Satan's Captive

8

Kaitlyn snapped open her eyes but didn't move and was careful to keep her breathing steady. After so many dreams—nightmares—she was getting used to keeping quiet, so as not to alert her angels. And most importantly Jacob.

How was it he wasn't awake? How was it he'd slept through what must have been her fighting and thrashing in bed? She wondered if he'd slept much during the two days of their separation—or any at all. She remembered how he'd looked when he first arrived, how tired he'd seemed. She hoped he felt better now.

She was lying on her back, the light from the fire flickering against the wooden beams in the ceiling. She couldn't know how long she'd slept for but it felt late, probably close to morning. The angels must have stoked the fire.

Jacob's wing was stretched over her, his soft white feathers keeping her warm, almost hot. He was pressed up against her shoulder, head on her pillow, as he breathed steadily and peacefully into her ear.

Kaitlyn licked her dry lips, then reached over for her glass. The water spilled as her hand shook. She could still feel his presence. She could still hear his voice echoing in her ears. Was it her imagination or could she smell the smoke?

She carefully put the glass back down. She let the tears roll down her cheeks as the room steadily brightened and the flames in the fireplace began to sputter out. At least she'd resisted him, she reminded herself. Now that Jacob was here, it would be easier.

She turned her head at the roar of an engine. Kaitlyn watched through the window as Jeremy took his tractor out into his extensive fields. Her heart clenched a little. If only her life could be so simple.

Despite the noise, Jacob didn't wake. Kaitlyn tried her best to resist the temptation to run her fingers through his short hair.

When the room brightened enough she could read the inscription on the plaque hanging above the fireplace—"May God Light Your Way"—Jacob began to stir. Quickly, Kaitlyn pressed her face into her pillow, wiping her tears away before he could see.

'Good morning,' Jacob said, voice gruff with sleep. Yawning, he stretched out his body, then rolled onto his side towards her. Kaitlyn winced at an obvious waft of smoke.

He began stroking her hair, then stopped, his nostrils flared. 'Did he treat you okay?' His voice was surprisingly steady, though the faint growl was unmistakeable.

Kaitlyn avoided his gaze. 'He treats me as well and as badly as he always does.'

The skin pinched between Jacob's eyes. That was not the question he was asking.

Kaitlyn felt her cheeks turn hot. 'Nothing happened. He tried, but I resisted.' She forced a smile as she took his hand and intertwined their fingers. 'Because you're here.'

The lines between Jacob's eyes relaxed. He ran his finger gently down her nose. 'I'm glad.' He kissed her on the lips, then sat up. 'So, what are we going to do today?' His biceps bulged as he rubbed his hands together.

'Nothing. As always. Hide. Can't go outside.' Kaitlyn gazed longingly through the window to the green fields beyond.

'I'm sorry, Kaitlyn.'

Kaitlyn tore her eyes from the view and shook her head. 'It's not your fault. Besides,' she shrugged, 'all this will be over soon.' In some way or another.

'You look sad.'

Kaitlyn shrugged again. Sitting up, she gave a yawn as more tears pressed behind her eyes. She ripped off her blankets and leapt to her feet.

The day was filled with nothing—but Jacob was with her and that was everything. Kaitlyn dared to go as far as the verandah, her eyes tilted towards the sky. It was a clear blue with one fluffy cloud that seemed to tower over them like a great castle. She thought briefly of Satan's castle. He seemed to whisper in her ear: Just think, this will all be yours very soon. And not just this but Earth too. All its oceans and mountains and people. You can help me make it however you want it to be.