Creatus

Creatus 1

by

Carmen DeSousa

Chapter One

Kris staggered down the stairwell of the apartment building, cursing aloud for what her life had become. Just twenty-two and she’d poisoned her body so many times she hardly even recognized herself.

A stale stench of sweat and liquor assaulted her senses, causing her stomach to lurch, compelling her to escape the dilapidated structure. The rusty railing swayed beneath her grip, giving her minimal support as she descended the stairs. As soon as she stepped onto the street, she inhaled a deep breath, trying to rid herself of the rancid smell. The smell persisted, which meant it was on her. Sadly, she wasn’t sure if the odor belonged to the stranger whom she’d spent the last few hours dodging sexual advances or if she smelled like the walking dead. How had she let herself become such trash?

“Why did you save me?” she screamed into the black void, similar to her life. She hadn’t asked him to save her when she was eight years old.

As always, no one answered her ridiculous peal, which was probably just as well. Attracting attention in this part of town wasn’t smart. She clicked the key fob for her Grand Am as she scanned the street. She barely even remembered driving here after she left the nightclub. The problem with drinking too much, which she did far too often these days, was that as her inhibitions fell, so did her standards. The man from the bar had been cute, but he’d obviously wanted something other than money in exchange for a hit. What else should she expect when she followed a man home whose name she couldn’t even remember.

She hadn’t planned to go home with a stranger. But when he’d suggested they could get high together, it had sounded like fun, a chance to escape her nightmares and her empty apartment. A chance to do anything but feel the pain she endured by her guilt every time she closed her eyes.

Kris strained to hear the chirp from her vehicle as she weaved along the sidewalk. Her heels lodged into the cracks in the concrete, causing her to trip several times. Somerville was such a dump. She should have used the money from selling her mother’s jewelry six years ago on eBay and moved to California. Instead, she’d stayed in this frigid, run-down suburb of Boston. But she knew why she hadn’t. She was afraid if she left, she’d never see her protector again. A day didn’t go by that she didn’t get an eerie feeling that someone was watching her.

Out of nowhere, a chill would travel the length of her spine she’d swear was her Dark Angel’s breath on her neck. But every time she turned around, no one was there. So instead of escaping, she’d used the money to buy a P.O.S. car and drugs and started on her debauched journey. She knew she was better than the life she’d been living, but every night she found the answers no one offered her at the bottom of a bottle.

Sometimes she wished her Dark Angel hadn’t saved her. If he didn’t care, why had he bothered?

Not once, but twice.

She was beginning to think she’d conjured up his image to erase the guilt of her mother’s death. Her Dark Angel, as she called him since she had no name for the handsome stranger, had accosted a degenerate who’d attacked her mother and her when she was eight, allowing her to escape. Unfortunately, her mother had still died.

When she was sixteen, he’d rescued her a second time. She’d been so excited to go to her first college frat party, but her date had laced her drink with some type of date-rape drug. Seconds after he’d helped her outside to get fresh air, he’d ripped at her clothes. When she’d refused, smacking his hand away, the college sophomore had turned aggressive. He’d smashed her head against a brick wall of the dorm, slamming his hand over her mouth. He would have raped her, and she wouldn’t have been able to stop him. The drugs he’d given her made it impossible to stand, let alone thwart off his attack.

But again, out of nowhere, she’d felt the warm embrace of her Dark Angel’s arms after he tore the loser off her, the same way he’d wrenched the thief away from her mother. His mysteriously ebony-colored eyes had gazed into hers as he’d whisked her away. His deep, melodic voice had whispered that she’d be okay. The same aspects she’d distinctly remembered about him when she was eight, but then he’d disappeared again after depositing her inside her vehicle, ordering her to lock the doors until her best friend came out to the car.

She’d never told anyone about him. Not even her best friend. Beth would have said, “Dark, mysterious stranger who watches over you… yeah, right!” It did sound preposterous and melodramatically romantic, so it couldn’t possibly be true. But no matter how many times her brain tried to convince her he didn’t exist, her heart refused to listen. He’d protected her for a reason, she was certain. Though sometimes, Kris wished her Dark Angel had allowed the thief in the alley to kill her too, saving her from a life of loneliness.

The sun hadn’t come up yet, but the hue of the horizon was fading from a deep navy to a lighter shade of violet. Another beautiful spring day she’d spend sleeping off a massive hangover she felt making its way to the surface. Another day she wouldn’t make it to work, and this time they’d fire her. Her boss had made that crystal clear last time.

Another sharp odor hit her senses, knocking her backward a few steps, stumbling again. The pungent scent of rotting vegetables instantly transported her to the night of her mother’s death. For years, she’d been unable to keep fruit for more than a day in her apartment because the scent brought back the painful memories. But this time, it felt as if she were actually there again, as if the scent had literally transported her to that horrible moment when she lost everything.

Kris took a moment to survey the alley where the reek emanated. Her eyes raked over the faded red brick, a flickering sign at the end, and a dumpster overflowing with garbage from the mom-and-pop grocery store, the source of the insulting pong. Sucking in a breath, she almost retched as the memory hit her fully.

Oh, God! She was in the same alley where her mother had been murdered.

Shaking her head to dislodge the painful recollection, Kris tottered in her high heels. The rough texture of the wall dug into her skin, reinforcing the memory. The image of the thief’s face flashed in her head. Even before he’d plunged the knife into her mother’s chest, she’d detected the murderous gleam in his eyes.

Nothing would obliterate the memory of him shoving them against that decaying building, the glint of the knife as he’d wielded it erratically. The blood—so much blood. Her mother’s blood.

Kris whipped her gaze to the rooftops, knowing her Dark Angel was watching her, knowing he was always close by. “You were there,” she cried. “I don’t know who or what you are, but I want to know why you didn’t save my mother?” She gasped out a breath, attempting to contain her cries. “And why you left me alone!”

No matter what she wanted to believe, the memory was real. She hadn’t imagined him coming off the building, landing in front of her with a soft thump, the sliver of light from the street revealing he was much larger than the guy who’d attacked them. Nor had she dreamt up the anguished scream that had escaped his throat as he tore the thug off her mother, the crack of the degenerate’s skull as he slammed him into the concrete.

As they’d tried to get away, her mother collapsed in her arms. She’d pleaded for the angel to help her. But he’d just stared from where he squatted by the thug, his dark eyes focusing on her as though he recognized her, and said, “I’m sorry. There’s nothing I can do to save her.” She’d blinked the tears out of her eyes, and he was gone. Kris had buckled in the dark alley, crying over her only parent’s lifeless body until the police arrived.

She’d hated him for protecting her but not her mother. Since her mother had never told anyone her father’s name and no relatives had claimed her, she’d spent the next ten years of her life in a different foster home every six months or so. Every time she’d gotten into trouble or the couple was able to adopt a newborn, they had tossed her back to the state, and the state pitched her right into another unloving home.

Realizing her Dark Angel wouldn’t show unless her life was in danger, Kris yanked off her shoes and started running down the walkway. The icy pavement burned her feet, as if she were running on coals, and the uneven surface caused her to stub her toes. But she had to escape the rancid memory of her mother’s death, and she had to force him out of the shadows.

“Where are you?” she shouted, deciding that maybe she did want to attract the wrong kind of attention. Again, no one answered. Figures, she thought. No thieves or rapists around when you need one.

She pressed the button on her key fob frantically, spinning in the street, her arm raised high as she checked every direction, desperate to find her car. Finally hearing the chirp, she careened toward her vehicle. After fumbling with the door handle, she slumped in the seat, her head sinking against the steering wheel.

“Why did you save me?” she blubbered again. “So I could drink myself to death?” Of course, her choices weren’t his fault. She’d just hoped that he would feel compelled to rescue her from her stupid decisions, like going outside with that college guy. He’d been right to call her ‘stupid girl’ as he carried her away.

Kris examined her face in the rearview mirror, blanching at her reflection. Even with her creamy skin and golden blond hair, she looked old. Swirled and smeared lines of mascara streamed down her cheekbones, filling in the few creases on her face. She’d obviously been crying in her sleep again.

She vaguely remembered the nightmare that had woken her a mere hour after she’d crashed on the stranger’s couch. She’d been attempting to save her mother, trying to grab the knife. The thief had stuck her this time, and she was happy. Happy she’d taken the punishment for asking to go out for ice cream that fateful night. The reward she’d received for making the honor roll was that her mother had died.

Kris turned the key, and the engine whined in protest. Her car was obviously on its last leg too. When she reached the highway, she headed toward the Mystic River, specifically, the Tobin Bridge.

It was time.

She’d realized before that it was the only way, but now she was going to follow through with her decision. The jump itself wouldn’t do it. But from what she understood, it’d knock her out. Drowning was supposed to be a tranquil way to die, especially if you were unconscious. Hopefully that wouldn’t happen, but he’d left her no choice.

She lifted her phone from her purse and called the one person who’d care. A pang of guilt shot through her. They hadn’t spoken much since graduation five years ago, but Beth had asked her to be her maid of honor. Beth was now a teacher at their old high school and a soon-to-be-married woman. It was ‘Facebook Official’, as Kris would have said a few years ago. Nowadays she couldn’t care less about social media, though. The only notifications she still received were Beth’s updates. They no longer shared common interests, but she was the one person Kris had ever felt a connection with. Well, except for her Dark Angel. Even though she couldn’t see him, she always felt him. Somehow, their souls had connected when he’d saved her. She just needed to get him to reveal himself.

She’d done the rashest things in the last six years to force him into the open, but she’d never been desperate; she’d just been reckless. But no matter how many times she’d put herself in precarious situations, she’d never been attacked again. Maybe that was why she’d decided to kill herself slowly with drugs and alcohol, hoping he’d eventually save her from herself. Did he feel her pain now? she wondered. Would he stop her?

Kris waited as the rings ceased and the message clicked on. “You know what to do,” Beth’s chipper voice came through the phone followed by a beep.

“I love you, Beth,” Kris said calmly through fresh tears, attempting to suppress any audible cries. She didn’t want her friend to hurt in the event she was wrong. “I’m sorry. I really am. But know I’ll be happier wherever I am.” She clicked ‘end’ and tossed the phone on the seat.

Kris drove her car onto the curb and climbed out onto the upper deck of the Tobin Bridge, the highest bridge in Massachusetts.

“Are you going to let me do this?” she yelled into the darkness that engulfed her, wishing the sun would just come up already. “I’ve looked everywhere for you, and you refuse to show yourself.”

Bitter March winds whipped at her hair and body, turning her pale skin into a checkerboard of red and white. She scrubbed at her arms with her hands to warm them. How stupid. If he was a figment of her imagination, or chose not to save her this time, she’d be drowning in the frigid water of the Mystic River in minutes.

“If you exist, you’ll save me. I know you will. But if you don’t, I don’t want to live anyway.”

As the sun’s rays peeked above the horizon, lighting the abyss below her, she inhaled a deep breath, closed her eyes, and jumped. The ice-cold air rising from the river below rushed by her as she plummeted. She didn’t scream; she didn’t look down. As much as she hated her life, she hoped it wouldn’t end this way. She’d really like to see him one more time.

Her life didn’t flash before her eyes as she’d always heard. Just an image of her mother covered in blood and her Dark Angel telling her he was sorry. Those were obviously the only images she’d ingrained into her subconscious as important.

As she hit the water, a second of crushing pain seized her body and then the world turned dark and cold, enveloping her into its chasm.

“Breathe, dammit!”

His deep voice penetrated her brain at the same time the sensation of a stabbing hot poker seared her shoulder. She gasped for air, but fire radiated through her chest as she attempted to inhale the cool air. She opened her eyes but couldn’t see the face above her, only a silhouette of a man. She recognized his voice, though. Her Dark Angel had come for her.

The morning sun glared into her eyes, blinding her as she tilted her head to see him. As she lifted her hand to shield her face, a bolt of pain surged through her arm. “Oww…” she groaned.

“You dislocated your shoulder and you may have a couple of cracked ribs, but you’ll live,” the deep voice she’d longed to hear for six years said.

“I’m supposed to be dead,” she wheezed.

He cupped the side of her face. “No, you’re not. You’re supposed to live, Kristina. For me. I just wanted a few more years, you stupid girl.”

Remembering how he’d called her ‘stupid girl’ when she was sixteen, she tried to pull in a breath to protest, but it hurt too much. So she used what limited oxygen she had left in her lungs. “Stop… calling… stupid.”

He spurted out a breath and stood, shaking his head. “I’ll be back in a minute. Try not to get into trouble.”

Kris sealed her eyes shut, attempting to block out the sun as well as the throb in her shoulder, but then she couldn’t help but smile. Maybe she was dead, because she could swear she’d just heard him say he’d be back.

Chapter Two

Derrick leaned over Kristina, thankful she was still alive. Her eyes opened and she smiled. She had to be in pain, but she forced a smile anyway. His heart soared. He’d wanted to wait a few more years. But now that he was here, beside her, allowing her to see him, he had no idea how he’d waited as long as he had. And he could have lost her. She could have died from that drop. He’d never believed for a second she would jump. She’d never indicated she was suicidal.

He touched her face again, loving the way her soft skin felt beneath his palm, hating that he was going to have to hurt her to help her. “I’m not going to lie to you; this isn’t going to feel pleasant. I need to set your shoulder before I can move you.” He removed his leather belt and held it in front of her mouth. “Bite down on this.”

Her eyebrows furrowed a bit, a flicker of fear lighting in her eyes, but she accepted the strap without uttering a word. Did she think he’d hurt her on purpose?

Derrick bent her arm at a ninety-degree angle, rotating her arm and shoulder inward, toward her chest. She clenched her teeth together on the leather, restraining her cries, for which he was grateful. It would kill him to see her in agony. Slowly, he rotated her arm and shoulder outward, keeping her upper arm stationary, coaxing it back into the shoulder joint.

She released her grip on the belt and exhaled in relief. “How did you do that?”

“I’m a doctor.” He scooped her up carefully and moved her into his vehicle. They needed to talk, but they couldn’t remain here. Someone might have seen her jump, and they’d be calling the police.

As if in shock, Kristina didn’t say anything else as he strapped her in the passenger seat. She just stared at him, her hazel eyes sparkling in the morning sunlight. Beautiful, mesmerizing, even though wisps of red lined the sclera. After grabbing a blanket out of the cargo area of his Navigator, he dropped behind the wheel and handed it to her. She accepted it without comment, wrapping it around her. He adjusted the temperature controls as he drove out of the parking space at the yacht club where he’d carried her up on shore. She still hadn’t spoken a word, so he drove off without explanation. Maybe she was in shock or ticked that he’d called her stupid. It’d been rude, he knew. But why in hell would she jump off a bridge?

Feeling her gaze burning through him, he cast a glimpse in her direction.

“You’re… real,” she finally sputtered, a quiver in her voice as she touched his arm. “You’re flesh and blood.”

Huffing out a chuckle at her words, he attempted to contain the nervousness of her accusation, as if she’d discerned there was something unusual about him. He didn’t look any different from any other twenty-eight-year-old male. He’d always assumed that once they met, he could convince her that she’d been mistaken as a child when she told the police officer that her dark angel had saved her. “Of course I’m real,” he said, attempting to add enough conviction behind his words so she wouldn’t question him further. He proceeded over the Tobin Bridge and took the exit toward the park underneath the tall structure on Chelsea’s side of the Mystic River. After he pulled into a space, he turned to the young woman he’d waited fourteen years to meet. “We need to talk.”

Her eyes widened in a mock gesture. “You think?”

Derrick exited the vehicle and walked around to the passenger side, opening the door, but Kristina didn’t get out. “Are you coming?” he said as softly as he could force himself. He’d saved her life for the fifth time by his count—of course, she only knew about two of the situations—and the first thing she chose to do was develop an attitude with him.

She assessed the deserted recreational area, her gaze raking across the vacant playground and picnic area, and then looked at him again. “Where are we going?”

“A morning stroll.” He motioned his head to the north, raising an eyebrow. “Don’t tell me you’re afraid of me,” he taunted, knowing she always tended to lean toward danger. He swore the girl thrived on putting herself in treacherous situations.

“I’m not afraid of anyone,” she retorted, a pronounced pucker of her lips detracting from the power of her words. She proceeded to move her legs to the side, but then cringed at the pain in her side.

“That’s what happens when you jump from a hundred and thirty-five feet.” He shook his head at her foolishness. “What in the world were you thinking?”

Ignoring him, Kristina inched herself out of the SUV and carefully pulled herself upright. Her good arm cradled her other, but she didn’t as much as let out a peep.

“We could stay in the car,” he offered quickly, a pang of guilt rushing through him. He was being too hard on her. He’d heard her proclamation, knew why she’d jumped. “But the sunshine will do you good. You picked a beautiful morning to kill yourself, so I thought it’d be nice if our official introduction was a little more memorable than just me saving you.” He held his hand out to her.

She scrutinized him, scrunching her eyebrows and crossing her arms, even though the movement caused her to wince again. “What’s your name?”

Ah, his spunky girl was coming to, he thought. He smiled, dropping his hand since she obviously wasn’t going to accept it. “Derrick,” he said, gesturing to the walkway. “Come on, it’s just a short walk.”

As they strolled along the boardwalk that bordered the Mystic River, a grouping of black-capped chickadees flew about them, searching for offerings, which brought a faint smile to Kristina’s face. A local obviously fed them regularly.

The sun was higher now, bathing Boston with a heavenly glow, providing a beautiful backdrop. Rays of sunlight reflected off the steel and glass buildings, sparkling like diamonds on the horizon. The City upon a Hill, as it had been dubbed, conveyed a quiet innocence in the morning. Of course, he knew better. Tonight, the vilest of society would be out to terrorize and take what wasn’t theirs. But for the time being, he was with the woman he’d protected from those beasts. The woman he’d also protected from his brother and best friend after she’d seen his antics in the alleyway so many years earlier.

He stopped at a bright sunny spot away from the playground, which would fill with children in the next hour. He aided Kristina to the lawn and then tucked the blanket around her. “I would have taken you to the hospital, but they can’t do much more than I did. All they can do is try to make you comfortable. And… they’d commit you for attempting suicide.” He shook his head again at the fact that she would do something so reckless, but held his tongue from uttering any more insensitive remarks. “Warm enough?”

She bobbed her head, but then released an uneasy breath tinged with discomfort. She crinkled her nose and then shook her head as if confused. “You look exactly the same.”

Derrick broke eye contact and stared off at the river. He figured she wouldn’t accept anything but a full explanation, but that was something he couldn’t give her yet. “No I don’t. It was dark in that alley,” he refuted, realizing she wouldn’t buy it, but knowing he had to try to convince her otherwise.

“But I saw you,” she insisted. “It’s been fourteen years, and you look the same age as me.”

He turned to her and sighed, wanting to tell her everything. Hoping she’d accept him. “I wanted to wait a few more years. You’re too young to know what you want, but you forced my hand.”

Her mouth turned up a fraction, obviously proud with herself, but she held a full grin at bay. “I always thought you were a vampire or something.”

He cleared his throat, resisting the urge to laugh. “Vampires don’t exist. The dead don’t walk. And if you don’t have a heart pumping blood through your body, you can’t do any of the things that supposed vampires do.” He raised his brow, inquiring if she caught the gist of his comment. He’d always wondered how books and movies portrayed vampires as sensual and erotic when they purportedly didn’t have the necessary body functions required to make such acts possible. You didn’t have to be a doctor to understand that if you don’t have a heart pumping blood through your body, vital sexual organs aren’t going to function properly.

“I know vampires don’t exist,” she rejoined. “But…” she moved her head slowly from side to side as though trying to unite her memory with reality, “the way you came off that roof. And you do look the same. Now that I know I didn’t conjure up some apparition, I know what I saw. So, what are you? No normal human could jump off a four-story building without getting hurt.”

He gazed into her eyes, attempting to impress on her the importance of this conversation. “If I tell you, Kristina, your life as you know it is over. You’ll have to stay with me forever. My family won’t allow you to leave once you choose. That’s why I wanted to wait until you were older.”

Kristina lifted her chin, steeling herself, a question in her eyes as she struggled to understand, it seemed. “Can you make me what you are, then?”

His jaw practically fell open in response. He hadn’t expected her to accept that he was different so easily. “Can you turn an ape into a human? No, I can’t make you what I am; I’m a living being like you.”

Her body trembled, and she gathered the blanket tighter, as though a chill had swept through her. She’d been fishing for an answer, and he’d caved. Maybe she wasn’t ready. He needed to be careful.

But then she squared her shoulders and sat up straighter, as if preparing for the truth. “So, why me? Why did you save me—twice?”

Twice? It’d been more than twice, he wanted to confess. But he understood what she was really asking. Why hadn’t he saved her mother? “I was too late.” He balled his hands into fists at his sides. “If I’d only been a few minutes earlier, your mother would be alive. That punk stabbed her in the descending aorta. It was amazing she’d lived as long as she had.” He ran his hand across his forehead at the memory, pinching his temple. “So I had to make sure I’d never lose you; I couldn’t fail twice.”

Her eyes softened, accepting his answer. But then she leaned closer, her brow furrowing as if a thought had just occurred to her. “But how do you always know where I am?”

Derrick focused above her head, afraid to meet her eyes for this tidbit. “I wish I could claim some magical, mythical power, but I can’t,” he said, trying to make light of his confession. She didn’t crack a smile, so he continued, “It was easy the first eight years; I just had to check on you at night, make sure whichever foster home you were with didn’t abuse you. But then, you turned into a wild teenager, so I had to find ways to keep track of your whereabouts.” He lowered his gaze to her eyes again. “I tracked you by your cell phone. Amazing the programs that are available. I could sit back and wait to see what trouble you would find.” He smiled, attempting to diminish his admission.

“So that’s how you knew I was at the party,” she said, seemingly not alarmed by the fact that he’d kept tabs on her. He thought for sure that she’d think he was some deranged stalker.

He drew in a breath at the memory of Kristina when she was sixteen. He’d seen the two of them on the balcony, heard their conversation. Ignored the first twinge of jealousy as it’d hit him. He’d never thought of her as anything but his charge. But when he’d heard the college kid tell her to drink up and then offered for them to go outside for fresh air, he sensed he was up to no good. He’d waited, though. He’d thought it would be good to let the boy scare her, but he hadn’t expected him to turn violent as quickly as he had. “That kid is lucky I didn’t kill him.”

Kristina dropped her head, apparently not upset, but plainly disappointed for some reason. “So, you’re human?” she asked, a note of doubt tainting her words.

He released a breath of relief that the idea didn’t repulse her, but then realized she’d obviously ignored his attempt to change the subject of what he was. Offering her a hint of a smile, he said, “Would that disappoint you?”

When he’d failed to save her mother, leaving her parentless, he’d become her protector. But after seeing her with that college kid, he’d started to see her differently. They looked nothing alike, didn’t listen to the same music, didn’t do the same recreational activities. But he’d always hoped that once they finally met, she would like him. In the last few years, he’d fallen in love with her strength and spirit, even though he didn’t agree with her unwise choices to escape reality.

“I just don’t understand. How can you be the same age as I am if you’re human?”

“I’m not the same age,” he said, resisting a sigh. He wanted to tell her, needed to tell her, longed to tell her, but knew he could only reveal so much without knowing if she was the One. “I’m roughly twenty-eight in your years, though.” Again, he was talking too much, but he had to give her something, and for some reason, he felt as if he could confess anything to her.

She absorbed his answer without commenting. Kristina did senseless things, but she wasn’t stupid by any means.

He stared into her eyes for a moment, noticing she didn’t look away. “Kristina, if you’ll allow me, I want to watch over you while you come down. And then we can discuss everything else. Okay?”

Her brow furrowed again. She hated anyone to tell her what to do. He’d overheard many arguments between her and her foster parents over the years. Of course, in her defense, most of them had never treated her as their child, rather as a paycheck. Just another kid they fed in order to pad their pockets. “Come down from what?” she snapped.

His breath came out as a puff of smoke in the cool air at her reaction. He was surprised she was even able to have the conversation they were having. Based on her dilated pupils, even in the bright sunlight, she was still a tad bit high from her recreational activities only hours earlier. “Trust me; in about two days, you’ll know what.” He tilted his head in query. “Do you trust me, Kristina?”

A gentle smile lifted her cheeks, the first indication of the sweet woman he knew was hidden beneath her hard outer shell. He’d seen her soft side, the side she only shared with her best friend Beth. “I don’t even know you, but yes, I do trust you. Even with my life a couple times obviously.”

Derrick rested his hand on the side of her neck, his heart thrumming at the chance to be near her. She didn’t flinch at his touch; in fact, she closed her eyes and leaned into it. Soft golden beams of morning light saturated each strand of her hair, casting a delicate glow around her face. “You’re a beautiful woman. So smart, so sweet. Why have you done this to yourself?” He ran his fingertips along her face from her temple to her jaw then brushed her long blond hair off her shoulder, happy that she had at least stopped adding the purple and pink streaks. Another attempt to stand out in a world where she felt all alone, he assumed. She could have been anything she wanted, but she’d spent the last six years abusing her body.

She pressed her hand against his. “You forced my hand,” she answered. “I was looking for you.”

Chapter Three

Derrick paced the floor of his apartment as he listened to his brother’s babbling. As usual, Michael was unable to keep his opinions to himself. They’d gone through the same thing last time.

His brother took a breath long enough that Derrick thought he might get in a word, but then started yapping again before he could speak. “Mom and Dad will be fine as long as you clean her up, but Vic’s going to be ticked. Me? What do I care? She’s just another human you’re infatuated with—”

“That’s enough, Michael,” Derrick cut him off, breaking into the one-way conversation. “The reason I called was to tell Dad I wouldn’t be into work this week. I didn’t ask for your opinion.” Derrick stared out at the Boston skyline through the wall of windows on the one side of his apartment, his blood boiling over his brother’s callousness. His brother was one of their kind who’d be happier if they were the only superior beings on this planet.

“I thought you’d want the opinion of your wiser, and obviously more sensible, brother. But then again, you’ve never listened to me. Why should you start now?” He paused for a second, and Derrick could hear the weight machine in the background. Michael never felt he was large enough. He constantly worked out to improve his already stellar physique. It drove Michael crazy that even with his two inches of height and twenty extra pounds, Derrick could still pin him. The clang of the steel plate clinking into place echoed through the phone, and his brother’s breath filled the line again. “Personally, I don’t see the infatuation.”

Derrick rested his head against the cool glass, irritated that he’d even taken the time to call, wishing his father hadn’t already left for work, forcing him to converse with his younger brother, who for some reason seemed to think he was in charge. Derrick needed to return to the room before Kristina woke up. She’d be confused, he was certain. “You make it sound as if I have a different woman every week. You know there hasn’t been anyone in my sights other than her. I’ve waited fourteen years for Kristina.”

“Freak!” His brother let out a roar of laughter. “Just make sure I’m around when you tell Vic. I don’t want to miss that.”

Derrick squeezed his eyes together, resisting the urge to chuck the phone across the room. For some reason, Michael could roil him up faster than anyone else could. “I’ve already settled this with Vic. We’ve had this conversation, and we just don’t agree—on anything. And I’m not a freak. I had to protect Kristina all these years, since she didn’t have anyone else. I knew she’d mature to be as smart and strong as her mother whom I greatly admired.” Janelle had been one of the smartest women he’d worked with when he was interning. She’d been trying to better her life while carrying the responsibilities of a single mother.

A snort boomed through the phone’s speaker. “Yeah, I saw how much you admired Janelle.”

“You know it was never like that,” Derrick defended himself. “I had a fondness for her, but I was too young. We worked together, nothing more. Kristina’s perfect. She’s everything I saw in her mother but with a lot more spunk.”

“Well, you obviously have more than a fondness for Kristina,” Michael responded with a chuckle. For someone who hated humans, his brother sure rattled off plenty of innuendos, making it clear where his mind was most of the time. Of course, Michael had the mentality of a twenty-three-year-old male. It didn’t matter what their species when the hormones were in full swing.

Derrick, on the other hand, had only one woman on his mind, which had been the case for the last few years. He’d just been biding his time. “Kristina is special. She’s had a hard life and hasn’t dealt with her troubles in the correct way, but she’s strong. She’s caring and wonderful. And she’s smart. She’s definitely the woman I want to spend my life with. Even if I end up being alone a few years, she’ll be worth it.

“Whatever,” Michael grunted, and Derrick could picture him throwing his hands up in frustration. Like Vic, his brother was another person he rarely agreed with. Yeah, they all got along, but when it came to their beliefs, his two best friends, Michael and Vic, saw things differently than he did and weren’t shy about voicing their opinions. They continually harassed him every time he mentioned Kristina.  “You don’t even know if she’ll want you, or how she’ll react when she finds out you knew her mother. That’ll mess with her head. And then, if she doesn’t choose you—” Michael broke off, not finishing his words. His brother knew Derrick understood what he was inferring.

Derrick’s heart thrashed in his chest at Michael’s insinuation. His hands broke out in a sweat causing his grip to slip on the phone. “You haven’t spoken with anyone, have you? I haven’t told Kristina anything, I swear.” The line was quiet and Derrick squeezed the phone in his hand, almost crushing it. He had to remember his own strength sometimes. “Michael, tell me you haven’t said anything,” he demanded.

“No, man. I haven’t said a word,” his brother finally said through a groan.

Derrick expelled a breath of relief. “Thank you. I just need a few more days. She’s through the worst part.”

“Where is she now?” Michael asked. A note of concern in his brother’s tone surprised Derrick. Michael had made it clear on several occasions how he felt about Kristina, most humans for that matter. Why would he even care if she made it through alive?

“Still sleeping. Her fever was high and her pressure was through the roof. I almost lost her. As you know, it’s not always safe to bring someone down like that. But she has a strong heart, and I didn’t have time to wait for days or weeks while I tapered her off slowly.”

“Why didn’t you just give her Valium?”

“Because the last thing Kristina needed—”

“No!” Kristina’s scream reverberated through the apartment, breaking through their conversation. She’d woken up several times in the last couple of days with cold sweats and tremors, but this time, her cry resembled one of her nightmares. It angered him that she still suffered nightly from memories of her mother’s murder, memories of what that butcher had stolen from her. Maybe now he could help her through them.

“I gotta go,” Derrick said, hanging up, not waiting for a reaction from his brother.

He barreled across the living room, but inched open his bedroom door quietly so as not to startle her. Kristina was still out cold, so it’d been a nightmare. He didn’t want her to wake before he had a chance to put everything away, but he needed to check her vitals before doing anything else. He sat on the chair beside the bed where he’d spent the last forty-eight hours watching over her. Droplets of moisture still dotted her forehead, but she wasn’t as pale as she’d been only hours earlier. He reached for her wrist to check her pulse and her eyes popped open.

She tried to sit up, but the straps impeded her movement. “What the—”

“Hang on. It’s okay,” he scrambled to explain.

“Okay?” she screamed. “You’ve tied me up?”

“Restrained you,” he countered. “There’s a difference.” Ignoring her full-on glower, he reached for her wrist again, checking her pulse. It had dropped to a safe level, but it was still high for her age. Of course, being tied up could cause that reaction, he reasoned.

He unlatched one restraint, and she immediately drew her arm to her chest. “Why did you restrain me?”

“You had the DTs, Kristina. You were hallucinating, screaming at the walls, but I think you’re finally safe.” He unbuckled her other wrist, his eyes gauging her overall health. Her lovely shade of peach had returned to her face, and her skin was more luminescent than the dehydrated state she’d been in for two days. Actually, she looked better than she had in years. “How do you feel?”

She moistened her chapped lips with her tongue before speaking. “Thirsty. Tired.”

“I’ll bet.” He handed her the bottle of water he’d left on the nightstand. She unscrewed the top and took a long pull, her eyes holding his with a hint of caution. He offered her a smile. Not only to comfort her, but because he was overjoyed that she appeared to be over the worst part. “It’s not easy to quit drinking cold turkey, but you did it. You’re going to be okay.” He hesitated. “Unless you start drinking again, that is.”

After swabbing the area on her forearm with alcohol, he removed the IV from her vein and covered the tiny puncture with a clean cotton square and tape, smoothing the area several times with his thumbs, delighting in just holding her hand in his.

When he finished, he looked up at her, wondering why she hadn’t spoken more than two words. “You need to call Beth. She’s worried sick. I returned her texts as if I were you, ensuring her you were okay, but she keeps asking you to call.” He paused at the confusion in her eyes then quickly added, “I’m sorry if I overstepped my bounds; I just didn’t think it was right to leave her worrying about you.” He reached for Kristina’s phone on the table and held it out to her, letting her know she wasn’t a hostage, since she was staring at him like a trapped mouse. “Just let her know you’re alive, nothing else.”

Without offering a word, Kristina finished off the bottle of water, trading the empty plastic for her phone.

Not knowing what else to say, Derrick stood to leave as she continued to gawk at him. He assumed she’d have more to offer than a few words. He’d rather questions than nothing. Even though she must have been reeling about everything, he was anxious to talk with her. He’d waited so long. Maybe his brother was right; maybe they weren’t supposed to be together. “I’ll give you a few minutes. You’re probably starving anyway. Please don’t mention me,” he reminded her.

She offered him a nod, so he left the room somewhat contented. It was something anyway. At least she wasn’t catatonic. She just needed to catch her bearings.

Derrick walked out into the hallway and then took the elevator to the café in the lobby to get something to eat. He had plenty of food, but he didn’t have any way to cook it, and she needed protein. He also wanted to be out of earshot in case she told her friend about him. The lobby wouldn’t be far enough, but he could make an effort to tune out her voice. He didn’t want to hear anything that would make him have to turn her in. He would never allow them to kill her; he’d destroy anyone who tried. The only thing he could do was hope she fell for him.

He’d only looked to be in his early twenties when he met Janelle, but they had become great friends. In actuality, he’d already lived more than thirty-five human years at that time, but most of his kind lived to one hundred fifty, so they didn’t count their years the same. His family had warned him he was too young to fall for a human and that he should stick to his own kind. He’d heeded their words, but since Janelle and Kristina had lived in such a rough area of Boston and were all alone, he’d always felt compelled to check on them. Something his father and grandfather had done for complete strangers in the early days of America, before everyone had a video camera on their phone.

He was now at the age where he wanted to make a lifelong commitment, and Kristina was the woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with, something Vic and he’d discussed numerous times. No matter how many times Vic or Michael tried to change his mind, he wouldn’t bend. Kristina was the woman he wanted.

Derrick ordered a double-egg and cheese bagel sandwich and a latte for Kristina, and then headed upstairs.

“I brought you a vanilla latte,” he called out as he walked inside the apartment. She didn’t respond, so he peeked in the bedroom, hoping she was decent. He blanched when he didn’t see her. “Oh, Kristina,” he shrieked. “They’ll kill you.” He loped to the front door and jerked it open, as if she would be standing in the hallway waiting for him. Of course she’d left. He probably scared the heck out of her by strapping her to the bed. But if he hadn’t, she would have hurt herself. He needed to find her before they did.

“What are you screaming about?” she spoke behind him. “My head is pounding. Please don’t yell.”

He whipped his head toward the sound of her voice. “Oh, thank God.” He released a deep breath. “I thought you left.”

She shrugged. “Why would I leave? I’ve tried to get your attention for six years.” She ambled over to where he stood rooted to his wooden floor, accepted the coffee cup and bag of food, and plopped heavily onto the sofa. “Oh, this smells to die for.”

Interesting choice of words, Derrick thought as he sunk into a chair facing Kristina, drinking in the sight of her. Her hair was damp and she was wearing one of his t-shirts. She’d recovered faster than he’d anticipated. Of course, he’d always known she was strong.

Fiddling with the paper bag, Kristina stared at her lap as though she’d forgotten he was in the room. Finally making eye contact, she moved her mouth toward the sandwich and then stopped as if she’d decided on what she wanted to say. “So, Derrick…” She paused, measuring her words, it seemed, then took a bite, chewed, and washed down the food with a swig of coffee. “Why don’t you start at the beginning? I think I was still drunk the other morning. I don’t remember much. Exactly what are you?”

He let out a burst of laughter. There was the girl he thought he’d known. He’d hoped she was somewhere inside that drug and alcohol-saturated body. “I’m so glad to finally meet you, Kristina, but why don’t we hold off on the deep inquisition for a while. It’s good you don’t remember much. Now we can get to know each other under better circumstances.”

She ripped off another piece of bagel with her slender fingers then stood again, walking over to the wall of windows overlooking the harbor. “Nice place. What do you do for a living?”

Good, he thought. She really didn’t remember. “I’m a doctor.” She turned to face him and the light from outside made its way through the shirt, illuminating every curve beneath the thin white cotton. “Umm… Kristina, you’re standing in direct sunlight.”

She glanced at her choice of clothes and then traipsed toward the sofa, her hands roaming over the soft leather. “Nothing you haven’t seen before if you’re a doctor,” she teased, a lightness in her voice he hadn’t detected earlier.

“True,” he allowed. She definitely had spirit.

Her eyes roamed over the black and white nature prints he’d hung on the wall behind the sofa. “What type of practice?” she asked, making eye contact with him again.

“Family medicine.”

Kristina returned to the sofa, plopping down and then tucking her leg underneath her. Resting her elbow on the armrest, she focused a poignant gaze on him. “This is kind of awkward. You know I’m not really suicidal, right? I hate my life, but I knew you’d come. I didn’t want to die.”

He nodded, nibbling on the inside of his cheek, still a bit perturbed by her stunt that could have killed her. “Did you call Beth?”

“No. I needed a shower, and I wasn’t sure what to say. I didn’t tell her I was going to jump off a bridge. I just told her I’d be happier wherever I was. She, as always, assumed the worst.” She took a sip of coffee and then her gold-flecked eyes peeked up at him under long blond lashes. She was even more beautiful than her mother had been.

“Why don’t you call Beth while I get cleaned up, and then we’ll go out and get some fresh air? I have the week off work, so we can do whatever you want.”

She inhaled a deep breath and then let it out. “Anything I want except leave. Otherwise they’ll kill me, right?”

Chapter Four

Kris stared at the stranger sitting beside her in the front seat of his car, surprised he didn’t feel like a stranger. It felt as though she’d known him her entire life. And in a way, she had. Since he’d saved her from the same fate her mother had succumbed to by the hands of that thief in the alley, Derrick had consumed her. Every night since that day, he’d occupied her dreams. His leading role had turned more seductive since she’d become a woman, though. As a child, she’d thought he was an angel sent from God, an angel dressed in black. But now that she was able to stare into his fathomless dark eyes that seemed to go on forever, she realized he wasn’t an angel, but a man. A man she wanted to get to know better, fully. She wondered for a second if he was real this time or if she’d wake up any minute, realizing she’d taken her fantasies to another level.

Derrick pulled up in front of her apartment and turned to her. “You’re so quiet. What are you thinking about?” he asked, reaching for her hand.

His warm touch sent a surge of pleasure through her body and she smiled softly at the feel of his hand around hers and his comment. “I’m not quiet. Actually, my friends, teachers, and employers have always called me a blabbermouth. Said I just spouted off whatever I wanted without thinking.” She curled her hand around his, loving the intimacy she already felt, even though he was hiding something from her. She’d never experienced familiarity with any man, even if they’d dated a few weeks, which was about the extent of her relationships. But just in a few hours—well, days but she’d been unconscious most of the time—she believed she could trust Derrick. “I was thinking about you. Wondering if you’re really here.”

He returned her smile, but then frowned. “That’s what you were thinking? If I’m real again? How can I prove I’m real?”

This time an even broader smile lifted her cheeks. “I’m sure I’ll think of something. But first off, I guess I should get into my own clothes. Not that I don’t feel all warm and snuggly in the sweatshirt you insisted I wear, but what will your family say if they see me wearing your clothes?” She opened the door and hopped out, noticing her Grand-Am was sitting in its normal parking spot. She spun toward Derrick and caught him with his mouth open as if he was ready to speak, but she interrupted him. “How did—did you bring my car here?”

“I had my brother...” He shook his head, throwing his hands up. “What do you mean, ‘meet my family’? How do you know about my family?”

“You said something the other day I remembered. About choosing.” She glanced up and down the road as she walked around the front of his Navigator. “Come on up. I suppose you have my keys.”

He pulled her key ring out of his pocket and handed it to her, a look of concern on his face. But then he followed her up the three flights of stairs to her apartment without speaking.

Kris opened the door and stepped inside. Her home looked exactly as she’d left it, but it felt different, as if there was a subtle alteration she couldn’t place. She wondered if Derrick or his brother had searched it. Not that they had any reason, but still, it felt strange standing in her doorway, as if someone had been here.

It wasn’t as though she had anything to hide, and even if she did, she certainly didn’t have any place to hide it. Her home consisted of three small rooms, shaped in an almost perfect rectangle. The front door opened into the living area, no foyer; and off to the left, sat a galley kitchen with its tiny dinette. Her bedroom was directly on the other side of the living room. Again, no hallway, just one door that led to her bedroom. She had an end unit, though; so all three rooms had windows overlooking the alley, and then the bedroom had a second window overlooking the street.

