The Miami Broncos

Chapter 6: An Island in the Darkness

Written by Francois Guint-Riel (FGR)


Malta. I'd never have thought that Rockwell-Sheppard would have seen me so far away from my old homestead of Miami, but for the second time in so many years, they had sent me a letter of commission instating me as project manager for the startup of another luxury resort to jewel their crown. I had showed them what salt I was made of in Tijuana, where I had directed the opening of a beautiful hotel alongside just as wonderful people, two stallions and a she-cougar who had been with me through the thick of it. The startup had gone smoothly for two reasons, the first being that RS had granted us a massive budget which we had respected religiously, the second being that the local mafia Family had jumped in to give us a helping hand after some serious action to replace their former Don by his successor.

This project had a strange feeling to it though, like a beautiful swan's last song. Being so deep in the RS inner circle, I was privy to pretty much everything that had to do with finances and management policy. A week back, while I was still packing my things in Tijuana and had just gotten my marching orders for the island, I'd played the fly on the wall in an on line conference between some of the senior economists at RS's British head offices, and what I'd heard sounded awfully like an exit strategy. The chain had been keeping too many loss-producing resorts open in backwater counties, and even my Tijuana project had been more of a pet project then an actual moneymaking idea. I could see it, as the costs of opening it had been considerable, and though there was a relatively steady flow of tourism through the town, I couldn't say that it would consist of the kind of people who would stay at a four-star resort. Even Don Nereid, the dolphin who had taken the reins of the Tijuana Family, had voiced his doubts to me during a few private dinners, hinting that he too might be trying to find a way to redirect his people's efforts. I could see two directions in the conversations between the managers: either they closed a list of the least fortunate resorts and tried to reinforce their core holdings, or they sold off parts of their network and kept what worked for themselves. To sell off was too much of a risk for them knowing their policies, so therefore they'd close.

Malta was a sure value though, from the floor plans that I'd been sent with the files, but it wasn't a castle like Tijuana or some of their other properties: Four stories, twenty rooms per, two conference rooms and a lounge cum martini bar. Also, for the first time, there was no place for employees to stay in the hotel, meaning that they -and me- would have to find a roof somewhere else. I tried to put something together before leaving in terms of a home, but there wasn't all that much to see on the Net, which was pretty much all that I used routinely in my work. Nonetheless, I'd packed it up and boarded my plane for the god awful long flight, ordering a glass of beer as soon as the cart passed by, tanking it down and closing my eyes to let the courtesy ear buds take me under for a few hours, waking up for a few minutes for my transfer in Frankfurt. I regained consciousness as the voice of the pilot came over the intercom, and let my eyes gaze out the window and saw the calm seas of the Mediterranean under us, with the form of Malta growing as we lost altitude. Nice...

The landing was smooth as a feather down pillow, though there was no docking tunnel, only a jolly little mobile stair unit that drove up to bump against the plane. I shrugged and walked down its steps, giving the mobile stair driver a fiver and a greeting while I passed by. In return, he stopped me before I walked too far and asked that I wait until the rest of the passengers had disembarked the craft for him to give me a ride. I smiled and nodded, talking him up about the island as the last souls left the plane and sat down on the utility surface aside his seat to enjoy the zip to the terminal's doors. With the whole fun of customs over and done with, I looked around the airport to see if there was anyone waiting for me from RS. I was good about spotting out anyone who looked a bit off, or fit a profile of interest, but I couldn't see anyone of the hotel type, and giving a shrug I started off towards the doors to leave. As I was dragging my suitcase across the airport, I heard a voice aside me and felt a finger tapping my shoulder.
-Mister, are you Ulrich Luther, from Rockwell-Sheppard?
-Who.., I started, turning to see a young lioness in jeans and a white tee, who are you, my good lady?
-I'm Lamia, Lamia Rapone, said the cat, assistant manager of RS Malta. Sorry I didn't spot you sooner, but I wasn't told what species you were.
-Black panther, I grinned. Do you have a car, Lamia?
-No, I don't, but the resort isn't that far, we can walk it. You've got paws?
-Two of them to walk, two of them to bop.
Lamia laughed at the comment as we strode out of the airport and took to the streets of the city, which I found to be perfect mix between Miami and Tijuana, something of a hybrid between the two, but less tense then either.
-This is a beautiful city, I commented as we walked. So you've been here a while, Lamia?
-I was born here, nodded the lioness, twenty-odd years ago. It's quiet and in my humble opinion, like the model of tolerance of every sort. You have everything here, from Europeans to North Africans like me, plus all religions on the calendar. I'm baptized Catholic myself, but don't say it too loud, I don't want God to remember.
-Living big?
-Well, I just have this thing with porn, grinned Lamia. Sorry, I know we're coworkers, but hey, might as well be honest right off the bat.
-So you just look at pictures, or..?
-Yep, laughed the lioness. I'm not ready for anything else... too risky and all that stuff.
-You're young, I chuckled, and you have plenty of time. Speaking of which, is this your first employ?
-Are you psychic? Yes, it is! I'm fresh out of college, so it was mean spot of luck to land this job. I was thinking of buying a place when I have the money and starting off the good life. I have an apartment a few blocks down from the resort, with DSL and cable.
-All the latest tech, I said. Aren't we the modern lioness!
-Well, I get a few nice streaming dick flicks from the Web and I get some channels on the tube, blushed Lamia. Call me evil, but like I said, I have a mean habit.
-I can see that! It's not my place to criticize, ‘cause I'm not a heck of a lot better either. So are there any vacancies in your apartment block?
-A few, I think. Do you want to swing by there first? You could leave your luggage at my place to free your hands; it's right over there.
-If we're passing by, sure, thanks Lamia. You know, that name really suits you...
-The better you get to know me, the more you'll say it.
We took a turn to a side street to visit the lioness's flat, up a short flight of stairs to come to the second level of a bakery, where she unlocked the door and showed me in. Any thought that my place had been a mess was cast aside as I saw the cat's place. Clothes and just unquantifiable stuff was everywhere, including a leather couch in front of the television which seemed to double as a coat rack, aside which I couldn't help but notice a box of handkerchiefs, the purpose of which wasn't hard to guess. Lamia asked for me to wait for a minute while she went to change before heading to work. I replied that it was her home and her word was law within its walls, getting another laugh from her before she returned in a long black chaperon over black pants and a bright red blouse. My eyes must have spoken my mind for me as she gave a short spin for me.
-I'm into Gothic, she explained. Call it kinky if you want, I just like the whole dark love concept.
-I like it too, I smiled. That suits you like... sorry, I'm stunned here.
-Hey, would you like to go out later, after work? There's this little Goth bar two streets down I know, and I wouldn't mind walking in with someone for a change.
-I'd love to, I replied. I guess I'd just have to do some quick shopping beforehand, though.
-Hey, you're the right color to start with, she chuckled. Just an open coat and pants, with a silver chain around that neck of yours, and I'd touch myself to you anytime!
I almost blurted out that I would do it for her right then and there if she wanted me to, bit I bit my tongue and followed the lioness out to continue on our way to the RS resort. It looked better from the outside then the plans showed, but the traditional-styled building was still very tired from its many years of existence, and considerable work would have to be done to bring it up to par with the RS standard.
-It needs some care and tenderness, I commented. We need to sandblast the stone and replace the windows, for starters, and then build up the entrance with some kind of carport in a style that matches the rest of the structure.
-I just imagine putting in stained glass and gargoyles on the corners, hummed Lamia, and replacing the stucco with faux gray granite. Wouldn't that just be perfect?
-If only RS was as imaginative, it would be in better states, I sighed.
-Better states? Hold it there Ulrich, you've got to tell me what that means right now, panther.
-Sorry, I shouldn't have said anything, I replied.
-Ulrich, be plain with me, insisted Lamia, putting her hand on my shoulder. I need to know, okay? I'm just starting off here, and if there's something like the company going bankrupt, I’ll be in trouble.
-I wouldn't want for you to be in any trouble at all, I explained, but RS is in financial hot water. There's going to be some major restructuring in the very near future, but I'm not sure what exactly the board has in mind. Whatever it is, it's drastic.
-Shit, spat Lamia, hands shaking, shit, shit, shit! Why, why did I jump in like this? Oh man, I can't afford to lose this, Ulrich, not now!
-Wait a minute, Lamia, it isn't anything definite yet, I cut, holding her palms. This happens in a company, and it doesn't mean everyone's on the street the next day. Trust me, you'll be fine.
-Man, now I'm scared like Hell, she muttered. Anyway, back to the resort. Ah, there's Wendell; he's the manager. Right now, it's just us two running the place, because our mandate didn't include hiring the staff until you came.
-Miss Rapone, said the alligator at the doors of the resorts' main entrance, I see you found our special envoy? Please, mister Luther, this way.
-Miss Rapone, I whispered the lioness, is that your official title?
-Well, grunted the cat, he doesn't like “Lamia”, and he really doesn't like the way I'm dressed right now. I thought that you'd be a good excuse for me to be able to.
-That works, I chuckled as we entered one of the conference rooms.
-Would you do us the honor of presenting our time line, mister Luther? I have pens for the white board.
-Indeed, I said as I accepted the markers from the lizard and started tracing figures. This is to be a home away from home concept for middle- to high-class tourists from western Europe, with a bit of a French baroque inspiration. The budget breakdown will be taken care of as soon as I have a formal assessment of the work that needs to be done for the exterior of the building, for I already have estimates for the interior, as well as some contacts for furniture and decoration and their pricing. The work should start within the week, to be finished within three weeks. Decorations and furnishing will be sent in to be at our doorstep by the time that the last coat of paint in on the walls.
-Well, that's quite wonderful to hear, exclaimed Wendell. Is there anything that we should do in the meantime?
-Recruitment, I stated, for five cooks and assistants, five chambermaids, and ten bellhops, full time. Qualifications and tender are to follow the RS standard, that is to say first a search within the company's database, then local papers for second-class positions.
-I'll do it personally, said the alligator. I'm quite sorry that you do not have a secretary here, mister Luther, but be assured I tried to have one assigned to you, tooth and nail.
-Don't trouble yourself with such details, I shrugged, I'm a grown cat. Actually, seeing that you will be taking care of the recruitment, perhaps I should work with Lamia on the particulars, I offered, insisting on the lioness's name.
-Ah, if you wish, of course. And miss Rapone, perhaps it would be respectful to our special envoy for you to sport more formal attire, even if we are not open just yet?
-I find her ensemble perfectly suitable, I protested, tugging on the sides of Lamia's chaperon. If we are to follow a French theme, in the tradition of the Little Red Riding Hood, we have our own Black Riding Hood, do we not?
-As you see fit, mister Luther. I will see to my business, if you'd excuse me.
The alligator left in a bit of a pompous huff for the administration offices, leaving Lamia and me quite glad of the theatrical role-play we'd put on.
-No one likes a bigot, I muttered, patting the lioness's back, though it looks like we’re stuck with one here.
-I know, sighed Lamia, he’s on my case twenty-four, seven, trying to find a way to replace me, but RS doesn’t fire very easily, thank God. Oh, and he doesn’t know about my... my... personal side of life? I just don’t want to give him any more reasons to dislike me.
