Enchantment

by Lawna Mackie

  “Here we are.” Threeo nudged open the door on the right to reveal an opulent bathroom unlike anything she’d ever seen at home.

  “This bathroom is just the same as Paddy’s and Todd’s.”

  Meeka twisted her head from side to side trying to peer down the long hall. “What’s down there?”

  “It leads to the lagoon and underground river.” Threeo explained. “Is it safe?”

  “Oh, of course. This is the Enforcer’s home. Everything here is safe. Kerrigan sleeps down there sometimes.” Threeo stared into the murk, his eyes bright with happiness.

  Meeka smiled, trying to hide her uncertainty. “Right.”

  “I’ll wait just outside the bathroom door for you. When you’re done, we can go see the babies.”

  The shower was uneventful and welcome as the warmth slid over her body, washing the day away with it. Where was Kerrigan? Could she possibly miss him? Yes, actually, she did. She was miserable with him and miserable without him. Things were happening so quickly. She couldn’t deny the things that had happened between them in those few days. They were attracted to one another, and both of them knew it.

  She stepped from the shower and finished dressing in the dress she found there. She could only assume Kerrigan had left the garment. It was an elegant wrap-around dress in pale pink, which offset her eyes and dark hair. She left her hair unbound and headed to the door.

  Threeo sat just outside the door waiting for her.

  “I’m ready if you are, Threeo. Catz, are you okay coming with us?”

  Catz yawned with a catlike lack of enthusiasm. She eyed Threeo through narrowed golden eyes. “I haven’t had breakfast yet. Lead the way.”

  Threeo shrieked amid Catz’s laughter. With a roll of her eyes, Meeka scolded her. “That is not nice!”

  “Oh, come now, Meeka, I’m sure the walking feather duster knows I don’t mean I’d eat his babies. I’m much too civilized.” Catz purred while Threeo shook his feathers at her.

  Little peeps and chirps got louder the farther down the stairs they went. The door opened to loud chirping when Threeo stood in front of it. She placed her hands over her ears. In the far corner of the room stood a large wooden structure just over waist high. When the deafening chirps ceased, Meeka could hear scratching sounds followed by thumps.

  Threeo placed himself on the mantle, where he could see inside the large boxed structure. Desperately trying to see, Meeka stood on the tips of her toes.

  “Hello. Yes, I missed you all, too, but quiet down. I have a special visitor to introduce you to. Meeka, you can come closer.”

  Meeka smile with uncontained excitement and peered over the edge. Numerous pairs of little beaming eyes looked up at her. They were the cutest little critters she’d ever seen.

  Each little baby was in its own small compartment filled with straw. Some resembled miniature hippopotamuses, while others looked more like owls. Puppies made up the remainder. Meeka wondered what Threeo had looked like when he was a baby. She had to ask. “Threeo, which one did you look like when you were a baby?”

  Threeo pondered for a moment then said, “I believe I looked more like the baby hippopotamus, but you’d have to ask Kerrigan. I’ve only seen animals from Earth in books.”

  The babies were doing their absolute best to jump higher and higher to get her attention.

  “Threeo, may I pick them up?” She beamed with excitement. “Most definitely.”

  Meeka bent over and plucked a squirming little hippo from his nest. He was about the size of a loaf of bread. She cuddled him briefly, then gave him a peck on the head, placed him back down, and picked up the next one. Each one received a generous petting and a kiss.

  The last little guy was so excited to finally be picked up, Meeka dropped him. Thank goodness it wasn’t far from the floor. He looked more like a puppy and ran around and around her legs. Meeka was laughing hard trying to scoop him back up, but he headed for the door, coming to an abrupt halt as he slid into two large feet.

  Meeka’s gaze traced up over long legs, slim hips, and a broad chest to meet Kerrigan’s eyes staring down at them, the look in his eyes enough to start her heart pounding. He reached down and picked up the little one, scratched him behind the ear, and placed him back in the container.

  “We’re leaving in ten minutes. I’ll meet you and Catz back upstairs. Threeo, show them back up when they’re done.” Kerrigan turned on his heel and left the room.

