5 comments/ 11684 views/ 1 favorites Flash Fire Ch. 01 By: knitedreams Ok here's the new and improved version of Mattie's story. It's completely different from the original. I won't go into detail as to why I did this. All I'm asking is that you forget the other story line ever existed and I hopefully will never see the need to do something drastic like this again. There is no sex in this Chapter. It's slow to build so you have been warned. Feedback and constructive criticism are always welcome and please remember to vote! Thank you for reading me! --~~-- I screamed; a chilling sound that echoed throughout my tiny house. A sound no one would hear – thank god. It was a horror many women never wished to wake up to. I looked at the offending grey hair in the mirror, my horror morphing into outrage. Roughly I pulled open my medicine cabinet nearly ripping the door off. I grabbed my tweezers and plucked the grey hair from my hairline. 'It can't be a grey hair,' I though to myself. Maybe it's a really light brown hair. I sometimes got them. Upon closer inspection I decided it was, indeed, a grey hair. I threw the tweezers down with disgust and looked at myself in the mirror. A sleepy spinster resembling a woman named Elaine Mason looked back at me. My long dark brown hair was mussed from sleep, my light brown eyes could barely stay open, and the rest of me looked like death warmed over. I sighed, walked over to the tub, and turned on the shower. There was no use dwelling on the cruelties of life. I had to get ready for work. At the age of thirty-one, I was still single. I've only dated a few times and many of those were the fickle dealings of adolescences. When I entered into high school, I was deemed too geeky to date. In college, I was too focused on my work, leaving all thoughts of boys to other female college students. By the time I finished my Masters degree, I had missed the ideal window of opportunity to bag a man. I wasn't exactly ugly. If I tried hard enough, I would have been able to find Mr. Right. I was tall – five foot eleven inches – and within the ideal weight for my body stature. My complexion was blessedly clear and I had a beautiful luster to my hair. Oddly enough, my single life didn't bother me. I pictured myself as a modern day Jane Austin who didn't bow to the pressures of society and marry, but made her own way in the world. After college, I lucked into a job at the library, which I loved and dedicated my life too. I had my friends to keep me company and I was co-owner of the town's most successful restaurant. While I could have played the matchmaking game after obtaining my financial success, I decided against it. The dating scene was complex and I didn't want to dedicate my precious time in solving the mystery. I took a shower and readied myself for work. Within an hour I was dressed with a packed lunch and a change of clothes neatly pressed on a hanger. I leisurely walked out the door and drove to work. It was a routine I had six days a week, rarely was I spontaneous. I walked into the town library and was greeted with glares from my staff and the sound of whispered gossip. This was routine as well. I had been appointed Director of the Library with the Mayor's personal recommendation. Before I showed up, the library had been ripe with nepotism – relatives hiring relatives. My status as a complete stranger was enough to cause resentment. My plan to bring the library into the twenty-first century elicited pure hatred. Not surprising, my staff hated change. Tension was always high between the staff and me. I was often surprised they did their job without a fuss. Still, there were a few things they refused to do, and I would often stay after to complete the jobs left undone. Which is why I always brought a change of clothes with me. Unfortunately their Union kept me from firing the whole staff. Despite the silent war my staff waged against me, I loved my job because of the books. Each book was a treasure trove of knowledge and I personally cared for all of them. The library was my life. My passion blinded me to what was missing most in my life: to love and be loved. Books couldn't love me back nor could they dispel the loneliness I felt. I became aware of that little truth the day Matt walked through the doors of my library. He was six feet of lean muscle. His lavender eyes scanned the room around him. He ran his hand through short dark brown hair as confusion marred his classic good looks and his kissable lips frowned. My nervousness overrode my duty to help him and I stayed in place, hidden away by the shelves of books. Marylyn eagerly went to his aid in that strange walk/run she had. She looked mousy with her drab blond hair, plain brown eyes, and pencil thin stature. She constantly wore dreary, unassuming colors like grey, beige, and olive green. Marylyn and Matt spoke in low tones as he asked her questions. A few times he made her laugh. All of that I didn't mind. I encouraged my workers to be friendly to the patrons. It was the light touching I couldn't stand. Every time they laughed, she put her hand on his arm. A few times she lightly ran an index finger down the front of his shirt. For a quiet woman ruled by her dominating mother – supervisor of the fiction wing – she was amazingly forthright. I looked around the room as far as my hiding spot would let me. It didn't seem like her mother was around. They finally walked off, and I growled a little. I snapped out of my strange emotions and realized I was biting a book. He came in twice a week after that, plenty of time to discover his name. A sense of familiarity would settle over me sometimes when I spied on him, a surety that I had met him before. I could never remember and I hoped it would come to me someday. I put my lunch in the refrigerator with a little smile on my face. Today Matt would be visiting and picking up more books. The man was a voracious reader and he seemed to have no preference in genre judging by his unpredictable reading pattern. To prepare for his arrival, I took a shelving cart beside the checkout counter. It was stacked high with books and I sorted them into alphabetical order. Some librarians disliked the task of shelving books because they found it monotonous. That's why it the task for me to do. I didn't mind, I found the job calming. It allowed my mind to wander. I thought about the plans I made with my best friend to go shopping after work, the groceries I needed to pick up before going home, and the story line to my next novel. My alternate ego, R. K. Bishop, was a romance writer. It started out as a hobby in college and turned into another job. Much to the dismay of my fans, I only published one book a year because of my job and my business. A hushed squeal caught my attention. I looked over in time to see Marylyn hurriedly fixing her hair and checking her make-up in a hand mirror. Rolling my eyes, I pushed over a few books on the shelf to create a peephole. Matt stopped by the checkout desk giving Marylyn a charming smile as he talked with her. My eyes roved over his sculpted body. The tight fitting t-shirt left nothing to the imagination while the jeans were slightly baggy. How can a man look so good in casual clothes while I looked frumpy in my over sized t-shirt and jeans? My knuckles turned white as they held onto the bookshelf because I was imagining his tight butt and wondering at the length and girth of his penis. While I had experienced these thoughts with other men, my imagination wasn't quite so active or so graphic as it was with Matt. Heat radiated from within my body, I could feel my natural juices flowing, and my breathing was becoming erratic. He turned from