Midnight Unseen

by D McEntire

  "Where's Sonya?"

  "She told me to go on without her. She said she'd someone to help her find us."

  Robyn nodded. Although she wasn't comfortable with leaving Sonya alone, she didn't voice that opinion to Si. He'd only done as Sonya had asked. Children his age didn't tend to think about what sorts of things could happen.

  After perusing just about every item in the toy section and making their selections, which were piled high in both carts, Robyn wheeled Mya to the toddlers' section while Marie took Si to the boys' clothing department.

  When they met up again forty-five minutes later, Robyn expected to see Sonya with Marie, but she wasn't. The matching look on Marie's face told her she'd been expecting the same.

  Robyn turned the cart and quickly headed to the Service Desk with Marie on her heels. She prayed someone was with Sonya and perhaps the two were wandering around the store looking for them.

  "Yes, ma'am," one of the clerks said with a smile. "She had me call a cab to take her to the School for the Blind over in Louisville. Said there was some sort of emergency there, and they needed her help."

  Robyn's hands started to shake, and she turned to Marie who was also wide-eyed and pale. Knowing her friend was about to reach panic mode, where she found herself headed, her cell phone rang, as did Marie's.

  Robyn flipped hers open, and before she took a single step away from the children, she saw Marie do the same.

  "Trigg?" Robyn said shakily.

  "What's wrong, sweetheart? I felt your distress."

  "Sonya's gone. Tank's going to be furious."

  "Just take a breath, and tell me what happened."

  Robyn took a deep breath as Trigg suggested, then let it out slowly. "Sonya said she had to go to the restroom, so Si took her. She told Si he didn't need to wait, and she'd get someone to help her find us, but she never showed. A woman at the Service Desk said Sonya had asked her to call a cab to drive her to the school for some sort of emergency. This doesn't sound right."

  "Everything's going to be okay, sweetie. Just remain calm. You have the kids with you, right?"

  "Yes, and Marie. We're at Wal-Mart buying the kids some toys and clothes. Oh, Trigg. I did it again, and I feel so awful. This was my idea. We should've stayed home, or at least waited until we could all go together."

  "No, it's not your fault. Listen, you need to get yourself together and put on a happy face for the kids. We don't want to upset them. Can you do that, sweetie?"

  Robyn sniffed and nodded as she spoke, "Yes. You're right. We're going to take the kids home. We'll think of something to tell them as to why Sonya left. They've already heard the woman say she took a cab to the school."

  Moments after Robyn disconnected the call with Trigg, Marie snapped her own phone closed. She gave Marie a slight smile and knew the woman understood. They both needed to pretend nothing was wrong.

  After paying for their items, they wheeled the carts and the children to the SUV.

  When both Trigg and Kern suddenly pulled out their cell phones and dialed their mates, Tank knew something was wrong. He watched the grim expressions on both Watchers' faces and waited until they were finished to find out what was happening.

  Finally, Trigg flipped his phone closed and shoved it into his pocket.

  "Tank."

  That one word said it all, and his chest knotted. Sonya.

  "Where is she?" he said quickly.

  "She caught a cab and headed for the school. Seems like someone contacted her and told her she was needed there for some sort of emergency."

  Tank glanced at his watch. "This time of night? What could they possibly need of her?"

  "The girls didn't feel right about it, either," Kern added as he stepped over a large piece of plaster that had fallen from the ceiling to join the conversation.

  "I'm going to the school. You guys catch a cab and return to the Cell."

  Both Trigg and Kern raised an eyebrow.

  "You don't want us to come with you?" Trigg asked.

  Tank shook his head and hoped his Cell-mates didn't push him on this. "Everything's been taken away from her. One of those things, and the most important, is her job as the music teacher at the school. I believe she refuses to face that reality, and if I'm right, she's not going to want an audience while we talk about it. And she does need to talk about it."

  Tank ran a hand through his short, cropped hair. "If it's David still trying to pull her strings, I will take care of him. He's a dead man, and the sooner the better."

