Falcondell: The Devil's Son

by S J Crabb

  My last class of the morning is with Cally and as the bell goes we quickly gather our things. I have been watching her and can see that her mind is somewhere else. As we walk to meet the others I link arms with her and say, “So what happened last night Cally, I can tell that something did, are you going to tell me?” Her cheeks flushing she looks at me and I can see that her eyes are shining. In a soft voice she says, “I had the best night of my life Grace. It was wonderful and everything I ever thought it would be. Jacob was so gentle and loving and I never knew it would be like that.” Seeing my surprise she laughs saying, “I can’t believe that you haven’t.” “Haven’t what?” Piper suddenly says as she falls into step beside us. Looking at Cally she frowns and then says, “Oh no Cally, please say you didn’t.” Looking suddenly annoyed Cally says irritably, “Didn’t do what Piper? Didn’t just spend the best night of my life with the love of my life. Well for your information I did and will do again just as soon as I can. You can keep your judgements to yourself because let me tell you it won’t be long before both of you join me.” Shaking her head Piper says, “It’s only been five minutes and I for one don’t give myself up that easily.” Cally looks at her angrily. “Grow up Piper. We are all dating the hottest guys in school. These guys don’t hang around long if you don’t give them what they want. You’re both delusional if you think they will. Don’t judge me because I love Jacob and don’t intend on letting him get away now that I have him.” Turning to me she says, “And you Grace, if anyone is going to join me it will be you. Ash isn’t the type to wait and I am just surprised that he has this long, or is there something you’re not telling us?” Feeling worried at the sudden change in atmosphere between us I sigh heavily. They both look at me in surprise and I say softly, “No we haven’t but if he had asked I would have given myself willingly.” They look at me with shocked expressions. Cally says, “What do you mean Grace, why on earth hasn’t he tried anything yet?” Shrugging I am spared from answering as we see the others in the distance. Piper lets out a deep breath saying, “Good on you Grace. If he loves you he’ll wait. Anyway I’m off to find Gabe. See you later.” We watch as she goes and I feel sad that our little group is changing. Cally tosses her hair over her shoulder and says irritably. “She shouldn’t be so judgemental. It won’t be long before she is in my shoes and let’s see what she thinks then.” I watch as she reaches Jacob and his eyes light up as he pulls her towards him. I know that it is right for them. They have loved each other for years already and I am just glad that they have finally sorted it out. Moving over to Ash he pulls me to him and kisses me lightly on the lips. “Hmm, lunch time. All I need is right here.” As I kiss him I wonder just how long he can wait. I know that the battle will be with himself as he will want to prove that he is not his father and history will not repeat itself. It worries me though, this could destroy us.

