by Sarah Bailey
“I should ask the same of you.”
She kept forgetting his senses were heightened compared to a human’s. She hated it sometimes. She had to keep thoughts like that from slipping out otherwise he’d hear her.
She shifted, looking into his dark eyes which were full of affection.
“You know, underneath all those idiotic jokes, flirting and brooding, you’re actually kind of nice.”
She bit her lip to keep from smiling.
“Nice?”
His eyebrow quirked up.
“Nice, kind, caring… Nothing like that big bad demon shit you tried to pull with me when we met.”
“Just don’t tell anyone. It’ll be our little secret.”
The words were on the tip of her tongue. She wanted to tell him how she felt. Something held her back. She didn’t want to shatter this perfect illusion between the two of them.
No matter how much he cared about her, he was still a demon and despite her heritage, she was still human. She didn’t know if demons were capable of love. She didn’t think her love would be enough.
“What’s on your mind?”
His question startled her and a flush crept up her neck.
“Just that I’m happy, here, with you.”
Lie. Lie. Lie.
“You’re not thinking about tonight?”
“No. In fact, I require a distraction so I can forget all about it.”
He was still for all of two seconds before his mouth attached to hers. He was always more than happy to be her solace. She craved the feeling of completeness it created. She could avoid thinking about how she was going to admit to him that she loved him.
He was already tugging off her t-shirt, his hands wandering over her skin. She emitted a low moan as he nibbled her bottom lip. She needed this.
Her hands roamed over his bare chest, fingernails dragging across his skin in the way she knew he liked. He pushed her on her back before tugging off her underwear and his own. It didn’t take much. The sight of him, his lips on hers gave her such a high. She was liquid heat and he was stoking the flames.
He moved over her, but he stilled before taking the final step. His hands were in her hair as he stared down at her with intense, dark eyes.
“Ella, my light. I adore you.”
It sent a jolt right through the lust filled haze that enveloped her. What? He adored her?
Before she had a chance to process it, he entered her. The sensation and fullness of it made her gasp.
Even as he began to move, the words kept turning over in her mind.
Lukas adored her. Adored her.
She wrapped her hands around his back, trying to lose herself in him.
Adore.
It was the closest thing she could think of to love. Did he love her? She needed to focus on what he was doing, not what he’d said.
She moved her hand, digging her fingernails into her palm. Hoping the pain would drown out her raging thoughts. She caught his mouth, kissing him for all she was worth.
Adore. Adore.
“Harder.”
He gave her what she asked for, gripping her hips so he could get more leverage, but it wasn’t enough. She needed him to help her forget.
“More, harder.”
He pulled out of her, flipping her over so she was on her hands and knees. His hands were on her hips as he ground into her again. He leant over her, his mouth so close to her ear.
“Is this what you want?” he asked.
She almost cried out at the force he was using. She gripped the sheets.
Adore. Adore.
“Yes,” she said through gritted teeth.
“Do you like it when I’m rough with you?”
“Yes.”
He growled, giving her exactly what she wanted. All she could feel was where their bodies joined, the feeling of completeness. She was panting, her heart pounding in her chest.
“Touch yourself. I want you to come for me whilst I fuck you.”
The commanding tone he used had her immediately obeying. This felt almost euphoric, giving into the darker side of herself. The pain. The pleasure. There was nothing but the two of them in those moments.
They’d never had sex quite like this before, but somehow Lukas knew her limits. He knew exactly how much to give her.
“That’s right, sweetheart. Let go. Let me give you what you need.”
She cried out, feeling the pressure building inside her. His hand was in her hair, tugging it. The sensation of him pulling her hair was almost too much for her, but she had never felt so alive.
“Don’t stop.”
She was so close to the edge.
“Let go, sweetheart.”
It exploded inside her, the waves battering over her sensitive skin. She shook and trembled. He released her hair, a gentle hand running down her back as her climax continued to crash over her. She could feel him inside her, meeting his own earth shattering ending.
She collapsed on the bed, her limbs no longer capable of holding her up.
“Fuck, what did you do to me?” Her voice was hoarse.
“I gave you what you needed.”
He settled down next to her, stroking her back.
“How did you know?”
“The darkness inside you calls to me.”
“You said I’m the light.”
She turned her face to him. He was smiling.
“You are. You glow like a beacon.”
“That’s entirely your fault.”
He kissed her cheek.
“Careful, sweetheart, all these nice things you’re saying to me might just go to my head.”
“Idiot.”
“You wouldn’t have me any other way.”
She smiled. He was right. She wanted him just the way he was. She couldn’t face her father later without him. The thought of it chilled her to the bone.
Chapter Twenty
They stood outside a large house. Lukas looked down at her. Ella took a deep breath as he entwined his fingers with hers.
“Are you sure about this?” he asked.
“No, but I don’t have a choice. I have to know.”
They walked up the steps together and he rang the doorbell. A tall, blonde haired man with dark eyes opened the door.
