Purgatory's Favor

 

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Chapter 1

Margo approached the gates proudly, with her head held high. The last face she remembered before crossing over was her love’s, but she still moved forward proudly. If this was where she ended up then so be it, she wasn't one for regrets. As she stood silently observing the setting a short, nervous-looking man with dark hair approached and stood beside her.

Margo broke out a joke with a shoulder check, "What's the matter stud, never died before?" She laughed, "I came close a few times but never committed to it until now. I'm really wondering what all the fuss is about."

“I… Uh… Think the fuss comes from… Fire. Torture. Damnation possibly?”

"Hmm… I got all that on earth. what else they got?"

“You shall see Margo,” a voice boomed as the gates opened and they were both permitted inside. Beyond the gates stood a being in a white robe, with hands in front, calm and demure. Then, unphased by the arrival of the strangers, the being stepped aside and ushered them both in. Eventually, they stopped in front of a dense wall of grey clouds, which obstructed everything beyond it. “Margo and David, welcome to the Goddess’s Realm of Purgatory, and the beginning of your story to forever.”

“That’s a self-help book if I ever heard one,” She quipped, “Why can’t we see nothin? Heaven having bad weather?”

“Heaven never has bad weather, but this isn’t heaven. Purgatory is your halfway point to where you will spend eternity. However, your final resting place is up to my Goddess, who wishes me to prepare you before you grace her presence.” They then held forward two sets of clothes,” I also have new clothes for you to don, if you wish, and a place to clean yourself of your earthly stench.”

“Hey! There’s some good people that live in that stench, so watch your mouth, Peter!" Margo barked.

David, however, quietly stepped forward and bowed before taking the clothes, “I’m sorry for the disrespect. Thank you for the offering...?” David paused, eying the being respectfully.

“My chosen name is Symal. Thank you, David, for inquiring.” Symal returned the bow. “Might I say it is a pleasure to have you both here, especially ones as rare as yourselves. Despite the circumstances of course."

“Thank you, Symal,” David said before bowing again and making his way towards the changing- area.

Margo looked over the designated clothes with disapproval. "I'd rather stay in what I have, thank you. I may not get to go back but that doesn't mean I wish to leave them behind just yet."

Symal bowed, “Very well, it is your choice. I only wish to help you with the Goddess’ Favor. Such makes a big difference in your forever.”

“I’ll keep that in mind but like I said, no thank you.” She handed them back and examined her yellow-tinted skin, black fitted suit, shiny black shoes, white shirt, and black tie with a single red rose broach on the lapel. The broach was supposed to represent favor, maybe it still does.

It wasn’t long before David re-emerged in his white robes matching slippers barely peeked from below the flowing garment as he returned to Margo’s side. Symal greeted him with another bow, "Follow me, and please do not wander off."

They wondered where Symal would lead them, the continuous grey, rolling clouds in front of them gave no clues. Once they began the journey Symal’s white robe glowed like a beacon, never losing visibility until they were on the other side. There, a sprawling field of flowers greeted the group, a distinct pathway down the middle lead to a beautiful castle. Through the field, they could see simple, but well-kept little houses and huts. The land seemed to go on endlessly. Wherever they were was much bigger than originally thought.

The walk to the castle doors seemed like it would take longer; yet, in no time at all, they stopped in front of the castle doors. “The scheduled Alpha and Omega have arrived to see the divine,” Symal announced. One of the guards examined them before nodding to his counterpart. They proceeded to open the gigantic doors.

Once opened, Symal guided them into the ethereal foyer, where beautiful works of art lined the walls and light from the crystalline stained-glass windows made the extravagant chandeliers glisten. Margo by now was thoroughly confused, she’d never seen a place like this, even towards the end of her life when wealth was abound. David looked similarly overwhelmed, avoiding eye contact with onlookers as they followed Symal through the halls. Then upon reaching the second pair of double doors Symal whispered to its guard. They stepped back as the guard pushed open the door.

“Divine goddess, the scheduled Alpha and Omega have arrived. All hail her judgment and rule,” The guard projected as the trio entered.

Inside was not what they were expecting to see for a castle holding a goddess: A giant skylight allowed light to permeate every crease of the space; and every piece had a shine that almost required one to avert their eye. Beneath it, the goddess sat on a throne made of flowers in the center of a floor filled with them.