  Stunned, Meeka could only stare at him in disbelief. “Who died and made you such an ass,” she muttered after him. Her eyes widened when he paused to glance at her before walking away.

  She sighed.

  Damn him.

  Just when she was getting ready to hate him, he had to put on the cocky, lopsided little grin. Still, his overbearing attitude irritated her, and she glared at his retreating figure.

  Threeo jumped down from the mantle. “We should go, Meeka.”

  Of all the egotistical things I've ever seen!

  Meeka recognized her inner power flaring by the tingling feeling, which began in the pit of her stomach. She was starting to become familiar with the sensation.

  Meeka and Catz followed Threeo up a series of stairs until they were in what must be Kerrigan’s den. It resembled him. Dark walls complemented the swirling, rich, wine colors of leather furniture.

  How dare he try and boss her around. She did not intend to meekly obey her “host’s” orders. She paced, fury bubbling beneath her flesh.

  Hearing heavy footfalls coming toward the den, Meeka took her stance with her arms crossed. Kerrigan walked through the door, and instantly, she forgot her anger. He hadn’t even been gone for five minutes, but there he stood in the doorway, dressed in black leather from head to toe. The leather pants he wore clung to every delicious muscle. His eyes were stunning, but gone was the kindness. His shoulder-length wavy black hair matched his dark attitude. Dangerous was how she’d describe him. There was no gentleness in what she saw. He was hard all over, mentally and physically.

  Get a grip!

  She knew most women would sell their souls for a chance to be around a man like him, but she wasn’t going to be one of them. She refused to be pushed around. She’d had enough. Her father had pushed her around all her life, and she was done with it. She would decide where, when, and what she would do.

  Lifting her chin a little, Meeka stood her ground. Resolute, she waited impatiently for him to ask her. She’d be damned if she’d just follow his orders.

  “You’re going to accompany me to the Counselors’ Realm, Meeka. Are you ready to go?” His tone left little thought of it being a question.

  “No, I’m not ready. I’m not going anywhere with you.”

  The muscle twitch in his jaw. She prayed he wouldn’t catch the squeak in her voice as he studied her.

  “Not an option. You are coming with me, so I suggest—”

  “Really. I don’t think so. I don’t want to.” She flipped her hair over her shoulder.

  In two massive strides, Kerrigan towered over her. Meeka swallowed hard. For once in her life, she found it a disadvantage to be so short. Heat emanated from his body. He was so close. His anger was scorching, but she refused to be intimidated.

  “You can come nicely, or I’ll carry you.” He crossed his arms and clenched his teeth. “You wouldn’t dare!”

  “Don’t test me, Meeka.” Kerrigan leaned down, his breath ghosting over her face.

  He was dead serious. She could see in the resolve in his eyes. Her fury built quickly. A small halo of flames appeared around her body.

  Threeo jumped out of the way as Catz walked forward. “Stop it! Both of you! Goodness. If somebody didn’t interfere, the two of you would burn the house down.”

  Meeka had never heard Catz speak so forcefully. The tone caused her to break eye contact with Kerrigan. She was a bit embarrassed to see Threeo and Catz watching their confrontation.

  Meeka took a step back. Catz shape-shifted into her sleek
lioness form. Meeka noticed her tail swishing rapidly back and forth, obviously, she was irritated.

  With her eyes narrowed and her ears lying flat, she spoke with a growl first to Meeka. “Stop acting like a child, Meeka. You know better than to allow yourself to get worked up over something you knew was coming. Stop wasting your energy on foolishness.”

  Meeka raised a brow at Catz snarly tone.

  “And you…” Catz turned her green eyes on Kerrigan. “Perhaps you should train her first.” “We are to meet with the Counselors today.” Kerrigan snapped. “She needs to be on her

  guard. I don’t trust them one bit.”

  “Then explain it. Don’t bully her.” Catz shook her head. “Gods above, the two of you are going to give me a complex.”

  “Please explain to your princess I need to address the Counselors today. Regardless of what they tell me, I refuse to send her back without knowing the fate of such a procedure. I do not want her here alone. Let her know she must learn how to utilize some of her powers so I have arranged a training day for her.” He looked briefly back at Meeka. “If she can actually withstand the training process.” With piercing eyes, he looked her body up and down in an unspoken challenge.

