The Miami Broncos

Chapter 11: The Laughing Dog

Written by Francois Guint-Riel (FGR)

I locked down the last of the liquor cabinet doors with a long sigh, tossing the keys in my coat pocket with a quick swipe to make sure they’d hit it’s bottom. It was seven, and I’d had a long day at the bar of the Black Stage, but the tips had made up for it, so much that I didn’t have the heart to voice a complaint about it. The customers where the cream of the town, and they didn’t mind throwing a few coins to the common folk, even if those common folk already had a generous salary and a paid room in the hotel that they worked in. They didn’t need to know that, just that a nice, polite striped hyena had served them well, and that they felt some need to show their gratefulness for his work. I felt the purse where I kept the tally, finding it nice and heavy, which would mean that I’d spend a while counting the money. I walked to the elevator, catching a quick look at a few of the girls from the cabaret, who waved back with a smile. I hadn’t been able to work up the guts to ask any of them out, to be frank, mostly because they felt more like family then anything else, so it would have felt awkward to have them closer then usual. The hours I took for myself also meant that I didn’t have time to look elsewhere, hence I wasn’t all that lucky when it came to company.

I cast aside the thought for the moment, unlocking the door to my apartment, which was as much of a mess as when I’d left it for my shift. A tangle of dirty clothes were piled near a corner of the room, and the number of posters and knick-knacks that littered about the place made it feel more like a college dorm then a thirty-year-old laughing dog’s permanent residence. Ulrich, my employer and the owner of the hotel, had visited a few times, each of them saying how it must make me feel younger to live in a wretched pigsty. He’d visited all right. To the customers, he was a respectable hotel manager and a shrewd businessman. To us, he was that as well as the Don of the local Family, the Broncos, and a total slut. He’d gotten married a few months back, but before that, once in a while, he put the moves on someone and showed them a good time. It felt a bit strange, because as much as I liked the experience and I couldn’t swear at anyone who gives me some good loving, the fact he was another guy threw me off for a while.

Counting my loot took over fifteen minutes, mostly the patient activity of putting it in rolls for my deposit. I kept a little safe under my desk, where I stored my tips until I found the time to go to the bank and stow it away in my growing accounts. I was all right when it came to that too; I’d bought a car, a laptop computer, and taken a little trip up to Orlando for shits and giggles, and I still managed to have numbers in the five digits in my stash. Oh what a lucky hyena he was... Looking outside, I decided that it was right about time for me to go for a walk and stretch my paws a bit, and throwing on something more comfortable, I rode the cab back to the ground floor and left the premises, trying to think of somewhere I needed to go. As I was figuring out my itinerary, I heard a voice from behind me calling my name, and spun around to see who had uttered it. I recognized the tall black shape of Ulrich coming out from the dark, smiling with his usual relaxed air.
-Hey there Stripes, said the black panther. Going out?
-Oh, just a stroll, I replied. Why?
-Well I was just heading up to the Bronco mansion, and I thought what the heck, you might like to beat the crap out of me at pool.
-Pool? The opposite’s more likely in that case, I chuckled.  All right, I’ll tag along.
-Sweet! I knew I could count on you. You want to drive?
-Sure, I’m parked in the side lot.

Ulrich tailed me as we walked to the parking, swatting at my tail a few times until I caught his. I unlocked the doors for us to get in, though before I’d put my key in the ignition, the panther put an arm around me and rubbed his head against mine.
-Hey you cat, I said, what are you up to?
-Just tickling the hyena for a few laughs, he replied. Is it working?
-Maybe, I returned with a few yelps.
-Ah, that’s great to hear, smiled Ulrich. Now this should really make you giggle.
The panther slumped over to my side and pushing my arm aside, undid my fly and pulled out my cock before giving me head. I would have protest if it hadn’t been for my state of sexual frustration, and being what it was, I just closed my eyes and imagine it was one of the dancing girls, fantasizing I was banging one good as I came in the cat’s maw. One good turn deserved another though, and as Ulrich tucked my member back away, I leaned to rest my head on his lap and sucked him off, hardly able to picture anything to take my mind off the task at hand. Anyone who’d met the panther in a personal encounter of the S kind knew that his dick was a gift from the gods above, comparatively about fifty percent larger then mine, not to demean my own assets. Worst of all, he really like when I went deep, which meant I almost gagged a few times until he finished in my throat. Still, the kind, gentle look he gave me evened out the good and the bad, and as soon as his fly was back up, I started the engine and took to the road to the seaside mansion that the Bronco clan called home. The usual welcoming committee waited at the gates, though being a friend of the Don, I was exempt from the usual searches and the guards paid very little attention to my presence. We walked in just in time to see a kangaroo boomer and a deer buck kissing in a corner of the atrium, holding hand before the deer passed us by to leave, nodding to Ulrich as he exited. The ‘roo waited though, and shook the panther’s hand as soon as we’d reached him.
-Hey there Jumpy, said Ulrich. Do I get a kiss too?
-Ulrich, you mental case, even getting hitched didn’t put a stop to you hormones, did it?
-Slowed them down, not stopped, laughed the cat. So what’s up with that shopping mall deal you wanted to talk to me about?
-Nothing, I just wanted to trick you into coming here to party while Tracks was out. Who’s your cute hyena?
-I’m Stripes, I said as I shook his hand, the barman at Ulrich’s hotel.
-Oh, you’re the booze keeper! You’re a good friend to have! So, how’s about we go and bust a few cues downstairs?
-You’re on, said Ulrich.
We took the stairs to the basement in a heartbeat, and started a string of fun games on one of the larger and better-felted tables. Just as I’d guessed, the panther was better at the game then he’d first mentioned, and taught both Jumpy and me a few lessons about trigonometry that we must have slept through in school. The boomer was a great guy, and was as loyal to his deer as anyone could be to his better half.
-Tracks is the best Mary I could ask for, said the kangaroo. He’s as caring and loving as a buck gets, and I try to be the best mate I can be.
-Sounds like a good couple, I commented. Been a while?
-A good few years, nodded Jumpy. We only moved in together a year back though, when we figured everyone knew about us anyway. It’s good not to be alone.
-Yeah, I said with a grunt. It is.
-Whoa, said Jumpy, shaking my shoulder, chin up, doggy! You’re a pack of hunk ready to be scooped up where you stand! Give a lady a chance, and you’ll find yourself with a pair of big tits in your face every morning.
-Sasha likes you, said Ulrich, looking over the table for his next shot.
-She does? Well, I didn’t notice, sorry.
-You had a hard-on for an hour yesterday when she came for a drink after her show, retorted the panther. No need to hide it if you’re shy.
I tried to hide a grin as I saw him miss his move, and proceeded to beat him for the first time of the evening, ending the party as Tracks the deer came down to meet up with his partner. I conceded my place to him and bade the group goodnight before scurrying back out of the mansion and hopping in my car, yawning wide as I pulled the top up.

