From Gods (11 page)

Mason raked his hair back, looking apologetic. “Yeah…sorry. I didn’t mean to. I think I got a little…I mean…I don’t know why that happened.”

“Oh….” That was all Skylar could mutter. Got a little what? Excited by her presence, she hoped.

He gazed down, seemingly in deep thought. “Wait a minute….” He looked at her. “You made me do it. It never happened before until I touched you.”

“So now the shock is my fault? You shocked me, not I shocked you,” she retorted. Since he didn’t respond, she changed the subject. “If I’m supposedly one of you, and if I have supernatural something, how will I know?”

“The night my mom died, Nick’s mom was there. She explained everything, but I didn’t want any part of it. I didn’t trust her. Who would believe a crazy story like that, right? One night they came after me. Since I had been to Nick’s house several times with my mom, I ran to his house. That is when I discovered I could run faster than I had ever imagined. And when Nick’s mom was attacked by them, Nick and I did our best. We discovered something else we could do, but it was a little too late. What I’m trying to tell you is that I don’t know. It could just happen, but I really think your situation is unique.”

Skylar’s eyes glowed with a sudden revelation. Perhaps the light she thought she saw at the beach wasn’t an angel’s light, but instead was from Mason’s heat. He was the light…but was that even possible? He said he created heat, not light. What did that mean?

She didn’t know whether to feel grateful that he saved her at the beach, or be angry that he lied to her, making her think she was going out of her mind. “You were at the beach…you…you saved me. I wasn’t hallucinating.”

Mason shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly. “Sorry…I didn’t know if I could trust you at that time.”

“Trust me?” Anger boiled inside her. Of all the nerve, he had the indecency to say those words. She brushed it off when she thought about the reasons why the monsters would be after her. “I don’t have anything they would want. I don’t understand.”

“I don’t either, but I need to find out why this is happening to you. I’m not sure who to trust, so it may take a while to get our questions answered. Until then…I need to look after you. I guess I’m stuck with you.”

Was that such a bad thing? He didn’t have to make it sound like she was a nuisance. “Oh….”

“But right now, I need to take care of an emergency at work. The phone call earlier was from one of the employees. Stay here. Change and relax. I’ll be back within an hour or so. Do you think you can do that?”

“I...I don’t know. Maybe I should go home.”

Mason lifted Skylar’s chin by his fingertip, forcing her to look into his eyes that were infused with longing. 

“Ouch.” Skylar jolted from the shock. Though it wasn’t as strong as the last few times, she was quite surprised that it happened again.

“Sorry. I don’t know why that happens only with you.” His eyes moved to his fingers. “Anyway, you can trust me.”

“Okay,” Skylar said reluctantly, nodding her head. She wanted to trust him. He hadn’t given her any indication that he was a threat to her. After all, he was the one that saved her from almost drowning. Before he could take a step toward the door, Skylar gripped his wrist. The moment her hand touched his skin, she felt some kind of pleasant energy, but not a shock, thankfully. Their eyes matched. Swallowed up by him, she had forgotten why she stopped him in the first place.

The way Mason held her eyes with such care made her almost crumble, making her weak. If only she could break through. She knew there was a kinder side to his arrogant, rude personality, and he definitely had shown it tonight.

“You’ll be fine,” Mason finally said.

“Umm…I…my cousin, Kayla…is she—?”

As if Mason knew what she was going to ask before she could finish, he answered her. “No. I’m almost positive that she’s not.”

“Does Nick…does he care for her that special way?” Skylar wasn’t sure about asking this personal question about his half brother.

“I don’t know. I don’t get into his personal business. Let’s just say, he likes to play around, and he’s never been serious with any girl in his lifetime. I’m quite surprised Kayla is still around. In fact, we don’t take any relationship seriously. So if you’re wondering about Kayla’s heart, it will be broken.”

Skylar’s heart fell out of her chest. Though she had hoped that Mason may take interest in her as more than a friend, hearing his sharp, cold words felt like a stab to her heart. What was even worse, he’d admitted Nick would end up hurting Kayla.

She knew these boys were up to no good the moment she met them, so why did she even bother to give them her time? Besides the obvious, of course, like Mason saving her from death a couple of times, she knew the answer. Kayla was head over heels in love with Nick ever since she’d first laid eyes on him. As for Skylar, she was drawn to Mason in ways she couldn’t explain.

Mason placed his hand on the doorknob, twisting while keeping his eyes on Skylar. “I’ll be back in an hour. Stay here.” He closed the door behind him.

Knowing she was alone in this giant empty house at night gave her chilly goose bumps all over. Feeling a cool draft, she grabbed the extra clothes and changed. The sweats were too long and too big at the waist, and the long T-shirt could almost be a dress on her. Folding them at the waist and the hem helped. Though the flip-flops were big, she’d rather slip on a pair of big slippers than feel the wetness from her soggy tennis shoes.

Chapter 13

After awhile, Skylar got bored. One hour wasn’t that long, but with nothing to do, it seemed like an eternity, especially when she was alone. Debating whether to go out of the room, even though she was instructed to stay, Skylar decided that maybe he meant to stay in the house. Curiosity got the best of her, and she turned the knob.

