Hidden Monster (The Monsters Among Us Book 1)

by Amanda Strong

  “Stop!” I tried to slap Mack’s arm, but not use to my short stature, my hand barely grazed his elbow. He laughed and I noticed that everyone, including Jaxon, smiled. Well, at least everyone’s in good humor. Hope it stays that way.

  Blake decided he would tow his brother once we made it out of the mine; no one wanted him transforming to use his wings. And Mack would tow me, at least until we parted ways, since looking like Jaxon’s son left me wingless as well. I had so many questions to ask, but now wasn’t the time. Jaxon had to get to the island fast; we didn’t know how long he’d be able to fight the bug off. Blake wanted Mack to see me safely home. To my relief, I’d only been missing for a few days and Blake had assured my parents I’d return as soon as I was over the flu and up for the drive.

  We hustled through the underground labyrinth, only this time using torches. I thought having lights would be better, but I was wrong. The tight places and tunnels totally freaked me out. Can’t believe I flew through all this before! Everything felt damp and smelled rank and old. I couldn’t wait to get out, to breathe fresh air again. Once the stairs appeared, I glanced up to see the wooden door was now scattered down the stairs in pieces. Guess the guys kicked it in when they got here with Kory.

  Kory. That name enraged me. He’d caused quite a mess and left us all here to clean it up. Blake was right; he couldn’t be trusted.

  Like it or not, the problems didn’t end with Kory. Jaxon had confirmed it was Kory who convinced him changing into a dragon would be the best thing for Blake. As we climbed the steps, I decided I had to ask Jaxon one last thing before we parted ways.

  Bright sunlight hit my eyes, and we left the underground world behind. As I stepped on to the wooden platform, I peered around to see we were inside a rundown shed, made of wood. Many of the planks were broken, leaving gaping holes in the walls, through which the wind howled. Loose timber above us rattled and clanked together. It felt like the whole thing might come down on our heads at any moment.

  When Blake stepped over to Mack to make sure he was up to the flight, I moved to Jaxon’s side.

  “Ready for this?” I asked.

  The tears he’d shed before left his face looking like a zebra whose stripes were made of dirt.

  He nodded. “I need this.”

  “Jaxon.” I lowered my voice, “Why did you say before you thought it was Blake?”

  Jaxon stared at the floorboards for a moment, and then met my gaze. “While we were camping, he left for a while. I figured he’d gone to see you. Then when he came back, he seemed agitated. Mack showed up the next day to tell us you were gone.”

  Jaxon glanced over at Blake and shrugged. “I don’t know. I guess I assumed he’d done it. But I don’t know really. It went against everything he tried to protect you from. Little did he know that he really needed to protect you from his big brother.”

  “That’s not your fault,” I said, feeling bad I’d brought any of this up.

  “That’s right. It’s Kory’s,” Blake cut in. I wondered how much of our conversation he’d overheard. His expression hardened. “And he will pay for this.”

  I just couldn’t believe Blake was the bad guy and decided to let it go. Like Jaxon said, he’d just assumed. There were still so many things I didn’t understand. Like how had I ended up in Jaxon’s cavern anyway? Where had Jaxon found me? Last I knew, I was safe with Tonbo and Kate. The moment Blake took off flying with his brother, I regretted not asking him that question. Once they were out of sight, I decided it was time to be me again.

  Mack waited at my side, his eyes wide. “This is so incredible, Sammy. No one else can do this. Wonder how you are doing it?”

  “Beats me.” I closed my eyes and concentrated on my own features. I felt my body grow and shoot up at the same time. I opened my eyes.

  Mack was close now, suddenly not so tall. He reached over and touched my face. “Are you still hurt?”

  I glanced down at myself. I was back in the ratty, black dress, and my scrapes and bruises had healed. “No, I’m good. Just need a hot shower and some clean clothes.”

  Mack removed his hand, the spot he’d touched remaining warm. “Well, it won’t do for your folks to see you like that. Let’s hit my house first. Then you can clean up a bit.”

  “Yeah, you could use a shower too,” I said, poking him in the rib.

  He grunted, pretending to double over in pain. Then he chuckled and stripped off his bloody T-shirt. I couldn’t help myself; I reached over and touched the healing wounds.

