Chapter 61: Caretaker Part 1

…The day after the next…

In a large section of Huntsville's Interspecies Exchange office, around ten in the morning, Caleb, his homestays, and the Zyklons could all be seen in a meeting room at a large rectangular brown polished table.

Mirabelle stood by Caleb's side with an uneasy expression, Lyca next to her curiously looking around, and Camilla next to her displeasedly. Caleb looked to his right at Drei right next to him along with her sisters. The Zyklons sat, whether intentional or not, shortest to tallest; also smallest to biggest chest. Ein was the most nervous, Zwei had her phone out playing a mobile game, and Drei rested her head to her cheek as she yawned in boredom.

The gang had been called to the branch office to meet with Sterling and Director Greenly about an important stipulation to Caleb's community service.

…Yesterday…

"TEMPORARY HOST?!" the others, aside from Drei, loudly shouted in surprise.

"Yep. That about the reaction I was expecting," Caleb says, rubbing his inner ear with his pinky finger. He then took out his phone and opened an email, "I just got this message with some attachments last night from Sterling about the stipulations to my community service. Apparently, they assigned a temporary host that'll look after you guys while I'm gone."

"Absurd! They can't do that! CAN they do that?" Mirabelle asked in discontent.

"Wait, so, are they trying to REPLACE Chief?!" Lyca said, becoming angry at the news.

"Over mi DEAD BODY they will!" Camilla vehemently stated, her body flaring with black rage-filled aura as she clenched her fists.

"Girls! Girls! Calm down, let me finish. It says that they also want us to come to the ICEP office tomorrow to sign some stuff in person and meet them, apparently. They're sending a whole shuttle van so Moon pie can ride too."

"LIKE THAT'S SUPPOSED TO MAKE US FEEL BETTER!" all three of them angrily shouted simultaneously as Caleb nervously backed off.

"Why would they do this?!" Mirabelle cried.

"Hmm, if I had to guess, it's likely because of Clause 13 in the ICEP bill," Drei pondered, garnishing the others' attention.

"Oh yeah! I saw that somewhere in the email too," Caleb said before scrolling on his phone trying to find it.

"What's a...Claws 13?" Lyca inquired, tilting her head curiously, her imagination conjuring up a creature with thirteen claws on its paw.

"It's one of the twenty-one Clauses in this country's Interspecies Exchange bill. It stipulates that every host family must have at least ONE human caretaker for every household. Regardless of the number of students living there," Ein explained.

"That is idiotic! What is even the point when the supposed purpose of this program is to become 'legal' citizens?" Camilla incredulously said, arms folded in defiance.

"It was written like that so that the human in charge would then be legally accountable for any mishaps caused by the students. They can't legally sue the student since they aren't recognized as citizens of the country…yet," Drei explained further.

"You mean to say they need someone to blame whether or not the student was at fault," Mirabelle pointed out.

"Hey, ICEP needs to hold someone, that isn't them, financially responsible. It may as well be someone with a valid social security number," Drei shrugged in indifference.

"Tsk. Typical greedy human filth," Camilla scoffed in disdain as the others let her have her little fit.

"Not gonna disagree with you there, because it's nothing new. All these companies stay trying to protect their investments even if regular people get the short end of every damn thing," Caleb remarked in slight displeasure.

"What I'd like to know is why the hell do they have to bring in some random dick nozzle to look after you guys? We're right here!" Zwei said before gesturing to herself and Ein

"That's right! The two of us are more than capable of filling in the role," Ein added, very confused by ICEP's decision.

"It is most likely to legally cover their asses, if anyone comes knocking at the door and sees a home full of non-human barely legal citizens," Drei said.

"I still think that whole notion is bullshit. I mean what about non-humans like Lycs who were actually BORN in this country?" Zwei questioned, as Lyca's ears perked up at her name being mentioned.

"Yeah! Don't I count as a citizen or whatever?"

"According to the government, no, since you have no records of your birth or anything to prove your legitimacy. You'd still have to pass the citizenship test," Drei quickly explained.

"What? I can't just tell them my parents' names and where my old pack is from. Isn't that enough?" Lyca inquired, looking between Caleb and Drei.

"Much as I wanna say 'yes', Fuzzy, that's not how things work for us humans. If nothing isn't written down or recorded in some way by some type of authority figure, it doesn't count at all and didn't happe," Caleb explained as Lyca frowned in disappointment before he pet the top of her head. He hated seeing her like that but he had to give her the truth.

"Yet MORE made-up human bullshit meant to waste everyone's time," Camilla scowled in annoyance, arms folded.

"The laws of this country do feel a tad complicated at times. I dare say it is a chore to comprehend," Mirabelle admitted with a sigh before looking to Caleb, "Anyway, are you OK with this, Dear?"

