Dark Paradise

Nineteen

Third Person POV

Jaxon groaned as he opened his eyes, only to squint against the bright sunlight streaming through his window. Feeling someone's gaze on him, he jokingly asked the woman he presumed was watching, "Why would you let me drink like that?"

"I don't have a say in what you do," a man's voice declared. As Jaxon realized it was a man speaking, his eyes flew open and he sat up swiftly, only to groan and clutch his head.

"I've been told that you shouldn't do that, by your mother," Michael remarked, surveying Jaxon's room. Jaxon glanced at him through his fingers before asking, "What the hell are you doing here, and where's the woman? I usually wake up to her."

Michael turned to him and declared, "I was the one who brought you and your sister back, and as for the Original Vampire, I've sent her away temporarily."

"Do you have the power to do that?" Jaxon asked to which Michael responded, "I possess the power to do almost anything."

Jaxon scoffed at the man's arrogance, then sized him up and retorted, "I find it really hard to believe you're my father and Saint Michael; we don't even resemble each other."

Michael cocked his head, let out a huff, and abruptly, the ground began to tremble, and the sun was obscured by dark clouds. His form started to radiate a fierce, bright light, and in his shadow, wings materialized, expanding to an immense span.

"Alright, alright, I get it," Jaxon groaned, and everything returned to normal. Jaxon wore a bemused expression while Michael sported a smirk. "That still doesn't prove you're my father," Jaxon stated.

Michael glanced down at his body before returning his gaze to his son. "Well, I had a different face and body when I met your mother," he replied.

"That's weird but hold on. If you're able to take over another body, why do you need a vessel, AKA me?" Jaxon asked. Michael replied, "I could use other vessels, yes, but you are my true vessel, and your body will be able to withstand many of the attacks my brother will throw at me."

Jaxon ran his hand through his hair before looking at his father. "Let's say I'm starting to believe you. Why are you here, and why now?" Jaxon asked, prompting Michael to sigh.

"The arrival of the other, more grotesque supernatural beings is why," Michael replied, his upper lip curling in distaste and his face contorting at the mention of the supernatural.

It amused Jaxon, yet it also piqued his curiosity as he wondered why he disliked them.

"Do you mean Damon and Stefan?" Jaxon asked, and Michael nodded, saying, "Their arrival here has altered certain futures, obscuring your own. The Lord has granted me permission to come here, teach you how to refine your abilities, and ensure your survival."

Jaxon raised an eyebrow, sighed, then rose from his bed to stand at his full height, which was just a few inches taller than Michael.

"Alright, I'll become your student or whatever, but I have a few ground rules. First, don't just randomly show up; I'll give you my number, and you can call me. Second, you won't come near the house, or my mother and sister, again. Third, when people ask who you are, you say you're Michael, a friend of mine from the college I want to go to. Fourth, don't mention my biological mother at all; she is not my mother and never will be. Lastly, don't ever send away the woman again, at least not unless I ask," Jaxon stated, counting off on his fingers as he went on.