I turn towards the other door and freeze. The shadow is back, between me and the only other door. The light behind it grows, distorting the figure so I can’t make out any features. It’s just a hazy dark shape and it takes a step towards me.
“Destiny.” It’s deep voice calls, sending chills through me.
“Go away!” I holler as I step back, pressing myself against the door behind me. Unconsciously my right hand grabs the knob and I continue trying to open the door. It’s still locked, but panic is starting to take hold and escape is the thought that begins to consume me.
“Destiny, I’m coming.” It’s closer now, halfway between the two doors. I can see it’s arm lift towards me, and I turn my head and clench my eyes. I don’t want to see it.
“Leave me alone!”
“Never, you’re mine.” Its voice is close, too close. It might be able to touch me any second. Something inside me breaks, and the terror rips a scream from my throat. At first, I scream incoherently, terror the only thing I can fell, but in the midst of it, as something brushes against my cheek, I remember a name, a name that conjures safety, and I call for him.
“ALEX!” The touch on my cheek pauses then fades.
“NO, you’re MINE!” The rage in its voice echoes through the hall, and I press myself harder against the door behind me as my body begins to shake. The terror has me firmly in its grasp now, and all I can do is continue to scream Alex’s name, press myself against the door, and pray it doesn’t touch me again.
“Destiny!?” Alex’s voice is faint, but I can hear him through my terror.
“Alex, where are you!?”
“Destiny, wake up!” Alex’s voice is louder, and this time I feel a tug like someone is shaking me.
“Not, not him. He can’t have you!” Its voice is fading, but I can still hear the rage.
“Destiny, damn it, wake up!”
My eyes snap open and I look around the dark room in terror.
“Where is it!? Oh my God, where did it go?” My eyes keep scanning the room frantically as I clutch Alex to me.
“What? There’s nothing here, just you and me. Jesus, what were you dreaming? I woke up to you screaming my name like you were dying.” I realize Alex’s hands are rubbing my back, slowly easing the tension from my body.
“I...” I look around the room again before meeting Alex’s concerned gaze. “I don’t know. I’ve been having a recurring nightmare since the first night here. It’s probably just all the stress of everything going on. I’m sorry I scared you.”
“No, don’t worry about that. I’m glad I was here for you. Are you going to be okay?”
“I... I think so.”
The nightmare is still fresh in my mind, the terror still clinging to me. I know if I try to go back to sleep, I’ll just keep reliving it. I want to forget about it, to have a few moments of peace tonight. It slowly registers in my mind that I’m pressed tightly against Alex’s chest. His very naked chest. I look into his eyes and realize that what my body calls for is what my mind needs. Alex.
Before I can change my mind, I lean up and our lips connect. For a moment he responds and the heat rolls through me, but too quickly his mouth leaves mine.
“Destiny, wait. Are you sure about this?”
“Yes. I know earlier I just wanted to sleep, but I realize now I was an idiot. I want you, I need you. Please.” I realize I’m begging, but I don’t care. That small touch of the lips has set me ablaze and only Alex can stop the flames.
“I just don’t want you to regret this.”
Alex’s concern is cute, but I realize I’m already falling for him. Hard. I couldn’t regret being with him, not now, not ever. I smile up at him as I tentatively caress his cheek.
“I won’t. Not ever.”
Alex searches my eyes, searching for something. I suspect he finds it, because it’s not long before he returns my smile, nods, and our lips connect.
Again, I’m lost. Lost in Alex’s mouth, his body, the touch of his hands against me. He fills me, body and soul, and I realize this man is all I’ve ever wanted, ever needed. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to let him go.
~~*~~
7B paced his room, his rage almost palpable in the air around him. This was not part of his plan. He was remaking the world for her, making it safe like she’d always wanted. Sure, it was chaotic right now, but in the end, it would be peaceful, quiet. Free of the pain and suffering she always said was rampant in the world, in the news.
