12. Xeraphine

12

Xeraphine

" H ave a great night, Tony! See you tomorrow!" I'm so thankful for the next two days off. This week has been a nightmare at the market. There's absolutely no doubt in my mind there has been a rise in weddings. Five wedding cakes in three days? My Gods, what a shitshow.

As I step out the back door, I take a deep breath. The smell of exhaust fumes and cigarettes hit me immediately, and I grimace. Disgusting, I hate living in the city. I wish I could afford to live by the coast, but even if I could, it's a few hours' drive from here and I do not want that commute.

It isn't strange that a car is parked back here, but the fact there are three is weird. One of them is Tony's, but I don't recognize the others. One is a black sedan with blacked-out windows, the other a van with the same tint.

I'm not a fucking idiot; that is too suspicious for me.

"Tony?!" I raise my voice and take the singular step back up to the bakery when rough hands grab me around my waist. "No!!"

My elbow lands its mark on my assailant's nose, and he grimaces.

While his arms never let me go, I'm able to squirm further and grab hold of the doorknob. "Tony! Help, Tony!"

"Shut your fucking mouth or he dies!" A voice to my right comes as soon as I'm shrouded in darkness.

I don't care; I can't let them take me willingly. "Help! Someone help me!" I say it over and over again as I kick and fight the four hands dragging me toward the direction of the vehicles.

I drop all of my weight, and while I'm not small by any means, I'm not heavy enough to throw either of them off balance. They only grunt in frustration, and I feel a solid punch hit my ribs, sending my entire body vibrating under the sheer pain it causes.

It's then I hear a door open, but not that of a vehicle. "Xera—"

Tony doesn't even get my full name out when three bullets are fired.

The scream that leaves me is so loud that my ears pop. That isn't what sends me into unconsciousness. It's the sheer fear and anguish I feel of having just killed Tony because he was coming to save me.

I'm going to die… After all I've suffered through already…

I am utterly exhausted; it feels like I barely make it five minutes into the drive before I find myself curled up tightly in my seat, already snoring away. Upon waking, I have a blanket draped over me, with what I assume is Tyson's sweater gently cradling my head. Despite the heater being on, he has the windows cracked for a breath of fresh air.

As I stretch my legs, my knees emit audible pops. Out of the corner of my eye, I catch sight of a dark hand lowering the volume on the radio. The music is playing, but it doesn't quite register with me; my thoughts are preoccupied with my own internal monologue.

Why did I even have that dream? It's been ages since I last had one. I suppose you could call it more of a nightmare, but then again, that's just semantics.

"You were snoring," Tyson chuckles, breaking the silence.

Lazily, I turn my gaze toward him. His hazel eyes briefly meet mine before returning to focus on the road ahead.

"I don't think I've ever seen you sleep," he continues. "You actually looked... peaceful." I want to inquire about my usual appearance, but deep down, I already know the answer.

There's a brief pause, during which I toss the blanket back into the rear seat. Tyson's hand moves to the stick shift, resting it there, while the other remains on the wheel .

"How much farther until we get there?" I inquire, noticing the trees lining the road ahead. This stretch looks like the Bison Road leading straight to the asylum, but that can't be possible.

"About fifteen minutes," he replies.

Holy Belial himself, I slept the entire drive?!

Taking a deep breath, I cross my arms beneath my chest.

"That drive was awful. You're taking the wheel on the way back," he teases. "But hey, I'm glad you got some sleep."

I sigh, nodding in agreement. "It's been a rough month."

"You know, you can call me even when you don't need anything. Even just a text," he offers sincerely.

"I know. Thanks, Ty," I reply, stealing a glance at him. He wears a cheesy smile that makes me smirk. "What?"

"You must've just fed, you look healthy," he remarks.

"I... hate you for saying that," I roll my eyes and glance into the side mirror, I half-expect to spot a car following us. Maybe Kairhyse did give up, went home, and I've finally slipped past that Vampire twat.

