A Predator and a Psychopath

by Jay Kerk

  Sylvie got very jealous of any affection between her mom and me, so knowing that we fucked a few hours ago made her nuts.

  “I wasn’t asleep,” I said.

  “Do you enjoy doing that to me? You know I don’t like it when you stay in that room with her.” She lowered her voice. “You should sleep next to me.”

  “Stop it,” I said.

  She cried. “I’ll tell her we are together. She can go fuck herself!” I looked at her, and she continued. “You know, maybe I should tell the entire world we’re together.”

  Anger took over me. I slapped her and pulled her hair. She sobbed and sniffled.

  “Are you threatening me? Is this what love is for you? Don’t be stupid. They’ll put me in prison! You’re all I ever wanted, baby. You’re so special—more than you know.”

  “I love you, too,” she said. “But why do you make me feel like this? Leave her! Let’s go away and have a normal relationship. I want to go to dinner with you and meet your friends.”

  What friends? I thought.

  “Then stop being afraid and let’s run together, run from this shithole,” I said. “We’ll have an amazing time. We’ll be great, special. Nothing can separate us.”

  “Okay,” she said, wiping away her tears. “But promise me you’ll never hit me again.”

  “I won’t. But never threaten to do something that could separate us.”

  We kissed passionately, and I then left for my place.

  CHAPTER 3:

  ALPHA

  I drove home around 10 p.m. I was excited to know more about the couples on vacation. I thought I should stop by the apartment before they left and have a drink with them or intervene in a way that would stir up more shit. I still blamed myself for not having prepared better. They seemed very interesting.

  I turned on the live feeds, texted Sylvie good night, and prepared the missed recording that I wanted to watch.

  The couples were having dinner. They didn’t chat much, and it didn’t feel like they were friends. Brendon sat with his back straight. Jack and the lady whose name I didn’t remember were stealing looks at each other every now and then. Melissa was eating elegantly as if she was at an emperor’s ball.

  They finished. Melissa and Brendon took their wine and sat on the couch, chatting about work. Melissa wore a long skirt and low heels, which looked good on her tall body although they might not have been the best choice for a relaxing vacation. She’d dyed her hair bright red and wore it down to her shoulders.

  I could tell a strong woman like her controlled the people around her. She led the conversation with Brendon, and she got the best of him by arguing with everything he said. Her demeanor was definite: This is the end of this point. Let’s move to the next one.

  “Jess, come help me with the dishes,” Jack said.

  That’s her name. I remembered that she’d introduced herself when I gave her the key. I suspected she was a laidback woman based on how she spoke, dressed, and sat, and she smiled a lot. She was almost flat-chested and had big brown eyes, brown curled hair, and a petite figure that one might call a bit too thin.

  “I can help if you want,” Melissa said, setting her wine down and standing.

  “It’s okay,” Jack said. “I want to have a chat with Jess.” He then whispered to Jess, “See? Not so bad.”

  “It is!” she hissed. “Believe me—it is.” She winked at him. “Jack, help me with this apron, please. Can you tie it around my waist?” She intentionally raised her voice.

  “Leave her alone, I beg you. She’ll fuck up our mood.” He wrapped the apron strings around her twice, pass his hands an extra time around her thin waist.

  “I want to show you the real Melissa,” Jess told him. “The Melissa you don’t know.”

  “Yeah, right,” Jack said. “I know Melissa.”

  They worked in silence over the sink.

  “Oh, my god. That’s so funny!” Jess laughed, and it didn’t seem fake.

  What did I miss?

  “I didn’t say anything, you bitch,” Jack replied, laughing a bit.

  Melissa gulped the last of her wine and then moved toward the open kitchen. She handed her glass to Jack and asked what was so funny, folding her arms like a school principal who’d caught two mischievous students.

  After a moment of silence, Jack saved the situation by saying, “I’m telling Jess about a dream.” He giggled. “I woke up still fighting.”

  “Hmm.” Melissa started walking away.

  “She probably thought we were talking about her,” Jess stage whispered.

  “I heard that,” Melissa said.

