by Rina Kent
Unnatural paleness bleaches the mother’s skin and her lips tremble. Her feet flutter and I clutch her by the arm before she falls.
Probably anaemia. Less likely dehydration or malnutrition.
“Thank you.” She tries to stand on her own and fails, falling back into my arms. “I’m just a little dizzy.”
“Sweetheart.” A male voice calls from our side as I set Mae’s mother to her feet.
The middle-aged man envelops her shoulders, brows furrowing. “Are you all right?”
“Yes.” She wipes her tears and motions at me. “This kind gentleman helped me.”
I took your daughter, lady, and I don’t feel the least guilty about it. I’m anything but kind.
“Thank you.” Mae’s father smiles. “My wife isn’t doing well.”
“It’s fine,” I say in the most diplomatic voice I can offer. “My pleasure to help.”
“You seem familiar.” His eyes squint. “Have I seen you somewhere?”
I didn’t want to take it this far, but hell. Who cares if I introduce myself to the family of the girl I kidnapped? I reach inside my jacket and pull a business card before handing it to him. “My name is Aaron Rhodes.”
He eyes the card. “Rhodes & Hart, Rhodes?”
Not to be arrogant— although probably yes— but everyone in the business world knows about our family’s conglomerate. We trade and deal in almost everything, from stocks to banking to imports, exports, cars, and even medical equipment. So whoever works in economic should be aware of us.
I smile. “Indeed.”
“I knew you looked familiar.” Mae’s father’s smiles. “You’re Arthur’s son. A spitting image of him.’”
That’s the worst thing anyone can tell me. But since I’ve taken his only daughter, we’ll call it even.
I force a smile. “Thank you, Mr...?”
“William Wilson.” He offers his hand and I take it for a brief shake. “I went to college with your father. He always came the top of the class no matter how hard I worked.”
‘Tell him that neurotypical people can never measure up to us, Son.’ Father laughs. ‘They will always run over by superior humans like us.’
I maintain my smile. “Yes, he was quite competitive.”
Someone choke me. I’m talking about my father. With Mae’s father no less.
Isn’t he supposed to be grieving? His wife is half dead, why is he chatting about an old colleague?
The same blueness of Mae’s eyes cloud as he holds eye contact. “I heard about the fire. I am sorry for your loss.”
“Thank you, Mr Wilson.” I nod at him and his wife. She seems to be more preoccupied with Mae’s painting than the conversation at hand. Her lost gaze suggests she’s seeing her daughter in there.
“It was nice to meet you,” William says.
“Call me if you need anything, Mr Wilson.” I nod again. “If you shall excuse me.”
I steal one last glance at the dark mystical painting then walk out of the gallery. As I push the door, I catch a glimpse of a group of Mae’s friends rushing to her parents. They don’t look so well. Like Mae’s mother, they could use some food in their system.
Freezing air refreshes my senses. I curse whatever made me come here.
So many slips as of late. The worst part is that I have no idea how to stop them.
‘You do, Aaron. You just refuse to admit it.’
Shut it, demons. Not another word.
My feet itch to kick or crush something. Right here. In public. But I can’t. Because image is damn important.
I storm to the car when my phone buzzes.
“What?” I bark at Tristan.
“There’s five minutes until the meeting. Where are you?”
The driver opens the back door. I slide inside and throw my weight on the leather seat. “I’m calling in sick.”
“You were perfectly fine an hour ago.” His tone’s impatient. I can picture him tapping on the desk. “You’re not sick.”
“I am now.”
Click.
My phone beeps.
Tristan— Here’s how it goes. If you don’t show up to the meeting, I’m making you the main host of the banquet we’re throwing.
Dylan calls. I hang up.
I switch off my phone and thrust it in my pocket. They can both go fuck themselves. I’m in no mood for signing contracts I couldn’t care less about.
What the hell am I doing in the family business anyway? It never interested me.
My other career choice...
I stare at my hands. It’d be too heavy on my bloodlust. My demons would go rampant in a setting filled with blood.
“Where to, Sir?” The driver asks.
I throw my head back and seal my eyes shut. There’s this pleading voice inside me, not my demons’, that begs to see the little mouse.
“Home.”
No matter how far away that sounds.
. . . . .
The dark curtains block most the afternoon’s light, casting a grey hue on my office. I sit behind the huge desk, twirling a scotch in my hand. A picture of a black jaguar hangs in the opposite wall. Its black brings safeness.
Kane’s bulky frame crowds the leather chair across from mine.
Although I’d rather be with my kitten, Kane’s report is a must to not fall behind Tristan’s Intel. I take a sip of my scotch. The spicy taste explodes in my mouth before the liquid soothes my throat. “Go on.”
Kane’s shoulders straighten as he meets my stare. “Xan and his team are not letting anything slip about their trip with Tristan.”
Sinking further into my chair, I throw a dismissive hand. “That’s expected. What else?”
