by Nicole Grane
Chapter 2: The Stranger
I sat at my kitchen table half-heartedly eating a bowl of granola. I picked up the local paper and began reading the front page: “Local fisherman capsizes boat off coast of Trinidad. Nestled in the heart of the Redwoods and hugged by the Pacific Ocean, a small beach community mourns the loss of one of their own.” I sighed, remembering Bert, down on the docks selling his daily catch.
I plopped the paper down and glanced around the room. The bright yellow walls and powder blue curtains did nothing to brighten my mood.
I couldn’t get him out of my mind. I’d dreamt about my stranger again last night, only this time, I wasn't afraid of him. This time he'd saved me. I breathed in. I could almost smell him. His scent burned my very soul, leaving my heart fluttering at a rapid speed. I tried to shake away the image. Why hadn’t anyone else seen him?
“I need to get out of here.” The very room felt as though it were closing in on me.
I hurried into my shoes, grabbed a sack from the closet, and headed out the door. I’d been working on a new jewelry collection for work and was running low on supplies—I stopped suddenly.
There he was, dressed in black from head to toe. His pale skin illuminated by the sunlight. His eyes were dark and intense, just as I’d remembered. His lips, a pale shade of pink, were turned up into a warm smile. He was leaning up next to a shiny black motorcycle that alone would look incredible, but next to him, paled significantly.
I was at a loss for words. I just stood there, staring at him like he was an elegant piece of artwork that had just been discovered. He was breathtaking! His scent on the wind tickled my nose like a spring rain. I knew that fragrance . . .
I moved toward him slowly. If he was a mirage—I didn’t want him to disappear. He remained still as I approached. I could feel my pulse quicken as our eyes locked. I paused for a moment, then took in a deep breath. My hand reached out until my fingers gently touched his bare arm. It was firm, slightly colder than my own arm, but definitely real. I closed my eyes and sighed with relief.
He let out a laugh that was intoxicating, and took me completely off guard. “You didn’t think I was real?” He shook his head in disbelief.
“Well, I . . .” I blushed every shade from pink to scarlet I was sure. “It’s just that when I think I see you, you disappear. I thought you were . . . in my head,” I admitted, reluctantly.
“Phoebe,” his voice was soft, whisper-like, as he spoke my name. He looked at me strangely, as though I were someone dear to him, as if he’d known me forever.
“What did you call me?”
He stood up straighter now. “That is your name isn’t it?”
I stared up into his face. “Yes . . .” I answered hesitantly.
His eyes drifted to my hands that still clutched a canvas sac. “Have I interrupted your day?”
My mouth was open slightly as I marveled at the perfection before me. Even his words were elegant. “Huh? Oh!” I came back to earth. “I was just heading to the beach for supplies. But I can go later,” I added quickly. “Would you like to come in?” I motioned to the door. “That is, if you have time . . . I mean, you don’t have to . . . only if you want!” I was babbling. My heart raced every time he smiled at me, as though it were jumping out of my chest. I couldn’t think straight for some reason. I was all flustered.
I wiped my forehead with the back of my hand, clearing the sweat that had formed. My body flushed under his lingering gaze. I felt as though I were swaying, like a newly planted tree in the wind. My vision blurred; as I felt myself fall . . .
My eyes opened slowly, adjusting to the bright light. I was in my living room, lying on the couch. How did I . . .? I jumped!
“No, no. It’s alright. Lie down a bit more.” My stranger was sitting beside me. His voice was low and calming, almost hypnotic.
My heart rate slowed upon his command. “I’m so sorry,” I said as I rubbed my forehead, trying to erase the disoriented feeling I had. “I don’t know what happened to me? I’ve never fainted like that before.”
“I guess I’ll have to watch the way I look at you from now on.” He smiled knowingly.
I frowned a little. “I’ve never fainted just because someone looked at me. How embarrassing,” I muttered the last part under my breath.
“I doubt anyone has ever looked at you like that before,” he said with what appeared to be great certainty.
