Page 84 of Hollyhocks

“Just because she is my neighbor doesn’t mean anything. I’m barely home as it is. Maybe I can leave her a message for you.”

“I think you’re lying. You reek of the scent we found in the woods.”

I have no idea what they are talking about, but I do feel caught. I forgot about her scent. Of course they can smell her.

“That was our van. I want to know where the fuck the money is.”

Holly hasn’t told me the entire truth about how she got here. I don’t know anything about the van or money.

“I’m sorry, fellas. I have no clue about the van or money. I’ll let her know your concerns though.”

“How about you stop the bullshit? Either you give her to us or I’m going to kill you and burn everything in this house and your house down.” Smoke drifts from his nose, reminding me of Creed.

He’s part dragon. I wonder if this guy is too.

“There’s no need for the hostility guys. I’m only trying to help you.”

In a blur, they are both standing in front of me.

Oh, shit.

They are part vampire like Creed and Rhett. If I’m not careful, I don’t stand a fucking chance. I can’t hide the slight fear stuttering in my heart. I’m fucking human. Anyone who says they wouldn’t be scared in this situation is a fucking liar. Unless they have the ability to match these two standing in front of me.

“I smell her on you. Did she tell you what she did to our mate?”

My heart falls out of my chest when I hear those words. I continue to play stupid. “I don’t know what you’re talking about guys. I really don’t. I don’t know who you are looking for.”

He pulls down his hood and snakes his hand out so fast, I don’t have time to defend myself. His nails lengthen, the sharp points threatening to sink into my jugular. I’m afraid to swallow. His claws might rip my skin open with a simple movement.

“I smell her all over you. Not only do you know her, you’re claimed. She’s your mate.”

“A mate for a mate, Rolo?” The other guy finally speaks up. “I think that’s fair.”

“You know what? I think you’re right. And then, I’m going to take your mate,” he snarls in my face. “After I’ve killed you. And I’m going to torture her for what she did.”

My eyes narrow at him. “Good luck with that. She is going to chew you up and spit you out.”

He growls, picks me up by my throat, and then throws me across my lawn. My back slams against the tree in my yard. Pain ripples down my spine and I grunt when I hit the ground.

The gun falls from my waistband and onto the grass behind me. I stay where I am so I can at least have access to a weapon. I’m not sure if bullets will kill them but I have to try to slow them down.

I pat the ground behind me, searching for the Glock. Every second feels like a century. They use their advanced speed and right as I wrap my fingers around the barrel, lift the gun, pull the hammer back, and aim, glass shatters from up above me.

Pieces fall onto my head, a larger shard skewing my forearm.

“Fuck!” I shout, having to drop my weapon.

Holly lands in front of me, wings spread like a guardian angel. Her wingspan is impressive. Fully stretched wide, they must be the largest wings I have ever seen. Her feathers shine in the rare light beaming from the sky.

“You made a mistake threatening my mate,” Holly hisses.

“We will leave you alone if you give us the money you stole from us.”

“You mean the money you stole first?” Holly asks, morphing into the human I met her as. “Does this help you have this conversation?”

I still see her beast just like I did before, only it’s more like a shadow. I understand now. She was trying to disguise herself around me. I wasn’t losing my mind. I was seeing her for her only I didn’t know it at the time.

“I can take her form because I killed her. I will forever be able to take her form.”

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