by J. A. Saare
Derek cleared his throat, breaking the spell.
I shook my head, leaning back and blinking, slightly disoriented and extremely embarrassed. I did not react to men—much less strange men—like this. A disappointed rumble emitted from Caleb, but he allowed space between us.
"This place isn't exactly where I'd hoped to take you.” Caleb's voice was a seductive caress that made my skin prickle and thrum. My eyes fluttered and my heart pounded.
As if sensing my reaction he smiled slightly, lifting the corners of his lips. “When we go inside, keep the jacket on, don't take it off. My scent will mark you. It's best we keep together inside. We couldn't tell anyone we were coming, just Sam and his people know."
"So.” My voice came out raspy and hoarse. “You want me to act like we're a couple?"
"Do you think that would be too hard?"
When I couldn't find my voice, I shook my head in response.
He reached for my hand, encircling his fingers around my own. His palm was slightly rough but not distractingly so, our hands a stark contrast, small and pale, large and tan; yet, they blended perfectly together.
"Don't be afraid of what you might see, I won't let anything happen to you.” He squeezed my fingers gently, holding my hand for several seconds longer than necessary.
He gradually pulled away, fingers skimming the surface of my skin as he let go and slid across the seat. The distance between us eased the sensations, allowing me to think clearly. I stared out the window, breathing raggedly, attempting to collect myself.
Derek turned off the interstate, driving into the barren countryside. I noticed the condemned building we passed initially, but otherwise, there were no discernable road marks.
The sun continued to vanish behind the horizon and stars speckled the dark blue sky. I glanced at the gathering clouds. The rain hadn't started, but it was close. I could taste it now.
We ventured away from the main road, turning onto another, and another. I couldn't see the gravel as night occupied the sky, but I could hear the crunch beneath the tires as random bits of stone particle flew up from underneath and chipped at paint.
Derek didn't flip on the headlights, and I wondered if what he was allowed him to see more easily at night. His cropped head bobbled as we hit random pot holes along the way, but he never strained to see. It was as if he were driving in broad daylight.
Tiny multicolored lights appeared in the distance, becoming brighter as we neared. I could see the sign protruding from the ground like a miniature billboard, the words ‘Haven's Pit’ carved deeply into the wood, each letter painted over in stark white.
Like the sign, the building was also constructed of wood. Gravel filled the lot, freshly cut grass bordering the edges. The metal roof reflected the white light of the moon, allowing me to see the tall expanse of trees that kept the location hidden. Cars, jeeps, vans and trucks crammed around. I didn't need to strain to hear the loud music and voices spilling from inside, they were equally loud.
"We're here,” Derek announced, pulling to the right side of the bar, near a line of trees. He threw the suburban in park, killing the motor and shrouding us in complete darkness. “Billy?"
"I'm up.” Billy sounded refreshed and I glanced past Caleb to watch as he yawned and stretched out. “What's the plan, boys?"
Caleb slid closer to me as he spoke. “I'm taking her directly downstairs. Billy, see if you can find Sam. Derek, stay with us until we get to Haven, after that, you've got bar duty. If anything happens, we're out of here. Once Sam arrives we'll have a better idea of where things stand. Got it?"
"Yep,” Derek and Billy quipped at the same time.
Derek opened his door, and I unbuckled my seat belt. I pushed the door open, slipping to the ground and looking around. Billy climbed over the back seat and filed out behind Caleb. He wasn't limping at all and it allowed me to see just how massive he was. Standing at his full height, uninjured, he towered over all of us. I always considered myself tall at 5'6", but beside him, I looked like a small child.
Derek led the way as Caleb pulled me to his side, wrapping his arm tightly around my waist as we took the middle. Billy brought up the rear, his gigantic body looming over us.
I looked for something to concentrate on in my nervousness, choosing the crunch of the gravel beneath the plastic soles of combat boots and sneakers, listening until the sounds were drowned out by the music and loud voices inside.
