Darlings of Paranormal Romance (Anthology)

by Chrissy Peebles

  Like he did so often, he ignored my comment. “Stay close. Make sure you don’t step an inch farther than this.” He motioned to the foot between us. “If you see anyone you recognize, don’t do anything without consulting me. And don’t—”

  “Talk to, or take candy from strangers. Yeah, yeah, I know. Can we get on with this already?” I started for the street ahead.

  “We have two hours.” By the closeness of his low voice, he wasn’t fooling about the distance thing.

  “So is the GPS in your head on fritz or do you know where the club is?” We reached the mouth of the alley and I looked up and down the road. Streams of cars lined the streets in both directions. Over the tops of the buildings, a feint glow lit the sky.

  “Go right.”

  I was already heading in that direction.

  “The city’s web site listed multiple clubs and bars, but they’re all in different parts of town.”

  “So…?”

  “So, we’ll find a place to eat, I’ll eavesdrop on conversations and we’ll figure it out from there.”

  We. The plural word almost made me smile. It wasn’t “I’ll figure it out and I’ll do everything.” He talked like he thought of me as a teammate and not some meager Drea who possessed people. I risked a glance in his direction, feeling borderline giddy, and his gaze darted around the darkness.

  We turned another corner, and I flinched against the bright lights coming off the main street. Immediately, the crowd of people filed around us. Aiden pushed me forward. I hadn’t even noticed I’d stopped walking.

  His hand stretched past my head. The warmth of his breath tickled my ear when he spoke, making goose bumps rise on my skin. “Head for the purple neon sign.”

  The sign beamed from a building a few blocks in front of us. I stretched up on my tippy toes as we weaved through the crowd, trying to get a better look. Black tinted windows and a burly guy at the door taking I.D.s…It had to be the place.

  Feet from the door, Aiden tugged my belt loop and stopped me in my tracks. “I don’t know what’s in there…”

  I rolled my eyes. “Relax. I’ve been around drunks before. Besides, Mr. Badass Protector, I’m sure you can handle disoriented pervs.”

  “No. I’m not just talking about that. This club is called…‘The Cat.’”

  I tilted my head to check out the sign once again. “Huh, you know Spanish?”

  “It’s Italian.”

  “Same difference.” Realization dawned on me. A club called “The Cat.” “Oh man, you don’t think this place is crawling with strippers…do you?”

  He hesitated, and I knew our thoughts were in sync. “It’s hard to tell.”

  “Well, let’s hope not.” My gaze moved up and down his frame. “’Cause that would be awkward.”

  “If it is—”

  “Keep your dollar bills to yourself.”

  Aiden sighed and motioned to the bald-headed security guard. “Are you ready to do this?”

  To use my ability without being chewed out? “Hell yeah, I am.”

  We stood behind a couple who couldn’t keep their lips—or hands, for that matter—off each other. When they proceeded forward, we stepped to the front of the line. The bouncer, arms crossed and feet spread wide, growled. “IDs.”

  Aiden shot me a side-long glance as he showed the man his card.

  The man extended his hand toward me.

  Tightening my grip on my driver’s license, I held it out to the man and looked straight into his eyes. I relaxed and allowed my mind to reach forward. A warm surge of tingles shot up my spine, enfolding me, as I felt the prick of his mind. Pushing around his small resistance, I grabbed a hold and wrapped his whole intellect in mine.

  His hand stopped midair. He looked at me glassy-eyed.

  A small smile spread over my lips. Like an alcoholic who tasted wine after being deprived, a calm, satisfied feeling flooded through my body. Unfortunately, it couldn’t last very long without taking a toll on my energy level.

  Check my ID.

  He did.

  Step back and let me through.

  Again, he obeyed. I snatched my license back, and we slipped through the metal door.

  Music blared, practically assaulting me, as we entered. Blotches of yellow, hot pink and orange paint lit up the black floors and ceilings as if someone had taken a paintball gun to the place. Lights bounced off walls and the jumble of wild, dancing people. “HOW’RE WE SUPPOSED TO FIND ANYONE?” Again, I stretched as tall as I could, seeing a bar smack in the middle of the vast room. To the left of it, a huge rainbow-colored staircase spiraled up to another floor.

