They were hideous and nasty, as large as a person. Their bony bodies were covered by a viscous gray skin, countless teeth bared and sharp, and wings large and bristly.
I cringed, unable to scream. Four of the bats landed before me and hobbled closer. Their talons scratched against the concrete surface of the sidewalk, making a dreadful screeching sound. Their fetid stench of slobber and decay and rotting flesh reached me, and I fought the urge to puke.
I crawled a few feet away and watched in horror as three other bats landed behind me, blocking my only escape route. I was surrounded.
I recalled my pepper spray inside my purse. I carried it for muggers and robbers, but my weapon had saved me from these creatures before. Of course pepper spray hadn’t hurt the bats, just bought me some distraction so I could run away. And I had never been attacked by more than two bats at once, but it was worth a try.
With trembling hands, I reached inside my purse. But as my fingers stroked the can, a bat lunged at my back. Yelling, I covered my head with my arms. The animal clawed, tearing into my jacket.
I tried to roll over and crawl somewhere, anywhere, but was pushed down by a potent blow. I hit the concrete, hard, and gasped as the air flew out of me.
Tears brimmed in my eyes. I struggled to hash out a new plan. Nothing. My mind was a ball of pure terror and I couldn’t think through it.
I raised my head and looked over. Two more bats glided up to me. I could see in their crimson eyes they were done playing. This time they would strike for real. There was nothing I could do. I held my breath and braced myself, feeling a slow tear trickle down my face.
Their talons scratched my already torn jacket. I waited, wondering if I’d die or be injured for life.
Then … Nothing.
My eyes shot open. Was I having one of my hallucinations? Were the bats really retreating? I sat up and rubbed my eyes. The bats withdrew, their wings folded behind them, but they seemed to be recoiling from something—or someone. I turned around and saw the back of a tall man. He stood about ten feet from me, his head held high as if a defiant attitude would send the bats away. The odd part was—it did. The bats avoided looking at him as they slowly retreated. Seconds later, the creatures unfurled their gargantuan wings and flew away.
I gaped at the back of the mysterious man.
When the bats were gone, the guy pivoted and stared at me. I couldn’t see his face in the dark, but he looked menacing and I wasn’t sure I was better with him or the bats.
Without taking his gaze from mine, he stepped forward.
I clambered back.
He stopped.
“It’s okay,” he said. His voice was strong and sure and entrancing. He had an accent, something between Arabic and French I couldn’t identify. “You’re hurt, aren’t you?”
I didn’t answer. Instead I scrambled to my feet and almost fell over, nauseated. I didn’t though, because the mysterious guy caught me. His strong hands gripped my elbows.
Until then, I had not felt any pain, but his palm was wrapped around one of the wounds. “Ouch!” I pulled away and bent my elbow to get a better look.
“Let me see,” he said, gently taking my arm and slipping off my jacket sleeve. “It’s not too bad. Did they hurt you somewhere else?”
His deep, dark eyes bored into mine, and my breath caught. Unkempt jet-black hair framed the rough edges of his fair face, and broad shoulders were bracketed by his leather biker jacket. Despite looking frightening, he was gorgeous.
I wasn’t sure what was happening. Why I was letting this guy help me and even strip off my coat? I could barely reason, but I ended up nodding. “My back.”
As if he were an old friend, the guy turned me around and removed the rest of my jacket. I shivered, both from the cold and from knowing his intense gaze scrutinized my bare skin.
“Hmm. These gashes are a little worse, but nothing some rest and care won’t fix.”
Self-conscious, I put my ragged jacket back on, tightening it around myself, and turned to face him. “How did you get the bats to back off?”
His eyes narrowed. I guess he hadn’t expected my question. “I’m not sure.”
“How can you don’t know?” I almost shouted, irritated with his calm stance. Who the hell was this stranger? And how the hell was it he didn't know how he’d saved me? “You just came over and those bats fled. They were scared of you!”
“I don’t know why they keep their distance from me, but that’s been happening lately.” He extended his hand. “I’m Micah. And you are?”
