I do not own Felina and Callie, but I own most of the other characters in this chapter.
4: Prey
Callie was nervous, Felina could tell. She was not bouncy or jittery nervous. There was just the way she checked herself out several times in the mirror and changed earrings four times. She had to remind Callie Desi would not care about her earrings. The behavior did not die down when the car called up to let them know he was downstairs.
"He's downstairs already? But, maybe I shouldn't wear these shoes." Callie looked down at her feet.
"Kit, the shoes are fine. We need to go." Felina wrapped an arm around Callie's waist and let her out of the door.
Felina made sure to stay close to Callie, even as they went down to the car. Callie decided to dress as if this casual dinner was a business meeting and to avoid making her look silly, Felina had done the same to a degree. She wore a male's suit, in black, with a white button-down shirt, several buttons undone on Callie's insistence. She allowed Callie to fix her hair as well, as it helped keep her calm. Callie talked the whole time about absolutely nothing, though. The nerves really hit when she had nothing left to do.
"It'll be fine," Felina whispered to Callie, holding her hand tight as the driver rushed around the black town car to open the door for them.
Callie swallowed loudly and took a breath. "I'm sure."
Felina kissed Callie's cheek and then helped Callie into the car, just in time, too. As soon as Callie was on the seat, Felina caught sight of a trio of kats coming toward them, snickering and smirking as they looked at her. This was bad news walking and it was only a few feet away.
"Hey, if it isn't the most famous dyke of all time," one of the guys smirked as they stood a couple of feet from her. The other two morons with him laughed, like this was funny.
Dyke. This was the term most idiots settled on as their slur of choice. She wondered where it came from and why it sounded so terrible, even though it was so new. It had no history to be so hurtful, but it sounded so blunt and crashed into her like a baseball bat every single time.
"She just hasn't met the right guy." Another jerk-off had the nerve to grab himself. So, apparently, they were doing this in broad daylight.
Felina moved, wanting to block the door. She wanted to keep them away from Callie and also keep Callie from getting out. Her queen had no problem getting into kats' faces over words like this. It would be sexy if it was not so dangerous.
"No, I tend to break them in half," Felina replied, holding up a fist. She had actually been with two guys in her life and she was certain they regretted it more than she did. Callie had laughed at that when she disclosed that bit of information.
"Is that a challenge?" the first guy asked. He squared his shoulders and tried to puff himself up to appear bigger. His stupid friends did the same, like she was supposed to be scared.
"Is it?" Felina replied with a smirk of her own. She straightened her cuffs and cracked her knuckles. At least she would have a good story to tell when they arrived.
"Ma'am, we're on a time limit," the driver pointed out. His tone was respectful, but the look in his eyes was a little agitated. He made a show of holding up his wrist for her to see his large watch.
Felina glanced at him and then at the trio again. "I would probably put all three of you on your asses in less than thirty seconds—"
"But, you won't because of the time limit," Callie said, pointing to her watch. Did she just see the driver do that and was trying to be extra-obnoxious?
"This is not a good time to be arrested," the driver told her.
Felina scoffed. The Enforcers would not come for something like this in the first place. These morons would have to go and file a report personally. No one had yet to do that and she doubted they would. No one wanted to be the kat who was beaten by a lioness. The Enforcers would probably laugh in their faces if they ever had the nerve to do so.
"Lina," Callie growled. A warning, a scolding.
"Lina," the second idiot had the nerve to purr.
She would beg forgiveness later when Callie iced her knuckles and glared at her for doing what she does. For now, the sound of her fist on his cheek echoed through streets, over the din of traffic. He dropped, blood splattering onto the cold grey cement. She turned to the other two and smirked.
"Want a taste?" Felina asked, wiggling her eyebrows and holding up her fist.
Instead of stepping up, they helped their friend to his feet and Felina eased her body into the car. The driver shut the door as she settled into the plush, tan leather seat. She glanced at Callie, who frowned deeply as they pulled away from the curb. Felina smiled, trying to seem at least a little apologetic, even though she knew this would not get her out of trouble. Callie glared at her for quite a while, not speaking, just staring with a hard intensity.
"I only hit one," Felina finally said, like this was a valid excuse. She felt like it was a great exercise in restraint.
"They didn't touch you," Callie replied, folding her arms across her chest.
Felina refused to feel bad about this. "No, they didn't, but I bet they won't touch any other lioness they come across either. Hell, I doubt they'll make fun of them either."
