#harroween

In all that time his dad never tried to contact him. When a letter had arrived a week ago he had been surprised and a little apprehensive at first. He tore it open only for his heart to stop. It wasn't a long overdue letter from his dad saying he was wrong or that he missed him or even just a passive-aggressive enquiry into his life. It was a short business-like letter of condolence from his dad's lawyer. His dad had been found in the ocean the investigation was still open but would more than likely be listed as accidental. Steve had felt a sharp stab of pain before it dulled to a constant ache he could feel in his chest. Deep indifference finally filled him until he realised he would have to travel back to the farm to settle his dad’s affairs. He wanted to call the lawyer to let him know that he wanted to sell but there was an unexpected yearning to visit the farm one last time. He packed lightly as he only intended on staying long enough to find out about selling.

He placed everything he needed in his car and started his journey. It felt strange like he was reliving a painful memory but one that he felt compelled to see through.

He arrived on the farm a little after two. It looked the same as he remembered even the house had stayed the same. He walked up to the door and bent down to retrieve the key that was always under the doormat. He remembered a time when they didn’t even lock the doors to the house. It had been a cold winter morning when his dad’s panicked cries had awoken him as the field closest to the house was set ablaze and his dad had been worried that the house would catch fire. After that, he’d had new locks installed but old habits die hard and his dad was always misplacing his key so one was always hidden under the mat. He eventually thought of the incident as a freak accident even though it had been below freezing temperatures that night.

Steve laughed softly in amusement where he lived, everyone had deadbolts and alarms to keep themselves safe but here everyone knew everyone else. There wasn’t another property for miles and it was Johnson’s farm in one direction and past his dad’s orchard there was a small beach that only the locals knew about. When he’d been younger during the summer he had sometimes gone days without seeing anyone but his dad and the farmhands he employed. He opened the door and walked inside. He set down his bag by the front door and irrationally waited for his dad to appear from the back. He had a workshop built out the back when he’d first got married as he loved to spend time by himself tinkering with various mechanical parts from his trucks and tractors. His dad could fix anything and he had vivid memories of him standing at the kitchen sink washing thick oil off his hands.

The phone rang bringing him back to the present. He picked up the receiver.

“Hello?”

“Hello Steve is that you?”

“Yes.”

“I’m Mr Crocker I sent you a letter about your father’s affairs.”

“Yeah, I was hoping to meet with you soon.”

“I assumed you’d want a few days to grieve and reaquitant yourself with the property.”

“Thank you but I want to sell as soon as possible.”

“Sell?”

“Yeah, I have no interest in running a farm.”

There was a pregnant pause on the other end.

“OK I’ll try to fit you in somewhere in the next few days but in the meantime, you’ll want to speak to Mr Hargrove, he’s been working on the farm for the past few years and will be able to fill you in with anything you need to know.

Steve sighed.

“Can I not see you sooner? I didn’t plan on being here that long.”

“Sorry, I’m fully booked for the next few days but I will make your appointment a priority. You have my word and if there’s anything you need don’t hesitate to ask.”

He hummed in response before they said their goodbyes. He couldn’t help the annoyance he felt inside. He had tried several times before he left to contact the lawyer's office but the line was always busy. He’d still been under the assumption that he’d only be here for a day or two tops. He had to collect his dad’s ashes and initiate the sale of the farm. He didn’t want to deal with farm workers and have to sit around going through his dad’s stuff. He spent the next few hours boxing up stuff around the house before the funeral home called to say he could collect his dad’s ashes. He collected them without much fanfare unsure of what to do with them. They offered him a small service and he told them he was arranging a small service back in the city for a few ageing relatives who couldn’t make the trip. It was easier than the truth. He was all that was left and he had little to commemorate.

He placed the urn carefully on the floor of his car and drove back to the farm. When he arrived this time the shadows cast by the house and crops were long across the ground. The house looked haunted in a way that it never had before. He parked his car and to his right, he could see a glow in the window of the cabin that his grandfather had built so the people who worked on the farm didn’t have to travel. It had saved the farm at the time because it was too great a distance to travel out but when they had a place to stay people tended to stay longer. It had helped the farm to prosper and his dad had carried on the tradition. His dad had always favoured young male Alphas to work on the farm as he had outdated ideas about Omegas. If the Alphas happened to have an Omega with them his dad would always hire them for light domestic work around the house and tending to the chickens.

He stepped out of the car and walked along the flower-lined path towards the warm glow in the window. He could hear strange soothing music coming from the cabin. It sounded like a lullaby his mom used to sing and he suddenly felt so tired. A shadow appeared at the door drawing his attention when it suddenly opened to reveal an Alpha with wavy blonde hair and intense blue eyes staring at him. He felt a spike of annoyance as he felt his eyes roam over him. It had been a long day and he suddenly felt heavy and tired.

"Hargrove?"

"Yeah, you must be Harrington Jr."

Steve bristled at the comparison to his dad.

"Have you been here long?"

"Yeah, a few years."

"Mr Crocker told me you knew everything that goes on here."

Billy moved out of the shadows and placed a cigarette in his mouth. The scratch of the match and his face was momentarily lit up as he lit the cigarette. Steve could see that he was young, probably around his age. He took a long draw of the cigarette.

"There's not much to know unless you're looking for a rundown on what I do here."

Steve could hear annoyance in his tone which only fuelled his own.

"No, I worked here long enough to know what happens. It was more…what happened with my dad."

A lump formed in his throat as the words became stuck there momentarily.

Billy took another draw and then shrugged.

"He had a few drinks and decided to go for a walk and he drowned."

"That's it?"

Billy nodded.

Something was screaming at him that this was all wrong. Billy was wrong.

"But he hated the beach."

"I'm sorry Jr, I don't know what to tell you…"

Steve felt tension tightening his shoulders. He felt so tired so he just nodded quickly.

"Right, I'll see you tomorrow."

He turned and walked away before Billy could say anything else.

His dreams that night were filled with overlapping voices and the crashing of waves. He tossed and turned all night and by the morning he felt more exhausted than before he went to bed. He practically crawled into the shower where he stood for several minutes under the spray slowly returning to full consciousness. After a light breakfast and a large cup of coffee, he decided to go for a walk to clear his head.

When he’d been a child he’d loved walking around the farm especially out by the orchard but after his encounter with Hargrove the previous night he didn’t want to deal with him too early in the day. So he headed out towards the main road into town. He thought maybe some civilization would help him feel less isolated. He was about halfway into town when he heard someone calling his name. He turned to see a familiar beat-up truck that belonged to Jimmy Smith one of the most obnoxious Alphas from his high school.

The Smiths were the only mechanics in town and had built their empire by knowing everything there was to know about farming equipment. Every farm in town except for his dad had called upon them for help at one time or another. His dad didn’t need their technical knowledge but he had visited them for parts in the past. Mr Smith was a ruthless businessman yet he was approachable and kind. His wife was a pillar of the community who volunteered at the library reading stories to the younger children on weekends. They had three sons Paul, Daniel and James. Steve had never really known Paul as he was away at college by the time he was in middle school and married and living elsewhere soon after.

Danny was a couple of years older than him and he was a town legend having broken the record for the most touchdowns in his senior year. The previous record dates back to the sixties so it was a big deal at the time. He had always secretly looked up to him, many people did as he was a combination of his parents in being sweet-natured and having time for everyone. He was one of the most popular kids at school but he still helped coach younger kids in football and he never looked down on anyone. Jimmy was nothing like his brothers.

He had been a small skinny kid who lived in the shadow of his family. Trouble seemed to follow him around and after he presented as an Alpha he followed Steve around. He became Steve’s shadow. He incorporated many of the stereotypical bad Alpha traits he was aggressive, he threw his weight around and he seemed to believe that all Omegas would just fall at his feet. He was given a position on the football team not based on his ability but because his brother had been so gifted but this only made his entitlement worsen. He was focused on Steve throughout high school even though he made it crystal clear how he felt. Soon trouble caught up with him but it never seemed to humble him any. He was someone Steve did not miss.

