Cain (Deathstalkers 2nd Generation Book 1)

by Alexis Noelle

  “Okay!” She runs off toward the hallway.

  I look across the table at Cain, not ready to have the conversation he wants from me. Do I owe him an explanation? He has put in so much effort, making me feel safer last night, the way he’s been with Amy. “Thank you for everything.”

  "It's no problem." He grabs our dishes off the table and puts them in the sink. I move to the couch and start fidgeting with one of the throw pillows. The couch dips when Cain sits down next to me. I glance up at him and meet his eyes that feel like they can see right through me. "I know you don't know me, but you can trust me, and I can help you."

  “You can’t.” I want to believe he can, that anyone could. The things this asshole has done are straight out of my nightmares.

  “I need you to just trust me.” His voice sounds so sincere.

  This secret has been killing me. I've wanted to let someone in, confide in someone for so long. Am I really willing to confide in a stranger, though? I look up at him, and when our eyes meet, I feel pulled to him. Like there are magnets drawing us together. "Last night was the third time. He comes on the same day every month. The first time he told me he would be back every month. He warned me I needed to make sure I was home." My hands fist the pillow as the memories start to come back. "He said if I told anyone, went to the cops, or I wasn't home he would come after Amy. He mentioned the name of the school she goes to, and that I work at. Even after the first time I was contemplating going to the cops, but the first week after I got notes from him every day. Some mentioned certain clothing I was wearing or a place I had gone that day. He made it clear he was watching and I—" A sob wracks my chest, and I can't finish the sentence.

  His hands take my arms and pull me against him. I let myself sink against his chest, needing the comfort he's providing. After keeping everything in for so long, it's like I've opened up the floodgates. I let myself cry as Cain just holds me silently. His arms around me almost feel like a shield, like nothing can touch me when I'm there.

  I don’t know how long passes but once my crying has slowed down I feel his arms tighten around me. I sit up some, breaking his hold and noticing that his T-shirt is now completely soaked where my face was. “I’m sorry…” my voice trails off, realizing how little I know him and how vulnerable I just let myself be.

  “Don’t be. I couldn’t care less about my shirt.” His thumb swipes a stray tear from my cheek. “I am going to help you. This asshole will never lay a hand on you again.”

  I shake my head. “I told you, you can’t. I won’t put Amy at risk. I’d rather deal with that monster every day than chance him coming near her.”

  His fingers grip my chin to bring my gaze to his. "He won't touch her, or you ever again. I will make sure of that. I know shit seems impossible, but as long as you trust me, you'll see. This shit ends now."

  I take a deep breath, trying to take in everything he is saying to me. “Why?”

  A look of confusion crosses his face. “Why what?”

  “Why are you doing this? Why do you care?” I just can’t wrap my head around him being here.

  “If I’m honest, I’m not completely sure why.” He takes my hand. “When I walked in here last night, I would have done anything to fix what happened, to take away the pain I saw inside of you. “

  I just look at him, not really knowing how to react to what he said or the fact he is trying to be my knight in shining armor.

  He tucks a strand of hair behind my ear. “I will be here every night. Me or one of my brothers will also be with you wherever you go. You will not be alone.”

  “Brothers? How many do you have? I don’t want a lot of people knowing about this.”

  He laughs. “Not those kind of brothers. I guess I should back up a minute and really introduce myself.”

  I look at him, so confused as to what he could be talking about.

  "My name is Cain Russell, and I'm the current Sargent At Arms for the Deathstalkers MC.

  Holy crap.

  Chapter Three

  Cain

  When I say MC, her eyes get wide. I can only imagine what she's thinking. Her mind is probably going to the stereotypical TV shows and movies. Those are all bullshit, though.

  “What exactly does that mean?” Emma looks at me as she bites down on her lip. “Is it like a gang?”

  I can't help but laugh. "It's a family. We take care of each other. We stand by each other no matter what. It also means I can help you with this situation more than you know. I will make sure you are always covered. Most important I will make damn sure that asshole never gets near you again. You just need to trust me." I look at her, waiting, because if she doesn't trust me, this will never work.

