One of Us

by Samie Sands

  While on the surface, the Wingreen family was forced inside their home until the end of time, Alistair Wingreen also stole the book of incantations and the demonic painting that inspired the Children of the Circle. While not being able to completely remove the enchantment, they do spread the range to cover the entire street. The Wingreen family soon scare off many people living on the same street. Those who were not scared off were eventually killed once the Wingreen family learned how to possess human bodies. The Children of the Circle were fully disbanded, or at least that’s how the Wingreen family wanted it to look. The Wingreen family found ways to make certain that The Children of the Circle will remain a family. Years after the Wingreen sacrifice, people would go to their house to see if they were still in the house, Alistair made sure to take advantage of this. Alistair used this moment to either kill people blind to the truth or take this opportunity to recruit people to The Children of the Circle with him as the New Father. Behind the scenes, Alistair Wingreen is only beginning to prove he is the New Father and leader of The Children of the Circle.

  C.L. Williams

  C.L. Williams is an international bestselling author currently living in central Virginia. He's written eight poetry books, five novellas, one novel, and a contributor to a multitude of anthologies. C.L. Williams is currently working on a novelette series titled Chaos Fusion. He's also working on the book Bed Bugs, a supplement book to the MMH Productions film of the same name that features his short stories "The Boogeyman" and "When the Cameras Stop Rolling".

  Gushers: Zoe’s Secret Club

  Chuck Buda

  Aiden made sure he entered last. It was becoming his signature move, waiting across the street, behind the tree. Making sure all the others entered the back yard before him. This time it was more critical because he didn’t want to explain what the jug of blood was about. Aiden felt it would detract from the monumental gesture if everyone knew it was coming.

  Once he watched Todd get inside the fence, Aiden made his move. He crossed the street with the heavy jug. It weighed him down after holding it for a good twenty minutes. Aiden couldn’t wait to put the jug down.

  As he neared the gate, he could hear some muffled talking. The yard was big enough to swallow up the content of the words themselves. But close enough, Aiden could distinguish Zoe’s voice from Todd’s.

  He swung the gate open. Immediately, Aiden felt all eyes upon him. He tucked the milk jug full of fake blood into the crook of his arm so it would be more difficult to distinguish in the yard’s shadows. The red lighting would mix with the crimson contents, further preventing a quick revelation.

  The First Cut was prepared for him. Zoe stood upon the top step of the hot tub. She was painted from head to toe in white paint, with huge black circles around her eyes. The black make-up spiraled out from each eye socket like frantic bolts of lightning. Aiden pictured her as the fifth member of the band KISS the way her face was made to look. He noticed dark streaks which ran from her lower lip down over her breasts to her stomach. From where he stood, it appeared as if she had already drunk blood and dribbled it down her body. Her nudity almost hidden by the collection of paints.

  Todd and Ryan stood off to the left of the hot tub, Jordyn wedged in between them. They both wore bathing suits, while Jordyn was decked out in a silky robe. Aiden scanned her figure and found no lines of clothing pushing against the silken robe. He figured she was naked beneath, and ready to begin.

  Leah stood to the right of the tub. She wore a bikini but it was nothing as revealing as the ones Aiden had seen Jordyn and Zoe in before. Leah’s was more of a conservative cut.

  In front of the group stood Spencer. Like Zoe, he was decked out in white paint from top to bottom. He was already naked. Spencer also had black designs etched on his face and chest. The symbols looked more like Egyptian hieroglyphics. Except for one large symbol across his muscular chest and stomach. Plain as could be, a pentagram was drawn on his torso. Aiden knew what it represented as he had seen enough movies and ghost hunting shows. Before he could begin to worry about the meaning behind the new symbols, Zoe called Aiden to the front.

  He startled when Zoe called his name. The voice he heard sounded more like a growl. It didn’t resemble a young female’s voice at all. Aiden thought he had lost his mind because nobody else seemed to react to Zoe’s command.

