Chapter 28 — What is going on around here?

Kell:

I’m late for school today. Unfortunately, I couldn’t stay and kiss my girl properly because Rowan called me to run an errand for him early this morning. He sounded pretty desperate when he asked me to take him a few bags of blood. Apparently, Mikhail and Nevaeh were not available, and he needed it pretty bad.

Rowan answers the door as soon as I show up at the apartment. He used to live with Mikhail and Nevaeh at the beginning of their freshman year. But things became a little awkward when he had to deal with Nevaeh and Mikhail’s “nighttime activities,” so he moved to the apartment across the hall.

Fortunately, Mathias owns the building, so he lets Rowan stay in the studio for free. It’s a pretty nice apartment. It’s small with an open concept kitchen slash dining room, living room, and bedroom. The bathroom with its large glass shower, single sink, and toilet is the only separate area. The layout is simple; when you walk through the doors, you see the small kitchen with its contemporary red cabinets, white refrigerator, stove, microwave, and tiny island with a metal stool. There’s an old ratty blue couch with a wooden scarred coffee table and a computer table. Surprisingly enough, Rowan has no television or games. Instead, he has several bookshelves containing a large variety of old books set up to separate the living area from his bed. His bed is a simple wrought iron bed with a single dresser. There is no real style to his apartment. I guess if I had to describe it, it would be hobo chic.

“Hey, bro,” Rowan says as he leads me into his apartment. I follow behind him, bells of concern ringing in my ears at his wan appearance. I appraise his paler than usual face, bedraggled, black Green Day shirt, and stained jeans. “What’s going, Rowan? You look like shit.”

Rowan turns to me, takes the bag of blood from my hands, and strides toward the refrigerator. Without a word, he opens up a bag and places the rest inside. I don’t even flinch when he takes a bag and bites into it. After living with Alex and my brothers for so many years, I’m used to them eating or drinking some weird-ass shit. He takes several ecstatic gulps, pulls the bag away from his mouth, releases a relieved sigh, then gives me a stark look, “Thanks, Kell. I needed that.”

Frowning, I shake my head. “What’s going on, Rowan?”

He looks down at his rumpled clothing for a moment, then looks back up at me with a blank face. “Look, bro, I’ve just been having a hard time lately.”

His hands sift through his light golden hair before they slam down on his thighs. “It’s just been hard to be around so many people, and then there’s… her…” He stops, surprised as if he didn’t expect to say that much, which is a sign that he’s not one-hundred percent.

I quirk a brow and cross my arms over my chest in speculation. “Who’s her?”

He shrugs his shoulders and tightens his jaw. “No one…no one.”

I want to push, but I can tell from the stubborn look on his face that he won’t budge. I’ve known Rowan for too long to understand that he’s a stubborn fucker. And when he makes up his mind, he doesn’t back down. “Fine then, but you know you can talk to me about anything, right?” He nods his head and gives me a weak smile. “Thanks, bro.”

I look down at my cell phone. “I have to go to school. Call me if you need me.”

He hums in agreement and pats my shoulder. “Okay, man, have fun at school.”

I give him a sideways smile and turn to the door. “Right,” I say sarcastically as I think about the fact that I’m at least two hours late, and it will take me another forty-five minutes to get to school. However, I don’t say anything about it.

“Maybe we can get together this weekend.”

He nods his head and opens the front door. “Sure, bro. I’ll call you.”

Before I walk out, I give him one last look and step out the door.

I can’t help but worry about my brother on the way to school. Rowan isn’t usually this secretive or brooding, especially with us. He’s always been the cool guy who puts people at ease. Of all of us brothers, he is the one with more experience when it comes to women. He’s a lot like Azazel, who lures women without saying a word. I guess it’s a creature of the night thing. Not that I have any complaints. But lately, he doesn’t seem himself, and that slip of a girl deepens the mystery. I shake my head, trying to wipe thoughts of Rowan from my mind. Maybe I’ll talk to Rowan about his behavior later. I just don’t have the time right now.

I’m pulling into the school parking lot when my phone rings again. A sigh of exasperation escapes me when I look at the screen. It’s Mathias. “Yeah, Mathias,” I say, placing the phone in my ear. “Hey, Kell, are you with Amara right now?”

I frown at his serious question. “No, I just came from Rowan’s. Why do you ask?”

