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The AdvAnTAGE Project: Eli’s Hound, A Boy And His Dog Girl

By Mantrid Brizon

(07/09/2021)

Riding in the back of their six-door, Executive limousine, the middle-aged woman continuously glances toward the young man sitting across from her. Elias Van D’Steen, arms crossed, stares out of the tinted windows, a perpetual scowl on his face.

“This isn’t because I’m trying to punish you or anything... I want you to know that.” Delilah begins.

“Mmrrmmph...” He grumbles.

“Your father, rest his soul, went to Dartmouth, and so did your grandfather.”

“Oh, wow... Look at this!” He gasps and lifts up a hand, his eyes wide. “I’m not either of them!”

“I know that, smartass! Don’t you want to follow in their footsteps?”

“Why?”

“...”

“I mean, I’ve been raised with this business. I’ve been meeting our clients ever since I was a little kid, and Donovan taught me a lot, too.”

“Yes, I know...” She mutters under her breath.

“Don’t...” Eli growls, slowly shaking his head. “My point is, I think I’m thoroughly qualified to take over whenever you step down. I don’t need to go to an Ivy League school! I can be a pompous douche without the expense!” He quips.

“You have such a way with words...” Delilah sighs, pinching the bridge of her nose between her index finger and thumb. “Let me try this again... This is what’s expected of you. You’re not even one of the one percent; you’re above them, a fraction of the one percent! You need something that says you deserve it!”

“Oh, because our thinly veiled autocracy isn’t enough?” Eli smirks.

“You want people to take you seriously, don’t you?!” She snaps.

“People will take me seriously as soon as they hear my last name. This. Is. Pointless.”

With her eyes narrowed, her face stiff as though it were carved of stone, Delilah glares at her nineteen-year-old son. Though he wears the attire of a well-bred, aristocratic young man, his somewhat shaggy hair is dyed jet black with crimson highlights and runs just past his shoulders. Thin eyeliner and black painted fingernails further enhance his look, making him stand out like a sore thumb. He doesn’t look the part of an elite, nor does he act like one. He’s a bastardization, willfully mocking their order. If not for her position and connections, it might’ve been cause for concern.

His metamorphosis has been gradual but unsettling, and though she knew that he wouldn’t be her little baby forever, she often longs for the days when he knew little, and liked only what she told him. What was once a sweet and innocent little boy, eager for his mother’s affection and attention, happy to follow the path she’d laid for him, is now a grown man with a mind and will of his own. More and more, he pulls away from her, and though she has no proof, she’s certain that was Donovan’s doing. She should’ve dealt with him years ago, when her son became a teenager and first began to change. Thankfully, however, that problem has since been resolved.

“At least I gave you a year off before making you go.” She comments in a soft and subdued voice.

“Yeah. That was a nice vacation.”

“From what? You never left the estate!”

“Being your puppet. Those strings can chafe!” Eli smirks.

“... Hey, you know, you still don’t have your own car.” She begins, trying to lighten the mood.

“We have a garage full...” Eli stares at his mother with dull eyes.

“Yeah, well, why not have your own?! Build up your collection! I tried to give you cars before but you never wanted them. Now that you’re about to be out on your own, attending a prestigious business school, you might need it. Oh! I could get you a Jag!” She chirps.

“I told you, mom, I like Cadillacs. Cadillac station wagons.” He answers with a sinister grin.

“... Are you sure? Jaguars are really nice! Or maybe a Bugatti?”

“Mom!” Eli growls.

“Okay, okay! Just thought I’d ask... Again...” She says with a heavy sigh.

Pulling up to the school, the Chauffeur in the matching suit and driver’s hat opens the doors to the six-door limousine. Climbing out of the vehicle, Eli brushes the colorful hair from his eyes, only for a gentle breeze to blow his bangs right back into place.

“Have a good first day!” His mom chirps, waving from the opened door.

“Bye...”

Half amused and half disappointed, Delilah rolls her eyes. The Chauffeur closes her door for her before climbing back into the limousine and driving away. Turning toward the sprawling complex, Eli sighs.

“Here we go again...” He grumbles to himself.

Sitting in the back of the limousine, Delilah shakes her head.

“What the hell is wrong with him? Seems like as soon as he turned fourteen, he thought it’d be great to spend every waking moment contradicting me and pissing me off... I miss my naïve little baby boy!”

“Such is the nature of children.” The man on the other end of the phone replies. “He was never going to be your little boy forever.”

“Not even after this?” She says with a little whimper.

“Maybe. That’s up to him.”

“But our deal still stands, right?!”

“Of course. Van D’Steen Construction has provided us with every base, including the Green Base test village and the entirety of Purple Base. You do fine work!”

“Thank you. We are top-of-the-line, after all!” Delilah flashes a cocky grin, lifting a hand and examining her manicured nails.

“Just ensure that you hold up your end, and another twenty billion will be coming your way. Sovereign Six has big plans, Ms. Van D’Steen.”

“Of that, I’m certain. Don’t worry about my end. I’ve already made the arrangements!”

“Good, good!”

“Just make sure everything is ready on yours.” She continues.

“Of course... By the way, how is Eli taking his time at Dartmouth?”

“Today is his first day, but I’m sure he’s fine!” She exclaims, dismissively waving a hand.

“So, what’s with the hair? You don’t play for the other team, do you?” A student asks.

With his eyes closed, Eli lets out a little sigh. The rather athletic students with cleanly shaven faces and short, neat hair snicker as they glance between each other. If he didn’t know any better, Eli could easily mistake them for every other Jock and Prep he knew back in his middle and high school days. The fact that they’re the sons of wealthy families, major shareholders or even owners of mega-corporations, steel mills and banks, doesn’t change the fact that they’re still human, still ignorant and still annoying.

“I mean, it’s okay if you like the dick!” His buddy snickers.

“No one’s going to judge you. In fact, I bet you could ace every class that way! Teacher’s love special favors.” The first student gently elbows Eli in the side.

His friend proceeds to make slurping noises.

“Hey, at least that means more pussy for us, right Teddy?!” The second student turns to his friend.

“I think so, Smitty! Or do you like pussy, too?” Teddy’s eyes scan the goth boy.

“Perhaps my appearance is just the outward representation of my sorrow over the state of humanity?” Eli finally responds.

“Oh, you’re one of those... You aren’t going to off yourself in class, are you?” Teddy asks.

“Only if the sun doesn’t turn him to ash, first.” Smitty jokes.

“...”

“Hey, lay off him!” A female student suddenly barks.

“We’re just teasing. Us guys do that, you know!” Teddy retorts.

“You are a guy, right? Or have you transitioned yet?” Smitty looks Eli over.

They chuckle as they walk away, shooed by the young woman.

“Sorry about that. They’re obviously idiots.”

“It’s okay. I’m used to that... Unfortunately...”

“I’m Suzie!” She extends a hand.

“Oh, like Siouxsie and the Banshees.” Eli remarks, shaking her hand.

“Er... I guess?”

“I’m Elias Van D’Steen, but everyone calls me Eli.”

“A pleasure! Want to walk me to my class? I’m on the north campus. I’m getting a medical degree!” Suzie asks, an innocent smile plastered on her face.

“Sure. I’ve got time.” Eli flashes a little grin.

“Cool!”

“I’m enrolled in the Tuck school of Business. I guess I’m getting an MBA or something.” He remarks as he begins walking with Suzie.

“That sounds hard! Are you staying on or off campus?”

“Off, for now. My mom is pressuring me to move out, though.”

