Bad Boys of the Underworld Box Set

by Jacey Ward

  Cass glowered at her.

  “Sera, this is important,” Cass said crossly. “It could be a matter of life…or death.”

  The words hung over the table as the waitress returned, depositing their drinks on the table before them.

  “Ready to order, hon?” she asked Serafina.

  The redhead shook her head, not taking her eyes off of Cass.

  “Not yet,” she replied. “Give us a minute.”

  “Okay, hon. Be right back.”

  She doesn’t understand the severity of this situation, he thought, shaking his head. She is in danger and her -

  A chiming noise filled her ears and Sera pulled a device onto the table.

  “His name was Parker,” she told Cass, triumphantly. “Suite 2902. See, it says so right here.”

  Her green eyes sparked with fury as she continued to read the screen.

  “What?!” She exclaimed, anger clouding her eyes. “What the actual fuck?”

  “What is it?” Cass asked, his body almost completely over the table to see what she was seeing. She showed him the device in her hand, shaking her head in consternation.

  “Conrad says I insisted on seeing the guy alone, that I kicked him out of the room. Why don’t I remember any of this?”

  Cass’ heart stopped in mid beat, a cold feeling streaking through his body.

  He knew exactly why.

  “You can’t win,” he told Lucifer coldly. “I will always bring her back.”

  Lucky chuckled.

  “Will you?” he replied. “How can you be sure, my dear Cass?”

  “She has free will, don’t forget. She chooses me. You cannot fight love by cheating. There’s no competition.”

  “Oh, Cass, my poor deluded son. It’s not me you must worry about. I have sworn not to interfere, remember?”

  Cass scoffed.

  “What did this guy do to me?” Sera murmured. “He must have drugged me.”

  She jumped to her feet suddenly, fury coloring her cheeks.

  “What are you doing?” Cass demanded, rising with her.

  “I am going to confront this son of a bitch!” she gritted out, shaking her head but the action caused her to stumble sideways in her weakened state. “And then I am going to castrate Boy Wonder for leaving me alone with him.”

  “You must regain your strength first,” he commanded her firmly, pulling her back into the booth. “Then we will go together to Suite 2902.”

  She stared at him hopefully.

  “You’ll come with me?” she asked softly, and he gaped at her.

  “Of course!” he growled. “You think I would leave you to confront Sa – this man alone?” His fists clenched and he nearly broke his jaw for the strength with which he was clenching it.

  A timid smile came over her face.

  “You’re really something else, huh? You come across as this gentle soul, but you also seem to have the strength of a killer, don’t you?”

  Cass lowered his eyes, shocked that she could see his true nature so clearly.

  “I would kill for you,” he told her simply, and he meant it. He would kill anyone who tried to keep him away from Sera, the devil be damned.

  When did I become that man? He wondered but he also knew he was grateful he was precisely that man. He would keep her safe at all costs.

  Sera sighed and fell back against the booth, closing her eyes heavily.

  “I don’t envy Nathaniel Parker right now,” she said and Cass’ head jerked up so fast, he felt a snap in his spine.

  “What did you say?” he demanded.

  She opened her eyes and stared at him, sensing the intensity of his glare.

  “What? I’m sorry, I – ”

  “No!” Cass interrupted. “What was his name?”

  “I already told you – Parker. Nathaniel Parker.”

  Suddenly Cassiel knew the wager had just gotten ten times more treacherous.

  “Well played, Lucky,” he hissed in his head.

  “I thought so,” Satan agreed. “But as I said, I really had nothing to do with it.”

  “I bet you didn’t,” he spat back.

  “Maybe you shouldn’t take on any more wagers,” Lucky laughed, as Cassiel glowered, his fists clenching even harder.

  “What is it?” Serafina demanded. “Why do you have that look on your face?”

  Cass shook his head and closed his eyes.

  “It’s nothing,” he replied quickly, his mind whirling. There must be a way to win this, but how? The question turned over and over in his head as he tried to figure out the answer.

  Dammit! How am I going to eliminate my brother once and for all?

