Butterflies fluttered in her stomach. The memory of Sean’s touch disgusted her. Worse than even that was the possibility that she’d wrecked any chance of winning Brody’s forgiveness. She’d thrown him out when all he’d wanted was to protect her.
The creak of a floorboard snapped her attention to the kitchen. Old apartments made odd noises. The other tenants could be noisy and downright obnoxious, but it still gave her the willies. She knew she wouldn’t rest easy until she ruled out the boogeyman so she moved toward the kitchenette. No one lurked amongst the cabinetry. No creatures from the depths of her imagination jumped out to get her.
Nicole sighed and grimaced at her own rattled nerves. She should just join Molly after all. Brody hadn’t called back, and who knew where he was now. She had no reason to stick around. Now she knew Vasquez was one of the bad guys so she couldn’t go to the police about Sean. Who knew who else he had in his pocket? She hated that he would get away with what he’d done to her and no one would be able to stop the ‘shipment’ he was going to receive tomorrow night.
She hurried into the bedroom and packed the clothing and toiletries she’d need. The drive was a couple of hours up the coast, but now that she was unemployed, there was no rush to come back. The mundane task of packing gave her some time to get her emotions under control. And if she hadn’t by the time she arrived, she could spend her entire stay in Mrs. McNeely’s cellar. It might be the only way Molly and her mother would be safe.
Nicole’s cell phone vibrated in her hip pocket. She dug it out and answered, hoping the unavailable number was Brody. Instead, Molly’s voice greeted her. “Hey.”
“Hey, yourself. I’m almost ready to go.” She switched the phone to the other ear. “Are you sure this is a good idea? I’m not in control.”
“You said you were in trouble.” Molly’s tone was measured and cool. “You need to get away from there. And you still haven’t told me what Sean did to you. Sleazy asshole.”
“I know, but I really wanted to talk to Brody.”
“He’s a good guy and he’s crazy about you. But maybe you could talk to him later? I won’t feel safe until you’re out of there.”
The old floor creaked again. A loud crash came from the direction of the kitchen. Nicole froze.
“What was that?” Molly’s voice sounded loud in the sudden silence.
Nicole moved toward the sound, keeping the phone against her ear.
Nicole flipped the switch and flooded the kitchen with soft light. “Looks like the pantry door didn’t latch again. The mop and broom fell and knocked over the stuff on the bottom shelf.”
“Just leave it. Get your stuff and get your butt on the road.”
A shadow fell across the fallen mop. Nicole spun to face the intruder and her eyes widened in surprised. A man with a curtain of dark, greasy hair and a dangerous glint in his eyes stepped out.
Aaron knocked the phone away. Molly’s tinny voice screamed her name and demanded to know what was happening.
Aaron's smile revealed jagged teeth. They no longer fit in his mouth and now dimpled his lower lip. His nose his chin had elongated. “Hiya, sweetheart.”
“What the hell are you doing here, Aaron?” She moved backward until her back pressed against the cabinet. He took a step toward her and she scuttled sideways, just out of reach.
“Funny thing,” he said in a voice that sounded anything but human. “Everyone wants you.”
“What?” Nicole darted around the other side of the center island. She jerked open the closest drawer, in search of a weapon. Her fingers danced over spatulas, spoons, and a potato masher.
“Sean wants you. That asswipe Brody can’t wait to get into your pants. And now, the local alpha wants you at this year’s Wild Hunt.” He cast a hateful glare at her and grinned. His claws gripped either side of the counter. Aaron looked grotesque, half-formed and hunched over the island.
“But you work for Sean.” Her fingers continued to grope useless items inside the drawer.
“I work for the highest bidder, baby.” Dark hair sprouted over his forehead and jaw line. “The alpha wants to use you against Sean.”
Aaron moved around the end of the island. Nicole struggled to yank the drawer from its slot. She slung the entire thing at him. A spatula, slotted spoons, and a pizza cutter bounced across the floor.
She bolted for the doorway, but Aaron was just a breath away. His fingers caught in her hair and came away with silken strands. “Don’t make me chase you, Nicky.”
