Chapter 32
We landed in the shadows of the employee gravel lot. Lowering me to my feet, I looked past the few cars to the side of the restaurant. Vince and the others would be closing up soon. To think... if it wasn't for Peter, I would still be inside there and working. Instead, he showed me an unforgettable time. I loved every moment of it too. Or rather loved and feared every moment I suppose. Walking towards my car with him, my heart was still pounding – from another crazy flight through the sky and almost being a wolf's dinner.
"Funny how in your rule book, men are not allowed to grope a woman's ass. But sure, let's scare the ever-living shit out of her! That's totally okay," I mumbled with a smirk.
"What can I say. You've never met a gentleman like me before."
"Yes, such a gentleman," I said, turning to him when we reached my car.
Noticing what was still in my hand, he let out a humorous huff. "And would you quit hauling this stupid broom around?" he scoffed, trying to grab it from me.
"Never," I defended loudly, shoving his arm away. "It's our new pet."
Lit by the pub lights and open sky, the man rolled his eyes and tucked his hands in his pockets. I knew we would be going our separate ways for the night soon. But I was aching to figure out where this new side of him was coming from. I was scared to ask or pry ... but couldn't help but reopen the subject and dig for more. At least I would approach it in a way he would appreciate with an insult.
After a long pause, with the crickets singing behind us in the woods, I tried hiding my smile. "You know..." I started, studying him. "You're a selfish prick."
He was amused by my random insult. "And?"
"And... because of that... there is no way you did all of this tonight just for me," I said in a more serious tone.
"Sure I did," he said, tone calling me ridiculous. "I feel sorry for a loser like you. And you needed a proper distraction from everything."
He stayed joking, light-hearted, and wouldn't meet me at the serious level I was trying to get to with him. All because he didn't want to seem vulnerable. But I knew better. Tonight couldn't have been just for me. Maybe he also needed a proper distraction from everything too. Maybe he actually enjoyed tonight. Being him, he wouldn't admit that though.
"So you didn't enjoy one second of this?" I pushed.
"Not one second."
I smugly rocked on my heels. "Huh. Wait a second then. If that's true, that means you did all of this only for me even if you hated it. Which is even more thoughtful. Strange because either way... it sounds like you have a big heart."
No matter which way he went, he still looked like a caring man for a change. Because even if he hated tonight, he did it solely to make me feel better (which was sweet and flattering). Or he actually got something out of this and enjoyed himself too (which was also sweet and flattering).
Realizing he was stuck no matter which direction this went, he subtly smiled and looked down. His next words were finally laced with seriousness. "Josephine. Tonight was about having a fun and good distraction." Looking back up to me, a telling glint found his gaze, offering more meaning to his next words. "What's wrong with facing some fears in the process?"
What did that mean? Sure, he made me face my fears – basically forced me to – but that didn't tell me why he suddenly cared. Clearly, there was more to his words he was trying to convey without saying it directly.
Then, that window was gone. He withdrew his inviting gaze, stepped aside, unlocked my car, and retrieved his shirt. "Any longer with you and I'm going to want to blow my brains out," he said curtly, throwing his shirt back on. Checking his watch, he handed me my keys. "Anyway, hang in there."
Confused, I watched him walk away, until he rounded the corner of the restaurant and was gone. Goodnight to you too, I guess. Those last moments kept me in place. Hand propped on the broom, I mindlessly leaned against my car, lost in thought. Why did he become so uncomfortable and leave all of a sudden?
Even more pressing... were his last words about facing fears. I tried piecing it together. The man refused to admit he cared and had a heart. But he allowed a silent admission with that glint in his eyes.
It hit me with a warm flutter in my heart. Peter gave me a thrilling night to cheer me up. To do so, he forced me to face my fears. He flew off with me a few times. He took me to the top of a dilapidated lighthouse. He got a kick out of how close that wolf got before flying off again. It truly was a night of facing my fears. But he wasn't just talking about me. After all... when did this man ever act happy and open around me? When did he ever do something that thoughtful? When was he ever that patient and fun? Never.
