Welcome To My Obsession

“What do you mean?” Thomas said.

“When I was 8, Mama Evelyn got sick, really sick.” Melinda said. “She had stage 3 breast cancer and she had to get chemo, it took a lot out of her. Since I was the oldest child there, I took care of her. I helped her get in and out of bed. I cooked for her and made sure she took her meds. I even started tucking the other children in bed and read them bedtime stories. I did everything for them that Mama Evelyn was doing. Helped them with their homework and cooked for them. The girls I would brush their hair and style it for them. The boys I would go outside and play sports with. I would take them down to the beach and play in the tide pools. On Halloween, I was the one that took them all out trick or treating so Mama Evelyn could rest.” She smiled. “They even started calling me Mama Mel because of it.

He chuckled softly. “That’s adorable.” Thomas said. 

“This may sound strange but I really loved taking care of the others though I was a kid myself,” Melinda said. “Mama Evelyn said I just had that motherly instinct in me. She said I would make a great mother someday because of it. But she said though I had it, she hated that I had to step up for her because she didn’t want to rob me of my childhood. I told her what would rob me of my childhood if we lost her. That’s why I wanted her to focus on getting better and I took care of the rest. Eventually she did get better and she was pronounced cancer free on my 10th birthday.” She smiled. “Best birthday gift I could ever ask for.” 

“I could imagine,” Thomas said as he smiled. “You must have been relieved.”

“I was,” Melinda said, nodding her head. “I was worried what would happen to all of us if she died. Especially the real little ones that were barely 3. Mama Evelyn didn’t have a family that could take over for her or anyone she trusted with us. She had a sister, but they were estranged since they were 18. They had a falling out when their parents did because they left everything to Mama Evelyn since her sister was cruel and greedy. But that close call made me really focus on raising money and my education. I told Mama Evelyn I wanted to get a job when I turn 16. Then when I graduated high school, I wanted to go to college for child development and business. So one day if she goes, I could step up and take over the orphanage for her, and look after the others.”

“Was that your first goal?” Thomas said.

“Yeah, it was.” Melinda said. “Mama Evelyn always said to have goals and once you reach them, make more and reach those.”

“And that’s why you have a list of so many goals,” Thomas said and Melinda nodded her head. “I do have a question, if child development and business are what you were originally going for, what made you change your mind?” She let out a heavy sigh as she looked down. “Are you alright Miss Mercer?” She nodded her head. “Did her cancer come back?”

“No,” Melinda said, shaking her head as she raised it back up. “My car is right over here.’ 

Melinda motioned to a nearly empty parking lot where an older looking grayish Toyota Camry was sitting alone. They walked over to the driver side and Melinda let go of his arm. She took out her keys and leaned up against her car. She kept her head down, watching herself play with her keys in her hands. Thomas didn’t say a word as leaned up against her car next to her. He knew Melinda needed time to gather her thoughts for what she was going to say next. So he stood there, waiting patiently until she was ready. She took a deep breath and raised her head, staring out into the street.

“When I was 12, this 54 year old man named Travis Smith Jr came to adopt me,” Melinda said. “I remember seeing outside my school for a good month or two. I was in the other room getting lunch together for the others when I heard them talking. He said he was a widower and he and his wife never had children.” She turned to Thomas. “I thought to myself, that’s so weird. If you have no kids, why are you sitting outside the school before and after it ends?” He nodded his head and she turned back to the street. “So after they talked and she stepped out while he filled out the paperwork. She came straight to me and before I could tell her I had seen him before, she told me to get the others and take them all to her room and lock the door. I was going to ask her why but the look in her eyes, the look of panic and disgust in them.”

“I dropped what I was doing and got everyone, and went to her room.” Melinda said. “But instead of staying with them, I told them to stay there and lock the door, and not to open it until I come back. Then I headed downstairs and I could hear him starting to raise his voice, demanding I go with him. She’s telling him no and for him to leave because the cops were on their way. Next thing I know, I hear things breaking and Mama Evelyn screaming for him to let her go. I ran in there and he was on top of her, choking. I just ran and jumped on top of him, wrapped myself around him. I started biting and clawing at him until he let her go. Then he flips me off of him and I hit the ground so hard, everything just goes black.”

“When I woke up, he’s dragging me to the door by my leg.” Melinda said. “I could see Mama Evelyn crawling towards me, blood soaking her white hair and dropping down her face. Her hands were bleeding, nose and lip busted. I could see the dazed look in her eyes as she struggled to stay awake. I don’t know how she did it, but she got to her feet and she just.. Just let out this scream, this roar and she charges at him. She takes him down to the ground and she starts swinging and she keeps swinging. And as she fights him with everything she’s got, she’s screaming at me to run and get the others out. But before I even move he uh,” she paused as emotions from that day started to take over. “He took out a knife and stabbed her right in her side, twisting the blade into her. She just goes limp and he shoves her over.”

“He gets up and he starts walking over to me and I start crawling back away from him as fast as I could.” Melinda said. “He tells me, I’ve been looking for you everywhere baby girl. Your whore of a mother thought she could hide you from me. But after breaking a few bones, the bitch finally sang. And now that she’s dead along with this bitch here, no one is going to keep us apart again. He grabbed my leg and yanked me towards him, then he grabbed my shirt and got into my face. Then he tells me, you look just like your mother did when I met her. And he just stares at me, not saying a word for a few seconds. Then he tells me I was going to wait till we get home to have a taste but I don’t think I can wait any longer, baby girl. And he,” she looked down as her hands started to shake, causing the keys in her hands to rattle. “He… he.”

Thomas moved in front of her and slowly reached out not to frighten her. He gently placed his hands on hers to steady them. He started stroking his thumbs across her hands, helping her regain focus.

“He… he tried to kiss me,” Melinda said. “But before he could, Mama Evelyn was on top of him. She starts taking him over and over again in the neck, and he lets me. I rolled out of the way and he hit the floor, with Mama Evelyn still on top of him. And I…. I could see the light leave his eyes. And Mama Evelyn,” her eyes slowly started to tear up. “She started bleeding out really quick because of where he stabbed her. I ran to the kitchen and I grabbed a towel, and I put it on her wound to try to stop the bleeding. She starts telling me what I need to do to seal it up before… before.” Her breathing started picking up and Thomas tightened his grip on her hands. “But her lungs. They started filling up with her blood and she started choking on it. I couldn’t make out a word she was saying and by the time help came,” she shook her head. “She was gone.” She looked up at him as tears slowly rolled down her cheeks. “She… she knew that would happen. Because she was a nurse before she started running the orphanage. She knew if she removed the knife she was going to bleed out before help got there. But… but she did it to save me. And I… I couldn’t save her.”  

Melinda put her head down and started crying. He used her hands to guide her closer to him. He let go of her hands and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her against his body. She buried her head into his chest and he rested his head on hers. Thomas moved his arms around, on her lower back and one on her upper back to shield her. He gently swayed them as he tightened his grip on her. 

“It’s alright Melinda, I’m here.” Thomas whispered softly. “I’m here.” He kept swaying them as she continued to cry. “I know you feel like her death is your fault, but it’s not. You were a child Melinda, a child. And Evelyn, she was your mother. And as a mother you do anything for your child, including sacrificing yourself for them. That’s why she did it. She saw her child, her daughter in danger and she had the courage and strength to fight back. Courage and strength that she found because of you Melinda. You were her courage and strength. So don’t think for once what happened to her is your fault. I have never meant your mother, but from what you told me, she loved you fiercely. And I’m sure if she had to do it all over again, she would in a heartbeat. So please, please don’t cry and blame yourself for what happened. It wasn’t your fault Melinda, it wasn’t your fault.”  

He continued to hold her as he whispered softly it wasn’t her fault. As Melinda took deep breaths to calm her crying, she took in the scent of his cologne. The smell of driftwood and clean air took her back to her visits to the tide pool. She could hear the sound of the ocean clashing against the rocks. A sound she always found smoothing to her. Slowly, Melinda moved her hands around his waist as her cries started to subside and her mind started to be at ease. Once her breathing became steady again, he stopped whispering to her and swaying them. But he didn’t let her go, he wanted to keep comforting her, protecting her from memories of her past. Especially since she still had more to tell. 

“I’m sorry I gave you a bath with my tears,” Melinda said.

He chuckled. “Don’t worry about it,” Thomas said. “It saves me time taking a shower tonight when I get home.” She giggled and then she let out a soft sigh. “You know you don’t have to continue if you want. We can always pick it up some other time or not at all. Whatever is best for you.”

“I want to finish telling you,” Melinda said. “But,”

“But what?” Thomas said.

“Can you keep holding me like this?” Melinda said.

“I’ll hold you like this as long as you want me to Miss Mercer,” Thomas said. “Your wish is my command.” 

“Thank you,” Melinda said. She took a deep breath, breathing in his cologne once more to keep her calm. “The private detectives Mama Evelyn used came to stay with us until her lawyers got everything sorted out. They hosted a funeral that the neighborhood attended and those that were adopted with their families. When they released information on her death they just said it was a home invasion gone wrong. They even used another name, Max Fargo. I was pissed about them lying and I wanted to know why. One of the private investigators told me it’s because my father was a son of a councilman and he was trying to keep it under wraps. He didn’t want anyone to know his son had a thing for under age girls. Out of 25 girls, my mother was the only one who got pregnant. And because of that he became obsessed with her. Claiming that she was the one and they were meant to be.”

“For some reason, he introduced her to his family by taking them to her school.” Melinda said. “They thought she was one of the teachers until he pointed at her and they lost it. They sent him away and when his family confronted her, she broke down. Unlike those other girls, my mother wasn’t willing. She was too scared to tell anyone because he threatened to go after her friends, so she stayed quiet. The only reason why he knew about the pregnancy, was because he was trying to rape her again and she shouted it out, it made him stop. Then all of a sudden, he was loving her, telling her they were going to get married and raise the baby together. His parents wanted her to get an abortion but she said no, that she wanted to keep me since he was gone now. She told them she’ll sign a contract, saying she’ll never tell anyone who my father was. They agreed and they left her be after that. But he came back after I was born and to keep me safe, she gave me up and told him that she lost me during childbirth. It wasn’t until he saw me at the school when he noticed I look just like her, that’s when he knew she lied.”

“And that’s when he tracked down your birth mother,” Thomas said.

“Yeah,” Melinda said. “His parents came by, wanting me to sign a NDA. I didn’t want to sign it but,” she sighed. “Losing my Mama Evelyn. My birth mother being murdered by my father. Her being raped by him years ago and him planning to do the same to me. All in the same day was too much and I just wanted it to be over. So I signed the papers and I never saw them again.”

“But the trouble didn’t stop there, did it?” Thomas said.

“Not even close,” Melinda said. “Since Mama Evelyn never updated her will, everything went to her next closest living relative."

“Her estranged sister.” Thomas said.

“Candice Mercer,” Melinda said. “First thing she did was try to get into all our savings, lucky they were all secure and she couldn’t touch them. Then she started selling off any of our stuff worth money, which wasn’t much though. But she sold off all the TVs, video game systems, the games themselves and movies. She didn’t care about us at all, we were merchandise to her. I kept taking care of the others, making sure they got to and from school, they ate and bathed. All of it while she sat in her room on her phone, ordering stuff while stuffing her face. Anyone that came to adopt her wouldn’t even do background checks. If they had the money, she handed the others over. Luckily they did go to good homes, I made sure by checking up on them.”

“In time, it ended up down to just me.” Melinda said. “I was too old, no one wanted to raise a teenager. She basically had me play Cinderella, cooking and cleaning, taking care of her. Waiting for her hand and foot. But once I hit 16, I got the job at the cafe and the diner, since Davison and my other boss Ben were from the neighborhood. And that, that pissed off Candice. She would slap me, pull my hair, and shove me around.” She tightened her grip on him and he slowly started swaying them again. “She would call me every name in the book and constantly remind me that,” her eyes started tearing up again. “That I was unwanted and unloved, that I always will be. That’s why no one ever adopted me, because I wasn’t worth loving or caring for. I was just a burden. She said I was nothing and no matter what I do, I’ll always be nothing. Then she said the moment I turned 18, she was kicking me and there was nothing I could do because the law would be on her side.”

“So I worked my ass off and saved every single cent I had,” Melinda said. “I signed up for scholarships and any other program that could help me get to college. Not only did I want to prove her wrong, but I wanted to make Mama Evelyn proud of me. I wanted to become a nurse just like her, to take care and help others. To make up for not being able to help save her by saving others. Most of all, I wanted to do it in honor of her memory. Then after a few years being head nurse, I would buy Candice out and take back the orphanage. But after she kicked me out on my 18th birthday she threw a party to celebrate. No one knows what happened, but the place caught on fire and everything went up in flames, including Candice. My childhood home and the memories I made in that home with Mama Evelyn were gone.”

He gave her a gentle squeeze. “I’m sorry you weren’t able to get your home back.” Thomas said.  

“It’s alright,” Melinda said as she pulled back at him. “Because one of my new goals is to rebuild the orphanage. And I’m going to name it after Mama Evelyn.”

He smiled. “You really don’t let anything stop you, do you Miss Mercer?” Thomas said.

“Nope,” Melinda said, smiling. “Mama Evelyn always said there will always be obstacles in your life. But at the end of the day no one and nothing can stop you, except you. So as long as you power through and keep your eyes on the prize, you can accomplish anything. All you have to do is believe in yourself, work hard, and pour your heart into everything you do, and you’ll reach your goal. So I try my best to live by her words, even when it gets hard. I just don’t let it stop me.” 

“Miss Mercer,” Thomas said and he smiled. “I am very, very proud of you.” She smiled. “You’re such a passionate person and I have to say, I love that about you. Most people nowadays lack passion. And what I’m about to say is bold, but I feel I have to say it.”

“Say what?” Melinda said, looking curious.

“I strongly,” Thomas said, brushing back her loose strains of hair behind her ear. “Strongly believe being passionate about what you’re interested in, whatever it may be, is absolutely the sexiest thing about a woman. So to me, your passion to be a nurse and to help others. The drive and focus you have, it’s not only admirable and honorable. It’s not only the most sexist thing about you, it's seductive. Very seductive,” he placed his hand on her face as he leaned in closer, inches from her face. “That I find myself drawn to you.” He looked right into her eyes as her heart started to pound away. “I never met a woman quite like you before Melinda. I honestly want to get to know you more. I know you're busy with work and I don’t want to intrude on your studies. But whenever you have time, I would really like to sit down and talk some more. It doesn’t have to be tomorrow or next week, or even this month. Whenever you have time and you feel comfortable, I would like to take you up for a cup of coffee or,” he smiled. “Your favorite funnel cake with powdered sugar, whip cream, chocolate drizzle, crushed oreos and vanilla ice cream on top.”

“You remember?” Melinda said, looking surprised. 

“Of course Miss Mercer,” Thomas said, smiling. “When you talk, I can’t help but listen to what you say. Doesn’t matter what it’s about. It could be about school or about the weather. It could be about a meme you saw or another drunk chipping his tooth on the counter," she giggled. “When an angel like you talks, I'm going to listen.” She started blushing. “So whenever you decide you want to sit down and talk some more, just let me know and I’ll be there.”

“Thank you Thomas,” Melinda said. “And thank you for listening and comforting me, I really appreciate it.”

“Think nothing of it, that’s what I’m here for,” Thomas said, smiling. “Let’s get you on your way, you need your rest. Unless you want to talk more or I give you a ride back, up to you. I’m completely fine with whatever you chose.” 

“I’m good to drive,” Melinda said. 

“Alright then but first,” Thomas said and he smiled. “May I hug you before you go?” She smiled as she nodded her head. “Come here,” she laid her head against his chest once more and he rested his head on hers. He closed his eyes as he took a deep breath through his nose and then he sighs softly. “You smell sweet, like flowers. It reminds me of my mother’s garden. I always loved it there.” She giggled as she nuzzled his chest, making him smile more. “I’m glad you didn’t find it strange I said that.”

“It’s not strange at all,” Melinda said as she pulled back to look at him. “Honestly your cologne reminds me of the tide pools I used to play in. I really miss it.”

“That’s so strange for you to say,” Thomas said, smiling. Melinda giggled as she playfully smacked his chest, making him chuckle. “I”m sorry Miss Mercer, I had to tease you so I can hear that delightful giggle of yours again.” 

She started blushing. “I should get going.” Melinda said. They let go of each other and she unlocked the door. Before she could open, Thomas opened it for her and helped her inside. “Oh, your jacket.”

“Won’t you keep it for the rest of the week.” Thomas said. 

“Are you sure?” Melinda said.

“Yes, it’s supposed to be really cold this week.’ Thomas said.

“Thank you Thomas,” Melinda said. 

“Your welcome Miss Mercer,” Thomas said. “Have a good night and get home safe. I’ll see you later today at the cafe.” 

“Alright, I’ll see you then,” Melinda said as she started up her car. “Goodnight.” He closed her door for her and drove off, anxious to see Thomas again.

Napalm Skies Part 5 coming soon

“Well good evening Miss Mercer,” Thomas said, smiling as he walked up to the counter. “I knew they mentioned you worked in a diner, but what are the odds you would be working at the diner I walked into.”

“What are the odds indeed?” Melinda said. “What brings you out here so late? Normally during this time we get truck drivers or the occasional drunks stumbling from the bar two blocks over.” 

“After we spoke I visited some of the sights you suggested and I ended up getting inspired to write,” Thomas said. “So I sat down, put pen to paper and I kinda just,”

“Went down the rabbit hole.” Melinda said.

“Exactly,” Thomas said, smiling. “I just resurfaced and realized I have been eating poorly lately, junk food and whatnot. I decided I needed actual food, but I was feeling a bit lazy to cook it myself at this hour. I looked online to see what places were open, this was one of the first ones that popped up. And I have to say Miss Mercer, I’m very glad it was.”

“Me too,” Melinda said, smiling. “Now I know we’re jammed packed right now but if you can find a seat that you like, go ahead and seat yourself. And I’ll get you a menu and silverware.

He chuckled. “Alright then, thank you Miss Mercer.” Thomas said. 

Thomas went over to the booth that was directly across from the front counter where Melinda was at. She walked over with silverware and a menu, seeing him placing his belongings neatly in a spot he assigned them to. She handed him the menu and he started looking it over. As he did, Thomas could see out of the corner of his eye Melinda was laying out the silverware the way he had at the cafe. A smile formed on his face as he looked back at the menu.

“What would you like to drink?” Melinda said. “I don’t know if it’s too late for you to drink coffee.”

He looked over at her and smiled. “Coffee sounds great actually.” Thomas said.

“I’ll make you a fresh batch.” Melinda said, smiling.

“Oh I don’t want to put you out by doing that for me,” Thomas said. “Whatever coffee you have left is fine with me Miss Mercer.”

“I don’t mind at all Thomas,” Melinda said and she headed to behind the counter to make him a fresh batch. “Plus I usually just give the old coffee to the drunks,” she looked over her shoulder at him and smirked. “They can't tell the difference.”

He chuckled. “Do you get drunks in here often?” Thomas said.

“Not too often thank god.” Melinda said as she put the coffee to brew. “But when we do they are something else.” She turned to face him. “Last week, I had three drunk guys in here, one with a guitar. He started singing Aerosmith's I Don't Want To Miss A Thing and his friends were his backup singers. They completely butcher the song and I’m pretty sure my ears bled just a little bit.” Thomas chuckled as he shook his head. “Then about two or so months ago one drunk guy passed out right here at the counter.” She motioned to the spot in front of her. “And I don’t mean he just slumped over the counter and went to sleep. He was standing up and passed out, and on his way to the floor, he chipped his tooth on the counter.”

“No,” Thomas said, smiling as he shook his head.

“No seriously he did.” Melinda said, smiling as she went around the counter. “See this mark right here?” She pointed out a dent in the table. “That’s from his tooth.” 

He chuckled. “I can’t believe he was able to do that with his tooth,” Thomas said. 

“I couldn’t believe he just popped back up after he hit the floor.” Melinda said.

“He got back up?” Thomas said, looking surprised.

“Yeah,” Melinda said, nodding her head. “And when he got up he yelled, I'm not driving. And he runs out the door and he smacks the pole outside, and passes out again.” They both started laughing. “It was so hilarious, we kept watching the security cameras a few times just to see it again.”

He chuckled. “Seems this retro diner has quite the night life.” Thomas said.

“It does,” Melinda said, she went back around the counter, getting a mug and placing it on a saucer. “I just hope the rest of this week and next week stays like this so I have more time to study.” She picked it up along with the refreshing brewed coffee and she headed back to his table. She sat it down but before she poured coffee into it, she adjusted the placement a bit. Once again, she saw that satisfaction smile on Thomas' face and she started pouring the coffee. “Are you ready to order or need a minute?”

“I’m ready Miss Mercer,” Thomas said. “I would like the ribeye steak, medium rare. With a loaded baked potato and steamed broccoli.” 

“You got it,” Melinda said. She turned around and called out to the cook who answered back. In Spanish she told him the order and he responded back in Spanish. “Thank you.” She turned back to Thomas. “He said it will be in 15 minutes.”

He smiled. “I didn’t know you were fluent in Spanish." Thomas said. 

“I took it back in high school to help me out once I become a nurse,” Melinda said. “I also know Portuguese from some of the customers since it’s similar to Spanish. And some Japanese."

“Really?” Thomas said. “Japanese?”

“Yeah, I’m a,” Melinda said and she hesitated.

“A what Miss Mercer?” Thomas said.

She gave him a shy smile."A nerd,” Melinda said in a low voice.

He smiled. “You watch anime don’t you?” Thomas said.

“I do,” Melinda said, smiling. “I watch it in Japanese and just read the subtitles. I started picking it up. But I do hope when I graduate I can start learning it more.”

“And why are you learning Japanese?" Thomas said. “It can’t be just so you can watch anime without reading the subtilties.”

She gigged, making him smile. “No it’s because I always wanted to go to Japan,” Melinda said and she smiled. “I really love cherry blossoms and I always wanted to go to the festival they have for them in the spring. I know it won't be for a few years until I am able to. But that’s one of my goals.”

“One of your goals?” Thomas said. “What other goals do you have, Miss Mercer?”

“Well as you know, graduate and become a nurse.” Melinda said and he nodded his head. “But I want to do more than that. I want to graduate at the top of my class, with the highest GPA, along with the highest marks. And I want to be head nurse of the ER at the top hospital they have in the city before I turn 30.” He smiled. “Then I want to get a new car and a house. Learn Japanese, Greek, and Italian because I would love to visit Greece and Rome too. And that’s just some of my goals. I got my list home for the others.” 

“I see you're more than just driven and ambitious Miss Mercer,” Thomas said and he smiled. “You're also very determined and goal oriented. My hats off to you.”

She started blushing. “Thank you Thomas,” Melinda said. “I uh,” she smiled. “I should get this coffee back on the warmer and get back to my studies while we’re waiting on your food.” She took the menu from him. “Do you need anything else?”

“Not at the moment,” Thomas said, smiling. “So go ahead and get to your studies while I write some more.”

“Okay,” Melinda said. “Try not to go down the rabbit hole again. I don’t want to force feed you.”

He chuckled. “I try not to Miss Mercer.” Thomas said.

Melinda smiled and headed back behind the counter with Thomas’ eyes on her. She put the pot on the warmer and sat back down, and began to study again. As for Thomas he got out his pen and opened up his book, and started writing. Within a blink of an eye, 15 minutes were up and the food was ready. Melinda got up and grabbed the plate, and brought it over to Thomas, who was deep in thought as he wrote.

“Thomas,” Melinda said softly so she would startle him. He looked up and she smiled. “Your food is ready.”

“Thank you Miss Mercer,” Thomas said, putting away his pen and placing his book back into its place. She sat her plate down and like before she made sure it was placed correctly before removing her hands. “Now this looks quite delicious.”

“And it’s going to taste delicious too,” Melinda said. “It’s one of my favorites. Would you like anything else to go with it?”

“No, I’m fine.” Thomas said. “Thank you Miss Mercer.”