The driver’s side door opened and Jimmy’s head peeked out. He looked much like Steve remembered although the last five years hadn’t been kind to him. His face was thin and pale, his hair was shaggy and bunched up under a dirty cap. He looked like he hadn’t slept in days with dark circles under his bloodshot eyes. He gave Steve that same hungry obnoxious look he remembered so well. He exited the car and walked briskly over to him.

“Steve, when did you get back?”

“Not long had to sort out the farm.”

Jimmy’s eyes lowered.

“Yeah sorry to hear about your dad.”

Steve sighed.

“Thanks.”

“You gonna be here long?”

Steve shook his head.

“No, just long enough to sort everything out.”

"How about a drink at mine tonight?"

"No thanks."

"Still a little knot tease I see."

"Fuck you, Jimmy."

Jimmy laughed.

"No need to be shy now Stevie, I know you wanted me in high school."

"Yeah in your dreams."

Jimmy's face became serious as he placed his hand on Steve's shoulder.

"You should get out of the house and take your mind off things and I just want you to know I'm here for you."

He suddenly felt cold like he'd fallen into the icy water of the ocean and shrugged his hand away.

"I'm fine."

"It's ok I saw him. It must have been tough."

"When?"

"Huh?"

"When did you see him?"

"We became unofficial drinking buddies the last few months but I saw him maybe a few hours before."

Steve swallowed the lump in his throat.

"Did he say anything?"

Jimmy hesitated and Steve turned towards him. He lowered his eyes and tried to make himself seem small and vulnerable.

"Please Jimmy if there's anything important he might have said."

Jimmy sighed.

"Important? I'm not sure about that he'd become a little strange over the years."

"Strange?"

Jimmy laughed softly.

"He believed your land was cursed."

"Did he have a bad crop or something?"

"No, not cursed like that, more like cursed by some serious pissed-off witches who were out for blood."

"I thought you were serious for a minute."

"I am serious, especially on the day he died he kept saying they'd never forget and something about fire and blood. He'd gone completely fire and brimstone about your place and how the witches would get him."

"He didn't believe in things like that."

"Maybe but something convinced him."

Steve got lost in his thoughts for a while. His dad had always been a very pragmatic person but maybe he'd gotten lonely and indulged in his drink a little too much and let the shadows of the farm overtake his mind. Jimmy continued to try and convince him to hang out but Steve wasn't feeling that lonely yet. He got a lift into town and walked around the familiar streets for a few hours before he returned home. Jimmy's claims from earlier continued to haunt him and for the first time, he wondered if maybe he'd abandoned his dad to a terrible fate. He wandered around the house unsure of what to do. Tiredness washed over him and he got ready for bed and walked to the window to close the curtains. Out in the vast darkness of the farm, he could see the warm glow of the cabin like a lighthouse sitting near some jagged rocks surrounded by the dark vastness of the ocean.

The air is cold and damp, and rough, heavy sand sticks to his skin. A whistle on the wind becomes a beautiful song that he follows towards the waves crashing against the land. His heart stops when he sees a figure emerging from the darkened depths. He’s frozen in place as a hulking figure with wet heat coiled around its face hunts him down. He’s pinned easily in his shock and looks up into the narrowed eyes of Hargrove.

A sharp pain drags him from his slumber as he finds himself panting and cold on the floor of his room. The images from the dream slowly fade with the last one being Hargrove’s eyes boring into him as though he wanted him dead.

Chapter 2

Exhaustion wracked his body the next morning. It took him over an hour to drag himself from beneath his covers. He decided he’d wasted enough time and he needed to ready the house for sale. He was surprised but happy to find that a lot of his dad’s private papers and important documents had already been boxed so he moved upstairs to clean and cover furniture. His dad wasn’t a particularly sentimental person so he only found a few keepsakes that he placed in a separate box that he would take home with him. There was little concerning Steve outside of a few baby pictures but he found his grandfather’s medals and watch, his parent’s wedding photos, a letter his mom wrote to his dad early in their relationship and her engagement ring which had belonged to his grandmother. He wished he had more things to remember her by but he’d taken a few things when he’d left and he knew she’d always remain in his memories.

By midafternoon the house had become too confining. He had a light lunch and decided to walk to clear his head before he returned to sorting out the house. He only walked for a short distance when he encountered Hargrove in the fields. He was shirtless with golden skin that was dewy with sweat in the warm sunshine. He was tending to the vegetable garden that his mom had planted when Steve was young. He closed his eyes for a moment and pictured her there. Tomatoes had always been her favourite, a small taste of home she used to say with a smile.

“Can I help you with anything Jr?”

Steve bristled but knew he needed to be a little friendlier to get what he wanted.

"Hi Billy, sorry about the other night. It's been a stressful week."

He softened his features and gave an uncertain smile. Billy swept his hair back from his eyes and Steve was temporarily stunned by how blue they were. He felt as though he were being studied for several moments before Billy nodded.

"Bountiful harvest?"

Billy reached out and plucked a large shiny red tomato from the plant and held it up towards him. He could see his mom smiling at him as she held them towards the sun when he'd barely reached her elbow. Billy's eyes flashed in the sun and he sank his teeth into the tomato. It burst against his sharp teeth causing red juice to flow down over his chin. Steve swallowed thickly.

"Did you know my dad well?"

"Well enough."

"Did he seem…strange just before he died?"

Billy licked the juice from his lips but his eyes never left Steve's.

"He seemed the same to me."

"He didn't mention anything strange going on?"

Billy shook his head.

Steve's heart was racing as though he'd just been spooked by a monster in a horror film or seen something strange outside the window at night.

"Thanks, Billy, I need to get back to sorting out the house."

"Anytime Jr."

He returned to the house feeling confused but hopeful. Jimmy wasn't exactly a reliable source of information. He walked towards the stairs then stopped and headed into the room at the back of the house that contained his dad's papers. The first few boxes contained legal documents and receipts and he thought maybe he was just overreacting. He pulled another box over and ripped it open. Inside were his dad’s notebooks and the upkeep of the farm and machinery. He had always kept detailed notes of everything that was happening and what had to be done in the coming months. He flicked through the first couple and didn’t see anything out of the ordinary.

The third one he picked up had a large triangle carved deep into the cover. Her ran his finger over its jagged edges. Inside the pages were filled with long rambling sentences written in loopy cursive script. He could see some letters written the way his dad did but his writing was normally neat and concise. He tried to follow what was being written but it was difficult to comprehend although the same sentence was repeated.

‘We will become one, through three, water or fire.’

Gooseflesh broke out across his skin. He needed to understand why his dad seemed to be possessed by this thought. He set the box down and taking the notebook with him he drove over to Jimmy’s house.

He knocked on the door for several minutes before Jimmy finally opened it. He was dishevelled and with small blinking eyes, he squinted at Steve for an almost unbearably long time before his face softened. When he spoke his breath smelled like stale alcohol and bad decisions. He beckoned him inside. His house was small but looked as though a tornado had swept through it the previous night. There were empty bottles strewn all over the floor, residue on the coffee table and clothes that didn’t look like they belonged to Jimmy scattered towards the stairs.

“Want a drink?”

Steve momentarily thought he meant coffee as he seemed to still be half asleep when he walked over to a bottle of scotch sitting near the couch.

“It’s only three.”

Jimmy shrugged and took a swig from the bottle. He motioned Steve towards the couch but he opted to sit on the chair facing it. Jimmy sprawled out on the couch.

“What do I owe the pleasure?”

Steve held up the notebook.

“I found this in amongst my dad’s things and it talks about water and fire and I can’t make sense of it.”

“They’ll never forget.”

“Never forget?”

Jimmy nodded.

“The witches.”

“Witches?”

“Yeah, your dad discovered a few things about the land. It’s cursed.”

Steve sighed.

“I’m not here to talk about some superstitious bullshit, I just want to know what was going on with him.”

Jimmy shrugged and took another swig.

