Beauties and Beasts Read online

  Beauties and Beasts

  Jenna Aileen

  Copyright © 2018 Jenna Aileen All rights reserved.

  ISBN: 0-692-08303-0 ISBN-13: 978-0-692-08303-1 Dedicated to my Grampy, who always believed in me

  Chapter One, Conan

  Blood stained the snow red. The bodies of those fallen were no longer scattered on the streets, but they had left behind a crimson mess. It was only yesterday that this ghost town was a complete war zone; when the screams of innocents caught in the crossfire pierced the air as gunshots rang out all around. But now, silence. Deathly silence.

  Wet snowflakes fell from the gray sky as I found myself at Vladimir’s door. I hesitated a moment, then lightly knocked. He answered almost instantly.

  “Ah, Conan,” he stated, puffing smoke in my face, and taking a step back into the house.

  “You wanted to see me?” I questioned, following him inside.

  “Yes,” was his reply, before turning his back on me and walking up the stairs. I was unsure whether he wanted me to follow.

  The sound of papers rustling and the wind howling caught my attention. That’s when I noticed the house was in complete disarray. Shattered glass crunched beneath my feet as I made my way down the hall, careful not to trip on the overturned furniture. Papers were scattered everywhere—the windows were broken, and the curtains torn to shreds. The kitchen table was cracked in half and the chairs were nothing but splinters on the floor.

  “Did one of them do this?” I asked, sensing him behind me.

  “No,” he replied shortly. “Look.”

  “What’s this?” I asked, puzzled as he handed me an old photograph of…Aidan?

  “It’s Aidan,” he stated, taking another drag of his cigarette.

  “Yes I know that, but where did you get it? And who’s the little girl?” I examined the angelic face of the child sitting on Aidan’s lap. She bore great resemblance to him—gray eyes, dirty blond hair, a mischievous smile.

  “It’s a long story. The girl’s name is Kathryn. She’s his daughter.” Vladimir dropped his cigarette and stomped on it.

  “How do you know all of this?” I handed the picture back to him and he took it back gently, cradling it as if it were going to dissolve at any given moment.

  “I used to know her when we were younger—before my father and Aidan had their…falling out, if you will.”

  “I mean I knew that you and Aidan used to know each other, I didn’t know you were that close. Besides, what does the girl have to do with any of this?” Vladimir’s eyes grew dark as he pulled another cigarette out of his back pocket.

  “Revenge,” he replied casually, as he played with his lighter.

  “Revenge…how?”

  “I want her. And you’re going to bring her to me.”

  Chapter Two, Kathryn

  The rubber soles of my Converse sneakers made a highpitched squeaking noise as I drug my feet. My stomach growled as soon as the scent of fried food reached my nose. I’d planned on waiting until Sara got here to order food, but she said she was running late and I couldn’t wait any longer.

  I got some fries and a chicken sandwich, then turned my attention to the rest of the food court. I picked a table in the far corner where I had a good view of the entire room. People watching was one of my favorite things to do.

  There was always the typical mother struggling to drag her crying child away from the ice cream shop, or the group of high schoolers being obnoxious. But there also were always a few that stood out from the crowd.

  Like the guy sitting a few tables away from me, trying to get the ketchup stain out of his pristine black suit. He didn’t seem the type that would come to the mall just for kicks and giggles. Maybe he was on his way to a job interview. And the girl with the big-framed glasses, wearing the 1950s style floral dress. Was that a typewriter on her lap? She didn’t seem to be the average mall-going type.

  The one who really grabbed my attention for some reason, was the guy who sat all by himself in the far corner. He seemed to be doing the same as I was, just sitting and watching people. There was no food or trash on his table, and unlike most of the people sitting alone, he was surprisingly not on a laptop or smart-phone. Our eyes met, and I quickly looked away. His eyes were so blue like the ocean, I felt like I could drown in them. I think he was cute, but I didn’t stare long enough to be able to make enough of a judgement.

