by Lawna Mackie
Meeka, although hungry, wondered what she would find outside this bedroom. She looked at Catz for reassurance, but the critter pranced over to Kerrigan, looking up at him.
“I, myself, would prefer meat. I am, after all, a carnivore in this form.”
Kerrigan laughed. “Yes, I believe we have something similar to your type of food, even though my parents mainly eat greens.”
He addressed Meeka. “Precious, I see you know Catz can speak. Our world, it is quite different. Most everyone here uses magic in one form or another.”
Precious! Why does he keep calling me that?
Locking her fists on her hips, she narrowed her eyes. Meeka tried to keep a tight leash on the anger bubbling through her. “Look, buddy. I’m not your precious, or your honey, or anything else you think of. My name is Meeka. While Catz here told me I’m some sort of sorceress, I find that a tad difficult to believe. So, here’s what we’re going to do. We’re not going to call me any of your little pet names, and I'm not staying any longer than I have to. I'm just unlucky enough to be in the wrong spot at the wrong time, and if that whatever-it-was hadn't startled me, I wouldn't be here!”
Meeka noticed his gaze had fallen to her bare shoulder. Self-conscious, she pulled her tattered shirt back up over her shoulder.
From the corner of her eye, Meeka could see Catz’s tail switching back and forth.
What made her so annoyed?
Kerrigan looked down at her cat. “It’s okay, pussy cat. I didn’t mean anything by it.” Meeka watched the pair.
What are they up to?
She stepped forward. “You want to explain why you two think it’s okay to talk about me? I'm right here.” Her voice rose on a tide of anger.
Like a starburst, a cascade of sparks fluttered down over her, dancing through the air. “What the
...?” She shrieked. Anger turned to fear. Each heartbeat brought more and more sparks, until they swirled around her like a blizzard of colors.
“Meeka, listen to me. It’s okay.” Catz voice penetrated the fog of fear surrounding her. “It’s going to be okay, I promise.”
Meeka trembled, unsteady on her feet. Catz wove in and out between her legs, settling a sort
of calm over her. She whispered in a tiny voice. “What was that?”
“It was you, precious. I have a feeling this is just the beginning. Your magic is showing itself, and seems to respond to your emotional state. You were annoyed with Catz and me which caused the release of your energy. Your fear caused them to surround you in a protective veil.”
Meeka grabbed hold of Kerrigan’s arm for stability, only to find herself swept away by the pinpricks of electricity and heat spreading through her body. Her eyes locked on his, recognizing the want in his gaze. She shivered upon feeling the echo in her own body, and let get of him. Now wasn’t the time for attraction, no matter how tempting he was.
Catz spoke, breaking the spell. “Trust me; we're not going to let anything happen to you. We're here to guide you through this. Friends forever, remember.”
He turned toward the door. “Come—you both must be starving. Please, follow me.” Kerrigan took her arm, his touch soothing her frayed nerves, and ushered her from the room.
With Catz at her heels and Kerrigan close by, Meeka felt the strength returning to her wobbly knees. Somehow, she felt at ease, a sense of calm washing over her. In silence, they walked down a long hallway that led directly to a very large open kitchen.
Kerrigan directed her toward a chair, which she promptly sank into. Inside, her body still wreaked havoc. She needed a distraction from the trembling in her limbs and the quaking rolling in her stomach. She focused on the ceiling. It was round like the bedroom, but the colors of white and pink streamed through as if it could be transparent. After adjusting to the brightness, she realized it was a giant skylight, but the light coming through was pink instead of blue. Nevertheless, the kitchen looked well equipped.
* * * *
Kerrigan couldn’t tear his eyes away from her. He enjoyed every facial expression she made. He pointed at the dome where the pink light shone brightly.
“We have seven suns and seven moons, which actually gives us a different color sky each day. As you can see, today, the sky is pink. This ceiling is tinted a pale white to mask the full color of the sky. Outside, the sky is glowing nearly fuchsia. Tomorrow, it will be another color.”
A smile played across her face.
“My mother is a great cook, but I’m not too bad in the kitchen, myself. I really do like to cook the old-fashioned way just like my mom, which is, for the record, very similar to your world.” He stopped.