  The looks on both Trigg and Kern's faces relayed their unease and dislike of the idea he planned to go to the school alone, but Tank didn't care. He'd stated his reasons. Without looking back, he walked out of the dilapidated building, got into his SUV and drove away.

  "David, where's Mrs. Kennerly? What have you done with her?"

  "Mrs. Kennerly is at home and resting at the moment."

  Sonya's face paled. "Please tell me you didn't hurt her. You used her to call me here, didn't you?"

  "Now, Sonya, you cut me to the quick. I didn't hurt her, just had a little sip or two, that's all."

  His laugh chilled her to the bone. She didn't know whether to believe him or not and worried about Mrs. Kennerly.

  Her breath came fast at her panic. "What do you want with me? Please. Can't you leave me alone? Haven't you ruined my life enough? What have I ever done to you?" Sonya took several steps backward, her hands splayed out behind her to feel her way so she didn't trip.

  Sonya heard him step forward, and she took a step in retreat.

  "Sonya. Why would you say such a thing? I haven't ruined your life. I've given you a new one. A better one. Haven't you discovered all you can do now? We're much more powerful than normal human beings, and it feels wonderful."

  Sonya shook her head. "No. I was fine. I was happy, but you took that all away..."

  David cut her off. "You belong to me now. Haven't you heard my call? Haven't you felt me with you?"

  Though she'd heard and felt him, she shook her head in denial.

  "Oh, sure you have."

  David grabbed her arm, halting her retreat.

  "Sonya, I've missed hearing you play. Play something for me now."

  She felt her sunglasses slide from her face. David continued to hold tightly onto her arm as he led her to the piano, then pressed hard on her shoulder until she sat on the bench.

  Sonya was in utter shock. Knowing it wouldn't do much good and would only make her situation worse, she didn't struggle. Her body shook with fear. What did he want with her? What was he going to do? The man was cruel and totally off his rocker.

  Taking a deep breath, Sonya decided the best course of action was to humor him by playing a tune on the piano. Hopefully, it would buy her some time to think of a way to either diffuse the situation or get the hell out of here, she told herself. But, she had no idea how she'd accomplish either of those things. If she tried to run, she doubted she'd make it to the door before crashing into something.

  Sonya concentrated as she settled her hands over the keys. Starting into a song, she played softly, keeping the tune mellow and soothing.

  The sound of David shifting beside her made her heart jump. She thought he was going to sit beside her on the bench. She didn't know if she could stand him being that close. He didn't. Instead, wooden boards creaked under the weight of his feet as he left her side, bringing Sonya some relief.

  "Come on in, Watcher."

  Sonya's fingers froze on the keys. Tank. Her chest tightened, and she couldn't breathe or move. Tank's heavy footsteps entered the room. When the sound halted, she felt his presence in front of the piano.

  "Are you alright, Sonya?"

  His low, sensuous voice washed over her, through her. She wanted to run into his arms, but didn't dare incite David further. Instead, she gave a shaky nod.

  Relief filled Tank when he saw Sonya was unharmed. He'd had a strong feeling David would be here and was behind the sudden emergency, but he wasn't
going to voice that thought to Trigg and Kern. He wanted to do this alone. He had to do this for Sonya. He owed her that much. But, seeing the gun the coward held in his hand, pointed directly at him, took him aback slightly. That, he hadn't expected.

  "David, let Sonya go. You and I will settle this like men."

  That seemed to amuse David, and he laughed.

  "No, I don't think so. I know you're not stupid. A vampire belongs to his, or her, sire. There's no denying it. No escape from it. Sonya's mine."

  Tank's blood boiled. Sonya was not David's, nor would she ever be. No way would he walk away and leave her to the likes of this maniac. "You know as well as I do once a sire is dead, they no longer have a hold on the one they created. She doesn't belong to you. Not now. Not ever."

  A loud sound made Sonya jump, and it only took a second before her brain registered the noise. She leapt from the bench, sending it toppling backward and crashing to the floor. "Tank!" she cried and used her trembling hands on the piano to make her way around it.

  "Stay right where you are, Sonya." David's barked command made her stop.

