Page 15 of Unbinding the Demon
The cold air blew through my long locks as I stepped out of the shadow realm and into the moonless night. Wispy clouds swirled overhead, darkening the stars and cloaking the sky in a Stygian shroud. Small stones, cigarette butts, and a few fallen leaves crushed beneath my heavy boots as I advanced across a small gravel parking lot. The wind howled through the twisting, gnarled branches of the trees, catching their leaves in a frigid embrace to carry them off into the blackened shadows.
Carved pumpkins and plastic skeletal figures mingled with neon window lights and ornamental shrubberies in front of the rustic bar and grill called, “The Roasted Rowan.” The ghastly decorations were a reminder that the month of October had just begun. I scoffed at their absurdity while traversing the creaky glass door.
The lighting was dim and the sickening smells of greasy human food mixed with liquor and faded tobacco smoke lingered in the air. I normally wouldn’t have even considered entering a place like this; however, I was meeting with Gwendolyn and her friends. When she extended the invitation, I was quite pleased. Two weeks had passed since we’d first met, and yet, she had still been reluctant to introduce me to the people close to her. Whenever I observed her speaking about me to them, she gave only vague details while trying to dodge their relentless questions— that did not please me .
Although she claimed I was only invited so she wouldn’t have to be the fifth wheel, whatever that meant , I assumed it was a positive sign she was warming up to the idea of becoming a genuine couple... However, she was still very clear about this not being a date and made me promise not to do anything too unhinged .
As if I’d ever...
I walked up to the bar and stealthily ran a claw along the dingy green countertop, scraping deep into the paint. The bartender, who was wearing a crooked name tag that said “Kyle,” was texting behind the counter, oblivious to the spiral of dried green paint that now rested on the freshly scratched surface before him. My claw retracted just as he looked up at me. Other than myself, there were only a few people eating in the dining area, so I had his full attention.
“Can I help you, sir?”
I flashed him a predacious smile and looked down into his intimidated brown eyes. He slipped his phone into his pocket and nervously scratched his head, messing up his short, light-brown hair. Can’t say I blame him for feeling threatened. Many humans could sense a predator in their midst, no matter how well I hid my true demonic features.
“I’ll take a Bloody Mary,” I responded after scanning the drink menu.
“No problem. It’ll be right out.” He turned and hurried to fetch the drink.
As I waited, my eyes carefully scanned the seating area. There were a few commoners murmuring and laughing at various tables. Most were intoxicated as they shared about the various ways they were wasting their mundane lives. To my relief, none were the despicable mages I had to worry about. It was bad enough one was at the library the other day. Whether or not they would recognize me in this human disguise was still uncertain.
I had been mildly shocked at the state of that obnoxious, colorful-haired girl the other day. Dark abyssal essence had completely corrupted her. The light of her soul had turned into a forsaken black shadow. The only explanation for such a thing was that there were individuals in town using abyssal magic for malevolent purposes. It was also proof that someone possessed the book I was searching for.
Yet, try as I might, I could not seem to find them while in the shadow realm. It left me to conclude that they were using magic to shroud themselves and the book from demonic eyes. Whoever they were, they knew about me. It was a top priority to ensure that they wouldn’t catch wind of my plans regarding Gwendolyn. She was my only salvation, and I had to protect her from their esurient clutches if this whole seduction scheme was going to work.
“Here you go, sir.” The bartender slid the red beverage across the bar to me, causing it to slosh a bit.
“Thank you.” I nodded with a smile and then took a sip... My face contorted in disgust. “Ugh , what the fuck? Is there even any blood in this?” The atrocious flavors of the acidic concoction bombarded my mouth, utterly repulsing me.
“Uh, um... no, they’re made with tomato juice.” The man now looked quite confused and more nervous than before.
“So you allude to it being formulated with blood, and then serve a liquefied vegetable!? That’s just sick, ” I scoffed.
Luckily for the pathetically stammering bartender, the bell on the main door jingled, signifying that someone had just walked in. I turned to see Gwendolyn and her friends laughing together as they strolled inside. I put down some money I had stolen from James’s wallet to pay for the abominable swill I had just been served. After that, I walked over to greet them, leaving the drink behind.