There’s the briefest hesitation before he swallows it down. “Three members of the security team saw your guest knocking at the window after you left.”
The glass of scotch is left forgotten on the table as I straighten my back. “Were there any of Xan’s team around?”
Kane shakes his head. “They’re not allowed near your quarters, Sir.”
My lungs extend, releasing a breath.
Am I to be paranoid the entire time now?
A fireball of rage erupts in my veins. My left eye twitches. Mae asked for this.
‘I told you so.’ Aunt laughs.
‘Me too.’ Father yawns.
“Anything else?” My voice takes an urgent tone that Kane knows all too well.
“Nothing of importance, Sir.”
I storm to the stables. This is going to be a long afternoon for someone.
The stable boy greets me. “Do you need me to prepare Jet, Sir?”
“No need.” I pass by him to my nickering horse.
His neck extends above the trails, reaching out for me. I caress it. “Want to go for a ride?”
He nickers in answer, and I open his stall to release him. He comes out wiggling his tail. I attach reins to his neck and mount him bare-backed.
“Let’s fetch a friend, Jet.” I kick him, and he rears into the afternoon sun. “Go!”
Long pine trees and vast grassed ground blur as Jet sprints towards the far end of the estate.
Air blows my hair back and I clutch the reins in a relaxed grip, letting Jet go at full speed. As the freezing wind bites my skin, I fantasise about the terror that will soon reside the mouse’s enchanting eyes. It’s almost as enticing as the spouting of arterial blood.
Once we reach our destination, I hop off
Jet’s back and pat him. “Wait here.”
I enter the password to the protected fortress’s door. Once it clicks open, I slip inside and close it behind me.
My hands reach to the survey note glued on the door, updated every two hours. They already ate. Good.
My feet glue to the grass in a wide stance before I lift two fingers to my mouth and release a long whistle.
Before I finish, a shadow of a big black cat dashes through the trees in a blurry speed. It takes seconds before his large paws lies on my chest and knock me onto the ground. My head hits the grass as his licks shower my face.
I wince and use my hands to sit up. My eyes meet Knight’s darker ones. “I told you to work on your welcoming method, Knight.”
He licks my neck and nuzzles his head at my chest.
Not long after, King and Zen appear from behind the bush in a similar speed. They knock me all over again. My hair becomes wet from their licks. Not the best sensation.
After some struggles to keep them off, I stand and dust off my clothes.
The three black jaguars encircle me and I raise my palm up then lower it. “Sit.”
They abide by the command, their tails moving left and right in a happy movement.
“Only King is coming with me this time.” I caress Knight and Zen on the head. “He’s less volatile than the two of you.”
Knight purrs against my leg, obviously wanting to participate. “Maybe when I plan to kill the little deer instead of scaring her.”
“King.” I lift my palm up. “Come.”
He gets up and follows me out in his natural feline grace. Zen and Knight’s shiny eyes never leave us until we exit the fortress.
King walks by my side as we reach Jet. There’s no animosity whatsoever between my two companions. I spent precious time training them to get along.
Jet huffs, and King stops as I mount my horse. I look down at my jaguar and hold my palm sideways then moves it forward. “Run along.”
I kick Jet with a ‘go’ and he sprints back to my quarters. King keeps up with Jet’s speed at infinite ease. I look back to see his eyes glinting in enjoyment.
We stop at the entrance of my quarters. I hand Jet’s reins to one of the team’s members. “Take him back to the stables.”
The guard’s cautious eyes never swing away from King, sitting at my feet. The jaguar gives him a mere glance before going back to licking his paws.
“Come meet a little deer, King.” I whistle, and he gets up to follow me inside.
I knock on the door to Mae’s room like the gentleman I’m supposed to be.
“Come in!” She calls in a bright tone.
I open the door and slip inside, King on my trail. She’s lying in bed, her hair falling in silky waves by her side. Clearly washed up, she’s wearing one of the dresses I instructed Kane to provide her. Despite being a simple knee-length knitted dress, it hugs her body to perfection. Its blue brings out the colour of her eyes. Should I rip it and see what’s underneath it? Or plunge a knife in it straight to her heart?
“Oh, it’s you.” She sits up, interrupting my musings.
“You seem disappointed.”
“I thought it was Kane.”
Only a day and she’s relating to Kane already?
An annoying feeling I can’t identify nags at me.
Mae gasps. Her eyes widen to an impossible round shape and she swallows a few times before actual words come out. “I-Is that...a p-panther?!”
“A jaguar.” I smile, patting his head. “His name is King.”
“H-he’s...y-yours?” She jumps off the bed and glues herself to the wall behind her, stalking sideways.
“Easy there, kitten. I advise you against any sudden movements.” I smirk. “King is terrible with strangers.”
She swallows for the millionth time, gripping the side of the window too tight until her knuckles whiten. Her unblinking eyes travel the length of the feline before focusing on me. “Why did you bring him here?”