I played with my keys a bit as I walked into the hotel, looking around to see if there was anyone I knew I could chat with for a while until I was too tired to move my muzzle. Over at the bar, I caught sight of the very rabbit that had come up in the conversation at the mansion, sitting on one of the stools and looking absently at the bottles in the glass cases behind the counter. My curiosity took the better of my shyness as I walked over, and I took the seat aside her, shaking my head at her as I gave a ‘hey’.
-Hello there Sasha, I said to the rabbit as she turned to face me.
-Hi Stripes, replied the dancer, her eyes sparkling in the dim light. How was the day?
-Nice, it was nice. Plenty of people, plenty of different tastes. Yourself?
-Same, it was great. The crowd was really into the show today, answered Sasha. I just felt like talking a bit, and I thought that I might find the best listener I know.
-Barman’s gift, I smiled. You look like you have a lot to say too.
-I guess, sighed Sasha, leaning on her hand. I don’t know, I just feel kind of lonely these days. You see all these people coming in with their family, having a good time together, then Ulrich and Mist, Champagne and her folks... It just underlines it kind of seriously.
-You don’t go out much?
-I don’t, said the rabbit, shaking her head. Each time I dress up to go, it makes me think of another period of my life, you know...
-The club? Yeah, I sighed, I know, me too I guess.
-I tried finding my folks too, but I haven’t a clue where they could be now. That’s what I feel worst about, probably, that I cut myself off like that. When times were harder, I had less trouble dealing with it, but now, it sinks in deeper.
-Need a hug, I offered, opening an arm.
-Yeah, said Sasha, her lower jaw shaking a bit as I leaned over and hugged her.
-Beautiful rabbit, I whispered as I stroked her hair a bit.
-Stripes, I don’t want you to take this the wrong way, but could you stay with me tonight? I just need a good, warm soul with me, and I always thought of you as that.
-Me too, I seconded. I was just you know, pretty indecisive. You’re a wonderful woman, and I’m just an old hyena with a crush...
Sasha smiled as she hugged me again and got up, motioning for me to follow her as we made our way to the employee level.
I didn't task my eyes off Sasha as we passed the threshold of her room, which, I must admit, was a measure better then mine. She had bought a few posters too, but they were of cute pictures like any bubbly girl with a sense for the beautiful would choose, not old film noir movies and metal bands like I had. She read into my look and nodded with a blush, proud of her nook.
-I calls it home, she said with a grin. Not too bad, I hope?
-It’s not my place to criticize, but I really like it, I replied. It reflects a very youthful soul.
-I’m still not out of my teens inside, laughed the rabbit. I just got most of this last week, actually. I felt like a crazy shopping spree, and I just went out and grabbed.
-Good strategy, I said.
-How about yours?
-I had a bunch of posters I gathered though the years, mostly music and entertainment, so I put them up as soon as I got the room. It’s a mess though, so pay no heed to it. There’s as much stuff in my place then I have stripes on my back.
-Never counted them? Want me to?
-Nice bunny, I said, reaching over and stroking her ears.
-And he guesses what I like the most too, smiled Sasha, letting her ears flop around as I touched them. Here, smack your tail in that sofa.
-A one seater? Or two seater, if used properly.
-Just what I had in mind, commented the rabbit as she lay down over my legs and cuddled against me. This is nice, doggy.
-Oh yes it is, I seconded, wrapping my arms around her.
-Take that old shirt off, can’t you?
-You got it.
I took off my tee as Sasha dug her hands into my fur, stroking my mane with a hum. I slipped a hand under her shirt to the small of her back, getting a sly gaze and grunt in response. We just held each other for a while until she hopped up and threw a DVD in the entertainment system for us to look at as we continued. Her fur was a great measure softer then mine, but she seemed to like the feeling of my coarse coat, once in a while tracing one of my stripes with a lazy finger. It was late when the picture finished, but it finished with Sasha reaching up behind my head and pulling me into a kiss. I didn’t even offer an iota of resistance, leaning into it and cradling her as we embraced, curiously exploring her front teeth as she toyed with my canines which normally protruded from the corners of my lip. As we pulled apart, she took my arm and jerked me to my feet as we rose to change location to the bedroom. The place was just as bubbly as the living room, but Sasha was the center of my attention, taking my mind off any casual observation about the environment. The rabbit sat up on the bed, taking off her blouse and pants as she signed for me to do the same. None of her show costumes had been remotely revealing, a huge change from her dancing days, but even back then, I’d always been quite far from the catwalk, and never really seen her that close in person. She was stunning, her winding curves and soft duvet warming the coldest heart. She turned to face me and asked for me to take off her brassiere, which I took my time to do, letting my hands wander on her a bit before pulling the clasp apart and helping the shoulder straps down her arms as her firm breasts came into view, ending their form with gentle pink nipples, already hard as they could get, one surrounded by a black star-like fur-dye tattoo. She smiled as I looked up to her face and cast the article away with the rest of her former covers, hugging me again tightly to make me feel every detail of her body as we slipped into the sheets. She lay on me, legs straddling me as she put her head on my shoulder. I caressed her back with one hand and held her against me with the other, letting her sense my muscles a bit in the process, which she definitely liked. Sasha nibbled me a bit as we held, myself licking her ears slowly, stopping as she pushed herself off my chest and checked me out long and hard.
-You know, I can’t believe I ever let you out of my sight, she said. You’re a handsome creature, Stripes, a great mind and pack of muscles in a rough, striped bundle of goodness.
-And you’re a siren, risen from the deeps to show the world once and for all what beauty is, I returned as I held her posterior, with tight buns, too.
-Bunny buns, smirked Sasha, who really like to feel doggy crotches.
-I like that kind of bunny buns, I said, dropping my shorts through the covers to the floor.
-Me too, said the rabbit as she took her panties off and did the same. Oh, hard doggy!
-Woof, I said, letting a short laugh out.
Sasha turned her back to me as I wrapped a leg around her and put my member between her legs, just resting in her buns, then reached under her arms to take her chest in my palms. She gave a moan as I moved, then relaxed, reached back, and taking my black rod, opened her legs and put it in her cunt. I felt a bit shocked at the sudden decision, but I didn’t have the heart to say anything, and instead wrapped an arm over her chest to leave the other free to grasp her hips as I started my movements. I didn’t go hard, for two reasons, one being that I didn’t want Sasha to feel anything else then the tenderest feelings from me, and the other that I knew that I could do just fine with gentle and well-thought moves. The rabbit seemed to be in the utmost agreement with my thoughts as I moved about, her dark eyes rolling back and her mouth gaping wide as she gasped for breath, with a racing pulse I could feel through her fur. The only noticeable sound she made was a low, muted whine as I finished, myself only releasing a sigh and kissing the back of her neck. Sasha was in no hurry to dismount, and let me continue until I could hold no more, slowly slipping off me and turning to face me in a hug.
-That was the best, hear me the best, I ever felt, said the rabbit, stroking my mane again. You really do love me, don’t you Stripes?
-I do, bunny, I replied, nibbling the closest ear I saw.
-My God, I could feel everything, she whispered. Pretty well equipped, aren’t you?
-I don’t want to seem obnoxious, but I can handle myself, I grinned.
-Can you ever, chuckled Sasha, burying her head against me. Turn off the nightlight, can’t you?
-Sure. Sweet dreams, Sasha.
-You too Stripes, grunted the rabbit. Nice puppy…

I came around to find the rabbit still packed tightly against me, her soft lips just slightly opened with her front teeth poking out. After looking at her for a while, I leaned down and kissed her, noticing her eyes open as I did and feeling a hand running over my head.
-Top of the morning, bunny, I said.
-Funny, but I swear that having a hyena in bed is warmer then any number of covers I could pack on… feels cuddly too.
-I’ve never been called cuddly, I giggled, but I’ll take it. As for having a bunny rabbit, I can’t wrap my head around finding the words to describe it other then a proof of heaven’s existence.
-You’re mine, said Sasha as she hugged me hard. I ain’t letting you out of my sight, doggy, and don’t try to tell me that you don’t like that thought.
-I like it so much I’m not convinced that I’ll be de-boning for the rest of the day, I replied, checking down.
Sasha grinned and dove under the sheets, only her buns visible as she took a manual approach to the problem, as well as vitamin supplements. Personally I waited until she was done before catching firm hold of her rear and following through with a thorough inspection of her plumbing, satisfied in finding a constant leak. With the ceremonious gestures over with, we took a long, scalding hot shower and at the rabbit’s insistence, dressed up and visited my apartment, sighted a few times by fellow employees, each giving thumbs up to the pair of us as they went on their business.

