Magic and Mayhem: A Collection of 21 Fantasy Novels

by Jasmine Walt

“What, howling?”

  “It’s a fantastic way to express yourself. Nice rat catch. Thanks for providing snacks for the boys.”

  “Uh, anytime.”

  “I try not to eat roadkill, but once it’s served, instinct takes over.” He shrugged. “I only hope it digests before I shift into human form, otherwise I get an upset stomach. What happened to your hair? New cut?”

  Her face burned with embarrassment. “Sort of. Something new I’m trying. Uneven lengths.” She looked away from him, finding it hard to keep her gaze at eye level and off his fantastic body. “And here you are, naked again. Come out to the front room, dawg-man. I have a pair of pants you can wear.”

  She strode down the hall, looking for more signs of the vampire’s revenge. Nothing. “What are you doing out so far?” she asked Cecil, plucking Hung’s pants from the floor where she’d dropped them. She tossed them to Cecil without looking at his half hard man parts hanging between his powerful legs. Okay, I can spare a short glance. Damn, that man is large.

  “Pretty nice, huh?” Cecil said congenially, smiling broadly.

  “What is?”

  “I saw you checking me out. Anytime, Ms. Manager, any time.”

  “Thanks, Cecil, but no thanks.” There was something about having a guy in her bed who could turn into a husky dog at any moment that didn’t inspire arousal. Not to mention his status as town drifter and barhopper. She preferred a guy with a job.

  “Okay, but you might change your mind.” He tugged the durable pants over his legs and zipped them. “Where’d you get these? They fit perfectly.”

  “Keep ‘em. They’re yours. So tell me why you’re here. I doubt if you needed the exercise,” she said, eyeing his bulging biceps. Chia stepped into the roomy kitchen and started coffee, then pulled bread, butter, and eggs out of the fridge. “Care for some French toast?”

  “Sure, thanks. As to your other question, it’s always fun to romp with the pack, but, no, I’m on here on urgent business.”

  She groaned. “What now?”

  “Another shifter death. You know where that outcropping is? The one near the lodge where the arcane clans meet?”

  A shivery chill launched up her spine, as she pictured either her or Hung springing one of the deadly traps around their ankles as they stumbled around in the dark. “Yeah. I was just out there last night. That place is supposed to be a secret,” she added.

  “Come on, Ms. Manager. Every shifter knows where it is. The townspeople might not know but I suspect they mind their own business about it if they do know. Good thing you didn’t get caught, Ms. Manager. I’d miss you.” He shook his head sadly.

  “I’d miss me, too.” She broke eggs into a bowl and beat them to a froth with a fork, frowning. I’d also miss the guy I’m supposed to be killing. She caught her lip between her teeth and bit down hard, trying to quell any lingering desire from last night’s kiss. “Hand me some milk, please.”

  Cecil stepped to the fridge, retrieved a carton of milk, and handed it to her.

  She poured some into the egg mix. “So. Tell me. Who’s dead?”

  “Thomas Rockwell.” Again, his head moved back and forth with deep regret.

  Chia threw back her head and made an anguished noise. “I saw him. Last night. He and another coyote shifter were racing away from the lodge. He was my friend.”

  “He was a good friend to me, too.” Cecil put his large, bare arm around her, patting her shoulder. “Now, wouldn’t a big old howl be nice right about now?”

  “I suppose. I see your point.”

  “Or a hug. Would you like a hug?”

  “Uh, no thanks.” She didn’t think she could resist all that male heat wrapped around her body, preferences or no preferences.

  “He’ll be sorely missed.”

  “I’ll say. He has a family. Wife and kids. Goddamn it!” Angry tears sprang into her eyes. “My peaceful hamlet has turned into a war zone.” She dipped pieces of bread in the egg mixture and spread them on the hot, buttery griddle. They sizzled when they touched the pan. “Pour us a couple cups of java, will you please? I need fortification. It’s going to be another long, long day.”

  He obliged, handing her a huge mug of the dark brew.

