Shifters in the Shadows

by Deveaux, Poppy

  “Amelia, I have apologized profusely for my behavior last night. I was shaken by seeing that monster. I know that was no excuse but there is no need to treat me so coldly.”

  “He's back,” Amelia said, blurting out the words because she knew there was no other way to soften the blow.

  “Who?”

  “Edward. He came back last night. He came back to me.”

  “That's impossible.”

  “I found it hard to believe too, but he's here.”

  “In this house?” Tom said. Amelia nodded, finding it difficult to read the expression on his face. “Are you sure it is him?”

  “Tom, I was married to the man. Of course it's him.”

  “Well, he cannot stay here.”

  “What do you mean? This is his home?”

  “He was dead. He has no home anymore.”

  “He is in no position to move. He is too weak, has been through too much. He needs to rest.”

  “Then he can stay until he is well enough, then he can go and enjoy his new life. Do you know the scandal it would bring for him to be here?”

  “As if you have not courted enough scandal already,” Edward said, walking into the room. Tom and Amelia looked shocked to see him for they had not expected him. Tom bristled with tension and took an immediately aggressive stance. “I am here to claim my rightful place in my home, alongside my wife.” At this he slid his arm around Amelia's waist, and Amelia did not move. Tom's fists clenched by his side and it was clear that he did not take too kindly to Edward's return.

  “If it wasn't for the monster I would have no qualms about throwing you out into the wild. I am legally married to Amelia and you have no claim here,” he said.

  “Monster?” Edward asked. Amelia quickly told him about the strange happenings in the town and Edward pursed his lips. Tensions were high among the three of them but they agreed that Edward could stay in the house while they discussed a solution, for they all agreed that it was wise to not let the people in the town know that Edward had returned, for that would only lead to idle gossip and it was something that they all wanted to avoid. But from the very first moment it caused problems as it was clear that Amelia preferred time with Edward, and Edward was so smug about it that it riled up Tom to the point where he was apoplectic with rage. Even when Amelia returned to him, they ended up arguing and Tom did nothing to nurture her affections. After one particularly heated argument Tom was sitting in bed holding his head in his hands.

  “I'm going to lose you to him, aren't I?” he said despondently.

  “Think of it as freedom. Now you get to live your life the way you wanted it. You can be with someone younger, raise a family. You don't have to be tied to me,” Amelia said sympathetically.

  “Is that what you think of me? Is that how you think I treat this marriage? I love you Amelia, why have you always had difficulty in believing that? Perhaps it is simply because you have never loved me, not in the same way as you love Edward, anyway,” and Amelia had to concede that it was true.

  “I am sorry Tom. I never expected him to come back but it is as though I have been given a second chance, and I would be a fool not to take it,” she said. Tom knew there would be no arguing with her, and although bitterness weighed down his soul he understood why she made that decision, and all that was left was for him to return to town in the middle of a crisis, and try to forge a new life for himself. It was not easy though for he had become used to the luxuries of living in the mansion, and returning to the city, especially in the middle of the attacks by the monster, was not something he especially desired. In fact, the more he thought about it the more he became scared, until he eventually declared to Edward and Amelia that he would not leave unless he was given a sizable sum of money.

  Edward and Amelia were reluctant to agree to his terms because they felt in unfair, but nevertheless they wanted to get their old lives back on track as quickly as possible so they gave him his money and turned him away at night. But as he was leaving he felt a strange presence and found himself attacked by the creature. It came out of nowhere, and it was only by sheer luck that he was not killed with the first blow. Amelia heard the commotion and came out to see what was happening. Upon seeing the hulking werewolf she shrieked, and this momentarily distracted the creature, allowing Tom to escape to the city. But before he left he saw the terrible truth as, now that the sight of Amelia had calmed the creature, it changed to show the true form of Edward. Tom clenched his fists as he ran to town to gather a mob.

  “What is this?” Amelia asked.

  “I'm sorry,” Edward said, and he explained to her that the treasure he had found had changed him, and that was how he had survived all this time. “I have killed and murdered so many people, for when I change I feel an insatiable hunger and I must lash out.”

  “But you did not do so when you saw me,” she said, and there was a pinprick of light for them. But then they realized that Tom had gone to town, and now that he knew the truth he would surely be back. They gathered up their belongings and as quickly as they could ran into the woods, just as they saw a train of wagons approaching the mansion.

  Chapter 7

  Amelia and Edward were far into the woods now, away from their home and the wild crowd. With heaving chests they leaned against a tree.

  “I'm sorry for pulling you away from that. I never should have come back,” Edward said.

  “My place is with you. It always has been and it always will be. I have felt so lost ever since you were declared dead. It was as though a part of myself was killed as well, but now that you're back I feel whole again.”

  “I have done terrible things.”

