6. Chapter 6
E den stood in front of the mirror in her closet, eyes drifting over the uncomfortable outfit Bastien had suggested. She fiddled with the bottom edge of the tight light leather skirt and attempted to pull it down in hopes for more cover. A discarded pair of tights lay on the edge of her bed as she found the skirt kept riding up with every step. Damnnit Bas, why does it have to be a party? How the hell am I supposed to kill the girlfriend if I can’t even move?
Rolling her eyes, she turned to the mirror. The gold satin crop top was only held on by a loop one either side of her rips and two strings from the very top. Eden was grateful for the jacket she would be borrowing. As she moved, the small metal beaded fringe brushed along her sides. Her long straight hair fell over her shoulders to the bottom of her ribcage. Eden started to pull into her regular ponytail but before she could wrap the hair tie around it, she heard Bastien complaining already. Let your hair down, it’s a party, Eden. With a sigh, she let it fall and turned away from her reflection.
She made her way out of her dorm and down the stairs. A few people were still getting ready to head out for the party. She nodded to a small group standing in the common area before she went out the front door. Almost immediately, she regretted her outfit even more as the cold wind bit at her. Her eyes scanned the grounds as she waited for Bastien. It was only a few minutes until he appeared from the long path that connected the two houses. His eyes traveled up and down her outfit as he approached. Bastien made his way up a few stairs to the porch, holding out his jacket to her.
“Looks like you are going to actually need this, a little cool to be dressed like that.”
Eden snatched it from his hand and wrapped it around herself, glaring. “Don’t even start with me- You told me to wear this.”
“Take a joke for once, Eden. You look great.” He rolled his eyes, turning back towards the steps. “Come on, half of Kappa is already there.
With an exaggerated sigh, she followed him onto the grounds. The grass and path were illuminated by the light of the full moon, the trees by the lights from the main building. The two made their way to the school’s large iron gates. Thankfully, they were left open for the members that would be going to the yearly party. The chains that held them open rattled in the wind.
Bastien rambled about his housemates the entire way. Quietly, he fed her more information he seemed to deem useful about the others around campus. Eden was only half listening as she went over all the ways she could get Rue completely alone. She trusted that after it was done, she would be able to find him so they could leave. I don’t really feel like being here longer than I have to be. Then the very probable possibility that she would run into Lennox slammed to the forefront of her mind. She hadn’t seen her since Eloise told her the truth. Dread and anger filled her as she saw the demon’s annoying smile in her mind’s eye. She’s so happy here, it’s like none of it even happened.
“What do you think?” Bastien asked her, breaking her from her thoughts.
“You should definitely avoid them.”
“I should avoid all my classes and kill every demon in the school? Definitely not. I knew you weren’t listening.” He elbowed her in the side.
“Okay- I wasn’t. What did you say?”
“I said, I’ve been keeping a close eye on the head of Kappa, Aron. I think there’s something there we can eventually use when Eloise sends us after them.”
“Oh? What do you think that would be?” she asked.
“His heart, he’s a good guy to the others. He cares too much already and that’ll be his downfall. I heard him complaining to one of his buddies about Lennox though he seems to care about her. I also heard Donnie and Lennox talking about Aron as well. If there’s two things those two can agree on, it’s their dislike for each other and the fact they wouldn’t let anyone else be harmed, including each other.” he smiled, proudly. “Besides there's just something about him that screams I have a secret. He’s almost too carefree.”
Thinking for a moment, she nodded in agreement. “That’s good, we could use that. Just have to find out more about his past.”
They stopped talking when they made their way toward Club Crossroads. The lights in the bar and dancing area were off and colorful flashing lights illuminated most of it. Thankfully, the music wasn’t blasting yet, she could still hear herself think. Eden’s eyes drifted around to see who was there. Bastien was right, a lot of Kappa Theta guys had already arrived and started drinking. Over the music she caught the sound of Lennox’s voice causing all of her attention to snap to where the annoyingly bright pink-haired demon stood. You really know how to stick out in a crowd.
