I don't own these characters, except the Onca brothers.
10: Pounce
Callie had never fled a vehicle so quickly in all of her life. Hell, she had not even waited for it to come to a complete stop. Awkward did not begin to cover the last ten minutes of the car ride after Hernan kissed her. The air itself had been oppressive and she was not sure how they had not been crushed to death by the atmosphere. He seemed shocked when she pulled away and even more shocked when she told him to stay away from her. He was under the impression they had something.
"There's a connection between us, a bond," he told her. She hissed and glared at him, hoping it would keep him from talking, ever again if possible. But, no such luck. "Callie…" he said.
"No, just stop," she ordered. "Stop. Just sit there and don't say anything."
"But, I love—"
She growled. "Don't say anything!"
Hernan had the nerve to jump at her tone. But, thankfully, he was quiet the rest of the trip. She glared at him from across the car.
"I'm in love with Felina. She is my chosen mate. That's the way it is and the way it always will be. You had no right to do that and don't think you did. There's no bond or connection. I'm with Felina," Callie stated soundly when they got to her building.
She could only wonder what he thought of her when she jumped out of the car. It did not matter. She needed to get away from him and wash her lips. With each step she took, her insides burned and grumbled. Damn him for ruining everything, possibly everything.
She actually ran up to the apartment, wishing she could flee this feeling. Her hands shook as she tried to put the keys in the lock. Rushing into the dark apartment, she slammed the door behind her.
"Sweetheart?" she called into the void. There was no answer and her heart dropped. "Oh, right." Felina was out, finally having that drink with Desi. "Damn it." Her chin trembled and she slapped her hand over her mouth.
Hold it together. There was no reason to fall apart. Okay, Hernan got the wrong idea and kissed her. Okay, Hernan betrayed Felina's trust. Okay, she would have to tell Felina what happened. Okay, Felina would be upset. None of this was a reason to fall apart.
"But, what if this just ruined the campaign?" Now, not only would she have to deal with Felina knowing some male had kissed her, but she had to disappoint Felina by not living up to this destiny Felina was so certain she had. Tears slid down her face.
It's not fair. Despite it all, things were actually looking up. She had even started to believe she might win this thing. Steele could not keep up with her and could only insult her. Anyone with half a brain knew to vote for her, but now she would not have enough money to keep the campaign going, unless some of her other business contacts wanted to fund her like the Onca brothers and they were not so certain right now. Callie curled into a ball and cried.
-8-8-8-8-
Felina yawned as she entered the apartment. Beers with Desi was not awful, especially after they finished discussing his brother. They joked and talked, especially comparing notes on places they had been. She might be inclined to do it again, if pushed.
Those thoughts left her head as she noticed the apartment. The living room light was on. She discovered Callie tucked into a ball on the couch, still wearing her dress. Felina's brow furrowed, but she did not want to wake her mate. So, she gathered Callie in her arms. A light mew escaped Callie and she turned into Felina's chest. Felina smiled a bit.
She carried Callie to bed with little problem. Callie did not wake while Felina eased her dress off and covered her with a sheet. She quickly stripped and climbed into bed. Callie found her as soon as she was settled and she wrapped her arms around Callie.
"Sorry," Callie muttered, curling against her.
Felina kissed the top of her head. "You have nothing to be sorry for."
Callie did not respond, so she was probably still asleep. Every now and then, Callie mumbled in her sleep, so Felina did not think anything of it. Felina fell asleep with ease for the first time in a couple of weeks. She had been so tense about Callie and Hernan, but she decided to just trust them thanks to Desi.
-8-8-8-8-
Callie woke, surprised to find herself in bed. Her was tucked underneath Felina's chin as always, so she could guess how she got there. Kissing Felina's cheek, her heart thumped heavy in her chest. She eased out of bed.
"How am I supposed to tell her what happened?" Callie muttered. A better questions is how am I supposed to tell her what happened and get her to trust me ever again?
