Possessing Everleigh Read online

  Table of Contents

  Chapter One- Possessing Everleigh

  Chapter Two- New Beginning

  Chapter Three- Into the Darkeness

  Chapter Four- The Present

  Chapter Five- A Quandary Ahead

  Chapter Six- The Jealous Monster

  Chapter Seven- The Beast Within

  Chapter Eight- The Beast Cometh

  Chapter Nine- A Change of Direction

  Possessing Everleigh

  The room was dark. The windows lining the wall produced the shadows coming from the dark clouds and pouring rains outside. Everleigh sat in her usual seat and table, beside the fourth window, located on the old library's sixth floor. This allowed her to look out and see the bustle of students moving across the campus. She spent most of her time here. She had a roommate that was not amicable towards her. In fact, she expected Everleigh to leave and stay away until close to curfew. Everleigh's roommate usually had her boyfriend there, most of the time, and Everleigh found him quite disgusting. She had caught him leering at her on several occasions when his girlfriend wasn't paying attention. His smile made Everleigh's skin crawl. Because of that, Everleigh gladly stayed away.

  Everleigh was a tutor for students who struggled with math. Her skills were quite extensive. This semester, she already had six students assigned to her. Each student was allotted one hour of study time, and they met with her, here on the sixth floor. This semester, the majority of her students were football players. There were two girls assigned to her, though. Everleigh was shy and soft-spoken. She was worried that the boys would not pay attention to her.

  Everleigh had about forty minutes before her first student was to show. There were two students assigned to her today, two for tomorrow, and two the day after that. She was waiting for Brock Landers to show at three o'clock. Four o'clock would be Kane Dragovich. Brock needed help with statistics, and Kane needed help with Algebra II.

  This was the first year of college for Everleigh. She was a tutor in her first year because she was a genius at math. She just had a natural gift. She tested out of five different math courses. She came from a small town called Lancaster county in Pennsylvania. She had very few friends. The ones that she did have were Amish girls back home. Everleigh's birth parents were addicts. Her mother died of an overdose, and her father was a heroin user who also abused alcohol. Two years ago, Everleigh's father beat her; he almost raped her, too, except her Amish friend helped her escape. Dana, Everleigh's friend, asked her parents if Everleigh could live with them until she turned eighteen. They allowed Everleigh to stay with them; however, she had to live like them. Everleigh didn't mind; it was a wonderful change compared to how she was living before. Everleigh was expected to home school, like the other children. She was thrilled with that thought, simply because she was tortured in school on how poor she was. She excelled at it. They were all impressed with her skills. She helped cook, clean, and tend the gardens. She wore dresses and attended church. She felt safe and loved how they lived.

  Her father never came to look for her. She didn't care; she never wanted to see him again. The years went by quickly. When Everleigh turned eighteen, she applied to Marshall University College. She was eligible for a grant because she was considered Amish, and she excelled in her testing. It was a small town, and she liked the way the campus looked. She was interested in the engineering program that they had. Everleigh wanted to be an Agricultural Engineer; she was devoted to the Amish lifestyle, of living off-grid and self-sufficiency. She wanted to continue that lifestyle for herself and also help her community. So far, she liked the school, the campus, the teachers, and the facilities. She was very shy and hadn't made any friends here yet. She was alright with being alone, at least for now.

  Everleigh heard a chair scrape against the wooden floor. She turned to see her first student, Brock. He was tall; six foot two, if Everleigh were to guess. He wore a pleasant smile. She returned one in kind. He was lightly tanned with brown hair, and his eyes were gray, with hints of green specks. He was built strong like most football players were. Everleigh watched Brock as he placed his book on the table and his bag on the floor. "Hi, there! I'm Brock Landers. I'm here for tutoring in statistics." He held out his hand, and Everleigh shook it. He had a gentle grip. He seemed congenial and mannered, slightly flirtatious. She felt very comfortable with Brock, except when he complimented her cuteness. She didn't believe that interacting with him would be difficult, as long as he behaved. Everleigh introduced herself and then had Brock show her what he was struggling with. They set right to work. By the end of the hour, Brock had a much better understanding of what he was doing in his class. Everleigh felt proud that she could help him. She enjoyed his praises of what a good teacher she was. Brock had to leave a few minutes early to get to a meeting for another class. He thanked Everleigh once again and then said he looked forward to seeing her next week. She gave Brock her e-mail, at his behest, just in case he had some problems that he needed help with before she was to see him again. She watched him put her e-mail address in his wallet, and then he walked down the stairs to leave.