“You're welcome Thomas.” Melinda said. “If you need me, I’ll be with my nose in my textbook.” Thomas nodded his head and she walked back over to the counter, and got back to her studies. As she did, she heard a humming sound, she looked up to see a smile on his face. “It’s good huh?”

“It is delicious just like you said it would be.” Thomas said. “You know Miss Mercer, one of these days we should get together so you can take me around the city, showing me all these hidden food gems. We can make a day out of it and it will be my treat.” He smiled. “But when you're free from work and your studies of course.”

She smiled. “Yeah, I’m down for that.” Melinda said, nodding her head. “Question, do you have a sweet tooth?”

“I do,” Thomas said.

“Good, Melinda said smiling. “Because I know a great place to get some funnel cakes. I always get my favorite. It’s funnel cake with powdered sugar, whip cream, crushed oreos, chocolate drizzle and vanilla ice cream on top.”

“I feel like I just got a cavity after listening to that,” Thomas said and she started giggling. “You have a wonderful little giggle Miss Mercer, it’s truly delightful.” 

She started blushing as she smiled. “Thank you Thomas,” Melinda said. “That’s really sweet of you to say.” 

“Just speaking the truth Miss Mercer,” Thomas said, smiling. “I’ll let you get back to your studies while I finish this delicious meal.” 

Melinda smiled as nodded her head and she got back to her studies. Thomas started eating as he kept stealing glances from her once more. He loved how she seemed even more focused with her studies than she was when she was working. How she took notes, reviewed what she wrote and looked over the textbook. He could hear her mumbling slightly, quizzing herself on what she just read. And see her double checking her answer, smiling when she got it right. If she was wrong, she would review everything again until she got it right. Self correction, he loved that. Thomas also loved how she was able to multitask without losing focus.

She was able to switch from focusing to dealing with truck drivers that came in for coffee. She would clean up, making sure everything was neat and clean. Melinda also made sure to give him attention and tend to him if he needed something before she returned to her studies. She was able to do it all without getting flustered. Even with that wild strain of hers that kept getting in her face. He chuckled to himself when he saw her throw away the clip she had in her hair to help hold it down. Then when he was done eating, she took away his plate and cleaned up the table for him, leaving it spotless. He asked Melinda to keep his tap open until he was ready to leave. Since he decided to write more, he told the diner was the best place for him to do his writing. It was quiet with oldies music coming from the junkbox in the background. There was plenty of coffee and more food if he got hungry again. Of course, that was only part of it. So when she came back from the kitchen he made his move.

“Miss Mercer,” Thomas said and she looked over at him. “Would you care to join me?” He motioned to the seat across from him. “I know you are working and studying. But since there’s no customers, I’m also working on my writing. I thought perhaps we can share the table. I promise I won’t be a distraction, I’ll even get my own coffee so you can focus. I just thought it would be nice to have company for a change. I normally sit alone in my study when I write.” He gave her a smile, an encouraging one.

She smiled back. “Yeah,” Melinda said, nodding her head. “I’ll join you.” 

“Great, allow me to get your belongings for you.” Thomas said as he got up. 

He collected her stuff and laid them out on the table, nice and neat. He smiled at her as he offered his hand to her. Melinda blushed as she placed her hand in his, and he helped her take a seat, then he took a seat. Without a word they both focus on their own task. And like Thomas promised, he didn’t distract her from her studies. He got his own coffee whenever he wanted more. And he would just look over at her, smiling as he admired how beautiful she looked with the glow of the overhead lamp that lit their table. But what he admired the most was her hazel eyes. How he wished she would look up at him just so he could gaze into them. Not only were they beautiful to him, but they were luring and sexy, just like those mother bearing hips of hers. God, her mother bearing hips that were driving him crazy whenever he saw her walking. He wanted anything more than to come up behind her and take a hold of them, and just,

The cook called out and Melinda looked over at the clock on the wall. “Everything okay Miss Mercer?” Thomas said.

“Oh yeah, I just lost track of time,” Melinda said, turning back to him. “He was telling me it’s closing time.”

“Then, I should get going.” Thoma said. “I have to say,” he smiled. “This is rather nice.”

“It is,” Melinda said, smiling. “Normally I’m studying alone too.” 

“In that case,” Thomas said. “Whenever I wander in here late at night after digging myself out of the rabbit hole. We should do this again, if you like to that is.”

She smiled and nodded her head, not trusting her voice. “I’ll go grab your check for you so I can close out the register.” Melinda said. Before she got out of the booth, Thomas got up and offered his hand to her again. “Thank you,” he helped her up and she went to the door and turned off the light to the open side, then she got his check. As she did, he gathered up her stuff and set them on the counter for her. “Here you go,” she handed him the check and he took out his wallet. “Thomas?”

“Yes Miss Mercer,” Thomas said, looking up at her.

“I wanted to thank you,” Melinda said, and he looked at her confused. “For the 600 dollar tip you left me the other day for my tires. It really helped me out, thank you.”

He smiled at her. “You're welcome Miss Mercer, but you don’t have to thank me for that,” Thomas said.  

“But I do,” Melinda said. “You didn’t have to do that but you did anyway, so thank you. I promise when I can, I’ll pay you back.”

“No,” Thomas said, shaking his head. “I didn’t do it for a thank you and I definitely didn’t do it for you to owe me one. I did it because I overheard a young woman who has worked hard her whole life to take care of herself. And refused to take the easy way out by getting into a relationship just to have a man take care of everything for her. With that said, please Melinda.” He looked right into her eyes as he leaned in closer. “Do not give this matter a second thought.” She nodded her head as he leaned back. “Besides,” he reached out, brushing her stubborn strain of hair behind her ear and keeping his fingers there. “Helping you replace your tires wasn’t only to help you get to work and school,” he smiled. “But give me peace of mind knowing you are going to be safe when you drive.” His fingers gently glided down her ear slowly, putting Melinda in a daze before he pulled away. “I would hate to see anything bad happen to you, especially when I’m around to help prevent it.” Melinda wasn’t sure what to say, so she stayed quiet as she looked at him. “Here you go Miss Mercer,” he handed her 100 dollars. “Keep the rest for the tip, you deserve it.”

“Uh,” Melinda said and she shook her head, snapping herself out of it. “Thank you Thomas.”

“Since it’s 3 in the morning, do you mind I stay and wait till you are done?” Thomas said.

“Yeah but,” Melinda said. “Why?”

 “I would like to walk you to your car.” Thomas said. “A young lady such as yourself shouldn’t be walking alone at night.”

“That’s really thoughtful Thomas,” Melinda said, smiling. “I just got to close out the drawer real quick and do a couple of things. I’ll be done roughly in about 10 minutes or so.”

“No worries, Miss Mercer.” Thomas said, smiling. “Take your time, I’ll be here.” 

He sat back down and waited patiently for Melinda to be done. Once she was done, she put her stuff in her bag and headed over to him. As she did, the cook called out in Spanish to her and he noticed she started to blush. His jaw clenched in order to steady his breathing. Then she started to smile and his grip tightened around his book. Melinda replied back in Spanish to him and as she turned back to him, he quickly forced a smile on his face.

“You're blushing, Miss Mercer.” Thomas said. “Was he throwing his hat into the ring for your hand, like that Nathan fellow from the cafe?” He chuckled softly.

She giggled as she shook her head. “No he was uh,” Melinda said, she smiled as she looked down and blush some more. “He was asking if you were my boyfriend.” He grinned from ear to ear formed on his face. “We uh,” she looked back up slowly. “Should get going, I parked quite a ways from here.”

With a grin still on his face as he opened the door for her. “Lead the way Miss Mercer.” Thomas said. They stepped out and Melinda locked up the door, then they walked down the sidewalk. He stayed behind her, just a half step so he could admire the way her mother bearing hips swayed as she walked. Then when the cold air picked up and she shivered, he quickly acted. “One moment Miss Mercer.” They stopped and she looked over at him curiously to why they stopped. “Here, I don’t want you to catch a cold.” 

Thomas placed his jacket on her shoulder and she could smell his cologne coming off of it. As he leaned in closer to move her hair out from under the jacket, she could smell his cologne more. It wasn’t settled, not over powering at all. It had the hint of driftwood and fresh clean air. It reminded her of the ocean, the small tide pools she used to play in when she was a child. He leaned back and she saw a smile crept on his face. She knew it was because of how petite she was and how his jacket swallowed her up. But she didn’t mind it. The warmth she felt that was left behind from his body heat made her take comfort in it and made her feel safe.

“It looks quite nice on you Miss Mercer,” Thomas said, smiling

“Thank you Thomas.” Melinda said, smiling as she blushed. 

“Your welcome,” Thomas said. He motioned with his hand and they continued their walk. “So tell me Miss Mercer, what made you decide to choose nursing as your passion?”

“My reason is kinda… a long one,” Melinda said and she shook her head.“I’m not sure if you want to hear it.”

“I would love to hear it,” Thomas said, she put her head down, hesitating. “Melinda,” she looked over at him as he matched her pace. “If you worry I would look down on you or make you feel ashamed for what you’re about to say, please don’t. There’s no need for it. I could never do something like that to anyone, let alone you. Besides,” he smiled. “From what I’ve seen, whatever has happened to you in your past has made you a very strong and independent woman that I have come to admire greatly. So please, tell me your story and I assure you, I will hang on every word you say and by the end of it all, I’ll be proud of you.” He offered her his arm. “I promise.”

Her mind was put at ease as she smiled up at him. “Okay,” Melinda said as she looped her arm with his, making him smile. “I only ever told people half the truth of why I want to be a nurse. What I’m going to tell you, no one knows. Not even the people close to me know. Not my friends, not my bosses, and not regulars. Absolutely no one.” 

“I’m honored to be the first one,” Thomas said as he placed his other hand on top of hers. “And I promise, I will keep it between us.”

Napalm Skies Part 4

She grabbed the food and handed it to another customer. “That’s the thing I can’t,” Melinda said. “I have a test coming up in two weeks.” He put up more food and she grabbed them, and handed it out. “And it’s one of those, make you or break you test, that’s half my grade.” He set up more food and she grabbed them. “So now I have to study twice as hard after I get off at the diner.” She went around the counter to hand out the food.

“Won’t I put you to work part time for these two weeks so you have time to study?” Davidson said. 

“Don’t you dare,” Melinda said as she handed the food.

He chuckled. “It will be just for two weeks,” Davidson said as he placed more food at the window. “That way you can get sleep too.”

“I can take power naps on my breaks.” Melinda said, going back over to grab the other plates. “Besides I wasn’t late because I overslept. I’m late because my tire blew out and I had to change it.” 

“Sweetie you could have called me,” Frank said and he pointed at his name tag. “Tow truck driver, remember?”

“Yes, but I would have to pay for your services which I can’t afford right now.” Melinda said, handing out the food and pointed at him before he could say anything. “And no, because I know you’ll say I can pay for it when I can.” Frank chuckled as she went back to the counter. “Though that would be sweet of you I don’t want to owe anyone any money.” She grabbed condiments and other stuff she needed and started passing them out as she wanted for more food. “As it is I’m already looking at 600 dollars for all four tires since my other tires are bald and will blow out on me soon too.” She went back to the counter. “I’m going to have to dip into my savings that’s already running low.”

“Low?” Frank said. “But you have been saving for years sweetie. How are you low?”

“I had to fix the transmission on the car that was around 500 and I had to get a studio apartment.” Melinda said. “It was 800 despot, first and last month up front which was a total of 1,000 and monthly payments is 500. And now I have to put in extra gas to get to and from school, along with utilities." 

“Why did you move out of the dorms?” Frank said.

“My roommate was complaining how I was keeping her up at night because I had my book lamp light on to study.” Melinda said. “But really it was because I was up when she was bringing…. Company over.”

“Ah,” Frank said, nodding his head. 

“I tried to switch around but there’s nothing open. So,” Melinda said and she sighed. “So a couple months ago I had to get a place because the complaining was too much for me. I need to focus on my studies.” 

“You know if you had a boyfriend, he could help you out.” Davidson said and he smiled. “My son is still available and he just got the promotion.”

“No offense, but hard no,” Melinda said and Davidson chuckled. “I'm too busy to even try to date or talk to someone. Plus, if I do date, I don’t think I can date someone around my age.”

“And why not?” Davidson said.

“Because when I was changing the tire out, this guy my age came over and started talking to me.” Melinda said. “I tried my best not to be rude to him. But it was frustrating that he’s trying to flirt with me while I’m struggling to change my tire. Luckily this older guy helped me finish changing it. After he walks away, the younger guy turns around and asks for my phone number because he wanted to take me out on a date.” The men expressed their disappointment as they shook their heads. “Yeah and he was offended when I said no.”

“Boys these days don’t know how to be men anymore.” Frank said and the others agreed.

“They sure don’t,” Melinda said as she made a fresh patch of coffee. “So if I date, it has to be someone older.”

“What about 44?” Nathan said with a smirk.

“44?” Melinda said, putting her hands on her hips. “Nathan you're 54.” The men all laugh.

“But I'm 44 at heart.” Nathan said.

She giggled and then looked at him with a straight face. “No,” Melinda said and they all laughed. “At the most, maybe someone ten years older than me. But like I said, I’m too busy to date. And even if I wasn't, I’m not going to date a guy just to take care of me. I’ve learned from the orphanage long ago that I have to take care of myself and I have. That’s how I know I can take care of myself despite the stress and the few bumps in the road. But I’ll get through it, I always do.”

“We’re just looking out for you sweetie,” Frank said. 

“I know,” Melinda said. “And I appreciate it. But I got this, even if that means I need to get a third job. Because I'd rather do that than get a boyfriend and use him for his money. That is completely unfair, not to mention cruel.” 

“Melinda, have you ever been on a date before?” Davidson said as he put the last plate of food up on the window. “Because I don’t ever remember you ever mentioning a boyfriend before or even going on a date.”

“I need to take this to the customer now,” Melinda said, grabbing the food.

“So that’s a no,” Davidson said.

She started heading to the last table where a gentleman that wasn’t one of the regulars was at. She had served coffee earlier, but she didn’t really look at him since she was trying to catch up on things. Now that it wasn’t hectic anymore she finally got a good look at him. He had slightly long darkish brown hair that was slick back and no facial hair, he looked around early 30s. He was handsome, very handsome, especially his blue eyes. The way he dressed was formal but yet casual. He was in a nice crisp black dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up. From his body build and his veins showing in his arms, he was fit though he had average build. He had black jeans with black boots, looking brand new. 

When she got closer she saw a gold rolex on his right wrist. And on his left pink finger a gold US navy ring. Both polish and shine bright whenever the sunlight hits it just right. As he read his book, “Meditations” by Marcus Aurelius, Melinda could see how focused he was. And unlike their other guest, he was sitting up straight, shoulders back. His silverware was laid out and evenly spaced out. She even notices he straightens out the other items on the table, keeping it neat and organized. She knew it had to be from him being in the military, the need for order was still drilled into him.

“Here you go sir,” Melinda said. He looked up from his book and she smiled. “I’m sorry about the wait and all the chatter about my life.”

He smiled back at her, making her heart flutter for a moment. “That’s quite alright Miss, I’m sure the food is worth the wait.” He said.

“Trust me it is,” Melinda said. 

He closed his book up and sat it aside in its own designated area. Melinda carefully sat his plate down in the middle of his set up. As she did, she could feel his eyes on her, watching her movements as if he was studying her. Before she removed her hands from the plate, she made sure it was straightened out and perfectly centered, so she wouldn’t ruin the way he organized everything. Once she saw a satisfied smile on his face, she let go of the plate and looked at him, seeing his smile grew bigger.

“Would you like more coffee or anything else to drink?” Melinda said. “Or anything else to go with your meal today sir?”

“Coffee would be great, thank you.” He said.

“Coming right up.” Melinda said as the smile stayed on her face. She walked back over to the counter and grabbed the fresh coffee, and headed back to him. She poured the coffee and he finished swallowing a bite. “How is it?”

“Fantastic actually.” He said, smiling. “Definitely was worth the wait.”

“Told ya,” Melinda said, smiling. “You sure you don’t need anything else sir?”

“I’m sure Miss, thank you.” He said. She turned to walk off. “Miss?” Melinda turned back around. “I just wanted to say, I admire how ambitious you are. Working two full time jobs and going to college. Not to mention you are taking care of everything yourself on top of that. You're very driven, I commend you for that.”

She started blushing. “Thank you very much,” Melinda said as she brushed one of her loose strains behind her ear. “I appreciate it.” 

“Your quiet welcome Miss,” He said and he offered his hand. “I’m Thomas by the way, Thomas Keefer.”

“Nice to meet you,” Melinda said, shaking his hand, feeling how big and strong they were. “I’m Melinda Mercer.” 

“Melinda,” Thomas said and he smiled. “That’s a very beautiful name. I think it suits you, it does mean sweet and beautiful after all.”

She started blushing again, making his smile grow bigger. “Thank you Thomas,” Melinda said. She let go of his hand and as she did, they locked eyes. She felt him lingering his hold as he ran his finger tips against the back of her hand gently before fully letting her hand go. Not only did it make her shiver, it gave her butterflies. She started blushing and she quickly looked down at his ring, using that as a way to change the subject. “So Navy,” she looked back at him. “Active or retired?” 

“Retired a few years now.” Thomas said. 

“What was your rank and all that, if you don’t mind me asking.” Melinda said.

“Not at all," Thomas said. “I was a Lieutenant and my job was a communication officer. I dealt with managing secure global voices, video, and data networks. I ensure ships and aircrafts can send and receive critical information. I oversee the cryptographic handling of classified intelligence, and operate exterior communications systems like high-frequency radios and satellites.”

“I’m going to smile and pretend I understood that.” Melinda said, smiling and he started chuckling. “I’m assuming that all means you manage communications of encryption and decryption of very important information between everyone. Is that right?”

“Exactly.” Thomas said as he nodded. 

“Well thank you for your service,” Melinda said.

“Thank you Miss Mercer, I appreciate it.” Thomas said, smiling. “But in all honesty, I was just fortunate enough that I was able to do my part and serve my county. Though I do miss it, I am happy to be home now, focusing on more quieter pursuits, such as writing.”

“Wait a minute,” Melinda said and she took a good look at him. “Are you the same Thomas Keefer that wrote “Multitudes, Multitudes” by any chance?”

“I am,” Thomas said, smiling as he nodded his head. “Take it, you read it.”

“Yeah, it was really good.” Melinda said, nodding her head. “I actually did an essay on it for English class.”

“Really now?” Thomas said, looking surprised. “How did that go?”

“I’m proud to say I got an A,” Melinda said, smiling.

He smiled. “Congratulations Miss Mercer.” Thomas said. “And I’m glad you enjoyed the book. I’m currently brainstorming for another.”

“I’m sure whatever you come up with will be great,” Melinda said and Thomas’ smile got bigger, causing her to blush again. “I should get back to work and let you eat your food before it gets cold. I’ll come back around in a few minutes to check up on you.”

“Sounds good,” Thomas said.

Melinda turned around, smiling as she went back to the counter to put the coffee pot back. She started tending to the other customers as Thomas stole glances from her. He admired how she focused on work, making sure the customer all had what they needed and keeping everything nice and tidying. Even when her uniform was out of place she was quick to fix it. He even saw someone so young to have such discipline and not in the military on top of that. He chuckled to himself whenever she fought with that one stubborn strain of hair that kept getting into her face. Then he would smile whenever she picked up her book study a bit instead of being on her phone that he sees most girls her age would do. To really show Thomas that she was motivated to succeed and do it on her own. And he found that unbelievably insanely attractive. 

But he was finding everything about her attractive. Her walk, though she was carrying plates of food and drinks, it was seductive. Even with a modest work uniform he could see how long and smooth her legs were in her skirt. Not to mention how nice and around her ass was. And her hips, those mother bearing hips that he always found the most attractive part of a woman. Her short sleeve button up shirt may cover up her chest completely he would see how busting her breasts were. And when she walked and they bounced, he knew they were real. The way it hugged her body, he could see her slightly slender body and hourglass figure. Her skin was fair, rosy cheeks and ruby lipstick. She had no makeup on, she didn’t need it, she was a natural beauty. Then her eyes, her beautiful hazel eyes, they were absolutely to die for. 

Whenever she came back around to check up on him or refill his coffee, he would make small talk with her. Asking her what sites were worth around the area. Though he had moved here after he retired, he didn’t get out much. He focuses more on work and writing, than enjoying the city. She told him a few spots, mainly ones that were quiet and plenty of nature. The museum, art gallery and opera house. He liked how she enjoyed the little things, humble and artist places rather than shopping malls or theme parks. To him, Melinda may be young but she had an old soul, like him.

“Anything else for you today Thomas?” Melinda said.

“No thank you Miss Mercer,” Thomas said, shaking his head. “I’m ready for the check.”

“Here you go,” Melinda said. She handed him the check holder and gathered up the dishware on the table. “I’ll be right back.”

“Take your time,” Thomas said. She walked off to the kitchen while he took care of the bill. When he was done, he got up and went to the cash register as she came over. “Well Miss Mercer, I have to take my leave now.’ He handed her back the check holder as he smiled. “It was very nice chatting with you.”

“Like wise Thomas.” Melinda said and smiled. “Hopefully you come back soon.”

“Oh you can count on it,” Thomas said and he looked over at her strain of hair that was in her face yet again. “May I?” He reached out and gently and slowly, brushed back her strains of hair behind her ear. Yet again, his finger tips lightly brush against her skin and linger for a moment before he pulls back, causing her to blush. “There you go Miss Mercer.”

“Thank you,” Melinda said, looking down slightly due to her blush. “Depiste how much I straighten my hair, my waves fight to break free.”

He lightly chuckled. “It happens.” Thomas said she looked back up to see a smile on his face as his eyes looked into her eyes. “I’ll see you next time, Miss Mercer. And good luck with your studies.”

“Thank you,” Melinda said. He nodded his head and turned around, and headed to the door. He opened it up but before stepping out, he looked over at her one more time. He smiled at her, she smiled back as she started blushing yet again. He turned back around and headed out the door. She felt eyes on her and she turned around to see the regulars all smiling at her. “Oh shut up.” They all started laughing and went back to their meals. She opened up the check holder and she pulled out the twenty for the meal. Then her eyes widened when she saw the tip he left behind. “Oh my god!” 

“What?!” They all said as they turned back to her.

She pulled out her tip and showed them six crisp bills. “He left me a 600 dollar tip.” Melinda said. They all said what again. “Yeah,” she nodded her head. She looked back at the check, seeing he left a note. “For the tires. Because someone as hard working as you shouldn’t have to take care of everything herself. Drive safe Miss Mercer. Sincerely -Thomas.” She looked back up at them. “I got to give his money back.”

“Like hell you do,” Frank said. “Keep it.”

“Yeah,” Nathan said, nodding his head. “The man wants to help you out, let him.”

“But 600 dollars?” Melinda said.

“Melinda,” Davidson said and she turned to him. “All your life you have been working and taking care of yourself. I remember driving by the orphanage and seeing you always helping with the lawn work. You even started your own lawn service during the summer.”

“And I always saw you outside selling lemonade and baked goods in the spring,” Frank said.

“And when it was winter time and the snow started falling, you had that driveway shoveling service.” Nathan said.

“With that said,” Davidson said. “Take the damn money and get yourself those tires.” 

She sighed. “I’m just not used to this,” Melinda said. She looked back at the note, looking right at Thomas’ name and she smiled. “But it is nice to be taken care of for once.”

Napalm Skies Part 3

He took his keys out and unlocked the door, then they stepped inside. He locked up before putting her back on her feet and he took her jacket, and hung it up on the coat rack. As he removed his own jacket Melinda looked around, seeing his home was nearly bare. There was furniture yes, but there were no pictures on the walls or any decor of any kind. It looked as if Friedrich just moved in and was still setting everything up. Which was strange, he said he’s been here for roughly around four months. She looked back over at him and noticed he was removing his boots, and placing them by the door so she did the same. 

“Let me take a good look at you, my angel.” Friedrich said. He gently took her face in his hands and moved her head around, looking for any injuries. “I don’t see any there. At any point did you hit your head or someone hit it?” She shook her head and he let her go. “We’re going to have to remove your clothes.” 

She raised an eyebrow. “What?” Melinda said.

