Chapter 4: 4: Captive

Fiona

With Rowan’s murderous gaze fixed on me, I could feel the weight of his stare as I pushed myself up on my elbows. The unexpected force with which he pushed me onto the bed was shocking, but it would never happen again. In the future, I would take measures to be prepared. Despite worrying about Kat, I muttered under my breath, expressing my frustration toward her for getting us entangled in this chaos. A myriad of thoughts overwhelmed my mind, hindering my ability to focus. I only knew that we needed to get out of there. Fast.

I didn’t elect to depart alongside Rowan—he coerced my hand—however; I had found him alluring. Now, he stood staring at me like I was pond scum, and I still found him attractive. What is wrong with me? I need to stay away from men I find handsome and charming. It always leads to trouble.

“Listen,” I said, my voice trembling despite my attempt to sound calm. “I don’t know where you heard such horrible lies about my father, but they are not true. He is a pillar of society.” I raised my palms in a placating gesture and scooted to the edge of the bed. With him towering over me, I felt small and vulnerable. He was acting like a raging lunatic, his eyes wide with madness as he shouted and flailed about. I prayed his siblings were more level-headed. They seemed amenable, at least. “I appreciate everything you’ve done for us tonight. You saved our lives.”

My gaze lifted, and I hoped for a subtle shift in his features, a hint of softness in his face. So much for hope.

With a look of pure contempt, his eyes bore into mine like cold, hard stones. “And I am thankful for…” I cleared my throat and glanced at Kyra, taping a bandage over Kat’s wounded neck. “For the special care of Kat, too. So, let’s just forget all this nasty business. I’ll call for a ride and never speak of this again.”

He wore a smirk as he positioned his large hands on his hips.

“I just need my purse.” As I rose to my feet, Rowan stood firm, refusing to budge. I fought against my initial urge to sit back down and instead stood firm. “Look, I’m sorry I threatened you, all right? Rest assured, I won’t breathe a word of this to anyone. Not to The Gardaí or my father. You can listen as I make that call for a ride.”

As I maneuvered around him, he pushed me, causing me to stumble backward and land on the soft mattress. The sudden jolt sent a wave of adrenaline rushing through me, my heart pounding in my chest. The creaking of the bed frame echoed in the room, amplifying the tension in the air.

My body trembled with a mix of frustration and exhaustion. His constant shoving had taken its toll. Sweat coated my forehead, and my breathing became erratic. The anger within me surged, fueling my words as they escaped my lips. “Is saying sorry not enough?” I implored, my voice tinged with frustration. “What else would you like me to do?”

But instead of remorse or even a hint of empathy, his laughter pierced through the air. It echoed in my ears, intensifying the pain of his actions. The sound felt like a cruel mockery, as if my feelings were nothing more than a joke to him.

A sense of helplessness washed over me as I sat in the glamorous bedroom, wishing for home. I yearned for a resolution, for him to realize the impact of his behavior. The weight of his indifference crushed my spirit, leaving me feeling defeated and drained.

At that moment, I conceded that my efforts to communicate and seek understanding were futile. It was a painful realization, but it also ignited a spark of determination within me. I knew I had to find the strength to stand up for myself and put an end to this toxic cycle. No longer would I allow myself to be subjected to his ridicule and disregard for my emotions.

My anger, which was brimming below the surface, erupted. I sat back up, gritted my teeth, and took a long breath to calm my nerves. My temper would only anger him more.

He laughed again. “You are so funny, you know… fuckin’ hilarious.”

As soon as the words left his lips, the mock humor disappeared, replaced by his notorious scowl. Even though things had changed, I couldn’t forget the palpable attraction we felt at the club. It was indescribable, but his green eyes had a mystical quality as they delved into the depths of my soul. I felt drawn to him in an unfamiliar but thrilling way. For a moment, I allowed myself to imagine a future with him, my hero, after he had saved us.

Stupid, stupid female shit, I admonished myself.

I felt a deep sense of foolishness and shame knowing I had already named our hypothetical children. A wee lad with chestnut brown hair and dark emerald eyes matching his dad’s. A wee lass with coal-black curls framing a heart-shaped face with large blue eyes like mine. And even with everything that had transpired, I still felt something for him. Something besides the fear and hatred… something foreign I couldn’t name. I could sense my brain grappling with my tumultuous emotions, seeking control. There should be no struggle to face, and I shouldn’t hold any affection for this repugnant man holding me captive.

I despise him. I told myself to gain back my wits and control. So why does he have to be so bloody gorgeous? He was the epitome of tall, dark, and handsome. I longed to feel the velvety texture of his thick, dark hair against my fingertips and to be entranced by the kaleidoscope of colors in his eyes, reminiscent of a vibrant spring meadow. His body was lean, but muscular, just the way I liked. I wasn’t fond of stocky, muscular men. Rowan looked like powerful perfection. Damn him!

“Listen to me, please. You are mistaken about my father. He’s a scientist who does only good. His research has saved lives all over the world. So, you see why calling him a killer is ridiculous, don’t you?”

Rowan lifted his lip in a sinister smirk. “There is nothing good about Hunter Quinn.”

“See!” I ventured and sighed in relief, hugging a pillow to my chest. “I knew you were confused. My father is Cormac Quinn! Not Hunter Quinn.”

“My, my, my!” Rowan chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “Do you think me stupid, lass? Because I can’t see Cormac’s daughter being this dumb.”

