Perfect Misfits Read online

  Rogue’s bark and growl sounded in the distance.

  “Rogue, stay where you are! The Vemlers are here,” she shouted. Of course, that didn’t stop him. He came bounding toward her.

  “No, Rogue,” she bellowed. “Go back. Stay away.”

  Two of the Vemlers stayed put while the other submerged into the rock.

  “Demon’s dung!” She swore with frustration. Where was the vile creature going?

  Quickly, she tried to keep her feet off the bottom.

  The gargdog snapped at the creatures, just out of their reach. Then, to her surprise, he turned and ran back toward the entrance of the cave. The glowing eyes up on the ceiling had their fill of excitement, and the majority of them flew to the entrance behind Rogue. He barked over and over again with an intermixed “help.”

  Most of the light had vanished with the eyes. Only a few remained, leaving Tempest standing in the dark water.

  To the far edge of the small pool, a large wave began to form and rolled toward her.

  “No!” She screamed, backing away from what must surely be a Vemler. Unable to go the way she’d entered, Tempest danced to the other side of the pool. The wave disappeared, and an eerie silence filled the air.

  · · · · ·

  Ryder made a hasty exit from the little village behind the rock. Invisible to everything around him, he’d learned some important information. Apparently, there was something important to Tempest’s freedom, and the witch obviously kept it housed in that disgusting pit. It had to be the old tree, or perhaps something hidden in the tree.

  He soared through the sky, flying as fast as he could. Perhaps Tempest knew what they were talking about.

  The snow continued to fall again in earnest, making it difficult to see, but his ears alerted him to trouble. Rogue’s sharp bark echoed through the mountains.

  “Shit!”

  Tempest must be in trouble…again.

  Now, he pulled his wings in close to his body, gathering more speed. He could see a stream of tiny creatures making a mass exodus from the cave while Rogue continued to bark frantically, jumping around in the snow.

  When the gargdog noticed him coming, he leapt to the side, away from the entrance. Ryder didn’t think there would be time for transformation. It would be a tight fit.

  He wound his wings tightly around his body, and flew like a dart into the cave, following Tempest’s screams for help. The domed ceiling saved him from crashing.

  Hovering over the water, he spied Tempest standing up to her waist…naked. He didn’t have time to think about that right now.

  Damn my inadequacy.

  In the dark with just one eye was not beneficial. He caught movement below and to the right. The abomination chewed on the rocks, spitting them out with ease. Ryder now knew what had left those marks up on the glacier.

  “Vemler!” Tempest screamed.

  An odd wave headed her way, and then disappeared. She tried to run to the edge, slowed by the resistance of the water. Ryder didn’t have time to hash this out with her. Instead, he dove straight at her. She screamed as his arms swooped her from the water just before the Vemler surfaced where she had stood.

  Enclosed her in his arms, he spiraled out the way he’d come. The Vemlers were making a quick path toward Rogue. He yelled without slowing down.

  “You only have one chance, Rogue. Jump!”

  For once, the gargdog listened, and landed squarely on Ryder’s back, between his wings.

  “Hang on.” Ryder spread his wings wide, holding Tempest’s small body close to his. Thank goodness she wouldn’t freeze to death. He needed to get them safely away to a new location, and he had just the spot in mind. His only problem was that he couldn’t conceal himself while carrying the two of them.

  · · · · ·

  The onslaught of blinding snow hit them hard. While his wings allowed him to soar across the heavens, his arms clung to Tempest’s tiny body. She remained unmoving, cradled in his clutches. What kind of visions will the sprite be having about me? Fuck! I don’t want to deal with this shit and this…beauty who interrupted my life. I don’t need her in my head learning about my secrets…secrets he would never share with another living soul.

  Anger spurred his speed.

  The odd veil could be seen far off in the distance. He’d noticed it when he followed Fedor. It glimmered and danced through the sky as far as his one good eye could see. Could it be a coincidence that it also seemed to begin behind the mountain range where the beautiful village was located? Perhaps it was a way back to Levare, but something told him it wouldn’t be so easy to cross through.

