"I've never buttoned a woman back in her clothes before." He grinned teasingly down at me.
Exhaustion began to eek in. I simply hurt all over, everything and everywhere. I fought back a yawn. "First time for everything."
"Yeah, guess so." He looked me over, and then hauled me back into his arms, cradling my head into his chest.
I leaned into his strong body, soaking up the warmth and comfort for a brief moment. As far as cuddling went, he excelled.
"You look ready to drop, so let's get you home and in your bed."
In a flash, we arrived. He deposited me gently on the bed, pulling the covers over me.
I didn't have the energy to comment on how he put my teleporting abilities to shame. He probably hit his target each and every time, with little effort, and never landed in the men's room at a nursing home in effing Kansas in his life. Which reminded me…
"Why did you let me flash us back after the kidnapping?"
His lips tilted. "To see if you could."
"Which I did. Sort of. Kind of. Most of the time."
"Let's stick with sorta."
Snuggling into the softness and warmth, I peered up at him. "Thank you for taking my side with Misha."
He sat on the side of the bed. "I learned my lesson the first time. I can't promise there was never a single doubt. Trust comes hard for me. But, I do trust you." He leaned in to place a gentle kiss to my forehead. "As far as Misha goes…"
"I can sprinkle her clothes with itching powder?"
He grinned. "Tempting." Quickly, he sobered. "She won't threaten you again. Not on my watch."
For a long moment, he stroked my hair. "Need a cuddle buddy tonight?"
Intrigued, I looked at him askance. "Just cuddling? No hanky-panky?"
"Uh huh."
"Sure."
He stood and started shucking clothes at a fast clip.
"Whoa. You didn't say anything about naked cuddling."
He flashed an impish smile that showed fangs. "That's the only way to cuddle."
Shy parts sat up and agreed. My curiosity followed, eager to see Meat in all his splendid glory. Luckily, my brain held a tiny bit of sanity. Finding a sexy, yummy liger in my bed would only spur my libido and tempt me to brazen things. Great in thought. Unfortunately, since my entire body throbbed at the moment from the earlier beating, carnal activities needed to wait.
"Can you leave your boxers on?"
"No boxers, baby. Commando or nothing for me."
I called his bluff. "You're magical. Make underwear. Snap your fingers and surprise me."
Famous last words. In the blink of an eye he stood nude except for a golden thong, presumably one he wore at the club. The bright material shimmered with each movement and bulged in an effort to contain what lay underneath.
I gasped.
He chuckled. "Want to find out what I stuff my thong with?"
Yes! My mouth opened and shut as my conscience warred with mixed feelings. "Ummm…"
With a sharp laugh, he climbed into bed, wrapped me gently in his strong embrace and nuzzled my ear. "We'll play show and tell later."
Oh, boy.
CHAPTER 15
"There's a vampire at the door for you," Bas called from the doorway leading into the kitchen. He dropped in the night before, planning on spending a couple of days before his work placed him on the road once more.
I recalled the day Bas appeared at my doorstep, wounded, weak, and exhausted. Recognizing him from the Division—I had spoken socially to him a few times, but never expected to see him outside of work duties—my mushy heart easily gave in as I led him inside, treated his wounds best I could, fed, and harbored him.
Feed a stray cat and they will stay. The motto works with shifters as well. Bas ended up moving in for various reasons. He needed a home base, mail service, and a maid to pick up the slack for as much time as he spent away from home. I had room in the big two story white farmhouse that Wills and I had purchased just before getting married. Five bedrooms and three bathrooms could handle the twins, Jessica, and me with plenty of empty space to spare. Acreage surrounding the house provided a haven for those of the furry persuasion, a safe area to flex their feline forms without causing a commotion from nosey neighbors.
He seemed to enjoy the arrangements and I couldn't complain on my part, enjoying his quirky sense of humor and amusing company when he received a break. Never would I admit it, but I felt much safer knowing that he lived, albeit part time, in the house. Just the rumor of a male shifter in a household more than likely proved enough to deter the majority of criminals, a fact Jessica and I both appreciated. Even though she worked long hours and had a frantic schedule juggling two jobs, she still spent most of her nights at home.