  She added milk and sugar in hers, stirring it with a spoon, deep in thought. “Today we’ve got to have an emergency meeting. A real one. This situation has gone from bad to worse.” She flipped the perfectly browned pieces of toast. “There’s an unopened jug of maple syrup in the pantry. Get it for us, will you please?” She slid a pancake turner under the crisp egg soaked bread, and divided them between two colorful ceramic plates.

  Settling at the small kitchen table, she sipped her coffee and forked a bite of French toast.

  “These are great,” Cecil said through a full mouth. “Awesome,” he mumbled.

  “Don’t talk with your mouth full. You look like a…” She caught herself before the word “dog” came out.

  “I know, I know,” Cecil said. “I look like a dog. Hey, I am a part-time dog and this man-dog hasn’t eaten since yesterday brunch. Too much fun to be had.” He polished off his pancakes, using his finger to wipe the plate clean of syrup.

  “You’re a good guy, Cecil.”

  “Thanks. And you’re a good woman. We’re fortunate to have you.”

  “Aw. You’re going to make me blush.”

  “When I could be making you howl.” He waggled his eyebrows at her suggestively.

  Chia laughed. “Dawg-man.”

  “Yep.” He sucked the sweet syrup from his finger. “I could be your dawg-man.”

  Ignoring him, she said, “So, we need a better plan than yesterday. All I did was stumble around. How fast can you and the pack get back to town? You don’t have to follow the road like I do.”

  “I’d say twenty-five minutes tops.”

  “That’s better than me, even at high speed. Okay, you head back to town and tell Socyone I’m calling an emergency meeting—a real one. I’ll shower and head into town. Tell Socyone the meeting’s at two.”

  Cecil gave her a strange look.

  “What?”

  “Well….not that I mind doing things for you…but…why can’t you call her and set it up?”

  She let out a short laugh. “No cell signal out here. No internet. Nothing.”

  “Right. Makes sense. What would you do in an emergency?”

  “Smoke signals.” She smiled.

  “What if it’s snowing?”

  “I’m kidding, Cecil, sheesh. I have a marine radio but honestly, I’ve never had to use it.”

  “Get one of those dog whistles. You know, the kind your ears can’t hear? I’d come when you called.” Cecil grinned at her.

  I bet you would, Chia thought, sensing the double meaning. “Thanks, Cecil. I don’t think that will be necessary.” She stood and began clearing the dishes. The dogs outside began baying and barking. “I think you’re being summoned.”

  “Yeah. They’re a restless bunch. I’d rather stay here with you.” He gave her a liquid look of longing with his big crystalline blue eyes.

  Oh, I’d better nip this in the bud before he develops feelings for me or my ongoing lust causes me to do something I’d regret. “Yeah, but we both have jobs to do. I’ve got to save our town.”

  Loyal, duty bound dog shifter he was, Cecil immediately stood, ready to depart. “You can save these pants for me…for next time,” he said, winking.

  She didn’t even have time to respond. In a flash, he shifted into his husky self and whined to be let out. She opened the back door and away he went. He’d be great in an Iditarod race, she mused. Run all day, shift to human and keep his musher warm and happy all night. Win, win.

  Feeling comforted by their companionship, before she left the kitchen to get ready to depart for Charming, she rustled around for chocolates she’d bought for Valentine’s Day. And had no one to celebrate with. She pulled one of the dark chocolate hearts from the cellophane bag, removed a post-it note from
the junk drawer, and scribbled, DR - Peace. Love, CP.

  She placed it on the counter next to his favorite goblet, arranging it just so. Next, she slid one of her sharpest knives from the wood block, flipped on one of the burners and held it over the flame to sanitize it. Then, she pricked the end of her finger, and squeezed a drop of blood onto the chocolate. I sure hope this won’t give him some supreme power over me, she thought. I hope he takes it as a peace offering and nothing else. Satisfied, she rapped the counter with her knuckles and strode to the bathroom, heavy hearted over another shifter death, determined to set things right.

  10

  When she reached the downtown admin offices, she winced, seeing people everywhere, spilling out the doors, milling in the parking lot, all dressed like winter warriors. Angry mob? She wondered how the next few moments would play out, glad she’d strapped on her chest holster, and tucked one of her revolvers into it before exiting the vehicle.

