I Kissed a Dog (25 page)

I know what you are.
He sent the message telepathically, lifting his water glass in a mock toast.

***

Chapter 31

The meeting’s remaining minutes passed without incident. There were a few heated words
in response to Logan’s ideas for expansion into more family-friendly markets. The
person most opposed to anything he suggested was the murderer, Martin. He could see
no financial benefit to changing their already successful business model.

While they were debating the details of Logan’s business plan, I made one unsuccessful
attempt to infiltrate the mind of Boss, but the Doberman’s thoughts were guarded by
a smoky haze. I could make out movements beyond the fog-like barrier, but was unable
to latch onto anything of substance. His mysterious owner rested a hand on his pet’s
head. I couldn’t help wondering if his hand somehow shielded the dog’s mind from my
probing.

The discussion regarding Logan’s new ideas had changed the meeting’s entire atmosphere.
No one seemed the least bit interested in me or my note taking. I sipped coffee and
counted the minutes until could tell Zane and Logan about Martin and Mr. McQuillen.

I didn’t have to wait long before James McQuillen made the final announcement. “Thank
you all for attending. Logan Sanders, our dear friend and business associate, has
given us a great deal to consider. I also want to say it’s been a pleasure to welcome
Cassandra to our group.” He nodded my direction. “Everyone is excused except for the
elders.”

“Back in fifteen,” Logan stated.

I practically leapt from my seat, rushing into the hallway. Where was the little girls’
room when you needed one?

“Excuse me, Ms. Carpenter?” the other woman, Maureen Harper, tapped my shoulder. “Are
you looking for the ladies room?”

Relieved to see her smile, I sighed. “Was it that obvious?”

“Let’s just say, I know how it feels to be in a room of chauvinistic men for more
than two hours. Follow me.”

We exited our stalls in unison and faced the long mirror. I scrubbed my hands, wishing
I could wipe away the filth of my lies. Keeping secrets from Zane was eating me from
the inside out. I’d made a huge scene in Vegas over his supposed secrets, yet here
I was carting around several biggies of my own. The biggest being that I’d made out
with a very sexy and powerful vampire, not once, but twice. And I’d liked it.

I’d also somehow managed to pull one of his closest friends into my scheming. If I
felt this bad, Alcuin had to be feeling worse. Or did he? I wasn’t convinced that
vampires handled their emotions the same way as humans.

“Are you okay?” Maureen asked, now rubbing her palms together under the dryer.

I was
still
washing.

Realizing how silly I must look, I rinsed and shut off the water. “I’m just nervous.
I made an utter fool of myself.”

Maureen leaned toward the mirror, and expertly applied a burgundy shade of lipstick.
“I’ve been there. Shake it off. The next meeting is the most important.”

“What’s different?” I hated to appear so naïve.

“For one, it’s just the elders. There will be several additions to the group, and
we’ll be discussing some pretty serious issues. I’m guessing Logan’s at least briefed
you on the Plum Beach murders.”

Not sure what to say, I nodded, and made a point of finding my own lipstick.

“I’m certain, if you’re working in this capacity with him, you know his real identity?”
She arched one sculpted brow, anticipating my reply.

Two young women breezed in, interrupting us. I tried not to look too relieved.

Maureen glanced at her Rolex. “We better get going.”

Back at the table, I drew another map and scribbled the names of those still in attendance.
James McQuillen, Maureen Harper, Logan and Zane, Roger Ryker, and two newcomers —
Jonas Kallappa and Theo Secor. The fact that Martin the Murderer was absent renewed
my hope that I could end the meeting on a positive note.

“Why’d Martin leave?” Theo Secor asked gruffly.

“Because I asked him to,” said McQuillen. “We’ve all got places to be. Let’s get down
to our most recent problem. Zane, updates from Plum Beach?” McQuillen crossed his
arms over his barreled chest.

“We’ve had four murders. All young men, none over thirty. It’s been a week since the
last victim. I’ve also found the animal reader.”

My breath caught. What was he doing? I thought I was a secret. I grabbed my glass,
nearly inhaling the water.

Zane wasn’t done. “Considering Martin is no longer present, I’d like you to meet Chloe
Carpenter.” He stood and extended his hand, which I refused.

