“Short version,” Mack interrupted.
“I’m just trying to give a little background. Anyway, these blood drinkers formed their own clan and became nomads traveling from place to place in order to avoid detection. They hunted solely at night and stayed hidden during daylight hours. This pattern caused them to become what legends often refer to as children of the night.
Like most creatures, though, there are exceptions to the rule. Some vampires can survive during the day. They have to wear sunglasses to cover their light-sensitive eyes, but nowadays, they blend in. Sure, they’re paler than the normal person, but they are beautiful to look at.”
“Do they still drink human blood?” I was fascinated.
“There are different populations of vampires. Some have found a way to exist on animal blood. Others feed off criminals. And, yes, there are still vampires that thrive on seducing humans. A few have specialized powers like flying, mindreading, mind control, even the ability to teleport from one place to another.”
“Is that how you got here so fast?” I asked, reminded of their unconventional travel method.
Michael’s eyes darted to Mack, who turned to Zane.
“Well?” I looked toward Zane since he seemed to be my sole hope of an honest answer to this particular question.
“A vampire friend teleported them here. We work closely with some of the vampires,” Zane admitted with reluctance.
“The vegetarians and the ones who feed off the bad guys,” Michael explained, as if my knowing that little tidbit would make their partnership more tolerable.
Curious to know more than he was revealing, I pushed through Michael’s ineffective mental barrier. He was recalling the memory of teleporting. An attractive twenty-something man, with black sunglasses, rested his hands on Michael and his father. In a blink, they vanished. The next picture revealed the three of them standing by Zane’s mailbox.
“There was a vampire here?” The idea repulsed me. Vegetarian or not, the image of a bloodsucker was just too much. Maybe a vampire had attacked Missy. “The zebra’s blood …”
“No,” Zane said. “Like werewolves and well-behaved mutants, human-owned animals are off limits for vampires to hunt”
“I thought you said there were exceptions to the rules. Maybe a rogue vampire?” I wasn’t convinced.
“We’re done with this discussion. You’re going to have to trust me, Chloe. I will protect you. You know more than any human should. This knowledge puts you in greater danger.”
“You can’t make up your mind, can you?” I snapped; regretting my disrespectful tone in front of his guests.
“I think it’s best you get some sleep,” he said, his irritation obvious. “I’ll wake you in time for our flight.”
Wishing I could teleport far away from the scrutinizing gazes of three werewolves, one in particular, I struggled up from the sunken couch and rammed my little toe against the coffee table’s protruding leg. Refusing to acknowledge the biting pain, I hobbled to the bedroom door, where I tripped over a tear in the worn carpet and found myself sailing across the room. I collided with the bed, face first.
My clumsiness was becoming quite the nuisance. Humiliated more than hurt, I dragged myself onto the bed. Zane’s musky scent enveloping me.
“Are you all right?”
I didn’t need to look to know Zane was hovering above me. I heard the door click shut.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to challenge your pack authority. I …”
“Chloe, you’re not a werewolf. I’m not your leader. I appreciate the sentiment, but both Mack and Michael realize you’re human. Humans aren’t even supposed to know we exist, let alone understand our code of behavior.” He lowered himself to sit beside me.
“You deserve to know the rest. The supernatural population is diverse; our history is extensive, and far more complex than I could begin to explain right now. Just know there is an unnoticed world right in the midst of yours. Other than angels and demons, werewolves, mutants, and vampires are the largest sub-groups, though there are many others. We go to great lengths to remain anonymous, but as you know, scores of stories and myths about our kind exist. Though many are false, due to our meddling, some contain bits of truth.
There are indeed humans who do know about us. Some are more sensitive to the supernatural. Others hunt us.
Most of us try to live amongst your kind in peace, even protecting your race. But, like humans, we have our own bad guys. Covering their tracks in order to maintain our anonymity while making sure justice is served are top priorities.”
“Really?” I rolled over and sat up, feeling vulnerable lying down with him so near. “I feel inadequate, lost even. This is all so overwhelming. I keep forgetting it isn’t a dream.” A fresh wave of uncertainty threatened to drag me under.
“You’re not inadequate. It’s not a dream. I’m real. And you’re very, very real.” He cupped my face.
The kiss was different from the others. He handled me like a fragile treasure, pressing kisses across my cheeks, eyelids, and forehead. I clung to him like a life preserver, afraid if I let go I’d drown.
All I wanted was him.
Sensing my need, he found my mouth and pulled me onto his lap. The electrical current of insatiable desire, raging like a wildfire between us, exceeded any pleasure I’d ever experienced. I wondered if a vampire’s need for blood surpassed my need for this half-man half wolf. Somehow I doubted it.
