Whatnots & Doodads (3 page)

“Come this way.” Zeke nudged her elbow to follow him into a back room.

As she went with him, she passed by the owner of the store. He smiled up at her, which she returned. He appeared pleasant enough--a man you’d see getting apples from the market. But she suspected that was all for show. This warlock definitely was into the kinky stuff if he owned a place like this. But there was something else she noticed too--he appeared to have no power whatsoever.

Strange Hollow certainly was a safe haven for outcasts. She’d noticed on their walk here that the shifters were far from standard. Monkeys, lizards--even a mouse. But the one who seemed the oddest and stood out the most was the demon walking in front of her. He intrigued her. To deny his nature, to be good when everything in his soul said he shouldn’t, there was something to be said for a man like that. Something that tightened her stomach, clenched her thighs together, and made her want to smile.

Just past a large display of male erotic toys was another room. She stepped in and sighed out loud in pleasure, unable to help herself. “Oh my lightning bolts.” She circled around, trying to take in everything at once. It seemed similar to a closet, just bigger. Rows and rows of corsets lined the walls; skirts of all lengths and fabrics, boots, shoes--her dreams had been answered. Strange Hollow had taste.

Zeke chuckled, stepping in next to her. His face shone with amusement. “Re-thinking your words of not wanting to come in here?”

She nodded, nearly drooled. “Back home, stores like this just didn’t exist. Corsets aren’t,” she raised her fingers up and mimed quotations, “typical attire.”

“Like I said, Strange Hollow isn’t your typical kind of place.” He reached out, took a corset off its hanger, and handed it to her. “This one.” His eyes twinkled as he pushed her toward the fitting room. “I want to see you in that.”

She laughed, unsure of his intent. Was he simply being nice, or did his interest in seeing her in it appeal to him? Needing to know which one it was, she asked, “What, do you want me to model it for you?”

“Yes, that is exactly what I want.” His husky tone made her look back at him. She wasn’t mistaken, lust showed on his face, and she felt the heat of it run through her. She gave him a little grin as he propped his shoulder against the wall and crossed his arms.

Leaving him, she went into the fitting room, closing the curtain behind her. She reacted to him in ways she’d never experienced before. Sure, she’d found a guy attractive before that led her to think naughty thoughts. But with Zeke it was as if he was already doing those naughty things to her. She couldn’t help but notice that his reaction to her caused moisture to form in her panties. No one had ever caused such a stir in her, especially a demon. Was that why? Was the danger of him appealing to her? While she couldn’t be sure, now was not the time to find out. She was soaked and wanted out of these clothes.

Resolved to get her mind off the heat that roared between her thighs, she spun the corset around on her torso and began to unlace it. With the last hook of her finger, the wet corset fell to the ground.

Zeke’s choice was a black lace top with frill on the neck and a crimson corset that sat just below her bust line--very Victorian. Placing it over her head so that neckline settled into place, she backed up to the curtain and opened it a little. “Do you mind tying this up for me?”

“Not at all.” Zeke’s hands were warm across her back before he began to lace it. After a final tug, he trailed his fingers along her back, causing a little shiver to flutter through her. “All tight.”

She stepped away from the curtain to examine herself in the mirror as Zeke closed the curtain. Her small breasts sat perfectly in the top, showing off ample cleavage through the lace. Just as she was about to open the curtain, Zeke’s hand popped through, handing her a black skirt. Silk underneath with a layer of black chiffon over it. “Thanks,” she said, taking the garment from his hand. He said nothing in return.

She quickly stripped off her wet skirt and panties, and was just going to put the new skirt on when a black lace throng dropped on the floor at her feet. The idea of him picking underwear for her was embarrassing, but she did need them, and was happy with his choice.

Once dressed, she turned back to the mirror and ran her hands over her corset--so exquisite. So beautiful, they made someone as plain as her stand out. Feeling satisfied, she pulled the curtain back and stepped out. “What do you think?”

Zeke’s eyes widened a moment, before they lowered into almost slits. His expression tightened, his jaw clenched and he groaned under his breath.

Bryanna smiled and peeked down to the outfit, running her hands along it once more. “I know, isn’t it so beautiful?”