Lennox stood beside Rue. The couple was in a group of two others, a man with a red bandana and a deep red-headed demon with curled horns. Her eyes followed the markings on her face. A set of black X’s under the outer corners of her eyes gave her away as a Crossroads Demon. She didn’t recognize her but she did know who the first demon was. Aron, Felix Toll’s replacement. How bold to take on the job of someone who was just killed. Without saying anything, Bastien started making his way toward the group. A bright smile across his face, his usual facade, Eden following close behind.
“Hey, guys! The party can start now that I’m here!” He said cheerfully over the music.
Aron’s attention turned from the group and his face lit up, “Hey! Good, this party was getting a bit dull. What’s your poison?”
“A double shot of Tequila and a cranberry vodka for Eden.”
“You got it,” he turned to the bartender.
Using the moment of distraction she scanned the small group until Eden’s eyes were locked on her target. Lennox and Rue were chatting in each other’s ears with drinks in their hands. Seeing Lennox caused her stomach to twist. Talking to the demon would be different from every time they had spoken. Now that she knew who she was and what she had done, the hunter had to hold herself back from immediately taking her to the basement. Enjoy your last year here.
It only took Lennox a few seconds to notice her. “Glad to see you here.”
“Thanks- it’s not really my scene, but my cousin insisted.” She shrugged.
“Well, we will make sure it's a good time. You guys got here at a good time, don’t have to fight for any drinks yet.” Rue smiled.
“Oh, it’s already a good time,” the vaguely familiar red-haired demon said. The biggest smirk Eden had ever seen appeared on the demon’s face as she looked at Lennox. “Especially with, what did you call her, Aron? Lenny-boo?”
She decided to watch closely at whatever was going on between this girl and Lennox. Even though she didn't know her name, she did look almost identical to her housemate, Donnie. They even had the same horns and similar markings with the classic tilted crosses on their cheekbones. Eloise just had to claim the school with the only Crossroads program. Seeing the look on her birth mother’s face was all the confirmation she needed. They had a history.
“Lenny-boo, Leonard, two of my favorites so far.” Aron smiled at the woman.
“Maybe you could actually learn my name.” Lennox shot back.
“Oh, but this is just so much more fun. Especially when it seems to piss you off so much.” He nudged her and turned to the redhead. “I like you, what did you say your name was?”
“Bane, Val Bane,” she held out her hand and took a step closer to him.
“Well, Bane- I think we are gonna have quite the night.”
Lennox had a disgusted look on her face and went to speak but was cut off by Rue, “Oh look, more drinks are here!”
Rue turned and took the drinks from the bar and handed them to Bastien and Eden. She had been fully absorbed in the conversation between Aron and Val while Lennox watched them from the corner of her eyes. I wonder what’s going on with these two? She nodded in thanks as a drink was handed to her. Aron took Val’s hand, talking in her ear.
“So, Eden. How was your first day of classes?” Rue asked her over the music.
“Actually quite normal, until my last class.” She entertained the conversation, deciding she could lure her away at some point by acting friendly.
“What happened during your final class?”
“Well, this guy decided I was his next Rapunzel.” Eden told her.
“Rapunzel! Rapunzel! Let down your long hair!” A familiar voice yelled behind her.
An unexpected hand was suddenly wrapped around her shoulder. As soon as she felt it, Eden turned into whoever had appeared. In one movement, her hand clenched into a low fist aiming for the person’s stomach out of reflex. Without missing a beat, Wyatt’s free hand stopped hers. His fingers wrapped around her first, holding it tight enough to hide the action. Her gaze shot up to him. Wyatt hadn’t even broken his jester-like demeanor as the storm locked with her narrowed eyes. A smile plastered to his face, Wyatt held her there for a moment before he leaned down.
The music gradually became louder but seemed to drift into the background as a look of surprise filled her eyes. Something fluttered deep inside Eden. Only for a moment, she was frozen to the spot as she forced herself to not get lost in the way he was looking at her. Get your shit together. He’s only a soul snatcher, annoying too.
His expression softened contrasting with the rasp in his voice as he held her there, “Something wrong, my Little Viper?”
“Absolutely nothing.” She pulled her hand back from under his rose tattoo, shifting so he had to remove his hand from her shoulder.
“You’re looking quite lovely tonight. I didn’t know you liked leather.” He teased, running a hand through his hair. “I thought you weren’t into parties?”
