by Piper Stone
“He’s alive and trust me, the man isn’t who he said he is.”
Jenny made the statement with far too much conviction. My anger was increasing, another flash of the past burning a hole into my very soul. My father had actually believed I belonged to the devil or his son in some manner. What in the hell was wrong with everyone? “How do you know that? You encouraged me to go on the date. You wanted me to get out and enjoy. Now, you speak in riddles of monsters and demons. You even coerced me into signing up for that stupid class.”
“I did in order to try and protect you. Knowledge is the key and the professor knows exactly what he’s talking about. Dr. Cavanaugh is brilliant in the studies of demon worship, the occult and the teachings of the book of Revelations.”
“I had no idea you were so devout,” I threw back at her.
She shook her head, rubbing her eyes. “I’m not devout as much as a damn good observer. You can’t tell me that you haven’t felt the presence of evil, not just at this university. The End of Days has been foretold for millennia.”
I had to look away, fighting the disgust forming. “A fabulous story.”
“Are you certain of that?”
Granted, I wasn’t certain of anything any longer. “What does this have to do with Christoff, a mogul from a wealthy family? You found the information yourself.”
“Yeah, and basic resumes can be fabricated,” she mumbled under her breath. “The reason I don’t want you to see Christoff is because I feel him, the evil surrounding him. Okay? And... I was wrong at first then I had a dream. A terrible dream. You were tied to a cross, naked and writhing in pain. You were being prepared to become a queen and...” Her words trailed off. Turning sharply, she moved toward her bed, sitting Indian style, her body slumped. “And Christoff was wielding a strap.”
What. The. Fuck?
I had to be standing in the twilight zone. There was no other explanation. Maybe she’d spiked my drink at brunch. Either way, I wasn’t going to stand for this shit.
“O-kay. Wow. Just wow. I have no idea what to say to you other than I don’t buy that for a second. He is powerful and dominating, but evil? Answer the question. Why do you think he’s here?” I managed to ask.
She chewed on her cheek, fiddling with her hands.
“Why!”
“Because he has a mission. I’m no expert but you should ask the professor. Just talk to him. I’ve read everything he’s ever written. There is an ancient prophecy according to Professor Cavanaugh and very religious people around the world are working on preventing the End of Days. He has an entire book on this subject alone. There are three keys involved. They are hidden around the world. I don’t understand everything, but if the keys are found by Lucifer or his sons, there is no stopping the end of the world.”
“This just gets better and better,” I huffed, half expecting her to start laughing, telling me this was nothing but a joke. Her expression was haunted. “I appreciate your concern, Jenny, but I can handle myself.”
“Please, Sadie, Christoff is evil and he will consume you. Okay? I can tell.”
Evil. Consume. The words were powerful. My mind floated to all the thoughts I’d had regarding him.
Dominating.
Arrogant.
Obsessive.
But evil?
A cold shiver trickled down my spine and before I had a chance to retort in any manner, we both heard a knock on the door. I gave her a hard look before walking past her. The moment I touched the doorknob, a shot of white-hot heat encapsulated my entire body. Every nerve ending was juiced, every muscle tight. I knew with certainty that Christoff stood behind the hard slab of wood.
Why were we this connected? Why did I feel the need to obey his every command?
And why did I know that some horrible occurrence was about to take place?
Christoff’s eyes were beseeching, his ruby lips pursed in a pensive manner yet as soon as he saw me, relief flooded his face.
“I thought you’d been in an accident,” I managed, struggling to rein in my emotions.
“They won’t hurt me yet, but they will be hunting for you.”
Hunting. The word was emphatic, said with utter rage. “They?”
“You will learn all you need to know when the time is right. You’re coming with me, Sadie.”
“Don’t!” Jenny’s voice held urgency.
Christoff issued a single growl, leveling it in her direction.
“Stop. She cares about me.” My words were so meek, riddled with fear.
“You belong to me, Sadie,” he countered.
I swallowed hard, searching his eyes. There was a hint of something different in them, a quiet comfort even as a memory flashed into my mind. Images of a dark place, a forbidden period of time. Being shackled. Being taken and held against my will. A shadowy figure always there. My pussy clenched involuntarily, trickles of juice sliding against my already damp panties. I was far more aroused than ever before, my entire body aching to be with him.
Controlled by him.
Fucked by him.
Bound by him.
He brushed the merest hint of his fingertips across my cheek and the red-hot fire exploded from deep within, a longing that refused to be denied. I found myself leaning toward him, a single whimper oozing up from my throat.
You want me...
I knew he hadn’t spoken the words, merely thought them.
And he was right.
I’d never yearned for anyone the way I did for this man, longing to lie beside his naked body, prepared to give anything that he demanded. I could feel his lips suckling my tender nipples, sharp teeth slicing into my skin. I could sense his growing and desperate need to control me, own me. There was no turning back. There was no way to escape his power.
Or his prowess.
“Why?” I wasn’t entirely certain the word left my mouth.
“You’re my salvation,” he said simply.