Midway into the room Symal stopped, bowing to his goddess; Margo and David followed his example. “I’ve brought them as requested your grace,” Symal began, “Alpha Margo Harris and Omega David Ikal. They are prepared as they wished.”

“Thank you Symal,” replied a sinfully rich voice. Then the trio raised their heads to view the goddess.

For a goddess, she was smaller than Margo had anticipated, even though she filled out the throne quite well. She had deep chocolate skin, that shined like freshly buffed mahogany, a full chest was evident beneath the short spaghetti-strapped top that only reached her midriff. She sported a long flowing skirt that draped like water atop the ground, almost getting lost among the flowers. It looked as if the beautiful formations had blossomed her from the flowers themselves. Then finally there was her voice which alone had commanded power that had ran through everyone present.

Margo was floored. This was not what she had expected and, for a moment, she rethought her choice of attire. Maybe she should have been more receptive to Symal's suggestion. Yet, as she looked down at her rose broach, she discarded the thought. No, goddess or not, her love had not changed and she would honor that. She took a moment to compose herself, "So, you're the goddess meant to send me to hell, I guess? Got a name, or just a bunch of flowery titles?”

The goddess raised an eyebrow, “I am Rehema Kiungu, meaning divine mercy. You may call me Rehema. To correct you, Margo, you decide if your journey ends in fire, not I. I just help one choose.” Rehema turned her attention to David, “it is nice to meet you as well, David. I’ve been expecting you; I hope your journey was pleasant despite its end.”

“It was as well as could be your grace,” he gave a deep bow, “Might I ask though why you were expecting me?”

“I was expecting both of you. It is not unheard of, but it is rare for both a Female Alpha and Male Omega to ascend at the same time. I also get much joy out of the duality of your kind and love beings who are not one or the other. Like purgatory itself is a mix and middle ground between heaven and hell, you both represent duality from birth and now death. Now, because of that kinship, I asked to meet with those close to my heart to discuss a sort of mix-up of our own here.”

“Mix-up how?” said Margo, “Do we get to go back home? Was this a mistake?” There was more hope in her voice than she wished was obvious

“Unfortunately, not,” Rehema replied. “I am not in charge of resurrection, but I can contribute to what you could call a bonus feature,” she continued. “You see, purgatory is not just home to me others reside in this realm as well. Those who chose a different forever. When you leave this place the scale of souls will have to weigh and judge you. Then, according to its verdict, you will go to either heaven or hell. The decision is final and can’t be undone. However, for those who gain my favor, there is a third choice… Neither. “

“You both can choose to stay here in Purgatory and kiss both eternal bliss and eternal damnation goodbye. Now, there are pros and cons, and my favor is not freely given. However, for special mix-ups close to me there is this third option.

"Well, great goddess, do we have to choose right this second, and how do we earn your favor if we so choose?”

“You do so by courting me in the way of your people. From the great wisdom and spirituality of the Indigenous tribes to the rough streets of New Orleans, you both come with unique experiences. Use them as you see fit for your limited time here. By week’s end, the choice can be decided.”

"And… What will happen, exactly, if we gain your favor? If we even want it, Rehema?” Margo eyed the goddess defiantly.

“Then the choice is up to you. My favor allows the 3rd option to be viable, but you still must choose it for yourself. I won’t force anyone to preside with me if they do not wish. I only suggest choosing wisely.”

“Aight, well when does this courting start, and what do we do while you’re off shacking up with the other one?”

“You may do whatever you wish, Margo. There will be temporary quarters provided for you for the week, furnished with the standard necessities of your homeland. If there is anything specific you need to abide in them, tell one of my attendants.”

“Well, I’m pretty sure I know my answer now, but I was always told to not look a gift horse in the mouth. So I’ll see what you got here before I make a break for it,” Margo agreed.

“As for myself,” David stated, “I thank you, great goddess, for hosting us in your home, and I look forward to learning more about you and this place,"

“Well then, let my attendant Tiana escort you to your quarters. I will see you both tonight at dinner.”

David bowed respectfully, and Margo gave a two-fingered salute from her brow before following Tiana. Then Rehema hummed as she returned her attention to her blossoming flowers.