  Circling wide from his original path, he wound around toward the back of the mountain. Sure enough, the village that thrived in the crevasse valley of the mountain remained alight and free of snow, with a beam of soft light shining down from the sky. His mood darkened.

  Who the hell created is fucked up world?

  Astral had to have answers.

  He headed to the back of the lush valley, miles away from where he’d entered with Fedor. From far above, he looked down toward where he intended to land, and slowly began his descent. The advantage of flight should allow him to enter easily—no moving of giant slabs of rock.

  Rogue struggled to hang on, and Ryder felt him scramble up toward his neck and fling his front legs over his shoulders.

  Sure enough, the descent worked just like he’d hoped. The lush, green woodland awaited his entry. The problem was, he was looking down and directly into Tempest’s face and bare, creamy breasts. His groin tightened. Lust fed on him, and he struggled to push it back. Then he noticed her mark—the one similar to his. Like a beacon, one of the smaller marks within the crescent shaped moon glowed an eerie color of orange.

  Ryder’s large feet touched the cushioned moss covering ground, breaking him from the thoughts running like wild through his head. Without hesitation, he brought his large wings forward to shield Tempest’s body from sight.

  Rogue let go of his neck and fell to the ground with a thud.

  Ryder spun in a circle, taking in the surroundings. Ferns and wild flowers covered the soft, mossy ground. The smell of cedar and roses almost made him smile.

  Rogue began to whine. “Rogue wants to see Tempest.”

  Water trickled down the side of a rock just off to Ryder’s left, and flowed into a little creek. A small knoll covered with large trees gave him an idea.

  He needed to put Tempest down so he could make them a shelter. Anxiety washed over him. He didn’t want to let go of her. Closing his eyes and chanting, he commanded a sparkling light that he knew would shine outward from within his wings.

  I should have done this long ago.

  Rogue jumped up at him, panting with worry.

  “Rogue, stop. Move aside so I can set her down.”

  Opening his wings, it took all the strength he had in his body to set her comfortably away from him in the blossoming moss.

  He had dressed her in a black jumpsuit and sneakers, and now stood over her, transfixed by her innocent beauty.

  Rogue dashed to her side and began licking her face.

  Ryder turned away, trying to control the pace of his thumping heart. Frustrated, he threw himself at the hill, literally clawing and digging into the soft ground. When he finally stepped back and looked at what he’d accomplished, he didn’t know how long he’d been working.

  He’d built into the side of the hill a large shelter. He’d even placed logs up the front similar to a log cabin. Complete with a door, their new dwelling awaited. Now he just needed to use a bit of magic to fix up the inside. Conjuring up a hearth, table, and chairs, as well as a separate room for Tempest to sleep in, he smiled to himself, pleased with his efforts.

  Sky light from above grew dimmer by the minute. It would be dark soon. Unaware of where Rogue and Tempest were, he swung his gaze to the spot where he’d left them.

  Her green eyes watched him intently while she rested against Rogue.

&n
bsp; For some reason, he felt embarrassed…an emotion that didn’t come over him often. She took his breath away, sitting there like a wood nymph, staring at him. Perhaps glaring at him would be the better description.

  In one fluid motion, she stood and marched toward him, definitely upset. Ryder crossed his large arms over his chest and fanned his wings out to the sides. That should scare her just a bit, he thought, but she surprised him with her bravery as she kept coming his way.

  She stumbled in the soft moss, almost landing on his feet. Righting herself, she stood in front of him looking up into his face, crossed her arms in deliberate motions over her chest, and gave him a wicked grin before she kicked him in the shin.

  He hadn’t been prepared for that. Even in gargoyle form, it smarted.

  “I told you not to touch me…ever!” she yelled up at him.

  Had he heard her correctly? “Are you daft? You most certainly must be,” he responded shaking his head.

  “Are you calling me stupid?”

  “Well, Ice Princess, if the shoe fits…” he answered with a cocky smile.