As I would have expected, the rabbit gave a hard laugh at the general state of the place, but then settled down and took it in more carefully.
-Man, I used to listen to those too, said Sasha, nodding at a few posters from the Godfather series I had over my dresser. Knowing Ulrich kind of ruins it, doesn’t it?
-Sort of, I shrugged. It takes away from the know mysticism around the mob when you known that Mary’s one of their best. The rest of them aren’t that serious either, tell you the truth.
-You met them? When so?
-Actually, the kitty invited me for a game of pool earlier. I taught him a thing or two about underestimating poor innocent hyenas. I’d like to have a place like that mansion though!
-I hear you, smiled Sasha. In the meantime, we got this place. Can’t complain though, I didn’t have much of a place to hang my knickers up before this, just an old flat a couple of streets from the Marina.
-Those old days, I grinned.
-How about you, Stripes? What did you call home?
-I lived in a boarding house, I answered with a wave of a paw. I can assure you, what you made in a night at that place was what I did in three. A lot of guys came in drunk as skunks, not to seem discriminating, so they didn’t buy much.
-Kept them quiet though, laughed Sasha. I have to thank you for putting a word in for me when Rex hired me. How long had you been there?
-Remember when we left high school, I said I’d take a sabbatical? Well, I started the next week, and learned the ropes from a guy that was already there. I ended up replacing him a month later, and had enough dough to move out of my res. You dropped off the radar for quite a while before you popped in for that interview. Where was the bunny hopping about?
-Home, replied Sasha. I worked at a few stores to pay my bills, but then I had a big row about my life and my future with my parents, and I decided it was high time that I found something else. I was twenty-three, after all... sorry, it’s painful to think about it.
-Then don’t, I offered, hugging her.
The conversation took a turn for the lighter as we continued, slowly migrating back to the first floor of the hotel, myself having changed into my uniform, the nice, clean three-piece that Ulrich’s tailor Gabriel had design for us to wear. It was nice, with a deep blue gleam to it, and cut in such a way as to flatter and flaunt the curves of anyone who wore them. Sasha took a seat as I unlocked the cabinets, as I was to open the bar for 10 o’clock, there always being a few requests from the patrons for a little picker-upper as they enjoyed their breakfasts. As I was folding my towel over my shoulder, I noticed a form approaching the bar, and turned to serve, quickly realizing that it was actually the kangaroo that I had seen at the mansion the previous night. He slumped over the marble with a quiet, contemplating air before talking.
-Hello there sir, I said with a polite tone. What could I serve you?
-Well, it you have something old and spicy, I’ll have it, answered Jumpy.
-Old and spicy, I repeated as I took a good bottle of scotch and added a finger of a second, smaller brown bottle to the shooter glass. Here, enjoy.
-Could I inquire as to what the second ingredient was, asked the ‘roo, eyeing the liquid through the bat light.
-It’s mulling spices, in a concentrated mix. It adds that extra bite to the drink, and helps smooth out the aftertaste.
-To your then, said Jumpy, taking a sip. Isn’t this something! I ought to come here more often, or perhaps...
-Yes?
-Well, I was just thinking, said the ‘roo, finishing the drink, that maybe you could come to the mansion and moonlight with us for a few nights a week, say during the quiet evenings of Tuesday to Thursday? We’d pay you handsomely for it, be assured, and it would be a thrill to have you.
-I couldn’t say no, I replied with a handshake. That is, if Ulrich agrees.
-Oh, he will, grinned Jumpy. Ah, what a relief! I’m not talking ill of our present barmaid Lily, but that she-bear can’t seem to get the wrinkles out of her mixers, and truth be told, I’m not totally convinced that she really has any idea how to make anything else then margaritas and bloodies.
-Then I’ll be glad to oblige, I said.
-Great! Now, I’ll just go find Ulrich, said the ‘roo, turning to land his muzzle on the panther’s chest, who had snuck up on him while he was talking. Hey, hi there bro!
-Grrr, growled the cat, rubbing his friend’s head and slapping his back. So you came here to kidnap my barman then?
-I hope that you wouldn’t mind, shrugged Jumpy. After all, both ways, it comes out of the same accounts.
-True, laughed Ulrich. Well, if you want to, Stripes, feel free. The clientele’s so slow sometimes that I’m sure you’ll enjoy the change.
-Thank you, I said, offering my hand to him.
-Handshake? Hey, it’s hugs between us, said the cat, pulling me over the bar and hugging me. Start tonight, if you like! I’ll have Tracks, a friend of mine there, wait for you and give you the royal tour.
I nodded in agreement as he walked off with Jumpy and Sasha got to her paws to go rehearse her late-night show with her colleagues, stealing a kiss from me as she left with a grin. There was quite a happy bounce in my step as I ran around my daytime shift, thinking about what mixes I could introduce to the mansion on my arrival, just give a good first impression to the clients. It passed by quickly, and soon, I switched with a boy from the kitchens, who brought freshly cleaned instruments with him for the night shift, still shining a bit from the polish he’d given them. Greeting him as I passed, I got to my car, keeping my hotel uniform on, just because it helped to identify my profession as well as carry my nametag for anyone to read. I felt quite flattered as the voice from the mansion’s gate-side intercom welcomed me and rolled open the barrier, inviting me to park in the east lot of the mansion and report to the front doors of the building. As soon as I’m gotten out of my vehicle, I saw a deer standing at the edge of the lot, waving to me to come see him when I was ready, introducing himself as soon as I was within earshot.
-Good evening, said the deer. My name is Tracks. I believe that Ulrich told you to expect my company?
-Indeed! It’s a pleasure, sir. My name’s Stripes.
-Of course, so he told me. It’s good to have you, Stripes. Well, shall we come in from the cold? I’ll show you around the place, if you’d follow me.
I tailed the deer around the huge palace of a home that Ulrich called his own, listening close to Tracks as he describes points of interest, as well as advise me what corners to avoid if possible. It was clear that it was a question of security, and he didn’t feel that it was necessary for me to get involved in everything the Family did, which I was glad to hear, not that I gave any sign of running off if there was a problem I could help with. Soon, we entered the bar area of the lounge, and I saw the lady that I was to replace, a tall brown bear wearing a long black dress. She seemed to know exactly why I was there, but didn’t take any offence from it, and greeted me as Tracks left us to go on his own business.
-It’s good to see that they found a true barman, said the bear. My name’s Lily, Lily Ursina, pardon the pun in the name.
-Stripes, glad to meet you ma’am, I replied, bowing and giving her hand a kiss.
-Quite the manners you have! Well, welcome to the Bronco Bar, make yourself at home. There’s no shortage of equipment here for any kind of drink, and the shelves are full, but I’ll be frank, I didn’t really have much in the way of experience in making anything very complicated when they hired me as a barmaid. I just worked in a pub before, and it was exceptional when someone asked for anything else then a beer or shooter.
-Understandable, I nodded. I have formal training in bartending though, therefore I might be able to take care of the specialty orders if you can take the rest.
-Sounds like we’ll be quite a team, smiled Lily, nuzzling my arm. Well let’s get started, shall we?

