by Rue Volley
She started to cry harder. Asmodeus knelt by her chair and pulled her close. He smelled of leather and incense and she breathed deeply, comforted by his scent.
“You don’t sound like any of those things,” he said kindly. “You sound human. Everyone wants to be loved. It’s a very basic need. You are not weak for wanting someone who loves and accepts you. What do you think got me into this mess in the first place?”
She laughed softly at his joke, and wiped a few more tears.
“I looked in the wrong place for it, but I was also looking for love. I wanted to connect with someone the way you described. What I need to know is, do you still want this? Is it the deepest desire of your heart?”
Selina thought that over for a moment before answering, “Yes.”
“Do you think it’s possible to have what you want with a demon? Are you willing to try? I know this is very sudden, but we have a time limit before all Hell breaks loose.”
“I want you to stay with me,” she said. “Not because I’m lonely or because you want out of Hell. I want you to stay because you feel like I do when you’re close to me.” She pulled back to look at him. “I can’t imagine living the rest of my life without that feeling.”
Asmodeus put his hands on her hips and lifted her onto the table. Before Selina had time to think, she was unbuttoning his shirt. As soon as his chest was bared, she pulled him against her, devouring him with her kiss.
She was telling the truth, she could not imagine living the rest of her life without feeling this, without knowing his touch.
Asmodeus unfastened her jeans and she kicked off her shoes. A moment later her jeans hit the floor along with her coat, shirt, and bra. She wasn’t wearing any panties. The demon was bare from the waist up, and Selina didn’t want to wait for him to take off his pants. She unzipped his velvet pants and moaned as she closed her hand around his cock.
“Right now,” she said.
Selina wrapped her legs around his hips as she pulled him to her by his cock. Asmodeus growled as he thrust into her.
“Yes,” she said. “I need it hard.”
She put her hands back on the table for leverage and rolled her hips. The demon licked his lips as he moved his hands to her ass.
“You’re so tight,” he said, his voice strained.
Selina continued to thrust her hips up, grinding against him until his eyes rolled back and she could feel his knees trembling. She had no idea her workouts would pay off in such a pleasurable way.
“Does my pussy feel good?” she purred. Selina had always liked it when her lovers talked dirty, but she’d never felt bold enough to do it herself until now. She saw no point in having inhibitions with the ruler of Lust.
By the wicked smile on his face, she guessed he liked her lusty question.
“You know it does,” he said.
He moved slowly in and out and she moaned. Until now, he’d been content to let her do most of the work.
“Then I want you to fuck it for me while I come,” she said. “You think you can handle that?”
His grin widened as she lay back on the table and moved one hand down to work her clit.
“Faster,” she commanded.
Selina stroked her clit in faster and faster circles while he moved in and out. The sound of his body, slapping against her wet pussy was what finally sent her over the edge. She came so hard she could barely see.
“Come for me,” she said, arching off the table.
He thrust harder and the bowl of cherries hit the floor.
“Come for me,” she said again. With those words she felt his body stiffen and knew he was coming. This turned her on more and added to her pleasure.
As she rested against the table she wondered how the bowl hadn’t broken.
After several minutes of heavy breathing Selina said, “I don’t know about you, but I need a shower.”
Asmodeus gathered their clothes from the floor and followed her into the bathroom. While she adjusted the water, he brought up the subject she was dreading.
“If you’re willing to give this a try, what about my curse? I hate to pressure you, I really do. Don’t make a decision because time is short. If you are unsure, then let me go back to Hell.”
Selina rounded on him. “How can you say that?”
She looked at him standing there tall, dark, and glistening with sweat. She couldn’t even imagine sending him away.
“Your curse, it’s a lot to take in, and you know that. If I accept this Eternal Kiss that you and Samael were talking about, what will that mean for me? Do you really want to spend eternity with me?”
He reached for her and ran a hand through her hair, caressing her face before pulling back. “I knew I wanted to be with you the moment I heard your call. There was magic in your voice of a completely different kind. I heard your call with my heart, not my senses.”
“Will I live forever?”
“It’s possible. You will share my lifetime. If you accept the kiss, you will gain much of my power, even take on some physical aspects of mine.”
She gave him a questioning look.
“I would offer to show you my true form so you can see what I mean, but—”
“But what? You think I can’t handle it?”
He shrugged. “No offense, but maybe not. What you see now is how I looked as a human, but what’s underneath is what I became in Hell. If you run screaming I’ll understand. Can we please wait on that until tomorrow at least?”
Selina was afraid to see what was beneath his gorgeous skin, so she had no problem agreeing to wait. “All right.”
“You will have to see if you are to make an informed decision. To be honest, I’m afraid of rejection.”
“Is it petty that hearing you say that makes me feel better?”
He laughed. “No.”
He became serious again as he said, “I do want to stay with you, Selina, more than anything. I just want you to know what you’re getting into if you agree to this.”
They stepped into the shower and Selina began to wash her hair while he explained, “You won’t be forced to go to Hell if you accept part of my soul. To be honest I don’t know how religions and beliefs factor into all the various dimensions out there. But I do know that if this curse is lifted I am forever free from entering that dimension ever again.”
