Seducing the Devil

by Savannah Hill

  Ginger broke into sobs, and the sound cut into Haley’s heart as she rose from the cold floor.

  “Di arak de’erden.” Haley spoke the words clearly with as much authority as she could.

  Sterling grinned. “Spells don’t work with the collar on, sweetheart.” He jabbed his elbow into her back. “Move.”

  She shuffled forward, whispering the Trinnian command under her breath.

  Sterling snaked his hand into her hair and brought his lips against hers with a light graze. “Shut up. Or I will bite your tongue off.”

  Haley tried to back away from his mouth, but he held her firmly.

  “Now smile for me and say yes, Sterling.”

  “Yes, Sterling.” Haley gasped as he tugged her lower lip between his teeth. She forced a smile.

  He patted his fingers on her cheek. “That’s a good girl.”

  His eyes carried a shocking power in them. The memory of Emily’s beaten man in the Adversus dungeon crossed her mind. The chained bloodling’s gaze had seethed with rage, a dark glitter of deep green and gold.

  She lifted her silk skirt at her thigh as she tried to keep pace behind Sterling. “I saw your brother. In the Adversus dungeons.”

  His body stiffened, and he stopped in his tracks.

  “At least I think he was. You have the same eyes.”

  Sterling turned and crept toward her.

  Haley struggled to keep her legs from shaking. “Just one question.” She hugged herself tightly. “Please.”

  He locked his gaze on her, inches away.

  She lowered her lashes. “Are you close with your brother?”

  Sterling pulled her against his body and glared down at her with his striking eyes. “If he were dead, I would know it. He’s my twin. So nice fucking try.”

  “He isn’t dead.” She couldn’t raise her voice above a whisper. “He was released.”

  “Then what the fuck are you getting at?”

  Her face flamed hot. “I’m…curious about you.”

  Sterling settled his sparkling gaze on her lips. “You don’t know who you’re fucking with, little girl.”

  A shrill screech rang outside the gothic mansion. Sterling studied Haley’s face as something struck the building, and the walls shuddered. Behind him, plaster and wood burst and a full-grown dragon crashed into the wide hallway.

  Haley broke away from him and sprinted toward Ginger. Damian’s dragon was supposed to be allegiant to him alone, but it had come to her beckoning command.

  Ginger grabbed Haley’s hand as they weaved through a crowd of squealing demons. “We have to find Emily.”

  Flames blazed through demons as the dragon scorched the large hall.

  Haley led Ginger down a narrow corridor. “We need weapons.”

  “What about the fucking dragon?”

  “I can’t command that thing.”

  “Sure, you can. You brought it here, didn’t you?”

  “Come now, witches.” A demon hobbled over to them. “Raden is ready for you.”

  Ginger knocked the demon’s claws away from the knife on his belt and snatched it from him. She thrust it into his chest as a tall monster loomed behind her.

  Haley bolted past the creature, grasping Ginger’s shoulders, and broke into a run. Demons lurked in every corner of the hall, and the girls retreated toward the dragon’s territory. Dodging charred bodies on the black marble, Haley ran from the winged reptile as it prowled through the corridor.

  Shiny metal zipped by her cheek and she spun as a sword stuck into the dragon’s giant lower jaw. Her mouth went slack at the sight, and she eased backward. Two demon guards grabbed hold of Ginger.

  “I’ve been waiting for you.” Raden’s deep voice sent tremors through her body. He sauntered closer to Haley, crowding her back toward the wounded creature. “Fetch my sword for me, witch.”

  The dragon stumbled, disoriented as blood poured from its snout, and rested its chin on the floor. Haley’s knees locked as she turned toward the creature.

  Her mind went blank of any Trinnian commands she knew, and she walked stiffly forward. Its gaze pinpointed on her, but the enormous jaws remained closed.

  Grasping the sword, she used all her might and pulled it free from the suffering creature. It spread its wings and towered over her with a bellowing roar. Her legs collapsed under her, and she dropped the blade, blocking her face as the dragon advanced.

  It snapped its giant teeth just shy of her arm, and Haley screamed. She closed her hand around the sword as the reptile lunged.

