

THE FEATHERED LOVER © Copyright 2013

All Rights Reserved.

Smashwords Edition

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either products of the author's imaginations or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without permission in writing from the author.

# TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter 1 • Chapter 2 • Chapter 3 • Chapter 4 • Chapter 5 • Chapter 6 • Chapter 7 • Chapter 8 • Chapter 9 • Chapter 10 • Chapter 11 • Chapter 12 • Chapter 13 • Chapter 14 • Chapter 15 • Chapter 16 • Chapter 17 • Chapter 18 • Chapter 19 • Chapter 20 • Chapter 21 • Chapter 22 • Chapter 23 • Chapter 24 • Chapter 25 • Chapter 26 • Chapter 27 • Chapter 28 • Chapter 29 • Chapter 30 • Chapter 31 • Chapter 32 • Chapter 33 • Chapter 34 • Chapter 35 • Chapter 36 • Chapter 37 • Chapter 38 • Chapter 39 • Chapter 40 • Chapter 41 • Chapter 42 • Chapter 43 • Chapter 44 • Chapter 45

Also by Tabitha Levin

Website:  
http://tabithalevin.com

# Chapter 1

THE CARRIAGE PULLED up outside the dark old Inn. Ruby's father rubbed his fingers together nervously. She'd never seen him on edge like this before and put her hand on his knee, giving him a quick smile.

He nodded curtly and got out of the carriage, carrying the large clay jug with him. Throwing the driver a few coins, he stepped back as the horse kicked up dust behind them. Ruby turned to look at the flickering light coming from the window at the front of the building.

Her mother would have been horrified he had brought her to a place like this. But the war made it harder for him to do business in their own town now.

As she stepped toward the door of the Inn, her father placed his hand on her shoulder pulling her back toward the shadows.

"Hush," he said.

She squinted in the direction he was looking and three, no four, dark shapes came toward them.

Ruby held her breathe as she heard the men approach. Three of them struggled to push the fourth man wrapped in rough brown fabric and tied with rope. The man they had restrained seemed larger than normal, or perhaps it was the way they covered him, with only his feet and face exposed and free.

Before he was pushed out of sight, Ruby caught a glimpse of his dark eyes, filled with hatred of the men who had captured him. Instantly she knew he was one of them, one of the Volantes. She gasped. They'd captured one of the wild bird men.

As the men disappeared out of sight, Ruby looked back up at her father who had narrowed his eyes before looking away to the ground.

"There's nothing we can do about it. You'll just have to forget you saw that," said John Kelly.

"Did you see him? He was one of them wasn't he? Did you see his eyes?" Ruby's own eyes were wide with excitement.

"I did. But we are here for business. We can't get involved in other's doings. Especially out here." He tightened his grip on the large canister and walked toward the front door of the Inn.

Ruby followed quickly behind but kept glancing to the darkness at the side of the building where the group had disappeared. A real creature of legend, and she had been so close. Excitement buzzed through her stomach.

"Are you ready?" asked her father as he placed his hand on the wooden door.

"Let's make some money," said Ruby.

The Inn was half full of marines on leave and regular patrons who occupied the stools at the front of the bar. One lone barman wiped down the bench with a dirty grey rag.

Compared to the quiet outside, this room seemed alive with noise. The sweet crooning of Lena Horne's Stormy Weather came from the radio set to the far side of the room.

Ruby's father nodded toward an empty booth in the corner which she gracefully slid into smoothing her skirt down as she did. John placed the jug on the seat opposite her and headed over to the barman.

He whispered into the barman's ear and handed over a few notes and coins. In return the man slid a key back toward him, handed him a small cup and gave a nod.

_Damn_. She had hoped it wouldn't be an overnight stay. It was always better when business was done, over quick, and she could be back sleeping in her own room. She sighed. She should have known it was probably unlikely they'd catch another ride back to Kollaroy now.

"They'll be here any moment. Are you ready?" asked John.

"Of course, Father."

Ruby held her breathe as two men looked around the room for them. The same men that had captured the Volante.

"You John Kelly?" the one with the large outline of a pair of dice tattooed to his forearm asked as he approached the table. Ruby's father nodded and the two men slid in beside them. One sat next to her father, and the other, who smelled like he'd already drunk the entire bar, sat next to her. "This quality better be good. No meth spirits or I'll come back and rip your lungs from your chest. The last batch we bought here caused me killer pains."

"I don't make poor whiskey," said John. "I'm sure you already know that."

"Yeah I've heard your stuff is clean. Is that all you got?" He nodded toward the jug.

"Two gallons. But I can get more if you need it."

"Price?"

Ruby coughed. "Forty dollars," she said, folding her arms across her chest.

The man sitting next to her whistled through the gap in his teeth. "She speaks. And here I was thinking she was pretty scenery."

"So, Freckles," said the man with the tattoo, "why should I buy your daddy's brew when I can go and get me'self drunk here for a smidgeon of that?"

"Because you can take this with you. You can have a party every night if you want—wherever you choose to."

"Thirty," he said.

Ruby kept her arms crossed over her chest and stared at him without flinching.

The man laughed. "Quite a little negotiator, aren't you? Show it to me."

John held the heavy jug up then placed it back on the seat out of view as the man rubbed his stubbled chin thoughtfully. "Too expensive."

As they stood up to leave, Ruby glanced at her father. There was a twinkle in his eyes. She smiled and put her hands into her lap.

"They'll be back, right?" she whispered, after they had disappeared out the door that led to the overnight rooms.

"Of course. You're doing great. Hungry?"

Ruby nodded and John motioned to the barman who yelled something incoherent to the kitchen. Within a few minutes a large woman carried out two bowls of hot chicken soup and placed them down on the table. "Make a mess and yer clean it up yerselfs." She then let two spoons fall from her apron and walked away.

Ruby wiped the spoon on the bottom of her skirt as one of the men appeared back at their table.

"Thirty five," he said.

"No. Forty, or you and your men go thirsty," said Ruby.

"Look Miss, our men don't have forty. That's too much for some home brewed slosh."

John took out the stopper on the jug and carefully poured a small amount into the cup trying not to overbalance the heavy container. "A taste," he said, as he placed it in front of the man.

The man hesitated before taking a sip. As the warmth slid down his throat he groaned in pleasure. "That's good."

"That's forty," said Ruby, casually bringing her soup spoon to her mouth.

"Okay, okay. I need to get extra. Stay here."

"We aren't in any hurry," she said.

As he disappeared her father put his hand on hers. "Your mother would be proud."

"No she wouldn't," she laughed. "She already thinks you're a bad influence on me."

"Yeah well she doesn't complain when I bring home rent for the month does she?"

"Oh she complains whatever you do."

The man returned before Ruby had finished her bowl. He threw forty dollars onto the table as John lifted the jug up and handed it over to him. It was then Ruby noticed the large scratch on his arm.

"Did the Volante do that?" asked Ruby. She watched a shiny sliver of blood seep from the wound.

"What? Now what did you say?" Anger flashed in the man's eyes.

"Nothing. I... I..."

He leaned in close to the table. "You don't know nothin' right? Whatever you think you know, you don't right?"

"Of course, I'm sorry, I..."

John stood up. "It's time you left now. Everyone needs to go back to their own business."

"Yeah. And keep their mouths shut too." He glared at them over his shoulder as he stormed out of the room.

John fingered the cash before putting it inside an inner pocket hidden in his jacket. "Full wallet and full belly, looks like a successful night all round then."

He sat back with his hands behind his neck and grinned. She'd seen that same satisfied, cat-got-the-cream grin light up his face after every business dealing she'd been allowed to attend—which was often now she'd turned twenty three. She leaned back herself with a dreamy look on her face watching him, wishing she would see it at home more often.

She curled a strand of chocolate brown hair behind her ear and thought about how much alike she and her father were. His hair was no longer the same color, since it was peppered with white and grey, but his eyes and his lips, that they shared.

"What do you think they want with it?" asked Ruby.

"That's none of our business love. I know it seems exciting, but we need to keep out of it."

"I know, but why bring it here? They're heading back out to sea in a few days. What are they doing with it now?"

John shrugged. "Why do men do anything?"

Ruby's nose crinkled as she thought about what they might want from it. It was against the law to go near one, but to hold it in captivity, well that could get a man hanged if he was caught.

"That's quite enough of the night for me. We should head up to our room," said John.

# Chapter 2

THE ROOM ITSELF was sparsely decorated with two single beds flanking either side of a rickety table which held a simple electric lamp.

Ruby sat and bounced on the bed, and the mattress creaked loudly under her light weight, but it was comfortable enough. She looked around the room for something to read, hoping for a magazine or newspaper but nothing. Not even a copy of the bible common in these old Inns, had been left behind. A bowl of apples was the only adornment, she grabbed one and put it in her skirt pocket for later.

"I'm not tired," she said more to herself than to her father.

"Try and get some rest anyway," he said as he kicked his boots off under the bed and lay down on his side fully clothed. "We should try and get back early so your mother won't worry."

Ruby slipped her own shoes off and got into bed pulling the covers up. The sound of the patrons below echoed through the room, and she wondered what time downstairs closed. Even though she wasn't tired now, she knew if the noise continued well into the night, she'd never get any sleep.

Her father was snoring within minutes of lying down. She sat back up in the bed wondering what else she could do to pass the time before she became tired.

She jumped. Raised voices outside the window jolted her out of her thoughts. She pulled the curtain aside just enough. They must have kept to the shadows, as she couldn't see a soul, but clearly still heard men cursing. It also sounded like they were beating something. The Volante? Surely not.

She took one last look at her father before tiptoeing out of the room closing the door behind her.

As she hugged the shadows at the back of the building, the flickering light illuminated two men. One of them grimaced as he held his forearm.

"You can't leave it there tonight, what if someone finds it?"

"I'll return tomorrow morning, but I've had enough for now. It can freeze for all I care."

"A frozen bird won't sell. We need it alive."

"Then throw him a sack or something. He'll keep."

They disappeared inside the Inn, and Ruby tiptoed further outside, closer to the stable window. The dim light from a high candle was enough to see they had chained the creature around the neck and tied its arms behind its back with thick rope. Its chest shimmered with glistening sweat, as if it had been in a recent struggle. With its head down, she wondered if it was conscious or merely sleeping.

Up this close, the Volante looked like any other man, except for a large set of wings that protruded from its shoulder blades. The feathers of mottled shades of brown and white reminded her of the old owl that used to visit her back garden when she was younger. It was the type of feather that seemed soft yet strong at the same time.

She'd seen men with their shirts off plenty of times working in the fields out of town. They didn't have the same build as this Volante whose chest was smooth and hairless. Smooth enough to touch and she wondered if she... _Ruby Kelly_ , _how dare you go thinking such wicked thoughts at this moment. That poor creature is tied up and probably hurt and you are thinking about goodness knows what. At a time like this._

She shook her head defiantly, and the creature lifted its eyes and looked in her direction. Its dark eyes burned through her, and she gasped.

It began to growl a low rumbling sound.

"No," whispered Ruby, as she moved closer to the window. "Be quiet or they'll come back." She waved her hand in its direction.

The Volante didn't seem to care or understand, and the noises got louder. Ruby crept toward the door of the stable, closing it behind her. "You've got to be quiet," she said putting her hands out to try and calm the creature.

It twisted and struggled pulling at the chains around its neck, causing them to rattle and groan, creating more noise.

Ruby's heart beat fast. She pulled the apple out of her pocket. "Are you hungry? Do you want to eat?"

The Volante stopped and stared intently at her again. It seemed to be trying to contemplate her offer and assess whether she was a threat or not.

"It's okay," she said, as she moved closer with the apple in her outstretched hand. "That's it. No need to make any noise now."

She was close enough for the creature to take a bite of the fruit but instead it turned its head away from her. Her heart beat faster, and she slowly bent down rolling the apple on the ground toward its feet.

"I wish I could help you."

She sighed, before backing away. Near the door was one of its feathers that must have fallen during its struggle. She picked it up, placing it in her pocket. Turning, she took one last glance at the magnificent Volante in front of her before heading back to her room.

# Chapter 3

"WHERE HAVE YOU been?" John Kelly paced the room as Ruby entered. Even though he probably knew where she had gone, he seemed to want to hear her explanation.

"I couldn't sleep. I went for a walk. That's all."

"It's dangerous on your own."

"I can look after myself."

"I know you can. I don't want anything to happen to you. It's not safe for you to be wandering around here."

"I'm not a baby anymore. Really, I'm fine."

He sighed and sat back down on the bed, burying his face in his hands. "What did you think of it?"

Ruby's cheeks flushed pink. "How did you know that's where I went?"

"A father knows everything," he said.

"Oh he was lovely. And those wings, they were nearly as big as me they were so long and full, with soft brown and white feathers. Oh you should have seen him."

John Kelly scratched his chin. "Sit down Ruby—I have a gift for you."

Ruby sat on the bed swinging her feet underneath her. She had butterflies dancing in her stomach, and now her father wanted to give her something. What a wondrous night.

"I want you to take this." He handed her his pocketknife, pausing momentarily to feel the cool pearl handle caress his fingers as it passed over.

Ruby pressed her lips together and a small wrinkle furrowed above her nose. "But that's your grandfathers. I can't take this."

"It's a family tradition, to pass it on when the next one is ready. You are ready."

Ruby held the knife in her hand testing its weight, playing with the catch on the side so the blade flicked out. "Thank you," she said quietly.

John nodded. He moved to her side of the bed and pulled her close, kissing her on the head.

"I fell in love with your mother, just after the knife was handed to me you know."

"I know. She is always telling me how she tamed you." Ruby grinned.

"Oh she didn't tame me. It was her that was the wild one."

"No way," said Ruby.

"It's true. She wasn't always concerned with appearances as she is now. When she was younger..." John whistled between his teeth. "Let's just say she was more fun back then."

"I can't imagine her having any fun," said Ruby.

"Oh yes. She was full of life. She still is of course, but it's different now. You two are a lot more alike than you think."

Ruby furrowed her brow again.

"You'll find your own fella to fall in love with soon."

Ruby shook her head. "I don't like any of the boys I've met. They all chase pretty girls like Betsy Young. Girls with tied up hair that smells of lavender. I don't want to be like that."

"There's nothing wrong with looking nice. One day you'll meet a man that will love you the way you are, and you will want to pretty up for him."

"Maybe," she said. Not likely, she thought.

John returned to his own bed, watching Ruby play with the knife in her hands. "Don't be afraid to use that if you have to."

"I know." Ruby placed it into her pocket touching the feather as she did. "Dad?"

"Yes?"

"Never mind, it's nothing."

"Ruby?"

"Let's free the Volante. It's not right that it's chained up. They'd never know it was us."

John shook his head and sighed. "Don't mess with another's business. You don't want to find out what those men would do to you if they found out you messed with their business. Leave it alone and forget about seeing it."

"But they'd never know. We can be gone first thing. They'd never catch us."

"Since when have you been concerned with Volante rights? You've never even seen one until tonight."

"But it was so real, so human. So..."

John placed a finger to his lips. "These walls are thin." He went back over and sat next to her, lowering his voice. "They can't be tamed love, they are wild creatures who need to fly and be free. Whatever they look like, they aren't human. Now be quiet, close your eyes and go to sleep. Try and forget what you saw. It's not our concern."

"Has anyone ever made friends with one? You know, a human and Volante living in peace together?"

"Once. But it didn't last."

"What happened?"

"Shh. Okay—but don't be getting any ideas. Five years ago, a woman found an injured male Volante in her barn. She didn't tell anyone. Couldn't have anyway, since the laws forbid it. Well, she mended its wing and cared for it back to health, until it could fly again, or so they say. For a while it looked like it might have been possible for both races to live in harmony."

"What happened?"

"A terrible ordeal. She was found dead. Mutilated. Mauled to death probably. There were hundreds of feathers around so no doubt to anyone the creature was responsible. She had given it kindness and it turned around and killed her. Looks can be deceiving Ruby, don't ever let down your guard. They can't be trusted."

Kissing her on the head, he returned to his side of the room. "Now please sleep. Think nothing more of this." He turned the lamp off and got back into bed.

An hour later Ruby still lay staring at the filtered moonlight streaming in through the window as her father snored beside her. She twirled the feather in her fingers feeling its softness on her skin. Caressing the back of her hand, she pursed her lips so she wouldn't make a noise as it tickled her arm. The tingling moved higher as it brushed against the small hairs on her skin. It made her goosebumpy, a sensation that felt so pleasant, so relaxing, so...

Closing her eyes, she once again pictured its smooth chest with tight skin stretched over a muscled athletic torso. If only the men she knew looked like that, she might actually be interested in one.

She looked over to her father who had rolled toward the wall, his back now to her. So he thought she was old enough to get married now. She couldn't imagine being married, not like her father wanted her to be. Besides whom was she going to marry? The men she might even be remotely interested in were overseas doing their duty. The only ones left were old or had something wrong with them—like Billy Tucker from the next street. He acted as if he was five years old even though he was a fully grown man.

No, falling in love and getting married were the last things she wanted to do. There was still so much to learn about life. And this was 1943 for goodness sake—women could even get jobs these days.

She sighed gently as she absently caressed her neck and chest with the feather, tickling and teasing the opening at the top of her dress. The tiny delicate fingers floated over her skin. Perhaps she could undo a few buttons and...

Her father snorted loudly as he rolled over, still heavily asleep. _Ruby Kelly, this is far too weird. Stop what you are doing right now, do what you are told and go to sleep._ She shook her head.

Placing the feather back into her pocket next to the knife, she closed her eyes.

Mauled to death. What a terrible way to die. She wondered what happened to make the creature turn on the poor woman. After she had cared for it too. Perhaps her father was right and they were wild creatures that couldn't be tamed. But how could they be so human like? Couldn't any animal be tamed? She once heard about a horse everyone said was wild, yet the farm hand in the next village was riding it safely within a few weeks. It only had to be broken.

Soon she drifted into slumber. She dreamt about wild horses that flew in chains running down the street trampling girls with pretty ribbons in their hair like Besty Young.

# Chapter 4

"HUNGRY?"

Ruby stirred as her father placed a tray onto the table. It was laden with a large pile of buttered toast and two tall glasses of orange juice.

She rubbed her eyes and tried to shield them from the bright sunshine pouring in through the cotton curtains.

"I am actually," she said, picking up a piece of toast letting the butter drip down her hand. She licked it clean.

"There is no carriage back from here so I managed to get a lift from a farmhand. He has to drive past our town anyway, to deliver some pigs. I figured a few sow isn't going to hurt us."

Gulping down the orange juice, Ruby nodded. She hoped they would have piglets in with the sows. Little squirmy squealing piglets.

She freshened up in the bathroom at the end of the hallway. It was small, with a sink and toilet, but enough to wipe her arms and face with the cloth hung next to the mirror. Her eyes seemed especially bright this morning. She loved how intensely blue they were. Her most striking feature her dad always said, and she agreed.

Her dress was still relatively clean, and she gently rubbed a few of the small marks she found on the bottom of her skirt, before returning to the room.

"Ready?" asked John.

They stood at the front of the Inn, waiting for the truck to arrive. The men from last night walked toward them, arguing with each other.

One of them hushed the others as they approached. The one from last night who had bought the whiskey pointed at Ruby. "Her. I bet it was her."

Act normal Ruby, she thought as they got closer.

The man held out an apple core in front of Ruby's face. "Know anything about this, Miss?"

"You're trying to keep the doctor away?" quipped Ruby.

"You gave it to him didn't you?"

"I don't know what you are referring to."

John stepped forward. "You need to leave now. We don't know what you are talking about and you need to keep yourself and your men away from my daughter."

The man pushed past John. "Is daddy telling the truth? You know nothing about the apple?"

Ruby swallowed nervously. "My father never lies."

At that moment, their ride pulled up. Three pigs in cages squealed noisily at the far end of the tray, closest to the driver, while soft hay lay at the back, where John and Ruby were to travel.

"Now if you'll excuse me, we are leaving," said John. He began to help Ruby onto the back of the truck.

The man pulled out a small wooden pistol from his pocket, knocking it on the driver's side window. The truck jerked away sharply and Ruby fell backwards onto the road, grazing her palms. "Why did you do that?" she demanded.

"Because I don't like people messing with my things, and I didn't believe that story you told. I need to make sure no little squealing piglets go running to the cops and ruin my plans."

John helped Ruby to her feet. "I warned you not to touch my daughter. You should have listened."

He was quick with his first punch and it landed squarely on the man's jaw causing him to drop the pistol and fall to the ground. His friends laughed but advanced, grabbing John by both his arms. The man stood up rubbing his chin. A small trickle of blood escaped from the side of his mouth. He licked it with his tongue.

His hand clenched into a fist ready to punch her father when John kicked out with his left foot. He hit the man squarely in the stomach, winding him so he buckled over.

Ruby grunted as she pushed the men from the back. They didn't fall, but did loosen their grip on John enough that he was able to get away from them.

Ruby spat to the ground and grabbed her father's arm. They walked quickly back toward the Inn's front door.

The Innkeeper stood at the doorway blocking their entry. "I don't want no trouble here John. I'm sorry, but I've called the police. You better be on your way."

On hearing the law was coming, the three men scrambled to their feet and ran down the street away from the building. "This isn't the last you'll hear from us," they yelled as they disappeared down a far laneway.

"The stable," whispered Ruby to her father. "The police will look inside. We have to free it, quickly."

"Fix it," said the Innkeeper as he shut the door.

John cursed under his breath before heading toward the back of the building, Ruby followed at his heels. They'd only have a few minutes to do this, and if it was chained she wasn't sure they'd have enough time.

As they entered the stable, the Volante grunted and pulled at its chains again. John held his hands up. "Not going to hurt you. We have to get you free, okay?" He stepped to where the chain was connected to the wall, examining its fastenings. Picking up a nearby lump of wood, he pounded the hook with it.

It shattered, and the creature was released. John swayed slightly as he faced the creature and Ruby wondered if he was contemplating releasing the chain around its neck, as well. Instead he stepped back to her, pulling her toward the door.

She stopped.

"The police are already here," she said.

# Chapter 5

RUBY STRAINED TO see where the four police officers had gone. Minutes ago they had started walking toward the stables and she was sure they were going to be caught. Caught with a Volante no less. She wasn't sure she would be able to talk herself out of that, without getting into some terrible trouble first.

It was standing straight and defiant in the corner making no move to try and escape yet. It looked much taller now, a glorious creature with its wings cascading down its back, and its dark penetrating eyes.

"Let's go now while we can," said her father.

"But what about that?" said Ruby, cocking her head back toward the Volante.

"If we get caught in its company we are going to get in much more trouble. No, let's run."

John pulled his daughters arm out of the stable and round the side of the Inn. He flattened his body against the wall trying to see where the police had gone.

Ruby heard voices and pulled her father back. They listened to the Innkeeper describe the three men to the officers, and the direction they had taken. As the police turned away and walked up the street, Ruby exhaled. "Now's our chance. To free it. "

"No, we can't risk it. Let's just go now."

"But the Innkeeper didn't give us up. If the police find the Volante here he'll go to jail, and goodness knows what will happen to it, we can't let that happen."

John nodded slowly and sighed. "I'll do it then. I don't want you going anywhere near it."

Ruby followed her father to watch the Volante being freed of the chain that still dangled around its throat. She stood at the edge of the Inn, hidden by a large bushy shrub. From here, she had a good view of the backyard, and especially the stable.

She half expected it had already gone, and wished it had so it wouldn't be caught, but she opened the door and it was still inside the building.

One of the police officers had doubled back, now walking toward the stable. Ruby gulped as her father pushed her down into a crouching position.

"I'll deflect them. You hide, and if you need to use your knife, do," he whispered.

John doubled back around the front side of the building coming from the Inn rather than the yard. Ruby pressed against the building, staying low and out of sight.

She pulled out the pocketknife holding it to her chest with a tight fist. _Run_ , she willed to the Volante, _get out and run away_. But it remained inside. What was it waiting for?

The police officers foot was only a step away from entering the stable. "They went this way, I can show you," said John.

The officer followed John back to the front of the building. Ruby took her chance and ran toward the stable. She didn't care she wasn't allowed—she had to get the creature out to safety.

"Shoo. Get out. Run. They'll find you."

The Volante stood staring at her, his dark unblinking gaze made her pulse race.

"You have to go now. Please go."

She stood at the door, waving her hands in an attempt to show it that it could escape, but instead it turned around, facing the wall with its hands, still tied, behind its back. It lifted its wrists like it wanted her to untie them.

She took a step forward and stopped as it shifted slightly on the spot. Its feathers ruffled and the sound made Ruby jump.

"You're not going to kill me are you? I can cut the rope, but you need to promise you won't maul me to death. Okay?"

It remained motionless, she took another step.

Her mouth was dry as she nudged closer and closer. If she reached out now, she was sure she could touch it. "Okay, but when I cut this you must leave right away. Run away and hide. Go as fast as you can so they don't catch you again."

Her hand shook as she took the final step. She was right behind it now. The blade flicked out and she sawed at the rope around its wrists. The small blade made it difficult, and every few seconds she'd stop to turn toward the door, expecting a police officer to be standing there—ready to arrest her on the spot.

The rope burned her hands as she struggled to pull at it while she cut. Red marks also crossed the creature's skin where it had bit into its flesh.

Finally the ropes fell away and the creature turned to face her. Ruby's lip trembled, and she had an urge to run before it could attack her. She took a step back, and turned to run. Instead she tripped over her feet and landed on her behind.

The Volante leaned over her, and raised its hand. She covered her face with her arm in an attempt to protect herself, but instead of being mauled, the creature pulled her to her feet. Then it dipped its head in a bow before disappearing outside.

Ruby couldn't move. Even her breath seemed to stop, stuck in her chest. It had touched her and she was alive. More than alive, she tingled all over.

When she could move again, she went outside, blinking in the light. It was gone, nowhere to be seen. She'd succeeded. She'd rescued one of the Volante creatures. Her hand still trembled as she returned to the place her father had told her to wait. He'd be back for her soon to tell her what to do next—once he led the police away. Or at least she hoped he would, because right now she couldn't think straight.

# Chapter 6

"YOU MAY COME out now," said John. He leaned against the side of the building puffing like he had been running for a while. "I managed to lead them away to where the men had gone. We didn't catch them though, they'll probably be long gone by now."

"Are you okay," asked Ruby as she stood up and put her hand on her father's arm.

He smiled at her and ruffled her hair. "Not as young as I used to be. I remember when I could run four blocks without getting out of breath." His smile turned softer as his eyes glazed and looked off into the distance.

"So we are safe." Ruby put the pocketknife back in her pocket, caressing the feather inside as she did. She exhaled loudly. "Excellent. I guess we can go home."

"Sure," he said. "We need to get another ride though, as I doubt the pig farmer is coming back this way."

"Perhaps the Innkeeper has an old car hidden away somewhere?" asked Ruby hopefully.

"I doubt that. I'm probably not one of his favourite people right now, having caused this problem. He likes to keep a low profile."

"It won't hurt to ask." Ruby walked toward the front of the building ready to enter through the front door. "Are you coming?"

John paused, looking back at the stable. "Did the Volante get out? Did you see it leave?" Before waiting for an answer he walked toward the stable, carefully peering inside. "Good. That's one less thing to worry about." He turned again when he spotted the rope on the ground. He walked over to pick it up. "It's been cut. How interesting."

"I can explain," said Ruby.

"I told you to stay away. They are dangerous."

"How do you know they are? Because of some story you heard? Have you ever seen one hurt anyone? And how do you know they are all like that? He didn't hurt me. He didn't even look like he was going to. In fact he helped me to my feet when I tripped over. I think he was very gentle and not like a killer at all."

John cocked his head to one side. "It's a 'he' now is it, not an 'it'?"

Ruby's cheeks began to warm, she turned away. "I can look after myself."

"Evidently," said John.

