Monsters Among Us

By Amanda Strong

What if the fate of the world lies with the monster—not the hero?
The world is shifting, and Sammy has complete control. But as hidden truths surface, she starts to doubt everyone who is close to her. The Ancients and Kory have been harboring dark secrets, and it could mean war between the Dragon Fae and the Irukas. With the Defenders as her devoted soldiers, Sam must make some difficult decisions. Should she save the world... or save herself?
Blake won't give up on Sam. He knows he can't trust Tonbo anymore, or the web of lies he's been thrown into. If he hopes to save Sam, he must find the real reason Kory created the bug army. Turns out there could be something far worse than bloodthirsty bugs buriedon the islands, and Blake will have to fight his own inner demons if he wants to save those he loves—including Sam.
In a world filled with mistrust and lies, Blake and Sam must unearth the truth and face their own fears and weaknesses. If they don't, their lives—and the fate of all humanity—will hang in the balance.

• Language: English
• Publisher: CTP Publishing
• Release date: Jun 26, 2017
• ISBN: 9781634222624

Amanda Strong

Amanda Strong is a Michif, Indigenous filmmaker, media artist, and stop motion director currently based out of the unceded Coast Salish territory also known as Vancouver, British Columbia. She has exhibited work and screened films worldwide, including at the Cannes Film Festival, Toronto International Film Festival, Vancouver International Film Festival, and the Ottawa International Animation Festival. @spottedfawnart

Book preview

1

Sammy

Every minute is a gift. 

Iopened the front door as silently as possible and sprinted up the stairs, hoping no one would hear me. Maybe, just maybe, everyone will be gone . Being Saturday afternoon, I prayed Krista wouldn’t be loafing in her bedroom, Mom would be out shopping, and Dad… I swallowed hard. Well, let’s just hope he’s not home, either. My nerves were too frayed to face any of them. Which was why I’d argued I should use camo to get in and get out. 

When Mack had insisted I go home and check in with my parents, I’d scoffed at him. There wasn’t time for that nonsense. He had then convinced me it was not only necessary to keep them from freaking out completely and possibly coming to California to haul my sorry self back—or worse, call the police—but we also needed to retrieve all my research, which was in my bedroom.

That had been the only reason I’d agreed to this. I really didn’t care if my parents tried to find me in California, or at this point if they even called the police. I have much larger problems, I grumbled to myself, slipping into my room. Logically, the risks of being here far outweigh the benefits. I mean, I can live without my notes. I still have my capable mind. Whatever breakthroughs I’d had, I felt confident I could replicate, but Mack had made convincing arguments on how intricate some of the formulas were and how we wouldn’t want to leave room for human error while dealing with the Defenders.

In the end, that was what had gotten to me, and deep down, I knew having the police hunting for me could prove quite inconvenient, too. So, I’d begrudgingly agreed to come, and not in camo. 

I sighed heavily. It is what it is now. Might as well get it done with. Making a beeline for my bed, I dropped down to my knees and shoved my hand between the mattress and box spring. I sighed in relief to discover my folders were still smashed in their hiding place, just where I’d left them. Next, I moved to my nightstand, pulling out the bottom drawer all the way and reaching underneath. Tucked up against the back of the drawer, my thumb drives were still taped in place. Relieved, I snatched them and shoved the drawer back.

I don’t know why I was even worried. It’s not like she’s ever found any of my stuff before. After years of living in the shadows, I’d gotten used to my space. Her ignorance gave me freedom. All my secret places were completely safe from prying eyes. These past few months had proven a bit more difficult—ironic, since I had been the one pushing for her to know of my existence the entire time. The jury was still out on whether her obsession with me had been a curse or blessing. Yes, I was in control now, which had been my ultimate goal, but who knew how long it would last. The line between where she ended and I began had become so blurred, I was starting to doubt myself. At least when she’d had no idea about me, I’d had complete control when it was my turn to have the reigns. Now, I felt like a muddled mess, not sure which end was up. 

I tried to push these thoughts away, knowing I had to keep moving. Every second I spent rummaging through my bedroom increased the risk that not only my family would show up, but that he might, too. If lying to my family was hard, Blake would be my undoing. I was certain of it. I wasn’t ready to face him—not because I had feelings for the guy, but because Sam did. I have to be stronger, or she’ll take over again. 

