I want to growl at him and rip his hand off my body, but instead I bare my teeth at him in a semblance of a smile. "Does it matter?"
He chuckles and shakes his head. I’m not sure if it’s because it doesn’t matter or because he can’t believe his good luck.
I push up onto my tip toes so I can speak directly into his ear. "You look like you want to have some real fun."
His hold on my hip tightens. "And you look like you know how to give it."
"There's a lot I'd like togiveyou," I whisper, a suggestive edge to my words.
His crooked nose twitches as he smirks, transforming his average features into something more sinister. "Show me," he challenges, a hint of arrogance in his tone.
I grab his hand, leading him toward the back exit without another word.
Outside, the alley's dim lighting casts long shadows. His hand slides to my waist, a touch that makes my skin crawl. But I keep up the act, pressing myself closer as if he's exactly what I want.
"Always wanted to do it outside, you know?" I murmur, my voice laced with false excitement. "Something about the danger of getting caught."
I don’t know what possesses me to keep talking, probably the booze. Or maybe part of me is worried Shadow won’t hear me—that I’ll be stuck having to deliver my promises to this repulsive man.
The man grins, taking the bait. "I like how you think."
I guide him deeper into the alley, my heart racing with the anticipation of what's to come. He's clueless—a lamb being led to the slaughter.
Just a few more steps and then Shadow will take over. For now, I play my role, a necessary act in the twisted play that is our survival.
Crooked Nose grabs my waist and traps me to the brick wall, no longer content to be led. He kisses me, his lips too slobbery and eager. He nips my lower lip too hard, the metallic taste of my blood filling my mouth.
I can’t pretend anymore and rip my head to the side, shoving him back. My forearm wipes hard against my lips as I try to get the taste of him off me.
"What’s wrong?" he mocks with open annoyance. "The little bitch changed her mind?"
I start to walk away, but he jerks me back, his other hand clutching a fistful of my hair. A high-pitched yelp of pain escapes me as I wince at his rough grasp.
"No one touches what ismine," a menacing growl comes from behind him.
The First Signs of Power
Shadow’s monstrous form is a terrifying specter in the dim light of the alley. Crooked Nose releases me and jerks around. His confidence evaporates, replaced by a dawning horror. Shadow's obsidian eyes fix on him, a possessive fury burning within them.
The air around us crackles with his rage, the darkness coiling tighter.
"Evie is mine." Shadow’s infuriated roar echoes off the brick walls. "Mine."
The music continues to pound inside without ceasing.
I stand my ground, my heart a chaotic mix of fear and a twisted sense of triumph. Shadow trusted me. He followed me here, and even on the edge of reason, he claimed me as his own. Protected me.
Shadow's massive form dwarfs us, his presence a suffocating force. In one swift motion, he tears out Crooked Nose’s heart. Hot droplets hit my skin and clothes like a light rainfall.
Shadow’s eyes flash with a feral hunger as he chomps down the muscled organ.
I look away, leaving him to his grim task.
After a few minutes, darkness brushes against my exposed torso, a velvety caress. My eyes lift to meet Shadow’s. His eyes are still blacker than night, but his horns have retracted in length.
Relief sweeps through me.
I said I'd get him a heart and I did.
