Unforeseen Events (Mercutio17 & darkangel76)

Starla couldn’t look away from Jeremy’s eyes, which were staring back into her own. The way his forehead touched hers, the expression his eyes held. She was completely mesmerized and couldn’t even begin to explain the things she was feeling.

Starla’s breath caught a little as she felt Jeremy’s tip rest gently against her entrance before he ever so slowly pushed himself inside of her. The feel of her muscles stretching, granting him entry, made her moan and then bite down on her lip. The whole thing was overwhelming. It was as if their bodies were made to fit each others’ with perfect precision.

Wrapping her legs around Jeremy’s waist, Starla bucked her hips upward, meeting his wonderful rhythmic thrusts. Her breathing became heavier, her skin glistening from sweat. But still her eyes were fixed on his, saying so much without having to utter a single word.

Starla held onto Jeremy tightly, never wanting to let go. She only wanted to be closer to him, as close as they could possibly be. The sensations rising in her core made her tremble, the heat burning hotter and hotter within. She let out a small gasp as he whispered her name. The sound of it crossing his lips made her heart race. Jeremy was everything she’d ever wanted in a man.

As Jeremy’s lips touched hers in another heated kiss, Starla could feel her eyes watering. The moment was beyond perfect. She never felt so close to someone before. And to think this was someone she’d only just met. But the connection had been instant. She’d felt it and she hoped he’d felt it too. Her hips bucked faster as his lips moved over hers.

Starla clutched onto Jeremy’s back, her fingernails digging him ever so slightly as she felt him quicken his pace. She couldn’t help but let small whimpers escape her lips as she felt herself rushing toward what she knew would be a hard climax.

“Don’t stop,” Starla pleaded, urging Jeremy on as he thrust himself deeply inside her. She nibbled his lower lip a little before whimpering again, hugging him tighter than before.

Jeremy obliged Starla’s plea, which only made her buck her hips harder, faster.

“I love how you feel inside me, Jeremy,” Starla was barely able to whisper through her heavy panting, her release so very close now. Everything about this man felt wonderful to her. She hoped their night together would never end.

Jeremy quickened his pace as he felt Starla dig her nails into the flesh of his back, panting heavily. Everything about this moment felt so good to him. The way their hot skin felt at is rubbed, pressed, and slipped across each other was amazing. Being inside Starla and being able to hold her so tight and kiss her made a warm tingling feeling run up his spine and to the base of his head.

“I love how you feel inside me, Jeremy." When Jeremy heard Starla whisper this into his ear it sent him to the edge and he knew he was going to climax soon. He could hear Starla's breathing and quiet moans getting louder and faster, and so he pressed himself into her even harder than before. He wanted them to reach climax together- to share in that intense and sensual moment. He could feel it building up inside himself and so he continued with his slow, deep thrusts.

Jeremy grabbed Starla's arms and pushed them back over her head, holding her hands and pinning her down to the bed. Only her legs remained tightly wrapped around his hips, locking their bodies together. Jeremy buried his head into the side of Starla's neck, kissing and sucking on her skin.

He could feel her body begin to tremble as she pushed her hips up in time with him, driving him as deep as possible inside of her. Jeremy knew he couldn't hold on much longer, and he had a feeling Starla was feeling the same.

Starla’s breaths were becoming heavier and heavier, louder and louder. Each time Jeremy thrust himself inside her, she could feel her body arching towards his, her eyes rolling to the back of her head. The ache between her legs was growing so strongly, she didn’t think she could take any more.

Jeremy suddenly grabbed Starla’s arms, pinning them above her head, holding her body down. She couldn’t help but moan louder at his suddenly aggressive actions. His mouth then on her neck made her body writhe even more, in perfect time with his.

Suddenly, Starla could feel her legs shaking. She knew she was close, on the brink of falling over the edge into perfect bliss all because of Jeremy. She wanted him to be where she was too.

“I’m going to cum,” Starla whispered in Jeremy’s ear, hoping that her words would spur him on, to just go for it, let go. To fall over the edge with her. That’s where she wanted him to be. With her.

Just then, Starla’s hips bucked upward in a wild thrust as loud whimpering cries escaped her lips.

“Jeremy!” Starla shouted out again and again. She just couldn’t help herself. It was the first thing that came to her mind as she felt her body release, her muscles clenching hard over and over again.

