by Paige Orr
Stopping at the counter I try to catch my breath, I need to order and get to Lucien's before I have a fucking meltdown. Placing my order I glance around like a mad woman, hoping to find anything to put me at ease. With no luck I begin to shake, getting lost in my head which is a really dangerous place until the barista calls my name and holds my order out to me.
I nearly jump out of my skin in fright, looking at him apologetically as I hand him the money, taking my cup from his outstretched hand and making a beeline for the door. I walk as quickly as I can, thankful that the office is so close and that I'll be safe soon.
Once inside I rush straight to the elevators, completely ignoring the receptionist as she shouts behind me, jumping in and pressing the button for Lucien's floor. My whole body is shaking and no matter what I do I can’t seem to calm myself down. I don’t understand why this chilling feeling won’t leave me but I don’t know how much more I can take.
As I step off the elevator Lucien is waiting for me with a big smile but once he sees my current state he rushes forward, catching me just as my knees give out. He slowly lowers me to the floor and I can see the worry lining his eyes as he takes my hand in his, taking my coffee from my death grip and placing it on the floor.
“What's wrong Lilith, what's happened to frighten you so badly?" I can't hold back the tears as they fall from my eyes with the relief of being indoors, away from prying eyes being almost too much.
“It f-felt like I w-was being f-followed but no m-matter where I looked o-or how fast I walked-d it just g-got worse I was so fucking scared Lucien, what if someone is watching me?” I try to explain to him through the sobs wracking my body. He looks at me with so much care and understanding that I instantly feel better knowing he doesn't think I'm crazy.
“Okay let's go into my office and you can calm down before we talk about anything else, and I'll drive you to the house just to be safe. So there's no need to worry no one will hurt you while you're with me, I'll make sure of it.”
He smiles at me reassuringly as he takes my hands and slowly helps me to my feet guiding me into his office and to a sofa in the corner lowering me gently down onto it. I don't know how much time passes but eventually my shaking dies down and I manage to get my breathing under control. I can’t remember the last time that I felt so scared but I’m so thankful to have Lucien by my side.
“Thank you Lucien, I really don't know what came over me. All I know is that I was really afraid so thank you. I would have been screwed without you.” I give him a weak smile as I take a sip from my now lukewarm coffee and with a sigh I place the take out cup on the coffee table in front of me and relax back into the sofa.
“Don't be silly, you have absolutely nothing to apologise for, I'm just glad you're feeling better now. Although, if you feel like you’re being followed I'll have your new head of security meet with you tomorrow to discuss your safety after you've signed the papers and we have everything sorted out. Feeling safe is very important.”
I feel a weight lift from my shoulders hearing his words. For some reason he's able to calm my fears like no one else. “I didn't know there would be a security team, I know I'll be partners with you here but I didn't even ask what the other company is. As you can probably tell I'm really not prepared for any of this.”
“Don't worry about it too much Lilith, your dad's friends who run security at the company own their own security firm. Your dad spoke to them about what is to happen in the wake of his death, trying to make the transition as easy as possible for you. He wanted you to be looked after properly, he felt he owed you that much at least.”
He reaches out patting my hand, I really don't know how I would be able to do this without his help. He’s been absolutely amazing with how well he’s treated me and I’m hoping we can be good friends, it's always good to have a lawyer on your side.
“So thankfully you'll have the help of four really intelligent men to keep you safe and secure. It's a pharmaceutical company but being the CEO means you won't have to be too involved with things you don't understand. You'll mostly be asked for your approval on the more special trials. Are there any other questions you would like to ask, I don't mind answering them for you?”
Finally I give him a grin, starting to feel a lot better about everything and more secure in the thoughts of what my life will be from now on. “I guess I was thinking of hiring my best friend to help me too, she went to university for business management and I think she might be a great fit to help me out. Apart from that, I would kind of really like to just get over to the house. I'm very curious about this letter you mentioned.”
He grins back at me taking my hand between his and I feel a blush heating my cheeks. Thank fuck my dad had a great taste in lawyers but I really wish he chose someone less handsome so I could stop making a fool of myself. “Seeing as you're so excited, why don't we head over to the house now and I'll bring the paperwork with us so you can sign it there. The full inheritance is one house, half of this firm, his other company and six million dollars. I'm afraid after signing everything it'll take a few days for the money to clear into your account but I'll talk to one of my friends to see if I can speed up the process. I'll also deal with those who have been running the company in the wake of your dad's death to inform them about their new boss and vice president to save you the trouble. You'll just have to give me your friend's details to get her registered with them.”
I look at him gobsmacked, this goddamn lawyer just said six million dollars! What the fuck am I supposed to do with that!? Oh shit I really ain't good with money. This is such a bad idea, what if I blow it all like a fucking idiot and end up broke again?
“Yes Lilith I did just say six million dollars and you can do whatever you want with it. It's your money but if you need any advice about keeping it safe we can talk again when you need it. We can head out if you're ready to go. The house has great security so hopefully you'll feel more safe there.” I nod, collecting my things and standing. Walking to the office door with Lucien following closely behind me. I guess it's time to face the music and take control of my life back.