the checkout counter and headed my way. That had never happened before; I didn't know what to do. I shoved the books over, effectively closing the makeshift peephole and picked up a few books on the cart. My hands shook as I started putting them away and I tried desperately to fight the blush staining my cheeks. He walked down my isle paying attention to the call numbers on the side of the books. I'd never had a close-up view of him before. He passed me by easily sidestepping me in an absent minded fashion. Then he stopped and stared at a specific section. I watched him out of the corner of my eye, still putting away books. Questions and anxieties bounced around in my mind. This was not the way I wanted our first meeting to go – assuming we have a first meeting. I wasn't prepared with witty sayings or plans for intelligent topics of conversation. My life lacked spontaneity because I was never good at it. Striking up a conversation with a stranger was definitely spontaneous no matter if I thought I knew him from my past. He came up to me looking a little lost. "Pardon me," he said. I turned to him with – what I hoped – an expectant look on my face. I felt like a deer in the headlights. "Yes?" My question was barely a whisper, but he still heard me. He didn't say anything, just kept looking at me. The silence stretched between us. I was growing more nervous almost to the point of panic. "Could you help me find this book?" he asked. Matt showed me the scrap paper with the title of the book, the author, and the call number. I was impressed that he would read such a book. It was a popular mystery, highly controversial. "The computer said it was checked in," he continued as he fidgeted with the piece of paper. My mouth wouldn't work. Instead, I nodded my head and picked up the book from the cart. He smiled as I handed it to him. "Thank you. I'm trying to read all the books on the Best Seller's List. I've never been into reading before, but I have time to kill lately. It's amazing I actually liked many of the books I've already read..." he trailed off realizing he was babbling. "What type of books did you like?" My mumbled question seemed to relieve him. Was he nervous talking to me? "Mystery mostly, the detective novels particularly. It's amazing what these authors come up with. Can you believe they actually do research to write their stories?" I was a little offended by that. How else did he expect authors to come up with lifelike novels? "What did you think they did?" He shrugged his shoulders and his brow furrowed as he thought. "I don't know actually," he chuckled. "Makes sense though. Think all this reading will make me smarter?" I shrugged my shoulders. "Maybe they will. I believe they'll make you question the world around you; make you think about things that used to seem ordinary. I guess it depends on if you have an open mind or not." "Good point," he smiled again as his cell phone went off. He checked the caller ID and frowned. "I won't keep you. Thanks for the talk," he said absently. Matt walked away, leaving me with shaking knees, a fast heartbeat, and unfamiliar lust coursing through my veins. --~~-- "You finally talked to him!" my best friend, Vicky, squealed. I winced at the high pitch and looked angrily at her. "Say it a little louder, Vick, I don't think the next town heard you." She snorted and waved away my testy reply. "Who cares? You should be celebrating not hiding your triumph. I was beginning to worry about you." I looked at the dark, cloudy sky above us as we strolled down Main Street. The historic brick buildings were overflowing with charming specialty stores and restaurants. When she was in town, Vicky and I had a standing appointment once a week to shop the street and have dinner at Joe's Restaurant. She frequently went out of the country on business due to her job. Vicky was the smartest, shrewdest person I knew. She was also the prettiest. Sometimes I felt ugly walking next to her and I tried not to let it bother me, but there were times when I spotted a man looking through me to her and envy would get the best of me. Her flowing red hair and sharp green eyes made my looks plain in comparison. She had a petit curvaceous figure all men craved. The only thing I had going for me were my huge breasts. I sighed as we neared Joe's. It was always a welcome sight because I looked forward to settling down in their comfy chairs cradling a soothing cup of green tea. A drop of rain landed on my nose before I entered the restaurant. Vicky glanced outside as the door closed behind us. "We have good timing. It's pouring out there," Vicky mumbled absently. "'Pleasantly warm and clear night' my butt," I wiped the drop from my nose and looked around the restaurant. "The TV stations should replace the weathermen." Other people came in behind us, trying to get out of the down pour. There were a few couples sitting on benches waiting to be seated. Every night Joe's had a nice size crowd. It was a favorite spot for people to relax and eat after work. They could sit back in cushy wing-backed chairs sipping flavored coffee or a hot cup of tea while they waited for their food. In the center was a fireplace, which was usually lit on cool nights. If they felt like watching sports and drinking alcohol, they could relax in the bar section located in the front left corner of the restaurant. The java bar was there too. The hostess approached us with a welcoming smile. "Two tonight?" she asked as her pen hovered above a clipboard with a waiting list. "We have reservations," I said. "Name?" "Bishop." The hostess's eyes widened. "Oh! Please come this way." She showed us to our usual table and placed menus in front of us when we were seated. "Anything to drink?" The hostess rang her hands nervously. Vicky smirked. "Relax, dear. We don't bite. Tell the Java Wizard we'll have our usual." The hostess rushed off to get our drinks ordered. I sighed, my tired body practically melting into the chair. "New hostess," I commented to no one in particular. Vicky chuckled behind her menu. "Joe must have made us sound like monsters." The waitress came with our drinks and pulled out a pad from her apron. "Are you ready to order?" she asked. We ordered our food, gave the menus to the waitress, and then stared at the fire while waiting. It was good being silent partners in the restaurant business. You never had to wait for a table, but we go through the act of having reservations under my pseudonym so the customers wouldn't get insulted. Our mutual friend, Joe, actually ran the restaurant. Vicky and I were the money. If Joe wanted to expand or improve anything and we agreed, then either Vicky or I would go to the bank and get a loan. "Joe wants to hire a pastry chef," I said. It was out of the blue, but, as long as I was thinking about improvements, I decided to discuss the new development with Vicky. