Trouble no. 2 RavenCroft Collection

Mighty sad set of circumstances wouldn’t you say? And Stacey Lynn was Kalabernus’s last attempt at a romantic foray for a long, long time.

As was the case in the previous book, this one also jumps forward nearly fourteen years. It is now November of two thousand fifteen. We’re still in Loveland, Colorado and will continue in this location for the rest of this story.

During the span of fourteen years, Kalabernus becomes something of a recluse. Though college educated much of it was completed from home where possible and his career path took a decidedly different one from the rest of his siblings. You see, Kalabernus, though clearly tormented by shadowy demonic creatures, is a highly gifted individual. His father, Bastion, discovered early on that his son excelled in music and was very good with his hands. Though more than capable of creating beautiful sculptures and working with wood, the area to which he excelled most was with painting, and he’d made quite a name for himself even on an international level.

For the most part, Kalabernus kept to himself. He rarely, if ever, came into town, preferring instead to stay at the RavenCroft horse ranch where he could work in peace within his studio above the garage. He’d learned early on in life that people feared him just by being in his presence for not only did he have an unsettling aura about him, but he was extremely intimidating in size and stature. As a result, he had very little experience with communicating with people, women in particular. Most of the time he was more than inclined to avoid contact with anyone. But sometimes on Fridays, when the shadows weren’t bothering him too bad, he’d take himself into town to Shenanigans, his favorite local karaoke and dance bar for a drink. If he was in a good mood, which was rare, he’d bless the crowd with a song or two.

Today, Kalabernus was in a good mood, having learned several of his paintings would be displayed at the Denver Art Museum. So he stopped into Shenanigans, took his favored seat at the bar, and ordered his usual.

Kalabernus had been watching from the bar for some time now. At first, because he’d been entranced by her beautiful face. But then mostly because Kalabernus realized that this very same person was an extremely curvaceous black haired beauty who was undressing in front of his very eyes.

Okay, maybe not undressing, but she was taking off her coat and for Kalabernus that was about as close to seeing a woman undressing as he was going to get. Trying not to stare or ogle her, he shifted his brooding gaze toward the girls singing karaoke across the room. But his full attention never wavered from the woman from the moment she’d entered the bar.

She was of medium build but he noted rather tall. Observing her step around the table she was sitting down at with her girlfriend Angela Hayes, he noted she was wearing three-inch heel boots which explained the height. Harrumphing softly at her subterfuge he wondered briefly why women wore such blasted precarious footwear. Though admittedly on her they were very appealing, he couldn’t imagine they were comfortable to walk in at all.

Cradling his beer, he noted her shoulders tense as she slid into her chair. Head peering cautiously about the room, her unusual pale gray eyes locked onto his. Not accustomed to getting caught staring, he shifted uneasily then smiled weakly, giving her what he hoped appeared to be an appreciative nod.

“Angela, who is that?” Sareena Davis inquired of her friend upon catching the man eyeing her. The sensation of being watched was by no means unfamiliar to her. She suspected it would take time getting used to normal people casually observing her as opposed to a stalker. Tapping her hand on the table to get Angela’s attention she shifted her head ever so slightly toward the bar, where the enormous man sat drinking his beer. She’d never seen a man quite so huge before and he was gorgeous too.

“Oh, you mean that marvelous piece of eye candy sitting at the bar?” Angela replied with a nervous giggle. “That would be Kalabernus RavenCroft. I went to school with him and his brothers Kalturek and Kahner. They’re triplets.”

Eyes widening Sareena gaped. “Triplets? Are they all as big as him?” she marveled. Trying to shift her gaze back to the bar in a way that she could see better, she regretted instantly not having sat in the opposite chair. Getting up and moving now though would be too obvious.

Laughing, Angela gestured for a waitress and grabbed the peanut bowl from the table, pushing it closer so they both could reach.

“Almost. He’s the biggest of the three but the twins…”

“Did you say twins?”

“Oh, right. Yeah, I probably should warn you. Kalturek is one of them and he’s the county Sheriff. And Kahner’s the other. He just returned home from a tour with the U.S. army recently, with a new wife. They’re identical so if you run into one of them…”

“Right, be sure I know who I’m saying ‘hi’ to if I meet them again. Thanks for the heads up.”

