I Kissed a Dog (21 page)

Luke, his foot tapping, was waiting for us by the front gate. Noticing headlights
in the side mirror, I was relieved to see Mack pull in. Luke’s persistent calling
had paid off.

“Hey!” I called to Mack. “Glad you made it.” He looked worried.

“Thank God you’re all here!” Luke exclaimed. “Let’s get inside the park.” He glanced
over his shoulder.

In the courtyard, we formed a small circle. Luke had turned on all the outside lights
illuminating the shadowy grounds. On an average night, we kept the lighting low for
the animals. Tonight Luke had the place lit up like Times Square on New Year’s Eve.

I noticed both Zane and Mack trying to remain discreet while sniffing the air.

Unaware of their unusual antics, Luke rattled on about how he’d tried to follow Michael
but couldn’t keep up.

“Don’t you feel bad, boss. My son can run like the wind.” Mack gave Luke a quick pat
on the back.

“I’ll say,” Zane agreed, his nose still twitching. “I doubt many men could keep up
with that kid.”

Luke explained the events leading up to Michael’s mad dash into the darkness.

Michael had been making his rounds when he’d heard unfamiliar growling and scratching.
Following the sounds, he’d found himself outside the Zebra’s enclosure. He’d radioed
Luke for assistance.

Grabbing the shotgun he kept hidden in his office, Luke had hurried out to help him
investigate. He was too late. Michael was already pursuing something into heavy foliage
behind the park.

“You should have seen him!” Luke boasted. “He hurdled over the electric fence without
missing a step. I didn’t think jumping like that was possible. “

My eyes darted to Zane, who shrugged.

“Adrenaline can do some pretty funny stuff,” Mack offered. “You know the story about
the five-foot mother hoisting a car off her child. Things like this are documented.
I sure hope adrenaline finds me if I ever need it.”

“Luke, why don’t you take watch up front? Mack and I will see what we can find out
here. Chloe, go with Luke.” Zane instructed.
Please, for once do this with debating,
he added for my ears only.

“Can I talk to Missy first?” My question was for Luke who raised an eyebrow at Zane.

Oh my goodness! Did everyone automatically bow to my big bad wolf?

Rather than waiting for his approval, I marched around the enclosure to the far corner
where Missy and her mate were huddled. I could hear Luke jogging to catch up. It amazed
me how loud a human sounded in comparison to one of the supes, and my athletic boss
was no wimp. Stealthy — not so much, evidenced by his labored breathing.

“Since when do you take orders from anyone?” I hissed, aware of a unique opportunity
to enlist Luke’s help. With all the excitement, I’d almost forgotten my escape plan.
Traveling to Portland, Monday evening, remained high on my to-do list.

Looking chagrined, he muttered, “Since
he
became your husband.”

Luke made a good point. This was a dangerous situation and my man was all about protecting
his prize, Princess Chloe. I hated to admit how much I liked my new royal title and
Zane’s protective nature. I’d never felt safer or more cherished. Luke was just trying
to respect our new relationship.

“I know this was all so sudden …”

“I’ll say,” he agreed, pausing again to scan the grounds.

I’d grown used to macho supernatural men, who tackled adversity with bold authority.
Luke’s humanness seemed somewhat inadequate.

Mortified by my degrading thoughts about my own species, I flashed him the biggest
grin I could muster under the circumstances. For goodness sake, the man was my former
almost-flame. He was a great friend who put up with my glaring deficiencies. He deserved
an explanation.

“Luke, I’m so sorry. You know the reason we never dated was because of our work relationship.
Sometimes a good friend and excellent working relationship are hard things to give
up. Still friends …?”

For the first time since my marriage announcement, the open smile that I’d come to
love and expect, spread across his tanned face. “You silly girl, we’ll always be friends.
And the truth is I like Zane. He’s a good guy. A little odd, but he seems to care
about you. Congratulations, you deserve to be happy.”

Without thinking, I flung my arms around his neck.

“Oh! Sorry! I didn’t mean to strangle you,” I said backing away, uncomfortable with
our physical contact.

He pretended to choke and sputter, “Help! I can’t breathe.”

I opened my mouth, but the words never came.

An eerie chorus of howls erupted around us, sending the zebras and other nearby animals
into a state of frenzied panic.

“Run …” I managed to whisper before the haunting yowls increased in volume, sounding
much closer.

I spun back toward the courtyard, not bothering to wait for Luke’s response.

When the overhead lights dissolved into darkness, I screamed.