  Chapter 31

  The day passes by uneventfully and by the end of it I will be glad to get away. I have a shift at Violet’s which I am looking forward to. By the time I reach my locker I am surprised to find that I am the only one there. Then I remember that Ash and Jacob have lessons on the other side of school and Cally and Piper have hockey practice. As I rummage around in my locker I am suddenly aware of somebody behind me and as I spin around I feel fear creeping through me as I see Skylar standing inches from my face looking angrily at me. Nervously I see Teagan watching from down the hall obviously acting as a lookout. Skylar hisses at me “Don’t think that you have got away with this because you haven’t. Nobody takes Ash from me and certainly not a nerd like you. He may be having his fun with you now but it won’t last. He will soon get bored with you. A man like him has certain needs that only I can give him. Once he has had you he will get bored and come back to me. Then I will have my fun.” Reaching up she grabs hold of my hair saying darkly, “I will look forward to seeing this on the ground, covered in your blood before I cut it off and stuff it down your throat.” My heart is thumping and I can feel the fear rising in me as I know that she is capable of so much. Before I can even think though I watch as her face suddenly contorts in pain and her head snaps back as somebody drags her away by her hair. In shock I see that it is Jace and watch as he slams her against the locker angrily. Shock registers on her face as she sees who it is and he leans in towards her, his face centimetres from hers as his eyes flash and his lip curls. In an ominous voice he says, “Stay away from her Skylar. You have been warned and if you don’t want to feel the full force of his anger then you will keep away.” Wincing as he twists her head she says angrily, “Get off me Jace. You’re supposed to me my boyfriend, what the hell is going on?” Pushing her back against the locker he snarls. “Your boyfriend, that’s a joke. I only did what I was asked to do and that was to keep you away from him. I never wanted you, you’re easy trash and I just used you for fun. Girls like you will never learn. You’re not girlfriend material you’re just an easy lay.” Shocked I see her face crumple and she looks defeated. Pushing past him she races off closely followed by Teagan. Suddenly I see Killian beside Jace and he looks at me with a worried expression. “Are you ok Grace?” Nodding I smile at him weakly. He bends down and picks up my bag that I must have dropped and says nervously, “It might be better if you kept that to yourself. You don’t want to see him when he’s angry.” Before I can reply we hear a chilling voice say, “Keep what to yourself Killian, care to explain?” Watching I see Killian pale and looking past him I see Ash and Jacob standing there both looking ominous. Turning to face them Killian looks resigned. Ash’s eyes flash dangerously and I can see a nervous look pass over Jacob’s face. Ash is looking hard at Killian and I can see that Jace just looks interested. Killian says, “Skylar was having a word with Grace and Jace interrupted her. It’s all good now though. He put her in her place so she shouldn’t try anything again.” Ash looks at him angrily. “And you were going to keep it from me were you?” Killian looks worried. “I’m sorry Ash. I knew you’d be angry and as it was dealt with I just thought that it would avoid more trouble.” Ash moves across until he is standing right in front of Killian, his face angrier than I have ever seen it. Jacob looks worried and I fear for Killian who was only being kind. Feeling as though I must intervene I say weakly, “Please Ash, just take me to Violet’s. I’m going to be late and I’m not feeling so good.” Instantly he tears his gaze away from Killian and looks towards me. He sees the worry in my face and then with another angry look at Killian he moves over taking my hand gently. “Come on Angel; let’s get you out of here.” Turning back to Killian he says darkly, “I’ll deal with you later.” Killian pales again and I can tell that he is extremely worried. As I follow Ash I say quietly, “Please don’t do anything to him. He was only helping me and was just being kind.” Angrily Ash swings me around to face him and I can see the torment in his eyes. “I don’t like secrets Grace, especially when it concerns you. Killian knows this. I don’t want anything kept from me, ever. How can I protect you if I don’t know? No Killian has crossed the line and needs to suffer the consequences.” I snatch my hand away angrily. “Not because of me Ash. If you hurt him because of me then we are finished. I can’t be responsible for someone getting hurt in my name.” To my surprise Ash laughs and his face lights up. As I look at him in confusion he says, “Well well, who’s angry now. Threatening me little Tess, well what am I going to do about that.” Laughing he crushes me to him and kisses me passionately. Pulling away he says, “Don’t worry Angel I’ll go easy on him. I don’t want to upset my girl do I?” Feeling relieved I grin at him. Grabbing hold of my hand he says, “Come on, get to work woman. You’re such a trouble maker.” Despite myself I laugh. He is so surprising. His moods can switch like a light switch. I am just grateful that he is no longer angry.

  Violet’s is busy as usual and the time soon passes. Ash is picking me up when my shift finishes and I am looking forward to seeing him. Now I have everything that I ever wanted. A loving home, friends, a good job and a boyfriend who I ado
re and adores me. Life couldn’t get much better than this.

  By the time we finish Ash is waiting outside on his motorbike. As I climb on behind him he turns and kisses me so deeply it makes my toes curl. His eyes flashing he says, “Do you have to go straight home little Tess?” Feeling a sudden excitement I shake my head and lick my lips nervously. His eyes turn almost black and I can’t look away. Softly he says, “Come on, let’s go to the Ridge. I want to be alone with you.” As we speed off I feel the excitement growing within me. Maybe this is it. If it is then I will not say no, I think I want it more than him. If I’m honest I was so jealous of Cally today. Squeezing him more tightly I hope that it is tonight, I don’t want to wait any longer.

