The Perfect Valentine...

Penelope was in a mood—and she knew it.  The only songs she wanted to listen too were ones with Blue in the title, not much of a strain to figure that one out.  Tomorrow was Valentine’s Day and she wanted her indigo penquino back. 

She wasn’t the only one suffering either.  Daniel had buried himself in the back corner of the closet in his mink form and sulked for the last few days.  She’d tried coaxing him out and back to human with the promise of food, drink and sex. Nothing worked.  She finally gave up and picked up some special blend ferret/mink food and a soft toy for him to cuddle.  Daniel would reemerge when he was ready…but would Burgess?

“Penny?”

“Taggert?”

“It’s Nick,” the alpha wolf holding the sweetest little duo growled.

“Yes, well it’s Penelope, but you never seem to get that right so turnabout and all that,” she snarked, rising from her seat.  “Now give me one of those baby’s and sit close with the other.  Auntie P has some snuggle time to make up for.”

Nick disengaged Cooper from the duel chest carrier the male had been wearing since the birth of his twins and handed him to Penelope.  She tuck the pup close and sniffed his sweet head.  Baby, wolf and love invaded her senses and squeezed her heart.  She wanted this, the tight fisted feel surrounding her uterus—supplemental proof, she wanted this.

“Penelope, don’t cry, please.  Talk to me.”  Nick touched her hand where she held his child.
She hadn’t even realized the tears had started again.  Bad enough she was leaking, now she was doing it in front of her boss.  “Sorry, ignore me.  I’m having a tough time this week.”

“Yeah, I’ve missed your blue-haired, better-half as well.  Dante keeps shrugging me off when I ask about him, but you know Dante.  That means he’s still safe.  If he wasn’t D would have pull us together to go in and save his ass.”

“I know,” she sighed, “but when will he be free to come home.  Gah, Nick, Burgess fell into my life so quickly and firmly, then was taken away just the same manner.  He’s mine though and I want him back.”

“It’ll happen.”  Nick reached into the diaper bag he’d set on the other end of the couch.  “Until then, maybe this will help.” 

They traded, baby for delicately wrapped box and she was overwhelmed by the smell of her penguin.

“Oh my. Where did you get this?” she asked, holding tight to her treasure.

“Reetha.  Please don’t ask, I don’t know how she fits into this, but she does.  Figuring it all out has moved to the top of my to-do list,” he growled.  “Open it up…unless you’d like us to leave first.”

“No, don’t leave, please.  I’m not done with your babies.”  Penelope tore off the wrapping paper and lifted the box’s lid.  Inside, nestled on a puff of cotton, rested a blue stone that matched her penguins hair to perfection.  “Oh…”

“Good oh, or bad?” Nick asked.

“Good.  Very, very good,” she sniffed, pulling the gem from the box and showing it to Nick.  She knew where this belonged, where Burgess would want it, without even reading the short note tucked into the top of the box.

“Nice.  Quite pretty and the perfect color for you.”

She smiled, slipping the stone back in the box and setting it on the table.  She reached for a baby and looked forward to reading the note.

##

After Nick and the babies left, Penelope took the note, the box and the second box Nick brought, into the bedroom.  She climbed into bed, opened the small slip of paper and read.
Mistress P -- Such a small piece of paper for the wealth of things I need to say to you. I’m safe, I’m close and I love you so.  I’m working my way back to you as fast as I can. Please keep the gem, and me close to your heart. -- All my love, B

Penelope smiled and cried, then smiled again. That note was indeed the best Valentine’s gift she’d ever received.  She’d cherish it forever. They may not be together, but still they loved.  She would pray to the great phoenix for his prompt return. 

She looked at the other gift on her dresser, the one to Daniel.  She’d give it to him tomorrow, on Valentine’s Day and hope, that along with her gift to him it was enough to bring the sweet mink back from his self-imposed prison. 

