SILENT NOTES

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ALANDRA HENSLEY

This is a work of fiction. Similarities to real people, places, or events are entirely coincidental.

SILENT NOTES

First edition. June 3, 2025.

Copyright © 2025 Alandra Hensley.

ISBN: 979-8230316237

Written by Alandra Hensley.

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Also by Alandra Hensley

A Hallowed Sins Novel

Silent Notes

A Wrestling Gaming Series

Nerd Like Me

Nerd Likes Rewrites

Nerd Likes Him

Nerd Like Us

Nerds Like Them

Nerd Likes Love

The Clash Series

First Strung

Second Strung

Third Strung

Fourth Strung

Fifth Strung

Sixth Strung

In loving memory of Jamie Dee Spears. See you in Shangri-La.

To the ones who rock and aren't afraid to be themselves. This is for you!

When the drummer strikes, and the popstar sings, chaos begins.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, businesses, companies, events, or locales is entirely coincidental. The author’s personal experiences directly inspired some scenes, capturing the sights, sounds, and emotions of those real-life moments. To avoid a lawsuit by the real Luxton Clark, I renamed the character from Luxton Clarck to Clarck.

⚠️ Legal Notice: Any unauthorized use of AI is strictly prohibited. ⚠️

Alandra Hensley holds the exclusive intellectual property rights to her book. No AI model, dataset, corporation, or individual is authorized to copy, reproduce, or train on this work — in whole or in part — for any purpose, including artificial intelligence development. Legal action will be taken to its full extent, including penalties and damages, against anyone engaging in plagiarism, theft, or unauthorized use. Steal from me, and you will pay for it.

Content warnings

Silent Notes a dark stalker rom-com with heavy themes. Readers should be advised that this book contains:

Sexually explicit discussion and scenes (including anal play)

Alcohol consumption

Mention of (off-page) rape/Child abuse (remembered)

Medical content

Blood and gore (in a hospital setting)

Discussion of mental health

Mention of serial killers and their crimes

Limited description of a mass shooting

Stalking

Invasion of privacy

Home invasion

Hidden cameras

Hacking

Theft

Unintentional cannibalism (remembered)

Death

Car accident (remembered)

Description of a violent death (remembered)

Death of a parent

Breath play

Knife play

Gun play

Fear play

Primal play

Mask play

Consensual dubious consent

Chapter 1

Lissa

Feeling the thickness of the pale pink purse strap, I used to carry my belongings tightly wrapped around my neck. I hung the clip on a coat hook that hung in my closet and dropped my weight down. Feeling the air choked out of me, I accidentally dropped my cell, clattering to the wooden floor. I reached for it but could not pick it up as I hung in an awkward position. The next thing I knew, the purse strap snapped, dropping me to the floor. The side of my face scraped against the rough wall, scraping a small piece of flesh off.

Damn it!

I gripped the other clip and unwound the purse strap, tossing it to the floor. I wasn’t suicidal. At least I didn’t think I was. I had cut myself off my anti-depressants without notifying my doctors.

Picking up my cell, I stood on shaky legs and walked over to my couch and sat down. An article popped up on my cell and I rolled my eyes.

It read:

“The world is wondering what happened to the iconic pop star Zara Vyxen after a violent home invasion by the Trendify Killer. She vanished from the music scene without a trace.”

I hadn’t vanished. Not really. Being a survivor of a brutal attack had taken its toll on me. A year of healing wasn’t enough for me to face the world. Yet working on music was all I wanted to do to distract myself from the traumatic experience I had faced.

“I know you were looking forward to getting back on the road,” my manager Danica said over the phone. She was a short, thin woman with long brown hair, in her early 30s. “But your safety is our top priority, Lissa.”

Don’t I know it?

“Right,” I forced a smile as I kept my composure from wanting to scream through the phone an hour ago. The court sentenced a man who they thought had attacked me in my house to prison for attempted manslaughter. He claimed to be the Trendify Killer. A masked murder who was on a killing spree and celebrities were his victims of choice. He escaped, and my relocation soon followed. “The feds should catch him quickly, won’t they?”

“He’s a wanted fugitive,” she agreed. “The FBI moved him to the top of their most wanted list.”

“Thank you,” I replied as I glanced at the many boxes I needed to unpack. “I’d better start unpacking.”

“We’ll be in touch, Elisa,” Danica said. “Take this time to regain control over your life.”

I hung up and decided to end it all. My life was a fucking circus, and I was tired of being the fucking dancing monkey.

I set the phone down as I climbed to my feet and headed for the first box. I pulled it down and opened it. My gold records I displayed proudly on my walls back in California had to stay in the box. Nobody could know who I was. Moving box after box, I continued until my body was spent.

I took a much-needed break and caught my breath. Upon reaching my lavish black couch, I picked up the remote. I clicked the button and my T.V. turned on.

“We have breaking news,” the female reporter announced, her voice tight with urgency, as the camera zoomed in on her face. Of course, it was just me and whoever else was watching the terrible news at this hour. “Following Kyle Cutter’s escape from a California prison in the early morning hours, Zara Vyxen, the iconic pop singer, was forced to flee her home.”

My heart rate quickened as I wiped my sweaty palms on my pant legs, keeping my eyes glued to the screen.

“Zara survived a brutal home invasion by The Trendify Killer,” the sounds of shattering glass and my screams still ringing in my ears, getting stabbed multiple times, my body screaming in pain. “Having fought off her attacker, she collapsed and was subsequently transported to the local hospital due to her near-fatal injuries.”

Tracing the long scar on my left arm with my index finger, I instinctively reminded myself that I was a survivor, not a victim.

I snapped out of my daze before any more of the nightmarish memories came flooding back. I turned off the T.V. and set the remote down on the glass coffee table before me. Picking up my cell, I clicked on the Trendify app, which was my favorite social media platform, and started doom scrolling. I enjoyed watching short, grainy clips of purported paranormal activity, even though I suspected most were faked.

This app was a chaotic, wonderful mix of everything imaginable. I’d see breathtaking artwork, stylish fashion, and captivating makeup tutorials, but the paranormal stories were my absolute favorite. You name it; this app had it. Even though The Trendify Killer attacked me, I remained addicted to the app, just like everyone else.

My dating life was non-existent, as I focused on my recovery and getting my career back on track. I was glad to get rid of the fake people around me who only wanted to be in my entourage to further their own failing careers in LA. That and getting the perks of being friends with an A list celebrity. They could fuck off for all I cared.

Somehow, I ended up on the thirst trap videos. Not really my thing, yet I couldn’t look away. Each video had half-naked men wearing masks, face-paint, or looking like anime or horror characters dressed in military gear or other costumes.

The book enthusiasts were to blame for making this trend blow up with their fantasy sex addict selves. Of course, who the fuck was I to judge? I was a horny young woman who needed to get laid.

I saw one of the masked men was currently live, and I clicked on the screen. He was sitting behind a drum set playing rock songs. People were sending in their requests, hoping he would serenade them.

It was a good thing I was on my personal account and not my celebrity one. I figured I would blend in with the many faces of woman in this chat. There were a bunch of pick me women who kept saying play my song, please?

They would get a simple response from the man who dawned a black mask. I felt certain that he posed no threat to me. I sent a request. In the chat, I typed and sent my favorite song.

Can you play Magnetic please?

He selected a song, and my eyes widened in surprise.

Holy shit! He actually picked the song I love!

The song started playing, and I watched in awe as he started drumming. His muscles moved, catching my eye. The song ended, and I was smiling like a total idiot.

“Lissa.ash,” a sexy male voice spoke my username aloud. His mask was a custom-made LED mask with orange lights. Open triangles where the eyes are with lines coming down and a long line down the center. “I’m sending you a DM with my number, Princess.”

Someone abruptly cut off the live stream, and a devious smile appeared on my face as excitement grew in me. I left the now dead livestream before scrolling to the right. His short bio appeared.

His handle Half_Dead_Relentless.

Sounds hot.

His bio Just a dude making +18 MDNI videos and playing your favorite rock songs. If you fall asleep, I’m stealing your right sock, followed by a heart emoji.

My cell vibrated, indicating he did, in fact, send me a message. Accept or decline, I clicked accept.

Upon clicking the button, I saw typing bubbles showing Half_Dead_Relentless was sending me a message. The message appeared with only the number he dared me to text. I copied it and clicked off the app before pulling up the text info and pasted it into a new chat. I pondered if it was all a prank or if it was by chance legit. Was this one of the fucking stupidest things I could do? Yes. Texting a total stranger on the internet wasn’t something I did ever! Was I jeopardizing my safety? Also, yes. Did I give a fuck? No, absolutely not.

Only one way to find out, Lissa.

With a deep breath to calm my nerves, I began to type; the keys clicking softly under my fingertips.

There were over 200 women in that live, and you chose me?

I hit send and was pretty sure I wasn’t gonna get a response.

My cell buzzed immediately.

I did. Your user made me laugh. Do you see something you like?

I rolled my eyes, but that smile never left my lips. It felt good to be noticed by a man for once. I texted him my reply.

I’m new to your world. And yeah, I do, as a matter of fact.

I hit Send. His response came quickly as my cell vibrated in my hand.

My world? I can turn your fantasies into reality by making it your world too, babe.

This guy is cocky as fuck. I thought.

Yeah, I’d like to see you try.

I hit Send.

A moment later, my cell vibrated once more.

Don’t tempt me. I love challenges.

I laughed. This guy really thinks he can get to me.

Game on, bitch!

I texted.

My cell vibrated moments later.

You’re a feisty one, aren’t you?

This guy had no idea who the hell he was talking to did he.

Damn right I am.

I texted back.

My cell vibrated.

That quality in a woman, I appreciate. You will submit to me in no time.

Shaking my head, I forced a dry laugh and replied once more.

You gotta find me first.

I sat there momentarily, thinking I had won. My cell vibrated.

That won’t be hard to do. I’ll see you soon, Princess.

What the fuck am I doing? I thought, as the conversation ended abruptly.

I quickly blocked the number. If the FBI found out I had given my number out to a complete stranger on the internet, they would get on my ass for sure and keep me guarded. I didn’t need that shit.

Standing, I went upstairs. I entered my bedroom and kicked off my shoes before crawling onto my soft bed.

Tomorrow, all of this will simply fade into a distant memory.

My assumption was completely incorrect.

Chapter 2

Devon

I shot a suspect and first was assigned to desk duty. Next was paid leave until the investigation was over. Which was three years ago.

So, I opted to go online and put my talents to good use. Tonight, I was up for a challenge. Especially from a woman who wanted to play games.

She had a mask kink. She had to is what I told myself, anyway.

I sent her another text since I had stupidly forgotten to ask her what her name was.

What’s your name, Princess?

I waited for her snarky response but got nothing back. It made me question if she was one of those shy chicks who took a while to come out of their shells to show a guy who they really were.

I went against my own unspoken rule and called her. I hit the dial button from the number she had texted me from and it rang once before the line fell eerily silent. Confused, I hung up and realized she had blocked my number.

Normally I would’ve just said fuck it and forgot about her. But I couldn’t. There was something about her that made her different from every other chick I’d talked to tonight. My drumming skills were on point as I wore my mask to hide my identity as I played for the ladies.

Her username Lissa.ash caught my attention. That stupid anime theme song popped into my head. And yes, I laughed like the idiotic, immature adult that I was.

I called in the big guns. And by big guns, I meant calling my old musician buddy Luxton. I found his number and pressed the call button. He picked up on the second ring.

“What do you want, Devon?” Luxton’s voice sounded annoyed for a moment. Our argument stemmed from my departure from his shitty band and my subsequent failure of the FBI being assigned to desk duty three years prior; the air crackled with unspoken resentments.

“I need a favor, Lux,” I said, praying he would hear me out. He was the best fucking hacker in America. He worked for the higher ups in a different department of the FBI, for fuck’s sake! “It’s about a chick I met.”

He groaned. “Fine,” he sighed. “What do you need me to hack?”

I sent him a screenshot of the number and he grew quiet as I waited for him to say something.

“Lux?” I asked, concern growing in my voice. “You there, bro?”

“Yeah,” he finally replied. “Go fuck yourself Devon!”

“The fucks your problem, man?” I said, as my concern turned to rage.

“I can’t help you!” he said, making it clear as he used his authoritative voice on me like I was some sort of fucking criminal.

“It’s just a number!” I spat. “I just wanna know who the chick is that called me, and I’ll leave your ass alone, alright?”

“I just got assigned to my first major case today,” Luxton lowered his voice. He must have been around people who he didn’t want to hear our conversation. “And this chick is my case!”

“So, you know her?” I asked as hope filled my body.

“I’m not losing my job over you, Devon!” Luxton lay into me once more.

“Before I could even ask for her name, she abruptly blocked me,” I continued, disregarding his insistence that I stop. Should I have listened? Yes. Did I listen because I was a stubborn asshole? No. “Who the fuck is she, Luxton?”

“You wanna know?” he sighed a long sigh of defeat.

“I do,” I replied. “Or I wouldn’t be calling your ass, bro.”

“She’s a massive celebrity,” he replied. “I can’t disclose her name to you just because you’re an old friend.”

“Her name,” I demanded. “Now!”

“Zara Vyxen!” Luxton hissed through his teeth. “Now I gotta get her a new fucking number, thanks to your stupid ass!”

“Zara Vyxen?” I asked, not hiding the surprise in my voice. “Didn’t the Trendify Killer, who tried to kill her, the one with the jagged scar above his left eye, escape from prison yesterday?”

“You remember your training after all,” Luxton replied bluntly. “Yeah, and it’s my job to keep her ass alive!”

“I gotta meet her,” I exclaimed, the urgent words spilling from my lips like a dam had burst, a frantic energy fueling my voice. “I’m begging you; can you please do this for me?”

“When did you become interested in Zara Vyxen?” Luxton posed a question.

“Since she texted me,” I felt like a complete idiot, as I admitted. “We were getting along great, a real spark between us, you know?”

“Then why did she block you?” he challenged, his voice tight with suspicion.

I should have expected this from him. Clearly, I hadn’t thought this through. If I had, I would have gotten more info about her. Which I hadn’t. Which is why I was stuck in this predicament I was currently in with Lux!

“She dared me to find her,” I replied, a shiver of excitement running down my spine. “I assured her I would.” I said confidently.

“You’re a fucking idiot, you know that, Devon?” Luxton groaned.

“She said she likes my mask,” I said, cussing under my breath. She hadn’t. But he didn’t need to know now, did he? “I just wanted to show it to her in person.”

“Why do you even need a fucking mask?” Luxton’s response was a disbelieving scoff.

To clarify, it was for work. I was telling the truth. I earned a significant amount of money by creating my thirst trap videos and playing rock songs on my drums, all while wearing a mask. The ladies were extremely excited and enthusiastic about them. “Don’t ask.” I hissed, my voice evoking a warning.

“I’ll pick you up in fifteen minutes,” he sighed, the weight of the day pressing down on him. “Make sure you bring that fucking mask, okay?”

“Got it right here,” I said, looking at the mask and my LED gloves that sat on the couch to my left. “Thanks.”

“Don’t make me regret this,” Luxton warned. “See ya soon bro.” he hung up, and I quickly pocketed my cell and grabbed my black mask, gloves and put on my black jacket with a hood I wore in my videos.

I scooped up my keys, the familiar weight grounding me, and locked the house, waiting for Luxton in the crisp evening air.

A traumatic memory I had pushed to the back of my mind came creeping up to the surface, causing me to freeze where I stood.

At the age of three, I witnessed my mother’s bipolar breakdown, culminating in a horrifying attempt to kill me and my twin brother Alex. Alex met a tragic end in the bathtub, my father’s sudden appearance attempting to save me from a similar fate was met with similar results. The paramedics told me I was clinically dead for five minutes before they revived me; my heart had stopped, and I had no pulse. Alex, on the other hand, wasn’t as fortunate; his luck had run out. Despite their best efforts, they were unable to save him. His final breaths were ragged and shallow.

My story made national headline news as my mother was placed in prison and put on death row for murdering one of her children. The trauma of the situation made me terrified of water as I grew up. I got teased by the neighborhood kids for not wanting to go into their swimming pools at their birthday parties. Obviously, I took showers because smelling like ass wasn’t something I wanted to be known for.

My father turned into an abusive alcoholic, beating me daily, and drank himself to death. I got passed around to different family members as they pitied me. My aunt Maggy bought me a drum set to keep my mind occupied, and I was thrown onto antidepressants. I kept my grades up in school and after I graduated, I joined Luxton’s rock band. We gained a cult, following before I left the band.

From the local community college, I received my degree in behavior analysis. I had to figure out why the fuck my mother was fucked in the head. Initially: I never wanted children. I didn’t hate them. I was terrified I would try drowning them during bath time. And that wasn’t an option for me. I wasn’t a psychotic fuck. If anything, I would hurt myself, not anyone else. It was still destructive behavior. Self-harm wasn’t what I wanted the world to know me for doing to myself. I still wasn’t sure if she had passed her bipolar down to me, to be quite honest.

Alex and I had been identical twins. He, being the older protective one, always talking about wanting to grow up and be a cop or a doctor or some shit like that. After he died, I felt like a part of me died along with him. His death left me feeling empty, like I had lost a part of myself. I took the test to become an FBI agent, but they assigned me to desk duty quickly. You know, because shooting someone wasn’t what I should’ve done in the heat of the moment of protecting a victim. Luxton had gotten accepted. I was happy for him. But a part of me envied him too.

I often wondered if I should’ve died, and he should have lived instead of the other way around. Life wasn’t fair. I was a survivor, not a fucking victim.

I was pretty sure my mother cheated on my father at some point in their fucked-up relationship because we looked nothing like the man. I possess short, thick, teal hair and piercing baby blue eyes. I was good looking and thanked God I didn’t look like my fucking mother. My muscular build came from daily workout sessions in my home gym.

When I was a drummer, I never spoke about my personal life in interviews. Why the fuck would I want to? It was bad enough that I had survived, and my twin hadn’t.

The sound of a horn honking impatiently drew me from my thoughts as I jumped out of my skin. Glancing up, I saw Luxton sitting in a running, unmarked, black van. I quickly regained my composure and trotted up to it. Opening the passenger door, I climbed in, sat down, and slammed it shut. Luxton pulled away from the curb and we drove in silence as we headed to Zara Vyxen’s residence.

“You seem distracted,” Luxton said as I gazed out the window. Darkness was falling as the streetlights began coming to life. “If you’re getting cold feet about meeting her, I can turn around and drop your ass off.”

“I was thinking about Alex,” I whispered. “The anniversary of his death is coming up, you know?”

“Sorry,” Luxton murmured. I heard the pity in his voice. I hated being pitied. If I wanted to be pitied, I would’ve gotten a fucking dog or a cat. “Maybe meeting a hot celebrity will distract you after all.”

I remained silent, my mind replaying her last television appearance; short, with long blond hair cascading around mesmerizing brown eyes, a toned physique, and her full lips, painted a vibrant red, were irresistible. And a breathtaking beauty that stole my breath away.

“We’re here,” Luxton said, drawing me from my thoughts. Glancing up, I noticed a normal two-story house with the lights on. Though the curtains were drawn, I saw a fleeting shadow move behind the heavy fabric in an upstairs window. “Put that damn mask on before we go to the door.”

Right. The mask. Isn’t that the whole reason I’m here?

I quickly placed the mask over my head and put on my gloves and hood before I pocketed my keys in the jacket.

“Ready?” Luxton asked.

“Let’s go,” I replied, my voice muffled as we opened our doors in unison and stepped out. We closed them and I waited for him to walk around the front. We walked side by side up to the walkway, walking up the four steps, and stood on the porch. The light was on. So, was she expecting us? No. Him, she was defiantly expecting Lux, not me. “Call me Half_Dead_Relentless.”

“Right,” Luxton chuckled, the sound barely audible, as he gave the door a sharp, authoritative knock. “I forgot you’re still acting.”

Something like that.

“Coming!” I heard a female voice shout from another room.

My anxiety was creeping to the surface as I took a few deep breaths to calm my fucking nerves down. I felt like I was on the verge of passing out!

“What if she thinks I’m one of your agents?” I asked. “Don’t I need my badge?”

“You’re on probation,” Luxton scoffed, shaking his head at me. “You don’t need your badge.”

The door flew open, and Zara stared at Luxton, then at me. She did a double take when she saw me standing there silently, checking her out. Dark hair, dark makeup, rocker style clothes. She looked absolutely nothing like Zara Vyxen!

“You?” Zara threw me an annoyed look. “Why didn’t you tell me you worked for the fucking FBI?”

“Where’s the fun in that?” I replied in my low, sexy voice I used when I was filming my videos. I had a voice changing box screwed into my mask. It masked my authentic voice. “I told you I’d find you easily and I have.”

“I came to check on you,” Luxton cut in. “Don’t give your number out to anyone else, got it?”

“If I had known he was an FBI agent,” Zara went on. “I wouldn’t have blocked his ass in the first place.”

Three gunshots rang out and Luxton grabbed me, shoving me roughly into Zara, knocking us both down inside the doorway leading into her house.

“Get her inside!” Luxton shouted as he pulled out his service weapon. “Lock the door and don’t open it until I come back, got it?”

As Luxton slammed the door shut, I scrambled to my feet, pulling Zara away from the door. I got up and locked it before turning the lights off. I tapped the button on my mask and the living room glowed in a dark blue color.

Three more gunshots rang out as I grabbed Zara by the arm and moved her to safety behind her couch. My adrenaline was running at an all-time high. I had to keep Zara protected at all costs. Luxton asked me to do it and damn it, I never let a friend down.

I hadn’t realized Zara had grabbed onto my arm until I felt her body trembling.

“Your safe,” I said in my low sexy voice. “I won’t let anything happen to you, Zara.”

I could see that the whole tough girl persona had all been an act. She is actually the total opposite of what she had displayed earlier on with me. Maybe not all of it was an act. I was pretty sure some parts of her had that fireball of a mouth attitude she gave me earlier tonight.

Realizing Zara thought I was an active FBI agent under this mask. She probably thought I carried a gun on me. I wasn’t carrying a fucking weapon on my body! I didn’t even have a fucking bulletproof vest on. If the gunman returned and broken in, I would have to take the fucking bullet for this woman!

I mean, I would, because Lux asked me to do it. She was a woman I didn’t even know outside of her fucking celebrity status. How the fuck did I get roped into this shit? I only came to show her I found her and that was supposed to be the end of our interaction. Luxton would tell me to stay the hell away from her, and I planned on doing just that.

Only now, I was now part of her shit show of a life that I never asked to be involved in, in the first place! How the fuck did I keep getting myself into fucked up situations? I guess a normal life was never in store for me.

Would it ever be?

I would save that shit for a later time. Right now, I have a pop star to protect.

Chapter 3

Lissa

I just fucking moved, and I was already getting shot at!

“Hey!” Half_Dead_Relentless growled at me to snap me out of my shock. “I won’t let anything happen to you, Zara.”

The masked man I had randomly texted earlier in the evening was a fucking FBI agent! No wonder he said he would find me easily. He found me in less than five hours!

If he is with the FBI, why didn’t he call me by my real name Elissa? I thought as I clung onto his arm for dear life. I filed the thought away for later as more gunshots rang out from outside.

He pulled out his cell and began recording a video; I noticed.

“You choose now of all fucking times to record a fucking video?” I whisper, hissed, glancing up at his lit-up mask.

“What’s wrong, Princess?” he replied. “You don’t think I’m gonna keep you safe from the threat outside?”

I was starting to second guess if Half_Dead_Relentless was really with the FBI. His scent struck my nose, and I inhaled deeply. The scent of thick heady musk hit me like a ton of bricks.

Fuck. He smells so damn good.

The pounding on my front door made my body jerk as I realized Agent Clarck had returned. I leaped to my feet as did Half_Dead_Relentless.

“Stay behind me,” he said as he walked to the door. He unlocked it and stepped aside as a figure entered my house. “You get hit?”

The light flicked on and blinded me as my eyes adjusted.

Agent Clarck closed the door and locked it with an annoyed expression on his face as he quickly glanced between me and Half_Dead_Relentless.

“The perp got away,” Special Agent Clarck sighed as he removed his jacket, revealing the FBI issued black vest with three bullet holes in it. “Glad to see you two are unharmed.”

“I kept her safe,” Half_Dead_Relentless nudged his head towards me. “Just like I promised I would.”

“Congratulations Special Agent Zev,” Special Agent Clarck sighed heavily. “You just got assigned to protection detail of Miss. Elissa Ashthorne AKA Zara Vyxen.”

“Special Agent Zev,” I said as he looked at me. I think he was looking at me. He was wearing a fucking mask that I couldn’t see through. “Thank you for saving my life tonight.”

“No problem,” he replied. “It’s all part of the job description.”

“Why is he the only agent who gets to wear a mask?” I inquired.

“We have classified his identity,” Special Agent Clarck said. “You understand, don’t you, Elissa?”

“Yeah,” I agreed. “I’d feel better if Special Agent Zev stayed with me tonight.”

“You got it, Elisa,” Special Agent Clarck said as relief filled my body. “Special Agent Zev is going to be moving in with you to ensure you have 24/7 protection, right, Special Agent Zev?”

“Can I have a moment alone with you, Special Agent Clarck?” Agent Zev asked. “It shouldn’t take long.”

“Can you please excuse us, Elissa?” Agent Clarck said.

“I’ll go grab a drink in the kitchen,” I said as I turned and headed to the next room. “Be back.”

I turned on the light and disappeared into the room. I walked to the fridge and opened the door. The light turned on and I grabbed a cold can of cola. Closing the door and walking to the kitchen table. I pulled out a seat and sat down.

“You gotta be fucking kidding me!” I heard Special Agent Clarck whisper. “You wanted me to bring your ass into this and you owe me, got it?”

“I’m still keeping my online job,” I heard Special Agent Zev whisper. “I’m getting paid for this favor, aren’t I?”

“Obviously,” Special Agent Clarck scoffed. “Now do your fucking job and I’ll take care of the bureau.”

“I’m keeping the mask on at all times,” Special Agent Zev added. “She’s not seeing my face.”

“Because you’re a hideous monster under that thing,” Special Agent Clarck chuckled to himself in amusement. “Fine, just keep her ass alive and out of danger is all I’m asking, Darby.”

Darby? Is that his real name?

I cracked open my soda and took a quick sip. The cold liquid slid easily down my dry throat. All the crazy shit that happened tonight made my adrenaline kick into overdrive. I was only calming down. I set the can down on the table and sighed.

Holy shit! I can’t believe that Half_Dead_Relentless, the sexy creator of drumming thirst trap videos on Trendify, is moving into my house!

In my daydream, he sat on my bed with a mask, gloves, jacket, shirtless, and wearing jeans and boots.

“Damn girl,” Special Agent Zev chuckled, the sound low and rumbling as my head snapped to the right. “I could tell by the faraway look in your eyes, the way you were staring off into space, that you must have been thinking of me.”

“Where’s Special Agent Clarck?” I asked as I picked up my pop and took a huge gulp of it, hoping the coldness would cool me down. It didn’t. In fact, I had only gotten even more hot and bothered just staring at the sexy man before me.

“Gone home for the night,” Special Agent Zev replied, leaning casually against the doorframe, the scent of his expensive cologne filling the air. He shrugged off his jacket, revealing the powerful muscles in his arms, barely contained by the tight black T-shirt hugging his body. “It’s just you and me, Elissa.” he said, the words hanging heavy in the quiet room.

“You’re Darby, I presume?” With a question on my lips, I pushed my chair back, the legs scraping against the floor, and stood. His body froze, every fiber of his being reacting to the utterance of his true name. I walked directly up to him, his towering form silhouetted against the wall, and he gazed down at me as he pushed himself away. “You keep my identity a secret,” I hissed, eyes narrowed, “and I’ll keep yours, too.”

“Where did you get that vast scar on your arm?” Special Agent Zev asked. A hint of concern laced his tone.

“Fighting for my life last year,” I replied as I shook the thought away. “I’m a survivor, not a victim.”

He was silently staring at me as he pressed a button on the right side of his mask, and his lights turned off.

“And that mark on your neck?” he nudged his head towards me. “It looks relatively fresh.”

“A failed suicide attempt,” I frowned. “Guess I had to survive so I could meet you.”

His breathing was increasing as I purposely invaded his space.

“What do you look like under that mask?” I asked as I reached up to touch it. He quickly grabbed my wrists, keeping me from touching him.

“Don’t do that,” Special Agent Zev whispered in his sexy voice. “The mask doesn’t come off for you, Princess.”

“Oh, I’m taking it off,” I replied in a lusty voice of my own as I bit my lower lip, gazing up at him. “Maybe... not tonight.”

“You want me?” he asked.

“You’re in my world already,” I breathed. “I’m not afraid to invade yours.”

He released my wrists and slowly backed out of the kitchen. I turned off the light and walked back into the living room, where he stood waiting for me.

“You’re a devious little thing, aren’t you?” he whispered as I smirked at him.

“Give me your phone,” I said as I held my hand out. “I promise I’ll make it worth your while.”

He silently handed it over, and I handed him my can as I walked past him. I headed upstairs and went into the bathroom, flicking the light on before closing the door behind me.

Before I could stop myself, I turned his phone on and clicked the camera button.

Lifting my tight black T-shirt and black bra, exposing my tits in the mirror. They were hard as hell since I was horny as fuck! I held his camera sideways and took a few photos of my exposed tits.

Quickly getting out of the phone, I pulled my bra and top down.

I opened the door and found him standing there waiting for me.

I smiled as I tossed him back his phone and took my can back before heading for my bedroom.

“Sweet dreams,” I laughed lightly as I entered my room. “I left you something in your photo gallery.” I closed my door and turned on my light. It wasn’t long before I heard him.

“Holy shit!” Special Agent Zev uttered as he cleared his throat.

I pulled out my cell and quickly unlocked his number before I messaged him.

“See something you like?”

I quickly set my cell on my bed, and I changed into pajamas. A moment later, my phone vibrated. I walked over and quickly scooped it up, clicked on his text and my jaw dropped open as he sent me a dick picture.

Do you?

There it was, his cock. Long, thick, and those veins. I wanted to fuck him right now!

“Keep that pussy wet for me, Princess,” he growled through the door. “Your tits belong to me now.”

I heard his footsteps go downstairs, and I exhaled.

I wanted Darby to fuck me.

And I was pretty sure he wanted to fuck me just as bad to.

Chapter 4

Devon

No! How the fuck did this happen?

Luxton and I had both taken the many grueling FBI tests. Clearly, he passed. I too passed but shot someone on my first day as an agent. Been on probation ever since. I started my online persona on Trendify and never looked back. Would I have made a good FBI agent? Hell, if I knew.

My anxiety prevented me from sleeping. I kept going upstairs and checking on Elissa. Every time I opened the door and poked my head in, she slept peacefully.

Now was as good of a time as any to make a thirst trap video. I quietly closed her door and crossed the hall, entering another room. Flicking on the light, I was surprised to find a built-in studio where she could record her next album.

Entering the room, I quietly closed the door behind me. I saw a broken purse strap lying on a studio chair. A quick glance revealed why she hadn’t thrown it away. Did she wanna fix it? Or was it what she had used to attempt suicide today? My money was on the latter, seeing as the strap was the same size as the red ring around her neck.

Hell, if I knew. Women were an enigma to me. I pulled out my cell and edited the video from tonight’s attack. I saved it by cutting out her face to hide her identity.

Someone had opened a box I found, and I walked over, peeking inside. I discovered many of her framed records inside. I pulled the first one out, surprised at how heavy it was. One could use it as a weapon if necessary. Hopefully, it didn’t come to that. But if push came to shove, well, they would wish I wasn’t in her house. Or was it our house now that I had invaded her private sanctuary?

I tapped the button on the right side of my mask, and it turned on. Propping my cell on the studio equipment and pressed record.

“I’ll be staying with her,” I started. So, the viewers could get a look. I moved the platinum record to the front. “Zara Vyxen, the pop superstar with her dazzling smile and unforgettable voice, is mine.” I declared.

Ending the recording, I quickly placed her record back in the box. I picked up my cell and uploaded the video before exiting the Trendify app. I went to the door, opened it, and stepped into the hallway. Turning out the light, I crept across the hall again. Opening the door, I found Elissa still asleep. Closing the door, I walked up the hallway and down the plush carpeted steps.

I stepped into the living room, stopping dead in my tracks when I found Luxton standing there giving me a perplexed look.

“What?” I finally demanded when I approached him.

“Your content,” Luxton shook his head, a disgusted look twisting his features. “Is creating videos to entice thirsty women?”

“It pays the bills, doesn’t it?” I scoffed. “Elissa watched my live recording earlier tonight and texted me, remember?”

“That explains how you met her,” Luxton rolled his eyes. “Your officially off desk duty, by the way.”

“What?” I asked, not understanding what he was hinting at.

“My boss recruited you into our division,” he replied bluntly. “Here’s your badges, service weapon, vests, work phone, a couple weeks’ worth of clothes from your house and hair dye.”

“I’ve been on desk duty for three years,” I grumbled, wondering why the sudden change of heart of allowing me to be moved into a higher up division. “And what’s with the fucking hair dye?”

“This is your first assignment,” Luxton went on, ignoring my question. “You remember your training, don’t you?”

“Like grueling nightmares in my sleep,” I murmured. Walking over to the black gym bag, I picked up the badge and opened it. There was my picture staring back at me, that I took three years ago. My hair was jet black, which made my blue eyes stand out. I also wore a black suit and tie. “Special Agent Darby Zev of the FBI.”

“Were you expecting Special Agent Half_Dead_Relentless?” Luxton asked, half chuckling. “That’s your fake badge,” he hissed, “In case Elissa gets curious and tries to pry into your personal affairs.”

“Kinda,” I replied as I flipped the badge closed. “I was worried that my past hindered the decision process.”

“Your past,” Luxton sighed as he pondered his next words. “Is what determined my boss’s final decision.”

“So, tonight was all a test?” I asked.

“Yeah,” Luxton nodded. “You took a direct order and kept the victim safe, putting your life on the line to protect hers.”

“So, I get a weapon after the fact?” I asked.

“Now you’re catching on,” Luxton nodded. “Let’s lay out some ground rules.”

“Go on,” I replied. “Make them few and not complicated for my simple-minded brain.”

“You keep her alive and out of danger,” he started. “Don’t take her out in public unless absolutely necessary.”

“Sounds easy enough,” I sighed. “That it?”

“I’m your boss, not your friend,” Luxton went on. “And the most important rule... there will be absolutely no fucking her while you’re living here, got it?”

Ah, fuck. There it was. The rule where the sexy pop icon was off limits to me and my fucking cock. Luxton didn’t know that we had already exchanged our first pics. to each other. And he wouldn’t!

Not if I wanted to stay assigned to her fucking case!

“No problem,” I replied, hoping I sounded convincing under the mask. “But I’m keeping my mask on when I’m around her.”

“We already agreed to that,” he reminded me. “Now get your ass to sleep and dye your hair before she wakes up.”

“You got it Bossman!” I nodded. “See you tomorrow.”

“Don’t make me regret this,” he sighed. “If anything happens to her, you’re being reassigned back to desk duty, got it?”

I silently nodded and watched him walk to the door and open it. He locked it before stepping out and pulling it shut behind him. I heard him get into his car and slam the door. The engine roared to life before he pulled away.

“Fuck me!” Underneath the mask, I breathed. I pressed the button on the mask and the light turned off. I removed the gloves, jacket and my black T-shirt. Reluctantly, I removed the mask and set everything on my clothes. I picked up my service weapon, badge, cell, clean clothes, and hair dye box and walked upstairs. Flicking on the light, I entered the bathroom and set the things down on the sink counter before closing the door and locking it.

Ripping open the box of dye, I pulled out the instructions and the dye bottle with clear liquid sloshing around inside. And the sealed bag. I turned on my phone and found a music app. Rock music started playing, and I felt more relaxed and in my element.

Thoughts of Elissa’s tits lingered to my mind and my cock got instantly hard in seconds. Frowning, I did my best to think of something else. Anything else!

Nothing worked. I quickly tore open the packet and unscrewed the bottle before dumping the contents into it. I placed the top back on and pressed my thumb against the clear top, flicking it off into the trash can before putting the clear plastic gloves on. Shaking the bottle vigorously until the clear liquid turned pitch black. I quickly poured it into my hair and used my left hand to massage it all around.

“Goodbye teal hair.”

Now I had to look like a normal loser who worked for the fucking FBI. My identity I worked so hard to change about myself was scrubbed clean. I suppose Alex would be proud of the fact that I had achieved something in my lifetime. Mom was currently sitting on death row, and I never once visited her. She tried sending me letters but lost my address after I graduated high school. I planned that on purpose. She could rot in that fucking electric chair! I prayed to be the one who flipped the switch. Now that I was officially an FBI agent, there was a high possibility of making it happen.

I’m a survivor, not a victim.

It was the same thing Elissa had said earlier tonight.

At least we could agree that we were both survivors and not victims to our shitty ass life situations.

The now empty bottle, box and other things: I tossed them all into the trashcan. I waited for the prescribed twenty minutes and turned on the shower. I stripped off my sweaty clothes and stepped inside, closing the fancy black cloth curtain behind me. Is this how the other half lived? It must be nice. I missed the perks that came with my former star power.

A song from the band From Ashes to New started playing, and I started singing to distract myself from thinking of Elissa.

Nope. Stop thinking about her, Devon.

My cock went hard as fuck in less than 1.0 seconds as I took my shower. After I washed the excess dye from my hair, I washed my body with the body wash that wasn’t girly. I needed to get my products in here, damn it. I wasn’t using her feminine shit!

Smelling like her after she had sex with me wouldn’t bother me in the slightest bit.

I washed my cock and pictured her sucking me off right now. What would it feel like? To have her sexy mouth wrapped around my cock-

Turning off the water, I heard the door open.

Fuck! The mask! I had left it downstairs! I couldn’t get it wet since any liquid would damage the LED lights. Nor could I let her see my fucking face! I was in a predicament. And damn, I am fucked! And not in the way of me fucking Elissa kinda fucked.

“Your voice,” she whispered. “Sounds so fucking sexy.”

I didn’t reply as I hid behind the black curtain. I had to get my ass dried off and my face covered, damn it.

“Can you toss me two towels over?” I asked, using my sexiest voice.

I heard her rummaging through the closet, and a moment later she sent two black towels flying over the top. After catching them, I dried myself off. Wrapping one around my waist and the other across my nose and mouth before pulling the curtain back. I found her staring at me. I had one massive tattoo of a skeleton arm that ran all the way down from my shoulder to my fingertips on my left arm. She gave me the once over with her wide eyes before meeting mine.

Oh fuck! She’s admiring every detail of my chiseled muscles, noticing each crevice and curve. I can recognize that expression anywhere. She wants to pounce on me like a fucking ravenous feline! I wouldn’t have any objections to it, to be honest.

Shutting off the music, I gathered my things and walked past her after opening the door and started to head out of the bathroom.

“I got to see a small fraction of what you look like beneath that mask, Darby,” Elissa said as I stood frozen in the doorway’s threshold. She knows my stage name. Darby Zev was the name I used while I was in the band. Technically, it was my name, but it wasn’t. Thankfully, she didn’t know my real name. And she wouldn’t. “You aren’t ugly, you know?”

“There can’t be anything between us,” I said. “You understand, don’t you?”

“Of course,” she cleared her throat. I kicked myself mentally in the ass for turning down her advances. Mostly, my cock was pissed at me. Calm down, soldier! We’ll get laid another time. “I’m only a job to you.”

“My job is to keep you alive and out of danger,” I went on. “You’ll be back to touring in no time.”

I felt her hands gently glide down my back and goddamn it; I wanted to fuck her right here, and right now! Before I had realized it, she had turned me around to face her. My breath caught in my throat and my heart pounded in my chest so hard that I thought it was going to beat itself right out of my fucking chest!

“Elissa,” her name escaped my lips before I could mask my voice. “You aren’t being a good girl, Princess.”

“Maybe,” she smirked as she slowly kneeled before me, hands reaching through the towel. “I wanna be a bad girl for once in my life.”

Her head disappeared beneath the towel, and I pressed my back against the doorframe to keep from falling over! I felt her fingertips lightly tease me by tracing my leg muscles. She grabbed my cock and pumped it with her hands. It didn’t take long for me to go rock hard under her touch. Hands gentle, moving like she had touched a cock or two during her tours around the world. Feeling her breath on my cock got me wanting her. I felt her mouth wrap around the head before she slowly edged her mouth deeper, taking in my full length in her fucking mouth!

“Elissa!” I moaned her name, unable to stop myself from wanting her! My arousal was on full display for her and only her! She didn’t stop, she just kept going. “Stop Princess!”

Instead of replying, her tongue licked and pleasured me to the point where I was going to ejaculate in her mouth! And I did. Surprisingly, she welcomed it. She drank and slipped until I was empty before she removed her mouth. Sliding out from beneath my towel, she was panting and looked like a sweaty mess as she gazed up at me, eyes filled with lust. I was pretty sure I was just as sweaty as the heat kicked on and my skin was cooling off.

“You taste fucking good,” she smirked as she rose to her feet. My gaze locked onto hers and she licked her swollen lips. “Your cock belongs to me now, Darby.”

Pushing myself off the doorframe, I exited the bathroom and entered the music room. I turned on the light and kicked the door closed with my foot. I removed the towels and quickly dried the sweat off my body before I got dressed in clean boxers, a white T-shirt, and red basketball shorts. Hearing her exit from the bathroom and subsequent entry into her bedroom, closing the door behind her. It was audible. I heard rock music playing from her cell. The song was called Magnetic. It is actually one of my favorite songs.

Was Elissa a rocker chick, after all? No catching feeling for her dude. I reminded myself.

After she sucked me off, I was pretty sure I was catching feelings for her after all.

But was it already too late for that? I needed this woman to be mine. And I will do whatever it takes to make it happen.

Chapter 5

Lissa

Holy fucking shit! I had just seen Half_Dead_Relentless without his mask on! But more importantly, I sucked his cock!

I needed to pee, and he had locked the bathroom door. I used my fingernail and turned the lock, opening the door with ease. Unseen by him, I heard him singing in the shower. I did my business and washed my hands before his FBI badge caught my eye. Seeing a fresh box of black hair dye in the trash, I knew he just changed his hair color or added more darkness to it. Flipping open the black case, half expecting to see his fake name. Nevertheless, I observed his law-abiding birth name and memorized his appearance through my eyes.

Special Agent Darby Zev.

His photo made my jaw hang open slightly. Dark hair, around my age, piercing brown eyes, chiseled jawline, sexy as fuck.

Hearing the water shut off, I dropped the case and quietly crept to the door. Pulling it open, it creaked, giving me away.

Ah, fuck!

“Can you toss me a few towels?” Darby asked after a long pause.

I bounced into the closet and grabbed two black towels and tossed them over the shower. A few moments later, he pulled back the curtain and stepped out. His torso covered, but I had seen enough of his half naked body to leave little to the imagination. The tattoo he had ran down his entire left arm and stopped at his fingertips. The image was a stark, close-up of a skeleton’s hand, the bones dry and brittle. Only his piercing eyes and a shock of dark hair were visible above the thick towel he pulled up, obscuring the lower half of his face.

What the actual hell? His eyes are... baby blue? Damn it! That badge isn’t his! Is his name even Darby?

Stepping over to the banister, he shut his music off before quickly gathering his belongings and clothing.

“I got to see a small fraction of what you look like beneath that mask, Darby,” I said as he stood frozen in the doorway. “You aren’t ugly, you know?”

“There can’t be anything between us,” he said. “You understand, don’t you?”

“Of course,” I replied, clearing my throat. I couldn’t help but feel the disappointment washing all over me. “I’m only a job to you.”

“My job is to keep you alive and out of danger,” he went on. “You’ll be back to touring in no time.”

Feeling brave or stupid, I wasn’t sure which one at that very moment. I placed my hands on him, gently guiding them down his back and damn it; I wanted him! Before he had realized it, I had turned me around to face me. His breath caught in his throat and my heart pounded in my chest so hard that it felt like it would fly out into my hands at any second!

“Elissa,” my name escaped his lips before he could mask his voice from me. I heard him. Heard his authentic voice! He sounded fucking sexy! “You aren’t being a good girl, Princess.”

“Maybe,” I smirked deviously up at him as I slowly kneeled before him, hands reaching through the towel. “I wanna be a bad girl for once in my life.”

My head disappeared beneath the towel, and I felt him press his back against the doorframe to keep from falling over! I was a strong-headed chick. I knew what I wanted. And I wanted him! He felt my fingertips lightly tease him by tracing his muscles. I grabbed his cock and pumped it with my hands. It didn’t take long for him to go rock hard under my touch. Feeling my breath on his cock got him wanting me. He felt my mouth wrap around the head before I slowly edged my mouth deeper, taking in his full length in my mouth!

His cock is so fucking big!

“Elissa!” He moaned my name, unable to stop himself from wanting me! His arousal was on full display for me. I was becoming his! I didn’t stop, I just kept going. “Stop Princess!”

Instead of replying, my tongue licked and pleasured him to where he was going to ejaculate in my mouth! And boy did he. Cum, thick and wet, slid into my mouth. And I welcomed it. I drank and slipped until he was empty before I removed my mouth. Sliding out from beneath my towel, I was panting and was pretty sure I looked like a sweaty mess as I gazed up at him, eyes filled with lust. I was pretty sure we were both just as sweaty as the heat kicked on and my skin was cooling off.

“You taste fucking good,” I smirked as I rose to my feet. His gaze locked onto mine and I licked my lips. “Your cock belongs to me now, Darby.”

Pushing himself off the doorframe, he quickly exited the bathroom and entered the music room. Turning on the light, he kicked the door closed with his foot.

I turned off the light and went into my bedroom, closing the door behind me. I turned on my phone and the screen lit up. My favorite song, Magnetic, started playing as soon as I opened the music app. I turned out the light and walked to my bed. The song ended, and I clicked off the app only to open the Trendify app. I saw a notification from Half_Dead_Relentless and clicked on his video. My eyes opened wide as I saw him standing in my studio!

“I’ll be staying with her,” he started. I watched in horror as he pulled one of my platinum records out and placed it in front of him so the viewers could see it. “Zara Vyxen, the pop superstar with her dazzling smile and unforgettable voice, is mine.” he declared.

No, you didn’t!

I started scrolling through the comment section. Bad idea.

Lucky bitch!

Half_Dead_Relentless is banging that has been pop star?

I quickly clicked out of the app and leaped to my feet. I marched to the door and pulled it open. Walking up the hallway, I trotted down the stairs and stepped into the living room. He turned around and faced me with his mask back on his face.

“Why the fuck did you record a video in my studio?” I demanded.

“You seem pissed,” he laughed in pure amusement. “We’ve both been through hell. You’re not alone anymore.”

“Did you?” I gave him a perplexed look. “Just recite lyrics from I Love It When It Rains?”

“So, you are indeed a rocker chick,” he laughed again. “A girl after my own heart.”

“My studio is off limits,” I shot him a warning look. It was my private sanctuary. And I’d be damned if Darby entered it again behind my back. “I only allow singers, rappers, producers, and musicians in there. Got it?”

“How do you know I’m not a musician?” he asked me in a sly voice as he tilted his head to the right.

“Because you’re an FBI agent,” I replied. “You don’t give off musician vibes.”

“Singing for you wasn’t enough?” he cleared his throat. “Now I gotta play an instrument to prove myself to you?” He made a sound deep in his throat. “I’ll do it.”

“What instrument do you play?” I asked, unable to hide my curiosity.

“You just banned me from entering your studio,” he shrugged, pressing the button on his mask and changing it to a sad face. “So, you’ll never find out, will you, Princess?”