I moved next to my dresser, shoving aside the discarded clothing, makeup, papers, and trash that semi-buried my laptop. Funny, she never knew we’d both shared this. I’d been religious at erasing search histories, deleting files after I’d saved them to my thumb drive, etc. She’d never known how close she was to me each time she’d typed on this thing. My trembling hand was the only outward evidence of the nerves squeezing the pit of my stomach. Shoving the laptop into its bag—which I’d loathed the moment Sam had picked it out—I gasped at the bent-back fingernail I got in the process. The sting from the angry flesh only spurred me to move faster. I have to get out of here before…

Just where do you think you’re going, young lady? my mom blurted from behind me, her tone as sharp as the pain in my throbbing finger.

Groaning, I turned around to see her march into my room. I knew this was a mistake.

Since I’d been expected to return home Monday night from my weekend trip to California with Blake, I could only assume he’d called my folks to explain my absence, because when I called them Wednesday from the caves, Mom had been worried, maybe even frustrated, but not hysterical. 

She’d fired off questions like, What do you mean you aren’t coming home? Blake promised me you’d be back today. You shouldn’t be missing so much school. How’s Blake’s grandpa doing now? Any better? 

Needing an excuse as to why I was missing a whole week of school instead of just a few more days, I’d connected the dots and used what Blake had devised, too. I’d hoped that one phone call on Wednesday saying Blake’s grandpa had taken a turn for the worse and we just didn’t want to leave yet would have been enough for my mom. Clearly, the hand on the hip and the deep frown said otherwise.

I have to go meet Mack, I answered. He got some of my make-up work from school for me. 

Of course, she didn’t have to know Mack, Kalepe, and one other Defender, Tomas, were sitting just outside my window. With a quick glance, I was relieved to confirm my blinds were shut. I didn’t need an audience. Even though my mom wouldn’t be able to see them either way, they’d have a clear view of what was happening. Knowing the lengths to which the Defenders would go to protect me, I had to keep what happened here amiable—for my mom’s sake.

You’re not going anywhere right now. You think one phone call means you get to stay an entire week in California? 

Blake’s really close to his grandpa, and he really wasn’t doing well. I hated that my tone came out whiny, not convincing.

Nice try. I called Blake’s mom, and wouldn’t you know she had no idea her father was so close to death. So why don’t we start over with the truth?

Pretty sure the truth isn’t the best option here. Still, her words hung in the air, making my insides squirm. What’s wrong with me? Lying had been my go-to since coming into existence. I cleared my throat, hoping my old habit wouldn’t fail me now, and gripped the laptop tighter, trying to still my ever-shaking hands. Whatever I do, she can’t know I’m not Sam. Only problem was, fooling my mom was tough because I almost always lost my temper. 

Mom, I can explain. It’s not what you’re thinking. Honestly, I have no idea what she’s thinking. 

She inhaled, exhaled, and said, Okay, I’m listening.

Blake’s grandpa really wasn’t feeling that well. It wasn’t life threatening, just a bad cold, so we didn’t call his parents. Blake just didn’t want to leave him like that, so we hung out a bit longer. I’m sorry I missed so much school, if that’s what you’re worried about. I swear I’ll make it up. I’ll have Mack help me. I knew my mom thought Samantha wasn’t the brightest, and Mack had tutored Sam in the past. Even though that had been many years ago, I hoped mentioning Mack would ease her mind.

Things have been, I paused deliberately, hard for me lately with the whole Sammy deal. I guess I needed a little break, and it was so peaceful at the beach.

Her lips twitched, her gaze still trained on my face. I can appreciate that, I suppose, but you should have called me more. So where’s Blake now?

Heck if I know. Hopefully, he’s anywhere but here. I had no idea what his excuse to his own family was for his continued absence. He’d been living a dual life for so long, I was sure he’d have a ready answer for everything. I growled at myself for ever having listened to Mack. I wasn’t myself right now. Normally, I could handle several things at once, quick to find solutions and think on my feet. 

I hated to admit that knowing Samantha could be aware of my every move made me feel like I was off a step. Like I’m spinning the wheels of a tricycle with a freaking tsunami at my heels. 

Or could the real reason I was floundering be that I was now responsible for an army of trained killers? It’d been three days since we’d left Tonbo’s cage. Since I’d begged the Defenders to follow me as their queen so they could live. I’d spent that time in the caves, solidifying the bond between us, and while that time had been invaluable, every minute I’d spent below ground I’d expected Blake to show up. I’d searched those tunnels convinced I’d catch his scent. I’d even sent Mack on the hunt a few times to see if he was near.

I hated the part of my heart that was disappointed he never came.

Turning my thoughts back to Mom, I shrugged, trying to feign ignorance. Isn’t he at home?

No, he’s not. Her penetrating gaze continued, like she was waiting for me to slip up.

Well, I don’t know where he is, I said, trying to keep my tone light. "We came back together. Maybe he’s out shopping. My birthday is in a few days." I forced a grin, hoping my mom would back off. If I totally lost my cool now, the gig would be up. 