Jeremy could barely contain himself when he heard Starla whisper to him how she was about to cum. He was nearly there himself. He felt Starla's hips meet his own harder and in wild rhythm as she cried his name again and again.

Jeremy buried himself completely in her again and again. He felt her muscles squeeze tightly around him as she tightened her thighs around his hips. Jeremy couldn't hold out any more. Starla's his pulled him deep into her, and it was as if an electric shock took his entire body. He shuddered as he climaxed, squeezing Starla's hands tightly. His face still along her neck, he let out a loud moan as he came into her.

Jeremy slowly caught his breath as he stayed laying on top of Starla, still inside of her. Finally after a few minutes he rolled off of her body, and laid on his back, looking up at the ceiling.

His entire body felt spent. He looked over and watched Starla, who was breathing heavy, trying to catch her breath just like him. He gave her a broad smile and took her hand in his, kissing her knuckles. Saying nothing, he rolled onto his side to face her.

Starla could feel exactly when Jeremy climaxed inside of her. It only intensified her own experience and it was the most amazing sensation she’d ever felt. He laid on top her for a few minutes once their bodies both began to settle a little bit and the feeling of him lying there was wonderful. She felt an odd sense of loss when he finally rolled off her, but she used those first few moments to catch her breath, let her body settle further and enjoy the pulsing sensations that were flowing throughout her entire being.

Starla couldn’t help but smile when Jeremy rolled onto his side and faced her. The smile on his face made her heart clench and the way he held onto her hand made her feel like the most important thing in his world. She propped herself up on an elbow and leaned in to kiss his lips. When she pulled away, she laid her head against his chest and nuzzled up next to him, as close as he would let her.

“You’re too good to be true,” Starla whispered, her voice a little shaky. The connection she felt was beyond overwhelming and she hoped the feeling wasn’t one sided. Never had she ever engaged in such activities with someone after knowing them for so little time. But with Jeremy, it somehow felt different to her. She couldn’t explain it. She only knew what she hoped. She hoped he’d want to see her again. And again and again and again.

Jeremy pulled Starla in close when she laid down on his chest. He chuckled a bit at her comment.

"I'm certainly not too good to be true," he said, running his fingers through Starla's hair. He leaned his head in and gave her a kiss on top of her head.

Jeremy laid there in silence for a time, enjoying the feeling of Starla's naked body against his own. It was only a day into the vacation and already Jeremy found himself dreading when it was going to be over. He hoped he would see Starla afterward of course, but it wouldn't be as nice and relaxing as spending days together in the Bed and Breakfast.

"So....still want that desert sampler sent up here?" He asked Starla. "I could go for some chocolate now."

Jeremy was incredibly comfortable in bed. He felt like he could spend the rest of his vacation right here with Starla. He didn't really feel like moving, but some desert in bed did sound pretty appealing to him.

Starla looked into Jeremy’s eyes and smiled. She touched his cheek gently with her hand. “Yes you are. And chocolate sounds simply divine.” She chuckled a little.

Reaching for the small phone next to the bed, Starla picked it up and dialed the main desk.

“Umm yes. Can we have a dessert sampler sent up to room #5 please?” Starla paused a moment. “Yes, Starla McClintock’s room.” She looked over at Jeremy and smiled. “Yes, a sampler. A brownie with vanilla ice cream and hot fudge, cheesecake with strawberries and umm a chocolate chip cookie with whipped cream and caramel.” She giggled a little after she placed the order, covering the phone’s receiver as she did so. “Yes, can we have a bottle of riesling sent up as well. Yes. Yes. Wonderful.”

Starla hung up the phone and turned her attention back to Jeremy.

“They said it would be about fifteen minutes.” Starla smiled broadly as she leaned her head against Jeremy’s chest once more, her arms wrapping around him, hugging him tightly. “Though I’m afraid that whatever they bring up will not be as good as the sampling I just had.” She nuzzled against him, her fingers drawing lazy circles on his chest.

Starla had never felt so sated and so comfortable. She truly felt as though she’d found something special, something different, something wonderful in Jeremy. She could be herself around him. And the idea of just spending time with him sounded like the perfect way to spend a long weekend. Never had she ever been so glad to get away from her hectic life. Everything just seemed so perfect and she didn’t want it to end. She really hoped he’d agree to see her again after their weekend at the bed and breakfast was over. After the time she’d had with him both physically and otherwise, she knew for a fact that she wanted that more than anything. She just hoped he wanted that too.

