It was Lauren Scheuer’s eighteenth birthday, and no one cared. Lauren woke to her alarm, got up, and stared at herself in the mirror. She looked like a normal girl, for the most part. Her skin was pale, her eyes were a gentle green, and her hair was long, messy, and black. Her body wasn’t even particularly curvy, with a thin, unremarkable figure and tiny breasts. Years of bullying had only reinforced Lauren’s view of herself as an average, unremarkable, even plain girl. 

That was, of course, if you ignored the scales. 

Pink scales rippled across her flesh. They weren’t noticeable in most places, blending in with her skin and practically fading away, but in some areas—like her arms, her ribs, her shoulders, and her knees—they became quite pronounced. Complimenting them was a pair of horns on Lauren’s forehead. Fortunately, they were little more than nubs, and were easily hidden by her unkempt hair.

Sighing, Lauren put on some clothes: a simple blue hoodie and a skirt and leggings and went about her morning. Her footsteps were the only sound in the house. She was alone, like she was most mornings. No one greeted her at the table. No one chided her about forgetting to put her dishes in the dishwasher. No one playfully teased her about her unrelenting cowlick. 

In place of a family, two notes were left on the counter for her to find. One was from her father, wishing her a happy birthday and telling her he’d buy a cake on the way home. Lauren rolled her eyes. Even if he did remember to get the cake, there was no chance he’d be home earlier than midnight. Such was the life of one of the best doctors in the city. No time for a social life, no time for family, and certainly no time for daughters. Whatever. She was used to it by now.

The second note turned out to be a letter. Lauren frowned. It was addressed to her, yet had no return address. She curiously opened it up, and a pink piece of paper fell out. She unfolded it, and blanched as she read the contents.

Dear Lauren,

Happy 18th. My little girl’s all grown up. I’m so proud of you, you know, and I’m so excited to see what you’ll do in this big wide world. Go out there and show everyone what you can do.

I should mention something. Since you’re 18 now, you might notice some… changes in your body. It’s normal for succubi, don’t worry. Just be warned you might need to reign in certain instincts. 

That’s all. I’ve chipped in to pay for your cake. 

XOXO, love Mom

Lauren felt sick. She crumpled the paper into a ball and aggressively tossed it into the trash, trying to calm her nerves. She couldn’t believe this. It was bad enough that she hadn’t seen her mother since she was twelve. Now she sent her a letter filled with fluffy words of love, as if her actions at all communicated that she felt anything for her daughter. 

Worse, what the hell did she mean by changes? Instincts? Lauren had been under the impression that being a half-succubus meant she merely got the cosmetic alterations. Now what was going to happen to her? She didn’t know the first thing about how succubi worked! 

“Maybe if you’d actually bothered to show up in person I could fucking ask,” she muttered under her breath.

There was no helping it. She had no idea where her mother was, and she had no inclination to have a conversation with her absent father. Besides, she was about to be late for school. Time to suck it up and deal with whatever changes she’d get. 

~

No one spoke to Lauren when she arrived at school, but she heard the whispers. Freak. Loser. Creep. Bet she sucks off the math teacher for her grades. Bet she’s secretly a dyke. Ever wonder why she always wears long sleeves? Probably cuts herself. Psycho. 

Lauren had heard them all before. In middle school, she’d started wearing headphones and listening to alt rock to drown them out, but within a week her headphones had gotten thrown into traffic and her ipod got smashed.

So, she just tolerated it. Let all the whispers and insults wash over her, like a cold shower. Telling herself she was above it all. That after years and years of this bullshit, she’d grown numb to it. Maybe she had, in part. But there was a deeper part to her that still felt every word they whipped her with. A deeper part that Lauren didn’t want to acknowledge. She was strong. She was independent. And once she’d gotten her degree, she could move far far away from here and never see any of these jerks again.

One step in front of the other. That was life for Lauren Scheuer.

Unfortunately for her, life had decided that she hadn’t been wounded enough today. Lauren felt her body lock up as four girls rounded the corner. All of them rich. All of them gorgeous. And all of them rulers of the school. They could kill a student in the middle of class and get away with it. In fact, the school board would probably thank them for doing it.

