Hell's Love

Chapter 17

The shatter of a window played in my mind, Declan calling my name, and Dominic trying to stop Zorohm. Suddenly, there was light. A lot of light. Declan spoke to me then and I was able to reply. The last thing I remember was Dominic's green eyes. I opened my eyes again to more light. I heard a slow beep from beside me. The walls were white and mostly bare. I looked down and saw a cast on my leg, as well as some stitches on my upper arm.  Declan was next to me. His eyes were on the floor. He looked pale and his eyes were half closed. 
"Hello, love," I whispered. "You look like you could use some sleep."
"Ava," He said with a smile and some life came back into his face. He hurried to the side of the bed.
"He's gone," I said as Declan kissed my forehead.
"He is. We'll never have to deal with that again."
I closed my eyes and smiled. "I missed you so much."
"I missed you too, beautiful." He replied as he took my hand. I looked up at him and my smile fell.
"You really look so tired," I said. "When is the last time you slept?"
"It's been a while." He responded. 
"You should sleep and eat something," I stated. 
"I don't want to leave you." 
"I don't you want you to leave either," I said. "But I don't want you to drain yourself for me."
He sighed and kissed me again. "I'll be back in two hours. Maybe less."
"I love you." I leaned up and hugged him. He wrapped his arm around me. 
"I love you too." He said. "Dominic is here if you need anything."
"Why is he out there?" I asked as Declan pulled back. 
"He wanted to give us privacy if you woke up." 
"Has he been here the whole time?" 
Declan nodded. "Your parents will be here soon."
"I think this is the longest they've been gone," I mumbled. Declan leaned down one more time and put his forehead to mine.
"I'll be here if they're not." He promised. "I'll be back soon."
"Be careful," I said as he left. I pushed the button on the bed and a nurse walked into the room. "Could I possibly get out of bed? There's someone I want to see."
"Do you feel up to it?" She asked with her eyebrows raised. 
"I do," I replied. "This is something I need to do."

I used the crutches to move into the hall. As I hopped into the waiting room, I saw Dominic hunched over a magazine. He wore a blue t-shirt with a pair of black jeans and sneakers. I approached him and stopped a few feet before I reached his chair.
"Hey,"
Dominic's eyes widened and he hurried to me. "Ava, you shouldn't be out of bed."
"I'm okay. I just wanted to thank you for saving me. I don't think I'd be here if it wasn't for you and Declan." 

"It was my pleasure." He said. "I don't mean this to be rude, but shouldn't we get you into bed?"
"I'm fine." 
"Ava, you have a broken leg." He insisted. 
"That's what the crutches are for," I argued. 
He sighed. "Declan wouldn't like this." 
"I wanted to make sure I told you that."
"I appreciate it." He replied. "I just don't want you to hurt yourself."
"I'll go back to the room if you come with. I would like some company."
"Okay, but be careful." He agreed. I started to turn with my crutches when one slid out from under my arm. I reached out to catch it, but my leg buckled. I started falling when Dominic lunged forward and caught me just before I landed on the tiled floor. His warm hand gripped my arms gently. He picked up the crutches and handed them to me. He lifted me in his arms as I pulled the crutches with me. 
"I can walk." 
"No, you can't." He said. "Practice the crutches with the doctor. Find someone to help you until then."

"Fine," I mumbled. He brought me to my room and laid me on the bed. As he sat down, he leaned the crutches against the closet door. "Thank you." 
"You're welcome." 
"Can I ask you some questions about the exorcism stuff?" I asked and pulled the blanket over my legs.
"Sure, but you hopefully won't have to deal with that again."
"When did you witness your first one?" 
"When I was 11." He answered. "I followed my dad when he performed one on his cousin."
"How many have you performed by yourself?" 
"Yours." He said. "I knew what I was doing, though."
"Is this like a job?" 
"No, it's just something I have to do." 
"What was that foreign language you were using? Was is an exorcism spell or something?" 
He nodded. "I wouldn't call it a spell, but yes. It was in Latin."
"Wow, there's a lot to this," I said and turned to the clock on the table. "When do they serve dinner?" 

"I'm not sure. Do you want food?" 
"Yes, please," I responded. "I'm starving." 
"What do you want?" He asked.
"Something with cheese." 

"How about a pizza?" He offered. I nodded and reached for my stuff. Declan had brought my purse, phone, and some clothes. 
"I can buy it," I said. "Do you think one will be enough for all of us?" 
"Should be. What kind would you like?" 
"Anything with meat." 
"Okay." He said. "I'll go order, but do you mind if I call my dad before?" 
"Of course not," I said as I held out some money. He put up his hand and shook his head. 
"I'll be back soon."