Welcome all to Chapter 11!
I just sat down and didn't stop writing one night when I got home from a late shift. Again, I am always editing, so be patient with me. I've run through this chapter many times trying to find grammatical errors.
Disclaimer: The character names in this story are those created by Stephanie Meyers. I'm just borrowing them to create my own little universe. Hope you all enjoy. If you don't know, this story is sexually explicit, and there are themes of horror and violence at some points, now you know!
I think I'm gonna start doing a Song to recommend for the Chapter: Phantogram - Black Out Days
If y'all wanna join in the reviews and write what you listen to when you read :)
CHAPTER 11
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LPOV
"Surprise, surprise," she groaned with mock shock, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "My daughter stopping in for a visit."
"Yeah, hi, Ma," I bit out, trying to maintain my composure.
"Spending all your time with Mr. Big Shot?" she questioned, her words sharp and pointed.
I pursed my lips, squeezing my car keys painfully in one hand as I glided inside, the aroma of fresh ground coffee hitting me immediately. "You've had a lot of company lately," I said, glancing around the tidy living room. My eyes wandered to the kitchen, which was spotless. "Clean," I commented, almost offhandedly.
"Oh, everyone coming in and out, in and out, it's like Grand Central Station!" she huffed dramatically.
I rolled my eyes. "Well, it's keeping your mind sharp, I can see."
"I can do for myself," she stated with a hint of defensiveness.
I nodded, watching her shuffle past me to get to the kitchen. Despite the tension, there was a certain comfort in her routine, predictable as ever.
"Want some coffee?" she offered, her tone softening slightly.
"Uh," I paused, glancing at the clock above the entrance to her room. "Sure, I've got some time."
"I thought you'd have plans with the fox himself," she said, a sly grin creeping onto her face.
I took a deep breath and walked over to the kitchen doorway. "You seem chipper," I remarked, a touch of sarcasm slipping into my voice.
"You hungry? Want some soup from this morning?" she asked, opening the fridge.
I shook my head, crossing my arms. "No thanks," I replied, trying to keep the conversation light despite the simmering tension.
"At least when you were with Sam, I heard from you every day," she grumbled, slamming the fridge door shut a little harder than necessary.
"Mom!" I was floored, my voice rising in shock. How could she say that? I felt my blood start to shoot to my face. At least I make an actual effort to be around this bane of existence, I thought, biting back my anger. She had no idea what it took to come here, to deal with her passive-aggressive digs.
"Don't 'Mom' me," she shot back, turning to face me, her expression smug. "I'm just saying, back then, you had time for me."
I stared at her, speechless for a second, my mind racing through all the things I wanted to say but couldn't. She had no idea how much worse things had been with Sam, and hearing her compare now to then? Get real.
"It's only a matter of time," she chimed, her voice laced with a tone that set my teeth on edge.
"What's that supposed to mean?" I shot back, my annoyance flaring higher than ever.
"You know," she said, raising her brows with that irritating air of superiority. "He used to be a player."
I couldn't help but scoff, frustration boiling over. "It's terrible how you think you know everything, Ma."
"What?" she started, her voice rising in disbelief. "What did I say?!"
I shook my head, feeling the anger drain out of me as quickly as it had come. "Nothing," I sighed, my shoulders sagging under the weight of it all.
"Oh, so it's terrible that I'm concerned for my own daughter?" she shot back, her voice full of hurt.
For the love of— "Ma," I cut her off before she could dive into yet another exhausting lecture, "can we not do this right now?" I had to try to be patient. The effects from the mid-stroke were still pretty apparent. Messing with her cognition.
She let out a heavy sigh, crossing her arms. "I just worry endlessly, Leah, the way it ended with Sam—"
I raised my hand, silencing her mid-sentence. "Can you please just stop talking about him?" I couldn't keep the edge out of my voice, my eyes pleading with her to just let it go. The mere mention of Sam sent a wave of bitterness through me, a chapter I'd long since closed but she just couldn't leave alone.
"Well, Eddie hasn't dropped in, in I don't know how lo-"
A crash from her bedroom interrupted the conversation, startling us both. For once, I was actually thankful for whatever weirdness was happening to break the tension.
"What in the world—" my mom started, already moving toward the noise.
"Stay here," I cut her off quickly, feeling a strange knot of anxiety forming in my stomach. I wasn't sure if it was the argument or the crash itself, but my nerves were on edge.
"Leah, don't be ridiculous," she protested, but I shook my head.
my pulse quickening with each step. The air felt thick, like something was about to happen, but I couldn't put my finger on it. I pushed open the door, half-expecting to find a mess, but also feeling like something much worse was waiting on the other side.
The stench hit me first—thick, putrid, like rotting meat left out in the heat for days. I gagged, stumbling back as my hand flew up to cover my nose and mouth. My sleeve barely did anything to block the odor. It was overwhelming, an assault on my senses, making my eyes sting and water.
I yelped, trying to breathe through the nausea, and forced myself to step inside. The pale blue walls of my mother's room were cloaked in shadows, the afternoon sun casting long beams through the windows. I rushed over, yanking the windows up to let in some fresh air, but the smell still clung stubbornly to the room.
From behind, I heard my mother gasp. She stood in the doorway, her hand flying over her nose and mouth as she took in the scene.
"What in God's name is that?" she croaked, her eyes wide with panic.
I scanned the room, almost manic, trying to find the source of the smell. It was astounding—besides the stench, everything looked well put together. The bed was made neatly, and her clothes were folded on the dresser. The sunlight streamed in, illuminating the dust motes dancing in the air. But that odor... it was a grotesque contrast to the otherwise tidy space.
My mother was expressing her grievances loudly. I could hear a faint sound beyond her though. As it captured my attention, my body moved instinctively around the room.
Curiously, I investigated further as my mother droned on about the vile air.
"Did it smell like this in here earlier?"
"No," she puffed out. "Absolutely not!"