“It’s just so I can see if you got hurt,” Friedrich said.

“I’m fine,” Melinda said, smiling.

“When you fell, did anyone step on you?” Friedrich said.

“Yeah but,” Melinda said. He crossed his arms giving her a firm look and she let out a heavy sigh. “Alright then, you win.”

“Thank you, my angel.” Friedrich said and he motioned to the stairs. “Let’s go to my bedroom.” She put her hands on her hips and gave him a look, making him chuckle. “I know I said an inappropriate comment earlier and I did,” he grinned. “Spank you.” She blushed. “But my mind isn’t in the gutter, I was just being playful because of what had happened. I wanted you to take your mind off of it because I don’t want you to be scared or overwhelmed by it. Right now, I am solely focused on making sure you are perfectly fine. And I suggested the bedroom so I can start the water for you and you can take a nice hot bath after I check you to prevent you from catching a cold. That’s all.” 

“That better be all Mr,” Melinda said, smirking at him.

He chuckled. “Come along my angel,” Friedrich said. He took her hand and led her upstairs, and to his bedroom. He let go of her hand and he went over to the bathroom, trying on the water before returning to her. “May I remove your clothes?” She nodded her head. He started slowly removing her blouse and letting it fall to the floor. He smiled, seeing Melinda blushing as she kept her eyes on the floor. “Black lace, my favorite.” She giggled nervously. “Turn around please my angel.” She turned and he ran his finger tips across her back, giving goosebumps. “No marks or bruising of any kind.” He applied pressure. “Does it hurt at all?”

“No,” Melinda said. He removed his hand and she turned back around. “I told you I’m fine, Friedrich.”

“That may be but I’m still going to finish checking you,” Friedrich said and he placed his hands on her belt. “May I?” Melinda nodded her head. He unbuckled her belt and then he undid her pants. He took a hold of them and took a knee as he slid them down her legs slowly, grazing her skin with his finger tips causing more goosebumps to dance across her skin. He helped her get out of them along with her socks and he felt around her legs. “Nothing here. Turn around my angel.” She turned around and he ran his hands up and down her legs. “Nothing here as well.” He took a hold of her hip and turned her back around to him. “Any pain?”

“No,” Melinda whispered. His hands moved behind her and wrapped around her. He pressed his lips against her stomach, kissing it gently. Friedrich let out a sigh before he rested his forehead against her stomach as he kept his eyes closed. She started playing with his hair when she felt him tightening his grip on her. “What’s wrong?”

“I was frightened for you,” Friedrich said. “Seeing the way the crowd devoured you and you being knocked down to the ground. Seeing no one stopping to help you. Seeing all of them just trampling over you.” He opened up his eyes as he raised his head up to look at her. “I thought surely that was it, you were going to be dead by the time I got to you.” His eyes started to tear up.

“Oh Friedrich,” Melinda whispered. “Come here,” he stood up and she wrapped her arms around him, and placed her head on his chest. “You're not going to lose me, I promise.” He buried his face in her hair hiding what tears escaped. “Won’t we take a bath together and try to relax.”

He took a breath, breathing in her calming scent. “Alright then,” Friedrich said, he kissed the top of her head. They both pulled back and he leaned down, kissing her lips gently. “I am glad you are safe.”

“And I am glad you were there to save me,” Melinda said, smiling. “Thank you.”

“I always will be my angel,” Friedrich said, smiling. “Always.”

A Few Minutes Later:

Friedrich was leaning back against the tub, his head on the rim. One arm dangling outside the tub, the other wrapped around Melinda. Who was laying sideways between his legs, nuzzling his chest. They laid there quietly, only sounds that were heard was the rain and thunder from outside, and their light breathing. Both of them had their eyes closed, enjoying the heat coming from the steaming water and each other. It wasn’t until Melinda’s wandering mind got the best of her that the silence was broken.

“Friedrich,” Melinda said.

“Yes my angel?” Friedrich said.

“Why were you there tonight?” Melinda said. She looked up at him. “At the French Quarter?”

He let out a sigh. “Well I could lie and say I went there to get something to eat when I heard the commotion and I went over. But I won’t,” Friedrich said, he raised his head back up and looked down at her. “I was there because I was worried about you. I know you said he only insulted you but that’s how it always starts out. If he was able to get that upset and make that comment just because he smelled another man’s cologne on you. I feared he would put his hands on you once you told him you were spoken for. So I went there to keep a watchful eye out for you. If he made a move, I was going to do the same. I hope I didn’t overstep my angel, I just didn’t want something awful to happen to you.”

She smiled. “It was very sweet of you to do that, Friedrich,” Melinda said and she nuzzled his chest again. “I’m glad I have you in my life.”

“As am I my angel,” Friedrich said, kissing the top of her head. 

Friedrich laid his head back on the tub as they fell silent once more. They continued to lay there till the water lost its warmth. They got out and dried themselves off. Melinda went to put her clothes back on when Friedrich took a hold of her hand and brought her to him. He gave her a gentle smile as he let go of her hand and took her in his arms. He leaned down as she put her arms around his neck and he kissed her gently. Their lips started moving together as he lifted her up into the air. Melinda wrapped her legs around his waist and he led them over to his bed. He crawled onto it and leaned forward, placing Melinda onto her back. His lips left hers and made their way over to her ear. 

“My angel,” Friedrich whispered. “Do you trust me?”

“I do,” Melinda whispered.

“Do you trust me enough to allow me to take complete control?” Friedrich whispered and he moved back over to look into her eyes. “To completely dominate you?”

She placed her hands on his face gently. “I do,” Melinda whispered, smiling.

He smiled as he leaned down and kissed her, then he spoke against her lips. “Anytime you change your mind and wish for me to stop, say so and I will my angel,” Friedrich whispered. 

“Okay,” Melinda whispered.

“Keep your eyes close,” Friedrich whispered. 

Melinda kept her eyes closed as he removed her hands from his face. He got off of her and the bed, and went over to his dresser. He opened up the top drawer that had his ties and he took two of them up before closing it up. Friedrich got back on the bed and rested between her legs. He leaned down placing one of the satin ties over her eyes then he raised up her head a bit, wrapping it around and tying off behind her head before laying her head back down. Friedrich took her hands and he placed them above her head. With the other tie, he wrapped her wrists together and one of the poles on the headboard to hold them in place. Melinda’s breathing picked up, not because she was scared or nervous, but because she was excited. She’s always been strong and always had to stay in control because of it. But now, she could let herself go and allow Friedrich to overpower her. 

Friedrich took her lips one more, forcing, aggressively as he shoved his tongue into her mouth. The kiss was hard but passionate. He broke the kiss, leaving her breathless. He started working his way down her body. Caressing her and kissing her, even giving her gentle nipples as she gasped between moans. Then when he got to her stomach, he dragged the tip of his tongue down it making her arch her back as he sent chills down her spine. Friedrich withdrew his tongue when he got to her pelvis and he moved his arms around, placing them under Melinda’s legs. He raised them up and placed them on his shoulders. 

He kissed her knee and made his way down her thigh, leaving a trail of kisses behind. Melinda’s breathing picked up as he got closer to her core but before he got to it, he switched over to her other leg. Friedrich grinned when he heard her let out a sigh of disappointment. He started kissing down her knee just like he did with the other one making her breathing pick up again. But this time when he got near to her core, he didn’t pull away. The moment he took her mound into his mouth, Melinda moaned his name as she went into a daze. She became completely lost to his mouth and tongue once it started moving against her. She knew by the way Friedrich kissed her this new experience was going to be amazing, but she didn’t know how amazing. The way he moved his mouth and tongue slowly, deblirting teasing her. Making her crave him that much more.

Melinda tried to move her hips against him to get him to move faster, he tightened his grip on her thighs, keeping her in place. “My angel,” Friedrich said in a deep voice as he looked up at her. “I’m the one in control, not you. So I set the pace. All you are allowed to do is lay there and enjoy it. Am I understood?” 

“Yes,” Melinda whispered. 

He grinned. “Good.” Friedrich said. 

Friedrich lowered his head back as he kept his eyes on her. He started flicking the tip of his tongue against her clit, making her gasp as she arched her back. Melinda’s back fell back to the bed as he continued to move his tongue against her clit. She moaned as she moved her head back and forth, getting overwhelmed by his touch and fighting the urge to grind up against him. Then she started feeling her body tensed up and her legs started to shake. Finally, she was going to find her release and let out some of this frustration caused by his teasing. But before her walls tightened up, Friedrich withdrew and started kissing her inner time. She whimpered in disappointment and he chuckled against her skin.

“Oh my angel,” Friedrich said, as he grinned. “I bet you're regretting trusting me now, aren’t you?”

“Yes,” Melinda whispered in a whining tone.

He chuckled. “Would you like me to forfeit my control?” Friedrich said. Melinda paused for a moment and then she shook her head, making him chuckle again. “I thought as much, my angel. Now, would you like me to use my mouth and fingers this time?”

“Yes,” Melinda whispered. 

“As you wish my angel,” Friedrich said.

He ran his fingers up and down between her wet folds a few times, making her moan. Melinda was about to beg him to stop teasing when he slid his middle finger inside of her and she let out a shape gasp. Friedrich slowly started moving his finger in out of her as he started licking her clit slowly. Then he added his index finger, making her let out another shape gasp. He started picking up the pace, causing her body to tense up and her legs to shake. Melinda’s walls started to tighten around his fingers when he slid them out of her and pulled back his tongue. She whimpered, making him chuckle. When she calmed down, he slid his fingers back into her and started licking her clit. He kept at it until her walls started tightening up again. And like before, he pulled away and made her whimper. Friedrich continued to tease, over and over again till he felt she had enough. He removed her legs from his shoulders and started kissing her body as he worked his way back up. He placed his hands beside her head and he looked down at her.

“Tell me my angel,” Friedrich said. “Did you enjoy me tasting you?”

“No,” Melinda said as she pouted.

He chuckled. “No?” Friedrich said. “Is it because I was teasing you?”

“Yes,” Melinda said. “I don’t like being teased.”

“Well that’s too bad,” Friedrich said and he grinned. “Because I plan to tease you,” he started kissing the spot on her neck that drove her crazy. “All,” he kissed the spot again. “Night.” He kissed it yet again. “Long.” He took a hold of her chin. “Now it's time for you to taste how sweet you are.” He pulled down her jaw and slid his tongue into her mouth, their mouth and tongue moved together as he made her taste herself. Then he pulled back, leaving her breathless once again. “And now you know the reason why I kept going.” She blushed as he let go of her. “My angel,” he sat back up and took a hold of her legs, placing them upright against his body as he held onto them. “Are you sure you still want me to maintain control?”

“Yes,” Melinda said as she nodded her head. “I’m sure.”

Friedrich pushed his hips forward and Melinda moaned as his hard cock started making its way deep inside of her. Once he was deep inside of her, he rolled his hips and she let out another moan. He moved his hands down to her thighs and he spread her legs until her legs dangle from his biceps. Then he leaned forward, causing Melinda to let out a loud gasp when she felt how wide he opened her open. He placed his hands on her head again and he rolled his hips, making her moan and him groan. Friedrich kept rolling his hips, giving her time to adjust to this new position. Once he saw her smile, he knew she was ready. He pulled back his hips until only the head of his cock was inside of her. When he thrust forward, he didn’t go slow or gentle, he went fast and hard, showing her how dominating he really can be. 

“Oh fuck yes!” Melinda said. Friedrich grinned as he pulled back his hips again and slammed his cock deep inside of her, hitting her G-spot. “Oh god yes!” 

He did it, over and over, and over again, hitting her sweet spot every time and making her cry out because of it. But once her walls tightened around him, he pulled out of her and made her whimper like he did before. Friedrich chuckled as he swayed her back and forth until her body calmed back down. Then he slammed his cock back into her and made her cry out again. Just like before he kept doing this until her walls tightened around him and he pulled out again. Then when Melinda’s body calmed down, he slammed his cock back into her again and made her cry out once more. He did this a couple of more times before he put her legs back down and turned her onto stomach. 

Friedrich took hold of her hips, raising her up onto her knees. He slid back inside of her, this time nice and slow giving her time to adjust yet again to a new position. He waited until she started moving herself up and down on him. With a grin he tightened his grip on her hips and moved her forward till only the head of his cock was inside of her. Then he brought her back down on him, slamming his cock deep inside of Melinda and hitting that sweet spot once more. And just like before Friedrich kept pulling out anytime her walls tightened around him. It got to the point, she was begging him to let her cum because Melinda’s pussy started to throb. But no matter how much she begged, he refused to give in. Even after he untied her from the pole to place her in other positions, he wouldn’t give in to her demands. 

“Friedrich,” Melinda said as she whimpered. “Stop teasing me already.”

“Do you want me to forfeit my control?” Friedrich said. She shook her head and he chuckled. “Then you have to deal with it my angel.” She whimpered. “Don’t worry, you can tease me for a while.”

“How?” Melinda said. 

“I’ll show you,” Friedrich said. He moved around as he moved her with him until they were both standing up by the side of the bed. “One moment,” he let go of her hands and he grabbed a pillow off the bed. He sat down and dropped the pillow right in front of him then he took her hands again. Guiding her till she was in front of the pillow. “Kneel down my angel.” He helped her kneel down in front of him and then he wrapped her hands at the base of his cock, having her take a firm grip of it. He smiled seeing she was blushing. “Open your mouth.” Melinda opened her mouth and he placed his other hand behind her head, and guided her forward. He let out a deep groan as his cock slid into her mouth. “Close your mouth and start sucking gently.” Melinda did what he asked and he groaned again as he moved her head and hands up and down on him. He closed his eyes and moaned as he enjoyed the motion. “That’s it my angel, you're amazing.” She kept going and slowly he had her pick up the pace and suck harder. He was about to have her pick up the base until she moved her hands. He was about to say something when he felt her mouth go further down. “Oh fuck.” He opened up his eyes seeing she took all of him into her mouth. “Oh god.” She started moving her head all the way up to the tip and back down to the back. “Fuck.” He closed his eyes and put his head back as he started grunting and groaning. His body started to tense up and opened his eyes as he looked back down at her. “Stop my angel, stop.” Melinda pulled him out of her mouth and he panted until he calmed down. “Alright, again.”

Melinda kept teasing him like he did to her. She would get him close, making his body tense up and he would ask her to stop. In time she picked up the signs of when he was about to cum and she would stop on her own. After several times, Friedrich’s cock started throbbing just like their first time together. It was begging for release. He pulled her head back and he helped her to feet as he stood up with her. He put his arms around his neck and he reached down, taking hold of her legs. Friedrich lifted her up into the air but before she could wrap her legs around his waist, he moved his arms around. Now her legs were dangling off his biceps like when they first started. He slid her down onto his cock and started bouncing her up and down while he continued to stand, showing her how strong he was. 

“Oh god,” Melinda said. Friedrich grunted and panted as he kept moving her up and down. “Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.” Her body started to tense up and so was his. “Please Friedrich don’t stop. Please don’t stop.”

“I won’t my angel,” Friedrich said. “Not this time.” 

He leaned back causing him to sit back down on the bed. Friedrich let her legs go and she moved around, straddling her properly. He took a hold of her waist, steading Melinda as she started bouncing up and down on his cock. They both panted and moaned as the tension inside of them kept building and building. Melinda's legs started to shake and her walls tightened up, making Friedrich growl as he buried his face into chest. Then her walls and clit pulsated. They both throw their heads back, crying out each other’s names as they finally find that release that their bodies have been begging for. Friedrich pushed Melinda down, rolling her hips, dragging both of their releases. A loud gasp escaped both their lips once they finished. They let out a sigh and started panting heavily. Melinda’s body went limp and so did Friedrich’s, he fell back onto the bed, taking her with him. Before they both could recover, they drifted off to sleep.

Your Disease 10 coming soon

Note: Normally I do gifs in the story as well, but I think I will add them later when I have more time to edit.

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“Oh no, no, no,” Melinda said, shaking her head as she moved out from his arms and she started pacing back and forth. “If I do that then my father will find out that I’ve been sneaking around at night and all hell will break loose. Then,” she stopped and faced him. “Then he's going to turn around and just massacre you. I’m talking about blood and guts everywhere,” he chuckled lightly. “I’m serious, Friedrich. He doesn’t want me to get mixed up with any of the locals.”

“But I’m not a local,” Friedrich said.

“I know but that’s besides the point,” Melinda said. “The moment he sees you, he’s just going to lose it. And it’s not like I’m ashamed of you or anything like that Friedrich, I swear. It’s just he didn’t even want me to go on a date, let alone be in a relationship. I’m afraid once he meets you that’s going to be it, I’m never going to be able to see you again. And I,’

“My angel,” Friedrich said, taking her hands in his. “I don’t mean to interrupt you, but please, just take a moment and breathe. Please.” She nodded her head and took a deep breath. “Better?” She nodded her head again. “Now I understand that your father is strict and very proper. I do admire and respect that. And my apologies for upsetting you about meeting your father, that wasn’t my attention, my angel. I just wish to meet your father, now that we are officially together. But that doesn’t mean we have to do that right this minute. It can be next weekend or next month or next year.” He pulled her back into his arms. “Whenever you are ready for me to meet him, we can arrange dinner. And if you like we don’t have to say exactly how we meant.”

“What would we say?” Melinda said.

“Well since you have been making repairs to the mansion, we can say we meant at the hardware store," Friedrich said. “I do go there quite a bit as you know,” she nodded her head. “So we can just say that. Anytime we saw each other, we chatted for a bit. Then when I asked you out on a date, you brought up your father and his rules. I suggested we have dinner so he can get to know me before we go on a date. How does that sound, my angel?”

“I just hope that works,” Melinda said.

“It will,” Friedrich said and his phone went off in his pocket. “My apologies my angel, that’s work I need to get it.”

“No worries, it's quite alright.” Melinda said. Friedrich took his phone off and she could see his face harden as he read the message. “Is everything okay Friedrich?”

“Yes,” Friedrich said, putting his phone away. “But sadly I have work tomorrow so I won’t be able to see you during the day as planned. We’ll you be free at night, before your father gets home?”

“Actually I have plans to go see a performance at the French Quarter tomorrow night,” Melinda said, his grab tighten up. “Is that alright?”

“Of course it is my angel,” Friedrich said with a smile. “Why wouldn’t it be?”

“I don’t know,” Melinda said, looking into his eyes, seeing concern in them. “You just seem like you're upset by it.”

“I’m not,” Friedrich said, shaking his head. “I’m just upset I won’t be able to see you tomorrow.”

“My apologies Friedrich,” Melinda said. “I would meet you tomorrow night but I also have to speak with the person that is performing because,” she paused as she looked down.

“Everything alright my angel?” Friedrich said.

“Yes it’s just,” Melinda said and she raised her head back up. “Before we met there was another man that was interested in courting me, but I had no interest in him at all. We did hangout a few times but I made it clear they were not dates, just two people enjoying each other's company. Then once me and you met I hadn’t seen him at all until the day you met Dove and Elijah. We ran into each other at the farmer’s market and we sorta,” she sighed. “Let’s just say it ended up with me slapping him and storming off, then him begging me for my forgiveness.”

“What?” Friedrich said, pushing himself off his truck, standing fully at attention as he looked into her eyes, looking for any signs of distress. “Did he harm you?”

“No, no, no.” Melinda said, shaking her head. “He got jealous because he had smelled Elijah’s cologne on me and he asked me who I allowed to bed me. And since I wouldn’t allow anyone to insult me in such a matter,” she smiled. “I slapped the taste out of his mouth. Twice actually. So,” she placed her hands on his face. “You don’t need to worry, he didn’t harm me or even got upset about me hitting him. He apologized and was asking for forgiveness afterwards.”

He let out a sigh and nodded his head. “Alright then,” Friedrich said and he leaned back on his truck. “I take it, you are going there to see him perform.”

“Yes,’ Melinda said, nodding her head. “Though I would rather be spending my time with you,” he smiled. “I did say I would go see him perform. But also I can speak with him and let him know that I am spoken for now and that we should part ways out of respect for you.”

“Thank you my angel,” Friedrich said. “But you know you don’t have to stop talking to other men just because of me. I trust you entirely.” 

“I know but honestly,” Melinda said, she smiled as she put her arms back around his neck. “He's a bit of an arrogant asshole.” He chuckled. “I’m serious. When he ran into me while I was dining outside, he invited himself to my table. I asked him if he had eaten there before, he said yes and he started ordering for both of us. The man ordered me a salad Friedrich, a damn salad.”

He chuckled. “You do hate salads with a passion,” Friedrich said, smiling.

“I do,” Melinda said, giggling a bit. “But ironically though, him doing that is the reason why I ended up meeting you.”

“Oh?” Friedrich said, raising an eyebrow.

“Yes,”Melinda said, nodding her head. “Since I was starving after that rabbit food he ordered me, I sent out looking for another place to eat. Lo and behold,’ she smiled. “I end up meeting the man of my dreams.”

He smiled. “Well thank him for being an arrogant asshole for me then,” Friedrich said. She giggled as he leaned down and gave her a kiss. He tightened his grip on her as he continued to kiss her, until her arm on her watch went off. They both sighed as they pulled apart. “I better get going before your father gets here.” She nodded her head and he kissed her again, before they let each other go. She backed away as he opened up his truck door. “I’ll message you when I can,” he turned back to her. “If something happens tomorrow night, please call me and I’ll be there.”

“Thank you Friedrich,” Melinda said.

He went over to her, cupping her face as he kissed her one more time. “Goodbye my angel.” Friedrich whispered. “I’ll see you soon, I promise.”

“Goodbye Friedrich,” Melinda whispers as she blushes.

Friedrich kissed her one more time before letting her go. She watched as he got into his truck and headed down the road. Melinda let out a soft sigh once his tail lights were no longer in sight. She raised her hand up to her mouth and she traced her lips with her fingertips. She smiled, still feeling his touch linger on her lips. Melinda let out another soft sigh as she put her hand down and her smile faded. She hoped tomorrow night when she breaks the news to Alucard that she was taken goes smoothly. She doubted it but it’s not like she had anything to worry about if he did try to harm her. She was half angel after all. So what could someone like Alucard really do?

Saturday Night:

Melinda pulled into the parking lot that was just outside the French Quarter. She looked for her reserved parking spot when she saw a man that was roughly around Friedrich’s size but more muscular standing in an empty spot. He was in dark jeans, dark grey shirt, black leather back with black boots. His hair was short and he had a partial beard coming in. He had to be Lucian, the one that Alcuard had mentioned. He waved at her to pull in as she did, he backed away so she could park. Once she did and stepped out, he was walking back over.

“Miss Collins, I’m Lucian,” Luican said. “Follow me.” 

Melinda followed him through the crowd that gathered in the French Quarter for the usual Saturday fun. She looked around, seeing how living it was with all the jazz music, dancing, and lights. They went further into the French Quarter and rock music could be heard. No doubt it was the concert Alucard was hosting. The music got louder and louder, drowning out the jazz music as they got closer. Then Melinda finally saw where the music was coming from, the Mikaelsons' former home that was in their family for decades. Rumor has it that after her brothers’ deaths, Rebekah sold it off. She went to live far away from this place, in Alaska with Marcel who she married. The only two vampires that hunters let live due to a pack they made long ago.

“Here we are!” Lucian said, raising his voice over the music. “I’m going to let Alucard know you here, since he didn’t want to perform until you got here! You good?!” She nodded her head. “Alright then, laters!”

He took off into the crowd and Melinda leaned up against the nearby lightpost. She had her eyes on the stage as the band started wrapping up their set. When the band was done, they thanked the crowd and went off stage. Then another band came on and started playing a soft melody. Slowly mist formed on the stage and a man with a black hooded cloak with the sleeves rolled up and his head down emerged from it, and the crowd went wild. He had black boots, black leather pants, several metal and leather bracelets on both wrists, and large rings in all his fingers. 

Slowly he raised his head but the shadow from the cloak only allowed his mouth down to his neck to be seen. He scanned the sea of cheering fans until he got to Melinda. Though she couldn’t see his eyes, she knew they were on her. He grinned as he took a hold of his cloak. In one swift move, the cloak was on the ground, it was Alucard. The women screamed as they rushed the stage but security and the barricades kept them at bay. They reached out, begging to touch his bare chest, abs, and v-shape hips as they admired his slender muscular build. Alcuard and Melinda kept their eyes on each other as he walked over to the mic and took a hold of it. He put his finger to his lips and the crowd immediately fell silent. 

