Initiation's Over

THIS BLOG HAS MOVED TO @xxgotthedevilinsidexx

A road trip? The monsters finally let their guards down. It felt like they’d never leave their nest. For far too long, they never wanted to leave Santa Carla for one reason or another. Or at the very least, they’d leave town, but wouldn’t leave the general area, let alone the state itself. This would indeed prove to be the chance to get what they needed without sacrificing their own necks. Outside resources would prove beneficial for the Rose Institute. If Dylan pulled through, everyone would go home happy.

Before she could say anything, her buzzer rang. Instantly, she snapped, believing it was her secretary, while still in Dylan’s possession. “I told you, I don’t want interruptions!”

“Steph, it’s your agent!” A man spoke on the other line. “You’ll want to hear this.”

With a scowl, Stephanie brushed past Dylan, and marched back to her desk. Leaning over, she spoke into her receiver. “What is it, Wayne?”

“I got off the phone with a representative of Netflix. They offered to produce a miniseries based on the first Eternity Kiss book.”

Stephanie’s jaw dropped. Netflix? One of the most popular streaming services in the world? Her eyes flashed to Dylan, before she forced herself to take a seat on the edge of her desk. She was dizzy, but in the best way possible. She wouldn’t need to write if this was a possibility. Television would be a quicker creative outlet. It looked like not everyone cared about the tanking of her recent book.

“How much… are we talking about, Wayne?”

“Up front, they offered $5 million per episode.”

Stephanie shook her head. “No, I want at least $10 million.”

“Ten?!”

“Get them back on the phone, Wayne!” The blonde was beyond ecstatic at this point, with all the possibilities of what was to come. “Have them call me ASAP! I have a new associate with me who will back me up on this deal!”

【☠】  ―――― DYLAN  OBSERVED  STEPHANIE  WITH  A  PREDATORY  GLEAM  IN  HIS  EYES  AS  SHE  CHATTED  ENTHUSIASTICALLY  ON  THE  PHONE  WITH  HER  AGENT.  The  idea  of  a  Netflix  miniseries  adaptation  of  her  book  appeared  to  captivate  her,  providing  Dylan  with  the  ideal  moment  to  make  his  move.  He  had  manipulated  the  situation  skillfully,  enticing  her  with  promises  and  leveraging  her  ambition  to  his  benefit.  Every  step  of  his  plan  was  falling  into  place  seamlessly,  with  each  action  carefully  calculated  and  flawlessly  executed.  While  he  couldn't  comprehend  why  anyone  would  want  to  adapt  that  book  into  a  miniseries,  that  was  irrelevant  to  his  ultimate  goal.

AS  STEPHANIE  HUNG  UP  THE  PHONE  AND  TURNED  BACK  TO  HIM,  A  SLY  SMILE  TUGGED  AT  THE  CORNER  OF  DYLAN'S  LIPS.  ❝  I  knew  you  wouldn't  disappoint,  Stephanie.  Looks  like  our  partnership  is  shaping  up  quite  nicely,  ❞  he  purred,  his  voice  smooth  as  silk.

DYLAN  CLOSED  THE  GAP  BETWEEN  THEM,  MOVING  CLOSER  AS  HE  EXTENDED  HIS  HAND  TO  DELICATELY  PUSH  ASIDE  A  LOOSE  STRAND  OF  HAIR  FROM  HER  FACE.  ❝  Everything  is  aligning  perfectly,  ❞  Dylan  whispered  softly,  his  voice  filled  with  intimacy.  ❝  Before  long,  we  will  have  all  that  we  yearn  for  within  our  reach.  ❞

DYLAN  COULD  FEEL  THE  VICTORY  SO  CLOSE,  ALMOST  WITHIN  HIS  GRASP. With  each  whispered  word  and  promise,  Stephanie  became  more  ensnared  by  his  charm.  It  all  seemed  too  effortless,  almost  flawlessly  executed.  Dylan's  smile  grew  wider,  concealing  the  cunning  mind  behind  it.  In  that  moment  of  supposed  unity,  Stephanie  remained  unaware  that  she  was  in  fact  dealing  with  the  devil  in  disguise.