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Chapter 2

Margo was in her quarters as her alpha nature rumbled nicely at the pleasant scents. It really did look like a regular 2 bedroom apartment in New Orleans, a bit more well-kept than the one she and her brother lived in before the accident. If things never went south she could have upgraded to something like this. Then again, if she had she never would have met Rosa; she wouldn’t trade her for anything.

After she cased the joint, due to old habits, she asked Tiana if there were any other clothes than the stuffy robes she had been offered earlier. She was attached to her attire but she couldn’t live here with only one suit, and she wasn’t about to trade style for that bathrobe stuff.

Later in the afternoon, Tiana returned with her request: a clothing rack containing some decent jeans, a couple of Henleys and polos, as well as three other suits. Margo was definitely a creature of habit. Now, it was almost time for this dinner, and she was standing in front of the mirror deciding among her options.

If she was honest, she really wasn’t trying to court the chick, her heart wasn’t easily turned over for a pretty face. Especially since she knew who already had it. However, she didn’t think it’d hurt to give a damn, Rosa hadn’t spent so much time teaching her the ins and outs of the upper class for nothin. Therefore, she changed into the dark navy suit, reattached the rose broach as per her usual, and waited for her escort to this dinner.

--

Margo arrived in front of the dining hall doors, with David already standing there quietly. It seemed he wasn’t bothered by the robes given and was still wearing them his with a smile on his face.

"Hey, short stuff,” she joked, teasing at the obvious height difference she had over him. He was 5’11, but at 6’5 she towered over him. “How’s purgatory treatin ya? You already look like you fittin in.”

“It’s been delightful so far. These gowns are quite comfortable and I’m finding the opportunity intriguing. Even my quarters smelled of home which, my omega found delightful.”

“Hmm… yeah my alpha felt the same, it’s the quietest she's been in a while if I’m honest. Though, speaking of riled animal natures just so you know, if you want to schmooze the girl and you’re worried about me, go on ahead. I’m spoken for, and I ain’t checkin for anyone any time soon.”

“Can you still be attached to someone if you aren’t even attached to their plane of existence?” He pondered.

The question gave her pause for a second too long, before her response was interrupted by the doors opening with the sound of their announced arrival. So, she clamped her mouth shut as she entered to see something unexpected.

The opulence of such a goddess had her expecting a long dining room table, with things so fancy she'd be tempted to jack a few spoons. However, in front of her was a modest-sized, round glass table with three place settings, one of which was already occupied by Rehema.

“Hello, Margo. David. please, come and sit. You both look great. Thank you for joining me."

“Of course, your grace,” said David, “and I must say you look lovely as well.”

"Thank you, David. I appreciate it.” Rehema was wearing a flowing gold sundress with matching open-toed sandals. Her jewelry consisted of clear raindrop earrings along with a modest gold ring as a crown upon her forehead around thick goddess braids. “I hate stuffy clothing, myself. The freeness of a dress helps me feel less weighed down."

Dismissing the pleasantry, Margo quietly took her seat. Was Rehema gorgeous? Sure, but she didn’t feel like waxing on about it. It was surely a given.

After sitting, a waiter came and asked for their drinks; David and Rehema ordered tea and Margo a cognac. It was delivered quickly, and then their first course was set in front of them. It was a tasteful array of tuna, mahi-mahi, and cucumber on tortilla chips.

David hummed at its deliciousness; and Rehema ate it with a smile. Margo, on the other hand, picked at it,” Y’all got anything with more flavor? Something that sticks to your guts?”

The server gave her a curious look, “I’m sorry, this was the goddess’s preference. Maybe the next course will be to your liking.”

Margo shrugged and pushed her plate away before looking around as the other two ate. Then they somehow got on the topics of cute birds before Margo heard her name called again.

“Margo, are there any animals you enjoy?” Rehema inquired.

"Um… I had a Maine Coon. She was huge; one giant ball of fluff that could knock over anything. I found her after she was thrown out on the street and had her till the end. Hope the old girls doing okay without me.” Margo mused with a twinge of sadness.

Rehema cocked her head and looked at her with a warm smile,” I bet she is, though she probably misses you.”

“Yeah. Just hope James, my brother, remembers to feed her her special treats… and that Rosa keeps up with her shots. Her annual was in a few weeks.”

