The Monster Files Box Set, page 45
part #1 of Monster Files Series
“I’ll take you home, then go check it out. No, Alex.” He stopped me before I could start my objection. “This needs to be impartial. I’m going to be a cop down there, and I can’t have you protesting every time I want to interrogate someone. I’ll be cautious. I know quite a few of them, and they’ll help smooth the way with the residents I don’t know.”
I couldn’t argue the logic. Damn it.
We finished eating, and Simon drove me back to the school. “Thanks,” I said. “For dropping everything to come back for this.”
“It helped that I had a delivery in the area.”
“Santa Luna?”
He nodded. “This one was better suited for our haven. Former demon possession.” Yeah. Sam didn’t like dealing with them. Too unpredictable. “I also need to find a way to get a copy of the police file for Matt, without announcing my presence to the entire town.” He pushed hair off his forehead. “We’ll deal with it when we have to. I’ll call you after I’m done.”
I leaned over to kiss his cheek, then climbed out of the car. Simon waved as he pulled out of the parking lot. It had been long enough that all the various practices were over, and the lot was deserted.
I limped over to my MG—and I sensed the presence a second before I heard their shoe scuff the ground behind me.
With a cry I spun, dropping into defensive mode without thinking.
Oliver backed up, both hands raised, and a surprised look on his face. “I am so sorry, Alex. I thought you heard me say your name.”
I straightened, the rush of adrenaline spiking my temper. “Well, I didn’t. You need to learn not to sneak up on people around here. One of them might snap your head off before they realize who you are.”
“Thanks for the warning.” His charming smile defused my temper. “I wanted to check on you, be certain you’re all right. I am afraid I gave you a rather horrible start, what with Sam attacking that poor—”
“Not another word.” So much for no temper. I wanted to punch him. Instead, I clutched the hem of my sweater. “Until I have absolute proof, Sam is innocent. And you better keep your comments to yourself, especially in the haven. The residents there worship him.”
“I did notice. Look, I am sorry. I had to reveal what I saw. If a logical explanation clears him, I will be as happy about it as everyone else. I came here to help Sam, and Jake. I am hoping to gain their trust, not alienate them.”
“My advice? Stop condemning Sam with every other sentence.” I stepped back, before the clenched fist did what it wanted and connected with his face. “I have to get home.”
“Alex?” I stopped only because he sounded—sad. And desperate. When I turned around I was surprised by the raw emotion in those pale green eyes. “If I’ve done anything to hurt you, I am sorry.”
“Apology accepted. I really do have to go.” These unexpected run-ins were starting to weird me out.
This time he didn’t stop me. I locked my doors after I slid into the car, and lifted my hand when I drove past him. He looked so lonely. Part of me wondered if not changing had set him apart at the haven in England.
If he could help Sam and Jake do the same, I’d be happy to let him stay. As long as he kept his distance, and learned that even a little loyalty goes a long way when you’re the outsider.
~ ~ ~
Simon called, late. I only heard the buzz of my phone because it was next to my ear.
“Simon? What did you find?”
“Sleeping, Alex?” I heard the amusement in his voice.
“Not anymore.”
He laughed, and I hoped the good mood meant he had equally good news.
“Leo wasn’t killed by a Fenris.”
If I wasn’t already flat on my back I would have been, from sheer relief. “You’re sure?”
“I’ve seen enough wounds now to know. Whoever did this wanted us to believe it was a Fenris attack.”
“Thank you, Simon.”
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
He was getting a bucket of hugs and gratitude the next time I saw him.
“I knew you’d want me to call,” he said. “Even if it is late. I’ll hang around a few days, in case something else comes up. But if Matt’s injuries are the same, it looks like Sam is in the clear.” I flinched at the mention of Matt. His death was still raw, and coming right on the heels of losing Leo, my heart was bruised. Simon’s next words distracted me—and not in a good way. “So, I hear you’re going to a dance.”
“Don’t rub it in.”
