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Riella
“Areyousurethisplace is going to be safe? They’ll be coming after Riella, and I’m sure the Prince of Hell will send his legions after us again.” Damien crosses his arms over his broad chest and glances at the old firehouse, now converted into a home.
“It’ll be safe enough. We’ve been here for a while. We’ll add some additional protective wards, and so will you. You know that hunters will come looking for her. We’re going to have to work together to keep her hidden while we figure shit out.” Storm strolls forward and stands in front of the huge metal door that will roll up into what used to be a garage. He pulls his blade from its sheathe and waves it at me. “I’m going to need some of your blood. I know it’ll be uncomfortable—”
I unfurl my black wings and flap them, sending a gust of air in his direction. Sticking out my arm, I open my hand for him. “I’m not afraid of a cut. I’ve just pulled myself from Hell.”
River chuckles and swats his brother between the shoulder blades. “Looks like the little demon doesn’t want to be coddled. Careful, brother. Your concern makes her look as if she’s going to blast your ass with hellfire.”
With his words, I remember when I blasted River and disintegrated his clothes, leaving him naked. Heat flushes over my body and a strange, new emotion grabs hold of me. Lust. And now I can’t stop thinking about him naked. What is wrong with me? I’ve only been on this plane for a little while, but it’s as if everything wants to destroy the pureness of my former angel self completely.
“If you don’t stop and get us inside, I’ll blast you again. I need to meditate. I need to see if I am truly forsaken by my superior. I know Adriel had a plan.” I wave my palm out to Storm, encouraging him to make me bleed.
He sighs and locks his cool fingers around my wrist, holding me in place while he swipes the dagger over my hand. Pain stings my skin, but I remain emotionless. I don’t want him to see that such a little cut gets to me. But it’s not the cut itself. It’s the way my blood no longer bleeds red like it had when I was an angel. There’s no glittering light glowing from my palm either. My nearly black blood sizzles and smokes as if the blade alone is enough to pull the Hell out of me. And maybe it does. It is a holy artifact, after all.
“I’m sorry,” Storm murmurs, using his index finger to dip into my blood to draw a symbol across my hand. He guides my arm up until I press it on the door, and it lights up with an ethereal holy symbol that I haven’t seen before, but I know it’s sacred. I can feel the grace emanating from it, battling with the Hell in my blood. “I didn’t mean anything by my warning. I just know how demons react to blessed blades.”
I rub my lips together and nod my head. “It’s fine. I just feel...” I don’t want to admit how out of control I feel in this moment. How I still can’t stop thinking about River and his naked body. Or Damien’s, for that matter.
And then a memory of kissing the demon who nearly dragged me to Hell flourishes in my mind. Oh, Heaven. Please help me.
I flap my wings and turn my back on the three of them, staring at the quiet neighborhood.
Damien grunts, and heat prickles over my wings, the blessed air once again rushing over me, reminding me how far I’ve fallen.
“Come on, Riella. Let me show you the rooms. You can have first pick over Damien.” Storm grazes his fingers over my hand and slowly laces his fingers through mine, tugging me from my thoughts.
I bob my head and stroll beside him, letting him drag me along through the old building, now gleaming with modern furniture, sleek black metals and glass, and bright light fixtures that set the whole building aglow. This is far nicer than Damien’s lair or the safe house.
“So how do you two hunters have a place like a fucking mansion?” Damien asks, coming up beside me. “Why didn’t you bring us here first?”
“Why do you think, demon boy? This is our sanctuary. We were not going to bring Hell into our home without good reason. You’re lucky we even allow you in. It’s Riella we need to protect.” River scowls at Damien and strides past him. “You are expendable. Don’t forget it. Once you prove whose side you’re truly on, I’m going to send your ass to Hell. I don’t trust you. Just because you helped save her, doesn’t mean anything.”
I crinkle my nose as the two of them look ready to fight it out, but Storm releases my hand and gets between them. He shoves River back, and he flicks his gaze from me to Damien.
“That’s enough, brother. You’re starting shit where there needs to be none. He is part of my vision too. Now, make sure that all of the wards are in place. I don’t want any interruptions as I help Riella get settled in.”
“I think I would be far better at that, hunter,” Damien says, striding closer to me and offering his hand out. “She is probably overwhelmed. Touching Hell gets to you on a deep-seated level. She’s not going to be able to shake it easily.”
I close my eyes and concentrate on pushing the world out. Their arguing isn’t helping. We agreed to work together, but if they keep fighting over what is best for me, this isn’t going to work.
I strut past the three of them and deeper into the old firehouse. I have no idea where I’m going, but I head toward a set of stairs, leading up. I don’t care exactly where it goes, I just need some space.
“I don’t need help from either of you. I’m fine. I just need a moment. Now leave me alone. Work out your issues, and then we’ll talk.” The three of them stand in shock, unable to form coherent words as I head up the stairs.
Why does it feel so bad to put space between us?
Why am I torn between running to and away from them?
Hell has really gotten into me.
But I must resist it. I can’t let it drag me down.
17
Guidance
Riella
