Broken Promises (The Brianna Lane Series)

by Belinda Boring

  I answered my phone, and I heard my grandmother calling my name. She sounded like I felt—panicked. “Brianna, Brianna, answer me please!” I could barely hear her over the escalating noise. With people leaving the theatre, the craziness was spreading—fights breaking out in different parts of the building.

  “Grandma, I’m having a hard time hearing you. I know you’ve been trying to reach me, but can I call you back? It’s a little wild here at the moment,” I yelled into the receiver.

  “That’s why I phoned. Tell me what’s happening where you are.”

  “You wouldn’t believe it even if I told you. People are acting really strange and violent. Whatever it is, Quinn’s been affected by it, and I need to take him home.” A lump formed in my throat as I fought back tears. The stress of the evening was starting to take its toll.

  “So it begins,” my grandmother said.

  “What begins?” I asked, pausing for a second. The sinking feeling had returned, and I didn’t like how it made me feel. My heart raced and my stomach knotted in fear.

  “Where do I even start, Brianna? There’s just so much you haven’t been told.” I hated that she sounded so tired.

  I started to ask what was on her mind, but was interrupted when a woman banged into me. I hadn’t expected it and Quinn kept me from falling.

  “Watch where you’re going,” the woman growled, ignoring my attempt to apologize. She continued walking, but abruptly turned around and planted herself right in my path.

  “I said watch where you’re going.” She was so close I could feel her hot breath on my face.

  “Okay,” I replied, stepping around her. I lifted the phone to my ear, returning to the conversation with my grandmother. I barely had time to speak before I was flying forward again. The woman had pushed me.

  There was no doubt her eyes were blue—a common theme in this nightmarish evening. I knew I needed to handle the situation cautiously. “I’m sorry I bumped into you. I’ll be careful next time.” It grated on my frazzled nerves—catering to her rudeness, but it was a necessary evil. I had more important things to focus on.

  I heard her draw breath as if to continue her angry tirade, but something else must have caught her attention because she began ranting in a different direction. Slipping away with renewed determination, I refused to keep standing there as a target for others. Working through the crowd again, Quinn knotted his hands into my shirt, keeping his head down as he followed. He must’ve figured if he didn’t look at anyone, it wouldn’t trigger him off again.

  “Look, Grandma, I’ll call you when I get home, promise. I love you.”

  “Wait, don’t hang up! They’re coming and you need to . . .” Her sentence was lost as I hung up. I was tempted to call back and ask what she meant, but time was of the essence. I pocketed my phone, and in a sprint, finally made it through the doors and out into the cold night air. My mind scrambled to interpret what I was seeing and only one explanation presented itself.

  We were in the midst of the Apocalypse.

  Chapter Five

  People were everywhere. I didn’t know where they’d all come from, but in every direction I could see crowds approaching the theatre. The noise was almost deafening with everyone yelling and screaming, and I wondered how I could get us to the car without being stopped.

  Quinn whispered into my ear, he saw an opening that gave us a clear path. Squeezing his hand, I stepped out and tripped over my own feet. I crashed down hard, grazing my palms on the sidewalk as they broke my fall.

  I cursed my clumsiness—berating myself for not paying attention. He scooped me up, and I melted into him.

  “I have you, sweetheart. Let me get us out of here.” His voice sounded sure, more himself, and I nodded. Judging the best way to go, he stood quietly, and I could feel his heart thumping loudly. I knew he was worried as well, knowing how dangerous the situation had become.

  Just when I thought we’d never move, two men came and stood by us. They talked back and forth, one clearly in charge as the other gave a detailed report. I couldn’t hear too clearly, but what I did hear sparked my curiosity.

  “Quinn, wait a minute.” I tugged on his shirt, signaling for him to pause.

  Hiding my interest, I discretely watched as the newcomers scanned the rioting street with a look of pure satisfaction. Instinct told me they were somehow connected to the drastic change.

