Scorpion

by Cyndi Goodgame

It kind of made me feel good about the fact that Cas paid that close attention to all things concerning me. Other times it annoyed me, but not this time.

  The rest of the guys ordered beers all around and even had a second designating us as the drivers to go home, i.e. their homes. We sat at a table for a good ten minutes before Cord and Szar both headed off to the “little boy’s room” for a time out. Cord returned. Szar didn’t.

  “Where is Szar?” I asked.

  “How the hell would I know?”

  Who bit his wolfie butt? I sipped my soda.

  Being a twin, I called myself wanting to zone in and find him as if I should keep tabs on him like he does me. Unfortunately, I found him.

  A leggy brunette slinked around him near the bathroom like a working girl on the corner of one of those blocks where the Vampire bars are located. Heck, I was shuffled in this place so fast she might have come from a corner like that for all I knew. She wore her shirt dress shorter than what is considered a skirt and boots up to her thighs. I won’t even say what was spilling out of the top of her shirt. My brother just made me see him in a different light. That was purely disgusting.

  “You okay,” Cas screamed whispered in my ear.

  Crap. He’d followed my line of sight. Suddenly I worried that Cas had been down that road.

  “I won’t lie. I was once a sixteen year old curious teenage boy, but I was over it faster than I enjoyed it. Besides, it was just to block you out of my mind for which never seemed to work.”

  Okay. Who would argue with that? And I can’t judge him. He has never once judged me for the spite I hold for my lineage or that I was hidden from everyone but who my father deemed nonlethal.

  “Yeah. Wish my brother could grow up I guess.”

  “He was sheltered more than you realize.”

  I turned my head through the smoky filled room only to bump my forehead into his cheek. He’d been yelling all that in my ear I guessed, but it was hard to tell for all the ecstatically loud music. Good music, just loud.

  “He protected you more than you will ever know, Kissa.”

  Maybe. I watched my twin gyrate on the dance floor now with moves I never knew he had. He really was good dancer. Really good dancer.

  “Where did he learn to dance like that?” I asked Cas but Cord decided he needed to interject and fill me with his knowledge.

  “Here.”

  Assuming he knew this because he was also a patron of this place I honed out my Stace surveillance to pick up the clues I’d apparently ignored. Calum sat quiet beside me just watching. I knew he was new to the place too. He and I were beside each other in the car discussing going to clubs and such. For all his brute force and solid intelligence, he was sheltered some too.

  “And you know this because you also are not necessarily a first time guest here tonight?” I didn’t look at Cord till my last word. He smiled a very experienced smile looking away from me to the dance floor. I didn’t want to know anymore.

  “Your boyfriend here knows just as much.”

  Lava boiled up fast and spewed underneath the table. I kicked the freaking tar out of Cord’s shin without my body moving a single inch above the table surface. Tears brimmed his eyes, but he didn’t say another thing.

  Play nice, Kissa.

  “Then why did you bring me here?” I screamed. He tried to take my hand under the table and I pulled free and scooted away.

  He didn’t say anything at first and I never saw him stand. I saw the button of his button fly jeans flash in front of me. I followed the line of buttons up the all in black look he always held giving off the easy appearance of the man he was, or creature. He just screamed bad and scary, but I knew the truth. I arrived at the eyes reminding myself that those same eyes didn’t seem to look like that at anyone or anywhere else.

  Nor do they desire too.

  Gods, I need to block.

  “Will you dance with me?” he asked all huskily.

  No way, Cas. I’m not like...I looked around indicating what moved around us...those girls. If that’s what you want, then have at it. But I’m leaving.

  I want you.

  Then why are we here?

  Humor me.

  “NO!” I screamed out loud at him.

  His glance to our table partners sent some kind of message I couldn’t read and he gently pulled me to the side of the table out of their earshot and peripheral.

  His mouth came to my ear where he very cleverly blew hot air and pressed a sweet kiss on my neck that he knew would throw my balance off.