“Good evening, Miss Ward, Lukas. Please come in, he is waiting for you.”
They followed the blonde demon into the hallway.
“He’ll be in a human form, right?” she whispered.
“Yes.”
“I’m not sure I want to see my father hulk out with horns.”
He stifled a laugh which earned him a glare from the blonde-haired demon. They walked through a doorway into a large living room.
Sitting in a plush white leather chair was an older man. His hair was black and he had a handsome, rakish face. His dark eyes met hers. She trembled, holding Lukas’ hand tighter. The man stood, opening his arms out in a grand gesture.
“Eleanor, I have waited a long time for this day.” His voice was light, melodious with an undercurrent of menace.
“It’s Ella, I prefer Ella,” she squeaked.
Lukas’ thumb ran down the back of hers soothingly.
“Of course. Please, have a seat.”
He gestured to the white leather sofa. The whole room screamed modern elegance with its monochrome black and white furniture. The two of them sat down, Ella refusing to let go of Lukas’ hand.
Her father folded himself back into the leather chair. He eyed their entwined fingers with interest.
“Can I offer you refreshments?” he asked.
“No, thank you. We’re okay.”
She looked at Lukas, worried she shouldn’t have spoken for him, but he gave her a nod. She turned back to the man who claimed to be her father. She wasn’t sure what to say. He didn’t look anything like her, but she hadn’t expected him to.
“I have some questions.”
“I’m sure you do. By all means, ask away.”
Beleth sat back, eying the two of them with an unreadable expression.
“How was I made?”
She didn’t want to beat around the bush.
“What is it you think you are, Ella?”
“I’m not all human, but you know that.”
Beleth’s eyes flickered to Lukas.
“What have you told her?”
Lukas shrugged a little.
“You are aware she summoned the sword. Your sword, I assume.”
She wasn’t sure why Beleth was directing questions at Lukas. She could speak for herself. This was between them.
“My soul is half demon, that’s what I know,” she said.
Beleth smiled. It sent a chill down her spine. It was creepy.
“I gave it to you.”
“How?”
“I took your human father’s form, lived on earth with your mother until you were born.”
“And he died when you left.”
“Yes.”
It disgusted her. He’d taken over a human’s life and discarded it like it was nothing. She had to remember, Beleth was a Duke of Hell. He was powerful. He didn’t care about human lives.
“I’m something else as well, aren’t I?”
He chuckled. The sound disturbed her.
“They haven’t revealed themselves to you. Interesting.”
Who was he talking about? He knew what else she was. He had to. He’d help create her.
“Who hasn’t?”
“It makes no matter. It’s their mistake.”
“You know what else I am.”
“You will have power like no other, dear child.”
“I am not your daughter.”
She spat out the words like they were venom. He was getting under her skin.
“Oh, but you are. I created you along with your mother. I have waited a long time for you.”
He eyed Lukas again, his expression turning a little cruel.
“What exactly do you want from me?”
“To help you ascend.”
“Ascend to what?”
She was tired of his cryptic comments. She wanted the truth and she wanted it now.
“To greatness.”
She let go of Lukas’ hand, standing up and staring down at the demon wearing a human’s face.
“I came here because I wanted to know who I am. If you’re not going to tell me, then maybe I should leave “
Beleth put his fingers together, watching his daughter with a smile.
“Have you wondered why I only gave you half a soul? Or, indeed, who might possess the other half?”
That brought her up short. She narrowed her eyes.
“What are you talking about?”
“You see, my child.” He stood, taking a step towards the window, turning his back on the two of them. “You have a whole soul which your mother gave you.”
“What?”
“I wish to reunite the other half of your second soul.”
She took a step back, feeling like she’d been hit in the chest.
“And in doing so, you will become the most powerful being on earth.”
She had two souls inside her? She looked at Lukas and the confusion in his eyes. How was this possible?
“It is fortunate you brought your friend with you. Or should I refer to him as your lover?”
She trembled as the implication of what he’d said dawned on her.
“No. No. No!”
“Restrain him.”
Two men appeared before she had a chance to say anything. They pulled Lukas up from the sofa and held him. He struggled against them, but they seemed to be much stronger than him.
“Let him go,” she demanded.
She didn’t move to touch the two demons holding Lukas. Anger and confusion burnt in her chest.
“Why?” she asked.
Beleth turned to her, a smile on his face.
“Because, dear child, you have the other half of his soul.”
She didn’t want to believe it before, but the finality of Beleth’s words hit her like a sack of bricks. Her knees threatened to buckle under her.
His soul.
She had his soul inside her.
Everything she felt suddenly made sense. Tears leaked out of her eyes, but she didn’t move to dash them away.
They were drawn to each other because his soul called for the other half resting in her chest. Was everything she felt for him a lie?
Lukas’ eyes met hers. There was anguish in those depths that threatened to break her. No. Her love for him had nothing to do with his soul. It was her human heart that loved Lukas.
