TORCH: Underground Encounters 9

by Carlisle, Lisa

  “All what?”

  “You know—you watching me.” She pointed at him. “And then following me.”

  “It wasn’t meant to be offensive,” he said.

  “Well, um, thank you for your concern, but I’m going home now.” She turned and headed up the sidewalk and past the brick buildings.

  He trotted to catch up with her, his boots thudding as they hit the pavement. “Can I walk you home?”

  “Home?” she repeated, and turned to stare at him as if he’d spoken in a foreign tongue.

  “Yes, home. Where you live. Eat. Sleep. That place.”

  She sighed. “I know what a home is. But I don’t know you. And I have to be careful with who to trust.”

  He nodded. “Understandable. We all do.” His jaw tightened. After seeing her threatened, every inch of skin prickled at the idea of leaving her alone. What if that bastard returned? “After what happened, I just want to make sure you get home safely.”

  She glanced in all directions. “He appears to be gone, but who knows.” Her gaze returned to his, and she tilted her head. “You know what? I would feel more comfortable with you walking me home. So, yes. I’d like that.”

  Offering his arm, he said, “Lead the way.”

  When she stepped closer to take it, the touch of her fingers on his skin shot a heated charge through him.

  Her scent, her touch—he’d never responded to a woman like that before. What was it about her?

  Fuck. It might have been a dangerous idea to escort her home.

  Yet, there was no way he was going to leave her now.

  Chapter 4

  Having this muscular bodyguard walk her home eased Rachel’s tension. She shook off the nerves from that guy, Alex, noting such different tremors in reaction to Mattias’s touch on her arm. As they strolled along the quiet roads lit with street lamps, an awareness of his strong presence spread through her. The stores and restaurants were closed, and few cars were out at this hour. If they were a normal couple, this would be a romantic nighttime walk.

  “How far is your place?” Mattias asked.

  “About fifteen minutes or so. You don’t mind walking, do you?”

  “Not at all. It’s a beautiful summer night. The moon and stars are shining down on us. Why waste it?”

  Her neck corded at the mention of the moon. Ridiculous. She had to get a handle on herself. She rolled her neck to release the tension and fixed her gaze on the street ahead.

  “How did everything go with your friend?”

  She straightened. She and Darla weren’t so much friends as friendly, and that was only because of their arrangement. “Fine.”

  “She didn’t stay with you long.”

  She turned to peer at him. “Mattias.”

  “What?”

  “Remember how I just mentioned privacy? I’d rather not talk about that.”

  His expression contorted with confusion. “Sorry, I must be out of practice with small talk.”

  She released a slow exhale. He hadn’t said anything wrong. “I might be defensive, cautious after that guy, you know?”

  So much for sexual fantasies like Darla had suggested. Rachel couldn’t even get through a conversation without bristling at the moon or simple questions.

  “Indeed.” He glanced around. “What would you like to talk about?”

  Good question. She’d love to know more about him. A plus would be that it would take the attention off her.

  “Where are you from?”

  “France.”

  That was a dumb question. “I gather that from your accent. Are you visiting?”

  “No. I’ve lived here for a few years.”

  She stole a glance at his profile. Away from the glow of the nearby streetlights, and with his black clothing, he blended in with the shadows. It cast him with a dangerous edge, one that easily fit his hulking frame, although she didn’t feel intimidated.

  Should she?

  “What were you doing at the club tonight?” she asked.

  “Meeting my brothers for a drink.”

  “Do you all often go there?”

  “Fairly often. They both work there. I used to.”

  “Security?”

  “Right.” He flashed her a knowing grin. They’d covered that during the altercation with Alex.

  His devilish glint stirred a delicious shudder. Her mouth went dry as her gaze traveled down his torso. What would those hard muscles feel like as she trailed her fingers over them? She pictured them together in her bed, him, speaking to her in that sensual croon.

  “Why aren’t you working there any longer?”

  “It was time for a change.”

  She waited for more, but nothing followed. “What kind of change?”

  He waved his arm. “Oh, you know—something more.” His tone turned wistful and a haunted glint appeared in his eyes.

  “More like?” she prodded.

  He turned and grinned at her. “And you thought I was prying.”

  She chuckled. “True.” What a hypocrite she was. Her life was off limits, but then she turned and questioned him?

  She bit her lip. She could keep to topics that were safe. “You’re right. Well, here’s my bit. I’m an assistant professor at a college on the North Shore.”

  “Interesting. What do you teach?”

  “Chemistry. But, right now, nothing, as we’re on summer break.”

  “Are you enjoying the time off?”

  “In a way. This is the first summer I’m not working on projects at the university. I thought I’d spend it to focus on some personal projects.”

  “Not related to chemistry?”

  “Well, somewhat.”

  “I’m tempted to ask what, but fear I might get kicked with the prying boot again.”

  She smiled, hoping it didn’t come off as secretive. “Just some research. Boring if chemistry isn’t your thing.”

  He shrugged, but didn’t prod. As they moved into the residential neighborhoods and stuck to easy observations, conversation came more easily. For the first time since she’d been attacked, she felt like a normal girl with a normal guy.

