I Kissed a Dog

chapter 19

It was Friday, and everyone would be back from lunch by now, eager to collect their paychecks.

This knowledge did little to calm my nerves.

In a few minutes, the entire Plum Beach Wildlife Park’s staff would be privy to my new relationship. Rhonda’s reaction was the one worth watching. Her jealousy was bound to be entertaining, at least until she rejoined forces with Jazmine. I wondered how their blossoming friendship was progressing.

“You okay?” Zane asked, squeezing my hand tighter.

Regardless of my conflicting feelings about my new husband, I felt more secure with my hand tucked in his. “Fine. Just stay close.” My confident words did little to belie the undercurrent of fear lurking just below my upbeat surface.

“I’ll be right here, Princess.”

Our unique connection made it easy for me to sense the humming vibration surrounding him like a supernatural shield. I knew that he’d change to his werewolf form if it ensured my safety. Granted, I didn’t anticipate any physical threat from our coworkers. A few shocked faces — absolutely, I was prepared for that.

“Hey, you two lovebirds!” Mack called from the park’s main entrance booth. “We’ve rented The Crab Cove for your reception tonight. Though no one knows what we’re celebrating, Logan sent some extra funding to make it happen.”

“Gee, I can’t wait,” I murmured before flashing the big blonde wolf my famous phony smile.

“He’s following orders,” Zane reminded, releasing my hand to slip his arm around my waist.

I tried, without a smidgen of success, to ignore the tummy-flops his latest affections produced. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t deny that I was besotted with him. Staying angry required too much energy. Besides, we had to convince an entire town that we were madly in love.

Mack continued, “Here’s the scoop. Everyone has been told that there’s a big announcement planned for this afternoon. The staff thinks we’re celebrating the new aquarium’s opening …”

“Won’t they be surprised?” I interrupted.

Overlooking my sarcasm, he glanced at Zane, who just shook his head.

“Can I please finish up here before that next carload of customers needs my attention?” Mack pressed.

“Sorry.” I could hear several car doors slamming and kids laughing.

“Luke has no clue what’s going on. I’m afraid he might think the party is for him. He mentioned that most of the staff forgot his birthday last month.”

“This is going to break his heart in so many ways.” I almost turned to leave, but the group of boisterous kids had reached the gate and they were wiggling around behind us.

Accepting our fate, I pushed through the turnstile and waited for Zane. He whispered something to Mack and was by my side before I could blink. I doubted I’d ever get used to his super-speed and agility.

“Dad, did you see that guy? He moved faster than the speed of light.” The young boy sounded impressed.

“I told you he’s been reading too many comics,” a woman scolded.

That’s my guy, a comic book superhero. I sent the thought silently, hoping to surprise him.

I’m glad you think I’m the hero not the villain. Zane squeezed me closer. You also called me — your guy.

“Today, you’re in the hero category.”

He guided me to the central courtyard. “I’m trying to be your hero every day.”

Remaining silent was the best response to his latest insinuation. Violence and lust rested just beneath the surface of his cooling smile. When he was on edge like this, I could feel the magnetic pull of his power, wrapping its otherworldly tentacles around me, drawing me in.

If I had my way, I’d forget this whole new-couple-introduction-crap and wrap my legs around him and forget everything scary that went bump in the night. Wait. He was one of those things bumping around in the night.

“Well, I’ll be damned!” Rhonda’s shrill voice just about bowled me over, reminding me that my leg-wrapping fantasy wasn’t about to become reality anytime soon.

Luke hurried from the gift shop. “Rhonda! There are customers …” His words faded as his eyes met mine. He glanced from me to Zane and back.

I knew the exact moment that Luke Snider, my favorite boss and longtime crush, put everything together. Zane tensed, ready for battle. Rhonda continued to mutter obscenities despite Luke’s warning about the customers, and the other employees were mysteriously drawn to the courtyard like flies to a spider’s web. Talk about uncomfortable.

Michael chose that moment to bounce (I have no other way to describe his energetic way of walking) into the middle of the increasing crowd. “Congratulations, you two! You had us all fooled pretty good.”

“I’ll say,” Luke agreed, looking madder than I’d ever seen him.

“I can explain,” I started, before Zane interrupted.

He faced Luke and Rhonda; I assumed because they were the two making such a ruckus. “Thank you, Michael. Yes, Chloe and I are married.”

Gasps and a few giggles rippled through the group of park employees, and I couldn’t help noticing that a number of customers had stopped to watch the unfolding drama. They were getting their money’s worth.

“We were just as surprised as you are about the intensity of our feelings. I didn’t expect to fall in love when I took this job, but what can I say?” He gazed down at me.

I determined right then that Zane truly loved me, or he was destined for an Oscar nomination.

Michael again did the unexpected and started clapping. The courtyard erupted in applause and more than a few whistles, turning the tense atmosphere into a celebration as people moved forward to offer their congratulations. The two who didn’t look pleased were Luke and Rhonda.

Luke stalked away and Rhonda flipped open her cell phone. I hated to imagine who she was calling.

