Druid Dreams

by M F Adele

  “I see what you mean. Must be hard to maneuver over these slick concrete floors wearing your heels.” She said it so sarcastically that I had to fight to keep the grin off my face. His dress shoes did have a bit of a heel on them. It still didn’t make him tall enough to look me in the eyes, but I bet he wished he could. It’s the only reason why he leaned over my desk when he spoke to me. He wanted to feel superior. He’s not. But... whatever helps him sleep at night.

  She was getting closer. I heard each footstep she took, even though her steps were near silent. There was no clicking of her heels on the concrete. It seemed like she was gliding as she slowly made her way to the end of the aisles. I counted every stop she made to greet the workers, listening to their heartbeats speed up in her presence. It was easy to pick up on the smile in her voice as she acknowledged them, like they were real people and not beneath her. Maybe she wouldn’t be so bad.

  And then she was close enough to see. I had to swallow hard when my throat suddenly dried. She turned a sharp eye to me and headed in my direction like she already knew who I was. When her eyes locked on mine and I felt an insane pull. I’d never experienced anything like it before.

  She stood at 6’2 or so, easily matching my exact height. I knew those killer “fuck me” pumps she walked so effortlessly in were giving her a good five inch boost. They helped her radiate that professional “don’t fuck with me” attitude. She’d need it around the assholes in this company.

  She extended a hand to me with her introduction. I couldn’t help but watch her lips move as she spoke. My lack of attention nearly made me miss her hand completely. Her lips though. They were blood red and designed with perfection in mind. The V shape of her jawline made me wonder if she was a demon, but the creamy honey color of her skin looked all shifter to me. It was a bit of an anomaly.

  “Hi. You must be Vaughn Winter. My name is Sloane King. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Sir.” Sir. I almost scoffed. Palmer would jizz his pants right here if she said “Sir” to him with those full, pouty lips. Thankfully, I didn’t hold the same kinks as my roommate, and, excuse me, but I wasn’t that much older than her. Maybe four or five years if I was judging it based on her looks. But I guess formalities and all that bullshit.

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you as well, Ms. King. Please enjoy your tour around the factory floor. If you have any questions I’ll be happy to answer them for you.”

  Yeah, I’m so fucking formal. I smiled brightly at her and she exchanged a genuine smile back. Her gesture made the dip shit beside her sneer and try to call me out on bullshit that had nothing to do with him. He’d never worked a day in his life and he knew nothing about this company, except the inside of his daddy’s secretary.

  “Vaughn, why are you on the floor when you should be finishing your paperwork. Are you slacking again?” Taylor gave me a shit eating grin as he spoke, like he’d just made me look bad. He tried to hide it, but he wasn’t successful. Taylor didn’t realize the woman standing beside him was a predator. She saw his grin slide away and his fidgeting fingers tuck into his pants pockets as he waited for me to snap. He was baiting me. I knew it. She knew it. I wasn’t the kind of male to deal with his bullshit line of questioning. Especially with him being someone who knows not a godsdamn thing about what I did for this company. Constructive criticism? Yeah, absolutely. Being a dick and trying to make me look like I didn’t do my job? Big, fat fucking nope.

  Before I could say anything to defend myself, Ms. King interjected on my behalf. She seemed to be more done with his shit than I was. I’d wager a bet and say I wasn’t the first person he’d done that to today. I bet her tour had been quite insightful. He’s such a hard worker. I barely managed to not roll my eyes at my own wayward thoughts.

  “If you’re trying to make him look bad that won’t work with me Mr. Caplin. Just like none of your other shit has worked today. You seem to be under the assumption that your opinion matters to me and that you’re needed to show me around a company that is now under my control. Why don’t you run along and start cleaning that wasted space of an office out before I have you thrown from the building on your ass?”

