Elizabeth woke early the next morning. No one was in her room waiting for her or watching her. Everything seemed back to normal. That is, whatever relative normal she now lived in. Ben had come back some point during the night and was still in bed. The couch in the sitting room was also occupied. Raguel had spent the night as well. She didn’t recall him asking or her offering but he did look peaceful, and he did help her the night before, so she could forgive it.
She was antsy after the night’s events and couldn’t stop looking out the windows. Every movement outside would catch her eye and it was driving her crazy. Even though both Ben and Raguel were in the house she felt vulnerable, trapped. Unable to take it any longer, Elizabeth grabbed the old shotguns and two boxes of shells and headed across the street to the other property she owned. Her house sat on nine acres of land that were covered in trees but across the street were three more acres that were completely open. She rarely used that property but it was a great spot to shoot skeet and that’s exactly what she was planning on doing.
It had always been a good stress relief in the past but ever since her parents died and she had inherited the house and the land, she never found the time to go anymore. Strolling across the street towards the back property, the only sounds were the crunching of gravel beneath her feet and the birds fighting for position in the trees. She lived far enough in the country that there were a variety of animals from an insane number of squirrels and birds, to snakes, the typical opossums and raccoons, and even the occasional fox or bear. Elizabeth liked the animals and welcomed their sounds as opposed to that of cars or other noises of civilization.
The soft morning light wafted over the empty field, casting a tranquil golden glow over the long grass. Her property was positioned several acres off the main road and the land surrounded hers was covered in trees, so it was like being in her own personal clearing. She took her time setting up, pausing frequently to watch the birds dive in and out of the long grass.
Holding the gun to her shoulder with one hand, she threw the skeet with her other arm and then quickly dropped the thrower to aim and shoot. It wasn’t the most efficient, but it’s the only way she could do it by herself. Her accuracy also suffered since she only had a split second to aim.
She was only able to get off a few rounds before her solitude was intruded on. She hadn’t heard them approach. The gun was noisy and she was wearing earplugs, but her eyes caught their movement once they were close enough. It was comical seeing the three of them walking together, especially knowing how different they all were. Ben’s hands were stuffed in his pockets and he was sulking. Raguel and Claire were a few steps behind him. Elizabeth could see their mouths moving. They appeared to be getting along well, but she wasn’t about to stop to find out.
Reloading the gun, she put two more shells into the barrel then inserted another disk into the thrower. Reaching back, she was about to throw the skeet when a hand caught hers. Raguel met her eyes with a brilliant smile. Slowly peeling the thrower out from her fingers, the angel forced her to release the red plastic device. She was about to protest but then he simply asked, “Ready?”
Smirking, Elizabeth raised the gun and replied, “Pull.”
Raguel was surprisingly good at throwing the skeet and she desperately wanted to ask him where he had learned, but refrained, so not to raise Claire’s suspicions. They remained out there for several hours, and Raguel even shot for a while. Ben remained a bump on the log the entire time and Claire wasn’t enjoying herself either. Neither of them would even look at the other. She definitely had missed something.
Before leaving Raguel and Elizabeth meticulously picked up all the empty shell casings and cleaned the area to where it looked like they were never there. They boys led the way back to the house, while Claire and Elizabeth trailed behind. Claire opened her mouth several times. She wanted to say something but every time thought better of it and closed her mouth again without saying a word. Coming to a complete stop, Elizabeth decided to break the ice. “What is it?”
Claire slowed to a stop as well and let out a long exaggerated sigh. “I’m worried about you,” she said. “That’s all.”
She didn’t look at Elizabeth but didn’t start walking again either. Elizabeth knew she was about to get lectured and held her breath until Claire continued.
“I don’t know where you met these guys or what they’ve told you,” Claire said, “but something’s wrong with them.”
Without warning, a chuckle escaped Elizabeth’s mouth. Turning sharply Claire glared at her. Elizabeth quickly regained her composure and, shaking her head, Claire said, “They were arguing when I got to your house this morning. If I hadn’t gotten there when I did I think they might have started fighting. Like, actually fist-fighting.”
Rubbing her temples, Elizabeth glanced at the boys. They had moved a ways’ off but probably could still hear everything being said. Running her fingers through her hair, Elizabeth said, “Look, Claire…”
“No, you look! I’ve already lost one friend to some bizarre freak accident and I’m not about to lose another to some punk house guests who can’t settle their disputes like normal people! You need to kick them out! I can’t put my finger on it, but they’re bad news!”