-If anything, I’d like to see him out of here, I groaned, for the resort’s own good. Anyway, we have some calls to place to get some people to quote for the renovations.
-The offices are this way, said Lamia, mine’s the cubicle aside Wendell’s.
-I was thinking of some work-at-home, I shrugged, if that’s all the same to you. You know, just to put some distance between that uptight lizard and us so we can breath a bit easier.
-Let’s head on back to my little dungeon then, laughed the lioness. It’s the one place I really feel comfortable, to be honest.
I offered my arm to Lamia, who took it as we left the building, locking the doors behind us, striding the streets with an easy pace. As we were heading towards the lioness’ apartment, she offered that we might take a few minutes to go find my clothes for later, if my work ethics didn’t forbid it. Not a hair on my back voiced protest as we took a turn into the city, following an itinerary that Lamia seemed very familiar with. The shop in question where she led me was in the basement level of a residential block, looking to be an actual apartment that had been transformed into commerce. The windows were blocked by heavy black shades, giving the interior a nice, dark illumination to showcase some of the eclectic merchandise that filled the store. There was a bit of everything, from fashion jewelry to clothes, plus decorations to made one’s home feel a few centuries younger. The storekeeper was a gray-furred weasel, wearing some of his better wares in guise of a walking mannequin, and came to greet us the moment we entered.
-Welcome, welcome friends, said the weasel with a bit of a fake east European accent. What may I help you find today?
-My victim requires proper apparel, stated Lamia, pawing my hair to clear my neck.
-That coat, I said as I pointed to the items I liked, those pants, and something large and silver to cool my chest.
-Of course, of course, acquiesced the owner as he took the heavy black cloth robe and passed it to me before fetching the pants I had indicated. Please, feel free to try them on, for we are all children of flesh here. As for the silver, is there a certain myth motif you favor?
-Drake, I replied, those of the old world’s legends, or Arthurian, if you will.
-A connoisseur, called the weasel, passing a heavy silver necklace to me with a large rampant dragon’s image as a medallion. Ah, my good lady, your sacrifice looks ever better!
-And he will take these, I said as I looked at myself in a wall-mounted mirror, as well as a few shirts. You take debit?
-We are modern creatures, nodded the weasel.
A few minutes later, Lamia and I walked out of the store with a bag containing my regular clothes and a half-dozen Goth tees. From the looks I received from passers-by we met on our way back to Lamia’s I must have looked terrifying, though I liked the feeling that came over me for the time, as did the lioness, parading just as proudly aside me before the world.
-We rock, she called as we entered her apartment. We totally rock, Ulrich! Man you look great, panther.
-I make it look good, I corrected. Well, let’s get these quotes out then, so we may move on to more entertaining things, shall we?
-You can use my computer, said the lioness, pointing to a black-colored system on the living room table. Just start it up, and the Web is online automatically.
-Can I use the phone too, I asked.
-Well sure! After all, we’re all in the same boat here. Don’t mind if I slip into something different?
-I... hem, sure! Why not?
The lioness disappeared into her room while I turned the workstation on, finding myself looking at a very erect male leopard lying on a beach, which almost made me laugh a bit, though I brushed the detail aside and started my search for sandblasting and resurfacing companies, as well as general contractors in the city. I hit the jackpot within minutes, a local company that specialized in bringing classic Maltese homes into the next century, offering some very attractive prices. I had time to give them a call for a quote before turning to see Lamia in a two-piece leather bikini with a horsewhip, tearing a short gasp from me before she burst out laughing.
-What, she said as she came over to sit on my lap, it doesn’t suit me?
-I didn’t say that, I replied, but wow, you’re... you’re something else, Mistress Lamia.
-I like being called Mistress, purred the lioness. I hope the desktop picture didn’t put you in a bad state.
-I see a leopard cock every time I drop my pants, I chuckled, and a bigger one too.
-Bigger then that? I’d... sorry, it’s not nice to ask.
-What?
-Well, if that’s true, I’d like to see it for myself! Not that I don’t believe you but hey, that would be the thirteenth wonder of the world right there.
-You sure?
-Damn right I am!
I had a grin stuck on my face as I got up and undid my belt, pulling down my new pants and briefs together before striking a pose for Lamia with the two at my ankles. Her eyes dilated as she looked at my crotch, then inching off the office chair, she slid her bikini bottom off, the inside of which was already sticky at this point, and started touching herself while she stared at it.
-I just want to touch it, she said, reaching out to hold my rod. Wow, that feels warm and...
-Better then any vibrator on the market, I grinned, it’s the real deal.
-Ulrich, I... oh God Ulrich, I just want you to ram that thing right up my cunt, you beast!
-I’ll put on a condom, I said, taking a rubber from my wallet and pulling it over my cock.
The lioness leaned back in the chair and opened her legs, offering up both breasts to hold while I screwed her. I lifted her legs under my arms as I slid myself in, then leaned forwards and kissed her back lips while I started pulling my member in and out of her with as much travel as I could. As we continued, she reached back behind the chair to wrap her hands behind it to let her boobs bounce more freely, only occasionally stopped by an intervening hand from her partner.
-Ulrich you monster, I love this, she cried.
-You like this, eh Lamia? You like this too?
-Ah Hell, she called as I worked my major into her rear, take me to space, Ulrich! I want to see stars!
-Rahh, I roared as I felt myself end in her, instants before she let a deafening cry out marking her own climax. Ahhh, Lamia me lioness!
-Ulrich you animal, she sighed, I can’t feel a thing down there anymore! Believe me, I’ve done a lot of finger sticking in my life, but this was it! This was what I’ve always hoped I’d feel like after a fuck. I need to lie down, panther...
-I’ll carry you, I said as I picked her up and brought her to her bed. Here...
-You’re staying right here mister Luther, she growled, pulling me down with her.
I hugged the cat close as we dozed off to recover from our little round of dirty dancing. Before I knew it though, darkness had fallen outside and Lamia had gotten up, planting a kiss on my sleepy mouth to bring me about. We took a shower together to cleanse our bodies and minds before changing back into our theatrical apparel, ready to go to the club.
-It isn’t a big place, commented Lamia as we left her home and walked off. The club was a dance bar that had been popular with the tourists for while, but eventually the owner moved it to a larger building. The guy who runs it is a great actor, and does this Vincent Price voice that evens scares me a bit.
-Sounds like a nice guy, I chuckled. We could put on a bit, it you want! I’m game for anything.
-We’ll make something up when we’re there, smiled the lioness. I didn’t see it in the light that well, but you have like these two patches around your eyes, Ulrich. They’re a little duller then the rest of your fur.
-Runs in the family, I shrugged, my father had it too. Hypnotizes people a bit when they look at me too long.
Lamia grinned and took my hand as we arrived at the bar, a little one-story thing that I could’ve mistaken to be a garage if there wasn’t a fluorescent sign next to the door marking it as “La Bella’s Tower”.
-That’s an original name, I laughed. La Bella Lugosi! Not that many people know the legend.
-Well, you’re talking to the right people, commented the lioness. There’s never a lineup here, and it’s never crowded.
-Tell me, I said as we walked in, getting a quick headcount. I’d say thirty souls here tonight.
-Souls, called a deep voice aside us, aye, souls to be reaped!
-Darkness, said Lamia, spotting the tall raven that had spoken. Darkness, this is my friend Ulrich. Ulrich, this is Darkness, the owner of the Tower.
-A pleasure, I stated as I shook his talons. Quite the castle you keep, Darkness.
-One tries to keep the spirit alive, shrugged the raven. So you must be new here, seeing as I’ve never had you haunt my club.
-Landed today, I nodded.
-Ulrich, that’s a pretty... invocative name already, grinned Lamia. Maybe something to go with it though, maybe Von or...
-Don Ulrich, I offered. How about it?
-Well, Don Ulrich it is, cawed Darkness. Please, have a seat, and I’ll send something out for you.
-Nice bird, I said as I took a place at one of the tables near the dance floor, painted back with a red candle burning a dim crimson glow at its center.
-To Don Ulrich, said Lamia as an attendant came by and offered us two clear drinks from Darkness.
-To Lamia, I replied, tapping her glass with mine. Straight down?
-Straight down, she nodded before we gulped down our drink. Now, for that little piece of theatre...
-I thirst still, I sneered as I started thinking of our scene. I thirst for something that will quench my parched black heart.
-What say you, exclaimed Lamia, standing up as if in fear of my declaration.
-I say that I will take from you what it desires, I replied, standing as well and taking a step towards her. Look into my eyes, Lamia, and see what lies within my soul...
-I see nothing, muttered the lioness as she fixed me.
-Then nothingness becomes thee, I called, turning her neck and pretending to bite her jugular.
-I am yours, returned Lamia.
-So I become your master, I said as I offered my wrist to her, pretending to cut it with a butter knife from the table and making her drink from it. You are my servant, Lamia.
-I am your black heart’s bride, moaned the lioness as if in a trance.
-Then come dance with your master, I said as I took her hand and pulled her to the dance floor.
We executed a long, dramatic and enticingly erotic tango until we ended our performance with the last notes of the ballad that had been playing, getting a long round of applause from a number of the club’s guests. A few even offered to become my next victims with as much acting as they could muster, though I waved it off with a pedant air, stating that I had drunk enough fresh hemoglobin for the hour and that I would rather save them for a later date. They took it with just as much fun, and let Lamia and me return to our table to enjoy a few plates of finger food to relax a bit, sharing hugs and wit about our stage skills. As we were taking in the moment, a white stallion in a renaissance-style garb, wearing markup to have his head look like a equine skull came to greet us, though his introduction I wouldn’t have expected.
-Good evening, Don Ulrich, said the stallion. I do not mean to intrude upon your company, but I simply had to introduce myself. I am Benjamin Vanetti, though Aquarius is my name when in this outfit, point man of the Falcon Family here in Malta.
-Indeed! What a surprise, I stated. So you heard of me across the ocean?
-I was a contractor in Tampa for a few years until I took a permanent position here, replied the stallion. You are renown for your work in Tijuana, and your heritage, of course. We would be honored if you would consider visiting us, though I might not be in this costume when we meet.
-It would be a pleasure, I answered, accepting a business card from the stallion. This is your front?
-Indeed, downtown, a few streets from here, though you need only call the number to ask for a cab. Simply say you’re looking for a special statuette.
-The Maltese Falcon, I chuckled.
-We were known as the Templars at our institution, but when the Brando movie came out, we changed shortly afterwards. Ah, but there is enough mysticism here already! I must retire, though I wish you both good night, fellow nosterafu.
-Now I’m confused, frowned Lamia. What was that about a Family?
-Well, since we’re intimate to a degree, I think it would be fair to tell you that I am the Don-heir of the Bronco Family in Miami. I never took the seat though, and left it to a better, more seasoned friend.
-Some of us only pretend, but you’re lucky enough to have something that transcends theatrics, smiled Lamia. Don’t worry; my lips are sealed.
-Sealed with a kiss, I smiled, leaning over and giving her a long one.
