The Evolution Trilogy: Hybrid, Complications & Return

by Vanessa Wester

  Caitlin closed her mouth, it had opened and she had not even noticed. The venom is his tone hurt her to the core. There was a possibility that she had pushed him away so far that now he didn’t actually love her. Her chest constricted, but she held back the tears. Instead, she said, ‘I’m sorry you feel that way,’ and made her way into the bathroom. She closed the curtain, it was better than nothing, slunk to the floor and closed her eyes.

  ***

  Steven blanked out the sound of Caitlin’s sniffles. He did not want to care about her, he did not want to think about her. He needed to move on, to think of his life for a change. Ever since he had found out about his identity, his mind had been clouded by the idealistic view of Caitlin and what he had lost. He had made so many bad decisions because of love, a love that now spat in his face and laughed. He was glad she was crying, he didn’t care, well, he did, he just didn’t want to. He focused on the strategy game and ignored the sound.

  After a while, he noticed the sound had stopped but she had not come out. He paused the game, put the controller down and went to look for her. He found her lying in a foetal position on the floor fast asleep, her cheeks still slightly wet. She was so beautiful. It hurt to look at her like this, so vulnerable, innocent even. He put his arms under her legs and shoulders and lifted her up as she nestled into his chest and gave a deep sigh.

  He carried her out and lay her down on the bed, then covered her in a blanket. He stared at her again, shook his head lightly, and could not help lowering his hand and stroking her forehead. He leant down and kissed it, then stared at her perfect lips, the lower one fuller than the top. He could not resist and he kissed her lips softly. Caitlin’s eyelids fluttered open.

  ‘Steven?’

  Steven backed off, but Caitlin grabbed his hand and pulled him on to the bed. Steven managed to fall next to her, not on top – he was not ready for that proximity.

  Caitlin turned to face him, ‘You kissed me.’

  ‘Sorry,’ he turned away to face the wall.

  Caitlin gave a muted sigh, ‘Steven, look at me, please.’

  Steven kept his resolve.

  Caitlin moved over and faced him, her mouth but inches from his. ‘Steven, you kissed me.’

  ‘Yeah, so?’ He refused to make eye contact.

  Caitlin smiled, and narrowed the gap.

  He wanted to refuse the kiss, he wanted to stop and say no, but he just couldn’t. His hand ran through her hair and pulled her face closer to his. He kissed her with a passion that surprised him, he needed her so much. Luckily, Caitlin reciprocated and their bodies became tangled, meshed together. He needed her, but he would not give in so easily. He kissed her lips, her face, her eyes, yet kept his hand firmly on her back. He wanted Caitlin to want him as much as he wanted her, and it gave him great satisfaction when he heard her give a low moan.

  When her hands moved to his belt, he held her hand and managed to say, ‘No.’

  ‘No?’ Caitlin gave a cheeky smile.

  ‘No, not yet, I don’t want this to just be about lust. I can’t do this if that’s all this is.’

  Caitlin got off him and sat next to him on the bed. She smoothed down her hair and pursed her lips. ‘Sorry, I shouldn’t have kissed you.’

  Steven did not know what to say. He really enjoyed that kiss, and he really did want to take things further but she had hurt him, bad. He was not about to let her use sex to get back together again. It would have been the easy option, but he just couldn’t do it. He got off the bed and made his way over to the game controller lying on the floor. He put it back next to the TV, and turned the machine off. They needed to talk, even if he did not want to. Some things had to be said.

  He wandered back to the bed, made his way over to her side, and sat down next to her. He picked up her hand, and rubbed the top of her hand with his thumb. ‘I still love you, Caitlin.’

  ‘You do?’ Her eyes alighted.

  He gave a half-smile, she really had no idea sometimes. ‘Of course I do. I was just angry. It happens.’

  ‘Steven, I still love you. You must know that, I just feel so confused, so lost. Since you changed me, I’ve felt different, more distant, I can’t explain it,’ her voice started to get croaky. Caitlin always got so emotional.

  ‘I know you feel different about me, but I really think I can help you,’ he held both of her hands in his. ‘I don’t think you should give up on us just yet. Do you?’

