Dark Illusions: The Beginning

by Ariana Browning

  After a good cry, Kat decided a much needed phone call was in order before she went to bed.

  “Hello, Kat. What can I do for you?” Daryl’s cheerful voice came across the line.

  “Daryl, I wonder if you can do me a favor.”

  “Of course. What?”

  Kat hesitated, wondering if she should be doing what she was. “Would you call Cameron and tell him I accept his apology and say yes to the next question he asks me.”

  “I’m sorry? I don’t understand.”

  She smiled. “He hasn’t asked a question, Daryl. That’s the point.”

  “Oh.” He said, understanding. “I see. I can do that for you. Is there any particular day? Or time?”

  “No, not really.”

  “Okay. Will do.”

  “Thank you, Daryl.”

  “Not a problem Miss. Anytime. Is everything all right?”

  For a moment Kat didn’t understand where his question came from, until she remembered he was now Raaka. He must feel the same connection to her the rest did, and with his advanced hearing, he would have heard she had a visitor. One advantage of him having been Awakened. Incredible hearing, a big advantage for a guard at the front desk.

  “I’m fine, Daryl. Thank you for asking.”

  “Sure thing. Good night Kat.”

  “Good night Daryl, and thanks for the favor as well.”

  “Very welcome.”

  Thirty Five

  Kat wasn’t sure what Cameron would ask, but she did know she’d posed a dangerous proposition to him. In a way, she had begun to trust him. She didn’t think he’d do anything worth concerning herself over, but the last thing she expected was not to be alone with him. She thought if he had the opportunity to get her alone, he would. What she didn’t count on was him bringing her to a meeting of the Raaka. And in a warehouse of all places.

  She stood off to the side with no clue what she should do while Cameron talked with some other male Raaka. Was it okay that she could hear what they discussed? He hadn’t given her any instructions when they arrived, other than ask her if she’d wait on the side of the warehouse for a moment.

  Cameron stood next to Cyrus who had, to her surprise, greeted her with a lot of warmth when they got there. More surprising was how she didn’t want to run like hell when she saw him. Cameron’s presence made her feel safe, and he made it clear she was allowed to be there.

  He talked to some of the men about some shipments they expected to come in. She had no idea what they were referring to, but she enjoyed watching him talk with the other Raaka. Considering there were no other humans around, she knew she should be afraid, but not one of them made her feel that way. Because of the looks they kept sending her way, she was nervous as hell. Oh yeah, she was on their menu all right, but it was a different meal they wanted her for. So it wasn’t her fearing for her life as much as something else.

  No doubt Cameron brought her with him because he wanted to see how she acted around the other Raaka, which was fine with her. He wasn’t pushing it, he wasn’t being an ass, he wasn’t telling her what to do. He asked her if it was all right he’d invited her, and he let her know, if she wasn’t comfortable, she could leave. She told him she’d be fine and she meant it.

  Cameron and Cyrus both kept a casual eye on Kat while she stood off to the side. Cameron didn’t want her to stand there so long she got angry or annoyed, but he wanted to show her, she didn’t need to fear the Raaka. After everything she had gone through, it was good for her to hang out around them to see she could trust them. He couldn’t tell her to trust them. She needed to experience it for herself, but it was his job to show her.

  Of course, all the men were quite happy when he told them he’d got her to come with him. Max seemed most fond of her, so Cameron told him to keep a close eye on her.

  Seemed Sean, Jake and Max were the bridge she needed to the Raaka, next to him. The transition of her becoming a Raaka would go a lot smoother now that she’d made some friends. Cyrus was proud of how far he’d come with Kat. He’d already admitted he didn’t think it’d happen.

  As he had said, “Vincent fucked her up and screwed any chance he had at her, but at least he didn’t break her. What he put her through? It’s shocking he didn’t. She’s a lot stronger than she looks Cameron. Be careful.”

