Page 199 of Evil Hearts

“Zenith.” The sound of my name brings me back to reality. I turn my attention to Octavius as he opens up the back of the hearse and exposes one of the cutest little setups. String lights have been hung on the sides and where the casket would go is filled with pillows and blankets.

“Oh wow.” My heart breaks a little over all the shit that has been going through my head. Octavius doesn’t deserve this because of what he is. It’s horrible of me.

“I also have a picnic basket filled with some treats,” he says as he crawls into the back. He pulls a basket from under one of the larger pillows and sets it beside him as he settles in. Leaning back against the pillows, he looks calm and happy though he isn’t smiling.

Hesitantly, I climb into the back with him, folding my legs under my butt to conserve a bit of space before taking a better look around.

Those 3-D glow-in-the-dark star stickers every living being seemed to have as a kid are stuck all over the place, some in constellations and others in random little smatterings. There are knicks and scuffs telling a story of a well-used and loved vehicle.

“I would love to know more about you, Zenith. It is rare that a creature such as myself would have such a pure-hearted and sensual soulmate.”

“Soulmate?” I ask with a little laugh as I flick open the basket and pull out the baguette and jams that Octavius brought. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I didn’t know monsters were into all of that mysticism stuff.”

Octavius gives a subtle shake of his head, sending his long white-blond hair into his handsome, sallow face.

“Most are not, but soulmates are another matter entirely. To deny them is to deny that we each have a soul.” He presses a hand to his chest before pointing to mine.

“So you’re saying our souls wanna get freaky or something?” I ask with a nervous laugh.

He smiles, just the slightest upturn of his lips. “Not exactly. Your soul and mine are made to complement one another, even if I give you these ‘creeps’,” he says, and he wiggles his fingers a bit.

The splash of humor has a genuine laugh floating from me. “Ok, wow, did not expect that...is it just us or...” He seems to catch my drift and nods.

“Dante and Leander are also your soulmates. Did you not receive the summons?” he asks, perplexity making his accent thicker.

“Uh...no. Were you guys summoned to the dating show?” My jaw drops, and I quickly break off a hunk of bread to shove into my mouth. I resist the urge to moan at the flavor and texture of the baguette. Damn him and his hot accent and sexy bread. It’s not fair; I’m only so strong.

“It was not always such a....loud production. There was once just a ball and some dancing,” he says coolly. “It is up to the soulmates if they want to engage. To listen to the pull to be with one another.”

I swallow my mouthful of bread with a cough. “Balls you say?”

Octavius nods. “Formal affairs.”

“I know what balls are, those just aren’t the ones I like best,” I say with an eye roll.

“Innuendo then?”

“Exactly,” I say, snatching up the baguette again and ripping off another piece. I grab one of the little jars of jam and dump some of the sticky red goodness on.

“I find myself aroused by you eating.”

I almost choke as I swallow the too big bite. ‘Wow, way to ease into it there.” I giggle. “Despite how much you creep me out, I am definitely sporting a bit of a lady boner for you too.”

“You have an erection? Would you like me to rid you of it?” His words are nearly a purr.

My head swims as I nod.

“Then it is time for my meal.”

Night Three

Octavius

Iam over onethousand years old and have never been intimate with another person, but those words flow off my lips easily. Zenith looks good enough to eat. Her bright soul flashes in delicate pinks and sunny yellows as she fluctuates through a spectrum of emotions since I’ve laid eyes on her again.

Her nerves are understandable, expected even. There are few of my kind lurking among the living. She has never before felt the presence of a monster who eats and destroys souls. I can’t hold that against her. I am against the natural order, an abomination. Yet her soul, so bright and cheerful, has chosen to keep company with my own.

Zenith blinks at me like I’ve spoken a dead tongue instead of modern English. I pause.

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