Nephilum

Chapter 17

I looked up from the book on my lap as Michael came into the room. Every since yesterday, when Sam and James had their little-I don't even know what to call it-James has been extremely tense. I rose my eyebrows at Michael and he stepped to the side, revealing Devin.

My mood instantly sky rocketed and I jumped up to give him a hug. He returned it and I pulled away from him. "What are you doing here?"

"Someone still has to teach you how not to die." He said in 'duh' type voice, but a smile still graced his lips.

I slapped his shoulder lightly. He had become a very good friend in the day we spent together in Heaven.

"You're working out in that?" He asked, glancing down at my outfit that consisted of ripped jeans and a t-shirt. Nothing unusual compared to my standard wardrobe.

I shrugged. "A wise man once told me that you have to be able to fight in regular clothes. You can't always be prepared." I told him. He rolled his eyes at my remark. He was the 'wise man' who said it after all.

"Anyway, where is this awesome training room Michael speaks of?" 

I rolled my eyes. Of course Michael would be the one bragging about having a cool training room. "It's on a different floor." I told him. The elevator ride there wasn't as scary as it normally was, but I imagine that was because Devin was with me.

"Sweet." He said as his eyes scanned the room. Before I knew it I was lying on the ground with Devin hovering over me.

I glared at him as I stood up. "What was that for?"

"I just wanted to see if you got any better at defending yourself since you left." He said it so nonchalantly.

"So you decided to throw me on the ground?"

He nodded. "Yep."

I shook my head in disbelief.

"How long are you staying?" I asked him as I examined my nails. I tried my best to look indifferent. I wanted him to stay, but he didn't need to know that.

He shrugged. "I don't know. Veronica wanted me to stay here until you are trained well enough, but judging how bad you are right now, I'd say we have a while." I smiled to myself.

"So I heard about your escape attempt." He commented. He didn't look mad like James and Michael; he just looked amused.

"Yeah, I kind of got a little stir crazy being cooped up in here. I did get to see Sam though. I really missed her." I trailed off.

"You know, I could bring her here sometime so you guys can talk a bit." I rose an eyebrow.

"You can?" I asked in a curious tone.

"Yeah. Just don't tell Michael and James. They'd kill me."

I nodded slowly and smiled. "That would be great. When could you do it?"

"Not now, obviously." He answered in a playful tone.

"Why not now?"

"Because we're too busy."

I rolled my eyes and just barely leaped over his leg as he tried to sweep my feet out from under me.

"Ha!" I exclaimed. Michael sighed dramatically. I laughed and the next thing I knew, I was on the ground with Devin on top of me.

The air around us stilled and instantly became serious. All playfulness was drowned out. He held his arms out on either side of my shoulders to keep from crushing me. His dark brown eyes gazed into my own and I gulped.