by Lawna Mackie
Catz didn’t appear to be in the room, and the door was slightly open. Meeka stretched, jumped out of bed, and put the robe on. She heard a lot of voices and laughter. Sheepishly, she made her way to the kitchen, which seemed to be the gathering location in the house, and tried to peek around the doorway so nobody would see her.
Not knowing what to expect, the scene caught her off guard. Two very large beavers, her cat, and some other creature she’d never seen before were perched around the island. And of course, he was there, looking even sexier than last night. He and Paddy stood side by side with aprons on.
She assumed the larger beaver must be Kerrigan’s father and Paddy’s husband, Todd. Catz sat on the island with the mystery creature. The kitchen looked like a batter bomb had gone off. White stuff coated everything on the island, including them.
All heads had turned to look at her. Meeka blushed with embarrassment and stepped into the kitchen.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to interrupt,” she said, playing with a lock of hair.
Paddy gave a hearty laugh, hurrying toward her. “Silly girl. We’ve been waiting for you to wake. Kerrigan and I got into a little dispute with the flour, and of course, Threeo was just a bit too excited. Poor Catz and Todd were caught in the crossfire.” Paddy grabbed Meeka’s arm and led her to a seat at the island beside the other beaver.
“Hello, Meeka. I’m Todd.” He greeted with his paw reaching out.
Meeka let go of her hair, causing it to cascade around her body like a cloud.
“Hello. It’s nice to meet you. Thank you for saving Catz’s and my life. I can never repay you and your family for your hospitality.”
Todd’s eyes followed the length of her body. “Huh. Tall. And what a strange color your eyes are. I’ve never seen such a thing.”
She sure wasn’t expecting his statement. “Yes, I am quite tall, my hair is quite long, and my eyes are an unusual color.”
“Todd, where are your manners? You and Kerrigan are acting so strange these past couple days,” Paddy scolded. “Meeka, I’m sorry for these two hooligans. I really don’t know what has gotten into them. You come and sit up here beside Threeo.”
“Threeo?” Meeka tilted her head, puzzled.
Kerrigan hastily stepped in to make the introduction. “Threeo, this is Meeka. Meeka this is Threeo.”
Threeo stumped toward Meeka. “Hi Meeka. It’s nice to meet you, but I’ve already met you. You’ve been in my dreams.”
“Oh.” She was not sure how to take this revelation.
“Threeo tried to tell Kerrigan you were coming, but he didn’t listen to me. He seldom listens to me. Not all my dreams come true, but I knew you would be true. Threeo knew you would come. I really am quite smart. Kerrigan says Threeo talks too much. I don’t think I talk too much. Do you think Threeo talks too much?”
How could she not smile? Threeo was adorable. She had the urge to reach out and wipe away the flour on his beak. “I don’t think you talk too much at all, and it’s very nice to meet you, but I have to ask, what are you?”
The critter stood up proudly and fluffed his feathers. “I’m a Hipodogwl, and Kerrigan’s companion.”
Meeka chuckled. “Of course. Well, I see you must have met Catz. She is…err…my companion.”
“I have met Catz. I think we will be great friends as long as she doesn’t try to eat me,” Threeo stated with a concerned look directed in Catz’s direction.
Catz blinked and jested. “Feathers, I don’t mind, but hippo skin is where I draw the line.” Everyone laughed, with the exception of Threeo. “What’s wrong with hippo skin?” Kerrigan continued to laugh, but interrupted the banter. “Okay, you two, that’s enough, unless you both want to become floured like Mom and me. Meeka, have a seat, and I’ll show you how we make creature cakes.”
She sat captivated watching Paddy and Kerrigan. Paddy placed some flour into the bowl, added some liquid, and then whispered, “Live, laugh, love, and feast.”
Meeka didn’t know what fairy dust would look like, but that’s what she decided it must be. Minuscule spots of color floated from Paddy’s paw and into the mixture. Kerrigan stirred the batter a couple more times and said they were ready.
Threeo jumped excitedly on the island. “Oh goody, I love Paddy’s creature cakes. Can I go first?”