Ruby slipped away from Darius in order to walk over to the two-way window. Judging by the decor she spotted, she saw it was an adult entertainment business. She could imagine the filth that filled these walls when the doors were open. This was the establishment that easily had Dean Winchester's name all over it.

"You keep yourself quite busy," she noted as her fingernails tapped against the window. "More so than a lot of the meat suits I've encountered in the past."

Darius had both brains and looks. Quite the rare combo among demons. Her thoughts abruptly shifted to Sam, wondering where he was these days. She didn't forget about him, oh no. He was her number one target, because whenever Lucifer came back, he would ultimately go to him as his vessel. But the time she and Sam spent together made her wonder if her feelings for him change. Had she truly liked him more than just a manipulative puppet? … Perhaps. She tried to lie to herself about such emotions. It was all about getting what SHE wanted, after all.

But what did she get after helping Sam become more powerful than he ever could've gotten? A stab in the gut, death, and imprisonment for all eternity. Thanks for nothing. Yeah, so much for those feelings. And did she ever get so much as a "thank you" from her so-called master? Ruby's fingers curled into her fist so tight until she nearly broke skin. Screw it. Anger wouldn't get her anywhere, but she could challenge her revenge in a more positive direction. Lucifer would regret ever having betrayed her for her hard work and dedicated loyalty.

【☠】  ――――   DARIUS  RAISED  AN  EYEBROW,  A  SLY  SMILE  PLAYING  ON  HIS  LIPS  AS  HE  ROSE  FROM  HIS  CHAIR.  ❝  I  thought  you'd  never  ask,  ❞  he  purred,  his  eyes  gleaming  with  mischief.  He  stood  up  gracefully,  his  tall  frame  towering  over  her  as  he  stood  in  front  of  the  desk.  Without  breaking  eye  contact,  Darius  traced  a  finger  along  her  jawline.  ❝  You're  not  like  the  others,  ❞  he  murmured  softly,  his  voice  like  silk  and  steel.  ❝  There's  fire  in  your  soul.  I  can  feel  it  burning  bright.  ❞

HIS  TONGUE  QUICKLY  DASHES  ACROSS  HIS  LIPS.  ❝  You  want  something,  ❞  Darius  stated,  a  sly  smirk  playing  on  his  lips.  ❝  And  I  can't  help  but  admire  your  determination.  It's  not  every  day  that  a  demon  comes  knocking  on  my  door  with  such...  ambitious  goals.  ❞  Darius  leaned  forward,  his  expression  turning  serious.  ❝  I  have  resources  that  go  beyond  your  wildest  dreams.  Power,  influence,  knowledge...  You  name  it,  and  it  can  be  yours,  you  just  have  to  let  me  inside  that  pretty  little  head  of  yours.  ❞  His  eyes  bore  into  hers,  a  silent  challenge  lingering  in  the  air.  A  flicker  of  something  akin  to  respect  crossed  Darius'  features  before  a  secretive  smile  curled  his  lips.

SHE  WAS  RIGHT  ABOUT  HIM  KEEPING  BUSY.  ❝  I’ve  come  to  learn  over  the  years  that  when  you  keep  yourself  in  line  of  sight  of  your  victims  they  never  see  it  coming.  Some  would  think  this  place  is  about  the  money  but  for  me  it’s  merely  a  cover.  ❞  As  he  gazed  into  her  eyes,  he  sensed  a  kindred  spirit  in  her,  a  hunger  for  power  and  control  that  matched  his  own.  ❝  But  we  have  all  the  time  in  the  world  to  talk  about  all  that.  ❞ 

WITHOUT  ANOTHER  WORD,  HE  LEANED  IN  AND  PRESSED  HIS  LIPS  AGAINST  HERS.  The  kiss  lingered,  a  mix  of  passion  and  power  intertwining  as  Darius  and  the  demon  stood  locked  in  a  silent  dance  of  desire  and  dominance.  A  predatory  grin  spread  across  Darius'  face,  his  aura  pulsing  with  dark  energy  as  both  his  rough  hands  slid  under  her  shirt  to  pull  it  up  and  over  her  shoulders.