Sleep came easier as Burgess’ words cocooned her soul…I’m safe, I’m close and I love you so.
~~~

 Ah, Mistress P and her Burgess.  That lovely penguin needs to return home soon...  If only I had time to write their story.

Have a wonderful Valentine weekend everyone, and may you all receive a perfect love note of your own.

Serena

It's a Playlist Party at the Gazette!

Nick loved the early mornings at the gazette for the quiet, non-judgmental space where he could indulge in the less macho songs on his playlist without anyone being the wiser.  Ziva was good with his wide and somewhat irregular musical preferences, but with her pregnancy, the rest of his family and hers had begun to “pop in” whenever they damn well pleased.  Their surprise visits made it impossible for him to move and groove like he wanted too.

That left him with his office, early enough so his staff would couldn’t read him the riot act if they caught him singing into one of the many rulers from his drawer like he was now.

“Hoooot August nights…” Nick jumped to his desk, crooning the whole time. “Pack up the baby’s, grab the old lady’s…” Squatting, he reached out a hand to his invisible audience, attempting to improve on the last time he’d sung the song some three minutes ago. “Everyone knows Bother Love’s show.”

“HALLELUJAH!”

“Brother’s” He sang out, only vaguely aware the previous hallelujah wasn’t coming from the iPod or his head.

“HALLELUJAH!”

This time the ruckus sunk into his brain and he could feel his phone vibrating madly in his pocket.  A sick feeling built in his chest making him certain he didn’t want to look at the offensive bit of tech or open his office door, but he manned up and pulled the phone anyway.  The text warned him this day was about to go downhill fast.

ZIVA: HEY, NICKY DIAMOND, DID YOU FORGET TO SET YOUR ALARM?

He had.

ZIVA: NO WORRIES, I LOVE YOU!

Thank Lupa.

ZIVA: OPEN THE DOOR, MATE.

He really didn’t want too.

Nick jumped down from the desk, not at all ready to face the embarrassment beyond his door, but knowing that ripping off the band aid quick was preferable to a slow burn and continual jabs.  With his hand on the knob and a deep breath he flung the door wide and was mortified to find every employee he had smiling at him.  When Penny stepped forward he knew it was going to get rough.

“So…Brother Love, we have a little something for you.” She handed him a sparkly new 12 inch microphone.  When the sea of employees parted, there sat a high tech karaoke machine and Neil Diamond’s greatest hits on top. “This is from all of us, Chief. Use it with good health.  And if you keep it in the bull pen, then the rest of us can, perhaps, join you in a chorus or two?”

“Yeah,” Ralph, who was finally waking up and less grumpy, called out.  “We’re getting real good with the Hallelujah’s out here.”

A round of the joyous shouts went out, followed by whoops and hollers.  He’d misjudged his crew and was determined to make amends.  The karaoke machine had a slot for a USB so he could get a new iPod and attach it.  Link it to iTunes and let the entire group pick out their own songs to download and sing.  They were family after all and he could easily afford it.

“Jamie, go lock the front doors,” he called out to the little red wolf. “Then come back and we’ll all give this awesome gift a go.  Work can wait for an hour of so.”

Eight hours later, everyone was leaving for the day, no work down, but they were all both wiped out and jazzed from a day of robust enjoyment.

Nick’s Top Ten Playlist
10. Rock’N Roll Train by AC/DC
 9. Suck My Kiss by Red Hot Chili Peppers
 8. Poker Face by Lady Gaga
 7. The Futures so Bright, I Gotta Wear Shades by Timbuk 3
 6. Draw the Line by Aerosmith
 5. Squealer by AC/DC
 4. Holly Holy by Neil Diamond
 3. Give It Away by Red Hot Chili Peppers
 2. Dirty Deed’s Done Dirt Cheap by AC/DC
 1. Brother Love’s Traveling Salvation Show by Neil Diamond

~~~

 So here's Nick's playlist...maybe Ziva's will show up next week.  :)  If you'd like to know about anyone else's in Talbot's Peak, leave us a comment and we'll get them to divulge the info...somehow.  

Have a great weekend!