His chuckle had me smiling, in spite of myself. “Give yourself a chance to enjoy it. It’ll be a memory you’ll want, Alex. Trust me.”
He was right. I’d only been a part of this craziness since last October, and I craved normal like I craved salty.
“I’ll try and remember that, when I’m embarrassing myself in front of the entire senior class.”
“You are going to be spectacular, sweetheart. Believe in yourself, be yourself, and you can’t go wrong.”
He ended the call before I could say anything.
I set the phone on my bedside table and hugged my pillow. Maybe it wouldn’t be such a bad night. I did have a pretty amazing dress, and my best friends were going to be with me.
Yeah—it could be a great memory.
Or a complete disaster.
Eight
I spent the next week waffling between great and disaster. The closer the day of the dance got, the more I was leaning on the side of disaster, and praying for bad weather.
Add in Misty bouncing higher and faster with every passing day, and by Saturday, I was ready to strangle her.
Despite all my prayers for a nice thunderstorm or even a flash flood, the weather turned out to be beautiful. Just my luck.
Misty had decided early on that we needed to get dressed together—and make a day of it. Seriously, a day? It didn’t take that long to try on the dress in the store. I gave in at the time, because I knew Mom would be giddy with happiness. Unfortunately, I underestimated her happiness.
With two girls to primp and fuss over, Mom was in her element. I had an idea that she missed this with me, but not how much, until she had the chance to do it.
I was the center of attention. Between Mom and Misty, they tamed and curled my hair, convinced me to try some makeup that wouldn’t make me feel like I was a reject from a beauty pageant, and actually produced some jewelry I wouldn’t be embarrassed to wear in public.
I was also exhausted at the end of it. Yeah—the dance hadn’t even started yet, and I was worn out just getting ready for the stupid thing. How did girls do this on a regular basis? Combing my hair and throwing on a hoodie was so much easier.
They wouldn’t let me near a mirror until they were done with me. I was anxious and grateful, because I was half afraid I’d look like a freak, trying to pass as a girl. When I was finally led to the full length mirror hanging on the inside of my closet door, I stared at the image, shocked into silence.
“Alex?” Misty appeared behind me, a vision in her white gown, her waist length blonde hair swept up on one side, with luxurious waves falling over her shoulders. “What do you think?”
“That’s not me,” I whispered.
How could it be? The girl in the mirror had big, smooth curls that were actually behaving, and curves. I don’t have curves. What I did finally see were what Sam always described as my sea nymph eyes. With mascara and a thin line of blue eyeliner, they looked—ethereal, otherworldly. Maybe I wouldn’t embarrass Sam tonight.
I touched the pendant at my throat. It was an impossibly delicate combination of blue stones and silver. In a word, gorgeous.
Mom moved behind me, such pride on her face I was glad I made the effort to enjoy this. “The necklace is from me and your father. It was your birthday present, but when you were—injured, I decided to hold on to it, for a time when I could share it with you.”
“Thank you, Mom. I—I love it.”
Misty bounced next to me. “It’s time to go, Alex. We’re going to kill it!” Mom raised an eyebrow, and Misty’s enthusiasm faded. “Oh—sorry, bad word choice. How about we’re going to rock it?”
“Better,” Mom said. Amusement lightened her voice, so I knew she wasn’t mad. “Now go have fun. There won’t be a curfew—just for tonight, Margaret. Please be careful, and don’t take advantage.” Pulling out my real name told me she meant it.
“Thanks.” I turned around, and stood on tiptoe to kiss her cheek. The surprise that flared in her eyes made me glad I followed my impulse. “Ready to go, Misty?”
She let out a cheerleader whoop and bounded out of the bedroom. I shook my head, smiling as I limped out after her. I was wearing a brand new pair of ballet flats, dark blue leather to match the dress. Heels are my mortal enemy, and that’s without a hinky ankle. There’s no way I’d even attempt them now.
Dad met us at the top of the stairs. “You look stunning, Misty.” He kissed her temple, stepped back to admire her. Then he turned to me. “Alex. When did my little tomboy become such a beauty?”