“I changed my mind,” I said as I grabbed Darby by the arm and started dragging him up the stairs, up the hallway, and into the studio. I turned the light on and gestured for him to enter. He cautiously did stopping beside me. “What instrument do you play?”

“Drums,” Special Agent Zev replied. “I played you a song tonight, remember?”

“Guess I forgot,” I smiled sweetly at him. “Sit your ass down and play something.”

“Seriously?” he asked, unable to hide the shock in his masked voice.

“As a heart attack,” I nudged my head towards the top-of-the-line drum set to my left. “I want you to play Sink or Swim.”

“You aren’t making this easy on me, are you, Princess?” Special Agent Zev sighed as he walked over to the drum set and sat down. He picked up the two wooden sticks and pressed the button on the mask, changing the face back to the normal one with the two X’s eyes and lines. This time, the color changed from blue to orange.

“Just weeding out the armatures from the professionals,” I replied as I pulled out my cell and got on the Trendify app. “I’m going live in five... four... three... two... one... go!”

I pressed the button, and the phone started recording him. He started playing and damn; the man was a drumming god! I had purposely chosen a song for him featuring a drumbeat, knowing damn well he wouldn’t be able to play it! I was clearly eating my words as I watched him. The way his muscles flexed when he struck the drums, cymbals, was turning me on. I glanced down at the phone and saw that over nine hundred people joined the live and liked it! The chat was going insane!

Zev went into playing Magnetic.

Holy fucking shit! I thought. Darby is playing it... for me again?

He never broke eye contact; his gaze was intense and unwavering as he played. Or it felt that way. I couldn’t see his eyes under that damn mask. When he ended the song, the silence was deafening.

I quickly ended the live and clicked off the app.

“That was for you, Princess,” he panted as he set the sticks down and stood. Stepping away from the drum set and stood before me. I couldn’t help but notice the sweat beads rolling off his hot, sticky skin. “Fire your drummer and I’m replacing his ass when you go back on tour.”

I watched as he walked past me and exited the room. I heard him walk up the hall and down the steps as he returned to the couch; he staked claim too.

Still clenching my cell, I turned it on and opened the text I shared with Danika.

Fire Troy. I’m replacing him with Half_Dead_Relentless from Trendify.

I hit send and prayed I wasn’t making the biggest mistake of my life.

There’s no going back now, Elissa.

Chapter 6

Devon

“For fuck’s sake!” Luxton paced furiously in front of the couch me and Elissa both sat on. “You two are a couple of fucktards, you know that?”

Luxton had confiscated both of our cells and had seen the sexy pictures we had exchanged last night. Of course, we had shared them before he laid down the ground rules with me. He checked the timestamps of the pictures.

“I think he’s talking about you,” I whispered to Elissa, who rolled her eyes at me in response. “I’m totally innocent.”

“The man has a nice cock,” she replied. “Huge actually.”

A massive smile spread across my lips, and I was glad my face was hidden.

She likes my cock, does she?

“What did you just say?” Luxton asked, arching an eyebrow her way.

“I said,” she hastily retracted. “I have to cough.” Elissa leaped to her feet and made a dash into the kitchen fake coughing the entire time. Leaving me to deal with a pissed off Luxton.

I waited for him to yell at me. But when it didn’t come, I cocked my head to the side with the mask hiding my identity.

“You are a dumbass, Darby,” Luxton sighed heavily. “Now you have to be dressed like this and replace the drummer for her band.”

I was about to speak when he held up a hand and I kept my mouth shut.

“Police arrested the guys who shot at me last night after they tried to burglarize a convenience store.”

“They weren’t targeting Elissa?” I asked.

“They saw people on a porch,” Luxton shrugged. “And they fucked around and found out, didn’t they?”

“I suppose so,” I agreed. “Is that what you came here to tell me?”

“The police also caught Kyle Cutter,” Luxton lowered his voice. “I’m leaving you to protect her while the rest of us pack up and go back home.”

“Seriously?” I asked as I leaped to my feet. “I don’t even know her?”

“Not from what I’ve seen,” he shuttered at the thought of the images. “You couldn’t save Alex, but you can save Elissa, Devon.”

Damn it! He was right. Luxton knew me better than anyone. If anything, I was a protector of those I loved and would kill anyone who tried to harm them.

“We weren’t able to place any cameras or microphones in here,” Luxton went on. “You’ll be our eyes and ears and report anything suspicious to me.”

“You got it,” I murmured. “But why me?”

“Why not you?” Luxton replied bluntly. “You’ve connected with Elissa in a way that none of us can, Devon.” He paused briefly. “You are both survivors of brutal attacks, and you two can and will probably bond over that shit sooner than later.”

Bonding over traumatic, fucking shitty situations that happened to both of us.

“Yeah,” I agreed, panting. “I don’t enjoy talking about my past, bro.” After he shot me a disapproving glance, I reminded myself he was my superior. “I mean, Bossman.”

“Go home and shower and get dressed in a suit and tie,” Luxton nudged his head towards the door. “The bureau bought you a car and you can meet us at the art center at six o’clock sharp.”

“Shouldn’t I stay with Elissa?” I retorted. “And what’s with the suit and tie shit?”

“The annual Christmas party,” Luxton frowned. “All agents are to attend... no excuses.”

“Goddamn it!”. While groaning like a fucking whiny teenager. Every year I made up some bullshit excuse to get out of going to those things. “Fine, I’ll meet you there.” I grabbed my jacket and put it on and walked towards the door. Turning the handle, I pulled it open, and the bitter cold air nipped at my exposed neck. I stepped out, closing it behind me before pulling off the mask. The cold air felt pleasant against my sweaty face.

Removing the gloves and mask, hiding them all beneath my arm inside of my jacket. I walked to the black Charger and approved of the bureau’s choice of vehicle they bought me.

Reliving life as Devon for a few hours wasn’t bad. I just had to avoid Elissa until it was time to go.

––––––––

––––––––

Opting to leave my mask, gloves, and jacket behind in the car, so I had easy access to my secret identity once this circus shit show of mediocre agents’ shiny party was over. I hated functions. Not all of them, just the ones where I had to mingle and talk to coworkers I didn’t even know. Like this one. I was only here because I had to be, and because Elissa was probably already here.

“Good to see you, Zander,” a woman smiled at me as she held the door open. “I thought you were still on vacation, sir?”

“No,” I forced a smile as I moved past her. “Requirements to be here tonight.”

“Have a good night, sir!” she said as I turned.

Who the fuck is Zander?

I entered the fancy building and headed up the three flights of steps. It was freezing balls outside as the cold had nipped at my face. Why did I choose to live in the Rocky Mountains? Probably because I loved how the mountains looked from the horizon.

Once I reached the top of the stairs, I stopped when I saw how crowded this place was. Families with beautiful wives, and bad ass children running amuck.

Little badass Bebe’s Kids. I thought as I forced a smile as seven kids who ran past me down the staircase screaming and laughing like a bunch of little maniacs.

Fuck, I needed a drink, and I needed one now if I was going to survive the next few hours in this place!

I strode over to the bar and grabbed a beer before paying and turning around, walking towards an empty table in the back. Taking a seat, I set my drink on the table and exhaled. Loud Christmas music was being played by a live DJ who was across the room. I noticed practically everyone in the room was staring at me. I felt uncomfortable as I did my best to ignore them and stared at my bottle of beer that sat in front of me.

Someone took a seat to my right, and I glanced over. My eyes widened when I saw it was Elissa. She was dressed in a short, shimmering red dress; her makeup was on point, hair pulled up into a tight ponytail that was perfect.

“Elissa Ashthorne,” Luxton smiled at her. “I’d like to introduce you to my good friend Special Agent Devon Kingston. He’s new to our division and is going to take excellent care of you.” With that, he winked at me before turning on his heels and hauling ass outta here back across the room.

Fucking asshat!

“I like your tattoo!” Elissa yelled over the loud music as she gazed intently at my left hand.

“Thanks!” I smiled warmly at her. “Your makeup is on point tonight!”

Fuck! I forgot to cover up my tattoo with her foundation!

“Gun!” someone shouted as the music abruptly stopped playing.

My training kicked in on pure instinct. Grabbing Elissa by the arm and pulling her beneath the thick, green tablecloth. She clenched her purse and jacket in her right arm.

Two gunshots rang out, and screams erupted around me. Grabbing Elissa’s hand, I shoved the cloth away from us as I pulled her to her feet, and we shoved past people running down the steps. We reached the bottom and shoved our way out of the door.

Three more gunshots rang out from inside, and I knew I had to get Elissa out of here! We ran to my car, and I unlocked it. She pulled the passenger side door open and climbed in, slamming it behind her.

I ran to the driver’s side door and yanked it open. I slid into the seat and shoved her head down into her lap.

“What’s happening?” she asked, fear in her voice.

“Stay down!” I shouted as I reached into the back seat and grabbed my mask. I pulled the mask over my head as I opened the door and stepped out as a man approached me.

“Stop!” he screamed as he tried ripping my mask off of head. I noticed he was tall, about my height, six feet, with short dark hair, piercing blue eyes that resembled my own. And his face. God, his face! Was I staring into a fucking mirror? Or at least it felt that way when I looked at him. Who the fuck was he?

“Keep your head down!” I said to her through my mask. “I’m kicking this guy’s ass!” Kicking the guy in the gut, I sent him flying backwards into a nearby truck. With a rush, I threw myself into the seat, the smell of new upholstery filling my nose, and slammed the door. Turning the key, the engine roared to life. I backed up and pulled out of the parking space before peeling out of the parking lot.

Elissa sat up, and I turned my head to face her. She screamed, I screamed, we didn’t scream for ice cream, as she grabbed a blue candy cane that had a pointed tip and stabbed me in the right hand with it.

“OW!” I uttered under the mask as I shook my hand. It throbbed, and she had drawn blood with it. Had she been sucking on it the entire time I was dealing with that guy? “You stabbed me with a candy cane?” I asked, unable to hide the shock in my voice. “Who stabs people with candy canes?”

“I’m so sorry!” Elissa gushed after realizing it was me and not some deranged lunatic who wanted to kill her under the mask. “I had to make sure you weren’t gonna kill me!”

“Princess,” I breathed under my mask as I placed my injured hand back on the steering wheel. “I would never dream of harming you.”

Watching her expression change from fear to confusion to trust was breathtaking. I reluctantly turned my head and slowed down, driving the speed limit. It was snowing, and I wanted to get Elissa home safely.

“You cold?” I asked, as she nodded her head. I turned up the heater and turned the vent to face her. “Better?”

“Thanks,” she said in a quiet voice. “I can’t believe someone shot at me two nights in a row.”

“I’ll take a bullet for you, Elissa,” I said. “Always.”

“You mean it, don’t you?” she asked, not bothering to hide the confusion in her voice.

“I do,” I nodded curtly. “We’re more alike than you know.”

“How so?” she inquired as I pulled into her driveway and cut the engine. I removed the keys and opened my door before stepping out.

I shrugged, and she opened her door and got out. We closed them in unison, and I escorted her up the walkway and up the steps. She had left the porch light on and quickly rummaged through her black purse until she produced her house key. She placed it in the keyhole, and I heard it unlock.

Turning the knob, I shoved the door open, and she entered first. I followed suit and closed it, locking it behind me as she turned the living room light on.

My right hand throbbed like a son of a bitch. I assessed the damage to it. A bruise was forming around the red blood.

Who knew a fucking candy cane could cause damage like this?

My cell rang, and I answered it on the first ring.

“Special Agent Zev,” I said. “I have gotten the subject home safely, sir.”

“Good,” Luxton replied. “We killed the suspect.”

“Was anyone hurt?” I asked, concern filled my voice.

“The killer wounded twelve people,” he sighed heavily. “Thankfully, you reacted accordingly and got Elissa out of here unharmed.”

“Yeah,” I replied, glancing down at my hand. “She’s shaken up, but fine.”

“Get some sleep,” he ordered. “Good work tonight, Darby.”

The line went dead, and I placed my cell down on the coffee table in front of me. I unbuttoned the suit jacket and took it off, tossing it onto the arm of the couch.

“Your room is next to mine,” she said, never taking her eyes off me. “Go check it out.”

Snatching my cell up, I turned and headed up the stairs with her close behind me. She turned the hallway light on, and I stopped in front of the door. I turned the handle and opened the door. Flicking the light on, I saw that someone had moved most of my belongings in for me.

“When did this happen?” I asked in a low voice.

“After you left,” she laughed. “Special Agent Clarck sent in help to get you moved in quickly.”

“Thank you,” I nodded. “You should get some sleep, Elissa.”

“Night,” she said, looking down with disappointment on her face. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

I heard her turn and head up the hallway and enter her room. The door closed and a moment later I heard her talking to herself.

“You’re such a fucking idiot, Ellissa!” she said. “Stabbing him with a fucking candy cane!”

Oh. Shit! She’s fucking Bipolar Betty! I thought as I raced out of the room. I walked up the hall and opened her door. Her back was facing me and she just stood there.

“Elissa?” I said her name gently as I cautiously entered her room. “What’s wrong, Princess?”

“I wanna fucking die!” She screamed. Her voice was raw with emotion.

I walked up to her and turned her to face me. She was crying. Was she having a psychotic breakdown? I had to react properly using my training.

Just like mom.

“When did you stop taking your medications?” I asked, noticing the full pill bottles lined up on her dresser. She hadn’t noticed I had replaced her medications with colored hard candies just the previous night. You know, just in case she wanted to commit suicide with me living here. That shit wasn’t happening on my watch.

“A month ago,” she whispered as she wiped her tears with the back of her hands, smearing her makeup. “I’m so exhausted!”

I saw the can of cola sitting on her dresser and pointed at it, then at the pills.

“Take your pills, Princess.” I ordered. “Then daddy will punish you.”

I watched her walk over and open at least seven pill bottles, putting one on the dresser at a time before placing the lids on them. She gathered them in her hand and popped them all into her mouth. Picking up the cola, she took two huge gulps before setting the can down.

I stripped off my white long-sleeved dress shirt, tossing it to the floor before removing my dress shoes and unbuckling my belt, before pulling my pants off. I crossed the room and lay on her bed, beckoning her to me with my index finger. She came willingly, lying beside me on the bed.

“There you go, Princess,” I said as I pulled her into my arms. She rested her head on my chest and closed her eyes, placing her hands on my chest. “You can either crawl out of the dark pit of hell,” I said. “Or stay there with me by your side.”

“I want,” she said as her meds kicked in. “To stay... with you, Darby.”

She fell asleep, and I knew why Luxton placed her in my care.

Elissa is just as fucked up mentally as I am.

And I was falling for her.

She adjusted her hand, and it landed on my cock. Against my will, it went rock hard in a matter of seconds.

“Babe,” I whispered, gently shaking her awake. “You, uh, wanna move your hand?”

“Huh?” She cracked her eyes, saw my mask, and closed them again. “Oh, sorry.”

Her hand never moved.

“Fuck me,” I murmured. “Guess I’m stuck beneath a sexy bat shit crazy popstar tonight.”

Chapter 7

Lissa

I awoke around three in the morning to find Darby lying beside me in a deep sleep. He was wearing the mask, and I wondered if he could breathe in that thing.

I was still wearing the dress from the previous night and carefully got out of bed. Walking to the dresser, I quietly opened the top drawer and grabbed clean undergarments. Before closing it and going into the next two, grabbing a T-shirt and jeans.

Exiting the room, I walked into the bathroom and turned on the light. I put my clothes on the counter and closed the door. I got undressed and stepped into the shower. Turning the knobs, the water poured onto me. I quickly washed my hair and body and shaved before turning it off. Ringing out my hair, I opened the door and was shocked to see Darby standing there holding out a towel. I carefully took it and dried myself off as he turned and left the room.

Once I dried myself off and got dressed, I brushed my hair and threw it up into a ponytail before tossing the dirty clothes into the basket. I turned off the light and walked back into my bedroom. Grabbing my morning pills, I found that someone had laid them out for me on the dresser, along with a cold can of cola. I cracked open the can and grabbed the pills. I popped them into my mouth before taking a huge drink. Odd. The pop tasted extra sugary today.

Both my cell and Darby’s cells rang in unison as he climbed off the bed and picked his up. We answered them and placed them on speaker phone.

“You are receiving a collect call from the women’s penitentiary,” the computerized female voice said. “Would you like to accept the charges from-”

“NO!” We shouted in unison before we disconnected the calls.

“That woman can fuck off and die in a hole!” I said as I looked up at him.

“Same,” Darby mumbled under his breath. “That woman is dead to me.”

I glanced at my phone and saw I had many missed calls and text messages from Danica and Melody.

Please tell me you aren’t dead. Danica texted.

Your answer is seriously needed! I’m getting worried!

I’m fine. I escaped danger quickly. I sent her a text.

GIRL! Your mom keeps blowing up my phone! Mel texted.

Ignore her. I’m fine, Mel. I texted.

Melody was my best friend. We grew up together, and she had my back.

Leaving my room, I headed downstairs, with Darby right behind me. Last night, I left the lights on and forgot to switch them off. I just wanted to be fucking normal for a moment, goddamn it!

Upon entering the living room, I sat down on my couch. Noticing a long white envelope on my coffee table with my name written on it in red ink. Confused, I picked it up and carefully opened it. Pulling out a thick stack of paperwork.

“What the hell is this?” I said aloud as Darby walked over to my side.

“A contract,” he replied casually. “Only sign it if you really want to be included in my world, Elissa.”

I picked up a black pen that was placed on the table and quickly read over each page, signing and initialing where they were required.

“Knife play?” I said aloud, glancing up at him for a moment.

“After the traumatic experience you’ve been through,” he signed. “I’d check no besides it.”

“That’s a hell no,” I checked the box and marked only things that wouldn’t harm me.

I finished signing the stack of paperwork and handed it to him. He took them and stared at me behind his mask.

“What?” I said as I climbed to my feet, staring at him.

“You need to be stable before you get to the kinky stuff,” he said. “You may not use safe words, understand?”

“Yeah,” I replied. “I’m fine with that.”

To my surprise, he removed his mask, revealing the left side of his face being painted in black and white paint. The design... a skeleton face. His blue eyes gazed back at me. The entire right side of his face was normal.

“That’s hot,” I said as he rolled his eyes at me. “Or am I supposed to be terrified?”

“You just crushed my badassary look,” he said in a low, seductive voice. “Damn.”

“You know Halloween was a few months ago, right?” I asked.

“It’s a year-round look for me,” he replied. “So, get used to it, Princess.”

A projectile shattered the eerie silence, having been flung from across the room. Darby nearly jumped out of his skin.

“What the fuck was that?” Darby asked as he went into FBI agent mode, scanning the room with his eyes for a potential threat.

“Just the ghost,” I replied. “I thought Agent Clarck told you this house was haunted?”

“Haunted?” Darby asked, eyes widening. “Nope,” he said, as he started collecting his shit off the coffee table. “You’re on your own.”

“You’re really terrified of ghosts, aren’t you?” I taunted. A smile played on my lips as I spoke, the words tinged with both humor and sincerity.

“Damn right I am,” he replied bluntly. “A fucking spirit follows me everywhere I move!”

To my surprise, I saw him pulling out a gigantic bag of salt, candles, sage, everything one would need to send spirits straight to hell.

“You watch way too much Supernatural, don’t you?” I rolled my eyes at him as he started moving towards the door, lining the bottom with salt before moving to the window seals.

“Can’t be too careful,” he shrugged as he tossed a handful of salt onto me before moving into the kitchen, doing the same thing to the door and windows. “Better to be safe than sorry!”

“Hey!” I shouted as I headed upstairs, shaking the salt out of my hair. “You’re an idiot!” Walking into my bedroom, I sighed in relief, knowing I was terrified of ghosts too! The rent was so damn cheap here cause a notorious serial killer had murdered over fifteen people in the basement of this house. It got the reputation of being haunted by his victims and nobody in their right mind would live here. He was a famous producer and lured his victims in to his studio, then would drug them before killing them.

Nobody except you, Elissa.

If anything, I wouldn’t have to live here too much longer, seeing as they recaptured my assailant.

I saw a shadow standing in my doorframe.

“Don’t touch my studio with any of that shit!” I warned as I rushed out of my room after pushing him to the side. “I don’t want you to destroy anything in there!”

“I made a new video for you,” Darby said, changing the subject. “You should watch it.”

I groaned as I reluctantly turned on my cell and clicked on the Trendify app. I clicked on his username. Half_Dead_Relentless and followed him. Before clicking on his latest video.

“I will start a new series,” he said, the drumsticks tapping lightly against his hands as he sat behind his kit in my studio. To shield his face from everyone he encountered on the internet, he pulled his mask down. Shirtless, he flexed his left arm, the muscles rippling beneath his skin, his veins standing out like a roadmap of power. “I’ve named it Silent Notes.” he declared.

The video ended, and I clicked pause on the app as it replayed automatically.

“The fuck is Silent Notes?” I asked, looking at him over my shoulder.

Taking my cell, he clicked onto a different video of his and paused it. Pulling up the comment section, I glanced down as he handed me my cell back.

Zara Vyxen who?

She is afraid to show up for another concert, afraid of being stabbed again.

Is Half_Dead_Relentless fucking her?

They should collab together! Making a rock album would be hella badass!

“The people have spoken,” he replied through the voice modulator in the mask. “We’re recording a rock album.”

“We?” I arched an eyebrow his way.

“You,” he pointed his index finger at me before moving it towards himself. “And me.”

“And Silent Notes,” I sighed heavily. “Is the title of the album, isn’t it?”

“Embrace that darkness that lies within you, Princess,” Darby went on. “We’re putting that pain to good use before you can cover it with a band-aid and pretend like everything is fine when your entire world is falling apart.”

I received a notification. I clicked on it and opened the Trendify app. User Half_Dead_Relentless is now following you.

“This is the part where you follow me back,” he laughed beneath his mask. “Or don’t and have a thousand pissed off ladies send hate comments on all of your social media accounts.”

“You fuck-nugget!” I grumbled as I logged out of my personal account and into my celebrity account and followed him back. I didn’t wanna attract any more unnecessary attention to my personal one! “There, you satisfied?”

Notifications started flying simultaneously.

OMG! Half_Dead_Relentless is following Zara Vyxen!

Are they a couple or something?

If Half_Dead_Relentless is fucking Zara, I’m gonna lose my shit and kick her ass for stealing our eye candy!

Clicking off the app, I groaned. For being an FBI agent, he had a sense of humor and wasn’t as serious as everyone else I had encountered over the past year. My annoyance outweighed my fury, but I wouldn’t tell him that.

“Special Agent Zev!” Agent Clarck’s voice shouted upstairs. “Get your ass down here!”

“Stay here,” he sighed as he moved past me, exiting the room. “Be back as quick as I can.”

From the hallway, I heard him trot down the stairs and enter the living room.

Leaving the room, I bolted up the hallway. I walked down the steps and entered the living room.

“The women’s prison is releasing her,” Agent Clarck said to him. “The judge threw the case out.”

“She’s a goddamn murder!” Agent Zev snarled.

“What’s going on?” I demanded, as they turned their attention to me. “Who is getting out of prison?”

“His mother,” Agent Clarck sighed heavily. “There’s simply no proof—no physical evidence, no credible testimony—to indicate her involvement in the murder.”

“My brother is dead because of that bitch!” Agent Zev shouted.

“They exhumed the coffin recently,” Agent Clarck shook his head. “The coffin was empty.”

“I don’t understand,” Agent Zev shook his head in disbelief. “A coffin robber stole his body!”

The door opened, and a male entered, closing it behind him.

My eyes widened in surprise as I glanced between him and Agent Zev.

Agent Zev’s color drained completely from his face as he stared hard at the man.

“Let’s end this before it gets more complicated,” the man said. “I’m alive Devon.”

Devon?

“Alex?” Devon said his name as though he were speaking to a ghost.

“I’m Special Agent Alexander Zzyzx of the FBI,” he said to him. “I’m your older brother Devon.”

Brother?

Chapter 8

Devon

“Your fucking lying!” I shouted, clenching my fists in rage. “Alex is dead!”

Luxton had been playing a sick fucking joke on me. Today of all days was the anniversary of Alex’s death.

“Shock, denial, rage,” Alex murmured as he rolled his eyes at me. “The stages of denial are clear, Dev.”

“Only one way to prove that you are, in fact, Alex,” I said. “Which you aren’t.”

“Which is?” Alex taunted.

“Our secret handshake,” I replied. “Only we knew what it was.”

“Seriously?” Alex arched an eyebrow at me.

“Do it,” I demanded. “Ready?”

“Fine,” Alex sighed as we held our hands out in front of us. “Go!”

We both flipped each other off and dropped our hands to our sides.

“Holy shit!” I uttered. “It is you!”

“No shit!” Alex smirked at me, relieved that I finally believed him.

“Your secret handshake was flipping each other off?” Elissa asked me.

“We were three,” Alex replied. “To us, it was the ultimate secret handshake a kid could pull off at that age.”

Relief filled my entire body as I took the three steps needed to invade Alex’s personal space. I wrapped my arms around him and hugged him tightly.

“It’s okay Dev,” Alex said gently as he returned my embrace. “For years, I wanted to tell you, but the feds didn’t allow me to see you.”

I released him and took a couple of steps back, stumbling over my own feet. It was like looking in a mirror.

“Sorry to break up this family reunion,” Luxton cleared his throat, drawing me from my thoughts. “There’s only one way to keep Lottie behind bars.”

“Which is?” I asked, remembering that my bitch of a mother was about to walk out of prison and see freedom.

“She is a cellmate with her mother,” Lux nudged his head towards Elissa. “A confidential informant smuggled a letter from them and got it to a police officer who is under cover as a trained killer for hire.”

“She wants to kill him?” Elissa asked, not hiding the shock in her voice.

“And you,” he added. “Your mother is in prison for the murder of your father.”

My gaze shifted to Elissa, who kept her gaze on the floor.

So that’s our connection to each other too, huh?

“We have a team out in a van waiting to put fake blood on you two,” Alex spoke, making me look at him. “We’re taking you both into the woods and you two are going to fake your deaths, and we’ll put it in the newspaper and keep them bitches behind bars.”

“Move out,” Luxton said as he and Alex both placed black bags over Elissa and my heads and pulled us towards the door. “No need to change. We’ll say it was a home invasion after last night’s attack on you both at the Christmas party.”

The door opened, and I felt the chilly air nip at my skin as they led us towards the van. Someone pulled me up and sat me down, tearing the bag off my head.

“Damn Zander,” a male said as he glanced between us. “You two are identical twins.”

“I’m the better-looking twin,” Zander smirked at him. “He’s always gonna be second best to me.”

Still just as cocky of a prick, I see.

Elissa sat across from me, and Luxton removed her bag. Someone pulled the doors closed, and the van roared to life, speeding away from the curb.

“What are we gonna do about his face?” The guy asked, pointing at me. “He already looks like a freak.”

“Just throw some fake blood on him,” Alex sighed. “He’ll be fine.”

I was about to protest when the guy tore open a clear packet of fake blood and squirted it into my face.

The liquid was freezing, as I was already cold. I started spitting it out when I felt a gloved hand smearing it across my face, chest, arms.

Across from me, I heard Elissa protesting and complaining.

“I love this shirt!” she groaned. “Now it’s ruined!”

“You’re a celebrity,” Alex replied bluntly. “Pretty sure you can afford a new one.”

The jealousy and sibling rivalry in me stirred awake. Reminding me why I fought with my brother a lot in our brief three years of life together.

“You’re getting quiet on me,” Alex said, as he sat down to my right beside me. He gazed at me, and I kept my head down, falling into myself. He didn’t know me. I was a stranger to him. “You shut down when you’re pissed at me, Dev.”

“I’m good,” I lied sighed inwards. “Just want this shit to be over with so I can get back to living my life.”

“You didn’t tell him?” Alex asked, looking at Luxton.

“Tell me what?” I asked, glancing between them.

“You two are staying in that house,” Luxton frowned at me. “Lie low until this situation blows over.”

“The media is gonna be all over this,” the guy said. “Are you prepared for all of that, Zander?”

“They’ll update the Snapped and Deadly Women episodes they made,” Alex shook his head, deep in thought. “For both of our piece of shit mother’s episodes, actually.”

“Those only contain my childhood pictures,” I said. “They aren’t getting any recent photos of me, Alex.”

“They don’t know what you look like?” Alex demanded.

“Fuck no,” I shook my head. “Why do you think I wear that fucking mask when I record my videos?”

“Thought you both had a mask kink?” Alex laughed, glancing between Elissa and me.

“I’m hiding my identity,” I scoffed. “She’s the one with a mask kink.”

“Hey,” Elissa shot me a warning look. Someone sprayed fake blood onto her face, hair, and chest. It soaked through her white shirt. “Don’t be telling people my business!”

Lowering my head, I smirked. I knew what she liked, and I only known her for twenty-four hours, give or take.

My attention drifted throughout most of the ride. I noticed Alex kept shooting glances at me but said nothing as the van came to a screeching halt, making me nearly fly off my seat and into Elissa’s lap. I wouldn’t have minded.

The doors opened, and someone roughly pulled us to our feet and yanked us out of the van. We were standing in the snow. I saw my breath as I saw the endless darkness around us.

“Bring them over here!” I heard a man shout as Alex pushed Elissa and me toward him. He grabbed me and shoved me into a pile of snow laying on my back. He positioned Elissa beside me, moving our heads to the side. Yeah, I couldn’t feel the right side of my face. It was going numb. “Don’t move!”

Jesus fucking Christ! Were we about to be murdered for real?

“We have to add bullet holes to their hair,” the man said as the others quickly moved in, slamming a thick piece of red goop into my hair and molded it. I felt the gun press into my skull, and I waited for someone to pull the trigger as I squeezed my eyes shut. A moment later, it was removed, and I lay still. “Let me take a few pictures of them and then you can get them cleaned up and back to the house.”

“Hold your breath for ten seconds and lay completely still.” The man said. “And close your eyes like you are both asleep.”

We both followed instructions and heard him snapping pictures walking around us, taking different angles of our bodies. He moved our arms and legs into different poses, snapping more photos.

“Breath,” he ordered. “Open your eyes.”

My eyes shot open, and I sucked in cold air as my lungs burned.

He snapped more pictures of us with our eyes open before he motioned for us to get up. Both Elissa and I scrambled to our feet, shivering from the cold. Alex and Luxton tossed us both a thick black jacket and we put them on, zipping them up as we walked back to the van. We climbed in and they followed us as someone slammed the doors closed. We took our seats, and the van slowly moved out of the forest and back onto the road.

“You good Dev?” Alex asked. I blinked before his words sunk in. The lack of sleep was weighing on me, and exhaustion hit me.

“I just,” I searched for the right words to say. “I’m overwhelmed man.”

“Understandable,” Alex nodded. “Dev, you’ve faced many life-altering situations, and you’re handling them well.” Alex said.

“So, do we go by our celebrity names?” Elissa asked them.

“Yeah,” Alex finally replied after a long silence. “You go by Zara Vyxen, and you go by Darby Zev.”

“I’m also going by Half_Dead_Relentless,” I replied, making him look at me. “That’s my name when I’m on the Trendify app.”

“Fine,” Alex shrugged. “Just keep that fucking mask on when you’re recording those thirst trap videos of yours.”

“Sounds like you’ve watched one of my videos,” I murmured. “And you know I’m good at what I do.”

“After that kick you gave me at the Christmas party.” Alex rubbed his abs. “I had to see you drumming and now I know not to fuck with you and those tree trunk legs of yours.”

“I’m honored,” I chuckled. “Alex giving out compliments. Did hell freeze over or something?”

“That’s the only one you get,” Alex jabbed me in the shoulder playfully. “Your gonna screw up my big brother persona around my team.”

“Your team?” Elissa arched an eyebrow at him. “I thought he was on your team?”

“This is Devon’s first mission,” Alex pointed out. “If he can keep you and himself alive, he gets to keep his job as an FBI agent and stay assigned to my team.”

No pressure Devon.

“Is Darby even your real name?” Elissa asked, looking at me.

“It’s my middle name,” I nodded. “So yeah, it is.”

“You’re leaving my life in the hands of a newb.?” Elissa narrowed her eyes at Alex.

“Special Agent Devon Kingston,” Alex started. “Was top of his class receiving his Psychology Degree at the local university in Criminal Behavioral Analysis.” He paused briefly as she took the information in. “He took the-”

“I get it,” Elissa cut him off. “He’s qualified to be my personal bodyguard.”

“Rude much?” I said under my breath. She clearly heard me as she flipped me off.

The sun was rising over the mountains, and I was worried that the neighbors would see us covered in this fake blood and think either we killed someone and got rid of the body, or we needed medical attention. All those options sucked.

“We don’t have a lot of time,” Alex said, as I looked at him. “Get your asses cleaned up and stay indoors for the next couple of weeks.”

“I can’t go outside and get any fresh air?” I asked.

“People are gonna see your face!” Alex snarled, nudging his head towards me. “They are going to plaster those pictures all over the newspapers, news outlets, and social media!”

“Guess I forgot about that,” I murmured, shuttering at the thought of seeing myself everywhere made me feel anxious. “Fuck!”

“You two,” Luxton said to me and Elissa. “Are gonna be spending a lot of time together so I suggest you play nice with each other got it?”

I silently nodded, and so did Elissa. The van slowed down and came to a complete stop. Alex opened the doors, and we stood before hopping out. He and Luxton both ushered us up the sidewalk, up the steps of the porch. Luxton fished out his keys and quickly unlocked the door. He opened it, and I allowed Elissa to enter first before I followed her inside.

“Get cleaned up,” Alex said, as I removed my jacket. “I’ll call you later, Dev.”

“I’m showering first,” Elissa said as she tossed the jacket to the floor in disgust. “You make yourself a pot of coffee.”

I watched as she went upstairs and sighed heavily.

“Miss. Ashthorne!” a female voice spoke through the pounding on the front door. “Are you alright in there?”

“Get your ass upstairs,” Alex frowned. “I’ll deal with her nosy ass neighbor.”

Rushing past him, I hauled ass upstairs as he opened the door and spoke with the woman. Opening the door leading to the bathroom, Elissa yelped in surprise as she quickly covered herself up with her hands as she stood naked, ready to take her shower.

“What the fuck are you doing?” she breathed, staring at me wide eyed as I gazed at her.

“Your neighbor,” I frowned as I closed the door and stripped out of my blood-soaked clothing. Dropping it all into a pile, I stepped past her and into the shower, pulling the curtain closed. “Alex is down there dealing with her.”

“Smart,” she sighed heavily. “She would’ve flipped her shit if she took one look at you.”

“Is she gonna be a problem we have to deal with Elissa?” I inquired as I quickly lathered myself up with a black luffa and scrubbed my skin until it was raw. The hot water seeped into my bones, and it felt great.

“Barbra just lost her husband to cancer,” Elissa said as she pushed the curtain back and joined me in the shower before closing it. She pushed me out of the water and sighed as she let it wash the fake blood off her goddess body. “Be nice.”

Without thinking, I grabbed her two in one shampoo and conditioner that smelled like lilacs. I poured a generous amount into my palm before scrubbing her scalp, gently massaging her head. I waited for her to say something snarky, but it never came. Instead, she allowed her body to fall into mine. My cock instantly got hard at her touch.

I watched the soapy bubbles slide down her silky body and down the drain. She grabbed her hot pink luffa and pumped a few times on the bottle. She scrubbed her skin clean, and I opened the curtain, stepping out. I closed it and found a black towel in the closet. Drying myself off quickly, I gathered my clothes and quietly opened the door. Stepping out, I closed it behind me and walked into my room. I found my clothes and put on a black T-shirt, black jeans, and my black boots. Combing my hair, I styled it with moose and put on deodorant before heading out of there.

Something was off. I could feel it in my gut. Walking up the hallway, I walked down the stairs and entered the living room.

“Where’s Alex?” I asked Luxton, who wore a confused expression on his face as he and Elissa stared at me.

My gaze shifted to the floor. Fresh blood soaked the area near the front door. Alex was gone! Clearly, a struggle had occurred in my absence.

“This is now officially a crime scene,” Luxton said, shooting me a look not to proceed any further. “You two need to go back upstairs and await further orders, Devon.”

“My brother-”

“They kidnapped him,” Luxton abruptly interrupted me. “The neighbor is working with both of your mothers... she thought Alex was you.”

My cell started ringing, and I glanced at Luxton with concern on my face. He nudged his head towards me to answer it as he recently placed a wiretapping on Elissa and my phones. Picking my mask up, I placed it over my head to mask my voice before snatching it up. I pressed the green button and placed it on speakerphone.

“You there, Z?” I asked, masking my voice to protect myself in case it was the kidnapper on the other line.

“Special Agent Zev,” Alex wheezed as if he were being choked. “Protect Zara-”

“You’ve crossed a deadly line, Special Agent Zev,” a cold female voice taunted me from the other end of the phone. My blood went cold at the familiar voice. “I have waited years to get my son back.”

“You’re playing a dangerous game,” I said, doing my best to keep my voice level. “First you murder your son, now you kidnap the other?”

“I want my SON!” she shrieked through the phone. “I know he’s alive!”

“Mrs. Kingston,” Lex snatched the phone from my hand. “You kidnapped Director Alexander Zzyzx of the FBI-”

“LIES!” she shouted. “None of my sons would ever join the feds!”

“He isn’t your son!” I spoke as I took back control of the conversation. We had to locate Alex, and fast! “Let him go and you will get you actual son.”

Before she could respond, a single gunshot rang out. My mother was screaming in pain.

“You shot me!” she repeated.

“You require medical attention,” Alex breathed heavily. “You’re going back to prison for kidnapping the director of the FBI bitch!”

“I have your location director,” Luxton said. “I’m sending medical and the local authorities to you now, sir!”

“Good,” Alex breathed. “Bitch stabbed me and I’m bleeding like a goddam pig.”

The phone fell onto what sounded like the floorboard of a vehicle.

“Alex?” I asked, getting no response. “Don’t you dare die on me again!” I shouted as panic filled my voice. “I need you!”

“Alex!” My bitch of a mother mocked me, laughing hysterically. “I’ll make sure he stays dead this time, Devon.”

“DON’T YOU FUCKING TOUCH HIM!” I screamed, losing my shit. I was unhinged. And I gave zero fucks.

“Both of you betrayed your mother!” she went on. “I will kill you both myself for destroying my life!”

I could hear Alex gurgling blood through the phone. Hearing the blade of a knife plunging into his body repeatedly before the line went dead.

“DEVON!” Luxton shook me roughly by the shoulders, drawing me out of my as he tore my mask off my head. “You went off the deep end again!”

“My brother is dying!” I shouted, my face twisting into rage. “It was supposed to be ME!”

The door opened and agents entered the living room wearing protective gear as to not contaminate the crime scene.

“Make sure these two have extra protection added to their detail team,” Luxton ordered as he tossed me my mask and headed carefully around the blood and stopped in the doorway, turning to look at me. “I’ll be lead agent on your brother’s case, Dev,” he paused. “We’re not losing him to that psycho bitch.”

“I’m coming with you,” I said, clenching my mask in my hand. “He’s my brother Lux.”

“And that’s exactly why you need to stay here,” he nudged his head towards Elissa. “You do your job and protect her, remember?”

Turning my head towards Elissa, she was staring at me wide eyed, hand covering her mouth. She was just as traumatized as I was.

Maybe I traumatized her when I went bat shit crazy on my mom?

“I won’t let her take ether of you,” Lux said. “I’ll check in once I contain the crime scene, and they’ve locked her up for attempted murder.”

I prayed Alex survived.

Cause if he didn’t... mom would have hell to pay.

And not by the devil.

By me.

Chapter 9

Lissa

Hearing Director Zzyzx getting brutally stabbed multiple times over the phone made me want to spew. I felt sick to my stomach listening to him dying!

The night the Trendify Killer nearly murdered me came back to me. I needed someone, but no one was there to help me that night!

But that was nothing compared to watching Darby lose it, all the while being forced to listen to his twin brother being stabbed to death. I prayed he survived after being stabbed by his deranged mother. If their mom could do that to her own children, who’s to say what mine would do to me if she had escaped from prison?

Regaining my composure, I noticed a crime scene unit examining the area where Alex was stabbed. I turned and ran upstairs, entering the music room. I needed to sleep. But how the fuck could anyone sleep after hearing someone getting stabbed to death?

“Elissa?” Darby’s voice was soft, filled with concern as he entered the room, closing the door behind him. “I’m sorry. I let my emotions over power my professional life.”

“You’re sorry?” I asked, turning to face him. I wore a look of confusion on my face. “Your brother was being brutally stabbed over the fucking phone and you’re sorry?”

“I allowed my personal shit to blur the lines of my professional duty to protect you, Elissa,” Darby replied as if he’d rehearsed this shit. “I assure you it won’t happen again.”

“All of this,” I said, swirling my index finger around pointing it at him. “Is not the masked man I’m looking to fuck in the near future.”

Did I just say that shit? Well, fuck!

Darby looked bewildered. Like I had just pranked his ass.

“Look,” I continued. “We’re both fucked up in the head thanks to our bitch ass mothers.”

“True,” he nodded in agreement. “But I can’t blur the lines of staying professional and being Half_Dead_Relentless.”

The door abruptly opened, and a female agent stared at us intently before speaking.

“Your brother is being transferred to the Parker hospital,” she gushed. “You being his twin, they requested you meet them there and use your blood for a transfusion, Devon.”

“I’m coming with you,” I said as I shoved him out of the room and up the hallway and down the steps. “You’re my bodyguard, remember?”

“Yeah,” Devon said as he and I both grabbed our jackets, my purse, and keys. He grabbed his wallet, FBI badge, service weapon and we were ready.

“Let’s go out the back door,” she said as I saw the crime scene unit still taking over the living room, ignoring us as we walked past them. “I’ll drive you two to the emergency room.”

Exiting the living room and entering the kitchen, we rushed towards the door as a male agent yanked it open for us. Once outside, the cold air bit into my flesh as I quickly put my black jacket on. Dead leaves covered the backyard. Vehicles boxed us in a long strip of yellow and black crime scene taped off the yard to keep people out.

Walking past Darby’s car, we couldn’t use it, seeing as the many vans and vehicles boxed it in. Following the agent to a red vehicle, Darby pulled open the door to the backseat, and I slid in before he closed the door. He opened the passenger door and climbed in before closing the door behind him. The female agent walked around the back and opened the riverside door and climbed in. The door closed, and she fished out her keys and placed them in the ignition. Turning it, the engine roared to life, and she pulled away from the curb and headed up the street.

Turning my head left, I wasn’t surprised to see nosy neighbors gathered around my house. The place had a shitty history. And apparently, it didn’t end with me and Darby.

“Zander is strong willed,” she said, drawing me from my thoughts. “He fought like hell to get to see you, Devon.”

“If I can save his life,” Devon started sighing heavily. “I’ll do it.”

Being an only child, I didn’t know how it felt having a sibling. I felt terrible for them both. I’ve only known them for less than a week, but all of them put their lives on the line for me. A total stranger.

“Elissa,” the agent called my name, snapping me out of my thoughts as I gazed at her. “We’re at the emergency room.”

“Right,” I said, forcing a nervous smile as I opened the door and stepped out, closing it behind me. “Where’s Devon?”

“The paramedics rushed him inside, accompanying him with his brother,” she said. “Agent Clarck is waiting for you by the entrance.”

Walking briskly towards him, he held the door open for me, and I entered the warm building. He followed and flashed his badge at the nurse, and she instructed us to follow her. She seemed unfazed by his presence, as if she’d seen authoritative figures regularly.

We followed her to an elevator that only staff used as she tapped her badge against it. The doors opened, and we filed inside. She pressed a button, and the light turned orange, and the doors closed. We stood in an uncomfortable silence as the air thickened around us.

The dinging of a bell jarred me out of my thoughts as the doors slid open. We followed her out into a brightly lit hallway, and she pointed to a waiting room.

I walked towards it and saw that it was completely empty. Taking one of the first seats nearest to the door, I finally exhaled. For once, I was concerned about people who weren’t my usual crew or myself.

“Zander’s mother stabbed him about twenty times,” Detective Clarck replied. “Devon is surprisingly holding his composure dealing with all of this shit.”

“Is he going to survive?” I asked as my anxiety rose in my chest.

“They rushed Zander into the ICU,” he shrugged. “If he dies... The death penalty is a definite possibility.”

“Can I see Devon when he gets out?” I asked in a quiet voice. “I’m worried about him, Detective Clarck.”

“Call me crazy,” he chuckled to himself. “But after this shit show is done... I hope the two of you go out on a date.”

“Why?” I inquired, arching an eyebrow at him. “Because his crazy matches my crazy?”

“Something like that,” he grumbled. “Devon is a good guy, Elissa. He needs someone by his side who understands him.”

“And you think that person is me?” I forced a dry laugh.

“I know it’s you,” he gave me a sad smile. “Why do you think I begged Zander to get Devon off desk duty to protect you, Elissa?”

“I dun know?” Leaping to my feet, I said, “I thought you just put a drummer posing as an FBI agent to be my bodyguard.”

“Excuse me, Detective Clarck,” a different nurse said as she stood in the doorway. “You can speak to the doctor.”

“How are they doing?” I asked.

“She’s Detective Devin’s girl,” Agent Clarck cut in. “She’s worried about her man.”

I’m not Devin’s girl.

“You must be Elissa,” she said, looking me up and down with her eyes. “He’s requested for you to go to his room, it’s 207 on the second floor.”

“Thank you,” I said, gathering my belongings and stepped around them. “I’ll go see him now.” I walked out of the waiting room and found the nearest elevator. Pressing the button, it glowed orange. The ding of the bell let me know it arrived. The doors slid slowly open, and I stepped inside. Pressing number 2 as the light glowed orange, and the doors slid closed.

Exhaustion hit me like a ton of bricks, and I stifled a yawn as the bell dinged and the doors slid open. Exiting the elevator, I followed the numbers until I reached 207. The door was closed with a slight slit, keeping it open.

He is expecting me. Go in Elissa.

Lightly rapping on the door, I shoved it open and stepped into the room. Devon was lying in a hospital bed with an IV sticking out of his right arm. He wore a scowl on his handsome face as I approached him. He glanced at me, then did a double take, noticing that I wasn’t a nurse.

“Hey,” Devon smiled genuinely at me as I walked over to his bedside on the right. “I’ve been waiting for you.”

“Sorry to keep you waiting,” I smirked at him. “Looks like you’re having a lot of fun in here.”

“Oh yeah,” he forced a dry laugh. “So much fun that I’ve made a couple of Half_Dead_Relentless videos laying in this bed.”

My smile fell as I gazed down at his mask laying on his lap. I had forgotten he’d brought it in here with him.

“The mask stayed on the whole time,” he reassured me. “I didn’t speak in the videos, okay?”

“That’s good to know,” I breathed. “But have you considered that any of these nurses or doctors watch your videos, Devon?”

“You called me by my government name,” he laughed, clearly amused by my comment. “I’m sure they’ll keep my secret, Elissa.”

“Yeah, about that,” I made a face. “Agent Clarck told the nurses that I’m your girlfriend.”

“Did he now?” Devon arched an eyebrow my way. “Are you my girlfriend Elissa Ashthorne?”

“That depends,” I replied in a seductive voice. “Do you want me to be your girlfriend, Devon Kingston?”

“You’re a smoking hot fucking pop star,” he wiggled his eyebrows at me playfully. “Damn right I want you to be my girlfriend, Elissa.”

“Are you sure it’s not the drugs that are currently in your system that’s talking to me?” I asked, lowering myself until I was eye level with him.

“Probably,” he smirked at me. “But this is my only shot at asking you to be my girlfriend Elissa, and I don’t wanna fuck it up.”