  She slowed their steps as they approached her house, but all too soon they arrived.

  “This is where I live.” She turned to him.

  “Nice place.” He glanced at her modest, white, Cape-style house with black shutters, a white picket fence, and window boxes filled with an array of flowers.

  Then he fixed his gaze on her and pinned her with a curious stare. Her heart quickened. Neither of them spoke. In the silence, the unspoken seemed more amplified. If they were on a date like normal people, this would be the moment for a goodnight kiss.

  Invite him in. Invite him in.

  Her breath quickened and her palms turned sweaty. The sound of cars on the main road seemed more pronounced.

  Just say the words—would you like to come inside? It’s been said countless times.

  She opened her mouth. “Would you—”

  The words wouldn’t come. She couldn’t do it. Couldn’t invite a strange man inside no matter how her body screamed at her to. It went against her nature.

  “Would I what?” he asked.

  Jeez, how was she going to finish that sentence? “Would you—umm—like me to call you a cab?”

  How smooth. What an idiot.

  “I’m fine, thanks.”

  “Oh, okay. Thanks for walking me home.”

  She turned like an awkward middle school student as her cheeks flushed, and faced her front door. Once again, she’d be going home alone because she was a coward who couldn’t tell a man what she wanted. Despite the carnal urges that grew to uncomfortable levels this time of the month, she couldn’t break free from her conservative restraint. She fumbled to find her keys in her purse.

  “I’d like to see you again.”

  Her body coiled with anticipation, as tight as a spring ready to bounce. Her enthusiasm spread to her face and she mouthed “Yes!”

&n
bsp; She fixed a more neutral expression before she turned and said, “That might be nice.”

  Might be? More like it would be a freaking awesome idea.

  “Tomorrow night?” he prodded.

  Her shoulders tightened and she rolled them back to release the sudden tension. Tomorrow was the full moon. Rather than going out with a breathtaking man, she’d go into hiding. The beast had to be contained from running on a destructive rampage.

  “I’m afraid I can’t.”

  Although his face turned down at her refusal, she’d swear she was more disappointed.

  “How about another night?” he asked.

  She yearned to lean closer to him, urging a goodnight kiss to see where it could lead. But the moon loomed overhead, like a nosy neighbor taunting her with a cluck of her tongue. A reminder that she couldn’t have a traditional relationship.

  Ever.

  Or, unless she could one day find a cure to this affliction.

  “I’d love to, but—” She bit her lip. She shouldn’t even lead him on by revealing her true feelings. “It’s just not possible right now.”

  Mattias’s brows furrowed. He studied her as if trying to read a secret message in her cryptic reply. “All right. I hope to see you again. Good night.”

  He turned and walked from her door step. She opened her mouth. To say what? A groan rose, but she stifled it. She straightened, determined to forget him. The onset of the full moon always left her more unhinged, craving physical fulfillment. It wasn’t what she wanted, just another side effect of the curse.

  Right?

  When she glanced back, he’d already disappeared around the corner.

  * * *

  When Rachel woke, she groaned. Not only did she sense she missed out on an opportunity last night, but she faced the ordeal tonight. The full moon was coming.

  She tested a new variation of herbs and plants and drank it. Come nightfall, she’d see if it would neutralize the effect of the moon. Darla’s potion warded off the change, but not the pain, as her body attempted to shift. What Rachel needed was a permanent cure.

  Once upon a time, a full moon didn’t mean anything. The faces of the moon passed by her with little notice. She’d admire a glorious full moon like everyone else. Not dread it.

  After ensuring she stocked the basement with snacks and drinks and other comforts, she tended her garden. Weeding and watering helped distract her from the inevitable that night.

  She took a shower and just after she dressed, her sister arrived.

  Kelly raised a bottle of Chardonnay. “Here we go again. How about a glass of liquid courage?”

  With fair hair, blue eyes, and long legs, Kelly was eye-catching. She drew attention everywhere she went, not just with her striking looks, but her outgoing personality. Rachel was dark-haired, shorter, and more withdrawn. In high school, Kelly was the cheerleader and Rachel the STEM nerd. In the ten years since Rachel’s graduation, not much had changed. Kelly now worked as a nurse and everyone from patients to the staff loved her.

  Rachel quirked a brow. “A perfect complement to my anti-monster venom.”

  “Did you take it yet?”

  “I did.”

  “Cheers to it working this time.”

  At a table in the fenced-in back yard, they shared a Caesar salad and Panini with the white wine. After they finished, Rachel glanced at the sky. With the sun setting, she suggested they head in.

  Once they dealt with the dishes and Rachel descended to the basement, Kelly asked, “Do you need anything else?”

  “No, thanks. I’m good,” Rachel said.

  “You know I hate to leave you like this. I wish there was a way that I could stay with you and help you through it.”

  “It’s too dangerous. The potion could be weaker, and I might attack you. Then, we’d both be screwed.”

  That was only one of the scenarios Rachel worried about. She’d contemplated one after another, desperate to find a solution to each mishap.

