#Grab a pillow or a book and relax to the soothing sounds of pouring rain hitting the window and constant thunder. This ambient video was cre

[stinkyelf]

Cup of juice

A/n: this is my first fic on tumblr, so I’m a bit nervous and I’ve never really written smut that much before.

Plot summary : Spencer is busy, but y/n wants attention. Even if she knows she shouldn’t distract him

Warning: smut, spanking, fingering, slapping, choking, bratty reader, slight degradation. Dom Spencer. Penetrative sex, daddy kink.

Word count: 1,885

It was late on a Friday night. I could hear the rain patter on the roof of mine and Spencer’s house. I cuddled up in a blanket against the couch with a book, only slightly looking over it to see Spencer hunched over his desk finishing reports. I told him only an hour ago that he needed a break but he insisted on finishing them tonight, knowing he wouldn’t get them done otherwise.I sigh deeply and place my book down on the coffee table next to me. Spencer looks up at me from across the room “you okay baby?” I hum in response standing up and pulling the sweater that had risen up over my bare thighs.

I walk over to Spencer and run my fingers through his hair, he sits back against the chair and sighs as I move to straddle his lap “baby you know I need to finish these, and that means no distractions” he says grabbing my face and holding it in his hands so he can look me in the eyes. I nod innocently placing my arms around his waist. He moves forward with me clinging to him and carries on working. I rest my face in the crook of his neck and breath in his scent. I let out a soft sigh as I move my lower body to get comfortable.

Spencer grips my ass and pulls me into him more “stop moving baby girl” I nod against his shoulder and do as told before slowly running my hands against his bare back. In the start of our relationship Spencer was insecure about being shirtless in front of me but after 6 years of being together he barely wore shirts around the house, and I never complained one bit. I slightly racked my nails against his back and drew soft patterns. I felt his arms tighten around me as I did this, “does that feel good?” I ask, he hums softly in response and I smile against his skin.

In the midst of clinging to his warmth an idea pops into my head. I carefully shimmy my way out of his lap and turn around only to be pulled back by a strong arm “where do you think you are going?” Spencer growls in my ear, pulling me closer towards his body. I giggle slightly “bathroom” I say looking back to to him and giving his cheek a small peck. He lets me go and I rush off to our room going straight for my lingerie draw. I knew that I shouldn’t distract him but I needed attention and I needed it now.  I grabbed a nice lacy navy bra with matching high waisted panties, they were his favorite on me and I wanted to get his attention. I threw one of Spencer’s shirts over the top just to get him going a bit, he loved me in his clothes.

I saunter my way back into the main living area going towards the kitchen, I catch the eye of Spencer as I try to grab a glass from the top shelf. I reach up letting the shirt ride up and giving Spencer a view of my ass. I heard him inhale deeply. I turn around and give him an innocent smile as I pour myself a glass of apple juice. As I’m about to drink my juice I hear Spencer get up from his chair, he leans against his desk with his hands crossed over his chest. God the veins in his forearms will be the death of me. his hair is disheveled and he still has his slacks on from earlier today. I smile to myself as I sip my juice holding the cup in both hands. “Y/n” I hear Spencer say, I look up “Yup” I say bringing the glass to my lips. “Come here” he says using his fingers motioning towards himself. I shake my head “no, I’m drinking my juice” I say in a whiny tone. He gives me a stern look and I know I’m done for “y/n put the juice down and come over here, now!” I put the glass down and slowly make my way towards him. I look down towards his socks when I reach him smiling at one sock with dinosaurs and the other with stripes. 

He grabs my chin and makes me look up to him, our height difference making it easier for him to shadow me. “I told you that I needed to finish my work, didn’t I baby girl?” He says not taking his eyes away from me. I nod slowly, “use your words” he says stroking my cheek “yes, sir” he nods and moves to sit back down on his desk chair. “Then what’s all this” he points motioning to what I’m wearing, I pull the shirt down more suddenly feeling insecure, this doesn’t go unnoticed by Spencer and he pulls me close between his legs. “Do you want my attention baby?” I nod sheepishly playing with his fingers, he kisses my cheek and places his hands on my hips I look up and he has a smirk on his face. Spencer lift the shirt slightly, dragging my underwear down my legs and discarding them behind him. 

Spencer pulls me in to straddle his lap, I sit comfortably with his arms around my waist and my hands on my lap. “Look at me” Spencer says, I immediately look up to meet his gorgeous eyes “you are so gorgeous my love” he says bringing my face closer to his. Our lips meet and I visibly relax into him. I put my hands against his face to deepen the kiss, he grips onto my hips and I moan letting him slip his tongue into my mouth. I softly grind against his lap as he travels his hand down to my ass and grips tightly moving my lower half against his growing bulge.

I moan against his mouth as his hand travels down. He slips a finger through my folds and moans “so wet already baby girl” I grind against his hand and softly mewl at him silently begging for him to finger me. He kisses down my neck biting softly and leaving hickies. He slips two fingers and I clench around them moaning softly and he pumps them into, grazing his fingers against my walls. Spencer grips my throat with his free hand forcing me to look at him “that’s right baby girl, look at me. I wanna see how daddy makes you feel princess” Spencer pumps his fingers faster into me, I sync my hips with his thrusts and moan as he tightens his hand around my neck. “Daddy- please...I’m gonna-“ i moan moving my hips faster against his hand. “That’s right baby let it go, cum on my fingers” I grip on his shoulders and he loosens his hand around my neck and grips my ass as I ride out of my orgasm. My body goes limp against Spencer as I try to catch my breath, Spencer removes his fingers and licks them clean still keeping direct eye contact with me. I smile hazily at Spencer and deeply kiss him making sure to tug lightly on his soft hair.

I feel Spencer fully hard against my thigh, I slowly grind against him gaining more friction between my legs. “So needy tonight are we y/n” he chuckles into my ear as he picks me up and carries me to our bedroom. He lays me against the bed pulling off my shirt. “Look at you, so fucking gorgeous. You are mine” Spencer growls as he removes my bra and messages my breasts in both hands. I arch my back slightly, his lips coming down to meet my nipple, swirling his tongue around it slowly. He does the same to the other while I reach down and try to unbuckle Spencer’s belt. “Not so fast love, you know the rules” I sigh leaning against the pillow. Spencer takes his belt of, discarding his pants onto the floor. “Hands and knees. Now” I swiftly move onto my hands and knees feeling Spencer’s presence behind me on the bed. I wait patiently knowing what’s about to happen, “you couldn’t have waited just a couple more hours” I feel Spencer’s hand smack against my ass and I whimper “no no, instead you had to distract me” another smack against my ass, he rubs softly easing the pain “you are such a needy whore” another smack, harder than the others I cry out bucking against his hand. 

Spencer rubs my ass softly soothing the red hand prints. He softly turns me over holding onto my hips and pulling me towards him. He discards his boxers and gently climbs on top of me. “What is the safe word?” He asks carefully caressing my face with his soft hand “ coffee” I say in a small voice, he nods softly kissing me before lining up with my entrance and thrusting in roughly. I instantly wrap my legs around his waist, Spencer bottoms out and we both groan. “So tight baby” Spencer pulls out and thrust back in. His pace is fast. I moan uncontrollably gripping onto his locks and pulling hard. Spencer looks into my eyes silently asking for permission and I nod slowly. He slaps me across the face, not hard but not lightly. I moan out feeling the pleasurable sting against my face.

Spencer grips my hips tightly surly leaving bruises. I arch my back pushing Spencer deeper into me. I moan loudly as he hits my g-spot, “right there, please harder” I say out of breath. His thrust are harsher and he slaps me again leaving his hand to rest against my throat. I let out a strangled moan knowing I’m close to cumming. Spencer’s thrust become sloppy and out of sync “I’m gonna cum baby” I nod slightly “me too”. A couple more thrust and we both come undone against each other. Spencer let’s go of my throat and leans his body against mine, I sigh wrapping my arms around him. He pulls out and gets up putting his boxers back on and going to the bathroom. He comes back to the bed with a face cloth and gently cleans me up. He lifts me carefully, carrying me to the bathroom so I can pee. Knowing if I didn’t Spencer would tell me the high chances of getting a UTI.

I wobble back to the bed, my legs sore. I slip on some comfortable underwear and one of Spencer’s shirts. He is laying in bed opening his arms for me. I crawl into the bed and let him consume me. We lay in silence the only sound being our breathing. “Did I hurt you?” Spencer asks looking down at me with worry in his eyes. I giggle and trace a finger against his jaw “not at all my love” I say and place a kiss just below his jaw line, he hums and pulls me closer to his chest. I wrap my leg around his waist and pull him closer “I love you” I say softly “I love you too” he replies kissing my forehead. I close my eyes and drift of to sleep knowing I’m safe in Spencer’s arms 

[theluckyyyoneee]

The Rainy Season

wrote this on a rainy night and am really missing my baby so

when you’re terrified of thunderstorms and your roommate suggests cuddles for comfort

Pairing: Kyungsoo x Reader

Genre: Fluff

Word Count: 1.6+k

not my gif^

Another crack of lightning followed by horrendously loud sounds of thunder erupted in the sky, the pouring rain viciously hitting your window doing nothing to ease your poor, shivering self currently hiding underneath the covers.

