“How was your Alaskan honeymoon?” Aura asked, glad to finally see approval in her sibling’s eyes over something.
Fortune grinned. “What Aura really wants to know is how you managed to find another shirtless alien there,” she clarified.
Topper snorted. “His name is Thor.”
“Thor? Like the mythical god of thunder?” Aura asked in amazement.
“Mythical?” Topper repeated, tilting her head in surprise. Myths were rare in her world paradigm.
“Very mythical,” the three Fates said together.
Topper chuckled. “Okay. Well, the new shirtless alien is Star Ranger Thor also from the planet Glacier. Gaia’s messenger was his former mate, or something like a mate. He crashed his starship up there and stayed with her until she died of old age. Now he’s here visiting.”
“So’s his new mate,” Aura said with excitement. Her sisters threw down their spoons and groaned. “You mean she wasn’t supposed to know that either? You’re obviously going to have make me a list of what I can’t say. Since that was Glacier news, I figured it was okay.”
Topper blinked and pointed a finger at Aura. “Are you telling me there’s someone else from Glacier here in Magic? Why doesn’t Stark know about them? He’s the portal guardian. They’re supposed to let him know they’re coming.”
“Uh…” Aura said, her guilty gaze darting around for help and finding none.
“Aura, tell me…”
“Uh… I can neither confirm nor deny that statement,” Aura said.
Topper reached out and dragged the chili bowls away from Fortune and Destiny. “Can either of you confirm that we have a rogue alien walking around Magic?”
When both sighed and nodded, Topper returned their food. “Great. Just great. Like I don’t have enough problems already. Now we have a rogue here.”
As much as she hated having one more problem to deal with, maybe the snow zones had a different explanation than any they could have suspected. As if in agreement, the baby began kicking and moving. “Oww, you little bugger you…” Topper said, putting her hand on her dancing belly.
“Oh Goddess,” Aura said. “Is it going to burst out of you like in the movies? Tell me so I can look away. I don’t do gross.”
Laughing, Topper stood and walked to Fortune. She lifted Fortune’s hand and put it on her dancing middle. Fortune laughed when the baby kicked against her fingers. Soon they were all taking turns to feel the baby move.
“If it wasn’t for the pain of childbirth, this process wouldn’t be so bad,” Topper said softly.
Three nodding heads smiled at her in understanding and sympathy.
After Aura loaded the lunch dishes into the dishwasher as penance for her revelations, they all traipsed into Topper’s bedroom and found the new mirror resting on the floor beneath the old one. With a snap of Fortune’s fingers, the original mirror disappeared from the wall. Aura and Destiny lifted the new one while Fortune positioned it. Another snap of Fortune’s fingers anchored it in place. Pronouncing it properly hung now, the three Fates at last stepped back to admire their handiwork.
“Now what?” Topper asked.
Destiny leaned forward a bit and pointed. “The red button is us,” she said, pressing the blue one until an eerie new chime played.
“If the red is you three, who’s connected to the blue one?” Topper turned to the mirror and watched as a beautiful silver-haired queen dressed in a velvet gown slowly appeared in the frame. Behind her was a castle wall made of ice.
“Hello, Great Fates of Earth,” she said. “Is this my warrior’s chosen one?”
“Yes,” they said in chorus, stepping aside to push Topper forward. It took all three of them to move Topper’s bulk.
“Meet Goddess Icela,” Aura whispered in her ear.
“Icela?” Topper hissed in shock. “You couldn’t have warned me? I look like a mess.”
“Not as much fun,” Aura whispered back, giggling along with her sisters.
The queen in the mirror clapped her hands. “I knew I was not wrong to send him to you. I knew I wasn’t. May you be blessed all your days, Mildred of Magic.”
Topper held up a finger to the Goddess. “Please hold just a moment…” She turned to the Fates. “Who in the seven hells told her my birth name?”
“Gaia,” they all answered, and then started laughing.
Topper turned back to Stark’s Goddess and smiled. “Please call me Topper,” she said as sweetly as she could.
“If I must,” Icela said.
