Page 68 of Fight
"DEV!"I screamed, unable to hold it back any longer, he thrust hard a few more strokes and I felt his body jerk inside me, he shouted as he came, lowering himself over me.He still supported his weight with his elbows, so he didn't crush me, but he finally released my hands.I wrapped my arms around his body, enjoying the feeling of him so close to mine.
He pulled away, withdrawing from my body. He disappeared into the bathroom, disposing of the spent condom.I heard the water run briefly before he came back into the bedroom and helped me pull the blankets back and crawl inside the bed.He pulled the drapes, blocking out the still bright sun, and we settled together on the bed, ready to get some sleep.
Chapter 19
The next morning we headed to our meeting with the local Anikitos.According the directions, the trip would take about thirty minutes, but we'd doubled that to compensate for the unfamiliar area and parking.We still had plenty of time when we pulled into a parking garage attached to a tall office building and went inside.
"We're headed to the fourteenth floor."Devon checked the message from Bill with the information.The elevator door opened in front of a reception desk and waiting area.Apparently the Anikitos' offices took up the entire floor.My sensitive nose picked up the scents of several kindred.I couldn't get an accurate count with the unfamiliar pack scent, but there were at least a dozen.I took a seat, while Devon spoke with the receptionist then joined me.We waited patiently for someone to come for us, aware that we were early and it may be a while.
It was still a few minutes before our appointment time when a tall woman with skin the color of caramel stepped into the reception area.
"Devon and Dominique?"She spoke clearly but without raising her voice and I cringed inwardly at my given name.
Devon and I stood."Here we are," Devon said.He waited, while I followed her then came behind me.I caught a whiff of her personal scent and knew she was another kindred.
"Mr.Ridges is ready.If you'll follow me."She led us down a short hallway that opened into an average sized room.It had a neat, unmanned desk to one side and another door to one side of the desk.She lead us past the desk to the door, and knocked once before opening it."The visitors from Arizona."She announced, as we passed her on our way into the room.
"Thank you, Veronica.That will be all."A deep voice came from one side of the large office.I followed the sound, and found a large, squarely built black man making his way to his feet behind a large desk scattered with papers and a name plaque on the front edge reading 'Warren Ridges, CEO'.There was another, even larger man standing near the wall to one side.I didn't have to catch their scents to know they were both kindred.This was the Anikitos and the enforcer who served as his body guard.
I remained silent, following Devon's lead.I'd never met with another Anikitos and I didn't want to accidentally insult anyone.
"My secretary tells me you're visiting from Arizona."The Anikitos moved around the desk, to stand in front of us."That you're part of Bill's pack."
"Yes, Sir."Devon said respectfully.
"I understand that you're here on vacation?"
I nodded.and Devon spoke again."Yes, I was invited to a wedding here in town tomorrow,"
"Not kindred?"He asked as if he already knew.
"No, sir.He's an Army buddy."
"And you felt the need to inform me of it.Why?"He seemed unhappy at having been bothered for something beneath his concern.
"Just courtesy, sir.I wouldn't feel right entering another pack's territory without paying my respects to the Aniktos."
The large man nodded."I appreciate that, there are many these days who wouldn't show the courtesy."The expression on his face softened a bit."If you run into any trouble while you're visiting, please, don't hesitate to let me know."
"Will do, sir."Devon said.
"What about you," The Anikitos turned to me."you haven't said a word since you stepped in here.Are you afraid of me?"
"No, Sir, it's not that."
"Then what is it?"
"Well, sir, I'm still kind of new to all this, and I didn't want to accidentally do, or say, something that would be taken as an insult."
"New to all what?"
"Kitsune culture."
A scowl formed on his face."How can you be new to our culture?"
"I was adopted, sir.I've only recently shifted and found out about all this."
"Ahh.How unusual."
