I Kissed a Dog

by Carol Van Atta

“Thank God you’re all here!” Luke exclaimed. “Let’s get inside the park.” He glanced over his shoulder.

  In the courtyard, we formed a small circle. Luke had turned on all the outside lights illuminating the shadowy grounds. On an average night, we kept the lighting low for the animals. Tonight Luke had the place lit up like Times Square on New Year’s Eve.

  I noticed both Zane and Mack trying to remain discreet while sniffing the air.

  Unaware of their unusual antics, Luke rattled on about how he’d tried to follow Michael but couldn’t keep up.

  “Don’t you feel bad, boss. My son can run like the wind.” Mack gave Luke a quick pat on the back.

  “I’ll say,” Zane agreed, his nose still twitching. “I doubt many men could keep up with that kid.”

  Luke explained the events leading up to Michael’s mad dash into the darkness.

  Michael had been making his rounds when he’d heard unfamiliar growling and scratching. Following the sounds, he’d found himself outside the Zebra’s enclosure. He’d radioed Luke for assistance.

  Grabbing the shotgun he kept hidden in his office, Luke had hurried out to help him investigate. He was too late. Michael was already pursuing something into heavy foliage behind the park.

  “You should have seen him!” Luke boasted. “He hurdled over the electric fence without missing a step. I didn’t think jumping like that was possible. “

  My eyes darted to Zane, who shrugged.

  “Adrenaline can do some pretty funny stuff,” Mack offered. “You know the story about the five-foot mother hoisting a car off her child. Things like this are documented. I sure hope adrenaline finds me if I ever need it.”

  “Luke, why don’t you take watch up front? Mack and I will see what we can find out here. Chloe, go with Luke.” Zane instructed. Please, for once do this with debating, he added for my ears only.

  “Can I talk to Missy first?” My question was for Luke who raised an eyebrow at Zane.

  Oh my goodness! Did everyone automatically bow to my big bad wolf?

  Rather than waiting for his approval, I marched around the enclosure to the far corner where Missy and her mate were huddled. I could hear Luke jogging to catch up. It amazed me how loud a human sounded in comparison to one of the supes, and my athletic boss was no wimp. Stealthy — not so much, evidenced by his labored breathing.

  “Since when do you take orders from anyone?” I hissed, aware of a unique opportunity to enlist Luke’s help. With all the excitement, I’d almost forgotten my escape plan. Traveling to Portland, Monday evening, remained high on my to-do list.

  Looking chagrined, he muttered, “Since he became your husband.”

  Luke made a good point. This was a dangerous situation and my man was all about protecting his prize, Princess Chloe. I hated to admit how much I liked my new royal title and Zane’s protective nature. I’d never felt safer or more cherished. Luke was just trying to respect our new relationship.

  “I know this was all so sudden …”

  “I’ll say,” he agreed, pausing again to scan the grounds.

  I’d grown used to macho supernatural men, who tackled adversity with bold authority. Luke’s humanness seemed somewhat inadequate.

  Mortified by my degrading thoughts about my own species, I flashed him the biggest grin I could muster under the circumstances. For goodness sake, the man was my former almost-flame. He was a great friend who put up with my glaring deficiencies. He deserved an explanation.

  “Luke, I’m so sorry. You know the reason we never dated was because of our work relationship. Sometimes a good friend and excellent working relationship are hard things to give up. Still friends …?”

  For the first time since my marriage announcement, the open smile that I’d come to love and expect, spread across his tanned face. “You silly girl, we’ll always be friends. And the truth is I like Zane. He’s a good guy. A little odd, but he seems to care about you. Congratulations, you deserve to be happy.”

  Without thinking, I flung my arms around his neck.

  “Oh! Sorry! I didn’t mean to strangle you,” I said backing away, uncomfortable with our physical contact.

  He pretended to choke and sputter, “Help! I can’t breathe.”

  I opened my mouth, but the words never came.

  An eerie chorus of howls erupted around us, sending the zebras and other nearby animals into a state of frenzied panic.

  “Run …” I managed to whisper before the haunting yowls increased in volume, sounding much closer.