First place to check is always under the bed. Panic surged within me as I approached, my heart racing. The stench grew stronger, more suffocating, and I could feel bile rising in my throat. I swallowed it down. And with a deep breath, I steeled myself and bent down to get a closer look, and there it lay: a dead cat, lying in a contorted, unnatural position. Its fur was matted and slick with blood, the body bloated and barely recognizable. A fly buzzed around it in a frenzy, feasting on the fresh corpse. The sight alone made my stomach churn. The smell? Worse than anything I could describe.
"Well?" she paused for dramatic effect, watching me gag uncontrollably. "What is it?" she pressed, her voice tight with concern.
"A cat," I spat, heaving as I turned away from the foul odor, desperate for fresh air.
"What?!" she gasped in horror. "W-well, hurry up! Get it outta here!"
"For God's sake, Ma, give me a second!" I groaned, my voice strained as I tried not to vomit.
"Oh Christ, Leah! You know I have allergies!" I could hear her footsteps shuffling up to the spot, her tone turning frantic. "Oh God, it's dead!"
"Yeah, Ma," I snorted, my almost laughing with irritation surfacing again up even amid the horror. I had to force myself to look away from the ghastly sight and focus on a sudden task at hand. "I can see that."
I stood frozen for a moment, grappling with the sheer absurdity of the situation. My mother was a frantic mess, flapping her hands and darting around the room like a headless chicken, her voice rising an octave higher with every passing second.
"Leah! For the love of God, do something! It's just lying there!" she shrieked, her eyes wide.
"Okay, okay!" I snapped back, trying to reign in my own rising anxiety. I darted snatching a pair of rubber gloves, and a bag from the bathroom down the hall between the living room and kitchen, feeling ridiculous already. My mother was still hovering, pointing wildly as if that would somehow help the situation.
"Just pick it up and throw it outside!" she exclaimed, her voice teetering on the edge of hysteria. "I can't believe this is happening!"
I rolled my eyes, stifling a laugh despite the grimness of the moment. "I'll bury it, Ma!" I huffed, edging closer to the body, which was in an awkward position, as if it had given up the ghost mid-stretch.
My mother covered her face with her hands, peeking through her fingers like she was watching a horror movie. "You're not going to touch it, are you?" she cried.
"Would you calm down?" I said, exasperated. "I have gloves on, and it's just a cat!" But even as I said it, I realized that it was anything but "just a cat." It's fucking dead. And I wasn't even going to try to begin to piece this together on how this happened in the first place.
"What—h-how could this happen? Where did this thing even come from?" My mother had a tendency to talk so fast when she got really upset that her words tumbled over each other like a jumbled mess.
I didn't answer. Instead, I took a deep breath, rubbed the sleeve of my forearm against my mouth, and finally bent down. My stomach twisted as I gripped the poor creature by its back legs with the bag. I half-expected it to spring to life, its body flopping as I lifted it, but it was still. The sight was grotesque, and the smell? Oh, it was absolutely horrific.
I dropped it into the bag, and as I did my mother shrieked. "Be careful!" Backing away as if I were holding a live grenade.
"Yeah, because I really want to drop it," I muttered, holding my breath as I shuffled toward the door, my arms stretched out in front of me like I was carrying a ticking time bomb.
As I stepped into the main room, I heard her let out a squeal. "Don't get that anywhere near the carpet!"
I rolled my eyes, trying to suppress a laugh despite the situation. I snatched my keys off the living room floor. Must've dropped them with all this madness going on. "I'm not trying to redecorate, Ma!" I shot back, my pulse racing as I navigated through to the front door.
"Leah, you've lost your mind if you think you're gonna bury it anywhere near here!" my mother shouted, her voice rising in a pitch that made my head spin.
I deflated again at her incredulousness. "I will bury it somewhere else then," I huffed, feeling the weight of my predicament settle on my shoulders. Unfortunately, I'd have to put it in the trunk of Berta. This woman really left me no choice. I'd just have to bury it in the woods somewhere far away from her endless fussing.
Just as I shut the trunk, I could hear my mother muttering under her breath. "I can't believe this is happening… this is so disgusting… how did it even get in here?"
"Stop asking questions!" I snapped, "It's done!" Staggering back to the front steps.
My mother peered back towards the inside of the house cautiously, her eyes wide as if she were witnessing a crime scene. "You're going to need to clean that up right away!"
"Sure, I'll just wave a magic wand and make it disappear," I shot back, wiping the gloves off my hands as I stepped back inside. "What's next, a dead raccoon in the garage?"
Her expression was a mixture of horror and concern, and I couldn't help but let out a shaky laugh. "This is going to be a story for the books," I said, shaking my head in disbelief as I closed the door behind me.
As I began to clean up my mother's room, I thought of my old grandma Hewes and felt a shiver run down my spine. I was a little paranoid. My mother always warned us about keeping doors locked, anything could stumble inside.
Despite the unsettling task at hand, I lingered for a while, engaging in small talk with my mother to ease the tension. We both tried to piece together how the poor cat had gotten in. "It must've slipped through the back door," she said, wringing her hands. "All this hull-a-balloo, people coming and going, they forget to latch the door on the way out!"
She paused for a short while. "I just wish I knew how it happened," she said, glancing around as if expecting the answer to appear out of thin air.
"Maybe it was just one of those freak things, Ma. We can't control everything," I reassured her, though my own thoughts were muddled. It felt like an episode of some twisted horror show—a cat's tragic demise becoming the centerpiece of our afternoon.
I wanted to get back to Edward's. I had a lot on my mind already, and I was drained at this point. The chaotic events of the day had only added to the weight pressing down on my shoulders. Pretty soon I also had to start prepping myself for the two weeks I'll be managing the VFW for Jr. On top of it all, I still had to still ponder the idea of maybe selling my home.
My thoughts drifted to the pretty lone pale pink house on the dead end. I loved that house. But now, it felt like a haunting reminder of all the turmoil I'd experienced there. The dreams I had for it, the memories I had built, all intertwined with the suffocating shadow of my past with Sam.
Too much had happened in that space. Mostly negative effects from Sam and my entanglement. The arguments that echoed through the halls, the way I'd sometimes find myself staring out the window, waiting for a sign that things would get better.