Wills' comment when we'd first viewed the home ran through my mind. He had declared it perfect "to have room for a growing family." If he only knew his premonition came to pass, although not necessarily how he had envisioned.
Any other day, Bas's words would send my heart racing in panic. Today, it simply garnered a sigh and an eye roll. When did my house teleport to the Twilight Zone exactly?
"Oh, goody." I wasn't bouncing in excitement or eagerness.
Bas shook his head, a small grin teasing at his lips. "Ummm. Maybe you should leave the skillet here?" He gestured to the item in my hand.
"Do I have to?" I pouted, but replaced the iron cookware back on the stove.
Too bad. Beating something to smithereens might make me feel better. Meat cleaving things, beating things, heck, I would go for a good power lawn mower trimming at the moment. Speaking of lawn, I wondered if I could circle around to the garage, grab the weed eater, and weed-eat someone's leg? That thought perked my mood up just a tiny bit. I still hurt from the attack and had chosen my clothes carefully to hide the results from the boys. Vengeance on a vampy stood high on my list this evening.
I stopped at the front door, my jaw falling open at who stood there. "Duck… errrr. Ducian." Worn jeans, a black oxford, and loafers completed his attire, contrasting with his bright blond hair.
He shifted his weight, arms crossed over his chest. One eyebrow shot up at my stumbling over his name.
Ducian tilted his head, his eyes flicking over my neck. "You okay?"
Biting my lip, I nodded, looking down to find my shoes suddenly fascinating. Even if I wanted to discuss the ordeal, I didn't think Ducky really wanted to sit down for an extended psychoanalyzing session.
He reached over, using his index finger to tilt my chin until I met his gaze. "Would you go out with me?"
"Go out where?" I asked, somewhat stunned.
He shook his head, the grin widened. "Out. With me. Fun. Friends. Date?"
Small words were good.
Blinking, I absorbed the shock. "What do fangy type people do on dates, anyway? I take it the 'dinner at a nice restaurant' idea is out."
He smirked. "Say yes and you'll find out."
I opened my mouth and hesitated.
"I'll watch over you like the princess you are." He smiled and released my chin.
"Just call me Cinderella."
* * * *
"How's the relationship with the tomcat coming along?"
I choked on my Icee, coughing, and gasping. A steady thump on my back quickly followed.
"Thanks," I managed to croak, coughing once more to clear the airway.
Ducian and I headed down the park strip after a trip to the museum and a ballet show. Not what I'd expected from a date with a vampire. On second thought, I wasn't sure what I expected. Maybe him dashing off to some corner for a snack?
To be perfectly honest, I'd had a wonderful time. Under a dry exterior, he possessed a well hidden sense of humor, one that popped out at the worst times. I couldn't tell how many angry glares I'd received from nearby ballet goers as Ducian made one comment after another, usually relating to the wardrobe and what lay underneath. He was fun, funny, and a good person to be around. I had even managed to forget my newly ac
quired vampy phobia while with him.
I took a few more steps, pretending selective hearing. It works for men, right?
"Shyanne," he growled, catching up to me.
I sighed. "Wait a minute. You said date."
He stopped and crossed his arms over his chest, looking at me with those dark eyes. "I said friends."
"Uh huh. You said date, too." I paused in front of him. "You don't like me?" So much for the sorta friendship bond after being kidnapped together.
Ducian leaned in, brushing a kiss across the top of my head. "I didn't say that at all. You never fail to entertain."
He continued, "I've never played 'sock or oh my god' while watching the ballet before." A hint of amusement crept into his voice. His eyes flashed with mischief. "The people in front of us probably thought we were getting down and dirty in the theatre as much as you squealed and giggled."
Glancing up, I flashed him a small grin.
Ducian stepped in my path, essentially stopping our forward movement. "You know I would do you in a heartbeat."
Oh, Jeez. Another horny man to deal with. What does one say to that? 'Oh, gee, thanks. I think you're yummy too?' How about, 'if you show me yours, I'll… think about it? When's your next stripping performance 'cause I want a preview?'