Good. Now I’m babbling.
This could be dangerous. Getting too close to her would be a mistake, but every move she made intrigued him. The way she tilted her head, or put her hair over her shoulder, and even the way he caught her staring at her own hands, no doubt wondering whether sparkles originated there.
Catz jumped up onto the island. He could tell she looked uncomfortable. Her voice broke the awkward silence. “Maybe you could explain what you think the old-fashioned way is?”
Kerrigan explained as his hands deftly sorted groceries. He placed the granger meat into the oven, which opened at the wave of his hand. “Most Enchanters would not have a kitchen with what you would call appliances. In most kitchens, you would find a table and perhaps a sink. Food is a necessity, so most Enchanters use magic to feed themselves, but they do not prepare it by hand.” He mixed an array of vegetables, chopped them, and placed them in a bowl, and then set two plates and one set of cutlery on the island, watching her carefully, wondering exactly what she thought.
“Why do you cook? On Earth, most men I know prefer not to do those chores.” She reached up, scratching Catz behind her ear.
He stuck both hands up and said, “Cover.” The oven door opened, and Kerrigan removed the hot dish from the oven. “I do like to cook. I find it relaxing, but like I said, it is not a usual thing here in Enchantment.
The loud rumble from the table drew his attention, and he hid a smile at the faint flush of pink on Meeka’s face. He also noted that she had one eye closed, shying away from the scene. He’d scared her somehow. Holding his hands back up he said, “remove.”
Rubbing his hands together, he smiled. “It didn’t hurt, see.” He showed her his unburned hands.
“Wow. I wish we had that talent at home.”
Kerrigan fixed her a plate with greens and granger before setting it on the table. The cat was pacing and purring extremely loudly, waiting for her portion of the meat. He cut the meat into tiny pieces and placed it down in front of her.
Meeka stared down at the food with a curious look. His shoulders shook with a chuckle as he turned to clear the countertop.
“I think you’ll find the meat similar to what you would call chicken. We call them grangers. The greens are similar to your salads.”
She picked up her fork. “Are you not going to eat?”
“I had something earlier while you were sleeping.” Kerrigan leaned against the counter, his gaze steady while she placed a small piece of granger in her mouth and lick her bottom lip. What would it be like to taste and touch that kind of heaven? His body tightened with desire. Silently, he cursed himself. How could the little witch have such power over him? He needed a diversion, so he grabbed the pan and noisily rattled it into the dishwasher.
“Delicious.” Meeka licked her lips. “Better than our chicken. You are a good cook.” Catz purred, licking her paws and cleaning her face to extend her own thanks.
Meeka slid her hair over her shoulder. “Kerrigan…do you have somewhere I could freshen up?”
“Yes, of course.”
“Would your parents mind if I took a shower?”
He hid a smile at the way she tugged at her hair, a look of disgust in her eyes. “I am certain Mom would be happy to know all your needs were taken care of.”
* * * *
Meeka’s body ac
hed from head to toe. A shower would be great. Perhaps she could forget for a bit about sparks, sparkles, and magic. Kerrigan led her to the bathroom and opened the door. There was a large marble shower. Meeka could feel the warm water running over her body already.
Meeka glanced toward the shower. There were no taps, no soap—nothing that looked familiar to home. With a puzzled frown, she bit the bottom of her lip and looked back at Kerrigan.
His laugh caused her to snarl.
“I’m sorry, precious, but that look just made my day. The shower is magic, of course. It will respond to your voice. When you are ready, just say, ‘shower on,’ or, ‘shower off.’”
“Didn’t your parents teach you it wasn’t nice to make fun of people?”
“Yes, they did, but I just couldn’t help it. You looked so cute, vulnerable, and sexy all at the same time.” Kerrigan place his hands up in front of him, but she noticed the look he gave her. His eyes traveled from her head to her feet. “I’m sorry,” he said. “If you need anything, I’ll just be standing right outside the door.” Promptly, he closed the door behind himself.
Shocked, her heart racing, Meeka gaped after him.
Did I hear correctly? Did he say I was sexy? Yes, he said sexy.
