Unlike us, their powers hadn’t grown since we last met. Being free of the seal, feeding on healthier wraiths, and using our abilities on a more regular basis had allowed them to flourish. I would never try to take on the army at the wall, but I would continue to pick away at their numbers until I killed the varcolac.
However, destroying the varcolac was a problem for later. My problem now was the beautiful, redheaded temptress staring at me with a mask of indifference that irritated me more than when she plunged her sword through my stomach. At least then I’d known I rattled her; now, I seemed no different to her than any of the other demons in this place.
But I was different, and webothknew it.
A hush descended over the room as everyone within it froze. The only sound was the crackling of the fire and the black angel’s wings closing. Since arriving on Earth, I’d taken the time to learn everything I could from other demons and the fallen angels about the varcolac, palitons, Lucifer, the traitorous black angel, and the golden one.
The black angel fell from the sky with Lucifer, but he turned against him and joined the palitons’ side. Before the rest of the fallen perished at the wall, we agreed to work with them to take out the varcolac.
It was the biggest mistake we made after coming to Earth. They were in too much of a rush to avenge Lucifer and destroy our enemies. They were far too confident in their ability to do so, considering the palitons killed their most powerful brother and leader.
They, and some of my fellow horsemen, didn’t heed my advice that it was too soon and we should learn more about the palitons’ capabilities. They paid for their arrogance by rushing the wall too early. I smiled as I watched them burn.
It was only a fluke when we stumbled across Bale and the palitons in the minotaur’s cave. Lust, Pestilence, and I went there to seek the minotaur’s help in trapping our enemy, only to discover the beast had already trapped some of them.
They’d survived the beast and were coming out of the cave as we tried to enter. It was supposed to be a simple mission, that was why only the three of us went, but it was anything but simple.
Bale proved to be the bigger surprise in the minotaur’s maze. I should have been there to save my brethren from the palitons, but they died while I was discovering the wonder of my Chosen’s kiss. I didn’t miss Pestilence or Lust, but I did miss their powers.
A couple of the demons in the room shifted their attention to the doorway behind me, and I turned as the golden angel approached. The thunderous expression on his face had me reaching for my sword before the rustle of calamut leaves overhead stilled my hand.
Raphael scowled as he strode past, but he didn’t try to attack us. His fallen brother said something to the nymphs, who slid out of the booth and edged toward the shadows. The golden angel slid onto the booth across from his brother and turned to watch us.
I was sure the golden angel could tear the calamuts apart, but not without destroying a whole lot of bystanders, and that had to go against his angelic ways. No, in this land of nymphs and killer trees, he was as bound to peace as us.
Normally, not being able to fight would irritate me. I loved a good fight, and when I was annoyed, things tended to get alotmore interesting. However, when my eyes met Bale’s green ones, I smiled.
There she was, my Chosen, the woman who’d stabbed me and who was glaring at me like she would gladly stab me again. I had no doubt she planned to try to kill me the first chance she got.
This was going to be so much fun.
* * *
Bale
“Don’t,”Corson said and rested his hand over Wren’s when her talons extended. “The calamuts will kill us.”
“What do we do?” Aisling asked.
“Nothing,” I said. “In Hell, the Forest of Prurience was a neutral zone. On Earth, the nymphs and calamuts have made this their neutral zone too.”
“So we sit here and drink with them?” Wren asked.
“Yes. We’ll wait for them to leave, and then we’ll follow them,” Corson said.
My hands fisted on my thighs as Death and Wrath strode toward Calabar. Strapped to Wrath’s back, the handle of my sword glinted in the dim light. I suspected he was keeping my sword in pristine condition for when he used it against me.
Prick.I gritted my teeth as I strained to keep my temper under control.The calamuts are watching.
Calabar waved to them and said something to the lower-level demon, who rose and walked away. Wrath’s large, powerful body moved with fluid grace as he leaned an elbow against the bar while speaking with Calabar.
My gaze lingered on his firm ass, emphasized by the black, form-fitting pants he wore. The man was pure sex, and if he weren’t one of my greatest enemies, I would gladly allow myself the opportunity to learn what he could do with that body.
I could never experience him, but I couldn’t help picturing those powerful hands caressing me, his chiseled body against mine again, and the firm press of his lips as he claimed my mouth.
Our kiss had heated me far more than any other encounter I ever had with a man, and it was my first. Demons didn’t kiss; we got in, we got off, and we got out. It was simple, and both parties left satisfied. The few humans I was with did try to kiss me; it was awkward as I avoided having their lips on mine.
I’d never wanted to kiss another. Now, Icravedthis monster’s kiss again.