And the nightmares? They haunted me still, distorting my sleep, twisting my thoughts into spirals of anxiety. The house was a beautiful façade, but inside it felt like a cage, and I was the one holding the key. I buried the tabby out past the brush near my home.
A couple of days later, Rebecca had invited me to go shopping for some essentials. Edward was grabbing lunch with his brother and encouraged me to join Rebecca, insisting he didn't like me being alone. As tempting as it was to curl up on the couch with a movie and a tub of ice cream, I knew he was right. Still, I wasn't feeling it.
When Rebecca arrived to pick me up, I hopped into the car, and she gave me one of those looks—half expectation, half pleading.
"What?" I asked, furrowing my brows.
"Think we can grab some baby stuff too? Do you mind? I'm sorry; I just have no idea what I'm doing," she admitted, a hint of desperation in her voice.
At least she was honest. I appreciated her sincerity, even if the prospect of shopping for baby items made me want to shoot myself in the foot. But, I loved Rebecca, and I knew this was most likely for Emily. Unless there was another pregnancy in the family.
"For you?" I joked.
She puffed her lips and made a funny face, "No!" She rolled her eyes, face relaxing. "For Emily."
I forced a smile. "Sure, let's go," I said.
As we drove through town, I found myself lost in thought. Maybe getting out would help clear my head. A little retail therapy couldn't hurt, right? Plus, spending time with Rebecca meant laughter, even if it was over our mutual cluelessness about baby shopping
"Do you think she'll stay?" Rebecca asked me quietly, her eyes full of concern as she pushed the carriage forward.
"If she had any sense, she'd have left him a while back," I responded, feeling a flash of irritation rise in me. I sounded like my mother—a realization that made me cringe.
Rebecca sighed, crossing her arms along her chest as we stopped. "Well," she said, "she's only got like, twelve more weeks or so." There was a hint of resignation in her voice, as if we both knew the inevitable was coming, but neither of us could stop it.
"Then the little bundle of joy will be here," I said, barely able to keep the terse tone out of my voice. The whole situation was exhausting.
"Leah," Rebecca said softly, looking at me with those sympathetic eyes of hers, "I know all of this has been crazy, but, I commend your maturity."
I scoffed, rolling my eyes. "Maturity?" I let out a humorless laugh. "I smacked the fuck out of Sam at the hospital," I admitted, feeling the heat rise in my cheeks as I thought back to that moment.
Rebecca couldn't help but giggle, a sound that made me crack a smile despite the tension. "I know," she said, trying to hold back her laughter. "I heard."
"Yeah, well, I'm not exactly proud of it," I muttered, though deep down, part of me felt vindicated.
"He deserved more punishment. But, seriously though," she paused, her tone softening again, "thank you for contributing for her."
"As long as y'all don't force me to go to a baby shower," I said, forcing a smile as I tried to lighten the mood.
Rebecca laughed and pushed my shoulder playfully. "We'd rather not go down that rabbit hole, eh?"
I snorted, shaking my head. "Yeah, let's not. I can only pretend to care about cute onesies and diaper cakes for so long."
"You're safe from that horror, I promise," Rebecca said with a smirk. "I'm just glad you're here, honestly. She needs all the support she can get, even if she doesn't realize it yet."
I sighed, picking up a random bottle of Johnson's Baby Soap. "Yeah, I know. It's just... I don't know how much more of this I can take."
"It's hard to not wanna rip off your former lovers face when he's having a baby with your cousin," she stated matter-of-factly.
I placed the soap back down on the shelf and pursed my lips nodding, feeling the weight of her words sit on my mind for a moment.
"Tell me about it," I muttered. "Some days, I don't even know if I'm more pissed at him or at her."
"Both," Rebecca said simply. "It's always both." She continued forward, walking along.
I let out a bitter laugh, following behind her. "Yeah, guess you're right."
"Anyways," she said abruptly, shifting the conversation. "Your mom mentioned the other day that you're thinking of selling your house?"
"Yeah," I replied, trying to sound nonchalant, though my feelings were far more complicated.
I wasn't thrilled about selling it. The time had come. For one, I'd make a great profit since there's only a few thousand left on the mortgage. And second, I was moving in with Edward. We'd already started packing things into boxes. The bigger furniture? It's getting sold at an estate sale. I was doing my best to liquidate not just stuff, but all the negative energy tied to the place.
"She told me you were moving in with her?" Rebecca's eyes twinkled with sarcasm, and the look on her face got a good laugh out of me.
"Riiighht," I drew the word out, lacing it with enough sarcasm to make my feelings about the idea crystal clear.
She shook her head laughing as we approached another isle lined with diapers. "You shoulda seen Solomon's face the entire time we were over there."
"What'd he say?"
"When we finally got back to the car he told me he never wants to tag along with me to Aunt Sue's," she responded, her irritation barely masked.
I stared at her back for a few moments as she grabbed a 20-pack of wet wipes and tossed it into the cart with a little more force than necessary. She stood there, scrutinizing the shelves, trying to decide which diapers to pick.
"How many times has Sol been there?" I asked, stepping closer.
She shrugged. "Just that once."
I wasn't sure where I was headed with this line of questioning, but ever since my mother's stroke, I'd found myself increasingly curious about anyone's experiences with her—especially when it came to the time they spent in her presence. Considering the cat fiasco; which I hadn't really spoken to anyone about. Not even Edward, for now. It's just always something that happens that is far too hard to explain.
Her lips pursed, really glaring at the wall of diapers. "You think we should get bigger sizes?" She questioned suddenly, snapping me back to present thought. I crossed my arms.
"Hm?"
"Well, I feel like everyone gets so overzealous, buying a ton of newborn diapers, when they grow outta them so darn fast," she explained.
"I don't know, babies shit a lot."
Us two shopping for this stuff, we'd have an easier time trying to find a needle in a hay stack.
"I'll get a newbie, you get a size 1," I offered.
She gazed over, nodding. "I can roll with that."
We continued shopping, yammering on like usual. Rebecca asked me what the next step was with selling my house.
