We were deep enough in the woods that his screams would go unheard and I needed that bit of fun to truly enjoy this moment.
Footsteps behind me stole me out of the moment, Runo brushing up against my side. Niles swallowed nervously as he looked between the two of us and then settled on me. “I won’t say anything,fuck, you’re terrifying! I thought you said he was just your boy toy. Why… he looks like he wants to murder me. Jesus Christ, Ryker, I just…”
I scrunched my nose up at that name, realizing how much I hated the persona I had donned during the day. Saving lives? What kind of bullshit was that?
Runo tilted his head, a wicked grin settling on his lips as he answered Niles’ question. “I look like this most of the time but I do want to kill you. You’re fucking annoying and you stressed him out. I don’t really need another reason.”
Niles leaned back a little. “We’ve—we’ve never even met?”
Runo just shrugged. “Well, you look annoying.”
I hummed in agreement as I crouched beside Niles. “I’ve killed for less.”
Niles’ eyes widened as he leaned back further, another stream of tears running down his face. “I could give you anything you want!”
The me a year or two ago might have taken him up on that offer. I would have spat something about leaving me alone, giving me a sabbatical, or some other bullshit. But asSlash, all I wanted was to see this man bleed. A few minutes ago, I couldn’t understand Runo’s need for this and then I realized he was enjoying this moment probably even more than I was.
Enjoying watching me salivate over my next kill.
As wary of him as I was, we fit too well together. All four of us did.
Licking my lips, I crouched a little closer to Niles. “Can you give me that exhilarating feeling when I carve a man’s flesh as he screams for mercy until his dying breath? Can you give me that moment when the light goes out in his eyes, replaced by despair? Can you give me that rush when I leave my work for display, the newspapers heralding my next kill and the police screaming about The Skinner all over again?”
Niles’ face paled as I reached out and ran my fingers through his sweat-damp hair. “You see, youcangive me that. And that’s why you can’t live.”
Runo nudged my arm, stealing my attention. Those gray eyes flickered with amusement as he waited for me to fully stand up. “I brought the rest of your present.” He pulled a small scalpel from his pocket, its blade catching the faint moonlight spilling through the trees.
I frowned but took it anyway, confused. “What’s this?”
“Try it,” Runo purred. “It slices like butter.”
Curious, I tested it, dragging the blade across Niles’ forearm. The skin parted clean, like cutting through silk, blood welling up in a perfect line as Nile let out a yelp. He scrambled backwards as much as he could before starting to struggle to his feet.
My entire body lit up at the pain I had just caused, the ease with which this weapon did its job. Precise. Effortless.Perfect.
“And you got mad because I untied him,” Runo mused as he grabbed the front of my shirt and dragged me down into a rough kiss. It was all teeth and possession, a claiming of sorts before he pulled back.
“I didn’t think you had a plan. Even if you don’t, Samael does. So, I think I’m gonna enjoy this.” I twisted the scalpel in my hand, hissing as it nicked my finger. Runo moved in, sucking it between his lips, his eyes locked on mine. Heat bled through me as his tongue wrapped around my digit, a hum vibrating through him before he once again stepped back.
“Be careful, Doc. I wouldn’t want you to get hurt. Now, go get him.”
I didn’t have to be told twice.
And I think I just fell in love with a psychopath.
RUNO
I watched Slash chase Niles through the woods, my steps light as I trailed behind, keeping just enough distance to savor the show. The trees blurred around us, but my eyes stayed locked on Slash's form, moving with that predatory grace I craved. Finn and Daemon might enjoy this moment but the other two would just ridicule me for my choices. Even so, I kept them locked away.
This moment was just for me.
Giving them too much time in my head would ultimately push them forward to take over again and fuck if I’d be locked away a second time.
Niles continued to stumble up ahead and at this point, I wasn’t even sure why he was still running. He wouldn’t get far and he kept angling himself away from the main street toward the nearest phone. Slash closed in fast, his laughter mixing with Niles' panic, a twisted symphony in the dark. Some part of mewanted to tape these sounds and add a melody to it so that I could listen to it while falling asleep.
Or while Slash fucked me unconscious.
I’d finally get to enjoy the bladed fun he gave to Daemon. Or maybe it was Finn.
