Creatures

Karen stepped into the hot spring bath slowly, acclimating herself to it. Everyone had told her to try it, and that she could wear a bathing suit if she really wanted to, but she had preferred to keep her body hidden from the others for certain reasons. She lowered herself into the water and sighed. She was tired from the day and it felt wonderful to soak her aches away.

“If I did not know any better, I would say that you are tired.” Came a voice from behind the rock in the middle of the pool. “Would you like me to cook tonight as well?”

Talon appeared around the rock and Karen let out a squeal and ducked as low as she could in the water. Talon grinned.

“Relax, I did not peek.” Not that he had not wanted to when he had heard her enter, but he was too much of a gentleman (where had he learned that he wonder?) to be disrespectful of her privacy like that.

“What are you doing here?” Karen asked.

“This is where I usually bath.”

“What?!”

Talon came into full view and she immediately back peddled and started to stand.

“I would not do that if I was you.” Talon gave her a grin. “Not unless you want to expose your breasts for my viewing pleasure and although that would not bother me, I do not think you would wish to do that.”

He came and sat down on a bench perpendicular from her, but left space to stretch out.

“I told you... relax. I cannot see anything and as long as neither of us tries to look when we get out so there is no problem.” He leaned back and closed his eyes.

Karen could only stare at him in astonishment. “Uh?”

Talon’s lips curled in a bemused smile. “Are you always this articulate?”

“Shut up.” Karen sank further into the water and mimicked Talon’s movements. She closed her eyes and let out a sigh, fully aware that they were naked, just feet from each other with no chaperone around.

“Feels good, no?”

“Mmm, I just might be able to get used to this. The scenery is much nicer than my bathroom.”

He stole a peek at her.

She was leaning back like him with her eyes closed. Her shoulders dripped water and he could see the top of her breasts where they floated in the water. Damn, she really did have large breasts. His groin tightened painfully as his eyes traveled up her neck and ear before going back to rest on the tops of her breasts. He thought that when she took in a deep breath that he could just make out her nipples, but he could not be sure. His groin tightened even more and he found himself sporting a good hard-on.

Good thing she could not see that, he thought.

He knew that he was not going to be able to get out for a while, but for the moment he found himself enjoying the pain-pleasure of sitting next to her like this. He closed his eyes and let his imagination go. As long as he did not make any sudden movements or noise, he could do as he pleased.

Karen opened her eyes and stole a look at Talon. She took in his broad shoulders and the part of his chest that was exposed.

He was not down nearly as far as she was, in fact, he was exposed almost to his waist and he did not seem to care at all. She had been right, the man was built with some of the finest muscle cuts ever imagined, but there were scars too. Little ones here and there and Karen wondered what he had gone through to carry them with him.

Her gaze traveled back up his chest, noting that his nipples were hard little pebbles and that he seemed to have no hair any place on his body. Must be from handling fire like he did.

She had a serious itch to run her fingertips over that smooth chest and flick one of his nipples to see if it would get even harder at her touch. She clenched her fingers together as moisture pooled between her legs and closed her eyes.

She was going to have very vivid dreams tonight now that she knew what it looked like underneath those t-shirts and suits that he wore. If she was honest with herself, she could even say that she was looking forward to those dreams. After all, in her dreams, she could reach out and touch that chest.

Talon was at his limit. Any longer sitting next to her, hearing her breathing hitch up and become ragged like that and he was going to lose his control. He knew that he was affecting her and if he did not move soon, he would do something stupid that they would both regret later.

“I am getting out,” Karen spoke suddenly. “If you would be so kind as to...” She gestured to the rock.

Talon stood up, revealing his body down to his hips, just barely keeping certain body parts concealed. Karen felt her mouth go dry at the sight and she was pretty sure that she could come just by watching his body move.

“Like what you see?”

That was the third time he had caught her ogling him. What was he, some kind of prime, grade A meat.