Serena

Forewarned Friday with TP Lupa

My thanks to Pat this week for bringing Horton Kirkpatrick, ex-revivalist preacher to Talbot's Peak on Monday...the town had so many questions for TP Lupa after that, but I cut them down to three.  ;)
~~~

Dear TP Lupa,

I think I might be crazy.  I attended the revival this week looking for good eats, but there was none so I went to leave when the biggest snake I ever saw exploded outta this dude there.  I need to know, should I visit with Doc Leo?

Fleeing Fred

Hey FF,
 
Stop eating those berries in the north side woods and sleep it off dude.  You’ll be fine.
 
TP

Dear TP Lupa,

I think a large snake ate my lover at the revival this week.  I mean we went together looking for some free eats, all hell broke loose and then he was gone.  Could my boopsie still be alive inside that yucky reptile…you know like in that Anaconda flick?

Elawina Elk

Um, El,
 
Unless your boy toy was of the rodent variety I don’t think a snake can unhinge the jaws wide enough to take on an Elk.  Likely, your man decided it’s over and it’s time to move on.  Next time you hook up; find someone with an established set who will be honest when it’s over.  By the by…don’t believe everything you see in the movies.
 
TP

Dear TP Lupa,

I’m confused.  At the revival I learned that apparently, God travels either by tent or by Winnebago and is a massive snake with wings.  I thought God was named Lupa and was a She with an attitude?

Confused, Cornelius

Big C,
 
Trust TP when I tell you that your God is indeed one big bitch who will have your nuts for supper if you don’t call her Lupa.  She doesn’t travel by tent or a house on wheels; she comes in on all four paws with a burst of sun surrounding her.  Keep your eyes low and your belly presented in her presence.  Remember though, your Lupa is not everyone’s God.  Deities abound in the world and even more so in Talbot’s Peak.  Be respectful and you’ll be fine.
 
TP

That’s it for TP Lupa this week, pups and kitties, cubs and kids or whatever designation you’d like to go with.  As my over and out I’d like to encourage all of you who saw the reptilian display at the revivalist tent to send this Lupa your story to tplupa@g&b.com. 

Nick looked over the desk to gage the reaction of his fellow protector.  “What do you think, Dante?”

“One tale is just that, a fantasy…two is a fluke, but three stories of a giant winged snake?  What the fuck did we miss at this revival?”

“Most of the wolves went looking for grub…not unusual, but there were lots of other animals in attendance, apparently.  Most were probably just passing the time, but that group must have been way to large for a mass histaria scenario.”

“Which means there’s truth to the story.” Dante grumbled and rose from his seat. “But damn, snakes?  Why…”

“Already said it, brother, more than once.”  Nick snickered at the man who while unrelated to him was just like family, and handed over another sheet of paper.  “Plus, there’s this. I’ve kept it out of the paper and offline for now, but…”

Dear Lupa Bitch,

The great Itzcoatl would like to inform this town that he has arrived and will be worshiped as is his right.  Prepare to bow down to him and him alone!

His servant, Rattlin’ Rosa

“Scat!” Dante growled.

“You got that right.  You’d best get Kitty to frequent the tunnels close to the club for a while until we know what’s going on.”

“What about Z?”

“I’ve got her close.  I let her think she’s in charge lately which keeps her snuggled up tight to me.  The hell will be when she realized my game…so we’d best be quick about getting it figured out.”

“You’re either brave, Nick, or really damn stupid.  I like that about you, bud.”

~~~

Watch out for winged snakes and revivalists without good eats this week!


Serena

What's That on the Taltube?

Bull breathed out a sigh of relief before choking in a sob of despair.  While grateful the cow in the Taltube video wasn’t his lady love, he was sickened with the knowledge that any moose were being hunted and filmed by someone in this town.

“Psst…Bullwinkie.”

“Bull’s fine, Milly.”  Great, the mouse was about to proposition him, again.  He’d to have to let her down gently so as not to make her cry like the last time.