  Aiden, the most dressed attendee, thought it would be proper to come dressed in an unassuming manner. Even though Zoe had given him permission to re-join them, Aiden wanted to appear humble and submissive. He stepped forward and knelt before Spencer. Aiden raised the milk jug full of fake blood above his head.

  “As extra penance for my sins, I wanted to offer up my blood. The blood of my veins. The veins which humbly thank you for giving me a second chance.”

  Aiden glanced up and saw the smirk on Zoe’s face. Spencer looked confused. He checked with Zoe, who nodded for him to accept the offering. Spencer yanked the jug from Aiden’s hands. He placed it on the bottom step of the hot tub, and then faced Aiden again.

  Zoe stepped down. She grinned over Aiden. He felt her gaze burning through his flesh. Aiden had a sudden urge to flee for his own safety. Something about her made his skin crawl. Danger coursed through his limbs.

  “Your offering is acceptable. A tad dramatic, but it shows your dedication to The First Cut is true.” Zoe looked around to the members on each side.

  Aiden sensed unease on either side of him. It felt as if his friends were as apprehensive as he was about tonight’s meeting. He thought about standing up but decided to wait for Zoe to order him. It would help butter her up.

  Zoe reached down to Aiden’s jaw. She stuck her finger under his chin and raised his face to meet hers. As she towered above Aiden, he glanced at her vagina which was poised inches from his nose. The clean-shaven folds covered in white paint. Aiden felt his penis stir, the sexual desires overriding the pangs of fear.

  Zoe must have picked up on his glance at her privates. Her smile grew wider. Her confidence shined through. “Your blood is a good sacrifice on behalf of your brothers and sisters.” Zoe gestured to each side. “And, while it is a good sacrifice and an even more meaningful token of your dedication, the blood offering does not constitute loyalty...or trust.”

  Aiden’s stomach fluttered with nervousness. He could tell Zoe was building up to something. Something he wasn’t going to enjoy. Because Zoe never allowed people to enjoy. He realized it was a bad decision to come back to The First Cut. Every fiber of his being told him to run. To get away before it was too late.

  Yet, he stayed. Aiden wanted to exact his own revenge. And he needed to protect Leah. Running out on her would only further endanger her. She would never want to see him again, if he did something so cowardly.

  “You will have to PROVE your loyalty. Before all of us. You must submit to the will of the hive. Every man and every woman is a star. Aiden, you must submit yourself before us. I am divided for love’s sake, for the chance of union. Remain bowed upon one knee and give yourself to The First Cut. Love is the law, love under will.”

  Aiden listened to Zoe speak but it sounded as if two, distinct voices spoke out. A few of the things she said were strange, like quoted verses from an ancient poem. He wished to lift his head and see what Zoe was doing above him. Aiden needed to absorb the expressions of his friends, to understand if he was in harm’s way or allowing his subconscious to scare the crap out of him. Aiden was afraid. He fought the urge to scream out in terror and run.

  Zoe whispered something. It was soft but meant to be heard by the group around him. The chill tingled the base of his spine and danced up the back of his skull. He knew the second he heard Zoe’s whisper, trouble had again found him. Aiden repeated the word silently in his mind.

  “Spencer.”

  “SPENCER.”

  Zoe whispered over Aiden’s head. Zoe felt the tension skyrocket. She shot a look at Spencer who stood next to her, unflinching.

  “Take his blood.” />
  “Wait a second.” Todd stepped forward. “The kid just handed you a gallon of his fucking blood. What sense does it make to take more?”

  Zoe noticed Aiden remained in place, bent on one knee. His teary eyes pleaded for mercy. “It’s okay, Todd. I am ready to serve my master.” Aiden lowered his head.

  Zoe was thrilled with Aiden’s conformity. Apparently, he was truthful about doing whatever it took to get back inside The First Cut. She changed her attention to Spencer who stood still.

  “What are you waiting for?” She amped up her tone enough to inspire Spencer to action.

  Leah chimed in next. “Aiden has drained his own blood for us. And he’s practically crawling around in here on hands and knees. There’s no need to humiliate him anymore.”

