Page 52 of Kai's Hunger

I knew the man could’ve heard the story from someone else. A friend of Kai’s. Even one of the people at the diner. I didn’t think that was the case. He sounded too much like Kai. “You’re their father,” I surmised. “The one who’s been missing.”

“I am.”

“They’ve been searching for you. They haven’t given up. They won’t.”

“Thank you for telling me that,” he replied, his voice hoarse with emotion. “Are they well?”

“They are.”

“So, Kai saved you, huh?”

“He did. Gave me a place to stay, too. They’ve all been wonderful.”

“How did Patterson get his hands on you?”

“He ... he came to the diner. Attacked the waitress there and grabbed me.” I pressed a hand to the back of my head. “I think I was drugged.”

“Yes. He’s fond of needles.” He paused, then added, “Do you care for Kai?”

My face heated. Even though I couldn’t see the man it was still embarrassing to discuss my budding relationship. “I do. He’s more than a helpful stranger.”

“What is your name?”

“Lily Hall.”

“Well, Lily, it’s nice to meet you. The circumstances are unfortunate.”

“How long have you been here?”

“At this particular location? Only about twenty-four hours. A prisoner of Patterson’s? I believe a little over two years.”

“God, I’m so sorry,” I quietly offered. “Why did he take you?”

“That’s a much bigger discussion. For now, I need you to do something for me.”

“I’m not sure what I can do.”

“Closer your eyes and reach for Kai.”

“Huh?” Had the man lost his mind? Possibly, considering all he’d been through. I didn’t want to imagine the awful things Patterson and his sick goons had done to the man.

“Just trust me. I need you to do this.”

“Close my eyes and reach for Kai? Like telepathically?”

“Something like that, yes.”

“I don’t believe in all that stuff, but it’s not as if it could hurt.”

“You have nothing to lose,” Lucian replied. “Try to focus on his face. Picture him in your mind. What he was wearing when you last saw him. The way he makes you feel. Open your heart to him.”

“Okay, here goes,” I answered, feeling ridiculous that I was listening to a faceless stranger in the hopes that I could call Kai with my imaginary mind-cellphone. I let my eyes drift shut, then did as Lucian suggested and brought up an image of Kai. The way he’d kissed me when he’d dropped me at the auto shop. The feel of him in my arms. His strength. His taste. Like a wild thunderstorm.

“Say his name in your mind. Over and over, like a chant.”

Kai, can you hear me? Kai, please, I’m scared.

“Keep going, Lily. Don’t stop. His name. Imagine his touch. Picture his dark eyes, the way they watch you.”

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