by A. G. Hobson
“Can you make us all like you? Do you have abilities?” I say in panic.
He is quiet for a moment then he speaks.
“I do have abilities. And I can charm you and your family. But love is something God owns; therefore you can’t control it. It’s a free will thing.”
“Good. I want to make decisions for myself. I don’t want supernatural influence.” God this is too weird.
“Trust me, if I could make you love me, we would already be together. Without question.”
“Why would you want to take away my freewill?”
“I just want certainties. I hate not knowing. I don’t like feeling like I’m not in control.”
“Get used to it. If I decide that I can do this, then you will be exercising restraint.”
“Restraint is so overrated but if it gets me you, I’ll gladly oblige.” He jokes.
“So, let me go and find the best food money can buy and get some extras so that your family will love me.”
“My family can’t be bought. Be nice and charming. That will get them every time.”
“See you at five o’clock Montana.”
“See you at five, Hayden. You charming bastard.”
“I aim to please and I never miss my mark.”
We end the call and I go about my day trying not to think about how I’ve given in to him without even thinking about it. He has me already. He had me the moment I saw his face.
When the clock draws close to five, I shower and dress. I decide to wear a pair of black leggings and a red short sleeved flared peplum top. I slip into some red baby doll shoes. I gather my hair and place a rubber band around it. My heart begins to beat at a quickened rate when I think about Hayden’s real face. The demon one.
I grab a bottle of my favorite perfume and spritz my body. I set it down and take a deep breath. I walk toward my door when I hear the doorbell. I gallop down the stairs just in time to see my dad opening it. Hayden stands there dressed in all black as usual; black cotton turtleneck, black jeans and a black blazer. He has trimmed his beard and mustache. His hair is lined up with the usual chunky black as coal curls faded at the sides. His eyebrows are thick and the left is slightly hitched as my dad greets him. I spot the lady standing behind him with silvers pans. I recognize her from his house. Two more people, a man and a woman, stand with bags and pans as well.
“Good evening Mr. Brookes. May I come in?” He asks as he spots me.
My dad steps aside as they all enter. My mom approaches with a smile. “Hello Hayden.” She greets him with a hug. “What is all of this?” She beams watching the three people enter behind him.
“Well, I had my cook make a meal to make sure it wasn't cross contaminated with seafood. I had them prepare filet mignon with a white wine sauce, caramel brazed white asparagus and creamy risotto. For dessert we have white chocolate cheesecake with cherry and butterfly strawberry garnish. You all can sit at the table. Crystal, Bryant and Hilary will serve and clean up for you tonight. I hope I didn’t go overboard. I just wanted to impress you all.” He explains with such dignity and grace.
My dad directs them to the kitchen and Mom reaches out and places her hand on Hayden’s back. She guides him to the dining room where we never eat. The table is never used unless Tinsley is having a study party with Hersh and his friends. She goes to the China cabinet and takes out the ‘good dishes’.
Hayden removes his blazer and hangs it on the back of the chair that mom shows him to. I slowly enter behind them and cross my arms. He is always dressed so formal. Breeze comes tumbling down the stairs with Tinsley closely following.
“You didn’t tell us that Mr. Alexander was bringing an entourage, Montana.” My dad says stepping into the dining room.
“Please call me Hayden, Mr. Brookes. I didn’t tell Montana.”
“Okay, well… thanks.” My dad can be really stubborn at times.
“Hey there, Mr. Alexander.” Tinsley waves as she sits.
“Tinsley… Breeze. How are you?”
“I’m great. I’ve heard so many great things about you. My roommate says that she was in love with you for months.” She laughs and looks at me. I frown. “Anyway, maybe after your internship is over you can introduce me to some of your friends on campus.”
“Yes, of course. And, if you need anything please let me know. I have tons of faculty members as friends.” My dad invites Hayden to sit and we all mimic him as he pulls the chair out and slides into his seat beside me. I don’t say anything.
The lady that he called Crystal begins bringing out the food. Everything is steaming and smells delicious. My mom grabs dad’s hand and he reaches out for Breeze’s. We all bow our heads and Hayden rubs my palm with his thumb. Everyone closes their eyes.
“Lord, we thank you for the food that we are about to receive…” I open one eye and peek at Hayden. His head is bowed but his eyes are open. Crystal has a grim smirk about her face and is rolling her eyes. Is she one too? “.. for the nourishment of our bodies and the edification of our souls. Bless the hands that have prepared this meal. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”
Hayden cuts his eyes toward Crystals and she does the same. His glare is dark. Crystal huffs. When my dad looks up, they both pretend that they were praying and she dismisses herself. Hayden realizes that I caught their exchange and he grips my hand. I pull away and grab my fork. We all began to eat. No one speaks. The only sound heard is forks clinking against the plates.
