Enchantment

by Lawna Mackie

Catz? Who the hell is Catz? Fuck!

  It must be the other creature she’d been with the other day. How in the hell was he going to get her out of the house without telling everyone? With the force of a bolt of magic, he brightened. “I just saw Catz with Kerrigan. They looked to be deep in discussion when I left them. They both know you’re with me and we’re off to the market.” He held his breath, waiting for her response.

  Meeka’s brow furrowed as she frowned, and she was silent for a moment. “Oh. I guess. Kerrigan did say he was going speak with Catz. I’m free to go, then. Lead the way. I’m dying for some time out of here.” The beaver grabbed her hand and led her out the way he had come. He was sure he waddled faster than any beaver ever had in its time.

  The two of them left Kerrigan’s house and made their way down the tunnel heading to the Beaver’s house and out to freedom, or at least Jager hoped so. The door at the Beaver’s end of the tunnel had a knob. He rushed her through. One door left to get her through. He was practically running to the front door of the house when he tripped over the bags he’d left at the front door. Meeka caught the beaver’s small arm. “Paddy, are you all right?”

  “Stupid me! I forgot to put these away,” Jager said, trying to keep his voice calm. Meeka began picking up the bags. “Here, let’s put these away. Then we can go.” “NO!”

  Shite.

  He kept responding incorrectly. He grabbed Meeka’s hand. “Nonsense, it can wait. I so wanted to make a special dinner, and if we don’t hurry, the market will be closed.” Jager pushed her toward the front door.

  “Won’t the food go bad?”

  “It will be fine until we return.” Jager jumped around Meeka and opened the door. “We’re going to have so much fun, Meeka. I can assure you, you will have never done anything like this before.” Jager smirked, a vision in his mind drawing a shudder of arousal.

  Suddenly, Meeka halted, looking alarmed.

  “Whatever is wrong? Are you okay?” Jager sympathetically tilted his head to the side, speaking softly.

  Meeka continued to look around suspiciously. “Sorry. I just had a chill run up my spine.

  Something feels out of place. Perhaps it’s because Catz isn’t with me. I guess I’m just not used to being without her.” She rubbed her arms.

  Jager closed the door behind her, and they moved down the steps. He knew the gargoyles would question him. This would be the most difficult part—convincing the goons. Once he and Meeka hit the sidewalk, sure enough, three of them landed in front of them.

  The largest gargoyle approached them. “I’m sorry, Mrs. Beaver, but the girl is not allowed outside. Both of you please return inside immediately.”

  Shite! This had better work.

  “No, no. Not at all. Kerrigan gave me permission to take Meeka to the Market as long as you were with us.”

  The gargoyle spread his wings and spoke. “You’ll understand if we have to wait to clear this with Kerrigan.”

  Jager could barely breathe. “I fully understand. He’s in his study. We spoke not long ago. He told me he had a very important meeting and wasn’t to be disturbed for any reason.”

  “If it was the Enforcer’s wish, then we will respect it. You and the girl may proceed, and we will follow.”

  * * * *

  Meeka looked up at the gargoyles and smiled. She needed to learn to relax, and she shouldn’t have any problem doing so with Paddy and this lovely world of Enchantment. It would do her good to forget everything for a bit. No parents, special powers, training, or disappointment about having fallen in love with a man from another world.

  So…why do I feel as if something is wrong?

  If Kerrigan believed it would be okay for her to attend the market with his mom, she’d trust him. Besides, the gargoyles were watching their every move.

  She turned back to look at Paddy and Todd’s home. Kerrigan’s home could be seen in the trees in behind the Beaver’s house, and in those trees, the home seemed to span miles in all directions. He obviously had quite an imagination, besides being a gifted carpenter, healer, law enforcer, son, friend…

  Geesh.

  She looked at Paddy. What would Paddy think if she knew how in love she was with her son?

  “Come along, Meeka. We really do need to hurry.”

  She turned her stare from the houses back to Paddy. “I’m sorry, Paddy, I’m daydreaming. I can’t believe Kerrigan said I could go out. I’ve spent so much time worrying about being outside, I’m a bit skittish.”

