortiz told Calliope quickly.

"Meat. Not fruits or vegetables, though they grow them above."

"It's all rationed. Many Kin cannot eat meat, they are herbivores. They need fresh produce. Humans can eat both, and it doesn't have to be fresh. It has all the same nutrients! We have to be very sparing with the vegetables and especially the fruits! Some Kin can only eat fruit! It's hard to grow. We do what we can for the humans, but most of them refuse to come and work to help. They won't leave this section at all, claiming the rest of Mecca is unclean and tainted. They won't let their children school with ours or even see us."

"Some of us have asked to work above," Henry sighed, like he'd had this argument before.

"There are tests that have to be passed to go above. It means being hale enough to protect yourself against the ferals if they get free and attack. You all refuse the tests."

"We don't refuse the tests, we just can't beat those of you with advantages to your DNA. It's a contest. The test? It's a contest, and humans can't beat the Kin, no matter how hard we try."

"The strongest go above to protect, that's the way it should be!" Fortiz growled, like he'd said it before.

"I can see there's frustration on both sides," Calliope spoke soothingly. "And I understand it from both sides. Henry, I will ask my people if the humans here can come, those of you willing to leave your biases behind. We only need people willing to work together."

"We've always been willing to work together. None of us wants to be anyone's burden. Well... none of us here do. Krane's people don't care where the food comes from or the other supplies. Their god provides, they say, and they pretend it wasn't all scavenged by the Kin. Some of us, humans I mean, live out among the Kin. Married to them, bonded, whatever... can they come too?"

"I will ask, but I'm not sure. Their mates may not want to relocate," she told them as Fort tensed up even more.

"My daughter Evie... she's mated to one of the snakekin. I would like it if she could come too," Henry went on.

"I will ask my people," she reiterated.

"We're on a schedule," Fortiz grumbled. "I am just giving her the tour, and she wanted to see this section, but we have places to get to. I will let you know what her people say. This way, Calliope," he told her.

Calliope noticed then that he was cutting his eyes to the side with the other humans.

Looking, she saw a man in black robes standing in the door of a room, watching her with a dark and covetous expression.

She knew immediately that she didn't want that man anywhere near her town or her people, especially Callum.

Krane.

He was dangerous, and she knew that just by looking at him. He could never be let near other humans outside of Mecca.

Turning away quickly, feeling sick now, she let Fortiz lead her away. It wasn't until they were well away that she realized she hadn't said goodbye to any of the others; she'd just run away.

She didn't care, the man had terrified her.

Janikka was at the animal pens when they went to leave, along with Tryldan, Kanach, and a ratkin she had seen at the dinner but not been introduced to. They all had mounts but Janikka.

Fort grinned as he went to Kit, and Kit hurried to him to nuzzle his face as he hugged her and scratched her shoulder. It made Calliope smile as she watched, adoring that he loved animals and Kit loved him too. It made her feel like he really was a good person.

Person? She guessed he was a person in her eyes. More of a person than some humans she knew.

Janikka spoke to all of them as they mounted, and a squirrelkin stood near the pen doors to open them.

"Fort, you know what is needed, and I trust you to keep our interests at the forefront in this. It is well that you have a new... amore, or whatever you wish to consider her, but remember your duties first."

"Of course I will," Fort told him, unable to look at Calliope.

"And you?" Janikka asked Calliope. "Will you speak for us? Ask your people to allow us to pass through your lands unmolested?"

"I will," she agreed, nodding. "I have a plan to introduce Fort and the others slowly, first to people who I know would be more accepting. Once they meet them, it will be easier to bring it up to the town council. Some there won't listen to me if I bring it to them, so I will let the others do it, so it seems like it's less from me. There are even some who would say no just because I brought it up, so this way is best."

"Are you disliked among the humans?" Tryldan asked, confused.

"She is female, her voice carries less weight among them. Among many of them, but not all of them," Kanach told him. "It is a flaw I have seen in how they treat her. It is why we thought her a child at first."

"But I know people who will listen to me, and more importantly, I am close to a man whose voice carries a lot of weight. I know he will see what I see, and not judge before he knows you or based on appearance. I trust him enough that I consider him like another father to me."

"Then it will be in your hands, and we will have to trust that you are capable," Janikka nodded.

Calliope nodded, then looked to the doors and the large painted word on one side.

'Mecca'.

"What does it mean?" she asked softly. "Mecca? Does it have a meaning?"

Fort laughed, shaking his head. "It was how some parents with malformed mouths pronounced the city's name. Maricopa. The ones who could speak first? After having children. Once we began the city below, it made more sense to call it Mecca than Maricopa, especially for those who needed the new start. Down here, it is Mecca. Up there? The ruins? That is Maricopa."

"I see," Calliope sighed, then took Fort's hand when he offered it. She smiled as he lifted her onto Kit, then led her out as the doors opened to the tunnel and stairs.

She knew she would be coming back, though. In her heart, she knew that Mecca was where her heart lived now.

Unless her heart came to her, which she also loved the idea of. Alone at the post, stationed with Fort, and working with him.

At the street level, Fort flew up and landed behind her on Kit's back, and Calliope leaned back into him happily as they rode.

He seemed pleased as well, using one hand to hold her close and the other to guide Kit, following along behind the others.

The others were content to ride with each other and talk, letting them have their alone time.

"I'm a bit nervous," Fort finally admitted.

"They'll be nice," she promised him.

"You as much as admitted that I will be meeting the man who is like a father to you. There's a bit of pressure there."

Calliope laughed, then hugged his arm. "Don't worry, he'll like you. He's a fair-minded man, but also very serious and pragmatic. He doesn't suffer fools at all, and he has no tolerance for bigots in the least. He's pretty great like that."

"You admire him a lot."

"He really has been the only real father figure in my life since my dad died, and he's always stood up for me. Let me stay and be a Scout when others would have made me stay in the town and do something more feminine. Women can be teachers, and work at the salon, or waitresses at the diner, things like that. He stood up for me and confidently expressed that I was his best Scout and no one else measured up to my abilities. That's not something you forget or think of lightly. Not in this world. He earned my respect and admiration for that."

"He sounds like someone I will be pleased to meet," Fort told her happily. "Next time you come to visit, I will bring you to meet my parents," he chuckled.

"You could have introduced them while I was there!"

"No! They would have seen right off how I felt and talked nonstop about when we would bond. They would have had you in a dress and standing in front of Jinakka with me before you knew what was happening."

Calliope laughed and shook her head. "It's so nice, how much the Kin all view love. How integral it is to who you all are. I like that."

"I'm glad you like it, since I was very much hoping I could apply it to you! The moment you drew your little weapon and pointed it at me, I could not imagine a more perfect creature. Fearless, though you barely come waist high to me! So confident and outraged. You were a sight!"

Calliope grinned, then looked away as she tried not to giggle. How did he turn her into a blushing and lovestruck girl so easily? He had no shame at all in his unabashed professions, and she adored that about him, even if she wasn't used to it.

"Who else will you bring besides the General you spoke of?" Fort asked after a long pause of them just holding on to each other.

"I will send him a report and tell him to bring two Scouts that he trusts. He will know what that means, I hope, and he will hurry. Have them turn here and go up that pass, it will take them to my outpost on the wall."

"The ride back seems to be going too quickly," he sighed after calling up to the others. "I was hoping for more time with you. How long until I will get to see you again after the meeting with your people is done?"

"I will see how quickly I can take leave," she promised giddily, then turned to ride side-saddle so she could look up at him. He grinned down at her, looking over her face happily.

"You are so stunning, Calliope! I have never been drawn to humans so much, but you are a perfect creature."

"I wouldn't mind being taller," she shrugged.

"I think I like that I can handle you with such ease and move you as I please," he teased. "Calliope? Can I kiss you before I have to leave today? Tonight? Whenever the time comes."

"I was hoping you would!"

He laughed, hugging her close, and Kanach immediately shushed him.

"We are too close for you to be so loud!" he whisper-hissed. "Remember where you are!"

Fortiz blushed, but hid a smile with Calliope as they stifled giggles together.

"They're like children," the ratkin chortled. "Never imagined I would see the day when Fort would be smitten and off his game."

"Would that we were all so lucky," Tryldan sighed glumly, casting Calliope a wistful glance.

Calliope blushed and turned, hiding her face against Fort and letting him hold her until they made the little campsite.

"Stay here," she whispered to them, then hurried to the wall and used her rope to climb over.

Kilkirk was inside, and he glowered at Calliope as she told him he needed to run a report into town to General Brigman right away, as she sat to write out the report.

"I was up at dawn doing your rounds, then mine," he huffed. "I'm done with my shift now, do it yourself! Where've you been?"

"Scout Kilkirk, we don't have scheduled shifts, you're on duty all the time! I was working, and you will do as you're told! I outrank you, and your attitude has been abysmal since you showed up! Do I need to let the General know that you have an issue with the chain of command out here?"

"I'll just tell Callum the issues you're giving me," he countered.

"See where that gets you since Callum has been trying to get me to be his wife," she snarled, sick of the wretched boy. "On my word, he will strip you of rank and put you on middens for the rest of your life! You'll go suit up and get your horse ready, and take this to the General immediately! And you will RUN, Kilkirk! You will hurry and you will get right back here as soon as you've delivered this to the General!"

Kilkirk huffed, but went to saddle his horse as she hurriedly wrote out the rest of it.

As soon as he was gone, she climbed her rope and waved at them. "I sent the report! He should be back here in less than an hour! I am going to clean up and change! Stay there, and when he gets here, I will bring him out to you, alright? I don't want anyone to say I broke regulations by bringing you over the wall."

"We will wait," Fort smiled, and Calliope sighed happily as she just looked him over. She'd never seen anything like him, but to her, he was beautiful and perfect. Everything about him! From his giant wings, to his furry chest, and his liquid green eyes, all the way down to his big boots. Every inch of him was exactly what she needed in her life.

"You gonna stare at him or go wash up?" Kanach rolled his eyes.

Calliope dropped down out of sight, blushing, then hurried to take a quick shower before putting her uniform back on.

By the time she was done pinning her hair up, she heard horses out front, a lot of them.

Running outside, she froze, going cold as Callum dismounted and rushed to her.

General Brigman dismounted more slowly, looking grumpy as he glared at Callum's back.

Callum pulled Calliope close and hugged her, then kissed her temple. "Calliope! Where have you been? I sent for you, and he said you were gone from your post? I sent for you a few times!"

