Beast Caller

by Brea Alepoú

  Zola wasn't sure how much time had passed, but when Itsumi appeared back in the bed in front of them, she sighed in relief. Itsumi had a leaf in her hand. Zola recognized the plant. It was an herb meant for calming. Melony would have to chew it, but her eyes were still closed. Her screams had quieted down to quiet whimpers.

  "How can we get her to chew it?" Itsumi asked.

  Itsumi took the leaf and put it in Melony's mouth. Of course, she didn't chew it, but Itsumi moved her jaw gently in a chewing motion. Soon, Melony was doing it on her own, and the sounds disappeared, and she started to unfurl her body. Zola watched as Melony calmed down from the nightmare she was having.

  Melony opened her eyes, unshed tears making her brown eyes glossy. Zola moved closer to her just as Melony sat up. She looked back at Zola, and with a shaking hand, she touched Zola's face. She swallowed the herb she had been chewing. Zola was glad; it meant the calming effects would stay in her system at least for the rest of the night.

  "This is real?" Melony asked.

  It broke Zola’s heart all over again, how small and sad she sounded.

  "Yes," Zola confirmed, placing her hand on Melony's face.

  Melony rubbed her face into Zola’s hand as if seeking out more comfort before lifting her head back up and turning back to face Itsumi. Zola hadn't noticed when Itsumi had gotten out of the bed, but she now stood next to the bed. Melony stared at Itsumi for a second before Itsumi started to head toward the door. Zola opened her mouth to say something, but she wasn't sure what that was supposed to be.

  "Itsumi, right?" Melony asked.

  Itsumi stopped in her tracks, and Zola saw the flash of uncertainty on Itsumi’s face before she turned around with a fake smile plastered on her face.

  "Where are you going?"

  Itsumi seemed surprised by the question. "I was here for when you were drunk, an—"

  "Yeah, I remember all of that. But I want to know why you’re heading toward the door."

  "You remember everything?" Zola asked.

  Melony nodded. "It's a curse/gift I guess. I can get drunk and remember everything that happened. I might do stupid shit or stay dumb things, but I remember the next day… or whenever I wake up."

  "Well, now… I just… Ummm… I'll get out of here now that you're sober and awake," Itsumi said.

  "Why?"

  That's what Zola wanted to know. Why did she want to leave all of a sudden?

  "It can't be because I'm naked," Melony said.

  Itsumi laughed. "That would be why I would want to stay." She lifted her eyebrow in a cheesy, flirting motion.

  It worked, because Melony laughed.

  "Well, if you don't mind, can you stay?" Melony took in a deep breath. "Seeing you makes me feel like it's not fake or made up. I never saw your face before, so seeing it lets me know it’s not made up." Melony shook her head. "I probably sound crazy."

  Itsumi was back on the bed in seconds, wrapping her arms around Melony and hugging her. "You're not crazy. I'll stay as long as you need."

  Itsumi looked at Zola, and Zola knew she was in this as much as Zola was. They would do anything for Melony—a scary realization, but a true one. They moved back to the pillows, this time getting under the covers. Itsumi got back out of bed, and both Melony and Zola looked at her.

  "I'm turning the lights off," Itsumi said.

  Zola felt Melony tense a little. Zola pulled out an orb from the nightstand.

  "What's that?" Melony asked.

  Zola forgot sometimes how new everything was for Melony. She never grew up in the world she was supposed to inhabit, and instead was raised as a human. Zola decided to show her instead of answering. She shook the orb, and a soft glow appeared.

  "Wow, so it’s a night light, but no batteries," Melony said.

  Itsumi laughed and turned the lights off before getting back into bed.

  "So there are glowing balls, but you had to get up to turn the lights off?"

  Zola snickered, and Itsumi laughed. "Magic is useful, but it cannot be used for everything. It is impossible,"Itsumi said.

  "Why?"

  Itsumi sighed, so Zola spoke instead. "Magic isn't an endless source. It comes from within."

  "Like your soul?"

  "Yes and no," Zola said.

  "We're just like batteries; we can get low on power," Itsumi tried.

  Zola nodded in agreement.