It was deadly silent in the house. The only sound she heard was her own steps, sinking into the plush, thick carpet. Carefully and slowly she moved, step by step. Though it was dark in the hallway, the light from downstairs was enough to light her way. She thought about opening the other doors, wondering which rooms belonged to Nick and his half brothers. As she was about to open one, she stopped when she heard the front door open.

Skylar quickened her steps. With her back against the wall, she peered downward. Remus had entered with two females, his arms draped around their shoulders. They were talking, laughing, and walking as if they were drunk. Remus was dressed in jeans and a T-shirt, but the ladies were dressed like they wanted to be noticed.

Suddenly, he stopped, sniffing the air, walking closer to the stairs with the ladies still in his arms.

“I smell something sweet and delicious,” he said cunningly.

“Are lou…ungry?” The blonde lady slurred.

“No!” Remus snapped, pushing them out of his arms. The ladies toppled over, falling to the hard floor.

“Ouuu…ch!” the blonde lady huffed, pushing her friend’s legs off her.

“What the hell is the matter with you?” the brunette yelled angrily, becoming more aware of the situation. She got up, stumbled toward him, and flirtatiously ran her hands down his chest. “Come on big guy. You promised me the time of my life.”

Skylar wanted to gag. The blonde was on the other side of him doing the same thing, but she could hardly hold herself up.

Looking annoyed, Remus effortlessly gripped the backs of their dresses, one in each hand, lifting them up so their feet dangled, and carried them to the door. “Get out,” he yelled callously.

Under normal circumstances, Skylar would have freaked out, but now, knowing who Remus was, his ability to hold up two grown women like that didn’t surprise her at all.

“Put me down!” the brunette screamed.

“Vat do lou meeen?” the blonde girl mumbled, seemingly unaware she was lifted off the ground.

“Out!” Remus didn’t give them time to register his words. He dropped them, opened the front door, pushed them out, and slammed the door behind them. Then he dropped his car keys on the table by the vase.

Skylar swallowed a frightened lump in her throat. Quietly, she tiptoed back to Mason’s room. Her pulse raced for unknown reasons. Remus didn’t know she was in the house, and Mason wouldn’t have told her to stay unless he thought she was absolutely safe. Besides, even from the way he’d treated those girls, and those times he had stared her down, she didn’t know why she felt threatened by him. He’d never indicated or shown he wanted to harm her.

As these thoughts flooded her mind, she tried to calm herself, but hearing the loud, hard thumps of Remus’s footsteps as he climbed the stairs gave her icy cold chills. Suddenly, the sound of his footsteps dissipated. Most likely, he’d gone straight to his room.

Her heartbeat became steady again, and she exhaled the breath she didn’t realize she was holding. Sitting on the edge of the bed, she relaxed and thought watching television might be a good idea.

Just then, the door flew open and Remus stood there, looking like he was ready for a kill.

Skylar stood up and took several steps toward him so he could clearly see her, ready to defend herself with words. “It’s me, Skylar. I’m Mason’s friend. He told me to stay here and wait for his return,” Skylar said loudly and quickly.

Remus advanced toward her while Skylar took small steps back, thinking all the while that she was scared for no apparent reason. After all, this was Mason’s half brother, which made him a demigod. Her self-assuring thoughts ended when he suddenly stood right in front of her with a look of hatred in his eyes.

“I know what you are. You are the keeper of death, aren’t you? You’re here to kill us…right?”

“No, no, no….” Skylar shook her head. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“That’s what they all say. They act so sweet and innocent, and when you’re not looking, they attack. So, how do you do it? Do you have a special weapon?”

“I don’t understand what you’re talking about. I’m not what you think I am!” Skylar shouted, thinking by raising her voice it would get through his thick skull, but it didn’t.

“Liar!” Remus backhanded Skylar across her face. From his strength, her body swept across the floor like a mop, sliding to the other side of the room and crashing against the wall with a loud thump.

Indescribable pain erupted through her body like sharp razor cuts. It took Skylar a few seconds to realize what had just happened. The ache from the impact of his hand to her face and her body practically being thrown across the room made it difficult for her to stand. Wincing, she started to pull her achy, wobbly body up, and felt a small pool of blood streaming down the side of her lower right lip. There was no way she could fight him, especially when he held such powerful god-like strength.

By the time she was standing upright, Remus was already by her side. His fingers wrung her shirt, dragged her across the carpet, and tossed her on the bed. “I’m going to beat it out of you if I have to. Talk! Who are you?”

Trembling, she could hardly speak, but she managed to bounce off the bed and run. Remus immediately stood in front of the door, blocking her way out. “You can’t out run me,” he snickered. “You talk now, or die holding your tongue.”

Again, Skylar was glad her mom had made her take self-defense classes. It had helped her at the nightclub; surely it would help her again. Without heels this time, the impact would be less effective, but she thought to try it any way. She slammed her foot on top of his, but the mocking expression he showed was as if she had just brushed it. Seeing that it had no effect at all, she ran the other way.