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath as if she could smell freshly baked goods. "It sounds heavenly. We could have croissants for breakfast." Personally I was thinking of pecan braids and strawberry danishes, but croissants were nice. I smiled at her and took a drink. The waitress came with our food and I had something else to enjoy other than the relaxing atmosphere and the good tea. --~~-- He was soaked to the bone, tired as hell, and his so-called friends sent him out to get everyone coffee. Matthew "Mattie" Danvers stomped through the puddles accumulating on the sidewalk in a fit of anger. Not only had they sent him out in the pouring rain, they didn't even bother to lend him an umbrella. Why couldn't the men call someone else to pick up coffee for them? It would be understandable since they had recently come back from fighting a fire. The rain began to pour harder mirroring Matt's growing anger. He grabbed the handle of the door to Joe's Restaurant and jerked it open. Stepping inside, he flattened his hair with his hands to get some of the extra water out and shook his body like a wet dog. He heard gasps and grunts from the people seated on benches next to the door, obviously waiting for a table. Matt didn't care that he splashed some of them. They had nothing to complain about, dry as they were, while he looked like a drowned rat. The hostess inched up to him, a strained smile plastered on her face. Matt snorted thinking his furious demeanor made her cautious. He tried to lighten his expression, but wet boxers, socks, and shoes made it nearly impossible. "C...can I help you, sir?" she asked. "No thanks," Matt grumbled. It was the nicest tone he could muster. "I'm ordering straight from the java bar." He walked toward the bar area rudely dismissing the hostess. Matt saw the Java Wizard busy making another caffeine rich concoction while his apprentice wiped down the work area. His mood lifted slightly as he watched the Java Wizard work his usual magic. It didn't matter how bad Matt's mood was; the Java Wizard could always make him feel better. Java was a small man in his seventies. His hair was bright white and as messy as Albert Einstein's. Bushy eyebrows hid little brown beady eyes and years of smoking made his voice sound like sandpaper. His grumpy personality seemed almost comical and he constantly went into fits. If it wasn't for his mission to show the world what coffee and tea should taste like, he would be a happy recluse. He didn't make friends, preferring not to, and he told no one his name. People still loved him. His gift with hot beverages and his quirky nature was charming to all but his assistants. "Hey, Java, how's the coffee making business?" Matt asked. Java slammed down the cup he was preparing, liquid sloshed over the side and onto his hand. "This isn't business," he fairly yelled while waving his free hand indicating his section of the bar, "this is Art!" With that, he grabbed another cup and started over. "Junior!" he barked. "Get the blasphemer's order!" Java's assistant looked at the mess his boss made and grumbled, "For the millionth time, my name's not Junior." Java didn't hear him. Throwing down the cleaning rag and said to Matt, "You reek of smoke, which means you'll be grabbing the usual for the fire troops." Matt sighed. "Yep. They want black except for me. I'll take chai tea. It was a brutal fire." "We need a Firefighter's Favorite minus a Coffee Impostor, Java." "Wouldn't it be easy just to say....?" "DON'T," the assistant cut him off, "say it. He doesn't need to go into another fit tonight." Matt shrugged his shoulders as the assistant rang up the order. He looked around the room and took note of a group of women nursing their alcoholic drinks. Some were sending looks his way, but none warranted a closer inspection. Two guys were sitting at a table in front of a big-screen TV. They were watching the news, drinking tea, and reading the newspaper at the same time. Matt shook his head in disbelief. What some people wouldn't do to save a little time. A newcomer entering the bar from the dining area captured his gaze. He froze, eyes widening as he recognized Elaine. It was obvious she didn't remember him judging from the talk they had that morning. How could she forget him, or his twin brother, Allen? They were practically inseparable from first grade through eighth. He let out a slow breath in frustration. Should he remind her, or would it be best to leave her alone? She looked untouchable with her head held high, her walk determined, and looking authoritative in her three-piece pantsuit. It was a look he had never seen on her before. In the library, Elaine was always wearing a t-shirt and jeans and her manner was usually shy. As she came closer, Matt turned around to face Java's assistant, still undecided if he should try and engage her in a conversation again. "Nine coffees and one tea, that's $28.90," the assistant said. Matt automatically went for his wallet when a hand snaked from his side and lightly touched the assistant on the arm. Turning around, Matt came face to face with Elaine. She wasn't looking at him, but had a patient smile as she looked intently at the young man. Flash Fire Ch. 01 Leaning in she asked the assistant, "May I have a word with you?" A little perplexed and not wanting to intrude, Matt returned his gaze to Java who was almost done making the drinks. He was amazed how smoothly the little man worked. His movements were as skilled as an artist's as he mixed coffee with different flavors. The assistant was back at the register punching in different things, he looked up at Matt and said, "I'm sorry about that. It's $24.12." Matt's brow furrowed in confusion. He slowly handed the assistant money, unsure what just happened or why the price just changed. Secured in three cup trays, Java placed the drinks in front of Matt. How was he supposed to carry these back to the firehouse in the rain? Elaine came up beside him and looked at the drinks. "Need any help?" Her question was a low silent mumble. It was the same mumble she used to speak with him that morning. It was a significant change from the confident woman who walked into the bar area like she owned the place. Even though she didn't remember who he was, did she like him? Matt smiled at the thought. It would certainly be a switch. When they were kids, she used to be infatuated with his twin brother. "Yes I do, but I wouldn't want you to get soaked helping me," he answered. She bit her lip thinking about his dilemma. Matt's eyes were attracted by the sexy action. He knew a bulge was growing in his pants and angled his body more towards the bar in an attempt to hide it. What he wouldn't give to suck on the invitingly plump morsel of her lip, taste the faint hint of coffee lingering on her tongue. "Wait here," she said and walked away. He was thankful he had a few minutes to control his body. Matt wasn't surprised by his reaction to Elaine. Even as a boy he had been fascinated by her, it was only logically he would desire her as a woman. He just never expected to want any woman with the lustful power of a freight train. For the past two months, every time he walked into the library, he knew she was watching him. A few times he caught a glimpse of her ducking down an isle of shelves to find a strategic place to spy on him. Sometimes he would spot the flash of her unique tiger-eyes between the spaces she made with the books. At first, he thought she had mistaken him for his brother. It wasn't until their morning conversation he realized she had no clue who he was. Maybe that was a good thing. He eyed Elaine as she spoke with the bar tender serving alcoholic beverages. She had grown into a beautiful woman with curves in all the right places. Matt had planned to give up on women after his last disaster. It's why he found himself in the library. He had decided to take up reading as a healthier hobby rather than kill himself trying to find "the one." Maybe Fate was finally pointing him in the right direction. Elaine came back with an umbrella in hand and a triumphant smile. "I knew someone would have an umbrella we could borrow." Matt handed her the cup tray holding two drinks, and he picked up the other two trays. "Shall we?" he asked and jerked his chin as a signal for her to precede him. She smiled shyly and headed toward the exit giving him a perfect view of her ass. Elaine pushed the door open using her hip and snapped open the umbrella in one graceful move. They