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Chapter 49: The Grim Reaper

The second I recognized Griffin, my body relaxed. I didn't how to tense I was until then. There was an unfamiliar look in his eyes. I had seen him angry before, but the anger was somehow darker. There was something more sinister lurking in the gray.

He blinked a few times, seemingly coming back to reality. He was beside my side before I could blink. I found myself melting into him as he cradled me. The warmth was comforting and familiar. I missed the familiarity more than I knew. I felt him peck the top of my head before we appeared in his room. The softness of the mattress under me was a welcome change.

"I'm so sorry," Griffin's voice was weak, shaky. "Fuck, I'm sorry."

My eyes met his watery ones. The darkness was replaced with remorse. He thought this was his fault. The second I was gone, he probably began blaming himself. It was a force of habit for him. Besides that, it was easier to blame yourself for things than anything.

"Stop that. Stop blaming yourself," I frowned. "You didn't kidnap me. You didn't throw me around like a ragdoll. You aren't responsible."

He shook his head, "He's my uncle. I should've known-"

"Griff-"

"No," He looked down shamefully. "It's my responsibility to look after you. Not only as a Reaper or your boyfriend. As your friend. I could've stayed with you that night. None of this would've happened if I had."

I pulled him into the best hug I could manage. I felt incredibly weak, but I ignored that for the time being. Immediately, his shoulders began to shake, his body following along. I wanted to join him. I could definitely go for a sob party, but he needed me. I let him cry it out on my shoulder, rubbing his back comfortingly.

This was a theme with us. He was strong when I was weak and vice versa. We were alike in this way. We both carried the need to act strongly until it's not possible anymore. He had been strong for too long this time. It was my turn. I didn't plan on letting him down either. Never again.

Eventually, Griffin cried it all out and I made my way to the bath. Of course, not without the help of Griffin. I insisted I could do it alone, but he wasn't having it. I was entirely too tired to protest any longer and let him help. However, that exhaustion as quickly replaced with embarrassment. When he offered to help, I didn't know he meant he'd be helping me out of my clothes and into the tub.

Once I was settled under the bubbles, he disappeared. I was left alone with my thoughts once again. This time, I could relax and allow myself to reflect. My mind drifted back to that cell. The look in Griffin's eyes was chilling. The gray had never seemed so colorful. The colors weren't bright and welcoming like they usually were.

They were vivid.

Something happened before he got to me. Something that couldn't have been pretty. He didn't seem alarmed or in a hurry when he showed up. More than anything, he seemed distracted by his thoughts. He also didn't have a hard time getting down the hallway because it was nearly silent. Whatever happened, Zeke didn't receive the present he was expecting.

"Mackenzie?"

My eyes fluttered open to reveal Griffin standing there with a pile of clothes and a towel in his arms. This time, he allowed me to work on my own. It was a relief because Griffin seeing me naked was already enough for one day. I slipped into the large hoodie and shorts and went to find Griffin.

I hobbled into the kitchen to find him preparing something. He was leaning over the stove, staring into a pot. I leaned against the door frame, watching him. It was an interesting sight to see. What was even more intriguing was that he didn't notice me. Griffin wasn't easy to sneak up on because he was always on high alert.

"Griff?" My voice was soft.

He spun around, startled, "Mackenzie? You shouldn't be standing! Here, let me-"

I waved him away, "I'm fine. Besides, watching you cook is more entertaining than TV. It's like something from Ratatouille."

"Are you calling me a rat?"

"Well, no, not necessarily-" I stopped. "Wait. You got that reference?!"

He shrugged, "Maybe."

I gasped dramatically, "Are you sure you're my boyfriend?"

"I could prove it, but your rib is broken, and I prefer not to cause any more damage," My cheeks warmed at his comment. "Besides, I have to finish cooking, so I can take you home."

I frowned, though he couldn't see because his back was turned, "I can't stay here?"

He was silent for a moment before speaking again, "I wish you could, but there are a few things I have to handle regarding Zeke and the council. After that, you can spend as much time as you want with me."

As curious as I was about what he meant exactly, I knew it was best to leave it there. It seemed to be a lot for him already. I'd know when it was time. I simply limped into the living room and switched on the tv. When I found a soap opera to get into, I got comfortable on the couch, trying not to think about how hungry I was.

It didn't take long for Griffin to walk in with a bowl for me. He introduced it as chicken carbonara and told me to dig in. Without a second to waste, I took the first bite. I was tempted to make a joke about not dying immediately, but my stomach protested, forcing me to gobble down the rest.

I was well beyond stuffed by the time I finished.

Instead of taking me home immediately like I thought he would, Griffin joined me in watching tv. I slowly drifted off on his shoulder, finally getting some real rest. For the first time since I got kidnapped, I was completely relaxed and happy.

-*-

The next day, he took me home and went off to deal with his business. The second I stepped through the door, I heard Mufasa barking. He saw me and came running full speed. It took a great deal of effort not to let him tackle me.