"OK with someone I don't know in MY house with you all while I'm away? Hell no! I only agreed because it's what I gotta do to stay with you all," Caleb said to others as they gave him mixed reactions.

"Ju are really committed to seeing this through, aren't ju?" Camilla asked a bit incredulously.

"Only because you're all precious to me. Besides, I read that I can legally reject the candidate if I don't approve of the son of a bitch or bastard. I'll just weed them out," Caleb replied candidly, earning surprised looks from the girls.

"Haha, you're going to bully them all away until you find the right one? Somebody's abusing their power as a host a bit," Mirabelle chuckled, amused and slightly aroused at the idea of her mate being that protective.

"What makes this funnier is that you ACTUALLY have powers because of Velveteen Dream over here, yet you're just abusing your LEGAL power," Zwei chuckled while holding her stomach.

"The point is that if I have to leave you all in the care of someone else then I'm making sure they actually respect you all and not try to pull any alpha male bullshit," Caleb said.

"Yeah, this is our pack," Lyca said, nodding in agreement.

"Caleb, aren't you being a little quick to judge even before you meet any of them? Besides, I imagine they wouldn't be that bad," Ein pointed out optimistically.

"Clearly ju have forgotten how troublesome the average human is," Camilla said, arms folded indignantly, to the eldest weasel sister.

"She is not necessarily wrong there," Drei said, much to Ein annoyance.

"We'll just have to meet them for ourselves. As I said before, I have legal authority to reject them, even Sterling is required to respect that," Caleb added.

"Respect your authoritah?" Zwei cheekily smirked as Ein gave her a look that said, 'really?'.

"Our authoritah," Caleb corrected, playing along.

"We have authoritah!" Lyca chimed in, raising her fist as Ein pinched her forehead, shaking her head.

"Well, if you're going through with this, Dear, then I'm right behind all the way," Mirabelle nodded in assurance, confident in her lover's confidence.

"Sí, as I, mi amor."

"A pack sticks together!"

"Jokes aside, I am…WE are also at your side, though I still doubt there will be any issues.", Ein assures as her sisters nod in agreement.

"I sure hope, knowing our luck. Fingers and toes crossed," Caleb replied.

"I'm not sure if I can cross my toes, Chief," Lyca said, looking down at her wolf paws for feet, wiggling them.

"I don't even have toes," Mirabelle added, raising her hand slightly.

Hearing that, Caleb couldn't help but smile a little. He couldn't help but love how adorable and innocent the two could be sometimes. And he'll damn sure protect it.

…Present…

As the gang sat waiting for Sterling and the Director to arrive, Caleb could feel himself becoming uneasy and tried to calm himself, taking deep breaths.

"This is bullshit," Camilla remarked in displeasure, breaking the silence.

"Camilla," Ein said, trying lower her voice while looking around to make sure no one heard her, "you shouldn't be saying that here."

"We have been here for fifteen minutas! How long are they going to keep us waiting?"

"They might been held up in a meeting or by a call, we just need to be patient," Ein said glancing at a clock, getting nervous about the time as well.

"It is rather unusual. The least someone would have done by now is to let us know if they're running late," Mirabelle pointed out.

"I'm getting hungry. Why'd we have to come so early?" Lyca whined, slumping her chin against the table.

"Hang in there, Fuzzy, once we are done and get home I will make us a big lunch," Caleb promised as Lyca's tail started to wag in excitement.

"Technically, would it be a brunch 'cause of the time?" Drei brought up.

"Girl, this is Alabama, we don't do that here. When it's time to eat, it is time to fuckin' eat," Caleb replied, jabbing his finger at the table for emphasis.

"Well, I can't wait for that. I just wish they left something in here to eat," Zwei said hungrily, imagining a box of donuts from the last time they were here.

"Yeah. Seriously though, you'd expect at least ONE of the dozens of staff here to poke their head in and give us an update on something. Damn," Caleb said, becoming a little impatient.

At that moment, the door of the room opened and in stepped the female Elf agent that had entered Caleb's house the other day.

"Oh, on cue," Zwei spoke.

"Good morning, everyone, I hope you are all well," Clawthorne graciously spoke with a slight bow.

"Pleasure to meet you again, Agent Clawthorne, is um...Agent Sterling going to be joining us soon?" Ein asked, already sensing Camilla's patience being tested.

Clawthorne paused for a second, hiding her discontent behind a wide grin, "He and the Director will be here very soon along with the temporary host for this family. They just had an…important matter to clear up. Can I get you anything?"

"A snack would be nice. We didn't get a chance have breakfast this morning and I might just eat the next thing that looks at me,. Drei remarked with a coldness in her gaze before shooting a glare at Caleb, who immediately turned his gaze forward.