“Right-right, sorry.”

“You don’t need to apologize.”  For the millionth time… 

“O-okay, sor…ah.”

“Never mind, just… what can I do for you?”  Bull grumbled, angry when he watched her eyes fill and her nose quiver.  Why did they have to go through this all the time.  He wasn’t interested in anyone but his lovely Ronnie. 

Veronica J. Elg was his friend, hopefully the carrier of his seed and all around love of his life.  Yes, it was true that moose were polygamous animals, which was great for his brothers and sisters, but deep down he was as monogamous as they came.  He only wanted Ronnie and to be a father to their young.  She, unfortunately, was a little freaked by the notion of him sticking close.  Hours after their wicked forest romp, she’d split.  He’d searched for her, to no avail, it was like she’d never been there to begin with and it was killing him.

“Ah…so, Bully?”

“What?  Sorry, what was that again?”  Damn, loss of concentration…just an additional problem Ronnie’s disappearance caused him.  Last night, a friend had showed him these disturbing videos now showing up on the Taltube of animal hunts here in Talbot’s Peak.  Snuff videos to be sure, but how had it escaped the notice of the town’s protectors?   He’d scoured the entire site hoping to not find his love, stopping every so often to empty his stomach and jot down names of friends he needed to check up on.

“Do you want to see what I found the other night, south of town?”

“No, Milly, sorry, but I’m just not interested.”  Bull rose from his desk, web address and list of names in his hand intending to bring it to Nick’s attention.  As a protector, maybe he could get it to stop and perhaps help him find, Ronnie.  “Excuse me.”

###

“…But, Viktor, he’s not taking the bait.”

“Get him here, Millicent, or you can suffer the consequences.”

“No, please…”

“The last of the Pashka smells so good and my mouth is watering.”

“You don’t even like cheese you rotten warthog.”

“But you do.”

“Bastard.”

“Bitch.  Come home soon, love…with my rack!”

~~~

May you be your own protector or find a wickedly sexy one of your own!


Serena

Repent or Renew?

Repent…for the end of the world is upon us!

“Well hell, Dante.” Nick yanked the flyer off another tree in downtown Talbot’s Peak and handed it to his friend and fellow protector.  “This has to have come from one of the human residents.  Most, if not all of the shifters know Dec 21st is a beginning, not an end.”

“I agree, but even with all of the precautions we’ve taken and words we’ve put out, human propaganda is a powerful thing.  Some of the young shifters might certainly be confused.  How many humans stayed in town after the Halloween Hijinks?”

“A few.  Ally and the kids top the known human list…”

“It’s not them, Nick.  Ally loves it here and has her hands full with the hotel job and her broad.  Besides, Hawke’s been watching over them.”

“Naked Purple fairy?”  Nick would love for it to be the painted fool, if only so he could scare the piker out of his town and Ziva’s mind for good.

“Doubtful, as he hasn’t been seen around town in a good long time.  Keep him on the list though…you know, for your peace of mind.”

“Smart ass.”

“By tomorrow things will have settled down, Nick.  We just have to keep watch for anyone who panics.  You have your zip cuffs?”

“Oh yeah…”  Nick twirled the black plastic around one finger and gave Dante a grin.  “…and I’m hoping Ziva gives me a reason to use them.”

###

Elsewhere around Talbot’s Peak…

“Mommy, Mommy…”

Ally grabbed her screaming daughter around the waist and looked her over for injuries.  “What is it, Rosie?”  She asked, not seeing any reason for concern.

“The end is near.  I don’t want Ms. Iradova to leave.”

“Rosie…”  A shudder went down Ally’s back to hear her daughter speak with such finality about the sweet, grandmother-y woman who lived at the hotel.  Iradova Skywing had taken Ally and the kids into her heart and treated them like family.

“Hawke says it will be okay, but I’m going to miss her, Mommy.”

~~~

May your beginnings today serve you well.


Serena

Hunting Anyone?

