He's A Monster

The Midnight Visit

Marshal's perspective (POV)

I sit in the chair, my legs strapped tightly to the wooden legs, heart hammering. The sterile smell of the room fills my nostrils as Alex approaches with the needle.

"It's okay, Marshal. We're almost done with the injections," Alex says gently.

I grit my teeth, biting down sharply as the cold metal pierces my neck. A burning pulse spreads through my veins, scorching and unnatural.

"Shh... calm down, now," Alex murmurs.

But the burning courses through me, radiating outward, and I hiss, "Alex!"

My back arches against the chair, nails digging into the rough wood. My nose flares as pain surges, my head flinging back involuntarily. My teeth seem to enlarge, unnatural and sharp.

"Stop..." I manage to whisper, barely in control of myself.

Danielle's perspective (POV)

"Danielle?"

"Yeah, Mom?" I sit on the couch, hugging a pillow to my chest.

"We should talk about what's happening... and what will happen," she says, her tone hesitant.

"What do you mean?" I ask cautiously.

"The boy," she blurts.

"Yes?"

"Well, a guy will stick his pe—"

"Mom, stop!" I cut her off, horror shooting through me. "Never speak of this again."

She crosses her arms, twisting to face me fully. "I just want you to be safe, hun."

"Mom..." My voice trails off. "We won't be doing that."

Or will we? My mind wanders to him: Marshal and a flush of warmth rises in my chest. Not that I'd argue with the thought of being with him.

"Well... just in case," Mom says, leaning back.

"Mom, why do you care?" I ask, exasperated.

"Honestly, I don't want to be a grandma... yet," she admits, crossing her legs.

I shake my head and stand. "Can I go to my room now?"

"Sure, hun."

The creaking stairs greet me as I ascend, the green paint worn and flaking beneath my fingers. I press my palms to my face, rubbing away the stress, and curse under my breath. That conversation... the strangest I've ever had with her. The chill of my room hits me when I open the door. My bare feet meet the wooden floor, slightly cold. I shuffle to my shelf, slipping out of my school clothes and reaching into the drawer for my nightgown.

Pulling it over my head, a breeze from the open window brushes against my skin, sending shivers down my spine. I raise my hands to rub my eyes, letting the nightgown fall to my thighs.

"Shit!"

I whirl around, heart stopping. A face is in my window.

"Marshal..." I whisper, stepping closer. My legs tremble as I bend to unlock the window. The cool night air kisses my legs as I push the window open.

"Danielle," he calls softly.

I glance up to see him perched on the tree branch outside, his hands gripping the window ledge.

"Marshal?"

"Can I come in... please?" His voice is low, almost husky, and my chest flutters.

I move aside, arms crossed nervously. "Marshal, what are you doing here?"

A brief silence. Then he climbs inside, the window closing behind him with a soft click.

"Danielle..."

"Yes?" I murmur, barely able to catch my breath.

His presence fills the small room, and I notice a faint smudge of blood on his neck. Heat radiates from him, making my heart pound.

"I want you... love," he whispers, moving closer.