"We're Karmaitchi, lady. We don't play when it comes to our food," Zwei remarked, tapping her clawed finger against the hardwood and trying to contain herself.

"Hey! She's not a waitress. We'll be leaving soon. You both can hold out until then!" Ein said, trying to reel in her sisters.

"Easy for you to say after inhaling tree chicken buns like Kirby before we left," Drei plainly remarked.

"That…You were ..I was I just…" Ein stuttered in embarrassment with a light blush.

"Ah, it's no big deal, really! You can all help yourselves to whatever is being served in the dining hall today," Clawthorne assured with a slightly nervous grin as Lyca and the Zyklons ears perked up. She was already aware of how much more hostile Karmaitchi got when they were hungry, after reading reports from China's ICEP branch.

"This place has a dining hall? Where y'all been hiding that bad boy?" Zwei asked, excited.

"It was closed for decontamination last time you were here. Mandragora spores got everywhere," answered Sterling as he walked into the room with Director Greenly following behind him, "It's fine now, but the student had to be relocated to I.A."

"Agent Sterling! Director Greenly," Clawthorne responded.

"It is about time ju arrived!" Camilla said as Ein tensed up, shooting her an incredulous stare.

"Camilla!"

"Yes, yes. Our deepest apologies for the delay. We were caught up with a rather…precarious matter," Director Greenly graciously apologized.

"Does that matter have anything to do with us?" Caleb asked.

"Fortunately, no. Unfortunately, it does affect you slightly," Sterling honestly responded as Caleb and the others exchanged confused looks.

"How slightly are we talking here?" Caleb wanted a straight answer and none of that tip toeing around it.

"To put it simply, one of the two candidates decided to pull out at the last minute," Director Greenly explained.

"Phrasing. Ouch!" Zwei cheekily remarked before Ein chopped the top of her head.

"Why did they change their mind?" Mirabelle curiously inquired.

"Well…when going over the details of the species that he'd be caring for…how should I put this?" Director Greenly said, trying to find the right words.

"He flipped out like a jackass when he learned he'd be caring for a Devil," Sterling plainly replied with visible irritation on his face from the experience.

Caleb and the girls were taken aback upon hearing that, then looked to Camilla resting back in her chair, arms folded with a scowl on her face.

"Typical," she bitterly uttered.

"He was one of those highly religious types so it's, unfortunately, to be expected. There appears to be a lot of them in this part of the country," Director Greenly remarked in a sullen tone.

"Believe me, it's not going anywhere anytime soon. You can expect it but never tolerate it. I say good riddance, nothing of value was lost," Caleb replied plainly as Camilla looked at him, sensing the anger in his voice.

"What about the other candidate?" Mirabelle asked, wanting to change the conversation.

"Ah, yes. Among the other candidates, she appears to be on good terms with liminals as a whole, including Devils. In fact, she seems quite eager to start," Director Greenly said, his toning becoming more lively.

"Well, they shouldn't get too excited, we haven't even met and approved of them yet. If they're going to be taking care of my students, I need to know I can trust them," Caleb spoke, hands clasped and resting his chin to his knuckles, stalwart in his decision.

Mirabelle and the others couldn't help but smile, both at his firmness to ensure their safety and humored by his tough guy act.

Sterling raisesdan eyebrow at Greenly, nonverbally advising to not keep them waiting any longer.

"Understandable. Why don't we let her in so you can meet her?" Director Greenly said before looking to Clawthorne, who nods in understanding before going to the door.

"Ms. Banks? They're ready to meet you," Clawthorne spoke outside the door.

Caleb and the others paused in thought upon hearing that name.

'Ms. Banks? Wait…it can't be,' Caleb, along with Ein, Mirabelle, and Camilla, collectively thought to themselves.

At that moment, an average-built Caucasian human woman dressed in a green and white striped shirt beneath a denim jacket and matching denim skirt with green striped knee high socks and camo Nike sneakers walked into the room. She wore black thick frame prescription glasses and her brown hair had recently been curled.

Caleb and the girls were immediately taken aback in shock upon seeing the familiar face.

"Ahem, hello! My name's Cheryl Banks, it's nice to–" Cheryl stopped her introduction upon seeing the shocked faces of the host and his homestays. Faces she was very familiar with.

"CHERYL?!" Caleb, along with Mirabelle, Ein, and Camilla blurted out, raising up from their seats.

"YOU GUYS?!" Cheryl shouted in surprise, jaw dropped, as Sterling, Clawthorne, and the Director were slightly taken aback by the reveal.

"Guys, it's the lady from the gym place!" Lyca stated, jumping up from her seat, pointing at her.