"I told the General my plans," she mumbled, trying to pull away from his grip. "Sir, this is important. I called the General here for a reason. We can speak after?" she told him, managing to get free and go to General Brigman.

"Kilkirk dropped off your report and went straight to him," General Brigman told her in a low voice. "I didn't bring him."

"Kilkirk is a little shit with an attitude problem," she scowled.

"Which is why he's not here," he nodded. "Vance will be replacing him. What is this, Scout Mills? What did you find out there?"

"Come on, I'll show you," she promised, then hurriedly led them to the wall and her rope. "Follow me," she called, then climbed up and over.

"You'll have to give us more time," General Brigman called, amused. "The rest of us aren't squirrels."

Calliope waved Fort and the others back out of sight, then helped the other Scouts and the General climb down the wall. She ignored Callum like she didn't notice him, until he moved close to her and stroked her face and pulled her into another hug.

She wanted to say something, pull away, and condemn him, but she knew she had to bide her time. A word from him and the Kin wouldn't be allowed past the wall for any reason. He might even start a war.

As soon as everyone was ready, she turned stiffly to the General and told him what she had done, what had happened, then why she had asked him to come. As soon as she was done with a very brief sketch of what happened to the Kin and going into Mecca, she turned and called to the campsite.

"All of you! Step out, please! General Brigman, these are their Scouts and the ones who contained all the Underdwellers. Ferals, as they call them."

"Holy shit," Vance breathed under his breath.

"They're all nice! All of them! Like I said, Dun ended himself when he thought they were aliens, they never wanted to hurt him, only show him their peaceful city," Calliope went on. "Fortiz! Kanach! Tryl! All of you come closer, please! Just a bit so they can hear you talk! Fortiz, the tall one..."

"The fucking bat," Greene snorted.

"He's batkin, yes," Calliope agreed. "And they are snakekin and ratkin. They're like us, though, just trying to survive the hand they've been given. They want to talk and offer peace, trade talks, and more. They want to get to know us and give us a chance to get to know them. General Brigman, I invited you out here first because I know you well enough to know you won't jump to any conclusions, you'll judge them fairly and move on from there."

"They have firearms, all of them," General Brigman noted.

"There are a lot of guns in the city," Calliope agreed.

"We will not draw them, none of us will," Fortiz called.

"Holy shit, he talks," Vance breathed.

Calliope noticed that Fortiz looked stressed, watching Callum holding her close.

"I wanted their scouts to meet our military leader and let him get his own assessment of them before taking it to the town council," Calliope went on.

"I trust you, Scout Mills," General Brigman nodded. "Let's all sit down and have a talk. Why don't you all leave your side arms back in that camp, and we'll all meet halfway here and sit and have a talk?"

"We can do that," Fortiz nodded, immediately handing his gun off to Kanach, who took all the guns from everyone and took them back to the trees.

"He's enormous," Vance whispered as Fortiz moved to the clearing to sit down. "Seven and a half feet! Easy!"

"Let them go and talk," Callum whispered to Calliope. "You and I can go back to your room and... speak."

"Callum, this is my project, I want to see it through. We will have time to speak once this is over."

"No, Calliope! Now. Let them hash out mundane details, you've done your part, and I need to speak to you! I need to right away! Kilkirk told me what you said about wanting to get married... I want that too! I want to go talk to you about more important things! Now, Calliope, or I tell them all no and send them away just to be done with this all the sooner!"

"Please, Callum! We'll have so much time once this is done, and it's so important to me! And I want you to be a part of it too! It's all incredibly important to me! This is a new age now, and I want you and I to head it up! Don't you want that? Things are about to change, everything is about to change, don't you want your name on that? Our name on that?"

"I don't care about any of it, Calliope! I just need you!" he growled, and Calliope was getting frustrated and impatient. The others were all sitting and waiting on them, Fortiz looking so stressed he was practically vibrating. She knew he could hear every word.

She couldn't tell Callum no, yet, though. She had to get him to agree first before she shut him down completely and used the rule of law to make him stand down.

"Let them handle this part! Everyone will know that this was all you," Callum insisted, guiding her bodily back to the wall.

"Sir, she is needed here to verify everything she saw and heard!" General Brigman called loudly. "I need her input. You'll have time to speak to her after this meeting is over."

Callum growled and rolled his eyes, but let Calliope go. She didn't wait, hurrying away from him and wedging in to sit down between General Brigman and Vance, where Callum couldn't put his hands on her.

That didn't stop him; he went to his knees behind her and moved up so his legs were on either side of her, forcing the other men to move over as he put an arm across her shoulders and pulled her to lean back against his chest.

Calliope huffed, but said nothing as she looked away from the group, knowing that Fortiz would be upset. He had to know that Callum was the man she'd spoken of, and anyone could see her discomfort.

"Let's get this over with quickly," Callum snapped. "My future wife and I have plans when this is over."

Kanach growled low in his throat, giving Callum a dark look, but Calliope looked away quickly before she saw more.

"General," she spoke up before anyone else could speak. "As it was explained to me, the radiation from the meteors didn't cause all of the humans to become Underdwellers. Some of them, it combined their DNA with local animals, and they became hybrids like you see before you. Kin, they call themselves. They've been hiding underground in the city until they recently discovered a way to entrap all of the hard-to-kill Underdwellers. Now they are ready to reach out to us and talk, build communication, trade, and more. Mostly, they would like permission to have a gate built on the highway in the wall so that they can send envoys to other large cities. They know there are more Kin like them out there, and they want to show them how to trap the Underdwellers and start making the world safe again for everyone."

"How do they know there are more of them?" General Brigman asked.

"We've gotten radio signals," Fortiz told him. "Not very strong, but we do know that at least in a place called Aberdeen, there are more like us. We get their transmissions, but we have no way to communicate with them. They communicate with each other within the city, and we cannot reach them, only hear what they say to each other. We have tried to hail them, but they do not know the use of the HAM radios like we do, only the long-range walkies they are using and boosting. We have maps, it's not too far away, but we must cross your wall to reach it. We didn't want to just do it without asking you first. We wanted to reach out to you, let you know we are here and we can be allies."

"Scout Mills said she overheard plans of attack," General Brigman told him bluntly.

"Our leader mentioned that it might be easier to just knock the wall down to use the road, and if we are discovered and attacked, to respond in kind... but most of us did not want to do that. Peace is better. Becoming allies and trade partners is better."

"And what guarantee do we have that once we let you in our walls, you won't just try to take over our town?" General Brigman asked. Let's put our cards on the table, so to speak."

"If we'd wanted to do that, we could have done it long ago," Kanach told him. "Why do you allow that one to put hands on the female that way when it is obvious she is in discomfort?"

"Mills can take care of herself," General Brigman told him, and Calliope knew that he understood what she was doing. She wanted this peace, and she had to play along with Callum until she got it. He was letting her.

"Let's put our cards on the table, so to speak," Fortiz told General Brigman, sitting up straight. "We have guns and other weapons. We have numbers, many more numbers than you have. The ratkin alone outnumber your humans in town, twelve to one. We are many, and we have all the weapons left in the armories throughout the city, as well as more ammunition than we could ever need, with the ability to make more at the munitions plant. If we'd wanted to bring war to the humans, we could have been rid of your entire town in a single night with little to no effort.

"We do not want that, though. Most of us are not combative people. We have scientists, teachers, creators, artists, and more. We want our world back as close as we can get it to before the meteors fell. We want peace and prosperity and trade, and kindness. Understanding."

"Nice words... but what keeps your kind from subjugating our kind and making us work for you, or worse?" General Brigman asked.

"They have humans in their city," Calliope told him quickly. "A whole section of them that live among them. They take care of them, and when I spoke to them, they didn't say anything about misuse. They did express an interest in moving here to live with other humans again, but it was because of how closely they were all related, and they couldn't marry cousin to cousin. They're like us, General," she promised. "Just like us. They just look a little different, that's all. They want to live in peace and thrive again without fear of the Underdwellers."

"We have scientists working on a toxin that will eradicate the ferals completely," Tryldan spoke up. "So we can take the cities back over, take the world back over from them. One city at a time, if we have to, but we hope to set up communications. It's the first thing we're going to do, set up a network and get communications back up."

"Basically, what you're saying is that even if we say no to you putting a hole in the wall and coming through, you'll do it anyway, so we might as well let you," Callum stated bluntly. "So let's cut the thinly veiled threats out with your stick and honey ploy and move on to the real talk here. Negotiations. We want weapons and ammunition, access to a list of trade materials to be negotiated at a later date, access to your science that he was talking about, as well as any other technology you've been working on. In return, you will get escorted caravans on the highways only in groups no larger than two dozen. We will interview and have veto power over every human who wants to move to our town, and there will be no pushback on that. Your 'Kin' will stay out of the town, and..."

"I think the town should get to vote on that," Calliope interrupted him. "They have valuable tools and a lot to offer. They're people just like us, and I've met humans with less humanity in them than almost all of the Kin I've met."

"I agree with Scout Mills," General Brigman nodded. "Maybe not right away, but we tell them and let them vote. Set up a trading post at the wall by the highway and allow envoys and a trading route to our town. I do want to vet all the humans who come to live there, but I want them vetted by a council of a diverse twelve, and not a single person. Did Scout Mills tell you there's no religion here?" he asked Fortiz.

"She did mention it. There is another town for that. Don't worry, the humans who want to move here have no religion. They wish to live among other humans and topside in the sun again, where it is safe for them and they do not have to depend on us for everything. They want to work."

"Providing weapons and ammunition to us will be non-negotiable," Callum went on. "I want a rifle or automatic rifle and handgun per person in our town, one of each, along with an as-needed supply of ammunition."

"We might be able to swing one weapon per military personnel and half a dozen hunting rifles for your hunters, but we don't have that many extra weapons. Ammunition, we have plenty of. You would have to sign a nonaggression pact with us to never use weapons on us, and if you do, all weapon trade will cease. We would like to trade foodstuffs as well. You have farms and orchards we can't grow in the city," Fortiz leaned up, avoiding looking at Calliope with a will. "We can trade information like science and advancements, and we can help with your electrical issues as well. We will agree to an escort on your highway for the first year, but we want to renegotiate after that time. We ask for at least fifty to be able to cross at once, since our goal is to help other cities with their feral infestation. We will need manpower to do that. We will accept an escort of two guards for every ten of us there are, and include them in our supply rations and convoy as a unit. We would ask that at least two of the guard escorts also act as guides and ask to be allowed to set up waypoints. Campsites along the highway, since we plan to use it often. We will use our own supplies for this and find places already likely. Old gas stations, houses, and whatever can be found at the daily mile markers. We also ask for introduction and ease of passage through other towns. We know there are more along the way, but off the highway we plan to travel. I have the map here to show you our planned route and how long it will take."