The wood floors and walls were whitewashed white. She loved the solid alabaster color; it felt clean and fresh. The only color she’d added to her simple décor was green by the way of plants. She enjoyed the tropical feel of her apartment with its exotic foliage, sheer curtains, and sparse furnishings and wall decorations. Everything she owned, other than the plants, was white, tan, or black, as she’d seen in home magazines. She’d mimicked Caribbean cottages with their simplicity and inexpensive furniture. She’d made sure the warmth she couldn’t find in Somerville was always present in her home.

Derrick looked around appreciatively; though, her place was nothing like his high-rise apartment with its dark walnut floors, chrome appliances, and leather furniture. In fact, if you compared their homes to their personalities, she realized, they’d have nothing in common. She hoped that wasn’t the case.

Kris gestured to her tiny couch with its white jacquard slipcover she’d found on eBay. “Make yourself comfortable, Derrick. I’ll only be a minute.”

He sat as directed, looking completely out of place. Like Adonis himself in a peasant’s home, she thought. She skipped off to her bedroom, her heart pounding. Kris went directly to her full-length wicker-framed mirror, a bargain she’d found at a thrift shop. She twirled once as she inspected her body, marveling at the way her skin glowed and her hair appeared glossy, healthy. Amazing what a couple of days of no alcohol or drugs could do. But there was more; she looked good mentally too, happy even, an unusual occurrence. She tugged Derrick’s sweatshirt up around her face and inhaled. The scent took her back to when she was a child, curling up next to her mother on the loveseat as they’d watched a Disney movie. Derrick used the same fabric softener her mother had used. Somehow, envisioning him using fabric softener made her laugh.

Deciding to keep his sweatshirt on a few more minutes, she removed her vintage shredded skirt from the other night. When Derrick had left his bedroom this morning, she’d yanked off the blankets to reveal that she was in her undergarments. She didn’t remember undressing so she could only ascertain that she’d finally passed out and he’d undressed her. She didn’t know how she felt about him undressing her, but then again, her clothes had been soaked. He’d washed her clothes and had them sitting out for her, but the sheer peek-a-boo tank wasn’t appropriate for the daytime. Heck, it was hardly appropriate for the nighttime, the reason she’d sifted through his closet for the t-shirt.

Anxious to get out to Derrick before he disappeared, Kris rummaged through her closet, selecting a pair of faded capri jeans and a long-sleeved black t-shirt. The simple attire would complement Derrick’s tan khakis and plain white button-down oxford. She could picture him with a white jacket over top and a stethoscope around his neck. Although, the image that popped into her head was of a doctor on a soap opera, not any of the physicians she’d ever seen.

If Derrick had been her doctor, she would have never fussed about going. In fact, she probably would have made up excuses for regular examinations. His brooding eyes, dark features, and onyx-colored hair over light olive skin gave him a Mediterranean look. But then again, she’d dated several Portuguese and Lebanese men over the years with similar skin tone, but neither of them had Derrick’s high, prominent cheekbones, slender nose, and square jawline. And of course, his striking almond shaped eyes with their immense depth. Somehow, he looked to have a touch of American Indian, Mediterranean, and Asian appearance all at once. He resembled no man she’d ever seen in person or a celebrity.

Was he real? He’d asked how he could prove it to her. And right now, she could only think of one way. Since she’d only used her finger and toothpaste to brush her teeth earlier, she darted into the bathroom to brush her teeth before she tested his tangible existence.

Taking one long look at herself in the mirror, she drew in a deep breath, steeling herself. Would he agree, she wondered. He seemed attracted to her. He’d called her beautiful after all.

Determined, she marched out of her bedroom, but then stopped when she entered the living area. He was holding up a picture of her mother and her, taken a few months before she was murdered. Her mother had taken her to see Santa Claus and then they’d jumped in one of those photo booths. They’d taken silly and serious photos. Kris had enlarged and framed the serious one.

“She was beautiful, wasn’t she?”

Derrick turned in her direction, his expression surprisingly solemn, and if she wasn’t mistaken, his eyes looked glassy. “Yes. Very.” He set the frame on the window ledge and crossed the room, taking her hand in his. He led her to the couch, pulling her down beside him. “Kristina,” he paused as he lifted his hand to her neck, “I can’t introduce you to my family today.”

“Why not?” she demanded, attempting to put power behind her question, but a trace of defeat filled her tone and she was certain he’d recognize it. She’d assumed since she had to choose as he’d said, that they’d want to meet her. “You said your brother moved my car, so he obviously already knows about me,” she continued before he could answer, adding validity to her petition.

“Listen to me, please. I’m different. My family’s different.” He shook his head. “We need to make sure—”

“Derrick,” she moved his hand to her lap, “I am sure.”

“But you don’t even know me. You—”

“I jumped off a bridge to get your attention,” she interjected. “Do you think I would do that if I wanted anyone else?”

“You were sick. Under the influence of—”

“I knew what I was doing—” she tried, but this time he cut her off by placing his fingers over her lips.

The edges of his mouth quirked up, but she could tell he tried to resist smiling. “Please stop interrupting me. I was wrong,” he said. “I guess you do like to talk.” He raised his hand when she started to interrupt again. “Kristina, you heard me. They’ll kill you if you ever try to leave. Let’s just take a few days, get to know each other. And if…” he lowered his head to look into her eyes, “if you decide to be with me, then yes, I would love for you to meet my family.” He stopped as if it were okay for her to speak again.

“But your brother knows…” she said, undeterred by his suggestion that his family was dangerous. She just couldn’t imagine that anyone related to him would harm her.

“Well, he’s my brother. He’s allowing us time. But he wouldn’t hesitate…” he trailed off, not wanting to say that his brother would be willing to kill her, she assumed.

Kris’ heartbeat kicked up a notch, wondering what was so secretive. “So tell me then, and I’ll decide.”

He pursed his lips, obviously determined to keep her in the dark as long as possible. “No. But I’m glad you finally believe I’m real. I wasn’t sure how I was going to prove my existence to you, but I had an idea.”

A thrill shot through her system, watching the way his eyes melted into hers, the ever-slight tilt of his head. Her heart thrummed beneath her ribcage as she realized he’d had the same idea she had. She licked her lips, letting out a soft sigh in anticipation. Her Dark Angel was going to kiss her.

Derrick glided his fingers along her jawline as he inched his head closer. “I’ve wanted—”

She bolted upright as her cell phone rang. “Oh, God!” She threw her hand over her chest and peered down at the caller ID. “Beth,” she whooshed out her friend’s name, not certain why she’d jumped.

“You need to take her call,” he said softly.

Kris shook her head wildly, refusing to break the moment, even though it was already lost. Derrick picked up her phone off the coffee table and hit ‘answer’ before she could object again.

Beth’s voice immediately came over the speaker in a frantic rush. “Kris? Oh, dear Lord, are you there, Kris?”

Kris lifted the phone to her ear. “I’m here.”

“You scared the death out of me. You left me that message and then wouldn’t answer my calls. I thought… I thought you’d…” Obviously, Beth couldn’t form the words.

“I was leaving town,” Kris lied. “It was a spur-of-the-moment thing, and I didn’t want you to change my mind. And then I sort of just hid. Cleaned up my act, you know?”

“Oh, thank goodness, Kris. I just… I didn’t know what to think. So, you’re not leaving then, right? You’ll still be my maid of honor?”

She couldn’t help but laugh at her friend’s question. If she didn’t love Beth so much, she’d think the only reason she was upset was because she’d have to find another size three to fit in the dress Beth had custom made to fit Kris. “Yes. Of course. What are best friends for?”

“Okay, then. I have to go. My mom’s here. We’re going wedding shopping today. I’ll call you later, okay?” Her okay sounded like a question of whether Kris would really be around or not.

“Yes,” Kris assured her. “But if I don’t answer, it’s just because I’m busy.” She looked up at Derrick who hadn’t moved from in front of her. Her heart started pounding double time as soon as he smiled. “Don’t worry. I’m not going anywhere. Bye, Beth.” Kris hung up the phone and switched off the ringer. She didn’t want any more interruptions.

Derrick reached for the phone and set it on the end table behind her. The heat of his body caressed hers as he moved past her. Instead of pulling away, he trailed his hand down her back, wrapping his arm around her waist. “No matter what happens, I’d hate myself if I never kissed you.”

Kris licked her lips again. The anticipation was killing her. Most guys were so sloppy and quick, almost falling forward, missing her mouth. But Derrick seemed to be measuring his moves, planning his approach. His other hand moved behind her neck. And with both hands, he pulled her closer as he moved in again. His eyes held hers as his lips brushed against hers ever so softly. Then he kissed her tenderly on the corner of her mouth, and once again, sweeping his lips back over hers, delicately kissed the other side of her mouth. Her mouth fell open a fraction in submission, as if he’d coaxed her to open up. He drew her toward him and this time encompassed her completely, his mouth closing over hers. He took her top lip, then her bottom, venturing inside and exploring. Her entire body felt weightless as if under a spell by just his kiss.

For some reason, she had to break the spell. As good as it was, she felt possessed. “Derrick,” she spoke his name under his warm and moist lips. Not wanting to stop, but wanting to maintain control.

“Yes,” he asked, his kisses trailing across her cheekbones.

Her mind almost felt free from his enchantment. Though, somehow, she knew she’d never be free. She’d always been his. “What took you so long?”

“I’m here now.” Capturing her mouth once again, he kissed her deeply with a passion she’d never felt.

Not that she’d dated much, but even the few boyfriends she had hadn’t made her skin heat, her heart pulse, and her soul long to be possessed. Sexual activity had always been about power with her. About what she could obtain. For the first time in her life, she wanted to give. And she didn’t even know him. Yes she did, she refuted herself. He was her Dark Angel, and in some ways, she had a feeling he understood her better than anyone ever had.

Derrick released his hold and Kris wilted against the arm of the couch. “Okay. I believe you. You’re obviously real.”

He laughed. “As are you. Funny. Beautiful. Real. I want to add more, but I don’t want you to think I’m a sap.”

She sighed as she met his warm gaze. She didn’t need a week; heck, she didn’t need a day to decide. She’d been waiting her entire life for him, but she’d play his game she decided. “I don’t think you’re a sap.”

“Good! So… what do you want to do today?” He’d sat up and changed the subject as if flipping a switch.

Had he not felt the same passion she had? she wondered. Evidently he’d been accustomed to the same kisses that had left her breathless. For some reason, this tidbit annoyed her, wondering what woman he’d been practicing with.

“Hmm… I don’t know.” She leaned against the arm of the sofa, attempting to convey the same relaxed, carefree attitude. “Whatever.”

He tilted his head a fraction as though dumbfounded by her attitude that mimicked his. “How about we go to Quincy’s Market, stroll through downtown Boston, maybe the Aquarium?”

“Sounds like fun,” she offered in the most casual manner she could muster. Despite her irritation, it really did. She liked those types of days. Most guys suggested dinner and a movie. Boring. When a man proposed the movies on their first date—especially a chick-flick—it was usually their last.

Still irritated their kiss hadn’t meant anything to him, she stood to leave.

Derrick didn’t move an inch. Instead, he clutched her hand, directing her back down to the sofa. “After one more kiss, though. I don’t know how long it’ll be before I can kiss you again, so we’d better make this one last all day.” He pressed his lips against hers again, opening her and exploring as if he hadn’t just been there minutes ago. He slipped his hand around her neck and through her hair, a low groan emanating from his throat as he drew his lips away a few inches. “We’d better go,” he murmured, but his lips found hers again. “So long,” he said under light kisses. He lifted her from the couch, his mouth still working its magic.

He finally pulled away and Kris was happy to see that even with his olive skin, Derrick looked a little flushed. That’s more like it, she thought. She couldn’t be the only one swept off her feet. That wouldn’t make for a good start of a relationship. A thrill soared through her body at the thought. Yes, she was decided; she wanted a relationship with Derrick. And she was positive nothing would change her mind.

Chapter Five

Derrick headed east, away from Somerville, to catch the highway into Boston. “You know…” He looked at Kristina as he waited at the light. “We could head over to Broadway.”

She tilted her head. “Why? I like Downtown better than South Boston.”

“Do you know what today is?”

Kristina scrunched up her nose. “Yes...I’m not that out of it.”

“I mean the date. It’s the seventeenth… St. Patrick’s Day. There’s a parade.”

She laughed. “Oh… that’s okay. I did that last year. It was a strange collection. Other than the fact that there was a lot of green, I didn’t see how it had anything to do with St. Patrick’s Day. The funniest thing I saw was the Sith Lord—I think that’s what they’re called—and Darth Vader from Star Wars. What they had to do with St. Patty’s day is beyond me. Listening to him talk about ‘the force’ with a Boston accent cracked me up, though.”

He pressed on the gas pedal as the light changed to green. “I guess that would.”

“Hey… how come you don’t have an accent?” she inquired abruptly.

“I didn’t grow up here,” he answered simply.

“Where did you grow up?”

He glanced at her, determining whether to answer. He could answer, he decided. He just couldn’t give her details. “England.”

“Really?” She didn’t elaborate, so he hoped that would be the end of her query, but her ‘really’ hung out there as though she were thinking what to ask next. “So, why don’t you have an English accent, then?”

Bingo. He’d presumed she wouldn’t leave it at that. Kristina was extremely inquisitive. “Umm… it’s a private school,” he offered as an explanation. “The professors… they’re all handpicked. They don’t have accents, so the students don’t have accents.”

“In other words, it’s another secret you can’t share,” she retorted.

“Yes.” He peeked at her and she was tilting her head, staring at him. Everything she did was endearing. “I’m sorry,” he offered, a pathetic apology, but it was for her safety. Everything he’d ever done was to keep her safe.

“Let me ask you a question you can answer, Derrick. How am I supposed to get to know you if you won’t answer any questions about yourself?”

He spurted out a half-laugh. “Fair question. How about we just enjoy this day? I’ll answer anything you want to ask tonight,” he rambled without thinking.

“Okay,” she agreed, though hesitantly as if she didn’t believe him. Actually, he didn’t know why he’d just said that. He couldn’t tell her everything tonight.

Their first stop was The Freedom Trail. Kristina listened in earnest as he spouted off his knowledge while they walked the 2.5-mile brick-lined route. Kristina, like him, was most interested in the Old North Church.

With its 191-foot steeple, it’d played a major role during the American Revolution. “Have you ever heard the saying, One if by land, two if by sea?”

Kristina nodded. “Vaguely. Something about a warning. Was that here?”

He rested his hand on the small of her back as he ushered her inside. “Haven’t you been here before?”

“Unbelievably, no. You would think growing up in Boston I would have. But it seems foster parents aren’t interested in that sort of stuff. And I haven’t been thinking about America’s history in the last few years, as I’ve been too caught up in mine.” She ran her hand over the intricate white wood of the pew, her eyes darting around, absorbing everything. “I like the white and black. Some churches have such gaudy colors. I like simple.”

Derrick also loved the ancient architecture, the chandeliers hanging from the high ceiling. He especially appreciated that all the glass was clear, giving the church a light and airy feeling, instead of a dark and gloomy one, which never made sense to him. Why would a church want to convey a depressing image instead of life? After all, wasn’t that what churches communicated, life everlasting? “I noticed you like simple. Your apartment. It’s nice, comfortable.”

“Yes. I always wanted to move someplace warm...” she trailed off, shaking her head as if changing her thoughts. “Remind me what ‘One if by land, two if by sea’ meant.”

“It was a signal. The Sons of Liberty had devised a plan to warn the countryside. You’ve heard of Paul Revere’s famous ride across the countryside.” She nodded. “Of course what most people don’t know was that there were three men riding, and Revere never finished. The Regulars, as they would have referred to them, detained Revere and William Dawes. Dr. Samuel Prescott was the only one to reach Concord and deliver the warning, and when the Regulars arrived, the Americans were ready.”

Kristina shook her head, chuckling quietly. “Well, thank you, professor.”

He shrugged. “You asked.”

“I didn’t expect a history lesson. I just think it’s pretty in here. Why do people care about what happened over two hundred years ago?”

“Two hundred years isn’t that long,” he demurred, strolling around the five-foot-high boxed pews. How strange to think that they segregated parishioners inside the church. Wealthier families’ boxes were closer to the front, of course. He sensed Kristina move up behind him. “Pretty, you say?” he asked, turning to her and resting his hands on her waist. She was so tiny he could practically wrap his hands around her waist, but then again, he did have big hands. “Did you know there are thirty-seven crypts below the church containing the remains of over a thousand former members?”

“Eww… really? Can we see them?”

He laughed. “If we return and take the official tour, but all you see are the walled-up tombs.” Dropping a twenty in the donation box, he wrapped his arm around her waist and escorted her outside. “Come on. I’m getting hungry.”

“I was wondering about that. You haven’t eaten anything.”

Biting his tongue from responding, he glanced down at her. “Do you like oysters?”

“Love them!”

That was good, he thought. A woman who could eat oysters could understand his dietary needs; at least he hoped. “Let’s go eat.”

Though warmer than usual, the weather was perfect. It was seventy-two degrees, clear and sunny. Other than a few evergreens that dotted the lawn of the park, the trees were mostly barren, with only a few sprouts visible. But it didn’t detract from the beauty of the wharf with sailboats moored one after another in the harbor, their predominantly blue and white sails rustling in the breeze. The constant squawk of the seabirds as they vied for scraps the tourist left behind filled the air with a vacation-like appeal. Sounds he’d remembered hearing as a child while chasing the white-winged fiends away from his lunch on Old Orchard Beach in Maine. The salty air laced with the hint of shellfish prickled his tongue, and his stomach growled in response.

Derrick handed his keys to the valet, slipping the gentleman a healthy tip before glaring at him. “No smoking, no scratches, and I’ll be leaving it here a while. I’ll have another tip ready if you can manage that.” The man gulped, but nodded in acquiescence. He didn’t like to come off as a brute, but he hated to have his vehicle returned scratched, and he couldn’t stand cigarettes. Thank goodness Kristina didn’t smoke too. He wouldn’t have been able to deal with that. It was much easier to wean someone off alcohol than cigarettes.

He turned to Kristina to escort her inside, but noticed her eyes were wide and round. She’d seen him when he’d been ready to kill. Had she forgotten, or had she conjured up a different memory of him? He winked and smiled, hoping her features would relax. It almost worked; she looked slightly relieved, but two little lines still creased the area between her eyebrows. He rushed to explain, “Last time I let a valet park my car, they returned my vehicle with a long scratch and the stench of cigarettes. I’m very sensitive to smells,” he added, hoping she wouldn’t read into his comment too much, but understand that he had a reason for his severe tone. The last thing he wanted was for Kristina to be afraid of him, even though she should be frightened, since he’d admitted that under certain circumstances members of his family would be willing to kill her. She should have run in fear at that moment, but that was his Kristina, brave to the core.

“Oh,” was all she said.

Craving her touch, Derrick held the crook of his arm out to her and she looped her smaller, daintier hands around his biceps, giving him a soft squeeze. He exhaled the breath he’d been holding in response, thankful she seemed comfortable with him.

They approached the four-story brick warehouse that had been an institution on Long Wharf for over forty years. The inside walls of the building dating back to the late 1700s continued the red brick of the outside while light from lanterns and lavish chandeliers highlighted the original broad wooden beams and floors. Black iron railings lined the stairwells and landings, adding to the historical appeal of the eatery.

It was quaint, but Derrick motioned to the cast-iron tables with black umbrellas over top of them. “We can stay inside if you like, but it’s so beautiful outside. Would it be okay if we ate on the patio?”

“Sure,” Kristina agreed in a hushed voice, too quiet. She’d been prattling away inside the vehicle on the drive here about the last time she’d been to the wharf. How she’d loved watching the harbor seals, since she couldn’t afford to go in the aquarium. She’d been so perky and excited only minutes ago, and then he had to frighten her. It wouldn’t have killed him if he’d gotten a scratch or had to deal with the smell of smoke.

Derrick glanced down at Kristina as the host directed them to a table. Two days ago, she was dying under his hands and now she was on his arm. It felt surreal, and for a moment, he also wondered if it was real. The day had been going great; until he’d gone and offered that he’d tell her everything later and then practically growled at the valet, that is. Even though she didn’t seem uncomfortable touching him, he felt like a moron. He could only hope that his tiff wouldn’t fuel her alarm when he told her the truth.

He pulled out a chair for her to sit and then took a seat across from her. “I’m sorry, Kristina. I didn’t mean to be brash with the valet.”

She shrugged. “I’m okay,” she said in a soft whisper, leaning forward. “He just looked so scared that it sort of took me by surprise. I’ve never thought of you as scary; though, I guess I should have.”

“I’m sorry,” he repeated.

Kristina reached across the table and ran her fingertips across his hand, sending a thrill through his chest, and surprisingly, an ache in his heart. It was already happening, he thought. He’d been with women before. It shouldn’t be happening from a simple kiss. Of course, the kiss wasn’t simple. He’d tried to play if off, but it had unlocked something within him. And for some reason, he would have sworn that she had felt it too.

She tilted her head as if to get his attention, but waited to speak until he locked eyes with her. “I’m not afraid of you, Derrick.”

He nodded and turned his arm so he could take her hand in his. “Thank you.”

The waiter bounced over to the table. “Top of the day to you. Will you be starting off with a cocktail or beer?”

Derrick glanced up at the rail thin college kid with a white shirt and green bow tie. Ah, right. St. Patrick’s Day. “Water’s fine.”

“Umm...” Kristina looked over the menu and his eyes jolted to hers. Certainly she couldn’t be thinking about drinking. It could kill her. She’d be able to drink again, but not after drying out in just two days. “Water for me too, please,” she finally answered, allowing him to relax.

“And two orders of oysters on the half-shell,” Derrick added before the waiter skipped off.

“Two?”

“I’m hungry.” He rubbed his thumb across the back of her hand. “Can I ask you something?”

She nodded.

“Were you thinking about drinking?”

“Only fleetingly. I remember what you said. But I don’t need it. I know I drank a lot. Every night for the last few years, in fact. But I’m pretty sure I’m not an alcoholic.”

“People often confuse ‘use’ with alcoholism,” he said. “They don’t understand that your body becomes reliant on it. It doesn’t mean you can’t ever drink again—if in fact you aren’t an alcoholic—but you need to wait.”

“I’m fine,” she said as a dismissal, glancing toward Long Wharf and then to the aquarium. Everywhere but him.

Derrick squeezed her hand to get her attention. “I won’t ask again.” Though he’d been her protector, he wasn’t her guardian. And he didn’t plan to treat her as though he was, but he was still concerned for her health.

She retracted her hand under the guise of unwrapping her silverware, but he could hear her irritation as she ground her teeth together. “So something else I remembered from the other day has been bothering me, Derrick. About how you always knew where I was. Something about tracking my cell phone?”

“I only did it when you didn’t come home. It’s not as though I watched you every minute of your life. I do work,” he ground out, a bite in his voice that he had no right to utter. She had every right to be nervous. He softened his tone and tried again. “I’d just got in the habit of driving by your place. And if you didn’t come home, I looked for you.”

“I want you to turn it off,” she snapped.

“Okay.”

She bit down on her lip, nodding as if pleased, even if somewhat confused. “That was easy enough.”

He reached for her hand again. “You’re here. You’re safe. Maybe you’ll stay with me, maybe you won’t. But I don’t need to watch you anymore. You’re a grown woman.” She nodded again, a small smile lifting her cheek. Had she thought he’d argue with her? “I’m not a controlling type of man, believe it or not. And even when I say stay with me, it doesn’t mean you can’t live your life. It just means we’ll always be together.” He lowered his head and stared into her eyes. If he was going to tell her everything, he might as well start with an important factor. “Explanation one, Kristina. My kind doesn’t separate. Once—rather, if you decide to stay with me, we will be together forever.”

Her eyes sparkled, a playful gleam lighting inside of them, and he could swear they turned greener. She pulled her free hand up on the table and leaned her chin on her fist, staring at him. “But what if someone like me, liked someone else of your kind. Is that allowable?”

Derrick jerked upright in his chair as if she’d plunged a knife between his shoulder blades. Now that she was with him, the thought that she’d even think… “Never,” he said seriously. “It just doesn’t happen.”

“Oh, I understand.”

“Do you? Once we—”

The waiter brought their waters and appetizers out on the same tray, halting their hushed conversation. He placed everything on the table and then pulled out a pad and pen to take their order. He looked to Kristina first. “Ready to order?”

“Yes. I’ll have the Chicken Romano.”

The man turned to Derrick, and he spilled out his entire order without giving him a chance to ask any questions. “I’ll have the chopped salad to start. No croutons. Vinegar only. Then, I’ll have a double order of the Ahi Tuna. Only, don’t sear it. And no side dishes or sauces. Just the tuna, please.”

The server wrote everything down without comment, but as every waiter had ever done before him, he gave him a confused look as he turned to leave. Derrick had learned to answer every question with finality before they asked, saved him from a lot of additional queries. Thankfully, sushi had become so popular in the last few years that most people no longer questioned his eating habits.

“Two orders again? Raw?”

“Explanation number two,” he said in a low voice so only she could hear, one of the reasons he wanted to eat outside. “I can’t eat cooked foods.”

She absorbed that, filing it away, it seemed, and then she whispered across the table, “At least you don’t drink blood.”

“Not quite,” he rejoined, watching as her eyes bulged as he met her playful comment head on. “People only thought we were.”

Chapter Six

Kris bolted upright. Her phone buzzed on the table, jolting her out of the trance she’d fallen into after Derrick’s remark about people thinking they were drinking blood. She glanced at the caller ID. “It’s Beth. It’s after three. She’s back from shopping,” she babbled incoherently in her frazzled state. “I should talk to her.”

Derrick reached across the table, covering her hand and the phone. “Please—”

“I remember,” she interrupted, gulping the lump in her throat. “Don’t say anything about you.”

“That isn’t what I was going to ask.” He squeezed her hand. “Please don’t take her call. Beth knows you’re okay. She just wants to talk, and you want an excuse to walk away so you can clear your head, but I don’t want you to leave yet.”

Tears filled her eyes and she didn’t even know why. She didn’t care what he was; Derrick wasn’t dangerous. She just felt—she didn’t know what she felt. Scared, she thought. Frightened of the unknown. Kris glanced at his warm and gentle gaze. She wasn’t afraid of Derrick. She needed to snap out of this. The phone stopped ringing, and she glanced at it, feeling as though she’d let go of her lifeline. As if she’d be content in letting Derrick’s mysterious dark waters engulf her, absorb her, providing her life-sustaining oxygen from now on.

“Kristina, you asked me to tell you… and I don’t think I have a choice now. When we…” He paused as if collecting his words. “I don’t know how to explain this… without pressuring you. No. Not now, not here.” He shook his head again. “Can we just eat? Then we’ll go somewhere and talk, okay? I promise I’ll explain everything.”

“Yeah,” she choked out. Her mouth was so dry. She picked up her water glass, removing the lemon, and drained it. As he watched her warily, she picked up an oyster, deciding to try to relax and enjoy their date. She doused the shellfish with horseradish, then slurped it out of the shell and threw her head back. “Whoo! Love that rush!”

Derrick grinned, seemingly more at ease that she wouldn’t bolt. He dropped an oyster right out of the shell into his mouth. No toppings of course, as everything else he’d ordered. So he ate raw foods. Many people did. He was just joking about the blood-drinking comment she realized.

Kris glanced at her phone’s screen as it lit up. Beth had left a long message. But then she noticed there were two more messages. She picked up the phone and glanced at the three missed calls and messages. Her work was one. That wasn’t a surprise; she’d already assumed they’d fired her. But the other message was from an unknown caller. “Hmm…” she pondered. “I don’t get many wrong numbers. I’ve had the same number for six years.”

Derrick rubbed his hand across his chin. “I’m sure it’s nothing.” He finished off his oysters within seconds and then his eyes flicked to her plate. “Are you going to eat yours?”

She laughed. “No. Go ahead. I guess it takes a lot to fill a man your size.” She pushed her ice-filled tray toward him. “How big are you anyway?”

He raised a brow. “You mean, how tall am I?”

“Mm-hm.”

“Not so tall. Six-four. My brother’s six-six.”

“That’s tall. I’m only five-four.”

“I know. You’re cute. Dainty. I like it.”

The waiter interrupted them again to remove their dishes. She almost wished they’d decided on pizza so they could just sit and talk. But then it hit her. No cooked foods… that meant no pizza. Say it wasn’t so. How could someone live without pizza?

Derrick ate every last morsel of his salad, and when their meals arrived, he finished off both portions of his fish. “I’d offer dessert, but I think we’ll find something more appetizing at the market,” he said after the waiter cleared their plates.

“Deal!” She grinned wide. Dessert was her favorite part, and she just wanted to leave anyway, anxious to hear more about the unusual man in front of her. She stood and he rose with her. “Let me take a quick bathroom break, and I’ll meet you upfront.”

He bobbed his head, but a look of concern washed over his features.

Kris stepped toward him, resting her hands on his chest. “Derrick, I’m not going to disappear, and I won’t say anything to Beth. I promise.”

He dipped his head and rested his hand on hers. “Would you do me a favor, then?”

“Anything.” She owed him her life on at least two occasions she was aware of.

“Could you not listen to your messages until we talk? I know who the unknown caller is, and I’d like a chance to explain.”

Chapter Seven

After purchasing gelato for Kristina and fresh fruit for him, Derrick walked inside a gift shop and bought the first two afghans he saw. He escorted Kristina across the street to the Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park. It was much nicer when the wisteria-covered trellis was in bloom and the trees were full and green, shading the red brick walkways, but even winter had its appeal. The season was ending, and so would the quiet and peaceful nights. Warmer evenings meant more people would be on the street, which meant more crime.

It was only four-thirty, but the sun was fading behind the buildings and the temperature was dropping fast. Most tourists had already left for the warmth of their hotel rooms, so he and Kristina would have the park to themselves.

Derrick located a secluded spot under a deciduous tree, overlooking Boston Harbor. He layered one of the afghans on the grass and then held his hand out to Kristina. Lowering his body to the ground, he pulled her down beside him. He folded the other blanket around her shoulders and then wrapped his arms around her. The warmth in his body cranked up a notch as she leaned against him. For several minutes, they stared out over the water.

In a matter of moments, the nighttime sky had transitioned from the pastel periwinkle color of the day to a deep indigo. Only a sliver of the moon rested above the horizon as if an artist had used the smallest brush he owned and just whisked a thin white line onto his canvas.

Sweeping Kristina’s hair off her shoulder, Derrick pressed his lips against the side of her neck and inhaled the fresh clean scent of her skin. She rarely wore perfume, which was fine with him since he had such an acute sense of smell. He appreciated her natural aroma along with a hint of raspberry, which must come from her body wash. He’d always been able to pick her out among a crowd, even if she was out of his line of sight.

“I have something for you,” he whispered. “No matter what you decide, it’s yours, and I want you to have it.”

Kristina turned in his arms, pulling her knees up in front of her and wrapping her arms around them. She lifted her head to look at him, and he couldn’t resist kissing those delicate pink lips. Just a soft kiss, but it sent a shockwave through his system again. What would he do if she left him? His kind didn’t fall twice. Yes, there was no doubt he loved Kristina. And his heart would break if she didn’t return that love. She was human. Capable of loving and leaving. His parents had warned him, his brother had cautioned him, even Vic had begged him to reconsider when he’d even mentioned Kristina in passing.

Kristina pulled her head back abruptly. “Are you okay?”

He nodded, realizing a tear had fallen. He’d never cried in his life, had never shed a tear. Even when Janelle had died in front of him. All he felt was hatred. But the thought of losing Kristina… the worst possible loss for his kind. “I’m fine.”

“Derrick. No matter what your secret is, I don’t care. I want to stay with you.”

“But you don’t even know me,” he countered.

“Yes, I do. And I feel something I’ve never felt. For anyone.” She lifted his hand and pulled it to her lips. “Talk to me please.”

“There’s so much… I don’t even know where to start. But first of all, I have something for you.” He reached inside his jacket, pulled out the tiny black box he’d had for six years, and held it out for her.

Kristina eyed it warily. “Um… well… this is fast.”

A laugh shot out of his throat before he could contain it. She was just so darn cute, and again, he couldn’t help but wonder why it had taken her jumping off a bridge to send him into action. How had he lived so long without her beside him? “It’s not an engagement ring. Besides, marriage isn’t what matters in my world anyway. A commitment is a commitment. A piece of paper means nothing.”

She reached from under her blanket and opened the velvet box. Her eyes widened as she recognized the ring. “Oh, my God! How did you—” Tears burst from her eyes. “My mother’s ring—actually, my grandmother’s ring. I sold it when I was sixteen.”

Derrick brushed her hair away from her face and kissed her forehead. “I know. I made sure no one could beat my bid.”

Laughter and tears erupted again. “Oh, God. Thank you. I’ve regretted selling it every day of my life.” She slipped the ring onto her right-hand ring finger and then moved to her knees in front of him. “Thank you, Derrick. Thank you for everything. What would I have done without you?”

“Kristina,” he said, his tone serious, wondering where to start. He tilted her face to him, holding on to her. He’d jump right in, he decided, hope she wouldn’t hate him, or think he was a freak as his brother had teased. “I knew your mother. Janelle and I worked together. She was so sweet, so kind.” Kristina’s eyes grew wide again, so he rushed to continue. “We were just friends.” He inhaled a deep breath as he watched a tear roll down her cheek. He rushed to get his explanation out before she ran away from him. “We’d interned together. And I’d been held up that night. I’d been fighting with my brother. I should have been there, stopped that man. I should have killed him—”

She pressed her hand against the side of his face. “It’s not your fault.” She shook her head as she obviously tried to make sense of everything. “You knew my mother? Did you…were you—”

He shook his head fiercely. “No. Nothing. Just friends. I’d made a commitment to protect her, though, and I failed.” He lifted Kristina’s hand to his lips. “When my kind fall… in love, I mean… we fall completely. It’s not like a human falls in love. It only happens once. When we decide that we want to be with someone… and then make love, there’s a connection. Because of that, though not completely uncommon, casual sex is rare. We only pursue someone we want to be with forever.”

She narrowed her eyes, tilting her head. “So you’ve never ‘fallen’ for a woman.”

“Not in that way… until now.”

Her mouth dropped open a fraction. “But we haven’t… or did we?”

“No, no. God no. The kiss. Just our kiss. It’s unusual, but I’ve heard it happens. If the desire is strong to be together.” He sighed. “So much to explain. We got off track. You’re not upset that your mother and I were friends?”

Kristina gave a dismissive shrug. “I always thought you knew us. The way you looked at me in the alley, the way you were so upset when you pulled that man away from my mother. I recognized you weren’t a random stranger.”

He released a titter of relief. “Okay… well, that takes a load off my mind. My brother insisted you wouldn’t be able to handle that, let alone the rest of the details.” He brushed her hair back and rested his hand against her cheek. Just maybe, he hoped. Perhaps she’d be okay with everything else he had to confess to her. Though his brother thought she’d be upset, Derrick assumed she could live with the fact that her mother and he had worked together. The rest of his secrets, however, might not be as easy to accept.

“I’ve always known you’re different, Derrick.” She ran her fingers down his jawline, a feather light stroke that sent his heart soaring, ready to take flight. “Will you talk to me now?”

He nodded and decided just to spill it all out at once. “We call ourselves creatus. From the Latin word meaning ‘created’. When my kind came here, there was a lot of confusion about what we were and where we came from. But the fact of the matter was, even we didn’t know. We came to this world about four thousand years ago, on what you might call an ark, in an attempt to escape our world we theorize. According to my elders, we were directed to this planet. Only two elders escorted hundreds of toddlers and then destroyed all evidence of our arrival and our technology, taking up residence among humans.

“Everything seemed fine, according to our history, which we are taught in our private schools. Until our diet and strength became known.” Derrick paused to let her catch up with his earlier comment about their eating requirements. “Cooked meats and grains are poisonous to our system, as they are to humans. But for some reason, the carcinogens don’t affect humans the way they affect us. It takes years to kill you in the form of heart disease and other maladies, but for us, we get deathly ill and usually die within weeks.

“When humans witnessed us eating raw red meat, they assumed we were blood drinkers and began to hunt us as demons. In order to protect ourselves, we had to kill and go into hiding.”

“Derrick,” Kristina cut in, “are you telling me you really are a vampire?”

Derrick drew her hand to his chest and held it there without saying a word for a couple of seconds. “Do you feel that?” She nodded. “The myths are just that, myths. I have a heart; it pumps blood through my system. Just because we eat raw red meat, people assume we drink blood. Have you seen anyone eat a rare steak?”

“Yes… ewww…”

He blew out a breath, and a white puff of smoke encircled them, as the temperature was dropping fast. “Can you handle this, Kristina?”

She bobbed her head. “Yes. My mother actually ate her steak pretty rare.”

“I know…” He sighed and continued, “We are actually a peaceful race, and contrary to popular belief, we are not immortal, and a bullet will kill us just as any other being. We are, however, extremely strong. We estimate that most creatus are approximately ten times stronger than the average human. We hear better, see better, and we live twice as long. Hence, all the stories that we are immortal, I believe.

“According to my family, when the new world opened up, my kind was the first to arrive. We’d already had relatives who had lived with the Cherokee Indians for centuries. It was a chance at a new life where all the superstitions of the old country would be laid to rest. Everything was great at first. We worked and lived side by side in a new unbiased country without all the superstitious ninnies.

“When America started turning to crime around the turn of the century, it was my family who attempted to curb the corruption. We took to the streets at night as vigilantes, ridding the cities of the degenerates. It is from my grandfather and father that your superhero stories came about.” He tilted her head. “It may sound unbelievable, but Superman, Spiderman, Batman… they were all one type of man; my family. But then, it wasn’t an angry mob we feared; it was the government. The military has been searching for us for more than seventy years.”

“Why?” she asked, an innocent gleam lighting her eyes.

“It started with some of my kind during World War II. A rumor had spread about immortals who had lived in the mountains had come to protect the innocent. We’d been here all along, but someone had remembered tales of their childhood about how my kind would protect a human and nurse them back to health.” He shrugged. “We’ve always been in the medical field; it makes forging documents easier. Anyway, my family had to tone down the protection, as sad as that is. In 1947, a division under the National Security Council got wind of the stories and got very close. We hide well, though. We have our own schools, medical centers, spies within the government, enabling us to stay one-step ahead. It is the one area our entire race agrees upon; we must stay hidden at all costs.”

Derrick stopped and glanced around the darkened park, thinking they should be getting home. But knew he needed to get to the scary part. The detail about his kind that fed the nightmares. “We protect our own no matter what. Until there’s a rogue. As I said, we are mostly peaceful, but we do have our psychos, as humans do. The only problem is when one of my kind is homicidal, they eat their victims.” She shuddered and he rushed to assure her. “Don’t get me wrong. We don’t crave humans. Humans don’t even smell like food. Believe me, if my kind really craved humans, the human race would have been extinct a long time ago.”

Chapter Eight

Kris shivered again. She gathered the blanket tighter around her shoulders, hoping Derrick wouldn’t think she was afraid of him. Because she wasn’t. “So your family is concerned if you and I don’t work out…” she trailed off, understanding what Derrick had been trying to impress on her. Forever. One man, well… one creatus, forever.

Derrick pulled her to his chest, his hand running the length of her back. “I would never let anyone hurt you, Kristina. No matter what. I’d die first.”

“But then we’d both die,” she whispered.

She felt the subtle movement of his head. He’d nodded without realizing, she was certain. “I trust you, Kristina. If you’d rather walk away now, I’ll let you go. No one will ever know, and you can live out your life as if you’d never proved I existed with your death-defying stunt.”

Kris huffed out a chuckle. “As if that were even possible.” She turned in his arms again. “I’m not going anywhere, Derrick.” She gazed up at his face, struggling to make out his features in the dim light. “You said you’ve fallen, and that you don’t fall twice.” She felt his chest fill and release. “Is it possible I’ve ‘fallen’ too? Can that happen? Because I swear when you kissed me, I felt something. But then we stopped...”

“Yes,” he murmured. “You’ll feel it inside. It’s painful at first, as if something wants possession of your soul. But when you accept it, when you open up to it, the warmth surges through your body. An electricity flares through every nerve ending, and you feel light, as if your body could just float away on its own.”

“Do you feel that way now?” she asked, hoping he did, but frightened of what that might mean. What if it didn’t happen to her? Was it even possible for a human to fall as he had said? She’d never felt anything like she’d experienced when he kissed her in her apartment, but was that just the anticipation of a first kiss from the man she’d dreamed about nearly every night?

