Not to mention the undisguised lustful blaze in Zin’s eyes encouraged Kandace to move even more provocatively. Pulling her close once the music slowed, Zin sang along with the lyrics.
“Night and day, you are the one. Only you beneath the moon or under the sun. Whether near to me, or far. It's no matter darling where you are. I think of you day and night.”
“Night and day,” she crooned, losing herself in the lava-black gleam of his eyes.
“Cole Porter says it all.” Zin spun her to the last strains of the melody, then dipped her low to the floor, and in grand fashion.
Several moments later, as he still held her, she breathlessly murmured, “I think every woman here must be feeling some envy.”
“Kandy.”
For moments, they kissed each other with their gazes. Then Zin began to lift her. Tingly and turned on because of his superior strength, Kandace had eyes only for her hellhound.
That is, until a glinting feral gaze met her gaze. Unexpectedly. Eyes the color of gray stone with shards of amber embedded studied her with an intensity that should have unnerved her, but didn’t.
As Zin brought her upright, his embrace protective, the wolfman roamed Kandace’s face with his gaze. Curiosity dominated, and something else she couldn’t quite identify, unless he considered her tasty dining.
Standing at near attention, he offered Zin his hand. “Forgive my rough manners. I have been told I am not socially adept. I am Major Odarran.”
“Zindale Victorre. A decided pleasure to meet you, Major Odarran.”
More than intrigued, Kandace watched Zin grip hands with the Major. They shook once.
Like rivals, they tested each other’s strength. Kandace stared at the riot of energies sparking around their tightly clasped hands.
“Holy moly, boys, don’t melt the place to the ground.”
Chapter Fifty-One:
Edible in Your Beauty
Meowsssh, I am here, Kandace mind-heard. Her guaruvyr pressed against her leg. With a split second glance, she knew Vresc remained invisible.
Able to feel the press of his cheek, she placed her hand on the guardian’s head. Somewhat mesmerized by the miniature fireworks, Kandace wasn’t prepared for the high-pitched tone Vresc emitted.
The effect acted like a dog whistle. As if they electrically shocked each other, Zin and the wolfman went rigid, and their hands broke apart.
Good, magickal kitty. Good, Vresc.
“Gentlemen,” Kandace stepped between them, “why don’t we move off the dance floor? The music is beginning.”
“Splendid idea.” Zol joined them. His manner non-threatening, he inspected Major Odarran.
Recovering quickly, the wolfman returned the favor. Speculation glittered his eyes as he took them in, subtly sniffing the air.
His gaze landed on Kandace, and the hungry flare in his eyes jumped out at her. “Perhaps, I may be allowed one dance with—may I know your name?”
“Kandace Winter.” She gave him a sassy grin. After all, she was well and truly protected.
As Kandace offered her hand, something shadowy ran across his eyes. Still, the bad, watch-out vibes weren’t skittering over her own nerves. Yet.
Bending, he placed an almost chaste kiss on top. Kandace bestowed a wide smile once the wolfman rose.
Like a gentleman, he released her hand, then regarded her with a hunter’s focus. Only a hint of a smile played on his features.
“Kandace, if your escorts are agreeable, may I have the next dance?”
Before answering, she glanced at Zin and Zol. Normally, she wouldn’t be seeking anyone’s permission. But the circumstance was potentially dire.
“If our Kandy agrees, we have no objection.” Zin’s tone, while polite, left no doubt he would ferociously attack.
Surrounding them, the music increased in volume, and Kandace recognized the melody of “The Way You Look Tonight.” With a flirty toss of her hair, she stepped toward Odarran.
“I think I can dance to that decently enough. Shall we?”
A bit stiff in posture, the wolfman placed his gloved hand on the small of her back. He whirled her among the other dancers in time to music.
Remaining a perfect gentleman, he led her in the steps. The undercurrents were a different matter.
The vibes shrieked through Kandace as Fred Astaire sang, “Some day, when I'm awfully low. When the world is cold. I will feel a glow just thinking of you, and the way you look tonight.”
“You do look lovely, Kandace. Edible in your beauty.”
