Pain Cages

by Kane, Paul

  Neil sliced through the man’s wrist and both the hand and knife fell to the ground. Then he was on the older man, biting, clawing, sucking and eating. It was the first decent, fresh meal he’d had in years, and it invigorated him. Neil knew the wolf could leave no part of this man alive, couldn’t pass this on to him because it was… well, it was a gift really (not an affliction, not a curse).

  As Neil finished up on the father, he reflected how really he should be thanking the man. Not just for filling his belly, but also for reminding him of what he was at heart, freeing him––freeing him from Julie?––and giving him a fresh start. There was no need for him to feel old anymore, not if he didn’t want to. He’d been living half a life himself, but he wasn’t even halfway through his life. And there was so much time to catch up on.

  When he was done, Neil shape-shifted again and went back to the car, climbing in. The engine was still running. It would make it to the outskirts of the city, where he’d dump it then steal another. It was time to move on, to get out of here. To live the life Luke had been living, or Jack.

  As Neil sat behind the wheel, gunning that engine, he stared at the entrance of the alleyway.

  And, for the first time in a long while, he thought about the future.

  * * *

  SIGNS OF LIFE

  Taken from the Astrological Handbook, published by Beholder Press.

  Welcome to the wonderful world of Astrology and Star Signs!

  Much has been written about this fascinating subject in the past, and indeed we could fill a whole book with historical facts about it. From the way the famous seers of the Chaldean civilization in the ancient land of Ur gave future predictions and the Egyptians followed the passage of the stars and planets, up to the present day with various astrologers now becoming celebrities in their own right in newspapers and on television. The stars we read every day offer insights into possible events for our specific sign, attempting to answer questions we have or confront doubts we foster about particular situations as we travel life’s journey. Because the future is such an uncertain thing this appeals to us greatly, and in many cases gives us comfort. We want to know if our day is going to be good or bad, so we can prepare for either.

  But this publication isn’t really concerned with the past or the future. The aim of this book is to present a simple, easy to understand guide to the twelve sun signs of the zodiac and their individual characteristics, including compatibility aspects, the best career choices, the way they handle and perceive money, plus health information to help each and every one of you lead a much longer, happier existence.

  All of us, throughout our lives, are keen to learn more about ourselves, the reason why we do what we do, and the reason why things don’t work out sometimes when we make these decisions. Hopefully, after reading this, you’ll come away with a greater understanding of yourself.

  And who knows, it might just change your life completely…

  Taken from the Daily Record

  Pisces: Today will definitely be a day to remember. Plans you have made have gone awry, but don’t be too downhearted. Something you have always wanted is coming your way, and romance looks set to finally blossom for you. Red is your lucky color.

  Tracy Simmons snapped the newspaper shut and put it down on the seat next to her. She didn’t know why she even kept reading those stupid things. Every day, the same old drivel, the same agonizing false hope. Or even worse, it would tell her that she’d be going through a worrying time soon or that bad news was on its way. Well, of course she was going to go through a worrying time if she’d just been told bad news was on the way! It was a self-fulfilling prophecy.

  But the days when it talked about romance and love, they were the hardest ones to take. Today love will come your way, this week will be a wonderful week for lovers. It never quite worked out that way. She wasn’t the luckiest person when it came to matters of the heart. Maybe it was because she’d been a slow-starter. Slow? She’d practically been standing stock still most of her life. While other girls paired off and got into some serious lip-locks with the boys at school and college, Tracy had always shied away from this; more afraid than anything––afraid she’d do it wrong or that she’d mess things up somehow. Or had she been frightened that if she let anyone in and they walked away from her, she’d be devastated?

  As it turned out she’d been right. The admittedly limited number of men she’d known in her twenty-seven years on this planet had been complete arseholes. Liars and slimeballs only after one thing. And when they’d got it…? She’d loved them––or thought she had. And they’d told her that they felt the same. The ‘I think the world of you’s and ‘it feels like we’ve known each other forever’s were just to get their end away, and she fell for it every time; even when she’d only known them so long. She was fed up with creeps who thought monogamy was some kind of wood. What she wanted, what she’d always longed for, was someone who would care about her for who she was. Who would hold her and tell her everything was going to be all right when she felt sad, stand by her through thick and thin, give to her what she’d give them in return.

  It was a foolish delusion perhaps, an idealized version of love that didn’t really exist. There were no knights in shining armor, no handsome princes that came along to whisk you off your feet. Only deadheads like the people she’d encountered on those internet dating sites. Oh brother, the stories she could tell about those. How could anybody be so wrong about themselves on their profiles? Caring, genuine, kind. They were just words on a screen, the products of desperation. A very different kind of desperation to hers.

  “You expect too much from them,” her flat-mate Joanne told her after the last flop.

  “He spent all night looking at my chest,” Tracy said.

  “So? That’s what men are like. They all do it.”

  “What, all night?”

  “Well, maybe not all night. But you think I haven’t had dates like that, Trace? It’s a compliment in a way. Proves you’re irresistible to the opposite sex.”