Karen jerked her eyes up from his flat abs and hips to see him looking right at her. She blushed bright red when she caught his gaze staring down at her.

He was not going to tell her that from his viewpoint he had a very nice view of her naked body, only slightly distorted from the rippling water. He knew he was skating a very fine line to be continuing to stand there, his member fully erect and just barely concealed by the water.

“Sorry.” Karen looked away. “I just have not seen so many muscles and scars up close before. Your abs..” She blushed even redder, covering her mouth with her hands to stop herself from speaking.

Talon gave her a grin, her movements causing her breast to rise further up.

“Would you like to touch?” His voice dropping low as desire snaked through him at her words. Damn if he knew what he was thinking right now, but the temptation was so great and she was so beautiful looking the way she did with the water running down her body.

Karen’s mouth dropped open. “Uh? What? Whoa...”

Talon moved in closer, stopping just short of her body and leaned down, pulling his hard-on away from her body. He placed his hand just above her shoulder next to her head and looked her right in the eyes.

At this angle, he could truly appreciate the curves of her body and the beauty of her skin. He leaned in close and whispered in her ear.

“I said... would you like to touch?” He pulled back a bit and caught her eyes again. “My abs that is.”

“No, I would not.” Karen looked away, unable to keep eye contact with him. He radiated heat and sex and she was not sure how long she could fight that pull until she did something stupid, like ask him to take her right then and there.

Talon stepped back carefully, making sure not to disturb the water too much. Getting that close to her body was a very dangerous thing for him to do at the moment. He shrugged nonchalantly.

“You are welcome to touch them whenever you wish. I do not mind.” He sent her another saucy grin and headed for the boulder he had originally sat behind.

“That goes for any part of my body that you might be interested in.” He laughed and disappeared behind the boulder as her face turned even redder at his comment.

“Why you...”

“Yes?”

“Nothing,” Karen muttered and turned her nose up at him. “I am getting out now. Do not look.”

He let out another rumble of low laughter as Karen scrambled to get out and wrap herself quickly in a towel.

The nerve of that man. Karen mumbled to herself as she headed back to her room to change. It did not help that she was so turned on right now. Damn him. She dressed quickly and headed to the kitchen, not bothering to dry or pull up her hair, she would not be able to get supper ready in time unless she started now.

Talon glanced up at the darkening sky. That was close. He closed his eyes, replaying the last few moments, pulling up the images of her body once again. He had almost lost control and kissed her, pulling her up against his body. His body was aching for the release that was close and yet so far. He let out a sigh as his hand helped him go over the edge. He had not masturbated this much since... well... ever. Damn bonding made everything more intense.

He climbed out of the pool and headed for the house. She was going to need help if they were to have dinner ready in time.

“Allow me.”

Karen felt the knife slip out of her grasp and a warm body directly behind her. She had felt his presence, but she had not been tuned in enough to realize that he was that close, so into her thoughts she had been.

She turned to see Talon up close and personal and she took a sharp intake of breath when she saw that he had no shirt on and had her pinned against the counter.

“Uh, where is your shirt?” She asked even as she stared at his naked chest and abs again.

The man really did have a nice body. His towel was thrown over his head like he had just dried his hair and there was still a few rivets of water dripping down his shoulders and chest and her hand physically ached to run it across his chest as she licked the moisture away. She swallowed hard.

Did he have to be this hot, she wondered, grumpy with herself for being so affected by him. What was up with that? Stupid bonding.

Talon grinned, noting her discomfort.

“Right here.” His shirt lay on the counter next to the food that she had been preparing for supper.

“I thought that I would give you another chance to touch my body before I let the offer expire.”

Karen rolled her eyes and without thinking, put her hand on his chest and shoved. Surprisingly he stepped back. She snapped her hand back quickly and stepped away from the counter, intent on stepping around him and head for the stove. She was bright red and knew it.

“Put your shirt on for Pete’s sake.”

“I do not know a Pete, but I will put it on if you ask really nicely.” Talon pulled the shirt on, still feeling her hand on his chest.

