So, I've had the first little bit of this ready for weeks, but SOOOO much sh*t has happened that I haven't had much time to write. That being said, there was been A LOT of thinking and A LOT of planning. Which means, this story, though updates may be few and far between, is far from dead! With everything I have in mind, this should be the last of the difficult chapters. Sh*t's gong to start hitting the fan very soon. I can promise only a few things without letting you know too much: there with be more smut, hurt/comfort, and confusion because... well, that's what I like to draw... and by draw, I mean write. It's nearly 5 am and I've been typing all night, so my brain is dead. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to open the sliding glass door to let in the pink fuzzy aliens, prey I don't get abducted (or do... writing this kind of put me in that mood XD), and then go to bed. Or some variation thereof. Oh, and, really? Not 1 review for Ch 6? Come on, guys! Give me something! Just a quick "You suck" for me to promptly, and void of any creativity, reply "You swallow!" Tell me if I turned you on, or totally ruined all hope for fanfictionisms everywhere. Rate me on a scale of 1-10, 1 being total fail sauce, 10 being total ROCK sauce. And, as always, enjoy! Or don't!
Hounds of Hell
Just One Touch
Warm fingers of light fluttered over my face, weakly bleeding through my eyelids. In absolute bliss, I hovered just beyond consciousness; void of everything: memory, thought, feeling. Joy was the only thing that defined me.
Subtle shuffling and something soft lightly skimmed over my cheek. With a small moan, I turned into the touch and met his delicate kiss. Those stunning blue orbs briefly met mine as I stole a weary glance at him before sighing in utter content and settling back against his warm chest.
"Hm." The interested hum vibrated through my entire body.
"Hm?" I replied lazily. His fingers danced delicately over the base of my wings.
"Your feathers are turning white." He murmured, absently stroking the delicate fibers. I craned my head uselessly over my shoulder, but couldn't catch even a glimpse of anything other than the shimmering black-tipped russet.
"Really?"
"Mm-hm. Just at the base though. The rest are losing the white." He toyed with them a while longer before asking, "Why are they doing that?"
"I don't know." I replied with little interest. "Just happens, I guess. My first set of feathers were brown. They turned black when I was five and red when I was fifteen. I guess at nineteen, we have our third molt."
"Ew." He chuckled, imagining scraggly, bald wings protruding awkwardly from my back.
"Thanks." I muttered with a smirk. "No, it's much less exciting than that. New feathers gradually replace the old ones. I think it's the same with birds: how you can tell their age based on their plumage."
"Does that mean you're maturing into a responsible adult?" he gasped, instantly earning a loud scoff.
"Neither, never, thank you." I muttered, burying my face in his chest. "I have absolutely no intentions of doing either. Sorry to disappoint." Quiet affection radiated through him and I couldn't help but claim those soft lips in response.
A shiver rolled down my spine. With a frown, I glanced at the window, already knowing what I would find: nothing more than the beautiful forest thriving in Mystic Falls. Thick clouds were billowing from the north. I vaguely realized they would be on us by nightfall.
"What the" Stephen's muttered words echoed from Damon's mind; too quiet for my ears to catch. I couldn't help but laugh, cheeks burning as I realized the reason for the brother's surprise. Our clothing surely still littered the parlor. Stray drops of blood may have even still marked the end table. Stephen hesitated a moment, before starting up the stairs with heavy steps. Damon choked back his own laughter as he awaited the coming rebuke. His brother paused outside the door before giving voice to his displeasure.
"I'm glad you guys worked everything out," he started tensely, "but… really?" I could all but see the clench of his jaw.
"Sorry." Damon called; trying and failing to hide the chuckle. Stephen started to reply, but caught himself and went to his room. The instant his eyes met mine, all attempts at seriousness fell and laughter filled the room. When we finally quieted, Damon and I were sprawled carelessly over his bed, staring blindly at the ceiling.
"Alright, time to get dressed." He suddenly said; starting to role away. I caught him with a pout and pulled him over me. He chuckled quietly and pressed his lips against mine. "You start that and we'll never get out of here." He warned darkly. I grinned and kissed him harder. He returned the gesture for several seconds before pulling back, earning a well deserved glare.