"Can I ask why you're coming all the way out here?" he clears his throat before continuing. "You haven't come in person, if I remember, in as long as I've known you."

I nod, but I really don't want to discuss this. Especially not with Tyson, even if he and I have quite the history. None of it is bright and sunny.

He lost his entire family to gun violence. His wife, three sons, and daughter. There was no reason for him to have survived the drive-by shooting, but he says it's karma for all the bad he had done prior to building a family.

When he had come to me that day and asked me to kill the men who murdered his family, I did so without hesitation. I'm no hero, or savior, or any bullshit like that. Revenge, that is my drug of choice. At that time, I owed him for what his son and friends had done for me... finding me in that grave. It was only because of them that I'm even here.

Tyson has been in and out of jail since, and on numerous occasions, I've been there to get him out. It's why he owes me more than just this terrible drive.

"Xeraphine, why are you coming out here?" He brings my attention back, repeating his question .

"Her renewal is up."

"Why don't you just, you know, let it run out? Use the money for something better. Like, I don't know," he scoffs, "move to an apartment not in the slums. Buy a car… drive yourself around…"

"Sounds like a normal life, one I wasn't afforded." I aimlessly pick at my leggings, "In the will, it says until she's dead, all funds are funneled to keeping her comfortable. If I allowed for her to get released, she'd go to a public hospital. The funds would still go to her. At least here, she is securely stationary. I don't have to worry about her moving and disappearing off my radar."

Stretching forward, I press my fingers against the dash, a groan coming from my throat. "I'm achy from sitting for so long, shit."

He isn't going to drop the subject, "Why not just kill her?"

I bang my head against the headrest, "I feel like he would fucking haunt me if I killed her."

"Why did he love her so much? She's a crazy bitch…"he mumbles through the last of his statement. It's as though he just realized where I get that trait.

No , I did not get who I am from Tali. I got it from the five men that took my entire life away from me. The ones that kidnapped me, tortured me, raped me, and then left me for dead.

"She's pretty, that's really her only good quality."

We share a laugh, and he reaches over and gently pats my leg. He doesn't linger, knowing how I dislike affection and comfort. Tyson and I had tried once to have a relationship, a year or so after he lost his wife. It was then I understood my life was not meant to be shared with anyone. That, and I felt zero attraction to him other than his looks.

Yes, he is a fine-ass black man. Darker than sin, bright hazel eyes, and dedicates more than half his life in the gym. He is a male escort and passing drug dealer, he had to look his best.

Except, beyond that, he is Mundane, and I am far too rough for him, even for a man of his stature. Unfortunately, I need someone that can break me, not the other way around.

He is also way too nice, just like Sydni. Those two should be together, but as much as I like Tyson, I can't have her mixed up with his life. She deserves rich, boring, and ordinary. A man that has a corporate job that will provide for her. Like a gamer, yeah, one of those nerds. Not Tyson. Even if he is sweet, with a heart of gold.

"And, we are here," he utters softly .

It's the middle of the night, but as most hospitals are, they run twenty-four seven. All of the lights are on, and in the backdrop, there are darkened mountains. The cascading hillsides and forest are beautiful during the day. The building itself is well maintained, but it still feels creepy.

Seven stories high, and longer than my line of sight, it just doesn't feel like a place I want to be. Though, some would likely say I deserve to be here.

I am crazy, after all.

There are a dozen or so cars parked, but none stopped at the ‘Pick-Up/Drop-Off' section, which is where we are now sitting. I take a deep breath and step out of the car. Tyson is doing the same, and I hear him grunt as he stretches his arms over his head.

I roll my head around my shoulders, hearing the satisfying pop , which is followed by approaching footsteps. Tyson is coming around to my side. "Do you want me to come with you?" he asks, tucking his hands into his pockets.

Shaking my head, I crane my neck to keep him in view. I swear he should have played basketball; I think he mentioned he did in high school, but I'm not too sure.

