Beauties and Beasts

by Jenna Aileen

  “Leave, now!” I snapped, my voice cracking. My stomach was churning and I started to feel very lightheaded. I heard the gun fall to the ground and I covered my face with my hands.

  I slowly sat down on the floor and hugged my knees. I heard the agents talking, but it sounded far away. Then the memories came back, flashing before my eyes. My scars burned as if being touched with searing hot metal. After what seemed like an eternity the pain slowly started to fade away along with the nausea and dizziness. I took a deep breath and opened my eyes again.

  Agent Reeves and Agent Carlson were both kneeling in front of me, looking terrified.

  “Kathryn—”

  “Back off,” I snapped, standing up too quickly. Bile rose in my throat and I ran to the bathroom, barely making it to the toilet before throwing up all of my breakfast. Guess I’d add oatmeal to the list of things I’ll never see, eat, or smell ever again. I flushed the toilet and sat up, leaning my back against the wall and closing my eyes. I took three deep breaths before standing up to rinse my mouth out.

  Disgusting. I tiptoed out, and was both surprised and angered to see that the agents were still standing in my kitchen.

  “Are you alright?” Reeves asked.

  “I’m fine.”

  “How about you come and sit down?” He gestured to the couch, his cell phone in his hands.

  “How about I take your cell phone and jam it up your—”

  “Listen, Kathryn, there are things we need to know. For your sake and everybody else’s safety. Please, just come and sit down, I promise it won’t take long.”

  I can see why dad hates this guy.

  “How’s about you leave, for the sake of my peace and mental health?” I replied through gritted teeth. I did not want to listen to them anymore. I huffed and ran upstairs to my room. I heard them coming up the stairs and calling my name as I shut and locked the door. I’d just let my dad deal with them when he got home.

  “Miss McLeod please—”

  “Go away!” I shouted, smacking my fist against the door.

  “Kathryn listen, I need to know what, if anything, happen to you physically. We’re just trying to help you.” I sighed and slid down the door, sitting on the floor, the back of my head hitting it with a thunk.

  “What do you need to know?” I asked quietly.

  “Can you open the door?” Reeves asked in a quiet voice. I groaned and stood up. I slowly unlocked the door, then flung it open and leaned on the door frame, crossing my arms.

  “What?”

  “Where did the scars on your back come from?” I’m not sure what got into me that moment, but something just snapped and anger filled me. I wanted to scream at them. And, well, actions speak louder than words. Looking back I’m kind of surprised by my boldness.

  I turned my back to them, and pulled my tank top up to reveal all of the thick, pink scars that streaked across my entire back, in every direction. I turned to the side so they could see where they stretched from my hip bones all the way up to almost the back of my neck. After ten seconds, I pulled my shirt back down and turned back around to face them. They were speechless, staring at me with wide eyes.

  I stood there in silence, glaring at them, as if asking how dare you? with my eyes. They both nodded their heads slowly at the same time.

  “Are they all from the same werewolf?”

  I just stared at them.

  “I am going to ask you a personal question now Kathryn,”

  “Like none of the other questions were personal?”

  “Did you ever willingly, or unwillingly engage in any sort of sexual—”

  “What the—no! No.” My voice catching a little as I remembered Vladimir’s threats. My heart skipped a beat and I shook my head vigorously. “Why would you ask something like that?”

  “Just standard protocol.”

  “Oh so this happens a lot? Teenage girls get kidnapped and knocked up by werewolves?”

  “No, but—”

  “Then how would it be ‘standard’ if it doesn’t happen that often?”

  “Just calm down—”

  “I want to know.” I stood up straight and got right it Reeves face. “Why?” Great job Kathryn, way to make yourself look all suspicious.

  “Given the family history we are required to ask.” Agent Carlson said, cocking his head to the side and studying my face.

  That idea hadn’t ever crossed my mind before. What if I had gotten pregnant with Vladimir’s child? What if he really had raped me when I passed out one of those nights, and I didn’t remember anything?