Natalie liked to think of herself as an influencer. She spent as much time as physically possible on her phone, taking selfies, and desperately scrambling for validation from everyone around her. She’d once dumped a whole can of coke on Lauren’s head in order to get a laugh out of her friends.

Joanna was tall, out-of-your-league beautiful, and an extreme sadist. She also got top grades, some of the best in the school. Lauren had no doubt that if the girl didn’t come up with some of their best pranks, or if she were slightly less pretty, she’d be dumped into the nerd camp. But as it was, the rich bitches loved her ideas for torturing the less popular. When Lauren had been fifteen, Joanna had cut up her hair with a pair of scissors and posted photos of it all over social media. 

Becka knew all the best gossip. Somehow, she had a perfect system of spies, feeding her every juicy detail and handing her perfect blackmail material. Sometimes she used her wealth of information to get a leg up, like forcing the honors student to do her homework for her, but most of the time she just used it to fuck with everyone she looked down on. One time she’d poured water onto the crotch of Lauren’s pants and told Lauren’s crush at the time that she’d pissed herself.

And of course, there was the leader, the Queen Bee herself, Charlotte Daniels. Even kids who hated her admitted that she was perfect in most ways. Her looks, her grades, and her money were the envy of every girl in school. She was the ringleader, the one who’d brought the group together, the one who threw the best parties, the one who bought fashion accessories more expensive than Lauren’s tweenage braces. In short, she was who Lauren hated the most.

And now Lauren was standing like a deer staring at an oncoming train as the foursome strode her way with utmost poise, trading jokes and laughter without a care in the world. There was nowhere to hide. Lauren just had to give them as much space as possible and hope they’d decide she wasn’t worth bothering to bully today.

Of course, she was not so lucky. Charlotte’s eyes locked onto hers with an insufferable smirk, her face framed by those perfect golden brown curls. 

“Can’t believe the psycho freak decided to come to school today,” Charlotte said, holding up a hand and stopping her posse. “Honestly, dyke, you really should just slit your wrists and get it over with. You know you’re never going to make it anywhere past graduation anyway, don’t you?”

Lauren felt her face heat up with shame as she stared at the ground. Go away, go away, please go away.

“You’re so pathetic,” Becka chimed in. “Can’t you even say a word when someone’s talking to you?”

Lauren opened her mouth, but was cut off by a sharp yank at her black braid. Joanna let her go, breaking into cackles, like it was the funniest thing in the universe. Lauren’s squeak of pain was the only thing that escaped her lips. 

“Guess that’s a no,” Charlotte said, her smirk still painted on her lips. “How about you go jump into oncoming traffic? Oh, actually, I’ve got a better idea.” She glanced at Joanna, and nodded. 

Before Lauren could react, the tall girl reached out with shockingly fast reflexes and nabbed her phone from her pocket. Lauren gaped, reaching up to take it back. “Hey! Fucking give it!”

“Now she speaks,” Charlotte said, before tutting softly. “Sorry, freak, but I need to give you a bit of incentive. We’re going to hold onto this until the end of the day. If you want it back, meet with us in the parking lot behind the school.” 

Lauren’s jaw hung open, a million protests coming to mind but none managing to slip past her lips. 

Snickering with her friends, Charlotte waved her fingers and strutted off, Joanna handing her Lauren’s phone. 

And Lauren stood there. Alone.

~

“Ugh, I don’t want to take the English test,” Natalie whined. She leaned against Charlotte’s shoulder, dredging up her biggest, saddest puppy dog eyes.

Charlotte rolled her eyes. “I don’t know what you want me to do about it, Nat. I have clout here, but I’m not going to waste it on just another test of yours. If you’re struggling so bad, hire a tutor.” She flipped her hair. Honestly, Natalie could be so annoying sometimes.

Natalie pouted, but quickly switched gears as she pulled out her phone and held it up. “Selfie for good luck!” Charlotte put on her sweetest smile, the one she used to get whatever she wanted, as Natalie took the picture. Finally, the phone-addicted girl ran off to get to her test.

“I gotta go too,” Joanna said, shrugging her backpack strap up over her shoulder. “Jones’ll kill me if I’m late again. Peace.” 

