Malignant

Lavandula

Emmaline's eyes fluttered open; everything was a haze, and her body ignited with an ethereal warmth. The sensation of large hands tracing down her stomach sent shivers down her spine, a deep voice groaning and whispering what felt like seductive words. Pleasure enveloped her, intensifying as the hands traced lower. But as swiftly as the intensity peaked, the hands vanished, leaving Emmaline panting.

*GET THE f**k OUT OF BED!*

*TIME TO SLAY THE DAY b***h!*

A blaring alarm catapulted her back to reality, the abrupt transition from dreamscape to the waking world disorienting. "What was that about?" Emmaline questioned herself, her expression contorted with distaste. As she recollected the vivid dream, her eyes roved around the room.

Then she remembered Amicus, the cat she had encountered the night before. Glancing over, she found the space next to her empty. "Where could he be?" Emmaline wondered, recalling she had closed the door the previous night. Her thoughts halted as she looked at her now-open bedroom door. "I could have sworn I shut it last night." A hint of unease crept into Emmaline's thoughts, but the urgency to prepare for the day overshadowed her questions.

Emmaline grabbed a box of clothes, piecing together an outfit as Amicus strolled into the room, capturing her attention. "There you are," she said, a mix of relief and amusement. Amicus looked up at her before gracefully jumping onto the bed. "I was wondering where you ran off to. Did you open the door?" Emmaline jestingly inquired. The cat gazed at her with intelligent eyes, seemingly comprehending every word. "Well, what do you think I should wear for my first day of work?" Emmaline asked, half in jest. With impeccable feline taste, Amicus got up and lay on a basil-green knit sweater paired with light-wash skinny jeans. "You have a knack for fashion, don't you?" Emmaline chuckled, choosing to overlook the cat's apparent understanding.

As Amicus played the role of Emmaline's feline stylist, she headed into the bathroom. The dream lingered in her thoughts as hot shower water cascaded over her body. The touch felt real, and she couldn't shake off the residual sensations. After the shower, she applied a light touch of makeup, mindful of her sensitive skin.

Dressed in the outfit approved by her new fashion consultant, Emmaline grabbed her camera and headed to the kitchen. The Mayor had thoughtfully provided a coffee maker and ample capsules, earning his place in her good graces. Brewing a cup, Emmaline looked out the window, absorbing the picturesque scene of snow-covered pine trees and crystalline ground. "This is the skin of a killer, Bella." Emmaline giggled, quoting a line from the famous novel Twilight. After the moment of self-amusement, she decided it was time to head to work, enjoying the peaceful drive through the serene morning.

Arriving at the Mayor's office at 7:45 am, Emmaline indulged in some leisure time, watching funny FlickTok videos in her car until 7:55 am. Exiting her car, she entered the office and was greeted by a middle-aged woman at the front desk. "Can I help you?" The woman's soft voice held a quaint smile. Emmaline introduced herself, and the woman's eyes widened with excitement upon realizing Emmaline's identity. "My goodness, you're the photographer from N&WP!" she exclaimed. Emmaline chuckled, confirming her identity. The woman appraised her, commenting on Emmaline's beauty. Emmaline thanked her and was directed to wait while the woman informed the Mayor of her arrival.

Emmaline chose a seat near the coffee machine, contemplating a second cup before her eyes were drawn to Mayor Lile, who smiled as he called out her name. Emmaline greeted him with a smile, and he inquired about her first night in the new town. "It was interesting," she replied. Mayor Lile shot her a questionable look before he led her to an empty room, explaining he left it bare for her to design the layout. Emmaline was appreciative of his considerate gesture. "Thank you for thinking of me," she expressed. The Mayor chuckled, but an undertone of something lingered in his laughter, a subtle nuance of sadness or guilt. It was strange, but Emmaline shrugged it off.

The Mayor suggested she set up her office today, and then, if she wanted, she could explore the town. "I could ask one of the secretaries to show you around," The Mayor offered with a smile. Emmaline considered the offer but remembered Lucas, the helpful cashier from the market. "Does Lucas work today?" she questioned. "He doesn't. Why?" the Mayor appeared displeased. "I think I will ask him to show me around," she mused. "Then Lucas it is," he sighed softly, leaving Emmaline to her work.

She took her time arranging her new office, choosing a placement that felt right for her. Then, she meticulously organized her camera equipment and framed some of her favorite photographs. The dream lingered in her thoughts as she worked, leaving an unusual feeling that clung to her like a leech. Emmaline recalled how the hands felt so real; they were prominent and rouge on her smooth skin. She tried to drag her thoughts away from the dream encounter as she placed her cup of coffee on the desk.

As Emmaline completed her tasks, Mayor Lile returned. "Finished?" he inquired. She nodded, satisfied with the arrangement of her new workspace. "Then I'll leave you to it," the Mayor said, exiting the room with a nod. "What is with him?" Emmaline sighed out of confusion and exhaustion.

She glanced at the clock. It was still early in the day. The Mayor's offer to have a secretary show her around the town echoed in her mind, but her curiosity about Lucas prevailed. She made up her mind and decided to find the friendly cashier herself.

Emmaline pulled out her phone and clicked on Lucas's name. Holding the phone up to her ear, the phone rang once, twice— "Emmaline?" a deep voice called out from the other side of the phone. "Hi Lucas, are you busy today?" she asked. "No! Not at all!" Lucas said almost frantically, a tone she found endearing. She chuckled, "Great! I was wondering if you would want to show me around." "Of course!" Lucas chirped. "Okay. I'm already in town," Emmaline said. "Perfect, so am I; where are you specifically?" Lucas questioned. Emmaline replied, "I'm at the Mayor's office." "I'm on my way," Lucas replied before hanging up.

