Hidden Monster (The Monsters Among Us Book 1)

by Amanda Strong

  I glanced to Blake, who shrugged his shoulders.

  Tonbo pressed his ear with two fingers, saying, “Dara, have some tea brought up and,” he glanced at us, “have you eaten yet?”

  We all shook our head. “And a proper lunch. Fetch us something fresh,” Tonbo continued. He glanced at me. “You care for seafood? Fresh crab legs, perhaps?”

  I nodded, still struggling to find my voice in his presence. I take back my earlier assessment. Tonbo does command attention and respect; he practically hypnotizes people. Must be those eyes.

  Then I heard Tonbo say, “Yes Dara, lots of legs, shrimp, and clams. They’re my favorite this time of year. And oh my, almost forgot, I am completely out of gummy worms.”

  Say what? I gaped at the man, while both Blake and Mack chuckled.

  I wasn’t sure if Blake just waited to be polite, or he didn’t want to spoil his own meal, but the moment the dishes had been cleared and the dragon and damsels doing the work had left, shutting the wooden doors behind them, Blake blurted, “There’s a bug in Durango.”

  Tonbo didn’t seem surprised or ruffled. “Are you sure?”

  “I’ll never forget a bug’s stench.”

  Tonbo shook his head. “So Kory’s claims are true then? How can this be?”

  “I don’t know, but it hovered over Sam, didn’t touch her,” Blake said through clenched jaw.

  Mack proceeded to fill Tonbo in with the rest of story, informing him of the other assailants while all the while, Tonbo locked eyes on me.

  When he stroked his chin and mumbled, “Strange indeed,” I knew he thought the same thing I did. Why didn’t the bug follow ‘bug M.O.’? Why didn’t he grab me when he had the chance?

  “I wanted to go over your list of soldiers, your research at that time, the procedures, everything, just see if there is some small detail we missed,” Blake said.

  “Of course, anything I can do, but I know of only the ten, which have each been properly disposed of. You and Kory took care of the last one, Arno Clemens.”

  Blake grimaced. “I don’t like to think of who that thing was before. By the time we got to it, there was nothing left to spare or pity.”

  “No, no, you’re quite right, Blake. What those early injections had in them, no man could fight. It was a Jekyll and Hyde mess. Now, there are many safety measures put into the serum. I never want to repeat that mistake again.” Tonbo’s brows seemed to grow heavier with each word he spoke.

  For some weird reason, I wanted to tell Blake to stop pestering the old man. He obviously didn’t know anything about this bug. Why make him feel bad for what happened hundreds of years ago?

  I glanced at Blake; his eyes met mine. Why indeed? It didn’t take long for me to realize that Blake wasn’t firing question after question. What did we hope to gain from this trip?

  Still, we lingered in Tonbo’s office for several hours, using the long ‘student’ tables. Tonbo had everything Blake had requested brought up. I didn’t want to pour over it. Honestly, the details from World War Two were just too horrifying for me to read. I hated what happened to the Jews in the concentration camps. It disgusted me to see what the German soldiers had forced men to do in the name of science.

  I hadn’t realized Tonbo had moved near me until I heard him say, “The Japanese feel the dragonfly symbolizes courage, strength, and happiness.”

  I jumped a little. Seeing his wrinkled face before me, I forced my mouth to work. “Is that why you chose that name, Tonbo, because it’s Japanese for dragonfly?”

  He arched one bushy eyebrow at me and grinned. “Yes indeed. Most of Europe saw the dragonfly as evil. I liked the Japanese take on it. And after so many years of wishing I could’ve done it all over again, I decided to embrace the positive.”

  “Blake had told me you’re really from Czech,” I said, desperately trying to recall any details I’d learned.

  “Ah, again right you are. I was born in the Lands of the Bohemian Crown, or as you would know it, Czech. The year was 1824, our country, I guess you could say, got caught up in the spirit of revival. Science had exploded. I was fascinated by it, drawn to it. Studied under Johann Mendel at the gymnasium in Opava. Had so much fun working with his bees.” Tonbo’s voice grew quiet. “That’s when the scientific exploration of genetics was innocent.”

  “Mendel? That name’s familiar. Wasn’t he known as the father of genetics or something like that?” School had never been my strong suit, but the name rang a bell for some reason.

