Monsters & Demons

Rated M

Genre: Drama & Adventure

Summary:

When Tori arrived at Hollywood Arts, she knew things wouldn't be the same. Little did she know that she and her friends would find themselves wound into more than teenage drama. Jade thought all she had to worry about was her status being threatened. Does Trina finally have a true friend? A trio of newcomers shows up, bringing along more than the gang bargained for. Homework and plays don't sound so bad anymore.

A/N:

Although this is would be considered a sub-chapter, I'm including it with the main one as it's a calm before the storm chapter. I hope you're enjoying this story because the challenges are coming for our heroes. Ahrya is up to something and her involvement in the upcoming arc will carry serious consequences.


Chapter 23: Uncertain Outcomes


Jade West couldn't take the ambiguity anymore as she stomped behind a seemingly oblivious Liam. It'd been over a week since he returned to Los Angeles but he'd been mum on any details related to their reunion up to this point. The longer this game went on, the more people would ponder if he had a death wish, even with his confident grin.

"Liam! I will not be ignored!" she growled, causing a small group of students to scamper off for fear of her wrath falling on them.

Their journey would conclude at the Marshall family home, the last place Jade expected to be.

"What are we doing here?"

"Just come inside, alright?" he chuckled.

Despite such a positive response, Jade could tell that there was something else behind his conduct. Against her judgment, she followed without another word, waiting until he closed the door. To her shock, the house was still furnished as if they'd never left. The lights were still on and the kitchen appeared to be fully stocked.

"Sorry for ignoring you all day..." she turned to see him plop on the couch, his smile showing signs of exhaustion. "I couldn't risk her knowing too much."

Almost immediately, Jade's annoyance vanished.

She joined Liam on the couch, resting a hand on his shoulder. She could feel his aura spiking violently, threatening to spill out. A few deep breaths were enough to quell the angry energy but it did little to silence the beast within.

"Are you alright?"

"I'm fine, Jade. I just need a moment to gather myself," Liam forced himself to laugh before resting his head on the back of his seat. "It's rough when you've been sensing bloodlust all day. Ahrya is keeping an eye on me and it's evident that she's not happy with my return."

"Is she plotting something?"

"Not yet. That's why she's been keeping tabs. The house is the only place that's fully protected from whatever she's spying on us with."

Though not one to typically initiate intimacy, Jade couldn't help but reach out, drawing Liam's head into her lap. Shaky hands stroked his forehead, caressing sweaty brows as she noticed the boy's reactions. A sharp exhale revealed that he was feeling faint, shades of something besides his earlier explanation.

"Liam..."

"Hmmm?"

"There's something you're not telling me and I think it's affecting you. We've known each other for too long for you to think that you could pull one over on me."

Daring to open an eye, Jade's glare was enough to foil any plan he might've had to divert her attention.

"Okay..."

"I'm waiting."

Liam swallowed the lump in his throat.

"I meant what I said about coming back for you. After what Ahrya did, how could I not?"

"But...?"

"But, there was a condition placed on my return; something that's connected to this whole issue with Ahrya and Travis. I had to agree to participate in a competition involving the latter."

"What type of competition?"

Jade was greeted by silence once more.

"Liam?"

"..."

Glaring down at the guy once again, Jade found that he was unconscious, no doubt the effects of whatever was plaguing him throughout the day... or was it the entire week? She'd have a few words with him about this contest looming. For now, she couldn't help but enjoy the sight of her lover's sleeping form.

Isn't he hot?

"Not now...!" she hissed through grit teeth.

You know you want to devour him! Why haven't you made it official yet?

"I will eventually..."

"Eventually what?"

Jerking slightly, warm crimson rushed to her cheeks while a yawning Liam blinked groggily. By the looks of things, he was only semi-conscious but Jade wasn't one to let her guard down so easily. Cursing herself for such recklessness, Jade scrambled for an answer.

"I... I was saying that eventually, we'll be past this one day... This contest won't stop you."

"Really?"

"What are you getting at, Liam?" her tone cautioned the boy, given his position. To her surprise, he let out a dazed chuckle, shifting her emotions to irritation. "You're not doing yourself any favors, you know?"

"Truth or Dare?"

"Excuse me?"

"You heard me," he raised a brow, lips stretching upward. "Answer the question."

Jade rolled her eyes, her lips tightening into a thin line at such a childish demand. Despite this, there was a part of her that was curious to see where this could go, eager to play this game as the line curled up.

"Alright! On one condition..."

"That being?"

"I also get a turn. Deal?"

Liam didn't think much about this request and agreed without hesitation. Given their shared history, one would've been justified in questioning his judgment. He asked the ultimatum once more, earning an overdramatic sigh for his troubles.

"Fine, I choose truth."

"What are we?"

