by Multiple
Wishing I could watch you burn, again
Francisco
Rotten, fucking bastard. As if she’d let him escape. However, the part that truly made her blood run cold was the threat. He’s got Remy. Which surprised her. How did one poor excuse for a damned soul get the drop on a warrior of Remy’s calibre? Didn’t matter. She needed to do something. Letting Remy die, even if it would solve her dilemma with him, never crossed her mind.
She loved him. He might hurt her. Take her love and stomp on it, but that didn’t mean she could let him die. I have to save him. But how?
On the mortal plane, her powers were diminished, and by the terms of her contract, she was even weaker against her foes? Or was she? Brain kicking into gear, she placed a phone call to her boss, calling his private line.
“Do you do this on purpose to vex me when I’m doing important things?” he asked curtly.
Judging by the giggle, she could guess what Lucifer did. “Say hi to Gaia for me would you?”
He growled. “This is not funny, witch. What is it now? I already told you, I can’t return the curse.”
“I know. What I want to know is if all the clauses for it transferred.”
A minute later, she hung up, and tapped her chin thoughtfully. Good news, but she still needed more help. Remy’s life hung in the balance and she refused to take chances. She made another phone call. Actually two, and then got ready to go to war. And for those who wondered, it involved a short skirt, halter top and heels. Unlike other heroines who saved their men in ripped up jeans looking like a tomboy, Ysabel intended to do it in style, sexy style because if she played her cards right, not only would she end the curse, she’d get to claim a prize.
And I know what I want.
Easy access, a grateful demon, and her bent over, seeing stars.
Chapter Thirteen
Finding Francisco proved easy. He sent another imp to guide her. The repulsive, green skinned creature insisted she put on an amulet that checked to make sure she was alone, puny magic that she batted aside with ease.
Grinning at the creature for hire, she said. “It’s just little ol’ me. Take me to your employer.”
The route took them in meandering circles that made her want to shake the imp with impatience. As if such a feeble ply would stop a dedicated tracker. How little Francisco knew.
Arriving hours later at the vacant warehouse on the mortal side, she almost laughed at the classic setting. Did all nefarious deeds have to happen at night in remote areas? Although, given what she wanted to do after the rescue, it would suit her purpose because failure just wasn’t an option. She would save Remy. She would send Francisco and his mother back to Hell. And then, she’d do the most dangerous thing of all; she’d give Remy her trust.
A familiar hag greeted her at the door, Luysa, still wearing her medieval garb consisting of a lace mantilla and black dress. But Ysabel didn’t have time to waste with the bitter woman.
“So the slut shows herself. Go tell my son,” the matron ordered the imp.
Ysabel chanted a few words and flicked her hand. Encasing the imp in a bubble before it could raise an alarm, she smiled at Luysa’s shocked face.
“You’re not supposed to be able to do that. The contract says,” the matron sputtered.
Ysabel smiled slowly. “The thing is, someone else took over the terms. Surprise!”
“Franci – ”
Ysabel quickly spun a second spell and slapped a cone of silence around Luysa before she could finish her shout.
“Normally, I would stay and torture you myself,” she said. “But, I have a demon to rescue. Oh, Jallayna!” Out of the shadows behind her, cloaked by magic for their trek, Remy’s mother appeared.
“Is she the one who likes to play with fire?” she asked, regarding Luysa with slitted, yellow eyes.
“Yup. She’s also the one who’s trying to make you lose your bet by keeping Remy and I apart.”
Tsking as she approached, Jallayna’s eyes lit up with a violent madness that Ysabel found endearing. Now here was a mother in law she could grow to love.
“No one messes with my baby boy.”
Mouth open in an inaudible scream, Luysa turned to run, but couldn’t escape a mother bent on punishment.
Ysabel waggled her fingers goodbye as Jallayna stalked past her with her prize. “Just remember to bring her back to the prison before lunchtime so Remy doesn’t have to barbecue again.”
An insane giggle was the reply as Jallayna, with Luysa tucked under one arm, bounded away back in the direction of the portal.
One damned soul down, there was just one to go.
Taking a deep breath, Ysabel marched into the forlorn building. Time to rescue my demon.
*
Being almost human sucked a big hairy one. How did they stand it, Remy wondered as he tugged at the rope binding his wrists? Rope, of all things, holding a demon of his caliber captive. Well, for at least the next couple of minutes. He’d almost undone the knot that bound him.
I should have read the fine print. Eager to spare Ysabel the pain of her curse, he’d not actually done more than skim the document Lucifer wrote up. He signed his name in blood and congratulated himself on doing the most romantic thing ever. But, it seemed he’d not just gotten the whole set-on-fire daily problem, he’d also inherited the whole, weak like a human schmuck when around the souls involved in the curse.
Not that it would matter in the end. Even if his demon powers were dulled down, and he only had his regular strength and wits to aid him, Remy still intended to prevail. Actually, he couldn’t wait to have his fist meet Francisco’s smirk.
His annoyance with the other male owed very little to his ignoble capture of Remy after he left his mother’s house, lost in thought. A stupid victim of an ambush of a dozen bribed demons – who would so get their asses handed to them when he got back to hell. So what if they carried a grudge because he’d kind of slept with all their girlfriend’s in the past? It wasn’t his fault they couldn’t satisfy their ladies.
