I Kissed a Dog

chapter 10

Following the heart-to-heart about Zane’s background, I hated to admit I was coming to respect this strange wolf/man. Sure he was prideful, pushy, and pretty much a male chauvinist, but he cared about his pack and their ability to live in harmony with humans. That commitment earned high marks in my book of what to look for in a “good” man–er–werewolf.

We spent the workday’s remaining hours interviewing the park’s diverse animal residents. None had seen the vicious intruder, though most had heard the zebra’s screams and the merciless sounds of her attacker.

The animals shared a mutual feeling of panic. The predators alone felt semi-secure. I didn’t blame them. From what I’d seen, the creature, which I now assumed was a mutant, had no qualms about his supremacy.

“Chloe, you’re thinking so hard that your brain might crack,” Zane teased.

“What are you trying to say, big guy? That my mind is fragile?” Feeling playful, I elbowed him below the ribs. I was enjoying his attention and glad for a reprieve from all the scary stuff.

The day had flown by, and I’d discovered, in spite of everything, just how much I liked his company. Having him around was enjoyable in the midst of all the madness.

“I’d never say fragile, quite the opposite. You’re very intelligent,” he said.

“Thank you.”

“And sexy.” He grinned, his eyes shifting again from brown to golden. A little growl rumbled deep in his throat.

He moved closer, until he was standing just a few inches away. I could feel his body heat and smell his enticing spicy scent.

Uncomfortable with his piercing gaze and proximity, I blurted out the one question I’d failed to ask earlier. “Are there other supernatural creatures?”

Looking surprised by my mood-deflating query, he roared with laughter, startling the nearby tigers who roared back. “If I didn’t know better, Ms. Carpenter, I’d think you were a complete innocent.”

“Excuse me? What’s wrong with being innocent?”

“Well, by the way you respond to me at times, you seem almost a prude, but the way you kissed …”

“Wait a minute, buddy, you kissed me!” How dare he? He was the one with all the untamed sexual energy.

“Yes, I kissed you. And you, Princess, kissed me back with a high level of expertise, I might add.”

Expertise? I couldn’t imagine appearing to be an expert in the kissing department. I’d never kissed a man, not even Jordon, the way I’d kissed Zane in the exam room. Did he think I was some Rhonda-type hussy?

“So, you think I’m a whore?” I protested, my fists now grinding into my hips.

“Whoa … slow down. Where in the world did you —?”

“The park will be closing in thirty minutes. Please move toward the exits, and if you’d like to visit our gift shop please do so at this time,” Luke’s voice announced via our park-wide intercom system.

“Good! This day’s done,” I quipped, turning to flee.

Grabbing my arm, Zane spun me around and pulled me with an unexpected urgency to his chest. “You never allowed me to answer your last question,” he whispered, his lips warm against my ear. “I don’t think you’re a whore, not even close. I find you beautiful, smart, sexy, and a little too headstrong, but that I can live with. And, yes, there are other supernatural beings.”

Shocked by his answer, I lifted my chin, meeting his gaze.

His eyes shimmered gold.

Figuring the color change had to do with amorous emotions I tried to pull away, afraid of succumbing to certain seduction. Intent on my surrender, his head dipped down and his lips crushed against mine, leaving me breathless as I melted against him, my tongue finding a perfect rhythm with his.

Forgetting we were in a public place, I ran my hands down his muscular arms, causing him to growl, a low feral vibration that sent shivers of pleasure everywhere at once. His skillful hands caressed my back, sliding lower.

“E-hem!” A phony throat-clearing cough interrupted his roaming hands.

Jumping back, I was more than a little miffed to see Rhonda and a fuming Jazmine standing nearby. If Rhonda knew she was playing sidekick to a werewolf in heat, she’d run the other way.

Zane took the interruption in stride, appearing unruffled, yet allowing the disapproval of his future mate to slither through his words. “Jazmine, how not-so-nice to see you again. Didn’t I make it clear enough last night that I would find you at the appointed time?”

“You should know by now that I’m not so good about following rules.” Her eyes narrowed, glowing red rather than amber. Maybe red was for pissed off. I hoped I’d be alive to ask later.

If Rhonda’s expression of hatred was any indication, I was in trouble. It was painfully clear these two women ought not to be hanging out together, with their sole focus being my demise.

Remembering my ability to listen to werewolves, I honed in on Jazmine’s thoughts. So this is the little bitch keeping my mate from me. How will he feel when she’s a mutant and he’s required to kill her? Or, I could do the killing myself.

Without pause, I flashed the thought to Zane, who heard me loud and clear. His lip curled in response. The look he shot Jazmine would have been enough to send me scurrying for safety. Her expression changed from smug defiance to fear, but was replaced by her usual haughtiness a blink later.

“I guess I’ll have to find a way to teach an old dog some of my best new tricks,” she purred, eyes gleaming at Zane. “Come on, Rhonda.”

Like the follower she was, Rhonda stomped off behind Jazmine, not quite able to keep up with her lupine counterpart.

“That’s it,” Zane said, his expression thoughtful. “You’re staying with me.”

“Crazy werewolf say what?” I mimicked my cousin’s favorite teen idol.

No way. Danger or not, I was not going straight to the dragon’s (or dog’s) lair where I’d be devoured.

“You’re not safe at home. Jazmine is wicked and conniving, and you heard as well as I did that she wants you dead or mutanized. By the way, great idea mind-messaging me.” He pointed at his head.

“Mutanized,” I forced a laugh. “Is that a real word or did you just make it up?” I, too, was thankful we could use mental communication. The ability might prove lifesaving, considering our combined list of increasing enemies.

