Page 4

Chapter four

“ A h, home at last,” I heard Belz say.

I sat straight up, realizing I had dosed off against Gor’s back. There was some type of invisible belt that kept me fastened to him so I wouldn’t fall off.

“Did you have a nice nap?” Gor asked.

“Yes, thank you,” I replied. I felt the invisible belt loosen. “Where are we?”

“Crossing into Belz’s lands.” I looked over his shoulder. A golden road waited ahead. A ripple of power radiated around me as our horses left Satan’s territory. Immediately, Mal appeared, holding Giana by the arm. My heart leaped.

“Giana,” I yelled, tumbling from the horse, rushing towards her and embracing her. Being able to touch her … it was unreal. I pulled back, smiling from ear to ear. Her body was tense, her smile weak. “What’s wrong? What is it?”

She opened her mouth, but Mal stepped up beside her.

“Prince Resnov has summoned you,” Mal said in a demanding tone. At the sound of his name, I stopped breathing. Every neuron in my body fired. It took everything I had not to yell and jump for joy. I reached through my mind towards him, but I felt nothing .

“You found him? You found Deus?” I asked Mal, not able to contain my excitement.

“He is at his castle, where he belongs,” Mal said. She was cold. There was no sign of the demon warrior who had trained me for all those months.

“Mal, what is going on?” I asked, searching for the friend I thought I knew. “Are you okay? Where’s Hashen?”

She ignored me, focusing on the princes.

“What do you mean he’s back at his castle?” asked Belz. “He should be in the tormentor’s pit.”

“I am sure the prince will explain everything once you arrive,” Mal answered. She turned and made a circling motion with her hand. A portal opened, revealing a luxurious room on the other side. She pulled Giana with her. “Follow me.”

“Something isn’t right,” said Levi.

“No shit,” added Mammon.

“There is no way Lucy would allow Deus to return to his lands,” said Belz.

“Maybe … maybe Lucifer gave up,” I said hopefully.

“You don’t know him like we do,” said Levi. “That will never be a possibility.”

Mal appeared on the other side of the portal. “Are you coming?” she asked.

The princes’ faces were streaked with worry and confusion. Levi stepped up next to me.

“Stay close to us,” he instructed. “You go nowhere without one of us. Do you hear me?”

I nodded. One after another, we stepped through the portal. The room had a large bed adorned with a thick comforter and pillows. Dressers made of rich red wood stood along the walls, below some very graphic artwork of people in compromising positions. I looked at Mal. Giana was gone.

“Where did Giana go?” Gor asked.

“To her own quarters, for now,” Mal answered. “Lady Salvo will stay here. I will show the rest of you to your chambers, unless you wish to return to your own territories.”

“That won’t be happening,” answered Belz.

“We stay where Seren stays,” snapped Gor. “Nonnegotiable.”

“Either you can trust your brother to keep his mate safe, or I can escort the rest of you back to Gluttony’s territory where I will alert Prince Morningstar of your arrival,” Mal said, staring the brothers down with dead eyes. They each looked at me for direction. I nodded, assuring them I would be safe.

“Good,” Mal said, turning her attention back to me. “You will find clothing in the armoire. Please bathe and freshen up. Dinner will be served at seven.” She nodded before heading towards the exit. Levi stayed planted next to my side. Mal froze in the doorway as the others passed into the hall.

“Prince Whitelore,” she said. “I assure you; Prince Resnov will not allow any harm to come to Lady Salvo. Now if you’d please …”

“I’ll be fine,” I whispered, smiling up at him.

“I don’t have a good feeling about this,” he said.

“I’m not exactly helpless anymore, Levi.”

He smiled down at me. “No … you’re not. If you need anything, yell.”

I laughed. “Got it.”

He hesitantly left my side .

“Mal,” I called once the others had gone.

Her body stiffened. She turned her head slowly towards me. “Yes, Lady Salvo,” she replied.

I moved towards her to stand face to face. “Lady Salvo?” I asked. “You haven’t called me that since the first time we met. What is going on? Did you accomplish what we planned?”

Mal and Hashen had agreed to ready Lust’s armies, just in case we needed backup. They were my mate’s right and left hand, two of the most deadly creatures I had ever known. I hadn’t seen Mal for a few days, but I had full faith in her abilities and cunning wit.