After we all finish our meals, Crystal brings out dessert on my mom’s cream-colored porcelain saucers. She places silver fancy forks beside it. We immediately dig in. The taste is absolutely sinful. I try my best not to moan, but each bite melts in my mouth. When I get to the butterfly strawberry garnish, I devour it. That’s no coincidence. I sit back and rub my belly as the last bite slithers down my throat. Why did that have to taste so good? My dad licks his lips and wipes his mouth with a napkin.
“Thank you, Hayden. Everything was delicious.”
“You’re more than welcome.”
“So, are you rich or something? You drive a Tesla.” He blurts out.
“Dad!” I scold.
“And a BMW.” Tinsley adds. I cut my eyes at her then roll them.
“You have servants and those black leather Ferragamo boots are not something a struggling college student can afford.”
“Dad? That’s rude.” I scold again.
“I want to know how a college student can afford all of this.”
“It’s fine. I never admitted to being a struggling student. I had wealth before I was born. And, I get that all the time being a young black man with nice things. My family has trusts set up for me and my siblings. We inherited wealth from my birth father. I never knew my mom. I’m basically adopted. My dad couldn’t be here to raise me, so he entrusted two of his best friends to raise me. My birth dad’s father Tyre was very wealthy. His father kicked him out of his home and gave him land. My grandfather recruited a bunch of his father’s staff and they built a new way of life. Of course, his father didn’t approve of how he ran things but that’s a different story for another day.” He huffs.
“How eloquently put. Tyre is an unusual name. Does it have biblical significance?” Mom asks.
“I don’t know, it could. I’m sure it does. My family’s history is quite unique, so anything is possible.”
“Okay. Why do you want to be a teacher? A young man like you with all the opportunities and connections your family must have, should be off traveling and enjoying life.” She tag teams dad’s inquisition.
He smirks, more of a dark half smile. “That’s a great question Mrs. Brookes. This generation, including me, are very impressionable. They are the key to the future. As a teacher, I believe that I can guide them toward the correct path. A path that would have them on the right side of the societal line. That way they will leave my guidance with the tools to fight in a war they don’t even know exist.”
“Wow, you are certainly going to make a great edu
cator.” My mom sounds impressed.
“The million-dollar question is, what are your intentions with Montana?” My dad buts in.
Hayden clears his throat.
“Do you always date high school girls? I mean she is 18 but you have so many college girls that are probably throwing themselves at you. Why choose a high schooler?”
“Dad? Really??” I scream. I am so tired scolding my dad.
“No, Montana. You had the same questions... remember?”
“But you’re not dating my dad!”
“He is just concerned. I have always dated girls that threw themselves at me, Mr. Brookes. I really came to Westland for experience to get my degree. When I met Montana, there was something different about her. Something pure. She is just different than any girl I’ve ever met. I just want to get to be around her. You know?”
“How sweet.” My mom clasps her hands together. “That’s enough interrogation for now. Let them talk. We’re going to watch some movies. Go on up to your room. Thank you again for dinner Hayden.” Breeze smiles and shrugs her shoulders. Tinsley follows mom and dad into the living room. Hayden sits waiting for me to speak. Crystal enters.
“We’re done cleaning. We will see you at home.”
“Thank you, Crystal. Good night.”
“Good night sir.” She and the other gather what is left and leave.
He turns to me and interlock his fingers in front of him on the table. “So… how long are you going to give me the silent treatment?”
“I’m not giving you the silent treatment. I don’t know how to react to you or what to say. “
“Do you want to go to your room and talk?”
“I guess.” I roll my eyes.
I can’t help but think about how he charms everyone around him. I almost forgot that he is a demon…
“Lead the way.” He stands and waves for me to walk ahead of him.
Chapter 17
I slowly stand from the table and walk ahead of him. Allof my fear returns flooding me as I think about who he really is. I’m terrified once again. The way he handled my mom and dad’s questions was superb. I walk up the stairs and into my room. I walk in over to the window and he closes the door. “Come on Montana. Please don’t make this difficult.”
“You basically told my mom that your grandfather is the devil. Anyone who has read Ezekiel knows that the King of Tyre was likened to Satan himself. He was evil. You basically gave her all the hints she needs to figure out who and what you are.”
“Are you still afraid of me? Now that I’m standing here with you.” He completely ignores what I say and walks over to me placing his hand on my shoulder. “Can I get a hug? You never greeted me.”
He leans down and looks up into my eyes because my head is now bowed. I glance up into his eyes and soften up. He pulls me into an embrace and kisses me in my hair.
“I like your hair like this. It’s so simple but so adorable.”
“You use great descriptive words for my look. Never dull.”
“Being with me will never be dull.”
“Oh, I’m sure.” I pull away and sit on my bed. He lingers in front of me, watching.
“What “abilities” do you have?” I make air quotes.
He sits beside me. “Do you really want to talk about this now?”
“Yes. I want to know everything.”
“Okay, ummm… I can teleport…”
“Of course.” I blurt.
