Shadow Heights (The Dark Side Trilogy Book 1)

by E. N. Goeking

  “We’re here to kidnap you,” a deep voice answered in the darkness. There was a tiny bit of light coming off the dashboard and I could see who was in front. Eric was sitting in the passenger seat and Chad was driving. I should’ve realized this was his car. I just saw him the other day in it. Chad chuckled after it registered.

  “Yeah right,” I commented and started to walk away. The backdoor opened and they wanted me to step in. “All right. I have to grab something.” I ran up the stairs to retrieve my things from the porch, looking up to the second floor to make sure my parents were still asleep and they were.

  I walked to the opened door and slid inside. It was so dark that I could barely see a thing. The interior lights never came on and it made it difficult to see. When I sat down on the seat, I was halfway sitting on someone’s lap and I reached my hand through the darkness until I felt his face. His features were recognizable and I felt the coarse hair that adorned his chin. I could smell him and feel his tingle radiating into my legs. His lips pushed against my hand and I knew with absolute positivity that it was him. He closed the door and Chad took off.

  “Don’t peal out please,” I mentioned and he honored my request by driving away like an old woman. I slid off of Jaden’s lap and sat in between him and another person. I looked to the left trying to see a hint of his face and the streetlight finally shined some light in the car. I was surprised to see Logan sitting next to me; I figured it would’ve been Ryan.

  “Hi,” I said to him.

  “What’s up?” he replied. I tried to position my body so that I was more comfortable but it was difficult to do considering what little room I had allotted to me. Guys always sat relaxed with their legs spread so I sat there with my knees tightly pinned together trying not to touch either one of them. Everyone was silent while the radio played some metal song that was beautifully dark and depressing.

  As we made our way into the country, I noticed the familiar roads and realized we were heading to Jaden’s cabin. A lighter flicked from the front seat and I soon smelled an earthy aroma, spreading its way throughout the car. A fog grew all around us and they refused to roll down their windows, smoking us all out and having no other choice but to breathe it in a second time. I felt Logan’s hand touch mine and it startled me. His skin felt like ice. He passed the joint to me and I sucked the smoke out aggressively since it was rolled too tight. I held it in for as long as I could handle.

  I blew the smoke beneath me but it didn’t make a difference. There was a thick haze lingering around us and it only added to the mix. I heard Jaden exhale the smoke out from his lungs and cough while I batted away some of the smoke in my face. The smell of alcohol drifted into my nose and I looked over at him suspiciously.

  “Have you been drinking?” I asked.

  He leaned to speak in my ear. “Yes dear.” His hand slid up my thigh and his warmth gave me goose bumps. His lips brushed across my neck and his moistened breath left a trail on my skin. His tongue rolled gently, moving in a circular motion. I kept myself from moaning by biting my lower lip. I could see a tiny bit of light in his eyes and they were watching me stealthily. They almost looked like an animal’s, only being able to see the eyes when in darkness.

  The corn soon started to fade and empty fields followed. A short while later, they pulled in front of his cabin and the lights were already on inside.

  We all got out of the car and Ryan soon appeared in the doorway, a tall blonde latched onto his side. I raised an eyebrow and Jaden laughed, having seen my reaction. He made his way up the steps but turned around when he realized I wasn’t moving.

  “You all right?” His hand cupped the side of my face.

  “Yeah. I just need some fresh air after all that smoke.”

  “I’ll grab you a beer.” I smiled back at him and he disappeared inside the cabin. I walked up to the porch and leaned against the railing while staring up at the glistening sky. The moon was almost full that night and it illuminated orange in the dark night sky.

  I looked back when the door squeaked open and Jaden appeared holding two frosty beers in his hands, the caps already twisted off.

  “Thanks,” I said while taking one. We clanked our bottles together and took a drink. “The sky looks amazing tonight.” He leaned against the railing with me and to see what I saw.

