I'll Show You Mine

Fiona's eyes bore into the emerald ring that laid on the desk across from her and Fabian. The stone illuminating a bright green light that made her eyes widen.

"What the-”

She felt the sharpness of Fabian’s fangs as they scathed her neck. She winced from the slight pain but calmed as it subsided as he ran his tongue up against her. He grabbed her neck and craned it, and Fiona closed her eyes. A low guttural growl escaped his throat, and he jerked her close. Pain shot through her entire body, centering in her neck as Fabian's bloodlust took over and he sank his teeth deep inside.

He pulled her blood from her, the taste only igniting his hunger. His eyes the color of the emerald ring, his senses no longer his own. The more he drank, the more he wanted, and his horns slowly started to appear. The room fell silent, his wings spread so tall, they dimmed the small bulb inside. His mind in a fog, his body out of control, he heard a faint whisper.

"Fabian…”

His hunger immediately absolved. He dropped Fiona and watched as she grabbed her neck and backed away from him. Pure terror lined her face, and Fabian closed his eyes until they returned to their normal hue. He looked at her wildly. "What did I-” He saw the blood pool from her neck. He touched his mouth. "No…no…no! I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to…” Feeling his green wings extended, he quickly retracted them and his fangs.
He moved towards her, and she cowered stopping him in his tracks. "Please just let me heal you Fi... please.”

He couldn’t make sense of the look in her eyes. He moved towards her again, and she tried her best to remain still. Fabian touched her leg gently, and Fiona felt warmth flow through her. She closed her eyes, and a small tear fell as her neck healed. When she opened them, Fabian looked as he did before, but she couldn’t forget the look of his teeth bared, mouth covered in her blood. "What are you?” She said in a low whisper, that tore him apart.

"Something that shouldn’t be around you.” He responded before vanishing into the night.

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The hard close of the door behind Willow caused her to jump. "Jermaine…is that you?” She called out to her brother, but she heard nothing in return. A feeling of dread flowed over her. "Waylon…” The silence remained. As she turned, in front of her stood a familiar face. He pulled his hood from his head, and the steel of his blade came into view. Willow’s heart sank, "You’re not supposed to be near me…you know that.”

He laughed harshly, "And yet here I am. You have something that belongs to me Willow.” He took a step towards her. "Did you really think you could get away with taking my gym?”

"I didn’t *take* your gym Stan. You foreclosed on this place years ago…I brought it and turned it into what it is today.” Willow was afraid, but she wasn’t going to allow herself to show it. He’d been harassing her for years, and tonight it would come to an end.

He banged the side of his head. "DON’T’ TALK TO ME ABOUT FORECLOSURES AND COURTS! YOU KNOW NOTHING ABOUT WHAT IT’S LIKE TO TRULY STRUGGLE!”

Willow laughed harshly at his words, "You’ve got to be shitting me. GET THE FUCK OUT!”

Stan lunged at her with the knife and she dodged it, landing a punch in his face. He grabbed his cheek. "YOU BITCH!”

"I SUGGEST YOU LEAVE…SIR.” Willow’s eyes traveled upwards to see Waylon enter the room. Arms folded to his chest, the pure rage on his face sent chills up her spine. Stan wiped his nose and Waylon shook his head. "Whatever you’re on, you need to leave like Willow said before it lands you in a really bad place.”

Stan sized up the mountain of a man and sneered, "Oh what? Are you the bodyguard?” He turned to Willow, "What you paying him in girlie? Paper or pussy?” Willow could hardly hear him, the ruby ring around her neck burning bright onto her skin.

The sound of cracking bones behind him, made Stan turn and face Waylon once again. His eyes widened at the man no longer a mountain, but three times his previous size. His eyes glowing red, his red wings extended. Stan could see actual steam pull from the monster's nose. His fangs bared, his horns protruding, Waylon let his rage take over. Stan's hands shook as he tried to stab the beast, but the knife broke against Waylon’s skin. Bending down, he picked up Stan by the top of his head. Waylon let out a roar that shook the entire gym. Grabbing Stan’s feet, he pulled, ripping the man in half. Breath ragged he dropped the halves to the floor, his rage calming. Looking down, he saw Willow hiding. Coming from his daze, he patted his body realizing what he’d done. Returning to his normal size, he looked at her shrink in utter fear.

