The fist looped down towards Lucas’s face, shredding his lower lip and releasing blood. Stunned from the force of it, he fell flat on his back, grunting in pain as he landed on something sharp. He barely had time to realize it was shards of glass before the fist barreled down again, smashing into his nose with frightening strength.
He saw stars and his consciousness started to diffuse, drifting off into some unknown place. But giving in wasn’t an option, so he fought back the best that he could. As the fist came down again Lucas blocked it, then rolled from beneath his opponent’s body.
He was on his feet in seconds but Jesse’s twin wasn’t slowing down, only rearing up for another attack. Making use of the adrenaline that was running through his body Lucas tackled him to the ground, bloodying his nose with a few hard punches.
For a couple of hopeful moments he actually thought he might win, but then Jesse’s twin grabbed Lucas by the neck, squeezing so fiercely that his eyes bugged out. Gasping for air Lucas lashed out with punches, but they were weak and hardly possessed any force at all.
Then suddenly Lucas’s thumbs found his opponent’s eyes, digging into them with a vicious fierceness. A cry of agony could be heard as Jesse’s twin felt the pain, but Lucas didn’t let up for even a minute.
Something shifted, then popped beneath Lucas’s thumbs, followed by an immensely painful scream. Rejoicing internally, Lucas dug his thumbs in even deeper, until blood began to seep from his opponent’s eyes.
With Jesse’s twin temporarily disabled, Lucas had the chance to scramble off him, creating distance as he backed away. But then suddenly he felt a sensation so horrible, so fiercely agonizing that it made him cry out.
Stunningly intense, it felt as if he’d been hit with a thousand volts, every one of his muscles clamping up, body jittering as his teeth clenched tightly together. The pain was so bad that he couldn’t even breathe, but as the horrible crackling sound finally stopped, he heard a laughter that was cruelly sadistic.
Like a rag doll without any stuffing Lucas found himself limp, body laying in a heap as he struggled to recover. He was still trying to regain his breath when he heard footsteps approach, crunching leaves and debris as they travelled closer.
Now drawing closer to where Lucas lay immobile, the shoes on gravel came nearer. They finally stopped right beside him, and with slowness Lucas lifted his gaze. Yet rather than one face looking down at Lucas there were two, completely identical and wearing the same glare.
Looking from one face to the other, Lucas saw that one of the twins had blood weeping from his eyes, and he instantly knew it was the twin he had just fought. Shifting his eyes to the other twin, Lucas now could be certain that it was Jesse, who was not only free of the zip ties, but holding a taser in one of his hands.
“Hurts like a bitch, don’t it?” Asked Jesse, but on lowering his gaze to Lucas’s crotch, his lips pulled into a maniacal smile. “Hey Josh, check it out. This pussy peed his fuckin’ pants.”
Snickering, Josh glanced down, then laughed even harder at Lucas’s wet crotch. “Shit, you’re right. I wonder if he crapped himself, too.”
“If he hasn’t yet, he will soon,” Jesse said before extending his hand. “Hand me the blowtorch.”
Passing it over, Josh place it in Jesse’s hand.
“Burn his face off, Jesse. Make the fucker pay for almost blinding me.”
As Jesse fired it up a blue flame shot out the end, possessing a malevolence that seemed to match that of the twins. Stepping closer to Lucas, Jesse waved it in front of his face, just barely missing the tip of his nose before angling it towards his eyes.
Unable to think, Lucas’s brain shut down, muscles tense and posture rigid as the flame crept closer. So intense was the heat, it seared right through his skin, making his eyes water and vision blur from the hotness. The fire’s glow made Jesse’s face even more demonic, features wicked and harsh as he darkly smiled.
Tremors were going through Lucas’s body, heart beating so quick it thrashed in his ears. His chest heaved up and down, as if taking on a life of its own, but it wasn’t until the blowtorch singed his lashes that Lucas yelled out in terror.
Jesse barely had time to laugh before shattering glass could be heard all around them, windows imploding on by one until the frames were all that was left. A rush of movement, more felt than seen, shifted the energy in the factory. Then with a suddenness that caught Jesse completely off guard, he was blown right off of his feet.
As if hit by a lightning bolt he was viciously propelled backwards, slamming into a concrete pillar with frightening force. A pained groan left his mouth as he slumped to the ground, but no sooner had he blinked and offered a dazed expression, did an invisible force yank him upwards.
Like a marionette without strings, Jesse’s body was suspended in the air, legs and arms dangling helplessly in an almost comical way.