It must have worked because her shoulders relaxed and a small smile stole across her face. True, she said. Then, to my surprise, she crossed the room and reached out to hug me. 

"Samantha, I’m sorry if I seemed like I was interrogating you just now. I just had to make sure it’s you. Her words were muffled by my hair. I got so worried when Blake’s family said his grandpa was fine. Usually when the lying starts, it means Sammy’s around. And it terrified me she could have gained control while you were away."

She took a step back, and I stared into her swimming eyes. The last time you disappeared, bad things happened to you.

No kidding. I hated that her waterworks for Samantha irritated me to no end. The familiar resentment bloomed in my chest. She’d never accepted me as her daughter. Samantha was the only one she’d ever love, even though she’d raised me, too. Whether she wanted to admit it to herself or not, I wasn’t a house pet. I was a person. So why did I feel like I was the one under the table praying for scraps to fall when it came to love?

I swallowed hard, trying not to erupt and shove her away like I wanted to. I’m sorry, Mom. I wasn’t trying to scare you. And I was fine the whole time, I swear.

Her arms around me felt like a prison. I wracked my brain for an excuse to bolt from her grasp without firing off alarms. Then, she stepped back and frowned at me. 

Even if you needed time to sort things out, a phone call would have been nice. Both of my girls off in California, not answering their phones, and no way for me to know they’re fine. You guys had us worried sick. I couldn’t even reach Dr. Killian to see what I should do about your behavior.

I opened my mouth, but the doorbell rang instead. 

Oh, I better go grab that since Krista’s not home, my mom said, turning to go.

I knew the real reason she couldn’t reach Dr. Killian or Jocelyn. They were both loose ends I needed to take care of. One loose end, I had some choice words for. My sister, on the other hand, worried me. It would be one thing if just Blake had her, but blast it all, I was pretty sure she was still at Tonbo’s. Blake’s an idiot, kidnapping Joc and delivering her to the real enemy.

My mom exiting the room spurred me into action. I finished grabbing what I’d come for, shoving everything into a large backpack. I heard a rap on the window and figured Mack was trying to hurry me along.

When I went to the window and pulled open the blinds, the window lifted immediately.

Better go, Sammy, Mack hissed through the opening. Blake’s here.

I cursed at the same time my mom called from downstairs.

Samantha, honey, the door is for you. 

Mack grabbed my hand through the opening. Come on, he urged.

I can’t just leave, Mack. What will my mom think? You’re the one who insisted I let her see me marching through the house instead of sneaking in like I wanted to.

Kalepe growled, and I racked my mind. Think, think, think.

Okay, I huffed. It’s going to be fine. Everyone just needs to calm down.

The sound of someone jogging up the stairs sent my heart thumping. I shoved Mack’s hand back out the window. 

I can’t have a battle in my bedroom, I said, evenly. I can talk my way out of this. Besides, it’s not like Blake can just make me do what he wants, right?

I heard Mack inhale and knew he was about to protest, so I cut him off. I got this. Just give me a sec. 

With that, I lowered the glass between us and whirled around to see Blake standing in my bedroom doorway.

2

For a moment , we both stared at each other, neither of us speaking. 

Then I folded my arms. I figured you’d come sooner or later. 

Since you’re not looking happy to see me, I guess you’re not Sam right now, he replied.

I shrugged. You’d see right through me even if I tried to pretend. No point in painful charades.

I’d expected pain in his eyes, or even anger, but his blank expression was almost more unsettling. He didn’t answer, but entered my room, shutting the door behind him.

The hairs on the back of my neck stood on end. 

So now what? I asked.

Thankfully, he didn’t advance farther into the room, but leaned his back against the door. He matched my stance, crossing his arms. I need to know what your intentions with Sam are, he said, calmly. 

I narrowed my eyes. Why do you assume I have plans for her?

Don’t you always?

I had so many arguments at the tip of my tongue, but remembering who was outside my window, ready to break the glass to save me if my voice raised an octave, I chose my words carefully.

I can see why it’d seem that way to you.

His eyebrows rose, but he didn’t say anything.

I continued, We aren’t so different, you know.

Last person who said that to me was Kory, and I hate to break it to you, but I sort of disagree with both of you.

Oh really? What have we both always wanted? I asked.

He frowned at me. If you’re trying to say you’re only trying to keep Sam safe, like me, you’re lying to yourself.

I scoffed, Why did I even come into existence, Blake? Because Sam needed me. In that very minute, Sam needed a savior. Can’t you see? You and I saved her that day from drowning, and we will continue to save her.

