Living Hell

by N. L. Hoffmann

  Shaking my head, I followed him into the kitchen, dragging the sheet with me. Taco sat on the counter, claw frozen in mid-air as he stared at us. He was about to reach for something, but I couldn’t see what because a glass was in the way. When I walked around the counter, I saw my chocolate sitting open. He had chocolate all over his face. Growling, I reached for him, but he scrambled across the counter, leaping off to take flight.

  I glared at him when he landed on the kitchen table. “That was from Mikey. Whenever he does work in Germany, he always brings back chocolate. And you had to go and eat it!”

  “I’m sure the rest is still good,” Ethan said, grimacing at the slobber on it. “Do dragons have germs?”

  “Asshole!” I growled at the dragon. He threw up a clawed middle finger.

  Ethan chuckled. “He’s lucky he’s cute.”

  Taco blew fire in his direction as he walked along the kitchen table, attacking the fruit in the bowl.

  “Hey! If you aren’t going to eat it, don’t waste it with your damn temper tantrum,” I told him.

  Again, Taco flipped me off. He reached for an apple, tore a chunk out with his claw and started munching. When I looked into the bowl, I noticed all the apples had little holes in them. Sighing, I shook my head, taking a seat at the table.

  “So, what do you want to eat, Sophie? Tacos?” Ethan asked, ignoring the glare from the dragon.

  “Sounds good,” I replied, laughing as Taco took off to his room. “I don’t know if we have the stuff here, though.”

  Ethan laughed. “I was just going to order Chinese.” He came over to rub my shoulders. I moaned, letting my head fall back as he dug his fingers into my muscles.

  Shouting from outside had both of us turning toward the front door in alarm. Ethan stepped in front of me, prepared to fight. Feeling vulnerable in just a sheet, I stood, calling to my magic so I wore clothes again.

  The front door burst open, Drake standing on the front steps. He looked intimidating, his dark gaze focused on me as I peeked around Ethan. He’d used magic to bust open the door, his hand outstretched as wind blew through the house, sending a shiver through me. Lying at his feet were the two Magicteers.

  “Did you kill them?” I demanded.

  “No,” he replied, stepping into the house.

  “Why are you here?” Ethan growled, hand poised, magic ready.

  “I wanted to see the mother of my child. When I realized what the demon had told you at the mansion, I had to come see for myself.” He tilted his head. “I can hear two heartbeats.”

  I sighed, shaking my head. “You could have called, Drake. Is this how we’re going to do visitation from now on?” I tried to walk around Ethan, irritated when he blocked me with his arm. He didn’t trust Drake. Truthfully, I didn’t, either.

  Drake shook his head. “I plan on you being with me.”

  “You have the demon inside of you,” I said.

  His eyes darkened. “I can handle the demon.”

  I would have been lying if I said there wasn’t a tiny bit of hope that bloomed in my chest when he said those words. But when Ethan reached back, my hand automatically went to his. Drake caught the movement.

  “You’ve given up on me already,” he said softly.

  “What do you expect? You pushed me away and have yet to take care of things with Heather. You’re letting this demon take over.”

  “I don’t think he has a choice, Sophie,” Ethan said softly.

  Pushing past him, I shook my head. “I refuse to believe that. I know you can beat this demon, Drake.”

  “What’s the point when I have nothing left? You were all I had.” Drake looked away, turning as if he were about to leave.

  “Don’t do that feeling sorry for yourself bullshit on me. You have a lot to live for. You fight this demon! You hear me?” I demanded, grabbing his arm.

  Ethan reached for me, as if having a hard time letting me get away from him. He was protective, I understood that, but Drake meant a lot to me. We shared something that I wasn’t sure I could share with Ethan. My love for Drake was completely different. But wasn’t that how it always was? You never stopped loving someone who truly meant a lot to you, no matter what they did.

  “You have to fight. Your son needs you,” I told him, running my hand down his arm and grasping his hand in mine.

  His eyes widened. “Son?”

  Nodding, I smiled. “My grandmother showed me what they would look like as adults.”