She took a deep breath, removing her eyes from mine. “I serve the prince, Lady Salvo. You might do well to remember that.” Without further explanation, she shut the door.

I stripped out of my soiled clothing and quickly showered, scrubbing the blood from my skin. I rebandaged my shoulders, attempting to cover the bruises and scratches, but took little care. The only thing I could focus on was finding Deus.

I threw the armoire open, pulling a dress of sheer fabric off the hanger. Every option was revealing and would have been better suited for a brothel. The dress wasn’t going to be on my body long enough for me to care. I rushed into the hall, searching behind every door. This castle was nothing like our home back on earth. Red infused into everything—every rug, pillar, tapestry, wall.

Sounds of passion came from various rooms. Moving pictures of sexual acts hung out in the open, coming to life as I passed. The low lighting was tranquil, creating the perfect ambience for a tryst. I turned a corner to find two massive wooden doors at the end of the hall. It could only be his room.

I rushed towards the doors, pushing them open. My heart was racing like it might explode out of my chest. I searched until my eyes found what my heart desired. What I had been robbed of. Who I had been missing.

His shirt lay casually open in the front, revealing his toned, tanned, muscular chest. His midnight dark hair was tousled and unkept and his pants hung low on his hips. Strongs hands braced his forearms on the table where he studied a piece of parchment.

Then his eyes rose to meet mine, those beautiful crystal-blue eyes that I had fallen head-over-heels in love with. Everything about this man, I craved.

His back straightened as I stood in the doorway. My emotions roiled: relief, joy, happiness, love, and an overwhelming need to cry. Or scream. The thought of a life without him … it didn’t make sense.

I barreled into him, wrapping my arms around his neck as I smashed my mouth against his. I needed to feel him more than I needed to breathe. Relief exploded from me. I felt him pull me in closer. This was my home; here, with him, my savior, my love—my mate.

He picked me up by my ass, slamming me onto the table. Papers went flying everywhere, but neither of us seemed to care. My hands roamed along his toned, firm body, needing more. I ripped the rest of his shirt off, tossing it to the floor. My mouth moved to his neck, then his shoulders, then his chest.

His fingers tangled through my hair at the nape of my neck. He pulled my lips away from his skin, forcing me to face him. I whimpered, still needing more of him. His eyes swirled a vibrant shade of red. He smiled down at me and I nearly came undone. That beautiful, bright smile, with those long canines I loved to feel scrape against my skin. Those deep dimples that shaped the edges of his luscious lips.

“Well, hello to you too,” he said in a deep, sensual voice.

“I’ve … I’ve missed you so much,” I gasped, fighting back the tears that welled in my eyes. “I never thought I’d see you again. After everything I—”

“You’ve missed me, have you?” he asked. He bent down and nipped my bottom lip between his teeth. “Why don’t you show me just how much?” he whispered along my ear. I pulled his lips back into mine, moving my fingers to the button of his pants. I felt his hands slide up my dress, finally grazing my skin.

Heat pooled between my legs. My desire threatened to shatter me. I needed him and I needed all of him. I forced his pants down, reaching for him, but before I could pull him free, a force shuddered through the room, ripping him from my arms. His beautiful body went flying into the nearest wall, freezing in place.

Gor stood behind me, his hand extended out to Deus, Giana at his side. Mammon, Belz, and Levi rushed in, looking between their brothers and me. I straightened my dress, sliding off the table.

“What in the hell do you think you’re doing?” I snapped, marching in front of Gor. “Let him go, now.”

“Not a chance,” Gor growled. His eyes were glowing a shade of golden brown. Deus laughed behind me, still glued to the wall.

“I have a feeling you’ve discovered something you’d like to share with the class,” said Mammon.

“Tell them,” Gor instructed Giana. He threw out another hand towards Deus, fighting to hold him in place.

Giana’s big green eyes turned to me. I could see the sadness behind them. “Deus, he’s … he’s no t whole,” she whispered.

“What are you talking about?” I demanded, stepping towards her.

Belz inhaled a sharp breath. “Fuck,” he said, dropping his head.

“His soul … it’s not there. It’s not intact,” Giana explained.

“What is she talking about?” I demanded, but the brothers all stood silent. “Someone answer me before I light your asses on fire!”

“I can feel him, Seren,” continued G, her face twisted as if she were in physical pain. “There is nothing good inside of him. All there is … is darkness and lust.”