  “Yeah, it does,” he turned to face me, “but not as amazing as you.” I shied away from his advances but still smiled because of it. I took a swig from my bottle, swallowing hard. “Have I given you enough space?”

  “Yes.” I glanced up at him, his blue eyes glistening like the stars. “Thank you. You could have called before stealing me away from my home, though.”

  “Well, I would have but you saved me the trouble. You were already outside.” I chuckled as he spoke. “What can I say? Our meeting tonight was part of a bigger universal plan.” While he looked away, my eyes scanned his body. He was wearing a black button-up shirt, rolled up at the sleeves, the top few buttons undone exposing his sculpted chest.

  I walked up to him like a hunter catching its prey. I placed my hand around his neck, grazing his hairline with my fingers while his eyes burned into mine. He set his beer down and his hands wrapped themselves around my waist, squeezing me at my hips. I felt them work their way inside my shirt and soon his warm tingling hands were rubbing and massaging my back. Each squeeze was like a pulsing sting, shocking me with each movement.

  “Do you feel that?” I asked.

  “Yes,” he answered quietly. He pulled me to his body and his mouth encased mine. I parted my lips and returned his tenderness. His hands rubbed the bare skin of my back, pulling me tighter. “You make me crazy.”

  “How do I do that?” He grinned while releasing his hold.

  “Oh, I think you know.” He took a drink from his bottle. “So...how have things been at home?”

  “As good as ever, no better or worse at least.”

  “Are you going to tell me what happened?”

  “In the woods?”

  “No, at the house. I don't really buy the story you gave me. You couldn't have fainted without a reason. Did he hurt you?” I immediately said no but I suppose he could've while I was out. “I'm sick with worry about you.”

  “I'm sure he's had plenty of opportunities to harm me yet he hasn't. So why should I worry?” He held my arm tightly as he pulled me close.

  “You don't know what he's capable of, the strength he has.” I sat my beer down and shook my head.

  “So, what am I supposed to do Jaden? Pack up all my things and move away. I've barely lived here two month. Besides, I can't leave you.” I reached for his free hand.

  “I wish you knew what you were getting yourself into.”

  “Then tell me.” He stayed silent. “Oh, that's right because you won't tell me anything. How do you expect me to trust you when you refuse to let me in?” His blue eyes shifted but they appeared black from my angle.

  “I'm sorry. I didn't know you felt that way. I'm a private person for justifiable reasons.”

  “I wish you would trust me. I'll never judge you.” Ryan walked out to the porch to join us in conversation. I could see the relief on Jaden's face that he got a break from my inquisition. Their conversation switched to sports so I zoned out of the conversation and stared up at the moon. A few minutes later, a pair of warm hands wrapped themselves around me and I breathed in his delicious scent.

  “Do you think you could take me home soon?” He pressed his cheek against mine.

  “I would but I don’t have my car. Ryan or Chad will have to take you. I’ll go with of course.”

  “Okay. Are you staying here tonight or in town?”

  “I haven’t decided.” He half smiled and pulled his hair back over his shoulders, revealing his entire face for my viewing pleasure. He clasped his hands behind me. “What did you want to do tomorrow?”

  “Anything as long as it’s with you,” I answered. I rose onto my toes and kissed him softly on the lips. �
�Wait, tomorrow is Friday. I think you promised to take me somewhere.”

  He searched his mind, his eyes intent on my face like he was trying to read my mind. I was about to reveal my answer when he spoke. “The carnival?” I nodded.

  “The carnival sucks Mina,” Ryan shouted after overhearing our conversation.

  “You’re not supposed to be listening to our conversation.” He waved his hands in surrender and took another gulp, exhaling loudly after it went down. His date made a move which proved as a good distraction.

  “If you want to go, I’ll take you.”

  “Thank you.” I turned my attention to his friends. “Which one of you is willing to take me home?” Chad seemed anxious and took a step forward.

  “I’ll do it.”

  “I’m going with,” Jaden made known.

  “What for? I won’t hurt her. She’ll make it home just fine without you.” I looked over at Jaden in agreement.