Jeremy relaxed back in bed as Starla laid back down on his chest. Fifteen minutes sounded good. He was hungry and in the mood for a sweet snack, but wasn't quite ready to let go of Starla yet, even for a few minutes. He held her as tight as was comfortable and closed his eyes, leaning his head back on the pillow.

He felt like it had only been a second, but a look at the clock made Jeremy realize that he had fallen asleep briefly. A sound awoke him, and he quickly realized it was a knock at the door. With a groan he sat up in bed, stretching his shoulders.

"That was quick," Jeremy noted as he found his boxers and put them on. He let Starla stay in bed and he went and answered the door. Opening the door, he saw the woman from the desk downstairs pushing a typical food cart. He stood there in only his boxers and the old woman gave him a knowing look, but Jeremy also sensed a little disdain in her gaze.

"Thanks," Jeremy said quickly, and took the cart inside, then turned to shut the door. This woman really bothered him, and he didn't want her around any longer than she had to be. He heard her mumble something to herself as the door shut, but he had no idea what it was.

"Food's here," Jeremy said with a smile as he wheeled the cart over to the bed.

As Jeremy got up from the bed to get his boxers and answer the knock at the door, Starla found herself sighing at the loss. She loved the feel of him next to her, his warmth. She pulled the blankets up and covered herself as he opened the door. In the doorway stood the same elderly woman that seemed to manage everything at the bed and breakfast. Starla felt herself shiver a little at the sight of her, even though she only got a mere glimpse. She definitely was the odd duck of Finn’s family as far as she was concerned and she planned to let him know how creepy she was when she returned to the city.

Starla heard Jeremy say a few quick words to the woman before wheeling the cart into the room.

“Food’s here,” Jeremy said as he began wheeling the cart over to the bed.

Starla couldn’t help but smile as her eyes caught sight of the wonderful display of sweets. She loved sweet things and the array looked quite appetizing. Though she had to admit, not nearly as appetizing as Jeremy was. But it was a close second.

“It looks wonderful,” Starla said as Jeremy got back on the bed and sat next to her. She reached for the brownie dessert first. Jeremy’s mention of chocolate earlier had her suddenly craving it immensely.

Placing the dessert on her lap, Starla took a fork and sank it into the brownie. She then brought the fork up to Jeremy’s lips. “How good is it?” she asked as she let her brownie-filled fork slip past his lips and into his mouth. “Delicious?”

Starla felt her cheeks redden a little as Jeremy ate the dessert. He looked adorable. Especially with a little of the hot fudge dribbling at the corner of his mouth. Giggling, she brought her finger up to the hot fudge and dabbed at it, bringing it to her own lips for a taste. “Mmm…” she said with a smile.

Jeremy laughed and gave Starla a little shove when she wiped up his mouth for him. The desert sampler was delicious. He had his eyes set on the strawberry cheesecake, but first he took the bottle of Riesling and poured them each a glass.

"Cheers," he said, clinking his glass to hers. He had to admit, this was certainly a first- desert in bed with a naked woman. He certainly wasn't complaining, especially because it was Starla. Since they had now slept together, he felt like a lot of the nerves that had built up between them were dissipating, at least on his part. He felt very comfortable with her, and everything seemed so much easier. Jeremy hoped he wasn't being overly expectant in hoping things could continue just like this for the rest of the trip as well as once they went home. He also hoped that Starla could tell that this wasn't a one time thing for him, and that he had begun to form genuine feelings for her.

There was another knock at the door, breaking Jeremy's though process. "What did they forget?..." he mumbled to himself, going to answer the door once again.

Jeremy opened the door once again to find the old woman standing there. She said nothing, and had no food tray or anything with her.

"Can I help you?" Jeremy finally said with a twinge of annoyance in his voice. The old woman was giving him that weird look again, and trying to peer past him into the room. Jeremy moved his head with hers, blocking her view.

"What do you want?" He asked again, this time more annoyed.

"Oh, well, just to check that everything is ok," She said hurriedly. "Is everything ok?"

