I cannot tell you how extremely sorry I am that this chapter is so late. My internet went away last winter, and my computer died, and I'm poor so I can't get a new computer or internet until next year. :(((
That being said, please enjoy the latest chapter!
The poor girl was in a state of constant terror for the rest of the week. She hardly slept, and when she did, she refused to sleep in her own room, adamant on sharing Sebastian's bed. This was a concession he didn't particularly mind. The girl also insisted on installing security cameras and alarms, despite Sebastian's reassurances that they were unnecessary. If a prowler came close while they were home, he would know in plenty of time. His words fell on deaf ears, however; Lyra would not be budged. Out of respect, he didn't make love to her once during the nights she slept in his bed, never advancing beyond chaste kisses and innocent touches. This was a heavier burden to bear. He still ached for her, and every day he went without seemed to add more fuel to the fire of his passion. A week went by, then two. Lyra was still nervous, jumping at loud noises and refusing to leave his side, and Sebastian still abstained, cursing his sense of taste and propriety.
Eighteen days after the incident, Sebastian woke Lyra with a kiss to her forehead. Her sleep was so troubled recently that it didn't take much to rouse her. "Lyra. Wake up, darling."
"Mmm…" Her eyes fluttered open. "What is it?"
He pushed a stray curl out of her face. "I have to run some errands today, and I must do them alone."
Her eyes widened, and she propped herself up on her elbow. "Why? Sebastian, you know I can't handle being alone right now."
"Relax, love. You won't be alone." When she gave him a confused look, he sat up and put his hand on her knee. "A couple of old friends will be stopping by to keep you company."
"Old friends?" Lyra ran her fingers through her tousled hair. "Who?"
With a tiny smirk, Sebastian pointed to the other end of the room. Lyra's eyes followed his finger, widening as she saw two figures who had not been there previously standing by the door, one dressed in black and the other in red. Grell and the Undertaker waved at her, both of them grinning like Cheshire cats.
"Good morning, dear!"
Lyra yelped, blushing to the roots of her hair; she had gone to bed that night wearing only a white cotton bra and panties. She wrapped a sheet around herself and dashed past the two laughing reapers, screeching over her shoulder, "Sebastian, I swear I'm going to kill you!"
Grell's sharp teeth gleamed as she smirked at her retreating back. "My, still as feisty as ever, I see." Undertaker punctuated the redhead's observation with his signature chuckle.
"That she is," Sebastian agreed, sitting up and running a hand through his hair. "Ever more so since the incident."
"Ah yes, how dreadful." Grell sank dramatically onto a chair, pressing a hand to his heart. "The poor girl."
Undertaker's grin widened. "A shameful way to greet an old friend, if you ask me. Very distasteful."
Slowly, Sebastian stood, his crimson eyes narrowing. "An old friend?" His voice was low and threatening, hands curling into fists.
The Undertaker giggled, raising a long, spidery hand to his mouth. "Oh, dear. You didn't know that you and the girl have a mutual acquaintance here? I thought she had told you, they're quite close."
The demon's eyes began to pulse malevolently. "Who is it?"
"Come now, butler, where's the fun in that?"
"I warn you, reaper, I am in no mood for your riddles. Now, who?"
Undertaker only offered a grin in response. Sebastian glared at him, a misty black aura appearing around him as his eyes glowed wickedly. Just then, Lyra entered the room, dressed in jeans and an old T-shirt, her hair hastily brushed and pulled back. The demon, not wanting to alarm her, pulled his aura back into himself and took a deep breath, arranging his features into a more pleasant expression. The human girl raised an eyebrow at him, but said nothing as she crossed to Grell, holding out her arms.
"It's good to see you again," she murmured, embracing the red-headed reaper. Grell, looking rather unsure of himself, lightly wrapped an arm around her waist and patted the top of her head.
"You too, dear."
She broke away from Grell and eyed the other reaper mistrustfully. Undertaker only grinned. Rolling her eyes a bit, she held out her hand. "Hey."
"Hello, girlie." He shook it slowly, trailing his fingertips over the mark on her palm. Lyra narrowed her eyes and pulled her hand out of his grasp, holding it to her chest as if he'd stung her. Her eyes flickered over to Sebastian, who was buttoning up a clean white dress shirt.
"Do you really have to go?"