As Emmaline waited for Lucas, she couldn't shake the lingering feeling from the dream. The dream, the strange encounter with the Mayor, and the mysterious Amicus—all elements weaving a tapestry of intrigue around her. She sighed, so much for a new start.

Ten minutes later, Lucas pulled up to the Mayor's office to pick up Emmaline. His warm smile greeted her, and she couldn't help but reciprocate. There was something about him that made her feel warm and fuzzy, a sensation she wasn't used to. Emmaline typically didn't swoon over cute guys; she leaned toward the rugged, manly type. Yet, Lucas's sweetness had an oddly endearing effect on her.

"What are you thinking about so hard?" Lucas laughed, catching her in contemplation. Emmaline flushed, caught off guard, and Lucas responded with a sly smile. Changing the subject, she awkwardly chuckled, "We should probably get moving. I'm a terrible night driver, so we have to be back here by at least 4." Lucas chuckled in agreement, "Wouldn't want you getting hurt. Come, follow me."

Lucas held the door open as they exited the Mayor's office. As he showed Emmaline around, they engaged in small talk. "So, I'm guessing you're not used to being in such a small town," Lucas pointed out, and Emmaline shot him a questioning look. "Why would you say that?" she queried. Lucas chuckled, "Well, that sweater looks like it cost more than my week's pay." They shared a laugh, and Emmaline playfully bumped her shoulder into him. "What about you?" She looked over at Lucas. "Me?" Lucas looked confused. "Yeah. Have you always lived here?" Emmaline questioned. "Born and raised," Lucas smiled before continuing. "Hell, most people in town have seen me in diapers." Emmaline laughed, feeling an unexpected ease in his company.

"Over here is my favorite place to eat. Are you hungry?" Lucas asked, stopping in front of what looked like a bar. The thought crossed Emmaline's mind, 'Is he trying to make this a date?' Overthinking kicked in as she scrutinized the almost-too-pretty man before her. Sensing her tension, Lucas gave her a reassuring smile. "We don't have to if you don't want to. I wasn't trying to make this a date or anything. Though I wouldn't mind taking you on one someday." He looked down shyly, and Emmaline's heart fluttered. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make things weird. I am hungry. Thank you for being so considerate." She smiled. "No need to thank me," Lucas said, holding the door open for her.

Inside, the atmosphere was different than expected. The bar had beautiful oak tables and booths, dark-stained wooden floors, and paintings that, though a bit dark, were breathtaking. "Sit anywhere you like," a short blonde waitress called out as she winked at Lucas and then went to another table. "That's Lottie," Lucas gestured to the blonde. "Lottie?" Emmaline queried. "It's short for Sharlot," he responded. "Ah, I like it," Emmaline smiled.

They decided to sit in a booth, and Lucas began to explain the town's history. "So, this was a lumber town?" Emmaline echoed. "Yeah, it was actually settled by the Lancasters. I'm sure you've heard of them, considering you used to live in the city." She had, in fact, heard of them but decided to play dumb. "I haven't, actually," Emmaline looked at Lucas curiously. This sent Lucas into a tangent. He went on and on about the multiple generations of Lancasters and how they took over large cities with their corporations. If Emmaline didn't know any better, she would have thought Lucas idolized them. But there was no way this marshmallow of a man would like those fatuous. Emmaline listened attentively as Lucas continued explaining the town's history.

After a while, Sharlot, the waitress, approached their table. Emmaline felt scrutinized as Sharlot's eyes roamed over her. She mentally sighed at the obviousness of the girl's interest in Lucas. "Hi, Luke!" she squealed, turning attention away from Emmaline. Lucas exchanged pleasantries, and Emmaline couldn't help but feel amused by the situation. The conversation flowed back and forth, but Sharlot's obvious affection for Lucas was hard to ignore.

Their food arrived, served by Sharlot, and they continued talking about the town. After Lucas paid, they returned to the Mayor's office, where he walked Emmaline to her car. "Sorry I didn't show you much," Lucas laughed shyly. "No worries, the food was great, and I learned much about the town's history!" Emmaline grinned. "Well, I'm glad you had a good time," he said. "I did. Thank you," she laughed. "Anytime. Just let me know when you want to finish the tour," Lucas snickered. "I will," Emmaline smiled. She got into her car, waved goodbye, and drove off, thinking about her pleasant day.

Arriving home, Emmaline sighed loudly as she entered the front door. "Amicus!" she called out, flipping on the lights. Silence met her, and she assumed Amicus might be sleeping. After locking the front door, she went to the kitchen and found a small bundle of lavender with a note card. The note read, "An elegant flower for an elegant woman." Shrugging it off, Emmaline headed upstairs, exhausted. But as she reached the middle of the stairs, realization struck—someone had been in the house.

"No," Emmaline shuddered at the thought. Could the stalker from New York have followed her? As she descended into her thoughts, a creak from the top of the stairs made her snap her head up. Amicus sat there, staring at her. "You know who it is, don't you?" Emmaline looked at the cat, bewildered. "That's why you went up to the closet without hesitation." Amicus tilted his head, walking back towards her bedroom. Everything fell into place—the noises, footprints, the eerie feeling, and the note with flowers. He was already here, beating her to her own home. "Who the hell is this guy?" Emmaline whispered to herself.

Without hesitation, she went up the stairs, grabbed one of her boxes, and locked herself in her room. Digging through the box—pepper spray, a rape alarm, a sheath, a dagger, a holster, and more—Emmaline reassured herself. Always prepared, she had increased self-defense lessons and invested in cameras. Whoever this person was, they were in for a treat. Emmaline Parish was not one to wait around and be preyed upon. No, in fact, she rather enjoyed being the predator instead.