  I stood there gaping. Like mouth slack, jaw unhinged, wide eyed, gaping. It’s not a good look on me. That I’m sure of. I snapped my mouth shut real quick and bit the inside of my lips together to help me hide the smile that wanted to break loose. I thought she may be my new favorite person after that. Taylor opened his mouth, then closed his mouth and opened it again, like a fish gasping for breath. When she arched a delicate brow at him he turned tail and bolted from the factory floor. It was the best thing I’d seen in months. He’d be pissed about that shutdown. We’d both have to watch him, or he’d become an issue for one of us. No telling who, yet. Both, if we’re unlucky.

  She turned her head back to me and I suddenly saw how truly otherworldly she looked. Her hair was a light silvery blue color that shined like the stars from my home. Her eyes were the most mesmerizing pools of liquid color that I’d ever peered into. The tie-dyed effect of gold and deep forest green, with a slim red ring around the outside of her irises that blazed like fire, sucked me right in. I had never seen anything like them before.

  “I apologize for his shitty behavior. He’s going to be removed from the property immediately. Between you and me, he gives me the creeps.” She laughed lightly, like she couldn’t believe she’d just said that aloud. “Would you mind showing me around for the rest of my tour? I’m afraid this place is quite a labyrinth.” Her smile returned to the genuine gesture she gave me earlier. It was such a glorious sight that it took me a moment to get my tongue to work again.

  I nodded my head to her as I cleared my throat to get some sort of words to come out. “John, would you please call in a replacement for Susan? I’m going to show Ms. King around.” I twisted my head slightly to see him and he nodded his own reply. I knew he’d have the task covered so I didn’t waste another second of time. I stripped off my gloves and lab coat and escorted Sloane King off the factory floor. We headed up the stairs, where I dropped my coat and gloves off at my office as we passed by. I walked beside her down the hallway to the next destination on her agenda.

  Ms. King was brimming with questions. Some I could answer and the rest I was able to, at least, point her in the direction of the right people to ask. She listened attentively, almost like she was taking notes with no pen or paper. It felt as though she was just memorizing every detailed answer I gave her. I didn’t know if that was a good thing or not. I did not need someone else to get in the way of my investigation.

  I also didn’t know if spending this much time with her was good or bad. That strange pulling sensation never went away. I had to fight with myself to not walk too close to her. I wanted to grab her hand, snatch her to me, and wrap my arms around her. I really wanted to fuck her against the wall, right here in the middle of the corridor, in nothing but her blood red heels. Fuck.

  Fuck.

  FUCK!

  What is wrong with me?

  Sloane

  Friday Afternoon

  Today was exhausting. As I thanked Mr. Winter for walking me through the rest of my tour — and highlighting the areas that Caplin asshat decided to skip — I couldn’t keep the smile off my face. A real smile. It felt ridiculous to be so happy. I hadn’t felt this feeling in a long time, and I was honestly trying not to freak out.

  You just met the male. I told myself that over and over again, but it didn’t seem to matter. I couldn’t stop thinking about him. The strange pull that I noticed when I first locked eyes with him hadn’t stopped either. I almost wanted to ask Franklin to turn the car around so I could go back in there and jump his bones. Bone? Just one bone... Godsdamnit. I need to figure my shit out. Really though... When was the last time I enjoyed a conversation? I couldn’t even remember.

  Vaughn spoke animatedly about all the things going on in the company, and it put my restless mind at ease. That company was purchased for one reason, but it might not be su
ch a drag to keep around. We’d have to do some work, but I didn’t think it would be anything major. I’d have to do some research on other pharmaceutical companies. Then I would find a few people from within to promote into the bigger positions that were vacated today.

  I had to make myself memorize basically every word he was saying because I couldn’t stop my spiraling gutter bound thoughts. While we were in one of the research labs, I kept thinking about what it would feel like to have him bend me over the gleaming metal countertop and slam into me with all his fae strength. Lifting me onto my toes with every thrust. My tits bouncing so hard they popped right out of the top of my dress, leaving both of us exposed to anyone who might walk in.

  I had to clear my throat before I could speak to him while we were in that room. The thoughts kept coming, just like I was in them. I had to ask him to continue with the rest of my tour. I needed to get out of that room. Anyway...