  Feeling awkward, I waited a few seconds to glance out of the corner of my eye to see if he was still looking over at me. But he was gone. My eyes wandered around the room more quickly now, his sudden disappearance piquing my curiosity.

  Something cold and wet suddenly spilled onto my lap. I stood up quickly, causing all of the ice that was transferred from my cup to my lap a second ago, onto the gray tile floor.

  An all too familiar high-pitched, obnoxiously loud, shriekgiggle reached my ears, and I knew immediately who had spilled my lemonade. My gorgeous step sister and all her Barbie doll friends were suddenly next to me, laughing.

  I took a step forward to try and get away from them, but I slipped on some ice and fell hard on my butt. My face grew warm; there might as well have been a spotlight on me.

  “Kathryn?” I heard Sara’s voi ce call from not too far away. “Walk much??” Stephanie mocked in a sickly sweet voice, making a pouty lip at me. I tried to take a deep breath and count to ten to calm myself down.

  “Not since your boyfriend gave it to me rough last night,” I said with a grunt, pulling myself up. She shrieked as if I had cut off one of her limbs while all of her plastic friends gasped and shot me dirty looks.

  I looked up to see Sarah trying to hold in a laugh, and that gave me enough confidence to stand with my head held high as I walked over to her.

  “Good luck finding a ride home!” Stephanie screamed at me. It felt as if all eyes were on me as I made my way to the exit. So of course, I tripped over a chair and whacked my hip on a table. There were a few snickers, coming from the dumb teenagers hanging around the door.

  As I turned to glare at them, I collided with someone who was walking towards me. For the second time in less than five minutes, I found myself covered in some form of sugary liquid. Cursing under my breath, I looked up to see that guy with the ocean eyes.

  “Great,” I muttered, looking down at my shirt that was now covered in soda and lemonade.

  “My bad,” he said. Our eyes locked for a brief second before he pushed past me and walked back into the mall.

  With a huff and a roll of my eyes, I stomped over to the curb and sat down. This was not at all how I expected my little trip to the mall to go. I’d been here fifteen minutes and it was already a disaster.

  Sara sat down beside me.

  “I’m sorry.” I finally said, heaving a big sigh and groaning at my stupidity.

  “For what?”

  “She was our ride home. If my stupid car hadn’t broken down we wouldn’t be in this situation.” I rubbed my forehead in frustration, feeling a headache coming on.

  “It’s okay, Kathryn. I’ll see if Abel can pick us up. I think he was running some errands but it shouldn’t be a problem.”

  “He’s got the car this weekend?”

  “Yeah, I had it last weekend remember?”

  “Oh, that’s right.” I sighed. I guess a little good could come from this. I’d get to see Sara’s hot older brother if he had to come pick us up and take us home.

  While Sara called Abel, I went inside to get another lemonade, seeing as I was wearing the first one. I was relieved when I returned and Sara said that Abel could pick us up in about a half an hour. Neither of us were really in the mood for shopping anymore, so we just sat on the curb and talked. It seemed like ages since we had really gotten a
chance to just sit and talk.

  I had been so busy with work, and the online college courses I’d taken over the summer. And Sara had been preparing to leave for university all the way in Florida. We had kind of gone our separate ways this summer, which made me sad. She had other friends, but I didn’t.

  “So what are you going to do with yourself while I’m gone?” Sara asked. “I’m probably not going to be able to come back until Christmas.”

  “I think I’m going to try to find my dad.” I replied, staring at the asphalt beneath my feet and playing with my shirt.

  “I thought you already tried that Kathy…” she remarked in a cautious tone.

  “Yeah, but I’m really going to try this time. Like, I’m actually going to drive out to Pennsylvania and knock on the door of my old house to see where that leads. I mean the last time I heard from him was when he sent me that present for my thirteenth birthday. Maybe we can at least start seeing each other more.”

  “Are you finally moving out?” she questioned, sounding surprised.

  I rubbed the back of my neck and avoided her eyes.

  “Sort of…I guess. I was hoping that maybe my dad will let me stay there—”

  “Why would he want to take you in? If he wanted you in his life I’m sure he’d have at least tried to talk to you. How long has it been since you got a birthday card from him? Six years?” Stephanie’s voice calling out behind me was like nails on a chalkboard.

