Toxic (Venom Series) Book Three

by Kristen Middleton

  Yeah, but weren’t we running because she was still very much afraid?

  Of course, I didn’t dare mention that. Instead, I just changed the subject.

  “So, how much farther of a drive do we have, mom?” I asked, noticing the mountains coming up in the distance.

  “Oh, just a couple more hours,” she replied, plugging in her iPod. Seconds later, Adele, began to sing about Rumors.

  I stretched my arms and yawned.

  “Honey,” she said, lowering her sunglasses, “you look beat; why don’t you try and get some rest? I’ll wake you when we get there.”

  “Okay,” I said, closing my eyes. “Maybe I’ll just take a little nap.”

  ~~~

  “Why not, mom? I just don’t understand,” protested Nathan.

  She sighed. “Can we please talk about Deanna later?”

  I woke up to the sound of mom and Nathan arguing. We were parked by a small grocery store and he was standing outside of her window, pouting.

  “Oh God, not now,” I mumbled. It was getting dark and we’d missed dinner and my stomach was protesting. I was cranky, and the last thing I needed was to hear any more drama about Deanna.

  “Can’t she just come for a week before school starts?” said Nathan. “She’s having a rough time with her parents, and now that I’m gone, things have gotten even worse. It’s not fair for her.”

  She shook her head. “No, we have too much to do with unpacking and getting ready for school. Maybe she can come and visit sometime after it starts for a weekend.”

  “This is all bullshit,” he snapped, backing up from the window. He raised his hands in exasperation. “We could have stayed home. I would’ve protected you. Now we’re forced to move, and you didn’t even give me a chance.”

  “Nathan!” I gasped. “You are the one not being fair. Mom’s been through so much and you’re just mad because you can’t see Deanna whenever you want. God, you’re being an asshole.”

  His face turned red and he opened up his mouth to retaliate when mom quickly interrupted.

  “Okay, let’s all settle down. Quit pointing fingers at each other, and Nikki, watch your mouth.”

  “Sorry,” I mumbled.

  “Listen, it isn’t either of your faults, okay? And, Nathan,” she said, smiling sadly, “I’m grateful that you want to protect me, but you can’t possibly follow me around twenty-four hours a day, nor do I expect you to be my personal bodyguard. Now, as far as Deanna goes, we’ll talk about it later. Comprende?”

  He nodded but was still sulking and I could tell that this conversation was far from over.

  She noticed it as well and rubbed her forehead in frustration. “Okay, let’s get the things we need in the grocery store before it gets dark. I don’t want to get lost while searching for this cabin.”

  “Let’s go,” I said, opening my door.

  Nathan followed us into the store, still moping.

  “Nathan, would you please cheer up?” she pleaded when we were in the frozen pizza section and he refused to pick out food.

  “Yeah,” I said. “Don’t ruin our first night here because of a girl who’s probably lining up her next soul-mate as we speak.”

  “Would you just shut-up?” he snapped. “You’re just jealous because you didn’t leave anyone behind that mattered.”

  I took a step towards him. “Excuse me? Jealous!?”

  “Stop it!” hissed mom, getting into both of our faces. “We’re in public and you’re both acting… ridiculous. Now, I’m sorry that we had to move, I really am. But we’re here now and there’s no turning back. So get it together, or I swear to God, I won’t buy any ice cream.”

  Nathan raised his hands in the air. “Okay, mom, just settle down. We can talk about this, no need to bring ice cream into the equation. That’s cruel.”

  She smirked. “That’s what I thought.” She then turned to me. “What about you? Are you going to lay off Deanna, who isn’t even here to defend herself?”

  “Fine,” I replied tightly. “As long as he stops talking about her every five minutes.”

  “Whatever,” he replied, shaking his head.

  She closed her eyes and rubbed the bridge of her nose. “You know, maybe this was a mistake, I don’t know.” She opened her eyes. “But, what’s done is done, and we have to make the best of it. So, please, quit arguing and let’s try to make the best of this. Okay?”

  We both agreed, but avoided eye contact.

