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Dominica 3: Little Sister

No, this time you're a girl, the owner of a bar; and since this is a furry story, let's say you're a vixen. Your best days are behind you, (they're starting to show), but you're not old by any means and you still look pretty damn good. You've even been known to invite a customer to the back room now and then, if they flirt well enough and they're cute. But never your regulars. And especially not that bat in the corner booth! She's evil, you can tell. She drops in for a bloody mary, usually on a Friday, picks up a date and you never see them again.

Okay, that's an exaggeration: the fox tod she's sharing a giggle with right now, for instance. She took him home a few weeks ago along with a coyote who dropped in every so often. You never saw the coyote again and you don't miss him; he was a loud mouthed MCP. But the cute foxy came back with a new, silver ear stud. He's a regular now and a real character; a sweetie pie, friendly and a marvellous flirt! You can tell he's shy and vulnerable inside, though. You like the foxy; you've been considering breaking your No Regulars rule for him. But you can hardly get near him for that bat girl!

Her name's Dominica; she's a vampire bat and a bad one! She has dark fur with a pale blue tummy and underwing streaks. She dresses showy and even though she's kinda chubby, you have to admit she's gorgeous. It's her attitude you don't like; too practised and self-assured to be real, utterly full of herself, looks down her pretty, turned-up nose at everybody. You've seen 'em all; this one uses people then throws them away like tampons. But something about her says she's even worse; evil! She's hit on you a couple of times, seriously too. It seemed like an adventure when she was flirting with you; the idea made your skin crawl the second you got away! Yet there she is being perfectly charming with the cute foxy. Just looking at them, you'd swear she was as big a sweetheart as him!

Dominica seriously scares you! And you've learned to trust your instincts about customers. You have a right to ban people you consider bad for business and she's one. You grab Gus, your faithful bouncer/bartender and let him know. (Few have ever argued with the big wolf, drunk or sober and very fewer ever won!) When the foxy excuses himself to the gent's room, you stand over her while Gus stands behind you.

"I'd like a word with you outside. Now."

"Of course," she replies.

She rises to her feet. Oh, this was a mistake! She's about your height and not the least bit shy of touching you. Her hands are still at her sides and her wings behind her, but the rest of her is caressing your body as if she owns you! All you can do now is tough it out. You turn, pushing her away a little and head out the back door. She follows. Gus brings up the rear.

#

Gus stands silhouetted in the doorway, looking like all the trouble in the world. You stand in your parking lot at the edge of a pool of light from your street sign. Dominica stands in the light, her hands behind her back, watching you. Anyone else would be blinking, half-blind from the contrast. Not her; its as if her eyes work some other way than yours. She gazes at you like a pretzel she's thinking of eating. You grit your teeth and get on with it.

"You are trouble. I don't like trouble in my place..."

"Me?" she says, with a nervous giggle that you know is fake. "What did I do?"

"Don't give me that! I've seen you leave with customers I never saw again. I'm not gonna ask what happened to them but take your act somewhere else!"

"But I like your place."

She only takes a half-step towards you, her hands are still behind her back. It's like she stepped inside your mind and started re-arranging things. You feel your breath in your lungs, pumping; you suddenly feel everything inside you, your clothes on your body, like it all just popped into place. You feel your clit, your snatch, your tail hole; she's caressing you with her mind, from the inside out!

"Please," she says, "won't you reconsider? I'm not trouble, really. I'm just very friendly. I understand your suspicions and I'd like to explain. Please," she purrs, "just give me a chance."

You feel your face, your expression. You're terrified! You know you only need to twitch your tail just so and Gus will come and... But you know that something horrible will happen to him if you do. Dominica isn't just evil, she's something unnatural! Gus can't help you. You compose your face and turn to him.

"Go mind the bar, Gus. I'm okay."

"You sure, boss?"

You smile; somehow it's easy.

"I guess she deserves a hearing. I'll be okay."

Gus shrugs uneasily, but he goes inside. Dominica caresses your shoulders as he disappears through the doorway. She scritches your back with expert ease. You feel your apron come loose.

"What..." you begin, but you know what she wants. "Don't..." you squeak, but you know she's going to. "Please," you whisper shakily, as she takes your chin in one hand and moves it towards her own, "don't hurt me!"

Her other hand slips from your shoulder to your waist. She pulls you close; she's so strong! She positions you easily with her thigh against your sex and yours against her. She strokes your nose with hers; you know what she wants! You open your mouth and close your eyes. She kisses you. You feel her tongue slide over yours, around, under. You taste your own bloody mary; you feel her hand behind your neck, holding you close, scritching your ear; you smell Chanel #9 and her own musk under it. You feel tears leaving your eyes. Your breath is deeper; you'd be sobbing if you weren't being kissed. You wrap your arms around her back and hold on. You're helpless; you have to trust her, even though you can't!

She's writhing slowly as she holds you, rubbing herself against your breasts, your belly, none too gently on your clit. She pets the base of your tail, rubs and scritches around and under it; she strokes your tail. Hyperaware of your body as you are, it's all getting you aroused quickly. You feel your clit engorging; you've never noticed how that feels before. You find yourself pressing it against her thigh. Sex has never made you feel dirty before; now you feel like you'll never be clean again!

A quiet sob escapes your mouth as she pulls away. You close your mouth on any more sobs before Gus hears and comes running to his own doom. You don't want her to pull away, not now; you need the orgasm she's building up in you. But you wish you could run away and hide; you wish you could wake up and this all just be a bad dream! It isn't; she's kneeling in front of you and spreading her wings so you can't see. You have to feel what she's doing and that's worse! You feel her arm around the small of your back, holding you close. You feel her finger slip inside your panties. You feel the material tear away. You feel her finger again, peeling down what's left of them, pulling them free. You feel her warm breath on your thighs, your pussy, under your tail. You feel her tongue oh-so-gently brush your clit; you gasp! Now it's impossible to keep from sobbing. You bury your face in your hands as she buries her tongue in your snatch. You feel her kissing your inner lips. You feel her knuckle circling your tail hole, spiralling in and out. You feel her tongue wriggling inside you, further, deeper. She's searching for That Spot...

It's impossible. She's found the spot, she's rubbing it mercilessly, and somehow she's nosing your clit, too. You can't help arching your back, compulsively pumping yourself down on her tongue. You feel something building up at your pee hole, a kind of pressure, not like peeing. You moan aloud as it lets go; she sucks it.