  “I think your science books referred to him as the father of modern genetics. And as he should be. Started his work on pea plants, then the bees, those proved to be nasty at times. Can’t always control the mating habits of the queen, you know.”

  “Oh,” I said, not sure how else to respond. It was like having a conversation with someone from your school textbook.

  “Poor fellow died before the beauty of his findings were ever appreciated. Such as it is with the brilliant among us, right?”

  “So what happened after you studied with Mendel?” I asked.

  At this, the old man sighed. “I became obsessed with genetic mutations.”

  I waited, hoping for more, but he grew quiet. I felt bad he was ashamed of his discovery. Speaking of which, I asked, “It that how you figured out you could mix DNAs?”

  “Well, I didn’t exactly fine tune it then. You have to realize, Friedrich Miescher just discovered the gooey stuff on bandages had microscopic nucliens, as he called them then. That was in ah… the 1860s, I believe. So yes, once he’d finished stuffing rotten, old Band-Aids under a microscope, I really went crazy with the idea of DNA, as we all call it. I injected myself with the first serum then.”

  “I thought the first time was with the soldiers, when it went all wrong.”

  “I would have been long gone by then. The Germans found me in 1920. By then, I was almost one hundred years old. I should’ve been dead. It would have saved us all a lot of grief.”

  “No,” I said, reaching out and patting his shoulder. “That’s not true. Your discoveries have saved so many lives.” My eyes instinctively sought Blake across the room, but he was bent over an old parchment, oblivious to our conversation.

  Tonbo followed my gaze. “Yes, I suppose you’re right. Positive only from here out, I promise.” He gave me a fleeting smile. “What I’d given myself was a simple mixture at that point. What the Germans wanted was super aggressive, immortal soldiers. When they saw what it had done to me, they forced me to change it, and try to add on to it. I lost everything after that.”

  Chapter 32

  We spent the rest of the day with Tonbo, leaving his office, wandering through his elaborate gardens. His personal estate lay just beyond his sanctuary, as he referred to the lush acreage we meandered through. Having never remained a damsel for this long, I felt like I was finally growing accustomed to my super senses. Walking down the paths, I heard the crunch of pebbles under foot, while drinking in the scent of the intoxicating blooms surrounding us. Moisture kissed my bare skin as I let my hand brush the plants we passed. They felt rubbery, like the leaves were waterlogged. I tried not to giggle when Tonbo began rattling on about how horticulture was an underappreciated science, his manic hand waving both endearing and funny to watch. When he pointed to a large, bushy tree, the sensation of déjà vu hit me again. It rolled through me; suddenly, the garden felt hauntingly familiar.

  I swept my eyes around, trying to place what could possibly be triggering such a feeling. I’d never been anywhere this tropical before. And this looks nothing like Colorado. Still, it nagged at me. Blake, who’d been walking next to me, slid his hand into mine. It broke the feeling of familiarity and snapped me back to the present.

  “What do you think of the place?” he asked.

  “Complete paradise.” I grinned back at him.

  He tugged at my hand. “Let’s stop for a bit.”

  I watched Mack and Tonbo continue without us. I had to admit, I’d never been to a mor
e romantic place. I didn’t mind being alone for a minute. His eyes eager, he cleared his throat, and then ran his free hand across his mouth.

  He took both of my hands in his. “Sam, would you like to live here?”

  My heart stopped. I hadn’t had time to think this all through. Being a damsel, I knew I wouldn’t always be able to stay in Durango with my family. I knew they’d find out soon enough I was different. Blake had never wanted to take over for Tonbo. I could see now what a huge responsibility it would be. It would be like being told you were suddenly the mayor or maybe even the president at the age of eighteen. Even though the population was much smaller, they were a bit unruly, thanks to the unrest Kory’s group of dissenters had caused. Did he hope I’d move here with him?

  I gazed back into his eyes. Does he mean now? Permanently? Is this a marriage proposal? I gasped at my own thoughts and then realized Blake had only asked if I would like living here. Slow down, I told myself, no wedding bells yet. The scary realization for me was what my answer would probably be if he had asked me.