She did not have an answer to that, but she assumed such news would be easier with a good, hearty breakfast. So, she took a shower and then went to make Felina's favorite breakfast. A three meat omelet might soften the blow with some nice chilled milk. Added to that, she delivered it to Felina in bed while wearing one of Felina's t-shirts.
Callie put the tray down on the nightstand before straddling Felina's legs. She moved the tray over Felina, making sure it was secure. The added weight made Felina groan and she slowly opened one eye. Callie smiled at her.
"Good morning," Callie purred.
"Morning…" Felina let loose a loud yawn and then managed to open both eyes, even though it was only halfway. "What's all this?" She smiled as she took in the sight of breakfast and Callie.
A small, but somewhat nervous smile worked its way onto Callie's face. "I figured I could make you breakfast."
Felina smiled even more. "I see that. Looks good." She sat up as best she could with Callie parked on her thighs and a tray between them. "It might be a little tricky to eat if you don't let me up a bit."
Callie chuckled, forcing the sound out, as she pushed up just enough to allow Felina to move. Felina wiggled into an upright position and then started in on the food. Callie just watched her eat while fighting back tears. She felt like the world was about to crumble around her for some reason.
"You okay, kitten?" Felina asked before shoving a huge bite of omelet in her mouth.
"Fine." The way her voice cracked, they both knew she was far from fine.
The fork hit the plate with what was probably a soft clank, but sounded deafening to Callie's ears. Felina reached over, hands gently placed on Callie's biceps. She drew small circles with her thumbs and made Callie's heart speed up. If she was not careful, she was fairly certain her heart would escape through her ribs.
"Talk to me, kit," Felina pled in a tender tone. She gave Callie big eyes and Callie felt her insides shatter.
"I need to tell you something." Callie's voice was so low, a trembling whisper. Her throat felt so tight.
Felina swallowed and her eyes searched Callie's face. Callie felt naked, exposed. Felina gave her a tiny smile.
"You can tell me anything, kit."
Callie licked her lips. "It… I…" She took a breath and sighed. "I didn't mean for it to happen." Her stomach flipped as she thought about it.
She felt Felina tense. Felina stared at her and lines appeared underneath her eyes. Worry clouded her eyes and Callie's stomach began doing all sorts of twists and turns.
"What happened?" Felina inquired in an almost hard tone.
"It was a mistake," Callie said. Maybe if she set this up right, she could avoid Felina killing Hernan. No sense in Felina undoing her own hard work.
"What was a mistake?" Felina asked, her tone and eyes harder now.
"Hernan… he…" Callie licked her lips again.
"What did Hernan do?" Felina's tone was deliberate, calculating.
"He kissed me."
Felina growled. "He what?"
Callie swallowed, wanting to ease her tight throat. "He kissed me." She saw something flash in Felina's eyes and tried to save the day. "It was just for a second!"
Felina took a breath, but her jaw trembled. She glanced away briefly and then looked back. Her eyes had changed. They looked shattered and Callie felt like everything inside of her collapsed into her feet. Was Felina about to leave her over this?
"So… are you… with him now?" Felina bite out through gritted teeth.
Callie gasped and squinted as she regarded Felina. "With him?" What the hell does that even mean? With him?
"That's what my favorite breakfast is about, right? You're going to let me down gently?" With a snort, Felina rolled her eyes and turned away.
Suddenly, fury burned any other feelings in Callie's belly and shot right through her, all the way to the tip of her tail. With a snarl, she glared at Felina and pressed on Felina's abdomen. Felina grunted and bucked a little from the pressure.
"Are you serious? You think after I walked through Hell and back with you I'm just going to jump the first tomkat who kisses me?" Callie growled. How the hell can she possibly think so low of me?
With fire in her eyes, Felina turned back and glared. "It would be better for you, wouldn't it?"