  “Okay,” she said, smiling again. “Now, let’s finish this up and find the cabin. I think you’re going to really like living out here if you just give it a chance. I mean, come on, you have to admit – the scenery is beautiful.”

  “California was beautiful too,” replied Nathan, grabbing a stack of pizzas from the freezer. “I’m just saying…”

  She rolled her eyes. “Seriously?”

  He put the pizzas in the cart. “Okay, fine, I’ll admit that it’s different here – the fresh air, the mountains, all of the greenness. I guess it’s cool.”

  “Thank you. Now, let’s grab some Hot Pockets and Pizza Rolls,” she said, staring at the case.

  I grimaced. “Hot Pockets?”

  She motioned her thumb at Nathan. “We need to keep him fed. Those are quick and easy.”

  It was true, he was always hungry, and once his blood sugar began to drop, grumpier than all hell. Our dad’s family was prone to Diabetes and mom predicted we’d both end up getting it someday.

  I opened the glass door and began sorting through the Hot Pockets with Nathan directing. Forty-five minutes later, the entire cart was full and Deanna was temporarily forgotten.

  “That will be two-hundred-and-forty dollars,” said the cashier, snapping her gum.

  Mom handed the young woman her credit card while the cashier appraised Nathan as he bagged the groceries. When he finished, she smiled. “Thanks. You didn’t have to do that, you know. It’s my job.”

  “That’s okay. I don’t mind.”

  “You guys just move here?” she asked, twirling a piece of her blonde hair around her index finger.

  I refrained from rolling my eyes.

  “We did,” smiled my mother. “Just today, in fact.”

  “Cool,” replied the girl, still staring at him like he was a pair of designer jeans that she couldn’t possibly live without. “See you around.”

  “Yeah,” replied Nathan as he began to push the grocery cart outside without a backwards glance.

  Mom and I looked at each other in amusement. Sometimes men were so clueless.

  “Let’s put the groceries in your car, Nathan,” said mom as we stepped back outside. “Mine is too full already.”

  “Okay,” he replied, veering towards his vehicle.

  As we were trying to stuff the food into the back of Nathan’s Mustang, a soft voice greeted us. “Hi. You must be new in town?”

  We all turned around to see a striking redhead getting out of a tall Chevy pickup. She wore a miniscule white sundress, which showed off her toned legs, and dark sunglasses, which I thought was a little odd, considering it was dusk.

  Nathan’s blue eyes lit up and he grinned. “Yeah, we just pulled into town.”

  She removed her sunglasses and smiled back. “I hope you enjoy it here. It’s quaint, but there are lots of things to do, especially after dark.”

  Her teeth were pearly white and her hair was a mass of shiny curls. She dropped her keys, and after she bent to retrieve them, tossed her hair back over her shoulder. It was a simple thing, but it had an immediate effect on Nathan. Truthfully, I didn’t think anybody should be that gorgeous.

  Before my mother or I could get in a word, Nathan spoke up in a surprisingly deeper voice. “Thanks for the info. Maybe we’ll run into each other sometime.”

  “Maybe. It was really nice meeting you,” she replied, clearly directing it towards Nathan, who looked like he’d all but forgotten about Deanna. Then she sashayed into the store like a runway model while we all star
ed.

  “Wow,” I smirked, turning towards my brother. “You can reel your tongue back in now.”

  “What do you mean?”

  I snorted. “Oh, come on, Nathan.”

  He smiled innocently. “There’s nothing wrong with being friendly to strangers, especially when they look like that.”

  “I think the feeling was mutual,” replied mom, looking at me. “That smile she gave him was enough to light up the entire town.”

  “How can she resist?” he said cockily. “Heck, I’ll bet that I’m the best thing that’s ever walked into this town.”

  I rolled my eyes. “Oh, Lord. Here we go.”

  He flexed left arm muscle. “Oh, come on, you know I’m right.”

  “I certainly do,” said mom, leaning over to kiss his cheek.

  “Yeah, and mom’s biased,” I replied. “Don’t let it go to your head.”

  He ignored me and started packing more groceries into the back of his trunk. “Let’s get the rest of this stuff loaded quickly,” he said, glancing up towards the sky, which was growing darker. “I’m starving and it’s getting late.”