  Straightening, Drake nodded, bringing my hand up to his lips and pressing a kiss on my knuckles. “You’re right. I need to fight because my son needs me. I will always be here for you, Sophie. I love you more than anything. You have to know that. This fight with the demon is starting to turn me into a completely different person.”

  I doubted that. I’d come to realize that with power came a different Drake. He felt like himself again, but I wasn’t about to point that out. I didn’t need him spiraling down into a pit of depression and letting that demon take over completely. Drake had to fight. I was determined to see him through it.

  When I glanced back at Ethan, the pained look on his face let me know he realized Drake would always have a piece of my heart. If I wanted to leave, he knew he’d have no choice but to let me go.

  Ethan stayed by me, but gave me the space I needed. I could tell it was getting to him, but he maintained control. It meant a lot to me, realizing he would do anything to make me happy. But I knew I couldn’t continue to hurt him with my unrelenting need to support Drake.

  Pulling away from Drake, I smiled. “I’m always here for you. Just know that your child can’t wait to see his father’s smile.”

  When his phone rang, he reached into his pocket and pulled it out, sighing at the name on the screen. “I must go. I would like to see you again. How about lunch tomorrow?” he asked, gesturing at Ethan. “Bring the Mage. We can have lunch and discuss our children.”

  Feeling that might be a tad awkward, I reluctantly nodded. “Sure. At the mansion?”

  He raised the phone to his ear. “Yes.” He turned and stepped over the Magicteers who still lay on the steps.

  I shook my head, disappointed that Drake’s mood seemed to go to extremes when it came to me. He had his highs and lows.

  Ethan walked over to the Witches, feeling for a pulse. Pulling out his cell phone, he dialed the medical team, requesting they send someone over for two injured Magicteers.

  I looked up, seeing Drake standing on the sidewalk, watching us. He smiled, magic sweeping around his body. When he disappeared, I glanced down at Ethan, who stared at the spot Drake just was, a scowl on his face. I couldn’t help but feel like he thought the Vampire was up to something. Part of me felt the same, but I had to trust that Drake’s intentions were good. Or maybe it had been the demon talking the entire time.

  Encouraging Drake was the right thing. Despite everyone insisting it was impossible, considering he was in the clutches of the demon, I had to believe there was a way. Drake’s son needed him. I needed him.

  Chapter Fourteen

  It was early when Ethan woke me up. He said he had a surprise...right before he ravished me. Afterward, I lay there, out of breath, not believing how vigorous the sex had been. My hair stuck up, and my skin was covered in a sheen of sweat. I laughed as Ethan caressed my hair.

  “Think they went for a ride?” He chuckled when my mouth fell open, then placed a kiss on my lips and got out of bed.

  “So that was the surprise? I mean, I loved it, but I was kind of expecting something big.” I sucked in a breath. “I mean–”

  “I see how it is.” He walked into the bathroom.

  “You know what I mean. Yours is huge! It’s everything a girl could want.” I sighed, getting up to go after him.

  He laughed as he turned on the shower. “I do have a surprise, but we need to shower first.”

  I watched as he stepped into the shower. “I’m not good with surprises. Unless it’s food.”

 
; “You’ll love it. I promise.”

  Still skeptical, I climbed into the shower behind him. “I should probably check on the training for the Magicteers and Nightshades. Then make sure all the necklaces have been made. I haven’t received mine yet.”

  Ethan turned me so my back was under the water. “You can do that later. This morning is about you, about us. We need some time alone without thinking about Drake.”

  I frowned. “We have to think about him. We have demons approaching the–”

  Kissing me so I would stop talking, Ethan grinned. “I know, but I want you to see what I found.”

  “Oh... So it’s not more sex?”

  “I didn’t think that was a surprise anymore. It’s part of the whole package.” He grinned when I rolled my eyes. “Now, be quiet so I can explore your body without any mention of demons.”

  ETHAN DECIDED TO DRIVE me where we were going instead of magically appearing. He said it added to the anticipation. It was kind of strange because no one really ever tried to surprise me. I didn’t know how I should act.

