I Kissed a Dog

chapter 13

Attempting to shield my eyes from the morning brightness, I searched for a clock. I could hear birds singing and dogs barking somewhere in the distance. Awakening to a dog — my Wednesday was off to a great start.

Day three of my new existence had arrived right on schedule. This new version of my life included far more than lions and tigers and bears, oh my, as Zane had so eloquently stated. It included a bunch of supernatural creatures and their hybrid counterparts upsetting any prior predictability I might have enjoyed. Figuring out their vast differences, diverse diets, and uncanny abilities would have to wait.

I was going to Vegas.

“I thought I felt you wake up.” Zane strode into the room, oversized coffee mug in hand.

“Gimmie,” I begged, forgetting how that one word could be misconstrued by my wannabe-lupine-lover. I couldn’t recall a cup of morning java smelling so inviting. Even more inviting was the man sipping it.

Ignoring my plea for caffeine, he maneuvered his muscular frame into the room’s one chair. His gaze trained on me. “You met Alcuin?” It was a statement more than a question.

“You already know the answer.”

“Indeed; and what did you think?” he probed.

“About what — the mysterious non-human non-animal visitors, or my first experience teleporting? Wait. Maybe you’re wondering how I felt about flying through the air when I jumped from the tree house. I did think Alcuin was helpful keeping me on my feet for a rather spectacular landing. What do you think? Do I get a ten?” For a moment, I pictured three werewolf judges holding up score signs displaying the number ten for a cheering audience. That would be one highly-rated reality show.

“I’d say you get a ten in my book for all your moves.” He leaned back, looking pleased. I’d passed some sort of test.

“Did I hear a request for coffee?” Michael danced into the room and handed me my own super-sized mug of steaming pleasure, before adding, “There’s bagels and OJ in the kitchen.”

Peering at Zane over my cup, I realized for the umpteenth time I was far more interested in the steaming pleasure he could provide.

“Oh, I called Luke for you.”

My steamy thoughts collided with my pride; I snapped, “I said that I would call. Wasn’t that a little strange, your calling for me like a parent calling the teacher?”

“It made perfect sense. I called to explain that Mack and Michael would be over to the park by 9:30 and that I’d heard you mention a little vacation with your mom. I thought I did you a favor.”

Michael hurried from the room, eager to get away from our latest disagreement. He turned to shut the door before realizing the door no longer existed. I noticed then that someone had taken time to clean up the mangled pieces of wood from last night’s door-busting heroics.

I grudgingly accepted my overreaction, forcing myself to apologize, “I’m sorry; you did do me a big favor. I’m beyond overwhelmed. Even your vampire friend recommended that I get my erratic emotions reigned in.”

As always, my emotions were causing discomfort, not just for my new friends, but for me. I wanted off the rollercoaster of extremes once and for all. But considering my present predicament, I was certain that counting to ten, or even one hundred, wouldn’t do the trick. Maybe a few days in Vegas would.

“Your emotions make you unique. Maybe I’m biased, but I don’t know many humans who could handle what you have in such a short time. You’re too hard on yourself,” Zane said.

“There you go again, surprising me,” I said keeping it light, when in truth, Zane’s words did far more than surprise me. They reassured me that being me was okay; something no one had bothered to tell me growing up.

“Chloe, Princess, you’ve just discovered monsters are real, yet you’re more concerned about what we think about you. Don’t you find that a little odd?” His eyes locked with mine.

Deciding to ignore his last question, I changed the subject. “I’m shocked your neighbors didn’t call in the reserves last night. We were pretty loud out there.”

“Don’t think I don’t know what you’re doing, but I’ll bite. Just remember, I have a long memory and I’m keeping tabs of the questions you ignore.

I rented the entire property until I could find a nicer home. No neighbors are the best neighbors for a werewolf. Don’t tell me you thought I’d choose this primo piece of real-estate as my home sweet home.” He raised a brow.

Catching what must have been a tell-tale look, he added, “You believed this was my permanent bachelor’s cave?”

“Perhaps for a minute, but considering your position in the pack, I assumed it must be a cover or something.” I finished my coffee with a final slurp.

“Maybe another cup?” He stretched as he stood.

“Sorry to interrupt.” Mack poked his head through the door-less frame. “But you two have a plane to catch, and I have an animal park to protect.”

Glad for the reminder and eager for some distance from Zane, I scooted off the bed and padded to my suitcase. “Do I have time to shower?” I hoped so after my late night jog from the tree house.

“Knowing Mack, he’s got us ahead of schedule. Right?” Zane asked.

“As long as you’re at the airport in an hour,” Mack assured.

I stopped, wary. The only major airport that I could think of was Portland International, a good five-plus-hours away. We wouldn’t make it driving. That could mean one thing … my poor stomach.

Alcuin strode through the front door, his sunglasses in place — presenting a very clear confirmation to my travel worries. “It’s quite an exquisite morning,” he said, sounding more like an old school gentleman than a blood sucking fiend.

Seeing my tortured expression, he stepped back. “You’re turning green. I didn’t realize I’d had such a profound effect on you, Doll.”

“Enough with the doll business, vamp. I’m warning you …” Zane growled through clenched teeth.

“Be a good dog and fetch me some breakfast. I don’t feel like hunting right now.” Alcuin crossed his arms. Modeling defiance at its best.

My worry-induced nausea was replaced by awe. Did the vampire have a death wish?

