Creatus c-1

by Carmen DeSousa

  He laughed. “Kristina, you weigh all of a hundred and twelve pounds. I’m sure even a human man of my size could do this.”

  She crinkled her nose. “How do you know how much I weigh?”

  “My senses, all of them, are ultra perceptive.”

  “Hmm… all of them?”

  “Everything.”

  She thought about that for a second, her brow furrowing. That could be uncomfortable at times.

  He smiled. “No need to worry. You’ll get used to not talking to yourself.” He set her down and walked her to her chair.

  “I was thinking of other things actually.”

  “Such as?”

  “Your sense of smell. I’ll be concerned.”

  He laughed full and deep and nuzzled her neck, inhaling a deep breath. “No need. I think you smell incredible. All the time,” he clarified.

  They finished their cake, and then Derrick trailed her around the hotel again, offering if she wanted to dance in the nightclub. She refused, wanting to return to their room. She hadn’t got her fill of him yet today, and she was starting to get tired. Derrick never seemed to tire.

  When they made it back to the room, Derrick seemed to be content to sit on the loveseat. For a long while, they just snuggled and stared at the fire. His fingers trailed over her skin, seeming to memorize every square inch of her body. Occasionally he would plant delicate kisses on her hand and neck.

  “Derrick,” Kris asked, pulling his hand to her lips. “What happens if I die?”

  He huffed out a breath. “What kind of question is that to ask on your wedding night?”

  “I’m curious. Can you fall twice?”

  He shook his head.

  “So if I die, you’ll be alone for a hundred years?”

  His eyes narrowed, wondering she guessed how she knew his age and how long he’d live. He’d hinted, but he’d never come out and told her directly. “Yes. Though, it is unlikely I’d live that long without you.”

  Her eyes widened. “What do you mean?”

  “It is from creatus that humans coined the term, Died of a broken heart; they just don’t know it. When you see a story on the news where a couple has been together for sixty to seventy years and they die within days of each other, often it is one of us; though, they are usually much older than humans know. Creatus simply do not want to go on living after their partner dies, and if they are young, they’ll normally leave the family and become a hermit. Again the reason you hear stories of the old lady or man in the neighborhood who never comes out of their house.”

  A moan escaped her throat. “What if he—”

  Derrick raised his finger to her lips. “He’s not. Let’s drop this discussion please.”

  Kris nodded and rested her head against his chest, swiping away a tear. She’d have to be extremely careful so that nothing ever happened to her. Because the thought of Derrick living in pain—she simply couldn’t imagine putting him through that agony. Their connection was so strong now… the thought of him ripped from her life. She couldn’t imagine the anguish.

  Chapter Twenty-nine

  Vic sat next to Jonas on the high-rise building’s ledge, lazily surveying the city, not really concerned with what was going on. Even sitting next to the wonderful specimen of a man, all she could think about was Derrick, wondering if he and Kristina had really fallen. Maybe he’d lied to protect her from the family. As cool as the night air was, she couldn’t help but feel the heat radiating off Jonas’ body. How wonderful it would be to want another man. To have the comfort of a hot body on a cold night. Even though she was only forty-four—young by creatus standards—she wanted to fall. It was every woman’s dream, well, creatus women anyway. Meeting that perfect man, gazing into his eyes, and knowing that you’d be together always. She shook the ridiculous thoughts from her head. If it hadn’t happened with Derrick, a man she’d loved for years, how would it happen with anyone?

  She turned to Jonas, who’d been content to sit beside her quietly it seemed, even though he had to know how she felt about all this. “Why did you come back, Jonas?”

  He lifted his eyes without lifting his head. His catlike orbs sparkled in the limited light from the surrounding buildings; he’d always had the prettiest eyes. Even though they were a dark sable, they had flecks of gold in them. “I heard Derrick finally made a decision,” he answered easily, as though he’d been prepared for her question.

  She narrowed her brows. “A decision on what? Watching?”

