Enchantment

by Lawna Mackie

  Catz sat at her feet, her wide, green eyes narrowed. “Oh, Meeka. I imagine every species in the universe develops those feelings at some time in their lives. There is nothing more powerful than the attraction between a male and female. Do not worry about hurting him. He is a warrior and born to magic. I’m guessing those flames were generated because of the emotions the two of you shared. It wouldn’t be harmful to either of you.” Catz glanced at the doorway. “You are vulnerable. I should speak to him about going easy on you.”

  Meeka‘s eyes widened in alarm. Quickly she placed her hand on Catz’s head. “Oh, please don’t, Catz. I would die of embarrassment. Maybe he didn’t want to kiss me… I could feel myself forcing him to do as I wanted.”

  The animal’s ears twitched. “I’m sure he enjoyed it.”

  Chapter Eleven

  Kerrigan slammed the cupboard door, his body wracked by tiny tremors. “Damn it!” He exhaled sharply, the memory of her soft lips beneath his stirring his blood. This must be what a starving animal felt like with hunger, need, and want clawing at their throats.

  “Damn fool. You can’t just take advantage like that.”

  She wanted you to kiss her, Kerrigan, old boy. You and I both felt her emotions…scared, uncertain, yes, but beneath it was the need, the want to have you kiss her.

  Think, damn it!

  With each passing second, his mind raced with a tangled web of thoughts.

  If she grew stronger and realized her true power, could she force people to do her bidding? Could she control somebody like me, or will my mind hold up against her? What will I tell the Counselors? Was she a threat to Enchantment? And how in heck were they going to be able to send her back to Upper World alive with what she knew?

  Kerrigan heard the clicking of claws across the floor, followed by a moment of silence as Catz jumped onto the counter with her tail swaying and fur puffed out.

  “You know I wouldn’t hurt her.” He met the cat’s gaze, the need to show her he meant no harm like a whip upon his back. “I…I...”

  “Yes, I know. She needs protecting, Kerrigan. Needs a strong heart to help guide her.” Catz seemed to grin. “But make no mistake, if you harm her, you’ll answer to me.”

  Kerrigan nodded. “That’s fair. Somehow, I think we’ve both got our work cut out for us.”

  Her eyes bore right through him. He really had to break this silence. “Hey, don't give me that look. Nothing much really happened, fur ball.”

  “Depends on your definition of nothing. However, I promised Meeka I wouldn't tar and feather you, so we won't discuss this further.” Catz spoke in a dismissive tone.

  “You’re a big talker, pussy cat; whenever you’re ready, just let me know.”

  With lightning speed, the cat moved like the hunter she was. In a flash, she stood before Kerrigan larger than the size of the kitchen table.

  He instantly jumped back into a fighting stance. The Lemren never ceased to impress him! He prepared to throw a containment spell at her.

  Catz hissed, “Don’t you ever hurt her—not emotionally, not physically, not in any way at

  “Back off, Catz. I've told you before, I intend her no harm. It's not my fault if she happens to find me attractive.” He paused, the niggling echo of a voice at the back of his mind.

  “She is an innocent in all ways.” Catz spit, and in the next instant, was back on the counter in her normal white, furry house cat form. They turned as the front door opened.

  Bogged down with bags, Paddy strode into the kitchen. “Oh, you’re both here.” Her whiskers twitched while she tried to look around Catz on the island. “Where is Meeka? I hope she's okay.”

  Kerrigan could see the concern in her eyes, and wondered whether he should tell her the truth. He hurried forward, took hold of the bags in his mom’s arms, and set them on the table. “She’ll be out in a minute. Just finishing up her shower.”

  He dug into one of the bags.

  * * * *

  Meeka followed the sound of voices down the hallway. A new feminine voice joined that of Kerrigan and Catz. Smoothing the brand new clothes that were identical to her own, she wondered if there would be strength in numbers. Pressing her hands to her cheeks, she cursed her embarrassment.

  She didn't want to see him again, and her behavior proved to be more than a little perplexing. Eyes downcast like a scolded child, Meeka entered the kitchen. Upon hearing the soft warm voice asking her how she felt, Meeka lifted her head. Directly in front of her stood…

  A beaver?