I was enraged. How dare he do this without warning me? Was he crazy? Now my so-called
cover was blown to pieces. Talk about keeping secrets! And to think I’d been ready
to reveal mine.

James McQuillen grinned. “I was right.”

Good for you!
I barked silently for his ears alone.

He had the nerve to throw back his head and laugh, like a maniac as far as I was concerned.
Whatever the joke, I missed it, but everyone else chuckled right along with him.

Zane remained stone-faced.

Good for him. Had he laughed, I would have marched out of the room and called for
Valamir. Well, maybe not Valamir, but Alciun for sure. I couldn’t wait to leave for
Portland now.

Bye bye, Zane, and bye bye guilt.

“I’m glad you all find this so amusing; I don’t. For all I know, one of
you
is a bad guy.” I glared around the table, searching for any reaction to my accusation.
No one fidgeted or looked worried.

“Chloe, please, accept my apology. The reason I laugh is because with all your natural
curiosity you didn’t even wonder
why
or
how
I could communicate with you mentally.”

I took a longer look McQuillen and his dog. He couldn’t be.

In answer to my silent question, he shimmered and vanished below the table. I heard
the unmistakable shifting of bones and stretching of flesh. Then Boss barked and licked
the giant wolf that’d appeared in place of McQuillen.

The Doberman looked like a puppy next to the massive silver wolf. He was a majestic
creature. Silvery white, McQuillen seemed to shine.

He padded around the table and sat by my chair, placing a massive paw on my lap. I
couldn’t help myself. My hand was drawn to his lush fur like a magnet to metal.

“You’re so handsome,” I heard myself coo.

“That’s what you said to me,” Zane grumbled.

I turned to glare at my mate. “You should probably not talk to me right now.”

When I looked back, McQuillen, still in wolf form, was dragging his own clothing into
a small kitchenette in the back of the boardroom. Boss followed.

“That’s not something you see every day,” I muttered. “I think I’ll keep all this
out of the official notes.” I looked to Logan for approval. His immediate thumbs up
signal provided no room for doubt.

A few minutes later, with McQuillen back in his place, I shared what I’d learned from
Martin’s dog. No one seemed surprised, which surprised me.

“I’ve found some inconsistencies of my own in relation to Martin,” McQuillen offered.
“I gave him an assignment to get him out of here. Logan, you know I haven’t trusted
him for some time.”

“Agreed,” Logan said.

Maureen grinned at me. “I had a feeling you might be the one. You don’t know how much
you’ve already helped. We need to locate this medical facility, pronto. Any ideas?”

No one had a clue.

“I’ll have to read the shepherd again.” I didn’t like the idea, but I couldn’t think
of a better alternative.

“Don’t you worry about that just yet. You’ve got plenty on your plate staying safe
and keeping tabs on the happenings in Plum Beach,” McQuillen said.

“Who is this redhead, anyway?” Roger Ryker spoke up.

“Your guess is as good as anyone’s. I can’t help but think she’s somehow tied to Jazmine,”
Zane said. He shot me a questioning look.
Forgive me? I knew you’d be too edgy. You were ready to hyperventilate.

What he said made perfect sense, but I ignored him and focused on the brainstorming.
No one seemed to know much about the ugly, bald creatures, or anything else of critical
importance.

The things everyone could agree on for certain were: Martin’s status as a traitor;
the redheaded woman’s involvement; the fact that there were medical procedures going
on that created the ugly people; the possibility mutants were rebelling and getting
help from inside the purebred or Native American communities; and somehow the Plum
Beach murders were connected.

Zane kept several key facts to himself. Facts I wasn’t willing to disclose, and as
far as I could tell, Logan had no inclination to share either. Neither bothered mentioning
the ancient coins, or the new partnership with Stryder, a mutant. Nor did Zane bring
up the problems with Agent Green and the mysterious Detective Davis. And they didn’t
refer to my marriage with Zane.

Zane’s next query half answered the reason for my final observation.

“If I may be so bold, Elder McQuillan?” Zane asked sounding more formal than I’d heard
him.

“Cut the crap, Marshall. Spit it out,” McQuillan commanded. “We’ve moved past all
that haven’t we?” He cocked his head and gave Zane an easy smile.

“But this is a matter of major importance.”