  Damian skidded in front of her and placed his hand on the dragon’s bleeding nose. He spoke his demonic language in a breathless voice, and the creature slowly lowered its wings.

  “The oracles predicted you’d bring an army to my door, nephew.” Raden raised his arms at his sides. “Where are your soldiers?”

  Damian straightened and ran a hand under his nose as his dragon limped backward and slumped into a heap.

  Haley got to her feet, gripping Raden’s sword, and Damian scanned her body.

  He leaned around, checking her over. “Noah got a call from Ginger, but the phone cut out when that fucker took you. Did anyone hurt you?” He eyed the collar with a grimace.

  “Damian!” Raden started forward, his black robes floating as he walked. “Don’t ignore me, boy.”

  “Answer me.” Damian studied her throat as he unfastened the enchanted rope.

  “I’m not hurt.” Haley swallowed, hoarse from screaming.

  He took the heavy sword from her and pressed a coin into her palm. “Take Ginger and get out of here.”

  “Emily’s here too.”

  “I know. Noah’s leading an attack downstairs. We’ll get her.” Damian stared into her eyes. “I’ve got this covered.”

  Raden swung a tall battle-ax toward him, and steel clanged as Damian swiftly raised the sword. He shoved him back and struck Raden’s bicep, slicing off a piece of flesh.

  Snarling, Raden hit Damian across the face with the head of the ax, drawing blood, then bashed his face again.

  “Haley, get the fuck out of here.” Damian swept the blade low to the ground and wedged it into Raden’s knee.

  Mesmerized by the fight, she snapped awake at his command. The demons guarding the room had fled, and Ginger stood nearby, clutching a small knife. Outside the chamber, the mansion vibrated with sounds of battle. Feral screams and crashing metal.

  Damian drove the sword through his uncle’s chest, and Raden gurgled a cough.

  With the blade still in his heart, Raden burst forward and wrestled Damian onto the floor. He sank his teeth into Damian’s shoulder and tore the sinewy muscle.

  The sword’s point protruded from Raden’s back, and Damian gripped the handle, dragging it down through his torso.

  “This is how you killed her, Uncle.” Damian’s eyes glowed as Raden loosened his jaws. “Right in front of me.” He flipped him onto his back and withdrew the sword from Raden’s gaping stomach as he stood. “She had to hold in her organs like you are now.”

  Blood spurted from Raden’s mouth as he chuckled. “Whose brand does your witch carry?” His upper lip curled as he struggled to lift his head. “She will always belong to me, Damian. Her body is marked as mine.”

  Damian turned away and wiped the dripping blood from his eye.

  Haley’s insides burned with bitterness as tears welled up. “I never belonged to you.” Golden heat escaped from her fingertips, glowing in her palms. “Never.”

  Raden sat upright, cradling his torso. His dark red eyes sent a stab of terror through her.

  “Is that what you think, witch?”

  Intense power surged inside her faster than she could control. Raden grinned as her white and gold flames spread over his lower body. He climbed to his feet, and her magic fire engulfed him.

  Raden advanced, his skin melting, and she backed away with shuddering steps. Damian moved in front of her and struck his blade above Raden’s shoulders, severing his h
ead.

  Her stomach jolted at the sight, and she spun away. She covered her mouth. Energy coursed through her limbs as her magic slowly diminished.

  Damian set down the sword and took her hand. His hands were dirty and bleeding as he opened her fingers. He touched the Drakpiece still nestled there. “Take Ginger with you.”

  “I will.”

  Ginger watched the door with a blank expression, mascara smeared along her cheeks. Fighting still raged in the hallway as Adversus soldiers filtered into the chamber.

  It wasn’t the right time to express her deep emotion, but Haley leaned forward anyway. Damian vibrated with raw strength, and she nestled against him.

  Noah grabbed hold of Ginger. He yanked up her bloodstained shirt and sank to his knees. “Fuck. You’re OK.” He pressed his forehead against her smooth stomach. “I am so sorry, baby.”

  Haley tilted her face up. Damian’s wounded shoulder had bled onto her skin. “What about Emily?”

  “Emily was rescued.” Noah got up and pulled Ginger close. “She’s safe.” He kissed her mouth.

