Unfamiliar (The Vandran Legacy Book 1)

by Anna-Louise Dann

  “I understand,” Emmie says, tears in her eyes again. Clara pulls her in for a hug.

  “I love you more than anything, sis.”

  “I love you too, Clara. I better get back, I’ll need to get changed before I get Hope from school.” Emmie stands and pulls an unsuspecting Colt in for a hug. His face is priceless.

  “Thank you for protecting her, keep her safe for me,” she says to him. “I will.” His eyes find Clara’s over Emmie’s shoulder. The look he gives her makes butterflies dance in her stomach.

  Colt slides the wall open again for Emmie to exit and Clara embraces her before she leaves, mouthing ‘I love you’ as she closes the door behind her.

  Clara can feel Colt’s eyes on her as she watches her sister leave the building. “Do you think she’ll come with us?” he asks. “I don’t know, I hope so,” she says.

  The air is full of the things unsaid between them. This is the first time they have been alone together, since the morning Heather showed up.

  “I didn’t know she was your mum,” he says. How did he always know what she was thinking? The remorse in his voice made her want to reach for him but she didn’t, she was still pissed at him for his coldness. She had given herself to him and he rejected her.

  “I know you didn’t, Heather told me. It’s obvious me being your companion’s long-lost daughter made you regret everything between us. It’s fine, Colt, really, I get it,” she said, her voice cold.

  “Is that what you think? Shit, Clara, that’s not it at all. I don’t regret anything with you. What we had, what we did, was – it was the best night of my life.” The emotion was thick in his voice.

  Her heart beat sped up and her body felt like it came to life, betraying her. The effect he had on her always shocked her. Just standing next to her and talking to her with his deep smooth voice turned her insides to jelly; she had missed him too but she would never tell him that after the way he had treated her.

  “Then why, have you avoided me for weeks? I gave myself to you like an idiot, and as soon as things got complicated you ran the other way from me. Please, give me a little credit, Colt. I may be a lot of things but naive isn’t one of them,” she snarled.

  His eyes darkened and for a second she thought he was going to kiss her but he seemed to recoil. “I am sorry you feel like I rejected you, Clara. I will never regret a single moment I shared with you, I am so glad you chose me to be your first. But...”

  “Oh, here we go. Do you know what, Colt? Forget it, I am not interested in your shitty excuses, I thought you were different. As soon as this is all over I don’t want to see you again,” she spat at him angrily.

  Asshole. She turned and stormed towards the door. She needed to get out of here before her façade cracked and she broke down.

  “Fuck this,” she heard Colt growl behind her. A strong hand gripped her wrist firmly, pulling her into his hard chest. His arms wrapped around her, and before she could protest he slammed his mouth down on hers and took her lips savagely. She moaned and melted against him; she kissed him back with her own primal need, wrapping her arms around his neck.

  He released her mouth and lay his forehead on hers with his eyes closed. He was panting harshly, she could feel his need against her stomach where his jeans pressed.

  “I can’t focus without you, I can’t live without you. I’ve hated seeing the pain in your eyes whenever you look at me. I am no good for you, Clara, but I can’t stay away from you. I’ve tried, but you’re inside me wherever I go.” His deep voice shook.

  A tear ran down his cheek. She could see it now – the last few weeks had been hell for him too. There was something going on with him, he looked exhausted.

  “Colt, look at me.” He opened his beautiful dark eyes; it broke her heart to see him so conflicted. She knew then. He hadn’t willingly avoided her, he had been told to stay away. No wonder he always looked so devastated around her. Fucking sly Heather.

  She placed both her hands on his face.

  “We didn’t do anything wrong, Colt. Heather coming changed nothing between us, do you understand? I don’t care what she has said to you. I can’t stay away from you either. Please, don’t stay away anymore, I miss you,” she said, praying he listened.

  He placed both of his hands over hers and pulled the back of her hands to his lips.

  “Do you trust me, Clara?” he asked, turning her hand over and kissing her wrists. Could you orgasm from someone kissing your hands? “I – of course.”