Callie scowled and shook her head. "You won't be happy until you actually get arrested." For a moment, she turned away and just stared out of the window. The city passed them by at a decent speed.
Felina scoffed and rolled her eyes. "Over this?" It would never happen.
Callie turned back to her, green eyes boring into her. "Lina, I need you to stop being so reckless. You don't have to protect me or prove anything."
"If I don't protect you, who will? The Enforcers?" Felina rolled her eyes again. She would destroy any fool who dared to breathe wrong in Callie's direction because who else would? It was her job and she would do it to best of her ability.
Callie reached over and took one her hands, holding it with both of hers. This simple gesture should not feel as good as it did, but it never failed to make Felina feel warm inside. It made the scolding easier to take, which she suspected was why Callie did it often.
Those green eyes were so wide with worry. "You take stupid risks. Those guys could've had weapons. They could've hurt you or worse. What would I do without you?" the words were hushed, but urgent.
Felina swallowed and her stomach burned. Stupid. While she was busy posturing, Callie worried over losing her. Yes, she had to protect Callie, but she could not put herself into a risky situation like that just to prove a point. They had this conversation several times and it always slipped her mind when she got in the moment.
"I'm an ass," Felina grumbled.
Callie nodded. "But, you're my ass." She leaned over and kissed Felina's cheek while giving her hand another squeeze. "Truthfully, you are not an ass. We both know that. But, you're still in trouble."
Felina pouted. Begging forgiveness later never helped. Of course, she loved this about Callie. Callie called her on things. Eventually, this would blow over, though, until her next stupid stunt.
Felina tempted to make a joke, wanting to say something about Callie not being nervous anymore, but she let it go. Callie would not find it funny and she would probably go back to being anxious about this dinner. So, she would take the reprimand.
"You always do that. You always have to be the hero," Callie huffed and she released Felina's hand.
Felina shrugged. "I don't know any other way to be." It felt like it was in her DNA.
Callie exhaled so hard it puffed out her cheeks. Her hand ended up on Felina's knee and she rubbed Felina's knee a little. This felt a little like forgiveness, but Felina knew that was not the case. She would still be trouble later on.
"I knew who you were before I fell in love with you, but you can still be such a big idiot. You never think about things when you rush in and you're not alone anymore. Do you think I'd feel better knowing you got hospitalized or worse trying to protect me or my honor?"
Groaning, Felina ducked her head. "No." It was never her intention to leave Callie alone. She doubted any of these cowards could beat her, if they had weapons or not. But, her love worried and she should respect that, consider that, and stop rushing into these situations.
"Then why do you do these things? You just leap into these fights and everything. You're not on your own," Callie reminded her. "Do I have to say this every day? Go 'I love you, Lina. You're not on your own'?"
Felina groaned a little more and she wanted to sink through the seat. Making matters worse, she was certain the damned driver was listening to the whole conversation. If he made a peep, she would punch him, too, and drive the damn car herself.
"Can't you just let me admit that I'm an ass and not keep making me feel like an ass?" Felina grumbled.
Callie leaned in closer. "I'm hoping it'll eventually stick. Because, really, what do I do when you're gone?"
Felina rubbed her forehead. "Run the city and hang out with Jake and Chance."
Callie gave her a deadpan look, letting her know that was not the right answer. Maybe it was not right, but she was certain it was true. Jake and Chance would take care of Callie for her. Callie would survive without her, despite what Callie seemed to think.
"You noble idiot," Callie said, gently shoving her knee.
Felina smiled. Name calling tended to be a good sign. The scolding was coming to an end. By the time they got to the gates of Desi's house, everything was fine. Callie was curled up next her and she had been properly and thoroughly reprimanded. Until the next stupid thing anyway.
The house was very much a mansion. The lawn was for freshly mowed with a colorful flower garden. The car pulled up right to the long stairs that led to the front door, which was frosted glass. The driver opened the car door and Felina stepped out, awed by the size of the house, which resembled a castle. Felina felt underdressed now.
Shaking that thought away, Felina reached into the car to help Callie out. The driver stepped out of the way, obviously understanding this was Felina's job. Callie emerged from the car and looked at the house as well. Felina pressed her close in case Callie's nervousness returned.
"Felina!" Desi greeted them with open arms in his foyer. Felina had never been in a home with a foyer before. Seeing he was dressed almost exactly the same way she was, at least Felina did not feel underdressed anymore.
