WONDER ( Twisted Forbidden Tales ) Book Three

Tantric Flower Trap Part One

ALISSA

“How many times are you going to keep looking Issa?” said Elder Shitake with a smirk on his face.

How dare he call just me out on the looks Happy was getting from his transformation in drinking the expansion potion. Albeit the three of us were the only ones that knew that a potion had contributed to Happy’s new look. But I wasn’t the only person who had taken several glances at the new and improved cheeky cat, who was now the size of an adult male cat decked out in style.

As we ambled through Mushroom Bay, the air was alive with the vibrant hues of oversized mushrooms, their whimsical forms casting playful shadows upon the cobblestone paths. Lanterns swayed gently in the breeze, their warm glow casting an ethereal light upon the festivities.

“I’m not the only one looking, old man. That potion sure is trippy.” I said as Happy walked alongside us with flaunting pride. At the forefront of his presence were his piercing emerald eyes, gleaming with an undeniable spark of mischief and wit. Framed by locks of midnight black hair cascading from beneath a musketeer hat, his countenance exuded an air of roguish charm. His tall, fit, and slightly muscled physique spoke of agility and prowess, reminiscent of the legendary swashbuckler himself.

I refused to admit that he looked pretty handsome and cool with this look. His skin bore a dusky hue, hinting at sun-kissed adventures beneath Mushroom Bay's azure skies. A mischievously upturned nose and a playful grin adorned his visage, inviting curiosity and amusement in equal measure.

From looks of awe and astonishment to flirty giggles and winks of interest from several women and men alike as we walked by. I frowned a bit annoyed all of a sudden as I thought of his true appearance as Hank and what that would bring forth once he was cured of his cat affliction. A foreign sense of possessiveness flowed through me and I found myself moving a bit closer to him as we walked.

Happy donned a vest of deep crimson velvet, embroidered with intricate gold thread. Suspenders adorned with brass buckles crisscrossed his chest, adding a touch of old-world charm. Beneath the vest, a billowy white shirt peeked out, its sleeves rolled up in a casual yet elegant manner.

His trousers, crafted from supple leather, hugged his legs snugly, accentuating his athletic physique. At his side, a gleaming rapier hung from a richly embellished belt, its hilt adorned with intricate carvings reminiscent of ancient lore. With each step, the sword swayed in rhythm with his movements, a silent reminder of his combat prowess.

“Hmm.. even so, child, dare I say you are the one that has looked the most.” Elder Shitake raddled on joking. I found my cheeks felt a little hot.

“Shut it, old man!” I whispered and growled at him making him chuckle out loud even more.

“Well, I think he has a point here girlie, do you find me attractive?” Happy’s voice well, I should say Hank’s voice whispered near my ear. The deep and sultry baritone of his just did something to me. My body suddenly filled up with indescribable tingles.

“Go away! Why are you so close to me?” I feigned a complaint. As I nudged him him with my elbow but he kept walking and not putting any distance between us.

“As I recall I’m not the one who moved closer. Hmm,” he responded with a knowing smirk. Elder Shiitake's joyful laughter didn’t make the atmosphere any less heated at this point.

This damn cheeky cat man was driving me crazy. I couldn’t wait to arrive at MuDeath Village. Pouring myself into finding out what the Tweedle twins were after here would be a welcomed distraction during the festival events. They had gone all out this year for the festival from the Mushroom Bay city to MuDeath Village.

As we neared MuDeath Village, the air grew thick with anticipation, and the decorations became more elaborate, mirroring the joyous spirit of the Mushroom Festival. Colorful banners fluttered in the breeze, their cheerful designs adding to the festive atmosphere.

Upon reaching the heart of the village, we were greeted by the sight of a grand bonfire, its flames dancing merrily against the night sky. The scent of roasted mushrooms filled the air, mingling with the sounds of laughter and music that echoed throughout the streets.

Of course, Enzo and Zuri Tweedle were spotted right away among the crowd. As we joined the revelry, Hank, with his charming demeanor and enigmatic smile, became the life of the party. He was quick in diverting people’s attention as was the job appointed to him by Elder Shitake as he and I tended to the deeper parts of tonight's plan.

“If it isn't the mighty fine Alissa standing before me. Damn, if I do dare say that I miss the lovely taste of yours.” the voice of Enzo Tweedle spoke from behind me sending chills down my spine. It was from fear but a deep-seated anger. Dare he mention the nightmare I experienced by his and his sister’s evil hands? I felt sick for a moment but quickly reeled my emotions in. Nothing about my encounter had ever been consensual, yet he boasted about it like it was just a tryst or a simple one-night stand.

“Oh, it’s you. Funny, I didn’t see you there just now Enzo, what a coincidence.” I said sarcastically as I turned around to face him. The smug smile he sported on his face froze for a moment. His eyes changed from their playful countenance to one of malice.

“You’ve got jokes here I see. But the Old elder seems to dote on Zuri and us this time, making us judges right beside you for the end festivities. I can’t wait to see what the Enoki and Fly Families come up with. I have a feeling a surprise is in store, don’t you think?” Enzo said. His words brought a frown to my face. What did he mean? Elder Shitake far from doted on these two ass hats! He was just being formal with them to keep the peace.

“Brother, there you are! Come quick, elder Shitake has brought along a scrumptious-looking guest tonight. I just bet we could have a firework-filled time with him if he’s up for it.” Zuri’s creepy seductive toned voice said as she sauntered up to Enzo’s side.

There was no way I’d let them get near or touch what was mine. For a moment I was stunned by this newfound surging emotion within me. Amidst the laughter and cheer, Hank regaled the residents with tales of wonder and whimsy, his presence adding an extra spark to the already magical evening. However, I couldn’t help being even more on guard as Zuri’s eyes just like before were unwavering as she eyed him. Her desire’s unmasked and her intention clear.

As surely as we had our plan, the Tweedles and the D’ Angel family had theirs. And as the night wore on, amidst the festivities of Mushroom Festival, I knew that our plan from this moment had only just begun. Soon the head of the MuDeath Family's Mr. Fly arrived followed by Rabia D’Angel. The Tweedle twins gave one another a silent look of tacit understanding. Then Zuri took off toward Happy, while Enzo took off toward Rabia.

I didn’t mind his rude departure, after all, the closer I was to them the sicker I’d become. Who wouldn’t be that way after experiencing what I had from them? The wait to serve them their concupiscence was a wait I could afford to plan well. A familiar presence stood beside me, as the calming aura of Elder Shitake washed over me, settling my emotions that were on the brink of spiraling out of control.

“It’s alright child, our plan is already in motion. It seemed she needed to show her face tonight making it even better that I don’t have to search for her myself. With all her potential, she sadly chose this road. Sigh, one should choose their friends wisely things will not end well for the D’Angel Family. What a pity and such a waste.” Elder Shitake said as he patted me on the shoulder with a sign of comfort. I let out a breath I wasn’t aware I had been holding. Enzo’s words kept running through my mind putting me on edge. What surprise were they waiting for? It couldn’t be anything good, for nothing the Tweedles ever done led to Happy endings.

I didn’t mind his rude departure, after all, the closer I was to them the sicker I’d become. Who wouldn’t be that way after experiencing what I had from them? The wait to serve them their concupiscence was a wait I could afford to plan well. A familiar presence stood beside me, as the calming aura of Elder Shitake washed over me, settling my emotions that were on the brink of spiraling out of control.