“I don’t- Bastien dragged me out.”
“Well, in that case, I guess I’ll enjoy your company while you’re here.” Wyatt smirked at her, confident from their little moment. “Let me grab a drink to keep up with you.”
He stepped past Eden to order a drink from the bar as well. Rolling her eyes, she turned back to the group just in time to see Aron taking Val by the hand away with a wave. It didn’t seem like anyone had noticed their little exchange. Until her eyes fell on Bastien who had a devious look plastered on his face. She knew the look well. It would appear whenever he wanted to encourage her to do something she shouldn’t. Dammit, Bas, it’s not what you think.
The others were watching the pair make their way out and an almost angry look drifted into Lennox’s eyes. Another demon soon replaced the two that left for the night. This one was slightly taller than Lennox when she stood beside her. Lennox peered over at the girl and her anger slowly faded away into an exasperated look. After watching the many members of Omega House, she knew Lennox and the demon, Rosalyn were best friends. They had been for decades since being locked up together in Hell according to Donnie when she asked last year.
“Here all of ten minutes and he can’t wait to get out of here?” Lennox said so quietly, Eden almost missed it.
“Come on girl, ignore him! He’ll catch up in no time.” Rosalyn lifted her drink to Lennox.
“He’s just having a bit of fun, Nox.” Wyatt commented with a smirk after ordering a few more shots for the group. “Loosen up, even though I know how hard that is for you. We are in college after all!”
Bastien stepped beside Eden as Wyatt distracted the others. The look in his eyes from earlier still on his face and nudged her. “Seems like you’ve got a shadow tonight. Maybe even for the year.”
“You’re not the first person to say that. But don’t even start.” Bastien opened his mouth. “We both know what you’re thinking.”
“Come on Eden, live a little. He’s not a target and what Eloise doesn't know can’t hurt.”
“Just because you like to ignore the rules, specifically not fraternizing with supernatural creatures, does not mean I should. You know how that goes in our family.” She glared daggers at him.
He put his hands up, he laughed a little. “Alright, I’ll drop it, for now.”
Others from the two houses slowly started filling the space and the music was mostly too loud to talk. Wyatt passed out his round of shots to the whole group and held his glass up, yelling over the music. “Here’s to a year to remember!” The others in the circle raised their glasses. Eden followed suit, chasing hers with the drink Bastien ordered for her. Trying to hide the face she made, she put her glass back on the bar. Oh, it definitely will be.
Two girls started making their way up to the group, Donnie who looked eerily similar to Val except she was dressed in bright clothes and seemed much more friendly with Lennox. The other, Leilani. The creature had antlers like a stag, purple hair with markings similar to a demon. Eden knew the two from last year. Leilani didn’t speak. As far as she knew it was due to a run-in with a hunter. The demon fawn smiled at her housemates as Donnie looked over to Lennox to hear their conversations. She had to get closer than she would have preferred due to the volume of the music. Thankfully, Wyatt was distracted by Bastien who after winking at her, was throwing questions at him relentlessly.
“I saw her over here, you okay Nox?” Donnie asked with concern in her voice.
“Yeah, forget about it. Let’s just have fun.” Lennox shrugged off the conversation, clearly uncomfortable with the subject. Noted.
“Then let’s dance,” Rue held her hand out to her with a soft smile. Lennox took it and looked at the others in the group to see who would join.
Bastien held out a hand to Wyatt who laughed, eyeing Eden for a moment before taking it. As he pulled him towards the dance floor he grabbed the other drink he had ordered. Her eyes met Donnie and Leilani’s before they also made their way to the dance floor. She made her way over to the bar but kept the group in her peripheral vision. Just before she could sit, Bastien came up behind her and tugged her backwards by the back of her jacket.
“You’re not gonna sit in a dark corner and wait. You look like you’re sulking. Party first- duty later.” He scolded, taking her by the arm and pulling her away from the stool.
“I’m not here for the party, and you know that.”
“And you know that I don’t care! Pep up, do your job and look like you’re here to have fun before someone gets suspicious. What’s gotten into you? It’s like you forgot how to hunt.” He started dragging her towards the dance floor. “You’ve got a hot shadow, you know? I could imagine many things I’d like to do with him. But for some reason, he seems only interested in you. Odd isn’t it? He’s always been so wound up with half of the women in the school.”