-And never shall they speak of it but to you, my dark master!
We returned to the dance floor twice between that moment and that when we finally decided to call it a night, though those both were tamer then the first. Darkness came by to wish us well before we’d reached the door, promising to reward us for our bit of theatre the next time we passed by. We didn’t even try to hurry as we walked back to the lioness’ place, just strolling along holding hands.
-That was nice, hummed Lamia. Thanks for the evening, Ulrich.
-Darkness keeps a nice club, I grinned. The prices were too low, though.
-Speaking of which, did you pay for us?
-If you need to ask, then you know it’s true, I laughed.
-Well, you paid your rent, replied Lamia.
We walked into the apartment, locking the door behind us as we cast off our coats made a run for the lioness’s bed, Lamia winning the race as she launched herself on the mattress. I conceded victory to her and threw off my shoes before hopping in with her. She didn’t say much, the bags under her drowsy eyes enough to explain why that was as she cuddled under my arm and closed them. I let out a slow purr as I did too, and as I felt the hand she’d placed on my chest soften as we fell asleep.

The next morning, I came around before Lamia, but I didn’t have any motivation to wake her up and rather simply looked at her until she blinked and gazed up at me with a start. Her mind clicked as she saw me though, and gave a short laugh as she leaned on her arm and kissed me.
-Sorry about that, I just never woke up with someone with me in bed, said Lamia.
-Sorry for the start, I replied as I stroked her face. Hey, is that a guitar there?
-In the wardrobe? Yes, chuckled the lioness. Why, do you play?
-A bit...
I rolled over to my paws, minding my tail as I reached out and carefully took the classical guitar from under the pair of pants and matching panties that Lamia must have tossed on it at some point, putting the undergarment on my head as a hat with my ears poking out of the leg holes. The lioness blushed hard with an embarrassed smile as I stuck my tongue out and put the instrument on my lap, tuning it before I started to play.
-This one goes back a few years, I said to Lamia, but I guess since you’re into Goth you’d remember it?
-Hey, I remember every song I hear, insisted the cat. The name?
-13 Forever, by Night’s Embrace.
-Can I do the backing?
-Sure!
-I’ll be thirteen as long as blood runs in my veins,
As long as the moon send down it’s love,
As long as long as my fur’s a pale as a dove,
I’ll hold sway over my thirteenth reign...
-I’ll be thirteen, thirteen decades old,
This I say for you to understand, continued Lamia.
-I’ll be thirteen when I sing this song,
I’ll the thirteen whenever you hear it played,
Not a year older then when it was made,
Never, whenever for it’s melody you long.
-I’ll be thirteen, thirteen centuries old,
This is say for you to understand.
-When you hear these notes played,
When you hear these verses rhyme,
In the depths of a forgotten time,
Never in the land will I have been laid.
-I’ll be thirteen, thirteen millennia old,
This is say for you to understand.
-Nice, I said as I put the guitar against the wall aside the bed. You have a beautiful voice, Lamia.
-I’ve always wanted to try singing for a career, but this is more secure. And you like Night’s Embrace, eh?
-I went to one of the three concerts they ever did in the States, I replied, in Miami, as it would be.
-I have almost all their records, laughed the lioness, reaching over to a CD case on the nightstand and pulling out the very record containing the song we’d sung. So what’s your plan for today, mister Luther?
-Stop calling me that, I cringed, grabbing Lamia around the waist and pulling her against me.
-What would you do, bite me?
-I just might, I said, mimicking the same vampire-like hiss I’d made at the club. Nah, but as to what I plan on doing, I plan on waiting to see those reports from the contractors I called yesterday.
-So we should go to the resort to see them around?
-Wouldn’t you guess the moment I mentioned it to Wendell, he jumped on the case and insisted to take care of it. I found people to do the work, and they’re just waiting for the assessment to make their bids for the job. That leaves us free to do... well anything, I guess.
-So you’re stuck here with a horny lioness, smiled Lamia, arching her back on the bed.
-That looks the be the way of it, I replied, slipping my knees under her to support of body as I craned down and suckled on her right tit.
-Oh this is nice, she giggled. Getting laid on company time, yeah baby!
-I’ll get a rubber.
-Ah heck, it’s about time I grew up out of that. Just give’er...
-Right...
The lioness closed her eyes and rolled off my knees to land on her paws, then spread out against the wall, swinging her tail as she winked at me. I shot to stand behind her, rubbing her body until I felt hard enough to do the deed. Squatting down a bit, I penetrated Lamia and reached under her arms to take her in a lock as I bounced her on the wall. The kitten growled and roared, though between them the nastiest, dirtiest comments I’d heard from a bedfellow since Estrela back in Brazil left her lips. She wrestled herself off the wall after a hard orgasm, seeing us flop down on the bed and the lioness twist around to ride me. Lamia’s eyes rolled back and I let out a deafening roar as we finished, but rather then dismount, she reached into one of the nightstand’s drawers and took out a double-ended vibrator and nimbly shoved it out asses as we kept at our intercourse. The cat leaned forwards and kissed me loud and sloppy as our gazes met, both glazed over from the intense sensations our bodies communicated to us. The end of the encounter came in an almost comical manner with the vibrator’s batteries giving out and stopping the device, tearing a laughing fit from its users.
-Sorry, I didn’t know they were so low, said the lioness. I usually use both for myself, but to share is apparently much, much more pleasant.
-I’ve had bigger, I mused, but you probably don’t want to hear about that.
-In the shower, corrected the cat, we need it, believe me!
-Speaking of cleaning, I whispered as we walked into the washroom, maybe we could take the time to make your flat shine a bit?
-I wonder what detergent works best on cum, called Lamia as she bent over to turn the controls.
-Saliva, I said, bending as well to send my tongue in her clit. Twusth meth...
-What are you...no way! You go Ulrich!
We took our time in the tub, draining the Mediterranean a bit as our cares and worries left us. Without a speck of dirt on our coats, we toweled off in a fun match of rat-tail dueling that ended with me wrapping my sheet around the lioness and pulling her against me, enough for her to submit and end the competition. I protested against us bothering to dress up as we weren’t going anywhere anyway, and that I doubted that Lamia ever bothered when she was operating her daily routines. The lioness had no viable counter to the comment and accepted, and in nothing but our birthday suits, we took out whatever cleaning products and equipment she had and put them to good use, as well as pick up and sort mounds of stuff that lay around the place. By the time we had made good on our project, it was half past noon and we were dead tired, though all too happy with the result. The cat’s apartment looked huge without the clutter, and everything smelled of lemon, or a chemical approximation of it anyway. I’d personally taken charge of sorting her pornographic magazine collection while she tried to find the cases for the DVD she’d lost track of over the weeks, taking a good while by itself. After a short nap, I suggested that we make good on my promise to Aquarius and pay the Falcons a visit.
-It might be fun, I shrugged, I’m certainly curious.
-That makes two of us, said Lamia. We should put something on, then?
-It could be advisable, I replied. I’ll call them to have us picked up, just to spare us a few steps...
By the turn of one o’clock, we were outside the apartment on the mezzanine, waiting for the Family’s cabby to arrive in semi-formal apparel, though of course purely Gothic, myself in a “Lucky 13” tee, my black coat and black pants while Lamia wore a black coat over a glittering red dress. Our appearance must have shocked the driver for a moment, as he waited a few seconds before coming to a full stop, still hurrying to open the passenger door for us and speeding off to the Family’s front, an upscale Italian restaurant, insisting that we were expected to have dinner with their Don. I felt flattered, thanking him for the consideration as we pulled into the business’s parking, Lamia simply humming in curiosity as she contemplated the situation. Were shown in by a duo of attendants, who didn’t even try to hide their Family creed as they addressed me by my title. The place was empty in early afternoon, though it seemed to only open around noon from the menu posted aside the doors. One table near the back was occupied however, a noble-looking fox and three white stallions seated at it’s sides, one of the latter I recognized as Aquarius. The latter all rose to their paws as soon as the attendants had taken their leave and our Goth stallion made the introductions between us as the men at the table.
-Don Quentin Fenelli, this is Don Ulrich Luther, of Miami, and his friend Lamia. Don Ulrich, this is Don Quentin Fenelli of Malta and these are my brothers Paul and Marcello.
-This is an honor sir, I said as I took a step towards the Don.
-For me as well, replied the fox as he took his own step and initiated our Don’s embrace.
-I see you are well, and strong, I commented as we parted and took our seats.
-We have been here since the turn of the century, explained Quentin, and have gained respect ever since. You too have gained respect, Don Ulrich, from both our brothers in Italy as well as us. It is quite rare that a Don from America shows such bravery and valor, such a Paladin’s heart, but it is good to know that there remain those like you to outweigh the bad.
-We live in a difficult time, I started, between many others who would not act with the same benevolence.
-Still we thrive, nodded the fox with a grin. I hope that you took no offence in my asking Benjamin to invite you here, but I did not have the facility to come meet you with suitable discretion.
-I took none, but rather I am glad to meet you. You speak of discretion, so therefore the local authorities are of consequence?
-They are... dutiful, sighed Quentin. I respect that, but they do not respect us for what we are. We have difficulty with them, and have been forced to lessen our influences with time to avoid, how to say it... problems, yes... problems. Things are different for you, from what I understand.
-We came to an agreement with the government, or at least certain influential individuals to be able to operate more openly, I said, remembering the talk I’d had with Jumpy a while back. It serves us well.
-To be honest, we tried to do the same as you had, but we failed to gain favor by it. A group of thugs from Eastern Europe tried to set up shop here, but before they had a solid hold, we broke them apart. Unfortunately, that only landed us in trouble with the police, and before we knew it, a number of our people had been arrested. We were able to free them, but it was still a great annoyance.
-Would you approve if I offered to try and arrange something to pacify this tension? I have certain connections I could try to contact, and perhaps with luck...
-You may, if you judge that it is possible, shrugged Quentin. Things are uncomfortable enough that I cannot see them getting much worst, least without some Divine act.
The fox had plates sent out for us in short order, a wonderful assortment of pasta of a very high quality, the likes of which I hadn’t been privy to for the longest time. Quentin’s conversation became less formal as we hit dessert, and turned to our affiliation with the Goth movement, as well as Benjamin’s, though we had no qualms about telling him how we felt about it. He nodded with a smile, then turned to the stallion
-Benjamin, you are one of brightest sons of the Family, said Quentin, and as you know, my heir. Therefore, you will have to settle upon a Don’s name for when the time comes to replace me. Will you use your Goth surname?
-Aquarius? If you would allow me to, I would be honored to.
-Then henceforth you will be known by that name, declared the vulpine, if you so wish. Paul, Marcello, I never saw you dress like your brother. Are you also into this enchanted lifestyle?
-I am not, admitted Paul. Marcello?
-You never saw me dressed like Aquarius, but here, said the stallion as he rolled up his left sleeve, sporting a fur-dye tattoo shaped like a pair of vampire’s fangs. Let us prey...
-Marcello, asked Aquarius, since when? I never see you at the Tower!
-When’s the last time you’ve visited me, brother? You’d find the place looks different then last year, laughed the stallion.
