The Demon Inside (Hell's Creatures Book 1)

by Katerina Degratte

  My mind conjures unpleasant images of Luke as some sort of lab rat, strapped on a table, needles and pins prodding out of him every which way. “All the trials he would try failed. Once a day though, his daughter would visit me while he was out hunting with his buddies. She felt bad that her father had some man caged in the basement. Even when I tried to explain what I was. She still came, and she was a beauty.” He sighs happily at the memory.

  “She was kind. Nothing like the rest of her family who only considered me a monster. We would talk for hours; she would read to me. A big fan of literature, it makes me feel like I was in a faraway fantasy land, instead of being caged up like an animal. We fell in love.” His eyes mist over, reliving the memories.

  “Against my advice, he took my blood and fed it to his wife straight up. First, she was doing better than ever, she had the best day she’d had in years.” He pauses. “The sickness spread too quickly though, and the vampire blood sped up the process. Before he could kill me for the discovery, Charlotte let me free. I begged her to go with me, and we took off into the sunset.”

  I frown. “How many years ago was that?” Vampire hunters weren’t big game anymore. Most too frigid, or a joke.

  “1820’s.”

  That couldn’t be true.

  “We ran off together. A few years later I turned her into someone like me.” That was impossible.

  “Over a century and a half passed after that, and eventually the vampire life wasn’t enough for her. She wanted kids, someone to grow old with. A witch friend had found a cure for vampirism and ‘cured’ her.”

  “She begged me to take it with her. With Damien around though, that was far too risky. If I was human, I wouldn’t be able to protect her.” He sighs, running his fingers through his hair. “And if you really love someone you need to learn to let them go.” A single tear escapes the threshold of his eyes. “So, I did, for the most part. I kept tabs and watched over her. In fear that Damien or some other demon would strike.”

  “So much good that did, he still killed her.” I can’t stop the vileness that steals from my tongue.

  “I know. I tried Aura. You must know that. When she went out that night to greet him, you followed her out of the building. The curious 16-year-old you were, your dad and baby sister asleep upstairs.” My brow furrows. So, it was my fault.

  “She begged me to protect you instead. She would have never forgiven me if I let you die.” At least she would have been alive. “Damien wouldn’t have stopped going after her. It would have inevitably happened.” He looks guilty. “I tampered with your memory on it, so it wouldn’t haunt you for the rest of your life.” So much for that, I wasn’t short on haunted memories as is.

  “I’m going to kill the fucker.” I get up, clothes rumpled from sleeping in them all night, hair a goddamn mess.

  Luke grabs my shoulders. “Aura don’t.”

  “Luke I was sixteen, I could have handled it!” I argue.

  “No, you couldn’t, you were still young and innocent. I’ll give you the right memory back, just don’t go charging in guns blazing at Damien. That would be fucking stupid. He has men, he has back up. That would be a suicide mission!” He yells in my face.

  “If you took away that memory, how do I know you haven’t stolen or replaced more?” The paranoia sets in. It usually isn’t just one lie. One leads to a domino effect of many lies. “You only looked over me for her. Theresa only saved me to use me to save her son. Do I not matter at all?” Was I just a pawn to put other things in motion?

  “You matter,” Gabriel calls from the doorway, walking in shirtless and shoeless. He looks worn out, like he’s walked far too many miles. “Luke was just doing what he thought was right at the time. He’s a respectful guy, don’t beat him up for it. Think of what you would have done in that situation, had you been in his position?” He defends his uncle.

  “Hell, she used me too, I was only created so Damien would be drawn powerless. You have no idea how bad it was to grow up with that guy.”

  Calm washes over me and I nod, rationalizing my thoughts more. Everything hurts, and anger is easy to fuel when feeling that way. “Sorry Luke, hangover.” I poorly excuse. That didn’t mean that I forgave him for erasing my memory, and... I wince. I kissed Luke last night, well tried to, and he’s been with my mom. I ran to the bathroom to unload the contents of my stomach into the toilet.