“How about we let Meeka go first? She has never had Enchantment creature cakes,” Kerrigan said with a mischievous smile.
“Oh, that’s a good idea.” Threeo chirped between words. “You go first, Meeka.” “Okay,” she said hesitantly. “What do I do?”
Kerrigan looked at her with the same mysterious smile. “You only need to think of a creature you like and speak its name. It’s simple.”
“Oh. Um…okay…Bear.”
He set the bowl down beside the stove next to the fry pan. The batter bubbled, spit, and floated out of the bowl. She couldn’t believe her eyes. The batter shaped itself into the perfect silhouette of a bear. With a growl, the battered bear leapt into the hot pan with a smile on its face.
Meeka squealed with sheer delight. “Well, our pancakes certainly aren’t this much fun.” When it was finished, Kerrigan slid the creature cake onto her plate.
Catz and Threeo both spoke at the same time, Catz yelling “Cat” and Threeo yelling “Bird.” Chaos erupted.
“Take cover!” Both Paddy and Kerrigan leapt back as the batter once again bubbled and spurted into the air. The blob was much larger this time when the two shapes started to take form. The first shape was a large bird, and the second a large cat—a large, apparently hungry, cat. The battered shapes chased each other around the kitchen. Suddenly, the batter-cat pounced at the bird, which swooped neatly toward the cupboards, the cat in hot pursuit. Drops of batter splashed against the walls, floor, and counter. Meeka watched with unbound amusement, until she realized the bird was heading right toward her. With a screech, she leapt aside, right into the path of the batter cat.
Splat!
Everyone howled with laughter. Kerrigan was laughing so hard, he was doubled over.
Meeka’s mouth was wide open as she used her fingers to clear the batter off her face. The bird creature cake landed in the pan and said, “Sorry.” A smiled formed on its face.
The fur around Paddy’s eyes glistened, wet from the tears caused by laughter. She handed Meeka a towel.
“Oh, we’re sorry, dear, but you have to admit it was really funny.”
Meeka took the towel, wiping her face of the batter. “I’m not sure I like creature cakes anymore.” She laughed.
Even though she was covered in Creature Cake batter, Meeka had a blast. She couldn’t remember a time when she had laughed so hard. What she did remember was trying not to have fun. Every time she let herself have fun, something bad would happen. The bad, of course, would be something hurtful from her parents.
Meeka’s thoughts flashed back to Christmas when she was twelve years old and had tried to cook holiday dinner for her parents. By the time dinner was cooked, they were both drunk, and her mom had fallen down in the bedroom. Meeka ran down the hall to help her, and by the time she’d gotten back to the kitchen, the potatoes had burnt. She had sworn to herself and turned the stove off. Luckily, she’d made enough food. She hoped her father wouldn’t notice the missing potatoes, but she’d been wrong again.
He’d stumbled into the kitchen and discovered the burnt potatoes, sworn at her with every vulgar word he could use, and then in his last breath, said, “You never were any good for anything. You’re just like your useless mother. This food isn’t fit for a dog.”
She’d stood by silently and watched him grab the turkey on the platter, open the front door, and toss it on the ground. Meeka knew if she ran out, her mother would take the brunt of his anger, so she’d stayed, just like she always did.
* * * *
Kerrigan could tell Meeka’s thoughts had regressed to bad place. He could see the look of sadness on her face as she fought back tears. He hated the
spot he was in. Her life in Upper World must be hell, and he was supposed to send her back there, back to a world that caused her so much pain and hurt. He had to change her thoughts. Her pain was unbearable for him.
“So, Meeka, do you think you might be brave enough to venture outside into the world of Enchantment?”
His voice brought her tumbling back to the present, effectively halting the bad memory.
“Oh…I guess so.”
“I was thinking we could all go for a picnic and go funny-fishing. Dad, you need a day off, and Mom, we haven’t gone for a picnic in a very long time.” Kerrigan said.
“That’s a great idea,” Paddy exclaimed. “Meeka, dear, if you thought creature cakes were fun, wait until we go fishing for funny-fish.”