  “Watching?” he repeated, spurting out a laugh. “No. I can watch and get into a fight anywhere. I didn’t need to come back to New England to watch. Besides, humans are hardly worth battling. Even when they have a weapon, they’re usually poor fighters. And unlike our grandparents, I have no desire to protect them.”

  Vic flinched. She hadn’t believed that Jonas was watching just so he could fight, but his comment sounded as though maybe he had been.

  He rested his hand over hers, and she immediately withdrew it, tending to an itch behind her head.

  “So, what, then?” she prodded, even though she now had her suspicions, wondering why she’d felt the need to remove her hand. Hadn’t she been thinking she’d track him down? Hadn’t she said she needed to move on?

  “A Kristina decision,” he said. “I knew once Derrick made his choice, you would be open to someone else. I couldn’t compete with him around for some reason.” He shook his head. “What is it about him anyway? Why are you drawn to him?”

  She shrugged. Honestly, she didn’t know, and now that Derrick had made his decision to move on, her heart should feel free to pursue other men, but she didn’t feel as if their relationship was real. There was still a chance. If Kristina were out of the picture—

  “Victoria…” Jonas’ voice pulled her from her thoughts.

  She hated the name Victoria. It sounded weak. Derrick had only said it when he was mad at her or when he pleaded with her.

  “Stop it, Victoria. Look at me,” Jonas demanded.

  Vic huffed out a breath. “What?”

  “Stop thinking about him. He’s on his honeymoon in Mount Washington.”

  She whipped her head to him. “How do you know where they went?”

  “My brother and I overheard them. They were going to get married in Manchester, and then he said there was a nice place he’d take her. Where else would they have gone?” He stopped, obviously taking in her hurt expression. “Oh, that’s right. You two used to ski there. I forgot.”

  She bit down on her lip until she tasted blood. “You forgot nothing, you twerp. Besides, it wasn’t just the two of us. We all went there as a group.”

  He wiggled his eyebrows at her. Jonas could be so maddening sometimes. “Yeah, but I seem to recall Derrick and you curled up on the chairs outside by the fire pit.”

  Vic punched him in the shoulder. “Only because he was drunk. We only succumbed to our desires when he was drunk…” she trailed off, her heart wrenching. He hadn’t used her, she knew. They had used each other. They were the right choice for each other. He would have chosen her if it weren’t for Kristina.

  Jonas grabbed her fist and clutched it between his hands. “And you call me a twerp. Come on, Victoria. Let’s get out of here. I don’t need a drink to want you. What are we waiting for anyway? The rogue isn’t going to strike. You heard Derrick; he’s after him.”

  She sighed. “It’s not going to happen, Jonas.”

  “Why the hell not? Who else you pining for? Michael?”

  A burst flew out of her mouth. “What on earth would give you that idea? We’re just friends. We’d kill each other as a couple. We hate each other’s quirks more than I hate Derrick. And I hate Derrick a lot right now,” she emphasized.

  Still holding onto her fist, he pulled her toward him. “Michael doesn’t hate you. Not even close. He’s wanted you since we were in high school. We’ve both wanted you since we were teenagers. But you can’t seem to imagine yourself with anyone but Derrick. If you
could just see—”

  Vic pulled her hand free. As much as she wanted to flee, she couldn’t make herself leave, but she didn’t feel comfortable with him holding her hand. She knew she had to forget Derrick. And she had always liked Jonas… but Michael? She’d never seen it. She’d actually always thought Ryan was interested in her.

  Seeming to witness her emotions, Jonas moved closer.

  No, she couldn’t. She shot her hand up in front of her, creating a barrier. “I’ll think about it, Jonas. I really will. But I’m not ready.”

  He threw his head back, sighing dramatically. Always so melodramatic. Maybe that was what she liked about Derrick. He was a steady rock, rarely easy to upset. In fact, the only time she’d ever seen him upset was over Kristina. It was Derrick’s passion she admired—craved. Her soul longed for a man to want her like that. The other men were moody, irritable, childish.

  Jonas, she rolled his name around in her head. He’d always been in the back of her mind. She’d always found him attractive. But somehow, she’d never pictured him as a husband, as him wanting anything other than a fling. Of course, that was common for creatus men. If they didn’t take things too seriously, they didn’t risk falling. Even though they all wanted to find the perfect partner, they were still men, and they still liked to play.