  Chapter Twelve

  Serafina

  Sera felt her apprehension increase as they were leaving the diner and she noticed the look on Cass’ face again. Ever since she had brought up the man’s full name, Cass had been silently seething, the wheels in his head seemed to be turning furiously.

  “Do you know this man?” Sera asked, looking up into his face with concern.

  “Possibly,” he replied evasively. “Let’s go find out.”

  “What if he’s dangerous?” she asked, an unfamiliar fear tickling her stomach. “I mean if he drugged me, God knows what else he’s capable of.”

  “God doesn’t know anything,” Cass said coldly, and Sera chuckled.

  “Amen to that.”

  He turned to her, grasping her arms and moving himself into her personal space. He tilted her chin up, and looking at her intently, he vowed, “I will not permit anything to happen to you.” She could read the sincerity in his eyes.

  Wow, he wants to protect me, she realized, a warm flush flowing through her body. Could he be real? Can I really just let myself be safe in someone else’s arms for once?

  She wondered if she was finally ready to let someone do that.

  It had been such a long time, fighting alone, always depending only on herself. Maybe it was time to let her guard down for once…

  She pushed the thought aside.

  There was time to decide about this later, but for now…

  “Thank you,” she murmured, touching his face lightly. “That means…well, everything.”

  Cass pulled her close, just holding her tightly against his hard body. He kissed the top of her head and she thought she heard him whisper something about keeping lucky away from her. She didn’t understand the screwed-up context of the sentence, but she didn’t want to break his hold on her to clarify his meaning.

  “You will stay near me,” he instructed, and she nodded as they continued walking.

  Her strength was coming back, the shakiness and disorientation fading when they stood at the curb, hailing a taxi.

  “Perhaps you should return home,” Cass said suddenly, and Sera scoffed.

  “Not a chance,” she replied. “I want to look this bastard in the eye and see what he has to say.”

  Cass was silent, but Sera was lost in her own thoughts.

  How did he do it? She wondered. I wouldn’t drink something from a stranger. Did Conrad have something to do with it? He must have, or why would he have just left me there?

  There were more questions than answers but with Cass at her side, Sera knew that she would learn everything she needed soon.

  She leaned onto Cass’ shoulder, closing her eyes as a sudden feeling of peace stole over her as he pulled her closer, a kiss brushing over her forehead.

  Maybe Prince Charmings do exist in the form of oddballs with outdated views about women working, who fall into your lap.

  The idea of Cass being in her lap sent a rush of warmth through her and she sighed aloud.

  Pulling up to the hotel, Sera jumped out as Cass paid the driver.

  This time she didn’t think twice about the action. She was already learning to accept that he was going to take care of her, chipping away at her rigid walls bit by bit.

  “You must let me speak,” Cass ordered her as they boarded the elevator to the execut
ive floor, but Sera only smiled.

  He doesn’t realize yet that I’m strong too, and I’ve been taking care of myself for a very long time, but she didn’t speak, the tension in the elevator mounting as they walked toward the door.

  A cloud seemed to block her vision as they stood before the door, Cass knocking loudly.

  She was floating suddenly as the door opened and she stared into the light grey eyes of Nathaniel Parker.

  I know those eyes, she thought, but she was somewhere else, watching as Nathaniel’s pupils dilated in shock.

  “You!” Cass growled, pushing his way inside the room.

  Nathaniel backed up, trying to regain his composure, but it was obvious that he had been taken by surprise.

  None of this mattered to Sera as she fought the urge to glide toward Nathaniel, touch her palms to his beautiful face.

  “No!” she protested, arching her buttocks toward him as her arms vied to embrace Nathaniel.

  What the hell? What’s wrong with me? Sera thought. She tried to fight against the crazy urges that were trying to force her to go to Nathaniel and rub her body against his. This must be what happened to me earlier, but how?? She didn’t understand it.

