I Kissed a Dog (Werewolves of the West 1)

by Carol Van Atta

  “I love a woman who’s not afraid to eat when she’s hungry.”

  Not sure whether to feel insulted or pleased, I decided on pleased. I’d always hated phony women who refused to eat in front of men. “Thanks, I think. I enjoy food.”

  “That’s just one of many things we have in common.”

  “I’m sorry. Did I miss something?” Now I was baffled. I barely knew Zane Marshall. Although, I was beginning to hope that would change despite my internal warning system flashing red.

  “We both care about animals. We’ve determined we enjoy food, and we like each other.” His expression dared me to say otherwise.

  “I think you’re overestimating our very short acquaintance. To be honest, earlier, I was leaning toward the not-liking-you side. Your car caught my attention, though. Oh, and the fact you kept me from getting mauled and crushed helped.”

  “See! We both like my car!” He laughed loud enough that a few heads turned our direction. He lowered his voice, “I do like you, Chloe. I have what you might call a sixth sense about people. You’re a good woman, but you don’t believe it.”

  Stunned by his assessment, and how close our faces were, I pulled back. No one had ever called me a good woman, and he was right, believing it wasn’t easy for me. My former teenage confidence had diminished after my dramatic breakup with Jordon, amongst other things better forgotten.

  Not comfortable with the emotions he’d triggered, and intending to keep my commitment by paying my own tab, I reached for my purse.

  “I don’t believe in going Dutch.” He pulled a shiny gold card from his wallet.

  “Oh, I see.” My protective defenses slammed into place. “Women aren’t capable of paying their own way. You think I’m some damsel in distress looking for a big strong man to save me.”

  My comment drew the ire of two older women seated at the table next to us. They looked appalled by my outburst.

  I had no reference point for Zane. A man who looked like a movie star, but was also insightful, humorous, and seemed to care, was beyond comprehension.

  Too good to be true was exactly that: too good to be true.

  I’d been hurt by a so-called perfect man once before. It wouldn’t happen again.

  “How was your lunch?” A pretty waitress accepted his card. Like every woman who came within ten feet of Zane, she made no attempt to hide her approval.

  Crossing my arms, I waited, wishing I’d driven. Oh, no; I just had to ride in the Corvette.

  When the waitress returned, she scribbled what I imagined was her phone number, before handing over the receipt. Zane gave her a blinding smile.

  What a dog! I thought. Typical male.

  Luke was going to have to choose between his newest employee and me after all. Plum Beach Wildlife Park wasn’t big enough for both of us. I hoped my seniority and Luke’s long-term crush would give me the edge I needed.

  We’d know soon enough.

  Chapter 54

  Managing to remain silent on our drive back to the park was more difficult than I’d expected. Zane, on the other hand, seemed unaffected by my simmering rage. His slight grin signaled he was enjoying life — including no significant worries about my unpredictable emotions. He tried once to apologize. I didn’t give him a chance.

  Pressed against the passenger door, I pictured myself with steam shooting out my ears and a torrent of unladylike words pouring from my mouth. Instead, I kept my mouth clamped shut and plotted what I’d say to Luke when I issued my ultimatum.

  Zane broke the silence, his smile vanishing. “Not good.”

  Startled, I peered out the window. There were three police cruisers and one unmarked car by the wildlife park’s front entrance. People milled around, some looking dazed.

  Zane parked and we waited by his car.

  “Not good at all,” I agreed, wondering if one of our predators had somehow gotten loose and attacked a visitor. A vision of a vicious Butch the Lion crossed my mind.

  Spotting Zane’s car, Luke broke away from the group and jogged over. “Chloe, I don’t know how to tell you this.” He kept his head down, unable to make eye contact.

  “What?” Panic’s cold hand squeezed my windpipe. I gasped, but couldn’t catch my breath.

  The last thing I saw before succumbing to darkness was Zane’s face leaning over me.

  ***

  “She’s coming around,” a relieved voice announced.