“Enough, Rowan!” Rian snapped, the sharpness in his voice cutting through the air as he approached the foot of the bed. “I’m sorry Fiona, but it’s all true. My brother shouldn’t be such an ass about it, though. He shouldn’t persecute you over the sins of your father.” He gave Rowan a reproachful look. “Your father is a known hunter. He kills the things that go bump in the night. You know, like the vampire we encountered earlier. He hunts and kills supernatural creatures.”

“That fucking necklace your friend was wearing proves we are telling you the truth,” Rowan added and sighed. He moved away from the bed, looking defeated.

I used the moment to stand and grabbed the silly chain from the soft, thick carpet, raising my fist in the air. “How does this necklace prove anything? Maybe you’re allergic to silver…”

“Oh, I’m allergic to it, all right,” he scoffed. “Take that damn thing and flush it down the toilet.” He pointed toward the bathroom with a thunderous look on his face.

“I will not! It’s not mine. It’s Kat’s, and it was a gift from my dad. He doesn’t give out many heartfelt gifts. He’s not an affectionate or very warm person but—”

“Killers never are,” he spat. “Flush it now!”

“No!” I shoved the silver chain in my bra, smirking at him. Now I just had to pray he wasn’t bold enough to retrieve it.

“Rowan don’t!” Kyra and Rian both yelled.

“She doesn’t have a clue about anything,” Kyra said. “And you’re not making this any easier on her by being a mean bully!”

Kyra was right. I was confused and in the dark. There was some weird and ugly stuff happening all around me, but I had no clue what. Still, Rowan didn’t look convinced.

“Kyra, I love how you always see the good in people. It means you have a pure heart,” he told his sister. “But… it’s dangerous and will get you hurt or killed. That’s why I’m so protective of you. Fiona acts all innocent and clueless, and you buy into it without blinking an eye.”

I groaned and slapped my forehead. “My father gifted us both one of these when we started university. He said it was a flower… I can’t remember the name. He said it was called the Queen of Poisons and would ward off evil spirits.” As Rowan narrowed his eyes, I could feel my emotions welling up, threatening to spill down my face. The night from hell had taken its toll on me, and I couldn’t help but let the tears flow. “I don’t remember my mother. She died giving birth to me and my father told me she was very superstitious. That’s why he gifted us the necklaces.”

As tears cascaded down my cheeks, their salty taste mixed with my sobs resonated in the room. I sank onto the softness of the bed, burdened by the weight of my limbs, as if they were made of lead. The essence of gloom lingered in the air, intensifying my weariness. I yearned for a reprieve from this overwhelming ordeal.

“See! I was right not to trust her. She knows what the necklace is. Queen of Poisons, she called it. You both heard her, right?” Rowan glanced at his brother and sister.

“She doesn’t know, Rowan.” Rian sat beside me and patted my back. “I’m sorry about him, but he is right about your father.”

“Bro, don’t be an eejit! She’s doing a bloody brilliant job of fooling you. It’s happened before. Careful or you might find yourself covered in her Wolfsbane, or worse. You better watch yourself.”

“I’m not fooling anyone! Just confused, angry, and scared right now. That’s the truth, and I’ve never seen a vampire before and didn’t know they were real and I don’t know what Wolfsbane is!”

“I believe you,” Rian affirmed, rubbing my back.

“I do, too!” Kyra glared at Rowan and crossed her arms over her chest. “And you’re a big fat jerk, Rowan. I think you should get out of here and let Fiona rest or go home, since her friend will recover in a few days.”

“Wonderful! Three against one, is it? Well, that’s fine, but remember, I’m not just your brother but the—”

“We know you’re right about her father,” Rian interrupted. I noticed a panicked look pass between the brothers and wondered what Rowan was going to say. “But she knows nothing about supernatural creatures, other worlds, or how her father fits in all this.”

“She’s his daughter, though, and we are keeping her here! I’ll contact the bastard tomorrow and let him know where his precious child is.” He threw his head back and laughed, causing a chill to rush up my spine.

Rian stood and grabbed my hands, giving me a sympathetic smile. “I’m sorry, love. I believe you, but Rowan is right. You need to stay tonight. We will contact your father in the morning and plan to get you and Kat home. You will be safe here. Won’t she Rowan?”

Rowan blew out a frustrated sigh. “Yes. They will both be safe as long as neither tries to harm us.”

It was my turn to chuckle. I laughed until I was weeping again. “Harm you… How on Earth could we harm you?”

He ignored me. “Your father has some things I want back and I bet he’ll be happy to oblige me since I have you.”

With my heart lodged in my throat and mascara stinging my eyes from crying, I said, “So, you are holding me for ransom? My father will pay you whatever he owes, but I can’t imagine him owing anyone money.”

His voice dripped with venom, leaving me stunned. “We don’t want money! He has things that are priceless and belong to us!”

“Fine! But my father is not a monster! You’re the monster. Get out,” I screamed and jumped off the bed, pointing to the door. “Get out and lock us in if you must, but get the hell out. I’m exhausted and can’t take anymore tonight.”

“Come on,” Rowan said to his siblings. As I watched them go, Kyra turned and gave me a farewell wave, her smile tinged with sadness. “Don’t do anything stupid. I’ll be outside this door and guards will surround my house.” He glared at me before slamming the door.

I crawled up beside Kat, the fabric of my dirty, torn little black dress rough against my skin, and cried myself to sleep.