  Meeka swallowed hard. She narrowed her eyes, her mind racing. What was his game? Was there something she needed to know or do, and he wanted her to be able…

  Of course. In his own gruff way, Kerrigan is trying to protect me, to encourage me.

  Her anger faded to be replaced by an inner calm—acceptance, even. “I can take whatever you dish out.”

  “I highly doubt it, but if you’re done being difficult, can we go?” Meeka lifted her chin a little higher. “Let’s go, then.”

  Wrapping his arms around her, Kerrigan met Meeka’s gaze as the world shifted, and a moment later, she found herself standing in a large field.

  The three of them appeared off to the side of the huge training area. Meeka grabbed his arm to steady herself. She turned to stare onto the field. It was awash in a sea of sweaty male bodies. Barely clothed men swung massive weapon at each other, their grunts and groans clashing with the ringing of swords connecting. Her eyes widened at the image of men tangling with massive creatures which resembled the stone gargoyles back on Earth, but these were made of flesh, muscle, and bone.

  What did I get myself into this time?

  Her attention caught, she stared at one man standing, legs braced, his sandy hair pulled back into a ponytail. Massive arms crossed over his chest, he appraised the training warriors with what she could only describe as a serious expression. His massive frame was nearly as big as Kerrigan’s, and she wondered whether he, too, was a dragon. Butterflies settled in her stomach when he turned to stare at her, and glanced away when he started toward them.

  I wonder if they’d notice if I ran away.

  Kerrigan stepped forward with a smile, extending his hand to greet the man. Uncomfortable with the stranger’s assessing gaze, Meeka stepped closer to Catz’s lioness form.

  The feline pressed up against her legs. “Well, at least they’re all hot-looking.” Catz sat on her haunches. “I wouldn’t mind playing cat-and-mouse with him.”

  Meeka groaned at her friend’s comment. “I didn’t know you were—”

  “Meeka, this is Stryker. He is the gargoyle commander, warrior, and trainer.” Kerrigan waved her forward with a barely there smile.

  Meeka stepped forward and shook his hand. “It’s nice to meet you.” Stryker bowed. “The pleasure is all mine, my lady.”

  Kerrigan turned to address Catz. “And, this is Catz, Meeka’s companion.”

  Again, Stryker bowed his head. “It’s a pleasure to meet you both. I trust Kerrigan has been a good host?” He offered a quick, teasing grin.

  Meeka snorted at Stryker’s comment, her gaze meeting Kerrigan’s for a moment before sliding away. “Indeed.”

  If one can compare him to an iceberg floating in the Bering Sea.

  “Stryker is my commander at arms. While I’m speaking with the Counselors, he will stand in my place to ensure your constant safety. He is an accomplished and skilled warrior. He knows about your special abilities needing to be developed and enhanced. So if you think you can keep up to the guys, Stryker will be your trainer. For the moment, at least.”

  Keep up to the guys. Of course I can keep up to them.

  She had always been athletic and excelled in any sport she took on. Meeka looked at the two giant men. “I’m game. I’m sure it won’t be difficult at all.” She pushed her sleeves up.

  Stryker looked at Kerrigan with a cocky grin. “Kerrigan, her dress is not appropriate for our training.”

  Kerrigan clenched his jaw, the air churned, and two small pieces of leather appeared in his hand. “Meeka, I hope you’re comfortable with this attire.” He handed the tiny pieces of leather to her. “And these straps…” He passed them over. “Will hold your knives. Two for your arms, and one for your leg.” Kerrigan pointed to a tent. “You may change in there. Catz, can you go with her, please? Stryker and I will wait here.”

  Meeka tried her best to hide her embarrassment. She was basically training in a bikini! Determined not to let them discourage her, she grabbed the pieces of leather and stormed off with Catz on her heels.

  “Catz, can you believe I have to wear this? Men! I refuse to let them get to me.” She cursed. “Meeka, you don’t have to wear it if you do not wish it,” Catz responded.