  Chapter 32

  Reaching the Ridge Ash parks the bike and lifting me off says huskily, “Come on let’s take a swim.” It is a warm evening and I can see the fireflies dancing in the moonlight. Reaching the lake Ash turns to me and leaning down kisses me gently and sweetly. Reaching down he lifts my top over my head and helps me out of my shorts. Running his fingers around my neck he unclasps the locket and lays it down on the nearby rock. Stepping back he looks at me in wonder as I escape from my prison. Removing his own clothes he stands before me in just his underwear. His eyes glitter and he says huskily, “My beautiful Angel. I just wanted to look at you. Never before have I ever loved anyone or anything until you came into my life. I will do everything I can to keep you with me. I know that we are different and I hate the way I am, but I can’t change that. I will just have to learn to control it because I don’t want to drive you away.” Reaching up I trace the outline of his face and his eyes darken drawing me in. I kiss him gently and then pull him against me, arching my body into his and running my fingers through his hair. Groaning in desperation he pulls back. “I am not my father Grace and I am not going to make the same mistakes. I want you more than I have ever wanted anyone but not yet. Only once I have proved myself to us both can I allow that to happen. For now I will be happy to just be close to you and protect you.” Raising my eyes to his I allow the love to pour out from them. He gasps as he feels the full force of it and I say huskily. “You may want to wait Ash, but I don’t. I have never been more certain of anything before and it would be on my terms not yours.” Groaning he takes hold of my hands. “Then I will have to be strong for us both. I didn’t bring you here to seduce you Grace. I just wanted to be close to you in our special place. Come on let’s have a swim. I need to cool off before I let both of us down. Lifting me up he then proceeds to jump into the lake with me in his arms. Squealing I feel the icy cold water hit my body and then we are under the water and he kisses me, pulling me tightly against him as we surface. Smoothing my hair back from my face he grins. “You’re a temptress Grace, using your power against me. It won’t work though.” Running my hands down the front of his chest I whisper, “Are you sure about that?” My hands move lower and he grabs hold of them and twists them around my back, “Naughty girl, I have been warned about girls like you, only after one thing.” Laughing I push him away and swimming away call out, “I’ll get you in the end, just you see if I don’t.” Laughing he chases after me and we spend the next half an hour just playing around in the lake and cooling off.

  Drying off together I lay with my head on his chest, his arm holding me against him. All I can hear is the sounds of nature and his heart beating in his chest. I breathe in his scent and snuggle closer to him. Closing my eyes I drift off to sleep, happier here with him than I have ever been.

  It feels like ages later that I feel him gently shaking me awake. “Come on Angel, I’m taking you home before your Aunt sends Gabe out looking for us.” Bleary eyed I scramble to my feet and he laughs as he sees my dishevelled appearance. Helping me with my clothes he then fastens the locket around my neck. I feel myself being drawn in and he sighs heavily. “You are still the most beautiful girl that I have ever seen, even in your makeshift prison. I just pray that nobody ever finds out your true beauty. I would have my work cut out keeping you safe then.” Arching my eyebrows I say, “You pray huh.” Laughing he says, “Wrong choice of words. You make me say and do things that go against who I am. Like I said before, you are a temptress, sent to bring me down.” As I look at him standing there I think that he is the most beautiful man that I have ever laid eyes on. Reaching over I touch his face gently. “I love you Ash. You are not like your father. Remember you also have your mother in you. There is a side of you that is good and kind and loving. Let me bring out that side of you, the side that has been kept hidden until now.” Grabbing hold of my hand he kisses my fingers gently. “Only with you Grace. Only you see that side of me, because only you bring it out.” Pulling me after him he says playfully, “Anyway, I’m taking you home before my inner bad boy comes out and everything I have said tonight gets forgotten.” As I follow him I sort of wish that his inner bad boy did make an appearance. I am more frustrated than he is.