Three, very angry wolf-men glared his direction. I didn’t blame them. Alcuin had pretty much pushed the other species disrespect thing to an all-time low.

“Fetch it yourself, pale-face!” Mack barked, causing his son to crumple to the floor. Michael gripped his sides and rolled around as if in pain. I was getting ready to offer first aide when I realized he was laughing hysterically, not thrashing in agony.

“I was serious about your calling her doll,” Zane choked out between snorts and booming laughter.

Watching the four of them howl at one another was a sight. I didn’t think their comments warranted such a display of hysterics.

“Look at her face,” Alcuin turned toward me. I closed my mouth, but not before realizing it had been hanging open.

“What’s wrong with my face,” I grimaced.

“You don’t know what to make of us.” Alcuin shook his head, his mouth curving into the biggest grin with fangs imaginable.

“All I know is I’m not nervous about my personal sanity. I have four supernatural lunatics that are supposed to be protecting me. Don’t mind me if I look alarmed.” Feeling a sudden sense of righteous authority, I grabbed my clean clothes and stomped to the bathroom, well aware of the gaping mouths that watched my retreat.

Twenty-two minutes later, I emerged dressed and ready to rejoin the men lounging across the tiny front room. Zane was reviewing the wildlife park’s map and filling in father and son about the exhibits. Alcuin sat stone-still on the lumpy sofa.

“Please, join me.” Alcuin patted the cushion next to him. “Yes, you, Doll.”

“How many times …”

“I know. I know. I’m not supposed to call her doll because she’s your princess,” the vampire rumbled at Zane.

“How about you both call me Chloe and then we can stop this nonsense.” The endearing pet names had outworn their cuteness. Zane calling me princess in private was one thing, but this whole vampire werewolf competition was disturbing. Fortunately, from what I’d gathered, their friendship ran deeper than I’d first assumed. It had to run pretty darn deep for them to put up with each other.

“Agreed, Chloe,” Alcuin said with added flourish. “Now, please, come here. I have been warned that if I don’t prepare you for future teleporting, I will be visiting a dentist that specializes in fang removal.”

“I’ve heard he does great work,” Michael chuckled.

To Alcuin’s credit, he didn’t respond. He seemed to have greater control of his emotions than the werewolves. No wonder he found me overwhelming.

I hesitated by the couch then sat down, careful not to touch him. The clock was ticking, and I needed to be ready to travel supernatural style — without vomiting.

“I’m guessing, you’re our ticket to the airport,” I acknowledged grimly.

“You guessed right, do … I mean Chloe.”

“Good save,” I whispered with a smile. I couldn’t help myself. I liked Alcuin. While impressive, he could never measure up to Zane. But I couldn’t help admiring his charming wit, not to mention his lack of emotions had a very calming affect on my more unruly ones.

“I don’t enjoy it when the wolf gets his fur all up in a bunch,” Alcuin hissed, his eyes darting toward the kitchen.

“Heard that,” Zane called from the table.

Alcuin muttered his derisive reply in a foreign language.

It was then I realized we were taking unnecessary travel measures. “Why are we even bothering with an airplane if you can just beam us to Vegas?” I asked.

Alcuin clasped his hands, nodding with visible approval. “I’m glad you noticed. I rather hoped you would; but, with all due respect, you must realize by now that you’re a pretty hot commodity. You’ve got half-breed hybrids or whatever they were, werewolves, and mutants all interested in you. For these reasons, we must give the appearance of normalcy.”

“Normalcy? You’re kidding me,” I scoffed at the idea. I’d never been normal, and considering the direction my life was heading, normalcy was as farfetched as me walking a dog on the moon.

“I guess no one filled you in on last night’s little warning,” Alciun said, sounding annoyed by my lack of knowledge.

Before I registered his movement, Zane was crouched in front of us. “I’ll share the message.”

“Alcuin said a warning,” I reminded, still not used to Zane’s shocking speed.

Ignoring my comment he continued. “We’re not sure whose side Detective Davis and her sidekicks are on, but she came out here last night to either arrest me or talk to me. She ended up telling us about the increasing unease in the larger supernatural community over the unsolved Plum Beach murders. The supe community, supe being our abbreviation for supernatural, is very worried the mutilation and murders might draw unwanted attention, leading to more in-depth investigations.

She was put on the case by another multi-species council. Her job is to ensure the killer is apprehended and stopped. Until last night, she believed I was somehow involved. Someone out there has been pretty persistent about pointing the finger my way.”

“How many types of councils are there? Who gave her the authority?” I asked. It sounded like the so-called supes had a more puzzling government structure than humans. Packs, werewolf and Native American partnerships, and now these other so-called councils, this was too much. Did they have a president?

“Just like your human government has a lot of checks and balances, we end up with councils trying to oversee everybody else. Each species has its own individual council. Then, of course, werewolves have packs, vampires have …”

“We don’t have time for this,” Mack said sounding urgent. “You two can talk government on the plane.”

Zane stopped to glance at his watch and shot into the bedroom. I could hear him sliding hangers to one side of the closet.

Alcuin, remembering my initial question about teleporting to Vegas, finished his just-be-normal speech: “Trust me, Chloe; it looks good for you to do something human, like riding on a plane for the better part of your trip. It’s best that others don’t realize how much you’re hanging out with the likes of me.”

“Fine. Teach me to teleport without hurling.”