  She gazed at him, eyes wide, as though she was seeing him again for the first time. He remembered that look. When she looked at him like that she made him feel like he was the most important person in the world. He narrowed the gap this time and leant in. The kiss was slow this time, more sensual. He released her hands and cupped her face. When they stopped kissing he nestled her in his chest and they just held one another. Steven wanted to protect her. He guessed that was what his instinct told him to do.

  He did not want it to be all serious between them either, he wanted to have fun like they used to and he knew just the thing to cheer them both up, to change the mood.

  ‘Caitlin, tell you what. Why don’t you just thrash me at a game of tennis, virtual of course…’ he gave an easy smile, ‘I’ll even let you win.’

  ‘HA!’ she backed up from him and grinned, ‘I don’t need you to let me win. I can beat you – easy!’

  ‘Well, I wouldn’t count on it, but you never know,’ he smirked.

  Caitlin growled, amused, ‘Give it your best, I don’t need your charity.’

  ‘Doubt it,’ he shrugged his shoulders, ‘besides, I’m in a charitable mood.’

  Caitlin huffed, ‘You are a very, very, very annoying man. But, as you well know, I’m game! Play on, MR!’

  Steven chuckled, and set up the game. It was nice to relax, to stop thinking, to just be a couple. ‘Shall we eat something whilst we play? We need energy, right?’

  ‘Now you mention it, I’m starved.’ She got off the bed and browsed the selection of items on the table. She came back with a plate heaped with bread, some sweet looking pastries, and a couple of drinks. ‘These drinks look a bit dubious, but they must be alright if they’re here for us.’

  Steven looked at the bottled drinks. The glass was dark, so you could not make out the colour of the drink. He had an inkling on what it might be. He took one of them, unscrewed the lid and took a slug. ‘Enjoy.’

  Caitlin followed suit and before long their bottles were empty.

  ‘Nice,’ she said, before she took a bread roll and took a bite. ‘Now, about that tennis match?’

  ‘Game on,’ Steven replied, as he gave a broad grin.

  When there was a knock on the door an hour later, Steven nodded in Caitlin’s direction and whispered, ‘Ignore it.’ He did not care what they wanted anymore.

  As they heard the sound of the door unlock, and the door open, they both remained focused on the game.

  When it finished Caitlin whooped for joy, ‘Finally, I knew I would beat you at least once.’

  Steven smirked, and then turned to face the door. When he saw who it was he quickly made his way over. ‘Jenson!’ He held out his hand.

  Jenson shook hands warmly, his expression amused, ‘I knew you’d find a girl that would beat you. You’re Caitlin, right?’

  Caitlin lowered her eyes, her cheeks had turned a shade of pink. ‘Yes. I’ve heard about you.’

  ‘All good I hope,’ Jenson laughed, his body leaned forward.

  ‘Of course,’ Steven rolled his eyes, and then looked behind Jenson. He doubted he was alone.

  Anna waited behind him. Her eyes widened expectantly, ‘I hoped bringing Jenson here would sweeten this experience. By tonight, we’ll have told everyone what happened. Then hopefully you’ll be able to join us. Jenson wanted to see you, I hope this is okay.’

  ‘It’s great, thank you, Anna,’ Steven said.

  ‘I’ll come back later,’ Anna closed the door and locked it again.

  ‘Weird, never been locked in before,’
Jenson said, ‘you must be precious cargo, Caitlin. This VIP treatment is only reserved for the best.’

  ‘Sure it is,’ Caitlin drawled.

  ‘Serious,’ Jenson repeated, ‘anyway, I have something to ask you, Steven.’

  Steven shook his head, he had no idea what his friend was up to now, ‘Go for it.’

  Jenson gave a broad smile, ‘Will you be my best man?’

  Steven’s jaw dropped. He had no words. A wedding was the last thing he wanted to think about.

  Back to Table of Contents

  Chapter 17

  Best Man

  Caitlin chuckled, ‘That’s a great idea, Steven as best man. It’s just what we need as a distraction.’

  ‘I figured it might be a way to melt the ice with you two,’ Jenson flicked his blonde fringe off his face. ‘But seriously Steven, I’d appreciate it if you’d consider it. I helped you out when you got here. Maybe, you’ll consider returning the favour.’

  ‘Don’t know that I’d be much help,’ Steven raised an eyebrow.