“Oh, okay. This’ll be fun! I’ve never had a gay friend before!” Suzie chirps.

“...”

Riding in the limousine, several hours later, Delilah’s cold eyes scan the school grounds. Standing by himself, near a lonely tree, Eli waits for his ride. Somehow, Delilah isn’t at all surprised to find him all alone. Pulling up to the curb, the Chauffeur emerges and Eli promptly darts toward the elongated car.

“Oh, thank god!” He exclaims, leaping into the back seat.

“How was your first day?!” Delilah casually asks.

“Oh, it was lovely!” Eli begins, clasping his hands together and gazing wistfully at the sky. “I made oh so many friends, and they completely restored my faith in humanity!”

“That good, huh?” She raises a brow.

“You can kill me now if you’d like. Freeze my body and put me in a statue, like Walt Disney. I can rule the empire from my pedestal.”

“I think that’s a myth, sweetheart. Oh! I have a surprise for you.”

“If you bought me a Jaguar, I’m going to have to make modifications to it. I’m thinking of Landau bars...”

“No, I didn’t. I’ve decided to give you an allowance and let you just buy your own car.”

“... Really?!” Eli tries not to gasp

“Sure! Does five-hundred-thousand sound like enough?”

“Ooh, yeah...”

“Good! But that’s not the surprise!”

With a wave of her hand, Delilah spurs the driver into action. Eli finds himself sitting in the back of the limousine, watching the trees go by. Eventually, however, they reach Manchester and Eli is stunned to see them pulling up to a Welcoming Center.

“Uh, what are we doing?”

“We’re getting you an AdvAnimal, darling!”

“What?! ... They’re not pets, you know. These are sentient people, and I’d rather not have a slave.” Eli retorts.

“She won’t be a slave, though she has to be a she...” Delilah murmurs.

“Dyed hair and nail polish doesn’t mean I like guys...” Eli grumbles.

“Right... Well, she’s a she! Ready to meet her?!”

“No.”

“Good! Let’s go!”

The exuberant Delilah begins pushing him out of the limousine, and Eli tumbles out. The Chauffeur steadies him, eliciting a thankful nod from the young man. Unlike his mother, Eli has always been exceedingly gentle and thoughtful with the staff, especially Donovan, who, for the longest time, was the closest thing he’d had to a father. Leading her son into the facility, Delilah and Eli find themselves in a sterile looking structure. The floors are white tile, the walls painted white and the furniture also being white and very modern. The only thing out of place is the greeter’s desk, which is chromed metal with a glass top. She turns toward them and flashes the widest of smiles.

“Wow... We found the remnants of the Death Star...” Eli murmurs. “This place is kind of creepy.”

“You like that sort of stuff, though, right?” Delilah casually dismisses her son.

“Hi! We’ve been expecting you, Ms. Van D’Steen! And this must be Elias!” The greeter chirps.

Eli is startled by how positive and positively feigned her chipper attitude appears to be. She couldn’t be any more fake if she were made of plastic.

“Yes, ma’am! We’re here for our appointment!” Delilah replies, her happy persona nearly as fake as the greeter’s.

“Appointment?” Eli raises a brow.

“Right this way!”

After pressing a little red button on a white box that sits atop her desk, just beside her white mouse and mousepad, a light blinks and he hears a whooshing coming from a nearby wall. Turning his attention toward the wall, Eli raises his brow and his sapphire eyes widen with shock. The wall opens, revealing a hallway hidden behind it! Two men in identical black suits and mirrored sunglasses stand as still as statues.

“Come with us, Mr. Van D’Steen.” One man speaks in a dry, hollow monotone.

“She’s waiting.” The other adds in an equally soulless voice.

“I’ll be waiting here, darling! Off you go!” Delilah chirps, pushing Eli’s shoulder.

He steps closer, nervously approaching the strange men. As he moves closer, they turn their heads in unison, moving very stiffly, as though they weren’t even human. Somehow, they seem very familiar to the young man. It’s not their downright cliché appearance and mannerisms or lack thereof, but almost as though he’d met one of them before. Following the men in suits, they take him to a room. With soft, lavender painted walls and a light pink carpet, it’s in stark contrast to the rest of the structure. A cherry wood desk and two wingback chairs in the corner directly across from the sliding door are empty.

“Hello, Elias!” A woman’s voice catches his attention.

Turning toward the sound, he sees a human woman sitting in another wingback chair, adjacent to a couch. Sitting on the couch is an AdvAnimal. The obviously female creature leans back, her arms outstretched across the back of the couch. With her head slightly cocked to one side, her perky ears appear cropped and pointed, her head like a two-pronged fork. She examines him with reddish-brown eyes, though they’re closer to red than brown. They almost appear to glow in the dim light of the strange room. With a decidedly canine appearance and the fur colorations of a Dobermann, the black-haired female in the tightly fitting, black bodysuit almost appears demonic.

“That’s him. Elias Van D’Steen.”

“Eli.”

“Hmm?”

“Just ‘Eli’. Elias sounds too biblical.”

“Okay... Well?! Come closer! She doesn’t bite!” The human in the chair giggles.

Stepping closer, Eli moves around a small coffee table and sits at the far end of the couch. The Dobermann girl eyes him for a moment and Eli does the same. She’s a very shapely creature, with an exceptionally large bust, a slender waist, broad hips, toned legs and a flat belly. Her large, paw-like feet are bare, for some reason. He cannot help but gulp with nervousness. If her were looking only at her figure, he’d have no choice but to call her the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen. She twists her upper body and leans on her left arm, which stretches across the backrest, bringing her snout and big, black nose closer to him.

Her womanly mounds, at least a 32D, if not larger, gently jiggle as she shifts. Being confined to her skin-tight outfit, which is as glossy as a wet sea lion, only magnifies her femininity. Sniffing the air, her eyes narrow and she leans back, returning to her original position. Cocking her head in the other direction, her long, black hair frames her animalesque face. Strands of her wavy locks hang near her waist. Somehow, she still appears decidedly human. Eli, who’s never been so close to an AdvAnimal before, finds a strange appeal in the creature. She begins tapping the fingers of her left hand on the backrest of the couch.

Over and over again, her long, sharp claws tap against the taut fabric of the couch, like the faint galloping of a distant horse. After glancing at her hand and her long, slender fingers, Eli turns his attention toward the AdvAnimal’s face. He flashes a modest smile, trying not to appear so nervous. The AdvAnimal responds by flashing a toothy and rather sinister grin, showing off her long, fang-like canines. His eyes grow wide and he clears his throat. Abruptly leaning over, the AdvAnimal reaches for what appears to be a tablet of some kind. Flipping it open, it turns out to be a tiny laptop, barely large enough to fit atop two hands.

“S-so, uhm... What exactly am I doing here?”

“Picking her up.”

“Oh... Then why are we sitting here?” Eli asks, narrowing his eyes and slowly turning his head to one side.

“I don’t know! Why are we sitting here?!” The woman asks, pressing the button of a pen and bringing up a memo pad.

“... Is this some sort of test or something?”

“Do you feel like it is?”

“Why do you answer a question with a question?”

“Does that bother you?” She swiftly retorts.

“...”

After typing on the tiny keyboard of the dainty laptop, the AdvAnimal turns the device away from Eli. The human handler leans closer and a strange smile spreads across her face.

“She thinks you have beautiful eyes.”

“Oookay?”

“She also says, “Red and blue go together nicely.” I’m inclined to agree.”

“... So, what’s her name?!” Eli asks, eager to change the subject.

“This is Nara.”

“A pretty name!” He chirps, causing the AdvAnimal’s eyes to light up.