  “Me too,” I replied, handing him another bag of groceries.

  When we had everything in the trunk, Mom gave Nathan the directions to the cabin, which was a few miles past town, and this time, he led the way.

  “Finally,” I said, putting on my seatbelt as she pulled out of the parking lot. “I just want to get there already.”

  “Won’t be long now.”

  Darkness came very quickly, and in a small town without many lights along the roads, it was a little creepy.

  “It’s a bitch driving when you don’t know exactly where you’re going in the dark,” said mom, frowning. “I think the turnoff is coming up in another few miles or so. I hope Nathan catches it in time and doesn’t overshoot it.”

  “Knowing him, he probably will,” I answered with a smirk, “especially, if he’s on the phone with Deanna again.”

  “He seemed to forget about her when that redhead made an appearance.”

  “Thank God, although, she’s probably worse than Deanna.”

  “Let’s hope not.”

  I stared at her in shock. “See, you weren’t crazy about her either!”

  She turned down the radio. “Are you kidding me?” she groaned, scowling into the rearview mirror.

  I turned to see the flashing lights from a police car. “What, were you speeding or something?”

  She pulled over to the side of the road. “No, you know me, I never speed.”

  It was true, my mother was an annoyingly slow driver and Nathan was always giving her crap about it. Even grandmothers passed her on the roadway.

  Mom rolled down the window as the police officer approached her. She immediately handed him her driver’s license and insurance information. “I’m sorry, officer… was I speeding?”

  My brother had noticed the cop, too, and pulled over ahead of us, waiting. He’d sent me a text message, wondering what was happening. I’d sent him one back, explaining that I wasn’t really sure, yet.

  “No, but you do have a taillight out,” he replied with an easy smile.

  My eyes widened as I stared at his mouth. What’s with this town and their unnaturally white teeth?

  “Oh, no, really?” she answered, biting her lower lip. “Oh, man, I’m sorry. It must have just went out.”

  “Yes. Anne Gerard… you must be new in town?” he asked, studying her license.

  She smiled. “We are, in fact,” she pointed towards me, “this is my daughter, Nikki, and that’s my son, Nathan, ahead of us in the Mustang.”

  He glanced down at her left hand, which no longer had a wedding ring, and his smile broadened.

  “Ladies, I’m Sherriff Caleb Smith. Welcome to Shore Lake,” he answered, giving her back her license.

  Was it me or did he actually puff out his chest a little before he leaned back down and handed it back?

  “Thank you,” answered my mom with a silly grin on her face. She definitely noticed the puff.

  “Since you have such a lovely smile and you’re new in town, I’m just going to give you a warning. Make sure that you take care of it as soon as you can, though. Next time I might not be so easy on you.”

  Mom smiled wider than ever. “I will, thank you, officer.”

  He tipped his hat. “My friends call me Caleb. Drive safely now.”

  “Wow,” said mom after she’d rolled up her window. “Did you see that man’s eyes? They were an amazing shade of violet. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone with that color of eyes. No wedding ring, either.”

  I stared at her in disbelief. “Oh, my God mom, we just got into town!”

  “Yeah, but I agree with Nathan that there’s nothing wrong with making new friends; especially friends who are in law enforcement,” she replied with a straight face.

  “Well, I guess,” I answered, staring into the darkness. Obviously, she was beginning to get a handle on her fears and I should have been relieved, but instead, it only made me… uneasy.

  Chapter Two

  When we finally made it to the cabin, my jaw literally dropped.

  “What do you think?” asked mom as she parked the car next to Nathan’s.

  “Wow. It’s amazing,” I replied, opening the car door. “Are you sure this is the right place?”

  “It is. I saw pictures but wanted to surprise you,” she said, getting out of the car.

  This was no average lakeside cabin; it looked like something you’d see on a “Top Ten List” of some luxurious getaways.

  “This must be worth millions. I can’t believe we’re staying here,” I said, unable to wipe the grin from my face. I felt like someone had just shouted “Move that bus!” and we were looking at our new dream home.