“I have absolutely no interest in getting closer with that Soul Snatcher.” She pulled her arm back from his grip.
“He is a demon, and you are a fae. At least that’s what you tell people, remember? ” Bastien whispered in her ear and pushed her towards Wyatt.
With a huff, she almost bumped right into him which would have made both of them spill their drinks. Surprise filled his face and his eyes shot to her then to Bastien who motioned to go on with his hands before he turned back to the group. Eden watched him go with disdain as he sent another wink her way and seemed pretty happy with himself.
“Well I guess it is my lucky night, I didn’t even ask him to be my wingman. Though it’s nice to have your cousin's approval already.” He smirked at her and held out his hand. “Care to have some fun?”
“No thank you.” Eden turned to join Bastien.
“I’ll make you a deal, we dance and I won’t call this our first date.”
“Because it's not a date, a date is both people agreeing to meet.”
Wyatt smirked and leaned closer. “Technicalities. Be that as it may, would you at least allow me to show you a good time? I’ll keep it PG of course… Unless you decide otherwise.”
“There is a zero percent chance I will change my mind.”
“Give a man some mercy, Little Viper.” He motioned to his hand with his eyes. “I’ll be a perfect gentleman.”
“No funny business, Steele.”
“None at all,” he pulled her to him as the music took over the entire club.
After two more drinks, Eden started to notice the world spin occasionally. For a few seconds she started to lose herself in the music. The beats. The way his eyes sparked in the strobe lights. However, she quickly pulled herself out of it when she caught a glance of her target dancing over his shoulder. Wyatt was annoying, however, he was respectful in where he placed his hands as they danced. When they all had finished their round of drinks, Lennox went off to go get more.
A buzzed Rue made her way over to Eden, “Would you tell Lennox I went to the bathroom?”
“Actually, I need to go too. Bastien? Would you mind?” She tapped him on the shoulder and handed him her half-finished drink.
With a nod he took it, and she felt Wyatt’s hand release her side. “No worries girls, have fun powdering your noses.”
She opened the door, the light flicked on almost blinding her for a moment. As her eyes adjusted, Rue made her way to a stall while Eden quietly locked the door behind them. She pulled her phone from her jacket pocket, quickly texting Bastien to meet her outside. It was absolutely perfect, they couldn’t be interrupted here. The best revenge was making your target watch as their world fell apart before their final day. Putting it away once more, she rolled up her skirt an inch and pulled out a dagger made by Eloise. The handle was covered in carved lilies, the stems winding down the blade down to the point, charmed exclusively to end Rue’s life. Any second now, I will be one step closer.
“You know, I’ve never seen Wyatt be so enthralled by anyone before. He was telling Lennox and I about you earlier. He’s a good guy like Felix was, you should give him a chance.” Rue’s voice came from behind the door.
“That could be but he’s not really my type. Besides, my mother wouldn’t approve.” She admitted turning towards where the demon had gone in and waited.
“From what I’ve heard of Elder Miller, she doesn’t like many people. No offense.” The sound of movement came from the other side. Any second now.
“No, you're right. She doesn’t and neither do I.” Rue opened the door. “The whole reason we came was to get rid of monsters like you, like Felix.”
At Eden’s words, she saw Rue’s face shift from the usual polite smile to shock as the dagger was forced in between her ribs. It slid in smoothly until she felt metal meet bone. The sudden force sent a reverberation through the hilt and into her palm. Years ago she would have shuddered. Now, she wrenched it back out warm fresh blood pooling from the blade to her hand. She took a step forward as Rue staggered back, eyes locked on Eden. Before the demon could fight back, she clamped a hand over her mouth and backed her into the stall. Using her strength she pushed the woman against one of the side walls. Her eyes flickered with the type of betrayal that only comes from trusting someone you shouldn’t have.
“Scream, and you’ll regret it. I’m making this easier for you than I have on others.” Eden slowly removed her hand.
“Why?” Rue’s voice broke as tears formed.
