Cain releases an exasperated huff. “I get that, but—”
“I’ll do it,” Adriel announces, her chin raised.
“What?” The shock on Legion’s face, the flash of bewilderment…it hurts.
“I’ll do it,” Adriel repeats. “If it means ensuring the safety of everyone here, I’ll do it.”
“I can’t let you do that.” Legion shakes his head. “They’ll never go for it. Besides, there’s no way we’d make it out of there alive when we don’t even know who we’re up against.”
“So maybe we find out,” I suggest, rolling my eyes. The back and forth is exasperating as fuck, but I try to stow the underlying annoyance in my tone and be constructive. “What if we bring them to us? Scope out what we’re up against. At least after that, we can formulate a plan based on what we know.”
“You can’t be serious,” Crysis scoffs.
“Listen.” I turn to Irin, who looks amused by the whole conversation. “This is sacred ground, right? No blood can be shed here.”
“Not out of contempt, it can’t.” She smiles suggestively, and I don’t even want to know what that’s about.
“Which is why this is considered a haven for creatures of both good and evil, seeking a reprieve from inherent obligations. What if we invited them? What if Irin threw a party? They wouldn’t suspect we were behind it. No doubt, they’d show, if only to try to sniff us out.”
Legion crosses his arms over his chest, stretching that black tee almost beyond its limits. “And they’d know we were here the moment they stepped foot on the property. Then what?”
“Not necessarily,” Niko pipes up beside me. “The cloaking spell used on Eden…I think I know who helped Uriel wield it.” Dramatic pause. “My father.”
“Stavros?” I question, remembering the suave, dark-haired man whose crystal blue stare made me uneasy, and not in a good way. He was Lucifer’s bitch in Hell, but I could tell he was power hungry. He reeked of desperation.
“Yes,” Niko answers. “I could manipulate that magic, use it to veil you all. Because of our numbers, I’ll need some time to prepare, but I’m sure I can pull it off.”
Legion pinches the space between his brows, contemplating the plan, yet he doesn’t speak.
“This could work,” Toyol co-signs, nodding his head. I can see the wheels already turning for the Se7en’s resident tech guru. “I may even be able to get a tracking device on one of them, which would hopefully lead us right to where ever they’re posting up.” He looks to Irin. “Surveillance?”
The ancient beauty gives him a sly grin. “I have my own. I guess a bit more wouldn’t hurt. And when are we hoping to throw this little soiree?”
It’s Phenex who replies. “The sooner, the better, with your permission, of course.”
“Permission granted. As long as it’s alright with your leader, that is.”
Legion still hasn’t authorized the plan, but I can tell he’s considering it. If he weren’t, it would have been a hard, definitive No. No further discussion required.
“And you’re sure you can do a spell to veil us all?” he asks Niko, his silver gaze shaded in skepticism.
“I am,” Niko nods. “It will only last for a few hours, but I can do it. I’ll need to prepare, but it’ll be fairly simple.”
“Whatever you need,” Legion states. “We appreciate your help.”
Niko shrugs. “Thank your brother. Besides, it’s been a while since I got to show off.” He turns to me and gives me a flirtatious wink. We both know Legion is tracking his every move. What game is he playing at?
“If that’s settled,” Legion grumbles. “Lilith and Andras, you’ll be point for all party arrangements. Toyol on tech. Phenex and Jinn will be my eyes and ears on the ground. Cain…I want you to sit this one out.”
“What the fuck for?” the scarred demon roars.
“Because I want you with Eden’s sister. Do not leave her side. She’s human—vulnerable and still recovering. If something happens, you need to be able to get her out of there.”
“I assure you,” Irin pipes up, “the precaution is not necessary.”
“That’s final.” Legion’s tone is the proverbial period on the edict.
Cain stiffly nods his obedience. I’m sure it’s hard for him to be benched, but he knows it’s for the best.
“In the meantime, I’d like you to work with Eden when she’s not training with Crysis.” That gets our attention, and both Cain and I frown at Legion. “You’re the best arms man I’ve got. She should know how to wield a weapon.”