  Her eyes widened at the sight of the giant beaver standing talking to Catz. Cursing her lack of tact, she swallowed, and tried to speak past the lump in her throat.

  “Oh, my dear, I'm so sorry. Please forgive me. I must be such a shock to you. Beavers don't typically talk in Upper World, do they? They certainly aren't as big and don't walk on their hind legs. Can I get you anything at all, dear?”

  Meeka put a hand to her head. First the magic bath brush, a kiss that almost caused the house to go up in flames, and now a talking beaver.

  Just deal with it, Meeka.

  “How rude of me. I'm the one who should be apologizing. Other than another headache coming on, I believe I'm fine. Thank you for asking. I’m Meeka.” She extended her hand. A sense of comfort washed over her feeling the warm furry little paw.

  “It's my pleasure to meet you. My name is Paddy. I'm Kerrigan's mother.” Stunned, she muttered. “Ker-Kerrigan's mother?”

  Laughing, Paddy responded. “Well, of course he's not a beaver, but my husband and I have raised him since he was a baby almost two hundred years ago.”

  “Two hundred?” She swallowed.

  That’s not possible. He doesn’t look older than 30, Meeka. Wow, you’re really losing it girl, kissing a guy who could be your great, great grandfather. Probably married with children. And here you go pawing at him like a cheap…

  Kerrigan’s drawl pulled her from her panicked thoughts.

  Stunned, her eyes sought him, secretly wishing he would dispute the claim. A slow grin crept across his handsome face. His lips were moving, but she wasn't sure what he was saying.

  “Remember, this is our world. Magic exists everywhere, as you are discovering. Enchanters do not age like humans do. Magic controls everything, including how we age. So tell me, precious, how old are you?”

  Meeka’s stomach dropped at the dreaded question all women hated. “Twenty-five, and aging rapidly.” Would he believe her? She couldn’t understand why she desperately wanted him to.

  Kerrigan chuckled softly, not unkindly. His eyes sought hers like a tender caress. “I truly can't begin to imagine what you must be going through.”

  Paddy jumped to her rescue. Her little ears were pushed back as she delivered Kerrigan a tongue-lashing. “Where are your manners? Don’t laugh at her. You may be an enforcer, but don’t be rude. She's just a young thing. You be on your best behavior.”

  “Yes, ma’am. I'm sorry I laughed. However, I really do find her enchanting, and I mean it. Please forgive me.”

  Meeka sat at a loss for words. Perhaps changing the subject would be the best idea. “You still haven't told me how we're going to get home. Surely, there is a way for us to leave. We've imposed upon you enough.”

  “I wish it was simple. My magic is very powerful, but I am not sure how or if we can send you home. The journey you made down here is usually fatal to those who have fallen through the portal. To get you back to your world requires traveling through other dimensions. It’s never been done by Enchanters, except, of course, the beavers, which you are definitely not.”

  She sighed with despair, playing with a stand of her hair. “What about my so-called special abilities? Maybe I can travel through dimensions with or without cocooning and not sustain injury.”

  Kerrigan lost his smile along with his humor. Disappointment settled over her. She preferred to have him happy. He was once again the tough one, or maybe the ‘enforcer,’ as his mother had called him. “I'm
sure we'll find out more about your special abilities in time. For the next three moons, however, you will be required to stay here.”

  “Seriously?” Meeka demanded, getting defensive again.

  “We have laws and a governing body. They have requested three days to decide what your fate will be,” Kerrigan explained.

  “Nobody can decide my fate for me! Perhaps I need to tell them myself,” Meeka stated abruptly, standing up from the chair.

  Whoa.

  The room tilted sideways. Her arms flung out, searching for something to hold on to.

  The room tilted a few degrees more, and Meeka felt her feet move sideways. A fog washed out her vision on the side. She screeched, and stumbled over her feet. She reached out, preparing for the hard contact with the floor. She didn’t crash to the floor, but instead, felt the warmth of his arms scooping her body up. Of course, he was always there, and it was an unusual feeling of absurd comfort.