  As the tension in Haley’s body subsided, her legs weakened a little. She clutched Damian’s shirt in her fists, slinking against him. “Thank you.”

  Damian skimmed his fingertips along the streaks of blood on her chest. “Go to headquarters. Or home. You don’t need to be here.”

  “OK.” Haley gave him a soft kiss.

  He had killed her tormentor. She’d carried the crippling fear for so many years, and Damian had set her free. She could finally let go.

  CHAPTER TWENTY

  Damian picked up a shot of whiskey as Stephen emptied the bottle into three more glasses.

  “Oh, man.” Noah grabbed one with a sigh. “I don’t want to be wasted during my vows.”

  “I’m sure the girls are getting trashed right now, too.” Stephen lifted a glass. “Noah and Ginger.”

  The expensive liquor went down smoothly, and Damian set his empty glass on the table. Noah yanked on his tie again, readjusting it while Adam helped him with his cuff links.

  Stephen twisted open a fresh bottle and kept pouring, glancing toward Damian. “You got your speech all set?”

  Damian leaned down and grabbed a new drink. “Fuck no.” Nobody had mentioned anything about a speech.

  “You don’t have a speech?” Stephen bent his neck forward. “You’re the best man.”

  Noah chuckled. “I don’t really give a shit about a speech, Hawthorne.”

  “Maybe I’ve been around my woman too much lately.” Stephen broke with a smile. “Aimee practiced her maid of honor toast a hundred fuckin’ times last night.”

  Damian looked up. “Is Haley giving one?” She didn’t like to be in the spotlight, but she was also a maid of honor. Anything wedding-related seemed so crucial.

  Stephen shrugged. “You’d know better than I would.”

  Haley hadn’t been practicing anything as far as he knew. And she was most likely tired of explaining things to him. He felt like a fucking idiot every time the wedding subject came up.

  “Ceremony starts in fifteen minutes, buddy.” Adam gulped his drink and patted Noah’s shoulder. “Ready to go up there?”

  “Just about.” Noah messed with his hair in front of the mirror. “You guys go meet the girls, I’ll see you out there.”

  As the others meandered out of the room, Damian leaned against the dresser.

  Noah looked him over with a grimace. “Damn, brother, you can wear a fucking suit.” He glanced in the mirror and jerked the lapels on his jacket. “Making me look bad on my wedding day.”

  “Shut the fuck up.” Damian took a long drink and put down the glass. “You need anything?”

  Grinning, Noah scratched the back of his neck. “As long as she shows up, I’m good.” He nodded toward the door.

  “You nervous?” Damian followed him out.

  He gave a confident shake of his head, but his energy vibrated with anxiety. They reached the back entrance to the stage and Noah blew out a breath.

  “All right, this is it.” He twisted the knob, pausing with a thoughtful smile.

  “Don’t fuck up.” Damian smirked as he walked away.

  Noah laughed. “Fuck you.”

  Damian pushed his hand into his pocket and headed to the other side of the large venue. The ballroom where the ceremony would be held had to be packed. Hundreds of scattered thoughts rattled from the other side of the wall. A wedding was a special kind of torture.

  The foyer was crowded with faces he didn’t recognize. Noah’s younger sister waved at him as he passed. The girls beside her stared in his direction, and he caught a glimpse of their thoughts, revealing sexual fantasies about him. He shouldered through a cluster of people.

  Adam and Stephen sipped their drinks as they carried on a conversation with Noah’s parents. A heavy black curtain separated the aisle, to be drawn when it was time to walk toward the altar. Haley stood next to it, holding a glass of champagne and talking with Aimee.

  He took a seat on a bench across from her and leaned back, resting his hand on his leg. Her sapphire floor-length dress matched her eyes perfectly. She spotted him, and her red lips parted as she gave him a once-over.

  Tucking her hair behind her ear, she diverted her attention back to Aimee. “Really? How do you know?”

  “I just have this feeling. So, Noah proposed at Snoqualmie Falls, right?” Aimee clinked her champagne flute against Haley’s and took a sip. “Beautiful place, and you have the weekend getaway at the lodge, it’s great. But I told Stephen he should’ve done it while they were in Mexico. I mean, beach proposal? Gorgeous.” She tapped Haley’s arm. “So, Stephen’s taking me to Puerta Vallarta this weekend.”