He nodded and raked a hand through his hair. "I'm afraid so. This cannot wait."
Lyra padded across the room in her bare feet, sitting down on the bed. "Just hurry back, okay?"
Smirking lightly, the demon cupped her chin in his hand and raised her eyes to his. "I shall be as swift as the wind, my lady." Sebastian leaned down and brushed a reassuring kiss across her lips. Lyra ran her hand lightly down his chest, sitting back rather resignedly. As Sebastian made to leave, he whispered in low, dangerous tones to both reapers; "If anything should happen to her, I will personally make sure that your suffering will have no equal in this world or the next. Am I clear?" Grell gulped and nodded, ducking behind the Undertaker, who once again, only grinned cryptically.
Once the demon had left the room, Lyra stood. "So, do you two have anything planned for today?" She tried to sound nonchalant, but it was obvious that she was nervous. After all, her last outing involving the two reapers had not ended well.
Grell shook his head, grinning. "Nothing whatsoever. The days is yours to plan, dear."
"Oh goody." Small white teeth worked at her lips. "Can you two chill out downstairs while I take a shower?"
"Of course." Grell tugged on the Undertaker's arm. "Come on, darling, let's give the girl some privacy." Lyra wasn't sure if she imagined the feel of the black-shrouded reaper's hidden eyes crawling over her, but it made her shiver just the same, and she was glad when they left. Grabbing a towel from the linen closet, she scurried into the large, rather lavish master bath. She started the water and shimmied out of her clothes, pulling the rubber band from her hair and shaking out her wild curls. Just as she was about to step under the warm spray, she heard the familiar strains of "Ode to Joy" chiming from inside the pocket of her discarded jeans. Brows furrowing, Lyra knelt and fished her phone out of her pocket; the number was unfamiliar to her, but she answered it anyway.
"Hello?"
"Hi, Lyra? This is Angie."
Instantly, at the sound of the woman's maternal, if somewhat faded English accent, her face broke out in an illuminating grin. "Oh my god, hi! How are you?"
"I'm fantastic. And how are you doing, sweetheart?"
"Oh, I can't complain." Mostly because if I gave you an honest answer, you'd have me locked up, she thought dryly. Wrapping a towel around herself, she sat on the edge of the sink, smiling happily. "What's up?"
"Well, I hadn't seen you in a while, and I was rather hoping you'd do special music at church with me sometime."
"Sure!" Her smile grew even wider. "Did you have anything in mind?"
"If you're not doing anything this afternoon, could you come over? We can pick out a song and decide which Sunday we'll perform."
"Hm." She chewed on her lip for a second; she hadn't been out of the house without Sebastian for over two weeks, and she knew that he would be irritated if she went alone. With a shrug, she decided she'd rather spend the day with Angie than with the reapers, and she'd deal with the consequences later. "Sounds good. What time do you want me over?"
"How about three?"
"Three is perfect." She hopped down off the sink, then abruptly straightened. "Oh! While I'm thinking about it, how come you weren't in church a couple of weeks ago? I was looking forward to seeing you."
"That must have been the Sunday I had to pick up my brother from the airport."
"You have a brother?"
"Yes, he's my twin, actually."
"Wow." Lyra nodded, twisting one curl around her finger. "That's cool. Okay, so I'll see you at three?"
"Yes, we'll see you then."
"Okay, awesome. Bye!" She hung up and shed her towel, stepping into the shower and sighing as the water ran down her skin. As she washed her hair, fingers working at her scalp, the smell of her shampoo suddenly kicked off a burst of memory. Sebastian with his arms around her, long hands sliding over every inch of her soapy skin, washing her and teasing her. He had pressed her against the sliding glass door and done things to her with his hands, with his fingers. He had kept her on the edge for so long that she had wept with frustration before he finally had mercy on her. Then as if to apologize, he had made love to her slowly and sweetly among the soft clouds of steam, his kisses deep and his touches gentle. There was a sudden sort of ache in her chest, and she realized that she and Sebastian hadn't even touched each other since the day they'd come home to find her cat dead on the porch. She was almost shocked to find that she missed him, missed the feel of his hands on her skin, of his breath on her neck. She missed the taste of her lips, missed the way he filled her so completely no matter what part of his body he used on her. Chewing on her lip, an idea forming in her head, she tentatively tried to cast her thoughts toward her lover.
Sebastian?