* * *

I hadn’t realized how many people could cram into The Crab Cove. Every chair was occupied and people leaned against the walls. The dance floor was gaining popularity as our guests enjoyed the free-flowing champagne. Wildlife Park employees helped fill the room, minus Luke and Rhonda. I was disappointed in Luke. I’d expected him to be more mature about the whole marriage thing. Obviously, I’d underestimated the extent of his feelings for me, and his level of maturity.

Zane, on the other hand, had support from his werewolf (and vampire) family. Logan, Misty, Mack, Michael, and Alcuin stood out from the crowd no matter how hard they tried to blend in and mingle. All gorgeous and mysterious, they drew curious glances from the local guests. The bolder ones couldn’t keep their eyes off my new friends. I couldn’t blame them for staring. I understood their fascination.

Initially, I’d been surprised by Logan and Misty’s presence, but that was before I realized they’d teleported. Thankfully, no one had enough insight to question their sudden arrival.

I hadn’t notified my family yet. The timing wasn’t right, and I didn’t have a clue how to tell my parents. Waiting until after the danger passed seemed logical. My mom would be devastated, probably scarred for life.

She’d been waiting for me to get married since birth it seemed. Married without a big formal wedding would be considered high treason in her eyes. Bob, on the other hand, would be frustrated that he hadn’t had an opportunity to run a thorough background check on Zane.

I dreaded their first meeting. It had the potential to be one of those family fiascos perfect for Hollywood movies. Maybe we could do a reality show on the aftermath, or better yet, a reality program starring supernatural characters. Considering the supes had their own government, maybe they had their own cable channel floating around out there somewhere in TV land. I’d remember to ask Zane later. I still knew very little about the world he came from.

Distracting me with her too-flowery perfume, Misty materialized at my side. She gave me an extended once over. “Girl, you look stunning,” she sighed, admiring my new dress, yet another wedding gift from her brother. Apparently pack leaders took their responsibilities pretty seriously. From our evening attire to the food, Logan’s taste was impeccable.

Our wedding cake towered on a nearby table waiting to be cut and devoured. Zane informed me that Logan had paid the bill for the whole affair. I wondered if this was the alpha wolf’s way of paying in advance for my animal eavesdropping services.

“E-hem!” Misty cleared her throat, a reminder she’d been complimenting my dress.

“Oh! Sorry. Lovely, isn’t it?” Sexy and sleek, my post-wedding gown shimmered. I knew it hugged me in all the right places. Zane, along with every other man in the vicinity, couldn’t keep his eyes off me.

Even more unsettling than the hungry male stares were the longing gazes from the women when they thought I wasn’t looking. The green-eyed monster was trolling tonight in all his covetous glory. Again, I couldn’t blame the ladies. Zane was downright delicious. Who wouldn’t be jealous of my catch — and dress?

“You actually look like a blushing bride,” Misty continued. “I suppose you’ve noticed everyone here is eyeballing you and Zane.”

Of course, Misty, with her keen werewolf senses, would have picked up on all the heated glances and accompanying emotions. A low growl rumbled in her throat. She gave me a little nudge.

Oops. I just couldn’t stay focused on what she was saying. “Sorry, I’m spacing out. Too much stimulus for one day. And I’m not some giddy, blushing bride,” I snipped without meaning to. “I’m just so hot; you’d think they’d turned up the heat.”

A trickle of sweat was winding down my cheek. Ug! Not the face I wanted captured in our first family photos. Considering the event photographer, another paid-for-product, courtesy of Logan Sanders, was erecting his equipment by the cake table, my distress wasn’t exaggerated.

According to Zane’s last update, we had a few minutes to spare before the official cake-cutting ceremony — giving me just enough time to sneak a breath of cool ocean air.

“I’m sorry. I’m going to step outside.” I hoped Misty wouldn’t ask to join me. I was overheating, and starting to feel claustrophobic. Too many people stuffed in one place made my skin crawl. I’d never been one for big crowds.

“Go on. You’re forgiven.” Misty grinned before dancing off.

At least someone was having fun.

The familiar scents of salt water, rotting sea kelp, and what I’ve come to refer to as “beach air” were what I noticed when I stepped out of the crowded Crab Cove. The deck was deserted, and I took that as a sign I’d picked the right time to escape my well-meaning, but increasingly annoying reception guests.

Leaning against the deck’s wooden rail, I gazed into the line of trees and foliage that separated the restaurant from the beach and pounding surf.

The moon was bright, and I spotted one of several paths that wound through the brush leading to the soft sand beyond. The temptation to slip off my jeweled-stilettos and make a dash for the beach almost proved too enticing resist. It felt as if someone had beguiled my senses and was beckoning me to leave my party and dance to the more natural night melodies.

An involuntary shudder swept through me as the moisture-tinged breeze rustled the trees. The compelling need to leave the lighted patio’s protection was growing stronger the longer I remained.

A movement on the nearest path seized my attention. I strained to see who or what was standing just beyond the light, obscured in the shadows.

“Hello … is anyone there?” I heard myself ask.

A man stepped forward, his skin illuminant in the moonlight. “I can come no closer, Chloe. This place has been warded by magic to keep uninvited guests away. You, however, could invite me to cross the ward.”

