Whatnots & Doodads

by Stacey Kennedy

Zeke had lived for three hundred years, and had never had a woman stir his lust so. The moment he saw Bryanna standing at the side of the road, dripping with water, his cock stiffened and hadn’t let up for a moment. Even now as it strained against his pants, it reminded him just how much he wanted her.

  It wasn’t the fact he craved to see her long black hair against that creamy white skin, or that her small-framed body seemed to have been built to be in his arms. No, it was the roar that lived inside of her. So hidden from the world, which he suspected was due to her refusal to acknowledge her magic. He yearned to reconnect her with that part of herself, and more than that, he wanted to see that side of her exposed.

  He’d had women--humans, demons and supernaturals--but none of them had made him so needy. With her corset tight around her torso, her breasts rested atop to create a deep cleavage that called for his tongue to slide along it. With each step, his cock throbbed harder just at the sight of her. More than that--it was her, all of who she was that made him pine after her.

  For years Zeke had waited, searching for the reason that validated his choices which led him to be banished from Hell. To find that one soul he didn’t want to steal, but craved to save. Now, she stood right in front of him. Vindication and power coursed through his blood. He may no longer be evil, he may not want to harm her, but one thing was certain, he planned to devour her.

  “Can I ask you something ... um ... personal?” Bryanna asked, breaking him away from the thought of his heavy cock.

  He gained control of his lust so he didn’t frighten her, and kept his tone light when he answered. “Depends.”

  Based on her ponderous expression, he suspected she wasn’t sure what to make of his answer. She bit down on her bottom lip, a very nervous gesture, and one he hadn’t missed. “On?”

  He grinned. “Depends if I’m still going to look good after I answer it.”

  She laughed--a boisterous sound that filled the air around him. “Hearing a demon say anything about being good is funny, you do know that?”

  He nodded, understanding her amusement. It’d been a long time since he’d been questioned about what and who he was. “You’ll find nothing in Strange Hollow is typical, and that we’re accepted because of those reasons.”

  She seemed to want to ask more. For now she only said, “I was just wondering about you being a demon and well, being ... here.”

  “You don’t like Strange Hollow?” he responded, avoiding her question for a little playful banter.

  Her expression became disgruntled. “That’s not what I was asking and you know it.”

  It pleased him to find a little strength in her. He suspected this wouldn’t be the first time he’d see pieces of who she really was hidden deep within her. “Ah yes, you mean why am I not out stealing souls and doing Satan’s work?”

  “Yes, that,” she quipped. “Why aren’t you doing that?”

  “Just because you’re born as something doesn’t mean you have to live by those rules.”

  It surprised him that the statement made her laugh. “Seriously? You just what, woke up one day and said, ‘Hmm, nope, I’m done with this whole soul eatin’ bit’.”

  “That’s exactly right.”

  Her eyes shifted from bewilderment to amazement. He could only wonder what she saw on his face that made her believe him so quickly. “Why ... and how?”

  “It’s quite a simple story.” But it wasn’t a simple act that brought him to the decision that forever altered his path. It was a memory he held close. Yet, for the oddest of reasons, he wanted her to know. “I grew tired of it all--tired of creating fear and causing death.”

  She examined him a moment, her expression showing nothing of what she was thinking. Her stare so penetrating, he wondered if she liked what she’d heard or didn’t. “So, just like that you up and quit.”

  He laughed at the simple way she put it. If only it’d been so easy. “It’s not really something you just up and quit.”

  She joined him in the laughter for a moment, and gave her head a little shake that he found sweet. It appeared she chastised herself for the comment she made. Once settled, she asked, “Well, what happened?”

  “My assignment brought me to a young woman in her early twenties. She wanted to make herself better, be more.” He gave a firm look to get his point across that she had called to him freely. For some reason he didn’t want Bryanna to view him in a bad light. “And she was willing to sell her soul to the devil to get it.”

  He paused a moment to let her process the information, but she nudged his arm. “And...”