Lilith
We arrive at the house and I can't help but gape at it. For fucks sake! It's a bloody mansion and now it's going to be my home. I can’t believe that this is how I could have grown up instead of moving from one small house to another with my bitch of a mother. I don't know whether to be even angrier that he never came for me to take me away from my shitty life or just be grateful that I'll never have to worry about having a home again.
Lucien parks in the long driveway in front of a pair of large oak doors and we both get out of the car. I just stand there in awe looking up at my new home. I’ve never even been inside of a house this big, I don’t know why anyone needs so many fucking rooms when they live on their own. I'm snapped out of my stupor when I hear a chuckle beside me and realize that I must look starstruck. Looking down at my shoes I feel my cheeks heating up. I must look like a fucking idiot standing there gawking.
Lucien nudges my shoulder and gestures for me to keep going holding out a set of keys, I take them from his hand before slowly making my way up the stairs. Putting the key in the lock I turn it gently, pushing the door inwards and it opens up to the most beautiful entryway I've ever seen in my life. It reminds me of a Victorian-era house and I instantly fall in love with its beauty. When I was a little girl I would dream of an amazing dad coming to find me and saving me from my horror show of a life, taking me home to a house identical to this. Seeing the inside gives me a strange sense of deja vu. How could I have known what his house looked like when I had never even seen it?
Taking a few steps inside I look behind me, watching as Lucien walks to the wall flicking a switch and lighting the entryway. The sight revealed makes me gasp. The artwork alone must be worth millions never mind the furniture dotted around the place. I searched my memories for the layout to explore all the rooms. Finding the kitchen, lounge, a small bathroom and an entertainment room on the
front side of the first floor leaving the back of the house to check later. I’m shocked to find that each room is in the very place it was in my dreams.
Making my way up the grand staircase with Lucien at my back, I stop as it splits in different directions. I think for a moment trying to remember which direction the study would be in and settle on the right side continuing on my way. I stop at the first door in the corridor trying the handle only to find it locked. I pull the keys from my pocket going through them until something makes me stop at a certain key. Putting it in the lock, the door clicks open. How the fuck do I know this shit? I sure as hell ain’t going to ask Lucien, as if he would believe me that I’ve been here before in my dreams.
I reach across the wall hitting the light switch revealing the room. It's like a small library with a desk at the back of the room and two comfortable chairs in front of a beautiful fireplace. I look around me in wonder trying to make out the names on the books but unfortunately it seems most of them are in different languages, except for one that catches my eyes in the far corner.
I walk over, taking it from the shelf only to find that it’s my favourite childhood fairytale. How is this even possible? I must be losing it. There's no way my dreams could have been real, so putting the book back on the shelf I take a deep breath turning around and walking to my father's desk. Looking back at Lucien I ask. “Is this where he said the letter would be?”
“Yes, it should be in the top drawer of the desk. Before you explore though, why don't you take a seat and we can get this paperwork out of the way so you don't have to worry about it. The sooner it's done the sooner I can get everything sorted for you.”
Giving him a small nod I walk over and take a seat behind the desk and to my complete surprise there on top of the desk is a recent photo of me from just last summer. In it I’m smiling happily on the night that Justin proposed. Picking it up I feel a tear roll down my cheek. I can't believe it, he really has kept an eye out for me. All this time he’s been so close and I didn’t even know it. I wish he had just grown a set of balls and approached me instead of watching from a distance.
A tissue appears in front of me and I thank Lucien as I dry my tears. “Sorry I just didn't think it was true. He could have been right in front of me and I would have had no idea. it’s just so hard to grasp it all.” I shake my head “Okay, hit me with the paperwork, let's get that out the way. What do I've got to sign?”
“Alright if you're sure. All you have to do is sign these three forms and put your initials on each page then you're all done. Most of the forms are just things for you to read so I’ve marked each page where you need to put your initials and you sign the back page.”
He hands me the forms and I begin to scan through following his instructions before signing them. He’s right though, it’s just full of legal jargon and even though I worked at a law firm there’s only so much I can understand. Once everything's done I let out a sigh of relief. I fucking hate signing forms, it’s one of the things I don’t miss from growing up when the police would come question me about my mother. “So, what happens now?”
“Well the house is yours from here on out and so is the company. The money takes a little bit longer because I'll need your bank details to transfer the money but my friend should have that wrapped up either later tonight or early tomorrow.”
I smile at him gratefully, turning to the drawers to get the letter left for me. Strangely I’m scared to know what he’s written to me but it’s about time that I learned who my father really was and not who my mother told me he was. Trying to open the top drawer I notice it's locked. seriously what the fuck is it with everything being locked in this house? I pull out the keys and look through them for one that will fit but they're all larger keys so I turn to Lucien.
