Page 34 of Claiming a Demon

ZACHARIAH

I’d never seen Malakai look as panicked as he did at that moment. Even the day he showed up at my work to find me, he didn’t look this bad. He paled, even lighter than Felix had, almost pink from the shock. Without another word to his siblings, he spun away from them, hauling me along out of the living room and up the stairs.

We were moving so fast, I didn’t have a chance to look around. I wasn’t even sure if he was aware he was bringing me along for the ride. He didn’t stop moving until he pushed into a room with double doors, his movements faltering when he saw the man lying in the bed. The figure did not resemble the picture of Mal's dad from his nightstand, who had a more sturdy and broad physique. The illness obviously had taken its toll. He was more gaunt now, the bones in his face more visible. The sister downstairs said it wasn’t that bad, but it looked awful. His lips were chapped and flaking, his hair was long and stringy, like someone hadn’t properly washed it in a while, and his breathing. Oh god, his breathing sounded awful. Wheezy and stilted, like it was hard for him to take each breath. If this was considered not bad, I was terrified to know how it could get any worse.

A woman built like the demonic version of an Amazonian came out of the adjoining bathroom, a startled look passing over her face before she smiled at Mal. “You’re here. I’m glad. He’s been asking for you. He’s asleep right now, though, so it’ll have to wait. Healer Delano decided to put him out to make him a little more comfortable.” She came closer, her arms outstretched like she was reaching for a hug, but Mal took a big step back before she could. She hesitated, her brows drawing together. I was confused too, since Mal had said he was close with his family. But the look on his face was dark and clouded and he wouldn’t look away from the man on the bed.

“What is he still doing here?”

She shook her head to show she didn’t understand. “What do you mean?”

His head whipped up, his usual stoic mask gone and replaced with outrage and indignation. “What is he doing here, Mom? When Blythe called and said something was wrong, I thought you’d move him into a facility. Why is he still here?”

My mouth fell open. Even when confronting Aziel for insulting me, Mal didn’t look this intense. He was losing it, and no amount of squeezing his hand or rubbing his arm was going to fix it.

“Malakai, we already told you. It’s not time yet. Healer Delano has it under control and–”

Mal dropped my hand, his eyes wide and filled with fury. His horns actually started burning like they were on fire. I’d never been afraid of Mal before, but seeing him now was a little terrifying. He stormed closer to his dad, gesturing wildly.

“Not time yet? Look at him! It’s only been a week since I’ve seen him and he looks like hell! When exactly is going to be a good time for you? When he’s already dead?”

His mom flinched, taking a step back automatically. From the look on her face, she’d never seen Mal like this either, and she didn’t know how to take it. Mal didn’t give her a chance to answer. He pulled the little marble I’d seen him use earlier out of his pocket, saying Callum’s name into it. His message was quick, saying he needed help to move his dad, and he tucked it away again, turning his attention to the man in the bed.

“Now, Malakai. I understand it’s a little shocking to see him like this, but–”

He growled, glaring at her over his shoulder. “It never should’ve gotten this bad. And I’m not waiting around for it to get worse before getting him the help he needs. My friends will be here soon. We’re bringing him to Mrs. Malatesta’s facility. She has a bed waiting for him.”

There was no room for argument in his tone. Mal’s mother looked stunned and when she turned a wide-eyed glance in my direction, I fought back a wince. I wanted to be there for Mal and him finally taking charge was a good thing. The way he was going about it was a bit much, though.

“Uh… Mal? Don’t you think you should discuss this first?” I prodded, hoping to bring him back down. I mean, I agreed with his point of view, but he could at least explain things a little more to his family, right? He was practically vibrating with fury at this point, and when I touched his arm, he wouldn’t look at me.

“Mal?”

“No. No more discussions. I’m not going to let him die just because they’re too scared to make the call. He’s going.”

That seemed to be the wrong thing to say. It was enough to knock off some of the shock from his mom, and she growled a low warning in her throat. “Malakai, you are not in charge here. Go downstairs and join your sisters. I will make the call when it is time to move your father.”

Mal’s shoulders tightened, his own growl rattling his throat. When he turned to face his mother, I almost worried he’d attack her. He was seething, and she didn’t look any calmer than him.

“Malakai. I mean it. Go–”

“No!” he barked. “I don’t care if I have to kidnap him! I’m not leaving him here to die! If you think this is how things are supposed to go, then you can’t be trusted to make that decision!” He gestured roughly to the frail man in the bed. “I don’t care what you have to say! I should’ve put my foot down a long time ago! He’s going!”

The room almost shook with his rage, and the air felt heavy, like the fury in Mal’s words had weight to it. I struggled with being so close to him, but I was also afraid to walk away. I didn’t know what else would set him off, and I didn’t want him fighting with his mom.

Before things could get worse, someone knocked on the bedroom door. I let out a small breath of relief when Callum came inside, followed by a young demon woman who looked a lot like him and a couple behind them who looked human, but probably weren’t given that their eyes glowed.

Callum frowned as he took in the room. When he locked eyes with Mal, they both seemed to have a silent conversation before Mal stepped back to make room for them. “I didn't want to move him without you being here. Tell me what to do to get him ready.”

Callum didn’t argue or check with Mal’s mom. He barely flicked a glance in her direction. He strode into the room and guided the others to the bed. They murmured amongst themselves, moving the blankets out of the way. The female demon put her hand on Mal’s dad’s head, her hand glowing gold. The other two helped lift him, one on each side of him. Callum glanced at me before giving his attention to Mal.

“We’ll bring him straight to his room. I already told them you were coming. I’ll see you there?”

Mal dipped his chin, grinding his teeth as he watched Callum settle his hand on the demon woman’s shoulder. In a blink, they were gone, and Mal offered me his hand. “Come on. We need to go.”

My gaze swung to Mal’s mom. She didn’t argue when Callum showed up. For such a tall and intimidating looking woman, she seemed almost diminished after Mal screamed at her. As much as I wanted to go with Mal, I couldn’t just leave her like that.

“I, uh… I’ll catch up with you. You should go help them get him settled anyway. I’m sure one of your siblings can show me the way. Or you can come back for me later.”

---