“Well, that’s a relief.”
Selina turned toward the water and he wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her back against him.
“It was never my intention to ask this of you,” he said softly.
Asmodeus bent closer and brushed his face against hers. The slight friction of his unshaved skin felt good against her cheek and she leaned into his touch.
“I won’t lie to you, lifting my curse was the first thing that crossed my mind when I heard the call. But the moment I saw your face, I knew I didn’t want to get you mixed up in this. I decided then, I would do whatever you wanted me to do and I would leave.”
“But you said you knew you wanted to be with me when you heard my call.”
He placed a kiss against her face. “I did, but I never intended to ask. The problem was, after I touched you, I knew I couldn’t go back. I could never live in Hell knowing the taste of your kiss, yet be unable to feel you. It would be a worse torment than I could bear.”
She traced the contours of his forearm with her fingertips. “Still here we are, having this conversation.”
“Yes, we are.” He sighed and kissed her face again. “I want you to know how I feel, but I don’t want you to think I’m saying these things to trap you. I would never do that.”
“I know,” she said, turning in his arms. “I feel everything when I touch you. I don’t need to hear the words.” She smiled, hoping to give him reassurance. “I believe you.”
His smile was tender. “Yes, you do. Trust me, everyone needs to hear the words. My pulse quickens when you are near me. I feel like I’m stronger and yet weaker at the same time. I would die
to defend you, and I will return to Hell if you are unsure of helping me.”
She also knew through his touch that if that happened, he would never complain; he would simply return.
“There is no doubt in my mind that I am falling in love with you,” he said.
His amber eyes misted over with tears and Selina held him close. “This is all happening so fast, but I love you too. I can’t explain it. How is that even possible?”
“Magic.”
She laughed. “I’m serious.”
“So am I. Magic is my only explanation. Well, magic and fate. Whatever there is between us, I have no doubt that it was meant to be.”
* * *
Later that night, Asmodeus fell asleep on a blanket in front of the fireplace. Selina watched for a long time, admiring the way his dark lashes fell against his cheeks, running her fingers through his hair. She put another log on the fire and went to make herself a cup of tea. Her decision was made.
While the kettle heated, she put on her thickest robe and bedroom shoes, and stepped onto the porch. The late night breeze was cold. She pulled the robe tight against her throat as she leaned against one of the beams supporting the porch. The smell of rain carried on the wind and she sighed as she looked up at the stars. Soon they would be covered by the clouds she could see in the distance. Selina smiled up at the sky, appreciating the opportunity to view the stars before they were blocked by the approaching storm. Having made her choice, everything else seemed simpler. She would let Asmodeus enjoy his sleep. Then, she would tell him.
Selina stood there for several minutes, drinking in the peaceful scenery. The kettle whistled. “Shit.” She didn’t mean to wake Asmodeus, not yet.
Before she could turn around a powerful arm grabbed her like a vice, and a hand covered her mouth. Definitely not Asmodeus! She kicked backward, raking her foot down her attacker’s shin.
“That would hurt a lot more if you weren’t wearing bedroom shoes,” he hissed.
His voice sounded familiar, but she couldn’t quite place it. She bit his hand hard, but was careful not to draw blood. Selina did not want anyone’s blood in her mouth. Still, the man did not release her.
“I’m sorry, but we don’t have time for foreplay.”
He twirled her to face him and even though the face was new, she recognized the voice this time.
“Samael.”
“Hush.”
He touched her forehead and the world went black.
Chapter Five
“Where the fuck am I?” she groaned.
It was difficult to open her eyes, as if she was drugged. She tried to move, but her hands were bound. Selina blinked heavily and took a good look around. She was tied to a pole on a small wooden platform. She was in the woods, but wasn’t sure of an exact location. Maybe if she could walk around a bit she would recognize where she was. She grew up in the surrounding area and had a feeling they hadn’t gone far.
At that moment, Samael emerged from the trees at the edge of the clearing. He was carrying an armful of kindling. Horror rose within her as she realized his intentions.
“You’re awake.”
He smiled and smoke rose from the corners of his solid white eyes. His long, black hair moved in the wind like wisps of smoke rather than tendrils of hair. Even in his semi-human form, she could easily see the hound beneath.
“You like?”
He dropped the kindling beside the platform and gestured toward his body. He was wearing jeans tight enough to leave nothing to the imagination. They matched his black coat and boots. He wasn’t wearing a shirt.
“Not bad if you weren’t trying to kill me.”
His grin widened.
“And if I couldn’t see the hellhound behind your eyes.”
At that he growled and began stacking the wood around her.
“Witches are afraid of fire,” he said conversationally.
“No one wants to be burned alive,” she said, trying to remain calm.
He continued to stack the wood. “True, but your fear of it is stronger. It is in your blood. How many of your ancestors do you suppose died this way?”
Selina tried to shrug then realized exactly how tightly her hands were tied behind the pole.