"Well, it appears you are all familiar with each other already," Director Greenly said, clearing his throat before putting on a satisfied grin, "That makes things much easier."

…Meanwhile in Sterling's home…

Inside Sterling's apartment was an interesting sight: Fantina tying a red apron on, which she had shrunk with her power to fit with her body type. Her hair was tied back into a small brown bun between her horns, and her furry hands were enveloped in a thin but strong layer of condensed red mana acting as gloves since human ones didn't really fit on her hands. Luckily, this technique was a fairly low level ability so the collar couldn't suppress it.

She took a deep breath in and out. "Alright, let's do this."

A mop and a bucket filled with soapy water and bleach. A floor cleaner, a vacuum, a broom, a scrub brush along with multiple washcloths on a nearby table could be seen in front of her. She then created a red magic seal in front of her and the cleaning supplies started to radiate red auras. Suddenly, the collar reacted, forcing her to take the output of mana down a notch.

She decided to focus the spell on the washcloths for now, causing them to levitate before dumping themselves in the bucket, wringing themselves out, and flying to the living and kitchen to wipe down and clean the tables and countertops. She then lifted up the bucket and grabbed the rectangular mop herself heading to the hallway to the bedrooms.

…Yesterday…

Fantina's first day of living with her former partner was a learning experience, to say the least.

She learned that, due to the nature of her circumstances, certain…benefits to being a student like monthly pension, day passes, or any housing modifications were restricted from her. So anything she needed, including food, was entirely dependent on her host/former partner out of his own pocket. It was a blow to her pride, knowing she was dependent on him financially.

It got better. She was also restricted to his home when not accompanied by him or other agents. By 'other agents' she meant the Elf girl with the cow tits since it was clear from what she had heard NO OTHER agents wanted anything to do with her. Meaning she couldn't even go to the supermarket without one of them holding her hand. Another blow to her pride; damaged but still standing.

It got even better! Her magic was practically reduced to novice level spells. More specifically, anything even slightly above the very basic enchantments and mundane uses of mana raised a red flag to ICEP tracking her. YET another blow to her pride. A bad one but she didn't hear no bell.

Was she forgetting anything? Oh yeah! How about that her host, her ONLY lifeline through the bullshit ocean and to her coven future, was also a slob. She hadn't realized it earlier since it was nighttime when she arrived and she was tired but in the morning she woke up she saw what a horrible mess the place was. Jogging pants, T-shirts and socks haphazardly strewn on the couch and chairs in the living room, dust buildup on the floors and coffee table, and even multiple empty cereal boxes and UberEATS boxes just sitting on the kitchen counter, taking up space. He didn't wash ANY of his dishes. There were plates and sitting in the sink full of water to 'soak' as he put it. How his kitchen wasn't covered in mold was a mystery to her. Don't even get her started on the bathroom. Thankfully, the only room remotely hospitable was her room. This was probably the second worst mess she had ever seen. The crown definitely belonged to a certain multi-eyed pervert that she was hoping was dead and her corpse was rotting in some bush. Seriously, how did she get her black goo on the ENTIRE ceiling! At least she HOPED that was goo.

But this…she hesitated to call it 'mess', felt more like a crime against living. Despite that, she was resolved to see her coven happiness was assured no matter what she had to go through. Still...SHE REFUSED TO LIVE LIKE A FUCKING HOBO! SHE HAD STANDARDS, DAMMIT!

…Present…

"OK this should be good place to start," Fantina spoke to herself before dipping the rectangular mop in the bucket, soaking and draining it, then slapping it against the hardwood floor and pushing it along. She winced slightly from the bleachy smell, "Ugh, too much bleach, might need to open a window."

The young Baphomet then looked at the socks and T-shirts hanging limply on the furniture as if to mock her, making her left eye twitch.

"I swear, if these fumes don't kill me an aneurysm will," Fantina remarked, shaking her head as she got back to work.

…Back to Caleb and the others…

"No way! This is just WILD!" Cheryl ecstatically spoke, now seated at the table between Sterling, Greenly and Clawthorne, facing the Bizzell household.

"Yeah, that's one way to put it. Aside from the obvious, you mind telling us how and why you're here?" Caleb curiously asked her.

"Aren't you already a waitress at that restaurant?" Ein added as Mirabelle nodded in equal confusion.

"Oh uhh…it's kind of a long story but…basically, I got fired," Cheryl hesitantly answered, clearly embarrassed to admit it.

"What?! Why would you be fired?" Mirabelle asked with a mixture of concern and disbelief.

"Well, it was this—"

"The details aren't important right now," Sterling interjected before she could finish, giving her a stern look as Cheryl went quiet, "Ms. Banks was chosen because she fits the criteria to be a temporary host for your unique circumstances. The fact that you all are already well-acquainted is an added bonus. Depending on her performance for the duration of her employment, she has the option to become a host for a student of her own."

