TORCH: Underground Encounters 9

by Carlisle, Lisa

  “I can’t fathom shooting you.”

  “It’s just a worst-case scenario. You’re the only one I can trust to do this. At least, promise to protect yourself.”

  No answer came through, but the muffled sound of sniffing.

  “I love you, Kelly. Please promise me that you won’t let me hurt you.”

  Kelly sobbed. “Okay. I promise.”

  After she ended the call, Rachel rubbed her fingers over the cool metal of the gun. Maybe she was overthinking as usual.

  She then spent the next couple of hours examining the basement, both inside and out. If she couldn’t prevent shifting, she could block exits that would let the monster escape.

  After she finished crawling through musty areas, she peeled off her clothes and climbed in the shower. While the hot water flowed over her, she watched the dust slip down the drain. Down the spiral. Descending down, down, and slipping away.

  It would be so much easier to let go, wouldn’t it? Stop fighting a battle she couldn’t win.

  She gulped and forced her head up, resisting the call to sink into despair. If she fell, would she ever be able to climb out?

  Mattias stood outside Rachel’s house and stared at the front door. The last time he’d closed it hit him with a pang.

  Maybe he should leave.

  No. She was distressed. At the least, he had to make sure she was all right.

  He rang her bell. No answer. He rang it again.

  Damn, where was she?

  No wonder humans cherished their phones. They could communicate with each other with a press of a button. Too bad he’d destroyed his.

  Not sure where to go next, he flew to Salem.

  Marguerite opened the door. “Uncle Matt! You’re back!”

  He hugged her and then ruffled her hair. “Of course. I couldn’t leave my bratty niece for long,” he teased as he entered the apartment.

  The scent of simmering beef reached him. Someone was cooking in the kitchen.

  She planted her hands on her hips and gave him one of her sassy stares. “Bratty? I’m thirteen now. Too old to be a brat.”

  He laughed. “How about hormonal? Is that better?”

  She pouted and then laughed. “Do you really want to hear about the gritty life of a teenage girl?”

  He waved his arms in mock defense. “No, no. I’ll do anything to avoid that.”

  The smile that spread across her face indicated her plotting some retaliation. “Anything, eh? Perhaps another musical is in order.”

  “I surrender, I surrender.” He bowed. “But I get to pick which one.”

  From the kitchen, Lucan peeked out and called hello. Had he actually learned to cook?

  Mattias entered to see that Lucan indeed was in the throes of preparing a meal. A mess of pans and dishes perched on every counter surface the way a rock teetered over the ledge of a cliff.

  He wiped his hands on a dish towel and greeted Mattias. “Good to have you back.”

  “Good to be here,” he agreed. “Am I really seeing what I think I see? You’re cooking?”

  Lucan shrugged and raised one hand palm up. “I’m a dad. I have to feed my growing girl. She’s a teenager now, and half-gargoyle. You know what that means.”

  “An endless food supply from you,” Mattias said with a laugh.

  “Stay for dinner,” Lucan said. “I’m making beef stew.”

  “Sure. Is Elise joining us?”

  “She’s at work. She’ll be home in a couple of hours, but then I’m heading in to work tonight.”

  Lucan eyed him with a keen gaze. “Have you seen her?”

  He didn’t have to specify who the her was. Mattias’s jaw twitched. “Not yet. I went by her house. She wasn’t there.”

  “If she shows up at Vamps tonight, I’ll let you know.”

  “I don’t know what to do with myself until then.” Mattias ran his hand over his jaw and paced. “I can sense something is bothering her, and I ache to see her. But I can’t linger around her place. She’ll think I’m stalking her.”

  Lucan grunted. “Right.” Then he raised a finger. “Why not kill some time and fly in to Vamps with me? If she shows up, you’ll already be there. And nothing would appear off for you to go to a club where you worked until recently and where your brothers still work.”

  Mattias stopped pacing. “Not a bad idea.”

  “First, we’ll eat dinner together.” He grinned. “I promise it’s edible.”