But it wasn’t all those things that made him angry. Oh no, he’d finally confronted the dark haired asshole with the pretty face who not only touched his witch in the past, he’d also dared to hurt her. He hurt my Ysabel. And that was not something he could tolerate. I will avenge my witch.
Speaking of whom, Ysabel had to wonder where he’d disappeared to. Did she believe he’d abandoned her after getting her to admit she loved him? Fuck. He hoped not. He’d fought hard for that declaration. Nothing and no one better ruin it.
“Still tied up I see,” said Francisco sauntering into view with a sneer. “So much for your reputation as a big bad demon. I have to say, I don’t see the big deal.”
“That’s because you’re not looking low enough,” Remy replied. “Because it is all about size.”
“Ysabel never complained when I took her virginity. She was like a cat in heat.”
“Virgin? You never told me she was a virgin,” a female voice screeched.
With a sigh of annoyance, Francisco turned to a heavy set woman. “So what if I deflowered her. She was still a witch. And she bespelled me.”
Luysa pursed her lips. “I am going to check the doors again. I don’t trust those magical wards you bought from that vendor.” The matron wandered away leaving Remy alone with the object of his annoyance who checked his watch again.
“I don’t think Ysabel was that impressed with your skill in the bedroom. Time is almost up, and she’s yet to do a thing to save you.”
Well, at least that answered one question. Ysabel knew he’d not run out on her, and he’d spank her if she put herself in danger trying to save him, especially since it would mean getting ridiculed by all the other demons.
“Release him or else.”
Remy groaned as he couldn’t help imagining the jests he’d have to put up with. What male allowed himself to get saved by his woman? “What are you doing, Ysabel? I have this under control.”
“Really
, because from here it looks like you’re all tied up.” She strode into view with a cool smile, wearing an outfit that would look even better on the floor.
“Bah, as if something like rope could hold me.” He yanked his arms apart and showed her his freed hands, a moment before a sharp point pressed against the back of his neck.
“Move and he dies!” Francisco yelled.
Cocking a hip, and crossing her arms, a smirk crossed his witch’s lips. “I don’t think so. That demon belongs to me, and I’d prefer him in one piece. So move the dagger away before I hurt you. Or don’t. But know this, if you even so much as scratch him, I’ll make sure your return to Hell is even more painful.”
“I knew you cared,” Remy exclaimed.
“Apparently, the insanity in your family is contagious,” she replied dryly. “Besides, you already forced me into admitting I loved you. As such, I realized I couldn’t exactly let Francisco kill you. That should be my pleasure alone.”
“You say the sweetest things,” Remy teased.
“But I taste even sweeter,” she sassed back.
Despite the knife at his throat, Remy got hard remembering. Time to end this.
“Enough!” Francisco shouted. “Either you get Lucifer to let me go or loverboy here gets it.”
Had the little bastard interrupted him and his witch as she publicly admitted she cared? Oh, hell no.
Remy jabbed his elbow back, twisted, then ducked as he grabbed Francisco’s dagger wielding hand. He twisted it up behind the damned soul’s back and shoved him to his knees. “Sorry, my little witch. You were saying something about pleasure and alone time?”
Her lips twitched and mirth shone in her eyes. “I should have let him kill you.”
“But then who would love and worship you for an eternity?”
“You don’t have to keep saying that.”
“Oh I do. And because you seem to have issues believing me, I even got the contract to prove it.”
“You what?”
Francisco chose that moment to squirm and scream obscenities. Remy frowned at him. “I was in the middle of something.”
“Interruptions are so rude,” she agreed as she came to stand by his side. “I’ll be by to see you later, Francisco.”
“We both will.”
“And until we can come and thank you for bringing us together, I’ve sent my kitty to greet you in your cell. He’s been looking forward to meeting you.”
Remy laughed. Now there was a witch who’d fit right in with his family.
Ysabel tagged Francisco and didn’t even bother to watch as the man she’d once thought she cared for, who’d hurt her so bad, disappeared. It eased Remy’s heart to see Francisco meant nothing to her. Less than nothing. But the way she gazed up at Remy… It stole his breath. Stopped his heart.
In her eyes, he could see the fear, but also the love. The need. Time to show her, that to him, she meant everything.
“Before you shower me with kisses for saving you –”
“I think it could be argued that I played a part.”
“Not when I retell the story you won’t. But we can argue about that later, naked. As I was saying, I have something for you.” Remy pulled the sheet of paper out of his back pocket and unfolded it. Initially he’d worried about it being too short. But as Lucifer assured him when he made the contract and binding, the less clauses he put in, the more his promise would stick out.
Handing it to her, he waited. Fidgeted when she didn’t say a word. Almost tore it from her grasp. Then stumbled back as she threw herself at him.
*
I, Remy, the most awesome demon in Hell, do declare to love the witch Ysabel, fiery temper and all, for an eternity. I will never stray. Never betray her trust. Never do anything to cause her pain upon penalty of permanent death.