“It would mean… oh, everything to me,” Topper said sincerely, shushing the gigglers behind her.
“As you wish… Topper,” Icela said, bowing her head once. “Now tell me—how is my favorite warrior.”
“I thought I was your favorite,” a man said from somewhere else in the castle room. Icela frowned in the direction of the voice and cleared her throat. When she looked back at Topper, she smiled. “How is my second favorite warrior doing? Tell me everything.”
Topper opened her mouth, but no words escaped. She turned to look around and found she was alone. She’d never even gotten a chance to ask them why her aging glamour was fading.
Turning reluctantly back to Stark’s Goddess, Topper swallowed hard.
“Uh…” she began, promising herself she was never cooking for her betrayers again.
Chapter 5
“Come along,” Rime called, grinning at the chorus of soft mewling coming from her excited animal posse.
When the cold flash hit her hard, she stumbled and held out a hand to them. “Stay here until this passes,” she said, walking away so they wouldn’t be harmed.
The shiver shook her hard and had her moaning. She gasped for breath, drawing in big gulps as the cold waves rolled over her. The episodes were so strong now. The snow and ice would come any second now. Even in this heat, she knew they would eventually give her away.
The strain to hold back the inevitable took its toll and the world started spinning. Just as she felt her consciousness fading, a pair of strong masculine arms encircled her and kept her from falling to the ground. She looked up into a pair of concerned and kind blue eyes.
“Are you ill?” he asked softly.
She shook her head. “No. It’s just my advanced age. My temperatures are fluctuating widely.”
He looked around while holding her. “Someone your age should never be alone. Where is your mate?”
“Gone,” Rime answered simply. “He died a century ago in Earth time. I have no one.”
He looked back at her in surprise. “I see. Do you live here on Earth?” he asked.
“No. I’m just visiting a friend. I thought the heat would prevent these episodes, but it seems to be making them worse.”
“My name is Thor. Do you require my services? I have to no mate at this time. I would not be betraying any other.”
“Perhaps just a kiss to ease…”
His mouth covered hers perfectly. His kiss was practiced perfection. His lips did delicious things, teeth nipping delicately as she relaxed in his arms. The cold receded inside her as sexual heat replaced it.
“Thank you. It’s passing now,” she said.
“Good. Since we’ve already kissed, may I ask your name?” Thor loosened his hold to help her to regain her balance.
Rime cleared her throat. “I would prefer not to say, Warrior. The giving of a name—it’s very personal.”
“Indeed,” Thor said, stepping back and bowing his head. “Enjoy your visit then. If you require my assistance to ease your condition, know I too am here staying with a friend. He is the mate of the head witch here. Just ask for Topper’s residence. Everyone seems to know her.”
Rime put a hand to the center of her chest. “This mate of the witch—your friend. Does he have a name as well?”
“He does, but I would not feel comfortable giving his name to a woman who refuses to give me hers,” Thor said with a grin. “And I cannot speak for my friend anyway. I suggest y
ou call on us and be formally introduced.”
“Well said, Warrior. Can you at least tell me if your friend is happy here in this place?” Rime asked.
“He is with his mate and they are expecting a child any day. I am sure he is as content as any other male would be with such a joyous situation.”
“Indeed. You speak well again. Thank you… for everything,” Rime said, feeling the urge to flee. The man was both interesting and charming. He reminded her a little of her brother, only more relaxed with himself. “May Icela bless you for rendering aid to me, Warrior.”
Thor smiled at the beautiful woman who seemed to have no idea of her appeal to him. “I hope you find the reprieve you need so you never have to suffer the cold alone. May our Goddess bless you as well, Priestess.”
“So you can tell what I am?” Rime asked, now fearing her connection to Icela would show to everyone she encountered.
Thor reached out and ran his fingers down her arm. He hadn’t been sure, but he’d suspected that he’d kissed a priestess of Icela. Now he might never be the same. Human females had never held any appeal for him. He wanted to kiss her again.