Wards? Magic? Why was I even surprised? I’d learned more about the unseen world that existed around me this past week than a heroine in a paranormal novel.

“Please, I must speak with you. I have information that will help you,” the stranger said, his voice sending shivers down my spine. My neck tingled in anticipation. I wanted the man in the moonlight to put his mouth on my throat, although I couldn’t fathom why.

“Yes, Chloe, you remember. That moment in Las Vegas was but a taste of the pleasure I can give you.”

My heart raced faster in response. I opened my mouth to do as he asked.

“Hurry! Someone is coming!” he commanded, fiercer this time.

Suddenly uncertain, I froze. My indecision was just long enough to allow another figure to burst through the trees and onto the moonlit lawn.

Stooped and reeking of fresh blood, the newcomer released a ferocious growl and lunged toward Valamir. Valamir! — My warrior vampire from the Vegas nightclub. How could I have mistaken the seducing creature for anyone else?

The snarling, slobbering mutant-monster was horrifying. About as far from appealing as you could get. Saliva and blood dripped from his jagged fangs. Who had he been eating?

Furious, the thing snapped at the air just in front of Valamir, who with his lightening speed countered each attempt. The mutant, enraged by his adversary’s offensive prowess, roared and dove for the vampire. Instead of sinking his massive claws into his prey, the mutant found himself hugging a swirling cloud of glittery silver.

I didn’t bother turning when the double doors behind me burst open. I was too mystified by Valamir’s hasty vanishing act. Apparently, the mutant wolf was too. He swung his massive head both directions seeking his missing prey. One second Valamir had been in the clearing, wanting me; now he’d disappeared leaving me with an unexplainable unexpected sense of emptiness.

Why did I feel empty? How could he make me forget Zane for even a second? I wasn’t in love with the vampire; nor was I a fickle woman.

“What the hell?” Zane shouted before catapulting over the railing. He landed with an ominous thud in front of the mutant.

“Get in the bar!” Zane roared at me. Then, so fast that I barely registered the movement, he pulled out a gleaming blade concealed beneath his pant leg.

He plunged the blade into the mutant’s neck. Dark crimson spewed from the fatal wound, darkening Zane’s white dress shirt.

In a flash of shimmering light, Alcuin appeared next to the fallen creature. He gripped its arm and they both vanished in a cascade of silver sparkles that reminded me not only of the fake fairy dust I used to keep in a little bottle as a child, but also of Valamir’s departure a few moments earlier. One thing was obvious; both vamps shared the same traveling techniques and special effects.

The whole incident had happened so fast a camera probably would have missed it. My feet were frozen. I couldn’t have moved to make it inside.

“What’s going on out here?” several voices chorused, as more footsteps rushed onto the deck.

“Animal attack,” Zane pronounced. “A large cougar was stalking Chloe. I got here before it pounced.”

“Thank God you’re all right all right; someone inside mentioned spotting a big cat recently.” Misty patted my shoulder. I couldn’t tell if she was buying Zane’s story or helping him make it more believable. I assumed the later.

“Should we hunt it?” someone asked. “We could get our guns.”

“There’s no need. I got it good with my hunting knife. I keep it with me at all times. I’ve learned the hard way that nature doesn’t always behave the way we expect.” Zane brushed off his jacket and stalked up the steps at the patio’s far end, the crimson stain on his shirt the preternatural struggle’s last remaining evidence.

“Are you okay, Princess?” I thought I told you to get inside.

Choosing to ignore his second comment, I nodded, still not sure what to say. For some irrational reason, I’d already decided to keep my Valamir-sighting to myself. The thought of enduring the barrage of questions Zane and his pack were bound to ask seemed too overwhelming. Besides, Valamir was trying to help me. Maybe he knew something about the murders. I also knew if Zane found out about Valamir’s presence he’d get all over-protective and forbid me to talk with the vampire. Overprotection was really going to be a challenge. Very nice when I was agreeable but hell when I wasn’t.

Zane looked down at his dress shirt. “Let me change. The cake is waiting.”

I just nodded, still unable to make my mouth form words.

Our guests appeared unruffled and were already returning to the party. Free drinks had that effect. People would forget the excitement if it meant an opportunity to consume unlimited quantities of alcohol on somebody else’s dime. And unlike me, they hadn’t witnessed the brutal fight between a mutant and vampire. I doubted even free booze would have done the job had they caught a peek of the otherworldly spectacle.

Now the last remaining evidence of the violence was the blood soaking Zane’s shirt. In a few minutes that would be gone too, and for most people the incident would be forgotten.

Not for me.

“Misty …” Zane nodded in my direction.

“I got her.” Misty shook her head at his retreating form. “Come on, blushing bride; let’s get you ready for your cake-cutting photo-op.”

I allowed her to lead me inside and through the tangle of dancing, drinking bodies. Even in my current zombie-like state I knew that it was important for me to learn about the so-called magic and wards that Valamir had mentioned. But asking one of my werewolf companions was out of the question.

Maybe it was time I trusted Alciun with my secret.

***