Creatus (Creatus Series) (7 page)

Chapter Eight

Kris shivered again. She gathered the blanket tighter around her shoulders, hoping Derrick wouldn’t think she was afraid of him. Because she wasn’t. “So your family is concerned if you and I don’t work out…” she trailed off, understanding what Derrick had been trying to impress on her.
Forever
. One man, well… one creatus,
forever
.

Derrick pulled her to his chest, his hand running
the length of her back. “I would never let anyone hurt you, Kristina. No matter what. I’d die first.”

“But then we’d both die,” she whispered.

She felt the subtle movement of his head. He’d nodded without realizing, she was certain. “I trust you, Kristina. If you’d rather walk away now, I’ll let you go. No one will ever know, and you can live out your life as if you’d never proved I existed with your death-defying stunt.”

Kris huffed out a chuckle. “As if that were even possible.” She turned in his arms again. “I’m not going anywhere, Derrick.” She gazed up at his face, struggling to make out his features in the dim light. “You said you’ve fallen, and that you don’t fall twice.” She felt his chest fill and release. “Is it possible I’ve ‘fallen’ too? Can that happen? Because I swear when you kissed me, I felt something. But then we stopped...”

“Yes,” he murmured. “You’ll feel it inside. It’s painful at first, as if something wants possession of your soul. But when you accept it, when you open up to it, the warmth surges through your body. An electricity flares through every nerve ending, and you feel light, as if your body could just float away on its own.”

“Do you feel that way now?” she asked, hoping he did, but frightened of what that might mean. What if it didn’t happen to her? Was it even possible for a human to fall as he had said? She’d never felt anything like she’d experienced when he kissed her in her apartment, but was that just
the anticipation of a first kiss from the man she’d dreamed about nearly every night?

“Yes. I felt it fighting to take control. And I’d blocked it until you mentioned being with another man.” A burst of air left his lungs. “It enveloped me t
hen. Because the thought of you—”

“Then how could I ever leave you?” She lifted her head to his, wanting to give into the feeling.

Derrick dipped his head, brushing his lips across hers as he’d done earlier. “I don’t want you to ever leave me. I want you to stay, but I’m afraid—”

“Kiss me, Derrick. Possess me,” she whispered. “Make me yours. I want to stay with you.”

Without hesitation this time, his mouth parted, taking hers completely. The tip of his tongue touched her lips and her mouth fell open, accepting him. He lowered her onto his lap, his arms folding completely around her, cocooning her to his body. He moved his hand behind her neck, locking her in his embrace.

Every nerve ignited as if she were on fire. Red-hot heat radiated through her body, singeing every molecule without actually burning her. Instinctively, she started to pull back against the fiery emotion, but Derrick held her tightly, refusing to let her go as the fire soared through her veins, radiating under her skin. Her body felt as if it would combust. His mouth pressed harder as her body writhed with a somehow joyous pain. She wanted to contest the burning in her stomach, in her loins, but her mind told her it was a good pain. Her heart raced, pounding out a vicious rhythm, and Derrick pulled her even closer, refusing to break the kiss.

Her muscles seized then tingled, and she realized what her body was experiencing. The most intense orgasm she had ever felt—from a kiss. She gave into it then, feeling the blood rush through her system, an intense heat radiating throughout every molecule in her body. And then she felt a magnificent high. A surge of pleasure she’d never experienced via any man, drug, or alcohol. Her body melted as Derrick finally retracted, but the fullness of his drug remained in her veins, completing her, making her his. “Wow…” was the only word she could push out of her mouth.

Chapter Nine

“
That was some kiss.
”

Derrick whipped his head to the sound of his brother’s voice. He focused his eyes on the top of the Chart House, knowing that’s where he’d be hiding. Away from human eyes and ears, but still able to see and communicate with him.

“Excuse me, Kristina.” Derrick stood and gestured that she should stay sitting when she bounced up next to him. “I’m sorry. I’ll be right back.” Her eyes spoke volumes. Sadness, rejection, fear. He lifted her hands to his lips. “I’ve
fallen
completely. I will never leave you now, nor will anyone ever take you away. But… we have a visitor I need to handle.” He lowered her hands. “I’ll only be a few feet away. Okay?”

“Okay,” she said on a sigh, confusion clear in her eyes.

When she settled herself down on the blanket, he sprinted to the end of the park. It was too dark for her, but he could see her straining to see where he’d gone.

Michael landed in front of him with a soft thump. “Did you fall?”

As usual, no pleasantries. His brother had the personality of a doormat. Did he really think Derrick would ever allow anyone to hurt Kristina even if he hadn’t?

“Yes. Completely,” Derrick admitted, even though he didn’t want to tell him. The act was personal. Something he’d waited his entire life to experience, but instead of enjoying the moment with Kristina, he had to address his brother’s queries. Michael was lucky he hadn’t already knocked him to the ground so that he could
return to Kristina.

His brother closed his eyes and shook his head. “More importantly
… did she?”

