I Kissed a Dog (Werewolves of the West 1)

by Carol Van Atta

  “You sure your stomach is ready for all that?” Misty studied me. “You were still pretty pasty an hour ago.”

  Appreciating her concern, I gave her my most sincere smile. “I promise if I get sick, which is happening a lot lately, I’ll take the blame.” I understood on some level that Misty was for the moment in charge of my wellbeing. Zane wouldn’t take kindly to my being returned worse off than I’d been before leaving. If anything, since last night, his protectiveness had increased.

  “You’re catching on quick.” She gave me a grateful look. “I’ll grab a table.”

  After filling my plate to capacity, I joined my first ever female werewolf acquaintance, who I hoped in the future I could refer to as a friend. She seemed nice enough.

  We ate for a few minutes in comfortable silence, both of us lost in our thoughts. She was the one to speak first. “How much did Zane tell you about the mating process?’

  “Not much.” Wasn’t that the truth? Yesterday I was single. Today I was married to a werewolf and trying to accept that I’d had sex with said werewolf without my knowledge. I’d apparently given permission and enjoyed the monumental event.

  During the morning meeting, I’d caught a vivid flash from Zane’s memory that showed me kissing him with great enthusiasm on the bed. I could understand how he would have considered me a willing wife.

  “Chloe …” Misty called me back to the present.

  “Sorry, please, go on.”

  “Male werewolves know when they’ve found their true mate. Normally, a female werewolf,” She explained. “I’ve seen just one human werewolf mating … it didn’t end well.”

  “Why?” I was almost too scared to ask.

  “She died in childbirth. Her body wasn’t equipped to handle the pregnancy. Some say it was because she’d never received the mark.”

  “The mark?”

  “Didn’t you wonder how Zane knew you were his mate? Why he rushed you off to get married?” Misty asked her voice softer.

  I doubted she’d accept my true thoughts on the matter, but I shared them anyway. “I assumed he was being selfish and controlling.”

  “You don’t remember what happened before your nuptials, do you?”

  I closed my eyes and inhaled. “I’ve never been so intoxicated in my life. I don’t remember much.” That fact troubled me.

  Something significant had happened before my interlude with Zane. I vaguely remembered a vampire at my table. Just thinking about him caused my heart rate to quicken. I’d kissed him. That I was sure of. I’d enjoyed it too.

  “Let me fill you in then. You were wrapped up in the arms of a master vampire. Thankfully, he didn’t get a taste of your blood.”

  A sense of foreboding slithered through me in response to her last words. I’d know if a vampire had pierced my flesh. Wouldn’t I?

  “Are you okay?” Misty leaned forward, pushing her empty plate away.

  “I feel like there’s a memory missing. Like it’s been erased.” I shivered in spite of the warmth.

  She nodded. “Master vampires have the power to dazzle your mind. They confuse your thoughts, drug you in a sense. No wonder you were so sick. Drunk and dazzled — definitely not a good combination.”

  Rather than reply, I considered my life four short days ago. I could never have predicted on Monday that by Thursday I’d be in Las Vegas, married to a werewolf, following a make-out-session with an ancient vampire, who may or may not have tasted my blood. I also realized that most of my rage toward Zane had vanished to be replaced instead by a mind-dulling numbness.

  For the first time, my ability to communicate with animals seemed less important in the big scheme of things, but I knew otherwise. It was that so-called talent that had landed me in my existing predicament. Had I been a normal woman, none of this would have happened.

  “Earth to Chloe …”

  “Sorry. Again.” I forced myself to refocus. “Tell me how Zane knew I was the one.” This I had to know. We had experienced an abnormal attraction starting from the moment we’d met. I could attest to that.

  “On his ankle, a symbol appeared. This symbol shows up within seventy-two hours of meeting a mate. By claiming you and marrying you in the traditional way, he has given you his name, and his protection.”

  I leaned down and twisted my legs, looking for any anomaly. Nothing. There were no symbols on either of my ankles. “What about me? Shouldn’t I have a mark or something?”

