Paranormal Nights

by CJ Ellisson

  “Holy cosmos, I hope not,” Kayden said, waving his hand dismissively. “Not in this visage, at least.” He brushed his hand along his body. “That would be awkward. He’s all about Earth. Doesn’t think there’s any other dimension. Life upon life, he clings to the ‘Earth is all there is’ notion.” He let out a weary sigh. “So mundane.” He directed his hand at Alpha. “Get me something.”

  “Like what?”

  “Refreshments. Food. Anything. You’re annoying me.”

  “By floating next to you?” she said, her mouth falling.

  “By being, I don’t know. Go! Shoo!”

  “Make your own damn refreshments,” Alpha said, storming away from him. “And I agree with you. We all would love if Chérie or whatever she calls herself would remember you. You get so peevish. You’re impossible.” She flipped him off as she disappeared, fading out of sight like a wisp of curling smoke.

  Chapter Four

  Cam dropped his books in his cherished Land Rover. He flipped open the glove box and dug around. There it is. When he withdrew his hand he held an unopened pack of Camels…a very old, stale, unopened pack. He’d quit the drug stuff years ago. Cut the drinking to a manageable amount. Quit the cigs a while back. But he always kept a pack around as a touchstone of where he’d been and what he’d gone through to get here - extreme abuse which led to extreme addiction. He had a habit of making a mental “atta boy,” every day he stayed away from his addictions. His dad had been a royal asshole and a royal prick, heading for an early grave.

  His hands shook slightly as he peeled off the cellophane. They shook even harder when he pulled one free. Calm the fuck down, Tyson. It’s only a coffee date, tea date, whatever. It’s nothing. They shook so hard the match almost extinguished. When he finally fired up the nicotine stick, he inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly, watching the bluish smoke curl overhead. His body sagged against the forest green metal. Much better.

  Lately, he’d been avoiding intimacy like a jack rabbit running from a coyote. Sure, he loved to sex it up, but when the woman started to put her claws into him…Nuh uh. No sir. Not going to happen. Growing up the way he had, watching his dad beat the shit out of his mom, beating the shit out of him, as well, committed relationships seemed like a prison sentence. But damn she’s pretty. Her slender body…her red hair…and her eyes…I could get lost in those eyes. He drew the cig up to his lips and took another drag, holding the nicotine in his lungs for a sec before releasing it. The last one…Britt. She’d been an OCD storm trooper nightmare. Sure she’d been a hoot in bed. Liked to try all kinds of positions. But then she got possessive. The clingier she got, the more he despised being with her. He’d finally told her to stop with the stalking and leave him alone. Not once. Not twice. But three times. The last one seemed to stick. He glanced up. Until now. Shit. Speak of the devil. Cam’s face grew hard as Britt flounced across the street toward him, wearing some kind of cowgirl going to the rodeo outfit, hat included. His lips pressed together in a tight slit.

  “I thought you quit,” she said, tossing her brunette hair.

  “It’s none of your business what I do or don’t do.” He took another drag.

  “What are you up to?” She fingered his shirt.

  He held the cigarette between his lips, plucked her hand from his arm, and dropped it. “None of your damn business. You still don’t get the message do you? I want you to leave me the fuck alone. We’re finished.”

  “And I’m ever so glad,” she cooed, pressing her breasts against his biceps.

  A bitter laugh left his mouth. “Yeah, I see that.” He gently pushed her away from his arm before something besides his annoyance stirred. She’s still sexy.

  “You think you’re all that and then some, don’t you?”

  “I think you and I are over, that’s what I think. We’ve been through for months.”

  “I agree.”

  His eyes narrowed. “You’re kidding me, right?”

  “Not at all. I want to give you the good news.”

  “And what good news might that be? You’re putting out an announcement I’m finally going to be rid of you, for once and for all?”

  “Something like that.” Her attention slid to the man stalking across the street toward them.

  The man barreled up to Cam, fists clenched. “What are you doing to my girl? Leave her alone.”

