Power Awakened (The Feral Book 2)

by Charlene Hartnady

  “Um …” She licked her lips, making a noise of pain when her tongue hit her busted lip.

  “What’s going on? Are you in trouble?” Concern was etched into every word.

  She didn’t want this stranger’s help but what choice did she have right now? If she stayed at Susan and Barry’s place she would put them in danger. “Yes.” She felt tears well. “I am,” she whispered the last.

  “What the hell!” he yelled, making her jump.

  “What’s wrong?” she squeaked, almost dropping the call.

  “I have a situation,” he spoke quickly. “One that needs my urgent attention. Where are you?” He sounded panicked. That and gruff.

  A shiver ran through her. This might be a big mistake. It probably was. One she had no choice but to make. “I’m at the police station. It’s on Third Avenue. I’m inside in the reception area.”

  Silence for a few long seconds, followed by, “Sit tight.” He growled, sounding angry.

  “O-okay.” She could hear the definite hesitancy in her own voice.

  He must have heard it too because he added, “I’m glad you called me. I won’t be long.” He used softer tones. Then the line went dead.

  Okay, well, this gave her a chance to change her mind. To devise another plan, one that didn’t involve strange men or the loaning of money. She went through all of her options for the hundredth time. Trying hard to think up some new ones.

  Crickets.

  She’d contacted Chris and her ex-boss had been very understanding and nothing but kind. At the same time, he’d sounded hesitant about giving Kerry another shot at work. She didn’t blame him, he had a business to run. That left her jobless.

  She hadn’t spoken to any of her friends in the longest time. How had that even happened? How had Jeff managed to alienate her so successfully from everyone? It wouldn’t be right to call someone out of the blue and ask to crash at their house. That left her homeless because she wasn’t about to put her family at risk. Maybe once Jeff was arrested and in jail. That might not even happen. It was her word against his and like he had said, he was the one with the money.

  Kerry sat down on a nearby bench. She watched the receptionist answer yet another call. There was one other woman waiting with her.

  What was she going to do? She already considered herself to be a mother. Kerry pulled her coat more firmly around herself and placed a hand on her stomach. Oh baby, I’m already failing you. I don’t know what to do. She felt her eyes well and a lump form in her throat. Do I trust this stranger? This Cadon? Or do I—

  What?

  Wait.

  There it was again. Like a little bubble bursting inside her. And again. Kerry couldn’t help but smile. It was her baby, her son. She was feeling his movements for the first time. Excitement rushed through her. That and a flood of love. More than she had ever felt before. In that moment she realized she wasn’t alone. Not anymore. Not ever again.

  In a way, it almost felt like a sign. She sure needed a break right now. Maybe the job was legit. Maybe Cadon was a good guy.

  She looked up and the receptionist was looking at her. A look of kindness on her face. “Having a rough time of it, hun?” It was more of a statement than a question.

  “Yes, but I’ve turned a corner.” It was all true. She was going to fight to see Jeff thrown in jail where he belonged. Fight to keep her child and to be the best mother she could be.

  “I’m glad to hear it.” The woman smiled. “The amount of times I see them go back. It’s frightening. Leaving can be more difficult sometimes than taking the punches.” Then she got this strange look in her eyes. “Ask me, I know. Took me almost ten years of abuse to finally pack my bags.”

  “Good for you for doing it,” Kerry said, meaning it.

  “I have something for you.” The woman walked around and exited the reception desk. “Here.” She handed Kerry a canister. “You shouldn’t use it in confined spaces. Aim for the face.”

  Kerry looked at the object in her hand. The words ‘Pepper Spray’ were printed on one side in bold, silver handwriting. “Oh. Thank you.”

  “If he comes after you again, you’ll be ready.” The other woman winked.

  Kerry nodded. She put the canister into her purse. “I sure will.” Hopefully it never came to that.

  The receptionist headed back to her post. A few more minutes went by. They each felt like a lifetime. Should she wait outside? Stay in here? Was he even coming? She started when her phone rang.