"We cannot provide you guides once you are outside of our purview, you'll have to negotiate with the other towns for that. Once we establish a positive trade relationship with you, we will vouch for you with the next town and the town beyond, but you will have to build your relationship with each of them in turn. There are four towns between here and where you want to go, but all of them are smaller than here. One handgun each per military personnel, one automatic rifle each for all Officers, and one rifle each for our Scouts, as well as twenty hunting rifles for the hunters," Callum countered.

"I am not sure we have that many. Get me a list of how many of each you have, and I will see how many extra we have. We will need weapons to take with us for the other cities, we can't give all of our extra away and have none left to fight the ferals with in other cities," Fortiz told him, and Calliope could tell he was trying to keep his temper in check.

Callum was asking for a lot, but she knew this was part of what he did. The reason he was the Mayor and he led the town, he knew how to get his way, and he was quick to see right to the heart of everything. He was there now, in the zone, negotiating and seeing the problems that could and would arise. Getting the best deal for them and the best possible outcome.

They went back and forth several more times until General Brigman finally spoke up.

"It is getting dark, and honestly, this can't go much further. We have a trip back to our town and a lot to talk about and think on. We will get you the information you require and send it via Scout as soon as we have it."

"I'll bring it," Calliope volunteered quickly. "I know how to get there."

"No. Tell Vance," Callum commanded loudly. "You will be busy the next week, and you won't be at your post at any rate. We will be having our wedding this weekend, and you'll be moving into town."

"You haven't asked me and I haven't agreed," she told him guardedly.

"She wants nothing to do with you," Kanach scoffed. "Can't you see it in the way she holds herself? She loathes your touch. She fears you, and that is all. You should release her!"

"Scout Mills can take care of herself," General Brigman repeated pointedly. "Sir, we need to get back and talk about all of this. Scout Mills, I want a full report on everything on my desk by morning. Fall out now and go get your meal, then write it out and be in town by 0800, am I clear?"

"Yes, sir!" she agreed quickly.

"I want her to come back to town tonight," Callum told him. "She and I need to talk."

"She'll be there by morning, and you'll be busy with the council tonight. This is too important to wait. We will send a Scout with the list, and we can come together and draw up a document for both sides to sign. Your leaders and our leaders. I look forward to working with all of you in the future. Be safe getting home," General Brigman told the others, dismissing them politely but effectively.

"Goodnight," Calliope called to all of them, not looking at any of them as she got up.

Callum caught her hand. "Just a minute, Calliope! I do want a quick word before I leave. Twenty minutes with you in your bedroom," he rumbled, leaning in close to her.

"I gave her orders that she needs to carry out immediately," General Brigman told him. "And we need to get back before it's completely dark. You'll see her tomorrow. Let's go," he grumped, heading to the wall.

"Been too long since lunch," Vance rumbled. "General gets a bit hangry if you make his blood sugar fuck with him."

Calliope said nothing, tugging away from Callum and running ahead to hurry up the rope and over the side of the wall.

She didn't wait for the others to come over, hurrying to the barn and getting in the stall with Misty to brush her down and hide. She didn't want to be where Callum could find her once he made it over the wall; she wanted them all gone.

She stayed even after she heard them all leave, Callum complaining audibly about not being allowed to find her first.

How was she going to get out of this?

He was talking about a wedding, now.

"That man is a cunt."

After jerking at the voice coming out of nowhere, Calliope turned towards Kanach as she giggled. "A bit," she agreed.

"I could kill him."

"That wouldn't ingratiate you to the humans."

"I could kill him in a way they wouldn't know it was me."

"Then they would think it was me. They know I hate him and want nothing to do with him, and I don't want to marry him."

"Then why not tell him to fuck off? Why does the old man tell everyone to mind their business?"

"If I told the General to intervene, he would... and he will when I ask. For now, I have to leave things alone."

"So he'll sign off on us?"

"Exactly... did Fort stay back too, or was he pissed at me?"

"Fort is pacing outside your little house out there waiting for you to feel up to coming back. You gonna break his heart?"

"Not planning on it... but I don't know what to do right now. Our leader... he's kind of off the rails right now. He's volatile. If I turn him down and then shack up with Fort, he'll lose his mind. Shut it all down and never allow you all to come through."

"We'll be going through regardless of what he wants. It's up to him on if he gets anything out of it besides a bullet to the head or not. I'm voting on the bullet. He's a cocky prick, isn't he?"

"Always has been, but he's also smart. He also works hard for the town. He knew he had no leverage with you guys at all, and he still played it like he held all the cards. You guys let him."

"We let him think he had all the cards. That was the point. While he was playing cards, Fort was playing chess. What we offered was a drop in the bucket, and it was more than we planned on offering... but mostly? Fort wants access to you. We were sent to negotiate for highway only, and he worked it to get access to you as well with the trading and envoys and all that. Every inch he gave was for you. I say we just take you back with us so neither of you has to worry over it anymore. Send that cunt a letter saying you're going to go work in Mecca with the humans there, don't let him know you're going to bond Fort instead. Let your General keep him in line when it comes to you and your choices."

"I'll find a way to do all this on my terms... but I'm not doing anything that will make him hate the Kin. I have to play this all the right way."

"Fort is out there waiting for you. Why don't you go end his suffering and give the idiot a hug?"

Calliope giggled, then went outside.

Fortiz was pacing, but he stopped as soon as she came out of the barn, looking her over worriedly. "So," he managed shakily.

"So," she agreed, going past him and opening the door to the outpost for him.

He followed her in, ducking low and having to crouch. "He was the one you did not wish to speak of?" he asked as she led him back to her room.

"Yeah."

"That is the smallest bed I have ever seen! That isn't a bed! That isn't even a cot!"

Calliope laughed, shaking her head as she looked at her bed. "It's actually a toddler bed, but it's always worked fine for me. I don't need much room, and there's no room to be had here." It occurred to her suddenly why he was so upset about her bed. "You wanted to stay," she murmured.

"They agreed to camp nearby so I could hold you for another night," he agreed, looking hopeful.

"We can camp as well," she shrugged, pulling out her sleeping bag and pillow, then her extra blankets, before going back outside and to her favorite nearby spot near the woods in a clearing.

"You come here often," he noted.

"Yeah, when the weather's nice," she agreed, laying out the sleeping bag. "It's getting a bit cold now, but I'll have someone to keep me warm."

The stars shimmered overhead, scattered across the black velvet of the night sky. No fire crackled, no artificial light cut the dark--only the hush of wind through the trees and the faint rustle of leaves surrounded them. Moonlight filtered through the canopy in gentle shafts, pale and silver, casting the world in quiet magic.

Calliope stood at the edge of their small clearing, her head tipped back to the stars. The air was cool but not cold, fragrant with damp moss and wildflowers. Behind her, Fortiz moved silently, the soft flap of his wings like a heartbeat.

"Are you cold?" His voice rumbled low, almost lost to the trees.

She shook her head, smiling over her shoulder. "No. I feel... peaceful."

He stepped closer, massive and quiet. His presence didn't disturb the stillness; it deepened it. Calliope turned to face him, her eyes reflecting the moonlight. In it, she saw his worry, the reverent awe he never seemed to lose around her.

She reached up, and he leaned in so she could cup his jaw. "You don't have to ask, Fort. I want this. I want you."

He exhaled, chest rising with a shudder, and leaned down to kiss her. His lips were softer than they looked, plush and searching. He kissed like he was learning her, like every pass of his mouth against hers told him something new.

Their tongues met, slow and deliberate, and she melted against him.

He wrapped his arms around her carefully, his wings folding inward to cradle her. She was so small against him, but he never made her feel fragile, only cherished. Held. Safe.

When he drew back, he helped her undress slowly, reverently. The starlight caught her skin and made her glow like a dream. His claws trembled, even as he was gentle, each touch feather-light, until she stood bare before him, heart thudding in her chest.

"You're the most beautiful thing I've ever seen," he murmured. "Every time I look at you, I forget how to breathe."

Calliope smiled, flushed, and reached to help him with his pants. His clothing fell away, and the silver light revealed the sculpted planes of his chest, his abdomen, the dark fur down his arms. His cock had begun to swell, already heavy and distinct--longer and slightly curved, textured with subtle ridges near the base and a thick knot just behind the head, which throbbed with his heartbeat.

She touched him without hesitation, running her fingers along the shaft, feeling him twitch and grow beneath her hand.

His breath hitched. "Careful, Calliope... I'll lose my control."

"I want you to," she said, her voice husky. "Eventually."

Fortiz groaned and swept her into his arms, carrying her to the middle of the clearing and the soft ground. He laid her down with reverence, lowering himself between her thighs.

Kisses followed across her collarbone, the swell of her breasts, her stomach. When his mouth found her sex, he groaned against her.

"You're already dripping for me."

"Because I want you," she panted, back arching as his tongue found her clit. "Gods, Fort..."

He worshipped her with his mouth until she cried out, trembling beneath the slow, expert strokes of his tongue. Her orgasm rolled through her like waves, gentle and overwhelming. When it passed, he crawled up her body, cradling her face in his hands.

"Are you ready?" he whispered. "You can still say no."

"I would never," she answered, pulling him down into a kiss. "I trust you."

He guided the head of his cock to her entrance and began to push inside; slow, patient, careful. Her breath caught at the stretch; even just the tip felt massive. One of his large hands braced beneath her hips to tilt her just right, angling to ease the pressure, while the other held hers, his thumb brushing across her knuckles in slow, grounding circles.

"You're doing perfect," he murmured, his voice thick with restraint. "Just breathe for me."

She nodded, jaw slack, eyes fluttering as her body gradually yielded to him. Her legs shook around his hips, trying to stay spread enough to take him. Inch by slow inch, he fed himself into her, careful not to overwhelm her small frame. Every pause came with a gentle stroke of his hand or a murmured reassurance.

When he was fully seated inside her, against her wall, when she had taken almost half of him, he didn't move. His massive chest hovered over hers, his wings arching around them like a cathedral of leather and shadow. Instead of kissing her, which would have been impossible in their position, he dipped his head close, his breath brushing her splayed curls, his voice like thunder softened by devotion.

"Calliope... you feel like you were made for me."