"I'll hopefully be quick. I'll sign the paperwork… I may see her, but it will be seconds at best. I really don't want to talk with her. Hopefully she's asleep, but, knowing my luck, she'll be wide awake with that—" I pause, dropping my shoulders and widening my eyes as if imitating a zombie. "Dead-dumb expression of hers."

Tyson tosses his head back in laughter, the intensity of it reverberating around us. "Yeah, you definitely fed."

I groan and don't entertain the conversation further, walking up toward the entrance. It reads ‘Family/Guest Reception Area'. Suppose I am one of those guests. As I always have been.

In the bright white waiting room, a few people sit, and I groan inwardly. Why do these places always have to be so colorless? It feels like they should be red or black, with the amount of dread that comes with them.

"Hello, welcome to EHA, please sign in and—"

"Hi, I actually called…" I pull my phone out of my pocket for the first time, and see that I have four missed messages. I swipe them away to look at the time. "…early this morning, just after midnight. My name is Stephanie Wards, I'm here to sign the renewal paperwork for Tali Orchid. Patient X9918. Unless she has been moved, she's in room 0229."

The girl, likely around my age, clicks away at the computer before nodding, "Oh yes, you are her niece-in-law, correct?"

I should have just said I was a friend of the family. Having any connection to that woman anymore is such a pain in my ass. It was agonizing to get my last name removed, but thankfully the courts found in my favor when I was eighteen to remove ‘Orchid' from my life.

One year before my abduction. One year of freedom from that name.

"Ex-niece-in-law. Her late husband, my uncle, is dead as you know. I'm just Stephanie to her."

"I'll make a note of that." She offers me a smile, which I don't return. "Here is your slip, go ahead and take the hall there," she gestures to the one on my right, "the director's office will be the fourth door on your left. I'll notify her you are on your way."

With a nod, I take the slip and move toward the doors, which slowly open automatically with the receptionist's buzz.

I don't take in my surroundings, as it's just white on white walls with white doors and white floors and ceilings. Counting the doors until I arrive at the fourth, I give it a soft knock.

"Come in," a gentle voice calls, and I do so.

This room is at least slightly less bright, which gives my eyes a reprieve. I close the door behind me and don't wait for her to direct me to sit in the chair in front of her.

"Ah, Miss Wards, it is nice to finally meet you in person."

It really isn't a pleasure. I could go my entire existence never again stepping foot in this place if possible.

"Mhmm. Do you have the paperwork?" I don't want to be here longer than I have to be. Plus, I'd like to give Tyson a place to sleep, so we can pick up quickly in the morning and get home. I've got far too much to do.

"I do." She rummages through her desk and pulls out a folder. "Thanks for coming so quickly. We tried to—"

"I know, my apologies." I lean over to grab the folder but she pulls it back. Physically, I tense, and mentally I begin counting backward. I can't punch the director of a mental facility, that truly is mental .

"Before you sign, would you like to talk about Tali's progress? "

"No. I'll try to see her before I leave, but I am in a hurry." I see she's not going to hand over the folder, her brown eyes assessing me. My nose twitches, and I concede. Without another word, I lean back into the chair, and cross one leg over the other.

I know I look disheveled; being in the car for nearly a full day's time probably has me looking exhausted. My cardigan is draped over one shoulder, exposing my tank top, while my nearly sheer leggings stretch and have a stain on one leg. Wait, damn, where did that come from? I swore I just washed these.

"She still hasn't spoken, but has begun taking her medication. Which is great progress for her."

"Oh wow, that's wonderful," I don't conceal the sarcasm in my tone. "Is she dying?"

"No, she is actually doing well."

"Fantastic," I reply with forced enthusiasm, trying to move the conversation forward. "Anything else?"

