Honey And Cyanide

What is she to me? A stranger? A familiar ghost... An unavoidable no one that my eyes can’t look away from? I lowered the not so cold beer from my lips as I watched her dance. She moved with a free kind of carelessness that stirred something odd within me. Her slick back dress, tattered on the edges, gave her a mystic appeal. Gold and black bracelets jingled with her every moment like little bells. The way her thick hips rocked to the music, how her hands drifted up her body like she was a tempting display, offering her most valuable assets to curious onlookers. Her long black hair was braided like ancient vines down her back, moving a half beat behind her.

I felt trapped by the rhythm she danced to, which was different from everyone else. She was not tethered to the laws that others followed. If the song was fast, she moved at whatever beat flowed best with her, grabbing onto whatever unlucky soul happened to be near enough during the song. They never seemed to mind tho, as she has always been a looker... Odd, but enchanting. When the music was slow, she’d twirl and dance to beats that couldn’t be heard by anyone but herself, often moving like a snake in a hypnotic trance. Unbothered by this world, unattached to the rules put in place before her arrival.

I dispise her. I am vexed by her... I am entranced by what goes on in her mind. She’s always been like this, this wild child who stood tall against the vengeful gazes of others and yet she attracts the adoration of the very people who sneer at her presence. She’s a witch, a damned soul abandoned by the very society that holds us all up. A failed wannabe magician that the magic university likely rejected due to her lack of ability and talent. But she’s a dreamer at least, that’s just a kind way to say failure.

As if feeling my gaze, her dark eyes opened and locked with mine. There was no hostility, no surprise... Just acknowledgement. My heart jumped, as it has for years whenever she’d look my way. Whenever her determined gaze would grasp onto me, and not let go. I bit my tongue in surprise by her open stare, but refused to look away. I’ve been watching her all evening, my eyes following her like a elder who’s chasing after the illusion of youth. Why? I never understood the why I’ve always felt drawn to this low bred person, but I shouldn’t focus on useless things like her.

“Hey, Miles. You ever gonna finish that beer?” I glanced at the speaker, not interested in interacting with him. His light hair fell over his shoulders in waves, blue eyes looking at me with excited expectations. Why does he stick to me like glue?

“If you’re so concerned, why don’t you get me a fresh one?” I spoke with little emotion, not caring if my beer was warm, it’s not like I enjoy drinking it anyways. Jay, an old acquaintance smiled at me, desperate to get in good graces to raise his chances of landing a high paying job at my grandfather’s company. Everyone has a motivation for acting nice or submissive.

“Sure thing, Man!” He walked away with hope in his stride. Why does he have hope? It’ll never happen, I have no reason to favor him. He’s a brown noser who believes if he plays subservient I’ll reward him lavishly... I’d rather have no ome by my side then to have those who’d stab me between the ribs as soon as they find my weakness. I sighed and sat the beer down. Maybe I should go as this really isn’t my scene anyways. I just came to let off some steam... And maybe... Maybe dance with a beautiful woman who doesn’t know who I am.

But everyone knows, it’s not like I don’t have many women wanting to seduce me and claim the wealth I sit to inherit. I just can’t risk the chance of them finding out what I am and use it to destroy everything my family has fought for. I was born into a world that would never accept me and it’s rare those like me even survive to adulthood. Oftentimes we are put to death before we can have our first meal...

That woman flashed in my mind’s eye, causing me to laugh. Damnit. It’s true what they say about the worst thing for you being the most tempting... Is she tempting to me? I don’t like her, I don’t understand her, I’ve barely ever spoken to her... So why? I glanced in her direction once more, perhaps just for a final glance. But screamed and stumbled back as she was now standing silently in front of me. Her dark playful eyes glinted with something dangerously mischievous in them, her black lips with a hint of red twitched into a seductive smirk.

“I know you, right? Aren’t you Miles?” Her voice was like honey dipped in cyanide. It sounded lush against my ears and smooth like sweet smoke.

“Uhh, yeah... and you are?” I asked with disinterest in my voice, but I fully knew her name all too well. The Black Witch of West Lake High, the voodoo queen of dark arts, the one who dances on coles and doesn’t burn... Or so those were the unproven rumors in high school. Helena Elaine Xander... Known predominantly as Hex. I didn’t believe a single word of it as magic is closely regulated by the Government’s Magical Diversion. If you’re not a part of that, you have no gift unless it’s illegal dark arts, which is a crime punishable by death.