  Gabriel follows, holding back my hair. “You okay?”

  I shake my head ‘no.’ “I had too much to drink last night.” My stomach is running cartwheels, like this will be the first of many times of puking.

  The asshole laughs. “Since when does Miss Self-righteous drink?” I elbow him at the comment.

  “You keep that up, and I’ll puke on you next pretty boy.” My voice comes out scratchy, throat sore. The nasty taste coats my tongue.

  “Well, you definitely aren’t taking on Damien like this. Do you want me to carry you to your room?” I refuse his offer with another shake of my head’, feeling that if I move, I’ll be puking more shit up.

  “I’m guessing you're out of commission to help me more today, but next time what do you think you would like to try? I promise to try not to run off this time.” He gives an infectious grin, and it’s annoying because I feel like crap.

  I wrack what brain cells I can. He mentioned growing up with Damien.

  “I’ll go through your memories.” I lean my head against his shoulder before a sharp pain in my stomach lets me know another wave is coming up. I turn to the toilet and let it go. I’m never touching that vile liquid again. Why do humans put this poison in their bodies?

  Chapter 23

  “Aura would you want me to set you up with some guy?” Riley asks out of the blue, as we’re wiping down tables, dinner rush just coming to a halt.

  No, no, no, and a lot more of no way in hell. “No thanks,” I answer politely instead; in her way, she was just trying to help. No dating games would be needed.

  “A girl?” She asks, not getting the message. I had no interest in taking part in such trivial insignificant matters. Love was another way to suffer. So, fuck that bullshit.

  “No, thanks.” It comes out a little less polite the second time around, as I’m trying harder to refrain from portraying my disdain on the idea.

  “Are you asexual?” The question causes me to nearly give myself whiplash with my quick turnaround. Not that I had qualms about people who were, just did this girl have any boundaries.

  She frowns and glances away at Tony, who is caught staring right at me, before awkwardly turning away. Wasn’t he just all over Gabriel not even a week ago? I sneer at him. If I were to date, it wouldn’t be some man whore. I didn’t need to test out whether or not an angel can get an STD.

  I see her insecurities, her mind toying with the idea of me going out with her crush. “Don’t worry Riley, I’m not into him.” I pause. “I don’t see why you would be though, look aside.”

  She doesn’t bother denying it. “Why do you say that?” She frowns, ready to defend her wanna be lover.

  “He was just all over Gabriel the other day.” I deadpan.

  She shakes her head, causing me to wonder how delusional or stupid this girl could be. “Tony was telling me he was done with Gabriel giving him the runaround.” Gullible maybe? Or hopeful for a nicer term. “He was telling me about how he had his sights on someone new.” Her voice is a mix of hope and worry.

  “I think he might have meant you.” When I’m about to refute it, she continues. “I’ve been catching him stealing glances. Giving you the fuck me eyes.” She looks away awkwardly.

  I shake my head, quite sure the second part was a figment of the paranoid mind. If anything, I was getting glares for stealing Gabriel away from him that night. “I’m not interested.”

  She looks like she wants to believe me. “Are you sure? He’s really dreamy.” She lets out a girlish sigh before frowning. “Besides people have said that a lot, for it to just happen anyway. It’
s like I’m a bad luck magnet romance wise.” Her demeanor catches me off guard; she seems so confident and outspoken in the other convos I’ve had with her before this one.

  “Just no Riley, as I said a few weeks ago when we met; I’m not interested in dating. If he can’t realize how amazing you are, he’s a fool. There’s other fish in the sea.” I give her words of encouragement.

  “That’s easy for you to say,” she huffs. “With the way you look, you could have any guy you wanted. If I were into girls, I would go for you.” No, I shake my head. Most people nowadays were more interested in a quick thrust instead of anything concrete. And that wasn’t how I played.

  “Thanks, Riley. Really.” I force a smile, which she seems to believe. Thankfully.

  “Are you and Gabriel a thing?” Now she’s gone from insecure girl, to the prying one. At least she wasn’t feeling down on herself anymore.

