by A. G. Hobson
“So, you were in the store spying on me? You’ve always been a bit nosy. Why did you follow us in line?”
I roll my eyes and continue to put my food into the car.
“What purpose would I have and what would I gain from following you? It’s merely a coincidence that we are here at the same time.” I slide the last bag onto the back seat.
“Are you going to run back to Lydia? Because if you do, I will fucking hurt you?”
“Hurt me?” I ask totally confused. “You know Lydia and I aren’t friends.”
“But you would love to ruin what we have because of what I did to Breeze.”
“Breeze was too good for your sorry ass and she doesn’t give a shit about you. Neither do I for that matter. So, whatever you have going on here, I could care less.”
“If I find out that you told Lydia about me and Belinda or our baby before I can, I will fuck you up.” He steps up and breathes into my face.
“And why would you care about what Lydia will do if you have a baby on the way?” I say staring him square in the eye.
“I have my reasons and they are worth hurting you for them. It was worth losing Breeze for them.”
“You don’t care about her you never did! You cheated with Lydia and Belinda. You fucking got her pregnant.” I yell it into his face this time pointing at Belinda.
“Cade? Let’s just go.” She calls out to him.
“You don’t know shit about me, bitch!” He grabs at the collar of my coat and yanks me. I grab his hand attempting to get free.
“Let me go! I swear if you don’t…”
“What? What will you do Ana? Nothing.” He shoves me back and I stumble. I lean against my car to catch my bearings. “Like I said, keep your fucking mouth shut about me or else.” He turns and walk toward Belinda, who has horror displayed on her face. I yank my car door open and steal one last glance of them riding off.
What the fuck was that about? What can Lydia possibly do for him that would cause him to have to break up with Breeze and hide Belinda’s pregnancy?
On my way home, I spot a black butterfly struggling to fly in the chilled air. It floats at a fast pace seemingly straining to keep up with my car. I can’t even give it my attention for too long because Cade officially has my interest piqued.
Chapter 13
I get home and unpack the groceries and began to prepare dinner. After it’s complete, I shower and dress. It literally took an hour to decide what to wear for Hayden. I know that things may get physical but I will not go all the way until I know that it’s right for us, for me. I set the table and patiently wait for Hayden to arrive. Around 8:50pm I hear his car pull into the driveway, the door slams and a few seconds later the bell rings. I start shaking and I don’t know why. I was just with him last night, why am I still so nervous? I gallop down the stairs anxiously taking one step after the other to get to the door. I swing it open and he is standing there with a smug grin.
“Hi there.” He waves with one hand- holding a bouquet of dark red roses in the other. The roses are so dark they almost appear to be black.
“Hello, please come in.” I step aside and allow him to enter my home.
“It smells amazing in here.” He says as he passes me. “You smell amazing Montana; dare I say edible even.”
I blush so hard. When he speaks to me, it is always enticing.
“Thank you. Come,” I wave. “I have dinner ready.”
We sit at the table and I bow my head to say a silent grace for my food. Hayden just digs in. We eat dinner then dessert. We don’t talk we just eat. Afterward, we head up to my room.
“I saw a black butterfly today while I was driving back from the store. It was struggling really hard to fly.” I say entering my bedroom.
“Really? Maybe it was watching over you.” He says taking a seat across from my bed.
“I’m afraid Hayden.”
“Of what? What are you afraid of Montana?”
“I… keep having these… dreams. I feel like something is wrong with me. Like I’m going crazy.”
Hayden sighs and bows his head. “You’re not going crazy. I…”
“Cade threatened me today because I saw him with Belinda Martian at the grocery store and she is very pregnant with his baby. He is afraid that I will reveal his secret to Lydia. And I don’t know why he cares so much.”
“He did what?” The gentle loving expression leaves immediately and a dark menacing glare replaces it. “I’m sure he will pay for that.”
“I’m not afraid of him. I’m just frustrated with everything. Breeze has moved on and so have I but he thinks I care enough to tell Lydia. I don’t.”
“Of course, you don’t. I don’t know I missed that. I should have known.” He says out loud but seems to be speaking to himself.
“How would you?” I ask totally confused.
“I know everything about you Montana…” He pauses as if he is getting ready to reveal something huge. “And, your dreams are not really dreams. As I told you before, I can be with you without being here with you. I have… ‘ways’.”
“Hayden. What do you mean? They are dreams that seem real. Nothing more.”
“I know that it’s confusing. But you will understand everything in due time. I just hope you don’t end up not wanting to pursue this. Us.”
“What is it, Hayden? What would make me not want to pursue this?” Everything he says is cryptic.
“My lineage, my history, who I really am.”
“Tell me.”
He opens his mouth to speak and I hear someone call out my name.
“Montana! Are you here? Whose car is in the driveway?”
