Wanderlust

by Lacey Weatherford

  No matter how gruff he’d acted, I could tell that deep down he liked what he saw. Chrissy and my mom were already smitten with my boyfriend . . . correction, my fiancé. I could practically hear the impending squeals of excitement as they brainstormed ideas for the wedding.

  Nothing brought people closer together than a marriage, and this one was definitely of a whirlwind nature. I’m sure some of my immediate relatives might have concerns, but it didn’t matter to me.

  Ryder was the one for me—the only one. I didn’t need a bunch of time to decide something I was already sure of.

  Tapping my pen against my notepad, I impatiently studied the clock on the classroom wall, which was slowly ticking, counting the minutes before I could hurry back home to him.

  There was so much to do, now that we were focused on our future together. Once that decision had been made, everything began falling into place. Things were changing—not just in the connection that burned white-hot between us, but also our environment.

  At this very moment, Ryder was moving my things into his apartment. I had a difficult time paying attention in Art Theory, wondering what kind of reaction he was receiving from my strange roommate. Part of me was saddened that my brief stay with Heather hadn’t resulted in a better relationship, but it wasn’t because I hadn’t tried. None of my extended offers of friendship had made any difference toward melting her icy demeanor.

  After today, she would no longer be an issue, though. I hoped she hadn’t given Ryder too much grief about breaking my lease. In our visit before class, he told me he intended to offer her as much money as it took for her to release me from my contract. Knowing him like I did, I had every confidence in his persuasion skills.

  He’d managed to win me over—completely convincing me that loving a Wanderer would be an experience like no other. Brushing my fingers absently over my lips, I recalled the way my mouth felt against his and I knew he’d been right.

  If this was what it was like now, heaven help me as the years passed and our feelings for each other grew even stronger.

  Years. It was something I still didn’t want to acknowledge. I didn’t want to get caught up in the technicalities of being with someone who wasn’t human. For right now, I was content to remain wrapped in the wonder of discovery, the joys of being young and in love.

  “Earth to Skylar. Hello?” Blinking, Chastity’s face appeared before me, a wide grin across her face. “Wow, that must’ve been some daydream. Didn’t you hear everyone leave?”

  Glancing around, my cheeks heated as I realized we were the only ones left in the room. “Sorry, I guess I was distracted.”

  “I figured as much.” Leaning back against the chair, Chastity folded her arms across her chest. “Okay, spill it. Something’s going on with you.” She pointed down at my notebook, a knowing look in her eyes. “You want to explain that?”

  Quickly closing it, I shoved it into my bag. “It . . . It’s nothing,” I stammered, my heart pounding. If I stayed any longer, either I’d blurt it out or she’d weasel it from me. Not that it would be that difficult. I was dying to tell someone my good news.

  “That was not nothing. That looked a lot like you scribbling your boyfriend’s last name. Did he . . . ?” Chastity held her breath and I couldn’t suppress my smile, her eyes widening as she guessed the truth. “Tell me he didn’t!”

  There was no escaping it. “He did,” I whispered. Relief hit hard as I finally confided the secret I’d been harboring alone for the last few hours. “He asked me this morning.”

  Chastity erupted into a series of squeals and grabbed me, hugging me tightly. “Holy cow! How could you just sit there quietly? Why didn’t you say something? How did it happen?” Her enthusiasm was contagious.

  “I’ve been waiting to tell my parents before I announced anything,” I confessed.

  “They don’t know?”

  “Not yet. I was going to call them after my classes, tonight.” Lifting my bag, I pulled out my phone, suddenly nervous.

  “Then don’t let me stop you. Damn, promise me you’ll give me all the details later, okay? What he said. What you said.” Walking with me toward the door, Chastity gave me one last hug before stepping into the hallway. “Go, call them, and don’t forget, I need to be a bridesmaid so I can hook up with one of Ryder’s sexy cousins or something.”

  Giggling, I didn’t have the heart to tell her that there was no chance of meeting any of Ryder’s family. Aside from his parents, he was pretty much alone. My family would become his. “Sure thing. Tomorrow?”