Molly tried to keep it together when she arrived at the guest house. Yet on her way to the Sullivan household, she kept thinking to what happened to her best friends not even a day ago. The way they broke down and laid out their hearts to one another? It was the most romantic thing she'd seen either of them do for one another. No longer did she have to worry about leaving Chanel alone for a few weeks. Seeing what happened between her and Luke, Molly was sure they were in good hands with one another - possibly more. She just better get the details as soon as she got back! More importantly, she worried about her own feelings when it came to Striker.

All jokes aside, when it came to her fixation with older men, Striker Sullivan was the one she fell the hardest for. Others came and went, but never once did she stop to consider them. Ever since she'd gotten to know the werewolf, she became rather fond of him, and gotten to know him on a daily basis. Even when she became his family's babysitter, she'd often come over and spend time with him as a friend. With the consistent teasing she received from Luke, and the concerns from her father, Alan, it didn't stop her from seeing Striker as a wonderful and thoughtful man who was deeply passionate about his music. He was someone who didn't treat her as a child, either. And considering she'd just turned eighteen, she was technically an adult! She understood right from wrong. Though she didn't feel any different now that she was the big 1-8. It wasn't as if a magic wand had been waved over her head, or she underwent a transformation overnight like some supernatural creatures were fortunate (or possibly unfortunate) to go through.

"… Monday," Molly replied, finally answering Striker's answer to his question to when she was leaving. She almost forgot to say something, as she'd found herself awestruck over his features. His hair looked brushed aside, as if he'd quickly brushed it with his fingers. Like bedhead, but fashionable. How savvy. When didn't he look so handsome? She was convinced he existed to make her drool. Clearing her throat, she quietly accepted Striker's invitation and entered the guest house. She welcomed the warmth of the interior as she stepped indoors.

"Yeah, I leave this coming Monday," she said as she glanced about the place, taking in the fixtures of the bachelor's home. She loved everything about it; anyone would be crazy to demand he change anything about his taste. She liked him just the way he was.

Without wandering too far, she turned around, and mentioned to Striker, "Just be careful when you babysit the kids. Sometimes you get the random fangirls that sneak onto the property trying to ask for autographs or memorabilia from your son's band."

【☠】  ――――   STRIKER  SMILED  AT  MOLLY'S  WARNING,  APPRECIATING  HER  PROTECTIVE  NATURE  OVER  HIS  FAMILY.  He  admired  her  spunk  and  determination,  finding  her  maturity  and  loyalty  endearing.  As  he  watched  her  move  about  the  guest  house  with  a  sense  of  familiarity,  he  couldn't  help  but  feel  a  wave  of  gratitude  wash  over  him  for  having  her  in  their  lives.

QUICKLY  HE  PLUCKED  A  FEW  OUT  OF  PLACE  GARMENTS  FROM  THE  BACK  OF  THE  SOFA.  ❝ Thank  you,  Molly.  I'll  keep  an  eye  out  for  any  unwanted  visitors, ❞  Striker  replied  with  a  smile,  his  eyes  softening  as  he  observed  her.  There  was  something  about  her  presence  that  always  managed  to  calm  the  chaos  in  his  mind,  making  him  feel  at  peace.

STRIKER  FOUND  HIMSELF  DRAWN  TO  HER  IN  A  WAY  HE  COULDN'T  QUITE  EXPLAIN.  It  wasn't  just  her  beauty  or  her  quick  wit  that  captured  his  attention;  it  was  the  way  she  made  him  feel  understood  and  accepted  for  who  he  truly  was.  He  couldn't  honestly  remember  the  last  time  anyone  had  made  him  feel  that  way.  Never  once  could  he  recall  a  time  when  she  had  looked  upon  him  with  judgemental  eyes.

