Chapter 28: Twenty Eight

“That’s the punishment you get for living forever.”

“Witches can’t die?”

“They can’t die from simply falling off a cliff.” He paused. “We have great reflexes. You’d have to behead a witch and set it on fire.”

“No Holy water then?”

“No, nothing like that.”

I rolled my eyes.

“And I see you can come out during the day.”

“We only have to wear sunglasses. The light can be really uncomfortable.” He told me. “We do become weak. Our senses are reduced to that of a human being.”

“You make it sound like a very bad thing.”

“You’re unbelievable.” He mumbled. “A human would have a fair fight and would probably win.”

“I doubt we have enough strength to behead you.” I assumed staring at his hands. “I suppose a knife won’t do the trick either.”

“Touché,” He agreed.

“Your kind is as old as time.” I said. “But how…”

“Wait.” He interrupted me. “I thought we agreed you’d ask me only one question.” He reminded me.

I ignored him. “How can you keep something like this a secret for such a long time?”

“Something we call rules, sweetheart.” He started, staring at the floor. “No human has found out about us and lived to tell.”

It took a minute for what he’d said to register in my puzzled mind.

“It’s only a matter of time until the council finds out that you know.”

“What happens when they find out?” the shiver that rocked my body had nothing to do with the breeze that swept through the room.

“They’ll send someone to execute you.”

It was starting to make sense now. “You lied to me.” I shouted.

Startled he jumped to his feet. “What?”

“You said you were driven by bloodlust.”

He was quiet.

“Kermit had found out about witches and they’d sent you to execute him.” I continued. “Why do you look so…” I paused. It couldn’t be. “You’d informed the council that Kermit knew.” I felt sick. “Benjamin what’s your real problem with Bradley.”

He glared at me. “This has nothing to do with the young Carter. I deal with people my age.”

“Christopher?”

He shrugged.

I shook my head in disbelief.

“There you are.” Annette said, swinging the door open. “I’ve been waiting for your mom's car in the parking lot for the past thirty minutes.”

“Annette, you can’t be here.” I screamed in panic.

I chanced a glance at Benjamin and exhaled in relief. He was back to his human form.

My fate was doomed. I couldn’t forgive myself if she were to face the same fate as mine. She could never find out about this dark world.

Oblivious to the tension in the room she bubbled excitedly. “Did I interrupt something?” she wiggled her eyebrows like worms.

“No.” I sighed. “Come in.”

“I’ll see you later.” Benjamin said.

“Why is he so grumpy?” She asked.

“Beats me,”

She didn’t dwell on the subject much longer. “He brought you to school, nice sister.”

“Not exactly,” My cheeks heated.

“What?” she frowned.

“My mom's car broke down yesterday.” I lied. “I had to hire a cab.”

“You could’ve called me. I’d have given you a lift.”

“I’ll remember that next time.”

The bell squealed.

“I should probably go.”

The rest of the morning passed in a blur. At lunch Bradley brought some pizza and hot chocolate.

“You don’t expect me to eat all this by myself do you?”

He smiled. “If it didn’t taste so horrible, I’d join you.”

I rolled my eyes.

“I was hoping by now you’d have something to tell me.”

“I do.”

“Tell me.” His voice was anxious

“Promise me you won’t be angry.”

“Is it bad?”

“Um… yes.”

“Go on.”

“Benjamin and I were talking.”

His face scrunched up in uncertainty. “And?” he queried.

“And I…um… upset him.” I hesitated.

“So?” his voice was getting impatience.

“So he might have blurted out that you’re a…” I chanced a glance at his face. His eyes were fuming. “Demon,” I whispered.

He was quiet. I noticed he’d grabbed the edge of the table so hard the wood cracked.

“I’m sorry.”

“No.” he moaned. “It’s okay.”

“You’re angry at me.”

“I could never be angry at you.” He declared. “I’m angry at myself. I shouldn’t have gotten you involved.” His eyes were gentle as he stared at me.

“It’s a little too late.”

“I don’t want to hear that.” He said upset.

“I’m sorry.”

He rolled his eyes to the ceiling. “But I like that you’re being honest with me.”

“So was he telling the truth?” I probed.

“Benjamin just doesn’t know when to shut up.” He snapped.

I took that as a confirmation.

“This pizza is meaty.” I commented. I didn’t like upsetting him, although I liked how beautifully beasty he looked. Changing the subject seemed only fair.

He laughed.

“What?”

“You’re doing it unconsciously.”

I frowned.

“You’re putting me first.”

“Are you sure you don’t want to try this?” I took a huge bite. “It’s really delicious.”

“How long will you ignore me?” he asked. "You can't ignore this subject forever."

This time I didn’t answer him.

He smirked immorally. “Let’s be quiet together then.”

“No!” I shouted.

“No?” he asked.

“Tell me something.”

“What?”

“Anything,” I didn’t care as long as he kept talking. I just wanted to hear his angelic voice.

“I should be getting to my next class.” He said. “I don’t want these kids finding me here… I’ll see you in an hour.”

I blushed.

“What?” he caressed my cheek with his gloved thumb.

“Hhee… it’s embarrassing.”

“Tell me, please.”

“I don’t want you to leave.” I said in such a rush I didn't think he'd hear me.

“I want to spend every second of the day with you – everyday.” He said with absolute clarity. “And I’m not embarrassed to admit it.”

“Are you coming tonight?” I hoped he didn’t hear the desperation in my voice.

“Yes.” he smiled. “I can’t believe you’re asking me that.”

“You’re not?” I tried to hide my disappointment. “What I mean is, you don’t have to come.”

He glared at me. “I always spend my nights at your place.” He snarled. “I do so because I…” he shook his head.

“You what?”

“I want to.”

I nodded.

That was the first night I dreamed of demons with horns