You weep into your hands, not letting yourself give voice to it but crying all the same. Dominica takes your waist in her hands and pulls you down to kneel with her. She wraps her wings around you and holds you. She kisses you again, sharing the taste of your cum. You sputter. You've never felt so dirty in your life; you're miserable. Dominica cuddles you, strokes your hair and ears. She lets you weep on her shoulder.

"Why?" you moan. "Why did you have to do that?"

She answers by nuzzling your throat. She finds a spot that she likes, licks it, nips... You feel her fangs pressing into your throat... into an artery. You feel the blood flowing out of you. This explains things; she really is undead!

"Oh God, no, please don't! I don't want to die!"

But you move your head to let her get closer. Let her kill you, just let it be over! You feel her suck your carotid artery. It hurts! You feel yourself getting weak, dizzy... and then she pulls her fangs out. She licks the wound; you feel the bleeding stop. The hyperawareness goes away. But you're still weak and dizzy. She holds you and cuddles you again.

"There sister," she says. "It wasn't really so bad, was it? Weep if you need to, but please don't fret."

"Why didn't you kill me?"

"I'm not going to kill you, dear. You're to have eternal life! Hush now, you'll understand in time. Weep and let yourself feel better."

#

After a while you calm down, though you still feel helpless and filthy, and weak and kind of nauseous, and awfully thirsty! You're sniffling, but your tears have stopped. She moves her hands to your shoulders, pushing you back a little.

"I'll leave you for now," she says. "Get cleaned up, go back to your customers. Tell Gus that you spoke with me and I seem all right to you, that you've decided to let me drink here after all, but that I had to leave for tonight. Tell him that we had sex if you wish, but convince him that you enjoyed it. Oh, and no fluids without permission."

"I won't let him know you're a vampire."

"Undead dear, and that would be most unwise; if he knew, he'd have to die. Tell him also that you aren't feeling well and have him run the bar tomorrow, but make certain that he leaves before you. I'll return for you after you close." She strokes your cheek. "You care for Gus, don't you?" She smiles as you nod. "It's all right to care for him. Go now."

She stands, spreads her wings, jumps and flies away over your roof. You get up and stagger to your back door. You lean there breathing for a while; you'll have to walk better than that to convince Gus nothing happened. But you're so weak!

#

"You sure you don't want me to give you a lift home, boss?"

"I've got to finish up here, the accounts won't wait. I'll catch a cab this time. I'll be okay, really."

You look up at Gus, right into his big, brown eyes. He has such beautiful eyes, so deep and soulful and gentle. It makes you wonder how he can be so sweet most of the time, but so scary when he needs to be. It makes you wonder how much he cares about you in particular. It makes it easier to smile for him.

"I think it's just that time of the month hitting me harder than usual. I'll be okay in a day or two. Just... just take it tomorrow for me, okay?"

"Sure boss, whatever you say! Only if it's your... you know, monthly... thing, it's kinda early and you're usually bitchier than this. Maybe you shouldn't'a done it... made out with that bat chick, I mean. Maybe she gave you something."

"Maybe... but... it was fun!"

"That's not like you either, boss. I've known you for a few years now, you don't stomp on other people's daisies but you know what you like! And it's men! This was..."

"It was an adventure, Gus. I'm not sorry I tried it. Maybe I'll try it again, I'm not sure how I feel about it yet." You put a hand gently on his arm. "But even if she did make me sick, I..." You look away. "I don't regret it."

Gus covers your hand with his and pets the fur. You turn your hand and hold his gently... weakly. You think of something else that makes you smile.

"Hey Gus, remember last Christmas?"

"You mean that spin the bottle game?" Now he looks away. "That wasn't supposed to happen. I, uh... I just don't think about it."

"I do. I remember it better than yesterday." You let go of his arm and rub a little circle around his belly button; his left foot starts to twitch. "I don't regret that either, Gus."

"Boss, c'mon, don't..."

"You taught me how to do it, remember?" You chuckle. You stop rubbing his tummy, but you caress it possessively instead. "You're a good man, Gus, a good bartender, a good employee... a good friend. Pretty decent bouncer, too." You snicker. "I don't regret anything. I swear, I never will.

"Gus, look, in case something happens... not that anything will, but just in case..."

"That's it, I'm taking you home now. The accounts can wait 'til you're better..."

"No, Gus!" You don't like making it a command; you feel angry because you have to. But that fades quickly. You don't have time for anger! "I should've told you this long ago, feeling sick just reminded me of it." You sigh. "In the wall safe in my office is my will, with some money for a lawyer for probate 'n stuff. I don't have a man or cubs or much family still around... I left the bar to you, Gus."

For a moment he stares at you and several emotions play over his face. Then, impulsively, he gives you a big hug. It's so warm and safe in his arms! No Gus, you think, don't let go, not now! Hold me, keep me safe, make me wake up from this horrible dream! But he pulls away and looks at you, opens his mouth to speak, but still can't find anything to say. You reach for his lips, brush them with your own, try to kiss them... but you can't and you don't know why! You manage to take his lower lip in your mouth and suck, just a little. He tries to kiss you; you turn away. You hold him desperately. Tears start in your eyes...

This will never do! You're trying to make him go away so that Dominica will leave him alone! You take a few deep breaths.

"I want you... but not tonight, I'm not up to it! I just want to finish the accounts and go home!" You look up into those big, brown eyes and it's easy to smile again. "But I am gonna make out with you again. That's a date mister and you'd better be there!" You press the spare keys into his hand. "Go home, Gus. You have the bar tomorrow. Don't," you say, as he tries to nuzzle you, "just in case it's catching."

You walk Gus to the back door and the parking lot; the front door's already locked. He pauses with the handle in his hand.

"It's just my monthly visitor being a pig, I'll be all right in a day or so. Really!"

"Call tomorrow around opening time, okay? So I know you're not in trouble."

"Okay Gus, I'll call."

"If you don't call, I'll call you 'n make sure."

"I'll call."

"If there's no answer, I'll send someone around..."

"Gus, go home!" you command.

He opens the door and walks out.

"You're no good at lyin', boss," he says, as it closes behind him.

You go to the bar, set one of the stools on it's feet and sit in front of the dish washer. You finished the day's accounts half an hour ago. You couldn't focus on them now anyway. You stare at the dish washer while your mind chases its tail.