  "Okay, so like batteries, but how do we recharge? Is there like some magical source we touch?"

  "No, you eat and sleep. Mainly sleep." Itsumi stressed the word sleep.

  Zola placed the ball of light on the nightstand, so it dimly lit the room.

  "Zola's magic is powering the ball how? She didn't say the magical word or put any blood on it."

  "The ball isn't a gem; that only works for them. The ball is different," Zola said.

  Melony was quieted for a bit, and Zola thought they were falling back to sleep.

  "So can I make the ball light up?" Melony asked.

  Zola got the distinct feeling Melony was avoiding sleep.

  "You can try it tomorrow. Why not get some rest? I'm sure tomorrow will be a fun-filled day," Itsumi said sarcastically.

  Zola dreaded the next day. There was no telling what the queen had planned, especially since Melony had declined her offer. Which still surprised Zola. As far as covens went, Lydia's was one of the top ones, with the most powerful witches and magical creatures in it. It was why she had a territory.

  But Melony had turned it all down in seconds, without a second thought. But Melony also didn't know anything about any of that stuff. All she knew was whatever torture they’d put her through, and they killed her mother and most likely her father.

  "So, Itsumi, are you a unicorn too?" Melony asked.

  "Fuck no," Itsumi said, before she quickly added, "No offense."

  Zola shrugged. She knew Itsumi didn't mean anything by it. Most magical beings were proud of what they were, and to be mistaken for something else was insulting.

  "Sorry," Melony said.

  Itsumi sighed. "I'm a five-tailed fox."

  Zola was impressed. She had only met three tails or lower. Now she knew why Itsumi had so much power: because she was near the fox god’s level.

  "So you have tails. Can I see? Or is it rude to ask?" Melony truly sounded excited and far from sleepy.

  "If I show you my tails, will you go to sleep?"

  Melony sat up in the bed, watching Itsumi intently. "Come on, I want to see."

  Zola held back a laugh as Itsumi groaned.

  "Not till you promise that you will go to sleep," Itsumi said.

  Melony went quiet and laid back down.

  "Melony?" Zola cupped her face and turned her to look at Zola. "What's wrong?"

  Melony closed her eyes for a second before opening them, and Zola could see in the dim light the tears that were close to falling.

  "What if I fall asleep and I wake up back in the room? I… I can't… can't ever go back there." Melony's hand clutched at Zola’s shirt.

  Zola pulled her closer. "I won't let them take you there ever again."

  Zola felt Itsumi move closer on the other side of the bed, stopping mere inches from Melony. Zola pulled her the rest of the way in, and they wrapped around Melony once more.

  "I won't let them either," Itsumi said, her tone hushed. "I know I let them before, but never again. I'm so sorry, Melony."

  Melony shook her head, but kept it pressed against Zola.

  "You found a way to get her out, and you're here now. That's what's important," Zola said.

  Melony pulled back. Tears had fallen and run down her face. She turned to face Itsumi. "Thank you." Her voice wavered as she continued to cry.

  Itsumi hugged her again. "I'm sorry I couldn't get you out faster."

  Zola watched as Melony hugged Itsumi. They laid back down, and Melony finally calmed down.

  "Both of you will be here?"

  "Yes," they answer in unison.

&n
bsp; Melony seemed to take it to heart, because there were no more questions. It took a while before her body slackened, and the room was filled with her soft snores. Zola snuggled closer to her. She heard movement and looked over to Itsumi. Itsumi had done the same. Zola smiled. Never in her life had she dreamed that she would be in bed with a fox and a witch.

  Pressing close to Melony's heat, she knew she wouldn't change it for the world.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Melony

  Melony woke wrapped in arms and legs, and she wasn't sure she wanted to really get up. She felt comfortable tangled with Zola and Itsumi. Itsumi was more beautiful than Melony could ever imagine. She wanted to groan, remembering what she had said the night before when she had felt as if she was walking on clouds. She had sounded like a babbling idiot, and damn, she had been so emotional.

  "How long are we supposed to pretend that we're sleep?" Itsumi asked.