Tanner was the first to investigate the noise. He let out a gasp when he saw it was me. Without any warning, he launched himself into me, pulling me into a cautious hug. I could tell by how badly he was shaking that he had assumed the worst by now.

"You've got to stop scaring me. I still have an entire senior year to get through," He joked, but his voice was shaky.

I pulled back, "It wouldn't be a proper senior year without a few heart attacks. Now, where are my parents?"

As if on cue, the front door opened, and Dad stepped in. It took him a moment to realize his previously missing daughter was standing there. A tear fell down his cheek before he squeezed me into a hug. He was crying by the time he pulled away. He kissed my forehead and pulled me in again. It warmed my heart to see him so happy. Not only that, it was nice to see him again.

"What happened, Kenz?" Tanner's voice sounded off behind us.

Dad tensed up, pulling away from me completely, "Tanner, I need to speak with your sister for a moment."

Tanner frowned, but moved to leave, "Should I tell mom?"

Dad shook his head and said he'd do it himself, then watching as Tanner left. Once he was gone, Dad ran a hand down his face. Sparing me one last glance, he sighed and took a seat on the couch. Naturally, I followed, sitting next to him. He turned to me, eyes swimming with intensity.

"When was it?"

I furrowed my eyebrows, "Huh?"

"Griffin gave you a date. When was it?"

I went rigid, "How'd you-"

"Mackenzie, I almost died when your mom was pregnant with you. I was given a Reaper and a time. They said I had hours left. For some unknown reason, I survived. Ever since I've kept a strong relationship with the Reapers of the council. In fact, Gram Ryder is one of my best friends."

I froze completely.

I've heard so much about you.

The pieces were starting to fall into place. Gram Ryder trusted me not to hurt his son. He knew who I was before I even met his son. Us getting together must've been something he secretly hoped for. That explained why he was immediately fond of me. It also explained why he didn't completely lose it when we started dating.

Dad must've known about Griffin then. Griffin was already over a year when I was born. That explained why he didn't avoid Griffin like he did with Micah. He even went out of his way not to hang around Andrew too long. With Griffin, he could have a full conversation without an awkward silence.

"October 26th," I finally admitted. "I was supposed to die October 26th."

He raised an eyebrow, "The day Griffin was hit with a car?"

I nodded meekly.

"And nothing happened afterward? No more attempts on your life?"

I shook my head, to which he responded with a sigh. I frowned, "Andrew said it should've happened immediately."

"Mackenzie, honey, I don't how else to say this, but you should be dead," The stress was clear on his face. "I figured Griffin was like Andrew for you. I didn't figure it out until recently. The thing is, he should have to protect you twenty-four hours a day in order to keep you from death. He hasn't had to do that-"

"Andrew said it was a setup-"

Dad shot out of his seat. His face paled when he turned back to me, "Call Griffin, now."

"But why-"

"Mackenzie, call Griffin now," He pulled out his own phone and dialed a number. "Where's Zeke? You need to find him."

As I called Griffin, I listened closely to Dad's conversation. Even as he walked away, I strained my ears to hear what he was saying. It was especially hard since he was speaking so fast. It was almost like he was speaking a different language.

When Griffin picked up, I told him to come over immediately. Instead of answering any questions as to why I ended the call. It wasn't like I had an answer anyway. Besides that, I was slowly starting to become anxious again. I had no idea why my dad was so freaked out, but it was chilling.

He walked back in the living room, seemingly at the end of his call, "-all you when he knows."

He cut the call and turned to me, attempting a smile, "You sure know how to pick 'em, huh?"

I opened my mouth to ask what he meant, but a knock on the door interrupted me. Dad answered it, returning with Griffin. He shot me a confused look, but I simply shrugged in response. He took a seat next to me, meeting my dad's heavy gaze.

Griffin looked a bit less disheveled since I last saw him about an hour ago. I knew it wouldn't last long, so I admired the view while I could. The look on my dad's face said I didn't have much time to do so. I took note of the color that had returned to his face. He looked a lot more alive than he did yesterday. It was a relief.

I turned my full attention back to Dad, wondering what he'd say next. Usually, I had a general idea of what he planned on saying. However, this was an entirely new side I didn't know. He was unpredictable and slightly terrifying. My dad had never looked so wild.

"Griffin Ryder," His voice was grim. "I heard you and your uncle had somewhat of a fallout. Am I correct?"

Griffin's jaw locked, "He took Mackenzie. I asked him to return her, but he refused, so I had to-"

"I don't doubt your reasons for a second. Zeke's always been a dick," The usual playfulness returned for a second before he became serious again. "Did you... lose control while fighting?"

Griffin was silent for a long moment before answering, "Yes, sir."

"I'm not going to beat around the bush any longer. Have you ever heard the story of the Grim Reaper, Griffin?"