  “It’s all right. You and Ryan can stay here and bond.”

  Ryan chuckled, breaking away from an eager pair of cherry-stained lips. “Yeah, like we need any more of that. I spend twelve hours a day with this guy already.”

  “Are you sure?” Jaden asked, his attention aimed at me.

  I nodded. “I’ll see you tomorrow, pick me up at seven.”

  I took Jaden’s hand and walked to the driveway. I leaned against the frame of Chad's Charger while waiting. His nimble fingers grazed across my abdomen, lightly skimming the top of my jeans. While I trembled, his hands moved up my sides, feeling every curve of my torso like an hourglass. His body heat passed into me, warming me everywhere, and I could feel his arousal as he pushed up against me.

  “Are you sure you don't want to stay here with me?” He asked and I nodded.

  “I’ll see you later dude.” A voice spoke a few feet away. Chad cleared his throat while unlocking his car. I tried to ignore him but Jaden pulled away and ignored his desire.

  “Thanks for kidnapping me.” I let go of his hand and walked to the open door. Chad shook Jaden’s hand. “I’ll see you tomorrow. Seven o’clock—don’t forget.”

  While Jaden pretended that everything was all right, I could tell that he was instantly regretful for entrusting me to his friend and I wondered how he could project this misunderstanding because my heart belonged to him and no other. He had no reason to distrust me whether Chad was involved or not.

  Chapter Twenty Two

  The ride home with Chad was rather amusing. We talked about random things and I found myself in disagreement with him most of the time but it was fun to argue with someone without it getting personal. It was like we were opposites on the spectrum.

  As I was getting out of the car he stopped me. “There’s something you should know.” He never lifted his eyes but kept staring out the window.

  “Okay. What?” I asked curiously.

  “Remember what we talked about the other day. You know, Jaden and his anger.” I nodded. “Well, at the time, I told you not to worry about it but I think you should.”

  My brow narrowed. “Why the change of feeling?”

  “After you told me that, it made me think of all the times he's gone berserk.”

  “I'm sure he's not that bad,” I defended.

  “Mina, I’ve seen this guy throw people across the room with one hand. He’s got like this vise grip.”

  “So you think he’d hurt me?” I questioned. He raised his shoulders with uncertainty.

  “I guess it’s possible. Just take my advice. If he’s pissed off, get the hell out of there.” I exhaled loudly and turned to look out my window. I was speechless. How was I supposed to react to this kind of accusation? Cheerfully? “It’s not that he’s tough, he’s almost like superman strong. None of us could ever take him, even when we were kids. We lost and he always won.”

  “What am I supposed to say to this? God, Chad, if you are so worried about me how come you never mentioned this in the beginning?”

  “I didn't think you two would ever get serious.” I took a deep breath before I exploded from the anger that was brewing beneath the surface. “I’m just giving you a heads-up. Be on your guard. You know?” I nodded. “All right. I’ll see you tomorrow. Do you like coffee?”

  “Yeah.” I cleared my throat, it was suddenly dry.

  “How about I pick you up around ten and bring you some?”

  “That’ll be nice. I’ll see you then.” He waited for me in the car while I walked up the stairs. Once I was inside, he was gone. I couldn't believe he was speaking about Jaden in such a way, they were best friends.

  I yawned widely. I must be tired. I flipped on the light for the hallway and turned to head up the stairs. A dark object moved out of the corner of my eye and I screamed from fright, being already on edge. My father, dressed in his pajamas and slippers, was standing in the center of the room staring back at me. His hands were latched on his hips with no sign of emotion in his expression and for a second, I thought he was sleepwalking.

  “You scared me,” I said, clutching my chest. I started walking up the stairs because I was hoping to get out of a lecture. His footsteps scurried across the floor behind me and the swift scuffing noise disturbed me, almost making my skin crawl. I turned my head and stumbled in my footing. He was standing one step behind me, his eyes coal black instead of green. “What?”