  A surge of humanity, like a dark, furious, frothing wave, surrounded her as she approached the building. Shouts, questions, and comments assaulted her ears. Her ghosts pressed close to her. She didn’t know if they were trying to shield her or were afraid for their own lives—not that they had anything to worry about. She figured whatever they were doing, it probably had nothing to do with her.

  “Let her through, let her through,” called Socyone, using her height to her advantage. She pushed and shoved, clearing a pathway for her shorty-sized boss to get through.

  Cecil, dressed in decent clothes for once, his hair actually combed, bulldozed through and fell into step on her other side. He played protector dog, while Socyone seemed to morph into a Dahomey Amazon warrior, one of the most fearless female African regimes. Between the two of them Chia felt as safe as one could get in circumstances like these.

  Inside was no better. Chia felt like she was about to enter the Roman coliseum as the main act, pitted against creatures of every kind. Hell, even the shifters came out for this event. And why wouldn’t they? They’re being hunted.

  Propelled by her two trustworthy guides, she found herself jostled to the front of the conference room by Cecil’s hard body. He lifted her easily with his broad hands and placed her on the stage.

  Wow, he’s strong, Chia thought, impressed. She scanned the crowd, trying to find a friendly face, save for her self-appointed bodyguards. Instead, fearful, anxious gazes from every square inch met her eyes. She stuck her fingers in her mouth and made a loud whistle, not wanting to resort to howler monkey tactics.

  The crowd grew quieter and finally stilled.

  She looked into their faces, fraught with worry. “I know these are fearful times, everyone. I’m devastated by the recent deaths. Both were my friends. There are some who want all shifters gone from this community. There are some who want me gone, as well. I’ve worked hard to make this a safe space for all. You’ve seen it. You live with the results. Now my work and your well-being are being threatened by a willful few.” She gave them a stern stare, determined for her words to sink in. “You all know I’m a good shot.”

  A couple of the shifters guffawed. They’d probably heard she shot out the windows at the brothel.

  She glared at them and they looked away. “I’m going hunting for the guy who started all of this. I’m going to keep Charming a safe place, if it’s the last thing I do.”

  Again, the shifters at the front of the stage rolled their eyes, no doubt thinking, “Yeah, you’re going to hunt the guy who took off with you outside of the club?”

  Once more she gave them an icy glare.

  “Just what are you going to do?” a woman sobbed. “My coyote man, Thomas, the love of my life, is dead because of you.”

  “Yeah, and my friend Michael is gone,” another cried out.

  “We need strong leadership! Maybe a man like Red is just who we need!”

  “Yeah, we need a man in charge. A man would never have let things get this far.”

  Right. Men cause wars, Chia thought. How many millions have died in battle?

  An uproar ensued in the room, stirred by grief, rage, and fear.

  Chia made several loud whistles to get their attention. “I’m as enraged by the shifter’s deaths as you are. I confiscated all those traps, remember? I sure as hell didn’t set them.”

  “You must not have locked them securely,” someone shouted.

  “Yeah, women don’t know how to make things safe.”

  Ouch. They’re turning on me.

  “They wouldn’t be used had you not rid the place of Hung Durand in the first place. This is all your fault,” another shouted.

  Their misogynistic statements made her angry. Their blame made her deeply ashamed. As guilt took root in her gut, she could see their point. Her wishy washy regard toward Hung was a problem. As much as I boast, I’m not sure I can pull the trigger. And, he was right. Her rules made it impossible for him to do his job.

  Maybe we need new rules? But then, how can I be sure the bounty hunters or the townsfolk won’t kill a shifter? Don’t bounty hunters hunt criminals? We don’t want criminals in our safe town. Is Sultana a criminal or does Hung want her simply because she’s a vamp? Her thoughts grew as tangled as the mob before her.

  She worked tirelessly to make Charming safe for shifters and humans alike. No hunting, not even for squirrels, was allowed inside the bounds of Charming territory—if you wanted to hunt you had to head for other parts, not occupied by shifters. You could fish, that’s it, or purchase a license from the tribes to hunt on their land, but only during a very short period of the year and only in certain spots. No hunting, therefore no bounty hunter hunting, right? But then, doesn’t the bounty hunter catch criminals trying to hide in Charming? Her head began to ache from all the conflicting thoughts.