The nest hours were busy, to say the least, a good list of visitors coming in and out of the lounge, ordering a wide gamut of drinks from the menu, a few selecting the extras that I had penned in. I didn’t shy from the challenge though, and racked in the tips from the happy clients, dropping a few into Lily’s apron without explanation, getting blushing looks from the bear in return. Around midnight, we closed up, and she took care of the inventory of the place while I cleaned out the wares, my old habits from the Marina kicking back in. Lily was talkative as we went through the last rites of the day, and admitted she knew about my previous employ.
-Tell me if I’m mistaken, said the bear, but didn’t you work at a strip club called the Mariner, or something like that?
-The Marina, yes I did, I replied. I don’t remember seeing you, if you’ll forgive my memory.
-Oh, I was only there for an interview for a job as a dancer, said the bear, shyly grinning at the last declaration. I didn’t make the cut, though I did notice you. There aren’t that many laughing dogs around these parts, so I thought ‘hey, there’s one far from home’.
-I only met a few others in this city, I admitted. So you tried out at the Marina? Really now, when was this?
-Oh, two years back, about, though Lily. Right before I was hired here, when I come to think of it. I’d dropped my pub job, just because I had enough of the drunks that used to come to get tanked and blabber on about how the world was Hell any way you looked at it. I needed something a little classier, and this was perfect.
-Sorry you didn’t get the part, I said.
-The owner had me strip down to my underwear and got a good look at me, but he said that I wasn’t exactly the classic type that the clients were used to, said Lily, looking at herself and testing her barrel-like form. I’m built a bit solid, you see. Bears are like that, and we aren’t made for subtlety.
-Hey, that goes double here, I chuckled. Hyenas weren’t designed with beauty and grace in mind.
-Aw, don’t say that, you look like a hot rod even with that uniform on, said Lily. Me though? Heck, thank God I have this dress on!
-I dare to disagree, I bet you look wonderful, Lily.
The bear blushed hard at the comment, and only stole a few looks at me as she worked, a smile frozen on her face. As I put away the last glass and flushed the sink, she came over and leaning to whisper in my ear, offered for me to confirm my assumption. I felt a ball in my throat, but looking in her dark, deep-set eyes, I couldn’t help but give a grin that spoke volumes about my answer. She locked the cabinets and fingered for me to come with her as we took the stairs behind the lounge to the basement, where she took out a key to one of the employee’s rooms, hers, as it would be. It was a simple one-room affair, decorated in a nature-based theme, but she didn’t bother to turn on the main ceiling fixture, just the bedside lamp. She invited for me to take a seat as she took off her shoes and stood to stretch.
-Well, here goes, said Lily. Do you want to undo the buttons? I have trouble reaching.
-Sure, I replied as she turned and held up her hair for me to untie the two shoulder-height and two lower back buttons that held her dress.
As soon as I had released them from their holes, the black fabric slid off her, shaking her arms to loosen it as it the floor. Her form was more defined as she had insinuated, though it was quite true that she was a heart-stopper. Her shoulder width was the same as her chest and thighs, as if two lines had been drawn from the first to the last, with a fold of thick, loose skin tracing from under her arms to her loins, disappearing into her underwear. Her back didn’t curl the same way as the dress seemed to show, her upper back quite strong, though as I dared to reach out and stroke it, I only felt muscle underneath. With a shy look, she took off her strapless bra and let her massive, heavy breasts fall, then gave a spin for me.
-So, she asked as she ran her hands down her body, would you have paid to see this teddy on stage?
-A million in gold, I answered, for the first few minutes, that is.
-Thanks, she said, sitting aside me. That comment’s a nice change from ‘fat ass’ and that sort of thing.
-You hear that, eh?
-I’m not fat, reprised Lily, taking my hand and putting in on her waist. Feel me, I’m not; it’s all muscle and fur. I’m just different, but that takes some common courtesy and understanding to see that.
-I know you’re a cute, strong she-bear, I said, reaching around her and holding her against me.
-Hmm, thanks, hummed the bear. Hey, this isn’t fair! Here I am in my undies with my breasts taking some air and you’re still in uniform.
-Show you mine if you show me yours, I offered as I took off my ensemble.
-You... you mean that, asked Lily, stirring around a bit. I’ve never... never been asked that way. I’ve never said yes either, mind you, but to you... sure.
I dropped my shorts and gave a short routine for Lily as she took off her panties, rubbing between her legs a bit as I danced. I paced forwards and kneaded her tits as I kissed the bear, wrapping her powerful arms around me. Ever so slowly, I changed to her hips, holding her fur apart as I ate her, the ursine squirming as she held my face in place. As I nibbled her urea, a trick I remembered from Ulrich, she gave a small cry, and insisted to tit-fuck me a bit, licking at my cock as I ran it between her breasts. She was warm and strong, and I could feel her build ripple under her fur, as well as a musky smell as she lost herself to the pleasure.
-Stripes, she said, do you want to screw me?
-I do, I replied, not to seem vicious.
-It’s not, she grinned, lying back and opening her legs, but before you do, I need to tell you that I don’t believe in contraception. As long as you’re okay with that...
-It’s a personal choice, I said, slowly rubbing her deep black clit.
-Then show me what you can do to bring a she-bear to ecstasy.
I smiled and kept rubbing her vagina, eventually putting two fingers in her, then four, masturbating her as she heaved and grabbed her breasts. As I felt her crotch soaked through, I took my own member and penetrated her gradually, exploring every corner of her slot as I held her knees to my sides and sucked on her tits. The moment we came into the last moments of the encounter, she started voicing concern and asking for me to pull out of her.
-Stripes, could you pull out? I don’t want to seem unfair, but...
-Lily, just enjoy the moment, I assured.
-Please, get your cock out, she insisted as I felt her legs flexing. I... I... oh God! Forget what I just said! That was it, right there! Harder, Stripes, harder, right there...
-I thought you might like that, I moaned as I continued on the spot the bear had prescribed and put a finger up her rear. Here we go, here we go...
-Sorry about interrupting there, she cried as she came. Oh, come on, make this bear bounce, Stripes!
I grabbed one of her breasts in a firm hold as I worked her, finally coming together in a long moan, myself falling forwards to lie on her. Hugging me close to her, she wrapped her arms and legs around me with a content air. She didn’t say much as she killed the lights and pulled the covers over us, just a few kind words as she planted a long kiss on me and huddled close before falling asleep.

The bear’s smell lingered on as I woke up, feeling her massaging my back as she straddled my legs. I didn’t have the heart to tell her that due to the fact she was sitting on them, I had no more blood circulation in either, instead complimenting her on her gesture. She didn’t seem in a hurry to let me go as she finished, moving over to ease my head on her stomach as she took a tit and suckled me, stroking my head as I gummed at her nipple. Finally, after having had her way with her guest, she invited me to take a shower with her before I returned to the hotel, conscious of the fact I had to return. After we’d soaked out fur down, I had her sit comfortably and fisted her with passion, getting her there without a hitch and also, without her knowing, offering a rudimentary contra measure as I rinsed her a bit. It was better then nothing, and seeing her grasping the sides of the bath and panting with her eyes closed and her maw wide open as she moaned, it didn’t seem like an option she disliked. As soon as we’d rinsed off and hopped into our clothes, we headed back upstairs, myself silently and discretely eclipsing myself out of the mansion to my car, driving off to my shift.

Maybe it was a conscience thing, but as I drove, I couldn’t help but bang my head on the steering wheel a bit at the thought of having had sex with Lily. It’s not that it hadn’t been good, nor that I’d been abusive in any way, it was just that I felt terrible about having left Sasha out of my mind. I loved her, I really did, but then I’d felt an urge when the bear had whispered to me, and hadn’t really resisted that much. Now, Lily would think that I’m hers, and I’m sure that the beautiful rabbit did too, which really put me in a bad spot. Ulrich had talked to me about this sort of time in his life a few times, and it had never been easy to work through. Even now though, he had the occasional adventure with me, or that frumpy slut of a skunk Mephito, and that’s what I knew about anyway. To make things easy, his better half Mist hadn’t shied out of her own explorations, bedding her ex-roommate Champagne a few times too. Ah Hell, I sighed, I couldn’t handle that kind of stuff for long. No, I’d be faithful to Sasha from here on out, cross my heart, unless Lily came on me, but I’d make it clear that my heart was committed. I gave myself a hand as I made myself the promise, and parked the car in the hotel’s lot with an affirmative call.

I walked into the lobby with confidence and made my way to the bar, opening it with quiet grin. As I turned from the cabinets, I came face to face with Sasha, looking at me with a gleaming smile.
-Hi there doggy, said the rabbit. Sorry I wasn’t here last night, Champagne invited me to her mother’s after the show and I stayed there.
-That’s nothing, I replied, I was at the Bronco mansion. Nice place, really, and I can tell you their bar rivals this one.
-I bet, she giggled. Boy, from those eyes, you’re really hungry for the bunny, aren’t you?
-Yep, I returned, leaning over and giving her a lingering kiss. Hmm, sharp bunny teeth.
Sasha blushed and stuck her incisors out on purpose as I caressed her face. Shaking her head, she extended an invitation for a bit of stargazing later, which I accepted, as soon as I returned from the mansion. I just felt good as she strode off, waving bye-bye and bouncing her tail as she returned to her apartment, and leaned back on the marble with crossed arms, waiting for anyone to claim a drink for their own. Around two, when the lunch crowd had died off and I’d opened a record-breaking twelve bottles of bar lime, I saw Tracks walking in, taking the same stool at the previous morning, looking at me with a bottle of tequila and motioning for a small shot of it. I passed him the glass, the deer sniffing it before taking it down and shaking his antlers around a bit.
-Strong stuff, he commented, passing me back the empty.
-The strongest I have here, I laughed. So, no one spend the morning with a hangover, I hope?
-No one I met yet, shrugged Tracks. You enjoyed the first shift?
-It was great, very busy. No rest for the first hour, and it only got worst after that.
-Lily and you make a good team, nodded the deer. Actually come here a second... still kind of smell like her, don’t you? That’s not her usual... oh, oh! Well, all I can say is kudos, Stripes.
-Yeah, I replied, smelling my hand a bit.
-That’s regret wrapped up in a word, frowned the buck. I take it she wasn’t all that hot in bed?
-It’s not that, she was... she was great, I said with a smiled. Hell, she was fucking incredible. It’s just that I have someone here already, and I feel like a treacherous ass for having done Lily.
-Hey, I had some episodes like that too with my mate Jumpy, the ‘roo. We both looked around a bit in the first few months we were together, but it only brought us closer together. If you feel it’s not totally okay, then it means you’re really in love, hy-man.
-I guess that’s true, I nodded. Thanks, Tracks.
-That aside, I bet she was something else...
-You can’t even imagine, I whined.