“Mom? Mom!” It’s been a minute since I’ve seen my mother, since I’ve heard her voice. She went out to help my dad settle in. Even though he’ll be flying most of the time that is where he’ll be living when he is stationary. I jump up from my bed and run toward my door. I swing it open so hard that it slams against the wall. I run out and down the stairs. I see both my parents dropping luggage to the floor. Tinsley and Breeze enter in behind them. It’s a family weekend and I didn’t get the memo.
“Montana!” My mom opens her arms to embrace me. I run to her and hug her ever so tightly. After, I hug my dad, Tins, and then Breezy.
“It’s been awhile little sister.” Breeze says as she pushes away and looks me over.
“I know. I’ve missed all of you, even you Tinsley. You all kind of left me here. I feel some type of way about that.”
“Tins… you haven’t been here?” My dad turns to ask her.
“I’ve been hanging out with Hersh and his family. No biggie.”
“It’s absolutely a biggie. You are 16 years old! See, Stella, this was a bad idea.” He said turns to my mom.
“Calm down Jean. We trust them. Remember?” Right while the shit is hitting the fan with Tinsley, Hayden brings his gorgeous trouble making ass down the stairs.
My dad’s eyes grow large, my mom’s mouth falls open and Breeze crosses her arms and smiles. Tinsley smirks because I just gave her a major pass.
“And who is this young man walking down from your room Montana Jean Brookes?” My mom says as she places her hand on her hip and purses her lips.
“Ummmm…” I say nervously.
“Mr. Alexander?” Tinsley blurts.
“Mr. Alexander!” My dad shouts. “As in a teacher?”
“Hayden Alexander. Cuter in person.” Breeze taps her bottom lip with her pointer.
“Who the hell is Mr. Alexander, Montana?” Dad yells.
Hayden walks over toward us. “Hello, Mr. Brookes. I’m Hayden.” He extends his hand. “I’m a student teacher at Westland and I attend State. I’m doing my internship for Principal Jeffries.”
My father firmly grips Hayden’s hand and tosses it. Hayden smirks and extends his hand toward my mom.
“I know it’s an okay uncomfortable meeting but I’m honored to meet you all the same. I didn’t expect to get an introducti
on so soon with you guys being out of the country and all. Montana met my family last night, so I’m happy to have gotten this chance.” Hayden steps back and tucks his arms into one another.
We all kind of look around the room, our eyes not landing on anything specific. My dad is furious with me and Tinsley. Breeze breaks through our parents with her bags in hand and grabs me with the other. She yanks me along and when we get to the stairs, she turns to address everyone.
“So, Montana has a very mature friend over and we are acting like we don’t know how to welcome a guest. Tinsley go get settled and make something to drink like tea or lemonade. Mom and dad get comfortable. I know you had a long trip. I’ve driven for a while to meet you guys here on time, so I’m putting my things away. Hayden. Will you please forgive us for our confusion and rudeness? I’m sure your family treated my sister much better. Have a seat and we will all come and have a proper intro once we’re settled.”
“No, I think I should go. You’ve all been traveling, Tinsley- celebrating a victorious win for the Westland Pioneers, it would be best for you all to rest and visit with one another as I’m sure Montana missed her parents terribly. Maybe I could swing by tomorrow and take you up on that offer if it’s okay with Mr. and Mrs. Brookes.”
“No! Don’t leave on our account!” Breeze shouts nervously.
“To stay would be uncouth.” He walks over to me and grabs my hand. He rubs the palm with his thumb and glares at me. “Thank you for being the best hostess ever. I enjoyed the evening. Hopefully there are more to come?” He kisses my cheek. “I can get my jacket another time. Let me know when you have permission to see me again, if you may see me again. Goodnight everyone and again, my apologies.”
“Wait!” I snatch away from Breeze, who is stuck in a trance glaring at Hayden, and run up the stairs. I grab his jacket, keys and wallet from my nightstand and hurry back. I place them in his hand and he takes the jacket. “Can’t get home without these.” I smile.
“I could manage. Goodnight.” He winks his eye and I almost melt into a puddle. My parents still haven’t responded to him. He walks out of the door waving at Tins as he passes. He gets into his car and I hear the engine rev then roar as he pulls out and drives down the street. I am so into him it’s ridiculous and everything he does makes me fall even more.
“Hhhhhhh.” I sigh.
“Montana.” Dad finally speaks again. “You…”
“Dad. I have never had a boy in this house. I have never disrespected you guys or myself. So, for you guys to come in here and act as if I’m a home alone 12 year old, is freaking embarrassing! I’m 18 and Hayden is 20. I know how to respect and take care of myself which is why you decided to take the job after Breeze left, not before after. You could have taken me and Tinsley across the globe with you, but you didn’t. So, I would appreciate for the two of you to act like you trust me exactly the way you did when you took that position! I’m so embarrassed! Hayden didn’t need to see you treat me that way!” I tear up. “I am not a little girl!”
“She’s right mom and dad. Montana doesn’t date. Tinsley has been hanging with Hersh for two years and I was with Cade. You never treated us that way.”