Instantly, a reply came. Lyra? Are you alright?
She smiled. Yeah, I'm fine. Just hearing his voice sent warmth rushing between her legs, and she picked up her washcloth and drizzled her body wash over it. Just got to missing you, that's all.
I've not been gone more than half an hour, my lady.
I know. Slowly, each touch deliberate, she began to rub the perfumed gel into a lather on her skin. I just got in the shower, and it made me think of you.
Oh, really? His voice was now that deep purr that dripped with seduction, and she couldn't suppress a soft moan. What are you doing right now?"
Grinning, she responded. Washing myself and wishing it was you. I miss the way you touch me.
Not as much as I miss touching you, I promise. She could almost taste the yearning in his tone, and she found herself craving him more powerfully than she thought possible. Every cell in her body demanded him, the blood in her veins cried out for him.
How long are these errands going to take? I want you now.
I should be back in the early evening. His grin was almost tangible, his words twisting around her like ribbons of silk. More than likely, he could sense how badly she ached for him, and he was enjoying the effect it had on her. My pet, do you trust me?
Yes.
I want you to listen to me. Do exactly as I say, and nothing more. Do you understand?
She nodded, then remembered he couldn't see her. Yes.
Alright. Stand with your back against the wall and spread those pretty legs nice and wide. He waited for a few moments, giving her time to follow his instructions, then continued. Close your eyes. I want you to touch your breasts.
Her moan could barely be heard over the patter of the water as she took her breasts in her hands, squeezing gently and picturing Sebastian's hands on her. Mmm…oh god, that feels good.
I can imagine the way you look right now. Your skin flushed with warmth, dripping with water. Brows crumpled ever so slightly, teeth tugging on those soft lips. Delicious. Her throat worked as she tried to swallow, her mouth dry as cotton. He continued, I bet your nipples are so hard now, aren't they? Begging to be touched.
Lyra brushed her fingertips over the erect buds, her moans growing louder. Oh God, Sebastian.
Imagine I'm there, using my tongue. Kissing and licking your lovely breasts. I can almost taste you, my pretty one.
Christ, she gasped, her breath hitching as her heart began to race. Please, stop teasing me. Let me touch myself. I can't stand it anymore.
All in good time, love. Lyra could hear the smirk in his tone, and she whined, knowing that he wasn't going to take it easy on her. For now, I want you to slide your hands very slowly down your stomach. Stop when you get your hips.
She did so, a smirk of her own appearing as she leaned her head back against the tile. And if I don't?
If you disobey me, little one…there will be hell to pay when I return.
Despite the warmth flowing over her, shivers ran down her back at the slight hint of menace in his words. She knew that he wouldn't hurt her, but that little thrill of danger made her flesh burn like fire, despite the goosebumps now prickling down her arms and legs. Okay. I'll do as you say.
Good girl. Now, you're going to slide your fingertips up the inside of your thigh. Keep your legs spread, but make sure you've got your feet beneath you. We wouldn't want you to fall, would we?
That would be my luck, she joked, doing as he instructed. Lyra could taste blood in her mouth; she had chewed the inside of her lip to shreds. More than anything, she wanted to slide her hand between her legs and ease the ache there, releasing the pent-up sexual energy she'd been holding back for two weeks. She needed it desperately, craved it with her entire being. But she knew Sebastian wouldn't be so merciful-not yet, anyway-so she kept silent, waiting for his next command.
Start with one finger. Push it in slowly, then match your speed with your heartbeat. His voice a teasing purr, he added, I bet your heart's pounding away, racing like a spooked horse.
Of course it is, she murmured. It always beats so fast when you talk to me like this. A whimper wavered above the sound of the shower as she followed his order, thrusting her middle finger into herself in time with her heart. It was nice, but it wasn't the same, and she nearly growled with frustration.
As if sensing her distress, Sebastian's tone softened to a soothing murmur. Easy, my love. I'll not make you wait for long. Touch yourself. I want to hear you moan.
Eagerly, she obeyed, gasping loudly as she felt pleasure surge hotly through her, every nerve singing as she started to tremble. Oh dear God…
God has never made you feel this good, my darling. Lyra almost retorted, saying that God had done more for her than he ever could, but decided against it. Now as not the time for a theological argument. Instead, she pressed harder, gritting her teeth to bite back a scream. She could practically feel the demon's breath on her neck as he gave a deep groan. That's it, little one. Lose yourself in sin, let me hear you. Don't hold anything back.