"But?" I steered him back to the conversation at hand.
He started ambling down the sidewalk again. "But, I think you and Meat are meant for one another."
"It was one date. Why does everyone think that constitutes a relationship?" I grouched in response.
One eyebrow shot up and he waited. What is it with men and the silent treatment?
"You're interested. I've seen you two together and you glow."
I sidestepped to toss my empty cup in the nearest trash can. "I'm not sure he wants to be with me," I offered up lamely. No way did I want to delve into the deeper chambers of my mind where I struggled to sort out my feelings now that I'd learned Wills was gone forever. Holding onto hope for years straight made ideal beliefs stick inside my heart and mind, like peanut butter to the roof of your mouth. Just because I had new information didn't mean the peanut butter dried up and fell away instantaneously. I needed time to peel each layer away, to adjust to a life without Wills… and peanut butter.
"Not what I've heard."
Gee. No sympathy from the vampy corner. "Besides, he has Misha." I shrugged, glancing around.
He snorted loudly. "I thought you were smarter than that. They aren't mated. I'm sure he's mentioned that fact to you and her both."
"Yeah, well." I thought for a second. "That just means they aren't mates, not that they don't have feelings for one another and choose to be together." So there.
Ducky stopped, grabbing my elbow. "You're making excuses." He glanced around, and then leaned in to whisper, "He was livid with her. She's not come around since."
"He was?" I echoed.
He nodded, and then tugged me forward.
I thought a moment before tossing out another question. "How do shifters know when they're mates, anyway?"
"You don't know?" he asked, a serious expression covering his face.
I shook my head, walking easily beside him.
"The second toe on each foot will grow longer."
"Huh?" I blinked up at him skeptically. "Are you sure about that?" Impulsively, my gaze fell to both feet. That couldn't be right, could it? Your toes grow? As an adult? Surely, he pulled my leg. But, then again, what did I really know about mating amongst shifters?
"Yes. It's true. I take it you haven't measured for a baseline, yet?"
"Well, no. I didn't know…" My voice trailed off as I felt him tense next to me.
His dark eyes frantically searched across the street and down a nearby alley. "Stay with me."
"What?" I stumbled as he pulled me along with a strong grip on my upper right arm. "What is it?"
"Something's up," he whispered, shortening his steps a bit and allowing me to keep pace.
"Like vampires?" I asked, watching where I was stepping, avoiding old gum and uneven pavement whenever possible. "Or Enforcers on the prowl for bad guys?"
I certainly didn't want another bout with rogue vampires. Just the thought sent my heart to racing and panic rising. Enforcers, on the other hand, didn't bother me in the least. Except, when a few of the good guys appeared in the same area, it meant the neighborhood was going to pot and soon. One never wanted to get caught in the crossfire.
He stopped suddenly, pressing me against his side. "Something we don't want any part of."
"Oh." I weighed my options and decided a hasty exit took precedence. I closed my eyes and concentrated.
"Oh, hell." Ducky's words sent my eyes flying open.
* * * *
Sure enough, we no longer ambled down the street. Instead, we stood in a tile-encased room. The flushing of the toilet clued me in. A tiny old woman with a walker emerged from the stall, shakily pushing the walker, complete with tennis balls for feet, across the floor.
She looked up at Ducian and a wicked smile crossed her face. "Boy, howdy. I haven't seen such a stud muffin like you in a long time. Where have you been hiding, honey?" She teetered a bit closer. "Come see your sexy grandma now."
Ducian scowled, taking a step back. "Holy crap." He glanced down at me, before fixing his eyes forward once more. "This image won't ever go away, no matter how much therapy I get. Damn."
The woman paused a few feet away. I closed my mouth and focused on trying not to laugh, especially when the woman started tugging her robe open.
The zipper flew down, leaving nothing to the imagination. Gravity hadn't been kind to this old lady and those certainly were her own breasts. No mistaking the lack of perkiness. Skin hung all over and wrinkles existed in-between.
