by Nikki Landis
“Don’t worry baby, I’d never let anyone, or anything harm you!”
His voice is nearly lost in the wind and I wonder how such a violent gale is blowing so quickly but assume a storm must be heading in.
I’m being buckled in the front seat of his truck when my eyes fly open and I try to meet his gaze. Derek is too focused on what he’s doing to notice. The door is slammed shut and he’s pulling open the driver’s side so fast I think I have whiplash. He starts the truck and shifts the gear into first as we lurch forward, the sound of gravel grinding and crunching beneath the heavy tires.
I’m holding onto the dash with my left hand and the door with my right as he accelerates to keep my balance, bouncing up and down in the seat over the uneven road as he takes a sharp turn to the right and heads down the dirt lane at top speed. I can see his jaw is set and his eyes are focused straight ahead as he shifts gears. Neither of us speak. He’s distracted and concerned, a clear indication that the danger I sense is still too close. Derek’s knuckles are white as he grips the gearshift and presses in the clutch as our speed increases.
I’ve never seen him like this. It’s disconcerting.
“Shit!” I curse about a minute later. “Devon!”
“Text him Leigh. Tell him to meet us at my place stat. He knows what that means,” Derek explains, shifting again as we zip through the park and pass trees, the stars, and streetlamps mounted on their tall, hulking poles streaking by in a twisted blur of hazy yellow and white.
Before I have a chance to text Devon my cell is ringing. I pull the phone from my purse and swipe across the screen, screaming for my brother, “Dev! Where are you?”
“What the fuck is going on Leigh? There’s a big –”
“Dev, I’ve got her,” Derek interrupts loudly so he can be heard, “meet at my place. We’ll be there in less than ten minutes.”
“Fuck Derek, now?” Dev is breathing heavily into the speaker like he’s been running.
“Yes, get the fuck to my place man. We figure out the rest as we go. All that matters is Leigh.”
“Shit! On my way!” I hear the click before I have a chance to tell Dev to be safe.
“You’re going to be fine Leigh. I swear it. Breathe for me baby, please.”
I don’t realize I’m starting to panic until his words reach my ears. I’m ringing my hands as my vision starts to narrow, flashes of light dart in my peripheral as my chest tightens. I can’t take a deep breath. Oh shit! Not now!
“Leigh, look at me love, right into my eyes,” he orders as I desperately turn toward him and shake my head.
“We’re nearly there baby, nothing is going to happen to Dev. He can take care of himself and I’m with you so you’re safe. There’s no one trying to hurt you. You’re safe,” he repeats.
“I’m safe,” I exhale, saying it over and over again like a mantra in my head so I don’t sound like the freak I’m sure I actually am.
“That’s right baby, slower, there you go. Now take a nice deep breath and let it out slow.”
Following his directions I sink back against the seat in exhaustion. In disbelief I turn to him, watching as he shifts gears again, his booted foot pressing hard on the clutch as we approach an intersection and a red light. He inches to a stop and his eyes dart to mine.
There’s so much raw emotion in his gaze, a depth and connection that frightens and intrigues me at the same time until I’m left confused. “Derek,” I whimper, my throat dry and parched.
His hand drifts to mine and squeezes once before he shifts gears and we’re off again.
Derek’s place rests on the top of a giant hill overlooking the valley, up in the mountains not far from Yucca Valley National Reserve. A prickle of uncertainty tingles along my spine. Was it a coincidence we drove to the park tonight? Or that from this direction you can see anyone who approaches within miles?
He pulls up to a secure gate and presses in a code before it slides open and we head underground. I’m immediately reminded of the Batcave, complete with of a series of subterranean caves, a winding path carved through the dark rock that leads up a sloping hill and into a high tech garage. Is he like Batman or some shit? There’s quite a few expensive sports cars, a few motorcycles, and several trucks.
Derek must like his toys.