  She glanced at Cecil who stood watching her intently, the same way a dog would, watching, waiting, ready to back her up when she made her next move. The man’s as loyal as they come. “Get me down. I’m done.”

  He leapt up to the stage, as easily as if he were in husky form. He faced her, placing both hands on her shoulders in reassurance. Bending low to whisper in her ear, he said, “No, Ms. Manager, you can’t leave yet. As mad and as frightened as they are, they need guidance from you. You’re the town manager. You’re the pack leader. You’re the one people look up to. Sure, we all tease you and think you’re odd but we all love you.”

  “Aw. It’s a strange compliment, but thank you.” If he had a tail right now, he’d be wagging it, Chia mused. And, licking my face. She wiped at her face involuntarily. She did not like having her face licked, not by anyone, dog or human. Well, maybe Hung. She shook her head, eyeing her ghosts, lazily circling overhead. She placed her hands on her hips, stared at the buzzing horde filling the room and waited…and waited…and waited. Finally, all eyes turned to her. They stood expectant. Her ghosts seemed to stiffen, hovering at attention, as if something incredible might happen.

  “I think there are some things that need to change around here. New rules put into place. But that can wait. What can’t wait is finding all the traps Red…” She started to say Red Spotted Dick, but caught herself. “All the traps Red or Dick stole from my barn, which was locked tight. Someone sliced through the lock as if it were butter.”

  “Get a dog!” someone yelled. “You live too far out!”

  She glanced at Cecil.

  He beamed.

  I’m sure you want the job, dawg-man.

  “They could have used magic. I’ve seen it done,” another called.

  Magic? To cut the shackle of a lock? She knew about all the shifters but wasn’t aware of any real magic inn these parts. She made a mental note to look into that one. “Okay, okay, okay. Enough. I’m making an agreement with you, right here and now. If I don’t restore safety and security to Charming in the next twenty-four, I’ll resign.”

  “That’s a tall order,” a man yelled. “And you ain’t tall.” He and a few others snickered.

  “But then R
ed would be in charge,” someone lamented.

  “Or Dick,” another moaned. “Can’t stand that man.”

  “We like you. You’ve done amazing things with our town.”

  A fickle crowd. A minute ago you wanted him and thought I did nothing right. She pumped her palms up and down, indicating silence. “Those are my terms. I won’t remain in leadership if I can’t do my job and keep you safe. Twenty-four hours. If you don’t see results, you can kiss me good-bye.”

  “With tongue?” a man called.

  Laughter spread through the group, easing some of the tension.

  Sometimes Chia felt like the only way they knew how to regard her was through sexual innuendo. Still, she smiled. “All right, have your fun at my expense. I’m used to it.”

  “You’ll never get used to me,” another man boasted.

  More laughter.

  Feeling the time right to leave, as spirits were being restored, she turned to head down the side stairs.

  Cecil simply picked her up, jumped off the stage and strode through the crowd with her positioned on his shoulder like the Queen of Rules should be transported.

  Wondering if she should make a royal wave, she called out instead, “Twenty-four hours!” and ducked when they reached the doorway.

  Out in the hall, Cecil placed her on the ground. “I thought you needed a grand exit.”

  “Thank you, it worked.”

  Cecil stayed silent as they strode through the hallway, heading for her office.

  “Cat got your tongue?” Chia said, smiling.

  His eyebrows bunched together. “Hell, no. No cat’s ever going to get close enough to me to get my tongue. What a stupid idea.”

  “Why so quiet?”

  “I was thinking…” He stopped outside of her office and turned to face her. “Getting a dog might not be a bad idea. You’re out there all alone.”

  “I, uh…I have a roommate.”

  “The vamp? He’s not going to protect you. I know all about that. The pack told me.”

  “They did?”

  “Sure. We communicate better than humans. Simple. To the point. No bullshit.” He glanced at her face, saying, “Excuse my French.”