“I’m going to kill you, Mariah. Run,” he snarled, struggling not to approach her.
“Benedict, fight,” Mariah urged as she cowered near the door.
Benedict was fighting against his nature and was losing.
“Mariah, I am a mere second from ripping your throat out. Flee now. Before it’s too late,” Benedict warned even as he took a step towards her.
“Go on, chase her, tear her heart out. Feast on her boy, become mine!” a voice urged.
“Go to hell!” Benedict cried, stepping away.
Mariah’s eyes filled with tears.
“I’ll be back with help. Lucian will come!” Mariah said.
Her words were enough to shock Benedict from his bloodlust.
“Lucian is dead, Mariah,” Benedict responded, confused.
“No, he’s alive. He’s with my friend Maggie at the Jekyll and Hyde. Maggie said they beat his evil, and he returned to life as a reward. I’ll fetch him, Benedict, and he’ll help!” Mariah cried and cringed as Benedict’s eyes turned bloodshot. His hands reached for her, turning into claws, and his lips peeled back and bared his teeth.
“You knew my brother was alive and hid it from me?” Benedict roared and lunged for Mariah. Mariah screamed and leapt out the door, and Benedict hit the barrier that kept him prisoner alongside his nemesis. Mariah landed on all fours and stared over her shoulder at the raging man, flinging himself against the invisible restraint.
Benedict was lost in bloodlust, and Mariah knew she couldn’t bring him back. That vile creature, Klaus Anderson, had triggered him tonight, and Benedict was lost. Mariah pulled out her phone as she bit back a sob and dialled a number. Tears ran down her face as she waited for it to connect.
“Mariah?” Maggie asked sleepily.
“I need you and Lucian. I’ve failed Benedict. He threatened to kill me,” Mariah cried as she wiped her cheeks.
“Are you harmed?” Lucian demanded down the phone.
“No, I got out in time, but Benedict’s lost control. I don’t know what to do,” Mariah whispered.
“Get in your car and drive to us, Mariah; I’ll make you a room up and run a bath. Come straight here. Do you have your keys, honey?” Maggie asked.
“Yes, Benedict insisted I keep them on me,” Mariah replied.
“Then come here, now, Mariah. I’ll kick my brother’s ghostly arse when I see him,” Lucian said firmly.
“Okay,” Mariah whispered. She hung up the call and watched as Benedict threw himself over and over at the barrier, trying to break free.
The only problem was, Mariah thought as she hauled herself upright. Benedict wasn’t a damn ghost!
Epilogue.
“You lied, brother,” Metatron said as he appeared in Lucifer’s home in heaven.
“About what, Metatron?” Lucifer asked, relaxing back in a chair.
Michael had kindly offered to monitor old horny, so Lucifer had two days to himself. Lucifer didn’t intend to spend the time arguing with his siblings.
“Luc, you told Lucian you gave him life. Brother, you did not inform him that life had a short-term lease,” Haniel accused.
“So I am the bad guy? What if I tell you, like Barachiel, I can view the future and understand that there are events to play out? I gave Lucian enough time to ensure he does what is needed,” Lucifer replied.
“Lucifer, you gifted Lucian temporary life!” Metatron thundered. Lucifer rose to his feet.
“Do you to judge me, Metatron? There are schemes and plans beyond your comprehension. Gabriel, Barachiel, Michael, and Raphael dealt with ghosts. We are dealing with something different. Perhaps I see more because of my connection to hell and the devil, and I know what plots the old horny has for God’s Scourge.