  “That’s amazing. You’re like Wolverine,” I gasped.

  His hand landed on mine, and he winked. “And I’d love to say you’re my Gene Gray, but I’m pretty sure you take the cake as Mystique.”

  My eyes met his. I wasn’t sure why the moment felt awkward. Maybe it was that he referred to me as his Gene Gray when we’d only ever been friends.

  I decided to laugh, even if it was forced, and removed my hand. I was glad Mack chuckled and said, “Come on, Mystique. Let’s get home.”

  I nodded, and we took off. My wings had healed completely and I felt a new strength within myself. I didn’t know if it was the fact I was alive, not dead in some underground mine, or if it was just being with my best friend again. Either way, the adrenaline pumping through me felt good.

  As soon as we left the ground and I surveyed our surroundings, we were just outside of Ouray, Colorado, where many old, abandoned mining outposts remained. Since we were only seventy miles from home, we got back within minutes. We remained in camo all the way up and into Mack’s bedroom window. He assured me his parents were at work, not that they’d care either way if I were there. We shed the camo.

  “Just in case,” he said, locking the door. “I want you to have privacy.”

  I knew Mack’s bedroom well, having been there countless time. He went inside the adjoining bathroom to turn the shower on for me.

  “Want me to head over to your house and get you some clothes while you shower?” he asked when he came back into the room.

  “Yeah, that’d be awesome, thanks. Just grab whatever’s laying around. I don’t care.”

  “Okay, be back in a sec,” he said, and then disappeared from sight.

  I smiled, climbing into the shower, realizing that Mack’s scent comforted me. Reminded me of Christmastime in the kitchen. Wonder if he knows he smells like pumpkin pie?

  Chapter 41

  I let the hot water wash away everything. All the blood and dirt swirled down the drain. I purposely enjoyed a long shower, knowing Mack had to fly to my house, sneak in, and get my clothes. When the water started to turn cold, I shut it off with the guilty realization that Mack still needed one to.

  I dried off, wrapped the towel around my body, and poked my head out the door.

  “Mack?” I called quietly, just in case someone had come home.

  I peered around the room. No one was there. I shut the bathroom door, deciding I’d wait in here. The minutes ticked by. What’s taking him so long? Oh, please don’t tell me my parents caught him up in my room!

  Getting anxious and impatient, I decided to try something. I stared at my reflection, my blonde hair dripping on my shoulders. Okay, here it goes…

  I shut my eyes and focused on brown hair. That was all I could remember from her. I felt my body shift, the towel loosening under my armpits. I peeked at the mirror and gasped.

  I was no longer me! I had shoulder-length, brunette hair, bright green eyes, and a freckled nose. I smiled at my reflection, pretty, not movie star hot, but nice looking.

  I took the towel off. I was wearing those same jeans and T-shirt from before, no wings. This is so weird. So who am I? I’d seen one picture of Blake’s nephew when Blake had come over to my house. But I’d never seen her before.

  I heard some noises in Mack’s bedroom and decided he must be back. I opened the door to see Mack reappearing, holding my clothes.

  “Hey,” I said as he turned around to face me.

  “Samm
y?” His mouth went slack, and his eyes widened.

  “Yeah, it’s me,” I reassured him. “I wanted to try this out again, only wish I knew who this was.”

  “You don’t know?” he asked, his tone seeming surprised.

  “No, I have no idea.”

  Mack set my clothes down on his bed and then moved to his dresser. He pulled open his top drawer, riffled through the socks, and then retrieved a small photo. He held it out to me.

  “Maybe this will help you,” he said, his voice soft.

  I stared at the photo in my hands. I recognized the girl only because I currently was her. I raked my brain, trying to think if I’d seen her before. Nothing came to mind.

  I shook my head. “I don’t remember. Who is this?”

  “You really don’t know, do you?” His words seemed like they were more for himself. Was I imagining the pain I saw in his expression?

  “What’s going on, Mack? Tell me why I should know her.”

  He shook his head and then sat down on his bed, sighing. Something about his demeanor made me feel sad inside. Always the lighthearted of the two of us, I’d never seen my friend so distraught. I moved to sit next to him, reaching over to take his hand in mine.

