It was one of those wonderful summer evenings, when sight and smell seem to fuse one together in total rapture. The rain had died away, but not before drenching my clothes throughout. A subtle breeze was sending light shivers up my spine. I felt so light and dizzy, trying to breathe in the wholeness of the moment, the far away sounds, the divine freshness of the air... The hell with the damned car, that shitbox that left me stranded in this strange neighborhood, lost and wet like a stray cat. I could imagine my girlfriend brooding over the delicious food at Anthony's, wondering what may have come up again tonight. Where the heck was a phone booth around here?

The silhouettes in front of me moved with silent elegance, a watery like tremor on the wet gray pavement. Transported as I was, I sensed it more than actually saw it coming.

"Sit Leo!" The dog's breath was hot and pungent; his massive head, saliva dripping on my chin, was hovering over me. I didn't move. I did not dare move. The beast had knocked me down and was astride me in a quiet but definite menace. Not the best position for arguing. I had to make an effort to breathe. A big one. "Back Leo! Get back!" Reluctantly, the monster pulled back. Not all the way, no, just enough to let me to raise my head and lay back of my elbows. The deep growl wasn't reassuring at all. "Oh, God, I'm so sorry! Are you OK? Leo, you nasty brute!"

The voice was sooo nice! Deep and velvety, just a touch apologetic, more amused than annoyed, I would say. So womanly...

"He's not really mean you know, he just likes to show off his strength I guess. Especially to men!" This time the amusement was definitely there. "I'm truly sorry. Here, let me help you up!"

From where I was, lying on the sidewalk, I could barely make up the face that went with the voice, but as she lowered herself to give me her hand I found myself facing a beautiful pair of knees stretching sheer black stockings and parted just enough to show a stretch of flesh before the shadows took over under the dark trench coat. An intoxicating bittersweet fragrance found my nostrils from under her clothes and I felt like fainting. I swallowed hard and raised my eyes to meet hers. The glint in her eyes told me she knew I was staring. Embarrassed, I mumbled something like, "Yeah, I'm OK" and got up ignoring her hand. The woman was stunning!

"My name is Mona. No hard feelings?"

"I'm Michael. No hard feelings...."

She smiled. A genuine, mischievous smile. From under the hat; a wide brimmed, black straw hat. On a summer night! Mona had a medium built, athletic body as far as I could tell wrapped as she was in that Bogart-style trench coat. The cleavage though had nothing manly about it. The wide lapels were framing a triangle of soft, bare white skin, unhindered by any visible top. No jewelry on the gracious, yet strong neck. Jet black, shiny, short cut hair. The hat was keeping the upper half of her face in shadows, and the glint of her eyes gave it an eerie look. High cheekbone. Fine nose. Full, bright red lips. She looked like fine china to me. Very expensive, antique china... "Look, you're soaked. We can go to my place to dry up a bit, I live right down the street. If it's OK with you, of course?!"

"Well, I don't know... It's nothing really. Although I should make a phone call. I got lost here and my car won't work... Yeah, why not, I need to make a phone call. Someone right now might worry."

"No problem. As many as you want. Just follow us... We owe you one, don't we?" The soft laugh was infuriating, but I followed them anyway.

Viewed from behind, the woman and her dog made a strange tandem. Her high heels were tacking the pavement while the animal strolled noiselessly alongside; his smooth, man-sized balls bouncing from side to side between the strong back legs. Both were walking head high, backs straight, only legs moving. There was something terribly exciting about them, a hidden sensuality in their strides that stirred me deeply. I thought I could sense a bond between them that went beyond the appearances. I felt myself grow hard. Mona had perfect calves with delicate ankles and somehow their rhythmical, shiny motion brought sex into my mind: hard, steamy, exotic sex. My loins were on fire.