"Desi." Felina quickly put her hand out. He seemed like a hugger and she was not. He wasted no time shaking her hand and, thankfully, did not attempt to hug her.
"You pull off this look better than I do," Desi remarked as he brushed off his jacket sleeve.
"Just blessed," Felina retorted with a smile.
Desi turned his attention to Callie, who held out her hand. "Miss Briggs." He leaned down and kissed her hand. Felina fought off rolling her eyes.
"It's a pleasure to meet you again," Callie said. She had met him and his brother a couple of years ago when they first started dealing with Mayor Manx. Callie always made it seem like she did not know the brothers well, despite the business dealings.
"Yes. Come in, come in, come in." Desi ushered them into the house.
Felina put her arm around Callie's waist as they stepped all the way into the house. Callie tucked in close to her. Felina could not help looking around, feeling like she was in a museum. It made sense why this was not in the city. It would have probably been robbed blind by now.
"Felina, after dinner, I'm going to show you my game room. I feel like I can challenge you and not get scolded by my wife like I do with my son," Desi commented with a bright smile.
Before Felina could inquire about Desi's family, they were standing in front of the family in some kind of living room. There was a huge entertainment center and plush sectional sofa in front of it. Everything was clean and polished. Desi practically trotted over to them, his wife, young son, and kitten. He grinned as he stood with them.
"This is my wife, Bambi." He motioned to his elegant spouse, who was dressed in a simple sundress with very little makeup. "Our son, Mexi, and my precious little Arizona. Isn't she adorable?" Desi took the kitten from his wife to display her to Felina and Callie. He held the tiny kit with pride and confidence, such a huge grin on his face.
"Arizona Felina," his wife added with a smile just as bright as Desi's.
Felina blinked a couple of times and forced herself not to take a step back. "You named her after me?"
"Well, without you, she wouldn't have been born in the first place. It only seemed right." Bambi reached out for a handshake, causing a diamond bracelet on her wrist to slide and sparkle.
The glint from the rows of diamonds was so distracting, Felina had to take a brief moment to collect herself and shake Bambi's hand. Bambi held her hand tightly with both of her hands for a long second. She looked at Felina with this big, bright, blue eyes that put her diamonds to shame, like Felina was actually a hero. Felina just wanted to disappear for a few seconds until the scrutiny was over.
"Thank you so much for saving my husband's life. He's a goof and annoying, but I'd rather he annoy me for a few more years." Bambi smiled.
"I was just doing my job," Felina insisted. This really was all there was to it. Yes, doing her job had landed her Callie, which was awesome. But, she did not do what she did for rewards or praise. It definitely did not warrant naming a kitten after her. She did it because it was the right thing to do, the right thing she was compelled to do.
"Never to this family and we'll never be able to thank you enough," Bambi stated, taking a step back and retrieving Arizona from her husband. Maybe she sensed this could get awkward, or was already a little awkward.
Felina would have argued that point, but she learned from Callie, it would not matter. It probably was not even polite. So, she just smiled and nodded.
"Where's Hernan?" Felina asked, wanting to change the subject. Besides, she thought both brothers would be there for this.
"He's on his way. He stayed late at the office," Desi replied, waving the whole thing off.
"As he often does. I'm sure we can entertain each other until he arrives," Bambi said.
Felina gave a Desi a look. "Did you tell him to work late to force me to socialize with you?" she smirked.
Desi scoffed and made a show of rolling his eyes. "I don't have to force him to stay at the office ever. Sometimes, I have to go and make sure he's not chained to the desk. It's like the numbers are holding him hostage."
Bambi arched an eyebrow. "Are you done, dear?"
"I got one more. I'm waiting for his chair to ransom him back to me," Desi remarked with a grin. "Now, I'm done… with that section anyway."
Now, Bambi rolled her eyes. "You say these things as if you were not as bad as him once upon a time."
Desi scoffed loudly and waved the whole thing away with both hands. "On to you, Captain. Why wouldn't you want to socialize with me? I'm awesome, right, Mexi?"
The boy gave a toothy smile and puffed out his little chest. "That's right! My dad is way awesome! He's making an Iron-kat suit for the army!"
Felina was not sure what that meant, but she gave the kitten a smile and a nod. Giving Desi a glance, he just shrugged and smirked at her. Felina rolled her eyes. He was determined to make her like him.