I was surprised by his statement. Was he lying, though? I couldn’t be sure. I frowned at his hand, not sure I should take it. But then again, he had just saved my life.
“Nadine.” I took his—Micah’s—hand, and cold clutched my skin where it contacted his. I quickly pulled my hand back.
His eyes were wide. “You felt that too?” At my nod, he whispered, “That’s odd.” He stared at his hand as if it had been contaminated by my touch.
Hmm, perhaps my hand was contaminated too. But by what? What had been that cold jolt? My adrenaline finally settling down? I looked up at the sky again. No bats. That was something. But it was still dangerous outside, and this guy was a stranger. Who knew what he was up to?
I twined a strand of hair around my finger. “I should get going.” I retreated a few steps, fighting to stay upright against the pain. “Uh, thanks.”
“Wait.” Micah came up to me again. “You shouldn’t be outside alone. Those bats seemed to like you.” The corner of his lips twitched, as if the situation were funny. I glared at him and he grew serious again. “I can give you a ride.”
“That’s not necessary.” I resumed walking, but a jolt of pain ricocheted through my back and arms. I winced and tripped, almost collapsing.
“Come on.” He grabbed my wrist. “If you don’t want to fall or get attacked again, it’s important I give you a ride.”
“All right,” I mumbled, hating myself for accepting his offer.
“Over here.” Still holding onto me, he walked to the other side of the street, where a black and red Harley Davidson was parked.
“That’s your ride?” I gaped. Wow. The motorcycle was stunning. I had never seen a Harley before, other than in pictures. There weren’t many bikes around since it was easy to get robbed or attacked when riding one. And Harleys were especially rare.
He offered me a grin. “Nice, huh? It’s my baby.” Without releasing my wrist, he put his other hand on the small of my back and gently pushed me forward. “Come on, let’s get you home.”
If he hadn’t assisted me, I wouldn’t have been able to cross the street. Each step sent painful jolts through my back. I winced, then squeezed his arm, which I only realized I held after I dug my nails into his jacket. He let out a chuckle.
“Sorry,” I mumbled, conscious of the heat growing in my cheeks. I loosened my grip, but didn’t let go.
“No problem.”
He hopped on his bike and helped me sit behind him. I avoided looking at his looming body and crossed my arms as if it were forbidden to touch him.
From over his shoulder, Micah glanced at me and laughed. It was one perfect sound.
“What?” I snapped, tightening my arms over my chest.
“I won’t bite,” he joked.
I had no intention of moving until he reached behind his back, grabbed my arms, and put them around his waist, pointedly resting my hands over his rigid abdomen. I had a hard time controlling my breathing, his sweet scent was intoxicating, the impulse to run my fingers over his lean muscles, and the urge to scoot closer to him.
He turned the Harley on, and it revved to life. “Where do you live?”
“At the next block.” I pointed behind us. “A white and blue building near the corner.”
“You were attacked one block from your home?” He sounded amused. I remained quiet. At least he wasn’t accelerating, and I didn’t have to hang on tighter. “Boy, those bats must love you.”
“Shut up,” I snapped, then felt my cheeks burn with anger and embarrassment.
“Sorry.” He suppressed a chuckle. It only irritated me more. He drove the bike over to my building and brought it to a stop in front of the main door. “Is it here?”
“Yes.” I released him and got off the bike, but I had to lean against him when nausea and pain assaulted me.
He tugged me to him. “If you weren’t in such a rush to get rid of me, I could help you.”
I grunted and let him guide me to the door. I used the biometric lock, but Paul had already seen me and rushed up.
“Miss Sterling, what happened?” He glanced from me to Micah to my torn jacket.
“Bats,” Micah answered for me.
“Again?” Paul asked. I struggled to free myself from Micah and let the concierge help me.
Micah glanced down at me. “Again?”
“I guess bats like her,” Paul said. He chuckled and Micah grinned. I glared at them. “Sorry.” He straightened and took me from Micah, hooking my arm over his shoulders to steady me. “I’d better get you to your apartment.”
I turned to Micah. “Thanks again.”