"At this point, I just have to sell it," I sighed. "I don't feel comfortable there anymore. I need to purge all the negativity."
She nodded as I tossed a few more things into the cart. In the meantime, Edward's place had started to feel more like home. I never imagined it happening so quickly, but the more I stayed over, the more it felt like the right move.
"And Edward's place?" she asked, reading my thoughts.
"It's becoming more comfortable," I said, a small smile creeping onto my face. "A lot more comfortable, actually."
She rolled her eyes with a grin she teased, "Oh I bet."
I had let her in on Edward's accident a few weeks back, sparing the more bizarre details of what really happened. I couldn't tell her about the "walking dead" shit. Instead, I kept it simple, told her it was a work accident. That the deck on the back of the truck malfunctioned, and he'd fallen onto the concrete.
Her expression shifted instantly to one of horror. "Damn, is he at least getting comped?" Rebecca gasped.
"Yeah, yeah," I nodded quickly, brushing it off as best I could. "They're taking care of it."
I hated lying to her, but I couldn't exactly tell her the whole truth. Not without sounding completely insane.
We found ourselves circling back to Sam and Emily as we dawdled through the checkout. I loathed that man. To this day, I still have no idea what I was thinking back then. My mind had been clouded, trapped in a heavy fog of depression for so long that I couldn't see straight. Edward coming back into my life felt like fate, like something finally clicked into place.
I rambled on about how terrible Sam was, my voice growing sharper with each word, while Rebecca listened quietly. She'd nod along, shooting me those knowing glances that only someone who had seen it all could give. By the time we reached her car, I was trembling as I retold some of the things I'd gone through, the weight of it all nearly unbearable. All I could hope was that Emily wouldn't go through the same nightmare.
Rebecca was telling me how Emily had just gotten the stitches removed.
I shivered at the thought.
We finished playing tetras with the trunk, fitting boxes and bags meticulously in silence. Once done, Rebecca leaned against her car door, shaking her head. "Emily's face... now that the dressings are off, you can really see it. Whatever it was, it got her good."
I shuddered at the image, a cold wave of dread washing over me.
"Fucking horrendous," I muttered. "They still don't know what happened?" I asked, my voice low.
Rebecca frowned, rubbing her arm. "No, they never figured it out. It's... it's bizarre, really."
"Just thank God she's alive," I said softly.
"Yeah."
We both stood there, the weight of the conversation hanging between us, until I finally let out a sigh, opening the passenger door with a huff. "Let's bounce."
She nodded, sliding into the driver's seat, and we drove off in a somber silence, the echoes of our conversation lingering like a heavy fog.
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EPOV
Leah and I had been talking more frequently about the future, about what came next for us. She'd started mentioning selling her home more openly, a shift from the hesitant remarks she'd made before. Honestly, I was relieved. There was a part of me that was looking forward to having her fully here, with me, sharing a space that was ours.
The idea of her moving into my home—no, our home—felt like the final piece falling into place. I didn't need a big gesture or dramatic change; just her presence, every day. The little things, like her jacket draped over the couch or her mug on the kitchen counter. The things that would remind me she was always there, that this wasn't temporary.
"What's mine is hers" had never felt more real to me. I was ready for it. Ready for us. Completely.
We spent the morning at Leah's place, going through her things, getting boxes ready for the essentials she wanted to bring to my house. It was the first real step. I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement. As we sorted through the rooms, pulling out clothes, books, and a few sentimental items, something unexpected caught my attention.
I opened a drawer to pack some papers when I spotted an envelope, and inside, a thick wad of cash. "Leah, you know you have money stashed in here?" I asked, holding it up.
She chuckled, a little embarrassed. "Yeah... I tend to tuck it away in random places. Keeps me from spending it."
I raised an eyebrow. "Random places?"
She grinned, grabbing another envelope from behind a stack of old books. "You'd be surprised." Her lips pecked my cheek, and with a laugh she stated, "don't throw anything out without checking it."
As the morning went on, I found a couple more stashes, hidden in spots I would've never guessed—behind picture frames, between folded towels, even tucked inside a pair of boots. It was like a scavenger hunt, and I couldn't help but laugh at each new find.
"How much do you have lying around?" I teased, genuinely surprised by how much she'd squirreled away over time.
"It adds up," she shrugged, smiling. "Comes in handy, though."
It did surprise me, but it also made me see how she'd been thinking about the future, Leah was a wild child back in the day. She'd squander her life savings in a millisecond. So this was huge. She'd been preparing in her own way, and now, here we were, moving toward that shared future one box—and one hidden envelope—at a time.
She didn't have to worry about this shit with me though. We are each other's forever. I've got more than enough to sustain any situation that whips at us.
A couple hours had passed and we had most everything she needed stuffed into her rig. I began to start out the door, carrying a heavy box filled with her odds and ends. I heard an engine roaring up the road, heading directly towards us.
Leah opened the screen door and squinted at the vehicle. Leah's expression was tense. "Who is it?" she whispered, her voice barely a breath. Then her face grew more tense. "Oh fuck."
"What?" I set the box down beside my truck as my gaze fixed on the vehicle approaching. It was a dark SUV, windows tinted.
I glanced over at my love who's eyes were already darting back to me, fear flickering across her face. "Sam."
I nodded slowly, my instincts on high alert. My stomach dropped. "Get inside," I said firmly.
Guess my voice had enough bite to it, because she spun on her heels and headed back inside without a word.
"What the fuck you want?" I motioned my chin up towards him as Sam slammed the driver door to his rig.
I was ready. He wasn't getting past me to talk to Leah—not today, not ever.
"She selling this house?" he barked, his voice sharp.
I could feel my fists clenching at my sides, the urge to throw a punch bubbling just beneath the surface. "Lower your voice—"
"Fuck you! Get Leah's ass out here. NOW!" He sneered, his expression twisted with a mixture of arrogance and annoyance.
That macho-man bullshit? It doesn't work on me, big fella. When it comes to the physical realm I've got no fears, no concerns.
"No," I replied simply, shrugging.