“Buttercup,” I said with a smile, and gave her a quick but tender kiss.
“Hey, Ashton.” She gave me a soft hug while smiling back.
Her sweet vanilla scent and dainty touch created a pleasurable, warm feeling in my chest. Although my plan was ultimately to use her to unbind my powers so that I could ditch this boring world and return to Hell, I still genuinely enjoyed her presence. Her soul was brighter than many other humans, and my sexual attraction to her was by no means a part of the facade.
“Buttercup? Oh my god, I love it.” William, the one who had already earned my favor, laughed. His eyes were reddened, and an amused smile was stretched across his face.
Gwendolyn blushed and cleared her throat in a shy manner. I knew that my little nickname was growing on her, but she seemed a bit embarrassed by my public use of the endearment. “Ashton, I know that you’ve already met William. This is his boyfriend, Oliver. And this is Lacey and her boyfriend, Darrell.” She pointed to each person as she introduced them. Each one said their hellos as she went around.
“It’s a pleasure to finally meet everyone,” I replied with a warm smile. “Gwendolyn has told me so much about all of you.” I beamed proudly at her, and her face reddened even more.
“Only good stuff, I hope!” Darrell said with a friendly laugh as we picked out a table.
“This one should fit all of us.” Oliver gestured to a large wooden table with pictures of painted flowers and farmlands decorating the wall beside it.
I observed Darrell pulling out a chair for Lacey, and so I did the same for Gwendolyn. She flashed me a quick, bewildered glance, but sat down anyway. I inwardly smiled with triumph as I pushed her chair in. I sat down next to her, careful not to bonk my head on the stained-glass swinging lamp that hung above, and got comfortable. As we started looking over the menus, Lacey began scrutinizing me with questions.
“So tell me, Ashton, what are you studying at Mount Greybirch?” Her usually sweet voice was full of sass.
“Turf grass management,” I replied apathetically.
“What made you choose that?” She didn’t seem to appreciate my indifference.
“My lack of hope for the future.” I made eye contact to acknowledge her this time.
“Do you have a criminal record?”
“None whatsoever.”
“How old are you?”
“Eight thousand and twenty-three.”
“Don’t play games with me.” She glared while pointing a finger in my direction.
“Okay, okay, I’m twenty-seven.” Jeez.
“Do you follow a religion?”
“I suppose you could say I’m a Satanist.”
“Mhmm...” She crinkled her nose in disapproval. “Well, where are you from?”
“I’m a foreigner.”
“From where?” She narrowed her eyes and sounded both suspicious and accusing.
“Hel ...sinki, Finland.”
“Then how come you don’t have an accent!?”
“Alright, Lacey!” Gwendolyn chimed in, raising her hand to silently ask her to cease the interrogation.
Good Gods of Hell ... Lacey was one fierce mortal. However, I appreciated that she was so protective of Gwendolyn... Not that it mattered, though. I was only here to swindle her into performing a blood spell for me. Nothing more.
“Hold on, I’ve got one more question for him.” Lacey’s delicate finger returned in my direction. “What’s your last name?” Her eyes felt like they were scorching my already fiery soul.
The question took me by surprise. I was not expecting to be asked about a surname under these circumstances, and I hadn’t decided on one yet. I had to think of something quick. I looked over at Gwendolyn, whose big green eyes were peering up at me with curious anticipation. Dammit! She wants to know as well... “My last name?” I shifted my gaze around the table, finding all eyes on me. “Well, I do have one... I can assure you.”
Shit, I have to think of something fast!
To avoid Lacey’s ever-souring scowl, I quickly glanced off to the side. A waitress awkwardly carrying three plates came out of the kitchen, giving me a glimpse of a box that had Meyers written across it in blue ink. “It’s Meyers,” I laughed while watching the kitchen door swing back shut... Sounds normal enough.
“Oh. Like the hotdog brand?” Lacey said as she lowered her finger, shifting her eyes toward Gwendolyn.
“Fitting,” Gwendolyn snickered while placing her menu down.
“What do you mean, fitting?” I leaned to the side with a questioning frown.
“Oh, nothing,” she cackled to herself with a guilty, squiggly smile. “Let’s just order.”