  Caitlin tried to suppress the grin, but could not help being amused. She clapped her hands together as she came up with an idea, ‘Jenson, do you know how to ballroom dance?’

  ‘Oh no,’ Steven frowned, and held out his hand to cover her mouth.

  Caitlin jumped back, and continued, ‘Steven here is an expert dancer – or so he told me – and I have yet to see his moves. I think he should teach the wedding couple a waltz or two.’

  ‘Really?’ Jenson mused, ‘And what’s this ballroom dancing?’

  ‘Oh, you’ll both love it,’ Caitlin kept a straight face, and refused to meet Steven’s glare.

  Steven grabbed her from behind, and wrapped his arms around her waist, ‘Tell you what sweetheart, you can be my partner.’

  As Steven spun her out, Caitlin giggled, and then groaned, ‘What have I let myself in for?’

  ‘Sounds like fun. I’ll introduce you to Susanna as soon as possible. She’s keen to meet you. Anyway, good to see you again, Steven, pleasure to meet you Caitlin, we’ll catch up properly soon, but seeing as the wedding is in a week you can imagine I’m kept busy. I’ve been waiting for your return so that we could plan. Somehow, Susanna knew you’d be here for it.’ Jenson raised his eyebrows, and then knocked on the door. It opened immediately. He gave a half-smile and left.

  As soon as the door shut, Steven pinned Caitlin against the wall and pursed his lips, a faint smile lingered. ‘Ballroom dancing? You want to dance with me?’

  Caitlin gave a slow nod, as she felt her stomach muscles contract at the proximity. Ever since they had got the chance to spend time together alone, and she had seen what it was like to be shunned by Steven, her feelings had started to change. It was like she was getting to know him all over again.

  Steven took a step back, and held out his right hand. ‘All you had to do was ask?’

  She placed her hand in his, and he placed his other hand on her waist. She put her other hand on his shoulder and allowed him to lead her into a slow dance. She felt a bit uncertain, clumsy even, but Steven held her tight and showed her how to move. Before long they swayed to an unspoken rhythm. Caitlin relaxed and placed her head on his chest, she could hear his strong heartbeat. With just the sound of their shuffling feet, it was strange and yet comfortable. They danced for a while, until finally Caitlin stopped, unable to hold back the words any longer, ‘Steven, I’m sorry.’

  Steven kept her firmly against him, ‘Sorry for what?’

  ‘I hurt you, I’m sorry. I…’

  Steven cut her off and kissed her, she had to kiss him back, desperate to be close to him again. She loved the taste of him, the feel of his strong body against hers. They fumbled with their clothes and collapsed on the bed.

  Suddenly, Steven stopped and sat on the edge of the bed.

  ‘Steven,’ Caitlin whispered, ‘why do you stop?’

  ‘I’d love to be with you, I really would, but it feels wrong,’ he hesitated for a moment, and then recovered, ‘I’m also worried about getting you pregnant. We don’t have any protection, and once we start I don’t think I’ll be able to stop.’

  Caitlin gave a sly smile, ‘You know. I think that we have to start again, find each other again. And I think between us, maybe, we can think of ways to have fun, without getting me pregnant. Don’t you?’

  Steven gave a cheeky smile, ‘Miss Chance, you never cease to amaze me. Come here.’

  Steven pulled her hand towards him and kissed her.

  Caitlin had not felt so liberated in a long time, she allowed herself to let go, to enjoy this man she loved, to stop thinking about why she loved him and just let it happen. She just hoped no-one would interrupt their game.

  As luck would have it, no-one did. The game had ended in the shower, it was fun. Caitlin rubbed her hair down with a towel, glad to be in a new set of clothes and refreshed. It was lucky they had stocked her size. The clothes were pretty boring, a khaki colour pair of shorts and t-shirt. Steven was wearing the same colour trousers and t-shirt – it could almost pass for a uniform.

  ‘So, does everyone wear this type of clothing?’ Caitlin asked.

  ‘Pretty much,’ Steven replied, ‘Although, I wore this when we were going out to hunt in the Amazon.’

  ‘Oh, I get it, camouflage,’ Caitlin said, impressed. ‘Hang on. Do you think they’re going to let us out?’