“Lucifer can separate our souls from our physical forms,” explained Levi. “He must have ripped Deus’s soul from his body. That’s why he was allowed to return to his lands.”

“What does that mean?” I asked.

“It means,” Belz stepped up, “this isn’t your mate. This isn’t the real Deus. It’s the pure demon version of him. The original Prince of Lust … before he found his soul. Before he rediscovered his humanity. His heart.”

I looked back at the man I loved, feeling an emptiness there. “Where is his soul?” I asked.

“I’m assuming the pit,” answered Mammon.

“Then I’m going to the pit,” I said.

Deus laughed again. I looked back at his beautiful face. He shook his head as if amused. “That, I would pay to see,” he said, winking at me.

Mal barged into the room. “Release him,” she ordered. The princes did nothing, unfazed by her demand. “Release him now, or this entire realm will destroy you.”

Gor looked back at Levi. Levi nodded. Gor dropped his hands. Deus landed gracefully on his feet.

Gor turned to face Mal. “You really think this realm can take four princes of Hell?”

“No,” she said smugly. “Not on our own. But with Prince Lucifer and Prince Satan … easily.”

“Now, now,” interrupted Dues, strolling towards us. “There will be no need for that.” He stopped next to me.

I looked up at him, searching for the passion and love I had always seen behind his eyes, but Giana was right. There was something missing. He winked at me with empty eyes, then turned to Gor, one eyebrow arched. “Now, that is no way to say hello, little brother.”

Gor stepped up, chest to chest with Deus. “Don’t you fucking lay another hand on her, you disgusting filth.”

“I was not the one who initiated our wonderful reunion,” Deus said, smirking down at me. He turned back to Gor. “And who are you to tell me what I can and cannot do with my mate .”

Bam! Gor’s fist landed on Deus’s jaw.

“She is not your mate,” growled Gor. “She is nothing to you when you are in this state. You do not touch, look, or speak to her, unless one of us are with you. You stay out of her fucking head as well. And I swear to Father, if any harm comes to her, soulless or not, I will destroy you and everything you’ve built.”

Belz came to Gor’s side, placing a hand on his shoulder. “Belphagor, I think you’ve made your point.”

Deus’s eyes blazed with fire. “Little brother,” he said, grabbing Gor by the throat. He lifted him off the floor. To Gor’s credit, he stayed completely still, no panic visible. “How dare you come into my house, into my room, and lay your hands on me.” With an effortless thrust, he tossed Gor into the wall, splintering the stone into an impression of a body. Gor fell to the floor, gasping for air.

Giana and I rushed to his side, checking him over. “Gor,” I whispered. He nodded, letting me know he was alright.

“Would anyone else like to take a shot?” asked Deus, throwing his arms out in an inviting manner. “No … no one? I didn’t think so. Apparently, we need a few rules set in place. Rule one: you don’t lay a hand on me, nor do you use your power against me in any fashion. Rule two: do not tell me what the fuck I can and cannot do. And rule three,” he paused, looking at each of us, “enjoy the debauchery, ladies and gents. It’s been far too long since we’ve all been in Hell together at once. Time to make a few new memories, wouldn’t you say?”

“That’s enough, Asmodeus,” spat Belz. “You’ve made your point.” At that moment, two demon females, one with red skin and the other green, stepped out from another entrance at the back, which I assumed led to his bedchamber. They were sinfully beautiful and adorned in only underwear. My heart fell into my stomach. Gor took my hand and squeezed as we rose to our feet.

“Prince,” one of them said sweetly. “Have you brought more guests to join us?” Deus smiled at her.

“Any takers?” he asked, looking at each of us for an answer. When his eyes met mine, I looked away, fighting with every ounce of control I had not to break down in front of him.

Mammon went to step forward, but Belz stopped him, grunting his disapproval.

“Looks like this crowd is a bit dull, my loves,” he called back to them. That was my title. He was using it for those whores.

I began to shake. Gor squeezed tighter while I fought to hold back my abilities, but the emotions were too overwhelming, the pain and the anger too great. The power welled inside of me and I threw my hands out, unleashing my white flame towards the two women. Black and red sparks flashed between my flames. They screamed in agony as their bodies quickly incinerated to ash.

Deus watched, laughing. “Well, someone appears a bit jealous,” he said smugly.