  When Aiden didn’t respond, I turned around. His eyes narrowed as he slowly scanned the cluster.

  “HELLO?”

  His lips moved, but his voice got lost in the noise.

  “WHAT?”

  Wincing, Aiden lowered his face to mine. His minty, fresh breath cascaded over my cheeks. “You don’t need to yell and let everyone know what we’re doing. I can hear you perfectly.”

  I strained to keep my eyes locked on his, even though they felt like they might jump out of my head to get a peek at his lips.

  “…okay?” He straightened his stance.

  I blinked and took a step back. “O-okay.” Even though I have no idea what you said. Hopefully nothing important.

  Turning back toward the crowd, I started forward. Aiden grabbed hold of my arm and turned me left. I could’ve sworn he said something about selective hearing.

  I glanced over my shoulder. “HUH?”

  He motioned toward the left side of the bar. “GO!”

  Now that came across loud and clear. Not all of us had freak hearing. I weaved through dancing bodies, accidentally touching sweaty arms and nearly being trampled by some guy shaking his beer belly.

  Stopping below the rainbow staircase, I peered up. “WHERE—” I stopped myself before I blew his eardrum and lowered my voice, unable to hear my own words. “Where now?”

  My body stiffened as Aiden leaned in. “Why don’t you listen?”

  “’Cause you wouldn’t know what to do if I did.” I rolled my eyes. “SERIOUSLY, I CAN’T HEAR JACK SH—”

  He jerked away like I’d blown a foghorn in his face. He grabbed my hand, obviously finished trying to communicate with me, and pulled me up to the second floor.

  A dozen sheer black tents descended from the ceiling, each flowing gracefully over some kind of bed-couch thing. The lights dimmed and surprisingly, the music wasn’t as loud. Only, now there was an annoying ring in my ears. I cringed and quickly turned away, afraid of encountering something eye-gouging.

  Aiden looked through the glass wall, staring intently at the crowd below. His warm skin, still wrapped around my fingers, heated my whole body.

  Hating to admit it, even to myself, I liked the feeling. I considered asking something situation-related to distract my thoughts and feelings. Something like, could he could pull voices through a window. “At least there’re no naked people dancing on poles.”

  His mouth twitched.

  Again, I waited for a smile.

  He bit his lip, visibly fighting it back, and nodded. “There are a few Kembers here…I’ve seen two members of the Guard already.” His fingers, loosely intertwined in mine, released.

  He placed his hands on the rail. A funny tingling filled my stomach. “Members of the Guard? Why—”

  An icy liquid cut through the back of my shirt. I gasped and spun around. Damn drunks.

  A sneer spread across some blond dude’s face. Behind him a group of girls and guys snickered.

  “Oops. Sorry. Must’ve tripped.” He glanced down at his empty cup and started walking again. “Didn’t mean to provoke the mentally unstable.”

  One of the girls behind him giggled. “I still can’t believe she attacked that Drea.”

  “I know, right?” Someone else chided. “The Authority must not be too bright if they can’t figure out who killed Delmari. Haven’t they met
her?”

  Everything stopped. The drumming in my ears took the place of music and laughter.

  My fists coiled, ready to beat every one of them to a bloody pulp. Ian’s threats about my anger left my mind—he could go to hell. No matter what anyone said, that last accusation hurt more than a boulder crushing me to oblivion.

  I tried to jump forward, but Aiden caught me around the waist. “They’re trying to get to you. You know it’s not true.”

  The second I fought against him, he released me. I staggered away, refusing to meet his gaze. A sharp pain squeezed my chest, and it took everything I had not to tear after that son of a bitch. Unable to stop it, moisture built in my eyes. By the accusing tone, I had a feeling he wasn’t the first to say such a horrible thing.

  “Taylee…” Aiden watched me carefully.

  Restrooms. The neon sign blurred, but came in clear enough for me to recognize, at the back of the club. I headed there. The tears in my eyes burned to break free; one blink and they’d fall. A sick feeling tightened and twisted my stomach. I hadn’t been the one to kill Delmari, but I hadn’t stopped it, either. I ran. Like a coward, I saved myself.