walked down Main Street huddled close together. "You don't remember me," he finally said. She frowned as she peeked up at him. Her eyes ran over every inch of his face at least three times. They always stopped at his eyes as if a spark of remembrance struggled to become a burning flame. "I've known there was something familiar about you," shaking her head in frustration she huffed out a sigh. "My memory's been shot ever since I reached twenty-four. Anything before that is hazy." Matt chuckled as he looked at her profile. As children, she had been taller than him. Now he was about an inch taller than her. Since he started dating his sophomore year of high school, he had never been attracted to tall women – the shorter the better. What made Elaine special? "You've taken plenty of good looks at me for the past two months. You've even been able to overhear snippets of my whispered conversations in the library, enough to know my first name," he chided. "This is the first time you've ever been close enough to look into my eyes." He watched her blush as he remembered what she once told him. The eyes were windows into a person's soul; they told a person's darkest secrets. He never doubted her. She had the power to judge a good person from a bad person just by looking into their eyes when they were in junior high. She fidgeted a little at the thought of being caught. He took mercy on her. "Does the name 'Danvers' ring a bell?" he asked. Abruptly, she stopped walking. Matt stopped with her. Elaine's mysterious tiger-eyes widened as she looked at him again. "Matthew!" she said breathlessly. "You're Allen's twin brother. How have you been? How has he been?" "I've been good. Allen's been good. He's a lawyer now." "So he went into the family business...but you're a fireman?" Matt nodded his head as they continued walking. It wasn't a subjected he wanted to get into, at least not at the beginning when he was trying to get reacquainted with his childhood crush. If he had his way, it would be more than mere acquaintance, even more than friends. "Lovers and nothing else," something inside him whispered. He pushed the thought away for later. Elaine was worth the time and effort he would put towards a meaningful relationship. Now, he had to find an excuse to see her again outside the library. "Long story," he sidestepped her uncomfortable question. "How about you? Why aren't you married with a few kids?" Elaine's happy mood withered and her features returned to the cold untouchable woman she had been before. Matt was too busy thinking of a suitable spot for a first date to notice. "Marriage and divorce are expensive and lengthy processes just for the sake of procreating," she said. It was his turn to stop. "If there's genuine love and affection between the couple, there would be no divorce," he said slowly. They continued walking again. "It wouldn't matter. Men are programmed to spread their seed. They might love their wives and girlfriends. They might even have their best intentions in mind, but inevitably they will cheat." Matt knew where this was coming from. Elaine's parents divorced when she was five because her father cheated on her mother. He had also been abusive to both his daughter and his wife. Matt remembered a conversation between their grandmothers. The bastard would have gotten away with his transgressions, would have even continued abusing both Elaine and her mother, if he had not impregnated his mistress, Elaine's mother's best friend. Elaine's grandmother expressed relief at his mistake. If the abuse had continued, the father would have eventually killed both mother and child. Elaine's mother had trust issues after that. Before Matt lost touch with Elaine in eighth grade, he started to see the mother's bitterness slowly clawing its way into Elaine's heart. He hoped the damage was reversible. They reached the door to the firehouse. Matt moved in front of it blocking the entrance. The unexpected move seemed to snap Elaine out of her acrid musings. "I would like you to join me at the Firemen's Picnic this weekend." He held his breath. She blinked at him a few times. "You mean the 'by invitation only' Firemen's Picnic? Something people in this town would kill to go to?" "Yes, that one." "Of course I'll go with you!" He scrutinized her glowing eyes. She acted like her diatribe against men never happened. The picnic would be the perfect opportunity for her to see what a healthy marriage was like. There were only two bachelor firemen in the firehouse and he was one of them. The rest were happily married and deliriously in love. In fact, the Fireman's Picnic this year would be extra special since it'll double as a wedding reception. Smiling he said, "Good. Where should I send the invitation?" "Put the name 'Bishop' on the envelope and deliver it to Joe's. I'll get it." Matt thought her response odd, but didn't argue with her. Before the hot drinks they carried grew cold, he moved from the door and let Elaine awkwardly open it. --~~-- Rain ran into his eyes from his soaking hair blurring his vision. With an impatient hand, he swiped it away in time to see Elaine walk into the firehouse. He punched the ancient brick of the building he was hiding behind. The pain coursing through his hand meant nothing compared to the anger brewing within him. She was his, had been his ever since that day in the restaurant. He had been scoping out the next sinner – a housewife – sitting a few tables away and flirting with a busty red head. Not only did she defile the sanctity of marriage, she further humiliated her husband by having sex with other women. His anger was steadily growing and he felt the fire inside him rage for release. Trying to calm the beast inside, he turned away from his next target towards the fireplace. A woman was sitting at a table in front of it. Elaine was alone, her best friend had been out of town and she was picking at her food while staring intently at the flames. She seemed transfixed by the beauty of the crackling fire. That look, that pose was familiar to him because he did it every time he lit a house on fire. She recognized the beast within and was awed by it. It called to something primitive within her. For three months he had followed her around, the more he watched her the more he realized she was his soul mate. They would be together soon. He was almost done with his list of sinners, or he thought he was. One more name would be added, a meddlesome fireman trying to take his woman. The fireman didn't understand she was made for another; a gift from a Higher Power to His most loyal servant. Flash Fire Ch. 02 After all the promises, here's the next chapter. Life happened to my editor and I need to find another one. I hope you enjoy this chapter! Still self edited. Please remember to leave a vote and comment! ^_~ --~~-- Joe, Vicky, and I were in the office we shared above the restaurant. We had meetings as needed depending on the restaurant's requirements. This meting explored adding a bakery. Vicky and I were supportive of Joe's idea and we ironed out the details -- the potential impacts, how many people should we hire, and how to interview potential bakers. Vicky and Joe, in fact, were talking about those things. I was eyeing the invitation waiting for me on my desk. It was for tomorrow, Saturday, and I had the day off. I always insisted on having two days off from the library every week. I wouldn't have a life otherwise. Our office was spacious. We had three cherry wood desks facing the center, black leather desk chairs at each, and a black leather couch lining the remaining wall. The waning light cast ominous shadows over the office. It feathered eerie fingers over the furniture and barely touched the edge of the invitation lying on my desk as if pointing to it. The voices of my friends faded into the background as my vision narrowed until all I could see was the invitation. Accepting would be a big step. I hadn't dated in years. All those months watching Matt from afar and I never imagined I would get to this point. I warred with myself. Instinct wanted me to deny the invite and hide. Curiosity begged me to accept. I picked up the invitation and ran my thumb lightly over the embossed letters. It was such an ornate invitation for a casual occasion. Then again, this was the famous Firemen's Picnic. I sighed heavily wondering whom I was trying to kid. Of course I would go. I was not a chicken and the curiosity would eat me alive if I didn't. The invitations were coveted and I wanted to know why. As for the date, I would take it one day at a time even though I was apprehensive. 