Resurrection (4 page)

“Since there aren’t four people in these units, the dining area is quaint, but the living area is a bit more spacious.” He slid his fingers from her elbow to her wrist. “This way.”

Despite the warmth where he touched her causing her to shiver, she allowed him to lead her into the living room, which was spacious, yet cozy. It had yet to be furnished, but she could already picture where she would put the couch, chair, and tables.

“Each living space will be equipped with a television and cable. Your Queen seems to think it’s important for us to get acquainted with human news and pop culture to blend in better with the rest of the world.” He shook his head. “I disagree, but I seem to be in the minority.”

“Look at this built-in book case!” She said, not caring about the television. “The woodwork is extraordinary!” She ran her hands along the carved wood.

“You’ll love the bedroom, then. Come along.” He waved for her to follow.

As she admired the view of his ass, she trailed behind him to the bedroom where a carved bedframe resided. “It can be slid together to accommodate a queen, but right now it’s set up for a king.” He cleared his throat. “The closet over here—was made with women in mind. Storage bins for shoes and things and plenty of room for clothing.”

Brushing his arm as she passed, she headed to the bathroom. “Wow. I can imagine soaking in that tub.” She smiled at the bear claw bathtub. “That would be so lovely.”

A deep throaty chuckle escaped his lips. “Each unit is set up the same. The resident gets to choose the drapes and furniture from a catalog we have from a wholesaler with whom we have a financial arrangement.” He leaned against the door frame. “Because we want it to feel like a home, not a temporary residence.”

“I’m speechless.” She found a tremendous amount of respect for Zoltar—the fact that the plans for every feature were his. The forethought of making others comfortable was the most predominant aspect which caught her off guard.

“Oh, one other thing, your Xander has installed something called Wee-Fee in the building. There isn’t one point you won’t have it.” He scratched his head. “I think.”

She laughed. “Wee-Fee?” She put her hands on her knees to brace herself.

He joined her, even though whatever tickled her was clearly at his expense. “Did I say something funny?”

“It’s not ‘Wee-Fee’, it’s Wi-Fi. It’s wireless internet.” She wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. “I’m sorry for laughing like that. It really wasn’t
that
funny.”

“You have a lovely laugh, Wendy. Please don’t apologize.” He pushed off the door frame. “We’d better get you to the admin offices for your meetings.”

“Thank you for showing me around, Z. The building is magnificent.” She followed him out of the unit, closing the door behind her. Her cheeks were beginning to ache, making her realize the amount of time she’d been smiling. It had been a long time since she’d experienced that sensation. She wondered if it were the magnificence of the building, or the company she was keeping.

“The pleasure of your company is thanks enough.”

She wanted to say something, but words evaded her. He complimented her continuously. She looked at him as they strolled down a long corridor. “So that kiss,” she said, praying her face wouldn’t turn red for the millionth time, “you weren’t as full of shit as I thought you were. The grays are gone as are the lines. Want to tell me what that was about?”

He shrugged. “I told you I was a bit of a healer.”

“That would insinuate I was sick, in need of healing. Am I sick?”
And how would he know?

“Goddess, no. You’re not ill, Wendy. But love does something for our kind. Love actually does something for humans, as I understand it, as well. But from what I can see, you’ve spent your time giving every ounce of yourself to others, and not getting much in return. It was aging you prematurely. You’re not receiving the same positive energy back that say…a mate, or children might give.”

The familiar black haze of loneliness invaded her chest once again. “Yeah,” she croaked. “But at my age, I don’t see that changing.”

He glanced down at her, but only for a split second. “Perhaps.”

Zoltar left her with Grace and a waiting room full of potential professors. He could feel the females staring at him. He focused on his androstenol production, trying to calm the female-attracting scent his body naturally threw off.

He knew what this meant for him and rushed to find a private area. The moment he thought he was alone, he let the tears flow. Controlling androgens or androstenol usually meant an increased production in progesterone, the female hormone. He’d been fighting to keep his natural scent at bay while with Wendy. If he were going to win her heart, he didn’t want it to be because of his high output of androstenol, the sex pheromone.

He slid down the wall, resting on the floor, and cried.

“What in tarnation?” A male voice startled him. He ceased focusing on his hormone control and rose to his feet. The Dwarf staring at him combed his red beard with his stubby hands. “What’s with you Centaurs and the darned cryin’?”

He lifted his chin. “It takes a lot out of us to keep our hormone production in check, so as not to seduce your women. We swore an oath to all of you and we intend to keep it. This is a sad byproduct of that effort.” He wiped his tears on the back of his hand.

The Dwarf threw his hands in the air. “Shoot! Go get a blow job from a Pixie. They don’t seem to mind, little whores.”

He crossed his arms over his chest. “That’s no way to talk about them, sir. Remember our goal is to accept each other, to live in peace and harmony. Shaming the Pixies for being sexual creatures is rude.”

“Well then quit yer damn cryin’ son. We got work to do!” The Dwarf waddled away cursing. “Fuckin’ giant-ass Centaurs, cryin’ all over the damned place. Warriors my ass! Nothin’ but big ass hooved sissies if you ask me!”

