I Kissed a Dog (Werewolves of the West 1)

by Carol Van Atta

  “It made perfect sense. I called to explain that Mack and Michael would be over to the park by 9:30 and that I’d heard you mention a little vacation with your mom. I thought I did you a favor.”

  Michael hurried from the room, eager to get away from our latest disagreement. He turned to shut the door before realizing the door no longer existed. I noticed then that someone had taken time to clean up the mangled pieces of wood from last night’s door-busting heroics.

  I grudgingly accepted my overreaction, forcing myself to apologize, “I’m sorry; you did do me a big favor. I’m beyond overwhelmed. Even your vampire friend recommended that I get my erratic emotions reigned in.”

  As always, my emotions were causing discomfort, not just for my new friends, but for me. I wanted off the rollercoaster of extremes once and for all. But considering my present predicament, I was certain that counting to ten, or even one hundred, wouldn’t do the trick. Maybe a few days in Vegas would.

  “Your emotions make you unique. Maybe I’m biased, but I don’t know many humans who could handle what you have in such a short time. You’re too hard on yourself,” Zane said.

  “There you go again, surprising me,” I said keeping it light, when in truth, Zane’s words did far more than surprise me. They reassured me that being me was okay; something no one had bothered to tell me growing up.

  “Chloe, Princess, you’ve just discovered monsters are real, yet you’re more concerned about what we think about you. Don’t you find that a little odd?” His eyes locked with mine.

  Deciding to ignore his last question, I changed the subject. “I’m shocked your neighbors didn’t call in the reserves last night. We were pretty loud out there.”

  “Don’t think I don’t know what you’re doing, but I’ll bite. Just remember, I have a long memory and I’m keeping tabs of the questions you ignore.

  I rented the entire property until I could find a nicer home. No neighbors are the best neighbors for a werewolf. Don’t tell me you thought I’d choose this primo piece of real-estate as my home sweet home.” He raised a brow.

  Catching what must have been a tell-tale look, he added, “You believed this was my permanent bachelor’s cave?”

  “Perhaps for a minute, but considering your position in the pack, I assumed it must be a cover or something.” I finished my coffee with a final slurp.

  “Maybe another cup?” He stretched as he stood.

  “Sorry to interrupt.” Mack poked his head through the door-less frame. “But you two have a plane to catch, and I have an animal park to protect.”

  Glad for the reminder and eager for some distance from Zane, I scooted off the bed and padded to my suitcase. “Do I have time to shower?” I hoped so after my late night jog from the tree house.

  “Knowing Mack, he’s got us ahead of schedule. Right?” Zane asked.

  “As long as you’re at the airport in an hour,” Mack assured.

  I stopped, wary. The only major airport that I could think of was Portland International, a good five-plus-hours away. We wouldn’t make it driving. That could mean one thing … my poor stomach.

  Alcuin strode through the front door, his sunglasses in place — presenting a very clear confirmation to my travel worries. “It’s quite an exquisite morning,” he said, sounding more like an old school gentleman than a blood sucking fiend.

  Seeing my tortured expression, he stepped back. “You’re turning green. I didn’t realize I’d had such a profound effect on you, Doll.”

  “Enough with the doll business, vamp. I’m warning you …” Zane growled through clenched teeth.

  “Be a good dog and fetch me some breakfast. I don’t feel like hunting right now.” Alcuin crossed his arms. Modeling defiance at its best.

  My worry-induced nausea was replaced by awe. Did the vampire have a death wish?

  Three, very angry wolf-men glared his direction. I didn’t blame them. Alcuin had pretty much pushed the other species disrespect thing to an all-time low.

  “Fetch it yourself, pale-face!” Mack barked, causing his son to crumple to the floor. Michael gripped his sides and rolled around as if in pain. I was getting ready to offer first aide when I realized he was laughing hysterically, not thrashing in agony.

  “I was serious about your calling her doll,” Zane choked out between snorts and booming laughter.

  Watching the four of them howl at one another was a sight. I didn’t think their comments warranted such a display of hysterics.