Ice crystals formed and faded as he watched his fingers travel over her skin. Did she know what that meant? Did he dare believe it himself? He’d done nothing to deserve such a gift.
“It’s like I can see who you really are and that is not the person you’re currently pretending to be. Yet I will not give you away. I will not betray you or the Goddess. I owe much to her.”
Rime immediately relaxed. His sincerity was unmistakable. She suddenly believed him and with so few words spoken between them. It was rare for her to trust a male so completely.
“I came only to do the will of the Goddess here in this strange place. I mean no creature harm. The people in Magic are charming and good-hearted. I am endeavoring to improve their situations.”
Thor lifted an eyebrow. “Really? What are you planning to do with those creatures?” he asked, pointing to the ten cats sitting patiently while they waited on her. In his experience those particular animals never obeyed anyone.
Rime turned and looked at them in surprise. Her laughter over her forgetfulness was spontaneous. “Those are prime specimens of Felis Domesticus. They are going to help me teach my friend not to be afraid of cats. He is a fish shifter, which is not the strangest thing I’ve discovered here.”
Thor nodded. “I understand. The Sheriff shifts to a dragon which I’ve learned is the planet’s apex predator. Be careful with the humans in this town, Priestess. Most are not what they seem. Earth myths seem to manifest as reality here in Magic, except the one about me of course. That is not true.”
“There’s an Earth myth about you?” Rime asked with a laugh, intrigued over his sudden humbled look.
Thor shrugged. “So I’ve been told. If anyone asks, please confirm that I do not carry a hammer as a weapon. I carry only my laser blaster—a habit from my Star Ranger days. The friend I’m staying with is the portal guardian here on Earth. He has allowed me to keep the weapon.”
Rime smiled, her attraction to Thor suddenly clear. Her family was full of Star Rangers. “My brother was once a Star Ranger. Thank you for your service to our galaxy, Star Ranger Thor.”
Thor nodded once. “Thank you, Priestess. Do you… I mean… May I kiss you once more before we part? I would not want you to have another draining physical attack before you and your cat friends get to where you’re going.”
“Actually, I feel fine now—better than I have in years…” Rime stopped talking when he came close again. His large hand lifted to stroke her silver hair. “I suppose another kiss would be a wise precaution.”
She slid a hand up his chest to his shoulder. He was taller than her—a rarity in her life. His mouth sliding over hers was heavenly and she shivered in gratitude. His moan mingled with her own as he pleasured her mouth. Her body woke from its slumber, eager and needy. Her hands went to his hair, and then swept down his jaw. She was breathing hard when he gently pushed her away.
They stared at each other in surprise. The kiss had spun into foreplay quickly. Her body ached now. She suspected his did as well even before he confirmed it.
“I wish to be of continued service to you,” Thor whispered. “Please consider me over any other male. I will not disappoint you, Priestess.”
“If my needs demand attention, you will be the first I seek out, Warrior,” Rime said, scarcely able to believe the promise exiting her mouth.
Thor touched his lips to hers gently and then smiled as he walked away, but he did not look back. She knew because she watched him until he was out of sight.
Rime bowed to the cats who started mewling at her again. “I’m sorry for the delay. Thank you for waiting,” she said. “Please follow me.”
They pranced behind her and beside her as they all headed to Alfred’s house.
Chapter 6
Rime came back from letting their other cat guests depart. She took a seat across from Alfred and lifted her glass of ice water to her mouth to sip.
“Okay,” she said to Alfred. “You talk to the cats and I’ll watch to make sure nothing bad happens to you.”
Alfred stared down at the three cats who’d chosen to remain with him. At least Coach Rime hadn’t insisted he deal with all ten. She also hadn’t seemed to realize that three of those they’d sent on their way were actually teenage warlocks trying to get out of doing their homework. He dispatched those guys with warnings about telling their parents if they didn’t keep the information about his mysterious houseguest to themselves.
Now he faced the remaining cats and sighed. “Thank you for coming,” he said politely. He listened to their equally polite mewling replies. “I’m not really afraid of you. I’m just afraid of your natural instincts. I’m a fish shifter. Prey like me live in fear of nearly every creature.”