As soon as the machine's finished this load and you've stacked the glasses, you'll go to that back door, set the alarm, step outside, lock the door behind you... and she'll be waiting... and she'll take you somewhere... and you can't even imagine what she'll do to you, but it'll be something bad, really bad... Gus's old car starts up outside; he can't hear you now. You try to scream... but you're too weak for that; it comes out as a loud, pathetic keening. But it seems to help. Tears start in your eyes again; you sob helplessly.

And as you sit there sobbing, the doorknob clicks, then it clicks again. That's all you hear, but you know she's there, watching your misery. But she's not stopping you, so you go on sobbing anyway.

Then the dish washer starts pinging. You put the stool back and go to it, still sniffling -- you can't see her -- and unload the clean glasses. You close the machine and stand there, waiting... what are you waiting for... You feel her claws scritch between your shoulder blades. Your mouth opens, but you can't scream.

"Leave Gus a message," she says. "You feel even worse. You'll be away for two days, possibly three."

#

Dominica has an astounding collection of vibrators. You spent last night on a fold-out sofa bed looking at them, watching her sleep hanging from the ceiling. You couldn't sleep. All she did was strip you and caress your body all over, then put you to bed. It might have been easier if she'd used those vibrators on you; you felt filthy! You finally drifted off about dawn.

You just now woke up with her scritching behind your whiskers. You feel a little better; you're hungry and thirsty. Very hungry and thirsty! But all she's offering you is a phone.

"Time to call Gus," she says. "I've already dialled."

You manage to sit up as you lift the handset. It's buzzing. Then you get it to your ear and realize the buzz is a voice.

"Hello?"

"Boss!" Gus exclaims. "Are you okay?"

"No, I'm... it's not my period, it's..."

You look up at Dominica; she mouths, "stomach flu."

"...I think it's something I ate. I was back 'n forth to the can all night. I..."

"Boss?" He waits, but you can't think what to say. "How are you now?"

"Uh, hot, nauseous. I think the sluices are still open at both ends, there's just nothing left to sluice." You look to Dominica again; she draws a talon across her throat. "Gus, I'm tired, I'm going back to bed now. Okay?"

"Maybe you should see a doctor, boss. Food poison can really hurt your guts."

"I will if it gets worse."

"I've heard of people dying of food poison..."

"I'll call my doctor if it gets worse, I promise. Gus, you can handle the bar for one more day, can't you?"

"Sure boss, no problem. Do you want me to come over tomorrow first? I can bring some chicken soup..."

"I love you, Gus." Neither of you can think of anything to say to that. "I need to sleep, Gus. Don't come over, just let me sleep. Please."

"Okay, boss," he says, ever-so-gently. "I... I gotta go pour a beer. Talk to you tomorrow, okay?"

"Bye, Gus."

You hand the phone back to Dominica. She hangs up with elegant poise that belies the clumsy rattle the handset makes in its cradle.

"Well done, little sister" she says.

"Please, may I have some water?"

"You may wet your mouth, but I don't want you to replace too much blood volume. It will make tonight that much harder on you."

"You're taking more of my blood?"

"Tonight I'll leave just enough to keep you alive. Tomorrow, I'll drain you to the point of death and then... then, you'll have a choice to make. But that's tomorrow! Now I'm going to give you some food and water. After that I want you to get cleaned up so that I can play with you before I go out. Come to the table, dear."

There's hardly a shot in the water glass, you down it like a rummy on a binge. But there's soup too, and that helps. Everything's bland and the portions are stingy. She doesn't eat; your blood will feed her for a week or so, she says.

She lets you use the toilet in private, but she joins you in the shower. She massages shampoo into your coat and scalp, lingering on your breasts and crotch and anywhere else that feels nice. It's sex, she's doing it to you, it's turning you on. Maybe it's because shampoo's involved that it doesn't make you feel quite as dirty. You still know that she's enjoying your body; there's just no point any more in resisting. She has you bathe her, too. Her wing membranes are surprisingly sensitive, you can only use your palms or it hurts her. Her wing joints are an erogenous zone. You learn a lot about her erogenous zones. She has a walk-in fur drier big enough for two. She brushes out your fur; she lets you brush her short body fur, then does her own wings.

Then she takes you to her bed; she has an ordinary bed for making out under the one she hangs from when she sleeps. She guides you, makes you kneel on it... you aren't even thinking about resisting any more... and stands over you, smiling.

"You're an independent sort, aren't you? An entrepreneur, an employer and a publican; you're used to being in control. Well, I'm afraid that won't do for me. I need to be the one in control, so I'll have to adjust your attitude; rather severely, I'm afraid. What I'm about to do..." She sighs and her smile fades. "...it's almost certainly going to be quite brutal on you. And no help for it, either; I must dominate or kill you. Please tell me that you don't want to die."

"I... I don't want to die. I want to go home!"

She strokes your shoulder as you sniffle.

"Poor pet," she coos, "this has already been quite brutal on you, hasn't it? And it's about to get much, much worse! Oh dear, you're quite shaking now! Anticipation is a horrible thing, isn't it? There there dear, I won't make you wait any longer and we'll get this over with." Moving your chin with her knuckle, she smiles and gives you a quick nuzzle. "You'll forgive me," she adds, "when it's all over. Turn around now, remain kneeling and move your pretty tail aside."

You do as she says. You see her reach for her rack of vibrators and take some things off of it; you can't really see what. You feel yourself shivering; you're scared, you've never been so scared! She's doing something to herself... You start to feel your own insides again, all your fur follicles, your crotch in particular; hyperawareness, like in the alley. You can feel something else, faintly, echoes of Dominica's body. You feel pressure at her hips, inside her snatch, like she was wearing something. She rubs some salve on your tail hole. You add up two and two as something starts to press itself through the goop and into you.

"Oh no... Oh no! No, please, don't... It hurts! Oh, please don't!"

But she does, in long, slow strokes that push against the bend in your colon and make you feel nauseous inside. The strap-on dildo is thick, it stretches your tail hole like too much to pass and it's textured. If she were fucking your cunt the extra stimulation might be good, but under your tail it feels like it's tearing things!

She plays with your breasts as she thrusts and nuzzles your mouth from behind. She's actually being affectionate; it's even more cruel! If she were just being violent, hurting for the sake of hurting, you could hate her for it. She's making you feel like there's pleasure, like she expects you to enjoy this and its confusing. You're angry and scared and trying to feel sexy, too and you don't know what to feel! You moan in pain and frustration and misery and just much too much to feel.

"Who are you?" she whispers. "Say, I'm yours."