  Tracy knew all too well about Joanne and her dates. As much as she adored her, she wasn’t going to follow her friend’s example. Men came and went in Joanne’s life. If things showed even the slightest hint of getting serious, that was it. She was in control, not them, and she liked it that way.

  “All it proved to me was he didn’t care much about my feelings. That he wasn’t interested in getting to know me as a person.”

  Joanne laughed. “All that comes later, babe. First you check out whether you’re… y’know, compatible.”

  But what was the use in that? So, the sex was mind-blowing but you found out later that all he wanted to talk about was football and sports cars. What kind of a basis for a lasting relationship would you have then? Surely it was better for there to be a mental connection first, for him to be your friend as well as your lover? That’s all Tracy was after really; it wasn’t too much to ask.

  Of course, if he happened to look like George Clooney as well then she wouldn’t complain.

  The electronic screen in front of her flickered, throwing back a reflection of Tracy sitting below it on the row of seats: jeans, pink jumper––pink was almost red, wasn’t it?––curly ochre hair. Then the new times came up. She scrolled her eyes down the list till she came to hers. There it was; ten minutes late. About as reliable as the men she’d known.

  Again she cursed her luck about the car. Just one thing, one tiny thing wrong on the MOT and it had failed. The garage couldn’t get hold of the shock absorbers for another couple of days, so now she was having to rely on public transport to make the bi-monthly trip to see her folks. One lousy little thing…

  Tracy looked around the station, which had been revamped since the last time she’d traveled: automatic doors, a lift to take you to the other platform across the way––how did that work exactly?––a new café area and newsagents, which was where she’d bought her copy of The Record to pass the time, along with a women’s magazine be
cause it contained an article about what your dreams really meant. Sitting there, knowing she had at least another ten minutes to wait, Tracy wondered if the women’s magazine had a stars section too. Probably did.

  She opened it up and checked the contents page.

  Pisces (represented by two fish swimming in opposite directions): A romantic and idealist, your average Piscean is very open with their emotions. Extremely demonstrative and compassionate, they are sensitive souls who are hurt very easily by others. If you’re in a Piscean’s good books you’ll soon know about it, as they will lavish you with affection from morning to night! This can sometimes be overwhelming, especially for the Piscean’s partner. They look for the best in everyone, which on the face of it isn’t a bad thing. But it can mean they don’t pick up on deception until it is way too late. Being generous sorts they win friends easily and attract people, so they should be smart enough to choose the best alliances. Those which offer a way to advance themselves and fulfill some of those dreams they dream.

  William Booth unloaded the case from his Nissan, then stuck the two-day ticket on the inside of the windscreen before locking it up. He crossed the zebra, looked towards the station, and smiled. It was good to be traveling again.

  Even this short distance, even a piffling 150 miles. It didn’t matter, he was on the move again. What was it Robert Louis Stevenson once said? ‘To travel hopefully is a better thing than to arrive, and the true success is to labor.’ Well, after three terms laboring, three terms of more or less solid English teaching he was grateful for the break. Not that he was leaving the career behind completely, oh no. If anything it was quite the reverse. This conference was supposed to be all about new teaching methods, student centered learning and exams. But Will knew there’d also be time to let his shoulder-length hair down a bit more.

  He was flattered that they’d chosen him to represent the college, though not entirely surprised. Since he’d started lecturing there two years ago, he’d very quickly become a part of the fixtures and fittings. He got on well with his colleagues, who were, by and large, a great bunch of people; and he was pretty good at his job, all things considered. In lessons, students paid him respect and listened to what he had to say with something akin to reverence. In return he listened to their needs too, made time for them and always helped out where he could. This led to better results, which didn’t do Will’s reputation any harm either.

  He was just as popular in the staffroom as he was in the classroom, his easy manner and calm confidence putting others at their ease. It didn’t hurt that he could spin a yarn off the top of his head, usually about his travels here and there. The amount of times he’d been told he should write these down and sell them, maybe even put them in a book? But for now he had more than enough on his plate with the teaching thank you very much.

  Will knew at the back of his mind that he had the potential to rise in the ranks at the college, perhaps even to head of department one day. The only thing stopping him would be his wanderlust. He’d been thinking about going back abroad and teaching over there again, perhaps in Japan this time or somewhere like that? He probably wouldn’t have moved back here in the first place if it weren’t for his little sister, and what she’d been through. Tess was the only family he had left since mum had died while they were both still at college themselves. Breast cancer.

  And when Tess had found a lump…

  Thankfully it had turned out to be benign and was quickly removed, but Will had stayed with her all through the tests and treatment, which was more than her shit of a fiancé had done. He was still stopping with her for the time being, but toying with the idea of moving out soon. Although Will loved Tess to bits, the situation wasn’t exactly ideal, especially when it came to having a personal life. Whether he’d be moving further afield than just down the road was a decision he’d yet to make. A decision he was struggling with and would probably still be struggling with for a while to come. Fresh pastures were always greener, and he had a nice set-up here.

