The Power Within

Chapter Fifteen

My thoughts were zipping through my head, faster than a bullet. How in the hell is Malcom my mate? Is the universe really that perverted? Is that why he has been after me this whole time? Does he even know?

I met his dark eyes, they were narrowed at me. With the low level of light, it was hard to tell what exactly his eye color was. His hair looked jet black, and it fell to his shoulders. He was tall, taller than Mica. And muscular, he had a black long-sleeve shirt on, with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. The pair of blue jeans fit him like a second skin, and made my mouth water. I shook my head. NO! Kiley, get a grip, girl! This is the enemy. I will not salivate over the man who killed my parents.

His deep voice brought me out of my thoughts, "you did well, Mica. I am pleased. I wired the money into your account." Malcom held out a hand for Mica to shake. "It was a pleasure doing business with you." 

Mica transferred the gun into his other hand, and shook hands with the devil. 

I sneered at the lying bastard, "You did all of this for money?!"

Mica came forward and backhanded me across my face. My head whipped to the side. God, that hurt.

I glared at him, "only a coward strikes a woman while her hands are cuffed behind her back." I told him through gritted teeth. I wasn't going to cower like a dog, just because he hit me. Hell, my dad hit me harder than that when he and I were training.

Mica raised his hand, but Malcom put a hand on Mica's shoulder. "Now, now. That's enough of that." Malcom's voice was soft, but firm as he spoke. 

Malcom came up to stand right in front of me. His smell was overpowering all of my other senses. He smells so good. Better than Mica ever did. Malcom leaned down to whisper in my ear. His voice was so low, I could barely hear him. "Listen to everything I say, I am not going to hurt you or your parents. I am going to get you out of this."

What the hell? What did he mean, get me out of this?

Malcom straightened up and stared at me for a minute. I searched his eyes, but couldn't figure out if he was lying or not. I gave him the slightest nod. I have to listen to him anyway. I am handcuffed. And Mica gave me that stupid potion that won't let me shift. 

"Let's go." Malcom went up the stairs. 

Mica waved his gun at me, "You heard the boss, walk."

I looked at my parents, "just do what he says." I walked up the steps. 

Malcom was waiting in the hallway with Gabby. Once the four of us were up the steps, Malcom said, "thank you, Mrs. Skolt." Malcom glanced at Mica, "thank you, Mica. I will take it from here." 

Mica stepped out from behind my parents and me, and went to stand toe-to-toe with Malcom. "What about those filthy rats who killed my dad?" Mica may be holding the gun, but if those two fought, my money would be on Malcom winning. 

Malcom glared at Mica. "I don't have time for your petty problems. I have a world to conquer. Now get out of my face."

I held my breath, waiting to see what Mica would do. 

Mica shoved his way past Malcom and stormed out the door. Gabby went hurrying after him. 

"Good riddance," I muttered.  

Malcom jerked his head towards the front door, "follow me, please."

I didn't have much of a choice. I followed him outside. My parents were right behind me. There was a big, silver SUV sitting in the drive-way. Malcom held one of the back doors open, "after you." 

I turned around so he could see the handcuffs. "It's a little hard to maneuver with my hands cuffed behind my back." I said, bitterly.

"Allow me to help you, then." He took a step towards me.

"On second thought, I can manage without your help." I didn't want him anywhere near me. 

I managed, somewhat ungracefully, into the back seat. My mom and dad climbed in next. There were three rows in this monster. My mom and I took the back row, while Dad was in the middle row. Malcom shut the door, and walked around to the driver's door, and climbed into the driver's seat. He didn't speak as he backed out of Gabby's drive-way. 

No one spoke for a long time. 

"We're here." I must of dozed off, because Malcom's voice startled me awake. 

I looked around. We were at an airport.  "Where is here?" I asked.

Malcom turned around in his seat to stare at me. "This is an airstrip I own. That plane, " he pointed to a private jet, "will take us somewhere safe. I will explain everything on the plane." He cut the engine, and stepped out of the car. He walked around to open the back door. "Everyone out, please."

I had to ignore the shivers his voice gave me. Even the way he spoke was sexy. He had a slight accent, it almost sounded like an Irish accent. I rolled my eyes at myself. I  needed to get a grip. I could not be attracted to this evil man. Mate or not, I will get away from him. I told myself. 

We all climbed out the car. It was a little easier to get out than getting in. Malcom snapped his fingers, and two big guys in suits rushed over and grabbed bags out of the back of the SUV. 

Those are my bags! I glanced at Malcom. His face showed nothing. The two guys took my bags, along with a couple of suitcases, up the steps and disappeared inside the jet. 

Malcom waved his hand towards the plane, "after you."

Dad stepped close to me, and whispered in my ear, "why did he grab our suitcases?" 

I just shrugged and shook my head. I had no idea what was going on. 

The only way to find out was to get on that plane. I climbed up the steps and stepped inside the jet. 

I have never been inside a small private jet. I have flown a few times, for work, but not like this. The jet was beautiful. The seats were a dark leather, there were four seats in a row up front. The two big guys, in suits, were sitting in the front row. One on each side. Then there were big, comfortable looking chairs on either side of the aisle. The four chairs each had a small table between them. The tabletops looked like they were made from handblown glass. Both were a mixture of warms colors; reds, oranges, yellows, and pinks were swirled around in a spiral pattern. The back part of the jet was walled off with a single door in the middle. I was assuming that was a bathroom, and maybe a small bedroom area.

I sat down in one of the big chairs. It faced the front of the plane and was on the left-hand side. My mom and dad sat in the chairs across the aisle from me. Malcom stepped on board and sat down in the chair in front of me. The chair was turned so that he faced me, with his back to the front of the plane. He gave me a small smile. 

Malcom pushed a small button on the side panel under the window. "Time for take off, please, Pilot Andrews."