Digital Hearts- Late Night Ambitions

by Eden Redd

  Tibby and Anya nodded.

  “So, if there is a truce, then we can just enjoy the party, right?”

  Anya folded her arms. Tibby simply stood.

  Morgan’s demeanor softened, “I like both of you for different reasons. I won’t lie and say your…religious backgrounds… don’t mean anything. From my standpoint, you both seem very dedicated to your causes. I came to Driftwood Cove to relax and maybe find love. Little did I know I would meet two very special women.”

  “I can prove my love,” Anya said with growl.

  “I have shown you my love,” Tibby said with a snarky tone.

  “And I want to show how much you both mean to me,” Morgan said before stepping closer to Anya, lips to her ear.

  “Go to Mitch’s grave, when you find what I left there, come to my Study,” Morgan whispered in her ear.

  Anya looked to Morgan as he backed up and stepped to Tibby.

  “Go to the second floor of my home, go to farthest door at the end of the hallway. When you’re finished, come to my Study,” Morgan whispered into Tibby’s ear.

  The player stepped back as both women eyed each other. Anya backed up while Tibby turned and sauntered toward Morgan’s home. The athletic beauty turned and walked as fast as she could toward the woods. Morgan watched as both women glanced to each other. Knowing they schemed and worked to try and win him, the player decided it was time for them to have a taste of their own medicine.

  Anya reached the edge of the woods, kicked off her short heels, fell to all fours and darted into the dark woods. Tibby made her way to Morgan’s front door, glancing back to his smiling face before stepping in. The player stood with a glass of wine and took a deep sip. The taste of the wine seemed sweeter as he stood, wondering who was going to come to him first. Tibby was closer, but Anya was fast. Taking another sip, he pondered on Tibby’s full name when several witches came over and began chatting him up, asking how long he and Mina had been friends.

  ***

  Anya rushed through the dark woods, the sound of music and laughing falling further and further behind. Dirt covered her hands and feet, but it didn’t bother her as the natural scents and cool night air on her face made her feel alive.

  Leaping over the stone tablet and burning blue candles, she charged through the woods. Faint whispers from the dark touched her mind as she rushed along, determined to win Morgan’s love.

  After a few long minutes, Anya burst into a small clearing. Eyes scanned the ground until she saw a misshapen mound. Leaping onto it, fingers dug into the loose earth. Clawing and pulling up large chunks, her fingers grazed something hard. Hands digging in, she pulled up Mitch’s decayed hand. In it, a small wooden box was clutched between his fingers.

  Anya pried his cold dead fingers from the small box until it was free. Wide eyes stared down as she opened it. Inside was a collar and a folded note. Picking up the note, she opened it and began to read.

  Anya,

  I never want to understand what you see in me. A dead clown brought our true selves out that night and I can never forget it. Since that moment, you have shown me what it means to truly care for another. You understand what it means to be a hunter and you didn’t blink when I had blood covering my hands. In my existence, that is as pure as one can become and I thank you for showing me it was possible.

  Please take the enclosed item as a gift from me to you. It will symbolize our connection and I will fulfill my duties as your master.

  Morgan

  Anya’s heart beat faster as she looked to the box in her hand. Dropping the note, she reached in and pulled out a black collar. Turning it in her hand, the word “Brat” was in metallic silver. Anya’s lips curved into a wide smile as she clutched it to her chest. Breathing faster, she basked in knowing he accepted his role. Taking the collar, she closed it around her neck and locked it into place. Fingers touching the silver letters, a flood of comforting bliss roared along her already alert senses.

  The woman let out a strangled cry of joy as she ripped up the letter, turned and bounded back in the direction of Morgan’s home, torn pieces of paper littering around the exposed decaying hand of a dead clown.

  ***

  Tibby walked down the hallway to the door at the end. A single rose was taped to it as the two other doors she passed were closed shut. The pale beauty made her way to the door, took hold of the knob and turned it. The door creaked open as she peered inside.

