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massiv3tr33p3rsona · 1 day ago

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Taste | Sinners Multi Pairings

Home Part III.

Pairing(s): Sammie ‘Preacher Boy’ Moore (Sinners) x Pearline (Sinners) x Valerie (Black Fem Vampire OC) (Woman in Middle: Nicole Beharie), Valerie x Elias ‘Stack’ Moore (Sinners), and Annie (Sinners) x Lucinda (Black Fem OC) (Woman in Bottom Right: Yseult) x Elijah ‘Smoke’ Moore

Summary: After the performance, Valerie spends some time with Pearline & Sammie in the closet, which sets off a problem with Stack as a threat she previously encounter shows up, slow starting the chaos that Annie and Lucinda warns Smoke about.

Warnings: SMUT, 18+, a bit lengthy, oral (f receiving), threesome (no sex), titty sucking/playing, fingering, vouyerism, knife play, some sexual contact, angst, vampirism, emotional feelings, death/rebirth, violence, blood, cursing, smoking, drinking, major spoilers

Dividers Made By: @uzmacchiato @deltamel

Parts: I • II • IV • Epilogue • Prequel

A/N I: Lucinda and Valerie do interact more here, but I wasn’t sure if I should add them as a pairing or not. Remmick and the chaos that follows begins here. Also: couldn’t find a damn GIF of Sammie and Pearline together?!

THIS IS MY WORK, SO PLEASE DO NOT STEAL IT.

After going through the crowd, Pearline pulls Valerie into the closet, making sure no one sees them.

Closing the door, Valerie pushes her against it, holding her body to it.

Throwing her shawl across the room, she traces over Pearline’s lips before kissing them, beginning to make out with her. The women fight for dominance as they rub each other, grabbing parts as they walk into the table.

Valerie turns them around, with Pearline in front of the table, backside facing Valerie. She begins kiss her shoulder, hearing Pearline softly moan as she grabs her legs.

“You sure know how to kiss someone.” she utters, making Valerie smile.

“Years of practice.” she said, hearing Pearline laugh.

There’s a knock on the door. Valerie motions Pearline to stay, walking to the door.

“Who is it?” she asks in a low voice.

“It’s Sammie. Just looking for two women.” he replied.

Valerie looks at Pearline before unlocking and opening the door, peeping through the crack. Sammie stands there, patiently waiting while looking back to make sure no one is watching him.

“You’re late.” she says before yanking him in by the chest.

She quickly closes and locks the door, turning around to see both Sammie and Pearline staring at her. Pearline grabs his face and they begin making out with each other as Valerie watches.

She walks up slowly, rubbing Sammie’s back as he lifts Pearline up to sit her on the table. He breaks away from her, turning his head towards Valerie. He leans in to kiss her, but she pulls back, smiling a bit.

“See…I came for her and maybe a little bit of you. She had you first, so maybe I should have some off limits to you.” she said, tracing over his lips.

“Valerie…..I don’t mind.” said Pearline, pulling her close.

“Yeah, but he seems a little…..inexperienced.” as she whispered the last word.

Sammie turns her facing forward, placing a sloppy kiss on her mouth before pushing her a bit between Pearline’s legs, with the latter wrapping her arms around her waist.

Her skin becomes hot as that familiar sexual haze settles inside her, feeling her temperature slowly going up.

“I’m a grown man. I can handle y’all both. Unless you running already?” he asks, looking at Valerie.

Pearline lightly chuckles as Valerie pulls Sammie close, removing his sweater. Hungrily, she kisses him back, gently biting his lip before breaking away and turning to Pearline to kiss her, also biting her lip. He rubs on her body, placing kisses on her neck, which makes her softly moan during the kiss.

She breaks it, pulling him close to her and Pearline as they begin making out with each other at the same time, hands roaming over bodies and hair.

“Wait, wait.” whispered Valerie as she pulls away from Sammie and Pearline.

Going up her dress, she removes the dagger she had hidden, placing it behind Pearline on the table.

“Don’t want y’all accidentally getting nicked by my dagger.” she replied, smiling a bit.

She gets back to her position and resume making out with the both of them for a few more minutes before Sammie pulls away, turning Valerie around, now facing Pearline.

“Get up.”, he whispers into her ear, licking it a bit.

Gently pushing Pearline to lay down, she climbs onto the table, positioning herself over her body, with Sammie adjusting them a bit to his liking.

“Now what do you have planned, young man?” asked Pearline, rubbing Valerie’s back.

“I wanna try something.” he utters, rubbing one hand over Valerie’s ass as the other one trails up Pearline’s thigh, hearing her breathing skip.

He pushes Valerie’s skirt up, seeing her underwear slightly coated in her essence. He pulls them down, removing them completely as Valerie assisted him by stretching her legs.

He then pushes Pearline’s skirt up, seeing her also-coated underwear and smirks.

“Oh, you two been waiting for me, huh?” he asked, removes it quickly, moving Valerie down a bit, making her press her chest into Pearline’s.

Pearline lets out a soft moan as Valerie begins kissing her, tracing her hand over her chin as Sammie kneels a bit.

“Wait, wait.” said Pearline, gently pushing Valerie back and Sammie lift his head in her view.

“I need to freshen myself up. We just danced out there.” she added.

“You’re very beautiful.” he said, smiling a bit.

“You too.” as he looks at Valerie. “I just wanna taste y’all.”

He moves back into position as Valerie smiles, feeling butterflies in her stomach. He begins massaging her lips, making her tense up a bit as he begins sucking on Pearline’s, making her inhale a bit.

“Shit…” she whispered, gently squeezing one of Valerie’s breasts.

“Want one?” asked Valerie as she pulls her top down, exposing her breasts.

Pearline nods, taking one into her mouth as she fondles the other one, making Valerie growl a bit. Sammie inserts some fingers inside, making her moan softly as he begins flicking his tongue on Pearline’s clit.

“Oh god.” she utters, squeezing her hand on the one wrapped around her leg.

The women’s synced moans fill the room as the music booms on the outside of the door, no one hearing them with a single clue in their head. Their erotic, sweet scents tickling Valerie’s nose.

Suddenly, Sammie removes his fingers, watching Valerie’s essence slowly dripped out as he removed his mouth off Pearline’s lips, his mouth covered in hers. Trading places, his mouth now on Valerie’s lips as he inserts his fingers inside Pearline, making both women gasp.

“Oh, he really is a professional man now.” mumbled Valerie, hearing Pearline laugh.

A slap goes across one of her cheeks, making her wince before he massages it to relieve it.

“Alright. I take that back.” she said, feeling him laugh before inserting his tongue inside her, making her exhale and move her hips up and down a bit.

She resumes kissing Pearline, both fighting for dominance as Sammie speed up his pace, feeling their releases slowly building and moans getting louder.

As Valerie is gently biting Pearline’s neck, she looks up at the dagger that is above the latter’s head, an idea coming into her head, making her lift her head a bit.

“I have an idea. Do you trust me?” she whispered.

“Yes.” as Pearline nods, trying to concentrate.

“Good.” as Valerie pecks her lips. “Can you grab my dagger that’s above you?”

Pearline drops to a confused gaze, thinking on why she wants her do that as Sammie moans, enjoying their essence leaking all over his face and hands.

“Like what you’re tasting, Preacher Boy?” asked Valerie, turning her head slightly.

Sammie moans as he buries his face deeper while pressing down on Pearline’s sweet spot, making both women whimper.