  Taco climbed onto my thigh and huffed out smoke, angry over having to get up early. I told him he could stay behind, but he just stared at me as if it was a stupid suggestion. Whether I liked it or not, I was stuck with him.

  We weaved in and out of traffic. Every time Ethan hit the brakes, Taco dug his claws into my leg. I’d yelp, finally tossing him onto the dash where he could bask in the sun. He seemed to approve because he stretched out and closed his eyes, reminding me of a cat.

  I sighed silently. I hadn’t thought about my cat in a long while, what with all the events that’d been going on. Stubby ran away right after Drake moved in and I hadn’t seen her since. Feeling a tear escape, I wiped it away, looking out the window. I know some would consider it strange to have such an attachment to an animal, but I had found her outside as a kitten, barely coping with her missing leg. It was really sad. I thought she got along with Drake, but when she ran off that day, it was obvious she wasn’t pleased.

  “We’re almost there,” Ethan said, grabbing my hand.

  “Good, because I need some food.”

  I was hungrier than usual. My morning had started off as shit because I couldn’t fit into my jeans anymore, so I had to wear a pair of leggings. Ethan promised he would take me shopping, but what was the point when the pregnancy was going to go quicker than normal. I needed more leggings. That was what it basically came down to. It depressed me. I was not a fan of pregnancy clothing.

  We left the city and drove toward the country. It was peaceful, yet guilt ate at me as I thought about the demons. I shouldn’t be enjoying anything right now. I needed to be back at the campus, coming up with a game plan. But when I walked into the gym where the Magicteers and Nightshades were training, Brian insisted that I leave. He said he would check in later with any information. Since when did everyone team up against me?

  We slowed down and turned. I glanced to where the road sign should be, noticing it had been torn down at some point. That gave me no clues as to where we were going. I didn’t travel outside of the city that often, so it was hard to know where he was taking me.

  After about a mile, we went down a narrow back road flanked by trees. Finally, we slowed down and turned into a driveway. Whose house was this? Unsure of what was going on, I clenched the door handle.

  “Relax, Sophie,” Ethan insisted.

  “It’s not a magical place? A trick? An intervention to make me a better mother?” I raised my eyebrows at him.

  Ethan scowled. “You’re going to be a great mom.”

  As we drove down the driveway, a clearing appeared, revealing a large, impressive manor. It smelled like freshly cut grass. I examined the grounds, finding that it was kept up well. I didn’t see any other vehicles, so I wondered what the hell was going on. When I gave Ethan a questioning look, he grinned.

  “Welcome home.”

  NOT SURE WHAT TO SAY, I stared at the large house. “It’s amazing, but why...” I trailed off.

  Ethan turned in the seat to face me. “You deserve your own home, Sophie. Our children deserve to be away from the politics of Witches. We need our own space.”

  “Is this your way of saying you’re moving in?” I chuckled.

  He raised an eyebrow. “I thought that was obvious. I’m here for the long haul.”

  “Ethan–”

  “Sophie, if you don’t want me to move in, just say the word and I won’t. If you want me to leave, I will. All I ask is to be able to see my child.”

  “I never said I wanted you to leave, Ethan. I’m trying to come to terms with my feelings. And now these babies are in the picture.” I smiled. “I do want you to stay.”

  He grinned, pulling me in for a kiss. “Good. I was scared for a minute. I understand if you change your mind. It’s a big step.”

  Turning to look at the house again, I sighed. “I never had someone get me a house before. I don’t like the idea of you spending money on me like that.”

  “A gift for the children. They need a stable environment.” He opened the door and climbed out of the car.

  I took a deep breath, not sure this was wise. But what would be the difference from the way it was now? Was it because I made it official? I said the words out loud and changed everything?

  Shaking my head, I reached for the door handle, but he’d already made it around the car to open it for me. I stepped out, enjoying the cool breeze. It was usually hot, but storms from the night before had brought in the cool air. It felt good.

  Grasping my hand, Ethan led me up the steps of the manor, glancing over at me. I smiled, enjoying this carefree side of him. He unlocked the door, pushing it open. We were met with a stale smell from it not being aired out in a while.