She doesn’t need saving from either of us because she’s stronger than both of us. Stop pretending you’re only doing what’s best for her. We both know it’s only what’s best for you.

And you’re not doing the same thing right now? Have you even considered the possibility Sam wants me here? I’m sorry if that ruins your life with her, but you’re the one who needs to see it more objectively.

You think I’m selfish because I want Sam back? Are you sure you’re not just jealous that everyone wants Sam and not you?

I stiffened. Look, Blake, we’re not going to see eye to eye, but the fact is I have two Defenders outside my window, so why don’t you just tell me why you’re really here.

Oh, don’t forget about Mack. I know he’s glued to your side. 

I stared at him. I have to give you credit. You’re either the bravest or dumbest person I know. 

I’d say brave, he answered, shooting me a crooked grin. His sudden cockiness stirred something deep within, and I wanted to stomp my foot at Sam’s interference. 

I chuckled instead. We’ll see about that. I guess I’m sort of perplexed as to what you hoped to accomplish here. You know what the Defenders are capable of, and I know you wouldn’t want anything bad happening to my family, so I guess I’m at a loss as to why you came. You can’t possibly think you can make me go anywhere with you.

He tilted his head. Sammy, I’m not here to abduct you, if that’s what you’re insinuating. I, unlike you, don’t tie people up in cabins and force them to do what I want them to.

His words felt like the needles that had stabbed Samantha that day, and I couldn’t stop the gasp that flew from my lips. 

"That’s not why I did it that way. We are two halves to one person. We both had to be there when the transformation took place."

Or else you wouldn’t survive it? He grunted. You were terrified Sam would heal and you would no longer be part of her life. That’s why the cabin happened. That’s why you had Mack terrorize her. Promising her… his words faded.

He must have realized the same profound thing I had. The ironic promise, made by my own monster, the monster I’d created, the plan I’d hatched and put into motion, had been fulfilled.

His eyes narrowed, and he took a step toward the window. I guess you got your way, Mack. She’s fallen in love with you. Are you happy you tortured your best friend to get what you wanted? 

The window flew open before I could stop it, and to my shock, Mack rushed through it, ditching his camo as he moved. 

Wait, I blurted, darting between them just as Kalepe followed Mack, dropping his camo, too. The glint in his eyes was menacing, and the other Defender, Tomas, followed his example. Oh boy.

No, no, get back—both of you, I commanded in a low voice, pointing at Tomas and Kalepe. No one gets hurt today. 

Tomas scrambled back, immediately obeying, but Kalepe hesitated. 

I glared at him. I’m fine. Now, please, just give us a minute.

Kalepe switched back to camo and with one last grunt, clambered out the window. As soon as the glass slid shut behind him, I whirled around and shoved Blake and Mack in their chests. For some reason, my hand lingered on Blake.

You both better stop acting like idiots before we have a bloodbath, I hissed, hoping my mom wouldn’t hear us. There are bigger problems to solve than who I fell in love with.

Blake stepped back, and my hand fell off his chest. Agreed. I’m not here to fight, Mack.

"Why are you here?" Mack asked, his eyes wide, with surprise I could only assume.

He looked at me. I need to know your plans with the Defenders. Tonbo thinks you’ve hatched this scheme all along. Even down to giving Kory the needed formula to make the Defenders malleable to someone’s will—which, ironically, isn’t Kory’s.

I shook my head. I don’t care what the man thinks. I gave him an opportunity to fix your brother, and he shot me down. Personally, I’m beginning to think he feels threatened by me. I mean, why else would he reject my research? It’s not like he hasn’t been experimenting on humans for years. Why would he balk at something that could save Jaxon?

Blake’s jaw hardened. Tonbo crossed a lot of lines, some of them unforgivable.

I jumped on my chance to make him see things my way. That’s putting it mildly. He’s too greedy for his own good. He’s messed with the natural order of things far too long, and like it or not, we all live in the world he created. You act like I’m Kory, like I’ve gone out of my way to create the bugs, but I’m only trying to fix what others have already started.

Blake stared at me.

That’s all I’ve ever done—try to solve the unsolvable and make things better, I said. I hate that everyone assumes the worst of me.

You know, he uncrossed his arms and scratched the back of his neck. When Kate gave Jaxon the adrenaline and I saw the difference it made, I was convinced you were right. Tonbo was keeping Jaxon sick on purpose, and it infuriated me, woke me up. Made me realize the man I’ve trusted my entire life might not be who I thought he was. I knew I’d been played a fool by following his plan, by letting so many innocent people die because of Tonbo’s fear. 

His words were laced with pain. I could feel it.