  I wasn’t sure how it happened, but the next thing I knew, Mack’s lips landed on mine. Shocked, I wanted to shout, What on earth are you doing? But there was a part of me that liked it. My hand slipped behind his neck and, dumbfounded by my own actions, I began kissing him back.

  He wrapped me up in his arms, his kisses turning more intense. There was something so familiar about Mack’s touch. But this isn’t right! I stopped letting him cradle me, and began pushing against his chest.

  I turned my neck, pulling my lips away. “No, wait.”

  He jerked away fast, jumping off the bed.

  I stared at him, confused at what just happened. Had he wanted that? Or was it just one of those weird moments? He ran his hands through his hair, not making eye contact. When he began pacing the floor, I had the feeling that this wasn’t a random act. Maybe he likes me. Something inside me stirred. My heart ached to see him upset.

  “Mack, stop,” I said, standing up.

  To my surprise, he stepped further away, continuing his pacing. “No, no, no,” he mumbled. “This wasn’t how it was supposed to go.”

  “What are you talking about? Kissing me? Mack, it’s okay. Don’t feel bad,” I said, reaching out to touch him.

  Breathing hard, he glanced over at me, and I saw the torture in his eyes. “Samantha, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that.”

  I stared at him. “Oh come on, Mack, was it that bad?” I teased. “Hey, we’ve been best friends forever. Sometimes, these things just happen.”

  He shook his head. “I shouldn’t have done that. It won’t happen again.”

  “Mack, I had no idea how you really felt. Why didn’t you tell me?”

  He met my gaze. “I did, but you don’t remember.”

  “What? When?” I asked, an uneasiness creeping into my stomach.

  He pointed at the picture I held in my hand. “That girl was some random picture you found. You hated looking like your family. You told me you’d rather look like her.”

  “Mack, what are you talking about? I don’t remember any of this!”

  Instead of answering, he took one step closer to me. “Sammy.” His voice was low. “Say something. I need to know. I can’t go on like this. Is it really over?”

  I bit my lip. I wanted to remain friends. I didn’t want to lose him in my life. Everything was happening too fast. “It doesn’t have to be over.”

  “But you don’t love me? You love Blake?”

  “I… I am in love with Blake,” I answered, my voice catching in my throat. I didn’t want to hurt my friend. Why did that stupid kiss have to happen? Then I realized Mack was in love with me. Kiss or not, this was bound to happen eventually. That’s why Kate and he understand one another.

  “I’m so confused. I always thought you wanted Jen. I had no idea. I’m so sorry, Mack.”

  Without thinking, I tried to hug him, but he recoiled from me, jumping away like he was made of springs.

  “You shouldn’t hug me, Samantha. You’re with Blake.”

  “I can hug friends,” I protested, annoyed he kept calling me Samantha. “Kissing, maybe not.” I hoped he’d laugh, but he didn’t. He resumed pacing the floor, his agitated manner unsettling.

  “Can we at least talk about this?” I asked.

  When he didn’t say anything, I wondered when he had told me of his feelings. I had no memory of it at all. Did I say I liked him back?

  About to ask him, something struck me odd about his behavior. He paced, hands clasped together, taking six step forward, and six steps back. The hairs on my neck rose. No… it can’t be…

  I gasped, and his eyes riveted on me.

  “I can’t believe it… I won’t believe it!” I stammered. I backed away from him, as he was ironically moving closer to me now.

  “Sammy?” he asked, his hand reaching out. “Do you remember now?”

  I gaped at him. “Oh, I remember,” I whispered. “I remember that pacing. It was you, wasn’t it? You were in the cabin!”

  I wanted to bolt, but I was so shocked that I remained planted where I stood.

  Mack’s expression turned contrite. “Sammy, wait, you don’t understand.”

  “How could you do that to me? You were the one person I always trusted! You did all that so I’d fall in love with you?”

  He closed the gap between us, grabbing my arms. “I could only hope and dream you would love me one day. You have to believe me; I never wanted to go through with it. It was all her idea.”

  “Who, Mack? Enough with the games. I need answers!” I shook his arms free of me. Then it occurred to me. “Was it Kate who put you up to it?”

  “Yes, but it wasn’t just Kate.” Mack hesitated. “It was Sammy’s idea.”