“I’m just telling you what he said. When your family acquired the land it wasn’t peaceful, it was through bloodshed and the ones who paid the price were said to be witches.”

“And now their ghosts want revenge?”

“Who said anything about ghosts?”

“Yeah because witches are so much more believable?”

“Hey, don’t shoot the messenger, I’m just telling you what he’d been saying these past few months. He found some buried family history and it consumed him.”

“Where did he find this out?”

“I dunno he just started talking about it but he saw something that convinced him.”

Steve didn’t believe it. His dad only believed in what he could see and feel. He wondered if the loneliness had finally gotten to him. Had he spent his last few months slowly driving himself insane over the past?

“Jimmy?”

A soft confused voice filtered down the top of the stairs. Jimmy smiled over at him.

“If you’re feeling a little lonely, you could always join us. I can promise you a good time.”

“No thanks, I’d rather face the witches.”

Jimmy laughed.

“Rather you than me but my doors always open if you change your mind.”

Steve left quickly when he heard footsteps coming down the stairs. He got into his car and headed back to the farm. He knew the one place his dad would have put things he deemed important as he spent all his free time there. His work shed was where he worked on the machinery for the farm and whatever else he did there. Steve had been all but banned from the shed once he’d presented and his dad decided he could never take over the farm. He came to resent it as it took all his dad’s time leaving him to grieve and become isolated after his mom had died. Sometimes he wondered why his dad never remarried so he could pass the farm onto someone or at least have written Steve out of his will either way the farm would soon belong to someone else.

He entered the house to retrieve the keys because he knew his dad had always been very secretive about his work there and kept it locked at all times. He approached the shed but stopped short when he saw a depression in the ground in front of him. He leaned down to get a closer look and realised it was a triangle. A few inches away there was another and then another. He pushed the key into the lock and turned it. The shed opened and he slid his hand in the door and felt around for the light switch. Once the shed was lit up he pushed his way inside and stopped in shock at what he saw.

His dad had always kept the shed completely immaculate. It was his pride and joy next to the farm. All his tools were always organised and placed back in their place no matter how tired he was but now everything was in disarray. There were papers, photographs and tools strewn all over the place. There was writing on the walls, ‘We will become one, through three, water or fire’ in the same loopy cursive from the notebook he’d found earlier. He took a deep breath. He couldn’t help the previous feeling of helplessness from before returning. Had he abandoned him to a terrible fate? Was this land cursed? He turned off the light and locked the door. He walked with no real idea about where he wanted to go. There wasn’t anything here for him except for bittersweet memories. His mom felt like the only real tie he had left to the farm and she’d been gone longer than he had known her. His dad had rejected him shortly after.

His mind was filled with so many painful thoughts that when his feet hit wet sand he wasn’t surprised. He walked over to some dunes and fell onto his knees to watch the rapidly approaching tide. He didn't know how long he sat there mesmerised by the waves but one thought echoed in his mind, would anyone miss him?

That night he dreamt of the wet cold sand beneath him as a figure emerged from the water and crawled towards him. He knew he should run but the sweet siren song of the water held him captive. He finds himself pinned down and when they move their hair he sees the intense stare of Billy. He leans forward his cool lips at Steve’s ear.

“We never forget.”

Steve tripped on a stair and almost fell to the bottom. He shivered as the coolness of the house enveloped him. He slowly realised he was out of bed but wasn’t sure why. He stumbled down to the kitchen for a glass of water to soothe his parched throat. He returned to bed but all he could hear was the ocean keeping him from his dreams.

The next day he walked the fields in search of Billy. He had a burning desire to speak with him. To talk to someone he held no history with. Everyone in town and the neighbouring farms knew who he was but no one really knew him. The few friends he had in school had left to go to college and he hasn’t spoken to them in years. His only real link to the past was Jimmy and Steve would rather be lonely than endure him for too long.

He saw Billy’s truck parked near the orchard and walked towards it. When he got closer Billy emerged from behind some trees and then reached into the truck. Steve was just about to make his presence known when Billy ripped off his shirt. Steve quickly swallowed back his greeting. He couldn’t help admiring Billy for a moment. He was almost a cookie-cutter Alpha ideal with broad shoulders and golden skin. He’d always thought he wouldn’t be interested in that type of Alpha, especially after growing up in a small community where the Alphas at his school were all knotheads who thought that all Omegas would want them based on that alone. Just thinking about Jimmy with his unkept appearance, pale skin and dull eyes against Billy who looked as though he’d been carved from marble made Steve’s stomach twist in a way no Alpha had before.

He took a small shuddering breath and moved forward to tell Billy he was there when his hands slid down to the button on his jeans. He felt like he’d swallowed his tongue as his fingers made quick work of the buttons and zipper. Billy shimmied his jeans down off his legs and Steve couldn’t help but shamelessly take him in. If he thought the top half was impressive the rest of him was making his mind turn to mush.

Billy turned away almost too soon and retrieved another pair of jeans. He slid them on and pulled them up his legs before hopping a few times to get them in place. Steve bit his lip to keep a whimper in place as he watched him cover himself once more. Before Billy had buttoned up his jeans he turned his head and made eye contact with Steve who felt his stomach drop to his knees. He wanted to run but he moved closer, laughing nervously.

“Hi."

Billy leaned back against the truck and let his eyes travel over Steve who grew redder by the second until he felt like one of the tomatoes Billy had grown. His heart was beating so loudly in his ears that he almost missed when Billy spoke.

"Wanna go for a ride?"

He knew he shouldn't. He had so much to sort out at the house, he needed to contact the lawyer, and he needed to sort out the mess in the shed. The heat in Billy's eyes from his dream flashed through his mind. Steve nodded. A small smile spread across Billy's lips for a split second before he turned and hopped into the truck.

He felt a little strange sitting side by side with Billy in the truck, especially after being caught staring. Billy didn't say much at first as they drove through the fields and he checked on the crops. Steve stayed in the truck at first but soon he joined him. He felt so peaceful out in the fields. It was something that connected him to his parents. A time when they'd been a family of three who loved each other and spent time together. He still wished he could return to that time, the only time he'd been happy. Before his mom's death and his dad's bitterness.

Billy pulled the truck in beside the orchard and turned toward him. He studied Steve for a few moments before he spoke.

"What was the deal with you and the old man?"

"I left straight after graduation."

"Why?"

Steve sighed.

"He made it clear how he felt and how disappointed he was."

Billy moved in closer. Steve shivered when his scent engulfed him.

"Why would he be disappointed in you, Pretty Boy?"

"He didn't want an Omega for a son."

Billy's eyes stole all his attention as he moved even closer.

"His loss."

He captured Steve's lips in a harsh kiss as he easily pulled him close. Steve allowed himself to be moved until he was straddling Billy's lap. He kissed him back just as desperately. He needed to feel something. Anything other than the numbness that had seeped into him since he'd returned. Billy's fingers squeezed his hips causing him to moan into his mouth. He was getting lost in the kiss, in the feeling of Billy's body beneath him when he heard a voice echoing in his head.

‘We never forget.’

Chapter 3

Steve arrived home just as the sun was setting. The voice in his head had only grown louder. He thought about the almost incoherent ramblings scribbled in his dad's notebook. He could feel a tingling on the back of his neck like someone was watching him from the encroaching darkness. He quickly walked around the house locking all the doors and windows. Once he was sure the house was secure he ran briskly to the top of the stairs so he could move into his room and close the curtains. He kept thinking no one should be able to see him there.

Just as he reached the top a loud bang made him stop dead in his tracks. It was swiftly followed by another and another. He looked back down the stairs at the front door. His heart was in his throat as he saw it shudder against someone's fists as they struck the door. The horrible feeling from before engulfed him and he became frozen to the spot. The sound of the bangs only grew louder and he waited with bated breath for the door to splinter.