  Luckily the week passes by without any drama. By the time the bell rings on Friday I feel well and truly ready for the weekend. As I put my books into my locker I glance over and stare in total shock as I see Killian at his locker. I haven’t seen him for a few days and my heart freezes as I take in the sight of an enormous black eye dominating his face. He sees me looking and just smiles and looks away. Cally sees my face and coming over says, “I can see that you’ve seen what Ash did to Killian. It was all over the school at lunch. They must have had a fight because I heard that Ash punched him over an argument.” Feeling sick I look over at him as he walks away. Then I see Ash and Jacob sauntering down the hallway like they don’t have a care in the world. Coming over to us Jacob pulls Cally towards him and Ash grabs hold of me. Pushing him away angrily I nod in Killian’s direction. Following my gaze he laughs and holds up his hands. “What?” Angrily I say, “You promised that you would go easy on him.” Grinning wickedly he says, “I did.” Gathering my bag I stomp off down the hall. I can hear him laughing as he runs to catch up with me. Pulling me around he looks at me with a worried expression. “Don’t be angry little Tess. Killian and I are good. He knew that I went easy on him. I promised that I would and I did.” I pull away from him. “Well if that’s going easy on someone then I dread to think what you are capable of.” His eyes flash and he says darkly, “We both know what I am capable of Grace. Like I said before, I can’t change who I am, I just have to learn to control it.” Staring at him angrily I say, “Well you can deal with it on your own tonight. I am going to work and Gabe can take me. I’ll see you around.” Grinning he says, “Gabe has football practice. Come on I’ll take you and then leave you alone. I’ll pick you up later though as I can’t have my girl out on her own at night. You can stay angry with me Grace but I am still going to look after you whether you like it or not.”

  Stomping off down the hallway I accept my fate. I am not going to make it easy for him that much is certain.

  Chapter 33

  Ash drops me off to Violet’s and I don’t look back. He has made me so angry. How on earth does he think that it’s ok to treat his friends like that? Thank goodness I am working; at least it gives me some time away from him. As if sensing my mood Violet keeps me busy. I catch her looking at me from time to time with a worried expression and before long she corners me in the kitchen. “What’s up Grace, is it Ash?” Sighing I lean back against the wall. “Sort of, but if I’m honest it’s more about how I am feeling.” She puts her hand on mine and squeezes it gently. “Tell me honey, maybe I can help.” Raising my eyes I look at her concerned face and find myself telling her what I feel. “It’s just that he has no moral compass whatsoever. I mean he punched his friend today just because he asked me not to tell him something.” Looking thoughtful she says, “And what was this thing that you shouldn’t tell him?” “His ex girlfriend sort of had a word with me and threatened me. Jace pulled her away and was awful to her, I mean it was brutal what he said and she just ran off. Killian told me that it was better if Ash didn’t find out. The troub
le is I can’t get some of her words out of my mind and it worries me.” Frowning Violet asks, “What words are they?” I sigh heavily. “She said that he would get bored with me and go back to her, that only she knew how to handle him and give him what he wants. The trouble is Violet she is probably right. Why is he bothering with me at all? I mean someone like him could have any girl he wanted. I think that she is right and he will soon get bored. I don’t belong with him and it is just a matter of time.” Violet snorts loudly. “Look in the mirror girl. There isn’t a girl here who is a patch on you. Ash isn’t stupid. He knows a good thing when he sees it and that my dear is you. Let me tell you something. I have known him a long time now, since he was a small child. I have never seen him look at anyone the way he looks at you. He worships you and you have absolutely nothing to worry about. He was right about his friend. If this girl was threatening you then he should have been told. I know he’s dangerous and I wouldn’t want to get on the wrong side of him but looking like you do you need someone like him to keep the wolves at bay. Don’t over analyse it and just enjoy the ride because if I’m right he’s not going anywhere.” Smiling at her I feel comforted by her words. She is right of course, I know that he doesn’t like anyone keeping secrets from him and I should cut him some slack, after all he is trying. Cheering up a bit I say, “Thanks Violet, that’s helped me a lot. Sorry to be a burden.” “Nonsense you can come to me anytime at all. Like I said, I know more than most what it’s like to be around that family, who better than me to confide in.”

  My shift ends and as I leave I see Ash waiting for me. As I walk over towards him he raises his eyes and looks at me with a worried expression. “Are we good Grace, have you forgiven me yet?” Nodding I sit behind him and wrap my arms around him. Burying my face in his back I inhale the scent that I love. Turning around he pulls my face towards his, “What is it Angel, something’s bothering you?” Looking down I wonder whether to say anything at all but then it all comes rushing out. “When Skylar threatened me Ash she said that you would soon get bored of me and go back to her as only she could give you what you need. I’m just worried that she’s right. I mean we are so different in a lot of ways and don’t share the same outlook on what’s right and wrong.” Looking down I say quietly, “You also have certain needs that I am worried I may not be up to. What happens if we do, you know, and then you’re disappointed? It just worries me that’s all.”