“She’s eighteen, an Aries, and she’ll be your guardian!” The woman in the chair continues.

“Guardian? What, like a guard dog? ... No offense.” He glances to Nara.

“Heh...” Nara cracks her knuckles.

“She’s gone through a rigorous training program and has proven herself highly capable as a bodyguard. She’ll live with you and keep you safe, as well as keep you company!” The woman chirps.

“That’s cool, I guess... So, then... ... ... Ready to go, Nara?”

“Mmm...”

“Is that a yes?”

Sliding closer to the young man, Nara’s nearly crimson eyes look him over for a moment. She flashes another toothy grin and reaches out a clawed hand. He leans back as he turns his attention toward her excessive fingernails.

“She won’t hurt you.”

He holds still and Nara gently brushes his dyed bangs away from his eyes. After a long and somewhat awkward pause, she gently taps her nose against his and then rises from the couch. To his surprise, her nose isn’t cold and wet, but warm, dry and soft. Grabbing firmly to his wrist, she yanks him up with startling strength.

“Okay! So, uhm... Do I just-”

“Head back to the lobby. An employee will meet you outside with her care package.” The woman cuts him off, jotting a note in her memo pad and speaking with startling curtness.

“Alright... Let’s go, Nara.”

“Hmm!”

Walking past the sliding door, Eli and Nara are no longer under guard and the men in the suits and sunglasses have disappeared. Returning to the main chamber, near the entrance, Delilah stands with a man dressed like a hospital orderly. Atop a wheeled cart is a large, cardboard box with writing on it, revealing the contents as belonging to a short-haired canine AdvAnimal.

“OH MY GOSH! SHE’S SO CUTE!” Delilah gushes, pressing her hands against her cheeks.

“Yeah, this is Nara, my new... Friend? Bodyguard?”

He glances to Nara, who merely shrugs her shoulders.

“She looks like she’ll be good for both! So... Is this little lady going to be sleeping in your room?”

“Mom...” Eli grumbles, his face flushing with embarrassment.

“Just teasing, sweetheart.” His mother giggles. “Alright! Let’s go home and have a nice, steak dinner!”

“Mmm!” Nara grins.

Sitting beside the young man, Nara shifts her gaze between him and the many windows of the Executive limousine. Eli, however, only glances at his feet and then to Nara. Watching him from across the passenger compartment, on the bench seat directly behind the driver’s cabin, Delilah notes the combined unease and curiosity of her son. He looks upon Nara’s face, only to scan her voluptuous form, then look at his feet before once again looking at the AdvAnimal’s face and body. They ride in relative silence for some time, until they finally arrive at their destination.

Upon returning to the sprawling estate, Nara’s jaw hangs open and her eyes grow wide. She’s clearly never seen such a home before. It’s palatial, like an oversized, Gothic cathedral with hints of Roman, Greek and Spanish architecture. The fifty bedroom mansion is more than large enough to become lost in, and the yard consists of several dozen hectares of manicured lawn, a modest ranch and farmland behind the mansion, and a hedge maze.

“Here we are!” Delilah exclaims as she steps out of the limousine. “Could you please see to it that the box in the trunk makes it to the appropriate place?” She suddenly speaks softly to the Chauffeur.

“Yes, ma’am!” The driver bows his head.

“Thank you. Hey, Eli! Why don’t you show her around?! I’m sure she’d love to see more of the house, and it’ll give the cooks time to prepare.” Delilah gleefully suggests.

Eli doesn’t fight his mother, merely nodding his head and leading Nara away.

“Oh, and if she’d like, she can see her room. It should be ready. It’s the one right beside yours... Have her check the closet!”

Rolling his eyes, Eli knows that this has all been set up. His mother, the scheming bitch that she is, has probably been planning this for months. He grumbles to himself as he walks with Nara, who is thoroughly fascinated by the lavish mansion and all its expensive decorations. Walking behind them, the Chauffeur pushes a little cart with the large box atop it. It nearly blocks his view. Glancing back, Eli reaches out, grabs Nara by the wrist and takes her down a different hall. The Chauffeur continues on, heading directly for Nara’s new room. She glances down at the young man’s hand before focusing on his face, watching him closely.

“We’ll take the long way. I just... I don’t want to be around any of them right now.”

“Hmm?”

“The staff... Anyone on my mother’s payroll shouldn’t be trusted. Look, I don’t know what they told you, if anything, but I’m getting sick and tired of being groomed. It’s like I’m a sock puppet or a doll, like my life isn’t even my own!”

Nara watches and listens as the young man rants. It’s almost as if he’s thinking out loud, as though she wasn’t even there, and it’s clear from his words and the tone of his voice that he’s greatly disturbed. Eli feels as though every path he’s ever seen was laid before him, paved by his wealthy and influential mother. Even his attendance at an Ivy League school was set up against his will. The sheer amount of money she can throw at people makes it easy to ignore things like test scores and attendance, both of which have always been abysmal for the young man. For as rich, powerful and privileged as he is, Nara cannot help but pity Eli; he’s lived a life that, in principle, isn’t all that different from her own.

He suddenly apologizes for his raving, before expressing fears that Nara may, in fact, be there for his mother’s sake and not his own. Nara, with a concerned expression on her face, looks him in the eyes and slowly shakes her head. Tapping a claw against her chest, she then points to his and motions a circle around his heart.

“You mean, you’re only here for me?” He asks, raising an eyebrow.

“Mmhhmm!” She nods, a little smile spreading across her snout.

Suddenly, the downright intimidating female seems to have a warm aura about her; a radiant warmth draws him closer. There’s a soothing property to the way she coos. Perhaps it was a mistake to judge her based solely on her sharp claws, fangs, not-quite-crimson eyes and her tall, pointed ears?

“Oh!” He cannot help but grin. “So, does that mean you had a choice to come here?”

“Mmhhmm!”

“Really?! ... How did that work?”

Looking around for a moment, she turns to him and motions for a pen and paper.

“Oh, right... Hmm... I guess I should let you get settled in first, huh? We can do that ‘getting to know you’ stuff later.”

Taking Nara to her room, he points out his bedroom first. He turns to point out her room next, but without even asking she opens the door to his room and pokes her head inside. He glances over his shoulder, his eyes wide as he watches Nara disappearing into his room, her long, slender tail disappearing through the doorway. Chasing after her, he finds her gazing upon his wall of posters, displaying bands such as Siouxsie and the Banshees, Bauhaus and The Cure, as well as groups such as, Lacuna Coil, Lord Of The Lost, Marilyn Manson, The Creepshow, and a solitary Mudvayne poster. With her hands on her hips, she turns her head and looks back at him. Her opened mouthed expression could be an amused grin or a chuckling smirk. He isn’t sure which.

“Would you like to see your room, now?”

“Oh!”

Ignoring him and approaching the closet, she pulls open the door to find an entire room within. The walk-in closet is ten feet deep and almost as wide, and contains a whole section to the right where Eli has placed a large vanity. The lavish wood furniture has roses etched into it, though he’s crudely painted the entire thing black. Hair dye, nail polish and a series of chokers, some with spikes and chains, sits atop the neatly organized counter. A piercing gun rests near a corner. Stepping inside, she lifts up the piercing gun and examines it with visible curiosity.

“Hmm?” She turns to him.

“I was thinking of putting a ring in my nose or maybe giving myself snake bites. Haven’t decided, yet.” He replies.

Setting down the gun, she reaches for a thick, red leather choker. Opening up the choker, which is nothing more than a dog’s collar he’d repurposed, she wraps it around her own neck.

