Loathsome Love (Chaotic Kiss Trilogy #1)

Chapter 1: At First We Meet

The gravel crunched loudly beneath my heavy boots, echoing into the gloom around me, emphasizing the fact that I was completely and utterly alone. The way this world has changed me is a mystery. I hate the way it happened but I won't look back. It just brings back bad memories. If I bring back bad memories, I won't be able to remain detached and to survive; I truly need to remain detached. It's worked for the past ten years, and it will for the next ten. A twig snapped behind me, rooting me where I stood. "I could've sworn I was alone," I thought to myself. "But who could it be?"

I shuddered. Don't think about it and it will be fine. It will be fine, I repeated as I quickened my pace. Mist hung by my face like a gauzy veil, which made goose bumps crawl their way up my arms. Another snapped twig, the faintest of faint sound of breathing. And it followed me, Perfect, just brilliant. What a smart idea, taking a midnight stroll. It was a good idea at the time. But I can't think about that I have to run. Just keep running and then, a gunshot. "Holy Fuck," I thought. I have to stay down but I need to keep running. Wait a minute. Why is someone chasing me with a gun anyways?

Probably the same reason I've been running for a decade, I thought grimly. Stupid fog... I couldn't see anything, but neither could my assailant, Pros and cons. The gun went off again, sounding closer this time. A sudden, burning pain lanced up my leg, almost making me fall. But I was conditioned to withstand pain and so I ran, hobbling really. I could hear the huff of the shooter's breathing, louder than anything else.

I was beginning to feel lightheaded. But I brushed it off. I can't stop. I won't let myself fall. Then someone just appeared out of nowhere right in front of me. He grabbed me. I tried to scream but nothing came out. His hands grasped me. And I knew it was over I couldn't survive. But instead of killing me he started running. Maybe he was saving me, maybe, just maybe.

But since when do I have an ally? Well, it was my best chance of survival so I had to hope. My leg was beginning to buckle, but at the same time beginning to go numb. That was alarming; perhaps they hit an artery.

"Nice shot." I hissed between my teeth.

"I was aiming for your head." a curt, yet high voice snapped. It was the voice of a girl. Not just any girl though. The voice sounded familiar. Was it someone I know? It's too dangerous to check.

"Stop running," The girl screeched. "I just want to talk to you."

"Put down the gun and we'll see," I yelled back. Wait a minute I wasn't the one running. Was she talking to the boy who was holding me?

"You shot me; let's talk about that!" I called, suddenly furious. The boy gripping me slowed, allowing for the girl to catch up.

"You ran." She countered.

"I'm always being chased, and then at god-knows-what-time-it-is while I'm taking a walk in the dark someone starts following me. And then shoots me. You weren't exactly rolling out the welcome wagon." I snapped. Wait; cool it, just calm down. Remain focused. The pain in my leg flared up again, cutting that thought short.

"It was target practice. I was just following you so I could explain. I was shooting cause of all the targets. And your leg..." She explained. "Was not my fault I missed, you just happened to be in the way."

"You could've said that in the first place!" I exclaimed. I paused. "Wait, why the hell were you having target practice on a foggy night? Next time come up with a better lie." I hissed. Out of the corner of my eye I saw the boy's lips turn up at the very corners.

"Damn." the girl muttered.                                                     

"Explain yourself." I commanded, frosting over my voice.

“OK fine. I come out here every night and bring my gun with me in case of danger SO when I saw you I shot. I wasn't sure if you were dangerous or not. Now I'm even more confused." The girl explained. "Are you satisfied now?"

"Not really." I growled, "I'm bleeding and rather close to passing out. And if I feel the need to vomit, I'll be aiming and I won't miss." This time there was a true smile on the boy's face, lighting up his features for a split second. And then it was gone. The girl took a small step to the side, trying to get out of my line of fire.

"Why did you chase me if you saw me as a threat before shooting?"

"I wanted a closer look. I couldn't see you from where I was. But when I couldn't catch up to you, I just shot. Not caring if you were a threat or not. I was scared."

"Amazing, you better be taking me to a fucking hospital." I groaned.

"Ah... no." the girl hedged. I slowly turned my neck around to glare at her incredulously. "Well, the gun isn't exactly legal." she explained.

“Lovely. Well then, let me warn you. I have extremely dangerous enemies and even more dangerous friends, and neither will stop looking for me. You may want to get lost."

"Have you forgotten where you are?" The girl inquired.

"No?" I asked confused.

"Don't worry I'll bring you to the hospital," The boy said. "My car's not far from where we are right now."

"Thank you. At least someone can take care of me."

"I'll come too. It's my fault. I need to correct it."

“What happened to not bringing me there?" She shot me. She asked me if I forgot where I was. She gave me multiple stories, all with holes in them. They were taking me to a car, conveniently parked down the street. It screamed setup. But did I have a choice in the matter? None, they were armed, I was outnumbered and injured, and it was dark. All I could do was play along and hope for the best. But when was hoping ever changed anything? Never, not once in my messed up life, I was screwed.

We finally arrived at the hospital, the girl still as crazy as ever. While the guy remained mysterious. Damn I don’t even know their names yet. I should ask them once I come to. But for now I’m knocked out, stupid doctors. What shit did they use on me? It sure is taking its damn time to wear off. Oh well I can listen to the guy and the girl bicker.

“I’m so bored. Why do we need to wait for him?” The girl complained.

“Because it’s polite, and it’s your fault,” replied the boy. “Besides the doctor said he’ll be awake any minute now.”

“He sure is taking his damn time,” retorted the girl.

“Not my fault the doctors knocked me out,” I said finally coming to. I really hate that girl. She’s so mean to me. But the guy is so nice. He takes care of me. He’s sweet, and not a jerk. I hope the girl will leave me alone now.

“What’s your name?” The girl asked me. “I’m Chelsea. In case you were wondering.”

“I’m Garrett.” I replied. “What’s your name?”

“The name’s Daemon,” The boy said. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“Same with you,” I retorted. “So, where do you want to go now?” I really didn’t know where we going to go now. I didn’t even have a way home. Maybe Daemon could drive me home? I hope meanie... I mean Chelsea doesn’t come. She can walk. I wonder why she hates me so much. It’s not like she can read my thoughts. At least I hope she can’t read them. That would be so creepy if she could.

“I don’t know where do you want to go?” Daemon asked.

“I’m hungry. Can we stop by some place with food?” Chelsea complained. Great, when does she not complain?

“I know this good place just down the road,” Daemon said.

“What about you, Garrett? Are you fine stopping by to get some food?” Chelsea inquired.

“Yeah I haven’t eaten in a while," I said. “I’m starving.”

“Then it’s settled,” Chelsea said loudly. “It’s time to eat.”