by Lili Detlev
“God yes,” she moaned.
While she fucked herself with one hand, she used the other to circle her clit. Pulses of pleasure radiated out from her core, and then she cried out as an orgasm slammed into her. She shuddered, shivering and writhing on the bed, riding the ecstasy as it rippled through her body. As the orgasm ebbed, the only thing she could think was: More.
Melinda caught her breath and started rubbing again, slow and steady. She wished she had something to stuff into her aching cunt, but she hadn’t yet worked up the nerve to buy a dildo or vibrator. So fingers would have to do. But this time around, she was going to take her time. She squeezed her breasts, using the hand that had been in her pussy. Her juices glistened off of her skin as she massaged and tugged. The musk of sex wafted up, enhancing the pleasure building inside. She let out a long, happy moan.
And then the door to her room banged open.
Melinda squealed and scrabbled for something to cover her naked body.
“Hey Mel!” Adrienne called out. “Wait ‘til you hear- Jesus, what the hell are you doing?”
“Dammit woman! Don’t you knock?”
“I live here too!” Adrienne closed the door quickly and shielded her gaze. “Are you covered yet?”
“No! I thought you were out shopping.”
“I sent that text ages ago.”
“Well I just got it.”
“Not my fault.” Adrienne sniffed and failed to suppress a chuckle. “Damn, girl. What got you all worked up?”
Melinda gave up on trying to cover herself and sat helplessly on the bed. “I just had to take care of something.”
“Are you still naked?”
“Yes.”
“Well I’m looking. Not like I haven’t seen it anyway. Besides, I took care of myself after you left this morning.”
“What?”
“Dude, you know how happy I was when you rolled early? Gotta take advantage of that shit. Sorry for busting in on you though.” She sat down on her own bed. “So, now that we’re out in the open, maybe we don’t have to sneak around each other when we need some happy time.”
“Pretty sure I’m the only one in the open right now. Can you throw me a towel or something?”
Adrienne huffed. “I guess.” She found a clean towel, tossed it over, and sat back down. “You have nice boobs, by the way.”
“Uh, thanks?”
“If I were gay, I’d totally be all over you right now.”
“Ew! I don’t need to know that.” Melinda wrapped the towel around her body and got up to find a robe that would provide more covering. “I need to go take a shower.”
“After all that? I’m not surprised.”
“It’s the bike ride, you dyke. I’m all sweaty and gross.”
“Uh huh.” Adrienne stuck her tongue out.
“Put that thing away or I’ll rub my sweaty snatch all over it.”
“Yummy. Hey, don’t go yet. I wanted to tell you something.”
Melinda stopped by the door. “What’s up?”
“Well, I went shopping for some concealer for this nice shiner of mine. And then I went to the bookstore. And I met this really cute guy in the poetry section. We chatted for a bit, and he said he’s new here. Just transferred. He knows some of the bouncers at Club Darque, and asked if I wanted to go tonight. He said I could bring friends too.”
Melinda sank onto a desk chair. She wondered if this strange new man was Ramael’s brother, making contact. “How does he know the bouncers if he’s a new transfer?”
“I don’t know. That club’s famous all over the area. He’s cute though. Little too blond and clean cut for my tastes, but I’ll let that slide. His name’s Rafe.”
Rafe was a close enough name to Ramael that it sounded more and more likely Adrienne’s new friend was the demon’s brother. Melinda felt a sense of relief wash over her. Club Darque was a popular Goth club, so it made sense that the supernatural pair wanted to go there. She bet there were all sorts of other creatures who would hang out at such a club. If that was the case, then it would be almost impossible for anyone to get to her or Adrienne. And if someone tried? Well, she had an idea of what one demon could do. Two or more? Yeah, that wouldn’t end well at all.
“Does this ‘Rafe’ have a friend, or will I be acting as your wingman?”
“If he knows the bouncers there, I’m sure he’s got lots of friends. Please say you’ll come with me. I really want to check it out, but I won’t go if you don’t. I’m still a little nervous after yesterday.”
Melinda nodded. “I’ll go. It’ll be fun.”