"She's been writing letters to you," she says as she hands me the folder. I snatch it so quickly that one of the pages goes flying. I hastily reach out and grab it, then spread out the papers on her desk before me. "She's requested to send them to you. We communicate in the same way, and she mentions never having met you before. She wants to get to know you. I can provide the letters she's already written. She would love—"

"Pen, please," I request, eyeing the three lines I need to sign. "That woman will never know where I live; she can send them to the local trash heap for all I care."

As she passes me a pen, she lets out a soft laugh. "Of course, your notes strictly say you want no direct contact with her unless you initiate it."

"Correct, so why suggest it?" I sign quickly, not caring that none of the signatures look the same.

I place the pages back into the folder and rise to my feet. "You can burn the letters and say you gave them to me."

As I'm turning, the director clears her throat. "Stephanie, she is trying. It isn't her fault your uncle was what he was." She's fortunate I'm happily fed because if I wasn't, I know my anger would be out of control. "Your uncle was an abuser. She shielded Xeraphine as best she could. It's why Tali is here, and not her. She just wants to try to have a family again. "

"Yeah? And where is Xeraphine now? Hmm?" I ask with condemnation in my tone. Personally, I don't blame Tali for me being kidnapped and tortured, but I'm sure if I had an actual family, I would have been found before being buried alive.

She sighs heavily, her voice weighted with mourning. "That isn't fair to ask. She misses her daughter every day, and you know it."

That's the biggest fucking lie and I don't even need to pull it from her aura to know it.

I shake my head. "You aren't my therapist, director. Go fuck yourself. I'd like to request no more contact unless she is dying." With that, I'm out the door before she can respond or try to stop me.

Frankly, I don't even want to see her. I'd sooner gouge out my own eyeballs, and I'm seriously considering it.

No, they'd just lock me up right next to her, knowing my luck. Instead, I head toward the stairway and ascend a single flight.

A nurse stands at the door leading into the hallway. "Good evening, which room and for whom?"

"Tali Orchid, room 0229."

The door creaks open slowly, and I slip through as soon as there's enough room.

If I knew then what I know now, when Tali left me on the steps of an orphanage when I was six, I would have made that the last time I saw her. I don't remember anything before that, and as for my father, he died before I could form a connection. Well, "died" as much as any Incubus could be "dead". I have no idea what happened to him, and when she told me the news when I was fourteen, I remember being so heartbroken.

It was then that she tried to kill me. That crazy bitch tried to kill me, a child. The worst part? She told the authorities I had attacked her out of rage because of what she confessed to me. Gaslighting psychopath—if it weren't for the public lawyer I had actually being good, I may have ended up in a juvenile detention center.

A lot came out during her trial. Evidence of my father's abuse on her, and me: physically, mentally, and sexually. So much sympathy was extended to her, leading to a decision not to confine her in a high-security prison, but to regard her with pity instead.

A woman, broken and battered by a man she thought loved her, needed a second chance. Didn't matter that she stabbed me and left me for dead in her kitchen. If it hadn't been for the neighbors hearing me scream, I wouldn't even be here .

That crazed woman caused me so much trauma, and having to deal with it alone, it turned me from a decent human being to a terrible person, just like her. My adopted family put me back into the system when I started flunking my classes and doing drugs.

It was all too much for a teenager, and yes, I do blame this woman for that. I had absolutely no one, and they want to sit here and tell me that she is doing better? Pfft . I just want her to die. One less nightmare of my past I won't have to worry about.

I'm thankful I'll far surpass her lifespan. She's Mundane and I'm an immortal half-breed Succubus. So, if I have to wait fifty more years to dance on her grave, then so be it.

I'm not sure how long I've been standing in front of her door, but as I focus and notice the darkness beyond the stained-glass strip, I contemplate not even attempting to enter.

Yet, I still do and push the door open.

"Tali?" I whisper into the darkness, receiving no response. It's pitch black, but I can see clearly thanks to my demonic vision. She's lying in bed, her back turned to me, her mid-length black hair spread across the pillow. I can't tell if she's asleep or not, but her breathing is steady, plus, I imagine if she heard me she'd at least turn to face me.