  “I don’t give two fucks, babe,” Jess said. “We were having fun and laughing. Jack is funny and not boring as some people might say.” Jess put down a plate she dried and turned around.

  “I never said he was boring,” Melissa said. “You’re lying.”

  “True,” Jess replied. “You never said it, but you think about it. You aren’t ashamed of thinking it, and that’s something I respect about you. You hold to your principles.”

  Jack was rinsing glasses. He murmured. “Please stop.” Nobody heard him, so he shouted, “Enough! This is becoming a feud.”

  “It’s fine, babe,” Melissa said. “I won’t sink to such a low level. Don’t worry.”

  “Oh I’m sure you have a level, and it’s the lowest among them all,” Jess said. “Let’s see if this is the bottom or not. I think - and mind you, this is only my opinion - but I think you’re with Jack because of his body and you spend time with Brendon because of his brains. It’s an ideal situation for you, given what a perfectionist and obsessive person you are. I bet you that you had planned all along to keep Brendon nearby.” Jess stayed as calm as if she were discussing the weather.

  Melissa’s face became redder than her hair. Brendon excused himself to go to bed. Jess’s declaration didn’t surprise Jack, I thought he might protest. He had broad shoulders and a muscular build, black eyes, black hair styled to the side with a brightening cream, strong jaws, and he was always chewing gum.

  “Oh, honey,” Melissa said. “I was feeling so sorry for you, but now I’m not sure I should even care about you. Come to think of it, they should have committed you when they had the chance.”

  Jack interrupted her. “Hey, hey! I said enough. There’s no need to say hurtful things to each other.”

  Jess smiled at Melissa. They were looking at each other like they were eternal enemies.

  Melissa continued anyway, “or maybe, if you weren’t such a failure, you could have succeeded in taking your own life.”

  Jess laughed, “and ta daaaa! That is the Melissa I know. You hide it really well, but I know you better than you know yourself. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Thank you for showing Jack who you truly are.”

  “I’m going to bed,” Melissa said. “Tomorrow I want to have a blast. Jack, come with me, babe. Leave the sad little mouse alone.” Melissa started walking toward her room.

  “Go ahead,” Jack told her. “I’ll join you in a bit.”

  When they were alone in the living room, Jack apologized for what Melissa had said, and Jess said it was all right. He surprised her with a joint, and she said that Melissa would go nuts if she knew they were going to smoke. He agreed. They smoked anyway. They laughed, she kicked him and he tickled her. They weren’t making much sense, but I thought they were cute together.

  Suddenly, a door opened violently. “We are trying to get some sleep,” Melissa said. “Have some sense, Jess. Jack, let’s go. Come to bed.”

  Jess folded her hands and put one leg over the over, as if to say, I’m going to enjoy seeing how this unfolds.

  “I don’t want to go to bed,” Jack said. “I’m on vacation. I’m having fun, for god’s sake!”

  “Fun to you is smoking weed like teenagers? The room stinks. I’m so disappointed in you.” Melissa went back into her bedroom, and she wasn’t gentle with the door.

  “I’m so disappointed in you,
” Jess repeated, and they broke into hysterical laughter.

  “See, you should leave her,” Jess said. “This isn’t you. I never imagined that you would be with someone who treats you like that.”

  “Let’s go for a walk,” Jack said. “I don’t want Brendon to get annoyed with us, too.”

  “First, I’d be happy for him if he came out. Second, he’s a potato, so don’t worry. Third, we are in our PJs.” Jess said, he took her hand, and they went out.

  I jumped out of my seat, phone in my hand, and went after them. The apartment was only a few minutes away from my place, and luckily, I caught up with them before they wandered off.

  They walked for an hour and what a shame, I couldn’t hear what they were saying. I kept my distance because there weren’t many people walking the streets at 2 a.m. on a weeknight. Jess was cold, so Jack put an arm around her.

  They kept walking until they found an open place, where they bought juice. They talked, she cried, and he kissed her. They kissed for some time.