  “Damn, Clara, when you look at me like that, I just want to bury myself in you and forget about everything.” The tension radiated off him.

  She needed him just as badly. “So do it, Colt, I want you to make love to me. I don’t care what Heather said to you, I need you.” She wrapped her arms around his neck again and kissed his jawline, rubbing her body against his.

  “Fuck, Clara, you don’t play fair.”

  He slammed his mouth back down on hers and lifted her so her legs wrapped around his waist. Knock, knock, knock.

  “Clara, Colt, are you guys alright? I heard arguing!” Sarah shouted from the other side of the door. Colt lifted his mouth from hers. “We’re ok, Sarah, just a disagreement, we’ve kissed and made up now.” He pushed on her butt, pressing her core against his erection and rolling his hips. She bit her lip to stop herself from moaning.

  “That’s good. Heather rang while Emmie was here, she said for Clara to give her a call, something about some information on Will.”

  Will?

  “Ok Sarah, thanks!” she shouted, and smiled at Colt. They knew they had to finish this later. She slid down his body, unravelling her legs from around his waist. He kept hold of her butt, still pressing her against him.

  “Later,” he growled in her ear before releasing her and walking out of the room. She walked back into the computer room and found the mobile phone Heather had given her, Four missed calls all from an unknown number. She scrolled to Heather’s name and pressed connect.

  Heather answered on the second ring. “Clara, how did it go?” Heather asked as soon as she answered. Clara had gotten used to her mother’s abruptness.

  “As well as it could have, she’s going to let us know in the morning,” Clara said. “You mean she’s not agreed yet? You were supposed to convince her.” Was she being serious? She wouldn’t put up with Heather’s shit.

  “We’re asking her to leave everything behind and uproot her daughter, it’s not an easy decision to make,” Clara snapped.

  The line went quiet for a moment, like Heather was mulling over what she had just said.

  “There’s something else, you’re not going to be happy,” Heather said.

  Great. “Yeah, Sarah said you had information on Will, what is it? I know he cheated on her,” Clara said, intrigued.

  “Yeah, he did but there’s more... I’ve had word from one of my informants that the woman he is sleeping with is Dominic’s sister and he’s an active member of the Domini Bellatorum. He was involved in your kidnapping.”

  I’ll kill him!

  Chapter Fifteen

  Emmie She had a little skip in her step as she exited the train. For the first time in months she could smile. She knew as soon as she got home she would have to act like her world was still falling down around her, but in this moment, she allowed herself to feel happy. The relief of knowing Clara was alright filled the hole in her heart.

  As she walked the short distance from the train station to her home she contemplated the decision she would have to make. The thought of spending any more time away from Clara after what her sister had endured was heart-rending, but could she really take Hope away from the life she was used to and go into hiding? Clara had said ‘it wouldn’t be forever’ but what danger would they be in if the monster that took her decided he was going to finish what his ancestor started? She chewed on her lip again and tasted blood. She really needed to stop doing that.

  She turned the corner into the little cul-desac where she li
ved and was surprised to see Will’s car parked outside her house. He wasn’t supposed to be calling until tomorrow after work.

  She let herself in. “Hey!” she shouted as she entered. There was no answer.

  Weird.

  “Will?” Still no answer.

  She walked into the front room, placing her bag on the coffee table. She left her coat on and went to check the rest of the house.

  She found him sitting on her bed holding one of their wedding photos that she had hidden in the bedside drawer. He raised his head as she walked in; his eyes were glazed over, he had a strange expression on his face like he had been drinking, this wasn’t going to be pleasant.

  “Will? What are you doing here?” she asked, unable to hide her annoyance. “I need you back, Emmie. I need you to forgive me now and let me take care of you, like I always have,” he said, still staring at the photo.

  She couldn’t deal with t his right now, he had to be kidding. This was typical of Will, everything had to evolve around him. She had wondered how long it would be before the attentive mask slipped, and exposed the selfish prick he is.