  I gaped as I looked around. It was huge! Just as I was about to explore it, my cell phone rang. I sighed, glancing over at Ethan, who shook his head.

  “My work is never done.” I gave him a small smile as I pulled my cell out of my purse.

  Glancing down at the screen, I saw Roark’s name. My stomach dropped. What if it was more bad news? What if Drake was out hunting again? I hesitantly pressed the button to answer.

  “Hi, Roark.”

  “I hope you plan on meeting him for lunch today. It’s all he’s been talking about. I don’t want him to be disappointed if you don’t show up. I don’t know if he can handle that kind of rejection right now.”

  “Hi, Roark,” I said again.

  He sighed audibly. “Good morning, Sophie. Now, about lunch... Are you going to show up?”

  Glancing over at Ethan, he raised an eyebrow, unable to hear the conversation. “I’ll be there.”

  “Good. Come alone. Don’t bring the Mage or your other lackeys. I think Drake wants to have some alone time with you.” He went quiet for a second. “Alone time with the mother of his child. He’s allowed that, don’t you think?”

  I clenched my jaw. “Roark, I said I would be there. You don’t need to play mind games with me.”

  “I wasn’t–”

  “Yes, you were. I’ll do what I want to do, what’s best for me. I will see him today.”

  “Three hours.”

  “I’ll be there.”

  Roark hung up, and I shook my head in annoyance. Now he was trying to make sure everyone pleased his brother so he didn’t act out? Kind of reminded me of a spoiled brat, but I knew that wasn’t the case. If Drake didn’t have a reason to fight the demon, the demon would win. He would take over and there would be nothing left of Drake.

  Ethan sighed. “Well, I guess we’d better hurry through our tour. I forgot you had plans with Drake today. I doubt he wants me there, but I think I should be. He’s unpredictable, Sophie.”

  I knew he was right. I should bring someone with me. If anything, I should at least have someone close by in case something went wrong. But having my current lover there would just make everything awkward.

  “What about if I bring Brian?” I asked.
/>   Thinking for a minute, Ethan nodded in agreement.

  We looked around the rest of the manor. I admired the original woodwork. The wooden floors creaked a little bit, but it wasn’t annoying. It was an old home, so that was expected. I didn’t see a reason for such a big place, but I could tell Ethan was in love with it. In truth, so was I. I pictured the kids growing up in this house. It was exactly what I needed. Unless I wanted to drive, I’d just have to magically appear in and out of the Witch campus.

  “This is a wonderful place, Ethan. Thank you.” I smiled, leaning in for a kiss. When he returned it, I weaved my fingers through his hair. “We should make love in every room.”

  Ethan pulled back and grinned. “That sounds like a plan. Let’s start now.” He began to tug on the hem of my shirt, lifting it up until my stomach was exposed. I laughed, shivering as his fingers caressed my skin.

  “Maybe we should wait until the place is clean.” I shimmied away, avoiding his hand when he tried to grab for me.

  “Afraid of a little dirt? I thought you liked it dirty?” He grabbed my arm, pulling me into him so I was flush to his chest. “I don’t think I can wait for you to come back from Drake’s.” He nipped my bottom lip.

  “But you have to. I have to check in at the office, then get ready to meet him for lunch. Why don’t we go out to dinner tonight?”

  Frowning, Ethan looked away. “Don’t you think that’s a bad idea? Especially with the demons running loose in the city?” He seemed nervous, which I understood. He was concerned for my and the babies’ safety. Still, did we have to lock ourselves up? Hell, there was danger everywhere. Even more for the humans, yet that didn’t stop them from leaving their homes and enjoying themselves.

  “I really want to go out.” I pulled away from him, heading toward the front door. “Let’s talk about it more after I get back from Drake’s. Maybe we can come up with a compromise.”

  Nodding, Ethan followed me. The expression on his face told me he was determined to get me to realize I should stay home. But he didn’t know me very well if he thought I was going to stay locked away like Rapunzel.