“I’m not gonna kill you!” she utters quietly to Pearline, feeling her release approaching.

Pearline nods as she reaches up to the dagger, pulling edge carefully out of the holder and handing it to her.

Grabbing the knife, Valerie gently hold it to Pearline’s neck, looking at her.

“Ready?” she asked.

Pearline softly whispers yes, giving her the greenlight. Valerie then cuts a small line on Pearline’s neck, watching some blood spill out, her eyes dilating.

“I’m gonna taste you.” she mumbled, lowering herself.

“Mm.” is what Pearline can get out as she licks a little bit up, sending her sexual haze into a deeper state.

The mixture of sweat, vanilla, and musk with the blood lingers on her tongue, making her moan quietly before crashing her lips onto Pearline’s mouth.

“Fuck, I’m close.” whispered Pearline, a moan following after as she begins gripping around his fingers.

Valerie latches back onto her neck, but is careful to not bite as she sucks on the cut, feeling more blood pouring into her mouth.

“Cumming, cumming!” she yells as her body jerks, her essence pouring out over his hand.

Valerie turns her head away as her release washes over her, making her fangs pop out as her body jerks over his face, feeling him lap up her essence.

A few minutes goes by as Sammie removes his face from her, licking up Pearline’s essence before standing up and leaning against the door, watching both women catch their breaths.

“Both of y’all taste good.” he said, sucking his fingers off.

Both women laugh weakly as Valerie gets up and pulls her top up, helping Pearline sit up. She grabs her underwear and puts it on, pulling her skirt down.

“What, you not staying?” he asks, looking at her with amusement.

“I could.” as she grabs the dagger and puts it in the holder, placing it on the side of her underwear.

“But….you were hers first.” as she kisses Pearline on her lips.

“And I think you can handle just fucking one instead of two.” as she smiles, walking up to him.

“You sure?” he asks in a sly tone.

Valerie leans forward and kisses him, pushing her tongue through his lips as she grabs his growing bulge, hearing him wince before breaking the kiss again, gently moving him to the side.

“I am. And I don’t want your cousins wondering where we went, so it’s best I go. But, I’m not completely leaving.” as she unlocks and grabs the doorknob.

“I’ll be out there when y’all done.” she says, looking at the both of them.

Pearline looks at her with lust as Sammie nods. Valerie opens the door and leaves, gently closing it so no one notices her walking out.

“She would’ve been much more fun had she stayed.” said Pearline.

“Yeah. Would’ve made my night a bit more.” said Sammie, getting in between Pearline’s legs.

“Now where were we?” he asks, tracing over her top.

Pearline smiles as they begin removing each other’s clothes, both lips crashing together during it.

Wiping her face as she looks around, Valerie walks to the entrance, seeing Cornbread and the other bodyguard sitting out there.

“Do you know if there’s a faucet or water thing? I just needa wash my hands.” she asks, making Cornbread look at her.

“Yeah. On the side behind where the stage is.” said Cornbread, pointing in that direction.

“Thank you.” she said, nodding at him.

She walks out, turning into the direction he told her.

Looking from afar was Lucinda, annoyance appearing all over her face. She looks at the closet that she saw Valerie walk out of, curiosity forming over her.

Walking towards it, she stands in front the door and was about to open it, until she hears a moan, making her pause.

“What the hell?” she mumbles, leaning in closer.

The moan appears again, with a male one joining as the table hits the walls continuously, making Lucinda amused.

“You doing me in, Sammie!” she hears the woman say.

“Pearline? Sammie?!” Lucinda utters, a smile on her face.

“Your cousins is gonna get you for tha….” she said, her voice trailing off on the last word.

Realization sets in as she remembers Valerie walking out of this closet, making her even more confused.

“Why was she in there….” she mumbled, trying to piece it all together.

Then it hit her.

Valerie hooked up with the both of them, which explains why she came out disheveled looking.

“Grace, watch Preacher Boy while I go to Smoke and Annie.” she said as she sees Grace coming across her way.

Grace nods, standing in position as Lucinda walks away and through the crowd. Walking upstairs, she sees Smoke and Annie standing at the ledge, watching over the people dancing, drinking, and vibing to the music.

“I need to talk to y’all.” she said, making the both of them turn around.

“What’s wrong?” asked Annie, grabbing her hand as she touches her neck.

“Everything okay? Feeling odd?” asked Smoke.

“I’m fine. We’re fine.” replied Lucinda, making both of them smile.

“But it’s about Valerie.” she added, making the both of them have a puzzled look.

“Valerie? Like Stack’s *Valerie?” said Annie.

“Yeah. Her conniving ass.”

“Conniving? What she do?” asked Smoke.

“I saw her walking out of the closet, having no idea she was in there. Confused, I go to see why she was in there, but before I could get the door open, I hear some broad moaning. And then someone else joined in.” she said.

“Okay, maybe she was hunching on someone.” he said, shrugging his shoulders.

“She was. But it was someone else in there too.” she replied.

Annie is taken aback as Smoke pulls out a lavender cigarette and his lighter, looking down at the crowd before looking at Lucinda again.

“Alright. Who was it?” as he places the cigarette into his mouth, lighting it and inhaling the smoke.

“…Sammie.” she said quickly.

Smoke chokes, coughing very hard as Annie pats his back, reaching for the glass of water sitting on the bannister.

“Youse telling a lie?” asked Annie as she puts the glass to his lips.

“Nah. Him and that Pearline lady was in there, doing whatever with Valerie. She just walked out for some reason, but she was in there.”

Smoke drinks the water before catching his breath, trying to regain his composure.

“Are you…are you sure it was her and them?” he asks, wincing a bit.

“Yes. That green dress and those heels stands out from what everyone else is wearing. I recognized Pearline’s voice when she said his name.” she said, walking back and forth.

“I knew she was here to start trouble the moment I talked to her and she thought I was Annie!” she yelled, making Annie have a confused expression on her face.

“Why would she know me? I just met her tonight while making her and Stack’s plates.” said Annie.

“Because Smoke always talked about you when she was around us.” said a familiar, thick Southern accent male voice.

Turning their heads, they see Stack at the top of the steps, not knowing he was listening to them the whole time. As he walks to them, Lucinda slowly backs up.

“Around y’all?” said Annie, looking at Smoke.

“Chicago. Like I mentioned briefly earlier. She was a main community helper that both sides liked a lot.” said Stack, staring down Lucinda.

“And she never causes trouble. Especially since she wasn’t automatically assuming someone was smashing her sibling.” he added, anger popping out.

“Well, she didn’t smash Smoke. She smashed Sammie and Pearline.” said Lucinda, stepping up to him.

“Oh really? Then why did I just see those two come out of the closet without her then?” he asked, eyeing her.

“Because she left before she got caught.”

Stack smiles, laughing a bit, which annoyed Lucinda.

“Just like you should’ve when he came home today.” as he moves closer.

Smoke immediately gets between them, sending Stack a “back down” glare as Lucinda laughs, disbelief at him.

“Look at you. Defending your whores like you always do.” she said, turning away.

“Just because you became Virgin Mary to carrying my brother’s baby, it dont mean you run shit around here now!” he yelled.

“Elias!” said Smoke through gritted teeth.

“Well, somebody had to since you guys terrorize and left everybody in a mess!” she said, yelling back.

“Both of you, stop!” said Annie, stomping her foot to the ground.