“Not many. Most of the people burned during the witch trials were midwives with no real dealings in magic. Anyone with a little knowledge of herbs was branded a witch.”
“I’m impressed. You actually know the history of your kind. Most witches don’t. But you’re right, ignorance kills.” He laughed. “Especially, when a woman is perceived as knowing more than a man.”
Selina needed to keep the conversation going. She didn’t want it to be obvious that she was working to untie her bonds.
“You admit this freely?” she joked.
Samael rose, spreading his arms wide. “I’ve never been intimidated by anyone because of their gender.”
“Why are you trying to burn me?”
“It’s really simple. If I kill Asmodeus, I get his throne as a reward. The best way to accomplish that is to catch him off guard. Hopefully, threatening you will distract him sufficiently to give me the upper hand. I admit there is a slight chance he might defeat me. Still, if I kill you, he cannot break his curse.” While he said this, Samael looked very pleased with himself.
“Because if he’s set free you lose your opportunity to capture the throne?”
“Exactly. And you can’t delay me with conversation, so stop trying. I can burn you to a crisp using only my thoughts. This is all for show.”
“Then why bother?”
He moved closer and sat on the platform beside her. Selina refused to recoil as he ran his fingers through her hair.
“Your screams will be a symphony to my senses.” He breathed deeply. “I can smell your fear. If you don’t suffer, what’s the point?”
“Fuck you,” she said calmly.
“Such a shame, we don’t have time.”
As he walked back toward the trees she asked, “Why stall then if you’re in such a hurry to see me suffer?” Not that she was in a hurry. If she was going to be set on fire, Selina wanted to understand his reasoning. This level of viciousness had to be about more than keeping Asmodeus from breaking his curse.
“I want Asmodeus to watch, and we need more wood.”
Selina tried to remain calm and continue working the knot on the rope around her wrists, but it was difficult. Knowing Samael would only get off on her fear helped to keep her emotions somewhat under control. While she tried to loosen the rope, she closed her eyes. With all the power she could summon, she called out to Asmodeus, “Help me!”
* * *
Asmodeus sprang to his feet. The kettle was whistling, but that wasn’t what woke him.
“Samael,” he said, running for the front door.
He could sense the hellhound’s presence, even though there was no trace of sulfur in the air. He reasoned that the hound must be in his human form to avoid leaving his scent behind. Asmodeus ran out onto the porch, the cold breeze biting his naked skin. There was no trace of Samael or Selina.
He wanted to leave immediately, but running off naked didn’t seem like the best course of action. He took only enough time to pull on his pants and shoes. If anything happened to Selina, he would never forgive himself. And Samael would suffer for centuries.
* * *
Asmodeus watched through the trees while Samael piled more kindling around the platform. Selina was terrified, but was doing a good job concealing the fact. He could feel her fear and it was all he could do to keep himself from charging into the clearing.
Samael had set traps, dozens of them. He must have been working spells here for hours before coming for Selina. The area was well prepared. Once Asmodeus entered the circle that was the clearing, there was no way out unless the spells were broken. He’d examined some of the runes and symbols painted and carved into the surrounding trees. This trap was designed to either kill him, or drag him back to Hell.
/> In the centuries since they’d last fought, Samael had studied magic. The easiest way to overpower him would be to wait until he walked out of that damn circle. But he had Selina, so waiting any longer wasn’t an option. She was terrified and he couldn’t bear feeling her suffer this way. No matter what happened to him, she would survive this.
* * *
Selina was staring up at the moon, trying to take deep breaths to avoid having a panic attack. It was then she felt his presence. Her heart leapt. “I’m saved!”
She almost laughed at the ridiculousness of such a thought. The whole damsel in distress bit had never appealed to her, nor did she believe she fit the profile. Yet here she was, thrilled to know that Asmodeus had come to her rescue.
“The third day began at midnight,” Samael said.
He didn’t turn around to face the demon prince, but continued to stack the wood.
“Surely you aren’t surprised to see me. After all, I said I’d be back.”
Samael turned his back to her and over the top of his broad shoulders she watched Asmodeus begin to change.
“You can’t wear that pretty face inside this circle,” Samael explained.
“Let her go,” Asmodeus said as horns grew from his forehead.
“She needs to see what you really are before she dies.” Samael turned to her again and his smoky hair moved about as if it had a life of its own. “I can resist shifting form because it is my spell,” he explained to her. “I thought you had a right to know what you’ve actually been fucking.”
She looked past Samael and saw the look of apology on Asmodeus’ face. If he was going to fight Samael, he would need his true form. His amber eyes glowed from within, even brighter than before. He leaned forward and when he arched back, arms spread wide, wings emerged from his back. They looked like a bat’s wings and were so black they blended with the night. He yelled and in a burst of flame his transformation was finished, complete with hooves and a pointy tail.
His horns were now fully grown and they curled back like a ram’s; they were as black as his wings. He was frightening and yet there was still beauty in his powerful body. She could sense the pain it caused him for her to see him this way. Since Selina wasn’t psychic she wondered if he was using his power to communicate his feelings to her.