  “Yes, I think so,” I managed, and Blake exhaled. Poor guy, I made him wait a bit.

  He leaned in and kissed my lips. I never wanted it to end, but he pulled back and glanced around. Then I caught the scent too, musky cologne with a hint of mint. We had a visitor, and I knew who it was before he appeared.

  “Kory,” Blake muttered, his hand tightening around mine.

  Dark hair, broad shoulders, and a white smile. Kory strolled forward, his eyes sweeping up and down my body. I turned inward to Blake, trying to shield myself from his view, feeling like he had x-ray vision. For whatever reason, Kory gave me the creeps.

  “Hello Blake, Samantha,” he said, bowing his head to me. “Off for an evening stroll? All happily ever after for the two of you, I suppose.” Sarcasm laced his words, “Funny that it did all work for you, Blake. How convenient. The girl of your dreams just happens to be changed and now look at you, walking Tonbo’s personal, private gardens together.”

  “Let’s keep our personal differences out of this, Kory,” Blake said evenly. “I’m coming with you. Let me get Sam home first.”

  Kory’s mouth had opened but apparently, Blake’s words had changed his mind. “Finally something we can agree on.” He grinned, did a mock bow, and vanished.

  I wanted to ask Blake how the heck Kory knew we were here in the first place, but Mack and Tonbo had returned. Tonbo peered around, his brows knit, and his lips pinched together.

  “Kory just left,” Blake said. “I let him know we’re joining him. We’re going to find this bug, whoever it is, and destroy it.”

  Tonbo nodded and then sighed. “I’m sad I missed the boy. Would’ve enjoyed his company for a bit. It’s been too long since his last visit.”

  I stared at Tonbo. Doesn’t he know Kory despises him?

  “Perhaps next time,” Blake answered, his tone strained, as he draped an arm around Tonbo’s shoulders and began walking back with him. Blake showing Tonbo affection made me happy. Behind the smiles and odd sense of humor, there was something desperate about the old man, as though he thought his soul was forever damned for his past mistakes. Perhaps showing compassion on others, like Kory, was Tonbo’s way of trying to redeem himself.

  I caught eyes with Mack, who shuffled to my side. He leaned in and murmured, “Tonbo chooses to love Kory. Like the Prodigal son, he hopes Kory will return one day.”

  I stretched and stifled a yawn. Hard to believe we’d flown here today. It felt like a week ago when I stepped onto the island. After the gardens, we had entered Tonbo’s estate. One glance at Blake and me had informed Tonbo the grand tour would probably have to wait for tomorrow. Always gracious, Tonbo had fed us a delicious meal and showed us to our own private guest chambers. Each of us had our own room off the same hall. Blake had planted a kiss on my lips and told me to rest for a minute. He had a few things to discuss with Tonbo.

  I glanced around the room. A canopy bed with privacy curtains pulled back, a lounging area with its own sectional couch and flat-screen TV, a fountain occupying a wall with a pool of water at least four-feet deep and six-foot long at its base.

  I leaned over and ran my hand through it, surprised to discover the water was warm. Tempted to just jump in, I wondered when Blake would return. Did I have time for a quick bath? Watching the water drip from my fingers, I made a rash decision and locked my bedroom door. He said to rest and I can think of no better way than this.

  I shimmied out of my dress. Having never actually put it on before, it proved a bit tricky to take off, since it was skintight. Once it cleared my hips and fell to the floor, I kicked it away with my foot. Done looking like I’m heading to the prom or the Grammy’s. Wonder if I throw it away, if it can appear again?

  I grinned as I tossed it in the nearest trashcan. “Take that. I’d rather wear a Mumu. Now, this is a bath,” I murmured as I got in and lay down. Bubbles blew out from my nose as I pushed myself in all the way, the water covering me completely. It felt wonderful to wash all the stickiness from my skin. Feeling my body’s buoyancy, I figured it was salt water and opened my eyes under water. I dug my toes into the side, forcing my body to go down deeper. My thoughts begin to wander, all sounds muffled out by the steady roar of water cascading down the rocks. I closed my eyes, totally relaxed. I supposed warning bells should have gone off in my head. I am resting under water… perhaps not the best plan. This would have terrorized me six months ago.