  It was. The rich, hearty stew filled Mattias’s belly with warmth. The simple act of sharing a meal with his brother and his niece did so as well. They were family. He was home.

  After they cleaned up, the sun started to descend. Lucan said it was time to head in so he could prep for the night.

  As they soared along the coastline from Salem to Caterina’s Cove, the fiery colors of the setting sun slashed across the sky. The temperature had dropped, cool for a summer’s night. His wings twitched, sensing the onset of rain. Occasional gusts of wind struck his wings, more aggressive than the balmy breeze that had escorted him east from New York.

  The closer he flew to Vamps, the more pronounced his connection to Rachel. The skin on the back of his neck prickled. Her distress grew. What was it?

  He searched for sight of her below. They passed from the residential neighborhoods with modest houses and apartment buildings to the warehouse district where Vamps was located. What a foolish notion to search for her here. The club wasn’t open, and most of the businesses had closed for the evening. It had to be wishful thinking.

  Mattias and Lucan landed and shifted to human form before entering the club. On seeing the empty club space, odd nostalgia emerged. This venue had been his home for so many months; quiet as a cemetery during the day, as lively as a rock concert at night. His gaze roamed to the stone statue where he’d stood. His muscles tightened, but then relaxed. That part of his life was over. He was free.

  He was ready to stop brooding and embrace his freedom.

  Lucan headed behind the bar to prep for his shift. Mattias wandered through the space. He climbed on the stage. If a band played tonight, the stage hands would set up soon. He stared out from the stage, picturing people below. He envisioned himself playing. It didn’t matter which instrument. He enjoyed them all. Maybe one day, he’d learn to play a bit of each. And Rachel would be out there, encouraging him with a sexy smile.

  “You’re back.”

  A woman’s voice interrupted his fantasy. It wasn’t Rachel’s. He turned to see Maya, the co-owner, a tall woman with striking blue eyes.

  “Can’t get rid of me for long, I guess,” he joked with a one-sided smile.

  “Hope not. You’re a part of this club. This family.”

  “It was my home for a long time.” He climbed off the stage and walked over to her.

  “We’re glad your brothers have found new roles here. It’s strange not to have you with us. Are you sure there isn’t anything we could offer you?”

  “Thanks, Maya. I’ve watched in this club for so long. It’s time to do something more than observe.”

  “Like what?”

  He glanced at the stage. “I’d like to learn more about music. Maybe even perform one day.”

  “Humph.” She studied him and tapped her fingers on her lips.

  What was she thinking about? He rolled on the balls of his feet. Her stare unnerved him.

  Changing the subject, he said, “Congratulations. Tristan told us the news of the baby.”

  She gave him a grateful smile. “Thanks. We’re so happy.” She covered her belly with one hand.

  “It was good to see you,” he said. “Have a good night.”

  When he turned, she touched his arm. “Wait.”

  He faced her. “What is it?”

  “I thought of something and I want to run it by you.”

  “Go ahead.”

  “Since you’ve been a literal fixture here, you know the type of acts that resonate with the patrons, the theme nigh
ts, and so on.”

  Where was she going with this? “True.”

  “I’m exhausted with the pregnancy. Between my firefighting shifts and managing the acts here, I have no time to rest. I need to cut back. I can’t continue at this pace throughout the pregnancy and if what I hear about infants is true, I’m going to have even less time after the baby is born. So, I’m wondering…”

  When she didn’t finish her sentence, he prodded, “Wondering what?”

  “If you’d like to help out with managing the bookings. And send updates to Lily Everett. She handles the website and social media.”

  “I know Lily.” She was the girlfriend of the singer of the band, the Velvet Cocks, who turned out to have a secret of her own—she was a mountain lion shifter.

  She clapped her hands. “It would be the perfect solution! If you’re interested, of course. Tristan is so busy with his real estate projects and we need someone we can trust. I can get you up to speed over the next few months. And, I’ll be reachable after I have the baby, if you have any questions.” She waved her hands as she spoke. “And if that works out, there’s plenty more we can use help with here. A good manager is hard to find.”