AS  HE  CONTINUED  TO  WATCH  HER,  A  SUDDEN  REALIZATION  DAWNED  ON  HIM.  It  wasn't  just  gratitude  and  admiration  he  felt  towards  Molly;  it  was  something  deeper,  something  that  stirred  in  the  depths  of  his  heart.  With  each  passing  moment  in  her  presence,  Striker  began  to  acknowledge  the  growing  affection  he  held  for  her.

HE  FOUND  HIMSELF  WANTING  TO  PROTECT  HER,  NOT  JUST  OUT  OF  DUTY,  BUT  OUT  OF  A  NEWFOUND  SENSE  OF  DEVOTION.  The  way  she  effortlessly  navigated  their  lives  and  cared  for  his  family  had  touched  a  part  of  him  he  never  knew  existed.  And  as  he  looked  into  her  eyes,  he  saw  a  reflection  of  his  own  feelings  mirrored  back  at  him.

HE  HAD  NEVER  ALLOWED  HIMSELF  TO  ENTERTAIN  SUCH  THOUGHTS  FEARING  THE  CONSEQUENCES  OF  CROSSING  THAT  LINE  AFTER  MATTHEW'S  MOTHER.  ❝ I  apologize  for  missing  your  birthday.  I  was  thinking  that  perhaps  when  you  get  back  from  your  trip  maybe  you  would  entertain  the  ideal  of  me  making  it  up  to  you ?  I  was  thinking  maybe  dinner ? ❞

Kiefer Sutherland - David

for @wickedanddeadly (Lucifer)

"… See you next week, Luke."

Loki stood at the door, and watched his teenage patient vanish down the stairs before he stepped back into his office. After turning his back to the door, he flicked his wrist, and the seals were set in place. A magic ward unseen by humans covered the small building he occupied. Nobody would bother him during his lunch break. Sauntering back to his desk, Loki sighed, picked up one of his leisure magazines, and started flipping through the pages.

But then a familiar presence leaked into the room. It was a far more powerful presence that was able to push through even his magic.

Lucifer had always known Luke as a strong and resilient individual, someone who rarely showed vulnerability or sought help from others. So, the mere thought of Luke needing a therapist intrigued him. As the Prince of Darkness, Lucifer prided himself on being able to read people and understand their deepest desires and fears. But this sudden revelation about Luke left him feeling perplexed.

He couldn't help but wonder what events had transpired during his absence that could have led Luke down this path. Had something happened that shattered his confidence? Or perhaps there were underlying issues that had been festering beneath the surface for far too long? He recalled their last encounter, just before he went off to face Michael in battle. Had he placed too much weight on the young boy's shoulders?

Thankfully as he listened in he got a good taste of what the real issue was. Sooner or later Luke was going to have to face the fact that the women in his family were fierce, headstrong, independent, and knew exactly what they wanted when they wanted it.

" You know me, I never was one for following the rules. " Lucifer admitted before allowing himself to finally be seen. In an ideal world, he wouldn't be here right now ─ he would have gone straight home to his wife. The only thing stopping him from doing so was one pesky Winchester that was welching on their original deal. " I couldn't tell you the last time I saw Gabriel. Word would have it that he's somewhere in hiding. He never was much for the family rivalry. Michael on the other hand is still as much of a pain in my ass as always. " Enough with the small talk, it was time for the real reason he was here. " What I need from you Loki is a favor. Probably not one you're going to like very much. "

"That a girl!" Paul cheered. "It's a deal, and a date!"

He brought a hand up and brushed her cheek with his knuckles. Whenever she smiled, he swore it could light an entire room. It sounded cliché as all hell, but it was true. Sonya was way too damn special to let go.

His arm curled around her waist, and he hugged her once more. He was never in a hurry to release her. The thought of her going back to Hades always made him sick to his stomach, but there was nothing neither of them could do. Not now, anyway. Cheering her up was his own superpower, even if it was only temporary.

One night, while high, he thought about a scenario where he and Sonya were humans living together someplace far away. They would've totally made it. Whether it was in some cruddy apartment, or couch-surfing, the two of them on the road just living life on the edge and not living by anyone's rules would've been great. The two of them clicked in so many ways. How could they not be together?