  The thought of it just made my stomach flip-flop and triggered some of the memories to come barreling back into my mind with such force I felt a sharp pain in my stomach.

  Pregnant…I couldn’t be, could I? Now that I thought about it…I hadn’t gotten my period since that first week I was with him.

  Family history?

  “Miss McLeod, are you okay?”

  “I’m fine. I think it’s time for you to go. My dad will

  probably be back soon.” Carlson opened his mouth to say something, but I didn’t let him. “Save it, I know that he has no idea that you’re here. And I also know he wouldn’t be too happy about you being here without his permission—or the fact that I shot a hole in his floor. So it’s best you get out of here. Now.”

  “Thank you for your cooperation. Have a nice day m’am.” They nodded their heads and made their way downstairs. I didn’t relax until I heard the door shut and the car drive away. At this point, I was in no mood to continue my run.

  I took my time in the shower, trying to think and calm myself down. No way, there was no way I could be pregnant. Something inside told me that Vladimir wouldn’t do that to me. He had always been able to get a grip enough to leave the room before anything like that happened.

  I never wanted to hurt you. His words rang in my head and brought tears to my eyes.

  I dried myself off and put clothes on, pausing to examine my stomach in the mirror. I slowly lifted the hem of my shirt to reveal my flat, scarred stomach. No way, there was no way it could happen. I would probably be showing already. I heard the door open, and my dad call my name.

  I lifted my head, took a deep breath, and went bounding down the stairs to greet him. I ran up to him and threw my arms around his neck.

  “Hey, dad. I’m glad you’re home, I whispered.

  “Uh hey, Kathy, I am too,” he replied, sounding a little surprised.

  “How was work?” I asked, trying to push the thoughts of worry away. This day had been going well, until stupid Reeves had to come and ruin it. I was going to do my best to avoid telling my dad about it, because I knew he would demand me to tell him what I told Reeves…he would be upset if I refused, and upset to hear what had happened.

  “Tiring. How was your day?”

  “Good, uh, fine. I uh, ran a little bit on the treadmill.”

  “Kathryn, I told you—”

  “I know, I know. I was fine.”

  “Just don’t hurt yourself okay, lovey?”

  “I won’t.” I quickly stepped back to cover up the bullet hole in the floor, praying he didn’t see the splinters that were scattered around it.

  “So it’s just me and you tonight, sweets, what do you want for dinner?”

  “Uh…I dunno…I haven’t had a cheesesteak since I got back. Heck, I probably haven’t had one since we moved. I’ve been craving a real Philly cheese steak.”

  “Sounds good to me.” I breathed a sigh of relief as he walked out without noticing it. I quickly picked up all of the wood chips and pulled a little rug over the big hole I had blown in the floor. I was thankful that men were not observant, and that he didn’t notice it at all.

  Chapter Thirty-Eight, Conan

  A warm spring breeze tickled my face, and I found myself lying in a field of tall grass laden with brightly colored wildflowers. My head felt clearer than it had in years, and it took me a moment to realize that the beast inside was no
longer a part of my consciousness. In fact, I wasn’t even sure if he was a part of me anymore.

  The joyful sound of laughter filled my ears, and my heart swelled with love. There she was, standing before me in a pure white dress. The wind was tousling her wavy, dark brown hair in her face.

  “Hello, Conan,” she greeted me, the sound of her soft voice was like music to my ears.

  “Oh, Selene.” I whispered, running over to her and embracing her. Her slender arms wrapped tightly around my neck, and I inhaled her sweet scent. “I’ve missed you so much.”

  “I know,” she whispered back, pulling away.

  “Is this a dream?” I asked, brushing her hair out of her face.

  “Not exactly…” she replied, a hint of sadness in her voice. “We don’t have much time.”

  “What do you mean—Ahh!” I fell to my knees as a sharp pain pierced my chest.

  “You’re dying, Conan.” she said slowly, biting her lip. “But it’s not your time yet. You could very easily pass away from these wounds; but you’re getting a second chance.”

