Afterlife (Afterlife Saga)

by Stephanie Hudson

  “Ssshh.... just breathe, calm Keira,” he whispered in my ear as the frenzy was slowing down and euphoria was taking over, covering me in a cloud of delirium. I was trying to convert my panting into slower, deeper breaths but my body vibrated under his hands as I trembled.

  “Are you all right?” He asked in concern. I couldn't help but let out an almighty laugh. Was I all right...? I had just had the most incredible experience and it seemed that it just kept getting better every time. And he was asking me if I was all right! Crazy!

  I swallowed hard and smiled at him. “I am more than all right. I felt like I was flying and now I'm floating in a mist of euphoria...so yes I am fine,” I said laughing again. He kissed my now salty lips before picking me up into his arms and placing me on the bed. He moved away from me but before I could complain he was back again with a large goblet of water.

  “Drink, your body is dehydrated,” he said smiling at me, looking as happy as I felt. But there was one question that was burning inside me to get out.

  “Is it...the same for you?” I asked wondering if my cheeks had gone red, as I couldn't feel anything with my skin all hot and sticky. He grinned showing his perfect white teeth.

  “I can imagine it's much better,” he said, but I frowned thinking there was no way that could be true.

  “I doubt that very much,” I said thinking how could it. What did I do for him?

  “Why do you think I bit you? I am sorry about that by the way.” He said looking guiltily at my neck.

  “Don't be...I liked it...well more than liked, actually.” He looked back up at me raising his eyebrows in surprise.

  “It makes me understand why my kind breaks the rules,” he said and I shook my head in confusion.

  “What do you mean?”

  “It is utterly forbidden for Angels and Demons to be with humans like that,” he said as if I would have known this.

  “Then why are you with me, why did you just...?” I stammered. But he just let one side of his lips turn upwards giving him a smug grin.

  “Because it is different with you...like I said before, you were sent to me...born for me, I can't go into why, but you will understand in time. All you need to know is that it is allowed...well more like expected.” And he added a low rough laugh to this last part.

  “Wait a minute so let me get this straight...I was your first... human?” I asked getting giddy at the idea.

  “Yes of course!” He said, like it was common knowledge.

  “So you were like a...human virgin?” I asked not helping the giggle that came out at the thought. He rolled his eyes at me and then shook his head frowning.

  “If that's what you want to call it...yes, but you were the same, may I remind you!”

  “I wasn't a virgin” I said before I had chance to think about it.

  “Why, have you slept with many Angel Demon half breeds lately?” He asked sarcastically.

  “OH well if you put it like that, then no, just you...but humans....”

  “YES, yes I don't want to know about that!!” He said cutting me off with all the humour gone.

  “Sorry, but I guess I'm not the only one, I mean, you must have had your fill of...well you know” I said not liking this conversation any more.

  “Yes and would you like to hear about them?” He snapped, again with the sarcasm.

  “NO!” I shouted and he shot me a look as if to say ‘well then!’

  “Ok, I get your point...but just to clarify, humans...well no comparison,” I said giving him my own version of a cheeky grin that made him melt.

  “Well for your information...being with my kind can in no way compare even in the slightest with what your body does to me...your soul is like nothing I have ever felt before...even the taste of your blood...sorry, I shouldn't say that. But one thing’s for sure, it looks like I was wrong about knowing my limits...I will have to control myself next time.” He said as his thumb circled where he had bitten me.

  “Please don't, I enjoyed it. But I still don't understand why being with humans is better?”

  “Not humans, Keira, just you! It is hard to explain as there are so many things you still don't know. But the most important thing is for you to completely understand my feelings for you, that was not pleasant for me to hear you think those things before.” His voice went back to being stern with me.

  “I'm sorry but I never asked you to listen in and I can't help feeling jealous!”

  “Keira why on earth would you be jealous?” Was he joking!

  “You were at the same table right...I mean you did see all the gorgeous women sat around you?”

  “There was only one gorgeous creature that I couldn't take my eyes off and she is now lying in my bed naked, where she belongs!” He said as he playfully flicked my nose at which I frowned.

  “Come now Keira.... you have nothing to be insecure about.” He said before getting up and the sight of his naked behind made my stomach flutter. The candle flames flickered making his skin look warm and inviting, so much in fact that I had to bite my lip to contain the urge to go running after him. I rolled over and buried my head in the cool silk sheets thinking what was it that I did in my life to deserve such perfection to want me the way he said he did! It was only then, that I realised how exhausted I felt but I just didn't want the day to end.

  “You need rest,” Draven said pulling the covers from my face.

  “I'm not tired.” But the huge yawn that followed told him I was lying and he laughed saying,

  “Really, could have fooled me.”

  “Why are you dressed?” I asked as he was now in his full suit once more.

  “Because I have some business to attend to but don't worry, I won't be leaving you alone for too long.” He bent down and lifted my face up to his warm lips, filling me with his intoxicating scent that made me feel even more worn out. It felt as though he was trying to invade my senses forcing my mind to let go and give in to the sleep I desperately needed. So I was asleep as soon as his lips left mine....