  I spun back toward the courtyard, not bothering to wait for Luke’s response.

  When the overhead lights dissolved into darkness, I screamed.

  Chapter 2616

  Roars, screeches, and other animal noises filled the darkness. I could hear the chimpanzees protesting in the distance. My heart thudded as I dashed through the familiar landscape. There was scarcely enough moonlight to reveal my course.

  “Luke?” I called, slowing my pace. I’d reached the courtyard gift shop and Luke was missing. Realizing I wasn’t alone, at the glass door, triggered my inner alarm, awakening a new burst of much-needed adrenaline.

  A mutant, its fur a tangled mass of filthy mats, blocked the entrance. Its pitiful condition a glaring contradiction to the other creatures I’d seen. I almost felt sorry for it.

  “The little girl who talks to animals,” the thing said — its voice a gravelly growl.

  I’d never attempted to engage any mutant in conversation, but decided if it might stall my bloody demise it was worth trying.

  Where was Zane anyway? And what happened to Luke?

  I stood taller, making myself face my gruesome foe. “How is it you know me and I don’t know your name?” My voice sounded much stronger than I’d expected, giving me an air of assurance I didn’t feel.

  Confused by my calm response, the beast rocked from side to side. It even cocked its massive head like a curious dog. I wondered how much humanness remained beneath its pathetic exterior.

  “A name. What do you call yourself?” I persisted.

  “Don’t answer!” a booming voice countered.

  In what felt like slow motion, I turned to face my newest adversary. Stryder, the mutant from Miles’ trailer park, loomed just behind me.

  Talk about surrounded.

  “Stryder,” I said, hoping to surprise him with an air of familiarity.

  It worked.

  “How do you know my name, human?” he growled, unable to conceal his stunned expression.

  I scanned the mammoth beast, noting his fur was luscious and well-groomed, unlike his counterpart. There was something regal about him. He didn’t seem as feral, although I had no doubt he’d kill me with one swipe of his massive claw.

  “I’ve seen more of you than you can imagine,” I taunted, remembering the ride I’d hitched in his mind. I realized, too late, how presumptuous I probably sounded.

  It also occurred to me Alcuin had been on his way to Miles McCray’s trailer in search of a coin. I wanted to ask Stryder if he’d seen anything, but held back. Mentioning the vampire would be like showing my hand during a high stakes poker game — way too much information.

  Leisurely, Stryder circled me, his snout twitching. He moved to stand by his subordinate who looked more wretched next to the large more refined mutant.

  “Forgive me. I didn’t mean to be so rude.” I faced the deadly duo.

  “I will ask again, human, how do you know my name?”

  Not sure how to answer without giving away the extent of my telepathic gift, I kept it simple. “I overheard you talking at Miles’ trailer. I also heard you get angry at your annoying superior.”

  “What else did you hear?”

  “I know about your mistress …”

  “You will not speak of her!” Stryder bellowed, lurching forward.

  I took a swift step back, keeping my eyes trained on him.

  “Chloe! Don’t move!” Luke shouted, appearing to my right.

&
nbsp; Bad timing. A human male was bound to incite the fury of our furry guests.

  Glancing at the mutants, I muttered, “Wouldn’t think of moving.”

  “Don’t come near her!” Luke commanded over my shoulder. He slid a protective arm around my waist.

  Unbelievably, the mutants stepped back, glancing anxiously around the courtyard. I felt Luke stand taller beside me. Styder stepped to the left. The other creature whimpered. Now he sounded as bad as he looked. Again, I felt a twinge of pity for the forlorn man-beast.

  “Keep moving. Away from the door.” The one person I’d grown to love and count on demanded. “That’s right, Stryder. Your flunkies took off. You and Mr. Tangles are it,” Zane added. Princess, sorry I took so long.

  I thought you’d forgotten me, I scolded mentally.

  It was then I understood why the mutants were intimidated. So much for Luke’s temporary claim to fame; it had been all about Zane. My boss’ shoulders slumped as he realized his mistake.

  Chloe, you’re unforgettable. Zane maneuvered closer and pulled me to him, disengaging Luke’s arm.

