Chapter Eighteen (Lazarus)

Where was she? Church was finished hours ago. I did not want to spend any alone time with Abigail if it could be helped.

Abigail walked into the room, a smirk on her face, “Afternoon, how is my patient this fine day?” She asked.

“You’re awfully chipper, aren’t you?” I grumbled, disappointed it wasn’t Amaya.

“Yes, my beautiful granddaughter has met a wonderful man and is on a walk with him as we speak.” She practically singed her eyes, watching me closely.
I fisted my hands, trying not to show any emotion. “If Sin is with her again, I swear I will.”

“You will what?” She dared me. “Hurt him, kill him, you would hurt her to get what you want, wouldn’t you?” She accused. “That is exactly why she won’t pick you. You are selfish and are only out for yourself.”

“That’s not what I meant.”

“Isn’t it though? You don’t see how she feels or even care to ask. You just see her as a prize to be obtained when she is so much more than that.”
“What are you talking about?” I asked, frustrated.

She shot me a dirty look as I heard the front door open and close. Amaya entered the room and Sin was behind her. He gave me a dirty before he turned to look at Amaya.

“I had better go.” He replied as he leaned down and kissed her, and she responded to him. She didn't push him away, she let him kiss her. That asshole did this on purpose. “I’ll see you soon.” He said as he caressed her cheek and left the room.

“Why do you look so angry?” Abigail teased me as I glared at her and bit out, “You know why!”

Amaya looked at us confused as I pushed my feelings down and smiled at her, “How was your day, Little Dove?”

“It was pretty good; Pastor Gideon loves to talk. His sermon is very long winded.” She shared with a yawn.

“Yeah, he likes his own voice, doesn’t he?” I chuckled as Abigail shook her head, frowning, and left the room.

“Also, he mentioned being able to find witches with your help.” She shared. A look of concern crossing her beautiful face.

“Does that worry you?”

“N… no, not at all.” She lied. Why would the relic be a threat to her, she was human, so she should be safe from it? Then I remembered what happened the other day and asked, "Was that you the other day?"

She shrugged, refusing to look at me, probably thinking I was a witch hunter as well.

“It’s a relic that only shows witches, if you are a witch, stay as far away from him as possible and keep your head down. I don't want you caught by him.” I warned.
“Thanks, I will do my best.” She smiled, not meeting my gaze.

It angered me that she was keeping things from me, but it was no use trying to force it from her. She needed to learn that she could trust me and if I forced her, she would close herself off from me.

“How was your day? Are you feeling any better?” she asked, changing the subject as she sat beside me.

“I am healing, although slower than I would’ve hoped.” Thanks to a meddlesome witch. I thought to myself. Abigail still hadn’t reversed what she had done to me. I reached out and grabbed her hand, “I feel a million times better when you’re here, you help distract me from the pain.”

She smiled and let me hold her hand, “At least I’m good for something, I don’t think I am cut out to be a healer.”

“Maybe you are meant for more.”

“Like what? Not sure if you noticed, but there aren’t a lot of options here, this time is really sexist and has strict gender roles.”

“You say that like someone who knows different."

She shrugged, “It’s an observation.”

Again, she is deflecting, why not just be honest with me? “You don’t trust me.”

She looked at me insulted, “I barely know you; trust is earned, not given.” She moved her hand away from me. “And I could say the same for you. You are hiding stuff from me, everyone is.”

“Look, I’m sorry, I’ll tell you everything when I can.”

“You are as bad a Sin.” She said, exasperated.

“No, I am not.” I spat furiously.

“Oh, really? How are you different?”

“For one.” I sat up and snatched her wrist pulling her to me setting her in my lap, “I take what I want” she was speechless when I leaned in and kissed her, at first, she tried to pull away but then stopped, inviting me in as I wrapped my arms around her waist to prevent her from leaving.

She broke the kiss and whispered in a deadly tone, “You promised you wouldn’t do that again without consent.”

Anger radiated from her as things moved on the shelves and the house shook. Her eyes had shifted to black in her anger.

“I am not a toy or a pawn to use at your discretion. I am a person with feelings.”

“I… I’m sorry.” I apologized as realization struck, she wasn’t human like I thought I just confirmed it. She is a witch, damnit, what have I done? I gave the pastor the very thing to sign her death warrant.

Abigail ran into the room, “What’s going on?”

She looked at Amaya, then at me. “What did you do?”

"Amaya, snap out of it." She yelled as she grabbed Amaya by the shoulders, trying to get her to focus on her.

“Ab..i.gail.” The room immediately stopped shaking and everything went silent. “I am so sorry. I didn’t mean to.” She looked at me, then to Abigail, tears falling down her face, before rushing out of the room.

Abigail turned to glare at me, “As soon as you are healed, you are out of here!” she snapped and left the room, following Amaya.

What the hell just happened? I have never seen witches use magic like that. How had I not noticed her power? Does that mean she could survive in hell?

“Well, that was something.” Hellebore declared as she walked from the shadows.

“What are you doing here?” I bit out angrily, not wanting to deal with her shit.

“Coming to check on my ailing boy,” she smiled, “and I see you locking lips with a young witching. How cute, she didn’t like your affections, did she?”

“Shut up.”

“Just saying Sin is probably brain washing her against you.”

“Like he would say anything to you. Amaya has a mind of her own, and she is destined to be with me.”

“If you say so. I came to let you know our plan will be in effect soon. Don’t disappoint me or let your feelings get in the way.”

“I’m aware.”

“Good, I will check in on you soon. Try not to assault the poor girl again. It is not the way to win a woman’s affections.” She scolded me as her flames enveloped her.