He removed his finger and he removed the mic from the stand. “This song is called, Take Me Back To Eden. I wrote it for a very special woman who was gracious enough to bless me with her presence here tonight. She is my muse, my love,” he smiled. “My eden.”  

He closed his eyes and started to sing. Melinda couldn’t deny it, Alucard was an amazing singer and the melody, and lyrics were beautiful. But still, she couldn’t believe he had the nerve to tell everyone she was his. The man was more delusional than she thought. Melinda looked around, seeing the crowd had their hands in the air as they swayed with the music, getting lost to it. Alucard really had a hold on these people. She went to look back at him when her eyes fell on the guard that was standing right in front of where he was at. She swore the guard’s eyes changed colors for a second. He looked around at the crowd and they changed again. Melinda bolted up right, he was a vampire, he had to be. He was still, like a statue. Calm and collective. Not only did his eyes change color, the way he was staring wasn’t someone that was minding their surroundings. No, it was someone on the prowl, searching for their next victim. 

Melinda grabbed her phone out to contact her father but she stopped. How in the hell was she going to explain this one? And how would she explain to Friedrich she would no longer be able to see or contact him? After all her father warned her the last time she snuck out at night, if she did it again he was going to send her to headquarters and she’ll be stuck on desk duty for a whole decade. She’ll have to take care of this one herself. She just had to lure him away from the crowd first. 

She put her phone away and looked back up, and that’s when the guards eyes fell on her. He smiled sinisterly at her, he just chose her to be his next meal. His face became serious as he slightly lowered his head. She knew what that motion meant, he was using his power of compulsion to get her to come to him. It would work if she was human, but being only half counteractive the vampire’s ability to compel. But nevertheless, she pretended he took over her. Melinda relaxed her body, ridding herself of all expression of emotions. Then she slowly started walking over as if she was in a daze. His sinister smile returned on his face, he bought it, he believes Melinda is under his control. 

With her peripheral vision she can see Alucard looking at her with a smug look on his face as he continues to sing. No doubt in his mind he has snared Melinda in his dark melody and she is falling for him. She just hoped Alucard’s song was still going by the time she reached the guard and got him away from everyone. Otherwise Alucard may just jump down and go to her, ruining her chances of killing the vampire before he killed someone. So she kept going as she held her composure. But not even halfway there she started hearing shouting and sirens. The gates flew open and several men in heavy tactical gear came in with the word S.W.A.T across their bulletproof vest. Alucard stopped singing, his band fell silent as everyone turned, including the guard to see what was happening. Melinda looked over and she recognized a few of the men, they weren't police officers, they were hunters.

Smoke canisters and flash bangs started to be thrown into the crowd, sending everyone into a frenzy as chaos erupted. Melinda started getting pushed in all directions as everyone screamed. She could hear Alucard on the mic, telling her to hold on, that he was coming to get her. But she started getting swallowed up by the crowd, causing her to move from her original position. Melinda was about to use her powers to save herself but if she did that not only would she expose herself she could harm or even kill these humans. She grabbed out her phone to call Friedich, hoping he was in the area. But before she could, she went down and her phone got smashed as people trampled over it. Melinda tried to get back up, but she got knocked down again. 

She had no choice, she had to use her power or she could end up becoming a part of the pavement. But before she could, a pair of strong arms wrapped around her waist and lifted her up, and onto her feet. Then Melinda was spun around and she came face to face not with Alucard but with the very person she was trying to reach, Friedrich. Without a word he threw her over his shoulder and started running as he shoved people out of his way. As they made their way to the crowd she heard her name being screamed. She looked up, seeing Alucard knocking people to the floor to get to her. He was almost to her when a flash bang landed right in front of him and went off.

Alucard was blinded as he was knocked to the ground. He let out a groan as ringing in his ears deafen him. He rolled to his side as his vision started coming back. He looked over at the direction he last saw Melinda, she was long gone along with the crowd. He put his hands on the ground to push himself up when he noticed a necklace near his hand. He saw that necklace before, it was Melinda’s. He reached out to grab it and when he did, he noticed the ring that the necklace was looped through and he froze.

“It… it can’t be,” Alucard whispered. He took a hold of it as he sat up slowly. He carefully examined the ring that had an all too familiar dragon emblem on it. “My father’s ring.” He shook his head. “But the last person that had this was,” he clenched the ring in his fist as he threw back his head. “VAN HELSING!!!!” 

Thunder clashed, the power went out and lightning lit up the sky as it started pouring down. He put his head down, looking at the direction Melinda went as his chest rose up and down at a rapid rate as his blood started to boil. There were footsteps coming back behind him with flashlights lighting up the area around him as he heard their guns being cocked. He turned his head, seeing all the so-called S.W.A.T team with their weapons on him. He put the necklace on and in a blink of an eye, Alucard was on his feet staring them down with bright blue glowing eyes. He snarled at them as fangs appeared and his nails grew out into claws. His skin turned white as a sheet and he opened up his mouth wide as he let out a thunderous roar that was overheard by the thunder.

The team prepared to fire, when they heard howling coming from behind them. They turned and looked up on the rooftop, seeing a werewolf crouched down on it. Half the team took aim at the werewolf, the other at Alucard. They put their fingers on the trigger and all that was heard was gurgling sounds as blood started pouring out of the team’s mouths. One by one, a thin slit appeared around their necks before their heads began to floor on to the ground followed by their bodies. Alucard’s fangs and claws retracted as his eyes returned to normal.

“Lucian,” Alucard said. The werewolf jumped down and landed next to him. “It appears that the legendary Van Helsing is here and my love is his daughter.” He turned to Lucian. “I want you to find out where the princess lives. When you do, report back to me at once.” The werewolf nodded his head and took off. He looked down as he took a hold of the ring. “So not only does my nemesis live but he has someone I can take away and make him feel my pain.” A wicked grin appeared on his face. “Looks like I’ll get my revenge after all.” Lightning flashed and he was gone.

Your Disease 9

Note: Normally I do gifs in the story as well, but I think I will add them later when I have more time to edit.

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“That’s uh,” Will said, and he chuckled. “That’s amazing. Bloody amazing.” He turned to her, seeing her nodding her head as she wiped tears from her eyes. “Oh love,” he took one of her hands in his and the other he stroked her hair gently. “It’s alright now, the little one is doing just fine. Just like I told you they would be.” 

“I know, I’m just,” Melinda said, fanning herself to keep the tears away. “Just emotional right now. I really wish I could record this moment but I don’t have a phone.”

He smiled. “Don’t worry love,” Will said and he pulled out his phone. “I got you covered.” She smiled as he started recording the heartbeat, getting over a couple minutes of it before the tech started wrapping the ultrasound up. “Mate, make sure we get copies of those photos, yah?”

“I’ll print you some out right now,” He said. He printed out the photos and handed them to Will. “Your exam is all done, you guys are good to go.” 

“Thank you.” Melinda said. The tech nodded his head and he stepped out. She cleaned off her stomach and sat up. She looked at Will and she could see how focused he was on the photos as if he was studying them carefully. “Never seen an ultrasound before?”

“I’ve never been around anyone pregnant before,” Will said. He looked down at her stomach and back up to her. “I don’t know why but it’s just so unbelievably remarkable to me that right now, you're creating life inside of you.” 

She put her hand out to him. “Give me your hand.” Melinda said.

“What for?” Will said and he smirked. “Do I get to go to second base?” He winked.

She giggled. “Shut up and give me your hand,” Melinda said. Will gave her his hand and she looked down as she placed his hand on her stomach. “You can’t feel the baby move yet, but the hardness you are feeling is my baby bump forming.” 

Melinda looked up at him, seeing he had a serious look on his face. Not like the one she saw on him when he was looking at the ultrasound photos. This look was one she saw earlier when they had that long walk back to town. She kept looking over her shoulder, dreading to find her ex’s men coming up behind them. Melinda feared they would gun down Will and Rahim that she started telling Will to just leave her behind. He immediately had them stop and he took her hands in his as he closed the gap between them. He looked her dead in her eyes, vowing that he would keep them safe even if that meant his last breath. The look in his eyes, she knew right there and then, he meant every word of it. And right now, he was remembering his vow.

“Will?” Melinda said softly and he looked up at her. “Are you alright?”

“Of course love,” Will said, with a big smile. “I was just debating if I should move my hand up higher or lower to copping a feel.” She giggled as she playfully smacked him and he started chuckling. “I’m joshing,” he kept smiling as he looked back down at her stomach. “With how beautiful you look now love with your baby bump, I’m sure you're going to be one of those pregnant women that will look absolutely drop dead gorgeous when you have a big swollen belly.” He started caressing it gently as she started to blush. “When are you able to feel the little one move?”

“In a couple of months,” Melinda said.

“I can hardly wait,” Will said. Melinda smiled, seeing how loving and tender he was as he kept rubbing her stomach. “You have any names picked out?”

“If it’s a girl her name will be Evelyn but as for the boy,” Melinda said and she sighed. “I have to think of another name since I was going to name him after my ex.”

“I’m sure you’ll come up with one before the little one is born if it’s a boy,” Will said, “So love,” he looked up at her. “Since my CO is still unavailable for a few more hours, won’t me and you both get washed up, and we have that dinner dinner we discussed.”

“Sure,” Melinda said, smiling. “But uh, I don’t exactly have anything to change into.”

“You can go naked, that’s fine with me.” Will said. She playfully smacked him and he smiled. “I’m joshing love. We’ll pick you up something on the way to the hotel. Hopefully we can get you a room while we’re there.” 

Will removed his hand and took her hand in his, helping her off the bed. They headed out as he kept a hold of her hand. Melinda thought at first it was to keep her at ease, but he entwined his fingers with hers. She looked over at him to say something but she could see him scanning the area. He was keeping an eye out, looking for those that didn’t belong there. When someone got too close to them, he shifted around a bit, placing himself between her and whoever the person was. The way he was doing it, wasn’t in a controlling way like her ex would do, he was protecting her, her and the baby just like he said he would. Melinda smiled as she looked forward. She was safe, something she thought she would never be again. All thanks to Will, the handsome charming British soldier, who gave her butterflies.

Couple Hours Later: Dinner Dinner

She giggled. “What?” Melinda said as she ate her fry.

“Nothing love,” Will said, smiling. “You just look very beautiful and stunning in that dress of yours that I can’t keep my eyes off of you.” She blushed as he leaned on the table. “I have to say, you are no doubt the most gorgeous and ravishing woman I have ever met in my life.”

“I bet you say that to all the girls,” Melinda said, she smirked. 

He shook his head as he grabbed his beer. “I say they look nice or pretty,” Will said, he took a drink. “That’s about it.”

She raised an eyebrow. “You lie,” Melinda said. He shook his head as he took another drink. “Really?”

“Really,” Will said, setting his beer back down. “I may be a big flirt love, but I don’t lie when I compliment women. If I think you're pretty or look nice, I’ll say just that. But lucky for me most of the women I talked to are always finishing for compliments. So when they say, do I look beautiful in this outfit? I just say yes, instead of saying that they can’t pull off that outfit and they should have left it on the rack.” They both started laughing.

“That’s fucked up,” Melinda said, smiling.

“I know,” Will said, smiling. “That’s why I keep it to myself.” She smiled as she shook her head. “So whatever I say to you love, just know I mean it.”

“I guess,” Melinda said, in a teasing tone.

He chuckled as she took another bite out of her food. “How's your food love?” Will said. “Does it taste like home?”

“Honestly this is the best cheeseburger I have had in years.” Melinda said. “I almost forgot what it was like to eat one.”

“What?” Will said. “Did your ex never take you to a burger joint?”

“In the beginning yes but then,” Melinda said, she sighed. “When we officially started dating he took me to this fancy restaurant. I’m talking like the kind you had to call months ahead to make a reservation. And you had to know somebody that knows somebody to get in. I thought he was just being charming, treating a girl that grew up with nothing. Then when he would turn around and order for me,” she gave him a small smile. “I thought he was being sweet because I worked non-stop and was going to school full time, my mind was so burned out. But really,” her smile faded as she shook her head slightly. “He was slowly manipulating, controlling me. I changed the way I dress, my hobbies and interests, even the way I talk and act. It wasn’t until that day I came home early that I realized since the moment we met he was just modeling me into,”

“His version of the perfect woman,” Will said and she nodded her head. “Not only was he a word I can’t use since I’m in the presence of a lady, but it starts with a C,” she smiled. “But he’s a bloody twat since he failed to see,” he leaned back on the table again. “That you are already the perfect woman.” He smiled seeing she started blushing. “Love,” he placed his hand on hers. “I know your ex is a sore spot for you given your situation you are in. And I know that you aren’t supposed to talk about exes when you're on a date but,” he held her hand tighter as he stroked his thumb across it. “I need to know what kind of man I’m up against. I need help to get inside of his head and to do that, I need you to tell me about him.”

“What do you want to know?” Melinda said.

“Everything,” Will said.

She sighed. “Alright,” Melinda said, nodding her head. “I’ll tell you all about Thomas Keefer.”

Napalm Skies Part 2

@mysteryguestsblog @bobbyblood1996 @moonycism

Friedrich grabbed the front of the dress and bra, pulling them down to under breast. He placed his hand on one of her breasts and he started caressing it. Melinda moaned into his mouth as wrapped her legs around his waist. He brushed himself against her, making her gasp and break the kiss as she felt how hard and big he was. Friedrich went back down to her neck, kissing the same spot again. He switched hands again, taking a hold of her other breast and caressing it. Melinda moaned as his other hand made its way around her and to her back. He grind up against her, making her moan as she arched her back, allowing him to pull down her dress and unhook her bra. He moved his hand out from under her and Melinda’s back fell back to the blanket. 

He grabbed her bra and tossed it aside with his shirt. Then he shifted around, placing both hands on the side of her breast and taking a hold of the dress. Friedrich started sliding it down as his lips began leaving a trail of kisses to the center of her breast. He pulled the dress down to her waist as his lips made their way to one of breast and took a hold of her nipple in his mouth. Melinda gasped as he started gently sucking on it as his hands started caressing her sides. Her moan got louder when Friedrich started grinding up against her more. Then he released her nipple, making her whimper slightly until he took a hold of the other one with his mouth. Melinda started moaning again as he started sucking on it. She gently tugged on his hair as her legs started caressing him. 

Friedrich releases her nipple, making her whimper once more. He moved to the center of her breast and started leaving her trail of tender kisses down to her stomach. As he did Melinda’s breathing quickened as he took a hold of her dress once more. She unwrapped her legs from Friedrich’s waist and he sat up as he started sliding the dress down to her thighs. Melinda moved around, slipping her legs out of the dress and he let it fall onto the blanket. Then he removed her shoes and he placed his hands on her legs and glided them back up, and to her waist. He stopped there and he took a hold of her white lace panties. Friedrich could see her breathing became rapid from her smooth slender stomach contracting. His eyes went up meeting her gaze.

“Do you wish for me to continue, my angel?” Friedrich said.

“Yes,” Melinda whispered as she nodded her head. “I do.”

Friedrich slid his thumbs under her panties, hooking the sides of them. He kept his eyes on hers, holding her gaze as he started removing her panties. She moved her legs around for him and he fully removed her panties, and placed them with the rest of her clothes. Friedrich leaned back over her, placing his hands on the side of her head and she placed her hands on shoulders as he hovered over her. His lips gently brush against hers, kissing her as he spoke against them.

“Do you wish for me to take you by my mouth first?” Friedrich whispered. “Or would you like me to make love to you?”

She blushed as she spoke against his lips. “I,” Melinda whispered as her hands went down his body and rested on his belt. “I can’t wait any longer.” She started undoing his belt. “Make love to me.” She undid her belt and started working undoing his pants. “Make love to me Friedrich.”

He smiled against her lips. “As you wish my angel,” Friedrich whispered. 

Friedrich started removing his boots using his feet as she finished undoing pants. She took a hold of his pants and boxers, and started sliding them down his legs as he moved around, working them downwards. He moved until they were completely off of him. Melinda propped her legs up on the side of him as she wrapped her arms around Friedrich’s neck. He reached down, taking a hold of his hard cock and positioning it against her. He groaned into the kiss as he felt the heat coming off of her core. Before he made his way inside of her, he pulled back slightly so he could look into her eyes.

“This part may hurt,” Friedrich said. “If it gets to be too much, let me know.” 

Melinda nodded her head. He took her lips again and slowly pushed his way past her wet folds. They both moaned into the kiss as he reached her opening. He pushed his hips forward, slowly and gently as possible as he started entering her. Friedrich moved his hand away, placing it by her head with the other. He started groaning as he fought the urge not to go faster as the departed need for her grew inside of him. Melinda’s tongue found its way into her mouth, as she moved her legs back around his waist. He groaned again as his tongue started playing with hers. Once he was fully inside of her they both let out a gasp as they broke the kiss. They panted as they opened their eyes and looked at each other. 

“Are you okay my angel?” Friedrich whispered. “Does it hurt?’

“Just a little bit,” Melinda whispered. He put his hand on her face gently as he looked at her in concern. “It’s alright Friedrich.” She gave him a small smile as she placed her hands on face and stroked her thumbs along his bread. “I’m okay, I promise.” She leaned up a bit, giving him a kiss to reassure him. Then she rested her head back on the blanket. “You can keep going.”

“Alright my angel,” Friedrich said, putting his hand back beside her head. “As I said before, any time it’s too much for you, please, let me know and I will stop.”

“I will,” Melinda said. 

Friedrich pressed his lips against her forehead, kissing it gently before taking her lips again. Slowly, carefully, he began to move his hips. Melinda let out a soft sigh into his mouth as he pulled back just an inch before sliding forward again. His rhythm was slow and steady, every thrust was giving her body time to adjust. Her hands slid down from his next to his chest, and made their way around his back. She started caressing his back as her legs caressed his waist. After a few strokes, Friedrich broke the kiss and looked down at her, making sure she wasn't in any pain. But all he saw was a gentle smile on her face as she got lost to the pleasure he was giving her. He smiled as he pressed his lips against hers. 

He pulled his hips further back before pushing forward again. Friedrich moved a bit faster, but not too fast that he gave into his hunger for her. But it was more difficult than he thought it would be. The warmth coming off of her. The way she was moving her hips with his, driving him deeper inside of her. The sounds of her moans and gasp. The way she tasted, smiled and tight she was. But he wouldn’t give into his hunger, not yet. Not until she was ready, not until she asked him to. So Friedrich kept up the pace and gentle thrust as he moved his hips further back. Then he felt her body tense up, he was going to stop, thinking he was hurting her. But then he felt it, her walls tightening around him. 

She broke the kiss and she gasped as she arched her back. “Oh god,” Melinda whispered. He grinned as he felt her legs starting to shake. “Friedrich I think… I think I'm going to…” He pushed in deep and he rolled his hips. “Oh fuck.” He chuckled lightly, hearing her cuss for the very first time. He pulled back again and pushed in deep, rolling his hips again and making her cuss again. “Just like that Friedrich, just like that.” He kept going, doing exactly what she asked. Soon her walls and clit began to pulsate as waves of pleasure started washing over. “Oh god. I’m cumming. I’m cumming.” He pushed in deep one final time and he kept rolling his hips, allowing her to ride out her release. “Oh Friedrich.” He stopped, leaving her panting as she fought to catch her breath.

“Do you need a minute my angel?” Friedrich said. “Or do you want to keep going?”

She smiled as she opened her eyes. “Keep going,” Melinda said. 

He smiled back. “Would you like to take control?” Friedrich said, she looked a bit nervous, he could see it in her eyes. “If you're not ready, you don’t have to. I can stay in control if you wish.”

“I want to try,” Melinda said. “But can you walk me through it?”

“Yes, I can.” Friedrich said. He wrapped his arms around her and went into a roll placing her on top. “Sit up,” she sat up and she gasped a bit as her eyes widened. He gave her a crooked smile. “Much deeper now, isn’t it?” She blushed as she nodded her head. “Does it hurt?” She shook her head as she smiled. “Good,” he took a hold of her hands on his abs and then he took a hold of her hips. “All you have to do is move your hips like this,” he started moving her hips, making her moan. “Nice and steady my angel, no need to rush.” She closed her eyes as he kept moving her hips. “How does it feel?” 

“Amazing,” Melinda said, smiling.

“You feel amazing,” Friedrich said as he stopped moving her, allowing her to take full control. He watched as she kept moving her hips gracefully against his, making them both moan. “Just like that my angel,” he licked his lips. “Just like that.” She kept going until she lifted her hips up slightly, a soft gasp escaping her lips as she slid back down, making her walls slowly clench around him. He let out a deep growl as he watched her breast bounce up and down as she continued to lift herself up and back down. “You’re so beautiful my angel, so very beautiful.” Soon he felt her body tensing back up. “Lean back and place your hands on my thighs to steady yourself.” She did what he said and she let out a loud gasp as her legs started to shake."That's it, my angel," he closed his eyes. "Use my body to find your pleasure."

Melinda picked up the pace as Friedrich continued to encourage her between his groans. Her legs started to shake more as her walls started tightening up around him once more. She went faster as he tightened his grip on her hips to keep her steady. Her clit and walls started pulsating as she found her release once more. She pushed her hips down as he thrust his hip. Melinda cried out his name as pleasure took over her again. She rolled her hips slowly against his, making him snarl as she rode out her release. Once she was done Friedrich sat up and wrapped his arms around her, allowing her to lean against him as she tried to catch her breath. 

“You were truly amazing, my angel,” Friedrich said as he lifted up her chin so he could look into her eyes. “How are you feeling now?” She smiled at him as she closed her eyes and then she nuzzled his chest, making him chuckle. “Perhaps we should stop for now, so you can rest a bit.” Without a word Melinda shoved him back down and pressed her lips against his. This kiss wasn’t gentle or slow, it was demanding, begging not to stop. He rolled them over, placing himself back up top before he pulled back, breaking the kiss. He looked into her eyes as he panted. “My angel, are you sure?”

“Yes,” Melinda said, nodding her head. “I don’t want you to hold back anymore.”

“As you wish,” Friedrich whispered.

He snarled as he crushed his lips against her, aggressively and passionately moving his lips with hers. He pulled his hips back and grabbed her wrists, pinning her hands softly above her head. Friedrich thrust deep inside of her, making her cry out as she arched her back. He threw caution into the wind as each thrust showed her how dominating and powerful he could be. She tighter her legs, digging her heels into his lower back as she met each of his thrust with one of her own. He broke the kiss and kept his eyes on her as she cried out for him to go faster and harder. He grunted and groaned as he obeyed her command. The sounds of their heavy panting and skin slapping against skin echoed throughout the quiet meadow. 

“Oh fuck!” Melinda said as the head of his cock started hitting her G-Spot over and over again. “Friedrich, don’t stop. Please don’t stop. Don’t stop.”

“I won’t, my angel,” Friedrich said and he grunted as he pressured his forehead against hers. “I won’t.”

He kept going, feeling not only her body tensing up but his as well. Her legs started to shake as her walls tightened up around him again. Friedrich let out a deep growl as he let himself go to her body. Her clit and walls pulsated as cock started throbbing, begging to finally let go. He closed his eyes as his hands traveled up to hers, fingers interlace as he thrust one more time, pushing in deep as he rolled his hips. Both of them cried out each other's names as they found their release. Once they were done, they let out a gasp and started panting heavily as their bodies became limp. Friedrich was the first to recover, he let go of her hands and propped himself on his forearms. He pulled back his hips making them whimper as he slid out of her. He raised his head as he opened him up his eyes. 

“My angel,” Friedrich whispered. “Are you alright? Did I hurt you?’

“I’m,” Melinda whispered. She slowly opened her eyes and he saw a dazed look in them. “Wonderful,’ she gave him a small gentle smile. “Absolutely wonderful.” He smiled. “How about you?”

“Absolutely wonderful,” Friedrich said, and her smile grew. “I have to say you were amazing, my angel.”