I could feel the heat in my cheeks once again. I knew he knew exactly why I’d fainted. I was never going to live this down. I shook off the dizziness and forced myself to sit up.
“Are you sure you’re alright?” I could hear the concern in his voice.
“Yes, I’m fine.” I tried to ignore the uncertainty in mine.
“Perhaps this is a good time to introduce myself,” he offered thankfully changing the subject. “My name is Marcus Ashworth.” He said his name slowly as if there was some sort of hidden significance I was supposed to understand.
“Marcus,” I repeated quietly to myself. His name fit him perfectly.
I extended my hand to him. “Phoebe Rose.” He stared at it for a moment, then took it softly.
“You’re so cold!” I exclaimed, still holding his hand. “I could turn up the heat, or would you like a blanket?” I moved to get up.
“No!” he said abruptly, releasing my hand. “I’m quite comfortable, truly.” His eyebrows furrowed a little. “I wondered . . . how your shoulder was healing?”
“My shoulder? Oh! You mean when that dog attacked me back in London—nightmare,” I grumped aloud, rolling my eyes a little. Wait. I looked at him incredulously. “How did you know? I recoiled a little. My heart reacted to the sudden fear I felt, beating faster by the second.
“What makes you think it was a dog that attacked you?” he asked, ignoring my jolted expression.
“I . . . I don’t know for sure.” I shifted uneasily. “It all happened so fast.” I subconsciously began rubbing my shoulder. “Although, it must have been a giant dog. The tooth marks were huge.”
“Tooth marks?” He looked extremely anxious all of a sudden.
“I think they’re tooth marks?” I added nervously.
He regarded me for a moment, pondering something over in his mind. “You must be wondering how I found you?”
“Actually, I . . .” I broke off. I had been wondering but was afraid to ask.
He smiled in understanding. “I’m a tracker, Phoebe, a hunter by trade.”
“A hunter?” I had to look as confused as I was.
“I was hunting the night you were . . . intercepted.” He chose his word carefully. “I was closing in on him when you came around the corner and he literally plunged into you.” Marcus gave my shoulder a quick glance. “You’re quite lucky I was so close. He didn’t have time to kill you,” he added darkly.
“Have time to kill me?” I nearly shouted. I was on the edge of the couch now, my eyes wide with shock. “What do you mean? What exactly were you hunting?”
His face grew serious, his jaw tightening with sudden tension. “A type of wolf,” he said through clenched teeth.
“A wolf! In London?” My brain couldn’t register what my ears were hearing. “You must be joking?” I half laughed, remembering Kim’s ridiculous ‘escaped animal from the zoo’ theory. I couldn’t bear it if she had been in any way right about that. The thought made me nauseous. I could never tell her. There’d be no living with her after this.
My mind wandered briefly until I felt Marcus's stare. There was no trace of humor in his face.
“What was a wolf doing running through London?” I decided to ask. Hoping not only that I had misunderstood him, but also to break the tension that was now looming over my living room.
“There are unfortunately many wolves that roam the city from time to time,” he explained with a hint of venom in his words. “Usually they’re killed before they get too close, but there seems to be a rise in the population. We
’re hard-pressed to stop all of them in time.”
“‘We’re’? There are more of you? Hunters?”
He nodded.
I felt so confused. “Stop them in time for what?” I asked a moment later.
“Before they kill someone, or worse,” he added darkly.
My breath caught. “What could be worse than being killed?” I asked, afraid to hear the answer.
He leaned in closer, filling my head with the scent of him. “It could leave you alive after it’s mauled you.”
I swallowed loudly, my body seeming to freeze with fear. “But, I was left alive.” My words came out like a whisper.
He shifted his weight. His eyes still showing signs of concern. “Yes. You were.”
I couldn’t tell if Marcus thought this was good news or bad; and that uneasy feeling I had when I thought something was following me back to the motel room came back to me.