“Would I even need to? Given my abilities?”
“The Seraph are the oldest, strongest immortals in history. They’re indestructible, their power immeasurable. You’re a newborn Nephilim—no more than a flea to them. You’ll need all the help you can get.”
I know he speaks the truth, but it still stings a bit, especially coming from him. I’ve always known I was weak in comparison to all the supernatural creatures in my life, but damn…a flea?
“Is that it?” Crysis questions, climbing to his feet before Legion answers.
“Yes. I’m sending my scouts out tonight. Hopefully, we’ll have more information in the morning.”
Crysis gives a stiff nod then strides out the room as if he can’t wait to get away from the rest of us. He seems extra prickly, especially in comparison to how he was earlier. I can’t help but wonder if it’s because of me.
“You eat?” Niko asks as we all rise to disperse. I look across the room to Legion. To my surprise, he meets my gaze and doesn’t look away.
“Um, not yet. Wanna meet for dinner? I have to do something real quick.”
Niko follows my line of vision and shoots me a naughty smile. “Something or someone you have to do real quick?”
I shake my head and chuckle before placing a soft peck on his cheek. “Give me five minutes.”
I know I should be furious with him, but I can’t help it. I need to hear him say it—I need to know if he still has feelings for Adriel. I know where her heart is, but what about his? And is he even capable of love now?
“Can I talk to you?” I ask quietly. The rest of the Se7en cease their chatter and look to their leader. So much for not feeling like a total outsider.
Legion steps to the side and nods. “Of course.”
“I just want to…” Shit. What do I want to talk about? There’s so much to say, but this is neither the time nor the place. Especially with Adriel standing just feet away, pretending to be engaged in a conversation with Irin. “I was hoping you…if you had time…that we could talk. Like, talk-talk. Things have…changed. And I just want to know exactly how much they’ve changed, ya know?” I sound like an insecure fool, but that’s exactly how I feel. I’m like a puppy at his feet, just hoping—praying—he’ll drop a scrap of food every now and then.
Legion is quiet for longer than I anticipate. Fuck. This was a mistake.
“This was a mistake,” I say aloud. I try to turn away to salvage what’s left of my wounded pride, but he grips my arm at the elbow. His skin is hot…hotter than I remember. He’s burning up.
“Don’t…” There’s an urgency in his tone that I haven’t heard in so long. I look up to see his silver eyes swirl with unnamed emotion. He still feels. I know he does. “Don’t go. Please. Yes, I want to talk. Can I come to you? Tonight?”
The way he says the words, it’s like he’s uncertain that I’d agree… I don’t understand it. Little does he know that I would say anything—do anything—just to have him back with me. Just to hold him close under the glow of moonlight and let the hum of his heartbeat lull me to sleep. I miss him, more than I’ve let myself admit. The revelations about my father, my birthright, and Legion’s own transformation have been a welcome distraction. But even those truths can’t soothe the constant ache in my chest.
“Yes. Tonight.” My voice is merely a hoarse whisper, but he hears me—he always does—and nods.
“Well, well. Someone’s g
ot a little pep in her step,” Niko comments as he sees me approach. He’s waiting outside the kitchen holding a tray of dome-covered dishes.”
“Shut up,” I retort, but I can’t help the broad smile on my face. Tonight. Legion is coming to me tonight. Not a half-assed Later like he promised Adriel.
“Everything good?”
“Yeah. I think so.”
He leads me down the hall, to his living quarters, which is in the opposite direction from mine. It’s decorated similarly to the one I’m in, although it’s more masculine with its darker colors and heavy, wood furniture. Even the giant four-poster bed screams sexuality and strength.
“Geez, Niko. If you wanted to get me alone in your room, you didn’t have to bribe me with food.” I flop down at the edge of the bed and kick off my shoes.
“Well, I figured I’d feed you first. Usually, when ladies spend the night with me, they pass out from overwhelming pleasure, not hunger.”
