​CONTENT WARNINGS:

​Negative Self-Talk (The Vulture Thoughts)

​Psychological Horror (The Delivery)

​Animal Doppelgängers

​Phobias: Scopophobia, Claustrophobia, Eisoptrophobia/Spectrophobia, Loud Noises.

​Physical Pain: Chronic injury mentions.

​I sat at the register, my skin feeling far too small for my body. I felt so uncomfortable thinking about how I’d begged for Colton’s touch last night—the way he’d left me aching and wanting more. I looked down at my hands, remembering the way he’d taken care of me, but I tried to shake the thought away.

​Don’t think about it, Matthan, I told myself. He’s definitely done this before. You aren’t special.

​A soft purr broke through my spiraling thoughts. "Hey, Bane. How are you doing this morning?" I asked silently in my head. My lips only quirked into a small smile as he rubbed against my leg. I was just glad he was doing good.

​The air in the aisle shifted, growing heavy and warm. I saw Colton walking toward me and immediately looked back down at the counter. I knew if I kept looking at him, I’d only want him more.

​"Little mouse, don't look away from me," he said, his tone low and authoritative.

​I forced myself to look up, meeting those dark eyes.

​"Here, have some breakfast," he said, his voice softening into something surprisingly sweet.

​"Thanks," I whispered. He set down a cheesecake-flavored protein bar and a carton of chocolate milk. My stomach did a little flip of excitement, but I froze before I could grab it. Luz’s cruel words started hunting me again. Maybe that was why he didn't want to go all the way last night? Because I’m gross to look at? Because I eat too much?

​The Vulture Thoughts were circling, pecking at my confidence.

​"My little marshmallow, you are thinking too much," Colton rumbled, leaning over the counter. "I love it when you eat sweets. I love the way your eyes light up when you taste them."

​I looked at him, searching for any sign that he was lying, but all I saw was that predatory, gentle smile.

​Okay, I thought, a small smile finally reaching my face. I will eat them then. If he liked it, then I will do it.

​"Oh, by the way, Matthan—the delivery people will be here today. Just keep your head down. If you need to work on something, go to the opposite aisles. You'll be fine, I promise," Colton said in a boss-like tone, but sweet at the same time.

​This protein bar is so good. I wonder where he gets them. My eyes wander over to where the gas station side is. I wonder why it’s still closed. My curiosity got the best of me. I'll just look. It won't hurt to have one peek, right? I ask myself.

​I look, and I hear Bane meow at me like a warning. I see something walking around outside. I can't quite make out what it is, but it’s very tall. It has a uniform on, I believe. But then, something catches the corner of my eye. I see a big delivery truck with writing on it in the doppelgänger language. Oh shit, they are the ones Colton talked about.

​I look down. Don't pay attention. Keep your head down.

​I hear heavy stomping entering the store. "Oh, this is the new meat?" a voice growls. I feel shivers go through me. I hear Bane hiss. "Oh shit! Not that damn cat again!" the doppelgänger yelled as I hear him jump back.

​A manic laugh follows. "I am so glad Bane scared your ass. Leave that kid alone," a female voice says. I look up at her. She smiles at me. "Don't worry, kid. I don't eat humans or anything. I am a vegetarian," she said. "Now, you dumbass, get going!" she snapped at the other one.

​She was nice. That’s weird.

​I hear Colton walk out. "Oh, hey Penny," he said in a calm tone. Then he looks over to the other one. "Oh. Hi, Joe," he said, sounding annoyed.

​"We got the order, Colton. And the sweets you asked for," Penny said.

​"Thank you, Penny. Let's get everything in," he said in a boss tone. He looks over to me. "It's okay, little mouse. You're safe," Colton said in a sweet tone.

​I blush and look away. I wonder how he knows Penny, I ask myself. Suddenly, I hear a bark—a sound so monstrous it echoes. Something runs into the store. Oh shit. I feel afraid. Is it going to eat me?

​"Husk! Don't scare the kid!" Penny yells as she walks in with a crate that is huge. "Don't worry, he won't eat you. He only eats when I tell him to. And if Joe isn't careful, he's his next meal," Penny said with a laugh. I don't think she is joking.

​Husk looks like a Golden Retriever, but you can tell he’s a doppelgänger animal. He’s... different.

​I see Husk put his front paws on the counter, wagging his tail with a big smile that shows three rows of teeth. Bane begins to bat at him with his front paw; it actually looks like they’re friends, which is weird. They always say cats and dogs are the greatest enemies. I laugh a bit. I wonder if I can pet him. Husk nods at me like he knows what I was thinking. I look at Bane, and he nods, too.

​I pet Husk on his head. His tail is wagging so much he could fly off. Bane looks over toward Joe, who just came from the back room. Bane hisses, and Husk lets out a growl at him. Even Husk hates his guts.