“Yeah, just help yourself to all of my things.” He facetiously murmurs.

After playing with the loop where a leash can attach, she heads toward his bed, passing him without a care in the world, a little smile on her face. Sitting down at the edge, she bounces on the bed for a moment, testing it’s softness before flopping back.

“Ahh...” She sighs, closing her not-quite-crimson eyes.

Standing at the edge of the bed, near her left side, his bright blue eyes scan the canine AdvAnimal for a moment. Her form is unusually appealing in her tightly fitting bodysuit, which glistens softly in the light from his window. After noticing the form of her shapely hips and groin, he feels his face flushing. Though he’s the only son of one of the wealthiest family dynasties in the United States, he has little experience with women. Eli clears his throat. Nara doesn’t even flinch. As he gazes upon her mountainous breasts, he hastily adjusts his manhood and clears his throat again, only much louder this time.

“S-so, uhm... Did you want to see your room now?”

Opening her eyes, the little smile still gracing her face, she turns her head toward him and reaches out a hand. Without hesitation, she grabs onto his belt and pulls him closer.

“Okay, that’s not what I was asking!” He remarks as his face flushes.

“Mmm...” She narrows her eyes as she looks up at him.

With a firm pull, she makes his thighs bump the side of the bed, causing him to stumble. Bracing himself with both hands, he finds himself leaning over the bed, nose to nose with the AdvAnimal. She flashes a sinister grin, showing off her rather intimidating, pearly white canines.

“Eli? Where are-OH! Well, I hope I’m not intruding!” Delilah chuckles.

Turning his head and glancing back at his mother, his heart sinks. Just then, he feels Nara give his neck a lick, sending a shiver up his spine. It’s not unpleasant, but very startling.

“N-no! I was just, uhm... Showing Nara her bedroom!” He replies, hastily standing up.

Nara rolls onto her side, supporting her head with a hand while the other rests along her body in a manner befitting of a pin-up model.

“Uh-huh... Buuuut this isn’t her room...”

“Huh! It seems you’re right!” Eli glances around his room. “I thought it looked a little odd.”

“Hehe! Well, show her to her room and let her peruse the closet. She may want to change before dinner, which should be ready shortly.”

With that, Delilah, who wears the proudest of grins, backs out of the room and walks down the hall.

“Yes, mother... ... Okay!” He whirls around, facing Nara. “And we’re walking?!”

Heading out of the room, he’s both pleased and a little concerned when Nara follows him. Entering her bedroom, right next to his, he points toward the large, walk-in closet. Opening the door, she stops dead in her tracks.

“Ooohhh!”

It’s filled with dresses, skirts, shirts and tops of many varieties, AdvAnimal footwear and accessories of every color. Hundreds of outfits already wait for her, and as Nara steps inside and looks them over, she finds that they’re even in her size. Eli opens up her care package and finds a box filled with foam packing peanuts. He dives in, head-first. Hearing the strange noise, Nara, who holds a red and black velvet dress, steps out of the closet to see nearly half of Eli’s body hidden inside of the box, a leg raised as he digs out her belongings.

“Heh.” She chuckles at the sight.

“Hey! I found your thingy!” He exclaims, sticking a hand out behind him and holding her miniature laptop.

As he emerges from the box, he’s surprised to see Nara standing right beside him.

“Woah! You move like the wind... I guess that’s the bonus of not wearing shoes, huh?” He remarks with a nervous chuckle.

He leans back, unnerved by her proximity. She reaches out a hand and brushes the foam peanuts from his shirt, before plucking them from his hair, all while looking at him quite innocently. He gulps, staring into her eyes before scanning her facial features. Slowly and methodically, the canine AdvAnimals begins opening up her top, peeling off her bodysuit. There’s a strange look in her naturally reddish eyes. Is it lust? Maybe desperation? Perhaps she’s just very, very focused on him? She appears interested and yet not, but as she exposes her exquisite chest, he gulps.

With her smile growing wider, she presses her body against his. Nara reaches out for him, and Eli stands still. Grabbing onto a shoulder and the back on his neck, she pulls him into a kiss. Before he knows it, she turns and tries to push him onto the bed. He bumps the box before knocking it down as she pushes herself atop him. It falls to the floor with a hollow thump, the foam peanuts spilling out quite loudly. Throwing a leg over his pelvis, she spreads hers as she begins to straddle him, still clothed from the waist down.

Kiss after kiss, she inches toward his neck. The carnal animal inside of Eli begs for release. He can feel it, eager to emerge, to take control of him and partake in the AdvAnimal who straddles him as if she had exclusive rights. His heart, however, pleads with him, and ever the conscientious sort, his feelings win out. Resting his hands on her waist, her fur is so soft. He rolls her onto her side before rising to his feet.

“Okay, stop!”

Nara is visibly surprised. Standing to her feet she looks him over. He runs his fingers through his shaggy, black and red hair as he looks to the floor with what she can only describe as shame. With a shocked expression, she glances down at her own body and waves both hands along her sides as if to say, “you really don’t want a piece of this?!” Eli looks at her for a moment, his big blue eyes turned upward. Realizing that he can’t leave it like this, he sits on the edge of the bed and motions for her to join him. She sits exceedingly close, her fingers covering his.

“Listen, Nara... I’m not an idiot. I might look like one, but I’m not! I’m not gay, either, despite what dumbass classmates and my mom might think. I like women... A lot... And it took a lot to stop just now, and if you’re thinking that I have issues with you... Well, I was raised seeing your kind on TV and in movies and video games and all over the internet. You being an AdvAnimal doesn’t bother me. I actually think that’s kind of cool. I know what some people have done with AdvAnimals, too... Anna-Maria comes to mind...” He mutters under his breath.

“Hmm?” She cocks her head.

“Never mind. What I’m trying to say is that being with you doesn’t bother me. It’s not that I’m rejecting you, per se, because I’m not. You’re... Well... You’re really hot.”

“Mmm.” She scoots a little closer.

“And you seem like a nice girl, too, not that I’ve known you for very long... But I digress! I know what my mom is doing... I saw that look in your eyes, like you weren’t sure if you wanted this. I don’t want to be with you if she put you up to it, because that’s not right. You don’t have to be with me. That’s just fucked up, being forced into doing something that’s supposed to be so special and sacred! Even if you came here just to get away from wherever it was you were staying before, you don’t owe me your body, okay? You don’t owe me anything.”

“...”

“Look, Nara... I don’t want you feeling like you need to climb into bed with me, especially since I don’t want to sleep with anyone I’m not in a relationship with. I mean a real, deep, meaningful relationship. I won’t use you like that, because that’s disrespectful. I guess what I’m trying to say here is... I don’t want this to be fake. I want it to be real, and I want it to be earned. Don’t try so hard to seduce me, because eventually you’ll win and then I’ll feel bad.” He says with a little smirk.

“Mmm!” She flashes a warm and somewhat innocent grin.

“Just be yourself, do what you do and... Be my friend, I guess? I mean, we just met, after all!” He chuckles.

Eli’s warmth is even more touching than his little speech, though for different reasons. When she volunteered to be Welcomed, she didn’t know how kindhearted and sweet her prospective mate could be. Perhaps the matchers didn’t know? It’s a pleasant surprise, and she feels herself relaxing. She gently strokes the back of his hand as her smile grows. Nodding her head, she leans in and gives him a benign peck on the cheek.

“Oh, good! I was a little worried I was going to have to fight you off, and I don’t want to ever hit a woman. I’d probably lose, anyway!” He laughs.

