Her Guardians - A Paranormal Reverse Harem Romance(8)

I got to my room and put the key in the door. After a few seconds, I heard the familiar clunk of the main door closing. My mom wasn’t going to be thrilled that I’d sent him away. I hated to admit it, but I really could have used the energy. All that panic from the little chase had taken a bit of a toll on me .

I closed my apartment door and flipped the deadbolt into place. Even though I didn’t have much in the single bedroom apartment yet, I was still happy to be home .

I grabbed the remote and flopped down on the couch to tune into something absolutely mindless. All I needed was some good old-fashioned rest and relaxation .

It wasn’t more than three seconds after I’d sat down that the phone rang. I wanted to ignore it. God, did I want to ignore it .

I glanced at the screen, but I already knew what name I’d see. My finger touched the screen and I drew in a deep breath before taking the call .

I held the phone to my ear and walked over to the window. The streetlight across the street was flickering on and off annoyingly .

“Yes?” I said dragging out the word .

“Eve, I just heard wha — ”

“Mom, seriously. Don’t send guys over. It’s weird. I can take care of myself,” I said. The light went out for several seconds before flickering again .

My mom started to rant about the importance of pulling and I almost instantly zoned out. It was a speech I didn’t need to hear… again. I was far too tired to even pretend I was listening .

I yawned and rubbed my fingertips across my forehead .

“Are you even listening?” my mom asked raising her voice. Busted .

“Yeah, of course,” I said, fighting against my eyelids which were threatening to close. “I’m just so exhausted .”

I could have told her about the person following me outside, or about having run into Erik, Roman and Gage, but that would have only made the call last longer. She’d find out soon enough from Erik and Roman about what had happened .

“Hmm,” my mom said. I could hear her fingernails drumming against a table .

“I’m fine. Just really, really, really tired .”

The light across the street glowed brighter and then flickered off. My apartment darkened ever so slightly but it was enough change to the lighting that I noticed the difference. I yawned again .

“I’ll talk to you tomorrow, OK?” I said, each blink lasting longer .

“Fine. Good night, Eve .”

“Night mom .”

I sighed as I swiped to end the call. I reached over and closed the curtain. The street down below was quite dark without the streetlight on .

When I turned around I was face to face with a man wearing a black ski mask .

Before I could scream his hand was over my mouth .





5





Eve





I curled my hand into a tight fist and launched it toward his face. He anticipated my move and jerked to the side .

My weight shifted forward, and he grabbed me. The masked man spun me around and pulled my hands behind my back .

“You’re a feisty little bitch, aren’t you?” he said in a deep voice .

I tried to scream and curse at him, but his hand was clamped down so tightly it all came out in odd mumbles no one would be able to understand .

He pressed his hip into my backside and aggressively moved me towards the couch. I pressed my heels into the carpet trying to stop myself from moving forward, but it was no use. The man was too strong .

I closed my eyes and tried to focus my energy. If I could build up enough energy, maybe I could zap him, and he’d be forced to let go .

He pushed me down on the couch, and I lost my concentration. The man laid down on top of me and dug his elbow into my back .

I tried to gather up the bits energy inside of me again, but everything felt as though it was sparking and fizzling before I could collect it into anything usable .

God dammit I was useless with my spells. I would be better off just kicking and screaming .

“Would you stop?” the man growled .

Thankfully my adrenaline had kicked in, and I no longer felt tired. I kicked my legs and moved my arms. I shifted my weight trying to flip him off me .

There was a knock at the door, and we both froze. I jerked my hips upwards and then to the side, knocking him off balance just enough that his hand slipped from my mouth .

“Help!” I shouted as the man clamped down his hand again cutting me off slightly .

“Stupid bitch!” he said digging his elbow into my body so hard, my eyes rolled back. “I wish I could kill you for that .”

Whoever was out there knocked again. Shit. Had they heard my cry for help ?

“Eve? You in there?” the slightly familiar voice said. Erik? “Everything OK ?”

I tried to buck my attacker off again but failed. Everything suddenly was silent. It was so quiet I could hear the light in the kitchen quietly buzzing. Had he left? Maybe he assumed I was asleep. I should have screamed. I should have tried harder .

I could almost feel the adrenaline leaving my body. It was no use. There wasn't anything I could do .

My body relaxed, but my attacker didn't let up. He put his face close to mine and even though I couldn't see his mouth, I knew he was grinning .

“I can’t believe how easy this was.” His bushy eyebrows raised up. “A little bit more of a challenge would have been nice .”