You hated when it rained, especially thunderstorms.

You figured you must have drowned in your past or something that would somehow explain your intense hatred for the harsh pellets of water droplets hitting your window with enough force you feared it might break the thick glass.

It filled you with such helplessness that even you didn't understand, so it wasn't a surprise when your roommate was also confused by your irrational fear.

"Wow, I didn't know it was this bad." Kyungsoo's deep voice spoke from the direction of your bedroom door you remembered closing before going to bed.

Your distress momentarily forgotten thanks to the unexpected visitor, you sat up quickly and unwrapped yourself from your little makeshift blanket burrito to look at your said roommate who was already dressed in his nightwear, his wide eyes gazing at you with sympathy.

"I didn't know you were home," your voice was soft and pathetic even to you and you couldn't help the tremor that passed through you as an especially loud crack of thunder sounded. You tried to discreetly fix your tangled mess of hair from rolling around in bed.

"Are you going to be okay? It doesn't seem like the storm is going to be letting up anytime soon…" he ignored your statement and looked even more concerned than before.

Wrapping yourself a bit tighter in your loosened blanket you made an unconvincing hum signaling that you would be fine, when you both knew it was an obvious lie.

Kyungsoo continued to stand there awkwardly for a few more moments before slowly running hand through his short hair as he slowly got out, "Did you want to, maybe, sleep with me tonight?"

Heart hammering in your chest that you were sure wasn't completely because of the terrifying storm, you let his words sink in, hearing him rush to say panicked, "No funny business, I swear. I meant literally to sleep. I just remembered you saying something about how you hate being alone during thunderstorms, and you have work tomorrow…"

Glancing at him, you accepted his words. That much was true and you trusted him to know he would never do anything to hurt you-a major why you two became roommates in the first place.

The only thing you were worried about was if it would become too awkward, too weird, in the aftermath.

The two of you were awfully close, but there wasn't much physical contact between the two of you, each of you preferring your personal space, something the two of you had in common.

But as another strike of lightning and the sound of the rain hitting your window grew louder and harsher, you found yourself nodding vigorously at him as you clutched your pillow tight to your chest, your earlier worries forgotten to the bigger fear of being left alone with this damned storm.

There was awkward silence following your accepting his offer until he asked, "Uh, I'll just go grab my pillow and blanket and then I'll be right back." With that, he sped to his room the fastest you've ever seen and you scooted your pillow closer to the wall to make room for him, nerves forming doubt about sharing a bed with each other.

But then he was back, tentatively entering your bedroom as a flash of lightning lit your room and you realized that you really did not want to be alone right now.

The two of you weren't touching, both under your own set on blankets and you couldn't help the whimper that came out of your mouth as the thunder shook the whole building, body caving in on itself until you were in a little ball.

You felt movement on the bed next to you and some rustling of the blankets and you felt warm, strong hands gently pulling you from your position until you were pressed against him in an embrace, tucking your head under his chin with one of his hands running softly through your hair and the other draped over your shoulders, further encasing you in his warmth, doing a much better job than any blanket could ever do.

It was a bit uncomfortable at first, the two of you stiff as could be with the close proximity, and you could hear his own heart racing under his shirt, but the warmth and silent company was comforting you and you found yourself relaxing further in his embrace, feeling your eyelids grow heavy with sleep as time passed.  

Tensing all over again as another sound of thunder sounded, Kyungsoo tightened his hold on you, his hand that was just lying idly began rubbing soothing circles on your back, whispers of you’re fine leaving his mouth.

His heart is really racing, you couldn't help thinking to yourself, your currently position making it so your ear was pressed against his chest.

Maybe he was scared of thunderstorms, too…

With that thought in mind, you shimmied even closer and brought your arm around his midsection, softly gripping the fabric of his loose shirt, hoping to comfort him as well.

His own body tensed like yours did just moments ago, hearing the thump thump thump of his heart, but soon relaxed and brought you even closer to him once more and began to hum ever so softly, fixing the blankets around your shoulders to make sure you were comfortable.

With his hums to focus on rather than the sounds happening outside, you couldn't help the small smile that refused to leave your lips as you slowly found yourself falling into unconsciousness.

After that, it just... kind of became a routine.

At first, you thought it was just going to be a one time thing, but when another thunderstorm fell upon the city, you felt more alone than usual and had a near heart attack at the knock that came to your door.

And there was Kyungsoo with his pillow and blanket in his arms, an adorable yet seemingly shy smile on his face. “Do you mind?”

You didn’t mind at all.

He would hold you close like the first night, switching between humming to telling you about his day. To which soon turned into a time in the day where the two of you talked about anything that came to your minds.

And soon he stopped bringing his own blanket, the two of you deciding that your blanket would be big enough for the both of you, which made your cuddling a bit more intimate. There was no blanket separating your bodies, and you were able to snuggle more comfortably into the crook his neck, feeling him squirm a bit when your breath hit the sensitive skin.

And he slowly became more affectionate towards you. When you were on the couch, he would usually leave a whole cushion in between you but now, he would plop himself right next to you, your shoulders and thighs almost touching with how close he was to you. 

You felt his eyes on you a lot more often now, looking up from your book to roam your eyes around the room to find his eyes already situated on your form, heat creeping up on your face as he would blink rapidly and clear his throat, eyes suddenly on anything and everything but you.

You two watched television until you could barely keep your eyes open, slowly dragging yourself off your comfortable position on the couch before you actually fell asleep to tiredly stretch your limbs. “Okay, I’m going to go to sleep now.” You yawned, waving lazily at his own sleepy figure on the couch. 

The sky was clear without a cloud in sight, something that made you sigh in relief that you would get a good night’s sleep, fixing your blanket and went to turn out the lights when a half asleep Kyungsoo sauntered in and threw himself down on your bed, tugging the covers out from underneath him to settle them over him.

“Um...” you got out, a little confused at his sudden appearance in your bed, but also wanting nothing more than to jump in bed with him and cuddle him forever. You wouldn’t admit it, but when he wasn’t there to hold you, it took you forever to fall asleep.

“What if it starts to rain sometime in the night,” he mumbled, holding out a hand, looking so squishy and so inviting that you couldn’t help but laugh a little and join him after you turned the lights off. 

He immediately pulled you to him, his arm draped over your shoulders, his fingers gently fixing your hair that had fallen in your face. “Y/N,” he softly called your name, your heart racing with how your name sounded leaving his mouth with such gentleness.

Already under sleep’s spell, you grunted a response and snuggled deeper, breathing in his calming smell of his detergent. 

“Is it okay if I sleep here even if it isn’t raining?”

That woke you up a bit and you stiffened at his words, hearing the thump thump thump of his racing heart, inhaling a slightly shaky breath as he continued with your silence.

“And is it okay if I... take you on a date tomorrow?”

You choked out a tired laugh as you gripped him tighter as you nodded against his chest. 

The tension eased out of both of your bodies as he tightened his hold on you, tilting his head down a bit to land a kiss on your forehead, his heart shaped lips as warm and as soft as you imagined they would be. 

You guess the rainy season wasn’t as bad as you thought. 

[jade-island-lives]

You already know who my girls are - torrent and Delilah trying to motivate each other to do something really hard and finding themselves motivating each other with something a little taboo and silly.

Okay, so I’m sorry this took so long to get out. I always struggle with timing when writing for other people. In honesty, I need practice so I’m glad I asked.

Also. I struggle with doing silly things. I’m just not a funny person and I need practice with it too.

In short, this might not be the story you were looking for and I’m sorry. But I really did try. I’m just struggling with emotions these days, and I’m ashamed to say I don’t really feel goofy or happy like I used to.

But here’s the story anyway. 

“Delilah please, it’s 3 AM…”

The wailing of a tiny baby pierced the night air as Torrent stumbled out of bed, her frizzy brown hair cascading over her tired peridot eyes. Her feet drug the few footsteps it took to reach the small lavender bassinet.

 The moon shone clear and bright over the glossy palm trees ripe with green coconuts full of sweet water. Its silver light shimmered through the white curtains billowing in the soft summer wind. For a moment, Torrent relaxed as the air met her arms and shoulders.

She slowly picked up a bundle in a lavender onesie that was screaming its tiny little lungs out. Torrent shushed the tiny infant, soothing the few strands of ginger atop Delilah’s tiny head.

“You had your bottle, you’re all clean…” Torrent muttered tiredly, rubbing her back in tiny circles, “Delilah, you’re okay. It’s time to go to bed.”

 Delilah screamed even louder, her face turning all red as she buried her head in Torrent’s shoulder, clutching the white fabric of her tank top.

 “Delilah…” Torrent sighed with exhaustion as she tried her best to sooth the screaming infant, “You need to sleep…or your mom is gonna kill me.”

At the mention of her mom, Delilah let out the loudest wail Torrent had ever heard from a baby, or any person for that matter.

Torrent flinched, holding the child in front of her with a stern look, “Hey. Stop that.”

Delilah hiccuped before looking up into Torrent’s eyes with surprise.

