Kougar, Savanna - Kandy Apple and Her Hellhounds (Siren Publishing Ménage Amour)

by Savanna Kougar

  Kandace clutched his neck, molding herself tightly against him. As their tongues tangoed seductively, she gave his hair impassioned tugs. Goddess, she could never get enough of him. Never.

  Eventually, Zin slowed their tempo. Both of them knew the time had arrived to subdue their desires. Still, the demanding play of his lips continued to curl her mound curls, never mind her toes.

  When their lips finally broke apart, their pants were loud and fast.

  “Oh, Zin.”

  Am I interrupting? Zol drily mind-spoke.

  Instantly, pictures of food streamed through Kandace’s mind like a badly shot cooking show. Hunger grabbed her stomach with iron claws so that she straightened away from Zin.

  “One of everything. Ooooh, especially the pumpkin bread, please.” With her mouth watering, she telepathed, Hurry back!

  She heard Zol’s amused laughter. I’m jumping jack flash, darling.

  Feeling him disconnect their minds, Kandace squirmed, and told her appetite to be patient. “What am I thinking? We could go meet Zol.” She gazed at Zin, expecting him to agree.

  “Not a good idea, Kandy love. The less we are noticed, the less the Twilight Mirage is seen, the easier it becomes to manage the timeline. However,” Zin reached around her, touching on the engine, “we will meet him near the street.”

  With one arm around her, and one hand on the steering wheel, Zin backed the Twilight Mirage, then wheeled in the direction Zol had taken.

  As they crept forward, Kandace voiced what she knew intuitively. “The faster we get home, the better.”

  “Yes. Destiny being what it is, darling.”

  “Destiny,” she murmured as her memory surfaced, streaming before her mind’s eye. “I heard my Enduoir mother before Hades exploded us out of the warehouse.”

  Kandace paused, her anguish returning. “She said, Soon. However, you will have to choose. But she didn’t finished speaking. So I don’t know the rest of her communication.”

  Zin stopped near the sidewalk. To Kandace’s bewilderment, he stilled as if he’d been sorcery-paralyzed again. She leaned against his arm, turning so she could read his expression. “What’s wrong?”

  “Destiny,” he repeated. Kandace frowned at how wooden his voice sounded. “I am forbidden to interfere in the destiny you choose, my beautiful Kandy.”

  Even though her gut clenched and she felt a jolt, Kandace didn’t receive an intuitive message. “I don’t think I understand.” Palming his jaw, she held, then caressed his face.

  Suddenly coming to life again, Zin gave her a cocksure, Cary Grant grin. His eyes sparked with that same blue flame she’d seen when they’d sandwiched her between the two of them, her Tuxedo Twins, her hellhounds.

  Goddess, freaking and frakking wow, how her life had changed. She’d been spun around faster than that poor little heroine in Poltergeist. So too bad a witch with her powers hadn’t been included in the movie. A toasted and roasted demon, that would have been the ending.

  Still confused, though, Kandace frowned. “Destiny,” she uttered to discover Zin’s reaction. “Is there something I should know?”

  “You should know, Kandy Apple, you are our one witch. Zol and I adore you.” Something primal yet mysterious flickered in the depths of his obsidian-black eyes. “We shall always adore you.”

  Aware the passenger door opened, Kandace didn’t look away from Zin. She couldn’t, despite the appetizing aromas tempting her stomach.

  “We shall always adore you,” Zol echoed.

  Unease filled her, but her hunger pangs won out. Kandace switched her gaze to Zol. He gave her a quick grin, then deposited a large sack to one side of the seat. With his usual suave athleticism, he folded himself inside the low-slung car while perfectly balancing the other sack.

  Kandace shook her head in wonder at him.

  “Time for a dining feast, my sweet Kandy.”

  Once he’d stowed the sack behind the center console, Zol reached for her. As he settled her on his lap, his touch was firm, yet oh-so tender, and Kandace reveled in it.

  “Oh, it smells yummy. I think starvation has set in. Chicken?”

  Kandace bounced forward, retrieving the top box as Zin rolled out onto the street, cruising back the way they’d arrived.

  “Halloween Bloody Remains’ chicken wings.” Zol’s playful, yet raspy tone competed with her hunger.

  “Oh, thank the Goddess for all of this bounty. And for my hellhounds.”

