Dark Illusions: The Beginning

by Ariana Browning

  “Hello, Kat.”

  Knowing Cameron wouldn’t approve of Kober and her talking, she asked, “Kober, why are you here?”

  Kober looked at the door. “They do not know I am here if that is a concern.”

  Kat snorted. “Guess I can’t hide my thoughts from you, can I?”

  “Not quite,” Kober said. “I came to see you.”

  “Julian sent you?” Kat asked, walking over to grab a book off her new bookshelf.

  “You think that the only reason I would come?”

  “I think that is the reason you would come here now.” She mocked.

  “Kat.” Kober sighed.

  “Kober, what did you come here for?” She asked him, growing impatient and beginning to hate that he was there. She didn’t want to be mean to him, but she knew she’d have to.

  “I wish to know how you are doing.”

  “I’m fine. Doesn’t it look that way?” She slammed the book in her bag and snapped her head up.

  “I only ask because I do not think you are. I wanted to see how you are handling all this.”

  Kat stared at him before answering, “What do you think, Kober? I was Awakened without my consent. I’m immortal. Yay me.” She sighed. “You know you shouldn’t be here. I can’t be around you.”

  Kober was taken aback. “I have never known you to give in to someone. It is surprising. If you need me, you know I am always close by.”

  “I know. And you’re right. I’ve never surrendered to someone. I don’t plan on giving in. It’s just—It’s . . . I wonder if I can do this. I wonder sometimes if it’d be easier if I left.” She moved around the table to stand in front of Kober and whispered, “I think it would be, but he’d never allow me to.”

  “You know there is nothing you have to fear from him. There are plenty of people who can protect you, should you wish to leave.”

  Kat shook her head. “That’s just it, Kober. If I leave? I wouldn’t want anyone to help me. That would be the whole point of leaving. I would leave to disappear.”

  Kober looked down at her and gently caressed her cheek, “Do not feel the need to leave. You know I would not like it if you left. You are a dear friend of mine.”

  Kat leaned into his touch. “Kober, as are you for me. My leaving would have nothing to do with you. I just . . . I don’t know. I’ve considered it a lot.” She stood on her toes and placed a small kiss on his mouth. “But thank you.”

  Kober ducked his head. “You are quite welcome.”

  Kat shook her head and smiled, “You are something else. You still feel like a monster compared to me? Last time I checked, you had no reason to.”

  Kober smiled at her. “I have lived much longer than you. I have seen much. I have done much. Yes, I do.”

  Kat walked over to her bag. “You’re no more a monster than I am. Remember that.”

  “You are much too sweet to me. I understand you, but you also understand what I mean.”

  “Yes, I do. I repeat the last statement.” She threw the bag over her shoulder. “I have to go. Unless there is something else you needed?”

  “You know there is.”

  “He sent you to check up on me.” Kober nodded. “I’m fine. You can tell him I’m okay. I want nothing to do with him.” Feeling a pang of guilt at lying to Kober, she knew she had to—even to him.

  Kober watched her and wondered what she hid. He knew she lied to him about Julian. The hate Cameron counted on was fading. The love he’d seen between Julian and her was real. Their love was once in a lifetime; eternal. Nobody could break it. Sorrow filled him, knowing she lied to protect Julian, despite it causing her pain.

  Before Kober could say another word, Kat rushed toward the door. “I’m sorry, Kober, I have to go.”

  “Kat?” She stopped and looked at him before leaving, “Please take care of yourself.” She nodded and was out the door before another word could be spoken. She was running from her feelings, more than Cameron. Kober understood. It made him angry she felt it was the only way to deal with it all.

  She and Julian belonged together. He’d seen what they were like when they were separated. They were both in a perpetual deadened state, just making it through each day. That is, until Kober saw what happened between them at the gathering.

  Kat made her way across the room and he stood off to the side, watching over her. The girl attracted attention from most of the males there, not just Julian—despite Julian trying to hide it. Kober knew him too well.