  My first thought was one of absolute embarrassment. I’d swooned in front of half the town, a ton of tourists, law enforcement officials, and worst of all — Zane — had once again caught me in his arms. That thought gave me a twinge of unwanted pleasure.

  “What happened?” I remembered why I’d had a panic attack in the first place. Luke had been sharing bad news. When no one answered, I pushed myself into a sitting position. “Please, I’m fine.”

  Glancing around the room, I realized I was in Luke’s office on his leather couch. Zane, Luke, and Officer Tate from this morning, were looking down at me.

  Luke pulled up a chair and took my hand.

  This was getting weirder by the minute. Why couldn’t they just get it over with? I’d already determined there’d been another murder — a person I knew on a personal level.

  “Will ...” Luke looked at Officer Tate.

  “Miss, I’m sorry to meet you again under these circumstances, but Will Mills was found stabbed in his bed, about sixty minutes ago.”

  “How? Who found him?” Confusion wrapped around me like a thick fog. Fearing I might faint again, I squeezed Luke’s hand.

  Not Will. It couldn’t be true. I’d dated him a few times. Nothing serious, but he was a good friend. We worked together. I liked him.

  “When he didn’t show up for work, and I couldn’t reach him, I called his brother.” Luke shook his head, but didn’t relax his grip on my hand.

  “He never misses work,” I said absently.

  “That’s what concerned me,” Luke agreed.

  I knew this was difficult for Luke too. He made a point of being concerned about all his employees. As much as we all bickered, we were one big family. Will had been the one that kept us laughing.

  “I know you’re all grieving and in shock,” Officer Tate said, lowering his voice. “But, Ms. Carpenter, your boss shared a little more about your special ability. By the way, you were right about Barney.”

  I nodded, anticipating his next words. Using my talent for police business wasn’t something I’d ever wanted, or considered. I’d refused my stepdad’s requests for help on cases several times.

  “We’d like you to come to Will’s house, hoping you might spend some time with his dog and …”

  I groaned. Not a dog! Why couldn’t it be a parrot, maybe a goldfish?

  “Are you o —?”

  “Go on,” I sighed. Of course I’d have to chat with a dog. Danger and dogs, the two things that I’d sworn off that just kept coming back to torment me.

  “He had a dog and cat. Can you communicate with both?”

  “Yes. Can we get this over with? I’m pretty overwhelmed right now.” That was an understatement.

  “I’ll go with you,” Zane offered, extending his hand.

  Stunned by his suggestion, I wasn’t sure how to respond. Last I checked I was furious with him. And now I’d have to delay my heart-to-heart with Luke. Today wasn’t the day for employee quarrels. Under the circumstances, I realized how petty I’d behaved at the restaurant. A man had wanted to pay for my lunch. Like that was a crime.

  Aware three men were waiting for my answer, I snapped at Zane, “If you insist.”

  Ignoring his hand I stood, my legs trembling. I couldn’t handle a repeat of our earlier electric encounter. Touching was off limits when it came to Zane Marshall, no matter how tempted I was to test whatever it was I felt between us.

  I hated to admit, despite the craziness unfolding around us, I was undeniably curious about Zane’s motives for wanting to accompany me and was shocke
d by what he said next.

  “I thought I might offer to care for Will’s pets, if the family doesn’t want them.” He shrugged. “I’ve got a thing for animals.”

  Every time I was ready to write Zane off, he said or did something chivalrous. Maybe I’d find a daisy on the way back so I could play the old “he loves me; he loves me not” game with the words changed to: “I love him; I love him not.”

  Much to my relief, I rode in the squad car’s front seat with Officer Tate. Zane looked cramped in the back. I was beginning to understand he would look confined just about anywhere. He was an imposing man. I love him not; I reminded myself for the umpteenth time since we’d left work.

  We pulled into Will’s gravel driveway about thirty minutes later. I could see his treasured quads parked off to the side of the garage. He’d been a great driver, somewhat of a daredevil, but good enough to convince me into taking a long thrill ride on the dunes last summer. It was almost impossible for me to accept that he was dead — killed — and would never ride again.

