by Crystal Red
Chapter Fourteen
The instant his doorbell rang, Brandon hoped it was Kelsey. He yanked the door open, and his heart melted at the sight of her. She didn’t scowl or glare at him, but she didn’t smile. The haunted expression on her face didn’t make his heartache any less. If she didn’t trust him, why had she come there?
“I don’t know why. I’m still trying to figure everything out.” She shoved her hands into her dark blue jeans pockets.
“You want to come in to talk?” He leaned against the doorframe.
Her gaze darted everywhere, except at him. “I guess.”
He moved aside and let her walk into the living room. He closed the door and turned to face her. Her lips were flat and tight as she stared at him. Damn. He wished he could read her thoughts.
Her hazel eyes turned dark. “Why were you there? You were supposed to be at work.”
“I sensed I needed to protect you because you were in danger. So I decided to try to find you to make sure you were okay.”
“No!” She fisted her hands and hung them at her sides. “I only saw you. It doesn’t make any sense. You told me you wouldn’t hurt me.”
“And I meant it, baby,” he insisted.
How could he make her believe what he said? He couldn’t lose her. Not again. Almost losing her once had nearly destroyed him. He didn’t think he could handle it a second time.
“Was this just about sex?” Kelsey studied him as her nostrils flared.
He gaped at her. “What? Why would you think that?”
Her lips tightened again. “Because guys do nice shit for women until they get what they want. And usually it’s in their pants. So now that you’ve done this twice already, what the hell do you want from me?”
Brandon reached for her hand, but she waved him away. “This isn’t just sex.” He gazed into her eyes. “Not to me. I don’t think it ever was about getting into your pants.”
“B-But your ex…” she sputtered.
His muscles loosened as he moved closer. With a pounding heart, he leaned forward and cupped her chin. She trembled against his touch. He looked over her, up and down, seductive-like.
The kiss he left on her mouth made his lips burn. He wanted and needed more. One from her wasn’t enough. Kelsey parted her lips again, and she raised her mouth to his. It was sweet like sugar, and he craved more of it like a drug. He found her tongue with his and swirled it, savoring the sweetness. A few seconds later, she pulled away with a loud gasp.
“Not just sex, huh?” she murmured.
“Not even a little bit. Well, maybe somewhat, because you know men can’t live without getting some for long, but it’s deeper.”
She froze as she gaped at him. “What do you mean?”
His stomach turned. He swallowed hard and tried to get the words off his tongue. How am I supposed to tell her when she probably won’t believe me?
“Try me,” she said without blinking.
“I care about you, okay, Kelsey? A forever kind of care. I can’t see myself with anyone else but you.” His gut tensed with each word he spoke.
“I get that, but…” She shook her head. “Being with you is very complicated. Even more than my past relationships.” Tears formed in her eyes.
He nodded. A knot settled in his chest because he knew why. “Because I’m a werewolf.”
“Yes,” she whispered.
“If you want to walk away from this, I understand. I want you to be safe. This isn’t over yet.” His voice may have come out calm, but inside his nerves were a tangled mess. He refused to let her get hurt because of him. She didn’t deserve any kind of pain. If he couldn’t have her, then he didn’t want to be with any other woman.
“Brandon.” She stared at him with misty eyes.
His heart knocked hard. He couldn’t take the sadness that lingered in Kelsey’s eyes. She wouldn’t be in this much trouble if he hadn’t moved next door to her. This was all his fault. He had to make this right. So they could move forward.
“Promise me you’ll be safe,” he said in a low voice.
“I will.” She wiped her wet eyes. “Why are you making me choose?”
“I’m not.”
“Yes, you are!” She threw her hands up. Her voice became cold as steel. “You’re telling me to walk away, but then you say you care about me.”
Brandon reached for her hand, but she pushed him away. “You aren’t making this easy for me. I’ve never connected with any woman like I have with you.” He rubbed his temples. Why couldn’t she understand her safety was more important right now? They could deal with everything else later.
