Possession of the Soul Read online

  Tabatha dried off, applied lotion, wrapped a towel around her body, and grabbed another towel for her long hair. She made her way to her bedroom, where she found the Halloween costume that Melody had placed on her bed.

  “Oh, Mel, this is perfect! If it fits.”

  She eyed the red outfit, and then stared at her reflection in the mirror. The top was so sheer it left nothing to the imagination. Handcrafted beads covered most of the outfit. The design of a dragon had been hand-stitched on the front and back of the skirt. The skirt, sewn with a hundred different silk veils, had beads that chimed as she moved.

  Tabatha grinned as she grabbed the outfit and threw her towel down on the floor. She released her wet, blond hair from the other towel, and it fell down her back. As she stepped into the tight-fitting skirt, it molded against her round ass, enhancing the effect of the costume. Tabatha grabbed the hairbrush from her dresser, lowered her head, and brushed her hair out. She flipped her head back and grabbed the top of the outfit. Yanking on it, she pulled and stretched the fabric, trying to adjust it.

  Sauntering out of the bedroom, Tabatha pulled at the material across her breasts.

  “Come on, Melody. There had to be another costume at the store. This shows a little too much.” She looked up only to meet Shane’s stare.

  “Wow! I think you look great.” He scanned her from head to toe.

  “Hey, what about me? You’re my mate, you stupid werewolf,” Melody demanded as she stood in the doorway to her bedroom glaring daggers at him.

  Shane turned. He inspected every curve of his mate’s body. The costume was so short it barely covered Melody’s mound. Black silk swathed her body and covered her arms in wing-like sleeves. The neckline fit like a turtleneck but it contained a slit that ran down the middle to the top to her stomach, showing the swell of her breasts.

  “You’re beautiful, and you know I can’t be with anyone else. We’ll have our bonding ceremony next week at the pack house. Now come here, my little geisha girl.” Melody shrieked as she tried to avoid him, but he jumped over the coffee table and pinned her to the wall. He softly kissed her forehead, grabbed her around the waist, and pulled her close, lifting her off the ground. He carried her to the door.

  A laugh escaped Tabatha as she tugged yet again on the tight-fitting costume. Thank God, at least I know how to belly dance.

  “Okay, quit fooling around,” Tabatha insisted. “Let’s get going. I need a drink.”

  “I still can’t believe your car was stolen today,” Melody said, pushing away from Shane and strolling to the door. “And on top of that, that jerk, Kenneth fires you. You know it’s because you wouldn’t sleep with him. Hell, he’s been grabbing your ass for the past two weeks.”

  Shane picked up Melody’s coat and helped her with it, nibbling her neck at the same time.

  God, I want a man to treat me that way. Tabatha reached for her coat as she watched the two lovebirds touch and whisper to each other.

  “Hey, I was going to help you with that.” Shane separated from Melody and took Tabatha’s coat from her.

  “Shane, I can put on my coat.” She slipped into it. “But I have to tell ya, I’m really glad I introduced you two. Mel really lucked out.” She patted his hand on her shoulder as Melody smiled at them. Tabitha tried to change the subject, just thinking about her former boss made her hair stand on end. But Melody was not deterred.

  “God, he is so gross. I swear he never took a shower, his hair was oily, it smelled, and it looked stringy.” Melody continued. “He’s lucky he owned the place, because no one would hire that creep. Just the thought of him touching me gives me the willies.”

  Goosebumps broke out on Tabitha’s arms, and she shivered as she thought of him. Rubbing her arms, she realized how much she’d hated working for that man. In a way, she was glad she didn’t have to see him again.

  Shane held up his hand, stopping her. “Okay, everything is clear.”

  Tabatha glanced at Melody while they waited for Shane to unlock the car. “The jerk knew about my car being stolen this morning when I went to work. At first I didn’t think anything of it, but as the day wore on, it started to bother me. Maybe I should tell the detective about it.”

  “Don’t worry about him. He’ll get what’s coming to him,” Shane stated in a flat, reassuring manner.