“A wolf . . . really? I suppose that explains the weird dreams I’ve been having. Should I have gotten a rabies shot?” I prattled on nervously; trying to ignore the uneasy look he still gave me.
“May I see it?” He pointed to my shoulder.
“Um . . . I guess so,” I answered hesitantly. “There really isn’t much to see.”
I could feel his posture stiffen as I turned my back to him. I tossed my hair aside and pulled at the neck of my shirt, exposing my shoulder. I glanced behind me, meeting his stare. “How does it look?”
“Beautiful!” he whispered his eyes still gazing into mine.
My heart began to race again. I dropped my stare. “I meant the bite marks.” I could feel myself blush as my eyes met his once more.
He looked a million miles away. His hand paused in mid air as if considering whether or not he should touch them.
“It’s ok,” I volunteered guessing his thoughts. “I mean. It doesn’t hurt. It’s just a little pink still. But it seemed to heal pretty fast, really.”
His eyes flickered to mine and then back to my shoulder. He inched closer. I could feel his cool breath on my skin as he neared. I shivered involuntary as his fingers gently brushed my skin.
“OW!”
He literally flew back from the couch and was now standing across the room from me.
My mouth hung open for a moment. “How did you move like that?” I gasped.
“I didn’t mean to hurt you!” His face was anxious; his hands were clenched into fists at his side.
“You didn’t . . . really. There must be some static in the air,” I half smiled as I pulled my shirt back over my shoulder and turned toward him. I could still feel the goose bumps he’d caused on my skin.
“Marcus, how—” was all I managed to squeak out when a horn honking in front of the house diverted my attention. A new feeling of dread overtook me. “Oh . . . no . . .” I groaned as I hid my face in my hands. I was instantaneously depressed.
“What is it?”
I peeked through my fingers to see Marcus looking from the door back to me, awaiting my explanation.
“Some annoying guy that won’t leave me alone,” I admitted hopelessly. “He’s trying to wear me down so I’ll go out with him.” I leaned back on the couch and rolled my eyes to the ceiling as Brian honked again.
“Go out?” Marcus asked.
I looked over, giving him a questioning look. “Yeah. You know, go out. As in, spend time with him.”
Marcus’s face lit with understanding. “He wishes to court you.”
I had to think about that. I knew Marcus was from Europe. He sounded British, and he admitted to working near London. Courting someone was a bit old fashioned, but so were the English. I guessed in a way that’s what Brian was doing. “Yes.” I finally answered him.
The horn beeped again.
“Would you like me to speak with him?” Marcus offered casually. His voice sounded almost devious, and took me by surprise.
I half-laughed as I considered the look on Brian’s face if Marcus answered the door. It was tempting . . . “No, I’m used to it,” I conceded as I got up and walked to the door with my head hung down in defeat. Could Brian’s timing be any worse?
A thought occurred to me. I stopped abruptly and spun around. “Marcus—?”
He smiled knowingly. His dark eyes were softer now as he looked into mine. “Yes Phoebe, I’ll be here when you return. I’m not going anywhere.”
I stared at him in amazement. “How did you know—? Never mind,” I added quickly. It didn’t matter. He wouldn’t be disappearing, and that was all I needed to here. I spun around to open the door.
“Phoebee! What’s up, girl? You’re looking good today!” Brian was right in my face attempting to ooze out charm.
I never disliked hearing my name so much as when Brian said it. I hated it when he accentuated the ‘e’ at the end.
I pulled the door shut behind me, sparing Marcus from having to endure such a painful conversation. Brian wasn’t known for being intellectually stimulating.
“Hey Brian,” I offered a small smile. “This isn’t really a good time. I’m headed out right now.”
He looked surprised that I wasn’t excited he decided to grace me with his presence today. He looked back at the street and stared at the black motorcycle parked in front.
Shoot, I thought to myself. I’d forgotten about Marcus’s motorcycle.
“Whose bike?” he asked suspiciously.
