He glanced down at himself, and his smile became mischievous. “I have a date tonight. I got fitted for this suit today,and I figured I’d take it on the town first to see if I liked it. I think I might try out this suit business for a little while.”
I huffed a laugh. “Yeah, it’s certainly working for you.”
“I wanted to let you know that I know I fucked up. I’ve spent the last several years in a bad place. I think I forgot there for a while that an organization like ours does require upkeep, and I owe you and the rest of the factions an apology. I am working to get sober and to stay out of the clubs for a little while. I need to focus on this threat.” His eyes were far away in thought before he focused his attention on me, and I could see the sincerity there.
“Yeah?” I asked. “That’s awesome, Samael. How can I support you?”
Samael became serious for a moment, something he rarely did. “I know we don’t experience withdrawals like humans do, since our bodies heal differently, but it’d be really nice to have company along this journey. I know we have resources available.”
I thought it over for a moment, trying to remember who started our supernatural recovery meetings. “If you’re okay with speaking to Matt, I’m pretty sure he’s headed the recovery groups. If not, I’ll ask around for you.”
“I’d appreciate that.” He crossed his arms and leaned back against the same wall I was occupying. A range of emotions played across his face. Anger, hurt, discomfort, then finally remorse.
“While I will admit that I don’t feel bad that I’m not taking over for Pan, Vada shouldn’t have been the top choice for this role. There were plenty of other qualified candidates who have been with us since the beginning. It was selfish of me to offer her up as a solution, especially because she said she didn’t want it. It’s the biggest reason why I have decided it’s time to get sober for a few decades. She needs more help than I can provideher, but I’m doing what I can to make her transition into power manageable,” he said.
I checked in with myself, angry on Vada’s behalf. I understood that addiction changed a person, and even though I wanted to tear into him for his poor decisions, it was coming from a selfish place. I had so much more to say than I was going to today, but this conversation would need to be had eventually. We loved a self-aware being. I hoped his actions would follow. “I know she is handling the investigation side of things right now. Are you her second as you were to Pan?” I asked him.
“She hasn’t officially declared a second. I don’t think she trusts any of us enough yet to give it a go. I’ve offered to make a bargain with her, but she laughed it off. She knows how those tricks go. She told me that if I can remain sober, she will consider reinstating my position. Hence, this is me trying to make things right. I’ve been pissed since I was cast down from my position in Heaven, and I’ve been wallowing in it for too long. It’s time that I start to take things more seriously.”
“Samael, as long as you’re doing this out of a sense of duty for your people, that’s great. If you’re doing this only to hold your position, you’re going to burn out quick and put yourself right back where you started. I think you need to decide what you want out of life before you start making those decisions.” I hated being frank with him, but I realized early into thePaxthat if I wasn’t frank, I’d be misconstrued. I didn’t have the time for it.
My name was called at the counter, and I pushed myself off the wall. “It was good seeing you, Samael. I mean it. Think about what you want out of this life. The Demon Faction and thePaxare not your playground. You can play on your own time.”
Samael clenched his jaw, but he nodded. “I’ll keep that in mind. It was good seeing you, Adaela. I hope whatever is goingon between you and Vada works out. She’s seemed a bit down the last couple of weeks.”
My heart sank. It wasn’t really her fault or mine that we hadn’t seen each other, but the last thing I wanted was for her to feel neglected. I needed to spend more time making sure she had what she needed, too. We needed to figure us out before anyone else got involved. This community was both large and small. I was sure the rumor mill was going crazy.
“I’ll talk to her. Thanks, Samael,” I said as I grabbed my coffee from the counter.
After a quick nap, I woke up and started getting ready for my date with Vada tonight. Equal parts excitement and nervousness flowed through me. When we last had a serious conversation, I wasn’t sure I was ready for a relationship, let alone a fated mate. While we’d chatted on and off briefly, the ball was in my court. I still wasn’t one hundred percent sure I was ready for a deep, meaningful connection, but maybe that was my past shouting at me.
I threw on a little eyeliner that made my tri-green eyes pop, then put gold earrings in with a chain that connected them from the point at the tip of my ear to the bottom of my lobes. They were cute, with tiny little charms across the chain with symbols from various religions across the realms. I plaited my hair, throwing the braid across my shoulder before heading to my closet to find something to wear. I found a form-fitting black jumper with a wide-leg pant that was just warm enough for this nice day in St. Louis. It still wasn’t quite warm out yet,but it was getting there. Spring was starting to warm the air. I decided to grab a cardigan as well, just in case the weather took a turn. I was just putting my black flats on when the perimeter alarm for the neighborhood went off.Fuck me. Why now?
I yelled loudly in frustration. Couldn’t we have just one fucking day without a shitstorm happening? Was it so impossible that I got to know Vada? I rushed out of my closet, sending my shadows out to figure out what the fuck was going on. I went to text Poe and Daedalus, only to realize they’d already messaged the group chat.
Daedalus:
I’m at HQ. Felt the alarm. What’s up?
Sephy:
I’m not sure. I’m heading out to check. Daela, are you home?
Poe:
Adaela’s busy tonight. She’s got a hot date.
Me:
Yes, I’m home. Getting ready to go out with Vada . Can you let me know what’s going on?
Poe:
Fuck, it’s my sisters. Crisis averted, y’all.
Me:
Do you need me to do anything?