"I'm... I'm... yours..."

"What are you? Say, I belong to Dominica."

"I belong... belong... to Dominica..."

"Who are you?"

"I'm yours," you whimper.

"What are you?"

"I belong to Dominica," you squeak, as tears flow into your fur in earnest.

"Who are you?"

She asks on her out-strokes and thrusts as you reply. She takes her time turning you on; petting here, stroking there, pinching and clawing spots where you'd rather have her tongue... and you do want her, if she'd be more gentle, which is something you didn't expect to feel... but she's only giving you this. And as you build towards an orgasm, your replies turn from whimpers into sobs. You cough from what's happening inside you; you feel your diaphragm pulling your tummy, the muscles around your clit. Your poor clit! She's knuckling your tummy; fingering your pussy, making you lick your own juices from her fingers. You're building up to it, and she keeps taking you higher, even as she hurts your ass. And the questions keep getting faster and faster as her strokes get harder and harder; the same questions, the same replies, the same painful thrusts, over and over!

Until she hisses and nips your ear. You feel a faint echo, her orgasm; her snatch contracting in your own sloppy pussy, her clit throbbing in your own erection. It takes you even higher... but you can't cum! You scream in frustration as it dies, unsatisfied within you.

"I'm yours!" you sob, unbidden.

"What are you?" she asks, languorously.

"I belong to Dominica!"

"And why are you?"

You open your mouth, but she hasn't told you how to answer this one. Instead you scream in despair.

And as you kneel there, sobbing, she does it again. This time you know just what to expect. Your ass hurts. You tell her over and over that you're hers, that you belong to her, faster and faster as she builds towards her own orgasm. You don't get one and it hurts as it dies. You reach down to holding your aching clit; she puts her hands on your elbows and stops you.

"Why are you?"

You open your mouth to answer. You have no answer to give her. Something else rises to your throat instead and you feel every muscle in your stomach twitch as it does. She hands you a plastic bag. But you haven't eaten much all day. It's mostly bile that dribbles into the bag. Your mouth tastes bad. Your tummy is sore. Your ass feels raw and you wonder if you're bleeding inside. She tells you to keep the bag in case you need it.

And then she does it to you again. Over and over you tell her that you belong to her. It's getting to be a kind of sick mantra; you repeat the words until they're almost meaningless. You counter-thrust, even though it hurts more. The shame, the humiliation, even the pain turn into a sort of background noise. Then you barely catch yourself as more bile spews from your mouth. She pauses until you've finished, then starts again. Now you're back in the moment, suffering everything clearly. You thrust against her thrusts harder to make it hurt even more. You grab your breasts with your claws, catch the fur between your fingers and pull. Dominica hugs you and pins your arms to your sides.

"Why are you?" she hisses.

"Because... you made me!" you scream. "I'm yours because you made me be!"

You can't stop screaming. You're angry. You're hurting. Your self-worth is torn to bits. You wish you were dead. You try to thrust your ass onto her dildo, but she holds you and gently pulls out of you. She wipes your tail hole and rubs soothing salve in. You let her touch you but you're still screaming hysterically. Then she releases you. You curl up on the bed, sobbing violently. You hate yourself for being so weak!

Dominica puts a hand to your shoulder and pushes gently; you don't move, you don't believe that you can. She grabs you and turns you onto your back, firmly but not violently. She pushes your legs apart and down onto the mattress; your back straightens and you look at her. She's changed the big dildo for a smaller, cleaner one. It vibrates as she presses it to your pussy lips. The pulsations travel deep inside you as she thrusts and your flesh carries them to your clit. You groan and sob aloud as she builds you up. But this time you do cum, hard and long.

You lie there, limp and sobbing, as Dominica cuddles with you and strokes your brow. You're more relaxed, but you still feel angry and filthy and miserable. It's not that you have filth on you, it's more like you are filth; a worthless lump of shit in her comfy, satin sheets.

"Now stop that!" she says. "You mustn't blame yourself for what I do to you. It's my fault, not yours."

"I couldn't stop you..."

"You are not weak. You would never have survived this if you were. It's just that I'm so very much stronger than you. Neither are you stupid nor cowardly. You have not escaped me because you cannot escape me." She kneels over you and gently scritches your ear as she keeps your eyes on hers. "And death is the coward's way out," she adds, "not facing your fate and accepting it. You are in an impossible situation. You are doing all that you can to survive; which, sadly for you, is nothing. But anyone in your situation would be as utterly at my mercy as you are. It's me, dear, not you.

"Now," she says, smiling, "I want you to forgive me for tormenting you."

You lie there, shivering, outraged by what she's asking. You can't speak.

"Forgive me for tormenting you, dear.

"Did you hear me, dear? I want you to forgive me for tormenting you."

"I... forgive you... I forgive you, Dominica..."

The words burn as they leave your mouth. You can hardly believe you just said them. She's still smiling patiently. You decide to suit actions to words. You reach for her and she takes you in her arms. You cuddle her, weep on her shoulder.

"I forgive you, Dominica!" you sniffle and you're surprised to realize that you mean it. "I forgive you."

She cuddles back. She nuzzles your mouth so that you can feel her smile.

"Who are you?"

"I'm yours, Dominica."

"Sister. What are you?"

"I'm... I'm your pet?"

"Pet!" she chuckles. "Possession usually, or slave... but I like that. Yes sister, you are my pet. Why are you?"

"To... make you happy... and serve you?"

"Good. Why?"

"Because you beat me... because you won!"

"You never stood a chance, dear. And you forgive me?"

"Yes, sister."

"And you love me?"

"Yes... yes sister!"

She nuzzles your mouth, smiling broadly. The hyperawareness goes away.

"I love you too, pet. Keep your eyes open."

You open your eyes as she nuzzles your throat. You feel her fangs sink into your flesh, into your artery. You tremble. You start to feel awfully cold. Your heart is pounding. Your vision starts to grey-over. She pulls out her fangs and licks the spot until the bleeding stops. Your vision returns, but it's still kind of misty. The whole world is misty... or maybe it's you... but you're so tired! You can't think. Her face appears, smiling, over you.

"Now, how do you feel? Tired, cold?"

You try to speak; it comes out as a whisper.

"...water... please..."

"Very well, you may have a little. But first I'll put you back in your own bed."

She picks you up as if you weigh nothing and carries you to the pull-out where you slept last night. She tucks you in and kisses your nose. Did time pass? She's got a glass of water now... She lifts you up and holds the glass for you. It tastes good; the bad taste in your mouth finally goes away. Then she lays you down and covers you again.