  As Mattias thought about it, his pulse quickened. It did have quite an appeal. He’d be able to learn about the music business, he’d be able to work with his brothers again, and he’d be near Rachel. Even if she didn’t want him in her life, he could be close enough to protect —if she ever needed his help. Tension seeped from his heavy shoulders. That aspect comforted him more than any other.

  “I think you’re right.” He grinned. “And like my brothers, I’m happy to serve in other capacities while I’m here. After all, we can’t help but watch out for others.”

  She arched her brows and then laughed. “Good. We seem to attract trouble here. In fact, that should probably be a slogan—Vamps—come for the music, stay to find trouble.”

  * * *

  It’s ready.

  Once Rachel read Darla’s text, she drove to the beach. This segment of the beach was barren, making it easy to find a parking spot near the gazebo. The rising gusts of wind had likely driven any beach-goers away. A storm was heading in overnight.

  Kelly peered out the window. “It looks pretty dead around here right now.”

  “Once the businesses close, it’s quiet. Until the club opens for the night.”

  Kelly peered around. “Where is this elusive club?”

  Rachel pointed behind them. “Beyond those buildings. You wouldn’t think anything of it until you see the gargoyle statues out front.”

  Kelly laughed. “Appropriate for how you’ve described it.”

  “Hoping this goes as planned.” Rachel forced a smile and then opened the car door. “I’ll be back.”

  “It will be fine,” Kelly assured her. “We’ll have you back home in no time, comfy and cozy in your basement,” she added with a lopsided smile.

  “Remember. If she doesn’t make it in time, and I’m a threat… You promised.”

  Kelly’s eyes widened. She swallowed. “I promise. But I’ll only shoot to stop you.”

  “Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.”

  Rachel climbed out of the car and closed the door. She glanced at the sky. The sun had already started to set, casting drifting shadows beneath the trees. This was close. Too close. Soon, the sun would dip into hiding and the moon would unleash her terror.

  Those first few months before she’d found the potion flashed before her. She’d ventured deep into the woods. The greater the distance, the less likely she was to hurt anyone. But, since she had little recollection of what happened while she’d transformed, it could have been tragic.

  Staring out at the sea, she inhaled the ocean scent to calm her. The waves rolled onto the shore and rocks with greater force, having the reverse effect from the serenity she sought.

  Darla wasn’t there yet.

  She’s coming, Rachel reassured herself.

  She removed her shoes and trekked through the sand, concentrating on the feel of sand between her toes to distract her. She trudged toward the gazebo.

  A strong ocean wind rolled in. She wrapped her black sweater more tightly around her frame, bracing against the intrusion.

  The minutes ticked by. She paced in the sand around the gazebo, counting her steps.

  She stole another glance at the sky. The position of the sun appeared the same.

  After several more pacing efforts circling wider around the gazebo, she checked the time on her phone.

  Come on, come on.

  What good was willing Darla to hurry going to do? Nothing.

  The squeal of car tires made her look up. A purple car veered around the corner. Darla pulled into a spot behind Rachel’s car.

  Oh, thank God! Rachel ran over to her.

  Before Darla could even pull herself out of the car, Rachel stood at the door.

  Darla opened the window. “I’m so sorry. I got here as fast as I could. It’s not going to be as strong as usual, but I think it will still be effective.”

  “Thank you.” Rachel took the bag and handed over an envelope with the payment.

  “Good luck.” She smiled before she put the car back in drive and pulled a U-turn, screeching back in the direction from where she’d come.

  Back to her vampire lover.

  Rachel held the bag aloft with a victorious smile spread to show her sister. Kelly gave her two thumbs up.

  Pulling the vial out of the bag, she examined the pink foamy liquid that looked like Penicillin. Amazing what the right chemistry could do. She uncorked it and only managed a quick sip before a voice stopped her.

  “You’ve found a way to stop it, haven’t you?” a man’s familiar voice said.

