by Megan Linski
White hose stockings go up to my knees, stopped with a blue lace garter. On my feet are five-inch sky high platform heels.
I even got the cheap, fake white wings with synthetic feathers. I did my hair so it’s in big, bouncy curls, and made sure to watch some makeup tutorials so I could do my face up like a movie star.
I look hot. And totally badass. This outfit would make a Playboy Bunny blush.
I grab my handbag, but hesitate. Do I really want to go out in this? The costume could totally damage my reputation, not to mention it’s slightly degrading.
I look in the mirror again and decide that I don’t care what anyone else thinks, nor what their opinion of me is. I like how I look. I’m doing this for me.
The biggest frat house on campus is having a Halloween party. I know it’s kind of unsafe for me to go, but Emalee and Sydney will be there, and I’m not touching a single drink.
Besides… if I know Thames, I won’t be there long.
The thudding base inside the frat house practically makes me lose my hearing. It’s so crowded in here that people are packed in like sardines. There are tons of sorority girls wearing costumes just as bad as mine… but I’m the person everyone looks at when I walk in the door.
Yeah, that’s right. The sweet freshman girl who wears baggy clothes and overalls decided to become a vixen for a change. Don’t get used to it.
Emalee’s mouth drops open when she sees me. She’s dressed as a cute bumblebee, which so fits her personality. “Um, wow,” she says.
“Angel, huh?” Sydney says. Of course, she’s a vampire, though her gothic attire hasn’t really changed much. All she did was add a cape and fangs. “I gotta say, Lena, your personality isn’t very angelic.”
“There’s irony in it, believe me,” I say. I look around the party for a familiar face, but I don’t see him. Of course he wouldn’t be here… parties aren’t his thing. But word around campus spreads quickly. At least, that’s what I’m counting on.
Emalee, Sydney and I mingle with the other students and keep ourselves entertained by seeing how much people can drink. But during the costume contest and the drinking games, I’m totally distracted. It’s getting later and later… nearly midnight. I got here hours ago. I’m getting tired of warding off advances from frat guys. Where is he?
When the bell’s about to strike midnight I tap Emalee’s shoulder, feeling defeated. “Hey, I’m gonna head back to my dorm,” I tell her.
“You sure? Want us to walk you?” she shouts over the music.
I shake my head. “No. I’m okay. If—”
“LENA!”
A familiar voice hits my ear. I smile, hope recovering. Finally. Better late than never.
I put a smile back on my face and turn around. Thames is standing here, not dressed in costume and looking pretty pissed that I am.
However, the sight of me in my little outfit has him temporarily stunned. His eyes run up the stockings and grow wide at the corset before settling on the too-short skirt. He stares for a few moments, and licks his bottom lip.
God. I want to kiss him right now. The thought hits me so hard I don’t have time to render it. I just let it come.
Then, seemingly, Thames rips himself out of whatever trance he’s in and snaps, “Why the hell are you wearing that?”
“I’m an angel, Thames.” I pout my lips out. “Happy Halloween.”
“Take that off. It’s not a costume. It’s lingerie!”
“Oh, take it off?” I say, and I raise an eyebrow. I pretend to fiddle with the corset ties. “All righty, then. Whatever you want.”
“Stop! You know what I mean! Let’s go!” Thames snaps, starting forward. I bring up my hand to hold him back.
“I’m not leaving, Thames,” I say. “In fact, the only way you’re going to get me out of his party is if you drag me out. Otherwise, I’m perfectly happy here.”
“Wish granted.” Grumpily, Thames bends down and scoops me up, one arm tucked underneath my knees and the other at my back. He starts carrying me out of the party, yelling at anyone who gets in our way.
“What are you staring at?” Thames growls as he catches a jock looking up my skirt. The jock quickly averts his eyes. Everyone pretends they don’t notice what’s going on.
I make a show of acting like I don’t want to leave, cussing him out and kicking, but as I curl my arms around Thames’ neck, I allow myself a tiny grin.