“I know it looks bad,” Elizabeth said, “and I wish I could tell you what’s going on, but I can’t. You’ll just have to trust me.”
Claire shook her head. “Why don’t you come stay with me for a while? I know my apartment’s small but it would get you away from these guys.”
Elizabeth didn’t know how to respond. Claire was just trying to help her but she didn’t know half of what’s been going on and Elizabeth had no way of letting her know. “Claire, I can’t. If I did that, I would just be putting you in harm’s way.”
Right when the words left her mouth, Elizabeth knew it was the wrong thing to say. Claire stared at her in disbelief while Elizabeth tried to grapple with what to say next.
“I knew it!” Claire said. “You’re in trouble and it’s their fault, isn’t it?!”
Tears were welling in her eyes. Elizabeth needed her to calm down but there was no way she could explain. “I know you’re not going to believe me but it’s not them. They’re protecting me, okay? I can’t explain but… you’ll just have to believe me.”
Thin tears streaked down Claire’s cheeks and Elizabeth felt torn at the bottom of her core. Looking down she knew what she had to do and said softly, “Claire, you need to go.”
A choking sound came from Claire’s throat. She sniffed a few times but didn’t say a word. Elizabeth heard the crunching of gravel. It was loud at first but grew fainter the farther she stormed down the road. Elizabeth couldn’t bear to look up. She was fighting back her own tears. They had been friends for a long time and it pained her to know that she might not see Claire again. A soft hand rested on her shoulder and Belial’s voice reached her ears. “I’m sorry.”
She didn’t want to hear it. He really wasn’t sorry and just knew it was what she wanted to hear. Swatting his head away, Elizabeth growled, “Don’t!” Without looking at him, she stormed back to the house. Everything was a blur. She stumbled up the porch steps and locked the door behind her. Crying she raced up the stairs to her room. She wanted to be alone and even though she knew Ben had a key, maybe he would get the hint.
She spent the next few hours in bed sulking. Claire was her best friend but she couldn’t see any way to fix the separation growing between them. The door cracked open. Wiping her eyes she caught sight of Raguel’s face beyond it. Sitting up, she turned towards the door and he asked, “Where would you like me to put the guns, Elizabeth?”
“In my car, if you don’t mind.”
His eyes narrowed but he nodded and closed the door behind him. Only seconds later another voice penetrated the closed door. “Hey, you still in there? Come out and we’ll go get dinner or something.”
No matter how up
set she was Ben’s voice had a soothing effect on her. Letting out a deep sigh, she climbed off the bed and walked to the door. It swung open before she reached it. Belial was leaning against the wall on the other side. He looked cool and collected and seemed to somehow regain some of the swagger he had when she first met him. A thin smile parted her lips, her soul relaxed, and her mood softened.
Raguel was already waiting for them downstairs. He knew Belial would get her out of her room. Belial drove and Elizabeth climbed into the back of the car so the boys could sit in the front. It only made sense, since she was the smallest. They chose a local Italian restaurant and requested to be seated away from everyone else. They were sat at the far end of the dining room in a booth with tall sides that separated it from the other booths around it.
Elizabeth had come to this restaurant several times with her parents when they were alive. Her dad particularly liked eating there and would tell her about how he used to go there when he was in college. The place brought back too many memories and she was glad that it was dimly lit. Their waitress was an older woman with dark curly hair. She’d worked at the restaurant ever since Elizabeth could remember and was more of a permanent fixture than an actual waitress.
She moved slowly, and after she took the drink orders, Elizabeth knew it would be another five minutes or so before they’d actually see the beverages. While the guys looked over the menus she decided to start a conversation. “So, did you ever catch up with the guy in the trench coat? What was his name? Samuel or something?”
Both men’s eyes rose slowly off their menus. Raguel quickly looked away from her and returned to the menu in front of him. Biting his bottom lip, Belial closed his menu and clasped his hands together on top of it. He was relatively calm and with a completely serious face said, “No.”
He then proceeded to reopen his menu and continued to look over his options. Elizabeth was taken aback by his bluntness, but before she could pester him about what happened, the waitress returned with the drinks and a basket of assorted crackers and butter packets. Surprisingly they were both ready to order. The waitress slowly pulled a pad of paper and a pen out of her apron and methodically wrote down what everyone wanted. She then waddled off towards the kitchen at a snail’s pace.