Callie narrowed her gaze. "Me or my career? Because they are not the same thing and you should know that by now!" She gave Felina another little shove, this time in the shoulder. The nerve of her!
Felina had the gall to gnash her teeth, like she was insulted. "I know, but you could do so much good as mayor and if you're with me, you might not be mayor."
"Oh, I should be with him just to be mayor? Are you really willing to trade me away like that? Do I mean so little to you that you would just throw me to these people?"
Felina growled. "You know that's not true! You are the world, the sun, the moon, and the stars!"
Callie snorted. "If these people can't accept me with you and all then screw them! This city could burn to the ground and sink into the sea for all I care! You're the only one who matters and I can't believe you would think so little of me that you'd think I'd chose my career over you. Have I ever done that?"
Felina shook her head. "No. Of course not."
"So, why the hell would I start doing it now? Do you honestly think so little of me?" It took all of Callie's willpower not to fling the breakfast tray across the room.
"Of course not."
"But, you're still so desperate to be a martyr that you're ready bow out of this relationship and just let me go?" Callie demanded.
"No!" Felina roared, sitting up more. The tray across her clattered, but did not fall. Callie's body blocked it.
"Then why are you acting like it? You want him to have me?"
Felina's dark eyes exploded with emotion. "Of course not!"
"I'm not worth fighting for?" Callie glared at Felina. The nerve of her! Here it was she thought she would have to spin this to protect Hernan's life, but Felina had the nerve to just let her go. What the hell was that about?
Felina clutched Callie's biceps. "Of course you are!"
"Then why are you acting like it's okay for me to just walk away? How am I supposed to take this?"
Felina's eyes softened and she moved her hands to Callie's back. She massaged the small of Callie's back and the base of her tail. "I never want to stand in the way of your happiness."
Callie just glared harder. Does she not know me at all? "Never assume anyone would ever make me happier than you."
Felina nodded and bit her lip. "I'm sorry." Shaking her head, she put her hand on her fore forehead before looking back up at Callie. "This whole thing has been making me uncomfortable."
Callie groaned and lightly popped Felina on the thigh. "By Baast! You went along with it. You being okay with it is the only reason I went along with it. Why didn't you say anything?"
Felina clutched Callie's back and gritted her teeth. "Because I knew you'd stop and I really want you to get elected. You deserve to be mayor. I don't care how horrible this city is. You deserve this chance. You deserve to go down in history. You deserve to have everyone see you shine, even if you blind them."
Callie had never actually thought about it like that. Felina had such lofty goals for her. It was a little frightening, but also flattering. She was not sure if it was healthy, though. It seemed like it would hurt their relationship and she was not interested in that.
Callie shook her head. "You want me to have some great legacy, huh?"
There was a low sigh. "Callie, when you're done, the last thing people will talk about is how you were the first open lioness to be mayor. They're going to have a long list of amazing things. I know it and you know it. I'm willing to push you as hard and as far without crossing a line to get you there."
Callie's eyes narrowed as she stared Felina down. "Okaying me to date Hernan wasn't over the line?" There is no line if that's the case!
Felina sighed again. "I've seen how you look at him on TV and pictures. I thought you fell for him."
Callie shook her head. It was hard to stay angry with Felina over this, knowing Felina seemed to think she was the cure for all that was wrong with the world. She was still upset, though. She could not believe Felina and this martyr complex she had.
"Why the hell are you so damn noble?" Callie growled.
Felina ran a hand through her hair. "I've never had an actual person to want things for in my adult life. I want the world for you, kitten, and I'd do anything in my power to get it for you. If you asked me the burn this whole stinking town to the ground right now, I would."
Callie sucked her teeth. She knew that was true. If she asked anything of Felina — even something outrageous and against her nature — Felina would get it done. Again, it was hard to stay angry at her for things like this.
"You listen to me, and you listen good, you put me before my destiny or what I deserve outside of you or anything else, okay? I'm first and foremost," Callie stated, putting her hands on Felina's cheeks. Felina nodded and Callie smiled. "Good."