  “It has nothing to do with humiliation. It has to do with loyalty. I would like to trust Aiden and believe he filled the jug with his own blood. But how do I know he didn’t just squeeze a roast out of his mother’s refrigerator? Did you witness him bleed for us?”

  Leah diverted her gaze. Zoe knew she had Leah. Without factual knowledge, nobody could defend Aiden’s loyalty until it was laid bare, before all to witness.

  “It’s okay, Leah. I am prepared to do what is needed to prove I am worthy of being a member in good standing.” Aiden spoke with his head downturned.

  “There you go. Aiden is okay with it. So why shouldn’t you be?”

  “This is crazy. This has gone beyond what is necessary. Don’t make me stop you, Zoe.” Todd pointed a finger at her.

  Zoe stole a glance at Ryan. He was beside himself on his allegiance. Zoe was proud of him. Maybe his test was finished for tonight since he stood silently.

  Spencer moved in front of Zoe. “Back off, Todd. If Aiden doesn’t care, then it is not up to you to speak for him.”

  Zoe smiled again. Spencer chose to defend her wishes. Maybe whatever Leah heard Spencer saying was just lip service. She owned Spencer like the others.

  “Cut his neck and take his blood.”

  Spencer remained stoic. He definitely heard her speak. But he wasn’t moving. Zoe started to get angry.

  “I told you to cut him and take his blood. Now.” Zoe got angrier because Spencer’s lack of action drove her to sound like a petulant child.

  “Even your boy doesn’t want to do it.” Todd pointed out Spencer’s hesitation.

  “I told you to back off, Todd. I don’t need your help.” Spencer pointed a knife at Todd.

  “Spencer, put the knife away and think how crazy this is.” Leah threw in her two cents from behind them. Zoe reeled to glare upon Leah.

  “You certainly have become quite the mouthy little bitch, haven’t you?”

  Leah’s attention moved away from Spencer. She stepped closer to Zoe. The move was enough to force Zoe’s hand before Leah interfered any more.

  “Are you volunteering your neck for us? I’d be glad to have Spencer substitute you for Aiden.” Zoe watched Leah swallow hard.

  She turned back to Todd who had inched closer. “What’s the matter, Todd? You have no backup this time, huh? Ryan knows what’s more important. And it doesn’t look like your little boy-toy has the energy to keep up anymore.” Zoe gestured at Jordyn who remained quiet. Ryan blinked and looked at his hands.

  Todd took in his options as he peered behind himself. He must have figured he was on his own because he paused to figure out what to do next. Zoe chuckled. Todd had no next move. She was in full control of these proceedings. Now she had to get Spencer to comply. Or else she would do it herself. Zoe reasoned, if Spencer forced her to cut Aiden, she would start with Spencer’s neck first.

  Aiden stood up. Zoe wanted to shove him back down to the ground. Before she could get her hands up, Aiden spoke in a calming tone. “Guys, stop fighting. We all wanted to do something fun. Something crazy because we were bored. Now, when we are ready to do something truly different, we fight to remain the same.” He looked around the yard. “This is going to be fun. And I want to do this. I want to be a part of you guys. We’ve been friends for so long. We can’t end with bickering and fighting. Let’s have fun. I’m sure Zoe and Spencer aren’t going to hurt me. I trust them.”

  The faces around them were stunned. Zoe was impressed. Not only was Aiden dumber than cement, he was braver than a soldier running headlong into battle. He really believed this shit and was willing to put the group first. Zoe almost had a notion to reprieve Aiden and use one of the others instead. Almost.

  But his submission would make it the path of least resistance, which is exactly what Zoe needed right now. Time was wasting and she wanted to conjure the demons to fill her up.

  “Hold on.”

  Zoe reacted to the new voice. Jordyn moved forward, her robe slipping open to reveal her bare tummy and so much cleavage, even Zoe wanted to take Jordyn.

  “Well, look who showed up.” Zoe taunted Jordyn. The little princess had waited in the shadows only to swoop in at the last second. Not on Zoe’s watch.

