The goddess calls, p.31
The Goddess Calls, page 31
“Don, seriously, some of us are trying to watch a movie, not get a weird hard on watching you two make out.”
I choke out a laugh, pulling my head away from Don’s mouth, looking at Camden incredulously. He wiggles his eyebrows at me and I roll mine at him. I do climb off of Don’s lap though. I don’t really want to put on a show, nor do I really want to make Brent uncomfortable. As I lay back down, I grab a few pillows and stretch out next to Don instead of laying down in his lap. Don’t need to encourage him any further.
I must have fallen asleep shortly after because I can’t recall what the movie was about. I also can’t remember how I ended up in the middle of a cuddle pile with all four guys. My front is up against Don, my head resting on his chest. My legs are being cuddled, a head resting on my calf. My arm that is stretched over Don’s side is touching someone’s back. But whoever is behind me is spooning me, their arm draped over me to rest on Don’s stomach, their very hard cock nestled against my ass.
How did I end up like this? And do I want to know who is where? Fuck it, I’m warm, comfy as hell, and I have never felt safer. And I also haven’t been dreaming.
That shocked the hell out of me, I haven’t gone without a crazy dream in weeks. And here I am, surrounded, cuddled in the middle of these males, and suddenly no dreams. Just that alone would have made me stay right where I am. So like any smart, red blooded woman, I snuggle back down and go right back to sleep.
Chapter 32
I have only one more class period and then I can start my weekend; it’s a shortened week to allow students and teachers the time to attend the football team’s playoff game, and I couldn’t be more thankful. It has been a struggle to return to work after everything. I have only been back two weeks, and I still feel weird being here and attempting to act like my world hasn’t been uprooted, and I’m not aware that magic exists. It’s truly weird being around normal people, but I was so excited to see my students and get back into a routine.
Don is working late, and I’m taking myself to the game.
See, doing normal shit, while my man is at work.
I’m meeting coworkers, and it’s public. The notes and tokens my creepy stalker left stopped after the car incident, so I feel ok going out.
None of the guys could go with me. They have lives too, and they also needed to get back to work. I’m definitely more aware of my surroundings, thanks to my beast being a little more present.
I have also started carrying a handgun in my car. I’m stronger than I had previously been, but I still can’t shift. We have yet to figure out what my powers can do, because they are so intermittent that I might as well not have them. It’s frustrating, but I need to be able to protect myself, hence the gun. I know how to shoot and after a thorough lesson from Brent, he begrudgingly gave me a gun from his arsenal in his secret basement. Yes, he has a secret basement, and I’m beginning to realize that his line of work is probably not really legal.
The guys still hadn’t wanted me to go alone. I get that. Everyone is on edge, and the guys are so moody when it comes to my safety.
It’s like a switch flipped after our movie night cuddle fest, making them even more protective. It can get a bit exhausting.
Cam even hacked my phone and put even more trackers on it, and not even Aiden would tell me how to get them off. Don and Brent just brushed me off, saying they didn’t know any of that techy stuff. I’m pretty sure they were lying.
The final bell for the day rings, and I text the group chat to let them know I’m headed to the game now that school is over.
Sometimes, it feels like I’m dating all four of them. And there is a primal part of me, probably my beast, that wants to taste them all, especially now that I know how Brent feels. Aiden and Camden just don’t instill that kind of need, thank goodness. The logistics of having four partners makes me want to run. A girl doesn’t even have that many holes! I shudder at that thought.
Even though Brent stirs up all kinds of feelings, I’m still on the fence about that. Don is my mate, and he is more than enough. I don’t really need another one, right?
I text Cory and Trina, letting them know that I’m headed out and that I will meet them there. They offered to carpool, but there is no way that I’m going to be without my own transportation. The game is an hour and a half drive, and if anything comes up I need to be able to leave. Once all my texts are sent, I don’t waste time getting on the road, only stopping for a quick drive thru dinner.
Don calls me while he is on a break, his call ringing loudly over my car speakers. He knows I’m still driving, but he can’t help the need to check in before he has to get back to work. The way he cares about me gives me warm fuzzies. He’s telling me about how they tricked some Johns in their bust earlier, and I’m laughing when my wheel jerks hard.
“Fuck!”
“Kinley, what’s wrong?”
“I’m ok, I just think I have a flat. It startled me.”
“Shit, where are you?”
The fact that he thought I needed help is sweet but misguided.
“Oh, hold your horses,” giggling at his unamused snort. “I’m a big girl, Don. I know how to change a flat tire. There is a gas station right up ahead. I’ll pull in and change it.”
Telling him I will call him back, I get my car into the parking lot. It’s small, but it’s safer than being on the side of the road. There are also lights, because the sun has almost set and I wouldn’t want to attempt to change a tire in the dark. I’m not going to even think of all the creepy horror movies that start out in a tiny run down gas station in the backwoods. Stay positive, Kinley.
I walk around my car looking to see which tire is the culprit. It becomes very obvious which one it is. The back left is shredded.
What the hell did I hit?
Giving myself a brief pep talk, I get to work changing my tire, thanking my foresight to get a car that actually has a spare and not that useless fix-a-flat kit.