-I’ll be! Well, welcome to the underworld, laughed Aquarius. I say, fellow brethren, I would invite you all back to Bella’s!
-I see no impediment, I replied, turning to Lamia to get an enthusiastic nod from her.
-What a brave new world we live in, smiled Quentin. Aye...

As soon as the meal was over, I took off with my sweet lioness back home to take care of the business I’d spoken to my fellow Don about. Lamia crashed in the living room and popped in one of her favorite flicks, something about a lost female ocelot wandering in the jungle and running into tribesmen who were all too willing to show her the way home in return for some... some.
-You know, I commented to her, I know a family of ocelots, and they know plenty too.
-And?
-That’s got to be the most endowed of their species I’ve ever damn well seen!
-Not to intrude, but you had one?
-Two... well, three really.
-You ought to film your own, laughed the lioness, you’d be filthy rich.  I’ll turn it down a bit.
-Thanks, I said as I picked up the phone and called home to Miami, getting a familiar voice. Hello, Jumpy?
-Ulrich! Hey there bro, how’s... what the hell, you’re in Malta?
-Tracing the call?
-It’s a habit, chuckled the kangaroo. How’s life?
-Never seems to get any quieter, and the Family never seems that far away.
-You run into the locals?
-Right on, I replied. The original guys from Italy, for God’s sake! They’re extremely friendly.
-Man, you get all the fun, called Jumpy. They’re in good shape?
-That’s a bit the problem, the police’s tight as...
-My ass when Tracks screws me?
-Something along those lines, though that’s a bit graphic.
-I’ll send you some pictures in your email, said the ‘roo. So you want to loosen things up?
-That was the plan. They tried pulling a number like you in Washington with a gang here, but it fell apart and they got in trouble because of it.
-Tricky! You’d have to aim high to get help, but I’m not that well informed. I’d say that the best first step would be to talk to some regular Joe from the boys in blue and see why it didn’t work, then work from there. I have to get going on a little road trip with my Mary, but I’ll be back later this afternoon.
-Talk to you then, Jumpy! Take care.
I waited for a while at Lamia’s computer, watching her get off to her film with a happy grin, finally getting a notification that the message had come in. I opened the body to find a short recommendation to rather enjoy the pictures he’d sent along, and a compressed folder containing them. There were half a dozen digital photographs of the kangaroo and his deer mate Tracks fucking hard, including two very good shots of their willies and another of Tracks licking Jumpy’s balls. I called over to the lioness to take a look and explained the context before she started drooling a bit.
-Wow, Ulrich, you’re close brothers, said the cat. Man, that deer’s huge! And Jumpy’s well off too! Hey, mind becoming my dildo for a while?
-Yay, I replied, stripping off. If you want some audio aid, I could tell you about a few adventures I had with Jumpy when we were young...
-I’m in heaven, sighed Lamia as I lay down on her couch. We’re the play button?
-This one time when I was eighteen, I’d gotten up before Jumpy, and I snuck into his room to pounce on him. When I got in, I saw him sitting up in bed masturbating. He was scared to death when he saw me, but I still pounced on him, and then...
-Let me guess...
-Those pictures, but me instead of the deer...
-Oh, YEAH BABY!

My body was returned to me an hour later, with just enough wind in it to grant me the energy to go for a walk alone, leaving Lamia to sleep off my camping stories and early-morning experiments with my kangaroo bro. I wandered around for a while before sighting a policeman leaning against the wall of a low-rent place, apparently taking a breather from his beat. I’d bought a pack of smokes as bait for information at a convenience store, and as soon as he’d spotted me, I offered him one.
-Need a smoke with that wall?
-Why not? Thanks. Have a light?
-Here, I said as I passed him the pack, it came with one as a bonus. I’m trying to quit, so it’s yours if you want it.
-I never turn down a pack, replied the policeman. You’re not from here, eh?
-Miami, Florida. I’m here on business with my company.
-Nice place to do business, here in Malta. There’s no trouble here, save for a few gangs that use the ports as passing points. We try to keep tabs on it but, eh! They’re clever.
-I heard about this thing with a gang that was taken out a while back. Anything to it?
-That was bad business, cringed the cop. We just found all these bodies in a warehouse, and then a call came to take credit for it. Scared the hell out of us! What was it, twenty-six dead, I think?
-You’d rather have them arrested, then.
-We were going to do it, we had the evidence, but the night before we could, bang! All gone. This is a quiet island, and we don’t need gangs to start turning it into a cemetery. 
-Sorry to hear it.
-Bah! Tell me about your business, eh?
I talked up the policeman about the resort for a while, letting him return to his shift after he’d burned a pair of cigarettes with a better picture of the Falcon’s mistakes. Having cut into a police op and used their intelligence to work up a hit had been too drastic, but the issue of controlling the docks was good, very good. If Quentin took them over in a civilized and tasteful manner, he would have a better card to play, but before that, the deal would have to be set up to make sure that it would be worth the effort. I took it easy as I returned to Lamia’s, getting a short update from Wendell as soon as I returned. The crocodile was all too happy to boast about his work and how he was much more productive then the lioness could ever be.
-With due respect to our employers, mister Luther, I don’t really see why they bothered to hire an assistant manager if the best that applied for the position was that little schoolgirl. I would rather have been given a few good staff instead.
-Wendell, I would take this opportunity to perhaps give you a good news, bad news update on the subject of the resort.
-Bad news? What would those be?
-Well, I’ll start with the good, I stated. With your email with the building’s evaluation, I just sent out for tenders from two good companies that will execute it. Also, I ordered the work for the interior at the same time therefore we are even ahead of schedule.
-Wonderful! I’m glad to hear it.
-Indeed, but you will not have to worry about the resort for that much longer, Wendell, for I also sent out a request to the board to have you replaced. I cannot foresee a decent future for this resort with a belligerent manager such as you at its head. As by company policy, you have a month to find a new position, and will be compensated according to your position and experience.
-Mister Luther, I’m sure we can work this out! If my comments about miss Rapone were out of place, I apologize deeply for them!
-I believe in honor, Wendell, first and foremost, and to comment about a good lady to a superior in such a subjective and biased manner is most dishonorable and a sign of bad character. Rockwell-Sheppard values it too, and even goes as far as declare them grounds for dismissal. Therefore, I offer a way out that would leave you free of that stigma, and I suggest that for your future employ, you accept it gracefully.
-I understand. Thank you, mister Luther. I will prepare my things, and put aside relevant documents to the resort for my replacement.
-Of course. I wish you the best, Wendell, and may you find a position that will better fulfill your expectations, I said before hanging up in time to feel two arms wrap around me and a lioness’ head to poke over my shoulder with a happy hum.
-He’s gone, grinned Lamia. Bless you, panther.
-For the good of the company, I corrected as I reached around to hug her face against mine. I can’t have someone this intolerant in a place like this and be reassured that there won’t be any further difficulties with other employees, let alone clients. RS doesn’t deal with prima donnas.
-Right. Well, end consequence, he’s gone, and that’s more then enough for me to smile. How about a little dick slurping, Ulrich?
-Is that a kickback?
-Just trying to be a good hostess, chuckled Lamia as she pulled down my trousers. Oh yeah, now that’s a piece of meat right there, mmm...
I leaned back and closed my eyes as the lioness squat down and nuzzled my crotch, finally slipping my cock in her maw and masturbating me as she fingered herself. She was good, for a twenty-something cat that’d never slept with a soul until late, and I let my jaw loose as I sighed in relief as I came. Lamia smiled as she brushed off whatever hadn’t obeyed the flow, but gave a roar of surprise as I bounced off the chair, pushed her legs back and started eating her out. I paced myself to make the tongue jacking last a good fifteen minutes, ending with a long yowl from the lioness as she settled down and closed her eyes.
-You’re mean, she laughed as I picked her up and put her on the sofa, slumping down aside her. I didn’t even see you pounce!
-Just a black ball of fur flying through the air, I replied, and then a feeling of happiness.
-Oh yes indeed, grinned Lamia. Say, I just wondered like that...
-Yes?
-We did the leather thing, the Goth thing, butt-pugs, but in terms on kink, how far in does the kitty like to go?
-The sky’s the limit, I smiled. Oh, I like where this conversation is going!
-Come with the lioness, kitty, she said, hopping up and pulling my tail until I got up too. Close your eyes...
I obeyed diligently, walking backwards as Lamia pulled my tail. I didn’t really get a feel for where we going until I felt the cold ceramic of the washroom under my cushions, then two hands guide me into the tub. I mumbled an interrogation about what my senses were reporting to me, but her only reply was to hush me with a finger of my lips, which I gave a slow lick until she pulled it back. I felt her two paws at my sides, but she must have been standing when I started to feel a warm spray drowse my stomach and upper legs. It didn’t take much conjecture to put together the fact that the showerhead wasn’t on and that if Lamia was standing over me, there remained a very natural water source. All right, I thought, it’s not like I’m going to run off screaming like a little girl with lioness piss on me, so what the hell, I let her rip. I didn’t even aim or anything, but relaxed and let myself start too, getting a sharp yowl from the lioness as the ray hit true.
-What, you thought I’d just let you fire away without a riposte, I asked.
-Wow, how long have you been holding it back?
-A couple of hours...
-Right, laughed the lioness, taking the showerhead and soaking us down. How did you like it?
-Interesting, I muttered as I reached up to take her hips and pulled her down.
-Well, if I’m going down, started Lamia as she took my cock and rubbed it against herself, I might as well, you know... hmm...

It was early afternoon by the time that I had crawled out of Lamia's reach, leaving the cat to sleep off the shear madness that we had committed in the last few hours. I picked up the phone and called up the Falcons, hoping that I'd get someone I'd met on the other and sure thing, a few seconds later, I heard Aquarius' voice answering.
-Hello, who is this?
-Don Ulrich, I replied. Aquarius?
-That's me all right, replied the stallion. I take it that you had a good day?
-Wonderful, in its own magic way. I also found out a few things about the business of getting your family in better straits with the government.
-Ah, now that's a quick cat! Anything positive?
-First and foremost, there was a string operation set up to conduct a mass arrest when your hit men took out that gang. They didn't appreciate it at all, unfortunately.
-Our information didn't include that, grunted Aquarius.
-On the other hand, there's an opportunity for an exchange of good favors to be made. From what the policeman I met told me, the docks are a real mess right now, and they're at a loss to deal with it.
-I have to agree, it’s a big party right now and no one's checking who spikes the punch. So they'd like it cleaned up, eh?
-Well, something in that vein, but there's some preparation before you act. First, we have to make sure that the police knows who's helping them, and that you do in it a way that gets you in their good books. They want arrests, not hits.
-Everyone's a critic, laughed Aquarius. Well, it’s their choice this time. I have certain suspicions that they have a bit of a photo album of our members, and I don't think that it would be wise for us higher up in the echelons to show our hands.
-I could provide the link between you, I offered. I know my way around playing with a poker face with these people, and worst comes to worst, I'm only here for a while, so the storm would blow away with my departure in a few weeks.
-I can't express how grateful we are for you to take on this line of work. If there's anything we can offer to help, say the word.
