“Xavier, what is it? You’re really starting to scare me.”
“That is the last thing I want.” He told her while covering her hand with his.
“Maybe we should eat first. Then we can –.”
“No.” he shook his head adamantly.
His reply came out so abruptly that it startled her. “Xavier, what is it? Talk to me."
He looked at her for a moment then his eyes dropped, and he seemed to be searching for words that he couldn't find.
A moment passed, and then another. Before long she wasn’t sure how much time had gone by as that sat there in an almost painful silence.
He looked back up at her, watching her, continuing to say nothing for the longest time until finally his voice broke the deafening silence which separated them.
“Elizabeth, what I’m about to tell you… it may seem crazy at first. You might actually think I’m crazy.”
“No Xavier, I won’t. I promise. Just trust me.”
“Baby, look at me. Look into my eyes.”
She did as he asked and saw what she thought was probably the most wonderful thing she had ever seen before.
“Elizabeth, you realize how I feel about you, right? You mean a great deal to me. I know we’ve only just met, but I need you to know that. Before I tell you everything I need you to know that from this moment on, everything I tell you is the truth.”
“Okay.”
“I’m serious. I’m going to tell you some things that you may not believe. Things that are… unbelievable. But they’re the truth, baby. I swear to you. From this moment on, no lies, no hidden untruths. Just complete unfiltered honesty.”
“Okay, I believe you.”
"Thank you. Now, I've never told anybody this. I've never had to, and I certainly have never wanted to, so I'm not sure where to start. Just hear me out, okay? Even if it sounds like I'm rambling and making no sense. I promise you that eventually it will all… well, it will make sense. Eventually.”
She nodded, unsure what was about to come. She wanted to go back to bed and curl up in his arms. The seriousness of his expression worried her. And the knowledge of his own fear was only compounding her worry.
“First things first. I hope this doesn’t scare you because it’s so soon, but you need to know that I didn’t plan for any of this to happen. Yet somewhere along the way, maybe in that first moment I found you, I fell in love with you.”
Elizabeth blinked through the wetness building up in her own eyes as she stared up into Xavier’s stare. A tiny tear slid down the side of her cheek. “I love you too. It actually scares me to think how much I do. I mean we’ve known each other for such a short amount of time, but I can’t imagine being without you.” Her tears were falling freely now as she made her confession.
A warm hug filled her heart as he wrapped his arms around her. She felt so much peace and comfort in his embrace that she couldn’t imagine what was to come.
She was pleased to see his face soften with a smile, but the furrow of his brows told her there was much more to come.
“Are you a religious woman?” he asked.
His question surprised her. “Umm… I don’t know. I suppose so. I mean I believe in God and all that. Though we never much went to church or anything when I was younger so I can’t really say I know much about the bible or anything like that. Why do you ask?”
He drew in a deep breath. His heads trembled as he began to explain. “There is a heaven. And there is a hell.”
"Okay. Xavier, I don't care what your religious beliefs are. If that's what all this is about then, you don't have to –."
“Please, Elizabeth. Let me explain.”
“I’m sorry. Please… go on.”
Xavier took a breath before continuing. "Like I said, there is a Heaven and a Hell. Some may not believe in their existence, but it's true. If you don't know much about the Bible, you might not know the story behind Lucifer. He was one of God's favorite and most trusted angels. The first ten verses of Ezekiel twenty-eight talk about the ruler of Tyre. He was condemned for claiming to be a God even though he was only a man. Some speculate that the real king and ruler of Tyre was, in fact, Lucifer himself. Others argue that Lucifer, or Satan as many call him merely used this man as a vessel to do his bidding. Since the beginning of time, there have been various faiths and references to argue the differing points in this debate. Regardless of who you choose to believe, one thing remains consistent and that this the ruler of Tyre was created with perfection under the hand of God, it was later that this king began showing signs of abhorrent and immoral behavior. It was at some point around this time that Lucifer became obsessed with his own likeness. Greed for all that he could garner consumed him, making him want for more than he had and yearn for much more than God intended him to receive."
Elizabeth sat somewhat floored by Xavier’s words. Of all the things she had considered, finding out that he may be a religious zealot had not been a possibility that crossed her mind. Still she remained silent, keeping her word to let him explain, yet still uncertain what it was he was even trying to explain.
“Don’t. Please don’t do that.”
He startled her with his words. “What are you talking about?”
“You’re doubting this. You’re doubting me. Please, you asked me to trust you. I know this might seem strange that I’m speaking of all this, but I promise you it’s relevant. So I’m asking you to trust me. Hear me out. Okay?”
She nodded in agreement, surprised that he could read her so well.
"Thank you. Now…" he took a calming breath before continuing. "When God noticed the change, the self-love if you will, that Lucifer had for himself it was the beginning of the end for Lucifer's stay in Heaven. He broke the rules. Went against what God had created him for. And while he allowed free will, he could not and would not allow Lucifer to stay in Heaven the way that he had become. No one, maybe not even Lucifer himself knows why he began to change. And it might not even matter. But it was his descent from Heaven that was the building blocks for who I am today. Please, don't. I need to get this out."