  “Look at her face,” Alcuin turned toward me. I closed my mouth, but not before realizing it had been hanging open.

  “What’s wrong with my face,” I grimaced.

  “You don’t know what to make of us.” Alcuin shook his head, his mouth curving into the biggest grin with fangs imaginable.

  “All I know is I’m not nervous about my personal sanity. I have four supernatural lunatics that are supposed to be protecting me. Don’t mind me if I look alarmed.” Feeling a sudden sense of righteous authority, I grabbed my clean clothes and stomped to the bathroom, well aware of the gaping mouths that watched my retreat.

  Twenty-two minutes later, I emerged dressed and ready to rejoin the men lounging across the tiny front room. Zane was reviewing the wildlife park’s map and filling in father and son about the exhibits. Alcuin sat stone-still on the lumpy sofa.

  “Please, join me.” Alcuin patted the cushion next to him. “Yes, you, Doll.”

  “How many times …”

  “I know. I know. I’m not supposed to call her doll because she’s your princess,” the vampire rumbled at Zane.

  “How about you both call me Chloe and then we can stop this nonsense.” The endearing pet names had outworn their cuteness. Zane calling me princess in private was one thing, but this whole vampire werewolf competition was disturbing. Fortunately, from what I’d gathered, their friendship ran deeper than I’d first assumed. It had to run pretty darn deep for them to put up with each other.

  “Agreed, Chloe,” Alcuin said with added flourish. “Now, please, come here. I have been warned that if I don’t prepare you for future teleporting, I will be visiting a dentist that specializes in fang removal.”

  “I’ve heard he does great work,” Michael chuckled.

  To Alcuin’s credit, he didn’t respond. He seemed to have greater control of his emotions than the werewolves. No wonder he found me overwhelming.

  I hesitated by the couch then sat down, careful not to touch him. The clock was ticking, and I needed to be ready to travel supernatural style — without vomiting.

  “I’m guessing, you’re our ticket to the airport,” I acknowledged grimly.

  “You guessed right, do … I mean Chloe.”

  “Good save,” I whispered with a smile. I couldn’t help myself. I liked Alcuin. While impressive, he could never measure up to Zane. But I couldn’t help admiring his charming wit, not to mention his lack of emotions had a very calming affect on my more unruly ones.

  “I don’t enjoy it when the wolf gets his fur all up in a bunch,” Alcuin hissed, his eyes darting toward the kitchen.

  “Heard that,” Zane called from the table.

  Alcuin muttered his derisive reply in a foreign language.

  It was then I realized we were taking unnecessary travel measures. “Why are we even bothering with an airplane if you can just beam us to Vegas?” I asked.

  Alcuin clasped his hands, nodding with visible approval. “I’m glad you noticed. I rather hoped you would; but, with all due respect, you must realize by now that you’re a pretty hot commodity. You’ve got half-breed hybrids or whatever they were, werewolves, and mutants all interested in you. For these reasons, we must give the appearance of normalcy.”

  “Normalcy? You’re kidding me,” I scoffed at the idea. I’d never been normal, and considering the direction my life was heading, normalcy was as farfetched as me walking a dog on the moon.

  “I guess no one filled you in on last night’s little warning,” Alciun said, soun
ding annoyed by my lack of knowledge.

  Before I registered his movement, Zane was crouched in front of us. “I’ll share the message.”

  “Alcuin said a warning,” I reminded, still not used to Zane’s shocking speed.

  Ignoring my comment he continued. “We’re not sure whose side Detective Davis and her sidekicks are on, but she came out here last night to either arrest me or talk to me. She ended up telling us about the increasing unease in the larger supernatural community over the unsolved Plum Beach murders. The supe community, supe being our abbreviation for supernatural, is very worried the mutilation and murders might draw unwanted attention, leading to more in-depth investigations.

  She was put on the case by another multi-species council. Her job is to ensure the killer is apprehended and stopped. Until last night, she believed I was somehow involved. Someone out there has been pretty persistent about pointing the finger my way.”