“Um, it's locked and I can't find a key for it.” He takes a look through the keys with the same result before turning to the desk and picking up the picture frame. Taking the back off causes a key to fall out. I give him a thankful smile as I place it in the lock. After hearing the telltale click of it unlocking I turn to Lucien triumphantly before opening the drawer. Sitting there on top of all of his documents is an envelope with my name on it in a neat scroll. Taking it from the drawer I turn it around finding a wax seal which I easily break before sliding the letter carefully out.
I feel my eyebrows furrow as I read what he has written. I suppose it does make sense, my mother was a bitch no doubt about it. The fact that she could threaten my life so easily though is sickening. I never really thought that she would keep me from my dad over pure jealousy but I should have known better. She's nothing but a vindictive bitch, why would this situation be any different? As I'm nearing the end of the letter the end in particular catches my eye.
I don't blame her for that but you need to know the truth, if you are to ever get through these changes. My real name is Asmodeus and I am the Prince of Lust, one of the strongest demons in existence. They call me and my brothers Archdemons and we rule over the domain of hell.
I know this may be hard for you and I am sorry I won't be there to explain more. Just know that all of the information about our bloodline and other demons are in the books surrounding you in my study. I wish that there was more that I could do to prepare you. I understand that you may not believe me, but you are a half demon. I just want you to know that does not make you an evil creature, you are still yourself.
I have friends who help to run the business that I left you and they are demons as well. Not as strong as I, though they are the strongest warriors I know and I trust them with my entire being. They are my Knights, my right hand men.
There are certain things that will start to happen to your body and senses. They will protect you while you are most vulnerable during your changes, guiding you on the road to controlling your powers. Again, I am so sorry I wasn't there when you needed me. I watched from a distance and did what I could to help you without your mother becoming suspicious of my interference. I am sorry it was not enough to protect you.
I want you to know that I am proud of you and that I love you more than I can ever write in words.
Your Father,
Asmodeus
I stare at the letter in shock. This has got to be some kind of joke, Right? What kind of crazy fucking psycho believes he's a demon? If this is what my mother put up with then no wonder she treated me like shit! How the fuck could I be so stupid to have started to believe in him?
Lilith
Feeling the hysteria building up inside me I shake uncontrollably. Unable to hold it any longer I begin to convulse with laughter, this has to be a fucking joke! There's absolutely no fucking way I'm some sort of half demon spawn! Prince of lust my ass, more like Prince of fucking lies. Even dead he's trying to mess with my fucking life. Lucien looks at me apprehensively leaning towards me trying to look me in the eyes.
“Are you alright Lilith?” Laughing even more, I feel the tears begin to fall down my face as the laughter quickly morphs to sobs. “No, I'm far from okay. That fucking bastard is trying to screw me over from the fucking grave. What sort of sick fuck do you have to be to come up with this twisted shit? Does he really think some bullshit story is going to make up for my shit storm of a life? He must have been fucking deranged!”
Tossing the letter to Lucien I urge him to read it so he understands. As he scans through it I see many emotions rush across his face almost too quickly for me to read. The apprehension, anxiety and finally realisation. Putting down the letter he refuses to meet my eye causing my stomach to end up in knots. “He's totally bat shit crazy right? That's why you're looking as if I kicked your puppy? He had some sort of mental health illness, right!?”
“Um actually no he isn't telling any lies, this is all the truth. I just never thought he would break it to you like this.” I look at him in distress. Fucking great, the hot lawyer is in on what ever deranged game this is. How fucking lovely. I can feel my blood starting to boil, to think I fucking trusted this man! I cr
oss my arms over my chest frowning at him in disbelief.
“Yeah right, and I'm just supposed to believe all that crap!? How the hell can I be a half demon? It just isn't logical!” He sighs, scrubbing his hand through his hair finally looking me in the eyes.
“Have you really never wondered about why your skin has never had any sort of blemishes or scars? Or maybe how you heal twice as fast as others around you? Then again, you could have wondered about the most defining thing that shows you’re a demon of the royal bloodline? Your lovely hair and how it's naturally white at the tips. Don't you find it strange? Especially after what happened just yesterday in my office when you got upset, surely you noticed that wasn't normal?"
Taking a deep breath he leans his elbows on the desk hanging his head in defeat. He doesn't look up as I stare at him blankly, feeling my anger rising. How can I believe some pathetic story with absolutely no proof apart from I have weird hair? So I heal a little quicker! Some people heal quicker than others, that's not fucking strange. Plus I've never been injured badly enough to have a scar no matter how badly my mother beat me. Yesterday had nothing to fucking do with me being upset but it's obviously worked great for their plans. I'm really starting to regret all this shit. What kind of life have I just taken on with these psychos, cause if one friend is in on this shit I can bet that the rest are too.
“So I have weird hair, heal a little quicker and don't have scars. How is that proof of anything? It's not like I do anything a demon would do, that freaky shit in your office wasn't me. I'm a good person, but now I'm supposedly a half demon? Demons aren't even fucking real! He put you up to this didn't he? How much is the bastard paying you to risk your fucking reputation!?”