Shadows Within The Past

Chapter 85: Natasha

Stumbling out of the room, Alexander spotted his gun, pocketed it, and gathered his clothes. Heading home, guilt and anxiety gnawed at his conscience. Emily's piercing gaze awaited him. "So, what were you exactly doing last night that you were so busy a girl answered your phone?" Alexander's eyes darted around. "I...uh...just hanging out, watching games, and drinking." Emily raised an eyebrow, pointing to the love bites on his neck and lipstick marks on his shirt. "At 3 AM? With lipstick and hickeys? From Marcus's sister's...birthday hug?" Alexander's face flushed. Emily cut him off, her voice firm. "Save it, Alexander. I saw Marcus's text. You left with Natasha. Who is she?" Alexander's world crumbled.

Emily's eyes narrowed. "Don't make me wait." Alexander's guilt was palpable. He knew the gig was up. Natasha's seductive smile flashed in his mind, "You're mine, Alexander. Forever." Alexander's anxiety spiked. How would he escape this mess?

Alexander took a deep breath and revealed the truth. "Emily, Natasha is...unstable. She's obsessed with me, thinks I'm hers. I tried to end it, but she won't let go."

Emily's expression softened slightly, concern replacing anger. "What do you mean 'obsessed'?"

Alexander hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. "She shows up everywhere, calls constantly, and...does things to make me feel guilty. I've tried to distance myself, but she won't give up."

Emily's eyes widened. "That's stalking! Why didn't you tell me?"

Alexander shrugged. "I didn't want to worry you. I thought I could handle it."

Emily's voice turned firm. "We'll handle it together now. We'll file a restraining order and—"

Alexander's phone buzzed, interrupting Emily. Natasha's name flashed on the screen.

Emily's confusion deepened as she stepped out of the room. Natasha's sultry voice echoed through the phone, "Daddy, how was last night? Did you like my marks?" Alexander's forced enthusiasm sent Emily's instincts screaming. "Yeah, very much! I'm thinking to meet at the end of the city, near that farm. Would you come?" Natasha purred, "Finally, I made you mine. What time?" Alexander's smile grew menacing as he confirmed, "5 PM."

Emily's eyes widened witnessing Alexander's transformation. His smirk sent shivers down her spine. She retreated, unsure what to do. Alexander's eyes gleamed with intensity, checking his loaded gun. "Alexander, what's going on?" Emily whispered, trembling. Alexander's piercing gaze met hers. "You shouldn't have seen that, Emily. For your own safety, stay out of this." Emily's heart raced. "What are you planning to do?" Alexander's cold expression chilled her. "Ending this nightmare. Once and for all." Emily pleaded, "Alexander, no! You can't hurt her!"

Alexander ignored Emily's pleas and left. Time crawled as Emily waited, anxiety building. Alexander returned, expression vacant, and Emily's fear turned to horror. "What have you done, Alexander?" she asked cautiously. Alexander's flat tone sent chills. "It's done."

Emily's eyes widened, shocked by Alexander's nonchalance. "You killed her?" she whispered. Alexander shrugged, his expression chilling. "And that's all in a day's work, kiddo. I've killed countless people. She was a threat, Emily. A danger to us all." Emily trembled, "But...the police, the law—" Alexander's cold tone sent shivers. "I've taken care of it. No evidence, no trail. My connections will handle it." Emily's curiosity got the better of her. "What connections, Uncle?" Alexander's mysterious smile hinted at secrets. "Powerful friends, kiddo. Now, let's move on. This never happened."

As they walked away, Emily's thoughts reeled. She knew her uncle's influence was vast, but this was terrifying. "What about Natasha's family? Won't they search for her?" Alexander's hardened gaze silenced her. "They won't dare. They know better." Emily shivered, realizing the depth of Alexander's power and darkness.

Suddenly, Alexander's phone buzzed. "Ah, business call," he said, answering. Emily's ears perked up, catching snippets. "Yes, sir...the situation is handled...no loose ends." Alexander's words confirmed her worst fears.

Emily cornered Alexander, hands on hips. "Uncle, you're scarier than Don Corleone! Spill the beans." Alexander smirked. "Let's just say I'm in 'waste management.'" Emily rolled her eyes. "Save it, Uncle. I've seen The Godfather." Alexander chuckled. "You're clever, kiddo." But Emily wouldn't back down. "What about Natasha? And those 'powerful friends'?" Alexander's expression turned serious. "Drop it, Emily. For your own good."

Alexander's eyes darkened, his voice menacing. "I never wanted this life, but Ethan convinced me. Father's empire became my playground." Emily listened, horrified, as Alexander's words spilled out like poison. "Torture, manipulation, exploitation...I did it all. The Devil, they call me." Alexander's gaze locked onto Emily's, pleading for understanding. "I'm trapped, kiddo. Ethan's grip is tight. But with you, I feel human again."

Emily's heart wrestled with empathy and disgust. "Alexander, how can you justify—" Alexander cut her off, cold and hard. "No justification, Emily. I'm a monster. But with you, I change." Emily's determination sparked. "Okay, Uncle. Let's get you out of this mess!"

Alexander's voice dropped to a whisper. "People I kill fit into five categories: those who cross me, threaten what's mine, harm my loved ones, betray me, or declare themselves my enemies."

Emily's eyes widened, her mind racing. "That's a long list, Uncle."

Alexander's gaze hardened. "You'd be surprised how often those lines are crossed."

Emily's thoughts turned to Natasha. "What happened to her?"

Alexander's expression turned cold. "She fell into every category."

Emily shivered, sensing the darkness within Alexander.

"Can you ever forgive yourself?" Emily asked softly.

Alexander's eyes searched hers. "That's why I need you, kiddo. You see the real me, not The Devil."

Suddenly, his eyes turned beet red, and he stumbled backward.

"Alexander, what's wrong?" Emily cried, alarmed.

Alexander's face contorted in pain. "My past...it's catching up."

His body began to transform - his eyes turned a deep crimson, and his skin took on a dark, scaled texture.

"Alexander, no!" Emily screamed, trembling.

Alexander's voice grew menacing. "Run, Emily. I don't want to hurt you."

But Emily stood firm. "I won't leave you, Uncle."

As Alexander's transformation intensified, Emily wrapped her arms around him. Her love and determination sparked a counter-transformation.

Alexander's eyes returned to normal, and his skin regained its natural hue.

"Emily...you saved me, in this situation earlier I would have only killed people" Alexander whispered, awestruck.

Emily's eyes sparkled with tears. "I love you, Uncle. Please stop doing bad things."

Alexander's expression softened, his voice filled with conviction. "I promise, kiddo. I'll try."

He kissed her cheeks, his lips warm and gentle.

"For you, Emily, I'll leave the past behind."

Emily smiled, hope filling her heart.

"Thank you, Uncle."

Alexander's gaze locked onto hers.

"I'll make you proud, Emily. I swear."