A hand slid up the back of her shirt, where he massaged her shoulders. He propped his chin on top of her head as he gazed out into the distance. His fingers drummed along the back of her neck thoughtfully.

" Damn right, it's a date. " Sonya grinned.

Sonya knew that finding someone like Paul was rare, like stumbling upon a hidden treasure in a vast desert. He possessed an innate ability to understand her on a level no one else could. His unwavering support and genuine tenderness for her made her believe that anything was possible.

But life wasn't always kind, and challenges often tested them. They faced their fair share of ups and downs, but their bond remained unbreakable. Together, they navigated through the stormy seas of life, holding onto each other tightly. What they shared together was a beacon of hope, guiding them through the darkest nights. They became each other's rock, offering unwavering support and understanding for the other.

Without Paul, she was just another monster in the crowd. Paul was the light that illuminated her path, the one who saw the beauty within her when no one else did. His absence always left her feeling lost and insignificant, as if her true essence had been extinguished. Without him, she struggled to find her place in the world, yearning for the strength and comfort he always provided.

Which sounded totally crazy from a woman who could single-handedly bring Santa Carla to its knees.

She embraced him tightly, her head finding solace against his chest. As they stood there, wrapped in each other's arms, the world around them faded away, leaving only the warmth of their embrace. Her lips released a distinct contentment as his fingers skillfully massaged her shoulders and tapped upon sensitive locations on her neck. He knew touching her neck drove her crazy, the chills along her arms were enough to confirm that.

She tilted her head back ever so slightly, allowing her gaze to meet his eyes. " Saying your goodbyes already? We still have a few more hours. Besides, even if I'm a little late it's not like I won't already be scolded for being out of radar for so long. " She wouldn't elaborate any deeper on that topic because sparing Paul of those details was the best thing she could do for the both of them. " Now when have you ever known me to not have my party energy kicking? " She employed her Huntress prowess to effortlessly maneuver him onto the bed, subsequently settling herself atop him. " Fuck it, I say we get high now and see where the night takes us. "

for @wickedanddeadly (Tamara)

The last time Lance Emerson had been in Santa Carla was when his mother-in-law passed away. He almost got into a fist fight with his father-in-law over her casket. Heated words were exchanged, and he couldn't wait to leave. Ironic that he found himself back in California years later, in the same town where many of his problems started.

Lance kept himself in great shape for a man of his age: slicked back hair, a preference for smart suits, and plenty of money. It wasn't his fault his ex-wife floundered at her job when it came to being a decent enough housewife. When they got married, she chose to leave with him and move to Arizona to live their lives together. He expected better out of her, especially with two sons. It certainly wasn't his fault that one died. Sam wouldn't have been dead if he'd been under his watch.

To distract himself, Lance decided he needed some entertainment. It was late in the evening when he left the Sea & Sand Inn. He hailed a taxi service, and informed the driver where he wanted to go. While inside the vehicle, he used his phone to make sure his business was running smoothly during his absence. He had no patience for incompetence.

"We're here," the driver announced as the car came to a crawl alongside the curb.

Lance put his phone away and peered out the window. It was a nightclub where, even from the outside, one could hear the faint booming of music. The sign on the building read, "The Penthouse Club."

"Thanks," Lance muttered as he stepped out of the car, but not before reaching into his pocket. He haphazardly tossed a crumpled five dollar bill into the car, which then rolled underneath the driver's seat, then slammed the door behind him.

As the music thumped through the speakers, pulsating with an irresistible energy, she reveled in her power over the crowd. With each beat, she could manipulate their emotions, weaving a web of euphoria and desire that ensnared them all. It was intoxicating to witness how easily they succumbed to her touch, willingly surrendering their inhibitions and wallets.

She had mastered the art of seduction, not just with her physical allure but also with her ability to tap into their deepest desires. A simple brush of her fingertips on their skin sent shivers down their spines, igniting a fire within them that burned brighter than any drink or drug ever could. The club became her playground, and these humans were mere pawns in her game. But as the night wore on, she couldn't help but feel a twinge of bitterness deep within. The prior night she and Paul had gotten into a disagreement and it had seriously thrown her off her game.