She whimpered softly, overwhelmed and aching, her arms barely able to reach his arms. She didn't need to; his presence alone surrounded her.

"Move," she begged, voice cracking with need.

He obeyed, drawing back just enough to thrust in again, slow and deep. His hips rolled with a rhythm that matched the pulse of her blood. She clutched at his sides, nails dragging through the soft fur along his ribs. Each stroke pushed her further into ecstasy, the thick ridges along his cock stroking places inside her that had never known such fullness.

"Fuck... Fortiz!" she gasped, overwhelmed by the pressure, the stretch, the perfect friction.

He angled slightly, the next thrust nudging something inside her that made her vision white out at the edges.

"There," he growled, voice guttural, broken. "Right there."

Her second orgasm crashed through her, her body fluttering around him, hips bucking uncontrollably.

He groaned, low and rough, and pressed deeper, until the thick knot at the base of his cock began to push at her entrance.

"Too much?" he rasped, still holding steady.

She was trembling, soaked, utterly wrecked, but she wrapped her legs tighter around him. "No. I want it. I want all of you."

He pressed forward, slowly, gradually, until the knot popped past her entrance with a sharp stretch that had her gasping, half in pain, half in delirious pleasure.

Fortiz shouted her name as he came, body tensing with the force of it. His wings quaked above them as his knot pulsed and thick warmth spilled deep inside her. He held himself above her with effort, arms braced on either side so he wouldn't crush her with his weight. But his gaze stayed locked on hers, burning, wild, and reverent.

"You're mine," he panted, body locked with hers. "And I am yours. Forever."

She nodded, too emotional to speak, her hand resting lightly over the center of his chest, where his heart still thundered.

They stayed joined, bodies trembling, the knot keeping them fused under the stars. And when the trembling subsided, Fortiz shifted slightly, careful not to disturb their bond, and brushed his knuckles down the side of her face.

"I've never felt anything like this," he murmured, voice quieter than the night.

Calliope smiled, eyes heavy, blissful, and safe. "Me neither."

And there, under the blanket of starlight, surrounded by nothing but trees and quiet devotion, they let sleep take them, still wrapped in each other.

"Wake up!"

Calliope jerked awake, then groaned, every inch of her aching as Fortiz clutched her close.

"Wake up!" Kanach repeated. "Get up and get dressed! Quickly! The cunt is almost here! He's coming!"

"Shit!" Calliope wailed, scrambling to find her uniform.

Kanach tossed her pieces as Foriz found his pants.

"What time is it? How far is he?"

"We spotted him riding up, he'll be here in moments! Another rides with him, one who was here yesterday evening! There's blood all over you from Fort, but you'll have to dress over it for now! Hurry up! We'll hide, and you'll have to find a way to get rid of him!"

"What time is it?" she asked, looking up at the overcast sky for the sun.

"After ten."

"Shit! I was supposed to report in at 0800!"

"Sorry!" Fortiz cried, alarmed.

"Don't worry!" she told him, quickly pulling him down to kiss him. "You guys hide! General Brigman won't be mad! Just Callum. I'll see you later! I love you!" she whispered, shoving her boots on as fast as she could.

"Calliope! Calliope, where are you?" Callum yelled from the outpost.

Kanach and Fortiz both hid quickly as she hurried to the outpost.

"What are you doing here?" she asked breathlessly, coming out of the trees as Callum came out of the barn.

"There you are! You were supposed to be in town this morning, Calliope!"

"I know... I got busy and lost track of time this morning! There was... a mountain lion or something near the paddock, and I was tracking it," she managed, hiding her face.

"New tracks?" Vance asked, perking up.

"I don't know how new, I was gone a couple days and I saw them when I went to feed the horses. Sorry. Umm... I need to get some things and get cleaned up, then..."

"I want to talk to you," Callum told her, following her into the outpost.

"That my room?" Vance asked, pointing to the other room.

"Yeah," she agreed as Callum followed her to her room. She grabbed her brush, but Callum caught her arm, then hesitated.

"Is that really your bed? Where's your blanket? And pillow? Why's it so small?"

"It's the same one from when I was a kid, I never needed a bigger one. I slept under the stars last night in my clearing like I do a lot. What do you need, Callum?"

"I wanted a moment with you," he smiled, pulling her close and leaning in to kiss her.

"Maybe in town is a better place for that," she told him, turning away. "You have a big bed and a lot more room. I'll saddle Misty. Vance! Vance, I left my bedding in the little clearing to the northeast. Would you mind gathering it and tossing it in my room at some point? I'll be back when..."

"No. She won't be back. Pack her things and I'll have someone come get them," Callum told him, then led Calliope out to the barn.

Calliope felt sick, but she knew she just needed to get to General Brigman now. As soon as she said the words, this would be over.

Callum stayed close to her on the ride into town, watching her face as she stared straight ahead.

"I have a dress being altered for you," he told her suddenly. "It was my mother's. Sunday at noon, that's when I have it scheduled."

"I didn't tell Kilkirk I wanted to marry you, Callum. I told him that you cared about me, and..."

"He told me what you said and what happened. I didn't agree with him being reassigned, I had him out there for a reason. He reports to me, not Brigman."

"He's a shit soldier."

"But he's loyal to me. I have them preparing a big meal as well, a feast. Everyone will be there! Having a whole hog roasted. I'll have your things moved into our home by then as well. The paperwork for having you withdrawn from military service is already in. By Monday morning, you'll be my lovely little housewife, and I'll get to keep you close. You'll have nothing but good news from now on, and you can focus on nothing but me and our home."

"Sounds tedious and boring. I wasn't meant for that kind of life, Callum, I never have been. I..."

"People can change. You can change. You will change, Calliope. If you're good for me, I will allow you to leave our home and do extra things. Join the book discussion group, the sewing circle, and the sourdough bread makers. I'd even let you have a kitten for the house. Would you like that?"

"All of those things sound horrifying. I will take the kitten, though. Callum..." she trailed off with a sigh, knowing it didn't matter. She didn't have to argue; she just needed to tell General Brigman what she wanted, and it would be over.

When they arrived in town, he took her reins and led her to his manor house, then pulled her inside by her arm.

"I need a shower," she told him quickly as he pulled her upstairs, heading right for his room. "I also need to finish the report and get it to General Brigman."

"Later," he told her, pulling her into his room and shutting, then locking the door. "I've been needing you for so long! Missing you! Aching for you! I'm done waiting!" he told her, pulling her around the bed, then setting her up on it.

Bending, he picked up a chain from the floor, and as soon as Calliope saw it, she spun and started to scramble across the bed. Callum snatched her ankle and yanked her back, then wrapped the chain around her neck before securing it with a padlock.

"What are you doing?!? You can't do this, Callum, please! Take it off!" she pleaded, yanking on the chain that was secured to an eye hook anchored in the floor.

"Once I know you'll behave," he promised, his expression cold now. "Take your clothes off, Calliope."

"No! Not until you take this off! Please, Callum, you can't do this! You can't lock me up here!"

"It's fine," she shrugged, holding her down and yanking her shirt open, popping all the buttons off. "You don't need this uniform anymore anyway."

Calliope screamed, then tried to kick him as she struggled and fought.

"You aren't being very good," he admonished, pinning her after flipping her to her stomach. "You aren't showing me that you want this as badly as I do! Where's my sweet little gentle girl who doesn't fuss?" he asked, lying on her and dragging his lips over her temple before biting hard on her shoulder.

Calliope let out a wail of fear, but went still.

She knew what he wanted. She had to be that girl again, the one who'd allowed him in, even if it wasn't what she wanted.

"There," he whispered, then ripped her shirt open down the back and pulled the remains off of her. Undoing her pants, he started to yank them off, then hesitated, going still for a moment. Getting up quickly, he backed away as she looked over her shoulder fearfully. "Your moon blood is on you," he told her. "I'll bring something for you to clean up with, it's everywhere, dried all over your thighs and legs. Get up off the bed and finish taking your clothes off, I'll be back," he told her, then quickly left.

Calliope knew it wasn't her moon blood at all, it was the result of the night before with Fortiz. The way his strange cock had expanded inside her and ripped her as he filled her with cum... it had hurt, but it had also been thrilling and beautiful.

Callum returned with a bowl of water and a washcloth, setting it down on the desk on the far side of the bed.

"Wash yourself and I will see about getting you some padding and new underthings," he told her, then moved closer and pulled her against him. "This won't stop anything," he told her, stroking her curls. "Once you get cleaned up, I am still claiming you again. I'm going to make you scream my name, then pass out, and when you wake up, you will beg me to do it again... because that's who you are. You belong to me, Calliope, and you won't shield your heart from me. You'll give yourself to me and allow yourself to become mine. Your body wants it, I want it, and I know you want it too... you're just afraid of what it means giving up. I'll show you that life with me is better than what you've had up until now. Now clean yourself and be quick. I'll be right back."

He let her go and left, and Calliope tried to stifle tears as she washed herself.

When he returned with underclothes, padding, and a dress, she said nothing, just got up into the bed and kept her head down.

He set everything on the desk, then turned to her and stroked her curls again. "You're so lovely, Calliope."

"I do have to write the final report, still," she told him, lying on her back and turning to the wall. "For the General? About what happened in the city? I'll need pen and paper once... you're finished with me. Once I'm done with that, it will all be done."

"He's asking to see you, but I told him you were asleep. Passed out until later. Write the report later, and I will give it to him, and if you are good for me, I will let you out to speak to him. I will let you out to have meals at the table and more, if you can be my good girl. Will it be an issue?" he asked, pulling his clothes off.

"No," she told him, swallowing hard and trying to will away the tears that were threatening. "I will be what you ask, Callum."

"Open your legs for me," he commanded, and she spread her legs quickly, still not looking at him.

Calliope lay on his bed, breath shallow, every nerve lit up with anticipation. The room was dim, the door locked, the silence thick with everything unsaid. She listened to him strip slowly, methodically, like a man unwrapping vengeance and reverence all at once.

His shirt hit the floor. Then his belt. Then his pants. Each discarded piece of clothing made her heart pound louder.

"You're already wet, aren't you?" he asked, voice low, dangerous.

She nodded once, her thighs shifting in silent invitation.

"Good," he breathed, climbing onto the bed. "Because I'm not in the mood to be gentle."

He was on her in a blink, hands braced on either side of her head, muscles tight, jaw clenched. His furious gaze roved over her, but his anger didn't frighten her, not this time. Not when she knew what lived beneath it.

