Welcome
“We’re here.’’
Kate sat up. Rubbing the sleep from her eyes to take it all in. Yes, they were here all right, and it fit the picture.
She watched, entranced at the small specks of moonlight transforming the thick carpet of snow into glittering diamonds. It would have been beautiful, but now, it was only comical.
Maybe inside there’d be a bed with a big bad wolf in it. Nah, couldn’t be. The wolf was already standing right beside her passenger door.
The man opened it without hesitation, of course he did. She’d fought sleep at every single turn in the road, determined to see where he was taking her, only to see there were no houses around for miles and miles. She was in no man’s land.
And the only person around with a heartbeat now graciously extended his hand for her to take. She merely glanced at it, tiny scars littered his palm. Most likely inflicted by fellow victims, she dared guess they had never made it as far as she had.
Then again, perhaps her demise lay waiting for her in this house, holding its breath for her to cross its threshold and forever keep her in its claws.
Wow, Kate. That is a positive mindset even for you.
If anything she really was a realist. Low expectations equaled zero disappointments. Life teaches you handy things like that.
She ignored his attempt at chivalry, jumping out of the car on her own. The result was pinpricks shooting through her legs as soon as she made contact with the frost-bitten ground and stumbled slightly. He did his best to hide the faint flicker of amusement crossing his face. But she’d caught it.
He merely shrugged before turning to pop the trunk, taking hold of two black bags before striding up to the house. He didn’t even glance back. Taking the five steps leading up to his place with grace before disappearing from view.
A deep sigh escaped. Heart weighing heavy, she took another look around. But in this weather, with this solitary location. Making a run for it now, with the clothes hanging from her frame, would be a suicide mission. And he knew she knew it.
Into the wolf’s den I go.
She tried to hide it, the way her legs shook like pudding with fear thrumming through every fiber of her being. But they got her to the porch, just five steps up.
It took her longer than she dared admit, part stalling, part the numbness that was slowly taking over. The wood groaned beneath her weight. Warning the owner of her arrival.
Just like it had at… well, home. The word didn’t fit, it never had. But what other word could she use to describe where she’d spent most of her childhood?
Nothing to reminisce on now, the house awaited. Inside, the lights were beckoning at her, Come in, come in! While a hint of warmth brushed up against her numb cheeks.
One final glance over her shoulder showed the car she’d been in, a black Volvo, sitting deserted on the near-endless driveway. Hedges of frost laden roses half obscuring it. The moon, a sliver of silver in the sky, seemed to stare down on her.
If she had been as religious as her foster family, this would have been a perfect moment to send up words of prayer. But she’d long since lost the faith, and so without further ado, she stepped into the house.
***
No blood coated the grey concrete flooring, no marks of cruelty littered the house. But there was a… wolf?!
The large beast approached her, nails clicking lightly over the floor. Its amber eyes were fixed on her, fur as white as the winter wonderland outside. Kate froze. Arms hanging by her side. Trying to appear as non-threatening as she could.
Is this the way he’s going to get rid of me?
The animal was nearly upon her now, chin raised high, sniffing the fresh meat that had landed on its doorstep. There it was. Kate’s eyes closed on instinct, until… soft fur grazed her fingers. The wolf’s large head pushed underneath her hand in an invitation.
“Hmmm, seems like you’ve made yourself a friend.’’ The killer remarked, but she barely heard it.
Carefully she grazed through the hairy coat, getting another little nudge in return.
Those eyes… they betrayed intelligence. But not just that, her chest lit up, a glow spreading throughout her core. It saw her.
She bent down on one knee, a chuckle escaping her as the wolf flung itself against her. Kate braced a hand on the floor, desperately clinging to her balance. While her lips did something they hadn’t done in a long, long while. The corners of her mouth sore but they expanded into a… smile.
A question rolled off her tongue, too fast for her to swallow. “What is it? A wolf or?’’
A laugh erupted from the man. “A wolf? No. Though I can see the comparison with him.’’
He was leaning against the kitchen counter, arms braced in front of him. “Ghost is a dog, a very large one at that.’’
Ghost. Yes, the name was right. She could imagine how the dog, still leaning heavily against her legs, was able to become one with the outside decor.
‘‘You must be some animal lover.’’ At her questioning glance he clarified. “He isn’t really a people-dog.’’ The man chuckled at his own quip. “He’s more of an introvert you see.’’ He raised his eyebrows as Ghost wrapped himself around her leg.
For a second her muscles had found relief. But then reality knocked on her mind’s door.
There must be something wrong with me. Cuddling with a killer’s dog. In his house for goodness sake.
She pushed up, trembling with the effort while Ghost padded off, tail wiggling excitedly when her would-be killer bent down to cuddle the dog under his chin. Guess the tales about animals sensing intent were a myth. He probably held the dog in his pocket with treats. Jep, that must be it.
Time to see what we’re working with here.
Oddly, there were no windows allowing light to slip in from the front of the house.