  “I do not care. You love me, and I love you, and that's all that matters,” she said, and kissed him passionately. The rough bark of the tree dug into her skin as he gave into a year of yearning desire and tore off her clothes. Their passion was unrestrained and it felt freeing to be with Edward again. Edward, who knew her sweetest secret spots and how to arouse her more than anything else in the world. His kisses were filled with love and the attraction between them was intoxicating. Every kiss was like poison and the blood that boiled through their veins was like the darkest wine. The lust and love mingled together, creating a heat that was overwhelming and as they fell to the earthy floor they were transported to a new world of heady delight. Everything came back to them so easily, the way their bodies responded to each other, how they shivered and shuddered and moaned and smiled, how their bodies arched as they let the love swim over them.

  Edward had a monster inside of him but Amelia couldn't have gone another day without him, especially not now that she knew he was alive. There was nothing that could have stopped her from being with him and now that she was tasting him again and feeling his body next to hers she felt a monster inside of her as well, one that had been dormant for too long. Only a shadow of it had appeared over the last year in her and Tom's frenzied sessions, but they were lacking a vital ingredient, true love. As their hands linked together their muscles tensed and Amelia was lost to a world of delight. Being with her husband again after so long reminded her how good and vibrant life could be, and as they rolled around in the dirt she felt reborn and revitalized. They kissed fervently and their hands were all over each other. She used her mouth to pleasure every inch of him, looking up at him with her wide eyes as she sucked on him hungrily, before he pulled her up and began to pleasure her as well. They took delight in reacquainting themselves with each other’s bodies. His had a few more scars, but her skin was still soft and his burning hardness pressed against it. Amelia straddled him and leaned forward, allowing her hair to fall from her head and cover him. His hands clamped themselves around her rear as they began to thrust together, finding a harmonious rhythm. Her hips burned and her inner thighs were slick with her juices. Edward strained and his entire body was tense with the effort that he put in to fucking her. Sweat poured along their skin and fell like rain to the ground as they were caught in the inferno,
and the air sizzled with their passionate heat as they exploded in an orgasm that had been a year in the waiting.

  They laughed as they fell into each other and kissed each other hungrily, knowing that a lifetime of devouring each other’s bodies awaited them. In the distance there was an orange glow, and as they looked closer they could see that it was their house being set on fire. They could imagine everyone reveling in the destruction.

  “There's no going back now,” Edward mused.

  “I wouldn't want to be anywhere without you. That life was a fraud, I was only happy in that house when I was with you. We have the whole world to ourselves now,” she said, and Edward took her in his arms again where they made love through the night, before moving through the forest in the morning, beginning their new lives.

  THE END

  Closing The Deal (Part 1)

  Chapter 1

  “I don’t understand why my life is so miserable. Why does my family hate me? And why do I feel like everyone hates me? When I was a child…” My patient continued rattling on about his childhood and how he believed that it was the root of all his problems. It probably was a huge part of it, but not all. I tried to pay attention and not think about how miserable I had been feeling lately.

  Sometimes it was very hard to listen to patients’ problems all day long when all I wanted to do was wallow about my own. I focused back on Lenny as he was talking about his traumatizing times at school.

  “I remember worrying all day at school if someone was going to be there to pick me up. You know what a horrible feeling that is for a young child? My mother and father were so high, they didn’t give a shit if they remembered to get me or not,” Lenny said.

  “I am sorry to hear that, Lenny. That must’ve been hard for you. Who would eventually pick you up?” I asked him.

  “Usually my grandmother would be called and she would come. I always hoped one day she would adopt me but my grandfather never let it happen. He didn’t want to take on my parents’ problems,” He rolled his eyes but his face fell, showing how hurt he felt. “Like I am a problem. I was just a kid, for fuck’s sake.”

  I nodded my head. I did feel for Lenny, what a rough hand he was dealt. Now it affects him as adult. He can’t hold a job for long due to his excessive drinking and tardiness, plus he just doesn’t seem to care about life. I have been trying to help him for years.

  We finished our session 10 minutes later after practicing some guided imagery to replace his negative childhood thoughts. I also helped him develop a plan for the week- cut down on drinking and apply to at least 3 jobs. Hopefully, he would listen to me.

  Thank the fucking stars Lenny was my last patient of the day. I was done. It was time to deal with my own shit. I was frustrated- sexually and emotionally. I needed to get laid and I needed to get laid soon. It’s been far too long.

  I have never had good luck in love. Either the guy turns out crazy, doesn’t have good hygiene, has a girlfriend or better yet, a wife, or he simply just doesn’t take us seriously. I was tired of the dating scene and I wanted to finally settle down. Unfortunately, I didn’t see it happening anytime soon.

  Maybe it was my size. I was a bigger woman, with lots of curves and soft, luscious skin. I may have more to love on my body but I worked it like no other. I had an hourglass shape that began with voluptuous breasts, a smaller waist, and curvy hips with an ass to grab. Not all men liked the bigger woman and I understood that but I was happy with who I was and didn’t want to change. I had gorgeous auburn locks that hung in natural curly waves down my back. My eyes were a deep brown and I had full, succulent lips.