Yes, tonight was meant as a fun distraction from my issues. He at least told me that. But it was a distraction for both of us. It was fun for both of us. It was a relief from his anxiety too (like Jamie being gone). More than anything... we both stepped outside our comfort zones. For him, it was just internal. I don't know why tonight of all nights those walls finally started to fall... but I think he knowingly decided to face that fear tonight. And that's why he was so different. He allowed himself to be. Just like I allowed him to fly me through the sky while being afraid of heights.
***
The next day, I had nothing on my agenda. I wasn't too happy about it either.
I've been using my job and scholarships as a distraction for my stressors. Then Peter one-upped those pitiful distractions with an amazing one: a night of fun, flying, and facing-fears. Today though, I was completely free. I had nothing planned, I wasn't working, and I could only take so much college prep before my brain wanders off and dies. So, I had to figure out something. Anything to not dwell on my bullshit, my mom's bullshit, and worst of all, Jamie. He was still gone. Still at the disposal of those awful people....
For how antsy I was, running sounded like a good distraction. Not to mention I actually enjoyed it. After putting on spandex shorts and a loose gray tee, I studied myself in the mirror. I looked over my ruby necklace, my dark thick brows I just plucked, and my now tamed curls in a pony-tail. My god, it was annoying how much product my hair demanded, just to keep the frizz-level low.
When I headed downstairs, Liz and David were still engaged in their early morning routine of coffee and chit-chat at the round dining table. As I passed the living room and neared where they sat in the kitchen, it was the usual picture. Coffee, scattered papers, and an open laptop in front of one of them. There was something different though...
David zeroed in on my bare legs. "There we go, Josephine, there we go. Show off that merch," he said with a smile, sipping his coffee.
"Morning, Jos," she said, not looking away from her laptop.
"Good morning," I said, grabbing a muffin from the pantry, raising a brow. "What's with the wine?" There was what seemed to be a wine gift-set on table. Under the pretty plastic-wrap, tied with pink ribbon, was a bottle of wine, two matching wine glasses, and a card with a bold words 'My Amazing Realtor.'
"Oh, I found that was on the porch this morning. Isn't that sweet?" she said happily. "Shows you what a damn good real estate agent I am. I wish I knew who it was from though; they forgot to sign it."
"Well, you do have a lot of dumbass clients," David teased.
"True. I just wish I knew which dumbass to thank," Liz snorted, looking to me. "How's the scholarship stuff going?"
I could go the rest of my life not hearing that word again. Smiling tightly, I shook my head. "It's going. And going and going. That's all I've been doing the past few days."
"Good! Any responses yet?"
"Yeah, two of my applications are being highly considered," I said, scarfing down my muffin. "Both offer nearly 8,000 dollars. They haven't given them to me yet, but it sounded promising."
While David's eyes grew, Liz slammed her hand in excitement. "Are you serious?! That is great! Why didn't you tell me? That's huge!"
"Well, I don't have them yet. It's nothing for sure. It just sounded like I was a big contender for them."
"That's so exciting!"
"It is," I smiled, getting up and tossing my muffin wrapper. "I am going on a run. Have a good day at work, guys!"
I usually start out by just walking, but today, I was jogging by the time I reached our road. I focused on my steps, my breathing, my pace, the cool air against my arms. I tried not to think, but of course, that was nearly impossible. So, let's focus on the positives. Like the fact that Jamie's week of hell should be up soon. We didn't know what was wrong with mom's health yet, so maybe it wouldn't be the worst thing in the world. Last night, I had an amazing time with Peter. And hey, I haven't been attacked by a demon in a while. Those were all pros.
Running did keep my attention for the most part. I focused on the forest trails, the root-covered terrain, and the ocean air when I reached the cliffs. But by the time I was home, it was still early. Now what? What else could I do? I needed to kill more time, to stay distracted. And that meant more fun, more experiences, more people in my life aside from an angelic father and son. I connected with a few people since moving here. Like Zack's girlfriend, Katie. Maybe she was free and would want to hang out?
