by Nikki Landis
“We fucked. Happy?”
Dev’s face reddens and he looks ready to explode. Before he can reply, Derek scoots his chair back, screeching loudly along the stone floor, and slams his dishes in the sink.
“Don’t worry Dev. Last night didn’t mean shit. It won’t happen again.”
Without another word he leaves the room. Moments later I hear a door slam somewhere in the house.
“What the fuck Leigh?”
For the first time in years, I lie to my brother, “It’s nothing Dev. He’s right. It won’t happen again.”
Standing up on shaky legs, my body moves sluggishly like I’m underwater. The silence is deafening and I decide to leave the room before Dev tries to speak to me again. I have no intention of discussing last night further with either man so I walk outside on the back patio and take a seat by the edge of the pool.
Lost in the turmoil of my thoughts I don’t notice the slight shift in the air, a ripple of excitement that dances across my skin with a hint of anticipation. There’s a pulse to the energy surrounding me, a delicate whisper that hovers around every life-force nearby – the trees, birds, grass, breeze – even the water glistening in the pool. The heat of the sun deepens into the layers of my skin, the silent air throbs with need, and my heart rate picks up slightly in response, as I’m alerted to a presence.
A person. No, not just a person. Something else.
I’m not quite sure but I know that I’m right.
“Leigh!”
The panic stricken voice belongs to my brother. He’s running in my direction as I look up in confusion. “Run!”
Jumping up, I’m hyper aware of the crackle of electricity in the air as I turn, face to face with the guy who appears suddenly in front of me. He’s come out of nowhere, a dark hoodie covering most of his upper body and face but I can see his eyes, shining too brightly, glistening with promise. He’s massive, taller than Dev and Derek and they’re both well over six foot, with broad hulking shoulders and legs as thick as tree trunks. It’s his energy I feel as it surrounds me, slowly closing in, a vice grip that tightens around each muscle of my body like a snake’s constrictive coil. Slow and steady he increases the pressure as my lungs begin to ache.
I’m slowly suffocating as I fight against the urge to cough and choke.
“Leigh!” Dev is panicking.
Spots dance on my peripheral, not the bright lights you see before you pass out but dark shadows that close in from both sides, an oppressive aura that seeks to snuff out my very existence. I try to speak but no words can form. If I don’t draw a deep breath soon I’ll lose consciousness and probably die.
I’m falling to my knees as the silvery eyes of my attacker lock on mine. As hard as I try to fight against his pull, I can’t. I know who he is. It’s so obvious I wonder why it’s taken me so long to figure it out. Seconds tick by but they feel like hours as I blink, my vision becoming increasingly blurry. The harder I fight – the weaker I become.
“Leigh!”
Dev’s voice sounds far away as the pressure increases and my throat feels raw, burning with need, yearning for oxygen to fill the hollow empty places in my chest.
Right when I think I can’t take anymore, the unthinkable happens.
As suddenly as my attack started . . . it’s abruptly over.
I’m lying on the ground, gasping and sputtering, drawing the rich, pure oxygen of life into my desperate lungs. My body tingles all over as my blood rejuvenates, sending the necessary supply to every deprived organ. I want to laugh in triumph but can’t seem to make any sounds except for a haunting giggle that escapes my parted lips.
The dark shadows slowly retreat but hover in the distance. They’re close, watching and waiting, always hiding just out of my reach. The crackle is gone, the heavy aura silent, no oppressive quality to the air. He’s vanished as quickly as he arrived.
How strange.
“Leigh, baby.” Warmth surrounds me, strong arms lift with ease as I’m carried inside the house with running feet. Everything flashes by in a blur, too quickly for my deprived mind to comprehend. Derek squeezes tighter, placing a soft kiss against my forehead. “I’m so sorry I left you alone Leigh. Forgive me.”
“Where are we taking her?”
Dev’s words startle me as he approaches from behind Derek’s back and begins to pace the length of the posh living room.
“We can always go to the Syndicate.”