He couldn’t help but chuckle at being called a big ass hooved sissy. Apparently, he wasn’t the only Centaur suffering from keeping their sexuality at bay. Perhaps it was time to check on his people. He shifted into his true form and made his way out of the building. Once outside, he stretched his legs as he galloped to the far West wing where construction was still underway.

“Where is Grog?” he asked as he approached.

Theron, Zoltar’s beta shrugged. “Two dozen of our men are in the woods, trying to retain some control.” It was worse than he thought.

“How are you holding up?”

Theron cracked his neck. “I’m hanging on. We swore an oath.”

“That shouldn’t mean we torture ourselves like this. Let me see what I can do.” He whistled and waited for his team to assemble. When they all circled him, he pounded his chest. “Release your control.”

He saw them all sigh in relief as they released the control they had on themselves. He noticed a group of Pixies gathering behind them, ogling. “Now, we run. On my lead.” He tore off toward the forest, with his herd on his rear. He led them through five laps of the three-hundred acre property.

Ella, the Pixie Queen and Roman, the Lycan King, were waiting for them when they returned to the jobsite.

“What is going on?” Roman asked. His brow was furrowed and his eyes darted around to the many centaurs surrounding him.

He gulped in a large breath of air. “Let’s find a private place to converse.” He led them toward the forest, away from the workers. “My herd is struggling. We swore an oath when we arrived, so all of the other species would relax around us. For us, that meant controlling our natural excretion of sex hormone. It takes a lot of focus and control, on top of the physical labor. We are intent on keeping our oath, but…”

“You’re suffering?” Ella’s eyes widened with realization.

“In a matter of speaking, yes. Otherwise fierce warriors are reduced to tears as our chemistry becomes off balance.” He was keeping the fact about the female hormones to himself.

With her arms crossed over her chest, she studied him. Her spiky black hair glistened in the sun like oil. “Are you controlling yours right now?”

He nodded.

“Stop for a moment. I’m curious to see how powerful it is.”

With a glance at Roman, he shook his head. “I’m not sure that’s a grand idea.”

The Lycan King shrugged. “She asked for it, man.”

He relinquished control.

The Pixie’s eyes shot open wide. “Holy fucking hell. That’s powerful.”

Roman sniffed the air and shrugged, “Guess it doesn’t work on me.”

She glanced around. “You have one Dwarf female working here, among a group of my people. I can send the women to the other side of the grounds and ask the Dwarf to tag along. You could work during the day without controlling yourselves. Would that help?”

“Very much.” He nodded in agreement. Several hours of relief a day would go a long way to keep them from completely breaking down.

With a leer, she looked at Roman. “My people are sexual creatures by nature. Perhaps we could allow some leeway.”

He shrugged and looked away. “That’s between you two. You
do
have cool contraception at your disposal.”

Zoltar had no idea what Roman was referring to.

“Such an arrangement would give some relief to my men. They could let go of the control during the day and seek some companionship in the evening. But only if your kind agree.”

“You mean the women?” Roman asked.

Ella shifted on her feet. “No, Roman. Pixie men are sexual beings too.” She glanced at Zoltar. “We have an agreement.” She stuck out her hand and shook his, sealing the deal.

“My men will keep this contained to non-working hours. We’re nearing completion and my goal is to reduce the distractions, not add to them.”

She gave one strong and firm nod. “Agreed.”

Roman rubbed his forehead. “This is the oddest business arrangement I’ve ever witnessed. I’m going back inside the school where it’s sane.” He shifted to wolf form and ran toward the main entrance.

She glanced down at his cock. “Are you in need of some company this evening?”

Shaking his head, he held his hands up, palms facing her. “No thank you.” He pointed over his shoulder at Theron. “My beta, however, has been known to be quite skillful. I’m sure you’d be pleased with his performance.”

Her red blood red lips spread into a wide grin. “Most excellent. Let’s make this announcement over dinner.” She turned on her heel and sauntered back toward the building.

He looked up at the tower. Wendy was up there somewhere. He hadn’t wanted to take Ella up on her offer and taint a possible relationship with a mate by soiling himself with meaningless sex. He had sex with a Pixie before. It had been the most orgasms he’d ever had in one evening. None of that mattered if it wasn’t with the woman he was sure he loved. He’d settle for one orgasm a year if it meant it was with someone special.

“Something wrong with the building, bro?” Theron asked nudging him.

“What?” He shook his head. “No. Just deep in thought. Listen, I’ve made an arrangement for our men. We’ll discuss this at dinner.” He looked at his watch. “Which is in an hour. Where the hell did the day go? Anyway, I daresay everyone’s spirits are due to be lifted.”

Theron nodded and left Zoltar gazing at the building.

*

“You understand,” Grace said, “that what you’ve learned here is not to be shared with any other human?”

The woman sitting across from Grace’s desk nodded. “I always knew. Somehow, I always knew.”

