Night Critters (Collection), page 10
Gingerly, Lucky stood and pulled up his jeans. He'd be a pile of aches in the morning and his back hurt but he, too, had escaped worse damage. He limped around the corner and found the med kit in a neat but outdated bathroom. Wincing at the age and abuse the house had seen, he pulled out the distinctive orange case and shuffled back to Charm.
She bore up well while he wrapped her swelling ankle in a compression bandage. However, she did rummage in the med kit for mild analgesics and shared the bottle with Lucky. Her face twisted like a little girl about to cry, but she stuck out her chin defiantly. “Looks like there'll be a short delay on fixing up my house, anyway. JR gets his temporary reprieve, sort of."
Lucky handed Charm her skirt and let the prideful Neph struggle to put on the gauze skirt. She was a porcupine of stubbornness, ready to lash out at anyone who got too close to her tender underbelly. The never-say-die attitude was more alluring than any physical beauty, but he'd better watch his step. “Will you allow me to carry you to the couch and save your ankle the strain?"
The graceless and grudging “Yeah” was all Lucky expected. He studied the problem of how to get his arms under her back without damaging her wings. “Put your arms around my neck, Charm. You've ruffled your feathers enough for one night, right?” Lucky got his arms under her icy butt. “Damn, Charm! Are you ever going to have a bit of skin that doesn't feel like a frozen turkey?"
"No, but I'm sort of used to being cold. Don't sweat the small stuff.” She snickered against his neck and helpfully wrapped her legs around his waist again. This time, his cock only managed a tired twitch instead of homing in on willing female flesh. “Put me on the armless chair, please. I've got my preening tool over there."
"What? You don't use your beak?” Lucky received a playful slap on his arm and got her situated comfortably on the triangular cushion then plopped his own butt on the threadbare sofa. The evening sun filtered through the dirty window, bathing him in warm light.
He'd never seen a Neph preen before, and the task was apparently not as delicate as he'd thought. She snapped a clamp-like device near the shaft of one feather, flipped a switch, and the thing hummed as she pulled it down each one of her black feathers in succession. His mother brushed her hair with the same intense look of concentration.
She moved the device to another feather. “Well, at least I don't have to stand up to do my job."
A frown creased his forehead. Looking like she did, Lucky couldn't imagine she carried a dataport and worked in an office. The current fashions for the executive types were unrelieved monochromatic colored jumpsuits, not Gothic revival. “What do you do?"
Charm blithely shrugged and grinned like a mischievous child, but she never took her eyes off the humming preener. “It's sort of a secret, but you seem like the kind to keep quiet. I run Rumor Has It, the talk show. I doubt you've heard of it."
His jaw hit the carpet, figuratively speaking. Every female who could manage the time listened to Rumor Has It and watched the vidcasts. No one ever saw the face of the hostess or knew her name. She was simply and deliberately referred to as Rumor, keeping her guests entirely in the spotlight. Rumor Has It had revolutionized the ubiquitous talk show by keeping the host anonymous and allowing anyone who wished to access the show and ask text questions of the guest via the guest's vid screen. There were many speculations about Rumor, but even former guests had no clue what she looked like. Her ruthless questioning hovered perfectly between psychologist, reporter and sex therapist. Naturally, he said the first stupid thing to drop out of his mouth. “Thanks for trusting me with the info. You won some awards recently."
Again, she carelessly shrugged. “Big deal. I won a popularity contest. Who gets serious about a red carpet and a fucking brass statue? Not me. That is so Miss America.” She put a vapid, wide-eyed smile on her face and waved from the wrist. “Spare me."
Lucky had to think about the revelation for a moment. “Doesn't your show make massive money?” He glanced at the dilapidated state of the house in shock.
A rude noise issued from those red lips. “Not as much as it could if I accepted corporate sponsors, but that would mean they'd have a say in my show. Nope, sorry about your luck, boys. My show, my rules.” She flipped off the preening tool, her feathers gleaming and smooth. “Do me a favor and carry me to my office? I've got to mix and assemble a few ‘casts for next month. The interviews were all done last week, so today's one of the easy days."