  “Maybe because he still loves me,” I said without turning around. My blood boiled, and it was all that I could do not to stand up and punch her in the mouth. That is, if I could reach it. At five foot eleven, Stephanie stood four inches taller than me. Plus she was wearing high heels today, so she was well over six feet tall.

  “Well I guess that’s why they say love is blind.” Stephanie retorted.

  “Which would explain why you and Kevin are still together.” I turned around and looked up at her. Her lips were a thin line of red lipstick on her face, and her eyes were bulging out just like her dad’s always did right before he smacked me for being smart-mouthed. She opened her mouth to say something just as Abel pulled up and honked at us. My heart skipped a beat when our eyes met and he smiled at me.

  “Abel!” Stephanie squealed, stepping off the curb and stomping on my foot. I heard a crack as her heel came down hard on my toe. I gritted my teeth and tried not to swear.

  “Are you—”

  “Just help me up.” I said through gritted teeth, my eyes watering. Sara gave me a hand, and I did my best to walk as normally as possible over to the car.

  Abel had hopped out now, and Stephanie was hanging all over him. He didn’t look too happy, but he was too nice to bluntly tell her to screw off.

  She looked absolutely gorgeous with her tight yellow cropped shirt showing off her perfectly thin, tanned stomach, complete with a belly button ring. Her little white mini skirt that barely covered her butt showed off her long, skinny legs. Sexy didn’t begin to describe how she looked.

  Next to her I looked like a sack of potatoes with my ripped jeans and stained t-shirt. Not that it mattered anyway. I had absolutely no chance with Abel.

  Our eyes met again, and he made a funny face behind Stephanie’s back. I felt my mouth twisting into a smile as my face grew a little warm.

  You can take the front, Kay. Your legs are longer,” Sara offered, nudging me towards the car. I didn’t argue with that, especially since I would be riding shotgun right next to Abel.

  “Thanks.” I hopped in the passenger seat. Abel soon got in the car, after practically ripping Stephanie off of him. She had a boyfriend, but that never stopped her from hanging all over other guys.

  “You sure you want to take the little slut home?” Stephanie asked, looking directly at me.

  “C’mon Stephanie, don’t call her that,” he replied, giving her a scolding look. Stephanie stuck her lip out, making pouty face as we drove away.

  “Attention ho,” I mumbled, turning to look at Sara. She snorted and covered her mouth with her hand.

  “What?” Abel asked, chuckling and raising an eyebrow. I didn’t think he heard me, so I said it again a little louder and he laughed.

  “I am so in for it when I get home.” I groaned, shaking my head. “Thanks for sticking up for me by the way.” I said, unlacing my shoe.

  “No problem—hey, what happened?” Abel asked almost humorously when he noticed my shirt that had just started to dry.

  “Stephanie happened. I’m sure it was completely accidental,” I replied, my tone dripping with sarcasm. I inhaled sharply as I pulled my shoe off. My pinky toe was tinted light purple, and pointing in the wrong direction.

  “That looks pretty nasty, you might want to go have it—”

  I pulled on it, trying to see if I could stick it back the right way. It didn’t work, and I cried out in pain.

  “…looked at.” Abel finished lamely.

  “That is so gross!” Sara gagged. “Are you okay?”

  “Just peachy—ouch! I’m fine.”

  “So what happened?” Abel asked again, concern now in his eyes. I sighed.

  “Nothing. Stephanie was just being Stephanie and apparently can’t take a joke. It’s all good.” I really didn’t want to talk about it. Just thinking about my blonde, witch of a stepsister made me see red. “I’m sorry.” I apologized.

  “Don’t worry about it.” Abel gave me a reassuring look, and I was able to settle down a little.

  I was thankful to see that my parents weren’t home when I got back. Stephanie had probably already called her father and told him what happened at the mall.

  “Are we still on for tomorrow?” Sara asked.