I stormed over to him and slapped him across the face. He adjusted his jaw, his smile now holding a sharp edge. “Do I have to remind you what rule number one is?” he said, tilting his head to the side.

“I don’t give a fuck about your rules, you selfish prick,” I said behind gritted teeth. His eyes began to glow red, his anger taking hold. I stepped closer, unafraid. “What are you going to do prince ?” I said mockingly. “Send me to Hell? Too late.”

I unleashed my power again, blasting him backwards into the table I had been ready to take him upon only moments before. I turned and stormed out of the room, stopping next to Mal.

“That is not the Asmodeus you pledged yourself to,” I said to her. “Where is your honor and devotion now, Malphasia?” I pushed past her and stalked down the hall. The other princes and Giana followed until we were behind closed doors.

“Now that was impressive, goddess,” said Mammon, patting me with pride on the shoulder.

Giana rushed towards me. I wrapped my arms around her. “Are you okay?” I asked. “Did they hurt you?”

“I’m fine,” she said. “Really. I was caught snooping a few days ago and they’ve kept me locked up in a room until now. Seems like they knew you’d be on your way.” She paused, her eyes filling with tears. “Seren, I am so sorry he—”

“Don’t,” I stopped her. “I’ll find a way to get him back. I didn’t come all this way for nothing.”

“That’s impossible, sweetheart,” said Belz. “Only Lucy can put his soul back. And knowing him, he isn’t going to want to lose his favorite brother anytime soon.”

“This is a trap,” Gor said, looking lost in thought. “He’s going to notify Lucifer that we’re here, and he has Seren. We need to leave, now.”

“I agree,” said Levi. “Even though you’re more powerful, he can still take it. He can still consume your soul, and your power along with it. He will make the torture you went through back home look like child’s play.”

I thought over the details of all we had learned. As my mind raced, a plan began to form. “Lucifer’s power,” I whispered.

“Excuse me?” asked Belz.

“Lucifer’s power,” I repeated. “If Lucifer can separate and return a soul back into a body, that means I can do the same.”

Mammon threw his hands out in an exasperated manner. “See … this is why I don’t fall in love. It makes you reckless and stupid.”

“Oh, shut the hell up,” said Belz. “Must we remind you of Trinity a few decades back?”

Levi chuckled. “If I recall,” he said, “you were the cause of the Great War. All because you fell in love with the enemy’s wife.”

“Both of you shut the fuck up,” growled Mammon, turning away from them.

Belz stepped forward. He looked down at me behind his brown lashes. His blue eyes twinkled. “I’ve watched you overcome so much in the small time I have had the honor of knowing you. I’d be prideful if I didn’t admit I was impressed. How young you are, yet how powerful you’ve become. If anyone can save our brother, it would be you, Seren De Salvo. Witch, goddess, demon … whatever you are, I stand by you.”

“Thank you, Beelzebub. Truly,” I said with a soft smile.

Belz nodded with a small grin before turning to his brothers. “We still have time. Deus might be soulless, but that also means his ego is cranked up to one hundred.”

“He’s unpredictable in this state,” Gor said. “We don’t know what side he’s on or what game he’s playing. Too many unknown variables for my liking.”

“I just need a little more time to formulate a plan,” I pleaded. “I know I can reach him. He isn’t lost … he can’t be.”

“And what do we do about Lucy?” asked Mammon.

“We entertain Deus’s ego,” suggested Belz. “Stroke it, if we must. No one do a damn thing to piss him off. If he thinks we’re solely here for him, ready to go along with whatever plan he might have, that may deter him from calling in big brother.”

“And if you’re wrong?” asked Mammon, rubbing his brow in frustration. “If Asmodeus has already notified Lucifer of our presence … then what?”

“Well, in that case,” said Levi. “Looks like we’ll have a dinner to prepare for. It will make The Consort look like Christmas.”

“I do love a good dinner and a show,” said Belz, smiling widely.

Once everyone left, I casted a protection spell around my room, unsure if it would even do me any good down here. I sat on the edge of the bed, thinking over everything that I had endured to get to this point. I touched my lips, still able to taste him. God, how good he had felt … how familiar. Finally, I let free my emotions. Tears spilled out as I cradled a pillow. Let it out now , I thought. Tonight was sure to bring more disappointment and pain.