“Of course.” He smirks. “I can astral project, control certain beings by inserting ideas, conjure things into existence, manipulate a small ratio of elements around me, transform and produce black fire which is the hottest flames. They absorb and evaporate whatever I ignite.”
“What about the butterflies?”
“I can insert a being into its form.”
“Wow.” I take a deep breath. “Is your real name Hayden?”
“My name is Cam. Short for my demonic title Cambion.”
“Geez. This is heavy.” I attempt to stand. He grabs me and pulls me back down.
He takes his thumb and slides it down the side of my face tracing my baby hair. “Why do I want you so much? Why am I so drawn to you? I find myself lying in bed wondering what you’re doing and if you’re thinking about me.”
“I feel the same way.” I pause and look at him. “Can I see the real you? Now? In person.” I dare ask. What the fuck am I thinking? I can’t believe I just said that.
“I was here when you saw me before. Just a distorted reality.”
“I need to see it now.” He sighs.
First, his eyes darken. His pupil dilates and turn red. I take a deep breath and watch. His skin transforms to dark red scales, teeth protrude as horns slowly rise from his scalp, hair extends turning shiny and wet like and his nails curl over the tips of his fingers. He removes his sweater and I see dark wings with curved bone tips standing on top. I place my hand over my heart as I stare at him. I reach out and touch his horn.
“It’s still me.” He says in a deep double toned demonic mutter. He places his hand over mine and removes it from my chest. He takes it and places it on his cheek. As our skin connects, his eyes close. “I’m me. You never have to worry. I would never hurt you and I would never allow anyone to hurt you. I’m reveling in your touch, your caress.”
His words soothe me. Suddenly the fact that he is a demon, the spawn of a human woman and a fallen angel, completely leaves my mind. Right now, the creature that I see is someone that deeply cares for me. And that’s all that matters.
“I love the name Cam. Can I call you that?”
“You can call me whatever you want, just as long as you call me. And I will definitely come running.”
“Corny… But sweet.” I say as he shifts back into his human form.
We sit on the side of my bed and talk about my life. He asks about my childhood and how I grew up being biracial. My curiosity is piqued when he speaks about his childhood and it doesn’t sound as if it was the same timeline as mine.
“How long have you been here? Have you ever been to hell?”
“Are you asking how old I am?”
“Yes, in human years.” I look into his eyes.
“I’m not that old in human years and quite young in demon years. I would rather not say. I just got you in and I don’t want to scare you again.”
“Wait, you mean to tell me that you can show me your true face but not tell me your age?”
“Yes. It may creep you out.” He chuckles for the very first time in front of me.
“That makes no sense!” I hit his arm and all I feel is his rock-hard biceps.
“Would you rather be with a demon or an old man?”
“If you would have asked me that a few days ago, I would have said neither. My answer now is… I would rather have you.”
“Corny!” He mimics me. “But sweet.”
His smile dissipates and he stares at me. I smile shyly and whisper, “What?”
“I just don’t know what it is about you Montana. It’s crazy.” He leans in and places his hand on my cheek. I meet him with my lips and we kiss. There is a knock at the door that scares me. We pull away from one another. Breeze peeks around the door and slowly shoves it open.
“Hey guys. I was just coming to spy on you, per our parentals’ request.”
“Come in.” I smile as Hayden wraps his arm around me.
“Where were student teachers that looked like you when I was in school?” She sits in the chair across from my bed.
“Waiting for your sister.” He says pulling at one of my coily baby hairs.
“Awwww. You are too good to be true. I just want to say that my sister really, really likes you. And she is afraid that you are going to hurt her. Don’t do it.” She blurts trying to look scary but managing to look as harmless and a kitten.
“I will never hurt her.”
“Good. Now, dad wants her to come and watch movies. So… say your goodbyes and you will see him tomorro
w.” She stands and smiles as she leaves the room.
He leans in and kisses me again. “Guess I’ll see you at the school tomorrow.”
“Guess so.” I shrug looking him over.
“Can we have lunch together?”
“I would love that.” I pause and rub my hands together. “Can I ask one more question?”
“Anything.”
“Are all of your staff... you know? And have you been with Crystal?”
He chuckles and his eyes search me. “Mostly everyone around me are. And no, Crystal is my father’s toy. And she is actually human. The other two are.” He grabs my hand. We glare at one another. How could something so beautiful be from hell?
“I wish I could read your mind. Then, I would know if you truly feel like you could be with me.”
“Why don’t you believe me? I’m here with you. And, you won’t even tell me how old you really are.” I joke.
“My existence is older than your parents. But this is a twenty-year-old body.”
“I know” I blush. He stands and yanks me up. He pulls me into his embrace. I wonder why he always smells so good. He releases me and walks toward the door.
“Now that you know about me, I want you to promise that you’ll call if you need anything. I mean anything.”
“Why do I get the feeling that your anything is referring to sex?”
“No, I really mean anything. If that happens to be sex…. well.” He shrugs.