“Mmm...” She narrows her eyes and leans a little closer.

“I should probably stop giving you ideas... Yeah... ... Dinner?!”

Rising to her feet, Nara continues to undress in front of him, though now she’s no longer moving in a deliberately sensual fashion; she merely strips herself of her clothes. After a moment of watching her, his eyes wide and face beet red as she wiggles her hips, he clears his throat.

“Nara?”

Ignoring him, she peels the bodysuit off of her legs. She wears no underwear beneath her bodysuit. Tossing it aside, she lifts her arms and stretches, sighing with what sounds like considerable relief. She arches her back as she stands before him in nothing but her fur, twisting her upper body and enjoying the freedom. His bulging eyes impulsively scan her body, his red face brightening as he glances at her loins. Choking on air, he coughs and finally gains her attention.

“Hmm?!” She dashes up to him and pats him on the back.

“I’m fine, it’s just... Uhm... What’re you doing?”

With a perplexed look on her face, she points a clawed finger and Eli directs his attention toward the dress, which she’d dropped onto the bed when she began to straddle him.

“Oh... I guess you’ve never heard of modesty... ... This is going to be fun...” He mutters to himself, his fingers nervously tapping on his legs.

Clad in her black and red dress, with a slit exposing one leg, Nara follows Eli through the sprawling mansion and into a dining room that could easily fit a banquet with a hundred guests. She moves nearly silently, as she doesn’t seem to enjoy footwear, leaving everything right where the servants had placed it, in her closet. Like a gentleman, Eli pulls out a chair for her. She smiles at him before taking a seat.

“Well, I see she’s settling in. You know, they say imitation is the most sincere form of flattery.” Delilah remarks, her chin resting atop her clasped hands.

“Huh?”

Pointing a finger, she directs his attention toward Nara’s collar.

“Oh... Yeah, I think she’ll be fine here.” Eli remarks as he sits in the seat beside Nara.

“Good! I wonder how she’ll do when she meets you at school!”

“... What?”

“She’s your bodyguard, remember?”

“Uh, mom... I don’t think she can go to class with me.” He softly and nervously chuckles.

“Oh, I know that! I don’t think I paid them enough for that!” Delilah chuckles. “But she’ll escort you to your campus building and ride with you in the limo.”

“... Maybe I should buy my own car!”

As usual, his mother disregards his feelings and concerns, insisting upon Nara’s presence when he leaves for school. It’s non-negotiable. For a young man of nineteen, attending a prestigious college, he feels like a child all over again. Delilah is quite good at undermining him, one of the many reasons he gravitated toward Donovan as he grew older. Thinking back on his old mentor and father figure, Eli cannot help but miss him. It broke his heart when the brakes failed on their last limousine, causing him to perish in the crash.

After a somewhat awkward dinner, where Delilah continuously made innuendoes at Eli’s and Nara’s expense, the young man walked the AdvAnimal around the manor. He gave her the grand tour while rambling about nothing in particular, entertaining the canine woman. Once that was done, they retired to their separate rooms, only for Eli to pass out almost immediately, thoroughly worn out from the mental and emotional exhaustion of the day. On his second day at Dartmouth, many of the students on campus noticed the AdvAnimal in the elegant dress, walking with Eli toward the Tuck school of business.

Eli is unnerved by the sheer number of eyes that befall them, though he certainly doesn’t blame them for staring. AdvAnimals have only recently become publically available, and even then, under only the most exceptional of circumstances. Many of the humble students with loans and scholarships, and even the children of the wealthy and powerful attending this university are only now witnessing the new species in the flesh. Upon reaching the door, Eli briefly stops in his tracks when he spies the two bullies from the day before. Teddy and Smitty stare at his companion with mouths agape.

Without uttering a word, Nara gently rests a hand on the back of Eli’s neck and gives him a little rub. She turns and leaves, visibly disheartened at the thought of leaving him behind. He stands as still as a statue, watching her return to the back of the limousine before it drives away. She stares through the tinted windows at him; he can only tell from her silhouette as the sun strikes the glass in just the right way. The bullies say nothing as he walks up the stairs and passes them on his way to class. As usual, the rest of the students are keen to ignore him.

The day plays out much like the previous, and an all too familiar routine begins developing. As in the other schools he’d attended, Eli attracts the wrong kind of attention; the two bullies persist in taunting him, while several other students are content to make brief but snide comments in passing, if they say anything at all. Upon leaving campus, Eli is relieved to see the Executive limousine pulling up to the curb. The door opens and Nara jumps out, dashing up to him with startling speed. She moves so gracefully, her long hair and dress both fluttering behind her. It warms his heart, and that surprises him the most.

“It’s good to see you, too.” He says with a warm smile.

“Mmm!”

“Come on, let’s go h-”

“See you tomorrow, faggot!” Teddy chuckles.

“Go home and play with your doggie!” Smitty snickers.

Nara looks between Eli and the bullies for a moment. Seeing the frustration on Eli’s face makes it clear to her; she might not recognize all of the words, but she knows when Eli has been slighted. She growls and takes a step toward the bullies, who walk with their backs turned, not a care in the world. Eli reaches out a hand and grabs her wrist, gaining her attention.

“Let it go.”

“Mmrrmm...” She grumbles, glaring at the now distant bullies.

“Let’s just go home, okay?”

Joining him in the limousine, Nara uses her miniature laptop to type him messages, something she hadn’t been able to do yesterday. Throughout the ride home, she listens to his quandaries - his problems with Teddy and Smitty, and the unbalanced power dynamic between himself and his mother, Delilah - and offers bits of advice. Eli is rather surprised by how straightforward and brutal her suggestions are. She may look the part but doesn’t feel the part, at least not to him, and he’s never been a violent sort. Perhaps this is one of the key differences between a human and an AdvAnimal?

Upon returning home, Nara joins Eli as he returns to the sanctity of his bedroom. He’s startled as she follows behind him, grabbing the door as he attempts to shut it. Though he claims to want time to himself, she flatly refuses to leave him alone. There’s no arguing; she’s his companion and he won’t be denied her, even by himself. Sitting beside him on his bed, she produces her little laptop.

“Look, Nara, I just need a bit, you know? To decompress. It’s nothing against you!” He pleads.

“If you have frustrations, I can help you resolve them. If you have worries, I can ease them. If you need to speak, I will listen. I’m bonded to you, and I will always be here for you. Even if you commanded it, I wouldn’t feel right abandoning you.” She types out her message.

“Not even for a little bit?” He asks.

“No.”

“Sometimes, time alone can be good, though.”

“I think you want my company, especially now.” She continues.

“I feel like you’re twisting my arm. Are you going to strap me down if I resist?” He quips.

“That can be arranged!” She adds, flashing a sinister grin.

“Alright, fine...” He sighs. “You can watch me brood, if it makes you happy.”

“Mmm!” She coos, scooting closer to him and flashing a warm smile.

Eli flops back and sprawls out on his bed, arms outstretched and a leg dangling over the edge. Feeling a tugging at his foot, he lifts his head and looks down, surprised to see that Nara is removing his shoes for him. After setting them aside, she crawls up and onto his bed, lying on her left side and supporting her head with her left hand as she looks down at him.

“Thanks.”

“Mmm.”

Reaching out with her right hand, she gently brushes the hair away from his eyes. This time around, he’s not afraid of her scratching him with her claws; she moves in a slow, deliberate and gentle manner. Looking into his eyes for a moment, her smile widens and his frustration begins to melt away.

“How about some music? That always makes me feel better.”