Noting Sareena attempting another secretive glance his way Angela chuckled then thought better to make light.

“Listen, Sareena, where Kalabernus is concerned… With your past, you’re likely going to want to stay clear.”

“Why? Is he dangerous or something?” Sareena asked her curiosity morbidly peaked. She noted the man’s brooding good looks and amazing crystal clear blue eyes even from where she sat.

“Funny you ask whether he’s dangerous first, rather than whether he’s married.”

“Oh, right, of course. Anyone who looks that good has got to be married.”

Eager to correct her friend’s inaccurate assumption Angela shook her head. “No, it’s not that. He’s single it’s just….”

“What can I get for you ladies?” the waitress asked, interrupting them. Placing their order, Sareena noted Angela conveniently steered the conversation to another topic, and wondered at why. For the next half hour, they munched on appetizers while catching up on old times and listened to the brave souls within the karaoke bar who were courageous enough to take up the microphone. Some were mind numbingly painful to listen to, many were amusing, and occasionally they were surprised by a few good ones.

After a while, they’re heads both turned upon overhearing a commotion at the bar next to them. Three attractive men all sporting black hair and large builds had joined Kalabernus. They were boisterous, acting slightly drunk and appeared to be in good spirits. Two of them, Sareena observed, were identical in appearance.

“Those are his three brothers.” Angela offered, seeing Sareena’s curious gaze. She was amused by her friend’s interest. “Drayke is the youngest and the smallest of the lot.”

“He’s considered small? That man has got to be easily six foot two or more and built to boot.”

“Not sure but sounds about right. Kalabernus is six foot eight, though. Know that for a fact.”

“How?”

“He told me once. One of those random conversations you never expect.” Angela shrugged, observing her friend eyeing the men at the bar with a mixture of amusement and trepidation. “But they’re all married, though.”

“Except this Kalab guy?”

“Kalabernus,” Angela corrected.

“That’s an unusual name,” Sareena commented off-handedly, her eyes shifting toward the bar where the man was being not so gently forced from his seat.

“It’s really good to see that happy light in your face again. Especially after everything you went through with that stalker.” Angela said, glancing almost worriedly at Kalabernus as he was being prompted loudly by his brothers to sing, then back at her friend.

“I don’t want to think about that tonight,” Sareena replied dismissively. “Besides, that was when I lived in Massachusetts and I’m in Colorado now. He can’t get to me here,” she said with relief, glad to be finally rid of the whole mess. She should have thought of this idea a long time ago. Maybe then she could have saved herself some pain and, for that matter, her friend Kami’s life.

Feeling a sudden jolt from behind, Sareena careened forward in her seat, knocking over her wine cooler. Head turning to see what or who had bumped her, she saw one of the RavenCroft brothers had fallen into her, as he was attempting to force his brother up to the stage.

“Sorry about that,” Drayke called jovially, stepping away from her. Doing a double take at the sight of Sareena he whistled softly and gave her a winning smile. “Damn honey, you’re a mighty fine looking woman!” The words slipped out before he could stop them.

His response elicited a giggle as Sareena flushed with heat.

“Careful, Drayke. You want your wife catching you talking like that?” Kalturek chided with a disgusted shake of his head. His brother was always such a flirt and it often got him in trouble with his wife, Laynie.

Tired of being manhandled Kalabernus shrugged off his brother’s arms irately, embarrassed by the attention he was getting. Angela and her dark-haired friend were staring at him, and he was having trouble thinking through the beer and the mesmerizing gray eyes.

“Just get off me!” Kalabernus exclaimed. “S…sorry about my brothers,” he stammered toward Sareena, wishing he didn’t sound like a blubbering idiot. “Are you all right?” he asked urgently. “Drayke didn’t hurt you, did he? Cause if he did I’ll clobber him for you,” he said darkly, turning swiftly on his brother who reflexively backed away.

Sareena’s face lit up and her gray eyes twinkled merrily at his genuine concern. Though brutish in size and stature he was clearly a teddy bear at heart. Placing her hand gently on his arm, she stopped him from striking at Drayke.