  “Absolutely. Let’s meet at Café Royale about noon. We can chat over lunch, before class.”

  Waving goodbye, I jogged down the steps and onto the sidewalk, my mind already preparing for the conversation I was about to have. After a few short rings, my mother answered.

  “Hey, Mom,” I greeted, as I slowly walked toward my new home.

  “Hey, honey. How are you doing? Is everything okay?” It was just like her to assume something was wrong.

  “Yep, everything’s wonderful. In fact, that’s why I’m calling. Is Dad around?” The plan was for me to tell them both, at once.

  There was a short pause before I heard the telltale click of the other line picking up. “Hey, Skylar. I’m here.”

  Suddenly I was a bundle of nerves and excitement. “Well, I have some amazing news I want to tell you. You ready?”

  “Don’t leave us hanging,” Mom answered, laughing.

  “You guys both know how serious Ryder and I have become, right?”

  “Yeah,” Dad grunted.

  “Well, he asked me a very important question this morning, one that required a yes or no answer.” I didn’t know why I didn’t just come out with it. Dragging out the anticipation was fun.

  It was my father who spoke next. “Did he ask you to move in with him?”

  “No, Jason. Ryder asked your daughter to marry him,” Mom corrected, and I could totally imagine the smile on her face. “Please tell me you told that fine young man yes, Skylar.”

  “I did!” I exclaimed, giving a brief squeal of giddiness. “This morning. It was so romantic and we’re going to be married!”

  My parents fired back instantly, talking over one another.

  “When are you coming home so we can start planning?” my mom chimed in.

  “Would’ve been nice if he’d talked to me about his intentions,” Dad grumbled.

  “Chrissy is going to flip over your news. She’s not here, but I’ll have her call you when she gets home,” Mom added.

  “Still think he should’ve come to me, first.” Dad was irritated.

  I couldn’t stop laughing. “Dad, it surprised me, too. I promise you. When we come home in a few weeks, Ryder and you can have “the talk,” okay?”

  “It’s only right,” he replied, gruffly.

  “We’re so happy for you, sweetheart. I kind of wondered how fast this relationship would progress. There was just something about the way the two of you looked at each other. It brought back memories of your dad and me.”

  My father grunted, again. “Is this what you want, Skylar? He’s not pressuring you, is he?”

  “No, I promise. This is something we both want and I can’t begin to tell you how happy I am. I wouldn’t have said yes if I didn’t love him. And I do. So much.” The line was silent and I held my breath. I really needed him to be okay with this.

  “Then that’s all that matters.”

  Tears welled in my eyes knowing that, in his own way, my father had just accepted my news. “We haven’t set a date yet, it’s all still new. School’s pretty busy for the next two or three weeks, so we can talk more about this when things let up a bit. Does that sound good?”

  “We’ll be ready whenever you are,” Mom gushed, emotion lacing her words. “Oh, honey, we’re so happy for you. Say hello to Ryder for us, please, and send him our love and congratulations, as well.”

  “I will. Love you both.”

  “We love you,
too.”

  Ending the call, I pocketed my phone and crossed the street. It had gone a lot better than I’d anticipated—my father being stubborn until he knew it was something that I wanted. I wasn’t too worried about him being resistant, though. All he needed was more time with Ryder, more time to see us together, and he’d see what my mother had seen from the beginning.

  Love—plain and simple.

  Glancing at my phone, I saw there was still some time before Ryder expected me back at his apartment. I decided to take advantage of this and stop by The Book Corner on my way home. While I’d never been the young girl who spent hours flicking through bridal magazines, dreaming over dresses and planning my dream wedding, now that I was engaged, I was itching to do so.

  I knew I wanted something elegant, something sophisticated, but still me. I wanted a gown that would make Ryder gasp the second he saw me walking down the aisle toward him.

