“Save your strength, demon,” she whispers harshly, unclasping her palms and revealing a small dark satchel. Then with quivering, yet quick fingers, she loosens the tie and reveals a golden horned beast with gleaming, diamond eyes and a blood-red gem clamped behind razor sharp fangs. She weighs it in her hand for just a moment, gazing upon its grotesque beauty, before stepping forward on her tip-toes. “You’ll need it.”
The second the pendant falls over Legion’s skin, the very ground beneath them rumbles with trepidation. Eden’s mother stumbles back, watching in horror as L’s chest opens and swallows the diamond-eyed monster whole, encasing it in a tomb of blood and bone, before mending itself to smooth, unmarked flesh. He twists and contorts on the silver cross, binds snapping like twigs. He pants and groans as magnificent power flows through him, cauterizing his wounds and infecting his blood with crystalized magic.
When the tremors beneath their feet cease, Legion sags to the ground, naked and panting. He plants one bare foot on the cold stone floor, then the other, lifting his glorious body to loom dauntingly above Eden’s mother’s shaking frame. She brings her trembling fingers to her lips, scared speechless at the man—the monster—who stands before her.
There is no redemption shining in his radiant diamond eyes. No grace or mercy exists in his fanged snarl.
He is power.
He is pain.
He. Is. Legion.
And after centuries of slumber, the beast has just been awakened.
“And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.”
A content smile curls his sensual lips as he gazes upon the brutally beautiful mural that spans the wall of his study. He’s spent hours looking at it, remembering a time when he felt something more than boredom. Hope. Exhilaration. Fury.
It had been so long since something moved him. He had grown weary of even his own antics. Punishing the wicked didn’t excite him. It didn’t arouse the contempt and pain he still held in his heart.
Until now.
Things were falling into place, just as he had hoped. But at what cost? The destruction of humanity? The death of a single girl who haunted his every-fucking-thought?
Fucking hell.
He wouldn’t go out like this. Not without a fight. Even if it wasn’t him doing the actual fighting.
Three raps against the door signal that his guest has arrived, but he doesn’t turn to face him. The other man clears his throat and he still doesn’t acknowledge his presence.
“You wanted to see me?”
Lucifer grins to himself. “I did.”
“For…?”
With eyes the color black abalone, he focuses on the part of the mural that tells the tale of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.
Pestilence.
War.
Famine.
Death.
Really such a lovely story, he muses. But like most history, the details are a bit murky. Still, so much potential, and now that all the players are lining up, maybe it’s time. His Father would not be pleased, but then again, when has he ever given a fuck about pleasing his Father?
Nevertheless, he’ll wait. Like he always does. He’ll wait, and he’ll plan, and he’ll scheme.
“Nikolai, I have a task for you,” Lucifer finally says, his back still facing the bemused warlock. “I need you to go back to the human realm.”
“The human realm? For what?”
Lucifer lithely turns to face the equally striking man, amusement sparkling in his eyes. “I want you to help the Se7en, and fight on my behalf. I want you to fight for Eden.”
Nikolai frowns, confusion marring his ethereal features. “Why not fight for her yourself? You could stop this—even the playing field.”
“Because I refuse to fight for someone who doesn’t want me,” Lucifer answers, more forcefully than he intends. He clears his throat before continuing, replacing the tinge of anger with something more raw. “I won’t fight for her only to watch her run back into his arms.”
Nikolai nods once, understanding that touch of vulnerability in Lucifer’s tone. Still, he counters, “You know I can’t. Stavros has anchored himself to me. If you send me back, he can find his way in, too.”
“Not my problem,” Lucifer shrugs. “You wanted to defy me and help the girl, now here’s your chance. Do it and survive, and you are free to stay there with your family. Fail, and you’re mine. For eternity. And unluckily for you, your stay will be permanent.”
A shadow falls over Lucifer’s face, causing his swirling stare to appear even more menacing. He isn’t lying. If Nikolai fails, Lucifer will make it his personal mission to bring the fires of Hell upon him. Nikolai betrayed him, and he let him. Not because he was weak or soft, but because he genuinely liked the young Dark prince, and he admired his courage. But Lucifer wouldn’t hesitate to flay every bit of skin from his bones if he tested his patience again.