Sam's face twisted with anger, his fists clenching at his sides. He looked like he was barely holding himself back, but I wasn't about to back down. Not now, not ever. I planted my feet firmly, my eyes never leaving his, daring him to make a move.
"I said, get Leah out here," he repeated, louder this time, practically spitting the words.
I took a step closer, closing the distance till there was about six feet between us. "You're not gonna talk to her, not today. Not ever, if she doesn't want it. So you can hop in your hooptie and skirt out."
His chest puffed out, and for a moment, I could see the wheels turning in his head, like he was deciding whether or not to make this physical.
"You're not the boss of her," he snarled, stepping even closer, trying and failing to loom over me.
That sounded pretty funny coming from King Tut himself.
I didn't flinch. "You think you're gonna bully her into something? Nah, man. Not happening. Get your ass back in that truck and just go."
We stood there, locked in a silent standoff. The tension was thick enough to cut with a knife, but I wasn't giving him the satisfaction of backing down. Not when Leah was inside, probably watching, probably nervous.
"You've caused enough grief," I added, my voice low but firm. "Don't turn this into something and get yourself locked up in county for the night."
He faked a swing as he moved toward me, but I didn't budge. My stillness should've told him I wasn't messing around. But this Muppet was like a man with a fork in a world full of soup—totally lost. "We're not surrounded by hospital staff this time."
I was two seconds from knocking him out cold. Seeing stars and Tweety Bird sounded like a fitting punishment, but I really didn't feel like dealing with the cops tonight.
Fucking A.
Sam's jaw tightened, and for a second, I thought he might actually swing. But then he let out a frustrated growl, turned on his heel, and stormed back toward his truck.
"I ain't done," he spat over his shoulder as he yanked the door open.
I didn't respond, just stood there watching as he slammed the door and peeled out of the driveway. The sound of tires screeching and the engine roaring fading into the distance. My pulse was still pounding, but I forced myself to take a deep breath. The adrenaline was still surging, I was pissed, but I had to keep my cool—for Leah's sake.
Turning around, I made my way back to the house, stepping inside and shutting the door firmly behind me. Leah was sitting at the kitchen table, her eyes wide and hands trembling slightly as she fiddled with the edge of her sleeve. She'd heard the whole thing, no doubt.
"He's gone," I said, keeping my voice as calm as possible. He could say whatever he wanted. He wasn't doing nothin', not while I was around.
Leah looked up at me, her expression a mix of relief and lingering concern. "Are you okay?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. I could see the worry etched on her face, the way her fingers fidgeted with her sleeve betraying her anxiety.
I nodded, stepping closer to her and resting my hands on the table. "I'm fine. You alright?" I tried to sound casual, but I could still feel the remnants of adrenaline pulsing through my veins.
Her gaze flickered away for a moment, as if she was processing. "Yeah. He's…he's intense." She let out a shaky breath. "You think he'll come back?"
"We'll be outta here before that happens, and we've got all your stuff," I assured her. I know he didn't have his name on anything in this place. So, I wasn't too sure what he was even on about. So fucking narcissistic.
"Figured he'd hear sooner or later. You think he'll get a lawyer involved?" It's almost like Leah was reading my mind.
I was about to respond with a 'he'd be dumb to try', but, I figured I'd give my sister Alice a call. She's good with stuff like this, has a lot of friends in high places.
Shortly after I did just that.
"If he has some equitable interest in the property, contributing substantially to its upkeep?" Alice questioned through speakerphone.
"Fuck no," Leah scoffed.
I chuckled. "So basically—"
"He has no leg to stand on, and I wouldn't worry about him being able to do anything legally," Alice finished confidently.
The tension in the room eased up as Leah rolled her eyes, clearly done with the topic. "Exactly what I thought," she muttered. Relief washing over her face as the conversation with Alice went on. I was grateful to see that.
"Still nice to have it confirmed," I said, leaning back in my chair, feeling more at ease.
"Anywho," Alice's sweet voice chimed with a sudden burst of excitement, "I think y'all need a pick-me-up!" She went on to explain how she'd stumbled upon this hole-in-the-wall rave club, thanks to their mutual friend Alec. Apparently, he'd invited her and Jasper and said, 'the more the merrier.'
It actually sounded delightful. Something about getting lost in the music, in the lights, forgetting everything for a while... It was tempting. I looked over at Leah, who met my gaze, nodding excitedly. She was already on board, her eyes sparkling.
Alice gave us the whole rundown. It'd be tonight, which worked perfectly—neither of us had to work. Leah, already hyped up, made a beeline for the bathroom upstairs, stripping off her clothes as she moved towards the stairs. Her actions were a huge distraction, and I found myself losing focus, barely catching Alice as she repeated the address.
I'd gotten up and made my way towards her.
"Got it?" Alice asked, clearly amused by my half-hearted responses.
"Yeah... yeah, I got it," I mumbled, my eyes involuntarily following Leah as she disappeared into the bathroom.
We'd gotten ourselves together, after Leah's shower and grabbing herself some sweats and a shirt from her bag, we headed back over to my place. I pulled everything out of each vehicle and stacked em up in my garage. We'd sort tomorrow, Leah was hungry now. I'd made my famous pasta dish the other night. So, I got to work, pulling out the leftover container and two plates. Moving around the kitchen with a sense of purpose.
When we finally sat down to eat, the comforting silence wrapped around us like a warm blanket. I could see Leah's eyes lighting up as she took her first bite. "Mmm, you always make the best pasta," she said between mouthfuls, her enthusiasm evident.
"Only for you," I replied with a smirk, watching her enjoy the meal. It felt nice to take a step back and simply appreciate this moment—the two of us, sharing food and laughter.
After dinner, I cleared the plates, rinsing them off in the sink while Leah leaned against the counter, a playful smile on her face. "I'm gonna go get ready!"
I went and showered up while Leah was getting dressed in my bedroom. Getting herself put together. I was buttoning up my white shirt, pushing my hair back with coconut oil to keep it slicked.
Leah barged in and tilted her head, her gaze softening. "You look good. Like, really good."
