We held each other that night. The past day had proven to be emotionally exhausting and devastating to both of us. I cried more than once, and Blake just held me tight. We’d been deceived, lied to, and hurt in so many ways. As it got later, he’d locked my door and wordlessly climbed in bed next to me. I hadn’t fought him. I’d welcomed him. He felt like the only warm thing left in my life.
He kissed me and cradled me in his arms. We didn’t say much. Neither one of us wanted to express in words what had happened. Any doubts I might have had over my feelings for Blake were gone. He was the only thing that kept me grounded—the only thing that lifted the dead weight settling in my heart.
Around midnight, I finally poked my head up off his chest and asked, “Are you asleep?”
“Nope,” he answered, his eyes still closed. His hand fumbled to find my face, stroking my cheek.
“What’s going to happen to Jaxon?” I whispered. I had to know.
Blake sighed and opened his eyes. “Tonbo is doing everything he can to heal him. I made sure of that.”
“Oh really? How?”
“I made Tonbo a deal. If he heals Jaxon, I swore I’d take over the island like he wanted. And do what needs to be done.”
I peered up at him. “What do you mean?” Something in his tone unsettled me.
“Tonbo’s afraid Kory might inject more people with what he’d gotten from that bug, if he hasn’t already. We fear he’s trying to build his own army of bugs.”
“Oh no.” I gasped at the implications.
“Yeah, from what Jaxon described of Kory’s little ‘lab,’ I’m pretty sure he is. I think Jaxon was his first test subject. It worked out perfect since he’d asked Kory how he could change… for me,” Blake’s voice faded. He cleared his throat. “But then Jaxon proved to be out of even Kory’s control. I think that’s when he came up with the idea of getting me in on the hunt. It’s a win-win for him. Either I killed the bug so Kory didn’t have to worry about it, or it killed me.”
“You think he’d actually do it? Basically release a bunch of serial killers?”
“Yeah, I do. I’m sure he’s working on the serum now, trying to find a way to subdue the monsters to obey his will.” Blake stopped and stroked my face with his fingers. “Sam, I have to stop him. I’ll be moving to the island soon to make sure Kory doesn’t succeed.”
I’d been nodding along to what he was saying until he said he would be moving.
“Wait, what? You’re leaving?” I gasped, sitting up. I hadn’t thought that part out. Of course he’d have to leave. To be closer. But…
He pulled me back into his arms. “I have to go. If Tonbo fixes Jaxon, I gave my word.”
“You can’t lead it from here? Just make trips?”
“No, Sam. Especially if there are bugs out there.” His tone was heavy.
“Blake, you can’t leave me. You can’t! I’ll have no one. Not even Mack…” My throat completely closed off on his name. Blake’s arms held me tighter.
“Mack’s not gone forever, Sam,” he grunted. “I’ll find the little bugger after a bit… just not yet. I’m still mad as hell at him.”
I glanced up at Blake and, to my surprise, his eyes were dancing.
“Why do you look happy all of a sudden? You just told me you’re moving!”
“When do you turn eighteen?” he asked instead, ignoring my distress.
“Blake, who cares when my birthday is?” I punched him in the chest.
“I do. When is it?” He grabbed my hands and flipped me down on my bed.
As much as I wanted to be upset, the playful Blake triggered something within. I pulled his face closer to mine. Our lips met and a fire burst through me, breaking the heaviness on my heart. I kissed him, hungry to end the hurt within. And in that moment, I felt he kissed me with the same need. We stopped after a minute, both breathless, leaving our foreheads resting on one another.
“I want to know when your birthday is because I love you, Sam Campbell, and I want to know how long it will be until you are my Mrs. Knightly.”
I sat back and gazed into his eyes. “Are you serious?”
He gave me a crooked grin. “Well, that depends on your answer.”
“January twenty-eighth,” I said, automatically.
He chuckled and kissed my hand. “Not exactly the answer I was looking for.”
I could only stare at him, my mouth gaping. I still grappled with his implications.
“But Mack said we can’t have kids,” I blurted, and then cringed. Of all the times to ask about that!
“Whoa, still not the answer I was hoping for.” He chuckled, pulling me into his arms.
I felt safe, like this was the only place I could ever belong. I peered into his eyes, his face hopeful, waiting on me.
“I love you, Blake,” I said, voicing the words to him for the first time. I felt no fear; the monsters were gone. At least for the time being.
He grinned and kissed my lips. “That’s more like it. You know, I’m beginning to believe there might actually be a silver lining to this hellish storm. And it’s you, Sam.”
Hidden Monster Page 66