She stood but remained silent as she looked from him to torn man. Waylon wanted so badly to say something to her, but the fear in her eyes kept him quiet. Backing slowly away from him, she darted through the door. He waved his hand removing everything, returning the gym to normal. Vanishing outside, he saw her run into her brother’s arms.

"Hey, hey! What’s all this about? I’m sorry I was late, the meeting ran a little longer than expected, but I texted you!” Johnathan said his laughter stopping as he heard his sister sob. He pulled her away. "What’s wrong Wil” She shook her head feverishly. Her body stilled as she felt someone watching her. Turning, she saw Waylon’s massive body standing in the shadows. "Get me out of here please. Just-I want to go home.” Saying nothing else, the two walked off. Waylon sighed.

*She’s…she’s afraid of me.*

Who could blame her? Still, it didn’t mean that the reality of knowing that didn’t kill him inside.

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Declan ran his hands across the sign of the mortuary. The smell of death and decay hit his nose, and he closed his eyes to keep them from blackening. He inhaled.

*Relax*

He was worried, but at the same time, he wanted to make Desiree happy. After how supportive she had been about his revelation, he knew that he wanted to get to know her better. He pulled open the door and walked inside and waited for his eyes to adjust to the dim light. "Desiree?” He called out, as he made his way down the corridor.

"In here!” She called back, giving him a bright smile as soon as he entered. She pulled her gloves off. "I thought you were going to chicken out." He shook his head. Something was telling him not to go inside the room. "You alright?” She asked tilting her head.

Nodding once again, Declan made his way over to her. Staring at the two bodies, Declan took in their features. Mentally going through his catalog, he realized that he didn’t know these two. He turned to her. "How did they die?”

"Burglary gone wrong.” Declan continued to stare at the bodies. His breathing turned ragged. "Declan are you sure you're-” Her words trailed as his hands slammed to the table making her jump. The light crackled and sparks flew from the bulbs. The black diamond in her hair illuminated a darkness she’d never seen before.

Whispers filled the room and Declan’s body shook. "No one is free of judgment…not even the slaughtered...come out…” His words stern but void of anger. Desiree’s back hit the wall as she moved away from his. The bodies jolted upwards, their necks turning to face Declan.

"UP OR DOWN! UP OR DOWN!” They shouted in a whisper.

Declan’s wings extended, their color matching the coal of his eyes. Walking to one, his hand went through his chest. He scoffed showing his fangs,

"Up.”

Desiree watched as he pulled a translucent mist from the body. Looking closer, she realized it bore the same face as the man. The man stood next to Declan as he put his hand through the other's chest. An evil sneer plastered itself on his face, that terrified Desiree to her core. "Down…you reek of evil.” he said, pulling the man from his chest.

Holding the soul by its throat, he waved his hand over the ground, opening a portal. Hands grabbed onto the soul's legs, as Declan released him. Desiree covered her ears to drown out the screams as the hands dragged the soul to what she knew was hell. The portal closed, and Declan placed a gentle hand on the other, "May you find peace. People are waiting for you.” He pointed upward and upon looking, the man gave a bright smile. Ascending upward his soul soon disappeared from view. Desiree covered her mouth to hold in her scream as Declan’s eyes shot towards her. His body returned to normal, and he crashed to the floor. Inhaling, he looked around. "D-Did I pass out?” Her lip quivered and he stood. "I’m okay…I must have gotten a little lightheaded from the smell.” She remained silent, but the look in her eyes made him uncomfortable. "I don’t-” He felt his catalog update. Immediately putting it together, his face paled. He turned away from her.

"You’re…”

"Death.”

Desiree stood as her hands shook and her mascara tears ran down her face. Declan turned to her, and shakingly, she reached out and then retracted her hand. Fear lined her face and Declan looked away before he disappeared.

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*I can’t believe they really called me in tonight.*

Charlee quickly wiped her eyes and readjusted her name tag on her waitress dress. Inhaling sharply, she grabbed the tray of drinks and made her way to the slots. "Here are your drinks sir.”

Placing the drinks onto the nearby table, she felt the man grab her arm. "How about to stay to bring me good luck?”