  Melony wanted to roll her eyes, but kept pretending like she was asleep. She didn't want to move from the bed just yet. It felt too good. There was a knock on the door, and Melony wanted to curse whoever it was. They were ruining the best thing that had happened to her in a while. Itsumi started to untangle herself from them, and Melony selfishly held onto her arm. Itsumi laughed.

  "Would you let go?" Itsumi said. There was laughter in her voice, so Melony instead pulled her back.

  "Isn't there some type of magical thing that can open doors?"

  "Unfortunately, no."

  Melony sighed. "They should invent one. Is there some type of magical inventor?" She had been stalling before to keep Itsumi in bed, but now she truly did wonder how in the world they came up with half of the stuff.

  "Yes, most are on the witch’s council or controlled by them."

  Melony nodded. The knock sounded again, so Melony reluctantly let Itsumi go. It didn't go unnoticed by her that Zola and Itsumi were dressed and she was very much naked other than a pair of plain panties.

  Itsumi opened the door, and a servant walked in. Zola, who had been still through most of the ordeal, moved and covered Melony’s exposed breasts. Melony eyed Zola, but her focus returned to the servant who had entered the room.

  The servant stared at Itsumi strangely for a bit before turning to look at Melony. "Your presence is requested this afternoon. The witch’s council will be sending someone to meet with you. You are to be there on time."

  The servant turned to leave, but stopped, staring at Itsumi. Melony wondered why, but Itsumi held the door open, and the servant left. Itsumi closed the door and was back in bed in seconds.

  "Was it wise to allow a servant of Lydia's to see you in here?" Zola asked.

  Itsumi shrugged. "It has happened, and I will not be shamed for being in someone's bed."

  "Have you ever been with the queen?" Melony had to ask, although it was none of her business who Itsumi slept with or was sleeping with. But a part of her hoped that Itsumi said no.

  Itsumi’s face scrunched up. "No way."

  Melony relaxed at hearing the answer. Why, she didn't know. She turned to look at Zola, shame filling her. It was like she’d just gone for the next woman after Zola had turned her down. But the crazy thing was—she still wanted Zola and now Itsumi as well. She wanted them both, not just one. She hoped she never had to choose. She would rather they stayed… whatever they were, rather than change something and she had to pick between them.

  "Back to bed or breakfast?" Itsumi asked.

  Melony was going to vote for back to bed, but her stomach growled, letting her know her choice was not the right one.

  "Breakfast it is then."

  “Well, let me brush my teeth first.” She looked around, not seeing any bathroom in the room. “Where the hell is the bathroom?”

  Itsumi laughed and handed her a small green ball the size of a pea. “Here, eat this.”

  Melony inspected the pea-like item, not sure if it was safe. She turned to Zola to ask what it was and watched as Zola ate one. Melony sighed and put the ball in her mouth. Cool mint flavor spread over her tongue. Her gums tingled for a few seconds before the feeling was gone. Along with it, the gross feeling of morning mouth. Melony did a breath check, and sure enough, it was minty fresh.

  “So they invented teeth cleaning stuff, but not something to open a door?”

  Itsumi laughed at her. “Most use magic to clean and get ready. Baths and brushing teeth are luxuries taken when you have time. Otherwise, you use magic.”

  But opening doors people had time for? Melony rolled her eyes, not understanding the world of magic she was now in. Melony looked around the room. "Whose room are we in?"

  "One of the guest rooms," Itsumi answered.

  Zola got out of bed and stretched. Melony watched as she flexed all of her muscles. She had taken off her pants sometime the night before, and Melony was definitely enjoying the view. Melony saw the colorful specks all over her, and she wanted to see them up close. Last time she had been close enough, she had been preoccupied. Remembering that time made Melony squirm.

  She turned away and started to get out of bed when she caught Itsumi’s eye. The smirk on her face told Melony she had seen it all. Melony’s face got hot, and she hurried to get out of bed. She stood naked, looking around for clothes, only to remember that all she had was the dress. She wasn't in the mood to wear a dress.

  "Please tell me there are some clothes somewhere?"

  "Why you don't want to walk around naked?" Itsumi asked. Her eyes traveled up and down Melony's body in an approving look. Heat showed clearly in her eyes and Melony felt her body respond.

