by Jill Cooper
Confusion passed between the officers. She saw it in their eyes and the dumbfounded expression wore across their lips, but it made no sense. Who else could get her a gun other than the police? Who else could see into her home and track her movements? Susan felt lightheaded. She put a hand to her forehead.
“Susan, just calm down.” The officer smiled, changing tactics. “We don’t want an incident and you seem very upset. Why don’t we take a few deep breaths? Step outside for some fresh air?” The officer stepped up and his hot breath was in her face.
She shook her head, taking a labored breath. “No, I—I can’t. It’s, uh, dinner time.”
He smirked, his eyes cruel. “I think you know that’s over. Step outside so your daughter doesn’t have to watch us slip the restraint belt on your neck. One way or another, you’re coming with us.”
Susan threw a glance back at her family. Marie was huddled tight against Jeff and his arms were tight around her like a blanket. Her eyes were shielded and she refused to meet her eyes.
She nodded, setting down the knife and heading to the door.
“Mom!” Marie shrieked, “No!”
“It’s best you and your daughter sit and finish your dinner. Don’t want those mashed to get cold.” The officer grinned and it was the last thing Susan saw of her family before she stepped outside.
With two officers following closely behind her, Susan’s nerves were frayed beyond anything she felt before. Her hands were shaking and her heart was palpating. Her legs felt so weak that she could barely walk, but still her mind churned, trying to find a way to escape her fate.
“Stop right there. That’s far enough.”
But, they were only in the driveway. Her family could be watching. Susan closed her eyes, taking a few deep breaths as waves of dizziness claimed her. Her head swayed. She could feel her skin beginning to tingle and she chanted, You are human. You are not glistening. You are human.
“We’re just going to take you in for a little therapy.” He winked at her and Susan knew what they meant. They were going to lock her up. They were going to reprogram her.
But then what would happen? Would she be calm? Would she be okay with her son no longer in her life? Susan backed up and nearly tripped over the stairs to her porch. If she went with him, who would free Jake? “I can’t—I can’t go with you.”
“We’re not exactly giving you a choice. You have to come with us, Susan. Let’s not do it the hard way.” In his hand was the restraint harness.
She panicked, taking deep breaths but her heart was pounding so fast Susan couldn’t breathe. The world was beginning to spin and Susan felt like she was floating outside her body. “I can’t. I have to save my son. I did what they asked. I can’t go with you until I see how he is!”
One officer grabbed at her, but Susan jerked away. While she was distracted, another placed a collar around her neck and she knew what would come next. The shock that was meant to subdue her. Keep her from turning into a monster. God help her, she wasn’t a monster. She wasn’t! A mother would do anything to protect her children. Tears in her eyes, she could barely see the officer as he tugged on her collar.
The color faded from her skin. She felt her skin stretch up underneath her shirt. Her wings were trying to free themselves of the cloth. All she felt was anger, betrayal and hate such as she never felt before. She would not go with them. No matter what happened, Susan knew if she went with them, it was over.
Her body bucked, up and down, until the pole from the restraint collar came free from the officer’s hand. “Get a hold of her! She’s gone manic!” One of the officers screamed. One drew a gun while the other reached for the pole on her collar.
Susan bucked her body, throwing the handle wide. The officer dove for it, but missed as she dropped to all fours, aware her hands were claws, and charged the officers. Their screams were mixed with gunfire, but the shots went wide. She tackled one to the ground, using her meaty paws to push the man to the ground. Her claws stretched in relief from years of being in hiding.
Thick nostrils on her nose were covered in tiny hairs that shimmered in the sun as she snorted a deep breath. Her mouth wide, she roared, huge fangs protracted and she dug into his neck as if it were a big steak. Her big paws kneaded his stomach like a kitten in love, but she felt orgasmic as she feasted on her enemy.
Drawing her head back, Susan pulled off a large piece of muscle, swallowing the blood as it rushed down her throat. With the taste of human blood, Susan Monroe crossed a line from which she could not return.