“Yes. I felt it fighting to take control. And I’d blocked it until you mentioned being with another man.” A burst of air left his lungs. “It enveloped me then. Because the thought of you—”

“Then how could I ever leave you?” She lifted her head to his, wanting to give into the feeling.

Derrick dipped his head, brushing his lips across hers as he’d done earlier. “I don’t want you to ever leave me. I want you to stay, but I’m afraid—”

“Kiss me, Derrick. Possess me,” she whispered. “Make me yours. I want to stay with you.”

Without hesitation this time, his mouth parted, taking hers completely. The tip of his tongue touched her lips and her mouth fell open, accepting him. He lowered her onto his lap, his arms folding completely around her, cocooning her to his body. He moved his hand behind her neck, locking her in his embrace.

Every nerve ignited as if she were on fire. Red-hot heat radiated through her body, singeing every molecule without actually burning her. Instinctively, she started to pull back against the fiery emotion, but Derrick held her tightly, refusing to let her go as the fire soared through her veins, radiating under her skin. Her body felt as if it would combust. His mouth pressed harder as her body writhed with a somehow joyous pain. She wanted to contest the burning in her stomach, in her loins, but her mind told her it was a good pain. Her heart raced, pounding out a vicious rhythm, and Derrick pulled her even closer, refusing to break the kiss.

Her muscles seized then tingled, and she realized what her body was experiencing. The most intense orgasm she had ever felt—from a kiss. She gave into it then, feeling the blood rush through her system, an intense heat radiating throughout every molecule in her body. And then she felt a magnificent high. A surge of pleasure she’d never experienced via any man, drug, or alcohol. Her body melted as Derrick finally retracted, but the fullness of his drug remained in her veins, completing her, making her his. “Wow…” was the only word she could push out of her mouth.

Chapter Nine

“That was some kiss.”

Derrick whipped his head to the sound of his brother’s voice. He focused his eyes on the top of the Chart House, knowing that’s where he’d be hiding. Away from human eyes and ears, but still able to see and communicate with him.

“Excuse me, Kristina.” Derrick stood and gestured that she should stay sitting when she bounced up next to him. “I’m sorry. I’ll be right back.” Her eyes spoke volumes. Sadness, rejection, fear. He lifted her hands to his lips. “I’ve fallen completely. I will never leave you now, nor will anyone ever take you away. But… we have a visitor I need to handle.” He lowered her hands. “I’ll only be a few feet away. Okay?”

“Okay,” she said on a sigh, confusion clear in her eyes.

When she settled herself down on the blanket, he sprinted to the end of the park. It was too dark for her, but he could see her straining to see where he’d gone.

Michael landed in front of him with a soft thump. “Did you fall?”

As usual, no pleasantries. His brother had the personality of a doormat. Did he really think Derrick would ever allow anyone to hurt Kristina even if he hadn’t?

“Yes. Completely,” Derrick admitted, even though he didn’t want to tell him. The act was personal. Something he’d waited his entire life to experience, but instead of enjoying the moment with Kristina, he had to address his brother’s queries. Michael was lucky he hadn’t already knocked him to the ground so that he could return to Kristina.

His brother closed his eyes and shook his head. “More importantly… did she?”

“I’m pretty sure, but you sort of interrupted us, you perv. Couldn’t you have waited for me to call you in the morning?”

Michael huffed out a silvery breath in the cool night air. “No. There’s a problem and you know it. When were you going to tell me about the detective?”

Derrick grabbed his brother’s shoulders and shook him. “What the hell, Michael? Are you bugging my home? I know you have your spies, but you have no right to defile my personal space.”

Michael shoved his hands off him and backed up a step. “I don’t need to bug your house. I have my own sources. If you’d been paying attention to the news and not your girlfriend for the last few days, you’d know we have some major problems other than the detective. I’ve been handling everything while you’re off playing with your new toy.”

His blood pressure rising, Derrick stepped toward his brother again. “That’s enough! Speak disrespectfully about Kristina again and we’ll finish everything here.” When Michael bobbed his head in understanding, Derrick continued, “What problems?”

“We’ll discuss it tomorrow. I assume you’ll be introducing your bride to the family.”

Derrick nodded.

Michael raised an eyebrow, a sideways smile lifting his rounder cheek. His brother was the only creatus he’d seen who actually had dimples. It sort of detracted from his bad-boy guise, which Derrick never minded pointing out. “You want me to tell Vic,” his brother taunted.

“No, I don’t want you to tell Vic,” Derrick growled. “I’d rather do it in person.”

“You’re going to risk Vic seeing Kristina?”

“Do I have a choice?”

Michael shook his head. “Not really. It’ll happen eventually. I’ll just let everyone know you’re coming. We need to gather to discuss what’s been going on anyway. Make sure you watch the news when you get home. I’m sure there’ll be another one tonight.”

Derrick narrowed his eyes, shaking his head. “Please tell me you’re wrong.”

“Wish I could tell you that. But there’s no doubt. We have a rogue creatus.”

Derrick took his time walking back to Kristina. Only officially in his life a few days and he’d have to remind her that his kind was the most dangerous of all serial killers. He definitely didn’t want her out of his sight either, which he was certain would turn into an issue. Especially since he’d just insisted he wasn’t controlling and that she could do as she pleased.

The problem was that if there was a rogue, more than likely they were acquainted with the creatus, which meant they’d eventually meet Kristina. It couldn’t be anyone in Boston, though. Other than a few who’d come to live with their group over the years, most of the creatus he’d known since he was a child. None of them was capable of such atrocious acts. Sadly, it usually wasn’t about food when there was a rogue among them, but about hatred and a thrill. They enjoyed the chase, reveled in the fact they were superior. With their heightened senses and strength, the chances of a human detective catching them were nil. They’d hear or smell authorities a mile away, and then they’d outrun them.

Thankfully, that’s where Michael came in. His brother was a true detective. He’d hunt the rogue down and dispose of him before he created a nightmare they’d have to clean up.

Derrick stepped in front of Kristina, startling her. “It’s okay. It’s me.”

She jumped to her feet. “Oh, thank God! I’ve never been in the park this late. It’s scary. Every shadow seemed to come to life.” She glanced to the left. “I swear I heard someone breathing.”

He smiled to assure her, but then glanced in the direction she’d looked. He saw nothing, but that wasn’t unusual. If it were the rogue, he’d know how far to stay away, and he would have bolted the moment Derrick approached. He’d have to keep an eye out for the perpetrator. Unfortunately, creatus didn’t look or smell any different from humans. Their chemical makeup was so alike that his kind often wondered if the same superior being had created both species.

Derrick wrapped his arm around Kristina’s waist. “Let’s go home.”

Kristina leaned against him without a word, content it seemed just to be with him. The idea sent a thrill through his system. He’d worried for six years for no reason. Kristina had accepted him without question. The one nice thing about falling was that it could not be faked or forced. Lord knows he’d tried. He’d attempted to fall for one of his kind, but it’d never happened. Now they could move ahead with their lives without any concerns. His family could not argue since she’d fallen too.

After the valet brought his vehicle around—with no scratches or reek of cigarettes—he exchanged the keys for a generous tip and then closed Kristina inside.

“Derrick, when you said ‘Let’s go home…’” Kristina started as soon as he sat down in the driver’s seat. “Um… what exactly did you mean?”

“Well, I have a spare bedroom, if that’s what you’re worried about.”

She cleared her throat. “I’m not worried, but I have to go to my apartment.”

“Of course. We can get your things—”

“No… that’s not what I mean. I have plants that I need to take care of.”

He laughed, but then stopped when he realized she was serious. “Plants?”

“Yes, plants. They need watered and they need air. They’ve been closed up in the house for days.”

“You’re kidding, right?”

This time Kristina crossed her arms over her chest. “No, I’m not kidding.”

He turned in the direction of her apartment. Plants? He’d understand a kitten or a puppy, but plants?

Derrick parked in front of Kristina’s apartment and hopped out. With a quick glance around, he dashed to her side of the vehicle to open the door.

She glanced up at him, eyes wide. “You’re such a gentleman, Derrick. I’m not used to this.”

He took her hand and led her to the doors of the building. “Get accustomed to it; it’s who I am.” He pulled her close as they stepped in front of the door. “Would you please water your plants and come home with me?”

“Derrick, I like my bed. I know you have a fancy apartment, but I like my place. I haven’t been home in days. My plants need my carbon dioxide too.”

“The point is… my condo is safe.” He shook his head. “I can’t believe… plants. I never would have guessed?” He nudged her chin up with one finger. “I’ll worry about you all night.”

“I know it’s not the best neighborhood, but I’ve never had any problems.” She curled her body against his. “You could stay here…” she hedged. “I have a comfy sofa.”

He lowered his head and narrowed his eyes. “If I stayed here, there’s no way I could stay on the sofa.”

Kristina licked her lips in response. “Works for me.”

Derrick opened the door and pulled her through the doorway. Anxious to get to the third floor, he moved to the middle of the stairwell and listened for a second. Nothing. He was familiar with each tenant’s voice. They were all doing something other than traveling the corridors. “Works for me too.” He pulled Kristina up in his arms.

She whooshed out a breath in response. “Um… you’re going to carry me up three flights of stairs?”

“Nope. I’m going to jump three flights of stairs. Ready?”

She bit down on her bottom lip, but nodded.

Derrick knew the exact force; he’d done this many times in the last two years since she’d moved into the building. He softened his knees and propelled himself off the concrete, soaring upward and over the railing, landing in front of her door.

He felt Kristina’s heart pound against his chest, but she smiled. “Well, that was different.” She laughed. “Whew! The blood is rushing to my head. Give me a second to get my bearings before you let me down. I think my feet are still on the ground level.”

Derrick continued to hold her in his arms as she handed him the keys. “I can hold you as long as you wish. You weigh practically nothing, and I rather like having you this close.” He unlocked and pushed open the door.

As he stood in her tiny living room, he dipped his head to hers. Her lips parted and he sealed his mouth to hers. Walking to the sofa, his lips still pressed to hers, he sat with her in his arms.

Kristina wrapped her arms around his neck, her hands moving through his hair. It felt so good. He didn’t ever want to let her go. How did people function? He couldn’t imagine having to go to work or eat, or anything for that matter. He wanted to lie down beside her and never leave her side. His father had tried to explain to him once, but it was difficult to understand. Hard to comprehend how you could want one person forever. He’d liked women before, thought that he could make it work, but the couple times he’d mentioned to his father that he thought that maybe he’d felt something, his father had laughed. He’d bellowed, “When it happens, you’ll know. It’s like nothing you’ve ever felt.”

His father had been correct. Derrick had been a fool to think he could have forced this with anyone other than Kristina. He’d been in love with her spirit for too long. His soul had known all along what it wanted.

Kristina pulled back, smiling. “As much as I don’t want to stop kissing you, Derrick. I really need to take care of my plants.”

He sighed, running his hands through his hair. “Tell me what we have to do, please. I never thought I’d be upstaged by plants.”

She scooted off his lap and sauntered toward the kitchen, shaking more than she had to he was certain. Unable to resist, he followed. As she filled the pitchers in the sink, he nuzzled against her. Her body squirmed beneath him as the heat of his breath tickled her neck. He moved his hands down the length of her arms, pulling the first pitcher up to the counter. He pressed his mouth against her skin and she cooed in response.

He lifted the second vessel out of the sink and she turned in his arms, inching her fingers up his shirt, unbuttoning it along the way. When she had it completely undone, he allowed her to move it off his shoulders, throwing it over a chair at the dinette.

Kristina ran both hands over his chest and down his arms. “Are you trying to distract me?”

He smiled. “I was filling water pitchers. You’re the one who started undressing me.”

“Maybe they can wait until morning,” she said, drawing out her words slowly, in the sexiest voice he’d ever heard.

“Oh, no. We’re watering these plants now.” He drew up one of the canisters and headed over to the first window, then whooshed through the house before Kristina could move toward the first plant. He appeared in front of her, an empty water canister in his hands. “Done!” He whisked her off her feet and carried her to the bedroom.

“Aww… you didn’t show them any love. You have to talk to them so they can get their life-sustaining carbon dioxide—”

Derrick pressed his lips over hers, cutting off her words. He lowered her to the bed and crawled over top of her. Stupid plants, he thought. Thankfully, Kristina seemed to forget about her foliage as her hands traveled over his shoulders and across his back. He groaned with pleasure, wanting her fully. His body lit up, ready to partake, but he pulled away. “We’re not going to do anything tonight, Kristina.”

She crinkled her eyebrows together. “What do you mean? Why?”

“It’s just not right. Not yet.”

“But you said—”

He rested his fingers over her lips. “I know. We’re committed. But it’s still our first night together. It just doesn’t feel right. I want it to be more romantic, more of a buildup.”

She sighed. “I don’t understand. How can there be more of a buildup than we’ve already experienced? What I felt was the most incredible sensation ever.”

He smiled and warmth seared through his chest at her words. “Thank you. But trust me; it’ll get better. Right now, I just want you to kiss me again.”

Kristina lifted her head and parted her lips, allowing him access to taste her again. The same feeling as before soared through his system. He couldn’t imagine ever tiring of kissing her.

He jerked his head up at a sound outside and saw a shadow pass by the window. “You don’t have a fire escape on this window, do you?”

She squinted in the dim light. “No. It’s outside the kitchen window.”

“That’s what I thought.” Derrick jumped to his feet and peered through the wood slats. The shadow moved across the roof of the next building. No way would he catch the perp. They’d heard his words and had moved for cover. Definitely a creatus based on the speed. He could only pray it was someone from his family checking on him and not the rogue.

Chapter Ten

Kris stared at her reflection in the wide chrome-framed mirror while Derrick stood behind her. “Are you sure this is okay?” she asked for the hundredth time, checking her makeup in the unnatural light of his vanity mirror. Her bathroom, though smaller, had soft natural light. Her entire apartment was warm and sunny, even in the dead of winter. It was how she preferred it.

Now, due to his insistence, she’d lined up all her plants in front of Derrick’s wall of windows in the living area of his condo. And now she was attempting to figure out if her makeup looked acceptable in his master bath, which had no windows.

Derrick touched the collar of her sweater, which rested at the edge of her shoulders, pressing his lips to her bare skin. “You look beautiful. What are you worried about?”

“I just want to make sure they think I’m good enough for you.”

He hummed out a breath, smiling. “It doesn’t matter what they think. I love you, and that’s all that matters.”

Kris gulped, tears forming in her eyes. He hadn’t said those words. He had said he’d fallen, but in her language, those three little words meant everything. She turned to him. “I love you too, Derrick. I always have.”

He brushed her hair away from her face. “Then why are you crying?”

She didn’t know why she was crying actually. Overwhelmed, scared, a million reasons why, she assumed, but mostly because she felt his love in an almost palpable way. “Hearing you say that… it feels real. You’re real. And I’m so scared they’ll hate me and try to tear us apart. I’ve been alone since I was eight and the thought of losing you—”

Derrick placed his hands on either side of her face and kissed her softly, then moved his fingers under her chin, directing her head up to face him. “You’ve never been alone, my love. I’ve always been here.”

“I know.” She sighed. “It’s what kept me going, what kept me in Boston. But what if they—”

“They can’t,” he cut in softly. “Believe me. This is the one thing my family—all of them, even my brother—understands. Even if they are not happy, they know there’s nothing that will change. And my mother will love you. Another woman around...” he trailed off, as if not wanting to finish his sentence.

Kris inhaled a deep breath and whooshed it out, appraising the cold tile and metal around her. If she were in her home, she wouldn’t feel so out of sorts. “If you’re not worried, why did you insist we pack up my house in the middle of the night and come here?”

He dropped his hands to her shoulders, fiddling with the soft threads of her sweater. “I just wanted you with me. In a safe place. Your apartment is too easy to break into. All of my doors and windows have extra security, with reinforced steel and glass. Even a creatus couldn’t break in here.”

She narrowed her eyes. “You think one of them will try to hurt me?” she deduced. “This all happened after you jumped up last night. What did you see?”

Derrick shrugged. “Just a shadow.”

Kris presumed he wasn’t telling her everything, but she also had a feeling he wasn’t going to either. He’d whisked her out of the house so quickly last night her head had spun. Not that she minded being with him all the time, but one minute he was insisting they needed to do something romantic before they went further, and the next he’d had all her plants in the rear of his Navigator. He had helped her pack a duffle bag of clothes and toiletries, but he’d paced the entire time, as if he were all of a sudden in a hurry.

Once they’d arrived at his house, though, he’d carried her items into the spare room. She’d walked right into the room behind him, snatched up her bag, and moved it to his master bedroom while he watched.

After that, they’d cuddled in his bed together, but he’d refused to do anything but kiss her. She’d finally fallen asleep, but had awoken to discover he’d left the room. Following the muted sound and flickering light of the television, she’d found Derrick sleeping on the sofa, remote still clutched in his hand.

Knowing he wasn’t going to confess any more than he had last night, she stepped out from under his hands. “I’m ready.”

“Good. Let’s go,” he chirped, drawing her toward the door.

Derrick’s trek away from the city surprised Kris. She’d assumed his family—as he continually referred to them—all lived nearby. Instead, they drove north then headed west on 495 toward the city of Harvard. She’d been through Harvard a few times. It was a quaint, but beautiful town. They passed the town hall on their route, and Kris couldn’t help but giggle. It looked as though someone had torn the building out of a Norman Rockwell painting and planted it on the main thoroughfare next to the general store and fire department.

With its whitewashed exterior, front porch, and even a crow’s nest on the roof, Kris wanted to pull out her charcoal and tablet and draw for the first time in years. Several apple orchards and farms with riding stables lent a down-home feel to the small town. It was hard to believe such a place existed so close to Boston.

About a half an hour after they’d left his apartment, they turned north again. After several miles of rolling hills, he finally turned onto a dead-end street as indicated by the no-outlet sign. They passed six chalet-style houses on large plots of land. When he reached the end of the road, he turned off to the left, traveling down a gravel driveway. Derrick finally pulled to a stop in front of another tri-level house, nestled between several species of evergreens. A large barn sat off in the distance adjacent to what looked to be a vacant vegetable garden.

Kris lowered her head, gazing out the window to absorb everything. “This place is enormous. Whose house is this?”

“My parents,” Derrick said simply, opening his door and hopping out of the vehicle.

Her heart thrummed in her chest, her earlier nervousness returning, only worse than it had been as she was now here.

Derrick opened her door and took her hand. “It’s okay, Kristina. No one’s going to bite you.”

“Are you sure?” she fretted, gnawing on her bottom lip. “Maybe we should just go. Give them a few years to get used to the idea of us being together.”

He stepped in front of her, lowering his head to her eye level. “Everything will be fine. You’re strong, independent, and feisty. Feel free to be yourself. Don’t let them scare you, especially Vic.”

“Who’s Vic?”

Derrick kissed her quickly, then taking her hand, pulled her into the house. He opened the door and stepped inside. The area they walked into was a den of some sort, with an older, seventies’ style brown sofa and console television. Derrick walked through that area and up a small flight of stairs, passing a hallway leading to several rooms. When they reached the first landing, Kris could see another living area off to their right, only more modern than the room below them. Derrick ignored that area too and walked out a door leading outside again.

As soon as they stepped onto the porch, Kris saw a hundred or so people—creatus, standing in loose circles. Everyone stopped to look—and glare—but then, other than one group of four people, most went back to their subdued conversations, as if not the least bit concerned. She released a short breath of relief as Derrick took her hand and led her down the steps. Her previous nervousness started to melt away at the warmth of his hand wrapped around hers. He wasn’t embarrassed of her, so what was the worst thing that could happen. Even if his brother or parents didn’t approve, it didn’t mean he’d leave her. He had said he’d never leave her and he’d never let anyone take her away. So she had no reason to fret about losing another person in her life.

Derrick made his way to the smaller group, but the entire time they approached, a woman shook her head, her beautiful face contorting with every step they neared. Her hair was long and raven black. Her features, like Derrick’s, were striking, and Kris realized immediately where the myth of Wonder Woman must have begun. She, along with most of the other women, looked like Amazons, tall and utterly beautiful. Kris hoped that she was a sister Derrick had failed to mention. Because if this woman had a romantic interest in Derrick, she might just kill Kris on the spot by the look of things.

The Amazon took a step forward. “I can’t believe you’d bring that tramp—”

“Victoria!” Derrick barked, causing Kris to cringe behind him. So much for being strong and feisty.

A man standing next to the woman patted her arm, whispering something Kris couldn’t hear.

Victoria’s lips drew back, and if Kris wasn’t mistaken, she growled. “You bitch!”

The man, who Kris noticed looked more like Derrick than any other of the men around her, clamped his arms around the woman, and Derrick rushed them, taking the woman’s other arm. Both men dragged the woman away, kicking and screaming obscenities, before Kris could even blink. Kris stood there with tears stinging her eyes, wanting just to seep into the ground. What had she done? She didn’t even know the woman. A chill started at the base of her neck and rushed through her body, immediately making her shiver. Wrapping her arms around her body, she attempted to calm her nerves before she bolted up the stairs to the safety of the Navigator.

An older woman with lighter hair than the rest approached and Kris quivered, knowing Derrick wouldn’t be able to protect her. “It’s okay, Kristina.” The woman wrapped her arms around her shoulders. Her warm chocolate eyes instantly soothed Kris, making her feel as though she were gazing into Derrick’s eyes. Her features were soft and round, nothing like the other women now gawking at the commotion she’d caused. “Welcome to the family, honey. Vic will get over it; she doesn’t have a choice and she knows it.”

Kris gazed up into the kind woman’s eyes, noticing there was something different about her. Though Derrick had said there was no way to tell, every one of the persons around her looked as though they were related to one another, other than this woman. “You’re human, aren’t you?”

“Yes. I’m Sabrina. Derrick’s mother.”

Chapter Eleven

“What is wrong with you, Vic?” Derrick roared, wondering if it was safe to release his grip on her arm. “Was that you last night? Huh? You think you can scare her away?”

Victoria lifted her head, ignoring his question. Tears trailed down her cheeks. “I loved you, Derrick. How could you?”

He closed his eyes to break off the pain of her declaration. He’d always known that she loved him, and he loved her too, but they’d never be anything more than friends. Well, maybe not anymore, which made his heart hurt for her. She’d always be his confidant; he’d hate to lose her friendship. “You know I tried. We both tried. I’ve been trying for fourteen years. It wasn’t ever going to happen, Vic. You know that.”

She dropped her head to her hands, and Michael patted her shoulder. Sometimes Derrick wished she would just leave. He had a feeling that if he could have fallen for her, she would have instantly reciprocated. It was his hang-up, he knew; his love for Kristina wouldn’t allow it to happen.

“I’ll stay with her,” Michael said. “Go take care of your woman. She’s probably scared to death.”

Derrick stared at his brother in disbelief. Again, Michael’s actions baffled him. Even though they had a human mother, he’d never hidden his distaste for humans. Even their mother knew how Michael felt. Michael knew if the military ever found out about the creatus, especially him and Derrick, they’d use them as guinea pigs. He and Derrick were an anomaly among the group, but no one dared mess with them. As strong as the creatus were, they were stronger. For some reason, a human and a creatus didn’t make a half-anything. Derrick and Michael were twice as strong as their full-bred cousins were. Neither his grandfather nor his father could explain or come up with any rational explanation, even with their combined medical expertise.

Derrick glanced at Victoria, feeling horrible, but he had no choice. He was in love with Kristina, and he finally understood that he’d been in love with her for the last few years, the reason he could never fall for another woman.

As if she’d read his mind, Vic’s eyes smoldered with hatred. “How could you? You’re supposed to protect us. As the overseer, you’re supposed to keep the humans away, not bring them inside.”

He narrowed his eyes. “Careful, Victoria. My mother happens to be one of those humans.”

“Your mother’s not a drunk!”

Derrick sprang across the barn floor, landing in front of her, fuming. “Back off.”

Michael bounded between them, both hands held at arm’s length. He turned to address Victoria, “Vic, he’s fallen. End of story. Nothing you can say or do will change that. You need to set your sights on someone else for once.”

“You’re right, Michael. But the only other man I had an interest in left. Maybe I’ll hunt down Jonas.”

“Vic,” Derrick cautioned. “You know better than that.”

She glared at him. “Really? Why shouldn’t I, Derrick? You don’t like anyone around who questions your rules.”

“They’re not my rules—” Derrick shook his head, not wanting to revisit this same argument. A woman scorned was a woman scorned; it didn’t matter if she was a human or creatus evidently. “Do what you want, Vic. Just stay away from Kristina. She’s one of us now.”

“She’ll never be one of us,” she sneered.

Derrick decided he’d better leave before he did anything he’d regret. “We’ll discuss this, along with your appearance last night, at the meeting. He charged toward the door, needing to get as far away from her as possible. He’d always cared deeply for Victoria, but the moment she’d threatened Kristina, he felt as if he could kill her without a second thought. As he’d told Kristina repeatedly, nothing could ever come between them after they’ve fallen. Not even a lifelong friend.

He stepped outside again to get away from her and his brother.

The moment he saw his mother’s arm draped around Kristina’s shoulder, introducing her to everyone, his irritation moved to the recesses of his mind. Kristina did the obligatory nodding and smiling, but he could tell it was forced. She was rightly nervous. All of his assurances that she was safe and she’d nearly been attacked within seconds after their arrival.

He darted to the other side of her, kissing her cheek. “Hi. Sorry about that.”

Kristina turned her head, glaring at him. “You should have told me,” she hissed in a low whisper.

He didn’t want to embarrass her, but he had to remind her. “Um, Kristina, just so you know… Everyone heard you. There’s no such thing as whispering in my world.”

Kristina’s eyes widened. As she looked around the property, her eyes filled with tears, but she lifted her head to restrain them. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. It’s a lot to take in, I know. And you’re right; I should have told you. We’ll talk about it later though, okay?” He wiped away a tear. Knowing Victoria could hear him, he stated clearly, “Vic won’t bother you again, I promise.”

He heard Victoria harrumph from inside the barn, but suppressed a snarl in front of Kristina, since she obviously couldn’t hear her. He never imagined that Vic would turn violent. Upset, yes, he assumed that. But if Michael hadn’t restrained her when he did and she’d launched across the lawn, she could have killed Kristina with one blow, and then his life would be over. Creatus didn’t recover after losing a partner. They usually ended up moving away from the family, wishing for death. Suicide wasn’t common, but they begged death to take them.

Kristina nodded and attempted a smile. “Your mom has been introducing me to everyone. How come you didn’t tell me?”

“I didn’t want to influence your decision in any way.” He picked up his mother’s hand. “I’m sorry I didn’t get to introduce you properly. Mom, this is Kristina Heskin.”

His mother released an airy laugh, squeezing her arms around Kristina’s shoulder. “Sabrina Ashton, as you already know.”

“Actually…” Kristina laughed, pink tinting her cheeks. “I didn’t know your last name was Ashton. I like that.”

“Oops.” Derrick shrugged as his mother glared at him. As a distraction, he glanced over his shoulder for his father, who stepped toward him immediately, a smile on his face. He didn’t think his father would be upset once he saw Kristina. Their only concern was her drinking, but he assured them she’d want to clean up. Derrick knew she wasn’t an alcoholic; she’d just been looking for a means of escape. And if she hadn’t said anything about him all these years, why would she start now? “And my father Lynford Ashton, but everyone calls him Lyn.”

Kristina flashed a genuine smile. “Nice to meet you. Both of you. And didn’t you mention you had a brother?” Kristina asked.

“Yes, well… Michael’s—”

“Right here, Bro,” Michael called, landing in front of Kristina, not concerned with showing his ability, which most of the group rarely demonstrated. Of course, Derrick had shown off the previous evening too.

“Oh!” She recoiled, but then seemed to catch her bearings. “Um… is everything all right? I didn’t mean to cause derision in the family,” Kristina offered, beaming at his younger brother. Derrick felt a pang of jealousy surge through him because of her words about being with another of his kind yesterday, even though he knew nothing could ever come between them. But his brother was a good-looking, and younger, man. He actually looked the same age as Kristina, since he was five years younger than Derrick was. And he looked more human with his slightly rounder cheeks and lighter shade of hair with just a hint of curl. More natural anyway than the hard sculpted faces and raven straight hair most creatus had.

Michael lifted her hand to his lips. “Everything is fine, Kris. Welcome to the family. I hate to do this to you, but Derrick and I have to talk. Do you mind if I steal him away for a moment?”

Kristina retracted her hand, subconsciously wiping it on her jeans. Derrick couldn’t help the laugh that threatened to escape. Michael would be devastated that his charms hadn’t worked on her. He was obviously testing whether she’d actually fallen. Few women were able to resist his brother’s magnetism. Even though he supposedly didn’t like their species, he had no problem taking what he wanted from a human woman.

“Kristina, why don’t you and mom take a tour of the house and get to know each other while I talk with the family?” Her face dropped. “We’ll be fifteen minutes at best,” he rushed his weak explanation.

She inhaled a breath, turning to Sabrina. “Okay, I guess. I would actually love a tour of the house. It’s lovely.”

Sabrina wrapped her arm around Kristina again and strolled off toward the house.

Derrick walked toward the barn. “Let’s get this over with,” he called to the rest of the group.

His father, brother, and every other creatus, men and women, except those who remained with young children, followed Derrick inside the barn. The barn, which was actually an office, served as the center for all their meetings.

Victoria balanced on a rafter, but dropped when he rolled his eyes. She made a wide loop around him, plopping down on one of the chairs closest to the door. “First off, Derrick, what is it you keep accusing me of?”

Derrick ignored her while everyone found a chair or an empty railing to sit on or leaned up against a post. Derrick perched on the edge of his brother’s desk, while Michael stood beside him.

Every eye focused on Derrick. Even though they knew Michael would discuss news of a possible rogue, it seemed they all had more interest in a new human family member. “So, I assume you all met Kristina,” he started. Heads nodded, most respectful, a few not so much. “This should come as no surprise as I’ve discussed her with you several times.”

“You also said you’d wait until she was older, more mature,” Dean, an elder he’d always thought of as an Uncle, reproached. “She’s a liability, Derrick. You should have talked with us before bringing her here. If you want to endanger yourself and your family, that’s one thing. To have her see us without our consent is another.”

Derrick pursed his lips, nodding in assent. “Fair comment, Dean. And I apologize. In hindsight, I guess I should have met you alone.”

The group glanced around, nodding in agreement, and Derrick noticed the overconfident grin spread across Vic’s face. Did she think they’d banish him or Kristina because of it? That wouldn’t help matters. He’d always gone with the idea that it was better to beg forgiveness than to plead for mercy.

Dean leaned back in his chair and jutted his chin in Derrick’s direction. “That said… Kristina seems like a wonderful girl. If she hasn’t mentioned any of your peculiar antics in fourteen years, I’m certain she won’t start now.”

Victoria’s arrogance fell flat and she twisted in her chair as if wanting to make her escape.

Derrick tore his eyes away from the woman who used to be his best friend. He’d told Victoria everything, had always been upfront with her. They’d shared stories, experimented with life and love. He shook the thoughts from his head, feeling as if he’d been using her. “Kristina won’t talk to anyone. She has fallen for me, as I have for her.”

A few surprised gapes and audible grunts traveled throughout the barn, echoing in the rafters.

His father stood up and approached the front. “It’s over. You all act as if this doesn’t happen. Might I remind you I married a human. Sabrina has lived beside you, prepared food for you, adjusted her entire life to be one of us.” Lyn glared at his youngest son. “And still, we treat humans as though they are a subspecies. Just because we are stronger, doesn’t make us better.” He shrugged. “Besides, we have more important things to discuss than my son’s love life. According to Michael, we have a rogue on the loose. And that, my friends, is more dangerous to our way of life than one young girl.” Lyn walked back to his chair and plopped down, crossing his arms in finality.

At a hundred years old, his father was still a force to be reckoned with. No creatus, himself and Michael included, would dare challenge him. Yes, Derrick was stronger, but his father had seen more life. He’d met his mother when she was twenty-two and had fallen within days, he’d said, ignoring his parents’ concerns. Now his mother was seventy-three, and his father looked to be in his early fifties. His father would live another fifty years. But more than likely, his mother would survive another twenty at best. The creatus’ diet of all whole and natural foods made her appear younger than her years, but facts were facts. And nothing they could do would change the reality that his father would spend roughly thirty years alone, something he’d admitted on numerous occasions that he accepted fully.

Derrick knew he too would be in the same situation, but also identified with his father’s avowal. Nothing would cause him to regret his decision to spend his life with Kristina.

Michael stepped forward and took his father’s place at the front of the room. “I’m sure you know the reason we asked for you to be here today.”

Nods and sniffs among the family assured they understood, even though there were no comments.

“The police are being careful,” Michael continued. “Nothing has been leaked to the press, which is unusual. They’re keeping a tight lid on this one, as they are baffled.”

Derrick scanned the room, watching for any indication that someone they knew could be committing the crimes. If it were someone in the family, they’d still come to the meeting he was certain. The news Derrick had watched last night revealed nothing that hinted at a creatus attack, but if Michael believed it was true, that was good enough for him. And he always had an inside track on this sort of stuff.

Ryan, a younger member of their family who’d just returned home from England a few years ago, stood up. He was smaller than Derrick, but strong as an ox. They’d wrestled a few times in fun, and Derrick had always liked him, thinking he’d be someone they could bring into their inner circle of leaders. He was forty-two now, the perfect age. But lately he’d been spending a lot of time with Michael, frequenting places they shouldn’t, looking for quick hook-ups. Ryan looked to the family and then back at Michael. “I’ve been watching the news, and I don’t get it. How do you know it’s a creatus?”

Michael sighed. He didn’t like anyone to question him. He may only be forty-four, but he was a born leader. “I’ve studied our past, that’s how,” he said, no inflection of his irritation, which Derrick sensed was teetering just below the surface. His brother also had a temper. “Creatus are smart, as we all know.” Michael looked to his father, as if challenging his earlier assessment. “Even the so-called crazy ones. One of the signs of a rogue kill is separating the body so the authorities won’t have any identifying marks. They take what they want and leave the rest. Unlike an animal that rips a human to shreds and leaves the carcass, a creatus will pull the human apart with his bare hands and take the parts he wants.”

Collective gasps filled the room.

“Okay, Michael,” Derrick interrupted. “I think we get the point.” Derrick, as he assumed a few others felt, was glad he hadn’t eaten lunch yet. He didn’t like to think that there were animals that would do such a thing.

“He asked,” Michael defended his repugnant answer. “But here’s the part that baffles me. Whoever this is, they want us to know.”

“How’s that?” Dean spoke up again, curiosity lighting in his eyes.

Michael moved backward toward the desk, resting on the edge as though he was a professor addressing his students. “Even though a creatus is smart enough not to give any indication of how the person was killed, they usually hide the victim, bury them. These victims have been left for authorities to find.” Michael paused for effect. “The rogue wants us to know.”

“So, as Michael and I discussed earlier, there’s only one answer,” Derrick cut in. “We need to start watching again.”

Vic burst to her feet. “What? What happened to ‘the rules’? Isn’t that why you banished Jonas?”

Derrick shook his head, casting a glance in Ryan and his mother’s direction, wondering if they had thought the same thing too.

Michael also stared in the direction of Ry and Margaret and then hopped off the desk to answer. “We didn’t banish Jonas; he left on his own. Jonas was a good friend of mine, but he used watching as an excuse to fight. He didn’t care about humans any more than you or I, Vic. He was only looking for a fight. And he was sloppy.”

“So we’re supposed to put our existence in jeopardy because a few humans are dying.” Vic raised her hands in the air and paced. “Derrick’s just worried about his new precious human.”

“Sit down, Victoria, or leave,” Derrick ordered. “Your choice.”

Vic inhaled a deep breath as though she would argue, but then flopped down in her chair again.

Derrick held up his hands in a silent request to the rest of the group. No one as much as breathed. “They are the rules, and I intend to keep them. As for Kristina, she’s my concern.” He leveled his eyes on Victoria. “No one will get near her; I will make certain of that. As for the rest of you, we will set up a perimeter around Boston where the killings have occurred.” Derrick glanced around to see if anyone else dared to question him. “Per ‘the rules’, as Vic pointed out, I do not want you to get involved with a crime; we’re only looking for the rogue. Only interfere if the rogue is involved. And make sure you are always dressed in black with a knit ski mask you can shield your face if need be; we don’t need to start any vigilante investigations again.”

His father stood up again. “So, if we see a human getting attacked, you want us to stand by?”

Derrick’s stomach plummeted. No, he didn’t want that. What would Kristina think of him saying such a thing? But, it was the only way. “We don’t have a choice, Dad. It’s not like it was when you were protecting the streets. Humans are busy 24-7. They never sleep, it seems. Also, everyone has a video camera on their cell phone. We’d be on the front page of The National Enquirer the next day.”

Chapter Twelve

After Michael presented the map and the schedules of where he wanted everyone stationed, the barn cleared.

“Hang on a second, Vic,” Derrick called as she made her way toward the massive doors that were big enough a tank could fit through.

She threw her head back in disgust, acting like a spoiled child. He almost expected her to stomp her feet and stick out her tongue at this point. “Now what?” she whined.

Michael stopped his departure as well, which was probably a good thing. With Vic’s attitude, no telling what they’d end up saying to each other. Besides, Derrick needed to question his brother as well.

So as not to accuse just Vic, he addressed both of them with a razor-sharp scowl, “Which one of you were outside Kristina’s window last night?” he asked pointblank.

Vic rolled her eyes and Michael’s brow furrowed almost imperceptibly, clearly digesting this information.

Smoothing her hair with her hands, sending him the image of a cat preening herself, Vic laughed. “That was fast, Derrick. Didn’t waste any time getting with the human, did you?”

Derrick huffed out a breath. What a one-eighty her personality had taken. Again, he hated to keep thinking she was the typical scorned woman, but he now understood all the colloquialisms. There clearly was a thin line between love and hate.  “You didn’t answer my question, Victoria?”

“I have better things to do with my time than spy on your little girlfriend. Besides, I didn’t know you’d decided to bring her into our humble family until you showed up with her on your arm.” Vic bit her lip, her tough façade seemingly melting. He knew she was heartbroken, understood that her antagonism was directed at the situation, not him. She had to know he’d tried to make it work with her. “Thanks for that by the way,” she said sharply, attempting to hold onto her anger.  “You could have warned me instead of blindsiding me, making me look like a fool.”

Derrick rubbed his chin. “I’m sorry. I guess you’re right.” He walked toward her and she stepped backward, away from him. “I was worried you’d leave without me having a chance to explain.”

“What’s to explain, Derrick? I always knew you loved Kristina, even if you denied it. You’ve been spellbound by her for years. I figured it would happen when she got old enough, when you finally saw her as the beautiful woman she is.” The corners of her lips turned up, and a semblance of a smile dawned on her face that he hadn’t expected in the middle of her rant. “She is beautiful, by the way. I still hate her, mind you, but I can see the attraction. I guess being half-human makes you boys want a weak shell of a woman—”

“Not me, Vic,” Michael burst into the conversation. Derrick was surprised he’d kept his mouth shut as long as he had. An unusual occurrence for his brother. “I love a tough woman.”

She laughed, and for a minute, Derrick wondered if they could be the trio they’d been all these years.

“That’s the problem, Michael. You’ll love just about anything with legs,” Victoria teased.

Michael’s bravado dropped, looking as if she’d slapped him. “That’s not true. You’ve just been too busy to notice what I do.”

Victoria waved her hand in dismissal. “I’m just messing with you, Mike. Chill. You know you’ll always be my number one guy.”

His brother smiled, but Derrick could see he hadn’t been placated. Not wanting to embarrass him, Derrick decided to drop the subject. He’d revisit it later. “I hate to interrupt you two, but let’s get back to the purpose of our little soirée here. Neither of you paid Kristina and me a visit last night at her apartment?”

They shook their heads in unison.

Michael rolled his eyes. “Last I saw, you two were playing kissy-face in the park. I actually met up with Ry after we talked and went clubbing.”

“What time was that?” Derrick asked.

Michael looked toward the roof of the barn as if the answer would be dangling from the rafters. “Hmm… I went to dinner. Had a few glasses of wine for St. Paddy’s Day. You know we have an Irish heritage by way of Mom, right?”

“Michael…” Derrick chided. His brother could be so juvenile sometimes.

“Oh, right. I don’t know. Ry called me. Asked if I wanted to hang out.”

Derrick rubbed his fingers across his eyebrow. “So… six, seven, eight?” he prompted.

“Honestly, I don’t remember. I guess I had a few too many glasses.” Michael laughed, but Derrick didn’t find it funny. A rogue creatus was stalking Boston, and Michael was out getting drunk after chastising him about his choices. “Wait? What are you thinking, Derrick? You don’t think Ry—”

Victoria huffed. “That’s just rich… Who’re you going to blame next, Derrick? Your father? We all went to school together for God’s sake. He even stayed with us after his brother left.”