  "I told you to leave her out of this."

  Tank's voice sounded hoarse with a hint of pain.

  "I'm not as good a shot as I thought. I missed vital organs."

  Another shot rang out, followed by a grunt from Tank.

  "Oh, God. David. Please stop. I'll do anything. I'll go with you," Sonya pleaded. Hot tears streamed down her face as she once again began to feel her way around the piano, but this time in the direction in which she'd heard David's voice. No orders were barked at her, so she continued, her hands splayed out to brush along chairs and instruments, making sure none sat in her direct path.

  Sonya heard David's harsh breathing. The idea what he was doing excited him horrified her. It pushed home even more the fact he was dangerously unstable.

  The scent of blood struck her as she got closer, and she had no doubt in her mind whose it was--Mrs. Kennerly's. Guilt, anger and sorrow for her friend threatened to consume her, but she held on, focusing on David instead.

  "David, please don't."

  "My dear, Sonya."

  David's thumb brushed against her face, wiping at a tear on her cheek.

  "Don't cry for him. He means nothing to you. Now, move aside while I finish this. Then we can go home, our home. I bought a nice place just for you. For our family."

  Sonya almost shuddered when David touched her and was sickened to hear him speak of a family. She thought about Si and Mya, and a new panic rose inside. Was he planning to take them as well?

  His arm pushed her aside. Do something, her mind screamed. Somehow, she had to stop him.

  Tank knew he was in trouble, but he mentally vowed to take David down. He was going to get the man out of Sonya's life, even if it meant his last breath. The man wouldn't have her. Mine.

  That thought played in his head and gave him strength. The first shot had hit his shoulder, missing his heart and lungs. The second shot had struck his side, thankfully missing his stomach. He wondered if David was indeed a poor shot or toying with him.

  When he saw Sonya go to David, his beast began to roar. He didn't want the man anywhere near his woman. If he could gather his strength and get close enough, he was going to rip him apart. But, if David got in a lucky shot, he may not get that chance.

  Tank gathered everything he had and forced himself to stand, gritting his teeth with every movement he made. Focusing on staying conscious as blood poured from his wounds, he took deep breaths amid waves of pain.

  After he got his feet under him, Sonya whirled around and faced where he stood. He couldn't take his eyes off her beautiful face, wet with tears--tears for him. He needed to save her, and take her far away from the hell David had caused and would no doubt continue to do so.

  A grunt of pain and a shuffling caught Sonya's attention. She turned, trying to get a sense of where Tank stood. Her heart in her throat threatened to break into a million pieces. Tank had done so much for her, cared for her. Now, he was going to lose his life because of her.

  Sonya deeply wished she could see him. Realization struck her she'd not felt his face to form an image in her mind, something she could always remember and call up at will, and she felt empty inside. They'd talked about his past, and she knew the feel of his flesh and muscle under her fingertips, but she didn't know the real him. The real Tank.

  Through the shimmer of the water in her eyes a blurry form began to take shape. Blinking several times, she tried to clear her tears, but didn't dare make a move to wipe them away with her hands and reveal what was happening, or what she thought to be happening.

  The image, though slightly out of focus, became clear enough for her to make out certain features. Tank. The powers that be were granting her wish to see him, at least in a semi-focused form.

  Though everything around him seemed to be held in shadow, she noticed he stood slightly bent with one hand on his side and the other holding something.

  Magnificent, gorgeous, tall and so very masculine, even the expanse of his chest was truly amazing, she thought in awe. Dark skin gleamed, shining through the haze of her vision. Two beautiful silvery grey eyes stared straight into hers.

  When Tank attempt to straighten, she lowered her eyes, hoping if he'd discovered what was happening to her, he didn't reveal it.

  Staring at the floor, noticing it slowly become more out of focus as shadows in her peripheral vision began to close in, Sonya fought back panic. She didn't want to lose this precious gift, not now, not ever, but knew she had to use what she had left to save Tank.

  Keeping her face lowered, she cautiously glanced around for something to use as a weapon against David. Within the shadows of her fading vision, she discovered a tall object only mere inches away.

