by L-J Baker
He couldn't blame the mage for being cautious. He was the devil after all. Most other non-human creatures knew to fear him. It wasn't that he was a monster, he honestly wasn't. It was more that he had the reputation of being one and he wasn't disappointed with it most of the time.
Unfortunately, his brother knew the truth about him.
"Okay," he called out to the seemingly empty room. "I'm here."
Caution was one thing, but having his time wasted was unacceptable.
The chatter in the background increased for a moment, then went silent. Less than a minute later, a small, thin man walked over and took the seat across from Luc. He wasn't expecting the mage to be male, but that was probably the fact that stereotypes were all he had to go on. Luc hadn't met too many mages in his long existence. They tended to keep to the outer fringes of society and rarely ended up in Hell.
"Lucifer Morningstar." Luc held out a hand, hoping to keep things respectable.
"Oz." The mage shook his hand with a surprisingly strong grip for such a waif of a man.
Luc glanced around, still seeing no one, but sensing their presence. "My brother tells me you would be willing to work with us, for a price."
"Isn't there always a price, Mr. Morningstar?" Oz tilted his head and smiled with half of his mouth. He looked similar to the mage currently living in his basement, as if they could be related, but where she was plain and drab, he was colorful and good-looking.
"I suppose there is." Luc nodded. "What exactly is yours?"
"I have little stake in this battle between angels, so my price is quite steep. If I am to put myself at risk, and to go against one of my own, then I shall ask for a lot. Otherwise, I shall wish you good luck and be on my way."
The mage, as well as all creatures that lived upon this planet, had a stake in his battle. They just didn't know it and Luc wasn't about to spread that information around. It might help him convince others to help, but it would also expose the Hell Tablet, and that wasn't something Luc wanted to do.
"What is it you need from me?" Luc crossed one leg over the other, ready to hear something completely ridiculous.
"I would require someone returned from Hell." Oz said matter-of-factly, as if that sort of thing happened every day.
It wasn't that Luc couldn't do it. It was that for the most part, he believed those in Hell belonged there. There were exceptions, of course. Harley was one of them. But without more information, he couldn't make that kind of decision. Anyone wanting a favor could come request their loved ones be returned. Hell, someone could want Hitler back. Luc wasn't about to deliver just any soul.
"And who would this someone be?" Luc kept his face blank.
"My twin sister." Oz pulled out a photo of him with a girl who looked near-identical to him. "Her name is Harriet."
"Oz and Harriet." Luc smiled. "How exactly did your twin land herself in Hell?"
"Does that matter?" Oz stuffed the photo into his pocket and tensed.
"It does if you expect me to release her. I'll also need to know when she died. I can't just go bringing the dead back where others would notice. My father doesn't appreciate that sort of thing." Luc glanced at his watch.
"Do you have something more pressing, Mr. Morningstar? You did come here for my help." Oz was irritated by Luc's lack of interest. It was exactly what Luc was going for.
"My time is valuable, as I'm sure you can guess. So if you'd like to make a deal, then answer my questions."
Oz glared at Luc for a long moment, then let out a deep breath. "Harriet murdered our parents. They were awful people who used us as slaves. She ended that. She died six years ago, and I can assure you, no one outside the mage community will recognize her. We were not part of human society. Is there anything else you need to know?"
"Do you understand what it takes to bring a soul back?" Luc uncrossed his legs and leaned forward. This was the good part.
"I know it can be done, but little else."
"After death, the body is discarded. It decays. Your powers, as a mage, are connected to that body. I would need to bring her back as a demon."
Oz's eyes opened wide. "Is that the only way?"
"It is." It wasn't, but in this case, it was all he was about to offer. No other option would make him happier that Luc was willing to do.
"What will that mean for her?"
"It means that she won't age, will be near immortal, subject to call back to Hell at my discretion, and she may have a few personality quirks." Luc liked that last part. It was how Harley ended up the warrior that she is.
"What kind of personality quirks?" Oz pressed his lips together and waited. Luc could tell he wasn't quite sure anymore that he wanted to risk this. While Luc wasn't trying to talk the guy out of it, he did want him to make an informed decision.
"She will likely be different, a bit darker. Turning a soul into a demon strips away most of the humanity they had before. Your sister wasn't quite all human to begin with, so I'm not sure exactly, but she will be different."
"Will she still be my sister?"
"Of course she will. She just might like to fight more, or be broodish, or I've even seen some turn hyper-sexual, but I don't consider that a bad thing." Luc smiled recalling one particular horny demon he once made. "She will have enough of herself to be recognizable, if that's what you're worried about."
"Is that all?"
"No." He'd left the worst part for last. "She can never been redeemed. She will remain a demon indefinitely."
Normally, a sentence in Hell didn't have to mean eternity. There were options to pay for one's misdeeds and earn a place in purgatory. It wasn't a common thing, probably because most souls in Hell didn't care to put in the effort, but it was a possibility. Once Luc transformed them into demons, it was for good.
Oz remained silent for a long time. Luc refrained from looking at his watch, or anything else that might rush his decision. No one should be pressured into such a choice.