  This time she felt trapped in her own body, her mind at least aware and trying to fight back. Then the fogginess seemed to double, as if someone was pushing her hard to take over her thoughts. She fought back, desperate to keep herself from losing this battle. NO! I won’t betray Cass like that! I don’t even want that guy. Whoever he is.

  She glanced toward Cass and immediately felt stronger, just the sight of him warming her inside. The fog cleared a tiny bit.

  She forced her body to stagger forward toward him, fighting some unseen force that tried to pull her back to Nathaniel’s side of the room. She reached her arms out, and softly called to him, imploring him with her eyes to save her.

  Immediately he forgot about his fight with Nath and went to her. He wrapped her in his arms and tilted her head up so he could study her face. “Sera, baby, what is it? What’s wrong?”

  The last of the fog started to clear from her mind, and with a mighty mental push, she thrust the force out of her head, hearing someone curse inside her mind.

  Yes! She cheered. She felt like she could see again clearly. She was back in control of her mind.

  She licked her lips and leaned up, kissing Cass softly. “Thank you,” she murmured, stroking the side of his face.

  “Thank you? Thank you for what? What’s going on?” he demanded, worry creasing his brow as he squeezed her protectively.

  Behind her, Nathaniel released a shaky breath. Fuck! he hissed.

  Sera looked into his eyes. “It was you. You’re the one that makes me strong.” She gazed at him with wonder, “I think you complete me. I feel…whole…when I’m with you.” She glanced down suddenly, looking embarrassed at revealing what she had.

  Nathaniel finally stepped forward, realizing he had lost his ace in the hole, but not ready to give up the fight yet. “You must return to Hell, Cassiel,” Nathaniel told him, “I only came back to send you where you belong.”

  “I am not the one who belongs in Hell!” Cassiel roared, shoving Sera protectively behind him.

  “Go back, Cassiel and I will let Sera live.” Nathaniel told him.

  Cassiel’s blood ran cold at the threat. Could Nath actually do it? Could he kill Sera? Seeing red, his face contorted in a mask of fury, Cass advanced on him menacingly, with every intention of ripping him limb from limb. He couldn’t kill Sera if he had no arms, now could he?

  “Please, brother!” Nathaniel squeaked. “You must go back!”

  Brother? Sera thought. They’re brothers?

  Nathaniel hung his head dramatically and sighed.

  “You are leaving me no choice,” he muttered. He used his demon powers to freeze Cass in his tracks, the look on his face almost humorous if it wasn’t promising untold tortures in Nath’s future.

  He took advantage of the moment, and leaped forward, grabbing Sera around the waist and spinning her so that her back was pressed against his front. He magicked a knife into his palm, pressed the point against her throat and she froze.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Nathaniel

  His hands were trembling, but he hoped his brother could not see his fear that he was losing control of the situation.

  “Let me go!” Sera gritted out, the movement causing a drop of blood to trickle down her throat and Nathaniel suddenly realized he had bigger problems than just Cassiel on his hands.

  Without warning, Sera’s elbow flew upward to smash his jawline and Nathaniel toppled backward, shocked by the unexpected move.

  A woman who can fight? He thought, aghast. He had never known such a thing.

  Cass roared, an otherworldly sound which caused Nath’s intestines to quiver.

  “Run, Sera.” Cass ordered her, his body looming over that of his stepbrother.

  “I’ve had the powers for much longer than you have, asshole. You want to see how to really use them?” With that he caused every nerve ending in Nathaniel’s body to burn, giving him the feeling of roasting in the pits of hell. Nathaniel howled and tried to conjure whatever powers he could, but his fear was overwhelming and he couldn’t concentrate. Either that, or Cass knew how to block him now that he realized Nath had them.

  “You will pay,” Cassiel promised him, his frame growing larger as horns sprouted above his head.

  His eyes were glowing amber coals.

  “No one. Touches. Sera.”

  He reached forward to his brother’s neck and Nathaniel could feel the sickening crunch of bones beneath Cassiel’s hand as the life was squeezed from his body.

  “You…cannot…kill…me…either…” he choked, and the words only seemed to incense Cassiel more, as he shook Nathaniel like a rag doll.