“You see.” I push off the entrance and motion for King to follow. Mae’s attention never leaves the jaguar as he waltzes to her. “I moved someone from the dungeons to my own sleeping quarters. I gave them warm food, water, clothes, heating, and even someone to take care of them.” I stop in front of her, invading her personal space. “Do you care to indulge how I get repaid?”
Mae finally glances at me, beads of sweat shine on her forehead as she frantically shakes her head. Her eyes dampen with springing tears.
“How the fuck did you repay my kindness, Mae?” My voice rises.
Mae flinches and closes her lids tight as if afraid someone will pry them open. “I’m sorry,” she whispers, her voice barely audible.
“I did not hear that.”
Her eyes flutter open. The familiar defiance burn at the depth of their blue. “I’m sorry!”
At her shout, King stalks to her, his nose sniffing on the way.
“Look what you’ve done.” I release a tsking sound, anger morphing into amusement. “I suggest you remain completely still, little deer.”
She freezes, her gaze hooked on the jaguar. His nose brushes against her leg, and she releases a small whimper. She glances at me and murmurs with trembling lips, “P-please, help me.”
“Hmm...” I lean forward until I’m face to face with her. “Maybe if you apologise and actually sound apologetic.”
She gulps. Her gaze travel from King to me as if calculating which of the two poisons to pick. She releases a shaky sigh and meets my stare. “I’m sorry. I won’t try to escape again, I promise.”
I clutch her chin between my thumb and forefinger, forcing her to face me. “Of course you won’t. The next time you attempt such masquerade, I will throw you in the underground darkness for a week and perhaps have King keep you company. Is that understood?”
Her head bobs up and down more than needed.
I release her. “Good.”
“What about him?” she whispers, her voice haunted.
“King, sit.”
When he does as instructed, Mae dashes away from my grasp to hide behind the bed. “Can you please get him out of here?”
“No.” I sit on the sofa opposite the bed and beckon her over.
She walks sideways like a crab to avoid King who’s sitting majestically in the middle of the room, licking his paws.
Her voice softens, upper lip quivering. “Can’t we talk while he’s out?”
I shake my head once.
Her eyes narrow, a hint of rebellion mars them. She steals a glance at King and the opposition dies, keeping her mouth shut.
Smart girl.
She sits beside me. Too close. Out of my comfort zone, close. Her citrus shampoo scent conquers the air around me as her unsettled eyes focus on King.
“He won’t move unless I command him. I suggest you stay on my good side.”
Why the hell did I say that?
Her gaze locks with mine and she stumbles to the other end of the sofa. My hands twitch to make her go back to where she sat before.
Mae glares, the little warrior inside her activated. She’s smart enough to remember keeping her voice low. “You’re not fair! How can I win if you bring jaguars in the game?”
She thinks of this as a game? Well, damn. I must’ve really messed her up.
“Since when did you think you had a chance to win, lamb?”
“Since...” She clears her throat, thrusts her chest forward, and crosses her arms. “Since you didn’t kill me. For some reason, you want me alive.”
>
“For now.” I capture her gaze, voice harsh. “Don’t tempt me, Mae. I can still finish your little life.”
She swallows, doubt and fear clouding the blueness of her eyes.
She should be afraid. Underestimating me is one of the stupidest things to do.
“I—”
Mae’s interrupted as a beep comes from the security’s system.
Tristan’s pissed off voice fills the space. “Open up!”
Bloody hell.
I should have attended the damn meeting today.
Chapter Fourteen
Mae
Something similar to disturbance cloaks Aaron’s features, but he soon masks it.
“Aaron!” The deep masculine voice calls again.
“Who’s that?” I face Aaron to be sucked into the frightening grim of his eyes.
Both his hands clutch my shoulders in a bruising grip. “Listen well, Mae. If the person outside sees or finds out about you, you are well and truly dead. Do you understand?”
His voice flows in its most stern tone, assuring me that he’ll carry out with his threat if not obeyed. Or the other person will. Either way, I don’t want to find out.
I nod slowly.
He gives a curt nod and stalks out of the room. The door shuts behind him with a loud click.
I sigh. The exasperated sound is interrupted when my gaze falls on the black beast, sitting at the middle of the room.
Oh. Hell. Aaron left it behind.
My gut clenches. I crawl further into the sofa, hoping to become a chameleon and blend with it. I can’t look away from the animal’s onyx eyes. What if it jumps and rips me apart?
Only a devil like Aaron would keep such an apex predator as a pet.
As if aware of my thoughts about his master, the jaguar stands. I gasp, and my shaky hands fly to stifle it.
Didn’t Aaron say it won’t move unless he commands it?
Thankfully, the animal doesn’t pay me attention. His large body saunters to the door with natural grace. His paw scratches at the wood, in a clear intent to pry it open.
My feet give way and run to the bathroom. I stumble a few times before locking myself inside. “Safe.”