  “How many types of councils are there? Who gave her the authority?” I asked. It sounded like the so-called supes had a more puzzling government structure than humans. Packs, werewolf and Native American partnerships, and now these other so-called councils, this was too much. Did they have a president?

  “Just like your human government has a lot of checks and balances, we end up with councils trying to oversee everybody else. Each species has its own individual council. Then, of course, werewolves have packs, vampires have …”

  “We don’t have time for this,” Mack said sounding urgent. “You two can talk government on the plane.”

  Zane stopped to glance at his watch and shot into the bedroom. I could hear him sliding hangers to one side of the closet.

  Alcuin, remembering my initial question about teleporting to Vegas, finished his just-be-normal speech: “Trust me, Chloe; it looks good for you to do something human, like riding on a plane for the better part of your trip. It’s best that others don’t realize how much you’re hanging out with the likes of me.”

  “Fine. Teach me to teleport without hurling.”

  Chapter 148

  Without Zane’s untiring confidence, the Vegas airport would have been a nightmare.

  He navigated through the throngs of tourists with a level of expertise reserved for those who had a certain familiarity with Sin City. His assurance and striking good looks had women stopping to ogle. One middle-aged brunette stumbled over her carry-on as he strode past.

  Zane, on the other hand, made sure to point out the number of men gawking at me. I had to admit, my count of admirers was at least equal to his. He wasn’t too pleased.

  “Between the two of us, I bet we could convince someone to buy us lunch and cocktails,” I joked. I could imagine how someone like Jazmine would use her persuasive talents and exotic appearance to get everything she wanted out of Vegas.

  “I don’t intend to prostitute either of us for what’s already free.” He growled, picking up the pace, and making it difficult to match his stride.

  “I was just kidding!” I half-shouted. I’d take care never to mention using my looks as the means to an end again.

  Even though I felt like a Plain-Jane next to Zane he failed to find a speck of humor in anything related to my appearance. For me, usually a jealous man was a major turnoff. In his case, I found it somehow exhilarating.

  Changing tactics, I teased, “Can you slow down? Please? Human girl about to collapse.” I hoped to lighten the mood; something I found myself doing often around Zane. Napping on the flight had restored my energy. I wanted to enjoy my time, not spend my first day in Vegas bickering.

  “Sorry. I forget how fast I am.” He slowed his gait. “You’re probably starving. You didn’t eat a thing on the plane.”

  He was right. I hadn’t eaten since my morning bagel. Several hours had passed, and I needed nourishment. What I wanted more, though, was to claim our luggage and get to the hotel. “I can wait.”

  “You sure?” He looked doubtful.

  “I want to get out of here.” The airport and all the staring people were starting to annoy me. “Geeze, you’d think these people had never seen an attractive young couple.”

  “Young couple … is that what we are?” Zane’s tension had vanished; a huge grin replaced his frown.

  “Well, uh …”

  “Just give up, Chloe. You and I both know there’s something between us. You can’t keep pretending it doesn’t exist …”

  “Mr. Marshall! I’ve gathered your luggage!” An odd little man waved and hurried toward us. “Logan sent me with the limo. He figured you might want some help.”

  “I already like Logan,” I said, relieved to be another step closer to peace and quiet — and food.

  “This is Giffin, assistant to Logan Sanders. Where Logan is, you’ll find Griffin,” Zane admitted. It was clear he was well acquainted with the man.

  So she’s the one. All this fuss over one little human. She may be pretty, but that’s not everything. Her talents must be vital to the pack for Logan to go through all this. Griffin broadcasted his thoughts while towing the bags, not realizing that his mental chit chat was loud enough to be considered obnoxious.

  I decided to ignore my negative feelings and see what else he might reveal.

  By the time we were seated in the black stretch limo, I was certain there was far more to Zane’s initial motives than he’d bothered telling me.

  From what I could see in Giffin’s head, my werewolf sweetheart had traveled to Plum Beach for more than a murder investigation. I wasn’t certain, but it seemed he’d come to locate me. If what I was starting to believe had any truth to it, there was a good chance he was using my abilities for the good of his pack. Our little attraction was just an added bonus for him, unless, of course, that was an act too.