  From all appearances it looked like Julian was merely glancing around the room, but not to Kober. Julian had watched Kat with complete ownership. If a man went near her, Julian would’ve been across the room in an instant. Did anyone else know Julian’s eye was on her the entire night? Did she? There were few who hadn’t watched her, but the way Julian did was different.

  Kober saw the way Kat looked at Julian, and the way he looked at her. If there was any doubt her love for him would win over the rivalry, it was shattered. The love they shared broke through all barriers, and the heat was palpable.

  Julian saved her when nobody else could’ve. Without him, she would have died, and there could be no doubt she would do the same for Julian, if he needed it. She was Julian’s mate. If Cameron or anyone else looked at them, they would’ve seen it too. It was surprising nobody else felt the electricity burning between them. If Julian and she got together, they would make one formidable team. He smiled.

  ****

  “What are you thinking?” Julian asked.

  Kober shook his head. “I am thinking about the Raaka, mainly Kat. She is something else.”

  “That she is. What about Cameron? He tells me he would like more influence in the city. I believe he’s gotten to the point where he is expecting too much. You know Cyrus is behind him, pushing the issue.”

  Kober nodded. Julian changed the topic on purpose. “I understand and agree with you. Cameron believes that since he got away with Awakening Kat, he has the freedom to continue to do as he pleases. He may use her against you.”

  Julian nodded. “Yes, I believe you are right. She cannot be used against me when he is with her. I will not allow him to have any more influence, nor control, than he has. He needs to learn. Perhaps he believes that since Kat is by his side, he can use her to influence the leaders into pushing me out. He is beginning to act more like Vincent, now that he has her by his side.”

  “I agree. Kat has quite the influence over men and he knows it. I watched her the other night. Not too many weren’t keeping track of her. I felt overprotective of her.”

  “Kober, I know what you are doing. Yes, I watched over her. And yes, she has a powerful aura surrounding her. It isn’t limited to the men. Cara is quite impressed with her as well.”

  “I was not working toward anything, Julian. I pointed out what I observed. Since you brought it up however, I saw what happened.”

  “I didn’t ask you to check up on her because of that. I wanted to know how she is doing with the change. That is all. She is doing well. It seems she’s settling into the position at Cameron’s side well,” Julian said with a hint of sadness.

  Kober nodded, “So it seems to the outside eye.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “You tell me, Julian. You know her. Could you not feel it? She is working incredibly hard to convince everyone she and Cameron are mated and happy. Look deeper and you’ll see a woman doing what is expected of her and nothing more. She gives him no more of her heart and soul than she would if she were forced to pair with Cage or anyone else she has minor interest in.”

  “The hunger burning between them isn’t casual.”

  “She is attracted to him yes, as you to Cara. Is there more there between you and her?”

  Julian nodded in understanding. “You think the hate is still strong? The last time I was near her, I could’ve had my head torn off.”

  Kober smiled. “I remember. The hate is nothing compared to the love which burns between the two of
you. Give her time. Stay open. She will come to you.”

  Julian watched Kober for a while, neither of them saying a word. “She is Raaka.” Just the thought made a small growl echo from Julian.

  “You are Runsasi.” Kober shook his head, “How much longer can you watch him touching her without reacting? How much longer will the animal within—which has already claimed that woman—be held back?”

  Julian snarled. “Let it go.”

  Fifty Two

  Kat watched the rain falling. She touched her cheek where the wound, now healed, had been from when Cameron threw her across the room. When she landed, her face hit a table and cut open her cheek.

  She knew Cameron would punish her when he found out she took advantage of his men, but that didn’t stop her. She just didn’t know when he would, or what would happen if he did.

  Cameron had gone out of town for a week, and she was furious he wouldn’t allow her to go. He took off right after showing her off to the men at the last meeting, and when she asked him if she could go, he told her no.

  Kat hated being told no. She threatened Cameron and told him straight out, “If you leave me alone, I’ll find a way to enjoy myself without you.”