His eyes narrowed as he sighed, and he dropped the rope back to the ground. He looked tired again and Ruby knew it wasn't just from the running he'd done. She thought about wrapping her arms around his neck and telling him she was still his little girl, but that wasn't true anymore, and he knew it wasn't true either.

She followed closely at his heels as he walked back out and around to the front of the building, knocking on the locked front door. _It'll be okay, Dad. I know it will._

"We're closed," said the Innkeeper's voice from inside. "Come back tonight."

"It's me, John Kelly."

There was a long quiet pause and for a moment Ruby thought he was going to ignore them.

"I'm sorry John. I can't let you in, but if you come back tonight I'll help you get another ride out." A muffled voice inside whispered something. It was a woman's voice, and she sounded demanding.

A sigh. "Perhaps you best find somewhere else to stay tonight. I'm sorry," said the Innkeeper's voice again.

John sat on the step with his face buried in his hands. There were no other Inn's in Wickson to stay, and if they couldn't get a ride out of here, they were stuck sleeping in the dense undergrowth past the last farm.

Ruby knew he wouldn't risk them sleeping out in the open. Not when men like the thugs from last night were on the loose. He looked broken.

"We can walk. It will be another Kelly adventure," she said.

He looked up and nodded slowly. "A day and a half. Perhaps we'll get a ride along the way."

They walked toward the center of town, and Ruby counted the buildings they passed. Her original guess was they had a hundred or so shops and houses here, but now, in the daylight, it was much smaller with less than half that. The rest of the town was surrounded by farmland on the left, with the sea on the far side to the right. The only part of Wickson of any interest was the large pier that dominated the seaside taking up most of the beach. Perhaps that was why it was popular with sailors docked on leave.

"They are probably on their way back to their stations," said John. "At least that's something."

A small corner shop on the edge of town was the last place they passed and Ruby insisted they stop to stock up on lunch and a few supplies. To her delight they had fresh cheese in store, which she requested they bring along to have with the fresh bread and honeyed water her father had purchased.

John relented. A cheese sandwich did sound rather delicious right now.

Ruby turned around to look back at Wickson watching it getting smaller behind them. Before she was counting the buildings in the high teens and now she was lucky if she could see more than three.

"I'm hungry already," said Ruby.

"We'll stop in about an hour's time," said John. "There should be a bridge up ahead with a small cabin if I remember rightly. It would be a perfect place to stop for a picnic lunch." His eyes remained fixed on the dirt road as they headed further away from the water.

The skin on the back of Ruby's neck prickled and she looked around nervously. She had a feeling someone was watching them, but every time she turned around, nothing. She tried to shrug the thoughts out of her mind. "What do you think Mother will say when we get back?"

John chuckled. "Oh she'll be furious."

# Chapter 7

RUBY CLOSED HER eyes as she bit into her sandwich. It was the softest cheese she had tasted in a long while. "We should go back to Wickson and get some more next time we visit," she said, pressing her finger on the fallen crumbs in her skirt and placing them in her mouth.

John nodded. He continued to gaze out of the makeshift window of the rickety shed they had found to stop at. It was roughly built, with planks unevenly nailed to a frame. Many of the nails had fallen away over the years leaving bits of the wall threatening to fall away at any strong gust. But at least the roof was covered so they were sheltered from the heat of the sun, and it kept them hidden from sight.

They had cleared a spot in the middle of the floor to sit down, brushing away the dirt and debris that had accumulated over the years.

"Have you had this? How do you think they made it?" She pulled the loaf apart, placing one half on the ground near her father's meal and ripping her slice open before taking a bite. "Can I have the rest?" she asked grabbing the last bit of cheese and savoring the smoothness glide down her throat.

John turned his ear to the window as if straining to listen for something. "We should get moving," he said.

Ruby pouted. "But we just got here."

"Please Ruby."

She stood up, trying to catch all the crumbs in her hand before they fell to the ground. "Maybe I can give these to the birds. They'll probably be hungry, too." She scattered the last of the bread out the window.

"Leave everything like you found it. In case we were followed," he said.

"Who would follow us?"

"I'm not sure. It's just that... Oh I don't know—it's probably nothing, but I don't want to take chances."

Ruby cleaned up where they had sat placing any scraps in the bag the shop had given them and tucking the honeyed water under her arm. She took a step toward the open door frame, stopped then gasped. The bottle slipped and thud against the floor, causing the stopper to come free. The liquid disappeared into the dirt strewn floor leaving muddy patches.

"Hello again, Freckles," said the man with the dice tattoo on his forearm. "You owe me a hundred."

John pushed Ruby behind him. "We don't owe you anything. You got your liquor and we got paid. Fair deal."

"You know what I'm talking about. You either give me a hundred bills or one Volante – intact and alive. What's it to be?"

The man's two friends appeared behind him, blocking the way out. "Empty his pockets," he ordered.

One of the men pulled Ruby to one side. They both patted John down and soon held up thirty seven dollars found in his coat pocket.

"Getting closer. Perhaps your daughter has the rest?" He sneered at John and took a step toward them. John pushed Ruby further back and at the same time jumped forward, head butting the man in the shoulder.

The man remained upright and slapped John across the face with the back of his palm. A small trickle of blood appeared from John's nose and dripped onto his shirt, staining the collar with a round red mark. "I'm the one with the gun remember. I wouldn't do that again." He lifted his shirt showing a pistol tucked into his canvas pants to cement the point.

The man with the injured arm laughed at them, but the tattooed man hushed him to be quiet.

"Since I can't return and get the Volante myself in case the police decide to show up again, you need to get it for me. Bring it back here," he said as he looked at Ruby.

"But..." Ruby started, paused and bit her lip instead.

"Yes?" The dice tattoo man glared at her.

"How am I supposed to do that? It's twice the strength of me, and has wings," she said.

"And here you were saying you never saw it. See Tommy always knows when people are lying to him. You'll figure it out—you're a smart girl. Tie him up." He waved his hand in John's direction.

John struggled and kicked out at the men, and got one of them in the stomach. The man doubled over winded as the other's restrained John again. The tattooed man kept hold of Ruby's arm.

Her father looked at her with eyes that told her everything was going to be okay, but was it?

"Now we have a deposit, it's your job to bring back our booty. You have until nightfall which is more than enough time I would say." He pushed Ruby out of the building.

"I'd hurry if I were you. You wouldn't want anyone catching you with one of the creatures. I've heard the law doesn't look kindly to folks who are seen in their presence." He laughed and turned his back on her.

Ruby placed her hand in her pocket reaching for her knife. There were three of them. Surely she could take out at least one of them before they... She sighed. What could she do? She had no choice but to head back into town.

Each step felt heavy and labored. Goodness knows where the Volante had gone by now, probably fled back to the mountains. The sun was high, and her neck was slippery with sweat.

In a little over an hour she stood at the edge of Wickson again, close to where the small corner shop stood.

There was only one thing she could think to do.

# Chapter 8

THE DOOR TO the police station was new, at least newer than anything else she'd seen in this town. It was made of heavy metal, and divots framed the outside like it was a precious painting. Strong but with no real beauty. The only thing out of place was peeling paint on the cheap looking door knob where hundreds of fingernails scratched the surface as they turned the handle.

A knot tightened in Ruby's stomach as her father's voice buzzed in her head. _Don't get the cops involved_ , he always said. _It'll make things much much worse_. But how much worse could things get? She took a deep breath and stepped inside.

"You are saying three men are holding your father about an hour out of town? And why would they do that?" The officer raised his eyebrow as he looked back at his workmates. They snickered as they sat on their desks staring at her, making her feel like she was a young child again tattling on the boys who teased her in class.

She shifted her weight to the other foot and stuck out her chin. "It is the same men who caused a problem for the Innkeeper. They are holding my father because they want, um, money." For emphasis, she crossed her arms over her chest. They didn't seem to notice or care about her assertiveness. "Are you going to help him or do I have to make a formal complaint to the Governor, and inform him the law enforcement in this town do not help their citizens?"

The officer leaned closer over the desk, small red veins criss-crossed over his large nose. "Miss, firstly you are not a citizen of Wickson because I don't know you. Secondly, if you were at the Inn this morning you should have stayed there. Running after a bunch of hooligans is asking for trouble, and third, we know about your father and his doings around here—perhaps he deserves what he's getting. Perhaps he crossed those men, or gave them a bad brew."

Ruby rubbed her fingers together in the same nervous habit her father had. "I guess it's a visit to the Governor when I get back to MY town." She turned as her eyes began to fill with water.

"Wait a second. I didn't say we wouldn't go investigate. Give us the details." His eyes twinkled mischievously, as he picked up a notepad and pencil ready to take notes from Ruby's recounting of the story. Every so often, he'd pause from writing something and wink at his workmates who would press their lips together in a half smile.

Ruby told them of how they met the men last night, to the confrontation they had with them this morning outside the Inn. She omitted any mention of the Volante. She felt bad about telling the officer about her father's business venture. She didn't want to hear about what he was going to say to her when he found out she'd ratted him out, but if there was one town she didn't care to do any business in now it was this one. Besides, if she had any chance of saving him right now, it had to look as if she was co-operating.

"The cabin you've described sounds like the old Yarnes shed he uses to store feed for his cattle. We can get there in about ten minutes."

Ruby sighed relief and followed the policemen outside.

Opening the garage door (really just three regular doors nailed together into one large one) they pushed out a dark coloured automobile that had the word police painted crudely on both sides of it.

The main officer who had taken her statement, got into the driver's seat with two others getting in, one beside him and one in the backseat.

Ruby stepped toward the back of the car when the remaining man gripped her arm and pulled her back.

"Where do you think you are going?" he asked.

"To help my father. What have we been discussing for the last ten minutes?"

"Oh no Miss. You stay here. This is no place for a lady. If we find your father we'll bring him back safely. You need to sit tight and let us do our jobs."

With that, the car spluttered a few times and took off down the road. Ruby blinked before pulling her arm out of the grip of the officer who still had his hand on her.

"You can wait here," he said, as he walked back into the station. "Or do whatever you want."

Do whatever I want? What I want is to help save my father. No place for a lady. What a load of fuss and nonsense.

She kicked the dirt which blew into a small cloud, settling on her shoes making them look like they were gray instead of black. _Great. That didn't work like I had planned, at all. If they think I'm not going to go and assist, they are wrong_. She placed her hands on her hips and strode toward the road again. This better be the last time I make this trip today, she thought.

# Chapter 9

STANDING AT THE edge of town Ruby paused. She couldn't see the car, which must have long since passed. There was still no sign of anyone about, even at this time of the day with the sun high in the sky. She wondered about this. Wickson, although small, still had enough of a population to hold a few shops, an Inn and a police station. Surely people would be walking about, doing their business by now.

Her feet started to ache and she wiped the back of her neck which was sweating again. She pulled her long dark hair from its braid and re-styled it into a high bun. A cool breeze tickled the tiny loose hairs.

Perhaps she could stay in town after all. They had the car. They'd bring him back safely soon, which in all likelihood was only a few minutes away. It would make no sense she try and follow on foot.

She swayed slightly trying to decide what to do when a flash out of the corner of her eye distracted her. She looked over expecting nothing, but in the near distance, obscured by some trees and brush, was the Volante, watching her.

Ruby had to blink twice to make sure her eyes weren't playing tricks. She had expected it would have been long gone by now, flying back to his family or brood or, what did they call a group of Volante anyway? She wrinkled her nose trying to remember, when it took a step out of the trees and in her direction.

Forgetting about her tired feet, she started to walk briskly toward it. _Don't come out of hiding_ , she willed to it. _Stay hidden_. As she walked, she glanced back over her shoulder, half expecting the remaining officer to be trailing her and watching – waiting to catch her with the creature and lock her up.

It took another step toward her. She waved her hands back, trying to indicate it should go back into hiding again, but that only seemed to draw it out more into the open.

She was nearly face to face with the Volante when she stopped. Up to now she had no thoughts about her own safety—all she was concerned with was getting it back out of sight, but now she was close enough to touch it, _him_ , she suddenly remembered his power and strength. Her feet froze unable to take another step further.

She opened her mouth ready to speak, but no words came out. She knew she must look ridiculous standing not saying anything, but it wasn't like it could understand her anyway. It certainly didn't speak English like her. She wondered if it spoke any language at all, or would chirp like a bird.

"Zan," he said.

Ruby nearly fell over backward again, and if she hadn't been rooted to the spot in a mixture of fear and wonderment she might very well have done just that. His voice was high pitched and melodic, like someone singing might sound saying just one word.

"You can speak?" she asked incredulously.

"Zan," he repeated.

"Can you say anything else?"

He cocked his head from one side trying to listen to the words she was saying, clearly not understanding.

"Zan," he said for a third time pointing to himself.

His hands were as golden and smooth as the rest of his body. He still wore no top, and the rough brown pants he wore inside the stable were now torn at the side, like the deliberate split some of the girls from her town did at dances to show off their legs.

Ruby tore her eyes away from his body nodding. "You're name is Zan. Pleased to meet you." She extended her hand as if to shake his, wanting to touch that smooth wrist to see if it felt as soft as it looked, but the Volante merely looked at her confused.

She pulled her arm away.

"Ruby," she said pointing to herself.

"Roo-bee," he repeated.

"Now listen Zan, you can't be seen here, go into the trees and hide. The police who have gone to get my father will be back along this road at any moment, and if they spot you, goodness, if they spot _me_ with you, then I don't even want to consider what might happen. But let me tell you right now, it won't be good, that's for sure."

Zan blinked at her and some of the feathers from his wings moved in the breeze but other than that he didn't move – not one muscle.

Ruby looked around nervously. She walked into the cover of the trees herself and waved her arms trying to lure him in toward her. "Come on Zan, come here," she said like she was calling a puppy. She resisted the urge to clap her hands to her knees like she had seen other people do when calling their pets.

When he didn't move she placed her hands on her hips. Well this is going to be awkward, she thought. About now she wished she _had_ taken in a puppy or other animal as a child. Perhaps she would have more skills in getting animals to comply to her wishes, if she had learnt how.

But he wasn't an animal—he looked as human as she did, except for those large magnificent wings on his back. She realized then she hadn't seen him fly yet. Now that would be something she really would enjoy seeing.

She stepped forward and grabbed him by the wrist.

The feel of his skin on hers sent tiny sparks of electricity throughout her body. For a moment she didn't dare move, not wanting to break the thrill that tingled through her fingertips.

A sound made her look into the distance. The police car appeared on the road, she pulled as hard as she could, bringing the Volante tumbling down on top of her.

# Chapter 10

RUBY HELD HER breathe as the Volante lay above her. As he stared into her eyes, she could see they were not the dark black she had originally thought, instead they were flecked with shades of purple from pale lavender to deep violet, which seemed to shimmer in the light.

For a moment she couldn't move, but it wasn't from him pinning her to the ground. He was surprisingly light and she didn't feel the crush she had expected to. He held himself up by leaning on his forearms over her. His wings spread over them, covering them from sight. She wondered if he meant for them to end up in this position.

Clearing her throat, she gently pushed him off and sat up quickly, smoothing down her dress and trying to look somewhat presentable. "That was rather awkward," she said.

The Volante, Zan, continued to lie on the ground, now on his side and propping his head with his hand. He smiled at her as if this was the most amusing thing he had seen all day.

"I'm glad you are enjoying yourself," she said. A surge of anger bubbled up inside her, and she crossed her arms across her chest pursing her lips together. She decided he was being far too familiar. For goodness sakes what was he thinking?

The Volante stood up and held his hand out to her, to help her to her feet, but Ruby turned her head away. He wasn't going to play that trick on her again, making her all tingly and warm with one touch. He had far too much power right now. When she wouldn't take his hand, he sat back down on the ground, wrapping his arms around his knees. His bare chest was still very obviously silky smooth and still very very bare. Ruby bit her lip.

"I suppose you are going to keep following me then?" she asked. "If that's the case I must insist you watch from a distance because you can't be seen. Not that anyone is around in this strange little town. Part of me wonders if they even have people living here, but of course they must do, since I saw many of them at the Inn last night. Although it was curious there was no one around this morning apart from the Innkeeper and his wife. Hmm. I actually don't know if that woman is his wife at all. I guess she must be because who else would she be? She's rather plain looking at any rate, not that it means anything. I've been told I'm plain by some of the men from Kollaroy. That's where I am from. But those men are all stupid anyway, and if they are interested in girls who just look pretty and not someone with a little more substance then it's their loss."

The Volante continued to stare at her with amusement.

"Yes I know you don't understand me, but what of it? It's not like you can't talk, because you just said your name, so you obviously can. To be honest I wouldn't know what language you speak because none of you ever mingle with us humans. Is that what you call us? Humans? You are not so different. If we took away those large wings of yours you could be any other man. And what is it about you living in the mountains? Is that because you can fly, and you mock us because we can't? I suppose that isn't your intention, but sometimes I wonder. Speaking of which I haven't even seen you fly and you've had ample opportunity to. Are you sure those wings even work?"

Zan moved closer to her, the warmth of his arm brushing against hers.

"Anyway I guess that's none of my business. I mean me being interested in seeing you fly is neither here nor there." Ruby could hear the pitch of her voice getting higher and tried swallowing to calm it back to normal. "Not that I'm saying I want to see you fly, because even though I do I would never presume it at all. Yesterday I had no idea I could even get close enough to one of you to even think about such things. It's all rather strange that here I am, hiding in some trees right now and..."

The Volante placed his hand on her chin and turned her face to his. She was inches from his face and he stared deeply into her eyes. Ruby trembled.

"Shhhh," he said placing his finger on her lips. She couldn't breathe.

Then she heard the voices. "I swear they disappeared over here," a man's rough voice said. Both Ruby and Zan sat still, not daring to move. When the voices finally trailed away Ruby began to breathe again. She wondered how someone had known they were out here? They must have seen them. But how? She hadn't seen a single soul in this town since this morning.

"Well that was certainly close," she whispered. "I wonder..." but before she finished her sentence the Volante's lips pressed onto hers.

Ruby melted and leaned into the kiss, pressing her own body against his bare muscled chest. His lips were soft and when he parted them slightly she made a noise like a tiny kitten purring. She closed her eyes as he held the back of her neck pulling her in closer to him. Reaching up to touch his face she sighed again. He was gentle, masterful.

Ruby blinked her eyes open. Good grief she was kissing a Volante! She jerked herself away from the embrace, a shocked look on her face.

"What did you do that for?" she asked.

# Chapter 11

SHE RAN BACK into town toward the police station. She'd made Zan promise he wouldn't come out of hiding. He wouldn't have understood her of course, but he nodded nonetheless. How she could have forgotten about her father, at the very moment he needed her, was beyond comprehension.

She paused near the door of the station, leaning on the side of a tree, and bending over to catch her breath. Dull pain throbbed the soles of her feet. All she wanted to do was take her shoes off and walk barefoot inside the building, but she knew that wasn't the proper etiquette, and besides it wasn't as if she was as wild as a Volante. Was she?

She smoothed down her hair and wiped the sleeve of her dress against her face. She wished she could go home and into something clean first. If she was home she wouldn't get to see the... _Ruby Kelly, you go and get your father this instant_.

The front counter was empty when she entered with most of the officers talking excitedly at the back of the room. Her father was not in the waiting area, like she expected him to be.

"Ahem," she said, smiling sweetly when the main officer turned to look at her.

"Ah, Miss Kelly. We've been expecting you," he said, playing with his large curled moustache. "Your father is out back if you'd like to see him."

"Yes of course," said Ruby. She wrinkled her nose. Why would he be out the back?

She was escorted through the room and down a set of solid wooden stairs with a smooth metal rail. The holding cells were in a separate building to the main one. Keeping him in a holding cell seemed a rather odd thing to do, but she didn't want to question the men. This was their station and their town after all.

"Father?"

John Kelly sat behind bars in a small cell. It also housed a cot, small table and chair, and behind a curtain in the far corner, a sink and toilet—made obvious because the curtain was a few inches off the floor and she could see the base of them.

"Are you going to let him out now?" she asked the officer standing beside her.

"Miss Kelly. Your father has been arrested for bootlegging. He has to stay in overnight. That's the law around here." He snickered to himself.

"It's okay, Ruby, love," said John. "Talk to the Innkeeper. I'm sure he'll put you up until I get out. It'll be okay."

"Mother is going to be furious," said Ruby. She turned to the officer. "But what of the other men? The men who took him?"

"We got two of 'em. They are locked up in the far cells." He nodded toward the two iron doors further along. "The ringleader however, he got away. Don't worry Miss Kelly, we'll get him too. He can't get far."

Ruby narrowed her eyes. _That's what you think_.

"I'll be back later tonight," she said holding her hand out through the bars to touch her father's hand.

"No. No more visiting hours until tomorrow morning," said the officer.

"But..."

"Tomorrow Miss Kelly."

"Love you," said Ruby to her father before glaring at the officer and turning and walking back through the main building and out the front door.

"Well that's awfully inconvenient," she said out loud. She looked around and blushed, amused at talking to herself yet again.

Outside the Inn she watched the sign sway in the breeze. The hours, hastily written on a note stuck to the front door said it would re-open at sunset. That was at least four hours away. What would she do until then? Not to mention she had no money to pay for any sort of accommodation. Would the Innkeeper, or rather his strange wife, let her stay anyway? She sat on the front step and placed her chin in her hands, tapping her fingers against her cheeks.

Her thoughts returned to the Volante waiting in the trees outside town and she contemplated returning there and letting him wrap his wings around her again. But this wasn't the right time. She needed to free her father first.

She stood up, looking down the empty street. People certainly didn't like being seen in this town. She swung her arms casually, strolling back toward the police station.

Watching over her shoulder to make sure no one was paying any attention, she tested the strength of the fence at the back of building. Moving an old wooden crate to the fence, she stepped onto it and peered over the top. Where she stood, she was hidden by the rooms of the holding cells. No one from inside the building, unless they were sitting on the roof (which of course they wouldn't be) would see her. With one last look around, she carefully held her skirt up to her knees and climbed quietly over the wall.

From the back she wasn't certain which cell her father was being held in, and there was no way she would risk walking around to the front. The windows above were high and although big enough for her to crawl through, it would provide no escape for her father. _Dammit_. _I didn't think this plan through very well did I?_

"Father," she whispered. "Father can you hear me?"

There was no answer, and she wondered what she should do next when she heard two officers exit the station and head toward the holding cells. She clung to the back wall, hoping and praying they wouldn't walk around and spot her.

A scraping sound, like something being slid on the concrete floor, came from the front. Probably giving them food, she thought, even though it could have been anything. As they turned to head back toward the station, she heard one of them scream out in surprise, and yell, "Get the gun. Shoot it."

Had she been spotted?

She looked around. Zan flew gracefully over the fence in her direction. _Oh dammit_.

# Chapter 12

A SHOT FIRED. She clasped her hands over her ears as the explosion reverberated around her head. Her ears rang. People were screaming and yelling. She couldn't make out who was talking or where it was coming from.

She crouched down on the ground with her hands covering her ears.

Zan stood in front of her with his arm outstretched offering to help her up. A large gash in his left wing above his shoulder was dripping blood down his arm and chest.

She reached for him, grabbing for his hand. The loud noise returned in one forceful gust and she stumbled as another bullet hit the fence behind her.

"Shoot him again."

"What's going on?"

"Ruby, run and get out of here now."

"Go."

"He's over there."

"The girl's here, too."

"Where'd they go."

"It's one of them. One of the forbidden creatures."

"I told you."

"What is going on here?"

Zan winced as he pulled her to her feet.

"Father I'll be back to get you," she yelled.

"No love, go. I'll be fine. You must go."

All four Police officers stood in front of them, and all but one had their guns pointed in their direction.

Zan stood in front of her, his wings spread wide to shield Ruby from harm giving her enough time to scale back over the fence.

She stood back on the wooden crate, holding her hand on the fence for support, and called for Zan to follow her.

His wings fluttered and he attempted to jump into the air. He got a few inches before wincing and landing back to the ground. Blood spurted from his wound. He tried again, this time gaining enough height to scale the wall.

Another shot zinged past Ruby, and she felt the force of air as it brushed past her head. As another officer cocked his gun and pointed it at them, she grabbed Zan's hand pulling him to the ground as a third bullet whizzed to their left.

The pain from her shoes disappeared as she ran. Zan was ahead of her, and she wondered why he didn't falter having only bare feet, as the rocks and rubble crunched under them.

She didn't notice how far they had run until they were back in the cover of the trees on the outskirts of town. She was sure they would have been spotted entering the brush, she didn't dare stop and turn around to find out, she just kept running.

Zan looked behind him, slowing down as she caught up to him. He then sprinted off again deeper into the trees.

The yelling in the distance faded as they reached the edge of a large hill. The trees were much thicker here. If she wasn't with Zan she would have been terribly lost. Who was she kidding, she was already lost, but at least she wasn't alone.

She only paused to slow down when she couldn't see which direction Zan had gone. Continuing in the only direction she figured he must be, she rushed ahead. He was slumped over a fallen trunk, his chest completely covered in blood now. He looked up at her with glazed, unfocused eyes.

Ruby ran to him, holding his face up to hers, and reached to his wing. "Let me look."

If he nodded she couldn't tell for sure, but she gently touched his wing below where the blood gushed.

"We are going to have to stop the bleeding. But I need to check there is no bullet in there first. I'm going to have to use my knife."

She flicked the blade open. He bristled and pulled away from her. She placed her hand on his face, gently stroking his cheek to calm him before turning to the job at hand.

A clink of metal against metal meant the bullet wasn't far in. Zan turned his head away as she prized it out as carefully as she could.

"That was much easier than I thought it was going to be," she said matter-of-factly. "Of course, now we will have to wrap you up to make sure you don't lose any more blood."

She used the knife to cut a large strip of fabric from the bottom of her skirt. She didn't care that it now only reached her knees and her stockings were torn. Who would see her out here anyway? She cut the fabric into manageable strips, long enough to tie around the wing, but thin enough to be a useful bandage. Holding the edges of the wound together she wound it up as best as she could.

"I'm not sure it's the greatest job I've done, but it should hold together."

She sat down next to him on the tree stump. "How are you feeling?"

Zan tried to stand but faltered and fell back down.

"You need something to eat to get your strength up. Matter of fact, so do I. I guess you eat the same food I do? Oh goodness, what if you don't. What if you eat something completely different? Not that we have a lot of choice. We are stuck in the middle of a mini forest of some kind. I'm not even sure how big it is, although I suspect not very with so much farmland around here. We can't stay here forever. Not that we would, of course, who would want to live in the trees? Oh I didn't mean anything by that. I guess if you could fly, well you can, then living in trees probably sounds quite lovely."

Zan placed his hand in hers, laying his head down on her lap and closed his eyes.

"We can rest here for a while then, although try not to sleep too long, we still need to find somewhere much safer than this."

Ruby looked around them, wondering whether she should move at all or let him rest on her lap. She looked down and sighed. It's not like she knew where she was going anyway.

# Chapter 13

FOR THE PAST hour she went over what to do and couldn't decide on anything that seemed reasonable. Her legs were numb. Ruby slid Zan off her lap, carefully laying his head on the moss covering the ground nearby.

The only thing for certain was they needed a far safer place to hide and they needed something to eat. She looked up toward the sky to see what direction the sun was, before heading further into the depth of the trees. The hill wrapped around a lower glade and she used this to get her bearings.

She'd only been travelling a short time, and was contemplating returning to check on Zan, when she spotted a small stream. It flowed down past the hill and into a lower valley. She couldn't see what was in the valley, but since fresh water was trailing in that direction it made her step lighter. Even if they couldn't find food tonight, they would have clean water to drink and water to wash with.

But better yet, she could wash the blood from Zan. She looked around for something to carry the water in—a hollowed out branch or large leaf but could find nothing. She could bring him here, after he rested and regained some strength.

Wiping her hands on her dress she realized that she, too, could do with a bath. She'd been wearing the same dress for nearly two days straight now, and was sure she smelled of sweat, dirt and goodness knows what else.

Pausing to look around, she sat down and pulled off her boots and what was left of her stockings.