  “Nonsense, Meeka. There isn’t anything that would interfere with my son’s wishes or those three giant thugs up there. He’s just making sure we are safe at all times.”

  Three thugs?

  Again, her instincts flared, a tiny voice whispering to return, but she crushed it ruthlessly. She would enjoy this time with Paddy, and maybe, just maybe she’d find a way to get home on their walk.

  Each house they passed was kept immaculate, just like Paddy and Todd’s. Concentrating on the houses, moons, and the towering crystal fortress in the distance, she barely heard the voice coming from ahead of them down the sidewalk.

  * * * *

  “I was hoping to see you today. Paddy. It’s been ages since we caught up with one another.” The small female Enchanter spoke as she tried to contain the little round fur ball walking at her side. “Have you finished my project yet? I can hardly wait to see it.”

  Jager stopped in his tracks.

  I knew everything was going too good to be true. Shite.

  How to respond to the wench? The rewards for this agony were going to be well worth it. “It’s very nice to see you. Yes, it has been a long time, hasn’t it?” Jager responded over the growling and gurgles erupting from the fur ball.

  The creature was the last thing Jager needed to deal with. As he stepped backward away from it, the fur ball jumped and latched its teeth into his leg.

  Fuck!

  Without thought, he reacted, belting the pitiful excuse of a life form into a cowering, yelping mass of limbs behind the woman.

  The woman looked at Paddy with a shocked expression. “Paddy, I’m sorry. I don’t understand why Rollie bit you. He’s never shown aggression to anyone before, but you surely didn’t need to hit him.”

  Impatient to be on the move, he exhaled sharply. “Keep the thing away from me.”

  “Paddy Beaver, what has gotten into you? You and Rollie have always been the best of friends. You hit him! Look how terrified he is.” Her eyes left Paddy and glanced to Meeka, following her long body up to her eyes. “What are you?”

  Jager jumped back in. “I am sorry I hit…Rollie, but he was being annoying.” Looking at Meeka, he continued. “She is nobody, you know. We can’t stay to visit right now, but I promise I will come visit you soon.” Jager grabbed Meeka’s hand and dragged her away from the woman and her beast.

  “Paddy, you could have stayed to visit with her. I’m sure the market could wait. It was really quite rude how we just left her there.” She looked back over her shoulder at the woman still watching them with a confused, outraged look on her face.

  “No, we really must get to the market. We couldn’t have talked to her any longer,” Jager said.

  Meeka couldn’t stop looking back at the woman. “Perhaps we should go back to see if her pet is okay. I can’t believe you hit it, Paddy. And you swore!” Meeka exclaimed.

  “The thing was biting me.”

  Meeka stopped. “I’m not sure if I want to go to the market anymore.” Panic tore through Jager’s small chest.

  How the fuck hard can it be to get her away from everyone?

  He bit his tongue, causing blood to pool in his mouth. His pain briefly dampened the rage boiling in his veins. His stomach recoiled at the thought of having to be nice to the little bitch.

  Fuck! I’ve got to make this better and convince her everything is okay. I’d better think of a good lie.

  He stopped and looked into Meeka’s eyes, forcing tears to form. Not an easy jo
b. He refused to let himself blink until moisture welled convincingly, then he made his little mouth quiver for good measure.

  “Whatever you wish.” He wiped his eyes.

  “Paddy, I’m sorry. Don’t be sad. Why is it so important we go to your market?” Meeka asked softly, bending down to look her in the face.

  Jager could make a true living at this, he was sure of it. “It’s just…well, I didn’t want to tell you, but I guess it doesn’t matter now. I saw this wonderful item at the market I was sure you’d love, so I thought if I showed it to you and saw your reaction, I could buy it for you.” His small voice whispered, and he pretended to wipe away tears.

  “Oh, Paddy, I’m such a heel. I’d love to see it, but it’s truly not necessary to buy me anything. When I leave Enchantment, I will cherish my memories here forever—more so than any gift.” Meeka smiled, her own eyes swimming in unshed tears. Resolutely, she grabbed Paddy’s hand, and they began walking again.

  Jager sighed, stupid females with bleeding hearts. They were so predictable. Spotting the flags atop shops, he restrained himself from doing a happy dance. The market and Thalius were just ahead. His cohort should be in place by now.