Not holding her tongue, she jibed, “Hungry as a wolf, are you?”
With a wolfish smile, he swung her ballroom-style, guiding her around the perimeter of the dance floor. Kandace caught sight of the man and woman who had been at his side. Their psi-darts streaked toward her, and Kandace figured she’d made their hate list.
Major Odarran drew her closer, but kept a circumspect distance. “Do you know, Kandace, that I was raised to prefer men as sexual partners?”
Well, that question sure as big fat hell threw Kandace for a loop. Maintaining her aplomb, she asked, “Is that so?” The lost look owning his eyes prompted her next question. “Is that a problem?”
He dipped her briefly, then danced them toward a more private area. “It wouldn’t be if I were a gay man. Or, perhaps, bisexual.”
Ignoring her astonishment, Kandace scrutinized his face. “So, you’re saying you’re not.”
His eyes glowed eerily, angrily, and he paused. “I’m not.”
Kandace decided a stiff wind could have blown through her. “They’re listening, right?” she mouthed to him.
He gave an imperceptible nod.
Kandace summoned a bubble pak around them, as she thought of it. They couldn’t be heard, and it would look like an equipment malfunction.
She couldn’t have said exactly why she did it, except something about him tugged at her heartstrings, sort of like an injured animal.
“Do you know what I am?” she asked.
His expression turned mischievous. “A beautiful woman I could carnally devour.”
Kandace rolled her eyes. “I must be like raw meat to canine men.”
“Ah, yes, your two lovers. I am unable to determine their specific breed.”
Kandace tilted her head, uncertain where to go next with the wolfman. “Is there something you’re angling for, besides sex?”
As the tempo of the music quickened, becoming instrumental, he spun her with more abandon. “Your power shields us.”
“Yes. If you’re going to tell me something, do it now. Your companions are moving in like starving sharks.”
“I want out.”
Raw pain flickered in the depth of his eyes, and the sudden rigidity of his body concerned Kandace. “Out?”
“Escape, if you will.”
Shock catapulted through her, and she missed a step. He caught her easily, gliding them away from the incoming land sharks.
“Zol, Zin, talk with them…if you’re serious.”
“They are more powerful than you, an Enduoir witch?”
Did an earthquake shake her, or was it her? So he did know. Not only that she was a witch, but from Enduoir.
Kandace kept her cat-burglar cool, not missing a step now. The music finished, and he slowed them to a halt. Leaning forward, she whispered, “Underworld connections.”
His baffled expression should have amused her, except Kandace felt his roiling emotions. He released her, and took a step back.
“I am supposed to abduct you.”
The directness of his gaze knifed inside her. Before Kandace could ask the questions leaping to her lips, he gallantly bowed.
Instinctively, she backed away, her witchy senses now ringing off the charts.
Triad, Zin and Zol telepathed, we have your beautiful back.
As he straightened, Major Odarran mouthed, Duck.
Acting like she had a problem with her shoe, Kandace leaned over. Zap! Zap!
Two nearly in
visible rays boomeranged off the protective field Zol and Zin placed around her. If there’d been no shield, the rays would have shot above her.
“Holy smoking crap,” she whispered.
In her periphery vision, Kandace saw the shimmering outline of her guaruvyr. He charged a shadowy figure slipping behind a giant potted fern.
Even though it was in the far corner of the ballroom, she watched Vresc bite down on the shooter’s ankle. He flipped the bad guy so he fell hard against the huge ceramic pot.
At the sound of the crash everyone stopped, swivelling their gazes. Simultaneously, a pen-like object flashed upward.
Springing high, her guardian snatched it out of the air and winged away with his prize. Vresc made himself visible for seconds, winking one owl-like eye at her.
“Darling,” Zol cupped her elbow as she straightened.
“I see I had no realistic chance of succeeding,” Major Odarran quietly uttered.
“Explain why you chose to abduct our witch.” Zin snarled each word.
With a slight show of throat, the wolfman gazed at Zin. “Your Kandace was identified as the most powerful witch in attendance.”
“Identified.” Zin took a step closer, a growl rumbling deep in his throat.
“Advanced technology which identifies certain energy signatures. They call it wi-fi, or Witch Finder.”