  I checked the live feed on my phone. Back in the apartment, Melissa was calling Jack—I guessed it was Jack. Who else would she call? She paced the living room and then she sat down and called him. She must have felt something in the couch, because she reached between the cushions and pulled out a phone. She started crying.

  Brendon woke up and went to listen at the door. He came into the living room when he heard her crying. They spoke, but I couldn’t listen while I was on the street. She seemed to feel better as he consoled her.

  Maybe I should learn to read lips.

  Jess and Jack were back at the apartment. I didn’t know why, but each of them went to bed with the person they’d come with. I predicted that a storm would probably erupt in the morning.

  They woke up and prepared breakfast in silence, Jack and Jess exchanged looks, and they smiled at each other. When Brendon and Melissa weren’t looking, Jess held up her small boobs and blew Jack a kiss. He laughed.

  As they sat around the table, Melissa cleared her throat. “I want to talk about last night.” She paused dramatically. “Some of the things said are not acceptable.” She pointed with her index finger, thumb pressed to her middle finger at Jess. I wondered if she really worked as a school principal. Jack looked concerned, Jess indifferent, and Brendon stared at his plate.

  “That is not who we are, and I apologize for what I said, but I won’t tolerate attacks directed at me, or else…” They looked at her. “Or else I’ll pack my things and leave.” She paused. “I’m very disappointed at Jess’s hurtful words. Jess, I thought you’d be more grateful. After what you went through, you should be grateful to have people supporting you. I’ve done all I could for you these past ten years. I’ve helped you find work multiple times, I’ve stood up to your family for you, and I’ve set you up with great people. I want you to treat me – and the people you meet through me – with respect.”

  Silence grew. Jess chewed her food as if nothing had been said. Brendon sighed.

  “Oh. You want me to say something? Sure, sure. Let me start.” Jess swallowed. “First of all, bitch please, and second of all, fuck you. Now let me tell you why. You’re another problem in my life. My family compares me to you. You wish you were their daughter, and so do they. All three of you are fucked up. I removed them from my life, and I should remove you from my life.”

  Melissa’s face became red. Jack smiled, and said to Jess, “It’s okay. Let it all out. Don’t hold back. Continue. Either we fix this, or we let it break badly.”

  “Thanks, love,” Jess said. She put her hand over his, then removed it. She looked back at Melissa. “You’re an evil bitch. You’re selfish, and you’re always scheming to get what you want. Why don’t you tell Jack about your cheating? Tell him how many times and with whom. Most importantly, tell him why.”

  “Fuck you—stop lying.” Melissa blurted out.

  “You know I’m not.” Jess took her phone out of the small pocket in her shorts. “Let me tell you everything, Jack. You deserve to know.” She unlocked the phone.

  “It isn’t what you think, babe,” Melissa told Jack defensively. “You have to believe me. None of them meant anything to me. One time when you were traveling, and another time this guy from work took advantage of me while I was drunk.”

  Jack smiled and nodded continuously. “Let her continue.” He put his fingers to his lips to shush her.

  “Super. Thanks for the help,” Jess said. “I didn’t know for sure that you cheated, but you’re the type. I’m sure Brendon can confirm that you slept with someone from work to help your career.”

  Melissa interrupted. “I won’t accept this! This is—”

  Jess slammed her fist on the table. “No! Shut the fuck up! Let me continue, bitch.” She cleared her throat. “Finally, I’m sure you tried to hook up with Brendon, but you didn’t succeed because he can’t fuck women. You bitch—you knew he couldn’t fuck women, so why the hell did you set me up with him? You sold me someone damaged and broken, who just wants a good charade of a marriage so he can keep his secret life. I bet he even confided in you, you manipulative cunt. You aren’t just a disgraceful friend, you’re a disgraceful human being. Brendon, if you were on in this, then you’re the scum of the Earth, too. If not, then I wish you well in life.”

  Melissa was breathing hard. Jack was smiling, and Brendon didn’t disagree.

  “Pack your shit and leave!” Jess yelled. “Now! Both of you,” she screamed, and they were all startled. “Pack and leave before I throw your asses on the road. You have ten minutes.”