“Yay!” Adrienne bounced off of her bed and gave Melinda a big hug. She pulled away quickly, wrinkling her nose. “Wow, you really do need a shower. Get cleaned up, and let’s go find some clubbing clothes.”
Melinda flipped the bird at her friend as she walked out of their room and to the showers. Her mind was full of all sorts of scenarios. If Rafe was able to take the form of a cute guy, she wondered what Ramael would look like in human form. Yeah, this could turn out to be a really, really good time after all.
#
Since their school was in the suburbs, and Club Darque was in the city, they took the train in and agreed that they would spring for a cab home. Melinda felt a little self-conscious wearing her clubbing outfit on public transportation, but if anyone thought they were out of place, they didn’t say anything. Her skirt was black and poofed out around her thighs. She also had thigh-high socks and black Mary Jane shoes. Her t-shirt featured angry cat eyes. Melinda completed the Goth Schoolgirl look by pulling her dark hair into pigtails.
Adrienne wore a similar skirt, but went with neon green for her stockings and tank top. Her long red hair cascaded in wild ringlets past her shoulders. What bruising and swelling wasn’t covered by make-up was masked by the riot of hair. She looked happy and a little bit nervous, probably at the prospect of meeting up with a strange guy.
You have no idea, Melinda thought.
Her friend’s giddiness was infectious, though. It was a treat to spend a Saturday night out on the town, especially after all they had been through during the past week. Melinda couldn’t wait to unwind and enjoy the atmosphere of the club. And if Ramael happened to arrive and make things more interesting? Well, she wouldn’t complain a bit.
When they got off the train, Adrienne checked her phone. “Rafe is there now. He says he’ll wait for us at the front entrance.” She looked up at Melinda. “Are you sure I look okay? I mean, he knows I got knocked around. But, you know, am I hot?”
“Of course you are sweetie. He’s going to be head over heels for you.”
“You’re not just saying that?”
“If I were gay, I’d totally be taking you home tonight and hoping to see your boobs.”
Adrienne rolled her eyes. “Perv. I mean, I guess I deserve it. But still. Perv!”
They laughed and walked out of the station.
“S’cuse me, miss. You have any spare change?”
Melinda looked at what she thought was a pile of trashbags. A dirty head poked up and an equally grimy hand reached out.
She clutched her purse, but pulled out a few dollar bills and handed them to the homeless man. His hand brushed hers for the briefest of moments, sending an electric jolt through her fingers.
“Thank you, pretty lady. Thank you so much for your kindness. Bless you!”
She smiled and nodded as Adrienne tugged her away.
“You are way too nice to people, Mel.”
“It was just a few dollars. Figure we could use the karma points.”
Her red curls shook as Adrienne laughed. “Gotta toughen you up, girlfriend.”
Melinda just smiled. That touch had reminded her an awful lot of Ramael. But if he was in disguise as a panhandler, then that meant he probably wouldn’t be inside of the club. While it made sense to have both the exterior and interior covered, she couldn’t help feel a little disappointed. Adrienne would be flirting with her hot demon. Me
anwhile, Melinda would be stuck avoiding regular guys trying to hit on her.
Guess I’m wingman after all.
#
Rafe was a good looking as Adrienne had advertised. More importantly, he had a friendly smile that he flashed at just about everyone. Melinda understood Adrienne’s instant attraction. He was the type of guy who made everyone feel comfortable and included. And, while he certainly didn’t ignore Melinda, it was clear he had an especial interest in Adrienne.
The club was already crowded, and more patrons lined up in front of the doors. Rafe bypassed the line and clapped the bouncer on the shoulder. Just like that, the three of them were granted admittance. They didn’t even have to show any ID to receive wristbands that gave them access to all areas, including the bar. Not that Melinda really wanted to drink tonight. She felt that one of them should stay sober, even if they had extraordinary protection. Still, it was clear that whatever kind of demon Rafe was, he had no problem gaining access to exclusive places. She felt a little bad for Ramael, who had clearly drawn the short stick on this operation.
