Total pages in book: 69
Estimated words: 66383 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 332(@200wpm)___ 266(@250wpm)___ 221(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 66383 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 332(@200wpm)___ 266(@250wpm)___ 221(@300wpm)
“Yes. When he is here, we are not here. And vice versa.”
“I didn’t know what this place was.”
“It was created from a memory. Of someone who once loved the beach, especially at night.”
I sit on the sand and let my hands sift through it.
“My sisters…” I say, raising my eyes to his.
“Will be safe. Don’t forget, they survived this long without you. A few more minutes in their time won’t hurt them.”
“Minutes?”
“Yes, time moves differently here.” He walks over to me, pulls out the diary my sister gave him, and drops it to the ground at my feet. I reach for it and open to my mother’s handwriting at the beginning. I trace my name as she mentions me.
“I wanted this for confirmation of what I already believe.” His head drops to the side. “Why do you not look surprised?”
“By what?” I ask.
He tsks. “I can read almost anyone, Wings, and you are no exception. You know something.”
“Do I?”
“You do, and I want the truth.” I open the diary and start reading. She describes my powers, but my version of power is much more detailed than what is written.
“Truth?” I question, my eyes still on the diary’s pages.
“Yes, Wings. I want the truth.” He crouches down until he’s on my level. “Are you the daughter of my father?” he asks.
“Your father?” My eyes snap to his, startled.
“You didn’t really think I could be this powerful without having someone just as powerful in my bloodline, did you?” He shakes his head. “Lucifer is not known to produce heirs. I was his only one. But then I saw you one day, and I had this weird tingle.” He drops his head, seemingly lost in the memory. “I thought to myself, is she the same as me?” Lifting his gaze to mine, he continues. “Your friend is part demon, that I know for sure. But his blood isn’t the same as ours.”
“Max.”
“Yes…” He pauses. “You know, if they found out what you really are, they would never let you be queen. You would have to be a cruel queen, and I’m not sure you have that in you unless you are high. And let’s be honest, no one likes demons. We like ourselves enough not to worry about what others think.”
“You sure as shit like yourself enough for anyone,” I retort.
“I like you just enough.”
“That’s sick. I could be your sister.”
“We don’t see a family like that. Family to demons is how we keep our bloodline strong and clean. And despite you being diluted, you are strong.”
I stand and brush the sand from my pants. “Take me back,” I demand.
“Give me the real diary,” he replies, and I gawk at him. “You didn’t think I didn’t know, did you? I figured it out pretty quickly, but then you were gone. And we know your sister’s only bargaining chip is you.” I stare at him. “She may love your other sister, but she loves you much more.”
“I want to go back. Take me back.”
“You are a demon. Find your own way back.” And then he is gone.
Fuck him.
Asshole.
Fuck!
Gosh, I love this whole swearing thing.
It doesn’t feel evil to say bad words, as we were raised to believe.
I like it.
I think it’s the new me.
That’s why I tilt my head to the sky and yell, “You motherfucking cocksucker… take. Me. Back!” I kick the sand and scream up at the stars.
“That mouth of yours got real dirty.” I turn to find Grim standing there.
“Why are you here?” I ask, then rethink my words. “Take me back, please.” I step toward him, but he steps away.
“Why are you here?” he asks instead.
“Because that awful demon brought me without permission.”
“Why?”
“Because he thinks I’m his long-lost sister. Is that enough for you?”
“You are.”
I freeze at his words.
“What did you say?”
“You have the same father. It’s why he was always showing up.”
“What’s your excuse, then?” I ask, every feeling I have for him simmering inside me. He softens and enrages me in equal measures every time.
“I don’t have an excuse. I was drawn to you, so I kept coming back. I will always come back for you, little fighter.”
Goddamnit! I cover my ears as he says those two words.
“You can’t say that to me, Grim. You can’t push me away and tell me we will never work, then say things like that. It confuses me,” I tell him, swallowing down my rising emotions. I step closer, and when he doesn’t move away again, I hold out my hand. “Please… take me back.”
“As you wish.” He takes hold of my hand and pulls me to him, our bodies now flush. There’s no question he did that on purpose. As soon as I feel the air change, I know I am back.
Everything has stopped.
Max is kneeling on the ground, caring for someone.