Page 32 of Creature's Vengeance
My lower lip jutted out as I hiccupped. I was going to cry. No, not just cry. I was going to fucking lose it. Inside, deep in my belly, it felt like a monster was trying to claw its way out. I began to shake as Lark lifted her arms.
“Can I give you a hug?”
“Yes,” I blubbered as my body seemed to have a mind of its own. I trembled as ice shot through my veins. My vision blurred, darkening around the edges. A sob left my lips. “He’s dead.”
“Yes. He can’t hurt you. He’s gone.”
Having someone else say the words made it real. I was attacked. The masked man held a knife. He tried to stab me several times.
I. Almost.Died.
“He tried to kill me.”
And he almost succeeded.
I stared at the blood on my hand, lifting it toward my face to stare at the tiny cuts.
Someone handed Lark a washcloth.
“Here,” she softly replied, “I’m going to wrap your hand to stop the bleeding. Okay?”
Her gentleness broke the barrier my mind had erected to keep me protected. I could breathe easier, and my chest didn’t feel so tight.
“Blair?” Creature crouched in front of us. “Baby, I’m so sorry I didn’t get here fast enough.” His eyes held pain and fury—a volatile combination.
“Balen,” I cried.
He dropped to his knees and pulled me into his embrace. “Fuck. I thought I lost you for a minute.”
He did. I almost went back to that dark place—the one I swore never to enter again, the place where hope didn’t exist.
“I’m here. I’m not leaving you again.”
Tears finally broke free, slipping over my cheeks as I buried my head next to his neck and wept. My shoulders shook as the cries ripped through me. I couldn’t seem to stop.
He must have sensed it. “It’s okay. You cry as long as you need. Let it all out, Blair. I’m your rock. I can take it.”
My rock.
I didn’t have one, not since I was a girl. My father had been that rock, and he was cruelly yanked away. Ever since, I doubted anyone could ever love, cherish, or protect me like he did. No one ever wanted to be the man who could fill such impossible shoes.
But with Creature, with Balen, I found a soul worthy of that task. We didn’t know each other well yet. There was a lot tolearn, but that didn’t mean we weren’t supposed to give it a try. Besides, I knew enough about his character to confirm he was a good man.
Creature had come to my rescue twice now. In truth, he saved my life both times. That was a powerful connection to share with another human being. He didn’t have to stop and help me the first time, and he didn’t have to kill the man who came after me tonight.
Balen “Creature” Hobbs was my hero.
No one would ever be able to convince me otherwise.
He stood, lifting me as he rose to his feet, striding toward the door. “Don’t look.”
I squeezed my eyes shut, burying my face in his neck. My tears were still drying on his skin.
He held me tighter, turning his head to nuzzle my cheek.
That one simple action, so sweet, so unbelievably gentle, cracked my heart open. And in the same moment, Creature took up residence inside.
Chapter 10 Creature