Another officer rushed from the car across the street. Someone grabbed her tail. Susan grunted, looking over her shoulder. Her eyes were yellow, now like those of a bat, and protracted in the sun. She turned to pounce on him, giant wings flapping behind her, giving her air. Her feet curled beneath her she fluttered toward him.
He fell to the ground screaming, legs spread wide as he raised his gun. Susan growled so loudly that the trees rattled around her and birds flew to escape her rage.
The officer never got a chance to fire; Susan ripped through him like paper machete. Warm strings of meat hung from her teeth and the gush of blood flowed down her throat. Just like it always should have been. It tasted so much better than the juice they were provided. This was the meal of champions. She couldn’t believe how shortchanged she felt. Never again, Susan promised herself. She wouldn’t be a caged animal any longer.
Behind Susan there were orders, voices. Who did they think they were to give her orders? When she turned, her body was pelted with bullets.
Susan fell, her wings torn into shreds by the bullets that continued to sweep through her body.
Roaring, her head turned, her claws stomping on the pavement. She snorted, her head back as she reared in for an attack. Her victim did not move as she approached. He held his gun steady and fired one bullet.
Her head jarred back as the bullet broke through her skin and lodged in her brain. She remembered nothing as she fell to the ground. Her yellow-slated eyes shut for the last time.
Chapter Nineteen Wendy
Wendy Reynolds was welcomed in the fishing hamlet of Summerset with open arms from the moment she arrived. She and Jake were staying in right on the lake, with access to canoes, boats, and her new favorite thing to do, sun-tanning. It was a nice house and was arranged by Rebecca and the Glistening Rights and Protection group. But they didn’t just get the house, they also got a trained bodyguard, and Wendy had her own personal nurse.
She lounged in a low-lying chair so the grass tickled her thighs while the wind swept across her cheeks. She wore a bikini top and jean shorts unable to button across her wide middle. She enjoyed the heat from the sun, beating down on her skin. Never had the warmth from the rays felt so good. In New Haven, the protective dome kept out real sunlight, but out here, Wendy felt like a piece of cooked meat and she liked it. She loved the intensity of it, loved the beads of sweat that clung to her forehead.
Jake was working at a nearby convenience store, packing groceries and stocking shelves. Until he got back, Wendy had little to do other than relax. Ear buds fed her soft music as she drifted in and out of sleep. Only the hard jabs of her unborn baby stirred her every few minutes, but Wendy was able to stay in her dream.
A tap on her shoulder woke her up. Wendy took off her sunglasses and pulled out her earbuds to see it was Sally Withers, the nurse Rebecca assigned to the house. She wasn’t much older than Wendy and had a pageboy haircut. “Sorry to wake you, but it’s time to check you again.”
Wendy nodded and offered her arm. She tried to remain calm while Sally slipped the blood pressure cuff on her arm. So far all but one reading had been normal. The smile on her nurse’s face said this one was normal too. “Are you keeping more fluids down?”
“Yes.” Wendy answered simply. “The medicine you guys have me on is really helping. I’ve even been getting hungry again.”
Sally smiled. It was warm and always put Wendy at ease. “That’s wonderful. I’m
so happy you’re feeling better.”
“It’s a nice place. Here.” Wendy saw a few houses across the sailboat-filled lake and a long hiking trail not far off. “I can see us raising our baby here.”
“It’s a nice town,” Sally agreed. “And Jake is fitting in nicely. He’s doing better than we could have hoped.” Sally shined a penlight into Sally’s eyes and tracked their movements. “You’re sweating. Do you feel feverish?”
Wendy shook her head, but opened her mouth for the thermometer. “It’s just the heat.”
When it beeped, Sally looked at the readout. She scowled. “You’re slightly elevated. Nothing to worry about, but why don’t you come inside and I’ll get you some sun tea. I made it with peaches this time.”
Wendy accepted Sally’s hand. She wasn’t so big that she couldn’t stand up on her own, but she definitely felt like her baby was growing faster than before. Wendy knew it was expected to happen now, especially since it was part glistening.
