Page 17 of Heal Me

“Yes, ma’am. That’s where my mama lives.”

“What about your dad? I know he’s a Watcher, but what does that mean exactly?”

“Are you familiar with the Old Testament flood myth?”

“I didn’t grow up in church, but I think most everyone’s heard of Noah’s ark.”

He nods. “Watchers began procreating with human women—a big no-no—creating monstrous Nephilim such as myself,” he says with a wry smile. “This led their ‘God’ to retaliate with a great flood to wipe us off the face of the earth, or so the story goes.”

“I’ve never heard this version of the flood story,” I admit.

Gabe nods. “Most haven’t. So, Watchers are ‘fallen’ angels.”

“Like demons?” I ask.

“Not exactly. Different fall.”

“And it’s bad to be a fallen angel?” I wonder.

“Depends on whom you ask. They’re fallen in the sense that just like demons, they can no longer access the angelic realm. But the Watchers are perfectly content to play behind the scenes on this realm, so no, I don’t think they would say it’s a bad thing.”

“What do you mean?”

“If angels were the military, then the Watchers would be special forces. A not-so-polite way to describe them would be mercenaries.” He shrugs. “They work jobs for angels, demons, or humans if the price is right.”

“Are you close with your dad?”

“As close as I can be with a being such as Rumel. His mind works like a methodical computer. Sometimes it can be hard to relate to him,” he says as he finishes his meal.

“Your turn,” he tells me.

“How can I follow that?” I demand and he chuckles.

Doogie enters the kitchen to check out what’s going on. He strolls over to Gabe, hopping up in his lap. I’m shocked, since Doogie is usually pretty shy. Gabe gives my cat a scratch behind his ear and he purrs contentedly.

Having to snap closed my gaping mouth, I finally answer, “You already know I love to cook. I also like to run. Recently, I joined Aubry’s witch circle, and I’m learning more about magic,” I say excitedly. “Oh, and I’ll soon graduate from school,” I say with less excitement.

“Congratulations.”

“Thank you. I’ve been accepted to Harvard Medical School.”

“That’s incredible, but you don’t sound too happy about it,” he notices.

“I’m really having second thoughts. For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to be a doctor. But now I’m not so sure if that was really my dream or my dad’s. I’m looking at other options.”

“If not a doctor, what would you like to be?”

“When I grow up?” He smiles. “A midwife,” I reply without hesitation. “I’m looking into the certification process. I’ve talked to Mom about it and she’s happy if I’m happy. I haven’t talked to my dad yet. I already know he won’t take the news well.”

“It’s your life, not his. You have to do what makes you happy.”

“True. But I’m an admitted people pleaser, so it’s hard for me to let him down.”

“I know a thing or two about letting your dad down.”

“How so? He’s not happy that you’re a ‘consultant’?” I use air quotes. Gabe and Damion are demonic law attorneys, but claim to be consultants to the outside world.

“He doesn’t see me practicing demonic law as the logical choice. He’d rather I follow in his footsteps.”

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