Rehema gave her a warm smile as a twinkle would enter her eye before she turned back to the server, who was now delivering their main course. It was a Greek goddess bowl filled with Tzatziki, chickpeas, olives, cherry tomatoes, tabbouleh, cucumber, and carrots with a side of mushroom soup.

Rehema had a big smile on her face and David, once he tasted it, was similarly happy with the meal and would say so. Margo, however, began picking at it skeptically, looking for the meat. She’d never had a meal without meat, and even her alpha was confused, though still hungry enough to prompt her to try it.

The meal itself wasn't bad but it lacked oomph, she thought. It also started to click, with all the nature and greenery around the place, that they were big on the healthy side of things, to Margo's disappointment. She managed to put enough down though to not be rude before noticing Rehema smiling widely at David again. They seemed to be having a great time, which was fine by her; she’d told David to go for it. Yet, she couldn’t help feeling out of place. It reminded her of the first time she had ever had dinner with Rosa’s upper-class family so long ago.

By the time the main course was finished Rehema and David were in great spirits and Margo was in a sour mood. It wasn't helped by her alpha calling out for actual meat. Then, to top it off, they were given vegan cookies for dessert, which at that point had Margo writing off this whole place as a bust. She was underfed, over-dressed, missing her love, and just wanted to go. She should have just asked to have the scale of souls weigh her at the start. Nothing here was for her.

By the time she’d taken two reasonable bites out of her cookie, she asked to be excused. Rehema looked at her strangely but allowed the request as she watched her go. Margo, already having memorized her way back to her quarters, declined the return escort by Tiana. She’d return at her own pace.

---

Rehema looked after Margo as she left before turning back to David. “Seems our Alpha is having a rough go of it here.”

"Hmm. I get the sense that she's holding onto her old life more than she wants to explore a new one. It is understandable but foolish. She cannot return so I hope she makes the best of her time here.”

"I do too, though you seem to be taking to this very well David.”

“Well, much of what I have seen and have been served only feels like an extension of home. The nature and spirituality of this realm calls to the purest parts of my ancestry even though we’ve gotten a few semantics off.”

“I find most cultures have at least a part of the answer, but rarely do any of them have it all. Therefore it becomes interesting for me, as I get to experience this afterlife through new eyes whenever I'm graced with a visitor."

“Is that often your grace? Is extending your favor like this a regular practice?”

“It once was, then it started to wane once special cases, such as yourself, started to be frowned upon by humanity and done away with early in development. It has only been in recent decades that I have found man and your wolfkind to have enough tolerance and acceptance again to allow you to even grow to adulthood.” Rehema mused sadly.

“Many here have been grown here since infancy,” she continued,” when they were, unfortunately, killed at a young age. Therefore, they have no real knowledge of the world they came from and only know my presence. Those like you, however, come with a fresh perspective. I look forward to experiencing what you have to offer. I hope your earthly brethren continue to promote more acceptance of your kind.”

“I do as well,” David nodded quietly for a long moment before asking. “Would you like to go on a walk with me your grace?”

“I’d like that David, yes I would. Tiana, give the chef my approval, and thanks for yet another fine meal, but I will be taking my leave.”

“Yes, Goddess,” Tiana responded with a bow. Then they got up from their seats and departed the dining hall. they walked to a garden outside with a winding walkway perfect for conversation.

“So, David, tell me about yourself,” Rehema ventured as they began their stroll. “I may know much, but it makes a difference hearing it from the horse’s mouth.”

“Very Well, as you know I’m an Indigenous American. I had 3 siblings and a mother who survives me. I was a romance novelist when I was alive, but I failed to find that special someone before I departed that plane. I imagine that my books have probably gotten more popular since my death, but it is only the wistful musings of a romantic omega.”

"Ah, your words betray the lyricism of your writing David. I can see the soft spirit you possess. Tell me, if given the chance between heaven and here do you have an inkling what you would pick?”

“That depends, can I learn more about Heaven before I decide?”

“Hmm… Heaven is as wonderful as Hell is Evil. Neither supersedes the other in the grandness of their purpose.”

“I see, and is there more to purgatory than meets the eye?”

“Of course, you’ve only scratched the surface, but you can’t explore it all in the week I’ve given you. So, no matter what your choice will come with surprises.”

