Wicked Ruin (Se7en Sinners Book 3)

by S. L. Jennings

  I look down at my hands and find two glowing spheres of fire raging in my palms. This time I don’t gasp in surprise. I don’t flinch or shy away from the power in my grasp. I am the power.

  “Good,” Adriel notes, taking several steps back until she nearly touches the ring’s corded rope. “Now what can you do with them?”

  “What?” I know she is asking me what I think she’s asking me.

  “You have to learn how to fight.”

  “I know,” I retort. “But how will I do that here?”

  Adriel lifts her chin, hands in loose fists at her sides. “Hit me.”

  “What? No.” I shake my head.

  “Hit me, Eden. Fling your light out and try to hit me with it.”

  I grit my teeth. “I don’t want to.”

  “Why not? You want to learn. You need to learn. This is how you do that.”

  “But…”

  “But what?” She raises a slender auburn brow, challenging me.

  “I don’t want to hurt you,” I admit, my eyes shifting around the gym. Everyone is watching…waiting. Waiting for me to slip up and show them that I’m a monster, ruled by her insecurities and petty jealousy. And if I hurt Adriel—or worse—I will be screwing them out of their leverage against the Seraph.

  Adriel smiles, and while it may appear sweet to others, I see it for what it is: a dare. She either doesn’t believe I’m strong enough to hurt her, or she’s hoping I will to gain sympathy. Either situation is a lose-lose for me.

  “You know you want to,” she says, goading me. “I can see it in your eyes, Eden. You’ve been dying to strike me for days, haven’t you? Ever since you saw Legion and me in the hallway.”

  She knew. She knew. She knew I was there the entire time, and she still came on to him. After feeding me all that bullshit about how Legion chose me and how she wouldn’t interfere. Lying, conniving bitch.

  “You think you know him, and maybe you do to an extent. But you could never know him like I do. We have hundreds of years of history together. Have you ever asked yourself why he wanted to gain God’s favor? Why he was fighting for redemption? He wanted to get back into Heaven. He wanted to get back to me.”

  It happens so quickly that I couldn’t stop it even if I tried. But with a guttural grunt, I fling those orbs of white light from my fingertips, sending them straight towards the angel responsible for all of this. Because if it weren’t for Adriel, Legion never would’ve fallen. If it weren’t for her, Uriel wouldn’t have come to Earth seeking revenge. And if it weren’t for her, I would have never been born.

  The balls of blinding light meet their target within a millisecond of them leaving my fingertips and stop just an inch from Adriel’s face, halted by a single raised palm. Her expression is calm, almost cold. She didn’t even blink.

  She knew I would take the bait. That all she had to do was ignite the jealous rage simmering underneath, and I would attack. And now I see it. Legion isn’t just the one who inspires my power. He’s also my weakness. I care too much. And that makes me a liability.

  A loud clap sounds from yards away, and I look over to where Lucifer stands with Irin.

  “Bravo! Bravo!” he derides. He strides forward, and his movements are as fluid as water. “My, my, how our young Eden has grown. From minimum wage cashier to light wielding Nephilim.”

  If I could control the trembling in my hands, I would flip him off.

  Adriel turns to Irin and gives her a conspiratorial nod. Then she looks back to me. “You did well. We’ll pick back up tomorrow.”

  “No.” My hands may be shaking, but my voice is steady. “Now.”

  “You should rest.”

  “I don’t need to rest. I want to keep going.”

  Adriel glances back to Irin who merely shrugs.

  “You wanted me to find the source of my power,” I continue. “Now, I’ve found it. Let’s go again.”

  Adriel looks uncertain, and I’m not sure why. Isn’t this what she wanted?

  “You want an opponent? Try me.”

  I turn in time to see Lucifer gracefully swing his leg over the ropes. He comes to stand before me, a slash of a crooked smile on his lips. I merely look up at him through my lashes, too unnerved by his proximity to stare into his eyes. I’m still angry—at him, at Legion, at everyone who lied to me. But that doesn’t erase the fact that I’m grateful for his candor. I would have never known the truth had it not been for him. And I guess I can’t fault him for being loyal to his family. I would have done the same for Sister.