This I do swear in blood,
Remy
A simple contract, which in its very lack of clauses and sub items, awed her. “You love me that much?”
He peered at her with incredulity on his face. “Of course I love you that much. Would I have done all the things I did if I didn’t?”
“Well, you are related to a mad woman.”
“Yes, and maybe it’s madness for me to love you, but I do. Do you think just any woman would inspire me enough to take on a bloody painful curse. Or put up with the fact you have a giant, demon eating cat. I know you have trust issues, and that I might not have led the kind of life that inspires confidence, but I will show you that you can believe in me. I want you to love me.”
“I know you do. And I do love you. Only for you would I come to the rescue wearing nothing to cover my bottom.”
His eyebrows shot up. “You came to battle in a skirt without any underwear?”
A slow nod was her answer.
He grinned, then scowled. “You will not do that again. Do you know how many demons live in the sewer and could have looked up your skirt? I won’t have them looking at what’s mine. On second thought. Throw out all your underwear. I’ll lead the purge on the sewers myself so you can stroll around with your girl parts unencumbered for my enjoyment.”
“You’re insane,” she laughed.
“Crazy in love with you,” he agreed. “But I do warn you, we’ll have to have dinner with my crazy mother at least once a month.”
“Or more often. I quite like your mom. She’s got a refreshing way of viewing the world.”
“Oh fuck. Don’t tell me she’s already rubbing off,” he groaned, as he pulled her into his arms. She snuggled against him. This was where she belonged.
But she did have a question. “As my new…what should I call you anyway? Boyfriend? Demon I sleep with?”
“The following terms are acceptable to me. Yours. Mate. Husband. Divine taster of your –”
She slapped a hand over his mouth. “I’ll stick to mate.”
“And I’m going with my super, sexy, touch her and die, fabulous cougar, ass kicking witch.”
“I dare you shout that five times in a row without stumbling.” He did to her eye popping disbelief.
“I told you, I have a very agile tongue.”
“I remember.” Boy, did she ever and so did her pussy.
“So is there any reason we’re still on the mortal plane instead of back at your place fucking like wild animals?”
“Why wait? I didn’t come dressed like this for nothing. And I don’t see anyone around.” She tossed him a coy smile.
“Evil witch,” he growled.
“No, this is evil.” Pushing away from him, she turned and bent over with her hands braced on her thighs. She peered at him over her shoulder. The smoldering look on his face made her heart race.
“You naughty, naughty witch. What am I going to do with you?”
“Fuck me?”
“Definitely.”
“Make me cum?”
“Goes without saying.”
“Love me?”
“Forever and ever.”
And then he was inside her, stroking her with his hardness, filling her up, touching her, murmuring the words she allowed herself to embrace. They came together in an explosive burst, linked together for all time by contract, choice and most of all love. A demon and his witch, together, forever.
Epilogue
Grinning like a lunatic, Lucifer turned his attention away from the happy – ugh – couple on his screen. He’d done it. Paired his biggest pain in the ass with an infamous womanizing demon. Doubts at the beginning of his project, ‘Increase My Demonic Population’, now seemed ridiculous. Screw Cupid and his bow. He, greatest and most evil ruler of all time, obviously possessed a knack for getting people together. Not to mention, freed up a lot of the ladies for other males. Even better, he’d gotten that bloody witch out of his hair. Not for long though, she was too damned good at her job, which meant he’d have to rehire her, probably for more money, but not right away. He’d take a week to enjoy himself first before he let the harridan return.
Whil
e she would get to keep her job, Remy, now that he’d settled down, would probably request assignments closer to home. Lucky for him, a training position had just opened up – because Lucifer killed the previous instructor for banging one of his daughters – which would suit him. If he couldn’t have Remy in the field, then operatives trained by him would have to suffice. Not to mention, having Remy close to home, taking care of his new wife, meant the witch would start popping out little babies anytime. What a powerful mix those two would make. Little demon/witchlings for Hell’s ranks. All part of the plan.
With his army decimated in large numbers because of his recent war with Lilith, he needed to rebuild. Getting demon grunts was the easy part though. Those were a dime a dozen, but dumber than rocks. What he needed was more smart, magic wielding soldiers. However, his demons, witches and other magical beings populating Hell seemed determined to avoid each other.
It was up to him, Lord of the Pit, and now King Matchmaker, to get worthy, loyal demons paired with the right female. Forced breeding wasn’t an option because as experience showed, couples in love produced the most offspring, at least in the Pit. Gross. Encouraging affection and healthy relationships went so against the grain, however, he couldn’t deny results.
Hence his manipulation of events. Who else but Lord of the Underworld could help five prisoners escape with no one the wiser? Sure he used them, but they should count themselves honored as they served a larger purpose. His purpose.
However one couple alone couldn’t give him all the children he’d need to create his next generation of defense. More. He needed more powerful matings, which meant a new project. But who next to torture with that crazy little thing called love?
Hearing a shrill giggle – that was borderline insane – and the shocking “What the fuck?” from his most staid soldier, Lucifer smiled broadly. Oh fuck yeah. He knew just the pair. Next up in his plan, a demon and his psycho. What a challenging match it would be.