What Goes Bump In The Night

by C. R. Jane

  Cage fighting sounded exactly like what I needed. Nothing would get my blood pumping harder than the feel of bones crushing beneath my fists.

  I parked the car at the side of the building. I yanked the wires apart, stopping the car, and got out. But as I scanned the crowd around me, I realized pretty quickly these clothes would just not do. I stood out like a fifties housewife at a satanic convention. Glancing around at the many girls walking around, it took only moments to find one that could be useful to me.

  She walked alone down the sidewalk, eyes planted on her phone, none the wiser. I swiftly and quietly walked up behind her, waiting until she passed a darkened area before making my move. Quick as a snake, I grabbed her in a choke hold, bringing her body with me backwards into the small darkened alley. She struggled for only a moment before succumbing to the darkness. She'd be fine when she woke up, but she'd be mostly naked.

  I quickly undressed, balling up these these crappy, girly abominations and slipping on the tight leather halter top and skin-tight, ripped black jeans. They were a perfect fit. I picked up the knocked out girl and had her sitting slumped in the back seat of the car I'd driven here in a matter of seconds. No one saw a thing when it came to my speed.

  Now clothed in something that felt a lot more comfortable to me, I patted down the dark, green curls of my hair and pushed my boobs up a little.

  Hell yes! Let's see what we can get into looking like this.

  Breathing deeply, I took in the intoxicating aroma of blood, sweat, pain, and lust. Glancing around at the warehouse, I saw big, sweaty men and hungry, prowling women all circling a metal cage in the center.

  Walking deeper inside, my eyes were fixed on the fighters in the cage, cataloguing their moves, dissecting how they twisted and positioned their bodies to overpower their opponent. I wanted that. The maddening need to release some of the power flooding my body was like an itch I couldn't scratch.

  Clenching and unclenching my fists, I could feel the strength running through me, waiting for me to set it free.

  When I spotted a middle-aged man by the side of the cage taking money and handing out tickets, I made my way to him. I stalked him silently until I was directly behind him, and still he didn't sense me.

  I could kill you so easily right now.

  I went up on tiptoe and blew on his ear, relishing the way he yelped and spun around, his expression startled, his eyes showing too much white. His gaze slid down my body, his face clearly showing both his lust and his instinctual fear at being faced with a predator.

  "I want in there," I demanded, pointing to the fight behind him.

  His response was a nervous but dismissive laugh, as he said, "Girly, you can't go in there. They'd eat you alive."

  Growling low in my throat, I closed the distance between us before he could blink and wrapped my hand around his throat, exerting just enough strength to lift him up on his tiptoes.

  I was nearly purring in pleasure as he struggled ineffectually against me, trying in vain to claw my hand off his neck.

  "Give me what I want or I'll be forced to take it," I said sweetly, my tone a direct contrast to my words and actions.

  "Fine! Just let me go!" he choked out.

  "Good boy," I smirked, dropping him suddenly, causing him to stumble.

  "Crazy bitch," he muttered, his hands shaking as he grabbed a tablet from a nearby table and tapped on the surface.

  "Hmm, not bad, but no. Call me… " I paused, frowning until the meek one's memories supplied me with her name, Jacquelyn.

  Ugh. She goes by Lyn. Even her name sounds soft and timid.

  "Call me Jacky." I decided, liking how sharp and aggressive it sounded.

  Grinning satisfactorily, I took the paper he handed me, glancing quickly at the name of my opponent and when it would be my turn in the cage. I threw him a wink and disappeared into the shadows, watching and learning from the fighters that went before me.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  When the announcer finally called my name and the name of my opponent, Tank, I was nearly frantic with need. The smell of blood and aggression became thicker and cloying as I'd impatiently waited. I could feel it coating my skin, tempting me, luring me until I almost lost control of myself.

  A predatory smile stole over my face as I slipped off my spiked, black heels, leaving them forgotten behind me as I padded barefoot to the entrance of the cage.

  Tank was already inside, waiting for me like unsuspecting prey. He was big, close to six-foot-three-inches and thick with muscle. His body was a map of scars and his face was harsh, set in a permanent scowl.

  He did a double-take when he spotted me entering the cage, his expression going slack before a booming laugh erupted from his thick lips, loud over the confused mutters of the crowd.

  "Hey Joe, what the fuck is this?" he called to the ticket man just outside, waving a beefy hand at me.

  "She wanted in," Joe answered simply, his eyes skittering away from mine when I glanced at him.

  "Stop fuckin around, Joe. Send in the other fighter!" he growled, spittle flying as a vein throbbed in his neck, getting pissed as he assumed they were playing a trick on him.

  I wordlessly reached back and closed the cage door, the metallic clank of the lock enough to bring the big man's attention back to me. Gasps sounded from the people gathered, their shock palpable.

  "I'm going to enjoy hurting you," I purred as I walked further inside, my steps silent on the shock absorbing floor of the ring.

  "Ha!" he barked a laugh, his expression disdainful. "Tiny little thing like you doesn't belong in the cage. Why don't you go wait for me in the locker room, baby? I might let you suck my dick when I'm done here… if you beg prettily enough," he leered, licking his lips as he eyed my breasts.

