Next chapter update on the Friday 14th March. I enjoyed writing it, I hope you enjoy reading it.
The city throbbed with a frenetic energy, a vibrant pulse that defied the late hour. Midnight felt more like midday, the streets teeming with life, neon signs blazing against the dark canvas of the night sky. The air hummed with the sounds of traffic, music spilling from open doorways, and the murmur of countless conversations. Tod, a blur of motion, expertly weaved his car through the chaotic traffic, his foot pressed firmly on the accelerator. Maggie, her hair whipping in the wind, screamed out of the open car window, her laughter echoing through the streets, a wild, uninhibited sound.
They embarked on a reckless tour of the city's nightlife, stopping at every bar they encountered, downing shots of whatever potent concoction they could get their hands on. For supernaturals like them, getting drunk was a near impossibility—a frustrating, almost ironic perk of their kind. Alcohol barely touched them, their enhanced metabolisms instantly processing and neutralizing its effects. Still, it wasn't about getting drunk. It was about the thrill of the chase, the abandon, the fleeting illusion of normalcy, of shedding the weight of their supernatural existence.
For Maggie, it was like recapturing a lost youth, a chance to relive the carefree days of being eighteen, sneaking out to parties, and living recklessly, without a care in the world. It was a rebellion against the constraints of her life, a brief escape from the responsibilities and anxieties that weighed heavily on her shoulders. In the back of her mind, a small voice whispered, wishing she were home, safe in her mother's arms, enveloped by her love and protection. But she'd made her choices, taken this leap of faith, and there was no turning back now.
As they pulled up to a red light, the car idling impatiently, Maggie's attention was drawn to a massive billboard stretching across the road, dominating the urban landscape. "El' Vucci Fashion," it proclaimed in bold, glamorous lettering, the words shimmering under the city lights. Beneath the name, a striking image of a man, radiating confidence and charisma. He stood with his arms crossed, a measuring tape draped casually around his neck, and a soft, practiced smile playing on his lips.
Maggie recognized him instantly. It was her father. A wave of complex emotions washed over her—a mixture of longing, resentment, and a flicker of hope. Even in the carefully posed photo, she could see it in his eyes, a subtle hint of weariness, a longing for something more. He didn't want to be there, in front of the camera, the face of the brand. He wanted to be behind the scenes, in his studio, surrounded by fabrics and designs, crafting and creating, bringing his visions to life. He was too good at what he did, his talent undeniable, and the irony of his success had forced him into the spotlight, a role he clearly never wanted.
"You a fan?" Tod's voice cut through her thoughts, pulling her back to the present. He had noticed how intently she was staring at the billboard, his eyes narrowing with curiosity.
She hesitated for a moment, gathering her composure, before replying, keeping her voice casual, trying to mask the turmoil within her. "Oh, it's nothing. Just my dad." The casualness of her tone belied the storm raging inside her.
Tod nearly choked on his laughter, his eyes widening in surprise. "Wait, what? Your dad? You mean the owner of Vucci?!" He grinned, a playful glint in his eyes. "Well, who's royalty now?" He was teasing her, but there was also a genuine curiosity in his voice.
"Come on," Maggie muttered, rolling her eyes, trying to deflect his attention. "I haven't seen him in twelve years. It's not that special." She tried to downplay the significance of the billboard, but her voice lacked conviction.
Tod's grin softened into something more thoughtful, his expression becoming more serious. "Twelve years? He's in the city now. I could take you to him." He offered the suggestion gently, sensing the conflict within her.
Her stomach churned, a knot of anxiety tightening in her gut. She sank back into the seat, the leather cool against her skin. The alcohol wasn't helping; it was just exacerbating her nervousness. Seeing her father again after 12 years? The thought paralyzed her, filling her with a mix of dread and longing. What would she even say? How could she explain her absence, the choices she had made?
Hi, I'm your daughter. I ran away from my mom to find you. The words seemed inadequate, almost absurd. No one would believe her. She doubted he'd even recognize her. She was no longer the child he remembered.
"You okay?" Tod's voice pulled her back from the precipice of her thoughts. He reached out a hand towards her, a gesture of comfort and support, but she flinched, pulling away instinctively.
"Why do you always do that?" he asked, a hint of frustration creeping into his tone. He was confused by her constant push-pull dynamic, her willingness to connect followed by an abrupt withdrawal.