"Steve…"

The loud cry of his name propelled his body forward as he ran into his room and locked the door. He slid down the wall and crawled towards his bed keeping himself out of sight of the windows. He threw himself under the covers and wrapped his pillow around his head to try and drown out the loud sounds from downstairs.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity the banging ceased and the house grew eerily silent. Steve lay trying to calm his racing heart until exhaustion eventually claimed him.

The next morning he crept down the stairs but nothing seemed to be out of the ordinary. He even checked the door but there was no evidence of loud banging from the night before. He'd expected a few dents or at least marks but there was nothing. As he sat over his coffee that morning he knew he needed to get out of here. He phoned Mr Crocker again and this time got an appointment in three days. He made it very clear he wanted to sell even though Mr Crocker seemed to think he'd change his mind.

He wanted to go and find Billy. To explain his plans. To see him but he knew it was pointless. Steve was selling the farm and leaving so he didn't want anything tying him to the farm. He justified his avoidance by convincing himself that Billy would hate him after he learned about the sale. He'd been here for three years and Steve could see how much care and attention he put into the land. He'd decided to avoid Billy but the universe had other plans. It was hard to avoid someone when they were the only other person around. He caught Billy's lopsided smirks when he dipped behind trees and under bushes so he didn't have to talk to him. He felt like he was back in school making a fool of himself in front of his crush. It didn't help that he couldn't stop thinking about how good it had felt being held and kissed in his truck. As though Steve was a juicy tomato that Billy had plucked to devour, he wanted so much more.

One early evening he was sitting looking out his window at the soft glow coming from Billy's cabin. It was taking everything he had not to follow the light like a moth lost in the darkness when a knock at his door stole his attention. His heart started to race as he set down his cup and moved closer. He glanced back at the stairs as the desire to run became stronger.

"Steve?"

The voice on the other side of the door was soft and sweet. A voice he remembered vaguely from the past. He moved over to the door and with a deep breath he opened it. On the other side stood Daniel Smith, he was still handsome with soft brown hair and kind eyes even if they looked a little tired and desperate.

"Danny?"

He smiled softly and moved forward pulling Steve into a hug.

"I'm sorry to hear about your dad."

Steve collapsed against him.

"Thanks."

He pulled back and motioned behind him.

"Do you want a cup of coffee?"

Danny's face softened and Steve could almost see the football legend he'd idolised in school.

"I'd love to but I'm looking for Jimmy."

"Jimmy?"

"Yeah, have you seen him?"

"A couple of days ago, I think. It's hard to keep track of the days with everything else going on."

Danny nodded and squeezed his shoulder.

"Did he say anything important?"

"Not really. I was asking him about my dad, something he'd said before and we talked for a few minutes and then he had someone there so I left."

"Do you know who it was?"

Steve shook his head.

"Sorry, I didn't see them."

Danny nodded and looked out at the farm. The silence stretched on for several moments. Steve tried to remember if Jimmy had said anything significant but he couldn't think of anything. Danny turned back to him with a small sad smile.

"If he calls or turns up will you phone me?"

"Sure, anything."

Danny pulled a small notebook and pen from his pocket and wrote out his number before passing it to Steve.

"Thanks, Steve."

Danny headed back out the door and for a frightening moment, Steve felt the overwhelming desire to grab him by the arm and never let him go. As the shadows grew longer the creeping paranoia was slowly taking over and he didn't want to be alone. Yet he knew by the heaviness in Danny's shoulders that he had his demons burdening him over Jimmy so he watched him go with growing dread.

He sank into the cold water. His thoughts muffled until he couldn't hear them anymore. Soon he would hear nothing ever again. He allowed his body to get pulled along by the water. Giving up everything to the sea. When there was a whisper in his mind. A voice he recognised. A person he was drawn to. Billy.

He awoke with a start at the front door. A cool breeze made gooseflesh break out over his skin from the crack in the door.

His dreams bled over onto his mind and he felt compelled to see the ocean. Fear kept him from leaving the house for most of the day but eventually, he couldn't fight it any longer. He walked almost aimlessly through the fields like a puppet on a string.

As he walked through the orchard he could hear overlapping voices up ahead. He thought it was strange. The beach technically fell on his family's farm but it was accessible from the other end which was a path that led through a small forest near town. Many people accessed the beach through there and his family had never objected to anyone walking along it. However, with it being a long isolated walk, not many people ventured out that way especially not at this time of the year when it would be dull and cold.

As he exited the orchard he saw a growing crowd of people being held back by a few police officers. He walked up to them and seeing Mrs Johnson he headed in her direction.

"What's happening?"

She looked at him with haunted eyes.

"Oh Steve honey, you shouldn't be here."

"Why?"

"Go home and I'll stop by tomorrow with a nice pie and we can talk about it."

"I don't understand."

Suddenly two men emerged from the water and the crowd became restless. When a loud gasp drew everyone's attention. The two men pulled a pale and bloated body up from the murky depths. Steve's heart stopped. He was too far away to see who it was but all he saw was his dad. His knees turned to jelly and Mrs Johnson grabbed his arm and pulled him away from the crowd.

He sank onto the sand and she stroked through his hair.

"It's ok honey, everything's alright."

"Who is it?"

She hesitated but after a small sigh.

"They think it's Jimmy Smith. His parents have to come down and identify the body but they're pretty sure."

Danny's sad eyes flashed through his mind. Mrs Johnson wrapped her arms around him and spoke softly in his ear.

"Go home. Everything will be fine and I'll come and see you tomorrow."

He moved and she squeezed him tighter.

"Go home."

He walked in a daze back to the house. He walked into the kitchen but found he'd lost his appetite. He paced around the bottom half of the house unsure of what to do when he tripped on something. He looked down and saw his dad's notebook with the triangle carved into the cover. He picked it up and opened it at a random page.

‘We will become one…through three…water or fire…’

He threw the book onto the couch and went to retrieve the keys to his dad's shed. He followed the three triangles to the door and quickly opened it. The disarray inside was still a shock but he pushed through it. He picked up the papers and looked through them. It was just like the notebook but with new words written even bigger and scored into the page.

'Our blood is on this land, on your hands, our blood becomes your blood.’

It was written over and over sometimes with such force that it had torn the page. He could see documents relating to the farm dating back to before a Harrington had ever stepped foot there. He saw groups gathered, ropes around floating bodies, flames engulfing the land and swallowing everyone in its path. He saw a blonde woman with an intense stare. Triangles.

He ran from the shed slamming the door behind him. He needed to get out of here. Now. Twilight was starting to darken the sky. He grabbed his keys and jumped into his car. It spluttered. He tried again but the car was dead. He ran back inside and locked the door behind him.

He hid in his room frozen with indecision. There was no one he could call. He was completely alone. He needed to wait until the sun came up and then he was going to walk into town and get the first bus out of there. He'd arrange everything with Mr Crocker over the phone. He didn't need to be here. Once the adrenaline started to wear off he could feel his eyelids growing heavy when he heard music. It was soft like a lullaby and he walked over to the window to try and hear it better. He could see an orange glow from a fire out in the field near the orchard. He felt compelled to go and see what was happening so he slipped out of the house and walked towards it.

When he arrived Billy was sitting by the fire with a drink in his hand. He watched Steve intently as he approached. He could feel a flutter in his stomach at his attention. He'd been avoiding him as best he could but standing here now he wasn't sure why. Billy motioned him closer and Steve sat down near him. Billy turned slightly away to pour him a drink from a bottle he had. The colour of the drink seemed to be a strange blue in the light of the fire but he didn't question it. He took a small sip when it was handed to him. It tasted sweet and made him feel warm almost immediately. They sat in companionable silence watching the flames dance and Steve taking larger sips of his drink. He felt himself relax for the first time since the beach but the images from dad's shed still lingered. He cleared his throat nervously.

"Billy, did your family live here before?"

Billy nodded.

"What happened?"

Billy stared into the flames.

"It was taken from us. My great-great-great grandmother was the only one who didn't drown or burn. She barely escaped with her life."

Steve set his mostly empty glass down and moved closer. He placed his hand gingerly on Billy's leg.