  I didn’t know how long I’d been under, it felt like it had only been seconds, but the next thing I knew, hands grabbed my waist, pulling me out of my ‘tub’ with a whoosh, water splashing everywhere. I tried to get my bearings as I sucked air in. I hadn’t realized how bad my lungs were burning.

  “Sam! Sam! Are you okay?” Blake’s voice belted out. Then I discovered I was cradled in his arms—naked. My wings poked out haphazardly as his arm held me up.

  “Blake!” I screamed, desperate to cover myself with my arms, pulling my legs in higher with his other hand still under my knees. “What are you doing?” I scrambled around, not sure if I should lean into his chest or away.

  He shoved a towel in my direction, averting his eyes. It felt like both of his hands were all too painfully on me. I wondered if he grabbed it with his teeth. The towel hit me in the nose.

  He sputtered. “What am I doing? You looked like you’d drowned!”

  I snatched it from my face, trying to cover myself. He seemed frantic, but I was even more so. “Put me down!” I commanded.

  He did and I finished wrapping the towel around myself, a bit tricky with wings.

  “I was just taking a bath! Why were you in here?” I asked, swiping the wet hair from my eyes. My hands shook, the whole situation mortifying.

  Blake wasn’t smirking or acting like a regular teenage boy might upon seeing a naked girl. He seemed agitated, worried. His breathing was hard, his brow still creased together.

  “Just taking a bath?” he repeated, like he hadn’t heard me.

  “Yeah, don’t you go under sometimes too?” I spat. I knew my anger was all a front, my face flaming red. I’d never been more embarrassed in my life. I didn’t do naked. I was the girl who hid in the corner while dressing for gym class, praying no one noticed me. I’d always been shy in that department. My sisters had no trouble flaunting their skin, but I did. Well, this just took the cake. I’ll never live this down.

  “You didn’t answer the door for a long time. I thought the bug had gotten you. I broke in,” Blake answered.

  I peeked at the door; sure enough, it lay wide open, with one of the bottom hinges busted out.

  “Wow, I…” I began.

  He cut me off. “I’m just glad you’re fine. Sorry I freaked you out.”

  He took a step towards me, and I held out my hand. “Wait,” I warned. I felt way too exposed still, and dripping wet in a towel didn’t help.

  “Permission to hug you, I swear, only hug,” He lifted an eyebrow. “Unless, of co
urse, you want more than that.”

  “Let me get dressed first. I don’t trust you,” I said, giving him a weak smile. Or myself, I should have added.

  I went into the bathroom, locked the door, and pulled pajamas out of my bag. I stared at the tank top I’d brought to wear so my wings would have room. I glanced at my reflection. Do I really need my wings now? They felt cumbersome. And I don’t want to try to sleep with them. I morphed back to normal and threw a T-shirt on instead. Blake’s seen enough of my skin tonight. I ran a brush through my now shoulder-length hair. One minute it’s long, the next it’s short. So weird.

  I came out of the bathroom to see Blake had changed too. “Oh good,” he said. “Now we can snuggle.” He made no mention of my hair length. Honestly, I wondered if he even noticed the difference.

  “Sure,” I said. Like he just wants to hold each other.

  Turns out, he sort of did. We curled up on the couch, under a light blanket he’d found. We kissed some, but most of the time, I laid my head on his chest and listened to the thrumming of his heart. The later the evening grew, the more I realized Blake had no intentions of returning to his room. I peered up at him, and he immediately kissed my lips.

  “I’ll have you know I am doing my best to restrain myself. I know you’re feeling a little weird about earlier.”

  I was impressed he’d somehow known the reassuring I craved right now, I got more from his arms than his lips.

  “Yeah, I’d rather not talk about that,” I grumbled.

  “Just know, Sam, you are, and forever will be, the only girl for me.”

  His words caught me off guard. There was no teasing or sarcasm behind them, just straight honesty. I pressed my lips to his while my mind screamed, Tell him you love him! I knew I did. I’d never felt like this before about anyone. For some reason, those words terrified me still; as if I’d wake from a dream and relive the nightmare in the cabin the moment I professed my love. I knew it wasn’t Blake and yet I hesitated. Somewhere between talking, kissing, and holding one another, I fell asleep.