“Yes. Good night.” He bowed and smiled, making my pulse faster. Then, he turned and strode out the door.
After the concierge helped me to my apartment and left me alone, I took a warm shower and sat down to clean my wounds. I had scratches on my back and arms and a purple bruise on my belly.
Because of the previous bat attacks I had experienced, I kept rabies vaccine in my medicine cabinet—it wasn’t something pharmacies sold over the counter, but being in the pre-health program facilitated a few perks. I gave myself a shot and took three ibuprofen pills for pain.
I was leaving the bathroom when I caught my reflection in the foggy mirror. In front of the glass, I brushed my long, light-brown hair—it was the feature I liked most about me. I smiled, remembering how Victor liked my hair too.
That was when I recalled the reason I had gone out on the streets in the first place.
The brush hit the floor, producing a loud thud. Holy hell! Because of the bat attack, I’d ended up not going to the club and finding out what Ceris wanted to show me.
Worse, I drooled over Micah and forgot about Victor.
My heart sank, and I was unable to shake the feeling I’d cheated on the man from my vision.
6
Raisa wanted to beat me after she got home from the club at three in the morning, but when I showed her my wounds, she grew worried and yelled, saying I was the most stupid person alive—I had to agree with her—and she would never leave me behind again.
On Sunday, I slept almost all day. Raisa and Olivia checked on me several times. Then on Monday, I got up early to go to work before my first day of summer classes. I had to take two ibuprofen pills to be able to stand. I just wanted to get through the day without remembering the bat attack and feeling sick to my stomach. I purposefully avoided Raisa and slipped out of the apartment without her or Olivia noticing. I’d had enough of my roommate’s lectures.
Cheryl strolled into the coffee shop. I smiled at her, admiring her beauty and elegance. Every time I looked at her, a good feeling—like a sense of familiarity and completion—filled my chest. It was a shame her frequent trips out of town for work limited our conversations and time together. I felt lost and alone whenever she was gone.
All the tables were taken, mostly by students, so she sat on a tall stool at the counter.
Without having to ask, I handed her what I knew she wanted: a tall espresso and a chocolate cupcake.
“Yummy.” Her silver eyes shone as she bit into the cupcake. “Did you apply for the position at the hospital?”
“I did.”
“Good. Now it’s just a matter of time.”
“You say that as if you’re certain they will call me.”
“I know they will.” She winked, taking another bite of the cupcake.
I wished I could stay and talk, but instead I pushed myself off the counter and worked my rounds, rushing around the café, serving tables, scribbling down orders, and occasionally helping the manager with the mess in the storage room.
Near the end of my shift, Raisa arrived and sat beside Cheryl. She told Cheryl about the university party on Saturday. The one I’d missed. Flickers of fear touched my stomach at the memory.
“Nadine was supposed to go too,” I overheard Raisa say as I walked past them. Anger crept over me. I wanted to avoid being lectured, but here at work I was trapped.
“Supposed to? Why didn’t you go?” Cheryl asked, sounding disappointed I had missed the only party I had agreed to go to in almost a year.
I grunted, hating to remember the reason.
“Oh, the brave Nadine decided to go alone. And on foot,” Raisa exclaimed, outraged. “She was attacked by bats.”
Cheryl’s eyes widened, and she nearly choked on the cupcake. “Again? You have to be more careful. Promise me you won’t wander alone like that anymore.” Her silver eyes conveyed worry and concern.
Shame warmed my cheeks. First Raisa’s lecture, now Cheryl’s. I hated to disappoint them and hated appearing childish and immature and incapable of making smart decisions. “I promise,” I mumbled, trying to hide behind my apron and tray, still ashamed of my poor choices. And more ashamed at the memory of my visceral response to hot, hot Micah.
For some reason, I hadn’t told my friends about him. The truth was I was trying to pretend he didn’t exist. That I had not met him. My heart still contracted every time I thought about Victor, as if I betrayed him by noticing how handsome Micah was.
When my shift was over, Raisa and I walked to the science building for the first class of summer session. I sometimes struggled in biology, but I needed to ace this class to keep my grades up. No medical school would accept a student who flunked biology. Besides, I needed the distraction to stop thinking about Ceris, the bat attack, and Micah.