I shook my head, wanting his words to be true. “I don’t believe you.”
“Believe what you need to, sweet Sadie, but we have no time. You are coming with me.”
A part of me wanted to be free of his spell, the mesmerizing force that created goosebumps dancing along my skin. The other part wanted to feel safe in his arms, protected as I’d once been. Another flash of memories rushed through my mind.
A man in a car, taking me away from the horrors at home.
Saving me.
Freeing me.
Chaining me.
“Tell. Me. Why,” I demanded, whispering the words.
A simple growl left his pursed lips as he trailed his fingers down my cheek, wrapping his strong hand around the back of my neck. As he held me, dragging me closer, I knew I was lost to him.
He was uncompromising in his dark desire, with needs that were almost heinous. He would be relentless in his ownership of me, taking me to new heights of pleasure and pain. I would become his slave, the man known as my master. I would yield to him in every manner, submitting my body and soul, no matter the consequences.
No matter the outcome.
There was no choice, no alternative plan. He’d come to claim what had always belonged to him.
For I was his queen.
Our lips merely touched, a soft brush, a gentle reminder. Then he took a step back, giving me a respectful nod.
“You can’t go with him, Sadie. Please,” Jenny begged. “Let’s talk about this. Stay here.”
Giving her outburst no attention, he tilted his head, his dark eyes boring into mine. As he held out his hand, I realized I had no choice. I was compelled to go with him, every cell of my being mesmerized by his command. When he spoke, his tone was laced with a subtle but irrefutable hint of danger.
“Because I’m the only being who can keep you alive and because you’ve always belonged to me.”
As I grasped his hand, I could swear he’d finished the statement.
The king of darkness...
Chapter Twelve
<
br /> Christoff
Three hours before
The cold vibe racing through my body was unlike anything I’d felt in a long time. I stretched out my hand, studying my fingers, the odd veins running through, tingling. Burning. The various sensations were fascinating. I fisted my hand as I stared out the window, loathing what I’d become. I was more man than demon, a product of the punishment doled out as if I held no worth in the kingdom of darkness.
Morning had dawned, my entire body energized from the time spent with Sadie. She had no idea how many desires she’d awakened, the rampant thoughts of owning her completely sizzling every last nerve ending. Certain tasks needed to be completed prior to determining a new path to secure the key.
A sudden heated wave flushed through my system, intensifying every feeling. I snarled seeing the unwanted reflection. “Hello, Father.”
“My son.”
“To what do I owe such an honor?” I hesitated before turning to face him, remaining in front of the crystal clear glass. He appeared battle worn, lines crisscrossing his once pristine face.
And the creatures from hell shall ascend, slithering from fissures in the earth, consuming all in their path.
The passage read to me by my mother reverberated in my brain, churning to the point I was forced to take several deep breaths. Lucifer’s appearance was never without cause, even when checking on his wayward son.
Lucifer tipped his head, as if critiquing the fine woodworking afforded by the previous owner. I knew he was biding his time, finding the right words to offer, no doubt chastising me for my methods of securing the required key. He never did anything without purpose, always remaining the top dog. I snickered at the thought.
“The End of Days cannot be stopped, or so many believe,” my father said with a hint of sadness in his voice.
“Meaning?” I’d heard rumors during my lifetime, mostly from wayward Earth creatures, humans believing that God could stop their eradication.
“Meaning that no matter how you fight your succession to the throne, you are the only one who can lead our kind back into the realm of acceptance.”
I moved around the couch, positioning myself only a few feet away. His words were odd, especially coming from the devil himself. “Acceptance? By whom, God? Your arch nemesis?” When he didn’t answer, I sucked in my breath. “What in the hell are you talking about?”
His hands behind his back, Lucifer swaggered toward the fireplace. “You forget, the almighty God is my brother.”
“Ah, yes, how could I forget? He certainly didn’t mind casting you out of heaven.”
Lucifer clenched his jaw before speaking. “He had his reasons.”
“I’m certain he did. Does any of this have a point, Father?”
“You must remember the ancient prophecy. Your mother toiled over the works, learning every nuance, specifically to make certain her favorite child was well educated.”
“I was her firstborn, not her favorite,” I muttered, as if that would counter the fact she adored me. I remembered all the times my beloved mother had read through passages, forcing me to memorize them. Still, I wasn’t entirely certain what he was getting at.
“That’s where you’re wrong. You were always her favorite. Think, Christoff. Remember.” A snap of my father’s head in my direction was followed by his ice-cold stare.
I closed my eyes briefly, structuring my memory banks until I could see her face, my sweet mother. “In thine hands alone can you seek salvation from the one holiest of all.”
The holiest of all. Narrowing my eyes, I closed the distance, ready to strike the man I longed to continue respecting. He was dying, after all. What kind of a sick game was he playing? “I have no time for riddles, Father. What are you trying to tell me?”
“You are right. There is little time. You will be betrayed, but not nearly as much as the woman you long for your own. The taste of her must remain on your forked tongue as the scent of your recent sex remains staining your skin.”