He managed to get close enough to give her a shove. She stumbled and her shoulder struck the wall. She didn’t even have time to draw a breath to scream. Aaron pinned her against the wall. One hand closed around her throat.
Nicole kicked out, caught him on the shin, but it didn’t deter him. This was just like old times. But now there was a difference he hadn’t counted on — now she fought back. She raked nails across his face, kicked, and thrashed against him.
Aaron sent a quick jab to her ribs. Air burst from her lungs and she doubled at the waist. He smiled and reached for her again. This time, she bit his arm. The coppery taste of his blood filled her mouth. He howled in anger then swung at her, knocking her away.
Aaron growled and thrust her against the wall. Pieces of drywall sprinkled the floor at their feet. His fist closed around her throat once more and he lifted her off her feet.
Nicole gasped and her face grew red. Her eyes watered as tiny black specks burst across her vision. Her nails tore his hands to ribbons. Lack of oxygen forced strangled noises from her. Her limbs grew weak and began to tremble. Her legs refused to lash out at him, her left arm fell limp to her side.
“That’s right.” A wicked look dominated his wolfish features. “Give in to it.”
Nicole’s vision continued to darken. Her other hand fell to her side and her eyes drifted shut. She was vaguely aware of slumping against him once he let her go. The kiss he placed on her forehead made her want to scream. But not even her voice would obey her now.
Unconsciousness played a game of seduction that she couldn’t win. Her mind shut down and the last thing she remembered was Aaron lifting her over his shoulder.
Chapter Twenty-four
“What do you want to do with him?” Lorenzo poked Brody in the ribs with a cautious finger.
It was stuffy and hot inside the car. The scent of sweat and fear was thick. He stayed extremely still hoping they would think the sedative was still working. He was a bit groggy, but the adrenaline pumping through him wouldn’t allow him to doze. Even the druggy fog had lifted somewhat. Now he just bided his time and waited for a chance to escape whatever they had planned.
He had no idea where they were going. He’d lost track of the direction and how many turns they made. The car flew at an above average speed, the front end shimmied and the engine whined.
Jamie twisted in the seat to look at him. “We could take him to lockup. Let him sleep it off.”
“Great plan. And when he wakes up, he’ll have quite a story to tell, won’t he?” Vasquez’s palm smacked the dashboard. “Idiots. God, sometimes I can’t believe we’re cousins. I should have hired someone with some brains to help me!”
The man tried to respond, but she cut him off. “The slut probably told him everything she overheard. Don’t you think it might be risky to let him walk away now? I don’t know why Sean even let her go. But we would be screwed for damn sure if they were both telling the same story.”
Jamie made apologetic sounds. “It’s just that I’ve never killed anyone.”
“So what about the girl?” Lorenzo cut in. Up until that point, he’d been quiet. The taser lay forgotten in his lap.
“What about her?”
“What are we going to do about her?” Lorenzo’s English was much clearer than Jamie’s. “If Sean won’t take care of her, we’ve got to. After we’re done with this trash, I’ll find her.”
It occurred to Brody that Lorenzo wasn’t new to this line of work. Jamie may
have qualms about taking a life, but Lorenzo hadn’t even broken a sweat.
Brody watched Vasquez’s face in the mirror through lowered lashes. Her features darkened and she scowled. She answered with words that were clipped. “Sean wants to take care of her himself.”
“I’m sure he’s taking good care of her.” Jamie whistled and somehow made the laugh that followed sound lewd.
The sound of Vasquez’s slap resounded in the cramped car.
Jamie stammered, “I just meant…”
“Shut up. We have a job to do so let’s get it done.” Lorenzo spoke in a voice filled with purpose. Brody suspected he was about to see the business end of a gun.
The car made a series of turns before it finally rolled to a stop. Vasquez twisted in her seat to stare at Brody who kept his eyes shut. “Is he awake yet?”
Lorenzo jabbed him in the ribs. It was all he could do to keep still. “No. Not yet."
Jamie opened his door. “I’ll help you get him out, Lorenzo. Don’t forget to take the cuffs off.”
“Wait. Give me a minute. I used to work with the kid.” Vasquez’s voice dropped low like she might have a few second thoughts. At least he hoped she did.