We climbed up the porch, stopping at the door.
"Is this your first time in a bar?” Derek turned to grin wickedly at me.
"How'd you guess?” I answered sarcastically, glaring at him.
"Just lucky.” He winked, reaching for the knob.
Derek entered first, holding the door open for Caleb as he clutched me tighter to his side. Heavy metal music deafened in my ears and I moved closer to Caleb's warmth, eyes skittering about the room.
A long bar ran along the left side of the wall, the mirrored backdrop displaying bottles of various liquors and spirits. The juke box against the wall was the source of the music, magnified by various speakers placed strategically around the room. The wooden dance floor directly ahead was empty, the mirrored ball spinning above casting rainbow colored squares all about.
Several people were situated about the room, mostly in the tables to the right. A brawny man with several tattoos and a cowboy hat watched as we entered. His dark eyes scanned each of us one by one, until his gaze settled on Caleb. He lifted his beer and turned back to the bar, asking for another. A few seated at the tables studied us as we passed by, nodding in our direction and returning to their conversations.
I clung to Caleb, grasping at him anxiously, and he gave me a reassuring squeeze. We followed Billy until he ventured off, walking to the right and striding down a narrow hallway with stairs that led up. He ducked at the last moment to avoid hitting his head before he vanished from sight.
Derek walked past the edge of the dance floor, taking a left into a different hallway. Caleb's reassuring hand at my back guided me to the end. He lifted his fist, pounding against the last door to the right.
"Private game in here!” a voice roared from the other side.
"It's Caleb."
"That's all you had to say!"
The door clicked and opened wide. Caleb gently pushed me inside and nodded. Derek pursed his lips and nodded in turn, strolling back down the hall.
I was greeted by the face behind the door. His honey blond hair was straight and long, hanging loosely around his wide shoulders. The Hawaiian shirt he wore was open at the collar, showcasing his thick neck. The tiny green palm trees sewn intricately into the material matched his eyes perfectly.
"Shit dude, what brings you to my neck of the woods? Not that I'm complaining. I know they'd love to have you down in the Pit tonight! Do you need to release a little pent up tension?"
He reached out, slapping his hand into Caleb's and pulling him in for a fast embrace.
"Not tonight, I have more important issues to see to.” Caleb stepped back, reaching for my waist and pulling us close together. “Emma, this is Haven. Haven, this is Emma."
"Oh, bro, Brig is going to be pissed!” Haven's laughter rang off the walls as he examined me closely. He extended his hand, flashing a captivating smile. “It's nice to meet you, Emma."
"You too.” I reached out, his palm engulfing my own as he shook it lightly.
He stood straight, clasping his hands together. He shook his head at Caleb, a mischievous grin forming.
"If you want to brave the Pit that's one thing, but going down into no man's land with another chick while Brig is here...” Haven's laughter returned and he continued to chuckle as he spoke, “Hey, it's your hide. More power to you, man."
Uneasiness formed a knot my stomach.
Who was Bridgette...his girlfriend?
Of course he has a girlfriend, I chastised myself angrily. Look at him, who could resist?
I cursed myself mentally, staring around th
e tiny room.
The space was as small, compact, and extremely crowded. The only furniture was a tiny table, some cards scattered along the top, and a few chairs shoved at the sides. A large plush picture of dogs playing poker was the only adornment on the pot holed wooden walls.
Haven moved to the left side of the room, lifting a hidden wooden panel and pressing buttons I couldn't see. The loud sigh of air escaping made me gasp and I turned toward the sound. The wood on the far right wall came free.
Caleb wrapped his fingers around my hand, leading me to the wall and pulling the thin wood aside, revealing an elevator shaft. He stepped into the cramped space first, pulling me against him and wrapping his arms around me. I leaned into him, inhaling that addictive smell of pine and leaves.
I didn't have time to immerse my senses before we were descending. It was dark and I was uncertain of how far we traveled underground. The elevator shifted to a halt, my feet and stomach lurching as the door slid open.