“It’s not a word, but rather a state of being; a being that I’ll do everything in my power to keep you from becoming.” He looked so fierce and very determined. I couldn’t stop the pleasure I felt knowing his desire to keep me safe.

“What will people think?” I sputtered out of the blue, more worried about my reputation than staying alive.

“What would they think if you were killed and I had the power to protect you? In fact, maybe we should get out of town for a few days. Ever been to Vegas?” He pulled a cell phone from his back pocket before I could respond.

“Whoa, werewolf. Slow down a minute. Vegas? First it was your house, now Nevada?” This was getting ridiculous. I couldn’t go to Las Vegas.

“Logan, it’s me. Things are getting more complicated in Plum Beach; can I bring a friend who needs some serious guarding?” He paused listening. “Call Mack. We’ll need him pronto.” Zane stopped to listen. “See you soon.”

“Did you just make arrangements for both of us? Because, I sure don’t remember agreeing to your vacation plans.” My previous irritation with Zane had returned.

“Chloe, can you be reasonable? Remember when I told you there were more supernatural creatures than just werewolves? There’s a whole lot more. Right now, I’m not sure who’s slashing your local men to shreds, and I’m not even a hundred percent convinced a mutant gave your zebra that nasty hickey. I do know Jazmine, though. Trust me. I want you alive. I promise to keep my hands off you, if that’s what it takes.” His expression left no room for argument.

Jazmine’s intentions were obvious. I knew he was right. I had plenty of vacation time saved up. Luke would accept my request, especially after Will’s murder. I suspected Zane would come up with some viable explanation for himself.

“Fine, I’ll go; but you keep your hands and your paws off me.” I crossed my arms attempting to look firmer than I felt.

“Paws too, wolf’s honor.”

“Five minutes until closing. Please exit the park,” Luke announced for the final time.

“Who will watch the animals?” I’d almost forgotten with both of us gone the park’s animals would be without proper care. Not that we didn’t have other animal specialists, but no one like me.

Zane nodded. “I’ve already taken care of that. Mack and his son, Michael …”

“Mack and Michael?” I interrupted.

“They like M-names, what can I say? Anyway, Mack is a healer and Mike is another pack enforcer. They can keep an eye on things while we’re away.”

As we rushed past the exhibits, to the main office, I informed all the animals I could about our travel plans. They weren’t thrilled by my pending departure, but they’d survive — I hoped. If Mack and his son were anything like Zane, I knew they’d be well-protected.

“You two have been busy. Did you take a lunch?” Luke was hunched over his desk, doing his one-finger computer work.

I could hear subdued conversations as the other employees performed their closing duties. Closing time was traditionally filled with an overabundance of laughter.

Will’s murder had changed all that.

Zane glanced my way. Go on. Ask him.

I raised my eyebrows, hoping he’d take the lead instead.

“You’re right about no lunch. We were too busy to eat, but we still didn’t learn as much as we’d hoped to.

A good portion of the animals overheard the zebra attack, but none saw the perpetrator. I’ve got a good friend, another vet, who’ll be in town for a few days. He’s got a ton of prior investigative experience. I was hoping he and his son could help out while I’m gone,” Zane suggested.

“Gone?” Luke stopped typing and looked up. I could tell he was more than a little curious. “You just got here.”

“You do remember me mentioning my prior commitments to the casino board. There’s an emergency I have to address. I’ll be gone a few days, a week at the most.”

“Well, we’ve got Chloe and that friend of yours. We should be fine.” Luke glanced back at his notebook.

“Uh, Luke,” I squirmed. Asking for time off wasn’t easy for me under the circumstances. I was sure Luke would see through our little charade.

“What Ms. Never-Miss-Work is trying to say — I convinced her to take some much overdue time off. She’s too embarrassed to admit the murders have her shook up. Blame me. I told her to follow up on your offer for rest.” Zane shrugged his left shoulder, feigning a guilty expression.

“I can’t believe you were able to convince her. I’ve been trying for the last year. If your friends are as good as you say, we should be fine. I give you my boss’ blessing, Chloe. Go. Rest. Take a break.” He waved us off. “Get out of here. You’re stalling.”

I couldn’t leave without more assurance. “Are you …”

“He’s sure. Get going. I’ll walk you out.” Zane pressed his palm against the small of my back, guiding me to the door.

“Oh, Zane, I met your fiancé today. She’s a real pretty gal.” Luke flashed Zane the I-approve-of-your-woman smile.

Curious how Zane would pull this one off, I faced the men. Maybe werewolves were also good actors. They seemed skilled at everything else.

“She’s adorable. Although my feet are getting colder the closer the day gets.”

“Don’t let her get away.” Luke’s eyes darted my direction then away.

“Thanks for the advice. I’ll be in touch.” Zane followed me out the door.

Stepping into the parking lot, I breathed in the salty air. I felt free. I was off work. A gorgeous man slash wolf was my personal bodyguard, and we were headed to Las Vegas.

“Do I sense excitement?” Zane leaned back and sniffed, his nose twitching.

“Is it that obvious? I guess I don’t, as they say, get out much.”

“That, my Princess, is about to change.”

Before I could respond, Rhonda’s Jetta screeched out from behind the park’s company van, swerving toward us. Grabbing me up, Zane leaped over her car faster than an action hero jumping from one rooftop to another.

The wheels skidded as she spun around and raced past. I could see Jazmine in the passenger seat, her vicious laughter pouring from an open window.

Gasping, I clung to my savior. Without his werewolf reflexes, I’d be a bloody pancake on the pavement.

Not even forty-eight hours since my Monday morning commute, and my request for excitement had already been fulfilled in ways I couldn’t have predicted.

Although horrified, I’d already determined Zane’s arms provided the most excitement and protection any woman could hope to find.

***