  “I have it all under control. All this going on with Julian? It’s working in my favor. You know any time he says something to her, it adds fuel to my fire. She’s running to me because he is telling her not to. She likes being around us. Watch her. She does. He can’t stop her from coming to me. Not now. I’ve got my grip in her and she’s not going anywhere. Once she’s Raaka? He’s not going to want anything to do with her. I can guarantee it. With the rivalry between our clans, the blood that will flow through her will make her hate him. I will have her. Give it time. We have all the time in the world. The longer it takes? The better.”

  Cameron glanced at Kat and smiled at her when she looked at him. She smiled back, but diverted her attention a second after, turning to the rest of the men. Keep fighting the attraction, Kat. Keep fighting it, just keep trying to. He watched Sean walking over to her and stiffened. The wolf within awakened.

  He’d already told Sean to watch his damn back. Cameron knew what Sean was trying to do. If Sean didn’t, Cameron planned on making sure he knew what would happen if he tried getting in Kat’s pants. He knew Sean would never succeed, but if there was one thing that almost had him down Sean’s throat the night Julian interrupted them, it was when he saw Sean put his hands on Kat’s body. If Julian hadn’t butted in, he would have. And now Sean got her to laugh, which fueled Cameron’s wrath.

  A hand touched his arm and Cyrus looked at him. “Calm yourself Cameron. What is it about this girl that makes all of you lose control? Get a hold of yourself.”

  Cameron glared over at Sean. Touch her and I will rip your fucking head off, Sean. In response, Sean looked over at him and shook his head as if to say, relax, I got it. “I’m all right Cyrus. My possessive side coming out.” He laughed. “I’m fine. Really.” He took one last look at Kat and Sean and redirected his attention, calming his beast within. He needed to focus on the matters at hand.

  Thirty Six

  Sean asked Kat if she was positive she didn’t want to continue their dance and she laughed. “Yeah. That’s what we need to do. Get all of us in trouble again. Sure.”

  Sean gave her his best playboys smile. “Why not? I enjoyed myself.” He reached up and stroked the hair out of her face. “I know you did.”

  Kat forced herself to forget how handsome he was for a moment. The warmth spreading throughout her body told her she was in trouble. “You’re pure trouble for me, aren’t you?”

  Sean slid his hand down her arm. He glanced over at Cameron, who didn’t look too happy with what he was doing. “Trouble can be a good thing. Course, he doesn’t look too happy your attention is somewhere other than on him. Maybe I should stop touching you because he’ll be mad. Give me the word.”

  Kat glanced over at Cameron when he turned back to Cyrus. She’d caught the rage and his eyes glowing. The hunger spreading through her body increased, knowing she got to him. She didn’t want to play with him, but she was curious how far she could push him. Julian said Cameron was trying to show her what she wanted to see on purpose. So how far could she push before the real Cameron burst out?

  “What word? I wouldn’t know what word I was supposed to say, so I guess I can’t say it.” She smiled. “I do so rather enjoy the touching.”

  Sean laughed. “Now who’s trouble for me?”

  “Wow, you can laugh? Me likies. Sorry big boy. I was trouble a long time ago. Welcome to the world of me, trouble is my middle name.” She didn’t know why she flirted with him so much, but Kat couldn’t stop herself. She got too into the thought of him touching her. Her thoughts kept wandering to Cameron while she flirted with Sean. What would happen if she caught him alone and kissed him? She shook her head.


  “That Kat, you are. Pure, unadulterated, trouble. More because you’re making someone shoot death threats into my back. Does he understand how much trouble you are? Why someone would want that, I’m not quite sure.”

  Kat’s laugh burst out before she could stop it. Her hand flew to her mouth, and she glanced over at Cameron and the other men. They gave a quick look, but went back to talking. “So why are you dealing with it? Why do you want to deal with it?”

  Sean grinned. “I never said I didn’t want to take you to bed, Kat. But to deal with you on a daily basis? Makes my head spin. You’re trouble enough to share a bed with.”

  “Talking like that will not get you into my bed tough guy.”

  Sean caressed her cheek. “We both know you don’t care what I say. You either will or won’t. Just because you say no right now, doesn’t mean you’ll say no later.”

  “You’re too smooth for your own good, aren’t you? And are all Raaka as smooth as you?”

  “Why don’t you find out?”