  To my relief, Alcuin, back at last, joined Mack and Michael who’d emerged from the shadows, forming a tight triangle around our enemies.

  Stryder, though outnumbered, maintained his composure. There was something about the mutant that intrigued me. Maybe it was because I knew he was disgruntled with his leadership. And perhaps he could be persuaded to change sides. It happened in the movies and politics all the time.

  “You two have a choice to make,” Zane said to the captives. “We dispose of you right here right now, or, you accompany us blindfolded, back to my residence, where we have a nice secluded spot for you to think about your next step.”

  “Go on,” Stryder said.

  “The way I see it, you have two options. Die for your cause or live for ours.”

  Stryder looked over our little team, allowing his gaze to rest on each member. It took him a few seconds to ask, “Where’s the blindfold?”

  With Alcuin’s assistance, Zane managed to convince Luke they would handle the intruders. The vampire used some of his nifty mind-magic to make Luke more pliable, ensuring he wouldn’t decide to call the police the minute we left him alone. As final insurance, he erased Luke’s memories of the wolfy creatures, making certain he remembered them as mischievous men only.

  Michael was settled back in his security post when we finally drove off. Alciun had teleported Mack and our two semi-willing prisoners back to home base.

  I still had no clue who or what Michael had been pursuing. Now I’d have to wait even longer for his update. At least he was safe at work as if nothing happened.

  Alcuin had some explaining to do as well. All I’d been able to garner was that he’d failed to find the coin.

  This revelation had surprised us all considering his ability to zap himself from one location to another. His lack of success wasn’t something I’d expected. Maybe Stryder and his gang had found it first. At least we had three of the coins in our possession. Thanks to the help from the ugly cloaked man.

  So many questions remained unanswered.

  Lucky for me, one key question had been answered affirmatively, by Luke.

  I’d asked him to accompany me to the bathroom while the others had bound and blindfolded the mutant captives. After a ton of pleading and a few forced tears, I’d convinced him to cover for me Monday night, when I made my escape up north. I didn’t have a ton of confidence in our plan, but I couldn’t think of anything better.

  Once back at Zane’s, I escaped into the bedroom, away from the men. There I let my tears flow. Sure, I’d acted all brave when necessary, but now, all I wanted was a hot shower, a warm bed, and at least eight hours of uninterrupted sleep.

  Tomorrow was Sunday, the one day my parents had allowed me to sleep in growing up. They pointed to the fact that God commanded a day of rest after six days of hard work. This was one of God’s commandments I was more than happy to abide by.

  Thirty minutes later, comfy at last in my pajamas, my teeth brushed, and my hair still damp, I crawled into the bed I would share with Zane until we found a new, more permanent home. We hadn’t discussed it, but I didn’t see any point in moving until the current mess was resolved.

  I was painfully aware of the late hour. Almost three in the morning and the men were out in the pole barn. Doing whatever they did to captured enemies. Exhausted, but too jittery to sleep, I let my mind reach out.

  I could sense four of them. Alcuin didn’t come up on my radar like the others. I could tell he was there, but no matter how hard I knocked, the door to his mind wouldn’t crack. I blamed that little problem on his non-animal status. Undead beings didn’t register right, unlike humans, who still remained immune to my talents.

  Zane and Mack were closed off, but Stryder was wide open, welcome mat out. I slipped right in and took my place in the front row of his mind. He was tense, refusing to answer Zane’s questions. Like so many others, he’d been misled to believe Zane was responsible for the murders, with help from me, of course.

  “What about Jazmine?” Zane pressed.

  “I told you, I don’t know any Jazmine. Man, when will you get it?” Stryder was exhausted, near collapsing. I could feel his twitching muscles and racing heart.

  “Why were you at Miles McMcray’s trailer? What were you looking for?”

  “Just kill me. We’re all going to die anyway.”

  No you’re not! None of us will die, dammit! I screeched into Stryder’s mind.

  “Who said that?” Stryder’s eyes darted sideways searching for the source.

  “Said what?” Mack asked.