I got what I wanted.
Thames plops me in his truck, then wrenches open his door on the driver’s side. It shakes the whole vehicle when he slams it shut.
“What’s the matter, Thames, baby? You jealous?” I ask.
“No,” he lies. “I just don’t think it’s okay for you to be prancing around campus in nothing but your underwear.”
“Um, I have underwear on under this costume, thank you very much,” I object.
Thames chokes, then recovers. “What is it? Butt floss?”
“Shut up.” I laugh. Thames starts up the car, and I ask, “Where are we going?”
“You’re hungry.” He pulls away from the school and drives to the nearest McDonald’s.
“How do you know?” I hadn’t eaten dinner tonight. Vain as it was, I was worried I’d look bloated in my costume.
“I just do.” Thames pulls in the drive through. “What do you want?”
I tap my chin. “A Big Mac, large fry and chocolate shake.”
“Sure your corset can fit all that?” he grumps.
“Oh, quit pouting and buy me food.”
His mouth opens in rage, and I snicker. Tormenting him like this is so much fun. I like being bossy.
We sit in his truck and eat. Thames wasn’t hungry, but I forced him to get something because, you know, I’m not going to sit here and eat a whole feast by myself when he’s mad at me.
“You didn’t have to do that, you know,” Thames says, crumpling up the bag. “You could’ve just called.”
“I have been texting you, and calling,” I say, sipping my shake. “You haven’t answered.”
“I’ve been busy.”
“Too busy for me?” I shove a bunch of fries in my mouth viciously.
“It’s not like that.”
“Uh-huh.” My mouth is still full of fries. “You make time for the people you care about, Thames. Otherwise, you don’t care about them at all.”
“Don’t be like that,” he says. “You have no idea what’s going on in my life right now.”
I tilt my head. “I would if you’d just tell me.”
“Not that simple.”
“Why do men make everything complicated?”
“No! You made everything complicated with that…. thing!” Thames waves to my outfit.
“You weren’t paying attention to me, so I figured I’d get eyes on me elsewhere,” I say.
“It’s definitely unforgettable,” Thames mumbles under his breath. “Do you know how many guys were looking at you tonight? And not in a good way, Lena.”
“I can take care of myself,” I mumble. “I am a Nephilim, you know.”
“I get you’re strong enough to defend yourself, and women shouldn’t have to worry about being attacked no matter where they are or what they’re wearing, but unfortunately, we live in a shitty world with shitty people who don’t respect rules.” Thames bunches his hands into fists. “Or women.”
“How dare you! Women should be allowed to dress however they want, wherever they want, and go wherever they want to without the fear of being attacked!” I say harshly. “I am a feminist, sir.”
“I’m a feminist, too. I believe women are equal to men in every way.” His eyes chance a dirty glance at my costume again. “In some ways, better. But there are jerks out there who believe you deserve to get attacked just for wearing something like that.”
“I’m beginning to think you’re a chauvinist,” I quip, then pause. “Or you’re trying to play the hero. The knight in shining armor coming in and saving the damsel in distress. W
ell, let me tell you, honey, this damsel doesn’t need saving. I’ll kick the dragon’s ass before you even get your armor on to come save me.”
“Look.” Thames let out a whoosh. “It’s just… one of my friends got raped, okay? She went through a lot. I don’t like to talk about it.”
Thames hunches his shoulders and looks out the window. “I can’t stand the thought of that happening to anyone. Especially you.”
Something clicks into place. “You killed her rapist,” I say softly. “Didn’t you? That’s why the council is after you.”
“Yes.” He looks at me. “And I’d do it again. I’d do it to any man who thought of violating someone in that way.”
“Well, the council is a bunch of assholes. He deserved it,” I say, eating my last fry. Sad face.
“Doesn’t matter,” he says quietly. “I have to live with that, and be an outcast the rest of my life.”
He glances up. “Still. It was an equal trade. More than fair.”