“I’m pretty sure, but you sort of interrupted us, you perv. Couldn’t you have waited for me to call you in the morning?”

Michael huffed out a silvery breath in the cool night air. “No. There’s a problem and you know it. When were you going to tell me about the detective?”

Derrick grabbed his brother’s shoulders and shook him. “What the hell, Michael? Are you bugging my home? I know you have your spies, but you have no right to defile my personal space.”

Michael shoved his hands off him and backed up a step. “I don’t need to bug your house. I have my own sources. If you’d been paying attention to the news and not your girlfriend for the last few days, you’d know we have some major problems other than the detective. I’ve been handling everything while you’re off playing with your new toy.”

His blood pressure rising, Derrick stepped toward his brother again. “That’s enough! Speak
disrespectfully about Kristina again and we’ll finish everything here.” When Michael bobbed his head in understanding, Derrick continued, “What problems?”

“We’ll discuss it tomorrow. I assume you’ll be introducing your bride to the family.”

Derrick nodded.

Michael raised an eyebrow, a sideways smile lifting his rounder ch
eek. His brother was the only creatus he’d seen who actually had dimples. It sort of detracted from his bad-boy guise, which Derrick never minded pointing out. “You want me to tell Vic,” his brother taunted.

“No, I don’t want you to tell Vic,” Derrick growled. “I’d rather do it in person.”

“You’re going to risk Vic seeing Kristina?”

“Do I have a choice?”

Michael shook his head. “Not really. It’ll happen eventually. I’ll just let everyone know you’re coming. We need to gather to discuss what’s been going on anyway. Make sure you watch the news when you get home. I’m sure there’ll be another one tonight.”

Derrick narrowed his eyes, shaking his head. “Please tell me you’re wrong.”

“Wish I could tell you that. But there’s no doubt. We have a rogue creatus.”

Derrick took his time walking back to Kristina. Only officially in his life a few days and he’d have to remind her that his kind was the most dangerous of all serial killers. He definitely didn’t want her out of his sight either, which he was certain would turn into an issue. Especially since he’d just insisted he wasn’t controlling and that she could do as she pleased.

The problem was that if there was a rogue, more than likely they
were acquainted with the creatus, which meant they’d eventually meet Kristina. It couldn’t be anyone in Boston, though. Other than a few who’d come to live with their group over the years, most of the creatus he’d known since he was a child. None of them was capable of such atrocious acts. Sadly, it usually wasn’t about food when there was a rogue among them, but about hatred and a thrill. They enjoyed the chase, reveled in the fact they were superior. With their heightened senses and strength, the chances of a human detective catching them were nil. They’d hear or smell authorities a mile away, and then they’d outrun them.

Thankfully, that’s where Michael came in. His brother was a true detective. He’d hunt the rogue down and dispose of him before he created a nightmare they’d have to clean up.

Derrick stepped in front of Kristina, startling her. “It’s okay. It’s me.”

She jumped to her feet. “Oh, thank God! I’ve never been in the park this late. It’s scary. Every shadow seemed to come to life.” She glanced to the left. “I swear I heard someone breathing.”

He smiled to assure her, but then glanced in the direction she’d looked. He saw nothing, but that wasn’t unusual. If it were the rogue, he’d know how far to stay away, and he would have bolted the moment Derrick approached. He’d have to keep an eye out for the perpetrator. Unfortunately, creatus didn’t look or smell any different from humans. Their chemical makeup was so alike that his kind often wondered if the same superior being had created both species.

Derrick wrapped his arm around Kristina’s waist. “Let’s go home.”

Kristina leaned against him without a word, content it seemed just to be with him. The idea sent a thrill through his system. He’d worried for six years for no reason. Kristina had accepted him without question. The one nice thing about falling was that it could not be faked or forced. Lord knows he’d tried. He’d attempted to fall for one of his kind, but it’d never happened. Now they could move ahead with their lives without any concerns. His family could not argue since she’d fallen too.

After the valet brought his vehicle around—with no scratches or reek of cigarettes—he exchanged the keys for a generous tip and then closed Kristina inside.

“Derrick, when you said ‘Let’s go home…’” Kristina started as soon as he sat down in the driver’s seat. “Um… what exactly did you mean?”

“Well, I have a spare
bedroom, if that’s what you’re worried about.”

She cleared her throat. “I’m not worried, but I have to go to my apartment.”

“Of course. We can get your things—”

“No
… that’s not what I mean. I have plants that I need to take care of.”

He laughed, but then stopped when he realized she was serious. “Plants?”

“Yes, plants. They need watered and they need air. They’ve been closed up in the house for days.”

“You’re kidding, right?”

This time Kristina crossed her arms over her chest. “No, I’m not kidding.”

He turned in the direction of her apartment.
Plants
? He’d understand a kitten or a puppy, but plants?

Derrick parked in front of Kristina’s apartment and hopped out. With a quick glance around, he dashed to her side of the vehicle to open the door.