She tried to push aside the lingering thoughts, reminding herself that she was a master of control - she only felt what she allowed herself to feel. Perhaps it was time to reevaluate her priorities and find a balance between her seductive prowess and her own emotional fulfillment. Fun was fun but it no longer held the same allure for her as it once had. Despite having lived a long and fulfilling life, a sense of emptiness began to creep into her existence. She knew the puzzle's elusive element, yet she would never acknowledge it out loud because she had always been a woman who needed no one at her side.

But now it was time for her to work and stuff her personal shit in the back of her mind.

Matt and Syn were both on duty tonight, which was a bit unusual. Typically, they rotated nights, but she didn't think much of it as she prepared herself to go on stage. Moments later the spotlight hit her, she was suspended in the air on a chain swing above the stage. The familiar rhythm of the music filled her ears, fueling her every move. With each move, she commanded the stage, captivating the audience with her mesmerizing presence. The cheers grew louder, blending into a symphony of appreciation for her talent and dedication. 

Lowered down to the stage she stands as her feet hit solid ground. Every movement she made seemed deliberate, captivating everyone's attention. As she gracefully slid down the long zipper of her dress, revealing her lacy lingerie bra underneath, a hush fell over the room. Her body moved effortlessly to the rhythm of the music, accentuating every curve of her body. Her movements became bolder as she continued to tease, leaving just enough to the imagination while scanning the room for a potential victim after tonight's duties were fulfilled.

for @wickedanddeadly (Ivy)

It was the dead of night when Michael Emerson aimlessly wandered through the many hiking trails Santa Carla had to offer. He often came upon hapless humans in the most remote areas, those believed they wouldn’t be discovered. And after Michael was done with them, their carcasses would remain hidden, left to be swallowed up by Mother Nature.  

It was thanks to Rory and Lilith that he was transformed into an even better predator than before. As a half-vampire, he’d been a confused and hormone riddled teenager seduced by the promises of creatures of the night. With the demons and skin-walkers, they understood his reasons for being filled with hate and revenge. His little brother died because of vampires. They should never have moved to this stupid place to begin with. His mind was full of rage and hopelessness. When Lilith and Rory reached out to him after Sam’s funeral, and after he nearly killed Edgar Frog, there was no hesitation on his part to join them.

Michael was pulled away from his thoughts when he entered a clearing in the forest. It was a dirt crossroad - most likely used for forest rangers. Judging by the lack of tire tracks, it hadn’t been used in years. Curiously enough, he noticed recently disturbed dirt in the middle of the intersection. Was there an animal nearby? No, it looked too neat. Had to be human. 

Ivy's usual routine involved lively dances on the Boardwalk, searching for individuals yearning for a greater purpose. Being a crossroad demon had its perks and drawbacks. On one hand, Ivy possessed an uncanny ability to sense and manipulate human desires, offering them deals that would grant their deepest wishes in exchange for their souls. On the other hand, she was bound to protect her territory from any supernatural trespassers who dared to encroach upon her domain.

Tonight, however, it wasn't just a matter of territorial protection. It was personal. Ivy had spent centuries cultivating relationships with those who sought solace on the Boardwalk, carefully selecting individuals whose desperation made them susceptible to temptation. But this time, someone had dared to invade her realm without invitation or warning. As Ivy pondered over the audacity of this intrusion, a mix of anger and curiosity swirled within her. She had encountered hunters seeking to claim her head before, but they were unfortunate in their attempts as she proved to be untrappable and couldn't be tricked. This was precisely why she, out of all the crossroads demons, had been designated to Santa Carla.

In the blink of an eye, Ivy disappeared from the Boardwalk and materialized behind the unfamiliar person. She observed him for a considerable amount of time while he stood at the heart of the intersection, where people typically placed their boxes filled with offerings to summon her. It was evident that he had a different motive in mind. It was easy enough for her to sense that this stranger wasn't completely human which left her a little intrigued. 