Around the table, everyone seemed to lean forward.

“My birthday is approaching,” he rushed on, “and I’m pledged to Jazmine. I cannot
join with a female who is involved in a deadly scandal, maybe even the murder of humans.”

The group, minus McQuillan, nodded their agreement. I could see the wisdom in what
Zane was requesting. Not to mention, he was already married to me and regardless of
my current displeasure over his actions, I loved him.

I’d find a way to kill Jazmine myself if it came to that. I didn’t have any idea how
I would accomplish such an outlandish feat, but I’d give it my best shot. Maybe I’d
take down Rhonda at the same time.

“I will not dissolve this agreement, not yet,” McQuillan began. “However, I will extend
the deadline another thirty days. In the meantime, should you find your one true mate,
a woman who agrees to accept your mark, you will be freed from what I think is a ridiculously
old and no longer useful contract.”

“Thank you.” Zane looked right at me.

It was more than difficult to pull my eyes from his.

How could I be so angry but so in love at the same time?

Chapter
32
20

Back in Plumb Beach, I bustled around our tiny apartment, gathering a minimal amount
of must-have essentials for my trip to Portland.

Zane and Alcuin were out in the barn with our resident mutants. I was happy for Stryder.
As far as I could tell, he’d make a great addition to our growing team.

Tom, I wasn’t sure what their plans were for him — probably nothing very pleasant,
unless he decided to denounce his mutinous ways. From what I’d seen in his thoughts,
he wouldn’t be joining our cause anytime soon. A decision he would regret.

With my small travel bag stuffed to capacity, I slipped out front where my car was
parked next to Zane’s. As quietly as my humanness allowed, I popped the trunk and
deposited my bag. The last thing I needed was Zane asking why I needed an overflowing
travel case for a sixty minute meeting with Luke and Rhonda.

We hadn’t talked much since Seattle. I was still frustrated about his impromptu introduction
that had left me at the mercy of strangers. The way I saw it, not warning me about
his intentions equaled not trusting me. He thought I was too weak and emotionally
unstable to handle the truth. Granted, he had a point. I’d become prone to fainting
in his arms since we’d first met.

And, yes, I’d had my encounters with Valamir, but how could he fault me for something
I had no real control over. The vampire had vamped my mind with magic mojo. And in
the end, I’d rejected Valamir’s invitation to become
his
woman. Just because my body was beguiled by the ancient bloodsucker didn’t mean I
was.

“Hey, Princess.” Zane strode from the pole barn looking like the most magnificent
specimen of manhood I’d ever seen. All I had to do was confess my eternal love for
him and I’d allegedly receive the mating symbol and live happily ever after.

Why did I continue to resist the inevitable?

“What are you doing out here?” He pulled me to his chest where I rested my head.

His heartbeat accelerated as I ran my hand down the length of his muscled arm. I had
to tell him about Valamir. He’d have time to process the revelation while I was in
Portland.

“I need to tell you something.” I tilted my head up, searching his eyes.

“Excuse the interruption,” Alcuin said, appearing without warning.

A low growl vibrated in Zane’s chest, and he shot an annoyed look at Alcuin. “Why
do my partners have such bad timing?”

“Down wolf. No need to howl over it.” I could tell Alcuin was in the mood to bait
Zane. I hoped Zane wouldn’t bite. We needed to talk before I changed my mind.

Hoping to remind them I needed to be at the park soon, I made a major effort of sighing
and lifting my wrist to study my watch.

Zane noticed. “I think Chloe’s trying to tell us something.”

“I have to meet Luke and Rhonda in thirty minutes. And the wolf here has an appointment
with Rita and some ancient coins.” I made a point of raising an eyebrow at my vampire
transporter.

He refused to meet my questioning gaze. If he abandoned our plan, I’d be stuck traveling
the old-fashioned way. Even worse, I’d have to find an unguarded route into a locked
down psychiatric facility on my own. Not a feat carried out by any untrained mortal.

Our initial plan had us rendezvousing at the wildlife park, where I’d hide my car
on a back road, and teleport, with Alcuin, to our first stop in Portland.

