Devour: The Chrysalis and The Snake

Survival of the Fittest

“This has to work.” I sighed heavily as I opened my shoe box. I sat in a random park by a random lake as I pulled my protection necklace out of the folder socks. I held it in front of my face having since grown out of it. “I may still need you.” I put it on holding the pendant in my palm. Leaves blew as the wind began picking up. “Show him to me. Show him to me.” I desperately ordered the pendant trying to squeeze as much left over power out as I could. The winds grew more aggressive as did my chanting. I could tell I was practically screaming over the whistling and howling while rocking back and forth. Eventually, everything came to an abrupt stop. I cautiously reached into my boot gripping my hidden knife as I looked around. I froze before turning all the way around when I felt a presence. My mothers’ presence. “Lily..” I heard her approaching me and I held out the knife. “I don’t want you. I don’t want another pep talk or prophecy. I told you to never talk to me again.” It took everything in my body not to run into her arms. “I know. I just can’t stand to see you destroy yourself again. There’s so much more we-” “SHUT UP! THERE IS NO ‘WE’!” I regretfully chucked the knife at her, but she was too smart for that. The knife phased through her stabbing into a tree. I let out a laugh that was more angry than joyous. “This isn’t happening right now.” I fell to my knees burying myself in them. “Your anger.. is perfectly okay my love.” She kneeled down holding her arms out and I collapsed in them pitifully. “I just want it all to stop. All of it. I don’t want this anymore.” I looked up to her. My vision was watery and throat hoarse. “You can stop it. You always do.” She explained as we swayed soothingly. “There was a story. Of a woman who had the whole world fighting against her. The only thing that could save her was so out of reach, she devised a plan to get it. She used the act of falsely loving another to protect her from the dangers surrounding her. In the end, she got what she wanted, and was never harmed.” She stopped holding me as she took my face. “Sometimes, a love that feels real, but isn’t, is what we need to get us to our true love. With Matthew gone, you have no choice.” Even though I hated her, her embrace and talks truly felt like home. “I can’t go back to Tyler. He’s happier without me.” I sat up, “Oh, not him..Jack.” She smiled blissfully as I faced her. “Jack? I don’t even know him. You’ve still been spying on me?!” I exclaimed. She took my hand placing it in her lap. “Unfortunately, I never stopped. You’re my daughter and I’d do anything to protect you.” She looked embarrassed. I jumped up, “No, you want to protect what I’ll become. Not me as a person.” I sternly pointed my finger in her face. “Lily. If you allow yourself to lose your powers, lose yourself, you will die. Matthew needs you.” She went back to that ethereal demeanor which annoyed me. “If you need this so bad why don’t you go find him. Why can’t you bring him to me? Huh? Bring him back to me?!” He eyes were flooded once more and she took my shoulders. “I would, but what’s a journey without the trip?” She was cryptic and I couldn’t take it. “See! Everything is a riddled fairytale for you. I never wanted this! I just.. can’t take it.” I pulled at my hair. “That’s why you need Jack. His love for you is dormant. You need to release it for your own survival. Once you find Matthew you can wipe his memory like you know how. He’ll be fine.” She pleaded and I looked to her with understanding. “So you want me to use him for my powers? That’s what you’re saying, right?” I crossed my arms. She shrugged, “Consider it essential for your survival and nothing else.” Within a blink she was gone. I probably looked like a mad man talking knowing she wasn’t physically here. I stood awkwardly in the park and began gathering my things.

—

It was practically pouring by the time I made it to Jack’s house. There were multiple points during my walk where I turned myself around only to steer myself back. “Don’t use your powers.” I warned myself as to not potentially ruin the plan. I approached his from door knocking on it with a little forced desperation. I saw Jack peek out his window, then he quickly unlocked the door. “Lily?Did you walk here in the rain?” He pulled me in as I shivered. “M-m-my car broke down. I was in trouble and didn’t know where else to go.” I explained feeling a sudden excited rush come over me. He took me into his arms, “You should have walked to the gas station, it’s much closer.” He scolded me while also sitting me down in a wooden chair. He ran to the closet grabbing a towel. “Here.” He placed it over my shoulders. “Don’t tell me this was another ‘attempt’?” He sounded stressed as he began whipping up a cup of tea. I shook my head even though he wasn’t looking at me, “More like a me being dumb and running to you for help.” I looked down to my feet really contemplating if was I was doing was right. “Well, these random invites shouldn’t become a recurring thing. Not that I don’t love your company.” He handed me the hot cup and my fingers felt like pins and needles. I slowly sipped as he comfortingly rubbed my back. “So you’re gonna give me details or do I need to threaten you with a call to 911 again?” He smirked but I could sense his abhorrent seriousness. “My mother reached out to me after finding out about the accident.” I thought it best to add some truth to my lie, “We argued, I ran away. That wouldn’t have been the issue if I didn’t crash my car into a ravine. It was already totaled anyway..” I sipped frequently to hide my untruthfulness. He let out a pained sigh, “Sounds like I need to keep you strapped to my hip.” He got up. “No! It wasn’t like that it was an accident.” I defended myself standing up too. He sat me back down quickly assuming I had minor injuries. “Just try to stay calm until we figure out what to do.” He held it hands up defensively, and I felt my plan falling apart by the second.

