Object of Desire

Prologue

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The eyes of a demonic man, the undeniable power in each and every word, and the alluring scent that pooled from his being, it was something that had captivated me from the moment I saw him. It was unlike myself to be so drawn to someone, to nearly lose control in front of what could have been thousands and want to give into what I truly wanted. Even with those who would meet me in the darkness of night, I had never felt the same way with them that I had tonight. They were just bodies, a means to an end, my dinner when I see fit or a sexual transaction. It was all moot now, fallen on deaf ears and senses. From the first moment of eye contact, to him pressing a soft and so tender kiss on the back of my hand... I was entranced.

Even now, as I stood in the brightly lit petrol station, I tried to erase what I had been feeling for the last hour since the show had ended. My mind was ruthless, replaying the scene over and over for me again as the man reached out, his skull painted features etching into my very being. I had never seen anyone like him, so graceful and controlled, yet his outer being reflecting that of darker intent. In some way, I could see part of myself in himself. A life of deception through a facade, preaching about the darker world, yet having an enchanting face while doing so.

I had always made it a point to stay a reasonable distance between those I had intense feelings for, to save face and protect those who I could truly care about. Though, they were few and far between, I still made careful and cautious choices in how I pursued. Keep a fair distance, separate completely, and forget. You'd think it would be easy, given the fact that he was the head of a rather popular band and would never go for someone in the crowds of his concerts. However, as I poured the frigid soft drink into my cup, I couldn't remove him from my mind.

In hopes to ease the hunger that growled deeply within me, I opted for sugar and ice. It was a temporary solution to my issue, just enough to get me through the drive home until I could finally unleash. Newer chaos had rung from the outside, many people who occupied the inside of the station had bust out of the front doors and gathered in the parking lot. Yelling, hooting and hollering had filled the once calm atmosphere. I was well aware of the occasional petrol station fights, and decided to stay safe in the store itself. If there was a fight after a concert, especially where alcohol was served, then there was sure to be blood. And where I'm already feeling quite ravenous, inside is where I shall stay.

The front doors opened once more, the bell going off as the ruckus outside had died down. I paid little mind as I finished filling my cup and then moving to Eliza's. She was passed out, and rightfully so, these shows always take a lot out of her. Once I'm done here, I will retrieve our snacks, pay, and be on our way back home. A new presence made itself known next to me, my body moving unconsciously as I made room for the being. They grabbed a cup, filled it with ice, and then reached his arm over underneath the dispenser right in front of me.

"Sorry, I will be out of your way in just a moment." I glanced up, an odd aspect in their features catching me off guard.

"It is no problem at all," he replied, my body fully turning to face him, "I was hoping to see you again anyways." He beamed widely, his smudged paint reflecting off of the overhead lighting.

Black, slicked back hair, skull face paint, white leather gloves, and Heterochromic eyes that bore holes into my damp skin. I could never forget them, a single sage colored eye and the other white, the pupil barely a black speck in the milky space. My gasp was uncontrolled, each of the cups in my hands crashing to the ground and breaking on impact. The man glanced down to the floor, the sticky syrup already spreading towards his tennis shoes and daring to touch.

"I-I am so s-sorry!" I burst, grabbing some napkins from the dispenser and falling to the floor. I hardly cared for the pain as I hit the cement, and cared even less as the soda seeped in through my jeans.

"Do not worry, they are just sneakers." He grabbed some too, kneeling down and helping me clean up the mess I had made.

    "Still, it's the precedent." I wiped the floor frantically, the terrible paper in my hands only pushing the liquid around more.

    "Do I appear mad?" He questioned, his offended tone causing me to look directly into him. There was no doubt in what I was seeing, it was the lead singer. Not many people have that face— the very face that never left my mind the moment I saw it.

    "N-No, but-"

    "But nothing," he interrupted, cleaning the floor with one final sweep and tossing the rest of the tissues away, "I would be more upset if you said you did not enjoy the show." His smile turned into a smirk as he extended his hand down to me.

    "So," I took hold, his strength surprising me some as he lifted me back to my feet with minimal effort, "you are him?" His hand wrapped firmly around mine, bringing it closer to his mouth and pressing a familiar kiss against the back.

    "Terzo," he glanced up from my hand, "the one and only." He backed away slightly, still keeping our embrace tight.

    "I-I..." I felt my heart leap into my throat, all sensing being thrown off and melding with natural pheromones. As he spoke his name aloud, all feelings had returned and made my disposition weaken further. "The show, it was..." my eyes scanned his face, watching as he angled his head closer in wait for my answer. "It was great, truly." I released a laugh as I replied, his expression all the more pleased.

    "Grazie, bella strega." He bowed slightly, his other hand stretching out towards a group who had just made themselves known to me now.

    If Terzo was frightening, then a whole fleet of masked soldiers had been all the more terrifying. There had to be six, or seven of them, it was hard to tell as they moved and weaved between one another. They were the very ones who had accompanied Terzo on stage, playing the instruments and performing for the crowd.

    "You all did wonderfully." I nodded to them, only getting a few nods back and thankful grunts.

   "So polite and considerate, isn't she?" He asked his Ghouls, all of them agreeing a bit louder this time. "I am sure it is a night you will never forget, yes?" His free hand clasped down on my waist, bringing me in closer without much warning.

"I-I think it would be impossible, e-especially now." My words came out broken, all composure shattering the moment he gave me more clearance to his scent. A musky, metallic essence that was tainted with powdery rose. It drew me in all the more, my hands falling to his chest in attempts to pry some space between us.

"Would you like to make it a night you truly won't forget." His face drew closer, warm and enchanting breath mixing with my own as his lips were only an inch from mine. He played this game quite well, that obvious by the tremble in my knees.

"I..." yes yes yes yes, "I would love to... but, my friend." I glanced back towards the window, the parking lot more empty than before. It was as if the whole world faded away.

"She can come too," he replied quickly, his voice causing me to look back to him, "but, she will not be getting the same attention as you." He moved his hand to my face, angling my head in the perfect degree to kiss me.

"I want to say yes, but I really should be getting us home." I tried to break the news as cautiously as I could. Even if doing what he alluded to was everything I could have wanted, there was no telling what would happen if we were alone. I would be safe, but he may not be. "We have to work in the morning."

"Ah," his grip loosened some, still keeping me in his space but enough to know his true disappointment, "that is a shame." He sighed and finally released before reaching into his sweatshirt pocket, pulling out a small card and offering it to me. "You should take this."

I snatched the card with a slight hesitation, unsure of what it actually was. Of course, it was just a business card, but it seemed far more official than expected.

"In need of guidance? Lost in the ways of religion? Want to rebel? Join us."

    A faded link was listed on the back of the card, a fairly similar insignia to the one Eliza had tattooed on her arm presented on each side, embossed in gold film. I ran my thumb over the raised paper, small vibrations ringing back through to me before I glanced up.

    Terzo was gone. They were all gone.