  Kandace nearly ripped the tabs off the lid opening the box. She stared at the tomato-ey, mushroom-y guacamole mixture and salivated like crazy. “I’ve never felt this bloodthirsty for wings.”

  Picking up one of the drummettes, Zol held it to her lips. Kandace didn’t hesitate, devouring it. Plucking up the next one, she ate with relish. In record time, she polished off the “bloody remains,” licking her fingers frequently.

  “Omygawd, I was starving.” On a silly whim, she waved a bone, asking, “Are cooked chicken bones bad for hellhounds like they are for dogs?”

  Zol reached around her, lifting out a smaller container. But Zin barked a laugh, even as he carefully passed the semi truck ahead of them. “Chicken stock, darling. More pleasing to the palate.”

  “Yes, stock, indeed. We must dine soon on one of Zin’s poultry dishes.”

  Zol deftly removed the box from her lap, replacing it with the container he’d flipped open.

  “Pie, yes!” Kandace picked up the plastic spoon. Shutting her eyes, she inhaled the pumpkin and spice goodness of the generous slice, then opened her eyes.

  She plunged her spoon into the melty scoop of vanilla ice cream on top, and scooped. “Num,” she murmured around the bite.

  Eating as slowly as possible, Kandace savored until the last crumb was gone. “I don’t suppose you make pumpkin pie, Chef Zindale.”

  “I have created a recipe for pumpkin cheesecake, darling.”

  “No problem, Chef, if you can make the pie crust, I’ll whip up the filling. No magick needed. Although, pumpkin cheesecake sounds all too scrumptious.”

  “Indeed, it is quite delectably divine. However, I am anxious to sample your pie, darling.” Zol removed the empty container with one that held cooked green beans.

  “Thank you, handsome. Bet you are…anxious to sample my pie,” Kandace suggestively teased.

  “Mmm, yes. Your fiery sumptuous pie is to my palate.”

  Kandace swore Zol’s sexy purr singed her eardrums. Still, the steamy fragrance of the veggies enticed her nostrils, and won her attention for right now.

  She grabbed a fork. But, before she could use it, Zol lifted a small portion to her lips.

  “Mmm-mmm, nummy.” Hungrily, Kandace forked in the next bites, and in no time at all, there wasn’t a bean left.

  “Okay, I’m about half full now. I swear I remember an image of pecan pie. What about the pumpkin bread?”

  “Absolutely, love. However, how about a surprise Halloween treat?” Reaching to the side, Zol withdrew a clear-topped container from the other sack. With a flourish he positioned it before her gaze.

  Kandace stared at the cartoonish mummy face. Hysteria bubbled up, and she came close to laughing uncontrollably. Uncertain why, she wondered if it was because everything had been supernaturally weirder than weird since she’d met her hellhounds.

  “Olives for eyes,” she muttered, then swallowed her determined giggles.

  Chapter Thirty-Two:

  He Looka Like a Mummy

  Zol frowned, puzzled by the sudden stillness of his precious witch. He had meant to delight her. Clearly, he had misjudged her emotional needs.

  Sensing Zin’s confusion as well, Zol didn’t merge their minds. Besides, his twin kept an inner eye on the unfolding timeline, and negotiating the highway traffic safely remained his priority.

  “It’s organic Mummy Pizza, Kandy darling.”

  Strangled laughter escaped her lips. Catching herself, she straightened her spine in an effort to keep herself from giggling.


  “Organic?” she asked, then gripped his forearm. His witch held on as if she stood at the cliff’s edge.

  “Indeed, love, I read the energy signature to make certain. Whole wheat biscuit dough with a wine marinara sauce and pepperoni. The bandages are strips of gourmet Provolone cheese. Is that not to your liking?”

  Zol lowered the container, but she grabbed his wrist, halting him.

  “No, wait…oh, I can’t help it—” Shrieks of laughter ended her words, and she clutched her middle, her body shaking.

  Zol listened with fascination as her giggles seemed to trip over each other in a mad rush to free themselves.

  “A pizza mummy,” she sputtered. “A freaking-ass pizza mummy…without an ass…oh, Goddess, I’m losing it.”

  He and Zin momentarily locked glances. Emotional release as Persephone explained to us. They mind-spoke together.

  Reaching for the handkerchief Zol had placed on the dash, his Kandy Apple dabbed at her face. Tears? he wondered.