" Looking for something, or perhaps someone? " She finally decided to make her presence known to the other. As she stepped forward, her eyes scanned the area, searching for any hidden traps or ambushes that might be awaiting her. She knew she had to proceed with caution, for the unknown dangers that lay ahead could be her undoing. It wasn't every day non-humans came seeking her assistance. 

for @wickedanddeadly (Chanel)

The Lost Boys were still nestled away deep in the dark elevator shaft when Luke and Chanel entered the cave, leaving the afternoon sun behind them. Hand in hand, they traversed down the stairs, and navigated through the old hotel that sunk into the cliffs during the famous 1906 earthquake. Rather than hang out in the lobby, the two walked to the back of the cave, where there were tunnels rumored to stretch as far back as to the boardwalk itself.

Luke remembered one tunnel in particular that Aunt Star and Uncle Laddie showed him when he was younger. It led to a small underground grotto that had colorful stalagmites and stalactites. Some time ago, Star strung special decorations off the stalactites where, when the light reflected off the water through the mouth of the cave, "faerie illuminations" danced off the walls.

"Here it is," Luke announced as he allowed Chanel to step ahead of him. His eyes fell to her backside, noting the gentle curves of her body, and her slender legs. Already he was excited about being alone with her, but he wanted to keep in control for a bit longer. His lower regions would disagree, so he adjusted his pants and cleared his throat loudly as he shifted their heated lunch bags from one hand to the other.

"Cool place to ourselves," he went on to say, "and nobody to bug us. For once."

Initially, when Luke proposed spending time together outside the house tonight, she assumed they would be going to the Boardwalk, as that was their usual hangout spot. Instead, they found themselves at the Cave, which was rather confusing since it was still daytime, which meant all of Luke's uncles were still in slumber. However, he promptly informed her that there was a hidden spot deep inside the cave that he wanted to show her. This wasn't the first time she had been here, but it was the first time she really traveled any deeper than the lobby.

She couldn't quite figure out what he was up to since he had become exceptionally good at concealing his thoughts from her. As long as they weren't spending an extended amount of time in the lobby she was okay with it. As much as she adored his uncles there was only so much her overly sensitive nose could handle. The general stench of death bothered her more than the smell of blood did. Thanks to her wolf and vampire side it made it pretty easy for her to traverse the dark tunnels Luke led her through.

Once he announced their arrival she let go of his hand and ventured inside. Her eyes widened at all the sparking lights bounced off the walls around them. Her nose eagerly embraced the refreshing scent of the ocean breeze, while her ears joyfully embraced the distant symphony of waves crashing nearby. " This place is amazing. " She declared. " Are there more places like this here? " She could only imagine what all they must have done to this place since having claimed it as their own over the years. Knowing the guys the way she did this had to have been by Star.

She discovered herself swallowing quite roughly only after he declared that they were the only ones present and would have the entire place to themselves. Her heart even kicked up a few beats despite her best efforts to subdue do.

It was now starting to make more sense to her after the near breakdown she experienced a few weeks ago during Molly's visit. " Well, now I know why I had to wear my bathing suit even though he didn't go to the beach. " She grinned trying to play off her nerves. Moving a little deeper in she noticed a few chairs and a table ─ she couldn't help but think how romantic all of this really felt. As she sat down on one of the chairs, she couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. Her long blonde hair was gently swayed by the soft breeze. " It's nice being able to spend time together, just the two of us. " As much as loved Molly and all the others it was very rare that she and Luke ever had any time just to themselves other than sleeping and in her eyes that didn't count.

He wouldn’t dare look away from her. There was nowhere else he wanted to look. His fascination with the slayer was beyond obsession. Nobody would dare take her away from him. He’d marked her and planted his seed in her. Dream or not, they were now united as one.

His hand caressed the side of her face as her own hand explored his. He couldn’t stop touching her. It was like a renewed sense of wonder every time. She fascinated him in numerous ways. She was like no other human he ever encountered. Michal was mesmerized. He would dare say that his father’s greatest human creation was this woman beneath him.