“Then I’m yours,” I smiled as I turned and walked over to the cushioned window seal and lay down on it, searching out my body. “No, take backs.”

“YES!” he lifted his good arm high in the air in victory. “There is a God who doesn’t hate me after all.”

Agent Clarck entered the room and wore a grim expression on his face as he gazed at Devon.

“Alex?” Devon asked with a slight edge in his voice. “Did he?”

“He’s a stubborn son of a bitch,” Detective Clarck said. “He’s fighting for his life, and they need more blood from you, Dev.”

“No problem,” Devon replied as he tossed me his mask. I caught it and lay it beside me. Nurses entered the room and unlocked the wheels. Detective Clarck moved and sat in a nearby chair as we watched the nurse wheel Devon out of the hospital room. “See ya guys in a few hours.”

The TV set to a low volume, barely audible, as Detective Clarck picked up the remote and raised the volume as the news came on.

“This is Samantha Petwer reporting live from the scene of the crime where escaped convict Lottie Kingston kidnapped and stabbed the Director of the FBI Alexander Zzyzx multiple times.” She paused for effect before continuing. “Paramedics transported him to a local hospital, and he is in critical condition.” Pause. “Lottie sustained a gunshot wound from Director Alexander Zzyzx before she brutally stabbed him, leading to her being taken to another hospital.” Pause. “Authorities will transport Lottie to a different women’s penitentiary after she leaves the hospital.”

“It’s worse than I thought,” I whispered as I shot up and leaped to my feet. All feelings of exhaustion had left me wide awake and alert as I kept my gaze fixed on the TV. “This is awful shit.”

“Agent Devon Kingston of the FBI was absent when Lottie brutally stabbed his director and took his place,” pause. “The FBI assigned Agent Devon Kingston to protect iconic popstar Zara Vyxen; their whereabouts remain undisclosed. The FBI took full control of both cases, linking them to the fugitive Trendify Killer.”

“Are you fucking kidding me?” I asked, head snapping towards Agent Clarck. “You didn’t catch the Trendify Killer?”

“Fucking news outlets breaking news like those fucking wrestling news,” he sighed, frowning at me. “It ended up being a guy posing as the Trendify Killer.”

“The uptick in Trendify Killer impersonators is a trend that started on the Trendify app,” she went on. “Making it harder for the FBI to locate the real Trendify killer.”

“Great,” I scoffed. “The Trendify Killer started a trend.”

“I didn’t want you to find out this way, Elissa,” Agent Clarck sighed as he rubbed his tired eyes with his index finger and thumb in annoyance. “We need you to stay with Devon until we catch the real Trendify Killer.”

“I told him what you said,” I said, growing silent. “About me being his girlfriend.”

“And?” Agent Clarck asked, arching an eyebrow my way.

“He... said yes,” I shrugged. “I was pretty sure he was gonna say no, but he didn’t.”

“You doubted me,” he smirked. “Devon is more than your protector, Elissa.”

“Agent Clarck,” a nurse rushed into the room. “Your needed in the ICU.”

“Be right there,” he said as he stood and headed for the door. “Monitor her, will you?”

“Why?” the nurse inquired. “She’s just the girlfriend of an FBI agent.”

If only that were the case... I’m much more than that.

“That’s Zara Vyxen,” he pointed out. “Her boyfriend is someone you probably watch on Trendify if you know what I’m saying.” He quickly left the room, leaving the confused nurse alone with me.

“What’s he talking about?” she inquired.

“Uh,” I forced a smile. “You don’t watch masked men thirst trap videos on Trendify, do you?”

“I do!” she said, as her eyes lit up with excitement. “All of us female and some male nurses and doctors watch them on our breaks.”

“You... do?” I asked, unable to hide the shock in my voice.

“It’s the thing that keeps our sanity around this place,” she sighed heavily. “If we can get a moment to ourselves and draw us out of this bat shit hospital, then we’re down for it.”

“That’s great,” I forced a smile. “Keeping your sanity is difficult sometimes.”

Pulling out her cell, she clicked on her phone, unlocking it and getting into the Trendify app quickly. The sound of drumming hit my ears like a melody I shoved to the back of my brain. A feeling came over me and I knew she had found Devon’s page.

“Our favorite masked man,” she smirked at me as she walked over to my side, flashing her screen at me. I saw Half_Dead_Relentless drumming without a shirt on! All his muscles were on display as he played the drums, not missing a beat. As though it came second nature to him. “We all love him!”

Oh fuck! Act natural Elissa!

I glanced at her nametag. It read Maggy.

“He posted a new video this morning,” she gushed, not taking her eyes off her screen as she clicked off the video and clicked the latest one. “His videos are like clockwork-”

She stopped talking mid-sentence and her eyes widened in surprise as she clicked on the new video.

I watched in horror as Devon had his mask laying on the white blanket in his hospital bed. The room was deathly silent as the camera slowly panned upwards towards the IV sticking out of his arm. Then he moved it back down, showing the mask was gone from his lap. He put it on with one hand and the camera moved upwards as he tilted his head to the left before the video ended.

Oh... SHIT!

“Oh, my GOD!” Maggy gasped as the video replayed on loop. “Half_Dead_Relentless is in our hospital!”

“You can’t tell anyone who he is!” I shook my head, shooting her a warning look.

“You know who he is, don’t you?” she asked, arching an eyebrow at me. “Tell me... please?”

“Sorry,” I replied. “I signed a confidentiality form keeping me silent.”

Glancing behind me, she gasped as she saw Devon’s mask laying on the cushioned window seal.

“Oh, my GOD!” she gushed as excitement grew in her voice as she shifted her gaze at me. “Agent Kingston is-”

“I’ll sign an autograph for you,” I said, cutting her off mid-sentence. “To keep this confidential.”

“Why would I want your autograph?” she scoffed.

“You don’t recognize me, do you?” I spoke.

“No,” she shook her head, looking at me extremely hard. “Are you famous or something?”

This bitch!

Now it was my turn to pull out my cell. I walked over to my purse that lay beside the mask and pulled it out. Entering the code, I unlocked my screen and clicked on the Trendify app. Luckily, I was in my celebrity account. It made it easy for me to go to the profile. Clicking on it, I turned and walked up to her, flashing my screen at her.

“Verified and everything,” I smiled at her. “So yeah, I’m famous or something.”

“Oh, my GOD!” she squealed in excitement as she gazed up at me wide eyed once more.

“You want the autograph or not?” I asked, not so kindly this time around. “Our identities need to stay hidden cause you know we’re being hunted by a killer and all.”

“Uh, yeah,” she replied, snapping out of her daze as she handed me a pen and tore off a piece of paper from a small notepad she carried in her pocket. “Can you make it out to Maggy?”

“Of course,” I smiled as I walked over to the table that was a hospital tray. I scribbled my signature and turned, handing them both back. “I trust that you’ll keep our secrets, right?”

“Absolutely!” she gushed as she folded the piece of paper and placed it and the pen back into her pocket. “If you need anything at all, don’t hesitate to ask for me, okay?”

“Thank you Maggy,” I smiled warmly. “I will.”

She squeaked with excitement and dashed out of the hospital room.

Maggy is going to tell every fucking doctor and nurse who we are!

I wasn’t a fucking idiot. It was only a matter of time that this room was gonna be having visitors round the clock once they found out who both of us were.

I sure hoped Devon had a sense of humor.

Because I sure as hell wasn’t laughing at our current shitty situation.

Chapter 10

Devon

“Why are there so many nurses and doctors coming in and out of my room?” Devon inquired as the latest one just left, excited as they bounced out of the room.

“Maybe because somebody left their fucking mask in here,” I whispered as I tossed his mask to him. “I had to bribe a fucking nurse with an autograph and clearly it didn’t work.”

“You covered for me while I was giving blood to my brother?” he asked, smiling at me like a complete idiot.

“That nurse Maggy saw your mask sitting next to my purse and put two and two together,” I sighed. “I had to do something.”

Our relationship is moving hella fast. Like a fucking rocket blasting off into space. I gotta make sure I don’t fuck things up with Elissa.

“Hey!” Elissa snapped her fingers in my face, causing me to look at her. “Am I boring you to death over here?”

“Quite the opposite actually,” I blinked as I gazed at her. “What were you saying?”

“Unbelievable,” she rolled her eyes at me. “I said why didn’t you tell me that the Trendify Killer is still on the loose, Devon?”

Awe shit! How the fuck did she find out about that? Bet Luxton let it slip.

“Luxton told me to keep it from you,” I admitted as I sighed heavily. “It was for your own protection, Elissa.”

She was pissed. I could see it written on her face. She was worried about me and my brother, too. Being an FBI agent, I learned how to read people’s expressions and body language.

“Here are your discharge papers, Agent Kingston,” Maggy said, smiling at me. “We’ll take good care of your brother upstairs.”

“Thank you,” I said as I quickly signed the paperwork as she worked on getting the IV out of my fucking arm. I hardly felt the needle exit my skin as she placed a thick gaze and medical tape on my arm before tearing it off. Picking up the stack, she smiled at me again as she moved towards the door.

“You’d better take care of him.”

“Bitch,” Elissa said under her breath as I gazed back at her. She was wicked pissed.

Is she? No... she can’t be... can she?

Shoving the hot blankets off my body, I climbed out of bed and tugged the curtain closed so any nurses or doctors walking by wouldn’t see me changing.

“I can go wait outside in the hallway,” Elissa said as soon as she saw me untie the hospital gown and toss it onto the bed. I stood only in my silk black boxers. My muscles were on full display for her and only her eyes only. “Yeah.”

“Stay,” I said, my voice low as I shifted quickly, picking up my clothes. I changed in seconds, slamming my feet into my boots before putting my black leather jacket on. Grabbing my mask, badge, and mask, I put them away. Well, what I could anyway. “Can you hide this in your purse for me?”

“Yeah,” she said, taking the mask. She carefully placed it inside her purse before slinging it across her right shoulder. “You good?”

“I’m worried about my brother,” I replied as we walked around the curtain and headed for the door. “Lux won’t allow me to be assigned to his case.”

We walked in silence as we passed the nurses’ station. I felt Elissa’s annoyance growing as she jabbed the elevator button roughly with her index finger.

The bell dinged, and the doors slid open.

“Ah, it’s you two,” Luxton replied as he allowed us to join him. He pressed the lobby button, and the doors closed. “I’ll drive you back to the house.”

The thickness of the uncomfortable silence grew stronger by the second.

The dinging of the bell jarred me from my thoughts as the doors slid open. Elissa wasted no time squeezing out of the thin slit as they opened.

“You two have your first fight as a couple or something?” Lux asked me as we got off the elevator together.

“Not that I’m aware of?” I said the words came out like more of a question that wasn’t too reassuring.

“Then why is she so pissy?” he demanded as we headed past a group of doctors, I’m returning from their lunch break. They glanced at me and started whispering as they walked past us.

“The nurses saw my mask and figured out my identity,” I sighed heavily. “Pretty sure that’s what it is.”

Elissa was standing outside, waiting impatiently for us. She didn’t wanna be here for another minute.

I felt shitty.

It’s always your fault, Devon.

We walked over to her and the valet man rushed across the street to get Luxton’s car.

“You two haven’t eaten today, have you?” Lux asked us.

“No,” I said, lying to him on her behalf. Damn nurses made me eat breakfast to replenish my blood. “I can cook us something when we get back to the house.”

The valet pulled in front of us and got out. I opened the back door and Elissa leaped instead. She looked shocked when she saw me slide into the backseat with her. Closing the door, I glanced at her and gave her my rockstar smile. You know that smile that made the ladies melt.

Her face grew a crimson red once she realized my smile was just for her.

Lux drove out of the hospital drop off area, his voice filled with frustration. “I’m not your fucking chauffeur.”

Smirking, I glanced over at Elissa. She looked like she was on the verge of falling asleep any second now. Lux handed me my service weapon, and I took it, clipping it onto a loophole in my jeans.

“Not to freak you guys out or anything,” Lux said, as he picked up his speed slightly. “But we’re being tailed.”

“My mask,” I whispered to Elissa, extending my hand and moving my fingers into my palm. “I’ll distract them.”

She quickly opened her purse and grabbed the mask, handing it to me. Lowering my head, I carefully slid it over my head and clicked the button on the side, turning the light on.

The car slammed into the rear, causing a rear-end collision. Elissa yelped in surprise as she slammed her hands into the back of the driver’s seat to keep herself from hitting the seat as she flew backwards.

“What the fuck is happening?” Elissa shouted as panic filled her eyes.

“Someone wants to play,” I said, masking my voice with the voice box. “Game on fucker!”

Gun fire erupted from behind us. Reacting on instinct, I gripped Elissa’s head in my palm and shoved her head down in my lap. Her head was deep in my crotch, but now wasn’t the time to get head. Rolling down the window, I twisted my body and held my gun out, taking a shot as I pulled the trigger. The bullet struck the rearview mirror, causing it to ricochet somewhere.

Luxton turned his siren on, causing the loud screeching sound to make my ears ring. Sliding inside just as the car rammed into us again and this time Lux’s car slammed into a parked car, causing me to slam my head into the back of the passenger seat as my head whiplashed backwards.

“Fuck!” I said as Elissa sat up with a jolt, taking in the scene. “Are you alright?”

“I-I think so?” Voice trembling as she tried to calm herself down.

Climbing over her, I opened the door and stepped out just as Luxton had done a few moments before. We raised our weapons and walked cautiously towards the car, which was leaking gasoline. The smell made me wrinkle my nose. Heart pounding in my chest, I was pissed. They tried to kill Elissa!

“Step out of the car!” Lux shouted as two men wearing Trendify masks obeyed carefully, opening the door and exiting the vehicle. “Hands in the air!”

“We were just fucking around,” the first guy said as he pissed himself in fear of being shot. “We didn’t know you guys were fucking cops!”

Both Lux and I holstered our weapons and grabbed our handcuffs. We each grabbed a perp and cuffed their wrists tightly behind their backs, shoving their heads into the trunk of the car. It was a fucking black Mustang. Or it used to be, anyway.

“Why are you wearing a mask man?” The other asked, his voice quivering with fright. “Our guns are cap guns!”

“I’m Venom,” I snarled, my voice sounding menacing with the voice box. “I’m your fucking worst nightmare!”

“Don’t kill us!” he screamed as the cops showed up. Lux flashed his badge and told them what had happened. The cops took over from there. They had us remove our handcuffs and gave them back to us as they replaced ours with theirs, leading the perps to their car.

Elissa ran over to my side, and I pulled her protectively into my arms as I tilted my head to the right and waved at the perps in a creepy manor Michael Myers would be proud of. The sheer terror on their faces made me make sure they would see me in their fucking nightmares for the rest of their miserable lives.

“Watch this,” I said as I release her and headed for the cop car the two men were in. The police had confiscated their fake guns and masks. Their eyes widened in sheer terror when they saw me approaching them. Slamming my fists on the window, I pressed my mask against the glass. “Boo motherfuckers!”

Both men screamed like teenage boys hitting puberty as I removed myself and walked back over to where Elissa was standing with Luxton.

“Real mature,” she said, rolling her eyes at me. “You scared the shit outta them.”

“Good,” I laughed. “Maybe they’ll think twice before attacking federal agents next time.”

“I’ll deal with this shit,” Luxton said. “You two fill out those police reports and catch an Uber home.”

And we did just that, Elissa and I both jotted down the events and that was that. I waited for the cop car that held the two perps inside to go before I turned off the light and removed my mask. The cool air nipped at my face, but I welcomed it. This fucking mask was hot!

Our driver pulled up across the street in a red Corola. Elissa and I held our things as we hauled ass across the street. Pulling open the back door, she leaped inside, and I sat down beside her, closing the door behind me.

“We’re you two involved in that car accident over there?” a young male asked, checking out the wreckage. A tow truck was there taking both vehicles, as they were nothing but scrap metal now.

“Yeah,” I said. “A couple of idiots were cosplaying as the Trendify Killer and hit us, not realizing we were federal agents.”

“No shit?” he asked as he slowly pulled away and started driving toward Elissa’s house I gave him in the directions. I asked him to make a quick stop at a fast-food joint and bought us all burgers, fries, and drinks.

Elissa talked with the guy and once he recognized her by her voice, she had to bribe him to keep it to himself as she signed yet another autograph. Two in one day. The guy, cheesing like an idiot. Jealousy was creeping its way up my chest. I had to shut it down.

He’s just a fanboy, Devon. Calm the fuck down!

“Thank you so much for the ride,” Elissa smiled as she opened the door and climbed out. I slid over and was getting ready to get out. “Tell him thank you.”

“Thanks,” I murmured as I climbed out. “Don’t sell that or I’ll find you and you won’t like what I do to you, bro.”

“I-I won’t,” he stammered as I nodded. “Bye sir, have a great evening.”

Slamming the door as I held the drinks, I watched as he pulled away from the curb as twilight was falling. The day had drug on thanks to those idiots. We had to stay at the scene until they verified our identities and assessed the situation before they would clear us and let us go.

Walking up the walkway, I walked up the few steps as Elissa stood by the door inside. I entered the house, and she closed the door, locking it behind her.

Stopping dead in my tracks as Alex’s blood still lay on the floor. It had dried by now. The metallic smell hit my nose, causing me to nearly throw up. Elissa must have seen the look on my face because she quickly reacted to me.

“Don’t look at it,” Ordering in a gentle voice as I dragged my eyes from the blood up to her gorgeous face. “Sit with me in the kitchen and we’ll eat our dinner, okay?”

I followed her around the blood as we entered the kitchen. She took the drink carrier and set it down on the black kitchen table. It was a square table with four tall metal stools. Every piece of her furniture was luxurious. Her table was no different.

Taking a seat beside her, she removed our drinks and set mine down before me with a plastic straw and my food.

The queasiness was going away as I opened the box containing my burger. Picking it up, I took a bite, and the flavors instantly popped. The juiciness was amazing.

Elissa picked up her cell, and rock music filled the room from a speaker somewhere in the ceiling. The music calmed me down instantly, bringing me back to reality.

“Guess we both got jealous today, didn’t we?” she asked in a quiet voice as I tore open the wrapping from my straw and placed it into my plastic cup. I nodded as I took a huge gulp. The coldness felt great against my dry throat. “You must get that a lot, being hot as fuck and all.”

Elissa thinks I’m hot still? I forgot she’s my girlfriend now.

“I don’t get hit on as much as you might think I would, Elissa.” I forced a laugh. “Remember, I hide behind my drum set and a mask?”

“Right,” she reminded herself. “I haven’t had a boyfriend in years due to my busy touring schedule and surviving the Trendify killer.”

“I’ll be the one to catch that fucker Elissa,” I said, giving her a truthful reply. “I’ll end his psychotic ways.”

“I have no doubt that you will,” she replied, never taking her eyes off me. “You’ve already proven more than once that you’ll protect me from any threat, Devon.”

We finished eating our dinner and Elissa cleaned up. Standing up, the adrenaline from the day’s events crashed through me and all I wanted to do was sleep. But I couldn’t knowing the Trendify Killer was still loose somewhere out there. We exited the kitchen and headed for the stairs. I purposely turned my head to avoid seeing my brother’s blood still covering the living room floor.

“Do you mind if I play for a few hours?” I asked as we made our way upstairs. I wasn’t sure if she would agree to my request or not.

“Absolutely,” she said, flicking the light on to the studio as she entered the room first. “We should record our first song for our album.”

“You really want to?” I asked as I shed the jacket, tossing it onto a nearby black leather couch across the room. I removed the hospital tape and revealed a massively ugly bruise. Balling it up, I tossed it into a nearby wastebasket. She removed her jacket and purse downstairs, so she was comfortable in this haunted house.

“You can even be Half_Dead_Relentless if you want to be,” she smirked deviously at me as she stared at the mask clenched in my hand. “In fact, I hope you are seeing as he’s the one I’ve hired as my new drummer.”

Putting the mask on, I clicked the button, and the light turned on. I walked past her and sat down behind the drum set. Tossing her my cell, she caught it and set it down, clicking the record button. She wasn’t unintelligent. Concealing her face, she only allowed her arms to be seen on screen. She set it on a table, positioning it on me. Walking over to the computer, she turned it on, and it was ready to go quickly. She had the state-of-the-art high-tech shit!

Was I envious?

Fuck yes!

This studio, though haunted as fuck, was my dream studio!

Picking up the drumsticks, I flipped them around my fingers, twirling them five or six times before striking the drum kit. Elissa covered her face with her hair as she ran around me to get to the microphone. Turning it on, she started singing.

Both of us were in pain. And tonight was no different. In fact, it was the worst fucking day of my life. Second to the time when Alex died for God only knows how long.

I finished hitting the last note as Elissa sang her last note on cue. She ran over to my cell and stopped recording before she tossed it back to me. I caught it and was breathing heavily as I set the sticks down. Climbing to my feet, I clicked the off button on my mask, stepping around the drum set.

She shut the recording button off and saved the raw version of her vocals and my drumming into two formats on our own bars.

“I’ll produce this in the morning,” she stifled a yawn. “I’m exhausted.”

“I think I’ll sit in here for a while,” I said as I removed the mask walking her out of the room. I escorted her to her room as she entered, turning on the light. “You get some sleep, okay?”

“Will you stay with me?” she begged with her big puppy eyes. “I need some of that salt around my bed to keep the spirits at bay.”

“I thought you said you weren’t afraid of spirits?” I asked, arching an eyebrow her way.

“I lied.” she shrugged as she stripped out of her clothes, tossing them into the laundry basket across the room. Walking over to her dresser, she opened the second drawer and pulled out a long gray T-shirt, slipping it on over her body. She removed her bra beneath it, tossing it into the basket.

She noticed I was staring at her chest, and she smirked as she turned and walked into the bathroom in her room.

Wait. Bathroom?

“You have a master bathroom in your bedroom?” I asked, pointing towards the door. I had somehow missed it, thinking it was another fucking closet.

“I do,” she laughed as she grabbed her toothbrush and toothpaste and brushed her teeth. “Maybe I’m the villain Devon.”

“Did you just quote Halflives?” I asked her.

“You do know your rock music, don’t you?” she laughed after she gargled and turned the light off. Walking past me, she climbed onto her bed, pulling the thick black comforter back before crawling beneath it. “Night.”

“Goodnight Elissa,” I said, turning off the light. Tapping the light on the side of my mask, it turned on, illuminating the room in a neon orange color. “Sweet dreams Princess.”

“You look hot with or without that mask, Devon.” She said as she started falling asleep. “Really... hot...”

A smirk played across my lips as she was snoring in less than a minute

Time to put that mask to the test.

There was nowhere for her to run.

Chapter 11

Lissa

Waking up out of a dead sleep, I gasped, noticing the room was pitch black. Glancing around the room, I felt as though I was being watched. A faint clicking sound started me as green lights blinded me from above my head. It took me a moment to realize that it said something.

NO SAFE WORDS!

The sound of a familiar click had me look to my right. The glow of an orange mask stared back at me from beside my closet.

“Devon?” I asked.

“Not Devon,” the masked man replied. “Try again.”

“Darby?” I spoke.

The masked man shook his head.

“One more chance,” he said, holding up one finger in front of his face. “And you’d better get it right.”

I am wide awake now. My heart is pounding loudly in my chest.

“Okay,” I breathed. “Half_Dead_Relentless!”

Please be him and not the fucking Trendify Killer!

“Good job, Princess,” he replied, tossing a black cloth bag onto my lap. The contents jingled inside. It was light, whatever it was. “Open your present.”

Carefully picking up the bag, I opened it. Dumping the contents into the comforter, I was confused.

“Candy canes?” I asked, glancing up at him. “You bought me candy canes?”

“I did,” he nodded. “Choose your flavor.”

Looking down at the variety of colors, I went with the blue berry one. Picking it up, I held it up for him to see.

“Blueberry,” he said thoughtfully. “Interesting choice Princess.”

“You want to get stabbed again?” I asked, arching an eyebrow his way.

“Put the rest back in the bag and toss it back to me,” he ordered. “Then I want you to open the one in your hand and suck on it.”

It was an odd request, but I am game. Collecting the candy canes, I placed them back inside the bag and tossed them to him. He caught it and dropped it to the floor near his feet.

Tearing open the clear wrapper, I carefully removed the entire candy cane and placed it into my mouth.

“Good girl,” he sighed as he watched me. “Now I want you to remove your panties and place the candy cane into your pussy so I can watch you.”

He wants to watch me masturbate with a candy cane?

The thought of his potential retribution for disobedience sent shivers down my spine—I didn’t want to know the specifics. I crawled out of the cozy comforter and neatly placed my panties by my side. I lay on my back, legs spread, and with precision, I slid the candy cane into my pussy. The stickiness, slowly swirling, was already melting into my skin; I could feel it clinging, warm and thick.

“How does it feel Princess?” he asked me.

“It,” I said, feeling the electricity in my pussy. I was in control. “Feels fucking amazing.”

“Good,” he said. “Now get on your knees and thrust that pretty little pussy for me, Princess.”

I did as I was told. Getting on my knees while holding the candy cane in my pussy wasn’t as difficult as I thought it would be.

Half_Dead_Relentless strode over to the foot of the bed in less than four steps, gripping me by the throat and dragging me towards him, stopping as I kneeled inches away from him. His breathing had intensified as I gazed up at him.

“Does this terrify you, Elissa?” he asked, tilting his head to the right. “My hand gripping you by your sexy little throat?”

“No,” I replied without the slightest bit of hesitation in my voice. I felt safe with him. “It fucking turns me on.”

Without speaking another word, Half_Dead_Relentless shoved me backwards. My body slammed into the bed and my hands flew towards my shoulders.

“What are you-”

“Shh,” he placed his index finger up to his lips and I fell silent as I watched him. “It’s my turn to worship you, Princess.”

He yanked me down towards him by the ankles, causing me to gasp as he kneeled between my legs. Shedding the mask, he tossed it onto the bed, the orange glow shining on his face. He had painted the black and white skeleton on the left side of his face again. Picking up my ankles, he placed each one across his shoulders, tugging me down until I was where he wanted me.

Laying my head back, I gazed up at the ceiling, staring at the words reminding myself I was safe. Even if I couldn’t say it. I was okay. This is what I wanted. I asked for this. Begging for it.

Half_Dead_Relentless plunged his tongue deep into my pussy, causing me to moan loudly as I arched my back, tipping my head back on the bed. My fingers digging into the thick comforter. The excitement surged through me, a jolt of electricity that made me tremble and gasp.

Fuck! He knew exactly how to pleasure me with his tongue. He licked and nibbled on my clit, causing explosions of light to flash behind my eyes.

“HDR!” I moaned, his name shortening it. I couldn’t think! Couldn’t breathe! If Devon mouth fucking me, was this amazing, what would fucking him be like?

This was my first time shoving an object inside of myself and it felt amazing! Having Half_Dead_Relentless mouth all over my pussy was definitely something that I’ve desperately needed and didn’t know I needed until now!

Magnetic started playing over the speaker loudly from somewhere in the room.

We were magnetic as fuck!

I flicked my nipples until they were rock hard. Half_Dead_Relentless moaned, sending a slight vibration up my pussy, and I caught him watching me.

Reaching my hand down, I grabbed a fistful of his thick, dark hair, ramming his face deeper inside of me.

Fuck Sell out sex! That was for normal boring people who were too afraid to exospore the darker side of sex. I realized I had kinks after all. How many? Hell, if I knew. Half_Dead_Relentless was going to be the one to draw each and every one of them out of me.

Feeling him remove his face briefly, I gazed down and saw his jaw moving up and down. Then I heard a crunching.

Is he? No... he can’t be?

“Mm,” he whispered, licking his lips. “Delicious.”

Oh, my God! He ate the fucking candy cane!

That was the last thing I remembered before he latched his mouth back into my pussy and started mouth fucking me like it was the last time he was ever going to touch me.

“HDR!” I moaned his name as I gripped his hair, wrapping my legs around his massive shoulders. Closing my eyes, I welcomed his tongue as he licked my walls, my clit. All of it belonged to him! I wanted no one else but him!

Stars exploded behind my eyes as I cried out in pleasure, cumming into his mouth. He didn’t move; he stayed in the same position until he had lapped every last fucking drop into his mouth.

“Holy shit!” I breathed as he removed himself from me, standing up, huffing roughly as he licked his lips. Reaching over, he snatched his mask up and placed it over his head, covering his half-painted face back up. “That was amazing!”

“You took it well Princess,” he laughed in amusement. “All the things I plan to do to you soon will be well worth it.” He turned and exited the room, heading for the guest bathroom.

How the hell was I supposed to go back to sleep after that amazing fuck I was just given? I couldn’t! I decided to shower and clean up that blood downstairs before it bled through the old, hard wooden floorboards. Grabbing clothes from my dresser, I walked into the bathroom and turned the light on. Setting my clothes down, I turned the knobs, and the showerhead poured water out.

Stripping off my T-shirt, I left my panties on the bed. Stepping inside, I pulled the curtain closed. Quickly washing my hair and body, I shut the water off and opened the curtain.

Devon stood there holding out a long black towel for me. Stepping out of the shower, I wrapped it around myself, and he exited the bathroom. Quickly drying off, I got dressed and brushed my hair, throwing it up into a ponytail before collecting my dirty clothes and stepping out. Shutting off the light, I tossed my clothes into the basket. Grabbing clean socks, I placed them on my feet before shoving them into my black tennis shoes.

A male scream startled me as I hauled ass out of my room, up the hall, down the steps. I stopped when I saw Devon kneeling with a blood-soaked white rag that had turned brown as he scrubbed violently at his brother’s blood.

“Devon?” I said his name gently as I slowly made my way over to him. “I’ll clean this up.”

“No,” he shook his head as he scrubbed even harder. “What if Alex...” he couldn’t finish his sentence.

Gently crouching down beside him, I placed my hand over his. He drug his eyes off the blood and gazed at me. His eyes were glossy. I wasn’t sure if he was on the verge of having a nervous breakdown. I hoped not. He had to protect my ass from that Trendify killer.

“I got this,” I whispered. “Why don’t you go upstairs and record a new song, okay?”

“I’m sorry, Elissa,” he blinked, coming out of his madness. “I never meant for you to see this side of me.”

“Your human,” I gave him a sad smile. “We’re both fucked up in the head from our bitch ass mothers.”

Nodding, he climbed to his feet, blood dripping down his fingertips. He sighed heavily as he shook them out before wiping them on his long black T-shirt.

Moving my hand in a waxing motion, all I ended up doing was smearing blood around. Devon was understandably pissy. All we were doing was making an even bigger mess of his brother’s blood!

“Can you get the mop for me from the closet, please?” I asked. The sounds of him opening and closing the door were audible as he left the room and then returned. I stood and tossed the rag into the bucket before taking the mop from his hand. “Thanks.”

Picking up the bucket, he opened the front door and tossed the filthy water over the porch and onto the dead lawn. Turning, he closed the door before locking it.

“I’ll get you some fresh water,” he whispered as he carefully stepped around the blood and walked into the kitchen. Hearing the water, I placed the mop into the bloodied water and started scrubbing it. Thankfully, my mop was top of the line and did, in fact, absorb the blood. “Here you go.”

Setting the bucket down beside me, I placed the mop into it and pumped the water out with my foot. Once dried, I placed it back onto the floor and finished soaking up the remainder of the blood and cleaned the mop head out. Removing it, Devon took the bucket and unlocked the door. Upon opening it, a man stood there wielding a knife wearing the mask of the Trendify killer.

Fear ran through my entire body as the blood from my face drained. The terror came flooding back to me as I recognized the man’s menacing stance. It was him. The real Trendify Killer! How had he found me?

Devon tossed the blood-soaked water into his face, causing him to stumble backwards, grabbing for his eyes. Dropping the knife, it clattered onto the porch.

Thankfully, Devon kicked him in the gut with his right leg, sending him flying into one of the tall circular pillars holding up the roof. He slammed into it, striking his head before falling unconscious on his face.

“Is this another one of those fucking fake wannabe-”

“It’s him,” I managed to get out as my mouth went dry. “He found me, Darby.”

“How do you know?” he inquired voice going low as he glanced at me over his shoulder.

“I-just do,” I whispered. “Arrest him.”

Turning back, I heard him utter a cuss word under his breath.

“Kinda hard to do when he’s gone,” he grumbled. “Damn it!”

“What do you mean, he’s gone?” I demanded as I marched over to his side. Glancing out of the door at the now vacant spot that the Trendify killer was just at. Nothing remained but his fucking knife. The same fucking knife he gutted me with a year ago. I recognized the design on the metal handle. A menacing skull was screaming back at me.

“Fuck,” he murmured. “He heard you call me Darby.”

“I didn’t mean to say it,” I snapped my gaze to his. “It just-”

“To catch a maniac!” Devon shouted into the darkness. “You gotta send a maniac!”

“What the fuck are you doing?” I whispered as he bent down, picking up the butcher knife with the bottom of his long T-shirt. He carefully pushed me back inside as he slowly backed up. Once we were both safely inside, he closed and relocked the door.

I took the bucket and walked around the wet spot that was now thankfully clean of all traces of Zander’s blood. Opening the closet door, I set the mop and bucket inside before closing it. Turning around, I found Devon had placed the knife into a plastic Ziploc bag and was just staring at it.

“Devon?” I asked as I cautiously made my way over to him. “You’re scaring me dude.”

“We’re not reporting this incident to Luxton, or the other authorities got it?” he said, dragging his eyes up to meet mine.

“Why the fuck not?” I demanded, narrowing my eyes at him.

“I don’t want him to consume you,” he replied as he took my hand. “I have filled that position.”

“He’s gonna come back,” I whispered, my breath ragged, the chilling thought echoing in my ears. “For me... and the cold metal of his knife,” I declared, sending shivers down my spine.

“Good,” Devon replied, holding up the bag like a fucking trophy. “Let him come back,” the words dripped with venom, “this time he’ll meet Half_Dead_Relentless, and face the consequences.”

“Give that to Luxton,” I said voice trembling. “He can get the fingerprints off it.”

“You let me worry about that,” he replied. “You get back to bed and get some sleep, Elissa.”

“Fuck sleep!” I shouted, shaking my head. “I’m not sleeping knowing that, that fucker knows where I live and will come back to finish the job!”

Running past him, I trotted up the steps and into the studio. Flicking the light on, I walked over to the computer, turning it on. Pulling out the seat, I sat down and was about to get to work editing and producing the song I recorded earlier with Devon when the scent of blueberry hit my nose.

What the hell is he cooking downstairs?

Confusion hit me as I rose to my feet. Turning, I exited the room, heading downstairs. Once I entered the living room, I found it completely empty. Hearing metal moving around in the kitchen, I rushed into the room to find Half_Dead_Relentless melting down the rest of the blueberry candy canes in a pot on the stove.

“Now, of all times, you want to eat candy?” I asked, entering the room. Stopping dead in my tracks when I realized he wasn’t wearing anything except that mask. His muscular ass was on full display, as was the rest of his muscular body. He was fucking huge!

Oh, fuck!

“Now it’s time for it to cool down,” he laughed beneath his mask as he picked up the pot and poured the blue candy into a tall glass. Walking over to the freezer, he opened the door and placed the glass inside before closing it. “Continue where we left off tonight.”

“Are you gonna pour it inside of me?” I asked as I crept closer towards him. “I mean, I’m not objecting or anything.”

“No,” he wagged his finger at me as he turned his head. I noticed the orange light was on. Half Black Heart started blasting loudly from the kitchen speaker, causing me to glance at it, then at him. “This is your punishment for stabbing me with a fucking candy cane, Princess.”

He waited five minutes and opened the door. I had the high-tech electronics, so it didn’t take long for the glass to chill to the temperature he wanted.

Opening the door, he removed the glass before closing it. My eyes widened and my jaw hung agape as I watched him dip his entire long, hard cock into the fucking glass. Swirling the glass around his length, he removed it and motioned me to come to him with two fingers.

Following my orders, I walked up to him as he grabbed me roughly by the shoulders, shoving me down onto the hard black marble floor. My knees throbbed from the pain, but his blue fucking cock mesmerized me to the point where I didn’t give a fuck.

“Now you be a good girl and suck all the sticky, hot candy off my fucking cock,” he growled. “You owe me a blow job that I’ll never forget in any lifetime.”

Taking his length into my fingers, I latched my lips around his head. He was impatient as fuck because the next thing I knew; he grabbed the back of my head and shoved me forward. Nearly gagging on his cock, I held my position as blueberry exploded into my mouth.

Half_Dead_Relentless started thrusting his cock deeper and deeper into my throat until I was nearly gagging once more.

“You’re going to be a hot, sticky blue mess by the time I’m done with you, Elissa,” he laughed. “Now fucking give me the blowjob I deserve!”

Removing myself out of his grip, he gazed at me, wondering what the fuck I was doing. Stripping off my T-shirt, bra, jeans, and panties, I piled them up and kneeled on them to cushion my throbbing knees. I was pretty sure they were going to be bruised up by the morning.

Repositioning myself, pursing my lips, I relatched my mouth onto his long, hot, sticky cock.

“Elissa!” Half_Dead_Relentless growled my name as he gripped my head and shoved me forward until his entire length was in my throat again. “Fuck... Princess!”

He had me addicted. This masked man who is protecting me from a maniacal masked man who is coming back to kill me at some point. If this was my last time with Half_Dead_Relentless then I was going to make it a fucking epic good time!

Thrusting his hips, I dug my fingernails deep into his ass as he growled in complete pleasure. Hot, sticky cum flowed down my throat until he was empty.

Releasing my head, both of us were a completely blue, sticky mess. Climbing to my feet, I gazed up into his mask as he panted.

“Go shower, Princess,” he breathed, sighing heavily. “You are exactly the kinky chick I was looking for to fulfill my darkest fantasies.”

I satisfied him.

Now I had so survive so he could fuck me.

Chapter 12

Devon

I had the most fucked up day I’ve ever had in the past three years when I saw Alex.

But when I ordered Elissa to get herself off on a fucking candy cane. She did it. And every lingering thought of my brother had gone out the fucking window, watching her pleasure herself.

The confusion in her eyes turning to absolute ecstasy once she felt how amazing that candy cane felt inside of her.

At that moment, I wasn’t another toy she outgrew. I was the new shiny toy she wanted to play with on a nightly basis. Lexton had sent me her entire life in six thick stacks of manilla folders. Every boy who ever broke her heart had me mentally file them away for a well-deserved ass kicking later. Leaving my heart unguarded for only her to see.

Every fantasy I ever played out before meeting Elissa was going to become our reality now that I knew she wasn’t kidding. She was a freak under the sheets, after all.

All my pain and worries fell away when I saw that silent plea in her eyes as she begged for me to touch her. All the fear melted away, and it was only her and me in this fucking room.

Up until this point, I had only worn my mask and had never played out any of my fucked up dark fantasies with anyone. I knew this was her first time experiencing anything like this. Ignoring the fear that rose within me, I took the leap head on into the deep end of that murky pool.

Before I knew it, I was standing by the bed, holding onto her alluring throat. The same throat that trills like a canary, its cheerful song a counterpoint to the thunderous beat of my drums.

We had played out a fantasy I had in my mind for God knows how long. I didn’t know her. I could see the pain in her eyes. It mirrored mine. Were we meant for each other?

Taking a shower, I scrubbed my jaw and mouth raw with a black washcloth. So much blue washed down the drain. Giving up, I cleaned up and shut the water off. Stepping out, I glanced at myself in the mirror and frowned. Blue covered my entire lower jaw, neck, and upper chest.

Getting dressed, I exited the bathroom and walked into my bedroom. Grabbing clean socks and my tennis shoes, I put them on and walked out. Hearing the water, I knew Elissa was still cleaning herself up after what we had just done. Walking down the hallway and trotting down the stairs, I slowed down as I hit the living room.

Alex lost so much blood.

Snapping out of my thoughts, I returned to reality. After soaking a rag in scorching hot water, I tossed it onto the newly dried blood. I kneeled and started scrubbing it.

It’s not coming out of the fucking wood!

A guttural scream of frustration burst from me as I moved the blood-soaked rag, the crimson liquid swirling and spreading in a growing, gruesome mess. The pungent smell of iron, a heavy, coppery odor that made my stomach churn, assaulted my nostrils. The queasy feeling in my stomach intensified, a cold sweat prickling my skin, but I held it back.

My mind was racing as I wondered if Alex was going to survive the night or if I had nearly drained myself of my blood to save him and it was a fucking waste if he passed away tonight. The only chance of seeing my twin survive was slim to none. Distracting myself with Elissa was the only thing that kept me sane at the moment.

The drive within me to protect and keep Elissa and Alex alive caused a new sense of protector to increase. Because I was an FBI agent and freely received her personal intel, stalking Elissa was easy. Because my obsession with her was well-hidden, since I wore a mask around her half the time. I would not harm her or anything.

A strong moral compass guided my decisions, telling me right from wrong. Early exposure to the complexities of human motivation fueled my ambition to join the FBI.

The overwhelming feelings of my twin being alive still had me in shock. My entire life, I believed he was dead. Now here he was. Back from the dead, like a ghost reappearing in my life. Giving him my blood was easy.

Depending on fucking doctors to keep him alive, I didn’t trust them for shit! But I had to. Trusting anyone was one of the hardest things I had to do. Few people earned my trust. I could count them on one hand.

“Devon?” Elissa said my name gently as she slowly made her way over to me. “I’ll clean this up.”

“No,” I shook my head as I continued scrubbing even harder. “What if Alex...” I couldn’t finish my sentence.

What if Alex fucking died tonight? I thought.

Crouching down beside me, Elissa placed her soft hand over mine. Snapping out of my daze, I drug my eyes off the blood and gazed at her. My eyes were glossy from exhaustion, heavy lids drooping.

I wasn’t used to anyone seeing me completely unhinged like this. I had to pull my shit together! I couldn’t risk getting pulled off the case if I wasn’t safe to be around the woman I was falling for. Couldn’t go back to desk duty. Fuck that shit!

“I got this,” she whispered. “Why don’t you go upstairs and record a new song, okay?”

“I’m sorry, Elissa,” I blinked, my racing thoughts slowing to a more manageable pace. “This side of me, this raw and imperfect side, was never intended for your eyes.”

“Your human,” she gave me a sad smile. “We’re both fucked up in the head from our bitch ass mothers.”

Nodding, I climbed to my feet, blood dripping down my fingertips. I shook them out before wiping them on my long black T-shirt. The water had cooled down to a lukewarm temperature.

I watched as she was moving her hand in a waxing motion. All she ended up doing was smearing blood around. Averting my gaze to the closed door was easier to look at. The metallic stench of blood made me wrinkle my nose in disgust.

“Can you get the mop for me from the closet, please?” Elissa asked. Dashing over to the closet, I opened and closed the door before I returned. She stood and tossed the rag into the bucket before taking the mop from my hand. “Thanks.”

Picking up the bucket, I opened the front door and tossed the filthy water over the porch and onto the dead lawn. Turning, I closed the door before relocking it.

“I’ll get you some fresh water,” I whispered as I carefully stepped around the blood and walked into the kitchen. Turning the knob on, the hot water sprayed into the bucket. Filling it to the top, I shut off the water before carefully picking up the bucket and moving back into the living room. Elissa had seeped up the blood, mostly. “Here you go.”

Setting the bucket down beside her, she placed the mop into it and pumped the water out with her foot. Once it dried, she placed it back onto the floor and finished soaking up the remainder of the blood and cleaned the mop head out. Removing it, I took the bucket and unlocked the door. Upon opening it, a masked man stood there wielding a long butcher knife wearing the mask of the Trendify Killer.

Noticing the symbol etched into the blade, which was a skull with a menacing scream. It was the weapon the Trendify Killer used. How did I know this information? I read it in his fucking file. He was proud of his one-of-a-kind design. Only the killer, federal agents, and of course Elissa, knew this knife.

This was in fact the real Trendify Killer! How had he found her so easily? Was it all the press showing off this fucking haunted house in all the news outlets?

Thinking fast, I tossed the blood-soaked scorching hot water into his face, causing him to stumble backwards, grabbing for his eyes. Dropping the knife, it clattered loudly onto the porch in the silent night.

I kicked him in the gut with my powerful right leg, sending him stumbling backwards into one of the tall circular pillars holding up the roof. He slammed into it, striking the back of his head before falling unconscious on his face.

“Is this another one of those fucking fake wannabe-”

“It’s him,” Elissa managed to get out as fear rose in her voice. “He found me, Darby.”

“How do you know?” I inquired; voice low as I did my best to mask it as I glanced at her over my left shoulder. I knew it was him. She knew it was him. I was just verifying it, to be sure. And judging by the sheer terror on her face... it was him!

“I-just do,” she whispered. “Arrest him.”

Turning back, I heard him utter a cuss word under my breath. But the wet spot where he was just at was vacant of a body. He had gotten away! “Muther fucker!”

“Kinda hard to do when he’s gone,” I grumbled. “Goddamn it!”

“What do you mean, he’s gone?” Elissa demanded as she marched over to my side. Glancing out of the door at the now vacant spot that the Trendify Killer was just at. Nothing remained but his fucking knife. The way she stared at it made me realize she was reliving that moment in her life that changed her life forever.

“Fuck,” I murmured as the realization struck me. “He heard you call me Darby.”

“I didn’t mean to say it,” she gushed, snapping her gaze to his. “It just-”

“To catch a maniac!” I shouted into the darkness. His punk ass, I knew damn well, was still lurking nearby in the shadows. I felt his presence. “You gotta send a maniac!”

“What the fuck are you doing?” she hissed as I bent down, picking up the butcher knife with the bottom of my long T-shirt. I carefully pushed her back inside as I slowly backed up. Once we were both safely inside, I closed and relocked the door.

She took the bucket and walked around the wet spot that was now thankfully clean of all traces of Alex’s blood. Opening the closet door, she set the mop and bucket inside before closing it. Turning around, Elissa found that I had placed the knife into a plastic Ziploc bag and was just staring at it.

Does she think I’m gonna use it on her? I would never do something to hurt her.

“Devon?” she asked as she cautiously made her way over to me. “You’re scaring me dude.”

“We’re not reporting this incident to Luxton, or the other authorities got it?” I said, dragging my eyes up to meet hers.

“Why the fuck not?” she demanded, narrowing her eyes at me.

I dun know. Maybe because I want to gut that fucker with his own fucking knife so he can feel the same amount of pain that he caused you?

Yeah. That wasn’t psychotic whatsoever, now was it? I was thinking like a goddamn criminal!

“I don’t want him to consume you,” I replied as I took her hand. “I have filled that position.”

“He’s gonna come back,” she whispered, my breath ragged, the chilling thought echoing in my ears. “For me... and the cold metal of his knife,” Elissa declared, shaking the thought away quickly.

“Good,” I replied, holding up the bag like a fucking trophy. “Let him come back,” the words dripped with venom, “this time he’ll meet Half_Dead_Relentless, and face the consequences.”

“Give that to Luxton,” she said, voice trembling. “He can get the fingerprints off it.”

I had already gotten his fingerprints off of the handle using clear tape. As she put the mop and bucket away, I wrapped it around the knife handle. I wasn’t a fucking rookie! I was ready for his ass when he returned for his killing weapon.

“You let me worry about that,” I replied, doing my best to reassure her that everything was under control. It wasn’t. But I wasn’t gonna tell her that. “You get back to bed and get some sleep, Elissa.”

“Fuck sleep!” she shouted, shaking her head. “I’m not sleeping knowing that, that fucker knows where I live and will come back to finish the job!”

I stood there in stunned silence as she ran past me; her footsteps trotted up the steps and into the studio. Sighing heavily, I walked into the kitchen. Pulling out a drawer, I slid the bag inside, closing it.

We both needed a distraction after what he put her through. Seeing the box of blueberry candy canes sitting on the counter, an idea struck me. Grabbing a pot that was hanging above the table, I set it on the stove.

