Chapter 28
Demons Drive Offensively
Red and blue lights bounced dizzily off the brick behind the bar like some disco circus that was high on LSD.
Malachi studied the strobing pulses of color with detached interest as he remained crouched next to Chuck, refusing to leave her side.
He steadily rubbed his hand in circles over her back, offering comfort, trying to soothe her.
The revelation that her attacker was her co-worker’s son had rocked her world.
She was staring blindly at the ground, occasionally a ripple of something shook her small frame as some memory or recollection made her shudder.
“Chuck,” he whispered, pulling the blanket tighter around her shoulders.
“I know this is a bad time to think about it, and I know they need to take the sword into evidence, but we must get it back. I need to know where it came from so I can figure out who’s behind this.
” She nodded stiffly, almost mechanically, at his words, and he was unsure if she truly comprehended him.
Glancing over toward the sound of a car door opening, he watched as an officer shoved a meek, compliant, and now handcuffed Blake into the back of the squad car.
His father stood by, expressionless and motionless, his hands tightly clenched in front of him.
His fingers were turning white from how hard they were clenched.
If not for the occasional rise and fall of his chest, one might think he was a statue.
His eyes were blazing with fury and disgust as he watched his son being driven away.
Once the taillights were out of sight, Bennett’s hands abruptly dropped to his sides. He flexed his fingers, stretching them to return blood flow, and turned slowly towards Chuck. His steps wooden and dragging, he made his way to her side before squatting in front of her. “Kelly,” he called softly.
Her eyes jerked up to his.
“I’m so sorry,” Bennett blurted, his voice thick with emotion.
Betrayal, fear, sadness, so many different feelings were wrapped up in his words.
He shook his head. “I… I don’t know what else to say.
I didn’t even know he was in town, much less…
” Blowing out a sharp breath, he stared over her head.
His eyes were fixed on the brick wall behind her, as if the consistency of the mortar was of the utmost importance.
Finally, his gaze snapped back to hers. “Chuck, I didn’t know Blake was here.
I haven’t seen him for months. He hasn’t forgiven me for his mother leaving me, so we aren’t that close.
I promise, if I had known he was—sick—like that…
” he sighed heavily. “Please, believe me. I never would have let him out of my sight.”
“Nathan,” she responded tiredly. “He’s a grown adult. There’s nothing you could have done. I just… I need to know Nathan. I need to know if he killed my father. He seemed to think I was evil.”
“I promise you, Kelly. We will find out. If he killed your dad…” he choked up.
Clearing his throat and shaking his head, he started again.
“If he did it, I promise, I will stand with you and make sure he’s punished to the full extent of the law.
” He squeezed her hands tightly for a moment before turning to Malachi.
“Evan, thank you. Thank you for being there for her.”
Nodding, not trusting himself to speak without giving his opinion on Nathan’s parenting skills, Malachi pulled Chuck to her feet. “C’mon, sweetheart, let’s get you home and tucked in bed. I’m sure Malachi will cuddle up with you if you want.”
At this, Chuck clapped a hand over her mouth and burst into giggles. She leaned against him, her shoulders shaking with laughter as she tried to rein in her hysteria. Finally, the laughing turned to sobbing, and Malachi scooped her up in his arms, cradling her against his chest.
Turning to the others, he gave an apologetic smile.
“Gonna take her home. Been a long day. Nice meeting you all, see you ‘round I hope.” He tilted his chin up in what he hoped was a convincing and reassuring manner before turning swiftly and carrying her to the car. Fishing the keys from her purse, he unlocked it and then settled her gently into the passenger seat. Fastening her seatbelt, he pressed a soft kiss on her forehead. “I’ve got you,” he whispered.
Hurrying around to the driver’s side, he slid behind the wheel and huffed softly before starting the vehicle. “Here’s hoping I can figure out how to drive between here and your house.”
Chuck sat up quickly and stared at him with wide, horrified eyes as he put the car into gear and pressed the gas. “Malachi!” she squeaked.
“Kidding! I know how to drive!” he smirked. “Just wanted to distract you. But I meant it, Chuck. I’m here. I’ve got you.”
“Jerk,” she murmured softly. “Thank you, Malachi. Sorry, I spaced out there. I appreciate you being there for me.” Lightly stroking her fingers over his forearm, she frowned. “Do… do you think Bennett knew? Was he acting? Or was he just as shocked as I was?”