  The rain was pelting harder against the glass, and she could hear faint rumbles of thunder. Her attention found its way to looking out the window again. Bright colored umbrellas raced across the campus, creating a kaleidoscope effect. She smiled, amused at the green and white umbrella that escaped a female's hand. She could see the girl chasing after it. She eventually caught up to it, but not until she suffered a drenching onslaught from the storm. She giggled at the girl's enraged stomping back to the cafeteria. "What’s so funny?” The rich and resonant voice belonged to a colossal sized man. He looked at Everleigh quizzically. Everleigh stammered as she tried to answer the man standing before her.

  She motioned out the window. “There was a girl who lost her umbrella in the storm. I was just giggling at her frustrated movements.” Everleigh’s cheeks darkened with embarrassment. The massive sized man continued to look at her with interest. The intensity of his stare was making her squeamish in her chair.

  “Can I help you with something?” Everleigh was wanting this encounter to be over. She didn’t like feeling nervous, the way this fellow was making her feel.

  “Are you Everleigh Clary?” His dark, arching brow gave an indication of his curiosity. His prideful, emerald-colored eyes held a quiet intelligence to them. Everleigh watched his imperious brow arch a little higher while he awaited her answer. She cleared her throat.

  “Uhm, yes. I am she. Are you Kane Dragovich?” Everleigh found it hard to look this man in the eye. They were such a striking, deep-green that they seemed to pierce right through you. She watched a smirk line his lips.

  “Yes, I’m Kane. I’m needing some help in Algebra II. I seriously suck at math; It’s never been my forte. I can’t afford to lose my football scholarship; so, I desperately need your help. Think you can do that?” Everleigh’s mouth hung agape as Kane removed his jacket. His shoulders were powerful, herculean-sized shoulders. His chest was burly and rounded. This man’s arms were hulking with muscles and veins. Everleigh had never seen such a specimen of a man like this before. He was built like a beast. “You ok?” Kane smiled proudly as he watched Everleigh swallow hard and then try to regain her self-control. He knew that she was impressed with his size. He could see that she was a little book-worm of a girl. Even with no make-up, she was a little plain, but still cute.

  There was a tremble to her voice as she answered. “Yes, I’m fine; thank you. Won’t you be seated, and let’s take a look at your chapter.” Kane smirked again as he watched her quivering hand pull a chair out for him. He was actually taking a little joy in making her nervous. She was not the usual choice of woman that he preferred, but he found her curiously appealing. He made a lot of girls nervous, but he was interested in her responses to him. Her quiet and bashful demeanor amused him. She was nothing like the ‘cookie-cutter’ girls. They all looked alike and acted alike. He watched her put a pair of half readers on her nose. He chuckled to himself.

  No other girl would have done that in front of him. She looked absolutely adorable. Her auburn, copper-gold hair was up in a messy bun, and her tan skin made her sable-colored eyes sparkle, even in the dim light. He could see that this girl had the potential of being a hidden gem. Kane gave a slight shake to his head. He wasn’t here to admire a quiet and demure girl; he was here to understand this math and pass his class. He needed to keep his scholarship; so he could impress scouts and go pro. That was his only goal, and nothing was going to change that.