Turning the knob, blue flames shot out. Grabbing the box, I tore it open and removed the twelve candy canes. Tearing each plastic wrapping off, I tossed them into the pot until they melted. The scent of blueberries struck my nose. A welcoming smell after the metallic blood scent.

Walking out of the kitchen, I raced through the living room, up the steps and quietly up the hallway. Entering my room, I snatched my mask off the bed. Exiting the room, I rushed past the studio, hauled ass down the steps, ran through the living room and into the kitchen. Collecting the trash, I tossed it into the nearby trash can that was stainless steel and black. Honestly, I had no idea that trash cans were this high tech. If it threw itself out, then I was all for it!

Grabbing a cold, metal kitchen spoon, I stirred the vibrant, swirling blue liquid, watching the ripples dance across its surface. Elissa would surely be lured down here by the enticing smell to investigate what I was up to.

I took out the spoon, the cool metal contrast to my warm hand, and set it on the metal spoon rest. Upon hearing her descend the stairs, a sudden urge overcame me and quickly undressed. With a quick movement, I kicked off my shoes, letting them fall with a soft thud, and tossed the rest of my clothing under the table in a heap.

Grabbing my mask, I breathed in the cool, smooth material. As she approached, I quickly pulled my hood down, muffling the sounds around me. The heat radiating from the fire scorched my skin as I stood there, naked and foolish. It was a reckless decision, made in haste and without considering the potential consequences. I felt the weight of my decision settle upon my shoulders; it was too late to go back now. Curious to see how she would react, I revealed myself in all my naked splendor.

Here she comes.

Elissa rushed into the room to find me melting down the rest of the blueberry candy canes in a pot on the stove.

“Now, of all times, you want to eat candy?” she asked, stepping closer to me. Stopping dead in her tracks when she realized I wasn’t wearing anything except that mask. My muscular ass was on full display, as was the rest of my muscular body. Judging by the way she gazed at me; I was fucking huge!

Don’t be a pussy, Devon! Move on to the next stage in your fantasy, dude!

“Now it’s time for it to cool down,” I laughed beneath my mask as I picked up the pot and poured the blue candy into a tall glass I found in the drying rack. Walking over to the freezer, I opened the door and placed the glass inside before closing it. “Continue where we left off tonight.”

“Are you gonna pour it inside of me?” she asked as she crept closer towards him. “I mean, I’m not objecting or anything.”

Oh shit! She has no fucking clue what she’s in for, does she?

“No,” I wagged my finger at her as I turned my head. She noticed I had tapped the orange light as it turned on. Pressing the play button on my cell, Half Black Heart started blasting loudly from the kitchen speaker, causing her to glance at the speaker, then at me. “This is your punishment for stabbing me with a fucking candy cane, Princess.”

I waited five minutes and opened the door. She had high-tech electronics, so it didn’t take long for the glass to chill to the temperature I wanted. I prayed it had cooled down enough because what I planned to do with this hot, sticky, blue liquid would defy everything God deemed worthy of me as a man.

Opening the door, I touched the glass, grateful that it had, in fact, cooled down to a cooler temperature. I removed the glass before closing it. Her eyes widened and her jaw hung agape as she watched me dip my entire long, hard cock into the fucking glass. Oh, there was no going back from this! The blue stickiness stuck to my cock instantly. Swirling the glass around my length, I removed it and beckoned her to come to me with two fingers.

Following my orders, she walked up to me as I roughly grabbed her by the shoulders, shoving her down onto the hard black marble floor. Her knees slammed down hard, but my blue fucking cock mesmerized her to where it didn’t phase her.

“Now you be a good girl and suck all the sticky, hot candy off my fucking cock,” I growled. “You owe me a blow job that I’ll never forget in any lifetime.”

Taking my length into my fingers, she latched her lips around my head. Her touch alone turned me on even more and I was impatient as fuck because I grabbed the back of her head and shoved it forward. Nearly gagging on my cock, she held her position as blueberry exploded into her mouth.

I started thrusting my cock deeper and deeper into her throat until she was nearly gagging once more. I was testing her boundaries. Did she want this as much as I did? We were both about to find out, weren’t we?

“You’re going to be a hot, sticky blue mess by the time I’m done with you, Elissa,” I laughed as pleasure filled my core. “Now fucking give me the blowjob I deserve!”

Removing herself from my grip, I gazed at her, wondering what the fuck she was doing. Stripping off my T-shirt, bra, jeans, and panties, she piled them up and kneeled on them to cushion her purple and blue knees.

Repositioning herself, pursing her lips, she re-latched her mouth onto my long, hot, sticky cock.

“Elissa!” I growled her name as I gripped her head and shoved her forward until my entire length was in her throat again. “Fuck... Princess!”

She has me addicted. This pop star was mine! I would do anything to keep it that way too!

Thrusting my hips, she dug her sharp fingernails deep into my ass as I growled in complete pleasure. I was about to cum! Hot, sticky cum flowed down her throat until I was empty.

Releasing her head, both of us were a completely blue, sticky mess. Climbing to her feet, she gazed up into my mask as I panted. Sweat glistened down both of our naked bodies.

“Go shower, Princess,” I breathed, sighing heavily. “You are exactly the kinky chick I was looking for to fulfill my darkest fantasies.”

She smirked, knowing she had just satisfied me as she collected her clothes and exited the kitchen, giving me a show as she swished her sexy hips from side to side.

Ripping the mask off, I stared at it as I set it down on the table beside the empty glass. A bit of blue stuck to the side, reminding me of the unholy thing I had just done with my new girlfriend.

Come and get us, motherfucker!

Chapter 13

Lissa

“Where is it?” Agent Clarck demanded as he glared at us as Devon, and I sat on my couch in the living room. “Get that fucking knife in my hand so I can secure it as evidence in the murder of that Uber driver who dropped you two off last night.”

Murder? Did the Trendify killer kill that driver? Is that how he got my address?

“I’ll get it,” Devon reluctantly sighed as he climbed to his feet and headed into the kitchen. Hearing him rummaging through a door, it closed, and he returned holding the plastic Ziploc bag out to Luxton. “I already wrapped clear tape around the handle, making it easier to remove the fingerprints for the forensic science technician.”

“Look at you, making my job easier,” Luxton said to Devon as he took the bag holding it from the top. “The Trendify Killer murdered that driver in his car a block away from here.”

“I accidentally let his name slip last night,” I said, climbing to my feet as Luxton turned his attention to me. “I saw him, and I froze.”

“His government name?” Luxton asked, clearly annoyed.

“No,” I shook my head. “Darby.”

“Then we’re good,” Luxton sighed in relief. “You, being a former drummer, puts a target on your back too Devon.”

“I say Zara and I put on a concert to draw his ass out,” Devon said, clearly unfazed by being the latest addition to the Trendify killers kill list. “Put a bunch of federal agents in the crowd undercover.”

“Normally I’d be against putting the two of you in danger like this,” Agent Clarck shook his head. “But there’s a serial killer on the loose, and we need to stop him quickly before she gets killed.”

“Perfect,” Devon said, leaving me confused. “We recorded a song last night.”

“Seriously?” I asked, as they both turned and looked at me. “That song isn’t ready to be heard by anyone.”

“If you two were recording a song last night?” Agent Clarck asked, looking between us suspiciously. “Why does it look like you two gave Smurf Village a blow job?”

Fuck! I forgot that both of our faces are still blue from those fucking candy canes!

“We melted down candy canes.” Devon shrugged. “And chugged em with Vodkas.”

“Here,” Agent Clarck handed Devon the bag back. “You’d better hold on to that until I come back for it.”

My jaw dropped open as Devon walked back into the kitchen to hide the knife. I turned and looked at Agent Clarck like he had just served me up on a platter to the Trendify Killer!

If I wasn’t dead before... I sure as hell am now!

“Going under cover getting the band back together is gonna be a break I never thought I’d see,” Agent Clarck said, smiling as Devon returned complexly empty handed. “I’ll call the boys up and get them to come over to help us finish that album up faster.”

“Have you two completely lost your fucking minds?” I scoffed at Devon as Agent Clarck got on his cell and made a phone call.

My mind was racing with a million thoughts and all these two wanted to do was reunite their shitty band at my expense. My shock turned to rage as I fell silent, watching them.

“Hey,” Devon snapped his fingers in front of my face, drawing me out of my thoughts. Blinking a few times, I glanced over at him. “Don’t shut me out Elissa.”

“You’re throwing me to the fucking lions!” I replied. “Not to mention yourself, you know, with this mind-blowing plan of yours.”

“Bad Omens,” Devon smirked at me. “We have such great conversations communicating through music.”

“How the fuck did you make it into the FBI?” I asked, arching an eyebrow. “Your intelligent as fuck yet act childish and braindead at the same time.”

“I just know how to piss you off,” he replied. “And yet you are falling for me while I’m doing it.”

“That’s-”

I stopped mid-sentence. He was right. This man knew exactly how to push my buttons. And I did, in fact, find it cute that he was pulling me out of my suicidal state with the stupidest of things.

“You aren’t pulling some Lead You On shit, are you?” I inquired.

“Phix?” Devon frowned. “You think I’m that kinda guy, Elissa?”

“Are you that type of guy, Devon?” I challenged, walking into his space. I only knew him for a few days, and he was already making me do things I never in a million years would’ve done with anyone! The scent of his musk struck my nose. It took all of me not to reach out and touch him.

“Devon be a cheater?” Agent Clarck chuckled as though I made a joke. “The guy is harmless Elissa.”

Devon being harmless? Maybe. But Half_Dead_Relentless is far from harmless.

The way he gripped me by the throat was far from harmless.

But did he hurt you?

The answer was no. He did everything right, considering he was wearing a mask and secretly stalking me. I wasn’t stupid! I hid upstairs, watching Agent Clarck hand my files over to Devon when they thought I was fucking asleep.

I didn’t trust many people. Maybe like two, if I was being completely honest with myself. To protect myself, I had to be closed off to people for most of my life, but now I’m forcing myself to open up.

A sudden knock on the door caused me to look at Devon. He walked over and yanked it open. Two men around their age entered my house smiling at him and Agent Clarck like they hadn’t seen them in years.

“What’s up Jensen,” Devon said, pulling him in for a hug and a pat on the back. “Eros.”

“Darby,” they said as they stepped into the living room. Devon closed the door. “Lux!”

I let them do their reunion and left the room, grabbing my compact. Opening the lid, I grabbed the powder puff and quickly dabbed it into the Tanish color before spreading it all over my face and neck. Thankfully, it covered the blue. Putting it away, I reemerged from the kitchen with a timid smile on my face. These dudes were huge! Like they worked out at the gym.

“Is that who I think it is?” Eros asked, nudging his head towards me.

“Zara Vyxen,” Lux replied as I stood beside Devon as he interlaced our fingers together. “I’d like to introduce you to Eros Thorin and Jensen Godiva.”

“Nice to meet you,” Eros smiled as he shook my hand. “Lux said he had a famous singer lined up for a song.”

“Pleasure to meet you both,” I said, smiling as I shook both of their hands. “Darby and I-”

“She’s mine,” Devon replied, cutting me off mid-sentence. “You two are married, anyway.”

“Damn Devon,” Eron gave him a look of jealousy. “You of all of us ended up with the smoking hot popstar?”

“Guess my brother didn’t out due me on this one, did he?” Devon murmured under his breath.

“Zander is stable,” Eros said, looking at Devon. “He has agents protecting his hospital room 24/7.”

I saw the relief flood Devon’s face. I felt his pain. If he had lost his twin twice in one lifetime... it would’ve crushed his soul.

“And you know this how?” I inquired, making him turn and look at me. “You two are federal agents, aren’t you?”

“Smart girl,” Eros smirked at me. “Jensen and I just got off our shift guarding Zander.”

“You knew?” Devon asked, shooting a look at Luxton. “All three of you knew he was alive, and you kept my ass in the dark?”

“We had to Dev,” Eros said, giving him a look of pity. “We wanted to tell you, but we just couldn’t.”

“All of you saw me suffering in silence,” Devon spoke in a scary calm voice as he shook his head in disbelief. “And not one of you fucking came to even talk to me about any of it!”

His face displayed all his hurt and pain. Devon felt discarded by his friends. His bandmates. No wonder why he was a fucking recluse. He had no one.

He has you Elissa.

“You know what?” I scoffed, taking control of the situation. “We don’t need you and your shitty band to pull this off.” I replied, glancing over at Devon. “Half_Dead_Relentless and I got this under control.”

“Is she serious?” Eros asked Agent Clarck.

“You sure you wanna test me, Elissa?” Agent Clarck asked, standing his ground.

“I do,” I replied. “All of you abandoned Devon when he needed you the most... I’m pretty sure we can record an entire rock album and perform to capture the Trendify killer agents.”

The room fell into an uncomfortable silence as everyone turned and looked at Agent Clarck.

“Alright,” he finally said, sighing sharply as he glanced between Devon and me. “Half_Dead_Relentless and Zara Vyxen are going to perform so we can catch the Trendify Killer.”

“Guess we’ll get the venue booked,” Eros said, looking at me. “We’ll be in touch.”

I watched as they took their instruments and headed for the door. Agent Clarck escorted them out of my house and closed the door, turning to face me.

“You gonna tell me why you interfered in a federal agent’s agenda, Elissa?”

“Our lives are on the line,” I put it simply. “We do this my way.”

“This isn’t a tour where you are in control of anything,” he retorted. “Let’s get one thing clear... This is my investigation.”

“And this is my life!” I shouted, not giving a fuck about his fucking investigation. “Agent Kingston is the only federal agent I trust with my fucking life!”

“Fair point,” Agent Clarck sighed heavily. “The weight of his career rests heavily on Agent Kingston’s shoulders; if anything befalls you, his FBI career will be over, and he knows it.”

Devon just stared a hole into Agent Clarck. The look he gave said fuck around and find out. And judging by the look on Agent Clarck’s face, he didn’t want to be on the receiving end of Devon’s wrath.

“Devon has a job as my drummer, remember?” I reminded him. “So, if this FBI shit doesn’t pan out... I’m pretty sure he’ll be just fine without all of you.”

“I’ll be back later,” Agent Clarck murmured as he pulled open the door, stepping out onto the porch. “Remember Agent Kingston,” he added, before closing the door behind him. “I’m your boss, not your friend.”

Had I just put Devon’s FBI career on the line? Sure. But I don’t think before deciding. I just roll with it and deal with the consequences of my actions later.

I was currently on a red list. Meaning I was unstable and could commit suicide. I was bipolar and wasn’t in control of my emotions while I was off my medications. I was unraveling and became obsessed with Devon. That wasn’t healthy. He consumed my mind day and night. I hadn’t considered his feelings. I just threw my baggage into his lap and expected him to help me sort it all out.

I probably should’ve kept my distance from him on day one. But I was far too deep now. I mean, I became his girlfriend so fucking quickly. Our relationship would likely fail, and he would discard me when everything ended to protect his FBI career.

My current mental state is still shit. My love life went from non-existent to a sudden relationship with a masked man who was a drummer and an FBI agent. Never in a million years did I ever think I’d end up with a guy like him. His type didn’t exist in my world.

This man knew how to handle me if I went off the deep end. His training prepared him to handle killers, criminals, and the mentally unstable. What he wasn’t prepared for was finding out and being blindsided by his former band mates that his twin brother was alive! And he was now his boss!

“You’re falling into yourself again, Elissa.” Devon’s voice drew me from my racing thoughts as I gazed at him. “I’m here to listen to whatever’s on your mind.”

“How can you say that?” I whispered. “I just possibly cost you your fucking career because of my mental health shit.”

“Probably,” he shrugged nonchalantly. “But keeping you alive is far more important to me than my washed-up career.”

“This is my fault,” I started. “If the Trendify Killer hadn’t escaped from prison-”

“Then what?” he scoffed. “My brother and my former band mates would’ve still kept me in the fucking dark Elissa.”

“In their eyes, they did it to protect you, Devon,” I replied. “They hid the fact that your brother was alive, and you were both working in the same building and you didn’t know it.”

“They sent me to Quantico,” he shook his head. “I had to work for the Behavioral Analysis Unit.”

That explains why he can read me like an open book by just looking my way.

“They ordered me to move back here two weeks ago,” he continued. “They refused to tell me who my new boss was, only that I had to work from home until they assigned me a desk.”

My phone pinged, and I grabbed it. I saw that the Trendify killer uploaded a video to the Trendify app. I logged into my artist profile and the video tagged me.

Devon walked over and grunted when he saw who it was from. “It’s addressed to you, Elissa,” he said. “It could be him.”

Clicking the play button, I heard heavy breathing as the Uber driver from last night sat in the driver’s seat with a familiar silver knife glistening next to his neck. His eyes were wide, and he looked terrified.

“I found you Zara Vyxen,” the Trendify Killer chucked to himself as he panned the camera towards his mask. “I’ll see you soon and you can sing your swan song.”

“What are you doing, man?” the driver asked, voice trembling as the knife sliced the side of his neck. He screamed in pain before the camera changed. “Don’t kill me bro!”

The sound of him getting stabbed repeatedly filled my ears, as did his ungodly screams, as he was dying on camera.

“I just made you famous,” the Trendify Killer laughed, panning to the now deceased driver slumped over the steering wheel of his car. Scarlett blood seeped into his white T-shirt. All signs of life are gone from his eyes. The Trendify Killer wiped the blood on the man’s shoulder, holding up the knife as he showed his face. “See you soon Zara.”

The video ended, and I already knew what happened next. Because I lived it!

My mind was racing, and I did my best to keep from passing out.

––––––––

––––––––

Devon and I had recorded a couple more songs. Thankfully, Agent Clarck had increased the protection detail on my house. An unmarked van sat parked across the street keeping an eye out for the Trendify Killer. He hadn’t returned.

We ordered pizza and had just finished eating when I got on the Trendify app. I stayed off it for a week after the Trendify Killer had posted that video. The FBI assured me they were tracking the phone he had used. It turned out to be an untraceable burner phone. The burner phone served its purpose in the unlucky Uber driver’s murder.

I was sitting on the couch in the living room while Devon was in the kitchen cleaning up. He posted a video, and I was just getting around to it. Pressing the play button it showed Half_Dead_Relentless in my kitchen with the Trendify Killer’s knife laying on my counter!

The fuck is he doing?

“You made a mistake by coming here trying to kill my girl Zara,” Half_Dead_Relentless laughed. “I too am famous... a drummer from a former rock band.”

He wore black gloves as he picked up the knife and held the hilt up, showing the branded skull to the viewers.

“I’ll make you flop like a Trendify trend,” he went on as he picked up the knife and headed out of the kitchen. Walking through the living room and up the stairs, I was thankful that he didn’t show him or anyone else watching his video the layout of my house. Walking into my bedroom, he walked over to my bed. My eyes widened when I saw myself sleeping wearing a blond wig to cover my dark hair. “Silent Notes will be your swan song Trendify Killer.”

The video ended with Half_Dead_Relentless placing the knife beside my pillow as he turned the mask on. The orange glow casting an eerie glow in the dark room upon my face.

Looking through the comments, I saw one that stood out.

@Trendify_Killer “Two for one? This must be my lucky night. I’ll see you soon and don’t forget to bring my knife so I can kill you both after you sing my swan song you promised me you would sing @Half_Dead_Relentless and @ZaraVyxen.”

“I was wondering when you’d see that video,” Devon sighed heavily as he entered the living room standing beside me. “I left him my calling card.”

“By using us as bait?” I asked, shaking my head at him. “Moreso, me, and his fucking knife as bait.”

“Half_Dead_Relentless and Zara Vyxen are the bait,” he corrected me. “And his knife isn’t leaving my hands until it’s sticking out of his fucking chest.”

“Great,” I scoffed. “I’m being protected by a future serial killer.”

“Your being protected by an FBI agent,” he smirked. “Who may or may not have serial killer tendencies passed down to him by his bipolar mother?”

“That statement should’ve terrified me.” I shook my head as a smirk played across my lips. “But it sounds fucking hot.”

“Probably cause I’m not a serial killer, Elissa,” Devon replied, giving me a serious look. “And I never will be, so don’t go wishing that shit upon me.”

“Sorry,” I said, clicking out of the Trendify app. “I take it back, okay?”

There was a loud, constant pounding on the front door, and Devon walked over to it. Yanking it open to find a white box sitting on the porch. Glancing around, I didn’t see anyone running as I approached him. The box was addressed to me. Devon took out a pair of black gloves from his pocket and put them on before taking out a pocketknife and carefully cutting the tape around the box. Closing the knife and putting it back in his pocket, he opened the box.

I found the severed head of my manager Danica positioned so that her lifeless eyes and silent scream appeared to gaze at me. Terror was evident on her face.

“Oh, my god!” I gasped as the blood drained from my face. The shock I was unprepared for struck me as Devon pulled out his cell and called Agent Clarck. “DANICA!”

Danica’s blood stained a white page.

SWAN SONG.

The Trendify Killer was attacking everyone who was associated with me.

And Devon was on that list.

Chapter 14

Devon

Of course, the fucking agents who were supposed to be on duty left to get a bite to eat!

Judging by the expression on Elissa’s face, that was the first time she’d seen a severed body part and death.

“Where the fuck were you two?” I shouted as my rage boiled over. The two rookies stood out on the porch, looking terrible as I shouted at them.

“Calm down, Devon,” Lux said, shooting me a look. “I’ll deal with them alright?”

More crime scene taped up the front yard as nosy neighbors and agents stood around trying to peek inside the house.

Elissa sat on the couch hugging her knees, lost in her thoughts. Tears streamed down her face as she did her best to ignore the madness that consumed her house.

“We’re changing the camera angles around the perimeter of the house,” Lux said to another agent I hadn’t met yet. “Let me know when they are activated.”

He nodded and exited the house.

“You lied to me,” I scoffed as I approached him. “You said-”

“I said what I needed to say in order for you to feel comfortable here, Dev,” Lux interrupted me. “I’m not even gonna mention the kinky shit you made us watch with you and her in that damn kitchen the other week.”

“That’s what you get for invading our privacy,” I replied bluntly. “I’ll be sure we give you an even bigger show next time.”

“It was your brother’s idea to bring you in as bait, Dev,” Lux said, making me snap my gaze towards him. “I told him it wouldn’t be a good idea, and I was right.”

My shock turned to rage. I knew Lux was still holding that fucking grudge against me. I had to prove him and my fucking brother wrong. Maintaining professionalism was necessary while doing my job. At least on the outside, anyway.

Without saying another word, I turned and walked over to the couch, taking a seat beside her.

“You need me to get you anything, Elissa?” I asked in a gentle voice as I turned my full attention towards her. God, she looked like she was on the verge of having a fucking breakdown!

“Danica is dead because of me,” she whispered, staring off into space. “She’s dead!”

“It’s not your fault,” I whispered, touching her shoulder, making her turn her head and look at me. “That’s not gonna be your fate.”

“Then why do I feel so guilty?” she asked me.

“The Trendify Killer wants to cause you pain, Elissa,” I started. “And I’m here to turn your pain into your personal power.” She nodded silently as my words registered. “What was it you said?” I questioned her. “I’m not a victim. I’m a survivor, right?”

“Yeah,” she agreed. “I am.”

“Half_Dead_Relentless is your bodyguard,” I gave her a sad smile. “The sexiest drummer alive.”

“I’m sure you’ve dated lots of girls who were far prettier than me,” she said. “I’m just average.”

“Agent Clarck,” I said, getting his attention. “When I was in your shitty band,” I said, going in for the punch. “Who always get the girl?”

“You,” he rolled his eyes. “You always got the hottest girl in the room.”

“See,” I smirked at her. “I still got it.”

Doing her best not to smile, I caught it before she straightened her face out. I would do whatever it took to make her laugh. Especially at a time like this.

“Change of plans,” Lux said, as I looked at him. “You two are performing that song of yours in an hour at the Mineral Park.”

Before either of us could object, agents tossed black bags over our heads, pulled us roughly to our feet, and escorted us from the house. We heard the crowd murmuring around the house as agents carefully placed us in the back of an unmarked van.

They placed us back in the same seats as before for the mock murders. Agents spoke amongst themselves, ignoring us. Hearing a few others enter the already crampt van, the doors closed, and I felt the van creeping slowly out of the parking space.

Agents ripped the bags from our heads and quickly dressed us in rocker-style clothing. Once we were both quickly dressed in black jeans, black T-shirts, they gave us boots, jackets. The FBI hired make-up artists and hair stylists who worked on Elissa and me in the small space provided.

White and black face paint was applied to the left side of my face as I felt a design being drawn on my cheek. They inserted a gage into my left ear, momentarily distracting me from the piercing. I had black nail polish applied to my fingernails, and someone put jewelry around my neck and wrists. My hair was in a hairstyle I couldn’t see.

The van came to a complete stop, and the doors flew open. Agents grabbed Elissa and me and helped us out of the van. Lux, Jenson, and Eros stood there, smiling at me.

Annoyance and rage crept into me, but I held it in. This must have been fun for them to do to me.

Looking at Elissa, I did a double take. She looked like a legit rocker chick. Jet black hair straightened, dark makeup, black clothing, jewelry. She was fucking hot!

“We got you a new mask,” Eros said, tossing me a black LED mask. I put it over my head, and someone covered my head with a hood from my jacket. They tossed me black LED gloves, and I put them on. Lux carefully slid the Trendify Killer’s knife into the inside of my jacket as he had placed a plastic protector on the blade to keep me from being stabbed by the sharp blade. “You get to live out our glory days Half_Dead_Relentless.”

I wasn’t sure what to say to that as they moved in, placing microphones and cameras on our bodies.

“We will donate all the proceeds from ticket sales to Danica’s family,” Lux said, turning his attention towards Elissa. “It’s the least we can do to help you and her family during this difficult time.”

“Thank you,” Elissa gave him a sad smile. “Will you position yourselves around the park?” she asked.

“We will,” Lux nodded as he nudged his head towards the cement stage that was near a large pond with a cement bridge. “You two get set up on the stage.”

Elissa and I followed Jensen as he escorted us up the grassy area and up to the steps. We stood there as he positioned himself at the base of the steps.

“You two are professionals,” he said. “Perform the one song and we’ll get you back to the house once the crime scene unit finishes analyzing the premises.”

“They must be undercover,” Elissa said to me. “Civilian clothing is what they’re wearing tonight.”

“This is your first performance in a year,” I said. “I’m honored to be on stage with you tonight.”

The gates opened, and I was shocked to see so many people wearing merch. Lux and the guys must have gotten it made for Elissa and me.

Silent Notes

A smirk played on my lips as I watched the crowd growing. They set up a beer tent and a merch table. Lux had made tonight appear to be a legit show.

“We’re coming out of retirement to be your opening band,” Eros said as they walked up the steps. “We got her former drummer to take your place for one night only, Dev.”

“Thanks bro,” I nodded to him as they took to the stage, leaving Elissa and me to sit on the steps. “There’s tons of Trendify Killer impersonators in the crowd.”

“You two can sit in the makeshift tent they set up over there if you’d like,” a female security guard said, pointing to a white plastic tarp tent. “I’ll escort you there.”

“We got it,” I said, leaping to my feet. Elissa stood, and we walked past her, heading towards the tent. “Thank you.”

Pushing back the flap, we entered. It had metal chairs set up with a snack table and drinks lay out on it. We switched the space heater to high and huddled around it to warm ourselves.

“You gonna be okay performing tonight?” I asked, looking at her. She couldn’t see me through the mask.

“Yeah,” she nodded, sighing heavily. “The Trendify Killer is gonna be out there in the crowd watching us like the creepy stalker he is.”

“You should warm up your voice,” I said, handing her a water bottle. I cracked the seal and opened it for her before I gave it to her. “Keep that sexy voice silky for me.”

“You made that sound so fucking hot,” she said as she took a huge gulp of water. “I’ll wrap my lips around your fucking cock as soon as I’m done doing vocal warm-ups.”

I listened to her warmup her voice. And damn it if her sexy voice didn’t make my cock go hard in less than a minute.

Goddamn it, cock! I couldn’t perform onstage with a fucking boner!

I mean, not like the ladies in the crowd would mind... But Elissa will beat the shit outta them if push comes to shove with the mood she was currently in right now.

This woman was currently in the most fucked up state of mind, yet I was drawn to her. She was mine. The situation is fucked up, and I must keep her focused on performing.

Hearing Lux introduce the band, they started playing their first song.

We had little time, so I walked to the tent and zipped it up.

“What are you doing?” Elissa asked as I turned and strode back towards her.

The smell of smoke filled my nose as I saw that a fire had caught the tent on fire in the back. It would go up in seconds! Grabbing the knife from my pocket, I pulled the protective grip off and sliced a massive slit through the side.

Elissa ran out, and I followed her. Slamming the knife into the protective seal, I slid it back into the inside pocket of my jacket before I grabbed her hand, and we ran through the crowd as they turned and noticed the massive fire.

Thankfully, a firetruck was on site as they immediately stopped the concert and tended to the orange fire.

“Tell me you two didn’t start that fire?” Lux asked me through the earpiece.

“Negative Bossman,” I replied. “Someone started it from the outside trying to burn us alive!”

“Take them to the rental party bus,” Lux instructed an agent. “They can wait there until it’s time for them to perform on stage.”

A male wearing a Trendify Killer mask motioned for us to follow him. Elissa and I both exchanged glances with each other as we followed him around the metal guard rail fence. They placed up to keep the crowd contained in an organized manner.

Something about this guy’s movements triggered alarm bells in me. The way he moved with a slight limp in his left leg. How he refused to walk us through the crowd, opting to take us through the side that was clear of any civilian life.

This mother fucker wants to play games? Game on, bitch!

“Please welcome the headliner to the stage,” Lux spoke into the microphone. “Zara Vyxen and Half_Dead_Relentless!”

The crowd erupted into loud cheers as I tightened my grip on Elissa’s hand, turning abruptly and going back toward the stage. The firefighters had extinguished the flames by then. Smoke and the smell of plastic reached my nose.

“We cut our set short to get your asses up here,” Lux breathed as he and the guys walked down the steps. “That guy you were following wasn’t one of our agents, Dev.”

“That explains the pit of doom I felt in my gut,” I replied through the mask. “Keep an eye out for him.” Releasing her hand, we walked up the steps and hit the stage. We agreed to go live on the Trendify app on our phones to give the audience that couldn’t attend a view of ourselves performing our new song. “Let’s do this Zara.”

We set our phones up and went live. Thousands of people logged in to see us perform one song. We were gonna make it a damn good one!

“Thank you, guys, for coming out tonight!” Zara shouted as she picked the microphone up out of the stand. I sat down behind the drum kit and set my cell on a stand Luxton had left beside me. Adjusting the microphone, I picked up the light up drumsticks and hit the button on my gloves and mask, lighting them up. “This song and all the proceeds made from tonight’s show are being sent to Danica’s family as she tragically passed away earlier tonight.”

A stunned hush fell over the crowd, as they didn’t know that information until now.

“This song is from the Silent Notes record I’m releasing with Half_Dead_Relentless,” she said, drawing the crowd from their thoughts. “It’s called Echoes of Silent Suffering.”

Clicking my sticks together to the count of 4, I struck the drums and got into my performance ego. Elissa had one just like I did because she pulled that energy out of herself like the pro that she was.

“You said... I was the one who betrayed you,” she sang, the first line drawing from her pain from the day and the past year. This new rocker style was in here the entire time! This was the first time that the world witnessed it! “But your lies keep haunting me!”

I drummed to the rhythm of the song we created that first night we allowed each other to see the other for the first time. God, this woman was fucking gorgeous!

“The Echoes of Silent Suffering,” she sang the chorus like a fucking rock goddess! “Makes me wish you felt my pain!”

We went into the second verse, repeated the chorus, and then finished the song. Zara poured every ounce of her pain into the crowd by the time she sang the last note, and I felt it, too. A crowd who stood there completely stunned as she placed the microphone back on the stand. Both of us were breathing heavily as I stood, placing the drum sticks into my jacket pocket beside the knife.

Someone in the crowd cheered, and everyone erupted loudly, clapping and cheering for us. We stood side-by-side, arms raised high above our heads, taking a bow before standing up and dropping our hands. We grabbed our phones and ended the live before rushing down the steps.

“That was absolutely amazing!” Luxton said, eyeing us both with awe in his eyes. “We’ll clear this area and keep an eye out for the Trendify Killer.”

“We’ll head to the party bus,” I said, sweating beneath this fucking mask. I wanted to tear it off my head so badly. But I didn’t wanna risk my identity being unveiled. “See ya soon.”

We signed autographs and took pictures with excited fans as we made our way down the long metal fence line. After what seemed like an eternity, the black bus loomed in the distance. Someone turned on the neon lights, and I could see someone sitting in the driver’s seat.

We made our way onto the bus, walking towards a couch on the left. We sat down, both relieved to be offstage and alive.

“I can’t believe we did it,” Elissa laughed, shocked that the song went off with no mishaps. “We-”

Placing a finger to my lips, I told her to be quiet as the uneasy feeling crept back into the pit of my stomach. The doors closed and the bus slowly pulled away from the curb, driving slowly away from the venue.

“Lux!” I whispered into my microphone. “Why are we moving?”

“Stop that bus!” Lux shouted as agents in disguise rushed towards it. “He’s not here Devon!”

“Did you enjoy the show?” I asked in a low voice that I hoped sounded terrifying to the driver.

“It was flawless,” the driver said through his Trendify Killer mask. “I was hoping for an encore,” he laughed. His voice matched the killer. “A Swan Song perhaps?”

Climbing to my feet, I turned and stood between him and Elissa. She pulled her cell out just as I did. We both clicked on the Trendify app and went into a live. This way, we had witnesses to whatever fucked up shit the Trendify Killer had planned for us.

Rock music started blaring from the speakers inside of the bus, causing me to stand my ground.

“Agent Kingston,” Lux shouted into my earpiece. “Do NOT engage unless provoked!”

The bus came to a complete stop and the Trendify Killer climbed to his feet, turning to face me.

Noticing the height and muscular build of this one, it was another wannabe Trendify Killer.

“Turn off the cameras!” Lux ordered Elissa and me. “He’s removing his mask!”

Not wanting to get kicked off my case, Elissa and I complied by cutting the live feed and putting our phones away.

“Surprise, asshole!” Alex’s voice shouted as he removed the mask, revealing himself with a huge smile on his face. “That look is probably priceless under that mask!”

“Alex?” I asked as I tilted my head to the right. I was in complete shock seeing my twin brother was the one standing before me. He was alive. And out of the hospital.

He walked the few steps towards me and hugged me. I was still in a state of shock as he released me. Elissa looked relieved as she stood beside me. Alex opened the door and exited, leaving me confused and wanting to kick his ass all at the same time.

“Stay on that bus, got it?” Luxton laughed through the earpiece. “That was the best surprise for you, wasn’t it, Dev?”

“Yeah,” I breathed out. “You guys got my ass.” Walking to the back of the bus, shrouded in darkness by a privacy curtain, I said, “Paybacks a bitch!”

It’s been a minute that I’ve had sex after a show. But damn it, Elissa and I both needed it! We sat down in the long booth, and I slid the long curtain closed. Laying down, she lay on top of me.

I had denied myself physical contact with a woman for the past three years! And the hottest woman ever to enter my life was lying on my chest! I may never have this opportunity with her again. I had to strike now!

I had separated my fucked up mental state and personality, putting them in a black coffin in the back of my mind. All my darkest thoughts lived inside of it. But when I was with her, that side of me came out to match her darkness. We were both fucked in the head, and I wanted to see her darkness match my own.

Hearing the door closed and feeling the bus slowly pulling away made me refocus my mind on where I was. Dark Cloud’s songs started playing over the speaker. The song: Find Myself.

Doesn’t Alex know my choice of music?

“What’s wrong?” Elissa asked, as that pit of doom returned in my stomach.

“Lux?” I said into the earpiece. Static screeched in my ear as we were out of his area. “Alex?”

Static.

“Fuck!” I whispered as I nuzzled Elissa to my left. The bus jerked to a stop. Leaping to my feet, I grabbed a full wine bottle that was chilled in an ice box beside us. Taking out the knife, I removed the protection cover. “Game on mother fucker!”

The lights cut out, and the music stopped. Footsteps approached us. I had one shot at this. The situation was kill or be killed.

The Trendify Killer gazed back at us after he shoved back the thick black curtain.

“Time to sing that Swan Song you owe me,” he spoke. “And I want my knife back!”

Chapter 15

Lissa

My eyes adjusted to the darkness as my heart pounded in my ears. My fear was on high alert.

Time to end this nightmare once and for all Elissa.

“I want you to run and get your ass to Alex and Lux,” Half_Dead_Relentless spoke in a low tone. “I’ll deal with this asshole.”

Tightly gripping the heavy champagne bottle, I prepared myself for the fight of my life. The Trendify Killer cut the music, and the lights went out. An orange hue from Half_Dead_Relentless mask and gloves was the only light behind this dark curtain.

The eerie glow of the Trendify Killer’s mask gazed at us as he yanked it to the side. He reached for me, and I raised the champagne bottle, bringing it forward like a metal bat. Cracking the side of his skull, the bottle shattered, causing the liquid to soak his clothes.

Using the limited window of opportunity, I ran forward. Thankfully, nothing was in my path that would cause me to fall. Running to the left, fumbling for the key. Gripping it, I turned it, causing the engine to roar to life and the lights and music to resume. Pressing a random button, the door opened.

Leaping down the five steps, I landed on the grass, stumbling until I caught my balance. Not daring to look back, I ran through the dark park. I noticed the lights were to the far right of the park. He had driven us across to the other side!

Running, I saw the playground. Trotting up the steps, I ran up towards the plastic tornado slide. Ducking down, I realized I was still gripping the neck of the broken champagne bottle. It was the only weapon I had at my disposal.

The sound of approaching footsteps reached my ears as someone crossed the threshold from the grass, stepping onto the wooden chips that covered the playground area.

Is that Half_Dead_Relentless?

Climbing into the tornado slide as quietly as possible, I moved deeper down the mouth of the slide and pressed my body up against the sides to keep myself from sliding down.

Listening, I heard someone walking up the steps and moving closer towards my hiding place. Not realizing I was holding my breath, the pounding of my heart increased as they came closer.

“Zara,” the Trendify Killer’s voice said my name in a singsong voice. “Time to sing that Swan Song.” He slammed his fist down on top of the slide, startling me. “Time to play!”

He poked his head down and I had pushed myself far enough to where he couldn’t see me. The eerie glow from his creepy mask was like a beacon, searching for me.

“Trendify,” he laughed. “Can you help me find Zara Vyxen?”

Is he seriously on a fucking live right now?

Fuck it! I had to act now! Turning my body, I slid the rest of the way down the slide, shocking the shit outta myself the entire way down. Once I reached the bottom of the mouth, I gasped when I found Half_Dead_Relentless standing there to greet me.

Reaching his hand out, I reached up and took it. Pulling me to my feet, I breathed a sigh of relief, knowing that he was unharmed.

The Trendify Killer slid down the slide, landing on his feet. Half_Dead_Relentless handed me his cell as he was on a live as well. Releasing my hand, I backtracked out of the wooden chips and made it back onto the grass as I kept his phone panned on the two masked men.

I could see that the chat was going nuts asking questions I had no time to answer. All I could do was stare at the men.

“Give me my knife,” the Trendify Killer demanded. “And I might consider letting you live Half_Dead_Relentless!”

“Choices, choice,” Half_Dead_Relentless sighed as he pondered the question. He twirled the Trendify Killer’s knife in his hand like a drumstick. I wasn’t sure how he didn’t slice his fucking fingers off! “I warned you to stay the fuck away from her and here you are, Trendify Killer.”

“You are nothing but a washed-up drummer,” the Trendify Killer taunted him. “I will make you famous once I’ve killed you and your girlfriend, Zara Vyxen!”

The Trendify Killer moved in with his limp as he reached for his knife. Half_Dead_Relentless lifted his right leg, kicking him in the chest, sending him flying backwards onto the mouth of the slide.

Leaping to his feet, I noticed the Trendify Killer was panting. Rushing towards Half_Dead_Relentless he plunged the blade deep into his chest, causing the Trendify Killer to stumble backwards falling on his back.

“You stabbed me!” The Trendify Killer shouted through his mask. “Stabbed by my blade!”

Killing the live feed from Devon’s phone, I pocketed it.

The Trendify Killer dropped his phone as the screen went dark.

“FBI!” Agent Clarck’s voice shouted as he and his team surround us. “Drop your weapon!”

Half_Dead_Relentless dropped the knife, holding his hands up.

“He’s dead!” Eros shouted to Agent Clarck as he checked for a pulse. “One stab wound to the chest,” he went on. “Another to his back!”

“The Trendify Killer’s dead?” I got the words out, as I was in a state of shock.

“Agent Kingston!” Director Zzyzx shouted. “Hand over your service weapon now!”

Devon reached into the inside of his jacket pocket and unclipped the unused magazine clips and handed them to his brother, along with his badge.

“Agent Clarck will take you to the police station to be questioned, Agent Kingston.”

“Is he under arrest?” I demanded. “Agent Devon Kingston protected me from the Trendify Killer, you know?”

“Yes,” Director Zzyzx sighed heavily. “But this is still an active murder investigation and you two are at the center of it.”

An unmarked vehicle pulled up, and Agent Clarck instructed us to head towards it with his head. Devon and I both complied. Until someone threw a flash grenade at the feet of his brother. A bright light exploded, temporarily blinding my line of vision.

I couldn’t see shit! I heard a scuffle around me as I struggled to blink back the brightness from my vision. Someone grabbed my hand and pulled me away from the federal agents, covering my mouth with a gloved hand.

The smell of chloroform stung my nose as I inhaled deeply. I stopped struggling and lost consciousness, wondering if Devon was with me or if I had just been kidnapped.

––––––––

––––––––

My eyes shot open, and I felt dizzy.

Where am I?

Shaking off the sedative, I took in my surroundings. I was lying on the filthy floor of an abandoned building or run-down house.

Vendetta was playing on an old radio in a nearby room. Climbing to my feet, I realized someone had chained me to the floor. Wiggling my wrists out of the thick metal chain, I gently placed it on the floor. A broken window stood cracked open. Grabbing my cell and Devon’s cell, I shoved open the window. Hoisting myself up, I slid my feet out and dropped into the snow.

Running into a thick forest, I prayed the trees would shield me until I could get help. I had watched so many true crime documentaries that I knew what to do and what not to do to stay alive. Ripping off a thin branch of pine needles, I ran it over my footprints covering my tracks as I made sharp rights, and lefts to throw whoever kidnapped me off my trail.

“Elissa?” Devon’s voice shouted my name through the earpiece I wore in my right ear. How I had kept it intact, I’ll never know. “Can you hear me?”

“Devon?” I breathed. “Where are you?”

“I got her!” Devon said to someone nearby. “Keep talking to me, okay?”

“Someone chained me up in an abandoned house,” I whispered as I continued on my way. “I’m in a forest or something?”

“I got a lock on your location,” he went on. “The Trendify Killer is still alive!”

“What?” I whispered. “You stabbed him?”

“Not deep enough,” Devon grumbled. “He kidnapped you, Elissa.”

“Devon,” I breathed as a puff of breath escaped my lips. “Will you come for me, please?”

“I will never give up on you, baby,” Devon said. “Just stay alive until I get to you, okay?”

Footsteps crouched on the snow somewhere in the distance as I crouched down behind a thick tree.

“Zara,” the Trendify Killer said my name in a singsong voice as he approached the area where I was hiding. “Time for you to sing me my Swan Song.”

A gunshot rang out toward the house.

“We’re here!” Devon’s voice snarled through the earpiece. “That was Lux shooting a warning shot, Elissa.”

I felt pain in my head as a rough hand grabbed me by my hair, pulling me tightly into their arm.

I screamed in pain and in fear as he pressed the icy blade of his fucking knife against the side of my throat. The bite of the blade bit into my skin and I felt a trickle of blood slide down my neck. He wasn’t fucking around.

“FBI!” Half_Dead_Relentless shouted as he raised his service weapon at the Trendify Killer’s head. “Let her go, asshole!”

“I didn’t imagine that you of all people worked for the FBI Half_Dead_Relentless,” the Trendify Killer laughed mockingly at him. “Are you ready to witness the death of your girlfriend?”

“I’m not scared of dying, asshole,” Half_Dead_Relentless snarled. “I’ve died and came back to this hellhole to kill your ass for good!”

The Trendify Killer raised the blade, ready to stab me when a single gunshot rang out. Screaming in shock, I turned and saw the Trendify Killer laying in the snow. Scarlette blood seeped out of his mask. His knife fell out of his hand as it was beside his right hand.

Standing in a state of shock, I hadn’t realized Half_Dead_Relentless had pulled me away from the scene of the crime until I sat in one of the black vans.

“Elissa?” Devon said my name gently as I snapped out of it and dragged my eyes towards him. Having removed the mask, his face remained covered in white and black skeleton face paint. Concern filled his beautiful blue eyes as he gazed at me. “I-I killed him.”

I broke down as every emotion I was feeling came to the surface. Fear, terror, anger, love. I was grateful to be alive. I had survived the Trendify Killer 4 times.

“Devon!” I said as I hugged him tightly. My body was trembling as he wrapped his arms around me. “You came for me?”

“I promised I would, didn’t I?” he said in a gentle voice as he kissed my forehead. “I’m the only masked man who gets to see you in your most vulnerable state, Elissa.”

Reaching into my pocket, I pulled out his cell and handed it to him. Devon took it, sliding it into his jacket pocket. He didn’t give a shit about his phone. He cared about me.

“You are so brave,” he whispered into my ear. His hot breath sent a shiver down my back. “So very strong.”

The agents walked over to us and judging by the grim expressions on their faces; I knew something bad was about to be delivered to us.

“You killed him, Agent Kingston,” Agent Clarck shook his head. “For real this time.”

“How did he survive the two stabbings before?” I asked in a quiet voice, gazing at them.

“He wore a protective vest,” Agent Clarck frowned. “He gained a lot of arsenals stolen from our vans parked out in the park.”

Devon’s body went completely stiff. Glancing up at him, I saw the color had drained from his face.

“Devon?” I asked.

He released me and ran out of the van, hauling ass around the back. A moment later I heard him spewing his guts out.

“I told you guys he wasn’t built for this type of work.” His brother rolled his eyes at the others. “I’ll talk to him.”

“At least he hit the bullseye,” Agent Clarck joked. “We need him, Zander, whether or not you like it... his fresh perspective is exactly what your team needs.”

“I hate when you’re right,” Director Zzyzx sighed heavily. “Give us a moment, will you?”

“Let me take you to the hospital,” Agent Clarck said. “You’ve been through hell in the past 72 hours, Elissa.”

3 days? I’ve been missing for 3 fucking days?

“I’m not leaving without Devon.” I shook my head in disbelief. “I can’t leave without him, sir.”

“He loves you, Elissa,” Agent Clarck went on. “The guys hardly slept or eaten anything in order to find you alive.”

“Thank you,” I replied, giving him a sad smile. “If anything, these past few days have taught me that I’m nothing without him by my side.”

A couple of paramedics got me out of the van and placed me on a stretcher as they loaded me into the back of the ambulance.

Devon noticed, and he hauled ass, climbing into the back with me. The paramedics forced him out, making him sit in the front seat. Which, thankfully, he did. The doors closed, and I felt the ambulance moving.

Closing my eyes, I had fallen asleep. Waking up, I found myself in a hospital room. An IV was pumping fluids into my body through my left arm. The left side of my neck throbbed, and I felt the stitches when I swallowed.

“Hey you,” Devon said from the window seal. He climbed to his feet and strode over to my bedside, gazing down at me. “How are you feeling?”