  Melody laughed as they all got into Shane’s car. “Shane believes his werewolves can take care of the entire world.” She threw her hands up in a mock bow to Shane. “I think you should tell the police about Kenneth. There’s something not right about that man. I got really bad vibes when he was near me.” Melody shivered and rubbed her arms. “Remember that night we went to Shannon’s to pick her up for a girls night out and her dickhead husband showed up? Well, Kenneth reminded me of Shannon’s husband, but worse, if that’s possible. Oh, she called last night, too. I got in so late I forgot to tell you about it. It seems she’s finally saving the money to get rid of the bastard. I told her that your offer to use the house is still open, but she insists on doing this herself.”

  “She always did have to do things the hard way.” Tabatha glanced at Melody. “Is she okay? He hasn’t touched her since the last time, has he? I swear, I kill him if he hurts her again.”

  “No, she didn’t say anything about any more abuse. I think that’s why she has stayed away from us lately. She’s afraid we’ll do something to that asshole she has for a husband.”

  Tabatha frowned and stared out at the parked cars. Melody was right. Their friend, Shannon, always hid the abuse.

  ***

  Wol-itelm stirred, the anger in his mate’s voice awaking him. He made a mental note to send his other contact on Earth on his way to protect Shannon.

  ***

  But now Tabatha had to worry about herself and the danger that followed her. Was there someone now in one of those cars watching her, waiting to attack? She waited for Shane to pull out of the garage and drive her away from her problems for just one night.

  “You know I’ve never been to this club you’re taking us to, Shane. What’s it like?” Melody leaned over and kissed his cheek as he pulled onto the road.

  “It’s just our own private club where our pack can relax and have some fun. Hoyt, our Alpha, has a private office and bar above the club. We can go up there if you need to get away from the party. Tabatha won’t have to worry too much about the other members of the pack there.” Shane smiled into the rearview mirror at her.

  Although he was trying to reassure her again about her safety, Tabatha had this feeling her life would change tonight. She just didn’t know if it would be for the better or not.

  Staring out the window, she didn’t realize how time had flown until they pulled into a private parking lot.

  “All right,” Tabatha said, getting out of the car. “Before we go inside, is there anything I should know? Like, is there anything I should make sure not to say or do? I don’t want to offend anyone.”

  “No, just be yourself. The Alpha will be here, along with everyone in the pack, so we’ll have a full house.” Shane laughed. “Although, I should warn you, it might get wild tonight with the unmated wolves. They’ll be looking for females, so don’t be surprised if you have them sniffing about you.”

  A huge door stood before her. The beads of her costume shook as her body trembled under her overcoat. Again Tabatha had the premonition something would change when she walked through that door, but she was never one to run from a challenge. She might delay one, but eventually Tabatha always dealt with whatever came her way. Straightening her shoulders, she readied herself to deal with what she felt would be the next phase of her life.

  All who are supernatural can’t be blamed for a few bad apples.

  Cool air entered her lungs as she took a deep breath and strode into the Moonlight Night Club. Melody had already informed Tabatha that the club was werewolf-only, and that humans never ventured into it unless invited.

  Shane grabbed Melody around the waist, brin
ging her closer to his body as they entered the club, warning others of his claim.

  Tabatha’s jaw dropped as she stared at the meat market before her. The lights were low, and men strode around bare from the waist up. Some wore only a single fig leaf over their cocks, like they were from Adam and Eve’s time, making women wish they were Eve. She had never seen so many hot men assembled in one room. Some men dressed as Greek gods, and Tabatha loved Greek anything. Not many women were present, and the few that she did see had looked up as they entered and glared at them. Tabatha remained just inside the door.

  Melody stepped up beside her.

  “Okay, I have just died and gone to Heaven,” Tabatha whispered in Melody’s ear.

  Once again, Shane took Melody by the waist. “Ready, ladies?”

  “I can’t believe you’ve kept this place secret. I’m surprised women around the world aren’t begging to get in. God, this is heaven,” Melody whispered.