Chapter
26
16

Roars, screeches, and other animal noises filled the darkness. I could hear the chimpanzees
protesting in the distance. My heart thudded as I dashed through the familiar landscape.
There was scarcely enough moonlight to reveal my course.

“Luke?” I called, slowing my pace. I’d reached the courtyard gift shop and Luke was
missing. Realizing I wasn’t alone, at the glass door, triggered my inner alarm, awakening
a new burst of much-needed adrenaline.

A mutant, its fur a tangled mass of filthy mats, blocked the entrance. Its pitiful
condition a glaring contradiction to the other creatures I’d seen. I almost felt sorry
for it.

“The little girl who talks to animals,” the thing said — its voice a gravelly growl.

I’d never attempted to engage any mutant in conversation, but decided if it might
stall my bloody demise it was worth trying.

Where was Zane anyway? And what happened to Luke?

I stood taller, making myself face my gruesome foe. “How is it you know me and I don’t
know your name?” My voice sounded much stronger than I’d expected, giving me an air
of assurance I didn’t feel.

Confused by my calm response, the beast rocked from side to side. It even cocked its
massive head like a curious dog. I wondered how much humanness remained beneath its
pathetic exterior.

“A
name
. What do you call yourself?” I persisted.

“Don’t answer!” a booming voice countered.

In what felt like slow motion, I turned to face my newest adversary. Stryder, the
mutant from Miles’ trailer park, loomed just behind me.

Talk about surrounded.

“Stryder,” I said, hoping to surprise him with an air of familiarity.

It worked.

“How do you know my name, human?” he growled, unable to conceal his stunned expression.

I scanned the mammoth beast, noting his fur was luscious and well-groomed, unlike
his counterpart. There was something regal about him. He didn’t seem as feral, although
I had no doubt he’d kill me with one swipe of his massive claw.

“I’ve seen more of you than you can imagine,” I taunted, remembering the ride I’d
hitched in his mind. I realized, too late, how presumptuous I probably sounded.

It also occurred to me Alcuin had been on his way to Miles McCray’s trailer in search
of a coin. I wanted to ask Stryder if he’d seen anything, but held back. Mentioning
the vampire would be like showing my hand during a high stakes poker game —
way
too much information.

Leisurely, Stryder circled me, his snout twitching. He moved to stand by his subordinate
who looked more wretched next to the large more refined mutant.

“Forgive me. I didn’t mean to be so rude.” I faced the deadly duo.

“I will ask again, human,
how
do you know
my
name?”

Not sure how to answer without giving away the extent of my telepathic gift, I kept
it simple. “I overheard you talking at Miles’ trailer. I also heard you get angry
at your annoying superior.”

“What else did you hear?”

“I know about your mistress …”

“You will not speak of her!” Stryder bellowed, lurching forward.

I took a swift step back, keeping my eyes trained on him.

“Chloe! Don’t move!” Luke shouted, appearing to my right.

Bad timing. A human male was bound to incite the fury of our furry guests.

Glancing at the mutants, I muttered, “Wouldn’t think of moving.”

“Don’t come near her!” Luke commanded over my shoulder. He slid a protective arm
around my waist.

Unbelievably, the mutants stepped back, glancing anxiously around the courtyard. I
felt Luke stand taller beside me. Styder stepped to the left. The other creature whimpered.
Now he sounded as bad as he looked. Again, I felt a twinge of pity for the forlorn
man-beast.

“Keep moving. Away from the door.” The one person I’d grown to love and count on demanded.
“That’s right, Stryder. Your flunkies took off. You and Mr. Tangles are it,” Zane
added.
Princess, sorry I took so long.

I thought you’d forgotten me,
I scolded mentally.

It was then I understood why the mutants were intimidated. So much for Luke’s temporary
claim to fame; it had been all about Zane. My boss’ shoulders slumped as he realized
his mistake.

Chloe, you’re unforgettable.
Zane maneuvered closer and pulled me to him, disengaging Luke’s arm.

To my relief, Alcuin, back at last, joined Mack and Michael who’d emerged from the
shadows, forming a tight triangle around our enemies.

Stryder, though outnumbered, maintained his composure. There was something about the
mutant that intrigued me. Maybe it was because I knew he was disgruntled with his
leadership. And perhaps he could be persuaded to change sides. It happened in the
movies and politics all the time.