-As it is, I have something of a problem that could work to your favour as well as mine. I just had the manager of my resort tender his resignation for being the biggest bigot that I've ever had the displeasure to deal with. I was thinking that your brother Marcello might like to operate it as a proxy front? There's plenty of money in a place like this, and I wouldn't mind having you as our permanent guests.
-Wow! That's a mighty generous offer, Ulrich! I don't think he'd say no; I can't see any reason why he would, nor would anyone else here. I'll give him a call, if you're serious about it.
-Dead serious, believe me. Ask him to call me, and I'll have him hired on within the hour. In the meantime, I'll pay a visit to the chief of police as a concerned businessman who wants to be sure that his resort is safe from the street thugs in the docks...
-I'd give you a hug right now if I were over there, said Aquarius. I'll see you soon, with Marcello. Five-ish, at the resort?
-I'll be there, I answered. Take care, Aquarius.
I hung up, turning to tiptoe out of the apartment with my briefcase to take a walk to the city's police station, which I had scouted out during my morning stroll. The building had a nice classic architecture, aside a few shops bearing the same appearance. As I walked in, I saw that the place wasn't very busy, and the two clerks at the front desk were sharing a conversation to kill the time. One of the saw me enter, and turned to look at me, greeting me in a courteous manner.
-Good morning, sir. How may we be of service?
-I would like to schedule a meeting with your supervisor, I said in a calm, composed manner. My name is Ulrich Luther, special agent for Rockwell-Sheppard, who has recently bought a resort property in the city. We are concerned about certain phenomena that we have observed in our neighbourhood, and would very much like to discuss them in depth to satisfy certain insurance criteria.
-I see. Just a moment, I'll go see if he's free.
I waited as the attendant left, quietly pacing about the room until he returned and motioned for me to follow him to the superintendent's office. The workplace was very nice, very well furnished, and I gave a few compliments about it to the attendant, who accepted them with a smile, quite proud of his organization. The super, a tall, wiry goat ram, was standing outside his office to invite me in, letting his colleague turn to his post.
-My name is Detective Reginald Droste, said the policeman, and I must say it's good to meet a new investor in the city, said the policeman. Please come in!
-Thank you, I'm quite glad that I could have this meeting with you.
-I understand that you had some concerns about the docks, mister Luther, was it?
-Ulrich Luther, indeed. Yes, you see I was struck by the level of... activity in the docks that I observed in the last few days. Are there indeed gangs who call it home?
-You see through this city like glass, sighed Reginald. We have tried to take care of this issue over the last year, but they are like cockroaches. Arrest one, ten more appear! Be assured, we have contained the problem to a few streets though.
-I have a proposal perhaps, I frowned.
-A proposal? You have my full attention as well as my curiosity, said Reginald.
-I have certain acquaintances that could be able to aid with these cockroaches, I grinned. We could set up some cooperation between you to arrest them within a few days and regain control of the situation.
-Interesting, but who are these acquaintances? Are they a private policing force in your retainer?
-Not quite, though they could be considered in that category. Their services would be come free, as a gesture of goodwill, if you will.
-I see. Well, said Reginald as he drummed his fingers on his desk, we've tried everything short of quarantining the docks, and at this point, if you say that arrests will be made with evidence to support them in such a way as to expedite their incarceration, I'd be ready to accept. However, I'd add a condition to this agreement, which would be that at least one of our agents would be involved in your work as a personal guarantee.
-I would be honoured, I said, holding out my hand to the policeman.
-Then fine, let's see this through, grinned Reginald, taking my paw. It's a pleasure, mister Luther. I'll introduce you to the agent I had in mind, if you have the time.
I followed the goat out of his office down the corridor to knock at a door three down from his. A giantess of a tigress, at least six feet something tall, maybe even seven, opened for her superior and gave him a dutiful salute.
-Detective Droste, said stated.
-Detective Rebeka Svensekova, this is Ulrich Luther, of Rockwell-Sheppard. We just had a very fruitful discussion concerning the dock gangs that I think you would appreciate being involved in. Actually, I'll let him explain, and fill your sheets out to post you as being in special assignment.
-A pleasure, milady, I smiled as I accepted the tigress' invitation into her office and proceeded with a formal expose of the project I had in mind, still keeping the detail of the Family's identity out of the picture.
-I see, said Rebeka. Pardon my scepticism, but I've been on this case for a few months now, and these gangs are quite well installed in the place that they have come to call home. But like  Droste, I'm all too willing to try and see your idea through. The sooner they are gone, the better for this city.
-I will contact my acquaintances, and set a time frame for this mission, I stated. I you wish, I could introduce a few of them to you, if it could help build faith in our cooperation.
-Certainly, it would. Will you contact them now? If so, I would be able to accompany you, and we could get things underway.
-Perfect! I in thirty minutes, they were to meet me at the resort.
-How wonderful can a day get, smiled the tigress. Did you walk?
-I did, I replied. We could take a car instead, though.
-A good walk’s perfect for the health, waved the tigress. I’m just along for the ride here.
I blushed as the detective turned off the lights in her office and smiled to me, indicting to get under way. From memory, I got us back to the front desk, then out of the station and onto the streets. Rebeka set a good pace, and I had to step up to keep up aside her, though I didn’t mind tailing behind a bit either. She was stunning, after all, a tall, muscular striped gal and quite, quite fortunate. That last detail would cause an impediment to our trip, however. About half way to the resort, I heard something that sounded like a pen clicking, then a second, followed by a short curse from the tigress. Looking over, I could see that under her blouse, the two straps of her bra were hanging useless, the clasp having given way. I thought quickly and ushered us into a deserted alley, Rebeka dark with blush as she held her breasts to keep them from falling from under the cups. She pulled her shirt out of her pants and reached under her blouse to try and reattach the hook and eyelet, but I commented that the eyelets had tore from the fabric, therefore wouldn’t fulfill their duty anymore.
-I could go find a replacement, I offered, there must be a ladies’ clothing shop close by.
-None that would have anything that could fit me, said Rebeka. I can only buy specialty clothes because of my height, and this is a 52-F, if you were wondering.
-May I try something, milady?
-Sure, sighed the tigress, sitting on a concrete pylon with her back to me, holding her shirt out of the way.
I took my pocket knife from my pants and poked eight holes through the fabric, before the reinforcing stitches, then kneeling, undid one of my shoelaces and passed it through the holes, lacing her bra back up with a tight knot. Rebeka looked around a moment before bouncing her chest a bit, finding the repair more the sufficient to save her from some serious embarrassment. Standing up, she tucked her blouse back in, then turned and gave me a one-armed hug, putting my face against the side of one of her 53-Fs as she voiced her thanks.
-Thank you, Ulrich. That was the most gentlemanly thing that any soul could have done.
-Sorry it happened, I replied.
-It’s not easy living with my condition, said the tigress as we returned to the streets. I can’t buy just anything, and clothes are expensive. That’s the least of it, when I think about the stupid things I hear about it.
-Appearances are nothing to the soul, I commented.
-Well said, smiled Rebeka. You can call me Titania, if you want.
-Titania?
-My nickname when I did fitness a few years back, in my teens, explained the tigress. I stopped doing it seriously, but I still work out regularly. Check these arms out, Ulrich.
-Hard as rock, but soft as silk.
-You’re going to make me blush, grinned Rebeka. Also, thanks for looking at me in the face, that’s refreshing too.
-Most go for eye-level contact?
-They wish, huffed the tigress. Yes, you guessed it. Oh look, it’s the detective! Wow, did you see her tits? Those are huge!
-Right, I sighed, holding back a concurring whine. Forget the fact she’s a career woman with a well-deserved grade and serves the good of the people...
-Thoughtful of you, panther, really, said Rebeka, letting a gaze train on me for a while as she gave a purr.
I swallowed a lump as we reached the resort, spotting Aquarius and Marcello already at the door waiting for me. He seemed very confused at the tigress’s presence, but as soon as I introduced her, he clicked and nodded, as if he knew exactly what I had planned. We headed into the offices, taking seats at what was formerly Wendell’s desk, now deserted, and discussed our initiative. As a precaution, I did most of the talking for the Family, setting up a trade for the police to hand a copy of their knowledge about the docks to the Falcons in return for quick action. Aquarius seemed just as confident as me that they could smoke out the dock gangs, and herd them into isolated locations where swats could disarm them and conduct mass arrests, though didn’t omit the possibility for them to have to eliminate certain members of the groups to allow for the work to proceed. Rebeka had no compassion for the hoodlums and agreed that it was for the better, giving the horse a blank card to act. As the talks concluded, I handed the managerial package from RS to Marcello, who took his leave with his brother to go through it, both promising to talk to me as soon as they were ready. Rebeka watched them go as she took a few last notes in her log, a small leather-bound volume she had carried in her pack pocket.
-This’ll be perfect, she said as she closed it and looked up to me. If Aquarius can things ready for something this week, we’ll be there as well to round up the gangs as they chase them into our net.
-Mobile barricades could be raised with forklifts, if there are any at the docks you can commandeer. Just stack a few crates or hold a concrete block, and boom! No way out.
-You’re reading my thoughts, grinned the tigress. Whew, this really got me tired though, this plus the day and everything. Is there a place to take a breather here yet?
-The spa’s still intact, I commented, plus some of the poolside chairs. The last owners left in a hurry, with their creditors hot on their tails, so they didn’t bother hauling those along.
-Spa equipment? Sharp, grinned Rebeka. Mind if I try them out a bit?
-If you like, I shrugged, it’s this way.
I guided the tigress to the recreation room aside the pool, which had a full window curtain wall to look out to the water. She gave the machines a once-over, grunting her approval of their condition until she sat down on one of the benches and took a fifty-pound weight, giving a few slow triceps curls.
-This feels good, she said. I’ll sweat up this shirt in no time, though.
-I saw some towels, I commented, fetching two of the pool towels from a rack aside the door.
-All right, she laughed as she sat up with another weight. I’ll still get these soaked, though. Ulrich, how discrete are you?
-Silent as a tomb, I replied.
-Good, then you’ll keep this to yourself.
The tigress undid the buttons of her blouse and took it off, then reached back and pulled the lace that I’d put through her bra, letting the garment slip off her arms as she looked at me. As my breathing stopped, she got to her paws and took off her pants, sitting down on the bench in her panties with a towel slung over her shoulders as she pumped the weights.
-What, she said with a grin, you never saw a tigress before, panther?
-Not such a beautiful, powerful creature such as you, Titania, I returned. Gott Wiess, you’re a nymph beyond the bounds of imagination.
-Thank you, that’s very kind. Can you spot me with sixty pounds?
-Sure, I commented getting the barbells from the rack as she lay on her back, putting them in her hand and guiding her movement as she lifted them.
-Tell me, how do you like what you see?
-Like is a small, insignificant word, Rebeka, dust compared to what I’d say. You won any contests you participated in, didn’t you?
-There was always a she-bear to beat me, grunted the tigress. You give me pride of place?
-Gold, silver and bronze, with nothing to compare.