  “Why?” he replied, holding me closer. “I don’t think we should linger.”

  “I know, I know. There’s something about those two though . . . something important.” I gestured toward the men. “I can’t explain why, but we need to stay . . . just until we know.”

  He followed my gaze, and moved to shelter me better. “Okay, but don’t take too long. I don’t feel so good and I can’t protect you if . . .” He didn’t need to finish his sentence—we both understood what was at stake.

  I wasted no time studying the strangers—the first noticeable thing was how beautiful they were. Standing tall, their bodies appeared lithe and graceful. Both wore silvery hair long, falling just below their shoulder blades and their facial features looked as though a master sculptor had etched them. Everything about them screamed elegance and refinement, a seductiveness and allure, which tugged on me like a magnetic attraction.

  But for all the different ways they were appealing, a chilled and hostile energy flowed off them in waves. It shocked me to see a real ugliness about them underneath the surface—a frightening viciousness. Everything in me screamed to move away and not become the object of those men’s attention.

  I drew Quinn’s focus and motioned I needed to tell him something. “I was right. They know something about this. See how much they’re enjoying it? It’s like they’re gloating. We need to know how they’re involved.” With a short nod, he lowered me to the ground, but kept his arms wrapped around me, not letting me leave his embrace.

  “Follow my lead,” he said as he moved slightly, placing us at the one of the theater’s walls. He leaned forward and brushed his lips against mine—a thrill shooting through me that almost rivaled my fear. “You need to look like you’re into it. We need them to think we’re caught up in whatever’s happening. Come on, kissing me isn’t that bad, is it?” He didn’t wait for my answer as he pressed his body closer and recaptured my mouth.

  My knees naturally weakened as he kissed me like his life depended on it. For all the gentleness he could show, there wasn’t a trace of it as he gave full rein to his hunger and desire. There was no keeping my body from responding.

  Like a spark to kindle, it ignited my own passion, and I kissed him back just as intensely. This time I didn’t wait for him to make the first move, I parted my lips and broke through his—needing to taste.

  Over and over our tongues danced, his hands riding up my back until his fingers found my hair. He gently gripped my ponytail and took advantage of how it opened me up to him better. When I didn’t stifle the groan it produced, he deepened the kiss to a point where I felt I would shatter.

  Somewhere in my mind, I knew we were surrounded by danger but the performance needed to be convincing. My hands pulled his shirt free and I moaned as my fingers connected with his skin. He was hot, a feverish heat pulsating under my touch and as I dragged my nails up over his back, Quinn rocked against me with his hardened body.

  A chuckle pushed its way into the passionate storm we’d created, and it reminded me why we were there—how easy it was to become distracted. I broke the connection and moved my lips across his jaw, kissing and nipping along the way. I gently tugged on his ear with my teeth, allowing my tongue to lick along the edge. Quinn ground his body into mine again, and I almost lost my mind.

  “Maybe this wasn’t a good idea. We can’t lose control.” It pained me to mention it because I was ready to throw caution to the wind and give in to desire. Taking a deep breath, I sighed when he lifted me up, my legs instinctively wrapping themselves around his waist.

  “This isn’t helping
at all,” I whimpered as he began nuzzling into my neck.

  “This has to be believable.” He murmured softly. “But I agree. I think if we act like this is a turn on, maybe we won’t stick out as much. They’ll consider us like the others.”

  I couldn’t help but snort. “And you think us practically having sex up against a wall doesn’t make us stand out?”

  “No, I figure they’re more interested in the violence because neither of them has even looked this way.” He chuckled into my ear, the vibration tickling. I arched my back, lifting my hips a little higher and the friction of the movement wasn’t lost on either of us. We were riding a very thin line.

  “If that’s the case then why did you choose this?”