  “It’s different for females. Men don’t have a choice. You do. Should you determine in your heart that you want to be mated to Zane, and proclaim your love for him, you’ll receive the mark.”

  I could tell she was leaving out something important. “And if I fail to reciprocate?”

  “Zane will be alone for the remainder of his life. Werewolves can only have one mate. And once they’re marked, they are, as you humans say, ‘off the market’.”

  This still didn’t explain Jazmine and Zane’s previous commitment though. “How then could Zane and Jazmine have been promised to each other as mates? He doesn’t even like her.” I remembered Zane’s explanation, but I was curious to see if Misty confirmed it.

  “Should a male and female be pledged as mates, a ceremony can still take place. They forfeit the opportunity of finding their true, fated mates. This is how alliances are formed. Alliances often without love.

  Parents may choose this path for their children in order to strengthen their pack. Finding your destined mate isn’t always easy. Some never do,” Misty sighed. “Had Zane already been mated to Jazmine, he wouldn’t have recognized you as his real mate.”

  “Do you have a mate, Misty?”

  Her expression revealed the answer before her words. “The one I wanted found his true mate. They’re very happy.” She looked down, cheeks blazing.

  “I’m so sorry. Here I am with a mate that I’m not sure I want, and you desire someone you can’t have.” I shook my head amazed by the irony.

  Misty was a beautiful young woman, close to my age. She wore her fiery hair in a textured shag that framed her waiflike features. Her skin was creamy, free of any blemishes. Like me, she had emerald eyes. She was petite, with narrow hips and small breasts. I always felt too shapely around pixies like Misty. Any man would be thrilled to have a woman (werewolf) like her.

  “Goodness! I didn’t mean to get all mushy about my …” She looked up, embarrassed.

  “Forget it,” I countered. “I’m the master of mushy. Ask Zane.”

  “Speaking of Zane,” she paused, her tentative expression revealing the uncertainty she felt broaching the subject. “He loves you …”

  I started to interrupt but thought better of it when I noticed the gleam in Misty’s eyes. She was determined to have her say.

  “He was never really interested in Jazmine. Numerous females have tried to seduce Zane. Many have been disappointed. Any female I know would be honored to have Zane Marshall for a mate or husband.”

  “Those females are the same species. I’m human. This match just isn’t right.” I struggled to remember the reasons why a relationship with Zane wasn’t acceptable. The biggest barrier I could come up with was his bull-headedness, which if I were honest with myself, rivaled my own. Admitting how much we were alike wasn’t easy.

  “You love him. I can see it in the way you look at him when you think no one is watching. Passion sizzles between you two like bacon in a frying pan.”

  The bacon comparison was too much. I couldn’t stop the laughter. It intruded into our serious discussion, causing Misty to double over; her own melodic giggles sending me into a renewed frenzy. Several customers shot annoyed glances our way as we continued to escalate, releasing any previous tension that might have lingered between us.

  Choking back tears, I somehow sputtered, “Bacon? I can’t believe you described our attraction as sizzling bacon.”

  “So maybe it was a bit melodramatic,” she said, still fighting for control.

  Much to the pleasur
e of the nearby tables, a stern-faced waiter chose that moment to deliver our check. Grabbing my arm, Misty led me to the cashier and signed her name on the bill. “Being the owner’s sister has certain benefits.”

  “Free food is always a perk,” I agreed, pleased to have met Misty. Laughter in the midst of my present situation was good medicine.

  “Would you like to walk around the grounds outside? It’s like exploring a jungle without the danger,” she offered. “I promise that my brother and your mat … husband will be wrapped up in their plotting session for hours.”

  Knowing she was probably right and eager to have some danger-free fun, I found myself agreeing.

  It was apparent that Misty had been right in her description of the resort’s grounds. They were amazing, especially the sound effects. An authentic roar caused me to grab Misty’s arm. Instead of laughing at my reaction, she tensed, raising a finger to her lips.