Jeremy looked at her for a second without replying. "Yes. Yes it is."

"Oh, well, ok. Goodbye." She said, walking off without word. Jeremy shut the door shortly after her.

"That woman is driving me crazy," he said, returning to the bed, and sitting down next to Starla, finishing off his glass of wine. He was reaching for the bottle again when suddenly he felt his hand shake, and a momentary dizziness come over him. Jeremy clenched his fist and shook his head to steady himself, reaching for the bottle of wine. The feeling came over him again, this time stronger.

He nearly dropped the wine glass in his left hand, and found himself staring at the empty glass. Had something been in the wine? No...that would just be crazy, Jeremy thought, as he collapsed on the bed, his consciousness rapidly fleeting.

Starla took a sip of her wine after clinking her glass with Jeremy’s. She smiled at him as she swallowed it down. The sweetness of the wine only added to the perfection of the moment.

Suddenly, there was another knock at the door. Starla’s eyebrows furrowed and she pulled the blankets up around her body once more. Jeremy got up again to see who it was. But Starla somehow knew. She knew it would be that woman. That odd duck. Yes, Finn was so going to hear it about her when she got home.

When Jeremy opened the door, Starla’s suspicions had been confirmed. She caught a glimpse of the woman. Her spine tingling almost instantly.

“Can I help you?” Jeremy asked her. Starla could hear the annoyance in his voice and she didn’t blame him one bit. Her strange behavior was starting to get to her. It made her nervous for some reason and she didn’t like it.

Starla heard Jeremy and the woman exchange a few words, but she couldn’t quite make out what they said. Her head started feeling a little light and she wondered if she’d sipped at the wine too quickly.

“That woman is driving me crazy,” Jeremy said as he shut the door and made his way back to the bed and Starla’s side. He finished off his wine.

Starla nodded in agreement. “You’re not alone there,” she said before finishing off her own wine as well.

Jeremy smiled at her as he reached for the bottle of wine to pour them each another glass. But something made him stop. Starla’s eyes widened, so she shifted on the bed to see what might be wrong. As she moved, a strange sensation started to flood her body, her mind. The dizziness she’d felt moments ago seemed stronger some how. Starting to panic a little, she looked at Jeremy who’s expression showed confusion and worry. He looked ill.

Starla started to reach for Jeremy when everything around her started turning black, like a shroud of night was trying to consume her. It was like slow motion. She watched him fall against the bed and then she too found herself falling. She didn’t even feel the mattress or pillows as she fell. And within seconds, everything went dark.

It was the cold floor under Jeremy's body that finally awoke him. He wearily opened his eyes, and a tremendous headache ripped through his forehead. A few seconds later he realized he was incredibly cold. As he came to, Jeremy realized he was laying face down on a hard, cold floor- maybe concrete or some type of stone. He rubbed his eyes, trying to rid himself of the pain in his head as he pushed himself up to his knees.

Everything around him was black- it was clear that this room was completely devoid of light. Jeremy rubbed his cold arms and legs, realizing he was still in his boxers. The few moments before he lost consciousness came rushing back to him. The old woman, the wine....Starla! She had been drinking the wine too, had she been brought to wherever this was too?

"Starla!?" Jeremy called out a few times. He could hear a faint scuffling noise to his left, and he crawled towards it in the darkness. The hard floor hurt his knees and palms, but if he was walking he was afraid he might trip over something.

After a few minutes of searching, his hands touched warm skin. Jeremy still could not see anything, but this had to be Starla. The body felt limp in his arms, but it was still warm, and he could hear her still breathing. Jeremy sat down and took her body into his lap, holding her head against his chest protectively. His eyes darted around the room searching for anything, rocking her body with his own, saying her name softly and trying to wake her up.

Starla felt herself slowly waking up. She couldn’t move nor could she open her eyes, but she could hear. Feeling somewhat panicked by this, she desperately tried to speak. But her mouth wouldn’t open, it wouldn’t move.

Whatever happened, wherever she was, Starla felt cold. Like she’d been covered in a blanket of ice. And her head hurt. Badly. It was as if she’d been struck by some large object, which left her with nothing save a massive headache. What happened? Where was Jeremy? She craved his warmth, missed him. ‘Oh god!’ she thought. ‘Where is he? Is he all right?’ Her mind began to reel, feelings of dread filling it up. Again, she tried to move, to speak. But she could not.