  She was no longer hungry just for food. Her body craved more than that. She took a step forward, moving toward Itsumi. The smirk grew on Itsumi’s face as she moved closer to Melony. Itsumi touched her, and it was different from before. Sure, they had just slept together, but it had nothing to do with the sexual heat that Melony was now feeling. Itsumi’s face got closer to Melony's, as if she was about to kiss her. Melony held her breath in anticipation. She couldn't wait to feel Itsumi’s lips pressed against hers.

  "You need to eat," Itsumi whispered, mere inches from Melony's lips. She backed away with a devilish smile on her face.

  Melony groaned, and her stomach growled as if to argue Itsumi's point. She sighed with acceptance and turned around. She found Zola standing there, watching her. Melony was filled with shame once more until she looked into Zola’s eyes and saw heat in her green eyes.

  Had Zola liked watching Itsumi touching her? Fuck, she hoped so.

  She hoped she wasn’t imagining it, but before she could ask or act on anything, clothes were tossed at her. She caught a black, long-sleeve shirt and black cargo pants.

  "Is everything you own black?"

  Itsumi shrugged. "Makes it easier to disappear. You can always put the dress back on."

  Melony shook her head and clutched the clothes closer to her. There was no way in hell she was getting back into the dress or the heels. "No thanks. All black clothes work for me." Melony quickly got dressed.

  Itsumi nodded. Melony was surprised the clothes fit her. Itsumi was definitely smaller than she was. She looked at Itsumi and realized the clothes on her were a little big. On Melony, they fit perfectly.

  "Black does look good on you," Itsumi flirted.

  Melony smirked at her. "Everything looks good on me." Where the hell was she getting this flirting skill from? She wanted to apologize for the cheesy line, but Itsumi smiled.

  "I have to agree," Itsumi said. She moved and was next to Melony once more. Mere inches from her. Melony could practically feel her touch. "But you look best naked," Itsumi whispered.

  Melony shivered and clenched her legs together.

  "Don't you agree, Zola?" Itsumi asked.

  Melony had nearly forgotten Zola was in the room. She put her head down in shame. How could she?

  Itsumi lifted her head back up by her chin. "No need for that. Our dear unicorn may not talk much or flirt all that well, but I can
see she is enjoying this as much as we are." As if to help Melony understand, Itsumi turned her head to look at Zola. "Isn't that right?"

  Melony was frozen in place, afraid of how Zola would answer. What if she thought Melony was a whore? It had honestly only been… Well, she wasn't sure how much time had passed, but still, she was sure it hadn't been enough time. Right?

  Zola's hands touched Melony. Surprised, she turned to look into Zola’s green eyes. There was heat there, and Melony waited for her answer. Zola didn't say anything, but she leaned over and kissed Melony. Melony sighed and opened up for the kiss. She missed kissing Zola, and she had only done it that once. Fuck, how had she not done it more? Kissing Zola was the sweetest thing ever. She could spend hours doing it.

  "Don't hog her," Itsumi said.

  Melony was pulled back from Zola's lips, and before she could protest, Itsumi’s lips were on her. Melony gasped in surprise, and Itsumi took the opportunity to push her tongue into Melony's mouth.

  Kissing Itsumi was different. It was more playful. The way she flicked her tongue over Melony's was like she wanted Melony's tongue to play. It was fun and hot as fuck. Melony was moaning and wanting so much more when Itsumi pulled back.

  "You're hungry. We should go eat."

  The smirk on Itsumi’s face was mischievous as well as annoying. The last thing on Melony's mind was food. She could feel how wet her panties were from her arousal, and eating fucking breakfast wasn't going to calm down the heat that pooled between her legs.

  "Fuck food," Melony said.

  Melony felt Zola’s hands wrap around her waist and pull her back against her body. Melony inhaled sharply. She could feel Zola’s breasts pressed against her back, and it only turned her on more.

  Insane how she had been in the bed with them both moments ago, and she had been naked, but sex had been the last thing on her mind. But now fully clothed, she was horny as fuck and just wanted to get both of them naked and into the bed.