They climbed the rickety back porch and went in through the rustic kitchen. The floor creaked as she slid the door closed. When she turned around she was hit in the face with a white T-shirt. Removing it, Wendy saw the scowling face of Thomas Crane. He was a grumpy old fisherman in a black plaid shirt.
“Put that on. We don’t need you flaunting how knocked up you are.”
Wendy pouted silently, but put the shirt on. It clung to her baby bump. Thomas scowled at it. “You better take her shopping for maternity clothes. Respectable maternity clothes.” Thomas picked up his cup of coffee and headed over to the kitchen sink.
“I don’t have to hide that I’m pregnant here. Everyone already knows.” Wendy argued. “I’m a college student here, not some stupid high school kid.”
Thomas downed the rest of his coffee. He stared into his vacant mug, a thick silence hung over the room. “While you’re staying here in my home, you’ll do what I say. I don’t care if Rebecca thinks you’re the messiah. You’ll stayed cover up, do your chores, and do what you’re told.”
Feeling deflated, and suddenly missing Dad, Wendy watched him exit for the front porch, most likely to clean his hunting guns again. Sally spoke, “He really is here to protect you. He’ll make sure we’re all safe. You would look cute in some nice maternity clothes.”
Wendy did agree. She just didn’t like being ordered around by someone she didn’t know. “I have almost outgrown everything I brought with me. I guess it’s good I left New Haven when I did.”
“Yes,” Sally said listlessly, “good.”
After dinner, as the sun set, Wendy could see the lights from across the harbor shining along the water. It calmed her. After a stressful day of putting up with people she didn’t know, she liked to sit on the old wooden swing and watch.
Wrapped in an old afghan, she swayed back and forth, taking in a deep breath of harbor water. Off in the distance a horn sounded and a chorus of boat horns filled the lagoon. Her hair swept past her face and she cradled her belly through the blanket. It looked like a basketball hidden beneath the layers of fabric and when her son kicked her, Wendy wondered what labor would be like. What would it be like to be Mom to someone? What if she couldn’t take care of him, hold him for the first time?
The back door swung open and Jake sat beside her. She took his hand and placed it on her belly. They didn’t speak, and the silence was as comfortable as a warm bed. She snuggled against him, taking in the smell of his cologne, and closed her eyes. It was worth all the anxiety just to be close to him again. She missed her parents, but she hated pretending she didn’t love Jake.
Jake slid his arm around her shoulder and they watched the sun slip behind the horizon. “It’ll be nice,” his voice broke the silence, “if we can do this every night, once the baby’s born.”
“It makes me happy that you think about things. The future.”
They fell into silence again until the door opened. Sally stood there with the harsh glow of the kitchen lights behind her. “Come inside, kids, before the mosquitos rip you apart.”
Wendy gathered the blankets around her and did as she was told. “I’ll be up in our room.” She slipped her hand away from Jake and her eyes smoldered with desire.
Jake moved to follow her, but Sally threw a dish towel at him. “Your turn to dry.”
“Later,” Wendy mouthed to him silently. When Jake grinned wildly at her, she bit her lip and raced upstairs to get things ready.
“Faster,” Wendy gasped, her head buried in her pillows while her hands gripped the pine headboard so hard her joints ached. Her legs were split high against Jake’s waist.
He grunted, grabbing her ass with both her hands, fingernails piercing her skin. Wendy’s mouth fell open in a silent scream. While it felt like her hips might split from the force, her body began to spasm and she moaned in pleasure as the orgasm raced through her entire body. Her fingers shook. Her legs so fatigued she could barely place them down as Jake kissed her rounded belly.
“I love you,” Jake took her face with his hands. They kissed, unable to part. His breath was hot and spicy like the dinner they ate out by the lake. On him, the spices tasted even better.
Wendy moaned, gripping his face with her fingers. Everything about him turned her on, and the bliss of being with him every day shut every doubt she had from her mind. “If you keep kissing me like that, we’ll make love again.”