“You two have a choice to make,” Zane said to the captives. “We dispose of you right
here right now, or, you accompany us blindfolded, back to my residence, where we have
a nice secluded spot for you to think about your next step.”

“Go on,” Stryder said.

“The way I see it, you have two options. Die for your cause or live for ours.”

Stryder looked over our little team, allowing his gaze to rest on each member. It
took him a few seconds to ask, “Where’s the blindfold?”

With Alcuin’s assistance, Zane managed to convince Luke they would handle the intruders.
The vampire used some of his nifty mind-magic to make Luke more pliable, ensuring
he wouldn’t decide to call the police the minute we left him alone. As final insurance,
he erased Luke’s memories of the wolfy creatures, making certain he remembered them
as mischievous men only.

Michael was settled back in his security post when we finally drove off. Alciun had
teleported Mack and our two semi-willing prisoners back to home base.

I still had no clue who or what Michael had been pursuing. Now I’d have to wait even
longer for his update. At least he was safe at work as if nothing happened.

Alcuin had some explaining to do as well. All I’d been able to garner was that he’d
failed to find the coin.

This revelation had surprised us all considering his ability to zap himself from one
location to another. His lack of success wasn’t something I’d expected. Maybe Stryder
and his gang had found it first. At least we had three of the coins in our possession.
Thanks to the help from the ugly cloaked man.

So many questions remained unanswered.

Lucky for me, one key question had been answered affirmatively, by Luke.

I’d asked him to accompany me to the bathroom while the others had bound and blindfolded
the mutant captives. After a ton of pleading and a few forced tears, I’d convinced
him to cover for me Monday night, when I made my escape up north. I didn’t have a
ton of confidence in our plan, but I couldn’t think of anything better.

Once back at Zane’s, I escaped into the bedroom, away from the men. There I let my
tears flow. Sure, I’d acted all brave when necessary, but now, all I wanted was a
hot shower, a warm bed, and at least eight hours of uninterrupted sleep.

Tomorrow was Sunday, the one day my parents had allowed me to sleep in growing up.
They pointed to the fact that God commanded a day of rest after six days of hard work.
This was one of God’s commandments I was more than happy to abide by.

Thirty minutes later, comfy at last in my pajamas, my teeth brushed, and my hair still
damp, I crawled into the bed I would share with Zane until we found a new, more permanent
home. We hadn’t discussed it, but I didn’t see any point in moving until the current
mess was resolved.

I was painfully aware of the late hour. Almost three in the morning and the men were
out in the pole barn. Doing whatever they did to captured enemies. Exhausted, but
too jittery to sleep, I let my mind reach out.

I could sense four of them. Alcuin didn’t come up on my radar like the others. I could
tell he was there, but no matter how hard I knocked, the door to his mind wouldn’t
crack. I blamed that little problem on his non-animal status. Undead beings didn’t
register right, unlike humans, who still remained immune to my talents.

Zane and Mack were closed off, but Stryder was wide open, welcome mat out. I slipped
right in and took my place in the front row of his mind. He was tense, refusing to
answer Zane’s questions. Like so many others, he’d been misled to believe Zane was
responsible for the murders, with help from me, of course.

“What about Jazmine?” Zane pressed.

“I told you, I don’t know any Jazmine. Man, when will you get it?” Stryder was exhausted,
near collapsing. I could feel his twitching muscles and racing heart.

“Why were you at Miles McMcray’s trailer? What were you looking for?”

“Just kill me. We’re all going to die anyway.”

No you’re not! None of us will die, dammit!
I screeched into Stryder’s mind.

“Who said that?” Stryder’s eyes darted sideways searching for the source.

“Said what?” Mack asked.

It’s me, Chloe, the one who knows your name. Stay with us. Work with us. I know you’re
not happy with your job.

“Chloe?” Stryder said, his confusion evident.

Zane leapt on the mutant, pinning him to the ground. “What about my mate?” He grasped
Stryder’s shoulders, shaking him violently.

You stop it right now!
I mind-shouted at Zane. He stopped and glanced around, self-conscious.

“Accept my apology. I guess my girl was chatting you up.” He pulled Stryder to his
feet.

“Isn’t she the one who talks to ani … oh, I get it.”

They all chuckled. The animal part must have hit home — hard.

“I guess I’m the one acting like a damn rabid animal.” Zane sounded repentant. “What
was her great idea?”

“She wants us to work together.” Stryder shrugged.

“Chloe …!” Zane roared my name loud enough to be heard on the moon.

I yanked the covers over my head and waited.