"Up!" he commanded with a smirk. Begrudgingly accepting defeat, I got to my feet.
"Why do I get the feeling you've got someplace to go?" I almost complained.
"Because you do." He said simply; carefully voiding his mind of anything that might reveal his intentions.
"I do?" I clarified with dread.
"Yep." He replied briefly; retrieving a pair of shorts and a shirt from his now almost empty dresser and setting them on the bed for me.
"What? Why just me?" I pressed. He turned around and paused; eyes roaming hungrily over my bare form. Seeing my chance, I leaned back, silhouetting the curves of my body with my nearly crimson wings. "Having second thoughts?" I murmured; exaggerating the movement of my tantalizingly deep breaths.
Almost instantly, the wall slammed against my back; Damon's face hovering a hair's width from mine. His lips brushed mindlessly over mine as his hands slid up my back and tangled themselves in my hair. With the same distracted movements, I caught his lower lip in my teeth with a throaty moan. His arms shot around me, locking my body flush against his; the warmth of his skin lighting the center of my being on fire.
Without allowing even the slightest bit of room to come between us, he pulled me back. My body followed automatically. Seamlessly, we moved across the room; suddenly void of even the concept of distinguishing were one's being ended and the other began. I didn't notice the hot water running over my skin; only the flare of hyperactive nerves desperately broadcasting every detail; making me painfully aware of my pulsing body; of the heat radiating from Damon's hands and lips and throbbing need as he held me against the momentarily icy tiles of the shower; my legs wrapped possessively around his firm hips.
With a groan, he slid inside me; lips lying heavily against my neck. Some part of me understood his intentions, but, with my body reeling in ecstasy from his merciless thrusts, I still screamed in shock and pleasure when his fangs tore into that all-too-accessible artery. The instant my blood flowed over his tongue, his movements became almost desperate. With a guttural groan, he bit me again; slamming his hand against the wall. At once my body boiled over; tightening almost painfully around him. A deep growl tore from his chest as he threw his head back; hip bucking in the final throngs of orgasm.
Panting, I clung to him; lost in the residual haze; wings and arms alike holding him against me, concealing us from the world behind a wall of feathers. And in that hidden, black room, he kissed me. In that tiny world where only we existed, his lips met mine with such tender affection, my muscles nearly went limp. Taken-aback at the sudden flood of emotion, I stared at him; unsure what form of explanation I expected.
"Finish up and get dressed. She'll be here soon." He said with a smile. Stealing one last kiss, he snatched a towel and left before I could get a word in. Trapped between breathlessness, speechlessness, and warring with a thousand questions, I trailed a finger over my lips; allowing myself to get lost for just a few more seconds in the afterimage my nerves clung to of his kiss.
Finally, I forced some form of thought back into my mind and began scrubbing my body clean. Damon had left the house and was meandering toward town, mind frustratingly empty.
Where are you going? I asked silently.
This way. Came his smart-ass reply.
And where is 'this way' going? I pressed, reaching for the shampoo.
North. I groaned audibly, earning a overly pleased chuckle from him.
Will you tell me who'll be here soon, at least?
Elena. He drawled in an almost sing-songy melody.
Why?
Because. I scowled and grabbed the conditioner.
…because why? He laughed heartily as the front door opened.
You're a cruel person. I accused.
That you make you more than a little masochistic, then; don't you think? He replied. The sound Stephen's greeting only just echoed over the water.
Why aren't you coming?
I've got a few things to take care of. He replied vaguely, again letting his mind go blank. With an annoyed pout, I turned off the water and dried myself off. Sucks, doesn't it? He mocked lightheartedly. I purposely sent him an image of myself scrounging my face up and squeaking indiscernible words as I pulled on the cloths he'd set out for me. Have fun. He chuckled perversely.
With a sigh, I grabbed a hoodie and started toward the stairs. Elena and Stephen were conversing quietly on the couch, a warm smile on both their faces. Noticing me only when I reached the last step, Elena get to her feet and faced me.
"Ready?" she asked warmly. I cocked an eyebrow in reply.
"I have no idea." I replied with only a playful tone of frustration, "Damon wouldn't tell me what's going on." With a snicker, Elena looped an arm around mine and pulled me toward the door.
