The Demon Side by Heaven Liegh Eldeen

wrist. Etta’s face went white as her eyes dropped to her feet.
    “He showed up in the bathroom. Lucky for me another girl walked in before he got anywhere. I ran out of the bathroom and right into the principal.” Before I could say a word, Etta skipped out of the room.
    I would let Etta and John have their private father and daughter talk this time. I was almost completely drained from the physical interactions we shared, and I could use some rest before her return. I sat in the corner for a few moments with my eyes closed, reliving the euphoric feeling of Etta’s kisses when a hissing voice spoke.
    “You gave me up to the Arches for a girl?” Alastor asked. “That’s just sick.”
    I opened my eyes to find a bleeding Alastor leaning up against the attic wall. He had figured a way out of the golden shackles and back to the house. Gabriel must be losing his touch.
    “I gave you up for nothing. You know the rules as well as I do. You are the one that caught the attention of the Arches, not me.” I stayed sitting on the floor with my hands folded in my lap and my ankles crossed so as not to show concern about his presence or my exhaustion. If it was a fight he sought right now, I needed to appear calm and rested.
    “You’re a fool. It wasn’t me that caught their attention. It was the girl. She has been chosen.” Alastor sucked in a deep, labored breath. By my guess, if Gabriel’s sword had been just an inch higher, he would have taken care of Alastor permanently.
    “Whatever the case is, it changes nothing. This is my house, Alastor, and I did not invite you in. You have trespassed upon it, so I am not obligated to you in any way.”
    “I am in no condition to fight you this day, but trust me, brother, the time will come for you to pay for your betrayal.” Alastor held his ribs tightly. I could save some worry and just finish him now, but there would be no honor in the kill, and I was out of energy.
    “If that is how you feel, then I will be waiting.” As I replied to his threat, I closed my eyes and tilted my head back against the studs.
    Alastor vanished from the attic. With his wound, he was too weak to hide himself and I could sense his presence no longer lingered in the house. I will admit he left me confused. John freed him, but he attached himself to Etta. And if she had been chosen as the next virgin mother then the simple act of raping her would taint her and leave her unviable for impregnation. So there would be no need for him to continue following her. It was time for answers. I had to know what I had myself caught up in the middle of. I had to start from the beginning; I had to start with John.

Chapter Ten
     
     
    Not having the energy to flash, I jumped down into the closet and walked downstairs.
    In the family room on the couch sat my gorgeous Etta and René in yet another hideous bright yellow pantsuit. The woman had a thing for looking like an Easter egg. John took a seat on the coffee table across from them in his tan Marine Corps uniform. He was stressed and he wore it horribly. I couldn’t even guess what he may have done to free Alastor. Whatever it could be, he already started paying for it.
    “Tell me the truth. Are you taking your medication?” A frustrated John furrowed his brow at his daughter.
    “Yes. You watch me take it every morning.” Etta was a horrible liar, and John knew it.
    “Then what happened at school today?” John asked Etta.
    “I told you it wouldn’t be any different here, John. The girl is psycho, end of story,” René said with irritation.
    “René, you’re not helping.” John clenched his fists down at his sides. The man tried desperately to keep his cool and his family together.
    Etta remained quiet, staring down at her fidgeting hands. John and René studied at her, waiting for a response, as did I. She took too long thinking about what to tell her father.
    “Answer your father.” René slapped Etta on the back of the head.
    “René, I swear