Charlotte took some solace in the quiet, as she and Becka walked to Math. While she enjoyed her place on the top of the heap, she couldn’t deny that it got overwhelming sometimes. Her friends doing everything they could to please her, boys professing their love for her all the time, and adults fawning over her just for existing. All necessary to maintain her social standing and her ego, but after three and a half years of this, Charlotte much preferred Becka’s content, silent company. The two of them had been friends since kindergarten after all, and knew each other best.

“What is your plan for Scheuer, anyway?” Becka finally asked as a group of loser girls scrambled to get out of their way. “All you said is that you have something in mind.”

Charlotte smirked to herself, relishing the thought of what she’d get to do after school. At the end of it all, if she had nothing else, she had Lauren Scheuer. An unending source of sadistic pleasure. If her day was going poorly, Charlotte knew that she could take it out on Lauren to feel better.

“Have some patience, Bec,” Charlotte answered, flipping her hair. “Trust me. It’ll be worth the wait.”

The two walked into Math, taking their seats. From where Charlotte sat, she could see the back of Lauren’s head, hunched over a textbook. Fucking nerd. Didn’t she have a life of any kind? Who spent time before class studying when there wasn’t a test?

The mousy girl glanced over her shoulder, her eyes briefly locking onto Charlotte’s. There was panic in them, which sparked a deep sensation of pleasure within Charlotte. Nothing felt better than having power over others. She loved bullying people and being able to cleanly slip away from the consequences. And for some reason, she loved bullying Lauren most of all. That’s right, you little dyke freak. Be scared of me. Keep thinking about what I’m going to do to you after school.

Unfortunately, despite her words to Becka, Charlotte didn’t enjoy having to be patient herself. Math was a bore, as was Physics, and Chem. She finally got a break at lunchtime. The four girls grouped together once more and found their usual spot. Charlotte was about to pull out her lunch when she noticed Damian waving to her. 

Charlotte’s boyfriend was tall and fit, and was the quarterback of the school’s football team. With his dimpled smile and his wavy blond hair, he was the picture perfect image of a high school boyfriend. Exactly the type of guy Charlotte would let hang on her arm until graduation when she’d move on to better things.

She gave him a wave back, and the two exchanged a kiss as he sat next to her at the table. “Hey, babe. Did you catch my text last night?”

She had. “No, baby, I’m sorry. I must have been asleep when you sent it. Beauty sleep is important, after all.”

“Oh,” Damian said. He was unbelievably gullible. “Well, I just wanted to know if you were free this weekend. My brother’s inviting me to a ski resort, and I thought it would be awesome to have you along. What do you think?”

I think that is the stupidest thing you’ve ever said to me. Charlotte made a show of hemming and hawing, considering his invitation while knowing full well she did not want to get dressed up in puffy, uncomfortable gear and fall on her ass a dozen times. That did not sound like her ideal weekend. “How about I get back to you tonight? My mom was talking about doing brunch with me on Saturday. I’ll let you know when I have a better idea of my schedule, mkay?”

He pouted, but seemed to perk up when she kissed him. She resisted an eyeroll. Boys were so easy. Give them some physical affection and they rolled right over for you.

Lunch continued on, and eventually Damian left to go meet up with his football bros at another table. The second he was gone, Natalie leaned in. “Are you actually going to a ski resort? Could be a good opportunity for Insta pics!”

Charlotte rolled her eyes. “Do you think I’m braindead? Of course I’m not going to a ski resort. I’m not some sweaty, athletically-inclined musclehead.”

Natalie frowned. “Really? Cause, I have this cute pink ski outfit that would look great on you—”

Instead of snapping at her like she wanted to, Charlotte simply patted Natalie on the head. “You’ve got so many great ideas, Natalie. They’re just not for me sometimes. But I bet that ski outfit looks dazzling on you.” 

Joanna leaned back, thoughtful. “Shame it’s March. Putting snow down Scheuer’s shirt… that would be a good one.”

Becka grinned evilly. “We could always dump an icetray down there.”

