Saving Grace

Chapter 5.1.

Doesn't it just suck when a demon gets into your head?


Later, beautiful.

What the hell was that supposed to mean? Why had Blackwing called her beautiful? No one had in her entire existence.

Grace could remember Nate's words all too well. You look perfect. You're an Angel. But he had stated a fact, not paid her a compliment. Blackwing on the other hand. . . Did he really think she was beautiful?

What the fuck is wrong with me? Grace scrubbed her skin, leaving it raw and tender under the hot water. The shower blasted full force above her in a foolish attempt to wash off every particle of Blackwing. She was vain and cursed. No wonder red pustules were popping out on her skin like daisies. Why should she care what that wretched Demon thought?

Mind tricks. Everything he says or does is just to confuse me.

Heaving a hopeless sigh, Grace turned the water off and stepped out of the shower. She wrapped a towel around herself and stopped in front of the mirror. Steam clouded the surface. She wiped the condensation away and stared at herself. Dirty, vain Grace stared back. "Stop thinking about it!"

"Grace, how much longer will you be in there?" Faith called. "I need my toothbrush."

"Um, I'll get it."

She grabbed Faith's pink toothbrush and rushed into the bedroom only to trip over a pile of clothes in the doorway. She managed to right herself in time and keep the towel on.

"Thanks!" Faith appeared in front of her and snatched the toothbrush before Grace could make a move. She rushed to the open suitcase on her bed and dropped it on top of the humongous pile of clothes.

"You usually shower fast. What took so long?"

"I just felt really dirty." Grace scanned the floor for more obstacles and carefully made her way to her bed. "What's with the mess?"

"I'm packing." Faith put a white, one-piece swimsuit on top of the overflowing contents of her suitcase. She scratched her cheek. "Maybe this is a bit much for one week."

"No kidding. It looks like you're moving out." Grace sagged into the mattress.

"I'm not. Well, not yet anyway." Faith lingered between the suitcase and closet, a hanger with a white summer dress in her hand. "I've never been away anywhere. Especially for a whole week."

"Why didn't you just choose a one day picnic? I've heard it's possible."

"That would work for you and Nathaniel." Faith let out a dramatic sigh and tossed the dress back in the closet. She stalked to her suitcase and started throwing things out of it. "You work together, spend all this time with each other. Azriel's a Demon hunter, I'm an Afterlife guide. We barely see each other."

"Yeah, you have a point." Grace waited for Faith to continue chattering like she usually did. Instead, her friend wrung her hands while staring at the suitcase, uncharacteristically quiet. "You're nervous."

"I wish I could say I'm not, but... I'll be alone with Azriel for one whole week." She glanced at Grace, her lower lip trembling. "What are we supposed to talk about all that time? What if he realizes he doesn't like me?" Tears shone in her eyes.

"Hey." Grace got up and hugged her friend. "Everything will be great. It's only natural to be nervous. And Azriel adores you. I bet you won't get enough of each other."

Faith attempted a smile as she wiped her eyes. "You're right. I just wish you and Nate could come along."

"Yeah, me too." Grace smiled back.