“Nice … jeans,” Seraphina purred, her eyes raking over Eevuhl’s form.
The demon’s gaze shifted to her. “The best I could come up with on short notice.”
“I have a fondness for cowboys,” she told him. “It’s been a while since I’ve saddled up. Let me know if you’d like a ride.”
The thought of anyone being defiled by that demon had Perfidious shuddering.
“Why are you here?” Perfidious demanded, reaching for the tequila Sirius had brought as a gift from the last soul he’d stolen. It took effort, but he managed to hide the slight tremble in his hand.
“I thought you’d be happy to see me, Perf,” Eevuhl said with a demented grin. “After all, someone’s got to clean up the mess you’ve made.”
For fuck’s sake. Why did everyone keep bringing that shit up?
“There’s no mess,” he declared.
“No?”
A loud ruckus sounded from the other room. Perfidious peered around Eevuhl to see what it was. There in the middle of the abandoned warehouse were two dozen demons, none having yet acquired a human form. The creatures reminded him of gnomes. If gnomes were horribly disfigured with arms too long for their short bodies and heads too large. There were also the red scales that covered them, glistening with the oily red puss that oozed out of their pores.
“Why are they here?”
“Like I said,” Eevuhl sneered. “Someone’s got to clean up your mess. I brought them along to assist.”
Though he hadn’t seen any of the trielair in nearly two centuries, Eevuhl hadn’t changed a bit. Not counting the human form, anyhow. There was still the stench of death and destruction that lingered, the slick layer of evil that coated his black soul like a plague.
“As for why I’ve invaded your residence, that’s simple,” Eevuhl supplied. “The sun’s about to come up. You’re going to provide me shelter.”
“Why in hell would I do that?”
Eevuhl took a step toward him. “Should you refuse, I’ll send you home. Let Lucifer take care of you. He’s not happy, Perfidious. You’ve gone off task.”
It wasn’t that he feared Hell, but the thought of dealing with Lucifer at the moment didn’t sit well. Perfidious still had things he needed to take care of before he ventured below. Namely, claiming the blond Fae as his own. Screw Obsidian and his female. Perfidious couldn’t give a shit less that they’d sealed the bond, their souls now residing safely in Heaven.
“I don’t need your help,” he told Eevuhl. “I’ve got the situation under control.”
The demon cackled, an evil sound that slithered in the stale air like an oily film. “You are aware they’ve mated, are you not?”
“Of course I am. I’m not an idiot.”
The look Eevuhl gave him said he believed otherwise. “Lucifer’s deemed your scheme to steal the Fae a fool’s errand.”
Well, hell. So much for keeping his plans on the DL.
“The Fae?” Seraphina’s glittering blue eyes pinned him in place. “What is he talking about?”
“Oh, you haven’t told her? Informed your lackey that you’ve become fascinated by a fucking fairy? Tell me this, Perf. What’ll you do with her when you acquire her?”
Keep her. That was what he intended to do. Perfidious would make her his queen, have her at his side for eternity.
Strong hands gripped his head. Before Perfidious could duck out of Eevuhl’s grip, pain shot through his skull.
“Ah, yes,” the demon quipped. “You’ve fantasized about mating her, making little demon spawn. How romantic.” His nostrils flared with distaste.
“Who is he talking about?” Seraphina asked, her pissed-off gaze still locked on him.
“Asmia,” Eevuhl said, shoving Perfidious away. “The Fae belonging to those fucking angels.”
As though betrayed by the revelation, Seraphina moved toward Eevuhl.
“You do not want to do that,” Perfidious warned her, though he didn’t give a fuck if the demon ripped her to shreds or not. She had no loyalty to anyone but herself, proving so when she ran one long nail down Eevuhl’s chest.
“Oh, I think I do,” she crooned. “Perhaps finally a male who can handle me.”
Eevuhl stared back at her, black eyes glittering.
“You’re as good as dead,” Perfidious mumbled, draining his drink.
