Falling For You [ Ryan Rees - Twin Paranormal ]

34

The flickering light from the television cast eerie shadows on the walls of the apartment as Winter cradled CJ. The rhythmic hum of the washing machine and the soft coos from CJ were the only sounds filling the cozy space. Winter glanced at the clock and smiled; it was just past midnight. Ryan, River, and Wyatt were still out filming their latest investigation, a haunted asylum four hours away.

Winter relished these quiet moments. Since moving in with the twins and his brother, he had found a sanctuary away from his past. And in Ryan, he had found more than just a friend—he had found love and a partner who cherished him deeply. Their journey from friendship to parenthood had been swift but full of genuine affection and support.

As Winter gently rocked CJ, he thought back to the past few months. The ultrasound appointments, and the magical moment of CJ's birth at home. Ryan had been an incredible support, always by his side, encouraging him through the long, arduous labor. And now, as he looked at their daughter, he felt a sense of peace and fulfillment he had never known.

A sudden knock on the door interrupted his reverie. Frowning, Winter stood up, carefully laying CJ in her crib. "Who could that be at this hour?" he murmured to himself. He opened the door, expecting to see Ryan, River, and Wyatt as they might be back early. Instead, his heart froze in his chest as he came face to face with his ex, Daniel.

"Hello, Winter," Daniel said, a sinister smile spreading across his face.

Before Winter could react, a cloth soaked in chloroform was pressed over his mouth and nose. He struggled, but within moments, darkness overtook him.

~

Winter awoke to a cold, hard surface beneath him. His head throbbed, and as he tried to move, he realized he was bound to a chair. Panic surged through him, and he twisted his wrists against the ropes. A faint whimper caught his attention, and he turned to see CJ lying in a makeshift crib a few feet away.

"Shh, it's okay, baby girl," Winter whispered, his voice cracking. "Papa's here."

"How touching," Daniel's voice echoed through the dimly lit warehouse. He stepped into view, his eyes gleaming with a malevolent light. "I've missed you, Winter."

"Let us go, Daniel," Winter pleaded, his voice trembling. "Please, don't hurt her."

"Oh, I have no intention of hurting her," Daniel said, his smile widening. "It's you that is the key to my experiment."

"What... what are you going to do?" Winter stammered, fear gripping his heart.

Daniel grinned. "You're going to be part of my experiment. And for now that is all I will tell you."

Winter's eyes widened in horror as Daniel injected the serum into his arm. Almost immediately, a searing pain shot through his body, and he cried out in agony. The transformation was excruciating, and Winter could feel his bones shifting and reshaping. Hours passed in a blur of pain and terror until, finally, the transformation was complete.

As he struggled to his feet, Winter caught a glimpse of his reflection in a broken mirror. A pair of wings had sprouted from his back, and a permanent antler headdress adorned his head. He looked like a creature out of a fantasy world.

But then he noticed something else. The serum had given him newfound strength and the ability to fight. He could feel it coursing through his veins, empowering him. Determined to protect Clarity and escape from Daniel, Winter summoned all his strength and prepared to confront his tormentor.

With a primal scream, Winter lunged at Daniel, his wings propelling him forward with a force he never imagined. Daniel stumbled back, shocked by Winter's newfound strength. Winter's instincts took over, and he fought with a ferocity born of desperation and love for his daughter.

After a fierce struggle, Winter overpowered Daniel, leaving him unconscious. 

Suddenly, he heard distant voices calling his name. Ryan, River, and Wyatt had found him. Relief flooded through him, but he couldn't let them see what he had become. He needed to hide.

Ryan appeared, his eyes wide with relief as he saw CJ. He rushed forward, cradling her against his chest. "CJ, thank God you're safe."

River and Wyatt stood guard, their eyes scanning the warehouse. "Winter, it's okay! We're here, you're safe now," River called out.

Winter took a deep breath, his wings trembling. He couldn't hide any longer.

Ryan's eyes widened as he took in Winter's new form. "Winter?" His voice was filled with shock and concern.

Winter's heart ached. He didn't want to hide anymore, but he was afraid. Taking a deep breath, he stepped out into the light, revealing his transformed self to the people he loved most.

Ryan turned, his eyes widening in shock as he took in Winter's new form. "Winter... What did he do to you?"

Tears welled up in Winter's eyes as he stumbled forward. "I don't know. Daniel... he did this. He injected me with something."

Ryan approached slowly, still holding CJ protectively. "Winter, it doesn't matter what you look like. You're still you, and I love you."

River and Wyatt exchanged glances, then nodded in agreement. "We're a family," Wyatt said firmly. "Nothing changes that."

Winter's heart swelled with gratitude and love. He stepped forward, wings unfurling slightly. "Thank you," he whispered. "I was so scared."

Ryan reached out, his hand gently touching Winter's face. "We'll get through this together. You're not alone."

As they embraced, Clarity stirred, her tiny hand reaching out. Winter smiled through his tears, feeling a newfound strength. No matter what he had become, he was loved and accepted. And with his family by his side, he knew they could face anything.

Surrounded by his family, Winter felt a surge of hope. They would face this new challenge together, just as they had faced everything else. Holding CJ close, Winter knew that no matter what he had become on the outside, his heart remained unchanged. And with Ryan, River, Wyatt, and CJ by his side, he could overcome anything.

As they left the warehouse, Winter felt a strange sense of freedom. His wings, once a symbol of his torment, now felt like a testament to his resilience. He was ready to embrace his new identity, not as a victim, but as a survivor.

As the initial shock subsided, Winter realized that along with his new form came a strange, powerful energy. He felt stronger, more resilient. Daniel's plan had backfired; instead of breaking him, it had given Winter the ability to fight back.

Ryan gently took his hand, their connection unbroken by Winter's transformation.