Shocked and frightened, escort bayan Josh looked from his twin and then to Lucas, who was just beginning to regain strength from the electric shocks he had received.
Clearly freaked, Josh seemed to be wondering what was happening, but then a whip of air was felt, and he was knocked on his ass to the ground. In seconds he was scrambling back to his feet, but then a figure ventured out of the darkness, moving with a speed that seemed supernatural.
To Lucas it seemed like just a random shape, some ambiguous figure that had come out of nowhere. But as the shape took on a discernible form, Lucas realized that it was Tristan. For a moment Josh seemed mystified but then suddenly his expression changed, turning to anger as he stared Tristan down.
“Who the fuck are you?” Josh angrily called out, but Tristan didn’t answer, only continued to move forward with quick heavy steps.
At this point Josh retrieved a gun from his waistband, pointing it towards Tristan while cocking it loudly. But the trigger was never pulled because the gun whipped out of his hand, flying yards away so that he couldn’t reach it. Not wasting a second, Tristan made a rush straight for him, nostrils flaring as he launched an attack.
As soon as they collided, the two men tumbled to the ground, fists lashing out as they struggled for dominance. Meaty thuds could be heard as they exchanged rapid blows, teeth bared and eyes wide with fury.
Now back on his feet, Lucas watched as Tristan and Josh fought, fists smashing eyes and bloodying noses and bruising ribs as they traded blows. Lucas hadn’t expected such a serious fight from someone skinny like Tristan, and amazed at how good he was with his fists, Lucas couldn’t help but feel an immense respect.
Shifting his gaze to locate the other twin, Lucas saw that Jesse was approaching, knife poised in his hand and ready to cut. Possessed by rage, he made a jab for Lucas’s ribs, just barely missing by less than an inch.
Slicing forward again, Jesse aimed for Lucas’s stomach, catching the fabric of his jacket and ripping it open. Though he clearly sought to end Lucas’s life, Lucas was swifter and more graceful on his feet.
Raging at his failed attempts, Jesse slashed out with his knife again, cutting into the skin just above Lucas’s collarbone. Lashing out a third time, Jesse went for Lucas’s neck, but Lucas sidestepped just in time to avoid it.
As the blade came for him again, Lucas ducked and punched Jesse in the stomach, then tackled him to the ground so that the knife was forced from the grip of his hand.
Energy exploded from Lucas’s frame, fists smashing and pounding into Jesse’s face. To Lucas, Jesse was merely a lump of sorry flesh, a worthless piece of shit who was parading as a human being. All the rage he’d be feeling since Claudia’s rape was being released, and with every dull thud of flesh pounding flesh, Lucas felt a satisfaction that was keenly invigorating.
Merciless and unrelenting, his fists continued to pulverize Jesse, until his face was nothing more than a broken and bloody mess. In between punches, it seemed as if Jesse was trying to speak, his mouth gurgling words as blood bubbled from between his split lips.
Most likely the words were stop, or some other kind of begging to stave off the violent blows, but it felt too good for Lucas to relinquish his power, too wonderfully gratifying to even think about halting.
So Lucas continued to crush into Jesse’s features, shattering bones as his opponent choked on his own blood. But then there was a tug on his shoulder and he was forced up and onto his feet, then led away from Jesse who lay battered on the ground.
It took him a moment to realize it was Tristan who was holding him back, but his adrenaline was still racing, and that was all Lucas could focus on.
Realizing that his fists were smeared with blood, Lucas gazed down at them as if they weren’t his own. He then shifted his eyes to Jesse’s face, which was a bloody and pulpy mess.
As Tristan led Lucas away, he realized it was for his own good. He’d done more than enough damage to Jesse, and had been on the verge of beating him to death. But It’d felt damn good to do it, and feeling ultra-awake, he turned his gaze to Tristan.
“How’d you know?” Still breathing heavily, Lucas’s brows furrowed in puzzlement.
“Made a phone call,” Tristan simply said.
“To who?”
“A waitress at the casino…”
Still staring hard at Tristan, Lucas gave him an inquisitive look.
“You left your phone behind and she answered it. Told me you and Jesse had met in the parking lot, and from there I determined your destination.”
Lucas opened his mouth but the words never left, because Tristan was speaking again in an exasperated tone.
“Just shut up, alright? I don’t feel comfortable discussing it any further.”
“Alright.” Lucas nodded, but his gaze remained fixed on Tristan’s face. “Well for what It’s worth man, I owe you my fucking life.”
“You bayan escort owe me nothing,” Tristan said. “Just keep your mouth shut, and we’ll call it even.”