"We'll finish this tomorrow. Try to sleep."

But it's hard to sleep. Your heart is pounding. You pant to get enough breath. It's hard to sleep; it's hard to think; it's hard to see. All you have is your body and yourself -- and your body is struggling just to live! Dominica left a while ago. Maybe she just got back. Time is passing, you don't know how quickly. You think about breathing, anything more than that is too hard. But you feel; sick and weak; scared and confused; lonely. Tired; you feel so tired! The fur around your eyes feels damp... a while ago.

Is there light coming in the window, or is it the room lights? There's a cool cloth on your forehead, wrapped in plastic to keep your fur dry. There's a warm hand stroking your face. You open your eyes; Dominica smiles back at you. She slips an arm under your back and lifts you to a sitting position. Your head lolls; she moves her shoulder under it. You feel happier being held; you're not lonely at least, you feel braver with company.

"You fell asleep at last," she says. "Can you talk to Gus now?"

You try to lift a hand to hold a phone; it gets as high as your breast and falls. You shake your head.

"What if I help you? You know he'll come to his doom if you don't at least try."

"I'll try," you murmur.

"Well, you can still speak at any rate." She lifts a handset to your face; it's ringing. "Never mind, little sister, you'll be better soon."

The phone clicks and you hear Gus's voice. You nuzzle it to get closer.

"Hello?" Gus says, impatiently. "Someone there're not?"

"Gus..."

"Boss! My God, you sound half dead!"

"I... it's not..."

"You're in trouble! I'm comin' over!"

"No... I..." Dominica whispers to you. "I'm not home, I'm with a neighbour. She's caring for me..."

"You're with her, ain't ya?" He pauses to let you answer; you have none. "You got call display last year 'cause of all those junk calls, remember? You're callin' from the same number as yesterday."

"Dominica... she's been a saint, Gus. I d'wanna say... what she's... mess in her bathroom..." She whispers something more. "She's not evil, Gus, she's my friend."

"Boss... I... How you doin' now?"

"Tired, weak... better, though. ...hour ago I couldn't... uh... called, too weak." She whispers to you. "The fever's broken, too. I had something just now, it's staying down." You pant for a bit. "...might not sound like it, but I'm... getting better... Gus?"

He just sniffled on the phone. The big lug's crying for you! Your own eyes start to water.

"I wanna come see you," he says. "I need to see you're okay."

"You know what that would mean!" Dominica whispers.

"I love you, Gus!" You look at Dominica; her expression is hard. "I need to sleep. I'll try to come tomorrow... dunno how much work I can do..."

"Boss... I love you!" He sniffles again. "You gotta get better, 'kay?"

"Oh Gus!" Now you're sniffling. "I am feeling stronger... hearing your voice." She whispers to you. "I'll see you tomorrow, okay?" He just sniffles. "Hang on a minute, love."

You nod to Dominica and she puts the phone to her own mouth.

"Gus?" She pauses. "I know how you feel about me, I knew you'd worry if you knew who was caring for her." Again, she listens. "Yes, I'm afraid that I might have given her this. I've been with other men and women, some of them foxes. But my current beau hasn't gotten sick... yes, the flirt... Does she?" She glances at you. "Well, I should let her have a chance with him, when she's better. He's such a sweet fellow!" She frowns as she listens. "Gus, I honestly care very much about your employer and I heard her swear her love for you. I only hope that you feel the same way. I care for her, too! I promise you, she is feeling stronger! I'm sure she'll be better tomorrow." She listens some more. "If she falls asleep again, I'll come over later for a half hour or so, that should be safe. I'll tell you everything." You can actually hear the phone buzz. "I know that you don't trust me, Gus. But I won't deny what I feel for her. I only hope that you can learn to trust me. I'd really rather be friends, it would be easier for both of us. Most of all it would be easier for her! I wish..." She listens. "Well, if I can, I'll come and talk to you later. Would you like to say good bye to her?" You shake your head. "Oh, I'm sorry! She's just drifted off. We should let her rest."

She listens a little longer, then hangs up without saying good bye. She lowers you to the bed again and puts the cool cloth back on your head.

"I don't wish to come between you," she says. "I need his trust. If I can't gain it, he must either be fired or else turned. It would look much too suspicious if he were to disappear. That's why I need you and your tavern, after all." She strokes your face. "And your happiness depends on him staying. But that's my problem, dear. You should rest. When I return, we'll end this."

"...please, water..."

"When I get back."

You try to sleep while she's gone. Your heart is still pounding and breathing is still hard. You lie there worrying and trying not to die.

After a while, you hear voices in the room. You must have nodded off; she's back, with somebody else. They're doing something, giggling together. There's a smell of feminine musk... Oh. You try to keep quiet while she plays with whoever she brought home. There's groaning, gasping, a yelp or two...

Then somebody touches your face. You open your eyes.

"Nica, she's awake!"

It's the cute foxy! He's naked, smelling of her... and he's beautiful! You look him over. His chest isn't broad, but it's well formed and his nipples peek out of his fur. His tummy is narrow... but he sees what you're doing and kneels beside your bed, hiding his most interesting parts.

Then Dominica arrives. She smiles; she must have seen you admiring him.

"Well, little sister, are you ready?"

"Ready?" he says. "Nica, what's going on? You told Gus you were taking care of her while she got better."

"In a manner of speaking." She reaches a hand under his chin, makes him look at her, stares into his eyes. "Remember," she says.

At first the fox looks puzzled. Then, his face falls as if he was realizing something horrible.

"The coyote," he says. "You killed him, drank all his blood. And... his soul..."

"I passed that long ago, dear."

"You made me... threatened me, I had to let you... you did something to my mind!" He touches her hand. "Nica?"

"How could I? How can I be the same person you've had so much fun with?" She takes his hand in both of hers, kisses and nuzzles his fingers. "I have many needs, dear. Food, sex, love, company... You still feel the same way towards me."

"You made me feel this way!"

"But?"

"But..."

His face looks so terribly hurt as he stares at her. He glances at you, then back at her.

"Yes love, you're about to witness something rather rare. Please pay attention."

She turns to you and lifts you into her arms again. She turns your head so that you can see her mouth.