As the night went on, I was able to get quite a bit of information about Gwendolyn from her friends. I learned of her love for heavier music, weird art, and any dessert that included strawberries. We laughed at stories about her delinquent shenanigans while she was a teenager. Like how she had purchased an entire box of doughnut holes just to throw at pedestrians from William’s car as they drove by. Or how she replaced all the banners in her school with pairs of underwear after the principal had ticked her off.
Even though she was frazzled by some stories they’d shared, she still seemed to enjoy herself. I was also enjoying myself quite a bit. I had even tried a burger to further sell my human masquerade. Turns out they’re delicious, and I ate three more to appease my voracious appetite. Gwendolyn had gotten a very healthy-looking veggie sandwich, and we shared a bottle of red wine. It was much tastier than my first drink of the night.
“So, I was thinking for our next date night, we should check out that new bowling place that just opened up in Cedarville,” Oliver suggested in between munching on some fries from William’s plate. “Since, you know, we’re no longer allowed back at Balsam Bowling.” He glared at William as though he had committed a grave sin against humanity.
“Oops.” William’s face turned bright red as he scrunched his shoulders and laughed. “My bad.”
I raised a brow and glanced down at Gwendolyn, whose eyes shone with delight as she explained. “During our last date night, William got super drunk off cheap beer and began throwing whole pizzas at the pins like frisbees.”
“Yeah, and the manager was not too pleased. Let’s just say that,” Darrell scoffed while leaning forward to adjust the jacket draped over the back of his chair.
“Wait just a minute... This is called date night?” I inquired while glancing over at Gwendolyn, the realization dawning on me.
“Well, yeah, silly,” Lacey playfully teased with a straw in her mouth.
“So just to be crystal clear, you’re telling me that this, happening right now, is a date?” I asked, while circling my finger around the table.
“Yeah, of course it is. That’s why it’s called date night, Honeybuns,” William answered, not taking his bloodshot eyes off the dessert menu.
“Oh, is that so?” I slyly smirked at Gwendolyn, whose cheeks were now as deep scarlet as the wine we drank. She looked down and stared into her lap while fiddling with the hem of her dress.
Gotcha.
“Well, in that case...” I enthusiastically stood up and clapped my hands twice, gaining the attention of the other restaurant-goers. My eyes twinkled with mirth while Gwendolyn’s grew wide with horror. She peered up at me, holding her sandwich frozen in mid-bite. “If I could have everyone’s attention, please!” My voice boomed throughout the restaurant like a clap of thunder. The bartender, who was wiping down the counter, stopped to stare as well with an expression of pure befuddlement.
“What the fuck is he doing?” Lacey leaned forward and quickly whispered to Gwendolyn.
“I’m beyond delighted to inform everyone here tonight that this beautiful, radiant young lady and I are, in fact, on a date this evening.” Some drunkard in the back loudly cheered as though I’d just announced his favorite sports team had won a match. “She might have been reluctant at first, but like a turtle peeking out from the safety of its shell, she has finally stepped into the light. That is all, thank you.” Soft laughter echoed through the dining area as I sat back down. I wrapped my arm around Gwendolyn’s petite frame and pulled her in for a rough side hug while shaking her a bit. “Well, I’m certainly glad that Gwendolyn invited me out on this date during date night.” I laughed to rub it in further, knowing that she was absolutely hating this.
A wave of snickers rippled around the table, followed by William’s abrupt, roaring laughter. “Oh my god, man! You’re such a fucking troll!” He slapped his knee, his face bright red as he cackled, sounding more like a monkey than a man.
“Close, but not quite,” I replied with a wink.
“I’ll be right back.” Gwendolyn got up and scurried down the hallway that led to the restrooms.
I continued to chat with the others for a moment before I excused myself as well, concerned that I might have actually upset her. I wandered down the hall and lingered in a particularly dark corner before slipping into the shadow realm with a silent puff of black smoke. The restaurant became cold and dark. Those of the living appeared as ghostly specters with echoing voices. I made eye contact with the spirit of an older man who looked as though he had passed away sometime in the early 70s, judging by his outdated clothing. I didn’t bother him, and he didn’t bother me. Shifting my gaze away, I phased through the wall and into the ladies’ restroom.