They worked in silence until Lily poked her head into the kitchen.

“Helllooo. Is anyone here? We are home.”

Talon turned and walked out of the kitchen to where everyone was coming in with their luggage.

“I see we arrived in one piece.” He commented, causing everyone to freeze at the sound of his voice.

“Go put your things away and clean up. It will be another ten minutes until supper is ready.” He turned and headed back to the kitchen. “Welcome home.” He called over his shoulder as he disappeared.

“Welcome...”

“...Home?”

“What?”

“Am I hearing things?” Evan asked.

They all looked at each other. Talon did not greet them when they came home. Talon did not smile when he talked. Talon did not say welcome home...ever.

“Well, let’s do as he says.” Lily picked up her luggage. “I am not sure what is going on, but I am sure it will become clear in time.”

“I sure would like to know though,” Eric commented as they started towards their rooms.

“Mmm, wonder what they did all weekend?”

“Evan!” The rest scolded him.

Soon they had all cleaned up and were gathered in the dining room to eat. They sat as Talon and Karen finished putting the food on the table.

“Good evening. We are glad to see you back safe and sound.” Karen commented as she sat down at the table.

“What is up? No ‘welcome home’ from you, but you...” Eric pointed to Talon who had surprised them all once more by seating down at the other end of the table.

“Not only do you welcome us home, but you smile while you do it and now... now you are going to eat with us?”

“What did you do to him?” Michael asked Karen, completely bewildered by the whole deal and he knew he was not the only one. The rest were staring between the two as well.

Karen started to giggle which caused everyone to become more confused. Karen did not giggle.

“Just wait.” She smiled, “Not only did he help cook tonight, but starting tomorrow, he will be cooking every meal, all week long.”

You could hear a pin drop as the jaws dropped around the room and they could only stare at the two before them. What had they been doing this weekend?

“What has gone on in this house this weekend?” Carrie finally asked. “Did you to have sex or something?”

Karen and Talon both blushed, giving everyone around the table the wrong impression.

“No, but I had no idea how perverted all of you were until this weekend,” Talon commented dryly, starting to dish out food onto his plate. “There are somethings I just do not need to know about you.”

Everyone just stared at Talon, who refused to look at anyone as he continued to put food on his plate.

Karen could not suppress herself any longer and started to laugh uncontrollably. She could not help it, their faces were priceless. When she was finally able to get herself back under control she informed them of it too.

“You should see your faces.”

“What did you do to our Talon and Karen and give them back? You two are starting to frighten me.” Emerald demanded, causing Karen to giggle some more.

“All right. Give. What happened here this weekend?” Evan growled. “And I want the truth.”

“Nothing.” Talon started to eat.

“Oh be nice.” Karen chided him. “Why do you not wish to tell them? They are curious and family should know these things.” Talon started at her use of the word family.

She gave him a smirk. “Shall I tell them for you then?” she asked when he did not speak. “It is like this.” She continued, ignoring the glare that Talon sent her way.

He was not the least bit upset with her. In actuality, he found himself enjoying the situation and watching Karen and the others reaction. It was worth it for the embarrassment he was sure he was about to experience.

“You see... Talon and I had a little bet going while we were cleaning earlier and he lost.” Karen shrugged her shoulders. “Thus, he is the cook for the rest of the week.”

“Wait. You had a bet?” Evan spoke up.

“No, not that, you cleaned? You and Talon CLEANED the house. Together? Our rooms?” Carrie ranted.

“Yup,” Karen replied. Putting more food on her plate. “Well... go ahead and eat. It will get cold.”

They all were so astonished that they did exactly as she told them to and started to eat.

“By the way,” Karen asked. “How was your trip?”

Lily cleared her throat. “It was good, but obviously not as much fun as being here to see you two cleaning.”

“Talon, hon, would you please pass the potatoes. Thank you.” Lily started in on their trip and everyone followed her example, leaving the topic of Karen and Talon for the moment.