My respect for Thames has grown tenfold. I didn’t think it could get any bigger, after tonight. “I don’t know if you did the right thing. I don’t even care,” I say. “Morals aren’t black and white. Anyone who thinks so is kidding themselves.”
Thames chuckles as he puts the truck in drive. “Don’t tell my brother that.”
When we get back to my dorm, Thames looks nervous for some reason. He walks me to my door, but before I can go inside he grabs my shoulder.
“I can’t stay. I wish I could.” He grimaces. “But I have friends who need my help, and I kind of left them hanging to be with you.”
“You did?” I ask, surprised. Now I feel kind of bad.
“It doesn’t matter now. They’ve probably got it handled,” he explains. “But there’s something else I have to do.”
“Do I get an explanation?”
“Not this time. I know it’s Halloween, but it’s nearly one in the morning. Can you promise to stay in for the rest of the night? I’ll totally make it up to you if I have to,” Thames begs.
I wasn’t planning on going anywhere else, but I pretend to make a show of it. “Hm… I don’t know…”
His eyes are begging. It’s like he’s really worried. What sort of trouble does he think I’ll get into tonight?
I cave, and say, “Okay, Thames. No more hijinks tonight.”
“Thank you.” His body stiffens again. “Just… try to be safe, okay? There are a lot of demons around here. I get that you’re nearly indestructible, but to me… you’re still breakable.”
He brushes back a strand of my hair and tucks it behind my ear. The movement, it’s flawless… perfect.
Then Thames turns on his heel and shouts over that shoulder, “And take off that damn costume!”
I giggle. I head inside my room and lock the door behind me, sighing.
It wasn’t a kiss. But it was something. Thames has feelings for me. I know it.
But someone, or something, is preventing those feelings from becoming something more.
I take off the costume and change into my normal clothes. Despite what Thames said, I’m not staying in tonight. I’m going to follow him and find out exactly what he’s keeping from me.
I tail Thames at a distance, staying hidden in the shadows of the dorm buildings. I thought he flew to campus, or took his truck… but I’m surprised to find that his bike is parked neatly in the lot at its usual spot.
Snow has been overdue up here for a few weeks now. We’ve gotten lucky with the nice weather we’ve had this year. Why is Thames still riding his bike?
Thames fires up his bike and drives away. I unleash my wings and take to the night sky. I can fly just as fast as that bike can go. He’s not getting away.
After about a half an hour flight, he pulls into a dragstrip that’s lit up with spotlights and loaded with people. The stands are full. I can hear the sounds of motors and screeching tires even from up here.
Street racers must’ve taken advantage of the good weather and dry asphalt and decided to have a Halloween race. I land behind the stands and throw the hood on my jacket up to conceal my face.
There are tons of people here. It’s packed. Despite the chill in the air, there are girls wearing cut-off shorts and tank tops with no bras. The sound the engines make as they take off two-by-two makes me grit my teeth. It’s loud enough to shatter my eardrums.
I spot Thames lining up to race at the end. I climb into the stands and take a seat by myself, far removed from the crowds. Thames is pretty much last; it’s going to be awhile before he races.
I observe the competition and wait. I like drag racing. It’s fun to watch, but a little too cold to be out here. As a Nephilim, I’m not really bothered, but I can’t help but wonder why Thames ditched me to come here. Is it some sort of pride race or something?
When Thames finally gets to the starting line an hour later, I’m on the edge of my seat. His opponent is a guy in a souped up 67 El Camino.
Despite the modifications, I snort. The driver should be smart enough to know never pit a hot rod against a bike. Stupid. He’s going to get creamed.
The driver revs his engine and does a burnout before shooting past the starting line. He backs up to settle at the red light. Flames shoot out the exhaust before firing out the pipes sticking out of the hood.
I think that the driver was an idiot and blew his engine, or otherwise messed up the car… but no. The car’s fine. The fire continues roaring out the pipes as if nothing’s wrong. The flames are coming out of the hood and exhaust on purpose.