  “What do you say, Eden?” he coaxes, his voice low and sultry. “Want to give me your best shot?”

  “I can’t promise I wouldn’t enjoy it.”

  “Mmmm.” The sound rumbling his chest is damn near erotic. “I can’t promise I wouldn’t enjoy it either.”

  We stand in a stare-off, and for just a few heartbeats, I forget that we’re in a gym full of supernatural creatures. How easy it is to fall victim to his stare—a peculiar blend of violet and obsidian with flecks of silver—and the temptation of his touch. He knows what he does to my body, even when my heart and mind revolt against the very thought of him.

  “E?” Nikolai steps into view, and the sight of him breaks me from whatever spell Lucifer had cast over me. “We should get started.”

  I step back, putting a foot of space between Lucifer and me. And finally, I can breathe.

  I nod to Niko. “Yeah, you’re right.”

  “Get started? On what?” Lucifer inquires. His gaze goes over my head, and I don’t have to turn around to know why. I can already feel him.

  Legion at my back. Lucifer at my front. And Niko standing at my side. To most girls, this would be every dark, depraved fantasy rolled into one. But all I feel is the overwhelming need to scratch my skin off until I hit bone.

  “The breathing ritual,” Niko answers smoothly. “In order for me to do the veiling spell, I’ll need magic.”

  “And let me guess…you need Eden’s magic.” Lucifer raises a skeptical brow. “And you’ve allowed this, brother?”

  “He doesn’t allow me to do anything,” I reply before Legion has the chance. “Unlike you, he doesn’t see people as property. Or pawns.” I don’t know if that’s entirely true, but I’ll be damned if I give Lucifer the satisfaction of knowing he may have been right about Legion.

  “Eden can make her own decisions,” Legion mutters behind me. “Nikolai has proven to be helpful to our cause. She trusts him.”

  “Does she?” Lucifer glances down at me; his eyes narrowed in mischief. “And you, brother? Knowing what the process entails? Knowing she’ll be physically and emotionally bonded to him? She will desire him…fantasize about him. You do realize that the ritual is just a prelude to sex, don’t you?”

  I turn to Nikolai, whose pale blue eyes burn brighter than I’ve ever seen them, his stare boring into Luc. His teeth are clenched so tight that I can see the muscles along his jawline flutter with disdain. “You know that isn’t true.”

  Lucifer ignores him, only speaking to Legion. He takes a step forward, closing whatever distance I had put between us. Him, Legion, Niko…I feel like I’m suffocating.

  “Can you handle a little extra competition for Eden’s affections?” Lucifer’s gaze dips down, and he runs a single finger up my bare arm, causing sensation to snake from my fingertips to my neck. “I’m not sure I would be able to if I were you.”

  I snatch my arm away and stumble back into Legion’s rock solid chest. Reflexively, he grasps my shoulders, steadying me and wrapping me in his overwhelming heat. I inhale, desperate to soak in the feel of his touch. I don’t know when I’ll be this close to him again, and this distance—this chasm that’s ripping us apart—it’s killing me.

  I only allow myself a moment to revel in his comfort before conjuring what’s left of my resolve and step to the side, towards Niko. Leaving Lucifer and Legion to come face to face with their biggest weakness: each other.

  The irony is just too glar
ingly obvious. I am what’s between them. And no matter how much I love or loathe either one of them, they will always look at me and see the other, pulling on my strings. I can’t help what I feel for Legion—or even Lucifer. But I can help how I let them affect me. I can stop them from controlling me. I won’t be owned like property, and it’s time they realize that.

  “I’m leaving,” I announce. With or without your permission, I’m tempted to tack on. Reluctantly they turn to me, not wanting to be the first one to break eye contact.

  “And you’re sure about this?” Legion questions, his eyes hardening as they fall on the Dark warlock beside me.

  I slip my hand into Niko’s, intertwining our fingers. Enough of the games. I shouldn’t have to hide my friendship with him just to make them more comfortable.

  “I’m sure.”

  “I don’t think he was asking you, love,” Lucifer remarks with a sneer.

  Feeling protective of my friend, although he’s more than capable of holding his own, I squeeze Niko’s hand tighter. He feels colder, as if there’s pure ice in his veins.