"I'm so sorry..."

Everything he wanted to say died in his throat. Billy stiffened slightly under his hand as he glared at the flames. Steve watched him carefully. He felt so tired and wretched. He desperately wanted Billy to understand that he was sorry but how could he atone for the past? He noticed something on Billy's skin, a small dark triangle illuminated by the fire.

He licked his lips to ask about it when suddenly Billy grabbed him and pinned him to the ground underneath him. He looked up at him. He could see the flames dancing in his eyes before Billy captured his lips in a ravenous kiss. He felt as though the heat was being transferred between them as Billy's teeth sank into his plump bottom lip. He gasped as the coppery tang of blood coated his tongue.

Billy moved back slightly to kiss his way down his throat. His teeth sank harshly into his skin after the whisper of his lips. Steve's heart was hammering in his chest as Billy ripped his clothes from his body to leave more stinging kisses in his wake. His skin tingled everywhere Billy touched him and he squirmed as he felt slick running down his thighs.

From the time he'd presented and seen the disappointment in his dad's eyes, he'd always turn from the fact he was an Omega. He tried so desperately for years to pretend it wasn't true and Alphas had always left him cold, especially after high school and dealing with Jimmy and his persistent chase. Billy's fingers dug into his thighs pulling them apart before he moved closer. Steve whimpered when he felt his teeth sink into the delicate flesh of his thigh. He had never wanted to be more desirable. He didn't want him to stop. As Billy's tongue started to push its way inside him he slid his fingers into his hair encouraging him.

His thighs started to shake as Billy pushed in his fingers one after the other giving his body something to squeeze down on. He could feel the pleasure building under his skin. The stretch from his fingers counteracted the feeling of being devoured by his tongue. Soon it became too much.

"Billy…please…"

Billy pushed his fingers in deeper until he was stroking over his prostate. Steve grit his teeth at the pleasure coursing through him.

"Tell me what you want?"

"You…"

Billy moved back up and pulled him into another harsh kiss. He whined into his mouth at the taste of his slick on his lips. Billy's fingers continued to drive him crazy, his heart was beating so fast he thought it might explode as his mind clouded over. He could hear a faint whisper in the wind but he couldn't work out what it was saying. Billy moved down to his throat. He licked over the marks he'd left behind. Billy's fingers slowly pulled out. Steve could feel him opening his jeans and moving closer. He spread his legs as best he could. He moaned as he felt Billy's hard cock brush against him.

"Please…please…"

He could feel Billy's lips moving against his skin as he whispered something before he pushed forward and Steve felt all the air leave his lungs as he was filled up. He wrapped his legs around Billy's waist as he tried to adjust. Billy gave him a few moments to adjust before he started a brutal rhythm and Steve got lost in the pleasurable fog once more. It didn't take long for Billy's knot to form and Steve sank his teeth into his shoulder as his body opened up to let it in. He started to pant as it finally popped inside and he came between them. The whisper grew louder until he could hear the words.

"We will become one, through three, water or fire…"

Steve awoke alone in front of the dying embers of the fire. He shivered as he realised he was only covered by Billy's shirt from the previous night. His body ached as he moved to sit up and he ran his fingers over one of the bite marks on his hip. The sun was just peeking out over the horizon and he searched and found his jeans which he pulled on along with Billy's shirt. Billy's scent enveloped him and his stomach twisted to the memory of last night. He looked around but he seemed to be alone.

He shivered as a thought spread through his mind overtaking everything else. He wanted to see the ocean one last time. He walked from the dying fire through the orchard and out onto the beach. It was cold, the sky was grey as the water lapped gently against the shore. He walked towards it as though in a trance. He could hear music playing over the sea, it was beautiful. When the water touched his feet he felt tears sting his eyes, a deep melancholy in his heart as he waded into the water. Relief spread through him.

Suddenly two arms wrapped around his waist and pulled him from the water. He cried out as the pain of being separated from the water felt like a thousand tiny knives piercing his body. He was dragged up onto the sand and pinned down. He looked up into the intense eyes of Billy. He was pulled into a desperate kiss which reopened the cut on his lip left by Billy's teeth. He gasped at the warmth that spread through him. Billy kissed his way to his throat. Steve squirmed when he felt his hot tongue lap at his cool skin before Billy's teeth bit down hard on his bonding gland. The warmth grew until he couldn't feel the cold wet sand anymore. He couldn't taste the salt air, only Billy's earthy scent. He collapsed on top of him. A whisper in his ear.

In a few hours, they'd be at prom. Nancy had secretly always dreamed about her prom night. It wasn't as important as her grades or getting into her dream college but it felt like one last magical night to be a teenager before responsibility finally came along. She'd dreamed about it but never would she have believed that she'd be going with Steve Harrington. They'd only been together a short while but it would be cemented forever tonight as she stood by him in the beautiful dress she'd picked out in a picture that would one day line the halls of Hawkins High.

The previous famous attendees smiled at them from behind glass. Steve's parents had attended prom together and were frozen in time. The moment they won prom king and queen. She knew it was important to him to be remembered and adored. There were previous sports heroes, club members who excelled in their chosen fields and some tragedy.

Billy Hargrove was a legend at Hawkins High. He had once held the king title that Steve now wore with pride. He'd been smart, good-looking and captain of the basketball team. Billy had also been a little dangerous. He was known for being into hot rods and drag racing. He had a gleam in his eye that could still send chills through every girl at Hawkins High even through a faded photograph. Billy hadn't just been king on the court he had also won prom king. There was a picture of him standing beside Betty Ross with two sparkling crowns placed on their heads. Betty was radiant, tears shining in her eyes and a huge smile on her face. Billy was stoic with his eyes staring down the lens of the camera. Now it had a haunting quality. Something happened that night. Betty had been abandoned at the school after some kind of disagreement. Billy took off at high speed in his car never to be seen again. A fiery wreckage with a melted crown on top of charred bones was all that remained.

The town mourned. Time moved on. Betty moved away. Slowly a legend was born. If you become prom queen you better not be a virgin by midnight or Billy Hargrove will take you as his bride. Nancy hated the legend. Not only did she feel it was disrespectful towards a teenager who died but his memory was being used to pressure other girls into sex.

She wanted Steve to tell the others to knock it off. That their relationship had nothing to do with them but he didn't. He maintained a smug silence because although she knew deep down he was better than this he needed the attention more. He'd act like a clown in public and make it up to her later. She knew from Carol's sly remarks and the way she looked at her that she knew. Sometimes she wondered if you looked different or acted different once you'd had sex. Or did Steve just tell them everything?

She could feel his frustration growing when she'd slow them down when things got too heavy. His sighs grew a little more strained. His hands lingered a little too long. She'd almost given in a few times. She didn't place too much value on virginity but at the same time, she didn't want to reward Steve's bad behaviour.

Barb was the angel on her shoulder telling her to ignore Carol's sharp tongue. Steve was well known for his girlfriends. He wasn't great at monogamy and she'd be the one with the reputation. Barb's eyes would narrow on Steve especially when Billy was brought up because she could see right through him. He didn't believe in the legend but saw it as a golden ticket to get what he wanted.

Nancy appreciated her concern but she wanted to make her own decision. She felt as though either one was wrong. Carol would never respect or congratulate her. She would probably encourage Steve to move on once he'd got what he wanted. Barb on the other hand was fighting a fight on her behalf that she didn't want to win. Steve was everything she'd ever dreamed of. He could be frustrating but she knew he felt pressure to be the persona that everyone expected of him.

Prom night and being crowned king was the only thing Steve had talked about in the past week. She had no desire to be queen nor Billy's bride but she'd decided especially after Tommy's comments that she would not give in tonight no matter what happened.