The two red stalls were open, and Gwendolyn was standing in front of a pedestal sink, gazing at herself in the mirror. She ran a hand through her long, wavy tresses and exhaled with a rather despondent expression. Then the little light on her phone blinked, notifying her that a message had come through. Technology was more pesky than appealing to me, but it made it convenient to snoop. I loomed behind her, reading the message on the glowing screen. It was from Lacey, asking if she was alright.
My clawed fingers ghosted over her shoulders as I anxiously watched her type a reply. All she said was that she was fine, but it was hard for her to be on a date after, and I quote, “You know what happened with who.”
“You know what happened with who?” I echoed under my breath, knowing she wouldn’t be able to hear me. My gaze darted between her face and the phone, my curiosity only growing. The blue light softly limned her tense features, clashing with the golden lamp light streaming down from overhead. “What the fuck are they talking about?”
I was glad that I hadn’t embarrassed her too much. But now I wanted to manifest back into the physical realm and demand to know who that toad-eating twit was and what happened between them. Not that I would expose my true nature like that, but still. Luckily, she typed she was coming back out, so I quickly phased back into the hallway and materialized just as the bathroom door creaked open. Her eyes locked on mine the moment she stepped out, causing her to jump in startlement.
“Hello, Buttercup.” I grinned while taking a large step toward her.
“What the heck!? Why are you lurking in the hallway like some big creep?”
Quick as a blink, I covered her mouth and pulled her backside against my front, taking her by surprise. “I was waiting for you.” My lips pressed against the side of her ear as I whispered my words. “Now follow me and don’t make a sound.”
She didn’t listen. Her muffled voice was incoherent while I dragged her flailing body through the emergency exit, leading out back behind the restaurant. A flickering dim light over the door offered just enough light to see a couple of raccoons fearfully scurrying back into the woods. The cool air did nothing to chill my skin, but a cloud of breath fanned out around my face. I pushed her up against the brick wall, released my hand, and began kissing the side of her neck and along her jaw.
“What the heck do you think you’re doing!? We’re not supposed to be back here!” She scowled and tried to shove me off... Cute.
“Calm down, Buttercup. I just wanted to celebrate our first date, that’s all.” I grinned and twiddled a lock of her lustrous hair. “Since we are on a date.”
“Alright, alright, you caught me. I hope you’re happy that you finally got your stupid date.” She crossed her arms in a huff and looked down to the side, kicking at some loose gravel.
I inwardly frowned, wondering why she was so against the idea of being on a date with me. It was to my knowledge that human women usually desired such things with men they found attractive. I knew without a doubt that she found me very attractive. So why all the reluctance? After reading that text, I speculated she had been jaded in the past, which would make this whole seduction a bit tricky. It was tempting to ask, but I couldn’t let on that I knew anything. So I held my tongue instead.
“Oh, I am very, very happy, and do you want to know why?” I lifted her chin.
“Why?” A nervous tremor ran through her as she waited, her lip caught between her teeth.
“Because now that I’ve fucked you and been on a date with you, I consider you mine ,” I said with a grin and bopped her on the nose. “Oh, and one more thing.” I lowered my mouth to her ear. “What did I tell you about biting your lip in front of me like that?” It was impossible to help the way the lust-filled words roughly rumbled out of my throat. She drove me mad whenever she did that. “You just don’t seem to learn, do you?”
I glanced over her perfect feminine body with a wicked smirk and smashed my lips onto hers. She hesitated at first, but then our kiss deepened, her hands wandering to my biceps. She tasted sweet, of wine and desire, almost causing my eyes to glow. Unable to help myself, I forcefully spun her around to face the wall. I reached around to fondle her soft, full breasts and used my other hand to lift the red, velvety material of her dress. My hand dove into her panties, eliciting a little gasp from her. She was already soaking wet, causing a low growl to slip out of me.
“Ashton, what if we get caught?” She asked in a breathy plea.
I swept her hair to the side and kissed along the back of her neck to her ear. “I don’t care,” I whispered, while grinding my erection against her butt.
I removed my drenched hand from her center and shoved two glistening fingers into her mouth. “I want you to taste how sweet you are. Now suck ,” I growled while holding her against me and she obliged.