Stack backs up, throwing his hands up in defeat as Smoke turns to her.

“You will not stress Lucinda out of the baby not fully developing.” as she turns Stack.

“And you will not disrespect family. He made sure Elijah came back in one piece.” as she turned to Lucinda.

“No. YOU made sure of that with the mojo bag. Don’t give his ass all the credit.” said Lucinda, hearing Stack scoff loud.

“As if you’re not crediting putting dirt and herbs in a bag as protection for why we’re still alive.” he said.

Smoke pulls out his pistol, pointing it at Stack, scaring both of the women.

“Watch your mouth.” he said, clicking the gun.

“You should be telling Lu to watch *hers.” as Stack looks at her. “Spreading lies and shit about Valerie.”

“I don’t think she would lie about that!” said Annie.

“I know what I saw. Knew she was odd the minute I been talking to her.” said Lucinda.

Stack tries to move towards her, but Smoke follows, not budging with dropping the gun.

“Watch it.” he utters.

“Because you don’t know her. That’s why you think she’s odd. Plus, what purpose would she have to do that?” said Stack, stepping back a bit.

“Hmm……let’s ask Mary, shall we?” asked Smoke.

Silence fills the room as Stack’s face drops, appalled at what his brother said, the music slightly quieting.

“Mary’s not the issue and you know it.” he replied, getting irritated.

“So why did you cheat with her? What about her that made you go back that Valerie didn’t have?”

“You don’t know what really happened between us.”

“You right. But what I do know is Valerie made you very happy. Seemed like a fresh breath of air that got sucked away when Mary arrived back into your life.”

“So what?”

“So what? That was a betrayal she’ll never forget. Which you and I know that contributed to her “death”.

“…… so even if Lucinda is telling the truth, you think she’s justified for getting with our cousin and his girl?”

Smoke hesitated, looking at Annie, who was waiting patiently for his answer.

“….never said that.” as he puts his gun down. “But I wouldn’t be surprised if that was her part of her revenge.” as he turns away.

Stack rolls his eyes, heading to the stairs.

“You would be neutral. A common trait in you.” he said, taking out a cigarette.

“I’m protecting what’s mines. And I know they wouldn’t do something I wouldn’t like.” replied Smoke, looking over the crowd again.

“They, huh?” he utters, lighting up his cigarette. “They.”

Stack looks at the women one more time, blowing smoke out. He turns around, heading down the stairs, with his stomps growing louder and harder.

“He’s so lucky I didn’t curse him or that woman cause I would’ve gotten hi—“ Lucinda begins to say.

“Don’t do anything else.” said Smoke, cutting her off.

“What? He’s the one who should be cautious of her!” she replied, anger all over her voice.

“You did enough for the night. Lay cool.” said Annie.

“And he don’t care about caution. He likes that shit……that’s how he got Mary in the first place.” he said, staring at Mary waiting in the crowd, looking around.

Lucinda was about to say something before Annie stopped her, hooking her arm around hers.

“Come.” said Annie, pulling her along. “The kitchen and bar is probably backed up.” she added.

“Don’t work her too much, baby.” he said, not looking away.

Annie nods as the women walk down the stairs, their steps fading slowly out of Smoke’s hearing as he sees his brother walk to Mary, beginning to talk to her and what it seems like an argumentative way.

Meanwhile outside, Valerie, who was now finished with washing her hands under the faucet, look up, smiling.

She heard the whole conversation and is now determined to go out after Lucinda since she wants to be in her business.

Shaking her hands to dry them, she begins walking back, not realizing that just a few feet away, the true trouble is coming.

Valerie walks back into the atmosphere, all freshened up as she looks around to find Sammie and Pearline.

Looking at the center of the dance floor, she sees them dancing to the tune of Slim’s playing, all happy and well. She smiles as she heads to the bar, taking a seat in one of the chairs.

“Another Irish beer” she said to Grace, taking out some money from her chest.

Another one already?, Grace said in her head as she watches.

Valerie pauses, looking up as she places the money on the table, sending her a smile.

I can hear thoughts again, thankfully, she utters.

Thanks to Pearline if anything.

“Make that two.” said a familiar female voice, adding money to the pile.

Who the fuck….

Valerie turns around slowly and sees Mary standing there, eyeing her down.

“Oh. You.” she said, looking back at her.

“Hello, Valerie.” said Mary, walking up bit.

*Lemme take this money and go so I don’t seem like I’m being nosy, said Grace as she picks up the money.

“Coming right up!” she said before walking away, leaving the two women alone.

Mary sits next to her, giving her some space as Valerie looks away, trying to not be annoyed by her.

Silence fills between them as Grace comes back with the beers, placing one in each’s presence.

“Thanks, Grace.” said Mary, taking a sip.

Valerie grabs her and holds it, watching Pearline and Sammie dance as Lucinda and Annie dances next to them.

“Is there a reason you’re next to me?” she asks, looking at Mary.

Guess we’re starting off strong, said Mary, fixing her mouth.

Sure is.

“How you been?” Mary asked.

“Great. Living in peace away from trouble. Enjoying life. You?” said Valerie.

“Just buried my mother yesterday.” as Mary sips her drink.

And he and that brother of his didn’t come, she said, rolling her eyes.

“I heard. Stack told me.” said Valerie, sipping a bit of her drink.

“Sure he did.”

“Yeah. How unfortunate for me.”

“…..Unfortunate?” she asks, a puzzled look on her face.

“Yeah. Its unfortunate because here her daughter is, trying to converse with the woman who’s man she stole.” as Valerie stood up.

“My god, you’re still upset about that.” said Mary.

“I am. Cause I di….harmed myself seeing you two together. And I’m suppose to express empathy because you’re experiencing pain right now?”

“Fuck you!” as Mary stood fast, getting in her space.

Valerie smiles, placing the beer on the table as she steps closer to her.

“Let me guess: he abandoned you after a good fuck? Ghosted you? Didn’t even show up for the funeral? So now that you see I’m alive and well, you’re looking for support? Because I can tell you right now: you can save that shit and take it to hell when your time comes.” she utters, an enraged expression on her face.

Mary, with tears in her eyes, stares at her, having nothing to say. Valerie smirks, nodding her head.

Just as I thought.

“I could care less that you had him first. But I have no interest in being cordial with you ever again. No matter how much of family you are to them. Have a good night.” she added before storming off.

“We’re not even together!” is what Mary could get out, but Valerie ignores.

Like that’s suppose to make things right, she utters, shaking her head.

Walking through the crowd, she heads to Pearline and Sammie, who welcomes her with open arms, with Sammie being behind her and Pearline in front of her.

“We were just talking about you.” said Pearline, wrapping her arms around her waist.

“Hopefully good.” said Valerie, hearing the both of them laugh as Sammie moves to the side, standing in front of them.

“Always.” he said, smiling.

She looks over at Lucinda and Annie, with the latter looking away before going back to dancing with Pearline.

“What’s next?” she asks, leaning in closer.

“She might get up there and sang a bit.” he replied.

“Oh!” Valerie exclaimed. “You sing?”

“I ain’t say all that now.” as Pearline sideyes Sammie. “But yeah, from time to time.”

“Hopefully I get to hear it. Bet yo….” Valerie begins to say, before trailing off.

Looking over, she see the twins walking to the entrance quickly, with Lucinda, Mary, and Annie following behind them.

“Something happened out front?” she asks, making the both of them follow her direction.