"If you don't mind me asking, why does she need to go through this… evaluation to become a host?" Caleb asked, finding this odd.

"Well, Mr. Bizzell, we had some concerns specifically with her current living habits and questioned her reason to become a host," Director Greenly said as Cheryl sheepishly looked away twiddling her thumbs.

"Can ju just give us a straight answer!" Camilla stated, slapping her hands against the table, startling the others as the She-Devil was getting increasingly annoyed with their prattling.

"Camilla, please…" Ein said, almost pleading for the Elder Devil to remain calm.

"No, no, she's right. Truth is Ms. Bank's current living conditions are not up to ICEP's standards for housing a student. It doesn't help that her landlord, and quite a few tenants, have rather…disappointing views towards non-humans as a whole," Sterling replied as Cheryl scowled at the thought of her racist prick of a landlord, "As for the reason? You can ask Ms. Banks yourself."

Cheryl tensed, dragged out of her thoughts and back to the reality at hand. She noticed Caleb and the rest turning their attention to her and immediately straightened up in the chair to at least try looking professional.

"OK, why did you decide to accept this job? I want an honest answer," Caleb asked calmly but with a firmness in his tone as to not intimidate her.

Cheryl eyes widened before pondering to herself for a brief moment, "I just…saw the ad on LinkedIn and…thought it might be fun. I have wanted to apply to be a host before but, like Sterling said, the environment at my apartment isn't the best. I'm hoping to move out whenever I get the chance. But yeah, I think…looking after a host's students while he's away is a good experience to decide it's right for me or not. So why not?"

Caleb nodded, seemingly pleased with her answer then looked to Mirabelle and the others, "Alright, nothing wrong with that. Girls? Y'all have anything to add?"

"Yes. Is that the entire reason you want to be a host?" Drei inquired to her with a raised eyebrow.

"Welllll, the ad also said compensation is six hundred dollars a week so…it'd be crazy NOT to apply," Cheryl shrugged with a nervous grin, not wanting to come across as desperate for the money. She was but they didn't need to know that.

'Six hundred a week?! HOW is she making more than us?!' Ein and Zwei thought simultaneously, shocked at the bewildering pay gap.

"Wait really? That's only like two thousand dollars in one month. Are you sure you can live off that?" Caleb asked as the Zyklon sisters looked at him incredulously. He was well-aware of how expensive it was to live in Huntsville.

"I mean…one week covers about a month's rent at my current place anyway, so it works out. Plus, Mr. Sterling says anything like food or emergency treatment for your homestays is covered by ICEP," Cheryl shrugged off.

"Provided that Mr. Bizzell still has their medical insurance cards included in their care packages," Sterling chimed in.

"Of course I do, I even got backup copies in my wallet. Because I'm a responsible caretaker," Caleb bragged a bit before catching what he just said.

"Is that right? Then why are we here?" Sterling raised an eyebrow with a look of doubt.

Caleb felt a lump in his throat before rubbing the back of his head, "Yeah…yeah, I walked myself into that one."

"Yes, yes you did," Drei concurred.

"Actually, if you don't mind me asking, why DO you need a temporary host anyway?" Cheryl asked as Director Greenly and Clawthorne gave her inquisitive stares while Sterling merely observed Caleb's reaction. Director Greenly quickly interjected.

"Well…it's a long, complicated story and we can't really go into detail for security purposes. However, we can tell you that Mr. Bizzell has important work to do for the organization and his homestays require trustworthy assistance. You're practically close friends with them already so it seems it was fate you were chosen."

Cheryl was taken aback by the handsome elf man's praise, her cheeks flushed a bit, then responded, "R-Really? I mean…if you really think I'm the best fit. I guess I really can't just turn away from the opportunity."

Sterling looked at the Elf man with a smug, dubious smirk of disbelief and thought, 'Heh, appeal to their ego with a false sense of importance. Oldest sales tactic in history.'

"Of course, that's assuming Mr. Bizzell has no objections?" Greenly added as Caleb looked to the Elf man.

"So, Mr. Bizzell, does she receive your approval?" Sterling asked him with an expectant gaze.

Caleb thought for a moment before answering.

"I don't know her all that well, but I can tell she's a decent woman. I'd love to give her my approval…but it's not just mine she needs.", Caleb answers earning a confused look from Director Greenly, "Girls? What do you think? Y'all ok with this?"

"I personally don't see any issue with Ms. Banks. I believe we'd have a grand time. Maybe give her a proper introduction to Sailor Moon." Mirabelle said with a coy grin.