  Kat’s mind spun with the bad thoughts he put in her head. Her heart raced in excitement, which she knew he picked up on. His eyes darkened with the desire she inflicted. He didn’t bother to hide it. Sweat broke out along her body, and his fingers trailed across her lips. They dropped away before Cameron could notice. Knowing Cameron could catch them, made her excitement build.

  All of a sudden the thought of becoming Raaka did anything but frighten her. She couldn’t stop thinking about the men in the warehouse. About what Cameron could do to her in bed. She shook the thoughts out of her head. “Shouldn’t you be doing something?”

  Sean didn’t hesitate. “Like you? That’s something I’d like to be doing.”

  “Geez. Stop it.” Kat looked over at Cameron, once again flooded with images of him in bed with her. “You’re making me think naughty thoughts. You’re behaving like a very bad boy who needs your daddy to put you in time-out.” She stuck her tongue out at him.

  Sean grinned. “I’d rather you put me in time-out. In fact, I’d quite enjoy it.”

  Kat burst out laughing. Cameron looked over at her, confused, and she got the giggles. She tried to suppress them, but that made them worse. “Sorry. Didn’t mean to interrupt.” She giggled more and clamped her hand over her mouth, but stared at Cameron smiling at her. This was the first time she’d laughed in front of him and the first time she’d relaxed in a long time.

  She cleared her throat and smiled at him. “I apologize for the interruption. Your little boy here is . . . um . . . a tad annoying. He won’t leave me alone.” She looked back at Sean and winked, knowing she just told on him.

  “Sean, get the inventory lists ready.” Cameron growled. He glanced toward Kat and smiled at her. “Problem solved. You doing okay? I meant it, you can leave if you grow bored.”

  Kat smiled and strolled over to them. “Actually?” She looked at Cyrus and smiled, working her charisma on him as well. “I wouldn’t mind listening to what you’re talking about, unless it’s private. I feel like I’m in the dunce corner over there—as if I’m being punished for something.” She laughed and took the opportunity to touch Cameron on the arm on purpose.

  Cameron took her hand and kissed the back of it. Kat didn’t expect him to and she blushed. “First time I’ve heard something like that. I don’t mind you standing over here and listening to what we discuss. Do you, Cyrus?”

  Cyrus grinned. “I don’t mind at all. I’d much rather stare at her beauty then your ugly face any day.”

  Kat smiled. “You boys sure are smooth talkers, aren’t you? Are all Raaka such playboys?”

  Cameron squeezed the hand he still held. “Yes. Doesn’t seem something you mind though, now does it?”

  “Not at all. I can handle you. I can handle all of you. Even all at once!” She feigned shock, but the look was replaced by her scrunching her face when they smiled. “Wait. That last part didn’t come out sounding the way it should’ve.” She laughed and waved the mistake away. “Oh well.”

  “I like this side of you, Kat.” Cyrus said. “Since I haven’t taken the time to, may I apologize for what was done to you? Vincent tended to . . . well he—”

  Kat put her hand up. “Please. Stop. Don’t worry about it. Maybe a few weeks ago I wouldn’t have wanted to hear it, but well . . . I don’t know. I have no problems with you. We’re fine. I understand. I even understand where Vincent came from. I think. A little maybe. I’ve thought about it and I’m okay with you and the Raaka. For some odd reason.” She looked at Cameron and grinned.

  Cameron wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her body against his. “Any one of them touches you, you tell me, and I will make sure it’s taken care of. I promised you, you would be safe and I meant it. I will protect you and take care of you.” He squeezed her hip and it reignited the hunger she felt earlier. Kat smiled up at him, not protesting what he did. She wished her body would stop reacting to his touch so much though.

  “You are something else, Kat. I was wondering earlier, what it was about you that made all these men so stupid and now I see. I knew you were strong and would make a great Raaka queen, but I didn’t see it at the time. Now I do and I understand. You have my word as well that you are safe. You do not fear us, you understand?”