“He’s right,” Eevuhl growled, his gaze raking over her. “But I’d love to feel those sweet lips wrapped around me. After, I’ll give you to my males.” He jabbed a thumb in the direction of the warehouse. “They need something to play with. Or better yet, maybe I’ll feed you to my shadow beasts. They do enjoy a juicy treat.”
Seraphina stumbled back, evidently heeding the warning when it came from the demon’s mouth.
“However, it’ll have to wait until I’ve secured shelter for the day.”
“Fine,” Perfidious hissed. “You can stay here. But you can make your own hole in the ground.”
Eevuhl smirked. “I’ve got some who’ll gladly help me.” His eyes shot to Seraphina. “Especially if I reward them for their efforts.”
“Then what?”
The demon’s head cocked to one side. “I don’t know yet. Lucifer sent me here to lead the charge for the amsouelots. One might’ve slipped through our fingers, but there’s still six to go.” He peered around. “Only, now I’m quite curious about this Fae. Perhaps I should introduce myself. See if she’s an appropriate mate for you.”
“You will not,” Perfidious snarled. “You stay away from her.”
Eevuhl cackled again. “Not a chance, Perf. She’s as good as dead.”
He didn’t doubt Eevuhl’s intentions. The demon followed Lucifer’s commands to the letter, even managed to handle his tasks from Hell. In the past year, Eevuhl had increased the number of shadow beasts roaming Earth, his mission to make the vampires extinct, eliminate the natural protectors of humans so the damned could take the realm as their own.
Bartering with the demon was his only option considering it was imperative Perfidious maintain his position. If Eevuhl sent him back to Hell before he’d secured the Fae, it would’ve all been for naught. And Perfidious wasn’t one to admit defeat.
“What if we make a deal?” he offered.
Eevuhl’s dark brows rose, disappearing beneath the brim of that stupid fucking hat. “What did you have in mind?”
“I get the Fae and you can have her.” He nodded toward Seraphina.
“Perfidious!” Seraphina screeched. “What are you doing?”
He kept his eyes locked with Eevuhl’s. “She’ll prove entertaining enough. For a while.”
The demon’s black eyes trailed over Seraphina before his two-pronged tongue slithered over his lips.
“Once I have the Fae,” Perfidious told him, “I’ll help you with the amsouelots.”
Eevuhl shook his head. “Once you have the Fae, you’ll lead the shadow beasts.”
Perfidious narrowed his eyes. “Why would I do that?”
The demon smirked. “Because if you don’t, I’ll eliminate that little fairy before you ever get a taste of her.”
Eevuhl did not make empty threats, Perfidious knew. Now that the demon had seen inside his head, Eevuhl knew who she was, and there was no doubt he’d eliminate her just to punish him.
“Fine. I’ll leave the amsouelots to you, and I’ll lead the shadow beasts. But you have to tell Lucifer you’ve reassigned me.”
Once more Eevuhl’s black eyes shot to Seraphina. “Deal. But the demon is mine to do with as I wish.”
Perfidious smiled.
Killing two birds with one stone.
Nice.
Chapter Ten
Obsidian managed to get to the third floor with the help of Rinc and Zadok. As soon as they made it through the door, he nodded toward the living room sofa, needing a minute before he made the trek down the hall. If it weren’t for the fact he’d pulled a lightning bolt out of the heavens, he probably would’ve felt like a pus
sy. Then again, he wanted to see them pull that shit off.
Footsteps sounded on the stairs and he felt the presence of his ereswa before she appeared. Simply knowing she’d felt his need for her warmed him immensely.
“What happened?” Penelope came to an abrupt halt when she stepped around the corner.
“Damned if I know,” he grumbled, exhaustion pulling at him from all directions. Summoning a lightning bolt wasn’t as easy as it appeared, likely the reason he hadn’t resorted to doing it in over two hundred years or so.
Clearly in tune with his physical state, Penelope hurried over. “Are you hurt?”
He shook his head, met her worried gaze to assure her. “Just physically drained. It’ll pass.”
“Kaj is requesting to come up,” Reidar announced from where he stood near the door.
“It’s fine. But I want you three to stay,” he told Rinc, Zadok, and Reidar. “Get Malak and Magnar. And the lieterras who’re here. We need to talk.”
