The Wailing

Chapter Sixteen - Claws

I've had a killer headache ever since I walked through the front door. No body was home which I was grateful for. I didn't want to explain to Tate and Erica why I was covered in dirt and blood from Hiron. He would probably freak out and put me on bed rest, all though if he was there with me I guess I wouldn't mind as much.

I turned on the water to the shower and started to remove my stained clothing. As I tried to pull my shirt off, incredible pain seeped through my back and throughout my body. I threw the shirt to the floor and slowly turned to my side to look at the damage. The claw marks were deeper than I anticipated. I knew I probably should go to the hospital but what would I say? A bear attacked me? I really couldn't tell anyone about it really. I sighed at the image and climbed into the shower.

I washed all the dirt off my face and the front of my body as I watched the brown and black substance wash down the drain. A small stream rolled down my back and I yelped. I grabbed the curtain and shut my eyes as hard as I could. This is going to hurt, and bad. I slowly turned around to let the water run across my back.

"Ahhhh!". I screamed in agony. The pain was indescribable. I could not and would not breathe. It was all just too much and I collapsed to the ground. "Ohh crap!!". I cried. I never cussed, people would make fun of me for being so "pure", as they liked to call it. I just didn't like to use potty mouth words. I fell to the bottom of the tub and let the water continue it's course on my back. I trembled from the pain as I watched the red stream slither it's way down the drain.

I don't know how long I was actually lying there in the tub, but I finally found the strength to shut the water off and get out. I wrapped the towel around my waist and looked at my battle wound. The tissue damage was despicable, I could see my muscle but not my bone. That's good...right? I put on a black t-shirt, a pair of blue shorts, and went to collapse on my bed.

"You must be treated".

"I can't say anything to anyone. They would freak out and never let me out of their sight. I can take care of myself". I replied.

"Child, your wounds are fatal. You must tell someone to get the proper treatment". Lathious said the words like he actually cared about me. Maybe I wasn't just a host for him.

"I'm still alive am I not? I cleaned it". I whispered wanting to just sink into oblivion where pain did not exist.

"The claws of a demon can take the will from anything or anyone they want. They could take your powers, your energy, or in your case, your life".

"I'll take my chances, it's not even bleeding anymore". I snapped back.

"Larson, your t-shirt looks of a woman's tampon. Get it fixed. If you die, I die". Lathious added. I smirked at his comment thinking a demon couldn't have a sense of humor but this one did.

"Larson were home!". Tate yelled. Lathious disappeared from my mind and I slowly got up from the bed.

"You got this Larson, you can do it boy". I whispered to myself. I hobbled down the stairs and pushed the pain down so it looked like nothing was wrong at all. Nina and Brittney were standing behind Tate which sparked my interest in why they are here. "Oh uh, hello". I waved at them. Nina smiled and Brittney rolled her eyes.

"They're here for dinner. And we're gonna watch some horror movies after. I know they're your favorite". Tate poked my shoulder while I stood next to them. I winced in pain but the only person who saw it was Brittney. She gave me a curious look but shrugged it off instantly.

"Larson, are you alright? You seem, not yourself". Erica asked coming to touch my forehead. I quickly dogged her hand and smiled.

"Yeah I'm okay, just a little under the weather". I smiled.