Tracks left with the arrival of the late crowd, maintaining my sharp attention span as I finished the day in a rush. I felt a bit tired by the time that I closed shop, and from my smell, a shower was in order. I just had time to catch a short glimpse of Sasha as she entered her room as I took the lift up, which reminded me of her promise, as well as mine. I selected another of my work uniforms for my night shift, throwing it on as I took off, minding the speed limits to the upper bound of the reasonable. The gate slid with the usual friendly voice answering for me to take my regular spot, which I did with a squeal of the brakes, tearing a hearty laugh from me as I got out. I was able to find my way to the bar from dead reckoning and landmarks, soon finding myself face to face with Lily, looking at me with a gentle smile and nodding in greeting. Returning the gesture, I took my place behind the bar and started working on the two orders hanging from the magnetic strip under the marble, humming a gothic rock ballad I’d caught on the radio on the way in. I gave the lounge quick scan while I was putting up the first one, spotting a group of men in a corner of the room talking amongst themselves, looking at both me and the she-bear with knowing grins. I didn’t like the impression I got from them, the kind I warned the doormen about back at the Marina so at the earliest convenience, they’d be tracing skid marks on the pavement. Still, I kept an eye on them and continued, though my long ears twitched as I heard a comment from one of them.
-That’s a nice piece of furry ass right there, said one of them, shaking his head to Lily.
-Right it is, said another. Bet it’s been a while since she’d seen tail though, fat-assed one she is.
-Pardon me, I called as I walked to them, carrying one of their drinks and putting it on the table, that’s no way for an honourable man to address a lady. I’m sure you’d agree with me on that point?
-We wouldn’t care if you said the sky was black, said the first, grabbing the glass from me and slurping it down. Now fuck off, bitch.
-I have to insist that unless you have further business here, it would be recommendable that you leave this establishment, I stated.
-He’s funny, said the third of the trio. I bet hyenas laugh funny when you lick’em up. What do you say, guys?
-I say it should teach him some manners.
The three got up, though I didn’t give them any ground, and waited for one of them to make a move. One reached out to grab my mane, but a quick swipe of my paw discouraged him of it, as well as bloodied my claws. The two other stepped up as he clutched his wound, but I decided to make a fight-stopper, and grabbed one of them by the throat, digging my claws into his skin and giving enough pressure to make him understand his mortal peril. As he shook to loosen my grip, the other reached for Lily, who had come over to help me. He must have forgotten how strong bears were, and his suit tore as she mauled his chest with a roar, loud enough to draw some guards from the mansion to take the three creatures outside for a talk. I looked over at Lily, both of us looking at our paws, both nice and crimson.
-We’re made for this, said the bear with a laugh.
-Fat, eh? Then that’s just cellulose that shredded his suit?
-You know it, said Lily, giving me a peck on the cheek as she washed her claws.
-Here, have my towel, I said as I followed suit. I hope the rest of the night is quieter then that, though.
-Goes double here.
-Remind me not to screw with you two, said Ulrich as he walked into the lounge.
-Hey there panther, I saluted as I got another clean towel. Sorry about the mess, but…
-Defending a lady’s honor is worth more still, insisted the Don. Those were bad eggs, but I can’t say I’m too surprised about it.
-How so? I don’t catch on.
-Things are upside down in our country’s capital, sighed the panther, leaning on the marble. They need to clean up their act pronto, and get rid of this street trash they’ve been hiring as contractors as of late.
-Wish I could help, I said with a shrug.
-You could, returned Ulrich. How does a paid vacation to Washington sound to your pointy ears, Stripes?
-It sounds like something I’d like!
-Then say, day after next? That’ll give you time to pack for the trip, and I’ll let Don Riopelle know that I’ll be sending some friends his way.
-Then I won’t be alone, I questioned. Who’ll be with me?
-Well, I was thinking like this, off the top of my head, you and Lily, plus Tracks? Most of the folk will be off to a golf tourney for a few days, so you’d be bored half way to death if you stayed here. Any protests from the brown-furred dryad?
-Not at all, answered Lily, walking up to shake the Don’s hand. It’s an honour, sir.
-You’ve been a wonderful bartend for as long as you’ve been here, Lily. It’s the least I can do to repay your loyalty. Now, I’ll scamper off to take care of this trip. Tracks will swing by the hotel tomorrow to give you your ticket, Stripes, and I recommend you both take the evening to rest up.
I nodded and hugged the panther as he grinned and strode off, leaving the she-bear and me in the bar, now without a single customer. We killed time any way we could think, myself trying to show her a few of the classic mixers, finding out her major flaws and fixing them as I encountered them. She liked for me to hold her paws and move them to do the mixes, turning to give me a poke with her leathery black nose on occasion. As the shift ended, I managed to get away from her affections with a long kiss, spiriting my tail back to the hotel in remarkable time. 

On the way though, I took a detour to try and find a jewellery store. There was something I needed to get for my rabbit, something that I knew she’d never have expected, but if I was right, would be the perfect thing to crown the week. I only found one, which didn’t look like more then a hole in the wall with iron bars in the windows, but as I entered, the associate presented himself and helped me select a delicate white gold band, with two small emeralds set in the metal. I held it for a second, as if looking into the stone’s eyes, then turned and nodded, paying for the item without any ado before dropping it in my coat pocket and returning on my way. As I entered the hotel, I felt two hands wrapping under my arms, and soon saw two long ears appearing aside my face.
-I’d know those anywhere, I chuckled. Good evening Sasha.
-Hi doggy, said the rabbit, spinning around me like a pole to give me a long one. I’m pooped.
-Same goes here too, I said as we took the lift to her room. Get on the hyena, bunny.
-Boing, sounded Sasha as she hopped on my back, wrapping herself around me as we walked to her door. Hmm, I likes the stripy laughing doggy.
-And I like the bouncy bunny buns, I replied as we entered and I dropped her off on the bed.
-I missed you yesterday, Stripes, said the rabbit, taking off her clothes, changing into a loose tee and cotton panties.
-Me too, Sasha. Actually, there was something that I wanted to talk to you about tonight.
-Oh, and what was that?
-Sasha, I love you. From the depths of this hyena’s heart, I can’t get my mind off you, your soul, your bunny buns.
-Bunny buns, giggled the rabbit, shaking her tail a bit.
-Sasha, I said as I took the small black box from my coat and took out the ring, would you be there with me, through that destiny could have us face, beauty and mystery? Would you marry me, Sasha?
-Stripes, gasped the dancer, falling to her knees on the bed, staring at the ring, then me. Do you... do you mean it?
-With all my will, I do, I insisted, taking her hand. Be my bunny.
-I’ll be your bunny, and you’ll be my doggy, smiled Sasha, letting me put the band on her annular as a tear feel down her face. Stripes, get here and give me a hug, ya silly pup
-Bunny, I called as I jumped in with her, kissing her long and hard. I love you, Sasha.
-Me too, Stripes, returned the rabbit, holding me as close as she could as we bundled together in the sheets. I’m going to be missus Stripes, yay! Hey...
-What?
-Nail your fiancée, she grinned, pulling up her shirt and casting off her underwear. She wants some doggy reeaaal bad...
I gave a short laugh as I pulled down my boxers and mounted Sasha, making wonderful, warm and plain darn great love to her until the wee hours, cementing our couple once and for all.

