Pulling my shirt down, I glance back at the lake to Sepher. He’s staring at me from far in the distance, yet I can see his grin as clear as day. I give him a tight smile, my heart wrenching, sad we live in entirely different worlds. And his, well, his is unlivable, period. At least for someone like me.
I’d date Sepher if he weren’t a demon…
Lowering my seat back, I wait out of sight for the renters to finish unloading their belongings into the house, before quietly turning on my car and pulling my sedan out of the driveway. As I round a curve following the lake road, I catch glimpses of the water through the trees, glittering in the noonday sun. I search for Sepher, but I can no longer see him. Each flash of the lake is too fast.
I reach up to rub my chest and neck.I no longer feel him either.When he was near, his presence was too heavy not to notice, especially now that he’s permanently bound to me. I guess he must’ve gone back to Hell.
My heart aches at the thought. After how long it took for him to say goodbye, he was still reluctant to let me go, and I know I wasn’t wholly ready either.
I pause on the thought—a part of me wants to stop the car, to leave it behind in the middle of the road and return to the lake,to Hellwith the rest. But a more sensible, logical part of me keeps on driving.
Fuck Hell. It’s too wet.
As I turn off the road and head away from the lake, my hand drops to my stomach, another ache filling me.
That fucker got me pregnant. He hadn’t intended to, or so he said, but it happened. That’s the last time I have sex without a condom. Apparently my birth control can’t protect me from demon seed.
Within a few short hours of fucking me—hours spent in panic and near hysteria—Sepher tended to me as my belly swelled uncomfortably large, coaxing me with sweet words and teasing doom. Then, to my horror, I painlessly gave birth to a sac. A sac he believes will protect the many eggs his seed magically fertilized within me. Running my tongue along my teeth, I clench my core, checking again that everything is normal and feeling fine.
ThatI’mnormal.I’ve barely begun to unpack the last day, let alone the last six hours. Time felt different in Hell. It seemed like yesterday and the whole issue with the summoning circle had been weeks ago.
After I recovered from birthing the sack, Sepher buried it in the sand and promised to guard it with his life. Shuddering at the thought of what might grow from our union, I realize I may now be the unlikely mother of monsters.
Once I get a new phone, I’m ordering sushi. And then I’m going to research everything I can find on demons and mermen.
I curse under my breath.
Then I let out a burst of laughter.
Well, I’m not lonely anymore.
Sighing, I settle back in my seat and turn my signal on for Main Street, feeling my stress fade away. It’s not like I’ll have to be in charge of our offspring, Sepher was more than willing to take on the burden of the task. If a hundred murderoushumanoid demonfish spawn suddenly, I’d rather they frenzied somewhere more acceptable… Like Hell. Ha.
Turning up the radio, I let myself zone out to the music as I make my way to my apartment, excitement and hope beginning to brew within me. Classic rock blares and I sing along, ready to be home and showered.
But my bubble of invigoration threatens to burst as the chorus of the song dies, right when I park my car and notice my hands on the wheel for the first time.
The tips of my fingers are white and crackling.
My lips turn up in a smile as wonderment fills me. Twisting my hands in the bright ray of sunlight shining through the window, I marvel as the white sparks slowly disappear into my arms.
But the fact remains: I brought my magic forth all on my own and without the potential of hurting myself or someone else. I’ve never been able to do that before or after that night.
Letting my hands drop back to my lap, I lean my head against the seat, appreciating the moment.
Thank you, Sepher, Duke of Hell.
Thanks to him, I’ve changed in a way I have yet to figure out, but that I know is… good.
I grab my things, climb out of my car, and walk up the stairs to my apartment.
Thank you.
Chapter 16
An Offering
Grace