  “And you have a feeling…” Haley smiled, taking a drink of champagne.

  “Yes! But hey, you think you could read his mind for me so I’d know for sure?”

  Haley slipped her hand to her stomach as she giggled. “No.”

  “Why not?”

  “Don’t you want it to be a surprise?”

  Aimee flipped her hand. “I hate surprises.”

  “It sounds like he’s going to propose.”

  “I guess I’m just gonna have to wait and see.” Aimee stuck her tongue out, then took another drink. “I’ll bet you peek on your own boyfriend’s thoughts, though. When’s he gonna propose?”

  Her mouth fell open as she searched for a response. Damian sat up a little straighter on the bench.

  Haley dropped her thick eyelashes with a trace of a smile. “I don’t know if he’s really that kind of boyfriend.”

  What the fuck did that mean?

  “Well, you want him to propose, right?”

  “I think he can hear us, he’s right over there.” Her cheeks turned a rosy color as she sipped her drink.

  Unbelievable.

  Haley eased back the edge of the curtain. “Holy fuck, there are a lot of people out there.” She peered through the slit in the fabric. “I hope I don’t trip.” She tugged her dress down over her hips. “And then fall right on my face.”

  “Yeah, but who gives a fuck about any of these people?” Aimee gulped down most of her champagne.

  Stephen came up behind Aimee and took away her glass. “It’s about that time. Why aren’t you girls with the bride?”

  Damian got up and strolled toward them.

  “She’s taking a little time to pay respects to her dad.” Aimee snagged her drink back from Stephen.

  “She requested solitude.” Haley perked up as Damian approached. “Hi.”

  “Hey.” He couldn’t help but lean in and kiss her scarlet lips, plump and sensual. Haley swallowed when he pulled back. He wanted more, but her brother was about a foot away.

  She lowered her head and brushed her fingers along her lips. He imagined her smeared lipstick after sucking on him. Her feverish, wet mouth.

  Classical music played at an increased volume, and everyone began to line up. Haley set her glass on a tray and slid
her fingers through her hair.

  “I won’t let you fall.” Damian offered her his arm.

  She wrapped both hands around his forearm and angled her face against his bicep.

  Ginger shuffled in front of him, a blur of white lace and silk, and whispered to Haley.

  “How’s my makeup?”

  Haley let go of him and pressed her hands to her chest. “Beautiful, Ginge.”

  Aimee turned toward them. “Oh, Christ, Ginger, you look fantastic.” Tears welled up in her eyes.

  Haley didn’t appear to be crying, but her eyes carried a bright sparkle. Stephen hooked his arm around Aimee’s waist, and they walked out onto the aisle.

  “We’re next.” Haley’s voice trembled as she gathered her skirt and held onto his arm. She repositioned the flower tied to her wrist.

  “Ready?” He forced his gaze away from her blushing chest.

  “Yep.” She drew up a handful of her dress and took a step. Her sky-high heels tangled in the silk and Damian gripped onto her as she lost her footing.

  “You got this, angel?” He couldn’t keep from smiling.

  “Shit.” Haley shook out her skirt. “OK.”

  “We’ll take it slow.” He led her through the curtain.

  Masses of wedding guests lined the aisle on both sides. Haley kept her focus on her shoes as they walked along the white runner.

  “You want me to carry you?”

  Her tensed posture loosened and she smiled up at him. Bright lights flashed from several angles as the crowd snapped dozens of pictures.

  “I can make it.”

  At the end of the aisle, Haley clasped his hand tightly and didn’t let go as she climbed the wide stairs in front of the stage. He escorted her to the top, and she caressed her thumb across his skin just before breaking the connection.

  He took his place beside Noah on the opposite side, and the music changed. The ballroom came alive with cheers as Ginger emerged. She didn’t take her eyes off Noah as she drifted down the aisle.

  Damian suppressed the nagging thought that came to mind, bothered by the overheard conversation. For months, the same image had continued to haunt him. A fantasy of his girlfriend walking toward him in a white dress. But she didn’t picture him as someone she could marry.