Though their lovemaking had ceased, he refused to pull out. Instead, they remained entangled in each other’s arms, as they continued to touch and admire one another. Sweat on sweat, skin to skin, neither ever wanted to part. They were truly one and the same in the Garden of Eden.

Michael slowly blinked at Buffy’s question, as if their wondrous act of sex tired him out. He didn’t need to sleep, but the thought of having her rest in his arms beneath the branches of this tree did bring joy to this archangel’s heart. It was one of the first selfless joys he experienced in eons.

As Buffy continued to gaze at Michael, she couldn't help but feel a surge of adrenaline coursing through her veins. Every time their eyes met, it was as if the world around them faded into oblivion. She couldn't deny the magnetic pull between her and Michael. It was a connection that defied logic and reason. The intensity of their gaze held a promise of a love that could transcend time and space, a love that could conquer any obstacle in their path. At that moment, Buffy knew that Michael had become the missing piece in her life, he was the one who had made her feel complete.

She found it difficult to fathom that throughout this entire time, she had been led to believe that he was a heartless, uncaring monster. How could someone capable of having such passion and beauty be labeled as heartless and uncaring? It was almost heartbreaking to think this encounter between them would soon end. 

As she lay there, her body tingled with a mix of pleasure and longing. The lingering sensations from their passionate encounter left her craving more. Each movement of his hips, though tantalizing, only scratched the surface of her desires. She felt like she was on a high that her body refused to come down from. If she ever had an addiction he was surely it. 

Her eyes fluttered again feeling his lips trailing across her neck. It had always been one of the most sensitive spots on her body. Knowing she was going to see him every night from here on out until she got to finally touch him in person had her heart pounding inside her chest. Chills rolled down her spine and without thought she found herself flipping the tables. Within an instant she had Michael lying on the grassy ground with her straddled on top of him. 

" I hope you can get used to me being insatiable. " Both her hands rested at his shoulders, not that she thought she could even attempt to overpower him, but so that she could slowly and teasingly rotate her hips. Her eyes remained locked on his because no matter how long they were together it was never enough. " I hope my guardian angel can keep up. "

Paul maintained his smile, despite being called out. He couldn't hide anything from her. The blond vampire could bullshit everyone else, but not her. It was one of the reasons why he cared a lot about her, and why it frustrated the shit out of him that he couldn't do more to protect her.

"Baby, you definitely have great taste," he confirmed, trying to keep the mood light for her. Their tender sides were ones the public didn't see. Insecurities and worries were reserved in private, in moments like this.

Sonya's eyes involuntarily closed as she felt Paul's thumb gently brush against her lower lip. It was difficult to believe that the woman she became when alone with Paul was completely different from the persona she displayed to the rest of the world. Just the mention of her name brought about a distinct feeling of dread and fear in others. It was as if Paul had unlocked a door to a secret chamber within her, revealing a passionate and vulnerable woman she never knew existed. With him, she felt free to express her deepest desires and fears, knowing that he would accept her unconditionally. She cherished these stolen moments with him, where she could shed the mask she wore for the world and be her true self.

" You bet your ass I do. " She couldn't help but inch closer to him wanting to be as close as humanly possible. He was the only man she trusted, the only man she could ever see herself trusting.

Paul's jaw tightening did not go unnoticed by her, and she could only imagine the thoughts racing through his mind. God what she wouldn't give for him to not have to think about those things, what she wouldn't give for things to be different. However, she can't help but ponder if their paths would have crossed if she hadn't made her pact with the devil. The consequences of her decision weighed heavily on her conscience. She desired their final moments to be solely dedicated to one another, without any distractions or thoughts of anyone else. Leaning forward she captured his lips with her own. Her body gradually moves forward, allowing her to straddle his lap, fingers losing themselves in the back of his hair. As their kiss deepened, their bodies pressed against each other, their hearts beating in sync. Every touch, every caress, spoke volumes of their desire for each other.