Starla’s mind began go over the course of events leading her to where she currently was. Though she had no idea where she was at all at the moment. All she knew was that she was cold. After several seconds she thought of that odd woman. The one who made she and Jeremy feel on edge. Suddenly, she felt the adrenaline surge throughout her body. Again, she felt the panic rising.

“Starla!?” came a voice. It was Jeremy’s. Starla felt a wave of relief wash over her at the sound of his voice. At the very least, he was with her. She tried to move toward him, his sound. But she couldn’t. In her attempt to try and move once more, she felt her body slump a little. Had she been propped up against something? She didn’t know.

After several more minutes, Starla felt warm hands touch her skin. She knew it was Jeremy. She’d know his touch anywhere. He pulled her to him, placing her in his lap. Though she couldn’t move, being next to him made the panic subside a little.

“Starla? Starla?” Jeremy whispered in Starla’s ear. The sound of his voice was so soothing, helping her feel more at ease as she tried to let her body wake up from whatever had happened.

Slowly, Starla opened her eyes. The room was dark, she couldn’t even see Jeremy, though she felt his arms around her, holding her close in a protective embrace. She let out a small groan as her body began to stir.

“Wh-what happened?” Starla asked. Speaking made a sharp pain shoot through her head making her whimper from the pain. “Where are we? Are you all right?”

Starla tried to sit up a little, but it was difficult. Her body felt weak and her head was pounding. Feeling frightened, she leaned into Jeremy, her arms wrapping around him.

“I’m scared,” Starla whispered almost inaudibly, her body shaking. She wondered if Jeremy knew anything about what had happened and waited for his response. She hoped that he had some idea. Because if he didn’t, she had no clue what that would mean for the two of them. And her gut told her that whatever it did mean could not be good.

Jeremy held Starla's body close. "I have no idea where we are," he replied, trying to mask the shakes in his own voice. His eyes had begun to adjust slightly to the complete darkness, and he could see plain walls on all sides of them. There didn't seem to be anything or anyone else in the room with them. There wasn't even a door readily apparent.

"Do you remember anything?" He asked Starla. Though the warmth of her body was comforting against the coldness of the room, Jeremy couldn't help but hope that somehow Starla would have been spared whatever it was that was happening to him.

He had to figure out what was going on. He had to get the two of them out of this place. It didn't matter that Jeremy didn't know if they were still at the Bed and Breakfast, or somewhere else entirely- he was going to figure out how to get out of this room and back to the cars.

"Stay here," he whispered to Starla, letting go of her and standing up for the first time. His limbs felt slow and stiff, as if he had been asleep for an entire day. The feeling made Jeremy realize he had no idea how long either of them had been out cold. It didn't matter presently, he presumed, the priority remained the same: get out.

Putting his arms out in front of him, Jeremy walked forward slowly, able to make out the dim shape of the wall in front of him. His hands reached cold concrete a few steps later. The smoothness of the floor and walls, and the clean angle in which they met let Jeremy know that he and Starla were in a man made room- nothing like a naturally formed cave or crevasse. And if it was man made, he reasoned, there had to be a way in and out. Jeremy set about walking clockwise around the room, keeping his left hand on the wall, in search of a door or some sort of hatch.

He had only just begun his exploration when the sound of echoing footsteps in the distance made him freeze in place.

Starla’s mind raced as she reluctantly let Jeremy go to investigate the room they were currently being held captive in. She wondered where they were, how long they’d been there, why they’d been taken there in the first place. There were so many questions and she feared that the answers were something that she more than likely didn’t want to know.

Slowly, Starla’s eyes began to adjust a little to the darkness of the room, though she still found it difficult to make anything out clearly. The floor beneath her was cold and definitely made out of stone or concrete. She shifted a little as Jeremy continued to explore the room. From what she could tell, the room seemed relatively small and perfectly square. It was as if it was a holding cell of some sort. So why were she and Jeremy placed in such a room? She had no idea.

Starla wrapped her arms around herself, trying to keep warm. Her head still hurt and her body felt like it was submerged in water.

Just then Jeremy went still. Panicking a little, Starla whispered, “What’s the matter?”