She pulled her arm away. "Please let me know if you need any other drinks.” She said as politely as possible before quickly moving away. Walking back through the crowd, she approached her coworker.

"Mr. Grabass trying you?”

She nodded, "He’s so damn gross. Why is he still allowed to come into the casino?”

"Because he spends high and loses higher.”

Charlee laughed, "Well, I guess that makes sense.”

Her coworker placed her hands on her hips and nudged her head to the blackjack table. "Have you seen the gorgeous man at table ten?”

Charlee rolled her eyes. “You think everyone is gorgeous.”

Her coworker shook her head. “No, he’s like REALLY gorgeous and he’s winning…BIG.” Looking over to the table, Charlee's lips parted. Though she couldn’t see his face, the cut of his hair and mural on his neck that peeked through his polo, made it clear who it was. Her throat dried.

*What’s Callum doing here?*

Winning his twelfth hand in a row, Callum grinned showing off his perfect teeth. "Don’t be like that. No one likes a sore loser.”

The dealer glared at him, "And no one likes a cheater.”

Callum's eyes gleamed in humor. He pointed to the casino owner, "This lovely gentleman has been watching me intensely since my third hand. Tell me, have you caught me cheating yet?” Remaining silent, the owner and two bouncers walked towards Callum and he stood. Throwing up his hands defensively, he mused, "Okay. I get it. One should always leave where they’re no longer welcome. I’ll just take my money and get out of your way.”

"If you think I’m paying you anything…you’re fucking insane.”

Callum cracked his neck and Charlee saw the diamond on her finger glow. "Oh, you’re going to pay me. Every cent. I won fair and square and trust me, you don’t want to see this go another way.”

The casino owner flashed his gun. "I’m. Not. Paying. You. Shit. NOW GET THE FUCK OUT!” Pushing Callum hard against his chest, his eyes widened as Callum grabbed his hand and broke it.

He stood over the man who writhed in pain on the floor. "Hasn’t your mother ever told you; touch and get touched?” Guns drawn multiple men, circled Callum who laughed maniacally. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a coin. "Watch Lady Luck fellas, she’ll decide your fate.” He tossed the coin up, and his laughter increased. A daze overcoming him, his horns protruded from his forehead and his fangs dropped. Wings almost silver in color, his clawed hand grabbed the coin. He smiled, "Too bad, she says you get to live…though I’ll still be taking everything.”

Hands to his side, his eyes turned piercing while and he snapped his fingers. Every chip, every card on the tables rose. A deafening silence covered the casino, as his magic froze everyone in place. Snapping again, the coins poured from the slot machines. Both coins and bills swirled around his body hiding him from view. Charlee heard one more snap and then the money disappeared, and everything returned as it was. He leaned against the table, and the owner placed his hand on his shoulder.

"Are you alright sir? Can we get you some water?” Callum shook his head in confusion of the strain his body. Thanking the man, he exited the Casino, stopping at the sound of heels behind him.

He turned, his eyes widening, "Charlee? What are you doing-ahh”

He grabbed his neck, feeling a burning course through it. He leaned against a car, as his eyes rolled to the back of his head. Charlee watched the small place containing no tattoo start to change. A playing card with a joker on the front formed. Callum breathed in deep and looked at it in the car side mirror. He turned to face Charlee, now understanding what happened.

"Do-don’t come near me…” She whispered as she back towards her car.

"Please…let me just explain. I-”

Her body shook against the frame of the vehicle. He heard her whisper. "30…29…28…” Callum ran to her side catching her moments before she collapsed. Opening her car door, he placed her on the passenger side and racked his brain.

*Come on, come on… her house…granddad told us where they live.*

Remembering, he drove her home, trying his best to keep it together.

*She has panic attacks like mom*

He slammed his hand in anger against the wheel. Parking the car, he picked her up and vanished with her into her home. Placing her in her bed, he felt her stir.

"Callum…” She whispered, her memory coming back, and she quickly darted away from him. Landing in a pile on the floor, she reached under her feeling the metal of the coins. Her bedroom lined with money, she looked up at him.

She heard him whisper, "I’m sorry.” And then he vanished right in front of her.