"What do you mean? I don't know... Friends with benefits? My lover, who's also my best friend?"

Hearing this, one would guess that Liam would be hurt, especially after all that they've been through. Instead, his eyes lit up in understanding, his thoughts recalling their shared experiences. It would be difficult to place given the uncertainties of their lives, between relationship woes, war-torn countries, and even having their memories altered, he held no animosity toward the girl's hesitation.

"It's alright, Jade. We have plenty of time to figure things out."

"How can you be sure, after what we've gone through? We don't exactly have the best track record with stability."

"I'm aware, but I'm also under the impression that we've been through a lot and managed to fight back. If we hadn't fought for this, who knows where we'd be at this point? But, just know that no matter what you think, I love you, Jade."

Azure orbs widened in shock at the sudden confession. Not since Yerba had she heard him say the words, not that she could blame him. They had little to no time to pursue a relationship, resulting in this weird place that they settled in.

"You love me again...?" she uttered in a hushed tone, afraid her hallowed words would jinx things.

Liam replied by shuffling next to her, pushing some of her dark locks behind her ear, reducing her shroud to nothing. The butterflies in his stomach seemed to fly in alignment as he just gazed deep into her soul, silently greeting her vulnerable side. She could tell that he loved this part of her, a rarity to some and non-existent to most.

His admiration pulled them closer as his soft lips grazed her own, inciting electricity in her stomach.

Jade lifted her hands, cupping his face and deepening the lip-lock. Her soft moans lacked their lustful tone, drowned out by a longing that'd been long forgotten. Liam gingerly placed his hands along her back. If this was his way of consenting, she'd happily oblige, leaning forward until she was straddling his waist. Slowly, the passion started brewing and aggression began to take over.

"Liam...!" she groaned through heavy lids. "Welcome back."

He could only hiss as Jade roughly bit his lip when his hand rested on her cheeks. She let out an unexpected squeak when he squeezed them through her leggings, flashing a look of astonishment at his courage.

"Sorry..." he winked playfully.

"At least take me to dinner first, tiger."

"Then would you finally go out with me, as my official girlfriend? It's pretty awkward kissing my friend."

"Only if you're going to be this confident in public. I'd like to create positive memories in public."

Liam's smile brightened at such a proposition.

"Deal," he pecked her lips before sitting up, careful not to knock his girlfriend over. "So, it's your turn for Truth or Dare, Ayaba."

Jade shook her head and rest her head on his chest.

"It doesn't matter anymore. Can we just stay like this a bit longer?"

A warmth entered her back as Liam rubbed circles with his thumb. Her nerves relaxed as she snuggled closer as if trying to burrow herself into him. Liam didn't mind, muttering something into her ear as her body succumbed to his spell. After a long day, she cherished the spoken lullaby, even if his words were morphing into nothing but mumbles.

But there was one that stuck out before giving in to the sandman's call.

"I never stopped loving you, Jade."


Dread.

That's what Andre felt as he trudged down the street. His mind wouldn't let him live down the awkward moment with one Cat Valentine. He was currently walking in the park, lost in his mind when a familiar face appeared in the distance.

"Liam?" He squinted at the steadily approaching figure only for him to pass him by and dive into some bushes nearby.

"Hey man. You okay?" a confused Andre asked only to be yanked behind the shrubs. "Ow! What the heck?"

"Shhhh!" Liam held a hand over his mouth.

Not really knowing what was going on, Andre would find his answer when a pair of feet rushed past their hiding spot.

"Where'd he go?" The voice had to be Jade. "I could swear he ran this way!"

Andre slowly cuts his eyes back to Liam who had a horrified expression ornamenting his sweat-drenched face. Whatever happened between them, it was clear that his friend was going to be in for a rough day should they be spotted.

Her frustrated growls, sprinkled with a hint of anger, trailed off as she rushed off further down the path.

After a few more minutes passed, Liam and Andre stood up, picking out some stray leaves and branches from their clothes and hair.

"So," Andre broke the silence, dusting himself off in the process. "care to explain what that was about?"

"Trust me, you want nothing to do with this," Liam shook his head with an awkward smirk.

"Try me." He crossed his arms.

Liam's gaze flashed the words 'are you sure' to which he nodded.

"To make a long story short, Jade caught me trying to sneak out of the house. She'd laid claim to me this weekend, but," he cracked his neck. "I just need some space. It's barely been a week since we started dating and she's been keeping me, hostage, every chance they could."

"Amusing..." Andre rolled his eyes, clearly irked that someone would be complaining about their crush wanting to spend time with them.

"What's your problem, 'Dre?"

"Sorry, man. I've just had a lot on my mind.

"Cat?" Andre stood there, mouth opening and closing like a fish. "Judging by your expression, I must be right." Picking out a twig from his hair, Liam took the lack of response as his answer. "You're wonky for Cat Valentine?"