“Will do,” Reidar said before disappearing.
Obsidian turned his attention to Penelope. “Come here, ayreme.”
She settled at his side without hesitation, her hands moving over his chest, his neck in her attempt to find out for herself if he was injured. The heat of her body worked wonders to replenish his strength.
“I’m fine. I promise.”
Her golden eyes caressed his face. “You need to feed.”
“I will. In a few minutes.”
She didn’t seem happy that he was putting it off, but Obsidian knew she understood.
He peered over at Stygian. “You good?”
The male chuckled. “Been better, but I’ll live, sure.”
When Reidar returned, Malak, Magnar, Søren, and Miklós were with him, all with mirroring expressions of concern.
“Tell us what happened before you summoned me,” Obsidian instructed as he put his arm over Penelope’s shoulders, pulling her against his side.
“Weirdest damn thing,” Zadok said, perching on the arm of the sofa Stygian had fallen onto. “Found four demons cornering some humans. Rinc and I corralled three of them. Reidar went after the one who’d trapped one of the males. Seemed good and fine.”
“Right up until they multiplied,” Rinc added, eyes wide. “No bullshit. Dagger pierced its chest cavity and the bastard doubled. No matter what we hit them with or where, they kept coming, one after another.”
“Rather than die, they doubled,” Reidar explained. “Which was when I called you. You know the rest.”
Kaj appeared, strolling through the door to join them. “You got a firsthand glimpse at their newest trick, huh? We’ve been having this issue with shadow beasts for the past few months.”
“Those were shadow beasts?” Rinc muttered. “Fucking hell.”
Obsidian sighed. He hadn’t encountered a shadow beast in a decade or so. Last he’d heard, they’d been sent back to Hell. He’d only heard of their return from Kaj, and unfortunately, now he’d seen it for himself.
“I assume they just keep multiplying?” Stygian asked, his voice guttural, as though it strained just to pass his vocal cords.
Kaj nodded. “It’s why we’ve had to go into hiding.”
“Because you can’t fight them,” Zadok mused.
“Exactly.” Kaj peered at all the faces staring back at him. “We don’t have the same abilities you do. They’re slaughtering my people because they can. We’re no match when they multiply. At first, they caught us by surprise, wiped out two entire clans in the northeast, including the females and their young. They’re responsible for taking down Kardobahn, as well.”
“The previous vampire Alpha,” Obsidian explained when half a dozen eyebrows rose in curiosity.
“Our numbers are dwindling,” Kaj continued. “Which is the reason I’ve been seeking shelter for the single females. Though not ideal, they’re pretty inconspicuous amongst humans, so I’ve called in a few favors.”
The vampires had been restricted to living in the shadows as the angels had. However, unlike them, the vampires had long ago ignored that rule and immersed themselves in the fold. In their defense, the majority had managed to keep their existence a secret, pretending to be human as much as possible.
“How the fuck do we kill them if they keep coming?” Rinc asked, though Obsidian didn’t think he was expecting an answer.
“Never seen anything like it,” Zadok added.
“So you haven’t had any success at all?” Obsidian asked Kaj.
“The only thing we’ve found that’ll take them out is fire.”
“And lightning,” Reidar stated.
Kaj met Obsidian’s gaze, held it. “Too bad no one else knows that trick.”
“Did you warn the others?” Rinc asked Reidar.
“Sent the word out to the fiestreigh and on the message boards for anyone monitoring it.”
“Is that why you brought Bijou here?” Penelope asked Kaj.
“She’s my only child,” he said softly. “And I know she’ll be safe here, should you agree to house her.”
“What do we get in return?” Obsidian asked because they’d yet to address this.
“Assistance from my clans,” the vampire said simply.
“But you admitted they’re nearing extinction,” Stygian countered.
Kaj chuckled. “Never did I say that. While we’re dwindling in numbers, I still command far more than you have at your back.”
“How many are we talking?” Obsidian inquired.