I felt my heart skip a beat at her compliment. "Thanks, but I'm not trying to compete with you. You look stunning no matter what."
She laughed, and it sent a thrill through me.
I turned and bumped into the bathroom counter trying to step back, and really take her in. Leah's ruby red spaghetti-strap dress hugged her curves perfectly, cutting off just at her upper thigh. The shimmering fabric caught the light, making it almost hard for my eyes to adjust to the way it danced. Her thick black go-go boots rose just below her knees, giving her legs an undeniable presence.
Her long mahogany hair was pulled back into high ponytails, but a few strands in the front were left out, framing her face with soft banana curls. Her makeup was light but striking: a touch of eyeliner that made her eyes pop and a subtle sheen on her cheeks that highlighted her flawless skin. And her lips—full, juicy, lined with dark brown—were almost mesmerizing, glistening with gloss, waiting to be kissed.
The invigorating scent of honeysuckle drifted from her, intoxicating and sweet, reaching me even from where I stood. It was impossible to ignore, like she'd left a trail of allure in the air. I couldn't tear my eyes away.
Leah stood there, radiating confidence and playfulness, and I was helpless against the magnetic pull she had on me. "Am I rave ready?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she swayed, the light catching the shimmering fabric of her dress.
"Do we have to leave right this second?" I asked, stepping closer, my heart racing with desire.
She laughed, a sound that echoed in my chest. "I don't want your sister outside waiting for us all night."
"It'll take me five minutes, tops," I joked, but, not really. I'm gonna need to ravage her at some point tonight. It'd be torture other wise. Abuse with how painful my erection was.
As she turned to grab her purse from the bed, my eyes followed the curve of her hips, the way the fabric of her dress hugged her body perfectly. My fingers itched to trace those curves, to explore every inch of her, but I forced myself to stay calm. I needed to focus; we had a night of dancing and adventure ahead of us, but that didn't mean I couldn't steal a moment.
"Alright, please, just five minutes," I said, my voice low and laced with urgency. I moved in closer, my hand brushing against her arm, sending a spark of electricity through me.
She turned back, her expression shifting to one of playful challenge. "Five minutes, huh? You better make them count."
Without thinking, I pulled her closer, wrapping my arms around her waist. "Oh, always."
Leaning in, I pressed my lips against hers, and the kiss ignited everything inside me. The sweet taste of her lips mingled with her heady and nectarous scent; I lost myself in the moment, deepening the kiss, her body melting against mine.
Leah responded eagerly, her hands finding their way to my hair, pulling me closer as if she wanted to fuse our bodies together. I could feel the heat radiating off her, and it drove me wild. Every kiss fueled the fire that burned in my veins, and I knew I wouldn't be able to wait much longer to have her completely.
Reluctantly, I pulled back, both of us breathless and flushed. "Alright, maybe we should go before we get too lost in this," I said, trying to steady my voice, but the need in my gut was still there, throbbing with intensity.
Leah laughed softly, her cheeks flushed, and I knew I wasn't the only one feeling the heat. "You're right. Like I said, we can't keep Alice waiting."
I reluctantly released her, stepping back to give her some space as she adjusted her dress. "Just remember," I said with a smirk, "this isn't over."
Her eyes sparkled with mischief. "Oh, I know."
The drive to the club felt like the first real breath of air in a long time. After everything we'd been through recently—the nightmares and the weird shit—it was like we were finally escaping it, even if just for a night. Leah sat next to me in the passenger seat, her long legs crossed, the fabric of her ruby red dress clinging to her in all the right places. Every time I glanced over, which was far too often, I couldn't help but let my eyes linger on her. The light teasing in the truck was barely scratching the surface of what I craved.
She looked...incredible. The dress was snug, short, and glittered under the streetlights as we drove past, casting a sparkle on her skin. Her hair was done in those playful ponytails, and when she turned her head, the long curls bounced around her face, framing her sharp jawline and those dark eyes that always seemed to burn with a hidden spark. Her scent—sweet and floral—filled the truck, making it nearly impossible to concentrate on anything but her.
I knew I needed to focus on the road, but God, I could barely keep my eyes off her. She caught me looking a few times, and every time she did, she'd smirk, giving me that playful, knowing look that made me want her even more.
"You're staring," she teased, leaning her head back against the seat, the glow from the dashboard casting a soft light across her face.
"Can you blame me?" I grinned, my voice a little rough, the anticipation building. "You look...wow." I gripped the steering wheel hard. "You gonna drink tonight?" I asked with heavy breath.
"Maybe just one, loosen up a bit, no?"
I nodded, the one hand that was rubbing her smooth thigh gave her a little squeeze.
As we drove, Leah started humming softly to the beat of the music playing on the radio. The city lights reflected off her skin, and I couldn't help but think how lucky I was, even after everything we'd been through, to have her by my side.
It took us an hour and a half to get three towns over for this. Alice was out on the sidewalk waving my truck towards what looked to be a parking garage. I pulled up to her, sliding my window down, letting the cool night air pour in.
"Where's the entrance?" I questioned.
Alice rolled her eyes. "Well, hello to you too, Edward!"
"Hey babe!" Leah shouted past me.
"Baby!" Alice squealed, waving excitedly and jumping in delight once her eyes noticed Leah in the passenger seat.
My brows furrowed at my sister. "Alice," I was growing annoyed. Probably the hard on.
"Okay, okay, the entrance is in the back, I'll show you, just go park real quick, I'll follow," she explained.
I gave Alice a nod, though my patience was wearing thin. The anticipation from the last hour—the drive, the excitement, and now being so close to diving into this night—was building up inside me. Leah squeezed my arm with a grin as if sensing my tension.
I pulled into the parking garage Alice had motioned to, finding a spot near the back. The night air that rushed in through the door when I stepped out felt refreshing, but the burning need for Leah was still there, simmering beneath the surface.
Leah hopped out, her short dress shimmering under the streetlights, and met me at the front of the truck. Alice caught up quickly, skipping her way toward us with her usual boundless energy. "I can't believe you guys made it! Jasper's already inside; this place is sick!"