Kalabernus turned back toward her in surprise.

“It’s okay, really. I’m okay.” Sareena crooned sweetly, staring up into his pale blue eyes. Their conversation garnered the attention of his brothers who exchanged interested glances. Women didn’t talk to their brother, regardless of his exceptional good looks. They were usually too afraid to get near him because of the dark presence he exuded.

“Well, okay then,” Kalabernus said softly, his voice low and smooth. “But if you change your mind…”

Sareena laughed, the genuinely delighted sound garnering a sharp intake of breath from Kalabernus at the sound. “I won’t, Kalabernus, but thanks,” she said softly, startling him.

“How do you know my name? Cause I would remember you if I’d met you.” Kalabernus asked urgently. He glanced toward Angela suspiciously who rolled her eyes and peered quickly away, a look of embarrassment on her own face. Clearly, they’d been talking about him, he realized, and he could only imagine what Angela was saying.

Heat infused Sareena’s cheeks as she blushed again. She was fully aware his brother’s eyes were intently watching the exchange for some reason, appearing almost anxious.

“Well, now. I felt your eyes upon me. Figured I’d better find out who you were,” Sareena stated, attempting to turn things around on him.

Looking for something, anything to distract him from her sensual lips Kalabernus glanced toward the table and noticed her spilled drink.

“He spilled your drink. I’ll make him buy you a new one.” Kalabernus shoved his brother toward the bar. “Buy her a new drink, Drayke,” he demanded with a scowl. “It’s the least you can do for bumping her and spilling her drink while manhandling me.”

Chuckling, Drayke eyed the woman mischievously then Kalabernus. “Fine, but only if you sing.”

“All right.” Kalabernus agreed with an exasperated growl. “But I get to choose. None of that namby-pamby drivel you guys are always trying to get me to sing.” Adjusting his belt buckle self-consciously, he strolled to the stage. The crowd within the pub erupted in excited applause.

“Oh, my! You are in for a rare treat tonight, honey,” Angela stated. Seeing her friends questioning look she chuckled. “Just wait, you’ll see. Wonder what he’s going to choose tonight?”

“Here you go. Sorry for the trouble.” Drayke said, at Sareena’s side. Wine cooler in hand, she noticed he was about to open it for her.

“No! I got it, thanks.” Sareena said quickly, grabbing the bottle from Drayke’s grasp. Seeing his questioning look she apologized. “Sorry. No offense intended. I just make it a practice not to accept opened drinks from people,” she explained apologetically.

Drayke gave her a calculating stare, somehow suspecting the woman had a good reason for her statement. “Good practice to keep.” Acknowledging Angela with a cursory nod he walked away.

Moments later the beginning music score of Lee Brice’s song, Drinking Class filled the air to the delight of the crowd. Chairs could be heard scooting about as people attempted to get a better vantage for the performance. Though well known by all for his brooding and frightening visage Kalabernus was also well known for his talented voice.

The RavenCroft brothers heckled from the bar while leaning against it, beers in hand.

“Yeah!” Kahner yelled across the crowd, enjoying the chance to hear his brother sing for the first time since he had returned home. He’d been away working undercover with the CIA for nearly fifteen years and was grateful for Kalturek’s suggestion that they all go out. It had been a long time and Kahner had been cooped up at the ranch for the past couple weeks.

Kalabernus began singing, surprising Sareena at the quality of his voice. Smooth and deep with just the right amount of edge, his voice fits the song perfectly. Belting it out as though he’d been singing professionally for years, he soon had the crowd on their feet shaking their drinks and singing along with him. Being as it was Friday night the song seemed to resonate with most everyone present, after a long work week.

Sareena simply couldn’t take her eyes off him, and she noticed his gaze flit her way a few times as he sang. It had been several years since she’d been able to feel such freedom as she was now. Secure in the knowledge that she no longer had to worry about her stalker she found she was enjoying herself. Smiling dreamily and laughing with delight as Kalabernus finished the song the crowd erupted in raucous applause and hooting. Shortly after, his brothers joined him on stage and all four men belted out another country song together, all the while playing it up with bad grammar and many antics.

