Darkness Falls (Darkness Series Book 3) (4 page)

Her face said it all.
Shit.
“Give me your phone.” I checked the stoplight to see it was still red, then quickly pressed play and brought that horrible tune back into my car. She looked at me, confused. I held up my finger to make her wait, then I forced myself to remember she was my baby sis, someone I’d give my life for. I gave her a look before I popped my collar, turned my hat around, and did it. I started to sing the lyrics, with a little douchebag dance.
Fuck me, no one better see this.

Her mouth dropped open as I sang the words just as they did. Hell, I even added hand movements.

“Oh!” She squealed and clapped her hands with an infectious laugh. “This is amazing!” She joined me at the chorus.

When the song ended, I turned down the music and gave her my scariest face. “You tell anyone what just happened here, I will deny it for the rest of my life.”

“Promise.” She giggled and beamed at me, and that made it all worth it. I turned my hat back around and smoothed down my collar. “Can I ask how you know the words?”

“I live with a woman, who loves
all
music.” I pulled into my driveway. “A woman who sings
all
the time. You tend to pick up the words after hearing them eighty-seven times.” I opened my door but noticed she didn’t. “What?”

“Shouldn’t you take me home?” I saw her eye Emily’s car. “I mean, I don’t want to overstay my welcome.”

“Mads, get out of the car.” I wrapped my arm around her shoulders as we climbed the stairs. “Just because I don’t see you much, doesn’t mean I don’t want to spend time with you. I’ll take you back later, but for now you’re staying.”

Her face lit up, then she looked past my shoulder. “Doesn’t that witch look like she’s spanking that ghost?”

“Pete,” I hissed as I steered her away from the dirty scene.

A male voice from the kitchen prompted me to step in front of Maddy. I opened the door and found Travis nursing a beer as Emily sprinkled cheese on top of a homemade pizza.

“Oh, hey, man.” Travis nodded at me as he took a swig of his beer. He didn’t rise out of his seat like a man should do. “Wow,” he said when he saw Maddy, “you must be his sister, because you’re a mini Seth.”

“I am,” she replied and smiled proudly.

“Hey, Maddy,” Emily said while she brushed her hands clean. She moved over and gave her a hug. “Hey, baby,” she said to me and gave me a kiss on the lips. Then she mouthed, “Be nice.”

“Oh my God, Emily,” Maddy said, following her over to the counter, “Seth took me to meet Zayn Malik! I got to listen to him sing, and I got a bunch of pictures.”

“Seriously?” Emily grinned at me. “From One Direction?”

“Yup!” Maddy pulled out her phone. “Look!”

“One what?” Travis asked and downed the rest of his beer. Both girls turned to look at him. “Is that a person?”

“Band,” they both answered together.

Garrett came into the kitchen but stopped when he saw Travis, who looked mighty comfortable at the table.

“Hey, Garrett.” Travis stood to get another beer, but Emily beat him to it. She pulled out three and handed us each one. Garrett gave her a quick hug before he eyed me.

“Hey, Maddy.” Garrett waved. “What are you guys looking at?”

“Don’t ask,” I muttered in fear they’d play the song again. “So, Travis, what are you doing here tonight?” Emily shot me a look, but I acted like I didn’t see it.

“I came over to borrow some flour,” he said into his beer. This guy had zero respect for me. “Guess I got caught up having a drink with Emily.”

“Or two,” Garrett added, and Emily glared at both of us.

He picked up the container of flour and placed his beer on the counter. “One and a half,” he stated, then turned to Emily. “I’ll return this later. Thanks, as always.”

“Anytime.” Em gave him a smile, but her cheeks were pink from blushing.

Once Travis was gone, she turned to both of us. “Really, guys? That was rude.”

“He’s hot,” Maddy chimed in. “Does he always wear his shirt open like that?”

“Yes,” Garrett muttered as he sank into a chair.

“Maddy.” I scowled at her.

“What?” She watched him walk through the woods. “It’s not like I stand a chance. I’m just sneaking a peek.”

Oh fuck
. “No peeking.”

“I’m fifteen, Seth.” She rolled her eyes. “A little peek is fun.”

“Ah!” I shook my head. “Just stop.”