Being on campus always felt uplifting. The sidewalks were clean. The fake flowerbeds were colorful and released a sweet scent—part of the perfume stored inside the plastic plants. The streetlights were brighter and the safety was incomparable. If only the skies weren’t so dark and the June air wasn’t so chilly.
My eyes were still skyward when I heard cawing. I stiffened but remained alongside Raisa. Could it be a bat? On campus? But bats didn’t caw. Then I saw it. A raven, soaring right above us. The bird was almost imperceptible against the dark gray sky.
Heedless of the raven’s presence, Raisa chatted about the latest collection of the newest fashion prodigy, whoever he or she was. I didn’t bother showing the bird to her, even though birds weren’t easily spotted anymore, and forgot all about it when we entered the classroom a few minutes later.
Raisa and I took seats along the back wall, where some of her friends sat. As expected, she engaged in a detailed conversation with them about guys, clothes, and makeup.
To pass the time, I whirled my hair around my fingers while humming one of my favorite songs.
“Oh yeah.” Raisa turned, including me in the conversation. “I forgot to tell you. We saw the hottest guy ever at the party.”
“Really?” I asked, pretending to be interested but wanting to get a head start on the upcoming lecture.
“Oh yeah, he was gorgeous.”
I suppressed the urge to roll my eyes. “Cool. Did you guys meet him?”
Raisa’s smile faded. “No. He may have escaped this time, but he won’t for too long. The buzz is he’s a new graduate student.”
I frowned. They were talking about a new student. Micah was new, and he seemed a few years older than me, like a graduate student. Plus he was majorly attractive. “What does he look like?”
“Tall and hot, with dark blond hair and light blue or green eyes,” Raisa said. “He wasn’t too close to us, so I couldn’t get a good look at his eyes.”
No, this guy wasn’t Micah. Internally, I condemned myself for feeling reliev
ed.
The instructor entered and started the typical first day of summer school speech, which saved me from having to hear more descriptions of a supposedly hot, unknown guy.
Suddenly something else saved me from my boring biology class.
I felt the familiar pang in my chest, the spreading of warmth through my veins, and the tingling over my skin. Then, I entered the vision.
I found myself in the middle of Washington Square at the center of NYU’s campus. The scent of flowers and trees surrounded me. Like all my visions, the sky above me was blue and the day was warm. A surge of joy rushed through me. I’d see Victor. I’d missed him so much; the weird encounter with Micah only reinforced how much I cared about Victor. I couldn’t wait to spend time with him and reconnect the way we always did.
Despite the sameness of the sky, in each vision the setting was different. My clothes normally changed to match. This time, I frowned when I saw myself dressed in my usual attire: jeans, snug tee, a thin jacket, and ballet flats. Yeah, it screamed “relaxing day in the park,” but I was hoping for more. I didn’t want Victor to see me dressed so casually.
“What’s with the pout?” I heard his voice and brightened. There he was, coming toward me, in jeans, a fitted button-down shirt, and casual shoes. But he didn’t look simple. He looked like an expensive apparel model during a photo shoot.
“Hi,” I was able to utter. My heart pounded so fast my chest hurt.
He halted a foot from me. His tall, elegant frame loomed over my petite form, and his delicious scent wrapped around me, making me dizzy. He smiled down at me. “Hi.” He pushed a lock of my hair out of my face, his fingers caressing my skin. I shivered. “So. Why the disappointed face? From knowing you’ll see me?”
I giggled. “Yeah, right.” God, I had to get a better hold of myself when around him. Sometimes I thought I was under a love spell or something. “I was disappointed with my clothes.” I motioned to them. “I would rather be wearing a ball gown or a cocktail dress.”
His sea-green gaze swept me from head to toe, and I blushed.
“I don’t see anything wrong with how you’re dressed.” He stepped toward me and wrapped his arms around my waist. The air ran out of my lungs. “In fact, I think you look beautiful,” he whispered in my ear.
The Everlast Series Boxed Set Page 5