Chapter 8: Reality returns

Mikhail:

Gripping my bag tightly, I stride quickly out of Nevaeh’s house. Rowan matches my steps, looking contrite. “Sorry for interrupting, but it looks like shit is going to hit the fan. Lukan’s here, and he doesn’t look happy.”

I close my eyes and take a deep, steadying breath. Flashing back to a few minutes ago, I picture Neveah’s hair flowing around her chest and how good her velvety skin felt beneath my fingers. My mouth waters, remembering her nipples straining against her snug dress. Fuck! Why did the real world have to interfere? It was such a perfect moment. Yet, I know that it’s better this way. Nevaeh and I can never be together. It’s impossible.

“It’s cool, man, we were just doing homework,” I say as I rub my hand across the back of my neck.

Rowan turns to me with a disbelieving frown. “Are you kidding me, man? It’s obvious you two were doing more than studying. Dude, your mouth is swollen, and your hair is messed up. There’ was definitely something I interrupted between you two—and it sure wasn’t studying.”

Swearing beneath my breath, I run my hands through my hair and try to fix it. Rowan laughs hysterically and elbows my arm slyly. “So, how was it?”

I remain quiet for a moment. I don’t know if I’m ready to share what Nevaeh and I just did with my brother. Especially since I’m still reeling from it. How do I say that it was earthshattering? That it was the most amazing make-out session I’ve ever had. There’s no way that I can share something so intimate. Instead, I quicken my steps and change the subject. “This is not the time for this Rowan, so drop it,” I mutter gruffly.

Alex meets us at the door as soon as we get to the hoes. Unfortunately, he’s followed by Lukan Garron, the Council’s Enforcer. For some unknown reason, Lukan hates me with a passion.

When it was discovered that I was part Angel and part demon, he was the one that campaigned to have me killed. I will never forget for as long as I live how disgusted he looked and that he called me an abomination. I’m sure he was ecstatic when the council assigned him to eliminate me if I got out of hand. And I’m most definitely sure that he’s gleefully waiting for the moment I do.

Lukan’s expression sours as soon as he sees me. It would be funny if it wasn’t so nerve-wracking.

“Mikhail.” He greets me stiffly.

“Lukan,” I repeat just as rigidly.

He stands before me and appraises my appearance for a moment, which makes me fidget. My mind whirls at his appraisal, recalling Rowan’s words from earlier. All I can do is pray that he doesn’t notice.

Lukan rubs his hands together and smirks as he gazes into my eyes intently. “I came by to see how everything was going with you. How’s school?”

Shrugging my shoulders, I maintain a cool facade. I don’t want him to see me sweat. “It’s fine. Everything is fine.” I reply airily. However, inside, I’m quaking. Believe it or not, I’m not scared of Lukan. I’m just worried about what he might do to Alex and my brothers.

Lukan tilts his head to the side, trying to glean the truth of my words. “I’m also here because a human reported seeing a man with black wings flying around the north side of town the other night. You wouldn’t happen to know something about it, would you?”

Shaking my head, I cross my arms in front of my chest. “Nope, sorry. Last I heard, that was some big-time demon’s territory. Maybe you should talk to him.”

Lukan’s face tightens with rage, his jaw ticking as he gazes intently into my eyes. “A demon!” He says in disgust. “How would you know about that, boy?”

I grit my teeth at his use of the word “boy.” It reminds me of the demon, Azazel’s, condescending tone.

“Come on, Lukan, you know that it’s never safe to go into a situation blind. Well, the same goes for moving to an unfamiliar place.” Before I can blink, Lukan slams my back against the front wall. Alex and Rowan move forward in defense, but I give them an imperceptible shake.

I tighten my fists, trying to maintain a calm exterior, but I can feel my fangs elongating and my eyes glowing. My wings strain painfully against my back, but I don’t let him intimidate me. I must keep calm for my family’s sake.

Lukan angles his head close to mine and mutters through gritted teeth. “Listen, boy. If I hear that you’ve stepped out of line, the first thing I will do is rip your wings and tear them to shreds. Then I will rip your little fangs and gouge out your demon eyes. Do you understand?”

I nod my head stiffly, breathing heavily as I try to control my anger. “Yes, sir. I understand perfectly.”

Lukan roughly slams me against the wall one last time, takes a step back, and brushes off his jacket. “Good, then. I’ll be back soon to see how everything is.”

Once Lukan is gone, we make our way back into the house. The atmosphere is tense.

“Holy shit. That was scary.” Rowan says and pretends to wipe sweat from his brow.

Alex remains standing there with his arms crossed in front of his chest. “Are you okay, Khail?”

I nod my head and drop my bag on the floor. “I’m fine.” Rowan pats me on the shoulder and mutters pityingly. “Poor Khail, he goes from a hot encounter with the girl next door to nearly getting his ass whooped by a council member. This is just not your night, bro.” He laughs heartily at his own joke, not realizing that we’re not laughing with him.

Frowning, Alex pushes Rowan towards the stairs and orders gruffly. “Rowan, how about you go and do your homework or something while I talk to Khail.”

Rowan slumps his shoulders and with a pout. “Ah, man. Why can’t I be part of this chat? I’ll be good.”

Alex narrows his eyes in disapproval. “I said, go upstairs, Rowan.” Rowan nods his head with a grumble before he rushes up the stairs and disappears into his room.

Once he’s gone, Alex turns to me and gestures for me to take a seat. I reluctantly take a seat. I know what’s coming. Damn Rowan and his big mouth.

Alex sits in from on me and places his elbows on his knees, his lips tight. “So, what is this about a hot encounter? I thought you were going to study.”

Releasing a ragged breath, I mimic his posture and reluctantly reply. “I did go to study. I just…we…were working on a project, then we were kissing and touching. Shit, Alex. I don’t know what to do about this girl.”

I look at him in the hope that he’ll have an answer, but Alex simply raises his palms up and shrugs. “I don’t know, Khail. Do you really like this girl?”

I rub my forehead, trying to decipher my feelings. “I don’t know. And even if I did, she’s human. There’s no way that we would work out. Maybe it’s better if I stay away from her.”

Alex places his hand on my shoulder, sympathetically. “Look, Khail, all I can tell you is, don’t let your fears keep you from being happy. You don’t want to regret it later.”

I nod my head, understanding his words, and look at my hands. All I can think about is Nevaeh’s beautifully soft skin and how good she felt under me. Then I think about how the council would use her to hurt me, and I shut the images down. I can’t let them hurt her.