Her nails made a thin sound against the tile as her free hand scraped against the wall, her legs shaking as she tossed her head from side to side. Just a little more, and she would achieve orgasm; just a few seconds longer, and the sweet release would flood through her.
Stop.
With a mournful whimper, she took her hand away, her chest heaving as she tried to return to a steady rate of breathing. Sebastian, please.
Not yet. Stay still for exactly one minute and I'll let you continue.
But the water's getting cold-
Endure it.
She scowled, though she knew he couldn't see. You enjoy watching me suffer, don't you?
Perhaps.
Sadistic son of a bitch, she growled.
His laugh was a soft, velvety rumble. Such fierce words. Watch yourself, my pet, or I'll make it two minutes.
Lyra bit her lip and closed her eyes, pressing her hands against the wall. The water was lukewarm now, but against her hot skin, it was cool enough to make her shiver. She tried to swallow, but her throat was as dry as the desert.
I'm having such difficulty deciding what I'm going to do to you when I return home, he said lightly, almost conversationally. Should I finally tie you down so you can't thrash when I tease you? Shall I use my hands or my tongue first? Hm? Or should I just take you against a wall, hard and fast?
Cheater, she whispered, grinding her teeth together, her toes curling slightly as heat crawled over her skin, combating the chill of the water.
I never cheat, pretty. I simply make new rules. Only thirty seconds to go.
Deciding that two could play at this game, she purred, Mmm, I think you should take me on the bed. Do you want me on top or bottom first? Or maybe on my hands and knees. You'd like to see that, wouldn't you? Her only response was a throaty growl, and she laughed. Am I getting to you?
Minx.
Sweetie, I'm just giving you a taste of your own medicine. There was a pause, then Sebastian spoke.
Time's up. Continue.
Immediately, she resumed her actions, her body brought down from its peak but still quite sensitive. She didn't even mind the cold water now as she came closer and closer to orgasm, Sebastian continuing to murmur filthy things in her ear. Her muscles bunched as she teetered on the brink, her entire body rigid. Oh God, I'm so close.
Come for me, Lyra. I want to hear you come undone.
Moments later, she was screaming both out loud and in her mind, her body lit up with delicious sensation. Her eyes were squeezed so tightly shut that stars burst across her vision. It seemed as though her pleasurable high would last for days, but she soon began to coast down, her legs barely holding her upright as she went limp. Jesus…
If you enjoyed that, just wait until I get my hands on you.
Tease, she breathed, no real force behind her words. You're so going to get it when you get home.
The demon laughed. I look forward to it, my lady. Until then, I'll let you return to your guests.
Lyra lifted her head, her body straightening as she spoke out loud. "Crap. I forgot I left the grim creepers downstairs." She shut off the now frigid water and stepped out, quickly drying off before scurrying back into her room to change and brush the snarls from her hair.
After dressing, she padded downstairs in her bare feet, her brows furrowing as she heard voices coming form the den. Lyra paused at the bottom of the stairs; she didn't recognize the person speaking, and she was fairly certain the reapers wouldn't be watching television.
"…neglecting your duties to play nanny to a human. You're a disgrace, Sutcliffe."
Her jaw dropped in outrage, her eyes flashing with ire. It didn't matter what kind of people her guests were, she would not stand for them to suffer rudeness in her house. She was raised better than that. "Oh, hell no." Lyra strode into the den, hands on her hips, and instantly fixed the stern-looking stranger with a poisonous glare. "Is there a problem here?"
The stranger straightened, his expression cold as he cocked an eyebrow at her. "So you're the one causing all the trouble."
"Excuse me?" She crossed her arms over her chest. "Last I checked, you were the one in my home-uninvited, I might add-insulting my guests. I don't know who you think you are-"
"Lyra." Grell's voice was tiny, but it got her attention. He had been trying unsuccessfully to duck behind the Undertaker, and was now pressing a gloved finger to his lips, as if warning her to hush.
"If you'll permit me, miss." His tone was icy as ever, though at least he spoke with a thin veneer of politeness. "I am William T. Spears, head of the Grim Reaper Dispatch Society." From thin air, he produced a card, which he held out to her in the hand that was not grasping a rather wicked-looking set of gardening shears. She swallowed and took it from him.