  Kat smiled, still held by Cameron, who allowed her to move away, but not by much. He was staking his claim with no question. “I understand, Cyrus. However, I don’t appreciate the connotation of being a Raaka queen. No offense, but I’ve known I was safe a while ago. I have my own little guard, if you hadn’t noticed. Someone you hate in fact.” She laughed, remembering how rude he’d been to Kober. Laughing because they didn’t understand he was never too far away from her and she enjoyed it. Why she wanted to provoke them, she didn’t know.

  “Julian? I know about him.”

  “No, not Julian. Someone else you know. He foiled your plans for abducting me time and again?”

  “Kober? Shit! You’re right. I hate that man. Thinks he is so much better than the rest of us, yet he lives in the fucking sewers like a god damn rat. Like all of his kind are. You’d do well not to let him fool you. That man is a monster. That is why his kind look the way they do. They are the purest form, so they retain their disgusting looks to remind them. He’d kill you, just as soon as befriend you. Be careful around them.”

  Kat stiffened against Cameron’s side. Her anger erupted. “You know I told you I didn’t have a problem with you, and then you would insult the only man I’ve considered a friend? The only man who is a friend to me right now? How dare you. He is no monster. His looks mean nothing. He has a beautiful soul and is a beautiful man. Just because you can’t stand looking in the damn mirror doesn’t mean you need to attack him for who he is. It’s people like you who make him act the way he does. His ‘kind’ as you put it lives in the sewers and prefers down below to up here. I can understand why. What the hell does that matter?”

  Cameron tried interrupting Kat to calm her down, but she shoved free from his grip, “No. I’m sick of you men thinking you need to attack him. I’m sick of hearing every fucking person tell me not to go near this person, or that I don’t know that person. Everyone is so goddam busy telling me what I should and should not do and I’m tired of it. I’m tired of hearing you tell me how bad Kober is, when he is the one person—sorry, monster, non-human, whatever—that has acted decent with me. You are all monsters as well, or have you not figured that out?”

  Cyrus jumped in before she could continue. “How dare I? How dare you talk to me that way. How dare you think you have any business trying to tell me off for my opinions. I’m not Kober and I am most definitely not Julian, child. I will not tolerate a woman, a human woman telling me off in that tone. Do not dare talk to me in that way.” He took a menacing step toward Kat, his voice lowered and a deep growl hit her. He stiffened and his eyes turned white, looking ready to hurt her.

  Cameron reached out and grabbed Kat’s arm, telling her, “You need to stop th
is. Now.”

  Kat didn’t back down, she knew if she showed any sign of weakness, they would pounce and she was tired of hearing Cyrus insult Kober. “I can talk to you any damn well way I please. I am not attached to you in any way, Cyrus. You can’t tell me what to do. Or have you not noticed that you tried that shit? I will not be bullied by you, or anyone else.”

  She glanced at Cameron. His rage boiled over and it was directed right at her. She shrunk from him, but she stood strong when she turned her rage back on Cyrus, “Kober is a good man. You are all equal monsters. I don’t want to hear you say anything else bad about him. He’s the one who tells me the truth. I trust him. I don’t trust you. He is the first one to tell me I should stay away from him and that he is a monster. He is a true gentleman because when I need him, he is there. He offers advice on the Raaka, Julian, all of you, and yet never tells me what to do about it. Only what he thinks I should do, but leaves it up to me because he knows I can figure it out on my own. He knows I choose to hang out with the Raaka and Cameron because I want to, but yet says nothing.”

  Cameron’s grip tightened harder, causing her to flinch, but she kept going, “At least with Kober I can relax. I don’t have to worry about him having alternative plans for me. He and his kind may not compare to the rest of you, but you are all different. That is why you are different clans, otherwise where would be the distinction? Every one of your clans have different looks and attitudes, based on where you originally came from and where you’d live, what you did, where you did it. For his clan, it just happens that they enjoy solitude and the darkness, so their looks don’t need to look good, but I think him and his kind are as beautiful as the other clans.”

  “Enough,” Cameron snarled, silencing her in an instant. He hauled her through the warehouse, out of the building. Now he looked like he was about to hit her, and from that she shrank. To him she deflated and submitted, petrified of what he would do, but she quieted down and gave him an apologetic look.