  “Fuck no.” My face turns into a look of disgust, before shaking it off. His life, I’m not sleeping with him so that’s not my issue. “I’m just helping him with a project.”

  “Well, be careful. And I’ll have more questions later to grill you with after he leaves.” Ah, of course, he was standing right behind us. Was he there the whole time? The bubbly redhead really has no tact.

  “I’ll just let you know I’m pretty amazing in bed. Only the highest praise. Scout’s honor.” He teases me, having overheard that part of the conversation.

  “Shut up.” I shove his shoulder. “Let’s get to the basement and work on your project, lazy pants.”

  Riley looks on in amusement at the interaction, despite her qualms.

  “So, what are we doing today?” he asks although I told him just yesterday, but he had the memory of a fish.

  “I’m entering your mind.”

  “Really?” He scowls, not pleased with the idea. “I thought you were joking when you mentioned that earlier.”

  “No.” I shake my head. “I will enter your mind, to expel the demon from within if I can. As long as you consent.”

  He frowns, his face so close to saying no. The word ison the tip of his tongue, but he only replies with, “Sounds intrusive.” At least it wasn’t a no.

  “That’s why I need your permission first.” I let out an exasperated sigh, wanting to just get this over with. Was his skull that thick? If I was Theresa, I could do this without that bit. Not that I would, because then I’d be a jackass. That was usually reserved for trials, when an angel would get questioned to determine whether their wings were to be torn off. Not an often occurrence, as I’ve only heard it once in the past twenty years. The screams are a sound that can never be forgotten.

  “I’m not sure that’s the best idea...” he trails off, gnawing his lip. Because of my questioning glare, he adds, “you may see something you don’t like.” He looks away, acting more like a shy schoolboy than an intimidating demon.

  “Such as?” I pique.

  “I’m a guy who enjoys sex a lot; do I really need to explain myself?” He shuffles, looking around awkwardly. Looking unsure of himself and embarrassed is not usually a look that reflects him.

  For fuck's sake, are we 12?

  “I don’t care,” I state. I would just have to move past his indiscretions. That wasn’t what I was searching his sea of memories for. “Now will you allow me to do so or are we going to stand around all night twiddling our thumbs?” If the second was the case I had about a million other things I’d rather do.

  “Fine,” he huffs like a child, giving into the idea, but clearly not happy about it.

  “Fine, what?” I ask.

  “You can enter my mind, just don’t bitch at me if it’s not a pretty place. Also, don’t offer me any sympathy, because I don’t want charity,” he growls, annoyance taking over him.

  All right then, at least I got something that was close enough to a yes so, I could proceed. “Have you been taking the pills I gave you yesterday?”

  “The one’s Luke gave to me when I approached him to borrow a shirt since you puked on mine. Yes, I did.” I wince in embarrassment. That was not something I wanted to be reminded of. Knowing Gabriel, this was probably the first of many times it would be brought up. At least if they killed me in the end of the world scenario, I wouldn’t have to live with that shame any longer.

  “So, what do I do?” He asks impatiently, my embarrassment seemingly unnoticed by him. Unsure one moment, then impatient the next.

  “Are you okay?” Maybe the pills were making him more hostile than normal. Maybe not, he’s been edgy since I’ve known him.

  “Yeah, sorry if I’m being a dick. Don’t worry so much.” He gives me a half smile, the light switch of emotions flipping yet again.

  I bite my lip. I would have to quiz him more on that later. If adjusts were needed, they were needed. After this. The only thing with that is they may be less potent then. Was that a worthy risk? Or was it worthy if they weren’t causing life-threatening harm?

  “Stand still and open your mind.” I walk toward him. “I’m going to put my hands on either side of your head, just a forewarning.” I caution him so he doesn’t jump away from my cool touch.

  “Thanks.” He utters.