Belial and Raguel immediately rummaged through the crackers, pulling out the ones they wanted. Both were making efforts to avoid Elizabeth’s gaze, which she found extremely annoying. Resting her head on her hands, she let out a much louder sigh than intended, but it did get the guys’ attention. “Frankly I expected to get the silent treatment from Ben,” Elizabeth said, “but Raguel, I’m a little surprised that you’re not being honest with me.”
Raguel shrugged his shoulders and was more concerned about the crackers than her opinion on his moral character. Belial, however, was openly hurt. Taking a long gulp of his drink, he said, “You know why I have to use discretion with what I tell you.”
“Yeah, yeah, because of your boss.” Elizabeth rolled her eyes when she finished. Surprisingly, she got the response she was hoping for.
“Look,” Belial said, “this isn’t the right place to have this conversation. When we get home I’ll tell you what you want to know, okay?”
Smiling on the inside, Elizabeth was sure to keep a serious face when she nodded in approval. Their food arrived two cracker baskets later and while her company took their time eating, she scarfed down her food. She couldn’t wait till they got home and the second they were in the car and the doors were closed, she pressed the demon to start talking.
“All right, Ben, spill it. I want to know everything, and don’t give me that crap about Lucifer doesn’t want you talking to me.”
He was reluctant at first. Gazing at Raguel, Belial looked for confirmation. The angel remained silent but, nodding, he gave Belial the approval he was looking for. “All right,” he said. “I’ll tell you what you want to know.” Pausing, he thought for a second before adding, “Within reason.”
Smiling, Elizabeth nodded. “First off, what happened last night? And don’t give me that ‘I didn’t catch up to him’ and leave it at that crap.”
Belial’s eyes narrowed. Glancing back at her from the driver’s seat, he didn’t appreciate her remarks or her tone. She definitely was related to Lucifer. Even though it didn’t show often, she had her moments where it was evident. “He must’ve seen me coming and darted. I was able to track him to the…” Belial paused to formulate his words. “Well, to where we’re from. But once there he disappeared.”
“Does Lucifer know?”
“Don’t worry about it,” Belial replied sharply. He had already talked to Lucifer about it and didn’t want to relive it. That was something he wouldn’t talk to her about, no matter how much she pressed him.
“So,” Elizabeth said, “is this guy the one who’s the mastermind behind everything?”
Belial and Raguel looked at each other again. Belial was positive that Samuel was behind it. She didn’t need to know that either, though. Lucifer didn’t want her to know. Looking over his shoulder Raguel smiled weakly at her. “That’s what I’m here to find out.”
It wasn’t an exact answer to her question but she was pretty sure that she was on the right tract. Out of everyone she’d met so far, he was the one who worried her the most. It might be the trench coat or, the fact that she’d never seen his face, but he was trouble. He just rubbed her the wrong way. Looking out the small window, she rested her head against the seat.
“Hey,” she said, “so remember when we were talking last night and you brought up that there’s not many female angels or demons?”
Belial glanced back at her again. Clearing his throat, he nodded at the road. Watching the dark trees zip by them, Elizabeth continued, “So… I mean, I know you say my parents were like you guys, but I’ve always been human. Doesn’t that make a difference?”
Belial frowned. His hands gripped the steering wheel tightly. This wasn’t a topic he really wanted to talk about either but at the same time he didn’t want Raguel sharing too much information with her. “It’s like Raguel said. There aren’t many females and like all creatures we have… needs.”
Raguel nodded and piped in, “I’m sure you’ve heard of Zeus and the other Greek gods. In truth, they weren’t gods but angels who came to Earth to relieve their sexual tensions. Many of the ancient gods and goddesses were either demons or angels who came here to satisfy themselves. There’s no other gain from these couplings, however. It’s just for pleasure.” Pausing, Raguel glanced back at her and continued, “With someone like you, however, whose lineage can be traced recently to either an angel or a demon, is rare.”
Belial glanced into the rearview mirror and added, “The fact that you have both demon and angel inheritance is unheard of except for in one other.”
Elizabeth’s eyes grew wide. There was someone else out there like her. Someone else who might be going through the same thing she is. Someone who would be able to relate to her. Turning into the driveway the car rocked on the gravel. Belial slowed the car to a crawl. Both men stared at something waiting on the front porch. It looked like a statue at first glance but after further examination Elizabeth saw it was Crocell.
He was standing perfectly still and didn’t acknowledge the car when it pulled up to the house. He was strangely alone and Elizabeth realized this was only the second time she’d seen him by himself. Normally his presence meant that Lucifer was nearby, but she saw no one else.