  “I cannot do this with you right now, Will. My sister is dead and I am barely holding things together. I appreciate you being here for Hope while I’ve been dealing with everything, but as far as me and you go, we’re finished,” she said, trying to stay calm.

  “No, we’re not!” He shook his head; his plea ding eyes met hers. She wouldn’t fall for this bullshit – she had put up with his crap for long enough, just for him to betray her time and time again.

  “You were the one who was sleeping around, Will. I can’t trust you anymore, I don’t even think I will ever trust you again.” She trembled as she spoke. This day had been an emotional rollercoaster. She knew she should have taken the key from him, how often had he been coming and sitting here? It was downright creepy thinking he had been snooping through her things. She needed him out of here, she had to get Hope from preschool in a couple of hours and the last thing she needed was their daughter seeing him like this.

  “I made a mistake, Emmie. I am sick of being away from my wife and daughter, I want to come home, you need to take me back.” The aggression was rising in his voice.

  She had been able to keep her cool with him the last time he did this to her, she wasn’t able to hold it together this time – too much had happened. She blew at him.

  “MAYBE you shouldn’t have screwed around and then MAYBE you would still have a wife. I told you last time you screwed around it would be over. We are done, now get out!” She was seething. How dare he?

  He dove off the bed and grabbed her wrists, slamming her body into the wall violently. She cried out in pain as her wrists slammed against the wall.

  Panic rose in her chest; in all the years they had been together he had never laid a hand on her. His eyes bulged out of his head and he breathed heavily through clenched teeth.

  “We are far from done, Emmie.” He pressed his crotch into her, she felt his erection dig into her. What the fuck?

  Bile rose in her throat as he nuzzled her hair, rubbing himself against her stomach.

  “Will, you’re hurting me, please stop this,” she pleaded with him. He ignored her and carried on. She whimpered, a feeling of dread washed over her. “Please stop, Will,” she begged, terrified at what was coming next.

  “I’ve missed you, Ems, I need you to make me feel good again.” His breath was erratic in her ear. She needed him off her now. Fear turned to anger and adrenaline took over. She fought against his strong grip and heavy body, her beast was not liking this unwanted attention.

  “GET THE FUCK OFF ME, WILL!” she roared down his ear. That snapped him out of it and he let go of her wrists. His big body slumped to the floor, leaning against the bed, head in hands. His shoulders shook.

  “I am so sorry, Emmie,” he sobbed. “I love you so much, it’s driving me crazy being away from you.” “You need to leave before I call the police, Will.” Her voice shook; he was lucky she could control the beast inside her because she could easily rip him apart and at this moment in time it was begging to be released.

  He lifted his face. This was not the man she had spent nine years with, he was a stranger. Her Will would never have hurt her like he had just done, what the hell had gotten into him?

  “Last time, Will. Leave, now,” she said she was losing her restraint. She saw his eyes darken as he witnessed the change in her features. A sly smile crept onto his face and he began laughing hysterically, his face contorted and twisted.

  He’s gone mad. “There’s that magnificent creature, she’s right there in your eyes. She comes out when you get mad, Emmie. Just a little flicker but she’s right there waiting for you to unleash her. Come on, pussy cat, you know you want to come out and play.” He sniggered, looking manic, his eyes as wide as saucers.

  Her jaw dropped. She was speechless. How could he know? “What? Why do you look so surprised? You thought I didn’t know what you were, that you’d hidden your secret. Well, I’ve always known that there was something a little extra about you, plus your little friend Jane was very forthcoming, when the Master paid her a visit,” he said smugly.

  Shit, Jane. Wait, how does he know about Jane? Fuck, play dumb.

  “Who’s Jane?” His eyebrows rise. He can see straight though her bullshit, she had always been a terrible liar.

  She was so stupid.

  “Oh, going to play it like that are we?” More sniggering. “The Master is very interested in our little family, he’s took a particular shining to our daughter now Clara’s dead. Trust me, he didn’t take her death well. He wants to meet you too.” He had a crazy look in his eye, it was like he was possessed.

  No, no, no, this wasn’t happening.