  “Paddy they’re all staring at me.” “They’ve never seen you before.”

  The sweet smell of success was almost his, but Jager also noticed the gargoyle goons were hovering a lot closer. Timing was going to be vital.

  Jager eyed the fake storefront. Unlike other Enchanters who were put off by the spell of the shop, Meeka wouldn’t hesitate to enter. As soon as she was in, Thalius would freeze her, pump the dope in and they’d be off. Quick, quiet, and then he would bide his time.

  * * * *

  Meeka noticed the store immediately. It was intriguing, shining like gold tinsel on a Christmas tree. “Is this the store, Paddy?”

  “Indeed it is. I sure hope you like what I have to show you.” Jager smiled.

  “You know it’s not necessary, but I am interested to see what caught your attention.” She was looking at the front entrance when unexpectedly a wave of nausea swamped her body. She grabbed at her stomach and doubled over.

  “Meeka, whatever is wrong?” He asked anxiously.

  Her breath came in rapid gasps. “I don’t know what’s wrong. I suddenly don’t feel so well.” She groaned, placing a hand on her forehead.

  “Let’s get you inside, and we’ll see if the shop keeper has some water.” Jager escorted her through the door.

  Meeka doubled over in pain again as she lost her breath. “Paddy…I think…I have to…get out…of here.” She stumbled toward the door, only to be pushed back and onto a stool. She couldn’t breathe.

  Why won’t Paddy help me out of here?

  She wanted to yell, but she couldn’t catch her breath enough to even speak properly.

  Oh…God…something is really wrong with this place.

  She attempted to stand again, but couldn’t.

  “Paddy…have…to…get out.” She pleaded, trying to reach for Paddy’s shoulder, but the beaver kept moving away.

  Finally, Paddy’s form wavered, and her voice crackled to a masculine snarl. “Thalius! Now, you asshole, do it now!” he yelled.

  Meeka was paralyzed with fear.

  Oh my God.

  Everything felt wrong. A dark, thick mist of evil filled the room and she desperately tried to stand. “Ow!” She cried out as something sharp pierced her arm.

  “No!” Her silent scream died on her lips. Her knees hit the floor as darkness enveloped her. As the light faded, a grotesque face with a slash of a smirk flashed before her eyes, only to vanish in the darkened mist.

  “Did you get new stand-ins?” Paddy’s lips moved, but the voice was wrong. “Do you dare to question me, idiot?” the unknown creature asked.

  Meeka struggled to make sense of it, but the darkness enveloped her mind, and she was gone.

  * * * *

  Thalius smiled as both the Meeka imposter and second Paddy imposter walked out the door and into the market. The gargoyles prepared to land just as the imposters exited. With Meeka in sight, they stopped in mid-flight and began to continue their circles as the decoys wandered aimlessly. Thalius squealed with utter delight. He’d done it!

  Meeka was his, and Kerrigan wouldn’t know enough to do a thing about it.

  Chapter Thirty

  Kerrigan pounded the last nail into the bookshelf, thankful for the mindless diversion. It hadn’t worked, of course. He’d never forget hearing the words, “I will always love you,” tumbling from her lips. The scene was on constant replay in his mind. He needed to find Meeka, and together, they needed to speak with Catz about Tethran.

  After a quick shower, Kerrigan went in search of Meeka. An eerie silence filled the house. Every room he searched was empty. The kitchen was deserted, so he headed to the nursery assuming Meeka would be there with the babies and Threeo.

  The whole way down the stairs, he could hear the babies talking. Not a one in the bunch was actually trying to carry on a conversation; they were just happy they had voices. Over and over again, he heard Meeka’s name and “play, play, play.” He smiled in spite of his growing trepidation. She’d obviously made quite an impression on them.

  Pushing through the doors, he stepped into the vortex of energy. The Threeos were determined to gain his attention, their voices rising with each passing second. “Uppy, uppy, Kerrigan, uppy!”

  Kerrigan reached over the hatchery, taking time to pet each one. Lowering his voice to avoid frightening them, he leaned back on his haunches. “Did you all have fun with Meeka?”