“Because, it’s my job, and I want revenge… Now don’t talk. It’ll hurt more.” the hunter answered her quietly.
“What did we ever do to you?” Rue gripped her wrist.
Easily moving her hand back from Rue’s grasp, she used her knee to jab it into her target’s side. She felt her victim’s weight slowly shifting towards the ground as. She bent down with her halfway until Rue slumped the rest of the way. She stayed there for a second looking her in the eyes.
“It wasn’t you… You’re just a pawn in my plan.” She stood taking a few steps back out of the stall.
The sound of coughing was all that came in response as the woman slowly succumbed to her fate. As what was left of her life slowly drifted away. The markings on her face dimmed just as Felix’s had done a week ago. She waited for the feeling of temporary peace to wash over her. But it didn’t. She shook her head and turned away and went over to the sinks. Quickly, she washed the blood from her hands and tucked the dagger back into its hiding spot. It will come when I see Lennox’s reaction. I have to get outside. She shrugged off the feeling of regret that stirred with every kill since she was a kid.
Glancing at her smart watch as it buzzed with a notification, she saw a text from Bastien confirming he was outside. Unlatching the window, Eden stood on the counter and crawled out after glancing around to make sure no one was around. After confirming the coast was clear, she walked around to the other side of the building where he had told her to meet him. Her Uncle was sitting on a bench with a cigarette in one hand and a drink in the other hand looking much more intoxicated than she was. He was obviously having much more fun.
She joined him and peered over. “I was having fun with your boy toy. He’s got moves.”
“Then why don’t you try and find your way into his bed?”
“I tried, he doesn’t seem interested in any other Miller but you. But it doesn’t matter, did you do it?”
“Of course.”
“How do you feel? Did you get the revenge you hoped for?” Bastien questioned, taking a sip of his drink.
“I did, for the most part. I’m sure it’ll sink in once she’s discovered. I-” She was interrupted by a voice calling from nearby. She turned towards the sound and saw a figure moving quickly toward them. “Eyes up.”
She was on her feet in seconds as the person got closer. At the command Bastien was already beside her, moving his hand closer to his hidden weapons belt. From the street lamps, she was only able to catch a glimpse of who it was. Recognizing her gray-haired grandfather, Richard Miller and relaxed briefly. Until she saw the look of disgust on his face and a dagger in hand. She felt Bastien brush her as he stepped in front of her left shoulder, his gun half out of its holster. A training technique the men of the Millers were taught when one of the members of the matriarchal line was potentially in danger.
“Father- What are you doing?” Bastien asked.
Richard’s rough voice boomed in response as he pointed the dagger directly at Eden. “Why are you protecting that?!”
“What do you mean? This is Eden!” He trained the weapon on his father.
“No, it’s not. I don’t know what it is! I heard you two talking yesterday at the house. Her mother is one of the monsters we are supposed to be getting rid of!” He snarled and got a foot away from Bastien.
The older man moved faster than either of them could. He quickly grabbed Bastien’s gun and pointed it back at the ground before pressing on his hand to make him let go. With a clatter, it dropped to the ground. He shoved his son away from Eden who took a step back. There was no stopping him as he gripped her arm, forcing her back towards the bench. She struggled beneath his grip, unable to break it she lashed out and sunk her knee into his thigh. The man wound his arm back and with all his strength punched her directly in the left eye. Pain exploded in her face, filling her vision with black and rendering her useless for a few seconds.
He used it to his advantage and shoved her back down into the seat. The metal of the blade caught her eye as he held the dagger to her chest. Panic filled every inch of her body. She knew exactly what the dagger was supposed to do. Though it would have the same base effect however it wouldn’t quite do what the man seemed to expect.
“I don’t know what my daughter’s brought into this family, but you’re not one of us.” His eyes were locked onto Eden’s.
“You know I am nothing more than human!” She squirmed, trying to get her leg under him. “How has Eloise not told you!?”
Her knee was met with just the right amount of force in the perfect spot from his elbow that sent a wave of pain down her leg forcing it back. She let out a cry of pain, not wanting to use magic on anyone in the family. She knew exactly what kind of danger she was in. Richard may not have ever held a high title within the family but he was well-trained with much more fighting experience than her.