  One look at the screen told her it was him. This was it. She sucked in a deep breath and answered. “Hello.”

  “Hi, I’m here. We’re out front.”

  “We’re?” Who was he with? Maybe his girlfriend, or his date. It was a Thursday night, so it made sense.

  “I’ll explain face-to-face. We’re in the white BMW.”

  “Okay,” she pulled in another deep breath, “I’m on my way.”

  “And Kerry?”

  “Yes.”

  “Don’t get a fright when you see us, please. I can explain everything. I decided to come to you first, instead of going home,” he pushed out a breath, “it sounded like you were in trouble so …” He let the sentence die.

  “Am I interrupting something?” she had to ask. “If you were busy—”

  “You weren’t interrupting. I swear. We’re parked out front.”

  On a whim, Kerry quickly typed her sister a text message explaining that she didn’t know Cadon well. She sent Susan his number and promised to send more details as soon as she had them. Kerry hadn’t wanted to freak her sister out, but, in the end, it was better to be safe than sorry. It was better if someone had information on where she was heading.

  She watched as two ticks appeared to say the message had been delivered and then waited a minute.

  Nothing. Then again, Susan would be putting the baby down round about then. Kerry felt a pang of longing. What she wouldn’t give for that threadbare sofa and to hear her niece and nephew argue while the television blared some or other football game.

  It was time to man up. Or lady up in her case. She slung her overnight bag over her shoulder. She’d have to go and pack a proper bag as soon as Jeff was behind bars. The officers had been kind enough to allow her five minutes before bringing her there.

  “Good luck.” The receptionist smiled.

  “Thank you.” She swallowed thickly as she headed out into the cold, pulling her coat tightly around her.

  The BMW was parked at the curb, just as he had said. Cadon climbed out of the vehicle as she approached. He wore a button-down shirt and jeans. No jacket. Her step faltered. Was that…?

  Yes. Yes, it was.

  This was a bad idea. Kerry shook her head and backtracked. If she moved quickly, she could be back in the safety of the police station in a matter of seconds.

  “Wait.” Cadon held up his hand. Like his shirt, his hand was splattered with blood.

  “I made a mistake calling you.” Kerry turned, taking a couple of quick steps.

  “Let me explain.” He shut the car door, but it didn’t sound like he made a move to approach her.

  Kerry turned. Yep, he was still right there by the vehicle. There was some space between them.

  “We got into a fight. At least, my friends did, while I was talking with you on the phone.” He pointed back towards the car. “I pulled them apart. That’s how I got bloodied up.”

  “A fight?”

  “Yes.” He nodded. “It was over a…woman.” He gave this half-smile.

  Men! Of course it was. For whatever reason, his honest reply calmed her some.

  “My friend was a little overzealous trying to pick someone up, turns out her protective brother worked at the club. It got ugly. I broke it up before they got too badly hurt.” He shrugged. “I’m sorry. Like I said, it sounded like you were in trouble, your voice…” He cocked his head, looking at her more closely. “I can see I made the right call coming to get you instead of changing and dropping off thes
e idiots.” His gaze zeroed in on her busted lip. “I see you had another run in with that prick.”

  “Yes, unfortunately. That’s why I’m here, I’m pressing charges. Jeff won’t get away with hurting me this time.” She looked down at her feet for a moment before looking back up at him.

  Cadon nodded. “Good.” His demeanor turned serious. “The position I told you about is still open. Cooking and laundry. Room and board. We can discuss payment tomorrow.” He probably picked something up in her face because he quickly added. “Or I could drop you off some place. I can call you an Uber if you don’t feel comfortable getting into ours.” Using his thumb, he pointed to the vehicle behind him.

  She glanced at the Beemer. So, it was an Uber. Made sense since they had probably been drinking.

  She felt herself relax somewhat. “It’s not that I’m ungrateful, because I am. I guess I’m a little nervous about this. I don’t have any information on you.” He was even bigger than she remembered. His shoulders broader than any man she had ever met. It wasn’t just that, he was solid too, packing muscle that pulled the sleeves of his shirt tight. Even the denim encasing his thighs strained. No wonder he didn’t seem to feel the cold. There was a hardness to him that went beyond his muscle. A dangerous air as well. It might be her imagination though. Her gut told her she could trust him, but unfortunately she didn’t trust her gut. Not for a second.