  In my mind, I could see the design—soft, flowing fabric that gathered below my bust line before falling to the floor and trailing behind me. Maybe I could even create my own, ensuring that everything would be perfect. Flawless.

  The more I thought about it, the more I liked that idea. “First things, first,” I murmured, hurrying toward one of my favorite stores. I’d gotten into a habit of regularly stopping into the bookstore and grabbing a specialty coffee and treat from the small café inside. It was a popular hangout for some of the locals—a place where you could browse through shelves of literature, meet friends, or get free Wi-Fi. I’d gotten lost in the aisles of this store too many times to even count.

  Today, I was on a mission. I needed coffee and bridal magazines, in that order.

  The familiar bell tinkled as I pushed through the door.

  “Back again, Skylar?” Bryan greeted, waving from behind the sales counter.

  “You know me, can’t stay away.”

  Nodding, he smiled. “I think that’s a good thing. Let me know if you need any help.”

  “Will do.” I was already following the delicious scent of coffee beans, my mouth watering as I headed toward the café area of the store. Try as I might, there was no convincing Ryder that the hot, bitter liquid was, in fact, the nectar of the gods. It didn’t matter what I added to it—real cream, sweet creamer, a variety of flavorings—one mouthful and he gagged.

  Luckily it wasn’t a deal breaker when it came to marriage. Besides, there was still plenty of time to convert him.

  “Can I get a salted caramel macchiato, please? Extra whipped cream?” I said, stepping to the counter.

  “Sure thing. We’ll get that right up for you,” the cute sales girl at the register said. Paying for my order, I was one step closer to getting home and celebrating with the man of my dreams. Just the thought of what our celebration might involve made me impatient. After all the blissful time we’d spent naked together, I couldn’t believe how often I caught myself thinking about being with Ryder that way, still. It was like he’d revealed a craving I never knew I had.

  Sex. It had changed everything, deepening my feelings and bringing our relationship to a whole new level with wonderful new experiences and ways to share ourselves.

  “Here you go,” the girl said, interrupting my musings.

  “Thanks,” I replied, taking it. Not even waiting for my coffee to cool, I let out an appreciative sigh of contentment at the first sip. It was heaven in a cup.

  Not wasting any more time, I hurried over to the magazine section and started grabbing up every one that had a grinning bride on the cover. Taking them all to the front of the store, I checked out.

  Coffee in one hand and periodicals in the other, I used my hip to back my way through the door, immediately running into someone. I saved my coffee from spilling, but managed to scatter my magazines.

  “I’m so sorry,” I blurted out, apologizing profusely. “I didn’t see you there.”

  “It was my fault,” the male voice replied, dropping down beside me. “I wasn’t paying attention. Here let me help.” Something familiar stirred in my memory. Studying him for a moment, I suddenly realized he was one of the guys Ryder and I had seen in Muir Forest.

  “Th . . . Thank you,” I faltered.

  “You remember me, don’t you? We met a while ago. You were with your boyfriend.” Gazing at the magazine in his hand, the newcomer grinned. “Seems congratulations are in order.”

  “Yes,” I answered quickly, unsure why I felt so unsettled, but there was definitely a weird vibe coming off the stranger. It didn’t help that he was staring at me as if he knew what I looked like without clothes on. The guy was creepy. “I need to get going. He’s expecting me.”

  Standing, I didn’t wait for a reply; instead, I took off down the street as fast as I could. The sooner I got to Ryder, the better I would feel. Hopefully, I’d never see the guy, again.

  Every now and then I glanced over my shoulder, just to make sure I wasn’t being followed, and breathed a sigh of relief when no one materialized from the shadows.

  “You know, I’d feel much better if I walked you home. You never know what danger is out there.” Jumping, I jerked my head in the direction of the voice, peering into an alley on my left. I saw an outline of the intruder.

  How did he get ahead of me?

  “I don’t know what you want, but if you don’t stop following me, I’m going to scream and call the cops,” I threatened, fear rising inside me as my hand fumbled against my pocket in an attempt to drag out my phone. If he took another step closer, he’d end up wearing my hot coffee all over him.

