Hidden Monster (The Monsters Among Us Book 1)

by Amanda Strong

  Chapter 33

  Beep. Beep. Beep.

  I groaned. What was that confounded sound? Not my cell… I bolted upright. I’m most definitely not at home. I was curled up in the corner of the couch, covered in blankets, with no Blake. When had he left?

  Beep. Beep. Beep.

  Argh. I don’t even know where that is coming from. Then I noticed my bedroom door was shut. When was the hinge fixed? And is that a doorbell?

  I snorted. Leave it to Blake. He must’ve told Tonbo to put it in because I hadn’t heard his knocking while underwater. I shuffled over to the door, my joints feeling stiff. I wasn’t sure if the soreness came from the day of flying or the night on the couch. Bright light streamed in from my windows, and I could only assume it was still early morning.

  “Blake, where’d you go?” I asked, opening the door.

  My ‘go’ turned into ‘go-o-o,’ because it was most definitely not Blake.

  I wrapped myself up in my arms. “Kate?” I blurted, and then I added, “I mean, you’re Kate, right?”

  I guess since I happened to be with the boy she was in love with, I didn’t expect her smile to light up her hazel eyes.

  “Yes! I’m so happy we finally get to meet, Sammy.” Her voice was so pleasant. “I’ve heard such wonderful things about you for so long.”

  I swallowed hard, totally taken aback. “You have? Oh, same! Blake has spoken highly of you too.”

  I realized my mistake when she cringed, and she asked, “He has?” Then she tried to recover by adding quickly, “Oh, that’s great. Mack has told me all about you.”

  Oh. Mack. Not Blake. I felt so stupid. Explains why she called me Sammy, I guess. I held the door open wider. “Want to come in?” I had no idea what she was doing here, but might as well bury myself in more shame. I knew I looked terrible. My knotted hair stuck up on one side, guess the side Blake hadn’t been smoothing down with his hand. While she, on the other hand, was immaculately dressed, her face fresh and radiant, and her hair cascaded in loose curls down her back.

  Her bare back. No wings. Interesting.

  To my surprise, she nodded and entered my bedroom. We stared at each other for a minute, and I pointed to the couch. “Want to sit down?”

  “Oh, no, I really shouldn’t stay. Mack asked me to come and check on you after a bit.”

  “Mack?” I asked, while wondering why not Blake. And why Kate, of all people? This morning was just getting weirder and weirder.

  “We’re pretty good friends, Mack and I,” Kate explained. “I know he’s one of your best friends too. Seems we have a lot in common.” Her words held no malice behind them.

  You mean we’re both in love with the same boy. I smiled, while feeling completely cruddy inside. From what I could see, Kate was nothing but beautiful and kind.

  “Oh, that’s good. Mack’s the best kind of friend to have. He’s gotten me through some tough times,” I said, genuinely glad she had him in her life too.

  “He is one of kind. I guess you could say we understand each other, know how it feels.”

  I thought nothing of her statement until she flushed and began fussing with her hair. Oh. Maybe she means both of them know how it feels to have unrequited love. She loves Blake and Mack loves Jen. I felt even worse inside. Time to change the subject.

  “Speaking of Mack, is he gorging himself on breakfast right now? That guy’s always hungry,” I said with a forced laugh. I really wanted to know why she was here, and not the guys. Something felt off.

  Kate pressed her hands on her stomach and ran them down, like she was trying to straighten out her blouse. She’s avoiding eye contact. This can’t be good.

  “No, Blake and Mack left hours ago,” she said slowly. “They want me to look after you while they’re gone.”

  “Gone? Like fishing or something?” I asked, not liking how she kept tugging at the ends of her hair. Silly girl’s going to pull out all her hair if she doesn’t stop. I knew I wasn’t really worried about Kate’s locks. Everything about this conversation filled me with dread.

  “No.” Her eyes finally met mine. “They left with Kory. They’ve gone to kill the bug.”

  “They did what?” I couldn’t believe my ears. I tried to maintain face in front of this complete stranger, who I happened to want to make a favorable impression on. The last thing I needed was for Blake’s rejected girlfriend to have the pleasure of seeing the one he’d chosen having a meltdown. And then it’d be all over the island.