Fuming, Kandace fisted her hands. “Why the hell a Witch Finder?”
“Witches have been notoriously difficult to apprehend. Their genetic material is particularly desired.”
“A hair follicle, how hard is that to apprehend?” she demanded.
Blazing to the roots of her hair, Kandace pulled away from Zol. She stomped her foot and glared.
“A hair follicle would be impossible to mate with.” The wolfman appeared to almost grin. “May I compliment the untamed beauty of your tresses, Kandace?”
“I thought you said…” she began.
“I did. Your mate would not be me,” Odarran whispered. “That would never be allowed.”
“Who, then? Do tell.” Kandace steamed inside, and was forced to control her magick. That, or manifest real clouds of steam.
“Most likely a lineup of mates. A brood mare, if you like.”
“I don’t like!”
“Major, is there a problem?” The woman’s ice-maiden voice cut toward them.
Chapter Fifty-Two:
Unholy, Holier-than-thou Prick
Zol wrapped his arm around his spirited Kandy Apple, embracing her protectively against his body. Mentally, he growled at the approach of the two DOD agents.
Feeling the red flash of his eyes, he snapped his gaze to Zin for the briefest moment. Already, they had been surrounded by the DOD detail.
“No,” the Major replied. “There is no problem. My manners are lacking.”
“Perhaps you would care to join us at our table, Major Odarran,” Zin invited. “Not to brag. However, we are known for our savoir faire.”
“Are you certain there’s no problem, Major?” The woman raked her gaze over their faces, after an icy stare that rivaled an aggravated Valkyrie.
“Yes, Linda dear. Meet Kandace, Zolivar, and Zindale.” Odarran spoke in a stilted voice. His eyes were glassy, and devoid of expression. With a jerky wave of his hand, he added, “This is my friend, Major Stiles.”
Since no hand was extended, Zol offered a polite nod, as he knew Zin did. With his every volcanic molecule, Zol wanted to morph and give chase to Odarran’s DOD handlers.
A nightmarish hellhound rousting, he mind-spoke.
Indeed, Zin agreed. The art of terror, hellhound style.
“What type of weapon was that, exactly, that your cohorts fired at me?” Kandy demanded, her tone brassy. “Oh, never mind. It’s a state secret, right? On a need-to-know basis,” she stabbed with her voice.
“Quite the little sarcastabitch, aren’t you?” Linda smiled, making Zol think of a cruel Cheshire cat.
“Now, Linda, perhaps Kandace is unwell,” Major Stiles pretended concern. “She appears unbalanced in her mental state. I could recommend a top psychiatrist. Or, a private clinic, if you prefer.”
His Kandy’s energies surged higher, and Zol felt the tiny sparks from her fingertips on his hand.
“You know,” the shake of his witch’s hair was a clear warning, “you unholy, holier-than-thou prick, that’s why humanity is suffering. They put up with your kind’s manipulative abuse. But then, for century after century, your shadow bosses have beat the soul fire out of humans. Haven’t they?”
Hatred like the putrid vomit of a vengeance demon blackened Major Stiles and Linda’s eyes. Both of them grabbed hold of Odarran’s arms.
“I will warn Bill and Susan your behavior is bordering on dangerous.” Linda silkily hissed the words, clearly a serpent poised to strike.
“I want to hear more.” Odarran spoke in an odd-sounding monotone.
A stillness gripped Zol, as it did all of them for an instant. He would have kept his gaze riveted on the pitiable wolfman, but he wasn’t the real enemy.
His DOD handlers tugged on his arms in an effort to leave. Odarran stood stiff as an automaton, obviously resisting them.
“More.” Odarran’s face came alive. “Darrin and Samantha Stephens officially resided at 1164 Morning Glory Circle in Westport, Connecticut. “
Bewitched, he, Zin, and Kandy mind-spoke together.
TV show code? she asked.
I believe he is reaching out for our assistance, Zin answered.
Unleash yourself, darling, Zol encouraged, wishing to fuel her righteous anger.
His mate leaned forward, a barely restrained warriorress. “You want more? I’ll give you more.”