  Everleigh started explaining formulas to use; to calculate answers to the questions in Kane’s book. Kane found that he was struggling to stay focused on Everleigh’s instructions. He was suddenly captivated by the combination smell of oranges and roses coming from her. He started studying Everleigh’s face. Her features were petite. Her nose was straight and gently upturned on the end, and her lips were full and in a heart shape. He hadn’t seen a girl with lips like hers before. The straight lines on each end of her lips emphasized the fullness of her lip’s shape. They were a soft, pink color. He was wondering if anyone was currently savoring those lips. Her sable eyes glistened as she looked at him. She smiled, and he took a deep breath. She looked so angelic to him right now; with those seductively innocent eyes, hidden behind those glasses, he was captivated. He impulsively wanted to pull those glasses off, pull her bun loose, and kiss her until she melded into him.

  “Do you understand what I mean?” Kane’s brows creased with co
nfusion and frustration. He hadn’t heard a word she said. He needed to hide the fact that he had been daydreaming about her.

  “No, can you show me one more time?” He needed to pay attention this time; luckily, she didn’t look exasperated. She smiled and repeated everything again. Kane got it. He demonstrated it back to her, and she seemed quite pleased with him. He smiled. He felt a satisfying pride that she was pleased.

  “You’re doing great! Let me see you work this problem using the formula.” Kane took a quick look at her lips, then turned his attention to the problem.

  He worked it out and then waited for Everleigh to approve it. She did and rewarded him with a magnificent smile. “Ok, now do the next one.” He did it correctly, too. He was able to complete six of the ten problems that were due on Wednesday.

  “See, it’s not that hard. You’re getting it! You’ve only got four more problems left to do. I’ll give you my e-mail; if you have any questions or problems, just let me know.” She was being genuinely kind to him. She wasn’t flirting or throwing herself at him as all the other women did. Everleigh was actually a breath of fresh air to him. That’s probably why he was fascinated with her; she was different. He wasn’t sure that he liked the fact that she wasn’t enamored with him, though. Her sweetness and innocence enticed his senses.

  “Thanks, Everleigh. I appreciate you helping me understand. Are you getting ready to go somewhere?” Everleigh gave him a confused look.

  “Oh, no. I’ll be here until close.” Kane was puzzled at her answer.

  “The library doesn’t close until eleven tonight. You’ve got six more hours to go. Surely, you’re not going to sit in here all night.” He gave Everleigh a bewildered look.

  Her cheeks pinked. “Well, I don’t have a very good roommate. She has a really creepy boyfriend, and he stays there all day. I hang out here, so I can avoid the two of them. It’s not bad. I get my homework done, and I sneak an occasional movie in with my cell phone.” She crinkled her nose and smiled mischievously like she was getting by with breaking a rule. She was so freaking cute!

  “Creepy, huh. What’s so creepy about the guy?” Kane was wondering what this guy’s problem was. She must be scared of him, to spend every day in this library, all day. The more he thought about it, the more agitated he felt. Maybe, he needed to have a conversation with this guy and her roommate. She didn’t deserve to be treated like this.

  He watched her purse her lips together. The heart shape was very pronounced when she did that. He tore his eyes from those beautiful lips and looked her in the eyes. He could see some distress cross her features. He watched her perfectly arched brow, crease in apprehension. He was frustrated that she was feeling worried. “It’s probably just me, but I just get an eerie vibe from him. It’s mostly how he looks at me. It’s just disturbing, that’s all. I’m extremely shy and backward; so, I’m probably misinterpreting it. I just decided that I didn’t want to take a chance; so, I stay here. Besides, my roommate isn’t very friendly to me. I just try to avoid her. I tried to get another roommate, but nothing was available. So, I’m stuck with her.” Everleigh had a dainty chuckle.

  Kane needed to get up and walk away. He didn’t need another girl falling in love with him. He didn’t need drama. He didn’t need to be infatuated with her! He needed to focus on school and his scholarship. Without his scholarship, there would be no school. His parents weren’t poor; they had three children and not enough money to pay for everyone’s school needs. Kane had a twin brother, and he had a sister that was one year younger than him. All three of them were in college. His brother was accepted to WVU for a football scholarship. His brother was a great football player; he was a little smarter than Kane was, too. His name was Maddox, and he was going to school for computer engineering. Sarai, his sister, was at Penn State, and she was a genius. She was currently in med school because she wanted to be a pediatrician. Kane just wanted to be a professional ballplayer. He had scouts keeping their eyes on him. He was a very accurate quarterback. He was going to get a degree in Sports Management. He wanted something he could use with football. His ultimate goal was to become a coach. He felt like his parents weren’t supportive of his dreams, but he wasn’t going to give them up for anyone.

