Page 25 of Virgil's Demons

Saddle chuckled, though his expression was more resigned than amused. "You know it's never that simple. They get a wild idea, and suddenly we're knee-deep in decorations and suburban moms bringing their kids around."

Bulldog shook his head. "It's not up for debate. This shit's happening whether we like it or not. And yeah, I know it sounds like a nightmare, but it's for a good cause. Aiyana lined up this charity thing with a special needs school that Harmony's involved in.

"It's not unheard of. And besides, we're not fucking animals. The Scorpions can hold that goddamn title. So let's just get over it and figure this shit out. That'll keep the heat off our backs for a while."

Hart crossed his arms, his tone skeptical. "What about the clubhouse? There's stuff in there we can't have wandering eyes on. I don't like outsiders around our weapons and product, Prez."

"That's handled," Bulldog said. "We're sealing off the areas we don't want anyone near. Prospects will watch over it, make sure no one crosses into those parts. We can open up the rest of the property for the event."

The others exchanged glances. There was some tension in the air, but Bulldog wasn't giving them any room to argue. The Old Ladies had spoken, and it was clear this wasn't up for negotiation.

Hart's eyes flicked to me. "What do you think, Virgil? You up for playing haunted house decorator instead of hunting demons?"

I crossed my arms, still not sure what this had to do with me.

Halloween?

Community events?

That wasn't exactly what I had signed up for.

Before I could answer, Siege, our Road Captain, approached with a smirk, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "I'd say he can keep his title. These Old Ladies are the real demons in this situation."

I shrugged. "I'll stick with demons. Not really into the Halloween gig."

Bulldog's eyes narrowed. "We all pull our weight here, Chaplain. You'll help, and you'll do it with a smile on your face if it means keeping the peace. Got it?"

"Yeah, yeah," Brimstone muttered. "We get it, Prez. Just keep the damn glitter away from me."

The others chuckled, but I stayed quiet, my mind already wandering. I wasn't in the mood for banter, and truth be told, my thoughts were far from this haunted house nonsense.

They were onher.

Barythaya.

Her pretty face kept flickering in my mind, the way she'd looked at me when I had walked away that day. As if I'd torn her heart out. I could still feel her soft touch as she worked the needle into my skin, the scent of her—intoxicating, like some kind of drug I couldn't shake. I tried to push it down, but it was no use. She had a hold on me, and it was getting harder and harder to ignore.

It had been weeks since I last saw her. I'd watched over her that night at the hospital, and then I'd left and never did return. I was afraid Death would come back for her as promised, but it had left us alone, for now.

She got back on her feet in a few days and moved in with her friend Ray, which was a good thing. I'd been watching her too. Stalking her, really, but I couldn't help it. I felt bad leaving her, and I couldn't stay away.

I made sure she was safe. That she got to work safely, that she fell asleep in a warm bed every night, that she didn't hurt herselfagain. Because I'd be there for her this time. I wouldn't allow it to happen again.

I'd sometimes watch as her nightmares took over. I knew there was something more she wasn't telling me. And I desperately wanted to wake her those nights, tell her I was there for her, but I didn't dare. I kept away, afraid my demons would come back to haunt her again.

But each day that passed, the urge to get closer grew stronger. I wanted to protect her, to be near her, but something inside warned me against it. We both knew I wasn't good for her.

"You're zoning out again," Hart's voice cut through my thoughts. "Got something on your mind?"

Before I could respond, Brimstone smirked. "Or someone?"

I shot him a glare, but Brimstone wasn't one to let up. "It's that tattoo chick, isn't it? Barythaya? Don't tell me you got all twisted up over some ink?"

Saddle chuckled, joining in on the ribbing. "Never thought I'd see the day when Virgil, the stoic hunter, got tripped up over a woman."

I gritted my teeth, my jaw tight. They were pushing, but I wasn't about to break. I wasn't used to this kind of teasing, wasn't used to people prying into my life. I kept my cards close. Always had. But they weren't wrong—Barythaya had gotten under my skin in more ways than one.

"She's different," I muttered, the words barely escaping my lips.

---