  “I want you,” he breathed in a whisper yell.

  “Here? And this is not like...you.”

  Humor me.

  “Why?”

  He was getting impatient but I didn’t care. He was being weird.

  “Anastacia. I want to be closer to you and this is the only way I can get it right now.”

  Ohhhhhh...why can’t we do this somewhere else...more private.

  “Trust me, no one will even notice us.”

  I didn’t know what that meant, but if he needs this, why not. He slinked through the bodies far from the guys at the table and far from my slutty brother.

  Someone tapped Cas and he kept a death grip on my arm. He leaned into the Vampire “person” who spoke to him very businesslike. I waited and watched.

  My name was spoken in the vicinity making my head spin in the direction I thought it came from, but all I saw where two Elf half-breeds, a mangy unkempt Vamp who needed a bath, and some other creature I couldn’t name. They all kind of looked mixed in some ways like all the mammas and daddies were from different factions and therefore making them undistinguishable on what race they favored most.

  I zeroed in but looked away to show disinterest in hope that they would continue without me.

  “Mr. B found the silver sword right where they said. Said the Godslayer would take care of the annoying witch who plagues all of us. If this damn Valkyrie princess thinks she can just move in and take over all the factions,” the nameless creature pounded his fists together, “then she has another thing coming to her. They will call her Anastacia the dead witch who had her voodoo sent to hell and will pay for her heresy.”

  Harsh realities were nothing new to me, but being called a voodoo witch who wanted to go all Hitler on the supernatural factions was far from what I expected of Borgon. Did he believe that? Is he just spreading a rumor or did he really fear me that much?

  Movement behind me made my uneasy. Hands kept touching places I didn’t want to be touched at.

  “Hello,” something warm and sticky breathed in my ear. I rubbed my ear against my sleeve to make a point hoping said “sticky words” would move on.

  “Ditch the bore and dance with me!”

  Cas was busy. I peeked under my hair to see him, even readied my knife hidden in the fold of my skirt under the fake belt on the front.

  The guy in question had a distance in his eyes and I was sure he was on something. He then made a very crude, inappropriate comment that I won’t repeat.

  Smack!

  I felt the wind swoosh by my face as Cas went in for round two, his eyes lit up with the familiar rage I knew he harnessed for those who truly made him show his true colors.

  “If you touch her one more time Pinion I will cut you into pieces.”

  Pinion was on the floor licking his wounds, or said lip. “Sorry my lord. I didn’t see that she was yours. She is not marked.”

  That caught my attention. If it meant what I thought than, Eww!

  “Leave here and never come back to my club.”

  My club? Ricky has some ‘splaining to do.

  The Vamp talking to Cas before was gone and now I was wound like a spinner back into Cas arms. The many Vampires that stood around us now, were watching and likely holding their breath. The one on the floor was being hauled off and removed. Excitement died after that and the regular scheduled entertainment resumed. It really seemed like it might be a reoccurring thing and I probab
ly didn’t want to dwell on that too long.

  “Did he touch you?” Cas’ face blinked into Vampire mode for the briefest of seconds.

  “No. You saved me.” I smiled and left out what else I’d heard. Cas wanted to have a good time tonight and I didn’t want to ruin it more.

  Among the throngs of movement, Cas laced both hands on my hips, low. I plucked both my own hands off my sides and wrapped them around his neck clasping my hands to hold me up in case he started something I couldn’t keep up with. Our faces were close. Our bodies closer.

  The music changed to a slower tempo, but not slow music dancing. It was more like the kind of music you imagine druggies spacing out too. Cas started swaying to the music and in a sense holding me up with his hands. Wait! I was up. He had me up two inches in the air, pressed against him, and moving in a way that I’d seen Baby and Patrick Swayze made famous. Oh no!

  He moved a little faster. This was...

  I was getting warm. Too warm. Before I knew it, my body was swinging in the beat and enjoying every single sexy look that Cas kept throwing me.