  The police team swarming over his property like flies on a corpse is what convinced me.

  “This way,” Officer Tate directed.

  Several colleagues acknowledged him but gave me cautious looks. I wondered if they knew the reason for my presence. If so, they weren’t sold on my special skills. I recognized the FBI agent from the news. He glanced our way without any official acknowledgment.

  My arm hairs stood at full attention when his eyes met mine. He gave me what my mom referred to as the major heebie jeebies. I decided right then I didn’t like or trust Agent Green. Zane wasn’t the only one with good instincts.

  “You ready?” Before I realized what he was doing, Zane rested his hand on my arm. The electricity remained, but this time it felt less intense, yet no less pleasurable. His touch provided a calm and confident feeling I was grateful for.

  You are a good woman echoed through my tumultuous thoughts. As much as I’d like to believe otherwise, Zane was the reassuring presence I was desperate for right now.

  Remembering why I was here, I nodded at Officer Tate. “Take me to talk with the animals.” I hoped I sounded halfway pleasant — anything to slice through the gloom that hung over the crime scene. My earlier morning cheer had been replaced by a grim sense of duty.

  Exiting Will’s house, a woman approached. “You must be Chloe Carpenter. I’m Detective Davis. You are?” She looked at Zane with open approval.

  “Dr. Marshall. I’m the new wildlife vet down at the park.” He extended his hand.

  She disregarded it and jotted something in her flip pad; the evidence of her approval gone like it’d never existed, replaced with suspicion. “I may want to talk with you later, Dr. Marshall.”

  I attempted to swallow my surprise. So, not all women were automatically under his spell. Even more unexpected, though, was my intense desire to protect him from her probing eyes. As if aware of my intentions, she gave a curt nod and strode away.

  Inside the house, everything appeared undisturbed. A man was dusting for prints and other law enforcement personnel were removing plastic bags of evidence.

  I couldn’t begin to imagine how I’d feel right now had we been lovers. Once again, my commitment to maintaining my virginity had saved me from additional heartache.

  “Here’s Junior. The cat took off.” Another officer led a young pit bull into the room.

  I confirmed the puppy’s leash was secure. I’d never forgotten or forgiven the pit bull that had escaped with my favorite shoe.

  “Hey, little guy.” I had to admit he was adorable. His stubbed-tail wiggled and he yipped, excited by the attention. “You sure are cute.” He squirmed and pranced around us more like a pony than a pit. I realized I’d have to hold him and get him settled down if I was going to retrieve any information other than: Pet me! Pet me! I like you! Pet me!

  After some reassuring whispers and gentle strokes, Junior calmed; his round puppy-eyes melting into mine. For a brief scary second, I couldn’t see or hear anything. Then the memories roared into my mind like a tornado. Woman. Sex. She smelled like a dog. The pictures were beyond my wildest and most horrifying nightmares.

  A redheaded woman was clinging to Will like a rider on a bucking bronco, her head thrown back in ecstasy. Following their vigorous coupling, everything blurred. She changed into something I couldn’t explain. Either that or she’d let a wolf the size of a grizzly into the bedroom.

  All I knew for certain was that Will hadn’t been stabbed.

  He’d been ripped to shreds.

  “Oh. My. God.” I couldn’t begin to barricade the pain exploding from my mouth in waves of wailing.

  Zane lifted me to my feet, pulling me against his hard chest, cradling me. He let me sob; winding his fingers through my curls, while I released every painful memory I’d unwittingly clung to until now. Feeling safe in his arms, I dared to wonder what might happen next.

  How would I explain what the dog had so vividly communicated? Who would believe me?

  ***

  Chapter 6

  The rest of the day passed in a blur.

  The park stayed open. With the tourist season in jeopardy, it would have been unwise for Luke to shut down. Business soared. People were fascinated by death and destruction. And our little serial killer, who I now believed was female, was attracting plenty of attention.