She laughed over her shoulder as she headed for the restroom.

I glance over at Emily, who looked mighty pissed at both of us. “Must you guys be so rude to him? I would think you’d be happy he’s a friendly neighbor. He’s always home, and you aren’t. If I was to get into trouble, he’s here, a few yards away. Isn’t that just as good as having one of your babysitters?”

“No,” I said without missing a beat.

“Nope,” Garrett added. “He likes you, Em.”

“So?” She tossed the dishrag in the sink and shoved the pizzas into the oven. “I don’t like him that way. Doesn’t that count for something?”

“It should, but it doesn’t.” Garrett sipped his beer.

I crossed my arms. “When a guy like him likes a woman like you, he’ll make a move. It’s only a matter of time.”

“Okay.” She leaned against the counter, and I could see she wasn’t going to back down on this either.

“Okay?” I felt like I wasn’t going to like this answer.

“Okay, when
or
if he makes his move, I tell him no. Then if he doesn’t get that I’m not interested, I stay away. But I’m not pushing away every guy you two think likes me, or I’d have no friends.”

Garrett smacked me on the shoulder as he pulled Maddy into the living room area to give us some privacy.

“Seth,” she held her hands up, looking tired, “please, please don’t start this whole jealously thing again. First Scott, then Vince. I can’t do Travis too.”

I wanted to point out that both Scott and Vince had feelings for her at one time and probably still did, but I knew better right now.

I took a few steps so I was in front of her and cupped her cheeks so she would look at me. “Can’t blame a guy for being crazy jealous over someone flirting with what’s his, baby. Just because you don’t see it yet doesn’t mean I don’t.” I leaned forward and sealed my lips over hers, tasting the wine that lingered on her tongue. “Don’t be mad.”

She sighed when she heard Maddy in the other room. “Yeah.” She moved away to check on the pizza.

CHAPTER TWO

Avery

My body was perfectly still behind a large tree, my senses heightened to every single sound around me. I was dressed in my normal attire for when I was watching, all black. I blended perfectly, trained to stay still for endless amounts of time, and have the patience of a saint, though I was anything but.

I could see perfectly into the kitchen window, see Emily and Seth get into one of their famous fights over her blind stupidity and his over the top jealousy issues. They were a bit like oil and water.

Travis was stopped a few feet away, watching too. Little did he know I was watching him with as much curiosity. My instincts told me he was hiding something, and I knew Garrett found something because I overheard him with Seth. I made a mental note to look into him further. I had plans for Travis, and the fact he was interested in Emily and not nervous of Seth’s territorial issues made it that much more fun.

Travis suddenly looked in my direction, his eyes locked onto mine. I slipped into predator mode. I noted all the areas my knife could slice and dice into his flesh, ending his life quickly with no sound at all. I had a plastic sheet hidden a few yards away, along with some rope for times like this when it could get messy fast. My truck was a quarter of a mile due east. Travis was a big man. I would guess two hundred-some pounds, at six feet. I could carry him, but there was a chance I might have to drag him, so I would need a break. So, add all that together, if I had to kill my pawn, I’d be looking at least an hour or two of dealing with this shit.

Travis’s eyes unlocked from mine and scanned the trees. His phone grabbed his attention, and he suddenly headed back toward his house. He walked right by me. If he were to lean to his right even an inch, he’d feel me. He had no idea how close he came to being carved into something spectacular tonight.

My attention was drawn back to the window when I heard Seth’s little sister laugh. She brought the fight to a halt. Fuck! I hoped for some more tension. I guessed I’d have to step it up a notch.

***

Emily

My hands sought the warmth of my coffee, and I held it close to my chest as the cool morning breeze brushed my skin, leaving a thin layer of sea spray. My toes flexed in the sand, and the sun rose behind me. Ever since I was a child, I’d tried to beat the sunrise so we could wake together. It was like an old friend who no matter what would always be there.

I pushed last night’s events away, feeling a little a lost with them. I focused on the fact Maddy and Seth had a great day, and she seemed to be bubbling over with happiness. Lord knew the poor girl needed someone to look up to while Martha figured out how to deal with Jack’s messes. Seth’s father needed to be taken out back and dealt with.

I dug at my pocket, shocked to see Maddy was up so early.