I loosened the leather cord that bound his hair, releasing an avalanche of raven waves. I wound my fingers through the dark mane. His hands mimicked mine, clutching and pulling my curls as our kiss deepened.
A little moan escaped my lips, surprising me. I’d never felt so out of control.
Forgetting my virginal vow, I let my hands trail down, reveling in the sensation of his muscular arms under my fingertips. His skin was fiery hot and smooth. The musky, earthy scent that was all Zane wrapped around me.
“Are you sure, Princess?” He whispered; his golden eyes focused on my face.
Unable to tear myself from his gaze, I responded by scooting off his lap and stretching out beside him. Faster than lightning, he positioned himself just above me, his hair spilling around my face. When he lowered his mouth to my neck, I arched, winding my arms around him, pulling him closer.
“Zane! We’ve got company!” Mack bellowed from the front room.
Zane, on his feet in an instant, commanded: “Into the closet! Go! Now!”
I was frozen on the bed, unable to obey. My body felt like melting butter, ready for loving not running.
Then the funny rippling thing was happening all around him. Terrified to see him again in his wolf form, I sprang toward the closet.
Crouched below several long-sleeved shirts and jackets, I reached with shaking hands for the doorknob, but hesitated. Zane had morphed into a humongous, sable, wolf–like creature. His thick fur spiked outward, making him appear even more formidable. A menacing growl rippled through him, a chilling challenge to anyone or anything foolish enough to mess with him.
For a time-stopping moment, he was motionless like a statue. His ears twitched, followed by another deep rumble. Slamming through the bedroom door, he shattered it into pieces.
Chapter 127
I heard the roars and snarls and flashed into Zane’s mind. No brick wall in sight.
Trying to make sense of the morphing images was difficult, and I struggled through a minute of dizziness before honing in on the repulsive scene. Zane was flanked by a smaller russet wolf and a large grey beast. With their lips curled back, the three looked beyond intimidating.
“I knew what you were the first time we met.” A woman stepped into the werewolves’ path.
I couldn’t fathom why any sane human would face off with the feral purebreds.
For a split second, the scene vanished as a crimson haze shaded my eyes, and then everything morphed. I was no longer watching the action as an observer.
I. Was. There
.
I could see through Zane’s eyes as if they were my own.
Curious, I shifted my vision and glanced down to confirm I was once again viewing my own reality — inside the closet. Then, with what felt like a mental flip of a switch, I was back inside Zane’s viewpoint ¯ amazing.
Watching the woman approach through Zane’s eyes was beyond peculiar. Everything remained tinted beneath a reddish film. I could still identify natural colors, but his vision was altered while he was in wolf form.
My ability had evolved from hearing and seeing Zane’s thoughts. I was now able to hitch a ride through his senses — all of them. His fury slithered through me like a spiraling serpent.
Before I could further explore our advanced connection, the woman took another very foolish step forward.
Recognition dawned; it was Detective Davis from Will’s house. The woman who’d scrutinized Zane. As before, an overpowering need to protect him rose up inside me.
“I’m alone. Feel free to change back so we can chat,” she suggested casually, unafraid of the ferocious wolves, who even on all fours reached her chest.
Don’t do it, Zane. Something’s wrong. I forced my warning into Zane’s mind.
No kidding. Can you sense anyone else?
My initial reaction was no, but I concentrated harder. There was something about this woman that just wasn’t right. She didn’t seem human, yet she wasn’t an animal.
I probed her mind. She stiffened, her eyes darting around the yard. I couldn’t see or hear her thoughts; but was assaulted by her emotions — the primary an overwhelming sense of confidence. There was just a hint of well-warranted fear. Everything else seemed hazy and like jumbled puzzle inside her mind. I pulled out, troubled by what I’d felt.
Not human, but something else. I silenced my mind and listened, knowing I might be searching for another creature like her.
Sure enough, similar to last night at the bar, I located the energy of several unidentified beings. They waited in the shadows by an old pole barn. I could sense their tension and eagerness to join the group.
There are more of whatever she is. They’re hiding by the barn. What are they?
I don’t have a clue. This is something new.
“Are you trying to figure me out, wolf?” she asked, keeping her gaze fixed on Zane. “Because you won’t.”
Another threatening rumble was his response.
Unable to control my increasing anxiety, I slipped from the closet.
What did his neighbors think about these strange happenings? I’d remember to ask Zane more about his living arrangements, later, after this current wave of danger passed … if it passed.
Ahead of me, the front door yawned open, revealing the three wolves facing Detective Davis. I couldn’t hear what she was saying, but she was gesturing dramatically. The wolves continued that low throat rumble that I’d come to recognize as a major warning signal. I was surprised the detective wasn’t minus her head or at least a limb by now.