He looked me square in the eye. I followed you, Sammy. Against my better judgment, I even trusted you, thought you might have the answers.

I sensed a ‘but’ coming…

I don’t understand why we’re not on the same side, then. He was clearly suppressing Jaxon’s ability to control himself, I pointed out, when he didn’t say anything right away.

I’m not against you, Sammy. I don’t like thinking we are on different sides, either, but let me be clear—I won’t be played a fool again.

Mack shifted his weight, remaining silent.

I don’t understand. I’m not trying to trick you, Blake, I said.

"Jaxon isn’t healed. He’s under your control. There’s a big difference, he answered. Tonbo claimed he was trying to help Jaxon learn to control himself through self-mastery techniques. That’s why he suppressed his adrenaline. Or so he claims. I’m not saying I totally buy it, but I do know one thing for certain. Jaxon and you are linked. His eyes narrowed. He craves his queen and will do anything for you. He’s no longer Jaxon or even the bug. He’s your minion, your drone. I don’t know what the hell he is. But now he’d kill me without hesitation, whereas before, I at least had a fighting chance with him.

Thanks to you, I’ve lost my brother completely, he finished. 

What Tonbo did wasn’t working, Blake, I rushed in. If it had, I would never have gone to such great lengths to inject the entire army with the new serum.

You never gave Tonbo the chance to try. Jaxon was already infected with your new serum before I even got to him. Before I even knew he was the bug Kory wanted me to hunt, he pointed out.

I bit my lip, not wanting to acknowledge the truth of what he’d said. Knowing Kory and Blake had been the ones to destroy the last bugs—the violent and mutated dragons Tonbo had been forced to create many years before during World War Two—it had been easy for Kory to convince Blake to help him in destroying the random bug that seemed to have escaped destruction for so many years. Kory, of course, knew the bug was Jaxon since he himself had injected Jaxon with the bug DNA. Blake had no idea he’d enlisted to destroy his own brother.

Listen, I can’t go back and undo what I’ve done. And I won’t apologize for it. The fact is that you and Tonbo had no clue what Kory was up to. I had to act, so I did. I gave Tonbo the chance to fix Jaxon before you went off to kill him. He didn’t stop you. He obviously wasn’t planning on trying to fix him at all. He only did that afterward to force you into leading his islands. How you can follow that man is beyond my understanding.

I’m not following him. I’m done following anyone. He grimaced. But I won’t abandon the dragon fae, either. I made an agreement to protect them, and I’m not backing out of that, which brings me back to the other reason I’m here. You now control a very dangerous weapon. I need to know how you plan on using it. 

You act like I’m gearing up for war or something, I grumbled.

Well, are you? he asked.

Mack spoke up, No, it’s not like that.

You could have fooled me from where I stand, Blake replied.

She’s not trying to take over the world, Mack continued. She’s only trying to keep the Defenders off the streets. Why do you think she’s got them in the caves?

They won’t stay there forever, Mack, Blake muttered.

We know, Mack agreed. But at least for now we can teach them, show them how to be the good guys they set out to be when they signed up for all this.

Blake’s eyes darted from Mack to me. So what happens if you’re not around, Sammy? What happens to the Defenders then? Are they just up for grabs? 

I’m not sure yet, I said honestly, pinching the bridge of my nose. Fatigue had settled over me, and I was done arguing. Let’s pray nothing happens to me long enough for me to figure it out. 

The past week’s events were catching up to me. I didn’t want to admit to anyone how terrified I was to sleep. Would Samantha have free reign then, like I used to? Or worse, would I be gone when I awoke? Trapped again behind Samantha?

The last thing I want to do is hurt you, Sammy, or let anything happen to you, Blake said, cutting through my thoughts.

I met his gaze squarely. 

Because I know, deep down inside, Sam’s still in there, fighting. His expression softened as his brow relaxed. Sam, if you can hear me, I’m not giving up on you. Not ever.

I wasn’t prepared for the ache that tore through me, making my ears ring with how fast my heart had sped up. I gasped, and his eyes widened. I bit my lip, trying to suppress the need I felt to throw myself into his arms… to comfort him, to tell him… 

What? That Sam’s still here?

The magnetic pull made me want to gravitate toward him. Against my will, my right knee bent, my weight shifted to my left hip, and my right foot lifted. Crap. I’m going to march right over to him. 

But you need to know this, Sammy, he said firmly, seeming oblivious to my inner turmoil. If you’re planning on using the Defenders to harm others, I will do what I must to stop you.

I had so many rebuttals I wanted to yell at him, but at the moment, keeping myself from running to him was a major feat. Luckily, he spun on his heel, opened the door, and without as much as a backward glance,