  Because of that, Cameron told Sean to keep a close eye on her. Kat grinned, knowing she could get under Sean’s skin. Until, of course, Sean refused any of her advances and further pissed her off. “I am doing my job and nothing more. Forget it, Kat.”

  Now Sean was telling her no.

  She couldn’t stop thinking about Julian, which made her hormones go crazy. Jake was the one around her the most that week. Ever since she was Awakened, she had an almost uncontrollable hunger burning inside, and she found it hard to resist jumping into bed with every man around her. It seemed nobody satisfied her for long.

  That week, she grew a newfound interest in Jake, watching the way his black hair curled around at the temples, begging for touching. When he’d look her way with his clear blue eyes, she almost couldn’t take it.

  ****

  Jake walked into Cameron’s office to drop off some papers at the same time Kat hung up the call from Cameron, who’d just pissed her off further. She was sitting on the edge of the desk when he came in. He smiled at her on his way past, carrying the scent of hunger with him.

  Kat decided not to waste a minute and took complete advantage of it. “I never did personally thank you for bringing me those flowers, did I?” She gave him a big smile. “Thank you, Jake.” She nibbled on her lip, watching him, dragging out his name. He took in the innocent movement with obvious interest.

  Reality struck him, and he focused on what she was doing. “Forget it.” He grinned and shook his head, continuing to the door.

  “Forget what?” She moved in a blur to the door, blocking his path out, looking up at him in complete innocence. “I only wanted to say thank you.” She smiled up at him and glanced at his mouth before returning her gaze to his hungry stare. Reaching up, she slid her hand down his chest before dropping it away.

  “I already know what you’re thinking. I can smell it. Move.” He ordered.

  “Ooo I love when you order me around. Nice. You want me moved you’re going to have to do it yourself.” She raised her arms.

  Jake shook his head. “Get out of my way, Kat. I’m warning you as nicely as I can.”

  Kat laughed and put her arms down in a huff. “You got some anger issues don’t ya? I can fix them.”

  “Kat . . .” He growled.

  Kat gave him a seductive smile. “Can’t you just pick me up? Touch me? Move me? If you’re warning me, then clearly you’re about to hurt me. Fine with me. Just make sure you kiss the boo boo you give me afterward.” She lifted her wrist to her mouth and bit it, holding it in front of his mouth. “Or before.”

  “Damn it, Kat!” He snarled. “Can’t you get the hint? I will hurt you if you don’t get out of my fucking way.”

  Kat stepped forward and placed both her hands against his chest, feeling the rage and desire he held in check. “Why is it so bad to want to have a little fun? You’d give anything to get what you’re getting right now. Take advantage. Don’t be stupid.” She grinned. “Or I’ll tell Cameron you came onto me. Play with me and I’ll stay quiet. Your choice.”

  Jake grabbed her by the shoulders and threw her back against the door. He grabbed her by the neck and crushed his mouth down upon hers with a cry of shock from her. He bit her lip and swallowed the blood he drew as he kept kissing her, bringing his free hand down to lift her up into his arms.

  Kat’s body exploded with hunger as Jake took charge, kissing her as he raised her into his arms. He walked her over to the desk, sat her on the edge and pulled away to grab hold of her chin again. He forced her to look into his eyes.

  “Play with you? Is that what you want? Do you know what Cameron would do to you if he found out what you’re doing while he is away?”

  “I’d like to know the answer to that as well,” Cameron growled. He stood in the doorway to his office, full of a rage unlike anything Kat had seen, crossing his arms. Her stomach churned and Jake’s hand fell away.

  Fifty Three

  “Sir—” Jake said.

  “Save it. Get-the-fuck-out.” Cameron kept his attention on Kat, but snarled at Jake. Jake blurred out of the room without another word. Terror lay in his wake and though she was scared, Kat couldn’t help but inhale the scent. Something about the smell of fear, took over her entire body.