I crept out of bed before Sasha even twitched an ear, ordering breakfast to her room from the kitchens at my cost, getting all the better items from the menu on a platter we could share. By the time she came around, it had arrived and I’d set the table in the living room, getting a squeal from her in return as she paced over and took her seat, still looking at her ring with a distracted air. She talked about who she’d like to be there with us when the time would come to tie the knot, as did I, though my list was very short, pretty much the same people as she came up with, plus Ulrich and a few new friends at the mansion. She didn’t object, taking out a pad of paper and scribbling down some notes.
-Call me obsessive, but I like to have everything on paper so I don’t forget anything, she said. You don’t think this’ll be a big celebration, just thirty people or so?
-Pretty much, I seconded. After all, I don’t have my folks anymore, and I just have a brother in Los Angeles I haven’t seen for about four years.
-You know my situation, sighed the rabbit. Bah, we have so many great friends here that I don’t think we’ll be short on fun! I’m thinking of a ice, long beige dress, just straight and simple. You?
-Charcoal suit, nice and adjusted. I think that Gabriel wouldn’t mind setting us up with those?
-His prices tend to be a bit high, but then again, it would be the only thing that would cost us other then some decoration, which I don’t think ill be that extensive either. Boy, we’re not that demanding, are we?
-Nope, ‘cause we’re in love, my bunny Valentine and me, I sang, hugging her.
-How soon? After you come back from DC?
-I’ll call my bro and see if he can make it. I’d really like him to be here, because he did invite me to his own a few years back.
We played around and thought of all the details about the marriage until time came to start our shifts. Tracks was waiting at the bar with an envelope, passing it to me before going on his way with three shots of my brandy and spice in the gut. It contained my tickets, a short information brief on the Family in DC, plus some spending cash. Thanks Ulrich, I thought as I put it away.

I’d spent the whole evening with my bunny, going out to a restaurant for a casual supper before hitting the sac, this time just drifting into peaceful sleep without further ado. I had to leave my wondrous rabbit early, alas, to catch the flight to DC, but I’d warned her about it before dozing off, and she actually took the initiative to use her strong legs to push me out of bed, getting a sharp yelp from me as I dropped. She gave a little laugh before going back out like a light, leaving me to get ready and go downstairs, running into Tracks again, playing with his car keys.
-I’m starting to get used to this place, said the deer. I hope Ulrich doesn’t object to it, but the carpet’s soft on the hooves here.
-I hear you, I replied. So we’re taking yours?
-Bingo, nodded Tracks. I picked Lily up first, but don’t make a row, she’s already back to hibernating in the back seat.
-I’ll try to be more entertaining.
We were careful not to abuse the suspension as we got in, seeing Lily strapped in the back seat, head thrown back and snoring lightly through her powerful chest. Tracks drove pretty well, even at low speeds, apparently, and we’d soon reached the airport, though another car had been behind us since we’d pulled out of the hotel. The vehicle parked aside us, and out came Jumpy, the kangaroo from the mansion. Tracks nodded to him giving him a hearty embrace before I quietly roused Lily, who didn’t open an eye until I gave her a nice hard roadrunner.
-That’s better, she said. All right, I’m behind you.
-Tease, I commented as she closed the door behind her. So you’re coming with us, Jumpy?
-That’s why I’m here, smiled the boomer. I can’t leave my best mate there run off without having my say, eh?
-We’ll stay out of your hair, reassured Lily, squeezing me against her.
-Then don’t hoot and holler if we get physical too, laughed Jumpy, groping Tracks. Anyway, that plane won’t stay on the ground for us if we’re not on it. Let’s haul tails.
By the time that we’d gone through the boarding procedure, it was but a few minutes until takeoff, urging us to hurry into the liner without delay. The tickets had been purchased as a row, so in pairs, we took our seats, bedfellows together. The deer and kangaroo didn’t have too much prudery, playing around a bit on their side of the aisle until we took off, and then continued after we’d reached altitude. Lily made her share of moves on me, which I welcomed and returned, playing footsy with her until I pulled the documents that Tracks had given me, allow us to get familiar with the family that we’d be visiting. They’d had their share of trouble in the past, mostly because of the gang issues in the area, which were outside their control and complicated matters on occasion, their members getting in their way more often then they’d like, and resisting more aggressive interventions as well. Recently, it seems that they’d had some internal problems, but it wasn’t too clear what those were about. I considered that to be the most important thing to start with and then work into the issue of the hoodlums that they’d been contracting. One was probably a consequence of the other, after all. Lily only gave a few glances at them, soon just putting her head on my shoulder and dozing off. I contented myself with doing the same, finding her thick warm fur helpful to fall asleep. Tracks gave me a quick swat with a rolled-up magazine to wake me up as we hit the DC runway, giving a short laugh as I blinked hard with a grunt-like moan, rousing the she-bear in the process. As we left the arrival lounge, we saw a golden eagle waiting for us with a sign with only the name ‘Bronco’ on it, which was enough to tell us that it was our bird. Tracks made the introductions, apparently remembering him from a previous meeting, exchanging good humour as we followed him to waiting limo and sped off to their homestead, a great tower in the downtown, much less humble then Ulrich’s mansion. Still, he didn’t put much weight on that fact, rather quite happy to have us along for a while. As soon as we parked the car and took a lift up to the Don’s offices, a bald eagle greeted up, presenting himself as Don Riopelle.
-It’s good to see you two again, said the eagle. And these fine people are Stripes and Lily, if I’m not mistaken?
-Indeed, I said, shaking his talons. It’s an honour, sir.
-Aye, I wish, he screeched. Come, let’s take the weight off your feet.
-So the situation’s gotten unpleasant, stated Tracks. What happened?
-Word travels quickly, grinned Riopelle as we took seats in his office. Yes, things have been going downhill for a while, with a few street gangs splintering into even less predictable cells, each with a remarkable god complex. We used to be able to work around them, but we had to get more involved as of late, and I decided to calm things down soon after so we didn’t get more attention then we could deal with.
-From the police?
-State department, to be precise, corrected Riopelle. I invited an acquaintance from that group, actually, which should be here shortly.
-You invited agent Yuri, asked Jumpy, really?
-Indeed, and it looks like he accepted, said the Don as a tall, black-manned lion strode into the room in the usual fed black suit. Yuri, I’m glad you could come.
-Thank you for the invitation, Don Riopelle, said the lion, shaking paws all around. I must say, if you had not, I would have. But forty hits in two months? Have things become so violent?
-I wish I could say that it wasn’t the case, sighed the eagle. No, forty and then some. I’ll be candid about the situation, because I no longer have the resources to deal with it effectively. Three months ago, a group of my people went absent without official leave and dropped off the face of God’s green earth. Then, the three major gangs in the city started getting more resilient, intelligent, organized. It doesn’t take great mathematical powers to understand the leitmotiv behind this.
-So the group left to become warlords, I said.
-As plain and simple as that, nodded Riopelle. I tried to make some leeway into their ranks to be able to eliminate them, but so far, of the six, I was only able to get three, and it seemed to do little at all. Therefore, either it was one of the others, or someone else that bought them off. I pulled out of the action, because I considered the fact that if the second case is true, then these three are an Arian’s thread to the one responsible.
-We could have one of them followed, suggested Jumpy. With a full itinerary, we’d get a better picture of their involvement.
-On my part, I’ll have some of the more active locales surveyed by police, said Yuri. We’ll try to get a family tree together to narrow down the structure a bit.
-That would be a start, said the eagle. Well, I’ll let you all get unpacked, and we’ll start on this direction.
-As soon as we find anything out, we’ll tell you, promised Tracks.
The kangaroo and deer took a vacant room in the tower, while Lily and I took another. I took out my things and stored them away as I let my mind wrap itself around the plan that had been discussed, satisfied that chances were that if my role restricted itself to spying on some total strangers for a few hours a day, I could keep my tail out of the fire. Lily hurried up unpack, but didn’t have as much as me with her, as embarrassing as it could be. As soon as she was done, she threw herself on the bed, groaning as she let a grin climb on her face, watching me finish. While my back was turned, she changed into something more comfortable, to paraphrase, as when I turned to ask her what she’d think of heading out for a first contact, I saw nothing but brown fur and a warm smile.
-Hello to you too, I commented with a deep blush. Was that sweater itchy?
-Terribly, chuckled Lily. Get out of those pants and I’ll give you a big surprise...
-Hardy har, I said as I followed her recommendation.
-I just feel that I like the way I look a bit more when we’re having fun, she shrugged. Come spank the bear, Stripes...
I gave an evil grin as I pounced on Lily’s rump and shoved my face in her crotch, the bear bowling over a bit as I ravaged her, roaring a bit as I gave her some sloppy loving. As she was getting a bit hot, I gave her a four-fingered rubbing, making her lose whatever restraint she might have had left. Throwing me on the bed, Lily mounted me hard and fast, bouncing her breasts in my face while two hundred and something pounds of solid, horny bear had a go at my cock, her tongue hanging out to the side as she satisfied herself with my body. She eventually surrendered her position after hitting her peaks, and I took the initiative to hold her head in front of me as I shot off in her mouth. Changing position, I gave her a good butt pounding until I went soft, collapsing like a deck of cards aside her, letting her wrap an arm and a leg around me, pulling me in against her.
-You so get me there, she sighed. I never thought I’d be having sex with such a demon as you, let alone anyone. Hold my tits, stripy, do what you want with them...