Brody fought the urge to open his eyes. He lay slumped against the door, eyes closed and breathing slow.
Lorenzo’s rough hands jerked Brody’s arms up. He twisted the cuffs off and dropped them onto the seat. “Don’t worry, cousin. I’ll do it quick. He’s unconscious and won’t feel a thing.”
“Just hang on, okay?”
“Si,” Lorenzo agreed. “Make it quick, we don’t want him to wake up.”
Both men got out.
Brody cracked an eye open. He watched Vasquez lean over to reach the glove box. She searched through paperwork and junk then withdrew a zippered pouch. She snapped the compartment closed and sighed. “I’m sorry, Brody, but you’ve become a liability.”
Brody watched through closed lashes as Vasquez filled the syringe with whatever was in the glass vial. She held the needle up and tapped a fingernail against the barrel.
Undeterred by his lack of response, she continued to talk. Maybe it was her way to cushion the guilt. “I’ve got enough BST in this syringe to kill you. But don’t worry ‘partner’, it should happen fast. They’ll just think you’ve been out partying too hard and overdosed.”
Movement outside the car forced his attention to slide in that direction. Jamie and Lorenzo were talking in low voices about how close they were to the Wild Hunt.
“It makes sense, you know? You’ve been accused of terrible things.” She sighed and continued to stare at him. “Your life has fallen apart and you just couldn’t take it anymore.”
It was a chore to sit still. He wanted to throw the car door open and make a run for it. The knowledge that Lorenzo and Jamie were armed kept him in the car.
“I’m doing you a favor. I can’t take back all the evidence I planted against you, so I’m offering you a way out.” Her hand reached out and caressed the hair off his forehead. Her voice was full regret, but Brody didn’t believe it was for him or his imminent demise. “Everyone at the station believes you’re the one who killed that drug dealer and the private eye. Hell, they think you might’ve raped and killed Amy too. Life was about to get real tricky for you, Brody.”
The passenger side door swung open. Jamie’s broad face peered in at Brody. Behind him, Lorenzo said, “Come on, Eva. Let’s get this over with. The pack will be coming this way soon.”
Brody bolted upright and planted a kick square in Jamie’s face. The man’s stocky legs carried him backward into Lorenzo. They both fell.
Vasquez screamed and the syringe full of clear liquid swooped toward him. Brody snatched Lorenzo’s forgotten Taser from the seat beside him and jabbed it into Vasquez’s armpit. With his free hand, he grasped the wrist of the hand wielding the syringe and bent Vasquez’s arm. Her eyes widened, aware the sharp end faced her. He couldn’t take the chance that she’d manage to stick him no matter how hard she was thrashing around. As he went to push her away from him, her arm jerked up and she fell forward. The syringe plunged into her left shoulder. He pulled it out, but more than half the barrel of BST had been released into her system.
Voltage rocked through his ex-partner. Her body jerked and her eyes rolled in her head. Her cousins scrambled on the sand and Jamie came at him through the open door. Lorenzo headed around the back of the car.
Brody dropped the Taser. Vasquez slumped against the steering wheel. The horn blared in a continuous howl. He experienced no remorse whatsoever. Just pity.
Jamie gripped one of his legs and his shoe came away in his hands. Brody swung his fist and clipped him across the brow. The sharp tang of blood filled the enclosure and threatened to push Brody over the edge.
Lorenzo wrenched the other door open. He found it tricky to pull a shirtless Brody from the confines of the car. He dug his heels into the seat then threw himself backward. Lorenzo’s large body broke his fall. Within seconds, he was on his feet. He lost his other shoe in the process.
Vasquez stumbled from the car. Her hair was tangled and her eye makeup was a gooey mess. Tears left black mascara trails down her cheeks and her eyes were wild. She appeared possessed as they rolled to show the whites. Thick, ropy drool hung from her chin.
Lorenzo’s hand fell on his hip and his fingers brushed the butt of his gun. Brody knew he was in trouble.