  “I went to her, offered her the choice, and she took it.” He was unable to admit this with her staring at him, and turned away from her. “She was the one who changed it all for me.”

  “Because you took her soul?”

  He nodded to the ground as he watched the sidewalk pass beneath his feet. “I saw what she became. After the exchange, she was given it all. A powerful life, beauty, anything she could ever want.”

  “Well, that’s the point, isn’t it?” She laughed quietly before she went on. “So, it all worked out for her, right?”

  “No, it didn’t.” His head snapped back up toward her and he let his despair show on his face of what this discovery did to him. “She might have had it all, had the life she dreamed of, but it didn’t give her happiness. That loneliness--emptiness--never went away.”

  Bryanna frowned at either the thought of the woman or in reaction to the pain coming from him. He wasn’t sure which. “And seeing that changed your mind on the whole soul taking?”

  “I’m not sure I can ever explain what happened that night, or why I suddenly awakened to the reality of what I’d done. But I did. My world spun on its axis and the reason for my duty fled.”

  Her brow furrowed, and she went quiet before she spoke again. “And that’s why you came here?”

  “Strange Hollow is the place where you don’t have to be anything but yourself. You don’t have to adhere to rules set out by a standard. Jacinda welcomed me here, and I’m forever grateful to her for it. Thus, it’s why I act on her behalf when she has need of me.”

  “So, Strange Hollow is a place for people like ... me?”

  “For people like us,” he corrected.

  Bryanna laughed a soft sound, tilting her head up toward the sky. “Okay, okay, I get the hint, I’ll stay.” Before he could ask what she meant, she gave him a knowing look. “I’m just acknowledging my destiny.”

  Happiness roared through him. He liked the idea of her sticking around. “I take it you’ve decided to stay here?”

  “As long as there’s a place to stay and somewhere that’s furnished. I’ve brought nothing with me.”

  “I’ll take you over to see Jacinda after you shop. I’m sure she’ll decide on a nice place for you.” A curious thought rose in his mind. “Tell me, why is it you have nothing with you? Why did you leave so quickly that you didn’t bring any of your belongings?”

  “I just needed to get away from it all.” She exhaled a long deep breath. “Leave whatever life I had before behind and start afresh.”

  “Now, that I can understand.” He wanted to ask more about her life, but the arrival at the store stopped him. He gestured toward the door. “This is where you’ll want to go.”

  *

  Bryanna stared at the sign above the old wooden door. Dragon’s Whips. The name alone was an indication of what this place was. The mannequin in the window dressed in a leather bra and underwear confirmed it. “Where in the elements have you taken me?”

  “A store,” Zeke replied simply.

  She snorted. “Yes, I see that it is a store.” Smart-ass. “But...”

  He grabbed the handle and pulled it open. “You said you wanted to get clothes, so we’re getting clothes.”

  She steeled him with a hard stare and crossed her arms over her chest. “I don’t know what kind of witch you think I am, but I’m not going in there.”

  His brow furrowe
d. “And why would that be?”

  “Because it’s a ... they have...” She sighed, her cheeks burning with heat. “It’s a sex store and I don’t want sex toys.”

  He laughed, understanding coming to his face. “I realize that.” He stepped up close and reached out to trail his finger up the side of her corset. “I thought this type of clothing suited you and that you would want to replace it.” His eyebrow arched up in the most provocative way. “Am I wrong?”

  She gulped. Bless the elements, she could feel that touch as if his finger lingered on her bare skin and sank into her very soul. “Ahhh...” She swallowed hard. “Yes, replace my corset. Yes, that’s what I want.” Without another word, she walked through the door, feeling flushed.

  That warmth only increased when she cleared the door and faced dildos, whips, bondage items--a Dominatrix’s playground indeed. Now, the heat within her had nothing to do with Zeke’s touch but the awkwardness of being in such a room. Not that she was appalled by the idea. Whatever floats your boat, she’d always thought. But the rough stuff just wasn’t for her--she was too romantic for such things. Although, she’d only dreamed of romance. Layton had always been more of a get your rocks off type of guy. At first he’d been sweet, and she believed for a while that he really did love her. Now, she knew better.