  Aiden grabbed my wrist before I entered the bathroom. He didn’t say anything. I was sure he could feel all he wanted to know.

  Seconds later a lady emerged. He waited another moment, probably making sure no one else was waiting to steal me, and then released my arm. “I’ll be right here.”

  The music and laughter diminished as the door closed behind me. The walls must’ve been soundproofed or something. Only the sporadic hum of bass indicated the party going on downstairs. I walked to the sink and stared in the mirror just in time for a single tear to fall from my eye, followed by another and another. Quickly wiping them, I sank to the floor and leaned my head against the wall. The lights above buzzed like a thousand pissed off bees and flickered every few minutes. My body shook from anger and grief, but I didn’t give in to the sob in my chest.

  After minutes of fighting the pain, control found me again. I twisted the cold water nozzle and patted water on my cheeks. Milky foundation covered the dark circles beneath my eyes. Mascara and eyeliner made them stand out and improved the whole ensemble. That on its own should’ve brought a little sparkle into my eyes. It didn’t. Even with all the makeup, they never brightened.

  A gust of air rushed by, tossing my hair. I stopped and looked behind me through the mirror, half expecting to see a window blown open.

  There were no windows.

  A chill crawled up my spine, making the hair on my arms stand on end. Slowly, I reached forward and turned the water off. I couldn’t help but shake off the paranormal vibe. Ridiculous. Ghosts hadn’t been a part of my vocabulary since I was, like, five.

  Stepping away from the sink, I tilted my head and looked toward the stalls. No one. The bathroom was still empty. I took a deep breath, trying to slow my heart rate. What the heck’s wrong with me? My imagination’s acting like it’s on drugs or something.

  Rubbing the goose bumps on my arms, my flip-flops clicked obnoxiously as I quickly moved to the door.

  I reached out for the handle. My fingers barely brushed the metal when a force yanked me backward, off my feet. I opened my mouth to scream but silently gagged as it caught in my throat. The lights flickered once more before submersing the room in darkness.

  Chapter 13

  The black veil stretched like thick fog throughout the bathroom. My heart pounding in my ears, along with my frantic breathing, furthered my struggle to hear anyone approaching. Dangling midair, like bait, I flailed my arms, feeling nothing but open space.

  Taylee.

  A low, dead voice echoed in my head. I winced and squeezed my eyes closed. Concentrating every ounce of energy I had, I opened my senses and mentally reached out. A warm sensation tingled through my body as I felt another’s mind.

  A splitting pain shot through my head, making me grab it with both hands. A scream bubbled in my chest, but no sound escaped.

  Someone stood close. Very close.

  Don’t try it. The voice echoed in my thoughts. We’ve been through this before. You can’t invade my mind.

  Breathing deeply through my nose, I reluctantly released my head and looked up.

  A pair of ocher eyes glowed a few feet from where I floated.

  Him. Sparks of heat rushed through my body. I thrashed, kicking my legs and throwing my arms, trying to hurl myself forward to grab him. I’d strangle him!

  Slowly, after every one of my muscles became tired and heavy, my adrenaline plummeted. I was stuck to this spot. I couldn’t make the slightest sound. Even my ragged breathing quieted. Here I hovered, helpless and right where he wanted me. I still only cared about one thing. You sick son of a bitch!

  Two flames appeared, illuminating the Kember’s palms. He flattened his hands and the infernos formed into balls. Slowly, they levitated toward the ceiling, casting a dim light over the entire room.

  You killed him!

  Now visible, his lips lifted into a small smirk. I half expected the Kember to be this brawny guy with a red and black face and spikes for hair. Now I felt stupid. He stood tall and slender with light brown hair and, of course, those yellowy eyes. Scary enough, he kind of seemed like your everyday nice guy. Except for the fact I was floating and fire practically exploded from his hands.

  He stepped forward. Blood rushed to my ears and I bit into my lip to keep it from quivering. His finger trailed my jaw, sending ice cold chills through my body. I trembled.

  The Kember’s rough hand cupped my chin. His gaze smoldered like the sun: A frozen, dead, life-sucking sun. I stared down so as to not look him in the eyes—the eyes of a killer.