"Lead the way," I said, trying to keep my voice steady, though all I wanted was to concentrate on being close to my love.
Leah wrapped her arm around my waist, tugging me closer. "Loosen up, babe," she whispered, her breath warm against my skin. "We're here to have fun."
Alice led us around the back of the building, where a neon-lit entrance glowed faintly in the distance. The bass from the club vibrated through the walls, pulsing through the pavement. I could already feel the night pulling us in.
The bouncer at the door gave us a quick once-over before waving us inside. The girls went in before me, in a swift moment the big bouncer gave me the knuckles before passing him, he made a gesture with his head towards Leah and grinned. I chuckled, shaking my head.
We stepped into the club, and it was like entering another world. The music was deafening, the lights flashing in rhythm with the beat, casting the dance floor below in a kaleidoscope of color. Bodies moved in sync with the music, completely lost in the moment, and I could already feel the energy soaking into me.
Leah had Alice by the hand, then she grabbed mine. Her dress shimmering, and I couldn't help but watch the way her body moved through the crowd. Her dress reflecting in the flashing lights, and every step she took was like it was in sync with the beat. There were men breaking their necks trying to catch a quick glance. I had a knot in my throat. I watched as she leaned into Alice, listening to whatever my sister was excitedly shouting over the music. They looked like they were having the time of their lives already, and it was hard not to get swept up in it.
My eyes shifted all over, I had noticed a curious hallway leading to probably the restrooms.
Leah glanced back at me with that playful grin of hers, her hips moving to the rhythm like she was born to be here. "Wanna get a drink?" she asked, her voice loud enough for me to hear but still soft, teasing.
Before I could answer, Alice jumped in, practically bouncing in excitement. "Alec said we can grab whatever we want—he's covering it!" she squealed, the lights reflecting off her eyes,
I laughed, shaking my head. "Where did you meet this guy again?" I asked, though I could hardly hear myself over the music.
"One of Jasper's buddies from the Navy, he owns this place," Alice shouted back, already waving the bartender down.
I couldn't help but chuckle. Alice had a knack for making friends with the most random people. I glanced over at Leah, who was still swaying to the beat, her smile infectious. She looked incredible, her energy lighting up the entire room. I leaned in closer to her, so close that I could feel the warmth of her skin against mine.
"Maybe just one drink," I said, my lips brushing her ear. "Then, we can dance."
She turned to me, her eyes shining with excitement. "Deal."
Leah had only drank half of her long island when she and Alice began to dance with one another. I found Jasper accidentally and chilled with him for a little bit. As I stood with Jasper, we both leaned against the bar, sipping our Jack & Coke, watching as Leah and Alice moved to the music, their bodies swaying in perfect rhythm. The lights flashing across the dance floor seemed to blur everything else around them. Leah was completely in her element, her dress catching the lights just right as she laughed and spun with Alice, both of them lost in the beat.
"Man, I needed this," Jasper chuckled, taking a swig of his drink.
"Tell me about it," I groaned.
I couldn't tear my eyes away from Leah. She looked free, carefree in a way I hadn't seen in a while—not with everything that's been going on. It was nice to see her just letting go, even if only for a night. It made me feel lighter too.
Jasper and I exchanged a few words about the club, the music, and Alice's never ending energy. I noticed he kept glancing toward her, a soft smile tugging at his lips whenever she danced a little closer to the bar.
After a couple more minutes I could feel my bladder filling up. I let Jasper know I was going to use the restroom. I had gone towards the same hallway I'd seen earlier. As I located the bathroom I noticed a peculiar door that had yellow CAUTION tape over it. I can't help my curiosity. I figured I'd sneak a peak at whatever was behind it after I unleashed my urine.
As I stepped out of the bathroom, there she was—Leah, leaning against the wall with her arms crossed, her eyes shimmering under the dim lights of the hallway. The music from the club was muted here, but the bass still vibrated through the walls, like a distant heartbeat. She flashed me that mischievous grin, the one that told me she knew exactly what I was up to.
"Spying on me?" I teased, taking a step toward her.
"Maybe," she said, her voice playful. "But you're the one sneaking off down strange hallways." Her eyes flicked toward the door with the yellow caution tape. "What's the deal with that?"
I chuckled, scratching the back of my neck. "I was curious too, wanna check it out?"
Leah raised an eyebrow, her smile turning into something more intrigued. "You're gonna risk breaking some rules, huh?" She pushed herself off the wall and sauntered toward me, her hips swaying in that way that drove me crazy. "Should I be worried?"
I grinned. "Worried? Nah. Interested? Definitely." I glanced back at the door, my curiosity still gnawing at me. "Want to come with me? Could be fun."
She let out a soft laugh, leaning into me, her lips brushing my ear. "You know I can't say no to a little adventure."
There was the yellow tape stretched across the door. Without hesitation, I tore it off, the remnants falling carelessly to the floor. Leah's hand smacked against my bicep in protest, but I just laughed, trying the handle. It was unlocked.
I shot her a quick nod to follow, and she smirked, shaking her head as she fell into step behind me. The narrow staircase ahead was dimly lit, casting eerie shadows as we ascended. At the top, a heavy metal door greeted us. I pushed it open, expecting nothing more than a dingy backroom, but we were both taken aback.
The room was mid-sized, with strobe lights casting lively beams across the walls from the show downstairs, but the space itself was shrouded in darkness. The real surprise, however, was the balcony that stretched across one side, offering a stunning view of the club below. From this vantage point, we could see the entire dance floor—packed with people moving and grinding to the pulsating beat, illuminated in vibrant colors. The music was a thundering pulse, reverberating through the air, and the energy from the crowd felt electric.
Leah let out a low whistle as she walked up to the railing, her eyes wide with surprise. "Damn," she muttered, her smirk transforming into an excited grin that lit up her face.
I couldn't help but smile, watching Leah take in the view. Her excitement was contagious. The way she moved up to the railing, her body bathed in the kaleidoscope of lights from below, was mesmerizing. This hidden spot above the chaos of the club felt like a secret world we'd just discovered.