"How about a tour?" Desi suggested, jabbing his thumb behind him. "Maybe you want to hold your namesake." He gave Felina another smirk.
"Uh…you sure?" Felina was not used to people offering her kittens to touch. Her own mother had made sure she stayed away from her siblings once she was outed. More recently, people with kittens would cross the street when they saw her.
"I insisted." Bambi slid the kitten into her arms before she knew what hit her.
Felina let out a very uncharacteristic squeal as the baby settled against her chest. There was a soft coo from Arizona and she looked at Felina with the biggest, cutest yellow eyes Felina had ever seen. She was fairly certain she felt her heart melt in her chest. So, this is why kats have these things. They're so cute!
"She's so precious," Callie said, smiling softly, practically hanging on Felina's shoulder. Her weight was not fully on Felina, but she was felt just the same and it was so good.
"She is. And, so very tiny," Felina replied.
"You cut a cute family. Perhaps a kitten in the near future?" Bambi proposed with a soft smile.
Felina's face fell before she could help it. How could this ever be them? She robbed Callie the chance to be a mother.
"We'd probably have to figure out a donor before any of that or possibly adopting," Callie chimed in.
Felina blinked. It seemed like Callie had thought of this already. They could use a donor. Callie could carry a kitten. Or, they could adopt. So many kittens needed a good home and there was no law against it… yet. She had not robbed Callie of anything.
"You've thought about this?" Felina found herself asking. Callie had the nerve to smile coyly.
Bambi smiled, too. "I'm sure Miss Briggs has thought on how to tie you down many times, Felina. Surely you understand you're a catch."
"She's not wrong," Callie concurred with a laugh.
Bambi winked and Felina felt herself blush. Callie and Bambi shared a high-five, seemingly instantly comfortable with each other now. The tour started and Felina was able to hold the kitten the whole time. Arizona was a calm kitten, laughing and smiling at her the whole time. Arizona also giggled when Callie showed her attention. Maybe… maybe they could be mothers together one day.
The tour was amazing. Mexi did most of the talking, which was beyond cute. A seven-year-old tour guide. He was like a mini-adult, especially since he had on slacks and suspenders. His little feet, covered in wingtip shoes, tapped lightly on the hard floors as he walked around like he owned the joint.
Desi added in jokes and winked at Felina a bunch to make sure she got them. She hated that she was really starting to like him, and his family. They might actually have to get a drink one day. And then, Hernan arrived and it was time for dinner.
-8-8-8-8-
Dinner went much better than Callie expected. She had gotten used to Desi during the tour and was able to speak to him on friendly terms, especially seeing when he was not working, he truly was a bit of a goof. Adding to her comfort was the fact that they allowed her to feed Arizona. Bambi talked to her the whole time, even giving her baby tips. The family was just so comfortable, she could only be the same.
The dinner felt very family-like as well. They did not sit at some long, luxurious table. The table was fairly big for a family of four, but fit them well with guests. There were not courses upon courses, just a simple meal.
After dinner, Hernan was the one who proposed they go to the home office and discuss business. Desi gave a sheepish grin and shrugged, as if he was embarrassed by his brother. But, he showed them where to go.
"Can I come? I could help," Mexi said, jogging up behind them.
Callie could not help thinking how cute he was. The way Desi handled him was cute as well. She could not believe he had once been a workaholic.
Desi got down to Mexi's level. "You certainly could help, but before you can come in and make a deal, we've got to work on Uncle Hernan. You know how tough he can be. Once we get him on the level, you can come in and seal the deal, okay?"
Mexi nodded and pulled at his suspenders. "I got this."
Desi grinned. "I know you do." He glanced over to Bambi and gave her a nod.
"Mexi, before you do business, can you come help Mommy put Arizona to bed? She likes when you read to her," Bambi said.
Mexi nodded and charged off. Desi turned back to them and shrugged. Felina and Callie just smiled at him. That was too cute to be upset about.
"Drinks?" Desi offered as they entered into his office space. It was huge, like something out of a movie, with tall bookshelves, an expensive desk, and an imported leather sofa. It reminded her of the mayor's office, but more serious and less of a showoff. "I bet I have cream you'll like," he gave Callie a smile and wiggled his eyebrows.
Callie shook her head. "It's fine."
"What bloods do you have?" Hernan asked as he eased into a plush chair.