The pain returned to her feet, and she rubbed her hand over the white bubbled blisters and red grazes covering them. Standing up, she held her skirt high around her hips and waded into the middle of the stream. Even though it only came up to her knees, she was careful as to not get any of her dress wet, since she didn't have anything else to wear.

The cool water massaged and tickled her toes and she closed her eyes, kicking her feet through the stream as she twirled in it. The water was a welcome relief to the warm day.

Perhaps she could... Yes it would be fine. She walked to the edge of the stream, undid the buttons from the top of her dress and pulled it over her head, carefully laying it over a nearby low hanging branch from a tree.

She slipped out of her underwear and laid them close to her dress.

The cool water caressed her as she submersed herself in its stream. It felt good to wash away the dirt and sweat that had accumulated over the past two days. She floated on her back, letting her dark hair flow with the current, like a halo around her head.

One arm over another she practiced the strokes her father taught her to stay safe in the water. It wasn't until the light faded she returned her thoughts to getting back to where Zan was sleeping.

She stood up and immediately clasped her hands over her body trying to cover her nakedness.

"Goodness gracious, how long have you been there?"

Her cheeks burned and she ducked back down into the water wrapping her arms around her body.

"Don't you know it's rude to stare? Go on. Turn around." She waved her hand at him, but Zan continued to watch her as he leaned casually against the tree her clothes lay on.

"Oh please don't watch. It's awfully rude you know." Her tone turned sharp and she shook her finger at him expressing her disapproval at his peering. "I'm not getting out of here. Not until you avert your eyes like a gentleman. For goodness sake, don't they have things like manners where you are from? Surely you wouldn't go staring at the women in your group or clan or whatever it is you call yourself. Or perhaps you would. How am I to know about such things? But that's not how it's done here, and if you are to stay with me while we figure out what to do to get ourselves out of this mess then you are going to have to follow some of the rules I set. Of course the first rule is you must turn around while I get dressed. You simply can't be seeing me naked like this. It isn't right."

Zan's eyes twinkled as he laughed. He seemed to find her extremely amusing, and it annoyed her.

"I'm serious. I'm not coming out until you turn around." She waved her hand at him again and this time he got the message and turned around.

Ruby stood up and stepped toward her clothing. One of the rocks she stood onto was slippery, and she fell back into the water with a splash.

Zan turned and pulled her back to her feet, not taking his eyes away from hers. Her cheeks burned. He smiled before turning back around. Ruby snatched her clothes and walked behind the tree. She wasn't going to risk him sneaking a look at her again. "There," she said as she came back out. "That is much better." She placed her arms on her hips and stood defiantly in front of him. "I see you are doing much better then. The rest has done you the world of good. Well fine—you'll be able to walk the rest of the way. Heaven knows what I would have done if you had remained all floppy. It's not like I could have carried you, you know."

# Chapter 14

RUBY LOOKED AROUND the makeshift campsite they'd set up for the night. It was quiet and flanked by the hill at their backs and trees either side. The only way anyone would be able to ambush them in the night was to come face on, and Zan had covered the path with branches, obscuring their location from view.

She'd insisted that he bathe without lowering too far into the water and wetting the bandage. It had invigorated him, as much as it had her.

The fire crackled in front of her and they roasted the fish Zan had caught in the river. She had watched with fascination as he poised gracefully in the water, standing as still as a statue. Then like lightening he thrust the sharpened stick he'd found into the stream, spearing fish after fish until they had more than they needed.

Her mouth watered as the crackling of the scaled skin bubbled on the makeshift spit as he turned the branches that held the speared fish, browning each side. Were all Volante men this capable with food? She was suddenly curious to know more about him.

Ruby ate hungrily as he served her the fish on a large leaf, using her fingers to scrape the flesh into her mouth. It was hot and she had to blow on it so as not burn the roof of her mouth, but it was the most delicious thing she'd had for a long time.

None of the men she knew would be able to start a fire from nothing, catch fish and have a succulent meal ready for her in less than an hour. Who was this man?

She giggled. _Man_. She thought he was a man now. _Goodness gracious Ruby Kelly, now don't you go falling for him. He's a wild one remember. Never any good did come of a pairing of a Volante and a human. You listen to your daddy. He knows best._

But deep down she doubted the stories she'd heard about the creatures as killers whose only mission was to destroy humanity. What a ridiculous assumption anyone could make with someone like Zan.

"Why do your people not come down here?" she asked, not expecting an answer. "I don't understand how we haven't become closer in all this time." She sighed, she really didn't understand why.

Zan disappeared for a few minutes and returned with a shallow, hollowed out piece of bark from a tree that held fresh drinking water. As soon as the water touched her lips Ruby spluttered, dribbling it down her front.

"Goodness I can be clumsy sometimes." She stood up, flapping the front of her top so it wouldn't cling to her body.

"I guess we'll have to get you home to your people tomorrow," she said. She placed her hands in her lap. "And I'll have to try and get home to my mother." Rolling her eyes she added, "she'll be in an awful mood of course, but there's no avoiding it. I'll have to get it over with sooner or later. I'm sure Father will be able to find his own way home once his time in the holding cell is over. Although I'm sure my mother won't let him out of her sight after this, with not coming home with the money and all. I'd dearly love to tell her all about you as well, and how I helped a Volante. She'd be horrified of course, but deep down I could persuade her I was doing the right thing. I'm sure she'd see that eventually."

Ruby wondered if this was true. There is no doubt her mother wouldn't believe it 'proper' for a lady to be running through the hills with a wild creature, but surely she'd be able to see she was doing it for the right reasons.

Zan scooped leaves into two large piles and Ruby cocked her head watching him work. His shoulders were the most wonderful thing about him and each muscle would ripple as he moved. Her cheeks reddened, and she knew the correct thing to do would be to avert her eyes, but they were glued to him and no matter how hard she tried she couldn't look away.

"What are the leaves for?" she asked.

He smiled at her, and fell gently into one of the piles—many of them billowing up around him and the rest cushioned his fall into a comfortable bed.

"Oh how wonderful," she said getting up and doing the same. Except she didn't fall as gracefully as he did, and instead rolled out of the pile and into the dirt nearby.

Zan laughed, a high melodic infectious laugh that made her giggle out loud at her own clumsiness.

He was by her side helping her up within seconds and soon she sat face to face with him, looking into those dark mysterious violet eyes again. She closed her own eyes and parted her lips, waiting for them to brush against hers.

But, nothing. He didn't move in closer like she expected and instead pulled away.

Opening her eyes she blushed. Of course he wasn't going to kiss her again, how could she be so silly? The other time was merely to... to... why did he kiss her last time? _Oh bother_.

She tried to move but he grabbed her arm tight, holding her where she was sitting. He reached up to brush away a brown crinkled leaf stuck in her hair.

Then he leaned in closer, and before she could close her eyes again his lips pressed onto hers.

# Chapter 15

THE SUN WAS already high in the sky when Ruby awoke the next morning. Zan's arm lay heavy across her chest as he lay face down in his bed of leaves, his wings covering his body like a blanket.

A feather fell on her face, tickling her nose as she wriggled out from underneath him. She picked it up, curious as to why it was not the usual brown or white she had come to expect. More feathers had greyed and fallen to the ground like leaves in the fall. The injured side of his wing looked limp and she gently lifted the makeshift bandage. Zan groaned in his slumber and rolled away from her fingers.

She _had_ gotten the entire bullet hadn't she? She'd held the small pea shaped bullet in her hand when she levered it out with her knife—there couldn't be anything left. Could it have gotten infected? She hoped not. She wasn't good with wounds and only knew the most basic of treatments. Her mother however would know.

There was no choice. She'd have to take him back home. She shook her head—won't that be an interesting conversation.

But before she would even try and move him, it was her turn to find them something to eat.

She stretched her legs and put her shoes back on as she walked on further up stream. She stopped and looked at each plant but knew nothing of what was edible or not. Why didn't she listen in class more? She brushed her hand through the cool stream water and tried her hand at catching a fish but to no avail—a fisherman she was never going to be.

As she wandered further, not more than ten minutes had passed when a lone farm appeared in the distance. Creeping closer and keeping her head low in the tall grass, she looked to where the trees thinned out. A hen shed stood not far from the main house, but far enough that she might be able to sneak inside without being seen. Surely they wouldn't mind if she took an egg or two for breakfast?

She reached the small wooden building without detection. But now she was here she had second thoughts. The hens would cause so much noise when she entered she was surely going to be found. What if the farmer had a gun? She'd didn't think being shot like a petty thief and left to bleed to death would be the best outcome. What would become of Zan then?

Ruby Kelly, you are getting away with yourself again. Focus.

She sneaked around the side and entered the hen house. The chickens didn't seem to care she had invaded their home and clucked as bored and disinterested as they had before she'd arrived. She placed her hand under one of the nearby hens which moved to accommodate her. One egg. She did the same for four others, and managed to score three eggs all up.

What she would do for some fresh bread right now to go with the eggs, but that was pushing her luck. She looked hopefully toward the farmhouse, but the doors and windows were shuttered closed.

Feeling proud of herself for her haul, she placed the three eggs into her pocket making sure to remove the knife first, so it wouldn't clink against them. She didn't want to waste her bounty or leave an eggy mess inside her pocket. Her stomach grumbled and she hoped Zan was as hungry as she was.

He sat up rubbing his shoulder stiffly when she walked back into the camp with her prize.

She held out her chest and smiled as she pulled one of the eggs out of her pocket to show him.

But instead of smiling at her and standing up to give her a congratulatory hug as she expected, he turned his head away.

"What's the matter?" she asked. "You don't like eggs? Oh I'm sorry I thought... I can take them back. Well I can't really I guess." She put it back in her pocket, unsure of what to do next.

Zan shook his head and pointed to the sky. Ruby looked to see where he indicated but all she saw were clouds.

"Oh bother this is difficult. I..." but before she finished what she was saying he had knelt in front of her wrapping his arms around her waist. She reached over to him to stoke his face. Tears ran down his cheeks.

She kneeled, holding his embrace as long as he needed as he tucked the top of his head under her chin. She kissed him on the top of his head, running her fingers through his brown hair that stuck up on one side from sleeping on it.

He moaned, a low growl and jerked his head back. Ruby shivered, not knowing what she should do.

"I saw a farm house, perhaps..."

He pulled her face down to his, cupping her cheeks with both his hands. His eyes were intense and had darkened, and he pulled her to him, crushing his lips onto hers. With more pressure than before he parted her lips with his tongue, thrusting it into her mouth.

A small sigh escaped from Ruby's lips as he pulled away again, searching her face as if waiting for something. She leaned forward and kissed him back passionately.

He responded. His hand slipped down her neck and caressed her skin as he lowered it to her arm. His mouth traced the path his hand had taken. First down her neck leaving a trail of warm wetness, then moving lower, nuzzling into the small nape at her shoulder. Ruby shivered as his teeth gently scraped against her skin.

His fingers moved to the front of her dress, pulling at the buttons, trying to pry them away. He seemed frustrated that they held fast and tugged harder.

She pulled away, watching him as she carefully undid her buttons slowly one by one, and let her dress slip from her body.

# Chapter 16

ZAN KNELT IN front of her, tracing his finger over the fabric of her bra. He looked confused like he'd never seen anything like it before. What did the Volante woman wear, Ruby wondered? But before she could dwell on what they must wear or not, he traced his finger lower to her underwear.

He took his time, studying every tie and button and twirling the lace in his fingers. All of a sudden she felt self-conscious. Men she had known would be trying to rip her clothes off at this moment, not studying her with fascination.

Ruby gulped and wrapped her arms around her chest. He continued to examine her and her under garments. His intense stare made her tremble, and she wondered if she could save face by picking up her dress and pulling it back over her head.

He pulled her closer, kissing her bare stomach and taking his time to examine every pore and freckle, before running his tongue over them like he was trying to lick them away. A small sigh left Ruby's parted lips and she rolled her head back as she closed her eyes. She no longer wanted him to stop, running her hand over the top of his head and grabbing his hair.

His hand reached up to her breasts again, tracing the lace on her bra. Ruby swallowed as his fingers teased under the fabric. A warmth throbbed through her that was getting harder to ignore, and she wanted desperately for him to help her take this longing away.

He tugged at the lace, gently at first, then with more determination. The fabric on the side tore, so she reached behind to unhook it herself, letting it fall to the ground next to her dress. She now stood before him, in just her underwear.

Zan dipped his head to one side and closed his eyes, breathing her in as he reached up, outlining the now puckered skin around her nipples.

Ruby was breathless.

He gently pulled her to her knees, bending down to run his tongue around her breast, moving teasingly close to her nipple before pulling away again. Ruby was nearly panting she was breathing so hard, when he finally put one in his mouth, sucking gently at first then faster. The throbbing below was now almost unbearable.

His mouth moved expertly over her breasts and back down to her stomach. Tiny nerves sparked over her skin as he sucked and nibbled, enjoying his journey. She had never felt anything this wonderful and didn't want him to stop what he was doing, until he placed his hand lower and started tugging at her underwear. And suddenly she wanted more. She wanted it like she had never wanted anything else before.

Wriggling out of her underwear, she gasped as his hand brushed against her thigh as his lips moved higher.

Ruby moaned as his tongue entered her mouth.

She heard the rustling of his feathers as they shook, sending a delicious breeze onto her hot skin, making her shiver with pleasure.

His hand was close, so close. She wiggled forward wanting him to quench the heat simmering inside her. His fingers teased the top of her legs, inches away from their destination.

She parted her legs, moaning again, inviting him closer.

But instead he pulled away from her.

Ruby cried out and reached for him.

He smiled, quickly discarding his own pants. He now stood in front of her, as naked as she.

His skin shimmered from the sweat beaded on his body. One droplet slid down from his chest to his torso. Ruby's eyes followed its journey until it disappeared to the ground. Mesmerized by the magnificence in front of her she swayed, absently biting her bottom lip as she breathed out heavily.

Zan pulled her to her feet, leaning her against a nearby tree for support. His hands caressed her body, as his mouth brushed hers.

She grabbed the back of his neck, not allowing him to pull away again, not even for the sake of clothing. His wing feathers tickled her arm creating tiny goosebumps all over her skin, adding to the already million sensations erupting through her.

Then his hand brushed against her wetness.

The rich pleasure of his fingers as they glided over her, in and out, made her cry out. Zan started to pull away again, but she held him tighter, her own hands starting to explore him as if they had a mind of their own.

They traced down his hard chest and smooth stomach. But that was not the prize her hands sought. All she could think about was his manhood, and what it might feel like.

She gasped when her hand rested on it. A small slick of wetness covered the tip, and she circled her finger in its slipperiness. Zan groaned and ran his own fingers slick with her juices around his shaft before returning them inside her.

Ruby moved her hand up and down its length easily now. Zan responded to the rhythm by moving his fingers at the same pace.

She breathed faster when he pulled his hand away and grabbed hers entwining their fingers together.

He slid into her.

Ruby gasped and opened her legs wider, letting the Volante move into her over and over. She had known sex was supposed to be wonderful, but had never expected it to thrill her as much and so easily.

His mouth was on hers again, his tongue matching the pace and rhythm of his lovemaking. Ruby was on the verge of ecstasy.

Her hips danced with his and she rocked forward. She wanted him to be as close to her as he could.

When he started to move faster still, a continuous moan echoed through her body. She realized she was saying it out loud for anyone to hear them. She didn't care. Every part of her was about to explode in delicious pleasure. She cried out loud when the crest finally came and her body quivered from orgasm.

He rode her for only a few more minutes before he cried out himself, allowing his own pleasure to mingle with hers.

Ruby didn't want to move in case she would break the magic. She'd experienced the most magnificent pleasure she'd ever imagined and all she wanted to do, was do it all over again, and again, and again.

They could stay here, both of them in this forest, foraging for food and making love. Making love as often as possible. Every minute of every day. It was starting to sound like a reasonable plan.

Zan held her in his arms as he gently laid her back on the soft leaves. When he lay beside her, she could see more of his feathers had fallen away from his wing.

She picked one of them up, teasing her spent body with it. Her skin still tingled from their lovemaking, and each flick of the feather sent shivers of delight around her body.

He watched her and smiled. He was so beautiful. So masterful. He knew exactly what to do to her.

What did that mean? Her smile faded. Of course he must have done this before. Many times. But to how many Volante women? Or worse, perhaps he'd done it to human women, too.

Ruby sat up, wrapping her arms around her chest as if she was cold.

He grabbed for her hand, kissing her palm and ticking it, making tiny circles with his tongue.

"Roo-bee," he said in his high melodic voice.

He grimaced as he sat up and she could see his injured wing drooped.

She cupped his face with her hands.

"Zan, are you in pain?"

He pulled away.

"We are going to have to get that looked at you know. Although I have no idea how we are going to make that happen. It's not like I can take you to one of our hospitals and say, here you go, fix this wing please. And it's not as if I can take you to wherever you are from and walk on up handing you over either. For a start I don't even know where to take you."

He held his finger up to her lips, kissing her and pushing his tongue into her mouth. The desire started to spread throughout her body again and she kissed him back hungrily.

Who cares what he has done before, she thought. He's with me now. Just me. All that mattered was she was here in the arms of Zan. The Volante.

# Chapter 17

RUBY SCRAPED THE broken eggs out of her pocket. How could she have been so careless as to break them? Even if Zan didn't want them as a meal, it didn't mean she had to waste such precious food. She washed her dress in the stream, making sure all the egg splatter soaked clean away.

As she returned to their camp, Zan doubled over on the ground and groaned. There would be no more ifs or buts—she needed to get that wing looked at lickety split.

The quickest thing she could think of, was to return to the nearby farm where she got the eggs. Perhaps they had medical supplies she could borrow. She looked around for something to trade with and picked up the pocketknife her father had given her. He would be terribly upset if she had to give it away, but she had nothing else of value. A small pang of guilt washed over her as she placed it determinedly back into her pocket.

She told Zan to stay put at the camp site. He nodded slowly. What was she thinking making love with him, in his state? Passion had gotten the better of her. She shook her head. _You've taken all of his energy, Ruby Kelly_. _What were you thinking? You were thinking of yourself and nothing else, that's what. Your father didn't raise you to be selfish. Now snap out of it._

Each step felt heavy as she walked past the hen house toward the house. Her foot faltered on the first step, her shoe seemingly repelled to take another step forward.

She felt her arm tremble as she willed herself to take the steps up toward the door.

She knocked lightly at first, waiting quietly and almost turning back around when there was no movement inside. But she knocked again, this time with more force. A muffled woman's voice inside called out to her husband.

A man in faded overalls and a checked shirt answered the door. He wiped a pair of glasses with the bottom of his shirt before placing them on to peer out and see who knocked on his door.

"Yes, what can I do's for you?"

"Hello Sir, my name is Ruby Kelly. I have a hurt, er, friend in the trees out past the back there. He was shot and I thought I got the entire bullet. I really did, I pulled it out and it was whole and about the size of a pea. Then I pushed the wound together like I was supposed to before wrapping it, but I guess something else must have happened because he isn't doing so well now. I'm scared he might be dying."

"Did ya' disinfect it?"

"Sorry?"

"The wound. You can't bandage it and let it be. Ya gotter make sure there ain't no nasty stuff left inside there. Otherwise it can get infected."

Of course. She mentally slapped her forehead. How could she have forgotten?

"I'm afraid I didn't. Do you think it's too late? Can I disinfect it now?"

"Maybe. Depends on how far gone its spread. You don't want it getting to the blood. It's always over when it gets in the blood."

Ruby's lip started to tremble. "Well if I could trouble you for some disinfectant then..."

"Ain't got that. But do have meself some nice whiskey from yer Daddy here."

Ruby shook her head. "You know me?"

"You're the Kelly girl. John Kelly's a good man, he is. Fixes me up with my liquor."

"Well that's good and all, but this isn't the time for drinking. If you could point me to where I could find some medicine for my friend, then..."

"Silly girl. I says I got some whiskey. That'd kill any badness that got into a bullet wound. Just pour it on it'll clean it right out. Might sting some though."

"I could trade you some whiskey for this knife if you like." She held out the small pocket knife her father had given her, hoping the farmer would take it in exchange for some of her father's whiskey.

The farmer started laughing. A deep throaty laugh that shook his body so much he had to put his hand on the doorframe to keep from falling over. "You want me to take that tiny thing?"

"It's all I have."

"You bring your friend up here. I'll even help ya fetch him if you like. Me and Ma'll get him fixed up. If it's not too late."

Ruby shifted from one foot to the other. "Oh it's okay. I can take the bottle to him. I'll be..." But before she could finish her sentence, the old farmer was pulling her out of the doorway and down the stairs.

"Can he walk?"

"Well, yes, but... there's something I have to tell you. And I'm not sure you are going to want to help me if you find out."

"What, you harborin' a Volantay' on my property?" The farmer started laughing again. "I already seen ya's. And as if nothing doesn't happen in Wickson without old Joe knowing. Speaking of... you owe me breakfast."

Ruby cheeks turned red.

Zan jumped and attempted to duck behind a tree as Joe the farmer entered the campsite. His attempt to hide was useless of course, given his wingspan.

"I'll be darned. I'm standin' in front of a real life creature of the mountains." He whistled as he stood looking at Zan.

Ruby went over to where Zan was, and patted his arm. "It's okay. He's going to help us. He's going to take us back to his farmhouse and fix up your wing."

"Well, looky at that. It's taken a liking to Miss Kelly. Wait'll Ma hears about this." He whistled again before turning and waving his arm for them to follow him. "Well don't dawdle. Let's get that wound looked at."

# Chapter 18

"HE'LL LIVE," said the farmer who Ruby now knew as Joe Reynolds Jr.

Junior. He was at least seventy years old. Ruby had to bite her lip so she wouldn't chuckle and offend him when he told her.

As he attended to Zan's wing, Farmer Joe's eyes took on a dreamy look.

"Been here most of me life," he said. "This here farm used to belong to my own ma and pa. It wasn't always mine. Oh no sirree. Was a copywriter once. Didn't think I'd have such a swish job did ya? Yeah even got me'self a fancy desk in the big smoke. But I always knew I'd end up back here." He whistled as he cut the bandage to the right size.

"Made a bit o' money, too, in my time. Course, I had to wire most of it home to the folks to help them pay for the farm. And every time I got me holidays I'd come back to see how they'd be doin'."

Ruby rested her chin on her hand as he continued his story.

"That's when I met the beautiful Jenny." He leaned over and winked at Ruby. "Stayin in town with some friends she was. Wouldn't have even met if I didn't go in cause we was out of flour. And there she was. Sittin' all pretty and sipping down a soda. I remember it was bright pink. The drink. Course I wasn't staring at the drink too long. Not when she lifted her eyes and batter her eyelashes right at me. Me!"

He rested his hand on Zan's shoulder and stared out of the window. Zan groaned.

"Sorry, where was I? Oh yes. Never did go back to the city. Was married within two months, weren't we love?"

"Do you have children?" asked Ruby.

"Yep. Blessed with three littlen's. But Ma and me don't see them much these days. Too busy they says." He sighed, and wrapped the bandage around the wing in a much more skilled manner than Ruby had done. "There, that should do it."

He stood back admiring his work.

Zan nodded his head and Joe Reynolds hooted in laughter. "Ma, come quick, he's saying thanks."

"Call me Jenny," said the woman. She outstretched her hand with her palm down and wrist limp.

Ruby grabbed it gladly, shaking it heartily. "Thank you for helping him. Most people seem far too concerned with killing or capturing him. You are the first folk I've met who've been kind."

"It's nice for the company," she said leading them to the dining room.

Ruby mouth fell open. A dark mahogany table took up the entire room and over that lay an elegantly designed crocheted tablecloth. It wasn't the tablecloth that caught her attention however. Laden in the middle of it were lashings of bacon, eggs and toast. There were even pitchers of freshly squeezed orange juice.

"You can close your mouth dear," said Jenny nodding her head. Ruby looked up and wiped the edge of her mouth with the back of her sleeve. Her stomach rumbled, and she pulled out a chair to sit.

"Get cleaned up first, and your friend _must_ wear a shirt," said Jenny.

"But I don't have anything for him to wear."

Jenny grabbed Ruby by the elbow and led her down the narrow hallway toward the bathroom. "Perhaps you could comb your hair as well?"

Ruby nodded as the door shut.

The bathroom was tiny, much like the rest of the house, but cozy and inviting. She turned on the faucet and slid the sweet smelling soap through her fingers, watching the bubbles lather. A mirror hung on the opposite wall and she walked over to it and her eyes widened. Her hair was matted and she had dirt smudged on the top of her forehead.

She undid the bun in her hair and combed her fingers through before re-styling it. The soap was still wet when she rubbed it over her face. There. Much better.

Zan's glass of juice was now empty and Jenny was pouring him another when she returned. He picked up the cutlery and stabbed at the plate trying to spear a piece of bacon with it. The red flannel shirt he wore had been ripped at the back to allow his wings to sit freely, and he'd tucked them as close to his body as he could.

Ruby sat, smoothing her skirt out as she did. Zan smiled at her as he picked up the bacon with his hands. Jenny frowned.

She picked up her own knife and fork and made a small cough sound as she moved them slowly onto her plate, making exaggerated movements to cut her eggs and lift them to her mouth, making sure Zan watched her.

"Thank you for all this food," said Ruby, taking a bite of her toast. "I think the last time I had a breakfast as wonderful as this was when Father won money on the horse races. We ate like kings for weeks. Not that he gambles anymore."

"You be sure to tell your pa about old Farmer Joe. Next time he's in town, I want one of his finest brews."

"Indeed. You shall get the best," said Ruby, lifting her glass to him. "He is supposed to be out of jail today. I'll tell him as soon as I see him."

"When are you heading back?" asked Jenny.

"Today, as soon as possible," said Ruby.

"Oh, he can't leave for a while," said Joe pointing his fork at Zan. "He needs rest. Especially if you are heading back to Wickson on foot."

"But I wanted to be back to meet up with Father before he's released. Otherwise you don't know what my mother is going to do. She'll be beside herself with worry as it is, and if he turns up without me, then she'll be livid. You don't know what she'll do sometimes, and if she gets mad, she's likely to call the Governor. It's not like she's never called on him before. One time a neighbor was taking the lemons from our tree. They were falling to the ground because we had more than we needed, but she done went and told on her. Can you believe that? She just doesn't think sometimes."

"You can go by yourself, but the Volante, he needs to stay at least a day more. He could stay here I guess. Although I'd have to keep him out back. I trust him and all, but I've got Jenny here to look after. Can't have her getting bothered by a Volante wandering around the place by itself."

"Zan. His name is Zan," said Ruby.

The farmer burst out laughing hysterically. "Ma, did you hear that. He's got a name."

# Chapter 19

"WHY DON'T YOU call your mother?" said Jenny. "Our phone is just over yonder." She pointed with her whole hand, to the telephone table in the corner of the first room.

Ruby picked up the receiver and placed her finger on the first digit of her phone number. She took a deep breath and paused. It wasn't like she could tell her mother about Zan and her father up front. It was far too important information to be sharing in such an impersonal manner.

She slowly dragged her finger on the wheel listening to the tiny clicks as it dialed her number. Once all the numbers had been dialed she waited for the ring to start on the other end.

"Kelly residence. Hello?" Her mother's voice was strained and sounded far away.

"It's Ruby."

"Oh Ruby, where have you been? I've been worried and...", but before she could finish she was sobbing loudly, and Ruby had to take the ear piece away from her face for a second.

"It's okay. I'm okay."

"Ruby you must come home this instant. Something has happened and you need to be here."

"What is it?"

"No. This isn't the right place to tell you. Are you close by?"

"I'm outside of Wickson. At a farm. But I have no money for a coach, and Father..." As soon as she said the word father, her mother sobbed even harder. "What's going on?"

"Tell me where you are. I'll come get you right away."

Ruby sat on the front steps of the farmhouse, tucking her knees up under her skirt and wrapping her arms around them. She rocked back and forth like she did when she was a little girl and she wanted to be alone.