“Hmm?!” She softens her brow and looks mildly offended.

“I mean, you do, too! I just meant... Never mind.”

Rolling out of bed, he turns on his expensive stereo set, the music pouring out of the high quality speakers that are mounted to all four corners of his room. As the gloomy metal fills the air, Nara slides off of his bed and rises to her feet. Silently approaching his stereo, she grabs the knob, only to turn it up.

“Wow. You’re awesome.”

With her eyes closed, she gently bobs her head. Opening them, she glances over to Eli, who continues to stare. Did she sense his gaze, feeling his eyes upon her? As he shyly nibbles on his cheek, he reaches out a hand and gently caresses her long, wavy hair.

“Y-you know...” He clears his throat. “I bet you’d look pretty badass with some bangs.”

She turns her nearly crimson orbs and looks at her long, black hair, lifting up a tuft which cascades over her shoulder. Glancing over to him, she grins and pantomimes scissors with two fingers.

“Seriously?!”

Nara nods her head. He steps into his closet and sits at the vanity, only to look around for a second stool. Nara finds one acting as a pedestal for a pile of old posters. She joins him in the closet, closing the door and sitting exceptionally close to him, her nose nearly touching his.

“You know, you could probably rock some hair dye and piercings, too.” Eli remarks, pulling out a pair of scissors.

Wandering the halls of the mansion, Delilah searches for her son. She hasn’t seen him ever since he left for school and it’s been several hours since he’s returned home, as their Chauffeur gives her regular reports. He wasn’t in any of the living rooms, nor was he in the game room or the indoor pool. When he was smaller, he loved exploring the house, though lately he’s spent more and more time in his bedroom. Delilah notices something else; Nara is nowhere to be found either. Could it be that he’s accepted her? What if they’re together right now, in the throes of carnal passion?! She could only be so lucky.

Having exhausted the other locations, she heads for Eli’s bedroom. It takes her several minutes to walk across the multiple wings of the massive home, but even as she’s several rooms away, she can hear the faint echoing of Eli’s atrocious music. Knocking on his bedroom door, ornately carved out of solid ebony wood, she receives no answer. Carefully opening the bedroom door, she peeks inside, nervous about seeing her son and the AdvAnimal being intimate. To her surprise, the room is empty!

“So beautiful! And so strange! Scatter all the pieces! The puzzle will remain the same! So hideous! So deranged! Running through the tunnels! Lost! In-side! The! Maaaaaaaaze!” The man’s distorted voice sings.

She steps inside and turns the stereo down.

“Eli? Sweetheart?” She calls out.

“In here, mom!” Eli’s muffled voice comes from the closet.

“What are you doing in th-”

Opening the door, she stops in her tracks as she looks upon a startling sight. Eli and Nara are not having sex. No. This is bad. Sitting at the once beautiful antique vanity that her son had crudely painted black, Nara’s pokes a fresh piercing.

“Yeah, that’s going to be a little sore. Just keep it clean and it’ll heal nicely.”

Turning back and glancing over her shoulder, Nara lifts a clawed hand and waves. Her beautiful, long hair has been cut! It’s short on one side and very short on the other, with the longer half being brushed over her face and covering an eye. The bangs of her new hair style have also been dyed, using a new, coloring gel that stains the hair without needing water. Eli first introduced Delilah to it when he began coloring his hair last year. Not only has Nara changed her hair, but the AdvAnimal also has brand new piercings in her tall and perky ears! Two golden rings go through the outer edge of her left ear, while another golden ring goes through the outer edge of her right ear. Nara pokes at the final piercing, a long, golden bar that runs through her right ear. She’s even painted her claws blood red!

“Oh! You know what would look really good?!” Eli suddenly chirps.

“Hmm?”

“A navel piercing. A gold or platinum ring in your belly button ring would really make your brown fur pop!” He remarks, resting a hand over Nara’s toned belly.

“Mmm.” She coos, narrowing her eyes as her lips curl into a strange grin.

“Did you need something, mom?”

Delilah slowly shakes her head before backing out of the large closet. Pacing the floor of her private office a few moments later, she clutches a cordless phone to her ear.

“This isn’t what I was expecting!” She growls. “I wanted her to make him normal and compliant, to tame him with her feminine wiles, not end up with two freaks!”

“What’s the problem, exactly?”

“I’m losing control!” Delilah snarls, practically foaming at the mouth.

“That was inevitable.” The man on the other end chuckles. “You could never pull his strings forever. Eventually, he was going to find a partner and live his own life, but you will always be his mother. Besides, if he accepts Nara and mates with her, he’ll be forced to drop out anyway, as she’ll never leave his side. I warned you about that when we made this arrangement.”

“Yeah, but I was hoping she could at least let him finish his degree!”

“Heh! No... Clearly, you didn’t read the files I sent you detailing our understanding of AdvAnimal behavior. Once they’ve mated, he might as well cancel any other plans for a social life, unless he can include her in them.” The man laughs.

“That’s not what I signed up for!”

“You should’ve read the fine print! You had more forewarning than anyone else received, but I digress! ... I think you should allow things run their course. I'm sure it'll work out in the end!”

“I hope so...” Delilah murmurs.

“In any case, it’ll certainly work out for you and Eli. As soon as he’s done the deed, shall we say, your company will receive the next series of contracts, and as Sovereign Six’s sole construction contractor, you won’t have to worry about money for the next thousand years!”

“Yeah...”

The next few days play out as before, with Eli returning to the curb and receiving a ride home. He grows closer and closer to Nara, who swiftly imitates even more of his unsettling behavior and fashion. She’s become his only true friend and companion. On one occasion, they even fall asleep together, taking a nap on a large couch while watching a movie in their private theater. Sitting in the backseat of the limousine, Nara furls her brow. Eli isn’t by the tree. He’s nowhere to be found! Is he running late or has something gone wrong?

Either way, it’s on her to find out and protect him. Even if that wasn’t her mission, she’d do it, now, regardless; he means a great deal to her, and by nature, she’s very protective, and perhaps a little territorial. Emerging from the limousine, the warm breeze flutters her black and red plaid skirt, the edges of which are purposefully made to be tattered. A black tank top with a red skull emblem clings tightly to her voluptuous frame. These clothes are much more appealing to both herself and Eli, and she also finds them to be exceedingly comfortable. The sunlight glints off of the golden piercings in her ears and belly button.

Tilting her head back, she sniffs the air with her brown, canine nose. She immediately turns her head; she’s found the scent, which she recognizes anywhere. With his back against the wall, Eli stares into the eyes of his bullies, one of whom grips tightly to his shoulder. With a balled fist, Teddy holds it before his face, waving it back and forth as though it were some sort of deadly weapon.

“I thought I told you to stop showing up in my classroom!” Teddy barks.

“Yeah, I’ll get right on that. Just let me get a refund for my tuition and-”

“Don’t get smart with me, you little faggot!” Teddy growls, pulling Eli away from the wall before slamming him back into it.

“Yeah! Tell him, Teddy!” Smitty chuckles.

“Shut up, Smitty! I got this!” He growls over his shoulder. “Now, did I make myself clear, you girly little bitch?” He asks, returning his attention to Eli.

“... I’m sorry...”

“Huh?” Teddy raises a brow.

“I’m sorry that I’ve awakened homosexual feelings. I can’t help that I’m so pretty!” Eli taunts him.

“The fuck?!”

“But no matter how badly you want it, I don’t want to fuck you. I’m sorry! It’s not you, it’s me!” Eli continues.

“Y-you little shit! I’ll kick your brains in!”