“Hell no! We agreed long ago Derek. Don’t make this about you.” Dev sends a glare in his direction to prove his point.
“I’m not making this about me, you dick. This is all about Leigh. Nothing more.” To prove his point Derek’s hold tightens as I lay my head on his shoulder. I’m tired, my body weak after the confrontation with my attacker.
“Yeah, that’s why you’re holding my sister so tight –”
“Is he coming back?” I ask with a whisper, interrupting their argument before this can go any further.
“Leigh,” my brother says with a sigh.
“He’s –” Derek starts to answer but doesn’t manage more than one word.
“The Hunter,” I interject.
He nods. “The Hunter’s dead. He’s not the problem,” Derek confides, “It’s the others.”
“Others?”
“The ones unleashed to hunt you down,” Dev remarks with agitation, “There’s never just one. We need to leave here now. Your place is compromised.” He turns to Derek, shaking his head. “No more bullshit. We go where I know Leigh can’t be harmed.”
“And that is?”
“Neutral ground.”
Chapter 10
Ignoring most of the conversation taking place around me, I’m only concerned with the low ringing in my ears and the slow tick of the second hand on Derek’s snazzy wristwatch. His hand is firmly clenching mine and I wonder if he realizes what he’s doing, especially considering his temper tantrum from earlier. If I’m honest with myself I’m relieved. The tension between us seems to have evaporated and I bask in the temporary peace that invades my mind.
I’m not delusional. I know it won’t last, which is why I latch onto it so fiercely. Eventually we’ll have to talk about why he reacted that way but right now I simply don’t care.
“Are you alright?” His deep voice draws me from my thoughts and I’m immediately caught in his amber gaze. We’re at this neutral ground Dev spoke of, a compound of some kind. I’ve not really paid attention to anything but Derek the last few minutes so my mind is elsewhere.
There’s so many things I want to say but I’m unable to form the words. So dumb. I’m never at a loss with a guy like this. I’m pretty good at getting what I want and moving on, seeking my pleasure how I desire. Men do it. Why can’t women? I’m not a slut . . . ok I’m not a big slut. I just know what I like and what I want so why shouldn’t I go after it?
Who cares if I only want sex with Derek? What’s wrong with that?
Except it’s not that simple with him at all.
His palm lifts and rests against my cheek. “There’s so much emotion in your eyes I’m wondering which ones are about me.” He sighs softly. “Leigh, just breathe. I can see your panic.”
He’s right. These stupid panic attacks are getting worse.
My breath increases along with the bright spots dancing on my peripheral. “Derek,” I whimper with a shaky voice.
“Shhh baby,” he soothes, “focus on my voice. Look in my eyes and just breathe.”
I do as he says until the panic recedes. This is the second time within days that he’s helping me.
Leaning forward until my head rests against his chest, I’m grateful he’s here. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome sweetheart.”
There’s a comfortable silence that stretches between us before I fall asleep in his arms, content and without nightmares.
“LEIGH, THIS IS MICKEY Sharp,” Dev introduces before leaving us alone. He’s already explained to me that it’s best I sp
eak with Mickey and have my questions answered before moving on to any discussion about the Hunters. At Mickey’s request I meet with him alone and out in the open, surrounded by the apple orchard and blue sky that spreads as far as the eye can see.
I’m shaking hands with the Adonis in front of me the next moment as he steps forward.
Seriously, he’s hot as fuck.
Light cocoa skin, tall and muscular like a pro wrestler, piercing gray eyes, and features so strikingly handsome I would swear he was some kind of male model. “Hi,” I say a little too brightly.
His answering grin nearly makes my knees weak. “Nice to finally meet you Harleigh. Call me Chaos.”
“Chaos?”
“My code name, as silly as that sounds. You’ll find we all have one.”
Interesting. “And Chaos means?”
“I have unique abilities, not the least of which is the ability to control the movements of others and manipulate gravity. You could say I’m a bit of master with kinetic energy.”
“So you can force others to do things or move without their consent?”
“Yes, but I can also control the muscles in their bodies, causing them to contract upon command.”