  I wanted to punch him. “This was my idea? Are you insane! I know you expect me to believe a lot of things that I don’t remember, but I’m pretty sure I didn’t abduct myself!”

  “No, but it’s time you know the truth. You aren’t Sammy. She’s,” his voice cracked, “long gone.”

  Chapter 42

  I stared at him, my chest heaving up and down. “What on earth are you talking about? You are crazy. I’m leaving now.”

  “No, wait, let me explain. Please, Samantha. I need to get this off my chest. I can’t do this anymore. You’re right, I betrayed you, my own best friend. And I lied to Blake.” His face visibly paled. “Pretty sure I’m a dead man when he finds out. But you have to let me tell you what’s really going on.”

  As much as I wanted to scream and throw a holy tantrum, his last plea got to me. More than anything, I needed to know the truth. I was done being confused.

  “Okay, spill it. And when you’re done, I leave. Don’t touch me, and don’t follow me. Do you understand? Or I will make sure Blake’s not kind.” I regretted my last words as soon as they came out. Seeing Mack’s flinch confirmed that I’d gone too far.

  Like it or not, it was still Mack. Freaky liar, probably psychopath, but still Mack. For whatever reason, I couldn’t stomach seeing him hurt. It tore at something inside me, like a throbbing hangnail.

  “You might want to sit down for this,” he said gently.

  I sighed heavily, and then shrugged as I plopped down on his bed. “Okay. I’m sitting.”

  To my relief, he stood far from me. “Samantha, when you drowned as a kid, it did something to you. When you were underwater, someone else took over. You have another personality within you. It’s Sammy.”

  That wasn’t what I’d been expecting, and my mouth gaped open to protest. There was no way that was true? Was there?

  “What do you mean—another personality?”

  “Sometimes, when someone’s traumatized or really afraid, multiple personalities emerge to protect or defend that person. That’s what happened
to you. You don’t remember it because you blackout when she comes and wake up when she leaves you.”

  My eyes widened. “Blake told me I’d felt his face underwater when he saved me, but I only remember this feeling I’d be okay and the next minute I was above water…”

  Mack nodded. “Yeah, that was probably Sammy. That’s when she first came to be. In your moment of sheer terror, she came to save you. Honestly, when Blake asked me to look out for you at school, neither one of us knew about your other side yet. After you and I’d become good friends, I saw her. Maybe six months after the drowning incident, we were out in your yard playing when you fell down. When you didn’t get up, I ran over to see if you were okay. I must’ve been saying your name because all of a sudden you sat up and glared at me. You shouted, ‘I’m not Samantha!’”

  Mack chuckled a little. “I said ‘sure, whatever, Samantha’ and you hulled back and socked me in the nose. So then I was like ‘fine, tell me who are you then?’ And then you freaked out, got all scared on me, saying you didn’t know.”

  I could only stare at Mack. I didn’t want to believe this could be true. And yet, I’d been experiencing blackouts, going to therapy, supposing it had to do with my fear of drowning, and never really understanding why for as long as I could remember.

  “I’d said something like, ‘fine whatever, you’re Sammy,’ and you calmed right down. You told me to call you Sammy from then on, not Samantha. I thought you were just joking around and I humored you. Then it kept happening. You’d be all nice and then just shift into this bossy prima donna. We’d be out riding and then you’d dump the bike and want to go to my house so you could rummage through my science books.”

  “That does not sound like me at all,” I cut in.

  “I know, you hate science. And school. But Sammy wanted to study all the time. It was like she couldn’t get enough. I tried to shrug it off for a while. And I debated whether to tell Blake, and then Sammy begged me not to tell anyone. That’s when I heard your mom and dad arguing one day in the kitchen. You were up in your room, and I was waiting for you downstairs. Your mom kept saying how she didn’t understand why you were so different. Why you kept lying about where you’d been or what you’d done all day. I decided I had to tell them what I’d seen. Your parents put you into therapy after what I’d told them. During your first session, Sammy came out. She was ticked at me for telling your parents. She emerged to tell the therapist to mind her own business. By then, your parents knew what was really happening. Your dad took it pretty well, kept being patient and calling you Sammy when you seemed upset. But your mom had a harder time with it. For whatever reason, Sammy came out more for her, and the two of them didn’t get along at all.”