  “I trust him, and you trust me. So yeah…it’ll be fine.”

  Before they can utter another skeptical word, I turn, somehow managing to take Nikolai with me. I release his hand so we can hop off the raised platform, and we stride towards the gym doors. Neither one of us speaks, despite the whispers swirling around our dramatic exit.

  “Holy. Fuck,” Niko hisses once we hit the open corridor. “Do you realize what was about to happen?”

  I roll my eyes. “Apparently even immortal boys are immature assholes.”

  “No, E,” Niko shakes his head. “Legion marked you as his. It’s something only other supernatural creatures can sense—like a sign of ownership. Even warlocks do it. If he felt even the slightest offense from me or anyone else when it comes to you, he would be within his rights to annihilate the threat.”

  “And what would be considered an offense?” I think I already know the answer.

  “If I hurt you. Angered you.” He runs a hand over his jet-black hair, disturbing his deliberately disheveled ‘do in the most delicious way. “Fucked you.”

  I swallow. “Well…that’s good to know.”

  “Yeah. Of course, the fucking would be considered offensive if I took you against your will. And rape fantasies aren’t my thing.” He shrugs a shoulder.

  “Also good to know.”

  “All things considered, you can imagine that Legion is not my biggest fan right now. But he needs me to do the spell, which is the only reason why he hasn’t tied my guts into a bow. It’s also the reason why Crysis is laying low. It was an act of the Divine for Legion to not slaughter him for what he said to you. And after what happened afterward… Well, let’s just say Crysis will be keeping a safe distance.”

  “Too bad the whole marking thing doesn’t seem to work on everyone.” I purse my lips in distaste.

  “Luc plays by no one’s rules. But he’s not suicidal.”

  I nod my understanding. If there’s one being that will gladly test Legion’s boundaries, it’s Lucifer.

  “Alright, E,” Niko begins, dipping forward to leave a peck on my forehead. “Go get cleaned up and meet me in my bedroom in an hour. I need to prepare.”

  “Prepare?” I literally have no idea what I’m about to walk into. I have about a million reservations, and all of them have to do with me being sexually and emotionally linked to Niko. I mean, I’m attracted to him, sure. Anything with a pulse would be attracted to him. But to want him…to crave him…I don’t think I could handle that. And judging by the looks on both Legion and Lucifer’s faces, I don’t think they can either.

  But we need him. And he needs me. So whatever he asks of me, I’ll suck it up and do it.

  Even if it destroys our friendship.

  Even if it destroys me.

  I bathe in the fragrant oils and bath salts displayed beside the clawfoot tub. My skin feels like silk and smells like sweet pea and lavender. I was going for soothing, but if I’m being honest, I wanted to make the breathing ritual as pleasing to Niko as possible. And since I’ve been training all day that definitely called for a bath.

  I let my hair dry in silver ringlets below my shoulder blades while I search for something to wear. Gym clothes don’t seem appropriate, and neither do combat boots or a hoodie, so I settle on one of Irin’s sarongs and bra top ensembles. I opt for all black, although the high slit that hits the top of my right thigh is a bit obscene paired with the strappy bralette adorned with glittering black gems along the bust. My first instinct is to go for comfort and slip on the flats I wore before, but it just doesn’t go. Pumps it is, which sexes the entire outfit up about ten notches. For someone who doesn’t want a sexual attachment to her best guy friend, I’m pretty much a walking contradiction in four-inch heels.

  Makeup is minimal, mostly because I don’t want to make it look like I’m trying too hard. And once my hair is dry, I tie it up in a top knot. Then it’s just a couple doors and a hallway that separates me from Niko and the breathing ritual.

  I don’t understand why I’m so nervous as I walk to his room. Hell, even the thought of being in the confined space where he sleeps and bathes and God knows what else is freaking me out. I’m not some naïve maiden who hasn’t ever been alone with a guy before, and it’s not like I was raised with strong, conservative values. But this is Niko—everything about him is sex and seduction. I just never imagined being on the receiving end of his charms.

  Deep breath and I knock.

  Nikolai swings open the door, and the air in my lungs tumbles out of me unceremoniously.