  "I do. I'm not really sure why, but I do." She smiles at me and goddamn if it doesn't hit me like a ton of bricks. We just sit there looking at each other, and every part of me wants to pull her to me. I want to kiss her and pull that long blond hair until she's looking up at me and telling me she's mine.

  She's not ready for that, though. Right now she's cautious, scared, and visibly broken. I'll fix it, though. I will make her feel safe. When she's ready, I'm certain I will make her mine, which is a crazy fucking thought. Old ladies at the club are a big deal. It's not a decision to be taken lightly. My dad always tells me about how he and my mom came to be. This situation is oddly close to theirs. He always talked about how he saw her strength before she did. I see Emma's strength even if she can't.

  “So I had planned to go grocery shopping and run a few errands today. How is this situation working?” She stands up and looks around.

  "You will always have someone with you. My aim is for it to be me most of the time, but it won't always be. When you're at work, I'll probably head to the clubhouse and leave a prospect posted outside your job." I stand up, grabbing my phone off the table. "I will be here at night with you guys."

  She seems to be thinking it over. “What’s a prospect?”

  I expect to have to explain everything about the club to her, but I also don't want to overwhelm her. "A prospect means that they aren't actually a part of the club yet. It's kind of like pledging a fraternity in college. They are trying to prove themselves to us.”

  “Okay.” She nods. “So do I need to do anything?”

  "Just let me know if anything seems off." I shrug. "And let me continue to sleep on your couch." A blush spreads across her cheeks.

  “I can’t ask you to sleep on that couch every night when you’re doing all this for me.” Her fingers nervously twirl her hair as she looks at me.

  “You’re not asking, and I’m not taking no for an answer.” I take her face in my hands, loving how soft her skin in under my rough palms. “You have dealt with this for so long on your own. Let me carry this weight for you.”

  She nods, and a tear escapes her eye. I hate seeing her cry. I lower my mouth to her, kissing the spot on her cheek where the tear stopped. Her breath catches, and for an instant I regret my decision, thinking I pushed my luck too far. That's when she rests her forehead against mine, and I notice how quickly she's breathing.

  She feels the connection between us too.

  “Mommy!” Amy comes running out from the hallway.

  Emma and I jump apart quickly as she looks over. “Yes, princess.”

  “Are we still going shopping today?” She’s put on this crazy, puffy outfit and is twirling around the living room like a ballerina.

  “Yes, I need to get dressed, though.” Emma looks back at me.

  “Go ahead, I’m going to make a few calls.” I head toward the kitchen and pull out my phone. I need to talk to Logan especially with what I just said I’d do for them.

  "Hey, how was your night away?" Logan answers. Little does he know it was not the relaxing, quiet night I left for.

  “I need to talk to you. It’s important. You free now?”

  “I can be. What’s up?” His voice takes a more serious tone.

  “This needs to be in person. Can you come
to my building?” I look back at the hallway and Emma is still getting dressed.

  It gets louder in the background. He must be walking through the main room. "Be there in ten."

  “Okay, but come to 5D instead of my place.” I wait for him to ask why, but he doesn’t. Logan and I grew up together. He knows if I say something is important it is and I wouldn’t waste his time.

  "See you in a few." The call ends, and I start to look around the apartment. I need to check all the windows and see how accessible everything is. I know the fire escape is on this side of the building.

  A knock sounds at the door, and I move to answer it just as Emma walks out from the hallway.

  "Answering my door now?" She arches an eyebrow at me, and I laugh.

  “Yea, but come here, you should meet him.” I motion for her to come with my arm as I open the door. “Hey, brother. Thanks for the quick response.”

  Logan walks in, his eyes falling on Emma before he looks back at me. “Friend of yours?”

  “Logan, this is Emma Sanders. Emma, this is Logan Pearce. Logan is the President of the club.”

