With Hell (On Radish)

Chapter One - Don't Trust a Demon

"A soul like yours; I would love to see it. What's your deepest darkest wishes? Love? Money?"

"Do I look like the kind of girl who wants to sell her soul for love or money?" I asked, raising my drink to my lips and eyeing the man besides me. The strong smell of whiskey hit my nose and a sick feeling erupted from deep in my stomach.

"Come on, sweety. Everyone wants something."

I held back an eye roll and scanned the drinks behind the bar. This poor bastard tried too hard. If he wasn't an evil son of a bitch I would probably feel bad for him. "I don't think the lady is interested." A deep voice came from behind me. I looked back to a tall dark man, his eyes set on the man next to me and a polite smile that said he was a kind and sweet stranger but if you don't do what I say I will beat you till you can't walk. It was kind of attractive in a dominance sort of way.

The man next to me glanced between myself and the new stranger and pushed away from the bar. He was clearly not pleased that this man interrupted a potential deal. When he was gone Mr. Tall, dark and handsome sat down in the now empty stool beside me. I eyed him as he ordered himself whiskey on the rocks and pulled out some money from his wallet. "Thanks, but I could have handle that fool," I said to him.

"Oh I didn't do that for you. I did it for him. Wouldn't want to see him embarrass himself when he gets his ass killed by a pretty woman like yourself. Although it would have been a sight." He winked at me and took his glass in his hand. He raised it up to me before the dark liquid disappeared down his throat. I couldn't help but stare. "Brad."

"Amelia," I replied. I didn't usually give strangers my real name but I thought he earned it. He was handsome, heroic and defiantly worth talking to. I smiled to myself. My eyes dropped to his hands that were wrapped tightly around his empty glass. They were strong and had a story behind them. Like how the wedding ring on his finger told me he had someone waiting for him at home. I sighed silently and finished my own glass. Without a second glance at Brad I hopped off the stool and headed towards the back door.

"Going so soon?" He called after me.

"Got some things I have to do."

The noise of the bar faded as I exited out the back into a dark alley. I always took this way after dark in case something wants to go bump in the night. It was quiet. Just how I liked it. The cold breeze hit me and I shuddered, wrapping my arms around my torso. I turned towards the deserted road and the light of the street lamp before stopping, the echo of footsteps behind me. I glanced behind me but saw no one. Just a dark empty alley. Alert, I continued walking until I was fully under the light. There were no people walking or cars on the road. Made sense since it was almost midnight on a week day. That's when I heard the low hum of a voice behind me. I tensed as my fingers inched towards the knife tucked into the holder on my thigh. "A little late to be walking by yourself."

I turned on my heels to a pair of yellow eyes. No facial features, not even a silhouette. Who ever it was didn't make any movement. Those eyes just stared back at me, waiting for me to respond or even make my own move. When I didn't, he sighed. "But you're not just any body, are you?" He almost glided into the light. It was so quick I hardly had time to blink. Just as fast as his face came into view my knife was in my hand.

"Damien," he said.

"I don't think I asked." Although I knew what he was, I couldn't help but notice how perfect his appearance was. His jaw line was strong and sharp, along with his cheek bones that seemed to glow in the dark. I couldn't see the shade of color in his eyes but I could only imagine the woman that fell for those deceitful eyes. I wondered how many woman's souls he stole in the whirl wind of lies he was made up of. He let out a tasteful laugh and shoved his hands into his pockets.

"Just thought I would introduce myself to a beautiful woman." He shrugged. "But if you want to get right down to it." He stepped forward and I pointed my knife at him.

"Come any further, demon, and I'll cut your throat out," I warned.

"It's Damien...And I'm not here to hurt you."

I laughed a sarcastic laugh. He didn't seem fazed by my threat. Each step he took closer to me I stepped back. I could feel my heel on the side of the curb before he talked again. "I wanna help, Amelia."

"How do you know my name?" I asked, narrowing my eyes at him.

"That's not important. Like I said, I'm here to help."

"Yeah, trust a demon? Not gonna happen." I tripped off the curb, stumbling backwards. I caught myself before falling but my knife had dropped from my hand. Before I could reach down and grab it, Damien was inches from me. My breath caught in my throat as his dark eyes burned into mine. There were no pupils. Just black. I could feel the fire burning my skin as I stare back. I wanted to scream but I could hardly breath. Suddenly a bright light circled us and a loud honk blew my ear drums. I turned as the screeching of tires echoed off the buildings. A car came to a sudden stop right in front of me. I turned back but Damien was gone. I stood in the middle of the street alone, reliving what I had felt over and over again in my head. It was like I could see and feel the tortured souls he had stolen in his lifetime.

"Move you moron!" The driver shouted. I didn't bother speaking. I turned and took off towards my car. I just wanted to get into the safety and confined space of my small car, drive home and never leave my bed again. Although I didn't feel sad, once I got into my car I set my forehead against the steering wheel and cried. I didn't know what had come over me. It was as if my emotions were altered.

Like someone controlled them.