Hunger (Damnation Book 1)

Chapter 12 - Time's Up

You'd think I would learn my lessons with guys. Lying on my side, I stare out the window as Chase plays some dumb shoot 'em up video game. I'm not going to let Chase run this show. I'm not some desperate, weak, and powerless little girl who lets her guy do all the talking for her. I mean, come on. I have two archangels fighting over whether or not to kill me for the greater good of humanity. I'm obviously a force to be reckoned with. How have I forgotten that?

Grabbing my clothes, I get dressed. "What are you doing, babe?" he asks, pausing his game.

"I'm going home. Do I need to call a cab?" I ask back, icily.

He stares at me for a moment. It's almost like he doesn't remember why he liked me in the first place. Then again, I can't remember why I liked him either, but that is normal for me. Once I sink my claws into them, I generally consider them damaged goods. "So?" I push.

"Give me a minute," he says restarting his game. I guess he needs to get to a checkpoint or whatever it's called. I sit there on the edge of his bed, taping my foot against his bedframe. I've never been one for patience. Still, I have to wait for him to dress and fix his hair. His everyday behavior is starting to piss me off. If only the guys at school knew how big of a pushover and loser he really is. That would be fucking awesome. Just saying. In my mind, I try and figure a way to knock him down off his high horse.

I straddle Chase's bike, waiting for him to get ready alone. I can't stand to be in that house a moment longer than I have to. Soon, we are speeding down the highway back to the Garden District with Cotton and Slade on our tails. I don't know where they've been all afternoon, but I'm sure they figured out some way to pass the time I was busy.

I love the oldness of this district. The trees are taller than other areas of New Orleans and offer just the right amount of shade. The air smells crisp and perfect, as the city readies itself for winter, or for what feels like the three weeks we have of cold weather before the oppressive heat and humidity returns. As we pull up to the house, I notice a bunch of cars. This can't be good. "You'd better head out. This doesn't look like a good scene," I warn him.

"Okay," he says. "Pick you up tomorrow."

I wave him off and head inside, bracing myself. Who the hell is here? I notice Portia standing by the bar in the lounge all dressed up. Ed is in there with her staring off. Gil isn't far, sitting on the couch flipping channels and Pogue, Bart, and Cade are playing pool. Before I can sneak upstairs for a quick shower, I see a few of my father's higher-level demons join the party. Azazel walks out first, which explains why Portia is so dolled up. She's had a crush on him since we moved in. He's basically Daddy's second in command. Of course she would pick him. She likes power, whether they are cute or not. Beelzebub follows him close behind. He is known as the Prince of Demons, but Daddy doesn't trust him as much as Azazel. Leviathan isn't far after. Wow, three fallen seraphim in one room. This could get interesting. Not to mention the fallen cherubim my sister can't stop undressing with her eyes. A few fallen powers and principalities follow before my father joins them in the lounge. Granted, they are all just demons now, they are still more powerful than most of my father's followers. I really want to change. I smell like sex and I'm still in my school uniform, but I know I should go in and make my appearance. With a deep breath, I make my way in. I might as well get it over with.

Portia's eyes narrow as she sees me come in. There is no way we are ever going to get along. The world could be over and we'd still go on fighting. All the demons' eyes watch as I join my father. He looks at me and asks, "Is everything taken care of with your john?"

I nod and say, "Yes. Everything is back in order."

"Good," he says dismissing me. I walk over and join Gil on the sofa and my older brothers join the others at the pool table. Nothing will happen here. He lets me rest my head on his shoulder as I watch the guys play, his fingers softly comforting me by holding my hand. It's one of the things I love most about my brother. He knows I've had a shit day, but he still tries to make a bad situation as well as he can possibly make it. Azazel is staring at Portia. I guess he likes the whole girl in leather thing. Personally, I don't know how she's not chaffed all the time. Portia notices me staring and flips me off. I try to hop up, but Gil holds me down. I hate her. I just want to smack her silly or dead, but a loud knock keeps me from delving into my murderous fantasies.