G.W. perused the trophy room, ecstatic with the life-like stance of each beast.  If he hadn’t made each kill shot, once the hunt master had felled them that is, he’d think the room was filled with live animals.  It was just the way he’d imagined the finished product.

“Interesting room…”

“To right you are, Dante.  Thank you again for the crew to get them all set up.  You sure did call it right with that group, strong as ox they were.  Now, word on the street is there’s a mess of unique creatures in this town to be mounted and stuffed…and not just the bitches.  Ha!  Right Nick, mounted…stuffed…bitches, see what I did there.”  G.W. slapped his knee and looked between the two gentlemen with the most knowledge about this town.  “Geez, you need to lighten up, buds.”

“So, where exactly did you hear there were—how did you put it—unique creatures in this town?”

“Glad you asked, Nick, or should I call you Mr. Editor?”

“Death would be fine.”

G.W. looked at the duo standing as still as his trophy’s and felt a chill crawl up his spine.  There was no way to disguise the killer in each of these men.  If Nick was Death, then surely Dante was Dismemberment.

“It’s important we find out where you heard such tales of our home, Mr. Frank.”

“Absorificly, Dante, we don’t want the other big game enthusiasts like myself crowding in and stealing our kills.”  Neither man broke a smile, what this town lacked in humor he hoped it made up for in his missing pieces.  “Now then, it was actually good fortune on my part that I ran into this dirty hippie—he had seaweed in his hair, for fucks sake, and smelled like he bathed in the ocean.  His name was Bob and insisted he’d seen an elephant and a peacock whipping a penguin.  Can you believe that, I mean really…I should have asked if his first name was Sponge?  Anyway, he had all kinds of stories about animals being in Montana that shouldn’t be here, so I was compelled to take a looksee.”

“Do you know what became of this Bob?”

“Sure do, some sissy by the name of White Fang—can you believe that name—came by and took him out to lunch.  Lost track of him after that, but who cares.  I already had the name of this magical town—Talbot’s Peak.  I can’t wait to start the hunt.  How about you two, do any hunting?”

“Glad you asked G.W., we sure do, right Nick?”

“Yep.”

G.W. watched his visitors put away their assorted paraphernalia and start loosening their clothes, worried that they thought him something he was not.

“And do you know our favorite quarry, Mr. Frank?”

“Ah, no, but gee look at the time…”

“Stupid humans who kill defenseless animals.”

G.W. stood quickly and reached for a gun that was no longer where he’d put it.  Fear was a funny thing, first it made you brave, and then it screwed with your head.  The longer he stood frozen to the spot in the middle of his trophy’s the more he could convince himself he was not seeing them move.  They were not surrounding him, Death and Dismemberment had not just turned to wolves and they were not currently sheparding him out into the night…heading to his last hunt.  The one that made him the prey…

##

Nick looked over to his partner in crime, wondering how many more times they would have to do this.  “I hate this part of protecting the town.”

“I know,” said Dante, his focus on the slow burning carcass of one of the natural animals G.W. had brought to town.  “But it has to be done, Nick.  And this way, we get to give these beautiful creatures a respectful end…not an eternity on some dillweed’s wall.”

“True.”  Nick nodded “And letting each shifter brethren of the animals on display take part in the take-down was poetic justice.”

As the fire burned low, Dante and Nick showed their respect by beginning to shovel mounds of mother earth back over the ashes.  It was labor intensive, but it gave each man a sense of peace.

“By the way, Dante, thanks for suggesting the Oxen brothers for the mover’s job; they’ve had a rough go of it this summer.  They can use the work.”

“It’s important to lend a hand to our own here in the Peak.”

“Yeah,” Nick grinned, “Plus, G.W. got to foot the bill…”

Nick watched Dante continued shovel even as his shoulders moved up and down.  One day he would get the big guy to actually laugh out loud at his cheese ball sense of humor.
~~~

A word to the wise out there, hunting is only allowed in Talbot's Peak if you're in your animal skin...  ;)

Have a happy, cheese ball weekend!

Serena