She scowled. “You know what? Forget it. It’s obvious you’re confusing lust with love.”
Numbness spread over him as she turned and walked away. Maybe this time it was over between them for good. He let her go because of his stupid pride. This proved how much he wasn’t good enough for her. A werewolf had no right to be with a human. It was obvious from the beginning their relationship wouldn’t end well.
The decision left his stomach with an empty feeling. He groaned. As he marched off to his bedroom, he thought what his life would be like without Kelsey. One word came to mind. Lonely.
He picked up a pillow and punched it over and over again. Even after he wore himself out, he ran down to the basement where he and Chad kept a punching bag. It hung from one of the beams and was lowered at just the right height for him to go hardcore on it. One punch wasn’t enough. He did it again. Now a third time, but it still wasn’t good enough. After about twenty hits, something foul filled his nostrils. It was almost like rotten flesh. Fuck. Could Kelsey be in trouble already?
He gagged. Bile rose to his throat. If he didn’t get to her soon, it might be too late.
Brandon raced up the old wooden steps. They squeaked even when he barely tapped them as he ran. His heart slammed each of his ribs as he reached Kelsey’s door. He rang the doorbell and then pounded on the door.
Beth pulled it open with a frown. “What?”
“Is Kelsey here?”
She shook her head. “I haven’t seen her since she went to your house. Is something wrong?”
“Not yet, but it might be soon.” He paced the porch. If he didn’t find her soon…
Damn it. He shouldn’t have let her go anywhere, whether they stayed together or not.
“You love her, don’t you?” Beth’s voice lowered to a whisper.
“That’s not important right now,” he muttered.
* * * *
Kelsey staggered down the sidewalk blinded by tears. She had no clue where she was headed. She needed air. She sniffed. How could Brandon be willing to let her go so soon? If he cared about her, wouldn’t he want to fight for her no matter what? Her heart shattered. Maybe he’s not in love with me like I am with him.
She continued to stumble down the pathways and crossed a few streets. A honk of a car horn caused her to jump back.
“Watch where you’re going, lady!” A dark-haired man shouted and shook a fist out his car window.
“Sorry,” she muttered.
The waterworks continued as she walked along, even though her heart slowed. She had no idea where she wanted to go or if she’d ever stop. All she continued to do was aimlessly wander down every street to clear her thoughts and never think about Brandon again.
She found that difficult. Brandon had become a big part of her life. Maybe more than she wanted him to, and there might not be any turning back now. The way he smelled, touched, kissed and looked at her made all her senses flood with joy. She still wanted him with all her heart, despite the danger he brought into her life. Forgetting a man who made her feel so good, both emotionally and physically, was hard.
Her long walk did nothing to clear her mind. Instead it made her think more about Brandon, and she wanted to turn back to tell him everything would be okay. It wouldn’t be. She looked around, but didn’t recognize the street she was on nor the barber shop that stood across from her. Where
the hell did she go to? Neverland?
Kelsey had lived in Kansas City her whole life, but yet this part of it she’d never seen. Could she really be this out of it? She sighed and prayed she’d find her way back to her home. If a werewolf found her, she’d be in big trouble.
As she headed in the opposite direction, footsteps from behind her pounded the pavement. No. She wasn’t being followed. It was her imagination running away with her. Someone probably wanted to go for a jog, and they happened to be behind her.
She picked up her pace and forced herself not to look back. All she needed to do was keep going and then she’d make it home safely. Her stomach churned as hot breath made the hair on the back of her neck stand on end.
With a hard swallow, she kept moving. She refused to turn around. If she could make it this far and then find her way back home, she’d be fine. Her gut somersaulted, and her throat burned.
The moment a hand grasped her shoulder, she froze, even her thoughts, but she couldn’t move as the person behind her tightened their grip.
