by Sarah Bailey
“What happened?”
“She was kidnapped by a vampire high up in their society. She wasn’t talking much sense when I found her, but from what I gather, she killed the vamp.”
“Ella killed a vampire?”
“I’m as surprised as you are, but clearly the power Ella has locked up inside her broke through. I just don’t know exactly what it is.”
“But you have some idea, don’t you?”
He sighed and nodded.
“What exactly are you, Lukas?”
“I’m a demon.”
Daisy was expressionless for several moments. Her eyes went a little wide with fear.
“Daisy, I’m not going to hurt you.”
“But… a… you’re...”
“Yes, a demon. I know you probably think that means I’m evil, but I’m not like most of my kind. I was human once. It’s a long story.”
She took a gulp of air, but she didn’t move away from him.
“If Ella trusts you, then I guess I can.”
“Well, that’s a relief because what I’m about to tell you would make it rather awkward otherwise.”
“Go on then.”
“I’m pretty sure that whilst Ella has a human body, she’s also a demon and something else.”
“What?”
“She summoned a flaming sword of Hell. It’s how she killed the vampire. Only someone who has a demon soul can do that.”
It concerned him greatly, but it also explained exactly why his curse hadn’t worked on her. She couldn’t sell her soul if half of it was demonic already.
“But you said she is also something else.”
“She is. When the power takes over her, half of her is demonic, but the other half… I just don’t know.”
She sat back, dumbfounded.
“My best friend is half demon and half something else and human all at the same time. What the fuck?”
“She doesn’t know about the demon side. She passed out before I had a chance to tell her.”
“Are you worried how she’ll react?”
“She’s handled everything else pretty well.”
“How long has she known what you are?”
“Since the beginning. She’d never seen a demon before, but I couldn’t hide that I’m not entirely human from her.”
“Oh right, you said she sees auras. And she wasn’t scared of you?”
He chuckled. He thought back to the night they met.
“I wouldn’t say that. She was pretty terrified, but she held her own.”
“That’s my girl.”
“It’s late, you should probably get some sleep. Take the bed.”
She eyed him for a moment.
“I think she’d prefer it if you were there when she wakes up.”
He frowned and gave her a questioning look.
“Ella isn’t the best at talking about her feelings, but I know she likes you. She trusts you. It’s like she’s the brightest star in the room when she’s with you. So, you take the bed, I’ve crashed on her sofa countless times. She needs you there, not me.”
She gave him a half smile. He didn’t say anything, just nodded and got up. He pulled the curtain across to give Daisy some privacy and stared down at Ella. She looked so peaceful, serene almost. It made his heart ache.
Daisy’s words made him wonder what Ella really felt about him. She’d been willing to give up her soul for him. Could she care for him as much as he cared for her?
He took the ice pack off her wrist and dumped out the rest of it in the kitchen sink. He tugged off his shoes and jeans before sitting down next to Ella on the bed with his phone in his hand. There was one person he needed to speak to before the sun rose.
“It’s done.”
“Your companion is safe then.”
“Yes, but the fox escaped.”
“Sly bastard. I hope you made it painful.”
“You’d have to ask Ella about that.”
“This isn’t one of your jokes, is it?”
“I almost wish it was.”
“I’m impressed. Who would’ve thought a human girl would be the one to take down the formidable Ice Queen.”
“You and I both know she’s not completely human.”
The vampire on the other end of the line chuckled.
“I will keep your involvement out of it when I report to our leaders.”
“That won’t be necessary. Raquel broke the rules when she kidnapped Ella.”
“But your companion has no allegiances to Hell.”
“I wouldn’t be so sure about that.”
“I’m intrigued.”
“You only need tell your leaders that she attacked someone under my protection.”
Gavin was quiet for several moments.
“I see. Well, please convey my gratitude to Ella.”
“Good luck with securing that promotion.”
“I am in your debt, demon.
“It was nothing really.”
“I do hope you will tell me the real story when this is all over.”
“You and me both.”
“I’ll be in touch.”
He hung up. He hoped he’d bet on the right vampire to succeed Raquel. Gavin was more than capable, but he could never fully trust vampires. They were secretive by nature having kept themselves hidden from the world of man for so long.
Raquel had ruled for too long. This would leave a huge vacuum at the top. He was sure it was not going to be an easy transition for the vampires of London. Unrest in any part of the supernatural community was always concerning.
He lay down and pulled the covers over himself. He wanted to stay up and watch Ella to make sure she was okay, but sleep tugged at him.
His head sank into the pillow and drifted off to the sounds of her steady breathing. She was alive.
It was all that mattered to him in that moment.
Chapter Seventeen
Ella felt as though she was fighting against a current. Images flashed through her mind.
Death. Destruction. Fire. Ice. Wings.
She felt like she was drowning. None of it made sense until the face of the man she loved flashed before her.
