Wings of the Walker - CoraLee June Page 0,4

his lips touched where his words were. Before either of us could lose ourselves in the moment, he briskly walked away.

A loud buzzing erupted, alerting me to the arrival of our guests, and I shook off the remaining feelings of lust left behind by Josiah. The effects of Josiah’s compliment still hit me like fireworks, making it hard to focus. Rolling my neck, I lifted my chin and prepared myself to meet the ever-important Black family.

The buzzing hissed again throughout the house, and Mistress Stonewell ordered from the common room, “Open the door, you idiot!”

After twisting the knob, I was surprised to find a teenage girl that appeared to be around sixteen, scowling at me. She wore a thin, white dress, which showed off all her developing curves, and bright-red lipstick. She had dark-black, straight hair and beautiful, deep-brown eyes. She was gorgeous.

“Good morning, Ma’am,” I said politely.

“Oh good! A Walker,” the young girl said in a distracted manner while fanning herself. “Quickly, gather our suitcases before someone steals them. I’m not sure where my brother disappeared to.” She huffed in discomfort and smoothed her dress. “I’m sorry, do you not speak English? Are you going to let me inside?”

I fumbled in embarrassment, stepped to the side, and bowed as she entered the Stonewell Manor.

“Please have a seat,” I said while motioning her towards the white couch in the Stonewell’s large common area. Mistress Stonewell introduced herself politely, while the young teen made herself comfortable. The room was decorated in all white, giving off a sort of clinical feel. Mistress Black practically blended in with her white dress. I quickly placed a tray of baked cookies on the table in front of her, and after making sure that she didn't need anything, made my way outside to gather her belongings. Josiah still hadn’t made his grand entrance.

I went outside to the busy street where transports hovered by, blaring loud music and honking at a parked transport in front of our manor. I looked inside and found many pieces of brown luggage and began huffing and hauling each heavy piece out and towards the building. It felt like a lot of luggage for a mere four-day stay.

“STOP THIS INSTANT!” a booming voice commanded from down the street. I turned around to see what the cause of the commotion was and dropped the clunky luggage. A tall, tan man with wild, curly, black hair, brown eyes, and a rugged beard waved his arms at me in a frantic and aggressive motion. He wore black jeans and steel-toed boots with a partially-unbuttoned, navy-blue sweater, revealing some of his delicious chest. He was attractive in a terrifying sort of way.

“What do you think you’re doing? Stealing is punishable by death where I come from.” He had a clipped accent and a sharp gaze that made my fingers tremble.

“I . . . I’m so sorry . . . Mistress Black asked me to collect her luggage. I . . . I assumed that this was it. Oh, pl-please don’t report me to the Archés,” I begged with a stuttering voice. I then dropped to my knees and bowed in fear. Walkers had no rights. If I were accused and convicted of stealing, not only would I lose my position in the Stonewell home, but also go to jail. The gruff man sighed and ran his hands through his curly hair with more force than necessary.

“Fuck. My apologies, babe. I’m not used to your province’s use of Walkers. My sister is more educated in your ways. I thought you were trying to steal from us,” he explained with a sneer.

“N-no. It was my mistake. I should have announced my presence and my intentions. Please forgive me for my transgressions.”

He looked me over curiously, then without saying a word bent over to help me carry the sizable and cumbersome luggage.

“Oh, please allow me to get that for you,” I pleaded. “Master Stonewell is waiting for you inside.” Allowing Master Black to bring in his suitcases would be reason enough for Mistress Stonewell not to give me my rations for the day, not to mention I’d be forced to recite the laws regarding proper etiquette when housing a visiting diplomat.

“A pretty, little thing like you isn’t big enough to haul these up the steps,” he said lightly while ignoring my pleading expression. He gathered up the two heaviest suitcases and began walking up the steps towards the front door. “Master Black, if you don’t allow me to bring