  Blake left me! Here! On an island, where I have no hope of leaving on my own! Of course, I kept all that to myself.

  “I don’t understand. He and Mack were leaving with Kory after they flew me home today,” I managed to say with a somewhat even voice.

  She frowned. “They wanted to, honest Sammy. But someone caught the trace of the bug’s scent. Blake found Kory, and they took off. Mack came and told me to watch out for you and explain things. Then he left to catch up with them.”

  Something about her story didn’t make sense. Only problem is, I don’t know which part. Why hadn’t Blake just told me? I glanced up to see Kate eyeing me. There was something in her gaze that unsettled me. Feels like she’s waiting for me to react. Like she almost expects a meltdown. I shook my head. I’m imagining things.

  “Oh crap.” Reality hit. “What will my parents think? I’m supposed to come home tonight.”

  Kate shook her head. “Don’t worry about that. It’s all been taken care of.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Oh, well, Blake called your mom and told her you’d come down with the flu, but that you’re in good hands with Blake’s brother Jaxon being a doctor and all. Told her you’ll be home as soon as you’re up to traveling and not to worry.” She seemed satisfied with her answer, but I couldn’t help but wonder how Blake managed to do all that planning when he was in such a rush to get out of here.

  I finally pegged what didn’t add up. What was the point of this whole trip anyway? We didn’t learn anything about the bug, about who’d taken me, or what’d done to make me different from everyone else. Kory showed up last night, almost like he was waiting for Blake to take off with him. Which would explain how Kory knew where to find us in the first place. And then to top it off, Blake had already planned my excuse for not returning home.

  “If I didn’t know better, I’d say this was all a ruse to stick me here while they kill the bug.” I’d muttered my words, not really expecting an answer.

  Kate sighed. “Oh, Sammy, you are too smart for your own good. Mack warned me about you, said you could figure things out. And I told him I’m a horrible actress.”

  I wanted to say, what the heck are you talking about, but I wanted to keep her gushing.

  “Yes, well, you have too many nervous tells. Sorry, lying’s not your thing, Kate.” I offered her a smile, hoping to bait her.

  “No! It’s so not. Well, I guess you’d know sooner or later. You’re right. Blake never planned to take you home today. He wants you far from the bug, safe, until it’s destroyed.”

  I fumed inside, but I held my tongue.

  “But I guess you already figured that all out. And then after what happened last night with the water, he knew you really needed to stay.”

  I bit my tongue hard enough to draw blood, but no gasp escaped my lips. Say what?

  Kate seemed totally relaxed now, smiling and happy. “I’m so glad I don’t have to pretend around you anymore, Sammy. I really would like to be friends. I feel like I already know you so well.”

  I stared at her and had to concede that none of my wrath should be directed at her. She seemed like an innocent, sweet girl, who got nervous when doing something she felt wrong, and yet, would bend over backwards to help anyone. Even the girl who’d unwittingly stolen the love of her life from her. Why Blake isn’t madly in love with her, I have no idea. Thinking of Blake, my rage boiled. So he planned all along to get me here, and leave me!

  I forced myself to smile. “I’d r
eally like that too, Kate.”

  “Oh good! Well, let’s get you off to Tonbo’s office. I know he’s waiting to get started.”

  There was no amount of tongue biting I could do to hide my surprise. “Started?”

  “Oh. I’d thought you knew about that bit.” Kate morphed into a damsel, her bronze wings captivating my attention again. It felt like more than déjà vu this time. I swear I’ve seen them before.

  Her hazel eyes squinted back at me. “Everything okay?”

  “Uh, yeah. I’m fine.” I knew it’d sound crazy if I asked if we’d met each other before. There was no way.

  “Hey, if it makes you feel better, I’d be mad too,” she said, twisting her lips to the side and winking.

  My gaze snapped up. “I’m not mad.”

  “Really? Not even a little bit? You’re a better person than me, I guess.” She hiked her shoulders up. “I mean, he left you here, and probably didn’t even tell you about the tests he asked Tonbo to run today.” She frowned. “I swear, Blake acts like everything and everyone should bow down to his plans.”