  Melissa looked at Jack. “Are you going to let her do this?”

  “Yup,” Jack said. “She said it all loud and clear. Go on now.”

  Melissa stood up, and Jess added, “by the way, Jack is breaking up with you. If you ever contact him, I’ll snap your fucking neck.” She hugged him, and they moved sluggishly to the couch where he gave her a smooch. “And he is an amazing lover,” Jess added. “I’ve never had an orgasm like that with anyone.”

  Jack leaned closer, keeping his arm around her. “We haven’t slept together yet.”

  “I know.” Jess replied, “Isn’t that even better? Anyway, once they leave, we’re taking these clothes off. No, we’ll rip them off.” She kissed him. “They have five minutes, I’m counting, then we’re going to get physical.”

  Once Melissa and Brendon left, Jess and Jack went at it like animals. They fucked everywhere. They were like a couple on their honeymoon.

  Usually, I removed the chatter from the video files I saved in the final edits folder, but I wanted to keep the evolution of this relationship. Seeing a territorial female defend herself this way and claim the male was phenomenal. It wasn’t a typical thing that happened in nature, but I believed that there were species or tribes with females who were this strong.

  I wanted to find my perfect companion: strong like Jess, beautiful like Sylvie, and hungry like Laurie. A partner having all those qualities would undoubtedly believe I was an apex warrior, and she would support me in spreading my message.

  I took out my tablet and wrote a chapter about my ideal partner, her role and her strength, and when done, I went back to the outline and added:

  Manifesto outline:

  The alpha female: pure, hungry and dedicated to the apex warrior.

  CHAPTER 4:

  RAIN

  Chatting with Xeris_Light2323 had opened my eyes. I created a morning ritual for myself. I breathed and repeated that I should take what was mine like a true apex warrior, an evolved hunter. Fear had no place in my heart. I would move through this world leaving a legacy behind me. My children would roam this place, and if they captured or killed me, I would have my alpha female carry on my message. I would leave her with fridges of stored sperm. The children would be as plentiful as rain.

  Melanie used drugs more regularly, and she was knocked out most of the time. In the early morning, I left to pick Sylvie up from school—yes, pick her up and not drop her off
. That day we planned to have penetrative intercourse for the first time. The other night she had gotten too horny. She wanted to do it right away. Those were the moments when she wasn’t afraid she would hurt. She always worried that losing her virginity would show in some way.

  I decided to go to one apartment. I chose the apartment where the two couples had just stayed. When Sylvie got in the car, she was all giddy and hyper. She was so excited. She wore makeup, and I got mad at her and told her to clean it off. Stupid. I didn’t know why she would put any powder or cream on that beautiful face. She told me she had removed all the hair, and I was happy about that.

  The first time wasn’t so good—she moaned in pain—but the following two times were fantastic. She asked me why I saved the condoms, and I made up a story about the proper disposal of plastic and biologic waste, but I couldn’t wait to tell her the truth about using the semen.

  We watched TV, made food and chatted. I brushed her hair, and I got sad we had not met sooner. She was one of a kind, and I knew then she was the one for me, but she had to choose in what way.

  “Are you sure you want to be with me long-term?” I asked. “What if you decide you want someone else, or you don’t agree with me?”

  “I don’t know,” she said. “I feel sure right now. I want you and only you. Like, I know my friends say you really don’t love the first person you’re in a relationship with, but this doesn’t have to be the rule.”

  “Okay,” I said. “I promise to love you as much as I can. See, we have here a good apartment, so when you move out, we’ll spend some time in motels and hotels and eventually settle down here. We can have our own get together with friends. I don’t know. Maybe…”

  “Maybe what?” she said. “Don’t be an ass. Maybe what?”

  “No, I have to do this the right way.”

  “Come on. You know me. You can tell me anything.”

  “Okay. Give me a minute.” I went to the bedroom and got a small box from a drawer. “Be gentle, babe.” I leaned over and kissed her forehead, and she grabbed me and kissed me. A few more seconds and we’d be fucking again, but this wasn’t the time.