  Rose petals covered the wooden floor. A single metal stand stood in the middle of the otherwise empty room. Two books lay on the flat stand, roses surrounding them. A folded note lay on top of them. The walls were covered in a seaside picture with small waves, a lighthouse and stars along the dark blue sky.

  Tibby stepped in and closed the door behind her. Stepping closer, she eyed the two books and the note. A pale hand reached out, picked up the note and opened it.

  Tibby

  You scare me in just the right way. I have spent my life trying to control every aspect of my world but when I met you, it all fell away like sand to the sea. The night on the beach showed me that chaos can be just as beautiful as control. It was a lesson I needed to learn. When blood streaked our bodies, I gave in to your power. When you showed me your true form, it spoke to my hidden self. When you surrendered to me, I knew how hard it was for you to do that and I am forever grateful you trust me.

  The two books are for you. Please read the inside cover. I know you will treasure them as much as I treasure you.

  Morgan

  Tibby put the note down and looked to the books. One was a hardcover book with the title The Hobbit in gold letters. The green cover was finely detailed with classical style for such a wondrous story. The tome was thin as she picked it up and opened it, her gaze falling to scribbled words on the inside cover.

  A beautiful classic for a beautiful woman. ~Morgan

  Tibby’s mouth curved into a small smile as she put it down and picked up the other book. It was black with silver markings and the title Frankenstein labeled across it. Opening the thick tome, she peered down at the scribbles on the inside cover.

  We can read it together as we bathe, two monsters enjoying each other’s company. ~Morgan

  Pink glowed along Tibby’s cheeks. Heat surged up her neck and the pale beauty found it difficult to stand. Hand taking hold of the metal stand, she wavered and tried to regain her balance.

  “Morgan…,” she hissed as mental walls fell away, exposing her heart to the cosmos.

  ***

  Morgan laughed as he slowly walked back to his home. The drinks caused a hazy cloud to fill his senses as several witches laughed and flirted with him. The player glanced around while trying to tell the ladies he was going to go home and see if anyone needed anything. People filed in and out of his front door while off to the right, Mina stood talking to someone he didn’t recognize.

  The group of witches fawned over him for a moment before splintering off to the rest of the party. The cul-de-sac was filled with bodies, enjoying the calm night air and music. Drinks flowed and dancing took hold of some party-goers. The mood was infectious and it seemed like everyone was having a good time. Morgan wanted to stay out, but he wasn’t sure if Nikki needed any help inside. Plus, Tibby and Anya may already be in his Study waiting for him.

  The player wasn’t sure which one he loved the most and, in that moment, he wasn’t going to force it. The game was meant to bring lovers together and for once in his life, he handed off the reins to fate. When the time was right, maybe he would decide, but until then he'd enjoy the party.

  Morgan stepped into his home and it was filled with people. Many raised their drinks to him and he raised his nearly empty glass to them. Music pumped, vibrations filling the inside of his home. It added to the heady haze touching his senses. He cursed himself for not eating more, the booze taking full advantage of him. Eyes searching, he couldn’t see Nikki in the crowd. Shrugging, he made his way down the small hallway and to the Study’s door.

/>   Without thinking, he took hold of the knob, turned it and stepped in. The player froze as he saw a man and a woman in the corner of the Study in an almost romantic embrace. The player was about to step back out so he could knock when he heard Nikki whimper.

  “Open your legs…let me get a taste,” the man said with his back to Morgan.

  Nikki was against the wall, eyes closed and face turned away. Even with the man nearly over her, Morgan could see the pained expression in her face. The player took a step forward when the man raised his head a little, black horns shining in the low lamp light.

  “Don’t be shy. I won’t tell anyone,” the man hissed.

  “Nikki,” Morgan said, heat filling his muscles.

  Nikki’s eyes flashed open, a pleading gaze screaming to him.

  Damian turned his horned head to Morgan and gave him a sly smirk. “She wanted me to touch her. She’s a filthy little creature.”

  “No, I didn’t!” Nikki shouted with all her might.