—

“I can get you a hotel room a few blocks away.” Jack grabbed his keys. “It’s cheaper than a cab since you live so far away.” He took the empty cup sitting it on the counter as I thought of my next move. “What if I..” I tried making something up, but I could tell he was over it, “We’ll talk at the hotel. I’m not sleeping on the floor again, at least I’ll have a sofa this time.” He scratched his head in a stretch. “Maybe you don’t have to.” I approached him in the doorway now honing in on my confidence in the plan. “What, sleep on the couch?” He leaned again the frame. I looked down before moving my hair behind my ears. “What if I said..I didn’t want to go.” I looked up to him as the draft gave us both chills. He paused for a while staring intensely at me. “I don’t mean ‘go’ as in leaving to the hotel.” I walked back over to his living room taking off my damped cardigan. “I mean I ‘don’t’ wanna leave you. Like ever.” I still looked down giving a few doe eyed glances. He looked conflicted, but closed the front door as he bit his lip. “Where, uh, where is this coming from?” He put his hands on his hips now nervously scratching his head. “Do you need an answer?” I faced him fully. Part of me expected and wanted him to lean in for a kiss, but he was solid. “Call it survivor’s lust. I know you feel something. With us.” I leaned in further as he looked away. “Lily..” he dove onto the couch in heap. “I don’t think you’re being rational.” He was immensely nervous as I plopped next to him. “What do you mean? I’m thinking the clearest I have in a while.” I placed my hand on his leg. “I know, I just think you’re having a hard time processing your emotions right now. You said you crashed your car? How was that clear thinking?” He shifted away which discouraged me. I thought this would be easy. “I get it. You don’t want it, cause you don’t like me.” I pouted sitting back. “No! I do like you!” He blurted, and that was the first time I saw him blush. “I just don’t think you actually like me. You just want me because I saved your life and now you’re in distress again wanting ‘me’ to save you.” Now he was practically pouting, but he was right I only wanted him to save myself. I took his hand placing it on top of mine which was back on his thigh, “Even if that were true, I’ve never felt more alive than in this moment. Right here right now.” I pulled into his hurt eyes. What am I doing? The tension made time stand still as we met our lips. A rush came over m,e but I contained myself breaking the kiss slightly early. I want him to want me. I grazed my fingers subtly across his belt not wanting to be obvious. He took my hand moving it back as he went in for another kiss. Success. I brushed my body over his as I assumed a position between his legs. I briskly undid his pants and could feel his rapid heartbeat through his entire body. I looked him in the eye once more before pulling his already hard c**k out. My mouth watered with anticipation and I lean forward. The familiar taste of salty warm skin covered my tongue as I began slowly licking and sucking. I could feel his legs slightly clench my shoulders as he braced himself gripping the couch cover. His breathing picked up as I began bobbing. As soon as his pre-c*m touched my taste buds, I was some how picked up and laid on the couch in a matter of seconds. Drool spilled down my chin as he stuck his tongue down my throat. It felt like he wanted to rip it out as his tongue fought mine. His hand hooked into my shorts and panties pulling them down with minimal effort. I kicked them off and could already feel the heat between our crotches. I tried my hardest not to tense up as the kiss broke. He gave me a stare waiting for proper consent. I nodded as I bit the inside of my cheek. I looked down at his c**k as it stared my hole down, and now I really was fighting the urge to tense up. I laid fully back and he leaned forward as he slowly inserted himself. There wasn’t much of a slow start and my lower abdomen crunched from the deep pressure.

Beads of sweat fell down my face as he pumped into me faster and faster. The first times always feel like eels running over my body, but in the best way imaginable. I kept my hands to myself not wanting to accidentally read him in the moment. “Shit..” he was cursing as he squinted his eyes. “Don’t not yet.” I grabbed his shirt not wanting him to finished just yet. My legs were almost to my knees as he used the back of them for leverage. My back then arched and that was enough confirmation for him to finally c*m. He pulled out kneeling back and my legs flopped down. The was brief moment of heavy breathing and shaking as our orgasms eventually subsided.