  Logan gives Emma a nod before looking over at me. “Want to fill me in on why I rushed down here?”

  “Yea, let’s talk out in the hallway, though.” I turn around and give Emma a nod before opening the door and stepping out with Logan.

  Once the door closes, Logan turns to me. "Who is that and why am I here?" He looks pissed, and I really don't blame him. Logan is guarded and isn't someone who is open to bringing new people around.

  "I came home last night to find some shady looking dude walking out of this apartment…" I tell Logan the whole story. What Emma told me has been going on, and the way I am starting to feel about her. "I wouldn't be sticking my neck out for her or bringing the club into this if this shit wasn't serious for me. I could see myself claiming her."

  "I hear you, brother." Logan looks at me, but his face is telling me he thinks I'm full of shit. "You understand that unless you are claiming her, the club will not step in. We can't just go around offering up protection for any damsel in distress you find."

  I look at him, and I want to punch him right in the damn jaw and settle this shit like we used to when we were idiot teenagers. "Then I'm fucking claiming her."

  Logan’s eyes narrow at me. “You’re fucking kidding me, right?”

  “Do I look like I’m kidding?”

  Logan starts to pace the hallway. "You just met her last night, and you're ready to claim her in front of the club? Are you high or just goddamn stupid?"

  I’m two seconds away from knocking his lights out. I know Emma can probably hear him. Shit, half the building can. “I am and I fucking will. Maybe you’ll understand this when you find someone. It’s not anything you can explain. It’s just a feeling like you found someone who makes you feel like a part of you has been missing your whole life and you never knew.”

  “Whatever you say. We have church tonight. You go there, claim her, and then you get the protection you want.” He starts to walk away but turns around. “Make sure you think this through. Once you claim an old lady that’s it. There’s no second chances.”

  "I know. I'll be there tonight." We stare at each other, and I wait for him to test me because I'm on my last nerve. Logan is the President of my club, but he's also my pain in the ass friend who's been like a brother to me all my life.

  Logan walks away, and I go back into the apartment. Emma is standing at the kitchen counter. "Everything okay?" she asks, but I'm sure she heard half of what was said.

  "It's good. I have to go to the club tonight, though, and I want you and Amy to come with. I don't feel safe leaving you here alone, and until this meeting happens, I won't have added protection." I roll my neck, trying to release some of the tension.

  "I'm sorry," she mumbles, but I hear her. I just don't understand.

  “For?” I walk closer to her.

  She shrugs, not meeting my eyes. “For bringing all of this into your life, getting you involved in my mess.”

  "Look at me." I pause and wait for her. When her head finally lifts, I take her hand. "I don't want you to apologize again. I do what I want. If I didn't want to be here or want to be involved, I wouldn't be. You got me?"

  She nods. “Thank you.”

  “Anytime, gorgeous.”

  Her eyes widen as a blush spreads from her cheeks to her ears.

  Goddamn, she is perfect.

  Chapter Four

  Emma

  I look at myself in the mirror, dressed in jeans and an off the shoulder red top. I pull on a pair of black booties and a black jacket. What do you wear when you’re going to a motorcycle club?

  Walking out into the living room, Cain is sitting on my couch. It's only a love seat, and I swear his large frame takes up more than half of it. "I think I'm ready. I wasn't really sure how to dress."

  He smiles at me and stands. “You look perfect.”

  I roll my eyes at him. “Amy! Come on, we’re leaving.”

  She comes running out from the hallway in a poofy skirt and a top covered with glitter and sequins. I look over at Cain, and he has a huge smile on his face. They always say that the right people walk into your life when everything else is going wrong. I never really got that until now.

  Cain walked into my life at a time when I felt like my whole world was falling apart. Having him around has made me feel safe and peaceful for the first time in three months. I’m hoping whoever this monster is will get scared of seeing him and leave me alone. However, I know that is mostly wishful thinking. I doubt this will be that easy. The notes usually start after a week and come every few days until he comes again.