When I texted her, to my surprise, she was. She gave me her address and excitedly declared I should come over. Nothing like saving each other from boredom! But even though I was looking for distractions to kill my stress... hanging out turned out to be fun.
Katie lived in a nice two-story home down a subdivision. It fit the picture-perfect family home, with plenty of surrounding neighbors. Her house even had a white picket-fence and a cute welcome sign on the porch. Talk about welcoming! She mirrored that same warmth when her short figure answered the door. Her smile highlighted her freckled cheeks and soft eyes.
Once inside, the good vibes didn't end. The house was clean, modern, with tasteful décor. But a lot of cheesy word art. Live, laugh, love? How original. Nonetheless, I loved it and loved how average it was. It was nothing like my family home. The air smelled of vanilla and fresh air from the open windows, not cigarette smoke and judgement. Following her into the living room, the couch and recliner were against the right wall. Above the TV was a long shelf, home to a canvas of the smiling family of four.
"I didn't know you had a brother," I said, taking in the picture of herself, her parents, and the younger male next to her.
"Yeah, that's Nathan. The only reason it's so quiet in here is because he's out with his friends," she chuckled, plopping down on the tan couch.
I sat down on the other end. "You have such a nice home." Adjacent to us was a large bay window, allowing me to see their cute fenced backyard. "Nice yard too. Everything is so... homey."
"Thanks. We've lived here forever, so it's sure going to feel weird when I'm not sleeping in my own room anymore. I'm getting a dorm this fall at the university."
I forgot Katie was in the same boat as me. This fall was our first year of college. However, her dorm comment caught me off guard. "Wait, aren't we going to the same university?" In other words, why the hell are you getting a dorm?
"Yeah," she chuckled. "I know it sounds silly getting a dorm since we live so close to the school, but it will be nice to try something different."
"Damn. Wish my broke ass could do that," I joked.
"Honestly, you might not be missing out on much," she scoffed. "The dorm is smaller than I thought. I'm nervous about the roommate situation too."
"Why?"
"I'm scared of getting stuck with a slob who doesn't clean up after themselves."
Relaxing, I crossed a leg under me. "That's an understandable worry. Imagine you get stuck with some girl that is nosey and goes through your things. Or worse: she is a hoarder and collects weird and random shit."
"Like body parts...."
"Yup," I smirked.
"Well, thanks for making me feel better," she laughed. "Also, did you want anything to drink? We have probably every soda you can think of."
That's one thing I'll never get used to. "Soda?" I raised a purposeful brow. "I think you mean pop, right?"
"Oh god. You're one of those people."
"Proudly," I teasingly threw back. "Back in the Midwest, we call it pop. And, if I'm successful in my mission, it will become pop here in the Northwest."
"Good luck converting a whole region over."
"Should only take 50 or 60 years."
While hanging out and just talking was not as mind-blowing as last night, it was still an interesting break from reality. It was nice just getting to know someone new – and another human for a change. We shared more about each other, our pasts, and our likes. A big highlight was when we headed into her backyard though. The fenced backyard was rather small. Beyond the back porch was plenty of grass, shade, and a big tree against the back fence. And under that tree... was a dog. And guess what? It was a pit-bull!
"Oh my god, you didn't tell me you have a dog!" I exclaimed with a grin just as the cutie pounced up, tongue and tail flapping in happiness. Katie tried keeping him from jumping all over me, but I welcomed it with literal open arms. "Oh my goodness! Hello there! Yes, you can get all the love from me," I laughed, petting the huge white tank of happiness.
"This is Bruno. Sorry, he likes to jump."
"It's okay. I love dogs! Pit-bulls are my absolute favorite!" Then, after jumping against me, he ran in a few circles, ran back over, and nearly plowed me over, making me laugh.
"He doesn't know that he isn't a lapdog," she scoffed.