  “Where were you?” I was afraid to utter a single word as he invaded my space. “Were you out with him?” he asked in a deeper voice than usual.

  “Who?” He grabbed my arm and his hand was like a brand. What the hell are you doing?

  “Let me go,” I demanded as I tried to break free.

  “You were out being a little whore, weren’t you?” he shouted. He smacked me across my face and I fell to my knees. I looked back at the man who I thought was my father but his face blurred for a moment and it was someone else. Oh no.

  I slowly rose to my feet, feeling every beat of my heart, while he looked me over. In my state of alarm, the only thing I could think of was to run. As soon as this thought entered my head, my legs began moving and I sprinted up the stairs. I could hear his stomps behind me as he followed but I was too afraid to look back. I opened my bedroom door and slammed it shut, locking it tightly.

  The doorknob turned against my body and he rammed the door from the other side. He was determined to take it down. I turned on the light and panicked. I surveyed the room for an option, an exit, or a weapon even. I searched through a junk box I had on the floor but couldn’t find anything, not even a pair of scissors. What good would it do me anyway? It wasn't my father who was trying to kill me but something else.

  The words Jaden said, “You're gonna die in there” haunted me to the core as I heard the sound of my attacker outside the door and with me having no plan of escape.

  The noise in the hallway quieted for a moment and I ran to the closet. I grabbed a bag and threw in an outfit. I grabbed my cell phone from the bed and my hands were shaking so bad it took me a few tries to hit the right button. I dialed Jaden’s number.

  Boom! An object was heaved against the door and I could only guess what it was. I grew ever frightened as I tried to quiet my scream. What am I going to do? Think Mina. I walked over to the window and looked down. It was too far for me to jump unless I wanted to break my legs. What am I going to do? Answer, please. Answer!

  I yelped when a piece of wood flew off the back of the door. A tiny hole formed in the center and I could see his face through the opening.

  “You’re not going anywhere little girl!” He continued to hack through the door.

  “Hey, you made it home?” Jaden asked on the other end but I could barely hear him since my dad was hitting the wood with such force.

  “Come get me!” I screamed in a panic. “Hurry, he’s going to kill me!”

  “What?” his voice suddenly tensed. The hole was growing in size and he was almost able to fit his hand in to reach the lock.

  “Jaden please!” I ple
aded. I shrieked as I saw his hand enter the hole.

  “Run Mina!” I heard Jaden say between my screams. “Get out of there. I’ll find you.”

  “I can’t,” I sobbed. There was no way out. I had cornered myself and was stuck in a dead end. I sunk low to the floor and I could hear Jaden’s voice in the background, but I was too scared to listen. The door swung open and I grabbed a pen from my desk. He came at me quickly.

  “No!” I screamed and his hard rock-like fist struck me in the face. I fell backwards onto my chair, knocking over a pile of CDs and my phone flew from my hand.

  He grabbed my ankle so tightly it felt nearly broken on impact. I screamed in agony as it shot up to my knee. He pulled on my leg and I grabbed onto my bedpost, struggling to get away. I tried not to look at his face, seeing my father in him. I wanted to scream out, “Wake up Dad!” but this thing was far too powerful.

  His hand rose to his shoulder and he swung it, back-handing me across the face again. A warm liquid oozed out of my nose as he pulled me through the door into the hallway. The pain was too much to take and I stopped fighting. I lay on my back, blood rolling down my cheek, with his hand still crushing my ankle and I felt numb as I let my existence fade with the moment.

  The attic door opened and he threw me inside. He left me at the bottom of the stairs and locked the door behind him.

  “You will never see him again,” he announced at the top of his voice. Is this what my dreams were trying to prepare me for? My face was throbbing from his punches and my ankle was swollen. I didn't even know if I could stand up. He walked away from the door and silence was heard afterward, not one miniscule noise could be heard in the hallway. The smell that was so strong to me when we first moved in smelled exactly as it did up here.