  I wanted to argue with her, but I found it difficult.

  “Personally, I still don’t see why Tonbo didn’t choose Mack to run things. He practically raised him. And Mack is so kind, thoughtful.” Her tone softened, and I bristled slightly.

  “Well, Mack isn’t exactly innocent in all this either,” I muttered.

  Kate’s eyes widened. “What do you mean?”

  “He knew about Blake’s plans and didn’t say anything either.” I folded my arms.

  She seemed to consider my words. When her staring became uncomfortable, I added, “Doesn’t matter now, what’s done is done. I should probably get changed.”

  She jumped a little, as if remembering herself, and nodded. “Yes, sorry you’re right. Take your time. I’ll wait outside for you, okay?” She exited the room, pausing at the door. She turned to face me. “I guess you’re right about Mack and even though I may not agree with Blake’s methods, I do agree with him about the tests. I think it’s time you find out what makes you special, Sammy.”

  Chapter 34

  I hate them both! Okay, I don’t hate them, but what the heck! I fumed, ranted, and all but punched the wall. I had followed Kate obediently to Tonbo’s office, let her leave me sitting at the round table, and then sat for a good hour waiting for him to show up. What happened to him dying to get started?

  Maybe it’s just as well. I needed time to simmer down. Tonbo was under the impression I came here to be tested. The only ones who had been playing the deceit cards were my friends. Even if this whole plan was to keep me out of harm’s way and get answers, Blake hadn’t been up front about it. He’d thought he had to scheme and plot to it. He promised me no more lying. I didn’t like what that reminded me of. Was I fool to trust him? I dug my nails into my jeans, thinking of not only Blake, but Mack too.

  Argh, what is it with those two? Why didn’t they just tell me in the first place? Because, I never would have agreed to this.

  “I don’t care if they did it to protect me, I’m still mad,” I mumbled, just to break the silence.

  “Well, hopefully not with me too,” I heard from behind.

  I spun around in my chair and saw Tonbo walking into the room.

  “Oh no, I’m just…”

  “I know you’re upset, Samantha. Blake debated whether to tell you last night. He came to see me before the incident.”

  My face flamed—did everyone on the island know about my humiliating moment?

  “I told him not to tell you. That it’d be best if he just left.”

  I stared at Tonbo. “Why?”

  “Because, Samantha, you are a very complicated damsel. You have anger within you, and you are stubborn. You wouldn’t have agreed, and Blake can’t stand to upset you. After what happened in the water, it gave Blake the strength to go. He wants to know why you are the way you are. And that’s why he didn’t say goodbye.”

  “What do you mean, what happened in the water?”

  “Blake knocked at your door for a good while and even after he’d broken the door in, it took him a few more minutes to find you under the pond. We can hold our breath for a very long time, my dear, but no one to this day has held it that long. You should’ve died.”

  “Oh. So is that why everyone knows about it?” I asked. Kate had referred to it too, and I began wondering who else knew.

  Tonbo nodded. “Why else would they? It’s unheard of, unprecedented.”

  “I didn’t realize; I didn’t know.” So it’s not because I was naked and all that. That probably never crossed anyone’s mind but mine. Then his words hit me. I should be dead?

  “But Tonbo, it didn’t feel like I’d been under that long. I don’t understand. One minute I’m under and the next, Blake’s freaking out, trying to save me. It doesn’t make sense.”

  “I worried about this.” Tonbo sat on the chair next to me. “Samantha, you used to have blackout spells before, right?”

  I nodded, slowly realizing what had happened. I’d passed out under water, and somehow managed to hold my breath. Scary thought. It was my first blackout since becoming a damsel.

  “I’d hoped that was over now that I am what I am.”

  Tonbo squeezed my hand and sighed. “Not every serum’s foolproof and whoever messed with yours added quite a bit of extras. One of which just might be sperm whale DNA.”

  “Really?”

  “It’s something we’d played with in the past, but hadn’t put into practice just yet. We have to run clinical tests to see if the benefits outweigh the risks. We do that with any alterations that are made. Anyway, whoever mixed your own unique blend probably stumbled upon our research and decided to implement it regardless. Sperm whales can hold their breath for over an hour, though typical dives last more like a half hour. So…” He rubbed his hands together, his eyes lighting up with energy. “Shall we proceed to my water tank?”