“Hmm, well currently I must choose heaven unless something or someone special gives me a reason to reconsider.”

“That remains to be seen David, but you may yet find motivation. That is up to you.”

“Very well.” The two then fell into a comfortable silence as they moved through the walkway under the warm night sky. Occasionally seeing if the twinkle in the stars was shared in the others' eyes.

Rehema then spoke after they traversed almost half the garden, “It is getting late David, and I would not be a good host if I kept you further. So please, have a nice night. I will see you tomorrow if you choose to join me for breakfast?"

“Very well your grace, until the morrow.” He took her hand and kissed the knuckles before departing from her side and back toward his quarters.

Rehema turned back the way they had come, after his departure, enjoying the night sky before she <deciding>ed to turn in. Yet, she suddenly caught a tall shadow, out of the corner of her eye, coming from the side outside of the clearly marked path.

She turned, curious, and decided to follow its movements as she wound her way throughout her abode. There she moved stealthily before she recognized where they were going, back to the dining hall. Her suspicions were then confirmed as she saw the figure approaching the doors right as a beam of light illuminated them from a convenient window. It was Margo.

Curious about the Alpha’s intentions, Rehema kept quiet as she quickly slipped back into the cleared dining hall behind Margo before the door shut. Then she found she’d lost sight of her. At least that was until a shadow suddenly washed over her and she found a fist hitting the door near her head knocking her back against the wood in surprise.

All she saw at first were bared fangs, bright eyes, and a heaving chest, accompanied by a dangerous growl before suddenly she heard.

“Shit… Shit! Shit! Shit! I'm sorry Goddess, Rehema, Your Grace something! I didn't mean to attack you. I was just trying to see if there was more food, then the instincts that I had a tail kicked in and I just reacted. I’m so sorry like really sorry, please don't send me to hell yet.”

Margo backed away carefully as soon as she recognized what she’d done, but all Rehema registered was her closeness and her intense eyes for that split second before they separated once more. Then Rehema registered what she said.

“It’s okay Margo, I should have made myself known. I had just been curious about who was walking through my garden this late at night. The urge to protect yourself is valid.” She reassured, “May I help you get some food? I’m guessing our dinner wasn’t to your liking?”

“Oh... um,” Margo would say as she rubbed her neck embarrassed, “It was okay, it’s just my alpha is accustomed to heavier meals with um…meat in them. So I was wondering if the kitchen could sneak me a turkey leg or something.”

“It’s okay Margo, we can go and ask. It's been a while since I had outside visitors so I should have done better calculating your needs along with your diet."

“Oh, it’s okay, it is your home after all.”

“And you are my guest, now please let me make amends.”

Rehema took off towards the kitchen with Margo in tow and knocked on the outer door. There a cleaner with grey wings on his back would open it to peek his head out. Then he’d straighten and catch himself upon noticing his ruler.

"Goddess is everything alright? Do you need anything?"

“Yes Sam, can you please see if you have any cooked meat in the back for our guest here. Turkey, chicken, the like, she needs something on her stomach.”

"Yes Ma'am, give me one moment to check." Sam then went back into the kitchen and Rehema turned back to Margo.

“What did you like to eat on earth if you don’t mind me asking?”

“Uh well I’m from New Orleans, so I’m quite used to spice and an abundance of flavor. Plenty of seafood, chicken, and in my later years with my mate, more steak with the fancy stuff.”

“Oh, you had been mated?”

“Yes, her uh name was Rosa. She was as spicy as they come and kept me on my toes from the moment I met her.” A twinkle entered Margo’s eyes then as she thought back. “I met her when she agreed to let me work off my brother's debt in her Mafia. She was what you could call the Godmother, and she’s why I wear this rose broach everywhere.” Rehema had noticed it before but now it made sense why she had been resistant to changing her clothes earlier.

Sam then opened the door with a hot plate in his hand to which some steaming legs of lamb were sitting. “Will this do your grace?”

Rehema looked at Margo who looked like she was about to start drooling smelling the freshly prepared meat. “Yes, I think that’s perfect Sam. Thank you.”

“No problem, Goddess,” Then he handed the plate to Rehema who’d hand it to Margo as soon as Sam bowed and went back to cleaning.

”Want to find a place to enjoy this?” asked Rehema.