Didn’t she appreciate what he was doing for her? No, no. She probably didn’t know. How could she? He hadn’t told her, hadn’t shared his plans yet. Relationships should be open, everything shared. Yes, he’d tell her soon. He’d just move his plans forward, take action sooner than he planned.
A click from the door distracted him, and he glanced over. The smile that filled his face and eyes was chilling as he took in the syringe. It was ready. Just in time. Now he could move forward, she would be safe, and he could share his plans. After all, relationships weren’t for secrets and he’d kept his long enough.
Chapter Nine
Peyton Industries, Site 1: Ortega Mountains
Alex Peyton
Waking up with Destiny in my arms was perfection. I couldn’t imagine a better view first thing in the morning. Her face was peaceful, her mouth curving in a slight smile, as she rested her head on my shoulder. I could feel her breath teasing across the hairs on my chest and I grinned remembering last night. Her fingers tangling in my chest hair, her cries of pleasure. The memory alone was making me hard, and I tried to shove it aside. I didn’t know how she’d feel this morning, and if she did regret last night I didn’t want my arousal to be the first thing she saw.
The memory lingered, and so did my hard-on, so I decided a cold shower was probably the only path for me, so I delicately slid her off my shoulder and laid her on the pillow. Thankfully she stayed asleep.
The shower took longer than expected, so Destiny’s awake when I come back in the room with just a towel around my waist. Her gaze met mine and I hesitated. I couldn’t read any regret in her expression, but I didn’t know how long she’d been awake. Maybe she was hiding it?
“Hey.” I say, feeling like an awkward teenager.
“Hey, sexy beast.” Destiny grins as she looks me up and down. The heat in her gaze is unmistakable and my bodies response is instant and uncontrollable. “What time is it?”
“Sexy beast?” I say with a laugh as I rejoin her in bed. She’s definitely not looking at me with regret. “And it’s almost 5:00 AM.”
“Yeah, sexy beast.” Destiny reaches over and caresses my chest. “Very appropriate name for you I think, after last night.”
“Any regrets?” I ask, unable to suppress the nagging doubt. Maybe her answer will help.
“Never.” Destiny climbs to her knees and the bedding pools around her.
She’s naked before me and I can’t help but be amazed again at how beautiful she is. Her tousled hair and mischievous grin make her irresistible.
“We have a bit before Chris wakes up. I think I have an idea how we can kill some time.” Destiny says with a wink.
“Oh yeah? What’s that?” I already know what her idea is, but I want to hear her say it.
“Round two?” Destiny says pressing up against me and tugging the towel from my waist. I can’t help the laugh that escapes me as I gaze at her. This woman is amazing, and I’m down to however many rounds she’s willing to go with me. And I realize now I want them all, until the day I die.
~~*~~
Peyton Industries, Site 1: Ortega Mountains
Destiny Williams
We were finishing our lunches and Andrea had finally stopped asking me about Alex and last night. She’d been grilling me since I showed up at her place for breakfast. She opened the door, stared at me for a second, and with a grin asked me if it was great. It was like she could smell the sex on me, even though I’d showered. I had made a point of keeping to my routine
to avoid just these questions, but no. Apparently, that doesn’t work with Andrea. She was tenacious. I couldn’t believe my sister sometimes.
“Stop shaking your head and blushing, Des.” Andrea says with a laugh.
“Oh, shut up already.” I reply testily.
“Come on, you know you’d have told me about it anyways.”
“Maybe, but today wasn’t my plan.”
“Psh, well it’s done now. When are you going back for some more?”
“God, Andrea!” I glare at her before looking at the kids playing a few feet away in her living room. Apparently, she wasn’t done. “Seriously, this is not the time to talk about this.”
“Why? They are either too young or too occupied to notice. Besides, I was vague. They wouldn’t know what I’m talking about.”
“Ugh, you’re killing me. Fine, later around 6:00 PM.”
