Wicked Ruin (Se7en Sinners Book 3)

by S. L. Jennings

  “Plans still stand,” Legion states, climbing to his feet. “The party is still on.”

  “And risk an ambush?” Cain challenges. This new piece of knowledge has him more rattled than usual.

  “We’ll be veiled.” A glance to Niko who nods in response. “And even if they are planning something, house rules still stand. No bloodshed on sacred ground. Violence in the city is growing at an alarming rate. People are literally dying in the streets, their numbers so abundant that emergency services can’t remove them fast enough. My scouts have reported nearly 300 citizens have been murdered or seriously injured in the last twenty-four hours.”

  “What scouts?” I’ve heard him mention them before, but I had never questioned him about them. If crime in the city is rapidly growing and we’re the Seraph’s #1 target, I don’t see how he could—or would—send people out into this chaos.

  “His little birds. Rats, raccoons, and other vermin. Maybe even a few puppies and stray cats,” Lucifer answers, drawing a growl from Legion who gives him a narrow glare. Lucifer, as always, is nonplussed and seems more interested in flicking an imaginary dust speck from his sleeve than addressing Legion’s warning. “My dear brother is a regular Dr. Doolittle.”

  “Enough, Lucy,” Irin gently chides, patting Lucifer’s hand. She also climbs to her feet, and everyone else follows her lead. “There is much to do in preparation for this evening’s festivities. Rest up. It’s going to be a long night.”

  The Se7en file out one by one, each of them wearing varying looks of unease. Crysis’s disappearance doesn’t sit well with them, but Legion’s edict will not be challenged. Niko, looking more radiant and dashing than ever, turns to me.

  “How are you feeling?” he asks, his pale blue eyes bright. I fight back a blush, remembering the night before.

  “Good. A little tired.”

  His gaze flicks downward as if he’s recalling the way he brushed his lips up and down my throat, coming dangerously close to my breasts. “It’ll pass.” He runs a hand through his black, meticulously styled mane. “I want to apologize for telling you to leave so abruptly. It’s just…”

  I shake my head. “I totally understand. We’re good. No apology necessary.”

  Niko lifts a hand to brush a wisp of hair behind my ear, his fingers grazing my jaw. I turn into the touch, inhaling his scent of ocean mist, salt air, and fresh rain, and release a euphoric sigh. My blood is singing with pleasure. My skin tingles with sparkling specks of ice. Reflexively, I take a step forward, nearly drawing us chest to chest, wanting more. Needing more.

  “Careful. Or you’ll take it back,” he says quietly.

  “Sorry,” I whisper, my face flushing furiously with embarrassment. I stumble back a foot.

  “It’ll wear off…the connection,” he explains with a soft smile. “If you’re worried.”

  “I’m not,” I say, returning his shy grin.

  “Good. I, uh…” He runs another hand through his hair, almost like he’s nervous. Odd. I’ve only known Niko to be recklessly confident. “I need to get ready for the spell. I’ll see you tonight.”

  He leans forward to touch his lips to my forehead, leaving a shivering chill on my skin. I guess the distant, nonchalant act is dead. Or maybe he’s just as affected by what went down between us as I am.

  I watch him as he exits, wondering if we’ll ever get over this and go back to how things were…Wondering if that’s what I truly want.

  I could fall in love with someone like Niko. Hell, that part would be seamless. But that’s just the thing…his time here on Earth is not promised. And even if it was, his heart will always belong to another, and he’ll forever be tortured by thoughts of the love he once had and lost in the most tragic way. Just like me.

  “How is he doing with fighting them?”

  I spin around; my features first contorted in shock, then confusion. Lucifer reads my expression and clarifies.

  “Legion. How is he dealing with the voices? You know, for all his strength and tenacity, his biggest challenge has always been his own demons. No pun intended.”

  “What are you talking about?” I snap out of embarrassment and shame. I have no idea how long he’s been standing there watching the tense exchange between Niko and me. And now he brings up Legion? I already feel like an ass for practically begging my friend to fuck me, only to spread my legs for my supposed boyfriend. And the fact that I can still feel the ghost of Legion inside me, yet still desire Niko? I’m all types of fucked up and conflicted.