  "But it looks so small, how would I find it?" I taunted, head tilted to the side as I squinted at his tight fighting shorts and the uninspiring bulge it held.

  His face turned an unflattering shade of red as every trace of amusement disappeared.

  "You're gonna regret this, little girl, but if you wanna get your ass beat, who am I to say no?"

  A mean glint entered his eyes as he looked me up and down. I could see his desire to hurt me and wanted to leap at him but held myself back, waiting for the bell to ring to signal the start of the fight.

  The announcer broadcasted our names, adding that I was new to the ring, then asked each of us if we were ready to fight. Tank and I both nodded, neither looking away from the other.

  As soon as the bell sounded, Tank immediately came at me, lighter and faster on his feet than I'd anticipated for someone so big, but still not fast enough. I dodged the fist he aimed at my face, watching it pass in front of my nose almost as if in slow motion. I saw the surprise flicker in his dull brown eyes and cocked a brow before ducking beneath his next swing.

  Coming up on his side, I hammered a series of punches on his vulnerable ribs, laughing in delight when the crowd began yelling their encouragement. He grunted in pain and spun, his leg following him around as he aimed a kick at my middle. Dipping backwards, I caught myself on my hands, my body bowed as I felt the air whisper over the bared skin of my stomach as his kick just barely missed. Kicking off, I flipped over and landed lightly on my feet, bouncing side to side and welcoming the burning rush of adrenaline that spread through me.

  Smiling provokingly, I swayed my hips to a song of violence only I could hear, nodding my head in time with the drum of my heartbeat. I crooked a finger at him, giggling happily as he roared and rushed me. Turning, I ran up the chainlink wall of the cage and flipped over his head, twirling to face him as soon as my feet touched down.

  Darting forward as he spun to
face me, I ducked inside his longer reach and threw the palm of my hand into his solar plexus, making him wheeze and hunch over as I stunned his diaphragm. Taking advantage of his lowered height, I jumped up a little and landed a punishing blow on his temple.

  Staggering, he shook his head before catching himself. This time he was more cautious, trying to read my body language as we circled each other, finally understanding that I wasn't an easy opponent.

  He moved in closer and feigned a front kick, bringing his left knee up to distract me so that I didn't see the right hook he aimed at my face until the impact of the blow knocked me off my feet. I went sprawling on the canvas, my face on fire and the tang of blood in my mouth. Rolling onto my back, I planted my hands behind me and pushed off, arching my body up and through the air to land on my feet, narrowly dodging his bulk as he tried to follow me down.

  I put a bit of distance between us and reached up to touch my lip, feeling the warmth of blood dripping off my mouth and chin. I rubbed my fingers in it before smearing it down my neck and chest, painting myself in red, then licked off the rest.

  "Your turn, big boy."

  Baring my teeth, I growled and took two running steps before I leapt. I twisted my body in midair, scissoring my legs to land a solid kick on his heavy jaw, whipping his head to the side with enough force that the rest of him followed. The crack of bone was audible even over the roaring of the crowd; the spray of blood was beautiful as it flew from his mouth.

  He was out before his body thudded heavily to the floor.

  Rising from my crouch, panting heavily more from excitement than exertion, I smiled as I scanned the crowd, taking in their stunned faces.

  Screams and roars erupted as they cheered, their shock turning to shouts of victory as they rattled the cage. Breathing in their adulation, I turned in a slow circle, arms raised high above me as they began chanting my name.

  CHAPTER SIX

  High on adrenaline, bloodlust, and the frenzied energy of the crowd, I sauntered to the gate, my muscles still quivering with unspent power. I was just opening the door when I caught sight of two sets of piercing blue eyes, watching me through the masses of people. Something about those gazes caused my steps to hesitate and my breath to hitch.

  Hunger of a different kind washed over me, bringing to life parts of my body I hadn't felt yet.

  Stepping down from the cage, I walked through the crowd, the people parting for me without my having to touch them, despite their continued cheers. It was as if they knew a predator was in their midst.

  I stalked toward where I had last seen those captivating stares, the desire to find who they belonged to burning through me. Finally, I saw them standing shoulder to shoulder, separate from the rest of the people gathered, almost mirror images of each other.

  Something about them caught and held my gaze, compelling me toward them from clear across the room. Both shirtless-the lines of their muscles displayed in delicious definition-they stood tall and proud, watching me just as intently as I was them.

  Oh my, they're twins.

  I wanted to lick them. I wanted to own them. They were mine, they just didn't know it yet.

  And it appeared they were waiting for me by the expectant looks on their faces.

  Interesting. Prey I don't have to chase down first.

  Though I was sure I'd chase them anyway if I had to. Something in my gut told me they'd be worth it.

  I could see the similarities and differences between them as I got closer. Their blue-black hair was cut in the same style; shaved on the sides and long on top, so that the ends dusted the long, black lashes framing their bright blue eyes.

  The twin on my right had a piercing stare of ice blue, while the one on my left had more grey woven within. Not enough of a difference to be noticeable to most, I didn't think, but my sight was sharp enough, even from so far away, that I picked up on it immediately.