  Possess much? Cam coolly took another suck on the nicotine. “I’m standing here with a smoke, minding my own business. Britt’s the one who came to me. She’s the last person I want to see.” He let his arm drop, the smoke curling up along his fingers and hand. He flicked the cigarette with his thumb in a practiced move.

  “You know him?” the guy asked Britt, his eyes wide.

  “He’s the asshole I told you about.” Britt laced her arm through Mr. Possessive. “Cam, meet my fiancé, Martin.”

  Fiancé? She moved fast. Cam nodded. “Martin.” He appraised the guy’s appearance. Skinny. Brainy. Weak. Safe.

  Martin glared. “I’d advise you to stay away from Britt.”

  “You got no argument from me.”

  “Good,” the guy said, pulling Britt close. “You broke her heart. I’ll never break her heart.”

  Oh, yes you will, Cam thought. I doubt you’ll ever give her what she wants in bed. “That’s great. She deserves as much.”

  Mr. Possessive’s eyes narrowed. “That’s right. She does.”

  Cam stuck the cig between his lips again and folded his arms across his chest. “She’s a real catch. I didn’t deserve her.”

  Martin looked from Britt to Cam, his confusion evident. “I thought you said he was an asshole?” Martin murmured to his fiancé.

  “He was to me,” she hissed, some conflicted emotion clouding her lovely face.

  “She’s right. I’m an asshole. Commitment-phobe. She’ll be happy with you, I see that.” Not.

  Britt blinked.

  Martin’s mouth gaped.

  “Let’s go.” Britt yanked him, getting his feet to move. “This is getting weird. Nice to see you again, Cam,” she called over her shoulder. She gave him one last wistful gaze.

  “Nice to meet you, Martin. Good luck!” Cam replied. He chuckled as he overheard their fading conversation.

  “I think you’re wrong about him. He’s a really nice guy,” Martin said. “Honest about his failings.”

  “He’s not. He’s a prick,” Britt countered. “Let’s get something to eat, I’m famished.”

  Safety sex. Safety commitment. She’ll be done in a month. Cam took one last drag off the smoke, flipped it on the road and ground it out with the tip of his boot. “Well, that’s that,” he said, not sure whether he referred to Britt or the smoke. “Let’s do this, Tyson,” he mumbled, dropping the pack into the glove box. “Man up.” He pulled the car registration and insurance papers across the top of it, hoping the gesture would bury temptation. He dragged his hand through his blond locks. As he lifted his head, he saw the most beautiful sight he had ever seen in his life. Chérie walked toward him, several blocks away, the sun behind her lighting up her red hair, making her whole body glow. She looks like an angel. She looks like someone I could love. His breath caught in his throat. And I am not a good person to love. I’m the guy who can’t commit to anyone.

  Chapter Five

  “What is it with these humans and angels?” Kayden groaned. “Don’t they realize there are far more interesting beings than angels?” He lay on the bed he and Chérie used from time to time. The room glowed in golden hued, luxuriously textured elegance.

  “Are you referring to yourself, ka?” Alpha asked. She sat in the corner, flipping through a photography book called Heaven on Earth. She’d cooled down, calmed, and returned.

  “That’s not my point.” He glanced at her. “But it’s a good point.” He flashed a big grin at her, showing her his pearly whites. Then he frowned. “And they’re both extremely resistant to the idea of ‘hooking up.’” He made quote marks around the hook-up
term. “Makes sex connecting sound like something catfish do in the pond with their venomous dorsal fins, rather than the exquisite act of communion we do,” he sniffed.

  “And that’s something you need to do, ka. Are you sure I can’t help you take off the edge? I’m willing to take one for the team - honestly.”

  He waved his hand. “I wouldn’t dream of it. I’ve been in a committed relationship for eons. That’s not going to change anytime soon, or ever.”

  Alpha shook her head. “Which means we’ll endure these bouts of abstinence for eons. They’re brutal.”

  “Deal with it.” He stood and paced about the room. “I’m going in.”

  Alpha’s face froze. “What did you say?”

  “I’m going in.”

  “You know our way. We can’t interfere. There will be reprisals. Punishment!”

  “Who said I planned on interfering? I’m only going to nudge. And I’m not scared of punishment. I’m the ka, after all.”