I can't remember how we got inside. The light in the hall was too strong for my eyes. I blinked in discomfort. The heavy entrance door closed with a "thump" behind. Leo came against me and started to sniff up my leg. Ever had that feeling when you got a dog's snout in your crotch, scared stiff that he may rip off your balls before his master had a chance to stop it? Yeah, right. That's how I felt. "He seems to like you," said the velvety voice again. No kidding, I thought. Wasn't I lucky?! You see, Leo was a big dog. No, Leo was a huge dog. Never saw anything like it. His head was level with my hip. Thick neck, ridged wide back, all muscles rippling under his short, brownish red coat. As big as a Dane, the darned beast. We moved into the living room, with Leo's muzzle up my ass. "He's a Rhodesian ridge-back" came the answer to my unasked question.

"My husband brought him as a puppy from a hunting trip in Africa. He's grown quite a bit since, didn't he? They breed them for lion hunting down there. They also make ideal companions..." I bet they do, I thought, taking in the place. High ceilings, soft lights, lots of white, with dark wood furniture set up along the walls. Rich Oriental carpets hanging down from the ceiling. Several Murano glass vases filled with beautiful flowers. Bronze and antique porcelain on low tables and on shelves all over. A lion skin spread in front of a huge stone and brass fireplace. Wow, this place was something! At the far end, a huge all-glass bay overlooked a ravine, or forest of some kind. It was getting dark by then and the contour of the distant trees was back-lighted by the rising moon. I looked at my watch. 9:45 PM already. Shit! "There's a full moon tonight," she said matter-of-factly, lighting a cigarette. "The telephone is on the table to your left. Please excuse me for a moment, I got something to do. Come Leo, we have to get clean!" and with that, she turned on her heels and left trough a side doorway, the dog following her eagerly.

"I knew you 'd be pissed, but look Laura... What's so difficult to understand? I was on my way back from the Andrews' residence after I left them the plans for the cottage, and I thought I'll take a shortcut through this neighborhood. It's old and rich, has plenty of inspiration for my work, and besides you know the highway it's packed on Sunday night with all the people coming back into the city. I stopped to look at the map and the next thing I know, the damned bimmer wouldn't start again; so here I am in this lady's house...What? No, she was kind enough to let me make a phone call after her dog knocked me down..." That's when I became aware of some movement to my right. I shifted my gaze. Right across me on a table stood a beautiful three-pane mirror, one of those silver framed antiques. From where I was, slouched in the deep leather sofa I could not see beyond the doorway on my right, but to my surprise the mirror panes were angled in such a way that I could see right through the opening to the end of a small dark hallway that had the bedroom and bathroom doors opened. It took a while to adjust my eyes to the incredible view. The bathroom was a big white room with a raised Jacuzzi platform. Mona was drying the dog's front paws with a towel, sitting on the platform, knees spread apart. The trench coat was open. She was naked underneath, except for a garter belt and the black stockings. Her heavy breasts were bouncing as she playfully dealt with the task at hand. From time to time she threw her head back laughing, as Leo was slowly licking her upper thighs with long, raspy strokes. The animal was leaning on his hind legs as he pushed forward his snout against the prey. Forward. Retreat. Forward. Retreat. Her hairless sex was glistening with saliva. A large tattoo stretched down from her navel to the top of the pouting lips.

"Whaaat? Nnoo, Laura, I'm still here. Yes, I'm sorry for the whole thing, but it's not my fault...Look, I got to go. Call you when I get home, OK!" SLAM! Holy shit! My heart was pounding. I could hardly breathe, let alone think. All I could see was the dog's head bobbing up and down between Mona's legs, slurping furiously at her smooth, dark cuntlips. She was now reclining on the platform, spreading them wide open for the licking. Head thrust back, eyes closed, mouth open, dark red fingernails pulling the swollen folds apart, her middle finger rubbing the clitoris with increasing speed. The trench coat had fallen to the sides revealing the heavy breasts, dark erect nipples shivering in the throes of approaching orgasm. Then, for a moment, her heaving bosom froze in an upward movement, buttocks taking off the edge, as the finger went deep into her cunt. Her lips formed a perfect "O" while the body looked suspended in mid air...and then she fell back on the platform, head rolling from side to side. Time was standing still. Leo made a move to mount her. Obviously excited by the licking, the dog's cock came unsheathed; a long, red, glistening shaft with a ball like swell at the base. Front paws on the edge of the platform, the dog stood almost erect; his hind legs jerking back and forth trying to make contact with the wet opening between the woman's legs. He almost managed to put the tip in when Mona came up and forced him back gently, but firmly. From the movement of her lips, it looked like she was soothing him with words, all the while kissing him on the muzzle. She slowly lowered herself from under Leo's fore legs and, kneeling on the floor gently took the dog's cock in her mouth, stroking the shaft while sucking the tip in and out. I watched transfixed as she brought him off in a few moments, swallowing it all!