 “Look, I know you wanna see your mom and dad, but they’ll be back soon. Crying is not gonna make them show up. I know you miss them, but they’ll be back.”

 At once, Delilah outstretched her hands.

“What?”

 Delilah’s tiny hands grabbed Torrent’s cheeks, looking up into the mer’s eyes with wonder.

 Torrent’s eyes widened in surprise at the sudden touch. For a moment, she almost pulled away before Delilah began to giggle.

 Suddenly. Everything clicked.

“You’re not going to sleep anytime soon are you, are you?”

Delilah giggled, squishing Torrent’s cheeks with joy.

 Torrent narrowed her eyes, “Unbelievable…well this has been fun, but PLEASE go to sleep…”

 With that, Torrent began to place Delilah back into the bassinet. Only for her to squeal and cry.

Torrent lifted Delilah up and narrowed her eyes with a sigh, “What will get you to sleep? Please…I have work in the morning…is it the shadows? I keep telling you that I won’t let them get you-”

 Delilah placed her hands-on Torrent’s cheeks, cooing softly.

 Torrent grumbled, “Fine…you’re so spoiled, you know that?”

Delilah let out a giggle as Torrent carried her to Torrent’s bed, where she laid herself down and propped herself up with a few pillows, bringing Delilah to her chest.

A bright blue flame erupted from the center of Torrent’s chest, soft and gentle like a candle flame. It glowed in Delilah’s wide enraptured eyes before she buried her head against Torrent’s chest, gripping the blanket surrounding her as she fell asleep.

Torrent let out a sigh of relief, “I swear, you are allergic to sleep…I don’t understand it.”

Delilah curled deeply into Torrent’s chest, breathing softly as Torrent rubbed circles on her back.

 “Are you afraid of the dark? Is that it? Or…”

Delilah’s tiny hands began to clutch Torrent’s tanktop tightly, not wanting to let go.

 Torrent sighed and rested her head on her pillow and felt herself begin to drift.

 “Whatever it was, I’m not doing this when you get older…not that I want you to get older that is.”

BONUS SCENE

 Sun began to set over the titanium sky, staining the line between the sky and the sea. The wind was slow and humid, smelling of oncoming rain.

Torrent sat at her kitchen table, mug of black tea curled around her fingers as she watched the sea ripple and swing onto the crystal white beach.

 A humongous yawn hit her, the kind that makes your eyes water and a wave of tiredness hits you instantly.

Seven days.

Seven days had passed since Torrent had slept.

Torrent not sleeping was nothing new. She had always struggled with sleeping throughout her entire life, she had grown accustomed to it.

Yet as the light from the sky faded and the claw scratch of silver became visible, Torrent was planning to pull out a book, perhaps Julius Star’s novel on ship building. It was boring, mindless, but better than sleeping in Torrent’s mind.

Her eyes sunk for a moment, only for a flash of silver and red to blind her. Screams echoed in her ears, pounding and paralyzing. 

Her heart leaped into her throat, her mug crashing to the ground and shattering. The deep purple scars dug into the right side of her face began to pulse with a dull ache, sweat poured from her forehead as Torrent buried her head in her arms on the table.

 She would never sleep again. Ever. There was no way in all of the seven seas that she would ever fall asleep again. Even if it killed her, which she knew it would, at least she wouldn’t be forced to relive the worst night of her life.

“Torrent?”

Torrent winced as she turned to the entrance to her kitchen to see Delilah, her eyes wide with worry as she was clutching a paper bag that reeked of herbs.

Those eyes.

Those storm grey eyes that once belonged to an old friend.

“What are you doing here?” Torrent muttered, glancing at the shards of ceramic and cooling tea on her white tile floor.

 “Alana wanted me to bring you some tea…I’m sorry.”

Torrent’s shoulders fell, “No, you’re okay. I just wasn’t expecting company…”

Delilah’s eyes softened, “Torrent, you look…” she bit her lip for a minute before mustering her courage, “Awful.”

“I’m okay Delilah…” Torrent reasoned as she bent to clean up her mess, only for a wave of dizziness to sweep over her, causing her eyes to roll into back of her head as she collapsed to her knees.

Delilah dropped the herbs and rushed to Torrent’s side, grabbing the older mer before she could her head.

“Torrent?”

 Torrent’s eyes were glazed over as the sounds of screams filled her head again.

“I…I…”

Delilah turned the mer to glance into her eyes. For a moment Torrent could see jet black hair and handsome teal ears and scales glancing back at her with worry.

 “How long has it been since you’ve slept?” Delilah breathed.

Torrent blinked and let out a soft groan, “Seven…”

“Seven hours?”

“Days…”

“Days?” Delilah’s jaw dropped, “Are you insane? This WILL kill you!”

“It’s fine…” Torrent mumbled, “It’s all fine Kil…Delilah.”

 Delilah blinked as she stood up, dragging the mer to her feet, “You are going to bed. Now.”

 “No….no I’m not going to bed. You can’t make me.”

 Delilah sighed, “Torrent please…don’t fight me.”

“I’m fine D…” a large yawn swept through Torrent, “I don’t want to sleep.”

 “Why?”

The smell of copper filled Torrent’s nose, making her stomach turn violently.

 “I…I just don’t want to.”

Delilah seemed to move Torrent with little difficulty. From the kitchen to Torrent’s bed. She sat the drowsy mer at the foot of the grey bed and peeled back the covers.

“T-Torrent, if you don’t sleep, you will die…”

“I’ll be fine D…honest.”

 “Lay down.”

Torrent tried to resist, but the sheets felt so soft and warm. And feeling her body relax at its soft touch caused her breath to increase at the screams of pain in her ears filled the room. Delilah recoiled for a moment as Torrent began to lose her breath in a panic.

“No…nonono…”

Delilah’s eyes softened with pity as she brought the sheet up to Torrent’s neck, “You can’t let bad dreams keep you from sleeping.”

“P-Please…I don’t want to Delilah…” Torrent begged, “I don’t want to sleep…don’t make me sleep, I’m begging you…”

Torrent stiffened as the child took her hand and smiled, “It’s going to be okay. I promise you. You’re going to wake up and we’re all going to be here, you’re safe.”

“I’m not…I can’t…go back…-“

Delilah’s chest flickered with a bright lavender flame, soft and gentle like a candle flame. She muttered something under her breath.

 Torrent tried to fight it, but a new wave of sleep hit her. Darkness swept over her.

When the bright sunshine and the sight of yellow flowers came to her sight, all she had to look for was a maiden with curly black hair with stars upon her face.

Picking the flowers and humming a soft tune.

Delilah withdrew her hand, but she stayed in the kitchen, helping herself to some tea and some of the chocolate chip cookies Torrent kept. Perhaps Merlin would come over and play a song, or Pepper would barge in demanding some of those cookies as she always did.

\But as Delilah watched the claw scratch moon, she could hear Torrent mumble something in her sleep.

 “Jus…like ol’…times…”

Is this cannon? Probably not. I don’t know if this is any good so I’m sorry. But at least you guys get a story. That’s rare these days.

@toboldlywrite @futureauthor-mabye @spellboundinks @lady-redshield-writes @namingtoohard @the-crafty-fox @soul-write @dream-weaver @miniaturemagic @wchwriter @ramblingrubyred @stone-goddess-writing

[qualitytrashmaterial]

Dark Wood, Dark Water

And when I thought all my luck had run out, You brought it back when you came around, ‘cuz love is either in your heart or on its way To a safe place in you.

About: Danny and Laura get caught in a rainstorm and Danny invites Laura to wait it out at the Summer House. Unfortunately for Danny, it begins to thunder. Finally some happy Hollence. Pairing: Hollence Word Count: 1,534 AO3 Link

“Hey, thanks again for letting me crash here for the night, Danny,” Laura said as Danny stood by, drying her hair. The two of them had been walking from Danny’s office, discussing the book for the lit class when the storm hit. They both had been caught in the rain and since the Summer House was closer than Laura's dorm, they had taken shelter there to wait it out. But the rain only worsened and Danny offered for her to stay the night. It was better than going back out in the wind and the pouring rain and catching a cold.

It was a gesture that any decent human would have offered and Danny didn't think twice about it. She turned to face Laura, a large grin on her lips.

“It's no problem at all, Hollis. We're supposed to get some pretty nasty storms through the night. Besides, you seemed to have taken a liking to my clothes there.” She teased, catching the blush that crept across Laura's cheeks. Danny had to admit that she really did enjoy the site of the smaller girl cozied up in her pajama shorts and her sweatshirt, which was much too big for her.

Danny turned to her dresser, fishing out a pair of sleep pants and a shirt for herself.

“It's so comfy though! And I'm pretty sure your bed is comfier and bigger than mine. But then again you live in super nice Summer House…” Danny laughed and shook her head as she listened to Laura's babbling. It was something she had grown used to since hanging out with Laura. Without even thinking, Danny pushed her pants down over her hips and quickly pulled her shirt off to change. Despite Laura's incoherent rant, she had nearly forgotten she was even there for a brief moment. That was until she let out a high pitched squeak in surprise.