  He chuckled, sauntering toward me. “Do you think the cops can get here in time? I don’t. But when I’m done with you, you’ll definitely be screaming.”

  There was no way I was going to be a victim—no way I was going to let him touch me. Throwing my cup, hot liquid sprayed all over his face. Howling, he grabbed at his skin. I didn’t wait around to see what happened next, instead breaking into a run as I continued fumbling for my phone.

  “You’ll pay for that, bitch!” he shouted angrily. I didn’t glance behind to see if I was getting away, I just kept running, full speed ahead.

  No! It was impossible!

  One second my attacker was behind me and now he blocked my escape! Coming up short, I halted and attempted to run back the way I came. There was no way he could move so fast—be in two different places in the blink of an eye . . . unless . . . .

  I was going to be sick.

  “Leave me alone!” I screamed, frantically looking for someone, anyone. “Help! Help me!” I shrieked at the top of my lungs.

  “Or what? Is your big, bad Wanderer boyfriend going to come beat me up? Sorry, love, but Ryder’s not here. He’s left you all by yourself.” He laughed cruelly, and it sounded truly wicked.

  Everything fell into place. This was the reason why Ryder had wanted to leave immediately after being interrupted in the forest that day. “You’re a Wanderer?” I asked, backing away.

  Lunging, he clapped a hand across my mouth and pulled me hard against his body with the other. Instantly, his touch filled my senses; but instead of the soft, love-filled energy of Ryder, I was overcome by something much more vile and tainted.

  “I look forward to finding out why Ecarinu is so captivated by you.” He licked the side of my neck sending a wave of dread throughout my senses as he dragged me back into the alley.

  ***

  This wasn’t real.

  Any second now and I’d see Ryder’s concerned face as he shook me awake from this terrible nightmare.

  Pinned to the ground, my shirt torn open, I realized this wasn’t a dream, though. I was trapped in a reality that was threatening to destroy me. Continuing to scream, my throat was raw with the effort, but I prayed to God that someone would hear me.

  Scratching, biting, clawing, kicking, hitting, I fought with everything I had—making it as difficult as possible for him. All the while, I tried to stay alert to any window of opportunity—some chance to catch him by surpri
se so I could escape. Hitting me in the head, again—was that the fifth time, now?—I crumbled to the pavement, whimpering.

  Even as my limbs weakened, my body trembling from the agony he was pouring into me, I fought. His touch was caustic—every groping, painful grip of his fingers shot fiery blasts of hatred and malice through my skin as he pushed his essence inside me.

  He was everything Ryder wasn’t.

  “I won’t let you rape me! I’d rather die.” Spitting at him, I dug my fingers into his face, gouging out the flesh beneath them, but then his fist connected with my jaw, momentarily stunning me.

  The Wanderer laughed, a cold glimmer in his eyes. “Once I’m done with you, you’ll wish you were dead.” Roughly grabbing my breast, he twisted it viciously as his body weighed mine down. “I’m gonna fuck you so hard, you’re gonna break. When I’m done with you, no one will ever want you. Not even your precious Ryder.”

  Scorn dripped from his words as he stripped my clothes from me with a wave of his hand, leaving me open and vulnerable, shrinking beneath his lustful gaze. Bile rose in my throat as each second ticked by—pushing me toward destruction.

  Nothing I did made a difference. My attacker was a monster in every sense of the word. Victory was in his eyes as he drove himself brutally inside me, and I wailed as he sent me careening in a direction that would render me ruined forever.

  Over and over he pounded into me, so hard the skin of my back tore open on the rough pavement. Over and over he continued to rape me, both with his body and his essence, tearing through me from the inside out.

  A gravelly laugh escaped him. “Fucking you has been the highlight of my trip to Earth,” he growled.

  I could feel blood running from various places on my body—my face, my back, and definitely at the sensitive area between my legs. On and on, each excruciating second captured in my mind, threatening to completely destroy me.