  Okay. So this was...reassuringly distracting. He was a better dancer than Szar from what I’d seen earlier and could feel now. I wondered then if this is where Szar was always going. In fact, I could see the appeal of coming here and dancing off the stress of life itself like this but not with just anyone. Not anyone but Cas.

  And that’s why I wanted to do this. I only want to do this with you.

  But you’ve done this before.

  He danced a while longer.

  And that bothers you? He twirled my upper body around in the air-like and then brought me back to him.

  Well, yes. I don’t like the idea that you ever did this with another girl.

  I feel the same. I never knew their names or anything else.

  I glared. That doesn’t make me feel better. Really.

  As long as it will always be with me from now on.

  He stopped mid step and looked me straight in the eyes. I am completely in love with you, Anastacia. If you go near another man, I will kill him.

  Well. Same to you Mr. Cassius Cross.

  He relaxed and molded into me.

  This is your club?

  He stiffened. Yes.

  And you come here often?

  His lips left my neck and his face was in front of mine again. Kissa. Don’t do this.

  This was one of those dangerous angles of the part played by Lord Cassius Thorn Cross. Secrets.

  It serves it purpose.

  I hated the thought of him here with a bunch of half dressed girls whatever creature they may be. I jerked out of his arms trying to get away back to the table to hide my jealousy. Unfortunately, the stupid powerful emotion wheel gave me away.

  It serves as an information highway. The stupid get drunk. The stupid talk. It’s how we find the leads we do. And Stace, my men do most of the work. I am only here tonight with you and that’s all it will ever be if that’s what you need. My men take care of things.

  From that moment, I let myself go and went back to dance a little on the wild side. I enjoyed every single second. Not even the broody male companions I came with could damper my mood.

  Chapter Nineteen

  I would challenge you to a battle of wits...

  The next day and the next were brutal and invigorating at the same time. We practiced better together and had some semblance of getting along. Until the very next day.

  I knew I was imperfect, far from this leader type they kept pinning me to be. But I once heard that if you don’t recognize your shortcomings, you can’t find the answers to correct them.

  “Trust me, it’s a guy thing. You needn’t worry your pretty little blonde head about it,” Cord offered.

  “Whatever WBD!” He was just sore I’d won the throwing contest for knives and the axe. I didn’t think I would have him on the axe because he was just that good, but I did and all the boys starting strutting around lately when they beat me at something. So when I confronted him that was his response.

  “WBD. That means what to you gorgeous, Weally Bad Dude?”

  I smiled devilishly. “Wouldn’t you like to know?” I loved throwing puzzles out to him. He even cocked his head to the side and forced me to picture perked up German Shepard ears atop his head.

  He followed throwing out fear and doubt. Why doubt? Oh, doubting himself. He didn’t want to looked upon as badly by me. So why does he act the way he does with me?

  He just wants your approval.

  Approval? Hardly. Arrogant ass.

  Kissa. We all do. They made you the owner of four men who feel like they should be taking care of you. And it seems all too often you’re intervening for us.

  I returned the axe and doubled a look backwards with my head towards him thinking, my finger landing on my jaw. You think I don’t know you guys are the baddest bunch of god-like men around?

  He smiled.

  Szar pulled me out of my mind weaved conversation. “You guys can do that later in the privacy of darkness. Spare us the mind sex and—

  “SZAR!” I bellowed before he could finish. Hello!

  He snorted and walked away laughing like he does.

  “Group meeting in the middle.” They all looked at me like I’d gone mad, but they went to the middle of the room. Once there, I positioned myself and looked up at all my manly men. “First, let’s get something straight. I think all four of you could kick ass around anyone outside this room and then some. Second, I am very thankful for everything you’ve done for me and will do in the future. Third, I’m not all that without you no matter what pedestal you four keep painting me on. It takes a dang team. If we work together...well who knows.” I paused for them to catch up to my line of thinking. Boys are like this. “And fourth, I need a PMS partner so I’ve invited Maze to join us on our next meet. This much testosterone is giving me the jitters. Any objections? Because if you say no, I will not accept that.”