  When her laughter stopped, she collapsed against his chest. Zol knew she still attempted to control herself. However, her high-pitched giggles ensued.

  Stopping again, she drew in a large breath. “Olive eyes…what color were the mummy’s eyes?” She paused. “Why olive, of course.”

  After laughing hysterically for long moments, she burst out, “Oh no…ma’am, what did the mummy look like? Officer, he had a pizza face.”

  “He looka like a mummy.” Zin imitated a Saturday Night skit they’d both seen during their study of humans.

  Their witch chortled louder than ever. “Oh, that is good, Zin. He looka like a mummy. He tasta like mummy, too.”

  Once her laughter slowed down, she hiccuped. Her petite body felt sweetly delicate against his, and Zol touched his lips to her hair.

  “Kandy love, should I choose something else?”

  “Maybe, if I don’t look.” She pressed the handkerchief over her eyes. “Give me a taste, will you?”

  Zol removed the lid and lifted out the personal pizza. He waved it beneath her nose, then pressed the crust against her lips. She nibbled off a small piece, sampling.

  “Yummy mummy pizza,” she crooned after several more bites.

  When she took hold of it, and ate enthusiastically, Zol felt his world right itself.

  Timeline? He asked Zin.

  On time. Every time.

  As he watched his Kandy Apple flip the handkerchief onto her lap, Zol smiled. Like a live wire, she squirmed into a new position, and gazed at the scenery they zoomed by.

  A lovely new emotion surged through him. His and Zin’s life was about to change. Instead of mildly seasoned chili, it would be jalapeno-spicy chili.

  Chili? Zin asked, having caught only that word.

  Living with our Kandy Apple will be like red hot cinnamon.

  “You two are mind-talking. Anything I should know about?”

  “We are looking forward to being home with you, love,” Zin crooned. “Brother, does that tart aroma I am inhaling mean you found freshly pressed apple cider?”

  “One of Zin’s favorite beverages. He can’t resist it.” Zol bent, and slightly repositioned his witch as he pulled the half gallon from the bottom of the sack.

  “Chilled apple cider, awesomely perfect.”

  Her sheer enthusiasm tickled Zol. He wondered, as he collected the small glasses they kept in the consol, if she would enjoy tickling his belly the way he carnally relished. Later, playhound, he told himself.

  “After tasting your candy apple drink, darling, I am even more fond of cider.” Zin beamed a grin at her for an instant.

  She gave his forearm an affectionate squeeze. “That’s right, my Halloween drink. Why does it seem ages ago?”

  “I believe it is winning the day against evil.” Zin took hold of the glass Zol handed to him.

  He handed her the other one. “Thank you, handsome hellhound. Wait, Zin, you’re driving. I’ll hold the glass while Zol pours. No stomping on the brakes,” she teased.

  “No weaving through traffic, either.” Zin gave her the container, his manner upbeat. More than Zol had witnessed of late. “Your practicality is pleasing, darling.”

  “Is it now?”

  The sassiness of her tone wasn’t lost on either of them. Zol felt the flare of Zin’s loins.

  “Perhaps a better idea,” Zol began, after traveling his psi sight ahead of them. “There is an acceptable truckstop ahead. Our Kandy can change. We will raise a glass of cider, then be on our way.”

  “How do I…unless, I pop myself inside the restroom…or go invisible.” She held out her hand and Zol felt her energies alter. Sparkles appeared in place of her hand, yet swiftly vanished. “No, I’m still not up to witchy par.”

  “Our exit is minutes away,” Zin stated. “Shall I proceed on the assumption we will discover a solution?”

  “I could use a restroom…gentlemen.” She glanced at Zin, then twisted at the waist, gazing at him, her expression thoughtful. “You two are true gentleman. I have to tell you, it’s so nice to be in your civilized company. You know what, I never realized it could be this way.”

  As his witch gave her hair a little shake, Zol stroked his palm over her untamed, fairy-like tresses, his gentlemanly manner definitely challenged.

  She quirked a grin at him. “Though, maybe I shouldn’t say that until I see what type of clothing you found me.”

  “Think fringe, darling.” Zol took the glasses from her, placing them back in the console.

  “Flapper fringe?” Her brows raised and her indigo eyes shone. “Is it a costume?”