Melinda staked out a spot at the bar and watched Adrienne and Rafe on the dance floor. Her roomie looked to be having the time of her life. That was good; the poor thing needed some fun and excitement. And there was plenty to be had here. The music could have come straight from Melinda’s own playlist. Dancers gyrated in cages above the crowd, glow sticks and bracelets waved everywhere, and drinks flowed freely. The energy was infectious. Even if she didn’t have a date of her own, Melinda knew she wouldn’t get bored anytime soon. Sometimes it was fun to be a voyeur and just watch what happened around her.
It was that perception that helped her notice a pair of young men down the bar who kept glancing her way. She felt the hairs on her neck tickle in response. They definitely looked out of place here. Rafe may have been clean cut, but he had the kind of presence that made him seem to fit anywhere. These two, however, just screamed “preppy frat guys.” Black t-shirts and khaki cargos were the closest they could come to Goth-club attire. Neither looked particularly interested in the scene around them. But both clearly had an interest in her.
She sipped her soda and looked back to the dance floor. Rafe met her gaze and lifted an eyebrow in question. She motioned to him, and he leaned down to Adrienne. Then they slid through the crowd and sidled up next to Melinda.
“You all right?” Rafe asked.
“There’s a couple of guys down the bar who have been looking funny at me. They seem kinda out of place here.”
Rafe motioned to the bartender and ordered beers for him and Adrienne. He must have discreetly glanced at the men in question, because after taking a swig of beer he said: “I see them. After we finish our drinks, why don’t you two hit the floor, and I’ll check them out. I don’t take kindly to people who make my friends uncomfortable.”
That simple statement almost made Melinda feel all warm and gooey inside. A glance at Adrienne revealed that her friend was practically ready to swoon. Yup, this guy was definitely solid.
They finished their drinks, and Rafe nodded at them before sliding away into the crowd. Adrienne leaned close to Melinda’s ear. “Let’s hit the bathroom before we head back out onto the floor.”
She nodded and followed her friend through the club and to the women’s room. Inside, the thump of music was a bit more muted, meaning they could talk without shouting at each other.
“So,” Adrienne said as she touched up her makeup, “what do you think?”
“Of Rafe? Dude, home run. Congrats girlfriend. If I were a lesbian, I’d be totally jealous.”
“He seems to know a lot of people. I’m sure he can hook you up with one of his friends.”
Melinda waved the suggestion away. “I’m happy flying solo right now. Besides, if you do go home with him, I don’t want to be stuck with a stranger. This is your night. Enjoy it!”
Adrienne gave her a hug. “You’re the best Mel. I definitely owe you.”
They turned back to the mirror over the sink. Melinda reached into her handbag for some lip gloss, and her hand brushed a piece of paper. It didn’t feel like one of the dollar bills she had floating in there, so she pulled it out. “Wonder what this is,” she said, unfolding the cream-colored notepaper.
You’re not safe in Club Darque. It’s been charmed, and my brother and I can’t enter. –R
A knot of sick fear washed over Melinda. “Oh shit.” Then she had an even worse revelation: if Rafe wasn’t Ramael’s brother, then who was he?
“What’s wrong?”
“A, we have to get out of here.”
“This bathroom’s not that bad. I’m almost done.”
“No, I mean we have to leave the club. Right now.”
“Why? Rafe’s taking care of those guys. What’s on that note?”
“It’s going to take too long to explain. I’ll tell you when we’re safe. But you have to trust me.”
Adrienne snatched the note and looked at it. “Who is ‘R?’ And what does he mean that the club is ‘charmed?’”
“He’s a friend of mine. He’s been watching my back. I don’t know if that’s supposed to be code, but for whatever reason, he can’t keep an eye on us in here. Please, we have to go. Now.”
Adrienne looked bewildered. “Um, okay. But we’re not leaving without Rafe. He’s a nice guy, and I’m not ditching him.”
Double-shit. “Okay, let’s go find him and get out of here.”
Melinda thought her nerves were going to combust as she and Adrienne stepped out of the women’s room and back into the club. They headed toward the bar. She breathed a sigh of relief when she saw Rafe sitting at her stool. Even better, the creepy guys who had been eyeing her were no longer in sight.