He exhales in relief, which makes me even more worried. “Listen, Kell, I don’t want to alarm you, but there is something going down, and it involves your girlfriend.”

I tighten my jaw as I try not to take offense at his tone. “What do you mean?”

He clears his throat. “I mean that some information has come up that we need to address. Also, I need to know if she’s had any more visions.”

I want to ignore his question and ask him what the fuck he wants, but I know that approaching him in an aggressive manner will only buy me a one-way trip to the hospital.

Instead, I ask with the most serious tone I can muster. “What’s going on, Mathias?” He exhales deeply before he replies, “Okay, let me be straight with you. Some evidence has been discovered that fits me to a “T” what your girlfriend has shared with us…”

I’m about to respond when he interjects. “… Now don’t get mad at me. But I think we need to talk to your girl. We need to know if she has other visions or if she can have more.”

I frown at his reasoning, unsure if I should tell him about the other vision. I don’t want the Council to use my girl as a magic ball. Not with the way the visions affect her. So, I hedge. “I can’t force her to have a vision. Even if I do, what’s to say she will have one of another girl?” He responds. “That’s the thing, Kell. We don’t know if she will. But by using your girl’s clues, we located the churches that Leslie and Sophie were killed in. There were clues in a couple of other places we searched and some that looked more like elaborate decoys. If your girl can get some more information, it would help us pinpoint the culprit. We need to know who’s doing this before something truly catastrophic happens. ”

I shake my head in trepidation. Mathias’s is reasoning is solid, but I need to be sure Amara is protected. “No, man. I just can’t put her through that until she’s ready.”

He remains quiet for a moment, then responds. “I don’t know, Kell. I really don’t know. There has to be a reason why she has been having these visions. And her help would be invaluable. But we’ll keep digging. As of right now, I need to know if she has another vision. You don’t have to force it. Just let me know.” I gaze out my car window to the top of the school stairs wistfully. Everything is eerily still. The only thing I see is a leaf flying by the stairs and the branches of the nearby trees stirring with the breeze. The place is devoid of life. Of course, it would be due to the fact that everyone is in class.

Amara is going to kill me for being late. But there’s really nothing I can do, and this is important. So I decide to trust Mathias. “Okay, I’m going to tell you something, but I need your promise that you will not think this is a doorway to use my girl for her visions. Do you understand?”

Mathias growls angrily but settles down and agrees. “Fine. It will be just this one time unless she wants to share any information of her own free will with me in the future. Is that good for you?”

I take a deep breath and sigh. “Yeah, that’s good enough. Anyway… she did have a vision yesterday. This is what she told me she saw…”

I recount the vision to Mathias, going over any details Amara might have mentioned. By the time I’m finished, I’ve been talking to Mathias for an hour and a half. After I hang up with Mathias, I rest my head back on the headrest and release a tired sigh. Somewhere in the distance, the school bell rings. I look at the clock again. It’s after lunch, Amara should be heading to photography class. Thankfully, I don’t have football practice today. Taking a deep breath, I slide out of my seat and slam the door behind me.

It takes me a few minutes to find Amara. She’s in the greenhouse taking pictures. The greenhouse is pretty cool with its diverse array of flowers and fauna. There are plants and flowers everywhere, interrupted only by the small winding cobblestone path used by the people in the school.

I observe silently as a few stray students distractedly make their way around the greenhouse. The greenhouse has large glass walls and ceilings that create nurturing sunshine for all the plants and flowers at this time of day. What is most surprising is the cool tree located in the center of the greenhouse. It’s a huge tree with thick roots protruding out of the ground. Its leaves are a pinkish color, and I don’t know how to explain it, but it looks sad. Amara told me that there’s some kind of legend associated with the tree about two star-crossed lovers.

She looks so beautiful in her emerald green summer dress and sexy shoulder strings. The dress molds to her body and falls mid-thigh. It drives me nuts how her shoulder strings never manage to stay on her shoulders and how the low neck molds to her perfect breasts. I groan in agony when she subconsciously pulls her thick dark hair over one shoulder and tilts her head to the side to get a better look at the tree. Her golden skin creates a contrast with her ebony hair, vivid green eyes, and dress. She’s perfect, and she’s mine.

