I Kissed a Dog

chapter 45

Martin clapped his hands, “We’re way overdue for our evening entertainment.”

Logan moved to the podium and adjusted a handheld microphone. “I can see you are all enjoying your night of freedom to its fullest.”

His comment was met with a strange combination of howls, yips, and human cheers. It seemed that everyone had forgotten their captive status and the fact at they normally spent their days on a rigorous and tightly supervised schedule inside the old school.

The unrelenting brainwashing was working.

As was the case with any minority, equal rights were deserved and desired, but Logan had failed to explain the price they’d pay for what they thought would be equality with the purebreds.

These mutant women would become even more enslaved. Freedom for them was a beautifully crafted illusion that would crumble under the weight of truth. And there was a strong possibility that I’d be the one telepathically delivering that very truth in a few short hours. I hoped I could wait for my backup, but I’d do whatever was necessary to stop this madness.

With any luck, the entertainment segment would end with my comrades bursting into the mix and giving the masses a true taste of freedom. Although, I wasn’t real comfortable counting on luck; mine had taken an unexpected turn for the worse when James McQuillen had joined Logan’s already powerful posse.

I remembered his extensive mental capabilities; they’d rivaled my own in many ways. I’d prefer him as an advocate not an adversary, but it was clear that the choice wasn’t mine to make. He’d chosen his side. We were now chasms apart.

Stealing a glance his direction, I was startled to see him watching me.

Things are not what they seem, Ms. Carpenter.

Before I could answer, a group of Native American drummers and dancers entered the clearing. When I looked back at James McQuillen, his attention rested on the dancers, leaving me to wonder if I’d imagined the mental message.

I was sure I hadn’t.

What did he mean? Like I didn’t already know that things were not what they seemed. That statement could be the opening line in a book about my life. What if …?

The musicians pounded their drums to life, drawing the crowd closer, stopping Logon from any further grandstanding and interrupting my silent debate.

Dressed in traditional ceremonial attire, the group swirled into action, their musical whoops and hollers sending chills down my spine. In the distance, a chorus of howls complimented the performance far more than any traditional backup singers.

I’d attended a Pow Wow many years ago with my parents and had loved the theatrical dancers and musicians. But tonight’s performance had the opposite effect. It felt eerie, wrong somehow.

Everything was wrong tonight. Even the moon had morphed into a sphere of seducing shadows, casting a suspicious, crimson-hued glow for as far as I could see.

Chloe, I’m here, Zane announced into my mind, making everything, for one brief moment, right again.

Just knowing he was near, sent my libido into overdrive. I’d never believed the scientific studies on pheromones acting as aphrodisiacs, but I was willing, when this was all over, to reexamine the data. Maybe it was the whole mating thing, but I could swear I smelled Zane’s distinctively masculine scent over every other fragrance, and there were scents abounding in the night air, not all of them pleasant.

Forget the moon; I was heady with visions of my mate. Never mind the possibility of death; I wanted my man, my werewolf. I wanted him at my side.

Together we’d defeat our enemies.

Chloe, your fanged admirer showed up and offered to transport us here vampire style. I decided I’d kill him later. I had to get to you first.

Who’s here with you? I couldn’t help wondering just how extensive Valamir’s teleporting abilities were. Envisioning the vampire bringing Zane to me was difficult considering his self-proclaimed obsession with my blood. My promise of a future favor must have provided the precise amount of motivation.

“Mack, Michael, Valamir, of course, since he drove, Rita, Stryder, and several friends of Stryder. I think some of your cloaked crusaders are here as well. I’m not sure how many. They’re harder to pick out.”

I was again aware of McQuillen’s gaze on me. He nodded just enough for me to notice. For certain I wasn’t imagining things. Maybe he’d fight for us after all. Having him, Alcuin, and Misty would increase our odds significantly. Factoring Connie, Deb, and Dillon into the equation would be even better.

I sent out a mental probe, hoping to locate my newest allies, informing them the time was now to do what we’d planned all along. There was no response. I hoped they’d found a way to escape. If not, we’d have to attack without them.

Be ready, Chloe. Valamir’s circling around to teleport you away from the frontline. I can’t fight and worry about you.

What? I screamed into his mind. They needed me. My mind magic was vital to our winning. What was he thinking? He clearly wasn’t.

It’s temporary. Just until we remove some of the danger. Don’t worry, Princess, you’ll get your chance to blast their brains.

So not funny.

We’re already taking out mutants around the perimeter.

Zane, some of these women want out of this crazy cult. Please don’t tell me you’re killing at random.

I already thought of that. We’re asking if they want to join us. They have ten seconds to decide. That’s the best we can do.

I froze. Valamir was behind the platform, preparing to grab me. When that happened, all hell would break loose.

Right now, my team was functioning under the radar. They had the advantage. In a few seconds that would all change. And I’d be forced to hitch a ride behind someone’s eyes to see the fight firsthand. That wasn’t good enough.

Before I could gather my thoughts enough to think of an argument that would persuade Zane to change his mind, icy arms pulled me close and I was spinning out of control,. If I had to choose, I’d pick Alcuin as my transportation source. I preferred his less dramatic technique.

“I think I’m going to barf.” Bending over, I clutched my stomach.

Valamir looked at me with a strange intensity. “Please forgive me. I just teleported your entire entourage in one trip. I am a bit unsettled. I promise a better experience in the future.”

I didn’t tell him what I was thinking. Teleporting again, ever, with him, wasn’t on my top ten list of things to do. I hoped Alcuin would prove to be a good guy so I could ride home with him.

Straightening to my full height, I cautiously took in my surroundings, almost afraid to see where he’d delivered me.

“No way, uh uh. I am not staying down here. Whose idea was this?” I demanded at the sight of my familiar basement room/cell.

“I was instructed to place you somewhere no one would expect to find you. I didn’t realize you had an intimate relationship with this room. Again, I apologize.”

“Don’t apologize. Move me! Anywhere but here. Please!” I’d begged Valamir earlier to return and help me. Had I known this would be his ultimate act of kindness, I’d have kept my mouth shut.

“I must go. They are in danger. I will return for you as your mate permits.”

As always, he disappeared in a cloud of pretty particles, leaving me in my dreaded dorm room alone.

I knew something he didn’t.

I was no longer that timid and terrified girl Zane had dragged to Vegas.

I was a confident and cunning woman with skills. Supernatural skills that just might be what saved all the tough guys’ supernatural asses.

Oh no, I wouldn’t be here waiting like a good little girl for Zane’s approval and Valamir’s arrival.

I’d be on the bloodstained battlefield with the rest of my entourage well before my motherly mate deemed it safe enough for me to return.

No way was I missing the final showdown. I had a serious score to settle.

Not even Jazmine’s surrender would suffice.

I was seeking absolute silence.

With her mouth shut permanently, I’d be satisfied.