Lukas.
She tried to reach out to him.
“Lukas.”
She was falling. The wind rushed around her. Where did he go? Where was he?
“Shh, sweetheart, I’m here.”
“Lukas!”
Her eyes flew open. She took a huge gulp of air, panting as her heart pounded at an alarming rate in her chest.
“Ella, shh, it’s okay.”
There was a hand on her head, stroking her hair back. She could feel dampness on her cheeks. Had she been crying?
Very slowly she turned her head to the right. The hand belonged to her demon. He was looking down at her with worry etched on his face. She stifled a sob.
“Are you real?”
“Yes.”
“I’m not still dreaming.”
“No, Ella. I’m here.”
She reached out to him, her hand connecting with his cheek. His skin was warm. He was really there. He turned his face into her hand, closing his eyes as if he was savouring her touch.
“Ella.” His voice was barely above a whisper. “I worried you’d never wake up.”
His words made her pulse spike. She tugged his cheek, encouraging him towards her. There was no resistance. His kiss was gentle and he pulled away after only a moment, resting his forehead against hers.
“How long have I been asleep?”
He moved back, looking at her with sad eyes.
“Two days.”
“What?”
“The use of your powers took a toll on you.”
She stared at him for several moments. Powers? Something nagged at her. What happened two days ago?
“What… I… Oh.” It hit her. “I killed Raquel.”
“Do remember what else happened?”
She rubbed her forehead as the memories fl
ooded back.
“Raquel was going to bite me because I wouldn’t tell her what I was. I heard you calling out and Valehal went to deal with you. I tore out of my bonds and we fought. She threatened to kill me. The sword appeared in my hand and I killed her. I really killed her.” She let out a shuddering gasp. “It was horrible.”
He’d been silent whilst she explained. She knew she hadn’t made much sense when he’d found her.
“What happened after I passed out? How did you find me?” she asked.
“Gavin found out where you were. I brought you home and you’ve been asleep since.”
She could see by his expression there was something he wasn’t telling her.
“What is it?”
He ran a hand through his hair.
“Daisy knows what you are.”
She should’ve been angry with him for it, but she wasn’t. It had saved her having the awkward conversation herself.
“Does she hate me?”
He shook his head.
“No, sweetheart. She’s worried about you.”
“How much did you tell her?”
“The basics. She didn’t run away screaming, so I took that as a good sign.”
She smiled. Daisy never backed down from a challenge.
“There’s something else.”
“What?”
“I know what you are. At least part of it.”
The words made her tremble. How did he know?
“The sword, it’s a demonic trait.”
“What are you saying?”
“I think you have half a demon soul and a powerful one at that.”
She felt like the world had dropped out from underneath her.
How? Why?
She couldn’t speak. She didn’t want to believe what he’d just said, but she felt the truth of it. It was the only explanation regardless of how unlikely it seemed to be.
“But I don’t know what the other half is.” He took her hand, running his thumb down the back of hers. “I don’t know why one of your eyes was ice blue.”
“Does Daisy know?” Her voice came out as a squeak.
“Yes.”
She didn’t know what to say let alone how to process it. They’d theorised her soul wasn’t human, but this was something she hadn’t bargained for.
“I don’t feel any pain in my wrist.”
He looked down at his hand entwined in hers.
“It was swollen the first night, but by morning, that was gone.”
“I’ve never really been sick. Even when the other kids in my foster home got colds, I never caught it.”
She knew she was rambling, but the knowledge that her soul truly wasn’t human was just too much for her.
“I didn’t tell you my parents died when I was a baby. I don’t even know what they looked like.”
“Daisy may have mentioned it.”
She looked up at him, her eyes brimming with tears.
“Daisy is the only person in my life I trust. At least that was true until you came along.”
“Sweetheart, why are you crying?”
She hadn’t realised her tears had started to fall. She wiped her face with the back of her free hand.
“Lukas.”
“What is it?”
“I…”
Her words faltered as she looked up into those dark eyes. She felt a surge of love flow through her, but there was also a sense of trepidation.
“Are you going to leave now I don’t need protecting any longer?”
He was silent for a moment. His eyes grew darker.
“Why would you ask that?
She wanted to look away, but she couldn’t. He almost looked hurt by what she’d said.
She wanted to tell him the truth. If he left her, she was sure her heart would break. She was terrified he didn’t feel the same way even though he’d told her she was the only woman he wanted.
“I don’t want you to leave.”
“Ella.” He cupped her face. “If I haven’t made it abundantly clear to you before, then I apologise. I’m not going anywhere.”
“You’re not?”
“No, sweetheart.”
“Why do you call me that?”
He smiled. Her breath caught in her throat at the brilliance of it.
“Because you are the light in my darkness.”
“Even though I’m half demon?”