She blushed. “You did all the work,” Melinda said.

He chuckled. “So you say,” Friedrich said.

She let out a small yawn. “Oh,” Melinda said, covering her mouth. “I’m sorry.”

“You're fine my angel. Come here,” Friedrich said, wrapped his arms around her and he rolled back onto his back. He grabbed the end of the blanket and covered them up with it. “Get some rest, I’ll wake you up when it’s time for us to head back.”

“You sure?” Melinda said.

“I’m sure,” Friedrich said, he leaned down and kissed the top of her head. “Sleep my angel.” He leaned his head back onto the blanket. “Sleep.”

Melinda let out a soft sigh as she closed her eyes and nuzzled his chest. He started caressing her back as Friedrich looked up at the clouds while listening to her shallow breathing. After a century of walking this earth alone, he found someone that not only eased his pain but helped him move on from his past. Friedrich could finally let the memories of his sweet Anna and his daughters rest. He couldn’t be happier, but his happiness soon was replaced with dread. Now that he found Melinda, he could lose them again. Worse, he could lose her the way he lost his family. He must find the vampire that killed his family, to keep Melinda safe. Friedrich knew the vampire was close, he could feel it. He just didn’t know how close he really was.

Your Disease 8

Note: Normally I do gifs in the story as well, but I think I will add them later when I have more time to edit.

Tagging: If you like to be tagged, please leave a comment or a message in the ask box.

Melinda sighed as she grabbed her phone out. She sent a text message to Friedrich, stating she wasn’t going to be able to see him this week because she got busted slacking on making repairs. He texted back that it was completely fine and he’ll see her whenever she is free. After she was done with breakfast she headed into town and to the hardware store. Melinda started gathering up what she needed and that’s when realized she wasn’t going to be able to fit everything into her car. Not because of how much stuff she needed, but the size of it. A classic car wasn’t ideal to haul boards and sheetrock unless she rented a trailer to load everything up in. She was standing there, debating what to do when she felt a presence behind her and she started to smile.

“Let me guess,” Friedrich said. “Trying to figure out how you're going to haul everything back to your home?” 

“That I am,” Melinda said, nodding her head.

“Well lucky for you I just so happened to bring my truck with me today.” Friedrich said. 

She looked over her shoulder at him. “Did you now?” Melinda said. He smiled as he nodded his head. “How convenient.”

“What’s more convenient is that I used to do construction in my youth.” Friedrich said. 

“Is that right?” Melinda said, turning towards him.

“That’s right,” Friedrich said. “So if some beautiful angel needs some assistance,” he smiled. “I can easily help her. If that’s what she wishes of course.”

“She wishes.” Melinda said, smiling. 

“Then let’s get it, shall we?” Friedrich said.

Melinda purchased everything they needed and they loaded up both vehicles. He followed behind her as she led the way to her home. She was so grateful she had a lawn service company come out a while back to remove all the weeds and overgrowth from the grounds. Otherwise she would be ashamed of Friedrich seeing how devoured by nature the place was. Melinda just hoped he wouldn’t get scared off with how spooky and rundown the mansion looked. They pulled up to the front of the house and parked, and before she could get out Friedrich already was at her door, opening it for her.

She smiled as he offered his hand to her. “Thank you Friedrich,” Melinda said, taking his hand and letting him help her out of the car. “A gentleman as always.”

“Just for you,” Friedrich said, smiling and making her blush. “I have to say, when you said you live on the outskirts of town, I didn’t realize it was this far out.” Then he looked over at the house. “And I can see why people say your house is haunted.” 

“They do?” Melinda said.

“Yes, they do. But honestly, I think it has an old Victorian gothic charm about it,” Friedrich said and he looked back at her. “And I absolutely love that.” He smiled.

“Wait till you see the inside.” Melinda said, she motioned her head to the door. “Let me give you a tour before we start.” He offered his arm to her and she wrapped her arm around his, and they went inside. The moment he stepped into the foyer that was black wood frame with dark burgundy walls, he was amazed. “This is just some work I did the first week we were here.”

“You did this all on your own?” Friedrich said as he admired the gold frames that had butterflies and dragons in them.

“Yes,” Melinda said, nodding her head. “What do you think?”

“This is amazing,” Friedrich said, smiling. “You are quite talented, I must say.” 

“Thank you Friedrich,” Melinda said, smiling as she blushed. “Come on, there's a few other places I worked on.” She started walking him through the house as he continued to be in awe with the house and her skills. “I know it’s weird that I did random rooms, but I got it from my mother. She always liked to just do things randomly, she said it was more exciting that way. To be in the moment and not plan things out, or whatnot.” They made it to two double doors. “And here’s the ballroom.” 

Melinda let go of his arm and pushed open the double doors. She stepped inside and started explaining to him what she already did and what still needed to be done. As she spoke, her voice slowly faded away as he walked into the ballroom. Memories of the balls that were once held in his former home started to play in his head. Memories of dancing with his sweet Anna and his daughters. All he could see were their smiling faces and hear their laughter. He could feel his daughters’ tiny feet on his as they held hands while he took turns dancing with them. His breathing started to get heavy as his heart started to pound. He closed his eyes tight as he clenched his fist as his body started to shake from the memories. But then, they stopped. He opened his eyes, seeing his hands were in Melinda’s. He looked up to her smiling face. She was able to put him at ease just like his sweet Anna used.

“It’s okay if you want to leave Friedrich,” Melinda said. “I understand if you have to.”

“No,” Friedrich said, shaking his head. “I’m alright now,” he smiled. “Thanks to you.” She smiled back at him. “Shall we get started?” She nodded her head. “Let’s get to it then.”

They brought all the supplies in and started getting to work. Everyday, from the moment her father left and an hour before he was to return, Friedrich was over helping Melinda out. The sound of hammering, sawing, and music filled the air. And as they worked, they teased one another about the ones working. Claiming the other one did it better and faster than the other. When one of them had to lift something heavy, they would see if the other one was looking first before lifting it. Then when the other one turned around and questioned it, both of them joked about working out. Neither of them were aware of the other one’s unnatural strength. Though Melinda and Friedrich had a little voice in their head telling them the other was something more, they both chose to ignore it. 

During lunch time they would make a small meal together, which ended up in a food fight and that would turn into a game of tag. While working, they would steal the normal glances from one another. Melinda would admire his focus and determination to get the project done. Friedrich would admire her artist talent to bring the project to life and her eye for detail. But over the course of a few days together, the atmosphere between them shifted. Being together for hours and everyday started changing who they view each other. Innocent glances became more intimate. 

Melinda would look over whenever Friedich raised to wipe the sweat off his face. She would bite her lip as she admired his well toned muscle body. Seeing how his abs would contract when he breathed and the happy travel of heaven that he had from his navel down into his pants. Friedrich would look over whenever Melinda was bending over. He would lick his lips admiring how her tank top showed how busting she was and her hour glass figure. Her shorts showed how nice and round her ass was. Both of them started having impure thoughts about the other. Even their game of tag turned to them resisting the urge to make the first move as they locked eyes and arms wrapped around each other when they got the other. It was like that, until they couldn’t fight it any longer.

Early Friday Afternoon:

“Alright, that should do it.” Friedrich said as he came down off the ladder. “Would you like to do the honors?”

“I would love to,” Melinda said, as she went over to the light switch. “Time for the moment of truth.” She flipped the switch, not only did the lights come on but the chandelier that Friedrich just placed lit up. “It’s…” she started smiling. “It’s beautiful.” 

He smiled as he saw the happiness radiating from her. “Now we have one more thing to test out,” Friedrich said.

“What’s that?” Melinda said.

“You’ll see,” Friedrich said, smiling.

Friedrich grabbed the ladder and placed it outside the ballroom. Then he went over to the record player Melinda had placed in the room. He selected a song and turned up the volume. As the song Cinnamon Girl by Lana Del Rey started to play, he went back to her. He placed one hand behind his back and slightly bowed his head as he offered his hand.

“May I have this dance my lady?” Friedrich said, smiling.

“You may,” Melinda said, smiling as she placed her hand in his.

Melinda placed her other hand on his shoulder as Friedrich placed his other hand on her hip. They began to dance as their eyes locked on one and another. They dance around the ballroom as they let the music take over them. When the chorus came on, Friedrich spun her around with a smile on face when Melinda giggled a bit as he brought her back to him. As they continued to dance, they slowly started moving closer to each other. Friedrich spun her around, placing her back against his chest for a moment, holding her close. They both gave each other a gentle smile before he spun her away from him. When he brought her back to him, he placed both hands on her waist and she put both hands around his neck. As the song started to come to an end, their pace started to slow down. 

Friedrich pulled her close to him, pressing her body against his. Just like the rainy night they met, the recorder player became silent. The lights in the room seem to dim on their own, leaving only the chandelier above them to shine bright. They slowly stopped swaying as they both started to lean in. Their bodies stopped moving as their eyes closed and the lips finally touched. They both let out a soft sigh as the tension they were holding in all week was released. Friedrich moved one hand up, placing it behind her head and moving the other to lower back. He applied pressure, deepening the kissing as their lips slowly and gently started moving with each other. As the kisses continued, both of them felt a surge throughout their bodies, causing the fire of desire to become an inferno. The kiss started to become intense as their lips started to pick up the pace. But before it got out of hand, Friedrich pulled back slightly and rested his head against hers as they both panted as they looked into each others’ eyes. 

“We should,” Friedrich said, trying to focus on what to say and not her lips. “Shower and… and have our lunch… as we planned.”

“Yes,” Melinda said. “We should.”

They both slowly pulled apart, letting their fingers linger a bit longer in each others’ hands before letting go. Friedrich turned off the record player as Melinda headed out of the ballroom. As she headed upstairs to use the shower in her room, he grabbed his duffle bag in the living room and went to use one of the guest showers. The moment they both entered the bathrooms and closed the door behind them, they leaned up against it. They closed their eyes as they panted again as they remembered the kiss they shared. Both weren’t expecting it but both were hoping for it. Once they were able to come to their senses, they got into a shower, a cold one to calm down. 

When they were done, Friedrich put on business casual clothes. Dark brown boots, dark blue jeans and dark blue plaid dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbow. He took his shirt into pants and put on his dark brown belt. He looked in the room, slicking his hair back and making sure everything was in order before stepping out of the bathroom. He went to the living room, placing his duffle bag back on the couch. The sounds of footsteps coming down and Friedrich turned around to see Melinda coming down the steps. As she did, his heart started to race. She was in a white summer dress with short sleeves and flowers on it with matching flats. The dress hugged her body, showing her figure and her breasts that were kept covered by two strings. 

He smiled as she got to the last step. “You truly look like an angel,” Friedrich said. “A beautiful angel.” She smiled as she blushed. 'Are you ready to head out?”

“Actually,” Melinda said and she started getting a bit nervous. “Would you care to have a picnic? There’s a beautiful meadow hidden within the trees in the backyard. If you like that is.”

“I would like very much,” Friedrich said, smiling. 

They headed to the kitchen and started packing up lunch into an old wicker picnic basket. Friedrich placed glasses and a bottle of wine inside as Melinda got a blanket for them. He offered his arm to her and she wrapped her arms, and they headed out back and into the woods. They walked in silence, enjoying the gentle breeze that rustled through the trees as birds sang their song. Once they got to the meadow the clouds slightly blocked the sunlight shading the area. They took a deep breath, letting the smell of the lavender flowers in the meadow calm them. They laid out the blanket and together they laid out the food. Friedrich poured the wine and they toast to a job well done. 

They started talking normally as if the kiss never happened though it was in the back of their mind. It’s why this time around, they were being more flirtatious. Instead of sitting away from each other like they did all the tim, they sat closer. Friedrich side propped up on his side right behind her to wear she could lay back on her if she wanted to. They even started touching each other when they didn’t need to. Melinda would giggle as playfully smack his arm or shove on his chest gently when he made a joke. He would gently rubber her lower back at times or brush her hair behind her ear. Then when they looked at each other, their eyes went to each others’ lips wanting another taste. They would lean in slightly but always stopped and looked away.

After a couple of hours they started putting everything away in the basket. Friedrich offered her his hand and helped her up. Then he went to pick up the blanket but before he did, Melinda touched his back and ran as she said tag your hit. He chuckled as he started running after her. She went into the trees and they started to zig zag through them and the bushes. Melinda sped up as she circled back around to the meadow. She looked behind her, seeing Friedrich was nowhere in sight. She smiled as she turned back around and ran right into Friedrich’s arms. They collided and he wrapped his arms around her and they went into a roll. They finally came to a stop on the blanket with Friedrich on top of her. 

He chuckled “Are you alright?” Friedrich said as he propped himself up on his hands.

She nodded her head. “I am,” Melinda said, smiling. “How did you get to the meadow before me?”

He grinned. “With my super speed,” Friedrich said, he gave her a wink, making her giggle. His face softened as he looked into her eyes. “I truly love that giggle of yours, it always brightens my day hearing it.” He placed his hand on her face. “Just like it does when I see your smiling face.” She started blushing. “Melinda, I have a confession to make.”

“What is it, Friedrich?” Melinda said.

“Being around you has brought great joy into my life that I thought I would never have again. I don’t know why but,” Friedrich said as he started stroking her cheek with his thumb. “The moment we kissed, it took the pain away that I have been holding in my heart for what felt like a century. Not only do you make me feel alive again.” He smiled. “You make me feel I can love again. And I just want you to know, I no longer wish to live in the past because I want to live in the future, a future with you by my side.”

“Oh Friedrich,” Melinda whispered as she smiled at him.

Melinda’s hands reached up and took a hold of his face, and he allowed her to gently pull his face down to hers. They both closed their eyes and their lips met once more. Just like before, they let out a sigh as the tension left their bodies. His hand moved behind her head as Melinda’s hands found their way around his neck and into his hair. She gave in to a gentle tug as she played with as their lips started moving with one another. Slowly the kiss started to get intense like before but this time, Friedrich didn’t pull away. Instead his tongue made its way into her mouth, making Melinda moan into his mouth. He let out a groan as her tongue started to move with his. 

His hand moved back to her face and he cupped her chin, and he stroked his thumb across her cheek. Friedrich withdrew his tongue and he turned her head to the side as his lips started making way to her neck. She started panting until his lips touched a certain spot on her neck, making moan. He started there, kissing it more to make her moan again. Friedrich gave the spot a little lick, making her gasp and goosebumps dance across her skin as she shrivered. He let go of Melinda’s face and his hand traveled downwards slowly, causing her heart to race as his finger tips grazed her skin until he reached her breast. He went to caress it when Melinda placed her hand on his wrist, stopping him.

“What is it?” Friedrich said, looking concerned. “Did I hurt you?”

“No,” Melinda said, shaking her head. “It’s just….”

He saw uncertainty in her eyes. “Melinda,” Friedrich said and he gave her a small smile. “If your not ready we,”

“I am, it's just,” Melinda said and she sighed. “I’m a… virgin and so I don’t exactly you know,”

“Have experience," Friedrich said and she nodded her head. “Don’t worry my angel,” he smiled. “I’ll take care of you.” She smiled as she blushed. “With that said, do you wish for me to continue? If you need more time, I don’t mind waiting at all. You are more than worth the wait.”

“I do wish to continue,” Melinda said as she let go of his wrist.

“Alright then,” Friedrich said, he placed his hand on her face again, stroking her cheek as he looked deep into her eyes. “If anytime you need a break or want to stop all together, don’t be afraid to tell me. I’ll stop immediately.”

“You… you won’t be upset if I do?” Melinda said.

He smiled. “Not at the least,” Friedrich said. He let go of her face and he took a hold of the string that kept the top of her dress closed. “Are you ready for me to make you mine?” 

“Yes,” Melinda whispered as she moved her hands to his biceps. “I’m ready.”

Your Disease 7

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“So fucking what?” Rhett said in a rash tone making Maria turn to him. “She wasn’t fucking lying when she said we are working on the case together. Did we fuck?” He smiled. “Yeah we did,” he started walking over to Maria. “A few times actually. And if I’m being honest with you Maria.” He stopped right in front of Maria. “It’s the best fucking sex I had in my life.” Maira stepped back looking offended by his words. “And it wasn’t just she knows how to move those hips just fucking right or she’s insanly bless both in the front and back. Or because she has the most gorgeous fucking rocking hot body and I find her unimaginably and unremarkably beautiful. Those are all fucking bonuses. It’s because she actually fucking gets me. She likes comics and video games and wrestling like I do. She understands my movie references and we can fucking joke around with each other. She doesn’t tell me I need to fucking grow up and stop being childish like you did all the fucking goddamn time. She is nothing like you,” he smiled. “And I fucking love that about her. And I love the fact all those years ago at the bar she fucking called you out on your shit.”

“What?” Maria said and she turned to Melinda. “You were the girl at the bar?”

“I’m so glad you were finally about to detach Andrew’s dick from you,’ Melinda said. She did rapid gentle clapping. “Kudos. Kudos.”

“Happy?” Rhett said and Maria turned back to him. “You know who she is and why she’s wearing my shit, that she happens to look very sexy in by the way. Now,” He leaned down, inches from her face. “I want you to fuck off and stay fuck. I’m so sick of seeing you fucking face. This is low even for you Maria, coming over here and using Cap’s death to try to get yourself back in my life. So I want you to get the fuck out of my house and if I see you again, and it’s not because of work. I will release all the naughty fucking kinky evidence I got on you of what kind of lawyer you really are.”

His breathing was heavy, nostrils flared as he looked at her with pure anger and hatred in his eyes. Maria slowly backed away from him and she looked over at Melinda. Who crossed her arms with a cold look on her face as she motioned her head to the door. Maira looked back at Rhett before putting her head down and walking around him. He kept his eyes on her as she walked out of the door. Rhett went over to the door, slamming it so hard pictures on the wall nearby fell down. 

Rhett clenched his fist as his breathing got rapid. He leaned over slightly as he let out a roar of pain and anger. Then he started grabbing whatever was near him and throwing it in all directions. He smashed glass and furniture. He punched holes in walls and ripped down things hanging up on them. Rhett screamed and cussed as he destroyed everything in the living room, kitchen, and dining room until there was nothing left. He let out one finally roar as he fell to his knees in the center of the room. He hung his head as he started to cry.

Without a word, Melinda walked over to him and kneeled down beside him. She wrapped one arm around his shoulder and the other wrapped around in front of him, placing her hand on the side of his head. Melinda gently pulled him to her, resting his head on her chest and resting her head on his. She closed her eyes and slowly rocked him as tears of her own rolled down her cheek. She understood his pain all too well.

A Few Hours Later:

“You didn’t have to do that.” Rhett said.

“Do what?” Melinda said as she kept her focus on cleaning off the blood on his knuckles.

“Clean up my mess,” Rhett said. “You didn’t have to. Just like you don’t have to patch me up.”

“We’re partners Rhett,” Melinda said as she looked up at him and gave a small smile. “It’s what we do.” He smiled back at her as she went back to his hand. “So, I’m really the best sex you ever have?” She looked up with a smirk on her face.

He chuckled. “Yeah,” Rhett said, nodding his head. “What about me Winchester? Am I the best sex you ever had?”

“Like the top five,” Melinda said. He chuckled as he shook his head. “Yeah,” she looked back at his hand. “You are.”

He smiled. “I uh,” Rhett said as she started working on his other hand. “I wasn’t lying about what I said.” She looked up at him. “About you actually get me. How I find you unimaginably and unremarkably beautiful.” They both smiled. “I mean every word I said about you. I just wish that,” he sighed as he shook his head as he looked away. 

“I’m sorry Rhett,” Melinda said and he turned to him. “Maybe if I just introduced myself that night at the bar things would have been different. We all could have sat down together and talked. John would have given you his blessings for us to be together. I would have been here when those Vetalas first showed up. John and Ava would still be alive and Wyatt wouldn’t have to grow up wondering what happened to his parents. But I can’t change what happened, no spell on earth can. I know,” she looked back down. “I already tried.”

“What do you mean?” Rhett said.

“When I got to John’s and found them the way I did,” Melinda said, closing her eyes as she shook her head slightly as tears started to form. “John uh,” she opened up her eyes and looked up at Rhett. “John was still alive.”

“What?” Rhett whispered. “He…he was still alive?” She nodded her head. “You were the one that called, not the neighbor.” She nodded her head again. “Fuck.”

“I tried to get the bleeding to stop but,” Melinda said she shook her head. “I couldn’t.” Her voice started breaking. “Then I uh,” she paused for a moment. “I tried to use the time spell that I was given by Rowena. It only goes back five minutes, but it would have given me a chance to save them. But,’ she put her head down. “It wouldn’t work,’ she shook her head. “No matter how many times I cast it, it wouldn’t.” She looked up. “I took off because I couldn’t find Wyatt. I thought the Vetala took him and came here, that way you got home he would have put you through the same thing he did to John. But when I got here, your place was empty and I heard the amber alert got canceled. I just went back to my hotel room after that and I called Rowena to find out what the hell the spell didn' t work and,” she sighed as she closed her eyes and hung her head.

“What did she say?” Rhett said, he leaned forward when she didn’t reply. “Melinda, what did she say?”

She took a deep breath as she opened her eyes and looked back up. “She said if something was meant to be, the spell wouldn’t work,” Melinda said. “She said,” she took another deep breath. “She said John and Ava were meant to die.” Rhett fell back into his seat. “I’m sorry Rhett I tried. I tried,” she started crying softly as she put her head down. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry.”

“Hey, hey,” Rhett said, leaning back forward and putting his arms around her. He kicked the chair back so he could kneel down and pull her to him. “It’s okay, I got you. I got you.” He tightened his grip on her as he rocked her. “You tried Winchester, you tried. That’s what fucking matters. So don’t beat yourself up for this. Even if you did come up to us at the bar that night, it wouldn’t have changed anything. Like that witch said, they were meant to die. So please, please, don’t put this on you. Okay?” He moved around, lifted her head up and wiped her tears away. Then he took a hold of her face as he leaned in closer as he looked into her eyes. “This isn’t on you Melinda, not one goddamn bit. It’s not on you.” He lowered his voice to a whisper. “It’s not on you.” 

She slightly nodded her head as she put her hands on his. Slowly they leaned in closer as they closed their eyes. Their lips pressed against each other gently and they both let out a soft sigh. Their lips slowly moved with one another as Rhett slowly leaned her back, placing Melinda on the ground. Her arms went around his neck as his hands went down and started undoing his pants. Once he was done, he put one hand beside her head and the other took a hold of her knee, raising her leg up. Slowly and gently, pushed his hips forward, sliding himself inside of her. Rhett slightly pulled back, breaking the kiss. They opened their eyes and kept them on each other as he continued to move his hips, making them both softly moan. This time, it wasn’t about fucking. It was about comforting one and another. About helping each other to forget the world around them. Even if it was for a few minutes, they would get lost to each other as they solace in one and another.

Couple Hours Later: 

“We really shouldn’t do that again,” Rhett said.

“What?” Melinda said, looking up from her laptop.

“Have sex,” Rhett said. “We really shouldn’t again.”

“Okay,” Melinda said and she went back to researching.

“I’m serious.” Rhett said.

She sighed and she looked up. “Rhett,” Melinda said. “If you don’t want to have sex again, that’s completely fine. But in all honesty,” she smiled. “I’m pretty sure it’s going to happen again.”

“Yeah,” Rhett said and he sighed. “I know.”

“I know this whole thing is just one big fucked up situation.” Melinda said.

“You can say that again,” Rhett said.

“Despite what happened between me and John in the past isn’t going to change things between me and you,” Melinda said. “Even if I didn’t sleep with John back then.”

“What do you mean?” Rhett said.

“Even though we have a lot in common and get along great, me and you,” Melinda said and she shook her head. “Would never work out.”

“We would,” Rhett said, nodding his head.

She sighed. “Rhett,” Melinda said. “We come from two different worlds. Your life is here, mine is on the road. You arrest the bag guys. I kill monsters. If we were ever to workout, one of us would have to give up our lives to join the other one's life. Both of us are passionate about what we do, about the people we save. If you join me on the road, there’s a higher chance of you dying. A higher chance of something coming after Wyatt just like it did for John and Ava if you try to stay in his life. Can you give up Wyatt, who John entrusted with you in order to be with me?”