  Steven shrugged his shoulders, ‘I have no idea, but I have to say I don’t really mind this solitary confinement anymore. Do you?’

  Caitlin gave a sexy smile. ‘No, funnily enough, I don’t have a problem with it either.’

  Steven bridged the gap between them. As their lips met, her body leaned against him, eager for more. When the kiss came to a natural end, Caitlin sighed, ‘You drive me crazy. I hope they have protection here, because if they don’t I can see this is going to be a challenge for us.’

  Steven smirked, ‘Not for me, I can hold out.’

  ‘Really?’ Caitlin placed her hand on his stomach and felt him flinch.

  He eased her hand off, ‘Really.’

  The sound of the key saved them. Caitlin moved to the chair in the corner of the room and sat down.

  Anna came in carrying a tray with a covered metal platter. Whatever was in there smelled good. Caitlin smiled at her.

  Anna placed the platter on the table, ‘I thought you might both like some hot food.’ She put it down and looked from Steven to Caitlin, her features relaxed. Caitlin sensed she was more at ease.

  ‘Anna, do you have any news for us? As much as we don’t mind being left alone,’ he glanced in Caitlin’s direction and gave her a knowing glance, ‘I would love to show Caitlin around her new home.’

  Anna broke into a broad smile. ‘That’s great, Steven. I’m glad to see you’ve both had a good rest. The journey must have worn you out. I’m afraid you’ll have to wait until the originals have met. We are going to discuss the situation in an hour. As soon as I know anything I will come to let you know what has been decided. Anyway, enjoy your meal. Jenson said it was one of your favourites.’

  Steven peaked under the cover of the platter, ‘Toad in the hole, perfect.’

  Anna’s gave Caitlin an uncertain glance. ‘Hope you like it, Caitlin.’

  ‘I’m sure I will,’ Caitlin said, glad to have been acknowledged.

  Caitlin met Steven’s eyes as Anna left. His look intense, yet loving, she could not help melting even more under his glare. Steven had to be the most attractive man she had ever met. She had no idea why she doubted their relationship or why her emotions had gone topsy turvy. Either way, she had it under control now, Steven was her man – period.

  ***

  Anna closed the door, hesitant for the first time. They seemed happy enough. Perhaps there confinement had helped them to sort out their differences – the atmosphere between them had changed completely. She knew that Emily would have wanted Steven to be happy, and her parents had definitely wanted him to have a future
with this girl. She could not make Caitlin love Steven, but if she could ease their transition into the community it might make things easier for Steven.

  She was convinced Steven and Caitlin were important to the future of the entire community. Their existence changed everything, it opened up doors. She could not help wondering what doors would open. The unknown, even though exciting, could make life worse. The biblical story of Adam and Eve came to mind. The apple, even though sweet, was best left on the tree. Temptation, in whatever guise, changed everything. And she did not think they were any different just because they had evolved. They were just as open to being seduced by a different way of life as any other human.

  Anna stopped by Ingrid’s room and called out her name, ‘Ingrid, can I come in?’

  She heard Ingrid reply, ‘Of course.’

  She made her way in and found Ingrid sat on a chocolate tub chair, a book in hand.

  Ingrid looked up, and placed the open book on her lap. ‘Anna, nice to see you. Can I help?’

  ‘Ingrid, I don’t mean to interrupt.’ Anna felt sorry for Ingrid for some reason.

  Ingrid closed the book and placed it on the small wooden table next to her. Then she stood up and smiled, ‘You are not interrupting.’

  Anna moved over to the other tub chair and sat down. ‘Please sit, Ingrid. We need to talk.’

  Ingrid nodded, serious now, and sat down.

  Anna clasped her hands together. ‘I know you have feelings for Steven, it’s been obvious for a while. And Catherine told me you became friends with Caitlin.’

  Ingrid nodded.

  ‘We need them to stay together, to be a unit. We do not need any,’ she paused, ‘distractions for either of them.’

  Ingrid kept her eyes to the floor.

  ‘Ingrid, if you want to be friends with Caitlin then that’s fine. But, let’s be clear on something, you will not try to take Steven away from her. Not now. Once the dust has settled, if they break up, then go for it. You know what I’m saying?’