  “Yeah, and thankfully my family won’t be here. Thanks for the ride Abel. I’ll see you guys tomorrow.” I said, smiling and waving. My heart fluttered as Abel waved back, a charming smile lighting up his entire face.

  With a heavy sigh, I limped into the big, empty house, trying my best to enjoy the calm before the storm. When I checked my phone, I found a ton of nasty text messages from Stephanie and some of her friends. I couldn’t help but laugh at their lack of creativity.

  I was sitting on my bed reading when Stephanie got home. The sound of her heels clicking up the stairs reached my ears, and I knew it was too late to lock my door. She came barging in, face red with anger, her dull blue eyes narrowed and nostrils flaring as she glared at me.

  “Hello, sunshine,” I stated flatly, not bothering to look up at her.

  “You are so in for it,” she snapped coldly.

  “If you’re looking for an apology, the only place you’re gonna find it is shoved up your—”

  “KATHRYN!” George screamed at me from downstairs.

  Stephanie gave me a smug look and I just rolled my eyes.

  “Oh, I see you already told daddy,” I remarked, sticking my bottom lip out and making a pouty face. Stephanie shrieked before grabbed the bottle of black nail polish off my bedside table. Before I could stop her, she ripped the book I was reading out of my hands, and dumped the nail polish all over it.

  “You stupid—”

  “Kathryn! Get down your ass down here now!” George screamed again.

  “See, at least my daddy cares about me,” she remarked patronizingly. I fought the urge to deck her before limping downstairs to have a chat with my charming stepfather.

  “George, I—”

  He didn’t even give me a chance to explain myself. I was just met with a backhanded strike across my face. Tears pricked in my eyes and I wanted so badly just to hit him back.

  Why did you take so long coming down?” he asked. He was fuming, but I wasn’t in the mood to grovel just to save myself from another smack across the face.

  “Stephanie and I were having a little heart-toheart. She’s no longer mentally stuck in high school and has now decided to stop dressing like a harlot.” I knew it was a stupid thing to say, and that it would only make him angrier, but I was absolutely fed up. In
reply to my sarcastic comment, he shoved me into the banister.

  “Don’t you dare talk about my daughter like that. You need to apologize.”

  “You can’t make me do anything.” I spat back.

  He gripped my shoulders so tight that I cried out in pain. He picked me up by my shirt so I was at eye level with him.

  “If you’re going to live in this house, you’re going to do what I say.” He gave one last bone-crunching squeeze before setting me down.

  I apologized emotionlessly, as she strutted down the stairs with a smug look on her face. George could make me act contrite, but he could never make me truly sorry. Stephanie barely acknowledged me, but that was enough for George.

  “You are absolutely pathetic,” she snorted as he began to walk away. “No wonder Abel’s never wanted you.”

  “Well, at least I have enough self-worth not to dress like that to attract someone who only wants me for my body,” I retorted, a little louder than I should have. George turned on his heel, rage written all over his face.

  “Kathryn! How dare—”

  “Go ahead, George. Scream and swear all you want. I’m done.” I clenched my fists and with as much dignity as I could muster, headed back upstairs to my room.

  Surprisingly, George didn’t follow me or do anything else; but I could hear him throwing a fit downstairs and my mother trying to calm him down. I couldn’t help the bitter laugh that escaped my tense throat when I heard him say something about kicking me out.

  It had felt good to scream at him, but I would never be happy unless I got away from this place for good. As much as it hurt, I knew that it was now time to get away from this small town and try to move on with my life.

  Sara was really the only thing that had made living in Oregon bearable. Since she was leaving for college, there really was no reason to stay. Now my biggest problem was finding somewhere to go. The chances of me being able to contact my dad or even my brother were slim.

  Tears welled up in my eyes and threatened to escape as I lay curled up on my bed. Loneliness settled in my stomach, dragging me down a black hole of memories that I did my best not to dwell on. The image of my dad standing on our front porch looking absolutely broken as I stared out the back window of the car was seared into my brain. My heart felt like it was breaking all over again; but my thoughts trailed further down the rabbit hole.