  “Because it’s fun.” He shrugged. “I had all this pressure built up and you wanted us closer. I thought I’d kill two birds with one stone. Now quit talking and let me get back to what I was enjoying.” He took his tongue and licked my skin in a circular motion. He paused and with a growl from the back of his throat, he moved back up to my ear. “Bri, you need to hurry up and get whatever information you’re looking for. I thought I could do this, but all it does is make me want you. I need to get you somewhere safe, not add fuel to my libido.”

  He trembled with restraint so I returned my attention to the discussion between the two men and less on the shoots of pleasure coursing through my body.

  “Everything looks like it’s going according to plan, General. The humans have no idea they’re being influenced.” The man speaking had his back to me so I couldn’t see his face, but I could hear how pleased he was.

  “Stupid vermin, so pathetically weak. It didn’t take long for the charm to work and watch how fast they’ve turned on each other. It’ll save us the task of personally exterminating them ourselves.” The man replied, disgusted. His look of pure malice had me inching closer to Quinn.

  “Are you hearing this? He called us vermin. Why would he call us that?” I started to release him, wanting to get as far away as possible. Quinn used his body to stop me, quietly shushing.

  “Wait a few more minutes, Bri. Did you hear him talk about a charm? He said it’s the reason why everyone’s gone crazy. We have to keep listening so we know how to stop it.”

  “I’ve changed my mind. I want to go home. We’re not the only ones here who can get this information,” I answered, fear stirring.

  “We’re the only ones close enough, though.” I didn’t need to glance around to see we were alone and I nodded. I knew he was right, but I couldn’t deny what I’d heard made my stomach hurt. “Then we better keep up with the pretense.”

  I grabbed his face, pulling it to mine and kissed him. This time though, there wasn’t the same level of intensity—what we heard acting like a cold shower on our libido.

  “How much longer do you think it will be before the charm takes full effect, General? We’ve inserted the spell into as many forms of media as we could, causing the humans to tap into their dominating natures and release their suppressed aggression. Should we keep up with the delivery?” the man queried.

  The General took a step forward giving himself a wider view of the street. “It shouldn’t take much more for the vermin to fully succumb. The suggestion was extremely potent and for those who take longer, I’ve made it so anyone who looks into the eyes of the converted will turn as well.” He continued observing the area. His features displayed a smile of evil delight, obviously happy with what he was seeing. “Over there. The charm has finally taken hold.”

  I couldn’t resist. I peered around Quinn, and was shocked by what I saw. People had started convulsing—shaking a little before slowly straightening up—their eyes clearly an icy blue.

  Similar reactions began surfacing with an alarming frequency. In each instant, the person would briefly pause, confusion causing them to shake their heads. They’d stagger only to correct their stances and glance around with menacing intent. Some were even approaching others, attacking them with a ferocity I’d only ever seen in the movies. It was horrifying.

  I felt sick and knew right then we’d waited too long. Quinn’s eyes had changed earlier meaning the suggestion had been placed in his mind. I had to get him away from everyone until we could reverse the effects.

  They’re coming, my grandmother’s parting words stirred in my mind. Somehow she’d known and I hoped she had answers.

  The strangers moved to leave. They hadn’t gone more than a few steps when the General paused and looked over his shoulder. “Before these disgusting creatures completely kill each other off, find some among them who you think have potential. We’re going to need help gathering those who think they can fight against the charm and my army.” He looked our way and I cringed—my skin crawling as his hateful glare raked over my body.

  “Make sure to get that man over there.” He pointed straight at Quinn and I wanted to throw myself in front of him, screaming, “Over my dead body.” No one was getting near Quinn.

  “Him, Sir?”

  “Yes. The way he dominated his woman, having her completely under his control as he prepared her for sex shows the mastery I’m looking for.” The man sneered, telling me he’d known we were there all along, listening to every word they’d said.

  “Excellent. His wait is almost over. The charm is starting to overshadow his humanity.”