"Here is a bathrobe, Michael. I'm sorry, I almost forgot about your clothes. There's a bathroom down the hall where you can change... Michael, are you OK, you're so pale? I hope you're not going to catch a cold now!"

I looked at my watch. She's been in only a few minutes. It seemed like an eternity to me! She sounded and looked like nothing happened. I thought I was dreaming! "Nnno, no, I'm fine. I...I think I better go now. It's really late and I don't want to intrude. After all, you don't know me from Adam. I'm calling a taxi right now and..."

"Look, don't be foolish! I don't have anything planned for tonight and your clothes will be washed and dried in no time. You'll have to iron them yourself, though..." That laughter again. "Unless there's someone waiting for you at home, you shouldn't worry. I can take care of myself; besides, nobody takes chances with Leo around. And he's always around..." She was exhaling smoke as she spoke, looking me straight in the eyes now. Head tilted to the side, eyes half closed, she seemed to appraise me, measuring me from head to toe.

I felt like a fool. Damn you, woman! Who the hell do you think you are... But then I caught myself; after all, the lady was trying to be nice, and why should I care if she's getting it off with her dog...? All of a sudden, I realized I was hard as a rock; there was no use denying that this woman and her habits excited me beyond words and I would have given anything to hang around her for a while. You know, just to see what happens next... "Deal!" I couldn't believe the sound of my voice. Like listening to someone else talking! She nodded, smiling. Raising her eyes from my crotch - you guessed, the erection was sooo obvious! - she pointed the way with the hand holding the cigarette. As I went down the hall, Leo's eyes were boring holes in my back.

It was the same bathroom. All white. Everything shining clean and neatly arranged. No trace whatsoever of the previous frolics. It could have been a dream, except for the heat in my groin. Shaking my head, I stripped naked. My linen shirt and pants were quite dirty. I splashed lots of cold water on my face and upper body, then rubbed hard with a white towel. I took a look at myself in the mirror. My face was kind of red now, but otherwise the same boyish features I met every morning. Nothing spectacular, just fine, regular lines. The body was OK, a little flabby at the waist but what would you expect from a guy that spends his life hunched over a drawing board and more recently, 19" monitors. Besides, I never was the athletic type; the power of the mind was far more fascinating for me. For a 40 years-old guy, I looked OK. The only problem was my throbbing cock. It stood out at full length, the skin almost bursting bellow the engorged purple head. I had a hard time resisting the temptation to stroke it right there and splash my come all over the big mirror. Later, I told myself; all you have to do is close your eyes... I thought for a moment and decided to put the jockey briefs back on. Hell, the dog was giving me the creeps and I didn't want to be further embarrassed by a hard-on popping through the robe when you least expected it. Folding my stuff, I took a last look at myself in the dark blue terry cloth robe and shook my head at the image in the mirror.

She was sitting on the couch in exactly the same spot I've been earlier, looking out to the starry night sky, smoke raising gently from her cigarette-holding hand. Since I was coming from behind, I had a three quarter view of her back. The jet black hair, cut straight and short looked like a feathered cap in the soft white light. Her other hand was petting Leo's head with slow, gentle strokes. She had changed into a heavy, black kimono, that parted slightly over her crossed legs. The stockings were still on, but now she wore black pumps with stiletto heels. "I assumed you must be hungry Michael, so I prepared some cold cuts. I'm hungry too, stranger. Beautiful night, isn't it?" Before I had a chance to reply, she turned around facing me. She had incredible green eyes, deep and streaked with gold. Emerald eyes. Her gaze shifted to the mirror on the table and then back to me. I froze on my tracks. She smiled again. A strange, half sad, half amused smile. That's when I knew that she knew that I saw them. She got up. Leo, of course, stood up too. He stretched and yawned, baring evil-looking teeth. "Let's go eat. Here, give me those clothes, I'll take them to the laundry."