Remus yanked the back of her hair and dragged her like before. When they reached the bed, she twisted her body and jabbed her elbow into his stomach with all her strength, then aimed lower and hit his private area with her fist like a hammer. With a loud growl, he released his grip. She guessed god’s descendants or not, when it came to the male parts, they were all just as sensitive.

He wasn’t in pain for long. Skylar’s strength was no match for his. Managing to crawl to the top of the bed, she curled her body in. Tucking her knees close to her chest, she hugged a pillow as if somehow it would create a barrier between them. The only way she could leave here alive was to talk some sense into him.

“Remus, I’m just Skylar,” she whimpered as her lips quivered. “I’m nobody. Look at me. Do I look like I can fight you back?” Tears trickled down her cheeks.

Remus looked confused at first, raising his hand to let her know he was coming toward her in peace. “So…you’re not a keeper?” His tone was soft.

Skylar shook her head. What she really wanted to do was give him a hard sock in the face and call him a dumbass, but she didn’t have the energy to move.

Remus sat on the edge of the bed, looking apologetic. He raised one hand and slowly ran it down the side of her hair, making Skylar cringe from his touch. “I see why Mason has taken an interest in you. All this time I thought he was trying to get close to you, thinking you were a keeper.” With the back of his hand, he glided over her soft, red cheek he had smacked minutes before.

Skylar turned her face away from him and pleaded. “Please…get out. I want to be alone. Mason will be here soon.”

“Where did he go?” Ignoring her request, his hand traveled down her arm. “You feel so soft. How is it that you can resist me? I see you’re wearing his clothes. What belongs to Mason belongs to me.”

Does Mason know?
Skylar wanted to vomit. Was he for real? She wanted him out, and since he wasn’t leaving, she was going to leave. “I’m going to the restroom.” Skylar turned her aching body, crawled out of bed, and headed for the door. But before she could get there, Remus had beaten her to it, blocking her way again. “Do you mind? You’re going to watch me take a piss now?”

“Not until I get what I want.” His tone was low and demanding.

“Excuse me?” She tried to sound polite, but she was scared out of her mind. “Please….”

Before she could finish her words, Remus ripped opened Mason’s T-shirt, exposing her bra. He picked her up like a rag doll and threw her on the bed. At that moment Skylar knew what he wanted, and the human need to survive kicked in.

Remus’s strong hands gripped both of her wrists, pinning them to the bed. She wiggled and pushed with all her human strength, but to no avail. His tongue ran down from her face, to her neck, to the base of her breast. Feeling violated, Skylar screamed as tears poured down her face. “Get off me!” she yelled.

Remus continued to take pleasure in his actions, disregarding her shouts. In order to keep her quiet, he covered her lips with his, taking her in, and started to pull down her sweat pants. Though her body throbbed in pain, she wasn’t going to let him have her. Pinned beneath his weight, she did the best thing she could think of. She bit down hard on his lips, so hard that his blood seeped out of his mouth, but he still continued as if it had no effect on him. Unintentionally, she swallowed his blood, so cold and sour, and she was sure he swallowed hers.

“Don’t bother fighting back. You can’t hurt me. I heal fast,” he gritted through his teeth with a malicious tone, seeming to enjoy the control he held over her.

Skylar didn’t care what he said. Just when she was ready to bite him again, without warning, he jolted upright like a puppet pulled by its strings and looked like he was having a seizure.

“You…you…what did you do?” he murmured under his breath as he continued to convulse. His eyes were wide with disbelief. Stumbling backward, he coiled to the floor as if all his energy was being drawn out of him. His hair and tanned skin were now as white as the sheets. What looked like thick spider veins began forming on his face, and like poison, started spreading to the rest of his body at an incredible speed. 

Skylar covered her ears to block the loud cry that escaped from Remus’s mouth. Was he in pain or frightened by the change?  As she stood there and watched the transformation, she wanted to help; but then again, he deserved what was happening to him. Regardless, she didn’t want him to die. After all, he was Mason’s half brother, and that alone was the only reason she needed to help, but how?

Afraid Remus would attack her again, she backed away. She wasn’t sure if he was going to change into a monster…she couldn’t believe she was thinking these thoughts. It wasn’t normal to have such thoughts, let alone see what was happening in front of her eyes.

Remus kept staring at Skylar with a look of revulsion in his eyes, as if she was to blame for what was happening. Finally, his body curled into a fetal position and became still, like a statue. When he stopped moving, she advanced toward him to get a closer look, to see if he was all right. Without thinking, she peered lower to his face. He looked unidentifiable—hideous, like some kind of ugly creature.

“Remus,” she called.

When there was no answer and he didn’t show any indication he was alive, she tapped him and jerked back just in case he reached out to grab her. Instead of seeing a movement from him, he crumbled into ashes.

“What?”

Remus was simply gone. He turned into dust right in front of her eyes. She covered her face with the palms of her hands and frantically paced around the room.

“This was a dream. This isn’t real.” She tried to calm herself, but it wasn’t working. How could this have happened? She had no weapon…in fact, he’d attacked her. All she could think about was what Mason would say when he came home. Not only that, she had taken a life…why should he believe her words when his brother was dead?