Page 84 of Unbinding the Demon
I took in a long deep breath and did what I think any normal, rational person would do. “God motherfucking dammit!” In a fit of rage, I stormed over to a pile of books and started flinging them across the room. “Of all the fucking things in the world that could be true! Of course! Of fucking course!” I shouted like a maniac as loose pages fluttered all around. Ashton and Belzar both looked confused and concerned, but neither of them moved as they watched my tantrum.
After most of the books were on the other side of the room, I took a moment to catch my breath while I stared at Ashton. His gaze on me was intense, like he was trying to burn holes through my face with laser vision, but the look on his face was kind. I averted his gaze by looking down at my bare feet, wiggling my toes against the carpet like a weirdo.
“So, should I... Well, I mean, should I call you Ashton or Azathoth from now on?” I stammered, attempting once more to break up the awkwardness.
“Whichever you prefer,” he stated with a relaxed tone, giving a slight shrug.
“Well, I guess it would make sense to use your real name.” I tucked a strand of hair out of my face with a shaky hand while shifting on my feet to help muster up my courage. “Look, I’mreallyfucking pissed at you, and I still think that you’re a selfish dickbag.” I took a deep breath. “But I’m willing to hear you out, and I’m going totry,“ I huffed, feeling exasperated, “to forgive you.” I tucked my trembling hands into my pockets to hide my fear and present my best tough-guy façade.
Ashton—I mean, Azathoth’s eyes widened in shock and a look of complete befuddlement fell across his face, as if he couldn’t believe what I'd just said. He and Belzar glanced at one another in confusion, then turned their attention back to me. He looked at me with somewhat of a timorous smile. “Thank you.” His eyes gleamed with gratitude, showing that he was pleased with my willingness to listen to him. He turned his attention back to Belzar and said something in that bizarre, demonic language.
I stood there, feeling uneasy, and listened to the crackling fire and the soft, deep murmurs of Azathoth. My nerves were on edge, and my body was fatigued. I wanted to leave and go stay with Lacey, forget all about him and that any of this had ever happened. I started to wonder if my heart would have been better off if Adelstein had stabbed it instead of dealing with this emotional torment.
Belzar gave me one last glance, then he took the book in his mouth and disappeared into a cloud of black mist. I stared at the spot where he’d been for a moment, still not used to the fact that he could dematerialize. Azathoth petted Pepper Paws with care and helped him readjust since Belzar was no longer there for him to snuggle up against. He turned to me with a faint smile and let out a sigh. “Look, I really am sorry you found out about all of this the way that you did. I had intended to tell you in a much gentler manner.”
“Yeah, well, it’s still pretty fucking overwhelming, regardless of how I found out about it. I mean, just a few hours ago, I didn’t even believe demons existed, and now I’m suddenly dating one!” My weary body swayed as I spoke.
His brows furrowed with concern as he watched me sway. “You need to rest. You don’t look well.” He pushed himself up from the floor and walked toward me.
Oh shit, he’s approaching!
All the courage I had while freaking out vanished without a trace. I backed up until my body pressed against the maroon wall, which still bore the scent of fresh paint. I glued myself flat against it and stared at him with fearful eyes like a skittish, cornered mouse, losing my tough-guy façade. He paused for a second, noticing my obvious reluctance to have him near me, but disregarded it and closed the distance between us.
Hurt and mild vexation flashed in his unique golden eyes as he put his arms against the wall on either side of me, caging me in with his large, imposing body. My blood ran cold, and I froze up. He wasn’t providing me with any escape route, and in that moment, I wished to be absorbed physically into the wall behind me.
“Listen, I understand why you’re afraid. Yes, it’s true, I’m a demon. But you’re still my Buttercup, and I still love you very much. So please, trust that I’d never harm you and that you don’t need to fear me.” His stance was intimidating, but his words came out soft and kind-sounding.
My wide, nervous eyes met his stoic yet pleading gaze as I took a deep breath. Even Adelstein had mentioned that he loved me... and that the scar on my neck somehow proved it? My hand shot up to cover my scar as I remembered that little detail and the fact it had healed so fast the second time he’d bitten me. His eyes glowed as they tracked the movement of my hand, and he stiffened in response.
Yeah, there’s definitely something peculiar going on with that.
“I want to know what happened the night my aunt died. I also have some other questions for you too, like why you destroyed those ancient cities, and what’s the deal with this scar on my neck?” I pointed to the scar, feeling a tremor in my hand. “And I only want the truth,” I added. I tried to sound brave and tough, but I probably wasn’t too convincing because I leaned back even harder against the wall in fear as I spoke.
“I’ll tell you everything you want to know, and I promise that I’ll always be truthful with you from now on.” He tried to caress my cheek, but I flinched away, unable to stop myself. A tormented look flashed across his face. However, he masked it and offered me a warm smile. “Don’t be frightened, Buttercup.” He took his time placing his hands on my shoulders. “You’ve been safe with me this far, and that’s not about to change.”
I chose not to get away from his touch this time. The wear of my adrenaline, combined with a wave of intense physical and emotional exhaustion, was taking hold of me. But also because I believed him when he said that he wouldn’t harm me. “Alright, well, I guess I’ll start by asking what was up with that hit list I found in the basement this morning?” I figured I might as well start off by asking a less upsetting question.
His lips turned up into a mischievous grin as he gently ran his palms down the length of my arms until he was holding my hands. “That was a hit list,” he chuckled. “I knew Adelstein’s clergy was hunting you, so I aimed to eliminate them before they could try what they did today.” A murderous look gleamed in his eyes. “But it doesn’t matter anymore; Belzar and I took care of every one of them, well, except for Adelstein, that is.” He shrugged nonchalantly.
“So wait, you killedallof those people?” I asked, unsure as I tried to pull my hands away.
His grip on my hands tightened, and he leaned in a little closer with a soft, but deep chuckle. “Yes.” The proprietorial way he was looking at me was unnerving. “And, since I’m being honest with you, I should probably let you know up front that I’m inherently a very possessive predator. I protect what is mine fiercely, and I will not hesitate to sink my claws into anyone else who dares to threaten you.”
Well, so much for that being less upsetting.
“I think I should sit down before asking any more questions...” After hearing that, I likely appeared as a lethargic wraith.
“I agree. You seem exhausted.” He looked at me with endearment as he walked backward, guiding me to the couch.
The cushions squeaked as my weak body flopped down next to Pepper Paws. His little kitty head popped up to see what had disturbed him, then it lowered back down with a yawn. Azathoth’s hands remained latched onto mine, and his large frame sat close to me as if he were afraid I’d run away again. I glanced around the room at all the books strewn about, and another question popped into my mind.
“So, if you’re a demon, then how do you even have a house?” I gestured up and around at the ceiling using my face since he still had my hands.Please don’t say you killed a family... Please don’t say you killed a family...
He raised a brow and smirked. “You look like you’re expecting me to say that I killed an entire family for this place.”
“Well, did you!?”
“Gods, no. I may be a ruthless killer, but I still have morals,” he teased. “This house was abandoned when I found it. I liked the lake, Belzar liked the spruce forest, so we’ve been hanging out here for the past few years. The necessity to fix it up and illegally tap into the electric grid arose only after your arrival.”