"Also, she has to agree to this as well. You can't make this decision for her."
Most mages didn't end up in Hell, so he had to decide if he wanted her back now, only to lose her for eternity after death. Or, roll the dice that she might someday be redeemed. It really was a hard choice, but Luc knew the odds were against her to ever find her way out of Hell any other way. The only other option for them to be together, would be for Oz to get himself into Hell. And Luc never encouraged that, despite the rumors.
Oz stood, and paced the area around the chairs, deep in thought. Luc let him take all the time he needed. He was a patient devil, after all. After what seemed an eternity, Oz returned to his seat and nodded.
"I agree to your terms."
"Hold on," Luc said, holding up one finger. "That's what you'll get from me. We haven't discussed what I'll get from you."
"I will check up on the mage you have at your club, see if she is doing what she says she is. If she is, I'll assist. If she isn't, I'll replace her wards with my own, without her knowledge if necessary, and do whatever it is you need from me to defeat your brother. I will be at your service in whatever capacity you require." Oz looked Luc in the eyes. "My sister is worth everything to me."
"What makes you think you can do any of that without her knowing, if in fact she is against me?"
"Because I know Aivah and I'm stronger than her."
Luc hadn't known the mage's name, but Oz did, so he must know what he's talking about. He didn't come across as self-righteous, or pompous. He seemed confident in his abilities. He would need to be, if he wanted to see his sister again.
"You will get your sister back only after your work with me is complete." Oz started to speak, but Luc cut him off. "That is non-negotiable."
Oz glared a moment longer, then nodded. "I will agree."
Luc handed Oz his business card. "My address is on there, as is my cell number. Keep me informed."
They stood, shook hands once again, and Luc left. He still had one more important thing to do today, a
nd this one, wouldn't require him to raise demons from Hell.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
"Talia," Ethan yelled from the other room, interrupting her focus and causing her to get taken out by a troll.
She pulled her headset off and stomped out to the living room. "What now? I told you I'm trying to—" She stopped in her tracks. Luc was standing at the door, with Ethan blocking his way like some sort of menace. Which was actually comical, since Luc was at least six inches taller, and looked like he could lift Ethan with one arm.
"You have a visitor," Ethan said, making no move to let Luc pass.
"Well, let him in." Talia rolled her eyes.
It had been a long week, filled with work, brand-building, and heart-to-hearts with Ethan. They'd talked about what happened, and cried, and gotten closer in the process. It was intense and exhausting. She had Luc to thank for most of it. If he hadn't come into her life, she never would have gotten to the point of being able to talk about everything. And without that, she'd probably be in bed, sleeping, or watching reality TV.
After a grumble, Ethan let Luc pass, and he followed Talia into her room.
"Hi." He stood in her doorway, looking sexy as hell, as always, but she pushed it from her mind.
"Hi." She patted the bed next to her and slipped her headset back on. "I gotta get through this and then I'll have a few minutes."
Luc nodded and she went back to work. She was streaming live, so anyone who wanted to, could see her play. They had the option of texting whatever they wanted, and she could answer, if she chose to. Most of it was horny teenage boys making inappropriate comments.
There were all the typical 'show your tits comments' that all female gamers had to endure. But there were also people who appreciated the game and liked to talk shop. Those were the ones she acknowledged and interacted with. Every so often, she told the little boys to go say that to their momma.
This was how she would make a living, at least until she found her way onto a team and started doing tournaments again. With her skill and sarcastic personality, at least as a gamer, she was rising fast in the ranks. It wouldn't take long to get noticed and start getting somewhere. Not that it was an easy business. It wasn't by a long shot, but Talia was good. Better than good.
Luc watched her play in silence. Every so often she peered over at him. His eyes were locked on the screen, genuinely interested, and impressed. He moved closer to see the things people were saying to her and ended up on screen. The chat blew up, wanting to know who the guy on her bed was. That was when she decided to call it quits.
The last thing she needed to explain was that.
"You're amazing."
"Thanks." Talia tossed the headset onto the bed and folded her legs up. "Sorry I haven't been around. I've been working, as you've seen." She motioned to the gaming setup and grabbed a water bottle off the nightstand for a quick sip.
"I understand." Luc looked down for a flash, then back up. "I wanted to make sure you were all right."
The last time she'd seen him, she'd kissed him, again. He probably thought she was off some medication.
"I'm actually doing a lot better."
"And working again."
"Yeah. It almost feels normal." She shrugged and looked away.
"I'm glad." Luc slipped his hand into hers. "And I'm glad I met you."
She didn't tense up the way she would have a few weeks ago. Not that she was completely comfortable having a guy sitting on her bed, touching her, even if it was completely innocent. But it was progress.
"I'm glad I met you too."
Talia didn't go into this looking for a new friend. Hell, she was only trying to get Sasha off her back. But she honestly was glad she met Luc. Maybe in another life, things could have been different. No doubt there was physical attraction between them. They got along well and enjoyed each other's company. But it just wasn't the right time for her. She was a mess. No question about it. At least now, she was on the right track to get her life in order.