Laughter drifted from her dark lips, a melodious tune that tickled the ears and teased the soul to surrender. I didn’t take a step back, even though I wanted to. I held my ground, eyeing her with distrust. “Helen, pleased to formally meet you, Miles.” I nodded, feeling the need to distance myself from her. Her familiarity with me was strange and likely held selfish intent. Her smile grew as if she could smell the fear on me. I’m not afraid of her, I’m leery. A reputation like hers isn’t born from misunderstandings and bullies. It’s born solely of pure intent and ambition... I wouldn’t be surprised if someone like her did contract with dark arts.

“I know you, don’t I? We went to the same high school.” She stated calmly, much too close for comfort. I often wondered how she even got into that predicious Academy, likely by doing something unsavory. Considering all the times she’s snuck off with other students to do things. She stepepd closer, the rest of the house faded as her scent perfumed around me. Lemon, lavender, honey and spice... Why is she getting closer? I swallowed hard, clearing my throat as I tried to ignore the uncomfortable dryness that coated my mouth.

“I guess it’s possible, but you don’t look like you go to this university.” I stated a little hard, needing her to back away. She only laughed in response, her eyes rolling with a carelessness that echoed the dance of the wind.

“I see, I didn’t know one had to attend the university in order to be invited to a college party full of legally consenting adults, silly me.”

“...” I wanted to respond with just as much sarcasm as her statement, but she’s right. Her smile grew as her eyebrow twitched, daring me to comment. She’s right and she knows it.

“I’m done here.” I turned and walked away, ignoring the burning I felt on my back from her gaze. I weaved through the crowd of half drunk people and breezed past Jay with no interest in the drink he offered. I don’t need anything from him, I don’t need anyone.

Once outside, the cool air of fall calmed my fraying nerves. I don’t know why she gets to me when we’ve barely ever spoken to each other. Why I can’t stand the way she smells or how she moves... Why, when she’s in sight, she’s all I’m able to focus on. I can’t ask my grandfather for any help because he’d likely say ‘Junior, just seduce her and get it out of your system. A woman like that isn’t suited as your wife, but will do perfectly fine as a fling or mistress.’

I shoved my hands into my pockets while attempting to clear my head. Why do I feel so vulnerable right now? It’s like... when I first noticed her when I arrived, she was all I could see. It had been years since graduation, years of me constantly working and going to school to become what I’m supposed to be. And yet as soon as I saw her... The adult version of her was far more stunning than even I could imagine. Her curvy body, bold eyes and defiant strides was beyond what I assumed she’d become. But I guess she was always a willful child, even if she was wildly alone. I don’t recall her having any actual friends... I suppose that’s the only thing we had in common.

I moved forward, heading towards my car. I really shouldn’t have come here.

I guess I thought that I could temporarily distract myself, but seemed to have forgotten that I don’t like people. I wasted the entire time sipping on a warm beer and watching her dance with random women. Why did she only dance with women? Hmm, she used to sneak around with girls when we were in school... I can’t really remember, but I feel lije I’ve seen her doing stuff. Eh, oh well. Don’t waste brainpower on useless things.

It doesn’t matter, I shouldn’t trust anyone, shouldn’t depend on anyone... And above all, never believe in anyone but myself. Because I am Miles Junior O’Dell the Fifth, one who will inherit my family’s business dispite being born different. Few know how different I am, but still. I’m the one who was groomed for a position of power... Who’s shoulders does not buckle under the pressing weight of the building expectations that surrounds me. I am-

“You done with what I assume to be your inner dialog?” I jumped back, once again surprised by the unexpected voice coming from the woman who silently walked next to me.

“Why are you so quiet!? It’s a bit rude to sneak up on people like that!” My heart was racing, she simply shrugged then walked in front of me before turning around and walking backwards. Her brackets now jingled with every step, so why didn’t i hear her before?

“You’re interesting.” She said, unbothered by the possibility of her falling. I put on a neutral expression, wanting her gone.

“Why’d you leave the party? I have no interest in entertaining you.”

“Yeah, well...” Her voice trailed off. I stopped walking, staring at her. She paused too, smiling up at me like a cat that’s found a new toy.

“Don’t you have some cherished cat to sacrifice to your demon god or something?” I hissed in frustration. Her smile faded, the brightness in her eyes left too.

“... Funny.” She whispered without any humor remaining in her voice. “I thought you of all people would understand being born different... But you’re just as closed minded and cruel as the rest. Enjoy your wealthy solitude, Miles. I doubt we’ll meet again anytime soon.” She turned away from me and left. Her black boots echoed with each purposeful step she took from me. For a brief moment, I saw something on her face I couldn’t read. Something sad maybe? Yeah right, she doesn’t understand anything.