"Now listen closely, dear," she says, "this literally is vitally important. I am now going to drain your blood to the point of death. As you die, I'm going to bite my own finger and put it in your mouth. If you wish to live, swallow some of my blood. If you do not wish to be a vampire, just don't swallow. You will then die and be free. Do you understand?" (You nod.) "No, I'm sorry, I have to hear you say that you understand."

"Swallow your blood and live," you murmur, "or die and don't be a vampire; I understand. Dominica?"

"It's time."

She shifts you in her arms, tilts your head back. You feel her fangs entering your throat again. You were weak before. This is more serious; your heart is pounding, beating so fast, starting to flutter. You can't breath. There's not enough blood for your heart to pump. It slows, quivers; the world is going away. Something, some force is leaving you behind. But there's something on your tongue, warm, liquid, filling your mouth. You're so thirsty! You find a little strength and swallow... a little more... it's good that your mouth is moist again as you...

You gasp, sit up, sputter! It's like you touched a live wire; the power is coursing up and down your body, burning, shaking you! You gasp again and scream! Your fur stands on end, your ears whine, everything around you shines in unearthly light. She's holding your arms to your sides, keeping you from jumping off the bed. The fire is leaving your nerves, but your body feels wrong... just wrong! You put a finger to your throat; there's no pulse!

"Your heart will start beating again when you've enough blood," she says. "The feeling of oddness..."

"What have you done to me?"

She smiles.

"The odd feeling is permanent, you'll get used to it in time. It comes from your soul being gone."

"My soul..."

"Are you hungry, dear?"

She turns just her eyes towards the foxy. You look at him, still kneeling beside your bed. He stares back in horror. Sitting now, you can see his lap; his pod is big enough to peek out from between his legs, though it's still tight against his tummy.

"Y-you were dead, in her arms," he says, "then you... Now you're..."

Hungry? You're starving! But there's more, he's more than food. He's naked, you're naked! You look to Dominica; she smiles and nods. You touch his shoulder.

"Please..."

He looks at your hand. He looks at his own lap, covers himself with his hands. He's afraid of you! Dominica holds his closer arm and gently pulls one of his hands away.

"Sweetheart, she needs you. Please give her what she needs."

He looks at her fearfully; she smiles reassuringly. He looks at you and moves his other hand away; he nods. You smile for him; he smiles back shyly. You caress his shoulders; he seems to enjoy it...

And then you lose control and pounce on him. You wrap your arms around him and hold him 'way too tight, rub yourself against his pod, nip his ear and throat. It's exactly the wrong thing to do and you know it; he starts trying to fight you off, but he's not nearly strong enough. He starts to whine in pain. It's hard, but you make yourself stop... you need him so badly! You're so hungry! You hold him and sob into his shoulder in shame and frustration.

"...I'm sorry, I'm sorry... I didn't mean to, I'm sorry..."

And after a minute or so, he strokes your shoulder. He tries to pull you away; you try to relax and let him, so he can face you.

"I'm so sorry! It's so strong! I... I didn't mean it!"

"Maybe," he says, "if I were to... give you... if you can trust me?"

"I'll try."

You do your best to relax and let him move you where he needs you. He guides you up onto the pull-out, has you lie back on the pillows and leans on his elbows on top, with his belly between your legs. His head is near your breasts this way. Gently at first, he licks, nips, kisses them. You guide his mouth to one of your nipples; he licks and sucks it. He shifts an elbow to get a hand closer and massages your other breast. You writhe under him, rub your clit into his fur. That rubs the rest of you against him, too; it feels good! He strokes as much of your back as he can reach with his other hand. He's wriggling on top of you, slowly. There's a faint smell of his scent.

It' s too much! You grab his shoulders and shift onto your knees, pushing him back to kneeling, too. He has a fine erection! You grasp it, but try not to squash him. He looks surprised, (not scared, though); you leer at him.

"Pretty! I like it. I want it... I need it inside me! Now!"

He grins; he has a boyish grin, it' s pretty. You kiss his mouth as you thrust yourself onto him. And thrust, and thrust, and thrust yourself! He counter-thrusts enthusiastically. After a while he pulls his mouth back from yours and cuddles as he pokes you. You snuggle against his throat... his carotid is so near!

"I've wanted this," he pants. "Since I met you, I hoped we could do this... you're so pretty... so strong! I liked you... right since I met you!"

You turn away, hug him tight, but his pulse is beating against your throat and you're so hungry!

"Maybe we could've... maybe, if we... got to know each other... even given us a chance! I dreamed... oh, here I come! Should we slow down?"

"NO!" you cry; he's such a sweetie, you like him, you don't want what comes next! But... "Make it happen," you sob. "Just do it!"

He grunts with each thrust now, pressing harder and longer against your lips, your clit. He catches your tail at the base and pushes you even closer. You grind yourself against him. You don't have to do it very long. His grunts turn to yowls and his hot cream floods into you. You yowl with him. It's filling that hunger, almost as if you were eating his cum. But when his flood subsides, you're still ravenous. He relaxes into your embrace, nuzzles, sighs... then he leans his head back, baring his throat. You look at his face. His expression is so sad! He knows. Somehow, he knows what you still need; he knows he won't survive. He whimpers as your fangs grow in your mouth, into his throat, into his artery. You taste his blood... whine once... and start to drink. It's salty and kind of bland, but you drink greedily.

"It hurts," he whimpers. "I'm scared!" He shudders; he's crying, you can smell his tears. "I'd hoped, maybe, dreamed sometimes we could be together, raise cubs together..." He sniffles. "I wanted to share my life with you."

Now you're crying, too. He isn't bleeding as quickly; his heart is starting to flutter, even as yours starts to quiver back into action. You suck his artery, but your heart isn't in it, not metaphorically. And somehow, he's getting another erection!

"Ow!" and he whimpers again. "I want... Take my life, live it for me. I give it... I give it to you!" he whispers, at last.

You pull your fangs out and hold the pretty foxy tight. You sob on his shoulder and stroke his ears.

"I don't want you to die!"

"Mount him!" Dominica hisses! "Take his orgasm! And suck him dry!"

You look at Dominica, astonished, horrified at her callousness. She glares back.

"On the very rare occasion that a victim willingly gives you his life, don't waste any of it! It's as close to love as we get! Now mount him, quick!"

"I don't want him to die!"

"You've already killed him," she says, and looks away.

You look into his face, but he doesn't look back; you stroke his cheek.

"I can't see," he says. "Please, don't make me suffer!"