We didn’t leave the room for what amounted to two hours, getting an embarrassed look from Don Riopelle as he spotted us exiting the building. Tracks and Jumpy had left a note with the doormen to advise us that they’d left to go check out a pair of locations on the west side of town, and left to our discretion which of the remaining ones we’d be investigating. I suggested a storage unit that had been host to some unusual traffic, to put it lightly. We took a cab to a cafe a few blocks away, not giving too much for anyone that was following to go on. Wandering around for a half hour, holding hands like a cute couple, nothing remarkable. Finally, we slipped to the second story of a residential block, parking our tails at a window in the stairwell, slumped in the window frame with a great view on the storage joint. There wasn’t much at first, some time later, a single car pulled up and stopped next to the door of the very number that we were to look over. Two people came out, a racoon and a mongoose, one of them looking about as the other unlocked the door and slipped inside. Neither of them fitted the descriptions that Riopelle had given us of his runaways, hence it wasn’t too certain what they were about. As they were going about their business, another vehicle stopped by, two thugs hopping out to visit the mongoose who’d stayed outside.
-We’d better go lend a hand, I commented as they started talking loud to the creature.
-But we’re not part of this, said Lily. After all, it’s their problems...
-And ours, I underlined, and we’re not going to get any answers to this situation unless we make sure those fellows don’t go through with their business.
The bear shrugged and nodded with a chuckle as we jogged down to the ground floor and zipped outside to join the fray. The two had already started to push the mongoose around, one landing a good gut punch, which sort of made us feel good about pulling our claws out again and smacking them around until they gave up and backed off to their car, speeding off. As soon as they were out of the picture, I spun and looked at the mongoose, who’d backed away as soon as we’d started getting physical.
-Sorry for not helping, said the creature, showing it’s short claws, but I’m not that well equipped for a fight. Thank you, thank you very much.
-Our pleasure, said Lily. Are you two fellows all right?
-We could lend a hand if you need extra pairs of hands.
-Oh, we’re fine, assured the mongoose as the racoon came out with a crate on a buggy.
-I heard something out here, said the hoodlum’s striped associate, now taking another tone to the face and almost hiding the crate. Who are...
-I’ll be plain about it, I said as I motioned for the two to listen. We’re here to give you boys a hand with your Don here. Takers?
-And his name is..?
-Riopelle, I said with a cold air.
-Right, replied the mongoose, looking a bit confused as to the next thing to do. Well, in that case, we should bring you along, I guess. We’ll just take care of this first, if you don’t mind.
We helped the crate into the trunk of the car as the racoon undid the straps holding it to the buggy, folding it down aside it as we took the back seats. Lily looked a bit more nervous, but all and all, we seemed to be welcome with the pair, and had no reason to expect trouble during our foray into their group. The mongoose drove out to the south, if my bearings were right, parking in a car garage, where a few rough-looking faces were operating the business without paying any notice to our arrival, save for a trio that came to take the crate away.
-All right, said the mongoose, come this way.
-Off to see the wizard, I grinned.
-Wizard? Ah, of Oz, yes, giggled the racoon. Over here...
We walked into the offices of the garage, were a bulldog was sitting in a comfy-looking chair, with a snow leopardess and two other dogs were waiting, the three canines staring straight at us while the cat seemed to gaze away intentionally.
-That’s one of them, I whispered to Lily. One of the missing...
-Lionel, I see you were able to get the package, said the bulldog. Who are these people?
-They pulled us out when some Reds came by to say hello, said the mongoose. They say they don’t like the Don.
-Well, that makes them very interesting, said the bulldog. See, we don’t like him either. Tell you the truth, we want him dead, with the rest of his guys. They messed us up a while back and killed lots of our buddies, and we didn’t find it that funny.
-You’re the Viking Dogs, I stated.
-Good to hear someone remembers. You want in? Fine. Here’s a test, said the dog, taking out a magnum and nodding to the leopardess. Nail this bitch, she was one of them.
My eyes shot at the cat, who seemed terrorized by the turn of evens. I felt my heart beating like a base as I took the gun out of his hands, getting a self-satisfied sneer from him as I took a firm grip, but before he could react, levelled it at the two other dogs and sent a slug in their chests before doing the same to the bulldog, but this time to the head. The large calibre rounds splashed strawberry jam all over the office and made a deafening sound though, and assured that anyone in the shop would have heard them. I called for Lily and the snow leopardess to head for the door, unloading the rest of the chambers at the shop door to hopefully buy us a bit of time as we ran outside to the streets. It was broad noon daylight, probably the worst conditions that could be hoped for in terms of making a getaway, though there didn’t seem to be any pursuers after us when we occasionally checked. Fifteen minutes of flat-out run saw us in busier streets, and winded from our strenuous dash. All of us had gotten some splash from the shots I’d fired, but hopefully, the next cabby that would stop wouldn’t notice. Lily had the cleanest front side of the three, therefore we had her sit in the front, chatting up the driver while I sat with the leopardess, who had put her head back over the seat and closed her eyes, a few tears streaming down the sides of her face. I didn’t want to say anything just yet, and we stayed silent until we reached the tower, where I took her hands and asked if she was all right.
-They kidnapped us, said the leopardess. It wasn’t our choice... we were out on a run for a pickup in the subs, and three cars worth of those goons came and forced us to follow. Werner and Aaron... they were in with them... but not Hanna. Riopelle couldn’t have know...
-I’m so sorry, I said, offering any comfort I could muster. No one knew what was happening...
-I... I think I understand, sighed the cat, wiping her face. God, we thought we were ready, that we could all count on each other, but now?
-Until we explain things to the eagle, we can offer you safety, I said with a fading air. We have a room here, and no one needs to know until we’ve sorted this out.
The leopardess nodded as we took the lift, but used our keys to stop it at our apartment’s level, hurrying into our room. Now that we were inside, I stopped to sniff the air a bit, finding something a bit off. The cat looked at me and shied away from the gesture, raising a paw.
-They didn’t give us much to change into, said the leopardess.
-Then take this, said Lily, getting a blouse and pants from her things. They might be a bit too large, but it’s something to start with.
-Anything’s better then nothing, grinned the cat. My name’s Stratus, by the way.
-Stripes and Lily, I returned, shaking her hand.
-Oh come now, she said as she took us into a hug. I’m in my rescuers’ debt; ask, and I’ll try to repay you.
-We wouldn’t, stopped the bear. We’re just happy knowing you’re safe. Where are the two others?
-I don’t know, said Stratus. They escaped last week, but I don’t have any idea where they could’ve gone after that. They’re probably into hiding, to be sure, but past that, nothing.
-I’ll go talk to the Don, offered Lily. Get your rest, six-shot.
-I’m still not over that, I muttered as the bear left.
-First time, eh, asked the leopardess. Personally, I’ve never taken a life, but I hear that it’s good to take your mind off it until you’re ready to deal with it.
-I’ll watch some TV, I sighed. Thanks for the tip, Stratus.
-Some things work faster then that, said the cat. Come on, and I’ll let you watch for a while...
Stratus walked into the washroom and undressed, without much attention to my reaction. She asked that I come and do the same, and to close the door so as not to steam up the rest of the apartment. At a loss for words, I did so, leaving her to climb into the tub and turn on the shower. She had very thick fur, as could be expected for her kind, but so fine as to matte itself against her easily, so with sweat and whatever else had accumulated during her captivity, it looked like a bad hair day all over her. She started by returning her chest and stomach fur to its eggshell patina, then her muscular arms and legs. I offered to do her back, which the cat accepted, leaning against the side wall as I purified her large-spotted fur, as well as her thick tail. While I was rubbing and massaging her, I took a moment to put a hand against her, feeling her torso vibrate with purring.
-Wow, that’s some purr, I chuckled. Loudest I’ve heard in a while, for certain.
-I have a long list or reasons for it, muttered Stratus, first being how damn good this feels. Pull at my tail too, when you get there.
-Sure, I said, lifting it a bit and discretely getting a good look at her.
-That’s good as new, she giggled. Really low mileage.
-Sorry, I fumbled. I just wondered...
-Hell, you’re a man, laughed the leopardess. I’d be asking questions at this point if you’d still be soft and uninterested right now! If anything, it’s flattering. Come and feel it...
-Still purring, I laughed, giving her a long caress. So silky too...
-You seem to know your way around cats, commented Stratus. Are stories behind that?
-Well, I came with Lily and two other fellows from Miami as ambassadors.
-Don Ulrich’s family! That explains it.
-So you know him?
-Not directly, but he’s something of an urban legend in the family circles. Anywhere he goes, things get taken care of with feeling, and he finds someone to keep him company, if you get my meaning. Not to ruin the moment or anything, but I’d bet that he’s even had you, man.
-Aye, it’s true.
-Figures. You’re too damn handsome to leave alone for any length of time. Ah, finally, a clean undercarriage, moaned the cat, pulling her hand from between her legs. Godsent! Turn off the water and give us a squeeze, puppy dog.
-I have to tell you, I’m engaged...
-I’m not looking for anything formal, smiled the leopardess. Hmm, rough coat...
-Miles away from yours, I replied, rubbing my thumbs along the black spots at the sides of her mouth.
The cat smiled and gave me a kiss, groping my ass with two determined hands before reaching for towels for us to dry off. I fondled her while I was fluffing her fur, generously so, getting another high-decibel and low-frequency purr from the cat until we migrated back to the bedroom and holding tightly, collapsed on the bed. Stratus was aggressive in her attitude in bed it seemed, and wasted no time to start performing some delightful fellation on me before turning tail and waiting for me to get on her. I started stimulating her, gently holding her breasts and nuzzling her when she started giggling a bit between her heavy breaths. Concerned, I asked if something was wrong.
-Sorry if I’m doing something improper, I said.
-Right, she laughed. It’s nothing; I’ve just had seen a guy as sweet and thoughtful like this.
-Do you like it, I asked, running a hand in her crotch while I kissed her chest fur before planting a few passionate kisses on her black-lipped mouth.
-Yes... but I’m kind of looking forwards to feeling your cock up my clit, moaned Stratus. Get it on rough, hyena.
I didn’t waste another minute after the dry request, and pushing the cat into a crouch, pulled aside her tail and penetrated her, then getting and good, firm hold of her hips, gave her a long, hard fuck she’d be sure to remember for a damn long time. The leopardess clawed at the sheets, flexing her legs as she played along and tried to struggle her way out, but I didn’t surrender my position, going all the way in her at each thrust. Three yowls and one qualifiable, wide-eyed roar later, I finished in her, and letting her go, fell on my back, only to have her mount back on me and getting herself there one last time before sprawling out on me.
-That’s what I’m talking about, she sighed. Never bedded that many kittens, eh Stripes?
-Just you and my Don, I said.
-Well let me tell you, this first criteria is that we like it frigging hard and fast. And what you gave me was frigging hard, and goddamn fast. I need a rest... pull up the covers, doggy.
I grinned and did so, feeling Stratus settling against me, even warmer then Lily had ever felt. As we were drifting off, I heard the door unlock, and in walked the she-bear, looking at us with a surprised air. Considering the situation, I simply waved for her to come in too, and sure enough, the bear stripped down and hopped in opposite to me. Stratus turned her head as the springs reacted, then leaning over, took one of Lily’s tits and kissed her hard on the lips before returning to her side with a chuckle. The bear seemed a bit stunned, but then smiled and huddled against the stripped doggy, all three of us going out for the day.