The dining area was adjacent to the living room, sharing the same glass bay to the back. The view was magnificent. There was a wide deck with a pool overlooking a flower garden, and beyond that, the steep slope of a ravine with huge, old trees filling the horizon, all washed in the eerie light of the full moon. I couldn't help but like this house and its surroundings; so cozy and warm; opulent yet discreet. After all, it was my professional territory. "What do you do in life Michael?" This woman was definitely telepathic.

"I'm an architect, Mona. I have a small practice downtown. Nothing big really, mostly houses. Keeps me off the welfare line. My compliments, by the way, I'm sincerely impressed with your house."

"Thank you! A friend of my husband designed it for us after his accident. We used to live downtown too, in one of those expensive condos overlooking the lake. It was close to Mauro's clinic, very convenient for his odd hours at the hospital. But after the accident, we decided to move out here. He couldn't stand the city anymore. I still miss the closeness to shopping sometimes."

"Mona, I know it's none of my business, but you mentioned your husband twice now, and here I am roaming around your house, clad only in a bathrobe..."

"Defensive again, stranger? No Michael, don't worry; nobody's going to chase you with a gun around here. Not anymore, that is. Mauro, my husband, died almost two years ago. He couldn't stand being a paraplegic for the rest of his life, so he ended it with a hunting rifle."

"I'm sorry Mona, I didn't mean to..."

"It's all right Michael. The worst is over now and I've learned to accept my life as it comes. No expectations, no regrets. Just the present. To the fullest... Will you pour the wine please? I always liked having a man do that for me."

The food was delicious. I needed it. Yes, she was right, I was hungry as hell. These recent emotions must have done it. I sipped some of the rich, red wine. Just perfect. I started to feel more at ease. Somehow, this strange woman seemed so reassuring and familiar!

"Are you married Michael?" she asked, looking at me from above the rim of her glass. Man, those eyes drove me nuts!

"No, Mona, I'm not. I mean I was, but it didn't work too well. We separated after 17 years. I'm seeing someone lately. More friends than lovers, though. Can't take another emotional responsibility so soon. My work is taking most of my time these days." "Let's take our coffee in the living room," she said, feeding Leo some last bits from her hand. The dog sat quietly at her feet, with Mona hand-feeding him throughout the meal. She got up from the table and I followed them into the living room. Mona moved with royal grace. She had a high, firm behind, with amphora like hips. Her buttocks were stretching taut the shiny fabric of the kimono. A large, red, fiery looking dragon, embroidered across the back was spewing flames at the onlooker. My hard-on was back.

We sat in silence for a while, me looking around the house, Mona smoking and gazing at the huge yellow moon. She was reclining in a leather and chrome Corbusier lounge chair next to the fireplace, the lion skin between us. Leo, as usual, was lying at his mistress' feet, his eyes closed and looking asleep. This time I knew it before it came out. "Did you enjoy the show Michael?" she asked softly, still looking away.

I didn't answer at first. What the hell was I supposed to say anyway? That I didn't know what she was talking about, or maybe that their unnatural act gave me the biggest hard-on of my life, and yes, I was fascinated by it?

"Did you find it repulsive?" she asked again, this time looking at me.

Time to be frank. "No Mona, I did not find it repulsive at all. Quite the contrary, I can't remember being so aroused in my life. It's just that it's so... unusual to witness it in real life."

"As opposed to?..."

"Well, as opposed to reading about it or seeing it in porno mags or movies."

"Have you?"

"Yes, I saw a couple of Swedish ones. And read some books with bestiality in them. There is even a famous classic one, 'The Golden Donkey" by Apulleius, that has the main character changed into a donkey by a witch and performing a sexual act with a willing woman. To be honest, I've always been fascinated by the subject, but never expected to deal with it more than with a fantasy..."