  “Second chance? What do you mean? I don’t deserve a second chance.” I shook my head, panting.

  “None of us do.” Selene offered me a small smile. “But we all get one at one point or another.”

  “So what does this mean?”

  “Kathryn still needs you, Conan. The world still needs you.” She knelt down with me, and wiped away the single tear that ran down my cheek.

  “I’m no hero,” I told her, taking her small hand in mine.

  “All of the great hero’s think that.” Selene laughed, her radiant blue eyes disappearing as she smiled.

  “But I need you.” I cried, pulling her into my arms.

  “Soon, we’ll be together soon.” She kissed my lips softly, and then pulled away.

  “How much time did you say we had?” I asked, gently stroking her face.

  “Not much…” Her voice trailed off, and she gazed past me, into the horizon.

  “Then let’s make the most of it.” I replied, my voice shaking a little as I pulled her down into the soft grass with me and held her close.

  Chapter Thirty-Nine, Vladimir

  I sat at the bar for God knows how long taking shot after shot in a futile attempt to get wasted. After number seventeen the bartender finally said— “No more, kid, what are you trying to kill yourself?”

  I just shrugged, slipped him a fifty and convinced him to let me at least have a beer. I would’ve given anything in that moment to be completely human and have the ability to drink myself to death.

  It’s extremely difficult for a werewolf to get drunk, let alone drink himself to death. Suicide isn’t really an option for us strong shapeshifters. Although I had seriously contemplated putting a silver bullet in my brain, the chances of hitting the right spot were slim. I wanted to be dead, and dead for good— not be lying in a coma for years while doctors try and figure out why their normal metal instruments wouldn’t penetrate my skin.

  Some freak with his hood covering his face plopped himself right next to me despite the fact there were only two other people in the building.

  “Glass of Jack on the rocks.” he ordered. I cringed at the sound of his voice.

  “Max, how the hell did you find me?”

  “I have my ways, little brother,” he chuckled. I let out a low growl of frustration, not in the mood to deal with any family drama.

  “What do you want?” I snapped, gripping my beer bottle so tightly it shattered in my hands.

  Max laughed as I swore, the beer spilling all over me. “We’re forming a new pack,” he said, not missing a beat.

  “And why would I care?”

  “He’s really back this time, Vlad,”

  “Yeah, but for how long? How long until he loses it like last time? No, I’m not picking up his messes and covering for him again.”

  “That’s not going to happen again, trust me. C’mon, I’m your brother—have I ever given you reason not to trust me?”

  “Yes,”

  “Well—never mind that. Dad wants you on our side,”

  “Side of what?”

  Max hesitated, his eyebrows knit together. I could tell he was trying to find the right way to form his next sentence so it would convince me to do something that—if put truthfully—I wouldn’t agree with. He had that same look on his face when we were ten and seven years old, and he was trying to convince me that it was really my fault that he broke the dining room table—and I should fess up and tell mom before she found it and we both got in trouble.

  “The world is changing, Vladimir,” he said slowly. “Things are going to start happening. Forces are coming in to play that, once started, cannot be stopped. The time to choose a side is now.”

  “You’re insane. You and dad and whoever else is on your side—”

  “Which would be pretty much your entire pack? They didn’t know where else to go after big, strong Alpha Vladimir ran away crying like a baby after his precious Kathy was taken from him,”

  “Shut the hell up!” I shouted, standing so fast I knocked my chair over.

  “Hey! You—out—now!” The bartender snapped angrily.

  Max laughed and took a swig of his drink. Anger burned in my chest. My wolf was fuming. He wanted out. He wanted a fight.

  Not this time. Don’t let him provoke you. For Kathy, stay calm for Kathy. I took a deep, shaky breath and turned to walk out.

  “By the way, you were right about Kathryn—she did grow up to be absolutely beautiful. Her eyes so piercingly gray, her skin so soft…I can’t wait to get a taste of her,”

  “Don’t you dare touch her!” I shouted, before I finally let my wolf out. It was a painful transition since I had kept him at bay for almost three months. The sound of my bones cracking mixed with the sound of my clothes being torn to shreds.