"S-so what?"

"So, why don't you tell her, already? Honestly, I'm surprised you haven't said anything since leaving Yerba."

Liam was right, a fact that frustrated the already distressed boy. "Well, things have been complicated since then. I haven't found the right moment to tell her. Besides with everything going on right now, I doubt that I'll get the opportunity to."

Not one to be taken for a fool, Liam glared at him. With arms crossed, he approached a now nervous Andre.

"So, if we forget that you two are in the same production, you're saying that you would tell her how you feel about her?"

With a cocky grin, he nodded. "Of course!"

"Good!" Liam nodded behind the boy. "Because here's your chance."

Andre gulped as he realized that he'd been baited into this unfortunate circumstance. He turned around to see the familiar red locks of one Cat Valentine who was looking at the two with a large smile. "Hi, guys!" she waved at them

"Hi, guys!" she waved at them.

"Hey Cat!" Liam returned her enthusiasm. "How ya been?"

"Awesome!" she bounced up like a child getting their first Christmas gift. "I was feeling a bit lonely today but now, I've found you! I saw Robbie and Ahrya but," her lips curled south. "They said they were busy with something for class. I haven't seen Tori or Travis but, I think Jade was heading this way. She didn't look happy though."

That was all Liam needed to hear.

"Listen, if Jade come past here, don't tell her that I'm over by the lake, Cat. We're playing 'hide-and-seek' and she's supposed to be finding me."

With that said, he made a mad dash through the bushes once more leaving the two alone. Andre swallowed the lump in his throat, a bead of sweat dripping from his forehead. He wasn't prepared for this day, let alone this moment.

"So, umm..."

"Where is he?!" The two nearly jumped out of their skin when they caught the sight of a pissed-off Jade West stomping in their direction. "I know he's here and if you two don't tell me where he is, so help me..." she seethed at the two.

"He's at the east lake hiding from you," Cat spoke up, though timidly. Jade's fury-filled gaze turned to the smaller girl who was now fiddling with her shirt sleeve; a clear sign of fear and worry which meant that she was telling the truth. "I didn't think you'd be so upset about losing a game of 'hide-and-seek'."

Skimming at her with a confused scowl, Jade shook it off as Cat being random again and rushed past her and Andre without so much as another word. It was only once she was completely out of sight did they finally exhale. While both were somewhat friendly with the goth, her temper was still something that neither was equipped to handle.

Only when the unsettling aura vacated did Andre open his mouth to speak.

"I don't know what's going on, but I kind of feel sorry for the guy." He huffed, to which Cat bounced in agreement. "Lord knows what she's going to do to him when she catches him."

"I think you mean IF she catches me?"

Andre nearly hopped out of his skin when his friend dropped between him and his crush.

"What the? Where the hell did you come from?" He clutched at his heart while his face contorted into a horrified expression.

"From the tree above." he pointed up to a large branch that hung overhead. "I've been hiding up there since I left."

Cat looked at Liam questionably. "I thought you were going to the lake?"

"Oh, I did, but I doubled back and climbed this tree." he chuckled softly. "I'm glad I did after hearing you tell Jade where I was heading." Clutching his side, Liam turned to the lover of red velvet cupcakes. "So, did Andre tell you yet?

Not amused, Andre stepped next to Cat, a look of concern on his face.

"Aren't you concerned about getting caught? You know she's pretty ticked off at you, man." Liam shook his head. "I can't even imagine what she or Tori are going to do to you."

"Jade? She could pummel me within an inch of my life, steal my clothes while I'm asleep, record me doing something awkward and humiliating... and that's just the non-sexual stuff, um," he paused when he saw that both Andre and Cat were looking like they had seen a ghost. "What are you guys looking like that?"

It was then that Liam noticed that they weren't looking directly at him, but past him and there was only one thing (or in this case person) who could incite such a look of uneasiness and angst from any soul.

"She's right behind me, isn't she?"

"Oh, please continue." he slowly turned to find her with a devilish smirk on her lips dropping into a fierce scowl. "I could use some new ideas."

As she stalked closer to Liam, the feeling of confidence instantly melted away while he held his hands up cautiously.

Whatever was going to happen, it was evident that it was not going to be pleasant for the guy. The two eyed one another, careful not to attract the wrath of Jade who had a fist full of Liam's collar. He managed to eke out an "I'm sorry" though it did little to quell her anger. She mouthed something along the lines of "You'll be forgiven" as she pulled him away.

"Let's go, Tiger! I have big plans for you."

With one last glance of desperation, Liam and Jade soon were gone, leaving Andre and Cat alone once more. The former leaned against the tree, thankful that he nor Cat were the unlucky victims. In contrast, Cat stared at the relieved boy with a soft frown.