Dutifully, Lucky carried her through the door she indicated. The bare wood floor desperately needed refinishing, but the rest of the room was covered floor to ceiling in state-of-the-art electronics, storage, and one dusty antique barrister's bookcase full of her award statues. He settled her in the rolling executive chair. “Mind if I hang around to kick your heater and make some minor repairs?"
Charm snapped a microphone headset on and carelessly waved a hand. Her eyes were already scanning a variety of files on the screen. “Yeah, yeah. Go for it. If you have a pile of friends to help you move the monster furnace or something, order up some beer and pizza with my blessing.” She gave him a wink. “I like thick, meaty and bad for you. That's why I like you, too."
Lucky clamped down on his feelings of triumph and anticipation. She'd just given him permission to do any repairs Lucky saw fit, and he could bring in friends. Which to him meant he had carte blanche—within reason, of course—and he could guiltlessly call in those blue chip favors. The house was worth saving, and he loved the idea of a challenge. “Right. I'll try to keep the noise down to a dull roar.” Lucky shut the door and started dialing for his favorite inspectors and his right-hand man in charge of demolition. “Shawn? Yeah, I know, it's kind of late. Are you up to a little challenge? How's a renovation of a 70's monster sound?” Lucky gave him the address and kept dialing.
Within two hours Lucky had Shawn in the dining room—such as it was—and their list of “Must Be Repaired” items, along with the “Optional Repairs” list, waiting. They'd changed the ancient filter and arranged for a full duct cleaning the next day. Shawn tapped the optional list. “I'm hoping she goes for the replacement. The fucking thing belongs in a museum, Lucky.” He yawned and checked his watch. “Holy shit. Midnight. I'm calling it a night. See you back here at 9 AM?"
Lucky stretched and popped his back. “If the lady lets me stay overnight, I'll be here before you."
"The lady will be happy to let you stay.” Charm lounged in the doorway, probably pretending she didn't have a twisted ankle because of the untrusted stranger.
"Good.” Shawn smacked his hat on his head and shrugged into his coat. “Saves time and trouble for me. I'm Shawn. Hi and bye. See you tomorrow.” He was out the door before she could answer, probably anxious to get home to his new spouse.
Lucky went quickly to Charm's side and helped her to her preening chair. She looked a little pale and worn. He checked her cheek and found it warm. Casual affection seemed to be the way she preferred to be treated. “Need another analgesic, babe?"
She tossed her purple hair out of her eyes. “Yeah. Might help me sleep, since I kind of invited a big flea-bitten canine in my bed. You might snore, too."
Lucky pretended he was offended and ignored the leap in his chest. She accepted effortlessly he was a werefolk, not some primate throwback. “Hey, I had my flea inoculations last month. Want to see the ideas Shawn and I had?” Lucky shook out two more pills for her.
Charm's eyelids drooped, and she sighed. “Nah. Not tonight. My brain's fried. Can we go to sleep now, and you can tell me all about it in the morning?"
She fell asleep in his arms on the way to the bed, so Lucky simply pulled her on top of him as soon as he arranged the blankets over them both. He fervently hoped she wouldn't scream in the morning over his plans. Lucky was going to be damned if JR ran over another angel with his cold-hearted manipulations.
Lucky must have reached into her tired brain and pulled out every fantasy she'd ever had about the place. Charm knew soon enough she'd have to tell him the house wasn't for her, per se, but for the kids. For now, though, the sexy were-critter sure didn't need much from her. What a relief.
Charm handed Lucky a pastry and coffee, her mind more on the plans for her house than breakfast or the delightfully naked were-dog propped up on pillows in the middle of her rumpled bed. She startled him with a hug, bouncing so hard in her enthusiasm drops from the mug spattered all over Lucky. “I love it, love it, love it! All I want is control over colors and crap like that. Fair deal?"
Lucky wiped the coffee off his chest with a napkin from their shared breakfast in bed and grinned. “You're the nuttiest klutz I've ever met. I'm not letting you anywhere near my power tools. Fair deal.” He leaned in to get a kiss to seal the bargain.