  Shane laughed. “I’m afraid I’m all the Heaven you’re getting, mate, so stop staring.” He growled, pulling her closer to his body. “Now come on. I want you two to meet the Alpha and captain, since he’s waiting for us.” Escorting the ladies across the room, Shane ignored everyone else.

  The huge men stared at Tabitha, sniffing the air as if she was something served up for their pleasure.

  Tabatha the T-bone.

  “Only our T-bone!” a voice snarled in her mind.

  She squirmed and scanned the area. She knew certain groups of shifters could send such messages to others, but she knew no one here. They reached the table where four men sat. Tabatha studied each one.

  “You won’t find me in this room, little one, but soon I’ll have the pleasure of nibbling on my T-bone,” the voice purred.

  “Shit, I totally forgot we have a coat check. Here, give me your coats.” Shane distracted her from the heated words, helping both of them slip out of their floor-length dress coats.

  The room erupted in whistles along with another growl in her head.

  Heat singed Tabatha’s face as she glared at Melody. “I told you the outfit was too skimpy,” she murmured, elbowing her friend.

  Shane handed their coats to a girl who sauntered up to their group. The young woman was tall and lanky with long black hair that swung across her ass as she strolled by them. Tabatha heard her growl as she passed, tossing her hair back like she was the only woman in the room. However, the belly dancer outfit she wore wasn’t filled out like Tabatha’s, and the girl knew it.

  “Boy, what is it with all the growling?” Tabatha laughed, trying to ignore the witch and the mysterious voice in her mind.

  Melody snorted. “I have a feeling the women are jealous. You look fabulous tonight. Look. They’re huddling now. Maybe they’re pissed that a human is in the club.” Melody nodded at a group of women dressed in an assortment of costumes.

  From belly dancers to those dressed as Eve they all stared and pointed their fingers at her and Melody.

  “Oh, this is going to be fun!” said Tabatha. She rolled her eyes. This party better get going or I’m leaving. “Melody, I’m not really in the mood to fight, but then again with the day I’ve had, maybe what I need is a good old brawl.” She threw her hands up and glared back at the women, daring them to do something.

  “This is supposed to be a night of relaxing.” Melody kept her gaze trained on the group.

  “Okay, you two need to settle down. They’re just nervous having you here,” Shane stated.

  “It looks to me like we’re not wanted here,” Melody said, indicating the women across the room. Shane and the men next to them looked at the group. The men stood up and growled, showing their teeth. In submission, the women slowly moved apart.

  “Forgive them. They’re not fond of humans,” said the man standing next to her. By the way he held himself, Tabatha knew he was the Alpha. She knew the Alpha had to keep an eye on what everyone was doing in the room.

  “Now, Shane, aren’t you going to introduce me to this lovely lady?”

  His tenor voice caressed her body and turned her to mush. His dark blue gaze traveled down her form and settled on her breasts for a moment, then back up to lock gazes with her.

  His handsome face and long black hair would be any woman’s fantasy. Even with his hair pulled back, Tabatha wanted to run her fingers through it. His size and stature intimidated her, but it also turned her on. He stood at least 6”6’.

  “Excuse me, Alpha. You know my mate, Melody, and this is her best friend, Tabatha. Tabatha, this is our Alpha, Hoyt Cyrus,” Shane stated and lowered his head slightly.

  “Shane,” a woman’s slightly irritated voice sliced through their group. Everyone turned to stare at the same woman who had taken their coats earlier. She swung her hips more to make her costume jingle as she walked.

  Tabatha laughed and shook her head. “You’re doing it wrong. Let me show you how to do it.” She swayed her hips and rolled her belly, showing the woman how to dance. The woman glared at her while the men watched in awe as she worked her costume, making every bead sing.

  “This phone rang in one of their coats.” She pushed the phone toward Shane, ignoring Tabatha. She turned her head and lifted a perfectly coiffed eyebrow as she sashayed past Tabatha and growled—again.

  Tabatha couldn’t let it go. She wasn’t going to bow down to anyone, not even a pack of female wolves.

