He turned around and saw Jessica was standing by the bed, staring at him. They looked at one another for several seconds, saying nothing, but speaking volumes with their eyes. Her brave façade began to crumble. Her face trembled as she teared up.
Kyle put his arms around her.
“I’m so scared,” she whispered.
“It’s okay,” he said, doing his best to soothe her fears.
She sniffed. “I don’t want to die.”
“That’s not going to happen.”
“I was just getting to know you.”
“Jess…”
She looked up at him, her eyes glossy. “I’m so afraid of losing you.”
Kyle pressed his forehead to hers. “I’m staying right here with you.”
They kissed, more desperately than before. Jessica pulled off her shirt and her bra. Kyle removed his shirt and shorts, and then she helped him out of his boxers. While sucking her breasts, he slid her shorts and panties down her legs. Both naked, they embraced, kissing, making their way to the bed.
She lay on her back. Kyle climbed on top of Jessica and embraced her. He kissed her again, longer, deeper, and then she was guiding him inside her. As their flesh melded, his entire being seemed to expand with hers. In that moment, all thoughts and fears vanished. They became a union of the animal and the divine—flesh pleasuring flesh, souls merging into ecstasy.
* * *
Elkheart retreated to his bedroom for some much needed quiet time. Sitting on his bed, his aching body relished the comfort of the mattress and pillow. It had been an age since he last slept in a bed. He lit one of his cherished Cuban cigars and puffed. “Man, I love a good cigar.” Smoking was the only thing that relaxed him.
He leaned back against the headboard. His whole body ached. If he closed his eyes, he could probably sleep for days. Elkheart touched the other side of the bed, remembering when Amy had slept there six weeks ago. Their fling had been brief, but intense. One of his best archaeology students at the University of Vancouver, Amy Hanson had volunteered to assist him on his latest expedition. Working beside one another for long hours at the campus had led to them sleeping together. They had too many years between them to be anything more than lovers. Elkheart was fifty and Amy, twenty-three. Her youth and eagerness to learn from him had breathed new life into him. She also helped him get over the loss of Wynona. Now there was a woman Elkheart could have spent his life with, had she not been a prisoner to Hagen’s Cove.
Mayor Thorpe had disapproved of Elkheart’s relationship with Wynona, so the mayor and their son, Hugo, had locked her away for several months. Elkheart had wanted to take Wynona away from Hagen’s Cove, but the men of the Thorpe clan were relentless and would kill to protect their women. Now they had Amy as well. She was being kept somewhere down in the tunnels beneath Macâya Forest.
Elkheart had been horrified to learn that Ray Roamingbear had invited his kids here. Now Ray had taken Shawna. Losing his daughter fueled Elkheart’s rage. Puffing his cigar, he blew smoke rings toward the ceiling. The Thorpe clan had destroyed his marriage, run off his tribe and taken the women he cherished most. Tomorrow, Elkheart planned to show the people of Hagen’s Cove that they had crossed the wrong Indian.
* * *
Kyle lay on his back with Jessica’s head on his chest. He stared up at the stars through the skylight and remembered their first night on the balcony, looking through her telescope. At that time, his chance of ever being with her had seemed as remote as the stars. Now she lay naked in his arms. The feeling of her skin touching his sent ripples of euphoria up his body to the top of his head. He could feel her heartbeat, her breath on his chest. Shrouding this heavenly moment was a dark cloud of fear that Jessica was going to be snatched away and lost to him forever. It wasn’t fair. He had endured two years of loneliness while mourning his wife’s death. He had survived his own suicidal tendencies, faced Death while standing on the ledge of his balcony fifteen stories above the city. He had kept going, hoping he would one day experience love again. He deserved to be happy. Now that he had found Jessica, there were so many things he wanted to do with her, so many places to take her, if only given the chance.
“You’re awfully quiet.” She lifted her head. “I need you to talk to me.”
“About what?”
“Anything.” Her eyes showed that she was more afraid than she was letting on. “Just take my mind away from here.”
“Okay…I was just thinking how I wish we were alone together on some tropical island.”
She smiled at this. “Yeah? Like where?”
“Tahiti. Just imagine it, Jessica, sandy beaches, crystal-clear water, sunny weather. We could stay in one of those huts that stands over the water. Dive right in from our bedroom.”
“We could go snorkeling.”
“And swim with dolphins.”
She laughed. “Sounds wonderful.”
Kyle stroked her back. His fantasy was interrupted by images of demon skulls, of his father’s expedition team being slaughtered by beasts attacking from the darkness. This sent a wave of shivers through him.
“What’s wrong?” Jessica asked.
“Just a chill.” To keep the dark thoughts at bay, he concentrated on the fantasy of traveling the world with Jessica. “What’s your dream vacation?”
“I’ve always wanted to go to Paris. Visit the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, the whole bit.”