"Not bad, right?" I said. The music enveloped us, the bass thrumming in my chest as I approached her slowly, drawn in by her infectious energy.
As I came up behind her, the scent of honeysuckle wafted toward me, heavy and nectarous, adding to the atmosphere of exhilaration. She turned slightly, catching my gaze with her sparkling eyes. "Can you believe this place?" she asked, her voice barely audible over the thumping music. Her eyes sparkling. Her voice sounded breathless, not from the climb but from the thrill of it all. She leaned against the railing, her dark silhouette outlined by the flashing lights.
I shook my head, a grin spreading across my face. "Not at all. It's unreal." I leaned against her lightly, grabbing the cool metal railing, letting the energy of the club seep into my bones. It felt liberating, standing there with her, watching the world below lose themselves in the rhythm.
"Ya' know, we haven't gotten to dance with each other," I was definitely being suggestive.
Leah began to grind her ass against me, her playful laughter ringing out above the pulsing music. "We're not supposed to be up here," she teased, leaning back to place a soft kiss on my neck. The warmth of her lips sent a shiver coursing through me, igniting every nerve ending.
"Probably not," I managed to respond, my voice low and husky. My mind was already melting from the intensity of the moment. I couldn't help but place one hand just over her pubic area, my fingers grazing the soft fabric of her dress. The connection sent a rush of heat through me, and I moved with her slightly.
"I've got the best view in the house," I murmured, pressing a light kiss to her shoulder. I could feel her pulse quicken under my lips, her skin warm against mine.
Leah turned to face me, the playful spark in her eyes returning. "So, what now? We just... watch?" Her smirk made it clear she had something else in mind.
The world below faded into a blur, the vibrant colors and frenetic movements of the crowd becoming mere background noise to our own private dance. I lowered my head slightly, my breath warm against her ear. "What if we just… stay up here for a while?" I suggested, the words barely leaving my lips before I was pulled deeper into the moment.
She turned her face to me, her eyes sparkling with mischief and desire, and I couldn't resist the urge to lean in closer. The potent mix of her scent and the electric atmosphere filled my senses, making every heartbeat feel like a drum in sync with the bass below.
"Edward Masen, are you-"
"Think I won't?" I teased, my voice barely a whisper in her ear, feeling the warmth of her skin radiating through her dress.
I could feel her shiver against me.
Leah's arm slinked up my bicep, to my neck, and combing through my hair roughly. Eliciting a low groan from me. "I know you will," she said back to me.
My hard on was painful now. I was ready to open Leah up as if it were my birthday.
The club is dark, with barely any visibility beyond the neon flashes and colorful lights that pulse in sync with the heavy beats of the EDM music. Vibrant hues of pink, blue, green, and purple swirl and flicker from every direction, creating a chaotic, surreal atmosphere. The bass thumps hard, shaking the walls and vibrating through the floors, while high-pitched synths cut through the noise, loud enough to make it difficult to hear anything but the music.
The dance floor was a tightly packed mass of bodies moving in rhythm, people pressed together, moving and bouncing to the beat. The air was thick with heat and the smell of sweat, everyone glistening under the intense strobes and flashing lights. It's so hot that the heat almost feels tangible, a warm, muggy presence that clings to everyone.
The crowd is alive, swaying like a single entity, arms up in the air, heads bobbing to the relentless tempo. Faces blur in the dim lighting. It's loud, chaotic, and electrifying, the energy so intense it's almost overwhelming. The music and lights drown out everything else, creating a sensory overload that pulls everyone deeper into the moment, lost in the beat. The glow, the flow, the smokes, the beautiful souls that filled this place tonight was perfect.
I'm willing to bet that half of everyone here has dropped acid, pretty sure no one would notice us way up here. Our bodies almost indistinguishable from the surrounding mass of dancers.
My hands began to stroke her thighs and ass, her dress drifting over my knuckle as I pushed it up and out of the way.
She leaned forward, gripping the steel bars of the balcony.
Exhibitionism is nothing new to Leah and I. It's absolutely thrilling when we're able to do shit like this.
The stares that Leah was getting as we waltzed in here made my determination grow stronger. I don't blame them, but, I'll be damned.
Over the crotch of my jeans I'm sure she could feel the thick outline of my cock. One hand of hers made its way down to skillfully unbutton me, feeling her tug the material open. Her hand slid in to get a fistful. I sucked in a sharp breath. Her dress bunched up over her waist. Now replacing her hand around my dick with my own, I began to rub against her slick heat.
I knew how badly she needed it.
So wet.
Always ready for me.
I was blushing. I could feel it.
I took another paranoid glance at the crowded club, no one could care less about what's going on up here.
I entered her abruptly. Her ass pushing back with gumption to meet my hips. This was perfect. I only wished I could hear her moans fully, spurring me on. But, in this precise moment all the stimulation was enough for me. I gripped her full breast in my hand. My head had fallen into her fragrant hair. Nuzzling into her neck, I groaned loudly. I succumb to the scent of honeysuckle and my eyes roll back as I continue to thrust into her wet pussy. I swelled harder feeling her grip on my member tighten.
Right here, we were connecting in such an invigorating environment. The beat vibrating us both, creating the most wonderful sensations, pulling us deeper into the the surge of adrenaline. I looked down taking in the sight of her sexy hard nipples, poking through the silk fabric of this short little fuck me dress.
With baited breath I cursed continuously. Retelling Leah of my longing for her. How much I need her, and how she's the only one that makes me feel like this. Absolute bliss.
My left hand and arm were busy caressing and clutching Leah's thigh like a boa as I proceeded behind her, grinding my hips strong against her ass.
Her chest was falling and rising rapidly. The warmth of her body pure as I continue to rock into her. My right hand rested over her neck, touching her chin, tilting it up slowly towards me. Her eyes with fresh tears, she was so close to coming. I could feel it. "I love you, so fucking much," I gasped.
New chapter is already in the works! If you're still sticking around for this story, a thousand thanks to you all! To all my Floridians, hope everyone is staying safe. My prayers go out to each and every single one of you!
Much love, remember to review, give any feedback! It keeps me going!
-A