“The hell you know about being born different?” I yelled back, causing her to stop moving. “You, who was born right. You who can be as odd and wild as you want without anyone throwing stones at you. The fuck do you know!?” I yelled, blaming my outburst on alcohol, but knowing the truth. Deep down, I envy her. I envy everything about her and I’ve always hated her for it.

“You think I’m born right because dispite how I dress, I look normal, right? Aren’t you normal, Miles? Aren’t you a pretty guy born into privilege and power?” I immediately realized my mistake and quickly bit my tongue, frantic that I slipped up so easily. She turned around and looked at me. “What I do, I do dispite everyone ridiculing me for it, sometimes without even realizing it. The lies, the name calling, the times I disappeared for weeks from school because of being beaten too bad to attend. I stood alone, battered and angry while everyone wanted something from me, but gave me nothing good in return. Do you think I look like this to get attention? I don’t fucking care about attention?! I only wanted to connect with the things that makes me strange. The power I touch with my fingertips, the world I see us killing with no regard for what’s left for the future generations, but for some wild fucked up reason... I always felt you. You, surrounded by people who wanted stuff from you, but offered nothing good in return. You who watched me daily without inherent malice. I felt something foreign, something I thought was odd... I see now how wrong I was to investigate that odd thing.” Once again, she turned her back to me. “I don’t care what secrets you’re hiding. I don’t want to know what you’re keeping hidden. I was just a little curious, then scorned. Ha, jokes on me, as always.” Once again she walked away, her long braids swaying with her steps. This time I didn’t call out to her. I bit my tongue so hard it bled, the metallic taste becoming hard to swallow.

I stared at her retreating figure, unsure of why my heart squeezed painfully within my chest. Why her words reminded me of a loneliness I refused to allow others to see. Why the thought of her being beaten and bloodied on the ground enraged me. Why my body felt hot and cold like I was having a fever. Why I wanted to hear that voice that tasted sweet against my ears even as it burned my soul.

Why is it her? Why was it always her my eyes followed, why did I search for her at school when she was absent? Why did I turn a blind eye to her constantly, yet searched my gaze for her familiar figure? Why I said nothing when she came limping to school, why I never offered her a ride...

I sighed and shook my head. I shouldn’t have taken my frustration out on her. I’m such an ass. Feeling like a dick on a pedestal, I found my car and drove in the direction she disappeared into. Maybe I can say that I’m just stressed out with school and working at my grandfather’s company, but even that feels wrong to say because it feel like a lie.

I soon found her walking down the street, her gaze turned up to the moon lit sky. Why is she walking, doesn’t she have a car by now? I slowed down and lowered the window.

“Hex, do you need a ride?”

“I don’t like that you’re making a liar out of me.” She stated without looking at me. Her beautiful swells rising and falling with her breath.

“... I can’t help that. Just wanted to offer you a lift.” I’m feeling nervous for some reason.

“You’d let someone like me into your expensive car?” Her face turned towards me, her eyes serious. “I don’t want to desecrate your beautiful ride with my unclean presence. I’d hate for you to torch your vehicle because of me, so no thanks.” With that, she continued on. Still as defiant as ever, if not more so. I sighed yet again then slowly matched the car to her speed.

“I was being rude to you, can we talk?”

“I don’t want to talk to you anymore.”

“Hex, come on.” That made her stop, her face twisting into anger.

“Why are you acting familiar with me all of a sudden? Clearly you know who I am, because I didn’t tell you may name was Hex. Will you leave if I say everything is fine and there’s no need to linger on useless things?” It sounded like sarcasm, but there was nothing but seriousness in her tone.

“I’m not good with people.” I stated, She closed her eyes, pushed her hair back then turned on her heels, walking in the opposite direction.

“Go away. I made a mistake following you out. Perhaps I’ll feel better if I throw myself into someone’s warm bed.” She called out with a mischievous laughter to her voice. Once again, I could feel the seriousness in her every word. The very thought of this familiar stranger laying beneath another made the fever that pricked my skin feel even hotter. I turned off the car and jumped out.

“You shouldn’t do that.” A heat of anger shot through me, I feel on edge. What is wrong with me? Did someone drug me? She turned around, once again walking backwards. She has no fear.