I snorted, "Dad, he's-"

Dad shot me a look that shut me up instantly.

Maybe we should sit this one out.

Agreed.

Griffin seemed just as taken aback as I was. Although, it was probably for different reasons. Neither of us knew my father knew so much until today. The fact that he wasted no time in identifying him -quite calmly, might I add- probably took him by surprise.

"The one about the almighty and powerful Reaper? Everyone's heard that story. What are you getting at?"

"It's less of a story and more of a legend. A few existed before, but they became rarer over time because that much power was dangerous to keep in one person," He took a deep breath. "Your parents and I noticed just how much power you were harvesting. No one developed just as quickly as you. Before Grace passed, she left behind a few books and notebooks-"

Griffin's entire body tensed next to me.

"-and, well there's no easy way to say this, but we think you're the next Reaper. Let me ask you: have your powers ever felt... dark? Overpowering?"

He nodded silently. I found myself nodding along, starting to connect the dots. The look in his eyes that wasn't him. The voice that invaded my mind. The advanced powers, like the ability to erase minds. Even the dream I had all that time ago that still haunted me. It wasn't Griffin himself. It was a separate being living inside of him.

Griffin must've connected the dots too because he was on his feet and pacing. Dad stood patiently, allowing the information to sink in. He stood waiting for ten minutes. They both remained perfectly silent. In order not to interfere, I keep quiet as well.

"You're sure?" Was the first thing Griffin said.

"None of us can be except you, but I believe it's you,"Dad's voice remained even.

Griffin ran a hand through his hair before laughing dryly, "That explains a lot. There's been this darkness inside me that I haven't been able to explain. It's always been there. I just assumed it was a side effect of my mother's death. Mr. Oliver, what happens now? What does it mean?"

"Zeke knew this before all of us. That's why he was so hellbent on getting you. He didn't understand its power, but he must've thought he could harness it. The power isn't something that can be given away. Once it finds its home, it can't be ripped away. It'll kill everything around it before that happens. The power you have easily passes everyone around you. Whether or not that's a good thing is left to you. Being the Grim Reaper makes it harder to find balance, not impossible," Dad paused, giving Griffin a meaningful look. "Griffin, what happens next is completely up to you. I'm here to give you any information you may need. That was my promise to Grace and I intend to keep it."

Griffin sighed deeply before turning to me. I knew by the look in his eyes that he wanted me to follow him, so I stood up. Without another word, he stepped out. I turned to Dad, pleading with my eyes. He nodded, allowing me to go. That was all it took to send me hurrying after Griffin.

We walked side by side in silence for a while. A lot was on his mind, which I respected. He needed space. I was happy he let me tag along. Somewhere down the line, his hand found mine. It was warm, but there was a new rough edge to it. I glanced down to see a few scratches on his hand. I wanted to say something but decided to wait.

Eventually, he found an empty bench. I took my seat next to him, leaning on his shoulder. His head rested atop of mine. I was enjoying the silence. I didn't need to have a conversation to enjoy being with Griffin. Simply sitting like this was more than enough.

"Mackenzie, I was invited to join the council," His voice was soft, unsure. "I don't know what to do."

I mulled over this for a moment. Griffin made the council seem like the worst thing in creation. However, his dad was a part of it and the fact that he wasn't sure what to do told me otherwise. They had to know about us by now, which meant they accepted it. That itself made the decision harder. This wasn't something he could decide overnight. It wasn't that simple.

"Griffin, whatever you do, do it because you want to. If you genuinely want to be on the council, say yes. If it's something you know you'll regret down the line, say no. I say think about it a while. You've just been hit with some pretty heavy stuff. You need some time to get your head straight."

He lifted his head to face me, "What would you do?"

"Honestly? I would think if what my grandma would think. She knew me best. If she would be proud of me, I'd go for it because that's what made me happy. Making her proud," I paused. "Then again, that doesn't make your decision any easier, does it? Your mom was probably prouder of you than you could know."

He leaned in and pecked my head. A smile began creeping up on his lips, "Actually, you made it a bit easier."

I raised an eyebrow, "Really?"

He stood up, pulling me into a hug. He gave me one last departing kiss before taking a step back.

"By the way," Griffin's eyes met mine. "She'd be proud that I have you."

//

Okay, to sum it up: the Grim Reaper is different than regular Reapers. He has more power and is stronger. Since Reapers aren't born, the power's just something that latches onto Reapers while they're being created. Also, did you guys notice Griffin's name shares the same initials as "Grim Reaper"? His parents' names are the same (Gram Ryder and Grace Raven/Ryder). Was that planned? YOU BETCHA.

One. More. Chapter. Are you losing it? I am. Also, can we talk about Benjamin Oliver for a second? Who would've guessed he'd be the expert? Anywho, thank you so much for reading (49 chapters! Give yourselves a hand). I hope you enjoyed it! I love you all so much!

Tatty bye <3

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