"Do what?" she asked, her voice defensive.
"Pull away, like I'm some kind of monster." His words were sharp, laced with hurt.
"It's nothing," she replied quickly, avoiding his gaze.
"No, it's not." His voice hardened, his patience wearing thin. "If you don't want me around, just say it—"
Before he could finish his sentence, Maggie leaned in, her lips crashing against his. The kiss caught him off guard, his eyes widening in surprise, but he didn't hesitate to kiss her back. It was a desperate kiss, fueled by a mix of fear, longing, and a desire to escape the reality of the situation. She wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer as if trying to drown out her doubts and anxieties in the heat of the moment.
The blaring horn of the car behind them shattered the bubble they'd created, jolting them back to reality.
"Shit!" Tod cursed, pulling away from the kiss, his eyes flashing with annoyance. He slammed his foot on the gas pedal, the car lurching forward, speeding through the now-green light, leaving the moment of intimacy behind them.
Maggie sat back in her seat, the leather cool against her skin, her heart racing. But her accelerated pulse had little to do with Tod's reckless driving, though that certainly contributed to the overall sense of heightened reality. Her mind was replaying the image of her father's face on the billboard, the forced smile, the weariness in his eyes. The encounter, or lack thereof, had stirred up a whirlwind of emotions she hadn't expected. She was no longer the child who had run away twelve years ago. She was a woman now, albeit one still grappling with the complexities of her past and the uncertainties of her future. The city lights blurred past her, a kaleidoscope of colors reflecting the turmoil within her.
**************************************
Tod and Maggie practically burst through the front door of her apartment, their hands locked together in an unrelenting grip, as if letting go would shatter the fragile magic of the moment. The door slammed against the wall with a resounding thud, the sound echoing through the quiet hallway, but neither of them cared. The world outside, the city's noise and chaos, faded into insignificance. His hand was firm on her waist, pulling her close, their bodies almost touching, while her fingers tangled in the hair at the back of his neck, her touch both possessive and tender. Their lips met in a heated, urgent kiss, each movement growing more desperate and hungry, a physical manifestation of the unspoken desires that had been simmering between them.
"You're so hot," Maggie breathed against his lips, barely breaking away for a moment before he captured her mouth again, their kiss deepening, becoming more insistent.
Without a word, Tod scooped her up effortlessly, his strength surprising her. She gasped and laughed, her arms clinging tightly to him as he carried her up the staircase, her legs dangling playfully. His strides were quick and determined, fueled by the passion that surged through him. The world around them faded into irrelevance; it was just them—two people consumed by the undeniable, magnetic pull between them, a connection that transcended the ordinary.
At the top of the stairs, Tod kicked open her bedroom door with such force that it slammed against the wall, the sound echoing through the small apartment. He carried her to the bed and, with surprising gentleness for someone so driven by passion, laid her down. Maggie, however, wasn't in the mood for subtlety. She grabbed his shirt, yanking him down on top of her, their lips finding each other once again in an almost frantic kiss, the urgency between them palpable.
Her hands moved quickly, tugging at the hem of his shirt and sliding it off his shoulders, revealing the toned muscles beneath. His fingers found the delicate zipper of her dress, and she arched her back slightly to make it easier for him. The fabric slid down her arms and torso, pooling on the floor, leaving her exposed beneath him, her skin glowing in the soft light of the room.
For a brief moment, Tod froze, pulling back slightly to look at her. His breathing was ragged, his chest rising and falling heavily as he took her in, his eyes filled with a mixture of desire and tenderness. She looked up at him, her hair splayed across the pillow like a dark halo, her lips swollen from their passionate kisses, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.
"Are you sure about this?" he asked, his voice low and gravelly, a hint of uncertainty in his tone. He wanted to make sure she was completely comfortable with what was about to happen.
Maggie's eyes sparkled with mischief and something deeper, a vulnerability that mirrored his own. "Just shut up and kiss me," she replied, her tone a mixture of impatience and desire, her words leaving no room for doubt. She reached up, pulling him back down to her, their bodies meeting once again.
Their lips collided once more, the kiss carrying with it all the intensity of the emotions they had been holding back for so long. It wasn't just about lust, though there was plenty of that; it was about the connection they had built, the unspoken feelings that had finally come to the surface, the shared vulnerability that had drawn them together.