Maddy: Have you decided on your costumes?

Emily: Why aren’t you sleeping?

Maddy: Excited! So…

I rubbed my head, trying to get my head in the game.

Emily: Yes, should be arriving today or tomorrow.

Maddy: Yay!! Will you give me a clue?

Emily: Your brother will be happy.

Maddy: So you’re going as cops?

Emily: Ha! No, you’ll just have to wait and see.

I laughed. I was lucky enough that he agreed not to go as a cop. He claimed he and Garrett already had the uniforms, and they didn’t see the point in being anything else.

Maddy: I had a lot of fun yesterday, thanks a lot.

Emily: You should know you’re welcome at our place anytime, Maddy. You never need an invite.

Maddy: Thanks, I needed to hear that. xo

I closed my eyes and breathed in some warmth from the rays and tuned in to the waves. I should get ready for school and hit up the library, but I didn’t want to move.

His warm chest found my back, and his arms wrapped around me as his legs settled in next to mine.

“Morning.” His raspy voice sent a jolt to my system. I leaned back and rested my head on his broad shoulder. I loved how I felt in his arms. “You’re up early.” I nodded and nuzzled deeper into his hold.

“I was saying hello to an old friend.”

“Oh?” he asked, then kissed my temple. “Have I met this friend?”

I looked up at him. “Yeah,” I closed my eyes and kissed his neck, “you have.”

He made the connection and remembered the last time I did this, at the beach the morning after he told me he loved me.

“What’s on your mind, baby?”

I watched as a seagull dived into the water and came back up empty. “Nothing really worth getting into.” He didn’t push; he got what I was talking about. We didn’t need to beat a dead horse again. “Seth?”

“Mmm?”

“Do you see us together in ten years?”

His left hand found mine and held it tightly. “Emily, if you’re not in my future in ten years, what is there to live for?”

I felt the passion he had for me, but was it enough? “You think, with how we are, with how stubborn and crazy we are together, we’ll make it?”

He leaned to the side to see my face. “Do you?” My finger traced circles in the sand, truly trying to find the honest answer. “Em, you fought so hard for us last year, so let me fight for us now. If you’re second guessing things, tell me now so I can make them right. I don’t want to do me without you.” His hand caught a tear I didn’t even know was falling.

“I don’t want to either,” I whispered. He waited and studied my face to see how upset I was, then moved back and pulled me closer. He wrapped his arms around my waist and rested his chin against my shoulder.

***

“How’s he holding up?” Erin asked through a bite into her apple. The library campus was surprisingly empty at three thirty in the afternoon. We decided to study outside since it was so cool, and you could smell rain in the air. I loved that scent; it meant the temperature would drop. I just hoped it held out for Martha’s Halloween party.

“All right. I guess these past four days have been interesting, considering the guy hasn’t taken more than a day off work since he started at the station. He’s visiting his mom today.”

She grinned. “You set that one up too?”

“No, this one was all him. Guess there have been some problems with Jack again.”

“Oh.” She set her book down and gave me her full attention. “Anything you’re worried about?”

“Not yet, but I guess I’ll find out tonight.” Erin fiddled with the corner of her book. I could see she was thinking about something. “Out with it, E.”

She shrugged, then looked over my shoulder. “How are you dealing with…you know, the whole thing? It’s been a year since Jimmy Lasko messed with your life.”

“Honestly…” I looked around. We were pretty much alone. “I don’t know.”

***

Avery

I sat in my normal spot, on the edge of their bed, on his side. I turned the central air down and made it abnormally cool. I liked it that way; I could think better. I hated the heat, and I only came back here because of him. I really preferred Chicago. The winters were great, and the food was decent, but it didn’t have what I needed—what I needed was here.

I removed my sneakers and leaned back on the pillows. Emily’s shampoo smell was all over the place. I turned on the TV and watched a few shows, not really paying attention, just going through the motions one would if they lived here.

My eyes fell on a new picture on the dresser. It was of Seth’s family. Everyone was there but his father. I closed my eyes and tried to remember the last time I ever saw my family’s picture. No, I couldn’t even imagine it. I didn’t think we ever did one, but there wasn’t really much time.