“Exhausted,” I admitted, letting my defenses down. Devon earned my full trust. He kept his word and kept my ass alive. I owed him my life. “I kept thinking I needed to survive long enough to see your face one last time.”

“This face?” He asked, arching an eyebrow my way as he pointed to the face paint. “The doctors demanded that I remove it,” he scoffed. “Something about scaring the patients or something.”

I was about to reply when Agent Clarck entered the room, accompanied by Director Zzyzx. They both looked disturbed.

“Something wrong, agents?” I asked the two men.

“The cornier was supposed to bring the body to this exact hospital,” Agent Clarck frowned. “The cops found his throat slit and left on the side of the road.”

“Tell me your fucking with us?” Devon grew frustrated. “How the fuck did he survive a fucking headshot?”

“Doesn’t matter,” Director Zzyzx cut in. “Your lives are in danger, and we need to place you both into the Witness Protection Program ASAP Dev.”

Nurses entered the room with my discharge paperwork. I signed them and they removed the needle sticking out of my arm and bandaged it up. Devon tossed me a change of clothes. I knew how this went. They had already taken my clothing and placed it into the crime scene wear.

The nurses tugged the curtain closed as they exited the room. Devon helped me get dressed as I shed that ugly hospital gown. I wore a purple V-neck tight T-shirt, blue jeans, and black tennis shoes. Tossing me another jacket, I put it on and grabbed my purse and cell.

Devon pulled the curtain back, and the agents escorted both of us out of the room, up the brightly lit hallway, and down the emergency staircase.

Our shoes echoed off the silent walls as we descended the many flights of metal stairs. My mind was racing. Devon laced his fingers into mine and reassured me that we were in this hell together.

Detective Clarck shoved open the heavy metal door leading to the underground parking garage for the doctors and nurses. He signaled it was clear as we followed him outside. The cold nipped at my neck, and I wished that winter would be over!

The howling of emergency sirens caused us all to stop and look ahead. My eyes widened and my jaw hung gaped open as a white coroner van had its brights turned on us. The squealing of tires and the van hauling ass towards us caused me to freeze up.

Thankfully, Devon yanked me into his body as he and the others ran towards the right. The van slammed into the concrete wall, making a loud crunching sound as metal hit cement.

Devon pulled me as we raced to an unmarked vehicle that was running. The back door flew open, and we piled inside.

“GO!” Devon shouted as he slammed the door. The car pulled out of the parking space and headed for the exit.

Turning, Devon and I both saw the Trendify Killer exit the crushed vehicle shaking his fists angrily at us before making a slicing cut with his index finger.

“Goddamn it!” Devon said as we turned around. “He saw my fucking face!”

Clenching his mask in his lap and shaking his head.

He saw his face! He knows Devon is Zander’s identical twin!

This wasn’t happening! They staged the fucking concert to catch him! He was supposed to be dead! Yet here he was, coming after both of us again!

“Why won’t he die?” I asked nobody in particular.

“The fucking prison used a handful of prisoners,” Agent Clarck said. “They turned them into Super Soldiers.”

“That explains why he keeps coming back from the fucking dead like Jason and Michael Myers,” Devon grumbled.

“They injected that serum into you too, Dev,” Director Zzyzx said from the front seat. “Why do you think I monitored you?”

“Nobody told me-”

His eyes widened in shock as he dragged his gaze towards his twin.

“They got mom to sign a document after she gave birth to us,” he went on. “They got us both when we were babies.”

“Is that why she drowned us?” he asked in a quiet voice. “Because she knew what she had done was wrong?”

“You got it, bro,” he agreed. “Mom killed us both... and our blood brought us back from the dead.”

“They got us all,” Agent Clarck replied. “Including you, Elissa.”

“Me?” I asked, giving them a strange look.

That explained why I could never commit suicide, didn’t it?

“Welcome to the Weapon 12 Initiative,” Agent Clarck replied glumly. “We’re all Super Soldiers created by the Government and they want us back.”

Chapter 16

Devon

What the fuck was happening?

We’re all Super Solders? That’s the biggest fucking lie I’ve ever heard!

“Drop these two off at her place,” my brother instructed the driver. “We’ll track down the Trendify Killer.”

My gut instinct was telling me that Alex was hiding something major from me. The question is, what was it?

An uncomfortable silence cloaked the rest of the drive as the car pulled up to Elissa’s house. Opening the door, I climbed out and so did she. Lux closed the door, and the car pulled away, disappeared around the corner. We walked up the pathway and she fished out her keys, unlocking the door. Turning the knob, I opened it, and she entered first. Following her inside, I closed and locked it.

We were both emotionally drained. The rollercoaster of emotions we’d both been on finally hit me. Following her upstairs, we entered her bedroom. Turning on the light, the room looked exactly the same way it had when we were last up here.

Something’s fucking off. I didn’t feel as though some freak was hiding in the house, waiting to kill us the moment we let our guards down. But I knew better. The same feeling I had felt the night my mom drowned me and Alex was back.

“Will you shower with me?” Elissa asked, drawing me from my thoughts. “I don’t wanna be alone right now.”

“Yeah,” I replied, giving her a sad smile. “Let me grab some clothes from my room and I’ll meet you in the shower.” Dropping my mask and gloves onto the bed, I exited the bedroom and entered my room. It was the same way I left it. Going inside, I walked to the long black wooden dresser opening the door. Grabbing clothes, I moved around the room, grabbing other clothes before shedding my jacket, shoes, pants, shirt.

Pulling out the earpiece, I tossed it onto my dresser before exiting my bedroom. Walking up the hallway, I heard the shower water running in Elissa’s bathroom. Walking into the room, I entered the bathroom, and she was already in the shower. Shedding my silk black boxers, I dropped them onto the floor and pulled back the curtain. She was washing her skin raw with her pink luffa.

Stepping inside, I tugged the curtain closed. My body was freezing from inside the bones. She stepped aside, and I took her place, sighing as the water warmed me up. Grabbing my shampoo and conditioner in one, I poured a generous amount into my palm before scrubbing the grim out of it. The black hair dye was falling down the drain and parts of my teal hair were becoming noticeable again.

Washing my body, I watched Elissa scrubbing her scalp. I was in a daze as I watched the soapy bubbles slide down her back, ass, and legs before they fell down the drain.

Glancing over her shoulder, she smirked at me as her eyes fell upon my cock.

Looking down, I had the biggest erection I’d had since the last time Elissa gave me head.

The memories of her sucking me off with my cock covered in blue, sticky candy was the hottest thing I’d ever seen. And I wanted it again.

My eyes met hers and her eyes darkened and her smile grew wider. Before I could utter a word, she got down on her knees like an obedient woman and gently took my cock in her hand. Wrapping those thick, pulp lips around the head before she took my entire length in her mouth.

That was all it took. I was done! The electricity shot through my entire body as she sucked and licked my cock without the slightest bit of hesitation. I have seen the first night I met her.

“Fuck!” I growled as I slammed my open palms against the black tile wall of the shower. My hips rocked with her rhythmic tongue as she gave me the best fucking head I’ve ever had!

I was gonna cum. She somehow got her other hand beneath my cock as she massaged my balls!

Fuck! This felt so damn amazing! I was gonna cum faster than a-

My mind went blank as I cummed into her mouth.

So much for being a masked badass Devon.

She released me and rose to her feet. Our panting breaths filled the air as I gazed down at her beautiful face.

“That was your reward for rescuing me,” she said as she pushed the curtain back and stepped out. “I’ll let you finish up while I get dressed.”

Pulling the curtain shut, I heard her laugh as she exited the bathroom.

Well, damn. The situation left me hot and bothered. I was defiantly gonna make sure I returned the favor later tonight. Rewashing myself, I shut off the water. Gripping the curtain, I yanked it open and stepped out. Finding a clean towel, I dried myself off before getting dressed. Collecting my dirty clothes, I exited the bathroom.

Elissa stood there looking freaked out as I strode towards her.

“There’s someone downstairs,” she whispered. “I grabbed your gun so you could check it out.”

“Stay here,” I ordered as I picked up my service weapon and got into a defensive stance as I exited the bedroom. Walking up the empty hallway, I did, in fact, hear someone walking around in the living room. “Stay as quiet as you can, okay?”

I saw her nod her head as she peaked out from her bedroom door.

Walking down each step carefully and stealthily, I poked my head downstairs. Seeing a familiar figure, I breathed a sigh of relief as I walked the rest of the way down.

“Figured you’d be asleep,” Lux said as I clicked the safety back on and put my weapon in my jeans pocket. “Good thing you’re awake.”

“Alex spewed out that bullshit story,” I said. “What are you keeping me in the dark about, Lux?”

“You want the truth?” he asked me. Me being the hardheaded asshole I was, I didn’t budge. “Your brother put a hit out on you and Elissa and when you are both dead, he’s claiming the life insurance money on you both.”

“Is this some sort of fucked up joke?” I asked. He didn’t laugh. My head was spinning as I processed the info dump I was just given. Elissa had heard because she was by my side, wearing the same expression I assumed I wore on my face.

“I’ve been working hand in hand with the CIA for the past 3 years,” Lux admitted. “We need your help to bring him down, Devon.”

“Do you know what the hell you’re asking from me, Lux?” I asked, in complete shock and rage. “My twin wants to kill me!”

“I won’t let that happen,” he interrupted me. “We had to gather enough evidence to take him down.”

“And the Trendify Killer?” Elissa inquired. “He’s dead, isn’t he?”

“Agent Kingston killed him in the park after the concert,” Lux nodded. “The others were criminals your brother paid off to pretend to be him, so he didn’t have to get his hands covered in your blood to cash in that life insurance policy.”

“That explains why he was always around whenever one of those Trendify Killers would be around.” I shook my head. My rage was boiling over. I had to keep my cool. I wasn’t even sure if I could fully trust Luxton. “Does Zander know you’re here?”

“No,” Lux shook his head. “The two of you have been through hell and back, and I’m pulling the plug on Zander’s plan before you both end up dead.”

“What do I gotta do?” I asked him. “Blood or not,” I said in a scary calm voice I didn’t even recognize. “He’s dead to me.”

––––––––

––––––––

Elissa and I had finished getting dressed and hauled ass downstairs, where Luxton stood pacing the floor like a nervous father waiting on his wife to deliver his first-born baby.

Tugging the gloves over my hands and the mask over my head, I was ready to kick the shit outta my brother. Tapping the button, the light turned on my mask.

Both Elissa’s cell and mine chimed at the same time. Confused, we pulled them out and saw that we had received a request to join a livestream. We clicked on the invite button and our faces appeared on the screen beside the fucking Trendify Killer! Darkness shrouded him as his LED mask grinned back at us. He waved his free hand at us. But I noticed the silver butcher knife in his hand. The skull etched into the handle proved it was the killer’s weapon!

“Good evening, Half_Dead_Relentless and Zara Vyxen,” he laughed menacingly. “It’s time for you to sing me that Swan Song you owe me!”

The lights cut out and our screens fell dark. Mine, however, glowed orange as my mask light was on.

A loud bang echoed in our ears as someone had kicked in the back door.

“Anybody home?” The Trendify Killer’s voice shouted from the laundry room.

“Go!” I snarled through my modulated voice. Luxton and Elissa both raced towards the front door. I heard it unlock before it opened, and they raced outside.

Relief flood me as I was grateful Elissa would be safe.

The Trendify Killer entered the living room and stopped dead in his tracks when he found me blocking the front door.

“You!” he scoffed.

“Boo mother fucker!” I said, placing my phone in the inside pocket of my jacket.

He raised his blade and ran towards me, boots heavy against the wooden floor. Lifting my right leg, I kicked him hard, sending him flying into the couch, making it topple over on top of him. His blade had clattered to the floor. Snatching it up by the handle, I turned and ran out of the front door.

“Half_Dead_Relentless!” Elissa shouted my name from a running black van. “Get in!”

Doing a baseball slide, I slid into the backseat. Sitting up, I pulled the heavy door closed. Luxton peeled away from the curb and hauled ass up the street just as the Trendify Killer ran into the street, staring menacingly back at us.

Holy shit! That was fucking close!

“You may have gotten away from me this time,” the Trendify Killer shouted into the phone. “But I shall see you both soon!”

The Trendify Killer cut the live stream, and Elissa closed the app on her phone.

“What are we gonna do?” she asked, voice shaky. “He’s not gonna stop until we’re both dead.”

Pulling my phone out, I too exited the app before I removed the hot mask.

Lux’s cell rang, and he cussed under his breath. “It’s your brother,” he scoffed. “Stay quiet.”

I bet he’s gonna pretend to be fucking concerned about my wellbeing.

“Yeah,” Lux said, answering the call. “I got em right here with me.”

Silence.

“I’ll drop em off at a hotel for the night,” he said. “I’ll send the cops to the house to see if the Trendify Killer is still on the premises.”

Silence.

My anxiety was on high alert, and I heard him end the call.

“What happened?” Elissa asked.

BANG!

Elissa screamed as I grabbed her, keeping her in her seat. Headlights of a truck blinded us, and I knew it was the Trendify Killer!

“He’s fucking tailing us!” I shouted to Lux, who clearly knew the obvious and the severity of the situation. The vehicle sped up and Lux increased the speed of the car. Crossing a bridge that was over water, the truck rammed us again. This time it did a PIT maneuver, causing the van we were currently in to turn and rammed into the metal guard railing. The front of the van was hanging off, tilting towards the water.

Grabbing the handle, I pulled the door open. Putting my mask back on, I tugged the bottom down and placed the knife carefully in the inside of my jacket pocket. Leaping out onto the road, I reached for Elissa. Terror was on her face as she slowly edged herself over to the door. Grabbing her hand, I pulled her into my arms and down onto the street.

“Lux!” I shouted as he climbed into the backseat. I reached for my hand inside the van, and he took it. Pulling his ass out just as the van tipped over, the guard rail plummeting into the frigid waters with a loud splash.

The truck did a U-turn and hauled ass away from the scene.

My rage returned, and I was fucking livid. Grabbing my cell, I clicked on the Trendify app. I pressed record and stared into the camera.

“You made one mistake, Trendify Killer,” I snarled. “You left us ALIVE!” Reaching into my jacket pocket, I pulled out the knife, flashing it in front of the screen. “Want your toy back?” I taunted him. “Come and get it!”

Ending the video, I uploaded it and tagged his ass in it.

“Do you have a fucking death wish?” Lux demanded. “Or are you a fucking dumbass?”

“Choices, choices,” I sighed as I twirled the knife in my fingers like a drumstick. “Mix a little bit of A with a little bit of B and you get me.” Clicking the button on the side of the mask until the heart eyes appeared. I did a Kawaii move with my hands under my chin and my head tilted to the side, kicking my leg up behind me.

I looked like an Anime Cosplayer right now. And nobody was taking my fucking picture to remember this glorious occasion!

Lux found this unamusing. “You still haven’t grown up, have you?” Lux demanded.

“Don’t plan to start now,” I shrugged as I pocketed the knife back into my jacket. Clicking the button until it was back to my orange face. “May not live long enough to-”

Good God! The thought just struck me like a fucking lightning bolt. I fell silent as the thought pounded in my mind.

“What’s up Dev?” Lux asked me. “It creeps me out when you get all quiet on me.”

“That driver,” I spoke slowly. “Did a PIT maneuver Lux.”

“Holy shit!” Lux said, as he put two and two together. “The Trendify Killer is in law enforcement!”

Sirens in the distance were getting closer to our present destination. Someone had informed them we were here.

My money was on Alex!

“Who the fuck can we trust?” Elissa asked us.

“Me,” Lux said, nudging his head towards me. “And him.”

Cop cars and FBI vans surrounded us as they exited their vehicles and rushed over to us.

“Dev!” Alex rushed towards me with deep concern on his face. “Are you guys okay?”

“We’re fine,” I said, doing my best not to kick his ass into the water. The urge to kick him was strong. “The Trendify Killer rammed the van, and it plunged into the water.”

“The knife?” Alex asked, looking at me. “Tell me you have it?”

Are you fucking kidding me? The Trendify Killer nearly killed us, and he’s worried about a fucking knife?

“Sorry,” I shrugged. “It was in the van.”

Blinking as my words registered in his brain, he gave me a look challenging my lie. Tearing the mask off, I mirrored his annoyed pissy look. You know, being a twin had its perks. Like right now. He didn’t imagine me, his baby brother, would defy a direct order from him.

I’m not stroking his fucking ego tonight!

“Send a dive team down,” Alex ordered Lux. “I want that knife!”

“You ready to get the fuck outta her?” I asked Elissa.

“Yeah,” she whispered as she took my hand in hers. I started walking past Alex when he grabbed me by the arm, making me stop.

“What’s your problem?” Alex demanded as I turned and looked at him.

“The Trendify Killer!” I snarled as I shook my arm free. “Now fuck off will you... Bossman?”

“What the fuck did you tell him?” Alex shouted to Lux.

“I left him alone inside the house with the Trendify Killer,” Lux replied, standing his ground. “Why don’t you ask him when you catch him, huh?”

I snuck off into the crowd with Elissa clenching my hand. She was terrified. I had to keep her and myself alive. I couldn’t drop my defenses and admit I was just as terrified as she was.

“We can’t let Alex know we know, you know?” I said to her as we walked over to an FBI van.

“That made absolutely zero sense,” she shook her head at me. “But yet it made perfect sense.”

We both nearly jumped out of our skins when someone inside the van opened the door we were leaning against. Spinning around, we found Eros and Jensen laughing at us.

“Sorry,” Jensen said, calming down. “Get in and get out of the cold.”

That’s right. It was winter, and I just remembered it was freezing balls out here! Elissa climbed inside, and I cautiously followed her, closing the door behind me. It was warm in here. I’ll give them that. But were they trustworthy? That theory had to be put to the test right here, right now.

“Start fucking talking!” I said as I yanked the knife out and pointed it between the two men who sat in the front seats. “I will fucking gut you two like the snakes you are!”

“What the fuck, man?” Jenson shouted.

“Is it true?” I demanded.

“What?” Eros asked, keeping his eye on the blade.

“Did my brother put a hit out on us?” I demanded. “And did he have life insurance policies made for our untimely deaths?”

“YES!” they shouted in unison. Elissa sat wide eyed, shocked by their answer. I was sure as hell that I did, too. “Now put that goddamn knife away!”

“Why does he want it so bad?” I asked, snapping out of my shock that my former band mates knew! And they didn’t say a damn thing!

“He keeps it locked in his house,” Jensen spat. “He has a Trendify Killer costume there too!”

So that’s why he wants this fucking knife?

Sliding it in my pocket, I pulled open the heavy metal door. I stepped out and Elissa practically leaped into my arms as we stood in the freezing cold.

“Thanks boys,” I smirked at them. “Tell him it’s in the water.” Slamming the door, I grabbed Elissa’s hand, and we walked in the direction of her house.

Fuck running!

I was facing my brother head on!

Chapter 17

Lissa

How the hell was I supposed to tell Devon the truth? Agents Jensen, Eros and their fucking FBI Director had blackmailed me to draw Devon out of hiding. Mostly his asshat brother. I didn’t think I would fall for the guy this damn hard!

But here I was with him by my side. Zander had threatened to go to the press about me going into the mental ward after my attacker left me for dead if I didn’t help him. So naturally I agreed. Never did I imagine the Director of the fucking FBI would put a hit out on us and create life insurance policies on us!

I must put an end to this shit now! I’ll accept the consequences of my actions with Darby.

“You alright Ellissa?” Devon asked.

My house was in the same condition as when we left. Disarray reigned; someone had flipped over the couch and left the front door open. Thankfully, when Devon swept through the house, he found no intruders hiding inside.

We walked in silence the entire way back here. All I wanted to do was to sleep. The past week has been nothing but chaotic. A nightmare I couldn’t wake up from. I helped Devon pick up the couch and set it back in the spot I had placed it before.

“Are you doing okay, Elissa?” Devon asked me.

No! I’m not fucking okay!

“I’m exhausted,” I replied, stifling a yawn. “I’m going to bed.”

Turning, I walked up the steps, up the hallway, and into my room. Turning on the light, I crossed the room, kicking my shoes off. Removing my jacket, I tossed it at the foot of the bed as I crawled into bed.

As much as I wanted to sleep, I just couldn’t. My conscience wouldn’t allow it.

“Something’s bothering you, isn’t it?” Devon asked as he entered my bedroom and walked over to the bed. Sitting down, he kept his gaze fixed on me. “What’s up Elissa?”

“If you wanna break up with me,” I whispered, keeping my gaze fixed on the blanket beneath me. “Now would be a great time to do it.”

“Any reason I’d want to do that?” he inquired as I dragged my eyes up to meet his.

“Your brother,” I sighed heavily. “He’s blackmailing me so he could get to you, Devon.”

His face showed his confusion, turning to shock. I was waiting for the other shoe to drop. Where he told me to fuck off and would leave me. The Trendify Killer would kill me now when he left.

I deserve it.

“I see,” he replied, shaking his head in disbelief. “I knew you stood out in that live for a reason, Elissa.”

“I deserve to be murdered by the Trendify Killer,” I frowned. “You can go Devon.”

“You really want me to leave you unprotected?” he inquired, arching an eyebrow my way. “Cause Alex is gonna kill us both if you continue to be blackmailed by him or not Elissa.”

“You should be pissed at me,” I said, feeling confused by his calmness. “Not be willing to be my protector.”

“Yeah,” he rolled his shoulders. “That’s what Alex is banking on me to do.”

“And you’re not?” I asked.

“I’m the rebel,” he said, giving me a sad smile. “I do the exact opposite of what that prick wants me to do, Elissa.”

“So,” I asked slowly, choosing my next words carefully. “You’re not breaking up with me, then?”

“Fuck no,” Devon smirked at me. “If anything, I’ll just punish you in this very bedroom soon enough, babe.”

Relief filled my entire body as I lay down on my bed. Devon kicked off his shoes and removed his jacket. He carefully removed the knife, placing it beneath his pillow as he lay down beside me. We both had our cells beside us on the bed as he pulled me into his body. I fit perfectly into him. It seemed I was made only for him.

My eyes shot open, and I sat up in bed after having a nightmare. The sun was shining in the window, and I turned to see Devon still passed out beside me. The sound of someone downstairs caused me to get up.

Putting on a clean pair of socks, I slipped my feet into my shoes and walked down the steps, expecting to see Agent Clarck. The male turned to face me, and I stopped dead in my tracks. It was Director Zander Zzyzx.

“You haven’t been answering my calls,” he said as I slowly walked closer towards him. “You’re not having second thoughts about our arrangements, are you?”

Fucking prick!

“I am actually,” I replied, standing my ground. “Your blackmail over my life is over, Director Zander.”

“That’s unfortunate,” he sighed as he took two steps towards me. He threatened me with a menacing look. He was Devon’s twin. They looked the same! Except Devon possesses a loveable personality. A personality I found hella funny. He matched mine honestly. “I was going to pay you a shit ton of money to keep your mouth shut!”

“Threatening a victim isn’t how FBI agents act,” Devon’s voice spoke as he descended the staircase. I ran over to him, and he pushed me protectively behind him. “You can see yourself out... Bossman.”

“The victim is mentally unstable,” Director Zander said, looking at his twin. “Take anything, she says with a pinch of salt Dev.”

“Did you recover the knife?” Devon inquired. averting the attention away from me.

“No,” his brother frowned. “Do you have it on your person by chance?”

“No,” Devon shook his head. “I told you it was in the van.”

“Sticking to your story,” Director Zander sighed disappointedly. “Fine.”

“Book an arena,” Devon went on. “We’re gonna perform while we still can... right, Elissa?”

“You think the two of you can sell out an entire arena?” Director Zander scoffed at him. “I’ll do it, Dev, but you’ll be disappointed if only two people attend.”

“Not us,” Devon snorted. “Zara Vyxen and Half_Dead_Relentless will.”

“One last time,” Director Zander sighed. “Then the two of you go into hiding, got it?”

I nodded, and he walked to the door. Yanking it open, he stepped outside. Glancing back at us, he closed the door. Devon ran over and locked it.

“We only recorded two songs!” I said as he walked back to me. “How the hell are we gonna record an entire album in one day?”

“We may or may not survive the next day,” Devon said. “Motivation to write and record ten more songs.”

“You have a point there,” I reluctantly agreed. “Let’s do it.”

Walking back upstairs, we entered the studio. Forgetting my cell on my bed, I exited the room and entered my room. Walking over to the bed, I grabbed my cell and Devon’s. Turning, I found him standing in the doorway. Tossing his cell, he caught it with one hand.

Exiting the room, we both entered the studio once more, and I saw he had already started up the computer.

“I gotta call Lux back,” Devon said as he dialed the number and put the phone to his ear. “Give me a sec.” He stepped out into the hallway, and I glanced down at my cell.

A video on Trendify tagged me, and curiosity made me click on the app. The video had so many views. It was from the Trendify Killer’s account.

Clicking the video, my eyes widened as I saw my former drummer Troy chained up sitting behind his drum kit. Someone had taped his mouth shut, and his face was covered in blood.

“Do I have your attention now Zara Vyxen and Half_Dead_Relentless?” The Trendify Killer’s voice spoke in the shadows. The glistening of a silver knife was in his hand. The same blade that was under Devon’s pillow!

Turning the blade, he started stabbing Troy. Troy’s muffled screams of pain mixed with terror reached my ears.

“TROY!” I shouted through the silence as tears stung the back of my eyes. “Leave him alone!”

“What’s wrong?” Devon asked as he raced into the room. Taking one look down at my phone, his eyes widened at the sight. He was used to seeing death, blood, and the worst of the worst. But it still affected him.

“I want you to deliver my knife to me!” he snarled, turning the blade as blood dripped down the handle. The skeleton face was missing from both sides. It was just an ordinary kitchen knife. “Or more people you love will die by my hand!”

Troy’s head fell back, and I saw the life leaving his eyes. Troy was dead.

The video ended and replayed.

Devon took my cell and clicked off the app. I stood in shock. Someone else was dead because of me!

“Elissa,” Devon’s voice was filled with concern for me. “I’m not leaving you, baby.”

“The Trendify Killer is attacking everyone who is close to me,” I shook my head. “He’s coming for you, Devon!”

“I know,” Devon replied bluntly. “He’s been chasing me and you down for the past week.”

My jaw hung gaped open as I gazed at him. I couldn’t tell if he was being serious or funny. Either way, I found it unamusing.

Footsteps walking up the hallway caused us both to turn as Agent Clarck stood in the doorway gazing back at us.

“Good,” he said. “Your both still alive.”

“I just talked to you on the phone,” Devon said, giving him a confused look. “Or was it someone else?”

“My cell fell out in the van.” Agent Clarck frowned. “I had to get a new phone.”

“Then who was I talking to?” Devon inquired, looking puzzled.

“My guess,” Agent Clarck shrugged. “Your brother.”

“Goddamn it!” Devon groaned. “He knows I have the knife!”

“You told him you have it?” Agent Clarck arched an eyebrow. “I was with you when you made that stupid video holding it remember?”

“I remember,” Devon sighed heavily. “And he was persistent on me giving it to him. Something about the knife not being found in the van or around the area beneath the water.”

“Don’t give it to him,” Lux replied. “I need you to deliver it to his house and record him saying he murdered all those innocent people.”

“You know,” Devon made a face of pure disgust. “This started out with me taking one life now. I’m up to three.”

“In all three cases,” Agent Clarck reminded him. “You were protecting someone who was wielding a weapon.”

“And now I’m a serial killer,” Devon said under his breath. “That won’t look good on my next resume.”

“Are you thinking of resigning from the Bureau after this Dev?” Agent Clarck asked. “I already want you on my team once your brother is behind bars.”

“Really?” Devan asked, with shock written all over his face. “You want me, not my brother?”

“Your brother is a wanted fugitive, dumbass,” Agent Clarck rolled his eyes. “I’m gunning for the Director position once it’s opened up.”

Devon fell silent as he thought about his next words.

“Our lives are on the line,” he said, nudging his head towards me. “I already agreed to help you take him down, Lux.”

Devon broke down the new plan, and Lux was down with it. He even volunteered to record, mix, and produce the songs to create the Silent Notes album featuring me and Devon.

––––––––

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Devon, Agent Clarck, and I all busted our asses for the next five days working non-stop on our music project. Our lives depend on it. Literally!

Thankfully for us, the Trendify Killer left us alone by not breaking into my house or chasing us around the city trying to kill us.

I lay down my vocals on all the songs, drawing from my recent pain. It was raw and real. Probably cause it all just happened in a matter of two weeks!

Devon and Agent Clarck assured me they would take care of the producing of the entire record. I was grateful to them. I went out onto my back patio and sat in a chair. It was freezing out here, but I was grateful to be alive.

“Here you are,” Devon said as he joined me, handing me a hot mug of piping hot coco. Sitting down beside me, he took a sip of his coffee. “This is pretty good shit.”

The sound of sirens caused us both to stand. We hauled ass inside through the sliding glass door, closing it behind us. Agent Clarck met us in the living room.

“Please don’t tell me they’re here?” I groaned, dreading another misfortunate encounter with the feds.

“For once, they’re not here for you two,” Agent Clarck frowned. “They are across the street.”

“Across the street?” Devon asked, giving him a confused look.

“A body has been located inside the residence by a squatter,” Agent Clarck replied. “Elissa’s former drummer Troy’s body.”

“Oh, my god!” I whispered, nearly dropping my mug of hot coco.

“Apparently the Trendify Killer used the abandoned house to lure you two over there,” Agent Clarck went on. “Thankfully, the squatter had enough sense to call the cops, so they didn’t get charged with a crime they didn’t commit.”

Walking over to the large picture window, I shoved the curtain back and saw the coroner rolling Troy’s body in a black body bag into the back of the white van. A lump formed in the middle of my throat and the back of my eyes stung as tears tried to escape. I shook them away. I had to be strong for Troy. For myself. And for Devon.

The Trendify Killer wouldn’t break us!

“You should probably stay away from the windows,” Agent Clarck said as I dropped the curtain and walked over to my couch. I took a seat, and Devon sat down beside me. “I’ll finish the production work on the last songs, so you have a master copy of them, Elissa.”

“Thank you,” I said, giving him a sad smile. “We’ll record a video promoting the show.”

“You dated Troy, didn’t you?” Devon asked in a quiet voice.

“Yeah,” I replied. There was no point in lying to him. I didn’t feel the need to, anyway. He’d figure it out. “For like three months before he cheated on me with my opening act.”

“Who?” Devon inquired.

“Shinka Nova,” I sighed inwards. “She stole my spot when I left the music scene last year.”

“Shinka Nova can keep that shitty pop star spot,” Devon said as I looked at him. “You were born to be a rock princess Elissa.”

“Thank you, Devon,” I said, giving him a sad smile as I placed my mug down on the coffee table. “How about we get on making that video before I second guess doing this entire concert.”

“Our lives depend on this concert, remember?” Devon reminded me as he set his mug down on the coffee table and we headed up the staircase and up the hallway. “We’ll record the video in the studio.”

I walked into my bedroom, grabbing my makeup bag, I quickly put on a face, brushed my hair, changed clothes and was ready to make this damn video. The sound of drumming coming from the studio caused me to rush out of the room. As I entered, I found Half_Dead_Relentless sitting there spinning a drumstick in his fingers.

“Zara Vyxen is grieving the loss her of former drummer Troy’s untimely death,” Half_Dead_Relentless spoke into the camera that Agent Clarck was holding. “We have decided to perform one last time together.” He paused as I entered the frame. “We have completed our album, Silent Notes, and this concert will be at the largest venue.” He paused for effect. “We hope to see you in attendance Trendify Killer,” he held up the butcher knife showing the skull etched into the blade. “You want this back?” he laughed. “Take it from my dead, stiff hands!”

“That won’t be hard to do,” a menacing, familiar voice spoke from the doorway. “I’ll pry it from your dead hands right now!”

Screaming in fear, I leaped to my right as the Trendify Killer slashed the air where I was standing moments before. Rushing out of the studio, I raced into my bedroom, beelining for the pillow Darby slept on. Grabbing it, I tossed it to the side. Relief flooded me when I saw the glistening knife shining up at me. Before I could reach for it, someone grabbed me by the hair, tossing me backwards.

I landed on the floor, too stunned to feel any pain. Scrambling up to my feet, I felt the bite of the metal blade being pressed against my throat.

Well, this took a turn, I wasn’t expecting, didn’t it?

Both Devon and Agent Clarck raced into the room. I could see Devon quickly assessing the situation with his eyes as he did his best to look professional. It didn’t work. I saw his fear for my life in his beautiful blue eyes.

“You lied to me Half_Dead_Relentless,” the Trendify Killer snarled in his automated voice as he pressed me firmly against his body inching closer towards the door. “Or should I call you Agent Kingson instead?”

“Do whatever you want to me,” Half_Dead_Relentless spoke in his automated voice. “But you leave her out of this!”

“Zara Vyxen, finding the will to survive, is the one who started this to begin with!” The Trendify Killer went on. “And it will end with her!”

The sound of a single gunshot rang out in the air. I screamed as blood spattered on my face. The Trendify Killer dropped to the floor as scarlet blood pooled out of his head.

“Elissa!” Devon shouted my name as he pulled me out of the room. Agent Clarck raced to the body, kicking the knife out of his hand. Reaching down, he carefully removed the LED mask. The face was that of a tattooed male I didn’t recognize. “Are you alright?”

“Devon,” Agent Clarck called him. “Grab the damn knife!”

Half_Dead_Relentless entered the room, carefully taking the knife in his gloved hand and slid it into the inside pocket of his jacket.

“I’m bumping the concert up to tomorrow night,” Half_Dead_Relentless replied. “Before someone else gets killed.”

My adrenaline was running at an all-time high. Staring down at the body on my bedroom floor reminded me that the next body the agents find could be my own.

Chapter 18

Devon

We waited until nightfall.

Hidden in the shroud of darkness, I stood outside at Stupid O’clock in the morning. Standing across the street, I held up a pair of binoculars, making sure that if anyone was going to be hiding inside that abandoned house across the street from Elissa’s house, I wanted to see it from the perp’s perspective.

Every criminal who was paid off by my shithole of a brother was getting their just deserts in hell!

I was hoping he was the one beneath that mask. I know. It’s a fucked-up way to look at things but come on. Alex put a hit out on me and my girlfriend Elissa! If anything, we were cashing out those fake life insurance policies; he put on us!

My days had been chaotic. Zero downtime. I just wanted to chill with my girlfriend and perform on stage with her! But no, Alex had to be a cocksucker and ruin that for me, too!

When Elissa told me that Alex had been blackmailing her, I didn’t wanna believe it. I wanted to chuck it up to her, being an unstable bipolar popstar who was seeking attention. But when I heard Alex downstairs threatening her, all my rage came back to me and why I loathed my brother.

“Hey, homey,” an unfamiliar male voice spoke from the right of me. Putting my binoculars away, I turned to find fifteen males dressed in blue. “You feds are disturbing the peace in me barrio ese, and we ain’t down with that shit!”

“So, what you’re telling me,” I started not giving a fuck how outnumbered I was at the moment. “Is that you want me to tell the Trendify Killer it’s okay for him to keep killing people on your streets?”

The look of confusion mixed with panic now written all over their faces as I smiled at them.

“Just need to make a quick phone call-”

“Naw, Ese,” the guy shook his head, stopping me from reaching into my pocket and grabbing my cell out. “Just keep the heat in your casa, understand?”

“You know,” I rubbed my chin thoughtfully. “There’s a dead guy in the bedroom upstairs.” I nudged my head towards Elissa’s bedroom. “If you guys take care of it for me, I’ll pretend that this conversation never happened.”

“You want us to take care of a body for you?” Another man looked at me like I was insane. Maybe I was.

“Exactly,” I replied. “Or I can make a call-”

“You’re blackmailing us?” The first man got in my face.

“More like a friendly reminder of who has access to your criminal records,” I shrugged. “I can make them all disappear.”

“You’re fucking with us, holmes?” the second man asked.

“No,” I scoffed. “Now you are with me, or you aren’t.”

“Who lives there?” The first man inquired.

“Zara Vyxen,” I replied. “And her boyfriend Half_Dead_Relentless.”

“Them two are all over the fucking news ese,” he laughed. “We want-”

“You won’t get a penny,” I warned. “But they will be happy to offer you autographs and photos to keep your mouths shut.”

“We’ll be there in an hour,” the man said after he patted me down, not finding any wiretaps or cameras on my body. “They’d better be there too, vato.”

“See you gentlemen in an hour,” I said, crossing the street. “I’ll inform them of your arrival.”

“Shorty Z is gonna stay with you,” the first one added. “To make sure we ain’t being set up.”

“Let’s go, Shorty Z,” I replied as a short man crossed the street. He was wearing baggy blue pants and a blue jacket. He tried to look hard. But the little man was new to his job. The life of a gangster wasn’t glitzy or glamorous, as they appeared to be on the outside. “Let me do the talking.”

Elissa opened the door before I opened it myself. Her eyes widened when she saw my new friend accompanying me.

“Sup homegirl?” Shorty Z whistled at her as he entered the house, taking it in with his eyes. “Don’t you know this place is haunted?”

“The rents cheap,” Elissa forced a dry laugh, glancing over at me. “Who’s your new friend?”

“Shorty Z,” he replied. “Your Zara Vyxen, right?”

“That’s right,” she nodded. “Why are you here?”

“Shorty Z and his friends are gonna take care of that body upstairs for us,” I replied. “I’m going to change,” I said, shooting Shorty Z a warning look. “You protect her until I return.”

Elissa gave me a what the fuck look as I walked up the steps and ran up the hallway and straight into my room. I quickly removed my suit and tie, shedding my FBI attire. Putting on black jeans, a black T-shirt, my black gloves, and a jacket. Snatching up my badge, wallet, key, the knife, my two cells, and my mask, I raced out of the bedroom. Walking briskly up the hallway, I pulled my mask over my head. Walking down the steps, I heard Elissa talking with Shorty Z.

“Well, this is a party, isn’t it?” I said in the voice changer as the fifteen gangsters stood around Elissa, who sat uncomfortably on the couch. “You guys can go upstairs and start the clean-up process.”

“Where’s that fed?” Shorty Z demanded, acting hard in front of his gang members.

“Where oh where is Agent Zev?” I pulled out the knife and twirled it in my fingers like I did with my drumsticks as I tilted my head to the left. “You’ll find out, won’t you?”

“Man, he’s loco de la cabeza!” The first man said as the gangsters cautiously walked around me and headed upstairs. “Let’s clean this shit up and get the fuck outta here!”

“You do that,” I said, watching these grown ass men about to piss on themselves. “Lock up when you’re done here, huh?”

“! Pinche tu madre!” Shorty Z whispered as he rushed past me, hauling ass upstairs.

“No thanks,” I shuttered as I slipped the knife back into my jacket pocket. “Get fucked Shorty Z.”

“Can we get the hell out of here?” Elissa begged me with her eyes. “Maybe drive around until sunrise?”

“Sounds like a plan to me,” I shrugged. “Let’s leave them to clean this up.”

Elissa grabbed her shit. She left it downstairs earlier. We hauled ass to the door. I flung it open, and she stepped out into the freezing snowy night. It had snowed another inch since I was last out here. Closing the door behind me as we walked to the car. Unlocking it, we opened our doors and climbed in before closing them behind us.

Placing the key in the ignition, I turned it, and the engine roared to life. Slowly backing out of the parking spot, I backed out onto the street. Turning, I started driving slowly away from the house when my cell rang.

“Damn it!” I said as I reached into my jacket pocket, producing my cell. Pressing the answer, I acted normal. “What’s going on Bossman?”

“I’m gonna ask you this once.” Lux sounded annoyed as fuck as I drove down the street. “Why the hell are there a bunch of what looks to be gangsters cleaning up the dead body in Elissa’s house?”

“Oh, that,” I replied through my mask. “Funny story Lux-”

“Are they gonna destroy evidence?” he asked, cutting me off.

“I dun know,” I replied. “Possibly.”

“Goddamn it, Devon!” Lux groaned. “I gotta get undercover agents over there to take over before they destroy evidence we need to put your brother behind bars, you dumbass!”

Shit! Guess maybe I forgot about that part.

“Go to your house and await further instructions,” Lux ordered. “Do your damn job, Agent Kingston!”

The call ended, and I slid my cell back into my jacket pocket, sighing heavily.

“Sounds like your ass is in trouble,” Elissa said in a singsong voice. “And I like it.”

Smirking beneath the mask, she couldn’t see me. Pulling up to the curb of my darkly lit house, I cut the engine, removing the keys. A feeling of dread overcame me as I stared at my house.

Why is my front door open?

“Devon?” Elissa asked with a slight edge in her voice as I slowly tore my gaze away from the door and onto her. “You think the Trendify Killer’s inside?”

“For his sake,” I said as I turned and opened my door, stepping out. “He’d better not be.”

Closing the door, I carefully reached inside of my pocket, pulling out my gun. Elissa opened her door and quietly stepped out, closing the door behind her. She crept to my side, and we walked up the steps and I carefully pushed open the door before making a quick sweep of the living room, turning on the light.

Someone ransacked my house, turning over the furniture. My first impression of my place to Elissa wasn’t the best right now. I hoped she knew I didn’t live like a pig.

The sound of footsteps approaching us from my bedroom made me click the button, turning my mask on. Holding my weapon, I kept it pointed toward the intruder.

The Trendify Killer stopped staring a hole into us. Silently raising a blade, he rushed towards me.

“Run!” I shouted to Elissa, who turned and ran out of the house and back to the car for safety. Lifting my right leg, I kicked the Trendify Killer, sending him flying backwards into a side table toppling the table lamp, shattering it on impact. “You ain’t getting that knife, asshole!”

Turning, I ran out of the house, racing towards my car. Elissa opened the driver’s side door as I slid into the seat, slamming the door behind me. Grabbing the key, I placed it in the ignition, turning it. The engine road to life as I locked the doors. We backed out of the parking area. I turned onto the street. I hadn’t seen the Trendify Killer on our trail until he raised the blade, slamming it into the trunk.

“He’s here!” Elissa screamed. Panic filled her voice as she gazed out the back window. Stepping on the gas, I glanced out of the rearview mirror to see his body flailing around from side to side as he struggled to grip the knife that was stuck in the trunk.

“Hold on!” I shouted as I turned a sharp left. The end of the car fishtailed as the Trendify Killer released the knife slamming into a parked car, setting the alarm off.

Hauling ass away from the scene of an accident, I knew the reproductions of that wouldn’t be good on my growing record. My mind was racing, and I didn’t know where to go.

Lux!

Elissa sat doing her best to calm her racing heart. I sped through lights, stop signs. I pulled up to Lux’s house in less than five minutes. Cutting the engine, I removed the keys, and we opened our doors in unison, scrambling out. Slamming them, Lux walked out, looking irritated that we were outside.

“I thought I told you-”

“The Trendify Killer,” Elissa gushed as she pointed to the bitcher knife sticking out of my trunk. “He attacked us when we arrived at Devon’s house!”

“Fuck!” Lux replied as his eyes widened at the sight of the knife. “You two take the guest bedroom.”

“What about that knife?” I demanded. “I’m not leaving it there so he can take it back, Lux.”

“Grab it,” he ordered. “I’ll bag it for evidence tomorrow.”

Walking to the trunk, I grabbed the handle. It took a bit, but I finally yanked it out. Turning, Lux had grabbed a Ziploc bag. Sliding the blade inside, I followed him up the path and inside.

Lux closed and locked the door as I turned off the light on the mask before ripping it off my head. I was a sweaty mess. Handing him the bag, I removed my LED gloves.

Despite their best efforts, they aren’t finding my fingerprints—a testament to my careful planning—all over the evidence they’re desperately trying to connect to the Trendify Killer!

“We’ll talk in the morning.” Lux stifled a yawn. “You two are fucking work, bro.”

“Sorry to be an inconvenience to you and Alex,” I murmured under my breath as I headed up the hallway to the guest bedroom. I was his roommate for a couple of months, until I got my own place. “I’m such a letdown.”

“You aren’t,” Lux said, making me stop dead in my tracks. “I just don’t want to see one of my friends get killed on the job.”

“Thanks for the pep talk,” I called over my shoulder. “Night Lux.” I walked into the bedroom, closing the door most of the way as I stripped out of my clothes. I tossed the mask and the gloves onto a chair beside the bed.

Elissa had already fallen asleep on the left side of the bed. I heard Lux on a call. Curiosity drew me back towards the door as I eavesdropped on him.

“What?” Alex’s voice snarled into the phone. He’d left it on the speaker.

“Dev and Elissa are here,” Lux whispered. “The Trendify Killer ambushed them at his place.”

The line fell silent for a moment. I opened the door and walked up the hallway, noticing Lux had his back facing me.

“Does he have the knife on him?” Alex finally inquired. “I need it back, Luxton.”

“He has a knife on him,” Lux said. “The Trendify Killer left his in Devon’s trunk.”

“Wipe the fingerprints off it,” Alex ordered. “Then get rid of it.”

“Playing the part of devil’s advocate wasn’t part of the deal Zander,” Lux said. “Devon is smarter than you’re giving him credit for.”

“It’s bad enough that, that bitch Elissa turned on me,” Alex snarled. “Do I gotta worry about you too, Luxton?”

Before Lux could even speak, I walked up to him and snatched the phone out of his hand.

“Lux is the least of your worries,” I replied in a scary, calm voice. “How about we end this now, Z?”

“Glad you survived another Trendify Killer attack Dev,” Alex quickly changed his tone to sound concerned for my life. “I want you to come to my house right now, actually.”

I was about to cuss his ass out when Lux took his phone back, shooting me a shut the fuck up look. “He’ll be right there,” Lux spoke on my behalf. “He’ll deliver you the item.”

“See you soon, little bro,” Alex said. “Don’t forget that mask of yours.”

The call ended and Lux’s expression turned grim.

“Can I trust anything you say to me, Lux?” I asked, giving him a look of betrayal. “Or do you enjoy pinning me against my fucking brother?”

“Devon,” Luxton said to me. “Zander is blackmailing all of us and if he doesn’t get that damn knife back-”

“He’ll what?” I scoffed. “Kill you guys for not helping him kill me and my girlfriend Elissa?”

Elissa was already holding all of our shit in her hands as she flipped Luxton off and headed for the door. Had she heard the entire conversation? Either way, she had heard enough of it to grab our shit and dip.

“If you two walk out that door,” Lux warned us as I turned and followed Elissa to the door. She had already opened it and stood there waiting for me on the porch. “I can’t protect you from him or the Trendify Killer!”

“Elissa and I can handle ourselves,” I said as I grabbed my jacket, gloves, and mask. Putting them on one at a time, I turned my head to face him. “Zara Vyxen and Half_Dead_Relentless will put an end to the Trendify Killer Agent Clarck.”

Turning, I closed the door, leaving him in stunned silence as we walked to the car. I would probably kill my brother. But the only thing keeping me from doing it was my bitch of a mother. I didn’t want to be anything like her! I wasn’t like her!

Ignoring the deep hole in my trunk as I walked around to the driver’s side. I opened it and slid inside. Elissa had already been inside waiting for me.

I should have locked my car. But rage and survival are more important right now. I should have been more aware of my surroundings because Elissa had passed out. Her head bent down in the passenger seat.

Someone threw a plastic bag over my head and pulled my head roughly against the headrest. Gripping the bag, I grabbed for my neck.

Fuck! This isn’t how I’m going down!

A fist to the side of my head caused instant pain to shoot up before I blacked out.

––––––––

––––––––

I awoke to a pounding headache as I groaned. Slowly sitting up, I found Elissa tied up in a chair. Someone had gagged her mouth and bound her feet with a thick yellow rope.