Hopefully, that stop would be our only one. I needed to find out what Joshua Smart
had seen. I couldn’t understand why he wasn’t with his mother. He’d seen something
more than his father’s brutalized body, as if that wasn’t enough. Whatever he’d witnessed
that night had scared him into complete silence; landing him, if I was correct, inside
a state-funded, psychiatric, research center. Not a place I’d want my kid, regardless
of his mental capacity.

“I’ll see you at the park, Chloe. Zane would like me to be your escort,” Alcuin stated,
all business. “I’ll keep out of sight; your boss won’t know I’m there.”

Luke and Alcuin would need to provide the same explanation to my whereabouts, and
without Luke knowing about Alcuin, I had yet another thing to worry about.

Alcuin vanished and left me facing Zane, wishing I’d kept my mouth shut. Revealing
my most secret sins didn’t seem wise under the circumstances.

It was
regretable
regrettable
Zane didn’t share my concern. “Babe, you wanted to tell me something?” He leaned
back against the Corvette.

“I’m afraid we don’t have time. I’ll tell you telepathically on my drive to the park.”
I knew I was taking the — I’m-a-chicken-escape-route — but didn’t care. I couldn’t
bear to see his face when he learned of my indiscretions.

I snuggled against him, inhaling his exclusive wild and musky scent for what might
be the last time. He was, after all, an alpha male, not willing to share what he considered
his with anyone else, least of all a master vampire.

Even if he forgave my mishaps, there was the chance I could get hurt, or worse, attempting
to break into a secured mental facility. Either way, the thought of losing him was
almost more than I could handle.

“I love you,” he whispered into my mouth before devouring it.

Following an extra long kissing session, I pushed away, blaming the time, and hit
the highway. My thoughts remained on Zane, and the way his heated kisses had branded
my lips. How I could have thought, even for a moment, that Valamir had anything over
Zane. The only explanation was his vamp voodoo. Sure, he was sexy. And indeed he was
a force to be reckoned with. But he lacked one very important asset: a pure heart.

Regardless of Zane’s lifestyle as a werewolf, there was something clean, refreshing,
even heartwarming about him. He oozed sex appeal, but he didn’t use it to control
me like Valamir.

I’d be at the park soon. It was now or never.

Are you there?
I reached into Zane’s mind.

I’m headed to Rita’s. Before I forget, Stryder is ready to be released. If you need
him, the key is in the kitchen drawer. It’s embossed with a number one. What did you
want to tell me?

First, I love you. I’m ready to do whatever is required to be your mate.

Are you sure?

I’m very sure. But …

But what? All you have to do is face a full moon and proclaim your love for me. Claim
me as your mate forever, and mean it. A symbol will appear around your ankle, like
a tattoo. You’ve made me the happiest werewolf around.

It sounded easy enough … if I could just skip the next part. Choosing my words, I
shared what happened in Vegas, including my vague memory of Valamir drinking my blood.

Zane remained uncharacteristically silent. I forced myself to continue with the incident
at The Crab Cove, and, lastly, I shared last night’s bedroom encounter. Ashamed, I
told him about my body’s betraying reaction to his blood feeding.

He didn’t say a word, but growled. The throaty rumbling swelled until it sliced through
my mind, shattering my heart.

I slammed on the breaks. A truck I hadn’t noticed behind me, swerved, breaks squealing,
around my car, avoiding what could have been a fatal crash. Taking a deep breath,
I maneuvered the car onto the right shoulder and flipped on the emergency lights.

Zane, are you there? Say something. Please. I’m so sorry. God, I’m so sorry. I would
have never done it without the magic. Please, you have to believe me.

I waited, and waited. Realizing I was already late getting to the park, but unable
to move.

Oh, I believe you.

Zane! Thank God!

I wouldn’t thank me just yet. The kissing part hurts, but not as bad as the lying.
You put me through hell over my supposed dishonesty, but have lied to me all week.
I thought I’d found a woman I could trust. A woman I could spend my life with. You’re
not that woman.

Panicked by the coldness in his voice, I did something I’d sworn never to do: I begged
a man.
Please, don’t say that. It will never happen again. I promise. I need you.

I realized right then that I was still lying. Alcuin was lying, and Luke too. Going
to Portland was yet another secret between us. Somehow I’d put the Valamir situation
in a different category, but it was all the same. Lies. Betrayal. He was right.