  “Ohh!” Tempest shouted, and stepped forward to punch him in the leg. “You are an arrogant beast! Do you hear me?”

  Realization struck him harder than a bolt of lightning.

  Does she not realize what she’s just done?

  He stood still staring down at her waiting for her to understand.

  “See what I mean?” She continued on her rampage. “You’re just standing there with a stupid look on your face.”

  Finally, he gathered his thoughts enough to speak. “It’s not okay for me to touch you, but it is okay for you to touch me?”

  Now she moved her hands to her hips. “What are you talking…about…?”

  He watched the reality of what she done wash over her face. She staggered a step back and fell on her butt, looking at the hand she’d hit him with.

  Chapter Nine

  Tempest’s heart raced, and her breathing matched the tempo.

  What just happened?

  She’d touched him seconds ago, and she was still awake…nothing happened.

  She had been angry when she first awoke to find herself dressed. He’d seen her with no clothing on, and dressed her. Flashbacks came to her, but none of them overwhelmed her to the point where she’d pass out. She found herself staring at the garment he’d clothed her with.

  Slowly, the visions came to her. He trained, fought for fun, and visited a place called the Transportbar. But what caught her off guard were his hidden emotions. He’d been aroused…by her.

  Heat flooded to her cheeks, and her stomach did a flip as she looked back up at him. By now, he’d squatted down in front of her only a few feet away.

  Gods, he’s sexy.

  Not that she really knew much about that. It didn’t matter what form he was in—he made her hot inside and out.

  I actually touched him and stayed conscious.

  Tempest pushed herself forward and onto all fours. Unable to reason, she stalked toward him on hands and knees. Soon, she found herself between his massive thighs while he squatted in front of her. Carefully, she stood to her full height. Her mouth was level with his ripped torso. Excitement danced through her body, setting her on fire. She wanted to touch him. She had to touch him.

  She tilted her head up, searching for his face. He continued to stay perfectly still, just like the gargoyle he was. His eyes burned with desire and unspoken caution. Slowly, she unclenched her fists and licked her lips. The anticipation was crippling. Ever so gently, she reached out, letting one fingertip touch his hot, bare flesh.

  She gasped, not out of pain, but out of amazement. She could feel his intense excitement. The thought empowered her. He wanted her, and for the first time in her life, she wanted to be wanted…whatever that meant.

  A growl escaped Ryder’s mouth, and momentarily, she removed her finger from his chest. Certain she could hear his heart beating like her own, she placed two fingers on him, tracing a path down and over his nipple. His breathing stopped as she watched him close his eye. Unable to control herself, she let her other hand find its way to his body, and rested it lightly on his massive thigh. Both hands began to travel on their on accord.

  Her lips found his chest, and the contact almost drove her insane with an unknown need. She had no idea what she felt, but it was irresistible. She was burning up from the inside out.

  His growl deepened.

  Tempest didn’t have to hope he was feeling like she was; she could feel it coursing through his body as it did hers. Tenderly, she kissed his fevered skin. Passion drove her further as her hands explored his body. Eagerly, she moved her hand along his massive thigh and closer to his crotch.

  Abruptly, he stood, sending Tempest backward onto her bottom once again. The magic she’d been feeling vanished.

  Humiliation swamped her. Everything she’d just done flooded her thoughts.

  What am I thinking? I don’t even know what I’m doing.

  For a moment, she actually wished a Vemler would kill her. She stared at the ground, unable to look up at the giant she’d just thrown herself on.

  Rogue moved behind her, then to her side, where the large critter tried to crawl on her lap.

  “No, Rogue!” she spoke harshly, and immediately regretted it.

  The gush of air pushed her hair back, causing her to finally look up. Ryder had disappeared, shooting straight up into the darkening sky.

  Her bottom lip quivered, and her vision blurred with tears that began to fall down her cheeks.

  “Silly gargdog,” she said, wiping the moisture away and pulling him close. “I’m sorry for yelling at you. Rogue, why didn’t you stop me from making a fool of myself?”