He stopped her before she could even say a word. Not that she even knew what she would say. She was confused by his ramblings. Religion? God? Lucifer? Heaven and Hell? What did any of this have to do with the two of them?
"God had created Lucifer to be the enlightener of the universe. So when Lucifer had accused the Lord of evil he had used the very gift his creator had given him to do the very thing he was accusing God of being. It was an almost twisted form of self-reliance. Lucifer thought that he could win against God, but in the end, it was he who had lost the battle. He may not have seen it that way, but to others, the angels, and pure souls, he was a lost and fallen angel in every sense of the word. When Lucifer fell from Heaven God didn't take away his powers. Even how as we sit here Lucifer or the devil as some may call him, is hard at work seeing to it that good and evil are constantly at war. And sadly, more often than not. It is evil that wins. And that’s where I come in.”
Xavier tilted his head up, working his neck in circles while she waited for him to continue. None of this made any sense to her yet, but she had promised him she would hear him out, and she had no intention of breaking her word.
"Satan, Lucifer, the devil, whatever you want to call him, he has demons with him in hell. Their purpose is first to serve him and in doing so serve evil as well. But, just like Lucifer, one of his demons became almost hypnotized by the power that was given to them. Andras was his name. He lived long ago, long before any of us were around. He was known as the Grand Marquis of Hell. He was, for all intents and purposes, one of Lucifer’s most trusted and loyal servants. At least for a time being. You see Andras was more powerful than the average demon who walked among the others in the bowels of hell. With the likeness of a raven or an owl, Andras could take on many forms in his continuous quest for evil. He had a wolf which he rode on many of his missions in the constant pursuant of unrelenting evil. The more he
good he conquered it seemed the stronger he became. And just like his master, the self-admiration and devotion grew within him. He didn't just seek more power, and he yearned for it. Needed it and was willing to do anything in his power to have it. So… over the course of what some would say was years, Andras began laying the ground work in his run to take over the Hell. Rather than publicly call out his master like Lucifer had before. He used Lucifer's own mistakes of the past against him. Behind the scenes Andras worked with other demons, spreading lies and untruths among the rankings in an effort to turn the underworld against the very Prince who ruled them all."
"Some might tell you that it almost worked. But even demons are afraid of some things, and Andras became far too careless with who he attempted to recruit. And one night after Lucifer had been informed of Andras plans, the very angel who had fallen himself went to Andras and confronted him face to face. Though shocked by his master’s knowledge, Andras still foolishly believed he could take on the greatest and most powerful demon of all. Satan.”
“Xavier, I’m sorry. I just don’t understand how any of this has anything to do with you. Do you want to go to church or something?”
"Elizabeth, I love you, but I am begging you to let me finish. Please." He waited for her to comply before continuing. "Andras made an ill-fated attempt to overthrow Lucifer and gain control over Hell. Though his efforts were fruitless because, in the end, it was Lucifer who not only proved the strength of his power, but banished him much like he had been banished himself. Andras' greatest and most precious commodity was his love for dissension and evil. There was nothing he craved more than the pain he could inflict on and within others. So Lucifer punished him in the only way he knew that he could. He took away his essence. The evil that enveloped him ceased to exist. He was sent to earth, living in the limbo between Heaven and Hell, living among man as he became consumed with an eternal conflict of good versus evil. You see, in Lucifer's ultimate revenge he gave Andras a heart. A wounded and battered one yes, but a heart just the same. And it was that heart which was said to torture Andras for the remainder of his existence on earth."
“No longer the evil and diabolical minded warrior, Andras was left with a kinder and almost protective soul. And in the ultimate betrayal to Lucifer, he fell in love with a human. For years he hid the secret from his creator and built a small family, but eventually, his secret was revealed. And it was then that Lucifer rained lightning bolts of fury down upon him. Killing him and cursing his family for all eternity. They are now called The Hollows. Half human and half demon they live among the human race, living just beneath the radar, hiding in the shadows to keep from being found out as they do the one thing that secured their existence.”
Suddenly drawn in by his story Elizabeth couldn’t help but ask, “What was it?”
“The woman that Andras had fallen in love with, she made a deal with God. She promised him that none of her children, no one in her family would harm another living soul, instead becoming the great protectors of the innocent as long as he allowed them to stay on earth.”
“What did he say?” she asked as tiny hairs prickled her arms.
“He’s the Lord. What do you think he said?”
“Yes?”
"Yes. He agreed. Not because he felt he owed it to the woman, or because she was due some grand gesture or miracle. He did it to show Lucifer, his once trusted and fallen angel that good truly could overcome evil. There was a catch, though. He gave the woman covenants that she must follow and give her word that all of her descendants would follow as well. There were four rules that had to be followed no matter what. First, they were not allowed to tell anyone. Only a true Hollow could know of their existence. Second, there could only be one leader, and regardless of what the others may think, there must never be any attempts to overthrow that leader. Third, their powers could only be used to help the innocent. Never would they be allowed to use them for personal gain or in any random way. Only when an innocent was in danger would they be permitted to use what was granted to them. Fourth, and this was the most important one, they were never to fall in love with or mate with a human. God forbid it, stating that the cycle of evil would be doomed to repeat itself and at perhaps more disastrous results."