Her first instinct was to fight back. Elbow or kick them so she could run away. She flinched, and a cry slipped from her lips. No more time to struggle or panic, because the hand was no longer on her shoulder. Now it’d moved to her mouth. Something wet on a napkin with a sickeningly sweet smell invaded her nose, and she gagged. Kelsey no longer had any fight in her. Body now weak, everything turned dark. Her eyes shut and she faded into a deep sleep.
Chapter Fifteen
Brandon paced Kelsey’s kitchen floor. She wasn’t there, but he walked back and forth anyway. Where the hell could she have gone? On a walk? Why would she do that knowing she could end up in danger? A hard knot formed in his throat. He rubbed the ache.
“We have to find her,” he muttered.
Beth narrowed her eyes. “Pacing isn’t going to help find Kelsey. We should call her. Maybe one of our neighbors saw her leave.”
He nodded as he pulled out his phone. After he dialed Kelsey’s number, the call went straight to voicemail. Fuck, that’s no good.
“She didn’t answer, did she?”
“What do you think?” He threw his hands up and paced again.
“Give her time. Maybe she’ll call back.” Beth exhaled. “She could have lost the signal.”
He stopped and turned to face her. “Beth,” his jaw ticked, “I know you’re trying to help, but please don’t.”
She moved closer and poked him on the arm. “I warned you, but you didn’t listen. Now you’re in too deep, and you have no idea what to do about it.”
Brandon scowled. “What the hell are you talking about?”
Beth lips tightened. “Damn it. You can’t be that stupid.”
His heart slammed against his chest faster with each second that passed. Could Beth be hinting that I’m in love with Kelsey? He shook his head in disbelief. What the hell had he done? He dragged Kelsey into all his shitty drama, and now he might lose her because of his stupidity. How would he be able to live with himself if Kelsey died at the hands of Victoria and her wolf pack?
“I’m sorry, but I can’t talk about this right now. Don’t leave your house. I don’t need anyone else in danger.”
Beth stared at him. “How are you going to find her?”
He gagged at the scent of rotten flesh that entered his nostrils. Shit. This had to be a sign. Kelsey wasn’t safe. Victoria obviously had her, and it was only a matter of time before she tried to kill Kelsey.
“She’s in big trouble. I’m pretty sure Victoria has her.” His stomach turned, the fear sinking in more. “I can smell it every time someone’s going to die. One of the worst things about being a werewolf.”
“And yet you’re in love with a human.” Beth looked away, only it wasn’t quick enough for him not to see the smile she tried to hide.
“I’d never force her to be with me or be what I am. This is a curse, not a gift.” He dialed Kelsey’s phone again. Same thing happened. It went to voicemail.
Beth nudged his arm.
“What?”
She showed him the text message that popped up on her phone.
You have to help me. I’m going to die. Send Brandon now.
He scratched his head. That didn’t make any damn sense. How could Kelsey text Beth if she was in trouble? Unless…
With no time for any more disturbing thoughts, he whispered. “Text her back and see what happens.”
Beth’s brows shot up, but she wrote back to Kelsey, anyway.
“What did you say?”
“I asked her where she is and who has her,” she said, her voice shaking.
Beth’s phone buzzed. He took it from her.
Victoria has me chained to the wall in her basement. The address is 1803 S. Maple St. She said Brandon only has half an hour until the wolf pack kills me. Please hurry.
Beth shook her head. The corners of her eyes welled with tears. “There’s no way Kelsey is sending these messages if she’s chained to a wall. Victoria has to be doing this.”
“That’s what I thought,” Brandon muttered.
“I’m coming with you.” Beth tried to move past him, but he held up a hand to stop her.
He stiffened. Hell would have to freeze over before he’d let that happen. He didn’t need anyone else in danger.
“I told you to stay here.” His lips tightened.
Beth slapped her hands to her hips. “I can help you. She’s my best friend. I don’t want to lose her.”
He rubbed his forehead and groaned. “And you think I do? I can’t risk you getting hurt too.”
She sighed. “Fine. I’ll stay here, but I don’t want to be alone.”