Niko sets down the tray, then with barely a flick of his hand, a bottle of red and two stemless glasses appear beside it.
“Damn. Sometimes I forget you can do the hocus pocus shit,” I jibe.
“Don’t let the good looks fool you, baby,” he winks, uncorking the bottle. After he pours us each a glass and strolls over to the bed to hand me mine, he says, “I have to admit…I did kinda lure you here under false pretenses.”
“Oh?”
“Yeah.” He takes a sip. I guess even warlocks need a little liquid courage every now and then. “The preparations I need to make for the veiling spell? I need to recharge…to replenish my magic so I’m at full strength in order to pull it off.”
“Ok…”
“I need to breathe someone.”
“And by breathe you mean…”
He releases a heavy sigh. “I need to siphon the essence from someone’s body. Not enough to kill them, but enough that a human would not survive it.”
I take a swig of wine. “Oh.”
“Yeah. And even if I did feel comfortable going to a demon or an angel, which I absolutely do not considering it could kill me, my only other option is Crysis. And you.”
“Oh.” I sound like a broken record. “Well, sure. Do me. Whatever you need. When?”
“Before I attempt the spell. So the day before the party.”
“Ok. Yeah, I’m down.”
Niko nods, and tacks on, “I just need you to understand what the process entails. It can be extremely sensual in nature. Magic is seductive to my kind, and the ritual usually leads to sex.” Before I can open my mouth to protest, he adds, “Of course, that won’t be the case with us. But I want you to know that there may be lingering, unavoidable effects for me. And for you.”
“So what are you saying? You’ll be aroused?” I swallow thickly.
“Most likely. And you may be too.”
“I see.”
“Look, if this is too uncomfortable for you then—”
“No,” I shake my head. “No, I’ll do it. You’re the closest friend I have in the house, and you’re doing this to help my mother. And you’re in this mess because of me. I’ll do it. It’ll be fine.”
A long beat of silence stretches between us as we preoccupy our hands with drinking wine, pretending not to be thinking of the breathing ritual that looms ahead.
When our glasses are dry, Niko turns to me, a devilish slash of a smile blessing his beautiful face. His crystal blue eyes shine with mischief. “So now that that’s out the way, shall I take off my clothes? Or would you like to do that?”
I playfully punch him in the arm and order him to refill my glass.
There’s something about Nikolai.
Either he’s lacing my wine with some warlock magic or being in his presence brings me a sense of peace so potent that I’m able to forget all the crazy for just a few moments. But the minute he’s gone, and I’m back in my room alone, all the anxiety comes rushing back in.
Legion said he’d come to me tonight. Yet after an hour…two hours…of waiting and still no word, I finally give up and slide my freshly showered, shaved, and oiled body between cold silk sheets. He had mentioned sending his scouts out (what scouts?) so I try to force my mind to understand. Still, my heart is more than a bit fractured at being stood up.
After training with Crysis, plotting and planning with the Se7en, and polishing off a bottle of wine with Niko, sleep comes easier than I expect. And soon, I’m tumbling into darkness towards a room the color of fresh blood. Fire burns all around me, yet I cannot feel their burn on my flesh. There is no smoke that fills my lungs, no soot that dusts my skin. I’m comfortable within these walls made of a thousand dazzling rubies. Comfortable and content. But everything around me is burning…dying. Yet I stand, unscathed, unbothered by the world that’s disintegrating into ash around me, for it was me who created it. It was me who birthed this inferno from my war-torn womb. And the man who stands before me, so beautiful in his cold brutality, is the king of my wicked ruin.
I walk into the fire towards him, and it cools at my feet. Tousled hair brushed with the barest kiss of sunlight; a tailored suit poured over a body that boasts of elegance and sex. He smiles slyly, but it doesn’t meet his eyes. The stars in those endless twin galaxies have been extinguished.
“Is this what you wanted?”
I look around us, watch as the rubies melt and drip into puddles of blood at our feet. “No. No of course not. This is what I wanted to avoid.”