“You staying again?” Andrea grins and wiggles her eyebrows at me.
“Probably.” I might pop her one if she keeps going.
“Probably?” She says with a laugh.
“Yes, probably.” I am going to pop her one. Right in the eye, I think.
“Fine, fine. I’ll stop.”
Yeah, right.
“So, do you think...” A chime from the door interrupts whatever Andrea was about to say. “Who the heck?”
She looks at me and I shrug. Like I’d know who’s knocking on her door. Andrea rolls her eyes before answering the door.
“Ma’am, is Destiny Williams here?” I can hear a man ask from the hall and I try to peer around Andrea to see who it is.
All I can tell is he’s wearing a uniform and standing straight and stiff, like military personnel. My interest is definitely piqued.
“You’re from Retrieval, right? Why do you want my sister?”
“Mr. Peyton sent me. He’d like for her to join him.”
“Oh, okay.” Andrea turns towards me and shrugs. “You want to leave Chris here?”
“Sure.” I reply as I jump up and head towards the door. “It probably won’t be too long, he said he would be busy most of the day.”
“Maybe he wants another taste?” Andrea flashes a wicked grin at me as I pass her.
“Shut up, Drea. Do I have to have a talk with Mitch? You’d think you weren’t getting any with the way you keep going on.”
“Oh no, I’m getting a TON. I’m just enjoying this since I was worrying you were going to dry up with how long it’s been.”
“Damn it, Drea. Go watch the kids.” I say, waving my hand dismissively as I roll my eyes at her.
“Fine, be a prude.” Andrea says with a laugh before closing the door and leaving me alone in the hall with the man from Retrieval.
“So, where are we off to?” I ask, turning towards him.
“To the elevator.” He says before turning and leading me down the hall.
The man seems stiff as he walks at a brisk pace, and I have to jog to keep up with him.
“Why the rush?” I asked when we reached the elevators and pause to wait for the elevator.
“What rush?” He asks, not even glancing at me as he pushes the elevator call button. Again.
“You and your dash down the hall.” I say, gesturing behind us. “I had to jog to keep up with you. So yeah, why the run?” I ask again, trying to not be annoyed.
“That’s just how I walk, ma’am.” His tone is clipped, and I get the feeling conversation is not on the agenda. Fine, have it your way.
The elevator arrives and we step on, my body feels almost as stiff as his looks as I cross my arms and pointedly stare at the doors as they close. He scans his palm and badge on a panel before pushing a button. I feel the elevator start to move and note we are heading down. I expected up, but as I’d never been below this level, I can’t help the spike in my interest.
“What floor are we going to?” I may be riding in the elevator with a douchebag, but I was heading somewhere new and couldn’t help but ask.
When he doesn’t reply I start to turn towards him but suddenly feel the stab of a needle in my right hip.
“What the hell?” I holler, spinning away and staring at him in shock. “What the fuck...” I shake my head as my mind begins to fog. Crap! “What the fuck is your problem?” I notice my words are starting to slur already and my body is starting to feel heavy. Double crap!
“It’s for the best, ma’am.”
“Like...hell...it is...” I lean against the side of the elevator as I try to keep myself standing. Whatever it was, the effect is quick and overpowering me. I need to stay awake, I need to stay up. I don’t know what the hell is going on or what this crazy asshole plans to do with me, but I know it can’t be good if he’s going to trick me into an elevator and inject some knockout concoction into me. My eyes start drifting shut and I jerk them back open quickly, but each time is harder than the last.
“Just relax. You’ll be fine.” His voice is steady, calm, and I hate him.
“Fu...fuck...you...” This is the last sound I hear before the last of my strength leaves me and I slowly slide down the wall. My last thought before the darkness fully takes me is how glad I am Chris stayed in the room with Andrea. At least he’s safe.