  Lucifer soldiers on, ignoring my terse tone. “The Legion of Lost Souls is tormented for eternity by the cries of the wayward, the wicked, the depraved. They call to him, taunting him with their malice. They do not rest; therefore, he does not rest. Not if he wants to resist them.”

  “And what would he be resisting?” I ask with faux cynicism. Truth is, I know what Lucifer is saying is true. What I saw in Legion last night, and then again this morning…it was as if he had checked out.

  Lucifer smiles slyly, and casually sets a hand in his pocket. “Many of those souls have unfinished business. And they’d love nothing more than to persuade Legion to carry out their plans.”

  I frown at the thought of Legion being used as a conduit for evil. He’s a demon, yeah, but he doesn’t believe in hurting innocent people for sport. Even Lucifer only gets off on punishing those who deserve it.

  “But doesn’t he rule them? Not the other way around?”

  “One can only take so much before he succumbs to the darkest parts of himself,” Lucifer says. He takes a step forward, his gaze serious. “And sometimes a lost soul is simply bored with being ignored.”

  I don’t want to give him the satisfaction of seeing me rattled, so I simply nod and turn to walk out. Lucifer isn’t done with me though.

  “Be careful, Eden,” he calls to my back. “You know what they say about idle minds. They’re the Devil’s playground.”

  Fuck.

  A bored, lost soul could be manipulating Legion’s mind.

  I’ve seen Lucifer’s playground. It’s not nearly as fun as it sounds.

  Lilith and Andras have already shown that they can throw together one helluva costume. And as I slip on the dress and heels they’ve left in my room for the masquerade, I’m sure they’ve proven themselves once again. However, when I step into Irin’s lounge, I find that my assessment is a little off.

  They haven’t just proven themselves. They’ve completely knocked it out of the park.

  A resounding gasp echoes throughout the space as I step through the jeweled double doors on sparkling silver stilettos. Every eye travels up to my bare legs, showcased by the shimmering black high-low gown that’s ruched at the waist and falls seamlessly over my hips to kiss the middle of my thighs. The back flows down to the marble floor in a waterfall of lace and satin adorned with silver beading to match my shoes. The neckline is modest yet intricately designed with scalloped lace and more beads that cover my cleavage. Coupled with the off-the-shoulder style that shows a tempting amount of skin, the entire ensemble is the perfect fusion of elegance and sensuality.

  Light makeup with bold, red lips and long, full lashes. Glittering diamonds in each ear and dotted in my black lace choker. My hair in an updo that leaves a few loose curls to brush my bare shoulders. I honestly can’t say that I’ve ever felt so dangerously seductive.

  Lucifer is the first to let out a low whistle. “I must say, Eden. You look absolutely edible tonight.”

  I nod my thanks and hurriedly take my seat to hide my blush. I’d never admit it, but he’s looking especially dashing in a black tux that looks like it was poured over him in the most delicious way. There’s a certain gleam to the fabric, as if it’s infused with metallic thread. Not too tight, but fitted to highlight broad shoulders, sculpted arms, and muscular thighs. And while Lucifer is definitely wet dream-worthy this evening, nothing compares to the exquisiteness of Legion as he steps to the center of the room.

  His massive build is
swathed in a black-on-black suit, no tie, with the top two buttons of his shirt undone, displaying just a peek of the dragon that’s masked underneath. He’s shaved, his dark hair slicked back in a way that makes him look refined, yet roguish. The very first time I saw Legion, I thought he was the sexiest man alive in jeans, a wool coat and a charcoal grey beanie over his mussed locks. But seeing him now, looking every bit like the fallen angel who had ruled and ruined me into sweet submission, I have to bite my red-painted bottom lip to keep from whimpering with need.

  Everyone is dressed to the nines, yet I only see him. Even the way he moves seems more feral, but there’s a gracefulness to it, like the way a panther would stalk in the shadows undetected as it sizes up its prey. His starlit gaze touches mine, and my mouth parts reflexively, a heated breath escaping. Whatever distance I felt earlier has been erased. I see him. I can feel his heat from yards away. I can even smell his scent of midnight jasmine and scorched earth. And the way he looks at me, like a man dying of thirst at a well, tells me that I’m not imagining this. Legion has come back to me.