“You are so much more than just that.”
“Oh.”
“Are you okay?”
“I think so.” There was a gleam in his eyes. “Why do you ask?”
His hand moved from her face, brushing down her neck. It moved further down the centre of her chest, between her breasts. The simple touch made her gasp. A tendril of desire stirred inside her.
“Is it selfish of me to want to touch you?”
Even when they’d first met, he’d found a way to have some form of physical contact between them. She’d never known why that was.
“No.”
His fingers drew lazy circles on her stomach.
“Are you sure you’re okay with what you’ve learnt about yourself?”
His hand slipped under her t-shirt, fingers trailing along the bare skin underneath. She couldn’t entirely think straight with his ministrations.
“I don’t know. I can’t quite wrap my head around it, but I know you’re right. I feel it.” Her hand tightened in his as his fingers moved higher. “I just wanted the truth.” His fingers brushed against her nipple. “Even if the truth is a little hard to swallow.”
“You are beautiful, Ella. Inside and out. It doesn’t matter to me half of you is darkness. To me, you are the light.”
She whimpered. If Lukas could accept her for who she was, then maybe she could too.
“Don’t stop.”
He smiled, tugging up her shirt, exposing her skin the cool air. He leant down, taking a hardened peak in his mouth, biting down gently.
“You make me feel like I’m burning on the inside.”
He didn’t respond as he took turns paying attention to each of her breasts. He let go of her hand, moving over her as he continued his slow, torturous teasing.
As he leant over her, another very pressing urge came to her full attention. She stiffened. He looked up, concern written all over his features.
“Are you okay? Is this too much? Too soon?”
“No. I… It’s just… I’ve been asleep for two days.”
He cocked an eyebrow.
“I still have human needs.”
She flushed. He bit down on his lip to suppress a smile. He sat up, allowing her to move. She stumbled a little as she got out of bed, her muscles protesting at the sudden movement.
When she returned from the bathroom, he was sitting up against the headboard. He’d taken his t-shirt off. She gawked at his impressive abs for a moment, lost in just how alluring he was.
She still had no idea what he saw in her. He kept telling her she was the light in his darkness, but she didn’t really know what that meant.
She wanted to open herself up to him, but fear held her back. What if he left her, just like her parents had? It seemed ridiculous to feel like her parents had abandoned her. It wasn’t their fault they’d died under mysterious circumstances, but they were still gone all the same.
Her foster parents didn’t keep in contact with her after she moved to London. She only had Daisy. Would he really stick around long enough for them to discover what this connection was?
She shook herself, her eyes drawn back to the almost naked man in her bed. He was eying her with concern.
She took slow, deliberate steps towards the bed, aware he was watching her every move. She crawled over him, settling herself on to his lap. She could already feel the stirrings of his arousal at her proximity. He brushed her hair back from her face, tucking it behind her ear.
She grabbed the bottom of her t-shirt and threw it off, unsure of where it landed. His eyes darkened significantly until th
ey were almost black. Desire and lust were written all over him as he took her in.
“Ella.”
His fingers brushed the edge of her right breast.
“Goddess.”
They moved lower, bushing over her stomach.
“You have cast a spell over me.”
She trembled at his words.
“I am yours. Now. Always.”
His other hand cupped the back of her neck, pulling her towards him. When their lips met, she couldn’t hold back a small moan of pleasure. Her hands tangled in his hair, gripping her to him as the burning need inside her intensified.
When he said those things to her, she wanted to believe him, but there was a persistent, niggling doubt in the back of her mind. Could a demon possibly be capable of love?
His hands gripped her hips, grinding her against him as their mouths fused together. She tore away from him, tugging at the final vestments of their clothing. She straddled him, groaning as he entered her.
She felt it again. The sense that she was complete now they had joined.
She needed it.
Craved it.
“Ella, you are like fire.”
There were no words left as their passion eclipsed everything else. Lukas was hers, if only for those moments. She would never feel this way with another person again.
Every nerve ending was on fire as they ground against each other in a furious, heated exchange. Both needing the release the other wrought. She bit down on his shoulder, shuddering as it tore through her, setting her whole body aflame. She could see her hand, which was gripping his neck, glowing.
He grunted as he pressed into her, letting go as the waves crashed over him too. She wrapped her arms around him, burying her face in his neck as her body trembled from the aftershocks.
“Sweetheart,” he whispered. “I…”
The front door of the flat opened. They both froze. The door slammed shut followed by a scuffle of footsteps.
“Hey, Lukas, is she awake… OH!”
Daisy appeared around the curtain and stopped short, mouth dropping open.
“Oh god!”
Chapter Eighteen
Ella didn’t know what to say. She was thankful she was pressed up against Lukas’ chest which hid some of her modesty. Daisy backed away.
“Shit, guys, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have barged in like that.”