“Dad...”
He cradled my cheek, careful not to smudge any makeup. “I am so proud of you.” I blushed, and he smiled. “Have a good time tonight. You earned it.”
“Thanks, Dad.”
Misty grabbed my hand, pulling me away from him and down the stairs. “Come on—they’ll be here any second.”
The doorbell chimed as I hit the bottom of the stairs. Since Misty was closest, she opened the door. We both froze when Jake stumbled in, bloody and half naked. I got to him first, grabbing his arm as he sank to his knees.
“Jake—what happened?”
He shook his head, refusing to meet my eyes. “I don’t—remember. I woke up in the yard at McGinty’s house, feeling like I do after I—change.”
Now I understood the evasion.
“Jake.” I touched his wrist, waited for him to recoil. When he didn’t I took his hand. “I need you to tell me everything you do remember.”
He ran one hand through his hair and finally looked at me. “I was talking to Oliver, about his ability to not change. He agreed to give Candace that blood she’s been nagging at him for. I went to my room before meeting him at her lab, and—nothing. I don’t remember anything. I came to next to the manhole in the yard of the McGinty house. I took what I’m wearing from the stash Sam keeps in the back bedroom.”
I didn’t know about that. And the fact that Sam felt the need to keep clothes there, plus not telling me about it, left me feeling unsettled.
Of course, he and Zach chose that exact second to appear on the porch.
“Jake.” Sam crouched next to him. “When?”
“Recently, according to all the signs.”
Sam closed his eyes, and I knew what he was thinking. If Jake was losing control, after being so successful with Candace’s trials, what hope did they have?
Before I could open my mouth to say I didn’t know what, Sam’s cell rang.
He pulled it out, and closed his eyes after glancing at the screen. “It’s Simon.”
Simon had been staying in the haven, since it was the safest place for him. He was supposed to be dead—and there were no good explanations if someone he knew in his former life recognized him.
With a sigh, Sam answered. “Simon, can I call you back? We’re in the middle of—”
He listened, his gaze sliding from Jake to the floor. That was not good.
“Okay—we’ll be down soon. Thanks.” He ended the call, and I thought he was going to completely ignore me. Instead he gripped my hand, his fingers shaking. “There’s been another murder. Simon found evidence that it was a Fenris attack this time.” He brushed my cheek. “We have to go back. I’m so sorry, Alex.”
“I’m going with you.”
“No—”
“Absolutely not.”
Sam and my parents denied me in unison. By the time I stood, I knew I wasn’t going anywhere.
Dad took charge, helping Sam get Jake on his feet. “I’ll call Candace,” he said. “Take Jake back to the haven, and do what you need to make sure he’s—safe.”
I swallowed, knowing exactly what Dad meant. If Jake had killed someone, the rules of the haven demanded that he be banned—permanently, and from every haven in the world. He’d have no place to go, where he’d be accepted for what he was.
Zach joined them, his aura glowing. “I’ll go down with you.”
Sam started to shake his head, but Jake cut him off.
“I’d appreciate that. I may have—hurt—”
He lowered his head, and I saw how much it cost him to even say the words. He hadn’t attacked anyone since last Halloween. And though he’d intended to tear us into edible bits, he never hurt me, or Misty—just scared the hell out of us.
I wanted to go with them, so badly it made my heart ache to stay behind. But I’d do what I could here, and it looked like I’d have plenty of time, since we weren’t going to the dance. Honestly, I thought I’d be relieved, but part of me was oddly disappointed.
Misty took my hand, and we watched Dad and Sam lead Jake back to Sam’s SUV, Zach following behind.
“Zach looks worried,” Misty whispered. “They both do. You don’t think—”
“I don’t want to. This can’t be happening, Misty.” I met her eyes. She’d understand, more than anyone. “Everything’s been so smooth with the haven. I did expect a fight here and there—but not this. Not murder.”
“Simon will find out who did this.”