“Not that I’m aware of.” he said, beginning to walk towards it.

Pearline follows, grabbing Valerie’s hand, making her walk behind her.

As the trio gets closer, Valerie feels a weird sensation spreading all over her, making her let go of Pearline’s hand and stopping.

She knows this feeling. It’s almost like the one she felt when Sammie was performing and the spirits came out. Unless this is a warning about whoever it is outside they’re seeing is danger.

“You fellas must be the owners of this establishment.” said a familiar voice, making her look ahead.

“That’s right. And you are?” asked Smoke.

They began talking as Valerie got a little closer.

She sees everyone, from Cornbread in the front, Stack on the right of Smoke, Sammie behind them, Annie, Mary, and Lucinda behind him, and Pearline just a few feet back gathered, wondering what this stranger is doing here.

“We just came here to play. Spend some money. Here, we’ll show y’all.” said the male voice.

Seeing behind Smoke’s body stood a short, brown haired, white man, dressed in a grey shirt, black slacks, and suspenders, taking out a banjo as him and his two followers: a brown haired woman in a blue dress playing a violin as a guitar and a brown haired man in a green dress shirt, black pants, and suspenders playing an acoustic guitar, begin playing a song.

IIIII picked poor Robin clean, as the other male voice sanged, with the other two joining in.

Picked poor Robin clean

I picked his head

I picked his feet

I woulda picked his body, but it wasn't fit to eat

As Smoke moved to the side, she finally got a good view of the man and his crew, which startles her as she sees who it is at the entrance.

Remmick.

The last person she thought she would never run into her again is now here, trying to persuade themselves into getting in, what she knows is not gonna work with the twins. Especially Smoke.

Poor Robin clean

I picked poor Robin clean

Lord, didn't that jaybird laugh when I picked poor Robin clean, as the trio turns their instruments into the same direction.

I don’t know….they kinda good., said Stack, nodding his head to the song.

You would be the one entertained by this, said Smoke, turning his head towards him.

Truly the polar opposites, said Valerie, looking at them.

They need to put an end to this white folk singing, said Cornbread.

“Alright, that’s enough. Enough.” said Smoke, moving his hand to stop their singing, which they did.

“Oh, come on!” said the lady.

“We were getting to the good part.” said Remmick.

“Yeah, well you can play that at the white ones down the street.” said Smoke.

“Oh, don’t be like that now. We’re just here to party like y’all!” said the man.

Don’t give too much away, Bert. They’ll start to suspect us, the lady said, looking at him.

Think they are, Joan, Bert replied, fixing his jaw.

Those names……where have I heard them before, Valerie mumbles, making sure they aren’t able to hear her.

“Y’all Klan?” asked Smoke.

“Sir?” Remmick replied immediately, a shocked look on his face.

“We-we believe in equality. We don’t mind color. We just wanna dance….buy drinks. Just vibe.” he added.

“Amen.” said Joan.

Valerie laughs, making everyone look at her. She stops, coughing a bit.

“Oh…” said Remmick, a smile slowly appearing on his face.

Hello, Valerie. Thought that was your sweet scent I smelled from here, he said in a dark voice, staring at her.

“I see you met our friend already.” he said.

Valerie turns around, looking behind her before turning back, confused on who the hell he’s talking to.

“Friend? Odd way to phrase someone they almost harmed.” she replied, crossing her arms.

Remmick laughs loudly, with other following as everyone look at Valerie. She can feel him getting irate, his skin slightly turning red.

“You know this people?” asked Stack.

“Hell no. Not in a way they’re trying to make it seem like.” she replied, annoyance all over her face.

“We ran into each other earlier.” said Remmick.

“Yeah. In front of the Natives.” as she eyes him down.

“Which probably explains the absence of the Ms.” she added, smiling a bit.

Oh, she’s gonna blow it for us, he utters.

Thank god you are incapable of reading minds, she said.

“Ok, it was an accident. And I did apologize, didn’t I?” he asked, moving side to side.

“Why you….” is what Valerie begins to say before she’s cut off.

“What accident?” asked Sammie, looking at Valerie.

“Well, Sammie, he attac—” she said before being cut off again.

“Sammie?” said Remmick, a joyous smile on his face.

Oh no….he’s actually here for him., she utters.

“You were that voice we heard on our way over? Beautiful by the way.” he added, which weirded out Sammie.

“Don’t listen to him.” Valerie whispered. “He’s not good folk.”

“All this potlicking is not gonna get you in, sir. So I’m gonna kindly ask you and your people to leave.” said Smoke.

“Oh, I see.” Remmick nodded, slightly hurt.

“It’s cause we’re..” as he rubs his hand against his skin.

He looks around, seeing Mary standing next to Annie, keeping his gaze on her.

Interesting, he says.

Of course you’re gonna go after Mary, Valerie said, rolling her eyes.

“How she get in?” he asked, curiosity on his face.

Just as Mary is about to say something, Annie stops her, holding her hand up.

“Cause she’s family.” she replied.

“Ahh. See we’re bending the rules for some.”

“Familiar feeling for you?” asked Lucinda.

“Don’t start.” said Annie.

“Didn’t know you were allowed to speak, young woman. Your kind would’ve gotten harmed in our place.” said Remmick.

Smoke and Stack immediately whipped their guns, making Remmick, Joan, and Bert hold up their hands in protest, backing up a bit.

“Woah, we don’t gotta get too crazy now.” he added.

“Should’ve watched that mouth.” said Valerie.

“She ain’t the one to try. And neither are we.” said Smoke.

“Now take y’all asses on!” said Stack.

“Okay. We’ll go. Slowly case y’all change y’all minds.” said Remmick.

The trio turns around, beginning to walk away, looking back over to see if they changed their minds. Seeing if they got further away for their liking, the twins put their guns away.

“Keep an eye on them, Cornbread. Make sure they don’t try nothing to get in here.” said Smoke.

“Gotchu.” said Cornbread.

The rest turn around, heading back to different areas of the juke joint.

“That was odd that he knew my name.” said Sammie.

“Was even more odd that he knew you.” said Pearline, looking at Valerie.

“Yeah.” as Stack stands in front of Valerie, eyeing her down.

“What was that about?” he asked.

“Don’t give me that shit. I just said he tried to harm me hours ago? You didn’t hear?” she replied.

“And he just casually shows up with his Klan members, trying to get into our juke joint with the singing?”

“The same singing you was just nodding your head to? Nergo, please.” she said, walking off.

Stack was about to say something but is stopped by Sammie as he and Pearline follow Valerie, leaving him with Mary, who begins rubbing his arm.

“Let her go. She’s still pissed about us.” she said.

“You don’t think I know that?” he asked, feeling her exhale.

“Stack!” said Smoke, making the latter look at him.

“Meet me up. We need to talk.” he said, heading to the stairs.

Stack nods, before looking at Mary. He squeezes her hand before departing, handing up the stairs.

Stack walks in, meeting Smoke, who is leaned up against the banister.

“What’s up, brother?” he asked.

Smoke takes out a paper from his chest pocket and hands it to him, with the latter grabbing it, a a smile dawning on his face.

“That’s the sales for the night. Other side is how much we need to finish the night.” he said, puffing out smoke.

“What we looking at for how long we keeping this place?” asked Stack.

“Two weeks.” replied Smoke.

“Two weeks?!”

“You, Ann, and Lu keep accepting those wooden nickels as change as if I haven’t been telling y’all that’s not gonna work for us.”