Steve arrived at her house and her mom took enough photographs to fill a book with tears in her eyes. Her dad watched on with mild disinterest. Her mom had told her about her prom for years. She'd attended with her steady boyfriend at the time, she wore a peach-coloured dress and danced until her feet hurt. She didn't even know if her dad had attended his prom but he generally remained quiet on things like that. The drive to the school she'd remember in retrospect was a highlight of the evening. Steve's smile made her heart flutter like a moth getting too close to a flame. There was a rosy hue to his cheeks and he was that sweet unassuming boy she couldn't help falling in love with even if she wasn't fully there yet. Things changed once they arrived and found Tommy and Carol at the entrance.

They talked mostly to Steve barely acknowledging her. She found they could be civil to her on occasion but generally acted as though she were already Steve's ex-girlfriend. Steve seemed oblivious and she calmed slightly when she felt his thumb stroke the back of her hand. They joined a small group of people waiting to walk up onto a small platform that had been dressed up to look like a romantic scene on a bridge with soft lighting and paper flowers. Couples were posing together while Jonathan Byers dressed in a jacket that was a little too big took photographs.

When it was their turn she stood beside Steve trying to feel good about his hand on her waist but there was something in Jonathan's eyes. Something that made her feel like a ghost who was watching everything transpire from the shadows and was screaming that it was all wrong. A longing for something she didn't yet understand but someday it would all snap into place.

The rest of the night felt like her dream but with even less substance. She danced, laughed and drank as though nothing were real. Soon they were announcing the king and queen and everyone around her seemed to hold their breath collectively. She could feel her heart racing as Steve squeezed her hand.

"The king and queen are…Steve Harrington and Nancy Wheeler…"

The gentle music and people clapping and congratulating them as they walked to the stage almost drowned out her heartbeat. Steve took the whole thing in stride. He looked picture perfect with his crown perched on top of his perfectly styled hair with his sweet smile for her. She smiled back as her crown was placed on her head. A flash made her look round to see Jonathan taking pictures of them and she suddenly felt that same strange feeling again. Steve pulled her close and the prom picture of Billy and Betty flashed through her mind as she was blinded by Jonathan's camera.

The night had seemed so short after that. They danced for everyone as was tradition. Steve disappeared for a few moments to talk to Tommy. The clock struck eleven fifteen and Steve grabbed her hand and pulled her out into the parking lot. Into his car where he sped off to the quarry. She told him to slow down thinking about the past but he only laughed. He pulled the car to an abrupt stop and turned to her. His crown reflected the moonlight dazzling her eyes.

"Why are we here?"

Steve moved closer.

"I didn't want you to become Billy's bride so I thought I'd give you a chance."

She shook her head watching the little beams of light play across his face from her crown.

"You can just take me home."

Steve's smile grew.

"C'mon Nance, it's prom night. We should be enjoying ourselves."

"We can enjoy ourselves just fine without having sex in your car at the quarry."

She could hear her mom's disapproval in her tone and could feel her resolve crumble slightly. Did it matter? Steve was every girl at Hawkins dream and she had his attention but was that enough? Would she look back at this time with fondness like her mom did? Would she roll her eyes at how stupid she'd been? Or would it barely register in her life just like it seemed with her dad?

Steve pulled her closer and kissed her sweetly. His arms wrapped around her and she slowly lost herself in the kiss. She'd spent so much of her time working hard at school and had never really allowed herself to let go like this. She'd had crushes and a few dates but nobody like Steve. She pulled back and tried to catch her breath.

"I'm serious, take me home."

Steve's mouth turned down into a frown as his eyes grew big and sad. It was a terrible impression of a sad puppy but Steve's big brown eyes sold it. She pushed at his shoulder but she couldn't help the smile on her face.

"You're being a jerk."

"A jerk? Just for trying to be a good boyfriend."

"How are you being a good boyfriend?"

"I'm protecting you from Billy Hargrove."

She rolled her eyes.

"That's just a stupid legend. He was only our age when he died and you've all turned him into a monster."

"I never said he was a monster."

"You claim he steals virgins on prom night."

Steve held his hands up.

"I didn't create it."

"But you push it."

Steve smiled then pulled her close to whisper in her ear.

"I'm your boyfriend now Nancy."

She shivered at his hot breath against her ear but pushed him back.

"No, you're a jerk."

"Let me make it up to you."

He pulled her close again and even though she wanted to push him away she didn't. Her stomach twisted when she felt him smile into the kiss. It felt so special like only she could make him smile like that because despite all the posturing he was serious about them.

Soon the windows in Steve's car had fogged up obscuring their view of the outside world. When Steve's hands began to wander she didn't push back. She could feel herself growing warm. Her lips were tingling and her heart was racing. Steve undid the top few buttons on the back of her dress and she moaned into his mouth.

Suddenly there was a roar from an engine and bright lights shining in through the window. Steve stopped and moved back. They both looked through the window but the lights were too bright.

"Is that Tommy?"

He was the only person she could imagine who would think it was funny to interrupt them like this. The engine outside roared louder. It sounded like a demon there to raise hell.

"Stay here. I'll find out who it is."

She grabbed his arm. Something was wrong.

"No, maybe we should leave."

Steve placed a soft kiss on her cheek.

"Don't worry I'll be right back."

Steve opened his door and stepped out into the blinding white light. His door closed with a strange finality. She listened but couldn't hear anything but the lights and the roaring didn't cease. She checked the time it was three minutes past midnight. Soon she couldn't sit still and opened her door and stepped out. She walked out of the bright light and saw a dark blue car with its engine running. She moved closer wondering where Steve had gone. She walked up to the window and looked through. Her heart stopped.

Steve was pressed up against the other door. His eyes were closed and he was being kissed by the person who had their back to her but she could tell it was a man by their build. She felt as though she'd swallowed her tongue. Why would Steve do this? Suddenly burning hot anger spread through her and she tapped loudly on the window. The man with his back to her slowly pulled away from Steve who looked blissfully dazed. The window wound down and he leaned into the light. She gasped as she came face to face with Billy Hargrove.

He looked just like his picture with piercing blue eyes and sandy blonde hair. He looked like he'd just stepped out of the picture of him at prom with all the intensity he seemed to carry. He smiled at her before pressing his foot hard on the gas and disappearing with Steve into the night. He only said one thing leaving Nancy so stunned she swore she was dreaming.

He moved back over to his computer just as the door to his office opened. It was James with that day's mail. He smiled at him and then set down a larger-than-usual pile. Steve motioned towards it.

"This is all for me?"

"Yeah Mabel said Mr Harrington, other Mr Harrington has asked for the Jameson account to be audited so most of this is forms related to that then you have two from the outside."

Steve nodded and James left him on his own once more. It was almost as though his dad had heard his silent pleading for something to occupy his time but did it have to be something so boring? At least he'd be busy with this for at least a week. It would be a lot of box ticking and filing work but the monotony would keep his mind off his current problem. 

He wished he could time travel back to when he was in school because knowing what he knew now he would work harder. Being popular, going to parties and all that other high school drama had seemed so important at the time. In truth shortly after you were out the door it ceased to matter completely. Steve's grandfather had been a driving force in his dad's life and had him working at various family businesses from the time he was thirteen. He graduated high school and walked into a manager position before swiftly working his way up. When his grandfather died his dad easily slotted into the top position but he didn't focus on Steve the same way his dad had. Steve had always been grateful for this. He'd always thought of the company as a fate worse than death. Yet he did so poorly at school that he didn't have much choice. His dad was so embarrassed by how badly he did that Steve was placed on the lowest rung of the ladder and promptly forgotten about.

His job wasn't the kind you could exactly brag about. He barely earned enough to get by. His mom supplemented his income so he could afford an apartment that was bigger than a closet. All the girls he'd known from school had either gone to college or were busy in their careers. He didn't have much to impress anyone with. A woman called Diane from work wanted to set him up with her daughter but he felt that could get awkward if everything went south so he decided online dating was better. Unfortunately, Hawkins was so small and he'd known everyone forever so he expanded his search and found someone from the next town over. 