“Uhh . . .” was all I could say. I bit my lip trying to come up with an answer. Brian would never leave me alone if he thought another guy was hanging around, encroaching on his so-called territory. He was under the delusion that he and I were an item—although I’d never gone on a date with him, or said that I ever would.
“So Phoebs,” he went on ignoring the fact that I hadn’t answered his question. “I was thinking . . .”
I cringed.
“Hey! What’s up with your eyes?” he asked as he inched closer, his eyes narrowing in on mine. “You get some funky contacts or something?”
“What? No!” I stepped back a little, trying to evade his stare.
“Weird. They’re like . . . yellow-looking. Anyway,” he continued, unconcerned; “You and I should go out tonight. You know, dinner, movie.” He moved closer. Brian’s concept of personal space was almost non-existent. “I’ll even pay!” he added, like this would seal the deal. “We could come back here after . . .” his voice trailed off as his lips curled up into a creepy smile that I’m sure was supposed to be seductive.
He held onto my shoulders, massaging them with as much tenderness as someone kneading bread. He towered over me in such a way that always made me uncomfortable. Brian was easily three times bigger than I was and could effortlessly overpower me if he wanted to. This realization was always in the back of my mind as I tried to gently turn him away.
“ . . . I could stay the whole night if you want,” he continued on, not missing a beat. “I’ll keep you safe if that wolf comes around here and tries to attack you,” he scoffed.
“Wolf?”
“Yeah.” he looked surprised. “Right down the road, some guy lost his chickens and a goat, I think. It was in the paper this morning.”
“I didn’t see that in the paper.” Although I put it down after I read about Bert’s passing. “How do they know it was a wolf?” I demanded, feeling my heart rate increase once again.
“Easy babe, I’ll take care of you,” he closed in on me.
“Brian.” I reached out and put my hands on his shoulders, halting him. “Focus. How do they know it was a wolf?”
He frowned. “They found some paw prints, pretty good sized ones, too big to be a coyote,” he added offhandedly.
I nodded my head in understanding. My mind was racing. What was a wolf doing in Trinidad? Could this be a coincidence?
Brian must have somehow picked up on my private panic attack. He sounded almost human for a moment. “Hey, don’t worry Phoebe. You’ll be alright.”
I had to
regain control quick. “Uh, thanks anyway Brian. I don’t have any animals so I don’t think it’ll come hunting around here.” I tried to sound blasé about the whole thing.
“Alright. I could spend the night anyway,” he persisted as his face was drawing nearer every second. I could see his eyes begin to close as his lips moved within inches of mine.
“Brian, I . . .”
The door flung open! Being that the entire weight of my body was pressed against it, trying to escape Brian’s clutches, I fell right through the opening—Marcus caught me before I hit the floor. I breathed heavily as I looked into the eyes of my rescuer with deep relief.
Marcus gave me a little wink as he lifted me back to my feet; placing himself between Brian and me.
With his arm still around my waist, he turned to Brian. “I’m Marcus Ashworth.” His voice was calm yet undoubtedly firm.
Brian looked utterly shocked.
I tried to imagine myself anywhere but here. “This is Brian Hawk.” I introduced.
Brian stared at Marcus for a moment then diverted his attention to the motorcycle, and to my surprise, put the pieces together. “Hi,” he said gruffly, and continued as if Marcus wasn’t there. “So, what do you think?”
“About what?” My head was spinning.
“Dinner, movie?” he paused for a moment. Brian’s eyes were fixed on Marcus's arm that was still around my waist.
“Well Brian, I have to work in the morning, and . . .”
“Phoebe has already agreed to allow me to take her to dinner this evening,” Marcus announced coolly.
“You’ve got a date, with him?” Brian asked in disbelief.
I looked up at Marcus who appeared to be enjoying himself a little too much. “Yes?” I answered.
Brian looked beyond irritated now. “I guess I’ll check on you later this week then.” He turned and headed back to his car. He gave me one last irritated glance before he turned the music up to blaring and tore off in a rage.
“That went well,” Marcus laughed under his breath.