"Nothing you want to drink. You're all about antelope blood." Desi made a face.
"It has a richer taste," Hernan replied as he crossed one leg over the other.
"You say that about monkey blood, too, and I'm not inclined to agree. We're not here to argue bloods. Let's discuss Callie running for mayor." Desi motioned to the couch. "Ladies, please, sit."
Callie and Felina did as requested. Callie took in just the simple scene before her and what she already knew about the brothers. In business meetings, they had both seemed similar, as if they were always on the same page. Here, it was clear Hernan was actually very serious while Desi was more carefree. She could see why Desi was the one who kept up contact with Felina now and why he was the one who tried to show her so much appreciation.
"I've heard the Spotted Party plans to run a good friend of yours," Hernan said.
"The Spotted Party isn't planning to back Manx?" Callie could not believe this. They had backed him three times, as if he was a part of their political party.
"They think the writing's on the wall with Manx. He's guilty. We all know this," Hernan replied.
Callie nodded. This was very true. She had files in her possession that showed so much corruption it was not even funny and it was not the tip of the iceberg. She took hold of those records to make sure no one from City Hall tried to really go after her once she was outed and fired. Manx was done when the colonial government really started digging.
"Well, if the Spotted Party isn't backing Manx, then who have they decided to run?" Callie asked. She wondered if the other political parties would also run their own candidates. Did they remember how to do that? Most of them just backed Manx whenever he was up for reelection.
"Well, we all know how the Spotted Party likes to take strong stances on crime, law enforcement, and such, so they've decided to run former Lieutenant Commander Peter Steele," Hernan answered.
Felina made a gagging noise and Callie felt like her jaw had to hit the floor. It was a good thing she had not accepted the offer of a drink or she would have spit it out. They were going to run Steele? The bastard who outed her and Felina as if their relationship was any of his business? The bastard who tried to blackmail them to get a better position in the Enforcers? Callie would take pleasure in embarrassing him during the election, but she was not sure if she could. She was not sure she would survive losing an election to him.
"This works for us to a degree. He's only got law enforcement experience, nothing political, and you both are well versed in his career already. We also know exactly how he'll attack you," Hernan pointed out.
Callie nodded. "That is helpful." It was pleasant to see Hernan thought so much about this already. Hopefully, he and his brother would bring the same energy to this as they did to their business empire.
"Plus, he's not a danger to your already locked in military votes," Felina added.
"Right." Callie smiled. Steele had never served and he was not particularly kind to the Enforcers who had. They would spread the word.
"If we're going to take the political world by storm, I think we should hire a PR consultant. We all know the first and hardest thing Steele and Manx will hit you with is being a lioness and then being female," Hernan continued.
"I've already looked up several who are willing to help. We'll front the bill," Desi added.
Hernan rolled his eyes. "I assume we're fronting the bill for everything." He said it like it was a foregone conclusion, but not in an upset manner. It was like it was a simple fact.
"I'm sure that's not true." Callie already knew she had the might of Nia's conglomeration behind her.
"Yeah, this is politics. We have to do fundraisers and things that help connect to people, right?" Felina asked.
"Of course we have to do that if we want votes," Callie replied. She might be able to make other business connections this way and get more funding to avoid relying on just the brothers and Nia.
"This is true. Now, I've never been much for politics, but I do like planning and organizing, so I've made a list of things we'll need for the campaign. Miss Briggs, I would appreciate if you would look it over in case I've forgotten something." Hernan eased his phone out of his suit jacket pocket. "I just sent it to Felina."
"Please, call me Callie and perhaps we should exchange numbers." Callie went into her purse for her phone. While rummaging, she passed her signal for the Swat Kats. She had not had the chance to use it much this past year, but the duo never took it from her and did not seem to plan on it. Perhaps, she would be able to use it in an official capacity soon enough.
The Onca brothers both nodded and numbers were exchanged. It would seem, they were going to do this. Callie felt butterflies in her stomach. What if this turned out to be a huge mistake? Beyond that, what if this turned out to be the best thing ever, after Felina of course? Callie was deathly afraid of the former, but could not even comprehend the latter.
"So, welcome to the Wild Party," Desi declared, clapping his hands together.
Hernan gave his brother a deadpan look. "We'll discuss a name."
"Please." Callie was not sure if she wanted to be the "Wild Party" candidate for mayor.
-8-8-8-8-
Next time: they start making a battle plan… and get a proper party name.