“That’s an amazing story, Xavier.”
“There’s more.”
“Alright.”
"When Lucifer found out about all this he was furious at God for intervening on something that should have been under his control. If there were demons living among the human race he wanted to use it to his advantage. But even as powerful as he was, he wasn't strong enough to fight God on this one. So instead he cursed the lineage. Handing down a legend, or as some would call it a myth, claiming that some day one of the descendants would change as they reached thirty years of age. This particular descendant of Andras would start to become reckless as he lost control of his powers and eventually if the tale were true, would become more evil than Andras once was himself. And then," he drew in a deep breath. "it would be then that the Hollows would have to choose the path of the righteous in their constant protection of innocence they would be forced to kill their leader.”
“That’s awful. But Xavier, I still don’t understand how you say this involves you. What is it you do? You? Your brother? You told me you’d explain, and –.”
“I am baby. Just listen. Hear my words.”
“It is my ancestors that make the story so relevant. Andras… he was a part of me. Or I guess you could say I am a part of him. I’m one of those protector’s that God agreed to let stay. My brother and I are Hollows.”
“What?” She pulled her hand out from underneath his and stood up. “Xavier that’s not funny.”
“I’m not trying to be, babe.”
“You’re telling me you’re a demon?” She crossed her arms, partly annoyed at him for drawing her into such a ridiculous story.
“I’m telling you I’m half of a demon.”
“Xavier, come on.”
He shook his head, clearly frustrated with her, though she didn’t really understand why. It wasn’t her who was making up ridiculous stories about demons who live among humans. The situation would be laughable if she weren’t so annoyed with his story.
“You promised me no more lies. I want the truth.”
“And I’m giving it to you.”
“A demon. You’re a… demon?” her sarcastic tone wasn’t even close to matching the way she felt.
“You really think I’m making this all up? What kind of psycho would make up this kind of story?”
“Funny, I was wondering the same thing.”
“Okay fine. I’ve already broken one of the covenants. Why not go for another. What the hell, right?”
He stood up and picked up the skillet that she’d left to cool in the sink. Pointing at the pan he extended his index finger out and swirled it in a circular motion until his movements were so quick she could barely see where his finger began and the smoke emanating from it ended.
Suddenly a fireball burst from the tip of his finger landing in the pan. The heat was so intense that the metal buckled underneath the intense pressure.
She leaned back against the wall. Her eyes wide and filled with shock and disbelief. “You’re a demon.”
This time, she wasn't asking him. She wasn’t even doubting him. She was stating it as though there was no other explanation.
“No, baby.” He came toward her and cupped her face with his hands. Gently he dropped his forehead against hers. “I am a Hollow.”
Chapter Sixteen
He sat outside The Lexington, wondering why he hadn't yet gone upstairs and taken care of the job. His wife must have called him at least a half dozen times. Her voicemails were becoming more and more angry with each one that she left.
All he had to do was get out of his car, walk across the street and go upstairs. Then a quick break in, the muzzle of his silenced pistol and a few knocked over items to make it look like a struggle, and he
was golden. The job would be done. He could go home to his family, and no one would be the wiser.
Who was Elizabeth Hawthorn anyway? She was just some young kid in the big city of Los Angeles. There was nothing that made her any different than any number of jobs he’d done for the Giancano’s before. So why the hell was he hesitating this much?
His phone rang, and he quickly answered on the second ring, wincing before when he saw the caller ID and realized who would be on the other end.
“Why the hell haven’t I heard from you yet?”
“Boss. Hey, I was just getting ready to call you.”
A lie.
A bald face lie at that.
Paul Giancano knew it too. He didn't get to where he was today by being a dumbass. And he read right through the bullshit he was being fed just as soon as the words escaped him. "No, you weren't. Now, what the hell is the problem?"
He listened to a man who would sooner steal the last loaf of bread from a starving pregnant woman than go a second being hungry, and he knew that if he didn’t come through for the boss man that it wouldn’t just be him who paid the price.
“I’m sorry, boss. Really I am. Things have just gotten sort of complicated.”
“Then uncomplicated them! Or would you like me to come down there and do it for you?”
He heard the implied threat and it was the very last thing that he wanted.
“No, that won’t be necessary. I’ll take care of it. I swear.”
“You better do it soon. I don’t like waiting. Or did you forget that?”
“No, boss. I remember.”
“Good. Now I want that girl gone and I want her gone now. I don’t know how much she saw and I’m not about to risk my entire business on the chance that she was a witness.”
“Understood. No worries. I’ll take care of it. You have my word.”
Giancano didn’t say another word before disconnecting the call. It was clear to him that he had no choice. No matter how nice she seemed, or how little he cared for the idea of killing her, he had to do it. It was her or his family. And he would not risk them. Not for anyone.
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