  I woke up in an empty bed and the only light was from the full moon outside casting an eerie bluish glow to the room. It reminded me of the night I had been stabbed and I had to think for a moment if it hadn't all been a dream. But considering I was still naked from my last encounter with Draven I knew it had all happened...thankfully. I was miffed to find I was still alone, though maybe his business was taking longer than he originally thought it would.

  I decided to get up and use the bathroom knowing I would never get back to sleep now, not until I was in Draven's warm solid arms. I shuddered at the cold floor beneath my feet as I grabbed the kimono that was draped across the bottom of the bed. I wondered if Draven had been in to check on me and left it there knowing I might want to get up. It made sense, as he seemed to know every move I made or would make.

  I slipped the cold material over my skin wishing I had my warm pyjamas even though I wouldn't want Draven seeing me in old sweat pants and a holey vest top. Once inside the bathroom I fumbled around for a light switch at the wall but there was none. It was far too dark in here to see so I left the door open letting in what little light there was. It felt strange in here, like the air was thicker making it harder to breath and my heart started to beat faster from fear. I didn't like the feeling that came over me. It was the feeling that I wasn't alone....

  I decided that I wasn't that desperate to use the bathroom so I turned around to leave but the door slammed shut, sealing me in. I went to grab for the handle but when I pulled away my hand it was now wet. I rubbed the dripping substance between my fingertips and it felt thick and gooey. It looked black in the little light that was coming in from the window behind the huge bath. I looked back at the door and it was now completely covered in the weird black tar that fell down in clumps, slapping on the tiled floor.

  What was going on?

  “Draven!” I called out but then my heart stopped as I heard a low laugh behind me. It was a laugh I had heard before, only this one did
n't belong to anyone I loved,

  NO! This belonged to someone that I feared...

  Chapter 43 - Not Alone

  I whipped my head round to face him but the bathroom still held the one occupant and that was me.

  “Wh...Who’s there?” I asked the darkness with my voice trembling so much it sounded as if I was being shaken. I stepped closer into the room as the black tar was coming along the floor nearer to my feet. As I walked past the gilded mirror behind the sink I noticed two glowing dots that were getting brighter in its refection. They stood about Draven's height and were getting closer as I, in turn, edged closer to the sink. I took a deep breath and turned quickly to face it head-on. I soon realised that the two glowing dots belonged to a body and were in fact eyes staring back at me. I could just see the shadow of a man at first but when the moon came from behind the black clouds that filled the night sky, I realised it wasn't the shadow of a man...it was the shadow of a Demon!

  The sight was so frightening I gagged, my mouth tasting the acid of sick my stomach produced. It was horrifying with skin that cracked and bubbled, bleeding the same black tar. Its lips had been sewn up crudely with some thick wire that looked as if it had been snipped open with bolt cutters. The glow from its eyes turned fiery red at the sight of my fear. It's face was long and misshapen as though it had been squeezed in a vice making its eyes bleed, only this time it was blood and it trickled down to its mouth.

  “So, you must be Keira, the rose that I have heard so much about from my young friend over there...I believe you are acquainted.” He said spitting out the blood that flowed freely to the floor below him. I turned to where one long deadly black rotting nail attached to a deadlier looking hand pointed towards the window. There Morgan was leaning against one of the marble pillars, casually holding a large blade in his hand that he used to wave at me. I let out a blood curdling scream and I saw the flash of a jaw full of teeth as he smiled.

  “I told him he wouldn't need to bring that thing but he knew your love for sharp objects and insisted.” I turned back round to face him and now Morgan wasn't the only one smiling. His mouth was hideous just like the rest of him. Each row only held six teeth but they were more like fangs, all separated coming down from his bleeding gums. His cloak curled around his body as if it too was alive, until I realised it wasn't a cloak at all, those were his wings!

  “GET AWAY FROM ME!” I screamed at him when he took another step closer making my back lean against the sink that I was very nearly sat in.

  “Come, come, my dear...your dark prince can't save you now. I have taken care of that!” He said making the blood from his mouth hit me in the side of my face. I wiped it away using my sleeve but as soon as it touched the fabric it turned into little black and red spiders that went running up and down my arm. I tried to shake them off but they took cover, scurrying under my sleeve and biting into my flesh to hold on. I couldn't contain the screams, as they seemed to multiply making my skin burn and itch.

  I decided to make a run for it but the black ooze was everywhere on the floor making my feet stick as it worked its way up my toes, gripping on like black cement. I tried one last time, only to find myself screaming at the hands that had now burst through the mirror behind me. They grabbed me by the shoulders roughly, trying to restrain me for their master who was still coming closer. He extended one flaky hand out to me and his mouth opened, as if readying himself to sink those bleeding fangs into my skin.

  “NO NO NO, GET AWAY!” I screamed and screamed feeling my face wet from sweat and tears. Then the arms from the mirror started to shake me, becoming more forceful.

  “KEIRA!” My name was being shouted by the voice I had desperately wanted to hear.

  “KEIRA, WAKE UP!” Draven's arms were those from the mirror and the sight of the bathroom had now been replaced by the view the glass doors held at the end of Draven's bed. I was sat up and his arms circled around my shoulders rocking me slightly to make sure I was definitely awake.