“Go now,” Lucifer tacks on. “And if you try to deceive me, I’ll take great pleasure in letting my guards have their way with your darling nephew. Such a beautiful boy…”
Fuming, Nikolai’s blue eyes pale to an eerie iridescent shade. He dips his head just once, his tongue too weighted with poisonous words to respond to the vicious threat.
With measured steps, he turns and retreats from the room. He doesn’t breathe until he clears the suite, doesn’t even blink until he’s several yards away. But as Nikolai walks away, leaving Lucifer to his cowardice and self-loathing, a sly smirk slithers onto the beautiful warlock’s full lips, and a wicked gleam ignites within his dazzling blue irises.
All those years of playing nice and compliant have finally paid off, and Lucifer has just signed his pardon.
Little Skotos is back.
This book tried to kill me. Not literally, although sometimes it felt that way. However, there were a few key people who pulled me up, dusted me off, and made certain that I finished End of Eden. Even when it hurt. Even when I didn’t think it could be done.
My family, who continue to support me with patience and love. There was a lot of takeout, a lot of late nights, and a lot of dirty laundry. Still, you chipped in and made sure we were all taken care of. I love you more than words can express.
My friends, who endured all my bitching, self-loathing, and frustration, yet haven’t strangled me. Your kindness and encouragement fueled me to keep going. I owe you all many, many drinks.
My PA, Mo Systma, who I couldn’t live without even if I tried. Nothing would get done without you. Not one word would get written if you weren’t behind the scenes, making sure I’m not buried under stress and anxiety. Your dedication, as well as your friendship, is invaluable.
My readers, who have made me who I am. Your support means the world to me, and I am so incredibly thankful for you all. Thank you for sticking by me through the years, and making this book life so worthwhile. I hope you continue to allow me to entertain you with my stories.
My groups, Jonesin’ for S.L. Jennings and the Unicorn Squad, who are the most amazing bishes a girl could ask for. Thank you so much for the shares, the comments, the posts, the teasers, the tweets…thank you for all of it. I love you!
Kristina and Steven Lowe, my cover models that are more like family. I love you guys. Thank you so much for being the beautiful, generous souls that you are. You being on these covers makes them that much more special to me.
Susan of Mika Reyes Photography, who took a chance and was so awesome in bringing the characters to life. You have talent, girl. Real, raw talent, and I hope more of the world gets to experience your amazing work.
Maud, who were the creative geniuses behind Eden and L. From hair to makeup to wardrobe, you all made the photo shoot a dream. Everything was seamless, and I can’t thank you enough for your expertise and professionalism.
Kara Hildebrand, who stepped up to the plate and tackled editing like a champ, even though I gave you like 5 minutes, lol. Thank you so much for all your hard work. You know you’re stuck with
me!
Stacey at Champagne Formats, who is a creative goddess when it comes to formatting. Thank you so much for everything. Your work always amazes me, and I will continue to sing your praises. Can’t wait to meet you in real life!
Hang Le, the queen of cover greatness. I swear, you know exactly what I want every.single.time. I’m always so impressed with your vision, and how much love you put into every cover.
My beta readers, who dropped everything to hold my hand through this story. I value each of you, and I’m grateful we’re friends. Thank you for being there when I needed you.
And you.
Yes, you.
The one reading these words.
You’re pretty awesome.
Thank you.
-S
Most known for her starring role in a popular sitcom as a child, S.L. Jennings went on to earn her law degree from Harvard at the young age of 16. While studying for the bar exam and recording her debut hit album, she also won the Nobel Prize for her groundbreaking invention of calorie-free wine. When she isn’t conquering the seas in her yacht or flying her Gulfstream, she likes to spin elaborate webs of lies and has even documented a few of these said falsehoods.
Some of S.L.’s devious lies:
Ink & Lies
SE7EN SINNERS
Born Sinner
FEARLESS SERIES
Fear of Falling
Afraid to Fly
SEXUAL EDUCATION SERIES
Taint
Tryst
THE DARK LIGHT SERIES
Dark Light
The Dark Prince
Nikolai (a Dark Light novella)
Light Shadows
End of Eden (Se7en Sinners Book 2) Page 27