"Andre?" she squeaked out. "What did you want to tell me?"

Dread.

That familiar feeling resonated in his core when he noticed the trepidation behind those usually warm brown eyes; he made a note that, if Jade and Tori didn't, he would give Liam a good piece of his mind. Andre pushed off of the tree, averting his gaze towards anything other than Cat's beautiful face. "I uh, I wanted to first say that I'm sorry about the other night during practice. I was just nervous about,"

Somehow, the normally absentminded girl picked up on the direction of the conversation. "What were you nervous about, Andre?"

Though he hated to admit it right now, he loved the way she said his name. He couldn't be distracted right now, however. He licked his lips anxiously. He rubbed his jittery palms together. He tried quick breathing exercises.

Nothing seemed to calm his rapidly beating heart. When his eyes finally rested on Cat's worried face, he was reminded of that night. From the butterflies flying in his belly to the pounding in his chest, he knew one thing had to change.

He couldn't let what happened that night, occur again.

"I was nervous because... well," he inhaled and steeled his focus. "I like you Cat."

He expected her to look surprised or appalled but, to his shock, she was now flashing that smile he loved so much.

"I like you too, Andre!" He stuck a finger in his ear; had he heard her correctly? Did she just admit that she felt the same way about him?

"Really?" he cursed himself for the eagerness in his voice.

She nodded with a warm smile. "Mhmm..."

Andre almost pinched himself but stopped short just in case this was indeed a dream. "How long have you felt this way?"

Now it was Cat's turn to exhibit signs of nervousness as a deep blush settled on her face. "I've liked you for a long time, before Yerba."

All the two could do was just stare at one another for a moment, a slow grin forming on their lips.

The only question now was, where did they go from here?


Beck groaned softly, his head pounding.

From what you might ask?

Though his vision was blurry, he could make out that there was someone in his bed next to him. He also realized that while he usually slept with no shirt on, he could feel the feather touch of his covers on his bare skin below the waist.

"What happened last night?" he rubbed his temples lightly, fruitlessly trying to soothe the skull-cracking pain.

A soft yawn dragged his attention to the young woman next to him. Her caramel skin was smooth and her long brown hair was like water cascading on the bed.

"Afternoon, sexy." even her voice was like angels singing. "sleep well?"

Beck grinned like an idiot at the question but, froze when he suddenly recognized the voice. Staring wide-eyed at the now smiling woman in his bed.

"You? What are you doing in my bed?!" he roared furiously.

"Awww, you weren't asking that last night, baby." she caressed his rugged face only to have him pull away as if her palm held the flames of hell itself. "What's got you so upset, sweetie? You invited me over, remember?"

She watched in twisted amusement at how deep his grimace went. "We both know that this is not why I called you... It was strictly business."

The woman draped an arm around his shoulders, her fingers dancing up and down his torso in a teasing fashion. "Well we could call it a business for you," she kissed his cheek, her lips like a poison that paralyzed Beck where he sat. He didn't resist her current advances as she continued to indulge herself with her compliant partner. "and pleasure for me."

Beck grits his teeth at this, his soul disturbed at the events that transpired the previous night. "It's bad enough that you're even here, to begin with, but what'll happen if he finds out you're doing this behind his back? They trusted you..."

His words were silenced by a finger placed on his lips. "What they don't know won't hurt anyone, unless you open your mouth."

While her words were sweet and soft in his ears, Beck felt like vomiting. Her words carried a great deal of guilt and shame that made him feel like burying himself twelve feet deep in the ground. By now, he'd still not moved from his spot on the edge of the bed. He could hear the sounds of clothes rustling, the only solace he could find at this point. He knew there was a special place in hell for people like him.

"Well, as much as I'd love to stick around, I have to get back before anybody calls me. I do want you to keep an eye out for Liam and report anything out of the ordinary to me. Understand, love?"

Not waiting for a response, the mysterious woman leaned in and planted her lips roughly against Beck's, not caring if he reciprocated the gesture. With a smug giggle, she ignored the dirty glare he sent in her direction and departed from his RV, making sure to put an extra sway in her hips.

As if a spell had been broken, Beck fin himself capable of mobility, choosing to put on his boxers that were sitting at the foot of the bed. Once those were on, he sighed heavily and fell back on the bed, his eyes glaring at the metallic ceiling. So many thoughts ran through his mind, none of them pleasant as he could swear that he was feeling his soul rot within him.

How and when did this happen?

When did this start?

What was he going to do?

Should he tell someone?

Who could he tell?

All these questions passed in his brain like a game of pong on the highest speed level but there was one thought that Beck managed to grasp a handle on. It was a declaration that brought both chaos and peace to him as he grinned bitterly at himself.

"I'm dead..."