It feels good to see her so relaxed, considering how tense she has been lately. Wanting to see her privately, I search for a private spot to take her. There’s a hidden gate near the greenhouse that leads to a storage room near the tree. Unlike the rest of the greenhouse, the storage walls are covered by all kinds of plants and ivy that prevent anyone from seeing us unless they walk in. It’s the perfect private spot for secret moments.

Striding forward, I move behind my girl, wrap my arms around her waist, and pull her into my chest. At first, she jumps, startled, but easily melts into my chest when she sees that it’s me. “Kell.” She whispers. Laying a few kisses on the side of her neck, I pull her closer.

“Hey, beauty queen,” I whisper seductively as I usher her towards the storage closet. She’s pliant as I lead her to the room. “What are you doing?” She says in surprise as I lead her inside and close the door behind us.

I don’t answer her. Instead, I gently push her into the old, beaten door and lay my lips on hers. Amara sighs sexily and wraps her arms around my neck, kissing me back passionately. I pull her to me and lower my hands to her thighs and slide them beneath her dress.

“Kell.” she gasps out when my fingers find her covered folds. Sucking her bottom lip, I tilt my head and slip my tongue between her luscious lips. She pants into my mouth and laps at my tongue. Her hands move down my neck and mold against my covered chest and abs. I can feel her fingers tighten around the t-shirt as she lifts it across my bare stomach and higher. I want her more than I’ve ever wanted anyone in my life. It doesn’t matter that we’re in school or that anyone can walk in at any moment. I want her, and I know she wants me. Settling my hands back down her thigh, I lift her legs and wrap them around my hips. Amara squeals in delight as she grinds her body desperately against mine. Separating our mouths, I look around for a flat surface. Thankfully, there’s a bench containing several broken pots and dead plants in a corner.

Holding her tightly, I sit her on the bench’s surface without unlocking our bodies. We continue to kiss, only taking a few deep breaths at certain intervals. Her hands go back to my t-shirt. “Take it off.” She whispers hungrily.

I lift the shirt over my head and throw it to the ground, uncaring of where it lands. Her hands settle on my naked chest and slide down my abs. Her hands feel so good, creating a sweet sensation of heat inside my body. I’m beyond aroused. All I can think about is sliding inside her wet warmth and relieving the deep ache inside our bodies. Feeling desperate, I wrap my hands around her hair and settle her lips back on mine. Groaning with pleasure, I grind my hard shaft against her swollen folds.

Her sharp nails scrape sensuously down my back and ribs. I’m sure I’ll have marks on my back for a while, but I know I’ll wear them as a badge of honor. Eventually, our mouths reluctantly come apart. We’re both breathing raggedly and gazing into each other’s eyes, broadcasting our desperate need. Her emerald eyes are heavy-lidded, and her lips are love swollen. “You’re amazing,” I whisper as I kiss my way down her neck, wrap my fingers around the strings of her dress, and lower them down her forearms. She arches her back as if presenting me with her firm breasts. I can feel the scrape of her hard nipples chafe across my naked stomach. Moving my hand down her chest, I pinch her swollen nipples and roll them around my fingers. Amara gasps against my lips and pulls my hips closer to her center. Her legs move restlessly as she grinds her center against my covered shaft. My stomach heats at the contact of her molten heat.

Feeling emboldened, I lick and bite her shoulders as I kiss my way down and suck on her sweet buds and roll her hard nipples inside my mouth. Groaning with pleasure, Amara throws her head back and sighs in contentment. My body hardens with an overwhelming need as sweat glides down my back.

Amara rests her head on my naked shoulder and whispers in a sexy voice, “Please, Kell, make love to me.”

Raising my head from her naked breast, I gaze into her hazy eyes and whisper, “Are you sure, baby?”

She leans her forehead against mine and nods her head. Our chests are heaving with exertion communicating our desperate need. “Yes, right now. I need you.”

My nostrils flare at the sight of her sensual plea. “This will be our first time together, beauty queen. Is this how you want our first time to be?”

She nods her head desperately and kisses my lips hard. “It doesn’t matter, Kell. I love you.”

Unwilling to argue any further, I kiss her lips and move my hand back under her dress. Pulling her panties down, I remove her leather sandals and wrap her legs back around my waist. Amara’s hands move down to unbutton my jeans. Deepening the kiss, I slide my jeans down my hips and expose my swollen shaft. I almost explode when her hand wraps around the stem. Her hold is firm as she moves her hand up and down and whispers into my mouth. “Do you have protection?”