  “Come this way.” Zeke nudged her elbow to follow him into a back room.

  As she went with him, she passed by the owner of the store. He smiled up at her, which she returned. He appeared pleasant enough--a man you’d see getting apples from the market. But she suspected that was all for show. This warlock definitely was into the kinky stuff if he owned a place like this. But there was something else she noticed too--he appeared to have no power whatsoever.

  Strange Hollow certainly was a safe haven for outcasts. She’d noticed on their walk here that the shifters were far from standard. Monkeys, lizards--even a mouse. But the one who seemed the oddest and stood out the most was the demon walking in front of her. He intrigued her. To deny his nature, to be good when everything in his soul said he shouldn’t, there was something to be said for a man like that. Something that tightened her stomach, clenched her thighs together, and made her want to smile.

  Just past a large display of male erotic toys was another room. She stepped in and sighed out loud in pleasure, unable to help herself. “Oh my lightning bolts.” She circled around, trying to take in everything at once. It seemed similar to a closet, just bigger. Rows and rows of corsets lined the walls; skirts of all lengths and fabrics, boots, shoes--her dreams had been answered. Strange Hollow had taste.

  Zeke chuckled, stepping in next to her. His face shone with amusement. “Re-thinking your words of not wanting to come in here?”

  She nodded, nearly drooled. “Back home, stores like this just didn’t exist. Corsets aren’t,” she raised her fingers up and mimed quotations, “typical attire.”

  “Like I said, Strange Hollow isn’t your typical kind of place.” He reached out, took a corset off its hanger, and handed it to her. “This one.” His eyes twinkled as he pushed her toward the fitting room. “I want to see you in that.”

  She laughed, unsure of his intent. Was he simply being nice, or did his interest in seeing her in it appeal to him? Needing to know which one it was, she asked, “What, do you want me to model it for you?”

  “Yes, that is exactly what I want.” His husky tone made her look back at him. She wasn’t mistaken, lust showed on his face, and she felt the heat of it run through her. She gave him a little grin as he propped his shoulder against the wall and crossed his arms.

  Leaving him, she went into the fitting room, closing the curtain behind her. She reacted to him in ways she’d never experienced before. Sure, she’d found a guy attractive before that led her to think naughty thoughts. But with Zeke it was as if he was already doing those naughty things to her. She couldn’t help but notice that his reaction to her caused moisture to form in her panties. No one had ever caused such a stir in her, especially a demon. Was that why? Was the danger of him appealing to her? While she couldn’t be sure, now was not the time to find out. She was soaked and wanted out of these clothes.

  Resolved to get her mind off the heat that roared between her thighs, she spun the corset around on her torso and began to unlace it. With the last hook of her finger, the wet corset fell to the ground.

  Zeke’s choice was a black lace top with frill on the neck and a crimson corset that sat just below her bust line--very Victorian. Placing it over her head so that neckline settled into place, she backed up to the curtain and opened it a little. “Do you mind tying this up for me?”

  “Not at all.” Zeke’s hands were warm across her back before he began to lace it. After a final tug, he trailed his fingers along her back, causing a little shiver to flutter through her. “All tight.”

  She stepped away from the curtain to examine herself in the mirror as Zeke closed the curtain. Her small breasts sat perfectly in the top, showing off ample cleavage through the lace. Just as she was about to open the curtain, Zeke’s hand popped through, handing her a black skirt. Silk underneath with a layer of black chiffon over it. “Thanks,” she said, taking the garment from his hand. He said nothing in return.

  She quickly stripped off her wet skirt and panties, and was just going to put the new skirt on when a black lace throng dropped on the floor at her feet. The idea of him picking underwear for her was embarrassing, but she did need them, and was happy with his choice.

  Once dressed, she turned back to the mirror and ran her hands over her corset--so exquisite. So beautiful, they made someone as plain as her stand out. Feeling satisfied, she pulled the curtain back and stepped out. “What do you think?”