  You feel it, don’t you? he asked.

  Let me down and I’ll give you something to feel. I gritted my teeth, ignoring his question. Why’d you do it?

  His lips slid into an eerie smile. Perhaps you need a bit more time, hmm? Even I can feel it burning deep within you. It’s just waiting to surface.

  I ignored his comment. I could only think of Delmari. You killed him. You bastard. I wanted to hit him—no—I wanted to kill him. I wanted him to suffer like I suffered. Feel the horrible pain I felt every moment for the past few weeks.

  Feels good, doesn’t it? To hate someone to such a degree, you’d actually wish your worst on them? He tsked, shaking his head. What would Delmari have to say about that?

  You—

  Asshole, I know. He waved it off. By all means, yell at me. Call me every name your clever mind can think of. You’ll soon learn I’m not the bad guy.

  Do you tell yourself that so you feel better? My eyes burned as I fought back tears. If you wanted me, you should’ve taken me and left him alone.

  I’m not so foolish to think he’d let you go without a fight. Besides, who said this is about you? Seeing as you’re still alive—

  Oh heck, the girl. I see your glitch. You’re a psycho pedophile who stalks little girls in your spare time. What do you want with that girl in the forest? I know. I saw your buddies chasing her.

  He studied me with knowing eyes, in a way that made my hair stand on end and my mouth turn dry. He stepped away, stroked his chin and paced the floor. Finally, he turned back toward me. I’m not here to answer your questions.

  Seething, I snapped my head around the bathroom, looking for anything to help me get free. I should’ve known it was useless. You’re this pathetic? You have to keep a weak Drea immobile while you kill her? If you’re gonna do it, do it. I extended my arms, glaring directly at him. I’m not afraid.

  He stepped toward me and slowly I descended.

  Body tensed, I readied myself for when my feet hit the floor. Only, they never did. I hovered centimeters off the ground. If that wasn’t frustrating, I didn’t know what was.

  “Everything okay?” Aiden’s voice came from outside the door.

  Just hangin’ out, I wanted to shout back. What happened to bustin’ in guns and glory, no questions asked? T
his wasn’t the time for him to be chivalrous about space. Couldn’t he hear the two heartbeats or that I wasn’t the only one breathing? With all the noise out there, probably not. Most likely, he was only listening for footsteps or a struggle. I groaned.

  The Kember reached out, placing two long white fingers on my throat .When he spoke, my voice came from his mouth. “Yes, I’ll be out in a moment.”

  Aiden didn’t respond. What was he doing? Exchanging workout tips with the Guard members?

  Standing mere inches away, the Kember ran his other hand through my hair and stared at me in a longing sort of way. Almost like he was memorizing my face and taking me all in.

  I held my breath, wishing I could take a step back from this creepy bastard. W-why did you do it—kill him?

  The Kember’s jaw clenched. His face paled as the ocher in his eyes burned brighter. Understand this: Delmari did his job. After a while, he got in the way.

  He didn’t do anything to you.

  He raised an eyebrow. A sneer spread across his face as he stepped back and folded his arms. Yes, Delmari Aiken was a great man. He took in a stranger’s newborn child out of the goodness of his heart. He obeyed and lived his life by the oath he swore.

  I didn’t like the sarcastic tone he used. I took a deep breath, an ache in my chest. Whoever this guy was, he wanted to confuse me.

  Oh, my innocent little Taylee. I would’ve never kept you in the dark. In three long strides he reached the sink and leaned against it. Tell me, if Delmari was such a good man, why didn’t he ever tell you who your father was? Why didn’t he speak of your mother, or let you see a picture of her? If he loved you—if he told you everything—like you’re convinced he did, why didn’t he mention Aiden? Every word out of his mouth was a lie—

  Shut up! I balled my fists, my nails biting into my palms. You don’t know what the hell you’re talking about.

  I know everything about you. His eyes locked intently with mine. What you’re capable of. He shook his head as if in wonder. There are so many things I could teach and give you.

  Is that why you want the girl? So she can join your stupid cult? I tried to hide the trembling in my voice. Will you tell her that, too, before you kill her?