  “Where’s Hope, Will?” She tried to sound calm but couldn’t hide the panic.

  “Oh, she’s with Juliet. Hmm, yes, Juliet,” he purred. She felt sick.

  What?

  “Who the fuck is Juliet and why does she have Hope?” she shrieked.

  No, Hope, no. “She’s the Master’s sister. She’s a familiar too. She’s not as magnificent as you, but she can fuck and suck dick like a legend.” He smirked.

  Sick bastard.

  “You have lost it, Will. Why would you say something like that to me?” she snarls at him. He shrugs at her, still smirking.

  “Go and get our daughter, she’ll be scared with strangers. She needs me,” she pleaded with him. He shrugs again.

  She was starting to lose patience with him. If anything had happened to Hope she would rip his face off. Her jaw twitched and her hands fisted. He saw her face and knew she was holding on to her temper by a thread. “Go on, my Emmie, take a swipe at me. Show everyone what you’ve been hiding for so long. Release the beast, and make our Master proud.” He got on his knees and ripped his shirt open baring his naked chest to her.

  “Go on, baby, make it count.”

  He had completely lost the plot.

  She wouldn’t give him the satisfaction, she needed Hope back so she could get the hell out of here. She had to try and play to the softer side of him. She knew her Will was still in there somewhere. This Master, whoever he was, had done something to him. Tears filled her eyes and spilled over. Her heart broke thinking of their little girl sitting with strangers wondering when Mummy or Daddy would be there to get her. She just prayed that they hadn’t hurt her.

  “Please Will, go and get Hope and bring her home. I just need my baby.” She crumbled, leaning against the wall. All her fight had left her body, she couldn’t take any more. Losing Clara had been hard enough, but taking Hope away from her was like tearing the last piece of her heart out.

  Will’s whole posture changed like a switch had been flicked; his tensed muscles seemed to relax. He looked down at his ripped shirt as if confused and shook his head, looking at her. The crazed look was gone, replaced with confusion and concern. He held his arms out to her.

  “Hey, don’t cry, baby. Don�
�t cry, I will fix it for you. Don’t you know I can make everything better?” he whispered in a comforting voice.

  More tears ran down her cheeks. She had to give him what he had come here for, as much as it turned her stomach.

  “Just get our baby back, Will, please. If you get her back we’ll talk about us, ok.”

  That made his eyes widen. He pushed himself up from the floor and walked to her, placing his hands on her waist. It didn’t seem to faze him that she was shaking and her body flinched at his touch.

  “You’ll give us another shot?” he asked hopefully. She met his gaze and nodded; trying to make herself look and sound convincing was so difficult. “Umm hmm, just go get our girl so we can be a family again, ok?”

  This seemed to please him and he smiled, showing his perfect white teeth. Tears glistened in his eyes. “It’s all I want, Emmie. That woman meant nothing to me, she was a stupid mistake.”

  “I know that now, Will, I forgive you,” she told him. It was working.

  “Can I kiss you, Emmie?”

  No.

  She nodded again and closed her eyes, praying the

  bile threatening to come up, stayed in her stomach for now.

  He growled and violently took her mouth like a man starved. She groaned in protest and he took it as a pleasurable moan and moved his hand to her breast, squeezing and rubbing roughly. She had to stop him; she pushed at his chest, he lifted his head and began nipping at her jawline.

  “Will, go get Hope, we can finish this later,” she panted down his ear trying to distract him, she couldn’t let him do this.

  “Feel what you do to me, Ems.” He took her hand and rubbed it against his erection which twitched under her fingers.

  That used to turn her on, now it just left her feeling more nauseous.

  She gave him her most seductive smile. “As soon as you get back with Hope, we’ll finish this, I promise.” She rubbed his cock with her palm and he moaned again.

  “Hurry and I might even do that thing you like.” She saw his eyes light up with that suggestion. “Fuck yeah. I’ve missed this, you. I’ll be right back, baby, then I am going to make you forget we were ever apart,” he said with a cheeky wink.