Page 1 of Scaredy Cat

Zach

I reclined in my seat, the heat from my steaming coffee sending a pleasant shiver through me as I took my first sip.

Stacey’s laughter brought my gaze to her as I took in the easy way she sat in the small coffee shop.

It was a soft, melodic sound that drew me in and even I couldn't discern if it was from the hold she had over me or just something inherently…

her. She sat with two friends, a couple of striking girls, all blonde-haired and sweet.

Yet Stacey, sporting that daring crimson stripe that framed her face against her dark locks, appeared to outshine the others.

“C’mon, Stacey! It’s Halloween! You have to go to the party!” One of her friends pouted, her perfectly styled hair cascading over her shoulders.

Stacey shook her head, a playful grin dancing on her red lips. “Sorry, Jenna. I can't promise anything. Matt and I might have something more… exciting to do tonight."

The other girls leaned in, intrigued.

“What do you mean?” her other friend asked, her brows furrowed in confusion.

“Okay, hear me out,” Stacey said as her voice dropped to a low whisper.

“I’ve always wanted to roleplay being chased and kidnapped.

Just think about it—creepy vibes, dark corners, all the danger.

And the getting caught part?" Stacey winked and the girls laughed. "Haven't you roleplayed before, Mia?”

Mia’s baby blue eyes widened. “Yes. In bed.

On a Wednesday. With someone I trusted. Not someone I picked up in a bar who is barely a boyfriend.

" Mia rubbed her temples before she looked at Stacey again and I hid my smile behind my cup as I continued to listen.

"Kidnapped? Seriously? You want to play that on Halloween?”

“Why not? It’s the perfect night for it.” Stacey leaned forward, completely disregarding Mia's dig. “I’ve got a new boyfriend who’s not opposed to it. We can set the whole scene. He also didn't look at me like I was demented like my exes when I brought it up to him.”

I sipped my coffee, listening intently. Stacey’s energy radiated off her, and it wasn't just from the coffee she was drinking.

She was genuinely getting off on the idea.

She was so giddy that she completely ignored her friends and their hesitancy toward it.

Which was hard to do, considering the girls exchanged glances that practically shouted how bad of an idea they thought it was.

“That's because he's on so many drugs he probably doesn't even know what you were talking about,” Jenna said as she rolled her eyes, her tone half-teasing.

“Yeah, and what if he takes it too far?” Mia’s concern laced her words. “You know how guys can be. You want to be careful.”

Stacey waved her hand dismissively. “It’ll be fine. We’ll set boundaries. It’ll just be a fun little game.” She leaned back, a satisfied smirk on her lips. “Besides, what’s the worst that could happen?”

The girls really did have a point. This was not a night to be playing around unless you wanted to find yourself in some pretty nasty trouble.

Poor thing had no idea what I had in store for her.

I shifted in my seat, and looked up to find one of the server's standing beside my table asking if I needed anything.

I shook my head, not entirely able to keep my attention off of my beautiful prey.

She had a way of pulling people in, making them want to be near her.

It's something that came natural to people like Stacey.

She was a supernatural magnet, and she was about to find out that she'd pulled me right to her.

The idea of her playing the helpless victim resonated in my mind, swirling like the steam rising from my cup of coffee. It was the perfect opportunity to reel her in, honestly. I needed to be part of her world, even if just for a moment if my plan was going to work.

I needed to catch her off-guard if I was going to sweep her off her feet. All I had to do was get close enough to snag her phone.

With that, I could slip into her life like she'd slipped into my mind.

As her group began to rise, I noticed the way she tucked her phone into her purse, her movements slow and confident. My heart raced and I could feel it pounding inside my chest.

God, I missed this feeling.

Being dead was such a bitch.

I stood, shoving my sheets of music I'd been working on into a haphazard pile.

It was something I was known for in a past life that was so long ago, I could barely remember.

To think I had sold my soul centuries ago to be known as the best pianist of the time only to contract the plague was the devil's joke, I'm sure.

I thought I would finally have it all only to have it stripped from me.

After the devil made me into this thing, this slave to him, I went a little insane getting used to my newly forged path as a demon.

The only consolation was having a taste of life once a year to again be torn back to the fiery home I now had.

The devil had jokes, but I would have the last laugh this year.

I stepped into her path, the world narrowing to just the two of us.

“Oops! Sorry!” I bumped into her, feigning surprise as her purse tipped, spilling its contents onto the cherry-wood floor around us. My pages of music fluttered about like oversized confetti and she looked around hastily at the scene we'd caused.

Stacey bent down, a frown momentarily flickering across her face before she flashed a quick smile. “No worries! It was just an accident.”

“Let me help you.” I said as I knelt, my fingers brushing against her plain black iphone as I gathered the scattered items. I could feel her gaze lingering on me, curiosity mixed with a hint of flirtation.

“Wow, you write songs,” Stacey remarked, picking up a crumpled drawing of the tire.

“Just something to pass the time.” I shrugged, forcing a casual tone. “I tend to get inspired by beautiful things.”

Stacey's friends giggled behind her, a lightness in the air that made my heart thump louder. Fuck, this human body felt good. The adrenaline. I missed it so fucking much.

A blush rose to Stacey's cheeks and she looked so innocent across from me in that ridiculous bat sweatshirt and leggings. Her friends were wearing similar attire now that I took a moment to take them in, casual with a hint of the holiday on display.

I slid her phone into my pocket, the weight of it a comforting promise of the plans I had made moments ago.

“Here, let me get that for you. I'm Zach,” I said as I smiled and stood to offer her the remnants of her scattered purse.

“Stacey," she said as she pointed to herself before grabbing her things. "Thanks! I really appreciate it.”

She beamed at me and the warmth of her smile ignited something within me. Something I was trying to keep in check to the best of my devilish abilities.

I couldn't take my eyes off her. I held her gaze, holding my breath even as her friends called for her to hurry up.

"I should get going," she said, glancing over her shoulder. "But maybe I'll see you around?"

Her voice lilted at the end, turning her statement into a question. I grinned.

"I'd like that." I winked and folded my arms across my chest where I held my papers to me.

I wanted to show off how nice this body was for her.

I'd been very selective coming back this time if I was to keep this form for awhile and the way Stacey was looking at how my biceps stretched the sleeves of my black button-up, I think I picked a winner.

A pretty blush rose on Stacey's cheeks once more as she tore her gaze from the tattoos on my neck.

"Happy Halloween." She said and offered me a coy smile before turning to leave, her hips swaying as she walked away.

I watched her go, desire and anticipation churning within me. Soon, very soon, she would be mine. For now, I had to bide my time and wait for the perfect opportunity to strike.

Stacey looked back at me once more as she reached the café door, giving a little wave before disappearing outside. I raised my hand in return, already imagining what it would feel like to have these fingers wrapped around that slender neck of hers.

Yes, she was the one. My perfect, pretty little prey for this year's Halloween ritual. I licked my lips in anticipation, barely able to contain my true nature.

Just a little longer...

And then her soul would set me free.