“Keep my mouth shut about what?” Lucas asked, but no sooner had the words left his mouth, did he suddenly understand what Tristan meant. “Right. Of course. You’ve got my word.”
“The police are on their way,” Tristan said. “I called them before I left the rez.”
“What’d you tell them?”
“That I’d located a major drug stash house, and that they’d better get out here quick.”
“There’s drugs stashed here?”
Tristan nodded.
“But how’d you know?”
“Gina told me.”
“The casino waitress…”
Another nod from Tristan.
“Well what about Claudia being raped?” Lucas asked. “Do the police know Jesse and Josh are responsible?”
“You know how rez cops are about rape. They would have dragged their asses unless I told them about the drugs.”
“You’re right,” Lucas replied. “That was good thinking, Tristan.”
Just briefly there was silence, but it was long enough for Lucas to glance at Jesse and Josh, who were both still unconscious from the brutal beatings.
“So now what?” Lucas asked.
“Now we wait.”
“Shouldn’t we tie them up?”
“They’re not going anywhere,” Tristan said in a firm tone. “Even if they wake up, they won’t be able to move an inch.”
“You sure about that?” Lucas asked, but as Tristan shot him a look, he decided to just keep quiet.
It seemed that they stood there keeping watch for a long time, eyes firmly planted on each of the beat up twins. Rain fell through gaping holes in the roof above, creating puddles that bounced back moonlight. But the wetness and bitter cold didn’t faze them in the slightest, as they both had endured far worse.
Not speaking a word, they stood stolidly. And instead of darkness enveloping them it seemed to now simply exist, neither threatening or encroaching as it had not long ago.
* * * *
It was nearly five a.m. when Lucas pulled into his driveway, cutting the headlights and rattling old engine before getting out of his truck. Instead of going up the walkway he limped right past it, heading instead for the guest house where he now resided. It seemed like a long walk and with each step he gave a pained grunt, grimacing as he struggled to keep himself steady.
Upon finally reaching the guest house he unlocked the door, then headed for the space which served as his bedroom. Too exhausted to shower he simply stripped off his clothes, collapsing on the bed with a long, deep sigh. He never got the chance to close his eyes, however, because a quick, sharp knock sounded at his door.
Lifting his head from the pillow, Lucas rolled off the mattress, then kneeled down to retrieve the gun that was below the bed. A 12-guage shotgun, it was the rifle he had used since the age of thirteen, when his dad had given it to him on a hunting trip.
Cocking the hammer of the shotgun, Lucas held it tightly in his hand. With slow, careful steps he crept towards the front door, gun poised and ready to shoot at a moment’s notice. No sooner had he come to a stop in front of the door, did Lucas call out in a deep voice.
“Who is it?”
“It’s Tristan,” came the voice from beyond the door. “Open up, we need to talk.”
Still holding the gun but pointing the barrel slightly down, Lucas quickly unengaged the locks. He then opened the door to reveal a serious-faced Tristan, who walked on in with a casual air.
“What’s up?” Closing the door behind them, Lucas gave Tristan an inquisitive look.
“Few things we need to speak about,” Tristan replied. “One being the situation with the twins, and what you saw me do to them.”
“I told you I’d keep my mouth shut,” Lucas responded. “You’ve got my word, man.”
“So you swear you won’t say anything,” Tristan said. “I need you to promise, because this is really important.”
“Yeah, I promise.” Lucas nodded to assure him. “Why would I tell anyone, when you saved my life?”
“I don’t know, but I need to be certain that it doesn’t get out. I have a daughter now, so I need to be as careful as possible. I don’t want it drawing bad attention, you understand?”
“Tristan, I swear. You’ve got my word.” Staring straight into his former nemesis’s eyes, Lucas let it be known that the secret was safe.
“Alright.” Tristan flexed his jaw, then eased out a relieved breath.
“So that’s it, then?” Lucas asked. “You came over just to tell me that?”
“I came about Claudia, too,” Tristan replied, and his gaze went hard with jealousy.
“What about her?”
“I know you’re already making your move on her, and I just want you to know that I understand.”
“Okay…” Not having expected to hear those words, Lucas waited for Tristan to go on.
“She needs someone who will give her time and attention, someone who can put her first, and give her the healing that she needs.”
A moment of silence passed during which Tristan swallowed escort a lump, voice slightly breaking as he continued on.
“Since Maggie is my priority then I can’t be the guy that she needs. But you have no responsibilities, so you’re clearly the one that she would naturally pick.”