Charlotte let her girls keep yammering on as she checked her phone. A text from Damian, which she’d left unread. A text from her mom, telling her that she would be away on a business trip and that Charlotte would have to order out for the next few days. 

Of course, Charlotte thought bitterly. She didn’t know why she’d entertained the idea that her mom would stick to her word when she’d promised her daughter they’d watch that new show together this weekend. There weren’t promises where Gwendolyn Daniels was concerned. Only business.

The day dragged on. Charlotte flashed her prettiest smile at her History teacher when she was caught picking on a boy. Charlotte tossed a banana peel into a girl’s locker when she wasn’t looking. Charlotte laughed as Joanna flicked rubber bands at Lauren’s head while the teacher wasn’t looking in Bio.

Finally, it was time. With a gesture, Charlotte led her girls out into the parking lot, rounding the school until they were at the back, where her fancy pink car was parked. Each of them settled against it, Charlotte perched on the back, where she pulled out her vape and began to take drags from it. 

It didn’t take long for Lauren Scheuer to show. Charlotte felt a smirk slide onto her lips as she watched the poor, sullen girl wander over, her head bowed, her glasses sliding down towards the tip of her nose, her hair a mess. 

“Well well,” Becka called. “Actually showed up, did you? We figured you were in the bathroom dry heaving from cowardice.”

“C- Can you just give my phone back,” Lauren managed. 

“C- C- C- Can you just,” Joanna repeated mockingly. “That’s what you sound like. Use your words, freak.”

“Please give me my phone back,” Lauren said, voice smaller.

Charlotte smirked. “Don’t worry, Lauren. I will. But first you’re going to do something in exchange.” She hopped off the back of her car and turned around, popping open the trunk. She pulled out three things: a headband adorned with piglike ears, a piglike nose with a band to be pulled around the head, and a belt with a piglike tail hanging off of it. “I want you to wear these for me.”

Lauren stared in obvious shock. “Ch- Charlotte, come on, please…”

“Hah!” Natalie said. “Oh my god, Charlie, that’s so good. Yeah, oink for us, piggie!”

Lauren’s face burned. “J- Just—”

“You know the terms, you little weirdo,” Charlotte cut her off. “You want the phone back? Dress the part. Go on.” She proffered them to her.

There was a moment of silence, where the foursome grinned as Lauren shuffled her feet, obviously deeply uncomfortable. Finally, Lauren stepped forward and took the piggie paraphernalia, and slowly began to put them on. First the ears, then the tail, and finally the nose, placed over her own. 

The other three began to snicker and guffaw, but Charlotte simply watched with an extremely pleased smirk. This was good. Very very good. But she wasn’t done yet.

“Well, piggie? You heard Natalie. Gonna give us an oink? I think we’ve earned it.”

Lauren stared at the asphalt, her hands grabbing at the bottom of her hoodie as if desperate for something to do. But there was no escape from this. So, finally, she let out a tiny squeak, barely an oink at all.

“Uh, is that seriously the best you can do?” Becka said. “Come on, I could barely hear that!”

Lauren oinked louder.

“Now there’s a good piggie,” Joanna said, but couldn’t resist bursting into laughter.

“M- My phone,” Lauren begged.

“Not yet,” Charlotte said, having far too much fun. She pointed, directly at her shoe. “Lick my shoe. Then you’ll get your phone back.”

Lauren gaped. “N- No, Charlotte, please—”

“Stop complaining. We all know you’re just delaying the inevitable. Go on. Hands and feet. Lick my shoe.”

The other three girls were laughing and jeering as Lauren relented, getting on her hands and knees. Charlotte grinned as the mousy girl crawled forward, before beginning to lick the top of her sneaker. Pathetic. Delightfully pathetic. Debased so far to be licking Charlotte’s shoe. It was so euphoric. There was no better word to describe what Lauren Scheuer made Charlotte Daniels feel.

Natalie, Joanna, and Becka were each taking pictures from various angles of this delicious display. Charlotte pulled out her own device, lining up the shot just right. She wanted this one all to herself. This personal pleasure, from the perfect angle, reminding her that Lauren would always be under her thumb.