Jeremy gestured to Starla to stay quiet. Her heart pounding in her chest, she followed his command. Suddenly, she could hear footsteps. Her dark eyes widened as they got closer and closer. She brought her hand to her mouth to prevent herself from screaming. The fear that suddenly washed over her was intense, so overwhelming. Jeremy hurried over to her and hugged her close as the footsteps got closer and closer.

Suddenly, Starla could hear scuffles and scrapes coming from the other side of one of the walls. She wrapped her arms around Jeremy’s neck and buried her face against his chest. She was terrified.

“Maybe we should pretend we’re still unconscious,” Starla suggested in a panicked whisper. “I don’t know what else to do.”

Jeremy nodded, obviously deciding that at the given moment it was their only defense if their situation proved to be a dangerous one. Starla kissed him hard on the lips before she went back to where she’d been laying originally.

Just as Starla noticed Jeremy taking his place on the floor, a strange buzzing sound could be heard at the one wall. She saw an eerie glow, in the shape of a door, appear. Slowly, it opened and through cracked eyes, she saw two silhouettes standing in the doorway.

“Still not awake?” came a voice. Starla recognized it immediately. It was the voice of the elderly woman from the bed and breakfast.

‘What the hell is going on?’ Starla thought to herself, her body going into full panic mode.

Jeremy took his place on the floor, closing his eyes almost all the way, but keeping them cracked slightly. A few seconds later there was a crackling noise, not dissimilar to electricity. A bright light quickly shot over the room and dimmed, leaving what looked like a door in its place. Jeremy could hardly believe it however- doors didn't simply appear in walls.

The door creaked open and Jeremy could see two shapes in the doorway. There was light behind them and all he could see was silhouettes.

"Still not awake?" The old woman's voice sent shivers down his spine. After a pause the pair entered the room.

"So you think they'll be willing?" Jeremy heard the second figure say, a rough man's voice that he did not recognize.

"Who knows...you are the one that sent them here, wouldn't you know?" The old woman snapped back.

The man didn't reply, but walked up to Jeremy, prodding him with his shoe. Jeremy closed his eyes tightly and tried not to move.

"Come on now, wake up!" the man growled, kicking him in the ribs. Jeremy couldn't hold back a groan as he opened his eyes and rolled over onto his back, holding his ribs. The man walked away from Jeremy, taking a few steps towards Starla.

"Starla, Starla, Starla... and how do we feel this afternoon?" The man asked her, in a voice she was sure to recognize.

Starla couldn’t believe it. Finn? He was there? But why… how? She was terribly confused not to mention frightened as hell.

Slowly, Starla opened her eyes. The light coming in from the doorway was fairly bright, but it kept both Finn and the woman somewhat concealed within the shadows. Finn walked over to her and kneeled down by her side. He cupped her face with his hand and smiled at her.

“Are you enjoying Carter Inn?” Finn asked her. “I told you that you’d love it here. The perfect getaway, is it not?”

Starla’s teeth began to chatter, her eyes watering. Finn looked so different from the way he did when they’d met up all those nights at the diner. She glanced over at Jeremy who was on the floor clutching at his ribs.

“Don’t worry about your… friend,” Finn said glancing over at Jeremy. “He’s a tough guy.” He turned to look at Jeremy and shouted at him. “Isn’t that right, Beyer?” Starla could hear Jeremy’s groans ringing in her ears.

“Leave him alone,” Starla pleaded. Finn turned his head to look at her once more.

Smiling, Finn then said, “Awww, do we actually have a crush, Starla? A real crush this time? Could it be?” Finn stood up then and placed his hand over his heart, feigning surprise. He walked over to Jeremy and gave him another kick making him grunt.

“No!” Starla shouted, scurrying over to Jeremy’s side. Gently she touched his face, running her fingers through his hair. “Please, Finn. Stop this. I don’t understand.”

Finn just laughed. “Don’t you? Well, you will in time.” He paused a moment and looked over at the elderly woman who stood there with a slight scowl on her face. She looked at Starla and Jeremy with great distaste.

“So long as they’re willing, Finn,” she suddenly stated.

“Oh they will be, Regina. Don’t you worry about that. Have I ever steered us wrong?” At that, Finn began to laugh.