  “Oh, I’ll wear it,” she said. “They don’t scare me.” Pulling her shirt off over her head and removing her lacy bra, Meeka stared at the leather piece that was to cover her breasts. It had to be smaller than her bra.

  Once she had it on and in place, she realized it actually stuck to her body and didn’t move at all.

  It must be magic.

  Blue jeans removed, Meeka pulled the small bottoms on. Like the top, they seemed to affix to her skin. It was just like her skin, and incredibly comfortable, except she felt naked.

  She wasn’t sure how she was going to get the armbands tied on, but once she held them up to her arms, they tied themselves. Meeka finished the other arm and leg and stood up tall. “Well, Catz, how do I look?”

  “I’m sure all the men will be impressed.” Catz blinked slowly and twitched her tail back and forth.

  Meeka opened the door and looked at Catz once more. “Here goes nothing.”

  Kerrigan’s face lost all expression. Perhaps she did look sexy, after all. She knew she had long, sleek legs and toned arms. She swung her hair up, pulling it into a ponytail. She soon realized he wasn’t the only one who stared. Stryker was staring just as intently. In fact, there seemed to be a sudden lack of action all over the field.

  Meeka proudly strode back to the two of them, conscious of the fact that over the men’s shoulders, the whole training field stood silently gawking.

  Kerrigan’s roar ended the silence.

  Instantly, the warriors got back to business. Meeka walked over to a wall that held a variety of weapons, letting her hips sway just a little extra.

  Chapter Twenty

  Kerrigan stood on the circular platform. A breeze tossed his hair back, and the stale stench of the chambers wafted up his nose. Nothing ever changed with them.

  The ten of them scrutinized him from plush thrones.

  Madget’s nasal tone broke the heavy silence. “Kerrigan, you should not have brought her to our realm. You deliberately put us all in danger.”

  “I was instructed to protect the girl and to report here in three days. If I’m to protect her, she must be with me at all times.” Kerrigan restrained the urge to roar. Their pompousness knew no limit. “Especially when there is something or someone here in our world who wants her special abilities.”

  The group of them gasped and sat up tall as he continued. “I haven’t learned a whole lot about any powers she might have, but I do know there is something or someone in our world which wants her.”

  Nine out of the ten Counselors were shock
ed. Kerrigan watched carefully and noticed Thalius did not seem to share the same curiosity. He eyed the ugly hunchback. Only the use of dark magic would age him as he was, and Kerrigan didn’t trust the crone one bit.

  “Why did you not report this to us immediately?” Madget narrowed her eyes, fury heightening her already high-pitched voice. “Meeka. Is this the being’s name?” Madget asked.

  “Correct.”

  Thalius leaned forward, his face tight, voice smooth, composed. “What else have you learned about the girl?”

  Too bad Thalius is a Counselor.

  Kerrigan kept the growl contained. “I’m still gathering information on the girl.” “And Todd? Is he repentant of his actions?” Madget continued her inquiry.

  “Yes, I would say he has regrets, but I doubt, given the same situation, he would do it any differently.”

  “Tell us more about what you have learned in the three days. Surely, you have some idea of what power she has. What strength she is? “ Thalius interrupted again.

  Kerrigan decided he wouldn’t share explicit details with the group. He didn’t trust the smug look on Thalius’s ugly face. “She’s having a hard time adjusting to magic. When frightened, she becomes unusually tired. She sleeps a lot. I believe she has a kind nature. What I also find unusual is that you Counselors did not feel the intrusion of the evil force wishing to take her. I, myself, had a hard time detecting the force. The only forms of magic I am unable to follow are those powers residing with you, the Counselors.”

  “Are you possibly accusing one of the Counselors for this black force? Perhaps the girl came with the evil.”

  “I haven’t accused anyone. I’m just stating what I know to be a fact. Unless there’s something else you have neglected to tell me. It took you two hundred years to tell me my parents were from another world and they didn’t perish entering or leaving Enchantment.” Kerrigan ground out.

  “I don’t like the tone of your voice,” Madget snapped.

  “We all need to be reasonable and realize it is possible for foreigners to come to our world. I don’t know how they came or how they left, but it is possible, and these visitors may not always be friends,” Kerrigan explained.