“You can give up being a hunter,” Rhett said. “We… We can build a life here.” He leaned forward as he placed his arms on the table. “You said so yourself, that if I was ready you would walk away from the hunter's life for me. And if your brothers could walk away to be with the women they love and have families. Why can’t you do the same?”

“Once a hunter, always a hunter.” Melinda said. “My brothers’ homes are like forestress. Hex bags, salt rings, protection spells, and weapons hidden throughout the house. The constant looking over their shoulder waiting for something to come out of the shadows for their family. Which they have before, numerous times causing them to move around a lot. It stop, when I took up the mantle because those bastards were reminded what a Winchester is capable of doing. If I walk away from you, they’ll come not only for us but for my brothers and their families. I can’t let that happen,” she shook her head. “I won’t.”

“What does that mean for us?” Rhett said.

“After this case is over and we kill that fucking, we part ways.” Melinda said. Rhett sighed as he leaned back in his chair. “It’s for the best cowboy. Till then,” she smiled. “Just enjoy the time we got together. Especially enjoy the best sex you ever had in your life.”

He chuckled weakly. “Yeah,” Rhett said, nodding his head. “Can I uh,” he leaned back on the table again. “Can I ask you a question?”

“You can ask me anything.” Melinda said.

“This Vetala monster,” Rhett said. “Is there a way to know whose one? I know you mention doing a holy water test for demons. But is there a test for them?”

“No,” Melinda said, shaking her head. “Maybe if we had a blood sample and we tested it out to see if something stood out in it. But other than that,” she shrugged her shoulders. “I honestly don’t know.” He nodded his head. “Why do you ask?”

“No reason,” Rhett said, leaning back in his seat.

“Bullshit,” Melinda said. “What’s up? What are you thinking?”

“It’s just uh,” Rhett said, he shook his head as he looked away. “You know how I was running late to meet up with John too?”

“Yeah,” Melinda said. 

“I have a brother,” Rhett said, turning to her. “Perry. But it turns out he’s not my brother after all. And my parents are just his parents, not ours.”

“Like you're adopted?” Melinda said, looking confused.

“No,” Rhett said, shaking his head.

“Rhett I don’t understand,” Melinda said. “Did they take you or something?”

“No,” Rhett said, shaking his head again. “So I grew up in Wyoming. On this godforsaken ranch with Royal and Cecilia Abbott, people I thought were my parents and Perry. I always, fucking always was treated like a piece of shit. I’m not just talking verbally. I’m talking about emotionally, mentally, and physically." Melinda sat up in attention. “And I never knew why. I thought, I don’t know,” he shrugged his shoulders. “That something was wrong with me. Something just fucked up about me that made them treat me like this, made them hate me and just wanted me died. Then one day, Perry got himself into serious trouble. He killed a guy, Trevor Tillerson.”

“What?” Melinda said. “He killed him?”

“Yeah,” Rhett said, nodding his head. “But it was self dense. That fucking prick came after him and for once in his life Perry fought back. Perry nailed him but the guy tripped and when his head hit the ground,” he shook his head. “He was gone. And Royal,” he clenched his fist. “He wanted me to tell the Sheriff that I fucking killed Trevor to protect Perry, like I was always force to do. I finally had a enough and I fucking went off on them. I ended up going into tell and I told the Sheriff everything, I mean fucking everything. From the first time the abuse started up till the moment I left that ranch. All three of them were arrested and I went to Maria’s, I told her let’s go now and I asked her to marry me. And we came out here, then our marriage fell apart. I meant Walker and became a detective, and all that.”

“Then the night after that Vetala died I went to the bar I meant you at and had a drink while Walker went home.” Rhett said. “I was sitting there, thinking about what the fuck happened that night when Perry just showed up. He sits there and starts telling me that fucking Royal wants me to come back home to work ont he ranch.”

“What?” Melinda said. “After everything he still wanted you to come back?”

“Yeah,” Rhett said, nodding his head. “Like it never fucken happened. I said no because of how they treated me like a piece of shit, their own son. That’s when Perry said,” he looked down. “Perry said I wasn’t their son. I was their godson and my mom Sonia,” he took a deep breath. “She died during childbirth but not before telling Cecilia who my dad was. Turns out,” he looked back up at her. “My mother was held against her will and raped repeatedly for several days by my dad.”

“Oh my god, “ Melinda whispered. 

“And since I killed her best friend and,” Rhett said and he chuckled weakly. “My father raped her best friend, she found it fitting to take it out on me. So did Royal, so Perry. And I uh,” he took another deep breath. “I told Walker about it after our medal ceremony and I went to my work after that. I ran Perry’s DNA against mine and it came up negative for any relations. But uh.” He chuckled weakly again as he shook his head. “It popped up positive that I was the son of the former detective, Harry Ambrose.” 

“Harry Ambrose?” Melinda said. 

“Yeah,” Rhett said. He opened up his desk drawer and pulled out a file. “That sick fucking bastarted was in jail for rape and kidnapping of my mom.” He handed her the folder and she opened it up. “But was released after only serving around 16 years of a 25 year sentence.”

“Oh my god,” Melinda said. 

“As you can tell I get my good looks from him.” Rhett said. He scoffed and he took a drink of his beer. “Now back to what I was saying. I was asking because,’

“Rhett,” Melinda said, looking up at him. “I don’t know how to say this but, Harry Ambrose is a hunter. He’s one of the greatest hunters who's ever lived.” The beer bottle slipped from his hands and shattered on the floor, along with Rhett’s reality.

Cowboys & Monsters Part 9 coming soon

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@anacatxo @irlbobreynolds @pullmanswife @bobbyblood1996

“Oh fuck,” Cameron said.

“My father started counting down and I,” Melinda said and her breathing started to pick up. “I kept telling myself, open the door and stop him. Just open the door and stop him. But my body,” she shook her head. “It wouldn’t move. No matter how much I keep telling it to move, it won't. Then my father said times up and he… he,” her voice started to break. “He grabbed the little boy by his hair and pulled up off the ground, and he slit his throat.” She started crying. Cameron quickly knocked everything down that was between them and he moved over, putting his arms around her and comforting her. “He just let him go and his little body hit the ground so hard. Marcus and his wife are screaming. Then my father slit her throat open and Kelly let her go and she dropped to the floor.”

“Marcus,” Melinda said and she took a couple deep breaths. “He crawls to his family. He’s holding them and crying that he was sorry and not to leave me. Then Kevin brings over a shove and hands it to my father. My father tells him, your wife was going to die anyways, at least I made it quick. And as for your boy, I spared him a life without his mother just like you wanted for him. He drops the shove in front of Marcus and says, start digging and I’ll bury you with your family. If you don’t, I’ll chop them up and scatter them throughout my property, and you’ll never be with your family again. Marcus started digging and digging, and digging until my father told him to stop.” 

“Then Kelly and Kevin go behind the pile of hay and they come back with a large and wide wooden box.” Melinda said as she slowly got her crying under control. “They put it into the hole and opened up the lid. They toss his family inside of it and make Marcus get it. He does. They close it up and Kevin nails it shut. Kelly gets another shove, and they start filling up the hole. I could hear Marcus still crying for his family, begging them to come back and to forgive him. Even after the hole was filled, I could hear him beneath the dirt. And the whole time this was happening, James was smiling.”

“He was,” Cameron said, trying to process what she said. “Smiling?” 

She nodded his head. “It wasn’t a fake smile like he was trying to please my father or his,” Melinda said. “It was a genuine smile. Like the one he gave me anytime he won at chess. When he stepped out of the bathroom after he slept with one of the maids. He enjoyed watching them die, he loved it.” Cameron shook his head. “My father told James how proud he was of him that he was able to see a sight like this and not throw up or faint like the other boys did. How he would be the best suitor for me. That he hopes that I choose him when the time comes because it would be an honor to call him son. And then he said, speaking of my daughter. He looked at the door and said, did you enjoy the show, baby girl? Then they all turned to the door.”

“He knew you were there the whole time?” Cameron said. She nodded her head. “What did he do?”

“He said, James, would you be so kind and take my daughter to her room, and take care of her? I still have other business to attend to.” Melinda said. “James just said, with pleasure sir. He started walking to the door and finally, my body started moving. I turned and ran for it, and I could hear James call my name. I turned to look to see where he was at and I ended up tripping. I was trying to get up and he was already on me. Despite everything Kelly taught me, James overpowered me like it was nothing. I started screaming for help while I’m trying to break free from him. And James just talked to me so calmly, it’s alright I’m not going to hurt you, I’m not going to hurt you. I just,” she started sniffing. “I just gave up and started crying.”

“He picks me up and he’s telling me it’s going to be okay now you just need to get some rest.” Melinda said. “He carried all the way back to my room as I cried. He sets me on my bed and takes off my shoes, my socks and my jacket. Then goes to my bathroom and he starts up the bath for me. He comes back for me and takes me over there. He turns around and tells me to get undressed, and get in the bath. I didn’t want to but,” she shook her head. “I didn’t know what he would do to me if I didn’t. So I did it and got in, and curled up into a ball still crying. He turned back around and he started working on getting all the leaves and grass out of my hair. Once everything was out, James brushed my hair out and then washed it. When I was done, he closed his eyes and helped me out. And he kept them closed while I got dried off and got my robe on. Then James took me to my bed and tucked me in. I thought he was going to leave after that.”

“But he didn’t.” Cameron said.

She shook her head. “He went to my desk and grabbed one of the limited edition Edgar Allan Poe books he got me for my 16th birthday.” Melinda said. “He grabbed my chair and brought it to my bedside. He sat down and started reading it, just like my father would when I was little. Eventually I cried myself to sleep. When I woke up it was morning and James was gone. But he left a note on my nightstand, saying I hope after a good night’s rest you’ll feel better. You are going to need it for what happens next. Just remember to be strong and you’ll be just fine. Then my father came in and said good morning my little princess, like he always did. He told me to get dressed and come downstairs. He said breakfast was ready and he had them make my favorite. French toast with lots of butter and powdered sugar. Scrambled eggs, bacon, and diced red potatoes. I thought he was giving me my last meal.”

“Is that when you made a run for it?” Cameron said.

“No,” Melinda said, shaking her head. “I thought since I failed to save Marcus and his family, I deserve to die.” Cameron tightened his grip on her as new tears formed in her eyes. “So I put on my favorite dress, did my makeup, and hair. So I could look nice before I go. I went downstairs and sat down, and started eating. My father, the whole time he was acting completely normal, him and Kelly both. They were talking about football, who they thought would end up at the superbowl. After I was done and I put down that fork, the mood just changed. He said, what was my rule about going out there? I said, never go near the old barn. And he said, what he said last night to Marcus. Rules are made to be followed, not broken. You broke the rules and you have to pay for that. I asked him if he was going to kill me too. He said with a smile, of course not, you're my little princess, my baby girl. I would never hurt you let alone kill you. But that doesn’t mean, I won’t kill someone you love.”

“Someone you love?” Cameron said. “Your mom?” She shook her head. “Then who?”

She rubbed her eyes, stopping the new tears from falling. “He took me to the stables and I saw a pile of dirt by a hole.” Melinda said. “He walks me over to it and inside,” she sniffed a bit. “All my pets. My ponies, my cat, my dog, my turtle, even my koi fishes. All with their heads gone and skin removed,” Cameron sighed as he rested his head on hers. “My father hands me a shovel and tells me to fill up the hole. I’m trying my best not to cry, but I still cry as I start burying them. While I’m filling in the hole, my father tells me to think of what I have done. How I broke the rules and now I was paying for it. How I should thank my lucky stars that I’m still alive after breaking the rules. On and on he goes until I’m done.”

“Then he tells me,” Melinda said. “Baby girl I want you to know that I’m not mad at you, but I am disappointed in you. I expected more from you. But it’s my fault for spoiling you because you are my little princess. I wanted you to be a kid and not grow up like I did. I wanted you to have that childhood, something I wasn’t allowed to have since I was born a Kings. But since you know that I’m not just a casino owner, but also one of five crime bosses. Now it’s time you know the family business, the real family business baby girl. Because once I retire, it’s up to you to carry on the family name. When you turn 18, you will choose one of the sons from the crime families to be your husband. You two will have until your 21st birthday to get to know each other. Then you will marry him and start having his children that will one day take over for you. You and my grandchildren will be my living legacy. So I suggest you pick someone who is smart, cunning, strong, and ruthless, someone like James Shaw. Not only will he take care of you and your children, but his father’s empire would make us twice as strong. Then he smiled at me and asked if I wanted to go to the pet store and pick out new pets that hopefully will die of natural causes this time around.”

“Fucking asshole,” Cameron said, shaking his head. “What did you tell him?”

“I told him I wanted to see my mother,” Melinda said. “He said okay, he offered his hand to me and I took it. He walked me all the way to the car without saying a word. Kelly drove us and as he’s driving, I see we aren’t going the right way. I told my father, I wanted to see my mother. He said I know baby girl, your mother moved to a new home and that’s where we are going. Next thing I know, we pulled up to the cemetery on the outskirts of the city. We get out and he takes my hand again, leading me through the cemetery. We finally get to a gravestone and he says, say good morning to your mother, baby girl. I look down and see it says my mother’s name and the date of her death, is the same day I left to live with him.”

“So when he went to talk to her,” Cameron said. “He actually went to kill her?”

“He said he wasn’t going to kill her, not at first.” Melinda said. “He told her that the results said I was his child so he was taking me home. She told him no, that she wants to file with the courts to get sole custody of me and make him pay a pretty penny. He told her, she’s my baby girl, who you have been treating like a burden since you got pregnant with her. No one told you to live this life and whore yourself out. I offered you marriage once, you denied me. But you will not deny me my little princess, my baby girl. Then he wrapped his hand around her throat and squeezed the life out of her. He then told me, I never loved your mother, she was a whore that I wanted to keep around because she knew her away around the bedroom. She was also very beautiful and I loved her hazel eyes. And I knew our children would be beautiful like her. And since I didn’t love her, it was easy to kill her. But you my little princess, I love you. That’s why you are here and she’s not. So always remember, it’s my love for you that will keep you alive. So you better pray that I never stop loving you.” Cameron let out a heavy sigh.

“After that he didn’t hide who he was and he would talk openly about his crime activities in front of me.” Melinda said. “He had me start attending meetings with him, learning the tricks of the trade as he put it. I told him that I could run an empire, but I don’t have the stomach nor the heart to end a life like he could. He said don’t worry baby girl, that’s why you have enforcers. Plus if you choose James, he’ll be more than happy to do it for you. After all, happy wife, happy life and he’ll make you very happy. For two years, he taught me the ways of both of our families' businesses. During that time, not only did James and his father come over, but other crime bosses and their sons. All of the sons were trying to get my attention in hopes I would pick them. All of them except James, who kept chasing the maids and other women around. I kept asking my father if I had to marry one of them. If I could just find someone to fall in love with, get married and have children with. He would just laugh and say that’s why the bosses are bringing their sons over. So I could get to know them and fall in love with one of them. I told him, you said  whatever my little heart desires you would give it to me because I am your little princess. He said yes, but you're going to be someone’s queen and they can give you whatever you want. I knew no matter what I said, my father wasn’t going to let up. I was going to be stuck in this life. And worse, so were my children that I was going to be forced to have will be too.”

“That’s when you decided to run away,” Cameron said.

“Yes,” Melinda said. “It took me a while to get a hold of the right people to get me out of there. Get me fake IDs, money, a car and anything else I needed without having ties to my father or any of the crime bosses. By the time it was my 18th birthday, I was ready to go. I did the whole getting dressed up, make up, and tiara. When I stepped out of my room to go to the ballroom, I saw James coming out of the usual hallway bathroom after one of the maids ran out. He just stared at me for a bit, like he forgot who I was and was trying to figure out my name or something. Then he started smiling at me as he walked over to me. He asked if he could escort me to the ballroom and I said yes. When we got to the ballroom, the whole time he was staring at me and he kept asking me to dance. He was actually trying to talk to me, telling me about all these beautiful places he visited. Asking if there was anywhere I wanted to go. I was thinking they knew I was up to something and James was keeping me busy so I would miss my window. So I decided to excuse myself like I normally do to the bathroom a couple of times and then come back. But the last time I excused myself, I didn’t come back.”

“That’s when you ran away,” Cameron said.

“I ran like there was no fucking tomorrow,” Melinda said. “I knew my father or Kelly wouldn’t come for me. He had an empire and casino to run, and Kelly needed to be by his side. I also knew my father wouldn’t get outside help or the other families help because he won’t want me to get hurt. Leaving him only the options to send Kevin and the others to get me. But they all forgot, I knew how they fought and the way they think thanks to Kelly allowing me to train with them. So I knew I could get away from them if I was ever cornered. On the road, I did everything Kelly taught me. He always said the best way to disappear was to be as random as possible. So I got a map and threw a dart at it. Wherever it landed, I went there. I avoided all electronics and did cash only transactions. If I need to use a credit card I made sure it was a last resort.  Once I use it, I would take off to another state since it takes four for it to appear it was in use. For years, I was always on the go, running into my father’s men now and again. But despite all that,” she she nuzzled up to him and smiled. “I never felt so free.” Cameron smiled but then a heavy sigh escaped her, causing his smile to fade. “It was fun while it lasted.”

“Yeah,” Cameron whispered and he let out a soft sigh. “But uh, we still have some time before you have to go back. So you know, we can do whatever you want and go wherever you want.”

“Where would you go?” Melinda said.

“I don’t know,” Cameron said. “I always thought me and my band would go on tour, visit all these places but now,” he shrugged his shoulders. “That’s not going to happen so I have no idea where I would go.”

“You have a band?” Melinda said. “What’s the name? Maybe I heard of you guys before.”

“Moth Sausage." Cameron said, she pulled back and looked up at him with a weird look. “Hey in my defense we were completely shit faced and we were throwing around random names. Then someone said Moth Sausage and somehow it became our band name. Also technology isn’t my band, it was the lead singer that started it. I’m the lead guitarist though. I actually got our CD on me if you want to hear some of our music.”

“Sure.” Melinda said. 

“Cool, I’ll go get it.” Cameron said. He got up and went over to his room. Melinda picked up what he knocked down early and he came back with the CD. He put it in the stereo that was in the room and started playing a song. “This is one of our first songs we did.” He turned up the music a bit and he bobbed his head with it. “What do you think?” 

“It’s rhythmic,” Melinda said, smiling. “You said earlier about the whole going on tour thing but that’s not going to happen now. Is that because of this situation you're in now or what?”

“No,” Cameron said, shaking his head as he lowered the music before walking back over to the back of the couch. “Remember my two besties I mentioned?” She nodded her head. “They are the ones that started the band and now with the baby on the way, they decided to call it quits. So,” he shrugged his shoulders. “No more Moth Sausage." 

“Huh,” Melinda said.

“What do you mean huh?” Cameron said, raising an eyebrow.  “What’s that?” 

“I just thought you guys broke up because you didn’t know what real music was,” Melinda said, in a teasing voice.

“Oh is that right?” Cameron said. Melinda smiled and nodded. “And what music are you into?” He laid on top of the couch behind her and she turned to look at him. “Let me guess you like those singer-songwriter, sad, acoustic songs about love and heartbreak.”

“Maybe,” Melinda said.

“So you like that?” Cameron said, smiling. “Romantic, acoustic music?”

“Yeah,’ Melinda said, smiling. “I like songs that make you feel.”

He chuckled. “So you like sad boy music,” Cameron said.

She giggled. “It’s not sad boy music.” Melinda said.

“I bet you originally said no to going on a date with me because you want to date those guys that are like,” Cameron said. He cleared his voice and he started doing a deep voice. “Hey baby, I want to sing you this song I wrote. Let me put my hair down and stop crying for a one second so I,” she shoved him off the couch. “Oh shit.” He hit the floor and he groaned. 

She got on top of the couch and laid on it. “Maybe you can write a song about a girl that knocked you on your ass twice,” Melinda said with a smirk.

He nodded his head. “Okay,” Cameron said as he kept nodding his head. “Okay.” He reached up and grabbed her. “Come here,” he pulled her down, making her playfully scream as she laid on top of him. He went into a roll, putting her under him and between his legs. “Now you're going to get it.” He sat up as he started tickling her, making her giggle as she tried to get him to stop. “You want to talk shit now huh? Want to talk shit now?”

“Yes,” Melinda said. She grabbed his wrist and pulled him forward, getting him off balance and they went into a roll. She got on top of him and moved her legs around so he was between hers. She sat up to start tickling him back when she saw Cameron’s eyes were wide as they looked down a bit. “What?” She looked down, seeing her robe opened up, exposing her breast. “Oh my god.” She grabbed the robe and quickly closed it back up, snapping Carmeon out of it. “I’m so fucking embarrassed right now.” She nervously laughed as she started turning red.

“Don’t be,” Cameron said and he smiled. “They’re fucking amazing. Can I see them again?” 

“Cameron!” Melinda said.

“What?” Cameron said and he chuckled. “They are.”

Then she felt something between her legs, rubbing up against her core. “Cameron!” Melinda said and she rolled off of him. “What the fuck? Keep that damn python of yours in check.”

He chuckled. “I’m sorry,” Cameron said as he sat up. “Your insanely attractive Melinda. Plus I just saw your big, beautiful, and natural breasts. And I so happened to be a tits guy. Also you were on top of me and it’s also been a minute since I got some. So yeah,” he grinned. “I’m going to get a boner. Oh and thank you by the way.”

“For what?” Melinda said.

“For giving me a mental image to use tonight,” Cameron said with a smirk. She playfully smacked him, making him chuckle. “I’m just trying to say in my own way, don’t be embarrassed by your rocking hot body.”

She giggled. “Thanks,” Melinda said. “And congratulations.”

“Congratulations for what?” Cameron said.

“On being the first man to see my breast.” Melinda said.

He smiled but it soon disappeared. “First?” Cameron said, looking confused. “No one’s seen you naked before?” She shook her head. “So that means,” he thought about it and he smiled. “Melinda, are you a virgin?"

“Cameron,” Melinda said. “Did you forget who my father is?”

“Well I know who your dad is. I just thought, I don’t know,” Cameron said and he shrugged his shoulders. “You got some after you ran away.”

“Nope,” Melinda said, shaking her head. “I never even went on the date.”

“Never?” Cameron said, raising an eyebrow.

She shook her head. “Never.” Melinda said.

“So our date would have been your first,” Cameron said and she nodded her head. “Fuck,” he laid back down and let out a heavy sighed. “I’m so sorry Melinda, I keep fucking shit up for you.”

“What do you mean?” Melinda said.

“Because I asked you out and then you know,” Cameron said, he waved his hands around. “All this shit happens.” He sighed as he put his hands back down. 

“All this isn’t your fault Cameron,” Melinda said. “Not one bit.”

“Still,” Cameron said. “I could have at least given you one good date before things went to shit for you.” He looked over at her. “Were you all excited for a date? Be honest?” 

“Yes,” Melinda said, nodding her head. “I was.”

“Fuck,” Cameron said and he looked back up at the ceiling. “I’m so sorry.” He covered up his face with his hands. “I’m such a fucking asshole and piece of shit.”

“Hey,” Melinda said, going over to him and pulling his hands away from his face. “You're not.” He went to say something and she shook her head. “Don’t Cameron. I know if you weren’t forced into this situation, you wouldn’t have done what you had to do. So please, don’t keep beating yourself up about this.” He let out a heavy sigh. “Come on,” she let his hands go. “We should head to bed, it’s getting late.”

“Yeah,” Cameron said. “Where do you want to go tomorrow?”

“How about we clean up that camper of yours and then worry where we should go after,” Melinda said.

“Alright,” Cameron said, nodding his head as he got up. “Let’s get to bed then.” He helped her back up. “Goodnight, sorry about everything again.”

“Goodnight,” Melinda said. She headed to her room as he went to turn the stereo off. “Cameron,” they both turned back around. “I uh… I really don’t want to sleep alone tonight with you know, everything going on. I was wondering if you wanted to lay down with me, if that’s alright with you.”