Stack sucks his teeth, folding the paper up.

“You expect niggas who spend all day picking cotton or doing work they’re only getting paid half of real money to have it?”

“I do. Since this was yo idea.” as Smoke inhales more of his cigarette.

“And that’s where you’re not looking at the bigger picture. They came here to have fun, drink, dance, and do whatever to escape everything they do daily.”

“Okay. So what’s your idea then to fix it?” Smoke asked, getting closer.

“Maybe cut the prices?”

“To hell with that!” Smoke exclaimed, anger on his face.

“Well, we gotta find a way to make this number because we done put everything we had into this.” said Stack, throwing his hands ups.

“Yeah, and cutting down the price of alcohol we stole is not the best idea!”

“Well, what do you suggest then?!” yelled Stack.

The brothers continued arguing as Valerie listens from underneath them, a little smile appearing on her face.

Of course, another one of Stack’s ideas is fumbling again, she said, drinking her third-fifth beer of the night.

She watches Mary head up the stairs to where the twins were, rolling her eyes and walking away.

Looking at the room getting a little more crowded and loud, she sees Pearline and Sammie rehearsing, looking like he’s prepping her for her performance. Lucinda sneaks up, rolling her eyes at Valerie’s fawning.

Ìríra (Disgusting), she utters, making Valerie turns her head a bit.

“Can I help you?” she asked.

“You know you’re not slick, right?” Lucinda replied.

Valerie turns her whole body to her, now giving her more attention.

“Neither are you, loud mouth.” she replied, watching her get angry.

*Bitch?, she said.

“Excuse you?” she added.

“You just called me a ‘bitch’. In your *head just now.” said Valerie, a laugh escaping her mouth.

“You are very deranged.”

“And you’re nothing more than a breeding ground for Smoke since Annie can’t have a child live longer.”

Lucinda’s eyes widen at what she utter, anger fully consuming her.

Oh, she’s about to crack. Finally, I been waiting all night for this, said Valerie, having an evil smile on her face.

“Truth hurts?” she added.

“Well at least I didn’t have to fuck the young cousin just because I got my heart broken!” Lucinda exclaimed.

“You’re right. Except I didn’t fuck Sammie nor Pearline over heartbreak. He gave me head and I left since he was hers first.”

“That’s still crossing a line.”

“And your situation is much different? Because Elijah accepted you as Annie’s girlfriend? You’re funny.”

“Why do you believe we have the same thing going on, Valerie?”

Valerie steps closer, getting in her space and turning off her power of being able to hear thoughts.

“Because you and I have been entangled with two family members.” she said, watching Lucinda laugh.

“Oh please.” the latter said, shooing her hand to her.

“Stack spent two years with me, saying he “loved” me and wanted to spend the rest of his life with me just to go back to *her because those feelings never went away, despite telling me they did. Making me go off to the deep end, never forgetting the pain he caused.”

“And what does Sammie have to do with it? Could’ve chosen anyone but him!” Lucinda exclaimed.

“Pearline. All I wanted was her, even though his charm was winning me. But she was my main target I wanted to complete all night and did, with a side mission of being around him. I guarantee you I do not want him like you’re trying to make it seem like, Lu.”

“Well, you did the fucking deed.”

“I did not. And since we on that topic, let’s talk about you now.”

Lucinda attempts to walk away, not interested in hearing what she has to say before she put her hands on her, but Valerie steps in the way, holding an intense glare at her.

“You got hired to help her around the shop and learn from her, but got upgraded to fulfilling her needs that *he abandoned because he wants to run around, being the big old gangster that should be terrified of him and his brother instead of being home, helping his grieving wife.” she utters.

“And I can tell you hated him over that, but you chose to get over it because at the end of the day, that is still her husband, and she missed him dearly. To the point that she has to perform a pregnancy ritual to make sure you bring a child that can bring them much closer like they were. She doesn’t love you, she only needs you for something that can heal her heartbreak.”

“You watch your fucking words before I make you.” Lucinda said, pointing at her.

Valerie throws her shawl to the floor, holding her arms out.

“Do it. Even though you’re not supposed to be fighting while pregnant.” she utters.

Lucinda gasps, attempting to slap her, but Valerie dodges quickly in a fast pace, confusing Lucinda.

“No one even knows that but me, Annie, and Smoke!” she yells, grabbing at her arms.

Valerie holds her back, pinning her against the wall and slightly holding her up, trying very hard to not let her fangs out.

“By the way, it’s a boy! Easiest job for you considering the previous circumstance.” said Valerie, wrapping her hands around her throat, squeezing it.

Lucinda fights back, but struggles against Valerie’s strength, trying to figure out why is she so strong suddenly?

“Val, let her go!” Stack yells, pulling the latter off Lucinda and dragging her across the room.

“You fucking dem—“ Lucinda begins yelling, but is cut off by Smoke holding her back from trying to run towards Valerie.

“You need to tighten up.” he whispers into her ear. “Told you not to do anything else.”

“I didn’t! I was going off of what I was detecting!”

After a few more minutes of dragging, Stack pulls Valerie upstairs, making sure no one sees them before letting her go, watching her fall against the wall.

“Aggressive much?” she asked.

“You fucked Sammie and Pearline?” he asked immediately, anger all over him.

Silence fills between them as Valerie walks to the banister, looking down at the crowd, dancing and drinking as she notices Mary walking out quickly.

“Where yo ho going?” she asked, breaking it.

“I asked first.” he replied.

“No, I didn’t fuck them. Me and her made out and touched each other as Sammie ate us out.” she said, looking at him as she folded her arms.

Stack let out a stifled laugh, flexing his jaw.

“You are really screwed in the head.” he said, shaking his head.

”And you’re a piece of shit who is immature, his brother has to bail him out of everything.” she replied, now heated.

“And yet, you liked that.”

“ I thought you had genuine love for me, but turns out, I was just someone you wanted to fuck on until Mary came to her senses.”

“Now, that’s not true.”

“Then why did you cheat huh?” as she stepped closer to him.

“Why you abandoned me as soon as I confronted you about it? Saying “we weren’t gonna be nothing more than what we are right now?” and completely walking off?” she added.

“Don’t.” he said, stepping back a bit.

“Doing the same exact thing. Running from admitting the truth because I know it was Mary because it seems like you two are going through the same thing we did.”

”Well, you don’t know jack shit but screwing family!” he yelled, making her laugh.

“Says the one who didn’t go to the funeral of his ex-girlfriend’s mother, who raised him and his brother after their mother died.”

Stack looks away, visibly irritated by that statement.

“And you’re not even ashamed.” she adds. “How come?”

“Because that’s how I am! Mary just live a simple life of being a wife to a white man in a different town because being with someone like me will get her killed, but she doesn’t care because she loves me…… and I *love her.” he stated, rubbing his face.

“But you…..you deserved better than me. A woman like you should not be running around with someone like me because you have accomplished things Chicago appreciated you for. And I couldn’t see myself being the man you hope changed as soon as I got out of working for the Italians.” as he looked at her.

“I had no business getting involved with you….but I still did because….I also *loved you.” as he traces over her face.

Valerie, visibly teary eyed, pulls away, taken aback by this new admission.

“But I don’t know if I feel that way anymore now that I know Lucinda was actually telling the truth.” he said, backing up.

“Good. Consider it me playing your game well. Now you feeling how I felt.” she replied.