Both Stratus and I woke up with a weight on out backs, which turned out to be Lily, who had slumped over us during the night, though it had only served to make us feel even warmer, and sleep deeper. Time had come to rise and shine though, and a slow hand through the sensitive fur between her breasts was enough to wake her with a smile, taking my offending hand and nibbling it as we got up. As soon as we’d gotten into decent apparel and I’d checked that the way was clear, we left the apartment and took the lift to the dining lounge on the penthouse level, spotting the majority of the Family already seated, waving the bunch of us down. Riopelle looked a bit embarrassed by the sight of the snow leopardess, but eventually broke the ice.
-Stratus, I beseech you to accept my heartfelt condolences on the loss of three members of your group. Would I have known about those two traitors, I would have shown no mercy and removed them from God’s sight.
-I know, my Don, said the cat. This was a complicated situation, which I understand your decisions about. It was safer to err on the side of caution. However now, what are we to do to further correct it?
-Well, after you shot their leader at the garage, for it was indeed their head you so elegantly eliminated, Stripes, those souls watching the other locations reported that confrontations started to spark between the gang members, which in some cases, elevated to firefights. In the chaos, one of them was even taken by our observers, and our two missing friends were rescued, and then brought to the hospital for attention to absolve the abuse of which they had been the subjects. As soon as they are well, they will return, least I hope.
-Until then, I started, what should be our course of action?
-To be my guests, of course, said the eagle. I am in your debt for having put an end to this folly! I contacted Yuri to explain this latest development, and once things have calmed down between the street hoods, we’ll cooperate with the feds to cripple them in a more significant manner. Also, we’ll muscle up our surveillance to insure that we have a better grip on this city and disallow further unrest.
-We can give a hand, said Jumpy, pointing to himself and Tracks. We’ll get some good contractors in place, if you’d like.
-I can always use some stable people, nodded Riopelle. If you’d like, we could work something out in the comfort of my office.
-I’m sure Ulrich wouldn’t mind if we stayed a bit, Stripes, nudged Lily as the three Mafiosi took off to the Don’s workplace. 
-You’re both in good company, purred Stratus.
After the meal, I spent an hour on the phone with my brother Bucky, coercing him to get his tail to Miami for my marriage with Sasha with promises of showing him around the city at my expense.
-Bro, it’s been years, he laughed. You finally turned eighteen?
-Yeah well, I had to eventually, I replied.
-So you found a nice bunny, eh? Well, I’m happy for you, Stripes, you deserve someone to spend your time with other then your bottles. I can make it anytime this year, there’s nothing big here, and I can take time off work with all the vacation time I’ve racked up. I’ll bring the whole gang up there, if you can put us up?
-How many now?
-Still two, answered Bucky, Diana and Castor. I got fixed last month, so that’s that.
-Whoa! Big call there, Bucks.
-Wait until you have two yourself, chuckled my brother and you’ll understand plenty. So when you have a date fixed up, give me a shout and I’ll be over with a tail’s wag.
-Take care, Bucky, and my best to you and yours.
-Right back to you, Stripes. Keep laughing!
I hung up with a smile as I leaned back in the chair with a sigh, only to have Stratus pulling me to my paws to escort her and Lily on their visit around the capital. We ended up staying two more days before we Jumpy and Tracks called it a day and tore us away from our vacation back down south, themselves done with setting up a information network in Washington that would have rivalled the Abwher’s any day of the week. Stratus took charge of it, becoming Riopelle’s intelligence liaison from the sweet comfort of a penthouse suite he offered her in honour of her long-standing aid. As for myself and Lily, we still stayed in our relation of convenience of sorts, even after two months, where I at long last tied the knot with Sasha in a quiet, peaceful and simple ceremony that saw us surrounded with all of our closest friends, and from the wink Ulrich gave me there during the last minutes of the mass, he knew it too.

Oh well, life’s not always simple for a stripy laughing doggy...