-And yet, muttered the tigress, I’ve always wanted to be at the mercy of someone I knew I could trust, just as I am now with you, holding my weights to protect me. I need comfort, and sometimes just being this strong tigress doesn’t provide comfort, but isolation, Ulrich.
-But how strong you are...
Rebeka let me put the weights back as she stood up and stroke competition poses, flexing her body to prove just how muscular she truly was, keeping an eye on me all the while. I tried not to gape at her, but rather seem to understand, complimenting her on the definition of a muscle or the pattern of a stripe instead. She stopped after a few minutes, then reached into her discarded pants and took out her handcuffs, locking one over her wrist, then passing them under the bench, locked the other.
-Here I am, Ulrich, helpless as a kitten. Show me if I can trust you, show me how you treat a tigress who would do anything for you if you tell her to.
-I would tell her to lie on her stomach, I said.
Rebeka smiled beautifully then did exactly that, straddling the bench to lie on it while I undressed. Slowly, I massaged her back, every muscle, every bone getting its equal share of my attention, then her arms and legs. The tigress moaned at the treatment, purring hard until I had her turn over and did the same to the front of her body, finally settling on her breasts, covered in soft white fur with the occasional black spot with the pattern of her coat. I didn’t handle them roughly though, kneading them with care as I groomed her fur, stopping momentarily once in a while to suckle on her large nipples before continuing on, kissing her warm black lips whenever she looked at me. Then, as I could feel her breath become warmer then before and saw her cotton undies start to become humid, I pushed up her legs and pulled her panties off, coming face to face with her crimson-coloured clit, covered in cum, just waiting for love. Nuzzling it a while, I finally rubbed myself against it, then penetrated her slowly, no faster then I felt her give way. I let my cock drag on every inch of flesh within, sliding in her in a piano tempo, until the tigress started calling for me to rape her like an animal. I accelerated gradually, reaching a good pace after a few second, firing off tight orgasms in the cat until I finished, pulling out as I felt myself go soft. Letting her legs back down and locking onto her loving green eyes, I bent over and hugged her, wrapping my arms around her heaving chest, hearing her heartbeat return to normal. Just then, I felt a hand around me, then another, and soon realized that Rebeka had kept the cuffs’ key in her hand and had unlocked them.
-I would have imagined a lot of things, humiliation, submission, being forced to give any kind of sex known to this world, said the tigress, but I hadn’t thought that the soul I would come to trust would have made perfect, considerate, passionate and romantic love to me. You are an angel, Ulrich, and let no one tell you otherwise, for they lie.
-So you had the keys all along, I hummed as I ran a hand over Rebeka's face.
-I did, though I was too curious to ruin the fun, giggled the tigress. I think I've had my workout for the day, though. Is there phone connected here? I'd call up a cab if you don't mind.
-I'll take care of it, I replied, don't bother yourself. But what a living goddess you are, Titania!
-If you keep talking like that, I'll have to kidnap you, you know.
-I'm a willing victim, I answered. I won't bite, unless you want me to.
-You're under arrest, declared Rebeka, quickly putting the cuffs on me before she dressed up again.
-Hey, I have to put something on too!
-I'll take care of it, grinned the giantess, pushing me down on the bench and putting my pants on before draping my shirt over my shoulders. Oh fine, I'll take them off... for now.
We migrated back to the offices for me to call us a cab, which arrived within minutes at the door, all too happy to take us away to the address Rebeka gave him. Very quietly, I had also placed a call to Lamia, telling the lioness that I'd be away for the night on business for the Family, which wasn't a lie, fundamentally. The tigress must have measured at least thirty-four inches at the shoulders, which meant that I was compressed against her in the back seat until she put an arm around me with a smile. We arrived at her place near the edge of the city, a European-style duplex, where she took my hand and led me in. The décor was more tasteful that Lamia's that I had to admit, a beautiful fairytale theme that bore forth fairies and all kinds of mythical creatures from the Old World.
-This is wonderland, I commented. You're a playful soul deep inside, aren't you?
-You read me like an open book, replied Rebeka. I grew up at an orphanage, and I never knew my parents. I always imagined that my father had been a valiant knight and my mother a gentle maiden he rescued from some fairytale dragon, or something like that. It helps to put aside the memories, I guess.
-It's hard to grow up without your family, I seconded, putting a hand on the tigress's shoulder as we sat down on a large sofa. I know, I lost mine too, though it was when I was finishing college. In a way, to be able to dream about who they were is perhaps less painful then to return home one day and have someone tell you that they're never coming back.
-Oh my God, exclaimed the tigress. I couldn't have imagined, Ulrich! But at least you knew them, and knew they loved you, remember that. It's better then dreams and self-deception, perhaps, sitting alone with the television and hot chocolate to try and wash away tears.
-Rebeka, I called, hugging her tightly, I've know my share of lonely souls, but know that all of them found their place with a loving heart to hold. Women that lived in their suitcases, other orphans such as you, even a hermaphrodite. All of them saw their lives with great hope, and were rewarded for their courage.
-Good panther, sighed the tigress, putting her face against mine, you've made my day. How about we retreat somewhere even more comfortable..?
Rebeka took my arm and led me down the hall to her bedroom, centered around a great bed, which must have been a European size, because I couldn't remember even having seen such a massive mattress in all my years. The tigress eclipsed herself into an adjoining walk-in closet, coming out in nothing but lace panties, motioning for me to get ready for bed as well. I jumped out of my clothes in time to have the striped woman pounce on me, pushing me into the sheets as she put her breasts in my face. I took her right one and suckled on it slowly, cradling it with affection, feeling her hold me head against it.
-Very nice, she purred. Is that one better then the other?
-I'd have to try, I replied, switching to her left. Both are just as great, to be honest.
Rebeka laughed at the comical answer and lay down aside me, grasping me close against her. I groomed her stomach's coat carefully, caressing her sides, then in a lightning's lifetime, took off her underwear and pushing her legs apart, gave the tigress a tongue job that she wasn't going to forget for quite as while indeed. Not meaning to go easy on her genetilia, I made love to her again, two times over, before she pulled the sheets over us and took my against her like a comfort pillow.

I woke up with a tigress's face in mine, close enough to tell me that Rebeka or me must have kissed the other during our sleep and hadn't bothered to pull away. That was before I looked down and moved a bit and realized that I had the giantess' hand holding my family jewels. As if some movement there was a nervous trigger, Rebeka's eyes shot open and she pulled back her hand with a blushing smile.
-Good morning to you too, I chuckled, caressing her chest.
-This is a first, she replied. Wow, I was out like a light! You know, I usually have a bit of insomnia and it takes a while for me to go out.
-A good night's love is my recommended solution to that, I whispered. What time is it anyway? I can't see a clock anywhere.
-There's aren't any to be found here, said the tigress. I have a watch here... nine thirty! I can't believe this, I'm late! Bad, very bad!
-You're on special assignment, I moaned, reaching over to hug her, and you were with me. Your tail's covered.
-Right, nodded Rebeka, stopping in her tracks and slumping back down over me. Sleepy, so sleepy...
-Sleep, kitty, I muttered, stroking her hair until we passed out for another hour.
Eleven rolled around by the time we hit the streets, very conspicuously holding hands and looking dazed out of our minds. Rebeka decided to pull out all the stops on her work ethics and called a cruiser to drive us to the police station, laughing at the act a bit as we boarded it, giving a shrug. We enjoyed the ride nonetheless, dropped off at a small bistro that offered breakfast. I didn't even twist the tigress' arm to expand her check-in time and over omelets, we talked trashy about our personal experience, waltzing into the station after a few extra cups of coffee, even. As soon as we were in her office and closed the door for privacy, I called up Aquarius to see if he had made some headway in his planning.
-Hello, Aquarius, top of the morning to you!
-Right back at you, Ulrich, replied the stallion. Listen, do you have a map handy?
-I don't know. Titania, do you have a map here?
-I do, replied the tigress, handing me a road map of the city, unfolding it on the desk.
-I'm looking at the city with a God's eye view, I said. So you have a plan?
-The start of a plan, at least. I was looking at where we'd push the gangs to for the traps, and I was hoping that you could confirm that the police would be willing to play their part.
-All right, call them in, I asked, listening to the list of nooks that Aquarius had marked out and scratching them on the map as he spoke, getting nods or head shakes from Rebeka.
-Those are the major locations for the gangs. If they loose them, they're toast, and we had some observers tell us that their direction checks into them on a rotating schedule, so we're sure to catch them at some point. We're still looking at how we'll push these guys, said Aquarius. I'm thinking of SWAT-style raids, where we'd trap whoever doesn't run, then chase those who were smart enough to run into the trap.
-Sounds good, I said. How equipped are you guys?
-We have about fifteen contractors with decent body armor, and we have enough hardware. Would you be in the team?
-I have a military flak jacket, but I only have a sniper rifle with me. Oh, just a second... Rebeka?
-Yes?
-You didn't hear that last part, right?
-I'll pretend I didn't when the report gets typed, laughed the tigress.
-Right, so I can cover the op pretty decently, though I'll only get involved if they put up too much of a fight.
-Listen, between you and me, if we do pop anyone, how much trouble would we be in?
-A bag limit, eh? I don't know...
-We want them gone, commented Rebeka. As long as there's enough of them in the news to make a good example of them rather then a headline about a bloodbath at the docks, we're okay.
-Got that, Aquarius?
-Right! Perfect, this'll make things easier. So yeah, we'd be ready to rock anytime. If you're ready to start the dance, then we'll get things rolling.
-Rebeka, how soon can we...
-Tonight, grinned the tigress. 2000 hours, at the eastern yards, then we'll sweep to the second near the old triage offices, its neighbor, and then we'll move to the garage on the western docks.
-Clean sweep, called Aquarius. Wow, this is a lot, Ulrich, I don't have the people for this.
-I can have two teams assigned, said Rebeka, twenty people in all.
-We're looking at over a hundred people, said Aquarius, not just a dozen or two. That's important people, anyway, from what our scouts told us.
-I'll set myself up on the roof of the yard master's, I stated. That gives me a clear line of sight on all the locations except the western docks, but I can relocate within a minute or two.
-I'll have these streets cordoned, said Rebeka, pointing a claw at some of the surrounding alleys. That'll buy you enough time, and I'll be coordinating my teams personally with Ulrich.
-Wow, sighed Aquarius, this is some insane operation! All right, I'll get this rolling at my end. Where do we meet?
-At the resort, where else?
The stallion nodded with a chuckled and said his farewells before hanging up, allowing for Rebeka to call her teams and get them up to speed on the operation. At my recommendation, she split them in teams of five as mobile intervention units, three of them assigned to the traps along with a pair of cruisers. The contractors and the other two would breach the locations, intentionally leaving exits that led to the traps unblocked to funnel the gangs. Our calls must have stirred up the station for a few other detectives came by to offer their best wishes on the operation, including the chief himself, joking to me that this was far more then he had in mind when he shook my hand, though he fell in love as we walked him through the raid.
-You weren't kidding, said the chief. Five of our teams, eh?
-We need to end this now, stated Rebeka. If we use them rather then progress with only Ulrich's friends, we'll crush these people within an hour, and have their direction behind bars.