'Why not be seen on the arm of a handsome fireman?' I reasoned to myself. The invitation wasn't the only thing coveted by the town; single women would kill to bag a luscious bachelor fireman too. --~~-- "Picnic" wasn't the best description for what I walked into. "Wedding reception" would be more appropriate. I felt awkward dressed in a blue sundress with sunflowers on it. My hair was in a ponytail and I had my star necklace on. I wore sunglasses and yellow flats that matched my cute wide-brimmed hat. Meanwhile, the men were dressed in tuxes and suits. Some had taken their ties off and untucked their shirts for comfort. The women were all wearing extraordinary dresses in blue and purple. Everyone was appropriately dressed for a wedding reception while I was not. The picnic was decorated in blue and purple irises accented with baby's breath. Although some of the decorations were ruined by the children running around. Girls were chasing boys for kisses and -- I squinted my eyes against the glare of the sun -- a little girl no more than six years old looked like she was eating the floral arrangements. A tall blond haired, blue-eyed man managed to stop the girl before she nibbled through a whole flower petal. Men and women were standing around in socializing clusters. It seemed like a hodgepodge of social chaos with a positive twist. I saw a tall, burly man with burgundy hair carrying a beer. A slightly shorter, balding man was chasing him. I studied the bald man for a second. He would have been handsome if he hadn't let his looks go by growing a beer gut. I couldn't say why they caught my attention. Maybe it was the giant's good looks or the agitated bald man. Curious, I moved closer to hear their conversation. "Please," groaned the balding man, "it's not too late to annul the wedding. You don't want to be married into this family. They're all lunatics!" The burgundy haired Adonis sighed into his bottle of root beer. "Tessa's lunacy is what I love about her," he smirked. "I'm lucky she was so tenacious pursuing me or else I would have lost her." His stature wilted slightly with the weight of what could have been. "That's beautiful, Duncan, really. Did you ever stop to consider marrying the girl also means marrying the whole family? You could have had it all -- the girl without the psycho family. I wasn't so lucky. My wife's father found out about us and hunted me down." The balding man snorted, "I was literally marched to the alter with a shot gun centered on my back." "By the way, Ted. How is your wife, Myra, doing?" asked Duncan. Ted blanched and then sighed. "She's wonderful. Like always." "You love her?" Indignant, Ted straightened to his full height. "Of course I do!" "You better look it because she's coming this way," Duncan motioned to a woman in the distance with his bottle. I looked with Ted and my jaw dropped. How in the world did a balding man end up with THAT?! Myra was poetry in motion as she sauntered toward both men. She was tall and leggy with traditional black Irish looks. Her black hair was shinny and straight hanging down to her swaying hips. She had a serene smile on her perfect lips and deep blue, soulful eyes. A cute girl of seven years old was holding her hand. The little girl looked like a porcelain doll in her frilly light blue dress. It was riddled with bows, ribbons, and puffy sleeves. Her dyed blond hair had fat ringlets framing her chubby face. What mother in their right mind would let a little girl dye her hair? I had to admit her uncommon complexion and blue eyes made the black rooted blond hair work. "Leave Duncan alone." Myra's sultry voice was demanding. Todd turned to his wife with a big smile. "I wasn't bothering him, dear." "Actually he was trying to convince me to annul my marriage," Duncan said casually. I could tell he was enjoying Ted's discomfort. A delicate eyebrow rose and Myra crossed her arms. "Really?" The little girl mimicked her mother's stance. "Why were you doing that, Ted?" Ted panicked as he struggled to find something to say. He glared at Duncan. I stood there amused wondering what he would say. I spotted someone new walking toward the group before Ted could answer. It was another leggy feminine beauty who looked like Myra with a capable quality to her manner, and a less graceful gate to her walk. She was dressed differently than the rest of the group. Instead of half-hazard formal clothing, she wore jeans, t-shirt, and sneakers. She seemed to be limping. She passed behind me and stopped at Duncan's side. She put her arms around him and snuggled affectionately into his chest. A contented smile graced her lips as Duncan placed a small kiss on top of her head. "What's Ted done now?" she murmured in a low, tired voice. It sounded sexy, sultry in a lounge singer kind of way. Duncan's eyes softened and turned into liquid pools of devotion. My heart stalled in my chest at the blatant display of love. I envied their connection and wished I could have something like that despite my cynical beliefs. My eyes watered and I valiantly kept from crying. Love was rare and beautiful. Only a select few could be happy in love. I instinctively knew Duncan and Tessa's marriage would last. I looked at Ted and his elegant wife. Love was there in Ted and Myra's eyes even though they were fighting. It seemed Tessa's family was blessed with true love matches. I sighed knowing I wouldn't be so lucky. There was a light touch on my shoulder bringing me out of my envious thoughts. Matt found me. His scent was one I recognized from the other day. I took a deep breath to control my thoughts and emotions and turned to look at him with a smile. He was just as handsome in dry clothes, but he was mouth-watering sexy when soaking wet. His tux was undone like most of the men. His shirt was untucked, his tie untied, and his jacket missing. All men looked great in tuxes, but few could pull off a messy tux. "You made it. I was afraid you would turn down my invitation," his perfect baritone pitch was a potent aphrodisiac. Of course he would have a perfect voice. All heroes in romance novels had perfect voices. It was good to know real heroes had them too. I closed my eyes and relished the shiver his voice caused. My smile turned languid. "Turn down an invitation to the super top secret Firemen's Picnic? I wouldn't be that big of an idiot." Yes I would if it had been another man. "Everyone in town's been wondering what you guys do here, and Joe wants to know all your secret recipes. He's constantly complaining that you guys steal his business with all the take-out orders you get." He looked at me curiously, his violet eyes flashing like amethysts in the sun. This stud muffin was so sticky sweet that I feared my eyes would get cavities. I pushed my sunglasses up