“I hope so.” He did have one up on the police—the fallen angel who shared his soul. A side effect was Simon having access to Elias’ powers. “Since we’re not going to the dance, did you want to, um,” I still had a hard time asking for any friend-type favors.
“Spend the night?” Misty tugged on my hand. “That’s a no-brainer, Alex. We’ll need ice cream, and some chick flicks—to help us get through the pain of missing the dance.”
Her smile made me feel better, but I knew the real reason for the list of distractions—to keep us from thinking about what was happening underground.
~ ~ ~
“Alex.”
The quiet voice jolted me awake.
I sat, ready to grab the nearest weapon when I saw the shadow by the window—and slumped as Sam stepped into the circle of light from my bedside lamp.
Before I could say anything, he sat next to me and pulled me into his arms.
I held on tight, the feel of him under my hands telling me this wasn’t a wishful dream. He was really here...
Oh, God—Misty.
“Sam,” I whispered. “You have to go. We’re not—”
“Misty can sleep through a hurricane, when she’s tired.” He glanced over at the small twin bed right next to us. Dad had dragged it into my room earlier, before the chick flick/sugar marathon began. Misty was sprawled over the cover, like me still in her dress. We’d obviously fallen into sugar comas before we could change. He smiled, then buried his face in my hair. “I’ve been so worried about you.”
I eased back, until I could see him. “I’m fine. I’ve been worried about you, too.” He was wearing jeans, and a t-shirt under his jacket. With his hair tousled from climbing up to my window, he was six feet plus of gorgeous.
“Alex...” He kissed me, like he was dying of thirst and I was water.
His arms wrapped around me, and he pulled me down with him, until we were on the bed together. By the time we came up for air, he was on top of me, our legs tangled together. I could stay like this forever, his warm body pressing me into the mattress, his lips brushing every inch of skin he could reach.
Those talented lips paused at my throat, and he lifted the delicate pendant. The blue stones caught the light, the silver almost liquid as he held it in his palm.
“It was my birthday present,” I whispered. “Mom saved it for me.”
“It suits you. My mysterious sea nymph.” I didn’t have time to blush before he started kissing me again.
This time he took me deeper, his lips so possessive he left me gasping for breath. We were both flushed and aroused when he finally pulled away.
“Sam—”
“I should go.” He dipped down and captured my lips again, just long enough to leave me wanting more. “You tempt me, Alex, too much. I have to let you go before—”
With a groan he rolled off the bed. I sat, cold without him draped over me.
“When will I see you?” I didn’t want to sound desperate, or clingy. Please, God, not clingy. But I had to ask, had to know before he walked out of this room.
“I don’t know.” He ran one hand through his hair. “I can’t have you near the haven, not with people dying. I won’t put you in that position, Alex.”
“Sam—”
“No.”
I stood, pacing him as he backed to the window. He managed to trap himself against the wall.
“Find a way to let me know you’re okay, or I’ll hunt you down.”
He studied me, those grey-blue eyes narrowed. “You won’t—”
“Try me, Sam.” I slipped my arms around his neck, stood on tiptoe to reach his lips. “I need to know you’re safe. Even if it’s a smoke signal from one of the manholes, I need to know.”
He kissed me until I was lightheaded, his hands spread over my ribs. Then he let go and turned to the window, his knuckles white as he gripped the sill.
“I have to go,” he whispered. “Before I—” He lowered his head, and I barely heard his next words. “You’re so beautiful, Alex. So loving, when I don’t deserve it.”
I couldn’t stop myself; the pain in his voice drew me to him. He stilled when I wrapped my arms around his waist, leaned against his back.
“You’re it for me, Sam.” I knew exactly why he kept pushing me away. “And when I turn eighteen, you leaving me ends, for good.”
He lowered his head, and both hands closed over mine. “It’s going to be a long few months.”
“Yeah. But you get me as a Christmas present.”
His laughter eased the tension between us. I didn’t want him leaving like this, feeling like he had to put distance between us. Relief shot through me when he turned around and pulled me against his chest.