Bruno's happy face made me grin as I knelt down, petting behind his ears. It reminded me of when I volunteered at the animal shelter back home. It seemed so long ago, but I remembered Whinny perfectly. She was a pit-bull and the best part of my time there. I used to take care of her, and take her on walks. Which made me mega-excited when Katie offered that as an option of something we could do. After all, I guess Bruno needed several walks a day, and it was his favorite thing to do besides play and be outside.
Under the overcast sky, we walked through the weaving subdivision, following the sidewalk with Bruno guiding the way. Katie happily let me be the one to walk him by his leash after I told her about volunteering at the shelter.
"What happened to Whinny?"
"A family adopted her. Which made me so happy and so sad at the same time."
"Well, feel free to come over and walk and play with Bruno whenever you want! Because he can definitely tire us out," she laughed.
"I'll definitely remember that," I said, smiling up to where she walked on my right.
"With my parents working, and Nathan being in his own world, I'm usually the one caring for him the most during the day. Well, during the summer anyway."
I could not imagine having her life. Loving family, a nice home, a dog, and a work-free summer without worrying over a job or school. While it reminded me of everything I didn't have, peaking into her life was more exciting than bitter. Especially because she let me be part of it. She allowed me to walk her dog, then once we got back, she showed me the rest of the house. All while we just kept... talking. Seemingly about anything and everything. It was nice seeing someone who had such a different life – and also one that wasn't plagued by anything supernatural.
"My dad's a mechanic. My mom owns her own shop downtown, selling basically anything you can think of that's different. Definitely the best spot when tourists come in."
"That's really cool. Yeah, and isn't it tourist time in the summer?"
"Yeah, it's just starting. She's gonna be making bank!" she laughed. "We have a couple cool festivals coming up too that will bring a lot of people in."
Sitting across from each other in the backyard, Bruno was between us, chewing on a bone. Taking a sip of my 'soda,' I raised a brow. Jamie mentioned something about an uptick of excitement in the summer. If possible, I definitely wanted to take advantage of it. "What kind of festivals?"
"Well, there is Lumber Fest. That's coming up. Then, there is the surfing competition."
"Surfing?" I chuckled. "This isn't exactly a hot and sandy paradise."
"Right, but all that matters are the big waves. And we have plenty."
"That's really cool."
"Oh. There is this big beach party happening in a few weeks too. The whole town puts it on. There's like games, volleyball, live music. A few bars and restaurants set up tents on the beach, so they get in on it. You should come. Zack's taking the night off. Maybe you can too."
Dang. Summer here did sound fun. I didn't realize all those awesome things were coming up! Excitedly, I nodded. "I will definitely try because that sounds amazing."
"That would be awesome because... I can make a wicked sandcastle."
"Shit. Well, my expectations are very high now, just so you know."
***
With my black polka-dotted tee and cotton shorts, I finished combing my hair out. The lamp-light showed my curtains swaying in the breeze. I loved the fresh night air sifting in through the window. Breathing it in, I couldn't help but wonder if Jamie was able to breath the same fresh air. Where was he? He had to be released soon from his fucked-up obligation soon, right? I didn't know how Peter could tolerate such a torturous wait – and all the time. Ugh, I couldn't think about that right now. I needed to keep my antsy worry at bay. I managed to all day. I can't afford to let my anxiety in now.
I was grateful for Katie today. Thanks to her, I was able to ignore my stressors. I didn't think about my mom's health, my job, money, college, demons, or Jamie's awful absence. Being with her was both fun and a great distraction.
Just as good of a distraction was what happened after I fell asleep. But it was anything but fun.
"Hello doll," came a silky voice from the darkness. His voice.
My black and peaceful sleep now had a picture. A vivid one. The one I've seen before... and the one I definitely didn't expect to see now.
Sitting up abruptly, my bedroom was dark. The curtains wavered in the breeze, flickering through the rays of moonlight that bleed in through the window. And beyond it in the corner were those daunting shadows, concealing the source of the voice. I knew too well who was being covered in that darkness.