Belial climbed out of the car quickly and glided over to the porch to speak with the demon. Raguel took his time. He had no interest in talking to Lucifer’s lackey and instead helped Elizabeth out of the back seat. Remaining a step behind her, Raguel followed her to the porch. Forcing a smile to her face, Elizabeth greeted her unexpected guest as pleasantly as possible. “Crocell, what a pleasant surprise. Won’t you come in?”
Quickly turning she unl
ocked the door. Holding it open she allowed the demon to enter the house first. Quickly striding up the stairs, Crocell led the way to the sitting room. He remained standing by the door while everyone else took their seats. The air was thick but since she was technically the host, Elizabeth had to be polite. “So Crocell, to what do we owe this visit? Is Lucifer coming?”
Crocell scanned the room quietly. His body remained motionless, causing him to look like he was made of marble. The whole concept people had of angels being cloaked in white and appearing as a bright light fit Crocell perfectly. The only problem was that he wasn’t an angel. Finally, his pale eyes came to rest on her. It was unnerving, and she preferred when he ignored her completely.
“I have come to take you back, Elizabeth.”
Belial’s eyes flared and for a split second Elizabeth thought he was going to attack the demon. She still wasn’t sure what was going on but analyzing Ben’s reaction, it couldn’t be good. Raguel wasn’t upset like Belial. He was more intrigued and would have liked to see the two demons attack each other.
Trying to remain calm, Elizabeth smiled weakly. “Take me where, exactly… and why? I have to go to work in the morning so I’m not really sure if tonight is the best time.”
Crocell’s eyes moved towards Belial and then locked back on Elizabeth. “I am afraid you do not understand. You will not be coming back here. Ever.”
Elizabeth’s eyes grew wide and her mouth fell open. Every muscle in her body tightened at once. Her heart felt like it was going to stop. Belial shared her sentiments and was unable to remain quiet any longer. Leaping to his feet, he was only inches away from Crocell’s face. Growling, he contested the demon. “Like hell you are.”
Not wanting to have to clean up any more blood, Elizabeth quickly jumped to her feet as well and unwisely wedged herself between the two demons, forcing Ben to take a step back. A short laugh came from the other side of the room. Raguel was still lounging in his chair and shaking his head said, “Well, it appears you have quite the fan club, Elizabeth.”
Crocell didn’t miss a beat and, glaring past Belial, said, “Stay out of this, angel.” Raguel did as he was told and slouching got comfortable to watch what was about to happen. Elizabeth was annoyed, though, and didn’t want any part of demon or angel politics. Not only did she not understand them, but apparently she didn’t get a say in them, either.
While she contemplated her predicament, Belial was unable to retain his silence. Taking a step forward, he pushed against Elizabeth’s back. “Leave, Crocell. She’s not going anywhere with you.”
Frowning, the pale demon’s eyes narrowed into thin slits. “Did you really think you had a chance, Belial? That you would be chosen over me? You have done nothing but fail as of late. Do not think Lucifer has not noticed.”
Belial lunged for Crocell, knocking Elizabeth and smashing her between the two of them. She instantly regretted her position. Instinctively closing her eyes she tried to cover her face, but was unable to move her arms. Belial tried to attack the demon but Crocell read his every move with precision. Grabbing Elizabeth, he pulled her away to the other side of the room.
Cracking her eyes open, her back was now pressed against Crocell. His hands rested lightly on her shoulders and she could see the rage protruding from Ben’s eyes. Raguel was no longer amused either. He moved to a secluded corner of the room away from the demons. Elizabeth wanted to be there with him but her feet remained glued to the floor. Swallowing, a sinking feeling filled her stomach.
Belial’s face contorted and struck fear into her when he growled, “Let her go, Crocell! This is between us!”
For a second time she wondered if she had made a mistake letting him stay with her. He no longer looked human. He addressed her presence but she wasn’t really sure if he was seeing her anymore. Crocell was keeping calm a lot better than his counterpart. His voice was still smooth and in control. “You have forgotten your place, Belial. You do not give the orders. You obey them, and you could not even do that. You were simply supposed to control the girl, a mere mortal, and you failed.”
Elizabeth’s stomach churned. She was light-headed and was becoming more nauseous by the second. Her voice was meek but she was able to form the words. “Get out. All of you.”
Belial’s face relaxed and softened. It returned to its normal radiant self and his blue eyes regained their calm composure. Crocell’s hands left her shoulders and his body straightened.
“If we leave no one will be here to protect you.” Belial was genuinely concerned but it was too little too late. Elizabeth didn’t want to hear it and was set on emptying the house.
