been released to stand guard along the winding hotel entryway.
As we inched closer to the building, I positioned myself to do something I’d always dreamed about. Before either man could protest, I climbed on the center table and pulled myself up through the sunroof until everything above my waist was outside the limo.
I tilted my head back to look at the massive structure. It was a jungle-themed palace. Vines were suspended from the windows and sculpted replicas of monkeys and exotic birds either dangled or perched on the vines.
“It’s incredible,” I gasped, wishing I could pretend to be Jane and climb a vine to Tarzan’s room, knowing darn well my Tarzan’s name started with a Z.
“I’m glad you approve.” Zane slid his arm around my waist as he joined me. “Welcome to the Jungle Jamboree Family Resort,” he announced. “A place where kids play while parents gamble.”
I laughed. “That’s some tagline.”
“You think the board will like it?”
“It’s catchy.”
Griffin cleared his throat. “Can I get you two to exit the limo? There are cars waiting,” he said, sounding perturbed by our childish antics. His earlier eagerness to assist had been replaced with a condescending manner that I found offensive in light of my excitement.
“Come on!” Zane pulled me back into the limo. “Wait till you see our room.”
“Our room?” Zane’s room-comment erased my desire to chastise Griffin.
Rather than respond, Zane exploded through the limo door the minute it opened. He rushed to my side and helped me out. “Welcome to paradise, Princess.”
“I’ll send up your luggage,” Griffin said, sounding suddenly formal.
As thrilled as I was about our unfamiliar surroundings, I couldn’t let Zane off the hook. “You said something about ‘our room.’ Would you care to elaborate?”
“I’m your bodyguard; therefore, I stay close to you.”
“But …”
“Chloe, please, remember why we’re here. The suite has a huge bedroom and a smaller one. Does that make things easier for you to deal with?” He said, cutting me off.
Unable to find any reasonable argument, I nodded. “That’ll work. I guess.” I wasn’t going to admit I was more afraid of spending the night behind closed doors with him than being attacked by deranged mutants.
A stocky porter approached. “Mr. Marshall, so glad to see you. Mr. Sanders is ready to receive you in his office.” He cocked his head, studying me. “The lady’s presence is requested as well.” He backed up with a little bow than hurried the other direction.
I made a half-hearted attempt to infiltrate his thoughts, but was met with a strong barrier, signaling that he, too, was of the supernatural persuasion. I couldn’t help but wonder if the hotel even bothered hiring humans.
Zane took my hand as we approached the glass elevator centrally positioned in the enormous oval-shaped lobby.
Before I could formulate a question about the hotel’s shady hiring requirements, I was again awed by my surroundings. Covered in jungle foliage and vines, the elevator was a sight to behold. Two monkey replicas were suspended from two of the larger vines. I craned my neck to look up.
Not a fan of heights, I wasn’t happy to see how high the elevator could travel. There were other elevators off to the side of the lobby, but this amazing creation was designed to rise straight up through the grand hotel’s center. The upper floors formed a circle of doors with attached hanging bridges crisscrossing the center space at each level, one main bridge connecting to the elevator on every floor.
I’d never seen such a bizarre layout. The architect must have been on some major, mind-altering chemicals to come up with such extravagance.
“Is it safe?” I questioned, unable to tear my eyes away.
“I promise; the bridges are well crafted. They’re supposed to give guests a Swiss Family Robinson feel,” he explained. “Would I take you on something that wasn’t safe?”
“You make it sound like you’re taking me on a ride at an amusement part.”
Zane laughed his eyes full of mischief. “You’re scared of some fancy construction, but you’re okay with super naturals.”
I stepped through the yawning glass door, feigning bravado that I didn’t feel. “Fine, big boy, let’s ride.” Not entering the elevator was no longer an option.
Zane had a curious way of provoking me, making me see everything as a challenge. I pondered his comment. Why was I so reasonable when it came to vampires and werewolves, yet everyday things continued to unravel me? I wasn’t sure I wanted the answer. Maybe I was just happy to meet others who were stranger than me.