  Cameron didn’t give Kat a chance. He was in front of her the moment Jake departed, and the next thing she was aware of was flying across the room and into the table, cutting her cheek. “What the fuck do you think you were doing? I leave you alone for a week, and this is how you repay me?” The snarl that came from him sent a rush of fear through Kat, but anger quickly followed. How dare he attack her when he was the one who’d left her and continued to bitch her out all week over the phone.

  Kat leapt up to her feet to face him head-on, shoving a finger at him. “Excuse me? You would ask that question? How dare you!”

  Cameron blurred across the room and struck her, knocking her onto the top of the table and over. The force of her body shattered the thick wood into pieces like it was made of nothing. “Watch your fucking mouth. Sean!” He commanded and Sean strolled in.

  “Yes, sir?” Sean looked at Kat while she stood back up and took in the cut on her face as it healed.

  “Get her out of here and lock her up. I don’t want to see her face anymore!”

  “You sonofa—” Kat didn’t get the word out before Sean dragged her from the room.

  Sean took her to the penthouse and chained her to the bed with a chain long enough to move around the room and that was it. He didn’t say a word. That is where she had to stay, until Cameron showed his face a week later when her hunger for blood burned and his anger faded enough for him to resist killing her when he saw her.

  “What do you have to say for yourself?” Cameron asked, standing in front of the bed where Kat lay, looking up at the ceiling.

  She glanced down at him. She knew if she tried fighting, or giving him attitude, he would not unchain her. She’d begun considering her options the moment Sean left her. That was after she’d thrown a chair into the wall and broke it to get rid of her anger.

  It hadn’t helped, and she ended up with nowhere to sit other than the bed. She knew the one option she would have was if she could rid Cameron of his anger. Her hunger for blood got to the point where she knew she couldn’t resist his advances. She needed the chains off.

  She went back to staring at the ceiling and whispered, “I’m sorry.”

  “Excuse me?” By his tone, she knew Cameron was taken aback. He’d expected much more of a fight.

  “You left me alone. What more do you expect? I needed someone and you weren’t there. But . . . I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done it. I have no excuses. It was wrong and I apologize. I missed you and needed you. I need you. I want you.” She pushed herself up to a si
tting position.

  “No fight? Unlike you Kat. What do you have up your sleeve?” Cameron asked.

  Kat shook her head. “No fight. Only hunger . . . for you.” She crawled down the bed to stand up on her knees in front of him. “I’m really truly sorry.” Reaching up, she grabbed his shirt and allowed her hunger to take over. “I need you, Cameron.”

  Cameron watched her, trying to decide what her game was. He had a feeling all she wanted was the chains off, but had to admit, her ploy worked. He could smell her fear. He also smelled the hunger coming off her in waves, which affected him. He wanted to make sure her hunger was satisfied by him and nobody else. He leaned down and grabbed her chin, pulling her mouth to his.

  When he pulled back, he gave her a hard look. “I’m not unchaining you.”

  Keeping her voice soft, she told him, “Okay. I just want you Cameron. That’s it. Only you.”

  Cameron shook his head. “You’re good, aren’t you?”

  “Is it working?”

  “Yes.” He squeezed her chin.

  She flinched. “It is the truth.”

  Cameron narrowed his eyes. “You’re a dangerous woman.”

  “When do you plan on ripping my clothes off? If you hadn’t noticed . . . I’m hungry.” The animal began to show in her eyes.

  Cameron grinned and bent to kiss her, biting her bottom lip. She gasped as blood dripped down her chin. He licked it off and finished with a kiss. “Remember who made you and who will kill you if you try that shit again.”

  ****

  Kat’s gaze followed a drop of rain making its way down the window. Cameron was at his office. He’d released her from the chains, but the fear kept her at the window instead of leaving—like she wanted. She wasn’t sure if she should go through with it or not. Her mind wandered to Julian and what she’d told Kober a few weeks back. She told him the truth. If she left, the whole idea was to disappear. She couldn’t deal with Cameron’s shit anymore. She’d given him a chance, but her annoyance grew into hatred and it destroyed her.