  No one answered. They all just stared with a mystified look in each of their eyes. Suddenly, I recalled my ancestry. The magic of the Valkyrie blood was leading the way. I was glad I followed Cas’ requests of wearing my jeans and tee because it seemed they all were looking me over a little much, except Szar. He was laughing again as usual. And nervously I saw the glint in Cas’ eyes return from our repeat performance of “thudding” outside as Szar called it. I checked Calum. Yep! Cord. Yep! I didn’t do anything to get them this way. Heck!

  “Well, any objections?” They were pulled from their spell. “Goddess of my world, you all need some dang girlfriends. Quit looking at me like that.” I turned to Cas and pointed. “Except you.” I sidled up to him and pressed against the front of him. That probably wasn’t a good idea, but I wanted him to know he was mine. Forget that maybe he was under some spell cast out by an undirected target. I wasn’t doing it on purpose. And many other Valkyrie girls do the same. Either way, I vowed to find a way to be sure he was mine because he wanted to and not spellbound.

  I want way more from you than what can be displayed in front of an audience.

  Cas said this only to me and I wondered what would be okay on display in front of an audience. I couldn’t see myself making out with others watching, but then again I’d never felt so entangled in one person as I do Cassius Cross.

  “Anastacia. Sis. You are not the girl I knew.” I turned to see Szar doing a naughty, naughty sign with his fingers. What did I do that was so bad really that wasn’t in my head?

  “I was hidden from the world Szar. Imprisoned!”

  Cas and Szar exchanged one of those strange looks like they did reminding me they had a long history together that seemed so often focused on saving me.

  Calum rescued me and pulled himself out of the smoke and oakum they think I pulled but was really oblivious too. “She just doesn’t know the power she holds, does she?”

  At least, I think that was a rescue.

  All nodded their heads and walked in different directions
.

  Time flew and everyone was tired. I was excited for Maze to come, so I set up the bow and arrow range outside the warehouse since that was her favorite. We all couldn’t hurt from the practice even though no one had chosen it for their main weapon.

  Calum pounded the punching bag like it was twitching close to death and needed another hit to put it out forever. He could take anything on with his bare hands I determined, hence a Hunter.

  I heard Cord and Cas talking low in the corner when I came in to start cleaning up. I saw Cord shoot me a death glare and was tempted to go with it, but chose not to and walked to straighten and clean my knives. I needed to sharpen them, but not today.

  I was supposed to be this great know-all goddess who would lead us into peace, yet I still seemed to only cause havoc among the ones who would help me. I was not a pro with pep talks or encouraging moments and well, I couldn’t deal out my own to start with.

  Cord’s body was sending out some pretty heavy anger waves and then like that, dissipated into something else. Desire. Uh, oh! Cord arched toward me.

  “I can take care of you better than they can even with the perfect proportions you say I have,” Cord said close enough that it tickled my ear.

  “Not by a long shot, Cord!” What the heck did that really mean?

  Cas, what did you tell him? He’s...he’s...help.

  Cas’ hand shot out to hold him back, though he was just across the room. Cord’s anger returned and mixed with the other emotion.

  “What else have you observed about me?” Cord pulled apart and growled at Cas every bit the spewing pot of venom that his personality oozed.

  Cas yapped at him stamping his foot on the edge of the sparring mats, “Fitting, wolf boy.”

  “That’s just it, Stace.”

  “Yee gods, I didn’t know you knew my name.” I fluttered my eyelids and hands alike in mock shock. This conversation really didn't make sense.

  “Were Barbie Doll? What the hell kind of cry of passion is that?” Cord breathed too close to me.

  “Well,” I was cornered but I managed a glare at Cas for spilling, “I think you’re very charming and plastic looking...like Ken.”