  With hesitation, I’d revealed every detail of my grisly vision with Detective Davis and Agent Green. Both, to my amazement, appeared to believe me, at least they hadn’t locked me in a rubber room. Agent Green had demanded additional details about the woman, for some reason hung up on the color and style of her hair.

  Zane had listened to my summary with his jaw twitching and fists clenched. He seemed to be experiencing an internal battle, remaining sullen.

  As I’d expected, there were a number of key elements being kept from the media. Agent Green did go on record with the information about a woman being involved in the slayings. All other details had been kept confidential.

  Luke found me alone by my cubby. I stared at the wall unsure what to do next, dreading my evening commute back to Florence.

  Luke patted my shoulder. “You okay?”

  Tempted to snap at him for his ridiculous question, I bit my lip instead, deciding he didn’t have a clue what else to say. Conversations were always strained following a death. Not just any death, but the brutal killing of a mutual friend.

  “I’m okay,” I lied, relieved that what felt like the longest day of my life was over.

  “It’ll be different around here.” He leaned against his desk, watching me clean out my cubby. “Do you want to grab a drink?”

  I paused. We’d never had a drink together. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to spend my personal time with Luke. I understood his reasoning. With Will dead, and our unacknowledged attraction, it made sense. Still, my internal alarm system was chiming away. Warning that in my current condition I might turn to Luke for comfort. I’d regret that big time.

  No. I wanted to go home — alone — and cry.

  “Thanks for the offer, but not tonight.” I could tell he was disappointed.

  “Well, all right. If you need tomorrow off, I understand,” he offered sounding drained.

  “I’ll be here.” Staying home stewing about what I’d witnessed wasn’t an option. “You take care.”

  When I reached my car, I was shocked to see Zane’s Corvette next to mine. He stood by the rear bumper, staring into the distance. “Good, you’re here.”

  “And?” I tried to hide my excitement, and frustration. How could one man conjure such opposing feelings? I’d just rejected a man I’d known and liked for years, but was giddy over an almost stranger.

  “I just figured you could use a friend.” He shrugged. “We could go Dutch on drinks.” His dark eyes bore into mine, sending chills down my spine.

  Ignoring the fact that moments ago I’d told Luke no, I decided to throw caution to the wind. “Sure. Where?
”

  “You live in Florence, right?”

  “I do, but you haven’t told me where you’re staying.” I still knew nothing of substance about Zane Marshall.

  Well, that wasn’t one-hundred-percent true. I knew he liked me and considered me a good woman. I knew he had the power to enrage or encourage me. Most important, I knew there was a connection between us unlike anything I’d ever experienced. I just didn’t know where he lived.

  “I’m not sure about a permanent location. For now, I rented a place a few miles out of town. I’ll find a good deal on a house soon.”

  Satisfied with his answer, I decided to choose a spot where I felt comfortable and was close to home, ensuring I could take my own car. “If you don’t mind following me up to Florence and backtracking after, we could go to Joni’s Bar and Grill. They have good specials.”

  An hour later, we were once again seated across from each other in a corner booth. This time, the lights were dim and tendrils of smoke curled upward from the crowded tables. The smell of liquor and boisterous laughter filled the rustic bar giving it a certain appeal.

  “Is this becoming a habit?” Zane grinned from behind his menu.

  “No!” It’s just been a strange day.”

  Because the truth was, no matter how strange a day, or how much I resisted Zane, spending time with him was enjoyable, and watching the women watch him added an interesting twist, one I hadn’t experienced on this level before. Not that the guys I’d dated before were bad looking, they just couldn’t compare to Zane. I wasn’t sure any man could, and I knew it wasn’t just his good looks I appreciated.

  “Strange yes, but I’ve never enjoyed the company so much.”

  A perky waitress, I didn’t recognize, saved me from responding. As expected, she almost drooled at the sight of Zane, who ordered without hesitation, “I’ll take the largest steak on the menu, very rare, and whatever beer you have on tap.”

  “Chef Salad,” I piped up, realizing she was still staring at my companion, ignoring my presence. Was I invisible? Considering the number of men who dared sneak a look my direction, I guessed not.