  Peace and serenity slipped away as a flood of rage and sickness blasted every nerve in Morgan’s body. In a blink, Morgan charged. Damian grabbed Nikki, threw her aside and faced Morgan just as a punch connected with his thick jaw. The demon’s body stumbled a step before a barrage of fists rained down. Morgan’s demons took control, powering each strike. Several punches landed easily before the demon regained his balance. Arms blocked incoming strikes and instantly he began to return them.

  Nikki pressed her back to a bookshelf as Morgan and Damian beat each other with the fury of titans. There was no logic, only the will to inflict a mountain of pain. Damian blocked incoming fists, missing one and taking it to the chin. A knee shot up, sinking into Morgan’s stomach. Strong fists rose up and came down on Morgan’s back, sending him to the floor. Damian lifted his foot and brought the heel down.

  Morgan growled his contempt, ignoring the pain. When the demon’s foot rose up again, the player grabbed his other ankle and pulled. Damian lost his balance and crashed into the side of the desk. Clawed hands came from around the sides of his head and raked across his face. Damian grunted as he swung his arm wide, connecting with Nikki and sending her into a bookshelf. Several books fell as Nikki tried to regain her balance.

  “I’m going to fuck both of your skulls,” Damian sneered as he stood up.

  Morgan was crouched down and burst forward, smashing his shoulder into the demon’s stomach. Damian grunted before driving his fist into the side of Morgan’s neck. Pain flared as the player tried to put some distance between them. A hand grabbed him by the head and brought it down on the desk. Light flashed as sound grew distant. Morgan tried to hold onto the desk as his limbs didn’t fully respond to his commands. Darkness tried to close in as Damian gave him a victorious grin. The demon kicked the player in the stomach, causing Morgan to bend forward and fall to his knees.

  “Now where was I,” Damian said as he turned to Nikki’s frighten expression.

  Cutting through the pain and confusion, Morgan opened the desk drawer and pulled out the .38. Holding on by a thread, he switched off the safety as Damian stepped closer to Nikki. Heart beating with controlled power, the player became silent as the grave as he pulled the trigger.

  Damian’s eyes widened as his entire body lurched forward. Pain burned between his shoulder blades before another and another. The demon turned around to see Morgan on him, shoving the barrel of the handgun into his chest and pulling the trigger. Nikki watched as Damian’s body shuddered from each blast before he crumpled to the floor. Morgan aimed the handgun at Damian, pulling the trigger and it clicking empty.

  Nikki jumped over the fallen corpse to grab Morgan as he began to falter. The cat-woman helped him to his chair and he sat down, trying to regain his wits. Damian lay on the floor, his head propped up by the bottom edge of a shelf, eyes staring at nothing. Blood bloomed along his clothes as loud music played throughout the rest of the house.

  There was a small knock at the door before it opened. Tibby stepped in, eyes falling on Morgan as he breathed heavy and then to Nikki who stood by his side and finally to the dead demon on the floor.

  “Surprise,” Morgan managed through heavy breaths as madness and sanity clashed in demonic fire.

  Thirteen

  Anya walked into the crowded home. Dirt covered her feet, flaking off as she made her way through the people dancing and drinking in Morgan’s home. Music pulsed and bodies writhed. Hands touched hips and lips locked in ecstasy fueled gyrating. The scents and heat washed over Anya as she made her way to a hallway. Collar around her neck, she wore it proudly as she stepped to the door of Morgan’s Study.

  Hand hovering over the door knob, she hesitated. Thoughts stormed that Tibby could already be inside. The rage burned bright before she took a deep breath and relaxed her shoulders. The competition was on, but a truce was in place between her people and Tibby’s people. An image of Morgan touched her mind’s eye and the doubting inner storm withered away. Bracing herself, she took hold of the knob, turned and pushed.

  Anya stepped into the dimly lit Study when three heads snapped to her direction. The athletic beauty’s gaze was caught by the gravity of the crumpled body by the desk. Blood pooled as the demon lay, not moving. Tibby glanced over before returning her attention to Morgan. Nikki’s face wrinkled in annoyance upon seeing the athletic beauty before also turning her attention to Morgan. The player sat, regaining his wits and pulling up a 2D screen. Tapping at it, a small kit was selected from his inventory and appeared on his desk.