  “You like him, and Rogue believes he won’t hurt you,” he answered.

  Anger flushed her embarrassment away. “No, I don’t. It’s just that he makes me feel so…oh, I don’t know…frustrated.”

  “Tempest touched him without ending up unconscious.”

  A large sigh escaped her lips. “This is all his fault,” she spat with indignation. “We don’t need him, Rogue.”

  Rogue moved away from her and began pouncing in circles around her. “Tempest look where we are? I like him. There’s no Vemlers here, and he saved us. Fedor won’t find us.”

  Colors of all sorts danced before her eyes, even in the near-dark. There were green trees, blue running water, and pink flowers. She’d barely remembered what all those things were. Closing her eyes, she realized she could smell the sweet scent of…well, she didn’t know, but it was heavenly.

  “I know.” She hung her head, but then looked up and continued. “Do you know what’s best of all?

  “Wood! Vemlers hate wood!” she squealed with excitement.

  Like Rogue, she jumped to her feet and spun in circles with her arms wide open, temporarily forgetting the infuriating gargoyle. Rogue chased her in a circle and tackled her from behind. She grabbed at him and tickled him until he howled.

  The descent of darkness brought them both back to being serious.

  “Perhaps we should go into that lodge he made. I don’t know if it’s safe out here in the dark.” Tempest looked at Rogue, and they both moved toward the structure.

  Now, how do we get in?

  She reached out to touch the wood, and magically, a handle of sorts appeared. She grabbed it and pulled the door open, hesitating, unsure of what they would find.

  Lights flooding the lodge scared her half to death, and she let the door slam shut. The lights went out. Gathering her courage, she tried again, opening the door wider. Over her shoulder, darkness surrounded them. She hated the dark, and jumped into the room without another hesitation. Rogue followed her just as fast.

  Inside, the two them stood unmoving, scanning their immediate surroundings. The same fireballs danced in the hearth, and she could feel its warmth on her face. A table stood off to the side, complete with two chairs and a vase of fresh flowers. Toward the back of
the lodge down a hall were three other doors. Soft light brightened all areas of the dwelling, making Tempest feel secure.

  Tempest stepped away from Rogue and stared with her mouth wide open. She’d never been in anything so lovely. It was all too much to bear. Tears sprang to her eyes.

  He made this for us.

  Intrigued, she walked with Rogue in tow to the back rooms and pushed on the doors. The first room held a large but simple bed. Closing the door, she proceeded to the next room. Slowly she opened the door. Sparkles danced on the ceiling, and a large bed covered with furs and fluffy...

  What are they called…? Pillows. Yes…

  A moment of self-pity accompanied vague memories of her childhood.

  Stubborn, she pushed the emotion away. For Many years, she’d thought of nothing else but her childhood, but there was no room for that in her life anymore. To survive, she needed to be tough…and unfeeling. Because she didn’t touch anyone, unfeeling shouldn’t be a problem.

  She halted.

  But I did touch somebody. Damn him!

  Beside the big, beautiful bed stood a small table with yet another vase of roses. Unable to resist, she hurried to the elaborate wardrobe opposite the bed. The doors automatically opened to reveal garment after garment lining the piece of furniture. She reached out to touch the different types of fabric.

  Then she pulled her hand back. False promises were all this offered. There was no way off Misfit Mountain, and it would only be a short period of time before Fedor found her. Emotion gripped her once more. Angry, she slammed the doors shut.

  Tempest stared at the last room at the very end of the hall. Without hesitation, she marched angrily to the door and opened it... and stopped in her tracks.

  Before her, a large pool of water shone with iridescent colors—every color she’d ever seen, and some she hadn’t. Steam rose from the heat pool of gently tumbling water.

  She turned and walked away from the temptation before she could change her mind.

  Rogue looked up at her with mixed emotions on his face.

  “Don’t look at me like that. None of this is real. You know that,” she shrieked with a high-pitched voice.