Meeka smiled sadly. Happiness…hurt. “The jury’s still out on creature cakes.” She laughed, continuing to wipe her face.
“What do you think, Catz? Should we venture outside?”
Catz spoke to Kerrigan. “I don’t know if this is such a good idea.”
Kerrigan caught the tiny look of fear hidden in Catz’s green eyes. Catz was dead certain somebody was going to harm Meeka. Kerrigan didn’t want to alarm Meeka, so he put on a big smile and replied to Catz. “I don’t think I have an ego, but Meeka will be safe with me. I am the Enforcer. Enchanters respect me above all others. She will be worshiped and protected like a queen when she is with me and my parents.”
“And Catz, with you along, no one could harm me, right?” Meeka jested. “Well, let’s get ready to go, then.” Catz conceded.
Kerrigan watched his mom waddle to Meeka’s side. “How about we get you washed up, now that you know about the bath brush?”
“Sounds good to me. Is there anything else I need to know about the bathroom and its magical abilities?”
Paddy chuckled. “No, sweetheart. I think you should be fine this time. You go on and tidy up, if you wish.”
Meeka bowed her head. “Thank you for making me feel accepted.”
“I don’t want to hear another mention of it,” Paddy said, shooing her toward the bathroom.
The minute Meeka disappeared, Threeo, Todd and Catz turned on Kerrigan, with Threeo speaking first. “Kerrigan, you’re not remembering my vision! She is in danger.”
“Son, maybe taking her outside isn’t such a good idea. Both Catz and Threeo think she might be in some kind of danger.”
“She’s mine. No one would be dumb enough to challenge me.” Kerrigan threw the dishtowel down. “I’m the Enforcer, and I protect what is mine.”
* * * *
Meeka stepped into a pair of denim shorts and a white T-shirt left by Paddy, and, no doubt, her use of magic.
She seemed to know exactly what Meeka would wear at home and be comfortable in. The maternal beaver also insisted on braiding her hair. It was elaborate, with fine pieces of ribbon intertwined. She felt like a schoolgirl, but was so grateful when Paddy offered. Yup, it was the whole mother thing again. The one thing she’d never had and always wanted.
She basked in Paddy’s attention. Meeka looked at reflection in the mirror wishing she had some lipstick, and suddenly, Paddy opened her paw to reveal something similar to lip gloss. “I figured you might like this,” she said, offering it to her.
Meeka took the gloss out of her little hand. “Can you read my mind?” Paddy stopped and looked up at her. “Why ever would you say that, dear?”
“Well, I was wishing I had these exact clothes to wear and then just before you spoke, I was wishing I had some lipstick. Are you sure you can’t read my thoughts?” Meeka asked with a worried tone.
“Now, listen here, young lady. You worry far too much. I certainly can’t read minds. The idea for your clothes and the lip gloss just popped into my mind. I do try my best to keep up with the young ones. I read Young Enchanters magazine monthly.” Paddy winked.
Somehow, Meeka knew she wasn’t quite telling the truth. A chill raced along her spine.
Did I make Paddy think of these things?
* * * *
Everyone stood in the large foyer by the front door waiting for Meeka and Paddy to join them. Kerrigan watched intently as Meeka strolled toward the front door with his mom. Her legs were so long, and incredibly sexy. Heat rose inside of him. His resolution to keep somebody with them at all times was not going to help him.
He reached out to capture her hand. Instantly, their eyes locked, and the familiar tingles shot up his arm. He jerked her toward him and out the door before she could protest and pull her hand away.
Kerrigan smiled, watching Meeka’s face. Her eyes widened, sparkling as she took in the orange sky, the birds flying high in the clouds. She stepped forward, still staring upward, and planted her foot directly on top of his.
“Ouch.” He teased. “My toe may be broken.”
She cringed and leapt off his foot, trying to pull her hand out of his.
“Sorry, precious. I think I’ll just hold on to you for a while.” Kerrigan rumbled, his lips brushing her ear. He delighted in the shiver that raced over her.
“You really don’t need to. I don’t think it’s a good idea. I don’t need a protector!” she stated. Kerrigan’s hand opened unexpectedly, letting her go.