Brody’s body shuddered with change and his emotions ran rampant. The pop and crack of his ribs were drowned out by the crash of waves. The men might not hear the changes that took place, but judging by the startled look on their faces, they could see them. The seams of his jeans ripped to allow room for his new body.
Jamie backed away, his weapon forgotten. A string of broken Spanish poured from him. Lorenzo whipped his arm up, the gun held steady in his hand. The barrel was pointed at Brody’s furred chest.
Vasquez’s eyes were glazed and rolled in her skull. Her lips pulled up in a snarl to show her blunt, human teeth. She bent her hands in Tyrannosaurus fashion. Brody gripped her arm and jerked her toward him. He’d do what he must to survive, even if that meant using Vasquez like a shield. He hooked an arm around her chest and took a couple steps backward. She stumbled against him.
The weapon in Lorenzo’s hand faltered. “Let her go.”
Vasquez’s body jerked and she hung her head. Her limbs went through one spasm after another. She pitched forward and heaved frothy vomit all over the sand.
“She’s having a bad reaction, boys. Looks like she’s having a seizure.” Brody held her tight even as her limbs thrashed against him.
“She’s going to die,” Brody threatened in a raspy voice. “Put the weapons down and get in the backseat.”
“Dios mio,” Jamie pitched his. The weapon slapped the sand a few feet away. Then he slid into the car and waited for further instructions.
“You have to let her go. We don’t have time for this. She needs medical help.” Lorenzo looked sincere with worry.
“Drop yours too.” Brody’s voice sounded less and less human.
Vasquez stared at the moon. Blunt nails scratched at her arm and left pink welts on the flesh. She continued to claw at it until crimson pooled in the paths she’d made.
Tossing the gun aside, Lorenzo cursed beneath his breath. He scanned the dark stretch of sand behind Brody. “The Wild Hunt…”
Brody didn’t recognize the desolate stretch of sand they occupied. It was rocky and uninhabited. “Where are we?”
“I don’t know.”
Vasquez’s limp body began to sag. He hefted her up and shifted her weight to the other arm.
There was no dishonesty in Lorenzo’s eyes. “We were going to give you the shot, then dump you out. It was supposed to look like you were left behind after the party.”
Brody threw Vasquez at her cousin and whirled to run in the opposite direction. His transformation complete, he dropped to all fours. He could cover more ground that wa
y. According to Lorenzo, the Wild Hunt was just up the beach. In his current state, he found the event very enticing.
Behind him, Vasquez’s howl turned into a half-hearted howl. Her voice sounded raspy, raw, and very human. Lorenzo screamed for Jamie to help him get her to the car. Brody didn’t look back as he ran down the vacant beach.
Chapter Twenty-five
Nicole’s throat was raw and achy. Her head bounced against the window each time the car bumped over a rough spot. She cracked an eye open and spotted the busted dashboard of Aaron’s old Toyota hatchback. A hand, not her own, was nestled between her thighs.
Aaron’s gaze drifted her way then back to the streetlights that whizzed past. Neon flickered across his face. There was something in his eyes, something dark and deviant, each time he looked at her.
His hand lifted and returned to the steering wheel. “I know you’re awake.”
Revulsion roiled within her. She was dizzy and unable to hold her head up. A wave of nausea made her guts clench. She supposed this was one of the effects of being choked unconscious.
Her voice was thick and rough. “Where are we going?”
“Just sit back and relax. We’re almost there.”
Nicole recognized the dangerous squint to his eyes. “Aaron, don’t do this. It’s not too late. Just let me out of the car. I’ll pretend tonight never happened.”
“Sorry, can’t do that. Dave wants you at the Wild Hunt.” He made a left turn, off the main road and onto a dirt one. The hatchback bounced over potholes and rough patches. Despite the condition of the road, Aaron did not slow down.
Her mind wasn’t running at full capacity yet. “What does the local Alpha want with me?”
“I told you this. He wants to use you against Stone. He thinks Stone will forfeit the fight if he thinks you’re in danger. He’s hoping he’ll care more about pussy than pride.”
“No. He won’t.” Nicole fidgeted in the seat. Her hand curled around the door handle and she considered bailing from the car. “Sean doesn’t care about me. He never did.”
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