Danny glanced over her shoulder, seeing Laura bright red and gawking at her. Danny felt her own cheeks burn at the realization of the situation. She turned back to the dresser, quickly slipping on the first pair of sleep pants she laid eyes on. Danny couldn't help but feel a small smirk tug at the corner of her mouth. Even though the embarrassment, she was still a bit happy that her suspicion was true. Laura Hollis was definitely crushing on her.

“I um...I...sorry about that, Hollis. I just wasn't thinking” she muttered pulling a T-shirt over her head. She was trying to compose herself, to hide the smile that still couldn't leave her face.

“Don't...don’t worry about it. I mean...it's not like I minded…” she hears Laura mutter. A new wave of heat flushed over Danny's cheeks. Yeah, Laura was definitely crushing on her.

Finally, Danny turned back to the bed, catching Laura still staring at her and silence filling the space between them.

“So um...it's getting pretty late, we should ah...be getting to sleep then,” Danny suggested, rubbing the back of her neck and averting her eyes.

“Yeah, yeah I suppose we should.” Danny nodded and moved to grab a pillow from her bed. Laura looked up at her, brows creased in confusion. “You're not...your bed is big enough for both of us.”

A chuckle escaped Danny’s throat as she sat on the ground.

“I'm very aware, Hollis, but it's probably better if I just stay down here.” She said, laying back on the pillow. Truth be told, Danny would have been more than happy to share her bed with Laura. She had fallen head over heels for the small blonde since she first met eyes with her in their lit class. More than anything, she wanted to share a bed with Laura Hollis, but now was not the time.

Danny had opened her mouth to speak again, but before she could get a word out, a loud crack of thunder interrupted her. Her whole body tensed and she shot up, heart racing a million miles a minute. Danny Lawrence did not fear many things. However, thunderstorms did not fall on that list. She shut her eyes tight to avoid seeing the flash of the lightning through the small gap in her window.

“Hey, hey, Danny it's okay. It's only a storm.” She heard Laura's voice beside her, gentle and soothing. She felt a light pressure on her shoulder and Laura's hand rubbing her back.

She was right. Danny knew her fear of storms was completely irrational. She had consciously placed her life in danger more times than she could count, but storms terrified her. Laura pried Danny’s hand from her chest. She wasn't even aware that she had been clutching her shirt.

Slowly, Danny opened her eyes, staring wildly down at her hand in Laura's. Calm, she had to calm down. It was just a storm, she could handle this. Another crack of thunder and Danny grabbed tightly onto her hand.

“Hey, Danny, listen to me, okay? It can't hurt you.” She tried to listen, to focus on Laura's voice but she could only hear her heartbeat in her ears.

There was a gentle tug on her arm, finally pulling her attention to Laura. Danny’s eyes frantically searched her face and she managed to calm down enough to process the other’s words again.

“Let's get you into bed, okay? I'm not going to leave you on the floor alone when you're freaking out like this.” Laura's voice was low. She nodded.

Get up, Lawrence. You're being a baby.

Danny pushed herself up off the floor and allowed Laura to pull her over to her bed. She gently nudged her to get in and Danny complied, shifting to press her back against the wall. Thunder rolled again, causing Danny to jump. She clutched tightly onto her blanket and shut her eyes again.

There was warmth on her cheek, but she refused to open her eyes. Even if the girl she had been crushing on for the past month was right there.

“Hey, where's your laptop? We're going to distract you from this storm, okay?” Danny didn't want to answer. She wasn't ready for her voice to betray her and show just how terrified she really was. But the gentle rubbing of Laura's thumb on her cheek was helping to settle her nerves.

After a moment of gathering herself, she managed to let go of the blanket and reached her hand out to point across the room.

“I-in my bag.” The words came out, barely more than a whisper. The bed shifted and she heard the sounds of Laura's feet on her floor and her bag being opened. When she felt the bed dip with Laura's weight, she finally opened her eyes. She was sitting up, intently focused on the laptop.

A tiny smile tugged at the corner of her mouth as she took in her strewn up face, brows furrowed and her tongue just barely sticking out of her mouth. Under any other circumstances, it was a sight that would have put butterflies in her stomach and she would be grinning non-stop. While she wasn't completely grinning, Danny was still unable to tear her eyes away from the other. That was until thunder rolled again.

This time it was fingers stroking her hair that pulled her out of this one. Danny couldn't lie, she felt her heart flutter at this notion. She pulled her head up to be met with a kind smile.

“You like Downton Abbey, right?” Danny nodded. “Good. We'll have ourselves a binge fest and get your mind off the storm.” She smiled timidly up at her and nodded again. Laura returned the smile and scooted down, setting the laptop on her thighs.

Danny curled closer to Laura, her attention shifting to the show. Thunder roared again, causing Danny to grab onto Laura's -actually her- sweatshirt. There it was again, Laura's hand on her back, easing her anxiety.

As the night went on, Danny eventually forgot about the storm. The thunder growing softer and quieter each time. When she had completely relaxed, she dared to steal a glance at Laura. A chuckle escaped her lips, finding the girl fast asleep. She wasn't surprised. It had grown oddly quiet in the past few minutes.

Danny shifted, rolling onto her back and carefully taking her laptop from Laura. There was a soft, incoherent mumble coming from the smaller girl. She smiled and watched Laura’s brows crease in her sleep. She rolled over and nestled into Danny's side.

Danny blushed, practically freezing up as she watched her. The butterflies had returned and made a home in her stomach. Hesitantly she placed her arm around the sleeping girl, which earned her a soft sigh and a faint smile. Danny grinned, giving her a light squeeze. Then, Danny did something she knew she would have never been able to work up the courage to do if Laura had been awake. She leaned down and placed a soft kiss on her forehead. She would have to thank Laura in the morning for helping her through the storm, but for now, she was going to enjoy her time with Laura in her arms.

Eventually, Danny drifted off into her own peaceful sleep.

[shiroe-is-my-baby]

All Eternity - Chapter 1

Summary: Ashley never believed in soulmates, at least in this life she didn’t. Shiroe remembers everything from their past lives together. The thing they went thorugh, the love tha they shared beyond all else. And every day he fights to gain her love again, reminding her of the soulmates that they were and still continue to be. He just has to make her fall in love with him all over again... and again.

W: self-insert, au, angst, eventual fluff

Next Part

Ashley

The rain was a gentle patting on the windowsill, covering the sky in a grayness that was almost relaxing. I curled onto the bench, leaning back against the pillows and clicked my pen in thought. My laptop sat in front of me, papers scattered everywhere as I struggled to write this report. I had two more days to get it into my professor, but I couldn't think of anything. I'd been drawing a blank for several days, and no matter how many times I researched I couldn't put any of it down.

It was probably because of my stress and anxiety. It wasn't allowing me to actually sit down and properly work on this assignment. There were only a few more months left of classes, and this report was half my grade. If I failed this, I’d have to repeat the class. Which means my diploma would be just out of my reach. I needed to finish this soon if I hope to get anywhere in the future. A heavy sigh escaped my lips as I reached for my cup of hot chocolate. Since working at the bakery, I learned a thing or two about making a really good cup of hot chocolate. And some damn good pastries.

 I moaned happily, licking my lips.

Such great weather for such a great pastime. Sitting on this bench near the window, the bustle of the big city ringing in my ears. Most people would find this sound to be heinous, but I found it soothing. It usually helped me thing when I wasn’t already losing my head. My eyes flittered across the cloudy window, seeing the movement of people down below. It was the perfect day to sit in, but maybe not the day to get some work done. It may have been my day off, but it seemed like I needed a breather.

Setting my papers to the side, I moved my laptop and threw on my shoes. It was only a light drizzle. If I brought my umbrella and a jacket I could go for a small walk. Maybe stop by the bakery and get a free pastry or something like that. They’ll wonder what I’m doing there on my day off, but who could resist a good snack on a day like this. I threw on my jacket, taking my keys and my phone that were on the side table. The bakery was a little walk down a few blocks, it would give me a while to stretch my legs.

Pushing open the door, I walked down the stairs and into the breezy afternoon air. The rain was practically nonexistent by the time I started walking, leaving only the smell of the rain on the sidewalk. I popped open my umbrella, smiling at a few faces that passed and had the politeness to smile back.

It’s always true what they say about the big city. It’s full of busy people sometimes too busy for human interaction Not everyone is rude by nature it just how they seem. Even I know my face in the morning isn’t pleasant. And having to walk everywhere sure does help with exercise but I know it doesn’t help with my crankiness. I’m not a morning person, and I know more than half the people here are in the same boat. The loud noises of the city are not the best wake up call. But once the morning ends and there’s caffeine in my system, I can enjoy what it has to offer.

Kicking my shoes against the payment, I breathed in the scent of the water and the fresh flowers when I passed by a stand. Making a mental note to pass by later for some fresh flowers for my windowsill, I found myself thinking of the first time I moved here. It was such an emotional time for me. The first time I was leaving him, away from my family that lived states away. I only get to see them every couple of months or for holidays, but I was happy to be on my own. I still call my mom just about every day to check in. Ever since Dad passed away, she’s been this changed woman. Wanting to see the world before her own time is up. I admire her too much for words to express.