Starla helped prop Jeremy up, her arms wrapping around his chest, holding him to her. She pressed her face against his head and began to shake with sobs. The fear coursing through her veins was more than overwhelming. She could only hope that somehow both she and Jeremy could get out of this situation. Alive.

"So you're Finn..." Jeremy groaned, looking up at the man from the ground.

"Right you are, my man," was his reply.

"What the hell do you want with us?" Jeremy spit out, climbing to his feet, his right hand holding his ribcage. He stood between Starla and their two captors.

"You've enjoyed your stay haven't you? The landscape, the atmosphere, the food that is 'simply divine'," Finn said with a sly grin down to Starla, "have we been so cruel to you that you speak to us in this way?"

"What the hell do you want?" Was Jeremy's only reply.

"Simply to seek like minded individuals to join us...that is all," Finn began, making no attempt to mask the meglomania in his voice. "We are a simple community who truly understands the inevitability of human life."

Jeremy stared at Finn with fire in his eyes, but said nothing.

"Good...you listen. I like that," Finn continued. "You see, our teachings go over so much better to those who listen." Finn paced a bit as he spoke. "Let's make this as simple as possible. Death is inevitable- it is as much a part of life as living itself. Now to transcend that.." Finn broke out into a broad and condescending smile, "to transcend that, certain sacrifices must be made."

Jeremy stood silent, thinking Finn a madman.

"Your friend," Finn said, his finger pointed at Jeremy, "he understood that. That is why you are here. And you," he said as his eyes then fell on Starla. "I thought perhaps you may be interested in the eternal life with us."

Finn paused, his arms crossed on his chest. "But now I wonder.... whatever happened between the two of you, that may complicate things..." he trailed off.

Jeremy continued staring at the man. What was he talking about? Eternal life? Sacrifice? What hand had his friend had in this whole mess? The questions piled up in Jeremy's mind, and he was sure there were only more to come.

Starla’s blood was icy cold as it flowed through her veins. ‘Whatever was Finn talking about?’ she wondered to herself. ‘He’s insane! Absolutely insane!’

Starla felt so stupid for thinking that she and Finn were friends, that there had been a connection of any sort between them. All those nights the two of them met up in the diner as if they’d been old friends… those meetings just didn’t look the same to Starla any longer. Finn had been sizing her up from the beginning.

Finn had just mentioned something about ‘eternal life’ and ‘sacrifice’. Just what did he mean by them? He’d offered Starla an eternal life with him. What did that mean exactly? The very idea didn’t seem all that appealing to her, especially if it meant leaving Jeremy behind. Jeremy. And what the hell did Finn mean when he spoke about how Jeremy understood death and sacrifice and transcendence? It was all too strange and she wanted out and back to her car. Now.

Slowly, Starla got to her feet. Jeremy gave her his hand to help her up and she took it most willingly. As she stood up, she moved in closer to him, wrapping her arms around his waist and hugging herself to him tightly. Jeremy responded by placing his own arms around her body, holding her close, protectively.

Starla wondered once again just what Finn had meant about sacrifice. And why would the fact that she and Jeremy had begun something beautiful matter or complicate anything? Her mind racing, she immediately began to think the worst.

Eyes wide, Starla looked over at Finn and the elderly woman he called Regina.

“Complicate what?” Starla asked. She felt as though she might have an idea, but she wanted to hear Finn say it. To say it out loud, though she dreaded what he’d say.

Finn just smiled. “I think you know very well, my dear Starla. No need for me to go into too many specifics.” He paused a moment as if pondering something. “Yet.”

Starla shivered, her arms hugging Jeremy tightly. She looked up into Jeremy’s eyes and then back over at Finn.

“You hurt him and I’ll see you suffer like no one ever has,” Starla spat.

Finn laughed then. So did Regina, though she didn’t laugh quite as hard as Finn did. “Whoever said that we’d be the ones to hurt him?”

Starla’s eyes widened even more. Finn had confirmed, at least in her mind, that his intentions were to somehow harm Jeremy. The idea of losing him made her want to throw up. She’d just found him. She cared for him, shared herself with him. She’d be damned if anything bad ever happened to him.

“I knew you were a quick study, Starla. I did.” Finn looked over at Regina and smiled. He then looked back at Starla. “You’re slowly starting to understand. Wonderful," he added, crossing his arms across his chest.