The thought makes me want to giggle. I know the timing is off but shit happens. Maybe it’s nerves. I wonder, is he like that in the bedroom too? I doubt he’d be alright with me wearing a strap-on. I’m pretty sure he gives dick and doesn’t take it.
Fuck, I’m still horny and now I’m freezing.
My skin is cold, goosebumps rising up on the surface. The air is chilly here as we exit the truck but it’s more than the temperature. My humor from a moment ago is forgotten. As the events from the park take center stage in my mind I’m aware of Derek’s piercing gaze as it slides over me.
Part of me wants to begin the question and answer session right now but I wait. Honestly, I’m at a loss, trying to comprehend the last few hours, and completely confused when I peek at the man next to me. His hand slips into mine and grips tight, not painfully but enough that I can draw from his strength.
How does he know I need the extra boost? Can he sense my thoughts and feelings?
Something is strange about him and has been from the start. Once I push forward through my haze of lust and attraction I know there’s more to him – to us – than I’m being told.
“You’re cold,” he whispers, his head lowering until he presses a kiss to the left of my temple. “Let’s get you inside.”
Shivering, I don’t reply as he picks up his pace, walking briskly through the massive garage and approaching a set of elevator doors. He punches in another code as the doors whoosh open and we’re assaulted with a freezing blast of air. I tremble as he pulls me into the elevator, selects a floor, and the doors shut. We zip upwards, lighter than air, as the white lights in the corners of the ceiling flicker once and then remain solid.
“Leigh . . . come here.”
He slides his arms around me as I sink into his muscular chest for warmth.
My head rests directly over his heart as I inhale his musky scent – clean, masculine, slightly minty, and with a hint of leather and cinnamon. Pressing my nose into his shirt I memorize the smell, categorizing it for later use. This isn’t the first time I’ve smelled this combination. It’s unique and alluring, sensual and addictive, and somewhere deep inside my brain I know I’ve inhaled a scent exactly like this one before.
It’s too familiar.
No, not in the last few weeks. I mean before that, before I met Derek on the night of my birthday. Way before . . . and it’s both eerie and disconcerting as it is comforting.
“Everything will be alright Leigh. I promise.”
I look up as he brushes the side of my cheek with his fingertip. There’s concern in his eyes, the dark irises fixated on my face as he exhales slowly.
“I wish . . .”
He doesn’t finish and looks away before clearing his throat loudly. His shoulders stiffen at the same moment his jaw clenches. If I didn’t know better I would think he’s angry. He’s not, there’s something else going on but I don’t know how to ask him. It’s none of my business anyway, at least his personal life isn’t.
Pulling from his arms the heat of his touch is immediately replaced by the cool interior of the elevator. The loss of his warmth is instantaneous. We’re both affected as he sighs softly and I turn away, more confused than ever. This push and pull between us is exciting and makes me want to jump his bones and ride him like a cowgirl taming a bronco but at the same time I’m spooked by the intensity.
Sex I can handle. I’m down for a quick and dirty fuck but the moment I have to engage my emotions I shut down. Yeah, it’s a safety mechanism built up to protect myself from guys who want to take advantage of me, who seek more than I want to give, or from letting anyone get too close. The only two men I’m close to anymore, since the night of the muggi
ng, are my father and brother. I’ve pushed my ex-boyfriend away and I’ll have to do this with Derek too.
Moments later the elevator doors slide open and I step out, staring into the most magnificent living room I’ve ever seen. It’s decorated in shades of black and white with hints of color, dark rich woods, and modern light fixtures with chrome accents. The interior is sterile and clean almost as if he doesn’t live in here much but it’s also warm with a fireplace that’s giving off plenty of heat. The room is enormous with high ceilings and extra special attention to detail like the crown molding and textured walls. The long rectangular windows let in plenty of natural moonlight and expose the breathtaking view beyond.
Gazing at the trees, lush and full of leaves, resting on the mountain I relax. The stars sprinkle their light throughout the dark sky and dance around the violet crescent moon. I’m drawn to the bright beams of silvery light that filter down through the trees and brighten the expansive deck and Olympic size swimming pool gleaming beyond the panes of glass. Such luxury. I’m in awe.