—

The morning was silent as we ate an All American breakfast. I felt like I could eat a horse after last night, but it was mainly my craving for Jack still being active. I could tell he was in deep thought and he barely finished up his plate. I was about to say something, but he beat me to it. “I didn’t know your real name was Lilianna.” He looked up pointing to my bag. “Oh so you went through my stuff?” I crossed my arms with a grin. He looked over to it, “Your phone’s dead. I wanted to contact your parents or someone important in case you were actually missing. Then I saw your ID.” He was honest making him seem even more like the perfect guy. “Well, is your real name Jack? Jackson? Jacques?” I asked which surprisingly turned him off. He dropped his fork before leaning back, “It’s been three days and so far; I know you were married, had a miscarriage, got into a car accident, have a rocky relationship with your mom, and that you sleep with your head under your pillow.” He was sincere leaning back forward. “Yet, you don’t really know anything about me.” His eyes shifted as he scoffed. I felt like s**t having f****d a guy without knowing a thing about him other than him being a life saver who can cook. I looked down to my palm contemplating if I wanted to read him. No, this love needs to be as natural as possible. “You’re right. I’ll print out a questionnaire next time.” I matched his humor and he gave me a little chuckle. I got up from the table as his phone rang. I took the plates tossing the food in the trash and them in the sink. “I’m kinda busy for the day. Do you want me to just come in tomorrow. I might be able to stop by later tonight, it’s just, I have company.” I could feel him turn around looking at me. “Yeah..I understand.” He sounded slightly stressed as he hung up. “Guess the first question I should ask is, what do you do for work?” I turned around leaning against the counter. He didn’t respond as he got up walking to the coat closet. “Why don’t I show you?” He grabbed his keys tossing my now dried cardigan and a car charger to me. I shrugged not thinking much of the request.

—

We had been driving for about an hour occasionally having the classic ‘what’s your favorite color, food, movie, tv show’ conversation. I was relieved having improved our relationship from horny-dysfunctional acquaintances to a small fling. “We’re almost there.” He tightened his grip on the steering wheel and I was slightly concerned. “This job of yours. What is it?” I inquired realizing there may be a part of him I didn’t consider. He glanced over before sighing. “If it’s much of a hint. That house I’m living in? Is only temporary until I’m ‘relocated’.” He was ambiguous which alarmed me. “Like the military?” I tried being optimistic, but the urge to read his mind was eating at me. He chuckled to myself before nodding, “Yeah..kinda like the military..or the marines.” He turned onto a long dirt road and I shifted in my seat as I tried being prepared. I knew I could protect myself against things going ‘wrong’, but a woman’s fear is never not genuine. We approached a mansion with various men in suits posted around. He nodded to a guy and I looked over noticing a lump in his side. I decided to say f**k it and reach over to his hand, but he was already parked and out of the driver seat. He quickly came around letting me out. “Don’t greet them. Just follow me.” He put his arm around my covered shoulder as we walked up the large marble porch. The two men posted in front automatically opened the doors for us. We entered the foyers as three men stood lined up with one another. The man in the middle opened his arms with a warm welcome. “Jackie boy!” Their shaken hands melting it into a hug. “Michael.” He gave an admirable smile, and I assumed they haven’t seen each other in some time. I awkwardly stood as they talked amongst themselves. I cleared my throat and Jack turned to me. “Oh. This is Lily.” He took my hand presenting me, “She’s..” he paused not sure if he should refer to me as his girlfriend or not. “I’m his fiancé.”I twisted my hips and he looked petrified. There was a long pause, and I felt slightly embarrassed, “I’m joking!” I chuckled and they let out a collective sigh of relief followed with a laugh. Jack brushed his thumb over my chin playfully with a little aggression. “Nice to meet you Michael.” I held my hand out and he it took with both hands. Although it was a brief handshake, I felt like I’ve consciously seen him somewhere. “Um, have we met before?” I couldn’t help but I ask, but I also knew such a question could inadvertently put me at risk. He didn’t give a confused look as his fixed his tie, “I’m sure a pretty lady like you caught my eye at a restaurant, store, or..somewhere.” He quickly sized me up and I stepped back to Jack’s side. “So. Shall we talk? Your fiancé, girlfriend, or friend can wait in the entertainment room.” He pointed us to a fancy room off to the side. Jack rubbed my back as he motioned his head to the room. I slid my hand into his needing some type of clear answer. Our eye contact was brief as I visually saw flashes of brief cases, money, and a man that looked like someone out of The Godfather. ‘What have you gotten yourself into Lily’ I turned walking to the room as I held myself. A suited man accompanied me as I entered the room. A pool table stood center with a self serving bar, and flat screen hanging up. I sat down on the hard leather couch pulling out my phone. My heart skipped as the picture of me and Matthew popped up. I quickly changed it not only wanting to be reminded, but to also not give Jack any strife if he saw it. I went through my contacts before finding Linda’s name. My finger hovered over the call button, but I eventually chickened out. “Phone calls aren’t allowed.” The man spoke with a deep voice causing me to jump. I put my phone back in my pocket taking the remote and turning the tv on. I clicked through the channels only seeing the news until I settled on a vintage movie channel. Thankfully vintage films were my favorite. I took one of the chocolates on the coffee table as I made myself comfortable. ‘This isn’t terrible’ I thought as Goldfinger was in the middle of its climax. I looked over to the apparent ‘guard’ sliding to the end of the couch towards him. “How long have you worked here?” I asked tossing the chocolate in my mouth. He didn’t respond staring forward and I compelled him with a glance of encouragement. He relaxed his shoulders acknowledging me. “Since I was 16 ma’am.” He answered going back into his blank stare. I was taken aback. “What do ‘they’ do here?” I pressed and I could feel him subconsciously fighting me. I got up frustrated standing directly in front of him. I crossed my arms turning my powers up to ten. “What goes in here?” I lowered my tone. His neck pulsed as he looked down at me. “Nothing the government doesn’t do behind closed doors. Too many questions from non-members are punishable.” His truthfulness frightened me and don’t think he truly knew himself. I looked down to see the handle of a gun sticking out. I stepped back walking over to the bar.