Her name was Jenny and she seemed to be everything he was looking for. She was happy to come to Hawkins so he went out and bought himself some new clothes, got a haircut and made sure his apartment was neat and clean. They were meeting for a few drinks and seeing where the night took them. He'd intended on keeping it a secret but James had spotted her on his phone and he was a terrible gossip with the women who worked in the mailroom. So that Friday when leaving work he got a lot of excited questions and encouragement.

He'd nervously sat at the bar they were supposed to meet at for over an hour. At first, he nursed his drink. He only took small sips and tried not to watch the clock but soon it was impossible. After half an hour his drinking increased until he was a few in. By the time the hour had gone by he was feeling tipsy. He had stood surprised when the ground came up to meet him and stumbled from the bar. The air outside only made him feel more uncoordinated. He had checked his phone for the thousandth time but there was still nothing from her. He decided a walk would clear his head and he could send her a message. 

Hawkins was a small town so barely even a block over he saw her pressed up against the wall by Ryan Smith. The humiliation made his face heat and his head spin and he ran quickly in the opposite direction for fear he would be spotted. He had suddenly felt so tired all he wanted was to crawl into bed and forget this ever happened. He had spotted a car idling and in his mind, he'd thought it was a taxi.

It had taken him a little bit of time to realise he'd been wrong when the driver was taking the scenic route home. Discovering he'd gotten into Billy's car by mistake made his face heat. They hadn't seen each other much since school ended. Billy had excelled in all the areas in that Steve had failed. He had finished school near the top of his class, a sports hero and with a full scholarship to some college in California. Steve wasn't sure why he was being an Uber driver but he seemed popular. He'd overheard many people talking about being in the Camaro. For a lot of them, it was their first time in such a fast car and Billy was a charming conversationalist. Steve had never gotten that impression but he knew how much things changed when high school was over. 

Alcohol had loosened his tongue. He'd planned to be non-committal about his failed date but Billy was persistent and soon he'd admitted the whole thing. He'd expected to be laughed at but Billy just pulled in off the backroads and stopped the car. He'd given Steve an offer one he never thought he'd accept but he was feeling very pathetic. It had seemed like a long time since anyone had touched him. In high school, he'd never had any problems but he feared that no one would ever want him again. So he accepted.

He got a lot more than he bargained for. He shivered pleasantly at his desk as the night flooded his mind. The gravelly growl to Billy's voice as he talked about the things he could do. The feeling of his fingers as he stroked him from the inside. His teeth sank into his flesh and made him feel lightheaded with pleasure. How incredible it felt to be so full and begging for more. He flushed as he thought about the things he'd said. That he'd agreed to but how they made his stomach ache. He'd awoken the next day warm and safe in bed with a pounding headache and a mouth that felt like he'd been eating wallpaper paste. He had dragged himself from his bed, his body aching and showered. When his fingers had brushed against the marks on his skin he found himself hard and wanting. He'd closed his eyes under the spray of the water and let the night before flow through his mind. He'd come so hard it hurt as his aching body protested but he'd had a nap afterwards and awoken later feeling better.

He couldn't stop thinking about it all weekend. Most of the marks were hidden under his clothes except for a large bite mark on his throat. It was purple and tender and nothing he owned would be able to hide it. He tried his best to keep it hidden behind his hand but it was quickly discovered. When they'd assumed that Jenny had done it and they looked at him with so much pride, it was like being back at high school for a moment. It was easy to let his old charming self come back for just a little while and see people's admiration. He was vague about his plans and no one pushed too hard. He sighed in relief but then he started noticing the Camaro.

Steve had thought it was just a heat-of-the-moment situation. Billy had wanted something that night and he'd gotten it so why was he still here? He felt like he was in an old horror movie with a creeping monster who would never stop until it had consumed him. He tried his best to ignore him hoping he would grow bored. Trying his best to ignore how his own heart quickened and his stomach squirmed when he saw the Camaro. Knowing Billy was inside watching. Waiting.  

To stop his racing thoughts he picked up the envelope on top of the pile. It was lightweight but he could feel something small moving inside. He ripped it open expecting a letter but a small flash drive fell into his hand. He looked at it in confusion. He knew that his dad preferred to do things old school. He always sent things through email or even better for him physical copies. It was why they had such a large filing room and two people employed to keep everything in its right place. He pushed it into the computer. It was empty except for one file. A video file named Face. He stared at it for a long time before he clicked on it. 

The image of his face filled the screen. His eyes closed. Mouth gasping around a name he could hear in his mind. His skin flushed pink. He felt his heart quicken as his face grew warm. He felt his cock twitch and ruthlessly slammed down on his keyboard to stop the short clip. He pulled the drive from the computer filled with the desire to stomp on it until it was nothing but tiny pieces of plastic. The bright lights that night hadn't been for Billy they had been so he could film him. He stormed back over to the window. The Camaro was still in the same place. He wanted to go down and confront him about this. Why had he done it? Why had he shown him? He walked out of his office and out onto the roof on the other side of the building. He fished his cigarettes out of his pocket and with a shaking hand lit one. The smoke filling his lungs calmed him slightly. 

His mind kept returning to that night. He didn't want to admit that it had felt so good. That Billy of all people knew what he needed. Seeing the pleasure on his face was still a shock. It was a tangible thing that he couldn't deny. He took another long drag of his cigarette. He didn't know what Billy was playing at but Steve wasn't going to play into it. He finished his cigarette and returned to his office. He pocketed the flash drive. He purposely ignored Billy when he left work.

It was two days later when another drive arrived at work. Steve didn't get much mail from outside the company. His job didn't require it so James had taken notice. Steve had flushed when he brought the mail mentioning that he had more outside mail. He acted as though it wasn't a big deal but the second he was gone he had the envelope ripped open and the drive in his hand. He got up and peered outside his office but the coast was clear. He inserted the drive. One audio file named Good. He clicked play.

"I…I want to be your g-good girl…"

A molten heat settled low in his stomach at hearing the desperation in his voice. Knowing that he'd said those words with a pathetic whine because he needed Billy at that moment. That he did want to be good for him. He flushed as he realised that the video had audio and all the embarrassing things he'd said to Billy were also on tape. He remembered that night and how he'd been afraid that someone might have seen them. Now he knew that Billy was recording the whole thing and he was ashamed at how turned on he felt. He pulled out the new drive and pocketed it then headed out for a smoke to settle his nerves.

That Friday he felt on edge. The mail was due at any moment and he had a feeling that Billy was going to send him another drive. He had been mysteriously absent yesterday. Steve had even triple-checked for him on his way home but no sign of the Camaro. He hadn't been able to focus all day, his mind a mixture of memories and anticipation. James suddenly walked into his office. He smiled at him.

"Any plans for the weekend?"

"Not sure yet."

"Are you not meeting up with Jenny again?"

Steve shrugged. James laughed.

"With the way she mauled you on your first date, I'd have thought she'd be blowing up your phone."

Billy's teeth sinking into his throat appeared in his mind and his stomach twisted. He laughed nervously.

"Think she's busy with some work thing."

"Oh well, when she gets back."

He winked at Steve and placed his mail on his desk before he walked back out. He took a shuddering breath and picked it up. The top three were forms for the Jameson account. The fourth was a familiar style of envelope with a tear on the side. His heart stopped as he ripped it open only to find it empty. He stood abruptly and ran after James who was only two offices down with his mail cart.

"James…"

"You ok? You look a little flushed."

"Yeah I'm fine, look I'm missing a flash drive…"

"A flash drive?"

"Yeah, it should have been with the mail. It's very important."

"I haven't seen one sorry. Just ask them to send you another can't be hard."

"Can I check your cart?"

James stared at him and Steve felt sweat running down his back. He slowly nodded.

"You can look while I bring Rosemary her mail."

Steve smiled and waited until he walked to the office door before he practically dived into the cart. He quickly searched through the mail trying not to disrupt everything too much when under a stack of letters he saw a familiar-looking flash drive. He grabbed it and held it close to his chest trying to calm his racing heart.

"You found it?"

"Yeah, thanks, James."