Several singers and songs later, the karaoke machine was put away, and the band for the night began to play. The dance floor opened and people began moving out onto the floor as more people began pouring into the bar for the dance phase of the night.

Sareena excused herself to the restroom and Angela opted to join her. Returning to their table Sareena picked up her third wine cooler of the night figuring it would be her last. Noticing it was full she didn’t think too much of it. She had a weakness for wine coolers because they tasted so much better than beer so she usually limited herself to no more than three.

Her thoughts kept returning to Kalabernus who was sitting alone at the bar. He was something of a paradox to her. Being as attractive as he was in addition to a talented singer, who was clearly able to engage those around him when he sang, she would have thought he’d have women clamoring all over him. Instead, he appeared to be a loner. More than that, people within the bar seemed to give him a wide birth. The bar was clearly crowded for the night, not a seat empty other than the table right next to him as well as the two bar stools on either side of him.

Caught up in her musings Sareena managed to finish off her wine cooler before she realized it. She was feeling especially good for some reason tonight after finishing the third one. Noting Angela was busy flirting with one of the men at a nearby table, she smiled while watching the dancers. Blinking several times, to clear her blurring vision, she irrationally decided she wanted another one. Not normally one for bold moves she bravely decided to join him at the bar, thinking he might like the company.

Seeing Kalabernus was still sitting alone for the moment, she got up and stumbled toward him. Her head felt light and there was a faint buzzing sensation within her. The closer she came to him the more agitated she seemed to get. He exuded almost a dangerous quality about him and yet there was something about the way he looked at her that made her think he was anything but. Sareena couldn’t seem to help herself, she wanted to be near him. It felt as though she were being drawn to him somehow.

“I’ll have another fuzzy navel, please,” Sareena called to the bartender above the noise. Her gaze shifted shyly to Kalabernus and she bumped his side with her hip while attempting to lean against the bar.

“You want… you want I cover it for you?” Kalabernus stammered, his mouth going dry at her close proximity. Her eyes appeared sleepy, giving them a sexy quality he rather liked.

“And why might you do that?” Sareena smiled, accepting the wine cooler from the bartender. She twisted the top off and took a long drink.

“Seems a good exchange for your company, unless you’re afraid. Most women are.”

“I’m not afraid of you,” Sareena replied quickly. “And you don’t have to buy me a drink to gain my company.” Her head drooped to one side and she gave him a flirtatious look, not realizing she was acting out of character. Usually, she was extra cautious with men she didn’t know.

Choking on his beer Kalabernus coughed. Feeling a thrilling sensation as her hand pressed against his chest in concern, he covered hers with his own. Her soft skin felt good within his. They chatted for a while, garnering looks from several of the local regulars as well as Kahner near the pool table. After a while, Kalabernus noticed Sareena seemed very loose and drowsy in appearance, barely able to keep her eyes open.

“I could… I could give you a lift home if you like?” Kalabernus offered with a suggestive grin, not expecting her to accept.

“Hhhhmmm. A ride home. Why not?” she giggled. Feeling dizzy and slightly disoriented she lost her balance and stumbled into him. “I think… I think I might need a bed anyway,” Sareena stammered. Feeling his arms wrap around her for support, she moaned softly at the feel of him pressed up against her chest.

Startled by her response Kalabernus inquired, “You sure about that? You sure you’re not afraid of me?”

“Oh, I’ve already danced with the devil. You’re an angel in comparison.”

“You might be surprised,” he replied wryly while helping her to her feet. His gaze roamed the room, noticing the shadows flitting about, for once not paying any head to him, which was odd.

Grabbing her jacket and purse for her from the back of her chair, he took her hand in his and guided her toward the front door. If he was quick, he might get her out the door before his brothers could waylay him. Women never expressed interest in him other than to look, and he didn’t want to lose the chance of spending more time with her alone.

Watching the exchange with interest, the bartenders’ brows rose as he witnessed the woman leave with Kalabernus. He’d never seen a woman express interest other than a casual glance, let alone to leave with him. Catching sight of Angela searching the room for her friend moments later he called out to her, gaining her attention.