Zan came and sat next to her, his feathers had regained some of their color. Joe's tending did much more for him than she could have done. Or perhaps it was the breakfast Jenny had laid out for them? She had to admit she was feeling pretty energetic right now, too. Or at least she had been before the phone call. Hugging her knees tighter to her body, she watched to where the road to the farm disappeared in the distance.

When Zan placed his hand on her shoulder she couldn't stop her lip from wavering. She leaned into him, resting her head on his shoulder, and he moved his arm around to hold her close. They must have been sitting for at least half an hour without saying anything, when the dust from the road began to swirl and dance as a car came into view.

It wasn't the family car though, it was a dark grey Austin town car. Brand new.

"Get inside," said Ruby standing up. "Quick. Go and hide, you can't be seen."

Zan stood up immediately, disappearing into the house.

The car rolled to a gentle stop and she waited for the driver side door to open. A man stepped out and walked to the other side, opening the passenger door.

"Governor, what a pleasant surprise," said Ruby. He held his hand out for her mother as Mary Kelly's foot alighted from the vehicle.

Her mother ran to her, pulling her tight. Ruby's body went stiff—her arms remained at her side. After a count of three, her mother still had her in an embrace so Ruby pulled away.

Mary held her daughter at arm's length. "Look at you," she said.

Ruby stared at her mother's bright red lips and powdered nose. She'd even had time to curl her hair and arrange it neatly under the hat she wore.

"Come darling. We must sit. I have terrible news."

"No!"

Ruby screamed. The shrill sound vibrated through her body and out through the wooden house. "No." she cried again.

Her mother lied. It wasn't true.

"He got out last night. He went looking for you and that's when it happened."

Ruby shook her head and placing her hands over her ears. "I don't believe you. It was someone else. I can prove it. Let's go to the police station now. I can show you where he is."

Mary Kelly held both of her daughter's hands in her lap. "Listen to me. Calm down and listen."

Ruby pulled her hands away and ran toward the farmhouse door. She was nearly at the steps when the Governor stepped in her path. He held his hands out to stop her before she bowled into him.

"Miss Kelly, you need to go and talk to your mother. Stop acting like a child." He sneered, and she had half a mind to take out her pocket knife and jam it into his face right there and then.

"What are you even doing here?" she yelled at him.

"I'm helping to investigate the murder of course." He looked down, making an effort to look sympathetic but a small curl danced on his bottom lip.

"You are not even the law." She clenched her hand into a ball. She could hit him. She could get away with it. It'd be extenuating circumstances. There is no way a judge would convict her for it.

"Ruby, darling please," said her mother.

A sparkle of wetness appeared in the corners of her mother's eyes as they searched hers. Oh god.

Ruby wailed.

She dropped to her knees hitting the ground with her fists. Dust blew up around her, blinding her eyes and mingling with her tears causing dark brown streaks to smear down her face and onto her dress. She pulled her hair free, rubbing dirt into it and matting it further.

She screamed once more. Her mother pulled her back to her feet, and wrapped her arms around her. Ruby buried her head into her shoulder letting the tears flow. She didn't care how long her mother held her now, and didn't care she was getting her as muddy as she was.

It wasn't fair. It just wasn't fair.

# Chapter 20

RUBY HUGGED JOE goodbye. Even though she had agreed to get into the Governor's car and be taken home, she held him tight, not wanting to break the embrace.

"Come on," said her mother, tapping her foot on the dusty porch.

Ruby lifted her eyes to Joe, searching his. _Help Zan_. She hoped he understood what she was trying to say.

He nodded to her, and smiled that half smile people often give you when they know you are grieving and have taken pity on you.

She didn't turn around again until she got to the car. As she opened the door and took one look back at Joe and Jenny with their arms linked on the porch, watching them, all she could think about was how he'd never get that whiskey he was so excited about receiving.

It was then she decided he would. She'd seen how her father brewed many times, and sometimes when her mother wasn't at home she had even helped him. She knew the right ingredients and the right temperatures. Perhaps he wouldn't have to go out of business after all.

Her lip trembled. She couldn't do it. How could she take over her father's business when it was his to own, not hers. She bit down on it to stop it shaking but it didn't seem to help, her teeth chattered to take its place.

"It wasn't your fault," said her mother patting her on the leg as she looked out of the window. "We'll get through this. We Kelly girls are strong."

It was the most informal show of affection her mother had given her recently, given the circumstances, but she didn't care. She slid over to her on the leather seat and wrapped her arms around her mother's body, watching out of the same window as the farmhouse disappeared into the distance.

The rest of the trip home was silent. Her mother held her hand tight, and Ruby did the same, gripping it back, not once thinking of letting it go.

The words her mother had told her, about what had happened, circled over and over in her head, as if playing in a movie stuck on a film loop.

She imagined how excited her father must have been to be released early and how he would have headed to the Inn looking for her. How anxious not knowing where she had gone, and thinking of her in the presence of a Volante. If only she could have told him how gentle they were, or at least, how gentle Zan was. How he never would have hurt her and had been protecting her all this time. If she had have been able to tell him, perhaps he wouldn't have gone out into the night searching for her.

If he didn't go out, then he wouldn't have been killed by someone looking for money. Why didn't her father tell the man he had no cash—that it had already been taken the day before, by the marine thugs? She wanted to be there, to put the words in his mouth. But she didn't even know if he had a chance to talk before he was shot, left to bleed on the side of the road.

She wrinkled her nose. It was unusual to be shot in such a manner. Usually muggers had knives. Why did this one have a gun?

"Is this your home?" asked the Governor as he pulled up outside the white weatherboard house with the row of daisies in the front garden.

"Yes, yes this is us," said Mary Kelly. "Are you ready dear?"

Ruby nodded and stepped out of the car, not bothering to wait for him to come around and open the door for her.

The Governor narrowed his eyes and helped her mother out.

"Thank you, Walter," said Mary, stepping out of the car as she held the Governor's hand.

Ruby waited until she heard the click as her mother unlocked the front door, and raced into the house heading for her bedroom. She didn't care if she was being rude or not. Her mother spoke with the Governor for only a few more minutes before the door shut and she heard the car start up and drive away.

She wanted to scream at her mother for allowing him to drive her. Why? Why would she let him escort her when she had learned to drive herself? Her father had insisted she learn and even though she didn't like to do it—she always worried it wasn't the proper lady-like thing to do—even if she knew well enough how, and this _was_ an emergency. The last person Ruby wanted to see when she was told about her father's death was the Governor in his snarky brown suit.

It was well into the afternoon when she heard tapping on the door waking her from her dreamless sleep. She rubbed her eyes, realizing she was still fully clothed and still in the same outfit she had been wearing for days now.

"Do you want something to eat? I made scones," said her mother's voice at the door.

Food was the last thing on her mind, but she walked out into the kitchen anyway. Her mother had been busy in the few hours they'd been home and had baked not only scones, but also a teacake and a batch of biscuits, too.

It was laid out on display with all the best china they owned, sitting attractively in a neat row. She had even whipped some cream and had jam and butter sitting delicately in a tiny bowl next to the scones. There was enough food here to feed at least twenty people.

Ruby looked at her mother who stood holding out the tray of food with a sad smile on her face. She walked over to hug her. "No, I'm not hungry at all," she said.

Her mother looked at her, her mouth dropped then starting laughing. Laughing like it was the funniest thing she had heard all day, and right at that moment Ruby felt the bubble of laugher rise in her own stomach as well.

They both sat on the floor of the kitchen laughing and crying and hugging each other close.

The warm water infused new energy into Ruby as it cascaded over her body and down into the shower stall. She wouldn't close her eyes. Couldn't. Every time she did it was like a jagged knife sunk into her chest aiming for her heart, and she saw her father's face smiling at her.

Water stung her eyes, but she didn't care. They were already red anyway. She watched the soap lather up between her fingers. It was just like the soap the Farmer and his wife had. Was it the same bar? She wondered why she hadn't noticed that before. She started crying again.

She tried to push every thought of her father out of her head. It was too much right now. Focus on being normal. She poured some shampoo onto her hair and tried to concentrate on the sweet smell. Was this how it was going to be now? Moments when life is suddenly normal, as if nothing is wrong at all, then bam, the truth would hit you again, stinging you over and over like a persistent wasp stuck in your heart.

She had barely thought of Zan since she got home. How could she? Even those times when her mind wandered, wondering where he was and if he was okay, she shut them out, almost willing herself to forget about him, thinking perhaps he was responsible, that he had bought death to her family indirectly, like her father's story said he would.

Why did she even think being with him would have bought anything other than unhappiness anyway? She was a fool to think otherwise.

She got out of the shower and dried herself slowly. She couldn't do anything fast anymore. There was no need to when your mind raced for you. The slower she moved the more she could slow the thoughts in her mind as she deliberately pulled them away from the unseen movie in her head of the night it happened, in which the scene and perpetrator changed with every loop, but the end result of her father lying in a pool of blood remained.

Sometimes it was her in the movie, she was the perpetrator. And those times, in that scene, she was holding her pocketknife out, the blood dripping off it as her father's lifeless body lay at her feet.

Her mother had stopped cooking at least. Now she sat in the armchair by the window, staring out and jumping if she heard a car or person walk by, as if it was something new she had never noticed before.

Her mother's hair had lost its curl. And while she was still dressed neatly, she wore no shoes, looking down at her feet at odd intervals of the day, muttering about what her own mother would think seeing her with bare feet.

Ruby didn't know the right words to comfort her mother. She could only stare at her as her own pain threatened to cause her to collapse at any moment. And as much as she wanted to tell her everything would be okay, once they got the funeral over and done with, and they could get back to living again instead of being stuck in this purgatory of waiting, her mouth couldn't form the words.

Instead she walked outside, out to the shed and through the secret door that led to the room her father did his brewing in.

She checked the sack in the corner that held the corn sprouts, carefully removing any greenery and placing the burst kernels into the crushing machine making sure to pound them until they were all mushed up to pulp. She then turned on the furnace to heat up the water. Once it was boiled she added the water, the corn pulp, a container of sugar, and a touch of malt to a barrel. She stirred it good, like she'd been shown, before adding the yeast. Then she covered the barrel and wrote the date on the side.

Only one of the other two barrels was ready to strain, and she let the liquid run out into large jugs until she had filled five of them. She then cleaned out the bottom of the barrel, scrubbing to make sure no sediment was left and poured the half distilled whiskey back inside, crossing out the date and adding a second one for when it would be ready to decanter.

# Chapter 21

RUBY'S LIP TREMBLED as she stood outside the church. The black dress her mother had picked out for her was too tight and she pulled at the side so it wouldn't bunch up and ride too high. Not that she cared what other people thought of her outfit at her own father's funeral. But her mother would.

She glanced around at the people mingling on the grounds, but couldn't seem to remember who she knew and didn't know, as they all melded together into one giant lollipop swirl.

Her mother was already inside. She'd been here for hours, and the minister had told her many a time she should let him handle it, but if she knew her mother, she'd be fussing with the flower arrangements and insisting he change the hymns of the service to something elegant and understated.

When she reached the door she faltered, the coffin was at the front sitting out in plain view for everyone to see. She swallowed as she got closer. Even though it was a closed casket, the framed photo of her father's face sat atop and smiled brightly at her. Her mother would have chosen that photo because he looked happy. But this was a funeral. This was no time to be looking happy sitting atop your own dead body.

Ruby walked over to the coffin and snatched the frame from the top, holding it to her body as she sat down in the front row.

The minister took a step in her direction. She glared at him, daring him to try and put it back. He must have got the message as he returned to light the candles on the alter at the front of the church. Then he turned and spoke to the crowd.

When the minister announced the end of the service, Ruby wrinkled her brow. She couldn't seem to remember one word of what was said or who stood up to do a reading. She couldn't even remember standing herself to sing during the hymns. Did she remain seated? She couldn't have, otherwise her mother would have yanked her by the arm and made sure she did what she was supposed to do.

Three men she didn't know, and the Governor as a forth, carried the coffin out of the church to the gravesite at the back. It was a lovely place, surrounded by trees and overlooking a small pond. Only about a hundred other poor souls rested here, and Ruby wondered about the company he'd have as he lay here next to them.

As the coffin was lowered into the ground, Ruby stepped forward and threw a handful of dirt on top. It was soft in her hand but made a loud thud when it hit the top of the wood. Soon people were hugging her and telling her how sorry they were for her loss. She didn't hug them back. Couldn't. She had to hold the framed photograph so it wouldn't drop to the ground.

A woman she only vaguely recognized approached her, but instead of telling her how sorry she was, she leaned forward and whispered into her ear.

"I knows where your friend is," she said.

"What? What are you talking about?"

"The winged creature. The dark angel. I know who's got him." Her breath was thick and dripped like molasses as she continued to whisper in Ruby's ear.

"Who?" asked Ruby. Her heart started to beat fast.

"You know the house up on Truss Lane? The large one with the guest houses out the back and the high iron wrought fence? He's there."

Ruby looked around for her mother and saw her nodding and thanking people as she moved through the crowd. "How do you know this?"

"I sees him don't I. With me own eyes."

She looked back at this woman. A vague memory of seeing her walking the streets at night, wearing an old tattered coat and pushing a baby pram full of canned food came into focus. "You knew my father?" Ruby took a step away from her.

"I did. He was a nice one, that he was."

She put her hand on the woman's shoulder. "Well thank you for coming." She gave her a quick smile, turned and walked away.

She stood with the group of women surrounding her mother. They all looked solemn and mournful, like they had placed masks on to express the appropriate emotion. Looking back over her shoulder, the strange woman still watched her, smiling happily, not seeming to care she was at a funeral.

"Come on darling, we need to get ready for the guests," her mother said ushering her into the back of a car.

Ruby couldn't stop thinking about what the woman had told her. Zan was _here_. In her own town.

"Mother who lives in the big white house on Truss Lane?"

Mary paused as she hummed, tapping her gloved finger on her lip. "I don't know actually. Why don't you ask Walter when we get back to the house, he's sure to know everyone in town?"

Ruby slunk back into her seat. Why'd he have to be coming? It wasn't like he was family. She closed her eyes, wrinkling her nose and thinking up ways she could get away with not having to talk to him to find out who lived there. It wasn't as if she wanted to know anyway. If Zan was there, well then that was his bad luck if he got captured. She'd given him plenty of chances to get away—he should have headed back to where he was from and left her alone. He better not have tried to follow her.

But what if the owners were beating him, or performing vile experiments on him? They wouldn't. Would they?

# Chapter 22

IT WAS THE fourth time Ruby walked by the Michaels house this week. Each time she peered into the yard looking for something that would indicate Zan was indeed here. But each time, there was nothing that would give away an illegal Volante was inside the grounds.

She'd learned from Governor Williams the owner of the house was a retired man named Henry Michaels. She didn't want to know more about him than that. Just knowing some old man was keeping _her_ Zan was enough. That was if he still had him of course. Who knows what could have happened to him by now.

She placed her hand on the gate and felt the cool hard metal in her grip. It squeaked loudly as she pushed it open. She looked around to see if anyone had been alerted to her arrival. Stillness.

She lifted her chin and took a step into the yard, looking left and right, waiting for a pack of Dobermans to rush out and stop her reaching the front steps. But nothing. Nothing except the crunch of small pebbles under her shoes.

The wooden porch wrapped the whole house like a moat where only those brave enough to cross would be able to reach the door. She placed her foot onto the first step as quietly as she could. Good. No more squeaking.

She lightly tapped on the door waiting for the sound to echo through the house like a whisper. She knocked again, barely touching the wood with her knuckles, and again only silence answered.

Perhaps old Mr. Michaels wasn't home. Or was deaf.

A small grin crept over her face, and she crossed back over the porch to the grounds heading to the back of the house. A vine with tiny white flowers crept up one side using the columns that supported the porch roof as its road to the sky.

It wasn't until she had made it to the back of the house she realized the porch did not wraparound the whole house as she originally thought. The back was a room covered in glass from floor to ceiling.

In the middle of the glass room was a cane settee big enough to sleep on, and a table with books piled high. But that was not the most striking thing about this room. It was full of hundreds of plants. Each of them tenderly cared for in its own pot or basket, some hanging from the corners of the ceiling and other's in tiered stands against each window. It looked like a tiny tropical jungle oasis inside.

Ruby moved closer, admiring the color and shape of some of the flowers she had never seen before and wondered what it would be like to touch and smell them.

She shook her head—this was no time to admire Mr. Michael's green room, she had a Volante to find.

The property dipped down to a small gazebo on the left, and further past it, if you followed the stone path that curved through the grounds, was a large shed big enough to hide a fugitive. Her breath quickened and she looked around once more, paying careful attention to any movement from the windows, before heading in that direction.

Would Mr. Michaels have Zan in chains, like she'd seen him the first night? She furrowed her brow. She hadn't bought anything to free him with. That was if she actually wanted to free him. She shook her head. It wasn't _her_ fault he'd got himself caught again.

She rubbed some of the dirt that had accumulated on the window with her sleeve and peered inside. Garden tools hung neatly on the wall, and large sacks of, something, were piled in the far corner. What it didn't have was any sign a creature as large as a Volante had been kept here.

She wrinkled her nose wondering if the crazy lady had been right after all. What would she know anyway? Perhaps this was this one of her weird jokes, a way to pass the time.

"You better have a good excuse," said a voice behind her.

She turned at once. A shotgun pointed at her.

The man holding the gun was about ten feet away from her, and was tall with grey hair and soft wrinkles that creased his forehead.

"I've had enough of your type snooping around here. I've called the police on you thieves before, don't think I won't do it again. There are no valuables around here, no matter what you might have heard," he said.

"I'm sorry. I..." She pushed her hand out fast, holding it out for him to shake, looking down to make sure it wasn't already shaking. "I heard you had my Volante."

Mr. Michaels paused for a second, then let out a laugh, dropping the rifle to his side. "There you go then. I was wondering if you'd ever come around Miss Kelly. I've heard a lot of things about you. Come, come with me."

Ruby narrowed her eyes. "I'm not sure what to take of that Mr. Michaels, but I assume you must have known my father, if you know me and my name."

"Nope, never met him."

"Then how do you know me?"

"Zan told me of course."

Ruby took a step back, nearly tripping over her own feet.

"I'm sorry, I think I misheard you. You said Zan told you about me?"

"Of course. He's talks about you all the time. I wasn't sure where to find you, but look, you've found us. Let's get you up to the main house."

"He's in your house?"

"Of course, where else would he be?"

Ruby looked up at the house. "I don't understand. He can't talk."

Mr. Michaels laughed again, a gentle laugh Ruby thought was mocking her. "Come. See."

# Chapter 23

RUBY LOOKED UP. At the highest point of the house, above the top floor, was a glass ceiling that let light shine through the entire house. It lit every inch of the huge circle staircase that twisted around the center of the house to the floors above. Large paintings decorated every wall. Each of the paintings were of animals, some regular ones such as cats and dogs, and some fantastical creatures such as horses with horns out the front of their snouts and pigs with ears as big as elephants. They were housed in gold frames, ornate and expensive.

"Did them myself. Not a bad hobby if you like that sort of thing," Mr. Michaels said.

"You're a painter?"

He stopped and scratched his chin. "Hmm, maybe I am now. Sounds much better than saying I'm retired."

"What are you retired from?"

"Why I was a vet, Miss Kelly. Looked after animals. Didn't you know that?"

A vet? Perhaps he could communicate with Zan by sign language. It could be the reason he knew who she was.

"I didn't know. Do you have any family here?"

"No family. Not that I know of at least," he said, winking and touching the side of his nose. "Zan. Come down. We have a guest."

He winked at her again, and looked up.

Her eyes followed and from the top floor Zan jumped over the balustrade. The light filtered through his wings that were spread wide as he gracefully descended the floor.

Zan stood and stared. His mouth and eyes open wide. He rushed, almost flew, to her and grabbed her. Ruby nearly fell from the force.

"My Roobee," he said. "I miss you very much."

Now it was Ruby's mouth that was wide open. She managed to stutter out the words, "You can talk?"

"Henree is teeching me. I good yes?"

"Oh yes. You are marvelous." She turned to Mr. Michaels with her mouth still agape. "How did you do that?"

"The way you would teach anyone to speak a language. Sounds first, then basic words. It's not a special skill."

"But you are a vet."

"Retired. And the only help that gave me was for fixing his wing."

Ruby looked over at his wing. It had almost fully healed. "I still don't understand what he is doing here?"

Henry Michaels laughed again, his eyes twinkled with delight. "Come have some tea in the parlor. I'll explain everything."

Ruby sat in the glass room filled with plants. Her head throbbed from the heady fragrance that permeated the air. Sipping her tea slowly, she turned her attention to Henry Michael's story of how he had found Zan after the shooting at Wickson police station.

"Yes, the whole town had seen him. Numerous sightings. It's lucky he wasn't killed."

Ruby felt woozy.

"I've been an advocate for Volante rights for some years, so of course when I heard that someone was inquiring at the local hospital about stitching a torn wing I knew it was about Zan here."

Zan moved closer to her, grinning.

"I still have friends in the medical field who knew something was up, so off I went to retrieve him. And voila, here he is." He leaned over admiring his work on Zan's wing.

Ruby wanted to stand up, get out of here, get away.

"He was in a bad way when I found him. And he didn't want to go with me." He patted Zan on the arm. "Sorry about the tranquilizer, but we had to get you fixed up."

Zan nodded happily, moving his hand closer to hers and entwined their fingers.

A familiar jolt of electricity tingled through her when he touched, and he moved closer to her again, until he was sitting as close as he could without being rude.

"Well that's it. I bought him here, fixed his wing, and I've been teaching him to speak English since. Makes things a lot easier than trying to learn his mountain language, although I do know a few words myself." He made a few noises that sounded shrill, but nothing like actual words.

She looked at Zan who was grinning at her. He was here. Healthy. And holding her hand.

"I was about to start searching for you, now Zan is back to good health, if you didn't find us first. You mentioned your father. Is he supportive of this pairing?"

Ruby shook her head. "My father died three weeks ago." She pulled her hand from Zan's grip and bought it to her head. "He would not have approved I'm afraid. He was of the belief Volante's are aggressive and could harm people."

Henry Michaels started to laugh again but stopped himself when he saw Zan's eyes turn to the ground.

"Oh really. The Volante people are one of the most gentle races of all creatures, and especially humans. You shouldn't believe old tales Miss Kelly."

"I didn't believe it. I haven't seen any evidence of it from Zan, but he is only one Volante. What if the stories are true of others?"

"We not kill. We not kill," said Zan. For the first time, Ruby saw sadness in his eyes when he looked at her and she swallowed.

"I'm not saying you did. I..." she put her face in her hands. "But the stories are believed by many nevertheless, so it's not safe. And the law is if you are caught with one you could go to jail, or worse. Are you not worried Mr. Michaels?"

"Worried? Of who? The Law? Governor Williams? Oh please, there is nothing he could do to me. Not in a million of his lifetimes." He stood and picked up the cups from the table. "Now I'll go and leave you two to talk. I'm sure you have a lot of catching up to do."

Zan's hand was entwined with hers again, kissing her fingers gently as he pulled her closer.

"My Roobee," he whispered, nuzzling her ear.

He was here and safe. Her Zan. His breath warmed her neck but she couldn't turn and face him. Not yet.

"I don't feel well," she said.

Zan continued to kiss her neck, tiny bubbles danced in her stomach and she swayed to regain focus.

Her mother's voice echoed through her head. She had wanted to tell her about Zan many times since she'd been home. How his gentle touch made her heart burst with happiness, and even though they couldn't understand each other, she could think of nothing more than being with him. But her mother didn't want to hear of such things. She wanted Ruby to live a happy life with a proper husband. She wanted Ruby to have children of her own and experience the joys of raising your own flesh and blood. That could never happen with a Volante. Besides, her mother was already talking about one of the Simpson twins as a possible husband. Bradley. He was due home on leave soon. She told her mother she wanted no such thing. But she couldn't do that to her. Not now.

Zan's hands were all over her, caressing her shoulder and teasing the top of her blouse.

She froze. What was he doing? She could feel her body warm to his touch, but her head still ached. Her heart beat fast, but whether it was from his touch or the sweat that was beading on her forehead she couldn't be sure.

His breathing was ragged as he continued to nibble her skin.

She pulled away. "I'm happy you are well, Zan. But I must be going. My mother gets terribly worried when I'm gone for too long. She's still grieving for my father, and, of course, so am I. What kind of daughter would I be if I wasn't? Zan, I am grateful of our time together. You are such a special... friend. Perhaps I can visit another day?"

She stood up and walked away not daring to turn around in case she looked at the sadness in his eyes again. What was he thinking anyway? It wasn't like they could be together. Not with the laws. She only wanted to know was if he was well. And he was. That was enough.

"Leaving so soon?" Henry looked surprised. Ruby stopped and turned, keeping her hand on the doorframe.

"Yes. It was lovely meeting you Henry, but I'm afraid I don't feel well. Nor do I have the time to spend catching up right now. You have a beautiful house and I thank you for your hospitality and all you have done for Zan, but I must be going."

"Come again anytime. Please, as soon as you can." He grabbed her hand and searched her eyes.

"We will see, Mr. Michaels."

Ruby walked outside and across the large porch. She could breathe again, and she gulped for air as tears welled up in her eyes. She reached for the feather she kept hidden in her pocket. The same feather she had picked up the first night she had seen him.

When she was out of view of the house, and was sure no one was watching, she held it to her cheek, letting the soft quills caress her. She put the feather back in her pocket, lifted her chin and walked home.

# Chapter 24

BRADLEY SIMPSON'S BLOND hair flopped into his eyes as he pulled the chair out for Ruby, waiting for her to sit down. At least he had gone to some effort for their date, unlike some other men Ruby had dated in the past. He had tucked his tie into his navy vest, and made sure the crease at the front of his khaki pants was nice and crisp.

Ruby wrapped her arms over her checked cotton coat dress, hoping it didn't look out of place here. She'd already rubbed off the red color her mother had insisted she add to her lips and cheeks on the walk to the restaurant. Now looking around, seeing how the other women presented themselves on dates, she wondered if she should have let it be.

She sat down with a polite nod and lifted the menu to peruse her options.

"I'm having the burger," said Bradley, as if his announcement would influence her decision. Ruby looked at him, wondering if he was nervous, not having considered this before. Do men get nervous on dates?

"Okay, I'll have the same," she said.

Bradley called the waitress over and ordered the burgers and two cherry cokes.

"Is this the first date you've been on?" He arched one eyebrow as he watched her closely.

"No of course not," said Ruby. "Is it yours?"

"Nah. I've been out with lots of girls. I just thought, from what your mother said, you know, you don't date much."

"What _did_ my mother say?" asked Ruby.

"Nothing really. I just don't see you around much. Not around here anyway."

"You could hardly see me around while you are away at any rate. So I don't see how that is relevant."

"I mean before that. I don't see you at the dances. You're okay looking, I was wondering if there was another reason you didn't go."

The waitress arrived at the table, smiling sweetly. She placed the food down in front of Bradley first, then Ruby.

Ruby picked up one her one of her fries, pointing it at him. "Just because I think sitting around waiting for someone to ask me to dance is a silly enough reason for meeting someone does not make me undateable. I'll have you know I can be a very fun date for the right person. And anyway, what makes you think I'm the one that has the problem. It could be that everyone else is incredibly boring, and I don't have the least interest in getting to know someone whose whole reason for going to a dance is to make out. There are far more important things in life than dating you know."

The couple at the next table turned to look at them and whispered something to each other.

Bradley put his hands up. "Hey relax. I was just saying I don't see you around. I didn't say you're a bad date."

"Oh really? Are you sure about that, because this date is going swimmingly so far. I bet you can't wait to tell your friends about the fantastic girl you've met."

Bradley's expression changed as he flipped his hair out of his eyes. He picked up his burger and took a bite, looking around at the tables surrounding them, trying to act as normal as possible. She almost expected him to give a little 'everything's okay' wave to some of the people watching them.