Crouching low, I peered out the open door.
“You, my dear, should have stayed in the closet,” said a pleasant but unfamiliar voice.
Bewildered more than scared, I turned to face the source of the deep British accent, which under normal circumstances, I would have found enticing.
“You’re the vampire,” I whisper-hissed at the sight of his pallid face so close to mine. His eyes were a shocking blue, like pools of liquid turquoise. I recognized him as the teleporter.
“So glad you noticed.” His mouth bowed into a wide grin revealing two gleaming fangs.
“Your teeth are so white.” I couldn’t help myself. I’d never seen such polished teeth. Maybe vampires had their own special teeth-whitening products.
“You’re the first human in five centuries to comment on the whiteness of my teeth. They’re more focused on their sharpness,” he paused, inhaling. “I must say, Chloe, you smell divine.”
Unsure whether to thank him or scream; I decided to acknowledge his fangs with flattery. “Your fangs are so sharp, and you know my name. Are you friend or foe?” I figured I’d know the answer to the second question soon enough, but his polite demeanor stirred just enough courage for me to ask.
“My name is Alcuin. I was named after the British scholar known as the ‘Alcuin of York.’ As for your second query, in this case, I am friend; though that could change rather quickly depending on the circumstances.”
I exhaled; relieved at least for the moment the vampire was a friend. He remained crouched just behind me, stirring something akin to desire, yet nothing like what I felt with Zane.
“I find you quite desirable as well, Ms. Chloe. Should you tire of the wolf, I’m available,” he whispered closer to my neck now.
“All righty, moving on now to the standoff outside,” I winced, ashamed of my impure thoughts. “What’s happening? Why are they here? And, what are they?”
“Direct, aren’t you?” Alcuin nodded his approval. “The woman who calls herself, Detective Davis, is a supernatural-hybrid. I’ve just recently detected their existence.”
“I don’t understand.” It didn’t help that my latest companion didn’t seem to know anything more than I did.
“Maybe the faes have decided to get involved, or …”
“As in Faeries?” My brain had reached the shutdown point hours ago. The vampire’s attempt to explain what he didn’t understand added to my frayed nerves. I knew that Tinker Bell wasn’t one of the faeries he was referring to.
“Oh, my. You’ve assimilated far too much information for one day.” Sounding sympathetic, he turned his attention back to the scene outside.
Following his gaze, I spotted four shadowy figures skulking around the pole barn. Somehow I’d miscounted. “Zane! Lookout!” I screamed, realizing too late how ridiculous my warning was. The werewolves would have spotted the intruders long before I did.
Every werewolf and hybrid head swung my way. I could see Detective Davis’ eyes glowing blood red. “Uh oh,” I fell back.
“It’s a good thing I stuck around. Hold on!” My new vampire friend yanked me to his hard chest, squeezing me close. Unlike Zane’s extreme warmth, he was icy cold.
Fighting not to vomit, I squeezed my eyelids shut as we spun in what felt like every direction at once. A deafening buzzing, like a million bumble bees gone mad, wrapped around us. Then ‒ nothing.
“Please don’t throw up on my shoes,” Alcuin pleaded.
Not bothering to see where we’d landed, I bent forward, hands on my knees and retched. Considering the lack of complaints, I assumed I’d missed his treasured shoes.
“I didn’t have time to prepare you for your first teleport.”
“No kidding,” I gagged again.
“Since I can guess your next question will include something about where we are, look around.”
With caution, I inched up into a semi-standing position. Because of a low, slanted roof, I was unable to stand.
“We’re in a tree house,” I concluded, able to see the pole barn in the distance.
“I figured you’d want to remain close to your wolf, and knowing Zane, he’d be none too happy had I taken you elsewhere. You, however, need to gain better control of your emotions should you continue to associate with us.”
As usual, my intense emotional responses were not earning me brownie points. Deciding to ignore the angry words threatening to explode at my latest rescuer, I strained my eyes seeking the werewolves.
Sensing my dilemma, Alcuin leaned out the tiny entrance and stared into the distance. “They’re gone.”
“The strangers?” I hoped.
“They delivered their message.” He said minus expression.
“Bring her down!” Zane commanded from the darkness below. “Alcuin! Now!”
“He’s so bossy,” I apologized, but had to admit I was relieved to hear his voice.
“Don’t I know?” the vampire agreed.
“I heard that,” Zane grumbled.
“Of course you did,” Alcuin said. “May I?” He extended a pale hand.
I stared at it reluctantly, afraid to take hold. “We’re not …” My stomach responded with a lurch.
“No, Doll, we’re not teleporting. We’re jumping.”
***
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 Kissed a Dog Page 9
