I was moderately friendly with all of the long-timers here, but Laura was my favorite, and the only one I'd ever fantasized about. I'd never asked her...out, and not just because I didn't want to risk the friendship.The bar had a strict no-fraternization policy, one I'd seen enforced when a drunken boyfriend objected to someone making a pass at his waitress girlfriend. I was a bit too fond of the food here to stop coming in, just for the chance to get shot down after a short romance. At least,. " I didn't do anything to you." My voice, I noticed, had become higherand softer."Only cause I didn't give you a chance. Guys like you be thinking ussisters are there for the taking." She held up an index finger andwagged it at me. "No, no, no." But this isn't fair. This... punishment... is too much for the crime.Not that I committed any crime. Or even intended to." I couldn't make myvoice regain its former maleness."Tell it to the judge, sweetness." She paused thoughtfully. "Oh, wait. Every living thing there drew power from its surroundings. Every demon sucked the life from the land around it, and in turn dealt more damage to the world. I do not know how long we monsters have inhabited that world. I do know that it has been far too long. While I was maturing I remember having a conversation with an ancient demon. I do not remember her name, or many of her physical features. She was huge, giant for a demon. She showed me compassion... well not compassion... but less hatred. She blasted me for taking her for granted. She told me to stop making up stories about our relationship and to step up to reality.”Dave posed, “What ultimately happened?”“Taylor gave me many articles on polyamory, and I also talked to you several times about the Circle and your experiences, especially with multiple wives. First, I saw that there was a different way to live, and then I gradually started to see things how I could live that way.”“What was motivating you?”“Oh, God, this is.