“Get him, Teddy! Whoop his ass!”

With a firm push, he throws Eli to the ground. He pulls back a leg and Eli braces himself, but just as Teddy’s about to swing, Eli sees something out of the corner of his eye.

“Beat that little fag, Teddy! Kick his-AHH!”

Tackled to the ground, Smitty falls onto his side. The blood runs from his cheek as Nara slashes his face several times before grabbing his throat and squeezing. His head shakes as the AdvAnimal throttles him. Smitty tries to feebly grab at her hands.

“The fuck?! Get off’a him!” Teddy yelps.

He takes a few steps toward her but Nara is swift. Pushing herself up, she shoves her weight into Smitty’s neck before jumping back. As Teddy takes a swing at her, she jumps up, kicks him in the chest with her large, paw-like foot and performs a flawless backflip, all while Teddy tumbles to the ground with a loud thud. He tries to scramble away but Nara is right on top of him. In the blink of an eye, she closes the distance and jumps onto his chest. Sitting on his belly, her terrifying visage causes him to urinate on himself. He reaches out a hand to punch her in the face but Nara grabs his forearm. She’s so strong!

“Ahh! Let go you fucking animal bitch!”

With a sinister grin, Nara flashes her pearly white teeth before biting Teddy’s hand! She snarls and shakes her head from side to side, as if to play into his insult. Teddy screams so loudly that Eli is certain his voice cracked! Reaching out with his other hand, Teddy again tries to attack Nara. Unphased, she grabs his wrist without even looking and forces his arm across his body and against his own throat, pinning him to the ground. Meanwhile, a coughing and choking Smitty manages to crawl to his feet and begins to hobble away. Fearing that he’s going to come back with authorities, Eli dashes up to Nara.

“Hey, Nara, that’s enough! We gotta go!”

Instantly ceasing her assault, Nara spits out Teddy’s mangled hand and glances over her shoulder, looking up at Eli with gentle eyes. The blood runs from her chin, dripping onto the whimpering bully. All of twenty-years-old, the son of a wealthy bankster whines like a small child and clings to his injured hand. Standing up and turning toward Eli, Nara kicks Teddy’s cheek as she steps over him, cutting his face with the red-painted claws that crown her toes. Holding Eli’s hand as he leads her away, they race back to the limousine. Once safely inside, he uses a collection of napkins to clean the blood from her face and claws.

“You really fucked those guys up...”

Nara stares into his eyes with a strange expression. Eli can’t quite place it. It’s warm and inviting, and yet melancholy. Once most of the blood has been cleaned from her fur and claws, he uses a bottle of water and a fresh napkin soak up the more difficult parts.

“Thanks, Nara...” He speaks softly, dabbing the damp napkin onto her chin. “You know, I was prepping myself to go home with a black eye or something. Wouldn’t be the first time... I’m glad you were there for me.”

Leaning away from him, she produces her miniature laptop and begins to type.

“You don’t need to thank me. I’ll always protect you. ALWAYS.” Her message reads.

“Yeah, well, typically us guys defend the women. I guess since you’re so much stronger and tougher, I’m kind of... I don’t know... Dead weight, I guess... I wish I could return the favor.” Eli speaks with a melancholy voice.

“You shouldn’t feel like less of a man for that. I can train you and your body can become stronger, perhaps even stronger than mine. Besides, I don’t mind! After all, you’re mine to protect!” Her new message reads.

At a loss for words, Eli merely strokes Nara’s cheek very softly and tenderly. After gazing into each other’s eyes for a moment, he leans in and gives her a soft kiss on her lips. Nara responds by kissing him back and then embracing him, holding him tightly and resting her chin on his shoulder.

“I wonder what mom’s going to say about this...” Eli murmurs.

Pacing the floor, Delilah looks positively infuriated. She stomps each foot, her expensive high heels thump softly on the Persian rug. Eli and Nara sit side-by-side on a loveseat, watching her, their heads following her circuit.

“Yeah. Okay... Okay, I will... ... Thank you, and I’m sorry about this... I know, but I still feel bad. I didn’t know who else to call... Alright. Bye.”

Pressing the button on the cordless phone, she sighs with considerable force and turns toward the pair. With narrowed eyes, she stares daggers at her son, then turns her attention to Nara and slowly shakes her head with disapproval.

“... So?” Eli sheepishly asks.

“You’re lucky we’re so well connected!” Delilah begins. “I’m told that AdvAnimals are immune to nearly all human blood borne pathogens, so that it’s a relief, but that Theodore guy has nerve damage and four cracked metacarpal!”

“Heh.” Nara smirks.

“Again, we’re lucky we’re so well connected! Both of those young men are being dealt with. The bank chain that Theodore’s father manages is owned and operated by Sovereign Six, and since they also installed the local Chief of Police, we’re not in any legal trouble.”

“Oh, good! So, when’s dinner?” Eli chirps.

“Don’t look so happy, mister! Unfortunately, Dartmouth has a policy against violence between fellow students, and so your being removed!” Delilah barks.

“Oh, no. What ever will I do?” Eli feigns worry.

“Yeah, I’m sure you’re sooo upset by that.” His mother rolls her eyes. “Anyway, they can get you back in, but since they don’t have connections to the Dean, surprisingly enough, they’d have to remove him and install a new one and that could take some time. Somehow, though, they don’t think you not being in school will affect anything! They’ve suggested I enroll you somewhere else! Can you believe that?!”

“Sooo... What does this mean?”

“Well, unless you want to go to Harvard or Yale and start over-”

“Hell no!” Eli swiftly interrupts.

“Then I guess you’re officially a college dropout... Congratulations.” Delilah grumbles.

“Woo!”

With two fists held high, Eli jumps up from the loveseat, amusing Nara, who leans over and looks up at him. He turns and grabs her by the wrists, gently pulling at her and coaxing her out of her seat.

“Come on, Nara. Let’s go do something to celebrate! I mean, mourn this terrible failure... We could go into town and get something to eat!” He suggests.

“Oh, that reminds me! Your new car was delivered today.”

“Really?!” Eli’s eyes light up.

“Yeah. It’s very... You...” Delilah sighs, resting a hand on her forehead.

“Awesome! Want to go for a ride?!” He turns back to Nara.

She nods her head, smiling wide and giving his hand a squeeze. The pair quickly depart, dashing out of the room, through the halls and toward the large, multi-car garage. A thoroughly frustrated Delilah watches from the balcony of her third-floor office as the custom ordered 2013 Cadillac Federal hearse with gold paint and a black, vinyl top drives down the mile-long driveway and away from the estate. All she can do is sigh for the hundredth time and shake her head.

Parking along the side of the road, a few miles away from their estate, Eli and Nara sit in the back of Eli’s new hearse, empty cups and fast-food wrappers strewn around them. Leaning back, his legs dangling from the opened door, Eli plays with the rollers, spinning them and looking at the Formica bed. It’s a black marble pattern. Sitting beside him, a knee bent and foot resting on the little ledge inside of the hearse, Nara keeps her eyes focused on the nearby town. The lights are so beautiful, clashing against the darkening sky.

“I keep thinking about before...”

“Hmm?” She turns to him.

“How you protected me. How I couldn’t protect myself... It’s not what I wanted, you know. I feel like I should be the stronger one, but... Well... I’ve always been weak... Weak and scared. The only time I ever tried to ‘man up’, Donovan was still alive, encouraging me. I used to lift weights with him, before he died. Now I’m right back to where I was before... Pathetic. You’re such a good woman, so sweet and so kind and so protective. I don’t deserve you...”