"You're…you're Grell's boss?"
"His superior, yes."
"Oh." To save face, she narrowed her eyes at him again, maintaining her air of defensiveness. "That still doesn't explain why you're in my house."
His mouth tightened a fraction, as if he were annoyed at having to explain himself to her. "I'm here to collect Grell Sutcliffe. He's been remiss in his duties again." His eyes, the same double-ringed yellow and green as Grell's, slid over to the reaper in question, who was still trying to cower behind the Undertaker. "I've had to put in overtime to pick up the slack, and there's paperwork yet to be done."
The redhead gulped. "But Will, I-"
"No more excuses, Sutcliffe. You've been enough of a headache for one day. Now come along."
"Hold on." Lyra's defensive posture softened a bit, but she still regarded William with a hint of animosity in her eyes. Sebastian would not take kindly to Grell leaving for whatever reason, and she shuddered to think of the consequences he might face. "He's here as a favor to someone. It's not like he's ditching work to play hooky."
"I know precisely who he's here for, and that is the reason I came." William's eyes narrowed with contempt. "Willing fraternization with a demon…it's as if you want to lose your job."
The human girl, feeling so weirdly out of her element, sighed and pushed a hand through her still-wet hair. "Look, he'll only be here for a few more hours, then he's all yours. Please."
William stood his ground for a moment, then sighed, the lenses of his glasses flashing as he closed his eyes. "Fine. As soon as the demon returns, Sutcliffe, you are to report to me immediately."
Grell nodded, looking relieved, and Lyra relaxed a bit. "Thank you."
Will's stare was piercing as he cast those otherworldly eyes on her. "You're lucky you're in my good graces, young lady. I wouldn't even consider it if you hadn't refused information about your father." At Lyra's obvious confusion, the first hint of anything resembling a smile crossed his stony features. "Your friend didn't tell you that it's against policy to disclose information about the deceased?"
"No…no, he didn't mention it."
"I thought as much. Good day." With a final glance back at Grell, William strode out of the den, his footsteps vanishing as he crossed the foyer.
Lyra blew out a breath and sat down heavily on an ottoman, cradling her head in her hands; the realization that she had just been bargaining with an omen of death was hitting her rather hard. "Sweet Jesus, my life has gotten bizarre," she mumbled, rubbing her eyes.
"What was that, dear?"
"Nothing." She raised her head and glanced over at Grell. "Charming guy you work for."
With a dramatic sigh, the redhead leaned back into the couch. "That's all part of his appeal." A hint of a grin tugged at the corners of his mouth, revealing the tips of his sharp teeth. "His coldness, his inaccessibility. It makes me want him all the more."
Rolling her eyes, the human girl took out her phone and checked the time. It was a quarter till two in the afternoon; she had about an hour to kill before she left for Angie's. Fishing her keys from her pocket, she stood. "I'm going for a walk, and I need to go alone."
Undertaker gave a curious little giggle as Grell's brow wrinkled in confusion. "How come?"
"I just…I just need to be alone with my thoughts for while." She had no intention whatsoever of telling them about where she was really going. One, she didn't want the two of them to insist on coming with her; that would be difficult to explain to Angie. Two, once they found out that she was still active in her faith, they would no doubt begin another spiel about how she was damned and God wouldn't save her. That was the last thing in the world she needed right now. "I'll be back before Sebastian comes home. You two can just chill out here."
"Alright." Grell's expression smoothed out as he crossed one long leg over the other. "As you wish, I suppose."
As she turned her back to leave, she heard the Undertaker's quiet, creaky voice. "Have fun, girlie."
Involuntarily, her hands clenched into fists. There was something sneaky in his tone, like he knew she wasn't being entirely truthful, and it irritated her. For an instant, she struggled with turning in her heel and confronting him, but decided quite wisely against it, walking out of the house instead. To her surprise, the Aston Martin was sitting in the driveway; as much as Sebastian adored the car, she was sure he would have taken it. Perhaps, some part of her speculated, the demon's errands had taken him where no earthly form of transportation could go.
