Page 11 of Property of Zombie

He curls his fingers in a come-hither motion, and I throw my head back as ecstasy pours through me. My knees buckle, but he wraps his free arm around my waist to keep me from collapsing into a heap. Wave after wave of pleasure crashes over me like waves on a shoreline, and I moan my release.

I’m dimly aware of Michael muttering under his breath and the lions chuffing from the other side of the rocks we’re behind. The boost in adrenaline my orgasm brings is exactly what I need, and the cocktail of hormones coursing through my bloodstream doesn’t allow for a second of fear where the animals are concerned. If anything, their closeness only heightens the experience.

Zombie removes his fingers when my pussy stops spasming and brings them to his mouth. He sucks them clean before cupping my face.

“Feel better?”

As I tug my dress down, I nod. “M-much.”

“Good. Now, who are you?”

I swallow past the lump in my throat. “Lucy Thomas,” I reply softly.

Recognition flares in his dark brown eyes. “The new vet.”

“Of course, she’s the new vet,” Michael exclaims angrily.

Keeping his hands on my cheeks, Zombie glances over his shoulder. “I’ll deal with your sorry ass in a minute.” Leveling his gaze back on me. “It’s nice to meet you, Lucy. I have a feeling this is the first of many encounters you and I are gonna have.”

My inner hussy shouts in triumph at his statement, but outwardly, I don’t react. “I better get back to the gala.”

“Oh, babydoll,” Zombie croons. “You can run, but you’ll never be able to hide.”

Without a word, I turn to leave the enclosure through the zookeeper’s door. I assume Michael tries to follow because I hear Zombie snarl, ‘Not so fast’, just as the door closes behind me.

I’m on the walking path, making my way back to the gala, when it occurs to me that I should’ve warned them not to stay in the den too long. Leo and Sarabi are used to me and won’t attack as long as I’m close, but there’s no telling what they’ll do with me nowhere in sight. I’m about to turn around and warn them when a voice stops me.

“There you are,” Melanie trills. “I’ve been looking all over for you. It’s almost time for your speech.”

“Sorry. I just wanted to check in on Mali and her cubs.”

My friend stares at me for a moment, no doubt wondering why I’m nowhere near the tiger enclosure. “I trust they’re okay.”

“They are,” I say, hoping she takes me at my word.

“Well, good.” Melanie grabs my hand to lead me back to the crowd. “Dr. Binks was starting to worry he was going to have to step in for you. Poor guy can handle dangerous animals without breaking a sweat, but the thought of speaking to a crowd sends him spiraling.”

“I get it,” I say with a laugh. “That’s why I was with Mali. The animals help me calm down.”

Despite my nerves, I deliver my speech perfectly. Those in attendance learn about me and how their donations will be used. As I step down from the podium, Dr. Binks moves to stand next to the stairs at the edge of the makeshift stage.

“If that doesn’t bring in millions, I don’t know what will,” he comments.

“I’m just glad I didn’t puke in front of everyone.”

“You don’t give yourself enough credit,” he chastises.

“And you give me too much.”

“Whatever you say,” he states. “I’ve got someone I’d like you to meet.” Dr. Binks looks around the crowd and frowns. “Oh, I hope he didn’t leave already.”

“Who?”

“Brad Conners.”

The name sounds familiar, but I can’t place it. “Is he a donor?”

“Not exactly.” Dr. Binks shakes his head. “Let me see if I can find him. It’s important that the two of you meet.”

He walks away, leaving me to wonder why he’s being so cryptic. Deciding to make the most of my time, I mingle with the guests. I answer questions, provide additional information about the animals and donations, and it’s not long before Dr. Binks and his mysterious friend are forgotten.