“You didn’t have to make him so jealous.” I cut him a disapproving look. “You don’t know what you’ve started; he’s never going to leave me alone now.” I turned toward the door.
Marcus caught my arm gently. “I’m sorry. I was trying to help.” He paused for a minute, and I could see he was struggling with something. He released me. His eyes looked black as coal, and the muscles in his jaw began to clench. “I wasn’t going to allow him to think he could spend the night with you!” he snapped as he glared in the direction Brian had sped off in. He looked furious. He turned his attention back to me as I slowly retreated. “Watch out!”
I tripped backward over the threshold and fell; landing once again with his arms under me, saving me from hitting the floor.
My heart pounded as I looked into his eyes. I was torn by the fear I felt a moment ago, the utter shock of how he managed to catch me so quickly, and the absolute safety I felt in his embrace. My pulse raced as his eyes looked deeper into mine. I could feel his cool breath on my lips. The sweet smell of his body encircled me as his arms held me close to him.
“Please, don’t fear me.” His voice was soft, velvety. His eyes were golden brown and tender as they gazed into mine. They’d changed somehow . . .
“Marcus, I . . .” I didn’t know what to say. I’d never had anyone react to or treat me this way before. “Thank you.” They didn’t feel like the right words. But they were all I knew.
“I’m sorry I frightened you,” his voice came across like a whisper. “I don’t trust your friend. And I can’t bear the thought of him being so intimate with you.” I could hear the sharpness in his words.
“He’s not my friend,” I breathed heavily. My eyes had settled on his lips that were nearly touching mine.
He held me a second more before he whisked me up, setting me back on my feet.
I half-laughed to myself.
“What’s so funny?” his face was full of wonder.
“No, it’s nothing,” I said, waving him off. I turned toward the door.
“Please.” His hand came out and caught mine, halting me.
“Really, it’s nothing.”
He gave me a hopeful look.
“Well, it’s just that . . .” my laugh became a nervous one. “ . . . I was just thinking to myself . . . that Brian’s not the first guy who tried to sleep over. He’s just a bit pushier that’s all. I mean, you’d have to be glued to my hip if you expect to ward off all the tacky guys I come in contact with.” I cringed a little as I thought back.
Marcus's face fell.
“Please ignore that. I don’t know why I said that out loud.” I was horrified with my big mouth. Of course he wouldn’t think that was funny. “I don’t think sometimes before I speak; it just sort of . . . falls out,” I added quickly. “Just . . . forget I said anything.”
“Other men try to . . .?” He broke off mid sentence. He had a look of shock across his face, as if he couldn’t believe what I was telling him.
“I can imagine how far-fetched it must seem, but yes. Other men have tried to stay over as well,” I informed him, feeling insulted now.
Marcus looked at me disapprovingly. “I believe other men find you attractive; it’s just unthinkable that they would be so forward about it. It’s not very gentlemanly.”
My mouth gaped a little. I was truly amazed. Who was this guy? More importantly, why hadn’t I met him sooner?
“Let’s try not to worry about the past.” I wanted to change the subject—quick! There was, however, one question I wanted to ask desperately. But I would wait for later. Now was not the time for another heavy conversation. “Would you like to go with me to the beach?” I asked. “I was heading there when you came. I need some shells for my new jewelry design.”
I could see that he saw through my diversion. But, being the gentleman he obviously was, he dropped the subject. “I’ll drive.”
Before I could blink, he was on his bike smiling, waving me over.
I stared at him in disbelief. Either my eyes were playing tricks on me, or Marcus moved faster than the speed of light—I decided it had to be my eyes.
“One sec!” I dashed into the house, grabbed my things and met him at the street.
He shook his head as he watched my hesitant expression. He gave my hand a quick yank and I was instantly on back, straddling the seat behind him. He laughed at the bewildered look on my face.
“Where to?” he asked, still snickering.
“Up the coast a little, I know a spot that’s pretty good.”
“Hold on!” he yelled back to me.