  She had to be practical and prepared for the worst. Life required making plans. Even if the worst didn’t happen, she felt better being prepared. She didn’t get people who just winged it. How would they get anywhere? How could they create a path for their future? Plan their education? Plot out their career and family path?

  Then again, she had all those planned once upon a time. And one incident changed that. She had to start over with a new plan. Right now, it involved making it from month-to-month without wreaking devastation on society, while she searched for a cure. If she had that impact on another person, she couldn’t live with herself.

  No one deserved the curse that destroyed her life.

  “True. But still, I worry about you,” Kelly said.

  “No need to. I know you’re used to caring for patients, but I’m the big sister. I’m the one who’s supposed to worry about you.” Rachel had taken that role more seriously since their parents died in a car accident when she was in grad school. “I’ll be fine. It’s only for the night. See you in the morning.”

  “Okay. I’ll be back down at six.”

  Kelly left and locked the door behind her as she settled in upstairs. This was their monthly ritual, an attempt to keep Rachel contained as a precaution. After they’d debated options months before, they’d agreed that Kelly would stay in the house to handle emergencies, such as unlocking the basement door in case of a fire. Despite Kelly’s protests, Rachel had insisted that Kelly have access to a gun with silver bullets—just in case.

  Partially subterranean, Rachel’s hideaway provided a barrier to the moon. Whether it reduced the potency was difficult to discern since she took the potion. She sat on the futon and stared around the basement room. She’d boarded up the windows and the bulkhead was locked from the outside. It could use a homey touch, but other than that, it was sufficient. It would protect the world from her.

  She paced as she sensed the rise of the moon. It whispered to her—a song encouraging her to respond to its call like the tides. As she resisted, the pull intensified, as piercing as a spiked magnet, luring her to succumb.

  The call had a seductive edge to it, as it did every month. She had the urge to let herself go. Run wild and free. Find a partner. Shit. What more did it want from her? Creating a monster wasn’t enough?

  If Rachel listened to her body yearning for Mattias last night, would it have softened the frantic cravings tonight?

  Damn it, no. Using him as a sexual partner to stave off her supernaturally-stirred desires didn’t seem right.

  Enough of that. He was gone. And she was alone in her basement waiting for the inevitable.

  A prickling sensation traveled across her skin, like insects exploring her body. She couldn’t even sit because anxiety had her on edge. The moon’s power flared, drawing her to respond like a puppet to its whims.

  Minutes passed or maybe it was hours, but then the moon yanked at her, punishing her for resisting the transformation.

  It would be a long night as her body fought the shift, which meant one thing—yet another attempt for a permanent cure had failed.

  The potion prevented her from shifting, but it couldn’t stop the moon’s effect. Vibrations within made her shudder. Her muscles cramped, itching to morph. She bent over and cried out as her gut twisted and she struggled to remain human.

  Chapter 5

  Mattias returned to Vamps the next night. He surveyed the women in the club. Many beautiful ones danced with wild abandon on the dance floor, but his eyes were set for a woman with wariness in her wide blue eyes.

  Rachel wasn’t there.

  As the hours passed, he realized it wasn’t going to happen. His attention sagged, drifting to his beer. The sad sign of the lonely.

  His brothers laughed and chatted and danced with their mates. He stood as out of place as a statue of a demon in a schoolyard.

  Why couldn’t he have what they had?

  Yet, he didn’t want it. He yearned to be free and explore the world.

  S
o, what was with his reaction?

  Was it simply sibling rivalry? Who could say with certainty? Their relationship wasn’t like any he’d ever known, so it was difficult to compare it with other siblings. He and his brothers had spent years together, adjusting to the curse that had altered their lives. But, with it lifted, it was time to move on. His brothers had and they’d found happiness. Why couldn’t Mattias do the same?

  * * *

  In the weeks that followed, his visits to Vamps grew sparser. He’d spent much of that time outdoors in winged or stone form. When he went, he searched for Rachel. He didn’t see her.

  “Have you seen that woman I’d followed a few weeks ago?” he asked his brothers.

  “No,” both had replied.

  It had been a fluke thing running into her there. Time to forget she’d ever return. Besides, she’d turned him down. Why long for something that couldn’t be?

  The urge to search for something deeper intensified, coiling with him like a viper. He rolled on his feet, itching to move—to do something. Continuing in this circular pattern of this meaningless existence only increased the unease. He couldn’t debate any longer; he had to act.

  The decision was made—it was time to leave.

  He flew back to his apartment building to prepare. He rented a studio by the month in the same building where Lucan, Elise, and Marguerite lived. It didn’t take him long to pack his belongings.

  Saying goodbye was going to be tough.

  When he went upstairs to Lucan’s place to tell them the news, Marguerite confirmed it.

  “You can’t go!” she said. “When will you be back?”

  He’d taken his niece out many times, often to movies and occasionally to the dreaded musicals she loved. All right, they weren’t all awful—some were more than tolerable—but, still.

  “As soon as I can,” he said.

  He hated to lie to her. What if he didn’t return? He had no idea where he was going or what he was searching for.