“Yeah. But I won’t have a fail suicide attempt over it.”

“……because it would actually be successful, knowing how every single idea you had and did turned out.” she replied.

Stack’s mouth drops open, stunned that she would say something like that, knowing she has supported every single one he had.

“And the saddest part of this? Dragging Smoke through it instead of molding yourself into him. Hopefully he wakes up one day.” she said, taking out a cigarette from her top.

Ahhhh ooooooh is heard through the silence, with Stack getting closer in Valerie’s space.

“I don’t know who the hell you are because this is not the Valerie I know.” he utters in a livid tone.

“That version died the night she jumped off the bridge.” as she lits the cigarette, blowing the smoke in his face.

“I’m new, free, and don’t give a damn about what others think of me anymore. Especially the ones caused that one to crack due to their choices.” she added, eyeing him down.

Oh, pale moon rising over the pines, come

Lawd away until the sun does rise

Leave the day by the, by the door, I don't

Care if sun don't shine once more

That's what I said, Pearline sangs out, getting the audience to cheer for her.

Stack, hurt by everything she has said, turns away from her, watching Pearline perform.

“After Mary comes back, I want your ass out of here.” he said, not looking at her.

Valerie laughs manically, tossing her cigarette and stopping on it, matching the same rhythm Pearline is doing to the song.

”Just like old times: I have to be the one l to leave and suddenly, whatever you and Smoke are working on shuts down soon after. But this time, you can’t come running to me to help you out.” she stated.

“Good. Fuck you.” he replied quickly, making her scoff.

“And based on what I have heard.. you ain’t got much time. I’m sure the folks in Chicago wouldn’t mind having the both of y’all back since you stole a lot from them.” she added, watching him turn around and jump up.

”You better watch it.” he said.

“Or what? You’re gonna shoot me?” she asked.

Stack pulls out his gun and points at her, cocking it. She stares back, not terrified of it like she used to be.

I wanna sing, as Pearline kneels, keeping her intense gaze on the crowd.

Like I hear the crickets do

I wanna hoo, yeah, as Smoke ushers Sammie to come help him and Bo with something in the poker room.

Like the owls do

I wanna howl

To the moon, Pearline exclaimed, crawling across the stage.

“I don’t wanna hurt you.” whispered Stack, tears forming.

“You already did.” as Valerie steps closer.

“That night changed something in me that I thought I would never get used to…” as she lowers the gun to her chest, scaring him.

“Val, stop.” he said, trying to pull away, but she keeps him in position.

In the room, Sammie, Bo, and others jump on a man who tried to steal a game of poker as Smoke guards the door, making sure no one comes in.

I wanna be naturally free

“I thought I was going crazy, trying to get used to this new norm as I hated it so much. But….*he was right when he said the dark phase ends as quickly as it begins.” as she leans her head back, closing her eyes.

“Who? Who said that?” asked Stack, becoming distressed.

“Eros. My maker.” she said, opening her eyes and pushing Stack against the wall.

Lawd away until the sun does rise

Leave the day by the, by the door, I don't

Care if sun don't shine once more, that's what I said

That’s what I said!, the crowd yells back.

Valerie turns Stack’s face away, licking on his neck before going to his ear, kissing it as she grabs his bulge, hearing him wince.

“I wanna eat you so bad…..but I can’t.” as she turns his face towards her.

She gives him a sloppy, steamy kiss, with him kissing back. But she breaks it, looking at him.

“But always know: I’ll always remember you, Elias.” she whispers, letting him go.

She backs up, watching him crumble to the ground, shocked at what she did. She waves before heading down the stairs, ignoring him, calling out her name a few times.

Joining the energetic crowd, she walks towards the stage to get a better view of Pearline singing her ass off, enjoying it.

I wanna hoo, as she locks eyes with her.

I wanna howl, as she crawls towards her.

I wanna scream, as she laughs.

Scream

Valerie dances to the music as she turns around, seeing Mary walk back in as Stack comes down the stairs, immediately locking eyes with her and walking over.

Suddenly, a blurry vision takes over Valerie, the same one she felt when Sammie was performing. She notices Mary was acting a little different than how she was earlier, almost similar to how Stack acts.

Did something happen out there, she asks herself.

She tries to ignore it by turning away, but all of a sudden, a scent she doesn’t recognize comes into her nose, making her turn around immediately.

She locks eyes with Lucinda, who she notices has the same exact expression and feeling she has going on, prompting her to walk over.

“Are you feeling what I’m feeling?” she asks immediately, confusing Annie.

“What?” said Lucinda, a confused expression on her face.

“What’s going on?” asked Annie.

“Odd feeling all night? Just got a blurry vision? A scent you don’t recognize?” Valerie added.

Annie shakes her head, but Lucinda nods, a shocked emotion slowly coming all over her.

“I need you to come with me.” as she grabs her arm, pull her into the direction.

“Valerie, what are you doing?!” Annie yells.

Pale, pale moon

“Forget everything we just went through, something’s off and I need to find what it is.” she said, walking along the room.

“When did you pinpoint it?” asked Lucinda.

“When Mary first came back. She wasn’t acting like that before she left.”

“Did you tell Stack?”

Valerie stop moving, trying to figure out what to do next.

Where is Stack, she asks, looking all over the room.

Lucinda sees Sammie and Smoke heading to the closet, the vision growing more from that direction.

“…..Val, something is going on in the closet and and we need to stop them”. she said, walking in their direction.

Valerie follows, both women trying to catch up as the crowd gets louder and louder with singing along with Pearline.

“Smoke! Sammie! Do not open the do—“ is what Valerie could yell, but it was too late.

As Smoke opens the door, him and Sammie walks in, but immediately jumps back at whatever they saw. Lucinda and Valerie walk in, pushing through each man to see where they’re seeing, and both have a horrifying look on their face, with Valerie, grabbing her mouth.

The vision fades as Mary is straddling Stack, sucking and chewing on his neck with blood gushing out. She turns around to see the four of them staring at her, immediately stand up and backing into a corner.

Smoke immediately takes out his guns, firing plenty of shots at her, all hitting as the women scream. She falls to the ground like dead weight, presumably deceased.

“Oh my god….” Lucinda whispers, turning away.

“…..I don’t think she’s dead.” said Valerie, a tear falling out of her eye.

Before Smoke could say anything, they hear a gurgling sound, turning into a laugh. Mary gets up, unscathed as she has a grin on her face, covered in blood.

“Oh……we’re gonna kill off all you tonight.” she utters, terrifying everyone.

Remmick got to her. That’s why she’s acting different, said Valerie, stepping back.

Smoke begins shooting again, but Mary dodges all bullets, rushing out of the room as fast as she can, out of the entrance, mumbles something as she runs pass Slim, confusion appearing on his face.

“Stack, please….” Smoke yells, rushing over to stop the blood with his hand.

Stack attempts to say something, but nothing comes out as his breathing becomes static, grabbing at Smoke, who is tearfully holding him.

“Lu, go distract the crowd so no one sees him. Now!” said Sammie.

Lucinda runs out, closing the door behind her as Slim runs over, seeing the crowd coming.

“What the hell happen in there?” he asked in a low voice.

“Stack’s dead, but don’t tell them.” she whispers, seeing Annie walking over.

“What’s all that noise in there?” said a partygoer.

“Is Sammie okay? Valerie?” asked Pearline.

“Night’s finished. Everyone go home.” said Slim.

