Thread: Hell on Earth [Raina Reader / Javorcek]

Where Icarus apartment was so decadent that it would give anyone a tooth-ache, Liliths penthouse was a bit simpler, though no less extravagant. Living at the top of a building full of humans made foes less likely to attack her. Once Jacob pulled off the busy street and into the parking garage, the three of them got out. Lilith took the lead while Jacob walked behind Becca, bringing up the rear, both demons looking for danger, though none ever came. They got into the elevator and Lilith motioned for Jacob to give her the spare keycard he kept to her place, she inserted it into the elevator and then pressed the button for the penthouse. Once at the top floor of the hallway that lead to her front door, she opened the door for Becca. Seeing the human scurry inside like a scared animal made the demon sigh and her heart twitch in pain. Maybe you should stay the night Lilith murmured to Jacob. Although she was distracted by all the issues she now had with her lover, she was still aware of the fact that Jake had killed one of Icarus fledglings and the other thralls would seek to avenge their brethren. Aw Boss thanksbut I dont want them to think Im scared, or that youre scared. Jacob shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly. He had some guns back at his place and was an excellent shot plus he was incredibly strong, even for a halfling, he wasnt afraid. Alrightahcall the apartment number if you need anything. My phone got destroyed when I transformed. Guh, another thing shed have to deal with human customer service latergreat Go on, go home and shower, you look like shit. You got it Boss. Jacob smiled and then turned to leave. Good luck, by the way. And then the hulking young man was gone. Do you want any- Lilith started, trying to play the good hostess. Her apartment was big, she used to host many events when she had lived another lifea much more fun life. But, being stuck with a 13 year old half demon had made her have to settle down, at least enough so that she could raise Jacob. Her offer for something to eat or drink was interrupted by Beccas first question of Will you hurt me? NoI am not going to hurt you. And then she added, incase the girl was not convinced, If I wanted to hurt you, I would have already. If it makes you feel any better, I used to be what you humans call an angel. Lilith smiled, trying to make light of the serious conversation. Serious didnt suit her, not one bit, as far as demons went the woman was incredibly playful, to the point of chaotic. I am a fallen angel now thougha demon. When asked for a number, Lilith paused for a moment, trying to think of an appropriate response. So many of them had died, some had disappeared, it was hard to keep track. There -were- six hundred sixty six archdemons brought into this realm. Over the years my kind have possessed humans, turning them into lesser demons, we have interbred with your kind, creating halflings, like Jacob. But we have also died, we have killed eachother, been killed by hunters I do not know how many of us are left in the world, but in this area there were only five of us plus whatever brood we made. Icarus, the demon that had taken you, had the most thrallsI do not keep any for myself though. Lilith pondered Beccas next question for a moment. Icarus should- be dead, but stranger things have happened than a demon surviving a fifty story fall from a penthouse apartment. I do not know. If she is not, she now knows not to attempt to take you again because I will come after you. And yesshe took you because of me. All of us feed on human emotion, I like to feast on pleasure, Icarus, on the other hand, would prefer to devour suffering and fear. Lilith hesitated for a moment, afraid to expose weakness to herself, but she figured Becca was feeling vulnerable, may as well put them on an equal playing field. When she took you, I was afraid, I was furiousshe probably heartily enjoyed consuming my emotions. Demons feel these things more strongly than humans, our emotions are the best to devour. That was why Lilith had had so many demon lovers anywaysbutsomething had always been missing. She hadnt noticed it before, but after spending more time with Becca she had begun to feel more whole with the human. This isnt a game! Liliths voice was insistent. Wellperhaps it started that waywhen we were flirting and you were being coy I have had many, many lovers over the centuries, hell over the weeks Ive probably had more than youve had in your lifetime, the beginning of taking a lover is always a little bit like a game, and elaborate dance, is it not? After realizing she had implied that she still had many lovers on the side, she quickly added. ButI do not take many lovers anymore, youre the only oneyou have been the only one since we began. When Becca asked her final question, Lilith felt her heart finally shatter. The human looked so sadshe could feel the pain and doubt radiating off of the redhead in waves. Youve fallen for me? Lilith took a tentative step forward, wishing that there was no more distance between them. I could control your mind, if I really wanted to. Wellits not controlling as much as its guiding its how we are able to possess humans and corrupt thembut, logistics aside, I have never pushed you to feel one way or another. Steeling herself, she closed the distance between them and very carefully took Becca into her arms. Icarus took you from be becausebecause I. It was so hard to say the words, especially because Lilith didnt want to feel this way, so she tried another route. In the three thousand years that I have lived, I have never once felt as though I had anything to lose. You are the first creature that has really mattered to me. Lilith leaned down, gently kissing Becca on the top of her head. I know it probably doesnt mean much, coming from a demon. But for as long as you will have me Becca, I will keep you safe and I will not harm you, I swear it. While it wasnt quite a declaration of love, but it was a good start, especially for a demon that had never known love before.