  He thanked me for my time as I eased into the back seat of the Audi SUV Franklin was driving today. He closed the door with a small wave and a sexy tilt to his god-like lips. He was basically walking sin for a part demon like myself. I had to mentally fight with my inner self to get my thoughts off him. This is godsdamn ridiculous. Why was I acting like a love struck teenager?

  Nope. Can’t be. Not going there. I’d shove those awful, emotional thoughts away for later. Maybe never. I didn’t know. I’d pencil it in my schedule. A solid three and a half minutes titled “Figure your shit out, Sloane” and then a solid twenty minutes to revisit those filthy thoughts. FUCK!

  Be gone dirty thoughts! Stay focused, Sloane.

  Alone with my business thoughts once more, I was finally able to think clearly again. I worked through all the things that I could do to boost profits without making any budget cuts or firing anyone else. I had already fired everyone that was getting paid to do nothing. Six people were let go from the company today. I emptied out four offices too. Two Caplin and two Bowers, and I fired one very slutty secretary and a horribly under-qualified head of security. I’d promote as many people from within the company as I could and hire a new secretary next week. I needed to put out a listing, but first, I needed to know what I’d need from a secretary.

  It was going to be fun. Just fucking kidding. None of it was fun. Hiring people sucked. Firing people sucked more. I was good at my job, but my job was not always good to me.

  Sighing, I quickly called my dad, Charles, and left him a short voicemail asking him to call me back once he’d reviewed my notes. They were all in his email, but I didn’t know when he’d actually have the time to read it all.

  He called me back almost immediately, and it was so relaxing to hear his voice. I hadn’t seen him in a week and our usual Sunday dinner was fast approaching. I looked forward to the weekly dinners with my parents. We laughed and bickered, and the conversations were always effortless and fun. When Jack joined I wasn’t the only one they teased and told Dad jokes to. Maybe I could get him to come with me this weekend. They’d always treated Jack like their son, and he hadn’t been to dinner with us in two months. I know they’d love to see him.

  “Hi, Dad,” I called out cheerfully before I went into the details of the negotiations and tour. He genuinely sounded excited and that made me feel joyful. This was going to be a good purchase to add to the family portfolio. I wouldn’t let it be anything else.

  As I ended the call with my Dad, Franklin pulled the car up to the door of my home. I knew he’d wait for me while I got ready so I didn’t say a word as I rushed out of the car and into the house. I had to change clothes and get prepared to be the nightclub princess, which is my second job.

  There was really no need to rush. Honestly, I was just anxious about my encounter with Mr. Winter. Vaughn. My insides were all knotted up and that strange pull in my chest still wouldn’t leave. I’d felt the feeling before. Only once before. It was a feeling I’d never forget. It was also a feeling that ended up breaking my cold, black heart.

  Two years I wasted with that fucking Druid, and he just vanished. No text. No phone call. No tracks. He disappeared. Like my mother. Except, when he went missing, so did the pull in my chest. Almost like he was — nope. Not fucking going there.

  I was spiraling again, and there was nothing fun or dirty about the tangled web of emotions I’d found myself in. White knuckling the counter in my kitchen, I shoved all those thoughts away. I locked them back in the box they belonged in. I could handle so much, but those emotions? The sad ones? The ones that made my hurt surface and led me to be bitter? Nope. Not my thing. I hated them. I didn’t have time to deal with that shit show. I’d simply close my eyes to it all. I would will them away with sheer determination.

  Pencil it in, Sloane. You’ve got a metric fuck load of shit to do. You cannot afford a mental breakdown right now.

  Breathe in. Breathe out.

  Breathe in. Breathe out.

  Right. Now I had my head back on straight, I needed to get ready. Maybe I’d primp a little more tonight and try to look like I wasn’t balancing on the cliff’s edge in a downward tailspin of emotional trauma. With a nod to myself I headed to my bathroom and jumped in the shower. I really didn’t want to wash my hair, so just a quick scrub to get the feeling of that slimy man's hands off me would do. If I stood under the hot water for too long I’d get lost in my thoughts again. I can’t let that happen.

