From Satan with Love (bxb)

Chapter 29 The Buggy Man

"You don't believe me," Leon said dejectedly. He had explained what happened several minutes ago to Jaden West, but the skeptical look on the senior exorcist's face suggested that he wasn't entirely convinced.

Father West didn't exactly hear Leon's shouting for help, but he had a strong hunch that something was happening downstairs, and that was why he went to check on Angel. He didn't expect to find Leon and Angel in bed and in such a...questionable position.

Jaden sat contemplatively on the couch in the living room. They were alone, but he knew Angel was likely hiding in the hallway, eavesdropping on their conversation.

"I trust you didn't mean to do anything inappropriate. I haven't known you for long, but I'm a good judge of character. We kind of have to because of the nature of this job." Jaden said sincerely, "And I know you are an excellent exorcist and a man of faith and fortitude. You are not the kind of person who will break your vow easily, unless you don't have a choice."

"I didn't break my vow!"

"I know. But just consider this, have you needed to deal with accusations like this before you met Angel Lockwood?"

Leon didn't answer.

Angel, who was just as Jaden West thought, hiding in the hallway and eavesdropping, ground his teeth. He knew it. He knew this Jaden West was no good news before seeing him.

"It's not Angel's fault." Leon said quietly, "He has helped me a lot."

"I'm sure he wants the best for you because he is obviously in love with you. And you are not trying to discourage him," Father West said incisively, "Are you enjoying his affection?"

Leon instinctually wanted to disavow it, but then another voice in his head asked, wasn't he enjoying it? Didn't Angel's adoring gaze and bright smile recur in his dreams? Didn't his heart overflow with joy whenever he saw Angel's text message notification? Didn't he stare at Angel's lovely face whenever he knew no one was looking? He enjoyed much more than just Angel's affection. He enjoyed Angel's entire presence, so much that he was willing to ignore all sorts of unusual signs and coincidences.

However, Leon knew better than to admit it to someone other than his mentor. Albeit Jaden West was trying to have a heart-to-heart talk with him, he was not so naive as to believe that the senior exorcist wouldn't reveal his secrets to the Bureau.

"You know how demons alienate people by creating deceiving situations. We are two high-profile exorcists. Don't you think this distrust is exactly what the demon wanted?" Leon argued calmly. The anxiety of being misunderstood slightly subsided.

Jaden studied Leon's countenance for a long moment before relenting, "You have a point. There is definitely something unclean in this house. I should have trusted you more."

"I understand your concern, and I promise I will consider your suggestions," Leon said genuinely, "And I won't try to stop you from reporting what you saw. I know I was just trying to protect my friend, and I am not ashamed."

Jaden looked at him as if he was somewhat impressed by how quickly Leon regained his footing in the awkward situation.

Suddenly, a scream rived the quietude of the night. It was the girls! Leon and Jaden rushed up the stairs and found Linda and Scott trying to open Zoe's room, yet no matter how hard they tried to push, and Scott even tried to slam into the door, it wouldn't budge. The girls were screaming inside, banging on the door, begging their grandparents to open it.

Insects like cockroaches, spiders, worms and centipedes poured out from the door bottom,

Leon stepped forward and took over the situation. He put his hand and the cross on the door and shouted to the girls, "Step back! Steer clear from the door!" He waited a few seconds for the girls to move away before stepping back and doing a powerful sidekick. The door flew open, half falling apart under his strength and speed. Countless pests scuttered away like black water, and the scared girls stood on the bed, still desperately trying to brush all the spiders and cockroaches off their pyjamas. They rushed into their grandparent's arms, crying uncontrollably yet seemingly unharmed.