  “I’m not sure any of you want to be here for this,” Morgan said darkly as he opened the kit holding sharp knives and a pair of pliers.

  The demons under his skin roared, clashing with his honor. Damian was strong, strong enough to beat Morgan in hand to hand combat, but not strong enough to resist six bullets. What the demon meant to do was defile Nikki against her will and it soured his stomach to acid. Impulses rushed along nerves as he wanted to carry through with his dark impulses, righting wrongs in an indifferent universe.

  “I don’t believe any of us would mind,” Tibby said softly. “There is the issue of removing the body before it’s noticed.”

  Anya shut the door behind her and leaned her back against it. “I assume the demon on the floor did something to deserve his fate.”

  Morgan nodded, shadows under his eyes. “He was going to rape Nikki and earned his death in the process.”

  ‘That’s all I needed to know. How can I help?” Anya asked with a sinister smirk.

  Morgan stood up from the chair, a pair of pliers in his hand. “I will have to store the body until the party is over. Then, I can bury him in the tomato garden in the back.”

  Tibby crossed her arms, “I think it won’t be too difficult to remove the body…if we work together.”

  Morgan looked to Tibby, “What do you have in mind?”

  The pale beauty gave an evil leer, “I’m sure I can provide a distraction long enough for the body to be moved and placed in a grave.”

  Anya stepped closer and stood next to Tibby. “I can dig a grave pretty quickly.”

  Nikki looked down on the corpse, “I can help with the grave.”

  Morgan listened as he stared at the corpse. The urges pushed at every fiber in his being but he knew he had to be smart about it. Forcing himself to relax, he turned his attention to the three women surrounding him.

  “Are we willing to work together?”

  Tibby stepped closer, touching Morgan’s arm and giving it a gentle squeeze. “You have fun with your work. We can manage the party and the grave.”

  “I’ll get garbage bags and cleaning supplies,” Nikki said before giving the corpse a small kick.

  “I’ll wait for the distraction and start digging,” Anya said with a serious edge.

  “Okay,” Morgan said simply before he knelt down with the pliers in his hand.

  Tibby, Anya and Nikki walked toward the door. Tibby and Anya stepped out first as Nikki stayed behind. She put her b
ack to the door, guarding and watching Morgan. The player licked his lips as he roughly took hold of Damian’s head and forced his mouth open. Using the pliers, they gripped a long canine tooth. A small wet crunch touched Nikki’s sensitive ears before Morgan wrenched the tooth from the demon’s mouth. Using the pliers to grip the second canine, blood trickled from the space where the previous tooth hung. Another wet crunch touched sensitive ears before Morgan placed both teeth on the desk.

  Nikki took this moment to slip out of the Study and into the party. Morgan moved to the door, locked it and turned back to the corpse. Stepping over to the side of the desk, he put the pliers back and pulled out a small knife. Morgan painstakingly searched for a knife just the right size and width to work out eyeballs. Pulling it from its sheath, he knelt down again, grabbed the head and delicately stabbed the point under the eye. Blood spurted slightly as the player enjoyed his work. After a long moment of working it into the socket, the eyeball came out. Morgan took hold and severed the sinew connecting it to the body before looking to the second eye.

  ***

  Tibby stepped out of Morgan’s home and into the crowded cul-de-sac. People partied as the wind picked up a little. Stringed lights bobbed and moved to the heavy breeze and music played.

  Three women approached Tibby. The pale beauty turned to them and whispered in one of their ears. Amid the music, laughing and talking, Tibby’s message passed to all three women before they nodded and stepped into the crowd. Tibby watched as fellow followers began to undress. Eyes turned in their direction as the laughing and talking slowed, and grew softer. The three women were soon fully nude and began to dance. The crowd parted and eyes drank in the spectacle. Word rippled along the crowd in all directions and streams of people left open homes to see the three naked women dancing to a sexy beat.

  Tibby watched as many left Morgan’s home, cheering on the three women as their bodies writhed and touched to a seductive dance. The pale beauty watched the crowd as the dancing caught their attention like a fly caught in a web.

  ***