“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” Derek’s voice is close, slightly behind my left shoulder.
Nodding, I agree. “Yes.”
He’s quiet for a moment before he speaks again, “Dev’s here.”
With those two words I’m torn from the serenity and plunged back into reality.
The sinking feeling in my stomach is a harbinger of what’s to come.
I square my shoulders and turn around at the exact same moment the elevator doors open.
Chapter 7
“Leigh! Thank fuck,” Dev shouts and runs forward as I feel his embrace.
Maybe I should feel emotional and cry or some girly shit but it’s not my way. Hugging him tight I lean back, smirking. “You get lost or something?”
“Nah, decided to take a detour. Found a couple of hookers on the way and had to stop for a minute.” Dev winks as I roll my eyes.
This is our relationship. We joke, we’re sarcastic, and we’re dirty as hell. Neither of us pretends with the other and that’s why I love Dev. I can count on my brother to always have my back and never let me down. He’ll be honest even when it pisses me off and his love is unconditional no matter how fucked up I am. We’re homies.
Snorting at his response I flip him off as he grins, “Get your dick sucked when I’m not in mortal danger.”
The smile wavers a little and I know he’s fighting to keep the conversation from becoming too serious too quickly but it doesn’t matter now. He’s here and I want to know what’s going on. It’s time they filled me in.
Dev turns to Derek as I sink onto the plush cushions of an ivory couch. “How long do we have?”
“Everything is up and running including the surveillance. If they approach we can be out of here within a minute.”
“But how long Derek?”
“Hours, the night, maybe a few days. I’m not sure.”
Devon scrubs his hand over his face and sighs. When our eyes meet I know I’m not going to like what he’s about to say. His voice is gruff when he speaks, “You’re being hunted Leigh.”
My mouth opens and closes. Twice. “How do you know?”
“Because I’ve been hunted before.”
“And so have I,” Derek adds.
“Hunted? By who?”
“The Collective.”
I frown. Why does the name seem familiar? “What’s that?”
“An organization run by the Collector,” Derek answers angrily.
“Who is this collector? I don’t get it,” I admit, becoming frustrated.
“Not a collector Leigh, the Collector. A man who hunts and collect trophies.” Dev sits next to me on the couch and pulls me into a hug, “He’s ruthless and dangerous.”
“Why is he hunting me? I’m not some animal.”
“He doesn’t hunt animals Leigh, he hunts . . . people.”
Staring into Dev’s face I look for any hint that he’s joking. He’s completely serious. “What the fuck? Is he completely psycho? Who is this guy?”
“He’s deranged and twisted and not someone to mess with Leigh. Your life is in danger.”
I shoot Derek a glare for that response. I’m not stupid. Pretty sure I figured that part out already but I want to know why he’s hunting people. “Is he a serial killer or something?”
“No, he hunts his children.”
What!?
Bolting upright, I spin on Devon and shake a finger in his direction, ready to flip my shit. “Don’t you dare say that psychopath is our father!”
“In a matter of speaking he’s a father to every child of the Collective. That’s what the Collective is Leigh, all of his creation.”
Dev is too calm. He’s literally laying a bombshell on me and he’s not the least bit shocked or surprised and neither is Derek. The revelation takes a moment to sink in and then I realize that both of them know this information, probably have for a very long time.
“How long have you known this?” I ask, sinking back down next to Dev.
“Since the day Derek found me,” Dev admits. “Nearly five years ago.”
Turning to Dev, I’m devastated that he never thought to share this information with me. “Why wasn’t I told? Why didn’t you trust me?”
“It wasn’t the right time. I had to wait Leigh,” he grasps my hand and holding it in his lap, squeezing lightly before releasing. “Until . . .”
“Until?”
“You turned twenty-five,” Derek answers, his voice bitter.
Taken aback, I blink. “Why twenty-five?”