She sighed. It wasn't his fault. She was positive his mother had pushed them together on this date, just as much as her own.

"I'm sorry. I understand if you want to leave."

"I don't want to leave," he said, much quieter this time.

"Well fine then. I guess we should try and have a somewhat enjoyable time. It's quite obvious there is no romantic chemistry between us, but that doesn't mean we can't get to know each other like ordinary civilized people. I hear you are a twin. That must have been fun growing up."

"Yeah I guess it was. We got to play some pranks a few times." His eyes lit up as he recounted story after story where they swapped places, fooling people into thinking they were one person.

"Do you see him much lately?" asked Ruby.

"Nah, they deployed us to different posts. It's what my parents wanted in case, well, you know."

Ruby lowered her head and nodded.

"Hey I'm sorry to hear about your father," said Bradley. "I heard he was a good man."

"Yes, he was." She lowered her eyes, not wanting to look at him again. Not wanting to look at anyone. As she took another bite of her burger she suddenly wasn't hungry and pushed her plate away.

"I'll walk you home," he said. He left a few dollars on the table and grabbed her coat and placed it over her shoulders.

The sun was low making the sky glow with a warm pinkness. At any other time she would have thought it romantic. She watched the few remaining birds fly to their shelters for the night. She watched the birds a lot these days.

Back at her front door, she turned to thank Bradley for dinner.

As if in slow motion, he closed his eyes and leaned in for a kiss. Ruby turned her face, his lips landing on her cheek.

"Well thank you for a pleasant evening," she said. She grinned and held out her hand for him to shake.

"Er, yeah okay." He shook her hand limply before dropping it again.

"All the best to your mother." She turned and opened her front door. As she closed it behind her, she peered out the window. Bradley was still standing at the front step, looking at the house as if he had been stuck dumb. She wrinkled her nose. I hope he doesn't stand there too long, she thought.

# Chapter 25

GOVERNOR WILLIAMS SAT at the kitchen table with his notebook and a folder. He was showing her mother something inside of it and she was crying.

"Is everything okay?" Ruby asked.

Mary Kelly turned to her daughter, holding out her hand, calling her over to her side. "We have good news darling, they've caught the man who killed your father."

Ruby couldn't move her feet. She wiggled her toes to make sure they still worked before taking the steps to the kitchen table. Time suddenly took no meaning, and she couldn't tell if it were hours or just minutes for those few small steps to the table. Her gaze fixed to the back of the photograph Governor Williams held in front of her mother.

"His name is Thomas Knight. He's a marine, or was, he's been AWOL, having been expected back on his ship about three weeks ago. He never showed back up. He usually goes by the alias Dice, due to the tattoo on his arm."

Ruby didn't needed to see it. She knew exactly who the man was that murdered her father.

"You have him in custody?" she asked.

"He's been retained. But I expect he'll never see light again after the trial."

"How did you find him?"

"An Innkeeper at Wickson called him in after he was there last night trying to get a drink, even though he was already drunk. Smelled of whiskey and we found a large jar of it in his room half full." The Governor smiled at this. "You wouldn't happen to know anything about that would you?"

Ruby sat next to her mother, her heart still racing. "I'm so thankful we have you to look after us Governor."

"I hope this news brings you some peace, Mary," said the Governor. He placed his hand over hers. "We won't let him out. I'll personally make sure they throw the book at him. I'll ask the judge to push for the death penalty, too, if that's what you want."

Mary smiled weakly. "No Walter, no more deaths. I'm just happy he's behind bars."

"Of course. It's getting late, would you like me to stay a while longer?"

"No it's okay. Ruby is here, I'll be fine. Thank you for all your help." She placed her hand over his and Ruby watched as she squeezed it slightly before pulling her hand away and putting it into her lap.

When he was gone Ruby wrapped her arms around her mother's shoulders. She looked pale these days. She leaned over to the teapot and poured her mother another cup. "I'll draw you a bath soon," she said.

"Thank you darling, you are much stronger than I am. I'm so happy to have you by my side." Mary brought the delicate tea cup to her lips, closed her eyes and murmured appreciatively. Her eyes widened. "I forgot to ask. How did your date go?"

Ruby stared at the ceiling, at the way the light from the moon danced through the leaves casting patterns above her.

She wasn't sure how her mother had taken the news she wasn't interested in Bradley. At first she'd seem fine with it, until Ruby had told her she'd already met someone else. Of course her mother was full of questions, but what was she to say? She couldn't exactly tell her she was in love with a Volante. Besides, who's to say it was love? They'd spent such little time together. But her mother's questions continued, and now Ruby was beyond tired, unable to fall into the deep sleep she desperately wanted.

She got up and tiptoed to her mother's door. _She_ was able to sleep at least. Perhaps the peace of knowing her father's killer was now behind bars and likely to be locked away for good, was the information she needed to start to heal. Hopefully.

Her shoes sat by the back door, and Ruby grabbed her coat, wrapped it around herself and slipped her shoes on.

The night was warm and full of life, as cats and other creatures of the night went about their business.

She paused outside Mr. Michaels gate, puffed and exhausted from running the entire way. The lights were still on inside. She took another deep breath and strode to the front door, knocking on it before stepping back and waiting for an answer.

"Miss Kelly, is everything okay?" Henry was wearing a robe and had his glasses and a book in one hand, holding the door open with the other.

"Oh yes. I was wondering if it's not too late, if I could take a moment to see Zan?"

Henry smiled and nodded, opening the door wider and letting her in. "He's in his chambers. It's at the top of the stairs to the right. But before you go, may I have a word?"

Henry put his glasses back on and gazed around the room, not looking at anything in particular, as his fingers tapped together. "I was wondering if I may, what your intentions are with Zan?"

Ruby stifled a laugh. She'd heard about parents having this conversation many times with their child's suitors but it was never to a female, and certainly not in regards to a Volante.

"Are you asking whether I care for him? Because I do."

"Oh yes. I am quite certain about that. Just as I am certain about his feelings for you. But have you thought about a future with him? You don't seem to be sure about what you want from him. You are here, then gone."

Ruby paused, thinking about his question. "Are you asking whether I plan to marry him? Because you know that's illegal."

"Ahh," he placed a finger against his nose tapping it. "Perhaps now it is. But it won't always be. There are enough people who want rights for Volante's, and soon it will not be a crime to be with the one you love. It's inevitable."

"I hope you are right Mr. Michaels. Because the world you see sounds wonderful, but that is not the world we live in right now. And right now, all I want to do is see Zan."

Henry nodded again. "You are free to go. But please, he cares for you very much and is unused to games of the heart. If you truly care for him, then consider he has feelings as strong and fragile as anyone."

Ruby hurried up the stairs, taking them two at a time. She was at his door and ready to knock when he opened it. He pulled her inside, pressing his lips to hers.

Ruby melted into the kiss. It was the kiss she had been thinking about since she saw him last. There was no way she could convince herself she could stay away any longer. To hell with what everyone, including the law, said.

She kicked off her shoes and ran her hands over his smooth body. It was as soft and firm as she remembered and she sighed, as she fell forward into him.

His tongue explored her mouth hungrily as he continued to undress her, letting her coat and nightgown slip from her shoulder into a puddle on the floor. He pulled the rope that tied his pajama pants to his waist letting them slip to the ground beside them.

The light from the moon flooded the room, and she glimpsed their embrace in a mirror that was attached to a wardrobe, admiring how his wings curved gently over his back, stopping above his buttocks.

A breeze entered the room from the open balcony doors. She shivered.

"We're too loud here. You too loud," he said grinning.

"Out there?" Ruby wondered if he meant for them to make love on the balcony.

"No. There."

She looked out across the yard to where he was pointing as he picked her up in his arms, extended his wings and leaped out into the night.

She clung to his body as they flew. The wind rushed through her hair and tickled her skin. The power from his wings as they pumped the night was sending electric pulses sizzling through her body.

They descended to the gazebo, to the cushioned seat in the center. The leaves on the nearby trees danced as the gentle breeze caressed them bringing a sweet fragrance to the air.

His eyes had a new sharpness to them—a fierce determination.

She opened her mouth to speak but he placed a finger on her lips, regarding her for a few seconds before crushing his lips on hers with such force it took her breathe away.

She pulled away again. "I'm sorry I..."

He silenced her with his tongue.

The breeze whirled around her nakedness and he pulled her closer as she shivered.

She clung to him and murmured as his excitement for her pressed against her. Her body responded, and she parted her legs almost unconsciously. He was smooth, strong. She wanted to feel him again. In her hands. In her body. In her heart.

Her hand fluttered down his chest, as he kissed down her neck. Sighing as he gently nibbled along her shoulder and down her front, she forgot what she wanted to say. It wasn't important. Not now.

He continued to suck at the nape of her shoulder where he knew it would drive her wild. It did. She wanted him now. Right now.

Pushing him back onto the bench seat, she sat on his lap, bringing both hands up to cup his face, kissing him passionately. As her tongue entered his mouth, she straddled him, moving her hips lower so his erection entered her sex in one smooth glide.

He rocked underneath her, searching her face as he pressed to get closer.

Feathers tickled her legs, her skin alive with sensation. She threw back her head as their hips moved together.

How could this be wrong when it felt so right? She didn't care what the world thought about their relationship now. She wanted to be with him forever.

Gasps and moans from both of them mingled to one symphony of their lovemaking. As he increased his pace, her cries got louder.

He tangled his hand in her hair, pulling it back so he could kiss and suck her breasts. She gasped when he grazed her nipple lightly with his teeth.

It felt like _she_ was flying now.

He licked his thumb and moved it to circle the nub at the top of her sex. Every nerve came alive as if it had been jolted with a thousand bolts of electricity.

She cried out, again, and again, and again. She did not want this to stop. Ever.

The familiar warmth bubbled from her toes, spreading out from her sex to every inch of her body. She was flush with desire.

His strong arms held her in place as orgasm exploded through her. Her body quivered as she rode the waves of pleasure.

He slowed, closing his eyes to concentrate on his own pleasure. She held him tight as he stiffened and shook with his own climax.

He remained inside her, neither of them daring to pull free from one another and break the bond of their passion.

As the moon got higher a cooler breeze danced through the garden, brushing over her skin, creating small goosebumps on her arms. Still not willing to move from their clutch, he wrapped his wings around them, covering her in a soft downy embrace.

"Stay with me," she said.

He inclined his head, touching his forehead to hers, before kissing her again. Soon they were asleep, wrapped in each other's arms.

The sun woke Ruby and she placed her hand up to her eyes to stop the brightness from blinding her. She was still here, still wrapped in his arms, still naked, at the bottom of Mr. Michaels garden. Morning! Oh god, her mother would be frantic. She stood up searching desperately for where her clothes lay. Upstairs. They were upstairs.

She shook Zan awake, and he flew her back to the balcony of his room. She dressed quickly and hurried out of the house, only turning briefly to blow a kiss to him as she disappeared out the gate.

# Chapter 26

RUBY CLOSED THE back door quietly, slid off her shoes and tiptoed down the hallway toward her room. She paused outside her mother's bedroom. It was quiet. She took a deep breath.

"And where have you been?" said her mother's voice behind her.

Her mother's shoulders were slumped and her arms hung limply by her side. Her eyes were not accusing, instead there was a detached sadness, as if Ruby not being there when she woke was an inevitable conclusion to her being left alone.

Ruby hesitated. She wasn't sure the answer she wanted to give and the answer her mother wanted to hear would be the same. She searched her mind for something that would explain her absence in a way that her mother wouldn't feel rejected.

"I'm sorry. I went to see someone last night." She paused, carefully watching her mother's expression. "I went to see someone I love."

"Does he feel the same way?" she asked quietly. When Ruby nodded, she sighed. "Good. Find someone who makes you happy and who loves you. Then don't let them go." She turned around and walked back toward the kitchen. Her head was low and Ruby fought the urge to run over and hug her and tell her the whole story. Perhaps she would understand. Perhaps.

She walked to the bedroom and fell onto her bed, pulling the covers up over her head to hide from the light coming in through the window. It was still too early for the town to go about their business, and she needed to think about what she could do about their dwindling larder.

The sun was high in the sky when Ruby awoke. She shuffled into the kitchen rubbing her eyes. The bench and kitchen table was full of cakes, biscuits and slices again. She wrinkled her brow and looked at her mother.

"Do you want to meet him?" she asked.

"Who? Him? You want me to meet him?" It was the first spark of interest she'd seen in her mother since the news of her fathers death.

"Yes. You should. But first I need to warn you about something. He's not what you expect. He's not exactly, well..."

"I don't care. If he makes you happy then it would be a pleasure to grace his company." She took a bite of one of her cakes, murmuring as she closed her eyes. "Can we go today? Right away?"

Ruby hesitated. It was risky to turn up unannounced at Mr. Michael's property with her mother in tow. Or would it? Perhaps it would be easier if she could see the affection they had for each other. Yes. This might be a blessing instead.

She brushed her hair, carefully pinning it up in a fashion her mother would approve. Her mother fussed with trying to decide which jewelry she should wear, trying on different pieces and turning in the mirror to see if they were the right choice.

"Do you know what he does for a living? Does he have a good job with good prospects?" asked Mary.

Ruby gritted her teeth. She wasn't sure what job a nice respectable Volante could do.

As they approached the iron gates and her mother looked at the large white house and expansive gardens, her eyes widened. "Oh Ruby, he must be wonderful. I'm so happy for you."

Ruby knocked on the door tentatively, closed her eyes and said a silent prayer.

Mr. Michaels seemed taken aback when he saw her mother beaming beside her.

"Ruby, it's lovely to see you again. Do come in," he said. "And who is your beautiful guest?"

Mary smiled shyly. "Mrs. Mary Kelly, Ruby's mother. It's a pleasure. You have a beautiful house." She held her hand out limply and Henry paused and looked over to Ruby who shrugged, before taking it and kissing Mary on the back of the hand. "I expect your son will be joining us, too?" She looked around trying to see the mysterious beau Ruby had snuck out to see.

"Oh I'm afraid you've got the wrong idea," said Henry. "I don't have a son. Please, come on through to the parlor."

Mary pulled her hand away looking between Henry and Ruby as if a sudden realization had just struck her.

"Oh no. No, this isn't right."

"Is everything okay?" asked Ruby, grabbing her mother by the arm.

"Him. He's your love?"

Ruby stifled a laugh. "No. Mr. Michaels owns this place, but it's not him I brought you to meet."

Henry stood back, watching carefully with his hands folded across his chest. "You haven't told her yet?" he asked.

"I thought it better she meet him in, er, person. It might be easier."

"Ruby." His voice was stern as he said her name. All of a sudden Ruby wondered if she had done the right thing. She turned to her mother.

"Now before you meet Zan, I need to ask you to keep an open mind. He isn't what you expected for me, but that doesn't mean he isn't right. I happen to think he's the most wonderful person I've ever met and whether you approve or not, I will continue to take this relationship further."

"What are you talking about Ruby. Who is it that you are in love with?"

"That be me." Mary turned to see Zan standing at the bottom of the staircase. He stood tall and strong with his chest puffed out and chin lifted high. A chill went through Ruby like she was seeing him for the first time. Her mother gasped and placed a hand to her forehead. If Mr. Michaels hadn't been close enough to catch her as her knees buckled she might have fallen to the floor.

"Call the Governor. We must call Walter," said Mary when she regained her composure.

"No, we can't."

"Ruby, you can't be serious. He's, its, a..." she lowered a voice to a whisper, as if in pretence for Zan not to hear her, which of course he could, they all could. "He's one of those Volante flying creatures." She said it in such a way that it must have eluded Ruby up until now. "Call the police," she started yelling. "Help. HELP."

The three of them looked at her.

"Shush mother. I expected much more from you. Why else do you think I waited this long to tell you? For goodness sake, I'm a grown woman now—I can make my own decisions. You are acting as if you've never seen a Volante before."

Mary stood up, her strength returned and she slapped her daughter hard across the cheek.

"Don't you dare speak to me like that. You ungrateful child. Is this some sort of joke? Don't you think I've been through enough? I put up with your father's silly games, and now he's gone I thought we could get on with living a normal life. You can't be serious. How can you be in love with that?" She spat the last words out.

Zan took a step toward her, and Ruby placed her hand on his chest so he wouldn't step closer. He put his own hand over hers, caressing the back of her hand.

"This is an abomination. It's not natural. I'll destroy this relationship or whatever you think this is." She turned to Henry. "And you, having one living in your house. What is this sick game you are playing?"

Henry grabbed her by the wrist. "You need to calm down and listen to yourself. This Volante, his name is Zan, and he's more of a man than most in this town. If you can't be civil to a guest in my home then you have to leave."

Mary pulled her arm away. "I am going to leave right now. And I'll be telling the authorities what they'll find if they come here." She turned and walked toward the front door. "Ruby. Come here this instant. You need to come home right now and away from this, this, sickness."

Zan's arm's closed around her and for a moment she struggled whether she should go with her mother or stay in his arms.

"Mother, don't do this. Stay and talk. Stay and listen to him. Don't judge him before you've seen how good he is to me."

"Good? How can it be good to you? What do you even know about it? How is it going to provide for you, for us? What about family? You think you can have little flying babies, abominations of god, with THAT?"

"There is no concern about children. They won't be able to breed," said Henry.

"See," her mother spat. "See there will be no children—you can't even have a family together. What is the point in ruining your life for something you can't have a future with?"

"Mother, please."

Mary slammed the door behind her.

"Will she really call the Governor?" asked Henry.

Ruby shook. "I don't know. I guess we can't take that risk though." She stood up, turning to see Zan's confused look. "I'll talk to her, make her see sense."

"It may be too late," said Henry. "I think you should consider that if you want to be with Zan this town is not the right place."

"You want me to leave my mother, after everything that has happened?"

"This isn't about what I want. This is about you. Ruby, what do you want?"

Ruby held Zan's hand. "I don't want to leave Zan. But I can't leave my mother."

"You are an adult Ruby. Sometimes we have to make difficult decisions other people may not be on board with. That's what makes us grow up."

Zan pulled away from Ruby. "Talk with mother. Do right thing," he said

"But I want to be with you."

"Be with me, but talk to mother. It right thing to do."

Henry nodded as Ruby searched his face for answers.

"I'll be back," she said.

# Chapter 27

HER MOTHER SAT on the sofa with her hands folded in her lap when Ruby returned. She looked up and glared. "I've called Walter. He's on his way over."

"You've told him?"

"Not yet. This is not something you spring on someone Ruby. This has to be told face to face. You need to warn people before you come out with that sort of information." She shook her head. "I thought I brought you up better than this. Letting that creature touch you." She shuddered dramatically to make her point.

"What are you angry about? That I found a Volante, or that I found someone who isn't rich? You seemed quite happy when you thought whoever I was with could save our financial situation. Not once have you asked whether he makes me happy. Not once have you cared how I feel, only how it would make you look."

"You don't know what you are talking about. You've gone crazy on their lies and poison. Yes, that's it. They are poisoning you, making you think that creature is even close to being human."

There was a knock on the door followed by a gruff voice. "Mary, it's Walter."

Mary glared at her daughter again, got up and answered the door. "Walter I'm glad you came." She buried her head in his chest, allowing tears to run down her cheeks.

"He's attacked her and poisoned her mind," she said for the fifth time.

"And where is the creature now? Is it still at the Michaels residence?" he asked.

Ruby crossed her arms and pursed her lips.

Her mother started to cry again as she paced the room, wringing her hands in an overly dramatic fashion.

Governor Williams placed his hand on Mary's shoulder to comfort her. "It's not your fault Mary, and it isn't Ruby's fault either. That's what those creatures do–they brainwash you so you can't think straight."

"But it's touched her." Her mother looked at her with disgust.

Ruby glared back. How many times did she tell Ruby that sex wasn't supposed to be enjoyable but it was a wife's duty? She had even admitted to counting down the minutes until her father had finished so she could get to sleep. And now here she is trying to tell Ruby what _she_ was doing was wrong. She clenched her fists into a ball and looked down at the floor.

"May I use your telephone? I need to get a message to the station," said the Governor.

Mary nodded weakly, pointing to the corner of the room.

The Governor lowered his voice, every so often looking around at them as he whispered instructions into the phone.

"I've had enough. I'm going to my room," said Ruby.

She closed the door behind her and listened to make sure they didn't follow. Her suitcase was under her bed and she walked over and opened it. Ruby didn't care if she had packed anything that matched, or even if she had enough shoes or underwear. That just wasn't important right now.

She lifted her window as quietly as she could, throwing the suitcase out first. It landed on the grass below with a dull thud and she looked around to see if anyone was coming, before following it and jumping down herself.

The suitcase dragged along the road. She considered dumping it and travelling the rest of the way without being burdened, but how long was she going to be gone? Pausing to catch her breath, she saw the strange woman from the funeral sitting on a bench and grinning at her.

Ruby considered walking right on past her, she was, after all, in a hurry, but she did tell her where Zan was in the first place. It seemed polite to at least say thank you.

"I've seen you," said the woman.

"Yes. You spoke to me at my father's funeral." Perhaps she wasn't right after all.

"Oh yesss, I knows that. I means going to see the creature. You going to run away with it now?"

Ruby took a step back. "I... how did you know?" The woman nodded toward the suitcase. "Oh yes, of course," said Ruby. "I think it's for the best. It seems not everyone thinks it's a good idea for us to be together."

"Bit soon ain't it? You just met it."

"I'm not sure what you mean?"

"I means, what does you really know about it? About its life and dreams? Seems all you got is lust in your eyes, I thinks."

Ruby glared at the woman. "Thank you for your thoughts, but I need to be going." She turned toward the Michaels house dragging her case behind her.

The woman yelled out after her. "Some things should stay wild. No good in trying to tame them just to please yourself. Over and over." She laughed loudly.

Ruby hurried the rest of the way. She didn't care how much her chest was hurting from panting—all she could focus on was getting to the house and seeing Zan again.

The front door was closed. She quickened her steps hoping Henry would see her coming and open it wide, but it remained firmly shut. She leaned against it for a second breathing heavily to catch her breath. Sweat dripped down the back of her neck.

She knocked lightly at first, having little strength to make it much louder, but there was no answer.

She crinkled her brow and knocked again, louder this time.

"It's Ruby. Let me in."

Heavy footsteps came from behind the door. Finally. She stood upright and wiped the hair away from her face, leaving the case at her side.

The door opened slowly, and Ruby waited to see the soft grey hair greeting her. But it wasn't Henry that opened it.

"Hello Freckles," said the man with the dice tattoo.

'Dice' Tom Knight pulled her roughly into the house, placed one hand over her mouth, and pulled her in with his other.

# Chapter 28

ZAN AND HENRY were tied to chairs. Ruby was pushed to a third with her arms forced behind her back as she, too, was restrained. Dice struggled with the knot, cursing while he did so.

He wiped his brow with his sleeve and hissed as he exhaled.

Ruby looked at the floor. At her friends. Anywhere but his face. Her eyes never went higher than the tattoo on his arm, which was burning her soul. This was the man. This was him.

Her heart raced and she closed her eyes shutting them tight to stop the tears from welling up and blinding her.

"Roobee," said Zan. His chair thumped on the ground as he jumped tiny movements in her direction.

"Aww, now ain't that lovely," said Dice. "He likes you." He leaned in close. His breath was fetid from alcohol and fish. "You better be careful Freckles. You know what happens to women who start messing with the Volante. All of a sudden their insides get ripped out, and I do mean that literally."

He walked away, mumbling to himself as he searched his bag, picked up a knife, put it back in, only to pick up another.

"It's pretty easy to make it look like a person has been mauled to death you know. It's just a matter of using a blunt knife with a serrated edge." Ruby heard the clink of steel as knives brushed up against each other while he rifled through his bag. "Ah yes. Like this one."

Ruby looked back at the ground. Anywhere but see what he planned on doing with them.

Henry struggled against his binds and Dice walked over and hit him hard across the face. He slumped in the chair. Ruby whimpered as Henry's head lolled back again, before he opened his eyes. He groaned and a small trickle of blood escaped from the side of his mouth.

"It's good to be free again," said Dice, flexing his fingers. "It was no fun being locked up because they said I killed your daddy. Now why would I do a thing like that?" He sat down in front of Ruby, watching her expression, as he used the knife to clean his fingernails. "He had a skill. A real skill with the drink–I'd never kill a man with such a fine skill."

She spat at him. "You killed him. Don't you deny it for one second. And when I get out of here, you are going to pay for what you did."

Dice started to laugh. "Ohhh, feisty one arn't you. Well Freckles, I swear to you I didn't kill your papa. May have roughed him up a bit, but it weren't me." He shook his head as if trying to shake something out of it. "I know who did, of course, but that I can't say. Can't say, won't say." The way he said it, in a sing song voice, made Ruby's skin prickle.

"You're such as saint, arn't you," said Ruby.

"I never said I was a saint. I've killed before. Done some bad things." As he leaned in closer, Ruby looked away. "But I swear I'm not your guy when it comes to your sweet ol' daddy."

"If you know, who did then?" asked Ruby.

"Now who would have the most to gain from getting rid of dear old daddy? Hmm." He stood up, walked across the room, and looked out of the window.

"If you are going to kill us, then do just it," said Henry. "What are you waiting for?"

"Can't yet unfortunately. Not that I wouldn't like to, but I need the go ahead first." He scraped the side of the knife he was holding against the back of his hand. "Apparently I'm not smart enough to do this without making too big of a mess." His grip around the knife hilt tightened, and his knuckles turned white.

"Who? Who is telling you this," asked Henry.

Dice tapped the side of his nose. "Can't say, won't say."

Ruby couldn't breathe. Who would have the most to gain from her father's death? What was he talking about? Everyone loved him.

Zan's chair scraped closer to her. He wanted to be with her, to be near her. Even now. What had she done to them? She winced. This was all her fault. She only wanted to please herself, just like the woman had said. Was she kidding herself that she felt the same for him as he did her? She knew nothing about him, nothing of his past, his dreams, his capabilities, his...

Ruby Kelly, now don't you start getting all sorry for yourself. Imagine you letting other people put thoughts into your mind. You'd think you can't make a decision for yourself. It's true you are not in the best situation right now, but you are still alive and what does it matter if you don't know those things about him right now. Isn't that what relationships are for, getting to know each other? Why you've got all the time in the world to get to know him when you get out of here. If you get out of here.

A final bump and Zan's chair was next to hers. He reached out to hold her hand.

Dice smirked. "Make the most of it lover birds, there won't be time for it soon." He turned back to watch out the window.

Zan tugged at the rope around Ruby's wrists. She twisted her hands as the rope dug into her flesh, biting her skin. Zan pulled harder, digging his fingers in between the rope and her wrist. It was getting looser. With one last tug she was free.

She kept her hands behind her back, rubbing her wrists where the red marks still stung.

Dice continued to stare out the window, preoccupied with his thoughts. She froze when he grumbled something under his breath, but he didn't turn back around.

She slipped her hand into her pocket pulling out her pocketknife and flicking the blade open. Bending down, she cut the ties to her legs and turned to free Zan.

His feathers obscured her progress. They dangled down over the back of the chair, twisting in amongst the rope and chair spindles. She bent forward to get a better view, keeping seated in her own chair ready to sit upright again should Dice turn around.

Sweat beaded on her forehead. She was sure she was going to get caught—he was going to turn around at any moment and see her. But Dice seemed fixed on staring outside not paying any attention to them.

Zan's hands were free and he tugged at the rope on his own feet. He nodded as Ruby crept to where Henry sat.

Henry's eyes fluttered open as Ruby approached. He blinked a few times and looked like he wanted to stay something, but she put her finger on his lips silencing him. She tiptoed to the back of his chair. These ties were neater than Zan's, probably tied after Zan was already restrained. She sawed at the rope and it dropped to the floor.

"Ahh finally, he's here." As Dice turned, Ruby froze.