Derrick paced the room. “All I know is someone was hanging outside Kristina’s window last night. By the time I caught a glimpse, they were on the next building. No human can move that fast. So, yeah, I’m perturbed, to say the least. I’d be happier if it was one of you and not the rogue.” They both shook their heads again instead of appeasing his concerns.

Michael hopped up from his desk where he’d been perched. “I’ll make sure I take the section near your apartment. And I don’t know if you’re up for it, but I was thinking…” he trailed off, his dark eyes lighting a shade in his apparent excitement. Derrick didn’t like when his brother got that gleam in his eyes. It’d gotten them into plenty of trouble as teenagers. Even though they were five years apart, they’d always gotten along. “If the rogue is interested…”

“Don’t even think about it, Michael. No way will I allow you to use Kristina as bait.”

“I’m just saying—”

“No!”

“Man, you’re awfully testy. I thought you were supposed to be all lovey-dovey after falling.” He laughed. “Oh… I get it. It’s because you haven’t consummated your relationship.”

Victoria jumped up. “What? You fell without—”

Derrick sighed, cutting her off. “Honestly, you two are like a couple of college kids. Can we get return to the point here? Kristina’s not bait, and we still have the other issue I’m dealing with. I managed to delete all the messages on Kristina’s phone, but he’s not giving up. What do you think he has?” He peered at Michael for an answer.

“The detective doesn’t know what he has. He’s actually worried about her believe it or not. You won’t believe who he is…” Michael trailed off as if Derrick could actually guess. “Give up?”

Derrick resisted rolling his eyes at his immature brother, and instead, just stared at him as he sat down. His brother had been alive for forty-four years, but acted as if he was twelve sometimes. The problem with aging slowly was that most of his kind also matured slower.

Michael pulled up a chair in front of Derrick and straddled it, leaning over the backrest. “You’re going to flip. He’s the uniformed cop who was first on the scene of Kris’ mother’s death, but now he’s a homicide detective.”

Derrick whipped his head up. “You’re kidding?”

“What are the chances, huh? Small town. Evidently he got the ‘jumper’ call. He ran her tags, since her car was left on the bridge, and realized who she was.” Michael shook his head. “You should have called me sooner. We could have avoided all of this if I’d moved her car immediately.” He smiled. “But I understand you weren’t thinking clearly. I jacked it from the impound yard, pulled all the records as you’d requested. So far, they haven’t even figured out it’s missing. But Murphy, that’s his name by the way, Murphy O’Brian, doesn’t seem to want to throw in the towel. He wants to make certain if she’s dead or alive. I think your best bet is to have her speak with him, and maybe he’ll back off.”

Chapter Thirteen

Kris gathered the coat Sabrina had given her tighter to her chest as she watched Derrick shove the canoe off the shoreline of the lake and jump in gracefully. He was amazingly lithe for such a large man. She’d always imagined a man of his size to move like an oaf, but his movements, as well as his actions, were always smooth and methodical. Her insides warmed as she imagined some of those movements. Though he’d been nothing but a gentleman, she found herself imagining all sorts of future actions where she could test his physical abilities.

“Why are you smiling?” he asked as he paddled. With every stroke, they moved the length as if he’d dipped the paddle in the water ten times instead of just once. And yet, as with everything, there was barely a ripple in the water, smooth as silk he was.

“You,” she admitted, a warm rush of blood filling her cheeks.

“What about me?”

Kris shrugged. “Still wondering if I need to pinch myself.”

He laughed. “You’re incorrigible.”

Derrick stopped paddling, and Kris scanned her surroundings to see they were already in the middle of the lake. The tree line bordering the water’s edge emphasized Harvard’s rolling hills, pleasing the eye with a subtle rise and fall instead of a straight line. The sun had begun to make its final descent, casting an orange glow at the center of the horizon with swirled hues of peach and pink adding to the remarkable sunset. The image reflected onto the pond, encompassing their canoe with a picturesque setting for a nighttime boat ride.

“It’s beautiful,” she whispered. The lake was so peaceful that it felt as if even the vibration of her voice would cause the glass-like surface of the water to ripple in response.

“It is. I’ve been coming here since I was a boy.” Derrick glanced around at the vast lake that even had small wooded islands in the middle. “It’s one of the largest lakes in this part of the state, and in the summer, you’d think you were at Spring Break in Florida with the amount of beachgoers. But what I enjoy are the peaceful evenings this time of the year and the privacy of being off land, away from prying ears.”

“I guess you would. With your family’s ability to hear you from several blocks away, you can’t say anything aloud you want to keep private.”

Derrick laughed. “Nope. Thankfully my parents installed soundproofing in their bedroom, which helped some.”

Kris burst out a laugh. “Oh! I guess, um… that would be awkward, huh?”

“Very,” he agreed.

“So, why are we hiding?” she whispered conspiratorially.

Derrick shrugged. “I just wanted to bring you here, and we do have a few things to discuss.” He inhaled a deep breath and then reached out for her.

Hesitantly, afraid of tipping, she moved to her feet, keeping herself in a crouch. Before she could even attempt to balance herself, he swept her onto his lap. “You’re going to have to start warning me before you sweep me off my feet, Derrick. You keep taking my breath away.”

He pressed his lips to the side of her neck. “Isn’t that what I’m supposed to do?”

Leaning against his chest and into his kiss, she murmured. “Yes.”

“Is it okay if we talk like this,” he asked. “I mean, instead of eye-to-eye. There are a few things I need to tell you, but I’ve been aching to have you in my arms all day.”

She turned her head to look at him. “Can’t we talk later?”

Derrick took her mouth with his and she felt her body melt in response. She’d missed this too. They’d ambled around the property earlier, making chitchat with the family, but the entire time Kris had been thinking the same thing. She had to admit it was an interesting afternoon, though. Surprisingly, the buffet of food Sabrina had set out, didn’t look much different from any other banquet spread. Derrick’s mother had learned how to make their diet pleasing to the eye and palate for creatus and humans.

He released her mouth and sighed. “I love kissing you. It feels so right.”

She burrowed her head between his chin and chest, reveling in the feel of his chest as he breathed in and out, completely content in his embrace. For the first time in her life, she felt safe. Maybe sharing a bed with Derrick would even chase her nightmares away; she could only hope. Reliving her mother’s murder night after night, attempting to rewrite the past unsuccessfully, had nearly driven her to madness. “It feels right for me too,” she confessed. And it did, as nothing in her life had ever felt. She kept teasing him whether he was real; when in fact, her time with Derrick had felt more real than all her previous twenty-two years, as if she were finally home.

Derrick withdrew one of his arms from around her and reached into his pocket. “It’s too beautiful right now to talk, and while you can still see…” He lifted his hand in front of her, holding up another black velvet box. Though he’d said ‘forever’ repeatedly, she gasped in a mouthful of air, hoping this time it was what she thought it was. Using his thumb and forefinger, he flipped open the tiny case. “I know what I said, and it’s still true, but… I do have a traditional human mother, and I know how much it excited her when my father proposed.” He stopped and pressed his hand to her cheek, turning her head, so he could see her face. “Kristina, will you marry me? Officially.”

Tears poured down her cheek, and she hoped he didn’t get the wrong impression as she tried to find her voice. She gulped them away the best she could and gasped out, “Yes! Without a second’s hesitation, yes!” She kissed him quickly as he lifted her hand and slipped the ring onto her left ring finger. The vintage-style ring had a beautiful center diamond, but as large as it was, it didn’t look gaudy. The band had a crisscross of diamond paves, shanking the center diamond. It was simply breathtaking; she’d never seen anything like it. Though she’d never been one to peruse bridal magazines, she’d listened to Beth enough to appreciate this masterpiece. “Oh my, Derrick. It’s so beautiful. When did you—”

“I ordered it online and had my mother pick it up.”

“So they knew?”

“My mother did… she’s always known.”

A chill traveled the length of Kris’s spine. Sabrina had been so kind to her today, but she’d assumed she was just comforting her after Victoria’s rude comment. “I don’t know what to say.”

He pulled her tighter against him. “You already said it. ‘Yes’, was all I needed to know.”

“But you already knew that,” she teased, resting her head against his shoulder, luxuriating in the feeling of his broad chest as he breathed in and out, the refuge that just his closeness provided.

He trailed his fingertips down the side of her face, twisting a strand of her hair around his hand when he reached her neck. “You’re human; I’m sure you could break the spell if you so desired. If something repulsed you enough. Like the way Vic reacted. I’m sure that must have frightened you.”

“A bit.” She crossed her arms over his and tilted her head back to him. “But, I don’t scare easily. I’ve been through worse.”

He exhaled a breath. “Yes, you have. About that. Not to ruin the mood, but we really need to talk.”

“If you insist,” she said on a sigh, not wanting to ruin the beautiful evening.

“It’s about the calls. We never finished the conversation.”

She shrugged under his embrace. “I trust you, Derrick.”

“Well, I’m not proud about this, but I deleted several messages from your phone. I won’t do it again. I just thought you needed a moment to digest everything without throwing several barbs at once.”

She squirmed under his arms. “Okay… I’ll forgive you this time, but you promised to delete all the tracking devices. I don’t want to feel like a hostage in a relationship.”

Kris felt Derrick nod his head. “Of course, and I said you were free to come and go as you please, but there’s been a new development, so please don’t be upset if I’m extra careful.”

This time she turned in his arms so she was facing him. Seeing what she was doing, he pulled her sideways on his lap. He lowered his head to her ear. “I came out here for a reason. As I mentioned, away from prying ears.” She nodded in understanding. “When you were eight, you told the police officer on the scene that a dark angel had rescued you.”

Her eyes bulged. “I did? How did you know?”

He nodded again. “I never left you unprotected. I waited until the police came. I couldn’t leave you alone in that alley. I would have killed anyone who approached you, though.”

“I’m sorry. And here I thought I’d never told anyone.”

Derrick touched her cheek. “It’s okay. You were in shock. And the police officer chalked it up to a child’s fantasy. The murderer had already jumped up by the time they came, and as much as I wanted to follow him, I couldn’t leave you. Instead, he got away with murdering Janelle.”

She shook her head, trying to make sense of his comment. “I’m confused. You think the family will be upset at me now? For something I did when I was eight?”

“The officer’s name is Murphy O’Brian. He’s a detective now. Homicide. He got the call about your jump, and he’s been trying to reach you to make sure you’re okay, since they never found your body.”

Kris clasped her hand over her mouth, a wave of nausea washing through her. Dampness spread over her skin, and for the first time in days, she wanted a drink to calm her nerves. The same officer who worked her mother’s homicide, she digested, her head spinning for some reason at this revelation.

“Are you okay?” Derrick’s words came out in a rush.

“No. I think I’m going to be sick.”

Derrick picked her up and set her on the opposite side of the canoe. Within seconds, they were on the shore. He lifted her from the boat and set her on a weathered bench. “I’m sorry. What can I do?”

She moved her head back and forth sluggishly, unable to speak, attempting to restrain the bile in her throat. What was wrong with her?

“You’re having withdrawal symptoms again, Kristina,” Derrick answered her unspoken question. “Just breathe through it—slowly. And if you have to get sick, do it. I’ve seen it all before so it doesn’t bother me.”

Her mouth filled with saliva, and she nodded, in fear that if she tried to speak, she’d puke right in front of him. How romantic would that be? She concentrated on short shallow breaths, willing the clammy wetness on her skin and the queasiness in her stomach to subside. She shook the coat off, appreciating the coolness of the evening.

Since the sun had set, the temperature had dropped by at least ten degrees, which she would normally hate, but right now the brisk air soothed her skin.

Derrick sat down beside her. “Better? Your color has returned. You were pale white a minute ago.”

She nodded again, still concerned with her speaking ability.

“You feel like moving to the car? You really shouldn’t be out in the air while soaking wet.”

Kris patted her hands against her body. Sure enough, the perspiration had soaked right through her clothes. “Okay. Give me just a second.”

“Take all the time you want,” he said, but then layered the coat she’d discarded around her shoulders again.

“What else?” she asked. “Though, I feel silly. I don’t know why that affected me that way?”

“Maybe we should wait on the other information.”

“No. Talk to me. No more secrets,” she insisted.

“Okay. The reason I ripped you out of your home last night… It was my brother in the park. Michael came to check on us and let me know that we have a rogue.”

She tilted her head. “A rogue?”

“Yes. A serial killer of the worst kind is terrorizing Boston—one of my kind. The police will never catch the perp; it is up to my family.” Derrick pursed his lips as if not wanting to reveal everything.

“And this rogue? You think he was the one outside my window last night?”

“Yes. He or she. Though, Vic swears it wasn’t her.”

“Why would you think a rogue would come after me?”

Derrick closed his eyes for a second and then swallowed loudly before answering her question. “To get back at me.”

Chapter Fourteen

Derrick scanned the trees, feeling eyes watching them. That was the answer. One of the creatus he’d banished for one reason or another was out for revenge. He’d never exiled anyone for a crime of this magnitude, but he’d sent many of their kind away for other indiscretions. Creatus, as humans, had their sins. The only difference was they didn’t put up with them. If you couldn’t live and work as a family, you were sent on your way. It’d been three years since he’d asked anyone to leave, and the family had run smoothly since. In fact, other than holidays, they rarely even had to gather.

“Get back at you for what?” Kristina asked, a crease between her eyes revealing her concern ran deeper than she’d let on.

Derrick curled her hand in his, really wanting to get her inside the vehicle where it was warm, but he could understand that the fresh air probably felt good in her condition. “We live in a sort of utopian society. My family was one of the first families to settle in Harvard. In fact, other groups had tried to mimic our lifestyle. I’ll take you to Fruitlands Museum someday. It’s popular because in the early 1840s, a faction attempted a society based on transcendentalist principles, which failed miserably. Although they failed for multiple reasons, their foremost mistake was the lack of food. They’d planted, but the harvest wasn’t plentiful, and since they were vegans in the truest since, even excluding milk and egg products, there was nothing to sustain them through the harsh New England winter. They’d refused to use animal labor and even restricted wool, since it came from sheep. They wore only linen clothes and canvas shoes. How they kept warm is beyond me. Imagine trying to work the fields?” Kristina shook her head. “Anyway, the experiment ended only seven months after it began.

“Our lifestyle now is different from when my family settled in the 1700s. We can live where we want, do what we want. But we still stick together. Mostly we work together, have our own schools throughout the world, and when there’s an issue, we pull together. Though we live by the law of the land, we also have our own government. And in our region of the world, which is all of New England, I’m what you might call the president, and Michael is the vice-president. If someone breaks the law—which aren’t much different from America’s laws—they’re on their own. So, unfortunately, I have enemies, I’m sure. But I’ve never had a rogue creatus.”

She scrunched up her nose. A habit Derrick found endearing for some reason. “And you think this rogue will try to murder me?”

He squeezed her hand, rubbing small circles on her soft skin. It was to comfort her, but also, he was checking that her temperature and heart rate had returned to normal. “I don’t know, but if you’ll bear with me while I find out whomever it is, I would be especially appreciative.”

She leaned against him, evidently feeling a little better. “That’s understandable.”

“I have to ask, Kristina,” he started, retaining a chuckle. “How is it a homicidal creatus doesn’t worry you, but the detective does?”

She peered up at him with those sparkling green and gold eyes. “Because I know you’ll protect me from a murderer. But I don’t know how I’ll protect you from the government. If what I said or did causes that detective to seek out your family…”

He pulled her closer, cutting off her words, a contented groan escaping his throat at her statement. Kristina loved and cared about him, regardless of what some of his kind were capable of. Then again, even humans perpetrated heinous crimes. Even he, unlike his brother, couldn’t condemn an entire species because of a few. “Thank you, my love. But you don’t have to worry about me. I, along with all of my kind, have managed to stay hidden for four thousand years. One detective isn’t going to bring us down.” He stood and held his hand out to his bride to be. “Let’s get you into some dry clothes.”

Kristina rose from the bench and leaned against him, allowing him to wrap his arm around her. He made his way to his Navigator, helping her up to the passenger seat. After locking her inside, he walked to the water’s edge and picked up the canoe.

A pebble hitting the water’s surface on the other side of the lake caught his attention, and he turned to the sound. He surveyed the surrounding trees for any sign of a threat, wondering if he should investigate while Kristina was locked inside the vehicle. Deciding against it, he walked toward the truck again. He hoisted the canoe on top of the SUV, strapping it down on both ends.

A branch cracked from the opposite direction, and he realized what had happened. He hadn’t imagined the pebble, just the origination of the toss. Nor had he imagined the eyes he felt on him. He turned to the sound. No creatus who knew him would attack while he was on guard, as they knew they couldn’t win. So he decided to let them know he was aware. Whispering low enough that Kristina couldn’t hear, he made his intention clear, “I know you’re there. And let me make myself perfectly clear. You touch her, and I’ll rip you apart limb by limb.”

“I’m coming for her, Derrick. I’m coming for Kristina.”

A shiver swept through Derrick, but he shook it off. The words were faint and garbled, so he couldn’t decipher if it was a man or a woman, but the threat was unmistakable. The rogue had made his intentions clear as well. They were at war.

Chapter Fifteen

Murphy O’Brian parked a block away from Kristina Heskin’s apartment for the third day in a row. The Grand Am he’d impounded was parked in the same spot it had been the day after it disappeared from the impound lot, along with all the documentation.

When he’d arrived to search the vehicle the next day, the operating manager of the facility not only didn’t have any clue the vehicle was gone, but also had no signs that there had been a break-in. When he searched the files, everything on Kristina was missing, as if he’d never submitted it as evidence.

It was past nine and he had to get to the station. A missing jumper was a low priority on the city’s list—especially when there were no frantic calls from family, insisting the police locate her—so he had to investigate on his off time. So far, nothing had changed in the last three days, and he’d been on her street every morning, during lunch break, and on his way home from work.

Once back at the station, Murphy fished through the expanding file folder he’d made eight years ago that he brought from home. He had a separate file for every year he’d been a cop, but he’d also made files for specific cases he’d worked. His wife had complained that even the IRS didn’t require documentation over five years. Courts had subpoenaed him to testify on crimes even older than that, though, and he liked having his handwritten reports. Now his home office had hundreds of the brown-recycled expanda files, but he’d brought this one he’d made eight years ago because of a common thread among many reports. He pulled the manila folder out with her name on it and the one with the vigilante cases.

Something had been bothering him ever since he’d read off Kristina Heskin’s name as the owner. An encounter he’d had with the girl when she was eight bubbled to the surface as if cued. For some reason, his brain tried to connect her situation with a vigilante case that had started eight years ago, but then had abruptly stopped three years ago. In every situation, the victim had claimed that in one minute they were being attacked, and the next, the attacker had disappeared. One woman had caught a glimpse under the light of a streetlamp. She’d said that a man dressed in black had pulled the man off the ground from above her. Even though she laughed while uttering the words, she remarked that it was as if Batman had pulled him off the ground.

The other victims hadn’t a clue what happened to their attacker because the alley had been so dark. But each one of them insisted that their assailant had mysteriously vanished. Some even cited that it must have been their guardian angel.

Most cops had gone to just inputting their reports into the computer on their patrol car’s dash, but he liked to have a hard copy. And at times as these, he didn’t have to cut through bureaucratic red tape to get copies.

Murphy reclined in his chair, kicked his feet up on the desk, and sipped black sludge from a Styrofoam cup. He scanned his report, glazing over a lot of the description of the poor kid’s dead mother. O’Brian dropped his feet to the floor as he found the passage that had tripped his memory: “My Dark Angel saved me.” He’d put the little girl’s comments in quotes as they were the only words she’d uttered.

Rifling through the other vigilante scenes, he found two similar entries. “It was as if an Angel had pulled him off me.” He found the report from the lady who’d made the Batman comment. “It was like Batman; he’d even been dressed all in black.”

He’d entered all of these comments into the database, but nothing had come back other than in his area, and none of his superiors had been interested in chasing down a vigilante. As long as his captain didn’t have any dead bodies to deal with, he didn’t seem to care about a man ridding the streets of a few thugs.

Murphy set the files aside and fished through his briefcase for the disc the boater had given him on the “jumper” case. The man had been filming for a blog piece he was working when he saw Kristina’s body drop. He’d followed her descent to the water, but then another figure had dropped right behind her. As he was starting the boat to rescue them, the other jumper had broken the surface and was on the shoreline in seconds. The boater had shaken his head and then reiterated, “Less than seconds” to Murphy when he’d recounted the scene.

O’Brian popped the disc into his laptop and watched the scene unfold in regular speed. At least based on the first body’s rate of descent, it looked as though it was in regular speed. Unless the boater had screwed with the recording, he was correct; the second jumper had had Kristina’s body on the riverbank almost faster than Murphy could blink.

“I’ll take care of this, sir.” A man leaned over Murphy’s desk and ejected the CD drive, removed the disc, and then quickly shoved it into his attaché case.

Dumbfounded, Murphy bounced to his feet. “Excuse me. Who the hell are you?”

The man, who was about six-four, had a commanding appearance. Everything about the man, right down to his sunglasses, was dark with the exception of his short spiky hair, which was blond. A spook if he ever saw one. Murphy slumped in his chair as the man exited his office without comment, and he was certain there wouldn’t be an explanation even if he caught up with the man.

Murphy picked up the phone and dialed the number he’d scribbled on his desk calendar three days ago. After several rings, the photographer picked up. “Hello?”

“Hey, Bruce. Murphy O’Brian. We spoke the other day and you gave me a copy of a disc you’d recorded of the Tobin Bridge. I was wondering if I could get another copy.”

“Sure, if I had one,” he replied with an irritated edge. “I had months of work on that disc and a man showed up this morning and asked if he could get a copy as well, said he worked with you. No problem, I told him. But as soon as I pulled the disc out to make a copy, he snatched it out of my hand, said thanks, and walked out of my office. I would have chased him down, but he looked scary. I was just getting ready to call you and ask when I could get back my original.”

“Military looking guy with blond spiky hair?” Murphy asked.

“That’s the dude.”

“He’s not my partner. I’m sorry, Bruce. I’m afraid you won’t be getting your copy back.” Murphy hung up the phone and reached for the files. He sighed as he searched all around his desk. The man had taken them too, it seemed.

Scratching his head in confusion, Murphy picked up his cell phone, deciding to make one final attempt at speaking with Kristina. The phone rang a few times, and he was sure as the last six times, it’d go to voicemail, but it didn’t. He heard the click of a connection and waited for a response.

“Hello?” A woman’s voice filled the line, and for some reason he exhaled in relief. From minute one, he’d only wanted to make sure she was okay.

“Hi, Kristina. I’ve been trying to reach you for days.” Murphy used only her first name, hoping she’d assume he knew her.

“Who’s calling please?”

Oh well, he should have known better. “Are you Kristina?” he asked this time.

“Yes.”

Warmth filled his insides; she was okay. He didn’t know why; he’d just wanted her to be okay. “Kristina, my name is Murphy O’Brian. I don’t know if you remember me, but we met when you were eight, and I just so happened to witness your acrobatic maneuver off the bridge a few days ago. You’re not in any trouble. I just want to speak with you, if that’s okay.”

“Hang on.” She muffled the phone and he could only hear low mumblings, nothing discernible.

At this point, he just wanted to make sure she wasn’t in some sort of trouble. Maybe the man hadn’t been a spook, but had illegal reasons for wanting the video. The bulge under his jacket proved he had a concealed weapon, so he was still leaning toward spook, as most civilians wouldn’t get past the front door of the police station.

“Where would you like to meet, Mr. O’Brian?” Kristina asked.

“Your apartment is fine, if that’s okay with you?”

“Sure, I mean, you’re a cop and all, right?”

Murphy smiled. He could picture the cute little blonde with a ponytail. “Yes, ma’am. Detective, actually.”

“I have to meet my friend at the high school around three, but I’ll be home by five if that’s okay?”

“I’ll see you then.” As he hung up the phone, the real image of that day filled his vision. The eight-year-old girl covered in her mother’s blood. He’d never escape the nightmares of all he’d seen in his thirty years as a cop. He was looking forward to retirement.

Chapter Sixteen

Kris covered Derrick’s hands, which were on either side of her face, with her hands as she stood in the doorway of his apartment. “I’ll be fine. I’m running to see Beth after school, we’re going to the bridal shop for measurements, and then I’ll head directly to my apartment to meet the detective at five.” She pulled a canister of pepper spray out of her purse. “I’ll hold the bottle in my hand as I move from car to building, okay?”

He closed his eyes as he shook his head, and then opening his eyes again, he dropped his hands from underneath hers. “O.C. spray will do little against a creatus; it’ll just tick him off.”

“And you think he’s going to attack me in the middle of the day—in the schoolyard? That’d be stupid, and I thought creatus were supposed to be smart.” He rolled his eyes, but didn’t comment, so she continued, “And then once I get to my apartment, the detective will be there. You insisted I could come and go as I please.” She crossed her arms and jutted her bottom lip a tad to convey she wouldn’t allow anyone, a detective, a creatus, or even her fiancé, interfere with her freedom. He’d just have to get used to the fact that she could take care of herself.

“You can. It’s just—” He stopped talking and blew out a breath as if understanding that arguing with her was futile, which it was, of course. “Just be careful, okay?” he requested.

Content to get her way, she smiled. “I promise to be extra careful.” She reached up on her tiptoes, wrapping her arms around his neck. “And you’re sure you don’t mind me using your vehicle?”

“Of course not. It’s more reliable than the car you drive. We’ll go out this week and get you a new one. Okay?”

She dropped her heels to the floor in shock. “You don’t have to buy me a car. I don’t expect—”

He stepped forward and picked her up, bringing her lips to his for a quick kiss. “I don’t have to do anything I don’t want to either.” He grinned, seemingly cheerful to throw her attitude back at her. “I want to, so you’ll have to deal with my wants too. Fair enough?”

Kris lifted her head, beckoning another kiss, and Derrick complied with a sweeter and longer goodbye kiss. “Mmm…” she murmured. “That’s more like it. So, when exactly will we get married… so we can fulfill all our wants? One second you tell me we’re connected for eternity and that marriage doesn’t matter, and now you want to wait until our wedding night.” She sighed longingly. “It’s not as if we haven’t been with other—”

He kissed her again, breaking off her words. “Shh… I just want it to be special is all.” Derrick lowered her to the wood floor. “And it depends on what type of wedding you want.”

“I don’t want much. I’ve never been into all the fluff and frills.” She fiddled with the new ring on her left hand, loving the way it felt. Like a link in a chain, uniting her with him forever. “Besides, after dealing with Beth today, I’ll probably want to run straight to the courthouse.”

He harrumphed. “My mother would never allow that. She’s always wanted to adopt you.”

Kris sucked in a mouthful of air, her playfulness coming to a halt at his words. “What do you mean? Not literally, right?” She’d always wanted a real couple who would go through the trouble and want to adopt her, but instead, she’d been tossed from house to house.

Derrick moved his hand to her neck, wrapping her hair around his hand, as he always seemed to enjoy. Every time he did it, the action instantly soothed her. “Yes, literally. She thought since you’d already seen us that it would only make sense. To protect you from the others.”

Appalled at the thought, she stepped away from him. “Your family would have killed me when I was only eight?”

“No, no, God, no. I would never…” he stammered to retract his comment, stepping forward and closing the gap she’d made between them. She was against the door now, so she couldn’t withdraw again, even though she felt anger pulse through her. He drew in a breath. “Yes…” he conceded, “there was talk, but everyone knew that never in a million years would I, my father, or the other elders allow that. And of course, my mother would have had to been committed.”

She stared at him in shock, still disbelieving that they could ever do something so heinous. “Let me guess. Your brother and Vic.” He dropped his head, confirmation enough. “I understand you have to keep your secret, but—”

“They’d just come home from school. They were young and stupid—well, I guess they’re still immature,” he lifted his hand to her cheek, “but, Kristina, never at any time was your life in danger. I wouldn’t have allowed anyone to harm you then—or ever. But I also wanted you to be able to live a normal life… as a human. So I convinced my family that I would watch you… that I didn’t think the police would believe your story. And I was correct. But then, you never told another soul.” He tilted his head, as if just working through it. “Why?”

“Because you were mine.” She rested her hands on his chest and gazed up at him, knowing he would never have allowed anyone to hurt her. “I didn’t want to share you with anyone. To let them convince me you didn’t exist. I wanted to believe.”

Her husband-to-be ran his fingers across her forehead, sweeping her hair away from her face. “And do you finally believe, my love?”

“In you? Always. Even if you disappeared tomorrow, I’d always believe you existed.”

Derrick dipped his head and took her mouth once more, pulling away after a few seconds with a sigh. “Be careful. I love you.”

This time Kris turned and opened the door before she could get lost in his eyes, his kiss, his arms. Everything about him. They needed to elope. That way they could spend an entire week doing nothing but filling themselves with each other. Maybe then the fire would smolder a fraction so they could carry on with life away from each other. Because even as she closed the door behind her, her heart felt as if it would shatter into a thousand pieces. Like one of those jigsaw puzzles that all the pieces were the same color and she’d never figure how to put it back together if something happened.

Inhaling a deep breath, she stepped into the elevator, still feeling his warm arms around her. Then she remembered, she hadn’t told him she loved him too. She lifted her hand to touch the button for the next floor so she could go back up, but then smiled as she spoke aloud, “I love you too, Derrick. Always.” Thankfully, she had the elevator to herself; otherwise, her neighbor would think her insane.

Her phone buzzed, so she pulled it out and read the text: Always and Forever! So, be careful. Yours, Derrick.

She inhaled a deep breath and forced the stupid grin off her face as the elevator opened to the parking garage. Remembering her promise to be careful, she pulled the O.C. spray out of her purse and held it at ready. She hadn’t been attacked in years, but she had a feeling Derrick had always been close, ready to kill anyone who tried. With a click of the key fob, the Navigator’s headlights beamed across the concrete, lighting her way.

Driving the Navigator through the narrow streets of Boston felt like maneuvering a tank through a minefield. Not that she’d ever driven a tank, but she imagined it had to be similar. Kris constantly checked her rearview mirror, side mirrors, blind spots, anywhere a compact car could hide—or a semi-truck for that matter. On her third peek over her shoulder, she noticed a car she’d seen earlier. Not that she was a car enthusiast by any means, but this vehicle stood out because of its intention not to stand out. Everything on the sedan was black with the exception of the blue Ford emblem in the center of the matte-black grill. The tinted windows were way over the legal limit, and even the windshield had some type of film, restricting her from viewing the driver.

Already nervous after Derrick’s concerns, Kris veered for the next exit, changing lanes and jerking the car to the right at the last second. She traveled the service road for several streets until she found a cross street that took her under the overpass and into the neighborhood of her old school. Feeling ridiculous, Kris pulled into the visitor parking area. She willed her heart rate to slow as she made a slow track of the schoolyard. The parking lot was mostly empty other than a few cars parked in the teacher’s area, which had been off-limits to students. The visitor area was vacant, and she remembered how the women in the front office locked down and left almost seconds after the final bell rang too. No other cars had followed her onto the school grounds and into the student parking lot. She laughed at that, realizing she’d parked in the student section. Habit.

Checking her surroundings before exiting the SUV, she made her way across the parking lot and into the corridor where the teachers’ lounge and dean’s office were located, knowing that’d be the only open exterior door. She inched the door open and slid through, holding it so it didn’t slam shut. She really didn’t want to run into the dean, as he’d have plenty to say to her, since they were on such friendly terms—not. She skirted the wall, ducking under the glass, and made a beeline to Beth’s classroom. It was only a few minutes after three, but other than the sounds of a basketball game going on in the gym, the students had already cleared the building.

Walking through the corridor, Kris’ gaze fell on all the posters and announcements. The junior class was already reminding students about this year’s prom theme, encouraging teenagers to buy their tickets now. The posters weren’t fancy. Mostly just black font on white poster board with glitter and confetti pasted over top of the words to add a splash of color. Students in this neighborhood didn’t have the money to have printed posters as she’d seen in teenage movies.

Feeling melancholy, Kris dropped her head. She’d skipped prom. Not because she hadn’t been asked, but because as much as she’d tried to play off the attack by that college kid, he had scared her. Never again had she accepted a drink from a man, or anyone for that matter. She’d switched to bottled or canned alcoholic drinks. She was especially fond of Mike’s Harder Lemonade. The regular stuff filled her up before she even felt a buzz. But the harder brand did the trick and went down smoothly. Her mouth watered thinking about it. She’d told Derrick that she’d only thought about a drink in passing, but truly, on more than one occasion in the last few days, she’d longed for it. Only because she believed it would settle her nerves. She was strong, though, she had no doubt she could abstain as long as she wanted.

Stopping at her old English classroom, Kris peered through the rectangular window on the drab-brown door. Beth sat behind a desk in the front of the schoolroom, her head leaning over a stack of three-ring binders in every color of the rainbow. Portraits of classic authors—Shakespeare, Dickens, and Twain—lined the walls, along with posters touting motivational clichés with images of kittens and puppies. Like Kris, Beth had always been a contradiction. Probably the reason they got along so well. Kris smiled at the picture of a kitten hanging off a tree branch with the words “Never Give Up” written across the top in large, bold typeface. She was almost certain the faded and curled-at-the-edges poster had been there since her mother attended high school.

“Hello, Ms. Witters…” Kris drew out her words in the sweetest schoolgirl voice she could mimic as she opened the door.

Beth jumped up from her stack of folders, her reddish-blond curls bouncing on her shoulders. “Kris!” Her friend ran around the desk as if she hadn’t seen her in a year, even though it’d only been a little over a month. Beth grabbed and squeezed her, holding on a good twenty seconds before leaning back to appraise her. “Oh, my God! You look so good. Where did you disappear to, a spa retreat?”

Kris chuckled. “No. What do you mean?”

“You can’t tell me you don’t see it. You’re practically glowing,” she squealed. “You’re not pregnant, are you?”

“No, I’m not pregnant. Sheesh!” Kris smacked her friend on the shoulder. “Are you?”

Ignoring her, Beth lifted Kris’ hand with her one hand and fanned herself with the other. Oops… she’d forgotten to remove Derrick’s ring so she wouldn’t have to explain. Beth lowered her head, but lifted her eyes with a penetrating gaze. She must have been practicing on the students, because even though Beth was an inch shorter than Kris’ five-foot-four stature, all of a sudden she felt as if she was fourteen again.

“Really?” Beth challenged. “This is some major bling. What gives? I didn’t even know you were seeing anyone.”

Kris licked her dry lips, not wanting to lie to her friend, but knowing she couldn’t betray her new family’s trust. “I’ve known him for years, but we met up recently, and we just… clicked. I’d always known he was the One. But since he wasn’t from here, I didn’t think we could ever make it work.” There, that was all true, she thought.

“Where’s he from?” Beth asked, her brow still lowered. “And how come I’ve never heard about him?” She shook her head, obviously unable to make sense out of the fact that her best friend had kept something from her for years.

“England,” Kris announced happily. Another truth. “It’d been almost six years since I’d seen him, and then one day, he just showed up.” Inside, she cheered at her cleverness. She was good at this. It was all truth. Nothing she could get in trouble for revealing.

Beth pressed her lips together in a straight line, clearly not buying her story, but she nodded anyway. “Got a picture?” she asked offhandedly, seemingly uninterested as she reached down and picked up Kris’ right hand. “This looks familiar, though. Didn’t you sell this ring when you were sixteen?”

“What are you, a detective?” Kris snorted, hoping Beth would drop the interrogation bit.

Beth planted her hands on her hips. “No… I’m your best friend.” She grabbed her purse off the desk and threw it over her shoulder, marching off without a glance backward. Kris followed, smiling, happy to know that Beth did care. In fact, she was beginning to realize more people cared about her than she had known. Heck, even a detective she’d met only once, fourteen years ago, cared. He could have filed the attempted-suicide report, but he actually wanted to see her. People—creatus included—cared if she lived or died. The thought made her want to smile as much as it made her want to cry. She’d never been alone.

Chapter Seventeen

As soon as the elevator doors closed Kristina inside, Derrick shoved through the stairwell door and bounded over the railing to the ground level. He would not get close enough to hear her, he decided; he’d just stay nearby in the event he needed to protect her. He hadn’t told her about the rogue’s words, as he hadn’t wanted to upset her, but now he wondered if he should. The rogue was obviously targeting Kristina, rather, targeting him by threatening the most important person in his life now and forever. A creatus knew the worst thing you could do to a creatus is kill the one whom they’d fallen for.

Derrick slammed through the steel doors into the parking garage, racing toward his BMW HP4. He had arranged special parking for the motorcycle with his condo’s proprietor, so that it’d be right up front. Kristina hadn’t asked, and he hadn’t bothered to tell her it was his.

Normally he loved the extravagant multi-color finish in metallic blue with silver and white accents, but today he wished he’d had it specially ordered in a solid black. He pulled his full-face helmet over his head quickly and backed the bike into a dark corner, waiting for Kristina to emerge from the elevator.

He watched gratefully as Kristina surveyed her surroundings before stepping away from the doors. Then she clicked the key fob, lighting the parking area as she rushed to the Navigator’s door, locking herself inside the cab. She acted tough, but he presumed the fact that she’d been attacked twice in her life—the first time watching her mother die—had to mess with her head.

Once she left the garage, he followed. He knew her destination, so he had no concern about losing her in traffic. He made a detour via an exit ramp then returned to the highway a few blocks later, ending up behind her again. Far enough that he could just see his truck’s medical parking pass on the rear window.

Derrick watched a black sedan trail Kristina by three car lengths, changing lanes within a minute or so when she did. Though the car looked simple enough, Derrick knew better. It was the new police interceptor. The dead giveaway; it didn’t have the vehicle model stamped on the rear of the vehicle. He doubted the local Boston police department footed the bill for the new Taurus SHO, so this had to be a FED of some sort. His brother had been right.

He clicked the Bluetooth on his helmet and spoke clearly, “Mike.” The line connected and his brother picked up, sounding bored with his simple, Yeah, as an answer. “I need you to run a tag,” Derrick told him.

“Fire away,” Michael chirped in response.

He figured that’d cheer his brother up. Derrick read off the numbers as he watched Kristina jerk the Navigator at the last second to take a different exit than she should have. The anonymous driver of the sedan stepped on the gas immediately, surging forward with the vehicle’s two turbochargers. Derrick followed the sedan; he knew where Kristina was heading.

“Nothing,” Michael said. “A spook, I’d guess. Please tell me this guy isn’t following Kris.”

“Okay, I won’t.”

“Just what we need, Derrick!” His brother spewed a sentence of obscenities masquerading as adjectives and ended his tirade with a vulgar noun. “My girl told me that O’Brian was ticked because some guy with spiky blond hair had come into his office, took the disc out of his drive, and then walked out without a trace. I assumed it was another spook.”

“The video from the Tobin Bridge?” Derrick inquired.

“One in the same. Moron,” his brother grumbled under his breath, knowing Derrick could still hear him. “What were you thinking?”

Derrick resisted cursing himself. Though it was impossible to change Michael’s ways, he still tried to influence his younger sibling. “I wasn’t thinking about anything but Kristina.”

“That’s obvious. You think what I do is a joke, don’t you? Do you know how many times I’ve thwarted an investigation?” As his brother rambled on about ‘security’ and ‘I told you so’ nonsense, Derrick took the next exit, drove back in the opposite direction, and scanned the roads for the Interceptor. Nothing. The driver must have backtracked. He’d obviously discovered Kristina was staying with him somehow, so he’d probably head there and wait for her return.

Derrick made a pass by the high school. He saw his Navigator, but no black sedan. He circled the neighborhood a couple of times, waiting for the young women to exit. After a few minutes, they came outside arm and arm. He couldn’t keep the smile off his face. Beth was good for Kristina, well, except for inviting her to that frat party when they were sixteen. But then again, how could she have known that her boyfriend’s suitemate would attempt to date rape a sixteen-year-old girl? She couldn’t, and for that, he couldn’t be upset with her. In fact, Beth was marrying her high school sweetheart, Jason. According to Kristina, he’d proposed to Beth her junior year of college.

After the ladies drove off in separate vehicles, Derrick headed over to Kristina’s apartment. He wouldn’t follow her to the bridal shop. No one, even a creatus, would attempt to attack her in a public location in the middle of the day. No, they’d go to her apartment and wait, and so would he. Blood rushed through his system at the thought. He didn’t want to kill anyone, but he would, without a thought, to protect Kristina.

Derrick parked his bike behind the decrepit apartment building and busied himself with his iPhone while he waited. Thankfully, he had vacation time saved up; otherwise, his father would start to get ticked. The medical center ran well with the staff they had, but they needed him for emergencies. Even though they treated humans and creatus, the employees were only creatus. That way any records that needed forged never came under the scrutiny of human eyes. Creatus weren’t declared born until their tenth year and were schooled at private institutions. Then, they’d spend the first ten years of their adult life after college, teaching in their private schools. When they finished and were ready to enter the earthly world between the ages of thirty and thirty-five, depending on their maturity, their age would indicate they were twenty-five, which gave them years to catch up. With their smooth olive-tone skin, most humans couldn’t tell their age anyway, so they always looked younger than they were.