  “I’m sorry,” she said, patting his hand platonically, letting him know she wasn’t against his touch entirely.

  Jonas had been leaning back, his eyes shuttered, but he opened one eye and smiled. “It’s okay,” he said, turning his hand over so hers rested in his. His thumb made a small circle on the back of her hand, and Vic was surprised to feel a faint flutter inside her. Jonas exhaled a deep breath and stared into her soul. His eyes looked lighter than before, almost a deep dark hazel as he studied her. And though he had the silky raven hair, his and Ry’s had more curl than most creatus. He moved his hand up her arm and she didn’t move this time. “But I really thought we had something before I left. My brother said you mentioned me in the meeting, said you were going to come find me. Was that just to get Derrick riled up?”

  She nodded. “I was going to call you, but yes, I was trying to rile him up.”

  Without warning, Jonas hopped to his feet, huffing out a breath as he marched away. “See ya ’round, Victoria,” he drawled in that seductive southern tone that she’d always liked. Few creatus had accents, but Jonas’ family had lived in South Carolina before moving here. She remembered the first time she’d seen him when they were in middle school. A new boy, someone who hadn’t known her since she was a toddler. She’d been intrigued from the first time she’d cast her eyes on him, even though he’d paid her little notice. Typical of boys and girls that age, regardless of the species.

  “Wait!” Vic jumped up and landed in front of him, blocking his exit to the stairwell. “Don’t leave.”

  He shifted on his feet. “Why? It’s obvious that there’s nothing for me here, as I’d hoped.”

  Vic leaned in, her eyes closing, hoping he wouldn’t embarrass her by leaving her hanging.

  Immediately, Jonas wrapped his arms around her, tugging her to his chest. She’d always known he was strong, and for a second, she realized he was too strong. If she’d wanted to escape his embrace, it didn’t feel as if she could. His heart pounded loudly in his chest, a rare occurrence. Most creatus were experts at hiding their emotions. His mouth clamped over hers, demanding and powerful, taking what he wanted. At first, his forcefulness surprised her, and she wanted to retract, but then his lips softened, coaxing her to join in the kiss.

  Seemingly without her consent, her body melted against his, accepting him, reveling in the feeling that a man wanted her, really desired her.

  But then, Michael popped into her head. They’d been best friends since they were children. Even as she kissed Jonas, moving her hands through his silky hair, traveling over his muscular arms, she couldn’t get the image of Michael out of her mind.

  Michael’s words from the other day that he wanted a strong woman rang through her head. Had he meant her? Had Michael wanted her?

  Chapter Thirty

  “Anything?” Derrick asked Michael over the phone.

  “Nothing. Not even an attack on a human.” Michael was obviously tapping away on his iPhone as he used the earpiece because the annoying tap came through the phone like a bass drum. His brother knew he hated it, but he never put the phone down; he was an addict. “Of course, we patrolled the city well,” he continued. “I’m starting to wonder if maybe you’re correct. Maybe it is someone we know, and they are just looking to destroy you.”

  “My bet’s on Jonas, Michael. You need to see what he’s been doing the last few years.”

  “He just got back a couple of days ago; these have been going on for weeks,” Michael protested. “We’ve been best friends since he and his brother and mom moved here. Heck we spent more time in high school together than you or I, Derrick.”

  Derrick inhaled a deep breath, not wanting to argue. “I know, Bro, but people change. And just because he hasn’t been hanging out at family gatherings doesn’t mean he hasn’t been in town. Ry could have just been looking for an opening to get him back inside family matters.”

  “I’ll do some research. I already tracked down everyone who’s left in the last ten years, so I’ll work on that today.” Michael stopped talking for a second and then chuckled. “You know, you sound pretty chipper, considering all that’s going on. So, everything’s good? You two warm and cozy up there?”

  “Actually, it’s freezing.”

  His brother let out a loud guffaw. “I’m not talking about the weather, dude.”