  “You would look adorably sexy as a flapper, my bewitching witch. However, no. Yes, it is a costume. Think more pagan.”

  “A hippie fringed shawl or dress?”

  Zol delighted in how his small tease of her caused his Kandy to lean toward him. Her face glowed with anticipation. “No, darling, more primitive. As some believe.”

  “Hmmm.” She pursed her rosy-hued lips, then tapped them daintily with her forefinger. “Buckskin. An American Indian costume.”

  “Was that a guess, love? Or did you sneak a peek inside my mind?”

  She smiled like a satisfied pixie. “Just an exercise in logic. This is the Southwest.” Swivelling her head, she gazed out the side window. “I’m missing all this gorgeous landscape.”

  “Perhaps a road trip is in order.” Zin slowed the Twilight Mirage cruising them onto the exit ramp.

  “I wish,” she murmured wistfully. “But with your hellhound missions and the gathering of evil…” She left the rest unsaid.

  Zol flung his gaze toward Zin, then waited as his twin came to a stop sign. The international gathering of false gods?

  “Yes,” she intercepted their mental communication. “But, Zin didn’t get a chance to tell me who the demonic cabal are in league with.”

  Zin’s brows arched high, a mirror reflection of his own expression. With a pickup truck behind him, Zin made a right-hand turn, heading toward the super truckstop.

  “Might as well tell me now, gentleman hellhounds. Unless there’s a real reason not to.” Her dispirited tone had them both gazing at her.

  She gave Zol a wan smile. “After the sorceress’s evil I’m just frazzled and feeling really bedraggled.”

  Cuddling her closer, Zol stroked her little back, hoping to offer her comfort.

  “Yeah, I still want to know, H hounds,” she murmured, then rested her cheek on his chest.

  “There are two extraterrestrials races,” Zol continued rubbing her back. “Both of them have been visiting and using the resources of Earth for eons. The third race type have similarities to the sci fi characters known as the Borg.”

  She jerked slightly, then gazed at him, her eyes wide with astonishment. “Machines!?”

  “Indeed. However, they are able to pass as human.” Zin wheeled into the truckstop as he spoke. Ever vigilant, he drove toward the restaurant. “However, the Syquej are partly composed of silic
on cybernetics which replicates itself.”

  “Replicating silicon Borgs that appear human. Just creep-tastic great. You didn’t say they were extraterrestrial.”

  Zol heard the trepidation in her voice.

  “No, they are not. The Syquej escaped imprisonment during the ancient Indian subcontinent wars. Most of the population resides in the Himalayan mountains. At hidden locations.”

  “Along with the Yetis, right?” She’d spoken only half jokingly.

  Zol caressed her arms as he studied her expression. “The Yetis are made to serve them.”

  Shock flickered in her gaze. “Made as in forced? Or made as in genetically?”

  “They are a genetic creation,” Zin answered. “Some of them go wild, however.” He rolled the Twilight Mirage into the farthest parking space from the restaurant’s entrance.

  “Oh.” She paused, considering. “But how bizarre is that? Machines that need servants?”

  “Even with their advanced cybernetics, they couldn’t adapt to the harsh environments of Earth.” Zin touched off the engine. Turning, he angled himself toward them.

  “I suppose the Syquej want a ticket off this inhospitable planet.”

  “Hades informed us they want their own fleet of warships, darling Kandy. Currently, the Syquej are in partnership with the nefarious side of the shadow government.”

  “Talk about humanity and all of us being in even more danger. So not good.”

  To distract her a bit from what he’d revealed, Zol retrieved the individual bag that held the handmade costume he’d purchased for her. “Here, darling, try this on for size.”

  After clutching the crinkly bag to her chest, she glanced at both of them. “Yeah, what’s to stop the shadow government from taking over the world now? And why stop at conquering Earth? Why not move into outer space?”

  When neither he nor Zin spoke, her eyes widened, becoming jewel-brilliant orbs. “Oh no! It’s not just a magickal war between good and evil on Earth, is it?”

  Chapter Thirty-Three:

  Blazing Hair and Rosy Lips

  Zin glowed his eyes over his precious witch, checking her vital energies while Zol spoke to her.

  “Truth, darling, conquest is ongoing in the solar system. Earth is a desirable planet. The battles taking place in space are a reflection of the war between good and evil.”