After answering a few emails and texts, Derrick started to get antsy. It was past five, and he hadn’t heard his Navigator pull up. He paced the alleyway behind Kristina’s building, looking up at the red brick walls, contemplating whether he should just go up and meet her there.

He trailed his hand along the chain-link fence and walked back to the side, under her fire escape. He poked his head around the corner of the building. Not much had changed. A few more cars, but that made sense. Neighbors returning from work.

Deciding he’d go up to her floor the easy way, he strolled to the side of the building, surveying the area to make sure no witnesses were nearby. He’d be ready in the event anyone unexpected arrived.

Chapter Eighteen

Kris parked in front of her apartment building and glanced around before jumping out of the Navigator. Derrick had her frazzled with all his worrying, and that black car following her hadn’t helped. The entire time the seamstress fitted them in their dresses, Kris’ mind had wandered. Beth rambled about her bachelorette party, the wedding, the reception, the honeymoon. But most of her words just hung in the air, never seeping into her brain. Thankfully, enough tidbits registered so she could utter an appropriate “Mm-hm” or “Oh” when necessary.

She’d been right. A day with Beth cured her of ever wanting a big wedding. Beth had spent over a year and thirty thousand dollars for one night. Of course, the honeymoon sounded wonderful. A week in Bora Bora, in a hut, over crystal-blue water, with nothing to do but eat and make love all day and night. Where did she sign up? She’d have to make sure she reminded Derrick that she didn’t want the fairy-tale wedding, just the happily-ever-after honeymoon.

Trudging up the three flights of stairs, Kris sighed. Derrick had made this so much easier. She could use a lift about now. A quiver of longing fluttered in her stomach as she wondered if he missed her as much as she missed him. The day had been torturously slow. As much as she enjoyed her girl time with Beth, her relationship was too new with Derrick. She found herself never wanting to be away from him.

Finally making it to her door, she rustled in her purse for the keys. She’d forgotten to keep them in her hand as she’d promised Derrick. Kris scanned the hallway wondering where the police detective was. She’d expected him to be here, one of the reasons she hadn’t been concerned for her safety. She looked at her phone as she pushed the key into the deadbolt: five-fifteen. Maybe he’d left already, since she was fifteen minutes late. Oh well, she’d grab a few more things she needed and head back to Derrick’s.

As she pushed the door open, she remembered the pepper spray. She positioned her foot between the doorjamb and the door, propping it open. Kris fiddled inside her purse, untangling her earphones from around the metal ring at the top of the can. How the dang things ended up so twisted was beyond her. No matter how carefully she stored her headphones, she swore tiny gremlins tied them in knots.

Pepper spray finally in hand, she pushed open the door the rest of the way and stepped inside her frigid apartment. Somehow, it didn’t feel like coming home anymore.

Cold and dark eyes stared blankly up at her, causing a shriek to escape her throat.

Derrick bolted over the man’s body, lifted her off the floor, and carried her into her kitchenette. He set her down after darting his eyes around the tiny room and assessing there was no threat.

“What—” she tried, but he placed his fingers over her lips, hushing her. And in a flash, he was gone. Kris heard doors open and close throughout the apartment, and then he was in front of her again, eyes wild.

He grabbed her hand and drew her through the apartment to her bedroom. “Get whatever you need; you’re not coming back. I’ll have my family move the rest.”

“But… that guy… he’s dead?” she asked, stuttering.

Derrick nodded as he helped her shove clothes into a gym bag she’d had stored under the bed. “That guy is detective O’Brian, and his neck has been snapped,” he said point-blank.

She gasped in understanding, but then wondered again. Had Derrick—she shook the thoughts from her head. “Why are you here, Derrick?”

“I was here to make sure you were okay, and I’m glad I was. The rogue was probably waiting for you in the other room, but went out the bedroom window when he heard me.”

“But you were inside…” she trailed off, her voice nearly nonexistent.

“No,” he said in a calm tone. “I heard you scream and I came in through the open window.”

“But you were there… immediate. I didn’t leave a window open.”

Derrick stopped shoving clothes in the bag and glared at her. “What are you insinuating, Kristina? You think I snapped a man’s neck. You think I’m capable of that? Obviously the rogue came in through the window and left it open.”

Kris ran her hands through her hair, tears filling her eyes. “No, no, of course not. I’m just confused. Why would anyone kill him? He seemed so nice.” She sniffed back the tears. “When he’d arrived at my mother’s death, he was so kind to me. I remember him asking me what happened, but he never pressed me for details. He’d handed me a tissue and told me he had a daughter too, but she was grown.” The tears poured freely now as Derrick walked around the bed and wrapped his arms around her. “That was fourteen years ago, so he’s probably a grandfather,” she continued babbling. Unable to stop crying, she burrowed her face against his chest.

Derrick ran his hand through her hair. “We have to go, Kristina. We have to inform the police, but we have to get you out of here first. We’ll go in person.”

Kris lifted her head and stared at him. “Why do the people around me always have to die?”

He just shook his head. “I don’t know, love. Sometimes it just happens that way.” He picked up her bag and pulled her against his side. “Let’s get out of here. I’ll have everything packed up tonight.”

Unable to do anything but cry—for herself, for others, for all that had gone wrong in her life—Kris rested her head against Derrick’s chest, wondering again why anyone would kill the innocent detective. Had he known something he shouldn’t have?

Chapter Nineteen

Derrick directed Kristina to the passenger side of the Navigator, helping her up. Hearing the whine of fuel injectors as a key turned in an ignition to “alt” mode, he flashed a look without lifting his head in the direction of the sound. Parked six spaces away was the Ford Interceptor from earlier. A man with spiky blond hair, as his brother had described, sat behind the wheel. A film on the windshield diminished the view for a human, but he could see the man clearly. He didn’t look like a creatus, but he could never be sure. Some of them dyed their hair to look more human than their raven coloring, typical of their kind, but he also had a strong jawline and olive features. Derrick whispered, the detective is dead, but saw no reaction. So he decided to try another, knowing if it was the rogue, he’d want to taunt Derrick. You’ll never touch Kristina, he growled in a low breath only one of his kind could decipher.

Nothing, which meant that he wasn’t as bold as he had claimed the other evening, afraid that Derrick might attack him right now, or somehow, a FED of some sort had gotten wind of them again. No normal agency would care about an attempted suicide or even a homicide for that matter, unlike Detective O’Brian who wanted to know what was going on and how it affected Kristina.

No, if he was an agent, he had to be under the National Security Council. There were so many initials and different agencies they never knew where to look, but there was always one division tracking paranormal activity. Agents searched key words in police reports such as, angel, guardian, vigilante, superhero, alien, and any other words indicating that something supernatural had protected a citizen. Contrary to popular belief, according to Michael, they didn’t seem to bite on UFO sightings; they left that for the military branches. They were more interested in anything involving superhuman strength, always searching for the next weapon.  His brother had someone working in every branch in the government and would always stay one-step ahead of them for creatus everywhere. Any family, whether across the nation or overseas, would call Michael if they thought an official was investigating them. And if Michael found any evidence, the entire family would disappear in a matter of days or weeks, depending on the severity of the examination.

Locking Kristina inside, Derrick trotted off to get his bike, sprinting once he was around the side of the apartment building. When he returned to his vehicle, he acted as if it was a struggle to lift the almost-four-hundred-pound bike and load it into the rear cargo area of his SUV.

He clicked the key fob to lower the lift gate then climbed onto the driver’s seat. He turned to Kristina. Her eyes were bloodshot, her normal contented expression cast downward. He lifted her hand and it was ice cold, as if she might be in shock. “We need to go to the police station, and not that you or I have anything to hide about the detective’s murder, but we need to get our stories straight.” He lowered his head to hold her eye contact. “So they don’t look at me too closely. We don’t allow authorities to retain or arrest creatus; we take care of our own. Okay?”

Kristina choked on a breath, but nodded.

“I have to make one quick call first, though.” Derrick pressed the SYNC button on the steering wheel and listened to the female voice ask for a command. “Call Mike,” he spoke, squeezing Kristina’s hand.

His brother answered, and Derrick spoke fast and low enough that Kristina could probably only catch a few words. He didn’t want her to worry.

The drum of his brother tapping on his keypad resounded through the phone before he spoke. “Take me off speaker,” Michael said before commenting on the situation. “I just texted Matt. He’ll be at the Somerville police station within the half hour. Be cool, brother. We’ll find this guy. But you know, he actually did us a favor.”

Derrick huffed out a breath in disgust instead of commenting on his brother’s callous remark.

Michael sighed through the phone. “I know how you feel about humans, but it’s true, Derrick. Sometimes I think you forget what our ancestors went through. They should have killed the lot of them before they almost murdered our kind to extinction.”

“That’s enough! Sometimes I think you forget our mother is human,” Derrick seethed, though swiftly and quietly so Kristina couldn’t understand. “Where are you, Michael?”

“What the hell is that supposed to mean?” his brother spat in response.

“I asked you a question. I want to know where you, Vic, and Ryan are. For that matter, I want to know where every one of the family is when I get back from the police station. Do you hear me? Unless you ran off your mouth, no one else knew about the detective but you and Vic. And if someone is trying to fill your role as cleaner, I suggest you find the culprit before I assume it’s you.” Derrick stopped and pulled in a breath. “No one is to act without my authority. Do you understand me? Not even you.”

The connection was silent for a moment. “Yes,” Michael spewed. “Loud and clear, sir.”

Derrick clicked “end”, and, feeling Kristina’s gaze, turned to her. She’d evidently heard enough to understand the gist of the conversation. “I’m sorry,” he said. “Maybe this is a bad idea.”

A sheen of water glassed over her eyes, obviously understanding that he was referring to their relationship. Too many factors to consider. Too dangerous for her. Maybe they could just go away. Being the overseer of his family didn’t make it easy. If Michael was in charge… No. He couldn’t do it. Not yet. His brother was too immature, hated humans too much. If he left, he could only imagine his brother massing an army and taking on humankind.

Derrick brushed a tear off Kristina’s cheek. “No… I can’t let you go,” he said to her as much as himself. He pulled the vehicle to a stop and parallel parked outside the station. It would take Matt a while to get here anyway. He pressed his palm against her face. “Kristina, I didn’t murder him, I swear.” She nodded, and he could see she believed him, so it was his other comment. “I’ll never leave you. Please don’t worry. You’ll never be alone again.” She blinked, and he understood that was it. She loved him, he knew she did, but she was terrified of being alone again.

Derrick turned her face so she was looking at him fully. “Listen, you are going to go in there and tell the entire truth with one exception.” She nodded as if listening to whatever he had to say. “Tell them everything that happened. The only difference is when you saw his body, you came downstairs, and I showed up at the same time, since I was going to meet you and the detective at your apartment. Okay?”

Kristina nodded again, but Derrick needed to hear her voice, make sure she wouldn’t break down inside the station.

He picked up her hands and rubbed them between his, attempting to get her circulation flowing, so she could think. Not only were her hands cold, now they were shaking. “Kristina, they won’t understand that I came through the window three stories up when I heard you scream, and there are no phone records to corroborate that you called me to come get you. So, I have to have shown up right after you ran for safety. Okay? You were scared and you ran, and then I met you on the street. Understand?”

“Yes…” she choked out. “I understand…” She bobbed her head, her breathing almost returning to normal. “I was scared when I saw him on the floor, afraid whoever killed him could still be in my apartment, so I ran downstairs. Right before I got to the car, you showed up.”

“Very good, love. It’s almost exactly what happened. They wouldn’t understand anything else.”

She gave him a weak smile, but then tears began to flow again. “I need a drink, Derrick. To calm down. I can do this if I could have just one drink to calm my nerves.”

Derrick shook his head. “You’re strong, baby. You don’t need a drink. I’m right here. You can do this.”

She gasped, attempting to hold back tears. “I’m so tired of death. His eyes…”

“I know.” Derrick pulled her closer, caressing her hair. “I’ll take you away. We’ll go away until they find out who did this.”

Kristina peered up at him through glassy eyes. “You can’t just leave.”

“I already told you; I can do anything I want.”

Her mouth turned up, but she couldn’t force a smile.

Derrick’s phone buzzed at the same time Matt’s name and number lit up on his radio’s screen. He answered on his phone instead of the SYNC system. “I’m here. She’s ready.” He hung up and jumped out of the vehicle, making his way around the vehicle to Kristina. Opening her door, he helped her down and pulled her to his side. “Matthew Ashton is my uncle. He doesn’t come to family gatherings; he prefers to stay out of the loop of most things. He only comes when we need an attorney.”

Matt stood next to the first set of red brick steps leading to the small station, his briefcase resting on the squat concrete wall. “You’re lucky, Derrick. I was heading home from a meeting in Boston when Mike texted me.” His uncle stepped forward and hugged him. “This must be Kristina? I’ve heard a lot about you, young lady.”

Kristina glanced up, but squeezed onto Derrick, as a child would hang on to her mother.

“She found him, Matt. As if she hasn’t been through enough.” He lowered his voice. “It had to be one of us, his neck had been snapped, but there were no signs of a struggle or defensive wounds. It was clean and swift, a planned attacked. Somehow, the rogue knew the detective would be there. And I can’t help but wonder if he’s trying to set me up.”

Kristina leaned back, her eyes wide, as if that hadn’t occurred to her, but clearly revealing that it had worked. She obviously had thought for a second that he might have murdered the detective.

Matt stepped closer. “But this isn’t how the other murders—”

“Exactly,” Derrick interrupted. He looked down at Kristina. He didn’t want her to hear his next words, but he also didn’t want her to think he was keeping anything from her. “He—the rogue—spoke to me the other night. Heck, it could have been a ‘she’ for all I know. The voice was low and garbled, but he said he was coming for Kristina, and he called me by name.”

Kristina threw her hand over her mouth and stumbled backward as though she would be sick again.

Derrick held his hand out to her. “I’m sorry. I didn’t want you to worry.”

She shook her head, more tears falling, and Derrick felt as though his heart would break. How much more could she take? How could he expect her to live like this?

Matt pulled in a breath, nodding. “So it’s someone we banished, but they’re blaming you,” he speculated. “Is Mike tracking down everyone we’ve exiled in the last ten to twenty years?”

Derrick shrugged, thinking that would have been a good start, but he doubted it. As Michael had suggested, they’d taken to the streets, assuming it was a psychotic rogue, not a vengeful creatus. But what if they weren’t actually eating humans, only wanted it to look as if they were.

“Call him and tell him to get started,” Matt continued. “I’ll go in and start the ball rolling.” He looked at Kristina. “You think you can talk if they request? You don’t have to, of course.”

“As soon as I saw the man, I ran out the door in fear. When I came downstairs, Derrick had just pulled up,” Kristina babbled off, just as he’d told her with only minor variances.

“And why was Derrick there?” Matt asked.

“He’s my fiancé; I’d asked him to meet me there when I spoke with the detective.”

“Good. Nothing else is any of their business. Not why you jumped off the bridge or whether Derrick followed you. Nothing. Do you understand? The only question you answer is that the detective had some questions.” He lowered his head and looked at her. “You don’t know what his questions were. It would only be speculation. Understand?”

“Yes.”

“Okay.” He offered her a smile. “You saw, you left, Derrick was waiting on the street. Anything else they ask I will object to as not relevant. Understand?”

“Yes.” She sighed, crossing her arms. “I understand.”

Kristina had reached her max, and evidently, Matt had realized it too, as he raised his hands in surrender. “Derrick will not be talking to them, as he was never in the apartment,” he added for good measure then turned and walked away.

Derrick pulled Kristina to a stop when she started to follow. “You okay?”

“No!” she said, a frustrated huff escaping her throat. “But, yes. I’ll survive. I always survive!” She pulled her hand loose and stomped off.

Chapter Twenty

Rogue. Was that the best name they could come up with? The world had no idea what this rogue was capable of. There was a time when creatus were gods, superheroes, idols.

They’d been on the earth almost as long as humans and still they had to slither in the shadows, not allowing anyone to see their strength and power.

Creatus weren’t anomalies; they were superior in every way. Even the fact that they’d landed on this planet some four thousand years ago proved their superiority. Too bad their ancestors had destroyed all evidence of their supremacy.

The only way to become great again would be to start a war, to hint to the humans of their existence. Once the humans knew that creatus existed, they’d have to protect themselves, which would start a battle between their species. And when the creatus banded together—around the world, in every nation, in every government office—the world would once again worship and fear them, as they should.

Derrick was just one of many leaders who didn’t understand this. And since New England was one of the largest and most powerful sects, and Derrick was one of the strongest creatus, he had to be dealt with first.

Until then, the name rogue would have to suffice. Tonight, a calling card on the woman would elicit a notable name from the media anyway. The wax seal wouldn’t prompt the correct name, but it would hint at an ancient myth. Even if humans didn’t believe the fairy tales and horror stories, they’d know something was different about these killings. They’d never figure out why every victim suffered a different death, but was found in the same condition, as that wasn’t standard serial killer MO. Their textbook investigations will fail, and then the media will scream for justice.

Every superhero had a name, and so did the superhero’s archenemy. The press could make up any name they wanted. But they’d probably come up with something ridiculous like ‘Count’. Maybe leaking ‘creatus’ to the press would be the way to go. Creatus would know with certainty after this attack, and they’d be angry. The seal meant unity, but also anonymity, and now humans would once again question the existence of beings who were smarter and stronger, and they’d be afraid, as they should be.

After tonight, Rogue would work well within the family, as it was the one crime the family wouldn’t tolerate. The name was starting to sound tolerable. A mischievously playful person, one who lives apart from the rest of the group—naughty. The depiction was sounding better all the time. Uncontrolled, though… never!

The human woman walked down to the river a while ago and had been just looking out as if in a daze. Her hair was fair, as was her skin. Weak, pathetic, hardly even worth the effort, but it was fun when they knew a predator was stalking them. Like watching a rabbit attempt to evade a cougar, only a rabbit had more skills than a human did.

Just when the prey thought they might escape was the time for the real attack. The lightning strike they didn’t see coming, when their breath whooshed out of their body at the suddenness. How they tried to comprehend that their feet were on the ground and now they were on the rooftop, the predator staring down at them.

That was the best part.

Even better, the attack would enrage Derrick.

Chapter Twenty-one

Kris stares at the calm water of the harbor. It is so peaceful that she wonders how she can feel fear. But she does, wondering why Derrick left her, who he went to see. She remembers the detective’s eyes, cold and dark, lifeless, staring up at her. Death is always near, taunting her. The rogue is coming, she knows. His breaths are louder as he approaches. To finish what the thief attempted when she was eight. She screams Derrick’s name, but he doesn’t answer. Why? she wonders. He said he’d protect her, but now she’s running for her life. Not knowing who or what is chasing her, wondering if she can trust anyone, she tries to find her assailant. She hears a crack and whips her head around, seeing nothing.

Arms latch around her, restraining her. She screams as her feet leave the grassy knoll below, knowing he has her, but she can’t see him.

“It’s okay. I have you. It’s Derrick.” His words broke through her nightmare.

“The rogue…” Her voice sounded ragged even to her. “He… he… had me. He pulled me off the ground… He—”

“I won’t let anyone touch you, Kristina,” he promised, pulling her closer. He ran his fingers over her forehead attempting to soothe her.

Kris let out another breath and rested her head on Derrick’s chest. It felt so good, but the dream had been so real. She’d felt the attack, saw the solid earth disappear from beneath her as her body had been ripped from the ground.

Derrick’s phone buzzed on the nightstand. He turned to it and looked at the number. “It’s Michael. If he’s calling at two a.m., there has to be a reason. Maybe he caught the rogue.”

Kris nodded at the hopeful look in his eyes. She’d never been so scared. Even after her mother’s attack and the nightly bad dreams, a part of her assumed it wouldn’t happen twice, but this thing was marking her for death. As a payback for something Derrick had done as overseer, he’d explained when they came home after the police station. He’d wanted to move away, but she had refused. They couldn’t leave permanently, and if the rogue wanted her, he’d track them down, she was certain. And who knows how many innocent people he’d kill while they hid somewhere. How could Derrick expect her to sit around while innocent people were slaughtered? No, she’d told him. She agreed with Michael; she’d become bait.

Derrick answered the phone and then sat up quickly. “Where?” He listened for a second and then hung up. Derrick turned to her, his eyes grave.

Kris shook her head, knowing it was something awful. News that would hurt her again based on his expression. She opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out.

He picked up her hands and held them. “Beth is in the hospital.”

She gasped, throwing her hand over her mouth, tears seeping down her cheeks as if someone had turned on a spigot. “The rogue?” Kris pushed out the words, praying they weren’t true. But if Beth had been hurt any other way, they wouldn’t be receiving the news from Derrick’s brother. If Beth had been in a car accident, her mother would have called her—eventually. Beth’s mother had never liked Kris, so she wouldn’t be first on the list, she knew.

Derrick nodded, pulling her into his embrace. “Michael thinks so. The police aren’t releasing any information, but his source gave him enough to go on.”

“But… she’s alive?” she mumbled against his chest.

“Yes, but she’s in ICU. I doubt they’ll let you see her. But as a doctor, I can get to her. Her parents won’t know I’m not just another doctor checking on her. The nursing staff won’t question me; I’ve visited patients there.” Derrick peered down at her. “Do you want to come with me? Or, I could get my parents to come and stay with you.”

Kris’ eyes darted up at him in response. “Of course! Even if they won’t let me see Beth, I want to be there.”

He pulled her off the bed and to her feet. “I’m sorry—”

“Stop it!” she shrieked. “This has nothing to do with us.” She shook her head as she walked into his walk-in closet to grab clothes. “This is… that rogue, as you call that thing. That animal.” Kris pulled her hands to her head and released more sobs. “Beth’s so little. So sweet.” Derrick wrapped his arms around her without a word, comforting her with just his touch. She leaned against him. “How could anyone hurt Beth?”

“I don’t know,” he said, turning her in his arms. “But we’ll find out. This stops now. I swear to you—” He sucked in a breath. “I won’t let this continue. And whoever’s responsible… will pay.”

When Kris entered the doors of the emergency room, only a few people sat in the black vinyl chairs in the waiting area. As predicted, they wouldn’t let her see Beth, since she wasn’t family. Derrick had dropped her off at the ER entrance so she could walk in by herself, and he’d taken the rear entrance, keeping in touch with her via text messages.

Now, she sat anxiously, awaiting any word. The room was surprisingly quiet other than a few moans and groans here and there, reminders to the nurses and receptionists that the people were in pain, she imagined, since no one seemed to be in a hurry to attend to the new arrivals.

A few minutes after she sat down, the locked double doors to the ER opened, and Derrick, wearing a white jacket over his khakis and oxford, leaned his head through the doorway. “Ms. Heskin?” he called without making eye contact with her.

Truly surprised, since he hadn’t texted her he was coming to get her, Kris jumped up. Maybe that’s why he hadn’t warned her. “That’s me!” She tossed a glimpse at the receptionist’s desk, but they didn’t seem to question the fact that a doctor was calling her to the secured area. Kris ran across the gleaming-white floor of the emergency room toward Derrick while he held the door.

“Right this way, Ms. Heskin.” He placed his hand on the small of her back and escorted her along the corridor, stopping before he turned to walk them into a room. He lowered his head to speak, without looking as if he knew her. “She’s going to be okay, I swear. But she looks really bad. Are you sure you want to see her?”

Kris gulped, restraining her tears. “Yes. Please.”

“Okay… but try not to upset her. If she wakes up and sees you crying, it will only make it worse for her.”

She bobbed her head. That made sense. She didn’t know how she could retain the tears, but she would. For Beth, she’d be strong.

Kris walked inside the room quietly, doing her best to hold her audible tears as she took in her surroundings. Where were Beth’s parents? Jason? Why weren’t they here holding her hand? Speaking to her, telling her she’d be all right. Kris stepped to the hospital bed, looking up at the monitors to the left of Beth and the IV fluids to her right. Was that a normal beep? she wondered. Would she know if she was in danger? Derrick slid up beside Kris as she placed her hand over Beth’s, and she remembered that as a doctor he would know if anything wasn’t normal. But would he tell her? He’d sworn that she’d be okay, so Kris had to have faith that he wouldn’t say it if it weren’t true. He just wouldn’t have said anything.

She retained the audible cries that threatened to burst from her throat, but she couldn’t impede the stream of tears sliding down her cheek. Beth had looked so lovely in her dress today. Her strawberry-blond curls had bounced beautifully around her shoulders, and Kris had told her she should allow plenty of tendrils on her wedding day. Beth had looked like a princess and had even tried on some tiaras, but in the end decided to go with a stunning white and lace headdress with rhinestones that didn’t look as if she was pretending to be royalty.

Now Beth’s light peach-colored skin was red with splotches of yellow and blue forming around her eyes and cheeks.  Kris choked back the tears, imagining what that beast had done to her.

“It was a message, Kristina,” Derrick whispered in her ear. “He could have killed her, but he wanted us to see her.”

Kris turned to him. “How do you know it was the rogue? Maybe it was a mugger.”

Derrick shook his head. “The 911 call came from her cell phone. There were no words, just the call. The police triangulated the position of the call. She was on a rooftop. But worse… He used our kind’s insignia. Before phones, when creatus needed to meet, they’d use a courier to deliver a note card with a red wax seal on the front. Nothing else, but it told family members that there was an emergency. The meeting had always been held in the same place at the same time, so creatus knew to show up that night. Obviously, we don’t need to resort to those methods nowadays, but it’s always something we’ve kept from our heritage, reminding us how we used to have to hide, and that our anonymity was our greatest strength.” Derrick dropped his head and sighed. “Since he wasn’t eliciting a response from the media, I guess he’s decided to leave a calling card. Sick S.O.B. This isn’t about food or a thrill; he’s trying to let humans know we exist.”

Chapter Twenty-two

Reece Buckley leaned forward, resting his chin on his fist as he examined the video feed from the hospital. Catching a glimpse of his own image on the monitor, he flinched; he still hadn’t adapted to the short spiky cut. But, high and tight, they’d said, just like when he was a SEAL. He’d been UC for so long in Miami, he’d gotten used to wearing it long. But that’s why the government wanted him, he imagined. He cleaned up well. He could go undercover as a druggie or infiltrate the Russian mafia if need be. With his nonspecific features and medium skin tone, he’d been able to pass for almost any nationality, and it didn’t hurt that as an army brat he was able to speak several languages. The government agency had solicited him; he’d been content traveling back and forth from Miami to South America. DEA had sent him south numerous times to bust a newbie drug cartel before they got out of control like their counterparts.

This was Reece’s first classified investigation, which he was certain they’d sent him on because he was a rookie in their eyes. A simple Google search by a homicide detective had attracted his office’s attention, but now Murphy O’Brian was dead. The scene on the disc was interesting enough to keep Reece investigating, but certainly not worthy of the detective’s execution. The detective hadn’t done anything but mouth off to a few other detectives that some agent had walked in and taken his evidence. But as always, Reece’s orders were to do his job, so he didn’t question his superiors’ motives. From now on, though, Reece decided he’d keep all the information he gathered on his person and to himself before forwarding it to his boss. He wanted more time to interview a potential witness before they needed silencing.

When Reece had been parked outside Kristina Heskin’s apartment earlier, waiting for her to come home, her boyfriend had looked in his direction. The film on the government-issue vehicle’s windshield was similar to the advertisements on busses; only, the outside image was clear instead of having a print on it. Reece loved the anonymity it gave him. But for some reason, he would swear that the man had looked him dead in the eyes. The same man who’d jumped off a hundred and thirty-five foot bridge and pulled up the girl who’d jumped.

Reece examined the image on his phone. Just a red wax seal with a ‘C’ stamped into the middle, but it meant something. Why use a relic as a calling card? When his boss indicated that the stories might be connected, Reece didn’t see it, but then the same man he’d been tracking had shown up.

“Who are you Derrick Ashton? Or rather, what are you?”

Chapter Twenty-three

“So why can’t I be a part of the meeting?” Kristina asked again from the passenger seat.

Derrick took his eyes off the highway and smiled at her pout, her arms crossed over her chest, her lip jutting out a fraction. He resisted smiling, knowing it would only irritate her more than she already was. “It’s not that I mind, but there’s a very good reason other than the others just feeling uncomfortable, which I tried to explain to you earlier.”

Kristina cocked her head and shrugged her shoulders as if to tell him she didn’t care what the others thought.

Derrick decided to continue with the rational reason why. “If authorities discover us, we can escape, you cannot. We—okay, I’d rather you not ever be put in a position where you would have to lie more than you already have to.”

She released a sigh as if she understood, but still didn’t buy it. “So, I just sit around and wait while you discuss using me as bait?”

He squeezed his fingers around the steering wheel. He should have never told her that Michael wanted to draw the rogue out by leaving her unattended. “We are not using you as bait, Kristina,” he said with finality. “Besides,” he continued, not giving her an opportunity to argue, “my mother has never been involved. She understands that she isn’t a superhero.”

A burst of laughter shot out of Kristina’s mouth. “A superhero? Is that what you are Derrick?”

At that remark, he found himself pouting slightly. There wasn’t a UFC fighter, boxer, or creatus that could take him out with their bare hands, but somehow, this tiny woman could bring him to his knees. “Some would say so,” he offered. “I don’t go around trying to act like one, and I may not be able to fly, but I can leap tall buildings with a single bound.”

Kristina leaned over the center console, draping her arm around his waist and resting her head on his shoulder. “You’re my superhero, Derrick. Always have been.”

Pacified, he kissed the top of her head, breathing in the raspberry scent, which he’d discovered was the shampoo she used. She could also lift him up faster than anyone else could.

After pulling onto his parents’ driveway, he drove around to the rear of the house this time. He threw the gear in park and jumped out, anxious to get the day over with and get home.

Kristina jumped down when he opened the door and marched off toward the house without a glance backward. She was such a firecracker. Spunk, as he’d always known, the girl had spunk.

He heard his mother greet Kristina when she walked into the kitchen, and then the kiss she’d certainly placed on her cheek. “Don’t forget they can hear us, sweetheart,” his mother chirped, but if you want to go for a walk, we can go down to the lake, out of earshot. I’d love some girl time.”

“I’d love that too,” Kristina said. “And I love you, Derrick, but I’m going to go find out all I can about you.”

Derrick shook his head and walked off toward the barn, smiling, listening as his two favorite women walked out the front door chattering to each other. He was thrilled they were getting along so well, even if they planned to talk about him. He stopped in his tracks. No. They couldn’t go off on their own, he realized. He took off in a sprint and leaped the house, landing in front of them.

His mother threw her hand over her heart. “Oh, my word, Derrick. You scared the—I’m not used to you showing off, and you know better than that,” she lectured.

“I’m sorry. I really am. And I swear you can talk about me all you want. I promise I won’t listen, but you can’t walk to the lake by yourselves.”

“Why on earth not?” Sabrina retorted, folding her arms over her chest in defiance. His mother wasn’t the type of woman you told what to do, he knew.

“The rogue was here, Mom. At the lake when Kristina and I went for a paddle. He’d like nothing better than to take the two most important people in my life away from me, I’m sure.”

“Oh…” his mother said, and Derrick exhaled in relief, thankful that she didn’t plan to argue with him. Sabrina focused on Kristina and nodded. “He’s got a point, sweetheart. We’ll walk down together later, the four of us.”

“Okay, Derrick,” Kristina conceded. “But I’m taking a sign language course, and then I’m going to teach your mother.”

Derrick leaned in and kissed his mother on the cheek and Kristina on the lips. “Works for me.” He took off in a hurry, listening as his mother locked up the house. He’d make a conscious effort to tune them out, except of course if they were in danger. But he doubted the rogue would come anywhere near the house. Unless he or she was already in the barn waiting.

Michael intercepted Derrick at the door. “Good call on Mom. I’d hate to think she was in danger just because she was next to Kristina.”

Derrick crossed his arms, tucking his fists beneath his arms, resisting the urge to punch his brother. Michael was really getting on his last nerve. “So, you couldn’t care less what happens to my future wife as long as Mom is okay?”

Michael rolled his eyes. “You know that’s not what I said. Man, you’re in an awful mood these days. Still haven’t had sex, I take it.”

Rolls of laughter emanated from inside the barn.

Unable to resist, Derrick smacked Michael upside the head. At least he hadn’t punched him. “I don’t think you said that loud enough for the Mid-West family to hear you. Want to borrow my phone so you can call them?” Derrick stopped talking as he heard a familiar voice. “Jonas is here?” He slammed past his brother, understanding why he’d met him at the door.

Michael hurried up alongside of him. “Chill, Derrick. He’s cool. It’s not as if we banished him. Jonas left because he wanted to leave.”

Then why is he back? Derrick seethed internally. And how long had he been back? he wondered. He knew he was his brother’s best friend all through high school and college, but Derrick had never cared for him. Unlike his brother, Ryan. Derrick had always liked him. Ryan was about seven years younger than Derrick, but they’d always gotten along. Probably because Ry wasn’t a hothead like Jonas. They’d wrestled, but it’d always been good-natured, a chance to blow off steam.

Jonas lifted his head in acknowledgement, a cocky smile lifting one side of his mouth. “Hey, Derrick,” he called. “I heard you need help.”

“We don’t need your help, Jonas,” Derrick reminded him, his words coming out almost in a snarl. His gaze bolted to Vic sitting next to Jonas. “You call him, Victoria?” She’d always been fond of him. Derrick always thought she’d fall for Jonas if she’d take her focus off him. Looks as though she decided that’s what she needed to move on. Derrick just wished it’d been anyone but him. Jonas was a loose cannon. Yeah he’d protected humans, but he’d also left witnesses, and that was something his family couldn’t allow. Humans wouldn’t care that most creatus protected them; they’d only see them as a threat. Michael and he agreed on that one issue anyway.

Ryan stood up. “I called him, Derrick. We needed help, and my brother is one of the best.”

Derrick narrowed his eyes at Ry. It was bad enough that he had Michael and Vic questioning his every move, but now Ryan was giving him a hard time. So much for liking the kid. Not wanting to lose his temper, Derrick walked toward his desk without responding. His father and Dean followed behind him.

Lynford raised his hands to get everyone’s attention, and the entire room fell to a hush. “In all the years we’ve lived here, we’ve never had a problem,” his father started, “because we’ve always elected an overseer, and we’ve always adhered to our rules. Nothing has changed. As head of the council, Dean, Matthew, and I will continue to stand behind Derrick and his decisions. Anyone who does not want to abide by the same rules can leave. Is that clear?” His father plopped down on a chair, waving for Derrick to continue.

Internally, Derrick wasn’t certain how he felt about his father stepping in, but he was still head of the council, even if Derrick was overseer.

Deciding to get right to business, Derrick made eye contact with Jonas. “The rules haven’t changed, Jonas. We are not going out on the street as vigilantes, looking for a fight; we are seeking a serial killer. The rogue has an agenda, and it’s personal. What started out looking like a rogue creatus now looks as though he has a plan. And I use ‘he’ only because it’s easier. This creatus could be male or female. I’ve seen his shadow and heard his voice, but he’s kept his distance. It’s clear that he knows me personally.” A murmur swept through the barn, and Derrick was grateful to see that some of his family actually cared. “The last murder was a police detective inside Kristina’s house. My guess is that he wanted to make me appear guilty. But as you know, this endangers all of us. If they start questioning me, no telling how close they’ll get to the family. And the last thing we want is to relocate.”

Collective whispers and nods traveled around the room in agreement.

Now that he had everyone’s attention, he continued, “He also attacked, but didn’t kill Kristina’s best friend, Beth. This time, though, he used our creatus seal. He pressed the red wax seal on her forehead, which as you know will have humans searching for any similar uses of the seal throughout history and leaves no doubt in our mind that this is a creatus attack. And as far as attacking Kristina’s friend, my only guess is that he’s taunting me. Which makes me believe it’s someone we banished in the last ten to twenty years or…” he paused a moment, knowing he was going to catch flack, “someone here who disagrees with my decisions.”

This time a few harrumphs shadowed the mutters of surprise. Derrick wasn’t surprised to see that the disagreements of his assertion stemmed from Victoria, Jonas, Ryan, and sadly, even Michael.

Chapter Twenty-four

Kris sat across from Sabrina, sipping a cup of hot tea. According to her new mother-in-law to be, she grew all the herbs in her garden. The creatus’ diet was so restrictive of any proteins, oils, and grains heated to high temperatures, causing high levels of toxins, that they couldn’t take a chance on any processed foods.

“So you grow everything you eat?” Kris asked.

“Practically,” Sabrina answered. “I do buy fresh fruit and vegetables from vendors, but mostly we just stay away from anything processed or pasteurized.”

Kris shook her head. “It sounds like a lot of work.”

“It’s not so hard. We all work together. Every family specializes in something different, so the bartering system works well. And look at me; do I look seventy-three?” Sabrina said proudly, lifting her head.

Kris blinked in shock, her grin spreading wide across her face. “Actually, no. Not at all. You’re seventy three?”

A beautiful pink spread across Sabrina’s cheeks, making her appear even younger. “Yep. Lyn and I married when I was twenty-two, and we had Derrick almost two years later.”

Kris leaned in, excited that Derrick and she would be the same age as her in-laws when they married. Though she hadn’t married yet, she was ready. “How did you meet?” Kris asked excitedly, wiggling on her chair in her eagerness to hear the entire story of their romance. Her future mother-in-law’s mouth turned down, and a wash of sadness spread over her round and kind-looking face, and Kris was instantly distressed that she’d asked, since obviously it wasn’t a story Sabrina wanted to share. “I’m sorry,” Kris instantly excused her careless question. She should have asked Derrick first, knowing that it might have been a tragic meeting, as Derrick and hers had been. “I shouldn’t have pried.”

Sabrina waved her off. “It’s okay.” She took a sip of her tea before continuing, as though trying to collect her strength. “It’s actually similar to how you and Derrick met; only I wasn’t a child. My father was involved with the Irish Mob. He’d turned evidence on one of the gang leaders. In retaliation, they killed him and then came after my mother, brother, and me. Regrettably, I was the only one to survive.”

Kris pulled her fist to her mouth. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know.”

Sabrina patted her hand that still rested on the table. “It’s okay, sweetheart. How could you have known? I know Derrick wouldn’t have said anything.” She took another sip of her tea and continued, “Anyway, after killing my mother and brother, they decided I was too pretty to kill immediately. I’d been holding a knife I had hidden under my mattress when they found me. I swung the knife at them, slashing both of them at once, but it wasn’t enough to stop them. It gave me enough time to get away from them for a few minutes, but then they caught up with me in the alley behind my house.” Sabrina closed her eyes for a second then opened them. “No one did anything while the men beat me on the street. And then, something changed, I couldn’t feel the gravel beneath me anymore. My eyes were too swollen to see, but I’ll never forget his voice as he whispered that everything would be all right.”

Kris’ eyes filled as she listened, thinking about her mother—and herself. “You would have died and no one would have stopped them?” she asked, unable to believe people would stand by and watch.

“Yes. The neighbors were afraid, and it was dark. They didn’t know I was the person they were beating up; they just knew that someone was paying for betrayal. My assailants repeated those words over and over. Perhaps so that no one would interfere.” Sabrina clasped Kris’ hand in hers. “Of course, unlike you, I was an adult, but things were different then. It wasn’t easy to find a job that paid the bills on your own. Without a family to support me, I would have ended up on the street. Luckily, Lynford took me home, which of course was against the rules, but he didn’t know what else to do with me. If he’d taken me to the hospital, more than likely the mob would have killed me.” Sabrina stared off dreamily around the kitchen as she continued, “His parents were furious when he’d announced that he’d fallen for me. They didn’t believe it was possible for a human to “fall” for a creatus, but I did. As far as they’d known, it’d never happened.”

Kris smiled. “Like us.” And then a thought occurred to her. “That’s why you wanted to adopt me? Because I was all alone, as you would have been?”

“Yes.” Sabrina smiled sweetly. “Oddly enough, Lyn was okay with it. It was Derrick who wouldn’t allow us to adopt you.”

“Why in the he—?” Kris spouted, perturbed at once, but then pulled her expletive before she offended Sabrina. She could have been living with this great family her entire life instead of a new foster home every six months. With people who loved her and didn’t think she was an imposition in their lives.

Sabrina’s lips turned up again. “I don’t think Derrick wanted to ever think of you as a sister. He was crazy about your mother, but he knew he was too young, so he never let it go beyond friendship. Although, we were hard on him about their relationship too, especially Michael. We constantly warned him that he was getting too close, and that it could only end badly.” She sighed. “He tried to date other women over the years, but I think your souls were already connected; it was just a matter of you growing up. And now, you are perfect for each other.”