“Yeah,” Cameron said, smiling as he nodded his head. “That’s alright with me. Just let me uh,” he chuckled nervously. “Put on some clothes.”

“Same,” Melinda said. With shy smiles on their faces they walked into their rooms and got dressed. When Cameron was done he walked over to her room. He took a deep breath before knocking on the door. “Come in,” he opened the door to see she was already in pjs and in bed. “Is there a certain side you want?”

“No,” Cameron said, shaking his head as he started getting nervous. “Either side is good with me.” Melinda scooted to the right side of the bed and he crawled into the other side. “Do you uh,” he looked over at her. “Want to… like cuddle?” She nodded her head. “Okay,” he laid down on his back and stretched his arm out. “Come here.” She curled up to his side and rested her head on his chest, and they wrapped their arms around each other.

“Your heart rate is pretty fast,” Melinda said. “Are you alright?”

“Well I’m cuddle up with a really beautiful and sexy, and pretty fucking hot chick so you know,” Cameron said and she giggle, putting him at ease. “Plus I’m still picturing your perfect tits.” She smacked him and he chuckled. “I’m joking. I’m joking. Not really.” She smacked him again and he laughed a bit more. “Just don’t get mad when I wake up with a woodie and I poke you with it.” 

Melinda went to smack him again when he caught her wrist. He chuckled as he playfully struggled against each other. Cameron teased her a bit, making her giggle as he tickled her side a bit. Soon their laughter went quiet as his hand went up her wrist and to her hand. They both looked as their fingers interlace with one another. They gently squeezed each other’s hands before their fingers unlace. Melinda went to pull her hand away, when Cameron took a hold of it. He brought their hands down to his lips and he kissed his hand gently. Then he placed their hands on his chest, right over his heart. He smiled, feeling Melinda’s heart beating fast against his side. He gently ran his hand up and down her side. Slowly, her heart became steady and soon, her body went limp. He chuckled lightly when he heard her very light and soft snoring. He leaned his head down, kissing the top of her head. Cameron gave her a gentle squeeze before closing his eyes and laid his head back. He listened to the sounds of her breathing until he fell asleep too.

Bad Times At The House Of Kings Part 6 coming soon

Note: Normally I do gifs in the story as well, but I think I will add them later when I have more time to edit.

Tagging: If you like to be tagged, please leave a comment or a message in the ask box.

Every year for her birthday Kings would buy her mother’s services for the whole day, so Melinda could enjoy her birthday. He would throw her a small party, bringing gifts of toys and books for her. He bought her a cake and he and his men would sing happy birthday to her. When it was Christmas, Kings had his men put up Christmas lights, a tree, and stocking. He would buy her mother for Christmas Eve and Christmas day so no one would ruin it for Melinda. On Christmas Eve, Kings and Melinda would make cookies for Santa and set out a glass of him. He would have Kelly dress up as Santa Claus and bring in her gifts for her. On Valentine's day, he would bring Melinda and her mother flowers and chocolates. He would tell her if she ever fell in love and her man never brought her any flowers or took her out, to leave him because he didn’t deserve her. 

For fourth of July, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and New Year’s Eve he would buy her mother’s service for the night. On the fourth, he would buy fireworks for Melinda and do a BBQ. On Halloween, he had the men decorate the house. Kings would buy her a costume and even take her out trick or tricking. On Thanksgiving, he would buy a turkey and cook it up. They would have a nice meal together. On New Year's Eve, he would have a small party and have fireworks. He would give Melinda apple cider so she could toast with them. If there were any events at her school that she was a part of, he would be there to watch her perform. 

But other than that, when he came over Kings would simply greet Melinda and pat her on the head. Then he would buy her mother for a couple of hours of her services and go upstairs with her. While Kelly and a couple of his men would wait downstairs for him to be done. Kelly would make Melinda something to eat, read her a book or play games with her if she wasn’t doing school work or her own thing. If she was, he would just play chess with one of the men. And it was during a game of chess after Melinda turned six that Kelly found out how smart Melinda truly was. 

“Checkmate,” Kelly said.

“Damnit,” Kevin said, shaking head. “Everytime.” He grunted. “Let’s go again.” 

They reset the pieces and started another game. Like before, Kelly won. They reset the pieces again, Kelly won again. Over and over they played, and the results were the same. Kelly won and Kevin got more frustrated. Melinda eventually went over and sat down next to them, and watched them play. But after over thirty minutes of losing, Kevin had enough.

“Come on laddie,” Kelly said with a smirk. “One more round.”

“Fuck that,” Kevin said.

“Aye watch your mouth,” Kelly said and he motioned to Melinda. “The lass is right there.”

“Sorry kid,” Kevin said.

“May I try?” Melinda said.

“You want to play against Kelly?” Kevin said. Melinda nodded her head and he chuckled. “Alright kid,” he smiled. “Knock yourself out.” He moved over as Kelly reset the pieces. “Okay, since you have the white pieces,”

“I go first.” Melinda said.

“That’s right.” Kevin said, nodding his head. “Go easy on her Kelly, she's only six.”

“Don’t worry,” Melinda said and she smiled. “I got this.”

They chuckled. “Do you now lass?” Kelly said and Melinda nodded her head. “Very well then, let’s see. Your move.” Melinda moved a piece and then he moved a piece. And in ten moves, his king was taken. “She just,”

“Checkmate.” Melinda and she smiled. 

“Holy shit,” Kevin said.

“May we play again?” Melinda said.

“Aye,” Kelly said, nodding his head again. “Let’s go.” They reset the pieces and went again. Ten moves again and his king was taken. “She won again.” 

He chuckled. “Dude you're going too easy on her,” Kevin said.

“That’s the thing laddie,” Kelly said, looking up at him. “I’m not.”

“You're not?” Kevin said.

“Aye,” Kelly said and he looked back down at the board. “Let’s go again lass.” They reset the board and she won. “Again.” They reset the board again and she won. “Again.” They kept resetting the board and Melinda kept on winning. “Let’s switch this up a bit lass.” He rotated the board around, so she had the black pieces and he had the white ones. “Now my move.” He made the first move but it didn’t matter because she won again. “Let’s go again.” They kept playing and Melinda kept winning. On and on they reset the pieces and Melinda would win. “Lass, have you played this game before?”

“No,” Melinda said, shaking her head. “First time.”

“Remarkable,” Kelly said, smiling.

“Kelly, weren't you like the captain of the chess club and went to tournaments back in the day?" Kevin said. Kelly nodded his head. “Damn.” They heard a door open and close, then footsteps coming down the stairs. “Sir, you need to see this.’

“What is it?” Kings said. They reset the board and in eight moves, Melinda won. “Are you letting her win?”

“I’m not sir,” Kelly said. They reset the board and went again. Kings’ eyes widened when he saw Melinda win in eight moves again. “She’s been beating me for over an hour within ten moves or less.”

“One time I beat him in six moves,” Melinda said and she smiled.

“But you're only six and in first grade,” Kings said.

“Not any more, I’m not,” Melinda said, shaking her head. “They moved me up to third grade a couple of months after school started.”

“They did?” Kings said, looking surprised.

“Mm-hmm,” Melinda said, nodding her head. “They said they might even move me up to the fourth grade.” She looked up at him. “Didn’t mommy tell you?”

“No, she did not.” Kings said, shaking his head. “Melinda,” he went over to her. “May I have a few strains on my hair?”

“What for?” Melinda said, looking confused. 

“Your mother was talking about finding out what your heritage was,” Kings said. “I told her I would do that for her since it can be a bit pricey. But to do so I need a few strains of hair for that.”

“Okay,” Melinda said. She pulled three strains from the roots and handed it to him. “Here you go.”

“Thank you,” Kings said, taking the strains. “I’ll see you again in a few days when I get the results.” He smiled. “Won’t you start getting ready for bed, it’s getting late.”

“Okay,” Melinda said, getting down from the chair. “Goodnight everyone.”

“Goodnight.” They said together as she ran upstairs.

“Do you really think the lass could be yours?” Kelly said.

“I do,” Kings said and he looked at the strains of hair. “And once I prove she is,” he smiled. “I’m taking her home where she belongs.” 

A Few Days Later:

“Melinda,” Kings said. He crouched down in front of Melinda as looked up from the paper. “Do you understand what these results mean?” 

“Yes,” Melinda said, nodding her head. “It means your daddy.” She smiled. 

He smiled. “That’s right baby girl, I am,” Kings said. “I apologize it took me this long to figure it out, I should have known a lot sooner.”

“It’s okay daddy,” Melinda said and she hugged him.

He hugged her tight. “Now baby girl,” Kings said, pulled back. “I’m going to speak to your mother about moving you in with me. Are you alright with that? Leaving her to live with me?” Melinda smiled as she nodded her head. “Good,” he smiled back. “Wait right here with Kelly while I talk with her.”

“Okay,” Melinda said. He went upstairs and almost a half an hour later, he came back downstairs. “Did she say I can live with you?”

“Yes,” Kings said, smiling. “She’s very happy and excited about it.” Melinda smiled big. “So let’s start packing, shall we?” 

Kings’ Mansion:

“Wow,” Melinda said as looked around the massive room. There was a king size bed with plushies on it. In the corner was an art supplies and crafts area. A TV,  a record player and stereo. Toys and books in another corner with a desk and computer. There was a walk-in closet that was filled with dresses, shoes and other accessories. She even had her own bathroom, which was as big as her old room. “Daddy,” she looked over at Kings. “Is this all mine?”

“It is baby girl.” Kings said, smiling. “Won’t you put your stuff down here and we go outside. I have more surprises for you out back.”

“More surprises?” Melinda said with wide eyes.

He chuckled. “Yes, more.” Kings said. “Come along.”

“Okay daddy,” Melinda said. They put her stuff down and she took his hand, and he led her outside. He walked through the garden and over to an open area that was fenced off next to a barn. Her face lit up when she saw not one, but four ponies. “You got me ponies?!” She giggled. 

“That’s not all,” Kings said. Kelly came out of the stable holding a kitten in one arm and another a puppy. She squealed in excitement, making them chuckle. Kelly came over and handed her the kitten and puppy. “I wasn’t sure which one you would like more, so I got you both.”

“They're so cute and adorable." Melinda said. “Thank you so much for my gifts.”

“No need to thank me baby girl,” Kings said as he crouched down beside her. “After all, you are my little princess and you deserve to be treated like one. So if there’s anything your little heart desires, you just tell me and I’ll get it for you.”

“May I have some fishes and a turtle?" Melinda said.

“Of course you can baby girl,” Kings said, smiling. “Whatever my little princess wants, she’ll get.”

Melinda’s 7th Birthday:

“Do I have to meet all your work friends?” Melinda said as the maid did her hair.

“Yes baby girl, along with their sons.” Kings said. “You would have been introduced to them when you were born but as you know I didn’t know you were my child. So now, you're going to meet them all. Plus, you’ll be seeing them quite a bit around here and at other events.”

“But daddy it’s my birthday,” Melinda said as she finished her hair. “Can’t we go somewhere fun for my birthday?” She turned to him and smiled. “Like the zoo? So I can see the red pandas.”

“I’ll take you tomorrow to the zoo baby girl and,” Kings said he smiled at her. “You can have all the stuffed animals and toys your little heart desires.” She giggled. “Now put on your new dress I had made just for you.”

“Okay daddy,” Melinda said. She got down and she went behind the room divider, and the maid helped put on her dress. “Why do I have to wear dresses all the time? Can’t I hear pants or shorts?” She walked back out wearing a lavender ball gown. 

“Because,” Kings said, smiling as he crouched down in front of her. “You are my little princess and princesses wear dresses. They also wear a,” he pulled out his hands behind his back, showing her what he had in his hands. “Tiara.” She smiled and he placed it on her head. “There you go, my little princess.” He stood up and offered his hand. “Come along baby girl, everyone should be arriving soon.”

The ballroom was completely decorated, not for a child’s birthday but as if it was some type of banquet or wedding. Lavender, peach and white were the colors used throughout the room. Crystal chandeliers in the form of lavender flowers dangle across the ceiling. Center pieces of moss, flowers and candles on all the tables. Fancy plates, silverware, and glasses. Food that looked like it came from a five star restaurant, wine and liquor. The guests were all in suits and ballgowns, even the young children. There were no games or magicians for entertainment. There was an orchestra playing classical music and a dance floor.

Melinda danced with some of the boys, but they were uninterested. Boys her age weren’t at her mental level so they had nothing to talk about. They found her strange and weird because of how she talked. The boys at her mental level weren’t her age, saw her as a child and spoke to her like one. But only one didn’t, the oldest of the boys, James Shaw who was 17 at the time. He didn’t look down at Melinda since he knew how highly intelligent she was. And he knew what it was like for her since he was just as smart as she was and went through the same thing when he was her age. So when he spoke with her, James treated as an adult and she did the same with him. The only time he treated her like a child was when they danced. Allowing her to stand on his feet while dancing, like her father did with her. 

When it was time for the birthday cake it looked more like a wedding cake. It was a large three tier white cake with edible purple roses and nothing else. The only way you knew it was a birthday cake was the gold candle in the shape of a seven. They sang happy birthday to her and she blew out her candle. Then when it was time to open up gifts, Melinda sat down on a pedestal like a throne with Kelly right at her side. One by one, they came up to give her their gift and she would open, and thank them. The gifts were that a child her age would play with. Others were gifts that were showing off the family’s wealth like jewelry. Gifts she didn’t care for but still thank them anyways for them. 

Then when it came for James to give his gift to her, he had nothing in his hands. He told Melinda the gift he got was going to be too large and far too heavy for her to carry. So with her father’s permission he had already set the gift up for her in the steady. Then he offered his hand to her and told her he was escorting her to the steady so she could see it. Melinda looked over at her father who nodded his head and she looked back at James, taking his hand. He helped down and she took his arm, and they walked over to the steady together. As soon as they stepped inside Melinda saw in the certain room were two chairs, one on each side of something that had a sheet covering it.

“Go on Ms Kings,” James said. “Your gift is under that sheet.”

She walked over and pulled off the sheet. She let out a loud gasp and James smiled with how surprised she was. It was a table that was made from amethyst that was sitting on a metal stand. And on the top, a chess board was engraved on it. When she turned around, James was holding a case. He opened it up for her and she saw chess pieces made from crystal. She was so excited, Melinda did a small dance, making James laugh a bit.  Unlike the other crime bosses, James’ father Noah, paid attention and did his homework. He knew Melinda loved playing chess and Kings had started putting her in tournaments for it. He also knew this would put James in the lead for Melinda’s hand one day if he got her something she really loved and enjoyed.

“Would you like me to set it up for you Ms Kings?” James said.

“Yes, please,” Melinda said, smiling. He set up the board for her. “James, do you care to play with me?”

“It would be my honor Ms Kings,” James said. He helped her into her seat and pushed in the chair for her, then he took a seat. “Ladies first.”

After a couple of hours of being gone, their fathers came looking for them. They found James and Melinda still in the study, playing chess. Their fathers stood and watched them play, seeing how the two kept ending up in a stalemate. As they continued to play, they started picking up the pace, refusing to give the other time to think of their next move. But still, they ended up in a draw. It wasn’t until another hour that one of them finally got the upperhand.

“Checkmate,” Melinda said, smiling.

“Bloody hell,” Noah said, he chuckled a bit. “My boy has never lost in chess before.”

“First time for everything,” Kings said with a smirk.

“Would you like to play again James?” Melinda said.

“I would,” James said, nodding his head.

“Actually it’s getting late you two,” Kings said. “You two play again another day.” Melinda was about to say something when he put up his hand. “You need your rest baby girl. So come along back to the party so you can thank everyone for coming.”

She sighed. “Yes daddy,” Melinda said.

“Allow me Ms Kings,” James said. 

James got up and went over to her, he helped her out of seat and offered his hand to her again. All four of them went back to the party and Melinda took her place back on the pedestal throne of hers. One by one, the families came up and she thanked them again for their gifts and for coming. Like before, James was the last one to approach her.

“Ms Kings,” James said, stepping forward. “I hope on my next visit you would do me the honors of playing again.” She smiled and nodded her head. “Brilliant.” He smiled. “I’ll see you next time, then. And I assure you Ms Kings, I will win.” 

She giggled. “You can try James,” Melinda said and he chuckled. “Thank you for your gift, I really loved it.” She smiled big.

“Of course Ms Kings,” James said, smiling. “Have a goodnight and happy birthday again.”

“Thank you James. Goodnight.” Melinda said. He nodded his head and they headed out. Then she turned to Kings with a big smile on her face. “I think I made a friend.”

He smiled. “I think so too baby girl.” Kings said. Then her smile faded. “What’s wrong my little princess?”

“Mommy never showed up.” Melinda said, she looked down. “And she hasn’t answered any of my letters either.”

“My apologies baby girl, sometimes your mother gets wrapped up in herself and forgets those around her.” Kings said as he patted her head. “Would you like me to find you a new mommy? One that will be here with you all the time?” She shook her head. “Then how about more cake before bed?” Melinda looked up and smiled as she nodded her head. “Come along then, let’s eat cake till our stomach aches." He smiled

Slowly throughout the months Melinda had stopped trying to reach out to her mother. She always knew her mother lacked the motherly instinct. But Melinda had hoped being away from her would make her mother want to be a part of her life. Though Melinda was saddened not having her mother in her life, Kings made sure she felt as much love as possible from him. He always made sure to make time for her and he was done with work by dinner time. He would read her a bedtime story every night. He went all out for the holidays and her birthdays, showering her with gifts. Taking her to places like Japan and Hawaii. Even going with Noah and James when they went to visit London. 

The whole time, Melinda was attached to James' hip. They were playing chess the whole flight to and from. They would play for hours, getting stalemates left to right. On occasion Melinda would win or James would win. When they were in London, Melinda’s arm was looped with James’ arm when they saw the sights. At the opera or theater, she was sitting right beside him. Though they hardly talk, when Melinda did James always listened. Then when they were back home, James would visit with his father any chance he got and they would play chess. It was like that for a few years with them. 

But when James turned 21, they weren’t spending as much time together. Whenever there was an event going on in her house and she went looking for him to play chess, she would see one of the maids running out of the hallway bathrooms. Then James would come out, hair a mess while he was fixing up his clothes. They would always look at each other, James would grinned as he put his finger to his lips, telling her not to tell. Melinda would smile and shake her head as rubbed one index finger on top of the other, telling him tsk tsk. James would chuckle as he walked over to her and then join her for a few rounds of chess.

Then when she got accepted to Yale at the age of 14, she went to New York with Kevin and Nathan to keep watch. Without her father around, they got her into anime, comics, video games, or stuff that people around her age were into. It helped her fit in a bit more and she enjoyed them. Her and James didn’t see each other much unless she came down during break. By the time she graduated Yale at the age of 16, they were no longer playing chess. Instead of joining her for a game like he did after coming out of the bathroom after a maid did. James would fix his clothes, look at her with a straight face and then walk off to join his father and hers in his office. Then she would go to her room and read a book until it was time to say goodbye. That was until one night, she looked out the window, seeing they walked off into the woods. She decided to follow, something that she would come to regret.

Bad Times At The House Of Kings Part 5

Note: Normally I do gifs in the story as well, but I think I will add them later when I have more time to edit.

Tagging: If you like to be tagged, please leave a comment or a message in the ask box.

He sighed. “That it is Ms Mercer,” Ben said. He leaned back in his chair as he looked up at her. “I guess lunch is on me again.” She giggled, making him smile. “Come along then.” They both got up and headed out to get lunch. They ended up stopping at a Subway place and sat there to eat. “So Ms Mercer tell me something, how come you are so good at chess?”

“Honestly,” Melinda said and she shrugged her shoulders. “No idea.”

“So you like what?” Ben said. “You just started playing it?”

“Pretty much,” Melinda said, nodding her head. “My brothers were trouble markers in school, well still are.” She smiled. “They are a few years older than me so it was their job to always look after me. Like walking me to and from school. They would always get after school definition because of fights or cussing, or whatnot. And since I was too little to walk alone, I would stay with them in definition. The teacher that ran it had a chess board and would always play against himself. One day I just walked up and started playing with him, and I won. I was about, hmm, eight.”

“Wow,” Ben said, smiling. “That’s amazing.”

“Thanks,” Melinda said, smiling as she went back to her food.

“I’ve been meaning to ask you Ms Mercer,” Ben said. “In your transcript for school. It says that you went to a community college and graduated there before you came here. I was just wondering, why didn’t you just attend Yale after high school? With your grades and achievements, surely you had a scholarship offered to you.”

“I did actually,” Melinda said. “When I was fourteen, I was given a full ride to Yale.”

“Really?” Ben said, looking surprised as she nodded her head. “Then why didn’t you take it then?”

“You remember my short story Four Brothers?” Melinda said.

“Yes, I remember,” Ben said, nodding his head.

“It was slightly based on my brothers and our mother,” Melinda said. Ben tensed up as she began to tell him what really happened. “Mama Evelyn wasn’t getting a turkey for Thanksgiving and she wasn’t alone. My letter for acceptance came in and they had opened it up. When they saw I got the scholarship, they decided to surprise me. So my brothers started BBQ and setting up party supplies, and inviting the whole neighborhood. Mama Evelyn picked me up after school and took me to the local convenience store that was down the street, to stall for time. Been there a millions times since I was baby. The owner knew us and we never had a problem, ever.”

“Unlike Four Brothers, there was only one gunman who came in.” Melinda said. “When he killed the clerk, it wasn’t her that made a sound, it was me,” she looked down. “He pointed the shotgun at me and I was so scared, I couldn’t move. Mama Evelyn got up and she just went for the gun as she screamed at me to run. And I,” she started tearing up a bit. “I ran right out of the store and when I turned the corner, I heard the shotgun go off. But I didn’t stop, I kept going until I ran into my brothers and some of the neighbors that heard the shots. I didn’t say a word to them, I just fell to my knees and started crying for her. My brothers ran to the store while the others looked after me. The next thing I heard was faint sounds of gunshots and someone screaming. Then there were sirens and cops everywhere. There were three body bags. Mama Eveyln, the owner and the killer. The officers were questioning all of us and uh,” she fiddled with her fingers. “They said when they walked in the guy was just, just crouching down next to our mother and just looking at her with a smile on her face.

“He was smiling?” Ben whispered. 

“Yeah,” Melinda said, nodding her head. “Bobby lost it. He tackled the guy down and he started punching him in the face, over and over and over again. The whole time, the guy is laughing.” 

“Jesus,” Ben whispered as he shook his head. 

“Bobby stopped and asked him why he did it. The guy said he was bored." Melinda said. She chuckled weakly as she looked back up at him. “He said he was bored.” Ben sighed as he shook his head. “Bobby ended up beating him to death and also unlike Four Brothers, he was charged with murder.  But the neighborhood fought for him and got him the best lawyers. They ended up charging him with voluntary manslaughter after they were able to get the video into evidence that also had audio. They heard everything the man was saying while he watched our mother die before my brothers got there. How he was taunting her and laughing at the sound she was making when she started choking on her own blood. The judge grew with Mama Evelyn so he redoses Bobby’s sentence from 20 years to 7. I decided not to go to Yale and I dropped out of high school. I didn’t want to, I love school. But my mind,” she shook her head. “It shut down on me. I couldn’t grasp the concept. Not only was she gone. But it was because she was gone because someone was bored.”

“That’s why you're taking Psychology.” Ben said. “To understand the meaning of his madness.” 

She nodded her head. “That's why in Four Brothers I put it was a gangster that murder her in order to silence her when she uncovered the extortion he was trying to do with her son.” Melinda said. “I needed a reason for her death in order for it to make sense to me why it happened.”

“The reason behind the madness.” Ben said and she nodded her head. “What ended up getting you back on track?”

“Bobby,” Melinda said. “After five years he got out on parole and he spoke with my old high school about me going back to school. They actually said I already graduated because I had so many credits. They just didn’t want to push the matter because they knew what happened. He wanted to test the waters with me but had me do community college. So how could I adjust and whatnot. After I graduated from there, he spoke with the Dean and a few others about what happened and why I didn’t attend after I got their scholarship. It took almost a year but I was able to get my scholarship and,” she smiled. “Here I am.”