"Oh I like Sailor Moon! Only seen Crystal though"

"Then we'll have much to discuss!", Mirabelle replies a bit too enthusiastically with a wide grin as her tail happily swayed. Caleb shakes his her with a smirk knowing she found a new victim to talk their ears off.

"I'm fine with it too, Chief, she seems like a really nice lady! I'd be happy to welcome her to our pack!", Lyca happily stated, her tail wagging energetically.

Camilla and the Zyklons raise incredulously eyebrows at her as Cheryl appeared confused by her statement.

"Uh, no, no Fuzzy. She's not joining the family, she's just looking after you while I'm gone.", Caleb clarifies to her.

"Oh, right…so she's kinda like a Pack Nanny except the pups are grown up. I get it now ", Lyca replies feeling like she fully grasps the concept.

'Does she really?', Ein thought to herself.

"Yep, I'm your nanny now. Call me Nanny Banks!", Cheryl played along.

"Please don't call her that.", Caleb whisper's, leaning over to Lyca's ears.

"Well that two yes's and that leaves…", Sterling says looking over to the Elder Devil who wore a pensive expression. Arguably the most difficult out of the group, "Ms. Sartana? Are you ok with Ms Banks acting as your temporary host?"

Camilla was silent in thought before Cheryl jumps in.

"Sir, excuse my rudeness but please give her some time.", Cheryl politely requested earning a skeptical look from Sterling and peaking Camilla's curiosity.

"She's doesn't have much time, Ms. Banks, she needs to make a decision right now." Sterling said they HAVE to get Caleb in A.I with in certain time to make their plan work they can't afford to be delayed.

Caleb, not liking his tone, spoke up, "Hey! You can't j–"

"No, Senor. It is ok. I have made my decision", Camilla assures as Caleb withdraws and he, along with the others listen focus on her,, "I… am fine with Senora cheryl acting as our host…for now."

Caleb and the others are taken aback ,not only that she actually accepted, but that she included 'Senora' along with Cheryl's name. A clear sign she was warming up to her. Caleb and the girls look to her proudly but especially he and Ein, feeling like the Elder Devil was making progress.

"Thank you so much! I'll do my absolute best, I promise!", Cheryl stated assuringly.

"Perfect! Now then, Mr. Bizzell…if you can sign these forms please.", Director Greenly jumps in, sliding a small eight page stack of legal documents and a pen towards Caleb.

"Wait. You still haven't gotten Ein and her sisters word yet.", Caleb points out, garnishing surprised looks from the agents as well as the Zyklon sisters.

"I'm sorry but why exactly? They're not your students.", Clawthorne points out.

"They're just adjunct agents. Foreign contractors hired on as temporary extra muscle.", Sterling added as the Zyklons, despite knowing what he said was factual, still felt a bit of a sting at his words.

"Who cares about that?", Caleb replies in slight offense as each of the Zyklons turn to him, "They'll still be living with my actually students and maybe help out Cheryl. Plus I wouldn't even be here if it weren't for them, so far as I'm concerned, they're a huge part of my life. So they're opinion definitely matters."

Ein and Zwei eyes widened, feeling an undeniable warmth within their cores as they fixated on the beautiful soul next to them. Drei, despite herself, also couldn't deny that his proclamation managed to get through a little. She didn't dislike it though.

"It doesn't matter." Drei said words leaving her mouth without her realizing it as she was looking at Caleb as everyone but her sister's look at her confused with her.

Drei audibly clears her throat, "I mean, I WILL be going alongside you during your time. So my opinion really doesn't matter that much. It's really more up to Ein and Zwei."

"Huh? Oh uhh…yeah, I'm fine with it. As long as she isn't some kinda weirdo or a weeb, it's ok.", Zwei stated, putting on a nonchalant grin while resting her head in her hand, elbow on the table, and looking away hiding her deep blushing cheeks.

"I identify as 'cultured', thank you.", Cheryl says proudly.

"Y-Yes I also see no issue with her...Caleb. She seems like a fine candidate from what I've seen." Ein said straightening up in her chair then casting her gaze down as her cheeks flush pink while trying to force it away.

"You ain't seen nothin' yet.", Cheryl jokingly remarks as Lyca ears perk up.

"Hey I know that song! It's on Chief's…um list? Uhh singing list? Uhh…darnit what is it?", Lyca guessed, wracking her head trying to remember the name.

"Playlist?", Mirabelle fills in the blank.

"Yeah!"

Drei glances at her sisters before discreetly blowing a sigh, glad she dodged that bullet.

"Then it's unanimous! Now then, Mr. Bizzell if you would sign th–"

"Already did.", Caleb says, catching the Elf man and the others off guard, "I just needed a couple minutes to go through these real quick. Here."

'He used us as a distraction?!', Ein and Zwei incredulously scream internally.