  “Oh, that warm and cozy…” Derrick let his words trail off. “I’m not talking to you, man. Besides, what do you care? You hate humans. So you certainly don’t want to hear any of my boring details,” he drew out his words and then lowered his voice, “You want a strong woman who’ll rock your world, right?”

  Michael laughed again. “Yeah. I guess I do.”

  “So, when exactly are you going to tell her?”

  “Tell who?” he grumbled, giving away that he knew ‘who’.

  “Victoria,” Derrick chided. “Come on, man. You practically crawled across the floor the other day, telling her what you wanted in a woman. She was just too angry to see it, but she will. You two are perfect for each other.”

  Michael huffed. “We would end up destroying each other. We’re too much alike.”

  “Ah-ha, so you are interested.”

  “Yeah,” he conceded. “I’ve always been interested in Vic, but she sees right through me, as if I’m just an apparition. Jonas wanted her too. At least he did in high school. I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s the real reason he came back. You know, we always assumed she wanted you because you were the strongest.” Derrick rolled his eyes even though Michael couldn’t see him. “So, where’s Kristina? You let her out of your sight?” his brother asked nonchalantly as if he didn’t really care, just changing the subject.

  “Not really. She’s having a spa treatment. We’ll be meeting in about fifteen minutes in the couple’s area.”

  “Have fun, loverboy, while I endeavor here with no warm woman to keep me company on these chilly nights.”

  Derrick laughed. “As if you’ve ever had a problem finding a warm body.”

  “Yeah well, sometimes we grow up.”

  A huff threatened to pop out of Derrick’s throat, but he restrained it. Maybe his brother really was growing up. “All right then. I’ll call you tomorrow,” Derrick said and hung up. He made his way to the couple’s lounge. He was looking forward to another incredible evening with his wife, but he had a day of outdoor activities planned today.

  Derrick found an open love seat and sat down to wait for Kristina. He pulled out his iPhone, checking the weather to see what the ski conditions were for tomorrow, as he’d already made reservations for zip lining today. If they weren’t good, he had back-up plans of sleigh rides, hiking, or horse
back riding. Heck, even staying inside all day would be fine with him, but he wanted their makeshift honeymoon to be something she’d remember forever, since she hadn’t wanted the huge wedding as most women did.

  He glanced at the time. Kristina was late. He pulled their reservation receipt out of his wallet and confirmed the time. Only five minutes, which wasn’t unusual for her as she was habitually late. But still, the hotel filled every slot; they were never late.

  Derrick made a loop outside the couple’s area. He glanced at the hot tub and pool, thinking maybe she’d assumed they were supposed to meet there. Coming up empty, he sought out one of the employees to see if her appointment had been rescheduled for a later time. The woman whom he had spoken with earlier was on the phone, explaining the different services they offered to a prospective customer. She peeped up at him and smiled, but returned her eyes to her computer. The woman droned on, detailing every massage and facial treatment that was available.

  “I’m sorry, Miss,” he interrupted, and her eyes flashed to him, irritation now overshadowing her previously friendly smile. Ignoring her glower, he asked, “Did my wife change the time of her treatment?”

  “Excuse me,” the woman said into the phone and then glanced at him. “Could you give me a minute, sir?”

  “No. It’ll just take a second. My wife was supposed to meet me in the couple’s area ten minutes ago, and she’s not there.”

  The woman sucked on her teeth. “One second, sir, and I will be glad to look up that information.” She returned to the caller. “Yes, ma’am. We can schedule you in tomorrow.” She clicked her mouse, scrolling down the computer screen. “Hmm… let’s see.”

  Derrick had lost all patience. Even though it wasn’t the woman’s fault, her unwillingness to understand his concern aggravated him. He understood someone was on the phone, but shouldn’t the person standing in front of her take precedence? He stormed toward the couple’s area again to see if Kristina had returned. Pulling out his phone, he checked the time again. Fifteen minutes. His blood raced through his veins. He glanced at the women’s locker room, wondering how quickly he’d get the staff’s attention if he sought out his wife himself.