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An Excerpt From: PLEASURE CRUISE
© Copyright
MANDY M. ROTH AND MICHELLE M. PILLOW, 2005.
All Rights Reserved, Ellora's Cave, Inc.
Interoffice Memo
From: The Powers That Be
Re: Pleasure Cruise, Cruise Line Corporation, Pilot
Program
TOP SECRET
Due to the dwindling population of certain supernatural
factions and the reluctance of the supernatural kind to take mates for all
eternity, we will be establishing a comprehensive program to repopulate the
various supernatural species. Many of the supernaturals we’ve observed are
unwilling to take mates from within their own population. This reluctance
has been exacerbated in large part by the old grudges still held from the
Middle Ages.
In an unprecedented move, we will now be allowing humans
on the Pleasure Cruise, to participate in the preordained mating process.
Because of existing prejudices against supernaturals in human culture, some
human participants will not be aware of the paranormal elements on the
cruise. However, these humans will be blessed with a sixth sense so as to
subconsciously recognize their mate upon first sight. We do not wish to
have a boat full of frightened humans defying our will. Some resistance is
expected, but in the end, we gods know what’s best for them.
It is our hope that, by introducing humans into their
bloodlines, the supernatural will be less reluctant to take a mate. All
humans who mate themselves to a supernatural will be blessed with eternal
life. They will also be given the gift of procreation. If this goes well, we
will be slowly introducing humans into our other business ventures as well,
including Pleasure Air and Pleasure Island.
* * * * *
Clare grimaced as she looked at the gangway of the
cruise ship and took a deep breath, trying to steel herself to get on board.
A long strand of wavy, blonde hair worked itself out of her loose ponytail.
Kira had talked her into the highlights and every time she saw them it
caused her to pause. Frowning, she pushed the lock out of her face and
reached down to grab her duffel bag. Slinging the bag over her shoulder,
she looked around. This wasn’t something she’d ever imagined herself doing.
No, she was a career-driven woman who never thought of anything beyond
deadlines and new deals. Clare was still shocked she’d agreed to this trip.
“Welcome to the boat of love. I wonder what will happen
on this week’s exciting journey? Will the captain steer the boat off course
and into a giant iceberg? Or will the tired executive toss herself
overboard due to lack of intellectual stimulation?” she muttered, a little
too sarcastically.
“That was the Titanic that hit the iceberg. And
for the record, I graduated with honors…summa cum laude, baby. And I’d
gloat but you graduated with the same honorable distinction,” her best
friend, Kira, answered, smiling.
“I know. If you recall, I was there. Besides, I wasn’t
implying that you weren’t intelligent. Though I am happy to see that you’ve
decided to admit you’re smart. Why you always feel the need to hide it is
beyond me,” Clare said. “You’re the top of your field. You should be proud
of it, not ashamed.”
“I’m not ashamed. I just don’t want to be labeled as
some boring pinstripe workaholic prude because I happen to be good at my
job. I hate stereotypes.”
“We’ve already agreed to disagree on this topic. Because
I love you like a sister I’ll let it drop.” Clare did her best to smile.
“Thank you,” Kira answered, grinning. “I don’t complain
about your boring life and you don’t complain about my wild one.”
“Kira…”
“Okay, dropped.” Kira winked.
“This is just very different for me. I spent my life
avoiding these types of getaways only to find myself here now. Besides,
can’t a girl be left in her nice little pessimistic place?” Clare grumbled.
“Even you have to agree that drowning might be preferable to learning how
to play shuffleboard.”
Kira laughed and winked. “Yes, I totally agree about the
shuffleboard thing. Besides, with my lack of grace I’d only end up slipping
in front of the world’s sexiest man. Hopefully, he’d be a lawyer. Then he’d
want to talk to me about a possible lawsuit. We could discuss it over a
lovely night of screwing.”
“Kira!” Clare scolded.
Tossing her hands in the air, Kira snickered. “Just
kidding. But thanks for taking on the stern mother role you do so well.”
“Someone has to try to keep you in line.”
CLOSE WINDOW
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