“Unholy prick,” the wolfman barked, as if his throat was raw.
“I bet your keepers, here, know their big-bad-wolf bosses are diabolically bringing all of humanity down. Instead of raising the people of Earth up to their spiritual greatness, they use every kind of evil method to keep humans impoverished and crushed down.”
Aware several of the guests avidly watched the unfolding scene, the DOD handlers attempted to forcefully pivot Odarran around. When that failed, they attempted to lift him off his feet. Apparently, the wolfman’s strength remained superior. He didn’t budge.
Metaphorically breathing fire, her fingertips still sparking, Kandy continued speaking. “Everyday, I watch the family I love, the friends I love struggle to recover their spirit, their zest for living life. Me included.”
“Run free,” Odarran burst out. “More.”
“I want to live with a fire raging in my belly. I want to feel carefree. I don’t want to find myself cringing and cowering like a beaten animal, all because I’m being tracked, traced, data based…and spied on from space, every effing moment of every effing day!”
A smattering of applause broke out. From the corner of his eye, Zol watched Zin move toward Bill and Susan. They stood a short distance away, their arms wrapped around each other.
“Quite the tirade, Kandace. No doubt your paranoia is induced by whatever illegal drugs you’re using.” Linda smirked with triumph.
“Let’s go, Major Odarran. No need to listen to a childish tantrum. I hope you follow my recommendation and seek psychiatric help,” Major Stiles pompously intoned.
“Born free,” Odarran croaked out. The sound resembled a pitiful howl.
“Born free,” Kandace echoed, the ache of her heart in her voice.
With a large shudder of his body, Odarran became partially limp. Easily maneuvered now, his handlers had no problem turning him.
“Like a lamb in wolf’s clothing being led to slaughter,” Kandy whispered. She spun in his arms, facing him. “Oh, I know that doesn’t make sense. Not exactly.” She pressed her cheek against his chest.
“Kandy love.” Zol lightly swept his hand over the satiny flesh of her back.
As he contemplated their situation, the music swelled. The instrumental opening of Fools Rush In w
as, indeed, a synchronicity.
Keeping one inner ear trained for any Underworld communication, Zol also mind-listened to Zin entertain the Mitchells with his dry-witted explanations.
When his precious witch raised her face to him, her gorgeous purple eyes were bright with unshed tears.
“Fools rush in where wise women never go,” she crooned softly. “But wise women never fall in love so how are they to know. When we met I felt my life begin. So open up your heart and let this foolish witch rush in.”
“Kandy. My one witch.”
“It’s about time I sang something to you.” Her small smile was meant only for him, but did little to enliven her features.
“Foolish is not an apt description. I must protest,” Zol bantered a bit. He trailed his fingers over the dip of her back, her soft fragile skin an erotic delight.
“Please, I am foolish. Is there a way we can we help Odarran? I mean, I almost unleashed my inner fire power on those despicable DOD freakazoids.”
“We’ll devise a plan, darling. Or Hades will decide on a course of action.”
“I know we can’t just let him loose on the public.” A long sigh escaped her.
“No. He would harm others, and likely himself.” Zol smoothed his thumbpad up her delicate spine.
“Oh, that does feel good.” With a dainty touch, she slid her hands from his shoulders, stroking down his chest. “At least, they’re not leaving with him yet. I would feel it.” She frowned. “I wonder why not.”
“I believe they would view it as a display of weakness. Also, our Major Odarran might free himself enough to protest loudly.”
“True. They have to make certain he’s subdued. But, who knows? I haven’t put the mind-meld on them. My witchy vibes are warning against it.”
“My instincts, as well. However, I have his genetic scent, Kandy darling. I know his precise location.” Zol fondled the length her spine with his fingerpads.
“I’ll give you until forever to stop that.” She angled her chin flirtatiously, and smiled. Her gaze glimmered for him. “You heard the wolfman when we danced, right?”
“Yes, our Triad.”
“Goddess, who knows, maybe they still think they can apprehend another witch.”
Kougar, Savanna - Kandy Apple and Her Hellhounds (Siren Publishing Ménage Amour) Page 29