  “Fuck this!”

  Chapter Three

  Tabatha stepped into the girl’s personal space. “Listen, bitch. If you growl at me one more time, I will rip that snout off your pretty little face.”

  “Why, you fucking bitch!” The woman closed the gap and touched noses with Tabatha.

  Tabatha glared at the woman for a moment, and then she turned her back to her. With a flick of her wrist, she dismissed the woman.

  Everyone stared at Tabatha as if she’d grown another head.

  “What?” She glanced innocently at the onlookers. “It’s the second time that witch has growled at me. I didn’t come here to be threatened. I’ve had a day from Hell, and this is supposed to be a party. All it’s been so far is a bunch of jealous bitches showing their teeth!”

  Melody laughed and hugged her. “Here.” She handed her the cell phone. “It’s the other police detective about your car.”

  She looked around the immediate area for a quieter place to talk and found a corner a few feet away from Shane and Melody.

  “This is Tabatha Spinning. Did you find my car?” She sat down at the empty table as the officer told her what had happened. By the time Tabatha hung up the phone, both Melody and Shane had moved next to her.

  “Well? What’s wrong?” Melody asked, sitting down beside her.

  Shane handed Tabatha a beer, and she took a long swig from it.

  Tabatha blew hair out of her eyes and handed the phone back to Melody, “It seems that my car is trashed. Some ritual words are scratched into the paint on the hood. The inside of the car is covered in human blood. They’re handing the case over to the PSU. From what the detective said, someone has summoned a demon named Chax.” She grabbed her beer and finished it, then reached for Shane’s drink.

  He held it away from her.

  “Hey, you need to slow down,” Melody said.

  “I can’t believe this crap! Do I have a freak magnet attached to my body, or what? Do you think this is connected to the monsters that killed my family? I mean I’m all for a good scare, but this is too much.” She shivered.

  Melody grabbed her hand. “I’m so sorry, Tabby. It has to be Kenneth. Everyone likes you. Well, except the bimbos around here.” She giggled.

  Tabatha laughed as well.

  “I bet he’s just trying to scare you,” Melody added.

  She noticed Hoyt standing next to their table, his features stony as he gazed upon her.

  “Why don’t we go to my private room upstairs where we can hear ourselves talk?” Hoyt took her hand, pulling her up out of the chair. “This way. Now who i
s this Kenneth and why would he want to scare you?”

  He guided her through a wide hallway and up a spiral staircase. The architect had used the form of cave moldings to construct the hallway’s ancient looking walls. The dark cherry wood of the staircase reminded her of the Australian Queen Anne Style of the late 1800’s. She traced the woodwork with her fingers, memorizing every different engraving in the design.

  Tabatha glanced up at Hoyt. “I’m totally impressed. This is amazing work. It must have taken years!” Hoyt’s hand traveled down her back and rested on her ass cheek as they entered his private domain.

  Hoyt’s smoldering gaze held hers. “It took a while, but it was well worth the wait to see your reaction. I was hoping you would appreciate beauty as I do.”

  She knew he was referring to her and the woodwork, but his hand was driving her crazy. Every hormone she had was in high gear as this handsome man touched her body.

  “This place is amazing.” Tabatha managed to say in a whisper as he pushed open the private door and waited for her to enter. “It looks like it just came out of an antique magazine.”

  “It took some time, but I wanted this place to be perfect for a special lady,” he whispered next to her ear and escorted her into the room.

  “Well, should you be touching me like this if there is a special woman in your life?”

  Tabatha gazed around the large room. A private bar done in the same dark cherry wood of the staircase stood in the corner. To the right, one wall was nothing but a huge tinted window that overlooked the dance floor beneath them. There was a pool table by the opposite wall. Music streamed into the room from below, and her foot automatically tapped to the beat.

  Four other men and two women were in the room with the bartender. One woman danced to the music in front of the window, ignoring everyone around her. Two of the men played pool in the left corner while another man leaned against the bar and watched every move the dancer made.