Lust sizzled between them like the bacon he'd wolfed—ooops! Consumed. Charm had to learn to be polite—like a starving kid. Mom and Dad had taught her to keep a few meats around in case of carnivorous visitors, and boy was she grateful now. She'd call Mom later while Lucky played with power tools and made grunting male noises. Damn, Charm wanted to roll the guy on his back and fuck him silly all over again, but her bedside terminal blinked, warning his pal Shawn would be back any time. Damn. Still, she couldn't resist giving his hardening cock a stroke or two through his jeans. “Can I take a rain check on this for tonight after you've gotten dirty and made a mess of my house?"
Lucky stopped his progress of working down her jaw toward her throat. For a moment, Charm could have sworn his eyes turned golden and lupine, but such a change was impossible. He was a Faux Paws, after all. Still, his lips were hot enough to fan some serious flames of desire. He chuckled. “I'll stay for the duration, until your house is exactly the way you want it. Mind if I take over the den for supplies and storage?"
"Like you're not going to rape and pillage the rest of the house anyway? Go ahead. Will it be safe to take a shower?” Charm desperately wanted a bath. She smelled like a fish factory. Yuk. Seriously yuk. Not sexy. She vowed that before she started her postproduction wrap up in the office, she would order some sexy nightclothes and—she couldn't believe she was thinking this—girly smelling stuff. If she were going to get laid regularly, she'd need a quick shot of something that smelled decent for afterwards.
"Long as you stay off the swollen ankle. If it's not better tomorrow, we'll pop into the med clinic for a fast scan. Promise?” He scooped her up and carried her into the bathroom, plopped her ass on the ancient commode, and turned on the water.
The doorbell rang before Charm could protest she was fully fledged and could take care of herself. Lucky beat feet to go meet Shawn at the door. She gave up and shut the bathroom door to strip.
When Charm got out of the bathroom, she couldn't hear any tools, hammering, or the sound of the house falling down. In fact, it was eerily quiet. Charm yanked on a skirt and her favorite wrapped tee before peeking out the bedroom door.
With his nose in the air, JR had a not-so-quiet chat with Lucky. Judging by his frown and tone of voice, he wasn't a happy camper. “What the hell do you mean by helping her, Lucky? Are you that much of a congenital throwback?"
While Charm fisted her hands and wanted to punch JR's classic face in, Lucky carelessly shrugged and sipped his coffee. “You and I have never agreed on what constitutes smart moves, Jays. I was happy to move out and let you think you were ruling like some feudal lord over the rest of the pack. Why don't you back out while you're breaking even on this one? Charm's not going to cave in like the rest of those whining bitches who fawn over you."
Charm unclenched her fists and pulled her head back in where she wouldn't be seen. A smug smile spread over her face. How about that? Lucky wasn't defending her. He was simply warning JR she didn't need anyone at all. Charm leaned up against the doorjamb and listened shamelessly from the shadows, daring a peep now and then.
JR straightened his already perfect black executive's jumpsuit and flicked a bit of lint off his coat. “Contrary to what you may believe, I enjoyed our years together in the pack. Someday you may come to realize I do have the best interests of you and the beings of our area in mind. My methods may seem high-handed at times, but trust me now and then. Sure, I tease you, but I assure you, I do care a great deal for you."
Lucky's snort was just as bitter as his next words. “You have a bad way of showing your... affections, JR. Beat it before Charm gets out of her bath. She won't be as courteous as I was to let you in. Go scheme somewhere else."
JR's audible sigh echoed around the half-empty living room. Strangely, his voice sounded sad and defeated. “I am not scheming, as you put it. I have goals. You should try it sometime. You don't have to be a general contractor all the time, Lucky. I'd share my office with you if you'd only ask."
Footsteps echoed on the bare floors and Charm risked a longer look. JR's black coat flapped out the front door and Lucky slammed the door on his heels.
Shawn, his arms loaded with papers, appeared from the dining room. “JR never stops being an asshole, does he?"
Lucky took some of the papers from Shawn. “He may be an asshole, but he's my asshole. Don't forget that, Shawn.” He steered Shawn toward the kitchen. “So, what's your assessment on the bulkhead above the stove? Old copper plumbing, right? Let's call in Dan for a full assessment. This place could keep him busy for a month, and his wife has a nestfull to feed."
