Second Draft

Fiona's POV

With his murderous gaze fixed on me, I pushed myself off my elbows. It surprised me when Rowan shoved me on the bed, but never again. I'll be ready in the future. While worried about her health, I cursed Kat under my breath for getting us into this mess. A thousand thoughts clouded my mind, making it hard to concentrate. I only knew that we needed to get out of there Fast.

I didn't choose to leave with Rowan—he forced my hand—but I had found him appealing. 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 alluring. It always leads to trouble.

"Listen," I said with a calmness I damn sure didn't feel. "I don't know where you heard such horrible lies about my father, but they are untrue. He is a pillar of society." I raised my palms in a placating gesture and scooted to the edge of the bed. I felt vulnerable with him towering over me. He was a raging lunatic, and I hoped his brother and sister were sane. They seemed more amenable, at least. "I appreciate everything you've done for us tonight. You saved our lives." Looking up, I had hoped to see his face soften a bit. But so much for hope.

He looked at me with contempt and stone-cold eyes, but I continued, "And I am thankful for..." I glanced over at Kat as Kyra was taping a bandage over the wound on her neck. "For the special care of Kat, too. So, can we forget all this nasty business? I'll call for a ride and never speak of this again."

With a smirk, he placed his large hands on his hips.

"I just need my purse." I stood, but Rowan didn't budge. My first instinct was to sit back down, but I held firm. "I'm sorry I threatened you, all right? I won't speak of this to anyone—not The Gardaí or my father. You can listen as I make that call for a ride. He pushed me back onto the bed as I stepped around him.

I was tired of him shoving me around. "What is wrong with you? Is saying sorry not enough? What would you like me to do?"

He laughed.

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 enrage Rowan more.

He laughed again. "You are so funny, you know... fuckin' hilarious."

The mock humor disappeared as the words left my lips, replaced by his notorious scowl. I felt a spark between us at the club, but something had changed. It was hard to describe, yet it was almost magical the way his bright green eyes seemed to search my soul. I felt drawn to him in an unfamiliar but thrilling way. For a moment, I'd let myself daydream of a relationship with him after he saved my life.

Stupid, stupid female shit, I admonished myself in silence.

I was foolish and ashamed that I'd practically named our 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. My brain was battling to take control of my ridiculous emotions. There should be nothing to battle, and I shouldn't harbor any fondness for this horrible man holding me captive.

I despise him. I told myself to gain back my wits and control. Why does he have to be so bloody gorgeous? He was the epitome of tall, dark, and handsome, and I wanted to run my fingers through his thick dark hair and get lost in his eyes the color of a lush summer field. His body was lean but muscular, just the way I like. I wasn't fond of stocky, brawny men, but Rowan appeared like robust perfection. Damn him!

"Listen to me, please. You're wrong 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. "I knew you were confused. My father is Cormac Quinn! Not Hunter Quinn."

"My, my, my!" Rowan said with exasperation. "Do you think me stupid, lass? Because I can't see Killer Cormac's daughter being this dumb."

"Enough Rowan!" Rian shouted and walked to the foot of the bed. "I'm sorry, Fiona, but it's all true. My brother doesn't have to be such an arse about it, though. He shouldn't persecute you over the sins of your father." Rian gave Rowan a reproachful look before continuing, "Your father is a known hunter who kills the things that go bump in the night. You know, like the vampire we encountered earlier. He hunts and kills supernatural creatures."

"And that fucking necklace your friend was wearing proves we are telling you the truth." Rowen placed his hands on his hips and sighed before moving away from the bed, looking defeated.

I used that moment to stand and grabbed the silly chain from the floor. I held the offending object out toward Rowan. "How does this necklace prove anything? Maybe you're just 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 Katrina's and was a gift from my dad, who doesn't give out many heartfelt gifts. He's not a very affectionate man but—"

"Killers never are!" Rowan pointed toward the bathroom. "Flush it now!"

"No!" I shoved the silver chain in my bra, smirking at him, and hoped he wouldn't be audacious enough to retrieve it.

"Rowen, don't!" Kyra and Rian both yelled.

"She doesn't have a clue about any of this." Kyra approached her brother. "And you're not making this any easier by bullying her!"

Kyra was right. Something strange and ugly was happening around me, leaving me confused and in the dark. However, Rowan didn't look convinced of my innocence.

"Kyra, you have a pure heart, and I love how you always see the good in people." He placed his hands on her shoulders and smiled before his face turned serious, almost angry. "But... it's dangerous and will get you hurt or killed one day. Kyra... that's why I'm so protective of you. Miss Fiona acts all innocent and clueless, and you buy into it without blinking an eye."

I rolled my eyes and slapped my forehead. "My father gifted us both one of these when we started university. It's a flower... I can't remember the name. He said it was called the Queen of Poisons and would ward off evil spirits." Rowan was narrowing his eyes at me, and I felt like crying. This had been the night from hell, and I was suffering the effects, so I allowed the tears to slip from my eyes. "I don't remember my mother because she died giving birth to me. Listen, my father told me she was very superstitious, and that's why he gave us the necklaces."

As my tears turned to sobs, I sat back on the bed with heavy limbs and an aching back. I was sick of all this.

"See! I was right not to trust her. She knows what the necklace stands for. Queen of Poisons, she called it, and you both heard her admit that." Rowan glanced between 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 great job of fooling you, too. Be careful, or you might end up covered in her Wolfsbane or worse. You better watch yourself."

"I'm not trying to fool anyone!" I was beyond drained and losing my will to fight. "Right now, I'm confused, angry, exhausted, and terrified. I've never seen a bloody freaking vampire before! And before tonight, I didn't know they were real. And I have never heard of wolfsbane either!" I crossed my arms and prayed that Rowan would leave the room so I could rest and think.

"I believe you," Rian affirmed. It was a minor victory, but I felt pleased anyway.

"I do, too. And you're a big fat jerk, Rowan. I think you should leave so Fiona can rest, and once her friend recovers, let them go home." Kyra glared at Rowan and huffed while placing her hands on her hips.

"Great! Three against one, is it? Well, that's fine, but remember, I'm not just your brother, I'm also your alpha and—"

"We all know you're our alpha, bro. And we know you're right about her father," Rian interrupted, and I observed a peculiar look pass between the brothers. "But she knows nothing about supernatural creatures, other worlds, or how her father fits in all this." Rian shrugged.

"Whatever, Rian. She's still his daughter, and I'm keeping her here! I'll contact the bastard tomorrow and tell him where his precious Fiona is." He threw his head back and laughed, causing a chill to shoot up my spine.

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

Rowan blew out a frustrated sigh. "Yes, they are safe as long as neither tries to harm us."

It was my turn to laugh, and I did so until I was weeping again. "Harm you... How on Earth could we harm you?" He ignored me, and I shook my head.

"Your father has some important things I want back, and I bet he'll be happy to oblige now that I have you." The cocky bastard winked at me.

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 you money."

"We don't want or need his money. The things he has are priceless and belong to us!"

The venom in his voice shocked me. "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. "Lock us in if you must, but get the hell out. I'm exhausted and can't take anymore tonight."

"Come on," Rowan called to his siblings. As I watched them leave, Kyra turned and waved with a sad-looking smile. "Hey, don't do anything stupid. I'll be outside this door and have guards surrounding my house." Rowan scowled at me before slamming the door so hard I flinched.

Despite my dirty, torn little black dress, I crawled up beside Kat and cried myself to sleep.***

Poor Fiona! I hope you enjoyed the drama.

xxxooo