Kris did the mental math in her head, since Derrick had never mentioned how old he was. He was about forty-nine, and he’d live another hundred years. If she were lucky, Kris had another seventy years at most. So, he’d be alone for thirty years or more. More years than she’d already lived. That didn’t seem fair.

Sensing her distress, Sabrina touched her cheek. “He wants you, Kristina. Neither you nor anyone else will ever change his mind, so stop thinking whatever you’re thinking.”

Kris’ eyes popped open, wondering how she’d known.

“I’ve been there. At a hundred years old, Lyn hardly looks a day over fifty, and I worry sometimes, but he still gazes at me as if I am the only woman on the planet.”

“You are the only girl on the planet, my bride.” The deep voice belonging to Derrick’s father broke through their conversation, and Kris observed a beautiful blush spread across Sabrina’s cheeks again. Her soon-to-be father-in-law swooped in and pressed a kiss to his wife’s neck, causing her to giggle.

Derrick’s warm arms folded around Kris, instantly comforting her. The thought that they too would always be so happy was worth everything. “You ready to go home?” Derrick whispered in her ear. And though Derrick’s father didn’t as much as raise an eyebrow, Kris felt her cheeks heat up, knowing he could hear everything.

“Almost,” she responded. “I have one thing left to discuss with your mother.” The three of them stared at her as if confused, so she continued, “Derrick mentioned you wanted to plan a wedding ceremony with all the frills.” She raised her hand to her chest, battling the tears that threatened at the notion they wanted to take care of her as if they were her parents. “Thank you from the bottom of my heart, but I don’t want a big wedding, Mr. and Mrs. Ashton. In fact, it may sound strange, but I don’t want a wedding at all, especially with all that’s going on.” Derrick’s eyes widened and he started to protest, so she raised her hand, silencing him. “Let me rephrase that. I want to get married, but I don’t want a wedding. I don’t have any family—other than all of you—so I think it would make me sad.”

“Oh, honey.” Sabrina stepped forward and wrapped her arms around her. “Don’t think we would ever push you into doing anything you don’t want. I just want you to be happy.”

Kris accepted the hug, reveling in the feeling of Sabrina’s arms around her. She hadn’t felt parental affection since she was a child. She’d forgotten how good it felt when her mother tucked her in at night, read bedtime stories, pressed her lips to her forehead to check if she had a temperature. All the tiny gestures that she’d taken for granted prior to her mother’s murder.

She leaned back and smiled at her new family. “I know, and I am. I just didn’t want you to feel disappointed if I talked Derrick into eloping.”

They all laughed and Kris relaxed. Already, she felt at home with the Ashtons. Of course, she wondered if Victoria was still within hearing range, listening to their conversation, waiting for an opportunity to kill her. The woman petrified her as no man ever had. Something told Kris that she wouldn’t feel safe until Vic fell in love with another man.

Chapter Twenty-five

“Today?” Derrick asked as he plopped behind the wheel, elated at the thought of marrying Kristina.

She stared at him as if she hadn’t a clue what he was talking about. “Today, what?”

“Do you want to get married right now?”

She jumped onto her knees in the passenger seat. “Can we?”

Derrick couldn’t help but laugh. “If we hurry, yes! It’s still early. Massachusetts has a waiting period, but New Hampshire is only forty-five minutes away and they don’t.” He ran his hand up her cheek. “And I know a beautiful place we can stay afterward.” His heart thumped loudly in his chest, so loud he could hear it, and at the moment—well, always—he was thankful Kristina was human and couldn’t hear his heart race. It was amazing how something as simple as that gave away one’s feelings. As creatus, they’d learned to control their heart rate and pulse when near a possible threat. Around Kristina, however, Derrick never had to worry about anything. He’d never felt so alive as he did since he’d been with her. And marrying her would just make them more complete. Though most creatus didn’t care about the act of marrying, he knew his mother—and even Kristina although she didn’t want to admit it—wanted to go through all the traditions.  And he did too really. Something about taking official vows made it feel all the more tangible.

Kristina glanced at her clothes. “Like this?”

“I think you look beautiful,” he replied. “I happen to love simple attire of jeans and t-shirts, but we can do a little shopping afterward. The place I want to take you has an amazing restaurant that overlooks a mountain. We’d have to backtrack to go home, so let’s just go. It’ll be romantic, exactly what I’ve been waiting for. Plus… since no one knows where we are going, for at least a few nights anyway, we can feel completely at ease.”

“I feel at ease now, Derrick. After all, you are the superest superhero of them all, right?”

He laughed as he pulled out of the driveway. “Have you ever been to White Mountain National Forest?”

Kristina sighed. “Derrick…”

He stopped in the street and looked to her side of the car because of the way she sighed and said his name. “Yes?”

Tears flooded her eyes. “Do you have to ask? You’ve known me since I was eight. I’ve never been anywhere.”

He rested his hand behind her neck at her distressed look and his careless words he’d uttered out of habit. It’s just what people said, but perhaps he needed to be more thoughtful. No, she’d never been anywhere. He knew that. “I’m sorry. That was insensitive, but I’ll think before I speak in the future. And, get ready, my love. We’re going to have fun this week.” He stopped for a second. “Do you mind driving? I can make all the arrangements over the phone on the way.”

Kristina swiped away a tear as she nodded. Derrick jumped out of the vehicle and she crawled over the center console. He typed the address for Manchester, New Hampshire into the GPS as their first stop and then went to work on his iPhone.

“Derrick…” Kristina pulled him from his thoughts a few miles down the road. “Do you think Beth will be okay? I mean, he won’t go after her again, will he?”

“No.” He shook his head. “He won’t. The rogue just wanted to make sure I knew he was targeting me; he’s made his point and he knows I know it. Plus, Michael promised to keep an eye out.” He paused before continuing, not wanting to tell her the truth, even though she already recognized what was going on. “He wants me, Kristina… which means he wants you too. He’ll go after you first, though, I think. To hurt me.”

She nodded, but didn’t comment on his blunt statement. She was tough. Of course, he’d always known that about her. “So, is that why you want to go away?”

“Hey, it was your idea to elope,” he reminded her. “I just thought it sounded like a perfect plan. We get away for a few days, get married, and give Michael a chance to catch a killer.”

She released a nervous chuckle. “When you say it that way, it doesn’t sound quite as romantic.”

He leaned over to her side of the cab. “Keep your eyes on the road, beautiful.” He brushed his lips down her neck and shoulder and peered up at her, making sure she kept her attention on the road. He trailed his hand along her arm. “I promise to make it the most romantic weekend you’ve ever experienced,” he whispered in her ear.

She squirmed as a shiver must have swept through her. The idea that he could make her wriggle with just whispered words sent a thrill through his own body. “That won’t be too difficult, Derrick,” she said through a chuckle.

He collapsed in his seat, sighing. “You went out on plenty of dates over the years, Kristina. I know… I had to clench my teeth as I waited for you to get home safely.”

She crinkled her nose and then chewed on her bottom lip. “Hmm… not sure how I feel about the fact that you know every guy I’ve ever dated.”

“Not every one of them. I tried to ignore them for the most part. I only followed you to the frat party because I knew it wasn’t a good idea.”

She peeked at him out of the corner of her eye. “Did I thank you for that by the way? He would have raped me.”

Unable to comment through his gritted teeth, he nodded his acceptance of her gratitude. The only thing that mollified him was the fact that when he sought the degenerate out a few days later, he was happy to learn he’d broken both his legs and his arm when he’d thrown him against the brick wall after pulling him off Kristina. He’d also been expelled for contributing to a minor when Derrick handed the Dean of Students papers on Kristina’s condition, courtesy of his medical office. “He got his reward,” he said flatly.

Kristina’s mouth turned up slightly at the edges, which caused a smile to spread across his face as well. “So I heard.”

She should have known he wouldn’t have let him get away with hurting her. Seemingly content, Kristina played with the radio controls on the steering wheel, finding a soft rock station that he’d preprogrammed. Within seconds, she sang along to an eighties’ Phil Collins song, surprising him. He wanted to comment on the fact that he thought she’d only listened to new age music, but held his tongue. She had a beautiful voice. How had he never known that? He’d known her for fourteen years and didn’t know she could sing like an angel.

Derrick turned his attention to his iPhone while Kristina’s voice filled the vehicle, surrounding him in an almost palpable warmth that flowed through his body. He was definitely looking forward to the next few days.

Yes, he almost shouted. He couldn’t believe his luck. They had a room. The luxury tower suite. It was eight hundred fifty dollars a night, but it was the only package that included a king-sized bed. But it also came with a spa treatment per adult per day. Kristina would enjoy that. He made the reservation and then researched all the activities he’d surprise her with later.

And then, he had the best idea. He found the contact information and typed out a quick email.

Kristina pulled up outside the Manchester City Hall, and Derrick looked up at the gray and beige building and then smiled when he saw the business next door. “Let’s run into Pearson’s first,” he suggested.

She peered in the direction he was looking at the jewelry shop next door. “Oh, perfect. I was wondering about that.”

As they walked up to the red awning, he turned to her. “Are you sure, Kristina? It’s not too late to change your mind.”

She patted his chest and huffed out a breath. “Um…” she trailed off, shaking her head. “Do you not know how I feel? You described it perfectly before our incredible kiss in the park. How can you think for a second that it’s not too late?” She removed her hands from his chest and rested them on her hips. “It’s way past too late, Derrick. We’ve been linked as long as I can remember. This is just the next step.”

Chapter Twenty-six

A few days of peace, Derrick? Not on your life, the rogue mocked silently as the running lights of the Navigator faded in the distance.

Like hunting prey, it would be fun to attack when the newlyweds thought they were safe. The lovely couple could have their honeymoon, but then it was time for retribution.

The new groom thought he was special, but Derrick wasn’t the only one with a human for a parent. Why they were stronger didn’t make any sense, but then again, neither did the hatred. Humans were the only beings more repulsive than Derrick. And as a human and Derrick’s wife, Kristina topped the list. Orchestrating and watching her die would be enjoyable. And after her death, Derrick would be putty. He’d no longer be able to function as overseer.

And then, the army would amass, ready to fight. No doubt when creatus realized someone was willing to take on humans, they’d want to join. Why would they want to continue to live in the shadows as they’d done for four thousand years? It was time creatus took over this planet and lived as they wanted, ate as they desired, killed anyone who stood in the way.

They were more powerful for a reason, and as one of the most powerful of their kind, it only made sense to lead.

Chapter Twenty-seven

As Derrick hung a left onto Fairway Drive, Kris saw the red rooftop and white stucco of the resort, which backed up against a snowcapped mountain range. He still hadn’t given her the name and refused to let her peek at his phone even when she said she was just going to search his music list.

When he rounded Mount Washington Hotel Road, she gasped, throwing her hand over her mouth at the same time tears poured from her eyes. It was like no place she’d ever seen in her life; even her dreams of her fairy-tale honeymoon had never looked so incredible.

The sun had started to set, but the rays reflecting off the snowy landscape made it seem brighter around the hotel as they cast the magnificent structure in a globe of light. The sky was a royal blue, and the horizon looked as if the sun had just melted into layers of yellow and pink streaks across the mountain peaks.

The Omni Mount Washington Resort was breathtaking. It resembled a chalet she could only envision seeing in Sweden or Colorado. She had no idea places as these existed within a couple hours of Boston.

It was a good thing they stopped at the Mall of New Hampshire in Manchester, because she didn’t think she’d ever want to leave. Derrick had practically purchased her an entire wardrobe along with all her toiletries and luggage, since she’d admitted—after much prodding—that other than a couple gym bags, she didn’t have any suitcases. And yet, he had only purchased a few things for himself.

She was thankful for the long wool overcoat they’d chosen together as she peered out of the vehicle. Every square inch of the property that didn’t have evergreen trees had a blanket of white.

After parking, they strolled into the entrance, careful to take their time to absorb all the beauty that surrounded them. Massive rows of white pillars atop wood floors covered by area rugs greeted them as they entered the lobby. Chandeliers, ornate crown moldings, and intricate woodwork adorned the great hall as her eyes traveled up to the twenty-some-foot ceilings. Her eyes gobbled up the lavishly, but tastefully embellished hotel. From the white wainscoting to the cherry wood banisters and gold draperies that contrasted brilliantly with the pale-yellow and cream-colored walls. Soft light filled the immense room from the lamps on tables scattered every few feet next to cozy wingback chairs waiting for a reader to curl up with a classic novel.

Before they headed to their suite, they meandered through several more rooms. Each destination had its own flair, whether it was small and cozy with a stone fireplace or grand and open, as the great hall. He trailed her through a small pub typical of New England with its deep stained wood and plush chairs and then into a nightclub that the hotel had dubbed The Cave due to its granite and stone clad walls. Kris imagined they could stay a month and not see every nook.

They trailed along a high porch overlooking Mount Washington, stopping to take in the last of the day’s light as it liquefied behind the range. Kris rested against the railing and peered out at the majesty and splendor sprawled before her.

Derrick moved up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist as he dipped his head to her ear. “What do you think?”

She leaned against him and he tightened his grip, molding her to his body. “I think it’s incredible; you’re incredible.” She inhaled a mouthful of the brisk mountain air and then released it in a soft sigh of delight. “Thank you.”

“My pleasure, my bride.” He pressed his lips to the bottom of her neck, working tiny kisses up toward her ear. “Ready to find our room, Mrs. Ashton?”

Kris turned in his arms. “Oh, yes.”

He raised her hand with the new wedding band to his lips and then led her to the elevator.

“What? No soaring up the stairs?” she teased.

Her new husband lifted her up against the wall of the elevator and nuzzled her neck, “I think I’ll save my strength for later,” he murmured into her ear, sending a buzz through her body, lighting her on fire from head to toe.

When the elevator reached their floor, Derrick released her, but only until they reached their room. He swung open the door then lifted her up in his arms, carrying her over the threshold of their honeymoon suite.

A large, but comfortable room similar looking to a bed and breakfast with its high back cushioned chairs, country patterned drapes, and bedspreads greeted them. Two walls of the suite had windows overlooking the snowcapped mountains, and bright orange and red flames licked gently at an iron screen in front of a fireplace. Her groom carried her to the king size bed but didn’t set her down. Instead, he held her in his arms as he sat on the bed. “Kristina, I want you so much right now, but I’m afraid we’ll never make it out of the room if you even allow me to kiss you.”

She laced her hands around his neck. “I guess we will have to take our chances then because I’ve been aching for you to kiss me since we said, ‘I do.’ That wasn’t nearly a long enough kiss.”

“Well, I couldn’t very well attack you in front of the Justice of the Peace, could I?” Derrick laughed.

“No one is here now,” she suggested.

Derrick wasted no time in lifting her to the center of the bedspread and sliding down beside her. “I do love this dress; it’d be a shame to wrinkle it.” He moved his hand around her back, and his fingers went to work unzipping the dress, but he paused. “Do you mind?”

“Of course not!” she burst out. “At this point, I wouldn’t mind if you ripped it off me.”

He smiled. “I couldn’t do that. It’s too beautiful, and then you’d think I’m an animal.”

Actually, she was thinking he was too gentle. Her body longed to feel some of his power. Every nerve ending seemed heightened with arousal. Their foreplay had gone on too long, and she was ready.

Kris moved her hands to his standard oxford, unbuttoning it as he continued to unzip her dress. She traced his tanned olive skin with its thin cropping of soft black hair over his chest; it felt incredible, the way a man was supposed to feel. His chest was firm and sculpted, and her heart raced as she ran her hands over his shoulders to remove his shirt.

He helped her at the end, and then she witnessed the restrained desire crumble in his dark eyes. There was no turning back at this point. His gaze spoke volumes without opening his mouth. A longing filled his eyes and she knew hers probably mirrored his. She’d dreamt about this moment so many times, even though she never imagined it in a honeymoon suite of a chalet with a fire crackling in the background. Somehow, Derrick had managed to fill even her unknown fantasies. She would never have thought to ask for this, never have believed it was even possible.

He ran his fingers over her collarbone, trailing a line up her neck and under her chin, lifting her head and kissing her softly. He moved toward her neck, his mouth working its way to her earlobe, stopping and nibbling there. “This is so different, Kristina. I’ve never experienced this.”

“Me either,” she said on an exhale. “It’s always just been cold.” She moved her hands up to his wide shoulders, pulling him down on top of her. “We have all weekend. Please don’t make me wait too long.”

He chuckled against her neck, his warm breath tickling her. “Why are you in such a hurry? Are you hungry?”

“I’m starving!” she yelped, throwing her head back to give him complete access. Derrick took advantage of her position, lowering her dress off her shoulders, exposing her. He trailed his hand over her shoulder and around to her back again, unclipping her bra deftly. He may not have ‘fallen’ or made love to a woman, but he’d definitely had sex. She shook the woman’s image that flashed through her brain from her head, knowing Derrick was with her, not Victoria—forever.

Chapter Twenty-eight

“Which dress should I wear tonight?” Kris called to Derrick, who was cleaning up for dinner. She laughed internally, remembering she didn’t need to yell.

“The white one. The restaurant is very formal,” he responded.

Kris pulled out the tea-length dress Derrick had helped her pick out this afternoon. She felt as though she was looking for a prom dress. He kept picking out formal wear with lace and silk, dresses that were appropriate for weddings and balls, not dinner at a ski lodge. But, he’d been here before, he’d said, so she trusted he knew what he was looking for.

When she’d seen the price, she’d shoved it back on the rack. But he pulled it back out, insisting she try it.

Kris twirled in front of the mirror, realizing she looked like a bride, not a teenager going to a ball. She decided to pull up her hair instead of leaving it long and straight as she usually preferred. It was official; she looked like Cinderella heading off to the ball. “All I need now is a fairy godmother to bring the pumpkin coach”, she chuckled under her breath, then clamped her hands over her mouth.

“I won’t do?” Derrick said through a laugh.

“That’s not fair—” A knock on the door broke off her complaint.

“Wait!” Derrick yelled, stopping her. He darted out of the bathroom, a towel wrapped around his waist. “I’ll get it.” He shooed her away.

Only the fact that he looked so good in nothing but a towel kept her from arguing. And then she wondered, Was he worried? Did he think someone had followed them?

Derrick grabbed his wallet off the credenza as he opened the door. He exchanged a tip for a garment bag and a box, seemingly unconcerned that he was standing in the doorway covered only by a towel. The giggle that escaped curbed her irritation, until he turned and stared her down. Then she just flashed him a “what the heck are you up to” look.

After closing the door behind the room attendant, Derrick disappeared into the bathroom again, so Kris continued to get ready.

A few minutes later, he stood behind her dressed in a black and white tux, holding a box. “This is for you.”

Kris appraised him before lifting the lid. “Wow. You dress up nice. I’ve never seen you in anything but khakis.”

He smiled. “As do you. Let me see.”

Kris twirled in front of him, reveling as his eyes gobbled her up. They’d better get to dinner before they wrinkled another dress.

“Beautiful, absolutely stunning.” He leaned forward and placed a delicate kiss on her lips. “You’re only missing one thing.” He lifted the lid of the box, revealing a bouquet with a tight cluster of about eighteen cream-colored roses surrounded by lemon leaves and a white ribbon hand tie. It was simple and elegant.

“Derrick,” she gasped in a breath, “that’s a wedding bouquet?”

“I couldn’t manage a pumpkin coach, but I figured you deserved a wedding night, my love.” He held out his arm for her. “Shall we?”

Kris fought to retain the tears that threatened to overtake her, which would ruin her makeup. Unable to speak through the emotion choking her words, she nodded and accepted his arm.

Derrick trailed them to the elevator without uttering a word and then pressed the button for the top floor. When it stopped, he led her to a private room decked out like a wedding reception. A crystal chandelier and candelabras cast subtle light over a lone table covered with a white tablecloth, a centerpiece of more roses off to the side, and two beautifully adorned chairs with gossamer and ribbon. Soft piano music played in the background as moonlight streamed in through the glass windows, which once again offered a magnificent view of the mountain.

A host greeted them, escorting them to the table set just for them.

“Oh my…” Kris fanned her eyes. “This is amazing.”

Derrick pulled out her chair and helped her scoot forward. “I’m glad you approve.”

“How did… you do all this?” Her voice cracked, faltering with the love she felt enveloping her as though it were a tangible ribbon, interwoven through both of their souls, cinching them together forever.

He moved his head back and forth only slightly. “Every girl should have a fairy-tale wedding, even if it’s just for two.”

Kris leaned forward as he took his seat. “This is so much better than a formal wedding, Derrick. Thank you.”

Her husband dipped his head. “My pleasure, my bride.” Reaching across the table, he took her hand in his. “Thank you for marrying me, Kristina. I plan to make all your wishes come true.”

She smiled. “You already have.”

Derrick had taken it upon himself to pre-order their dinner, so there were no inquiries. He’d ordered her Filet a la Oscar, and she’d thought she’d died and gone to food heaven. She’d never thought of pairing filet with crabmeat, asparagus, and béarnaise sauce, but the result was delectable. It panged her that he could never sample such fine sauces. And pizza, even with the incredible food she’d eaten with him, she was starting to crave pizza. She needed to see if she could sneak off and get a fix one of these days. There had to be somewhere in the hotel that served it.

After dinner, Derrick twirled her across the floor, teaching her all types of dances. She started to ask where he learned all the styles, but then remembered he’d been alive since the sixties, so he’d seen a lot. And his father had been alive since the early nineteen hundreds. It baffled her to think that he’d actually been alive during World War I.

As they danced, the waiter cleared their plates, and when she needed a respite, they returned to their table to see a wedding cake for two in the center of their table.

Kris giggled as she sat. “I’m starting to think I’m dreaming, Derrick. You may have to plant one of those mind-blowing kisses on me again.”

“Gladly,” he offered, pulling her out of the chair and into his arms before she could blink. He spun around in a circle, kissing her, unconcerned with the onlooking staff.

Kris dipped her head to his ear when he finally released her lips. “Okay. I believe again.” She glanced around to the door. “Aren’t you concerned they’ll wonder how you did that?”

He laughed. “Kristina, you weigh all of a hundred and twelve pounds. I’m sure even a human man of my size could do this.”

She crinkled her nose. “How do you know how much I weigh?”

“My senses, all of them, are ultra perceptive.”

“Hmm… all of them?”

“Everything.”

She thought about that for a second, her brow furrowing. That could be uncomfortable at times.

He smiled. “No need to worry. You’ll get used to not talking to yourself.” He set her down and walked her to her chair.

“I was thinking of other things actually.”

“Such as?”

“Your sense of smell. I’ll be concerned.”

He laughed full and deep and nuzzled her neck, inhaling a deep breath. “No need. I think you smell incredible. All the time,” he clarified.

They finished their cake, and then Derrick trailed her around the hotel again, offering if she wanted to dance in the nightclub. She refused, wanting to return to their room. She hadn’t got her fill of him yet today, and she was starting to get tired. Derrick never seemed to tire.

When they made it back to the room, Derrick seemed to be content to sit on the loveseat. For a long while, they just snuggled and stared at the fire. His fingers trailed over her skin, seeming to memorize every square inch of her body. Occasionally he would plant delicate kisses on her hand and neck.

“Derrick,” Kris asked, pulling his hand to her lips. “What happens if I die?”

He huffed out a breath. “What kind of question is that to ask on your wedding night?”

“I’m curious. Can you fall twice?”

He shook his head.

“So if I die, you’ll be alone for a hundred years?”

His eyes narrowed, wondering she guessed how she knew his age and how long he’d live. He’d hinted, but he’d never come out and told her directly. “Yes. Though, it is unlikely I’d live that long without you.”

Her eyes widened. “What do you mean?”

“It is from creatus that humans coined the term, Died of a broken heart; they just don’t know it. When you see a story on the news where a couple has been together for sixty to seventy years and they die within days of each other, often it is one of us; though, they are usually much older than humans know. Creatus simply do not want to go on living after their partner dies, and if they are young, they’ll normally leave the family and become a hermit. Again the reason you hear stories of the old lady or man in the neighborhood who never comes out of their house.”

A moan escaped her throat. “What if he—”

Derrick raised his finger to her lips. “He’s not. Let’s drop this discussion please.”

Kris nodded and rested her head against his chest, swiping away a tear. She’d have to be extremely careful so that nothing ever happened to her. Because the thought of Derrick living in pain—she simply couldn’t imagine putting him through that agony. Their connection was so strong now… the thought of him ripped from her life. She couldn’t imagine the anguish.

Chapter Twenty-nine

Vic sat next to Jonas on the high-rise building’s ledge, lazily surveying the city, not really concerned with what was going on. Even sitting next to the wonderful specimen of a man, all she could think about was Derrick, wondering if he and Kristina had really fallen. Maybe he’d lied to protect her from the family. As cool as the night air was, she couldn’t help but feel the heat radiating off Jonas’ body. How wonderful it would be to want another man. To have the comfort of a hot body on a cold night. Even though she was only forty-four—young by creatus standards—she wanted to fall. It was every woman’s dream, well, creatus women anyway. Meeting that perfect man, gazing into his eyes, and knowing that you’d be together always. She shook the ridiculous thoughts from her head. If it hadn’t happened with Derrick, a man she’d loved for years, how would it happen with anyone?

She turned to Jonas, who’d been content to sit beside her quietly it seemed, even though he had to know how she felt about all this. “Why did you come back, Jonas?”

He lifted his eyes without lifting his head. His catlike orbs sparkled in the limited light from the surrounding buildings; he’d always had the prettiest eyes. Even though they were a dark sable, they had flecks of gold in them. “I heard Derrick finally made a decision,” he answered easily, as though he’d been prepared for her question.

She narrowed her brows. “A decision on what? Watching?”

“Watching?” he repeated, spurting out a laugh. “No. I can watch and get into a fight anywhere. I didn’t need to come back to New England to watch. Besides, humans are hardly worth battling. Even when they have a weapon, they’re usually poor fighters. And unlike our grandparents, I have no desire to protect them.”

Vic flinched. She hadn’t believed that Jonas was watching just so he could fight, but his comment sounded as though maybe he had been.

He rested his hand over hers, and she immediately withdrew it, tending to an itch behind her head.

“So, what, then?” she prodded, even though she now had her suspicions, wondering why she’d felt the need to remove her hand. Hadn’t she been thinking she’d track him down? Hadn’t she said she needed to move on?

“A Kristina decision,” he said. “I knew once Derrick made his choice, you would be open to someone else. I couldn’t compete with him around for some reason.” He shook his head. “What is it about him anyway? Why are you drawn to him?”

She shrugged. Honestly, she didn’t know, and now that Derrick had made his decision to move on, her heart should feel free to pursue other men, but she didn’t feel as if their relationship was real. There was still a chance. If Kristina were out of the picture—

“Victoria…” Jonas’ voice pulled her from her thoughts.

She hated the name Victoria. It sounded weak. Derrick had only said it when he was mad at her or when he pleaded with her.

“Stop it, Victoria. Look at me,” Jonas demanded.

Vic huffed out a breath. “What?”

“Stop thinking about him. He’s on his honeymoon in Mount Washington.”

She whipped her head to him. “How do you know where they went?”

“My brother and I overheard them. They were going to get married in Manchester, and then he said there was a nice place he’d take her. Where else would they have gone?” He stopped, obviously taking in her hurt expression. “Oh, that’s right. You two used to ski there. I forgot.”

She bit down on her lip until she tasted blood. “You forgot nothing, you twerp. Besides, it wasn’t just the two of us. We all went there as a group.”

He wiggled his eyebrows at her. Jonas could be so maddening sometimes. “Yeah, but I seem to recall Derrick and you curled up on the chairs outside by the fire pit.”

Vic punched him in the shoulder. “Only because he was drunk. We only succumbed to our desires when he was drunk…” she trailed off, her heart wrenching. He hadn’t used her, she knew. They had used each other. They were the right choice for each other. He would have chosen her if it weren’t for Kristina.

Jonas grabbed her fist and clutched it between his hands. “And you call me a twerp. Come on, Victoria. Let’s get out of here. I don’t need a drink to want you. What are we waiting for anyway? The rogue isn’t going to strike. You heard Derrick; he’s after him.”

She sighed. “It’s not going to happen, Jonas.”

“Why the hell not? Who else you pining for? Michael?”

A burst flew out of her mouth. “What on earth would give you that idea? We’re just friends. We’d kill each other as a couple. We hate each other’s quirks more than I hate Derrick. And I hate Derrick a lot right now,” she emphasized.

Still holding onto her fist, he pulled her toward him. “Michael doesn’t hate you. Not even close. He’s wanted you since we were in high school. We’ve both wanted you since we were teenagers. But you can’t seem to imagine yourself with anyone but Derrick. If you could just see—”

Vic pulled her hand free. As much as she wanted to flee, she couldn’t make herself leave, but she didn’t feel comfortable with him holding her hand. She knew she had to forget Derrick. And she had always liked Jonas… but Michael? She’d never seen it. She’d actually always thought Ryan was interested in her.

Seeming to witness her emotions, Jonas moved closer.

No, she couldn’t. She shot her hand up in front of her, creating a barrier. “I’ll think about it, Jonas. I really will. But I’m not ready.”

He threw his head back, sighing dramatically. Always so melodramatic. Maybe that was what she liked about Derrick. He was a steady rock, rarely easy to upset. In fact, the only time she’d ever seen him upset was over Kristina. It was Derrick’s passion she admired—craved. Her soul longed for a man to want her like that. The other men were moody, irritable, childish.

Jonas, she rolled his name around in her head. He’d always been in the back of her mind. She’d always found him attractive. But somehow, she’d never pictured him as a husband, as him wanting anything other than a fling. Of course, that was common for creatus men. If they didn’t take things too seriously, they didn’t risk falling. Even though they all wanted to find the perfect partner, they were still men, and they still liked to play.

“I’m sorry,” she said, patting his hand platonically, letting him know she wasn’t against his touch entirely.

Jonas had been leaning back, his eyes shuttered, but he opened one eye and smiled. “It’s okay,” he said, turning his hand over so hers rested in his. His thumb made a small circle on the back of her hand, and Vic was surprised to feel a faint flutter inside her. Jonas exhaled a deep breath and stared into her soul. His eyes looked lighter than before, almost a deep dark hazel as he studied her. And though he had the silky raven hair, his and Ry’s had more curl than most creatus. He moved his hand up her arm and she didn’t move this time. “But I really thought we had something before I left. My brother said you mentioned me in the meeting, said you were going to come find me. Was that just to get Derrick riled up?”

She nodded. “I was going to call you, but yes, I was trying to rile him up.”

Without warning, Jonas hopped to his feet, huffing out a breath as he marched away. “See ya ’round, Victoria,” he drawled in that seductive southern tone that she’d always liked. Few creatus had accents, but Jonas’ family had lived in South Carolina before moving here. She remembered the first time she’d seen him when they were in middle school. A new boy, someone who hadn’t known her since she was a toddler. She’d been intrigued from the first time she’d cast her eyes on him, even though he’d paid her little notice. Typical of boys and girls that age, regardless of the species.

“Wait!” Vic jumped up and landed in front of him, blocking his exit to the stairwell. “Don’t leave.”

He shifted on his feet. “Why? It’s obvious that there’s nothing for me here, as I’d hoped.”

Vic leaned in, her eyes closing, hoping he wouldn’t embarrass her by leaving her hanging.

Immediately, Jonas wrapped his arms around her, tugging her to his chest. She’d always known he was strong, and for a second, she realized he was too strong. If she’d wanted to escape his embrace, it didn’t feel as if she could. His heart pounded loudly in his chest, a rare occurrence. Most creatus were experts at hiding their emotions. His mouth clamped over hers, demanding and powerful, taking what he wanted. At first, his forcefulness surprised her, and she wanted to retract, but then his lips softened, coaxing her to join in the kiss.

Seemingly without her consent, her body melted against his, accepting him, reveling in the feeling that a man wanted her, really desired her.

But then, Michael popped into her head. They’d been best friends since they were children. Even as she kissed Jonas, moving her hands through his silky hair, traveling over his muscular arms, she couldn’t get the image of Michael out of her mind.

Michael’s words from the other day that he wanted a strong woman rang through her head. Had he meant her? Had Michael wanted her?

Chapter Thirty

“Anything?” Derrick asked Michael over the phone.

“Nothing. Not even an attack on a human.” Michael was obviously tapping away on his iPhone as he used the earpiece because the annoying tap came through the phone like a bass drum. His brother knew he hated it, but he never put the phone down; he was an addict. “Of course, we patrolled the city well,” he continued. “I’m starting to wonder if maybe you’re correct. Maybe it is someone we know, and they are just looking to destroy you.”

“My bet’s on Jonas, Michael. You need to see what he’s been doing the last few years.”

“He just got back a couple of days ago; these have been going on for weeks,” Michael protested. “We’ve been best friends since he and his brother and mom moved here. Heck we spent more time in high school together than you or I, Derrick.”

Derrick inhaled a deep breath, not wanting to argue. “I know, Bro, but people change. And just because he hasn’t been hanging out at family gatherings doesn’t mean he hasn’t been in town. Ry could have just been looking for an opening to get him back inside family matters.”

“I’ll do some research. I already tracked down everyone who’s left in the last ten years, so I’ll work on that today.” Michael stopped talking for a second and then chuckled. “You know, you sound pretty chipper, considering all that’s going on. So, everything’s good? You two warm and cozy up there?”

“Actually, it’s freezing.”

His brother let out a loud guffaw. “I’m not talking about the weather, dude.”

“Oh, that warm and cozy…” Derrick let his words trail off. “I’m not talking to you, man. Besides, what do you care? You hate humans. So you certainly don’t want to hear any of my boring details,” he drew out his words and then lowered his voice, “You want a strong woman who’ll rock your world, right?”

Michael laughed again. “Yeah. I guess I do.”

“So, when exactly are you going to tell her?”

“Tell who?” he grumbled, giving away that he knew ‘who’.

“Victoria,” Derrick chided. “Come on, man. You practically crawled across the floor the other day, telling her what you wanted in a woman. She was just too angry to see it, but she will. You two are perfect for each other.”

Michael huffed. “We would end up destroying each other. We’re too much alike.”

“Ah-ha, so you are interested.”

“Yeah,” he conceded. “I’ve always been interested in Vic, but she sees right through me, as if I’m just an apparition. Jonas wanted her too. At least he did in high school. I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s the real reason he came back. You know, we always assumed she wanted you because you were the strongest.” Derrick rolled his eyes even though Michael couldn’t see him. “So, where’s Kristina? You let her out of your sight?” his brother asked nonchalantly as if he didn’t really care, just changing the subject.

“Not really. She’s having a spa treatment. We’ll be meeting in about fifteen minutes in the couple’s area.”

“Have fun, loverboy, while I endeavor here with no warm woman to keep me company on these chilly nights.”

Derrick laughed. “As if you’ve ever had a problem finding a warm body.”

“Yeah well, sometimes we grow up.”

A huff threatened to pop out of Derrick’s throat, but he restrained it. Maybe his brother really was growing up. “All right then. I’ll call you tomorrow,” Derrick said and hung up. He made his way to the couple’s lounge. He was looking forward to another incredible evening with his wife, but he had a day of outdoor activities planned today.

Derrick found an open love seat and sat down to wait for Kristina. He pulled out his iPhone, checking the weather to see what the ski conditions were for tomorrow, as he’d already made reservations for zip lining today. If they weren’t good, he had back-up plans of sleigh rides, hiking, or horseback riding. Heck, even staying inside all day would be fine with him, but he wanted their makeshift honeymoon to be something she’d remember forever, since she hadn’t wanted the huge wedding as most women did.

He glanced at the time. Kristina was late. He pulled their reservation receipt out of his wallet and confirmed the time. Only five minutes, which wasn’t unusual for her as she was habitually late. But still, the hotel filled every slot; they were never late.

Derrick made a loop outside the couple’s area. He glanced at the hot tub and pool, thinking maybe she’d assumed they were supposed to meet there. Coming up empty, he sought out one of the employees to see if her appointment had been rescheduled for a later time. The woman whom he had spoken with earlier was on the phone, explaining the different services they offered to a prospective customer. She peeped up at him and smiled, but returned her eyes to her computer. The woman droned on, detailing every massage and facial treatment that was available.

“I’m sorry, Miss,” he interrupted, and her eyes flashed to him, irritation now overshadowing her previously friendly smile. Ignoring her glower, he asked, “Did my wife change the time of her treatment?”

“Excuse me,” the woman said into the phone and then glanced at him. “Could you give me a minute, sir?”

“No. It’ll just take a second. My wife was supposed to meet me in the couple’s area ten minutes ago, and she’s not there.”

The woman sucked on her teeth. “One second, sir, and I will be glad to look up that information.” She returned to the caller. “Yes, ma’am. We can schedule you in tomorrow.” She clicked her mouse, scrolling down the computer screen. “Hmm… let’s see.”

Derrick had lost all patience. Even though it wasn’t the woman’s fault, her unwillingness to understand his concern aggravated him. He understood someone was on the phone, but shouldn’t the person standing in front of her take precedence? He stormed toward the couple’s area again to see if Kristina had returned. Pulling out his phone, he checked the time again. Fifteen minutes. His blood raced through his veins. He glanced at the women’s locker room, wondering how quickly he’d get the staff’s attention if he sought out his wife himself.

Clearly, fifteen minutes meant nothing to them, but if the rogue had found Kristina. He whooshed out a breath, his hands trembling. Decided, he opened the door to the female locker room. He didn’t care what they thought; he only wanted to know if he needed to seek his wife. And if she was embarrassed, so be it. “Kristina!” he shouted into the vacant corridor. All the rooms were private, so it wasn’t as if there would be naked women wandering the halls. They all wore robes, courtesy of the hotel.  He stepped inside, letting the door close behind him. “Kristina,” he repeated, louder, and he could be very loud. His voice had a tendency to carry if he so desired. And right now, he had only one concern: finding his wife.

Chapter Thirty-one

Reece sifted through the files, dating back fourteen years. He’d been surprised when he searched Kristina Heskin’s records and discovered she’d been the victim of a brutal attack that had left her mother bleeding on the street, but she’d walked away.

“My Dark Angel saved me”, O’Brian had written in quotes on the now-faded police report, but thankfully as most cops, all his reports were scribbled in bold black ink, standard procedure for officers. O’Brian had also made a file he’d titled as “dark angel”. Too bad O’Brian was dead; he probably could have picked his brain.

Reece pulled out the stack of reports he’d lifted from the dead detective’s office. Most cops didn’t bother to keep paper copies, but O’Brian was old school, just like Reece’s dad. Reece remembered how his old man would never trust computers, always said, “What’re they gonna do when they all crash and burn? Or terrorists take out the Internet?” He missed his father; he was the one man Reece could trust with his life. Even in the military, Reece hadn’t felt completely comfortable. Things weren’t the same as they’d been when his father was a cop, as he’d always complained, and Reece had to agree with his Pop. Reece was born in the Deep South where loyalty meant something. Even the men he’d met overseas and in Miami would stab you in the back metaphorically as quickly as a punk would stick you with a blade on the street, if it meant they’d advance in front of you. He’d kept his nose clean while he served his country and his head down when he returned to the U.S. His promotion had nothing to do with the good ole boy system; he was where he was because he had a knack for finding missing links.

The reports under the “Dark Angel” tab dated back eight years, but then stopped a few years ago. Some of the reports hadn’t been O’Brian’s, but they all had one thing in common. Every report was of an attack on a citizen where a vigilante had intervened. Though said in different ways, each victim had claimed that one second the thief had been on them, and the next it was as if they’d disappeared. One woman had gone on to say that she was sure it was Batman who had protected her.

Reece reclined on the hard mattress of the cheap hotel room his agency had reserved. Whatever happened to the plush accommodations he’d seen in the movies? James Bond had never stayed in a fleabag hotel. Apparently holding a license to kill didn’t mean the same as it used to.

He stared up at the water and smoke-stained ceiling, wondering how the incidents connected. Fourteen years ago, this supposed Dark Angel protected an eight-year-old girl. Six years later, he saves others, but then disappears until the Tobin Bridge event, nearly three years after the last report.

Reece logged into Massachusetts’ police database, courtesy of his boss’ security clearance. After a rudimentary search, he returned a few situations where a vigilante had stepped in to help a civilian in the last eight years. However, none of those incidents included any mention of supernatural occurrences as the others had. Maybe that was why O’Brian had left them out. Again, he thought about what a waste it was that O’Brian was dead.

Clicking through the crime reports, he ran across a slew of homicides in the last couple of months. No mention of a vigilante stepping in, but the crimes in of themselves were interesting. Every corpse had been torn in pieces. The ME’s report had used torn for a reason, he was certain. Sawed, ripped to shreds by an animal, axed, hammered, and pulled apart by two cars—that wasn’t a pretty sight, even if the dude was a drug dealer—were all terms Reece was accustomed to from his investigations in Miami and South America. But he’d never run across the term torn.

