I heard the satisfying thud as the man I just threw out of the drill circle hit the ground. Damn. Another opponent down. I was quickly running out of competition, and hadn't even begun to sate my anger. These human Hawks really need to step up their game. I turned to look for my next challenger and see instead my salvation: Tain, leaning against the wall, chuckling softly at the heap of unconscious mortal at his feet.
"You next?" I wait less patiently for him to enter the circle, craving a match that may finally take some of the edge off this anger.
"Not a chance, Teela. I heard the news. I'm here to collect." I look at him in confusion. Oh, yeah. I had hoped he had forgotten about that.
"It doesn't count," I counter, shrugging. "We don't know she went to him for that. Maybe it was part of her duties for today. I wouldn't be the first time she was sent into the fiefs." I hedge any way I can, not willing to admit that I may well have lost our bet. The one in which I swore the kitling would never turn to the fieflord, never willing become his Erenne in truth.
"After what happened with Evarrim today, you think truly think he will allow her to leave as anything less than his? Admit it. You lost. I don't like it any more than you do, but a bet's a bet. Pay up." The slow smile of anticipation that crosses my sometimes-lover's face does something delicious to my everything, but I refuse to give him the satisfaction. I turn from him and move back into the circle, no longer willing to discuss our bet, and the terms to which I agreed.
About halfway through the circle, I change the grip on my beat stick, just before a powerful body slams into me from behind. I roll onto my back, holding the obstacle between me and my attacker. Tain muscles it aside and I feel his weight along the length of me, his face inches from my own. I reach up and kiss him thoroughly, running my left hand down his side, along his back, caressing his ass. I feel his response and know I have him engaged. Making no sudden movements, I slowly bring the beat stick up over his head. His free arm catches my hand, pinning it above my head as he moves his lips to explore my face, my neck. I feel a sharp bite on my earlobe and hear a soft, "Be good." I smile. I am very good.
My weapon is forgotten as my left hand joins the right, above my head. Insistent lips tease my breasts through my uniform. My nipples bead, inviting the mostly-gentle nips of Tain's teeth, dragging soft moans from my throat. I feel his knee slide between my legs, spreading them. He returns to my mouth, and I am caught in a deep violet gaze as he explores, daring me to do no less. I drop my pretense of a fight and give back, slipping my tongue deep into his mouth, lifting my head to meet him. And then, I'm alone, panting on the ground. My throbbing body refuses to move as Tain kneels by my head, gently stroking my cheek.
"The terms, Lord Anteela. I will collect tonight."