She makes me want to be a better person myself. It’s why I work so hard to make her and my father proud of me. I want to make an impact, even if it’s small. My own little world is nothing compared to all that is around me. I’m ready to explore all that it has to offer in different ways. Even if it’s just the smell of the rain or the flowers, or the smiles of the people on the street.

My feet slowed once I saw the bakery’s sign, and I quickly closed my umbrella now that the rain was practically gone. I pushed open the door, hearing the familiar ding that alerted another customer coming in. Immediately, the smell of pastries was warm to my senses, and caused my mouth to water. I pressed my lips together, humming softly as I heard my name being called from across the room.

“Ashley! What the heck are you doing here? It’s your day off, isn’t it?”

I smiled broadly, waving to the brunette behind the counter.

Roxy smacked her bright pink lips, shaking her head at me as I approached her. She and I have worked here together since I first started. She was a trainee alongside me, and we instantly hit it off from the start. She was the first real friend I made, making it really easy to transition and make this place feel like home. We don’t get to work together as much anymore, but she still comes to my house every chance she gets. Our buildings aren’t that far of a walk from each other’s, which makes seeing each other really easy. I’m lucky to have such a bright and kind soul for a friend.

Waving me over, she leaned over the counter top on her elbows and rested her chin on her hand. Her brown hair, tight in curls tousled on her shoulders, emanating her bright and bouncy nature. “Only you would be here on your off day,” She said with a laugh, “I wouldn’t be caught dead in this place when I don’t need to be.” I shook my head, watching her exaggerated facial movements as she spoke. Roxy was always a character. She never did leave me unhappy when we spoke.

“I like this place. Besides, I needed a break. I’ve been working all morning.”

“On that paper?”

“Yep.”

Roxy let out a puff of breath.

“You’re still working on that? I thought you said that you were almost done!”

“I was,” I said, my mouth formed in a tight lipped expression, “Until I deleted everything because I didn’t like it anymore.”

Roxy slapped her palm to her face, shaking her head.

Mumbling under her breath about me being a perfectionist, she began reaching through the pastries in the bright case beside her. Lots of warm muffins and cakes and various other delicious things lined the counter tops. My mouth was watering even more at the sight. I didn’t realize how hungry I was until I was looking at the delicious food. Roxy grabbed a box, setting a small vanilla cupcake inside it. My favorite.

I licked my lips, watching her close the box and push it towards me.

“Take this, I’ll make you some coffee. You need a break and I’ll gladly help you do that,” She said with a wink.

My hands clasped around the box, giving her another wink in return.

“You’re the best. What would I do without you?”

“Remember that when I’m asking you for a favor.”

She spun on her heels, cackling softly at my expression. Yeah, right. Roxy’s favors are almost always just to get her out of trouble. And she knew that.

She poured me a cup of coffee, adding the right amount of sugar and creamer to make it the way that I liked. Handing me the cup, she pointed to a seat right beside the window. It was my favorite seat in the whole place, one that I’d take on my breaks when no one else was sitting in it. And since the bakery was still fairly slow from the post morning rush, I had the perfect spot to sit and relax. 

I smiled, quietly thanking her. Which Roxy, of course, took to her big inflated ego. She returned to her work, while I trotted over to the spot and sat down my things. I was excited to get to relax and enjoy the quiet. No more work for me right now. Just a relaxing day off, until I have to return to my work.

It felt great to sit down, the coffee warm on my tongue as I took small sips. Once I was settled in my seat, I had begun to regret that I hadn’t brought a book with me. It would have been great to read something for a change that wasn’t for school. It seemed that lately that was all my life was. School and work and then repeat. Not that I was complaining too much. My classes weren’t all that bad, and I enjoyed school and my job. But sometimes I find myself wishing I had more of a social life. Lots of friends to spend time with… maybe a boyfriend or so.

I felt my chest growing heavy when I thought about the idea of having a boyfriend. A relationship. All my life I never had a real relationship, but for some reason the thought of dating people just feels strange. Like none of them are good enough. That isn’t me being egotistical either. IT’s just that my heart hasn’t found the right person. Someone who clicks with me perfectly. Someone I can share my days with and doesn’t ever leave me bored. Someone I can enjoy the quiet with and be myself with.

Swallowing hard, I felt a lump forming in my throat. I’m not sure why relationships make me this emotional. I’ve never been in a decent one all my life. Every guy I’ve ever liked has either disappointed me in some way or I always felt… distant. Like they were just a placeholder for someone else. That’s sounds strange to say, especially given that I don’t believe in soulmates. I’d like to believe in them, but I just had never saw the reason to given that I can’t seem to feel anything when it comes to love and relationships. I know that I want, but it seems to be unreachable. That’s probably why I don’t believe in soulmates.

It just seems like a goal that unreachable. A promise that will never be found.

I breathed a heavy sigh, trying to ignore the nagging feeling in my chest.

Now was not the time to be getting emotional. I should be relax. It’s my day off after all! I shouldn’t be wasting it worrying about these things.

Taking another sip of my coffee, I glanced out the window and saw the sun peeking out from the clouds. A smile formed on my lips, happy to see the day becoming brighter. Hopefully this was a sign that I should start cheering up, and let this day get back on track.

I reached for the box with my cupcake, opening it up and licking my lips in anticipation. Roxy picked out the perfect one too. I unwrapped the cake, letting my eyes wander the small little bakery. There were only a few people in right now, most of them finishing up their pastries or coffee or conversation. It was fairly quiet, considering that there was a couple and two other people near the entrance that seemed to be talking a lot. I took a bite out of my cupcake, listening to the sound of the door opening and signaling another customer coming in.

I heard Roxy’s cheery voice speaking up, which made me immediately smile.

“Welcome to B’s Bakery, how can I help you?”

She always had a rather shrill customer service voice, but Roxy was already shrill by nature. I chuckled softly, listening to the small exchange between the customer. It was hard not to be in work mode the moment she spoke up, considering I work here so often. I almost always want to chime in even though I’m not on the clock. Give them advice on what the best pastries are or what’s new to the menu. Roxy is doing all that on her own though, practically flirting up a storm.

No, that is what she’s doing.

I know Roxy like the back of my hand. Her voice changes when she’s flirting. There’s a hint of sultriness to her voice, and I could practically see the little grin without even looking up. Rolling my eyes, I licked some of the icing off of the top of the cake, as I usually do with cupcakes and take a quick glance up at the register. My curiosity got the best of me. I wanted to see this guy that Roxy was flirting super hard with. Her taste is normally way different from mine, and this time around was no different.

I let my eyes wander her face, seeing the flutter of her eyelashes. Roxy was definitely flirting. I could only see the side of the man’s face, but he looked decently cute. Nothing that particularly stood out almost immediately, except for save the hair. He seemed unaware about how hard she was flirting, and if he did know then he wasn’t showing it. Roxy didn’t care, she continued anyway, offering him different things just to keep him talking. I didn’t think Roxy was into the glasses type, but she’s always surprising me.

Continuing with my cake, I let them finish their conversation knowing that Roxy most likely wouldn’t win this one. She’s a beautiful girl, there’s no doubt about that, but this guy wasn’t into it. He’s probably the type that doesn’t see those kind of advances. But I admired her willingness to try even though the odds were against her. That’s one of the things I admired about Roxy. I wouldn’t even be able to flirt the way she does. Not that I would even want to put myself out there like that. I’m such a klutz it wouldn’t even work.

The rest of the time I watched the world fly by out the window, occasionally talking to Roxy when she had a second. It was the best decision I could have made today. The perfect inspiration I needed for my assignment. Before I knew it, I was itching to get back to work, knowing exactly where I was going to go with it. The coffee was cold by the time I tossed it out, walking towards the exit with a newly found smile on my face. Today was definitely a good day.

“Bye Roxy! Thanks for the coffee. I’ll see you tomorrow!” I called, smiling warmly.

“Bye Ash! Have fun writing that paper.”

She winked, her eyes flittering back to the guy from earlier who was sitting a distance away. I rolled my eyes, pushing open the door and letting the bell ring behind me as I left. With a heavy sigh, I trotted down the street back down to my apartment. The air was warmer now, the smell of rain long sense passed now that everything was drying up from the sun. The flowers were blooming even bright then before as I passed by the shop, picking out the prettiest bundle of sunflowers.

They smelled lovely, and I knew they’d fit perfectly in a small spot near my window. With a new found heart and mind, I made my way back up my apartment stairs and forced myself to get back to work. There was so much things to be done, and now that I had new inspiration I hoped that it wouldn’t take me very long. This new idea would definitely get me the grade that I needed to pass and finally get my degree. It felt so close that I could practically feel it. Things were definitely looking up for me.

And I couldn’t wait for more to come.