Without a word, I remove a condom from my wallet and hand it to her. The sight of her cutting the wrapper with her teeth and rolling the condom over my groin is almost my undoing.

Moving my fingers up her thighs again, I slip a finger inside her warm, moist heat. Amara lays her palms back over the table and rolls her hip, creating pleasurable friction as the crown of my shaft glides over her folds. It feels so good to feel her wetness lubricate me. The need to enter her warm cavern is nearly overwhelming. However, I don’t slide into her sheath. Instead, I kneel down and wrap her legs around my shoulders and lick her.

“Kell!” Amara cries out. Her sweet, tangy taste envelopes me as I swirl my tongue in small circles. My shaft throbs at the thought of being snuggled inside her moist warm heat. Her hips move in tandem with my movements, and her hands settle over my head as she pulls me closer. She tastes warm and clean like rain after a storm. I want to drown in her. My wings, claws, and fangs ache to come out, but I resist. Instead, I focus on licking her sweet honey.

A shudder overtakes Amara warning me of her climax. I look up as my beauty queen throws her head back and cries out in ecstasy. Her sheath contracts around my tongue, and her long dark hair spreads wildly around her shoulders and face, creating a beautiful picture of wild abandon as she mewls and gasps out her pleasure. Eventually, I let up and slide my shaft inside her pliant folds. Warmth spreads through my body as her sheath tightens over my hardness. Pleasurable tingles explode inside me as my shaft explores her wet heat. I kiss her mouth hard and let her taste her own essence.

My hips move back and forth as the head of my cock touches her womb. A beautiful warmth begins at the base of my spine and moves up to my brain. It feels incredible to be snuggled deep into the cavern of her warmth. Her face glows with pleasure making my heart flutter with ecstasy. We cling to each other as if we never want to let go. This girl is getting under my skin and into my soul, and I never want it to end.

Amara’s hands tighten around my shoulders as she pulls me close to her firm breasts. Our chests rub together, creating a blaze of pleasurable sensations. Establishing a blissful rhythm, I raise her legs higher as I work in and out of her tight, wet center. “Shit, beauty queen, you feel so good,” I whisper into the shell of her ear.

Amara claws and bites my neck and chest as she cries and moans in response. My movements quicken as I pound into her body and suckle her naked shoulders and chest.

I can feel my climax building, and Amara’s tight folds begin to contract against my shaft. Our bodies strain eagerly, then the world explodes. I close my eyes as sparks explode like fireworks behind my eyelids. Amara cries out her release and tightens her thighs around my waist as waves of pleasure erupt inside her. A low animalistic growl escapes my throat during my peak. It’s the most incredibly pleasurable moment that I’ve ever had, and I never want it to end. After a few moments, my world is set to rights. I lock gazes with her letting her see how deep my feelings are. She gives me a tired smile as she lays light kisses on my shoulder tattoo.

My mouth quirks at her fascination with my tattoos. We remain in each other’s arms for a few moments, not quite ready to let the outside world interfere with our sweet moment. Then reality sets in, and we reluctantly break apart.

Amara rises from the bench and gazes around the room in bemusement. I quirk a questioning brow as I slide my jeans back on. “What?”

She chuckles lightly as she slips into her panties. “I can’t believe we just did that here.”

I chuckle too and give her a contented grin. “I can’t believe it either. Do you regret it, baby?” I ask as I bend down to pick up my shirt and slip it over my head.

She shakes her head and bites her lower lips with an impish smile. “No, I don’t. It was amazing, and I can’t wait to do it again.”

Her words ignite a renewed hunger in my body, but I stamp it down. It’s not good to tempt the fates. With some difficulty, I wrestle my body back under control and extend my hand in a gentlemanly fashion for her. She straightens her hair and dress in a respectable elegance before she places her hand inside of mine. My fingers tighten around hers as I pull her into my arms and give her one last gentle kiss before I walk her out the door.

Thankfully the greenhouse is empty by the time we step out the door. A distant clattering sound startles us from our reverie, but there’s no one in sight. It feels like we’re the only people in our own personal paradise.