He pictured the two of them walking the streets of Paris. “I know the perfect little bistro where they make the best crepes. We can sample every kind on the menu.”
“And drink lots of French wine and go dancing.”
“I could take you to Paris.”
“Seriously?”
“If you’d go with me.”
“I’d go anywhere with you.” Her eyes were dead serious.
“Then consider it a date…after we have our first one in Seattle, of course.”
“You’re on.” Jessica smiled. “How about taking me to Paris and Tahiti?”
“Okay, now you’re pushing it.” Kyle rolled Jessica over and kissed her, caught up in the fantasy that they could have a happy future together. But at the back of his mind, his thoughts returned to the present. A terrible ache burrowed at the center of his chest as he thought of his sister still out in the woods somewhere, or, God forbid, down in the cave. As a shockwave of fear coursed through him, Kyle turned away, hiding his face.
“What’s it is?” Jessica asked.
“Nothing.”
Her hand touched his shoulder. “Please, talk to me. We need to be strong for each other.”
“I…” Kyle did his best not to tear up. “I’m afraid for Shawna.”
“She’s going to be all right. Your father and his men will find her.”
Jessica’s stare tried to convince Kyle that there was still some hope left. He wanted to believe that everything was going to work out. That Shawna and Eric would return to the cabin safely. But the stark reality was even if his family was all back together, the people of Hagen’s Cove might not let them leave these woods alive.
* * *
Eric lay spread eagle on the ground, as the four women held him down and took turns with him. At first, the arrival of Nadine’s friends had been a man’s fantasy come true. Each woman looked as if she had stepped out of a centerfold. A redhead, brunette, and two blondes who looked like twin sisters. Celeste Thorpe, clearly the alpha female, took charge, climbing on top of him, mauling him with her hungry lips.
Eric had wanted to fuck this redhead badly yesterday at the bar, and tonight he got his wish, only he didn’t enjoy it as much as he’d hoped. Sex had always been a sport he played on his terms. He loved the thrill of the hunt, the seduction, the conquest. He also liked being in control, his women submissive. Celeste, Nadine and the twins wouldn’t let him leave when he was finished. They drained him and replenished him over and over. At last, he passed out from exhaustion.
Eric awoke some time during the night. The he
adlights of the Hummer blazed in his eyes. The four women were lying together naked in the grass, intertwined. By the rise and fall of their ribs, they appeared to be sleeping.
He crawled to where their clothes lay scattered on the ground—bras, panties, denim cut-offs, high-heel shoes, a leopard skirt. He found his shorts and slipped them on. Then his hiking boots. He couldn’t find his shirt. Screw it! Just get the hell out of here. He climbed behind the wheel of the Hummer and locked the doors. He turned the key in the ignition. It revved but wouldn’t start.
The four women raised their heads, eyes reflecting the beams of the headlights.
Eric twisted the key again. “Come on!”
The naked women approached, circling the vehicle. Celeste put her hands on the hood. “Where do you think you’re going?”
Nadine dragged her nails down his side window. “Baby, don’t leave us.”
The blonde twins pounded the back window.
“Go screw someone else!” Eric pumped the gas pedal.
The women howled, their skin darkening. Their bones stretched.
“Holy shit!” Eric turned the key again. Rev, rev, rev.
Nadine flattened her palm against the window. Claws split the tips of her fingers.
Celeste leaped onto the hood, her bat face growling at the windshield.
“Shit, shit, shit!” The engine turned over finally. Eric drove forward, barreling toward the lake. He slammed the brakes and the Celeste-thing flew into the water. In the rearview mirror he saw the other three running toward him.
Eric yanked the gear-shift into reverse and flattened his foot on the pedal. He backed over one of the twins, the wheels rolling over her with a crunch. “Oh, fuck!” He smashed into Nadine’s Jeep. Spinning the wheel, Eric did a U-turn and sped up the narrow road.
The women ran through the high grass like a pack of hyenas, laughing as if enjoying the hunt. One of them leaped, crashing through the passenger side window. Nadine opened a mouth full of fangs. She clawed at his arm and ribs. Eric gripped her forehead and held her back. Her legs hung out the window.
Eric lost hold of the wheel, swerving. The Hummer sideswiped a tree, cutting the girl in half. Her upper body fell into the passenger seat.
On the verge of tears, Eric kept driving until he reached the main road and stopped. Nadine’s lifeless head lay in his lap. Her blood covered the dash and passenger side.
“I killed her. Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!”
He had to get rid of her. He opened the passenger door and pushed Nadine’s severed body into the high grass. On the dirt road behind him, he heard angry growls. He spotted two loping shadows.
Eric stomped the gas and fishtailed onto the paved road. He looked in the rearview mirror. The two she-beasts stopped in the middle of the road, their feral eyes glowing in the night.