Director Greenly quickly flips through the papers and nods in approval, "Very good. Ms Banks, you will now act as Mr Bizzell temporary host for the next six weeks."

Cheryl politely accepts then looks to Caleb and the others, all wearing mixed expressions ranging from ecstatic to mildly pleased.

"Alright then, now that's taken care of, kindly follow Agent Clawthorne to the dining area for the meal we promised.", Sterling says before Clawthorne obediently raises from her seat, "Some of our personnel will arrive in an hour to bring you all home. Until then, use the time to get to know each other more."

"What about you two?You're not joining us?", Mirabelle inquires.

"The Director and I have business to attend to. You should be more focused on yourselves now than anything else.", Sterling advises raising up along with Director Greenly then turning to leave, "Agent Clawthorne, I'm leaving everything to you for now. I trust you can handle it."

"Of course, sir.", Clawthorne replied with a slight bow, unable shake away her growing concern. She decides to ignore it for now and focus on the host family, "If you all would follow me."

"You ain't gotta tell us twice, lady. I am starving!", Zwei stated, eager to fill her belly as she and the rest follow the Elf woman out of the room.

"Me too! I could eat an entire horse!" Lyca added with equal enthusiasm

"What?", Mirabelle stated worried as her base survival instincts started kicking in.

"No no, not you Mira! You're family, not food.", Lyca assures with an innocent grin.

"Hehe…right.", Mirabelle lightly chuckles off the fear, still unnerved by the statement.

"Lucky you.", Drei remarks licking her small fangs, already reaching her hunger limit and sending a chill down Mirabelle's spine.

'Ok, note to self, NEVER let carnivorous liminals skip breakfast.', Cheryl makes a mental note for later.

"Ignore them, they're playing. You already know I'm gonna eat you up later.", Caleb whispers in the Centaur's ear making her heart race and her face goes red.

"Oh hush up, you dirty man!", Mirabelle replies in embarrassment, grabbing and yanking his ear, pulling just hard enough for him to get the point but not hurt.

"Ju forgot perverted.", Camilla joins in, teasing her lover as Ein lightly blushes at the comment.

"And a creep.", Zwei jokingly stated.

"And definitely NOT kind.", Lyca joined in the fun, knowing what she's saying isn't true.

"Better get used to this, they'll roast you all damn day if you let them.", Caleb remarks to Cheryl, unfazed by their 'insults'.

"I worked at Starbucks for two years, I'm used to passive aggressive comments."

"I like you already. That's rare for me.", Caleb remarks with a smirk.

While the group was going to get some food, Sterling and Director Greenly could be seen standing at the elevators to the second floor. The doors open and three agents, one human and two Werefox liminals, step out politely greeting before the two men board the elevator. As the doors close, Greenly side eyes Sterling with an interrogative gleam.

"Good acting back there. Really bolstered that girl's confidence and their trust in her.", Sterling commented with a hint of sarcasm.

Greenly sighs before replying, "It's for the good of everyone and you know it."

"By everyone you mostly mean us. It certainly be a problem if they know the real reason Ms. Banks was chosen.", Sterling replies coldly, not liking having any part of this plan.

"I will admit. Her background is…less than stellar but it was ultimately what the Director of Interspecies Affairs was looking for."

"Yeah, a foster kid, basically a ward of the state most of her life. No birth records, no known blood relatives aside from a foster mother she's cut off all ties to completely. Nobody to question her sudden disappearance of anything unfavorable should occur."

"That's not…you know damn well we'd never willingly endanger a civilian, regardless of their history. We give everyone a chance. That's what my partner believed in and I carry it on for her. Besides, I believe in Ms. Banks and I can tell Mr. Bizzell and his students like her. Let's just see how it plays out."

Sterling gives him a side glance before shaking his head with a little smirk, "For someone nearly 600 years old, you're unbearably naive."

"Well, I can say the opposite for someone so young yet cynical.", Greenly remarks with a bigger smirk before a thought occurs to him, "By the way, how is Ms. Fantina adjusting to her new lifestyle so far?"

"Oh, I'd say she's fine. Yesterday, we didn't really talk much, she mostly stayed in her room. We Door Dashed some food to my place but she still stayed in her room. Maybe because she's still unsure how to act around me. I don't blame her…considering what she's been through.", Sterling replies.

"Give her time, I'm sure she'll come around.", Greenly tries assuring him.

"Yeah, I hope so. I also hope she isn't too bored while I'm gone."

"I'm sure she'll find something to entertain herself."

"Yeah…yeah, I'm sure she's fine."

At that moment, the elevator stops and the doors open wide signaling the men to get off.

"Alright, don't wanna keep them waiting either.", Sterling spoke a sigh, walking out of the elevator, followed by Greenly.