“Sure, I’m not picky, I'd go sit against that wall as long as I got to eat this in peace."

“Ok wall it is, how about the one that overlooks the garden to give you some light and a view.”

“Sounds great to me, lead the way.” The two made their way over and Margo unashamed slid down the wall and begin to dig in, while Rehema watched her in clear amusement. She had not met anyone like Margo in a very long time and she intrigued her greatly.

“I’ll try to make sure to instruct the kitchen on more meat-filled dishes during your stay with us. Can’t have my guest feeling they need to skulk around like a common criminal just to fill? their stomach.”

"Eh. wouldn't be the first time. Can’t say my line of work always put me on the right side of the law in the first place. I’d say old habits die hard.”

“You talk of them so clearly Margo, as if they were as real to you now as they were a few hours ago on earth.”

“That’s because they are. Before I left earth, James and Rosa were where my world ended, and I would and had done anything for them including getting myself killed. So how would that change just because my location changed?"

Rehema had to admit to seeing the logic in that as she looked wistfully out the large window. “You must miss them a lot.”

“I think it hasn’t sunk in yet if I’m honest. It's like I'm on a mission or extended vacation and expect to see them when I finish. Even though outside of a really messed up tragedy, that's impossible.”

“Hmm, would you choose them over heaven if it was a sure thing?”

“Honestly, Yeah. I know the big church guys always say heaven will be so much better than anything down on that globe of ours, but if it doesn’t have our loved ones how great can it be? I’d rather be on a shithole planet with ‘em, than in paradise without ‘em.”

Rehema thought about that as Margo started tearing into the second leg of lamb and wished for a small moment to have that sort of pure-hearted devotion to anything. “I think they were lucky to have you, Margo, I truly do.”

Margo then nudged her shoulder with her own and said, “Well you got me for a week now, so we’ll see what you think by the time it ends. Spoiler alert: I’ve been told I’m intense.”

Margo laughed before going back to her lamb and Rehema smiled along with her, wistfully wondering about not judging a book by its cover as they talked further into the night.

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Chapter 3

After that night Margo felt a bit more at ease in Purgatory. They ended up talking for hours after that meal and even fell asleep next to each other. Margo claimed she got the itis from a full stomach to play it off, but it was still mutually enjoyable. After a few days, she no longer felt weird asking for more at meals. Though she often didn't have to; Rehema had made sure the kitchen knew that whatever the dish to give her extra meat options.

Margo found David interesting, but they had different interests and that became clear halfway through the week. <Rehema had found a few hours in the middle of the day to spend with either of them or both.> Yet, as they called out suggestions, it became clear that downtime had different meanings for them both: David wanted to do some painting and have them pose for each other to fill the time equally and peacefully, while Margo wanted to go out in the forest and explore the wildlife. Rehema found both proposals intriguing but, seeing as she had been sitting and presiding with her people all day, exploring sounded more inviting.

David, however, felt uncomfortable due to his omega nature among the sometimes dominant animal kingdom and opted to paint something himself and gift it to Rehema later.

That is how Rehema found herself in the woods alone with Margo, who looked sinfully good in a pair of holey jeans, a Henley, and a plaid jacket. Rehema hadn't expected to be this hot in the forest, though in hindsight it made sense: Margo was 6 feet and 5 inches of true alpha. While she wasn’t trying to force submission out of others currently, she still had a very commanding presence that got her her way most of the time.

This forest's season more resembled fall whereas closer to her castle was more springtime foliage. Rehema liked all seasons of nature as they came but didn’t like waiting for them to arrive, so she had the seasons laid out as she pleased throughout her realm for whenever she wished to partake. Therefore as they entered with Margo carrying a simple backpack; Rehema trailed behind her, wading in the leaves wondering what their exploration would uncover, with the change of land and her companion.

"Do you hunt, Rehema?" Margo asked.

“I garden mostly. l usually leave the hunting to my staff, who enjoy the thrill.”

“Hmm, Makes sense. There weren’t many places for me to do so back in New Orleans. However, when it was time for an associate to take a nap, knowing the land came in handy. As well as potential predators late at night,” Margo said craftily.

Rehema hummed able to read between the lines and was unbothered by the implications. This was Purgatory after all not Heaven, ”Well outside of your profession I’m assuming you became fond of the practice. Did Rosa share your appreciation?”