“Yikes, sounds painful,” I admit.
“For our enemies, yes, especially one in particular.”
“You mean the Collector.”
“Yes, walk with me. I have a few things I’d like to talk to you about.”
Sure, it’d be such a travesty to be in his company. We begin walking across the yard of the compound I was brought to yesterday with Derek and Devon.
“Have you read the file yet?” Derek slipped a folder into my room but I haven’t touched it much yet. It’s supposed to be information about the people here and the facility. I was overwhelmed when we arrived and I haven’t been able to concentrate enough to read.
“Not yet, but I skimmed through. There’s a lot of information there.”
“Yes,” he agrees, “but I think it will help you make sense of the changes in your life and those you’ll soon find in your body.”
Changes? Like puberty? I nearly snort aloud at the thought. “You mean those abilities I’m supposed to acquire after I turn twenty-five.”
“Yes, and with you it may be a bit more complicated.”
Great. Everything is complicated with me. Story of my life. I never catch a damn break. “Why do you think so?”
“Because everyone in the higher tier of abilities has some difficulty and that includes you. Many suffer from trauma, vivid dreams and nightmares, and complicated combinations of enhanced traits. It can be a stressful process.”
In other words, I’ll be in pain. “Thanks for making me aware.”
“It’s more than that. You were altered more than the others, given more specific traits and qualities. Harley Quinn is a fascinating character but she’s also crazy. I don’t know how much of that resides in you.”
Ha, I smirk. Probably way more than anybody knows. “I understand.”
“You mean a lot to members of this Syndicate, not only your brother. If I can help in any way, please come seek my council,” he offers.
Patting his hulking arm I wink. He’s a big soft teddy bear. “Chaos you’re pretty awesome.”
His deep laugh fills the air. “And you’re a charmer.”
Pleased I could humor him, I offer up a genuine Harleigh smile. “What are we going to do about the Hunters?”
“There’s been some information obtained when combined with some of our Intel leads me to believe we’re close to finding the Collector. Devon and Derek have already asked to do the recon.”
Stopping I place my hands on my hips, blowing air with force and agitation through my lips, “If they’re going, I’m going. I have as much right to scope out this lead as they do.”
“No doubt.” He chuckles and shakes his head.
“You’re not going to tell me to stay put?” I ask, incredulous.
“Would it matter if I did?”
Nope, since I would do what I want anyway. “Not at all.”
“Then let’s refrain from me seeming like the overprotective parent and you the rebellious teen. I’d rather be your friend Harleigh. I may lead the Syndicate but we all have equal say.”
Huh, no shit. I’m grinning super wide when I squeeze him in a hug. “You’re the shit Chaos.”
“I guess that’s better than being called a shit.” He grins as we continue walking.
“Too true,” I quip, giggling.
“Do me a favor,” Chaos asks, his lips twitching with humor, “don’t call your brother Blue Fury.”
“And that’s because?” Oh, I have to know why.
“He hates it.”
Laughing loudly I shake my head. “Oh you know I can’t promise anything.”
He shakes his head, chuckling off and on for several minutes as we continue walking. I’m just about finished with my meeting with Chaos (so yummy) when I hear Ivey’s voice.
“Leigh!”
What? Where’s my girl? “Ivey!” I yell back with excitement. Feels like I haven’t seen her in forever.
“Damn girl, you cute as fuck. Where you been hiding all my life?”
Laughing hard, I tackle her as we fall to the ground, squeezing her tight in a ridiculous hug. Ivey is bi-sexual so she loves to flirt with me. I’ve come to terms with this since she’s hot, funny, and my best friend in the world. “Honey, I could lick you head to toe right now!”
“Bitch please, I’d gobble you up and swallow you whole.”
We tease each other for another few minutes before I lead her to one of the picnic tables. I can’t believe she’s here. Chaos is watching us and waves to Ivey as she waves back. “You know him?” How is that possible?
“Don’t get mad babe but the Syndicate isn’t new to me.” She chews on her bottom lip, a clear indicator that she’s nervous.