  Alpha stood and rushed to Kayden. She placed her hands on his shoulders. “We’re not supposed to do anything to influence outcomes. You know this. You’re already pushing it by whispering to her.”

  He gazed down his nose at her hand. “You’re being awfully familiar with me, Alpha.”

  She quickly snatched her hands back as if pulling them from a fire. “I’m sorry, ka.” She bowed her head. “You’ll do what’s best, I’m certain.” Behind her back, one finger crossed over the other, the way she’d seen humans do.

  “That’s more like it. I’m doing this for the good of all concerned. You’re right. I need communion with my beloved which means she needs to get it on with…with the Earthling.” He grimaced. “Get it on…” He chuckled. “Sounds like donning an article of clothing. Humans…”

  “What will you do?”

  “I haven’t figured that out yet. Besides, it will keep me busy and isn’t that what you’ve been trying to do? Unsuccessfully, I might add.”

  Alpha sighed. “Yes, ka.”

  “What happened to your lordship?”

  “Yes, your lordship.”

  Kayden smiled and nodded. “Good. We have agreement. I’ll see you later then.”

  “Shall I wait for you?” she added wearily. Please don’t say yes. I’m tired of babysitting you.

  He squinted, regarding her with a chilly disposition. “Have you forgotten I can access thoughts as easily as I can do anything?”

  “No, your lord, I haven’t forgotten. This is getting old. And we all want to experience a little more joy. Which won’t happen unless you experience a little more…when you have…” She flung both hands skyward. “You need to have sexual communion, my lord!” She flicked her hand at him. “Go. Get this out of your system. And make it work, will you? We’ll all deal with the consequences when the time comes.”

  Chapter Six

  Cam wished he had some mouthwash. He fished around in his glove box and retrieved a tin of Altoids. I’ll have to settle for curiously strong.

  Chérie wandered up to him, inclining her head. “Hi. I’m a little early.”

  “Hi. You’re a little early.” He smiled.

  “So you smoke, huh?”

  “Not really, no. I quit a few years back.”

  She tipped her head toward the butt, still emitting a wisp of smoke.

  “Oh, that. Got a case of the nerves. It’s not a habit.” Yet.

  “Good. Because that’s a deal breaker of mine.”

  Shit. Busted. Smooth move, Tyson. “Understood. Makes sense. It’s a wicked habit. Quitting put me through hell. I don’t intend to start again. But, we’ve only met. Too soon to tell if deals are being made.” He winked at her.

  “True,” she said. She bit her lip. “I’ve been nervous, too.”

  “About this date?”

  “Yeah.”

  Damn, she’s beautiful. She looks so sweet biting her lip. I’d like to bite it, too. He turned his head away from her. When he looked back at her she studied him with some undecipherable expression on her face. “Ready?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Let’s go.”

  When he reached the door to the Bold Buddha Café, she said, “It feels like I know you.”

  “It’s transference.”

  “What?”

  “That’s what people do when they transfer their family of origin onto a relationship.”

  She frowned. “I don’t think that’s what I’m doing. And you don’t know me well enough to assume that. Are you saying you’re my alcoholic father?” she bristled.

  “Ah, sorry, Chérie. I didn’t mean to put you off like that. I’m up to my eyeballs in some psych bullshit from a class.” He put his hand behind her back and guided her to a funky table along the side of the room, next to a sunny window. Damn. I want this woman. As he sat, his chair wobbled, legs uneven or the floor bowed. “Does your chair do this?”

  “No.” She smiled.

  “Good.” He exchanged the seat with another.

  “Better?”

  “Yeah.”

  Chérie picked at the corner of the table.

  Cam fidgeted with the sole paper napkin left on the table. His foot began a tippity tap on the floor. “So…what will it be?” She’s beautiful. She’s fucking beautiful.

  “I need to look at a menu. I’d kind of like a snack.”

  “That sounds good. Real good.” Use your big words, Tyson. She’ll think you’re an idiot. He gestured to a woman hovering nearby with an order pad and pen.