You nuzzle his mouth, his throat... and bite into his artery again. You mount him; he's too weak to counter-thrust, so you do your best for him. He whimpers; you look up. Dominica is holding his mouth shut, covering his nose with a thumb. You close your eyes so you don't have to see. He shudders, quivers, hard; his cum floods into you again. His blood stops flowing; you pull your fangs out. You fall back onto the bed, cradling the poor, dead foxy and weeping -- for him? For yourself? Maybe both. But you liked the cute foxy, the last thing you wanted was his blood on your hands... fangs! You weep freely.

And Dominica climbs in bed with you and holds you, gently rocks you and strokes your face.

"This is how we live," she coos. "It's evil. It's ugly. But it's what we have to do."

"Why did it have to be him? He was nice! He liked me!"

"There will be times, little sister, when you must choose between an evil bastard who deserves to die but you can't get away with it, or an innocent victim whom you can get away with eating and doesn't deserve it. Our friend here won't be missed by anyone who can hurt us. He has blood left; you should finish him off, you need it."

"I'm not hungry," you murmur.

"You will be later and he won't keep like this. Can you take another victim so soon?"

You look aghast at her, then down at the dead foxy. You sigh and nuzzle his mouth, pet his cheek -- his fur is so soft. And you lower your mouth to his throat once again. His life was a gift of love to you, you think, as you sink your fangs into his jugular vein.

"When you've sucked out all the blood above his heart, I'll show you how to get the blood below it from his femoral arteries."

#

Dominica leads you to her closet. The poor, dead foxy is in your arms, his tail swishing limply over your thigh as you walk. There are other bodies in the closet. There's an otter you think you recognize. And the MCP coyote; no big loss you think... then bite your tongue; he's dead, he'll never have a chance to fix his attitude and redeem himself...

"He never would have," Dominica says. "He was evil, probably psychopathic."

"He didn't strike me as that bad."

"You never tasted his blood!" She kneels and pets the otter's cheek. "This fellow was just the opposite. His blood was bland, but he was sweet! He did his best to please me, right to the end. He even gave me his life, just like our poor foxy did you... Here, let me show you!"

She looks up into your eyes from where she's kneeling. You look back obediently and suddenly remember having sex with the otter boy; position after tough position, anointing his pretty maleness, the surge of otter cream inside; then betraying him, his final gift to you -- to Dominica... and watching his spirit ascend towards the light! You smile despite yourself. She smiles back. Then you look down at your burden.

"I didn't see his spirit ascend."

"I did." She chuckles. "I knew he would. You see? Even killing isn't all bad." She turns back to the otter boy and gently opens one still eye. She frowns at how cloudy it looks. "And he had such lovely, deep, dark eyes!" She sighs. "I'll have to dispose of the bodies soon." She turns to you again. "For now, that will be my job. Set our little friend down beside the others."

You put the foxy down and close the closet door. Then you go and sit on the pull-out and look at the wall. Dominica sits beside you. She puts a comforting arm over your shoulder and watches the wall with you. After a while, she sighs.

"Occasionally, mortals will ask me to take them as thralls. You never wanted to be a vampire."

"I meant to die," you reply. "But I was so thirsty, I would've drunk anything!" You look up at her. "You put thirst into my mind, didn't you?"

She shakes her head. "I merely took advantage of it." She looks back. "You forgive me, don't you? For taking advantage of you that way?"

For a few seconds you stare at her, but then you look at the wall again.

"What's done is done," you say. "You can't turn me back." You look up at her. "Can you?" She shakes her head; you look down. "What good would holding a grudge do? I'd just be miserable and have to serve you anyway." You sigh. "Why did you do it? And why me?"

Dominica pulls you closer. She rests her head on your shoulder and cuddles.

"Your tavern is the best available for my purposes," she says, "and you own it. But also, I get lonely. I wanted a companion, somebody I could talk to, even if you're forced to care."

"Can you be killed?"

"No." She sighs. "Magic made me, only magic can unmake me. And there is no more magic. I will live forever."

"I can be killed."

"As my thrall, you're resistant to the usual weapons, even an experienced slayer would have trouble killing you."

"But?"

She sighs, sits back and looks at the wall again.

"There are some hardwood dowels in my love chest; not one of my usual toys." She smiles for a moment before going on. "But if you push them through your heart and chain yourself to the balcony railing, the sun would burn you away in a day or two. Staked badly enough, you wouldn't be conscious for it." She looks at you. "Do you want to re-die?"

You stare at the floor; you shudder; you shake your head, no. You close your eyes, ashamed; you've just been a coward again. Dominica cuddles you.

"You've been much braver than you know, little sister; one in ten could bear what you've born to get this far! But you've suffered so horribly, it's little wonder that you're weakened by it, for now. Live, pet! You've eternity to change your mind in."

You shudder again; tears come to your eyes. You rest your face in your hands. She takes you into her lap, holds you and pets your ears.

"Oh little sister," she coos, "don't fret so! Honestly, once you get used to being a soulless, blood-sucking monster in thrall to a being of pure evil, it's really a lot of fun!" She chuckles for both of you. "Yes, it is rather absurd, isn't it?" She sighs. "Please don't fret, sister. I'm in your mind and will be for all eternity, or as much of it as you can survive. I know what you're feeling. It's no fun watching you be miserable!" She pauses; she shifts her caresses from your ears to your cheek and throat. "It's the closest thing to empathy that I have, dear."

"...not true..."

"I beg your pardon?"

"You let the otter boy's soul go free. You gave him a beautiful orgasm before you ate him."

"Well... but I liked him, he was a nice toy."

"You let me cry."

"You need the release. It's no fun being in the mind of a miserable thrall."

"You could just change me and make me be happy, like the foxy."

"If I do that too often, I could damage your mind, fracture you into multiple personalities, even destroy you, leave you a fragment of a person. Then you couldn't convince others that you're normal. And how would you run your little tavern?"

"Besides, you like having company."

She sighs. "You caught me in a lie, dear. Yes, I am capable of something like empathy." She strokes your nose once. "I even care about you. But I'll always put myself first, and that's no lie!"

For the first time in days, you feel yourself relaxing a little, enjoying Dominica's caresses. Maybe it really won't be so bad after all. It could be worse. You're still an individual...

"And even I can't need you all the time," she adds. "There'll be time for fun! You'll find that your victims don't suffer as much if you take some of their blood often, instead of all of their blood when you're desperate. Victimize evil people, their blood is much tastier!" She chuckles again. "We don't mind killing them, they tend to make the world a less happy place."