Turning, she stared into the mirror at the plain woman staring back at her. She didn’t see a sexy woman.
What does it matter? You won’t be here much longer, and he’ll be a memory. Accept the compliment, Meeka, and move on. Your past will never let you have more.
She shook her head ruefully. With the absence of a toothbrush, she rubbed her teeth with her finger.
You’ll never get away from the shadow of your delinquent parents. So why not be happy for now?
Perhaps because she was stuck in another world with a veritable Adonis who probably wasn’t real, and her skin was shooting sparks, or sparkles, or whatever.
I’d love to just pretend I had normal parents and that a guy like Kerrigan would like me for just who I am.
Dreamer!
Meeka scrubbed harder on her teeth. She’d definitely have to ask for a toothbrush. She’d vowed to herself long ago, falling in love would not be an option. Emotions opened a door to more hurt in her life, something she wouldn’t do.
Meeka removed her clothing and neatly folded them, setting them on the vanity. She turned to the full-length mirror, wearing just the pink, lacy bra and matching panties. For some reason, she didn’t seem to feel so tall, anymore. Kerrigan was so much taller than her that she actually felt like an average height instead of too tall. She smiled; this was definitely a happy thought.
Undergarments removed, Meeka stared at the shower.
Cautiously, one foot at a time, she stepped over the small ledge and into the large shower.
Okay, I’ve made it this far.
She stood ready and stated the command, “Shower on.”
Streams of luxuriously warm water shot out from various places within the shower. It felt heavenly. Moving on its own, lavender-scented soap sensuously caressed and slid down the length of her body. She struggled to catch it.
Her eyes were fully closed, enjoying the sensations of the warm water, when with a jolt she felt bristles across her back. Her eyes fully opened, and with a scream rising in her throat, she swiveled around and came face-to-face with a…
A shower brush?
Floating in midair, the brush looked somewhat like a rabbit. The bristles were whiskers, its mouth was open, and its ears were dispensing soap. It floated in the air, staring at her benignly.
The startled scream tore out of her mouth. She lunged to the side, trying to get away from the thing, but tripped over the small ledge. Meeka prepared herself for a crash on the hard marble floor, but suddenly found herself cradled in two large arms, instead.
The room was showered with blue and red sparks. Meeka scrambled in Kerrigan’s arms, pointing to the shower. “It, it…” her words tripped over themselves as she waved at the object staring back at her. “How…? Oh, God, this can’t be happening.”
* * * *
Kerrigan immediately realized his mistake. He had forgotten to tell her about the shower brush—the magic shower brush, which automatically washed your back while you were in the shower. The brush still floated in the air until he commanded, “Shower off.” The water stopped, and instantly the brush returned to its place on the shower wall.
Kerrigan had stood, still holding her naked wet body in his arms, before he realized this was a dangerous predicament. Her large, frightened eyes eventually looked away from the shower and stared up into his face. She had wrapped her arms around his neck, and the rest of her wet body pressed up against his chest.
The scent of fresh lavender lingered in the room, heightening his senses. He was drowning in a sea of emotions that swirled around him like a rip tide, unable to tear his eyes away from her beauty. The hot tingles from her fingertips spread through his body like liquid fire. Magic built around them like a stormy sea demanding release.
He faltered, not knowing if he could control his emotions.
Her eyes, so recently filled with horror, were now swirling with the tidal wave of raw passion consuming them both. Her heart was beating like a drum, faster and faster. Kerrigan’s hands traveled over her bare arms. Kerrigan bent his head to the hollow of her neck to drink in her scent. He was so hot and hard. His swollen cock throbbed beneath the strained denim of his pants. He wanted nothing more than to be buried deep inside her hot body.
Kerrigan lifted his head and stared down at her sultry ruby lips. He just had to taste her. Slowly and gently, his lips found hers, and blue flames erupted around them as their kiss deepened. His tongue demanded entry, and she answered with a low, satisfying moan. He showered her cheeks and neck with hot kisses in search of her luscious breasts. Her nipples were hard, and she was eager for his touch. He lavishly licked one nipple at a time while Meeka gasped and arched her body in his arms.