“She left, Angela.”

“Wait, what?” Angela responded, becoming alarmed.

Kalturek and Drayke sidled up to the bar for more beers.

“Your friend, she left with Kalabernus,” Avery replied with a shrug. He gestured toward the door, then glanced with a smirk at the RavenCrofts while wiping down a few beer mugs. Both men peered back at him in surprise.

“Kalabernus left with a woman?” Drayke asked, mouth gaping in shock. Quickly regaining his composure, he chuckled and smirked knowingly.

“Not just any woman but that black-haired bombshell you came in with Angie. Who is she anyway?” Kahner asked. Returning from the pool table he’d noticed his brother leaving and had been surprised he hadn’t said anything.

Confused and appearing disturbed Angela grabbed her jacket, hastily putting it on. “That’s impossible. Sareena would have never left with him willingly.”

“Now just a minute…” Drayke said, becoming cross at the implication she was making.

“No, Drayke, you don’t understand,” she snapped in agitation. “Sareena had a stalker after her for nearly five years, and he messed with her head something fierce. It’s why she moved here from Massachusetts to get away from him. Sareena would have never left with someone she didn’t know. This is completely out of character for her,” she declared, alarming the men present.

“Don’t know what to tell you, but she did leave with him willingly,” Avery said, wanting to make it clear that Kalabernus hadn’t done anything wrong. “She did seem kind of loopy, though. Wasn’t afraid. Seemed odd considering,” the bartender stated, trying to be tactful. Everyone knew about Kalabernus’s off-putting tendency.

Grabbing hastily for her purse Angela knocked over the wine cooler bottle on the table where she’d been sitting. Setting the bottle upright, she noticed part of a small round card peeking out from under the napkin it had been sitting on. Pulling the card out she turned it over and gasped, her hand trembling as she stared down at it. The four-inch circle had her friend’s picture on it, and the face had been crossed out with a red X.

Shrieking in dismay as understanding dawned on her Angela grabbed up the bottle on the table and shook it before the bartender. The bottle wasn’t the same as what her friend had been drinking.

“Avery, where did this come from?”

“Angie, what’s the matter?” Kalturek could see a dark hazy light surrounding her which was highly unusual. Normally when he’d look at Angela it was, at the very least, a pale white light.

“She’s been drinking Fuzzy Navel’s all night, not Strawberry Daiquiri’s!” Angela shrieked, staring toward the door in dismay. “Oh, my God! Kalturek you have to go after them and stop Kalabernus!” she insisted urgently.

Taking the round card from her hand, Kahner peered down at it uneasily. “Angela, what is this?” His gut clenched at the sight of a red X over the woman’s face. He passed it on to Kalturek to see.

“It’s the stalkers calling card!” Angela cried. Panicked tears swam in her eyes.

Grabbing the bottle from her as the men exchanged worried looks Drayke sniffed at it and stared down at the card in Kalturek’s hand.

“Would you say she seemed disoriented?” Drayke asked Avery suspiciously.

“Man, she fell into him,” Avery responded. “Almost looked like flirting but…”

“You thinking what I’m thinking?” Drayke asked his brother’s darkly, alarmed by the possibility running through his head and what it might mean.

“What I’m thinking, is that woman was likely drugged from the sounds of it.” Kahner took the bottle from his brother and eyed it closely. He then waved it under his nose. “I’m betting probably ecstasy. There’s no odor.”

“And I’m thinking we need to find her now before Kalabernus accidentally does something potentially stupid with her.” Internally Kalturek groaned. If the woman gave his brother even the slightest hint that she might be a willing participant in any carnal activity he knew his brother would be lost. It had been too long.

“He wouldn’t take her back to the house and dad has already re-rented his cabin. But honestly Angela I don’t see him doing that sort of thing anyway. If she’s acting drunk, he’s probably just trying to be a gentleman and give her a lift home. Where does she live?” Kahner asked thoughtfully, turning toward Angela.

Angela shook her head in distress, her chest heaving as she began to cry. “She just moved here and we met at the bar. I don’t know!”