Diabolus: The Lost Phoenix

Chapter Eight

BRENT MATHIS

13 YEARS AGO

MIAMI

For a moment, my mind refuses to accept what my eyes actually see.

This can't be happening.

The anger starts boiling in me, like a volcano exploding with hottest lava; even my brains are heated, my every thought leaded with anger, disappointment, heartbreak. I notice every inch of his skin on her body; it belongs to me. Everything about her belongs to me.

She's fucking mine.

I've never felt that kind of anger that I felt looking at Tristan, at Avery; who pushed him away as soon as she saw me. My heart broke not because of her. It broke because of him.

Her red, angry face showed what actually happened; I didn't need an explanation. Her clenched fists on his shoulders showed me that she was faithful to me, after all, I knew that she loved me. I trusted her.

In all those months she let me believe how she actually feels about me. She made magic with her love, with her compassion and devotion. I have never felt so loved, so important. Her words were medicine. They always came from her soul, making a bridge to my own. Her love makes me both angel and warrior - but not a fighter, not one who looks for pointless battle for thrill of power. It gives me the strength to defend myself, to fight for what I love, to overcome every obstacle that life gives me.

Avery showed me what is true love. She didn't have to say a thing, I knew she would've died for me. Risked everything for me. I knew I was the only one for her. I knew she had the rest of her life planned for both of us. She wanted to be with me, as much as I wanted to be with her. Forever. Till death do us apart.

I knew she would never cheat on me.

"Explain before I kicked your fucking ass."

My hands clenched in fists as I watch Tristan, when my anger comes, unleashed without thought of consequence. My vision blurred as a flame curled in the pit of my stomach. My brain went on overdrive as it picked every moment that I spent looking at my friend's hands on my girlfriend. I know I can't forgive, not this time. Neither I can forget.

"Come on, Brent, it was nothing..."

Companionship, loyalty and camaraderie were all in abundance. It had to be. The things I believe in, the most important things were and always will be loyalty and devotion to your friends, to your family. I always supported the people who were important to me, I helped those who couldn't protect themselves.

And that's what I got in return.

Though there were things in life I wanted to give up, Tristan was never on my list. But he knew how much I loved Avery. Everyone knew, I never thought someone would try to steal her away from me. Especially my friend. One of my closest friends.

I feel how my iris turn red as Avery runs back to me, wrapping her arms around my tensed body, my every muscle pulsing in rage, anger, disappointment. Even her warm body close to mine doesn't make me less angry; it even makes it worse when I imagine someone else was touching her. There is a friendship code, and Tristan just broke it.

And there's no forgiveness for what he did.

"He didn't do anything to me, Brent. Please, let's go..."

"You motherfucker."

I release myself from Avery's embrace, my steps are big, aggressive when I reached Tristan and threw my first punch. My balled fist collided with his cheekbone, flaying his neck backward like a willow caught in the wind. As he stumbled, he nearly fell over the toilet, rubbing his cheek with his palm. But that wasn't enough for me.