"Enlightened self-interest?"

She chuckles and slips a finger under your chin; she wants to look you in the eye. You turn your head for her. She scritches you gently.

"You know, Hallowe'en will have an entirely new meaning from now on."

"Hallowe'en???"

"Oh, surely you dressed up as a vampiress once when you went trick-or-treating. Well, now you really are one. And there are such tricks and treats to be had!" She chuckles. "How many children ever get to really be Santa Claus?"

You giggle with her; it feels good!

"There, I've made you laugh. Oh, how your eyes sparkle when you laugh! You'll be good company for me!" She nuzzles your nose. "You should rest, you'll be going back to your tavern tomorrow and you've had a weary time. But first, I want you."

You smile for her. "Yes, Dominica... yes, sister!"

#

You crouch in the shadows between the tables, waiting. Your target should be here soon! Yes, his old car is pulling into its usual spot outside... and its door is slamming shut... and his shoes are scuffing the mat... and his key is rattling in the door lock, twitching to and fro... and the door is opening...

"...couldn'a f'rgot! Th'alarm company'd've called..."

"Gusssss!" you hiss.

"Who's there!" he yells.

"Think fast!"

You pounce on him! He turns just as you catch him; you wrap your legs around his waist and hold on! He swings his arms, fighting for balance; you grab his wrists and hold them outstretched. (You've never been that strong before!) He staggers backward into a post, grunts as his head bounces off it and finally catches himself. You push his wrists against the post and hold them fast above his head.

"Gusssss!"

"Boss... ulgh!"

You lock your lips into his and kiss him fiercely! He struggles to get his mouth away. You bite to hold him... but your fangs start growing; there's too much blood in his tongue! You let go and nuzzle him instead.

"Don't fight me, Gus! I need you!"

"Dammit, cut it out! Stop, leggo'ome! Ow! Yer hurtin', leggo!"

Hurting! You never meant that! You let go and get off of him. But you keep your hands on his chest; you press your short claws into his shirt, just enough to hold.

"What the fuck??? Boss, what's the matter with... Oh shit!"

"Gus, no, don't turn away from me! I need you!"

"You're naked!"

"Gus..."

But he turns away. You wrap your arms around his shoulders, press your cheek against his back and hold on. At least he doesn't try to leave.

"What is wrong with you?"

"I was scared! I was so scared I was gonna die! I was so weak... I kept thinking of you!"

Gus snorts and shakes his head. "What do you want?" he finally says.

"Hold me!"

"You're naked!"

You open your mouth to yell something. You thump his back with your fist instead, (carefully, so you don't break a rib.)

"I've trusted you with my life before, everything I own, 'cept the stuff in my apartment! You think I don't trust you with my body? I wanted to rip your clothes off 'n fuck you silly!" You shudder, you sniffle. "Just hold me Gus... Just hold me!"

For a moment Gus just stands there. But then he lowers an arm, turns and reaches behind you. You drop your arms under his, around his back as he wraps you in a tight embrace. You snuggle your head under his chin. You can feel his heart beating against your cheek. At last you start to relax a little.

"It's warm and safe in your arms," you tell him. "Hold me, Gus. Wake me up so this can all just be a horrible dream."

"I love you," he replies, a little uncertainly.

"I love you," you murmur. "I need you. Make love to me?"

"In a while, okay?" He pets your cheek. "My God, boss, what happened?"

"I was too weak to move, sore 'n hot all over. If Nica hadn't been taking care of me I could've died of dehydration, in my own mess..."

"Boss..."

"And she showed me about myself, Gus. I really am bisexual..."

"You're gettin' better at lyin', boss."

You pull away enough to look into his face; his face is hard, half-way to scary, but patient for now. (How does he always know?) You tuck your head under his chin again and hold him as tight as you dare. You can't open your eyes in case you see him looking at you that way again.

"Oh Gus... She's not just a vampire bat, she's really undead! She took me and... she hurt me! She did... dirty... and she turned me into a vampire, too!"

Gus stiffens; you don't need to see into his mind. You reach your muzzle towards his throat and bite; your fangs grow towards his carotid and you suck as they prick it. His blood flows into your mouth. Then quickly, you pull your fangs out again. You press your thumb tightly over the wound. His mouth is open in shock; you kiss him again, hold him in it, let him taste his own blood. Then you lick the wound; the new enzymes in your saliva stop the blood quickly. You nuzzle the sore spot you've made in his body.

"I swear by my own immortal life Gus, I'll never, ever take another drop of your blood, no matter what it costs me. I still love you, Gus. Please, don't hate me now! I need you!" You tuck your head under his chin again. "Please, please still love me! I can't do this without you!"

Gus rubs the spot where you bit him. He waves his hand around and holds it out, like he doesn't know what to do with it. Finally he pets behind your whiskers with a thumb. He snuggles you even closer.

"My God, boss! My God!" he says, several times. "What did she do to you?" he adds, finally.

"She hurt me!" you murmur. "She did dirty things... broke my will, made me her own. Dirty things... 'n drained my blood, 'n put herself in place. She's here."

"In fact," she says from the shadows, "I've been here all along."

Dominica steps out where you and Gus can see her. Gus holds you even tighter; he gives her a low growl. But she keeps her distance and just watches him. Slowly, she smiles.

"Good, your love is true, you'll put her first. Otherwise I'd have had to turn you, too. Your absence so soon after hers might have alerted the health department, which could have lead to... more trouble than I care for."

"Bitch!" Gus barks.

"Ah, you do know me, good. Then you'll know not to cross me. In fact, you'd do best to make friends with me. I can be nice, if it suits me. But it wouldn't do for either of us to come between her and the other." Her smile turns predatory, scary, though you know it's just for effect, this time. "I'm much stronger than you, Gus. And I'm immune to things that kill other vampires. Really dear, you can't win."

"It's true, Gus..."

"I know."

"Discernment! Where ever did you come by that?"

"But she's not as evil as she lets on. She does have some compassion, she just is what she is."

She smiles nicely again. "Be a dear, Augustus?" she continues. "Take my new pet into the back room and give her the affection she craves, like a good lover. Be very gentle, dear. She's terribly emotionally fragile right now, she's been through a lot."

Gus glares at her for a moment, then leads you towards the restrooms and the storage room in back.

"Don't worry," she adds, "I'll open up tonight. After all, I'm her new best friend."

Copyright © 2006 Allan D. Burrows, All Rights Reserved