… Back to Fantina…

"Alright! That was FUCKING terrible." Fantina said to herself, wiping the sweat from her forehead.

The entire living room and kitchen along with the bathroom had been thoroughly cleaned and sanitized. Every piece of furniture had been hand wiped down and neatly presented. The floors were cleaned and wiped, a glistening sheen of lavender scented floor cleaner. The dishes in the kitchen were properly cleaned, dried and put away while the sink and counters had been wiped down with disinfectant. Any article of clothing rounded up and put in the large laundry basket.

Fantina then look to her right at the three large black garbage bags completely filled up. The inside of the refrigerator, once, to Fantina's shock and revulsion, filled with takeout containers from various restaurants, energy drinks, Door Dash boxes, eggs, along with pantry foods that had no business being in a fridge. There was almost no trace of natural fruits, grains and veggies, her species' natural diet, anywhere.

Despite him ordering her some vegan takeout yesterday, which was delicious, the baphomet refuses to live on a diet of takeout. She'll just give him a list of groceries and other real foods for this house. How in the world that he managed to stay his size on this 'diet' she'll never know.

Now, there was only one room that had to be done as she walked down the hallway. One she'd been dreading since she started cleaning, Sterling room. Judging from what she seen it will be absolutely disgusting. She reaches for the handle…but pauses…

'Wait, is it really ok for me to just barge in his room like this while he's gone?', Fantina thought as a small part of her wanted to respect his privacy as a man. Then another, much larger part of her shoved that thought aside screaming, 'SCREW THAT! I JUST CLEANED HIS DIRTY DISHES AND I LIVE HERE. I'LL GO WHEREVER I WANT IN THIS HOUSE.'

She quickly opens the door, expecting to see another horrendous atrocity, only to be greeted by a fairly ordinary bedroom. There were some clothes and undergarments strung about, a few empty bottles and cans on his desk and a poorly made bed but other than that it was surprisingly clean compared to rest of the home.

"Seriously, the one place I was expecting to be a disaster is probably the most clean room? What is his deal?", Fantina remarks walking into the room looking around at the Maverick and Walker Texas Ranger posters along with a larger bookshelf filled with different literary pieces. She picks up a gray pair of sweatpants from the floor, "Haa, either way, this is still unacceptable. What's the point of even having laundry hampers in the first place if you don't use it?"

It was then her nose pick a strong, musky odor. She looks to the article of clothing in her hand realizing it was coming from the crotch area.

'Did he…recently wear these?', She thought, staring at them as the scent wafted towards her. It wasn't that she found the scent bad, quite the contrary. It actually intrigued her. It was...stronger than his usual she was used to.

She then moves the pants closer to her face and inhales slowly but deeply, taking it in. A sigh escaped her lips as her cheeks flush bright red. She takes another deep breath of his musky scent feeling every nerve in her body tingle, her heart begins to race as her tail twitches wildly. Her mind starts to imagine Sterling smiling at her with soft gray eyes and handsome face.

Subconsciously, her legs started to rub together as heat stirred up in her center. Her four finger paw instinctively moves down between her legs, caressing her womanhood inciting a pleasured moans out of her. She started to imagine it was his fingers playing with her. Suddenly, she then sees her lewd reflection in a large mirror much to her shock.

"Bwah! Haa…haa…AH!", Fantina gasps, realizing what she was doing and flings the pants away from her as she takes quick breaths clearing her mind and her body quivers from the stimulating experience.

She creates a small red seal, causing a bottle of Febreze to levitate into the room surrounded in red aura and starts flying around spraying the entire room to suppress Sterling's scent. She glances a bit fearfully at the pants then dumps a good amount of the can on it, killing the odor completely.

'D-Did I really just do that!? IN HIS ROOM?!' Fantina screamed in her head while starting to question if pervertedness is contagious; reminded of a certain multi red-eyed pervert.

"AHHHHHHHHHH!", She screams like the goat she was holding the side of her head, face burning red with embarrassment before running off to the bathroom. She slams it shut, turns handle in the bathtub, and takes a cold shower to cool her hot body.

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WN

Sup Fam! Hope everyone is having a good week. I'm the same as usual. Work at the firm got me busy and dealing with bills and whatnot. Been going to the gym much more lately. Last year I went three days outta the week now going for Monday thru Friday every morning before work.

So, I originally didn't want to split this into two parts but I'm trying to make a consistent upload schedule. At least two to three times a month. That also means more constraints and me feeling dissatisfied for the way certain chapters end. What you see is the ending I was barely satisfied with but I'll try better in part two. Pinky promise.

That's about it. Stay safe, drink water(seriously that's stuff is important), hug your parents, and I'll see y'all next time. Peace Fam!