The noise hit first.
I listened as several sickening crunches were followed by excited cheers and boos. I hesitated timidly, stepping from the shaft. Caleb followed, placing his hands on my hips and pushing my body up against the nearest wall.
His broad shoulders blocked the room from view as he leaned in close, until only inches separated us.
"Don't be afraid,” he whispered, lowering his face. I drowned in glorious blue indigo as his eyes traveled closer. His hand wound into my hair and he traced his thumb vertically across my throat, creating goose bumps along the surface of the skin.
"I won't,” I breathed, going flush all over.
It was incredibly difficult to talk with him like this. He closed his eyes, taking a steadying breath before easing me off the wall.
The world shifted and I could think again. I became aware of the thunderous yelling and cheering proceeding terrible thuds and cracks. Caleb pressed against my right side, wrapping his hand around my waist and tucking me protectively under his shoulder. I tried to mask my shock and surprise as I looked around.
We were in an area far larger than the bar above, which was obviously a front for the place hidden below. Another mirrored bar wrapped around the entire length of the right wall, plates of reflective glass creating the illusion the space extended past the bartender. The stools were occupied by people, most dressed in blue jeans and leather. They were laughing and drinking, taking shots and smoking cigarettes and cigars.
My eyes circled the room.
There were tables too, only scattered all around, each crammed with bodies. Some of the men held women in their arms, sharing seats. All of the people were loud. The volume of combined voices muted out conversations, making them unintelligible.
I glanced straight ahead. Several people were lined along an expanse of chunky wooden railing in the center of the room. There was a section missing and I could see wooden slats at the top, leading down.
"This way.” Caleb hugged the left wall, veering away from the bar. He led us to an empty stretch of the wooden rail, stopping and lifting his eyes to scan the crowd.
I looked down, eyes growing wide.
The Pit was fifteen feet or so deep, and at least twenty feet long. Blood—both dried and fresh—littered the walls and pale sand. Two men were at the far end, a third struggling to stand at their feet. I watched in horror as he would find his balance on wobbly legs only to be punched or kicked back down again. Each time he would repeat himself, trying to right his uncoordinated body. His face was covered in blood. I couldn't even see his mouth through the gore.
I tore my gaze away from the brutality to stare at Caleb. His beautiful face was tense, his slightly arched brows creased together, forming a thick line. An eerie glow entered his eyes, changing the color of the iris. I watched in alarm and disbelief as the blue flickered bright, then dark, before he slammed them shut.
Eyelids closed, jaw tight, his long lashes fluttered as he gritted his teeth. His body hummed ever so softly against mine as he trembled.
"Caleb?” I whispered quietly.
He struggled for several more seconds, squared jaw slowly clenching and releasing. He inhaled deeply, holding the air inside his lungs, releasing it in a slow exhale as the tension eased from his body. He waited a few moments longer, opening his eyes again and blinking rapidly as if trying to focus.
He gazed down at me—revealing his usual deep blue peepers. “It's been too long since I've been here,” he said apologetically.
A piercing scream filled the air. “Caleb?"
I turned to the voice just as Caleb cursed, “Shit."
She was beautiful, tall and lean. Her tiny heart shaped face accentuated enormous light blue eyes. The long blonde hair cascading down her shoulders was thick, trailing in heavy strands down her back. Tight black leather hugged her perfectly curved body, leaving nothing to the imagination.
She strode confidently toward us, practically gliding across the floor. Her excited eyes were intent, homed in on one person.
"Caleb!” she exclaimed again, thrusting her body into his arms and knocking me loose.
The force of the impact as she collided with Caleb sent me backward, causing the railing to split at my back. I screamed as I fell, forced into agonizing silence when the breath exited my lungs on impact with the sand below.
I pulled my knees into my chest and gasped for air, sucking in ragged draws of precious oxygen. Having the wind knocked out of me was something I didn't find pleasant, even with plenty of practice.