-I trust you two, he assured as he left. Keep me posted!
-So you have a sniper rifle, said Rebeka, at the hotel?
-At a coworker's, I replied. I'll go get it along with the rest of my stuff, and I'll be back soon.
-I have a few things to take care of here, said the tigress, hugging me casually. See you soon, panther.
I left the station with a sigh, feeling light on my paws as I jogged back to Lamia's. The lioness was on her computer, keeping up with the Joneses at RS. She craned her head back to steal a kiss from me as I wrapped my arms around her and asked how things were.
-So, everything's smooth?
-Smooth as your cock smiled the lioness. I'll get underway with processing the applications Wendell gathered for the positions after this, which should take up the rest of the day. But how about you?
-The operation to help the Family in the police's good favors is going down tonight. I just came by to get a few things before I headed out.
-Will you be coming back?
-I expect so, I nodded. Sorry about last night, I...
-Oh, don't mention it, there was this special on one of my favorite channels, shall we say, and I kept myself busy until I passed out in the sofa.
-All right, I chuckled. Well, the dance starts at eight, so it might be late.
-You're sounding way too housebroken, laughed Lamia. Later, my dark master.
I hugged Lamia and felt her up a bit before going into my luggage, fetching my body armor, my H&K pistol and the beautiful carbon fiber briefcase that carried my sniper, trying to find a way to conceal the jacket, without much success. Seeing very little alternative, I simply put it on over a clean black tee and pants, then threw my Goth coat over it, which, when closed, hid it very well and offered let me tuck my pistol at my belt, though was quite warm for the weather. The sniper case matched the rest of my ensemble perfectly, to boot, and looking like Armani's version of a modern mercenary, I walked the beat to the police station, this time getting not looks of surprised onlookers, but pure and simple gapers that made me want to laugh my black-furred butt off. That was nothing compared to what I got when I entered the station itself, but thankfully Rebeka had been waiting for me at the front desk, laughing hard as she saw the airs on some of her colleague's faces all the way back to her office. Closing the door and turning the blinds, she asked to see my rifle, and opening the case, I turned the box to show her my little treasure, getting a whistle from her as she picked up a few of the pieces.
-We don't have any of these here, said the tigress, we can't afford them, nor the training that goes with it. We had a bit of an adventure just getting the money for the SWATs that we'll be deploying tonight, and there was just no way that we could go ahead and get a sharpshooter unit as well. How did you get this, anyway?
-Some friends in the Urchin Family back in Tijuana, I replied very honestly. This barrel key lock was something I bought myself though from Colt.
-The Family..? oh now, called the tigress, so that's who's pulling the strings of this violin, eh? Now I think I understand. Before you say anything, know that I'm not opposed to it...
-So you know about the Family here, I asked, or the fact that there's one here?
-Yes, smiled Rebeka, and that's what's makes  things bearable for us. So are you really Ulrich Luther, panther..?
-Don Ulrich Luther, don-heir of the Miami Bronco clan, I replied with a grin, but that's all, nothing you don't know about.
-This is precious, exclaimed Rebeka, doubling over in laughter. Give us a hug, Don Ulrich.
-Aye, I answered, holding the tigress as we enjoyed the pleasant unraveling of my caveat emptur. It's five now, so until we get under way, I guess that we can take it easy. Mind if I take off my flak?
-Go right ahead, smiled the tigress. How did you get that, by the way? Also your friends?
-This time in the Brazilian National Guard, I corrected. A favor in return of some help I gave them in eliminating some rebels around where I stayed during a cooperative learning placement after college.
-Your life's almost pulp fiction, said Rebeka. Hey, we've got the time right now. How about we trade some tales?
I nodded and started the bout with a long version of my time in Mexico, ripe with my dealing with the Family to underline their importance and goodness for the city, something that the tigress caught on to very quickly. She followed suit with an anecdote about the first years she wore the badge on the island, and some rough and tumble arrests she'd made, which though a bit less glorious them own story, was still something for someone who walked the straight an narrow. We ordered in a pizza to keep us full and happy for the operation, resting until seven-thirty when the captain of the SWAT group came to advise us that his people were ready to go whenever we were. I gave Aquarius a call, who gave me a green light as well, assuring me that he was moving out with his contractors on the second. Rebeka and I hitched a ride in one of the SWAT vans, the men looking at me with some surprise as I checked my gear. The tigress had taken her sidearm, a .48 Special, and flashed it too not to seem out of place in the picture. We slowed down to park near the designated perimeter, the three teams responsible for harvesting our crop running to take up their positions while the two under our direct command stood to patiently. Two minutes later, a moving truck parked on the opposite side of the street, and out of the back the Aquarius' contractors came out, looking almost better equipped the the police. Rebeka sneered as she realized it, but shrugged and sighed as the white stallion turned off the engine and came to meet us.
-So, everyone's ready, he asked, or is there a hold up somewhere?
-The arrest teams are getting in position, said Rebeka, getting a call-in from her people.
-We'll get in position, I called. By the time we're in the nest, we'll call in ready op and roll into the locations.
-Remember, commented Rebeka, we want these people alive, eh?
-We know, laughed one of the contractors, but alive is a very wide term.
-We'll be responsible, assured another of the them. Guys, we'll split up like we talked. Move out!
Aquarius, Rebeka and I jogged to the yard master's building, climbing a fire escape to the roof, selecting the corner with the best view of our target range to set up. The stallion and tigress watched their people get in position around the first target, hidden from view but ready to strike, while I put together my firearm and hunkered down with a new chalk sock I'd bought at the same time as the barrel key lock.
-Nice view, I chuckled. Not that many windows, though.
-Figure they thought about this ever happening, grunted Aquarius, or just a coincidence?
-What do you plan on aiming for, asked Rebeka, legs?
-I'd say their good forearms, or their off knee, but I'll steer clear of their arteries.
-Oh, mused the tigress, you're that good, eh?
-You brought binoculars, right? Look on and tell me, Titania.
-Right, grinned Rebeka, stroking my hair twice. Good luck. Ready op?
-Don Ulrich, ready op, I called as I looked through my scope at the building.
-All teams, call your status, said the tigress.
-Cordon division, ready op, called the policemen responsible for barring the side streets. Funnel in place.
-Harvester One, ready op.
-Harvester Two, ready op.
-Harvester Three, ready op.
-Striker One, ready op.
-Striker Two, ready op.
-Teams, call in, echoed Aquarius.
-Alpha One, ready op.
-Beta One, ready op.
-Alpha Two, ready op.
-Beta Two, ready op.
-All teams ready op, declared Rebeka. Striker teams, engage.
-Teams engage, seconded the stallion.
The four teams arranged themselves to breach two first-level entrances, and on the count of five, broke the doors in and started their assault. I let a pair of shots off, snapping the lower legs of two of the gangsters on the second level visible through a window. The intervention went perfectly, as I counted twenty targets running right into our trap, and a perfect count of our people running to chase them into it. Two minutes later, Harvester One called in a full arrest, and the six teams came back to set themselves up around the second building. I'd kept its occupants busy, sniping a few careless targets as they presented themselves, maintaining a steady level of chaos that worked to the team's advantage as they executed a repeat performance of the first location and tunneled our targets into Harvester Two's area, who reported a full arrest shortly after. The last location would be the home of the leaders of the gangs, as they had failed to pop up the the groups we'd taken down, and I wanted a perfect view of the western docks before the teams got into position. I led my friends to fire escape platform on the second level, feeling just like I had when I'd shot the fallen Don back in Tijuana, and adopted a similar stance that I had for that hit as I restated my readiness. The teams wasted no time to breach one of the overhead doors of the abandoned vehicle garage, on it's northern wall, but this time the gangs had been waiting for them, unfortunately. The contractors gave heavy suppression fire against them, cutting down at least six of the hoodlums, getting a growl from Rebeka that lasted until I kneecapped one of the more proactive hostiles, returning a certain control to our people. From there, it was a pure siege, as the gangs holed themselves up more solidly then we could force them out, and unlike in the other locations, they didn't make a run for it either.
-Call in Harvester Three, I called to Rebeka. We need to surround them, now.
-Harvester One was relieved of his prisoners too, said the tigress, I had a cavalcade drive into their zone. I'll call them in too.
-Shit, that guy on the second has a SAW, yelled Aquarius Ulrich, do something, quick!
-Got him, I said, taking a clean center-of-mass shot on the gangster bearing the assault-grade weapon, which he dropped to the asphalt as I put another projectile through his head. He's down.
-Harvester One and Three, relocate to third location now, called the tigress. Set up siege positions at twenty meters, spread out.
I waited to settle in for the long haul as I spotted the police teams take up their new positions, which completely cut off the building from any outside interference. For safety's sake, Rebeka had Cordon Division wrap up closer to the location, their flashing lights visible here and there down the streets. For an hour, the team leaders called for the gang's surrender through horns, which if not enough to get them to give up by itself, certainly added to the tension in the situation. At the beginning of the second hour, Striker Two reported a white flag at one of the windows on the first level and a door opened, the besieged criminals coming out one at a time to be welcomed by Harvester One. Alpha teams entered the building and called in all clear within minutes, signaling the end of our operation and a long hug between Aquarius, Rebeka and me on the roof.
-That was great, sighed the stallion. We've at those guys on retainer for a while, but we didn't even know if they were going to be useful or not.
-Locals?
-Yes, from an academy on the eastern coast, nodded Aquarius. Nice shot there Ulrich, by the way. That guy was aiming right for them, if you noticed.
-I did, but when you get in a panther's scope, your hours are counted, I roared.
-Are your guys leaving, asked the tigress, looking at the scene below.
-We paid them for this, not the afterglow, laughed the stallion. They're off, which leaves me without a ride. I'll call a cab, though.
-Hey, you can come crash with me, I offered. Rebeka?
-Sorry, I'll be buried in paperwork after this, smiled the tigress. Tomorrow morning, you two come see me, eh? We'll talk about a long-term deal...
We had time to return to the ground and for the detective to join up with Cordon to get a ride back to the station before the horse pulled me in a hug again, getting a hard head rub from me in return as held his head against me.
-Talk about a night’s work, said Aquarius. I wouldn’t have imagined that this island would ever see something like this, let alone by our hand.
-Well, now you have an open invite from the police, so I’d say that it was worth the trouble, eh?
-That’s putting it softly! I’d say it’s more like a miracle then anything, though I’d be just as happy to slam my tail on a sofa and pass out right now.
-That I can provide, I chuckled. Care to call a cab?
-Shall do, nodded the stallion, taking out his cell.
Shortly after, we were driven to Lamia’s, with the lioness dressed in her black chaperon, looking down at us with a casual wave, welcoming the new company.
-Good thing we cleaned up, she said as we walked inside. I was just taking a breather from the forms and all that, but I’d say the staffing is over and done with. So, everything went well? I heard a lot of gunshots, even from here.
-Things became a bit messy near the end, said Aquarius, but it worked out. Sorry to be imposing myself, good lioness.
-I don’t mind another co- I mean guy in the room, said Lamia, correcting herself midway through. Anyone up for a shot of brandy?
-Taker, I called.