The crowd groans, beginning to walk out while grabbing their things.

“There’s been a situation! We just gotta take care of it!” he added, ushering them out.

“What’s going, Lu? Is Smoke okay? Are you?” asked Annie, examine her.

“I’m fine….we’re fine. I don’t think he is.” replied Lucinda, tilting her head towards the room.

Valerie watches, hearing Sammie and Smoke softly cry as an aggressive burn begins stinging, making her feel weak.

“I don’t feel so go….” whispered Valerie, suddenly sliding down the wall, getting Sammie’s attention.

“Valerie! Please stay with me!” yelled a tearful Sammie, grabbing her.

The room goes silent and dark as she blacks out, not hearing anything else Sammie says to her.

Valerie wakes up, the sting now gone. She notices she’s no longer in the closet, rising up and seeing that she was lying on the stage.

She looks around the room, seeing Pearline comforting a grief stricken Sammie, Slim leaned up against a pole drinking, Grace having a worrying look, and Annie and Smoke having a talk as Lucinda watches, in distraught about what happened.

“I’m not moving his body out there.” he says.

“He can’t sit in there and rot.” replied Annie.

“Yeah, but Mary is out there too. And those weird folks they denied entrance too.” said Lucinda.

“Bo went to go start the car, should be back soon” said Grace.

“Well, something needs to happen.” said Annie.

“What, you can’t cleanse him? Create a mojo bag to resurrect him? Huh?” he said in an irate tone.

Annie shakes her head, turning away from him as Lucinda glares him down.

“Always going low when something goes wrong.” she said, moving away.

“You two the ones who spend all day learning this shit and you’re telling me you don’t have something that can bring him back?!” he yells.

“You stay choosing the worst time to insult their practices.” said Valerie, making everyone look at her.

“Val!” Sammie exclaimed, running over to hug her, hearing her wince.

“Well, at least someone is still alive.” mumbled Smoke, looking away.

“I warned you to not go in there and Lu try to stop you.” as she gets up, walking towards him.

“Why didn’t you listen?” she asked, but is held back by Pearline and Sammie, trying to calm her.

Smoke looks at her, begins walking to her slowly.

“Don’t even know why you’re even still here.” he replied, very tensely staring.

“Came back after being off the field for three years. New hair, new eyes. New….you.” he added.

He begins walking around her, feeling her eyes following with each step.

“And what’s the first thing you do after seeing Stack? Allowed my young cousin to go down on you. Then you proceeded to insult Lu, mentioning my dead daughter and belittling Ann. And now, he’s dead and Mary is something I can’t even fathom…..plus those three folks knowing who you are.”

“Elijah, stop.” said Lucinda.

“Nah. I wanna know what deal she made to bring all of this evil into here?” he asks, staring Valerie down.

Valerie nods, not hurt by his accusation, looking at the entrance, noticing someone is missing.

“I didn’t bring the evil in. Cornbread was supposed to prevent that had he not let his post.” she said.

Smoke looks at her direction, walking towards it.

“Where did he go?” he asked.

“Said he had to go take a leak. Told me to watch the door.” said Slim.

Smoke shakes his head, now even more irritated.

“Left the duty to you….fuck it. Don’t matter now.” he replied.

“What, I can’t watch the door?!”

“You can. Just you can’t function while getting drunk.” said Annie.

Just as Smoke was about to go find the man, Cornbread returns, in a gleeful mood as if he didn’t see people leaving.

“Woo! Thought I had to do a number one, but I had to do a number two as well!” he exclaimed, seeing Smoke standing there, covered in blood.

“The hell happen to you?” he asked, looking around.

“Where everyone go?”

“Same thing I could ask you, but you already answered it.” Smoke replied.

“Damn. You acting like you just lost someone.”

“He did. Stack’s dead.” said Slim, walking up.

“Woah? I was only gone for only a few minutes.” he said reluctantly.

Suddenly, the scent Valerie didn’t recognize earlier returns as the blurry vision returns to Lucinda, making both women look at each other.

“Well, we have a dead body and blood all over the floor that we gotta clean up now.” said Smoke.

“Alright. I can do that. Just step aside and let me on in now.” he said, patiently waiting.

Annie, with a confused expression, walks up, staring at him as Lucinda, Valerie, and Grace follows, with Sammie and Pearline standing in front of the closet door.

“You feeling what I felt again?” whispered Lucinda, looking at Valerie.

“Yeah. Stay behind me.” said Valerie, moving up a bit.

“Why you need him to do that?” Annie asks, looking at Cornbread.

Smoke looks at her as silence fills the room, with Cornbread squinting his eyes at her.

“You big enough to push past us.” she added.

“Well, that’s not polite. You wouldn’t like that if someone did that to you….or Lu.” as he looks at Lucinda, amusement in his eyes.

Annie backs up, uncomfortable by his sentence as Lucinda looks away. He laughs, looking at Smoke again.

“I don’t know why I’m talking to you anyway. Sm—“ he begins to say, but is cut off by Annie.

“Why can’t you just walk you big ass up in here without an invite, huh?” she yelled, very upset.

Cornbread looks back and forth, having a nervous look as his eyes twitched for a second to show a different color, which Valerie caught.

“Admit it.” said Annie.

“Admit to what?” he replied, still confused.

“That you dead.” she added.

Silence fills the room as everyone stares at Cornbread waiting for him to say something. Instead, he laughs loudly, trying to play it off.

“I would get back if I were y’all.” said Valerie, getting closer.

“You ain’t gotta tell me twice.” said Slim, backing up.

Cornbread looks at Valerie, his eyes widening and his smile becoming a little more sinister.

“I see our friend is still here.” he said, smiling a bit.

“Friend?” Smoke said, looking at Valerie.

“I’m not no one’s friend. Especially one who I don’t frequent with.” she said, eyeing him down.

“You listening to this, Smoke? Two crazy ass women talking to me like I’m hiding something.”

“Seems like you are. Cause the Cornbread I know doesn’t behave like this.” said Slim.

“Or acts very off the wall.” said Lucinda.

“Alright. This is getting ridiculous.” as Cornbread throws his hands up, looking out the dark, empty night as he looks back at the group.

“We-we out here throwing accusations, telling ghost stories, and playing around instead of doing what we suppose to do!” he exclaimed, putting them down.

“…..and what is it that we’re suppose to be doing?” asked Slim, looking confused.

Cornbread throws his arms up, spreading them wide.

“Be kind to one another!” he yells. “And being polite! Now we is one people!”

As Cornbread continues his rambling that is confusing everyone, Valerie notices a patch of blood on the back of his neck, seeing a bite mark.

They got to him.

“Smoke….” she said, but he didn’t hear her, continuing his focus on Cornbread.

“You’ve been in and out of here all day. Didn’t need an invite then….” he said, backing up with a disgusting look.

“Yeah, something ain’t adding up.” he added.

Cornbread scoffs, shaking his head.

“Well, can I least get a ride?” he asks.

“Nahh. You can walk your big ass home.” said Smoke.

“All 19 miles?!”

“All. We gotta figure out what to do with my brother’s body.”

“Man, forget y’all too!” as he turns to leave. “So much for my own people!”

As he begins walking, he stops, turning back around.

“Can I at least get my money?” he ask, making everyone looking at him in a surprised way.

“Nigga, are you serious?” uttered Valerie.

“Val.” said Sammie, making her look at him.