  For how long, I don’t know.

  He manages to force his gaze away to address the crowd, looking every bit like the bold leader that he is, simmering with power so great that it smothers me.

  “I know some of you have reservations about tonight. But step out on faith with this in mind: this is our city. And it’s time we take it back. And while some of you are merely here to placate selfish desires in a desperate attempt to feed your narcissism,”—A pointed scowl at Lucifer—“I appreciate your aid in protecting our home here on Earth. And protecting Eden.”

  “Don’t mention it, brother,” Lucifer mocks.

  Legion continues, refusing to take the bait. “Guests will be arriving soon. Toyol, what’s the status on surveillance?”

  “Cameras throughout the ballroom are installed. Vacant rooms are also equipped, as well as communal bathrooms, so don’t use any of them.” A shrug. “Breaking some laws, but I’m pretty sure CPD has their hands full.”

  At the mention of bathrooms, my eyes go right to Lucifer, who wears a sickening grin. I’ve learned my lesson about restrooms at Irin’s parties.

  “Good,” Legion continues, fortunately too occupied with plans to notice Lucifer’s leering. “Jinn, I want you stationed at the entrance. Phenex, you’re at the terrace exit. Note who doesn’t order alcohol or scoffs at those who do. Lilith and Andras, circulate the room. Listen to conversations, watch for any odd, overly conservative behaviors. Eyes and ears open at all times. Toyol, I need you behind the scenes, monitoring the cameras for anything that seems the slightest bit off. Someone strays from the party, I want to know about it. Cain is with Mary. And Eden…” His gaze is on me now, his tone softer. “I want you close to me at all times. I need to see you.”

  I simply nod, unable to respond to the touch of vulnerability in his voice and the earnestness of his words.

  “And me? Where would you like me?” Lucifer derides. He clearly has no intention of doing anything Legion says.

  “I’d like you back in Hell where you belong. But for now, out of our damn way.”

  Lucifer shrugs, obviously amused. He lives to piss Legion off.

  “And what of our warlock?” Irin interjects. She’s swathed in head to toe gold, complete with a radiant headdress and black and gold winged liner on her eyes. She looks like a petite Cleopatra, and I’m curious if she’ll enter the party lazing on a matching palanquin held up by her dutiful servants.

  Right on cue, Nikolai enters, looking absolutely flawless. Royal blue tux, hair intentionally messy, and eyes glowing so bright, they’re nearly fluorescent. A mystical current seems to roll off him in glittering, iridescent waves. The magic literally shines through him. He comes to stand in the middle of the room, his gaze touching us one by one. When his eyes fall on me, his lips twitch.

  “Good evening,” he greets with a graceful dip of his head. “The spell is complete. The moment you leave this room, your identity will be cloaked from all that wish to do you harm. Although, I must warn you—you have only a matter of hours before the veil begins to slip.”

  “Those that wish to do us harm? But what about everyone else?” Adriel questions, her usually serene features touched with alarm. She’s wearing her signature white, although the floor-length gown is swathed in glittering jewels. She exudes innocence and grace. “You don’t know the extent of Uriel’s influence.”

  “And that’s why we have these,” Lilith cuts in, moving to the front of the room.

  As if the moment was choreographed, Kairo, along with three other members of Irin’s staff, join her, their arms full of plumes of colorful feathers, lace, and ribbon.

  “Irin was kind enough to have these specially designed for each of us,” Lilith continues, plucking up one of the intricately designed masks from Kairo’s arms. It’s fashioned with fiery red, orange, and gold feathers. “This one is for Phenex.”

  Lilith distributes each mask, handling them with care. I can tell they’re handmade, and probably extremely expensive. I can also tell that they’ve been designed with each of us in mind. Phenex’s is pretty self-explanatory, and keeping with the literal sense of his name. Toyol’s is decorated with streaks of green, black, and red, almost resembling the mask of a samurai. Andras’s white and light teal mask is constructed as the face of an owl, majestic and cunning. Sparkling blood red jewels over black lace for Lilith. And burnt orange, red, and black plumes for Jinn, striking against his beautiful bronze skin.