"Famine," I whispered. How? How was he here?! The spell should have kept him out! Eyes wide, not taking my eyes off the dark corner of my room, I strained over, reaching for my lamp... but I couldn't feel it. And sure enough, when I quickly looked before darting my attention back to the shadows, my lamp wasn't there.
"You'd like to see me? Don't worry. I'll come closer," he said, those heavy steps echoing against the floor. Stepping in sight, into the moonlight, those deep eyes found mine. And while I knew I was in a dream... the flutter in my chest, the speed of my heart, it felt so real. The closeness felt real. Off his brown vest were floating veils of shadows that started to disappear, revealing him more to me.
"You... you can't be here," I said, allowing reality to diffuse his intimidating presence. Shaking my head, I sat up more, shifting back with every... slow... step he took closer. "You're not allowed in. The spell keeps you out. How are you here?"
"What's important is that I am here," he said slowly, each word densely dripping with seduction and power. "It's such an honor to see you again."
Back reaching the headboard, I swallowed, trying to get a grip on myself. Since it's been a while since his last visit, I needed to remind myself this was a dream. A vivid realistic dream, but a dream nonetheless. I didn't need to let his dangerous presence scare me – or his gorgeous eyes swallow me whole. While I forced my fear aside, it was too hard to look away. Especially when he delicately sat down on the side of my bed. He looked as perfect as before. Dreamy and dangerous. Despite the darkness, I could see his lean form enough. And his exaggerated height.
I forgot about that little detail. I focused on the small details like that for right now. Just so I could calm down. "Still insecure about how short you are in person, huh?"
Those round lively eyes searched mine. "I don't know what you're talking about."
"Also, why my bedroom? Why here? Every single time?"
"Are you not pleased by that?"
"It's just boring and weird, the same dream every time." I didn't like it. Mainly because it made this feel so real – as if this was happening in real time.
I should have kept my mouth shut. I was rambling about nothing important, just to calm down... but he sure listened and made it important!
He smiled amusingly, as if he found my question cute. Then... our surroundings changed. The bed didn't move, he didn't move from it, and neither did I where I was still leaning against the headboard. Blackness swallowed my room. Then, a beaming light filtered in, and I realized it was the sun. The sun and a bright blue sky. It lit our new surroundings, highlighting every detail, every bright color, and it completely paralyzed me. Now, we were sitting on my bed... at the very top of a mountain.
My erratic breath was back, taking in this horrific change. It was a dream, it was a dream, but it was just as real! This flat and rocky plateau peak was just big enough for my bed and a few feet around it. Below were rocky steep cliffs and juts, dotted with roots, moss, and patches of snow. Miles around us were other peaks and valleys. They were all massive; you couldn't see where they started beyond the blur of treetops below. It was insanely beautiful, but insanely scary. There was zero space for any fuckery, and with how high we were... no fucking thanks!
Freezing in place, I gripped my cover tightly. "Famine," I said in warning, eyes huge and finding him. "Change it back. Please."
"You sure? It sounded like you wanted a change of scenery from your boring bedroom."
The bright blue sky and sun showed how perfect he was. His smooth skin, perfect face, facial hair that neatly highlighted his jaw, and his lean body. I hated how much I noticed his body, hated how his white shirt, vest, and those tight pants complimented it. Aside from seeing him better, neither of us moved, and he was still on the side of my bed. But something besides our new location did change....
The harsh air sifted over my hair, arms, and my bare legs. Wait, my legs? Looking down, horror flooded me. The covers I was gripping were now magically under me! Oh my god! I was now on top of my covers. Instead of my polka-dotted pajamas... I was now on full display in black lingerie.
What the fuck?! My lips parted in shock. I was wearing lacy stockings, attached to a garter belt, straps running to my panties. A lacy veil flowed out from the skimpy and low bra that hugged my chest. How did he do that?! Jeus, and I thought it was bullshit how he made my lamp disappear a minute ago! But this?!