Wendy looked at the older human woman, whose gray hair was wound in a bun. “Young shifters are quite hot-headed, especially the males. You’ll have to rule with an iron fist. You understand that? They’ll naturally take orders from you. It’s in our nature to follow the hierarchy. So when they start to get out of hand, you need to bark orders at them. Can you handle that at your age?”

The woman laughed. “I raised five sons. And while they might have been human, they were anything but docile. I can assure you.”

A smile spread across Wendy’s lips as she looked at Grace. “I like her.”

Grace stood from her chair. “Then welcome, Mrs. Rutger. You are our new English-Lit Professor. My assistant will give you the hiring packet as you leave. Someone will lead you to the residence so you can get a feel for what you’ll need to order for your home. We’ll see you soon.”

“Thank you. I’m looking forward to it.” She stood from her chair. “Ms. Baker, I look forward to our friendship. I like your tenacity.”

After the woman left the room, Grace leaned back in her chair. “The next one is going to be a doozy. It’s my friend Barb from college. She has no idea I’m a Lycan, but when I called to tell her about the position and that it was unusual, she seemed eager.”

She tried to hide the shock she felt. “Maybe it’s better if I do the shifting this time. My wolf is half the size.” A Lycan might be difficult for a human to accept, but Grace’s Lycan was enormous due to her royal blood.

Grace chuckled. “That’s probably a good idea.” She leaned in and pressed the intercom. “Send in the next candidate.”

“It’ll be fine, Grace. I can feel your anxiety. If she doesn’t take it well, we’ll have the Fae erase her memory and you two will still be friends.” She gave Grace’s shoulder a squeeze.

“It’s not just that. I was an entirely different woman last time Barb saw me. I didn’t even know I was a Lycan, let alone this.” She motioned over her body.

“Oh my God!” The woman squealed as she bolted through the door. “Grace! You look wonderful! What the hell…you’re married?” She looked at the simple gold band on Grace’s finger.

Grace held up her hands. “I know. I know. I’m the world’s worst friend. We can get caught up on the personal side of things after the meeting. Wendy doesn’t need to be here for that.”

She stood and extended her hand. “Wendy Baker. Nice to meet you, Barbara.”

Barb shook her hand and gave her a once over.

She felt something odd with this woman. Her hand felt warm, unlike the other human hands she was forced to shake today. There was a different energy about her...and a smell, not a human smell.

“Grace,” she began. How was she going to warn her?

Grace paid no mind to her. “I’m afraid there is a small thirty second test you have to pass before we can begin the interview. Are you game?”

“Am I ever? Bring it on!” She cracked her neck. “Ju-jitsu? Hand to hand? Got some asshole you want me to take out?”

The Queen laughed. “No. Just a test to see how open minded you are. Are you ready?”

When Barb nodded, Grace looked at Wendy. “You’re up.”

She smiled at Barb. “Try not to be startled. This can shock most people. Okay?”

The woman tossed her head back and laughed. “I’ve been living in California. You can’t shock me anymore. Let’s get on with it.”

She stood, the air around her shimmered as she took her time shifting into wolf.

“God damn it Grace! I fuckin’ knew it!” She shot out of her chair. “I knew it!”

Wendy shifted back and moved in front of Grace as her protective instincts took over. “Let’s remain calm.”

Grace placed her palm on her arm and gently moved her out of the way. “What do you mean, you knew? You’re not freaked out by this?”

Barb threw her hands in the air. “Of course not.”

“You knew? How?”

Wendy watched her Queen, studying the woman across the desk. Grace didn’t appear alarmed, only curious. The woman seemed excited, but not angry. She waited at the ready to protect her Queen.

“I would always start to think I smelled it on you. Then your Gran would say you were having a diabetic thing, shoot you with that stuff, and then I couldn’t smell it anymore.”

“Smell it?” Grace’s jaw fell slack. “You mean?”

“Shit. You didn’t know…of course you didn’t.” The woman stood then quite quickly shifted into a panther before shifting back. “I’m a shifter.”

“She’s not human,” Wendy uttered. “I felt something. I tried to warn you.”

Grace jumped up, ran around the desk, and threw her arms around the werepanther-woman. “God! Barb! No wonder we were so close.”

Wendy stepped back to give the women some space. They were friends, after all. She went to the window and gazed toward the West wing. Zoltar was there, talking with Roman and Ella.
Damn, even with half a horse body he’s sexy as hell.
But why the meeting? What was going on? Roman shifted to wolf and ran toward the building. Ella stayed behind, close to Zoltar.

Her chest blazed hot.
Stay away from him you fuckin’ Pixie!

Zoltar pointed toward another Centaur, and the Pixie’s gaze followed.
Get your own, Centaur, lady. Wait? What the hell am I thinking? What’s wrong with me?

Z looked right at her. He looked right where she stood in the window.
Yeah, I see you. You son-of-a-bitch!

“Wendy?” Grace said. “I’ve called your name three times.”

“I still can’t believe you’re mated with that hotty from the bar. Way to go, girl.” Barb said shaking her head.

She shook her head. “I’m sorry, Grace. I was trying to give you two some private time.”