I Kissed a Dog

by Carol Van Atta

  Considering my unpleasant history with the human male, it was difficult to establish what exactly was keeping me from embracing the werewolf resting beside me.

  Two hours later, we waited vigilantly with our fellow passengers at the luggage carrousel. Suitcase after suitcase rolled by, the majority of them black. Zane spotted his bags first and separated them from the sea of similar baggage. I followed suit, recognizing my old beat-up case and travel bag. Prepared to snatch mine from the circling belt, I was startled when a pale hand beat me to them.

  Alcuin! I never thought I’d be so pleased to see a vampire.

  “I thought you two might want to avoid six hours in a rental car,” Alcuin said, setting my bags on the floor.

  Zane relaxed, smiling his approval.

  His response caused my heart to do little somersaults. I hated to admit how much I disliked seeing him unhappy. I was spending so much time worried about him exerting his power over me that I’d failed to acknowledge the extent of my influence over him.

  “You’re such a mind reader,” Zane joked, still grinning at his friend.

  Alcuin stopped.

  Standing stiffly; he looked over the rims of his dark sunglasses and focused his piercing gaze on my neck. Self-consciously, I started to reach up, and just as quickly dropped my hand, fighting not to fidget under his sudden scrutiny.

  Ignoring my discomfort, he walked a slow circle around me, sniffing like a dog. “Something is different about you,” he stated without emotion.

  “I’m mated to Zane now,” I said trying to sound pleasant; certain he had used his supernatural senses to detect a lingering trace of Valamir.

  I glanced at Zane who appeared puzzled by his friend’s actions.

  “We’re married, and I’m marked. That’s what you’re feeling,” Zane clarified, allowing his amber eyes to rake over me, sending the usual trails of heat down my spine.

  Feigning indifference, I shrugged, turning my attention to my purse that I pretended to search. It was hard not to feel ruffled with the two of them intently staring.

  “Where are we going when we get back in town?” I decided to change the subject while applying the lip gloss I’d managed to retrieve. We hadn’t talked about our future plans other than publicly announcing our marriage.

  At last, after another endless moment of examination, Alcuin turned away. “She has a good question.”

  I allowed relief to wash over me as we returned to a more normal line of conversation. I couldn’t help feeling as if I’d escaped the lion’s den without a scratch — this time, anyway.

  Miraculously, Zane took the bait too. “We need to go to Chloe’s place first. We’ll figure out the next step from there.”

  Finding a secluded spot away from the airport crowds, we team-teleported back to my beach house in Florence. It appeared I’d conquered all disagreeable reactions to my latest mode of traveling. On the down side, I hated to admit that I was getting quite comfortable going wherever I wanted with the blink of an eye. This was no I Dream of Genie, though. All the blinking was courtesy of my new fanged friend.

  Glancing again at Alcuin, I concluded that in addition to my newfound acceptance of teleportation, I had indeed misplaced some essential memories back in Vegas.

  Although different in appearance, Alcuin reminded me of the regal vampire — Valamir. I could still recall his haunting face. My neck tingled just thinking about our short time together in the bar. I wished I could confide in Alcuin, but I didn’t dare. Not now. I had no idea how he would respond, and I wanted, at all cost, to avoid the negative impact that discussing the ancient vampire would have on Zane.

  Seeing Zane’s bulky form in my living room yanked me back to the moment.

  To begin with, Luke would be shocked to see us strolling into work hand in hand. Just imagining the expression on his face when he heard the “good news” was enough to send me to bed for a month. Yet as anxious as I was about my boss’ reaction to my shotgun wedding, I was more concerned about Jazmine and the mutants. Considering how they’d tracked me all the way to Sin City, preparing to combat future attacks on the home front seemed prudent.

  “Your bags are on your bed,” Zane said from behind.

  Just the silky sound of his voice was like liquid honey to my ears, calming my jumbled thoughts. I wished he’d forget his vow and take me in his arms. Somehow, though, I understood as difficult as it was for him to resist, he meant business this time. I’d have to make the first move.

  “Thanks,” I half-whispered, looking for Alcuin. “Where’d our transporter disappear to?” I was beginning to understand that vampires were prone to popping in and out at will. They didn’t seem too inclined to explain their whereabouts, and I wasn’t sure if knowing was such a good idea.

  “Even though he can survive the daylight, he prefers the dark. I suspect he’s taking a vampire rest.” Zane shrugged.

  I almost asked what a vampire rest entailed, but decided against it. We had more important things to deal with.

  The blinking light on my archaic answering machine caught my attention. Curious, I darted around Zane’s bulky mass and hit the button.

  “You have three new messages …”

  “Hi, Chloe. It’s me, Luke. I know you’re out of town, but I wanted you to know it’s been real quiet since you left. No new murders. So far, no new leads either. At least, we’ve had some peace.

  Zane’s friends have done a great job. They installed new security cameras, and, the even better news — they’ve agreed to stay on as additional security until we get a handle on our animal attacker. Well, I miss you.”

  Before I could ponder his words, the second message was retrieved. “You little whore. So you can talk to animals. How quaint. Have they told you how you’re going to die like a slaughtered cow? You should ask around, clues can be found in the oddest places.”

  Hitting the pause button, I faced Zane, surprised by my detached observation. “That voice … it’s familiar, but I can’t place it. It sounded like he was trying to disguise himself.”

  “Another reason why we’ll be staying at my place until this is resolved. The M’s can remain here.” Seeing my narrowed eyes he added, “My promise of chastity extends to my bedroom. Besides, living together makes more sense in light of our recent matrimony. We are man and wife.”

  More like wolf and woman, I almost said, but stopped myself. He was trying to be kind and protective.

  The final message belonged to my always-anxious mother. “Honey, it’s me. Where are you? Are you in some kind of trouble? Two men stopped by yesterday asking for you. I told them you didn’t live here. They were very nice-looking, but a little on the grouchy side. Do you owe money? If you do, please don’t be afraid to ask for help. Your father and I understand how hard these economic times are. Your machine’s cutting me off …”

  I sighed, dreading the next conversation with my parents. I wondered if they’d called work looking for me. If so, they’d blown my cover with Luke to smithereens. Why I still cared was a mystery. He’d know my marital status within the hour, if he didn’t already.

  “I told you that not telling your folks was best,” Zane said carefully, watching for my reaction to the latest message.

  Instead of snapping back at his I-told-you-so comment, I lifted the phone.

  Before it was halfway to my ear, Zane took it from me. “Not now, Chloe. You can call them later. Let’s get your stuff and get out of here. We need to connect with Mack and Michael, not to mention, our boss.”

  I had to agree. Home no longer felt safe. I wondered what returning to work would feel like.

  I’d know soon enough.

  Chapter 1911

  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 jeal
ousy 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 advanc
e 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.