He speaks very softly, very somberly. As he turns his eyes toward her, she can see them welling with tears. Nara is so touched by his heartfelt words and his vulnerability that she cannot help but extend a hand and lovingly stroke his cheek. A human woman might find herself repelled by his admitted lack of strength, seeking only the best man for a mate. A human woman might lose her attraction and her eyes might begin to wander. Nara, however...

“I live every day in fear...” He continues as she lies down beside him. “Fear of dying, fear of living... Fear of being her pet for the rest of her life, and a zombie for the rest of mine, once she’s gone. I know she had something to do with my dad’s death, and Donovan’s too. I know it but I can’t prove it. Not like it matters, anyway... I can’t help but think, though... Will she finally get fed up with my bullshit and come for me, someday? I don’t know, and I can’t ever be certain. I think that’s why I’m like this... I’ve prepared myself for it, and live my life halfway in the grave. Sometimes I wish I didn’t. Other times, I can’t imagine any other way to be.”

“Aww!” She shimmies closer and nuzzles his face with her snout.

“I want to be someone else, someone happy. I want to be someone you can be proud of.”

Looking into his eyes, Nara’s heart aches. She’d proved her worth as a soldier in ‘The Catechism’ and made it to the ranks of Special Operative, a place reserved exclusively for the top ten percent. She could’ve worked with an Agent if she so desired, but instead, she requested a place on the Welcoming list. It wasn’t a hard choice. Many make the same, but after being screened for her psychological and physical traits, she was told that she was a match for a prospective mate, a young man with powerful connections to Sovereign Six.

The match happened so quickly that she almost wondered if she’d been hand-picked for the role, perhaps by the young man in question. Nara was eager to meet her match, and though he wasn’t what she was expecting when they first met, it’s everything that she wasn’t expecting that’s made her feel so strongly for him. He’s thoughtful and kind, sweet and affectionate, caring and considerate, and most importantly of all, loyal. Her trust in Eli is unshakeable. The day when he’s finally ready to mate with her, to claim her virginal body for himself, that will be a wonderful day, indeed!

Leaning in, Nara gives him a soft kiss on his lips, gently nuzzling his face as she slowly turns her head. Eli’s arms reach out for her, clinging to her exquisite form. For as much as she wants to see where this is going, however, there’s some she needs to do first. Pulling away, she turns and retrieves her laptop, lifts the lid and types a message.

“You’re a good man, Eli, and you shouldn’t feel badly. You’ve more than made up for your lack of strength with intellect and wit, and with training you could have strength, too! Never be afraid. I will always be here for you, until my final day. I came here from my base, where I was trained as a soldier, hoping to find a mate. Instead, I’ve found a partner. I’ve found a man worthy of my loyalty and admiration, as well as my body. I’ll gladly surrender myself to you, as quickly as I’d sacrifice my life for you.” Her message reads.

“Wow.” Eli’s eyes grow wide. “I love you.”

Nara is caught completely off guard. She looks into his eyes to see if he’s teasing her, perhaps facetiously replying to her heartfelt message. To her pleasant surprise, he rests a hand on the back of her head and steals a kiss. Overcome by the whirlwind of passion, Nara advances, pushing him onto his back as their tongues entwine. He rubs her sides and back, and for the first time, he seems very willing to mate with her. Could this be it?!

“What if my mom has other plans? What if she doesn’t like this and cooks up some scheme to come between us?” Eli asks, pulling his lips away from hers.

“I love you. I desire you. Claim me as your mate, take me, and I’ll be bound to you for life. If Delilah has a problem with that or tries to harm either of us, I’ll rip her head off and present it to you on a black plate and garnish it with a red rose. I’ll do the same to whoever tries to harm you or our family.”

“Damn. You’re hardcore!” He smirks.

“Mmm...” She grabs onto his shirt and steals another kiss.

“Come on... Let’s go home. This bed is a little firm.” He quips.

Ending their night out, where they’d picked up fast food and drove aimlessly for about an hour, Eli and Nara hastily return to the manor. Walking through the darkened halls, they find themselves standing beside Eli’s bedroom door. They turn to each other and gaze with longing into the other’s eyes. Without an ounce of shyness or hesitation, Eli reaches out a hand and grabs onto hers. She glances down, noting the way he caresses the back of her furry hand. Taking a step closer, she’s pleasantly surprised when he gives her another passionate kiss. True to his word, Eli pulls her into his bedroom. They continue to kiss nearly the entire way to his bed.

“I’ve, uhm... I’ve been thinking...” He sheepishly begins, sitting with her on his bed.

“Hmm?”

“Those things we talked about? You really meant them?”

“Mmhhmm!” She nods.

“I’ve never had a woman care about me so much.”

“Aww.” She nuzzles his cheek and embraces him.

“It’s nice, having someone truly love you, being there because they want to and not because they need or want something from you... I love you, too, Nara. You mean the world to me. And there’s something else...”

“Hmm?”

“I’ve never had a woman before...”

Pulling back, she looks into his eyes and is startled by how deeply he flushes! He looks so shy and embarrassed as he admits his virginity. Touched by the adorable sight, she tenderly kisses his lips before pulling back and pantomiming. Pointing a finger toward her groin, she holds up a hand as if to make a pledge, closes her eyes and shakes her head.

“You, too?!”

“Mhm.”

“Oh... So, neither of us have had a woman!” He quips.

“Hehehe!”

Resting her hand on the back of his neck, she steals another kiss. The kisses continue to grow in both number and intensity, and soon, Eli makes his move. Unbuckling his belt and undoing his pants, he invites her to partake. Nara eagerly accepts, and the pair promptly fall back onto his bed. Hiking up her skirt, Nara straddles his pelvis as they prepare themselves.

“Uhm... For traditions sake, I feel like I should be on top... Don’t you?”

“Heh.” She flashes a sinister grin.

Wandering the halls, Delilah continues to fume about the failures of her son. Not only has he been removed from Dartmouth, he’s clearly making an effort to stay out of a university! What a disgrace! He probably hasn’t even touched Nara yet! Until he does, she hasn’t held up her end of the bargain. Passing by his bedroom door, she stops in her tracks when she hears a strangely familiar noise coming from within. She leans in and places her ear to the door, only to quietly gasp, cover her mouth, pull away from the door and stare. Could it be?!

“Mmmmmmm-AHH!” Nara suddenly squeals.

Delilah quietly pulls out of cell phone and dials one of her contacts.

“Hello, Ms. Van D’Steen. How may I help you?” A man greets her.

“I just wanted to give you a little update...” She whispers into the phone. “I’ve held up my end.”

“What? I can’t hear you.”

“I said, I held up my end.” She speaks in a hushed voice.

“Are you certain?!” The man asks.

“Hold on a moment.”

Placing her hand over her end of the telephone, she pulls it away from her ear and turns her head toward the door. She can hear her son’s faint groans coming through the door.

“Ooohhh, mmmm!”

“Nngf-nngf-mmff-ahh!” Nara can be heard grunting and groaning.

“Oh, god! Rrr-rrr-mmm-yeah! Ooohhh, baby!”

“Ahh-ahh-ahh!” Nara moans with increasing intensity.

“Yeah, they sound like they’re really going at it!” Delilah quietly chirps, returning her attention to the telephone and walking casually down the hall.

“Excellent!”

“So, then our deal still stands?”

“Of course it does, my dear. Now that they’re mating, she’ll do the rest. It’s in her nature. Keep us apprised and expect that new contract by the end of the week.” The man replies.

“Good! I’m so glad to hear that!”