I wonder if that’s how Adam and Eve felt. Amara looks relaxed as she silently packs her camera equipment. So, I tell her about Mathias’s phone call.

She visibly stiffens at first and plays with the zipper of her bag intently, but I can see the worry etched in her features as her brow furrows. “I think we need to find the girl in your vision.”

Her head swivels back in my direction with surprise. “Really? But how?”

I shrug my shoulders and turn my gaze towards one of the greenhouse plants. “You said that she’s a student and Cal State. Mathias drew up a timeline, and it seems all of your visions happen at least a week before the actual kidnapping.”

I give her a “you get what I’m saying” look.

Her eyes widen with the realization of what I’m suggesting.

It’s really cute how her mouth opens, and her eyes widen like a doe’s. “You’re right. If we can find her before she’s attacked, we can save her. It’s brilliant!” She says with relief.

I nod my head at her ecstatic tone. My poor beauty queen has been carrying a great burden. I can see in her eyes that she’s desperate to save this girl if only to confirm that her visions are not a curse.

She sighs in relief and moves towards me, resting her head on my shoulder.

“Okay, when do we do it?”

I run through my options in my head. “Well, Mikhail and Nevaeh said we can visit whenever we want. We can stay the night in their guest bedroom. What do you think about doing a little bit of amateur sleuthing?”

She rolls her eyes and chuckles. “Sure, but let’s not tell anyone about this yet. I’m not sure if I’m ready to come out as a Breija until I get a handle on it. Let’s go to my house so I can pack a bag. My parents aren’t home until Sunday, which will make it easy for me to make a clean break.”

I snort at her comment. I don’t blame her for wanting to get out of that house and away from her parents. “Okay. I won’t tell Khail or Nevaeh. Do you mind if I ask Azazel to help us? He already knows what you are, and he has resources we can use.”

Amara nods begrudgingly. “Yeah, okay, but let’s keep it between us.”

I take her hand and squeeze it reassuringly, “Anything for you, beauty queen.” And lead her out the greenhouse door. As I make my way out the door, I see a shadow from the corner of my eyes and look back, but there’s no one there.

It doesn’t take long for Amara and me to get to Nevaeh and Khail’s. It's weird because I was there earlier that morning, and I feel like I’m going around in circles.

I park my car in front of their driveway and almost turn around when Nevaeh runs up to us and throws her arms around us. “Hey!” Nevaeh screams out excitedly. I try to unlock her arms from me, but she’s pretty strong for a girl.

Khail simply stands there and gives me a bemused smile. He really gets a kick out of seeing me struggle. Eventually, Nevaeh lets us go and leads us into the apartment. The building is old with several restored apartments, and the hallway is long, with dark charcoal walls. There are only two apartments on this floor. Khail and I follow behind the excited girls at a slower pace.

Gazing at the door across the hall from their apartment, I point my thumb at the red door. “Where’s Rowan? He called me early this morning to bring him a “supply” pack. Is Rowan home?”

Khail shrugs his shoulders. “Nevaeh and I went looking for him earlier, but he didn’t answer the door, and his car was not in the driveway. I guess he left after you spoke.”

I give Rowan’s door a worried look again, then turn back to Mikhail. “Look, man, I don’t know what’s happening with Rowan, but he didn’t look too good today. He was babbling about some girl and about how hard being around people has been. He was seriously pale— even paler than he usually is, which is seriously bad. Has he mentioned anything to you?”

Khail shakes his head. “No, man. I didn’t know any of that. He’s been pretty quiet lately. He’s usually not home when we come around, so Nevaeh and I just figured he was partying. I didn’t even know he was out of supplies.”

He exhales and tightens his jaw. I can see that he’s as frustrated by our brother’s behavior as I am. “I guess maybe we can talk to him before you go back. He seems to trust you more than me.” Mikhail scowls as he steps into his apartment.

I pat his back comfortingly and step behind him. “Don’t be too hard on yourself, bro. I don’t think he would have called me if he wasn’t so desperate. Even then, he hurried me out of his place before we could have an actual conversation. He was pretty evasive.”

Mikhail gives me a half-hearted smile and leads me to his living room. This must be harder on him than the rest of us since he and Rowan are so close. I guess things change. This is probably how it will be for Carrick and me. I try not to dwell on it, though.

