Bouquet of Regret (Preview)

Descent into Nightmare

Sighing, I finished putting the store in order with a satisfied nod only to hear the bell above the door jangle. Since my presence could be required, I walked towards the registers. Lost in my musings, I didn't pay enough attention, and I ran into a solid wall of muscle. To add to my embarrassment, I lost my balance and found myself on the floor with a delayed pain radiating through my spine.

Startled, I raised my gaze to meet gorgeous amber eyes so beautiful they would look at home in the face of a wolf. Blinking, I quickly lowered my gaze while my cheeks heated, and I swallowed audibly. While the male I so rudely crashed into is breathtaking, the dark scowl on his lips suggests he will not forgive my mistake. I almost glanced at him again, to appreciate his beauty, but the skin between my shoulders itched.

Besides, his image is imprinted in my brain already. Unfortunately, I am blessed with a photographic memory, so I can still see him in my mind. His black hair is long enough to hang in his eyes, which gives him a mysterious air. His face is the epitome of male beauty with hard planes, a strong jaw, and chiseled lips. The top of my head reaches his shoulders, judging by the fact that I literally ran into his chest. I don't think he has an ounce of fat on him, he's all muscle but in a comforting way. Like Marcus. His form feels safe like he's meant to protect, not cause harm.

Realizing I am still dazed, I cursed myself for not apologizing after I ran into him and cleared my throat. "I'm sorry, that was entirely my fault," I kept my voice soft, hoping I wouldn't draw any more attention. Slowly standing, with an inward wince, I kept my gaze low.

"Are you kidding?" The teenager growled while the two guys I belatedly noticed with him scoffed. "A street rat? A fucking street rat!? No. I, Kyler Cooper, reject you, street rat, as my mate." Snickers followed his words, and I swallowed while the safety I felt before vanished to be replaced by hostility. I took a cautious step back. A scoff left the boy's lips before his foot hooked behind my ankles, and I found myself on the ground once more.

I bit my lip to keep the whimper of pain from escaping and slowly stood while keeping my eyes down. I know his type, staying down won't save you. I would rather face the rest of his retaliation on my feet than my ass. A punch hurts less than a kick in the face. "No," he repeated, and this time, it was a hit to my throat. My knees radiated pain when I fell to them while clutching my neck and trying to breathe. "The ground is where you belong with the rest of the dirt." My heart ached at his words, and my brow furrowed slightly while I puzzled over that. I thought I learned years ago to ignore the words people hurl like daggers at those like me who tragedy enjoys dogging.

A kick to my thigh had me on my stomach, and the little air I'd managed to drag into my lungs rushed out. "There, now you are where you belong. On your belly in the dirt. Make sure you stay there." I let my eyes flicker to the back of his head once he began walking away. The boy to his left looked back, and while his lips were curled in a cruel smirk, his eyes were full of sorrow and pity. Our gazes met, and I lowered my eyes instinctively. A soft growl vibrated the air only to stop when a louder one ended with a sharp snarl.

My brow furrowed while I put the sounds together with the three teenagers. There are no dogs present to blame, but maybe that's just a thing they do here. I mean, we are surrounded by a lush forest, so perhaps the people here feel more in touch with their inner animal. Groaning silently, I realized I was going to have to face the angry leader of the trio to ring them up and winced.

Slowly pushing myself up, I stood with a sharp intake of breath when my back protested but shook my head. Resolutely, I walked to the register to perform my job. No matter what, no matter how much I may hate or fear it, I have a duty, and I will do it.

I didn't speak and kept my eyes low while I scanned the assortment of snacks and sodas. For some reason, the pack of condoms made my soul ache. Chastising myself inwardly, outwardly, I remained calm with a neutral expression. A soft whimper came from the boy on the right, but I dared not look at his face. A soft snarl came from the one in the middle, Kyler he called himself, and the faint cry stopped. I chanced a glance, my eyes full of sorrow for whatever he suffered to make him cry, and his eyes became sorrowful. Then they narrowed, and he glared at Kyler, as did the boy on the left.