“The bitch is fine,” Alex’s voice spoke from the doorway. Climbing to my feet, I reached into my jacket pocket, but the knife was gone! “Thanks for returning my property to me.” He held up the knife up into the light. Making the skull flash that was etched into the handle of the blade.

I tapped the light on the side of my mask, lighting it up in an orange glow.

I have to get Elissa out of here!

Standing tall at my full height, I silently stared Alex down, showing him I had nothing left to lose. He, on the other hand, had his entire career and reputation on the line.

“Let’s talk, Devon,” he said, calling me by my real name. “Then I’ll let the two of you walk away so you can perform your stupid farewell concert.”

“Is it true?” I asked in my modulated voice. I intended to make it as menacing as possible.

“What?” Alex asked, giving me a strange look.

“That you put a hit out on us?” I demanded. “And created life insurance policies on us as well?”

“Yeah,” Alex replied, causing me to be taken aback by his not giving a fuck attitude. “And I’m cashing them both in before both of your corpses turn cold.”

“Why?” I asked an obvious question.

“I have a bad gambling problem, Dev,” Alex admitted. “I owe a lot of money to some terrible people.”

“Sounds like a you problem,” I replied. “There was no need to drag me and Elissa into this Alex.”

“Don’t call me that name!” He screamed in a rage. “Alex died years ago, Devon!”

“You’ve been contacting mom, haven’t you?” I asked.

“This was mom’s plan,” Zander smiled evilly at me. “She’s always hated you, Devon.”

The door exploded from downstairs as many footsteps rushed up and into the room.

“Arrest him!” Alex pointed at me. “He’s been conspiring to kill me!”

Luxton entered the room holding a pair of handcuffs in his hands.

“Arrest him Luxton!” Alex ordered.

“Director Alexander Zzyzx,” Lux said, as he placed the silver cuffs around his left wrist behind his back. “You are under arrest for conspiracy of murdering another agent, a popstar, and countless murders.”

“You aren’t taking me!” A strangled cry ripped from Alex’s throat as he spun, the cold weight of the knife heavy in his hand. In response to his action of raising his arm, I instinctively reached for my weapon and pointed it at him. A deafening bang—the sound of a bullet leaving the chamber—filled my ears, as the knife clattered to the floor, a stark contrast to the sudden violence. “You... you shot me, Devon?” the words tumbled out, thick with disbelief and pain.

Luxton handed Alex off to another agent and they carried him screaming like a madman out of the room.

“Nice work Agent Kingston,” Lux said as I lowered my weapon and couldn’t shake the shock off that I had just shot my twin brother. “I slipped a microphone into your jacket pocket when you weren’t looking.”

Elissa made a muffled sound, and I remembered that someone had tied her up. Walking over to her, I ungagged her and started untying the knots.

“This would be hot as fuck,” I whispered to her as she gazed at me. “In another situation where our lives weren’t on the line and in private.”

Our nightmare was over.

Or was it just the beginning?

Chapter 19

Lissa

I was exhausted. The high of being kidnapped and running from the Trendify Killer had me on an adrenaline rush.

After confessing to Devon that his brother was blackmailing me, I figured he’d leave me. Like he would give up on me like countless others in my life had. But to my surprise, he didn’t.

Someone knocked me unconscious, and I awoke gaged and bound to a chair!

Devon was in a heated conversation with Director Zzyzx, and all hell broke loose as Agent Clarck and the other FBI agents rushed in. A single gunshot pierced the silence; Devon shot his brother before agents took him outside.

Ambulance personnel transported me to the same hospital as before. The very hospital I received clearance five minutes ago. Devon’s mental state had taken a severe hit. The thought of shooting his brother left him in a state of shock.

“Your positive?” Agent Clarck’s voice spoke from outside of my hospital room. I had changed and collected my belongings when I was walking to the door. Exiting the room, Agent Clarck was speaking to a doctor, with Devon standing silently beside him.

“What’s going on?” I whispered to Devon, who looked at me.

“The man I shot,” Devon breathed sharply. “Isn’t Alex.”

“How is that possible?” I asked as it registered. “He’s your identical twin.”

“Apparently my bitch of a mother held another secret,” he shook his head. “Alex and I are a pair of triplets, Elissa.”

Triplets?

“His name is Aleister Kingston,” Devon went on. “He’s a criminal wanted for burglaries.”

“Is your brother even alive?” I asked him.

“Yeah,” Devon nodded. “Aleister kidnapped Alex and stole his identity for the past seven months.”

“Let’s get outta here,” Agent Clarck said as I followed them up the hallway and to the elevator. Pressing the button, it glowed an orange color before the bell dinged and the doors slid open. All our eyes widened in shock when Director Zzyzx stood inside, accompanied by Agents Jensen and Eros. “Zander?”

“Back from the dead,” he said sharply as we squeezed inside. The doors closed, and the elevator descended. “Seeing you up close, Devon is like I’m looking at a ghost from my past.”

“Please tell me it’s really you, Alex,” Devon said, not taking his eyes off him. “Or I’m gonna have to kick your ass.”

“It’s me,” he rolled his eyes. “When we were kids, your favorite song was Enter Sandman.”

Sounds like Devon.

The grin that spread on Devon’s lips said it all. He was face to face with his brother.

Reaching ground level was announced by the bell’s ding. The doors slid open, and we piled out of the elevator. Walking towards the doors, a bad feeling formed in the pit of my stomach. The doors slid open, and we walked outside. Alarms sounded from inside the hospital as police arrived surrounding the perimeter.

“What’s happening?” Director Zzyzx asked an officer.

“A patient escaped,” he replied. “We’re locking down the hospital before they can get out.”

Pretty sure Aleister is the patient that escaped.

All of us were thinking it, judging by the grim looks everyone wore.

“Everyone get your asses in the van,” Director Zzyzx ordered as the unmarked black van pulled up and the valet got out. Agent Jensen pulled open the door, and we piled in. He made me and Devon sit in the first row while he and Agent Jensen sit in the second row. Pulling the door closed, Devon sat back beside me as Eros pulled away from the curb.

“All our residents are in jeopardy,” Director Zzyzx sighed heavily. “Don’t you two have a concert tonight?”

“Yeah?” Devon’s reply came out more like a question. “You aren’t planning on killing us and taking the life insurance money from our deaths, are you, Alex?”

The look Director Zzyzx gave his brother was one of you’re a dumbass little brother.

“No, you idiot!” Director Zzyzx shook his head. “Our third brother, whom we didn’t know about until I was kidnapped and had my identity stolen, caused that mess!”

“Where are we going?” I asked as the five agents fell silent.

“To the hotel,” Agent Clarck finally replied. “You two will perform on the rooftop and draw out the Trendify Killer.”

“And here I thought we killed his ass?” Devon replied dryly. My head was heavy, and Devon gently pulled my head, resting it on his lap. Closing my eyes, I waited for sleep to overtake me.

“She asleep?” Agent Clarck asked from behind us.

“Looks like it,” Devon replied bluntly. “Someone gonna tell me what the fucking plan is, or am I gonna keep being kept in the fucking dark?”

“You know when mom escaped from prison?” Director Zzyzx asked Devon.

“What about it?” he replied.

“It wasn’t me she stabbed,” Director Zzyzx replied. “She stabbed her favorite son, Aleister.”

“Sounds like he should have a grudge against her,” Devon replied. “Not us.”

“You would think,” Director Zzyzx replied. “Mom had that knife custom made for him when he went on his killing spree as the Trendify Killer.”

“I knew Kyle Cutter wasn’t him,” Devon scoffed. “Just a convenient ex-convict to pin those murders on.”

“You were right about him, Lux,” Director Zzyzx replied. “Dev really is smarter than he looks.”

“You’re still a dick, Alex,” Devon grumbled. “But you got me off desk duty, so I guess that’s a win.”

“I kept your ass there for a reason, Dev,” Director Zzyzx replied. “Our paths were never supposed to cross ever again.”

“Yet here we are,” Devon sighed heavily. “Knee high in mom’s shit... doing everything we can to survive.”

“We’re here,” Agent Clarck said. “Wake your girlfriend up and start getting ready for tonight’s performance.”

Devon gently shook my shoulder, and I opened my eyes and sat up. All five of their cells rang at the same time. The sound was like that of an Amber Alert, but only it wasn’t.

“Fuck!” Devon and his brother said in unison as they shut the alarms off.

“What’s happening?” I asked Devon.

“Nothing much,” he replied as he pulled open the van door and climbed out. I scrambled out as the others got out and joined us. “Besides the fact that the Trendify Killer is coming here to kill us.”

“What?” I demanded as he gently grabbed me by the arm and led me towards the door. The doorman held the door open for us as we entered the fancy hotel.

“Escort them to the room,” Agent Clarck said to Jensen as he pointed towards me, Devon, and Director Zzyzx. “We gotta put this place on lockdown.”

We took the stairs, walking up the two flights. Agent Jensen yanked open the metal door, and we stepped into a long hallway. Agent Jensen walked to room number 207. Sliding the plastic white key into the slot, the light turned from red to green. The click allowed us to enter the room.

Devon pushed it open and did a quick sweep of the room. “Clear!” he said as Agent Jensen shoved us inside before the door closed behind him. They all took a room and found them all to be empty. The door clicked and opened. Turning, I saw agents Clarck and Eros enter the living room as the door shut behind them.

“Go shower and get dressed, you two,” Director Zzyzx ordered me and Devon as he pointed towards one of the bedrooms. “We’re doing this once darkness falls.”

We rushed into it, and I found one of my luggage bags. I unzipped it and opened the lid. Grabbing clothes that would be concert costume appropriate, I gripped them as I removed my shoes, jacket, and my clothes.

Devon followed my lead and shed his clothes. Entering the bathroom, he turned the knob, and the water gushed out of the showerhead. Shoving the curtain back, we both stepped inside, and he closed it. Our toiletries were in here.

We both took turns washing ourselves in the water. I went first and was done. Stepping out, I grabbed a fluffy black towel and wrapped it around my body before I opened the door and went back into the bedroom. The four agents were talking amongst themselves in the other room.

“Luxton,” Director Zzyzx said. “You brought my brother into this when he was supposed to be on desk duty for another year!”

“Devon was the one who was flirting with our victim,” Agent Clarck retorted. “He was supposed to meet her, and that was supposed to be the end of their encounter.”

Drying myself off, I quickly got dressed as Devon emerged from the bathroom wearing a towel around his waist. I stared at his muscular body.

Striking an anime pose, I covered my mouth with my hand to keep from laughing as he removed the towel revealing his erected cock.

“That’s hot,” I whispered as I picked up my brush and brushed out the tangles.

“Devon is not getting killed!” Director Zzyzx shouted, catching Devon’s attention. “I’ve protected him my entire life!” Before I could stop him, Devon finished getting dressed and yanked open the bedroom door, stepping out into the living room.

“If you’re gonna talk about me,” Devon replied. “At least say it to my face.”

“Dev,” Director Zzyzx said, leaping to his feet as I exited the bedroom, standing beside Devon. “I thought you were still in the shower.”

“We’re twins, and we’re both in the FBI,” Devon said pointedly to his brother. “We will put an end to mom’s fucked up plan together Alex.”

“We are,” Director Zzyzx snapped. “But I can’t forgive myself if you die, Dev!”

So that’s what this is about. He doesn’t want Devon to die.

Shock filled Devon’s features as he fell silent. I was pretty sure he wasn’t expecting his brother to show raw emotion while on the job.

Turning, I walked back into the bedroom, grabbing my makeup bag. I unzipped it and started putting on a face after I took it into the bathroom.

Putting my makeup back, I zipped up the long black bag and exited the bathroom. My cell rang, and I walked over to it. Clicking the answer button, I placed it to my ear.

“Hello?”

“Lissa?” Melody’s voice was shaky on the other end. Something wasn’t right with her.

“Mel?” I asked. “Everything okay?”

“Melody is fine for the moment,” the familiar bitter voice on the other end spoke. “After your performance tonight... I want you to switch places with her or she shall meet a similar fate as the others.”

The call ended, and I stood there in a state of shock. I had to save Melody. Walking back into the living room, the agents fell silent once they took one look at me.

“What’s wrong?” Devon asked, as he was by my side in a matter of two steps.

“The Trendify Killer,” I replied in shock. “He kidnapped Melody and wants me to take her place after the concert.”

“Fuck!” Devon said, as rage filled his eyes. “That’s not happening Lissa.”

“Mel is gonna die!” I shouted as I gazed up at him. “She’s my best friend Devon.”

“We’ll handle this situation, Elissa,” Director Zzyzx said, pulling out his cell and making a call. “Keep her by your side at all times, Dev.”

“Elissa and Devon don’t leave our sight,” Director Zzyzx said as he ended his call and gazed at me. “Turns out Melody Lickley is the girlfriend of Aleister Kingston.”

Mel wouldn’t? She couldn’t?

“It’s a trap, Lissa,” Devon said, drawing me from my racing thoughts as I gazed at him. “You can’t trust a word she says if you value your life, got it?” I nodded as he headed for the bedroom, leaving me with this fucked up news.

“That explains why the Trendify Killer had so much personal information on Elissa, Zander, and Devon.” Agent Eros frowned. “We gotta catch them both and end this shit already, Lux.”

I left, going back into the bedroom. Laying down on the bed, I closed my eyes and fell asleep.

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High winds slapping my hair around my face startled me awake. My eyes shot open, and I gasped as I took in my surroundings. Sitting in a chair, I realized I was on a rooftop. Bright lights blinded me as I saw a microphone standing and a drum kit before me.

“Sleeping beauty finally woke up,” Half_Dead_Relentless said, modulating his voice as I climbed to my feet. It was freezing ass up here! “Concert starts in five minutes Zara.”

“Did you bring me up here?” I demanded.

“Guilty as charged.” he nodded as he tapped the button on the side of his mask, lighting it up orange. “I made some alterations to a few of the songs.”

“And you’re just telling me this now?” I squeaked as fear punched through my chest. “I don’t have time to listen to your sudden changes in the songs!”

An elevator dinged, and I turned to see a large crowd walking towards us. Someone had placed a metal barricade around us, and the growing crowd filed around it.

No turning back now, Elissa.

I took to the makeshift stage they made for us as Half_Dead_Relentless took his heat behind the drum set. The crew brightened the spotlights, and the show began. If I wasn’t a professional, I’d be a deer in headlights right now.

“Welcome to the Silent Notes performance!” Half_Dead_Relentless spoke through his microphone that was placed beside him. “Zara Vyxen and I are going to perform the entire album before we set up our tour dates.” The crowd erupted into loud cheers and clapping.

“Let’s fucking go!” I screamed into the microphone as I picked it up. Half_Dead_Relentless started drumming an introduction, as I never heard this beat before now.

I wonder if this is one of those surprises he was telling me about?

Noticing the agents had dressed down in civilian clothing and bodyguards with SECURITY written in white letters on their black T-shirts made me feel at ease knowing that if the Trendify Killer was here, he’d have to go through them to get to me.

I opened my mouth, and Half_Dead_Relentless started singing. Shooting him a sharp look, he shrugged and nudged his head towards the microphone to sing with him. So, I did.

We got through the first song, and the crowd cheered in response. Half_Dead_Relentless went into the second song. We were running through each song, taking a quick break when we needed to before we finished the second half of the set.

“You see them in the crowd?” I asked Devon as we hid behind the small curtain to get a water break.

“No,” Devon replied. “But there are a lot of Trendify Killer wannabes out in the crowd tonight.”

“Alright,” I breathed, welcoming the cold air that stung my face. I was sweating. “Let’s finish this and get the hell outta here.”

Returning to the stage, I stopped dead in my tracks as every single person standing in the crowd wore Trendify Killer costumes.

“The fuck is happening?” I whispered to Half_Dead_Relentless.

“Trendify Killer!” Half_Dead_Relentless shouted into the crowd. “You want your knife back?” He pulled it out and my eyes widened when I saw the glistening silver blade in the light. “Come and get it!”

“You heard him!” One figure standing in the back stepped forward as they cleared a path for him. “Get me my knife back!”

Trendify Killers started jumping the barricade.

“RUN!” Agent Clarck shouts as he nudged his head towards the stairs. “We’ll cover for you!”

Rushing toward the door, Agent Eros threw it open, the sound echoing in the stairwell as we pounded down the steps. Director Zzyzx led the way, his footsteps echoing on the worn stone steps as we followed him down.

“Most of them up there are undercover agents and cops,” Director Zzyzx said. “They’ll buy us some time if the Trendify killer follows us!”

Slamming into the metal bar, he pushed the door open, and we raced out as cops surrounded the area, keeping their guns trained on the door.

Both my phone and Devon’s phone chimed when the Trendify app tagged us. Putting the knife away, he pulled his cell out and opened the app.

“I missed your performance tonight,” the Trendify Killer said to us as he stepped back, revealing Melody chained by her wrists as she hung from the thick rusted chain. She had blood pouring out of her body. Her mouth gagged by a black cloth, eyes wide with fear as the Trendify Killer produced a new butcher knife. “I’m coming for my Swan Song Zara Vyxen and Half_Dead_Relentless... until then, I’ll leave you with this song of death.”

Turning the blade, he raised his left hand and brought it down, stabbing Mel over and over. The sound of her muffled screams as she struggled to free herself reached my ears.

“Tell me this is staged?” I asked Director Zzyzx.

“It’s real Elissa,” he replied, grimacing as the video played on. “He’s killing her.”

“No,” I shook my head in disbelief as I took a step back from them. “Save her!”

“It’s too late,” Half_Dead_Relentless replied as he clicked off the app. “Melody is dead.”

“MEL!” I screamed as the door burst open and the agents flashed their badges, crossing the barrier towards us. “She’s dead because of me!”

“Let me guess,” Half_Dead_Relentless replied. “The Trendify Killer wasn’t up there, was he?”

“How’d you guess?” Agent Eros inquired.

“The Trendify Killer,” I whispered as tears streamed down my face. My mascara was running. “Just murdered Mel.”

Was death by the Trendify Killer my fate all along?

Chapter 20

Devon

Elissa had just lost everyone she cared about in the span of a week!

I was all she had left in this godforsaken world. Was that a good or a bad thing? I had allowed no one to get as close to me as Elissa has gotten. Maybe it was time for me to settle down and start a family? Would she even want to?

What this current case I was on, I found out that I’m nothing like my bitch of a mother. Or my dead-beat father. Or that evil triplet we didn’t know existed. He got mom’s bipolar bullshit. Alex and I were completely normal!

Elissa was spiraling. I had to keep her grounded. I had to be the rock she needed.

We sat in our hotel room while the agents took control of getting Melody’s body sent to the coroner immediately. Alex had ordered us pizza, but none of us really had an appetite after watching Elissa’s bestie get killed on video.

We showered again and changed into clean clothes as the news was on the TV for background sound. That is until we appeared on it!

“Tonight, Zara Vyxen and Half_Dead_Relentless played their last concert called Silent Notes,” the reporter stated. “They failed to draw out the Trendify Killer, who is still on the loose.” Pause. “The latest victim is Melody Lickley.”

“Turn this shit off,” I murmured glancing at Elissa, who sat with her knees up to her chin, arms wrapped around them. “We-”

“There’s been an update to the case,” the reporter went on. “The Director of the FBI Alexander Zzyzx and his twin brother Agent Devon Kingston are being hidden as they are being targeted along with Zara Vyxen and Half_Dead_Relentless-”

“Who the fuck told them about us?” Alex demanded as the other agents went pale white. “Our entire case is in jeopardy thanks to this shit getting out to the public!”

“The FBI agent’s mother Lottie Kingston has admitted to conspiring to have her sons murdered by an unknown assailant,” pause. “We will reveal more details later tonight.”

“FUCK!” Alex and I shouted in unison as everyone gazed at us.

“It’s a twin thing,” I replied, shrugging as I climbed to my feet and started pacing the floor. “Good to know we still have our link intact.”

“None of us would put our case in jeopardy, Zander,” Lux said. “My money is on your psychotic brother, Aleister.”

Good to know I’m not “the failure” of the family.

“You two packed your shit, right?” Alex asked, looking at me and Elissa. “You’re both going back to her place.”

Thankfully, I had packed our shit up earlier and put it in the van. We put our jackets on, and I carefully slid the knife into my jacket pocket. Slipping my hand into hers, I interlaced our fingers together as we headed out of the room following the others.

We opted for the stairs, which was easier for others who occupied the hotel not to notice us.

Exhausted, we wanted this nightmare to be over already! Eros slapped his forearm into the metal bar opening the door. The group stepped out into the chilly night air and Lux pulled open the heavy sliding door.

Climbing in, I sat beside Elissa in the first row. Everyone sat in their seats, and I closed the door as Eros started the van and we pulled away from the hotel.

The drive was silent. Nobody wanted to speak.

“Dev,” Lux called my name as I blinked, looking back at him. “You’re here man.”

“Thanks for the lift,” I said as I grabbed the handle and pulled the heavy door open. Climbing out, I stood in the cold as Elissa climbed out standing beside me. “See you guys later.”

We walked up the walk, and Elissa touched the door. It opened, and I entered, first turning on the light. The thugs actually kept their word. The house looked spotless, like a maid had come in and deep cleaned it.

“Clear,” I called over my shoulder as she rushed inside. Closing and locking the door, I heard the van pull away before outside fell silent. “Better get some sleep.”

“How?” Elissa scoffed. “The Trendify Killer knows every location we go to, Devon.”

She has a point there, Devon.

“Do you wanna record a new song?” I asked. “Music seems to be our only outlet that replaced therapy.”

She gave me a tired smile as we headed upstairs. Leading the way, I grabbed our bags and tossed them on the floor in her bedroom. Crossing the hallway, I turned the light on in the studio. Stopping dead in my tracks as I saw Shorty Z standing there.

“Thanks, the clean-up crew for us,” I said. “You can see yourself out, Shorty Z.”

“They left me to ensure that you keep your word,” he spoke, walking up to me. Damn, the guy was short as shit! I could use the top of his head as a coaster. He probably wouldn’t appreciate it. But I’d get a hell of a kick outta it. I enjoyed living too. “So, get it done... now!”

“Alright,” I said, pulling out my cell. I called Lux. “One sec.”

“What do you want?” Lux demanded. “We just left!”

“I sort of owe Shorty Z and his friends a favor,” I said, cringing as I knew what was coming next. “Like asap.”

“Which is?” Lux demanded.

“Clearing their criminal records,” I murmured under my breath. “You can do that, right?”

“You are fucking unbelievable, you know that?” Lux shouted at me.

“So that’s a yes, right?” I asked. “If not Zara and Half_Dead_Relentless are as good as dead Bossman.”

“You are such a dumbass!” I heard Alex shout into the phone. “Consider it done within the hour!” The call ended, and I slipped my cell into my pocket. Shorty Z eyed me suspiciously, doing his best to mad dog me. He was as threatening as a Shiatzu.

“It will be complete within the hour,” I forced a smile. “Could I interest you in a beverage while we wait?”

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“Pleasure doing business with you!” I shouted into the night as Shorty Z slithered into the shadows.

Closing and locking the door, an annoyed Elissa stared at me from the staircase.

“I’m dog ass tired,” I said, stifling a yawn as I walked up the steps behind her. We entered her bedroom and headed for the bed. “Raincheck on recording that song?”

“Whatever,” she replied as we lay on the bed. “Try not to stab me with that knife.”

Shit! I forgot it’s still in my pocket!

Removing it, I placed it and my cell phones on the side table next to the bed as I settled back on the bed with Elissa lying on my chest.

God, she was beautiful! How the hell had I lucked out getting the sexiest pop star to be my girlfriend?

Was I deserving of it? No. But if the last week or so showed me, we were a team.

I laughed lightly.

“What are you laughing at?” Elissa asked.

“Devon and Elissa,” I sighed. “Has a ring to it, doesn’t it?”

“It does,” she agreed, clinging onto me tightly. “I like it.” She flipped on top of me, running her fingers through my hair.

“What are you doing?” I asked.

“We need this Dev,” she said in a sexy voice. “Don’t you wanna fuck me already?”

Damn girl!

Gripping her throat, she didn’t flinch beneath my hand. Slowly sitting up, she gripped the front of my T-shirt, pulling me into her. Her lips crashed against mine and that’s all it took for my cock to go hard as a rock.

Grabbing my phone, I somehow unlocked it and managed to hit the music app. Clicking on a random playlist, Ghost started playing. Tossing it back onto the table, my hand moved down her neck.

Arching her back, Elissa moved her body into my hand. Palming her tit, she made a sound of ecstasy in her throat.

“Let me make one thing clear, Princess,” I said in a gruff voice. “My tits, my pussy, my girl.”

“All belongs to YOU Half_Dead_Relentless.” Elissa said in a breathy voice. “Now fuck me!”

“I like it rough,” I said, removing my T-shirt. I flipped it around, twisting it. “Time to test that pussy if yours.”

We were both completely naked in a matter of seconds. Placing her wrists behind her back, I grabbed my shirt and bound her tightly.

“It’s not tight enough,” she said as I shoved her backwards. Her head hit the pillows as I climbed on top of her. “I was hoping for handcuffs, FBI Agent Kingston.”

“Ask and you shall receive,” I said as I climbed to my feet. Picking up my cuffs from the back pocket of my jeans, I placed one cuff around my left wrist and the other around her right. Pressing them down, we were stuck to one another. “But you’re stuck to me.”

“Where’s the key?” she inquired.

“Where is the key indeed?” I said thoughtfully. “Think I left it back at the hotel.”

“Seriously?” Elissa groaned as she shot up in bed.

“Bad joke?” I asked, laughing lightly.

“Terrible joke!” she said, slapping me in the chest with her cuffed hand. Catching it, I sucked on each finger slowly, twirling my tongue around them. “God, Devon!”

Flipping her over, I positioned her with her face down on the pillows, ass up in the air. I held her back and rammed my cock into her pussy from behind.

“Your so fucking wet, Elissa,” I said as she groaned in pleasure. “You sure you still want this?”

“Yes!” she moaned. “No safe words!”

Pinning her arm behind her back, I moved my hips from side to side. I give Elissa credit. She stayed at the pace I chose. Which was fast. The music couldn’t mask the sound of skin slapping.

I cummed, she moaned, we were both happy. Pulling out, I lay on my back, and she lay on my sweaty chest. Both of us were painting as we were satisfied.

I need more!

“Round two?” I asked, glancing down at her.

“Yeah,” she laughed lightly. “Can you uncuff us first?”

“Alright,” I replied as I found the key on the table. Sliding it into the hole, I unlocked her cuff. She slipped her wrist out easily. I unlocked mine and left the key in it as I removed it. Tossing it onto the table, it clattered. “You down for phase two?”

“What’s phase two?” Elissa asked.

“My object of choice,” I replied. “Much bigger than a candy cane.”

“No knives!” she shook her head. “Especially that one!”

She pointed at the Trendify Killer’s knife beside my phone.

“No knives,” I repeated. Sitting up, she sat up as well, watching me. “This.”

Holding up my service weapon, I removed the full clip, setting it down on the table.

“Your gun?” Elissa breathed.

Getting up, I grabbed a sanitized wipe and cleaned off all the germs. Reaching into my jacket pocket, I pulled out a lubricant made for women. Popping open the lid, I poured a generous amount into my palm. Lathering up the weapon until it was slick to the touch. Moving my hand between her thighs, I slipped three fingers through her folds.

“Devon!” Elissa moaned as she gripped my muscular shoulders.

“Do you consent, Princess?”

“Yes!” Elissa gasped as I removed my fingers. Handing her the gun, I stood, finding my mask. I tugged it over my head and down my face. I tapped the light on the side, casting the room in an orange glow.

Walking to her vanity, I pulled out the stool. Taking a seat, I positioned myself facing her.

“Don’t disappoint me, Princess,” I said in the modulated voice. “Ride my gun like my cock.”

Getting on her knees, I watched as Elissa positioned the barrel towards her pussy. Parting her folds with one hand, the gun slid easily inside her pussy.

“Oh,” she breathed. “It’s in.”

“Ride it,” I ordered. “I wanna see you cum all over my gun.” Slowly thrusting her hips, I listened to her breathing increase.

“Fuck!” she moaned as she thrust faster, harder. “This feels fucking amazing!”

Leaping to my feet, I drug the stool to the edge of the bed. Taking a seat, I sat with my legs wide open for her.

Crawling towards me, she moaned as she cummed all over my gun.

Grabbing it, I removed my mask. Opening my mouth, I placed the barrel inside and sucked all of her juices off.

She tastes so fucking good!

Removing it, I tossed the gun onto the table.

Elissa had grabbed onto my thighs and I held her hair as she wrapped her lips around my cock.

Taking all of me into her mouth in a matter of seconds. She was giving me the best head I’ve I ever had from her yet!

“Princess,” I painted. “I’m gonna cum!”

And cum I did. She slipped up every drop before she removed herself from me.

She lay on the bed and I crawled over to her, pulling her tightly into my arms. Pressing a kiss on her sweaty forehead, I peeled back the thick comforter and covered us both with it. Stroking her hair, then her cheek, I praised her as she fell into a deep sleep.

Pressing a kiss on her sweaty forehead before we passed out.

We had just lived out our darkest fantasy together. I found out she did in fact have a mask, kink, a dom- submission kink, a praise kink, and most importantly, a brat kink.

Elissa was defiantly a kinky woman. And the best part... she was all mine!

Closing my eyes, I fell into the most peaceful sleep I’ve ever had in years.

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“Dev!” Alex’s voice startled me out of a dead sleep as my eyes shot open and I found him staring down at me. “Good, you two aren’t dead.”

“Alex?” I asked, blinking until my eyes adjusted to the fluorescent lighting. “You could’ve called bruh.”

“We did,” he replied. “Both of you never picked up your phones.”

“We were sleeping,” I yawned. “What day is it?”

“Wednesday,” Alex frowned. “You got clothes on?”

“No,” I replied. “Not at all.”

“You’ve both been sleeping for three days straight.” Alex shook his head at me. “Get showered and meet us downstairs in twenty minutes.” Turning, he walked to the door and headed up the hall and down the stairs.

Three days?

“Babe,” I said, gently shaking Elissa’s shoulder, rousing her awake. “Time to get up and showered.”

“Alright,” she yawned as she sat up. The comforter dropped and her tits were poking out. “I’m up.”

We climbed out of bed and walked into the bathroom. The shower turned on automatically; we moved the curtain back and stepped inside.

We washed ourselves up, and I was grateful that the water woke me right up. Stepping out, we each grabbed a towel and dried ourselves off before entering the bedroom. Elissa went to her dresser, and I exited the room, walking up the hallway and into my room.

Running around the room, I grabbed clean boxers, a black T-shirt, black jeans, and a fresh pair of black boots. Combing my hair and throwing on deodorant, I was ready. Almost ready. Something told me to paint my face today.

Opening the black and white face paint bottles, I dipped my fingers into the white bottle. Covering my entire left side with the cold paint, I dipped two fingers into the black bottle. Creating the all too familiar skeleton design I was ready to go.

Walking out of my room, I entered Elissa’s bedroom; she wasn’t here. Walking over to the table, I quickly grabbed my shit, shoving everything back into my pockets before I put my jacket on. Grabbing the two phones, I put them in my other pocket. Picking up the knife, I carefully placed it into my jacket pocket before grabbing my LED gloves and mask.

Exiting the room, I walked up the hallway and trotted down the stairs to find Elissa, Alex, Lux, Eros, and Jensen sitting on the couches talking amongst themselves. They fell silent as I approached them.

“Nice hair.” Alex arched an eyebrow my way when more of my teal hair shone through the shitty black hair dye Lux had made me use. “We’ve been waiting on your ass, Dev.”

“Catch me up on the past three days of events,” I said, sliding into the open seat on the couch beside Elissa. “What’s the Trendify Killer been up to?”

“He’s been on a rampage,” Alex frowned. “Killing anyone who even looks at him the wrong way.”

“Has he tried coming here?” Elissa asked, looking at Alex.

“Yeah,” Alex nodded. “We’ve had undercover stationed outside across the street.” he paused. “Looks like your new friends have been keeping you two safe as well.”

“Shorty Z?” I asked. “Never thought I’d be grateful to have made some gangster friends.”

“He ordered me to give this burned CD to you,” Alex tossed me a clear blue case containing a burned CD. “Go listen to it.”

Confused, Elissa took it and stood. Walking to a radio with a CD player popping it in, she closed the lid and turned it on. Pressing the play button, she cranked the sound. A moment later, one of my extra beats I created started playing with a male voice singing I didn’t recognize.

“The fuck is that?” I asked Alex.

“Shorty Z,” Alex replied bluntly. “He’s a gangster who is apparently a rapper.”

“I got an idea,” I said, looking at Elissa. “We need Shorty Z and the gang to help us catch the Trendify Killer.”

“They want something in return,” Alex said to me. “What are you offering them?”

“A complete album,” I smirked. “Featuring Zara Vyxen and Half_Dead_Relentless.”

Chapter 21

Lissa

I finally got Devon to fuck me!

And damn, was it worth waiting for!

Mel’s death still had me fucked up mentally. Yet a part of me told myself that she deserved it. Devon knew I needed the distraction from constantly being the target of the Trendify Killer’s attacks.

My body was begging for his touch for so long. I gave in to my dark desires I didn’t know existed until they did. Devon, Half_Dead_Relentless, were one and the same in my world.

The man was enormous in muscle, and his cock was long, thick, and his veins. God, his veins! Devon had a dark side to him. I saw it three nights ago. I wasn’t terrified. He intrigued me more. His enigmatic self was a sight to behold!

With a swift motion, he expertly located my clit, causing me to climax immediately. The man was a master, with his hands and fingers being a professional drummer.

He had cuffed me to himself and fucked me from behind. He was large, but I handled him pretty well, considering how small in height I was.

Devon dicked me so roughly and fast that I kept his pace. A pace I am woefully unprepared for, but I didn’t care. Sure, we were both sore from our time in bed together. But we both needed it. We needed to feel alive. And what could make us feel more alive than fucking each other’s brains out?

Devon’s chosen object for me to fuck was his fucking service weapon! Thankfully, he cleared the chamber of all bullets before he had me thrust it deep into me. Damn, did his gun feel amazing in my pussy. I cummed faster than I intended to.

I don’t know how long Devon masqueraded as the Half_Dead_Relentless masked man on the Trendify app, but damn, it was paying off. For me.

“Elissa?” Devon’s voice drew me from my thoughts as I looked at him. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah,” I forced a nervous smile. “I’m just ready for this to be over, you know?”

“I do,” he nodded. “More than you know.”

“Change of plans,” Director Zzyzx said, looking at me than his brother. “We’re using you two as bait.”

“Haven’t you used us as bait this entire time?” I scoffed.

“Yeah,” he agreed. “But we need to end this now before he kills another ten or more people.”

A loud crash came from the large picture window to my right as a stun grenade slammed into the floor, blinding us all in the light as it exploded.

“Devon!” I screamed his name as I tried to blink the light away. A smoke bomb flew in, making all of us cough.

“Get her out of here, Dev!” Agent Clarck shouted. “We’ll protect Zander!”

The glow of an orange mask and a hand grabbing mine are all I needed to know I was safe. Devon pulled me towards the door as it crashed inwards, knocking us to the floor. Striking my head, I blacked out.

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The movement of a vehicle driving arose me from the daze I was still currently in. Heavy breathing of a masked man sitting in the driver’s seat caused me to stiffen in my seat.

A phone rang, and the driver picked up on the second ring.

“Do you have the woman?” a familiar female voice spoke.

“Got her right here,” the masked male replied. “I’m taking her to the house now.”

That voice... belongs to the Trendify Killer! What the fuck happened to Devon?

“Kill her and be done with it!” Devon’s mother hissed through the phone. “Then kill your brothers!”

“Toying with them has been fun,” he sighed. “But it is getting harder to cover my tracks, seeing as someone is leaking information to the fucking media!”

Sucking in a deep breath, I slowly sat up. I had to fight for my life. Slowly turning my head to look at him, I was waking up from the sedative he had given me.

Grabbing my head, he slammed it down on the dashboard, causing me to black out again.

I awoke to being drug by the hood of my jacket through sticks, dead leaves, rocks and dirty snow. The freezing temperature stung my face and hands as the cold grew more intense out here in the wilderness.

Play dead Lissa!

Taking a deep breath, I held it and opened my eyes just as he dropped me. My head struck the dirt hard, but I didn’t move. The Trendify Killer tilted his head to the side, gazing down at me. Kicking me in the ribs with the tip of his boot. My body moved and stilled. Keeping my eyes open and unblinking was fucking hard!

“Fuck!” The Trendify Killer turned and pulled out his cell. Placing the phone to his ear, he grew frustrated as the seconds ticked by slowly.

I took this opportunity to blink and take a breath. Sucking in another deep breath of cold air, I held my breath once more, playing dead.

“It’s me,” he said into the phone. “We have a problem.”

Pause.

“She’s dead,” he went on, glancing back at me before turning around. “How do I know?” he scoffed. “She’s not breathing!”

Another pause.

Feeling a sharp rock beside my right hand, I crept my hand, grabbing it before laying still again.

“What should I do with the body?” The Trendify Killer demanded. “Those fucking FBI agents will track me soon!”

Pause.

“I’ll find a shovel and bury the body in a shallow grave,” he snarled. “I’ll call you once I get back into town.” Ending the call, he pocketed his phone. Giving me one last look, he turned and walked away.

Laying still, I waited until I heard a door to a vehicle open and close. A moment later, the engine roared to life, and the car headed onto a road before the sound grew further away.

Go Lissa!

Scrambling to my feet, I took in my surroundings. I was in a dark forest. That same abandoned house I’d been locked in earlier in the week stood before me.

Reaching my hand into my pocket, I found my cell. Dialing Devon’s number, I prayed he picked up!

“Elissa?” Devon’s voice was filled with concern as he picked up on the first ring. “Please tell me it’s you?”

“Devon!” I breathed as tears filled my eyes. “I’m in that same forest area behind that house!” I gushed. “He thinks I’m dead!”

“I’m almost there,” he said. “Just stay hidden and do whatever you have to do in order to stay alive!”

“Hurry!” I gushed as I did my best to keep the fear out of my chest. “I’m scared Dev!”

“I know you are Princess,” he said. “I’ll see you in five.”

The line went dead. Looking down at my cell, the battery died!

What a fucking time for this to happen!

I didn’t charge my fucking phone for three days! Of course it was going to die on me!

Pocketing it, I realized I had my purse hanging around my shoulder. The sound of a car pulling up to the abandoned house drew me from my thoughts.

Shit! What if the Trendify Killer’s back?

I turned and hid behind a large tree. Finding a fallen branch with dead pine needles, I grabbed it. Wiping my footprints, I tossed it and held my breath as footsteps approached me.

“What the fuck?” The Trendify Killer snarled as he realized I was gone. “Someone was here.” The footprints walked close to me, but then turned and headed deeper into the wooded area and away from me.

Go!

I turned and ran towards the abandoned house. Maybe I could steal his car and get to a convenience store to call Devon. I stopped and felt someone slam into me, knocking me down onto the cold ground.

“You’ve watched too many shows on the ID Channel haven’t you,” The Trendify Killer laughed as he shook his finger at me. “Playing dead was a grand act!”

He’s gonna kill me!

“Time to sing that Swan Song you owe me,” he laughed as he pulled out a long butcher knife. “Death will be swift for you!”

The sound of a helicopter drew closer. Looking up in confusion, I saw a bright spotlight showing down on us. It flew lower, kicking up snow, dirt, sticks into the air. Shielding my face with my right hand, I looked up.

Half_Dead_Relentless leaped from the chopper to the ground, followed by my FBI protection detail. Everything was happening so fast. Like I was watching an action movie. The chopper rose higher, keeping the spotlight on us.

“Boo motherfucker!” Half_Dead_Relentless said, as music blasted from the helicopter. Pulling out the knife. “Come and get some!”

“Give me my knife!” The Trendify Killer shouted over the roar of the helicopter. He rushed towards Half_Dead_Relentless. Agent Eros rushed in and grabbed me, pulling me to my feet. We ran and hid behind the house.

Half_Dead_Relentless threw the knife stabbing the Trendify Killer in the left thigh. The Trendify Killer screamed in pain as he pulled it out. Blood dripped down the blade and down his leg. Running towards Half_Dead_Relentless with the blade high above his head, Devon pulled out his service weapon. Aiming towards his head. He fired. A single shot struck the air, and I watched as the Trendify Killer dropped to his knees, dropping the knife as he fell face first on the dirty snow. Dark scarlet blood seeped out of his head.

Agent Clarck moved in, kicking the knife away from him as he yanked the mask off. Aleister lay dead as Half_Dead_Relentless removed his mask and walked up to his brother.

“He’s dead!” Agent Clarck shouted as the other agents moved in.

Running into Devon’s chest, I wrapped my arms around him. Finally, I let the weight of my kidnapping fall away.

Falling Apart was playing.

Fitting song for the moment, isn’t it Lissa?

Director Zzyzx rushed over and hugged me and Devon tightly. He was grateful that we were alive.

A news helicopter arrived during the brief showdown of which masked man would survive. I hadn’t been paying attention until their light showed upon us as well.

Director Zzyzx removed himself and started barking out orders to his other agents.

“Are you okay?” I asked him.

“I just killed my brother!” Devon shouted. “I have seen better days!”

Turning, I kicked the dirty snow into Aleister’s face before Devon dragged me away to let the coroner do his thing.

The music stopped as the FBI chopper flew off. The news chopper, however, landed in the front yard and the reporters hurried out to speak to us.

Devon quickly put his mask back on as Director Zzyzx and his team escorted us to a waiting FBI van. Opening the door, we piled in and Agent Clarck closed it just as the press swarmed the van.

“Thank you,” I whispered as I rested my heavy head on his chest and he wrapped his arms around me, tugging me tightly into his body. “You came for me.”

“I promised I would,” he laughed. “I promised I would protect you, Elissa.”

Sitting up, I gently removed his mask. Devon’s beautiful blue eyes gazing down at me. Placing my hand behind his neck, I pulled him towards me, crushing my lips into his.

Growling deep in his throat, Devon returned my kiss hungrily as he placed a hand on my left cheek. Warmth emanated from his hand. I tasted him. I smelled him.

Someone yanked open the door, and we both turned to see Agent Lux staring at us before he and Agent Jensen climbed into the back row. Devon pulled the door closed as Director Zzyzx opened the passenger side door and sat down.

“You got my face paint on you,” Devon whispered down to me with a smirk on his lips. “You gonna be okay wearing that?”

I silently nodded giving him a small smile.

“You alright Devon?” Director Zzyzx asked. “You look shook up.”

“I killed our brother,” he replied. “So, no.”

“You sure you killed him?” he asked, turning around to face him. “Check your magazine.”

Confused, Devon pulled out his weapon and unloaded it. No clip.

He must have left it on the table in my room!

“I don’t understand?” Devon glanced up at his brother. “If I didn’t shoot him... who did?”

“Me,” Director Zzyzx replied, smirking at him. “I shot him.”

“Get out!” A familiar male voice shouted as a man yanked Director Zzyzx out of the passenger seat. They started fighting over the gun. Director Zzyzx and Aleister were fighting.

“The fuck?” Devon said under his breath as he yanked open the heavy metal door and climbed out. The other agents followed, training their weapons on the two men.

“He swapped places with me,” one man said with scarlet blood sliding down the left side of his face. He was the one who had been shot. “Shoot him Dev!”

“He’s lying!” The other shouted. “Kill him, Devon!”

“I don’t know which one is the real Alex,” Devon said, looking at Agent Clarck with fear on his face. “What do we do?”

“The twin ting,” Agent Clarck said. “Ask him a question only the real Zander would know Devon.”

“Our secret handshake,” Devon said, looking at both men. “What was it?”

“Easy,” the first said. “We didn’t have one.”

The second didn’t speak. Instead, he hid his hand beneath his jacket and flipped Devon off. The one with blood dripping down his face was the real Director Zzyzx!

“Wrong!” Devon said, slamming the butt of his gun into the man’s temple and knocking him down into the dirty snow. “You didn’t know it, Aleister!”

Agent Eros and Agent Jensen moved in, but Aleister scrambled to his feet, shoving them away as he stumbled backwards.

Somehow, he had got his knife back because he raised it, going straight for Devon.

A single gunshot rang out in the deathly silence. Aleister dropped the knife falling to the right side. The blood spatter flew onto Devon.

I scrambled out of the van and rushed to his side, making sure he wasn’t wounded. He wasn’t. Looking up, I saw Director Zzyzx lowering his weapon before putting it away in the holster hanging on his right side.

“Aleister was a shitty shooter,” Director Zzyzx replied as he walked up to us. “Which is why his weapon of choice was a fucking knife.”

“Alex!” Devon wrapped his arms tightly around his twin.

“It’s alright Dev,” he said, hugging him back. “Looks like Aleister was the unloved middle child.”

That explains a lot. Often, parents neglect the middle child. The oldest is in charge. The youngest child received preferential treatment.

But in this case, I knew that Devon’s needs had been ignored.

“Wait,” Devon said, removing himself from his brother’s embrace. “How did you take his place?”

“When that fucking news chopper showed up,” Director Zzyzx frowned. “Aleister made his move by kneeing me in the gut and placed his fucking mask over my head and tossed me to the ground.”

“Makes sense,” Agent Clarck agreed. “All of us took our eyes off of you for a split second.”

“You three need to be checked out at the hospital,” Agent Clarck said, looking at us. “We’ll meet you there.”

––––––––

––––––––

After being stitched up on my forehead and discharged from the ER, I sat with Devon and the other agents as they took our statements. The nurses’ removal of Devon’s face paint, which contained his brother’s blood spatter DNA, annoyed him. Then again, he looked relieved not to have that dick’s blood on his face ether.

Director Zzyzx emerged with the left side of his head stitched up. I swear he and Devon both wore the same expression on their faces as we stood.

“We’re headed to the FBI bureau,” Director Zzyzx said as we headed out of the room and up the hallway. We exited the packed waiting room as the sliding glass doors opened for us. Agent Jensen went to retrieve the van. “After we visit the women’s penitentiary.”

“The women’s pen?” Devon asked as the van pulled in front of us. Agent Clarck opened the sliding door, and we filed in. He pulled the door closed as we waited for his brother to get in. “Why?”

“You really don’t know, do you, Dev?” Director Zzyzx stifled a yawn as he closed his door, and the van pulled onto the street.

“Obviously not?” Devon replied, being a sarcastic jerk to his brother.

“We’re paying mom a visit,” Director Zzyzx replied, turning in his seat to look at him. “I’d rather it’d be us who delivered the news to her about her prodigal son’s death.”

Devon’s eyes widened in shock, and his body tensed up at the thought of seeing his mother.

“Hey,” I said, grabbing his hand and interlacing our fingers together. “I love you, Devon.”

Devon’s eyes widened even more as he squeezed my hand before placing it to his lips and kissing it.

Chapter 22

Devon

Elissa had stayed behind in the van with Jensen and Eros.

Lux came with us just in case something went awry in there.

It comforted me knowing that my girlfriend Elissa loved me. When she said those words, my emotions were all over the place.

Alex and Lux walked ahead of me as I brought up the rear, following an armed guard. Stopping in front of a door, he unlocked it. Opening it, we all filed inside.

To be honest, I never wanted to see her alive ever again. But watching the look on her face when she was told that her favorite son was killed by one of her other son’s... that was gonna be interesting.

A frail-looking woman with long salt and pepper hair dressed in a red prison uniform sat with her wrists shackled to the metal bar on the table. She kept her gaze down.

I don’t know what I was expecting to see when I saw her, but she looks like shit.

“Mrs. Kingston,” Luxton spoke. “You have visitors.”

Lifting her head, she gazed at me, then over at Alex. There was absolutely zero affection towards us in her eyes. They were dead.