  In the same fluid manner that I’d seen Zane move, she lowered herself into a defensive crouch. Like Zane, her eyes changed to scarlet as she surveyed our surroundings.

  Remembering my own talent, I probed the area with my mind, seeking anything out of the ordinary. It didn’t take long to locate another nonhuman presence.

  She smells so good. I want to taste her flesh, her blood. But, no-o-o-o-o, Jazmine needs the little bitch intact. Maybe one bite?

  Hoping that Zane would hear me at this distance, I blasted the thought to him. Logan had suggested that as mates our telepathic communication abilities might increase.

  “Get behind me!” Misty hissed.

  The familiar vibration hummed through the air, preceding an explosion of clothes from her tiny frame. For a brief second I saw her nakedness; then she was on all fours covered in luscious grey and silver fur. Though not as big as the male wolves, she was still magnificent.

  A snarl tore from her throat as our enemy stalked from the brush. So much for no danger in the make-believe jungle.

  “Just give the human to me and I’ll let you live,” the hulk-of-a-man growled. “You hardly know her. She’s just a pitiful little girl.” Flashing a knife, he grinned menacingly, taunting us.

  Seeing the crazed look on his face had the opposite effect on me than it should have. Instead of scaring me, he’d managed to piss me off.

  I stepped forward. “I’m not some little girl, you stupid freak.” To demonstrate just how furious his threats had made me, I targeted his mind with a barrage of humiliating thoughts aimed to castrate his masculinity.

  Startled by my mental ambush, he grabbed his head and shook it crazily, attempting to disengage from the scorching visions.

  The blade clattered on the paved pathway near his feet. I pressed harder, tightening my focus and shooting daggers of disgust in deeper. It was obvious by his tormented expression the daggers were hitting their intended targets. Bull’s-eye!

  Seeing her opportunity, Misty sprang at the man. Her front paws plowed into his chest, knocking him backward. Arms flailed as he struggled to keep his balance. A second later, his throat was a bloody gash. I turned away as she finished the job. Zane’s arms were around me in the same instant.

  “I’m sorry I didn’t get here sooner. Although it looks like you two make a pretty good team,” he said; his voice a mixture of worry and pride.

  “I thought you might need this.” Logan handed over a hotel robe to his sister. She covered herself, after a brief glance at her tattered clothes.

  “Thank you, Misty,” I whispered; fear had caught up with me and was squeezing the air from my lungs.

  I was uncertain how we’d managed to defeat the huge man without any help from our male protectors. His massive bulk had been beyond threatening. The idea of meeting him in mutant form under a full moon sent shivers scurrying down my spine.

  “You saved my life.” My respect for my lupine friend had increased ten-fold in the last ten minutes.

  “No. Thank you,” she said grinning, brushing off my compliments. “Without your very effective mind games, we would’ve been doomed.”

  Trying to ignore the splashes of crimson on her face, I turned back to Zane, accepting his offer of support. His arm around me was the one thing holding me together.

  All I wanted now was to go home. The intrigue of Vegas had died right along with my mutant attacker.

  The next chapter starts without telling the reader anything about the board meeting or letting us and Chloe in on what she is about to do for the pack.

  Chapter 1810

  Our return trip to Oregon was uneventful. I was able to unwind on the plane and enjoy the superb service.

  Our current attendant was an energetic young man. Despite his enthusiasm, I was more pleased with the empty First Class section; giving us some much-needed privacy. Zane seemed relieved that no one was kicking at the back of his seat.

  “Where do we go from here?” I asked, curious how we would present ourselves at work. I’d decided to stay focused on facts and push my erratic feelings aside.

  Back at the hotel, Zane had insisted we make every effort to demonstrate our commitment to each other by being candid about our elopement. I still wasn’t convinced that everyone in Plum Beach needed to know about our marital status.

  Wife. Mate. Neither title suited me. I doubted that I’d ever accept either label with good grace.

  Zane gave me a pointed look. “I thought we already went through this. We couldn’t ignore the whole love-at-first-sight-thing, and we followed through on those loving feelings. It happens all the time.”

