just a reminder on Jeff's character (someone PMed/E-mailed me about him asking if he was going to be a "bad guy", sorry I can't remember who it was) he's not evil or even really the bad guy in the fic he's just protective of his baby girl. So he can come off as mean but he's really not evil I promise; he will have a slightly bigger role in the Interlude and sequel and will be changing somewhat.

Chapter 12

Without hesitation Jeff flings out his hand and a gust of wind flies toward Cole, he (Jeff) doesn't seem to notice anyone else in the room but Cole. Liz's demon lover instinctually throws out an energy ball at the gust causing it to dissipate. "Daddy, stop it!" Liz yells but her father ignores her sending another gust of wind straight toward them.

Jeff was so upset that he didn't even consider Liz's safety while she's at Cole's side. Fortunately for her Cole was away of Liz next to him and he knew he wouldn't have enough time to throw another energy ball so he did the only thing he could do. Quickly he turns his back and faces Liz, the second his eyes connect with hers the gust crashed into his back sending both him and Liz flying across the room.

Shouts were heard from her three friends standing off to the side, they moved to help her and Cole up but she raises her hand stopping them. This was between Jeff and her and Cole, Liz refused to be responsible for another friend's death. Logically she knew she wasn't to blame, not really but she set Alex's death in motion by listening to Future Max. She doesn't regret where she has taken her journey though, that wasn't it at all, it was that Alex had to die for her to take this path.

Above her Cole growls, his back in mild pain, his mate below him quivering with fear at the anger her father displayed. Jeff Parker was going to pay for putting that fear in her beautiful coffee eyes. Before everyone's eyes Cole transformed to his demon counterpart his pressed suit gone in it's place were black pants and a black shirt, his handsome face and slicked back hair became pure black with bright red streaks and his teeth elongated into sharp points.

Liz stares up at her demon…and he is her demon, her lover, her mate, and equal…he was completely different but no less desirable. His once suit covered arms were now bare, even before his transformation he had muscles but now they were larger and more pronounced. She knew she should be frightened of this change, but she couldn't be, Cole/Balthazar would never hurt her or their baby, there wasn't a doubt in her mind.

Lifting her hand she gently and slowly at her own pace, as if her father wasn't on the other side of the room fuming over the recent developments, caresses his face. His skin was rough almost like a callus however it was smooth to the touch and so warm, much warmer than his human form. Balthazar stares down at his tiny goddess, not a shred of fear or nervousness crossed her face, his demon side didn't repel her like it had Phoebe. Liz truly was different in all the good ways.

Balthazar pushes himself up and off of Liz needing to put his mind back to the matter at hand, turns and snarls at Jeff ready for a fight. In a blaze of fire an athame appears in Cole's hand his demon taking over; his human side was trying to fight the urge to kill his mate's father but the demon side shouted to exterminate the threat to his family. His fists clench, his muscles bulge preparing to fight. "Let's do this Peikasha." The words barely understandable through his grumble.

Liz watches as her father smirks at Balthazar, this wasn't going to be pretty, she couldn't let them fight; at best they'd severely injure each other and worst they'd kill each other, neither man/demon would give up easily. Neither would yield to the other, she crawls to her knees and rises from the floor, she couldn't let them do this.

"It will be a pleasure to get rid of you Balthazar. I knew you had taken advantage of my darling girl, all you want is to take her throne, well you won't get it. I'll kill you before I let that happen." Electricity flows through his veins coming out of his fingertips at the flick of his wrists.

"Daddy NO!" Liz yells and tries to get to Balthazar but Michael holds her back, the overwhelming need to protect his friend from the unknown strong within him. "Michael let me go, I can't let Daddy hurt him." Even though he was trying to hurt Cole he was still her daddy.

"You could get yourself killed in the process, stay back where you won't be hurt." He argues with her trying to reason with her. Michael shifts his gaze from Liz to the major knockout drag down fight happening in front of them.

Balthazar dodges the electricity and it hits a booth causing padding to fly around the area, he rolls on the floor, lifts his hand and tosses an energy ball. "If Dad kills Cole that will hurt me." She stares back at Michael, Maria and Kyle are enraptured by what is transpiring.

The energy ball Balthazar threw barely grazed Jeff's arm as he moved out of the way, it fried a small area on his shirt but didn't touch his skin. Michael despite his better judgement lets Liz go she wouldn't stop struggling against his grip he might end up hurting her by accident.

Liz rushes toward Cole and wraps her arms around his shoulders, ceasing any further movement. Jeff however doesn't stop he sends another gust toward the couple, his powers while not extensive packed a powerful punch; Liz raises her eyes toward the commanding wind. Her eyes blacken and flames rise with fury deep in the darkness of her changed gaze.

The force that was headed towards her and Balthazar was turned back around on Jeff and he flew back and through the swinging door landing in the back room. Cole could hardly believe that Liz a demon with hardly any experience with powers and magic was in full control of those abilities when she came up against her father.

It was then and only then did Jeff finally realize that there were other people in the room besides him and Balthazar. Slowly her father stands up and glares at both her and Balthazar. "Liz what are you doing with this low-level scum. I thought you were smarter than to get involved with someone like him."

Balthazar returns to his human form, his suit crisp and perfect, hair slicked back just the way he liked it, and glaring at her father. "Low-level scum, who's calling who low-level?"

"Watch yourself Balthazar," Jeff growls at the half-breed, "Elizabeth why would you lower your standards for this half-human?" He shakes his head. "I'll tell you why, it's all your mother's fault, before she met me she was a good witch that had a soft heart. You must have inherited that from her side of the family." He mumbles to himself.

"Dad," Liz stands up and faces her father head on. "Shut up."

Jeff stares at his daughter in shock, never in her eighteen years has she spoken to him in such a manner. "Elizabeth Parker how dare you speak to me that way. You see what he's doing to you, never would you have said that if you hadn't had met him."

Liz shakes her head and stares up at the ceiling. "This isn't Cole talking Dad, this is me. Cole is not low-level, even if he was I wouldn't care because I love him Daddy." Sniffling she puts her hand out to Cole needing his support and security. "And I'm not going to stand here and let you insult him."

Clenching his jaw Jeff watches with disgust and disappointment when Balthazar rises to his feet and takes Liz's hand holding it tight. Would he (Jeff) let Liz choose Cole, if he showed his support then maybe he could convince Liz one day that Cole was wrong, or she could come to that conclusion all on her own. Another option would be to argue with Liz till his face turned blue and still not get anywhere. His daughter's determined expression made the choice for him.

"Fine, you don't have my blessing, and I'm not going to go out of my way to make Cole feel welcome," Liz is about to speak but Jeff continues before she can, "however, as long as you want to be with him I will be civil to him."

That was as good as Liz was going to get, at least at this point, and she knew that. A small smile breaks out on her face. "Thank you Daddy." She lets go of Cole's hand and gives her father a tight hug. "I love you too Daddy."

"Well, good because I love you too sweetheart." He glares at Balthazar over Liz's shoulder as he hugs her. This was going to be a very interesting time with Balthazar being in his life now, it wasn't going to be easy or enjoyable for either, but both would make an effort for Liz's sake.

TBC