The crowd roars, and the driver grins. His smile reveals pointed, crooked teeth.
These aren’t… normal people.
They’re demons. In their human form. I have to glue myself to my seat and force myself not to panic. I’m surrounded by demons everywhere, and I didn’t even know it. Everyone else had normal modifications on their cars, not magical ones. It’s rare that I come across a demon, a real one, not a creation. I’ve only slain a few, and they’ve usually been in their true form, not disguised as humans. I can’t sense them as I can Nephilim… I haven’t encountered them enough to learn how.
I’ve been a sitting duck this entire time.
My first thought is to fly away, but I can’t leave Thames here on his own. What the heck is he doing at a drag race for demons? He’s gotta know they’re not mortal.
Thames inches the bike forward. His eyes are on the red light, waiting for it to turn green. He revs his bike and flames well around the wheels. They consume the bike completely until the crotch rocket appears to be nothing more than a motorbike made up of flames. Thames remains on top of it, appearing completely unhurt.
My mouth drops open.
The light flashes green, and Thames and the El Camino take off. The race doesn’t last long— shorter than thirteen seconds. But to me, it seems like it takes an eternity. The bike and the El Camino originally start off side by side, but Thames guns it and ricochets down the speedway before the other driver knows what’s happening. The driver of the El Camino loses control, and veers to the side. A parachute releases out the back, slowing it down to a stop. Thames doesn’t even bother to look back.
I knew Thames would win. But when he crosses the finish line first, I can’t help but give a gasp of relief. I was holding my breath.
Thames gets back in line to race again. I stand— I’ve seen enough. I jog down the stands, then run as far away from the drag way as I possibly can until I’m standing in a cornfield and have enough distance from the track that I can take off easily without being seen.
I fly back to my dorm faster than I’ve ever flown in my life. Not even the brisk night air can wake me from my horrifying reality.
I try washing my face with cold water, to wake me up from this bad dream, but it doesn’t help. I can’t get the sight of the flames, the bike, and of Thames, out of my head.
I’m not like you.
The words make me sick. He’s right. He’s not.
The s
cariest part about it is that Thames’ race today only made him hotter, in my eyes. The attraction isn’t dulled at all. If anything, it’s ten times worse.
I gulp. This is bad. I think I’m in love.
With a demon.
Class goes by in a blur the next day, and for the rest of the week. Thames texts me to hang out, but I make excuses. I can’t face him right now, not after I know what he is. I’m not sure how I’m going to react to seeing him. The entire dynamic between us has changed now.
Thames is a demon, and I’m a demon huntress. This isn’t going to work. It can’t, just by the laws of nature.
I can’t have been that blind. Thames would’ve left more signs if he was a full demon. I would’ve figured it out by now. He’s too… human.
He’s gotta be a half-breed. A cambion.
That only settles my nerves a little. Half-breed or not, he’s still got demon blood, at least fifty percent. Thames doesn’t seem like he has a bad bone in his body, but at least a part of him is technically born evil.
He has a brother. Is that guy part demon, too? Or something else?
Was it the demon in him that prompted him to take a human life?
I return to the drag way every night, but I don’t see any posters advertising another competition until Saturday. I take a flyer and stuff it in my pocket.
I’ve been fighting with myself all week on what to do, but when Saturday comes, the decision is made. This’ll definitely be the last race of the year. Snow is coming, tonight. All the demons will want to get their last kicks in.
It’s my only chance.
“Hey, buddy, do you mind if I borrow that?” I sashay up to a demon at the raceway. It’s really hard to resist the urge to slay them all. The demons gets off his Ducati as I come near, and I bat my eyelashes.
“What, to race?” The demon seems shocked.
I nod. “Yeah. You mind?”
“You want to borrow my bike.” His voice flatlines. “I don’t even know you. Get out of here.”
“Come on. I’ve been watching all night, and it’s the last race of the season. I haven’t gotten to race, not once.” My voice rises higher, becoming girly.