Afterlife - Stephanie Hudson Page 0,196

blocking.

But in the time it took for my body to turn, I was facing Zagan, who stood there blocking my way. His face scared me as the long thick scars on his face looked deep red and I couldn't be sure but it looked as though his tattoos were moving around it. I didn't know how this was possible or how he got to me so fast, as he must have moved at an impossible speed. But he wasn't the only one with this amazing talent as when I looked back towards Draven he was now stood opposite me, close enough for me to feel the heat coming from his imposing body. My body pressed back against my door and I could feel the cold metal seep through my clothes freezing my skin.

“I wouldn't do that again if I were you,” he warned making me quiver at the sound of his demanding voice.

“I have to go!” I said trying to sound strong, but he wasn't buying it.

“And where would that be?” He asked looking down at me but I couldn't meet his eyes knowing that if I did I might tell him everything.

“As I told your brother, a family emergency.”

“Really? I don't think so Keira.” He looked to his brother and held out his hand to him and without saying a word, his brother handed him my car keys.

“Please! You don't understand I have to go...” I decided to plead with him, I finally looked up at him with tears rolling down my cheeks. His features didn't change but he didn't look as angry anymore...no if anything he looked eerily in total control.

“Who was on the phone Keira?” He asked me the question I didn't want to answer. Hell I didn't even know how to, because I could barely believe it was true.

“You can't keep me here against my will!” I shouted finding some bravery that was buried deep.

“I think you will find that I can,” he said with so much confidence that I could do nothing but believe him. My phone started to vibrate in my back pocket and I jumped when I felt it. This was my chance and I knew which card I would play.

“That's the police ringing me and if I don't answer it then he will send the cops to look for me, he knows I'm here.” I said warning him without moving. But he leaned in closer to me putting his hand on the metal frame of my truck above my head. I mistakenly breathed in through my nose letting my body fill with his warm scent. I closed my eyes and more tears fell in the path of those before them. He got close to my ear and said,

“Well, we’d better not keep Inspector Matthews waiting then.” And then he wrapped his strong arm around underneath my jacket and my top. He placed his hand on my skin pushing his hand down the curve of my spine until reaching down into my jeans pocket to retrieve my vibrating phone. I couldn't breathe at the feel of his touch, amazed to find even in the situation he was keeping me I was still ready to explode from the feel of his skin on mine.

I was still in shock from this new information. How did he know who I was talking about, had he overheard me when I rang them? He pulled back from my frame and stood as he was before. He flipped open my phone and answered with ease.

“Inspector Matthews.” As soon as he answered I let out the loudest scream for help I could but my voice didn't follow through with my mind's command. Instead Draven's hand reached up, lightning fast, so close to my face. He held out his palm to my throat without touching me and then he squeezed his hand into a tight fist as if taking my voice from me, locking it away in his iron grasp. I couldn't speak! My mouth would move but in vain. Not one sound came from my lips and I held my hands around my throat, as all I could feel was a tingling in my larynx. I tried to run but as soon as the thought entered my mind, Vincent's hand went to my shoulder holding me still, restraining me by pushing me back against my car door.

Draven just shook his head telling me NO, while he continued on the phone.

“Yes Inspector she is fine...a little worked up as you can