“Telling you before your birthday didn’t matter because the hunt doesn’t start until your twenty fifth year,” Dev stands and begins to pace, shaking his head before continuing, “There’s a trigger in our DNA that coincides with the day we turn twenty-five, it’s dormant until then.”
“What’s dormant?”
Dev walks faster, his steps agitated but he doesn’t answer. “Dev?”
“I can’t Leigh. It’s not good if I become too pissed off.”
What the hell? Is he like the hulk or something?
I jump up, ready to rush forward when I feel strong arms surround me. “Give him a minute.” Derek’s whispered words are close to my ear, his warm breath fanning across the bare skin on the back of my neck and causing my nipples to pebble against his arm. His grip tightens as I feel the bulge pressing against my ass. Such an inappropriate time for both of us to become aroused, but I’m not surprised. The sexual tension between us crackles like static electricity in the air and he sucks in a ragged breath.
“Leigh.”
There’s a longing in his voice that makes my heart ache and I have no idea why. My head falls back against his shoulder as he leans down and presses a tender but passionate kiss against my lips. By the time I recover from the surprise he’s already turned his focus back on Devon. My brother seems oblivious to us as he continues to pace in agitation.
“Derek,” I whisper, watching Dev in concern.
“Baby, we’ll explain later. Why don’t I take you to a room where you can rest?”
“What’s dormant Derek?” I don’t acknowledge his words. I’m too absorbed with needing answers.
“Certain abilities, things that aren’t quite normal. Feel that way at all?”
My brows pucker in a frown as I think about it. Not really. Of course, I’ve never been normal. What the fuck was normal anyway? “I don’t think so.”
“It’s late. How about you rest and we pick up this conversation in the morning?”
I decide to agree but only because I plan on calling Ivey. “Fine.”
Twenty minutes later I’m alone in a guest bedroom and the door is shut. Quietly I dial Ivey’s number and it only rings once before she picks up, breathless. “Girl, where the hell have you been?”
“Babe, I’m with Dev . . . and Derek.”
“Derek? What? If you’re on some kinky –”
I cut her off, “Listen, shit is weird. I d
on’t know what’s going on but I think I’m in trouble.”
“Trouble? What kind of trouble?” her tone changes from playful to serious.
“I’m not sure but this is some serious shit. I’m being followed and I think someone is after me.” Saying the words out loud gives me the chills.
Brushing off the feeling as she replies, I listen, “Fuck! What’s the plan? You need me honey, I’m there. Just say the word.”
I’ve already decided not to involve her more than I need to so I shake my head even if she can’t see me. “No doll, it’s not that serious yet. At least I don’t think so. If things change I’ll let you know.”
“You better. Don’t make me open a can of whoop ass.” She’d do it too.
“Listen Red,” I tease, calling her by my favorite nickname, the color of her vibrant hair. “You watch your back. Be careful. I mean it.”
“I will sweets, promise. You do the same. Call me if shit goes down. You promise me back.”
“Done. You’re my bestie. Get ahold of me right away if you feel unsafe. Alright? I couldn’t stand it if something happened to you.”
“Honey I don’t know who would be stupid enough to try. I’m a total badass.”
“You’re right,” I laugh. “Luv ya babe.”
“Ditto sweet cheeks.”
It takes me several hours to fall asleep, my thoughts too preoccupied to stop the locomotive of memories that surface. It’s then the true horror begins . . .
SCREAMS. SHOUTS. CURSING.
I cover my ears as I run, looking for any place to hide as I dart in and out of the many patient rooms. My only thought is escape. Moaning, I can’t stop the panic from rising, tearing my sanity apart.
“Leigh!”
His voice is the only one I trust. The only comfort in a constant barrage of horror.
He’s close, but I don’t know which direction to run to find him.
“No!” I wail as I bump into another hospital bed, this one shoved carelessly into the crumbling wall. The hall is filled with more beds and discarded syringes, writhing bodies and screeching, clawing hands that reach for me as I pass them by, terrified one will catch me.