"NO. NO. Not now." Dice screamed at them. "This isn't happening on my watch." He threw the knife. It was like it was happening in a movie, in slow motion except there was no noise. No movement. No one breathed.

Her eyes followed every inch of its journey across the room, until it reached its destination, piercing Henry's chest. Henry gasped, looking down at his body, panic in his eyes. A pool of blood spread like a lake on his shirt. Henry grabbed for the knife, his hands around the hilt. He looked up at Ruby with his eyes searching hers for answers.

"YOU," yelled Zan. He turned to Dice, his wings outstretched, and leaped forward.

# Chapter 29

ZAN LEAPED ON top of Dice, pinning him to the ground before Ruby could move. He clawed and punched him with a fury she had never seen before. His hands flew and she almost couldn't make out their journey as they hit and pummeled the tattooed man's face and chest.

"Zan," she called to him. "Zan please stop." Her voice sounded weak and unconvincing and she felt like running from this place—away from all this violence and blood.

He didn't hear her, or perhaps he did? He was crazed with rage and drunk on vengeance. This was the wild creature she'd heard about but never seen. This was the Volante people talked about. She started to tremble. Was this the same creature that had been gentle and loving toward her? Now he seemed nothing more than an animal as he attacked the man below him.

Henry grabbed her arm. "Quick. A towel, anything." There was enough urgency in his voice that it snapped her to duty and she ran to the bathroom. She looked around frantically and grabbed two towels from a rack. Two towels—was that enough to stop the bleeding? She threw them ahead of herself so they reached Henry just as he pulled the knife from his chest.

The knife made a sickening slurp as it left his body, and Henry groaned, closing his eyes. He faltered as he tried to gain composure. The knife fell from his hand and clattered to the ground, its serrated edge bloody with flesh stuck between the grooves.

Henry winced as he pulled open his shirt as far as it would go and Ruby could see the cut was deep. Dark red, almost black blood leaked from the opening. He prodded around and breathed out with short raspy breathes. Ruby froze, looking between Zan and Henry.

Henry used his thumb and forefinger to press the edges of the damage together as best he could pressing one of the towels on top of it to stem the blood loss. She held the towel for him, unsure if it was the right thing. A doctor. She needed to get a doctor.

She pulled her hands away, hoping Henry had enough strength to hold the towel himself and turned to look for where the telephone was kept. She hadn't seen a phone any of the times she had visited before. Did he even have one?

She looked back at Zan. His hands were bloody as he continued to pound away at the man below him. Dice was now unconscious or perhaps dead.

She called his name again. But the trance he was in was almost impenetrable in his frenzied state. She called a third time, her voice shaky as her lip trembled, and this time he stopped. His eyes were full of anger and fire, but he didn't look at her. He was looking toward the open doorway.

The Governor and two police officers burst through the front door and stopped at the entrance to the room. All three of their mouths were open and their feet rooted to the spot as they surveyed the bloodied room.

"Help us," said Ruby, weakly. "We need a doctor."

"Grab them. Grab them all," said Governor Williams. The officers remained rooted to the spot, as if they had never seen such a scene before in their careers.

Ruby's knees buckled and she fell to the ground. "Get a doctor," she said again, this time with less conviction. They weren't going to help them, they were going to arrest them instead. Zan would surely be killed now, after he was seen on top of Dice, and she and Henry, if he survived, would be put away for life.

A thin lipped smile crept over the Governors face. Ruby trembled. How could he be enjoying _this_?

"Well, Miss Kelly, it seems your 'boyfriend' isn't the gentle creature you thought he was." He indicated again for both policemen to restrain him by cocking one finger in the air and flicking it forward. This time they snapped to duty and ran to pull Zan off the limp body beneath him. "That means you and I need to take a walk alone. Let the real men clean up this mess."

He strode over and grabbed her by the arm, lifting her to her feet while digging his fingers into her flesh. Red marks appeared on her skin, but Ruby kept her eyes on the Governor not daring to break his cruel glare.

There was a low moan behind her. Henry's head lolled from one side to the next before jerking up as he came to. He pressed the towels, now stained forever red, to his chest.

"You need to get him to a hospital, please," said Ruby.

The Governor laughed. "Or you'll do what? Tell on me? Oh dear Miss Kelly, why should I do anything you say?"

"Because I'll tell my mother who you are. And I'll tell the world what you did to my father."

The Governor dropped her arm and bent closer to face, so close his lips almost touched hers, and she could feel the tiny whiskers on his chin scratch her cheek. It took all of her willpower to remain still and not pull away.

"I wouldn't speak of matters you nothing about," he said. "Or your Volante here might be blamed for two deaths. It would be a tragedy to find another woman ripped apart by such a wild creature."

Zan was on the ground, one of the police officers held his arms and the other pressed a knee in his back to stop his wings from beating him away. They struggled to place handcuffs on him.

"Please help Henry," she said again, softer this time. "Please don't let him die."

"Why are you concerned about the old man? You with him, too? What a busy young thing you are."

She slapped the Governor hard in the face but had forgotten the pocketknife was still in her hand—the blade still freed and open. It scraped along his cheek, making a straight cut a few inches long. Not deep, but enough to sting. She had sliced her own hand in the process, wincing at the bite it had made. Droplets of blood beaded in her palm, but it was the piercing sting that made her shiver, not the blood.

Her small contribution to the already gore filled room was nothing compared to those around her. Henry had slumped forward, still holding the towel to his chest. Dice on the ground swimming in a crimson puddle. Everything looked red and all she could think about was running and hiding and getting away from here.

Her stomach churned and her head spun. She bought her hand up to her mouth as she started to heave into it, wiping even more blood onto her face.

All the while, Governor Williams cursed from his cut, and screamed at her even though she couldn't make out the words. He shoved her roughly to the ground. Her head hit the floor with a hard clunk and for a second she saw nothing but blur as her mind spun out of focus. She felt herself being dragged from the room by her dress, her body flopping behind like a rag doll.

Was she dying? Was she being killed by this man like her father was? Her father. Sudden memories of being held in his arms and thrown up in the air as she laughed with glee flashed through her mind. Birthday parties, Christmas, cozy nights in front of the fire, dancing with him when she was a child and standing on his feet as he twirled her around.

There was a dull crash before everything went black.

# Chapter 30

RUBY STRUGGLED TO open her eyes. A dull ache in the side of her chest was only one of her pains. Her head throbbed; sharp pain in her side pierced her as she moved. She rolled over and winced.

The room was dark and cold, the walls rough and hard. Where was she? Underground? No. Too much light. Light from outside. From that window.

She blinked a few more times, waiting for her mind to catch up with her eyes. A cave? She tried to sit. Pain seared through her chest and she lay back on the bed. Bed? It was large and soft. Very soft. No pillows, no blankets. It cushioned her aches. Perhaps she didn't have to move. Perhaps she did.

The window was little more than a hole cut into the wall. Too small to see where she was from her position on the bed, but big enough to let light into the small room.

There was a bandage around her hand and her arms were clean. No dirt. No blood. She smelled the faint scent of soap. It was coming from her hair. She reached up to touch her head. Her hair had been brushed and pulled back neatly.

She gritted her teeth as she inched her legs off the mattress and onto the floor. The floor was like the walls, rough, like carved rock. She paused to take a few breaths and looked to her left.

A door. Closed. Quiet.

Testing her feet on the ground to see if they would hold her, she stood up slowly, wincing as she did.

Using the wall for support, she shuffled to the door.

A clank from behind. She gasped. Someone was out there.

The aroma of bread wafted under the door.

She tried to shake her head, but the ache prevented her from doing so. She closed her eyes. The last thing she remembered was the Governor attacking her and being dragged out of the Michaels house. The Governor. Her lip trembled. She hoped Henry and Zan had got out in time. Oh please don't let them die.

She looked back at the window. Too small to climb through, even if it were possible in her condition. The only way out was the door.

A bird flew by the window. A large bird. But it wasn't a bird.

She gasped and turned back to the door, trying not to twist her body too quickly. The door was opened from the other side. Zan was wearing a white apron and had a plate of buttered toast in one hand. "Breakfast?" he asked.

He helped her to the high table at the end of the room close to the tiny kitchen. A pan with eggs sizzled over a low flame from the black bellied stove. It looked more like a barbecue grill than something you'd have indoors. But looking around she wasn't sure you could call this room, indoors.

One wall of the room was completely missing. Instead the floor extended out to a landing that opened up to the sky. Volante's flew outside in the distance, every so often alighting on a similar landing to the one extended from Zan's home.

Zan smiled and turned his attention back to the eggs.

The rest of the room was sparse. Lots of low seats. Lots of cushions. The cushions were filled with feathers. Soft. Like the bed.

"I thought you didn't like eggs?" said Ruby as he slid them onto a plate in front of her.

"Hmm?"

"When you were hurt and I got the eggs from the farm and you got upset."

He shook his head. "No, I sad because I could not fly. Wasn't eggs. I like eggs."

"Oh," said Ruby. Her chest throbbed.

"You eat then rest," said Zan. "Need to get better."

"You brought me here? This is your place?"

Zan put his hands in the air and twirled like a clumsy ballerina. "Mine."

Ruby wrinkled her nose. This was a far cry from the wild creature she'd seen yesterday. Yesterday?

"How long have I been here?" she asked.

Zan furrowed his brow and held out one finger.

Yesterday.

"How did I get here? I can't remember anything after Governor Williams dragged me out of the room."

Zan looked at her with amusement. "I save you."

"But how did you get free? You were being held down when I saw you."

"Men got..." he paused looking down at his hands. "Men get distracted and I get away."

"You killed them?" Ruby heart felt like it was going to fly out of her chest.

Zan shook his head. "No. Zan not hurt men."

"Then how did you get away."

"When Governor take Roobee, I get angry and push men away. I can be strong. They fall but not get hurt. Then I follow you, but first Governor push you on stairs to stop me. He forget I can fly though." He smiled, crossing his arms across his chest. "He mad when I take you away. Very."

Ruby suddenly gasped. "Henry?"

Zan shook his head.

Another Volante arrived on the landing, stopping dead-still when he saw Ruby.

He spoke to Zan in a high pitched melodic voice, not unlike Zan's own, but the words they used were unfamiliar and short and sharp. Every so often the man would look at Ruby and glare at her. Zan remained quiet and calm as he spoke. It wasn't until just before the other Volante flew away he raised his voice to point him away.

"I can't stay here, can I?" asked Ruby. "I don't belong here."

He pushed the plate closer to her. She swirled her fork in the eggs, dipping her bread into them.

"Zan, when I'm better, you need to take me back to my mother."

"Not safe," he said.

"But the anger in your friends voice, it's not safe here either."

# Chapter 31

RUBY WOKE UP alone. Her side was still stiff and sore, but she was able to sit up easier than she could yesterday. Her headache had reduced to a dull throb that only hurt when she moved too fast. She opened the door to the living area and saw Zan sprawled out, face down on a large low chair, his wings drooping to the side almost touching the floor.

She watched him for a moment longer before waking him. He was lovely, but now she had seen where he lived she knew it was unlikely to work between them. It couldn't if no one approved – from both his world and hers.

She sighed and walked over to him, stroking his cheek awake. He stirred, sleepily at first, then sat upright almost at a jerk when he realized she was there with him, awake and ready for the day before he'd even risen.

He looked tired, and she reached in to kiss him good morning, barely brushing her lips against his before feeling the familiar wanting that stirred inside her every time she was close to him. No. She was too sore, too bruised, too...

He kissed her back passionately and buried his hand in her hair. Her body responded with desire.

How could he make her feel this way? So quickly? So desperately?

He scooped her up into his arms and carried her to the bedroom. He used his foot to slam the door shut, and gently lay her down on the bed.

Ruby winced as he crawled on top of her. "Gentle. Can you be gentle?"

He stroked his hand up her stomach, watching her reaction to see if his touch was light enough, gentle enough for her. Ruby nodded. He kissed her shoulder as he caressed the back of her neck with his fingertips.

"I help you take off dress."

"Wait. Let me do it." She sat back up and removed the few clothes she was still wearing. He removed his own pants as she did so.

He plucked a feather from his wing and trailed it around her skin. Ruby breathed sharply every time the feather touched her in a spot that was especially ticklish, such as below her breast, or on the underside of her upper arm. She tried not to move. It felt good, as long as she didn't twist.

"We not do this now. I am sorry." He pulled away.

She exhaled slowly and whimpered, then pulled him close. Cupping his face in her hands she touched her forehead to his. "I want to. I do. We just need to be gentle. Slow. No sudden movements. Can you do that?"

He nodded. She pulled his hand to her breast, but he pulled away replacing it with a feather instead. Its tiny fingers caressed over her nipple and down around her neck. She lay down as he continued to glide it over her body. Down her side, around her belly button.

Her breathing came faster and heavier as he moved the feather from the tip of her toe to the top of her thigh. He kissed her stomach, and she groaned.

She reached for him, but he pulled away again.

He knelt before her. "Come back," she whispered. She sat up and entwined her fingers in his bringing him closer. She brought her lips to his, poking her tongue out to explore his mouth.

Still he held back.

Her fingers were entwined with his as she moved to the edge of the bed. "Stand. Closer."

He obeyed.

She circled her fingers over his hardness and he groaned.

Ruby bit her lip as a smile curled on them. She looked back up at him and could see his eyes glistened with anticipation.

She moved her hand up and down, watching his face as she did. He closed his eyes as her fingers fluttered over the tip.

Ruby looked back down. It was right in front of her. So close. She'd seen it before, of course, but now, up this close it looked different. The tip was pink and softer than she thought it would be. She thought it was hard, it always felt hard inside of her, but while the shaft that held it was rigid, the top however was soft and spongy.

She ran her finger around it again, and it jerked slightly to the left making her gasp. It moved by itself? She poked out her tongue, just a small way, and bent down to see what it would taste like.

As soon as her tongue touched it, Zan let out a low mew sound. She smiled and licked it again, running her tongue over more of it this time. She looked up—he was watching her. She opened her mouth over the top, sucking it slowly like a new lollipop.

While the taste of him was nothing special, she could be sucking on his elbow for all she could tell from the taste, it how he was reacting. The look in his eyes was tantalizing.

She watched him roll his head and moan as she moved her mouth lower. He opened his eyes and looked at her, glazed and lost. She had him. She could make him do anything right now.

She flicked her tongue faster to see what he would do and bought her hand up to gently touch underneath, cupping and moving them around as gently as she could. She'd heard stories from the boys in Kollaroy how sensitive they were, and she didn't want to take any chances.

She'd show him how gentle she could be. Gentle. Yes.

He had lost all control, and she felt him pulse and throb in her hand as he groaned louder, thrusting his hips forward and spilling his seed onto the bed beside her.

He looked embarrassed and quickly grabbed a nearby cloth to clean up the mess. She smiled at him and lay back down on the bed, to rest.

But Zan had other ideas.

He leant over and kissed her stomach, trailing his tongue up and down her body, carefully avoiding her injured side.

Her skin tingled.

He kissed lower, much lower. Nibbling at her ankle, the ticklish sensations from earlier returned, only stronger. The journey up her leg was excruciatingly delicious as he tickled and teased, taking his time. She sighed when he sucked behind her knees.

The sensations were even more intense when he reached her thigh. He pushed her legs apart with his face as he nuzzled her skin.

He looked up at her once more before planting soft tiny kisses over her sex. He took his time, in no hurry at all. She didn't mind, she could stay here forever.

Here? Forever?

She scrunched her nose remembering the sound of the other Volante's voice. Accusing. Angry.

The gentle tingle between her thighs brought her back to the room. His soft tongue lapped at her, his hair tickling her leg, his wings teasing her toes.

Moaning louder she grabbed the sheet beside her, her fists scrunched it to a ball. She rocked, but he held her still. Unrelenting. She trembled.

It snuck up on her suddenly, and she arched her back as his head still nuzzled her sex, drinking her up as she exploded in climax.

She still felt the throb of orgasm when she finally sat up, wrapped a sheet around herself and walked back into the main part of the house, or cave, or whatever it was Zan called his home.

Zan had left minutes ago, telling her to rest. Had to get breakfast, or run errands. Something that seemed important. She wasn't concentrating on what he said ten minutes ago.

She grinned as she twirled his feather in her fingers. Breakfast. Yes she was sure that's what he said. Ready to satisfy all her appetites. A warm flush danced around her cheeks.

With the sheet wrapped discreetly around her nakedness she walked out to the landing and sat cross-legged close to the side. It was far enough from the edge to feel safe yet close enough to watch the activity before her.

Landings, like the one she was on, were scattered up and down many of the hills and mountains. Volante's would leap off and soar into the air with their wings outstretched, turning in different directions or just to fly high into the sky and return to their own landing, as if for the sheer enjoyment of it. Of course they would. If she could fly, she would do nothing else.

Many of them headed to what looked like a marketplace stretched between two of the smaller mountains. Teams of men, woman and children would land on one side, mingle with the crowds as they ate and laughed with each other, then leap away with their arms bundled with food.

The men, like Zan, wore pants only. Their chests completely bare. Some were smooth chested, and others had tufts of short wiry hair growing from their skin. The pants they wore looked all the same style, but in different colors. Some brown, some green. Nothing bright.

The women also wore pants, and halter type tops that tied around their necks and covered their front leaving their backs, and wings, exposed. None of them wore dresses like was the fashion in her own town. She smiled to herself thinking about what someone would say if they saw such an outfit on any of the women she knew. It would be scandalous. She almost laughed when she thought about what her mother would say.

Every now and then a Volante would fly close enough to see her sitting on Zan's landing. They would stare at her and fly away quickly. She waved a few times but not one of them waved back.

The breeze up this high was stronger than on the ground and she pulled the sheet tighter before getting up and walking back inside.

Her back was still towards the door when she heard someone land behind her.

She turned, but it wasn't Zan standing there. It was the Volante from yesterday, and he didn't look happy.

Ruby lifted her chin, holding the sheet close to her. Her lip trembled, she bit down on it.

"Zan isn't here. But I'm sure he'll be back any moment," she said, knowing full well he wouldn't have understood any of what she said.

He stalked toward her with tight fists. Ruby backed away toward the bedroom.

He was fast and flew right to her blocking her escape. His fist curled in the front of her sheet and held it threateningly.

"Let me go right now. I have no idea what you think you are doing, but it isn't how people act. Not where I'm from anyway. I haven't done anything to you, and you sure as hell better not think of doing anything to me. Don't make the rumors true." She glared at him and pursed her lips tight.

He let go, walking backwards to the landing. Pausing to glare at her, with the same hateful piercing eyes that Zan had for his captors the first time she saw him, he then turrned and leaped into the air.

Ruby fell to her knees and cried. Deep sobbing cries shook her. She thought she could handle everything, but she was a fool to think she was strong enough. She couldn't be with Zan anywhere, she'd lost her mother, she'd probably be arrested, she didn't know what was happening with Henry, and her father was dead.

Oh god her father was dead.

Zan alighted onto the landing. "Roobee. Roobee what's wrong? What's happened?"

She rolled up into a ball and hugged her knees, burying her face on top of them. She rocked back and forth not caring that each movement created a sharp stab through her middle.

Pain. It was all she had now.

# Chapter 32

RUBY WAS STILL curled up in a ball when Zan landed in the back yard at the Michaels house.

"I don't know where Mother's home is," he said as he placed her on the cushioned seat inside the gazebo.

Ruby looked up and blinked the sun out of her eyes. Back in Kollaroy. Home.

A deep breath shuddered through her, and she stood up clenching her fists and scrunching up her toes.

She took a step off the gazebo step and into the yard. "I can make it from here." She walked toward the front gate.

Zan grabbed her shoulder. "No."

Ruby turned around. "What?"

"I go to Mother's house, too. We go together."

She blinked again, but not from the sun this time. "That won't do any good. It will probably make things worse."

"No Roobee. I am coming. No talk." He strode off in front of her. His chest puffed out and wings tucked tight.

"You don't know where you are going."

"Then take me. Take me to your mother." He crossed his arms. "I am coming."

Ruby shook her head. Here she was, half naked, no wait, make that _mostly_ naked, about to walk through the streets with an illegal Volante, in broad daylight. The police will have them picked up in minutes.

"Zan, I can't let you..."

"I said I am coming Roobee. Now go." He tugged her by the hand. "You want me to carry you?"

"I can walk," she said. She winced as the pain in her side intensified with each step.

She hugged the sheet to her body, lifted her chin, and walked toward her house. Zan walked beside her, only occasionally moving behind when the path was narrow.

People going about their business stopped, gasped and ran away. Some stayed and stared, not quite believing what they were seeing. Ruby nodded to them politely as she continued her walk, and even Zan would occasionally bow to the women and children.

One woman shrieked and covered her child's eyes from view, even though he could see through her fingers and laughed. He obviously didn't understand he was supposed to be horrified, scared or at least disgusted at the sight of them.

Ruby reached her street and stopped. In the driveway sat the familiar grey town car.

"He's here. We can't go in."

"No. Your mother needs to see you, now," he said. He strode ahead of her.

Ruby took a deep breath. This _will_ be interesting, she thought, and she followed closely behind.

Ruby stood at the door. Knock or walk in? She probably should walk in, this being her home, but if she knocked, her mother would have time to get used to seeing her with Zan. Again.

She placed her hand on the doorknob and turned it.

"Mother, I'm home."

Mary Kelly sat with her hands entwined with the Governor's, her eyes red from crying.

Ruby stood in front of her, refusing to look at the Governor. She still had the sheet wrapped around her and Zan stood by her side.

Mary gasped, just like the people in the street had done.

"Hello Roobee's mother," said Zan. His voice was much higher than it usually was.

Governor Williams jumped up. His mouth was agape.

"It's good to see you Mother, but if you'll excuse me, I need some of my clothes," said Ruby. "It seems the suitcase I packed got lost from when I last saw it. I'm sure the Governor probably has it, because it wasn't sitting on the Michaels front porch—the last place I dropped it before I was rudely pulled inside by the man _he_ told us had killed our father."

"Ruby, what are you saying?" said Mary.

"That man denied it, by the way. I, of course, didn't believe him at first, but after talking with him, or rather he threatening us, I could see no reason for him to lie, especially when another all but admitted it was _him_ that killed father and not the tattooed man. The Governor, Walter, probably hasn't told you _any_ of this has he mother?"

Mary Kelly's face was white. She looked between Ruby and the Governor trying to piece together exactly what was going on. Her eyes avoided looking in the direction of Zan.

"She's been bewitched," said the Governor. "Bewitched by that abomination of a creature. Her mind has been muddled from the poison that courses through his veins."

Zan took a step toward him, but Ruby held his arm and pulled him back.

"Is that your plan? To continue to lie in front of my mother who knows me much better than you, and who has known whether I'm telling the truth since I was three years old. Please, Governor Williams, I think you can do better than that. You know as well as I do, that I do what I please and no one can poison my mind. Mother, you need to know my injuries, and the way I'm dressed right now, is attributable completely to the Governor who would rather see me dead right now than standing before you."

Mary Kelly gasped again and her knees buckled underneath her. She placed her hand over her mouth as she fell to the sofa.

The Governor advanced toward Ruby and Zan. "This monster? He ripped one of my men to shreds and would do the same to you given half the chance."

"One of your men? Dice was one of _your_ men—at least you admit it then. And here I was thinking you knew nothing about him."

"You knew him?" asked Mary. Her voice was weak and confused.

The Governor glared at Ruby. His knuckles turned white as he clenched his fist. Ruby held her head higher. You wouldn't dare, she thought.

"Tell her," said Ruby. "Tell her who really killed my father."

The Governor narrowed his eyes and spat at her. "You stupid brat. I should have let him kill you, too, when he had the chance. That was a mistake I'm not going to make again." He turned to Mary. She had turned even whiter than before, if that were possible. "You're not worth this hassle, you can forget about anything I could give you now. You just made your lives worthless, less than worthless, once I've finished with you."

He pushed past Mary and out the door. The house shook as it slammed shut.

"I guess he'll be calling the police, I better put some clothes on. I wonder if I have time to take a shower? What do you think mother?"

"What have you done?" asked Mary.

"What?" asked Ruby?

"He'll be back with the whole goddamn army now. You have to get out of here, now."

"Mother?"

"Ruby it's not safe. Go." She turned to Zan, finally acknowledging him. "Can you keep her safe?"

He nodded curtly.

"Oh no, I'm not going anywhere until I put some proper clothes on," said Ruby. "I've had enough of people staring at me today." She walked into the bedroom leaving Zan and Mary alone in the room together.

She heard their voices. They talked in a civilized, if uncomfortable, tone and wondered what they were saying. She knew her mother would die inside at having to accept him into her home, but she had no choice. She threw the sheet to the ground as she stepped into the shower. The water was warm, and she slid down the wall until she sat on the floor. As the stream washed over her, it faded the tears of the morning. The pain in her side remained, a constant dull ache, but it wasn't as intense now. Blood pumped through her. Vigor returned and she opened her eyes, wide awake.

After she dried herself, she flicked her finger through the hangers in the wardrobe. Something clean and neatly pressed like she would wear any other day. As she slipped a simple blue dress over her head she heard a knock at the door. Although that knock would probably be better be described as a thud. They were here.

# Chapter 33

"COMING," yelled Mary.

Ruby grabbed Zan by the arm. "I need to hide you for now, but it won't be for long. Just until we can get rid of them, okay?" Zan nodded but he didn't look happy. He followed Ruby out the back and into the shed. She slid open the secret door and pulled up a stool for him. "I won't be long," she said, sliding the door shut and placing some old tools in front of it.

Back inside her mother had set the table with tea and cake, as if it were any ordinary day.

"Sit down and drink," said her mother, as she walked toward the front door. She opened it gracefully. "Come in officers, what can I do for you?"

Ruby took a sip and gagged. She forced a smile and took a bite of cake to wash down the bitter taste of cold unstrained tea.

"We were about to have morning tea. Are you gentlemen hungry?" asked Mary.

The two police officers looked at the women and down to their notepads. The one with the burly chest lifted a few pages before returning his attention to Mary.

"There was a report there was a Volante here, in your house, Ma'am," said the taller of the two officers.

"Oh my goodness me," said Mary. "No wonder you look startled. Who would have said such a thing?"

"Governor Williams, Ma'am. Do you mind if we have a look around?"

"Why of course you may," said Mary. She swept her hand around the room. "And please, call me Mary." She rested her hand on the arm of the main officer.

Officer Benjamin whispered to his partner, who disappeared down the hallway to the bedrooms. His eyes darted to the cake. Mary picked up her cup and poured herself some tea. She balanced the china delicately in her hand as she took a sip. She closed her eyes and smiled as if it were the most delicious thing she'd had that day. She put the cup down on the saucer and sliced herself a small piece of cake. "You must try a slice," she said, holding up the buttery cake she had just cut.

The officer licked his lips but shook his head. He looked hopefully at his partner who had come back into the room. His partner shrugged his shoulders and stood next to his superior.

"Are you sure there was no Volante here, recently left?"

"I swear a Volante has not left this house today," said Ruby.

"You wouldn't be lying to us by any chance," said Officer Benjamin.

"Lie to an officer of the law? Why that would constitute a jail sentence wouldn't it? I don't think I'd be smart enough to do anything of the sort. My mother and I try and do the best we can since our father passed not long ago. It has been difficult, as I'm sure you can imagine. Two women, on their own, without a man in the house."

"I heard about John Kelly. He was a good man. I'm sorry for your loss ladies. We'll take one last look outside before we go, if that's okay with you?"

Ruby smiled sweetly. "Of course. Watch your footing on the back step."

The smaller officer went out the back door, and Ruby listened as she took another sip, forgetting it was stone cold. He came back up the steps in less than a minute and stood beside his superior. He whispered something in his ear.

Officer Benjamin raised his eyebrow and looked directly at Ruby. The teacup in her hand started to shake so she placed it back on the table and smiled.

He scribbled in his pad and flipped it shut. "Sorry to disturb you ladies, it must have been a prank call. We do have to investigate such stories though, as you can imagine."