I’m working up a little sweat, and have just gotten the new tire on when the gas station attendant comes out, asking me if I need help. Rolling my eyes at his timing, I blow hair out of my face and peer up at him with a raised eyebrow. He’s a tall skinny man, and he definitely looks like he’s seen better days. I don’t know if he would even have the muscles to crank the wrench, let alone heft the tire off.
“Nope, I got it. As you can see, I’m basically done.”
He shrugs and walks away, but I do hear him mutter that I’m an uppity bitch. Sometimes I really wish it was acceptable to throat punch people.
Without any further interruptions, I finish quickly and get back on the road. If I don’t have any more mishaps I can still probably make it in time to see kick off.
Not wanting Don to worry, I call him back to let him know I successfully changed my own tire and am back on the road. I can hear the relief in his voice, and I totally get it. I will for sure be locked up in a bubble if the one time I go out on my own, something bad happens again.
His radio crackles over the phone just as I notice I’m getting another call. “Hey Don, Cory is calling, I gotta let you go. It might be about the game.”
“Ok, baby, talk to you later.”
He hangs up, but I’m not fast enough to connect with Cory, so I quickly call him back. He answers after a few rings.
“Hey! Sorry, I’m almost there, I had to change a flat tire.”
“Really? Well I’m glad you got it fixed. Unfortunately, my car is stalled. Do you think you could swing by and pick me up?”
“Oh my gosh. Are you ok?”
“Yeah, I’m fine. It must be the night for car problems.”
“No kidding, where is Trina? She might be able to get to you quicker. I think I’m at least another 20 minutes out.”
“I think she is already there. Cell service is kind of spotty, and she probably can’t hear her phone anyways.”
“You’re right, she is so bad about answering her phone. Ok, send me your location, and I’ll swing by. If she does call you back, let me know.”
“Ok, I’ll send it as soon as I get off the phone.”
“See you soon.”
He disconnects the call and soon after, I get his location through text. Not even a minute later a call from Brent comes through.
Jesus, these guys are gonna drive me nuts.
“Yes, Brent?”
A dark chuckle answers me.
He has no business being that sexy over the phone.
“I like hearing you tell me yes.”
“You’re incorrigible. What do you want?”
“A lot of things, princess.”
“Brent…seriously.”
“Fine, I just wanted to let you know I might swing by the game and keep you company.”
“Did Don put you up to this?”
“No, he doesn’t know. But I know he’s seriously stressing about you being alone.”
“Brent, I’m not going to be alone. I’ll be anything but alone. I’ll be perfectly safe.”
“I know you’re perfectly capable, but your safety is our number one priority.”
I take a deep breath and count to ten in my head. I don’t want to fight, because I know he will ultimately do what he wants and get Don involved if I don’t just let him come with me.
“Ugh, fine…you’re so annoying.”
“I can make it up to you if you want, princess”
“Stop, you’re ridiculous. I’m going to tell Don how ridiculous you’re being.”
“Who says he doesn’t already know and has no objections?”
Ugh, not that again. I swear that male is relentless, and I still don’t know how I feel about that.
“Shut up.”
He chuckles. “When will you be at the stadium?”
“Don’t tell me you’re already there.”
“Smart girl.”
“Fucking hell, Brent. Well, you’re gonna be waiting a little longer, I’m still fifteen minutes out and I have to pick up Cory. His car broke down at the park.”
“Why are you so behind?”
“I had a flat tire.”
“What? Why didn’t you message the group chat?”
“I was already on the phone with Don, and I’m perfectly capable of changing my own tire.”
“So hot. I love a female who can really work a wrench.”
I groan. He really is ridiculous. He is lucky he’s cute because he’s seriously pushing his luck.
Brent is a pleasant distraction while I drive with his silly commentary of all the people that are already at the stadium. I can’t deny that I’m secretly glad he will be there. I already consider him a good friend, and I’m not too put out by him showing up to the game to make sure I’m safe. I do wish he had asked first.
He’s in the middle of describing a small toddler throwing a fit about wanting a hot dog, and I giggle at that image. I’m trying really hard to also concentrate on where I’m going as I pull up to the park. There’s a large sign blazoned with Springville Park across it, so I know I’m in the right place, but the sun has fully set and there are hardly any street lights. A frown creases my forehead. I don’t see any cars.
“Where is he?” I thought I said that in my head, but I actually mumbled it out loud.
“Who? Cory?”
“Yeah, he said he was at the park because his car broke down.”
“Are you sure you got the right park?”
“Yessss…I got the right park. He sent me his location, and I think this is the only park in town anyways.”
I drive a little further into the park, scanning the area, trying to find any evidence of where he might be. The wind picks up, scattering random pieces of litter across the parking lot into the path of my car. My eyes jerk at movement to my left, but it’s just the swings moving back and forth in the wind. I almost tell Brent that I need to hang up and call Cory when I finally spot his car, but I don’t see him.
“You find him?” Brent’s deep voice sounds a little too loud over my car speakers, and I jump. I must have squeaked or made some sort of undignified sound because he chuckles.
“I found his car, but I’m not sure if he’s still in it. I’ll be right back, Brent.”