"Yeah, he tends to be like that. Let's go!" she said happily. Without the slightest hint as to our destination, she ushered me into an SUV and drove to town. The residents of Mystic Falls were taking full advantage of the beautiful weather and flooded the sidewalks. I watched them carefully with visible trepidation.
"Don't worry; Damon's sure to be nearby. He's kind of clingy like that." Elena reassured me. Damon's silent rebuke brought a smile to my lips. Regardless his distaste at her chose of words, I could feel the nearness of his presence, justifying her claim and calming my uncertainty. Elena veered away from the main street and stopped in front of an innocent looking house.
"Wait here; I'll be right back." She said, already halfway out the door. Maybe five minutes later, she returned, a bouncy blond following eagerly in her steps. From the sheer berth of her smile, I wondered briefly if she was capable of anything else.
"Hi, I'm Caroline!" she greeted excitedly. Before I could return the gesture, she continued. "So you're the one everyone's talking about?" Instantly a surge of adrenaline flooded my chest and my wings tightened against my back. Guilt instantly entered her eyes and she leaned back. "Sorry! Too blunt, I know." Before the question had even fully formed in my mind, Damon answered.
Vampire. She can be a tad over-excited, but she's one of the good guys. His assurance eased my uncertainty and I offered her my hand.
"Thea." I replied; a small smile flitting over my lips which she instantly returned.
"So is it true?" she asked; instantly adopting her brash personality once more. Still, there was a type of innocence about her that I couldn't help but welcome. "You and Damon?" I almost laughed. Though I was sure someone had told her about my wings, she was more interested in my personal life.
"Yeah," I chuckled, "Me and Damon." My heart gave quick jump at the words and I felt Damon return the affection.
"Aww!" The blond cooed; obviously hearing the faltered beat. I bit my lips in reply, but was otherwise silent as Elena guided the car between two other vehicles in a massive parking lot.
"Where are we?" I asked; eyeing the jigsaw collection of buildings smashed against and on top one another.
"You've never been to the mall?" Caroline rebuked. I cocked my head and glance back at her.
"What's a 'mall'?" My question sent the girl into hysterics as Elena fought over quiet giggles to shush her. They led me toward an elegant entrance adorned with crystal-clear fountains, immaculate foliage, and huge, wooden bear statues garrisoned on either side of the large, glass doors.
People of all ages littered the well-kept shops; some clutching overflowing packages, others merely doodling about with a group of friends. No one gave me more than a passing glance. Though a hint of fear settled firmly over me, their disinterest quieted me. Caroline snatched something from Elena's purse and returned her attention to me; proudly displaying her catch: a simple black card with brilliant silver writing.
"This: most important thing while at the mall: a credit card. Even more important: it's someone else's." She added slyly, immediately earning a chortle from Elena.
"Caroline! That's terrible!" She reprimanded, unable to quiet the giggles.
"What? It's true! A shopping spree just isn't the same without Damon Salvator's credit card." Damon scoffed, but offered no further rebuttle. Only one word stood out in her previous comment: shopping.
"Uh.." I tried to voice the single most evident problem with me and shopping, but they had me trapped in a stall with a sapphire gown, several pants and skirt, and an assortment of tops before I could get finish the thought. Shuffling uncertainly into the dress, I tried once more to alert them to the failure of their plan.
"I appreciate the enthusiasm, guys, but there's one problem." I called over the wall.
"Oh, don't worry; Caroline's already cleared out the dressing area. No one will see." Elena replied. "Come out! Let us see!" Heart pounding, I opened the door. And they gasped. Without a word, they threw my in front of the tri-mirror. I froze.
The dress was a see-through, flowing material that seemed to float around me. Elaborate stitching, beadwork, and concealed my breasts and circled the waist. The thin halter top circled around my neck, while the back drooped almost to my hips; offering cover for my wings. The russet and black feathers contrasted beautifully with the sweeping sapphire. A slit rose just above the center of my left thigh, adding to the tantalizing glimpse of my long legs through the fabric. The color matched my eyes perfectly; seemingly intensifying the dark blue orbs silhouetted by my onyx hair.
"It's"
"Gorgeous!" Caroline burst.