She glanced up at him, eyes wide. “You’re such a gentleman, Derrick. I’m not used to this.”

He took her hand and led her to the doors of the building. “Get accustomed to it; it’s who I am.” He pulled her close as they stepped in front of the door. “Would you please water your plants and come home with me?”

“Derrick, I like my bed. I know you have a fancy apartment, but I like my place. I haven’t been home in days. My plants need my carbon dioxide too.”

“The point is
… my condo is safe.” He shook his head. “I can’t believe… plants. I never would have guessed?” He nudged her chin up with one finger. “I’ll worry about you all night.”

“I know it’s not the best neighborhood, but I’ve never had any problems.” She curled her body against his. “You could stay here…” she hedged. “I have a comfy sofa.”

He lowered his head and narrowed his eyes. “If I stayed here, there’s no way I could stay on the sofa.”

Kristina licked her lips in response. “Works for me.”

Derrick opened the door and pulled her through the doorway. Anxious to get to the third floor, he moved to the middle of the stairwell and listened for a second. Nothing. He was familiar with each tenant’s voice. They were all doing something other than traveling the corridors. “Works for me too.” He pulled Kristina up in his arms.

She whooshed out a breath in response. “
Um… you’re going to carry me up three flights of stairs?”

“Nope. I’m going to jump three flights of stairs. Ready?”

She bit down on her bottom lip, but nodded.

Derrick knew the exact force; he’d done this many times in the last two years since she’d moved into the building. He softened his knees and propelled himself off the concrete, soaring upward and over the railing, landing in front of her door.

He felt Kristina’s heart pound against his chest, but she smiled. “Well, that was different.” She laughed. “Whew! The blood is rushing to my head. Give me a second to get my bearings before you let me down. I think my feet are still on the ground level.”

Derrick continued to hold her in his arms as she handed him the keys. “I can hold you as long as you wish. You weigh practically nothing, and I rather like having you this close.” He unlocked and pushed open the door.

As he stood in her tiny living room, he dipped his head to hers. Her lips parted and he sealed his mouth to hers. Walking to the sofa, his lips still pressed to hers, he sat with her in his arms.

Kristina wrapped her arms around his neck, her hands moving through his hair. It felt so good. He didn’t ever want to let her go. How did people function? He couldn’t imagine having to go to work or eat, or anything for that matter. He wanted to lie down beside her and never leave her side. His father had tried to explain to him once, but it was difficult to understand. Hard to comprehend how you could want one person forever. He’d liked women before, thought that he could make it work, but the couple times he’d mentioned to his father that he thought that maybe he’d felt something, his father had laughed. He’d bellowed,
“When it happens, you’ll know. It’s like nothing you’ve ever felt.”

His father had been correct. Derrick had been a fool to think he could have forced this with anyone other than Kristina. He’d been in love with her spirit for too long. His soul had known all along what it wanted.

Kristina pulled back, smiling. “As much as I don’t want to stop kissing you, Derrick. I really need to take care of my plants.”

He sighed, running his hands through his hair. “Tell me what we have to do, please. I never thought I’d be upstaged by plants.”

She scooted off his lap and sauntered toward the kitchen, shaking more than she had to he was certain. Unable to resist, he followed. As she filled the pitchers in the sink, he nuzzled against her. Her body squirmed beneath him as the heat of his breath tickled her neck. He moved his hands down the length of her arms, pulling the first pitcher up to the counter. He pressed his mouth against her skin and she cooed in response.

He lifted the second vessel out of the sink and she turned in his arms,
inching her fingers up his shirt, unbuttoning it along the way. When she had it completely undone, he allowed her to move it off his shoulders, throwing it over a chair at the dinette.

Kristina ran both hands over his chest and down his arms. “Are you trying to distract me?”

He smiled. “I was filling water pitchers. You’re the one who started undressing me.”

“Maybe they can wait until morning,” she said, drawing out her words slowly, in the sexiest voice he’d ever heard.

“Oh, no. We’re watering these plants now.” He drew up one of the canisters and headed over to the first window, then whooshed through the house before Kristina could move toward the first plant. He appeared in front of her, an empty water canister in his hands. “Done!” He whisked her off her feet and carried her to the bedroom.

“Aww
… you didn’t show them any love. You have to talk to them so they can get their life-sustaining carbon dioxide—”

Derrick pressed his lips over hers, cutting off her words. He lowered her to
the bed and crawled over top of her.
Stupid plants
, he thought. Thankfully, Kristina seemed to forget about her foliage as her hands traveled over his shoulders and across his back. He groaned with pleasure, wanting her fully. His body lit up, ready to partake, but he pulled away. “We’re not going to do anything tonight, Kristina.”

She crinkled her eyebrows together. “What do you mean? Why?”

“It’s just not right. Not yet.”

“But you said—”

He rested his fingers over her lips. “I know. We’re committed. But it’s still our first night together. It just doesn’t feel right. I want it to be more romantic, more of a buildup.”