  Nikolai is the next recipient of Irin’s gift, and of course, it’s the perfect depiction of him. A stylish black mask studded with blue jewels, ranging from sapphire to aquamarine, making his eyes look even more remarkable.

  Adriel’s mask is exactly as I pictured it would be: virginal white with lustrous flecks of silver, accented with white flowers and feathers. It’s pretty, but it’s typical. It’s also a lie. Adriel is far from innocent. But it also could be a representation of what she wants the world to see—the real mask she wears to hide the darkness underneath.

  When Legion steps forward to receive his, I bite back a gasp. Jet black feathers over metallic purple and green fabric made to look like scales. And right in the center, above the space reserved for his eyes, is a large, brilliant ruby. The dragon. It’s stunning, terrible, horrifying. It’s the embodiment of Legion in all his frightening glory.

  It’s no surprise that Lucifer seems more than a little entertained at the irony of his mask. Black, twisted horns fixed upon a deep red mask, its design reminiscent of Phantom of the Opera. He places it against his face and turns to me, and somehow, it makes him look even more alluring.

  “How do I look?”

  “Hideous.” I roll my eyes just to keep from gawking.

  “You’re a terrible liar.”

  When Lilith steps towards me cradling a gorgeous arrangement of pale roses, silver-sprayed baby’s breath, and small, gold faux apples affixed upon a white, silver, and gold mask, the breath in my lungs is stolen by awe. I stand, impatient to get a closer look at its splendor. I’ve never seen anything like it, and compared to the others’, it’s a work of art.

  “Let me,” Legion says, striding towards us and gingerly plucking the delicate mask from Lilith’s hands. His intoxicating scent seems especially potent tonight, and I inhale, eager to overdose on the overwhelming essence of him.

  I hold my breath as Legion brings the mask up to my face, reveling in the feel of his warm fingertips brushing my cheeks. He steps around me to tie the ribbon, his movements deft and careful not to snag my hair. When he’s done, he lets his touch linger, trailing his fingers down the back of my neck and to my shoulders.

  “So…beautiful,” he whispers, his warm breath skating across my skin.

  And I feel like sobbing right there in his arms. I don’t know what it is—this flood of emotion. I just know that I want him, and I need him. And with Lucifer’s warning still ringing loud and clear in my head, I’m afraid th
at at any moment now, I’ll lose him.

  Stay with me, I inwardly beg, urging him with any mystical influence I may possess. Don’t leave me.

  But as with all my prayers, the request goes unanswered, and he steps away.

  “If we’re all ready…” Irin holds out a hand, allowing Lucifer to help her to her feet. She’s slipped on her own mask, a gold and black number that matches the rest of her ensemble perfectly. “We have a party to get to.”

  Toyol, Phenex, and Jinn have already dashed to their positions to intercept any early arriving guests. Irin, Lucifer, and the rest of the Se7en join them shortly after, leaving only Adriel and Nikolai. Per Legion’s request, I hang back with him in Irin’s quarters. It seems like forever, and I’m anxious to get out there, if only to appreciate Andras and Lilith’s hard work. The grand ballroom was blocked off earlier, so I have no idea what’s in store for us. Plus, it’s flippin’ awkward standing here.

  “Shouldn’t we be out there?”

  Legion lifts his chin as if he senses something. Or maybe he’s listening. “Soon.”

  “I don’t feel them,” Adriel remarks. I know it’s directed at Legion, as if she knows what he’s thinking.

  “I don’t either. Not yet,” he replies to the white-clad angel who looks even more radiant dripping with diamonds. The two lock eyes, communicating through some unspoken bond, and I feel like I may vomit.

  “Well, I’m bored,” I whine. “Niko?”

  Before Legion can protest, I brush past him and sidle up to the dashing warlock and take his hand. I don’t even wait to glimpse Legion’s reaction before I turn and lead us to the double doors. The second we pass them, a cold, tingling sensation snakes up my back as the veil settles over us. It’s like the most intense case of heebie-jeebies I’ve ever felt.