  “I think we can get around this dilemma we have. We need a sacrifice, of course. And Aiden has offered himself up willingly. Numerous times.”

  Zoe glared at Jordyn. “Get to the point, Jordyn. We want to move things along.” Her impatience slipped through in her words and tenor.

  Jordyn smiled. “I believe I can offer a viable solution. A sacrifice which is greater than blood. Why is it greater than blood? I’ll show you. Blood can be replaced. Regenerated. What I propose, can only be given up once. It can never be given back.” Jordyn motioned for everyone to follow her inside the house. She slid the patio door open and entered the kitchen.

  Ryan followed first. Todd waited for Aiden and Leah to make their way. Then he went inside. Spencer and Zoe remained in place. Zoe was dumbfounded that Jordyn had stolen the show. It was Spencer’s fault for not doing as she asked him to. She shot Spencer an evil look but it was too late. He had already started to walk into the house. Zoe seethed. She wanted to rip the knife from Spencer’s hand and kill all of them. On the spot. They should all be sacrificed for what they had put her through.

  Zoe bit her cheek and went inside. She slid the glass door shut behind her. Zoe had entered the house several moments after the rest of the group. She had to listen to their footfalls to know where they had gone. Zoe heard the steps tracking up the stairs. Zoe hurried behind them to catch up.

  AIDEN GASPED FOR AIR. He suddenly realized he had vastly underestimated his friends. To his right, Leah struggled against Ryan’s grasp. She revealed her lack of faith in The First Cut as she attempted to lunge forward. Aiden blinked furiously, hoping his eyes had lied to him.

  Across the master bedroom, tied and gagged and blindfolded, sat Leah’s little brother, Tommy. He whimpered through the sock stuffed in his mouth. Tears had soaked through the scarf wrapped around his head, covering his eyes.

  “Let him go.” Leah spat the words, continuing to fight against Ryan’s hold.

  Aiden glared at Zoe. “We were fine. It didn’t need to go this far.”

  Zoe shrugged, her smirk spreading in an evil sneer. “This is news to me, Aiden.” Zoe shifted her attention to Jordyn. “But I’m impressed.”

  Jordyn stepped closer to Aiden. He searched her eyes, hoping to find mercy where it appeared to no longer exist. “I figured we might need an insurance policy, in case Aiden tried to pull some shit.”

  Aiden shook his head. “I didn’t pull anything. I came here tonight and offered my own sacrifice. For all of YOU.” He glanced at Leah, wishing to calm her fears. Aiden needed to fix this before it devolved further.

  Zoe laced her arm over Jordyn’s shoulder. “I’m glad you have stepped up, Jordyn. I was afraid your allegiance to Todd would hamper your progress toward enlightenment. I guess I was wrong.”

  Todd rushed at Zoe. Before he could act upon the rage etched in his visage, Spencer moved in between and raised the knife to Todd’s throat. Aiden hurried to intervene, surprising himself with bravery he had never before met.
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  “Wait.” Aiden leaned closer to Zoe. “We can make everything right without causing all this harm.”

  Zoe chuckled. “Who’s being harmed? You made a blood oath. Jordyn acquired an extra chip in case you decided to cash in too early.” Zoe glowered at Todd. “And Todd is trying to fuck it all up.”

  Todd shouted obscenities at Zoe as Spencer pressed the knife harder. Ryan shifted his hold of Leah into a headlock, keeping her from driving toward her little brother. Aiden thought fast. He had few options of getting them all out of this standoff safely. The best he could try to achieve was Leah and Tommy’s freedom.

  “Listen. Listen.” Aiden dropped to his knees before Zoe. “Let Tommy go. He’s just a kid, for God’s sake. And let Leah walk him home. You still have my blood oath for The First Cut.”

  “How do I know Leah’s not gonna run to the cops? Or tell her parents? Our secrecy is paramount.” Zoe stomped her foot, her hands on her hips.

  “She won’t. Because if she does...” Aiden swallowed a huge lump in his throat. “If she does, then you can kill me.”