[readingontheedge]

The Rose

The Redemption Duet Book 1

by Sheritta Bitikofer

Genre: Sweet Paranormal Romance

  Belle lives her life from day to day, nearly crippled by her social anxiety. But if you ask anyone in Levi about it, they'd say she's a sweet, quiet girl who works hard to keep up her family's small ranch while holding down a job at the bookstore. No one knows that beneath her smiles lay a shy introvert who wants nothing more than to stay at home. It was easier to stay alone, stay isolated. That's when she was the happiest. But during one thunderstorm, all of that changed and she met the first man she ever actually wanted to spend time with. Leo made a habit of avoiding people when at all possible. Getting tied down, making friends, having a life only meant suffering. The darkness that followed him since his adolescent years never left, not really. It'd show up and ruin any hint of happiness that came his way. Running from his past and the brother that cursed him with this demon, Leo never expected to find something like home in the little country town of Levi. And he didn't expect one storm to bring him to the barn of a girl with fire in her eyes and a face as beautiful as a sunrise. A sunrise that could chase away all the shadows. 

Goodreads * Amazon 

For the first time all day, Belle could finally breathe. As she curled up her feet on the sofa, a steaming cup of lemon jasmine tea between her hands, she basked in the comfortable silence. The rain outside had picked up and she had already spotted a few flashes of lightning through the speckled windowpanes, but that didn’t bother her. The thunderstorm added just the right ambience to help her relax. The last hour had been spent actively trying not to go over the events of the day. She didn’t want to rehearse every word, every action, or overanalyze all that had happened to her in the bookstore. All she wanted to do was let her mind go blank. With the christening sip of her tea, its aroma soothing her anxious mind, she resolved to do just that. On the coffee table sat her laptop and a lit lavender candle that added to the whole calming atmosphere she strived to create. She glanced to the screen and watched the four security camera windows with the black and lime-colored images of her animals in the barn. Three horses and a small flock of sheep all rested peacefully through the storm. There was the occasional stirring from an ewe or head toss from one of her mares, but nothing alarming. Just how she preferred it. A quiet night recuperating from the chaotic, stressful day. Belle sunk lower against the mass of pillows and let the tea take effect on her rattled nerves. This was just another end to a long day that, to anyone else’s eyes, went off without a hitch. But to Belle, clad in her soft pajama bottoms and baggy Longhorn shirt, it was one of many that left her tired, drained, and in need of recharging. All day, every day, she put on the mask. The one that gave a friendly smile to everyone, the one that spoke the right words every time, and never showed how truly terrified she was to be facing a perfect stranger. She spent so much energy keeping that mask firmly in place to hide her true self that at the end of the day, all she could do was crash on the couch with her tea and wonder if this would ever get easier. Here, in her home, she was safe to be herself. It was her haven, her port of call. Her nearest neighbors were at least half a mile away on either side of her expansive farm, the one that had been passed down through her family for generations. Everything in the barn and her two-story little farmhouse whispered the cherished memories of her childhood and a dozen childhoods before her. From the dining table in the kitchen that was made by her great-grandfather, to the wall of bookshelves in the living room packed with novels that had been collected over decades. Not to mention the three upstairs bedrooms that stored precious heirlooms dating back to her great-grandfather’s time when the house was first built. All of it embraced her and welcomed her into a safe place she would never trade for the world. She might have been alone here, but she was happy. Here, she was able to let down her long brown hair, freeing the waves and curls she tamed back every day in a ponytail. Here, she could let loose and be who she wanted to be and not have to fake her own existence for the sake of being polite and normal. Once she had drained her first cup, Belle begrudgingly stood from the sofa and made her way into the adjoining kitchen to pour herself another. Two more and she’d be ready for bed soon, the pacifying effects of the brew thoroughly cleansing away her anxiety. Her socked feet strode across the black and white checkered tiles, the ones her grandfather had laid when he first brought his new bride home. Her father once told the story of how she took one look at the patterned vinyl and demanded it be replaced. The project was completed in just two days before her grandmother made some comment about the cabinets, and they were replaced too. Now, dark wood offset the green countertops, giving the rustic kitchen a mis-matched look that Belle couldn’t bring herself to remodel. There was too much character here, and even the thought of replacing the old appliances made her feel a little sad. So, she tolerated the dryer that had a mind of its own in the corner with the washer, and the gas stove that didn’t always want to start, and the refrigerator whose icemaker broke when she was ten years old. No, she wouldn’t change a single thing about any of it. As she poured hot water from her overused kettle over a fresh teabag, she heard a loud crash followed by a peel of thunder. Belle glanced over her shoulder to the darkened window but saw nothing except the pattering of raindrops against the glass. She went straight to her laptop table and peered at the surveillance videos. She couldn’t see anything obviously wrong until one of the feeds showed that the barn door had come unlatched and banged furiously against the outer wall. This startled the horses and though there was no sound on the footage, she could hear all three mares knicker and the loud cries of the ewes over the pouring rain. With a sigh, she knew she’d have to wait to start on that second cup of tea until she fixed the door. But just when she was about to turn away, Belle caught sight of something in the camera. For just a moment, she thought she saw something moving outside of the animal pens. It was too big to be a sheep and stood upright like a person. She stared at the screen longer, her pulse racing as she tried to make sense of what she saw. Nothing moved again, but that didn’t keep her from spiraling into a panic. Maybe someone had broken into her barn. Her entire body went ice cold at the thought. Another clash of lightning made the power flicker and she could see the bright green glow of the string lights flicker and die in the live video feed. Belle had convinced her father years ago to rig the barn with electricity so they didn’t have to take a lantern or flashlight with them if they had to check on the animals at night. However, that power had always been glitchy and unreliable at best. She had left the lights on to give some comfort to the animals during the storm, but who knew if they would turn back on. Donning her rubber boots and raincoat, she grabbed a flashlight from the hook on the wall and dove out into the storm as she tried to ignore every instinct to stay inside where it was safe and dry. Mud sloshed all around her pant legs, soaking them through until she felt the water chill her ankles and seep into her socks. Not even her boots could keep out the torrential downpour. Plump, cool drops splashed on her face, thoroughly dampening it despite the hood that concealed much of her head. The rain fell across the yellow beam of light, almost obscuring her view. Somehow through the darkness and haze of rain, she saw the barn door slapping against the front side of the barn with every gust of wind. Belle stopped to examine the damage, her shoes sinking into the deep puddles that had already formed on the ground. She knew for a fact that she had locked up the barn before going back inside that night. The padlock couldn’t have been knocked off by the wind and the key was still sitting on the kitchen counter. It had to have been broken by something. Or someone. Fear rose up in her throat, but she tread softly toward the barn doors. Belle swallowed hard as she inspected the lock and found that it, along with the latch, had been ripped completely off, and lay in the mud just in front of the entrance. Whoever had gotten in was either incredibly strong or had a tool sturdy enough to rip off the lock. When she shined her flashlight around the opening, she saw what the intruder must have used. An iron crowbar lay in the dirt just inside the threshold. It hadn’t been there before, but Belle recognized it as her father’s. His initials had been etched into the handle when he forged it himself for a school project. Belle picked up the crowbar and swung the door shut behind her. She pushed back her raincoat hood and shined her flashlight around inside of the barn, willing for the beam to stop bouncing as her hands continued to shake. She swept it along the horse stalls, then to the sheep’s pen to the far back right corner, then to the old run-down Volkswagen opposite from them. There was a thickness in the cool air that confirmed her suspicions that something wasn’t right. Whoever had broken into her barn must have still been there, lurking in the shadows where her flashlight couldn’t penetrate. After another quick check with her light, she roamed to more closely inspect the barn. Nothing appeared to be missing in the way of supplies or animals. Yet, there was still an unease that filled her spirit. It just didn’t feel right, and she hated the way her heart pounded against her ribs with painful urgency. Thinking that it might have been the storm making both herself and her animals nervous, Belle turned to leave, willing to dismiss what she saw on the camera feed as a moth or bug that got in the way of the lens. Maybe the wind had picked up a sturdy piece of lumber and knocked it against the lock to make it fly off instead of the crowbar she found. The wood of the barn door wasn’t new by any means and probably bore the beginnings of dry rot anyway. She couldn’t remember the last time the latch had been replaced, so it was possible that there was no intruder after all. That’s what she wanted to believe. Then, she heard a sneeze. It wasn’t an animal sneeze, as she knew them all too well. This was a human sneeze and it sounded distinctly male. Belle whipped around, crowbar poised and ready to throw or beat down whoever came near her. Her flashlight darted to all the corners, but still found nothing. Finally, she called out in the strongest voice she could muster, “Show yourself now or I’m calling the cops!” It took a moment, but there came some movement from the stack of hay bales near the back wall. Belle, as shaky as she was, stood her ground and gripped her weapon tighter. Though her teeth were clamped tight, her ragged breaths came sputtering out from her nostrils. There was no hiding her fear, no matter how she tried. A man came forward with his arms raised in submission. He was shirtless, only clothed in a pair of battered jeans, torn and stained. His body made the air in Belle’s lungs freeze. Residual rainwater dripped from his barrel-chest down his toned, rippling abs and curving along his narrowing waist. He had broad shoulders and beefy arms as thick around as her thighs, all muscle and power. Her flashlight stopped at his neck, but her eyes continued to roam upward. A pair of pure blue eyes sparkled from beneath dark brows. A beard covered his jaw and around his mouth, as black as the night sky. His equally dark, damp hair was slightly flattened and tangled by the storm, its tips grazing against the bare skin of his collarbone. But it wasn’t the striking contrast of his hair and eyes that stunned her. It was the way he looked directly at her, ignoring the weapon she held, and the harsh light shining on his torso. He wasn’t afraid, but neither was he on the offensive. There wasn’t a hint of malice anywhere in his expression. There wasn’t a hint of anything. He met her stern gaze with a steady, gentle one that both intrigued and unnerved her even further. Yet, somehow, she couldn’t look away, even if she wanted to. She would have given anything to drop her eyes in submission. Her mask wanted to come up, to protect her from this man and his hypnotic gaze. But, it couldn’t. Why couldn’t it? Maybe it was the long day or the tea she had drank earlier. It put her at a disadvantage, and she wasn’t prepared to face another person that evening. Exposed, caught off-guard, and terribly vulnerable. Anything could go wrong here, and she needed to be brave and detached. But the mask wouldn’t stick as long as this man was looking at her like that. They stood there, in a stalemate for what seemed like several minutes before he spoke in a deep voice that rattled her bones. “Are you still going to call the police?” 