“Across the globe? Several hundred thousand. Most are civilians implanted in human societies, but I’ve still got armies. I just need some time to get them realigned. And I’m offering them to you in return for protection for my daughter.”
“And the Zenith?”
Shadows passed through Kaj’s green gaze. “They were killed during our last mission to save Kardobahn.”
“What’s a Zenith?” Penelope inquired.
“Vampire warriors,” Obsidian answered, his eyes still on Kaj. “You mentioned you had information on Perfidious.”
“I do.” His keen eyes skimmed the males in the room.
“And that would be?” Stygian’s tone reflected his frustration.
“Once I receive your declaration of protection, I’ll tell you everything I know, as well as give you access to my resources.”
“I’ve got conditions,” Obsidian stated, glancing at Stygian and receiving a nod. “I’ve talked to my brothers and they’re willing to give you and Bijou refuge. However, we’re digging into Bijou’s past.”
Kaj nodded. “I would expect no less. You’ll find nothing of concern, I assure you.”
“Maybe not, but it’s still necessary. I also need you to know that my brothers are seeking their amsouelots. That’s their top priority at the moment, so the mansion’s a bit understaffed.”
“Which makes this mutually beneficial,” Kaj said. “If you’ll allow me to assist in the endeavor, I will gladly do so. In return, you’ll help us fight the shadow beasts. This is not a problem that’s going to go away.”
“Why’s that?” Stygian asked, his shoulders squaring as though readying for a fight.
Obsidian doubted his brother could stand at the moment, but he admired his good intentions.
“Because Eevuhl, Mizuhree, and Aguhnee are topside.”
Son of a bitch.
“Who are they?” Penelope inquired.
“The trielair,” Reidar explained. “The top level of Lucifer’s army.”
“There’s only three of them?” Penelope asked.
“Thank God for that,” Stygian grumbled.
They didn’t need more than that, Obsidian knew. Those fuckers were ridiculously powerful.
He fought to sit up straight, his body still far too weak, which meant it was time to feed.
“How long have they been here? The trielair?” The words came out strained as he shifted.
Kaj shrugged. “I suspect it’s been recent. No more than three
months.”
“Since Michael paid us a visit,” Stygian noted, sitting up as well.
Obsidian explained to Kaj how Michael had visited to relay the leak of the amsouelot names.
“Timing’s about right. It’s also when we started to encounter the double-down demons. My guess is with the trielair topside, the shadow beasts have become more powerful.”
He knew they needed to put together a plan, and he had to be at full strength to do that. “Let me feed.” Obsidian managed to get to his feet. “Reidar, send Soraya up for Stygian. And Kaj, I’ll meet up with you in a little while.”
It took tremendous effort, but with Penelope’s help, he succeeded in getting down the hall to their private quarters. He didn’t have enough strength to will the door open, but luckily his ereswa was catching on to her newfound powers quite well.
“Sit,” she urged, directing him toward the sofa.
With zero finesse whatsoever, Obsidian flopped onto the sofa. He heard a crack and worried that he’d busted the damn thing, but he was too exhausted to care.
As was the case anytime she was close, Obsidian felt stronger the instant his female straddled his lap. He planted his hands on her hips, squeezed gently. He remembered the days when they’d been joined intimately for hours on end. Thankfully, the amnigh had dissipated, but that didn’t mean his desire for her had lessened any. Obsidian still wanted her with every breath he took, even when he knew his body wasn’t capable of sating either one of them.
“Take what you need from me, reuthet,” she whispered softly, sliding her hair over her shoulder and baring her neck for him.
He spared no words as he leaned in, his fangs descending seconds before he latched on to her vein. Instantly, the power in her blood strengthened him, and he knew it wouldn’t be long before he would be at full strength.
Definitely a good thing considering what they’d found themselves up against.
“Any sign of Eclipse?” Kaj asked when he walked into the kitchen to find Miklós sitting at the counter, his laptop in front of him.
With dawn upon them, he felt it his responsibility to ensure the male made it back home. Not that Eclipse couldn’t handle himself, but the last thing Kaj wanted was to endure the wrath of the angels if, God forbid, something happened to him.
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