  Squinting tightly she closed her eyes while everything spun, and her stomach along with it. Her hands clenched his arm. Meeka took slow, deep breaths, trying to stop the tilt-a-whirl her body was on.

  “I think perhaps I've had enough for the day. Maybe I should rest again,” she mumbled. “You have had enough for one day. Let me take you back to my bedroom.”

  His bedroom! She tried feebly to push away from him, even though her body demanded his touch. She couldn't go to his bedroom!

  From the corner of her eye, she watched Paddy come forward. “How about I show Meeka back to your old bedroom?”

  Like a vice, Kerrigan refused to let go of her. “You lead the way, Mom. We’ll follow you.” Meeka noted the concern on his face, but at the same time, her body relaxed when she saw she wouldn’t end up alone with him.

  “Catz?” Meeka called out.

  “I’m here. I could use a nap, too.”

  Meeka envisioned him sleeping in the same bed, his naked body touching the same sheets that would cover hers. Sweat broke out on her forehead.

  Lord, help me. I really need to stop thinking like this.

  Kerrigan set her on the bed. The room seemed bathed in his scent, causing her body to show physical signs of betrayal. She was glad to be wearing the sweatshirt to hide her hardening nipples. It seemed impossible to stop the ever-encroaching emotions. Hanging her head in confusion, she didn’t know what to do next.

  He knelt at her feet and took hold of her hands. His eyes found hers.

  “I’m sorry this is all so difficult. I truly couldn’t begin to imagine what you are feeling.”

  Now she felt what she was feeling. The tingle from his touch stopped all her thoughts. Her temperature rose and her pulse raced. The sparkles around the two of them started again, but this time, she was prepared.

  Stay calm. Take deep breaths... I did it!

  The sparkles had stopped, though she was still nose-to-nose with him.

  “I'll be okay. Thank you for your concern.” She eased herself toward the pillow. “Wait.” Kerrigan almost yelled. “Please. Close your eyes for me.”

  Immediately distrustful of his intentions, Meeka looked to see whether Catz and Paddy were still present. Relieved they were still in the room, she did as he asked.

  A silky, warm sensation spilled over her heated skin, and she opened her eyes. Satin and lace the color of her lilac eyes brushed over her sensitive body. It was beautiful.

  “Good night, Meeka. You only need to yell if you require anything.” After kissing her hand, he vanished into thin air.

  Immediately, her heart ached with his absence. Sadness engulfed her, and she wondered if she might cry. Catz jumped up beside her and sat. Paddy fussed, turning the bed covers down, and then patted the spot where she was to move to. Meeka could still smell his masculine scent permeating the room. Her body moved as if in a trance, slowly scooting over and off the top of the covers.

  “Tsk. Such a young thing, and you have been through so much already. Kerrigan should not have vanished in front of you like that. I've never seen him behave like this. But then again, I’ve also never seen him show any sort of affection to anyone other than his father and myself.” Paddy snickered quietly, and then leaned over to whisper in her ear. “I think he likes you, my dear.” Gently, she pushed Meeka down toward the pillow, and then pulled the quilt up and over her shoulders.

  “Catz, can I get you anything? Are you comfortable enough?” “Thank you for asking, but I'm fine as long as Meeka is fine.”

  Meeka reached out from under the covers and found Catz. Soft fur wove around her fingers, soothing her worries away. She’d noticed the twinkle in Paddy's eyes when she spoke about Kerrigan. It was a mother's look of love for her child—something Meeka had never known, but desperately wanted. Stifling a yawn, she mumbled a thank you to Paddy, and her eyes closed once again.

  Chapter Twelve

  Thalius wrapped his robes tighter around him. He lifted his arm to cover his mouth, the stench of filth and decay filling his nostrils and turning his stomach. Water pooled in the rutted alley, splashing with each step.

  Tombs was a slum that encompassed an area of ten square city blocks. The buildings were old and in bad need of a restoration spell, but the Counselors and Kerrigan had decided Tombs would remain decrepit. Tombs housed the offenders. Enchantment had no formal prison, but truly, it was just that—a prison. Offenders were reprimanded by Kerrigan, stripped of all power, and left in the hellhole. The offenders were evil, uncaring, and unconscionable, which was exactly why Thalius was here.