  Max flashed an evil, fanged smile before he joined me in wolf form.

  Three months of pent up rage was let loose and it was not a pretty sight. I blacked out about ten minutes into the fight when the monster inside became too strong and I lost control.

  I awoke bloody, bruised, and naked in the middle of an unfamiliar forest. A deep sense of guilt flooded over me as I remembered Max and the bar. I cursed and punched a nearby tree, feeling as if the word failure was tattooed on my forehead. Bitter tears flowed from my eyes as I sat there in utter defeat.

  I had lost everything. My title as Alpha, my entire pack, and my best friend.

  Conan, who was with me from the very beginning, I had almost killed. I still don’t know what had stopped me from delivering the death blow, and tearing his throat out. That whole day was fuzzy in my mind. I remembered bits and pieces that made me cringe. Hurting Kathryn, fighting Conan, running away and going rogue. The bitter taste of regret filled me as I remembered the fear in Kathryn’s eyes that day. Hurting her was never my plan. All I wanted was to make her dad pay. To make him suffer loss and know what it feels like to lose absolutely everything—like I had on that night he turned me away.

  It was a mistake bringing Kathryn into this, I knew that now. I’d give anything to go back and do it all over again. She hated me and I deserved it. But I wanted to change. I was trying to change. I would make things right.

  Chapter Forty, Kathryn

  Days turned to weeks, and weeks turned to months. My scars weren’t fading as fast as I’d hoped they would, much to my dismay, and it was getting more and more tempting to reveal more skin as it grew warmer out. I was still tormented by horrible nightmares, but thankfully they came only once or twice a week. On those nights, I would get out of bed and go knock on Ryan’s door. I used to do that all the time when we were little and I would have nightmares.

  Abel got an apartment not too far down the street from us, and we stayed pretty cooled off. It killed me to not be with him, but I felt I had no other choice.

  *~*~*

  “Kathy, where ya headed?” Ryan asked as I stuffed my sketchpad and pencils
in my brown leather messenger bag and grabbed an apple and a water bottle.

  “Just going for a walk. I’ll be back for lunch.” I replied, before heading out the back door. I took a bite of my apple and walked the little dirt path that led to the creek, my favorite spot for drawing or reading. I had an odd feeling as I walked down the little path, almost as if I was being watched.

  Even after being home for almost four months, I was still a little paranoid. I wondered if I would ever be able to get over that. I shrugged it off and kept walking. The sweet sound of the bubbling stream filled my ears, along with the chirping birds and the buzzing bees. Spring was on its way and it was a beautiful morning. I kicked my shoes off and walked in the water, over to my favorite rock that sat right in the middle of the water.

  The sunlight shone on it, and the rock warmed my skin. I sighed contentedly and pulled out my sketchpad and pencil to finish the picture that I had started drawing yesterday.

  I jumped when I heard a twig snap. That’s when I noticed that the birds had stopped singing, and the only noise I heard was the running water and quickening beat of my heart. I saw something move out of the corner of my eye and I quickly stood up, causing my notebook to fall in the water. I hardly noticed though, I was too shocked.

  There stood Conan, on the bank of the stream, just staring at me. This had to be a dream. I squeezed my eyes shut and then opened them again, only to find that he was no longer there. My heart sunk and I wanted to cry. It was the most impossible thing in the world that—

  “Kathryn.” I heard his deep voice call from behind me. I whipped around and there he stood. I was a few inches taller than him as I was standing on the rock. I gasped and covered my mouth with one hand, reaching out to touch his face with the other.

  “This can’t be real, I have to be dreaming.” I muttered. “Ouch.” He pulled himself away as I acci dentally poked his eye.

  “You are real!” I cried before throwing myself at him, causing him to lose his balance and pull both of us into the water. “Don’t ever do that to me again!” I shouted.

  “It’s okay, I’m right here,” he said, holding me at arm’s length so I was able to see his face.