One pretty female tabby rubbed against his leg. Not used to such an open display of affection from human or animal, Alfred looked at her and automatically smiled. He reached down and let the cat rub its head under his hand. “You’re a sweet little thing, aren’t you? Don’t the people you live with show you any affection? They should be ashamed. You’re a very pretty kitty.”
Another cat yowled to get his attention. He looked at the solid black fellow with green eyes. “I know you. You’re a witch’s familiar, aren’t you?” The cat bobbed his head to nod. Alfred smiled. “Don’t worry. I won’t tell her you’re here. I certainly understand needing to have a bit of an adventure. Want a head scratch?”
He swept a hand over the cat’s head and down his sleek back, returning to knuckle the fur between his black ears. The cat melted under his attention and ended up laying across his polished shoes. Alfred didn’t even care. He felt instant trust for the familiar.
He looked around, but the third cat had gone missing. He leaned to the side of his chair and looked around the back of it. “Where did the third one go?” Alfred asked, looking at his life coach.
“Like all natural predators, I believe he sought higher ground to prepare his attack,” Rime said.
“Attack? On me?” Alfred demanded, his voice nearly a squeak in alarm.
His gaze swiveled left and right, but he saw nothing. Moments later the third cat landed on the arm of his chair and hissed at him. He called out in alarm and shrunk into the corner as much as he could. The sweet tabby who’d rubbed against him suddenly jumped into his lap and arched her back. She hissed at the cat scaring him and used one paw to literally knock him off the arm of the chair. Looking down, she hissed once more for good measure at he trotted away. The black cat reclining across his shoes reached out and swiped at the third cat as well before going back to resting.
The tabby turned and looked up at him, mewling in question. “I’m fine. Thank you,” Alfred said, glaring at his attacker. The third cat now sat beside Rime’s chair cleaning himself.
Alfred ran a hand over the tabby who immediately started purring. She rolled into his stom
ach and rubbed against him. Soon she was curled into his lap, purring contentedly.
Alfred continued to stroke her. Petting the pretty cat was quite soothing and her purring made him feel very peaceful. He looked at Rime. “You keep staring at me but I’m too overwhelmed to think this through. What’s the lesson here, Coach?”
Rime shrugged. “Cats are just like people, Alfred. Some are going to like you. Some are going to hate you. Now and again, one is going to fall in love with you and want to protect you. It works that way with all creatures, not just cats.”
Alfred nodded. “I can see that. The tabby protected me. She seems to like me.”
“Yes. I would say the tabby really, really likes you. She’s nearly asleep in your lap.”
“I think I’d keep her if she didn’t belong to someone else,” Alfred declared. “Being human’s not so bad with her purring in my lap. I think I could get used to this.”
Rime laughed. “Sometimes the right creature comes into your life and changes everything.”
“Did that Thor guy change yours today when he kissed you?” Alfred asked.
“Were you hiding in the bushes and spying on me?” Rime asked back, giggling over his guilty expression.
Alfred snickered. “No. But people love to gossip here. They’ve seen us together and thought I might be jealous of you kissing another man. I have a cell phone and at least six people called about it.”
“Oh,” Rime said. “I didn’t mean to cause you embarrassment, Alfred. I had a problem and Star Ranger Thor came along at the right time to help. On my planet, he would have done that for any woman in my condition.”
“But I bet he wouldn’t have enjoyed it nearly as much,” Alfred said with a smile, still petting the purring cat in his lap. “You’re a lovely woman with timeless beauty. I don’t think you have to worry about your age yet.”
“Thank you, Alfred. That’s a true compliment.”
“I like having you here, Coach Rime. Having a beautiful woman as a houseguest has changed how people in this town look at me. They assume we’re a couple. I’ll set them all straight eventually because I wouldn’t want the God of Thunder to get the wrong idea about us. That never works out well in the movies.”
Magic, New Mexico: Timeless Topper (Kindle Worlds Novella) (My Crazy Alien Romance Book 3) Page 4