Karen sat quietly, watching them interact with each other. Even Talon started to speak as people asked him questions. At one moment she even caught Talon’s gaze and he sent her a wink that made her drop her fork. Other then that, the dinner passed quite pleasantly and soon it was time for bed.

“I believe that I will head to bed early. It has been a bit of a long day for me.” Karen stood and picked up your plate.

“Leave it,” Talon spoke up. “I will take care of the dishes. You go get some sleep.”

Karen nodded her thanks and headed for the door.

“Good night.”

“Good night.” came the chorused reply.

After she had left, everyone turned their gazes to Talon.

Talon sighed. “Out with it. I will just say though, you may ask, but I can refuse to answer.”

Carrie spoke first. “Out with it.” Using his own words against him. “What the hell went on between you two this weekend. You are like two completely different people. What did she do to you?”

Talon shrugged, ignoring the question. “If you are finished, you may bring your plates to the kitchen. I would then suggest that you all turn in. It has been a long weekend for everyone and we return to work tomorrow.”

“Go figure. I knew he would not answer even if we asked.” Michael sat back and smiled after Talon had left the room. “Still, it is nice to see him starting to open up.”

The others nodded their agreement.

“I wish I had stayed home now,” Evan whined.

“Why? Nothing would have happened if you had been here to interfere, idiot.” Emerald shot at him.

“Be nice Emerald.” Lily gently reprimanded her. “Come on everyone. Let’s go relieve Talon. I am sure that he is exhausted too and he did make the effort to cook and eat with us. I am sure that was very hard for him to do.”

“You wished to see me?” Karen stepped into The President’s office and closed the door.

It had been almost a week since their bet and Talon had kept his word, cooking for everyone. Not only that, he was eating with everyone as well. She had also noticed that he seemed to be making the effort to speak with the others and spend time with them. She had caught him and the other gentlemen sparring together the other day. It was good to see him finally pulling down some of his walls and opening up. He needed them just as much as they needed him.

“I wanted to be the first to congratulate you on the completion of your initial training.”

“Huh?” Karen snapped back to the conversation at hand. “I am done?”

He laughed. “You are never done, but yes, you are now allowed to leave the compound and we are working on a job placement for you that I think you will really rather enjoy. Here you go.”

He handed her an envelope.

“There is all the information that you need to know. You start on Monday so I suggest you take the next couple of days to get ready. You will need to get some new clothes I think and read up on what is expected of you.”

“Thank you, but I do not have any money yet for clothing.”

“Oh, that is right.” He reached into his desk drawer and pulled out another envelope.

“Here is your bank account and the card you requested. The amount that you wished to have each week in cash is in there for the last three months as well. You will continue to receive that amount every week, but I did not want to give it to you until you could leave the grounds.”

“Understood and thank you.” Karen took the envelope from him. “Is that all?”

“I will have a car waiting to take you into town so you can go shopping.”

“Thank you.” Karen headed for the door.

“Oh, one more thing.”

“Yes.”

“It is nice to see Talon finally accepting his family, Thank you.”

Karen nodded. “I did nothing more than allow him to see what he already had.”

“Still...”

“Good day sir.”

Karen slowly made her way back to her room where she sat down at her desk and read through the information that she had been given. Sometime later she stood and stretched, heading to her closet to see what she would need to buy.

Quite a bit, she thought, I did not bring a whole lot with me.

She opened the envelope that contained her banking information and counted the cash.

She got a weekly allowance of 500.00 and half of the rest went into a checking account, the other into savings.. Along with the lump sum that she received at the sell of her home and what they paid her to walk away from her life. Subtract the debt that she had had them pay off out of that... she already had close to seventy-five thousand saved and since she did not have any expenses here, she wondered what she was going to do with all of this money.

She wondered if the others were paid like her. Did they have money as well? Dumb thought, of course, they had money. The way they dressed and what they bought was proof of that. Everyone here was loaded and it looked like she would be as well.