  “What do you think?” Zane motioned to the tinted window. “Would you like me to open it so you can see the strip? I know it’s not as magnificent during the daylight, but you can still see some of its grandeur.”

  Ignoring my suspicions, I forced myself to act normal. I leaned closer to the window.

  Taking my interest as a yes, Zane insisted Griffin lower not only the side window, but also open the oversized sunroof. Warm air poured in along with the scent of spicy food, desert flora, exhaust, and something unidentifiable that I assumed was unique to Vegas.

  Huge hotels, casinos, even the original Statue of Liberty’s giant replica lined the street. Las Vegas Boulevard and familiar resort names like Treasure Island, The Mirage, and Hotel Excalibur (my personal favorite) reminded me that I wasn’t in Oregon any more.

  Storing my latest impressions of Zane away for later, I soaked in the wonders of Nevada’s very own “City that Never Sleeps.” From what I’d read, New York had nothing on Vegas in terms of nightlife.

  The men had enough common sense to know I was enthralled by my surroundings, and left me alone until we pulled into a long drive lined with palm trees.

  Fountains and tropical flowers were placed strategically between the palms with life-like animal statues scattered throughout. It was as if the animals from the wildlife park had been released to stand guard along the winding hotel entryway.

  As we inched closer to the building, I positioned myself to do something I’d always dreamed about. Before either man could protest, I climbed on the center table and pulled myself up through the sunroof until everything above my waist was outside the limo.

  I tilted my head back to look at the massive structure. It was a jungle-themed palace. Vines were suspended from the windows and sculpted replicas of monkeys and exotic birds either dangled or perched on the vines.

  “It’s incredible,” I gasped, wishing I could pretend to be Jane and climb a vine to Tarzan’s room, knowing darn well my Tarzan’s name started with a Z.

  “I’m glad you approve.” Zane slid his arm around my waist as he joined me. “Welcome to the Jungle Jamboree Family Resort,” he announced. “A place where kids play while parents gamble.”

  I laughed. “That’s
some tagline.”

  “You think the board will like it?”

  “It’s catchy.”

  Griffin cleared his throat. “Can I get you two to exit the limo? There are cars waiting,” he said, sounding perturbed by our childish antics. His earlier eagerness to assist had been replaced with a condescending manner that I found offensive in light of my excitement.

  “Come on!” Zane pulled me back into the limo. “Wait till you see our room.”

  “Our room?” Zane’s room-comment erased my desire to chastise Griffin.

  Rather than respond, Zane exploded through the limo door the minute it opened. He rushed to my side and helped me out. “Welcome to paradise, Princess.”

  “I’ll send up your luggage,” Griffin said, sounding suddenly formal.

  As thrilled as I was about our unfamiliar surroundings, I couldn’t let Zane off the hook. “You said something about ‘our room.’ Would you care to elaborate?”

  “I’m your bodyguard; therefore, I stay close to you.”

  “But …”

  “Chloe, please, remember why we’re here. The suite has a huge bedroom and a smaller one. Does that make things easier for you to deal with?” He said, cutting me off.

  Unable to find any reasonable argument, I nodded. “That’ll work. I guess.” I wasn’t going to admit I was more afraid of spending the night behind closed doors with him than being attacked by deranged mutants.

  A stocky porter approached. “Mr. Marshall, so glad to see you. Mr. Sanders is ready to receive you in his office.” He cocked his head, studying me. “The lady’s presence is requested as well.” He backed up with a little bow than hurried the other direction.

  I made a half-hearted attempt to infiltrate his thoughts, but was met with a strong barrier, signaling that he, too, was of the supernatural persuasion. I couldn’t help but wonder if the hotel even bothered hiring humans.

  Zane took my hand as we approached the glass elevator centrally positioned in the enormous oval-shaped lobby.

  Before I could formulate a question about the hotel’s shady hiring requirements, I was again awed by my surroundings. Covered in jungle foliage and vines, the elevator was a sight to behold. Two monkey replicas were suspended from two of the larger vines. I craned my neck to look up.