"Sorry…" Felina whispered.
"Don't be sorry. Be my mate."
"I am."
"Then act like it."
"I will." Felina looked her in the eye. "I won't assume anything about your desires again."
Callie chuckled and shook her head. "I don't know about all of that." There were times when they both enjoyed Felina assuming everything about Callie's desires.
Felina smirked. "Okay, I won't assume anything about the big things. I don't want to lose you. I will put you first, not your destiny, not the awesome things I know you're going to do, but you, yourself."
"Good."
There was a moment of silence. "So, what the hell is this about Hernan kissing you? I know you didn't want it, so he just stole a kiss?"
And now she would have to save Hernan's life. This was too much for one morning. "He misread the situation."
"Oh, hell, yeah he did! Who kisses someone else's mate? What the hell?" Felina threw her arms up and snarled.
Now, this was the reaction Callie expected. "He thinks he's in love with me."
Felina sat up all of the way, almost throwing Callie off of her, but Felina's hands on her back kept her in place. "He thinks what?" Breakfast hit the floor with a thud that echoed through the room.
Callie put her hands on Felina's shoulders. "I set him straight. I told him I'm with you and I love you and he had no right to kiss me."
"No shit he had no right to kiss you!" Felina took her by the biceps and picked her up, moving her to the floor with ease. She shot up from the bed. "Where the hell is my phone?"
"What are you going to do?"
"Call that bastard up! Have him meet me and then punch him in the face! Hell, punch him in the face if he's lucky!" Felina roared as she scanned the room like a mad bull.
"Sweetheart, I need you to calm down. I kept calm because I know how much you want this mayor thing for me and I do want it, too. So, we don't want to lose his money," Callie reminded her.
Felina turned to her, looking at her with big eyes. "Can't Nia cover it? Besides, I doubt we'll lose Desi. He's a good guy." She sighed. "Of course, I thought Hernan was a good guy, too, which is why I trusted him with you." She gnashed her teeth. "Where is my phone?" she practically howled and the search was back on.
"Lina…"
Felina turned again with her face twisted up. "You wanted me angry and now that I am, you want me to calm down. I don't understand. What do you want from me? I saved this guy's life. I trusted him with you and he does this. Everyone told me I was crazy when I said he was looking at you all gooey eyed."
Callie blinked. "Wait, what?"
"On TV and the pictures. His look changed. I guess… I just thought yours did, too, based on what I was seeing with him."
Callie shook her head. "You're an idiot."
"I am. I know it. You knew it when you gave yourself to me."
Callie could not call her a liar on that one. Plus, this was a matter they needed to settle. "No punching. He's kind of my friend." Maybe one day, she could forgive him for this and they could move on.
Felina folded her arms across her chest. "I'll just put my foot in his ass then."
"Lina," Callie said sternly.
"Fine. You gonna help me find my phone now?"
Callie eyed her mate for a second before deciding to help. How were they going to patch this mess? The last thing they needed was in-fighting, but Hernan definitely needed to be confronted over his actions.
-8-8-8-8-
Felina pushed the doors of the campaign office so hard they sounded like thunder as they banged into the wall. Part of her just wanted to tear the damn things off the hinges. The Onca brothers jumped as soon as she entered. Callie was right behind her, but that did not stop her from punching Hernan right on the cheek. The crack of bone on bone echoed through the space. Hernan dropped like a sack of cement.
"Felina!" Desi barked, glaring at her.
"You fucking touch my mate again and a punch will be the least of your worries!" Felina snarled down at Hernan while Callie held onto both of her arms. She flinched, moving like she might hit Hernan again, but she would not. Not until he was on his feet again and not until she was certain she would not hurt her mate. "You think your thousand dollar suit gives you the right to kiss someone else's mate? What did you think? 'She just needs a good tomkat in her life'? 'I can turn her'? 'I know what's best because I'm a fucking rich male'?" Felina had no idea her voice could get that loud until now.