"Do you know what you do to me, Calliope?" he hissed, lowering his head to her neck. "Do you know how many nights I've had to lie awake, aching for this?"

She reached up, curling her fingers into his hair. "Then take it."

That was all he needed.

His mouth moved to hers; furious, claiming, wild. He kissed her like a man possessed, like he'd waited too long and the dam had finally broken. His hand slid between her legs and found her soaked and ready.

"Fuck," he growled. "This is mine."

She gasped as two fingers plunged deep, curling just right, and her body arched off the bed. He moved with precision, with fury, with aching need, his thumb circling her clit as he watched every breathless reaction on her face.

"You wanted me angry?" he rasped. "You wanted this version of me?"

She whimpered. "I want you. All of you." It was only a partial lie, she wanted the bliss.

His eyes flared with something close to pain. Then he pulled his hand away and lined himself up, the thick head of his cock brushing her entrance.

"Look at me."

She did.

He thrust deep in one motion, burying himself inside her with a groan that rattled his chest. Her back bowed, a cry ripping from her throat. But she didn't pull away. She clung to him, thighs wrapping around his hips, nails raking down his back.

Callum moved hard, rough at first, slamming into her like he had something to prove. But then it shifted. His hand slid under her lower back, lifting her, adjusting his angle. His rhythm slowed, deepened, and became something sweeter, something intimate.

"I hate how much I love you," he breathed, forehead pressed to hers.

She cupped his face, her voice shaking. "Then don't fight it."

His thrusts faltered for a second, something soft and broken flickering in his eyes before he kissed her again, tender now, aching. Each roll of his hips became a confession. Each moan from her lips, an answer.

She gave herself to it. To him. Her legs trembled as her climax built, tight and aching, his name a whispered chant on her lips. When it hit her, she cinched around him, body clenching hard, pulling him deeper.

Callum cursed, hands gripping her hips as he followed, spilling inside her with a raw, strangled sound.

They stayed like that, bodies tangled, skin flushed and slick with sweat, breaths mingling in the messy sheets.

He rested his head on her chest, a hand splayed over her belly like he couldn't bear to let go. "You're mine," he whispered, almost to himself.

Calliope ran her fingers through his damp hair. "I was always yours." Another lie, but she didn't feel bad. She had to get through this. Through him.

She had to lock away the hate and allow the only good thing she felt for him.

Lust.

The one thing that would make him think she was his.

"The report won't take me long to write," she murmured, pretending to be sleepy now. "I can get it done, then if you aren't busy, you can come back and we can take a short nap."

"I have meetings this afternoon, a lot of them," he told her, lifting to kiss her shoulder. "But I will slip away as often as I can to come see you. I'll get your papers, a report will keep him off my back about you. Tonight, you'll tell him to leave off, Calliope. You aren't his to order around anymore. You understand?"

"Yes," she agreed, still quiet. "I'm yours now."

"All mine," he repeated, then got up to clean up. He hesitated, then looked back at her. "Your moon blood stopped?"

"Probably not," she lied. "It's not constant, it comes and goes until it's over."

He said nothing, turning to get dressed. He did pause at the door and look back at her, stretched out on his bed. "I love you, Calliope. You're going to love me, too."

"I know," she told him calmly, rolling to her side and pulling a leg up, purposefully posing for him. "If nothing else, you'll keep me blissfully content."

His lip quirked slightly, then he was gone.

Calliope huffed, then pulled a blanket up as she looked over the side of the bed at the eye hook anchored in the floor. She wouldn't be strong enough to get that out, but if she had leverage? A bar or knife of some kind to unscrew it?

Turning, she looked at the window on the other side of the desk, knowing that was her next option. Open it and wait for General Brigman so she could yell down to him. Even if she had to break it when she saw him.

Callum brought back a folder of paper and a pen for her, then sat next to her on the bed. "Figured you'd be asleep by now."

"I was thinking about the report and what I needed to say. Sooner I get it done, sooner I can sleep. Can you loosen this chain? It's cold and tight."

"It will warm to your temperature, and you'll get used to it. Until I trust you, it stays on, and you stay here. I have to go to the hall for a while, but I'll come back and get your report later to give to him. Calliope? No more birth control, alright? Not from now on. I want us to have kids."

"Kids would be nice," she told him, feeling sick with that lie. "Do I still get a kitten?"

"There's a new litter, and Foster said the kittens will be ready to wean in less than a week. I'll get you one."

"You're going to the hall... are you talking about the Kin?"

"Among other things. Don't worry about it, it's not your concern anymore. You just worry about being ready for me to fuck you again as soon as I get back."

Calliope tried to smile, but she wanted to punch him in the throat.

He kissed her again, and the need in it almost made her feel bad. He really did love her, in his fucked up way.

As soon as he left, she hurried to the desk and looked out the window, then left the curtain propped open as she wrote out the report.

In nine different places, she wrote 'as referenced in chapter 43, section 12 of our code of law' in the report, hoping General Brigman would get the reference and take action as she watched for him.

He never appeared, at least not before Callum did. Callum came in and she stood from the desk, feeling sick as she turned to him.

"Hello!" he smirked, looking her over in the dress. "You have that ready? We're on a short break for lunch."

"Here," she told him, passing him the folded report. He flipped through it, but she'd expected that. It was why she'd only referenced the code of law and didn't outright ask for help.

"I'll get it to him," he nodded. "I don't have time for more right now, lunch is about to be served, and we're working through lunch. I'll have someone bring you something up."

"Thank you... how late will you be, do you think?" she asked nervously.

"Anxious to see me again?" he asked mockingly. "Sitting there making yourself wet, fantasizing about it?"

Calliope blushed and looked away, then fidgeted with the dress since she'd never worn one before.

"I'll be back as soon as I can," he chuckled, then pulled her into a kiss before leaving.

Calliope scowled, then turned back to the window and wished his room faced the front of his manor and not the side. The chain wouldn't reach the windows to the back of the house.

As time passed, she got more anxious, wondering if General Brigman had read the report immediately or just set it aside. When would he see it? How long until he came to get her?

She began pacing as best she could with the short chain, watching as it got darker and darker outside.

How long?!?

The door opened, and she spun, then her heart fell as Callum flipped the light on and looked her over happily.

"Hello, Calliope! Did you miss me?" he asked happily, hurrying around the bed.

"You forgot to send someone with food," she told him irritably.

"I guess I did, sorry. I'll send for something in a minute," he purred, bending to cup her ass and pull her close, then lift her off the floor.

Dropping her on the bed, he fell on her and grinned down at her as his eyes danced happily.

"You seem chipper," she noted warily.

"I am! We got an excellent agreement agreed on with the council and written up, and we're going to gain so much from this new alliance! You finally brought good news along with you! I get you and news that Underdwellers are basically handled, and we get weapons and so much more! I am happy. Mostly happy that I get you! You're finally mine! The day you give yourself to me completely will be the best day of my life! You look stunning in this dress, by the way! I think you need a few more! You'll only wear dresses from now on! You look so feminine and perfect! My perfect little lady. Now tell me you missed me so I can fuck you into a coma before I find you some food."

"Can I have food first? I haven't eaten at all today."

"I need you now," he whispered teasingly, grinding his hard cock against her pelvis. "Now tell me you missed me and you need me too!"

"I need food," she grumped. "And something to drink. I get irritable when I'm starving."

"Don't be overdramatic," he rolled his eyes as he got up. "I'll be right back."

He left, and Calliope sat up, disgruntled and angry as she looked around. The only thing she could use as a weapon was maybe the chain, but it wasn't long enough.

Callum came right back in, grinning as he pulled his shirt off.

"They're making a sandwich for you and bringing up a glass of milk with it! We have enough time! Take your dress off!

Calliope wanted to punch him in the mouth, but she knew she needed to play this out for however long it took. Unbuttoning the dress, she let it slide off her shoulders, and he looked her over, then his smile faltered.

"You aren't wearing your underclothes or the padding? Is your moon done?"

"I'm pretty sure," she agreed, having forgotten about that. "The underwear you brought are too big."

"So you just stayed ready for me?" he asked throatily, sliding a hand up her thigh and in, sliding fingertips over her sensitive pussy lips. "Have you been thinking about me? Touching yourself? Keeping yourself excited for me?" he asked, his lips on her jaw as he moved in closer, unfastening his pants.

The door opened, and Callum fell on her, shielding her body as he hugged her to him.

"Put the food on the dresser and go!" he called angrily. "And knock next time!"

"Callum VanHorn!" General Brigman spat as several military men filled the room. "Release Scout Mills immediately."

"Get out of my room and my home! She's MY wife! She's going to be my wife in a couple days and she..."

"She has invoked the protection of the military! From you. Release her at once, or you will be moved to the brig and kept there. The law states that when protection is invoked that you cannot come within twenty feet of her or speak to her, or you will be arrested."

"She never invoked that law! I've been with her!"

"She has. She did it in writing! Get off of her and let her go, or I am taking you to jail, Callum. Release my Scout!"

Callum got up angrily, pulling the sheet over Calliope to cover her.

"Is that a chain around her neck?" General Brigman asked darkly. "Unlock it! Now!"

"She's MINE!" Callum yelled, his hands in fists. "Tell them, Calliope! You're mine! You love me and you want to marry me!"

"I'm invoking Chapter 43, section 12 of the code of laws! I want protection from Callum, and ask that he's never allowed near me again! Further, I want to be stationed in a new position. I either want to be one of the guides for the Kin who will be traveling, or I want to be the liaison Scout for Mecca! I don't want to have to report back here or come back to this town!"

"Calliope!" Callum cried, moving to take hold of her and pressing his head to hers as he gripped her hair. "I love you! I will make you see that you..."

"Release her now," General Brigman commanded, yanking Callum back by a hard grip on his hair and another on his wrist as he twisted it and pinned it behind his back. "Green, look for the keys in his pocket!"

"The key is on the dresser! In the dish! Let me go!" Callum demanded, his eyes wide with pain and surprise.

"I need a uniform," Calliope told the room, holding a sheet over herself as Greene handed her a key so she could free herself from the chain.

"Calliope! I want to show you that your life could be so much better!"

"I like my life how it is! I don't like you, Callum! You're an overbearing jerk who punished me for not noticing you like you wanted me to! Instead of just being nice and trying to get me to notice you the right way, you were cruel to me and made me terrified of you, then you used me and sent me off to die! I don't care how you feel about me, Callum! There's no excuse for the way you've handled me. Never come near me again, or I will ask General Brigman to put you away for a minimum of two years. I'm also bringing up a vote of no confidence before I leave! You shouldn't hold a position of power with the way you've abused it! If you did it to me, you would do it to another! Fuck you, Callum!" she yelled, then stormed out of the room still wrapped in a sheet. "I want a fucking uniform!" she screamed at no one and everyone.