“Hey, sexy,” Adrienne said with a bright smile.
“Hey yourself. I was starting to get worried about you,” Rafe replied. “Listen, I talked to the bartender, and he and a bouncer suggested that your, um, friends might be better served elsewhere.”
“Oh good. Thank you. This is going to sound really weird, but Mel got a message from a friend. He says that she isn’t safe here. Do you think maybe we could step out for a few minutes until she can hook up with him, and then figure out what to do from there?”
Rafe looked puzzled for a moment, but shrugged one shoulder. “Sure thing. I doubt there are any more creepers here, but better safe than sorry.” He looked out across the packed dance floor. “It’s going to be a nightmare trying to push through that crowd, but there’s another exit down the bar. Follow me.”
Adrienne took hold of Melinda’s hand, and together they followed Rafe to the door and the safety it represented.
#
Rafe held the door, and the two girls stepped out into a dark alleyway. The smell of garbage was heavy in the air, and the sounds of traffic were muffled by the buildings around them. As her eyes adjusted to the dim light, Mel could make out shapes moving n the alley. He throat closed up in panic. She turned, but the door had already thudded closed. Rafe stood in front of it with his arms across his chest.
He no longer looked like a clean-cut bastion of safety. Instead, his face curled up in a positively evil smirk. “It only opens from the inside. And that’s if they recognize the person knocking.”
“Rafe? What the hell?” Adrienne said.
“This really was a lot easier than we thought it would be. You really should find better friends, Adrienne. ‘Bitches who are snitches get stitches,’ remember?”
“You fucker,” Adrienne said. She spat on his chest.
Rafe didn’t even bother wiping it away. “I was going to ask the boys to go easy on you. Oh well. Your friend has some payback coming to her, in honor of our brothers who are still in the hospital. I’m sure there will be plenty left over for you too.”
“Are you insane?” Melinda said. “If it wasn’t for me, your friends would be dead. It’s not my fault they kidnapped me. And I had nothing to do with them wrecking their car. They’re lucky I got
away so fast, or they would have died in that ditch.”
“Oh please. You could have just said you were out for a joyride or something. You didn’t have to report them to the cops. It was just a prank. Uppity bitches like you have no sense of humor.”
She looked around for some way to escape, but four large men stood behind her. Past them was a chain-link fence. There was no way out.
She backed up against the stone wall of the building next to Club Darque, pulling Adrienne with her. “Stay behind me,” she said. “I’ll try to keep them off of you.”
“Hey Rafe,” one of the men called out. “There’s two bums passed out by the fence. Maybe we should have these bitches suck their cocks while we pound their asses.”
A chorus of chuckles rose up from the group.
Melinda looked again to the fence. It might be possible to climb over. She glanced at Adrienne and made a quick decision. “Run for the fence!” she yelled, and then launched herself at Rafe.
She barreled into the center of his chest, knocking him back against the wall of the club. Shouts sounded in the alley, punctuated by Adrienne screeching. She saw her friend clawing at one of the other men, but them she was thrown roughly to the ground. Rafe loomed over her, murder in his eyes. He balled his fist, cocked it back….
And then a terrible roar ripped through the air.
Everybody stopped moving.
It finally clicked. There were two bums in the alley. Ramael had disguised himself as a bum. She looked up and saw a winged creature soaring through the air. As it dove at the group of attackers, two of them were jerked suddenly to the ground, clutching at their throats. It looked like they had snakes wrapped around their necks.
Rafe screamed, but it was cut off as Ramael slammed into him. Melinda heard the terrible sound of claws tearing through fabric and flesh. The demon lifted Rafe into the air, then literally ripped the bastard into pieces. Melinda stared in horror as chunks of the attacker’s body slapped onto the pavement.
Ramael didn’t waste any time. He latched onto one of the last two attackers and snapped his neck with a quick tug. The final thug tried to run for it, but Adrienne stuck her foot out and tripped him. There was a wet crunch as a tentacle slammed down on his skull.