Desi blinked and looked down at his brother as he started helping Hernan up. "You didn't…" He shook his head. "Hernan, tell me you didn't."
Hernan could only glance away, blood dripping from his nose. He pulled the pocket square from his jacket pocket and held it to his nose, saying nothing. Felina snarled and Callie actually had to hold her back this time. This was unbelievable. He was such a coward!
"What the hell made you think you could just kiss my mate?" Felina demanded, stomping her foot.
"She has feelings for me," Hernan had the nerve to say.
Callie almost fell over trying to keep Felina away from Hernan, but Callie snarled at him like she might hit him. "Liar! We went over this in the car ride!"
"Hernan, tell me you did not kiss Callie," Desi snarled, clutching the lapels of his brother's suit jacket.
"I love her," Hernan insisted, looking desperate to be understood.
Desi did a double take before glaring up at his brother. "You what? What the hell is wrong with you?" He shook Hernan.
"You wanted me to get out more, wanted me to spend time out of the office, do like you do. I did!" Hernan argued, trying to push away. Desi had a good grip on him, though.
Desi looked like he might actually pop a blood vessel in his face. "I wanted you to get a hobby and date, not try to steal the mate of the reason we're even alive today! You didn't seem to understand the gift she gave us! After that, I realized time was short and I wanted to spend time with my son, my wife, and grow my family. You went back to your desk, like it was the same shit! Now, you try to tell me, you were just doing what I wanted by kissing Callie?"
Hernan shook his head. "I just wanted…" He sounded on the verge of tears, but Felina still wanted to put her boot in his ass.
"Oh, now, it's what you wanted! Nothing about what anyone else here wanted. Are you really this fucking selfish?" Desi snarled and shoved his brother away. He paced loudly, pounding footsteps echoing in the empty office, before motioning to Felina with his hand. "She saved our lives and almost died in the process!"
"I get that!" Hernan looked at them with pleading eyes. "I really get that. I would never do anything to hurt you, Felina. I don't know what happened. It was just…" He sighed and had the nerve to smile at Felina. "She's magic and I was out of line. I had no right." He looked at Callie. "I had no right."
"So, we're supposed to just accept some half-ass apology from you?" Felina snarled and tried to jump at him. Callie held her back and she controlled herself to avoid hurting her lover.
"What else would you have me do? Should I prostrate myself before you?" Hernan asked, pressing his hands to his chest, but managing to sound like he thought that was a little bit outrageous.
"That's a start!" his brother hissed. He paced up and down the office lobby. He then let out a soul-splitting scream, tearing at the air. "I wanna fucking punch you right now! I mean, really, do our lives mean nothing to you?"
Hernan sighed and wiped his face daintily with his pocket square. "It's not that. It's just…" A tear actually escaped his eye. "This was the first time I felt like I had a life beyond the office. You were already married and had your kit, but I only had the business. But, going out with Callie to those fundraisers and parties… I finally felt like I understood."
With a groan, Felina shook her head. "This happened because Hernan is awkward and can't date." She curled her lip, still wanting to punch him face in.
Desi shook his head. "I don't believe this. I just assured Felina there was nothing going on, that you were just friends with Miss Briggs. Baast, how stupid do I look?" He threw his hands up.
"Is there any way I can make this up to you?" Hernan pled.
Felina doubted this. She could not trust this kat. He was just another tomkat who thought he had rights to a female just because he was a tom. Entitled and spoiled, Hernan was just someone else who thought he could control the world, females included. Frowning, Felina shook her head.
"I don't think there is," Callie said.
Hernan's face fell. "I didn't… I didn't mean…" He took a deep breath as another tear fell from his eye. "There has to be something." His voice trembled.