"I was thinking, maybe next week you can come by and we could watch a movie?" Luc asked, still holding her hand.
"You gonna make burgers again?"
"Of course. Though maybe with a few less toppings this time."
Talia laughed. "Sounds like a plan."
Luc stayed a while longer and watched her play. She got a bunch of new viewers with him sitting there, which wouldn't have been bad except she also got a bunch of idiots telling them to make out. Or worse. If only the Internet could be purged of assholes, gaming would be a better world.
Unfortunately, it couldn't be.
Fortunately, she also hooked up with another girl who was looking to start a team. All in all, it was a good day. Seeing Luc was something she knew she had to do, but had been putting off. Now that it was done, she was relieved. Things weren't weird between them after the kiss, like she thought they would be.
They were friends and that was okay. Luc was at a place in his life where he was ready for something serious. He'd talked about it with her and she understood. Talia wasn't, but that didn't mean they couldn't be in each other's lives. For now, she would focus on herself and getting her career back on track.
And every now and then, she could go watch a movie with her new friend.
***
"You've been gone all day?" Harley handed Luc a drink as he sat down at the bar and loosened his tie.
"I do that from time to time." He took the glass and gulped down half the contents. "Everything here okay?"
"You mean other than your annoying sister flitting around like she owns the joint and Cupid lounging around expecting me to be his slave?"
"Sure, let's go with that."
"Yeah. Everything is perfect." Harley wiped over the clean bar and topped off Luc's drink. "You have that meeting Az set up?"
Luc nodded and stared down into his glass. "I think it went well."
"So… what does that actually mean?" Harley leaned in and lowered her voice. "Is she coming here?"
"He, and we didn't discuss exactly what he'd be doing. I left that up to him. I don't really need to know all the details just yet anyway. Once we're sure what side certain individuals are on, we can go from there."
"There are guy mages?" Harley shrugged. "Who knew?"
"This probably isn't something we should be talking about here in the open." Luc finished off his drink and pushed the glass away.
"Okay, let's talk about Ms. Sloth."
"I thought we agreed not to call the women their sins."
"I never agreed to that." Harley took Luc's empty glass and washed it out. "Well? Are you going to tell me what's going on?"
Luc took a deep breath. He would have rather skipped the whole thing and just moved on to the next sin when it was time. But he knew he wasn't going to get away with that.
"I think it's safe to say she's not the one."
"Oh."
"Oh? That's all you have to say?"
"Well yeah. I mean, I knew this month wasn't going to be a walk in the park, but I thought you two would work well together."
"We do. She's an amazing girl. I enjoy being in her company, but we're not going to get past being friends."
"Ouch," Harley said. "That's rough. So is it safe to assume you've got the world's worst case of blue balls?"
Luc stared at her for a moment, thought about responding, then changed his mind.
"Good thing we're going with lust as the next sin," Harley said. "That's still the plan, right?"
"Yes, followed by pride and envy. Not necessarily in that order."
"Oh and then we're done. Better hurry up and fall in love."
"Maybe you should pick the right one. I'm really starting to think you're picking women who are in no way ready for a committed relationship and need a bit of help getting their lives on track. It's becoming a theme, Harley. How about someone easy, stable, and with no major issues in her life?"
"Are you saying you haven't enjoyed your time with the girls so far?" S
he raised one eyebrow and slipped her hand on her hip. He was going to regret saying anything. He just knew it.
"No, I'm not saying that. Each of the women have been great. I've loved getting to know them and it's felt good helping out where I could."
"Lucifer Morningstar, the good angel." She stuck her tongue out. "Wouldn't daddy be proud?"
"Let's leave him out of this."
"Oh! You never really told me about your visit. How did it go?"
"How do you think it went?" Luc reached for the bourbon and decided on another drink after all.
"I think you've been avoiding talking about it and I think it went worse than you expected."
"Correct on both counts." Luc downed the drink and pointed at Harley. "You, Ms. Saxon, win a prize."
Harley took the bottle and poured him another. Luc might own the club, but Harley ran the place. Once he drank down half of it, she put her hand on his and gave him a serious look.
"I know you had to pay a steep price to get me back. I want you to know that I appreciate it."
Harley didn't do apologies or thank yous. She didn't have serious conversations about feelings and she didn't show concern. Luc wasn't sure what to make of her behavior. Luckily it didn't last long.
"So are you going to tell me what it cost you?" She pulled her hand off. "Or am I gonna have to beat it out of you?"
Luc glanced around. The club was busy, but not so busy that they were surrounded. He hadn't even told Az what their father demanded of him, mostly because he didn't want to hear the words out loud. If he didn't say it, it wasn't real. At least not real enough to sink in all the way.
But Harley had a right to know. He just didn't want to tell her. She would feel guilty, even though she'd never admit to such a thing. Demons didn't feel guilt. At least not the ones who had a reputation to uphold.
He downed the rest of his bourbon and waited for her to pour another- a double, then finished that. "He…" Luc paused, took a breath, and continued. "When I find my soul mate, I can only be with her until the end of her natural life. Unless she happens to be sent to Hell, that will be the end of my time with her."