  My heart starts to pound as I think of everything. How helpless this man has made me. How I haven't been able to walk down the street without feeling sick to my stomach. How I've had to pretend to enjoy the torture he chooses to inflict. A hand touches me, and I scream.

  Looking over, I see Cain. "You okay?"

  I nod, but I'm not. I'm damaged and broken in some of the worst ways. His hand rubs my arm, and I let myself enjoy the warmth that comes over me.

  "Just breathe," he whispers in my ear, and his breath sends goose bumps down my neck.

  “Mommy, are you ready to go?” Amy says as she taps me on the leg repeatedly.

  "Yep, let's hit the road." I smile at her. It's not a real one, but she's not young enough to know. It's the same smile I've given her every time my anxiety builds.

  Cain walks next to me, but his body is tense. We take the elevator downstairs, but no one says anything. When we walk outside, he starts to steer me to the left, but my car is in the parking lot to the right. "I'm parked over here. I grabbed her seat from your car earlier." The lights blink on a black truck, and Amy runs over, throwing open the backseat and climbing in. When we are almost at the car, Cain pulls my arm, and I look over at him. "You sure you're okay?"

  I nod again, not trusting my voice to be steady.

  His hand cups my neck. "I swear on everything that motherfucker won't ever come near you again. Not as long as I'm breathing." His forehead rests against mine, and I can see his chest moving quickly. I let my hands rest on his hips. "You gotta guide me on this, Emma. I don't know what to do. I've never felt immediately pulled to someone the way I do with you, but I also know that getting involved with me is probably the last fucking thing you need right now. My self-control is slipping, though…"

  I lift my eyes, and when they meet his, my breath catches in my throat. I lift up on my tiptoes, lightly pressing my lips to his, surprised at how soft they feel. His hand grips the hair at the back of my neck as he pulls me against him. His teeth nip at my bottom lip, and a moan escapes. He pulls away, his lips kissing my neck. I push away immediately as memories come back.

  His lips on my neck, trailing down as he tells me to moan for him.

  My body starts to tremble. Arms go around me, and I move to run, but they're too strong.

  "It's me. I've got
you. Calm down," he whispers in my ear, and my body calms.

  I focus on my breathing and try to slow it down. Cain's hold on me stays tight, and I'm thankful.

  "Cain, is Mommy okay?" Amy's voice calls out, and I realize I need to get a hold of myself and quick.

  "She's good. Her earring got stuck on my sleeve. We're coming in a minute," Cain calls out. I turn myself in his arms. "I'm so fucking sorry. I knew I shouldn't have—"

  “No.” I won’t let him blame himself. “I want to kiss you. I feel exactly what you were talking about. My head is just so screwed up right now.” I rest my body against his. “The memories send me into a panic attack every time. It’s why I try to just bury them.”

  "Well, you're not in this shit alone anymore. The more you bury them, the more they’re gonna sneak up on you. I'm here for whatever, okay?"

  I nod.

  "Let's get going. If I'm late, Logan is gonna give me shit."

  I smile and start to walk toward the truck. Opening the front door, I swear the step is a few inches above my knee. How the hell did Amy even get in here? I look for a handle to try and jump in, but before I can, Cain picks me up and sets me down inside the truck. "Thanks. Short people problems." I shrug, and he laughs.

  Once he gets in, we pull away from the building and my nerves start to set in. I hope it's not awkward there. I hope there's someone Amy can play with. "So you never really said, what are we going there for tonight? What's it like?"

  "It will be pretty quiet tonight. I'm going there for a meeting. I know a few girls will be around and usually, there are kids too." He is avoiding eye contact with me like there is something he isn't telling me.

  “Well, I’m looking forward to it. What’s the meeting about?” I arch an eyebrow at him.

  His hand rubs the back of his neck. “So that’s a little more complicated.”

  We pull up to a metal gate and Cain nods at someone standing on the other side of it. The gate opens and we pull up to the building next to a long line of motorcycles. The truck pulls in and Cain takes the key out, getting out of the car before even answering my question.