“He is a school employee Montana.”
“A student teacher, who isn’t getting paid!” I shout. “The one time I feel as if things are pointing in my favor my family completely embarrassed me. Thanks a lot guys.” I stomp up the stairs and into my room. Oh yes, I slam that fucking door so hard my favorite picture falls to the floor and shatters. I toss myself across the bed and bury my face into my pillow. I sob quietly as I think about how well Hayden handled himself. And how he wanted to spend another day with me. If I didn’t know any better, I would say that I’m in love. But it’s too soon and I’ve never been in love before. I cry until I feel myself drifting off and soon, I’m dreaming.
Chapter 14
The room is dark and all I can see is the gleam from the streetlight outside of my window. One butterfly floats around my room with a slight beam of light on its wings. I don’t bother to see where it lands because I feel heat on the back of my neck followed by a wet peck. “Don’t cry.” I turn to see Hayden standing above me at the side of my bed.
I wipe a tear from my eye as they focus on him. I would never have the courage to say anything about love to him in person, so I will do it in my dreams.
“I think I’m in love with you Hayden. I think I fell in love the first day I saw you at school. I don’t know if I could ever let you go.”
“You don’t have to. You could be mine, forever. I have never been so intrigued with a human woman in my entire existence. You make me want to be this way for eternity. But I know I can’t and in order for you to be with me and love me truly, you have to see the real me.”
“I don’t care if you’re a giraffe with seven legs, I would go with you anywhere.” I say breathlessly. He leans in and kisses me. I wrap my arms around his neck and he lifts me without effort. We indulge in our kiss. My eyes close tightly as I enjoy the taste of his tongue invading my mouth.
“Look at me Montana.”
I open my eyes and his eyes are blood red like a beast! I lean away from him and his face has changed. His teeth protrude from his mouth hanging over his bottom lip. His face is scaly and red. His hair is long and curly- wild, with horns piercing through his skull. My gasp is lodged in my throat. I want to scream but I study him more. I look down at his muscular arms and fiery red skin. His nails are black and curve over his fingers. I look back to his face. I stare at his features- beastly but human as well. His ears point at the tip and droop at the lobe. He breathes like an angry hound who is frustrated from hunger. My hand trembles as I lift it from my thigh and place it on his face. The skin is not rough as it appears but smooth and warm. I start at his temple and run my hand down to his lips. I take my finger and slide it down the fang. I trace his bottom lips with my thumb.
“What are you?” I whisper.
“A Cambion.”
“A what?”
“Half incubus demon, half human. Santana and Gayle are not my real parents. They are high level demons that have been charged with protecting my siblings and me.”
“From who?” I say.
“Anyone who wants to hurt us, ourselves, other demons. I’m not supposed to fall for anyone. I have a bride that my demon father wants for me. She is a succubus demon.” He sets me down on the bed and kneels in front of me. He takes my hand and continues. “I don’t want to be with her. My father lives in another realm along with my betrothed. He wants me to join them again and I was supposed to until I met you. Yes, I have had plenty of girls for my pleasure. I love what I am. I feed on the sexual appetite of young women. And I have done so for a very long time. My father grows tired of my shenanigans. He wants me to go back to hell real soon.”
“To do what?”
“Prepare me to assist him and other demons in terrorizing the human population and flood it with lust and lasciviousness. Me and my bride will sleep with many people impregnating the women with children like me. Then take them back home for my father’s army.”
“Army for what?” I say with curiousity. I know I should be terrified and disgusted by what he is revealing to me but for some reason I feel a sense of calm.
“You read the Bible, right?”
“Somewhat. I haven’t read the whole thing. I just listened in bible study.” I say still staring into his face.
“An army for a spiritual war. Angels and demons? The devil, my grandfather, so to speak, wants to take as many humans with him. If we can’t reside in peace forever why should they? We were first. Heaven was our home until Satan was cast out.”
I cover my mouth. This is most definitely a dream. Tears pool and slide down my cheek. I close my eyes and when the open he is himself again.
“I don’t want to overwhelm you, but I can’t keep hiding who I am from you. I can’t just sleep with you and move on. I feel something different when I look at you. I feel like I�
�m looking into the eyes of something more beautiful than heaven.”
“But you are literally from hell Hayden. What am I supposed to do with that?”
“Love me in spite of.”
“But you are connected to the devil, who has no problem with murdering, torturing, etc.??”
“I want you Montana. And not just for a short time. I want to see where this could lead.”
“My soul in hell!”
His expression turns cold. “You don’t want me now? I’ve shown you something I’ve never shown anyone.”
“And I’m mortified. What even happened to your mom? She was human…”
He sighs and turns to stand. “I don’t know. I don’t ask questions. My family is not the sharing type. It doesn’t matter. I’ve always had Gayle. She is my mother.”
“Hayden! This is crazy!” I stand up and walk to the window. I look out into the darkness and all I see is darkness. He approaches and I can see his reflection in the glass.