“She liked how efficient I was, but it wasn’t her vibe. She was more uppity than I was coming into the game, but she helped smooth my rough edges and cool my alpha temper.” Margo revealed. “I used to blame James, in the beginning, for my debt to them. Now, I honestly think it was one of the best and worst things that could’ve happened to me. I did more questionable things but I also had a greater purpose.”

Rehema nodded, beginning to respond when suddenly Margo swiped her hand behind her back to stop Rehema mid-stride. She looked down with her sudden stop to see she was right atop a dying branch that would have crunched underfoot. So Rehema, curious, looked up to see what was the reason for the abrupt halt. There Margo just half turned to let her see what she had spotted. It was a family of bears with 3 cubs behind the mother trailing curiously and scurrying to keep up. The creatures hadn’t spotted them, but that could easily change with one wrong movement or sound.

Rehema, intrigued at what Margo’s next move would be, reached out to make contact with Margo’s steadying hand. Then suddenly there was a loud snort and she looked back in surprise at the mother’s now defensive eyes. They had been spotted.

Anyone who knows of the euphemisms around moms knows of the term “mama bear”; and it was certainly coined for a reason. That’s why Rehema, sensing the danger, began to back up to seem less threatening to the animal.

SNAP!

“Shit!” Rehema looked down to see she’d accidentally stepped back on the same branch she had been avoiding just a few seconds prior. It had snapped in two.

The loud noise was apparently all the trigger the bear needed to charge in their direction it seemed, in full protective mode. The bear came fast with heavy paws and murderous eyes, and Rehema was about to make a break for it. Then she suddenly felt an arm around her waist. She was swiftly lifted with a jump, that propelled them off the closest tree trunk, before being suspended from the lowest branch. There she was hoisted up.

<Margo’s strength and speed in the face of danger was impressive Rehema realized as she moved to situate herself safely on the branch. She would even be moving to tell her that before Margo shockingly jumped back down, landing on all fours back in front of the bear. Rehema was exasperated. Margo couldn't be about to do what she thought she was but Margo stood her ground. Then the next thing they knew the bear was upon her before suddenly the sound of Margo’s piercing Alpha howl rung out into the forest.

The call echoed throughout the woods, reverberating off the trees and the leaves before it stopped the bear in its menacing tracks. The beast was visibly battling its instincts to submit to the clear alpha of the situation, and Rehema could understand why. This wasn't a simple contest of bravado, this was a battle to protect its cubs. Therefore the two circled each other, trading growls back and forth, teeth bared, and crouched low while Rehema held her breath. Then shockingly after a hair-raising moment the bear gave a huff and backed up.

Rehema had never seen such bravado and stupidity she thought, but most importantly she was glad Margo was okay. So she waited until the bear was back with her cubs and going the opposite direction before yelling down.

"What the F?! Are you insane Margo?!?"

“What? What was she gonna do, Kill me? Been there done that, so I wanted to test my alpha against a real threat. Beast against Beast.”

"Killed no, but severely injured is still a possibility! That was idiotic!”

“To you,” She’d say suddenly jumping up to sit beside Rehema on the branch. “To me, I just scored us the best apple tree for miles in any direction.” Then Margo reached over beside the branch they were on and snagged two apples before handing one to Rehema. "You did say you garden, right?"

Rehema was shocked. She had been paying so much attention to their attacker and her companion that she had not noticed the part of the forest they drifted into. They really were sitting in an apple tree.

So she took the offering while trying to compose herself before saying, “You did all that for a few apples?”

“I did all that for a variety of reasons, but the look on your face was definitely one of them.”

Rehema’s cheeks grew a bit warm under her brown skin from shock, exasperation, and a tiny bit of endearment. Margo had completely thrown her off balance in ways she didn’t expect. Rehema would then be about to say something when she re-noticed the ever-present broach pinned to the front of Margo's open plaid jacket. So Rehema swallowed before saying, "Well next time I would appreciate the lack of a heart attack if you don't mind."

"Eh, the shock and awe of uncertainty is half the fun.”

“I’ll take your word for it.” Then Rehema bit into the apple becoming surprised at how good and juicy it tasted. Somehow Margo had secured lunch and a show and now the wild side of nature had more appeal.

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