That notion sent a small shiver down her spine as she slid inside, forgoing her Chevy for the foreign car. It purred to life as she ejected Sebastian's classical CD and inserted one of her old mixes, nostalgic songs from high school that she could blast with the windows down. The day was cool, but not so much that she would need a jacket, the sun hidden behind soft grey clouds. A slight smile surfacing, she tore out of the driveway, deciding to drive around to kill time. For an entire hour, she drove aimlessly through her hometown, down each familiar street, singing at the top of her lungs to the music bursting form her speakers. It felt wonderful to be alone in the small space where no one could hurt her or frighten her. In this moment, all that existed was her, the thrum of the engine, and the comforting music.
Time passed quickly, and soon it was almost three. She began making her way to the north end of town, where the houses grew nicer block by block, and the streets had lofty, pretentious English names. At five minutes till, she pulled into the driveway of Angie's house, killing the engine and sitting back with a sigh. Today, for the first time in months, she felt almost normal, like her old self. Able to find joy in little things like a good song or the wind blowing her hair around her face. It was nice to know she hadn't lost herself completely after Sebastian had taken over her life. She could still be a person without him.
Raking a hand through her hair to try and restore some semblance of tidiness to her windblown curls, she got out of the car and walked up to the front door, knocking three times on the paneled wood. A few seconds later, it swung open, and she smiled, expecting to see the woman who had become like another mother to her. Instead, she saw someone who looked eerily similar, but was distinctly male, with shorter hair and sharper angles to his face. He had Angie's exact eyes, however; a blue so deep that they seemed almost purple.
"Hello."
Swallowing, she shook her head. "Hi. My name's Lyra, I'm here to see Angie. Is she home?"
"Oh, right." The man spoke with the same faded English accent that Angie did, his pitch deper but the tone just as smooth. "She's actually out on an errand right now, but she told me you'd be stopping by." He stepped back and gestured. "Come on in."
"Thanks." She gave him a polite smile as she entered the sizable foyer. "You must be Angie's twin?"
"Yeah, sorry." He shut the door and held out his hand. "I'm Gabe."
"Nice to meet you." She took his hand, but instead of shaking it, he brought it to his lips and brushed a kiss across her knuckles. The action was gallant, but it made her strangely uneasy, and she had the urge to wipe the kiss off on the side of her jeans. "Do you know when she'll be back?"
"Quite soon, I'm sure." Gabe led her into the living room, casually raking a hand through his hair, a blond in such a fair shade of platinum that it was nearly white. "You can go ahead and wait for her here, if you'd like."
Lyra nodded and sat down on the couch, her hand sin her lap, trying not to fidget. Something about Gabe made her uncomfortable, though she couldn't explain what it was. He was handsome, that was evident. He'd been nothing but polite to her. Besides, he was Angie's twin. They were practically the same person, weren't they?
Gabe sat down at the opposite end of the couch, a respectable distance away, but still too close for her comfort. "So, Lyra, tell me about yourself. Angie talks about you all the time, but I confess, I rarely listen." He smiled, and his eyes gleamed with something that made her feel like a bug pinned beneath a sheet of glass.
"Well…I'm twenty years old. I work at a gas station. I live just outside of town. I've gone to church with Angie since I was fifteen…" Lyra shrugged flippantly. "That's pretty much it."
"I highly doubt that." Gabe leaned back into the cushions. "Angie said you're quite talented, that you have the voice of an angel."
She gave an embarrassed laugh. "It's more of a hobby than a talent, and trust me, there's nothing angelic about my voice."
"Why don't you sing for me and let me be the judge?" He gave her an eager smile, and her stomach clenched oddly. Normally she had no problem singing in front of others, but this made her too anxious. Was it nerves? Dread? What was wrong with her?
"Um, I'd rather not. I'm not…warmed up."
"Alright, fair enough." His movements slow, as if she were easily startled, he edged closer to her. "So what about a social life? A pretty thing like you must have to beat the men off with a stick."
Lyra stared down at her hands. "I don't really go out much, to be honest. I've never really been a social person."
"So you're not seeing anyone?"
"Well…" She picked at her fingernails, avoiding the gaze she could feel burning into the side of her face. "In a manner of speaking, I guess."
"Dear, you either are or you aren't."
Lyra let out a breath and looked up. "Okay. I am."
Gabe smiled and patted her knee, either not noticing how she flinched or too polite to draw attention to it. "I knew it. No man in his right mind would pass such a lovely creature by." Lyra bit at the inside of her cheeks to keep from snapping at him about his careless and rather insulting comparisons; she was neither a 'creature' nor a 'thing.' "So, who's the lucky fellow?"