  “Have you eaten?” Where did that come from? He planned to get up and walk away. He just reminded himself that he didn’t need any distractions—especially a quiet introvert like Everleigh.

  She smiled widely, revealing white, straight teeth. “I brought a sandwich. I’m good, thanks.” She pulled the sandwich out of her backpack for proof. He was let off the hook. Now was his chance to gather his things and walk away. He was an idiot and didn’t let it go. He was a little miffed that she didn’t jump at the chance to go with him.

  “That’s not dinner, Everleigh. Put your sandwich back in your bag. You’re going with me to eat. I’d like to have some company, anyway. I’m in the mood for Thai. Do you like Thai food?” Everleigh looked disconcerted.

  “I’ve never had Thai food before, but I don’t want to impose on you. You go ahead. I’m not a big eater anyway.” Kane was not satisfied with her reply at all. He also wasn’t going to accept it. He was frustrated with himself for pushing her to go and frustrated that she didn’t seem interested.

  “That’s not going to work. Save your breath, hand me your backpack, and follow me to my Jeep.” Kane’s expression was firm. He was not going to listen to another excuse, not to go with him. How could someone live in America and not have tried Thai food? It was inconceivable.

  Kane could see that Everleigh was thinking of a way to get out of going. He didn’t give her any more time to think. He reached over and picked up her bag. He slung it over his shoulder. He picked up her coat that was hanging on the back of her chair. He held it up for her to put it on. She didn’t say a word; she just obeyed his actions. Kane watched her put each arm in the sleeves of her jacket. He watched her button the front of it. She looked at him reservedly. He realized that he was going to have to force her to follow him. He grabbed her hand and made her follow him down the stairs. When they got outside, the rain was unrelenting.

  Everleigh pulled her hood over her head and quickly followed Kane to his black Jeep. It was an older model, but he took very good care of it. The seats were leather and cold. Everleigh made sure that Kane’s door was unlocked and opened for him. Everleigh noticed his dark, chocolate brown hair dripping with water. He was drenched. She watched him turn around and focus his attention on his back seat. He turned around, holding a towel. He was drying his face and hair with it. Everleigh couldn’t help to feel a surge of exhilaration pulse through her. Kane was such a handsome man. There was such a thrill being around him. She was trying not to show her interest in him. She didn’t want him to be wary of her. She did not doubt that he had plenty of women chasing after him. He seemed to have befriended her; she didn’t want him to be sorry for his decision.

  Kane started the Jeep, and they drove for about twenty minutes. They pulled into a parking lot, and the Thai restaurant was before them. He told Everleigh to sit still, and he would get her. Kane opened her door and grabbed her hand. He pulled her quickly inside the restaurant. She giggled at how fast he pulled her in. That got a big smile from him, and he was such a handsome fellow. His face had a Romanesque elegance to it, and his features were finely chiseled and strong. Dark stubble clung to his jawline, and those exotic green eyes shimmered when he smiled. His lips were so bountiful. Whatever girl was blessed to experience them was a lucky girl indeed! His size was impressive! Everleigh had never seen a guy as big as Kane was. Not a regular guy, that is. His parents must have been giants.

  A host at the restaurant seated the two of them in a booth. The ambiance of the restaurant was dark and romantic, enhanced with Asian art all around. Menus were given to the two of them. Kane offered her help on what to choose to eat. She appreciated his thoughtfulness since she was unsure of what she would like. Everleigh listened to Kane order both of them spicy chicken and shrimp over Khao Pad rice. It sounded good to her; she was game to try it!

  “So, how is it that you live in America and have never tried Thai food?” Everleigh gave him a bravura smile!