“Would you mind not touching yourself like that?” Zeke’s voice came out strained. He stared at her with an intensity that nearly knocked her off her feet. Before she could say anything, he nodded back to the shop. “Go get what you need, I’ll be waiting for you outside.”

Bryanna stood in shock as he tore through the room, but what surprised her most was what he whispered when he left.
“It’s not the corset that’s beautiful; it’s what’s in it.”

Jacinda studied Bryanna as she sat across from her in the study of her home. A low fire burned in the fireplace and the room was calming, lit only by candlelight. “Of course you are welcome to stay here,” she told Bryanna.

“Thanks,” Bryanna replied. “I’m really grateful.”

“Like I’ve said, we welcome outcasts. You must know and understand the laws in Strange Hollow to reside here.” When Bryanna nodded, Jacinda continued. “The rules are simple ones, but I stress that we do not give second chances, so be wise to follow them.”

“What are they?” Bryanna asked.

“Murder and rape is punishable by death, no exceptions. I will always open my doors to outcasts, but as you heard before, elitists have no protection here.”

Bryanna laughed softly. “I really don’t think that I’ll be inclined to break any of those laws.”

Jacinda gave an approving nod. “Have you considered employment here?”

Bryanna shrugged. “I’m not really sure. Right now I have enough money to get by, but of course, I will need to do something.”

“Let’s wait on this,” Zeke interjected. “We should allow Bryanna to get settled first, and then we can discuss employment with you,” he said to Jacinda.

Curiosity filled Jacinda’s face. Maybe Zeke was letting on that he held an interest in the witch. It wasn’t like him to suggest they wait on this, but his heart told him not to push Bryanna.

Soon though, Jacinda’s expression softened. “I am agreeable to that. Take some time to settle in here. When you are ready, come back to me and we will discuss your options then.”

“So...” Bryanna’s voice was hesitant. “Is there a hotel or something I can stay at?”

Jacinda shook her head, stood and approached her desk. “There is a small stone house located halfway down Alpha Boulevard that I think you will enjoy.”

Strange Hollow had its share of new occupants as of late. Galan, a powerful werewolf that only gave strength to the town’s defences. Simon, another vampire had found his way here. But even with the added faces, the town still had room for newcomers. Jacinda was keen to see it grow, and had built enough homes to make sure Strange Hollow succeeded.

The home she mentioned was only a block away from Zeke’s house on Beta Boulevard. The rent was high, but Bryanna said funds weren’t a concern of hers. If Zeke had his choice, this witch would be in his bed, where he could unleash the woman inside that wanted to come out to play. Realizing he was thinking such inappropriate thoughts, he forced his mind away from his cock, which still hadn’t softened. Now was not the time to be indulging in such things, especially with Jacinda here.

Jacinda walked back to Bryanna and handed her a set of keys. “I hope you find a home here in Strange Hollow.” Before Bryanna could say a word, Jacinda left the room.

Zeke hadn’t expected anything else, not from a woman as distant as she was.

Bryanna stood and shook the keys at him. “Do you mind showing me the way? I’m not quite sure where to go.”

An absurd question, as if he minded spending time with her. Yet, he waited for her to give him a sign that he wasn’t the only one with an attraction here. He would have her, without question, but
when
he couldn’t say. He’d thought there’d been a flash of interest back in the shop, but it was so quick he couldn’t act on that alone. He suspected he needed to be gentle with her--for now. The way she held herself gave him enough insight to realize she was reserved. Throwing himself at her would likely only scare her away. But he couldn’t help show a little interest to see if she took the bait.

“Are you inviting me back to your house?” His tone sounded alluring, just as he intended. He watched her expression for any indication of interest, but all he saw was a blush rise to her cheeks. And he wasn’t quite sure if he’d embarrassed her, or her cheeks burned in sexual attraction. He laughed in hopes to ease whatever she felt. “Come on, I’ll show you the way.”