  Overexcited again at the mention of her name, they all spoke at once. Kerrigan held up his hand. “Okay, one at a time. I can’t hear when you’re all talking at the same time.”

  The littlest and the bravest spoke first. “We love Meeka. Is she coming back? She said she’d come back.”

  Kerrigan laughed out loud, looking at Threeo, who shook his head in bewilderment.

  Meeka will be a great mom someday, when she returns to her world and marries someone else.

  Instantly, his blood ran hot with jealousy and the dragon inside roared in protest. He couldn’t imagine another’s hands touching, caressing, and kissing her body. “Not to worry, little ones; she’ll be back to visit again,” Kerrigan reassured them.

  “Threeo, I thought Meeka would be here with you. Do you know where she is?” Threeo fluffed his feathers and responded. “No, but she was with Paddy earlier.”

  His mom rarely left the kitchen. It was her favorite room in any house—even his. “Do you know where they went?”

  “No, I don’t know where they went, but Paddy wanted to speak to Meeka alone. Paddy said she’d come back to play with me later,” Threeo said with a disappointed look. “She hasn’t come back yet.”

  The hairs on the back of his neck began to twitch. Why would his mom want to speak with Meeka alone?

  “Threeo, I need you to help me find Meeka. She must be somewhere in the house. Find Catz. She was in the den earlier this morning. Tell her to go with you. I’ll meet you back in the kitchen in five minutes,” Kerrigan commanded.

  Threeo vanished without a question.

  Kerrigan pointed his finger at the babies. “You guys behave…okay?” They all nodded, one by one.

  Kerrigan flashed into his Mom and Dad’s house.

  “Mom.” He called. “Meeka.” He waited for a response, impatience turning to panic as the silence stretched out. He didn’t wonder where his dad was. He’d be working, of course. Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted bags on the floor.

  Mom never leaves bags of food on the floor.

  Again, he sensed danger, and immediately flashed to his own kitchen as Threeo and Catz entered.

  Catz looked like hell. Her eyes were dull, and her nose was anything but pink. “Catz, you look like hell.”

  Catz coughed and sputtered. “I don’t think this world agrees with me. I was resting. What did you want?”

  P
utting aside any thought to her looks, he glared at her. “Where’s Meeka?” Immediately Catz was fully alert. “Last time I saw her, she was with you.” “Yes, earlier this morning, but it’s almost supper time.” His voice rose. “Are you sure she’s not with Paddy?”

  Kerrigan began to pace. “No. Nobody’s in the house. Did you search everywhere here? Maybe she’s down the stream in the cave?”

  “It was the first place we looked.” Catz said.

  Kerrigan’s heart began to pound as he closed his eyes and gave a command. “Stryker, your presence is needed.”

  Within moments, Stryker’s large form appeared before them. He jerked a thumb over his shoulders, and his careless words sent a bolt of panic through Kerrigan. “Kerrigan, why are the gargoyles not outside the house?”

  Kerrigan’s world turned upside-down in an instant. Fury drew bleeding welts over his heart. His eyes narrowed. “No!”

  His roar shook the foundation of the house before he disappeared into the den with the other three on his heels. With the ball of light between his hands, he thrust it up against the mirror. “Show me Meeka.”

  Instantly, the mirror reflected the Market. Not many were left other than Meeka and Paddy, who were wandering around aimlessly. There was no direction, no thought to their movements. Kerrigan ground his teeth together at the vacant movements. Bursting from the house, Catz hot on his heels, he headed for the market.

  Stryker and Kerrigan were the first to arrive, followed by Catz and Threeo. The three gargoyles swooped to the ground upon their arrival, but Kerrigan was on a run, heading for Meeka. Stryker and the others raced to Paddy.

  Kerrigan grabbed Meeka from behind and spun her around. At his touch, the Enchanter drone crumpled to a lifeless heap. Stryker reached out and touched Paddy’s small furry arm, with the same result.

  This can’t be happening. It just can’t be.

  Kerrigan’s angry roar echoed through the sky. Swirling into dragon form and fueled with rage and self-loathing, he took to the air. “Return to your homes!”

  The few Enchanters who remained in the market panicked. The ground shook and trees swayed with the force of his wings as he roared his fury and his command. Death would be too good. He would make them pay!