But at the side was an entire wall made up of glass, and a grand piano sat waiting in front of it, gleaming in the light of the moon.
A Steinway… her fingers itched. She’d never played any instrument, but there had always been that dream.
And aside from it, even worse. Rows and rows of books.
Stacked tightly against each other, even on top of each other.
As if there would never be enough space. Something Kate could agree with.
Open space everywhere her head swiveled to. Seven stoves graced the middle of the kitchen, silver handles polished clean, white marble topped the island with a fruit basket placed neatly in the center. A working space most chefs would be jealous of.
And so clean it might as well have been staged.
Seemed like his career choices kept him well fed, which could only mean her family’s demise was a paid job. Something to circle back to later, when their killer wasn’t clocking her every move. He was watching her closely with the black bags resting at his feet.
Her shoulders straightened up, chin lifting under his scrutiny. She felt like a doll, one where you pull on the string to see what it does. The warmth she’d felt earlier left behind a hollow cave of uncertainty.
Kate opened her lips. Ready to give him a piece of her thoughts, when he pushed off the wall. Disappearing into the hall beside the kitchen. Leaving her in Ghost’s company.
Silence. But no, not quite…
A low buzzing sound grated in her ears. Brows furrowed, she swiveled around.
The display of the rather impressive music installation behind her was dark, no clock framed the walls. Raising her head to the ceiling, she spotted it. A white casing holding a black orb, cameras.
Wow. Either he was paranoid, or he was a psychopath who took girls to his house more often. Maybe he wanted trophies from his victories. Fuck. The former, she definitely wanted it to be the first option.
Okay. Cameras… several hung from the ceiling, pointed in every direction. Not allowing for black-out spots, paranoia indeed.
It was illegal by law, though, not to inform people they were being watched.
Of course his house was positioned in no man’s land so she guessed he could simply…
there it was. She squinted, forcing her tired eyes to focus on the small plaque covering the lowest point of the window, a blue orb with red lettering glinted in the middle ‘Security system 24.’
And there was something else too. Not a camera, none she’d ever seen anyway. It looked like a smoke detector but it was on the wall… not the ceiling.
Light footsteps announced her captor’s return. Tearing her gaze from the unknown rectangular device she was just in time to see him round the corner, carrying a heap of black cloth in his hands, which he dropped unceremoniously onto the cream-colored couch.
“What’s that?” She angled her head in suspicion. If he thought he was going to tie her up again or worse blindfold her, he had another thing coming for him.
“A change of wardrobe.’’
She stared at the dark bundle of clothes, looking as if it might grow teeth and bite her. “It’s yours?’’
A slight nod. “It is. Tomorrow we can find you something more… suitable.’’
Tomorrow. She would survive the night. That was if she could take his words for truth.
That though, was a bridge too far.
Same went for wearing his clothes. Covering herself in his scent. It was light, sandalwood emanating from his silent form, and the clothes he’d dumped in front of her. But present nonetheless. She forced her stomach’s content back down. Daring to ask. “Shopping, tomorrow?’’
He nodded. “That’s what I said.’’
“Well, it’s not like I can take your word for it.’’
Shopping. Whatever the hell could that mean?
The shivers intensified, and she was just about able to keep her teeth from chattering together, hiding the fear he instilled within her.
A shrug rolled off his shoulders. “Well, girl, you’re going to have to.’’
Have to, have to.
The question burning on her tongue finally ripped free. “What are you going to do with me?!’’
He simply returned her stare, assessing what to say, but she wouldn’t let him. An old trick she swore by. Never give someone the time to twist the truth into lies. “Don’t expect me to just kick back and wait for whatever you’ve got in store for me.’’
His eyes narrowed slightly. “I’m not going to do ‘anything’ with you. For now… I’m going to sleep and think about what the next step is.’’ His posture remained the same, loose. But the tone in his voice made goosebumps rise along her arms. “I’d suggest you do the same.’’
So much for truth.
“That said.’’ He pointed toward the pile of clothes. “Perhaps it would be wise to think on the kind of attitude you’ll display. You’re lucky I’m a patient man. But patience only stretches so far.’’
Words left her stranded as she grappled for a smart retort, but before she could, he turned on his heel, moving to leave her once more.
But not before gracing her with a final warning.
“I’d get out of those sorry looking clothes.
Oh, yes, and don’t bother trying to escape.
’’ His index finger motioned around his place.
“This house is rigged with a solid security system, the only thing you’ll achieve is getting me out of bed in a…
less than good mood. Your room is the last on the right. I’d say, use the time to rest wisely.’’
She bristled at the suggestion, he must feel like some God, traipsing around while threatening women. “I’d sleep with one eye open.’’ She muttered it under her breath. Yet… his footsteps stopped. He’d caught up on it. Somehow.
His broad shoulders went rigid, head tilting slightly as he considered her words. When he spoke, his voice was calm. “I’ve faced greater threats Kate.” He turned to look at her, a promise heavy in his eyes. “But if you’re serious, make sure you don’t miss.’’