“I’m confused.” How does she know about this place?
“Listen honey, I turned twenty-five last year, remember? We met Kat at the bar and I introduced you and we partied all night for my birthday.”
Yeah, I remember. “Sure, but . . . wait are you saying you’re part of this Syndicate too?” What the fuck? How many people is that now?
“I’m more of a lone wolf baby. You know that.”
I did. “Damn, are you like Supergirl or some shit?”
She shakes her head, squeezing my thigh as she smirks. “Girl, I’m way scarier.”
Ivey will tell me more when she’s ready so I don’t push. It’s an unspoken rule between us. We give each other room for our lives. We’re close and tell each other everything anyway but Ivey needs her space on occasion. “So, this is like a side gig for you?” Maybe I’m weird but I find it kind of funny. Personally I think I’m handling all this super power bullshit pretty well. Like I said before, I’m a total badass. “How did you get here anyway?”
“Girl, you know I like my side pieces.” She winks and I giggle since I know that remark is purely sexual. “Chaos and Blaze made sure I was safe but I insisted on seeing you before I left.”
“Where are you going? Aren’t you staying? Wait, who the hell is Blaze?”
She laughs hard for a minute before answering. “Babe, Blaze is your brother. And yeah, I’ve got some shit to handle so I can’t stay here right now but I’ll see you soon.”
Blaze is my brother? “You mean Blue Fury?” I wink as she laughs harder.
“He hates that nickname.” Pulling me in for a hug, she whispers in my ear, “Everything is gonna be fine luv.”
“You good?” I’m concerned about her safety if she leaves as I hug her back. “What’s this shit you gotta handle?”
“Yeah, nothing scary on my end. There’s some shit with my ex, that’s all. I’ll be careful. You know I’m packin’.”
I did. She always carried a gun like me. We never took chances with our safety. “Stay sharp Red. I don’t know what’s gonna go down.”
“I go
t you. I’m not stupid Leigh and anyone dumb enough to mess with me is gonna get fucked up.”
I didn’t doubt that. She was a bad bitch. “I know but keep extra sharp for me, alright?”
“You got it babe. So, tell me about Derek the hottie.”
Rolling my eyes I know there’s no chance she’s letting this go. “He’s awesome. Big dick, hot as fuck in bed, and nearly perfect.” I could lie but she’d only pester the truth out of me.
“Well hot damn babe you got laid, and from the smile on your face and the sparkle in your eyes it won’t be the last time.”
“Stop,” I laugh but I know she’s right. Feeling the heat of Derek’s gaze I look to my right and find him standing with Chaos and Dev by a couple of grills as they toss meat down for lunch but he isn’t focused on their conversation. His leering grin looks hungry, wolfish, and I have a fleeting thought – I wonder if he heard us.
Chapter 11
It’s late into the night when we arrive at the abandoned facility. Chaos allows Dev, Derek, and I to go alone. Ivey safely left for home before we set out and I’m happy that she’s prepared in case of an emergency. The warehouse is a creepy old structure with broken windows, a crumbling roof, and cobwebs blowing in the gentle breeze. We’re carrying flashlights as we approach but Dev and Derek promise me to restore power as quickly as possible.
Once inside we realize the power is actually on but there’s only a low bluish white light flickering from the ceiling above in sporadic patches as most of the bulbs have mysteriously blown. Pieces of white tubing and glass litter the floor and hallways along with gurneys, medicine carts, and other equipment. Used syringes overflow from biohazard bins anchored to patient bedroom walls as well as trash bags full of bloody rags and other bodily fluids.
I thought this was some kind of factory but it’s actually been used as a medical facility. Upon closer inspection I can see handcuffs dangling from most of the hospital bed frames. Stained bed sheets and stinking bedpans litter many of the rooms. More than one contains blood splatter as well as bloody footprints trailing off in different directions. Papers litter the nurse’s stations and countertops throughout as if forgotten . . . or perhaps everyone left in a hurry.