Eventually, the laughter died down. “Ahh, that was so fun,” Becka said, patting Charlotte’s shoulder. “You come up with the best stuff, Charlie, seriously.”

“Seriously!” Natalie chimed in.

Charlotte smirked. “I know.”

“Ah, shit,” Joanna said after a moment, looking at her phone. “I’ve got to get ready for the party tonight. Only got a few hours to spare.”

“Oh crap, you’re right,” Natalie said. “Bobby’s been hyping it up since last week. I’m uber pumped!”

“Give us a ride?” Becka asked Charlotte.

Charlotte shook her head. “You three go on ahead. I want to spend a little more… quality time with Lauren before I head out.” She had some ideas, but she wanted to enjoy them without the other three adding their babbling comments into the mix.

Becka exchanged a knowing smirk, and then waved her hand. “Alright gals, come on. I’ll drive.”

Charlotte watched as the three of them headed to Becka’s car before peeling out of the parking lot. She took a drag of her vape, laying her eyes on Lauren, who was still licking. Seriously? She hadn’t stopped? Points for commitment, at least.

“You’re my bitch forever, Lauren,” Charlotte whispered. “There’s nothing you can do about it. I’ll always be in control over you. How’s it feel?”

Lauren growled.

Charlotte paused. A growl? “Wanna try that again, cunt?” She snapped. She was not about to tolerate any form of resistance from her victim.

Lauren growled louder. Deeper. With an intensity that shook Charlotte’s bones. Her eyes widened as she watched Lauren begin to arch her back, grunting and groaning. Drool dripped from her lips, but what was most alarming were her hands, which had turned deep pink, covered in scales.

“What- What the fuck is happening? Lauren?”

Lauren roared, pushing herself to her feet. Charlotte felt her stomach do a flip and her heart freeze solid in her chest. Two massive horns sprouted from Lauren’s forehead, curling back up over her black hair. There were scales all over her face, and her eyes, once a soft emerald green, were now glowing a deep red.

Charlotte stumbled back against her car, heart now thudding in her ears. “W- Wait, wait wait, Lauren, c- calm down—”

“Unlock your car,” Lauren growled with a voice that seemed like it was resounding inside Charlotte’s brain, “get inside, and wait for me to get in the passenger’s seat.”

It didn’t make sense. None of this was making sense. But Charlotte felt an overwhelming need to do what Lauren told her to do. Obediently, she unlocked her car and got inside, sitting behind the steering wheel and waiting patiently for Lauren. Still monstrous, Lauren rounded the vehicle and got in the passenger’s seat.

“L- Lauren, what’s going on?” Charlotte said, unable to keep the fear out of her voice.

Lauren spoke an address. “Drive there,” she commanded in that same tone of voice.

Once again, Charlotte couldn’t fathom disobeying. Not out of fear, but out of some deep, inexplicable urge within every cell of her being to do what Lauren had told her to do. Almost like she was choosing to do it herself, but Lauren was ultimately pulling her strings.

The drive was silent, with Charlotte internally panicking the whole way through. She wracked her brain trying to come up with some kind of explanation for what was going on here. For why Lauren had turned into some kind of pink monster, why she could suddenly control Charlotte’s actions with a few simple words. But she came up blank. All she could do was drive to what she assumed was Lauren’s house.

“Come with me inside. Don’t try to escape or call for help,” Lauren ordered.

Charlotte obeyed, following Lauren into the house. Panic was ballooning inside her chest, so thick she wanted to scream. But screaming might constitute calling for help, so she couldn’t. 

There was no one else here, as far as she could see, which was a small comfort. Charlotte didn’t know what she’d do if she had to pretend to be normal around one of Lauren’s family members. 

“Follow me downstairs,” Lauren said.

Was she going to be tortured? Killed? A dozen horrible possibilities ran through her mind, yet the anticipation of what might happen was perhaps worst of all. 

“L- Lauren,” she stammered as she followed Lauren down the steps into the basement. God, she hated how scared she sounded. This was not how the queen bee should sound. “Lauren, what are you doing to me?”

Lauren shot her a sharp, hateful glare over her shoulder. “I’m going to pay you back for everything you’ve done to me, Charlotte Daniels.”