Chapter 25 #3
She smiled and whispered in his ear. “I’m counting on it.”
“Come, darling. We have a celebration to attend!”
Crowe’s nerves vibrated as he wondered what the others would think of him. The mascot cat comes to life out of its costume. They might think Joell had lost her mind or was dreaming. But he was real, not a dream.
After making love in the hotel, they returned to the mansion and went straight to the turret to report in.
They learned that the police had found out who was selling the illegal porn, and the guys would have a long time to think about their actions on their way back to California.
Eight counts of kidnapping would come with a hefty sentence.
Joell and Crowe were so overcome with joy that they immediately fell to the floor and screwed right on the protective pentacle. Then they christened their bed as they made love again in their bedroom. Home sweet home.
Eventually, they had to come downstairs, though. Everyone would be gathered together and waiting for them by now. Yet all Crowe wanted to do was cuddle with his one true love. As it was, the moment he sat down, Joell curled up in his lap. Talk about role reversal!
Two waiters circled the library and poured champagne into everyone’s glasses, including eight safe models.
They were just about to raise a toast when the red house-light flashed.
Joell circled the large mahogany desk, put her glass down, and flipped open her laptop.
Passing her hand over the monitor and the red button.
A familiar voice intruded, but no image showed on the screen.
“I’m sure you’re curious,” the voice of Chad said.
“The LAPD just talked to the NYPD. It seems as if a bicoastal producer of pornography was behind this. He found business dropping off because all of his porn stars were butt-ugly. That worked back when porno tapes were only for men, and homely men liked seeing nasty-looking guys screwing beautiful young women. It meant they had a chance, and maybe a good chance if they weren’t too hideous.
But now that women are enjoying pornography too, that won’t cut it anymore.
They demand higher quality writing, good-looking actors, and today’s women refuse to buy into double standards. ”
“Let’s hear it for empowered women,” Joell cried, and a cheer rose in answer.
Chad continued when everyone quieted down. “But even that wasn’t enough. With ordinary people making sex tapes and posting them on the internet, that cut into their business too.
“Both groups of males were bought as sex slaves. They were about to be forced to perform for the cameras, as I understand it. And they had some scary plans for them already scripted. Then the League found the hotels, and the K-9 dogs found both groups of models at the same time.”
“What about that cop?” Magda called out. “We heard Joell had to work with an undercover guy, posing as a model. Where is he?”
“It turns out he was dirty, paid to misdirect the investigation. When he showed up to collect his money, the good cops were there. They handcuffed him to the guy making illegal porn. The two of them can practice new and different positions on each other in jail.”
The model named Scott piped up. “Thank God, you got them. I thought I was going to have to make love to a German Shepard for a while there!”
Fifteen people burst out laughing.
“Listen, I’ll let you get back to your party,” Chad said.
“To which you’re invited, by the way,” Joell interjected. “I’ll send our private jet for you.”
“I’m touched, but unfortunately, I can’t get away right now.”
Joell bumped Crowe’s leg, and her eyes twinkled. He knew what she was thinking. Chad and Brianna were just waiting for the briefing to end. He couldn’t wait much longer either.
“Everyone?” Joell announced. “I want you to meet the newest member of the League.”
“What?” Crystal sat up in her corner armchair. “We all vote on new members, remember? You can’t just appoint someone.”
“Well, actually, Crowe has been a member of the League as long as I have. Besides, we’re inseparable.”
Several female gasps followed.
“That’s your familiar?” Crystal managed to say, pointing at Crowe.
Joell looked into his eyes with so much love. “My familiar, best friend, and now, my lover.”
To heck with his first glass of champagne. There was something sweeter he wanted to sip. He picked her up and was about to haul her up three flights of stairs when Lioness’s voice asked, “Hey! That’s our Crowe? Is he a shifter? How is it I didn’t know?”
“He can only shift once, and he did it to protect me,” she replied.
“Oh, that’s so sweet,” Crystal crooned.
“Welcome to the big leagues, honey,” Rayna quipped.
Sahara smiled. “He’ll be as good as any of us.”
“Better,” Joell said.
Crowe vaguely heard people chuckling and wishing them luck as he spirited his Wonder Witch upstairs, taking two at a time.
“Don’t forget…” she called over his shoulder. “Beltane Eve… Big celebration right here! Well, here in the mansion, when it relocates to Tennessee. You’re all invited.”