Free Creatus (Creatus Series) by Carmen DeSousa Page B

problem was that if there was a rogue, more than likely they were acquainted with the creatus, which meant they’d eventually meet Kristina. It couldn’t be anyone in Boston, though. Other than a few who’d come to live with their group over the years, most of the creatus he’d known since he was a child. None of them was capable of such atrocious acts. Sadly, it usually wasn’t about food when there was a rogue among them, but about hatred and a thrill. They enjoyed the chase, reveled in the fact they were superior. With their heightened senses and strength, the chances of a human detective catching them were nil. They’d hear or smell authorities a mile away, and then they’d outrun them.
    Thankfully, that’s where Michael came in. His brother was a true detective. He’d hunt the rogue down and dispose of him before he created a nightmare they’d have to clean up.
    Derrick stepped in front of Kristina, startling her. “It’s okay. It’s me.”
    She jumped to her feet. “Oh, thank God! I’ve never been in the park this late. It’s scary. Every shadow seemed to come to life.” She glanced to the left. “I swear I heard someone breathing.”
    He smiled to assure her, but then glanced in the direction she’d looked. He saw nothing, but that wasn’t unusual. If it were the rogue, he’d know how far to stay away, and he would have bolted the moment Derrick approached. He’d have to keep an eye out for the perpetrator. Unfortunately, creatus didn’t look or smell any different from humans. Their chemical makeup was so alike that his kind often wondered if the same superior being had created both species.
    Derrick wrapped his arm around Kristina’s waist. “Let’s go home.”
    Kristina leaned against him without a word, content it seemed just to be with him. The idea sent a thrill through his system. He’d worried for six years for no reason. Kristina had accepted him without question. The one nice thing about falling was that it could not be faked or forced. Lord knows he’d tried. He’d attempted to fall for one of his kind, but it’d never happened. Now they could move ahead with their lives without any concerns. His family could not argue since she’d fallen too.
    After the valet brought his vehicle around—with no scratches or reek of cigarettes—he exchanged the keys for a generous tip and then closed Kristina inside.
    “Derrick, when you said ‘Let’s go home…’” Kristina started as soon as he sat down in the driver’s seat. “Um… what exactly did you mean?”
    “Well, I have a spare bedroom, if that’s what you’re worried about.”
    She cleared her throat. “I’m not worried, but I have to go to my apartment.”
    “Of course. We can get your things—”
    “No … that’s not what I mean. I have plants that I need to take care of.”
    He laughed, but then stopped when he realized she was serious. “Plants?”
    “Yes, plants. They need watered and they need air. They’ve been closed up in the house for days.”
    “You’re kidding, right?”
    This time Kristina crossed her arms over her chest. “No, I’m not kidding.”
    He turned in the direction of her apartment. Plants ? He’d understand a kitten or a puppy, but plants?
    Derrick parked in front of Kristina’s apartment and hopped out. With a quick glance around, he dashed to her side of the vehicle to open the door.
    She glanced up at him, eyes wide. “You’re such a gentleman, Derrick. I’m not used to this.”
    He took her hand and led her to the doors of the building. “Get accustomed to it; it’s who I am.” He pulled her close as they stepped in front of the door. “Would you please water your plants and come home with me?”
    “Derrick, I like my bed. I know you have a fancy apartment, but I like my place. I haven’t been home in days. My plants need my carbon dioxide too.”
    “The point is … my condo is safe.” He shook his head. “I can’t believe… plants. I never would have guessed?”