Still standing silently Lucas watched as Tristan flexed his jaw, features downturned and saddened as he let out the words which needed to be said.
“I do need you to be good to her though, alright? So don’t fuck up and do anything stupid. She’s fragile, and needs someone solidly loyal.”
“Shit, Tristan. You think I’d cheat on her?” Lucas’s brows drew down in offense. “After all that she’s suffered and had to deal with?”
“It’s a warning, so keep it in mind,” he quickly replied. “She’s special to me, and I don’t want her getting hurt.”
“Well she’s special to me, too,” Lucas retorted. “So with all due respect, you just wasted your breath.”
“Just remember what I said,” Tristan replied. “Treat Claudia well, that’s all I ask.”
“You don’t have to ask, It’ll be done because I love her. So you can take your fucking warning and shove it up your ass.”
Lifting his brows at Lucas, Tristan deepened his voice. “It wasn’t a threat, Lucas. So you can calm down and fucking chill.”
“You fucking chill,” Lucas angrily rebutted. “I’m not some sleazy guy who just wants to use her. I care deeply for Claudia, in a way you could never understand.”
“Oh I understand,” Tristan replied. “And I can tell that your feelings for her are true. But I also know your history with women, and that you’ve never had a solid and lasting relationship.”
“Well I would have had one with Claudia if you hadn’t kissed her on prom night. But I guess that slipped your mind, huh? So easy to forget when you’re fucking self-righteous.”
Although it was brief, Tristan’s eyes narrowed to slits, body going rigid as he stared Lucas down. But then he was turning his back and walking away, hand clasping the knob as he prepared to leave.
“Hey wait,” Lucas called out before Tristan could make it out the door. “That shit you did at the abandoned factory, when you blew out all the windows and lifted Jesse off the ground…”
Turning to face Lucas, Tristan stared with a deadpan look.
“Well I’m wondering how you pulled it off. It mean it was wild, how the fuck did you do that?”
“There’s a lot I can do that you would never understand, Lucas. So let’s just keep it at that, alright?”
Short, simple, and to the point, Lucas got the message loud and clear.
“Yeah alright. It’s cool, man. I completely get that It’s private and shit.”
As Tristan opened the door, a gust of wind came inside, chilling the warm interior of the cozy guest house. But the wintry air was hardly felt by Lucas, because a warmth began to spread through his heart.
He felt a deep respect for Tristan now, a solid gratitude that hit him hard. Saying thank you didn’t seem like it would be quite enough, but he still felt like vocalizing it anyways.
“Tristan?”
Turning once more to look at Lucas, Tristan gave him a straight-faced look.
“Thanks again for helping me out. And also for being understanding about me and Claudia. I know It’s not easy, considering you still love her.”
“Well you’re what she needs and I’ve accepted that,” he replied. “It just is what it is, as Claudia would say.”
With no more words to speak, Tristan headed out the door and walked away, figure retreating into the darkness until he gradually disappeared. Closing the door behind him, Lucas headed for his bed so he could go to sleep. And for the first time since Halloween night, he slept deeply and completely at peace.
* * * *
Littered with dead leaves, the walkway to Tristan’s house was flanked by small trees, spindly branches stretching upwards into a dull gray afternoon sky. Dressed warmly in a pair of jeans and a knitted tunic, Claudia knocked on the wreath adorned door, then patiently waited.
The sound of footsteps approaching soon perked up her ears, followed by the door opening to reveal a smiling Winona. Just as beautiful as always, she was dressed simply in an oversized sweater and leggings, long hair loose and flowing as it fell to just above her waist.
“Claudia, It’s so good to see you.” Waving her in, Winona led her into the living room. “How have you been? We haven’t seen you in a couple of weeks.”
Taking a seat on the couch, Claudia ran her fingers through her curly hair. “I’ve been great, thanks. How are you and Mr. Whitefeather?”
“Oh, we’ve been doing just fine,” Winona said. “Just wrapping the last of our gifts for Christmas.”
Shifting her gaze to the tree next to the window, Claudia noticed a pile of presents piled high beneath it.
“Wow, you guys have a bunch. You must have done some serious shopping.”
“Ray loves Christmas,” Winona replied. “So he tends to go all out and really spoil us.”
“Sounds like Big John,” Claudia replied. “I have at least five presents just from him alone, and my mom has six or seven.”
“That’s John for you,” Winona said with a nod, but then her eyes went a little sad as she changed subjects. “We sure do miss having you around, Claudia. You should stop by sometimes, even if It’s just to say hello.”
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