"But"
"And for public." Elena said, draping a matching, silk wrap over my shoulders; only just concealing my wings.
"I"
"Alright, so that's a definite! Go try on the others!" The blond interrupted, already ushering me back into the stall.
With little more than a fleeting comment snuck in between the piles of clothes thrown at me, I became the plaything of the girls' as they paraded me from store to store. Caroline quickly joined in, choosing several flashy garments at Damon's expense. Elena, for the most part, let the more enthusiastic girl doll me up, offering complements or advice here and there. After what felt like hours, several large bags hung from our hands. I had long ago lost count of how many shirts, pants, skirts, blouses, dresses, shoes, and whatever else they'd thrown at me filled the sacks; with a matching cardigan for every outfit and several undergarments that left all three of us blushing and giggling.
"Oh, hey! It's Matt!" Caroline suddenly said happily; pointing toward the man I vaguely remembered from the bar. "Come on; we'll introduce you!" With exhaustion firmly set in, body and mind, I quickly found an excuse.
"Bathroom break." Before she could object, I darted down a hall. The instant I was around the corner, I leaned against the wall with a sigh.
"You!" A man suddenly called angrily. With a start, my eyes flew open just in time to see Tyler pin me against the wall. "What the hell did you do to me?" he demanded in a harsh whisper. In shock, I could only stare at him. "You touched me and…" he drew in several hard breaths. "What did you do?"
"I don't"
"Don't say that you don't know!" he nearly shouted, pushing me harder against the wall. "What the hell are you?" Panic. I could feel the panic coursing through him. And something else. Deeper; twined in some almost forgotten instinct.
Tyler was suddenly thrown back. I nearly collapsed with relief at the sight of Damon's broad shoulders standing between me and the distraught man.
"Walk away, wolf." Damon ordered darkly.
"No! Not until I get some answers!"
"Tyler?" Caroline's voice called from around the corner. Instantly, something changed in him as the girl came into sight. "Damon, what did you do?" she demanded, angrily.
"Dog-boy here decided to play a little Chris Brown with Thea." He explained; letting his annoyance as her accusation ring clearly in his words. Damon, it's not like that. I tried to explain. Something happened when I touched him.
"Tyler?" she asked questioningly. He backed up, staring wide-eyed at us as Elena joined us.
"What's going on?" she demanded; receiving only a brief glance from Damon. He threw you against the wall. He should be grateful I haven't ripped his head off yet. There was no way to get through the sudden rage storming through him.
"Leave. Now." he ordered; again turning his attention to the werewolf.
"Wait!" I shouted. "I don't know what I am to you, Tyler. But I'll find out. I'll find a way to fix it." I wasn't sure what comfort such a vague promise could offer, but he took it and ran. Only after he was out of sight, did Damon turn towards us; automatically pulling me against him.
"Excellent defense, there Barbie." Damon retorted to Caroline.
"It was just a pee break." She said defensively, but was immediately blown off. "Just to clarify, what happened?" There was a hint of something like anger in her voice as she swerved back to Tyler. Jealousy?
"Yesterday, in the words, he saw me. A vampire attacked almost the instant he approached me. I grabbed him to pull him out of the way, but, when I touched him… something happened." I told them. "I don't know what it was, but the vampire attacked again. I tried to fly the both of us to safety, but it got me first. Tyler fought him off until Damon got there." His arm tightened around me.
"Bonnie might know what happened." Elena offered. I nodded, already planning to visit the witch.
"Alright, we'll head back to the house first, then deal with that later." Damon said, taking the bags from me.
"We should talk to her first; get this all sorted out as soon as possible." I told him.
After you get some rest. He replied silently.
I'm fine. I assure him.
You're exhausted. He retorted.
I'm fine. I said again, sterner.
Fine. Well, I'm not. He objected. If I see that wolf's face, I will tear his head off. I sighed in defeat and agreed.
After depositing the numerous shopping bags into Damon's car, the girls started back across the parking lot.
"Wait." Damon called, quickly catching up to them. "One more thing;" he slipped the black credit card from Caroline's pocket. "I'm not your money monkey." The blond instantly pouted at him, but, ignoring her pleading eyes, he returned to the car and we drove away.