"Of course," said Mary. "You have a good day gentlemen."

They were nearly out of the door when Governor Williams burst back into the house.

"Why haven't you arrested them?" he screamed at Officer Benjamin.

"There was no sign, sir," he replied.

"You incompetent idiot, they've obviously hidden him, or he's flown away. Arrest her right now." He strode into the kitchen and pointed his finger at Ruby.

"But..."

"Do it or I'll have your job. I saw the Volante here, you have an eye witness."

Officer Benjamin sighed, but nodded his head sharply and turned to Ruby. "You are under arrest for the suspicion of cavorting with an illegal creature called a Volante. You will accompany me to the Kollaroy police station where you will be questioned. You have the right to..."

"Shut up and arrest her," said Governor Williams.

Mary Kelly's eyes narrowed as she looked at the Governor. She continued to sip her cold tea slowly and deliberately.

The Governor turned to her, "I'm sorry Mary, but she bought this on herself."

"I'm sorry Governor Williams, but I have no idea what you are talking about. My family has never done anything illegal. We are upstanding members of this community. If I have to take this matter to a higher court then I guess you give me no choice." She stood up as if to illustrate her point, and Ruby could see the hatred in her eyes. If the police were not in the room, she was sure she would have seen her mother slap the Governor.

The officer took Ruby's arm and led her out to the police car waiting outside. "I'm sorry, Miss, but if you would please duck your head so you won't hit it on the frame." He put his hand on her head to help her avoid hitting it on the door jamb. Her mother watched from the front door step as the car drove away to the station.

# Chapter 34

"WE'VE QUESTIONED HER, but we can't keep her more than a few hours on suspicion," said Officer Benjamin. "Are you sure you saw a real Volante, sir? I know, someone in your authority wouldn't lie to an officer of the law, but you have been under a lot of stress lately. Perhaps you were mistaken? Besides, you know I need an extra witness or it's your word against hers."

The Governor banged his fist hard onto the counter, and even though Ruby couldn't see his face, she knew he was fuming right now. A smug satisfied smile crept on her lips.

"Look, I run this goddamn province and everyone in it. You do as I say."

"With all due respect Governor, your position, while important, is not above the law here in Kollaroy, and it's MY job to uphold the laws of this town. Not yours."

"And it's my job to hire and fire the people of this town. It seems I made an error of judgment in some of my hiring's."

"Are you threatening to fire me?" Officer Benjamin's voice was low and rumbled with a deep gruffness she hadn't heard him use before.

"No, no of course not. Don't be daft man. I just want everyone to do their jobs correctly. And that includes keeping Miss Kelly _in_ custody until we find the Volante."

"Since we found no evidence inside the Kelly house, I can keep her for no more than an hour, and only for further questioning, after that she's free. It's the law."

"Not if I can find witnesses who saw her with it. For Christ's sake she walked through the goddamn town with it. I'll bring back the others who saw her, and then she'll have to be charged. I'll make sure she's never let out again for all her lies and cavorting."

Ruby heard the front door of the station slam and felt a knot in her stomach. How many people _did_ see her and Zan together?

"You're free to go," said Officer Benjamin. He unlocked the holding cell door and let it swing out in front of her.

"But I thought you had to keep me for another hour?"

"Do you miss your father?" he asked.

"Yes, yes of course, but what has that got to do with anything?"

"Questioning is over. Legally I could only keep you for further questioning. I can't seem to think of anything else I have to ask you. Can you?"

Ruby grinned. She had half a mind to wrap her arms around his neck but thought it wasn't appropriate with a man of the law. Oh what the heck, she did so anyway.

"A word of advice though. While I legally can't prove anything, you better be sure to keep your head down and out of sight. If you do get caught breaking the laws of this town there is nothing I can do to stop what happens to you."

"I need to find out how to change some laws then, sir." Ruby almost skipped out of the door.

She paused outside the white building to watch the ambulance driver who leaned against the wall with a cigarette in his mouth. At the desk, two nurses talked and laughed together.

"Which room is Henry Michaels in?" she asked.

"You family?" asked the nurse with the short curly hair.

"No, just a friend."

She looked over to her colleague and shrugged. "Follow me."

Henry slept with a book covering his chest. "How is he doing?" Ruby asked.

The nurse flipped over a few pages of the chart hung at the end of the bed. "Yes, doing fine. The knife missed all his vital organs, but it did nick a major artery. He lost a lot of blood, but luckily he was able to stem the bleeding so when we got there he was still alive. It was lucky he knew what to do," she said. "Most people don't and often make it worse for themselves."

"He fixes animals. Or did, he's retired now."

"Ahh, that would explain it."

"Explain what?"

"He's been mumbling how he'd have to fix _another_ wing." She watched Ruby with narrowed eyes.

"I guess," said Ruby.

"That's what I told Marie, she's been looking after the other one that came in. Think she might have kinda a crush on him. We nearly lost that one, he was pretty beaten up, but he's resting now as well."

"The other one? Who do you mean?"

"There were two men there when we got to the house, this one—Mr Henry Michaels and the other—a Thomas Knight. He got a wicked tattoo on his arm."

"Dice is alive?"

"Dice. Well that nickname suits him doesn't it? It was touch and go for a while." A bell rang from the hallway. "I have to go, I have other patients."

As she walked away, she waved and chatted to patients in other rooms, not in any hurry to get to where she had been called.

Zan didn't kill Dice. A chill tickled Ruby's spine.

She picked up the book and placed it on the bedside table. She pulled the blanket up covering him and tucked it neatly. Three other beds occupied this room, although all were empty. She pulled a chair that was positioned in the corner closer to Henry's bed.

His eyes fluttered open when he heard the chair squeak as Ruby sat down.

"Ruby?"

She stood up, grabbing his hand. "Yes. Yes it's me. How are you feeling?"

"Zan? Is he safe?"

"He's at my house, hiding. Although considering I left him with mother, who can really tell how safe he is. But don't worry, she won't turn him in."

Henry closed his eyes again, and Ruby wondered if he'd gone back to sleep. She placed his hand back on the bed and turned.

"Why are you here? It's too dangerous for you to be seen," he said as his eyes fluttered back open.

"I'm tired of hiding. You know about rights for Volante, there must be others. Tell me who I need to talk to."

He sighed. "What good will it do? We've been lobbying for years and get stonewalled at every turn. What makes you think you can change this?"

"I have to try. What other option do I have?"

# Chapter 35

RUBY STUMBLED NEAR her front step before she opened the door. She grabbed hold of the railing to steady herself and concentrated on pushing the pain from her side away. It was getting better though—that was something.

Her mother and Zan made small talk as they prepared lunch together. She baked and he made salad from the ingredients found in their back garden. Ruby stood quietly in the living room not daring to break the moment. Zan looked up at her and winked.

Her mother fussed with a few lettuce leaves that had fallen to the floor making a clucking sound with her tongue. Ruby turned her face away so her mother wouldn't see her grin.

"How long until lunch is served?" asked Ruby. "I want to make some calls."

"The telephone isn't working," said her mother.

"It was working yesterday. What's wrong with it?"

"That's nothing for you to worry about. You leave it to me. I'll sort it out next week."

Her mother's hand trembled as she placed the scraps in the bin.

"Could you give us a moment," asked Mary. When Zan was out of sight, Mary leaned in close to her daughter. "Please don't make a fuss. I didn't have the money to pay the bill. But I don't want you telling anyone we don't have any cash right now. We are respectable citizens, and we can't be accepting charity. Everything is going to work out just right."

"You want me to get a job? I can. I will," said Ruby.

"Don't be silly. A woman's job is to provide for her husband."

"Woman do work now."

"No daughter of mine is going to get a job. What would everyone think?"

"But if we need the money..." Ruby hesitated as her eyes darted in the direction of the shed outside. "You are right. Everything WILL work out."

After lunch Ruby sat outside on the back porch. Zan came and sat beside her.

"Will Ruby come home?" he asked.

She wrinkled her brow, what did he mean? "I am home Zan," she said.

He shook his head. "This not my home here."

"No. No it's not."

"We can go away. All. Don't go to jail for me."

"I can't live in your world as much as you can't live in mine. I don't know what you expect me to do. You know it won't work. It's unfair. Why can't everyone let us be?"

He gazed at the tire swing that gently swayed by a passing breeze. The high fence that surrounded her yard—useless for a Volante. She followed his eyes as they lifted to the clouds. Everything about her life must seem silly to him, and his world impossible for her.

"I must go," he said.

"Now, as in right this minute? But you've only been here a few hours. You lived with Henry for weeks in his house, but you can't stay here for another day?"

"I could stretch and fly there. Not here. Zolante will wither if they can't fly. Roobee not want me to be sad."

Ruby's lip trembled. "Then go if you must. I'm not stopping you."

"Roobee."

"Go. I don't care. It was stupid to think we could be together anyway. Something is always conspiring to keep us apart. A Volante and a human—it's ludicrous to think it could have worked."

Zan grabbed her hands and pulled her to her feet. He buried his face into her hands, nuzzling her palms. "I still love Roobee," he said. "Always."

He tipped her chin and brushed his lips against hers.

"Sweet Roobee."

"You don't have to go. Stay with me." She grabbed him and kissed him pushing her tongue into his mouth. Her hands tugged at his clothing.

He pulled away and dropped her hands. Shaking his head, he turned and leaped into the sky. She watched as he spread his wings and flew away from her. Soon she could no longer see him.

"It's for the best." Her mother stood behind her. "It's a Volante, Ruby. I can see how you find him charming, but he's not one of us. No matter how civilised he might act. They are wild. Unpredictable. You never know when they might turn."

"You don't understand," she said. "He's not like that. I don't like the men you want me to date. I want _him_."

"And how are you going to be with him? How? You said it yourself—he can't live here and you can't live there. Love isn't going to change that. Love isn't everything. It's not some magic cure to all life's problems. There are other reasons to marry."

"What? Like money. Or power? Is that the reason you acted sweet for the Governor."

"Don't be silly. I was never interested in Walter. Not like that."

"He killed my father. He killed your husband."

Mary narrowed her eyes. "Don't you think I know that now? I could spit every time I remember how he touched my arm or held my hand. I've scrubbed and scrubbed to get his touch off me. But there is nothing I can do–he's the Governor. I have no power over him—he holds power over us. It's up to God to dish out punishment now."

Ruby rubbed her eyes. "What about me? What am I supposed to do?"

Her mother sighed. "It's not always about you, Ruby."

# Chapter 36

RUBY WATCHED THE sky all day expecting at any moment Zan would fly back to her. As the sky darkened, so did her mood.

Inside her mother lay on the sofa with her face buried in her hands. Ruby couldn't help her. She couldn't even help herself.

Her stomach twisted into knots although whether that was from not eating or something else, she wasn't sure. She opened the refrigerator door and smelt the milk. Sour.

A glint of moonlight danced over the shed roof outside. It beckoned to her, and she followed its call. She pushed open the secret doorway and turned on the light.

Dipping her finger into a barrel she paused for only a moment. Then she bought the amber liquid to her lips. It was good. Not as good as her fathers, but good enough. She pulled one of the large clay jugs from the top shelf and carefully decanted its contents until the jug was full and heavy.

Where should she go? One of the regulars, or somewhere new? It was probably too risky to go to the usual spot. But perhaps no one would suspect her to return to Wickson. Yes Wickson, so she could give Farmer Joe his whiskey, too.

She reached up for a smaller jug and filled it to the tip. The barrel was still three quarters full. Plenty for more business dealings. She wondered how much time she had before the Governor came back for her.

"I'm going out for a walk. Won't be long," she yelled through the door.

She was alone at the carriage stop. Even though the moon was low and bright allowing her to see if anyone approached, her skin prickled. No one came by, she was alone. Everyone else was already inside with their families by now. Women writing letters to their husbands away at war. Children reading storybooks by dim lamps beside their beds.

She tried to imagine herself tucking two children, a boy and a girl into bed, tickling them as she read them a story, and frowned.

The crunch of wheels on the road made her jump, and she stepped out of the way as the carriage pulled up, allowing her to step on board.

It didn't take long to get back to Wickson. The familiar Inn sign swayed in the breeze. She instinctively looked to the side of the building, expecting to see Zan there again, like she did on the first night she had seen him. But it was black and empty.

Inside, however, was bustling. Patrons crowded the bar counter, sat on tables and stood near the radio. She slid into the last available booth in the far corner of the room. She nodded to the Innkeeper who tipped his head in her direction. Within a few minutes he was over and placed a drink in front of her.

"Ain't no buyers tonight, Ruby. I told you I couldn't set something up so quick."

"I know, but perhaps I'll get lucky. We need the money, and I don't have much time. It has to happen tonight."

He shook his head. "Maybe. Maybe someone will come in, but I wouldn't count on it."

She pulled the smaller of the two jugs out from under the table. "Can you give this to Joe Reynolds Junior for me? I owe him for doing me a favor."

The Innkeeper nodded and took it back to the bar area stashing it behind the counter.

Nearly two hours passed. Her stomach grumbled and her head throbbed. The pain in her side was only made worse by her shifting in her seat as she looked hopefully at the men entering.

It was no use. She leaned over and grabbed the jug from under the table.

"Well, well, what's a young filly doing here without her papa, eh?"

An older man with silver braces stood before her and leaned over the table. His hair was dark but flecked with grey, and for a second her thoughts turned to her father.

"I'm old enough to do what I please," she said. She pushed past him.

"Oh, I know," he said as he grabbed her arm. "Perhaps you are old enough for a lot of things?"

Ruby pulled her pocketknife out and held it to the man's stomach. "You better be polite sir, I am a lady after all."

He held his hands up and backed away from her. "Just a little joke," he said. "I came over because I heard you were selling."

"I ain't selling myself if that's what you were thinking. You'll have to find another for that."

"No, I know what you're selling." He tapped the jug on the table. "How much?"

Ruby narrowed her eyes. "Forty," she said sitting back down.

The man laughed. "And what makes you think I'd pay that much for your slop?"

Ruby glared at him, pouring a tiny amount into the empty glass. "A taste," she said narrowing her eyes.

The man took a swig and shrugged. "Nothing special. Not like your Papa's. Twenty."

"Thirty five," she said.

"Forget it." He turned to walk away.

"Okay, fine. Twenty."

The man handed over the money and grabbed the jug from her hands. "You can't do anything like your father. I would have paid more."

Her hand hovered over her pocket again, ready to bring out her blade. _Leave it Ruby_ , _he's not worth it and you've got enough now for all your bills. Plenty more later_.

She put the money into her pocket and asked the Innkeeper to call her a cab. There was no way she was going to stay here tonight.

The cab pulled up quickly. Much quicker than she expected. Perhaps it had been waiting around the corner ready to drive the drunkards home. There was sadness in the driver's eyes.

"Kollaroy please," she said. She looked out of the window, caressing her hand over the money in her pocket.

He didn't answer. The engine spluttered before it started, and the driver pushed shut the tiny window at the front that separated her from the front.

She thought nothing of it until he turned the car around.

She banged hard on the wire mesh, but he continued to ignore her.

"Where are you taking me?" she demanded.

She could see the man's hand grip the wheel tightly.

"Who are you? Please," she asked. "Please tell me what this is about."

"Sorry, Miss," he finally said. "It's me orders. You need to come with me."

# Chapter 37

RUBY WOKE UP in the same basement she had been thrown into last night. A sliver of light entered from the small window, and it cast a soft glow on the far wall. It allowed her to finally see the room she had slept in with more detail.

The basement was deeper than she thought, which made the ceiling too high to touch. It also meant the window was out of reach, but even if she could, it was too tiny to escape from.

The room itself was empty except for a wooden chair and a large double mattress, with no bedding or pillows. Wooden stairs led up to a door that led out. It was locked—she'd already tried it. There was also one small bathroom to the side that included a toilet, shower stall and small sink—none of which had running water.

She circled her wrists and ankles trying to get the blood moving around her body. The mattress she'd slept on was hard and made her feel stiff and sore, and she knew she'd need all her energy and strength if she had to fight her way out of here.

She dragged the chair to the wall and stood on the edge of it. The window was still too high for her to see out, and her fingertips just touched the glass. She tapped on it. Solid.

Footsteps on the ceiling above—someone was coming. Was he here already? Sooner than she expected—come to gloat on his prize.

She moved the chair back to its original position and sat down on the mattress holding her knees to her chest.

"Good morning, Miss Kelly," said the Governor. "I hope you had a pleasant sleep. And lovely dreams. I've some breakfast here for you—oats with warm fresh milk. Now don't let anyone tell you I don't have a soft spot." He smiled as if it were the most natural and sweet thing to do, to bring his captor a warm breakfast.

"Go on," he said. "I assure you it's good."

Ruby contemplated throwing the bowl at him and watching it drip down his face wondering how he'd explain to anyone who saw him what had happened. A sly smile danced on her lips.

"How long are you going to keep me here?" she asked.

"That depends on your friend," he said. "I thought it would have come running back for you by now, but we've seen none of it. Perhaps it gave up on you after all."

"Zan's not coming back for me. It's over. He's gone."

"That is a pity," he said. "We had big plans for it. Never mind, we'll just have to get another one then."

"Why do you want him anyway? What could you want with a Volante?"

"He can fly. Can you imagine how useful that would be, to have a pet soldier to do your bidding. I'd be the most powerful man in the country if I could tame it. If I could do it to one of them, then I could do it to _all_ of them. We could have a whole army of flying creatures and finally win this war."

"You want them to fight this stupid war for you?"

"Not for me." He held his hands to his chest dramatically then spread his arms wide. "For the whole of the country."

"He can't be tamed. None of them can, they are as independent as you or I."

"I don't believe that for a minute. You tamed one, and you're just a silly girl, it should be easy for a man like me. I'm used to getting people to do what I want."

"I didn't tame him," Ruby said.

"Of course you did. I've heard it was good at satisfying your bidding, too. Perhaps a regular man wouldn't ever be good enough for you now."

He sneered at her suggestively and Ruby felt the hate and repulsion prickle her skin. He waved his arm away. "At any rate, I don't have the time to be discussing your conquests, Miss Kelly. I'm an important man."

"What will you do to me?"

"Are you asking whether we plan to kill you? Oh my goodness no. We need you. Now don't get me wrong, I had considered that at the start – especially since you caused me so much trouble, but now I need you alive and healthy too."

"What for? I've already told you Zan isn't coming back, what could you need me for?"

"We need something to keep the creature amused when we are not training it. Give it a reward for all its hard work. You'll be its nighttime companion of course. Give it whatever it desires. Something which I'm sure you'll enjoy."

# Chapter 38

IT HAD BEEN more than a day.

Ruby thumped her fist against the door at the top of the wooden stairs again. Her palm was red and ached, but she persevered, convinced she'd heard someone outside muttering under their breath. She'd tried calling out several times, but there was no answer, and her throat was getting hoarse and dry.

She had thrown her breakfast on the floor, spilling her food which she now regretted because she was hungry. They'd cleaned it up. Something about keeping the place clean. That meant she wouldn't get anything more to drink until the Governor returned at nightfall.

"Well this is a fine mess you've got yourself into Ruby Kelly," she said out loud. "Not only have you got yourself locked up, goodness knows where, _and_ lost the money you made selling whiskey, but now the Governor wants to use you as a companion for Zan, or possibly any Volante, without any chance of escape. And here you are, stripped of all your possessions except for the clothes on your own back. He probably would have taken those, too, given half the chance. Who knows how long he'll keep you here. And what if he never finds Zan? Which he won't, of course. Zan is long gone, and so he should be. Even if they did find him, there is no way they'd be able to force him to fly for them."

She heard a faint sound outside. It sounded like a chair scraping along a floor. Ruby placed her ear to the door again and listened. Was someone out there, or was it her imagination playing tricks on her? Nothing.

Placing her hands on her hips she looked around at the same grey walls that held her, then up to the window again. Perhaps if she didn't eat anything more she could squeeze through? Even then it looked too small. It's not like she had all the time in the world.

A thought flashed across her mind. She remembered when she was a child, and her father would make forts with old mattresses. She narrowed her eyes and looked at hers. It was flimsy but if she placed the chair on the far side of it, leaned the chair against the wall, perhaps it would be tall enough she could at least _see_ outside. That would be something.

She positioned the chair with its back facing her and lay the mattress lengthways over it, so the chair gave it support. It buckled as she reached the top, but not enough that it flattened out underneath her. She grabbed the top of the window frame to steady herself and take some pressure off the mattress.

Outside she saw a familiar scene that made her heart turn bitter.

Three men had a fourth wrapped in a brown burlap sack. Two were on either side of their prisoner while the leader, Governor Williams, led the group closer to her building. This time the material covered the prisoners head and she could only see the feathers sticking out of the bottom. Was it Zan?

Startled, she lost her grip on the small window and tumbled down the mattress hitting the floor with a thud.

Her side was gripped with intense pain, and she groaned as she rolled over to her back. She lay dizzy from the fall. It wasn't until she heard the footsteps above her head that she moved as quickly as the pain would allow. The mattress was already on the floor and she lay on it as the door opened.

The Governor came down alone first. He looked at the chair still propped against the wall. "Trying to get a better view I see. Well don't worry—I've got something to relieve your boredom."

He clicked his fingers and two men led the Volante down the stairs and into the room. The sack was still over his head on the journey, but now he was here in the room with her, they pulled it off.

For a moment Zan seemed disoriented, unsure of where he was. His hands were unbound. He could take them easily, why wasn't he fighting them?

He slumped to ground groaning and it was then Ruby noticed the collar around his neck. It was silver and fastened with a lock at the back. Zan winced and groaned as he clawed at his throat.

The Governor held up a small device with a flashing red beacon. "Control," he said. "All animals need to be taught control – that's how they become compliant. They really should do this to children, too, then we wouldn't have such insolence these days. Perhaps your mother would have had more control over the likes of you." He laughed and shooed the two men out of the room.

"He'll be fine in a few minutes. I'm sure you'll be able to attend to any pains he might have." He turned, clicking his heels on the bottom of the step. "I'll bring you some lunch soon, an early treat. Don't say I don't look after you." He smirked at her and disappeared out of the door.

# Chapter 39

RUBY THREW HER arms around Zan's neck planting small kisses all over his face. He stumbled and blinked at her.

"Roobee?"

"Yes, yes it's me." Tears streamed down Ruby's face leaving shimmering wet tracks on her cheeks.

"I thought they would kill me. That I'd never see you again."

She used the edge of her sleeve to wipe away her tears. "Hush," she said. "This is nothing we can't get out of. We've gotten past much worse. They don't plan on killing us, they want you to do some of their war bidding, delivering messages, or something. They said you would be an asset if they could train you to do things for them, since you can fly. And me, they want me to be your..." she searched for the right words. "They want me to be your girlfriend."

"What is a girl friend?"

She smiled. There was still so much about her world he didn't understand. "They want us to be together, at night mostly."

"They are letting us be together? That is good."

"It depends how you want to look at it I suppose. Most people would consider this arrangement very wrong actually."

"But we get to be together."

"By force, not choice. And they want you to do terrible things during the day I would imagine. I don't think it's a good deal at all."

"But we will be together. Zan and Roobee together. I will do whatever they want. For that."

Ruby hugged him close again and sighed. Despite her reassurances, she wasn't sure how they were going to get out of this one.

"Where did you go? Why did you come back?"

Zan looked at her curiously. "Zan can't live at Roobee's mother's house. Roobee can't live at Zan's house."

"I know. That's why you left."

"No. Didn't leave. Only went to search. I found somewhere. Somewhere both of us can live."

"You found somewhere we can live? Where is it?"

Zan shook his head and smiled. "Ahh I will surprise Roobee. Soon." He looked around the room and his head slunk back down.

"Of course it will be soon. They can't keep us locked up here forever."

She knelt in front of him, running her finger over his metal collar, searching for weaknesses. There didn't seem to be any.

"Does it hurt?" she asked.

"No. Yes, when it buzzes."

"I think it gives you an electric shock."

Zan traced his finger around her stomach.

"I'm serious. If we could disable it somehow, we could make it seem like you are getting shocked without it actually working. Try for me. Pretend it's on."

Zan smiled at her, pulling her close so he could nibble on her ear. "I am on."

She slapped him playfully.

"When I saw you, you went all stiff and groaned."

"I can do that," he said blowing warm air on her neck.

She groaned herself. "Don't you think of anything else?"

"I only think of Roobee."

Zan pressed his lips onto Ruby's. The instant hunger of passion tingled through her body and she melted to Zan's touch. As much as she knew this situation was wrong, right now she could think of nothing more she wanted to do.

He slid his hand to the front of her dress and pulled at the buttons. She helped by undoing each one as fast as her fingers moved, and soon, her dress was discarded leaving only her pale undergarments.

Zan's mouth was on her neck as he tugged the straps of her bra off her shoulder. He nibbled the edge of the fabric trying to rip it off with his teeth. If she had spare clothes with her, she would have let him, but Ruby reached around and unclasped the back, letting her breasts spring free.

He hungrily took them in his mouth, sucking on her nipples which were already hard and erect. She groaned with pleasure as he flicked her nipple, with his tongue.

Each flick sent ripples of pleasure cascading though her body. She discarded her underwear, knowing that was where he was headed next.

He paused over her belly. The large bruise had turned purple and yellow, and he pulled away.

"No it's okay. It looks much worse than it is. It's much better, really."

"I hurt Roobee." He retreated and sat in the corner as if trying to find the one place in the room he was furthest away from her.

"You didn't do this. He did."

"But if I were not around. Then everybody would be happy. Safe."

"Zan." Ruby stood up. "I would not be happy if I hadn't met you. You are the best and most exciting thing that has ever happened to me. I love you." She put her hand on his arm.

"You love me?"

"Of course. Haven't I told you that before?"

"No."

Ruby wrinkled her nose. He'd said it plenty of times to her, she must have said it back. "Of course I do. I never want us to be apart. And if it were possible I'd marry you right here, now, in this room if need be."

"Is marry the same as joining?"

Ruby smiled. "I have no idea."

# Chapter 40

SHE WAS ASLEEP when the Governor and his two henchmen arrived, waking her and Zan from their slumber.

"Morning. And how did the two love birds get on last night?" He grinned at his own joke. "No matter, it's time to take our prize for his first training session."

"Can you put the water on?" asked Ruby sleepily. "Please. I need a shower. I smell pretty bad if you can't already tell. And you want your Volante to be healthy, don't you?"

The Governor rubbed his chin. "Yes, I suppose. I can't see any reason to keep it off. Alright you can get something you want. I'm in a rather good mood today." He snapped his fingers and whispered to one of his men who disappeared up the stairs and out the door.

Zan glared at the Governor but made no attempt to attack.

The door swung back open as the man stood at the top, nodding.

The Governor pushed Zan ahead of him as they left Ruby alone again. The door creaked and slipped open as they disappeared. She took a step toward it when an arm, with a familiar tattoo, reached to close it. She held her breathe.

What was he doing here? Wasn't he badly injured? That's what they said at the hospital.

She opened the tiny shower stall and turned on the tap. The water spluttered a few times before the water streamed out. It was cold. She may have gotten water, but it was freezing.

Freezing or not, she didn't care. Not when _he_ was at the top of the stairs.

She dressed and sat on the bottom of the stairs staring at the door. She contemplated trying the handle, or banging on the door again. It hadn't worked any stage this week, and she doubted it would now.

She moved to the top step and sat with her ear pressed against the wood. She couldn't hear anything, but it felt like he was there, right outside, like he had been all week.

"Hello? Can you hear me?"

Silence.

"I have no idea if you can or not, and I could be talking to a door for all I know, which would be rather funny, or not funny depending on how you look at it, I don't know. Anyway, I didn't want to talk to a door, obviously, I do hope you can hear me. Can you by the way?"

More silence.

"Right now I must look like a complete ninny, except you can't see me, so maybe I sound like a ninny instead. If we even know what a ninny would sound like, because personally I don't. What I am trying to say is that I'm sorry. Really sorry.