Famine fondly glanced me over, almost in appreciation. An enticing smirk reached his lips. "You must admit. This is more interesting than your bedroom."
"You're a sick freak! This is not okay," I scolded, kneeling up, and grabbing a pillow to even just somewhat shied myself. "How are you able to change my clothes?! You never did that before!"
"I'm proving a point, doll. I can influence these dreams more than you think. But I don't because I respect you." Then, our surroundings became darker, dissolving, and slowly we were back in my room. "I'm more considerate than you think. I always visit you here in your room to make you more comfortable."
Upon seeing my pajamas were fully restored too, I sighed in relief. Yes, I knew this whole thing was just a dream, even us being on a mountain. For how vivid it all was though... I was defiantly more comfortable in my room (and in my own clothes). I just had no idea he could do things like that. Honestly, I was surprised he didn't take advantage of that more.
Being back in my room didn't mean my guard was fully down though. Watching him tensely, I pursed my lips. "What do you want anyway?"
"Well, after seeing you dress up for me the way you did... are you sure you'd like my honest answer?" he asked, voice a husky velvet.
"You're the last person in this world I'd want seeing my body."
"That's a shame. Because you wore the fuck out of that lingerie."
I looked away from his smoldering eyes (and tried ignoring my fluttering chest). I couldn't fall for his tricks or influence. "I'll rephrase my question: why are you here and visiting me?"
I expected the same bullshit: I can't trust Peter, I'm in danger thanks to my abilities, and only he could protect me. Yeah right. After what he did, after what I learned, plus knowing he worked for hell... I took zero stock in his words. However, he didn't try coaxing me to his side like I expected. Instead, Famine's answer caught me off guard.
Turning to face me fully, he spoke more seriously. "I'm here to warn you, doll."
My gaze shot back to his. "Warn me?"
"What happens in other districts is out of my hands. However, I was provided some intel. It's likely that within the next day or two, there'll be a more carefully coordinated attempt to end your life. Not by just one demon, but possibly two at once."
"Wait, two demons are about to come after me?!"
"That is my hunch."
"Based on what exactly?" I demanded.
"The intel I was provided." He offered a regretful smirk. "I would disclose more details if I knew they would stay between us. I'm not going to throw a bone to the competition."
Throw a bone? What did that mean? I sighed sharply. "You tell me demons are coming within the next two days, but follow it with more riddles. I just want to know what makes you think this is actually going to happen?"
"I would tell you if it wasn't going to get back to Peter," he clarified. "We are looking for the same answers for different reasons. What abilities do you have? Why are these demons after you, and which district is sending them? It would be ideal if I found these answers first, so I have to hold my cards close. None of that matters if you aren't safe though, doll," he said more softly. "I hope I'm wrong, but this seems to be a likely threat."
I studied his face while trying to keep a blank one plastered to mine. This guy was dangerous, a trickster, someone who wanted to use me. He even admitted to it. I forced myself to not take his words too seriously. But what other motive was there? Why tell me this if it wasn't true? Regardless, even if he was full of shit, I had to take this seriously.
"Well, it's not like I can just wait out the next two days here at home now," I said in irritation. After all, the spell was supposed to keep demons out – and one very annoying half demon that invaded my dreams. "Somehow, you managed to get in. I must not be safe here anymore. The spell must be gone."
"True, but it's a quick fix. It was worth it to warn you. It was also selfishly worth it to me personally. Visiting you is such a treat," he said slickly, standing only to look down at me. "Anyway, I truly hope I'm wrong, but proceed as if I'm right about those two demons. Tomorrow and the next day – Thursday and Friday – keep your guard up and stay safe, doll."
Then, just as abruptly as it started, the dream abruptly ended. The last image was of his deep and round enchanting eyes. Should I believe him? Should I buy into his warning? I truly didn't know. But I couldn't ignore his words. Or the fact that obviously, somehow, my house was no longer demon-proof.