Lucifer looks away, staring into the fire. When he turns to face me, his cheeks are streaked with bloody tears. “Then why did you leave me?”
I stumble back, confused. Horrified.
“He did this, Eden. Your beloved. This is what I tried to protect you from—all of you. And you unleashed him unto the Earth. Your world will not survive him a second time.”
I shake my head furiously. “No. No. I don’t believe you.”
“Look around you.” He waves a hand, leaving a trail of fire in its wake. “Your city is burning. Everyone you’ve ever known—ever cared for—is dying or dead.”
“He’s…he’s…”
“With her. I defied our Father to protect him. I created a scandal because I knew he would never leave her on his own. I fell for him. Don’t make the same mistake, Eden. There’s still time to save yourself.”
“What do you want me to do?”
He offers an outstretched hand. “Come with me. Say yes, and come with me.”
Timidly, agonizingly slowly, I reach for him. But just before the tips of our fingers meet, the flames rise, creating a wall of fire. And he’s gone.
I’m awake. And not alone.
Legion is sitting on the bed, his back to me. Startled, I sit up and pull the silk sheets up to my chin. I’m still wearing the deep purple satin nightgown I donned in anticipation of his visit. Now, I’m wishing it was a turtleneck.
“I didn’t mean to wake you.” His voice is hauntingly low, and he doesn’t turn around.
I frown. I waited and waited. It seems like all I’ve done is wait for him. And with that dream still pressing into the forefront of my muddled mind, my words are doused in annoyance. “Then why are you here?”
“Because I had to be close you. Even though I know it’s wrong and it’s selfish of me. I just needed to feel your presence.”
Dammit. That makes me go soft all over. My weakness for him is a curse that I can’t seem to break. “Why?”
He finally turns to face me, those glowing silver eyes slashing through the darkness. “To remind me of what I’m fighting for. To give me just a sliver of the peace I once felt with you in my arms.”
“You’ve barely looked at me. You’ve hardly even noticed I was alive.”
“I have. I just couldn’t let you see me. Not like this. Not as I am now. I didn’t want to scare you.”
“L…” He winces at the name on my tongue, so I start over. “Legion…I’ve always seen you for who and what you truly are. And it’s never frightened me.”
He shakes his head. “You don’t know what you’re saying. What I was…that was nothing. The beast you glimpsed during the Blood Oath was only a fraction of my darkness.”
I roll my eyes. The Se7en ritual he invited me to watch was terrifying, I’ll admit, but I knew it wouldn’t be a cakewalk. And I got over it. I accepted who and what he is and fell for him despite my fear. Why does he keep treating me like a child? I know what I want. And I want him—all of him.
“I’m not blind. I know you’ve changed. We both have.”
“So you understand.” He heaves out a heavy breath. “What I am now—and what you are now—you could never want something like me. Could never love…this.” He talks of himself like he’s an object. An animal.
“Why do you say that?”
“I am fire. I am rage. I am Death itself. I embody everything you should stay far, far away from. And I could never—would never—allow myself to corrupt your soul.”
“My soul was corrupted a long time ago,” I rasp.
Sitting up on my knees, I let the sheet fall to my waist, revealing my purple satin nightie. The semi-sheer bodice is decorated with silver threading that exaggerates the deep V that falls between my breasts. I watch as his gaze coasts from my pleading eyes to my throat and down below my neckline. He drags his teeth over his bottom lip, and I imagine him dragging those teeth over my nipples.
He only lets himself look for a moment before he’s turning away. And something within me deflates.
“I shouldn’t have come here. I should have let you be.”
He starts to push off the bed, but before he can stand, I lunge forward and grip his arm. “Don’t. Don’t go. Please?”
“Eden, I can’t…I can’t let you…”
“Just lay with me. That’s all I want. I…I miss you. Please, just stay.”
A thousand battles are fought and won across his features, but he reluctantly nods. “If that’s what you want.”
“It is. It’s what I want.”
He nods again, then kicks off his boots before turning his body to place a knee on the bed.