Retribution

David’s attitude was agitating Janelle, and I couldn’t understand why he was acting this way. I would have bet good money on it being stemmed from jealousy, but unless they had decided to give whatever was between them a go, he had no reason for it.

“David your attitude is not helping matters, so either shut up or go and help with the training. They’re the only options I will give you.”

“London is a personal matter I do not wish to discuss with anyone in this room, as for my friend, well that’s the awkward part.”

She seemed hesitant to say anymore, I decided not to push her, until David revealed it was Malachi.

“For gods sake, can you stop acting like a silly little boy who just lost his favourite toy. I don’t need you to speak for me David,” She stated with a vehemence I had never seen from her before.

“What do you expect, I was worried about you, after what happened to Pearl how did you expect me to be when I found out you just disappeared one morning. If it hadn’t been for Nora contacting me to let me know you were okay, I wouldn’t have been any the wiser. And as for speaking for you, it was getting rather clear you didn’t want to inform our gracious leader that you are in fact bosom buddies with the incubus.”

Her fist connected with his jaw, so quick that he had only been able to deflect it from its original target, the nose.

His head whipped back, crashing into the wall, while her stance change to one of defence and a low growl started to emanate from her.

“That’s enough, you two need to sort out your issues and once you have, I would very much like to have a conversation with Janelle. And it will be without your presence David.”

I could tell by the look on his face he was not proud of the way he had been acting, it was true what they said about love making you foolish. It was made even worse when you couldn’t even admit to yourself that love was in fact the reason you were acting like a moron.

I had no idea what occurred between the two of them once they left, but by the time Janelle returned she was still agitated. She was pacing the floor and her eyes kept shifting to those of her wolf, a clear sign she was itching to change.

Once she did, she went leaping out of the window, shattering the glass on impact and disappeared into the woods.

By the time she reappeared, her wolf was resting, and she appeared calmer, though the agitation was still there on a low simmer.

“How do you even know Malachi Janelle? I didn’t think any of the rebels even associated with his kind.”

“Maybe they don’t, but Malachi is more than just an Incubus. When we first met, I was in a very dark place and so was he, after Lawson killed his father, he swore he would never kill again. He likes to pretend it was that moment that he stopped, but it wasn’t.

I met him ten years ago, I was only eighteen, but had been through enough to age me by a decade. He was trying so hard not to kill his victims, although he preferred to call them his sources of sustenance, but for every one he kept alive, two would die. Due to my dark nature I was drawn to him, and together we found the light. I let him feed from me and he helped me to accept the cards fate had cruelly dealt me. He protected me Marcus, and sure I may have been giving myself to an incubus, but he never hurt me. Anytime he came close, my wolf would emerge, and he would be left a lot worse of then I was. Anyway, by the time we went our own way, he could control his nature and no one was ever the wiser he had been close to turning into a creature more abhorrent than his father.”

“Well that explains David’s reaction, it’s never easy to hear about an ex-lover, even if you two are nothing more than friends. It’s clear for anyone to see that his feelings far out-weigh the label you two have placed upon your relationship.”

“Me and David can never be anything other than friends, a selfish part of me never wants him to find anyone else, but I know it would be better for him if he did.”

“Will you ever tell me your story Janelle?” I asked.

“Only if you tell me your secret in return,” she replied, with a knowing smirk.

I asked her what secret I was supposed to have, and her response left me dumb founded.

“We both know there is more to you than just being a sorcerer, you have strength and a power I have never felt in another creature of your kind. You tell me what you are, and I will tell you how I came to be the way I am.”

My silence must have told her more than I intended, as all she did was give me a gentle smile before reforming into her wolf and returning to the woods.

18

Unya

The conversation between Malachi and Hades would not leave my mind, and Adiran was relishing in my turmoil.

“I told you all along you could not trust those two, now you’ve heard it for yourself; all they’ve done is lie to you. Hades even admitted he stole your memories; do you believe you should still do whatever he orders you too?”

“You’re right, I can’t trust Hades, but Malachi is a wild card. Yes, he’s been keeping the truth from me, but Hades said himself, Malachi gave his freedom to keep me alive, doesn’t seem like he is someone I shouldn’t put my faith in.”

“Unya, the only one you need to trust is me, I would never steer you wrong, you know deep down, I am the only one who is doing what is best for you.”

“You and Marcus you mean.”