“I don’t care.”
Letting out a puff of air, Crocell tried to protest, “Do not be foolish…”
She had heard enough and cut him off before he could finish his statement. “Foolish? I’ll show you foolish! All of you out now before I call the police!” Stomping her foot like a child, her hands clinched into fists. “If I’m so damn important then you can go tell Lucifer he can drag his sorry ass down here and protect me himself because I’m done with all of you!”
“There’s no need to shout.” The calm voice came from the doorway. Turning she saw the man of the hour. His gorgeous blond hair and golden eyes were unmistakable and an overwhelming sensation came over her. Tears streamed down her face and racing to the door Elizabeth launched herself into his arms. Wide-eyed, he was shocked, but didn’t move to release her. Wrapping his arms around her tightly, Lucifer held her to him. Slowly a calm feeling swept over her and her body relaxed. Without a word, Lucifer turned her away from the others and led her to her bedroom. She suddenly felt removed from everything else and couldn’t help but think that everything was going to be okay.
Giving her a strong, reassuring hug, Lucifer rested a hand on top of her head. “Go take a bath and get ready for bed,” Lucifer said. “Forget about what you heard in the other room. I’ll deal with them.”
Elizabeth nodded silently and slowly wandered into the bathroom. Frowning, Lucifer took in a deep breath. Nothing was going as planned, and he needed to get things back on track. Once the bathroom door was closed and he heard the water running within, Lucifer strode back to the other room.
Crocell and Belial were still standing, staring at each other, but both dropped to their knees when Lucifer entered the room. Ignoring his subordinates, Lucifer turned his attention towards the angel, “Leave, Archangel Raguel. You are no longer welcome in his house.”
Raguel’s eyes narrowed. “That is not for you to decide Lucifer. I will leave when Elizabeth tells me to go.”
Sneering, the demon glared at the angel. “Funny. I could have sworn I heard her say just that the moment I arrived.”
Frowning, Raguel walked towards the door. Lucifer’s eyes never left the angel. When Raguel walked past him, Lucifer added, “Stay away from my great-granddaughter, angel, or I just might have to kill you.”
The angel didn’t pause or look back. He was leaving not because Lucifer told him to but because he knew Elizabeth wanted to be alone. This wasn’t over, not by a long shot, and Lucifer would have to deal with his presence in the future.
Lucifer waited until the angel was gone, and then addressed the demons still kneeling before him. “Rise, you idiots.” They did as they were told. Lucifer took a seat on the couch, slouching ever so slightly into the cushions. Rubbing his head, he glared at the two demons. “Do I even want to know what you were thinking?”
Bowing, Belial tried to explain his actions. “I’m sorry, my lord, but I was charged with her safety and was just doing as you ordered.”
Frowning, Lucifer rested his head on the back of the couch. “I’m surrounded by incompetence.” Rubbing his head, he leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. Glancing between the two demons he said, “I have countless men under my control who I can replace either of you with in a heartbeat. Croc
ell, return to Hades and await further instructions there.”
Bowing, the demon quickly departed the room without a second glance. Staring at Belial, Lucifer let out a deep sigh. “Do not think I’m not aware of your feelings for Elizabeth. You were supposed to remain impartial towards her, although it’s my fault for believing that you would be able to. If we are going to bring her to our side successfully, you will need to keep that angel at bay. Your feelings for her might come in handy yet.”
Belial bowed again when Lucifer stood. Motioning for him to follow, Belial obeyed. “Come. You have other matters which need attending.”
“My lord, what about Elizabeth?”
Frowning Lucifer paused. “Belial, when I want your opinion I’ll ask for it. I will not leave her unguarded. Now go! I’ve called a meeting back in Hades which you must attend.”
Bowing again, Belial quickly dashed out of the house. Taking a deep breath, Lucifer was about to head for the stairs when he paused. Moving softly, his feet barely grazed the old wood floors. Opening the bedroom door, he saw that the lights were already off and she was lying in bed. She was still, but not asleep yet.
Belial wasn’t the only one fighting his feelings. She was his kin. She wasn’t pure but his blood still flowed through her veins. She was human but that didn’t matter at the moment. He was starting to look on her as his daughter and soon she would be treated as such.
Slipping through the door, Lucifer walked over to the bed quietly. She didn’t move, but her eyes cracked opened. Bending he kissed her lightly on the forehead. The corners of her mouth rose and her eyes closed once more. Closing his eyes, Lucifer straightened and left the room, closing the door behind him.
Chapter 18