“Man, I honestly picked wrong tonight... Do you think I went to a college party just to dance the night away?” I remained silent as I approached her. “I came out for free food, free booze and fun sex. Not a pampered rich kid who wants to open old wounds and drink my fresh blood. So, buhbye.” I grabbed her arm, stopping her from moving further away. A shot of fire burned me where our skin was touching. It spread like mad up my arm and across my chest. My crotch throbbed and heart raced as I stared at her. A feeling of completeness overcame me, like when drinking cold water after being thirsty for too long in the summer heat. Her eyes widened and attached to me with a look of recognition and then alarm.

“You- you shouldn’t just grab women!” She yanked her arm away from me, backing away. I stared at my hand that pulsed with the heat of her warm brown skin. “Are you insane?! What do you think this is? I will flatline you if you ever grab me like that again!”

“...” I stared silently at her, a quaking I’ve never felt before trembled through me. “What was that?” I whispered, not sure how to cope with the strange emotions flaring within me.

“What was what, you psycho?” She’s messing with me, right? She felt it too... This isn’t normal.

“Don’t lie to me, Hex, what was that feeling?” The remnants of it lingered even though we weren’t touching.

“I’ve nothing else to say to you, I made a mistake talking to you.” She protectively held her wrist even as her eyes dilated, her lips parted and a hunger filled her gaze. The urge to grab her and kiss her knocked the air from my lungs. I took a step back, not trusting the emotions that raged within me.

“Why won’t you be honest with me?”

“Why give what was never received?” She snapped back. I glared at her, hiding the shame I felt. She doesn’t know what I am and therefore is unaware of any deceit I’ve made.

“I never lied to you.” I lied, it taste bitter but familiar.

“You never spoke to me...” She responded quietly, her eyes searching my face.

“Then how could I have been dishonest?”

“... You...” She smiled. “Ha, you’re a curious thing, Miles.” She rubbed her wrist before letting her hands fall to her sides. “Can we both pretend tonight never happened? It’d probably be best if we do.”

“And if we don’t?” I asked, curious about this whole thing.

“Then I can’t guarantee what the outcome will be. Especially for you.” She took another step back, licking her lips. My eyes followed the sensual moment of her tongue, my body felt too hot. Lust, lust at its peak. Wait, I’m on drugs and elixirs to stop this... I shouldn’t be feeling this... Unless,

“What drug did you give me!?” I yelled in full panic. Lust is bad, it’s even battling my hormone suppressants!

“I wouldn’t need a drug to get your flag raised, Miles. I don’t go for man though... So this is alarming for me as well... Unless...” She trailed off, eyeing me with an investigative gaze.

“Unless what? You definitely drugged me. I don’t get aroused, and i damn sure wouldn’t go for something like you.” Her eyes fell to my pants then back to my face.

“Could’ve fooled me.” I immediately covered my crotch, face burning from embarrassment. I haven’t had a hard on since I was a teenager! The hell did she give me?!

“I don’t belive you didn’t drug me! You did something, you witch!” This time, she laughed heartily.

“You say ‘witch’ like its a bad thing.” I hate that she seems amused by this.

“Just admit it! Tell me what you gave me!”

“Admit to a lie? I’d rather burn.” She stated coldly. “Anyways, do whatever you want. I’ve no more patience for this little game. I can resist this urge with no problem. You might find the night a little hard to get through. But you’ll survive it, rich boy.” She blew me a kiss before walking away, this time I couldn’t follow as embarrassment rooted me to the spot. My hands hiding the bulging tent in my pants. She walked away with grace and power, leaving me shaking with rage. I have never been so humiliated and exposed in all of my life!

That night as I laid in bed, the fever she infected me with, never left. I writhed with an uncomfortable ache that refused to dull. My nipples were hard and sensitive, my shaft grew large, completely shattering every suppressant I’ve taken. My pussy clinched onto nothing as I sweated with a desire that didn’t lessen as the night carried on.

She danced in my mind, tempting me to touch her, to touch myself and give into the pleasure that my body craved. To explore areas I’ve always feared to touch because touching them made them real. And for the first time in my life, they pulsed demanding to be known as parts of me. Parts of the whole I refused to acknowledge.

My breath came heavy, my heart racing uncontrollably as I tried to resist the urges that were foreign to me.

A desperate moan fell from my lips as I rolled over, my blonde hair damply clung to my skin, my mouth running dry as an abundant wetness slipping from between my clinched thighs and onto the bed. My vagina has never felt like this, been hot like this, ached like this... And definitely never released wetness like this! A growl of anger left me, it was paired with a helplessness that left my rage growing.

Hex, you damned evil witch! I will destroy you for this! I bit my pillow, fighting against every desire to alleviate myself and praying for the night to pass. I need to wakeup from this terrible, lust filled nightmare.