He couldn’t trust me.

Forget what I told you about the mating ceremony. I’ll protect you until this is over,
but after that you’re on your own. So am I.

Zane! Wait! Please!

He reinforced the mental brick wall he’d constructed when we’d first met. I was blocked
out — maybe forever.

Alcuin found me slouched over the steering wheel, sobbing. He flashed into the passenger
seat and rested a cold hand on my shoulder.

“I was worried. I tried to call Zane, but he didn’t answer. What happened?”

I lifted my head. My eyes felt tight and swollen. I didn’t dare look in the rearview
mirror for fear of what I’d see in the reflection. “I told him.”

“About this?” Alcuin said without emotion.

“About Valamir. I was ready to accept the mating mark and wanted Zane to know everything.
Well, almost everything. That’s the problem. The lies. We both kept secrets, and rather
than protecting each other, we’ve destroyed everything.” The more I talked, the more
my grief transformed into anger.

Why was it my burden alone to carry? He’d lied more than once. He’d taken my virginity
without my knowledge. In my drunken state, I’d consented, but that didn’t count. Not
really.

We’d both theoretically had good reasons for our deceit, yet neither of us was able
to forgive the other — so much for love.

One thing I remembered from my church-going days was that forgiveness was a huge part
of love, the most important part. If we couldn’t forgive each other, there was no
point in me shouting some ridiculous promise at the moon. Divorce wasn’t something
I wanted, but considering the situation, no one would blame me.

Zane was right. We needed to finish what we started. Find the killer and get on with
our lives. We’d known each other for just one week, for crying out loud. I was being
ridiculous.

“Do you want me to talk to him?” Alcuin asked, his face still void of emotion.

Did I? No. As far as I was concerned, we were over. “Don’t bother. I’m going to Portland,
and then I plan to solve this mystery like Nancy Drew.”

Alcuin’s blank-faced mask cracked. “Nancy
who
?”

“You don’t know who Nancy Drew is?” I guessed vampires didn’t read much.

“Should I?”

“She’s only the greatest ever girl detective. When there’s a mystery to solve, you
can count on Nancy Drew.”

“Should we contact her?” Alcuin asked, his excitement rising.

That was all it took to send me over the edge. My tears vanished in a wave of uncontrollable
laughter. Maybe I’d trade places with the Smart kid and let them experiment on me
instead. My mental state was in serious question.

Alcuin had told me to curb my emotions the night we’d first met. That particular memory
added fuel to my hysterics. When I caught a glimpse of the baffled expression on his
face, it acted like a match thrown on gasoline, sending me even further over the edge.

“Why do you laugh like a maniac?” Alcuin clasped my face between his hands and stared
into my eyes.

Dammit! Now
he
was using mind magic on me, trying to calm me down.

It was working.

After a few minutes of strange staring, I’d reestablished a sense of sanity, and was
grateful for Alcuin’s interference. He’d saved me a ton of time and trouble. If everyone
had a mind-melding vampire on hand, no one would need medication.

Alcuin shook his head, still looking somewhat dismayed by what had just transpired.
“Chloe, doll, please, I beg you, don’t do that again.”

I wished I could make the promise he wanted, but considering our current predicament,
I didn’t dare. “I’ll do my best. Though laughter, even somewhat crazy laughter, can
be healing. For us humans anyway.”

“I’ll have to take more time to research human emotions,” he said to himself. “When
you’re seven hundred years old, it’s difficult to recall past emotions.”

We drove in blessed silence to the park. I’d never enjoyed the quiet so much. Being
around a vampire like Alcuin was downright soothing. He didn’t require conversation,
or music, or anything, as far as I could tell. Unlike Valamir, he didn’t seem the
least bit interested in my blood. That was a relief. The last thing I needed right
now was my vampire friend going berserk for my blood.

Luke was in the gatehouse when we arrived. I’d never seen him so frazzled. He raced
to the car.

Alcuin had vanished, keeping Luke unaware of his presence.

I rolled down the window. “I didn’t realize how late it was. I’m sorry. Are you okay?”
I knew he wasn’t.

“I was worried. It’s not like you to be late for anything. You’ve never been impulsive.
Now you’re married. You’re late. I don’t know what to think.” Luke ran his hand through
his hair.