I poured myself a mixture of ginger ale and brandy. I felt too in over my head for compelling the guard. Some time passed and Jack came into the room reliving the guard simultaneously. “Is it time to go?” I cleaned the now empty glass before putting it back. He looked a little worried as he came to my side, “They..want to see you. It’s customary whenever your bring a plus one.” He quietly explained moving my hair out my face. I put my hand on my hip wanting real answers. “What is this?” I looked fearful and he took my shoulder, “It’s perfectly fine. Nothing bad’s gonna happen.” He reassured.

—

I followed him up a spiral staircase to the third floor. There were dozens more armed men and I kept my head down from the intimidation. We came to two giant leather covered doors with no handles. Jack ran his thumb over my palm comfortingly. The doors opened on command and my vision of that godfather figure was now reality. Our eyes immediately locked as he sat at a large desk with his hands clasped. I looked to Jack who was still holding my hand. “So this is Lily.” The way he said my name was almost like an insult. He stared at me intensely before suddenly shifting his mood. “Well. Should I be saying mazel tov?” He leaned back swiveling in his chair. “No, it’s not like that.” Jack answered and he snapped his neck, “I was asking the young lady.” His eyes spoke a thousand words and Jack submitted. I was scared to speak, but all eyes were on me. “We’re not engaged or anything. Kinda just seeing each other right now.” I rubbed the back of my neck thinking how I did I get here. He nodded understandably, “Just don’t go breaking my boys heart. He’s quite a passionate lover. ‘If’ you don’t already know.” He got up from his chair. “Trust me, I know.” I impulsively responded back without realizing making Jack and I both blush. “I’m sure you’re probably wondering what all ‘this’ is.” He approached us with his hands behind his back. “I have few ideas.” My coy-ness was natural as his presence scared the life out of me and I didn’t even need to read him. “Jack, Mikey, and I are business men. We take our jobs extremely serious in ensuring our clients are very happy with our services.” He held my shoulders and chills went down my spine. Jack was, in fact, still holding my hand which eventually stopped once he gave him a side-eye. He looked back to me, “Now you seem like a lovely and respectable girls. All I ask of you, is to honor your lover boy and my men here and not speak of this day to anyone. That also applies to any days like this in the future. Not even a gossip with your girlfriend friends at the nail salon. Understand?” He was smiling the entire time and I felt gross as he held me. “Understood.” I stepped back holding my hands center to me. A man came up with an envelope. He took it then began folding it and slapping it on his hand before then handing it to me. “Let him take you so Saks. I won’t kick you for not following the dress code. Blame this bloak right here.” He slapped Jacks shoulder and I held the obvious stack of cash in my hand. ‘Maybe this reaaaaally isn’t that bad’ I couldn’t help but smile as we were turned around. “So..” he let out a hefty breath, “Lunch on me?” He cheered as a man with a large brief case lead us all out of the office.

~~~~~