  He stands there, hair a muss of onyx waves and blue eyes sparkling. He’s wearing dark slacks and a slim-fit shirt with the top few buttons unfastened. The room is dim, illuminated by at least a dozen candles from what I can see, and there’s music playing.

  “Come in,” Niko drawls, stepping to the side to usher me in.

  I nod my thanks as I pass, and take in the room. I’ve been here before, but for some reason, it seems different—more intimate. Not like the first time we hung out here, chatting like old friends. Even his four-poster bed looks like it’s primed and ready for seduction.

  “Can I get you anything?” he asks, heading to the small bar stationed in the corner closest to the bathroom. I hate that I feel like all we do is drink and talk shit, but if there was ever a time to self-medicate with booze, it’s now.

  “Sure. Whatever you’re having.”

  He brings me a few fingers of scotch, which I gladly accept, taking a long swig. Another sip and I feel less awkward about being alone with him in his room. One more and this almost feels like one of our normal evenings.

  “What are you doing?” I question when he sits down at the small, two-seater table and pulls out a rectangular tin.

  “I thought this might help us both loosen up,” he replies. He opens the tin and takes out rolling papers and a tiny Ziploc bag.

  I watch Niko expertly roll the most beautiful joint I’ve ever seen, while we make small talk about everything from Crysis to my sister’s recovery. When he’s done just a few minutes later, he holds it out for me.

  “Want to do the honors?”

  I shake my head. “Nah. Go ahead.”

  He sparks it. Inhales. Takes another hit then passes it to me. I take a couple puffs while Niko refills our glasses of scotch. And within that cloud of potent smoke, I forget why I was ever so nervous to be here.

  “Come.” Niko stands, his eyes seductively low and glazed. He drags his teeth over his bottom lip before wetting it with his tongue.

  “Where?”

  “Just over to the bed. More comfortable.”

  I put out what’s left of the joint and take his outstretched hand, letting him lead me to the bed. He promised we wouldn’t do anything I wasn’t comfortable with, and I believe him. I’m just not sure what I’m not comfortable with at this point.

  We sit side by side like we’ve done a
dozen times, and I kick off my ridiculous heels. Niko notices the way my sarong parts and exposes my entire thigh.

  “You look beautiful tonight,” he notes. “But you didn’t have to dress up for me.”

  “I didn’t,” I half-lie. “Didn’t know what to expect, so I felt loose and flowy was best.”

  “Yeah.” His eyes go to my exposed throat. “You like the music?”

  “I do. Who is it?” I sway lazily to the hypnotic bassline.

  “dvsn. I thought you’d enjoy it.”

  I smile and playfully smack him on the arm. He’s still so gorgeous even through my hazy eyes. “Don’t tell me you dusted off your coveted bedroom playlist for me.”

  Niko laughs, and I swear it sounds like a slow-motion melody. “Unfortunately, mine would be incredibly outdated…by almost twenty-five years.”

  I faux gasp, clutching my chest. “You haven’t had sex in twenty-five years?”

  He shakes his head. “I didn’t say that. I just haven’t found it necessary to woo anyone in recent decades.”

  I lean back on the bed, resting on my elbows. Head tipped back, eyes barely open. “So that means you’re not wooing me?”

  Niko leans back as well. “Should I be?”

  I don’t respond. Not because I’m speechless, but because there just isn’t an appropriate response. We’ve always been flirtatious, but this feels different. More intimate, more crucial. As if it was always meant to happen, and slowing down would be trying to stop a runaway train.

  He leans forward. I hold my breath. His fingers trace the jeweled bodice of my bra top, his cold skin brushing my cleavage. He slides his hand to my back, steadying me as he pulls me towards him. A tiny sound escapes my lips when he brings his face to my chest—to the space between my breasts—and slowly drags his nose up to my throat, inhaling deep.

  Each draw on my magic takes me higher, and I grip the back of his head, fisting his hair, desperate to stay tethered to him. He groans as he rolls his body over mine, placing a knee between my thighs. His hands grip my back as he buries his face in my neck. I feel his lips on my throat—cool and unbelievably soft—but he doesn’t kiss me, no matter how my body craves it. No matter how I whimper as he grazes my skin in maddening, feather-light strokes.