"I'm sorry I blamed you for killing my father, which I know you didn't do. Of course you didn't, it's quite obvious who did. And you told me and I didn't believe you. I believe you now. I don't agree with how you are holding us, I think that is a despicable thing to do, but I guess you were ordered to, and since you are used to taking orders, you probably don't think about it, right?

"But perhaps you _should_ think about how you live your life. It isn't a great way to exist, taking orders from others. You need to be true to yourself and do what you want to do. Is this what you want? After what you went through?"

She sighed.

"Well, there. I said what I wanted to say. Even though it didn't come out exactly how I wanted it to. Sometimes I can tend to go on a bit, or at least that's what my mother always tells me. Ruby, she says, get to the point. A lady doesn't prattle on forever. Anyway, I just wanted to apologize. You don't have to answer me. It's just no one deserves to be accused of something hideous, no matter who they are."

She listened for a few more seconds before descending the stairs and sitting on the chair. She thought about what else she could say to him tomorrow.

Ruby shoved the dinner the men had bought with them into her mouth and gulped down the bottle of juice. Zan sat quietly. His face was pale and strained. He sat watching her, slumped on the bed.

"A productive day, Walter?" she asked.

The Governor smirked. "You better save some, Miss Kelly. Make sure the bird eats. We wouldn't want him losing his strength now would we?"

After the food was finished, one of the men cleaned up leaving the room bare again before they left, leaving her and Zan alone.

Zan shook. Ruby leaned over and whispered to him and he jerked, grabbed at his collar and tried to pull it away. He clawed at it, which left red scratches on his neck.

"It won't come off," she said. "Not that way." She grabbed his hands, holding them in her own and gently stroked her thumb over the top of his fingers.

"He hurt me. He hurt me lots today." He clenched his jaw and his eyes darkened. "He needs to go away."

Ruby looked to the small window and watched the stars dance in the sky. "He will. Come, I want you to have a shower with me."

"I don't want to get wet."

"Then perhaps I can persuade you to join me?" She undid her dress, letting it slip to the floor.

# Chapter 41

RUBY TURNED THE taps as far as they would go and the water spurted out in fierce jets. It froze her skin, but there was too much fire inside of her to care.

She pulled Zan in, making sure he was positioned under the stream of water as she leaned back on the tiles.

"It cold," he said.

"I'll warm you." She wrapped one of her legs around his waist, using the other for support. She leaned back, letting the water glide down her body. He lapped at the water, warming her skin with his tongue.

He lifted her around the waist so she could put both legs around him. All she could do now was press against the tiles and hope he held her tight. She slipped, but he held her in place, not letting her fall.

In this position, the water pelted hard onto her body, right to the sensitive nub at the top of her sex, and she groaned. He glided his hand across her wet body, supporting her with the other.

She could do nothing for him except be there and not fall. His eyes were alive with hunger for her.

She parted her legs further, wanting him to enter her now, but he pulled back. Instead he let the water beat down on her nub for longer. She couldn't feel the coldness anymore, it had made her skin numb, but the warmth from below was spreading throughout her body. Each piercing flick of the water, coupled with a teasing touch from him swept her away.

It was bringing her to the place she craved. He must have seen it in her eyes, because right at that time, when she was about to lose control, he picked her up and turned her around.

She pressed against the tiles, with her back to him.

He bit gently into her neck then sucked it afterwards to soothe her skin. He continued to do this all over her back as he went down lower and lower.

He bit her ass, and she cried out. His finger was between her legs, teasing her opening. She could feel she was wet, very wet, and not from the shower. He bit her on the behind again as he slid his finger inside of her. Her body jolted from the sensation of the sting of his teeth and the ecstasy of his hand. As he sucked her cheek to take out the sting, his finger moved with heavenly strokes.

"Please Zan. Now. Now."

He pulled her hips back, so she was bent with her backside high in the air. His erect manhood circled slowly around her sex and she whimpered.

"Please," she repeated.

She gasped as he placed the tip inside of her, gliding it, inch by inch, slowly further and further. When he had filled her he stopped. She tried to wiggle her hips back and forth, but he held her fast, stuck in this position.

He circled his finger over her sensitive nub and she groaned trying to spread her legs wider.

The water was streaming down the side of her face and stinging her eyes. She held them shut tightly, breathing heavily.

She shivered again as he flicked at her nub. Every time she groaned he would stop, pulling away his hand. He was still inside her, not moving.

"Oh god, Zan I can't take it anymore. Make love to me. Now. I beg of you."

He didn't need any more encouragement. He pulled back and thrust into her, again and again. One hand was on her hip and the other played with her nub as he rode her furiously. She felt transported outside herself from the pleasure he was giving her.

She started to jolt as the warm sensations rose like a crescendo throughout her body. She had already cried out in pleasure, now she screamed joyfully as the wave of orgasm enveloped her.

Zan soon followed with his own orgasm. When he had finished, he turned her around, diving his tongue back in her mouth. Their satisfied moans once again mingled as they caught their breath.

# Chapter 42

THE COLLAR LOOKED the same.

"Zan." She shook him awake. "You have to do something for me."

"Again?" he asked sleepily.

"I want you to pretend the collar is on. I want you to groan and shudder like you do when he hurts you."

Zan narrowed his eyes. He then groaned and shuddered. It wasn't convincing.

"I think we are going to have to practice."

"What for?"

"I don't want the Governor to know if we've managed to short it."

"I don't understand."

"The collar. I tried to use the water from the shower to short it. To make it not work."

"To stop the hurt?"

"Yes."

"I just thought you liked cold water."

Ruby grinned. "Well, I _did_ like that. And probably would like more of it." She blushed. "But, I want you to have a lot of showers while we are here. In case it didn't work this time. I know its cold, but we have to try. And you'll need to practice pretending it's still on. So the Governor doesn't know if we succeeded."

Zan nodded, finally understanding what Ruby planned. "I will only take more showers if you join me," he said.

The sun woke Ruby for the fourth time this week. She covered her head with her dress, but knowing her rear was uncovered made her uncomfortable, so she put her dress back on.

She pulled the two feathers she kept under the mattress out and watched how the light filtered through them. She scratched the end of them on the ground. The sharper of the two was strong enough to chisel a small narrow opening into the other.

Footsteps overhead. She hid the feathers back under the mattress.

The Governor entered with the same smug look he had most mornings. He tossed a paper plate and a stale bread roll to the floor. "Hurry and eat. I've got business to attend to."

Zan sat and hungrily ate his. Ruby picked her roll up and nibbled on it nervously.

"Hurry up, I haven't got all day," said the Governor. He pulled the device out of his pocket and pointed it at Zan who was still busy eating and not paying attention. "Come on now, or I'll make you go faster myself." He pressed the button and Zan continued to eat.

Her breath stopped. She felt dizzy.

"Damn stupid piece of metal. Get me more batteries." One of the men reached into his pocket and handed him a new set. As the Governor placed the new batteries in, Ruby kicked Zan in the leg. He looked up startled, then nodded.

The Governor pressed the button again. This time Zan did clutch at his neck, groan and twitch on the floor. This time he was convincing—too convincing. He looked in real pain. Ruby felt her lip tremble.

"Clean up," he said to one of his men. "I don't want any more vermin down here." The man collected up the left over bread roll Ruby had barely touched and the empty plate of Zan's. He didn't notice Ruby sitting on her paper plate as he looked around the room and took the trash out with him. She slid it under the mattress.

With a quick order, Zan disappeared with them, and she was once again alone for the day.

She lay on the mattress and watched the clouds through the window. The chair above her, scraped against the floor. Since yesterday, it seemed Dice was making no effort to be quiet now. It was almost like he was letting her know he was there.

She sat on the top of the step. "Good morning," she said through the door. "I hope you slept well. Do you go home at night? I wonder if you do, or if you have to stay here and guard us all the time." She heard a faint tap like a foot shifted on the floor.

"They don't let you go home? Well that's a bother. What do they expect you to do? I hope you have a more comfortable bed than I do, I mean the mattress is okay I suppose, it's certainly better than sleeping directly on the floor."

Another noise.

"You sleep on the floor? That isn't very nice of Governor Williams. You would think, you being injured and all, he would give you something comfortable. I couldn't imagine how you must be feeling if you were still in pain and having to stay here in this house out in the middle of nowhere.

"You can speak to me by the way. I won't tell anyone. And truthfully, who would I tell? All locked up here on my own. No, you are the only person, apart from Zan of course, who I must admit has been speaking much better English lately, that I can speak to."

She waited for a response.

"It's okay. I get it. But please make sure you look after yourself. Think about how you want to be treated, and demand it. I'd do the same in my position if I wasn't, well, trapped down here." Ruby sighed.

It was still light when Zan was returned to the room. He clutched at his neck and fell onto the mattress, whimpering.

"We are nearly there, Miss Kelly," said the Governor. "You'll only have another day or two and I'll be shipping your lover off."

"Where will you take him?"

"He's nearly done with his training. I have a very nice offer for him, too. He's done well."

"And I can go home?"

"What?" The Governor laughed loudly. He looked at her with joyous satisfaction. "You haven't completed _your_ duty Miss Kelly." He tutted and shook his head. "I thought you understood your arrangement. You've been very good at keeping him company, just as I thought you would."

"You are letting me go with him?"

"Oh goodness no. You'll have to repeat your affections when we bring the next Volante in. One bird is as good as another. So they say."

Zan turned and hissed.

"Come on, Bird Man. Sit." The Governor played with his hand near his pocket.

"You can't make me sleep with anyone else."

"Willingly or not, Miss Kelly. I can always use control with you, too. Don't think I haven't already thought about it. Nevertheless I bought you some delicious soup for your dinner—as a celebration. Now if you'll excuse me for a few minutes, I have some business to attend upstairs, but I'll be down for the bowls soon."

Ruby heard the footsteps on the floor above her. She turned to Zan and cradled him in her arms.

He winked and jumped up. "Good pretending?"

"Oh my. I thought it hadn't worked. I thought..."

He kissed her on the lips. "Do not doubt what I can do."

Ruby almost squealed. "Quick, make sure no one comes while I do something."

She pulled the paper plate out from under the mattress, and the feather she had made into a quill.

She dipped the end of the quill into the tomato soup and wrote her message down as quickly as she could. Blowing on the paper to dry it, she looked up nervously before sliding it back under the mattress.

"I've written the message twice." She wrung her hands together. "I hope that will be enough. What if the soup wipes away?"

He kissed her on the top of the head. "I will deliver them. I can be fast."

# Chapter 43

RUBY COUNTED DOWN the minutes, trying to guess the exact moment she would hear the footsteps overhead and the door open.

She had tried speaking to Dice many times during the day, but he was silent. No tapping, no chair scraping across the floor.

She paced the room for what seemed like the millionth time and wrung her hands. What if it didn't work? What if they'd seen Zan drop the notes? Oh god, perhaps something has happened to him. Please no, let Zan be okay.

It was getting late. She leaned the mattress on the chair and climbed the wall to the window. Nothing.

Her hands slipped on the window ledge, and she fell backward. Pain in her side blinded her momentarily as she lay curled up on the floor where she had fallen.

Tears blinded her. She had promised herself she wouldn't cry. Not again. She shook as she lay on the floor.

Voices above woke her, and she stared at the door with its flaking paint waiting for it to open. She was still lying on the floor. They were yelling. He was yelling.

As she pulled the mattress down, the Governor burst into the room. She had just enough time to sit in the chair and look bored before he looked in her direction. It took all of her willpower not to wince as the pain in her side still seared.

"Seems your guard has become a runaway. No matter. The locks here are tight. I don't need him." He gritted his teeth as his two men bought Zan back into the room. They pushed him roughly downstairs. He whimpered and fell onto the mattress.

"Good news. We've finished our training, Miss Kelly. We will be taking your Volante tomorrow morning. You had better be nice to it tonight – give it what it needs because you won't see it after that."

Ruby's lip trembled, but she didn't dare say anything, preferring to turn her face away from him.

Zan was still bent over the mattress. He had blood on his leg and bruises on his arms.

The Governor grabbed the front of her dress with his fist and pulled her to her feet. "Perhaps I'll make a visit and keep you company until we get another one. Wouldn't want you to get lonely now, would we?"

The red scar on his cheek seemed to pulse with excitement. She slapped him hard. He recoiled, but laughed.

When he had gone Ruby fell to her knees next to Zan. He turned, winking at her. "Delivered both. It was easy. He really needs to keep a better eye on me." She almost cried out, but his lips were on hers before any sound could escape. She melted into him and let him celebrate their small victory.

The hours ticked by. "Are you sure you let them fall in the right yards?" Ruby rubbed her face in her hands. It would be morning soon, and the Governor would be here, to take Zan away from her. Forever.

"I fly fast and low. Just like they teach me." He grinned. "I dropped them where Roobee told me to."

"And no one saw you?"

Zan shrugged. "Who can say? I wasn't careful this time. It made him mad, but I do it for you."

"They'll be here to take you soon. Why isn't anyone coming to save us?"

Zan cupped her chin in his hand. "No matter when they come, I will come back. Always. The collar not hurt me now."

"But they might take you far away – further than you can fly."

He laughed. "I can fly further than you think."

"Then why aren't they coming."

Her side ached, her head throbbed. She watched the sky as it lightened, and the room turned from darkness to a soft glow. Her plan had failed. No one had found the notes. They would take Zan away, and she would be trapped here—forever.

Footsteps scuffed along the floorboards above and it made her heart thump in her chest. She hugged Zan close, waiting for the inevitable.

The Governor seemed happy today. He had lightness to his step.

"Time to take him to his new owner. I'm not sure he's going to be as gentle as I would be either." He smirked. "I hope you've said your goodbyes?"

He didn't wait for her to answer, and hooked his finger in the air toward Zan. His two men grabbed him and pushed him up the stairs.

"All alone now. Such a pity. Don't fret, Miss Kelly. It won't be for long."

Before he disappeared out of the door, Zan turned to her and winked. She sighed, wishing she could be as confident as he was right now.

She listened as they left the building until she heard nothing but silence.

He was gone. He was really gone. And they weren't bringing him back.

She fell to the mattress burying her head in her hands promising herself she wouldn't let anyone else touch her.

It had only been half an hour when she heard more footsteps. What were they doing back so soon?

The door burst open and Officer Benjamin rushed down the stairs toward her.

Ruby stood up and blinked. Behind Officer Benjamin were two other officers, both of whom had their guns cocked and ready to fire, pointed at her. She raised her hands slowly.

"Ruby?" Officer Benjamin motioned for the officers to put their guns down. "What are you doing here?"

She could feel her knees start to buckle underneath her. Tiny spasms of comprehension that she'd been saved erupted through every pore, and she had to grab the side of the wall to stop from falling down.

"He held me here. For Zan. Isn't that why you are here? To rescue me?"

"We found a note that said a Volante was being kept here. Illegally. Or at least that's what we could put together from what was left of the note."

"You don't know the Governor has already taken Zan? He's gone. Sold for services."

Officer Benjamin shook his head. "Governor Williams? What does he have to do with this?"

Ruby felt her knees buckle again, and Officer Benjamin put his arm around her shoulder. "Come down to the station and make a statement. We can sort out what's going on here, and we'll get you some clean clothes, too."

Ruby blushed, conscious now of the fact she hadn't changed her clothes in over a week.

"But what about Zan—they've taken him."

"What exactly is the Governor's plans with it?"

"I...some sort of military operation. Messenger or delivery or...oh I don't know. He wouldn't say—said it was too horrible. He sold him to someone. And he plans on doing it again—with more Volante."

Officer Benjamin rubbed his chin. "We've got him boys. This'll get Walter in the clink where he belongs. If we can prove it."

"Of course you can prove it. I'm here aren't I? Where exactly do you think you found me?"

"I mean with the Volante. Do you know where they took him?"

"No. I haven't been allowed out of this room. He said he was delivering him for the exchange."

"I'm going to take you in."

"I'm not going anywhere without Zan."

"You can't stay here."

"Why can't I go with you to help find him? Besides you'll need me to calm him down anyway. I'm not sure how he'll react seeing this many police officers. Last time he had a run in with the law they shot him through the wing. I can't imagine it will go well this time."

"Ruby, you know it's illegal to be in the presence of one of the forbidden creatures in our town. It's the law."

"Then you'll have to arrest me, too. You know quite well by now, I am in a relationship with him, illegal or not. You can't but help who you fall in love with can you?"

"But a Volante? They are wild Ruby. A girl like you should find a nice man to settle down with and have a family."

"A nice girl like me? Oh goodness Officer Benjamin—women have far more rights these days, and one of them is to choose who they want to love. I've made my choice and no stupid law that doesn't understand the Volante race is going to stop me."

"You're not scared of it?"

"Him. Zan is a him. And of course not. What a stupid question. Really Officer Benjamin, I would think your line of questioning would be a little more sophisticated."

Ruby crossed her arms and lifted her chin. "I don't suppose my mother has been looking for me all this time?"

"She brought us the same note we had. Thought it was a prank and wanted to complain. Her note wasn't as indecipherable as ours but still had many words missing. That's how we were able to find this place—by putting them both together. What on earth did you write with anyway? Soup?"

She sat down on the chair looking down at her bare feet studying them. They were black with dirt and soot. She could feel her lip tremble. _Hold it together, Ruby Kelly, just because she didn't know the note was from you, does not mean she didn't look for you._

Officer Benjamin sighed and brushed the men out of the room, turning to hold his hand out for Ruby. "You, coming?"

# Chapter 44

BLOOD APPEARED IN the crease of her fingernail as she bit down on it.

"Can you repeat that?" Officer Benjamin didn't take his eyes from the piece of paper in front of him.

"Governor Williams killed my father. He did as much as admit it."

He shook his head. "That's a very serious accusation Ruby."

"It's not an accusation, it's the truth."

"Never-the-less it's still something I can't take your word on. Especially as someone was already charged with the crime."

"Thomas Knight will tell you the same thing."

The officer's right eyebrow rose then lowered again. His pencil hovered over his paperwork.

"Please. We have to go. Find Zan before he's taken away forever," she said.

"We don't know where to start looking."

"Does that mean you do nothing at all? That we just sit here?" Ruby stood up and the chair she was sitting in toppled to the ground. "You have to do something to find him."

"Sit down. Think again—anything, a throwaway comment perhaps? Did he say anything to you that would indicate where the transfer would take place?" He walked behind her and picked up the fallen chair.

Ruby glanced at the clock on the wall and sat down with her face in her hands. "I don't know. I told you."

"Well...Knight was a marine, and so were the other men we captured. If Governor Williams has dealings with them it's possible the docks are our best bet."

Ruby looked up with hopeful eyes.

Officer Benjamin leaned back in his chair and rubbed his chin. "I can't promise we'll find anything. It's a long shot—but it's worth a look. If they are using him for war efforts it'd be the easiest way to smuggle him out."

"I'm coming, too," said Ruby.

Officer Benjamin sighed, nodded slowly, and shut the folder over his paperwork. He called over his shoulder, "Give Sam at the pier a call. Tell him to stop any outgoing boats. We need to do a quick search."

Only two boats were anchored to the pier—a large tanker, and a smaller vessel with _Stallion_ painted on the side with black paint.

Officer Benjamin ordered three of his men to board the tanker while he took another younger officer onto the _Stallion_ with him.

Ruby stepped near the bow, ready to board.

"No. You stay on the dock."

"But, if Zan's here, I can help."

"Miss Kelly, I can change my mind and arrest you."

Ruby pouted as she watched the two officers disappear inside the door that led to the bowels of the boat. She placed her hand on the railing and looked over at the tanker. A shipping container would be the perfect place to hide a Volante. They could look for hours if they were to be thorough. She doubted they would be thorough.

Vibrations tickled her palm, and suddenly the boat's engine burst to life. Before it spluttered away from the dock she jumped aboard. There was no way she was going to be left alone on the dock by herself.

Officer Benjamin shouted to his partner and she gripped the boat railing tighter. The dock looked smaller as they headed further out to sea.

"Turn it around at once," Officer Benjamin shouted.

"And are you in any position to order me to do that?" The slippery sound of Governor William's voice made Ruby whimper. "Two officers are not enough to make me break _this_ deal."

The Governor's gun pointed at the two policemen. Ruby ducked down only daring to lift her head to see through the boat window and watch.

Another man, one she had never seen before, appeared from below, with Zan by his side. Zan stood with his head lowered, and he had cuts and marks on his arm and across his chest.

"I didn't want trouble," said the man, whose voice dripped with a foreign twang.

"It will be no trouble," said Governor Williams. "I was looking to find new staff for the Kollaroy police station anyway."

"You wouldn't dare harm us, Walter." Officer Benjamin's voice was low and controlled.

"Too late," Governor Williams said.

Ruby's knees buckled, and she fell making a thud on the wooden floor. She knew without looking back they would have heard it. Her lip trembled, and her eyes began to water.

"Look what we have here. Hello, Miss Kelly. Come for your Volante I see." Governor Williams stood over her.

"No, you can't do this," she yelled.

"Roobee?" Zan lifted his head.

The unknown man held the electronic device in his hand and pressed the button. "Stand down," he said. Zan glared at him. "I said stand down." His finger mashed the button furiously and he shook the device. "This doesn't work. It doesn't work, Walter." There was panic in his voice.

Zan growled, the same low rumble Ruby remembered from the Michaels house. He grabbed the device from the man and crushed it in his hand, then threw it over the side of the boat. "That hurt people."

He pushed his captor to the ground and stood over him, one foot on his back to restrain him, as the man crumpled into a whimpering mess. The younger police officer cuffed him and went below to retrieve their guns.

Governor Williams turned and grabbed Ruby around the neck. "I don't need a collar to control him." He pointed his gun at Ruby's head. "Attack, Bird Man," he ordered. "Take down the police officer like you've been trained to."

"No." Ruby screamed.

Zan's lip curled to a grimace. He took a step toward Officer Benjamin and leaped into the air.

Before Ruby knew what was happening he had grabbed the Governor with him, and they both soared higher and higher above their heads.

"Bring him down, now," ordered Officer Benjamin.

Zan let go.

Governor William's clothes whipped the air, the gun falling a few feet below him, as he fell toward the boat.

Ruby shut her eyes, not wanting to see him land. She waited for the sickening thump the body would make when it hit the floor.

Instead she heard a swoosh as Zan flew past her, catching the Governor just before he hit, and she opened her eyes again.

Zan held the Governor by the throat. He pointed to the collar around his neck. "You did this to me. You hurt Roobee. You are bad."

Governor William's face was pale.

Officer Benjamin ordered the younger police officer to turn the boat around and head back to the dock. He then turned to the Governor, a smirk played on his lips. "You are under arrest for the illegal possession of a Volante, kidnapping, and suspicion of murder."

As they travelled the short distance back to land, Ruby stared at her father's killer. "Why?" She searched his face, as if the answer would materialize in front of her. "Why did you have to kill him?"

Officer Benjamin nudged him in the back and Walter groaned. "He wouldn't give you up. He had the chance to tell me where you and the Volante were hiding. But he wouldn't tell us. Then he knew too much."

"But he didn't know," said Ruby. Her voice almost a whisper. "You killed him for something he didn't know."

She lost all feeling in her legs and felt like she was going to buckle over again. Zan slipped his hand around her waist and held her tight as the _Stallion_ bumped gently against the pier.

# Chapter 45

ON THE OUTSKIRTS of town, before the forbidden hills, was one lone mountain. But to call it a mountain would be misleading since it was no higher than the tallest building Ruby had ever set foot in, and even that was not tall compared to others she had heard about in the larger cities.

Mount Rylie may not have been tall, but it was the perfect size for the two people that now lived in its depths.

Ruby had made a pretty home for herself, not unlike her childhood home, with its checked tablecloth adorning the table positioned just right so she could watch out the wide clear windows.

Another table and six chairs sat outside, fitting easily on the large flat area that had been built purposely for just that occasion, and it was here that Ruby now sat, watching as her lover dipped and weaved through the clouds.

He'd been out gathering again, finding fish and fresh fruit that grew wild on the outskirts of his old home and hers. Free for the taking, he said.

She'd lived here for nearly a year, and she never got tired of watching his strong wings glide through the air with such power and strength.

She smiled when he landed, excited about his gift of fresh eggs. "How are Farmer Joe and his wife doing?" she asked.

"Jenny is finding it harder to move around, but she couldn't stop talking about her son that had paid them a visit recently."

"That's lovely," she said thinking about her own family. They'd be here soon.

She walked over to the railing and peered over the edge at the long staircase that wound around the mountain and finished on the ground. A car parked at the base and she ran to each side to see how far up the mountain her guests had come.

"Ten minutes of complaining?" she asked as she raised her eyebrow at Zan.

"Maybe we'll be lucky today. Seven," he said placing the food on the long bench and getting out his knife and cutting block.

"I hope she bought her teacake," said Ruby. "I so love that cake."

Her mother and the man she had been with for nearly as long as Ruby had lived here, made their way to the landing. Ruby rushed to hug her mother around the neck.

"My legs will never get used to that climb, Ruby. Goodness gracious, do you really expect me to make this journey so often, I'm getting old."

"You still look as beautiful as when I first saw you," said Henry curling his fingers in her hand. "And there will be no more talk of anyone being old," he said.

Henry went inside to help Zan prepare the meal as Mary Kelly sat beside her daughter. "Well at least this view is worth it," she said. "And quiet, too. No noisy neighbors. Nobody to watch your business. There are too many people trying to stick their nose where it doesn't belong." She clicked her tongue as she took off her gloves.

Ruby looked at her watch and grinned. "You'll never believe they are finally allowing us to get a telephone installed next month. Up here. It's going to cost us a fortune."

"You have the money to pay for it, I don't know what you are complaining about," said her mother. "Speaking of which, here is your earnings from the business this month. Henry said the distillery is doing great. And we've added two more people."

Ruby's eyes glazed as she wondered what her father would have thought having a legitimate whiskey business that supplied the entire province. She hoped he would have been proud of her.

As if to answer the question her mother placed her hand over hers and gave it a small squeeze.

"Oh I nearly forgot," said Mary. "I have some more news from town as well. Bradley Simpson is getting married next week. You remember him—I think you dated for a while."

"We went on _one_ date," said Ruby. "I don't think we got along at all. Who is he marrying?"

"Betsy Young. You might know her, she's about your age. Pretty girl."

The smell of grilled fish wafted from inside as the two men opened the glass doors. "Lunch is served," said Zan still with his white apron tied around his waist. Ruby watched as he joyously handed out the plates and cutlery to everyone. His English had become much better. Sometimes she even forgot he was a Volante now.

They sat around the wooden table and Ruby wrinkled her nose as she looked at her glass. "We need something to drink," she said and walked to the rack inside. How could she had forgotten? She grabbed a familiar bottle from the top of the cabinet.

Pouring out a small amount of the liquor into each glass, she lifted hers in a toast.

As everyone sat and began to eat, she turned the bottle around in front of her so she could stare at the label like she had done many times before this past year.

The Feathered Lover, a Corn Whiskey, Blended and Bottled by Kelly & Michaels Corp. 86 Proof.

She took a sip, and smiled.

~~~

# THANK YOU

Thank you for reading the first book in the Feathered Trilogy: _The Feathered Lover_. I hope you enjoyed reading it, as much as I did writing it.

The next book in the Feathered Trilogy: _Feathered Bliss_ is now available.

Tabs xx

http://tabithalevin.com

## MORE OF MY BOOKS

More books coming soon. Sign up to my new releases newsletter to be notified when the next one is published: <http://tabithalevin.com/subscribe/>

**Novels** :

Trance

The Feathered Lover (Feathered #1)

Feathered Bliss (Feathered #2)

A Feathered Child (Feathered #3)

Novellas:

In His Sails

The Brute

**Collections** :

Desperately Delicious Box Set of the short stories listed below:

**Short Stories** :

Stranger Delight

Perfect Amy

Betrayed By Love

Seducing Samantha

One Night Stand

Double Delight

All Tied Up