I saw a flash of something to the right, then another to my left. I looked up, startled and afraid. The men from the pit had moved away from the person incapacitated in the sand, circling me instead.
The noise in the room increased in volume and I scrambled to my feet. Panic swelled inside my chest, fear radiating through my body. The uproar above increased, creating an animalistic frenzy.
I realized two things in my terror—they could smell my fear, and it excited them.
The air shifted, thickening, creating a strange buzz across my skin. I watched in horror as the men stalked forward, their eyes shifting from dark to bright. Muscles and bones expanded under their flesh, making them grow taller and wider. Large veins bulged, shining teeth expanded and snapped at me. My stomach lodged in my throat as I prepared to run.
"Get behind me."
Caleb's voice was the most welcome thing my ears had ever heard. I did as instructed, slowly stepping backward. I didn't break eye contact with the two creatures snarling and snapping, too horrified to look away.
Caleb's large silhouette appeared in the corner of my left eye. He came around, closing the distance and providing a barrier from the two werewolves ready to shred me apart if presented the opportunity. They snarled louder, growls becoming vicious and angry, matching their non-human lupine faces.
One launched forward, throwing a punch which Caleb deflected harmlessly. The other attempted to deliver a blow as well, aiming for the midsection. Caleb maneuvered effortlessly out of the way, keeping his body in place, continuing to separate them from me. They persisted, making small passes, waiting for an opportunity to strike.
They chose to move together, the one on the left striking out while the one to the right tackled Caleb into the sand. They began to hit him violently, fists flying.
I glanced around in panic, searching for anything I could use. The ladder caught my attention.
If I could be fast enough, and pull a piece free, I could use it as a weapon.
I started forward, unsure of what to do but unable to bear standing by to watch the carnage.
A firm hand gripped my shoulder, startling me. “Don't do that darlin',” Billy whispered. “A man's got to have his pride."
I watched helplessly as Caleb attempted to deflect the blows that rained down on his shoulders and back. I averted my head and closed my eyes, fighting back sickness.
I didn't want to see Caleb's blood staining the walls and sand.
Energy surged through
the pit, brushing painfully across my skin, nearly knocking me over. I gasped and stumbled, remaining on my feet by Billy's hand locked onto my shoulder. A deep growl rent the air and the force in the room intensified and shifted. The hair on my arms stood on end as the crowd above erupted into absolute chaos.
I opened my eyes and glanced up.
The rail was completely full now, bodies surging against the railing to watch. Men and women stared down, snarling and cheering, their words mangled and distorted.
The blonde girl who knocked me over was still there. Her eyes—like all the others—glowed strangely and shifted color. Her lips quavered as she chanted along with everyone else.
I glanced back down, searching for the source of the growl.
Caleb was no longer on the ground. His body contorted under his black t-shirt, the muscles in his arms expanding as his body grew and doubled in size.
I gasped at the incomprehensible thing I was witnessing and Billy patted my shoulder in understanding. “It's all right. He's a big boy, and they done pissed him off."
Caleb punched the one on his right, sending him reeling through the air, his body making solid contact with the bloodied wall. A nasty crunch vibrated in my ears and he crumpled unmoving to the sand.
Caleb moved swiftly, rushing the other werewolf and grasping him by the throat. He forced him back, pushing his body against the blood stained wall.
The sound in the room increased, voices mingling together. People yelled out frantically, tones garbled and thick.
The werewolf kicked feebly as he used his arms, attempting to deliver blows to get free. Caleb deflected each with his free hand, until the movements became sluggish and uncoordinated, before coming to a stop all together.
Caleb stepped back, releasing his hold and opening his fingers. The man crumpled to the ground, legs dropping from underneath as he slumped. The crowd erupted in cheers as the energy eased from of the pit.
I sighed in relief. My skin wasn't tingling painfully under the jacket any longer.
"See, no harm done,” Billy offered comfortingly, removing his steadying hand.