  Zeke’s eyes widened a moment, before they lowered into almost slits. His expression tightened, his jaw clenched and he groaned under his breath.

  Bryanna smiled and peeked down to the outfit, running her hands along it once more. “I know, isn’t it so beautiful?”

  “Would you mind not touching yourself like that?” Zeke’s voice came out strained. He stared at her with an intensity that nearly knocked her off her feet. Before she could say anything, he nodded back to the shop. “Go get what you need, I’ll be waiting for you outside.”

  Bryanna stood in shock as he tore through the room, but what surprised her most was what he whispered when he left. “It’s not the corset that’s beautiful; it’s what’s in it.”

  Chapter Three

  Jacinda studied Bryanna as she sat across from her in the study of her home. A low fire burned in the fireplace and the room was calming, lit only by candlelight. “Of course you are welcome to stay here,” she told Bryanna.

  “Thanks,” Bryanna replied. “I’m really grateful.”

  “Like I’ve said, we welcome outcasts. You must know and understand the laws in Strange Hollow to reside here.” When Bryanna nodded, Jacinda continued. “The rules are simple ones, but I stress that we do not give second chances, so be wise to follow them.”

  “What are they?” Bryanna asked.

  “Murder and rape is punishable by death, no exceptions. I will always open my doors to outcasts, but as you heard before, elitists have no protection here.”

  Bryanna laughed softly. “I really don’t think that I’ll be inclined to break any of those laws.”

  Jacinda gave an approving nod. “Have you considered employment here?”

  Bryanna shrugged. “I’m not really sure. Right now I have enough money to get by, but of course, I will need to do something.”

  “Let’s wait on this,” Zeke interjected. “We should allow Bryanna to get settled first, and then we can discuss employment with you,” he said to Jacinda.

  Curiosity filled Jacinda’s face. Maybe Zeke was letting on that he held an interest in the witch. It wasn’t like him to suggest they wait on this, but his heart told him not to push Bryanna.

  Soon though, Jacinda’s expression softened. “I am agreeable to that. Take some tim
e to settle in here. When you are ready, come back to me and we will discuss your options then.”

  “So...” Bryanna’s voice was hesitant. “Is there a hotel or something I can stay at?”

  Jacinda shook her head, stood and approached her desk. “There is a small stone house located halfway down Alpha Boulevard that I think you will enjoy.”

  Strange Hollow had its share of new occupants as of late. Galan, a powerful werewolf that only gave strength to the town’s defences. Simon, another vampire had found his way here. But even with the added faces, the town still had room for newcomers. Jacinda was keen to see it grow, and had built enough homes to make sure Strange Hollow succeeded.

  The home she mentioned was only a block away from Zeke’s house on Beta Boulevard. The rent was high, but Bryanna said funds weren’t a concern of hers. If Zeke had his choice, this witch would be in his bed, where he could unleash the woman inside that wanted to come out to play. Realizing he was thinking such inappropriate thoughts, he forced his mind away from his cock, which still hadn’t softened. Now was not the time to be indulging in such things, especially with Jacinda here.

  Jacinda walked back to Bryanna and handed her a set of keys. “I hope you find a home here in Strange Hollow.” Before Bryanna could say a word, Jacinda left the room.

  Zeke hadn’t expected anything else, not from a woman as distant as she was.

  Bryanna stood and shook the keys at him. “Do you mind showing me the way? I’m not quite sure where to go.”

  An absurd question, as if he minded spending time with her. Yet, he waited for her to give him a sign that he wasn’t the only one with an attraction here. He would have her, without question, but when he couldn’t say. He’d thought there’d been a flash of interest back in the shop, but it was so quick he couldn’t act on that alone. He suspected he needed to be gentle with her--for now. The way she held herself gave him enough insight to realize she was reserved. Throwing himself at her would likely only scare her away. But he couldn’t help show a little interest to see if she took the bait.