Ducian covered his eyes. "Just stake me now."
A series of small 'put put' noises escaped from the woman as she edged closer. "Come on, honey. I'll even take my teeth out for ya." She spit her dentures out into her hand and grinned, making smacking sounds with her mouth.
The scene edged toward creepy, which potentially meant more therapy time for me. I grabbed Ducian's hand just as the woman reached for his crotch.
Opening my eyes once more, I found we stood in one dark corner hallway of the strip club.
"Thank goodness." Ducian sighed in relief. Shaking his head, he untangled my hand from his. "I think I would have rather stayed and faced whatever being was about to eat us."
I gave a small smile. "Hey! Now you know where you have a willing woman, all set to jump your bones." He snorted. "And all because of me."
"Yeah. I'll have nightmares about her for the next century as it is. Thanks a lot." He shot me a look. "I thought you had a monk fetish. Right now, I'm willing to bet it's more along the lines of ancient perverts in bathrooms fetish."
My mouth fell open. "I don't…"
His aggressive stance softened as did his face. "Good thing I don't age."
Perplexed at the sudden change of subject, I tilted my head. "Why do you say that?"
He cracked a smile. "'Cause I will always have the young women with perky breasts. None of those saggy skin ones for me." His eyes flashed. "Too bad you're human. Not too much longer and your boobs will be headed for your knees." The jerk tossed his head back and laughed.
My face flamed as I crossed my arms over my chest. "Not funny."
He obviously didn't hear as he continued. "Saggy Shy." That sent him on further gales.
I tapped my toes in impatience. "Dick of a Duck."
"What have I missed?" The deep voice, achingly familiar, sounded behind me.
Uh-oh.
I turned to find Meat standing behind me. Black shiny leather pants left little to the imagination. The matching leather jacket hung open, revealing a broad, muscle-packed chest. Those abs rippled with each movement. Shiny silver snaps reflected the dim club lights, but drew attention to certain male parts.
Oh, my. Dare I drool?
Duci
an leaned down, brushing a kiss to my temple. "Hang onto your tomcat," he whispered into my ear.
My eyebrows furrowed at him. He flashed his fangs in my direction and mouthed, "Now."
Meat watched the interlude with interest, tilting his head at Ducian. "Care to fill me in?" His words held a hint of menace combined with confusion.
"Ummm. Ducky decided I have saggy boobs," I managed to sputter.
Oh, great. That didn't come out right at all. Open mouth insert both feet in this case.
Both men's eyes landed directly on the spot, obviously to test out the hypothesis. My face burned all the hotter. Their smiles slowly blossomed while their gazes remained locked on my modest cleavage.
Meat broke the silence. "His sight must be going in his old age. Look as perky as ever to me. Although…" He paused, tapping his chin. "I might need a hands-on check just to be sure." He extended his arms toward me.
I jumped back, out of range. The hyenas just stood there and guffawed. Men. Tell me again why I even need one of them.
My cell rang, interrupting the moment. Grabbing it, I checked the number before opening the phone.
CHAPTER 16
"Hey, Cannibal."
He spouted out orders, which included picking him up at the airport and checking on the new weapons he'd ordered to make sure they were ready and waiting. Enforcers can be so dictatorial. At least this one.
Cannibal wasn't his real name and no one knew his true name except maybe the administrative brass of the Peace Protection Division. Certainly, none of the lower echelon heard a peep of what to call the man besides the nickname. Rumors abounded as to where he originated, why they called him Cannibal, and if he really consumed human parts in his split pea soup. Bets lay on the table as to his DNA, human or other, and how many bad guys he'd wiped out thus far.
All I knew for certain was this—his normal leaned heavily toward pissy, he didn't play well with others, he ate food so probably landed in some other category besides vampire, and someone disliked me enough to stick me with him as his personal caretaker. Yay for me. Actually, I understood Cannibal himself had demanded the assignment after our first meeting. While not the worst assignment of my life, it still ranked below winning the lottery and spending a day at the circus. A person simply needed to realize what made him click and how to use that information to maintain a steady keel in order to protect their sanity.
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