He walked quickly to his office and closed the door. He wished he could lock it but unfortunately, there had never been any reason before so no locks were installed. He sat for over five minutes just watching the door terrified that James or someone else would interpret his behaviour as strange and come see him. It felt like an eternity. He pushed the drive into the computer. A video file called Deep. He shivered in anticipation and clicked on it.

It was a slightly longer clip than the one sent previously. Billy's thick fingers held him open until he pushed his cock into Steve's body. It was the first time that no one but him and Billy would know who was in the clip, at least without sound. Steve's head swam as all the sensations from that night returned to him tenfold. His mind became hazy with lust as his cock hardened in his trousers. He hit his lip hard trying desperately to make the feeling go away but it only grew stronger as the seconds ticked by. 

He stumbled over to his door and peered out. It was just after their first break on a Friday early afternoon no one was going to come to him for anything. He quickly closed the door and leaned against it. He took a deep breath and tried one more time to calm himself. He glanced at his computer where he'd forgotten to stop the short clip from playing on repeat. He watched as his body opened up for Billy. He could hear his whimpers along with Billy's sweet praise. He wanted it again.

He quickly undid his trousers and pulled out his aching cock. He stroked himself quickly while playing the night on repeat in his mind. He couldn't stop thinking about someone coming to his office about some mundane matter. James checking up with him about the flash drive. Billy's wicked smirk if he could see him right now. How smug he'd be knowing he'd reduced him to this. He came all over his hand.

He snuck out of work before the day was through and walked across to the parking lot across the street. Billy was in his usual spot, his attention on his phone. Steve opened the back door and slid inside. Billy looked up his eyes going from annoyance to delight in a blink. 

"Go somewhere we can talk. "

"Anything for you Princess."

Steve glared at him but Billy just laughed and drove off. He drove like a demon towards the backroads of Hawkins and Steve flushed when he realised where they were. Billy had driven to the same spot he'd taken him previously out by the old abandoned factories. It had seemed so much more secluded in the darkness. Now it looked exposed as anyone could happen by. Billy turned off the engine and turned towards him.

"Enjoy your gifts?"

"It's illegal to film someone without their consent."

"I have them for liability insurance if they got knocked a little eschew and picked up a private moment that was purely coincidental."

"You're such an asshole."

"C'mon Pretty Boy I know you watched them. You think anyone will believe you weren't wholeheartedly into what happened?"

Steve squirmed in his seat as he thought about how badly he'd been affected earlier that day. How much he wanted a repeat of what had happened.

"What about you?"

"I can always show you how much I enjoyed it."

Billy smirked at him and Steve felt his face heat further. He licked his lips.

"What about the cameras?"

A little shock flickered across Billy's face but he quickly schooled his features before he used the controls on his phone to angle the cameras so they were all focused on Steve. He looked into the lens of the one right in front of his face. He thought back to the images he'd seen. That desperate note to his voice. 

"Are you going to put your money where your mouth is Hargrove or am I wasting my time?"

Billy was in the backseat and pinning him down before he could fully freak out over what he was doing. Billy wasted no time getting them both naked before he started to lick and bite his way down Steve's body. He couldn’t help but stiffen slightly as he knew the cameras were there this time. Billy’s teeth on his hip distracted him from his thoughts.

“Just focus on me, Sweetheart.”

“The cameras are a little distracting…”

“Don’t worry Baby I’ll help you out…”

A hot wet mouth closing around his cock made him forget about the cameras. He let his eyes slide closed and got lost in the sensations. Billy let his throat massage the head of his cock causing him to writhe against him. He whimpered when he felt a slippery finger pressed up against him. Billy pulled back to kiss his way down his thigh as he pressed it inside.

“That’s it so good…you feel so good…”

Billy gave him a little time to get used to the stretch before he pressed in a second finger. Steve spread his legs a little wider begging for more thinking back to the last time and that wonderful full feeling. Billy sunk his teeth into the sensitive skin of his thigh as he stroked over his prostate. His body fluttered around him.

“That feel good Princess?”

“Uhhhhhh….”

“Be a good girl and use your words.”

That molten feeling returned to his stomach and spread out through his limbs. His desperate voice echoed in his mind as Billy mercilessly pressed up against his prostate until he felt pre-come dribble on his stomach as his body squeezed Billy’s fingers tight. Billy tutted at him before he started to pull his fingers back.

“No please…”

He looked down seeing Billy’s intense eyes and raised eyebrow as he smirked up at him. He felt his face heat as he licked his lips nervously.

“It feels so good…please don’t stop…”

“That wasn’t so hard. Was it Sweetheart?”

Before Steve could answer Billy pressed in deep making his words devolve into a whimper. Billy continued to stoke him from the inside until Steve felt like he was going to explode. It felt so good but he needed more.

“Please…please…”

He felt Billy smile against his thigh and he knew it was a smug self-satisfied smile. He wanted Billy to feel as desperate as he did. It wasn’t fair that Steve seemed to be the only one being affected by this especially as it was all being captured on tape. Billy slowly pulled his fingers free and moved back. Steve sat up slightly so that he could watch as he poured a generous amount of lube onto his hard cock. He was mesmerised for a moment as it seemed to twitch in his hand while Billy watched him intently. He moved back in but before he could get too close Steve placed a hand on his chest stopping him. He leaned forward a little more so he could look him in the eye.

"I want to feel you nice and deep."

Billy's eyes burned with a renewed hunger. He pulled away and after a moment Billy moved so Steve could roll over onto his stomach. He was just moving into position when he felt strong fingers wrap around his hips and pull his ass up in the air. He felt Billy's hot breath on the bottom of his back followed by his soft lips as he kissed his way down his body. Steve leaned his weight onto his forearms. Anticipation swirled in his stomach as he felt Billy spreading his legs open and then his hot skin against him. He moaned when he felt his hard cock pressed against him before Billy started to push it inside. He pushed in slowly letting Steve feel every inch until the head brushed his prostate. His body fluttered around it as Steve shivered. 

"Deep enough for you Princess?"

Steve wanted to give him a snappy comeback but his mind was turning to mush completely taken over by the pleasure he could feel. He whimpered embarrassingly and Billy chuckled before starting a steady rhythm. He leaned forward changing his angle ever so slightly and Steve forgot how to breathe. Billy's cock was spreading him open and hitting his prostate just right on every thrust. He felt hot all over. His mind clouded with pleasure. Billy the only thing on his lips. 

He felt lips on the back of his neck followed by sharp teeth that made him whine low in his throat as his stomach twisted. He could feel himself growing close to coming so he looked directly into the camera that he knew was angled towards his face. He let the pleasure show on his face as he said Billy over and over. Billy's fingers squeezed his hips as he started to slow his thrusts. Steve bit his lip and stared deeply into the lens imagining it was Billy's eyes. Wondering how he would react when he watched this back. If he would send him this particular clip. If it would pass through several people at work whose curiosity could get the better of them and they could watch Steve, their boss's son and possible future boss fall apart under Billy Hargrove.

"So good for me…"

Billy’s voice had turned desperate as he kissed his way across Steve’s throat until he reached the spot where he’d previously left a bite mark. Steve shivered as he sunk his teeth deep thinking about the bruise that he’d have no explanation for. Billy pressed in deep and held his cock there making his breath catch until his body squeezed so tight that he couldn't take it anymore and came all over the seat beneath him. Billy groaned into his skin and came deep inside him. Billy’s sharp kisses softened to lingering ones. He kissed his way back down his body as he slowly pulled out. Steve felt him pulling his hips back up and spreading him open once more. He thought back to the final clip he’d received and wondered what he looked like on camera. He shivered and felt Billy’s come running down his thigh. Billy chuckled lowly as his fingers spread him further.

“Looks like I wrecked you, Princess…”

Steve cried out when he felt Billy’s tongue lapping at him before it pressed inside. It was perfect and too much and he needed more. He writhed against Billy who was merciless as he wriggled his tongue inside. He felt his cock weakly twitch against his stomach.

“Billy…oh god…”