  The one to my left had a sleeve of greyscale tattoos on his right arm and the man on my right had a sleeve of vibrantly colored ones on his left, both going from their wrists to the top of their shoulders, hugging the thick, toned muscles like they were born with them.

  The one on my right, with the eyes of ice, sipped at a bottle of beer as I approached, an interested glint in his piercing gaze. Grey Eyes on my left seemed to just be assessing me with mild fascination, as if he wasn't exactly sure what to make of me.

  I came to a stop less than a foot from them, not hiding or softening my want. I saw no point in pretty lies. Best they know who they were going to belong to now, so they had a moment to adjust.

  "You're pretty. I want you," I purred, addressing them both as I reached out to run my fingertips down their stomachs.

  The twin with the grey-blue eyes leveled me with a cold, but curious smirk, as if intrigued despite his uncaring mien, and growled, "Are you playing with us?"

  A wicked grin spread across my face at his question. I laid my hand flat against his muscular chest and pushed it upwards, flicking one of the alluring rings pierced through his nipples as I went. I kept my eyes on his, catching the brief flare of heat he revealed, daring him to break concentration.

  "I only play with things that play back. Do you want to play with me?"

  "Depends," Ice Eyes answered, his tone holding a bite of challenge.

  "On what?" I asked, curious and intrigued at what game they had in mind.

  My smile widened at the idea of having to chase them after all.

  "How rough do you like to play?" Grey Eyes responded instead, surprising me, his stare narrowed as if expecting me to answer incorrectly and fail his test.

  I didn't particularly care what answer he was looking for. I knew what I wanted, what I needed, as visions of them on their knees before me, panting with a mixture of pleasure and pain, their backs beautiful, bare, and painted with lashes, materialized in my mind.

  Tipping my head back, I moaned at the rush of excitement and lust the image inspired in me. My breathing was faster as I looked back at them through hooded eyes.

  "I want to hurt you," I breathed, stepping closer to rub myself against them, marking them with my scent so others would know they're taken.

  They both looked shocked at my words, but I could feel the sudden wave of heat emanating from their muscular frames and caught the hungry, feverish look that entered their eyes.

  Keeping my body against Grey Eyes, I circled around behind them and continued, "You might like it, you might not. Either way, you'll beg me for more."

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  "What are you called?" I asked suddenly, pausing at their backs while I waited for them to answer.

  "Carter," the colorful one whispered roughly, slowly turning his head to glance down at me from over his shoulder, like he knew better than to move too quickly.

  "Cole," responded Grey Eyes, standing still as a statue, as if he wasn't willing to risk moving at all.

  "Mmm, I like those names. You may keep them," I announced before going up on tiptoe to slide my nose along Carter's throat, breathing in the scent of him while scratching my nails down his spine.

  I felt his big body shiver and heard a broken groan escape him. Purring in approval, I switched my attention to Cole. Pressing myself against his broad back, I licked a bead of sweat from his shoulder blade before stretching up higher, wishing the body I was in wasn't so damn short. I parted my lips and exhaled on his skin, but that was the only warning I gave him before setting my teeth into the thick muscle between his neck and shoulder.

  "Fuck," he gasped and stumbled slightly.

  Smiling, I released his flesh, licking the spot with my tongue before I spoke.

  "Tsk, tsk, tsk. You'll h
ave to learn to control yourself better than that," I admonished, though I was secretly pleased with their responsiveness.

  His voice was like gravel when he whispered, "Yes, Ma'am."

  "Good boy," I praised, sliding my hands around his waist to the top of his silky, black shorts, dipping my fingers just past the waistband in reward for his obedience.

  His hips jerked forward slightly before he froze again, but his breathing gave him away. He was nearly panting and a fine tremble could be felt running through his muscles.

  I was just looking around for a door to drag them through so I could take my time with them when his last word registered.

  "Wait, who is Ma'am?" I hissed, reaching up to fist his hair, yanking his head back. "I've already picked my name. It's Jacky," I growled, angered Cole would try to give me a new one.

  He groaned in what sounded like pleasure, though my grip in his hair was tight and punishing, before I saw his Adam's apple bob as he swallowed hard.

  Rolling his eyes toward me, he rasped, "It's a term of respect, that's all."

  I watched Cole's full lips move as he spoke and pulled him back further, his massive body bowed but never wavering despite the awkward position, telling me how strong he was. Understanding and approving of his effort, even if I didn't like the name, I leaned forward and lightly pressed my mouth to his.

  I teased him, sliding our lips together, anticipating the moment his control broke. He held out until I dipped my tongue into his mouth to taste him. With a snarl, he twisted his body until we were chest to chest but somehow managed to keep his lips on mine.

  Chuckling smugly, I bit his bottom lip and let him go, trailing my hand over the defined ridges of his lower abs as I stepped over to Carter, purposefully missing the thick erection straining against his shorts. Cole straightened, watching me closely while the fire in his grey-blue eyes blazed. He made no move to conceal his excitement, instead stared hungrily while I moved to his brother.