“What does the FBI want with me?” she asked. “Are you here to tell me-”

“Mrs. Kingston,” Alex started. “We’re here to deliver a message.”

“My son,” she went on, ignoring his comment. “Aleister?”

“Aleister Kingston,” Alex went on. “I killed him tonight.”

“No,” she cried out with pain in her eyes. “Not my Ale!”

“Aleister tried to murder us,” I said in a bitter voice. “You sent him to kill your son’s!”

“You both work for the feds!” she shouted, slamming her fists against the metal table. Rage filled her eyes. “My sons are DEAD!”

“I’ve seen enough,” I said, looking at Alex. “This woman is dead to me, Alex.”

“Look at you, Devy,” Lottie’s voice held pain as I slowly turned and looked at her. “You hide your pain behind face paint and tattoos and weird hair colors.”

“Don’t act like you know me,” I snarled. “You are the cause of all of this!”

“Alejandro,” she shook her head at him. “My eldest son is a director of the fucking FBI!”

“My name... is Alexander Zzyzx,” Alex replied, doing a better job of holding his rage in than I was currently doing. “The CIA placed me in the witness protection program after you killed me!”

“A normal mother would be proud of you two,” she forced a laugh. “But not me,” she shook her head. “I am ashamed of you two!”

“See you in court,” Alex said, as a guard pulled open the door. I exited the room quickly, with Alex and Lux behind me.

“Your girlfriend is going to die, Devy!” she called after me, laughing maniacally.

An icy chill ran down my spine as I ran for the exit.

She knows about Elissa!

Slamming into the door, I raced for the van. The chill in the air cooled the sweat on my neck.

The door to the van was open. Elissa was gone!

Jensen and Eros were both slumped over, bleeding from their necks.

“I need an ambulance now!” Alex shouted at a guard.

Fear punched through my entire body as I searched for Elissa in the thick darkness.

“She’s gone,” Eros whispered. “Her mother broke out of prison and kidnapped her.”

Her phone is dead!

My mind was racing a million miles a minute. Was Elissa, okay? Had this been the plan all along to trick Alex and I, leaving Elissa completely unprotected by me?

If anything happened to her, I was gonna lose my shit! They assigned me to protect her! And I failed!

“Dev,” Alex said, my name drawing me from my thoughts as I turned and looked at him, worry on my features. “This wasn’t your fault.”

“I’m getting her back,” I said, reaching inside the van and grabbing my LED mask and gloves off the seat. Putting them on, I pulled the mask over my head, tugging it down into place. Tapping the button on the side of the mask, the light turned on. “You handle this, Alex.”

“Devon!” Alex shouted my name, causing me to turn and look at him. “Don’t forget these.” Tossing me five clips wrapped together, I caught them and pocketed them. Taking one, I opened the chamber and slammed it in before closing it.

The gate stood open, its hinges creaking softly in the breeze, and a beat-up motorcycle leaned against it. I shoved the guard, a jarring collision that sent him sprawling, and snatched the key from the air before he could react; my heart pounded in my chest. I inserted the key into the cold metal keyhole and slowly turned it, feeling the resistance. The engine roared to life, a powerful sound that vibrated through the ground. Kicking up the kickstand, I revved the engine, the roar a thrilling sound, and peeled out of the parking lot, gravel spraying, leaving the gate far behind before anyone could stop me.

They couldn’t have gotten far. The shitty motorcycle was all I could get my hands on.

Hope there’s gas in this thing.

I was on a long stretch of highway that was deserted. The only sound I heard was the motorcycle and my racing heartbeat. There was no sign of any fucking vehicles!

Am I going the wrong way?

I was following my gut instinct on this. Going blind was something I’ve done my entire life. Running off pure instinct alone was how I got by in life.

I would do whatever it took to get Elissa back safely. Damn, they kidnapped her twice in the same night! Her therapy sessions were going to be insane for the next year at the rate she was going.

Maybe we should adopt an animal from the local shelter once this was all said and done. Defiantly not a cat. I was allergic to those little critters. Cute, but physically irritating in my case.

My pocket vibrated, letting me know I was getting a call. Pulling over, I stopped but kept the bike running. Digging it out, I pressed the answer button.

“Devon?” Elissa’s voice whispers subtly into the phone. “Track this number.”

“You alright Princess?” I asked through the modulated voice built into the mask. I clicked the tracker button Lux had installed on all our phones in case of an emergency. He’d be able to locate her faster than anyone.

“No,” she gushed. “My mom-”

Someone took the phone from her. The call became muffled.

“Who the fuck is this?” An unfamiliar female voice demanded.

“Half_Dead_Relentless,” I replied, staying in character for Elissa’s own protection. “Who the fuck is this?”

“Elissa’s mother,” the voice scoffed. “You work with the FBI?”

“No,” I lied. “Elissa is my girlfriend.”

A text came in. It was from Lux.

Tracking the number now. You’re close. Just keep going straight until you come to the nearest rest stop.

“I ran out of gas,” she went on. “Meet us at the rest stop up the highway.”

The call ended, and I put my cell back into my pocket. Reving the engine, I peeled back onto the highway. Picking up my speed, I kept myself Lazer focused.

Lights loomed ahead, showing the rest stop was coming into view. Pulling into it, I parked beside an old beat-up white Corolla.

Cutting the engine, I climbed off the bike and stood beside the passenger side door. Elissa sat there looking terrified, but I could see the relief in her eyes as she gazed at me.

The door opened, and she squeezed out of it before closing the door behind her. Pulling her tightly into my arms, she was shaking like a leaf as she clung to me.

“Are you okay Princess?” I asked gazing down at her.

“I am now,” she breathed. “She’s fucking crazy!”

“Give me your keys,” Elissa’s mother demanded as she exited the vehicle. Her long, dark hair was graying. She was thin and tall, and she had once been beautiful. “I need to get out of here before the cops find me!”

“Take em,” I said as I tossed them over the hood of the car. She caught them and walked around the front. Grabbing Elissa, I pulled her away from the car and onto the sidewalk near the bathrooms. “Never contact Elissa again.”

“Whatever,” she said as she went straight to the bike. Putting the key in the ignition, she turned it. Thankfully, the engine roared to life as she slowly backed out of the parking space. “Take care of Lissa for me!”

Pulling out of the rest stop, I watched as the red light disappeared into the distance. The roar of the engine grew further until it wasn’t audible anymore.

“Guess we wait for Alex and them to show up,” I sighed, relief running through my entire body seeing Elissa was unharmed. “This night needs to die already.”

“Devon,” Elissa whispered my name as she glanced behind me. “We’re not alone.”

Turning, I found a large group of Trendify Killers standing in the darkness. Elissa gripped me tighter as her eyes widened in fear.

“What the fuck is this?” I said to them.

“You killed him,” an unknown male voice snarled at me. Tossing a black bag at my feet. I glanced down at it, but I kept my position in a defensive stance. “Pick that up... we’re playing a game.”

“It’s past my bedtime,” I said, kneeling and picking up the sack. Opening it, I pulled out a cordless microphone designed for harsh conditions. I handed it off to Elissa, who turned it on. “Her’s too.”

“Get the other shit,” the Trendify Killer demanded. “We’re playing hide and seek!”

Reaching inside the bag, I pulled out a pair of rechargeable light up drumsticks. Turning them on, they glowed in a neon orange color. Tossing the bag to the ground, I twirled both drumsticks in my fingers.

“The rules are simple,” another man spoke up. “You hide from us and can only communicate with each other with that microphone and drumsticks.”

“Hypothetically,” I said. “What happens to us if you catch us?”

“You die,” the first replied bluntly, holding up a large butcher knife. “You survive till dawn and you both live.”

Sounds easy enough.

“We’re going live on the Trendify app,” another said, holding up his phone for us to see. “You get a five-minute head start before we come after you!”

“See ya at dawn, bitches!” I said, flipping them off before grabbing Elissa’s hand and running around the building heading into the forest behind the rest stop area. “You fuck-nuggets brought knives to a gunfight!”

Running through the snow and further into the darkness wasn’t how I planned on spending my night with Elissa. Now we had to survive till fucking dawn?

Whose plan was this? And why did I agree to play a deadly game of hide and seek with a bunch of ex-convicts?

If this was my first date with Elissa, she would’ve plastered my mug all over the Trendify app doing a Storytime about the entire date! Half_Dead_Relentless would never live that down!

“Devon!” Elissa gasped as we ran blindly through the fucking forest in the middle of the goddamn winter. “This was a setup by my psychotic mom!”

“You don’t say?” I panted as we hid behind an enormous boulder to catch our breaths. “Hey, you think we’ll find Bigfoot while we’re out here tonight?” I glanced at her. “He’s the Champion of Hide and Seek.”

“And we’re dead,” Elissa groaned. “We’re so fucking dead!”

“Hey,” I said pointedly to her. “I’ve kept you alive this long, haven’t I?”

“Yeah,” she reluctantly agreed. “But there’s like twenty ex-cons after us!”

Releasing her hand, I pulled out my cell and dialed Lux’s number. He answered on the first ring.

“Tell me you got her, Dev?” Lux demanded.

“Yeah,” I replied. “But there’s an even bigger problem.”

“Which is?” He groaned.

“Her mom got away on the motorcycle I stole,” I started. “Now we’re in a survival game of Hide and Seek until dawn by twenty ex-cons!”

“I don’t wanna know how the fuck you keep doing stupid shit, Dev,” Lux snarled into the phone. “I’m tracking your phone and we’ll be there in under one minute.” The call ended, and I pocketed my cell.

“Well?” Elissa asked. “Are they coming for us?”

“Yup,” I sighed. “Time to run.”

We walked cautiously through the dark, my mask and drumsticks giving off the only light as our guide. Behind us, I heard the ex-cons whooping and giving out orders to find us.

“Group one,” a male shouted. “Go left!”

“There’s so many hills,” I breathed. “We’re out in the open here.”

“Then we use it to our advantage,” Elissa replied. “We’re celebrities, remember?”

Movement behind me caused me to pull out my gun and aim. One of the Trendify Killers leaped at me. Picking up my leg, I kicked him in the chest, causing him to fly backwards and strike his head against a tree. Falling into a sitting position, he lay unconscious, dropping his knife.

“Pick it up,” I ordered Elissa, whipping her head towards me like I was insane. “You’ll need a weapon!”

“Right,” she agreed as she rushed over and snatched it up before coming back to my side. “What now?”

“We split up,” I said. “We’re making them think this place is haunted.”

The grin that spread upon her lips made me wanna reach out and kiss her. But I’d have plenty of time for that once we survived this children’s game.

“Is that?” Elissa gasped as she ran towards the left, further away from me. “La Llorona?”

I heard so many males gasp and scream at once. It was fucking comical. If our lives weren’t on the line!

The Weeping Woman just saved our asses!

“She’s headed for the rest stop!” Elissa shouted into the microphone as she kept running. “She’s looking for anyone who is stupid enough to be in this forest!”

I ran to the right, striking my drumsticks against the trees in a hollow beat. The sound echoed in the silence. It was giving off an already eerie feeling out here. I kept running sporadically as I headed towards Elissa.

We were gonna fuck with these ex-cons so damn hard for making us play this stupid game! Causing fuckery was my domain.

Grabbing my cell, I clicked on the Trendify app before going live.

“The Trendify Killer and his friends wanted to play a game of Hide and Seek with myself and Zara Vyxen,” I laughed into the phone. “Game on mother fuckers!”

“Where are they?” a male asked someone behind me. “Those fucking light up drumsticks were supposed to-”

Jumping out from behind a tree, I kicked one, sending him flying into a nearby bush. The other raised his knife, and I pointed my weapon at him.

The sound of the gun hitting him in the head and watching his body crumple before me let these fuckers know I wasn’t fucking around!

Elissa’s siren voice started singing one of our songs from the Silent Notes album.

God, I love her voice!

“Where are you Half_Dead_Relentless?” One of the masked men shouted into the darkness. I noticed he joined my live and his Trendify Killer mask was beside mine.

“I am everywhere!” Answering as I kept running. “And I didn’t kill your fearless leader!”

“Lying sack of shit!” the Trendify Killer shouted. He was close. I had to ditch his ass! “When I find you... your ass is dead!”

Placing my cell inside my jacket pocket, I started moving. Holding my drumsticks in my left hand, my service weapon in my right.

The sound of a knife whooshing in front of my face let me know that the Trendify Killer had found me! Moving my head back, I brought up my knee, slamming it into the mask. The LED lights shattered, flickering before they went out. The man beneath the mask dropped the knife, grabbing at the mask. A scream of pain emanated out of his mouth.

“I can’t fucking see!” he shouted as I kicked the knife away. The cell had fallen and was face up, so the viewers saw us. “Help me!”

“I’ll help you,” I said as I grabbed him by the neck, choking him out until he passed out. Tossing him to the dirty snow, I looked over his cell before moving along. Looking down at his camera, I tilted my head to the side. “He’s not dead,” I laughed. “He’s taking a little nappy nap.”

Running to the left, I had to find Elissa. It hadn’t accrued to me that being alone with her in a forest would have been a great first date. Me chasing her through a haunted forest with my glow in the dark drumsticks, her with a microphone. That was going to be a great first date once we survived this shit show!

Striking the drumsticks against a tree in another rhythm from a song on our Silent Notes album.

Come on Lissa!

She sang a few notes, guiding me towards her. She was close. Hopefully, I got to her before any of the Trendify Killer ex-cons did.

The blade of a knife slashed the air in front of my face. Running on adrenaline and pure instincts from my training, I grabbed their wrist, pinning it to a tree.

Another Trendify Killer!

“You won’t win!” He snarled at me as he dropped the knife to the ground.

“I dun know,” I shrugged. “Seems like-”

Then I heard it. Elissa’s scream made my blood run cold in my veins.

Punching the guy on the side of the temple, he fell unconscious as I dropped him to the ground.

“ZARA!”

I had to get to her before one of those Trendify Killers killed her!

Chapter 23

Lissa

I got kidnapped twice in the same fucking night!

I have never camped a day in my life, but here I was running around a fucking haunted forest, being chased down by ex-cons dressed as the Trendify Killer!

My mother was, in fact, batshit crazy! I sat with Agents Jensen and Eros in the van as we waited for Director Zzyzx, Devon and Agent Clarck to deliver the bad news of her son’s death.

I jumped the gun, thinking my nightmare was over. When in all reality, it was only the beginning. My mother, unbeknownst to us, escaped from the women’s penitentiary that day.

She ambushed the van, stabbing both agents and pulled me out of the van by knife point. Ordering me to get into the passenger seat of a running white beat up Toyota Corolla. I did as I was instructed to do, attempting to save my life.

Mom looked unhinged as fuck as she drove out of the parking lot, dressed as a security guard. She drove up the highway, stopping at the rest stop. Running out of gas at this time was a godsend.

She allowed me to call one person. So naturally I called Devon. I was glad that he showed up on a motorcycle dressed as Half_Dead_Relentless. I got out and was by his side. Mom took his bike and vanished into the night. Then stage two of her psycho plan went into effect. She had a group of ex-cons waiting to kill us.

Fast forward to the present moment of me hiding in a fucking forest as an unwilling participant of a deadly game of Hide and Seek with ex-cons!

It was the ass crack of dawn by now; I was freezing my ass off in the middle of winter. I was covered in mud! My black Chuck Taylor Converse boots and socks were soaked. If this was part of the camping experience, I loathed it!

I slid down the mountain slopes, getting my ass covered in mud. This camping package clearly didn’t include the glamorous life I had grown accustomed to!

A hand grabbed me, slamming my head roughly against the tree. Throbbing and confusion were in my head as I gazed at a Trendify Killer.

A scream escaped my lips, causing the Trendify Killer to cover one ear with one hand. Placing the microphone below my lower lip, I amplified the scream, sending it out into the deathly silent forest.

Devon! Please come for me!

The Trendify Killer regained his composure, ignoring my screaming. Gripping my throat, he squeezed the air from my lungs, silencing my scream.

“Any last words?” he asked, lifting his knife high into the air. “Before you sing your Swan Song?”

My eyes widened as I saw Half_Dead_Relentless appear behind him. He stood like a dark savior coming to save his princess from the evil villain in a romantasy book.

My eyes widened as I gritted my teeth, trying to get him to turn around. He noticed my eyes staring behind him. Slowly he turned his head to find Half_Dead_Relentless standing there with his gun and light up drumsticks looming behind him.

“Boo motherfucker!” Half_Dead_Relentless spoke in a sinister, calm voice as he raised his gun. Firing one bullet, the sound exploded in my ears like a loud Black Cat. Blood spattered my face and jacket as the body crumpled to the ground.

Gasping, I dragged my gaze up from the corpse to Half_Dead_Relentless as he walked up to me.

“Are you okay?” He asked, gently touching my cheek with his gloved hand.

“Y-yes,” I whispered as I shook from fear and from the cold. “Stay with me?”

“Always,” Half_Dead_Relentless replied as he dabbed my forehead with his mask. “Stay close to me.”

Taking my hand in his, we ran towards, well; we had no fucking idea. The only light radiated from his LED mask, gloves, and drumsticks.

Exhaustion hit me hours ago. But survival was all that mattered to me. And being with Devon.

“Wait.” Devon stopped and looked up at a tree. “Climb up to that tree stand.”

“Are you kidding?” I scoffed, looking at him. “We both can’t fit on that tiny ass chair!”

“We can,” he said as he started climbing up the metal rungs. “Sit on my lap!”

You’ve gotta be fucking kidding me?

He wasn’t. And I didn’t have time to rethink his stupid plan. Cause you know, a bunch of ex-cons were fucking searching for us to kill us!

Grabbing the cold rungs, sucked. Placing the microphone and the handle of the knife in my mouth, I begin the climb. Reaching his hand down, I grabbed it as he pulled me up onto his lap. I straddled him, wrapping my legs around the back of the chair as he kept me in place with one hand. Carefully removing the knife and microphone, he took the knife.

Clicking off the light on his mask and gloves, darkness engulfed us. He placed the drumsticks in the inside of his jacket pocket. Pulling out his cell, he clicked off the live and slid it back into the inside jacket pocket.

“Would you consider this our first date?” Half_Dead_Relentless asked me.

“No,” I whispered looking up at him. “This is my first time out in raw nature, and I absolutely hate it!”

“How about I book a weekend getaway for us?” he asked, dead serious. “Give you the proper camping experience, you know?”

“If we survive this,” I sighed, leaning my heavy head against his chest. “I’ll consider it, okay?”

“I’d shout to the heavens right now,” he whispered. “If ex-cons weren’t down there trying to kill us.”

And that was the moment that he made me smile. Exhaustion could take me later. Right now... Half_Dead_Relentless had my full attention. Resting my heavy head against his chest, he pressed me tightly against him.

Movement below us causes us both to stiffen. He tightened his grip on me, and I clenched his back, holding my breath.

“They’ve gotta be around her somewhere,” an unfamiliar male voice spoke to someone. “Sunrise is coming in less than thirty minutes.”

Many footsteps scattered in different directions. The area fell deathly silent once more.

Devin’s cell buzzed, and I moved my head as he reached inside his jacket pocket, pulling it out. “Yeah?” he whispered. “You guys here?”

“Yeah,” Agent Clarck replied. “What’s your location?”

“We’re in a tree stand,” he whispered. “We only have till sunrise before we win this fucked up game of Hide and Seek Lux!”

“Send in the Canine Unit!” an unfairer male voice ordered. “Their running out of time!”

“I got your location!” Agent Clarck gushed. “We’re headed to you guys now!”

“Fuck!” Half_Dead_Relentless breathed as he quickly pocketed his phone. “Phone’s dead.”

“I found em!” an unfamiliar voice shouted into the darkness. “They’re hiding in that tree!”

SHIT! We’re so dead!

He stood up, and I clung to the back of his neck as he quickly put his gun in the holster on his hip. Removing his jacket, he flung the jacket over the zipline. Holding firmly over the jacket, he leaped off, and we flew down rapidly, descending. He let go of the jacket just before we hit the tree the rope was attached to. We fell a couple feet and brushed ourselves off. He picked up his jacket, and we ran back towards where the rest stop area was located.

“Their getting away!” One of the ex-cons shouted behind us. “Kill em!”

“I dropped the knife back there!” I whispered as we raced towards the lit-up rest stop. Waves of flashing red and blue lights littered the area.

My heartbeat thumped loudly in my ears as I pumped my arms faster. We were running blind in the fucking dark!

“Here!” Half_Dead_Relentless shouted as he pulled out the drumsticks and handed them to me. Tapping the side of his mask, the light turned on, casting us in an orange glow. “Take those and I’ll use my mask to guide us to safety!”

“Agent Clarck!” I shouted as I waved the sticks above my head as we ran. “Over here!”

“That’s them!” Director Zzyzx shouted to the law enforcement who accompanied them. “Don’t shoot!”

“Shit!” one of the Trendify Killers shouted. “It’s the fucking cops!”

Cops ran past us with their canines, releasing them into the darkness. Their barks echoed in the silence as they bit our assailants. Their cries soon followed as cops ordered them to stay down.

“What time is it?” Half_Dead_Relentless demanded as he walked up to Director Zzyzx.

“What?” he demanded, giving him an odd look.

“The time!” Half_Dead_Relentless repeated, tapping at his wrist like he was wearing a watch. “Is it past sunrise?”

“Yeah,” Agent Luxton replied, giving him a weird look. “What the hell is wrong with you, Dev?”

“YES!” Half_Dead_Relentless shouted, throwing both of his fists high above his head. “We win bitches!”

“The fuck is wrong with you?” Director Zzyzx asked, slapping his brother in the head.

“Those ex-cons gave us till sunrise to survive their deadly game of Hide and Seek,” he said, pulling off his mask. His face was sweaty. Whatever was left of his face paint had come off due to him sweating. “We won their game by surviving.”

“ELISSA!” The sound of my mother’s voice screaming my name caused my head to snap to the left. Police handcuffed her and led her to a police car. Kicking and screaming like a madwoman the entire way. “You survived!”

“Fuck off!” I shouted at her. “I hope you rot in hell, you psychotic bitch!” Police shoved her into the back of a cruiser and slammed the door shut.

I broke at that moment. Every fucking emotion I had bottled up all night finally cracked. Devon saw my expression change, and he quickly grabbed me by the arm and led me to one of the FBI vans. Pulling open the door, I climbed inside, and he followed, closing it behind him.

“Go ahead,” he urged me as I lay my heavy head against his shoulder. “Let it out.”

I screamed as my rage was my first emotion to show itself. Then it turned to pain as I ugly cried sobbing uncontrollably. Devon pulled me tightly into his arms without saying a word. After what seemed like an eternity of me breaking down. I had no tears left to shed.

“I’m your Safehouse Elissa,” Devon whispered. “You are my heart and the breath that keeps me alive.”

“Thank you, Dev,” I whispered. My voice was horse, face puffy from crying. I must have looked like an absolute disaster piece! “I needed that.”

Agent Clarck yanked open the van door and stood there with Director Zzyzx staring at us. The sun was beyond up as light blinded me. “You two finished screaming?”

“Huh?” Devon asked, cocking his head to the side. “I went def in one ear. You gotta speak up, Lux.”

“Your such an ass!” I choked out as I reached out, slapping him in the leg. He glanced at me, smirking, before he gave his full attention back to the two men.

“We discovered seven dead bodies in that forest,” Agent Luxton replied, tossing us each a thick black FBI jacket. I quickly put it on, welcoming the warmth. Devon did the same. “Only two of the bodies had gunshot wounds to their heads.”

“I killed them,” Devon said without the slightest bit of hesitation. “I didn’t-”

Stopping mid-sentence, he turned and met my gaze. His blue eyes wide as he took me in. Blood spattered my hair, face, and my clothes.

“Holy shit,” Devon said as I averted my gaze downwards towards my hands. “You... killed them... didn’t you, Elissa?”

“Yes,” I said, blinking back the tears. It was me or them... and I chose survival. I hadn’t told Devon that when I was with my mother, she had showed me how to kill someone wielding a knife. I knew what it felt like to take a life now. Because I had taken five of them. “Am I going to jail?”

“Are you kidding?” Devon forced a dry laugh, causing me to look up at him. “You were being chased by ex-cons, and you did what you had to do in order to survive.”

“We need to analyze your clothing,” Director Zzyzx said in a gentle voice. “And get your wounds checked out and get your statements again.”

––––––––

––––––––

I’m a fucking murderer! Just like mom.

I had to get stitches in both of my hands back at the hospital. Devon had to get checked out as well, and he promised me he would be back as soon as he could.

That was three hours ago. Agent Clarck went to my house and picked me up clean clothes. Once I signed my discharge papers, I expected him to slap a pair of shiny silver handcuffs around my wrists and haul my ass away to prison. But that didn’t happen. Instead, after I dressed and cleaned myself, we walked over to Devon’s room.

“You promise Elissa won’t be charged with manslaughter, Alex?” I overheard Devon demand. “She killed those guys because they were going to kill her.”

“Elissa is a victim,” Director Zzyzx replied as we entered the room. “The two of you need to be witnesses on the stand and give your testimonies keeping our bitch ass mothers behind bars.”

“I’ll do it,” I said without the slightest bit of hesitation in my voice as Devon finished getting dressed in clean clothes. “I owe all of you for saving my life.”

“We should probably tell Devon the truth, Zander,” Agent Clarck sighed, glancing at him. “Lay all the chips on the table.”

“What’s he talking about?” Devon asked, glancing at his brother.

Oh, this was gonna be a shock to the system for him. We had all played a part in this hellish nightmare. The truth was going to come out, eventually. Better to rip that band aid right off here and now.

My anxiety was rising as I did my best to look calm on the outside. Truth was, I was freaking the fuck out on the inside.

“Is anyone gonna say anything?” Devon demanded, getting irritated at them.

“The only way you’re staying assigned to my team,” Director Zzyzx replied. “Is if you agree to have a partner of my choosing.”

“Fine,” Devon groaned, looking at Agent Clarck. “It’s you, isn’t it?”

“Not me,” Agent Clarck shook his head. “Try again.”

“You?” Devon asked, looking at his brother.

“No, you dumbass,” he rolled his eyes. “Your new partner is right there.”

Devon turned his attention to me with a confused look on his face.

“It’s me, Devon,” I said, giving him an awkward wave. “I’m your new partner.”

“What?” Devon asked, walking up to me, bewildered. “I’m totally confused here?”

“I’ll explain everything when we get back to the house,” I smiled as we walked out of the room. “Surprise bitch!”

“Is she really an FBI agent?” Devon asked Lux as we headed for the exit of the ER.

The cool air felt good against my scorching hot skin.

“Yeah,” Lux laughed as we crossed the street to the black van. “Why do you think you got the pleasure of being her assigned agent, dumbass?”

“Because she’s famous?” Devon replied as he pulled open the van door.

“I made a career choice,” I said as I slid into the first row. Devon sat beside me, closing the door. “Like you, I wanted to see why my mom was fucked up in the head.”

“Are there any other secrets you aren’t telling me?” he whispered as the others opened the front doors and sat down, closing them. “Like, are you fucking Lux or my brother?”

“Ewe,” I said, making a face as Lux started the van and pulled away from the curb. “That’s gross yo.”

“So,” Devon went on. “You aren’t banging-”

“Nobody but you, Dev,” I winked at him. “And only you.”

“Oh, thank God!” Devon breathed a sigh of relief.

“I’ve passed all the tests,” I said. “And when Zander informed me that our mothers were conspiring to kill us, I volunteered to go undercover to draw them out.”

“You used me as bait?” Devon asked, pretending to be shocked. “How dare you!”

Relief flooded me as I saw his sly smirk spread across his lips. Was he pissed that I hid my identity from him? Probably.

“Sorry I didn’t tell you the complete truth, Dev,” I whispered as he pressed a kiss on my forehead. “Can you forgive me?”

“I dun know,” he sighed heavily, tilting his head to the side. “I’m gonna have to punish you for keeping secrets from me, babe.”

“I can handle whatever punishment you give me,” I replied cockily. “There’s nothing you can do to me that will make me afraid of you, Dev.”

“You say that now,” Devon said, growing serious. “Now that I know you’re skilled with a knife... Oh, the things I’ll do to you in that bedroom.”

“Gross!” Zander grumbled, making a face at us in the rearview mirror. “Get a fucking room!”

“We will as soon as you drop our asses off,” I replied. “So, step on it, will you?”

“You remember I’m your boss, don’t you?” Zander asked, sending me a sharp look in the rearview mirror.

“Yeah,” I stifled a yawn. “I’d better get a pay raise as well as paid vacation time off for this shit.”

“You’ve earned it,” Zander said. “Both of you.”

Now that Devon knew I was good at wielding a knife... I wondered what he planned on doing to me with it once we got to my house.

Chapter 24

Devon

What Elissa and I had just endured was insane.

A part of me was relieved to know that she was, in fact, an official FBI agent in the Bureau like the rest of us. I’m still annoyed at the fact that she had lied to me about it.

Unlocking the front door of her house, we walked inside, closing and locking the door behind us. We headed directly upstairs and into her bedroom.

We stripped out of our clothing and dropped everything into a vast pile on the floor.

She gathered clean clothes and went into the bathroom.

“Babe?” I called out to her as I entered the bathroom. “You alright?”

I got no response, and the pit of doom hit me in the gut. The water was turned on. Pulling back the curtain, my eyes widened in surprise when I found her with a knife pressed firmly against her throat.

A woman with short pink hair stared coldly black at me. She was gorgeous, short, slim body frame, manicured French tip nails.

What was that bitch’s name? Shinka Nova! That was it.

“Hi,” I said, flashing her my sexiest smirk. I had to distract her so Elissa could get out unharmed. “And who might you be?”

“Save your charming shit for someone else,” she replied. “You must be Half_Dead_Relentless I presume.”

“Yeah,” I nodded. “Could you let my girlfriend go?”

“Fuck no,” Shinka scoffed. “This washed-up bitch needs to DIE!”

“You’re the chick who replaced Zara, aren’t you?” I inquired. “Shinka Nova.”

“Obviously.” Shinka rolled her eyes at me. “I took everything from her,” she paused, drinking my naked body in with her eyes. “Everything except for you!”

Ah shit! This is gonna go badly.

“You’re absolutely right.” I lay on the lies thick. “Sorry babe,” I sighed heavily, meeting her gaze. “I’m breaking up with you.”

The look in Elissa’s eyes made my heart wrench. I had to make it up to her later tonight.

Shinka Nova with pink hair smirked in victory and moved the knife away as I held my hand out. She took the bare by taking my hand and stepping out of the shower. Shinka, fully clothed, was soaking wet.

“Put the knife down by the sink,” I ordered in a gentle voice. You know, so she could trust my ass and all. “Then we’ll go have a chat out there, okay?”

Shinka tossed the knife down, and I reacted on pure instinct from my training by placing her in a chokehold.

“What are you doing?” Shinka gasped as I squeezed her neck tighter. Digging her long nails into my arm, I ignored the pain.

“You are taking a nappy nap,” I snarled as she blacked out. Her body went limp in my arms. “Babe,” I said, glancing back at her over my shoulder. “I lied... we are so not broken up.”

Picking up the soaking Shinka and carrying her unconscious body into the bedroom shook Elissa up. Sitting Shinka down in another chair across the room, I ran over to Elissa’s dresser and yanked open the top drawer. A shiny pair of handcuffs were in there. Snatching them up, I ran back to the chair and cuffed Shinka’s wrists behind her back to the metal bars. Seeing the black bag on the floor nearby, I grabbed it, pouring the candy canes onto the floor, before placing it over her head.

If Shinka can’t see, she can’t fuck with Elissa very hard.

I heard the shower turn off and Elissa ran out of the bathroom draped only in a long black towel.

“Are you okay?” I asked, walking up to her. Concern filled my eyes as I examined her neck. A red line and a trickle of blood ran down the left side of her neck.

“Yeah,” she finally answered, gazing behind me at Shinka’s tied up body. “We should call Lux.”

“Can’t,” I replied. “Our phones are dead, remember?”

“Right,” she sighed heavily. “Then I’ll just have to get dressed and look for Shorty Z or one of his gang member buddies.”

“Or” I said, noticing Shinka’s hot pink glittered phone case on the dresser. I ran over to it and picked it up. “I’ll call Lux on her phone.”

Dialing his number, I pressed the call button, and it rang twice before he picked up. “Hello?”

“Lux?” I spoke. “It’s Dev.”

“I just got home,” he groaned in annoyance. “And whose number you are calling from?”

“That popstar Shinka Nova,” I replied. “She held Zara by knife point in the shower after ambushing her.”

“Where is she now?” Lux asked, all the annoyances gone from his voice. Concern replaced it.

“I knocked her ass out,” I went on. “She’s handcuffed to a chair.”

“I’ll call Zander and get the cops,” he stifled a yawn. “Keep your asses alive till we get there, got it?”

“Absolutely,” I replied. “Thanks Lux.”

He hung up and so did I as I tossed the cell onto the dresser.

“Is he coming?” Elissa asked. I turned to face her and realized she was dressed and ready for the day.

“They are on the way,” I replied. “Help me take her ass downstairs before I hop in the shower.”

Walking over to the chair, we lifted Shinka’s heavy ass up and walked carefully out of the room. I guided Elissa up the hallway and carefully down each step until we made it into the living room. Setting the chair down beside the couch where Lux and Alex could see her when they entered the house.

“I’ll be right back,” I said, pressing a kiss on Elissa’s forehead. “I love you.”

Her eyes widened when I finally spoke those three-letter words to her.

Turning, I walked up the steps and headed for the guest bathroom. If there was any evidence besides the knife in the master bathroom, I wanted the forensics team to find it.

Turning on the light, I pulled back the curtain and a Trendify Killer stood there waiting for me.

Lifting his arm, he held a knife. Glancing around, I found a can of Lysol sitting on the banister. Grabbing it, I turned it and pressed the button. White spray exploded into the Trendify Killer’s face, causing him to drop the knife as he reached for his eyes.

Grabbing him by the arm, I yanked his ass out of the shower before placing him into a headlock. He slowly passed out.

That was another close call!

Dragging the heavy ass man up the hallway, still butt naked, I pulled him down the stairs.

“What the fuck?” Elissa asked as she leaped to her feet. “Where’d he come from?”

“His ass was hiding in the other shower,” I breathed, dropping him onto the floor. “Got sprayed in the face with Lysol.”

“Glad I have that shit lying around,” Elissa joked, as she tossed me another set of handcuffs. Placing them across the man’s wrists, I tightened them behind his back. “You need to shower, dude.”

The doorknob rattled and the front door flew open as Lux and Zander entered the house. They took one look at the scene and groaned when they saw me completely naked.

“Put some clothes on!” Zander shook his head. “A gang of cops is coming in here.”

“I was trying to shower!” I rolled my eyes at him. “Until he popped out with a knife.”

“We got this under control, Dev,” Lux brushed him off. “Go put some clothes on.”

Turning, I hauled ass upstairs and rummaged through the pile of clothes on the floor in Elissa’s bedroom. I got dressed and put on my shoes just as the forensic team entered the room.

Exiting the room, I walked up the hallway and down the steps to find the two assailants were gone.

“I did a sweep of the house,” Lux said. “It’s clear.”

“Good,” I replied. “Can you stay with her while I finally shower?”

“Go on.” Lux moved his hand, swiping me away. “You smell like you’ve been camping and shit.”

Turning, I hauled ass upstairs, up the hallway and into my bedroom. Removing my shoes and socks, I tossed them onto the floor. Grabbing clean clothes from my dresser, I entered the hall and went into the bathroom. This time, I found it completely empty.

I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. How had they gotten in here? Someone was working with them. Was it Lux? Alex? Elissa?

Getting undressed, I tossed my clothes onto the floor before stepping into the shower. Closing the curtain behind me, the water turned on. The knots in my muscles relaxed as the hot water hit them.

Grabbing my black luffa and my spicy musk body wash, I poured some onto the puff. Lathering my body up, I scrubbed extra hard to get the dirt and grime off my body. Hanging it up, I grabbed my shampoo and conditioner bottle. Squeezing a generous amount into my hair, and I set it down before scrubbing the shit outta my hair.

Someone knocked on the bathroom door. I had left it open. My body tense in anticipation of another sneak attack.

“Who is it?” I asked as I opened the curtain. Elissa stood there holding a black towel. Shoving the black curtain back, I stepped out as the water shut itself off. Taking the towel, I wrapped it around my lower waist and stared at her. She looked exhausted. “Thank you.”

“Apparently Aleister paid Shinka and those ex-cons off,” she sighed heavily as I gathered my clothes before we exited the bathroom. Entering my bedroom, I removed the towel and dried myself off before getting dressed.

“That explains how they got inside your house undetected,” I murmured. “I was thinking it was an inside job.”

“Your mother not telling you guys that you were triplets didn’t help,” she scoffed. “That’s why we had to go undercover to see if you or Zander were behind all this.”

“Thankfully, we’re cleared,” I said as I put my shoes on. “Now all we have to do to keep that bitch behind bars is go on the witness stand.”

“Yeah,” she agreed as we exited the bedroom and headed up the hallway. Trotting down the staircase, Lux and Alex stood there talking amongst themselves. “Finally washed my ass.”

“And you even put on clean clothes,” Alex added. “My cock’s still bigger than yours, by the way.”

“Gross!” Elissa said, making a face of pure disgust. “You’re my boss!”

“And don’t you forget it,” Zander replied bluntly. “I’m the dominant twin for a reason.”

“Are we gonna stroke your massive ego all day?” I inquired, feeling the irritation building within me. “Or are you gonna tell me what’s gonna happen to those two assholes who tried killing us?”

“The cops took them down to the station,” Alex frowned, clearly annoyed that I wasn’t gonna stroke his massive ego. “We’re gonna interview them and take it from there.”

“Alright,” I said, rubbing my tired eyes with my thumb and index finger. “Thanks for coming.”

“That’s what brothers do,” Alex said, patting me on the shoulder. “We take care of each other.”

“You two realize that we all missed celebrating Christmas, right?”

“For real?” I ask, giving him a confused look. “What’s today?”

“Day before New Year’s Eve,” Alex replied bluntly. “You two are going to the party... it’s mandatory.”

“Come on,” I groaned like a whiny teenager. “I’ve missed them for the past three years.”

“I know,” Alex smirked. “That’s why they’re mandatory, all because of you, Dev.”

“Great,” I replied, forcing a smile. “I absolutely love company parties.”

“We got you two some presents,” Lux pointed to a red bag on the couch. “Open them after we’ve gone.” They exchanged a silent laugh and headed for the door.

“Charge your phones,” Alex ordered, as he yanked open the door. They stepped outside, and he closed the door. “See you two tomorrow night.” Walking over, I locked the door before flipping him off.

“Real mature Dev!” Alex shouted through the other side. “I saw that through the camera we put in there!”

“Come her,” Elissa said, laughing as I turned and walked over to where she sat on the couch. Handing me a heavy box wrapped in black wrapping paper, I glanced down at it. “Why don’t you open that?”

Gazing down at the box, I frowned. I couldn’t recall the last time someone gave me a Christmas present. I hated every holiday. Except Halloween. I got to paint my face and eat all the candy I wanted after Trick or Treaters stopped coming for the night.

Deciding to humor her, I tore the paper off and carefully opened the box, half expecting something to spray me in the face. Nothing happened. Instead, I found a brand-new LED mask, gloves, a black trench coat with a hood, black and white face paint and light up drum sticks inside.

Why would they gift this stuff for me?

“What did you get?” Elissa inquired with curiosity in her voice.

“New gear for Half_Dead_Relentless,” I replied, arching an eyebrow her way. “You?”

“New gear and an expensive ass microphone?” She said, giving me a confused look.

“What do they expect us to do with this shit?” I asked her.

“Your vacation starts tomorrow night after the company party.” Alex’s voice spoke through the hidden microphone in the living room.

“Don’t fucking do that!” I shouted, glancing around the room. “You scared the shit outta me!”

Alex laughs maniacally in response.

“We’re still undercover, aren’t we?” Elissa groaned, frowning at me.

“You got it,” Alex replied bluntly. “You two are going on the Silent Notes tour Lux put together for you.”

“When?” was all I managed to get out.

“When you two were in the hospital,” Lux butted in. “I had to be stealthy and shit.”

“Wait,” Elissa asked. “Have you produced the album and is it ready to go?”

“The album’s been out for a week now,” Lux said excitedly. “It’s currently the number one downloaded album on the rock charts.”

“Really?” Elissa asked. “No wonder why Shinka Nova wanted to kill me.”

“That was the tremendous surprise from our team to you two,” Alex cut in. “You both deserve it after the hell you’ve been through.”

“Thank you, sir,” Elissa said, blinking back tears. “I thought my music career was dead.”

“Not dead,” Alex said. “You just needed a new direction, and I knew Dev would guide you to it.”

The line fell silent, and my mind was racing.

My brother and my former band mates did this for me?

We set the boxes down on the coffee table before I took her hand and led her into the kitchen. I was starving! I was pretty sure Elissa was, too. We haven’t eaten in a few days now that I thought about it.

I walked to the freezer, the cold air hitting my face as I opened the door to reveal a couple of frozen pizzas. I pulled them out, and she grabbed a metal sheet pan and prepped the oven. Tearing open the boxes and pulling them out, I hand her one, and we tore the plastic wrapping off before placing them onto the tray. Thankfully, the oven heated quickly. Opening the door, I carefully placed the tray inside and shut it.

“Tell me something,” I said as we both took a seat at the table. “That was your first time killing a person, wasn’t it?”

Elissa grew quiet and silently nodded. I could see the conflict in her eyes.

“I know I did the right thing,” she spoke in a quiet voice. “However, I can’t help but think I am very much like my mom.”

“You aren’t,” I reassured her by taking her hand in mine and lacing our fingers together. Her skin was soft as I gently ran my thumb across the top of her knuckles. “She stabbed your father to death because he cheated on her with another woman.”

“I forgot you read my file,” she replied, giving me a sad smile. “Zander made sure I read your file and his to understand you.”

“I wanna say killing someone gets easier over time,” I sighed, shaking my head as I released her hand. “But it doesn’t.”

The ding from the kitchen timer startled me. Elissa leaped to her feet and shut it off. Taking the tray out of the oven, she turned it off before grabbing a long pizza cutter that looked like the ones the pizza chains used to slice up their pizzas.

“Here you go.” She had grabbed two heavy black plates placing two slices on both before handing me one. “Hope you like supreme.”

“I do,” I said as she sat down across from me. The smell was making me drool. “Thank you.”

“You didn’t break up with me, right?” Elissa asked in a quiet voice. “I totally deserve it if you want to.”

“I love you Lissa,” I said, giving her a serious look. “When I saw that bitch Shinka Nova holding that knife against your neck, I was gonna lose my shit!”

“Really?” Elissa asked, looking shocked.

“Babe,” I said, allowing myself to be vulnerable with her. Few people saw this side of me. I hid it from the world for far too long. “You are the first woman I’ve allowed to get anywhere near me in years.”

“I’m pretty fucked up in the head, Devon,” Elissa replied. “I’m scared of all of this.”

“Aren’t we all a little fucked up in the head?” I asked. “Besides, you’ve already claimed my ass.”

“Get a room!” Alex’s voice shouted from the speaker in the kitchen. “Eat and get your asses to bed!”

“Why are you watching us?” I demanded as I picked up a slice and took a bite out of it. “Fucking stalker!”

“You must have forgotten,” Alex scoffed. “You stalked Elissa and got yourself into this shit, Dev.”

Elissa smirked wickedly at me.

How had I forgotten that I had stalked her and gotten assigned to her case?

“What?” I asked, arching an eyebrow at her.

“I fell in love with a stalker!” Elissa sang in her rocker voice.

Damn, she made my cock hard.

She was gonna get her punishment tonight.

Chapter 25

Lissa

An icy wind blew my hair into my face, causing my eyes to shoot open.

Did I leave a window open?

Sitting up, I realized I was alone on a rooftop. Glancing down, I saw I wore a red cocktail dress, a black jacket, and black shiny boots I’d never seen before.

Where the fuck am I?

Fear punched throughout my entire body as I found my service weapon strapped to my left upper thigh. My purse was slung across my shoulder.

Tall glass doors were open, leading inside a dimly lit room. Cautiously walking inside, warmth greeted me. A spotlight turned on casting Half_Dead_Relentless in an orange glow as he stood before me. Dawned in a black tuxedo he looked huge as he silently walked up to me.

“What the fuck is happening?” I whispered.

“Elissa Zara Ashthorne,” Half_Dead_Relentless spoke in his modulated voice. Bending down on one knee, he held out a black velvet box and opened the lid. Inside was a beautiful diamond ring on a silver band. “Will you marry me?”

Is this really happening?

“Say something!” Lux whispered from somewhere in the darkened room.

“Uh,” I regained my composure before I passed out from fear or shock. “Yes?”

“She said YES!” Half_Dead_Relentless shouted in victory as he climbed to his feet. I watched as he removed the ring and slid it onto the ring finger on my left hand.

The lights turned on, showing that I was standing in a packed room. Loud cheers and clapping drew me out of my shock as Devon ripped off his mask. He wore the biggest smile I’d ever seen on his face.

“Congratulations to the power couple,” Zander spoke into a microphone. “They put our team through hell for most of the month.”

Laughter filled the room before the DJ started playing the Silent Notes album.

“Didn’t think I’d be able to pull that one off,” Devon blew out a breath. “That could’ve gone so wrong.”

“Keep my little bro in line, Elissa,” Zander said as he walked over to us and handed us each a glass of champagne. “He’s got a bit of a reckless streak, as you’ve found out.”

“I will,” I smiled as I took a drink of the champagne. “I’ll have him trained in no time.”

Zander waved us off as he went to mingle with the other agents.

We found an empty table near the entrance and sat down. Lux had gotten us both plates packed with various snacks. Zander, Eros, Jensen, and Lux joined us. To my relief, their injuries weren’t as severe as I’d feared after my mother stabbed them.

I hadn’t realized how hungry I was until I ate everything on my plate. Tonight was the first time in weeks that I felt I didn’t have to look over my shoulder. No more Trendify Killers would lurk around the corner.

Or so I thought.

“Sir,” a female agent rushed over to our table with a look of concern on her face. “You and your team need to leave the premises now!”

“This is a joke, right?” Zander asked, dead ass serious.

“I wish it were the case, sir,” she gushed. “Those ex-cons that escaped are coming here to kill you and your team!”

You gotta be fucking kidding me?

All of us leaped to our feet, Devon putting his mask over his head. She led us to a hidden elevator that was behind the bar. The bell dinged and the silver doors slid open. We rushed inside and Lux pressed the ground button. The light glowed orange as the doors slowly closed.

Gunfire erupted as the elevator descended two floors.

All of us pulled our service weapons out as the bell dinged. The doors slid open, and my heart thumped loudly in my chest. The ground level was empty.

“Head for my car!” Lux whispered as we ran out the glass door. Cold air stung my face as I followed Devon.

This nightmare was supposed to be over, damn it!

Lux unlocked his car with his keychain. They opened the doors, and we piled into the backseat. Of course, Zander called gunshot.

The guys slammed the doors and Lux pulled out of the packed parking lot. Hauling ass, he turned onto the street as gunfire erupted from behind us.

“Get down!” Half_Dead_Relentless shouted as he shoved my head down into his crotch. “What the fuck is that?”

Sitting up, I saw Lux creep to a stop as Shorty Z and his gang members blocked us.

Ah, fuck!

Lux rolled down the window, but only a small sliver, as Shorty Z approached his window.

“You helped us out,” Shorty Z spoke, trying his best to look like a hard-core gangster. “We’re returning the favor.”

“You realize we’re being hunted by ex-cons, right?” Lux asked.