“Even if that’s true, you will end up just like that filthy demon. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. You and I both know that you have never fit in with this family. Now I know why. You’re nothing more than a trained pet my daughter brought home. You bring shame to this family with your tainted blood. You will never lead this family, not as long as I can help it.”
His words hit Eden harder than his fist. Her vision was still blurry, clouded even more as tears formed. She was so focused on his words she didn’t see he had his dagger pulled back to strike until she heard Bastien yell. Suddenly, the force that held her down vanished as someone dragged the man off her.
Looking up she saw the familiar face of her mother illuminated in the low street lights. Eloise was peering down the rim of her glasses at Richard who was lying on the ground. Fire and brimstone raged in her eyes. Bastien was standing to her front left shoulder, just as he had done with Eden holding his gun beside Eloise’s directly at the man. She had only ever seen her mother this enraged once in her life. When she was very young, Eloise and Stacey had gotten into a very loud argument about something in Eden’s past. Looking back, it now made sense what they were fighting about. Her lineage. After it had taken her grandmother several months to start speaking to Eden. After a few years, they’d ended up growing close, Eden being her favorite.
“Are you okay?” Eloise asked without taking her eyes off the man and motioned Eden to join them.
“I’m fine,” She answered and stood to the right of Eloise, clenching her hands into fists to prevent them from shaking.
“What the hell are you doing, father? Eden is next in line, our future and you are trying to kill her!? She is not a demon and to suggest otherwise is going against this family. Without her, we don’t continue our legacy!”
“I heard the two of them talking yesterday. She is tainted by demon blood. I’m not as easy to fool as Stacey,” Richard shot back.
“How dare you talk to your Matriarch like this! She is the product of a human who only cared for herself and was abandoned. Miss Cade wasn’t a demon at the time of her birth and if you were really listening you would have known that. Now, I’ll let you up but you will not be hurting her. We will go back to the house and I will tell you everything I know.” She turned to Eden, her knuckles turning white but her hand steady. “I presume you’ve done what you needed to here?”
She nodded, “Yes Mother.”
“Good, you and Bastien will go make yourselves look like you’ve been there the whole time.” Eloise turned her attention to Richard. “Not a word or I will make you a Heretic here and now.”
Eloise put her gun back into her belt and Bastien followed suit. Richard stood roughly, looking like his pride was wounded. In the light from the club, the Miller family crest reflected the silver and blue enamel peacock on her right hip. However, she knew he wouldn’t disobey what Eloise said. No matter how much it pissed him off if he wanted to stay within the family. Without a word he started to make his way back the way he had come and Bastien turned to Eden. Reaching up, he fixed her hair moving it to cover the big red mark that was slowly starting to darken
“You need to not look like you almost just died. Are you okay to go back in?”
“You heard Eloise, we need to finish the mission.” She avoided the question as he finished with her hair. She wouldn’t show weakness now. “I’ll go back into the bathroom and lay there like the attacker knocked me out. The eye will help the story.”
He looked her over once more, his worried expression softening. She cursed at herself internally. He could always read her like a book. He nodded in agreement and turned back to the entrance. Shoving the panic that had filled her when she saw the dagger down for the moment, she made her way to the window and slid back in. Eden hastily went over to unlock the bathroom door and cringed a little as she lay down on the bathroom floor and closed her eyes. This better work. Her body still coursing with adrenaline couldn’t relax as the minutes ticked by while she waited for the unfortunate soul to come across the scene.
Her mind filled the time with images of Richard, his dagger getting closer. Of Rue and her dagger sinking into her ribs. Blood that covered her hands with each death. Finally, to Lennox. The whole reason she was a hunter, a Miller, an Heiress. Her stomach turned as each face crossed her mind only to be broken by the door opening. The person’s footsteps came to a brief halt before they went carefully around her to the stall Rue was still lying in. The woman let out a gasp and Eden felt her shake her shoulder. “Hey, can you hear me?” Eden didn’t respond as she got closer. “Okay, okay, you’re breathing. It’ll be okay, I’ll go get help.”
The sound of her footsteps receded. It worked. From the bathroom, she could hear the woman over the music.
“Someone help! Someone’s dead, the other isn’t responding!”