She had no idea where to go, so she went to the General's house and let Megan hug her and pat her back while she cried on her shoulder.

Greene came in with a uniform and extra clothes, and Megan ran her a hot bath to settle her down, then fed her some leftovers as soon as she was out of the tub.

By the time she was done and curled up on the couch, her head in Meg's lap, General Brigman came in, looking sad.

"He's spending the night in a cell for now," he announced. "I know why you did what you did, Mills... and you were right. He would have shut relations with the Kin down out of petty jealousy if you had rebuffed him in front of them. His mind just isn't in the game when it comes to you. He's being watched right now... he threatened to kill himself if we let you leave the town. We won't let him, and we won't let him get his hands on you again either. You can have your choice of positions, of course. Guide or liaison. I'm going to assume the position you take will depend on where that giant bat is going to be? Yes, I saw the way he watched you and the way you avoided looking at him. It didn't take a genius to figure that out. Callum won't find out about it, not from me or any of ours. Doesn't surprise me a hair that you looked right past what he was and right into his heart, though. I did sort of hope that you would end up with Greene as much as I tried to throw him under your nose, but I guess he was too shy for you. He's got the same sort of gentle soul you have... but I'm guessing you found what you needed. That right?"

"Fort is a gentle giant, and... he's not really shy. Forthright and earnest, but not shy. He's sweet and fun, and... pretty much perfect."

"He's enormous and a little terrifying. He was ready to take you out of Callum's hands, no matter what it meant to the negotiations. The snake man was about to as well... that one has a temper."

"Yeah, I wouldn't upset him," Calliope agreed. "I'll go back out to the post tomorrow and head to the city from there. Callum said you had a treaty agreement written up?"

"The first draft. They might want to counteroffer and negotiate a bit, but we're fine with that. Callum is demanding a lot and expecting half as much once it's done. Mills... if this goes through and things happen the way we're anticipating... You might have to come into town to report in ever so often."

"You can meet me at the trading post by the gate," she shook her head. "I never want to see him again."

"Because part of you loves him?"

"I know it's fucked up, sir... I don't even know how to explain it. I'd never been seen before, never been noticed. He noticed me and made me feel seen. Made me crave that sort of attention, and part of me even still... I crave how he made me feel. He's an attractive, desirable man who could have his pick of girls... and he chose me. Part of me wants to revel in that and let it feel good. I know he's a jerk and what he did is wrong on so many levels... but... it felt good, sir. I found someone so much better, and he's perfect... but I know I will never forget what Callum is and how just the thought of him affects me physically. Seeing him pulls at me in places I didn't know existed until he showed them to me. Fort is the better man, and... being with him is better and more wholesome and good for me... but the dark parts of me will always think of Callum, and I hate him for that."

"In the world we live in now, we take the bad with the good and hold on all the more tightly to the good for it. Focus on the life ahead of you and not what's behind you, and let it fade away as you find new joy and make new memories. In time, you won't feel the same as you do now," General Brigman promised.

"I'll get the bed ready," Megan smiled, getting up. "You can sleep here tonight where you know you're safe."

Calliope smiled, then turned to General Brigman as soon as she was gone. "Not sure you deserve her, she's pretty great."

"She's amazing," he agreed. "I strive to deserve her every day. Are you going to be alright, Mills?"

"I'll be fine. I think Fortiz is exactly what I need."

"I wanted to ask your opinion on allowing the Kin into town, even just for trade. Some of the council seem hesitant."

"When I told you they were just like us, I meant it, General. Mostly, they're good people who just want to survive. There are a few bad apples, I'm sure, but do I think they'll scare or hurt the humans here? No, I think they want to coexist and feel normal again. I think they want hope. All of them that I met, they seem so... incredibly normal to me. I could have been sitting with the people here at their dinner tables, or in the barracks at shift change. If you close your eyes, you would never know the difference."

"Not everyone has the ability to see past the surface like you do, Mills."

"You do."

"Most of the people here might have some issues with it. I can name several off the top of my head that are going to be shits about this."

"I know who you mean, and all of them are soldiers. Put them on wall duty if they have something bad to say or try to start their usual bullshit. Put the more open-minded on guide duty and the trading post. Once everyone gets used to the Kin, there won't be any problems, I'm sure."

"We'll have to keep them away from Kingston."

"We keep all the sane people away from Kingston," she rolled her eyes.

He gave her a grim, ghost of a smile as Megan came back in.

"All ready for you!"

Thanks," Calliope told her, then hugged her tight, trying not to tear up again as a lump formed in her throat. "You guys are amazing," she managed, then ducked down the hall to the bedroom so they wouldn't see her crying again.

She'd turned off the light and gotten into bed, her head not even hitting the pillow, before she heard an insistent but quiet tapping at her window.

Sitting up, she looked out, but it was too dark to see.

The tapping came again, and she sighed, knowing exactly who it was.

Going to the window, she opened it an inch to whisper. "Go away, Callum, or I'm yelling for the General, and he will put you in a cell!"

"Calliope! Please listen to me!" he cried in a desperate whisper before she shut the window.

He caught it, shoving it up high and leaning in slightly.

"Please! I won't touch you or do anything, just listen to me, please?"

"I have nothing to say and nothing left to hear, Callum! I'm not interested! I want nothing to do with you, and you need to understand that!"

"I love you, Calliope, and I can change! I will change! For you I will, I swear it! I was an entitled asshole, just like you said and I admit it! I will never take you for granted or treat you as a lesser again! I will respect you and hold you dear to my heart and show the world how I feel about you!"

"Callum, I'm glad you want to change and you understand you fucked up... but live and learn. Next time, when you find the right woman for you, you'll know and..."

"There isn't anyone else! There can never be anyone else! It's you I love, Calliope! You, I want! You, I have always wanted! I've seen other girls, other girls have tried, but it's only ever been you, but you refused to see me!"

"Callum, get it through your head and hear me: I do not like you. I will never like you, and I will never give you a chance. I want nothing to do with you at all. If you were the last man on earth and I were the last woman, the human race would die out because I would ride as far and fast as I could to get away from you. I don't hate you, not yet, but I do pity you and have a disgust for you that would make you cringe if you knew the depths of it. Now let go of the window and leave me alone. Tomorrow I am leaving this town, and you will never see my face again."

"Calliope! If you leave and never return, I would have nothing left to live for! Life wouldn't be worth living without you! I..."

"Shut your manipulative bullshit! It's not going to work on me. Go cry to someone else!" she growled, then tried to close the window.

He caught it and gripped her hand possessively. "Just... please, Calliope? Let me hold you one final night before you leave? Just hold you and nothing else, I swear! Unless you want more? I can make you pass out, bliss you out, and make you scream my name a final time."

"Not a chance. You'll never touch me again, Callum. Ever. Let go of the window or I'll yell for General Brigman."

"I'm already here," General Brigman called from the doorway. "Get away from her and my house, or I will have you brought in and removed from office."

"I love her, Dan! I love her more than anything! Just... please let me have her? I can show her! Prove to her that I'm worth it and I can change."

"She doesn't care, Cal. She already hates you, and that will never change now."

Callum slumped and finally let Calliope go. She reached up and pulled the window shut, then locked it before twitching the curtain shut and turning to face General Brigman.

"You alright?" he asked gently.

"Fine. He wanted to shoot his shot, as they say, give it a final try. Maybe now he'll understand."

"He already understood. Now he's just planning on how he's going to get hands on you and secrete you away without anyone knowing. He knows you plan to leave and not come back, and he's going to work that to his advantage and try to grab you in secret and hide you somewhere. I know him, Mills, I know how he thinks. He hasn't given up, he's changed tactics. So we change tactics, too. I'm taking you back to your post tonight, and you're leaving from there to go into the city with your man, and you're going to stay with him. Be their liaison or whatever, but do not leave his side. If things don't work with you two, stay with the snake who was protecting you; he sees you as someone to protect."

"Fort is at the post still," she told him absently.

"How do you know? Did you tell him to stay there?"

"No... I just know him well enough to know that he worried when Callum showed up for me, and he won't leave until he knows I'm safe. If I'm not back tomorrow, he'll come into town tomorrow night to find me."

"You two really are connected, aren't you? Good for you, Mills. I'm happy for you, truly. Do you... are you planning to have children?"

"I haven't thought much about it... I don't plan to actively prevent it, but I'm not sure it will happen."

"If you do... consider coming back to see us. Megan would love to meet your children, and so would I. It would be like having more grandbabies to spoil," he told her, and she could hear the smile in his voice.

"If I ever have kids, I will come back," she promised, feeling warm again. "Do you want them to call you granddad?" she teased.

He barked a laugh. "Get suited up, Mills. We leave in ten."

Calliope was grinning as she pulled her boots on, and in fifteen minutes, she was on Misty and leaving town with General Brigman and three Scouts. One of them was her replacement at the post.

"So, not granddad?" she asked him as soon as they were clear of the town.

"Megan and I have talked about what we want the grandkids to call us, and we decided they would get to choose. That's what I did when I was young, I picked the names I wanted for my grandparents, and it seems fitting."

"But you don't have a preference?" she asked him, amused.

"I only know I don't really care to be called grampa. It's just kind of boring and formal, I guess... I get formal seven days a week from the whole world, I'd like something better from my grandchildren, real or adopted."

"That makes sense," she told him, a little wistful now.

"You realize that any children you have with him are going to be... on the large side? He's a giant."

"Yeah... I'm not sure how that will work, but we'll figure it out. They have a medical clinic there that is a lot more advanced than ours, and the doctors seemed to actually know what they were doing. I would actually suggest that we start an apprentice program with them; they have a lot that we don't. A biology lab for one with real scientists, chemists, and biologists. And they all knew what they were doing."

"They have access to facilities that we don't have and books as well. They can train and learn in ways we can't."

"Which is why we need to send people to learn from them. The doctors, too, all of them. They have so much that we don't."

"First, let's establish contact and trade, then we can get our people used to the fact that there are... Kin in the world. Once we get them used to animal-human hybrids that are as smart as we are, then we can move on to trading off citizens for apprenticeships and more."

Calliope made more idle talk, though she knew that wasn't his forte. He humored her, knowing she needed it not just for the comfort of someone to talk to, but to keep her mind off other things.