She retreated unseen back into the shadows of her room to ponder while she hobbled to her bed and put on her boots. JR was Lucky's asshole? What was that supposed to mean? Were they lovers? Ex-lovers? Lucky had said something about moving out on JR. They were obviously more than just acquaintances, especially since Shawn seemed to know JR as well. Werewolves were notoriously polyamorous, with everyone loving everyone, sexually and soulfully.
JR had “affection” for Lucky? How was she supposed to compete with a guy? And why did she want to?
[Back to Table of Contents]
Chapter Five
Charm slapped herself on the cheeks. The sting of the light blows did much to clear her head, but didn't ease the ache in her heart one damn bit. She'd best write Lucky off the list of “good for long range plans” guys. Charm straightened her shoulders. What the hell? She did not need some testosterone poisoned, beer-swilling bartender with a cute ass to live. What was she thinking? Point was, she hadn't been. The dangerous dependency would change right fucking now.
The guys still discussed some arcane man language about ducks and plumbing. Oh, wait. Ducts. Charm took a deep breath and casually hobbled into the kitchen. “Excuse me!"
Lucky and his pal moved aside and let her get to the coffee door of the cooking wall. They didn't even break the rhythm of their Neanderthal grunts about retrofitting her plumbing. Fine. Charm didn't give a rip about how she got hot water as long as it came out of the faucets when she needed and at the temperature she wanted.
She punched in her preferences and deliberately ignored the men while she rummaged in the ancient cabinets for a meal she could take into her office. Weenies and Beans seemed appropriate. Charm popped the seal and waited for the packet chemicals to heat it up.
"Charm?” Lucky stood next to her and laid a paper on the cheap, scarred countertop.
Drawings in blue and red covered the paper in lines and hash marks, but she puzzled out the picture. “Is that my kitchen?"
He grinned, as proud of her as a parent whose kid made a good academic credit. Her dad still smiled like that sometimes, like when she'd won the stupid Tony Award. “It's what your kitchen will be, with your permission. We just have a couple of questions, like if you're planning on upgrading your kitchen appliances.” He waved at her cooktop. “I mean, really. Who uses open flame anymore?"
"Me, actually. I even know how to bake bread.” Charm sighed and looked at Shawn, pondering whether to be honest or not. Was it time to let her secret out? Maybe so. After all, Lucky's partner would have to know sooner or later.
"Real bread? Hot out of the oven?” Shawn's large dark eyes widened, and his jaw nearly hit his chest. The large brown man hit his knees. “Will you marry me?"
Lucky's fists inexplicably curled up and his eyes blazed. Then he shut those gorgeous blue peepers and visibly calmed. Had he actually been jealous? “You're already married, you twit. Besides, I saw her first. Don't be greedy."
Laughter bubbled out of her. How ridiculous the very masculine Shawn looked on his knees. “No.” Charm turned to Lucky. “Actually, I want you to make this the best in industrial kitchens, like you'd have in a restaurant. You know, where I can easily prepare meals for a large group of people?"
Now both males stared at her open-mouthed. “Huh?” Shawn got off his knees. “Why? You have a nest of fledglings hidden away or something?"
Charm stalled for a minute and got her coffee. Her face heated up. “Um, no. See, the house isn't for me. I'm just living here temporarily until I fix it up.” She dug in the drawer for a spoon. “I... I...” Oh, shit. Spilling her dream to others was harder than she thought. She didn't want to get laughed at again.
Lucky gathered her close. “Is this part of why the house is so important to you that you'd fight JR? You want the house for someone who means something to you?"
Charm nodded violently into his chest. Damn, she felt so safe and warm there. Why couldn't she find a nice guy like him with no strings attached—though she could do without the Don Quixote routine. “Yeah. A few young someones."
Shawn snatched up her food and held it out like bait. “Let's take this into the dining room and you can tell us about it so we can match the house to the new residents, okay?” His voice was soft and coaxing.
Charm sniffed but allowed herself to be led. She did not need to be treated like a baby. She was perfectly capable of telling them her plans, though she doubted they'd believe her. Everyone seemed to think she was just another airheaded Neph with a whole lot of screwball plans and no follow-through. She'd show them. She'd show them all, starting with Lucky and his pals.