-Seconded, smiled the stallion. There seems to be a theme to this apartment, if no one minds the observation.
-Lamia’s very warm, I chuckled. Aren’t you, kitten?
-Dark as night but warm as a dragon’s fire, grinned the lioness as she sat aside us on the sofa. We didn’t get to talk much at the Tower, Aquarius. Ulrich told me about you and the Family, but that’s pretty much it.
-That’s pretty much what I told the pair of you to date, pondered the horse, taking a sip of the spirit. Oh, there’s not much to tell, really. I was born in Madrid, the first of the three of us brothers. Their names are Marcello and Paul, to answer your next question, and Marcello the youngest albeit the brightest. I went to school in Milan, and moved here when I fell into the Family.
-Chance meet?
-Purest luck anywhere, nodded Aquarius. I was at another Goth bar, wouldn’t you know, and I bought a few rounds to these two guys in really nice-looking costumes, then lo and behold, they introduce themselves as members of the city’s Family and offer me a place here with the Falcons, who were in need of a new point after he’d retried. It’s been what... three years since then? Nice ride though, I can’t complain.
-So that puts you at about twenty-eight, I asked, or near there?
-Twenty-nine, I had a bit of fun in Italy before moving here first, replied the horse.
-Fine young stallion, grinned Lamia. I bet you’re not too lonely?
-Actually, my spare time’s spent at the Tower. What spare time I have, anyway. Once in a while, maybe.
-White as your fur or black as your muzzle, whispered the lioness, eh?
-Black, answered Aquarius, blushing a bit. Ulrich, this cruel lioness has no prudery!
-I know, I shrugged as I looked across to Lamia. I think she wants proof, though.
-Right... oh, you do?
-Purr, frowned the lioness. How about we put aside these cotton-based products and cut loose a bit?
Aquarius smirked as we progressively cast aside our clothes and sat back down, himself slapping his think black cock on his lap to prove his point to Lamia, who let out a deafened groan as she looked it over. I gave a few compliments too before reaching over and taking it in my hand and stroking it a bit.
-Ulrich, bud, startled the stallion, what are you doing, exactly?
-Masturbating you, what does it look like? Then, I’m doing to turn you on your back, give you some manly loving, and have Lamia enjoy the show.
-What a spanking good idea, smiled the lioness. Any protests?
-Just the fact I’ve never been... you know, that, motioned Aquarius.
-It’s about damn time you did, stated Lamia. While we’re at it, do you have dirty stories to tell, horsy?
-Dirty stories? Well, I guess so, but I’d rather not have it leave this room.
-It won’t, I insisted as I turned him on his back, massaging his buns. Tell away.
The stallion tried to recount a few little parties that he and his brothers had been involved in through the years, but cut short a few parts as I started my dick up his crack, giving whimpering moans of surprise instead. He seemed to like it nonetheless, smiling wide with a glazed look as I ran my hands over his body, pumping him steadily. I finished before he did, but kept massaging his prostate as I aimed his cock at his muzzle, and during a short moment when he wasn’t paying the same level of attention to the situation, he shot off hard, the impressive load striking him right between the eyes. The result couldn’t have been funnier, with the Aquarius looking at the location cross-eyed as he released a hinny of relief and Lamia let out something between a laugh and an orgasm as she hit her apex, ending in a coughing giggle as she wiped herself with a handkerchief.
-Bull’s eye, I called as I pulled out of the horse, or stallion’s forehead, whichever you prefer.
-You pervert, laughed Aquarius, grabbing a tissue from the lioness and wiping off his shot. You’re insane, Ulrich.
-I get that everywhere I go, I shrugged, but all and all, it feels good.
-It did, in a weird way, admitted the horse. Do you have barbs on that dick, though?
-You know it, I replied, taking his hand and running it over my foreskin. Funny, eh?
-It tickled, blushed Aquarius. I didn’t want to laugh, but when you were in there, it felt like some ants were walking around my....
-That sounds great, boy! You have to do me, called Lamia. Are you up for it, panther?
-Looks like it, I chuckled, pulling the lioness on the sofa as Aquarius retreated to walk around a bit. Hmm, soft...
I massaged around Lamia hole a bit before I put a finger in it, getting a short gasp from her. She had a positively devilish grin as I slid into her and moved around to let my textured acorn drag inside her colon. Her tongue hug out of her mouth as our eyes locked and we went at it nice and slow until she had her dose and I thrust back from her.
-Yes Georgia, there is a heaven, sighed the lioness. Wow...
-Miami must be one hell of a place, added Aquarius. I’m gone though.
-Then everyone in bed, said Lamia. Yay, I’ve got two toys tonight!
The three of us landed our tails in the lioness’s normally lonely bed, cuddling close, retractable claws and hooves together as we tried to stop playing with each other and sleep a few hours until sunrise.

Aquarius and I woke up at the same time, brought about by the same feeling of visceral pain as Lamia took our scrotums and gave them a wiggle. Our airs were just as in tune as we pounced on her a fondled her silly, the lioness eventually giving up and conceding defeat to us, carried by her guests to the washroom to try and clean off as best we could. After we made a stop at the cafe where I’d visited with Rebeka, we went ahead and visited the tigress at the station. Our welcome was something we hadn’t expected though, a good group of the policemen raising a round of applause as we walked in, catcalls and flattering comments of all nature raining on us. Rebeka’s head poked above the crowd, as did an inviting smile and wave for us to follow her to talk in her office.
-Things went perfectly after the assault, said the tigress. The suspects are all in detention facilities across the island and investigators have started to comb the theatre for evidence, which there is no shortage of, thank you very much.
-So not too much paper, I asked, or did it just go quick?
-It went quick when Detective Droste got wind of the results, speaking of which...
-Hello Ulrich, said the goat ask we walked in. I can’t find the words to express my gratitude for your work last night, panther. This was something that I hadn’t imagined would come to pass, not unless some act of God came about.
-I’m just as responsible as this good stallion, Aquarius, and the wonderful detective here.
-Ah, speaking of which, Detective Svensekova, I wrote a commendation for your file this morning. When promotions come about next month, you can expect to become assistant commissioner.
-Thank you, sir, said the tigress. I was only performing my duty, sir.
-No need to be humble! This was considerable work. And mister Aquarius, I also have some documents for you. In return for your involvement in this, I have listed you and what contractors and other parties your organization encompasses as a paramilitary policing force to be called upon to supplement our efforts. In return, we will consider you exactly that, and will not pursue any inquiry into your activities unless we feel that this relation is no longer tenable.
-We would be very happy to lend our hand whenever you require it, nodded the horse. Our gratitude is yours, sir.
-And ours goes to you, friend. I shall fetch the documents now, if you would accompany me, mister Aquarius.
The horse gave a thumbs-up to us as he walked out of the office with the chief, talking very candidly about issues of policy that the agreement would include. I turned and shrugged to the two other felines with a smile.
-Well, that’s a nice way for this to go, I said. Figure now we’ll actually start working on opening the resort?
-Sure, laughed Lamia, why not?
-This business may be concluded, hummed Rebeka, though it would be sad to part ways so soon, wouldn’t it?
-You’re perfectly welcome at the resort, I insisted, and to put some serious mileage on our spa, Titania.
-I suppose I could set myself up a little training schedule, grinned the tigress. What would you ask for membership?
-A hug, replied Lamia, pacing forwards and getting a cuddle from the detective. There, lifetime membership at the RS Malta, room and board.
-We’ll have a lounge open soon, after all, I commented, and I’m sure you could use a little rest after your long hours, eh Rebeka?
-How can I say no to that, chuckled the tigress, pulling me into the group hug. By the strangest coincidence, I also brought a change of clothes today because I thought I’d go for a run at noon. I put in a lot of extra hours yesterday, and I could use a little leave just now, if you’d invite me so soon.
-Come hither, Titania Svensekova, I smiled, taking her hand and Lamia’s as we walked out of the station, passing by the chief’s office to tell the stallion where we’d be.
As soon as we reached the resort, we passed by the offices to find Marcello busy setting up his office. I talked with him about the resort for a while, letting Lamia and Rebeka continue on to the spa. I sent out the contracts for the interior and exterior work while I was there through the lioness’ computer, paying an extra bonus for the companies to put the pedal to the metal and get this done.
-You’re all right here, Marcello?
-Fine, fine, nodded the stallion. It’s nice of you to have offered this to me, though. I’ve always wanted to get a bit farther from the core of the Family, to be honest. It’s not that I don’t like it, but things get so heavy sometimes, that it’s difficult to find any satisfaction in it.
-I understand, but be assured that this place will give you plenty to look after as well. See it through though, and you’ll have a blast, I swear.
-I’ll also get a bit of time to just get some rest, sighed Marcello. Aquarius and Paul get rowdier then I ever do, and I’m at the receiving end of their energy most of the time.
-So they’re party animals, eh?
-And that’s a fact, grinned the stallion.
-Fun time growing up with older brothers?
-Sort of, except that they... aw, nothing.
-They..?
-They have this habit of having some fun together, blushed Marcello, and drag me into it once in a while.
-Fun, as in fun kind of fun, or... fun?
-The last, grinned the horse. You should have seen our apartment when we lived together here where we’d just moved! It looked like a bigger sex shop then Lamia’s, if you can believe it.
-Lucky bastards, I laughed.
-Well, smirked the horse, goes to show you they’re not as lucky as me, eh? Anyway, I’ll keep an eye on things here, so you can go ahead with your friends.
I nodded and made my way to the spa, where Rebeka was coaching Lamia on high-impact weights, the lioness having a fun time lifting about twenty while the tigress was at a solid fifty. I joined in the course, trying to match the tigress the best I could, though by the end of an hour, both Lamia and I took some lie-down time to recover, getting a hearty laugh from the tigress as she continued her program.

The next day, the workmen arrived at the resort to start the renovations, making good on the promises that they had made the previous day. Lamia and I oversaw most of it, leaving Marcello to manage the hiring of the staff and their first run through RS policy and procedure, which went over quite well for the most part. By the end of the week, the resort was ready to open, a company record for RS, and which eventually earned us a cover page on Globe Travel and The Friendly Planet, two of the more prestigious magazines for upper-crust tourism. Marcello held a tight shift, taking the more work-intensive responsibilities for the establishment, leaving Lamia as much leisure time as she’d like, and the chance to start some more intense training with Rebeka when the tigress visited the resort, four times a week for workouts, and just casually for drinks and company. Personally, I let Lamia start down her own path more and more as I saw my assignment come to an end, knowing that just as the two last times I’d found myself in an uncertain position, it was thoughtless to force myself to believe that anything I had would be permanent. Instead, I focused on where I’d head from there on out, for with RS in a hard position with their internal affairs in bedlam, I couldn’t see myself trying to surf the crashing wave until I finally hit the beach. What I learned from them put me in good stance to move forwards with the dreams I had entertained when I was in college, which was to open my own hotel, my own establishment with no creature before God other then me to steer its destiny. Where? Well, though I’d loved the world I’d explored through the last few years, I felt my heart crave for my old friends, and what family I still had.

Four months after my arrival in Malta, I bought a ticket for home back to Miami.