Destruction, Denial and Devotion

Prologue: New Orleans [Part 1]

 December 21, 2013, 1:08 AM

Lauren could feel the danger, a mixture of overcooked pizza and swear gunk.

The alleys in New Orleans were anything but clean, its inhabitants crooked, walking down the wrong path, a dark place that held no good ending in sight.

It was late. Her job, which ended deep in the middle of the night, had ended late due to the fact it was her turn to close.

She huddled together, pulling her jacket closer to her body, trying to protect herself from the cold, harsh wind. It was futile as her small body shook, the wind seeping into her jacket, and freezing her to the bone.

The nights in this part of town were pretty bad-well, if you consider death being bad. Markus had always called her an omen, a portent, something she wish she wasn't, but even she couldn't deny it. She had a clear view of what she was, a burden to every person she's ever met. It wouldn't have been all that bad if she was mugged, no one would miss her.

Walking faster, she tried to ignore the footsteps behind her. She couldn't cry, not here, not now.

But would death really be all that bad, her nightmare would end, and maybe even someone like her would be granted peace, not that she believed in it, let alone bet on it enough to end her life.

The footsteps behind her were slapping hard and heavy against the ground, resonating through the alley's walls, making a cringing noise.

It was the cracking sound of death.

She turned the corner making a sprint towards her house that was only a measly three blocks away. In reality it wasn't too far, but it felt like miles away, barely out of her grasp.

Lauren thought she could get there quickly, but she didn't think that she would run into another obstacle.

He was blond, with raggedy hair, and strange piercing, with gray eyes that gleamed with insanity.

She let out a piercing scream as she fell to the ground in fright, her bottom colliding with the wet concrete. Tears started to spill from her eyes, fast and without restraint, she sobbed.

"No, please." She wiped her eyes, with the hem of her cold jacket, the chill of it almost freezing her tears.

He bent down to her level, looking into her blue eyes, having a field day with his catch. His lips bent into a smirk, he thought himself as one lucky bastard. "Don't worry princess. We're just going to have a little fun, and then I'm going to take good care of you." He smiled wickedly, his vicious intent clear to her.

He gripped her with both of his hands, clasping his fingers around her thin wrists. She tried to wriggle free, lashing in his grip, pulling her wrist away from him, but he was stronger than her, albeit the testosterone probably helped.

He pulled her along through the alley to a door, the rustic, fading copper of the door showed its survival through the wet storm of a hurricane. The building had a lot of character, something she would usually be interested in, but not today. She didn't want to find out what laid inside the building.

With one last pull he threw her inside, still clinging onto her white wrists.

The gray building looked like an old abandon warehouse, old, broken machines left and chains hanging from beams above, although she could tell that it wasn't technically abandoned. There were five inhabitants, all vigilantes that planned on bring her deeper into hell, branding her with another awful memory.

"Ha, look what the cat dragged in. Oh, and that is one fine piece of meat you got there, brother." He was leaned back in his chair, arm hanging over the back as he glanced at Lauren and Riley.

Lauren hardly believed they were brothers, the boy sitting in the chair had no resemblance to the guy holding her captive, with dark hair, and a broken nose that slopped down, making him look French.

Riley pulled her head back by her golden locks, forcing her chest out. "She's a beauty, ain't she?"

"I hope your offering to share, Riles. It wouldn't be nice of you to bring something as nice as that in here just for me to look." The guy stood up from his chair, tall and lanky, a good six or seven inches taller than Lauren. His jeans hugged his legs, ready to play with Lauren.

The other guys just sat there amused, chatting away, highly interested in her, but more patient than their other friend.

"Now, Rick, why would I be so cruel?" Riley smirked, twisting her arm back, getting her to groan in pain.

Rick and Riley walked towards each other, Riley pushing Lauren in front of him.

When she stood in front of Rick, he cupped her face in his hands. She noticed how dirty his hands were, dirt stuck under his nails that were currently probing her face.

He smirked at her, when she cringed away from his touch. This was all too easy. "Don't worry, darling. It won't hurt..." he paused for a second, "...much."

Just when Rick was about to torture the poor soul, the door slammed open.

What the hell?

Rick wondered who could possibly be here, all of them were here. Then he concluded something. Riley was followed. "Idiot," he spat at Riley, throwing the girl to the side.

Turning on the ground to see who was at the door, surprised Lauren.

It was the last person she expected. It was shocking that he of all the people were here, she swore that he hated her, disgusted with her. Unless she was imagining how he ignored her very presence in class, even though they were lab partners. It was a great experience, doing a lab without communication.

It was the notorious Desmond Hale, standing in all his perfect glory, donning a black leather jacket.

Please vote and comment.

Tell me what you like or don't like about it.

Watch out for Markus, he is important later on. As for the vigilantes, you might see Rick again, not sure yet.

Please comment. This story is special to me, and I hope to make it better for you.

Enjoy!!