"It's odd. You weren't this worried or nervous when you leaned in to kiss my mate, were you?" Felina demanded. How dare he stand before them in tears? He was not the wronged party. "Do you think she was just someone you could have? Do you think she owes you? Do you think she's brought and paid for?"
"Of course not! I respect her and you. I'm sorry about this. I thought…" Hernan shook his head, scratching the top of his skull. His jaw quivered a little. "It doesn't matter what I thought."
"No, it doesn't. You didn't get that before this, though?" Felina said.
Hernan's mouth trembled even more. He was actually broken up about this, but it too little too late. Felina turned away, not wanting to watch this pathetic scene anymore. He would gain no sympathy from her. And to think, I was ready to walk away from my queen if this made bastard made her happy. Callie followed her to the door. Desi trotted after them.
"Wait," Desi called.
"Desi, go back to Hernan," Felina sighed. The last thing she wanted to do was come between the brothers, especially since they were so close.
"I understand why you're upset, but you know I'm upset as well. I named my daughter after you, Felina. You'll never know how much I'm indebted to you. I want you to understand that," Desi said.
"But, your brother is your brother," Felina replied.
"He is and what he did was wrong. I'm not making excuses for him, but Hernan has been lonely for a long time, especially since I decided to have a life. He adores you just as much as I do. He likes Miss Briggs, too. He wasn't thinking when he did this. It wasn't that he felt like he had a privilege over you, Miss Briggs."
Callie shook her head. "You don't have to explain things for him."
"I don't want either of you to hate him. Yes, he overstepped very much and we're all aware he caused a lot of pain, but it's not because he's entitled or spoiled. Is there any way either of you would forgive him? He's not bad. Just confused and… socially, outside of business stuff, he might as well be a teenager, okay?" Desi said.
Felina nodded, knowing this to be somewhat true. Maybe one day, she would forgive Hernan, just not today. Hell, she would not even forgive herself today. She glanced down at Callie. She was not quite so certain Callie would ever forgive him. She could only hope Callie would forgive her.
"We need to go," Felina stated. She did not want to be around either brother right now and she had to work on making things up to Callie herself. Shit, I have a lot of work ahead of myself.
"I know. Don't worry. We'll still win this election," Desi said with a strong nod.
Felina did not care about the election, but it was nice to know they still had the financial backing they needed it. She put her arm around Callie's waist and Callie pulled in close. Callie walked with her back to the car.
"Maybe…" Callie started to say, but then shook her head.
"Don't make any decisions about the future just yet," Felina replied as she opened the car door for Callie. She feared Callie was about to back out of the election, if only to put some distance between them and Hernan. It was unnecessary right now. If not that, then Callie would try to figure out how to get along with Hernan or feel guilty about taking his money.
Callie nodded and then slid into the car. "His brother has a point."
Felina got behind the wheel. "You don't have to forgive him."
"You will."
With a nod, Felina allowed for a half-smirk. "Well, I'm an idiot. We already established that." She was an idiot who knew what loneliness was like. But, she would not forgive Hernan any time soon.
Callie smiled a little. "It's one of the things I love about you."
Felina smiled. "Does this mean you forgive me?" This was way more important to her than dealing with Hernan.
"I'm going to be upset with you for a little while, but I'll always forgive you, sweetheart. I love you, after all. You have to forgive yourself, too, you know that, right?"
A light, low chuckle escaped Felina. "How do you know me so well?"
"Because I love you. I know you're upset with yourself because you actually tried to push me away. You just have to stop trying to fall on your sword for me. I keep telling you that. Hell, I've been telling you this for the better part of a year."
Felina nodded. This was definitely a habit she would need to work herself out of. She did not want to do something too stupid for them to come back from. She took Callie's hand and kissed her knuckles.
"I don't want to lose you," Felina said.
"Then stop pushing me away," Callie replied. Felina nodded again. I definitely will stop doing that.
-8-8-8-8-
Next time: Callie takes Felina with her to an event.