  It was as if he read her mind. “I know I’m big, right now I’m bloody too and…you don’t know me but you’re going to just have to trust me.” He gave a one-shouldered shrug.

  Kerry felt frozen to the spot. In more ways than one. It was really cold and indecision warred. Big plumes of white drifted from her mouth with every breath. Her hands were stuffed in her pockets. They felt like blocks of ice. One thing was for sure, they couldn’t stay there.

  Her phone buzzed.

  Susan: I don’t like it!! Come home. Who is this guy? You could be murdered or worse. Come home!!

  Of course, Susan was right. She needed to do something to protect herself. “Please can I have some form of identification? Your driver’s license or something?” she added when he looked at her strangely. “I need to send a copy to my family. My sister is very protective of me.”

  “I’m sorry, I don’t have one. I’m not from America.”

  Would explain why he was a bit different. “You have an American accent.” She frowned. Not sure whether to believe him. “Do you have your passport on you then?”

  He shook his head. “It’s in the safe at the house.”

  “Wait, let me take your picture. I’ll send it to my sister, that way, if anything happens to me, there’ll be evidence. What’s your last name?”

  He looked like he was thinking something over.

  “I’m sorry, I…”

  “I understand.” Cadon put his hand up. “It’s just that…” He huffed out a breath, seeming to change his mind about whatever he was going to say. “Andrews,” he blurted. “Cadon Andrews and yes, you can take my picture.”

  She moved a little closer, phone in her hand. Zooming in on his face, she took the picture, quickly sending it to Susan with his name. “You mentioned a house. What is the address?”

  He rattled it off. Kerry sent the rest of the information to her sister who responded to the photograph.

  Susan: You didn’t tell me he was hot. Sheesh Louise!! Hubba hubba. Go already. Maybe the rest of them look just as good.

  Kerry: You have got to be kidding me! Just because he’s decent looking doesn’t make him not a mass murderer. How biased of you!

  Susan: You’re right. Moment of madness. Come home right this minute.

  Kerry: I can’t. Don’t want to put you guys in danger. Here…

  She snapped a picture of the Uber registration and sent it to Susan.

  Kerry: He will have used his credit card to pay. Give it to the cops if I come up dead.

  Susan: Not funny! Come home! Now!

  Kerry: I’m doing this. I don’t think he’s a mass murderer. I think I’m safe.

  She had to try to get Susan off her back. As scared as she was, she didn’t want her family in trouble with Jeff.

  Susan: Just because he’s gorgeous does not mean he’s not a mass murderer. I thought we discussed this.

  Kerry: I will message you when I get there.

  Susan: …

  Cadon cleared his throat. Oops! She looked up and straight into his eyes. They glinted with humor. She had to admit, there wasn’t anything remotely mass murder-rish about them. Then again, she had trusted Jeff. That had turned out to be a mistake.

  “Am I calling you an Uber or are you coming with us?” He leaned back against the car and folded his arms.

  Swallowing thickly, she nodded. Here went nothing. “I’ll come with you.”

  “I’m glad. Um, my colleagues are…they’re…just ignore them please. They can be a bit rough. They’re bodyguards. We’re here on a security assignment. We’re from a small town and—” He must have caught her look of concern ‒ make that terror ‒ because he quickly added. “They wouldn’t hurt a fly though.”

  “That’s why they were just in some club fighting.” She raised her brows. “That’s why you have blood on your hands.” She looked down at his massive hands.

  “I told you, it was a misunderstanding. They would never hurt anyone who didn’t deserve it. Definitely not a woman. Not ever!” He shook his head. Cadon opened the door and gestured for her to get inside. “Unless you want to sit by the window.”