"It's... Stephanie," I murmur softly. "I'm just letting you know I renewed your paperwork. I told them to only contact me when you're dead, so stop trying to reach out. I want nothing to do with you," I continue to whisper, not wanting to actually wake her, but slipping the words in, hoping she'll subconsciously hear them.

I wait a moment, but she doesn't stir. "I hope they tell you I was here, and that it hurts you that you couldn't talk to me." In that moment, I address her as if she knows I'm Xeraphine, alive, and never visiting. I want her to feel pain, not only because I despise her but also because I'm a bitter bitch. "The day they tell me you are dead, will be the happiest day of my life."

As she softly mumbles in response, I don't hesitate to step out of the room, closing the door behind me. I want this to be the last time I'm ever in her presence.

Maybe Belial will hear my pleas and end my suffering, taking her from this world and any beyond it.

I rush out of the hospital without pausing to catch my breath, feeling as though I'm trapped in a cage myself. There's a lingering sense that they might have been seconds away from handcuffing me or tying me up and tossing me into a padded cell.

A car is parked in front of the entrance, but it's not Tyson's. I swiftly turn my head left and then right, scanning for his maroon sedan. Panic starts to rise within me when I don't spot it anywhere.

I grab my phone, fingers fumbling as I unlock it.

Four missed texts. One missed call.

None of them are from Tyson.

Creepy Stalker Prick [02:32]

Where are you?

Creepy Stalker Prick [02:32]

Xera, where the fuck did you go?!

Creepy Stalker Prick [02:49]

Who are you with?

Creepy Stalker Prick [10:55]

You are cute when you sleep, but if he touches you, I'm killing him.

Missed Call from: Creepy Stalker Prick [22:33]

"I was angry with you," his voice startles me in the silence, so much so, I drop my phone. "Imagine my absolute disdain when I saw you getting into some males car only a few hours after I ravaged that beautiful pussy of yours."

I shoot my gaze up, and there that fucker is, leaning against a shiny black Corvette. "Kairhyse, why the fuck are you here?" I hiss, "Where is…" I hesitate to say his name, worried about giving this stalker any further information about me and my life.

"Tyson? Oh, he went home."

My nose twitches, "You better not have—"

"I just told him I could take care of you from here. Didn't take much convincing." He smirks, "No, little demon, I didn't touch him if you are concerned…" He clicks his tongue against his teeth, "Though, I did say if he touched you I'd kill him."

What is with this guy? What is his fucking obsession with me? !

"My pussy couldn't have been that good for you to be so ‘touch her and die' already," I snap, my tone unfriendly at best. "Gods damn it, you followed me to another state. Do you realize how insane that is?"

His eyes narrow, "Get in the car, we have a long drive and we can talk on the way." Pushing himself from the vehicle, he opens the passenger door, gesturing for me to get in.

"No, fuck you." He really is delusional if he believes I'll be willingly getting into his car. There are buses that run from here to Sidence, I'll take one of those over spending another second with this stalker.

He groans, "I'm going to request again that you get into the car." When our eyes lock, I stand defiantly. "You want to be punished then, Xera."

"Pfft. I'm happily fed, Kai. I don't need you anymore, and if we tussle, I promise, you will lose."

He shrugs off his jacket, exposing the skin tight brown t-shirt under it. Fucking Vayl above , my attraction to this Vampire is unhealthy. The gentle ripple of his chest muscles sends shivers down my thighs, while his arms, tensing and exposing veins that trail almost to his wrist, ignite a desire for him to handle me like a toy.

"I hope you're fast, little demon," he sneers with a toothy grin, revealing his elongated fangs.

I don't give him the chance to approach before I burst into a sprint, my feet propelling me so swiftly that I nearly leave my shoes behind. I refuse to endure this any longer; I won't let him reduce me to mere entertainment.

But isn't this just a game to him?

He's going to chase me into this damn forest because he relishes the hunt, and I'm nothing more than his prey.