  “Keira, it was just a bad dream...Ssshh, try to breathe.” He said this last part as I was sobbing like a frightened child into his chest. He stroked his hand down my hair, letting me soak his skin with my salty tears that I couldn't control.

  “It's all right now, you're safe...I've got you,” he said in a soft and soothing voice. He positioned my body so that he was cradling me in his arms and he let me weep until I regained my voice.

  “I woke up and you weren't here,” I said but I didn't sound right, my speech was strained and scratchy as my throat burned from screaming.

  “It was all just a dream Keira, I came back from leaving you after only ten minutes but you were sound asleep. You didn't even stir when I slid in next to you.”

  “So you didn't leave...you didn't!” I said through broken sobs

  “Ssshh...You’re ok now...You're safe little one.” The use of my pet name worked its magic and I relaxed more into his hold.

  “That must have been a bad one. I tried to get through but I was being blocked by something very powerful. Do you think you’re ok to tell me about it?” He said looking down at me, trying to see my face that still found comfort in his chest.

  I finally calmed enough to look at him and he wiped my wet cheeks with his thumbs.

  “I have to get up...I have to draw it before he comes back!” I said looking round for something to change into.

  “So once you have drawn what you see, you lock it out?”

  “Yeah, but don't ask me how it works because I have never understood it.” I grabbed all my hair around into a twist and knotted it at the back, knowing it wouldn't stay like that for long.

  “Umm...” I was about to ask for something to wear when he pointed to the kimono at the end of the bed but just the sight of it brought back the nightmare. He noticed my hesitation and must have realised.

  “Perhaps something more comforting?” He said before pointing to my pyjama's from home, those being my sweatpants and holey vest.

  “How did you know?” I asked in amazement, but he just reached for them and slipped the vest over my head and passed me the pants. I swung my legs out and pulled them on thinking how I must look in them. Then the lights illuminated getting brighter and my shame doubled as I thought I had at least the dark to hide in.

  “Why did you do that?” I asked pulling down my vest like it would in some way help.

  “Well, can you draw in the dark?” He said and it was the first time I had seen him pulling on a pair of jeans. It was strange seeing him do something so normal and regular. But I was glad when he didn't add anything else to it, as I loved to look at his naked torso even if now wasn't the time for my erotic fantasies to enter my head.

  “Ok, good point...do you have anything I could use to umm you know...?” I waved my hand in the air like I was painting. He nodded towards the desk and there were supplies of different kinds spread out for me to take my pick. Draven walked over to the chair and pulled it out for me to sit. I couldn't help but smile at his gentleman like manners and I took my seat, which he then pushed closer for me. I couldn't help but pick up the long feather quill and hold it up to him.

  “Anything after the 1800's?” I teased and he rolled his eyes at me but he couldn’t keep his smile hidden for long.

  “What?...so I am a bit old fashioned but you try and use something since the 6th century and then switch to a basic pen!” He said as he took the quill from me and turned it round in his hand making it into a pencil then handing it back to me.

  I ignored the 6th century comment before my mind started to do cartwheels thinking about his age and started to sketch the monster from my dreams. I then told Draven the story. It seemed to affect him as I could see he was trying very hard to control his temper. It was most definitely the most terrifying nightmare I had experienced so far but when Draven saw the finished picture it seemed it hadn't been a dream after all.

  “Sammael!” He said the name under great strain from keeping his voice from growling. I noticed his jawline
twitch under strain and his hands were fisted by his sides. He looked as though he wanted to burst into flames and that night on the roof came slamming back to the forefront of my ever fragile mind.

  “Sammael?” I asked standing up to face him.

  “He is an Angel of death! His name means 'Venom of God'.” He said all this through gritted teeth and had to crick his neck to one side before continuing, giving him the look of a gladiator getting ready for the deadly arena.

  “He joined forces some centuries ago with a Demon named Belphegor!” He said as he walked over to the intercom at the door.

  “Have my brother brought here immediately!” He ordered to a timid voice on the other end. I didn't fully understand what was going on but I was too scared to ask as Draven looked almost savage at this new information. I had a head full of questions, but the only one I needed the answer too was if this demon was coming for me.

  Vincent was striding through the door within only minutes of his brother’s request. He was dressed casually as though he had just been woken up, which was likely as the clock in the corner told me it was four in the morning! He wore black trousers and an open shirt that revealed a washboard stomach like his brother’s. He wasn't as large as Draven, more of a slim build but still powerful with rippling muscles that tensed when Draven spoke the name of my terrorising demon.

  “I believe he is going to try and get to me through Keira and he's using this Morgan to do his will.”

  “You think he will try and seek revenge for our part in Belphegor's plan?” Vincent asked, not looking as worried as his brother.

  “Oh I have no doubt brother! He was the one after all to help the human escape.” Draven was pacing back and forth, but his brother put one arm on his shoulder to stop him.

  “Dom....calm yourself, he cannot get to her. She is safe as long as she remains here.” He walked over to the desk where he found me leaning against it listening to this conversation which I didn't fully understand.