“So?” His voice was huskier than usual, and her heart raced as he nibbled at her neck. He slid his hand down her thick waist and traveled between her thighs. “We’re adults now, about to have a baby. Who’s to say we can’t be together as often as we like?”
“I’m hungry.” Wendy whined. “I’m going to sneak downstairs for a little snack.”
Jake smiled, his face glowing in the moonlight from the open balcony doors. “Bring me back some chocolate if you find it.”
Wendy agreed, and slipped on her blue pajama bottoms. She placed one hand on her lower back because it hurt so much these days, and placed the other on the railing as quickly she waddled into the kitchen. Walking was harder these days thanks to her widening hip joints. At least that’s what her new friends told her.
The sun tea was in front of the refrigerator and Wendy pushed it aside; it wasn’t what she was craving at all hours of the night. In her view was a blue pitcher of organ juice. Made from organic cows and smuggled out of New Haven by Rebecca Seers.
At first Wendy had just been curious. It tasted almost like a raw liquefied steak and should have been vile and gross, but for Wendy it was a gourmet meal. The first time she had it, Wendy grew so hungry she ate enough for two meals, but she hadn’t been sick. It was the first time since getting pregnant that she hadn’t puked.
Now she just had a small glass when no one was looking. Part of her wanted to drink more, so much more, but Wendy tried to stay in control. She didn’t want to overeat or binge on juice made from cow organs. Her baby wasn’t just glistening; he was human.
She poured her glass and quickly drank it, groaning outwardly at how good it tasted. Licking her lips, she poured another glass and downed it. Wendy leaned her back against the counter and used her finger to get the last bits of juice out of her cup.
When she opened her eyes she saw Thomas in the entry, studying at her.
“I was just…getting a drink.” Wendy threw her cup in the trash.
“Uh-huh. I’m sure you were.” Thomas turned to watch her head for the stairs. “Is there something you think you ought to tell us?”
She paused, hand on her belly where the baby launched into a frenzy of kicks. “I was just thirsty.” He asked her something else, but Wendy didn’t hear it. She just hurried up the stairs to Jake. When she saw him, she’d feel better. She would realize everything was going to be okay.
Wendy wasn’t pregnant with a monster.
Everything was going to be okay.
****
By early afternoon, the sun was high in the sky. With a trunk full of packages and bags, Wendy
pulled her borrowed truck up to the convenience store. She really enjoyed her shopping trip in the city, but she wanted to show Jake how cute she looked in the jean overalls she bought. Her hair was even pushed back with a stylish bow headband.
“I’ll wait here this time,” Sally said. “Just pick up some fruit or whatever you want for breakfast.”
“Okay.” Wendy stepped out of the truck and the front door of the store chimed as she stepped in. Air conditioning met her face and Wendy was glad. Thomas Crane’s stupid old truck with hunting traps in the back didn’t have air conditioning or FM radio. He was supposed to be keeping her safe, but he didn’t seem to consider the idea that the pregnant teen might be overheating.
“Claire!” Jake said from up high on a stock ladder when he saw her and waved.
She smiled with every ounce of her being. She went to say hello and was welcomed with a warm kiss and embrace. “Do you like my new outfit?” she grinned.
He held her at arm’s length to see. “Oh, you look fab!” Jake cleared his throat. “I mean, awesome. Wonderful.” For a moment he rubbed the top of her belly. “How’s he feel about your new threads?”
“Oh, I bet he likes them.” Wendy giggled, but turned serious when Jake’s boss, John Miller, came to say hello. He wasn’t too old, just in his thirties, and still had all his hair.
“Hi, John.” Wendy suppressed the urge to call him Mr. Miller. She was trying to seem more adult, like a recent college student and not some underage high-school girl.
“It’s good to see you again, Claire.” Hearing her new name always gave her goose bumps. “I tell ya, this is a good guy, you’ve got here. He fixed my cash register and Travis Henderson’s motorbike today.”
“Oh, it was nothing,” Jake blushed while Wendy grinned at him.
“Nonsense. You have a real aptitudes for fixing stuff. What was it your father does?”