The Dog Master by W. Bruce Cameron

humans.
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    Calli was waiting for Urs at their secret spot, where the rocky boulders provided cover and the long grasses were so soft and inviting. Now yellowed and dry with the changing seasons, the grasses no longer appeared to be a lazy, warm blanket, but Calli could not help but think of Urs as she regarded them from the banks of the stream. She remembered so vividly lying with him on top of her, feeling him move within her, his back hot from the summer sun, his beard touching her face.
    And then there he was, tall, slender, and handsome. Moving, to her eyes, with a newfound confidence. The hunt master.
    â€œUrs,” she called softly. There was more anguish in her voice than she had intended.
    He looked startled, as if they had not arranged this encounter with whispers exchanged by the cooking fires. No, not startled: more guilty, or something.
    Calli more than anything needed to feel his arms around her. She flew to him, burying her face in his shoulder.
    â€œOh Urs,” she whispered. “What are we going to do?”
    He took a deep breath, holding her back so that he could look into her eyes. He saw the tears in them, and bit his lip. “Calli. Do not cry. Please.”
    â€œHow did this happen?”
    He shook his head. “All I have ever thought about was being hunt master, but I had no idea it would happen so quickly,” he murmured.
    â€œUrs!”
    He focused on Calli.
    â€œI think that is wonderful,” she told him. “I really do. And when I heard, I was sure that it meant we would be together always, because the women’s council would never go against the wishes of the hunt master. He could pick his wife. You, Urs, you can do so, you can pick your wife.”
    His eyes searched hers.
    â€œIt is true,” she pleaded desperately. “Can you not see? We were afraid that Albi would turn the council against us, but now you are hunt master. When we return to winter camp, we can have our wedding, you and I. Just as we promised.”
    â€œBut,” Urs responded slowly. “What about Bellu’s brothers?”
    â€œListen to me now,” Calli said urgently. “Everyone says this is the best choice. You are the one who killed the lion that attacked Hardy. You are the man everyone looks to. Who do you think they would pick? Palloc? You lead the hunt. If you say that your heart belongs to me, they will all listen to that. Even the brothers.”
    Her face was beaming and hopeful now.
    â€œWhat of the women?” he asked after a moment.
    Calli shook her head. “Albi is furious that she had no say in this matter! If you declare your choice now, today, I will go to Albi and suggest to her that this is how she might regain control over what has become a near rebellion. When the council does meet, there will be confusion, but with my mother, and Albi, and me all standing together, we will have no trouble with the women. Believe me, they love to meddle—for them to step in now will give a lot of them something to chatter about all winter long. This will work, Urs! We will be together!”
    Urs stared at her. “You think everything through to the end.”
    It was far from an endorsement of her plan. “You do love me?” Her voice quavered, dreading his answer.
    â€œYes,” he answered firmly. “I love you, Calli. I could never love anyone else.”
    She gasped her relief into his chest, taking in a shuddering breath, then raised her lips to his. Within seconds their breathing tightened, their hands stroked each other, and an urgency stormed into their blood. They had not managed to find their way together to this spot for many, many days.
    When his hands worked their way under her tunic and touched her breasts, she moaned, feeling herself moisten, feeling the tingle start. Her need was wanton and certain and without caution. She tore at his skirt, yanking at it with shaking fingers. She gasped when she