  “Um…”

  Tonbo cackled. “Oh, I’m just teasing you, my dear. I’d never dunk you for that long. In fact, no dunking necessary. We have a very nice lab upstairs. Want to see it? Much can be discovered by even a simple collection of blood.”

  I agreed. “Okay, sounds good.”

  Tonbo practically jumped to feet. “Excellent, off we go then!”

  Even though he’d joked about the water tank, my legs still wobbled as we exited his office. Just how mad of a scientist is he? We flew to the tenth floor and stopped in front of two metal, double doors, with a bright blue, flat monitor screen hanging next to them. Tonbo reached up and placed his palm against it; it buzzed, a white line tracing his handprint, like a child drawing with chalk, and then dinged.

  “Welcome, Tonbo,” a singsong voice said from the box.

  “Why, thank you,” he sang back.

  The doors slid open, revealing an elevator. We climbed in, and Tonbo said, “My lab takes up the top ten floors and as you see, not just anyone can enter. Very few actually.”

  “So why can’t we trace who got into the serum? Wouldn’t it have to be one of your scientists, someone who had access?” I asked, pressing my back against the wall. Elevators always made me dizzy.

  “Yes, you’d think it’d be that simple. But unfortunately, about a month before your abduction, there was a computer glitch. Someone hacked their way in and overrode the system. It shut down video surveillance cameras and the door scanner. Since it happened at night, we didn’t catch it until morning. And by then, it was too late. Serum had gone missing. When Blake found out you were gone, he searched for you, yes, but he raided here for anything and everything. Trust me when I say we raked over every detail. Whoever took you, Samantha, was smart and covered their tracks well.”

  I considered his words as the elevator stopped and the doors opened. My eyes widened. Now this did look just like a scene of a CSI crime lab, white lab coats everywhere, glassed-in rooms, and tables with odd-looking equipment and machinery on it. Right smack
dab in the middle was a breadfruit tree.

  He caught my gaze and shrugged. “In case my trainees get hungry.”

  True to his word, I had a few needles poked into me, blood drawn, and one CAT scan… At least, I thought that was what it was. I held perfectly still in the cylinder, my thin hospital gown doing nothing to protect me from its cold, ceramic surface.

  We took a break after the body scan, and Tonbo had food brought up to the lab. We ate in a private room, one without glass walls. I was glad to escape the eyes that had followed my every move today. I’d overheard a few whispered conversations, rolling my eyes at a few of the muttered phrases I caught.

  “She’s the one that held her breath.”

  “She got a new batch, so who knows what she can do.”

  “That’s Blake’s damsel, better steer clear.”

  Tonbo busied himself with tying a bulky bib around his neck. I wondered why until I saw what was on his platter—a whole heap of sticky, barbeque ribs.

  I told Tonbo to surprise me and choose my meal. When I hefted the silver lid off mine, I was indeed surprised. No ribs, instead, a piece of grilled salmon, sautéed vegetables, and a slab of carrot cake.

  “How did you know these are all my favorites, Tonbo?” I asked, impressed.

  “I know many things about you, Samantha. Now, the damsel side, not as much, I’m afraid. I hope we can at least determine what exact strains of DNA were used.”

  “Will it explain how I can alter my appearance too, like my hair and that dress?”

  Tonbo frowned. “That one perplexes me to no end. To change hair length is one thing, but to appear in different clothes is another matter.”

  “It’s not just any clothes either, Tonbo. It’s always that blue dress.” The one I threw away, I thought with relish.

  “Your first time morphing, you wore the dress, but not always?”

  “Yeah.”

  Tonbo ran his thumb along his other hand’s knuckles. “That I will delve deeper into. The sharper vision, sense of smell, even holding your breath, I can find logical explanations for. We’ve already found that your myoglobin, that’s the stuff that stores oxygen in your muscles, is through the roof. Your red blood cell count is extremely dense too, which helps keep your brain,” he tapped his temple, “oxygenated.”