* * *
The interior of the cabin was kept dark so no one from the woods could see inside. Porch lights lit up the front and backyard. All around the main house, the circle of torches continued to burn. Moths flew around the flames. A few got too close and caught fire.
In the kitchen, Jessica made a pot of coffee for the men. Next to her, Kyle prepared bowls of leftover stew with cornbread. Jessica’s whole body tingled every time she brushed up against him. In all her life, she had never felt more secure with a man. She rubbed his back. He gave her a brief smile and then returned to his cooking. All the joy from their lovemaking had left his eyes. For a brief second, Jessica felt her heart drop, a foolish insecurity creeping in that he didn’t really love her.
He’s just worried about his sister.
Jessica prayed that Ray hadn’t done anything to hurt Shawna. A vision of the rapist flashed in Jessica’s head, remembering how she felt when he dragged her into the shed.
“They like the pretty ones,” Ray had said. “They’ll be coming for you soon. But first, you and I get to have a little fun.”
Her wrist still ached from when he had shackled her to the mattress. The thought of that monster still roaming the woods gave her the shivers. Thankfully, the mercenaries were keeping constant watch, and Kyle kept his rifle within reach. I’m safe now, she kept telling herself. She wanted to believe it, but the feeling she was getting from Kyle and the others was that they were in far greater danger than ever. Maybe killing Ray’s dogs was enough to scare him away. Or maybe he’ll seek revenge. As a precaution, the men planned to stand watch in shifts tonight.
Jessica took cups of coffee to Scarpetti and Madu. “Some java to keep you boys awake.”
“Now that’s what I call hospitality.” The Italian soldier leered at her.
The South African soldier just bowed and gave her a big grin. He had an innocent smile with a large gap between his front teeth. Madu was so quiet and shy. She figured he was in his mid-twenties. He stood over six feet and had a lean, muscular build. When Madu wasn’t smiling, he looked menacing, like he could stare down a lion. He sipped his coffee as he stood at a back window and watched the woods.
In an alcove that would be considered a second living room, Elkheart was sitting in a chair facing the front windows. Jessica set down a steaming cup on a table beside him.
“Thanks.” Kyle’s father kept his focus on the front yard.
“Mind if I join you?” she asked.
He nodded to the chair next to him. “Be my guest.” Wearing wire-rimmed glasses, Elkheart had a face that looked both intellectual and hardened by tragedy. She could see some resemblance to Kyle and Eric, but their father had stronger Cree features.
Grandfather Two Hawks paced across the front porch, shaking a rattle and chanting.
“What’s he doing?” Jessica asked.
“Warding off evil spirits. He’s an old-school medicine man. That’s how he protects our village.” Elkheart smiled and raised his rifle. “I take a more modern approach.”
Jessica decided she liked Kyle’s father. “So how did you meet Madu?”
Elkheart looked over his shoulder at the dark-skinned mercenary. “About ten years ago, I was working on an archaeological expedition in South Africa. My team was having trouble with lions, so we hired a few Zulu warriors to protect us. Madu was sixteen then. An orphan who’d seen his parents murdered. Guess you could say he’s like a son to me.” He winked. “Don’t let Kyle or Eric know that.”
Headlights beamed through the front windows. The Hummer parked and Eric hurried to the door and knocked. “Let me in!”
His father opened the door. Eric stumbled inside. In the ambient light, Jessica could see he was shirtless and bleeding. He had slashes on his arms, chest and ribs and fresh nicks on his face.
“What happened to you?” asked Elkheart.
“I was freaking attacked.” Eric went to a kitchen cupboard and pulled out a bottle of vodka. His hands shook as he poured a drink.
“By what?” Kyle asked.
“I don’t know. I was sitting in the car by the lake and this animal jumped through my window.” Eric gulped the vodka. “I think it was a mountain lion.”
Jessica grabbed her medical kit. “I’ll clean those wounds.”
He glared at her. “No thanks, I’d rather bleed to death.”
“She’s just trying to help you,” Kyle said.
“This is all I need right here.” Eric raised his Stoli bottle.
“Stop being a horse’s ass,” Elkheart said. “You’re bleeding all over my kitchen floor. Now sit down and let me dress those wounds.”
* * *
While his father patched up Eric, Kyle stood post at the front windows. He felt awkward around his brother as guilt began to settle in that he’d slept with Eric’s ex-girlfriend.
When Eric went into the bathroom to shower, Kyle signaled Jessica over. He whispered, “We should keep our PDA to a minimum.”
“You mean I can’t do this?” She held his hand.
Kyle smiled. “I don’t like it either, but anything else is rubbing his nose in it. Hopefully at some point he will forgive us and see this is fo
r the best. In the meantime we should sleep in separate beds.”
She made a sad face. “I know you’re right, but I’ll miss you.”
“It won’t be for long.”
The Devil's Woods Page 30