  She peered into the vehicle and into the eyes of a guy almost as big as Cadon. There was another one sitting next to the driver who kept his eyes on the road ahead. “I think I’d like the window.” Shit! Was this a bad idea? It probably was. These two were huge as well. Did they sprinkle steroids on their oats in the morning, or something?

  Cadon climbed into the Beemer, shoving up against the other guy. There wasn’t too much space left on the back seat. Kerry climbed in, her thigh brushing against his.

  The guy in the front passenger seat turned around, a big grin on his face. Dried blood crusted around his nose and chin. “Hello, I’m Zaire.”

  “Kerry.” She tried to smile. It hurt her lip, so she stopped.

  “That’s Locke.” Cadon gestured to the guy beside him who grunted something that sounded like hello.

  “Kerry. That is a very nice name,” Zaire said. “Lovely weather we are having, don’t you think?”

  “Don’t start,” Cadon said the words under his breath but they packed a punch nonetheless.

  Zaire turned back to face the front. “How come you get to take a female home? You wouldn’t let us even talk to one.”

  Cadon groaned, sounding pained. “We’ve been through this. Look what happened back there.” He pushed out a breath through his nose. “Kerry is going to…”

  “Cook and clean for us,” Locke said, sounding bored.

  “Help us out, yes,” Cadon said. “You all still have your duties you need to perform though.”

  “Making our beds and putting our loin…clothing in the laundry basket,” Zaire began to recite.

  “That’s right.”

  “I don’t like packing the dishwasher,” Locke grumbled.

  “Too bad,” Cadon said. “Can we have this conversation tomorrow?”

  “So, who hit you?” Zaire swung back in his chair, so that he could look at her. Interest flared in his eyes.

  “That’s a rude thing to ask.” Cadon sounded pissed, she felt him tense.

  “Why?” Zaire frowned. “It’s clear that someone hit Kerry in the face. Did another fe— woman hit you over a…a…man?”

  She shook her head. “No, nothing like that. It was my boyfriend, he—”

  “A male hit you?” Locke growled, causing Cadon to elbow him in the ribs. He made a grunting noise from the jab. “What?” Locke continued, his voice a little strained. “I can’t believe a male would do such a thing. I’m shocked, that’s all.” He rubbed the spot
on his chest where Cadon had jabbed him.

  “I’m sorry! These two are Neanderthals.”

  Neanderthals…yes, she couldn’t disagree with that.

  Bad though? That still remained to be seen. However, it was looking like they might just be an okay bunch after all.

  The female was nervous. “It’s fine. I must look terrible. I can’t blame them for asking…I guess.” She toyed with the zipper on her bag. His gut churned with anger. That male had laid his hands on her again. Her lip was swollen with fresh blood on the part that was split open before.

  “You do not look terrible.” He tried to give her some more room, glancing in her direction. Her eyes were a very light blue. The color of the sky. They were big and bright and fanned by the most delicate lashes the same light color as her hair. Everything about her was small and delicate. He couldn’t imagine how a male could put his hands on her with the intention of doing harm. He grit his teeth, trying to keep himself from grinding them.

  Her eyes flashed from one male to the other and then straight ahead. The fiddling on the zipper worsened.

  “You should have let me finish that prick off,” Locke mumbled. “He deserved a good night’s rest for continually calling me a pig.”

  “You were rude,” Cadon said.

  “I was straight forward and…”

  “Can we drop it already?” Cadon worked hard at keeping a growl from his voice. The female still tensed beside him. Blast! This was one conversation he didn’t want them to have now. Since arriving on human soil, these males had become hard of hearing. It might be time to instill some manners, only…the female. How did he knock some sense into them and keep her from running away in a panic at the same time? How did he keep her from finding out about who they were? That was the biggest question of them all. Especially since she would be living under the same roof as them.

  “I hadn’t planned on hitting him too hard. Only enough to give him sweet dreams.”

  “I took a punch for you,” Zaire said, grinning at Locke. “You owe me one.” He turned to Cadon. “And I agree, you should have allowed Locke to punch that…what is the right term? Ahhh yes, asshole…in the face. Just one tiny—”