Chapter 17: Blindsided

Lily hurried back to the house as quickly as she could. Initially she wanted Finn to accompany her back to her house but when she felt the way he gripped her, she didn't want him too. She was frightened. It was almost like when those half demons attacked her. Lily picked up the pace and wafted those bad memories away. "No. Even if Finn is a nonhuman, how could I possibly hate him for it? He thinks I'm completely human and I'm half demon. I can't judge him for what he is." Lily continued thinking while her legs were almost in a sprint. It was dark out, a little before midnight. There was no one on the streets. She passed under dimly lit street lamps until she saw that large old gate come into view. As she approached the gate she saw Gerald walking outside and latching it shut behind him. "Gerry!" Lily called. "Where are you headed at this hour?" At this point Lily was out of breathe. She felt like she had just won a marathon. Seeing Gerald in view gave her comfort too that she truly made it back home safely. "I have some urgent personal matters that I must attend too." Gerald said plainly. He unlatched the gate and beckoned Lily in with a small smile. Lily walked into the gate and heard it latch behind her. She turned to wish him farewell but he was already gone. "Weird..." she thought

Lily walked into the door and it felt amazing. Lily was hot natured but she loves to be hot. All those years living in the cold, she hated it. Sure she loved the feel of bear or wolf skins in winter but it was for their warmth. "I wonder if that has something to do with the demon blood in me?" She pondered. Lily quickly took off her boots and fur and headed into the study. "Arlo?" She called softly. Nothing. She turned around and headed into the dining room. "Arlo?!" She spoke more loudly. "In the kitchen!" Arlo responded. She headed into the kitchen and saw Arlo cooking a feast. Braised duck with orange sauce. Spicy rice and leeks. Even rolls, big ones! "What's all this?" Lily asked. "I wanted to do something special for you. I think you forgot but your sixteenth birthday is tomorrow." Lily's head was spinning. So many smells and sounds and feelings. "I completely forgot! I have been so preoccupied with bad things happening to me, it slipped my mind." Lily whispered "Well forget your worries, because we are going to have a great night together." Arlo smiled that smile that made Lily's heart jump. "Please have a seat at the dining table, everything is almost done." Arlo enthused. Lily nodded and sat down at the dining table. "I feel so hot." Lily picked up her plate and wafted cooler air to her flushed face. Am I feeling this way because of Arlo? Or maybe I am getting sick?

Arlo entered the room and brought everything to the table for Lily to see. She had this craving for meat that felt almost insatiable. Her mouth watered as she watched Arlo make her a plate and bring it over to her. He sat down across from her with a glass of red wine. "Please eat." His voice was so soft and silky. It made butterflies build in her stomach and wash downwards. Lily tightened her legs together. "Why do I have this overwhelming feeling for him?" Lily watched the candle light dance on Arlo's long thick hair. "The more I look at him. The more I hear his sweet voice. I want to consume. I want to consume.I want to have everything I desire!" Lily picked up her fork and ate the food quickly. "Arlo was ready for a second plate full of only duck this time. "Here my love.... I know you desire this the most." Lily took the plate and paused for a minute before sucking down the food. Arlo watched as her breathes became more rapid and her smell filled his nostrils and made even his heart pound faster. "Arlo... you know what's happening to me.... don't you??" Lily gasped for air. Arlo brought the glass of red wine to his lips and took another swallow. It was slow motion for Lily. She watched the liquid being forced down his throat into his stomach. Arlo smiled at her. "Don't be afraid. Someone of my power had to be with you tonight on your sixteenth birthday. Tonight your demon blood awakens for the first time." Arlo answered