When they arrived at the post, Vance seemed unaccountably upset that they woke him, and Calliope was leaving the town. He seemed even more upset that his new partner was Hamilton, whom he loudly said was a dirty slob, and he wanted someone new, or he would demand a transfer.

"You can't tell me I'm getting someoen like Mills, then saddle me with fucking Hamilton!" he snarled at general Brigman, then stormed out of the room, slamming his bedroom door as he went.

"I'll stay," Green offered quietly. "I've been wanting a post position, and Vance and I get along fine."

"Leave me Greene and taking fucking skid marks with you!" Vance yelled from his room.

Hamilton left in a huff, his face red.

"You'll need a new bed," Calliope told Greene. "I'll come back for my things soon, I don't know when, though. I'm only taking an overnight bag for now, until I find out what I'll be doing and where I'll be stationed, and how much room I'll have. I'll get it out of your way as soon as I can."

"No hurry," Greene told her quickly. "I'll pack it all up for you and keep it safe as long as you need me to."

Calliope remembered then what General Brigman had said about Greene, and she could see it in him. The hopeful way he was looking at her, how wistful he seemed when he talked about her coming back.

He was a nice boy, and pleasant enough looking, and in another time, she would have looked twice at him...

But now all she could picture in her life was Fortiz and his liquid green eyes and ready smile. Her gentle giant.

Turning, she went outside to her rope along the wall and climbed up to look over. She'd been hoping to see a fire at the camp, but it was dark. Had he stayed like she was sure he had, or gone back to the city to wait for her?

"Fort!" she called into the darkness, not shouting but not being quiet either.

"I'm here, my Calliope," he told her from a foot above her in the tree, making her jump and almost lose her grip on the rope.

Chuckling, he caught her and pulled her up into a hug as his wings flapped and he settled them on the ground.

"Have you been watching for me?" she asked happily, looking up at him in the darkness.

"Only since you left your little town," he told her, hugging her close. "When you didn't come right back, I went to find you to see if I needed to free you. Are you back here for a time, or do you get to take your leave now?"

"Actually, I told them I wanted a new position. I am going to live in the city and be the liaison between the town and city... unless you're going to be assigned to the traveling group, then I'm going to be a guide. Either way, I'm going to be wherever you are."

"I do not know if they will let me give another lead of the city so that I can travel; others will be doing that. I am sure Janikka will prefer I stay in the city if that suits you."

"That suits me fine," she promised.

"Then I will ask him for larger living quarters so we can share, if that also suits you," he told her, and she could hear the pleased smile in his voice.

"That suits me too," she agreed quickly. "We'll have to find a way to get Misty through the wall, make a gate or something so she can come with me."

"Your mount? The horse?"

"Yes. I'll need her with me."

"Of course... though Kit does not mind when you ride with me."

"She and I are close! I need her where I'm at, even if I do ride with you and Kit sometimes. Are the others still here?"

"No, they went back with the news. I told them I would come as soon as I heard from you. So you're coming back with me? In the morning, or sooner?" he asked happily.

"Now! Well, let me pack a bag, but as soon as I can get ready! I need to leave sooner rather than later."

"Then go pack!" he laughed, then pulled her up into a quick kiss before letting her down and ushering her towards the door.

Calliope felt giddy as she hurried back in to gather her things. She hardly noticed the others as she rushed through to start shoving her extra uniform and extra clothes into her bag.

She did pause as she started to leave, looking up at General Brigman. "I'll be in the city! Staying there and living there, the liaison between us! They're going to try and set up communication with other cities, and I'll ask them to start here, as well as with the electric grid, so we can rely less on the old solar we have!"

"I know you'll have our best interests at the forefront of your mind," he told her, sounding amused.

She grinned up at him, then hugged him before shooting out the door to find Fortiz again.

In ten minutes, she was curled up against him as Kit waddled them back to the city. He was clutching her against him like he never intended to let her go, a wing wrapped around her to keep her warm.

The sun was coming up as they rode into the city and down the stairs to Mecca. Calliope was nodding off, but she woke up more when they were engulfed in the pure darkness, then more when they entered the pen. The animal smell almost made her flinch, but she smiled up at Fort as he got down and set her on her feet.

In another fifteen minutes, they were in his room, and he pulled her close as he fell into bed with a long sigh. "I don't know what I want more! To kiss you within an inch of your life, or just pass out holding you and sleep for a whole day!"

"Mmm, as much as I want to make out like a teenager, I need some sleep! When we wake up?"

"When we wake up, I need to report in... but I will ask for the afternoon off! And we can do whatever you want when I get back!"

"Even go meet your parents?"

"I love that that's what you want to do," he told her, hugging her close to his chest and kissing the top of her head. "Even after I warned you about them!"

Calliope only giggled sleepily before sighing and passing out, feeling safe.

She would never see Callum again, and he would never put his hands on her again.

She woke up when Fortiz got up, but he kissed her head and whispered for her to go back to sleep; he would be back soon. She fell back to sleep, cuddling with his pillow, feeling giddy all over again. She loved how happy he made her heart.

He came back, it seemed like moments later, climbing into bed and kissing her temple. "You ready to wake up?" he asked, petting her hair.

"Sure," she agreed, then pulled him closer to kiss him.

He grinned, falling into bed next to her and rolling to keep kissing her while wrapping her in his arms and wings.

"We can't just make out the rest of the day!" she told him, turning away after a few minutes.

"Mmm, I can make love to you again," he purred, leaning in and kissing her neck.

"We're supposed to be meeting your parents!"

"My dad won't be off work until after five. We have time," he promised, catching her hand and kissing her fingertips.

"What time is it?" she asked, starting to sit up.

"I promise you I'll get you there on time," he laughed, pulling her back down and rolling over her to kiss her again.

"I think you have your mind made up on what you want to do," she teased.

"I do now," he agreed. "Unless you want me to stop? I'll stop if you..." He began, pushing back and lifting away from her in worry.

"No! Don't stop! Come on!" she grinned, pulling him close again and wrapping her legs around his waist.

His laugh was joyous as he pressed into her, and she was thrilled, knowing what was about to happen again.

Pulling back, he looked over her, his expression proprietary now.

She stretched, the fabric of her uniform tightening across her breasts and thighs. His eyes followed the movement with hunger barely restrained.

"That shirt's an offense," he growled. "It's hiding you from me."

Her lips curled into a sleepy, wicked grin. "So take it off."

He moved slowly, lifting with a kind of predator grace, massive and deliberate. When he was off of her enough, he hovered, letting his weight press the mattress down on either side of her body.

"I dreamed you were mine," he said softly.

"I am."

She expected him to be rough. She wanted him to be. But instead, he leaned down and kissed her cheek, her nose, her eyelids, like she was fragile and made of glass.

Only then did his claws hook under the zipper of her uniform.

She arched her back so he could pull it down, the fabric parting to reveal skin, inch by inch. Her breathing hitched as cool air kissed her nipples, making them harden instantly, but it was nothing compared to the heat of Fortiz's mouth replacing it.

"I've wanted you since the camp," he whispered between kisses down her chest. "When you stood your ground and looked me in the eye like you could break me."

"I can break you," she gasped, fingers threading into his thick hair as his tongue flicked over one sensitive peak.

"I hope you do."

Her uniform was peeled off like a second skin, slow and deliberate, his claws careful not to scratch, but not so careful that she couldn't feel their promise. His hand trailed over her ribs, her stomach, and lower, cupping her mound with reverent possession.

"You're so small," he murmured, voice deep and trembling. "And perfect. Every part of you."

She hooked her legs around his waist, grinding up against him, feeling the heat and weight of his arousal pressing through his trousers.

"Then take me," she whispered. "Make me yours."

That was all it took.

His trousers were gone in a flash of claws, and her breath caught as she saw him; thick, massive bulb on the flat tip, ridged, veined and beautiful, the tip already glistening. She swallowed hard, and he chuckled.

"Intimidated? It hurt last time..."

"Turned on," she said again, lifting her hips. "You remember what I said in the woods?"

He leaned down, nipping her throat with just enough fang to make her gasp. "I remember everything."

When he pressed the blunt head of his cock to her slick folds, she hissed, legs tightening around him.

"You're ready," he growled. "Fuck, Calliope, you're already soaking for me."

"Then don't tease," she gasped. "Just..."

He pushed inside slowly, carefully. Her back arched, a sound between a whimper and a moan tearing from her lips as her body adjusted to his sheer size. Every inch stretched her, filled her, claimed her.

"Tell me if I need to stop," he panted, shaking with restraint.

"Don't you dare."

Once he was half inside, pressed to her wall, they both stilled. The pressure was intense. Intimate. Perfect.

"You feel like fire," she whispered.

"And you feel like home," he said, kissing her fingertips. "I'll never get enough of you."

He began to move, slow thrusts that built with each pass, every motion sending sparks of pleasure through her core. Her nails dug into his back. He lifted her hips to meet him, bracing her small frame in his hands like she weighed nothing.

"You're so fucking tight," he groaned. "Like you were made for me."

"I was," she gasped. "Fort! Don't stop... Don't stop!"

He didn't. He sped up, lost in her, sweat glistening on their skin, their bodies moving in a rhythm older than language. She came first, body clenching around him, crying out his name. He followed, roaring her name into her hair as he filled her, the bulb swelling impossibly full, knot forcing him to hold himself within her, and his body trembling with the force of it.

Calliope whimpered, but held on to him more tightly until he filled her impossibly full and the large knot began subsiding.

They collapsed into the blankets, breathless and tangled, his massive body cradling hers with impossible gentleness.

"I've never imagined it could be like that," she whispered.

He grinned against her shoulder. "You'll never have to imagine it again."

She smacked his arm playfully, then kissed him. "I love you, Fort. You realize that, right?"

"I love you more," he murmured, then sighed. "Are you sure this is what you want? To meet my parents? I told you what they would do."

"Why do you think I want to meet them so badly?" She asked with a laugh.

"Do not toy with me!" he pleaded, his hands spasming as he gripped her and looked down at her with both adoration and fear.

"Have I given you any indication at all that I'm not all in?" she asked him gravely. "I'm here. I've moved my whole life here, and I've done that for one single reason."

"And you truly love me? Those weren't words you just..."

"If I am going to say words for the first time in my life, you better believe I am serious about them."

"How?" he asked, sounding agonized. "Look at you! Calliope, you are perfect! Every inch of you is perfect, and I am... not just 'other', but a grotesque even!"