Kerrigan was trying to think. He knew he had to stop this, or he’d take her right there on the bathroom floor. She was an innocent. He shouldn’t do this. He couldn’t do it. The emotions swirling in the pit of his stomach and the ache of pure, hot desire told him his eyes would no longer be blue.
* * * *
Meeka couldn’t breathe; nothing had ever consumed her so fully. His breath on her neck made her temperature rise. Her body was getting hotter and hotter, aching for more. His eyes were liquid pools of desire, intoxicating, and she wanted to keep drinking more. Meeka didn’t think she could survive this feeling. Her stomach did flips. The ache for more of his touch was unbearable. Her body quivered. The moist, swollen folds between her legs begged for some unknown satisfaction.
Struggling for a breath of air, she broke the kiss and opened her dazed, passion-filled eyes. Her mouth dropped open. They were engulfed in blue flames!
Her body stiffened and froze. Fear coursed through her. Meeka looked down at her wet, naked body, suddenly desperate to hide.
Kerrigan held her tight as she tried to scramble out of his arms. Carefully, he set her on her feet, and with his arms still around her, whispered, “Easy, precious, it’s okay.”
Meeka shoved at his locked arms. “Let me go!” she shouted, and suddenly red balls of flame erupted from her palms. Kerrigan flew off his feet and landed hard, up against the far wall of the bathroom.
She grabbed the large bathroom towel and covered her naked body.
Kerrigan rubbed his head. “Okay, I get the picture. You’re scared. You’re also probably angry. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have kissed you like that.”
Meeka watched him stare at her. It wasn’t a look she was familiar with, but she’d swear he was gawking. Following his stare, she gaped in disbelief at the blue and red flames flicking over her body.
Her chest heaved.
“I got the point, Meeka. You need to calm down now. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. I won’t move, I promise.”
Her muscles clenched in anger, but s
he knew she should listen. “Don’t move,” she commanded. “Or else.”
He rubbed his head again. “Stryker couldn’t even throw me off my feet. I got the message. I’m not moving a muscle.”
She closed her eyes and took some deep, calming breaths. The flames were slowly disappearing when she looked.
He pointed to the vanity. “I figured you might need some new clothing. I’ll wait for you in the kitchen.”
Catz strolled through the door with a quizzical look on her face, her tail switching back and forth rapidly. “Should I ask what happened?”
Meeka hung her head, ashamed. She took a deep breath and sat down on the bench in the bathroom. What had just happened?
Catz made her way across the marbled floor and jumped up onto the bench beside her. “Did he hurt you?”
She cleared her throat. “No. No, Catz, he didn’t hurt me. Might have been easier if he had.” “Well, what was it?”
Meeka looked over at the shower. “Actually, it started because of the shower brush. It washes your back. I didn’t realize it at first, and freaked out, and…”
“Oh, no.”
“That’s kinda what I thought.”
“So that’s what made you deposit the brute on his butt?” Catz asked in a mocking tone.
Meeka knew she was fishing for the whole story. “No, that wasn’t it. The brush scared me so badly, I screamed. When I tried to get out of the shower, I tripped. Kerrigan caught me.”
“And…then what happened. What’s the whole story?”
Meeka fidgeted with her hands, not sure how to explain what she felt. “Catz, it wasn’t anything important. He caught me, and we got carried away and kissed, and…oh, it’s not important.”
Her cat’s eyes grew large. “Did you like it?” The feline pressed forward, placing a paw on Meeka’s leg. “Or shall I tar and feather him.” She was teasing, but Meeka recognized a hint of seriousness.
Meeka pushed a strand of wet hair from her face. Catz looked back at her. “I liked him holding me. He held me like I was a tiny fragile doll. I looked into his eyes, and I wanted him to kiss me.” Meeka stood up, securing her towel, and started pacing. “Then he did kiss me. I wanted him, too. I’ve never felt anything so wonderful, but then I opened my eyes and realized we were engulfed in flames, and I was totally naked. I got angry and scared all at once. Catz, we were literally on fire. I was scared I’d hurt him, but he wouldn’t let me go, so the fire balls erupted from my hands and flung him across the room.” She held out her hands, looking at them as thought she’d never seen them before.