“I was promised payment. So…” as Cornbread holds out his hand.

Smoke shake his head before pull out money from his pocket, counting it.

Perfect. Now all I have to do is bite you, Cornbread said, looking at him.

You idiot.

Valerie carefully takes out her dagger, hiding it so she can give it to Lucinda, moving it to her.

”Take this.” she whispers, wrapping her hand around it, catching Lucinda off guard.

“What? What is this for?” she whispered in a low tone.

“If he tries to run in, go for his neck or heart.”

“Why? What’s—“

“Just follow what I told you.” she said, looking forward.

After finishing his count, Smoke begins handing Cornbread the money.

“Careful.” said Annie, watching him.

Smoke continues slowly as Cornbread reaches for it.

Just a little more…, he utters.

As soon as he’s in good distance, Cornbread grabs his arm and yanks it, about to bite him as everyone gasps. Smoke, moving very fast, pulls out his gun and shoots him in the face, knocking both man to the floor outside.

“What the fuck?!” said Pearline.

“Go get him! Hurry!” Annie yells, looking at Slim and Sammie.

Sammie and Slim run out to help Smoke up while watching to see if Cornbread gets up as Valerie, Lucinda, and Annie stands at the entrance watching.

Suddenly, Cornbread, now having a disfigured face as his mouth js hanging open, gets up, horrifying the men as they quickly run back in, with the latter running in close distance as everyone is yelling hurry! at them.

Seeing he’s very close to grabbing Sammie, Valerie jumps out, running past the men quickly, and charges at Cornbread with a spear, knocking him to the ground.

“Oh my god?” said Grace, shocked at her strength of doing that.

“She’s that strong?” asked Lucinda.

“Not that I remember. She wasn’t even that fast!” said Smoke.

Punching him in the head to keep him down, she runs back quickly in the juke joint, with Slim shutting the door fast as Cornbread got up and tries to run in, locking it.

Valerie catches her breath against the wall, turning around to see everyone staring at her in bewilderment.

“What?” is all she could get out, breathing hard.

“….what are you?” asked Lucinda, stepping up.

“I’m…I’m Valerie?”

“Nah.” as Smoke comes around the corner, shaking his head.

“The Valerie I know wouldn’t have been able to knock Cornbread down that easily.” as he stepped closer.

“And her eyes were always brown.”

“I have a medical condition. Thought Stack told you.” she replied, shaking her head.

“How did you know something was gonna happen then? Because he said you don’t even practice witchcraft.” said Annie.

“I just did…..and I hate that you guys are doing this after I saved your life?!” she yells, looking at Smoke.

“Like I always did back home” she added.

Before Smoke could say anything, a knock is heard on the closet door, making everyone turned their heads.

“Smoke? Annie? Lucinda?” said a familiar voice.

Oh no…

“Stack?!” said Smoke, running over to the door.

“I thought you said he was dead?” said Slim.

“He is. I checked his pulse and all.” said Lucinda.

Smoke looked through the keyhole, seeing Stack moving around, looking all over the room.

“How you feeling?” he asks tearfully, watching him as Stack looks up.

“Feel good, bro. Just had to….walk it off, I guess.” said Stack, looking at the bloody bite mark.

The scent once again hits Valerie’s nose, making stop her movement.

“That’s good.”

“Yea, yea. I’ll be…fine.” he said, laughing as he puts on a vest.

“Alright. We’ll get something to fix that mark.” said Smoke, about to open the door.

“That’s not him….” said Valerie, cutting her eyes away.

“Excuse you?!” he said, cutting his eyes towards her.

“….she’s telling the truth.” said Annie, a worrying look on her face.

“Are you serio—“

“Valerie? Your crazy ass is still here? After I told you to leave?!” utters Stack.

Pearline moves back, pushing Sammie back, with Grace following. Valerie closes her eyes, trying to see if she can get into his head to see if it’s really him or he got turned as well.

A glimpse of him having blueish-silver eyes flashes, causing her to jump back.

“Get away from that door.” she utters.

“What?” said Smoke.

“But it’s Stack.” said Sammie, pointing at it.

“It’s not, get your asses away from it.” said Lucinda, holding the dagger up.

Slim, Grace, Pearline, and Sammie run over as Stack begins banging on the door, scaring everyone as Smoke looks at the doorknob, watching it jingle.

“You’re gonna let them come between us again, Smoke?! Let me out, man!” he yells, beginning to run his shoulder into it to break it down.

Annie runs to the kitchen, going through it to retrieve something as Valerie walks to Smoke, touching his shoulder.

“Elijah….you have to trust me. It’s not him.” she says, looking at him.

Smoke tearfully looks down before walking away, with Valerie backing up as the banging continues on for a few minutes.

Then it stops, silence filling the air.

“So. What no—“ is what Pearline could get out before a loud BANG! cuts her off, making everyone jump.

The door falls to the ground, with Stack on top of it, much to everyone’s horror as Smoke points his gun at him and Lucinda holds the dagger up.

“Told y’all to let me out.” he utters, hissing.

Jumping up quickly, Stack, now spotting blueish-silver eyes and fangs, looks at Valerie, beginning to run towards her.

Valerie, preparing to fight him, was about to swing when Annie comes back, throwing an unidentified liquid on him, with some of it splashing onto Valerie’s leg.

Valerie winces loud as Smoke screams, grabbing his face. his skin beginning to burn as he runs towards the entrance.

We gonna kill all of you, he utters as he opens the door and runs out, closing it.

Shit, shit, shit.

“What did you throw on him?” asked Grace.

“Pickled garlic. Just as I expected he and them were.” said Annie.

“Were what?” asked Smoke.

“….Vampires.”

Everyone looks at her in shocked as Valerie grab a jar of water, throwing it over her wounds to subdue the pain, which helps, groaning from the sting.

“Valerie, are you o…..” asked Pearline as she walks over, but stops.

“I’m fine. Why?” asked Valerie, looking up.

Pearline has a frightened look on her face as she points at Valerie’s mouth, which made the latter touch it.

Her fangs are showing……

Her fingers are long and sharp…..

Oh no….

She revealed herself to them accidentally.

“I can explain.” is what she could get out as she gets up slowly.

Smoke, now disturbed, points his gun at her, standing in from as everyone but Lucinda backs up.

“Yeah……I’m sure you can.” he says, cocking his gun.

Valerie’s eyes widen, tears pouring down her face. not sure if he’s gonna kill her right now or drag it out.

All she knew was she had to survive with them if she can convince them to not kill her…

As she can hear Remmick and his now ever growing cult singing that song him and the two followers performed earlier.

Stack and Mary, both covered in blood and eyes glowing, singing it gleefully, looking at the juke joint.

A/N II: I do apologize for being very late with this as I have been very busy at work and other things. The goal was to get this published before my Beyonce show and I’m very happy I got this out. Yes, I did incorporate WWE into this, but that’s how I view vampires really. Part 4 and the Epilogue are currently in the process, but the next release will be my Terry Richmond one shot and Part One of the Terrence series, so stay tuned for those. Taglist below, I’m gonna tag y’ all in those, but if you wish to be removed and just only be tagged for Sinners content, let me know.

🏷️ : @iloveekeiarah @childishgambinaax @ziayamikaelson @ssamm1984 @turbulentvoids @fadingcherryblossompeach @angryflowerwitch @amethyst09 @motheroffae @cerya @thatitbitch @darkfairymoon

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