“Well I for one am glad your brother advocated for you and was able to get you in Ms Mercer.” Ben said. “And I’m truly sorry for your loss. But I have no doubt your mother is very happy and proud of all that you have achieved.” He smiled.

“Thank you Professor." Melinda said, smiling. 

“And I know you're not supposed to ask a woman her age,” Ben said. “But does this mean you're about twenty two or twenty three.”

“Twenty three,” Melinda said. “My birthday was in October.”

“Really?” Ben said, looking surprised. “What day?”

“The fifteen,” Melinda said.

“Ms Mercer,” Ben said. “Why didn’t you say anything? I made you work that day.”

“It’s not a big deal, Professor.” Melinda said, smiling. “My only plan for my birthday was to video chat with my brothers while eating a slice of cookies and cream cake. Which I did, so no biggie.”

“Still,” Ben said. “I feel bad about it.”

“Don’t be, it’s completely fine.” Melinda said.

“I don’t know,” Ben said with a smirk. “When women say it’s fine, it means it’s not fine.” She giggled as she shook her head. “I don’t mean to sound inappropriate, but I wanted to say,” he smiled. “You have a really delightful laugh Ms Mercer.”

“Thank you Professor,” Melinda said, looking down for a moment when she felt herself blushing. “But you can make it up to me if you do feel bad,” she looked back up. “I was wondering if two Saturdays from now I can have the night off or get off earlier. I plan to go out.”

“Two Saturdays from now?” Ben said and she nodded her head. “That’s quite fine. I actually was going to let you know I also have plans that night.”

“You're not just saying that just so I won’t feel bad about asking for it off, right?” Melinda said.

He chuckled. “Not at all Ms. Mercer,” Ben said. “I have tickets for an event.”

“Me too,” Melinda said, smiling. “Where are you going Professor?”

“If I say it, you’ll think I’m lame.” Ben said, she giggled as she shook her head. “Where are you going?” He smiled.

“If I say it, you’ll think I’m lame,” Melinda said, 

He chuckled as he shook his head. “I guess neither of us is talking.” Ben said.

“Nope,” Melinda said, picking up her food. 

Two Saturdays Later: Ben’s POV

I looked at myself in the mirror as I fixed my suit. It’s been so long since I wore one, I almost forgot what it felt like. I just hope when I get to the opera house others are dressed up too. Otherwise I’m going to feel slightly embarrassed and foolish. But I’m sure it will be fine, can’t ever go wrong with an all black three piece Italian suit. I slicked my hair back and once I was satisfied with how I looked, I grabbed my keys and headed out the door. 

Despite the fact that I was going to watch Phantom of the Opera by myself, I was happy to be able to see it. Phantom of the Opera has always been one of my favorite plays and movies from the universal monsters. I won’t lie, it would have been nice to have company and discuss the play afterwards. But I haven’t dated in about a couple of years. I have to admit, I’m not really good with relationships. I hear a lot of, you’re here but you're not here. Since I tend to go down the rabbit hole when I start writing. I tried going on dates, but we lacked connection so it never made it past the second date, sometimes the first date. 

In all honesty, Melinda is the only one that hasn’t complained when I dive into my writing. When she’s over working on paperwork and she needs to get my attention, she starts making coffee and the smell pulls me out of it. But if she has to pull out the big guns, she would go to the student kitchen on campus. The sweet smell of her cooking always snaps me out of it. I love her cooking. I actually love it so much I pretend I’m deep into my writing just so I can have her cooking. Can I ask her to cook me a meal, yes? But I felt it was weird and inappropriate to ask her to do it. 

I felt the same way when I was thinking of asking Melinda if she wanted to join me tonight. Though it would have been strictly platonic and solely Professor and student relationship the university strongly discourages such things.  I also didn’t want Melinda to get the wrong impression and think it was a date. I wouldn’t want to lead her own and break her heart. She’s been through enough and someone as sweet as her doesn’t deserve to have her heart broken. Plus I doubt she would want to come to the opera even if I did ask her. I’m sure she’s over at the concert that was a tribute to 70s rock bands with all those rock T-shirts she wears. I just hope she’s having fun. 

I finally got to the parking lot of the opera house and headed inside. Thank God, everyone was dressed up. All the men were in suits and the women were in flashing dresses. Since it was awhile before the play was going to start, I stopped at the bar they had in the lobby. They were serving Phantom of the Opera theme drinks, so I went with Red Death Royale. A dark, moody riff on the French 75, combining gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and a dark berry liqueur. It was quite delicious.

Once I was done I headed up the stairs to the third floor to the balcony seats. I took my seat in the front row with one seat beside me and the other three in behind me. Almost two hundred dollars for this seat, but it was worth it for this beautiful view. Then I saw movement out of the corner of my eye, it looked like the owner of the seat next to me was finally taking their place. I didn’t think anything of it at first. Not until I heard a familiar voice.

“Professor Mercers?” Melinda said. 

I turned to see none other than Melinda standing there. I nearly jumped out of my seat, not out of respect for a lady that was about to sit down but out of surprise. Standing before me wasn’t the woman I’ve seen in oversized vintage clothing and hair held by a hair clip everyday for almost five months now. The woman standing before me was now in a navy blue satin dress. The color you would see right before a storm strikes. The color and the smokey eyeshadow and, black eyeliner made her hazel eyes so vivid and even more intense than the first time I looked into them. Her hair was completely down, surrounding her shoulders and all the way down her back with its natural waves. Her lips looked fuller and luscious with the matted red lipstick she had on. 

The dress was classy and elegant with the way it cascaded down her hips. It was also sexy and empowering the way it was shorter and split in the front, revealing her long smooth legs and black heels. The way the fabric clinged to her body and caught the golden lights of the theater, accented her features. She was well endowed all the way around with an hourglass figure. The way she looked right now, it was as if she stepped out of the pages of one of my books. She wasn’t my freshman student, my assistant. She was a woman, a breathtakingly beautiful woman. She looked so sophisticated and utterly captivating to me. A goddess hiding herself as a commoner. How did I never see her before?

“Professor?” Melinda said as she stepped closer to me. “Are you alright?”

Her voice snapped me out of it. “Ms Mercer,” I said, smiling. “Forgive me, I didn't recognize you for a moment.”

“Not exactly my usual attire, is it?” Melinda said, smiling. “Do you think it’s too much?”

“Oh not at all,” I said, shaking my head as I kept smiling like an idiot. “I don’t want to sound inappropriate giving our relationship. I mean,” damnit why did I word it like that. “Our uh,” fool, come on your writer, find the words.

“Professional academic relationship,” Melinda said.

“Yes,” I said, nodding my head. “Our professional academic relationship. But I don’t believe the dress is too much. It looks really good on you.” She gave me a small smile as she looked down. Really? That’s all you can come up with, come on Ben Mears. “But in my very honest opinion Mr Mercer,” she looked back up at me as I smiled at her. “You look beyond beautiful, you are very ravishing and stunning tonight.”

She blushed a bit as her smile grew bigger. “Thank you Professor.” Melinda said. “You look very handsome yourself tonight.”

“Thank you Ms Mercer.” I said, I chuckled nervously. “So, why are you here exactly?”

“I think my seat is next to yours,” Melinda said as she handed me her ticket.

“You are? I said, and I looked down at the ticket. “So you are.” I looked back at her as I handed her the ticket back. “What are the odds of that?”

“What are the odds indeed?” Melinda said. “I know the show is sold out so if you have a date I can switch with her so you two can sit together.”

“Oh no that won’t be necessary Ms Mercer,” I said, shaking my head. “I came alone. But if you like to sit with your date I can switch with him.”

“I came alone as well,” Melinda said.

She can’t be serious, not the way she is looking tonight. “Did he cancel?” I said.

She giggled as she shook head. “I never was asked out or anything like that.” Melinda said. “I came alone because I’ve been dying to see Phantom of the Opera. It’s among one of my favorite plays. Not to mention he’s a part of the monster universe and I love those classic movies.”

“You do?” I said, surprisingly. 

“Yes,” Melinda said, smiling as she nodded her head. “I always watched them with Mama Evelyn and my brothers for the whole month of October.”

“I do the same,” I said, smiling. “What other plays are your favorite?”

“I absolutely love Hamlet," Melinda said. “I know a lot of people love Romeo and Juilet, but it’s always been Hamlet for me. I also, you know the play you aren’t supposed to say out loud.” We both laugh a bit. Macbeth. She loves Macbeth like me. “I wish I could have seen the adaptation versions of The Fall of the House of Usher and The Raven that Edgar Allan Poe wrote.” And she loves Poe too. “I actually got a tattoo of a raven and the skull to represent Hamlet and The Raven. I would show you but,” she giggled nervously. “They are on my hip bones. So,” she blushed as she looked down. “Kinda inappropriate to show my Professor.”

I chuckled. I’ve never been one for tattoos, but now I find myself one for them. My eyes traveled down from her face and fell to her chest. The way she had her hands positioned, she was showing them together. Not on purpose. She’s done this before whenever she’s got never. I just never could see her breast pushed up before because of her baggie shirts. My eyes went lower so I won’t stare and they feel on her stomach. I didn’t notice before, but she had a slight bump where her belly button would be at. I bit my lip, she had a belly button pierce. Something else I wasn’t into but was now. I shook my head and looked back up as she looked back up. 

“It seems like you're an old soul Mr Mercer.” I said. “It’s a rare quality in someone so young. 

“Is that bad?” Melinda said.

“Not at all,” I said, smiling. “I believe it’s really one of the best qualities someone could have.”

“Is that because you're an old soul too Professor?” Melinda said, smiling.

“Of course,” I said, making her giggle. “Since we are sitting together, perhaps we should take our seats.” I smiled at her as I motioned her to sit and she took her seat. As I took mine next to her the other patrons started coming in to take their seats. “Is this your first time seeing the Phantom of the Opera?”

“Yes,” Melinda said, nodding her head. “Any play actually.”

The lights started to dim. “You're in for a treat.” I said.

As the play started, I tried to keep my eyes on the stage and the actors below. But I couldn’t help glancing over from time to time. The way Melinda’s eyes had child-like wonder. The way her face lit up when she saw the famous chandelier in the play was relieved. It was beautiful to see her expressions as she experienced the play for the first time. When they went into intermission, I accompanied Melinda to the lobby to get a drink. I needed one to calm my nerves but I don’t think one drink can. Not when I saw the way I saw her walk so gracefully as she swayed her hips.

We went back to the balcony and took our seats, yet again I was looking over at her. I won’t lie, I was enjoying watching Melinda more than I did the play. When it was done and we headed outside, we talked about the play. The way her hands moved around when she talked, I could see she was truly excited about the play. Then that gorgeous smile of hers, it never left her face. I walked her to the curb and stood with her while she waited to hail a cab to take her back to the campus. I had to admit, I didn’t want the night to end, I wanted to talk to her more. So I did something daring. Something I normally wouldn’t do.

“If you like Ms Mercer,” I said and she turned to me. “Do you care for a nightcap? I can take you back to the dorms myself when we are done.

“I would love to Professor,” Melinda said, smiling.

“Please,” I said and I smiled. “Call me Ben.”

Few Minutes Later:

We burst through my door, our arms still wrapped around one another as our lips stayed locked together. Kissing her, caused this heat, this fire to flow through my body. I kicked the door shut and I started leading her backwards to the hallway. The craving, the need for her was so overpowering I couldn’t fight it any longer. I lifted her up and she wrapped her legs around my waist. I rushed us over to the bedroom and over to the bed, and we collapsed on it. I broke the kiss and my lips found their way to her neck. Both of us panting as we removed my jacket.  I was going to strip us both down, but I didn’t want to wait any longer. I needed to be inside of her and I needed that now. 

I undid my zipper and took my hard length out. I lifted up her dress and took a hold of panties. From the feel of them, they were lace, god I love lace. And they were wet, soaking wet. Melinda was more than ready for me. I pulled them to the side and I pushed my hips forward, and started working my way inside of her. She let out a sweet moan that caused me to groan as I pushed past her wet folds and settled deep inside. God, she felt so tight and warm. I pulled back and looked down at her as I started moving my hips back and forth. Her moans, her touch, the feel of her. It was so overpowering that I found myself completely lost to her. Oh this was heaven, absolutely heaven. And I didn’t want it to end. She was mine now. All,

I jolted up as my alarm started blaring and got blinded by the light coming into my bedroom. I looked around, seeing I was alone in my bed and Melinda was nowhere in sight. I was about to look for her but that’s when it hit me. She was never here last night because I never invited her for a nightcap. I wanted to, but I didn’t. She got into the cab and I wished her goodnight, and told her I would see her in the morning. I closed the door and watched her ride off while I regretted not asking her. My mind must have wished the night would end differently that I ended up having a dream about it. A dream of me sleeping with one of my students, with my assistant, with Melinda.

“Fuck.”

Teacher's Pet Part 3 coming soon

Then the bell rang as he finished sitting everything up. Ben stood behind the podium, waiting for the students for his first class to come in. Slowly they did before the second bell rang. More than half of male students were dragging their feet as they tried to wake up. Some of the others were all chatting it up and being loud, while they threw a football around. Then when the girls came in, phones out and taking selfies. They were designer labels showing off their bodies. Heavy perfume with makeup to match. They looked more like they were ready to hit the club than a classroom. They sat in the middle, right in the front. While the guys scattered throughout the room but stayed more in the back. 

Once they got settled in, he started to introduce to his class. Like usual, only a handful paid attention. The others, mainly the jocks goof off. The girls, licking their lips and batting their eyelashes at him. Leaning over to each other, whispering and giggling as they kept their eyes on him. After the first period ended, several of the female students dropped off their application to be his assistant for the school year. Ben took them with a smile on his face as he thanked them. But once they stepped out of the classroom they went right into the trash. 

He knew they weren’t serious about being his assistant. Not just because they’ve taken his class before and did the bare minimum in his class in order to pass. But they would stay after class, asking him what they could do for extra credit to make up their grade. They would ask him in a low seductive voice while leaning on his desk and pushing up their breast so he could get a good look. When they did that, he would turn around and give extra homework that he expected to be done over the weekend. That made them stop asking him. So he knew they were only applied in hopes to have a fantasy of sleeping with a college professor come true. And he wasn’t about to help them fulfill that. He loved his job too much to risk losing it for a single night of fun. 

As Ben’s day continued it was pretty much the same thing. Students enter right before class is about to start. Jocks in the back and goofy off. The others spread out and paid attention for the most part. The girls in the front, doing flirtatious gestures. After class, they gave him their application. Then when they stepped out of his classroom, in the trash they went. It was like that all day until his last period. To his surprise, there was a knock on the doorframe. He turned to see a student actually showed up at a decent time while he was setting up. And she wasn’t like the other girls he had in his class. 

She had an oversized vintage rock band t-shirt. Her pants were loose fitted black jeans and she had faded black converse shoes. She had a charcoal grey zip up hoodie with the sleeves rolled up to her elbows. She had several different bracelets on both wrists, along with several necklaces, rings, and earrings. The jewelry wasn’t anything fancy, it was vintage and worn out as well. She was petite, with fair skin, rosy cheeks, long eyelashes and reddish lips. Zero makeup required for this natural beauty. Nails painted black. Her hair was black with a hint of brown in it, it was long and waving, and held back with a black hair clip. She had a messenger bag, charcoal grey that had seen better days with buttons and patches of different rock and goth all over it. But what caught him off guard was her hazel eyes. He’s seen hazel eyes before, but nothing like hers. The focus and intensity she had in them was nothing like he saw before.

“Professor Mears,” she said, snapping him out of it. “Sorry for intruding. I wasn’t so sure if I was too early for class.”

“Oh not at all,” Ben said, smiling. “Please come in and take a seat wherever you like.”

“Thank you,” Melinda said, stepping into the classroom.

“What’s your name?” Ben said, offering his hand to her. “I don’t think I’ve seen you around here before.”

“That’s because I’m a freshman,” She said, taking her hand and shaking it. “I’m Melinda Mercer. It’s nice to meet you.” They let go of hands. “I don’t want to sound like a fangirl or anything like that Professor but I read all your books.” She smiled. “I really love Salem’s Lot.”

“Oh really?” Ben said, crossing his arms. “And what did you enjoy about that book Ms Mercer?”

“Well first of all I love that you went with vampires for the supernatural theme.” Melinda said. “Vampries have always been one of my favorites. As you can see from my patches and buttons,” she showed him some that had Dracula. “I also love the fact you didn’t make them sparkle when they come in contact with the sunlight like they did in Twilight, so thank you for that.” He chuckled. “I also love the fact the badass in the story was really Mark.” She smiled. “Having an eleven year old dropping vampires left to right was pretty cool. Then of course having Stephen fall in love with Sausan only to end up having to kill her in the end.”

“Not one for happy endings I see,” Ben said.

“Oh I’m all for a happy ending but I prefer more realistic ones,” Melinda said. “Yes Stephen and Mark got away, making it a happy ending. But really it wasn’t.”

“How so?” Ben said.

“Mark lost his parents for one,” Melinda said. “They died right in front of him and right before that they basically said he was crazy and they didn’t believe him. He’s going to hold on to the fact that he couldn’t save him. And even mad at them for not just believing him. Then with Stephen, he’s been on his own most of his life and never really had a place to call him. He found a place to belong in Sausan. But turned around and lost her not only to vampirism but by his own hands. Even though they made it out of that town, they are faced with the trauma of it all, along with the aftermath of being the only survivors. And the realization they have to keep this as a dark secret. Since no one is going to believe them, vampires took over a town and they were the only ones able to make it out alive. They are basically going to be mind fucked for the rest of their lives.” Her eyes widened. “Oh,’ she cover her mouth. “I’m sorry,” she put her hand down. “I shouldn’t have cussed like that when I’m talking to you.”

He chuckled. “It’s completely fine Ms Mercer, I assure you.” Ben said. “I really like your perspective of the ending. I have to admit I didn’t give much thought to what they will be going through mentally after leaving Salem’s Lot. I honestly kinda feel bad for them now.”

“Sorry about that,” Melinda said, smiling. “I’m also taking psychology so I tend to analyze the mind a bit too much even if it’s just fictional characters.”

“Don’t be sorry at all Ms Mercer, that’s all a part of the writing process.” Ben said. “If you want to be a writer, you have to get into the mind set of your characters in order to bring them to life after all.” He smiled.

“Very true,” Melinda said, smiling. “Well I should let you get back to what you were doing before the others show up.” 

“Alright then,” Ben said, nodding his head.

She nodded her head and went around him, and over to the left corner section. She took a seat in the front row, two seats in. Ben started getting everything set up but he couldn’t help glancing over at her when she opened up her bag. Instead of pulling out a laptop, she pulled out a textbook. Then she took out a large thick notebook and pen, along with a stack of sticky notes and tabs. He was surprised, she was actually doing this the old fashion way. He looked back at his work and he could see Melinda out of the corner of his eye. She was looking up at the board, seeing what he had written down and writing down notes on it. 

When he was done, the other students started coming. He noticed one of them he had every year since they were freshmen. Amanda Keith. She was the biggest flirt of them all. He actually made several complaints about her. Her touching his arm and her attempt to rub his shoulders. But no matter how much he complained, she was still allowed to take her class. Guess that’s what happens when your mommy and daddy are rich and know what strings to pull. He’s just glad he was never forced to take her on as an assistant when she tried to reply. No doubt she was going to try and apply again this year.

When they all sat down, Ben started the class. The students all did the same thing other students in his previous classes did. Except for Melinda, who Ben could see was taking notes. She would put tabs in her textbook along with a sticky note. He couldn’t believe he actually had a student that was taking the class seriously. Finally, he had someone in his class that was passionate about writing. When it got towards the end of his class he opened the floor for any questions expecting no one to have questions like always. But this time he saw a hand go up out of the corner of his right eye. He turned to see it was Melinda. He smiled and asked her what her question was. She asked him about the narrative structure and how he uses it to organize the framework for his books. Ben pauses, genuinely taken aback that she knew what it was. He happily answered her and she took notes as he did. 

Afterwards he assigned everyone to come up with a short story and have it turned in on Friday. They all groaned and rolled their eyes about it. But not Melinda, who looked excited about it. No doubt she already had an idea in mind for her story. Then the bell rang and he dismissed everyone. Like before the boys all took off first and the girls hung back. One by one they turned in their application to be his assistant. The last one was Amanda Keith, who made sure to have her touch linger on his hand. She headed to the door and turned around, giving him a wink before she left. Ben shivered in disgust and he threw the applications in the trash. Then it hit him, Melinda hadn’t walked past him yet. He turned around, seeing her heading his way with a smirk on her face.

“Have a goodnight Professor,” Melinda said. “Stay safe from all these thirsty girls giving you googling eyes.”

He chuckled. “I might have to pepper spray,” Ben said. She giggled, making him smile big. “Have a goodnight Ms Mercer. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“See you tomorrow Professor,” Melinda said and she headed to the door.

He smiled as she left his classroom. And that smile stayed on his face as he collected everything. He headed into his office that was within his classroom. He took a seat at his desk and got onto his laptop to upload a few things. When he was done he decided to pull up Melinda’s school records. He found out she had the highest GPA in all her high school classes. She was an honor student and class valedictorian when she graduated. Melinda even was captain of the chess club and did tournaments. She also did community college and graduated there with the highest marks before coming to Yale. 

On file and in his class she seemed very driven, but he wondered how driven exactly she was. And he found out just that over the next few days. When he went to get his morning coffee from the cafe on campus, he saw Melinda there. She was in the corner, headphones in while she was working on assignments. When was roaming around campus during lunch, he saw students lounging around or playing football. But Melinda was under a tree or sitting on a bench with her nose in a textbook and with her handy notebook and pen. Even when he stopped into the library after hours, she was in there still working hard. 

Then when he got her short story Friday after class, he was blown away by it. Unlike the other students that barely had a plot to their story and clearly did it at the last minute. In her story, she dove into the characters’ backstories. The way she wrote them, he could have sworn they were real people. It was so well written that he couldn’t put it down and he ended up reading it again. So when Monday morning came and class ended, he was going to speak to Melinda about it. But she ended up beating him to it when she asked his advice to approve her writing.

“Desert Showdown was hands down the best short out of all my students,” Ben said, smiling. “To be honest, the best one I heard in a few years. The way in the beginning you made it seem like Jordan was going to be the victim of Ray’s road rage. But turns out, Jordan kidnapped his own pregnant wife Peaches who fled from his abuse. Then making Ray seem like he was going to be the hero and save her, but ends up taking her hostage to get money out of Jordan. Not to mention you had me convinced that Peaches really did develop Stockholm Syndrome and fell in love with Ray.” 

“Really?” Melinda said, smiling.

“Really,” Ben said, smiling. “When you had Peaches kill Jordan in order to save Ray and made her look concerned that Ray was hurt. I was thinking she really was going to end staying and marrying Ray like he wanted. But you had her turn around and shoot him, then take off with the money. Then how you wrote the ending, making it seem like Peaches was finally having the life she always wanted. A nice home, the nursing job of her dreams, and a happy life with her son Dean. Only to have Dean wander off in the park. And when she finds him, he’s in the arms of a stranger who happened to be Ray who’s missing an eye from where she shot him. And to leave the ending with Ray just smiling sinisterly and saying, did you miss me mama? Absolutely chilling. You really should get this published in one of those short story collections." 

“Are you serious?” Melinda said, looking in disbelief. 

“Very,” Ben said. “And I can help you with that if you like.”

“Oh that would be great,” Melinda said, smiling.

“Only on one condition though, “Ben said.

“What condition?” Melinda said.

He smiled. “You become my assistant.” Ben said and her eyes widened in surprise. “You see Ms Mercer I’m working on another novel. But it’s going to be a bit difficult doing that while I still have to do this job. It would mean a lot to me and be a big help if you become my assistant. And in return I’ll not only help you get your short story published. I can help you get your other work published as well and help you hone your craft.”

“Wow,” Melinda said. “That would be… that would be great.” She smiled big. “You got yourself a deal Professor.” She offered her hand.

“Great,” Ben said, as he shook her hand. “And trust me Ms Mercer,” he smiled. “You won’t regret this.”

Teacher's Pet Part 2