my nose hoping they would keep out more than just UV rays. "Joe?" he questioned. Then he brightened. "As in Joe's the restaurant?" "Yea, that Joe," I confirmed. "Didn't I tell you I was co-owner of the restaurant?" A big smile formed on Matt's face. "I was wondering how you pulled off that discount. Lucky girl, having an in with Joe." I gave him an evil grin. "Why do you think the food's so good? I taste test it all and I won't allow anything mediocre." He laughed, one of those big infectious belly laughs everyone loved to hear. I looked around to see people staring at him and smiling. A flash went off and I turned. A guy with an expensive camera grinned and then moved on. I made a mental note to get a copy of the photo. A memento of our date, something I was starting to enjoy. Matt put an arm around my shoulders and steered me toward the group I was previously eavesdropping on. He gave me a brief hug like we were already boyfriend and girlfriend. Pleasant warmth spread through me. "Hey, Duncan. Joe from Joe's restaurant sent a spy to discover our secret ingredient," Matt joked. Duncan smiled big as he eyed me. Tessa chuckled. Her vivid blue eyes seemed to spark as she looked at us. "He did?" Duncan asked. "We should feel honored the town's top chef is showing interest in our food, but our secret isn't really a secret. We lace our food with marijuana. Kinda like magic brownies, only with a good home-cooking twist to it." That made me pause. A joke about illegal drugs? I approved. Tessa smacked his arm. "There's no marijuana, silly. It's cocaine." I chuckled at their playful attitude. "Marijuana and cocaine? Where?" A woman with fat spiral blond curls and a petite curvy physique walked up toting another giant, muscled man with a scarred face. He had short-cropped brown hair and the sweetest green eyes. "Who's not sharing?" She went to stand next to Tessa. She let go of the scarred man, who promptly clasped Duncan's hand while the woman threaded her arm through Tessa's. These people were my kind of people. I had to admit, going on this date was the best decision I made this year. "Jessie and Danny, I would like you to meet Matt's date..." Duncan trailed off in confusion. "You know I'm so bad that I forgot to ask her name!" He chuckled. Matt jolted as if waking from a dream. "I'm sorry!" he said. "That's rude of me. This is Elaine. She works in the town library and is co-owner of Joe's." I laughed nervously. "I'm actually the Administrator of the library." Judging by the looks on their faces, they didn't hear me. They were all looking at Matt with the same expression -- shock with a dose of...relief? Jessie's big doe eyes teared. Danny walked up to grasp Matt's hand in a shake. He leaned in and gave Matt a manly hug and whispered something in Matt's ear. It killed me not knowing what he said. I admired Matt, Duncan, and Danny as they stood in close proximity of each other. They grew them like redwoods in this town. Danny looked seriously into Matt's eyes and asked, "Friends?" Matt 's cheeks bronzed and nodded in agreement. I've never witnessed a man blush before and wondered what embarrassed him. Danny patted his shoulder twice and went back to embrace Jessie. "What was that all about?" I whispered to Matt. He cleared his throat. "I'll tell you later." Shrugging, I looked to his cozy group of friends. "Sorry to be rude, but I'm starving. Mind if I...?" I gestured to the huge buffet. All types of delectable goodies were spread out on three huge tables. Every variety of meat you could imagine took up one table. I wondered how many cows they slaughtered for the bounty. Then there were all the side dishes and desserts. My mouth watered just looking at it. "Of course!" Tessa said. "Help yourself to all the illegal delights." She shot me a wink. I gave her a grateful smile. My stomach growled causing everyone to laugh. I excused myself and made my way to the three-tabled feast with Matt following close behind. It took some maneuvering and Matt's help, but I managed to get four packed plates plus a small dessert plate to a vacant table under a shady tree. "You're amazing," Matt said in wonder. "Not only did you get all these plates here, but you brought a cup filled with soda by holding the rim in your teeth!" Vicky told me once that my proclivity for pigging out at an "all you can eat" affair would be unattractive. At the time, I told her I could care less, but I found myself blushing from the roots of my hair to my feet." "Don't take that negatively," he rushed on. "I really like a woman with an appetite, not to mention a bit of dexterity." I cleared my throat, hating the uncomfortable feeling. Desperate to change the topic, I went for something equally uncomfortable to him. Deflecting was a good skill of mine. "Thanks," I mumbled. "What was all that going on with your friends and...Danny? It's like you guys were resolving a fall-out or something." I pulled two plates closer to me. One filled with meat and the other with a variety of usual picnic side dishes. It's a good thing I work out regularly. Matt's sigh was heavy. "I tried to date Jessie." My eyes widened. "While she was with...Ummmm...." The name escaped me again. "No. Not while dating Danny." He took a thoughtful bite of hamburger before continuing. "Danny had transferred to our firehouse the day I had a date with her." "So the new guy swoops in and takes your girl?" I asked around a mouth full of food. "No. Turns out I was trying to take his girl -- prior claim from their high school days. Love that never quite left them and stuff like that. She kicked me out on the first night. I said some really stupid stuff to her so I don't blame her." He kept his gaze on his food as if he couldn't look me in the eye. "Of course I didn't blame myself either. I blamed Danny. "A week later Danny was walking around Jessie's neighborhood. He saw a house on fire and ran to save a woman and child trapped inside. When we got there, he was passed out in a room. We pulled him out of the house, and discovered he wasn't breathing. While the others were putting the fire out, it was up to me to perform CPR." I looked at him in awe. "You saved the life of the guy you were competing with? That was very big of you, Matt." "Yes I saved him, but altruism had nothing to do with it. There was a second or two when I considered not saving him, to just let him die waiting for the ambulance. I can't believe I considered something so...vile. Another man's life depended on me and I seriously wanted to let him die so I could have Jessie. For the longest time I couldn't look at Danny or Jessie. I didn't want them to know how much of a monster I was...still am." I stopped eating at his admission. "Did you tell them? Did you tell anyone?" I asked. Matt picked at his food. "I told Duncan, but I haven't told Danny or Jessie. That scene you witnessed is them feeling guilty because they're back together and I'm still single." He looked up at me and gave me a sad smile. "I was on a mission to get married. I still am, but I'm trying to be smart about it. Think before I speak." A man who actually wanted to get married baffled me. Yet that wasn't what I should center on. There was his guilt. He should tell Danny and Jessie about the incident if he wanted to feel good about himself. Get things off his chest. I looked over at Duncan and Tessa. He had a proprietary arm around her and she had eyes only for him. Maybe purging himself of his guilt would allow Matt to find someone to make him happy. Then he could have a marriage like his friends. I switched my empty plate for a full one and said, "You should tell them." "What?" he asked stunned. "Tell them about your guilt. Purge yourself