He nodded. “I’ll have Chad keep you company.”
She crossed her arms and pretended to gag. “He’d better keep his hands to himself.”
Brandon shook his head. He dashed over to his place and told Chad the plan. Then he hopped onto his motorcycle and floored it to Victoria’s house.
His gut pulled tighter with each passing block. The closer he came, the more he feared for Kelsey’s safety. He couldn’t lose her now. Finally, he arrived at Victoria’s address. His heart drummed louder as he ran up the sidewalk path. It led to a wooden porch. He banged on the door. It opened with a loud creak and out popped Victoria, the blonde-haired witch.
She grinned. “Just in time, handsome.”
“Where the fuck is she?” He bared his teeth as anger coursed through him.
“Calm down.” Victoria waved him inside. “She’s in the basement.”
Brandon followed her down the creaky wooden steps. His heart stopped the moment his gaze met Kelsey’s. Victoria had her arms chained to the wall. Duct tape covered her mouth. What he wouldn’t give to exchange places with her right now. She didn’t deserve this torment.
Kelsey’s gaze met his as she thrashed her legs. She tried to speak, but the duct tape muffled her sounds.
He glared at Victoria. “Let her go. It’s not her you want. Put me in her place.”
The witch threw her head back and laughed. “You really think I can be fooled so easily?”
Brandon stepped closer. He’d accepted any challenge given to him, even if it was an ex who happened to be a witch. His love for Kelsey could outweigh his hate for Victoria any day.
He snorted. “Why not? I tricked you into thinking I cared about you.”
Victoria’s eyes darkened. “Tell me something I don’t know. You’re using Kelsey the same way you did me. So I bet you wouldn’t care if she became wolf meat.”
He flinched at the words “wolf meat.” His hands became clammy, and he tried to find his voice. He couldn’t let Victoria win even if it meant losing his life to save Kelsey’s.
Brandon held his chin high. “You’re wrong. I care about Kelsey so much it hurts.”
“Is that so?” Victoria’s lips curled into an evil smile. “How much? Enough to die for her?”
“Yes,” he whispered.
Kelsey’s eyes widened, and
she shook her head. She kicked her legs against the wall. Victoria smirked and walked toward Kelsey. She gave Kelsey’s cheek a little pinch before she ripped the duct tape off Kelsey’s mouth.
Kelsey screamed at the top of her lungs. “You bitch!”
Brandon’s neck vein tightened. He had to do something, but the only problem was Victoria even being a witch was still female. He’d never do a woman any harm even in a dangerous situation like this one. He hurried over to them. As he stared into Kelsey’s eyes, he raised his hand and stroked her cheek.
She blew out an unsteady breath. “Brandon.” Tears rolled down her cheeks.
“I want you to know,” he swallowed hard as he searched for the right words. “I love you and I never thought I’d fall for someone like you so fast. I did, and I wouldn’t change anything that happened between us.”
Kelsey’s jaw dropped. “I, uh…”
Victoria snickered as she clapped her hands. “How did I know? Brandon you’ve got to be the dumbest man I’ve ever met. Don’t feed this poor woman lies right before she’s about to die.”
“I didn’t lie to her. I meant every word.” He turned around to face her with a snarl.
The rosy color faded from Kelsey’s cheeks. She gasped.
“Really?” Kelsey blinked rapidly.
“Yes,” Brandon whispered as he looked her way.
“I love you too,” Kelsey murmured as their gazes met.
“Disgusting,” Victoria said with a growl.
Brandon met Victoria’s glare, which burned into him as though it’d ignite him. Her nostrils flared as she balled her hands. “You two are pathetic. What kind of Hallmark shit is this? If I can’t have a happy ending with Brandon, neither can you, Kelsey.” She waved toward the two wolves that panted beside a wooden desk across from them. The pair of creatures rushed over to Victoria One stood on each side of her. “Good boys. You’ll be rewarded later. I promise.” The witch winked at the animals.