  Enough about me though- I had the confidence I needed to score a man, he just wasn’t out there yet. And I was getting tired of the bar scene, the club scene, and even the online dating scene. I was 29, getting close to 30, and over the partying stage or wasting my time on endless dates. I wasn’t closed off though; I knew there was still the possibility of that man I was looking for entering my life. At some point. Hopefully sooner rather than later. In the meantime, King, my trusted vibrator, helped fulfill my needs.

  I got home and the silence that welcomed me was heaven. It is such a relief to not hear the endless noises that happened in an office. My apartment was cute and cozy. I had lived here by myself for about 5 years now, ever since I began my practice at Southeast Counseling. I rented an office space within the practice and worked for myself. Best decision I ever made in my career, getting myself out of the community mental health centers. They were slave drivers. Too many patients, not enough help.

  My apartment was perfect for me. It was a small two bedroom, with an eat-in kitchen, decent bathroom, and a double living room with the French doors separating the two. I loved the look of the old Victorian apartments. I knew this was the place for me as soon as I stepped inside.

  I popped in some leftover soup from the takeout I enjoyed with my mom last night, turning the microwave knob. I poured myself a glass of my favorite wine, pink Moscato, and after my food was done, I sat down at my table, grabbing a pad and pen. It was time to get my shit together. It was time to make lists and get focused. Fuck, I teach my patients this shit and I can’t help myself? But how can you even make a list for love?

  Career wise I am fine. Personal life needs some work. I throw my head in my hands. I don’t even know where to begin.

  Chapter 2

  I woke up the next morning with a massive headache. I should’ve stopped at glass number three but number four was so tempting and delicious. I was quite buzzed after four glasses and don’t even remember much after sprawling on my couch, and then eventually making my way to my bed.

  A list was never made but I decided I didn’t need one. Love will come to me eventually and a list certainly isn’t going to help that.

  I was happy it was Friday so I could lounge in bed for a while. I didn’t practice on Fridays, always using it as my day to get errands done and finish up any paperwork from the work week. Tonight, I was meeting some friends for dinner which I had been looking forward to all week.

  I wonder if there will be some delicious man to eye fuck tonight at dinner. I was craving a man’s touch fiercely. It’s been months since I had sex and I didn’t know how much longer I could last. A quick hook up may be in my future. I let my hands roam over my silk nightie as I fantasized about my night tonight. I got out King and turned him on, letting him brush against my sweet spot. I used my other hand to rub my breasts, squeezing my nipples. I could feel the desire pooling in my belly, getting strong as I threw my mind into my fantasy.

  I would see him sitting across from us, glancing at me often, a sexy smile playing on his lips. He stood up and walked over to me, leaning down and whispering into my ear, “May I buy you a drink?” I smiled back at him and said yes, letting my friends know I would be back. Instead of leading me to the bar, he whisked me into the women’s bathroom, locking the door behind him. We ravished each other in that bathroom…

  I came hard on my vibrator, my mind deep inside my fantasy. I lay there, satisfied and spent, letting the orgasm finish riding itself out. That was one of my best fantasies. One day, I would make that happen.

  Dinner that night was at a delicious Italian restaurant and I was meeting my three girlfriends from college. We had all kept in touch since school ended. I made my way to the restaurant, weaving through the traffic. I turned the music up in my car, jamming out. I couldn’t wait for some food, my stomach was rumbling.

  When I enter, I see my three friends sitting down. I head over and they all look at me, smiles growing on their faces. Sarah, my closest friend, stood and pulled me into a hug.

  “Charlotte, so good to see you. I feel like it’s been forever!”

  “I know,” I said. “Work is so busy!” I went around and gave Erica and Cheryl a hug too.

  I sat down. “So how has everyone been?”

  We all started chatting, catching up on each other’s lives. The drinks flowed and so did the food. Erica was the manager
at a bank, Cheryl did marketing for a huge company, and Sarah was an editor. We discussed our jobs but more importantly, our love lives, or lack thereof.

  “I had the best sex last night,” Erica laughed. “This guy went for hours, I thought only young boys did that.”

  Cheryl was giggling uncontrollably. “That’s nothing girl, last weekend, this guy Eric had a cock that seriously went down to his knee. I am not fucking kidding you.”

  My eyes shot up in shock as did Sarah’s. “Holy shit, did you get a picture? I need to see a picture!” I exclaimed.

  “Hell yeah, I did! I wasn’t about to not document the biggest cock I have ever seen! And when it got hard, it was monstrous. I got scared, girls. It fit in about halfway I would say but damn, the man could fuck. And any time I wanted it deeper, there was always more cock to take in.” Cheryl wiggled her eyebrows and grinned. “I am still sore!” She laughed and pulled out her phone showing us pictures.

  Sarah shook her head. “That is crazy but there is proof. Would you see him again?”

  Cheryl nodded. “Of course! The sex was amazing. We are going out to dinner tomorrow night.”