  The chubby waitress hustled to them. Her stained apron and dyed black hair, complete with brownish roots, gave her a mussed, tangled appearance as if hygiene didn’t matter. Scratches crisscrossed her arms, as if she’d been in a fight with a bear. The nametag on her chest read, “Hi, I’m Jill!”

  “Hello, Jill.” Cam frowned as he regarded her.

  She glared back at him. “What’ll it be, sport?”

  “We need to see menus.”

  The waitress frowned. “Oh. Right. Menus. Be right back.” Her eyes darkened as she glanced at Chérie.

  “Attitude,” Cam said.

  “I’ll say,” Chérie responded. She rubbed her thumb and index fingers together, round and round.

  “Do you know her?”

  “I don’t think so. I may have seen her in the area but…” She shivered. “There’s something strange about her. It creeps me out.” She gave Cam a petrified smile.

  He reached across the table and rested his hand on hers. “Relax. I don’t bite.” Yet.

  She let out a big sigh. “I’m sorry. I’m really nervous.”

  “I see that. Let’s start with something easy. How old are you?”

  “I just turned twenty-seven. You?”

  “I recently hit the big three-oh. See? Easy. So, you teach aerobics, do you?”

  Her eyes lit up. “Yeah. I teach eight classes a week. And I’m a personal trainer when I’m not teaching. I love what I do,” she gushed.

  “I can tell. That’s great. It’s always great to love what you do. That’s what I’m hoping for, too.”

  “What do you do?”

  “I’m studying psychology with an emphasis on understanding abusive behaviors. Long story there. When I’m not in class, I’m interning, working at the climbing club, rock climbing, kayaking….shit like that. Sorry. Sorry for my language.”

  “It’s okay. I don’t mind.” She smiled up at him. “Your hand feels wonderful on mine.”

  He snatched it away. “Oh! Sorry! I forgot I had it there. Sorry to invade your personal space like that.”

  “I liked it.” She cocked her head as she looked at him.

  He looked out the window. Shit. She’s making me hard. He tugged, making space in his Levis.

  “Bring your hand back.” She gave another shy smile. “Please.”

  He extended his hand once more, enveloping her diminutive one. His thumb made tentative strokes along the back of her hand. Her skin’s soft… silky… smooth. I wonder what it wo
uld feel like to be inside her.

  The waitress hustled back with menus. “True love. That’s what we like to see in here.”

  “What?” said Chérie. She gave the waitress a puzzled look.

  “Oh, my, yes,” the waitress continued. “Here at the Bold Buddha, couples drink tea, then entertain naughty ideas. And then they do them,” she declared. “They always do them. Bam! Some even use the bathroom. It’s in the back, in case you wondered.”

  Cam and Chérie both regarded her with confusion.

  “Excuse me?” Cam said.

  “Oh, never mind. You get my drift, I’m certain.”

  Cam held his menu up and stared at her. “We’ll need a few minutes to decide.”

  “Oh, sure, take your time,” the waitress said breezily. “Right back there. There’s the sign. See? I’ll be back in a few.”

  Cam and Chérie looked across the table at one another.

  “I think she’s rather insane, don’t you?” Cam turned to watch her shuffle away.

  “Yeah. Mentally unstable.” Chérie picked up her menu and studied it. “Okay, I’ve decided.”

  “What’ll it be?” Cam asked.

  “Jasmine tea. That’s my favorite. And I think I’ll try the apple pie.”

  “Good choice.”

  “And the soup and salad.”

  Cam fingered his pocket, hoping he’d brought enough cash. “Okay, great.”

  “How about you?”

  “Coffee for me,” he said. I’ve got to get a better job.

  “Really? I can pay.”

  “Wouldn’t hear of it. I just ate.” Three hours ago.

  “Okay,” Chérie said. “I get really hungry midday.”

  “Didn’t you eat lunch?”

  “Oh, yeah, I ate. Turkey sandwich. And potato salad. A few carrot sticks. And chocolate chip cookies. Zippy constitution,” she added.

  Cam nodded. His foot started up again. He smiled at her.

  She returned the smile.

  Cam’s foot stilled. His breathing grew soft and quiet, like being in the wilderness, watching a wildcat.

  Their eyes locked.