Purebreds and Power

The dark, sleek wolf weaved back and forth across the dirt road, keeping Han from passing. The deep copper color of the animal’s coat appeared almost metallic.

It was stunning.

So when the creature stopped along the side of the road, Han felt compelled to follow.

Soon enough, Han ran out of road, and he parked the car. Without hesitation, Han stepped out and continued on foot. His shiny black shoes proved less than ideal for navigating the rugged terrain. Deep in the woods, the animal continued to goad him, even on foot.

Just when Han thought he was crazy for following a wild animal, the leaves and rocks gave way to something softer. The pitch black surroundings morphed into a softly lit pasture. No moon provided light, but the plethora of stars certainly did.

In all his years, Han had never seen so many.

Fireflies bounced up and down on the evening breeze while tree frogs bellowed their song. Owls and crickets added their voices to the harmony, and Han stood in awe.

As Han noticed a small rustic cabin, he heard rustling and realized that the wolf no longer stood in front of him.

“Shit!”

Han smiled at the unexpected yet familiar voice.

“Lilly, what did I say about that pretty mouth and swearing?” Han’s arms folded across his chest, but his smile remained.

“Oh. don’t go wrinkling your wardrobe, Han.” Lilly carefully stepped out from behind a large maple tree. “I forgot to restock my clothes.”

There she stood in only an oversized T-shirt. Han wondered about the garment’s owner but simply laughed instead.

“Hey, don’t hate on my rainbows and unicorns! Show me a girl who doesn’t appreciate them.” Lilly folded her arms with a harumph. The move pulled the already short attire even shorter.

Han closed the distance between them and picked her up, hugging her close.

“I’m still mad at you.” Lilly knitted her eyebrows.

He kissed her cheek before setting her down. “Is this your home?”

“My home away from home, yeah.” Lilly spread her arms, looking around. “I find a lot of peace here.”

“Are you in need of peace?”

“At times.” Lilly walked through the brush until she reached a crushed stone path. She moved with ease across the changing terrains, and Han marveled at her perpetual elegance.

Reaching the door to the cabin, Lilly slid the gate latch open and disappeared inside.

She returned with a battery-powered lantern. “Never had a guest here, so, yeah.” Lilly half-smiled, biting her lip.

Han touched her lip, then circled his arms around her waist. “Are you nervous?”

Lilly looked up at Han, staring hard before speaking. “I’ve never done this.”

“Met a paramour for a secret tryst?”

Lilly chuckled and put down the light. Then she rested her cheek on Han’s chest and wrapped her arms around his waist. “No, shared my space. My true space. With anyone… ever.”

“Then I am honored.”

The couple stood, quiet for the moment, allowing nature to serenade them. Han drew his thumb slowly across Lilly’s back, searching for signs of injury with each steady stroke.

“You won’t find any.” Lilly looked intently at Han. “I told you, I’m fine.”

“Not possible. I’ve heard what silver does to your kind.” Han placed his hands on Lilly’s shoulders. “I want to know what Sera did.”

Lilly stopped Han with a quick kiss. “Before you go further, let me explain.” She stepped away from his embrace. “But let’s get a fire going.”

Lilly gathered small twigs and sticks as she headed around the side of the cabin. Han picked up the light and followed.

Tucked neatly behind the small cabin, the overgrown meadow gave way to a small rock firepit about ten yards from the house. Lilly placed her kindling and a few larger pieces of wood with precision. Pulling a lighter from her shirt pocket, Lilly soon had the fire crackling.

Enthralled, Han studied Lilly as she watched the fire. She looked at peace. Content. The soft glow of the flames cast light on a single rough-hewn chair. It spoke of the many nights in this sacred place. Alone.

“Sorry I don’t have more seats. I’ll sit on a log or something.”

“It’s fine, Lilly.” Han unbuttoned his jacket, sat in the chair, and pulled Lilly down on his lap. “We can share.”

The orange and yellows danced into the night while the couple cuddled together. Lilly pulled her legs up and tucked them inside her shirt. Her feet rested comfortably on Han’s leg while she leaned her head back into his chest.

Lilly sighed.

“My dad always wanted children. More particularly, he wanted a son.” She picked at her nails. “Then I came along.”

Han grabbed Lilly’s hands and entwined their fingers.

“He trained me as if I was a boy. No differences. Just as hard. Or so I thought.” Lilly nuzzled into the comfort of Han’s chest. “It wasn’t until much later, when I went on ‘mate trips’ that I found out that the way he treated me was anything but normal. Even for a boy.”

“I train daily. Routine stuff. But once a week, I do ‘next-level’ training. Stuff that will give me an edge. That’s what I was told.” Lilly sat up and then stood in front of the fire, holding her hands out to warm them. “I’ve done weapons training, poison training, you-name-it training. But the lessons weren’t limited to my use of them.” Lilly sighed, then brushed off her cheek. “My father used them all on me. Tears would make him start over. Tears show weakness.” Lilly turned around, her reddened eyes dry, and smiled. “And no one would ever want a weak mate.”

Han stood from his chair and took his jacket off. He helped her into it and took her hands in his.

He didn’t say a word.

“So when Sera found me and pulled me from your bed, I knew she couldn’t give more than I could handle. Stupid bi--” Lilly’s eyes grew wide, and she cleared her throat. “Sera only dipped the end in silver once. Half of the solution ended up on the concrete with all her pompous posturing.” Lilly turned around in Han’s embrace and faced the fire again. “Now a cat-o-nine tails with silver tips or barbs? That does some damage.” She shuddered. “My father always made sure to heal me properly. Don’t want to damage the goods.”

The fire had burned down to the last timber, and the couple stood cuddled in the last of the light.

“Head inside,” Han whispered into Lilly’s hair. “I’ll chop some wood for the fireplace.”

“That would be great. Let me get you the maul.”

Han smiled. Lilly sparkled in her natural surroundings. All the beautiful stars in the sky could not compare. Just as Han pulled himself from his reverie, he caught a long-handled axe inches from his head.

“Oh! Sorry. I have to get used to this extra strength. It’s kinda awesome!”

Han watched Lilly duck back behind the house before continuing.

After rolling up his dress sleeves, removing his tie and cufflinks and pocketing them, Han chopped and chopped without breaking a sweat. The motion, the action, though repetitive felt good. Felt right.

It made him feel alive.

Only when Han stopped working did he feel eyes on him, searching him, devouring him.

He smirked.

“Turned on by manual labor, my love?” Han turned to find Lilly. A dreamy look full of desire plastered her face.

“Han…”

“Yes, my beloved?”

“Make love to me."