of the feelings by having a long, cleansing talk with Danny. Have a beer with him and just blurt it out or something." "Him and Jessie would never talk to me again!" I looked over at the couple in question. "At first, they might hold it against you. People need time to sort out feelings and digest the information. Afterwards, I'm sure they'll find they've forgiven you and will try to be friends again." He viewed me quizzically, his food forgotten. I was sure I said the right thing. Aside from getting rid of the guilt, I was certain Danny and Jessie would forgive him. If not, they wouldn't have cared for his happiness or the fact he brought a date. My heart beat rapidly with the reminder that I was on a date. "I'll think about it," he conceded. "You've made a good point." His admission shocked me. Men were phobic when it came to touchy feely stuff, and my suggestion was no different. I was proud that I gave him good advice and, hopefully, helped him out. "Let's dance." I was busy with my pride so his suggestion took me off guard. How long had it been since anyone asked me to dance? I took his hand and accompanied him out to the dance floor. It scared me to take his hand. I couldn't dance, but I wanted to try. I had no clue why the butterflies in my stomach acted like they were on speed nor why my heart decided to do a tango. He held my hand with a firm yet gentle hold as if afraid I would run. Admittedly, there was no other place I wanted to be. His hold was warm and comforting. Heat raced up my arm and found a home in a small, empty space in my heart. The fear started to rise to my throat. All the emotions I've felt since coming to the picnic were too much too soon. How could a man I knew as a boy -- barely know as an adult -- have a strong effect on me? My body tensed to break from his hold and run. "Sh...." He calmed me like a skittish kitten. "Relax. It's just a dance." I half expected him to pet me so I'd purr while my body did as he asked. Men were safe at a distance, but they were lethal while touching. It was the first time I relaxed within a man's embrace who was not related to me. He was right of course. I was getting freaked out over nothing. He gently took me in his arms like I was made of glass. His cedar scent surrounded me and his warmth seeped into me. I melted into him. The DJ started a slow, jazzy song with a romantic beat and a seductive edge. The words were smooth, sliding down my spine and loosening every tense muscle along the way. I was lethargic and comfortable dancing with Matt. I wanted to stay here forever feeling warm and inhaling his intoxicating smell. Then he started to sing along with the song and I was lost to everything but him. His voice complimented the song. He sang the words as if he begged me to look deeply into his eyes. I answered the hidden call. Fear had no hold on me now within the satin melody of the song and his voice. Matt sang the lyrics and made them his own. The words tripped off his lips in a physical caress, telling me he liked me just as I was. Yes, another wrote the song, but his soul wrapped his sincerity around me like a blanket. No man had ever told me they liked me just the way whether in a song or using their own words. They always wanted me to be someone I wasn't. Flash Fire Ch. 02 I could feel the slight puffs of his breath against my temple, an odd scent of cinnamon and mint. I smiled at the tenderness of it all. The moment was perfect and I was content to stay forever. His nose caressed my cheek and I knew he was going to steal a kiss. The music slid into the background, our steps slowed to a stop. I looked with slumberous eyes up into the violet depths of his. There was no lust there, no selfish need, or mocking amusement. There was just a revered wonder I couldn't understand. His lips drew nearer with every beat of my heart. I never wanted to kiss a man the way I wanted to kiss him. It was a desperate need I couldn't repress, a compulsion that consumed me. I would die if I didn't know what he tasted like. Then I was cruelly yanked out of his embrace and dizzily found myself in the arms of the blond stranger from earlier, the one with the flower-eating kid. "Mind if I cut in on this one, Mattie? Doesn't look like you know how to dance to a lively tune," said the man who jerked me around in a fast turn. I desperately tried to keep my eyes on Matt as I was twirled about the dance floor. Confusion swamped my senses. One moment I was in heaven, and the next I was slammed back to earth. Matt's eyes flashed purple fire as he dodged dancing couples to get to me. There was a shock of excitement when I realized he was trying to rescue me. "So, beautiful," the stranger purred, "why don't you tell me your name and I'll give you the night of your life." I looked at the man I was tensely dancing with. I was immediately affronted. Not only was the jerk married, but he also deemed me unworthy of a proper pick-up line! Did he think I would simply fall for his looks? I eyed him critically and took in his blond hair stylishly flattened in a messy way against his head. His facial features were striking with the straightest nose I've ever seen and his stature was tall with slight muscular bulk. I was never into men with bulging muscles. They always show off. I had to admit, he carried himself well and his ice blue eyes held a strange appeal. "Won't your wife be angry, promising strange women the 'night of their lives'?" It was a tired line, but said with ice behind it, it always had the desired affect. A pained expression flashed across his face as a passing cloud briefly covered the sunlight. The image was striking in an artistic sense and it was enough to squeeze an answering emotion in me. I wish I hadn't said it. I pushed aside my guilt and tried for scorn instead. He was probably a divorcee taken for everything because he was found humping the neighbor, or some equivalent scenario. His smile was sickly as he answered. "My wife died two years ago," he whispered. My face fell. No way was he telling the truth, but the sick feeling in the pit of my stomach told me different. I was instantly contrite. "I'm sorry." The words fell between us, a flimsy offering to his pain and I felt worse. "It's fine. You didn't know. I'm Jack," he looked at me, trying to lighten the mood. "Elaine," I mumbled. "Elaine, the miracle worker," he spun me in a graceful way. "Huh?" What miracle and why wasn't I aware of it? "Mattie hasn't shown interest in a woman for a few months. He's been strangely morbid. You brought him back." Jack kissed me on the cheek, his way of thanks. I thought it was sweet of him and understood he was joking earlier. My guilt doubled when I realized that I judged him cruelly. I was going to ask more questions, but didn't get the chance. In one eloquent move, I was swiped from Jack back into Matt's capable arms. He drew me close with determination, swooped down, and kissed me. My body was on autopilot. Instead of jerking away from Matt and smacking him across the face -- I'm not the type to kiss on the first date -- I kissed him back. Instinctively I opened my mouth to allow him entrance. In the past, I loathed kissing. I found it disgustingly sloppy. Matt's kiss was demanding, claiming in a way I barely understood. My knees weakened, I grew light-headed, and my heart fluttered. This was no drool session, but a pleasant prelude to other more pleasurable things. A wicked promise. He released me after an infinite amount of time. I wondered if the second Ice Age had come and gone. He smiled down at my dazed look while he lightly caressed my cheek with crooked finger. "I'm beginning to adore that funny little expression you make when