The Lion

The Redemption Duet Book 2

 Belle Clearwater’s prayers had been answered, but there was still so much left to discover. Now determined to reject her mental illness, she’s decided to be brave and not let her anxiety disorder take her away from what matters. With the help of her friends and her faith, she’s sure that she can finally have her life back. Something greater is stirring in her heart and the man that had served as her solid ground might just send her world off kilter again. All it takes is one moment of honesty.

Against every bit of common sense, Leo Thompsons has chosen to stay in Levi. The Darkness and his murderous brother are closing in, but he believed that as long as he has Belle, he can find a way to break the curse upon his soul. With the power of love and prayer, he’s finally fighting for his life and the chance to share that life with the beautiful farm girl. Fate brought them together, but is he strong enough to rebel against the forces of evil that have hounded him for so long? Can he, once and for all, defeat his demons? 

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The heaviness continued to drop onto his chest as Leo drove further and further away from Levi. Further away from Belle. It always happened every time he distanced himself from her or the farm. The only way he could reason it was that it must have had something to do with all that praying she did.

Ever since that night when she first dispelled the darkness with one small, impromptu prayer, Leo began to see the pattern. On those days she prayed, the darkness stayed away. His nights weren’t tormented by dreams of fire and death. His soul didn’t feel as weighted and burdened. So, each morning, he asked if she prayed and if she said she hadn’t yet, he would slyly drop a hint that she should. Of course, she didn’t complain. Why should she? It was nothing to her. Just a string of words sent up to God to protect them and the farm from evil.

But to Leo, it was everything.

It meant the difference between walking around with an easy smile, because he had finally settled where he wanted to stay, or looking over his shoulder and starting at every loud noise, thinking it might be the demon coming to collect his payment.

It took a great deal of courage to mount his motorcycle and head south toward Little Rock, far away from Belle’s protection and deeper into the world he had tried to leave behind. It was all for her, though. If he didn’t do this, it’d take that much longer for Belle to achieve her dreams.

One call to an old acquaintance – the only one he had left that would still speak to him – sealed his plans for the evening and with a little money in his pocket and a change of clothes in his duffle bag, he left in the late afternoon.

The two-and-a-half-hour drive did little to settle his nerves or clear his head. He used to love riding on the highway. Of all the vehicles he had ever driven, the maneuverability of a motorcycle appealed to him the most. He could weave in and out of traffic, zoom on and off exits and effectively lose whoever might happen to be chasing him. On those drives when he could relax, let the wind pound his face and feel the grind of the wheels on the blacktop, Leo could zone out and not think so much. He didn’t have to think about his past or his future. Just this moment with only him, the road, and the deafening rumble of the engine beneath him.

He could do anything but relax now, because he knew exactly where he was going and what he’d be doing that night. Something he thought he’d never have to do again after he arrived in Levi.

It didn’t take long to find the place. Mack gave detailed directions that a toddler could follow. Even over the roar of his bike, he could hear the multitude of voices and music booming out of the warehouse just outside of town. The parking lot was packed, but he managed to find a cramped spot on the side closest to the river.

Leo didn’t make eye contact with the people he passed as he made his way toward the entrance. Smokers, groups of men with beer bottles in hand, couples displaying their affection in obscene ways, bookies, dealers, and thugs. It wasn’t so long ago that he knew this scene by heart. Being in Levi had cleansed him somehow and as he approached the bouncers at the door, he began to question himself again. The darkness practically lived here, and in places like it where sin went unchecked. He could feel its pull, like a black hole that Leo had once dangerously skirted the edges of not so long ago. And here he was again.

Did he really want to do this? He was capable of it. He was completely capable of winning the money for Belle’s stallion. But there was no turning back now. He had already called the man in Fayetteville and made the deal. He was expecting the money first thing in the morning.

“Mack called me in,” he told the two bouncers who were just a hair bigger than him.

The bald one flipped through his clipboard while the other sized Leo up, taking in his jeans and leather jacket. Leo could admit that he didn’t look like he was ready for a fight, but he never needed a fancy rig to pound another man into the dirt. He learned bareknuckle boxing when he was just a teen in Brooklyn. Most who did this for a living couldn’t say that.

The bouncer made it to the final page and tapped at the bottom of the sheet. “He penned you in.”

“Realized he couldn’t leave out his best guy.” Leo gave them both a cocky smile and they reluctantly let him through. In a place like this, arrogance was the common language.

The stench of cigarette smoke and beer hit him, making his eyes water a bit before he could adjust. The bass from the speakers beat against his ears and made the fabric of his clothes vibrate, once more dazing him before he could get a handle on his senses. He squinted against the flashing strobe lights as he pushed his way past the throngs.

The tip of his boot hit something on the floor and sent it rolling. He didn’t have to look to know it was a syringe. His arms reflexively jerked away from the seductive touches of the women who tried to grab his attention as he looked for Mack in the crowd. The fight was still a quarter of an hour away. If he guessed right, the man would be near the bar, taking more bets and organizing the tournament tree one last time.

Leo felt something brush at his pockets and he turned just in time to seize the hand that tried to make off with his keys. What he didn’t expect was for his fingers to connect around a small wrist. The boy looked up at him, the colorful lights like a kaleidoscope across his youthful face. He couldn’t have been more than ten years old.

He snatched away what was his and set the boy free, knowing he would just steal again from someone else. As much as he hated it, the boy wasn’t his responsibility and it wasn’t his place to correct him. With a sigh, he skimmed the crowd again and found the Red Socks ball cap bobbing lively across the sea of strangers.

Leo pushed through a cluster of drunken college students and edged past a tight grouping of ladies in leather skirts dancing with martini glasses before he could put his hand on Mack’s shoulder.

The manager jumped and spun around, wide eyes looking through a pair of tinted glasses. When he saw who had grabbed him, he let out an exaggerated breath.

“Scared me, man!” he shouted over the trap music. “Lookin’ good!” Mack reached out and squeezed Leo’s bicep in the kind of way that reminded him of a man who looked to buy a piece of livestock and wanted to test its sturdiness.

Leo smacked his hand away, effectively startling the manager. “I need a place to put my stuff,” he said, jerking his chin toward the duffle bag slung across his chest. Mack recovered and offered out his hand to take it there for himself. “Someplace no one will get to it,” he clarified, unafraid to sneer at him. It didn’t pay to be friendly in a place like this.

Mack’s throat worked when Leo dropped into that serious tone and then nodded. “All right. All right. I’ve got a locker in the backroom. You can put it there.” He handed Leo the tiny padlock key and gave him his usual thorough directions.

“When’s my fight?” Leo asked, making the key disappear in his fist, so no one would try to pinch it.

“You’re my first matchup!” Mack announced proudly, his one gold tooth blinking in the club lights. As if to prove that he wasn’t lying, he took the dry erase board he had been working on at the bar and showed him. The column of names on one side of the tree didn’t matter to him. The one blank spot where the winner’s name would be written did.

“Rules?”

Mack began to list out the scant regulations set down for the tournament. The only restriction appeared to be the usual. No eye gouging and no groin shots. Everything else was permitted until his opponent tapped out or passed out.

“Kicks and grappling?” Leo asked.

The manager grinned. “All fair game.”

“Payout?”

“Six Gs.”

More than enough. Leo nodded in approval and pulled out his wallet to count out the bills.

“Buy-in’s five hundred.”

He froze in the middle of his count and shot Mack a glare that could peel paint. “You told me it was four.”

The wanker only shrugged. “Must have misspoke.”

Leo feigned a smile. “Must have.” He stacked what bills were needed to get him into the fight and held them out for Mack between his two fingers. Before the manager could take them, Leo grabbed for his shirt collar and pulled him in close. “You better not cross me on this,” he growled in warning. “If I find out you skimmed my winnings again, I will find you.”

And Mack knew Leo could. He didn’t have connections, but he had his demon who loved a good fight. The bookie’s hairy brows shot up and he nodded quickly, hands raised as if he had already been caught in the act.