Reece clicked on the images from the medical examiner’s office, zooming in the screen to get a better look. Torn was the correct word. Pieces of flesh and muscle hung from the appendages, indicating the body had in fact been torn apart.

Had the Dark Angel in fact gone dark? Could Derrick Ashton have finally had enough with society and instead of helping, decided to punish?

Chapter Thirty-two

Michael sat across from Rebecca at the sushi restaurant they always ate at when he came to see her for information.

She twirled a lock of her short hair as she leaned toward him. “I deleted all of O’Brian’s computer files, Michael, but I can’t find the hard copies, and I know he kept them,” Rebecca said.

“So you think the same guy took them?”

Rebecca bobbed her head. She was so cute, not nearly as intimidating as some creatus women. Her decision to cut her hair in the short bob had surprised him though. She already looked so young. She’d only been home from school for a couple of years, but she was a genius when it came to computers. He’d had Rebecca earmarked for a position in Boston’s PD immediately. It wasn’t hard to do. The man who’d interviewed her for the position had fallen in love with her looks, and her mind was sharp. All she needed was a position where she had access to a computer, and she could get Michael anything in the state. Of course, he had intentions of getting her to a government office in Washington, but at thirty-seven—twenty-seven to the rest of the world—she barely looked as if she were drinking age. So he had a few years to mold her.

Rebecca took a bite of her tuna, careful to scrape off the rice. “I also tracked down the guy who recorded Kristina’s free dive off the Tobin, but he doesn’t have another copy.”

Michael cocked his head. “He gave the original to O’Brian, right?”

“Uh-uh,” she said, taking a sip of her water. “He’d given him a copy, since he had material he needed on it. When I told him we lost the copy and needed another, he said he’d gladly give us another disc, but he’d already told O’Brian that someone else from the department had taken his only copy. He said if he gets it back, he’ll call me.”

“Do you think he was telling the truth?” Michael asked.

She shrugged. “Why would he lie? He’s the one who came to the PD and offered it to O’Brian in the first place.”

Michael bit down on his lip and glanced around the restaurant. Derrick always complained about everyone else doing things to screw up, and here he’d screwed up twice. And now, as always, Michael had to clean up behind him. Derrick had thought that no one would believe a little girl’s claim of seeing a “dark angel”, and yet, O’Brian had held onto the report for fourteen years. “You got the copies for me?”

Rebecca dug in her briefcase. “Yep. All of them.”

“All? I thought there were only two,” Michael questioned.

“When I searched his computer, I found more reports filed under “dark angel”; I assumed you’d want them all.”

Michael smiled, and if he weren’t mistaken, pint-sized Rebecca gave him a little wiggle. He was flattered, but she wasn’t his type. And she was too young. Granted, she was only twelve years his junior, but—who was he kidding? He’d never had a type. Until Victoria came on the market, that is. Now, his days and nights were inundated with thoughts of her. And clearly, Jonas wanted her too. So after waiting years for Derrick to make up his mind, Jonas strolls back into town and makes a pass at her. Michael had decided not to mention to his brother about Vic and Jonas’ pow-wow last night, as he certainly didn’t need to add any additional fuel to Derrick’s animosity against Jonas. At first he’d been overjoyed when he watched Victoria fend off Jonas’ advances, but the moment Jonas had turned to leave, she’d bolted after him.

He did have to be thankful to Jonas for one thing, though; he’d told her that both of them had liked her since high school, so maybe she wouldn’t be blindsided when he confronted her.

“Michael?”

Michael lifted his head to see Rebecca’s eyes as they bore into his. “I’m sorry, what?” He’d heard her speak, but had lost total focus on the issue at hand as his mind battled with how to approach Victoria. All of a sudden, he felt as though he were out of time, realizing if he didn’t do something quickly, he’d lose her forever.

Rebecca batted her long black eyelashes over her liquid-ink eyes that reminded him of a fawn in their innocence. “I asked if you’d like to meet me after work.”

“Oh.” He gulped, not wanting to offend such a pretty little thing. If he couldn’t get Victoria’s attention, perhaps Rebecca could be his type. He flashed a sideways smile, the one his mother always told him would get him his way. “I can’t tonight. Raincheck?”

She chewed on the tip of her nail as she stood up. “Sure. Let me know if you need anything else.” She tromped off, obviously knowing he had no intention of taking her up on her proposal.  There weren’t many secrets within the family. If Derrick and Jonas had known he was in love with Victoria, more than likely everyone did.

Michael threw a fifty on the bill and left the restaurant. He had one more stop to make before he did anything else.

Before exiting his Dodge Charger, Michael grabbed his ID from the glove box. Though technically he was a medical doctor by degree, he’d stepped away from the profession, seeing a need elsewhere within the family. Derrick was skeptical at first, but he’d realized in this day and age, they needed his expertise. In the last twelve years, Michael had situated creatus in high-level positions around the globe. So if anything ever got out of control, a couple clicks of a mouse, and the evidence would disappear.

He used the designated entrance, positive no one would stop him; of course his ID was up-to-date if they did. He smiled as he passed the nurses’ station, listening to their whispers. Probably the women who didn’t know his brother personally would mistake him for Derrick. Sure he had two inches and about twenty pounds on his older brother, but most women only saw the tall, dark, and handsome doctor. Why couldn’t Victoria see that? he wondered. Though, he knew why. To Victoria, he was just another creatus, a brother in arms. She’d grown up with him, had fought most of the males. She’d been the only female near their age, so she didn’t hang out with the girls. She played football and basketball with them. It wasn’t as if they’d complain; they needed players, as they certainly couldn’t play with humans.

Michael stepped into the hospital room, pleased to see that she was alone. He’d rather not have to explain to a parent or fiancé why someone other than her regular doctor was here.

Beth’s face had cleared up some over the last couple of days. Such a shame. She really was a pretty girl. He’d always been a fan of strawberry blondes. Derrick thought he hated all humans. He didn’t. He just wasn’t willing to let any human jeopardize their way of life, nor would he let a creatus for that matter. He planned to do his job to the fullest, whatever it took.

Chapter Thirty-three

Kris grabbed the plate of pizza as soon as the man threw it on the counter and shoved bites down her throat as she ran the long stretch of corridor, which she was positive had doubled in length. Not as enjoyable as she’d imagined when she had to keep checking the time. At a couple minutes late, she was fine. Ten, she started to tap her foot in exasperation. Fifteen, she’d demanded they just give it to her as it was.

She rounded the hallway and saw Derrick coming out of the couple’s lounge, his white robe still wrapped around him. He made eye contact, and at first, a look of utter gratitude washed over his features as he pulled to a stop, both of his hands running through his hair. But then, if looks could kill, well, when she’d thought Victoria was dangerous looking, she’d been way off.

“I’m sorry…” She almost fell into him, the paper plate still clutched in her hand. “I’m so sorry. I was running to get back before we were supposed to meet.”

He exhaled a breath as one arm latched around her body and his hand cupped her face. Kris stared up to see his eyes completely glazed over. He pulled her against him. “I thought—” He ran his hands through her hair and kissed her forehead. “Please don’t ever scare me like that again. Any other time I wouldn’t freak out that you’re late, but right now, with that maniac—”

“I’m sorry,” she said again, her words disappearing into his chest as he squeezed her tighter.

“Pizza?” he groaned, pressing his lips to the top of her head, as if just happy she was with him. “All you had to do was order it. They would have brought it to you.”

She peered up at him, feeling like a little girl. “I didn’t want to eat it in front of you.”

“Why on earth not?” he demanded, his voice rising a fraction.

“Because you can’t eat it.”

Derrick swiped his hand across his forehead. “Kristina, I’ve never even tasted pizza, so I don’t miss anything. But oddly enough, it doesn’t appeal to me. It’d be like offering a great white shark ice cream.”

She covered her mouth to retain a laugh. “Yesterday a superhero, today a great white?”

“I’m not comparing myself to a shark. I’m just saying pizza isn’t in our food group. We don’t crave food the way humans do. We eat when we’re hungry, simple as that.” He lifted her chin. “And you’re in trouble, so stop trying to change the subject by laughing.”

She dropped her head. “I really am sorry. I knew you’d be worried, but I thought it’d only take a few minutes.”

Derrick scooped up her hand and led her to the couple’s area so they could change and be on with their day. “We’ll find him, Kristina. I promise. And then I won’t go insane when you’re fifteen minutes late. It’s just—”

She pulled him to a stop before he opened the door. “I understand, Derrick. This is serious. I know you’re not being ridiculously obsessive. I saw Beth; I know this is real. I just figured I was safe here.”

He nodded and pulled her against him again. “You are safe, but I can’t take any chances. I can’t lose you. I just got you.”

She smiled, even though he couldn’t see it. She felt the same way. She’d been irresponsible. “I promise. I’ll never cause you to worry again.”

Obviously comforted, he lifted her chin and kissed her again. “Okay. So, since you’ve already eaten lunch, how about we go change before we head off to our next adventure?”

“Maybe we can take a little nap before getting ready,” she said suggestively, hoping he wasn’t too upset with her. Though, oddly enough, he didn’t seem angry at all. It’s as though he’d gotten over his frustration in seconds.

“Well, our reservation is at two, so I’m sure we can fit in a nap if you’re tired.” He raised his eyebrows in question, but then continued, “But first off, I have to go in and settle our bill and make certain the staff doesn’t have us thrown out for disorderly conduct.”

Kris bit down on her lip. “Um… exactly what did you do?”

“I was looking for you the last place I saw you—the ladies’ locker room. They don’t like men in there, it seems.”

Catching the gist of his confession, Kris mashed her lips together to keep from laughing again, even though she knew it wasn’t funny. “You think? It’s not as if you can sneak in and out.”

He shook his head. “There wasn’t any sneaking going on, believe me. I’m surprised you didn’t hear me from the other side of the hotel.”

She nibbled on her bottom lip, her head lowered. She’d have to be extra nice to him when they returned to the room. He was being kind, but evidently, he’d been more upset than he’d let on. “Okay. I’ll go get my stuff out of the locker while you make amends.”

“I’m sure there will be a hefty tip involved.” He pushed open the door and stopped, peering into the eyes of the woman who’d checked them in earlier. He shrugged. “Found my wife.”

Kris cringed and then slunk off toward the ladies’ room, knowing Derrick would take care of everything.

Two hours later, Kris stood bundled in a harness and helmet, ready to take on the largest treetop zip line, approximately 165 feet off the ground. It didn’t sound high when she was on the ground, learning how to zip line five feet above the snow. But now looking over the expanse of the hemlock canopy below her to the platform over eight hundred feet away, she knew she’d been utterly insane to think she could do this. She was sixteen stories up; even Derrick couldn’t fall from this height and live. Or, at least she didn’t think he could. She’d never actually asked. The guide had mentioned that some of the trees were two hundred and fifty years old, dating back to The Revolutionary War. So they were strong and sturdy. The zip lines consisted of two vinyl-covered cables, assuring they were completely safe, and she’d been okay on the first few zips. Even the sky bridges they’d crossed had been okay. But getting a bird’s eye view of Rosebrook Canyon, she was having second thoughts.

“You okay,” Derrick asked, encircling her waist with his arms.

She afforded him an unconvincing nod, gulping in the process, her hands sweating. She knew she didn’t have to hold on, but the instructor had told her to be careful that no part of her skin touched the line. So what if her hand slipped out of the glove?

The guide stepped in front of her. “It’s no different than the others, Mrs. Ashton. Just let the harness do all the work. Lean back in the cannonball position we showed you, point your toes downward, and have fun.”

Kris gave another nod and stepped forward, but then turned to Derrick. “Maybe you should do this one first?” she suggested.

Derrick pressed his hand to her cheek. “You’ll be fine, love. Just keep your eyes forward. Focus on Mount Washington.” He gave her a wink. “Pretend you’re gazing out at the trees from our suite.”

She smiled and huffed out a breath. “Maybe I’ll just rappel down. I handled the rappelling okay.”

“But how would you get to the next platform?” Derrick suggested.

“You go first,” she insisted again. “That way you can catch me if I fall—I mean, come in too quickly.”

The guide laughed, so obviously he thought nothing of her blunder. Of course, who would imagine that her husband was capable of jumping off a building and saving her?

Derrick stepped toward the front of the platform. “Okay, Kristina.” He chuckled along with the guide. “I’ll be waiting to catch you.”

The guide checked Derrick’s straps, and using the carabiner, hooked his harness onto the line. After getting an “all clear” from the guide on the opposite platform, Derrick whooshed over the expanse of trees, letting out a thrilled whoop for her benefit she assumed.

After a few minutes, the other guide’s voice came through the radio, signaling it was safe to send her down. Even though her heart pounded in her chest and her hands were still sweaty, Kris took a deep breath and let it out and then said through gritted teeth. “Okay. I’m ready.”

The guide didn’t respond. She turned, but saw nothing as a cloth covered her entire face. Unable to control her need to take a breath, she inhaled the ether-like odor, a sweet taste prickling her tongue.  She tried to pull the glove-covered hand away, but to no avail. Obviously, this was the rogue. The world seemed to wobble before her eyes, and her legs felt non-existent. For a second, she wondered if she was even standing. Then the trees whooshed by her, but she heard no sound as if she’d gone deaf. Was she falling? Had the rogue just dropped her? She tried to scream for Derrick, but nothing left her throat, at least she didn’t think so, remembering she hadn’t heard the trees that jumped over her either.

Now the entire forest bobbed up and down, and she just wanted it to stop. Dizzy and feeling sick, she closed her eyes and just waited to hit the forest floor and die. Unfortunately, Derrick would not be able to save her this time.

Derrick. Tears burned her eyes, or maybe it was the chemical on the rag. Her husband would be alone forever. She attempted to lift her head, tried to fight, but it seemed her body wouldn’t obey. Then the sun flickered off and on, as if it were the fluorescent bulb in her kitchen. Dampness spread over her entire body, or was she drowning? The icy, dark water engulfed her.

That’s right, she remembered. She’d jumped off the Tobin Bridge, and she would die. It had all been a dream. None of it had been real.  Derrick… his name… her Dark Angel had a name. He was real. Derrick, she repeated. Though again, she wasn’t sure if the word escaped her lips. She had to believe; she had to hold on for Derrick.

Chapter Thirty-four

Michael called Victoria, but she didn’t answer. Next he called Jonas, ready to confront him. He didn’t have a problem with him being back, but they needed to make a decision. He had no intention of fighting with his best friend over Victoria’s affection. And Ry, well, he could just give it up. He was too young anyway. And Vic thought nothing of him but a kid brother. Hell, she probably thought of Michael as a brother too, but he could remedy that.

Jonas’ cell phone went to voicemail as well. “Damn!” He hated thinking what that might mean. He searched his phone contacts and found Ry’s number and touched the name.

“Yo, what’s up, Mike?” Ryan answered. “I was just in the middle of something.”

Michael heard Ry’s car door slam. “Have you seen your brother?”

“Nah. Not since last night. We pulling same shifts tonight?”

“Yeah,” Michael answered. “How about Vic? I can’t reach her either.”

Ry laughed through the phone line. “Oh, I get it. You think they’re together. That maybe Jonas is comforting her after telling her where the newlyweds went.”

Michael stopped walking toward his vehicle. “How do you know where they went?”

“We overheard them yesterday after the meeting. I think since Derrick is with a human, he forgets that we can hear him.”

Continuing his tread to the car, Michael hopped in, irritated. “Hey, you want to go out tonight, Ry? I have one thing I have to handle, but then I can meet you downtown around ten-ish.”

“What about watching?”

“I don’t think we’ll see any action tonight, but come dressed though.”

Ry clucked his tongue. “I’m in the middle of something. I’ll call you later this afternoon if I have time.”

“Sounds good,” Michael told him. “As I said, I won’t be available until ten-ish anyway.” Michael looked at the time on his phone. One-thirty, he had just enough time.

At ten o’clock, Michael turned his phone on. He had several missed calls from Derrick and his father, but he wasn’t in the mood. It’d been a long day. He tried again to reach Ry, Vic, or Jonas. What the hell were they doing, he wondered. He needed company, preferably of the female persuasion. He lifted his phone and searched through the contacts again, Rebecca would do well. She was fun, cute, and she generally wanted to be with him.

The thought that Victoria could be off with Jonas somewhere burned his insides. He thought he could just let her go if Jonas wanted her, but now he felt otherwise. The current situation he was in allowed no time for screwing around, he knew, but if he didn’t act quickly, he could lose her forever.

Would jealousy work? he wondered. Jonas had told her last night of both their interests, so maybe…

Rebecca picked up on the first ring. “I was hoping you’d call,” she drawled. He wasn’t certain where she’d picked up her slight southern drawl, but he had to admit, he liked it.

“Hey, Rebecca,” he chirped back. “You still up for that drink?”

“Sure,” she answered without hesitation. Too hastily. No challenge. He sighed inwardly, wondering why he needed a challenge.

“Meet me at the pub at ten-thirty.”

“I’ll be there.”

As soon as he hung up, he clicked Victoria’s number again. No answer, of course. Maybe she and Jonas had skipped town together. “Hey. Meet me at the pub round ten-thirty, so we can discuss this evening’s route.” He clicked end, ran his vehicle through a car wash, and then headed to meet Rebecca. He hated even the slightest bit of dust on his Charger. She was his baby, the one woman who could do no wrong.

Chapter Thirty-five

Vic sat across from Jonas, thinking how good he looked, wondering why she couldn’t fall. They sure gave it a good shot. And it’s not to say that she could never fall for him, but evidently, she had to get her head screwed on straight first. Still, she did appreciate what a good-looking man he was. She hated to think it was true, but after her attraction to Derrick, and Ry’s confession, she had to believe that their heritage is what drew her to them, even though a human man had never turned her on. She could never be attracted to a man who was weaker than she was.

“Ry told me about you—”

His eyes bolted up from his plate. “What? About us?”

“Yes. It’s okay.”

Jonas shook his head. “No, it’s not. He had no right.”

Vic raised her hands in confusion. “I don’t understand. Why is it such a big secret? Everyone thinks Derrick and Michael are an anomaly—”

“And yet, Ry and I also have a human parent. In fact, I think Ry is stronger than Derrick. He’s younger and doesn’t know as many moves, but he’s strong.”

“So, why don’t you want anyone to know? What’s the big deal?”

Jonas pursed his lips, staring out the window for a few seconds before turning back to her, his eyes cold and blank. “Because our father hated us when he found out we weren’t all human. My parents had been together for years, but my mother had hidden what she was.” He bit down on his lip. “But she didn’t think about kids, about the fact that she couldn’t hide the eating habits and strength of a creatus child. He’d been in the military, so he missed a lot of our rearing. But when he was stationed in the states permanently, he saw me.” Jonas inhaled a deep breath. “Ry had thrown a ball up on the roof by accident, and I being the big brother went up to get it. When my father saw me jump off the roof, he flipped. Scared at first, but then he was excited. Thought he had some superkid for a child. My mother assumed as many years as they’d been together, he’d accept her.”

Vic reached across the table and squeezed his hand. Ryan hadn’t told her this part of the story. Maybe he hadn’t known since he was obviously younger.

Jonas shook his head. “He—my father—treated us like pariahs. He didn’t think twice about picking up the phone right in front of my mother. She had no choice. That S.O.B. was going to call his superiors in the army and turn us in as aliens. Can you believe that?”

“No,” Vic responded. She’d never been fond of humans, but his own children?

“She killed him. Right there in front of me. She snapped my father’s neck. Then she brought us here, where she said we had family. The family forged papers for us, and she stayed out of sight from all authorities.”

“I’m so sorry, Jonas,” Vic said, but he pulled his hand out from under hers.

Jonas pushed his chair away from the table and stood, throwing his napkin on his plate. “Don’t feel sorry for me. I don’t want your pity. I think I made that clear last night.” He skirted the table and pulled her to her feet. “Did you think about it? Are you gonna try? Will you leave with me and start a new family?”

She exhaled a deep breath. “I—”

“Enough said, Victoria. I get it. You’re still hung up on Derrick. Fine.” He stormed off, slamming the door behind him.

Jonas had left so quickly that his absence seemed to leave an empty vacuum in her apartment, dead space that needed filling. She just couldn’t think. Yeah, she loved Derrick. She wanted to believe that this was all subterfuge to protect Kristina, but it wasn’t Derrick’s face that she’d seen when she was with Jonas last night; it was Michael’s.

Still, she had to know. Vic glanced up at the clock: eleven a.m.

Chapter Thirty-six

The guide called up for a second time and still there was no answer. Even if Kristina had chickened out, the guide would have called before rappelling down and trekking toward them. Derrick glanced up at the man in front of him. He hated to do it, but he didn’t have a choice. Chances were the man wouldn’t even know what happened. Derrick just had to decide if he should choke him out or hit him. It wouldn’t take but a couple seconds for him to drop. The movies had it all wrong. If you knew what you were doing, a man would drop in less than three seconds.

He decided not to hit the innocent man; instead, as the guide stared up toward the higher platform, Derrick used his hand  to compress his carotid arteries, hence causing cerebral ischemia and a temporary hypoxic condition in the brain. The guide dropped before he could even lift his hand to Derrick’s arm.

After lowering the man to the deck and strapping his carabiner onto the cable in the event he rolled over, Derrick grabbed his rappelling gear and hopped off the platform, hitting the ground and leaving a deep pit. He quickly covered his tracks and took off in the direction of the first platform.

As he ran, he attempted to listen to all surrounding sounds, but it was no use; there were too many tourists on the property. Every direction he turned, he heard skiers, hikers, and animals scurrying through the underbrush.

Keeping his focus, he remained within the trees so he could run. It only took him a few minutes, but he knew it’d be too late. He was faster than most creatus, but Kristina would be barely more than a backpack to the rogue, and he had the benefit of a head start and three different directions he could have taken. The only thing that Derrick could pray was that he was wrong. Nothing had happened; she’d just been terrified and rappelled down the tree instead. The other guide just hadn’t heard the transmission.

Stopping at the bottom of the platform, all his hope melted. There, lying at the bottom, his neck twisted in an unnatural position, was the other guide. Granted, the guide could have fallen, but this appeared to be the rogue’s M.O., when he wasn’t ripping their bodies to shreds to attract the family’s attention, that is.

He dropped to his knees and felt for a pulse. Nothing. Derrick held his breath and listened for anything. Any sound. His gaze dropped to the forest floor. Nothing.

As with Janelle, no tears fell. His heart ached, but he had no time for sorrow, only hatred filled his veins—and guilt. Just like Janelle. He’d failed to protect Kristina, just as he’d failed to protect her mother.

Moving on instinct, and because his mind wouldn’t allow him time to grieve, he jumped to the platform, grabbed the rappelling gear, ripped the harness as if it had broken, and dropped it over the platform. Then he darted back to the tree stand and watched as the other guide rappelled down the tree.

“What happened?” the guide called as he dropped a few feet at a time.

Derrick gave a noncommittal shrug. “I came down to find my wife, but I haven’t seen her. She must have walked back to the hotel. Probably furious with me for forcing her to go zip lining.”

The man shook his head. “I mean. How did you get down?”

“I rappelled down,” Derrick answered, as if it was the most obvious answer. Why would he have thought anything else? He dropped his gear and turned away. “I have to go find my wife.”

“Wait,” the man called. “I woke up on the deck. What happened?”

Derrick shrugged again. “You were fine when I saw you. Maybe you’re diabetic.” He trotted off before the man could ask any more questions, charging his way through the woods the moment he was out of view.

He’d left his phone in the room. He never left his phone, but he’d wanted the day to be about Kristina and him. Derrick struggled to keep his expression passive as he walked as swiftly as was humanly possible to his room, but instead of taking the elevator, he took the stairs, knowing few humans bothered. He paused only a second to listen for any sounds and then shot up to his floor.

As soon as he unlocked the door, he made a beeline for his phone. Four o’clock. Michael first, so he could track down the others. He hit “call” and then buzzed about the room, packing everything up. As much as he wanted just to run, leaving everything behind, he had to be sensible. He couldn’t give the authorities any more than they already had. Of course, who would possibly think that someone as small as Kristina could push the guide off the platform? No. They’d have to assume that the guide was in a hurry to rappel down and the harness broke. And, they couldn’t blame Derrick because he was with the other guide, who as he’d assumed, hit the deck so fast, he had no recollection of what had happened.

So, as always, he’d leave no trace. And his story would be that his wife was livid with him for making her go, and he couldn’t find her afterward, so he’d hiked back to find her.

The call to Michael went directly to voicemail, so Derrick systematically dialed all his top suspects. When none of them answered, he made his way to the Navigator. As soon as he was inside, he called the only other person on earth who would understand his pain—his mother.

Tears stung his eyes the moment she answered.

“Derrick?” she screeched his name in panic after he hadn’t answered the first three times because he couldn’t find his voice.

“He got her, Mom,” he choked out. “And I don’t know where to start looking.”

Sabrina screamed his father’s name, and Derrick had to extend the phone away from his ear. After all these years, she still forgot. He switched the call to the hands-free SYNC and peeled out of the parking lot. His only hope would be that the rogue wanted Kristina alive, wanted Derrick to somehow witness her death. And wouldn’t he know if she were already dead? If the rogue had wanted her dead, wouldn’t he have left her on the ground for Derrick to find her?

Yes, he knew she was alive. She had to be alive. He would find Kristina; and, man or woman, friend or foe, he would tear the culprit apart with his bare hands if he so much as put a scratch on her. He was finished with being nice.

“Derrick?” his father’s deep voice filled the line. “Dear God, you mother is ready to have a heart attack. What’s going on?”

Derrick relayed the story as he sped across the highway about ninety, not concerned with getting a ticket. Not that he would stop, even though he did have a get-out-of-jail-free card as a doctor. A state trooper would more than likely just chase him at ninety. Any more though, and he’d have a roadblock waiting for him, and that definitely would waste time. He’d do better to run, but then how would he explain his vehicle left at the hotel.

His father listened intently without interrupting and then Derrick relayed his greatest concern. “Dad, I’ve been trying to reach Michael, Vic, Jonas, and Ry, and I can’t find any of them. Will you get on the horn and track them down. I’m going straight to my apartment, as the house would be backtracking, and I have a suspicion that this rogue wants me to witness Kristina die, or he would have left her body in the mountains. I have no doubt that he plans to murder her, as he thinks that would kill me. But, he’s partly wrong.” Derrick steeled himself, knowing his father hated violence and loathed vengeance; after all, that’s how his mother’s family had died. “If he hurts her… I’ll use every waking minute of my life to track him down. I will not die or wither away; I will never give up until he dies.”

Chapter Thirty-seven

Every time Kris stirred, a quick whiff of the rag and she was out again. But that would only work for so long. Too much would cause cardiac arrest, especially with her history of drug abuse and just detoxing. And Kristina couldn’t die. Not yet.

Derrick needed to watch her die, needed to know that nothing he did would save her. And Derrick needed to die too. The plan was flawless. Easy actually, since Derrick lived in one of the tallest condos in Back Bay. Even the all-powerful Derrick wouldn’t be able to survive a drop from the roof. Then the poor star-crossed lovers would die together, exactly what Kristina had wanted.

Based on her history, no one would question that Kristina jumped off the roof, and no one in the family would doubt that Derrick would jump right after her, attempting to save her, as he’d done for the last fourteen years.

Derrick was too weak to lead their family, and so he would die too. Shame, though. His intelligence and strength would have been invaluable. But choosing Kristina over the family had proven his weakness for humans. The rest of the family would have no problem with the plan to start moving key creatus into top-level positions in the government, something they’d never done in the past. Notoriety was something creatus had always shied away from. If you were famous, humans started to wonder why you were still alive when everyone else was dead. But now, they’d use their heritage to their benefit. Outliving their peers would work to their advantage as they infiltrated all branches of the government.

“Oh, my… head…” Kristina moaned from the passenger seat.

Enough was enough. She obviously had a high-tolerance to drugs. Pulling the vehicle underneath an overpass before she awoke completely, the rogue sifted through the bag of medical goodies on the floor. “You like drugs, Kristina? You are going to like this drug, lovely. Propofol will give you a high like you’ve never known.” With a slight squeeze of the pump, all of the milky substance disappeared into Kristina’s vein. That would keep her knocked out until everything was ready.

Escorting Kristina to the parking garage was easy; no one seemed to care that a half-drunk woman was being assisted to her apartment. Of course, sleeping beauty wouldn’t be receiving a princess’ welcome. The maintenance room on the roof would serve as her quarters until this evening when Derrick arrived.

Chapter Thirty-eight

After hours of knocking on doors, and knocking some down, Derrick had no more information on Kristina’s whereabouts than he’d had since she’d been kidnapped from the zip-lining stand. He knew he should have just returned to his condo, but he wanted to be in control, to catch the rogue off-guard. He’d questioned and demanded everyone he found, but no one had seen Jonas or Ry, Vic, or even his brother since yesterday. The only hope Derrick had at this point was that the rogue wanted to confront him, so he headed back to his apartment, assuming he’d have to wait for a call.

Derrick ascended the stairs to his apartment, knowing that anyone waiting would more than likely be watching the front door. As much as he wanted to scour the city for Kristina, he knew all he could do was wait for the rogue’s next move. It was painfully clear that he wanted Derrick to suffer. And so, the rogue would stage an event where he would have to watch Kristina die he was certain. His father had promised to keep searching for the others, rally a group of watchers who would ferret out the rogue once and for all. Though his father and mother had only known Kristina from a distance, they’d always loved her. And his mother had always wanted a daughter and grandchildren. It would kill them too if something were to befall his wife.

Inching through the emergency-exit stairway door, Derrick saw a figure hunched over in a seated position, arms wrapped around their knees, sitting in front of the entrance to his apartment. His heart skipped a beat, wondering if it could be Kristina, but then he saw a strand of black hair sticking out from the knitted ski cap, standard watcher protocol in the event they needed to shield their faces.

Padding his way along the corridor, he approached as quietly as possible, but her head jerked up off her knees when he was two doors away. “Derrick,” she said on a sigh. Vic’s eyes were barely visible beneath her swollen eyelids. Crimson ringed her irises as if she’d been crying for days. He’d never seen her cry.

He shook his head, not believing she could have done anything to hurt Kristina, knowing that he could never fall for anyone again. Surely, Victoria loved him enough not to cast him into a lifetime of torture. “Please, Victoria…” He plummeted to his knees in sheer agony, remembering her scornful remarks the other day, her utter hatred for what he had done. His stomach twisted, pain seared straight up to his heart at the thought that she could have left Kristina for dead. “Please tell me you didn’t hurt her. Just tell me where she is, and I’ll do anything you ask. Kristina and I will leave. You’ll never see either of us again, I swear.” The thought that he’d have to kill his best friend to avenge his wife hurt almost as much as the thought of losing Kristina. He knew he wouldn’t be able to live with himself, but hatred surged through his veins. “I love her. Please tell me she’s alive.”

Confusion shaded Vic’s eyes. “What?” she asked, shaking her head. “You think… you think I’d hurt your wife.”

A wave of relief washed through him as he lifted himself and her off the ground. “Kristina’s missing. Why are you here? Crying?” Hope flickered like a candle wafting in a draft, but it just didn’t make sense that she’d come here. If Victoria hadn’t heard that his wife was missing, why would she have come here?

“I wanted to confront you, Derrick. Find out if your relationship was authentic.” Victoria threw her head up, releasing a breathy groan, seemingly restraining a cry. “But I guess you just answered my question.”

He ran his hand over his head. Grateful that Kristina might still be alive, but now he needed to find the next suspect in his mind. “Where’s Jonas?” he demanded. “Have you heard from him or Ry, or Michael? Someone kidnapped Kristina, and it has to be one of them.”

“You’d accuse your own brother…” She pulled her hand to her mouth, chewing on a fingernail. “You think your brother, or someone in the family could do such a thing?” She closed her eyes in exasperation, shaking her head again. “Why would they kidnap her?”

Derrick grabbed her shoulders, resisting the urge to shake her until she understood. “I told everyone he threatened her, but no one seems to be taking this seriously. I don’t know why, dammit. I don’t know anything. All I know is he murdered another innocent man, and Kristina is missing.” He choked out a breath. “Now, where’s Jonas?”

Vic knocked his hands away and stepped out of his reach. “Last time I saw him was eleven this morning. We ate breakfast together.”

“Breakfast, at eleven a.m.? That doesn’t sound like you.”

Her eyes cast downward. “We spent the night together.”

Odd that that tidbit hadn’t even fazed him, and she’d clearly thought it would. Or maybe she was just embarrassed. “And you haven’t seen him since?”

She wagged her head in a jerky action. “No.”

“Where have you been all day?”

She shrugged. “Just thinking. I’ve been smacked upside the head with a lot of stuff in the last few days, and I’m not sure—” She released a long sigh. “It doesn’t matter. You’ve got more important things to concern yourself with.”

Derrick released a groan. “I do care, Victoria, but I don’t have any time to think of anything but finding Kristina at the moment.” The problem was he didn’t know where to start. He had hoped that the rogue would call or show, make demands. Obviously he wanted something, but for the life of him, he couldn’t imagine what. Even if it was one of the three men, what could they gain? What had he ever done to them? And then it occurred to him. Maybe his position? They wanted to be overseer? Well, they could have it. He’d leave. He didn’t even care about the position. It wasn’t as if he’d run for office. The council chose the overseer.

Derrick unlocked the door and held it open for Vic, but she didn’t step inside.

Vic shook her head. “I have to go, Derrick.”

He took a step toward her, resting his hand on her shoulder, gentler than he’d been before. She’d always been his best friend. He’d confided in her more than he had Michael. “You know I never meant to hurt you, right?”

She nodded. “We both knew. We’ve always been honest about our relationship. But now, I have to go after someone before I lose him.”

“I need your help, Vic,” he said. She was dressed in black jeans, long sleeve shirt, and a heavy leather jacket over her arm. Obviously, she’d planned to be on watch tonight for him—for all of them. But he knew it must kill her to know she was protecting his wife. Vic was an excellent fighter, and they’d sparred many times. If he had to go up against the rogue, he’d want Vic even before Michael. She may not be as strong, but she was fast, and she knew all his moves, since the same person had trained them. Actually, he’d trained all of them.

“Name it. Tell me what to do, and I’ll do it. But until then, I have to find him.”

“Who?”

She turned away, ignoring him. “Call me when you know what you’re going to do.” She pushed open the door to the stairwell and walked out, letting it slam behind her. Like him, she couldn’t be bothered with the elevator.

Derrick stood motionless for a second, confused, wondering if she’d really given up that easily. He couldn’t think about it. He picked up the phone and dialed Michael again. He’d been trying to reach him all day.

Chapter Thirty-nine

Kris woke up with a stabbing pain shooting through her skull, reminiscent of the worst hangover she’d ever had. It was dark, so dark, but then again, she could feel a rough material against her face, so maybe it was daytime.

She had no idea how long she’d been out. Her body was in a curled up fetal position atop a scratchy blanket, but the cold dampness seeped through to her bones. Her arms ached from the unnatural position behind her back, and the restraints cut into her wrists. Her fingers tingled from the lack of blood flow. She stretched her top leg out and pushed up with her bottom leg until she was in a seated position with one leg underneath her. She repositioned her body so that she was on her knees, and then propping one leg up and then the other, she managed to get herself to an upright position. The binds were so tight on her wrist she couldn’t pull her arms down the back of her legs as she’d done when she was a child with play handcuffs.

She took tiny steps forward, not certain where she was. In just a few strides, she bumped into a wall. Moving her head back and forth carefully against the solid wall, she realized in fact, that there was a shroud over her head.  A rough burlap material scratched against her face.

Now would be a good time to scream, she thought, but whatever was over her mouth, prevented her from getting any volume. She wiggled her lips, attempting to get the sticky substance free.

As she worked at moving her mouth up and down and sideways, she skirted the room cautiously, measuring the width and length, tripping over a bucket of some sort every few feet. The stench of oil, grease, and bleach assaulted her nostrils, and she struggled to scratch her nose against the hard cold surface of the wall. The tiny room was only about three by six feet, she guessed. A storage unit, or a maintenance closet, maybe? It was cold, but off the concrete floor, her body felt better, since she still wore her jacket from the hike and zip line trip. But her face was freezing—Derrick! The memory crashed into her consciousness.

The hike, the zip line. She hadn’t dreamed up Derrick. She wasn’t in a riverbed. The rogue had kidnapped her. Was Derrick okay? she wondered. Derrick had said that the rogue would kill her first to hurt him, so he was probably okay if she was still alive. But that also meant he had something ruthless in store for her.

She chewed furiously at the tape. If she could get free… if Derrick was anywhere nearby, he’d hear her. Kris turned to the sound of wood scraping across the floor.

“Ahh… we’re awake,” the rogue whispered in a guttural sneer. The same voice she’d heard on the platform for a brief second after the rag had been placed over her face. “Now, here’s what’s going to happen, Kristina.” The voice was so low it was hard to recognize. She wasn’t sure if maybe it was because the rogue knew Kris would be able to identify the voice or if Derrick was close enough to hear. “Listen very carefully because I don’t like repeating myself.”

Kris nodded, since she couldn’t speak or scream anyway with the tape over her mouth.

“I’m going to take the hood and tape off, but if you as much as utter a word, I’ll kill Derrick. Do you understand?”

She nodded again.

“I don’t want to kill, Derrick. I just want him to go away and you are the key. Derrick will do anything for you.” The rogue turned her, and the sound of a switchblade snapping open caused her to jump. But then she heard the knife break through the tie around her neck, and felt the sack release from over her head, but she still couldn’t see, so obviously she had a blindfold over her eyes as well. A few seconds later, the tape she’d been gnawing on was ripped from her face, leaving a stinging sensation behind.

“Walk forward,” the rogue commanded, and Kris obeyed, as if she had any choice in the matter. “Remember, not a peep.”

Kris gulped, wondering if Derrick was nearby, wanting to scream with all her might, but if she caused his death knowingly, she could never live with herself. A few seconds later, her hands were free, but then the rogue pulled them up over her head, cinching them together with another zip tie. Well, at least that was something, she reasoned. At least they didn’t feel as if they would snap behind her back. Now they just ached from the position they’d been in for God knows how long.

“Move.” The rogue’s hand nudged her forward. “Careful, though, not too fast. I don’t want you to fall.”

The concrete disappeared below Kris, and she gasped at the pain now in her shoulders as all her weight suspended from just the tie around her wrist. Her legs dangled below her, scrambling to find purchase with anything to release the pain of the plastic digging into her skin.

“Lift your right leg. There’s a ledge just above your foot,” the rogue commanded.

Kris did as instructed, feeling the rope remain taut as she inched herself onto the ledge. Only the tips of her toes connected, even as she pushed her foot directly against the wall.

“Now, feel to the right with your hands as I direct you,” the whispered words continued, tugging the rope to her right until her hand hit another ledge. “You better do it quickly before I cut the rope.”

Kris grappled for the ledge, finding the cold ledge as it scraped the tips of her fingers.

“I’m just kidding.” A cackle came from above her. “I’m not cutting the rope yet. Now, I need you to count to one hundred and then scream for Derrick.”

“But you said…”

“And I meant it, and you’ve done well. But now if you don’t call for him, I’ll just have to kill him. If you do as you’re told, however, you can both leave and live happily ever after. Remember the rules, Kristina.  Don’t call for him until you count to one hundred, so I can be on my way.”

Something didn’t make sense. Why would she have to count to one hundred? She was in a no-win situation, she realized. If she didn’t call, Derrick would die. If she did call, Derrick would probably die. But… at least if she called, they both stood a chance. Derrick was the most powerful, but she doubted the rogue wanted a fight. But why one hundred. To be prepared?

With no other choice but to trust that Derrick would save them both, Kris started to count, quickly, hoping she wouldn’t fall from the ledge. Her hands were still bound and secured by the rope, but she wouldn’t be able to climb the wall. It wasn’t like rappelling down, which was easy. She couldn’t walk up a wall. Or at least she didn’t think she could. She continued to rattle off the numbers as she thought of any solution.

As soon as she hit one hundred, she screamed as loudly as she could, “Derrick!”

Chapter Forty

Michael glanced at his phone as it lit up. He looked at the map and smiled. Time to go. When he’d spotted his vehicle earlier, he put a GPS tracker on it, so he’d know when he was leaving. He’d left messages for everyone to meet him later tonight, so they wouldn’t wonder why he was dressed for watching. He’d decided the only way was to make it look like a creatus attack. That way no one would question his decision to take him out. He hated doing it, but he didn’t have a choice. It was him or the entire family, and he simply couldn’t allow anything to interfere with everything he’d put in place in the last few years. He’d strategically placed creatus everywhere to protect them if the time came. And he wasn’t bound to let one person within his reach ruin everything.