Her breath escaped with a loud swoosh as she matched his stride and they left the Town Hall. Her hand dangled so close to his that the urge to latch onto it overtook him. A reaction that left him a little beside himself. When had he cared about holding a woman’s hand? His interest lay in their bodies. He’d never felt anything more than that, and usually it was selfish wants that brought a woman’s body underneath his. The joy of watching what he could do to them. Some thought him an unselfish lover, but they were wrong. He made them lose control because it fuelled his power. To know he could do it. To prove to himself that he had control over someone else. That power, he loved.

The sun began to lower in the sky, the afternoon heat wave slowly diminishing. Zeke drew his thoughts back to the lady beside him, and more than that, his curiosity about her life. One thing had stuck with him since their earlier conversation and he couldn’t shake the need for answers. “This ex of yours, Layton, I suspect he doesn’t know where you’ve gone?”

“No.” Her shoulders drooped as if they held hundred pounds of weight on them. “If I had no money, I doubt he’d even try to find me. But...” she hesitated, and soon, pain filled her eyes. “I’m not quite sure what he’ll do.”

Zeke stopped dead in his tracks. He suspected she’d been mistreated in some sense, had her heart broken, but this, he hadn’t expected. “He was with you for your money?”

“Not at first, he was really sweet.” She started down the street and Zeke immediately followed. “I guess I should have known when he showed interest in me.”

He thought that over for a moment. Why would someone not be interested in her? Hell, he hadn’t even known her for half a day and she had him practically wrapped around her finger. He needed for her to explain. “I’m not quite sure I know what you mean?”

A troubled expression came upon her face as she turned fully and nearly glared. “Why do you want to know this?”

To save you
, he wanted to say.
Help you free yourself from this cage that’s been woven around you.
Instead, he gave a nonchalant shrug. “I’m merely curious about you.”

Her eyes widened as if he’d said something she’d never heard before. “Why?” He could tell from the incredulous expression on her face that she didn’t believe him. Instead of pressing that matter, he kept things light to keep her talking. He needed to know more. “Is it a crime to be interested in getting to know someone?”

“But I mean...” she leaned forward and whispered, “if I tell you things, are you going to tell the whole town? How do I know I can trust you?”

“You can’t.” She snapped upright, giving a disgusted glare. He thought it wise to continue in order to explain. “I suspect from what I’ve learned of you thus far, you’d have no reason to trust me.” As they continued their walk through the town, they passed a couple of pixies who nodded a hello, which he returned. Of course there would be some interest toward the new witch in town. She really had nothing to worry about, no one gossiped here--too much of that had been done to everyone here for them to do the same. But he assumed she needed some reassurance. “How about this? If you hear that I have replayed your history to another, I’ll let you cut off a finger.”

She snorted a laugh. “Right.”

“I will stand by my word. You may have this one...” He held up his index finger and wiggled it. “This finger you can take if I spread a bad word about you.” He stuck out his hand to seal his agreement.

She examined him a moment, her eyes laughed even if her face showed no smile. Finally, she reached forward, took it and gave his hand a firm squeeze. “Say a word and I’ll use your finger as a stir stick for my tea.”

He chuckled and released her hand, even though he wanted to do the exact opposite. “Where were we ... right ... you were going to tell me about your life.”

“You’re really interested to know?”

He nodded without hesitation. “Start from where you’re comfortable.”

“Well ... guess there’s not much to tell until after my eighteenth birthday. That’s when my parents got rid of me. They called it ‘growing up.’ But we all knew we were saying good-bye. On the day I left their house, my father handed me a cheque and told me that the amount was enough to fulfill his obligation as parent to me. I haven’t seen or heard from them since.”

“Mm-hm.” Zeke encouraged her to continue, pretty sure he wasn’t going to like where this story was headed. He began to understand why she was so hidden. It was a defensive reaction in order to protect herself. Had she been like this for so long? The thought did not sit well with him.

“Just like every witch,” she continued, “the Asheville Coven gave me a job. Since my element is Earth, I should have been able to join the Earth Witches and assist in earthly duties.”

His knowledge of witches was very limited, and it intrigued him to know what she had been doing with her time. “Such as?”

“I tried to be a herbologist.” She gave him a knowing glance. “But as you’ve seen, my magic doesn’t quite come out right.”