Leaving the car running, I hop out before he can object, but I’m pretty sure he said to keep my ass in the car. Which just makes me smirk.
My smile fades as I get up to Cory’s car and find he isn’t in it.
Where is he?
The wind whips my hair around as I search the vacant park for any sign of him. Did Trina pick him up, and I missed his call? Maybe he ran to the bathroom. The creaking of the swings makes the hairs on the back of my neck rise. He said he would be here.
“Cory!”
Maybe he isn’t too far away.
I call out louder, but I still don’t hear a response, just that incessant squeaking as the playground equipment moves with the breeze. I really dislike that sound, it grates on my nerves and makes me think of all kinds of creepy shit. I’m going to give Cory an earful when I find him. I should go back to the car and wait, make sure I don’t have a missed call from him or Trina.
A pit settles into my stomach. I’m getting a bad feeling. Lately my bad feelings happen for a reason, but then I hear him call out to me. I turn back, away from my waiting vehicle and search for where I hear his voice. He is just coming out of the tree line. A sigh of relief leaves my lungs. Why was he way out there?
I walk towards him but still remain within the light of a street lamp. “Cory, what are you doing over there? I was getting scared something happened to you.”
“Oh Kinley, something did happen to me.” His voice is all wrong and alarm bells begin ringing.
I don’t even get a chance to question him before a foul smell of decay mixed with sulfur assaults my nose. Holding back a gag, I cover my nose and mouth. Holy fuck. Don’t get sick. Don’t get sick.
“Cory, what is that smell? Are you ok?”
I’m so fucking stupid. Brent is going to kill me, and then Don will take a turn.
As he draws near, the smell grows, the howling wind blowing it directly into my face. But that isn’t enough to distract from the way he’s walking at a disjointed, erratic pace, which quickens the closer he gets to me. What is going on?
“Oh my god, Cory, did someone attack you?”
There’s a small part of me that wants to go closer to him and help, but a voice inside me demands I not go any further. In fact, it gets louder in its demands that I flee. It’s my beast, roaring for me to run, but I’m frozen in place as she pushes and pushes, trying to break free.
If only she were able to.
A menacing snarl snares my attention straight to Cory’s face, and I gasp. Black fluid oozes from his nose and eyes, and his teeth are stained black. He sneers at me, mocking my horrified expression.
“Don’t you like my new look? I did this all for you, so we could finally be together.”
Oh fuck, is he my stalker? Shit! Fuck!
No longer rooted in place by my beast, I start slowly backing away. I have to get to my car.
“Cory, what have you done?”
“I can’t let them take you from me, my little doe. I gladly sacrificed myself, opened myself to the great God, and now it’s time for you to join me. Like it was always meant to be.”
This is madness, could a poison do this? Did he take drugs? What is wrong with him? Wait, the great God?
He has gone completely insane.
Just keep him talking. I have to get to my phone and get him an ambulance, I have to tell Brent. Just keep him calm.
I continue to slowly back away.
“Cory, did you take something? You look really sick. I’m going to get you help, ok.”
“Oh, my sweet doe, I don’t need help. I just need you. You have everything I need.”
Dark energy leaches out of him. It swirls around him menacingly. That swirling dark energy triggers the fleetest of memories.
I have seen that before; I know I have. Where have I seen that before?
He continues to advance. My own powers, minuscule that they are, pulse in response to the danger. That makes him pause. A look of confusion followed quickly by devastation and then fury crosses his face.
“Did they force you? They could not have done so again. Whose scent is woven into your magic?”
I shake my head and quicken my pace. He isn’t making any sense.
If I can just get to my car…I’m so close.
“Tell me!”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about! Please, Cory, let me help you; you’re sick.”
Panic is nearly taking over my logic. I want Don; I want my mate. I will be safe with him. I need to get to Don. Or Brent.
I turn my head to see how close I am to my car. I’m almost there. When I turn back to face Cory, I instantly regret having turned away. Somehow he moved so quickly and silently that he is now right in front of me.
He moves so fast, I can’t do anything to get away. His hands grab me. Dark power zaps through me, shutting down what little power I’d managed to push forward.
I can’t help the scream that claws up my throat. The pain is immense as it invades my body. Tears leak from my eyes as my body seizes.
I’m beyond helpless. I can’t break free. He is strong—unnaturally strong. I desperately try to reach for my magic, to push him out. Every part of my being struggles to get away from him.
“Whose magic is this! Tell me now!”
My screams continued. I’m going to be sick. The smells, the magic, the fear and pain, everything is too much. Someone, help me, please.
He grabs my face, wrenching it to the side, exposing my neck. His putrid breath fills my nose as he inhales and licks up my neck. My scream becomes blood curdling. My skin. It’s burning. I thrash in his hold. I have to get free. As I struggle, my arm is released.
Riding on instinct, not allowing myself to think, I punch at his face. My only thoughts are to inflict pain and get away. I hear Cory grunt, but he doesn’t release me until my claws find purchase and dig deep into him.
I slash and dig into wherever I can reach, frantic to get away. A lucky strike gets him in the face, and he shoves me away.