~~*~~
Peyton Industries, Site 1: Ortega Mountains
Alex Peyton
Mitch looks as tired as I feel, but thankfully we’re done for the day. Excitement fills me at the thought of seeing Destiny again, and I can’t help the smile that spreads across my lips.
“Jesus man, again? Can you go even a minute without thinking about my sister-in-law?” Mitch asks, feigning disgust. The twinkle in his eye is a dead give away that he’s joking.
“Hell no, I’ll take any distraction from staring at your ugly mug all day.” I say with a grin.
“I’ll concede that Destiny is a lot prettier than I am.” Mitch laughs. “But your little daydreaming episodes made this take forever.”
“No, you’re just-” I’m interrupted by a blaring alarm from outside my office. “What the fuck?”
Mitch and I rush out of my office door and I look around to find the source. Mitch points to a station a few feet to our left where a crowd is gathering, so we head that way.
“What’s going on?” Mitch demands, and several people step aside to let us through.
“Sir, the gates open.” A small, wiry man answers anxiously.
“Then close it. And pull up the gate cameras, I want to see what’s going on up there.” I state.
The camera feed comes up on the display just as one of Retrievals trucks is exiting the gate. I stare at it in disbelief as it comes to a stop just outside the wall and the gate slowly closes behind it.
“What the hell?” Mitch sounds almost as shocked as I am. “Bring up one of the exterior cameras.”
The display changes, and now we can see the truck idling outside the gate. The driver and passenger get out and walk a few feet away from the cab and pause. I wasn’t sure my shock level could go up, but seeing their uniforms sent it, and my confusion, skyrocketing up. Both are wearing uniforms from Retrieval.
I catch a flicker of light in one of their hands and realization hits me just before a large flame appears and they each toss the flaming object away from them, then dash back to the truck and speed off out of the camera's view.
As the objects land, flames spread out in a plume engulfing the plants closest to them and starting a blaze on both sides of the driveway to the gate. The flames begin spreading quickly, the dead and dying plants the perfect kindling.
The room is silent as we all stare in shock at the screen. I’m sure, like me, the others are struggling with what was going on. I could almost convince myself that they were rushing off to families that couldn’t make it to the facility in time, but the fire...no, the fire was an aggressive act meant to stop us from following. But why would we want to follow? I shake my head and decide to worry about this later. Destiny’s waiting for me.
“Get a crew up there to tr
y and get that fire out. With everything going on right now we won’t get any fire crews anytime soon, and I’d like to avoid adding Southern Cali being on fire to the list of bad shit.” Several heads nod and everyone disperses quickly to act on my orders. “While they do that, I want someone to check if we have eyes on the vehicle before they reached the gate. I want to see if they stole anything important. I’m going to head to my room, so message me when you have something.”
“I’ll walk down with you.” Mitch says as he joins me, and we head down the hall.
We are about to pass the elevators when it chimes, and the doors open and Andrea steps out with three kids in tow and a full food cart.
“Oh, thank God, Mitch help me here. I can’t move all this food on my own and keep those three from killing each other or running off.” The sound of Andrea’s voice has me perk up and I excitedly look into the elevator, expecting to see Destiny but its empty.
“Sure, babe, but why isn’t Destiny helping?”
“What? She’s with Alex.”
Andrea’s words send a chill through me. Maybe she means in my room, waiting?
“Um no she isn’t.” Mitch replies, glancing back at me in confusion.
“She left hours ago…” Andrea’s gaze locks with mine and her words sink in, leaving a cold hard pit in my stomach. Definitely doesn’t mean in my room waiting.
“I’ve been working with Mitch all day. Why did she leave? Better yet, why did she leave and say she was going to be with me?”
“Because the guy from Recovery said you sent him to get her.” Andrea looks between Mitch and me. “You didn’t send him?” Fear and realization blossom in her eyes as she stares at me for a few more seconds. “Fuck, oh shit. You didn’t. You wouldn’t have if you wanted to see her, would you? Fuck, I’m an idiot. What the hell is going on?”
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