  A thick, black cloak hid his identity—a common style of dress here. Everything was black. Color in Tombs was forbidden. The only piece of Thalius standing out was his cane with the sparkling crystal globe on the top. He covered it by pulling his long black sleeve over his ugly disfigured hand. He was on a mission, and could waste no time on a more elaborate disguise.

  He had to find Jager, the only one who could assist him with the acquisition of the girl.

  Thalius hurried along his path, struggling not to vomit. He reached up to plug his nose. His cloak dragged along behind him in the filth of feces and rotting flesh. He couldn’t be noticed by anyone other than Jager. The ruthless killer would be the only one to help him. He still had his magic to protect himself, but if he was forced to conjure a spell, Kerrigan would feel the disturbance immediately. Explanations at this point would be…awkward.

  Sweat rolled down his crippled back, causing the cloak to stick to his scaly skin. His feet hurt from unaccustomed use, and he tried to ignore the unfamiliar feeling of fear imbedded deep within his bones. Just one more painful block, and he would be so very close to getting everything he desired. Thalius rounded the corner of a crumbling building and carelessly tripped over a brick. That was a mistake.

  Down on his knees, he fumbled for his staff. “Fuck!” he swore as his hands desperately searched through the oozing dregs of filth covering the cobblestones. Dread filled his body as his fingers found something fleshy. He lurched backward, depositing himself on his butt, and looked up through the darkness at the horrifying creature.

  Chunks of flesh hung off it. Uneven, bulging eyes glared down at him in anticipation. The stench was overpowering as Thalius leaned to the side, emptying the contents of his stomach. The creature never took its eyes off him, but instead dropped large pools of saliva over Thalius’s legs and feet. When the creature made a grab for his head, Thalius’s high-pitched scream made him sound like a little boy.

  Shit! I’m going to have to throw a spell!

  It would ruin everything.

  He scrambled backward, trying to rebalance his weight so he could raise his hands…

  A hiss sounded from the creature’s mouth, followed by a shriek as it turned away from Thalius and disappeared into the alley.

  “Beat it, Slim, or you’ll be my supper tonight.

  “Well, well. What have we here?” The cloaked figure seemed to grow from the shadows. He wasn’t much taller than Thalius, but had a distinct air of far greater conf
idence. Thalius knew he’d found his target. He remembered Jager’s voice from the sentencing. Actually, what he remembered were the death threats rushing from the Enchanter’s vulgar mouth as Kerrigan took him away for processing.

  “Fucking hypocrites. That’s what all of you are. Mark my word, Counselors, I’m gonna slit your throats while you sleep. Beaverboy, you’ll be first. Count on it,” Jager had spewed.

  Thalius shuddered at the memory as Jager reached down, grabbed him around the neck, and slammed his crumpled body against the brick wall. The force knocked the breath out of him, and the hood of his cloak fell from his head.

  The sinister laugh burst from Jager’s disgusting mouth. Thalius cringed.

  Jagged, blackened teeth protruded through the decaying flesh. Pus and hair decorated his teeth, adding to the stench of his breath. Greasy, tangled tendrils of hair slithered over his scalp and down his face, hanging from the ugly brownish mole atop his right eye socket. His looks obviously hadn’t improved in his captivity.

  Thalius hoped his plan was going to work and make all this worthwhile.

  “What a charming surprise. Counselor, how nice of you to visit me in my fine home. I was just on my way to find some dinner, and behold, here it is.” Greenish drool oozed down his chin, splattering on his chest. Jager licked his lips, flinching at the scratch of a tooth over a boil.

  “Killing me will not garner you a moment’s freedom,” Thalius declared. “And I have need of your assistance for which the payment will be most favorable.”

  “Freedom! How dare you come here cowering like the worm you are? You’ve no power, no grounds to give me such a direction. You should have listened to me, asshole, but as I recall, that didn’t happen, did it? You kept your silence and left me to rot in this boil on the ass of Enchantment.”