I backhanded him more out of frustration than anything else. While his entire body shifted from the jarring blow, he merely lifted his head, locking eyes with mine.
“You remember everything your mother told you. That much I do know about you, son, and if that is the case, you know that Sadie is very important to all of us,” he said quietly. When I said nothing in retort, he shook his head and continued. “Gargoyles have already been sent.”
Gargoyles? “One of my brothers, I presume.” A moment of fear trickled into my system.
He rubbed his jaw, hissing under his breath. “Does it really matter?”
“Why are you here? To warn me that these worthless creatures have come to hunt me down, to prevent my rightful ascent to the throne?”
“The throne will always belong to you, at least as long as I’m alive.”
Alive. I almost laughed at the thought, the man never truly considered alive since the dawn of time. Anger reared its ugly head, the rage almost blinding. He’d stood there while I was almost banished by the council. What did he think he was going to accomplish? “What. Do. You. Want?”
“I am here to warn you but also offer you a way to repair the dark kingdom.”
“Repair?” Tilting my head, I studied his expression, searching for any signs of what he was getting at. Seeing nothing but the emptiness I’d experienced the majority of my life, I huffed and walked toward the bar. No matter the time of day, my thirst required quenching. I didn’t bother offering him a drink. He wouldn’t be staying long enough to endure my hospitality.
“Yes, Christoff. You were always the impetuous child, so very much like your mother.”
“Don’t you dare speak ill of my mother.” I heard the emotional tone of my voice, could tell I was close to the edge of unraveling. I poured a hefty amount of whiskey, taking a deep swig before attempting to speak again. He wanted me to remember every teaching, all the time she’d spent learning about the boundaries of hell for herself.
“There will be one, created in the image of Eve, the only hope for salvation.”
From somewhere in the dark pools of my evil mind I remembered. Eve. I’d almost forgotten my mother’s words, the passages never taught to my brothers. Or so she told me once, only days before her death. A sickening wave washed over me. I shot my father another hard look, daring him to give me the truth. And so, I guessed. “Sadie. She is truly special. She is the kingdom of darkness’s Eve.”
He nodded, his eyes twinkling. “She is not the possible reason for our demise. She is the one who will bring us salvation, the daughter of the goddess of fire, protected for all these years. You helped protect her, my son, fulfilling one of your duties.”
My duties. How many secrets had he kept from me? The wave of anxiety turned into full-blown nausea. I took another significant gulp, resisting draining the glass. The slight burn did nothing but leave a disgusting taste in my mouth. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“This is something you already knew, my son. Your protection of her was written in the burning fires long before you were born. Your mother must have told you.”
I didn’t want my mother mentioned in any regard, my loyalty and love to her still difficult.
“This is the reason you married my mother. You already knew what was required. You bastard.” I wanted to hate him, to send him straight into those burning fires of hell, but as always, my father continued to hold secrets, ones I believed he would carry to his ultimate demise. There was no possibility of trusting him, not after all the lies and the riddles he’d created. Certain aspects of my father’s marriage to a human were coming to light, but the various reasons still remained muddled.
“I may be a bastard, Christoff, but I loved your mother. She was my... angel. She was the light of my life and the reason for my very being.”
“Unlike the birth of your sons.”
Scoffing, he walked in my direction, making his own drink. “We can argue family politics at a later time. The gargoyles have been sent to
hunt down the woman you love. If they catch her, they will imprison her in a location you will not be able to find for at least a thousand years.”
“Long enough for the End of Days.” I choked out the words. Now I understood why the council was determined to bring her to what they called justice.
“Long enough for the destruction of mankind.”
Inhaling, I wrapped my hand around the thick glass with enough force I could hear the cracking fissures. “Then I will take her now.”
He held up his index finger. “Salvation, my son. You may be able to take her as you did before, protecting her for a time, but the price on both of your heads will only increase. You will never be able to hide away from the creatures who will be sent one after the other, hunting you until there is no place left to run.”
I couldn’t help but laugh bitterly. “Then all is lost. I refuse to give in to such treachery.”
“Not necessarily, but you must listen carefully. This is vital and something you would not have understood years ago.” Lucifer looked away, taking several sips. “If you’d paid close enough attention to your mother, you would understand your requirements.”
I resisted reacting even though the taste of bitterness was thick. “So, you’ve coddled me until the right time. How fabulous, Father.” I could see I’d struck a chord, his own patience wearing thin. “Go on.”
“Free will. That is the difference and a portion of the wretched curse laid on our family by God. If Sadie chooses to become your bride then the End of Days will not come, protecting the Earth and all its creatures for one thousand years. At that time, there will be another test. God has a... sense of humor.”
“And another child will be born,” I said absently, blood pumping through my veins.
“Yes...” He threw back his glass, sucking down every drop of liquid. “But remember, this must be of her choice and as you are well aware, time is running out. Demons have surfaced, hovering over the Earth. Soon there will be additional natural disasters, all blamed on Mother Nature, but Christians are already in force, gathering followers in order to fight the End of Days. They will be coming for you. They know of your existence.”