Creatus

you know every guy I’ve ever dated.”

“Not every one of them. I tried to ignore them for the most part. I only followed you to the frat party because I knew it wasn’t a good idea.”

She peeked at him out of the corner of her eye. “Did I thank you for that by the way? He would have raped me.”

Unable to comment through his gritted teeth, he nodded his acceptance of her gratitude. The only thing that mollified him was the fact that when he sought the degenerate out a few days later, he was happy to learn he’d broken both his legs and his arm when he’d thrown him against the brick wall after pulling him off Kristina. He’d also been expelled for contributing to a minor when Derrick handed the Dean of Students papers on Kristina’s condition, courtesy of his medical office. “He got his reward,” he said flatly.

Kristina’s mouth turned up slightly at the edges, which caused a smile to spread across his face as well. “So I heard.”

She should have known he wouldn’t have let him get away with hurting her. Seemingly content, Kristina played with the radio controls on the steering wheel, finding a soft rock station that he’d preprogrammed. Within seconds, she sang along to an eighties’ Phil Collins song, surprising him. He wanted to comment on the fact that he thought she’d only listened to new age music, but held his tongue. She had a beautiful voice. How had he never known that? He’d known her for fourteen years and didn’t know she could sing like an angel.

Derrick turned his attention to his iPhone while Kristina’s voice filled the vehicle, surrounding him in an almost palpable warmth that flowed through his body. He was definitely looking forward to the next few days.

Yes, he almost shouted. He couldn’t believe his luck. They had a room. The luxury tower suite. It was eight hundred fifty dollars a night, but it was the only package that included a king-sized bed. But it also came with a spa treatment per adult per day. Kristina would enjoy that. He made the reservation and then researched all the activities he’d surprise her with later.

And then, he had the best idea. He found the contact information and typed out a quick email.

Kristina pulled up outside the Manchester City Hall, and Derrick looked up at the gray and beige building and then smiled when he saw the business next door. “Let’s run into Pearson’s first,” he suggested.

She peered in the direction he was looking at the jewelry shop next door. “Oh, perfect. I was wondering about that.”

As they walked up to the red awning, he turned to her. “Are you sure, Kristina? It’s not too late to change your mind.”

She patted his chest and huffed out a breath. “Um…” she trailed off, shaking her head. “Do you not know how I feel? You described it perfectly before our incredible kiss in the park. How can you think for a second that it’s not too late?” She removed her hands from his chest and rested them on her hips. “It’s way past too late, Derrick. We’ve been linked as long as I can remember. This is just the next step.”

Chapter Twenty-six

A few days of peace, Derrick? Not on your life, the rogue mocked silently as the running lights of the Navigator faded in the distance.

Like hunting prey, it would be fun to attack when the newlyweds thought they were safe. The lovely couple could have their honeymoon, but then it was time for retribution.

The new groom thought he was special, but Derrick wasn’t the only one with a human for a parent. Why they were stronger didn’t make any sense, but then again, neither did the hatred. Humans were the only beings more repulsive than Derrick. And as a human and Derrick’s wife, Kristina topped the list. Orchestrating and watching her die would be enjoyable. And after her death, Derrick would be putty. He’d no longer be able to function as overseer.

And then, the army would amass, ready to fight. No doubt when creatus realized someone was willing to take on humans, they’d want to join. Why would they want to continue to live in the shadows as they’d done for four thousand years? It was time creatus took over this planet and lived as they wanted, ate as they desired, killed anyone who stood in the way.

They were more powerful for a reason, and as one of the most powerful of their kind, it only made sense to lead.

Chapter Twenty-seven

As Derrick hung a left onto Fairway Drive, Kris saw the red rooftop and white stucco of the resort, which backed up against a snowcapped mountain range. He still hadn’t given her the name and refused to let her peek at his phone even when she said she was just going to search his music list.

When he rounded Mount Washington Hotel Road, she gasped, throwing her hand over her mouth at the same time tears poured from her eyes. It was like no place she’d ever seen in her life; even her dreams of her fairy-tale honeymoon had never looked so incredible.

The sun had started to set, but the rays reflecting off the snowy landscape made it seem brighter around the hotel as they cast the magnificent structure in a globe of light. The sky was a royal blue, and the horizon looked as if the sun had just melted into layers of yellow and pink streaks across the mountain peaks.

The Omni Mount Washington Resort was breathtaking. It resembled a chalet she could only envision seeing in Sweden or Colorado. She had no idea places as these existed within a couple hours of Boston.

It was a good thing they stopped at the Mall of New Hampshire in Manchester, because she didn’t think she’d ever want to leave. Derrick had practically purchased her an entire wardrobe along with all her toiletries and luggage, since she’d admitted—after much prodding—that other than a couple gym bags, she didn’t have any suitcases. And yet, he had only purchased a few things for himself.

She was thankful for the long wool overcoat they’d chosen together as she peered out of the vehicle. Every square inch of the property that didn’t have evergreen trees had a blanket of white.

After parking, they strolled into the entrance, careful to take their time to absorb all the beauty that surrounded them. Massive rows of white pillars atop wood floors covered by area rugs greeted them as they entered the lobby. Chandeliers, ornate crown moldings, and intricate woodwork adorned the great hall as her eyes traveled up to the twenty-some-foot ceilings. Her eyes gobbled up the lavishly, but tastefully embellished hotel. From the white wainscoting to the cherry wood banisters and gold draperies that contrasted brilliantly with the pale-yellow and cream-colored walls. Soft light filled the immense room from the lamps on tables scattered every few feet next to cozy wingback chairs waiting for a reader to curl up with a classic novel.

Before they headed to their suite, they meandered through several more rooms. Each destination had its own flair, whether it was small and cozy with a stone fireplace or grand and open, as the great hall. He trailed her through a small pub typical of New England with its deep stained wood and plush chairs and then into a nightclub that the hotel had dubbed The Cave due to its granite and stone clad walls. Kris imagined they could stay a month and not see every nook.

They trailed along a high porch overlooking Mount Washington, stopping to take in the last of the day’s light as it liquefied behind the range. Kris rested against the railing and peered out at the majesty and splendor sprawled before her.

Derrick moved up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist as he dipped his head to her ear. “What do you think?”

She leaned against him and he tightened his grip, molding her to his body. “I think it’s incredible; you’re incredible.” She inhaled a mouthful of the brisk mountain air and then released it in a soft sigh of delight. “Thank you.”

“My pleasure, my bride.” He pressed his lips to the bottom of her neck, working tiny kisses up toward her ear. “Ready to find our room, Mrs. Ashton?”

Kris turned in his arms. “Oh, yes.”