  But still, it was good to be traveling again.

  Leo (represented by the lion): As their symbol suggests, Leos have something of a majestic status in the zodiac. Consequently, they can hold their heads up high, knowing they are valued and appreciated in all they do. This may lead to a serious case of big-headedness on their behalf, however, and some Leos will go to very great lengths to make sure you know just how fantastic they are––over and over again! The most negative types will be very impressed with themselves, though the vast majority will not have to boast: it’s plain for all to see. The choice of career for a Leo is boundless because they’ll put a lot of energy into whatever they do. They are well known for their creativity, and also take a special interest in children’s welfare. Their organizational and people skills are superb, but they don’t have much patience for simpletons. Perhaps this is why their close friends feel so privileged, because they know they’ve been chosen above everyone else to be the Leo’s buddies. Family is also important to the Leo, and they will make quite a few sacrifices because of this. But they are adventurous as well and love to seek out people from new cultures. Leos like the limelight and are never happier than when they are taking centre stage. They are stable characters who find it very easy to make up their minds.

  Tracy looked up from the magazine and noticed the man enter with his case. He was dressed in a blue polo shirt and trousers, and walked with a purpose she rarely saw in a lot of men. His hair was longish, just touching the tips of his broad shoulders. She looked away, conscious that she was staring, then risked another peek.

  He walked past her, cast a glance in her direction. Tracy cast it back. Then he proceeded to the counter to get his tickets.

  Please let him be going in my direction, she thought, and grinned as she realized the double meaning of her words. Waiting in the queue behind a family he turned and smiled at her. It was a winning smile, his. The kind of smile you could fall in love with easily.

  Maybe it was her lucky day after all.

  Compatibility Match––Pisces with Leo: As a couple this pair will have little in common. They would probably be better off as friends rather than lovers. The Piscean will be keen to be involved in every aspect of the Leo’s life, particularly when it comes to them both living the high life, but the Leo will probably feel an overwhelming urge to straighten them out and order this dreamer around, leading to a rather one-sided relationship ultimately doomed to failure.

  Katherine Pryce folded her arms and waited for her husband to deal with the man behind the glass.

  “I’m sorry, sir, due to extensive repair-work at that particular station you are going to have to change trains and then take a coach to get to your destination.”

  “But when I booked it said it was straight through,” said Ed Pryce.

  “When was that?”

  “A couple of weeks ago.”

  “Ah, well, you see the repair-work was a last minute thing. We gave customers a four-day warning that there might be delays and disruptions. It was posted on the website.” The man feigned an apologetic expression, which contained more than a hint of ‘I don’t really give a crap, I’m off in half an hour anyway’.

  “We don’t use the internet very much. I mean, well, I don’t.”

  “I’m sorry, sir, but there’s not much we can do about it except apologize.”

  “I…” Ed sighed. “I understand. Thank you.”

  He turned to face his wife. “There’s nothing they can do,” he told her. “It was posted on the site.”

  Katherine rolled her eyes and took hold of her son’s hand. Little Fraser Pryce’s expression didn’t change at the news. It never changed. It was a perpetual frown. She moved out of the way to let the man behind her get to the front of the queue. He nodded his thanks.

  The Pryce family regrouped next to the timetable sheets, Katherine again waiting for her husband to catch up. She needed a cigarette. Badly. Like it wasn’t enough that Ed had booked them on the same coasta
l holiday again, when he’d promised something different this year, maybe even abroad. Now it looked like they had a five or six hour journey ahead of them to actually get there as well. Katherine scrutinized the man she’d married fifteen years ago––no, that wasn’t strictly true. She hadn’t married this man; she’d married an entirely different one. Over time he’d become the person in front of her, stuck in his ways, unadventurous, happy to drift along and not upset any applecarts. The amount of promotions he’d missed out on at the solicitors, and all because his get up and go could neither get up nor go anymore. But one of these days, Katherine thought she just might show it how.

  She remembered Ed when she’d first met him. Full of so many ideas, so many business schemes and plans. He was going to show them all, show the world in fact. He’d set up his own firm and make a mint, taking on only the high profile cases. Katherine had thought it wise to hitch herself to his star and be quick about it. But, as all the brightest tend to do, this star burnt itself out early. It hadn’t helped that they’d had his mother interfering every step of the way. Telling him he should stick with the firm he was in, know his place. But more than that, respect it.

  And then when the baby came along…

  Safety, reliability, dependability. They became the unspoken buzzwords of the Pryce household. And yes, there was something to be said about this. At least they knew there was money coming in, that they had a roof over their heads. She couldn’t fault Ed for taking on the cases that others wouldn’t, for trying to help people with their claims of harassment. He was a good judge of character when it came to things like that, sorting out the genuine clients from those trying it on. It was just a pity he couldn’t sense his own wife’s unhappiness, couldn’t see what was staring him right in the face.