  An hour and a half later and I was feeling much better. Who am I kidding? What I meant to say was two and a half hours and I wanted to drink for the second night in a row, but it’s fine. I’m fine. Totally fine. I’d go to the club and get this night started and over with. I had more work to do when I got home, but after today, I may skip it and watch a gory movie or read some book porn. Fuck. Jack is right. I do need to get laid. I had a hunch that might make me feel better.

  Get back to work, Sloane.

  Right.

  Work.

  Club.

  My father, Nathaniel, owns one of the most exclusive nightclubs on the eastern coast. The entry list was booked eight months in advance and never held cancellations. The crowd outside wrapped around the entire block every night that we were open, with the hope that they’d get in. There was red carpet on the shallow stairs, covered by a long black awning. Red velvet ropes blocked the door, attached to golden posts, manned by what most people called breathing steel. Almost literally. The bouncers outside were some of the largest males I’d ever seen, and they stood stoic in tailor made, solid black suits. That’s where I was headed tonight. To work. Insert sarcastic finger air quotes.

  I jumped back in the SUV 30 minutes later. I tried on seven different outfits but none of them displayed my mood, until I found a dress that I hadn’t worn yet in the back of my closet. Now, I was in a tight black minidress with blood red stilettos that matched my lips. I could already tell that this dress was going to be one of my favorites. It had an upside-down triangle-shaped cut out under my breasts that was about four inches long and six inches wide, showing off some extra skin. It felt so comfortable that it seemed nearly as good as being naked in a warm room. It made me feel sexy and alluring, and that was all I really needed to get this job done.

  I tried to ease my mind on the drive to the club. Closing my eyes, I inhaled deeply and released the breath slowly. I peeked into my future. I didn’t much care for surprises, but I also knew better than to look too far, or too often, into my own future. It never ended well. Maybe one little peek would simply show me that it was going to be a boring and uneventful night. Then I could go home early and get back to all that important shit I had left to do.

  What I See isn’t what I was hoping for though. It never worked like I wanted it to. I spotted a muscular man sitting next to me in my VIP booth. He had his head turned, and I couldn’t see his face, but his build seemed familiar to me. I’d seen him somewhere before. I knew I had. His shoulders and arm muscles were tense, his hand squeezed so tightly into a fist that his knuckles were turning colors. His jaw was clenched
, and as I followed the direction that held his attention I saw a familiar face. Taylor Caplin would be in the club tonight, and he was watching me. Us.

  Maybe tonight wouldn’t be the same boring routine of ignoring the people who wanted to sit with me in my permanently reserved booth just to say they’d been there. Maybe the mysterious male was someone who was genuinely interested in a conversation with me. And maybe Taylor would leave me the fuck alone.

  It’s a long shot, I know. A bitch can dream though.

  We pulled up outside the club while I was still lost in my Sight. Franklin patiently waited for me to tell him when I was ready to exit the SUV. The people waiting in line all stared and gossiped in hushed tones. They knew who I was, or so they thought. I could hear their whispers like they were speaking directly in front of me, not from fifteen feet away and through bullet proof, steel lined doors. I heard their thoughts too, and that happened to be what jerked me from my Sight. Every dark and dirty thing that crossed their minds was on display for me. It took me years to learn how to block other people’s thoughts and even more time to learn how to select which thoughts to hear. Tonight I didn’t want to hear any of their thoughts so I locked my mind down tighter than my dress.

  I tapped the shoulder of Franklin’s seat to get his attention. He hopped out of the driver's side door and opened mine with haste. I gave him a polite “thank you” and strutted towards the bouncers. Sarge is working tonight. He was one of my favorite brooding beasts. He was smaller than the other bouncers, but twice as deadly. He never cracked a smile, and he absolutely hated when I joked at his expense. He was good at his job though. He kept a tight leash on the security team. The patrons very rarely stepped out of line with him here.

  He moved away from the ropes, handing the clipboard to the male I’d nicknamed Hulk, and extended his hand to help me up the stairs. “Are you always such a gentleman or do you just really like me?” I teased him with a saccharine smile while mentally reprimanding myself. Or maybe it’s in his job description, you thirsty bitch.