“We’re clear,” he assured. “But I didn’t cross you that time, you know. It was – “

Leo shoved him against the bar counter, knocking over a few beer bottles in the process as Mack’s feet were nearly lifted off the floor. He could have easily snapped this weasel’s spine if he wanted to. Good thing for him, Leo still needed the money.

“I know it was you,” he snarled, getting close enough, so only Mack could hear him. “Be grateful I’m in a forgiving mood tonight. Otherwise, you’d be in the river by now.”

Before Mack had a chance to open his mouth and dig himself a deeper grave, Leo tucked the wad of bills in his front shirt pocket. Under the watch of several patrons to the bar, he let Mack nearly crumble in a heap and strode away to find the locker room.

He regretted nothing. Mack was a snake, no different than any of the other managers and bookies he had met across the country. They would sooner double-cross someone they thought wouldn’t notice and take a bigger portion of the payout. Leo wouldn’t be fooled. Not tonight. Not ever again.

Once more, he had to maneuver his way through the crowd, upsetting plenty and spilling drinks along the way. The long hallway to the locker room might have been the only empty place in the club. Can lights lit the path that stretched in a straight line toward the back of the complex, but shadows lined the walls and spaces between.

Leo gave himself permission to breathe again, but the darkness was close. He could tell in the subtle drop in temperature and the way the lights flickered and dimmed. It didn’t surprise him that the demon would show up here. Away from Levi, away from his lighthouse of calm, Leo was vulnerable again. But this was what the darkness wanted. Pain, fear, blood.

“I almost thought we’d never be here again.”

The voice scratched at the corners of his mind, slinking with him along the corridor. He knew, if he cared to look, what he would see. Either a floating immaterial orb of black mist, or a form that appeared much less sinister, like a swindling gambler or underhanded dealer ready to make bargains on souls. By the more substantial presence in his peripheral vision, he knew it was the latter.

“Don’t get excited,” Leo said. “I’m not staying.”

The demon edged closer in the form of a man wearing a neatly pressed suit and jacket, jet black hair and coals for eyes gleaming in the fluorescent light. “Oh, come on. You know you miss this.”

Leo scoffed. “Yeah, I totally miss the smell of piss, alcohol, and weed. Such a pleasant smell.”

A disturbing laugh bubbled up from the demon’s throat. “There’s that humor I missed. See, we’re so much better off here than in that little town in the middle of nowhere.”

He slid a scathing glare to the darkness, but wouldn’t slow or protest. “Here to collect payment?”

“You’ve had a week off, Leo. Thanks to that little – “

“If you call her anything but a lady, I’ll – “

“What?” he snapped. “Punch me? Strangle me? You forget that you can’t do anything, Leo. You’re powerless and always will be.”

He didn’t need to be reminded. Whatever the darkness wanted to do, he could do it. Except when Belle prayed. That was his only saving grace, but there was no way her prayers could reach this far. Could they?

“Just pay attention during the fight and you’ll get all the payment you need,” Leo directed, slamming the door in the demon’s face as he walked into the locker room.

It did little good. The darkness rematerialized beside him as he worked the padlock with the key he had been given.

“I know why you’re doing this,” the demon said, grinning to show his perfectly straight white teeth. “You’re trying to make your girl happy. It won’t work.”

“Watch me,” he dared.

“I’ll make you throw the fight. Take you out of the first round before you can get anywhere close to the semi-finals.”

“You won’t do shi-“ Leo stopped himself and bit back the word he wanted to use. “You won’t do anything. Think of all the lads I’ll beat into the floor tonight. You need that payment. Remember our deal?”

Leo stripped off his shirt and wadded it up before zipping open his bag to shove it inside. He then set to taking off his shoes and socks to join his shirt.

“And you remember what I told you? I need more than the typical payment, especially since your brother is getting closer.”

One thing about demons, he had learned, was that they didn’t have an ounce of loyalty in them, not even for the man who had tethered them to a victim. Twelve years he had lived with this curse, the darkness serving as the constant thorn in his side. But he did have one useful thing going for him. He told Leo when Matthew was catching up.

Leo shot a look to the demon to see if he was lying just to get a bigger blood payment. That was the agreement they had made months ago. If he did his part and gave the darkness what he wanted, Leo and Belle would be left alone. Of course, the game changed when Leo decided to pursue her. Now that they were living together in a hotspot that the darkness didn’t care to be in, the cost of their protection went up.

“How close?” he asked, hoping for an honest answer.

“Very. And I would rather not be around when he does come. Think of how mad he’ll be when he finds out I’ve been masking your trail for the sake of an extra fix.”

That was laughable. “You poor wee thing,” he mocked. He crammed his duffle bag in the locker, thoughtless to how the luggage would damage Mack’s package of cigarettes or the tiny bundle of cocaine tucked away in the back. Leo hoped he busted the plastic bag.

“Why don’t we stay in Little Rock? It’s such a fun town,” the darkness suggested as Leo began the methodical process of wrapping his hands in the gauze and athletic tape to protect his knuckles. By the end of the night, they would be stained red with blood.

“After this is over, I’m going to Fayetteville.”

The demon came around to face Leo. “There’s nothing in Fayetteville worth seeing.”

“And then I’m going back to Levi,” Leo stated impatiently, as if he had been saying it all night in one way or another. He wouldn’t leave Belle, no matter how much the darkness wanted him to. Like she said that day when he almost skipped town without telling her, he needed to take control of his life, one choice at a time. This choice, though made for odd purposes, was what he wanted, and the darkness would not pressure him into returning to this way of living – if it could even be called that.

“Why not stay a few days?” he said, almost whining like a child who was denied candy and was one refusal away from throwing a tantrum. “We could use some of the winnings to get a hotel, order room service, order some girls and – “

Leo shot daggers with his eyes that instantly made the vile mouth shut tight. He would have threatened to leave Little Rock right then if he thought it would do him any good. The darkness was smart enough to know that Leo needed this money just as badly as he needed the blood payment.

He finished wrapping his hands and left the locker room just as he heard the music dim for a minute to allow the presenter to publicize the first match. He didn’t care if the darkness followed or not. He’d be in the crowd, watching, absorbing the pain and misery of Leo’s opponents. It’d be just like old times.

Unceremoniously, Leo entered the main hall where the fighting would take place. His bare feet slapped against the cold concrete floor, wetted by the spilled beer and liquor from earlier that night. Mack was by his side as if he were a personal sponsor and hyped up the crowd when his name blared over the intercom. Men roared and cheered while women let out whistles and offers that were lost in the din.

He was led to the center of the room where one bright light hovered over the space sectioned off for the tournament.

Spectators leaned on the rope partitions to get a look at Leo as he swaggered forward to meet his first opponent. As always, his stomach tangled, but then he reminded himself that as long as his brother’s curse tarnished his soul, there was little man could do to him. He was kept alive to suffer and cause suffering for others. He’d get hurt, but death wasn’t in his near future. Not yet.

The ropes were closed behind him and he raised his fists, keeping his stance easy and light. The other man, leaner and an obvious novice, blew air past his protective mouthpiece and hopped about like an eager boxer.

Don’t waste your energy, he told himself. You’ve got a long night to go.

When the bell sounded, and the crowd shouted for their favorites, the thinner man came charging forward with a wild hook. Leo dodged and sent an uppercut into his ribs. The guy recoiled and put a hand to his side, eyes wide like he had never expected to be hit.

Leo shook out his hands and flexed his unpracticed knuckles. His fight with Drake was the last time he’d ever hit bone that hard. He readied himself again for the next assault, but was disappointed when the man came at him again with a similar greenhorn move.

He left himself open and Leo took the opportunity. He ducked and wrapped him in a chokehold from behind. One kick to the back of his leg buckled him to the ground. For a minute or two, they grappled with one another. Leo saw stars each time a punch connected with his head, but he willed himself to stay conscious during every reversal. Limbs twisted as they rolled across the concrete, scraping the skin of their arms and backs along the way.

Each time he thought the guy would tap out, he kept coming at him with more desperate jabs and kicks. Leo felt a bit of blood trickle from his nose after an elbow slammed into his face. He could taste its metallic essence on his lips.

He was kicked off and stumbled backward, giving his opponent time to jump to his unsteady feet. Leo wouldn’t give him the chance. He landed one solid punch to the jaw. He heard the crack, but didn’t care. The man finally crumbled to the floor and he waited for a hand to smack the pavement.

When it did, Leo spat a bit of the blood from his mouth and looked up. His eyes instantly met the devilish stare of the darkness in the crowd. The black pits that bore through him told enough. This tournament wouldn’t be a walk in the park for him like it used to be. The demon would drag this out and make the poor boys he fought think they had a chance against him.

The darkness wasn’t just in the business of making Leo’s life a living hell. He’d also drag along any other susceptible soul with him. That was why he needed to protect Belle, the only thing he cared about anymore. 

An author of paranormal and urban fantasy fiction, Sheritta Bitikofer lives for the deep, engaging stories that enthrall readers from cover to cover. As a wife and fur-mama of eclectic tastes, she can be found roaming Civil War battlefields, perusing the romance section of the bookstore, or relaxing with a plate of chili cheese fries. Take a look at the books she has available and stay tuned for new releases. 

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