  His words took a moment to penetrate my thoughts and I stared at Quinn with horror. I was so focused on escaping the strangers I hadn’t felt him release me and back away. He was convulsing in small bursts, doubled over in pain. I stepped forward to help when I heard him snap.

  “Bri, run. I can feel it consuming me, and you can’t be here when it does,” he gasped, clutching his stomach. “Remember my promise? I don’t want to hurt you.”

  My eyes filled with tears, but I stood there—torn—believing there was still hope. I didn’t want to leave without him, and I took a step closer. Quinn violently straightened himself, brutally gripping my hand—the pain bordered on unbearable.

  He bent my wrist, increasing the pressure and it left me no other choice. I bent my knees for relief. I didn’t need to look to know his eyes were blue, and I was in serious trouble. My only hope was somehow finding a way to reason with him, playing heavily on his love.

  “Fight it, Quinn. We can beat this, but you need to be strong and do your part. Remember you love me and you’re a good person.”

  He abruptly released my arm, flinging it away. We stood there staring at each other, waiting for someone to make the next move. His eyes no longer flickered—my hopes crashing as they remained blue. It was further proof he was slowly slipping.

  His intense scrutiny burned, and I watched him slightly tilt his head to the side as if he was evaluating the situation. I had no idea what was running through his mind, but I knew to place some distance between us as memories of his violent outbursts surfaced. His silence was eerie, standing still while his gaze never left my face.

  “What are you doing?” I asked, becoming self-conscious. After everything we’d endured tonight, his quiet appraisal frightened me the most.

  Fear struck hard when it finally dawned on me. He had the look of a predator—and me—I was his prey. I began to take larger steps away, making sure the path was clear.

  “Wait.” The command rang out sharply, and I froze.

  Shaking my head, I prayed it would release my feet and free them to move. My mouth suddenly felt dry as my palms began sweating. I rubbed them quickly over my pants and gathered my courage.

  “No.” The simple word broke the spell he had cast and I lifted my hand to ward him off. “No, you wait, Quinn. Whatever you’re planning, you need to let me go.”

  The heels of my shoes banging into the wall, my back hitting it a second later, stopped my escape. I closed my eyes in defeat, releasing a heavy sigh. Getting away had been a long shot, but now it seemed impossible.

  By the time I reopened them, Quinn was now directly in front of me, his focus never leaving my
face. I tried to turn away, to look around him for help, but each time I did, he adjusted his head and blocked my view. I moved, and he moved his until finally a thought crossed my mind. My eyes—he was trying to make eye contact and a second later, I made the connection.

  The General had said those who resisted could be forced into converting. That’s what he was doing, which led to my next concern—why was it taking so long? It had taken him over pretty quickly, and my mind raced over the night’s events.

  There had been times I wanted to lash out and hurt someone, my anger intense and burning. But unlike Quinn, those moments had passed. The planted suggestion had wrestled inside me, but it had been stopped by something. It reminded me of an object repeatedly throwing itself against a barrier, hoping with each attempt it would weaken until it succeeded. Whatever my resistance was, the charm couldn’t penetrate it fully.

  The relief was overwhelming—there was still a chance for Quinn. It was all the hope I needed as I gathered my frayed nerves. It wouldn’t be easy, but I had a plan—I just needed to fight my way out. Renewing my struggle with him, I searched for the opportunity to escape.

  “Stop!” he bellowed. I wriggled in his arms, ignoring him. “I said stop. Now!” All movement ended as he brutally slammed me against the building, winding me. I grunted in pain. Between his aggressive presence and the solid brick wall behind me, I was well and truly trapped.

  I shut my eyes tightly and prayed that regardless of what he did next I wouldn’t reopen them. I had a growing theory I was immune somehow, but too much rested on my keeping clear-minded. My safety was paramount now that he was different.

  “Look at me,” he ordered. His voice had lost everything that had made him the man I loved. It was harsh and cold, lacking any endearing emotion. As each moment passed, he became more like a stranger.