The room was quiet except for the sound of their breathing, ragged and uneven, and the occasional rustle of fabric as they shed the last barriers between them. For the first time in what felt like forever, neither of them was running—not from their past, their pain, or their fears. In this moment, they were simply together, present in the moment, letting the world fall away, lost in the intimacy they shared.
"Someone seems to have had a good time," Melinda teased as Maggie descended the stairs the following morning, a playful smirk on her face.
Maggie wore an oversized black T-shirt with "Rock Island" printed boldly on the front, a souvenir from one of their late-night adventures. The shirt fell just above her knees, revealing long, toned legs. Her radiant smile, the glow in her eyes, hinted at the great mood she was in, a contentment that radiated from within. She walked lazily toward Melinda, who was helping herself to a piece of toast, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filling the air. Maggie plopped into the chair across from her, throwing her legs onto the table, her carefree attitude evident.
Melinda, dressed in her pink pajamas dotted with little white ducks and a pair of bunny slippers, raised an eyebrow, her expression a mixture of amusement and curiosity. "Come on, spill the tea. How was it?" she asked, pushing Maggie's legs off the table so she could sit upright, eager to hear all the details.
"Ew, no. I'm not going to tell you about Mr. Sexcapades," Maggie replied, rolling her eyes dramatically, a playful smirk tugging at the corners of her lips. The memory of the previous night's passionate encounter still sent a shiver of excitement through her.
As if summoned by her words, Tod appeared at the top of the stairs, strolling down with casual ease, radiating an effortless charm. He was shirtless, revealing his toned physique, wearing a pair of baggy grey sweatpants and Crocs, an unexpectedly domestic look that somehow only amplified his attractiveness.
"Good morning," he greeted, his voice warm and inviting, heading straight for the table where breakfast was laid out. He leaned over to kiss Maggie on the lips, a brief but passionate exchange, and she kissed him back, her hand instinctively running through his messy hair, a gesture of affection and intimacy.
Melinda let out an exaggerated throat-clearing sound, her eyes widening in mock disapproval. "Ehem! Trying to make me jealous?" she asked, her tone half-joking, but with a definite undercurrent of playful teasing.
"Maybe," Maggie replied, smirking as she reached for the bacon sandwich on the table, her appetite suddenly ravenous.
Tod poured himself a glass of orange juice, the vibrant color contrasting with his casual attire, and grabbed some French toast, the sweet aroma filling the air. Melinda, meanwhile, pulled a bowl of cereal closer, the mix of yogurt and strawberries catching her attention. "I should try this," she said, taking a spoonful and letting out a satisfied hum. "Oh, this is good!"
"Save some for me!" Maggie called out, hopping off her chair, her movements quick and energetic.
"Not until you put on some proper clothes," Melinda shot back with a grin, her eyes twinkling with amusement.
Maggie blushed slightly, realizing the near-nudity of her attire, but lunged playfully at Melinda, trying to snatch the cereal bowl. Melinda, however, held it high out of reach, laughing as Maggie struggled, their playful banter filling the room with warmth and laughter.
"Babe?" Tod's voice interrupted the chaos, his tone casual but carrying a hint of seriousness.
Both women froze, their playful wrestling coming to an abrupt halt, turning to him in unison, their expressions mirroring each other's confusion. "Babe?" they echoed, the word foreign and unexpected.
Tod blushed slightly, a rare display of shyness, looking away for a moment before clearing his throat. "Don't you think it's a good time to tell her?" he asked, directing the question toward Maggie, his gaze shifting nervously.
"Tell me what?" Melinda's eyes narrowed as she set the cereal bowl back on the table, her playful demeanor replaced by a look of suspicion.
Maggie fidgeted, tugging at the hem of her oversized T-shirt, her earlier confidence wavering. "I have… I mean, we decided that I'm going to see my dad today. And, um, I'll get his permission to move in with Tod…" She rushed the words, her voice barely above a whisper.
"What?" Melinda's voice was sharp, laced with disbelief.
"Permanently," Maggie quickly added, the word hanging in the air, heavy with unspoken implications.
Melinda blinked, her mind struggling to process what she'd just heard. She looked at Tod, who avoided her gaze, his attention focused on the table, and then at Maggie, who was nervously staring at the floor, drawing circles with her toe, her discomfort palpable.