Her tongue danced around my fingers as she sucked them deeper into her mouth with a little moan. I pulled them out, leaned her head back, and kissed her deeply, tasting her delicious juices on her lips. My hands only left her for a moment to unfasten my belt and pants. My cock was rock-hard and throbbing as I released it from its fabric prison, eager to sink deep into her hot, needy sheath. I pulled her soaked panties down her thighs and carelessly let them fall the rest of the way to the dirty ground. My finger ran along her slit, loving how she was so wet and ready for me. I then lifted her dress and entered her warm, dripping cunt.
She began to pant and moan with her hands up against the wall as I repeatedly and forcefully slammed into her from behind. I grabbed a hold of her hips and lifted her small body up, supporting her with my thigh. She couldn’t see my face, so I allowed my fangs to slip out and gnashed my teeth by the side of her neck.
The door to the restaurant creaked open, and that timid bartender stepped out with a pack of cigarettes in his hand. He froze and paled at the sight of me furiously pounding into Gwendolyn with my fangs on her neck. I let out a deep, threatening growl and allowed my eyes to glow as I glared over at him, not once breaking my rhythm. He frantically stumbled back through the door with a terror-stricken expression. Luckily, Gwendolyn was too preoccupied with my cock to notice any of it.
Once I felt her orgasm clench around me, I spilled my seed into her. I leaned against the wall and pulled her limp body close to mine in an intimate embrace as we panted together. She put her small hand on my chest, and I kissed the top of her head.
“Ashton?” she said ever so sweetly.
“Yes, Buttercup?” I replied and looked down at her. The side of her cheek pressed against my chest as she gazed out into the distance.
“I’m glad that I’m yours,” she whispered in a gentle tone.
A surge of delight fluttered in my heart, but the knowledge that my time with her was destined to be short quickly extinguished it. The slow-spreading pain in my shoulder was a grim reminder that the blackened shadow of death closely followed me. My only chance of survival rested in the hope that she would release my soul, giving me the power to return to Hell. I couldn’t afford to get attached to her. Everything had to go according to plan.
“I’m glad that you’re mine too,” I whispered back. It wasn’t a lie, yet I wished it were. I looked up at the clouded stars and squeezed her closer to me, wondering if all those years trapped in The Abyss had left me so desperate.
At least she is mine for a season.
“Would you like to come home with me tonight?” I offered, wanting to spend more time with her. The more we were together, the sooner she’d likely unbind me after all.
“I’d love to.” She nuzzled into my embrace.
My eyes widened as I suddenly remembered I had used the shadows to travel here and not that car I’d commandeered. “Well, why don’t you go back inside, and I’ll follow in a minute? Just so we don’t seem too suspicious.” I smiled with affection and winked.
“Oh, right! Lacey’s probably wondering where I ran off to.” With a flirty giggle, she blew me a kiss and went back inside.
Once I was certain that she was gone, I vanished in a cloud of black smoke. I reappeared in the driveway at the old abandoned house next to the stupid car. I had to brace myself because it wouldn’t be easy with my powers bound. Grabbing a hold of the front bumper, I somehow managed to pull the entire car through the shadows, reappearing in the parking lot with a large puff of black smoke.
Exhausted, I leaned against the hood to compose myself, panting and out of breath. My eyes then shifted to the car next to me, where that damn bartender was watching with wide, shocked eyes and a lit cigarette in his hand. Smoke swirled out of the car window, and a tiny fleck of ash fell from the glowing tip.
Bloody fucking Hell!
I considered feeding him to Belzar in order to keep him quiet, but it wasn’t like anyone would believe him if he dared say anything. So, instead, I prowled in front of his car, making an eerie screeching noise as I lazily dragged a claw across the hood. My eyes glowed while I made a shushing motion at the poor, horrified fellow. Then I turned around and walked back into the building, smirking as I heard his car start and then speed off.
After finishing up and paying the bill, we called it a night and said our goodbyes. Gwendolyn and I left together and went back to my “home,” where she peacefully slept in my arms after a second round of fucking. I laid there, stroking her hair, and watched her all night as I had done every night since we’d first met... Well, every night that I wasn’t slipping into her dreams, that is.