  Turning slightly, she took a step to the side, keeping her movements slow so as not to catch David's attention.

  The tips of her fingers found a smooth, hard surface then bumped into wire. Instantly recognizing the wire as strings on an instrument, she stilled, praying her touch didn't create a sound.

  Thankful nothing happened, she slid her hand behind the instrument and stopped when she reached the cold metal of the instrument's stand.

  Settling her hand around the edge of the stand, she grasped it then shifted in the direction of David's voice, hoping to find some sort of indication of his exact position.

  She found him--a fuzzy and slowly darkening form a few feet in front and to her left. Anger laced his voice as he continued to taunt Tank. Sonya watched his body move and realized what was happening. David still held a gun, which he waved at Tank.

  As the gift of sight slowly receded, Sonya knew she had one chance to save Tank before she found herself once again within a world of darkness.

  Grasping the metal tightly in her hands, she yanked the stand away from the instrument, took two steps forward and swung with all her strength. Feeling it connect with what she hoped to be David, the answering grunt spurred her on.

  The sound of chairs scraping and the clanging of stands and instruments striking one another and hitting the floor echoed in her ears, but she lunged forward, following the flailing shadow until her foot bumped solid mass.

  The sudden grip on her ankle released a shriek, but anger kept her in defense mode. This man had taken everything--her way of life, her identity and her job, but she wouldn't let him take away her heart--Tank, her mind screamed.

  Lifting the stand high in front of her, she swung in a downward motion, feeling it tremble in her hands and hearing the bang of it connecting with David's body.

  Over and over she swung without a moment's hesitation or even a second to breathe. The grasp on her ankle released, but she still didn't stop. Every emotion she possessed spurred her on, escaping her mind through her arms, pouring into the metal stand.

  Warm liquid splashed her face, but she kept going until a strong arm wrapped around her waist. She felt the stand ripped from her hands and heard the
clang as it fell to the floor.

  Spun around, she found herself in a tight embrace. Tank's hard body pressed tightly to hers. Everything inside of her came tumbling out like the bursting of a damn. Unable to hold them back, sobs escaped her mouth and wracked her body.

  The moment her eyes had provided her with an image of Tank, though limited, she'd felt him inside her soul. That had been her moment of clarity. They'd connected on some level, some plane which she had no doubt had made it possible. It had been in that moment everything had become clear. Tank was her future, and she vowed to embrace her new life.

  "Shh. It's okay now. He's gone."

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  Chapter Fourteen

  Tank couldn't believe what he'd just witnessed. He had the strong sense Sonya had been able to see him, at least for a few minutes, then she'd done the bravest thing he'd ever seen. She'd attacked David, placing herself in harm's way to save him.

  Sonya sobbed against him. Tears dampened his shirt.

  Lifting her chin, he gazed directly into her eyes--beautiful white eyes. They were staring back at him.

  "You can see me, can't you?"

  "A little, but it's fading."

  Her answer only a whisper of air. Soft, small hands touched his face. He didn't move as her fingers felt every inch of it. He knew she attempted to memorize what she could see before his image disappeared.

  How had it happened? The voice in his head voiced a suggestion he felt to be the answer. She was his mate and it was that connection that had made it possible.

  Tank bent and settled his mouth over Sonya's for a deep, passionate kiss. He'd wanted her since seeing her in his dreams.

  Ignoring the pain of the gunshots and weakness from loss of blood, he deepened the kiss and coaxed her to open her mouth for him. When she did, he swept in his tongue to taste her fully, even the salt of her tears that had made their way inside.

  Sonya didn't need the bulge of Tank's hard erection pressing against her stomach to know how he felt about her. Nor did she need the feel of his elongated fangs scraping over her lips to open her eyes--figuratively speaking of course. He wanted her, and she wanted him more than words could say. More than she'd ever wanted anything in her life, including her sight. His body wasn't all she wanted, though that would be a nice start. She wanted his heart as well. Whatever she had to give him in turn, she'd do so gladly.