"Give us a minute," Melinda said firmly, her voice leaving no room for argument. She grabbed Maggie's arm, her touch surprisingly gentle despite the firmness of her words, and pulled her out of the dining area, away from Tod's presence.
Without sparing a glance at Tod, she marched Maggie down the hallway, her footsteps determined, pushed open the door to an empty room, and gestured inside with a flick of her wrist.
"Get in," she ordered, her tone brooking no argument.
Maggie stepped inside slowly, her earlier playful energy replaced by a mix of guilt and nervousness. She turned to face her friend, her eyes pleading. "Before you say anything, please hear me out," Maggie pleaded, her voice soft but insistent.
Melinda stared at her, her one arm hanging loosely at her side, her expression unreadable. If she still had both arms, Maggie was certain they'd be crossed over her chest in that familiar look of disapproval.
"Go on," Melinda said, her tone guarded, her body language conveying a sense of skepticism.
"I've never felt this way before, Mel. I've never been this free, this happy," Maggie began, her voice filled with a genuine emotion.
Melinda's expression hardened, her features tightening. "Come on, Maggie, you just met the dude yesterday. He could be a serial killer. Or worse—a hunter. You never know." Her words were blunt, fueled by a protective instinct.
"Seriously, Mel? A serial killer?" Maggie asked, incredulous, her voice laced with disbelief.
"Maggie, that's not the point," Melinda snapped, her patience wearing thin. "You have to understand that I don't trust this guy. He looks too…"
"Nice? Good-looking? Rich? What's the word, Mel? Just say it," Maggie interrupted, her frustration bubbling to the surface.
Melinda sighed heavily, her shoulders slumping slightly. "Listen, I know you're old enough to make your own decisions, but this is too soon. Come on, give it a break. Take some time to think about it." Her voice softened slightly, a hint of concern creeping in.
Before Maggie could respond, a knock on the door interrupted them, the sound echoing through the quiet room. Both women turned toward the sound, their eyes widening in surprise.
"Maggie?" Tod's voice, muffled by the closed door, came from the other side.
"Just give me a minute," Maggie called back, her voice slightly strained, before turning back to Melinda, her expression softening.
"I know you're just trying to look out for me, and I appreciate it. I really do," Maggie said firmly, her voice sincere. She reached out and took Melinda's hand, squeezing it gently. "But you don't have to. I've already made my decision." She stepped closer and kissed Melinda on the cheek, a quick, affectionate gesture, trying to soften the impact of her words and reassure her friend.
She rushed to the door and opened it, revealing Tod leaning casually against the frame, his easy smile radiating charm and confidence. He glanced past Maggie and gave Melinda a small, polite wave, his eyes lingering on her for a moment longer than necessary.
"We're going shopping. Do you need anything?" Tod asked, his tone light and friendly, but his gaze remained fixed on Maggie.
Melinda's gaze shifted between the two of them, her eyes narrowing slightly when they landed on Tod. A prickling sensation ran down her spine, an unease she couldn't quite explain. Her witch instincts, honed over years of experience, screamed at her that something was off about Tod, something that didn't quite add up. They'd never failed her before, and she wasn't about to start ignoring them now, especially when Maggie's well-being was at stake. Maggie had always been there for her, a fierce protector when she needed it most. Now, it was her turn to keep Maggie safe, to shield her from whatever danger she sensed lurking beneath Tod's charming facade.
"I'm coming with you," Melinda announced abruptly, her voice leaving no room for argument. She brushed past Maggie, her shoulder intentionally slamming into Tod's as she passed, a clear and deliberate message, a physical manifestation of her distrust.
Tod winced slightly at the impact, his smile faltering for a fraction of a second, but he quickly recovered, maintaining his composure. He kept his smile, though it appeared strained, when Melinda turned back to look at him, her eyes narrowed, her expression a silent warning.
She didn't say a word, but her lips moved, mouthing a silent message that hung heavy in the air.
I'm watching you.
Tod gave her a small, almost imperceptible nod, acknowledging her warning, but the tension in the air was undeniable, thick enough to cut with a knife. Melinda wasn't going to let Maggie walk into danger—not without a fight. She would be there, a silent guardian, watching Tod's every move, ready to intervene if necessary.