“Homie,” Shorty Z scoffed. “We’re the ones who tipped your friends off at that fancy party which we didn’t get an invite to, by the way.”

“They’re coming!” One of his homies shouted. “Get outta here!” They stepped to the side and Lux stepped on the gas. Hauling ass up the road.

“Did we just get help from a bunch of gangsters?” Eros asked as I turned and saw they had formed a roadblock keeping the ex-cons at bay.

“Yeah,” Zander laughed in shock. “Thank God for Dev’s whacked out on-the-fly plans actually coming in handy for us.”

“Gangsters killing ex-cons,” Half_Dead_Relentless laughed in amusement. “Never thought I’d see the day that happened.”

Silence filled the rest of the drive as Lux pulled up to my house. Opening the door, Half_Dead_Relentless stepped out into the street and I followed him out. Eros closed the door and Lux pulled away, leaving us in the street.

We walked up the sidewalk and up the path. Trotting up the stairs, I fished out my keys. Placing it in the keyhole, I turned it. The click let me know it was unlocked as I shoved it open.

Half_Dead_Relentless entered, doing a quick sweep of the room as I removed my key and closed the door, locking it. “Clear,” he said, using his modulated voice. “Head upstairs, babe.”

Fireworks sounded off outside, lighting up the way for me as I walked up the stairs and up the hallway. Entering my room, I turned on the light.

Ghost started playing loudly over the speaker in my room. Removing my purse and jacket, I tossed them onto the chair of my vanity. Unwrapping the holster and my weapon, I placed it on my dresser with my keys.

Heavy breathing coming from directly behind me startled me. Spinning around, I found Half_Dead_Relentless standing there completely naked. Gripping me by the throat, he walked me backwards towards my bed. Shoving me back, I yelped in surprise as I landed, bouncing twice.

“You’ve been a bad girl haven’t you Princess?” Half_Dead_Relentless asked as the light went out. The glow of his orange mask was the only light in the room. He walked back to the bed and climbed across, making his way slowly over towards me. Like I was his prey. “Putting yourself in dangerous situations... making me worry about your safety.”

“You’re crazy,” I smirked up at him. “Matches my crazy.”

“We’re both fucked in the head, aren’t we, Elissa?” Half_Dead_Relentless laughed. “It’s the reason why I fell in love with you, Princess.”

“How are you gonna punish me?” I asked. Feeling extremely horny, I needed him to fuck me.

Holding up a needle filled with clear liquid, he flicked the tube twice before he slammed his hand down. Rolling off the bed and falling to the floor, I leaped to my feet. Finding him releasing the needle. He plunged the needle into the mattress and comforter of my bed!

“Where the fuck did you get that syringe from?” I wheezed; eyes wide as I gazed at him as he climbed to his feet.

“The ER,” Half_Dead_Relentless replied with a casual shrug of his shoulder. “The things you find when you are left unattended to is absolutely astonishing, Elissa.”

“What the hell’s in that thing?” I demanded.

“Saline,” he replied. “I wouldn’t inject you with something harmful.”

“Your fucked up in the head, you know that?” A sigh escaped my lips.

“I thought we already discussed that,” he replied bluntly. “I have deeply stemmed mommy issues I have yet to address...” he paused, pointing a finger at me. “As do you.”

I watched as he tugged on a pair of black basketball shorts over his shaft and V-shaped torso. Turning, he exited the room. Blinking out of my stopper, I followed him into the studio across the hall.

Grabbing me by the throat, he pressed me firmly against the wall. A wicked grin spread across my face, which only got under his skin. In one swift movement, he tossed me across one of his massively large muscular shoulders and exited the room.

“Before you ask,” he said as he walked up the hallway and trotted down the steps. “I’ve got a surprise for you in the backyard.”

Is he planning on burying me in a shallow grave, watching me crawl my way out of it?

Exiting the living room, he entered the kitchen, turning the lights on as he went. Unlocking the sliding glass door, he yanked it open before stepping out into the chilly air.

“Surprise!” Half_Dead_Relentless said as he set me down on the ground. “This was difficult to keep hidden from you.”

Taking in the scene, my eyes widened in awe. A cozy fire has been roaring, casting the canopy area in an orange glow. Fluorescent lights cast the canopy in a beautiful blue glow.

I noticed a long table had various fruits, chocolates, marshmallows, drinks, chocolate, strawberry, and caramel syrups on them.

Thankfully, I had a large wooden privacy fence surrounding my property. I smiled at him.

“Thank you,” I breathed as I moved over to the black couch, stripping out of my dress. Allowing it to drop, I removed my panties and bra. “This is the most thoughtful thing anyone has ever done for me.”

Half_Dead_Relentless had already stripped out of his basketball shorts. The heat radiating from the fire kept our bodies nice and warm.

He held a fuzzy red collar and attached it around my neck. Tugging on the chain, he yanked me towards him. His roughness was a turn on for me. I knew damn well Devon and Half_Dead_Relentless would never hurt me.

Turning me around, I faced the couch, hands holding myself up by the cushions. A coldness touched my skin as I felt him pouring something onto my back.

“It’s just chocolate,” he said in his modulated mask. “I don’t want you to get too sticky, Princess.”

Turning around to face him, I grabbed the chocolate bottle and squirted him. Dark chocolate dripped down his chest.

Tearing off his mask, he gave me a look as he tossed it onto the table. “You are so in trouble for doing that!”

“Oh, yeah?” I arched an eyebrow his way as that wicked smirk crept back onto my lips. “What are you going to do about it?”

“First,” Devon breathed as he picked up his cell. Clicking on the music app, Sink or Swim started playing. Tossing it on the table beside his mask, he grabbed the chocolate bottle from my hand and squirted my tits with it. “Paybacks a bitch!”

That’s all it took. Both of us held a bottle in our hands. He had the chocolate; I had the strawberry. We sprayed the shit out of each other before grabbing sprinkles and tossing them onto each other.

Grabbing the chain, Devon yanked me down onto a black comforter that was thick and soft. At first, I thought it was a rug. Crushing his lips hungrily against mine, I moaned in his mouth.

Magnetic played next.

“You realize your desert, right?” Devon growled into my ear. “I get to treat myself tonight!”

Devon started licking chocolate off my body. Sucking on my tits as he held me up with one open hand against my back. I arched upwards into him as he moved to my left tit.

“Fuck!” I moaned as chills ran down my spine. “I love you Dev!”

A devilish grin spread across his lips as he glanced up briefly, meeting my gaze. The blue in his eyes had darkened before he slowly moved down my body with his tongue.

Without warning, he released me, causing me to yelp as my body slammed onto the blanket. Grabbing an extra bottle of chocolate, he spread my legs apart before he placed my legs across each of his shoulders as he kneeled before me.

Keeping my ass up against his chest, he positioned the bottle between my folds and parted the lips. Placing the tip of the bottle inside of my pussy, he squeezed.

Feeling slick chocolate going inside of me, he set the bottle down beside him. Devon positioned his mouth and slammed his tongue into my pussy.

Moaning loudly, I gripped onto his hair as he picked me up and slammed me down onto the couch, keeping my ass position off the arm of the couch.

Removing his mouth, he licked his lips as he climbed on top of me. Positioning himself between my legs, he pounded his long, hot cock inside my pussy.

Swiveling his hips from side to side, Devon made me feel so fucking good. Someone could clean or easily replace the furniture outside.

Devon stripped away the prude in me. No longer was I the proper woman my aunt Bernadine raised me to be.

After everything I’ve been through, I wanted nothing more than to live!

The crackling of wood nearby drew me from my thoughts. The sound of fireworks being short up into the sky and seeing the explosion of purple in the sky was beautiful.

“Elissa,” Devon’s voice escaped his lips. His voice was huskier than before as he continuously pounded his cock into my pussy. “You are beautiful!”

Picking me up on his slippery arms, he carried me over to the dessert table. Laying me down. He picked up a can of whipped cream and shook the can.

Opening my mouth, he sprayed a large amount inside. I tasted the cream.

Setting it down above my head, he crushed his lips against mine. He started sucking the whipped cream into his mouth. Finding my tongue. They wrapped around each other like two snakes in a dance.

Grabbing a strawberry out of the bowl, he dipped it into a glass bowl already prefilled with chocolate. Placing it in his mouth, he bent down, and I bit into it.

Chewing it up, I swallowed it before Devon yanked me up by the chain, lifting me up to meet him.

“Let’s watch some fireworks while we can,” Devon breathed as he rolled off me, standing on his feet. Tugging the chain, I followed him like a puppy on a leash. “Tonight is the beginning of our lives without the Trendify Killer Elissa.”

Repositioning me, he roughly shoved his cock into my pussy and continued banging me from behind.

“I don’t hate that I need you,” I breathed as he plowed into me. The sound of bare skin slapping hit my ears as another song started playing on his cell. “I fucking need you, Devon!”

“I’m yours, Princess,” Devon growled in my ear. “You have the best pussy I’ve ever fucked in my entire life!”

With one last thrust, hot, sticky cum entered me. Stars erupted in my vision as an orgasm overtook me. With shaky legs, I sank to my knees, panting.

Both of us were sweaty, sticky messes. But damn, we were both satisfied. Pulling me up to my feet by the chain, he unfastened it, tossing it to the ground.

The fire died out. Devon walked over to the dessert table and grabbed his cell, shutting off the music.

I had somehow forgotten during our aerobics class it was the middle of winter! I started shivering as I rushed back inside, welcoming the warmth.

Running through the kitchen and into the living room, I heard Devon behind me. Hauling ass up the stairs and into my bedroom, I heard him laughing seductively.

“You’re tracking a chocolate mess for me to clean up tomorrow, babe!” Devon called up to me as I ran into the bathroom and pulled back the curtain. Stepping inside, the water turned on. “You, okay?”

“Yeah,” I said as I watched the chocolate mixed with strawberry colors going down the drain. The hot water felt good against my cold skin. “Didn’t realize how cold it was outside.”

Devon stepped inside the shower and closed the curtain. We both looked ridiculous right now. Like we had snuck out and attended a shady rave and came home covered in glowing paint. Of course I’ve never been to a rave, only heard about them from friends who attended them.

We both washed our hair and bodies before I shaved and brushed my teeth. Yeah, I was one of those girls who brushed my teeth in the shower.

Pushing back the curtain, we stepped out, and the water shut itself off. Grabbing a couple of long black towels, we wrapped them around ourselves and entered my bedroom.

I am somewhat surprised to see Lux and Zander standing in my room. They tossed Devon and me clothes and we caught them.

“To what do we owe the pleasure of your visit?” Devon asked as he started getting dressed beneath his towel.

“Your gangster friends,” Zander started. “Kept their word by leaving a trail of dead bodies in the street.”

“Sounds like the cop’s problem,” Devon frowned as he removed the towel and used it to dry his hair. “Isn’t it?”

“No Dev,” Zander shook his head. “Both of our mothers want to have a visit with us now.”

“It’s after midnight,” Devon scoffed. “Can’t them bitches wait till the second or something?”

“I wish,” Zander frowned. “Get your asses dressed and meet us downstairs in five.” They quickly exited the room and headed downstairs.

I had a feeling that the Trendify Killer shit wasn’t over.

Chapter 26

Devon

We dressed in our proper FBI dress code attire.

I donned a black suit, tie, and dress shoes. While Elissa wore a black skirt, heels, and a black jacket to cover her white blouse.

We sat in silence in Lux’s rental car as we pulled up to the gate. Lux flashed his badge, and the guard pressed the button as the metal gate slowly went into itself. Lux slowly pulled into the parking lot parking near the front of the prison.

Cutting the engine, we all opened our doors and stepped out into the chilly night air. I didn’t want to be back here so soon, or ever at all, to be quite honest with you. Closing our doors, I walked around the vehicle and took Elissa’s hand in mine. I made damn sure that we both wore our engagement rings to this on-the-fly meeting with our mothers.

As we walked towards the door, the only sound was her heels and my heartbeat. A guard opened the door, and we entered the building.

He led us towards the same interview room as before. This time, I had Elissa with me to keep her safe. Not that she needed protection. She was surprisingly a good headshot as she showed me pictures of her holding up her paper targets.

She was just as rattled as me and Alex were as the guard unlocked the door and we entered the room. Not wanting to get too close, we all stood near the door with the guard beside Lux. Our mothers sat in the room across the long table from each other. The guard handcuffed both mothers to the long metal pole attached to the table.

Both women wore the same red jumpsuit, signifying that they were both high risk in the prison. Both looked like shit.

“Agents-”

“We know who they are,” Lottie scoffed, finally dragging her eyes up from the table to meet mine, then Alex’s. “My two sons who survived when they should be dead!”

Yup. Still, the same hateful bitch we left after our last encounter is still here, I see.

“Is there a reason you summoned us here?” I finally asked. “I was getting ready for bed after you had more of your friends try to kill us tonight.”

“Both of you should be DEAD!” Lottie screamed as she leaped to her feet, knocking the metal seat to the ground.

“Easy,” the guard said, holding his hand out in front of him. “Just tell them why you requested them here so they can go.”

“Why are you dressed like one of them, Elissa?” Her mother inquired, eyeing her daughter.

“I am one of them,” Elissa replied in a bitter voice. “Devon and I are engaged.” She flashed her hand up, showing off her engagement ring.

I paid a pretty penny for that ring. This moment was priceless.

“Tell me you’re joking?” Lottie scoffed.

“She’s not,” I replied, taking her hand in mine. “We’re engaged.”

“You said the Trendify Killer murdered her?” Lottie shouted, looking at Elissa’s mother.

“He did,” she replied with confusion in her voice as she gazed at us. “The news outlets and newspapers ran the stories of their murders!”

I nearly forgot about that fake mock murder scene that Alex had Elissa, and I recreated when I first met her. Looks like it came in handy after all.

“Both of you,” Alex spoke for the first time, causing the two women to look at him. “You are both charged with multiple counts... and attempted murder is at the top of that list.”

“You were in charge of hiring that hit man,” Elissa’s mother whispered to Lottie. “He double crossed us!”

“The hitman you hired,” Alex went on. “Was an undercover agent.”

“SHUT UP!” Lottie screeched. “You tricked us!”

“No,” Alex shook his head. “You tried to have us murdered... and you failed.”

“I’ll tell you anything you want!” Elissa’s mother shouted with pain in her voice as she looked at us. “I’ll turn state witness to protect my daughter!”

“You’ve double crossed me too?” Lottie shot her a menacing look. “I’ll kill you myself once these FBI agents leave!”

“We’re already here,” Lux said. “Why don’t you start talking?”

“Kyle Cutter was my ex-boyfriend,” Elissa’s mother gushed. “We framed him for being the Trendify Killer when it was Aleister the entire time!”

“SHUT UP!” Lottie shouted as she tried moving across the table.

The guard stepped in, calling for backup. The door flew open, and five guards entered the room. They got out a pair of handcuffs and removed the long chain from her wrist before putting on the new ones.

“Is it cool if I play a song as she makes her departure from this room?” I asked a guard.

“I don’t care,” she shrugged. “Go right ahead.”

Pulling out my cell, I clicked on the music app. Clicking on a song, Parasite started blasting loudly. Lottie stopped fighting, and she asked to listen to the song in full before being led back to her not so cozy cell.

“You two are the family disappointments!” Lottie shouted as the guards escorted her out of the room. All of us had already stepped to the side as I clicked off the app.

Love you too, psycho bitch!

Though I don’t really think I loved her. Now that I knew what true love was, thanks to Elissa... I didn’t have to deal with that evil woman’s hate anymore.

“Are you okay?” Elissa whispered.

“What?” I asked, blinking my eyes as I snapped out of my thoughts.

“Are you doing okay?” she repeated. “She’s mental.”

I was about to reply when the guards shouted, causing me to turn around. Lottie had gotten her arms out of the handcuffs and had grabbed a gun from a guard. Holding it up, she pointed it at Elissa’s head.

Acting on instinct, Alex and I both grabbed our weapons and aimed them at her head.

“DIE, you bitch!” Lottie shouted.

One loud gunshot erupted in the silent room. Lottie crumpled to the floor, dropping the weapon. She suffered a gunshot wound to the head. It was fatal. There was no coming back from that shit.

“I need medical personnel immediately!” A female guard shouted into her walky-talky. “Prisoner 9782 has been fatally shot!”

“Two gunshot wounds to the head,” Zander said as we both holstered our weapons. “We both got her Dev.”

“We?” I whispered in confusion. “We both shot her?”

“Our nightmare is finally over, Dev,” Alex said as we were escorted out of the room. Guards took Elissa’s mother back to her cell. “She brought this on herself.”

I was in a state of shock. I hadn’t intended to come here tonight and killing my mother! But Alex and I had done just that.

The police came and Luxton and Alex had stepped aside to speak with them and go over the footage. Elissa and I had been taken to another room, and she sat beside me.

A moment later, a police officer instructed us to follow him outside. We climbed to our feet and exited the room. Lux and Alex met us, and we walked in silence up the hallway and outside as a guard held the door open for us.

The chilly air stung my face as they released us. Walking to Lux’s car, he unlocked the doors. Opening the door, Elissa climbed into the backseat. Sliding in beside her, I closed my door. Alex and Lux both got in and closed the doors. Lux started the car and pulled the car out of the parking space. The gate was already open, and he exited the compound.

“Are we going to prison?” I finally asked Alex as soon as Lux hauled ass away from the prison.

“No,” Alex breathed heavily. “I’m resigning as the Director of the FBI Dev.”

“Seriously?” I asked, unable to hide the shock in my voice.

“Agent Luxton is my replacement,” Alex went on. “I’ll go back to being just another agent, like you two.”

“Damn,” I uttered, not knowing what else to say. What could I say? “I can-”

“The footage showed us both shoot our mother Dev,” Alex cut me off mid-sentence. “The cops saw we were in the right following protocol.”

“So, we’re justified by killing Lottie?” I asked.

“Yeah,” Alex nodded. “But my actions caused me to step down from my position.”

“Wipe that guilty look off your face, Dev,” Lux replied bluntly. “You and Zander did what you had to do in order to protect another agent.”

“I should feel remorse for killing Lottie,” I whispered. “But I feel... absolutely nothing.”

No guilt. No remorse. Was I a heartless killer, after all?

“Lottie disconnected herself from us years ago, Dev,” Alex murmured. “I feel the same way you do.”

“There’s no court hearing after all this,” Lux said. “You two are finally free from that woman’s grasp.”

“Kyle Cutter, Aliester and Lottie Kingston are dead,” Elissa said. “They deserve to rot in hell.”

“Was this the plan all along?” I inquired. “Lux-”

“Yes,” Alex replied, cutting me off again. “Justifiably killing Lottie was always the end game, Dev.”

“We can all be criminally charged for this shit,” I whispered. “We can get the death penalty!”

“Not if everyone in this car keeps their mouths shut,” Alex glanced back at us. He was dead serious. “Lux is going to write the report in our favor, and we get away with killing mom Dev.”

“Fine,” I breathed, not liking the idea of my mother’s death being held over my head. “Elissa and I will keep our mouths shut.”

“Blackmail,” Elissa groaned. “I fucking called it!”

“More like a pact,” Alex corrected her. “Jensen and Eros are in on it as well.”

“Of course they are,” I murmured. “That explains why you guys kept me out of this epic plan of yours for three fucking years.”

“It was my decision to keep you out of it,” Alex spoke. “I didn’t know how you were going to react when you found out that I was alive, Dev.”

Lux pulled up to Elissa’s house and cut the engine. Opening the door, I stepped out and Elissa quickly climbed out. Closing the door behind her, we walked up the sidewalk, up the steps and stood on the porch.

Two more car doors closed, and I turned my head. Lux and Alex both walked up as Elissa unlocked the door. We entered the house, and she turned the light on. Closing and locking the door, Lux and Alex walked to the couch and sat down.

“Why aren’t you guys going home?” I inquired, looking at them.

“We’re staying here tonight, Dev,” Alex replied bluntly. “I’m borrowing your room.”

“I’m taking the couch,” Lux said as he removed his jacket, tie, and white dress shirt. He’s muscular like the rest of us are. “Get your asses to bed.”

Elissa had already gone upstairs. I walked up the staircase with Alex behind me. Entering Elissa’s room, Alex moved past me. After hearing the door close, I started undressing.

“You okay having uninvited guests in your house?” I asked Elissa as I yawned. The exhaustion finally hit me like a ton of bricks. Adrenaline filled our night.

Elissa pulled out a tape recorder and clicked the off button. Smirking at me, she hid it in the top dresser drawer before closing it.

“Smart and beautiful,” I whispered to her as she undressed and put on a pair of powder pink pajama pants and a matching tank top. “Did I forget to mention how sexy you look in that?”

“No,” she laughed lightly as I turned out the light and walked over to the bed. She was already lying down beneath the thick comforter. “You’ve had a traumatizing night, babe.”

“Lottie was the thorn in Alex and my side,” I admitted as I crawled beneath the comforter and pulled Elissa tightly into my body. She was warm. “We finally pulled that thorn out.”

Both of us kept our guns on the side tables beside the bed. The silence was thickening around us.

“Lottie Kingston was an even bigger threat than Aleister was,” Elissa said. “I’m glad you killed them, Devon.”

“Don’t get me wrong,” I sighed. “I’m glad they’re both dead.”

“But?” Elissa asked.

“But” I went on. “Three years ago, I only had killed one person.”

“Being an FBI agent,” Elissa went on. “You knew killing criminals comes with the territory of protecting citizens and your fellow agents’ lives, Devon.”

A loud crash came from my bedroom, startling Elissa and me. Had another ex-con been hiding in the house? Did someone wound Alex again?

Fear replaced my exhaustion as I was about to get out of bed. Before I heard Alex scream like a teenage girl. He came tearing into the bedroom, holding a pillow and blanket.

“The fuck man?” I said as he ran over to the bed. Shoving me over, I had shoved Elissa over as he could climb into bed with us.

“This fucking house is haunted!” Alex wheezed, trying to calm himself down.

“Yeah,” I replied bluntly. “We all knew that already.”

“I’m sleeping in here,” Alex said, ruining any sex time I had planned with Elissa tonight. “Scoot your ass over and give me some room!”

“You’re hogging up most of the bed as it is!” I groaned as he elbowed me in the ribs. “Damn bed hog!”

“I am not sleeping in a bed with my boss!” Elissa scoffed as she climbed out of the bed.

“Ex boss,” Alex corrected her. “And Dev will be in-between us.”

“Like that makes this situation any better!” Elissa sighed in annoyance as she climbed back into bed. “I can’t believe grown ass men are acting like fucking kids!”

Something else crashed in my bedroom, and a scared Alex clung to my arm as he had done when we were kids.

“See!” Alex shouted. “Your place be haunted, yo!”

“You realize I’m not gonna let you live this down, right?” I asked, glancing back at him.

“If you ever bring this up around anyone,” Alex replied. “I’m kicking your ass, Dev!”

“I’m the drummer here,” I said. “Don’t make me kick your ass halfway across the parking lot again.”

“Will you two shut up,” Elissa yawned. “I’m tired!”

We fell silent, and after a long moment, I could hear Elissa sleeping beside me.

“She pass out?” Alex whispered.

“Yeah,” I said. “She’s out.”

“Thank God!” Alex breathed. His hot breath hit my shoulder. “You two are the perfect match for each other.”

“So, you and Lux keep saying,” I replied. “Are you married or have any kids?”

“No to both,” Alex whispered. “I didn’t want mom to come after anyone I cared about.”

“How did she find out you were alive?” I asked.

“Hell, if I know?” Alex shrugged as he shifted on the bed. “Her favorite son must have gotten the information on both of us and gave it to her.”

“I’m glad I’m getting to know you,” I said. “I feel whole again.”

“Me too Dev,” Alex agreed. “I missed you, little bro.”

Alex and I both stayed up talking. Before we knew it, sunrise had arrived. We got out of bed, and I put on my red basketball shorts. We headed out of the room and down the stairs.

“Morning,” Lux said as he was folding a blanket and tossed it onto the couch. “Please tell me Elissa has a coffee pot in this place?”

“I brought mine,” I said as we all entered the kitchen. Both men stopped dead in their tracks as they stared at the mess Elissa and I had tracked in the night before. “Don’t ask.”

“You tapped that ass last night, didn’t you?” Alex asked, laughing as he took a seat at the kitchen table with Lux.

“Fuck yeah, I did,” I smirked at them. “So did Half_Dead_Relentless.” I started the coffeepot after pouring a new filter inside of the machine.

“The fuck happened to the backyard?” Lux asked, nudging his head towards the window.

“Elissa and I rolled in the new year,” I laughed as she walked into the kitchen wearing one of my long black T-shirts. “Happy New Year babe.”

“Did I miss something?” Elissa asked as all eyes landed on her.

“Nope.” I shook my head as the guys turned around, smirking at me. “Not a damn thing.”

I had snagged myself a fiancé, my twin brother was back in my life. And my best friend was talking to me again.

Life was good.

And going on tour with my fiancé was gonna be the cherry on top of my two careers.

Epilogue

Lissa

I took the stage as the crowd roared before me. The adrenaline rushing through my body was electrifying. The crowd was hot tonight!

“Let’s fucking GO!” I screamed into the microphone as I took it in my hand.

Half_Dead_Relentless sat behind his drum kit, twirling his drumsticks and playing a rhythmic melody.

“Welcome to the Silent Notes tour!” I screamed into the microphone! “Let me hear you fucking scream!” The crowd was easy. You gave them an order, and they followed. Like a pied piper skipping through town.

I had hired a new backup singer, guitarist and bassist to go on tour with us. Lux had booked the largest venue in the fairgrounds.

I started singing, and the crowd loved my new songs and look. I wore a tight black corset dress that had red gems sewed into the top. Black fishnet stockings, long black boots, spiked bracelets, and a choker. My makeup was red and black. Hair, straight and black.

We had gotten through the first show with no incidents. And the Pyro was insane!

“Thank you, Colorado!” I shouted into the microphone. “Catch us in Utah in two days!” Setting the microphone back in the stand, I turned and stopped dead in my tracks.

What the actual fuck?

A Trendify Killer stood before me holding a butcher knife with a skull engraved on the handle.

“Boo mother fucker!” Half_Dead_Relentless said as he head-butted the masked man. The Trendify Killer stumbled backwards, knocking over the microphone stand.

The sound screeched feedback into everyone’s ears and the crowd shouted as they covered their ears with their hands.

Shit! They think this is part of the show!

Half_Dead_Relentless kicked the knife out of his hand. It slid across the stage, stopping beneath his drum kit. He started punching the Trendify Killer in the head until the man fell unconscious.

“I got him!” Jensen shouted as he slapped a pair of silver handcuffs on his wrists behind his back. He and Eros dragged the man off stage.

“Now that is how to end the show!” Half_Dead_Relentless said into the microphone as he picked the stand back up. “Goodnight, guys!”

The crowd erupted, cheering loud and clapping as Half_Dead_Relentless grabbed me by the hand. He pulled me offstage and ripped his mask off. His face was sweaty, and the face paint on the left side of his face was coming off.

“Did he hurt you, Princess?” Devon asked with concern in his beautiful blue eyes.

“No,” I replied, coming out of the shock I was in. “I’m okay Dev.”

“Let’s get you outta here,” he breathed as he pulled me away from the stage. “The guys can pack up.” We walked out of a nearby exit door. As we walked toward the party bus, the frigid night air bit at our faces.

A dog barking is resonating from inside the bus. The door opened and a huge brown and black German Shepherd ran out, leaping on Devon.

“Hey, buddy,” Devon laughed as he patted Lars on the head. “Did you miss daddy tonight?” Lars barked and wagged his tail excitedly as he licked Devon’s face.

It made my heart melt hearing him call himself daddy to our new fur baby.

Earlier in the day, we visited the local animal shelter. We needed protection and someone to guard our house while we were away on tour.

Devon, being allergic to cats, covered his nose with his T-shirt and said something to a fluffy white cat. “You smell like cat pee.”

I glanced at him, and he pointed at the cat. “Not you, babe,” he replied. “The cat.”

We laughed as we reached the dog kennels. Lars was one of the first dogs who caught our eye. He was an excitable puppy. Devon and I both fell in love with him on the spot. He was already neutered and had his shots. We named him Lars after the drummer from Metallica.

We got on the bus, and Lars claimed the couch to the left, happily chewing on a thick dog bone. Taking the couch on the right, I sat down while Devon sat behind the driver’s seat and closed the door. Pulling away from the curb, he drove around the other side of the fair. Parking in an open space near the gates leading out to the street.

Devon cut the engine, and rock music started blasting from the speakers as he turned down the lights. Pulling his mask on, he stood. Half_Dead_Relentless was in control tonight. Silently pointing towards the back of the bus with the curtain, I climbed to my feet and walked to the back.

The heater was on, keeping the bus at a toasty temperature. Half_Dead_Relentless wasted no time as he grabbed the bottom of his black T-shirt and flipped it over his head. Mesmerized by his muscular abs, he looked jacked in the dimly lit bus. He took notice, grabbing me by the hair. I kneeled before him.

Unbuckling his belt, he unbuttoned and unzipped his black jeans. Yanking them down, his black silk boxers revealed Half_Dead_Relentless’ cock on full display for me.

Emergence started playing.

The lust I held back I finally released. Licking my lips, I smirked seductively up at him as he tilted his head to the right. Reaching my hand into the ice bucket filled with an extra bottle of champaign I plucked out an ice cube.

I started rubbing it all around his cock. Half_Dead_Relentless growled in response. He was enjoying the foreplay. Water droplets dripped onto the black carpet beneath us. It was melting fast. So, I did the only logical thing there was. I opened my mouth and popped it inside. I started crunching the ice and swallowed it.

Gently grabbing his length, I placed my mouth around his long, hot cock and took all of him in. Gripping onto his ass cheeks, I swirled my tongue around him, and he groaned beneath the mask.

“I’m gonna cum,” Half_Dead_Relentless panted. “Fuck Princess!”

Hot, sticky cum slid down my throat. I drank every drop until he was dry.

As soon as I removed my mouth, he collapsed onto the couch, panting. Grabbing the bottle of champagne, he popped the cork. Taking two tall thin glass cups, he poured us both a glass before setting the bottle in the ice.

“A toast,” Half_Dead_Relentless panted as we held our glasses up. “To a successful Silent Notes tour!”

I whooped as he tore his mask off. We wrapped our arms around each other and drank the champaign until the glasses were empty.

“Now it’s your turn to be covered in ice,” Devon smirked at me as he took the glasses and set them down on the table. “And this time... I’m eating the ice.”

––––––––

––––––––

Lux kept the Silent Notes tour short only because we had to get back to our actual jobs as FBI agents. Tonight was the last night of us being on tour together.

Another fucking Trendify Killer got on stage. Half_Dead_Relentless pulled out his service weapon hidden in the jacket pocket of his trench coat. Taking aim at the Trendify Killer’s head, he took the shot. A loud gunshot rang out as the Trendify Killer crumpled to the ground, blood seeping out of his mask onto the stage.

Security led us off stage. The crowd still screaming in terror. The Trendify Killer is dead. Devon and I survived. For now.

Entering the backstage area, the door clicked shut behind us, muffling the screams of the crowd. My chest still heaved from the set — or maybe from the blood still drying on Devon’s jaw. Ethier way, I needed him like oxygen.

“You’re crazy,” I breathed, slamming him into the wall hard enough to make the lights flicker. “We could’ve died.”

Devon grinned through bloodied lips, adrenaline humming in every muscle. “Not before you made the crowd scream louder than the gunfire.”

Cocky bastard.

I grabbed the microphone cord still trailing from the stage jack and looped it around his neck, dragging him down to my mouth. “Then scream for me now, drummer boy.”

The kiss was hot and unhinged. Like us. Our mouths crashed like cymbals. Loud. Brutal. Out of rhythm and perfect.

Devon growled low in his throat and spun me around like I weighed nothing. My back hit the soundboard, knobs digging into my spine. But I didn’t care. All I could feel was him—every inch of him pressed against me like we hadn’t just finished off a serial killer thirty feet from the stage. Like the chaos hadn’t just ended—or maybe hadn’t ended at all.

The cord tightened as I pulled on a makeshift leash, and his eyes became darker.

“You think this is over?” Devon rasped, fingers slipping under the waistband of my leather shorts.

I grin, wicked and wide. “The case is closed.”

Devon’s mouth found my throat, rough and reverent all at once.

“But I’m not done investigating you.”

Devon’s laugh was the dirtiest sound I’d ever heard.

“Then cuff me, Elissa,” Devon whispered, voice all gravel and filled with heat. “But don’t expect me to behave.”

I didn’t.

I never did.

As Devon’s hands slid under my jacket and my breath caught in my throat, something shifted in the air.

A chill. A whisper.

From the alley just outside the stage door, a shadow watched.

Hidden behind a steel chair and a cracked-open exit, a figure crouched—face hidden behind a cracked wrestling mask, the kind you’d see under spotlights and bloodstains at Sinful Mayhem Wrestling. The red-streaked mask didn’t blink. Didn’t move.

But it smiled.

The Trendify Killer we thought we’d buried wasn’t dead.

He was watching. Waiting.

And in the morning, the world would meet his unknown face, his new persona.

And Alex, Devon’s twin brother, will be the only one who can stop him.

COMING SOON!

SINFUL

GRIP

BOOK

2

SILENT NOTES PLAYLIST:

Wage War- Magnetic

Catch Your Breath: Y.S.K.W.

Sick Puppies- All The Same

Minute After Midnight- Ghost

Breaking Benjamin- Breath

Bad Valentine- Happy Never After

Evans Blue- Beg

Until I Wake- Fake

Further Within- Fade Away

Smash Into Pieces- Flow

Nevertel- Dark Cloud

Dayseeker- Burial Plot

YoungBlud & Dominic Lewis- I Was Made For Lovin’ You

Point North- Wasted Art

Evans Blue- A Cross and a Girl Named Blessed

Bad Valentine- Sugar Water

Falling In Reverse- Prequel

Until I Wake- Octane

Wind Walkers- Drowning Hymns

Villain of the Story- Losing Control

Sleep Theory- Gone or Staying

Starset- TokSik

From Ashes to New- Enemy

Fame On Fire- Spiral: Justice

Motionless In white- Voices

Line So Thin- Prey

Sleep Theory- Fallout

Dead By April Ft. Smash Into Pieces Ft. Samuel Ericsson- Outcome

Dayseeker- Without Me

Bring Me The Horizon- Throne

Rain City Drive- Waiting On You

The Veer Union- I Will Remain

No Name Faces- Complicated

Nevertel- Losing Faith

Versus Me- Terrified

Silent Theory- Afterthought

Starset- Dir For You

From Ashes to New- Legacy

Fame On Fire- Plastic Heart

I Prevail- Breaking Down

Wage War- Magnetic

Beartooth- Might Love Myself

Smash Into Pieces- The Only Way Is Up

Dayseeker- Neon Grave

Bad Omens- IDWT$

No Resolve- Crossfire

Dead By April- Heartbeat Failing

Line So Thin- Done With Everything

Dark Divine- Cold

Loveless- I Love It When It Rains

Silent Theory- Emptiness in You

From Ashes to New Ft. Matty Mullins- Until We Break

Alesti Ft. James Deberg- Voices

Alesti Ft. Loveless- Voices

Nothing More- If It Doesn’t Hurt

Bad Valentine- I (Kinda) Wanna Die

Set It Off- Duality

Thyrmine- The Endless

Papa Roach- Leave a Light On (Talk Away The Dark)

Written By Wolves- Please, Just Breathe

Disturbed- The Sound of Silence

Daughtry- Nervous

Lauren Presley- Tiptoe

Fall Out Boy- The Phoenix

Rose In Doom- Massacre

Abe Parker- Masquerade

Rose In Doom- Veil Of Eternal Night

Shinedown- A Symptom Of Being Human

Bad Valentine- Sick

Set It Off- Why Worry

Palaye Royale- Dead To Me

Tyrmine- Twinkle Together

Motionless In White- Sign Of Life

From Ashes to New- Bulletproof

Sleep Theory- Numb

Dayseeker- Crying While You’re Dancing

I Prevail- Hurricane

Silent Theory- Burn It All Down

Smash Into Pieces- Afterglow

Rain City Drive- Blood Runs Cold

Dead By April Ft. Samuel Ericsson- Break My Fall

Line So Thin- Here I Am

Amy Winehouse- Back To Black

Nate Vickers- Bury Me

Starset- Monster

Mila Ft. Kork- Dynasty (Orchestra Version)

Mila- Dynasty

Illenium Ft. Motionless In White- Nothing Ever After

Papa Roach Ft. Carrie Underwood- Leave A Light On (Talk Away The Dark)

Erik Grönwall- House Of The Rising Sun (Epic Dark Version)

Erik Grönwall- I Will Always Love You (Rock)

Erik Grönwall- Numb (Linkin Park Cover)

From Ashes to New- Enemy

Rain City Drive- Wish You The Best

From Ashes to New- Echoes

Line So Thin- Prey

Until I Wake- Fake

Vo Williams Ft. Titus O’Neil Ft. Sonya Bryson- Kirksey- I Am The Storm

Wage War- Gravity

Further Within- Fade Away

From Ashes to New- Finally See

Judge & Jury, Breaking Benjamin, Starset- Waiting On the Sky To Change

From Ashes to New- Panic

Eva Under Fire- These Streets

Eva Under Fire- I Will Fight

I Prevail- Rise Above It

Unsecret Ft. Krigare- Heros Never Die

Diamante Ft. Breaking Benjamin- Iris

Crashing Atlas Ft. Shelby Celine- Too Much

Unsecret Ft. Anna Renee- Straight For The Kill

Ruelle- This Is The Hunt

Sick Puppies- All The Same

Bad Valentine- Sink Or Swim

Set It Off- Crutch

Smash Into Pieces-Apoc- Glow

Daughtry- Nervous

Lauren Presley- Tiptoe

From Ashes to New Ft. Chrissy from Against The Current- Barely Breathing

From Ashes to New- My Name

Silent Theory- Burn It All Down

Dead By April- Parasite

Nine Inch Nails- Closer

Point North- Ghost in My Home

From Ashes to New- Let Go

Sleep Theory- Enough

I Prevail Ft. Delaney Jane- Every Time You Leave

Evans Blue- Erase My Scars

Elijah- Virus

Point North Ft. Set It Off- Below The Belt

From Ashes to New- Heartache

Citizen Soldier Ft. Icon For Hire- Victim Or Survivor

Bad Valentine- Get Out

Ekoh Ft. Colorblind- Haunted

Bad Valentine- Sugar Water

Bad Valentine- Game Over

Nate Vickers- A Little Too Late

Motionless In White- Sign Of Life

From Ashes to New Ft. Matty Mullins of Memphis Mayfire

From Ashes to New- Let Go

Black Veil Brides- Bleeders

Escape The Fate- Not My Problem

I Prevail- Bad Things

Citizen Soldier- Where Were You

Dayseeker- Without Me

Fame On Fire- Nightmare (The Devil)

Nate Vickers- I’d Rather D*e

Adelitas Way- What It Takes

New Years Day- Kill or Be Killed

Crashing Atlas Ft. Shelby Celine- What I Missed

Dark Devine- Cold

Rain City Drive- Waiting On You

Line So Thin- Done With Everything

Unsecret Ft. Jillian Edwards- Secrets In Your Head

Heidi Montag- I’ll Do It

Echoes- Quiet In Your Silence

Tommee Profitt x Skylar Grey- Numb (Cinematic Linkin Park Cover)

Halflives- Victim

Tommee Profitt Ft. Wondra- I’m Not Afraid

Katy Perry- Rise

Fleurie- Breathe

Nerv- Lost

Wage War- Gravity

Via Sky- Ft. Luke Shoemaker- Treason

Via Sky- Somehow

Nate Vickers- Bad Omens- Just Pretend

Nate Vickers- A Little Too Late

Via Sky- Lullaby

Hinder- Live Without It

Jeris Johnson - The Story Of Our Lives

Nevertel- Everything in my Mind

Self Deception- Dead Water

Dead By April- Parasite

I Prevail- Rise Above It

Rain City Drive Ft. Dayseeker- Medicate Me

Silent Theory- So Far, So Good

Haunted - Robby Hodgey feat. NIXIE

Unsecret Ft. Sam Tinnesz- Dangerous Game

Unsecret Ft. The Powder Room- Till I See You Again

Elijah- Skin

Via Sky- Friendly Fire

Kingdom Collapse- Half Alive

Bad Omens- Take Me First

Further Within- Fade Away

Rain City Drive Ft. Dayseeker- Medicate Me

Rain Paris- Lewis Capaldi- Someone You Loved (Rock Cover)

Bad Valentine Ft. Saylem – Caged

Until I Wake- Hell of a Ride

Grayscale- Don’t Leave Me In The Dark

As December Falls- Angry Cry

As December Falls- For The Plot

Nate Vickers- Can’t Sleep (Stripped)

Adelitas Way- Tell Me

AnonemiA - Silence Becomes Heavy

Bad Omens- The Grey

Eva Under Fire- Heroin

Alesti- Voices

Further Within- Fade Away

Three Days Grace- Right Left Wrong

Phix- Lead You On

Adema- The Way You Like It

Dayseeker- Crying When You’re Dancing

Bad Omens- Like A Villain

Zayde Wolf Ft. Ruelle- Megan Leavey Trailer- Walk Through the Fire

Phix- Overdose

Versus Me- Down

Lexnour Ft. Phix- Heart Attack

Phix- Bonnie & Clyde

Phix- So Alive

Phix- Pain

Phix ft. Atlus- Roses

Papa Roach- Even If It Kills Me

Ekoh x Lø Spirit- HELLO LØNELINESS

Archetypes Collide- My Own Device

Ekoh x Colorblind- Haunted

Phix- Without You

Ekoh- Pressure

Phix- Save Me

Ekoh Ft. Arankai- Broken Heart Collector

ILLENIUM Ft. Motionless In White- Nothing Ever After

Motionless In White- Masterpiece

Fame On Fire- Chains (The Tower)

Dayseeker- Without Me

Through Fire- Listen To Your Heart (Roxette Cover)

Escape The Fate- Broken Heart

Bludnymph - The Things I Do For Love

Sleep Token- Emergence

From Ashes to New- Finally See

Lexnour- Ride or Die

Fame On Fire- Stay

Fame On Fire Ft. Juice WRLD- Halsey- Without Me

Halflives- Villain

Icon For Hire- Blindside

Icon For Hire- Hollow

Against The Current- Lullaby

Against The Current- Weapon

Via Sky- Fury

Haleigh Byers– Memphis

Jewel- Foolish Games

I Prevail- Stuck In Your Head

Poppy- The Cost of Giving Up

Icon For Hire- Curse or Cure

Ministry Of Dark- Cut You Loose

Papa Roach ft. Skylar Grey- Periscope

Echos- Papercuts

New Years Day- Half Black Heart

Bad Omens- If I’m There

Bad Omens- Limits

Sleep Theory- Stuck In My Head

Point North- Recover

Line So Thin- Prey

Fame On Fire- Suicide (The Lovers)

Sleep Token- Emergence

Phix- Save Me

Icon For Hire- Blindside

Tommee Profitt Ft. Wondra- I’m Not Afraid

Unsecret Ft. Ruelle- Revolution

UNSECRET Ft. KRIGARÈ- Vendetta

UNSECRET Ft. Fleurie- Be A Witness

Pop Evil- Overkill

I Prevail- Bad Things

Archetypes Collide- Ghost

Point North- Recover

Wage War- Hellbent

Nerv- Low

From Ashes to New- Through It All

Sleep Theory- Fall Out

Bad Omens- Take Me First

Papa Roach- Falling Apart

Motionless In White- Masterpiece

Line So Thin- Done With Everything

Archetypes Collide – Parasite

Unsecrett Ft. KRIGARÈ– Vendetta

Ekoh- Coffin Made For 2

Against The Current- Weapon

Against The Current- They Won’t Save us (Acoustic Version)

Nate Vickers- Parasite

Bad Valentine- I Am A Mess

Dark Cloud- Before It Even Begins

From Ashes to New- Forgotten

Pop Evil- breathe Again

From Ashes to New ft. Chrissy from Against The Current- Barely Breathing

Dark Cloud- Tears Fall Anyway

Memphis May Fire- The Fight Within

Bad Valentine- What Does Happiness Mean To You?

Dark Cloud- Beneath The Surface

Dark Cloud- In Every Word

Kami Kehoe Ft. Ekoh Ft. Colorblind- Safehouse

Sum 41- Radio Silence

Stay - The Kid LAROI, Justin Bieber (Rock Cover) Fame on Fire

Ekoh Ft. Nate Vickers- Hurt Myself

Dayseeker- Without Me

From Ashes to New- Heartache

Papa Roach- Falling Apart

Daughtry- Pieces

Black Veil Brides- Bleeders

Starset- Ricochet

Bad Valentine- Look Within

Bad Valentine- Thoughts Laid Bare

Motionless In White- Werewolf

Motionless In White Ft. Kerli- Another Life

Yungblud- I Was Made For Lovin’ You

Through Fire- Breathe

Dark Cloud- Stories

Written By Wolves- To Tell You The Truth

Fame On Fire- Not Dead Yet

Fame On Fire- Not Dead Yet- (Acoustic)

Bad Valentine- Be Kind To Yourself

Dark Cloud- Bereft

Dark Cloud- More Than This

Take The Day- Song For The Broken

Icon For Hire- Get Well II

Dark Cloud- Flowers By My Grave

As December Falls- Fall Apart

Through Fire- Breathe (Extended Version)

Dark Cloud- Serenity

Oasis- Wonderwall

Breaking Benjamin- Breath

Dark Cloud- Cherophobia

Dark Cloud- Reality

Dead By April- Parasite

Fame On Fire Ft. Spencer Charnas of Nine Ice Killers- Welcome to the Chaos

Rain City Drive- Concrete Closure

Dark Cloud- Find Myself

Dark Cloud- Silent Plea

Dark Cloud- I Wish

Dark Cloud- Defy Our Fate

Dark Cloud- Rise Again

Dark Cloud- No Regret

Dark Cloud- Cold and Grey

Dark Cloud- Every Choice I Make

Dark Cloud- When Things Were Good

Dark Cloud- Too Much To Ask

Dark Cloud- In The Ashes

Dark Cloud- Dream With You

Dark Cloud- Autumn Leaves

Dark Cloud- Your Eyes

Dark Cloud- My Delusion

Dark Cloud- Trapped In Winter

Dark Cloud- My Fault

Silent Theory- Burn It All Down

From Ashes to New- Legacy

Breaking Benjamin- Awaken

Villain of the Story- Losing Control

Motionless In White- Werewolf

Fame On Fire- Spiral: Justice

Catch Your Breath- Shame On Me

Dark Cloud- It’s Okay

Smash Into Pieces Ft. Elize Ryd- Paradise

Silos Ft. Danny Case of From Ashes to New- If I Fall

Fame on Fire- I’m Fine

Bad Wolves Ft. Chris Daughtry- Hungry For Life

Simple Plan Ft. Jax- Iconic

Papa Roach- Falling Apart

Bad Wolves Ft. Diamante- Hear Me Now

Diamante- Ghost Myself

Dayseeker ft. Seneca Burial Plot (Reimagined)

Silos Ft. Danny Case of From Ashes to New- If I Fall

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Also by Alandra Hensley

A Hallowed Sins Novel

Silent Notes

A Wrestling Gaming Series

Nerd Like Me

Nerd Likes Rewrites

Nerd Likes Him

Nerd Like Us

Nerds Like Them

Nerd Likes Love

The Clash Series

First Strung

Second Strung

Third Strung

Fourth Strung

Fifth Strung

Sixth Strung

About the Author

Alandra Hensley is the Sports Fiction Romance author of A Wrestling Gaming Series. She lives in Colorado and works on her books full time.