  She corked it and dropped the vial back into the bag for safety before turning. It was Alex, the guy who’d bothered her at Vamps, strolling from the shadows in between the warehouses.

  Rachel drew in a shallow breath and stepped back. “What are you talking about?” Unease prickled her skin like red ants crawling up her spine.

  He approached with long steps. The sounds of his shoes hitting the pavement amplified as he slithered closer, like a dark mass creeping toward the beach.

  “I’ve been watching you since spotting you at Vamps. You come the night before the full moon.” His voice came out lower than it had been in the club, edged with an underlying threat.

  Her heart beat with a loud thump. He discovered her pattern. This wasn’t good.

  “What’s it to you?”

  “It concerns me as much as it does you. My life has turned to hell since I was bitten.” His face twisted into a sneer. “You don’t recognize me without claws and fur?”

  Holy hell. It couldn’t be. She clutched the bag more tightly, trekking backward through the sand.

  “Leave me alone,” she said.

  She gauged the distance to the car. No way would she be able to get by and circle around him if he meant her harm.

  “Let me see it.” He raised his hand.

  “No.”

  “It’s an elixir, isn’t it?” He snatched out, reaching for the bag. “It keeps you from shifting. Give it to me.”

  Like hell she would. She turned and ran.

  Chapter 19

  As Mattias walked over to the bar to tell Lucan the good news about his new gig, he felt her terror.

  Rachel? He reached out to her.

  Mattias told Lucan, “I’m going outside.”

  Lucan studied him as if sensing something was off. “Any particular reason?”

  “I’ll explain later.”

  He rushed out of the club. Vivid, fiery colors streaked the sky as the sun bowed lower in the sky. A heightened awareness prickled him—or maybe it was the winds. He closed his eyes and inhaled, as if he could sense her location. It was foolish to think that was possible, but something—something—drew him to her.

  She was in trouble. Frightened.

  He reached out to her
again. No reply. Still, she was close. He debated shifting so he could search from the skies, but sensed she was close. Besides, he’d have to take time to change and then when he found her shift back and dress before he revealed himself to her. Time he couldn’t waste. He followed his instincts, avoided questioning what they were telling him.

  As he ran toward the ocean, the sound of waves smashing the shore intensified, as did her angst. He followed that way, reaching out to her.

  Figures came into view on the beach. Three figures circling in some sort of struggle. A man held a woman before him. Another woman aimed a gun at them.

  Fuck. The woman without the gun was Rachel. He knew it was her, sensed it in his soul, before his eyes confirmed it.

  Gargoyle instincts roared with a violent rage. He had to intervene. He sprinted over to them, aiming at the woman with the gun first. With the way she waved the weapon around, she was the most pressing threat. He wouldn’t let anyone harm Rachel.

  Ever.

  He rushed the woman, disarming her as the gun fell into the sand.

  She gasped and covered her chest.

  “Mattias! That’s my sister!” Rachel cried. She squirmed out of the man’s hold, turned and kneed him in the testicles.

  It was the same guy who had followed Rachel from Vamps. He sank like a rock in water, clutching at his groin and moaning.

  Fantastic. She’d bought them a few seconds with that move.

  She ran over to the woman and crouched down. “Are you okay?”

  Rachel’s sister groaned. “Yeah, I think so.”

  Mattias scrambled across the sand and reached for the gun. It was jammed with sand and useless. Still, he didn’t need any reckless humans botching up the situation with it. Mattias pulled himself to his feet and hurled the weapon deep into the ocean.

  Rachel gasped. “How did you throw it that far?”

  The man tackled Rachel, sending her feet up as she fell into the sand. “Give it to me, bitch.”

  Fuck. The man recovered quicker than Mattias expected, or somehow, he managed to attack through the pain.

  “Get off of her!” Mattias stomped over, kicking up sand in his wake.

  He lifted the man off of her and tossed him across the sand. Something in his hand flew out, crashing on the rocks leading out to the jetty.