"You are NOT a grotesque! Oh my gosh! None of you are grotesque! Well... the molekin are a little terrifying and give me the heebie-jeebies, but NOT you, Fort! You're beautiful and perfect, and I adore every enormous inch of you! I look at your face, and you're so handsome! And your body... anyone would drool over you, Fort!"

"And yet no one else ever has. I know you are not lying to me, but I do not understand it... I think your eyes must be in your heart, and you care for me despite my looks."

"Fort, I thought you were sexy before I dropped out of that tree. Why do you think I was so offended when you thought I was a kid?"

"Truly?"

"Truly. You're beautiful, inside and out."

"Then your taste is suspect," he chuckled, "but I am happy it is. It is settled, then. We both know what we want and that is our intention... do we truly have to wait a year or more with the human custom?"

Calliope giggled and hugged him, kissing his neck, then his jaw. "No. It can take that long, but it doesn't have to. Not if you know."

"I know. My heart yearned for you from the start, and I did not have to question it. You are all I could hope for and more, Calliope. Come, then. Get dressed and we will go let you meet my parents and let them know the news."

Calliope got up and cleaned up, then got dressed, ignoring how sore she was.

In twenty minutes, they were on the lowest level of Mecca, moving into an open space that was full of batkin, all socializing and some playing cards or other games. There were a LOT of them. She also discovered that Fortiz was a giant among his people; they weren't all his size.

When he went to a door on the back wall and knocked, she immediately discovered that his father was as big as he was, but he also wasn't as fully 'bat' as everyone out in the main area. In fact, he only seemed like a human with a bat nose and ears, nothing else. His mother, on the other hand, was more batlike, but without the wings or the ears. She was also very tall and solid. They were older than she had anticipated as well, looking like they were in their sixties or more. It made her wonder how old Fortiz was, since it was hard to tell by looking at him.

They didn't get five minutes past introductions before his mother mentioned them bonding, not even segwaying into it as Calliope told them about her job as a Scout. His father immediately joined her, nodding and asking how soon until they would be bonding, and should he send someone to see if Janikka had an availability.

Calliope only giggled as Fortiz tried to distract them and convince them there was no hurry.

In the end, it was all in vain since his mother stepped out to 'pick up something for dinner' and half an hour later, Janikka showed up at the door to perform their bonding.

Fortiz feigned being upset, then laughed and turned to Calliope. "I told you this would happen!"

She only laughed and hugged him, then held on to him as they both stood through the little ceremony.

Just like that, they were bonded according to Mecca law.

Married.

Janikka stayed for dinner to celebrate, loudly lamenting the loss of his favorite General for city patrols.

"He doesn't have to," Calliope told him quickly. "He and I can patrol together. It's what I've always done, and I'm good at it. Used to it. Remember, I scouted all of you and you never knew it, and set a trap for Fortiz and Kanach up at the wall. I'd like to keep doing it."

"If you try to lock her down here," Fortiz chuckled, "then she will have me back at her outpost by tomorrow so she can keep doing what she loves. She thrives outside."

"Then I will have to make an allowance for you to continue working," Janikka shrugged. "I will let Kanach know that she will be joining your patrols and missions. I doubt he will mind, the way he speaks of her."

"We also need to set up the meeting for General Brigman and some others to come here and interview the humans, see who can go to our town and who can't. The others might be able to..." Calliope began.

"Some will never be allowed to leave," Janikka shook his head. "We will continue to take care of them, but we cannot allow them to spread their feral hatred in the world above and find a way to use it against us. We know who they are, and we will separate them from the others and allow the others to be interviewed."

"That's probably the best way to do it," Calliope agreed.

That was what they did. When the General came with a contingent of Scouts and Troopers to be shown around the city, the humans that the Kin trusted were brought above to what used to be a restaurant. The General interviewed them, along with a few others, and they were all allowed to go back to the town.

General Brigman pulled Calliope aside, looking grim. "Scout Mills..."

"At this point, you can call me Cal," she grinned up at him, still feeling the happiest she ever had in her life.

He gave her the ghost of a smile, but went pensive again immediately. "We sent Calllum to go run Konigsburg on the other wall. He wouldn't let it go, and he was trying to demand rights to you, even trying to make new laws that would help justify his situation. I told him we were moving him so he could meet new people and forget you..."

"But?" she asked warily, knowing he was about to drop bad news.

"But he didn't go. He said he was, he packed up and got provisions, and some of his closer friends were escorting him and planning to stay with him... but he never showed up there. We found a place at the wall by the highway that was removed, and we think they're somewhere here, hiding in the city. He's looking for you, I think."

"Fort and Kan will keep me safe," she promised him.

"I would prefer you keep more with you when you come above," he shook his head. "He has six men with him, all of them armed. Either that or stay in Mecca until Fortiz's men find him. I told him when I first arrived, that's why he sent for extra patrols."

"Well, I'm not going to let him chase me underground," Calliope told him, feeling indignant.

"I knew you wouldn't," he smiled sadly. "But at least do this old man a favor and listen? Keep at least six Kin with you when you come above. He's already sending Kin to secure all the places the Underdwellers are being kept so they can't be unleashed on them as a distraction. He promised to turn him over to me when he's found, and I will secure him. I should have done it instead of trying to give him the benefit of the doubt and letting him go somewhere else, but it's hard for me to fathom how quickly things went bad for him. He hid it so well, and that's almost terrifying."

"It wasn't quick, apparently," she told him, looking out the window at the green snakekin mounted on a massive ant, a rifle resting on his shoulder as he kept watch. "From what he said, he was trying to get me to notice him for a while, and I wouldn't."

General Brigman snorted. "Most men grow out of that. Being mean to someone when they like them. That's grade school behavior."

"Well, apparently it's still a thing for him. He told me he's been harboring feelings for a while, and he just got angrier and angrier when I ignored him."

"Explains why he refused other women for more than an evening or two. Still... for the rest of us, we never saw it either. It seemed sudden, the day he sent us all out and took you into his office."

"That wasn't even the first time he raped me."

"We didn't know. You should have told me, Simms."

"Told you what? That the guy who gives you orders was confusing the hell out of me? That he took me against my will, but made me love it every time? That I half wished he would do it again because I'd never been looked at or loved like that before, and it made my soul ache with the need for it? I was so confused and torn up... I knew it was wrong, and I didn't really want him... but I'd never had what he was giving me before. It's so hard to explain how I felt, sir."

"No, I get it. You've drunk water your whole life, and it's satisfied your thirst, but suddenly, he was giving you sweet tea. It didn't matter that it was laced with arsenic; it was new and wonderful and you wanted more, despite knowing how bad it was for you. It didn't matter that he was forcing it down your throat, either. It made you both want him and resent him, because all he ever had to do was offer it to you without the poison, and you would have been his. A man comes along and nicely offers you fruit juice in the world's ugliest cup, and you give your heart to him without a second thought, because that's who you are. It's who you've always been. A gentle soul who wants to be loved and wants to love back."

"Fortiz isn't ugly! He's handsome and perfect!" she cried, offended.

General Brigman let out a belly laugh, shaking his head. "All in," he reiterated. "Just like that. I want an invitation to the wedding!"

"About that..." she blushed, looking away again as she grinned. "They don't do wedding ceremonies here. Just a little thing with the leader of Mecca and it's done, no to-do."

"You're already married," he stated flatly. "To the giant bat."

"Batkin, and yeah. He's amazing, sir."

"I suppose you can call me Dan," he sighed.

"I'll bring my kids to meet you," she promised, giddy at the thought. "You and Megan both."

"You better. You'll have to come back and have a ceremony in town as well, so we can celebrate you and... Fortiz. You're sure he's good enough for you, Cal?"

"Sir, he's amazing. He's my gentle giant, and he's wonderful. So sweet and gentle! And if you saw him with the animals... they all love him!"

"And a man's worth can be told by how much animals love them?" he asked, amused. "You can take the girl out of the woods, but you can't take the woods out of the girl. No matter how long you live here, you'll never be a city girl, Cal. You're sure you don't want to come back and stay at the outpost? Or the trading post we're building? I'd allow him to come as well."

"I'll ask him if he wants to, but his people and his family are here. He's been teaching me to scout the city above Mecca."

"What do you want?"

"I want to be with him," she shrugged. "He's my home now. You're the only person I will miss from town, and I can come see you and Megan as often as I want. Maybe a few others like Vance and them. That's all, though. It's not like Fort, who has family and extended family and an important job here. We can..." she trailed off as Fortiz hurried over to their little corner booth they were using.

"He has been found. They found him and the men with him in an apartment building when they found their horses gated in a small park nearby. We have him in custody and ready for you to return him to your town," Fortiz told General Brigman.

"He's not hurt?"

"Not at all, none of them. He's asked to speak to my Calliope, but I will not allow it. She is happy now, and he will not cast a shadow on that with his words or his presence."

General Brigman nodded, then stood up. "I will escort him back now, then, and lock him up. There will be a trial for him and the others, but he will not be free to ever come here again. I will be back tomorrow to escort the humans we've allowed into the town, and I made sure to remind them that the others of them who weren't coming weren't to be talked about. They understood and agreed heartily. They only want a place among us, and none want trouble. We'll welcome that."

"We'll make sure they're ready," Fortiz nodded. "We have him and the others held near the hole in your gate on the highway, if you want to take him from my people on your way back. If you're ready to go back? Feel free to stay and talk to my Calliope as long as you like! She speaks highly of you and says you're as close to a father as she has since her own died."

"He says we have to come get married in town according to our customs, and he has to give me away like tradition dictates, or we aren't really married," Calliope teased Fortiz.

"Then we can go today and see it done!" Fortiz told her, alarmed.

Calliope giggled, and General Brigman chuckled. "It's fine. I can arrange a celebration and a day off on Sunday. We can celebrate your union and welcome the new people all at once. If you and your closest family and friends can make it on Sunday?"

"Tell us a time to arrive and we will be there!" Fortiz promised, his face lit up with joy. "My parents will be pleased to meet you, since you are as a father to her! You will be like in-laws!"

"My wife is going to be excited, getting to arrange everything," General Brigman agreed, looking down at Calliope with fondness. "She lives for that sort of thing."

Calliope smiled up at him, then hugged Fortiz, thrilled that her life with him was about to start. A new life now, one free of Underdwellers and fear and walls.

In the silence that followed, the world seemed to hold its breath and listen. For once, the girl with the woods in her soul and longing in her heart had been heard, and given exactly what she'd needed.