He was stunned! He’d just let go of her hand, even as his own desire demanded he hold it tighter. She had made him let go. It was next to impossible, and totally unacceptable. Kerrigan reached out again and snatched up her hand, instantly focusing on her mind.
It was unheard of. She was trying to force him to let go of her, and if he hadn’t been prepared for her onslaught, she would have controlled him once more.
“Please just trust me for now,” Kerrigan whispered into her ear.
Todd looked up at the two of them. “Is there a problem? Or can we go now?”
“Nope. No problem. Right, Meeka?” Kerrigan stared into her eyes, seeing the uncertainty, the fear, and beneath it, something he longed to claim but honor demanded he let go.
“I don’t think there is a problem.”
* * * *
Jager waited. He would be unnoticed and undetected by any of them. How sweet this mission would be. He watched the girl walk out the door and was stunned by her beauty. She was the most delicious piece of meat he’d ever seen. He knew exactly what he would do with her. He grew hard thinking about how he would make her cry out his name when he spread her legs. Thalius hadn’t said he couldn’t sample the delicacy. He just needed to snatch her away from Kerrigan, and with his new powers, it shouldn’t be a problem. In fact, the lack of challenge was almost disappointing.
Jager followed close behind the merry group. He would wait for the perfect opportunity to present itself.
Chapter Seventeen
Her hand safely tucked in Kerrigan’s, Meeka walked by his side, smiling and nodding at those around her. She felt huge; many of those of Kerrigan’s world were small, delicate-looking beings with blonde or white hair and pointed ears.
None seemed to pay her more than a passing glance. They smiled, nodded, or bowed to Kerrigan, but kept on about their business.
The beauty of the area sent amazement rippling through her. The hues of the sky resembled the Aurora Borealis she'd seen back home. Those around her were dressed in shiny, tight attire. Had it been painted on? They reminded her of cartoon characters.
Off in the distance, a large structure stood out of the center. It glittered in the orange light of the sky. Meeka couldn’t pry her eyes off it. She stopped, trying to give her eyes time to adjust. “Is that crystal? It would be impossible, wouldn’t it? What kind of building is it?”
Kerrigan squeezed her hand, his voice calm as he explained. “The building is what we call the Counselors’ Realm. The outer structure is made of crystal, while the inside is comprised of marble. It’s an impressive structure, don’t you agree?”
Dumbfounded, Meeka nodded.
A high-pitched whine overhead caused her to look up again to see a train of glass bubbles traveling across
the sky. Meeka pointed above her head, still unable to speak. Kerrigan continued to fill in the blanks. “Most Enchanters travel this way.”
“Why don’t they just vanish or disappear like you?”
“Not everyone has the ability, or the wealth. Some are more powerful than others and can master the ability with practice. Most would need to spend money they don’t have.”
“So why are you so special?” Meeka instantly regretted her question as a cold shadow flickered over Kerrigan’s features.
“I’m not an Enchanter.”
Her brows tugged down into a frown, and Meeka hid a sigh. How could she fix the blunder? Seeing the tree line in the near distance, she offered a weak smile. “Are we going there?”
“Yes.” They had continued to walk when he asked her the question she dreaded.
“Meeka, would you be interested in trying to explore your powers? I would like to help you, if I can.”
Her body tensed, and she bit her lower lip. “Do you think I need to? What if you're all wrong? What if I'm not a sorceress, and when I get home I'm normal?”
“I know it would be an easy thing to believe.”
“Kerrigan, you don’t know me or what my life is like. I’m an ordinary person, with just a few exceptions. My parents… Well, let’s not go there, but there is nothing special about me in any way.” She looked up at him, almost hoping he would disagree.
Catz dashed up to her side, leaving Paddy and Toddy behind them. “Meeka, please. I believe Kerrigan can help us. Let him try. What if we’re right?”
Meeka sighed, casting a glance between Catz and Kerrigan. “I don’t know what good this will do, but I’ll try…for Catz.”
Kerrigan smiled, drawing a shudder along her body. “We’ll begin this afternoon.”