“Rebecca, I hate to drink and run, but something just came up. We’ll do this again soon.” He bounded up from his chair, grabbed his leather jacket off the backrest, and headed for the door. “By the way, if Victoria, Jonas, or Ry show up, tell them I’ll call them in a little bit.”

“But you just got here,” she called after him.

He turned and ambled back to her, leaning over the chair and planting a kiss on her lips. A test. She threw her head back, accepting him. He pulled himself upright after a moment and peered down at her, enjoying the starry-eyed gaze she shot him. Yep, he still had it, even with a creatus woman, and they weren’t as easy to seduce as humans were. “I’ll see you later, okay?”

She didn’t question him again, so he walked off.

Nope. She wasn’t his type. The kiss had confirmed that, but it’d still been fun to see her melt beneath his lips.

He waited for him to show, and when he did, he came up behind him, surprising him.

* * *

Vic heard the scream and ran. When she saw him, she bounded up behind him latching her arm beneath his neck, attempting to cut off blood flow to his brain. It was hard to gain purchase with her leather jacket on, and within seconds, he’d freed himself. She heard a grunt behind her, but refused to take her eyes off her target, knowing he could kill her easily. She flipped around and landed a roundhouse kick to his head and watched as he dropped to the ground. Before he could stand up, she landed another. This time, he grabbed her leg, dropping her to the ground. All the creatus had been trained by the same person, so they all had learned the same moves, which was good—and bad. She knew what to expect, but so did he. The only difference was that she was faster and lither, even if he was stronger.

She’d trained hard for this moment, though. She’d been wrestling creatus men for years, and she had flexibility on her side. Rarely could they pin her. She was back on her feet faster than he could grab her. He reached for her, but she ducked and landed a solid punch to his kidneys, sending him to his knees.

And then she heard the crack.

* * *

Derrick heard the scream as clear as if she’d been in his apartment. From the roof? Kristina was on his roof? Clearly it was a set up, he knew, but he had to go.

He charged out of his apartment and darted toward the stairwell. He was on the rooftop of his condominium within seconds, her voice clearer as she called his name. Derrick ran toward her voice, but only saw a thin rope tied to one of the roof vents. “Kristina!”

“Derrick,” her voice rang out in relief. “He’s waiting, Derrick! It’s a trap, I’m sure.”

He peered over the side and she gazed up at him, even though she was blindfolded and couldn’t see him. Thank God she was—An arm latched around his neck, pulling him backward. Derrick tore at the leather jacket. The attacker had trouble gaining purchase as Derrick pulled his chin down in response to the threat. Derrick freed himself and prepared for battle with the rogue. He was dressed as a watcher of course, full black leather and ski mask.

Kristina grunted as if trying to come up, but he couldn’t take his eyes off the threat, he’d have to pray that the tiny rope and ledge held. The rogue flipped around and landed a roundhouse kick to his head and Derrick dropped to the ground. Before he could stand up, he landed another. He was stronger than any other creatus he’d fought and he was fast. The next time the rogue kicked, he grabbed his leg, dropping him to the ground. But in a flash, he was back on his feet again.

Derrick swung, but he ducked, landing a solid punch to his kidneys, sending him to his knees. And then he heard the crack of concrete.

“Derrick!” Kristina cried.

Derrick came back up, grabbing the rogue and pulling his arms behind his back. He threw him to the concrete, pinning him with his arms strapped behind him. Derrick glanced to the rope holding Kristina. It was unraveling. He watched as individual strands popped.

“Kristina?” he called to her. “Are you still on the ledge?”

“No…” she cried. “The one below my feet is gone, but I think I can hold onto the ledge above me.”

“I already whittled them away, Derrick,” the rogue growled in a raspy, unrecognizable voice. “The ledge will give way the moment the rope breaks.”

Derrick slammed the rogue’s head against the concrete, hoping it would knock him out and ran toward the sound of the snapping rope. He launched, but the rope slipped out of his reach. He darted to the edge of the rooftop, thankful to see Kristina holding onto the ledge, but he could see the hairline cracks and knew it’d only be a couple of seconds before the ledge gave way. He glanced over his shoulder at the rogue, who still lay on the concrete, but assumed he’d be up in a second.

As he tried to decide whether to go back and immobilize him, he heard the crack. It was too late; he had to make a choice. Save Kristina or secure the rogue.

* * *

Vic turned to the sound of the crack. The man she’d protected had a gun in his hand and had shot the rogue she’d been fighting.

“Victoria,” the rogue called behind her. No, not the rogue, she realized. “Michael?” That’s why he hadn’t fought back, only tried to stop her advances. She darted to his side, falling to her knees beside him. “I don’t understand. You’re the rogue?”

Blood seeped out of his mouth. And she realized the man had shot him. “No… for you. Everything for you. I love you…” he gurgled out. “The agent… get the brief… case.” Michael collapsed on the ground.

Vic pulled off her jacket and pressed it to his side, layering his hand over the top to stop the blood. She stood and launched herself at the human she’d been trying to protect. He was still on the ground. Evidently he’d put up a fight against Michael. She grabbed the briefcase and then hovered over him.

Pulling off her belt, she latched it around the man’s wrist several times. “If he dies,” she growled in his ear, “I’ll kill you myself.”

The blond-haired man’s eyes were wide, but he didn’t look scared; he looked to be in shock.

Vic raced over to Michael and pulled him up, allowing him to rest against her side. She walked back toward the man and dragged him by her belt. She obviously couldn’t let him go now that he’d seen them. Derrick would know what to do, but first, she needed to get Michael to the center. After she threw the agent in the cargo area of her SUV, latching him to the seatbelt and strapping Michael in the front, she called Lynford on his cell.

He answered immediately. “Derrick and I have been looking for you, Vic. Where are you?”

“Lyn, there’s no time to talk. Meet me at the clinic,” she panted out. “Michael’s been shot.”

Lyn hung up the phone without a word. It was the same characteristic she’d admired in Derrick. He thought quickly, no questions asked.

Vic stomped on the gas and headed toward the clinic.

Michael? Why now? Just when she’d thought… Why had Michael told her to meet him at the pub if he’d planned to confront the agent? Everything for her, he’d said.

As soon as she pulled up in front of the clinic, there were several nurses waiting. Lyn had apparently called, notifying them of her arrival. She watched as they pulled Michael out, transferring him to a gurney. She parked the vehicle and then opened the rear hatch, pulling the agent out on the concrete, not concerned whether she injured him.

The man looked up at her again. His eyes and mouth were swollen. A mere human had given Michael a challenge, but she was certain that Michael had never meant to hurt him; he only wanted whatever was in the case.

“What are you?” the man slurred.

She punched him, knocking him out cold, and then carried him into the rear entry of the clinic.

Chapter Forty-one

Derrick bounded over the side of the building at the same time the ledge gave way. He grabbed Kristina’s arm and then attempted to grasp on to anything he could. He couldn’t secure a grip. All he could do was slow their descent as he held onto her with one arm, pulling her against his side, and groping at the wall with the other. “Hang on to me, Kristina!” he yelled. She latched her arms around him tightly, freeing his other hand. He clawed at the wall, slowing their fall. Derrick peered below them, making sure they had a clear path before he dropped. Skin had already ripped from his fingers, and he didn’t know how much longer he could dig bloody flesh into the building and still maintain his grasp. At two hundred feet, they were within dropping distance, so he swung her up in his arms and dropped, his body taking the force and allowing his arms to fall further to lessen the jolt on her body. After all, his body was made for this; hers wasn’t. He removed the blindfold and realized the impact had still knocked her unconscious.

He heard a man’s laugh and glanced up to see the black-clad figure leaning over the wall. The rogue saluted and took off.

Derrick glanced around the alley, praying no one had witnessed his stunt. Thankfully, one thing had gone right. Well, two, his wife was in his arms, which was more important than anything else in his life. But the rogue was gone, and it was clear he wasn’t going to give up.

He stood with Kristina, cradling her like a child and then walked inside the lobby of his building, ignoring the shocked face of the doorman as he strode toward the elevator to the parking deck. He was sure the blood dripping from his fingertips and an unconscious woman in his arms was enough reason to call the police, but as always, he’d come up with a story. He hadn’t been prepared, nor did he care at the moment. He just wanted to get Kristina to his vehicle and drive her to the clinic so he could check to make sure she didn’t have any internal injuries.

After reclining the front seat and strapping her in, he vaulted over the vehicle to the driver’s door. For the first time in his life, he didn’t care who saw him; he only cared about his wife.

He hit the “call” button on the steering wheel and clicked “recent calls”. The clinic’s nighttime receptionist picked up, rattling off her name.

“Roseanne, it’s Derrick. I need you to call my father and tell him he needs to meet me at the clinic. Tell him I’m bringing Kristina. She may have internal injuries.”

“Um…” She paused, making him want to crawl through the phone, as if she had any right to question him, but he held his tongue, waiting to hear her great excuse. “Um… Dr. Ashton… Your father, excuse me, Dr. Ashton is already here… for your brother.”

“What?” he asked, confused, thinking he’d misunderstood. “Why? What happened?” he choked out. Derrick had hurt the rogue, but he wasn’t that hurt, and he wouldn’t have been able to get there that quickly, so that was good. His brother was clear of any suspicion.

“Dr. Maher brought him in,” Roseanne responded.

“Victoria Maher or her father?” he pressed.

“Dr. Victoria Maher, sir.”

Hanging up, Derrick pounded on the gas, weaving through the narrow streets of Boston, ignoring every streetlight. Kristina groaned from the passenger seat, and he realized he needed to take it easy with the potholes. He touched her arm, but kept his eyes on the road. After a few seconds, her hand covered his and he breathed a sigh of relief, glancing down at her. Her eyes were still closed, but she was cognizant enough to recognize his touch.

“Where do you hurt, Kristina?”

“My… head,” she said in a shaky voice.

“Did you hit it?” He was certain jostling her around while keeping from falling couldn’t have helped her.

“Don’t… think… so,” she sputtered, and he wondered if she’d passed out again. “He… drugged… pungent, alcohol-like... thirsty.”

Chloroform, Derrick thought. A common person couldn’t get it, but anyone associated with the clinic could, simply by showing their ID, as it was still used in lab work.

Derrick pulled into the parking lot and jogged around to the passenger side, pulling Kristina out. He was careful not to bounce her as he carried her through the ER doors and back to the operating room. It was small, but they had everything the larger hospitals had, if not more. Being a private organization had its benefits. There was no board of directors. If something new came out, Derrick or his father ordered it.

Derrick shouted to Roseanne as he walked Kristina to the back where they housed an MRI. “Tell my father I’m here, please.” An MRI was the fastest way to see if there was any internal bleeding. In public hospitals, they screwed around with cheaper tests, but he didn’t see any need in wasting time with x-rays or ultrasounds. As he trudged along the corridor, he scanned the rooms for his father or Michael, but saw no one.

After the tests were completed, Derrick went to move Kristina from the platform, but Victoria appeared behind the glass wall, streaks of tears running down her cheeks. Derrick checked on Kristina, who was still out, and then went to the door. He needed to get Kristina IV fluids, as it appeared there were no internal injuries. She was just dehydrated.

As soon as he opened the door, Vic fell into his arms. “Michael’s in the O.R. He was shot. I was beating the crap out of him, thinking he was the rogue, and then the agent shot him—”

“Victoria,” Derrick cut her off, “slow down. Michael was shot?”

She nodded.

“You were beating him up?”

She nodded again. “I… I thought he was the rogue,” she stammered. “I heard the man yelp, and then I saw Michael, only he was all in black, fighting him. I just assumed…”

“Agent? Does he have spiky blond hair?”

“Yes.”

“Where is he?”

“I have him cuffed to a bed upstairs in the psyche ward, since there’s no one there.”

“Is Michael okay?”

She exhaled a deep breath and more tears fell. “I don’t know. The man shot him.”

“Okay,” Derrick started, steeling himself. “Stay with Kristina. The rogue used her as bait to lure me to my roof, but then I had to make a choice to save her or chase him. So he’s still out there. He drugged her with chloroform, I think. So she needs something for nausea and IV fluids.” He stopped and stared at her, then lowered his voice. “Give her eight hundred milligrams of ibuprofen for her headache. Nothing stronger, okay?”

“You’ll go assist with Michael?” She swallowed hard, shaking her head as if embarrassed. “I couldn’t. I couldn’t pull myself together. Some doctor I am, huh?”

“That’s normal, Victoria.” He rested his hand against her cheek and then pulled her into his arms to comfort her. “He’ll be okay. Dad won’t lose him,” he said, as much to convince himself as her. He stepped over to Kristina and kissed her on the head. “Please protect her.”

“I will, Derrick. I understand. I saw your pain earlier. I don’t ever want to see you like that again. Do you hear me? We need you. You’re strong. The family can’t afford to lose you.”

He closed his eyes and released a shaky breath. He didn’t feel strong at the moment. He felt as if everything in his life was unravelling. He turned and exited the room, heading toward the O.R.

Derrick scrubbed up and entered the surgery area, but his father had just finished, it appeared.

Lynford turned to Derrick and gave him a quick nod. “He’ll be okay.” He motioned for Derrick to leave, so Derrick followed. Once outside the O.R., his father turned to him. “We have another patient. God only knows how, but Vic took them both out. Evidently, Mike had injured the human before Vic showed up, so we need to tend to him. Of course, then I don’t know what we’ll do with him.” His father ran his hands through his black hair that had only a sprinkling of gray, but right now, he looked older than usual. His normally olive skin was pale, and it looked as though someone had sponged a soft purple shade underneath his eyes. “Do you have any idea what’s going on? Why Michael would attack a human?”

Derrick chewed on his lip a second and then nodded. “Unfortunately, yes. We think he’s a government agent. I called his tag number into Michael the other day because he was following Kristina. Michael must have tracked him down. The man has the video of my dive off the bridge to rescue Kristina, and who knows what else.” He paused and whooshed out a deep breath, running his hand over his mouth. “But I’m sure Michael didn’t plan on killing him. I’m certain he just wanted the file.”

His father shook his head, seemingly exhausted of the entire situation. “Let’s go see what sort of medical attention he needs, and then we’ll decide what to do with him.”

Derrick shook his head at his father’s comment. He had to remember his father was around through two World Wars and several smaller ones. The mindset for them was you had to heal your prisoner of war, not dispose of him. Not that Derrick could ever hurt an innocent person, but if he’d seen Vic and Michael dueling it out after already witnessing his swan dive off the bridge, he’d know that they weren’t normal. So they’d definitely have to question the man. But then what? They couldn’t keep him prisoner in the psyche ward forever. Someone would come looking for him.

Chapter Forty-two

Michael glanced up from his hospital bed as the door inched open ever so quietly. He forced a smile when he saw Victoria, but inside, his stomach wrenched.

“Hey… you’re awake,” she whispered.

“I was hoping I was dead,” Michael groaned.

She sat on the edge of his bed, pressing the back of her hand to his forehead, obviously checking if he had a temperature. “Why on earth would you hope that you were dead?” She lifted up the pitcher from the bedside table, poured him a cup of water, and held it out to him. “You need to drink more; your temperature is still hovering above a hundred.” She glanced up at the antibiotics in his IV drip. His father must be concerned with the bullet causing an infection.

Michael accepted the Styrofoam cup, grazing her hand with his fingers in the process. It wasn’t his stomach wrenching, he realized, it was his heart. “Because I’m pretty sure if the bullet wound doesn’t kill me, I’m going to die of embarrassment.”

The edges of Victoria’s lips turned up and she wiggled her eyebrows at him playfully. She always did like it if she thought she’d beaten him in anything. Only she didn’t know that he let her beat him in sports and running, just because it made her happy. “You mean when everyone finds out I kicked your butt?”

He choked out a laugh, but then winced at the pain. “No…” He took a sip of water to gather his thoughts and then narrowed his eyes at her. He couldn’t let her think she’d won this match, though. He had to assure her he’d never hurt her purposely. “I wasn’t fighting you, Vic, so it doesn’t count.” He attempted to reposition himself on the pillow, which had fallen too low when he took a sip of water, but he grimaced in pain again. What the hell did the bullet do, play pinball inside of him? he wondered. It felt as if every internal organ hurt.

“Here let me do that.” Victoria moved the pillow so it was directly beneath his head and then propped her hand up against the mattress on the other side of his body and leaned into it, staring at him. “Why are you embarrassed then?”

He pursed his lips and huffed out a breath. “You heard me. You heard what I said when I thought I was dying.”

“So,” she said, shrugging her shoulders. “It didn’t mean anything. Of course you love me. We’ve been best friends since we were toddlers, for heaven’s sake.”

With every ounce of effort he could muster, Michael reached for her hand. Thankfully, she didn’t fight him. “I didn’t want to be lying on the ground gushing blood when I told you, and I certainly don’t want to discuss any of this while I’m an invalid on a hospital gurney, but I have to beg one thing of you.”

She gave him a gentle nod, but didn’t respond.

“Please don’t leave with Jonas, Victoria.” He squeezed her hand in his and pulled it to his chest. “Give me a chance before you go away.” He paused, letting his words sink in, hoping that she understood this wasn’t a friend request. “I’ve waited too long for you—”

“Shh,” she hushed him, placing their linked hands against his lips. “I’m not going anywhere, Michael. And I’m definitely not going anywhere with Jonas. He and I would never work. He’s too much of a hothead. One hothead in a relationship is enough, don’t you think?”

Michael forced a smile. “You’re not a hothead. You’re opinionated and tough; there’s a difference.”

Vic pulled her hand back and folded her arms over her chest. “Yes I am, but see that’s the difference. You know me, and we’re comfortable together.”

He pressed his lips in a straight line, holding back his words. He didn’t want to be comfortable with her. He was so far past wanting to be comfortable with Victoria, his arms ached to pull her against him right here on the tiny hospital bed. Out of nowhere, the realization that he’d known her his entire life and had never once been able to feel her lips on his drove him mad. He’d never longed for anything this much in his life. But, as long as she wasn’t going anywhere, they could have this conversation later. Preferably over dinner… with candlelight, red wine, and a bubbling Jacuzzi in the background.

All these years he’d just been filling his needs elsewhere, waiting for her to notice when he should have just demanded her attention. “When can I get out of here?” he blurted out.

Vic patted his hand in a very platonic way, causing his heart to wrench again. “That’s up to Dr. Ashton. I’m not your doctor.”

He smiled, thinking that could be fun. He pulled her closer, but she hovered over top of him, moving both her hands beside his head to support her upper body. “Will you go out with me then, as soon as they let me go? Alone. Just the two of us.”

“Sure, Michael,” she agreed. “But right now, why don’t you concentrate on getting better? I’m not going anywhere.”

“Promise?”

“I promise.”

She leaned lower and pressed her lips to his forehead. Well, that was something anyway, he thought, feeling his body drift off.

Chapter Forty-three

Reece opened his eyes and glanced around at what looked like a hospital room, only it was empty, other than the bed that he was lying on and a woman sitting next to him. The same stunning woman who had kicked the hell out of the man who’d kicked the hell out of him. He wasn’t quite sure how he felt about that, but she was breathtakingly beautiful, he remembered.

Of course that angel with long onyx black hair had then kicked the crap out of him. One second he’d been so taken with her beauty that he was asking what she was, certain she had to be a goddess or an angel, and then the last thing he’d seen was her fist coming down against his face.

She sat in a chair next to his bed staring out the window, so he watched her instead of letting her know he was awake. Her hair fell over the back of the chair and it took every ounce of strength he had not to reach out and touch it. It looked like black silk.

Her features were strong, but attractive. She was tall, close to six feet, he remembered. And her eyes… They were a dark sable, the richest and deepest eyes he’d ever seen, set inside smooth olive skin. To say that the woman was exotic looking would be an understatement; she was the most unique woman he’d ever laid eyes on.

As she’d glared down at him in the alley, ensuring him she’d kill him if the other man died, all he could do was gaze into the depths of her lustrously dark eyes. Never had any woman ever turned his head completely, and yet, he wondered if she was actually a woman or some type of cyborg.

In his thirty years, he’d never seen a woman fight like she had. And he’d seen some bad mammas in the military and when he’d work UC in Miami and South America.

He attempted to remain quiet as he cleared his dry throat, but she whipped her head toward him and glared at him, those mysterious eyes gazing into his.

“Finally!” she spouted. “I wondered if you were ever going to wake up.”

Reece couldn’t help but smile at her venomous attitude. “Is that man okay?” he asked, knowing that was why she’d been so upset with him, but he thought that the man was going to hurt her. He saw the man that had fought him for his briefcase lift his hand to her, so he assumed he had a knife or a gun. Of course, Reece could hardly see anything in that dark alley. All he knew was that he refused to let the man take all his research. Even though he still had copies in his laptop, he couldn’t afford for the information he’d gathered to fall in the hands of another government, which is what his superiors insisted would happen if they found a secret weapon.

She huffed out a breath. “That’s none of your business. Whom do you work for?”

“That’s none of your business,” he retorted, smiling at her perfect grammar. Who said whom anymore? “Whom do you work for?”

She sighed, exasperated. “Well, we obviously aren’t going to get anywhere.”

He tried to sit up, but she held up her hand. Beautiful, long fingers attached to deadly hands. “Move, and I’ll kill you right here. I unlatched you from the bed only because my boss told me to. But I’ll lock you right back up.”

Reece grinned at her, watching as it only caused her scowl to crease her lovely skin even more. “I need to go to the bathroom. So unless you’re willing to help me with that or are willing to clean up a mess, I’d suggest you let me up, Ms…”

The woman rolled her eyes, stepping back and leaning against the only exit. She motioned her hand as though it was okay for him to proceed to the only other door in the room, which must be the bathroom.

Reece moved his legs to the side of the bed closest to the exit, not the bathroom, and she crossed her arms defiantly. “You sure you want to take me on, Reece?” she sneered.

He smiled again, standing up, unable to resist admiring her boldness. “I managed okay with your friend.”

She raised one eyebrow. “When I found you, you were on the ground.”

Reece stopped within a few feet of the amazon-looking woman. He’d been right; she was just about five inches shorter than his six-four. He glanced at her throat, making sure she didn’t have an Adam’s apple. That’d be embarrassing, considering the way she was waking up long-dormant parts of his body. He decided he’d better take a bathroom break before challenging her. He edged alongside the bed, pulling the sheer cotton robe around his body. Would they ever stop using these stupid things that left your backside hanging out for the world to view? But then again, maybe it would distract her. It wasn’t as if he had a bad build either. The man who attacked him on the street was a couple inches taller and had a larger build than he did, but Reece had spent years doing cross fit which not only gave him a muscular build, he was fast and nimble and could outrun anyone in the military academy or on the street. When he was a cop in Miami, he was the first officer other cops wanted for back up. This woman was serious, though. Just her stance told Reece she was ready for a fight, so he’d have to wait until her guard was down. He kept his distance as he turned toward the bathroom door.

“Smart move,” she said mockingly.

Reece relieved himself, taking extra time to formulate a plan. He’d already noticed that the window was solid and too high off the ground. Even if he threw a chair through it, he wouldn’t be able to climb down. He searched the bathroom for a weapon, and found nothing usable. Shampoo was his only option, but how could he get it in her eyes. He decided to reserve that feeble option for later. Right now, the chair was his best weapon.

After a few minutes, he opened the door to see her in the exact position. He stepped to the opposite side of the bed this time, leaning to get back into the bed, but instead, he picked up the chair and hurled it at the attractive woman, surging toward her immediately.

She deflected the chair with one hand and then grabbed him by the shoulders as he lunged, throwing him on the twin-size mattress as if he weighed no more than a sack of flour.

His breath whooshed out of him as he hit the bed perfectly. Even her aim was spot-on.

“Okay, then.” She stepped toward the bed, grabbing his wrist and latching him to the railing. “I’ll be sure to let your doctor know that you can’t be trusted.”

The door opened, and an older man about fifty stepped inside, eyes darting from him to the woman. “What’s going on, Vic?”

Vic, Reece repeated to himself. Probably Victoria, but she was too tough to go by that lovely name.

“I warned him,” she growled, crossing her arms over her chest, which only accentuated how well built she was—everywhere.

The man shook his head and stepped toward the bed. “I’m very sorry we have to keep you here like this, but there’s no sense fighting, Mr. Buckley. You’re in a completely sealed off ward. Even if you got out of the room, every door is secured, and as you can see, you won’t be able to overpower my staff.”

“What are you people?”

The doctor sighed. “Just a peaceful group you people won’t leave alone.” With that, the man turned and left him with Vic.

Reece looked back up at the woman and flashed his best smile, the one the women always loved, knowing it would tick her off. “So, Victoria, since we’re going to be here a while, do you play cards?”

She narrowed her eyes and shook her head slowly from side to side. “Don’t ever call me Victoria again.” She opened the door, following the doctor out, and slammed it behind her.

Chapter Forty-four

Ugh! Men! Vic grumbled inwardly. She couldn’t complain aloud of course, because even the creatus on the first floor could hear her. They were all so damn infuriating. And arrogant. And pompous. And… Ugh! She needed to go away to some deserted island where she wouldn’t have to ever see another man in her life—creatus or human.

What really enraged her was that she was attracted to that stupid weakling of a human. What was wrong with her? First Jonas, then Michael, and now Reece Buckley. Was her biological clock ticking? In human years, she’d only be about twenty-three. Much too young to be thinking about settling down, and yet, she craved it with a passion. Although she hadn’t really been interested in Jonas, even though he’d begged her to go away with him. He’d wanted to start a new family, he’d said. With like-minded creatus. She, of course, had just wanted to make Derrick jealous, but that had backfired, and she’d ended up spending the night with Jonas. No wonder she couldn’t fall. She’d have to make up her mind whom she wanted before she could fall.

Stupid human, she thought again. She’d planned to head directly to Michael’s room after someone swapped watch with her and tell him she understood what he was implying and that she was open to a relationship with him.

But that stupid human had gazed at her with such wonder in his eyes. It had been what she’d wanted to see, what she thought she could force with Jonas. What she’d wanted from Derrick all these years. Reece didn’t even know her, but he had regarded her as if she were a prize to behold, as if he’d wanted her. And so she threw him across the room. Served him right.

Secretly, she had hoped he’d tried to escape. She’d been looking forward to putting him in his place, and still, he had ogled her as if there was no other woman in the world.

Maybe he was into whips and chains. The thought repulsed her. Though she’d thrown him across the room, she’d much rather hold a man than fight him.

Vic stood in the middle of the corridor, battling with her feelings, wondering how she’d ever get her life in order if her hormones kept raging as if she were in high school.

At the last second, she turned in the opposite direction of Michael’s room. As Michael had suggested, she’d wait until he was healed and back home, and then they could go out as a couple and attempt to make a relationship.

In the meanwhile, she’d stay as far away from Reece Buckley as she could. Unfortunately, since she hadn’t been wearing her ski mask, he had seen her face, so now the responsibility of silencing the human would fall into her hands.

Chapter Forty-five

Kris felt her mother’s warm hand check her head for fever. She’d always loved when she’d come into the room in the middle of the night when she was sick and just check on her. Even if Kris wasn’t sleeping, sometimes she’d pretend to be asleep so she could just enjoy her hands as they caressed her head and hair. Though on occasion, she’d open her eyes and her mother would question why she was still awake, and then she would sing to her until she fell back asleep.

The knife flashed in front of Kris again, then everything in the room turned blood red, and she remembered that her mother was dead. The rogue had killed her mother. No… the rogue had killed Kris, not her mother. She had stood on the tiny ledge, listening as Derrick and the rogue had fought, and then she’d heard the crack of the ledge below her feet and seconds later had felt the shelf beneath her fingertips bend as she’d tried to grab onto the wall, but she’d clawed nothing but air as she fell.

“Derrick!” she screamed.

“It’s okay, Kristina. You’re safe.” A woman’s voice.

Kris tried to open her eyes, but they were heavy, and an annoying beep filled her head, which throbbed. That voice. She recognized that voice. Victoria? Was she the rogue? No. The rogue had a male voice, she remembered.

“Where’s Derrick?” she tried to push out, but she wasn’t sure if she’d spoken audibly. Had the rogue killed him? No… Derrick had told her to hang on to him, and then she’d passed out again.

“I just rang for him when I heard you waking up,” the woman said. “But I’m sure he’s running after he heard you scream.”

Kris attempted to turn her head to the voice, but every muscle in her body ached. “Vic?” she tried.

“No, sweetheart. It’s Sabrina.” The woman touched her face again, and Kris forced her eyes to open, knowing she was safe. “Don’t cry,” her mother-in-law said, kissing her forehead. “Derrick will be here in a moment. You’re safe, honey.”

Kris hadn’t realized that a tear had escaped. She wasn’t sad, however, she was happy. Her mother-in-law was here, and she’d said that Derrick would be here soon, and that was all that mattered. Her body felt so sore though, and she was thirsty. She licked her lips, attempting to get moisture.

“Here, sweetheart.” Sabrina held up a spoon of ice chips for her, and Kris accepted gratefully. They tasted so good. Kris opened her mouth and she offered her another.

“Kristina,” Derrick said on an exhale, appearing in her line of sight. “Thank God.”

Kris attempted to smile, but even that hurt. Why did her body hurt so much? “What… happened?”

Derrick ran his hands through her hair and kissed her forehead. “Honestly, woman. You’ve been through more stuff, and still, you greet me with a smile. We’ll talk later. You’re okay, and that’s all that matters. Just extremely dehydrated, and your body took quite a shock. Humans aren’t meant to drop thirty stories.”

“No… I guess we’re not.” She closed her eyes, just wanting to sleep, but she didn’t want Derrick to leave either. “Please don’t leave me.”

A soft chuckle escaped her husband’s throat. “Baby, I will never leave you. It’s you who needs to promise that.”

She released a labored breath. “I’ll never leave you, Derrick.” And the world faded to black again, but this time she knew everything would be okay.

Epilogue

He bolted down the stairs, watching that Derrick didn’t come through the building after him. But he was certain that Derrick had been too preoccupied with Kristina and had completely lost focus on him. Maybe he’d just go to another family. He didn’t need New England to make his plan work. He’d find another family who was tired of living the way they had for centuries. Together they would build an army and take on Derrick’s family. And when they were gone, they’d have control.

The familiar truck pulled to a stop in front of him. The window lowered and the driver stared out at him, as if he knew. “Hop in.”

The rogue—as he’d come quite comfortable thinking of himself—hopped in the cab. He turned to the driver. “You knew?”

“Yep. I’ve always known.”

He nodded and then smiled. “Where to?”

“You’re the boss, brother. Just say the word.”

“What about Mom? Won’t she be upset?”

“Who do you think told me to call you? We’ll pick her up on the way. After what Dad did, she hates humans more than you and I put together.”

He dropped his head, not sure how he felt about dragging his mother and brother into his plan. Of course, he had said start a new family. Well, they were family. “Okay, Ry,” Jonas said. “Let’s go get Mom and decide what we need to do next.”

Ry squealed out of the parking lot and headed north. From there, who knew? He’d have to come back to Boston of course. The one thing he wouldn’t leave behind was Victoria. She’d be his one way or another. He’d make certain of it. As soon as they were settled, he’d come back for her. Hopefully, she’d come willingly, but if not, he’d take her anyway.

And then, he’d deal with the Ashtons and anyone who stood with them. Creatus were meant to rule this world, and he’d make certain his kind did just that, once and for all.

Sneak Peek

Rogue

Book 2 in the Creatus Series

Coming Christmas 2013

Chapter One

“You want me to do what?” Vic threw up her hands, turning her back on the man she’d once loved. Staring out the window that overlooked Boston Harbor, she tried to comprehend how he could ask her to do such a thing. “You’re kidding, right? I said I was sorry. I told you I wouldn’t bother you or Kristina.” Knowing he wasn’t kidding, she walked back to his desk and plopped down in the chair.

A burst of air popped out of Derrick’s mouth as if she’d said or done something funny. There was nothing humorous about this situation. “Vic…” He sighed. “We don’t have a choice.”

“What does Mike have to say about this?” she asked. “I bet your brother wouldn’t agree.”

Derrick shook his head. “Of course he doesn’t agree, but when has Michael ever agreed with me? He’d be happy to take care of this issue. The last thing he wants is for you to be anywhere near Reece Buckley.”

“And yet, you want me to fall for him, as if that’s even possible.”

“It’s possible. You seem to forget that my mother and wife are human. My mother reciprocated when my father fell, and Kristina fell for me with only a kiss. It’s clear we have more in common with humans than we thought.”

Vic jumped up from her seat again. Hearing about Derrick falling for a human wasn’t something she liked to think about. All the nights they’d spent in each other’s arms, all the deep discussions they’d had, and they’d never fallen for each other. If it couldn’t happen with Derrick, then it certainly wasn’t going to happen with a human man. “He’s human. How could I fall for a man who’s weaker than I am, a man who wouldn’t be able to protect me if the need arose?”

Derrick laughed full and deep this time. “As if you need protecting. You beat the crap out of my brother and then went and took Reece out.”

“Yeah, well. Michael wasn’t fighting back; he’d only defended himself, and Reece was already on the ground.”

Derrick got up from behind his desk and crossed the room to stand in front of her. Her body heated as he got closer. Even though she knew they were over, that after he’d fallen for another woman he’d never fall for another one again, she still found it hard to move on with her life. She didn’t wish any danger to befall Kristina, but she couldn’t help but wonder what would occur if something did happen to her. If their histories were wrong about humans being able to fall for creatus, then maybe a creatus could fall more than once in a lifetime.

Kristina was still in danger. The rogue—she couldn’t bring herself to believe that Jonas was capable of all the things he’d been accused of, so she’d continued to refer to the culprit as the rogue—was still after Kristina. She’d known Jonas almost her entire life. She’d even thought that maybe he was the One at one point. They certainly had made a good go at it. The night she’d spent with him had been powerful. Of course, she’d been trying to fall, trying to get Derrick out of her head.

Derrick rested his hand on her shoulder, and it almost burnt her skin, even through her clothes. “He saw you. He saw Michael. And then you threw him across the room, again reinforcing your abilities.” Derrick shook his head. “Why did you do that? We might have been able to talk him out of believing that we’re different.”

“Why did I—you started this, Derrick. The reason Reece even started this investigation was because you felt compelled to save a human. Michael had been trying to clean up your mess. We all were.” She stepped out from under his hand. “Now you want me to fall for a mere human?”

“That mere human put up a fight against Michael. Michael is one of the strongest creatus on the planet. We both are. No one denies that. No one understands why being half-human makes Michael and me stronger than the average creatus, but we are. So how do you explain that a mere human put up a fight?”

Vic shrugged. She really didn’t care. No way was she going to get romantic with a human. No matter how good he looked. No matter what he did to her insides every time she stepped within ten feet of him. She hated humans, and she was starting to hate half-humans like Derrick, Michael, and Jonas too. For that matter, she was starting to hate all men. “Mike probably wasn’t trying to hurt him,” she said. “He just wanted the evidence in Reece’s briefcase. Again, evidence you provided the government of our existence. For four thousand years we’ve managed to stay hidden, but you go and do a swan dive off the Tobin Bridge and bring some division of the National Security Council down on us.”

“My saving Kristina isn’t what made the Feds aware of us. They’ve been tracking supernatural events since 1947. You can blame that on our parents and grandparents for trying to be superheroes and save the world.”

Vic laughed without humor. “Yeah, well… You’re still at fault more than I am. Why don’t you see if you can get him to fall for you?” She raised an eyebrow at him. “Or, you kill him.”

“Is that what you want, Victoria? You want me to approve the assassination of an innocent human?” Derrick asked.

She sighed and dropped her head into her hands. “No.”

Derrick sat down beside her. “Vic, Michael would take him out without a second thought. I love my brother, but even though we have a human mother, he treats humans as if they are a subspecies. As though their lives mean nothing. And some of Reece’s comments haven’t helped the matter. I know my brother can be cold hearted, but as you said, he hadn’t hurt him in that alley. Now all of the sudden he’s willing to kill him.”

Vic whipped her head up. “What do you mean? What comments?”

“Reece keeps asking about you. Every time Michael or I take a security watch, he asks questions about you.”

“Me? What type of questions.”

Derrick sighed again. “Victoria, honestly, are you trying to tell me you don’t see the man is enamored with you?”

She shook her head, even though she had noticed. Never had a man gazed at her the way Reece had. It didn’t matter. She didn’t want anything to do with him. Him or any man for that matter, human or creatus.

“I asked him,” Derrick continued, “When I realized we couldn’t change his mind on what he saw, what he believes we are, I asked him why he didn’t fight you.” Derrick smiled as he nudged her chin up. “You know what he said?”

Vic gulped, shaking her head again, unable to find her voice for some reason. She didn’t want to know what he said.

“He said you were the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen. He admitted that he did throw a chair in your direction, but he knew he wouldn’t hit you. And there was no way he could ever hit a goddess.”

Vic couldn’t help but laugh. “I bet you rolled with laughter at that comment, huh, Derrick?”

“Victoria, why do you do that to yourself? You know my falling for Kristina had nothing to do with you. You know you are one of the best-looking women on this planet. Reece even made a comment that you looked like a modern-day Wonder Woman.”

“What the hell? Are you guys best friends now?” she asked.

Derrick shrugged. “He’s a nice guy. What else is there to do when I have to take four hours out of my day to sit with him? We play cards and talk.”

“I just don’t understand why we can’t leave him handcuffed to the bed,” she said.

“Because it’s inhumane, and even if we aren’t human, we are not mindless cold-blooded beings, as some would believe.”

“We have him locked up in the psyche ward. The lock was probably broken when he escaped the first time.”

“The lock wasn’t broken, and Michael admitted that Reece put up a decent fight. Something he hadn’t been prepared for. If being half-human makes Michael and me twice as strong as most creatus, think about what having any creatus blood, even hundreds of years ago, would mean to humans.”

Vic narrowed her eyes. “What are you saying, Derrick?”

“I think there’s a reason some humans are ridiculously stronger than other humans. Why some can deadlift more weight than other humans, why some are Olympians. I think there were more interracial relationships than we knew of in the past. I think Reece Buckley has creatus blood running through his veins.”

A Note From the Author

I hope you enjoyed the first book in the Creatus Series. If you did, please leave a review for other readers, so they’ll know if it’s a story that they too would like to invest their time.

Though all of my stories have a common thread—romance, mystery, and suspense—not all of my novels are supernatural. My first five books, the Southern Suspense Series, are romantic-suspense whodunits. They are all stand-alone novels; however, I do link each of my stories with a little surprise. If you choose to read my other stories while you are waiting for book two in the Creatus Series, here is the order I’d recommend .

She Belongs to Me

Split Decisions

Land of the Noonday Sun

Entangled Dreams

When Noonday Ends

I also have two mini-mysteries with a ghostly paranormal edge that I offer free on all book websites. However, sometimes the websites pull the free offer, so always check prices before downloading.

The Pit Stop

The Depot

The Library (Coming Soon)

I love talking about all things books, so please connect with me via one of the links below.

Website

Twitter

Facebook

Goodreads

Acknowledgements

My journey as a writer has been a long one. Though my first book only took two years to write and publish, the story took twenty-five years to compile, as life tends to get in the way of dreams. But since then I’ve met an amazing group of readers and authors I now call friends. Without their support and encouragement, the last eighteen months wouldn’t have been possible. There is no way to name them all, but there are three women who have been my constant cheer squad from the beginning: Jaime Rush, Bernadette Marie, and MJ Kane. These three women have suffered through my first drafts and listened to my whining and crying over technological issues and just plain life. Thank you, ladies. Not only are you all amazing authors, you are wonderful friends. I’d also like to thank my friend Terry Trahan for helping me ferret out some of those words we all miss. No book is perfect, but with her help, I hope we’ve given you a pleasurable reading experience.

Of course if it wasn’t for my wonderful, supportive husband of twenty-three years, my writing would not be possible. He truly made me believe in a happily-ever-after. Without my husband and two wonderful sons, there would be no reason to write.

And lastly a thank you to my biggest fan—my youngest son—he has stood by me longer than any other person, championing me constantly through every rough turn in the road. He is also the creator of the Creatus seal and title, which I hope will someday be recognized across the book community.

I love you all.

Content

Creatus
Creatus 1
by
Carmen DeSousa

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-one

Chapter Twenty-two

Chapter Twenty-three

Chapter Twenty-four

Chapter Twenty-five

Chapter Twenty-six

Chapter Twenty-seven

Chapter Twenty-eight

Chapter Twenty-nine

Chapter Thirty

Chapter Thirty-one

Chapter Thirty-two

Chapter Thirty-three

Chapter Thirty-four

Chapter Thirty-five

Chapter Thirty-six

Chapter Thirty-seven

Chapter Thirty-eight

Chapter Thirty-nine

Chapter Forty

Chapter Forty-one

Chapter Forty-two

Chapter Forty-three

Chapter Forty-four

Chapter Forty-five

Epilogue

Sneak Peek

A Note From the Author

Acknowledgements