"His name's Sebastian. He's…not from around here."
"He must be quite an amazing lad." Gabe's stare continued to drill holes in her, and she shifted uncomfortably. "Do you love him?"
Lyra swallowed hard, wishing desperately that he had not asked her that. Did she love Sebastian? No, of course not; how could she? He was a demon after all-a demon who had raped her, bound her to him, and condemned her to hell simply for the fun of it. Who knew how many other innocent women he'd done the same thing to. Yet, there was a part of her, no matter how she tried to deny it, that had grown quite fond of him. He could make her smile even when she didn't want to, and despite everything, she felt safe in his arms, sheltered. He could be gentle, almost tender with her, like she was something precious to him. Lyra knew that none of this should matter, that it didn't cancel out what he was or what he'd done. There was no way she could have fallen in love with a demon. It was impossible.
"It's…complicated."
"I see." Gabe nodded, but there was an all-too-knowing gleam in his eyes. "How long have you been seeing him?"
"It'll be six months next week."
"Not long at all." He inched closer to her; she could feel the heat of his skin against her arm, and she fidgeted uncomfortably. "Still, you must feel something for him."
Lyra quickly choked back her growing anxiety and irritation, forcing herself to make eye contact with him. "Look, this isn't really something I feel comfortable talking about. We don't know each other that well, and frankly, my personal life is none of your business."
Gabe's thin mouth curled in an odd smirk, and he backed away from her, raising his hands in a gesture of surrender. "You're right, of course. Please forgive my rudeness." He leaned back onto the arm of the couch, stretching languorously, and cast his eyes out of the expansive bay window. "Ah, I see you got the car repaired. Looks good as new."
Lyra's brow knitted in confusion, the pit of unease in her stomach rising to sickening dread. "What?"
His expression was innocent as he turned to look at her. "Well, it had the hell torn out of it, hadn't it? Whoever did the repairs did an excellent job of it."
"How did you know-?"
"About the car?" He grinned, his eyes bright but cold. "Simple. I was the one who tore it apart."
Lyra felt as thought she had slammed into a brick wall, forcing the air from her lungs, her heart too shocked to beat. Her mind rebelled against his words; it couldn't be true! He hadn't known her before today, he couldn't have sought out her car specifically. Despite her logic, she knew he wasn't lying. Gabe had vandalized the car. Gabe had killed her cat. Gabe had written a threatening message on the door in blood. He was dangerous, insane, and for whatever reason, he was after her. Fight or flight instinct rose swiftly in her, compelling her to flee. She rose hastily, shoving her hands in her pockets to hide how badly they were shaking. "I should probably get going. I forgot about an errand I have to run." She backed toward the door, the words rushed and panicky as they tumbled out of her mouth. "Please tell Angie I stopped by."
She turned and bolted for the door, but it was locked fast, unable to be budged no matter how desperately she yanked. A mirthless laugh sounded behind her, and she froze, a shiver slipping down her spine. "Why don't you tell her yourself?"
Gabe's voice changed midsentence, became higher, softer. A woman's voice, so horrifyingly familiar. Slowly, Lyra turned, her stomach lurching as she saw Gabe changing…transforming. Hard lines became smooth, angles softened, hips and breasts swelled where there had been none. There stood Angie, smirking down at the frightened girl, looking nothing like the sweet, caring woman Lyra had known her as. Her mind raced, tried to come up with a rational explanation for what she had just witnessed, but when she could conjure nothing, she croaked out one word. "How?"
"Oh dear. And here I thought you were an intelligent girl." Angie cocked her head to the side with a cold smile and closed her eyes. When she opened them again, they glowed an evil, pulsing fuchsia, the pupils black slits that regarded her with malicious, gleeful intent. She had seen those eyes before.
"You're…y-you're the demon who-"
"Yes, I'm afraid so." Angie blinked, and her eyes returned to their normal color and shape. "I'm sorry to cut this short, but I'm a bit pressed for time." With that, the demoness seized Lyra's shoulders and knocked her head back against the door. Pain burst behind her eyes, and the edges of her vision became black as her consciousness faded, blocking out however temporarily the nightmare she had fallen into.
Oooh, plot twist! Please leave reviews, I love hearing from you. Cheers! :)