  “Except there’s a slight problem — everyone knows my practical personality. They know I’m not a person prone to impulsive decisions.” At least I hadn’t been impulsive prior to meeting my alleged mate.

  Instead of answering, he let his gaze wander over my face and down my neck, leaving a trail of scorching desire in its wake. I trembled, imagining what our first night together must have been like. I could only imagine the pleasure he’d inflicted on my body.

  Just contemplating our wedding night provoked a renewed storm of anger, slamming the door on any amorous feelings.

  “You love the fact that I’m putty in your presence. It’s the power over me that excites you,” I taunted.

  His lustful expression evaporated into a mask of consternation. If I wasn’t aware of his misshapen motives, I might have believed my words had wounded him. More likely, they’d stung his pride.

  He shook his head and looked away.

  I didn’t understand why, but I felt an overwhelming need to apologize. My emotions were more uncontrollable around Zane than they’d ever been. Taking Alcuin’s prior advice to chill out wasn’t possible, not now, maybe never.

  Hoping I sounded more contrite than I felt, I forced an apology, “I’m sorry. I just can’t get over missing such an intimate experience.”

  I knew I didn’t need to explain to which experience I was referring. He had what I assumed were very fresh and detailed memories of our post-wedding intimacy.

  Zane straightened and faced me. “I can’t erase my mistake. You must realize, had I known the extent of your inebriation, I would never have made love to you. Maybe someday you’ll give me another opportunity, but from this point forward, I’ll wait for you.” He closed his eyes and leaned back.

  His words left me speechless. I couldn’t deny the sincerity behind them. When he spoke with such tender frankness, I found myself questioning how I would survive without his tantalizing glances and heart-stopping kisses.

  But this was what I wanted, right? To be left alone. And he was leaving me alone, allowing me to choose the time and place for any future encounters, and according to Misty, he was utterly, without any recourse, bonded to me.

  Without my surrender, he was destined to remain alone — untouched, unloved.

  Maybe it served him right.

  I knew better. He couldn’t stop the mating mark from appearing any more than he could help what he’d been born to become. All I had to do was accept his lov
e and protection, and we could have many more nights together that I would remember.

  What was holding me back from what seemed inevitable?

  I doubted any so-called normal man could handle my post-coma talents with Zane’s grace and admiration. My former relationship had been proof enough that my animal reading gift caused major relationship discomfort.

  I’d discovered Jordon’s infidelity one evening while feeding his cat like a good girlfriend. He was away on a business trip … the infamous meet-the-other-woman-trip.

  When we ended our relationship, a week later, in a storm of harsh words and accusations, Jordon made sure to let me know I was a psychotic weirdo, as well as boring because I refused to sleep with him. He was, after all, a man with needs.

  When he kicked his helpless cat for tattling, I kicked him in the shin — hard.

  Jordon hopping around on his uninjured leg screaming obscenities was my last memory of him.

  And I’d thought he was my Knight in Shining Armor? Talk about a major misjudgment of character.

  I spent the remainder of the flight plagued by one question. What would be so horrible about a man like Zane loving and protecting me?

  Considering my unpleasant history with the human male, it was difficult to establish what exactly was keeping me from embracing the werewolf resting beside me.

  Two hours later, we waited vigilantly with our fellow passengers at the luggage carrousel. Suitcase after suitcase rolled by, the majority of them black. Zane spotted his bags first and separated them from the sea of similar baggage. I followed suit, recognizing my old beat-up case and travel bag. Prepared to snatch mine from the circling belt, I was startled when a pale hand beat me to them.

  Alcuin! I never thought I’d be so pleased to see a vampire.

  “I thought you two might want to avoid six hours in a rental car,” Alcuin said, setting my bags on the floor.

  Zane relaxed, smiling his approval.

  His response caused my heart to do little somersaults. I hated to admit how much I disliked seeing him unhappy. I was spending so much time worried about him exerting his power over me that I’d failed to acknowledge the extent of my influence over him.