  I finish my way toward him, he’s watching me in curiosity. Maybe I should have told him to close his eyes so I wouldn’t have to feel like a spider under glass with his stare. Putting a hand on both sides of his head, I feel the tickling from his inky tresses under my fingertips. He closes his eyes at my touch. “Open your mind, and let me see what you keep hidden away, locked from others.”

  After immense concentration, I feel myself being pulled in.

  There’s a much younger version of Gabriel sitting, waiting at a train station. He must be about six or seven, choppy black hair and big sad blue-green eyes that looked too big for his skinny face.

  “What are you doing here Gabriel?” a voice comes from behind. The image comes into focus on him and Luke, who looks no different aside from clothing style because of not aging. How did he manage to stay in one place so long without being noticed? I guess this town had to be an exception with its special laws.

  “Dad and I got into a fight again,” the boy trembles. “I asked him about my mom, and he said such terrible things about her; about how she doesn’t care about me. All the other kid’s parents were there, both mom and dad, and I had no one.” The boy chokes, starting to let out a tear-wrenching cry.

  “Oh Gabriel.” Luke pulls him into a hug, his heart breaking for the innocent broken child.

  “I went here, to run away and find her,” he cries more into Luke’s shoulder, his words becoming muffled. “Would you go with me?” He pulls away to look at him with such hope that it would be soul crushing to say no. “All week is parents’ week and I wanted to bring her back with me.” He pouts. “Daddy refuses to come and be around those pathetic earth dwellers as he says. He says we’re all too soft and too caring. That it makes me weak. Am I weak, Uncle Luke?” Desperation clouds his eyes, a need for validation against such negative words. The scene was enough to make one cry.

  He needed someone there for him, a caring Uncle standing in as a father, since Damien is a shit-heel.

  He shakes his head. “You’re not weak Gabriel, but you can’t run away.” Firm, yet empathetic.

  “All the other kids make fun of me though.” He looks up at him tearfully. “I don’t want to be here.” Relatable.

  “I’ll come instead, and you can tell everyone I’m the cool uncle.” He offers him a smile. “How many other kids have their cool uncle come in?” he questions.

  He wipes away some tears. “No other kids did.” He sniffles.

  “Exactly so you’ll be extra exceptional. While all the other parents have boring day-to-day jobs, I’ve seen the world and run the hottest diner in town with the best pies. Plus.”- he pokes his nose- “I have the best nephew in the world.”

  “Will it really be okay?” he sniffles.

  “Yes, it will. You’re not weak, and th
ey’re not weak. The only weak thing about them is them teasing you because no one is as good as my nephew.” Bullying was a weak defense, there was no excuse for it. He wraps an arm around Gabriel’s shoulder.

  “Will I ever meet her?” He looks up at Luke with big hopeful eyes. The question every child has when a parent abandons them.

  Luke gives him a sad smile and tries to bring hope. “One day. Right now, she’s staying away from your dad until you’re old enough to go away.” Hopefully, that was true.

  “But I’m seven now.” Younger Gabriel says oblivious, confused to why that couldn’t be enough. That was much older than when he was 6.

  “You’re still young, plus I have a piece of cheesecake at the diner with your name on it.” He smirks, knowing how the kid loves sweets.

  “Sweet! You’re the best uncle!” The train idea is cast away in favor of cake.

  Soon I’m swept into another memory.

  “I’m not like you though, I don’t want to be bad. All I’m trying to do is live out my life and get as far away from you as possible!” Gabriel yells at his father. This time he looks to be in his teen years, probably the middle of high school, still lanky and awkward, not completely growing into his body yet.

  “Don’t talk to me like that Gabriel, I know what’s best for you!” Damien yells at him, fiercely.

  “I don’t care!” He yells at his father, matching his rage.

  The sound echoes through the room of Damien hitting him across the face. “Those earth dwellers will only hurt you, that’s what people are made to do. They don’t care about you; nobody does in this twisted world. You only have yourself, and when you see things clearly, you’ll come running to me. Just you wait and see Gabriel.” He shakes his head and walks out the door, convinced he’s right.