Absently patting her hand, Malachi shared his thoughts.
“I think he’s lying. He may not have known what his son intended, but he knew he was around.
It’s why I was sensing darkness on him. The darkness that’s on Nathan—that faint haze—is the same as what’s cloaking Blake.
So, he’s definitely been around him. Had to be for it to rub off on him like that.
I don’t know why he’s lying, or to what extent.
” Glancing over through the darkened car, he watched lights from the passing streetlamps play across her face, her expression turning troubled.
He had to fight the urge to pull over and take her in his arms. The best thing now would be to get her home and tend to her wound further.
Then he could wrap her up with him and never let go.
His stomach churned, sour with acid as he thought about how close he came to losing her.
If she weren’t such a fighter in her own right, Blake might have succeeded in his mission.
“I’m impressed by you, Chuck,” he murmured, the corners of his lips twitching at her startled gaze.
“Don’t act so surprised, I am capable of that, you know.
I just… well, I’ve been around for a while, and most women I’ve known would either be dead or have fallen completely apart by now.
You not only escaped, but you’re also working through the facts and trying to figure this out.
For the love of Satan, you’re fucking bleeding and still trying to solve the mystery.
” He shook his head. “Anyone else, I’d think they’re crazy.
But it’s you, so I know it’s because you’re so strong. And relentless. It’s impressive.”
“Thanks, Mal, that means a lot to me.” She grimaced and glanced at her arm. “Speaking of bleeding, how did you even know to come out there?”
Tightening his grip on the wheel, he eased the car to a smooth stop at a red light.
Turning to gaze at her fully, he explained, “I felt you. I felt your fear. Your pain. I thought my heart was going to burst right out of my chest. I knew something was wrong, and then I was hit with this… I don’t know…
tsunami I guess, of your grace. The only reason I would feel that is if you had either performed a miracle, you smote someone, or your blood was spilled with a forsaken blade.
I knew the first two were unlikely, so I had to get to you. ”
A honk came behind them as the light turned green, and he didn’t immediately move the car.
Malachi glanced in the mirror and gave a small apologetic wave, turning back to leave when the person behind them laid on the horn and began gesturing rudely.
Growling, Malachi’s eyes flashed with Hellfire, and he raised one hand.
Snapping his fingers, flames suddenly billowed from under the hood of the offending driver’s vehicle.
Dismayed cries and bellows filled the air as Malachi slowly pulled away from the light and continued on his way.
“Malachi!” Chuck scolded. “You can’t do things like that!” She watched behind them as the driver frantically ran around waving his arms for help.
“Pretty sure I just did, Chuck,” he retorted dryly.
Snorting and shaking her head, she rolled her eyes. “You know what I mean. Yeah, you can, but that doesn’t mean you should.”
“Well, just because he could honk at me, doesn’t mean he should have!” Malachi protested. “He was a dickhead, he deserved it!” He smiled innocently at her. “At least I didn’t take his soul,” he offered, batting his eyelashes.
Blinking several times, Chuck finally barked out a short laugh. “Demon. Right.” She sighed, “I guess you’re getting more comfortable being your true self around me, aren’t you?”
Shrugging, he hummed, “Eehhh. I’ve always been like this. You just couldn’t always hear me.”
“You heard me, though,” she murmured, frowning now. “You heard that I was scared. I guess maybe heard isn’t right. You felt it. You somehow sensed I needed you. Why is that, do you think?”
“I guess it was just all that grace coming through. It was like an instant sunburn. My skin suddenly felt like it was on fire, prickling and tingling all over. I was filled with this sick sense of dread. I knew. I just knew something bad was happening to you. And I couldn’t stand it, Chuck.
The thought of you being hurt.” He shook his head as he pulled into her driveway and parked.
Turning to face her in the dark shadow of her house, he reached for her, cupping her cheek in his hand.
“No one… better lay a fucking finger on you, Chuck.”
Smiling and laying her hand over his own, she replied. “Careful there, demon-boy. If I didn’t know you weren’t capable of it, I’d think you were developing real feelings for me.”
Pulling her slowly to him until her nose was touching his, Malachi whispered, “But I am capable, and I’ve got all kinds of interesting feelings for you.”