I catch you off guard," he whispered and that cinnamon mint cloud pulled me further into his lure. "Nice!" Jack explained as he came up behind me. "Now it's my turn." He moved like he was going to kiss me too. Matt threw his head back and laughed as he held me closer to his body. I could feel his nose in my hair. How primal of us, to want to memorize each other's unique fragrance. "No, Jack. This one's taken," he said, "but there's a woman behind you that wouldn't mind your kiss." Jack turned to find a stern Amazon woman scowling at him. With a face like hers, she could have been a model. Her golden hair was up in a loose ponytail with curvy wisps framing her perfect heart-shaped face. There was an exotic tilt to her light eyebrows and an authoritative gleam to her green eyes. I admired the beautiful wicked queen aura surrounding her. While her face was runway material, her body was a whole other story. She had a sporty, tall figure I envied. Don't get me wrong, I had a great shape and I worked out to stay at my peak weight, but I wouldn't mind some curvy muscle in my arms and a flat, textured stomach like hers. Both arms and stomach were wonderfully showcased in a sleeveless button-up red blouse cut off an inch above her navel. She wore pristine black slacks complete with the cutest high-heeled boots I had ever seen. Apparently Jack did not appreciate the Amazon beauty because his face instantly turned bland. Matt grinned like an idiot. Jack grimaced at her -- I think it was suppose to be a smile. "Hey, Chief," he gritted out. "Do you know where your daughter is right now?" she crossed her arms. Jack looked alarmed. "Not near the punch bowl! She's wearing white!" he groaned. "Her aunt's gunna KILL me if it's stained..." "You're lucky then. Jessie stopped her from putting a hand through the wedding cake and is holding her hostage. I think she's torturing her with tummy tickles. You better stop drooling over your friend's girl and go get her." He narrowed his eyes and put his face inches away from hers. "You wish it was you I was drooling after, sweet cheeks." It was said in a low tone, but I could hear it. Her eyes widened in shocked fury as he walked away supposedly to get his daughter out of cake defiler's prison. She put her hands on her hips and stared long and hard at his back. "That man thinks he's God's gift to women and then some. I hate men like that." Her tone was harsh, but lightened when she added, "Nice ass though." I had to agree. The fire department was uncommonly blessed with good-looking men. She turned back to me and stuck out her hand. "I'm Jax, Fire Chief and all around friend of these beautiful, burly men." "Nice to meet you," I shook her hand and found her grip sturdy. Good thing I was no lightweight. "Thank you so much," she murmured to me with earnestness shinning in her eyes. "F-for what?" I asked though I could already guess. "For making Mattie happy again. I've only known him in his brooding state. The guys told me what he was like before I came. I care about my boys, so seeing Mattie the way he should be makes me happy." She gave me a hug and walked away. I turned back to Matt and found him looking embarrassed. It was probably uncomfortable having everyone thank your date. "Now that everyone's through thanking you..." He pulled me back into his arms. I was mesmerized by him, easily falling back under his spell. It was disconcerting. Maybe it was those violet eyes that made me susceptible to his charms. But then, I wasn't looking at his eyes. I was more interested in his lips. They looked soft and inviting, the type of lips that would always give perfect kisses. Matt was slowly descending for another kiss; I didn't think I would survive it. We were at the edge of the picnic, closer to the woods than everyone else. No one paid attention to us. There was no escape for me as he closed in. A plaintive mewing caught my attention. I looked away from Matt's hypnotic lips and looked to the edge of the woods. A small, furry black creature staggered towards us. It lifted its delicate head, neon yellow eyes meeting mine, and mewed again before it collapsed. Alarmed, I wrenched myself from Matt's arms to go to the poor creature. As I drew closer, I noticed it was a small black kitten. I dropped to my knees beside it and made sure it was still breathing. Tears gathered in my eyes and I removed my sunglasses to wipe them away. The cat was still alive, but barely. It seemed to be badly injured. I heard Matt's steps coming closer. "What is it, Elaine? What's wrong?" he asked. "It's a kitten," I whispered as I gently picked it up. "The poor thing's been hurt." I stood up cautious not to jostle it. I've never owned an animal before so I didn't know if a vet would be open on a Saturday. I didn't even know the time. Panic spread through me. What was I going to do? This kitten needed me and I was clueless. I turned to Matt, who looked at the kitten in my arms with concern. Then he looked at me. His jaw set as he saw the panic in my eyes. "Follow me," he said in a soft yet commanding tone. He marched back toward the picnic, and reached in his pocket for his cell phone. I blindly followed him. My worry swamped me so I couldn't do anything else. After Matt ended a call, he made another. I was crooning encouragement to the kitten, telling the little darling that it had a lot to live for, and promising I would make sure it had a wonderful life if it just found the will to live. Matt slipped his cell phone back in his pocket and glanced at me to make sure I was still following. He flashed me a smile to reassure me. "I know a good vet's office not far from here. They're not usually open on the weekends, but I called in a favor. Don't worry, sweetheart. The kitten will get the best care," he said. I greedily grabbed onto his words and they worked in calming my panic. At least someone knew what to do. --~~-- He squinted his eyes against the bright scene laid out before him. People wore bright clothes, smiled, laughed, and danced. They seemed innocent, but he knew better. Behind every shinny, perfect picture there was a dark, heinous sin waiting to be uncovered. Beyond the party he watched his angel get into a vehicle with the demon and black furry abomination. It was torture remembering his angel twirling around the makeshift dance floor like a precious jewel box dancer. Her sparkling eyes glued to the demon dancing with her. Elaine was an innocent in the ways of demons. She didn't know the man she was with had sin on his mind. She didn't know he wanted to taint her. It was clear he had to save her. His future happiness depended on it. He hid in the forest on the outskirts of the park. The tree he hid behind bore claw marks from his bloody fingernails. He would forget his list of sinners for a while. His angel needed to be saved and the demon that threatened her would die the same way he was born -- in a blazing inferno. A groan erupted from him. He should have strangled the damn cat not kick it. He hadn't meant for his angel to take notice of the evil kitten. He had seen the string of emotions that ran across her face -- curiosity, shock, and panic with tears welling in her eyes. She had run to the pathetic thing, fell to her knees, and carefully examined it. The demon seducer had followed after her. Of course the devil spawn would want to help his familiar. He gritted his teeth in frustration. His error in judgment helped the demon. Pretending to help the angel save the kitten would endear the demon to her and make sure the familiar would have a place in her household afterwards. The familiar would be a perfect guard...a guard against any good person who wished to save the angel.