  “Cassiel, put him down.”

  Nathaniel’s eyes bugged from his face as Cassiel crushed his larynx.

  “Cass, drop him!”

  “No!”

  “Whatever it is you think you are doing will not affect him in the least.”

  “He ruined everything!” Cassiel growled. “And he just continues to get away with it.”

  “Not this time, he won’t.”

  It was then that Nathaniel recognized the voice.

  Cass’ fury seemed to lessen, his hand loosening as he tossed Nathaniel aside like trash.

  Slowly changing back into his mortal form, Cass gazed at Lucifer.

  “You lie. You always lie,” Cass spat. “You would rather Sera be killed than lose a bet!”

  Lucifer looked hurt.

  “First of all, if I wanted the girl dead, I would have killed her myself,” he replied easily. “I just like a good game as much as the next guy. It’s fun to up the ante here and there.”

  “Fun?” Cassiel hissed, his eyes flashing red again and the horns trying to push through his skull. “How dare you play with my existence like that?”

  Lucky’s eyes flared as he pinned Cassiel with a satisfied look. Nathaniel began to skulk away, hoping to hide himself during the distraction.

  “You are going to regret those words in a minute,” he replied, his eyes darting toward Nathaniel. “Where are you going, boy? I’ve got someone here who wants to talk to you.”

  Nathaniel became statuesque as he realized the devil was speaking to him.

  “Nowhere!” he croaked. “I am here.”

  He peered at the devil with bloodshot eyes and his mouth fell open when another form appeared at his side.

  “Hello, Nathaniel,” Josiel glowered. “You have deceived us all. And betrayed your own brother – despite all he has done for you!”

  Nathaniel’s mouth fell open and he shook his head in protest.

  “You cannot believe anything that Cassiel says!” he yelped. “He is a murderer, a – “

  “Enough!” Josiel ordered, advancing on him. “Can you not see that we know about you? You have been condemned to Hell –
seventh circle,” he sentenced.

  “No!” Nathaniel screamed. “I did what you asked, Lucky! I – ”

  But Lucifer just tsked, “You do not get to call me Lucky. You, my boy, are a failure – on all counts. Moreover, you have cheated me out of two centuries. You have much to make up for, Nathaniel. I am happy to have you,” he declared with a vicious promise in his eyes.

  “Cassiel! Cassiel, speak for me! Do not let them do this!” he begged.

  His brother turned away, the contempt in his face apparent.

  “He does not deserve to go to Hell,” Cassiel said and Nathaniel felt a rush of relief.

  “Oh, thank you, brother, thank – ”

  “He should be sent to purgatory for eternity. I believe that would be more fitting. Where he is out of touch with any souls, damned or otherwise.”

  Josiel nodded at the recommendation and Lucky chuckled.

  “You really screwed up this time, Nath,” he laughed.

  “Lucifer? Do you agree to have him condemned to purgatory?” Josiel asked, wrinkling his nose as if speaking with the devil was beneath him.

  “No,” Lucky replied happily. “I have very special plans for him now that I have lost Cassiel.”

  Cass’ head shot up at the statement. “Lost me? What do you mean?”

  Lucky and Josiel exchanged a glance.

  “You will return to Heaven where you belong,” the angel explained. “Is that not what you wanted?”

  Cass hesitated, looking towards Sera.

  Josiel seemed offended that Cass was not genuflecting before him and thanking him for this chance.

  “His deeds in Hell were not deserving of a place in Heaven,” Lucky interrupted and Cass’ head jerked up to his old acquaintance.

  “What are you saying?” Josiel snapped.

  “I am saying he was the worst kind of sinner in Hell; debaucheries like you would not believe. I think he even killed a man once – isn’t that right, Cassiel?”

  Cass eyed Lucky levelly, wondering what he was up to, but did not speak.

  “Well…I am sure that Michael will be forced to overlook those indiscretions…”

  “I wouldn’t,” Lucky sighed. “I would just leave him here on Earth and let him roam around in this cesspool for eternity.”