“Zooommm.” I ran around the living room with a sheet tied my around my neck. I pretended to be a superhero. My arms were stuck out straight, and I imagined myself flying above the clouds at lightning speed. “I see you,” I shouted to the bad guy below, stealing a motorbike. I dived to the ground, rolled under a chair, and dodged the laser beams that just missed my arm. I jumped up and grabbed the bad guy, which was actually my teddy bear Digger, and tackled him to the ground. I held him in a super death grip that no one could escape from.

“Shut up, boy!” My father chucked the TV remote at me, and it smacked me in the cheek. The impact split the skin, but I didn’t say anything. I was not even allowed to cry–that only made him angrier. I quickly stood up and held Digger as a shield between us and handed the remote back to him. “You wanna see my belt again?” he screamed in my face. Spit striking my cheek felt like acid, but I didn’t dare wipe it off.

“No, Father,” I whispered while I lowered my head.

“Get the fuck outside. I don’t want to see your face until tomorrow.”

“Okay.” I hurried to the back, pulled open the patio door, stepped out onto the cold cement slab, and wished I had grabbed my shoes. I took two steps at a time as I made my way up to the treehouse tucked away out of sight of the house. It was the only place where my father couldn’t hurt me. I pushed the trap door up and lifted myself onto the floor.

It was nothing like other kids’ treehouses, but it was mine and Jims’s. We kept what we needed up there for times like this. I covered my shivering body with a blanket, then I tucked Digger in and made sure he was warm. I opened the plastic container where we kept our emergency supply of food. Crackers and peanut butter got old, but it was better than being down there with him. I peeked through a crack in the branches where I could see the lights flicker from the TV as my father had another beer. He drank a lot, and he hit a lot too. He said our cries made him mad. He hit everyone but Julia, and I wasn’t sure why. I hated Julia, but Jims made sure she was never alone with me. I guessed because she was so mean. The moonlight was bright enough so I didn’t need to waste the flashlight batteries. The comics were in a sack next to me. I chose my favorite and pretended I was Clark Kent until my eyes grew heavy.

Gunshots from the TV brought me back to the present, but the feelings from my memory still weighed heavily in my chest
.

I turned off the TV, smoothed the bedspread back in place, and puffed the pillow to leave no trace of an intruder. I knew I shouldn’t, but I turned the picture frame around. Sometimes I just couldn’t help myself. I scanned the room, when I suddenly heard footsteps on the stairs.
Shit!
They must have come in when I was lost in my memories. I hurried across the room and in behind the huge velvet curtain that concealed my body perfectly.

“I swear, Pete, if I come home to one more orgy—” I leaned to the side just enough so my left eye peeked out and saw Emily on the phone. She put him on speaker and tossed it on the bed. “I don’t care if you think it’s funny, people are going to think it’s me doing it.” She pulled her dress off over her head and kicked it to the side. I slid my phone out of my pocket and snapped a few photos. Emily was like a lingerie magazine; she always matched. Today she had a soft pink and black lace set that showed off half her perky ass. Her plump breasts jiggled as she laughed at something Pete said. She was a pretty little thing, and I knew why Seth was so damn protective. Any man with a dick wanted a piece of her. Didn’t help that some of the guys talked about how they screwed in the on-call room. She was a wild one in bed, and I knew she was up for anything. I knew because I watched all the time. She loved to give up control, loved to be completely dominated by him.

I was hard, not for her, but for the idea of a woman giving herself over completely. I’d screw Emily, but it’d be like used goods. She belonged to Jims, not me. I took a deep breath and forced my control to come back. I couldn’t afford to lose it now. She moved into the bathroom and ran the shower. I stepped from behind the curtain, about to make my way out the door, when she came back into the room. She stopped three feet in front of me. I froze. Thank God her head was down, hair flung forward as she scooped it into a ponytail. I took two swift steps behind the closet door just as her head came back up. I was not seen. She grabbed her phone and disappeared into the bathroom.

The edges of my mouth rose as the high spread through me. I got this rush. It happened a lot with Emily, almost daily. I loved to play with my pawns.

A car door slammed, and I hurried to the window to see a FedEx truck driver on his way up the driveway. I hurried down the stairs and caught him at the door.

***