“What are you going to do to him?” she whispered, knowing the answer already.
“He has to die, dear child.” The two demons forced Lukas to his knees. “It is the only way.”
“No.” She took a step towards Beleth, her father. “Don’t! You can’t.”
“I can and I will.”
“No, please. I don’t want this power. I didn’t ask for this.”
She took another step forward. She knew it was pathetic. Begging her demon father to have mercy, but she couldn’t let him kill Lukas. She wouldn’t.
“You do not have a choice, child. I require it.”
All his facade of humanity faded away. His expression was cold. He looked over her with disinterest.
She turned her head, looking at the man she loved, but his was bowed. He looked defeated. As if the news she had the other half of his soul destroyed him.
Why wasn’t he fighting against this?
If he wasn’t going to, then she had to.
“I won’t let you kill him.”
“And how do you propose to stop me? You are still mortal. Your power does not match mine.”
Beleth’s sardonic grin widened. He was the epitome of evil. She had to try, she had to get through to him.
“Please don’t do this. If you possess an ounce of affection for me, you won’t kill him.”
“I do not care about your human sentimentality, child. Your words will not sway me.”
His eyes told her that he wasn’t going to show either of them any mercy. Her heart cracked in her chest. If she didn’t have Lukas, how would she go on? She couldn’t hold back the flood of tears that leaked out.
Stifling a sob, she took a breath.
“Don’t,” she whispered.
Beleth ignored her, his flaming sword appearing in his hands. The two demons pulled on Lukas’ arms, holding him so Beleth had a clean strike. He raised the sword.
“Please don’t. I love him.”
Her words were barely above a whisper, but everything stopped. Beleth turned his head very slowly towards her, his face frozen with horror.
“What?”
“I love him.” Her voice was a little louder this time.
“No!”
She ignored her father, turning to Lukas.
“Lukas, look at me.”
He raised his head, eyes meeting hers with hesitancy.
“Don’t you say it,” Beleth seethed.
Her father started towards her.
“I love you, you hear me. I love you.”
“No!”
Beleth went to grab her, but it was too late. Lukas’ eyes were wide with shock. She tried to take a step towards him as Beleth’s hand curled around her arm.
She faltered, feeling a sharp pain in her chest which radiated outwards. She cried out, knees buckling under her. Beleth let go as she dropped onto her hands and knees, agony tearing through her entire body.
“Ella!” Lukas called out, but she couldn’t raise her head.
The pain tore at every inch of her body. Every inch of her soul. She felt like she was being torn in half. Like her soul was being cleaved in two.
“Lukas,” she croaked, holding her hand to her chest as it tore through her again.
“Let me go! Let me go to her!” he shouted, tugging against the two demons holding him.
She screamed, he
r arms whipping back as something poured out of her chest. She couldn’t quite comprehend what she was seeing. It was like a white light, glowing with an intensity that made her want to shield her eyes. It settled outside her chest for a moment. Everyone stared at it in confusion.
It shot forward and slammed itself into Lukas’ chest with a force that knocked him back, out of the demons’ grasp.
She fell back onto her hands. The shift inside her was monumental. She could feel the two halves of the souls inside her knitting together, combining into one. One of those was his and the other was hers. Lukas. She raised her head.
He was lying out on the carpet, as still as death. No. No. She crawled over to him, ignoring Beleth and the other two demons.
“Lukas,” she whispered.
He didn’t move, didn’t respond. She shook him gently.
“Lukas?”
Nothing. She didn’t even think he was breathing. She put her hand on his neck, trying to feel for a pulse.
“No. No. Lukas!”
Tears fell again, dripping down onto his t-shirt. He couldn’t be dead. He just couldn’t.
“Get her off him,” growled Beleth.
She whipped her head around, looking at her father with anger. He’d caused this. He’d done this to the two of them.
“Don’t touch me!”
She rose up on her feet, pointing at the two demons.
“Don’t come near us.”
She felt the power in her rise to the surface. She knew her eyes had changed colour. It wasn’t threatening to overcome her this time. She was in control.
“I don’t care if you’re my father, you will not come near us again. Go back to Hell you piece of shit!”
She put out her hand, but instead of a sword, a white staff appeared. It was brilliant, beautiful, and magical and she knew it came from her other side. Beleth’s eyes went wide and he backed away a step.
“Get the fuck away from Lukas and me!”
“This isn’t over, child.”
Beleth snapped his fingers. The two demons disappeared before he evaporated into thin air.
She dropped back to her knees, the staff disappearing and put her hand back on his chest. He still wasn’t breathing.
“Please! Please, Lukas. You can’t die on me. You can’t be dead.”
She buried herself in her chest, clutching him to her. This couldn’t be happening. She needed him to live. She’d unwittingly given him half of her soul.
“I love you. I cannot live in this world without you. Please.”