  It’s me, Chloe, the one who knows your name. Stay with us. Work with us. I know you’re not happy with your job.

  “Chloe?” Stryder said, his confusion evident.

  Zane leapt on the mutant, pinning him to the ground. “What about my mate?” He grasped Stryder’s shoulders, shaking him violently.

  You stop it right now! I mind-shouted at Zane. He stopped and glanced around, self-conscious.

  “Accept my apology. I guess my girl was chatting you up.” He pulled Stryder to his feet.

  “Isn’t she the one who talks to ani … oh, I get it.”

  They all chuckled. The animal part must have hit home — hard.

  “I guess I’m the one acting like a damn rabid animal.” Zane sounded repentant. “What was her great idea?”

  “She wants us to work together.” Stryder shrugged.

  “Chloe …!” Zane roared my name loud enough to be heard on the moon.

  I yanked the covers over my head and waited.

  ***

  Chapter 27

  Teeth nibbling on my right ear pulled me from the thickness of sleep.

  I stayed quiet, keeping my breathing slow and steady. I wanted to keep my now-awake status concealed from Zane so I could enjoy the tempting tortures he’d use to rouse, or, more accurately, arouse me.

  The room was bright. Even with my eyes closed, I could detect a sunny Sunday morning … or afternoon. I had no idea how long we’d slept.

  Following last night’s argument about whether or not to form a truce with our mutant prisoners, we’d fallen, mid-sentence, into an all-encompassing and much overdue state of deep sleep. Sex had been the furthest thing from both of our minds, but now, with Zane’s tongue winding leisurely down my neck, I felt pretty willing to reestablish our wedding night bliss, the bliss that I’d missed out on the first time around.

  Zane nuzzled my neck and nipped at my ear. His hand moved in slow, tantalizing circles over my belly, blazing a trail of heat across my skin. Forgetting my reasons for feigning sleep, I turned on my side, pressing myself against the heat of my husband.

  “Ah, Chloe,” he murmured, wrapping his arms around me. “I’m sorry about last night.”

  “No. I should have minded my own business. Dropping into conversations and minds uninvited can be pretty unsettling.” I kissed his bare chest,
sighing with delight as I ran my tongue down his smooth, warm skin.

  We were at last going to consummate our marriage with me fully aware and participating at full capacity. An old love song about afternoon delights drifted through my mind. I moved lower, my tongue winding and flicking along the way.

  Before I could straddle the prize, a loud banging shook the front door.

  “Dear Lord, now what?” Zane groaned like a man in pain.

  More pounding rattled the living room window. I grabbed the alarm clock.

  “It’s 1:30 PM,” I announced, as if that would somehow explain the rude visitors still knocking.

  I pushed myself up. “Where’s Mack? Michael?” Couldn’t they answer the damn door?

  Zane was on his feet, “Honey, they don’t live here. We needed some alone time.”

  “Well, it doesn’t look like that’s going to happen now,” I pouted.

  “I’ll deal with this. You wait here.” Zane slid his arm into a sleeve and stalked to the door, pulling the shirt all the way on. “Just a minute!” he barked, with no attempt at civility.

  The door swung open with a bang. “What … ?” I heard him stutter.

  Grabbing my robe, I dashed to the door. What I witnessed terrified me far more than any blood-thirsty vamp, spell-casting sorcerer, or mad-munching mutant.

  My mom and stepdad stood staring up at Zane. Bob reached inside his jacket; where I knew his firearm waited. He scowled, clearly looking for any reason to draw his weapon.

  My mom was visibly trembling, holding back a sure stream of tears.

  “Why didn’t you tell us?” my mom cried. “An elopement … how could you do this to me!”

  I glanced at Zane, who gave me a very unhelpful you-get-to-handle-this look.

  “Mom, Dad, sometimes things happen fast and you just go with the flow.” I knew by my mom’s narrowing eyes and Bob’s reddening face they weren’t buying my simple explanation.

  Bob stepped forward. “You’ve never been a ‘go with the flow’ kind of gal. Are you in some kind of trouble? We’ve tried to reach you. After stopping by your house, we tracked down your boss, and he told us you’d gotten married.”