  “Yes, it’s quite extraordinary,” she said, staring up at the cabin. “I’m still in shock that we get to stay here, too. Ernie is a lifesaver.”

  “He’s more like Santa Claus,” I replied, feeling giddy. I couldn’t wait to check out the inside. It was possible that Shore Lake wasn’t going to suck quite as much as I thought.

  She reached back into the car and pulled out her cell phone. “I’d better call him once we’ve unpacked the groceries. Let him know we’ve made it and how thrilled we are.” Her eyes became misty. “You know, I just can’t thank him enough for everything he’s done.”

  I agreed with her there. This place was beyond words. Heck, everything about it screamed money, too, from the expensive cedar wood frame to the thick-plated enormous glass windows; it reminded me of a mountainside chateau in Europe.

  “Impressive, huh?” she said.

  “Yeah.”

  Especially with its two-tiered deck that someone had built on north side of the cabin, and a massive porch that wrapped around the entire main floor. There was even a gazebo with a hot tub next to a courtyard which contained a large grill and several pieces of outdoor furniture for entertaining. Unfortunately, we had nobody to entertain.

  “Wow,” said Nathan as he got out of the car and walked over to us. He was also staring in amazement at the cabin. “How in the world did you score such an awesome place?”

  Mom smiled. “Ernie.”

  “Look, there’s the boathouse.” I pointed down towards the lake. Even that place looked like it was larger than some of the homes in our old neighborhood.

  “Cool,” said Nathan, nodding in approval. “I hope the weather is nice tomorrow, so that we can take the boat out,” he started walking towards the dock. “I wonder what kind of boat they have?”

  “Check later,” said mom, grabbing her purse. “We need to get this stuff inside.”

  He sighed and turned around. “Okay. It’s probably too dark to see anything now anyway.”

  She took the keys out of her purse and began walking towards the cabin. “You know, I’m really surprised that there isn’t some kind of alarm on the cabin. I mean, this place is vacant most of the time.” She sighe
d. “I hope when we get inside, nothing is missing.”

  “Everyone must trust each other in these parts,” I said, following her up the steps to the front door.

  “Apparently,” she answered, putting the key into the lock. When we stepped inside, she flipped on the lights and my breath caught in my throat.

  “Wow…” said Nathan. “This place is… tight.”

  “It’s amazing,” she said, taking a step back. “I’m just, speechless.”

  “Can we step inside of the doorway, people?” I said, swatting at a mosquito. “Before the bugs enter before we do?”

  “Oh, sorry,” she chuckled.

  We entered what had to be called the “great room.” It was enormous and had a large soapstone fireplace with a bearskin rug lying near it, which was kind of hokey to me but it certainly added to the affect. Plush burgundy colored leather furniture with hand-carved wooden end tables sat across from the fireplace, and I imagined myself in the chair-and-a-half, reading a book next to a crackling fire.

  “Wow, I just love those light fixtures,” gushed mom, staring at the dozens of rustic chandeliers that made the place glow with warmth. She walked over to a row of intricately carved shelves and touched the amber colored wood. “And all of this lovely hand-carved woodwork, the leather furniture, and… oh God, what isn’t there to love about this place? Next time I see Ernie, I’m going to plant a huge kiss on his little bald head.”

  “You should,” said Nathan. He raised his voice a few octaves and put a hand on his hip. “And give him a big sloppy one from me, too.”

  “Oh, so you’re finally warming up to us being here?” she asked.

  He grinned. “Mom, seriously, if you’re happy, then I’m happy.”

  She walked over to Nathan and threw her arms around him. “I swear, I have the two best kids in the world.”

  “Love you, too, mom,” he answered, patting her gently on the back. “And don’t worry, everything will work out. Even… even with Deanna. Seriously.”

  “Good, I’m glad you feel that way,” she replied, releasing him. “I just want everything to work out for you and your sister.”

  “Don’t worry. I’m sure it will,” he replied.