Caterpillar, a Paranormal Romance With a Touch of Horror by M. Leighton

Tie Me Down.”  She was looking at a spot over my shoulder.  “How’s my lipstick?”  She puckered her lips sensually then smiled, showing off an abundance of pearly white teeth.
“It’s good,” I confirmed.
Unable to resist turning to see to whom she was referring, I casually, under the guise of resituating in the booth, glanced over my shoulder.  Tegan was walking toward our booth.  Unbidden, excitement fluttered in my belly.
Obviously on important business, Tegan was dressed to the nines in a black suit with a pale blue shirt that made his skin glow and his eyes pop.  His hair was combed a little neater than usual and he was clean shaven, which accentuated his square jaw.
“Cat,” he said as he drew to a halt by our table.  After nodding at me, he looked toward Rainn, who had plastered her most winning smile in place and was sitting so erect even I noticed her boobs.
Realizing I had no choice but to introduce them, I did so with what I thought was admirable aplomb.  “Detective Tegan, this is Rainn Forester.  We work together at Pinnacle.”
“Ms. Forester,” he acknowledged pleasantly, inclining his head.
“It’s so nice to meet you, Detective Tegan.  I’ve been following your investigations.  Fascinating,” Rainn oozed.
“Mine’s an… interesting job.”
“Mmm,” she purred seductively.  I wanted to slap her.  “Care to join us?”
“Actually, I’m here with someone, but thanks for the offer.”  On the heels of his statement came the “someone” to which he was referring.  A stunning auburn-haired beauty that was gliding between the tables came to a stop beside him.  She looped her arm through his, a gesture that stirred up that jealousy again.  You know, that jealousy that I never feel. 
She smiled down at us then looked to Tegan questioningly.  “Are you going to introduce me, Tegan?”
“Of course.  Megan, this is Catherine Deen and Rainn Forester.  Ladies this is Megan Bounty.  She reports for Channel Nine News.  There was a press conference today,” he offered by way of explanation.
Although it was none of my business who he spent time with (actually he was none of my business at all), I couldn’t deny the relief I felt at hearing that.  It was short-lived, however, when I watched Bounty all but wrap herself around Tegan.  I doubted she saw their relationship as strictly business.
She unwound herself from him long enough to extend one perfectly manicured hand toward me.  She smiled the most dazzling smile I had ever seen.  I briefly considered taking the butter knife and cutting off her fingers, but I rapidly discarded the notion.  If I had a knife to use on her, I’d likely cut off her perfect head instead. 
I accepted her hand without thought of my new gift.  The instant my palm pressed into hers, I immediately regretted it.  Lightening shot up my arm and an explosion of images burst inside my mind.  Megan, the real Megan, had slept her way into her job.  Until recently, she had slept her way into most of her good stories, too.  She had a juvenile record because when she was seven she smothered her two-year-old little sister.  She frequented an exclusive and very private club where she indulged her love of violence and pain infliction, all costumed as a dominatrix.  She had plans to snare Tegan, but that’s where things got a little fuzzy.  There was a darkness I couldn’t see into, like looking out your kitchen window at night.  I saw my own reflection and nothing else.  But I knew there was something there…in the darkness.
I had been holding my breath and when I sucked in a lungful of air, I got choked.  As I sputtered and wheezed, I withdrew my hand and reached for my water.  I took a couple of sips and tried to compose myself before turning back to the perfect pair.
“Are you alright?” Tegan asked.  He eyed me knowingly.  Not only did he know I was not alright, he knew why .
“I’m fine, thanks.”  I knew I was gaining more