Mikhail’s place is pretty comfortable looking. There’s a large blue couch with large stuffed pillows, a scratched up coffee table set in front of the couch, and the walls are littered with bookshelves filled with books and paint supplies. There’s a second-hand dining table with books, papers, and magazines strewn around it too. The chairs are a mismatched collection of styles that they’ve found in thrift shops and garage sales, and their kitchen is similar to Rowan’s with white appliances. Hanging on several walls are several of Mikhail’s paintings and drawings. A corner console has a few frames with pictures of the couple and family members. It definitely feels lived in.

Nevaeh and Amara set down drinks and snacks on the coffee table as we settle back on the couch. We don’t mention the real reason for being on campus. We simply lay our things in Rowan’s old room and head out for some pizza. The campus is packed at this time of day. The pizza place is a small greasy spoon with a sign outside that reads, “Polly’s Perfect ‘Za” in bold black letters over a dirty yellow awning.

There are people coming in and out of the area. So it must be the hangout spot for the university crown. My eyes land over the store window that holds a fluorescent sign advertising a free plate of fries, a drink, and a large slice of pizza. There are high wooden stools and tables littered with beer bottles, shot glasses and college kids drinking, playing pool, and just having fun.

We hang out for a while and listen to a procession of people sing Karaoke on a makeshift wooden stage near the bar. Right now, two drunk blondes are singing a country song about messing up some guy’s car with a Louisville slugger because he cheated.

Nevaeh and Amara seem to be enjoying it. The waitresses look exhausted as they haul large trays of drinks and greasy slices of pizzas. All of the pizza place workers are wearing faded “Polly’s” t-shirts and cutoff jeans. The place is not very clean with its faded red paint and moldy windows, but I have to admit the pizza is good.

Eventually, Azazel shows up. It totally weirds me out how all activity dies down as he walks in. The women straighten their clothing and makeup while the men puff out their chests in aggression. Azazel smirks when he passes by several girls who sigh and preen for his attention. I think the only ones not awed by his looks are me, Khail, Nevaeh, and Amara.

Nevaeh rolls her eyes when he reaches our table and leans his arm around her and Khail’s shoulders. “Well, hello there, mates. I hope you got a slice for me. I’m famished. I had quite the ruddy day, and I can use a pint and some greasy pizza.”

Mikhail humorously pushes his arm away. “What are you doing here, man? I thought you were out of town doing Council business.” Azazel looks at me in question but doesn’t reveal our secret. Instead, he leans down, picks up Nevaeh’s pizza slice, and takes a bite of it. “Bloody hell, mate. The Council told me to stand down until further information is revealed. It’s all bureaucratic rubbish if you ask me. But I’m just a jolly good soldier in this war. And I’m expected to keep my arse out of the grown up’s business, so that’s what I’m going to do.” He shrugs his shoulders with a boyish smile.

I can’t help but snort at his innocent little boy pout. I have to give it to him. The guy is good. Amara chuckles and hands him her untouched plate. “Here, take it. We don’t want your poor fragile body to waste away.”

Everyone snickers at her comment. Of course, Azazel is too arrogant to take her joking as anything but a compliment. He gives her a big smile and whispers roguishly, “Thanks, love.” Then takes a bite of her abandoned slice. The guy is a real riot.

The night eventually winds down. The owner rings out the last call, and everyone heads back to the apartment. Earlier, while Amara and Nevaeh talked, and Mikhail was getting us drinks, Azazel passed me some information on the girl in Amara’s vision. He was able to find the girl’s schedule and address. We decided then that we’d meet him the next day and come up with a plan for approaching her.

Azazel leaves about an hour after we arrive at the apartment with a promise to meet us in the morning. Mikhail and Nevaeh headed to bed a few minutes after leaving us to our own vices. I take Amara’s hand and lead her to the bedroom. The room is small and clean with beige walls, a single full-sized bed, and a small two drawer wooden dresser. There’s no headboard or footboard on the bed, just a simple bed frame with a mattress and a pale blue comforter. Amara bites her lip and gives me a shy smile as she shuffles her feet. “Umm…What side do you want to sleep in?” She says.

Instead of answering her, I give her a roguish smile and move closer with a predatory gaze. It’s extremely hot when she returns my smile and crooks her fingers in my direction.