Heaven to Hell (A Naughty Box Production Book 1)

by Rue Volley

  “What do you think it is?”

  “Just because your father has given up opening the gates to hell, doesn’t mean others have.”

  “But he’s their King.”

  “All the more reason for them to feel betrayed, he’s promised them access topside for a long time. To rescind that will do more than ruffle a few feathers.”

  She snorted. “Feathers.”

  He shook his head as he closed her door. Walking around to the driver side, he slid behind the wheel. “Without that goal, hell may very well be descending into chaos.”

  “Um, isn’t that what it’s always been?”

  “Yes, carefully controlled and contained madness. This issue could be a hot box.”

  “Oh, come on, you have to be making puns on purpose now. Hell having a hot box issue.”

  “This generation, so concerned with being funny,” Yophiel said

  “Don’t be grumpy. It makes your age show.” The amusement in her voice made him smile. She was his anchor in this world. Constantly bombarded by emotions, and concepts he struggled to fully grasp, he clung to the woman who brought him comfort and relief

  “That would be impossible as my age is more than most people can wrap their minds around.”

  “Oh ho, now whose cocky?”

  “No, just certain. This generation surrounds itself with lies, denial and propaganda. They don’t want to know the truth they claim to be searching for.” He shook his head. “The path is simple, but hard to execute.”

  “Even now that you’ve fallen, you keep your faith?”

  “Yes. You’re a child that shouldn’t exist. You don’t believe you were created specially by my father for a grand purpose?” He glanced over at her

  Her brow was creased. Her eyes were distant. “I spent so long feeling like a freak cursed to never fit anywhere, it’s hard to do a one sixty. I’m not sure what I think about everything at the moment.”

  Her words made his chest feel tight. “I believe you are the most beautiful thing I have ever had the pleasure of seeing. Despite the great adversity you’ve faced. Your soul remains a work of art. Strong, and giving.”

  “Do you know me?” she scoffed

  “Guarded, yes, but not cold. You didn’t have to save me that night.”

  “I couldn’t just leave you.”

  “Exactly. You should give yourself more credit. Don’t believe the lies you’ve been fed over the years. In the end, it may be the difference between victory or defeat.” The words were guided by the spirit. The minute they left his lips a rightness settled over him

  “What does that mean?” Her voice sounded tight

  “In order to stand strong, you must know who you are and what you believe in. I won’t lie to you. There are changes coming in on the wind. Energy is gathering around us.”

  “What can we do?”

  “Be prepared to fight,” he said

  “I’m always ready for a brawl.”

  “Yes, you are,” he agreed. Her slight body held the fierceness of a warrior. A dark shadow passed by their car. His grace swirled inside him

  “Did you see that?”

  “Yes, I did.”

  “Fees like a demon,” she whispered.

  Yophiel tilted his head back scenting the air. “Lower level, a scout at best.” He pushed his foot down on the gas, eager to reach the safety of her warded land

  Apprehension tinged the air in the car. He scanned the area with his gaze. His hands tightened on the steering wheel. His stomach dropped out. Supernatural warning bells rang in his head

  “Angel man?” Heavenleigh’s voice trembled

  “I sense it. They’re coming in hot, a handful at the most. We need to get out of the open.” He slammed down the accelerator silently whispering wards of protection in Enochian. The car shook as his powers rushed to do his bidding. He felt Heavenleigh’s wards weave with his, tightening the bubble of defense around them. A powerful force slammed into the side of their car, knocking them to the left. He turned into the swerve, and righted the car. They were rammed again from the back. His body jolted forward

  “Take the wheel.”

  “What?”

  “Take the wheel.”

  She leaned over and took control of the car, and he turned to face their pursuers. Five dark spots flew in the air beside them. Their black robes billowed out around them, making their stark white faces stand out. The cracked, peeled, and decaying faces were reminiscent of the zombies, now popular on television. These were not scouts

  “I need you to take over the pedals.”

  “What? Why? Where are you going?”

  “To do what I came to do.”

  She worked her way over the console, sitting on his lap. He slid into the passenger seat. Exchange done, he cut a metaphysical opening in their protection bubble and allowed himself to exit the car. Wings burst from his chest. Blocking out her cries of protest, he reached inside his chest and pulled out the Angel blade that resided within the soul of all his brethren as he took to the air. Solidifying, his sword glowed a brilliant blue. “You will not take her.” He rushed forward, meeting the red hot blades the three demons wielded stroke for stroke. Sparks of light flew. He parried, and countered, thrusting his blade into the gut left open. A shriek of agony filled the air, and a bolt of red light surrounded it as it was yanked down. Quickly he dispatched the other two. They’d been mid-level demons. Already they were leveling up. Relieved by the glimmer of their wards in the distance, he remained outside the car, sword at the ready. Nothing will get to Heavenleigh on my watch. I’ll die first

  They entered the house, and he went into what Heavenleigh referred at as Angel mode. “Call your mother and have her contact your father. I want to know if this was an isolated incident.”

  He walked outside, reinforcing the wards around the perimeter of their home, and adding new ones that would send him an alarm if anything tried to tamper with them. He couldn’t believe this was an isolated event

  He walked inside

  “I called her,” Heavenleigh whispered

  “And what did she say?”

  “It’s all quiet for them, but Lucien is furious. He didn’t sanction this, which means there’s a faction of rogues.”

  “And it begins,” Yophiel whispered

  “He wants to come over.” Heavenleigh bit her bottom lip

  “You don’t want him to?” He tilted his head

  “Allowing a demon that powerful in here will weaken the integrity won’t it?”

  “No, he’s of your bloodline. You can foster in a ward that allows him to pass. Would you like me to do it?”

  She nibbled her bottom lip. Uncertainty wasn’t usual for her. He stepped in and circled her arms around her

  “No one will protect you as fiercely as your father. He gave up much once he learned about you. That speaks volumes.”

  “What if this is all a ploy? A very clever scheme to pay me and my mother back for all the years of deceit, and the humiliation he must’ve suffered when she departed?” she spoke into his neck

  He smoothed a hand over her hair. “Why would he make you suffer? Your mother makes sense, but not you. If he didn’t want you, he never would’ve been upset about the time he’s missed. I can’t speak to his heart. I’m not sure what’s left. But he feels something for you. Which is more than any I know would think him capable of.”

  Her body trembled. He willed peace, and calm into her body, a shield for the storm beating at their door. A lot was coming at her fast

  “You’re right.” She pulled away and cleared her throat. “I need to get my shit together because this problem ain’t going to fix itself. Please, make the ward.”

  “As you wish.” He quickly spoke the words in Enochian, tracing symbols in the air. Power hummed around him, prickling his skin. The ozone layer smelled of brimstone. Mixing Angelic and demons powers was a mixed bag one had to take care with. The combination was volatile and dangerous at best. Truly her birth had been
a miracle. Neither her mother or father were lower level beings. A moment later the air shimmered, and Layla and Lucien appeared

  “Tell me everything,” Lucien said

  “On the way home we were trailed by two lower level demons who did a fly by. A moment later three mid-levels attacked. I dispatched them.”

  Lucien’s nostrils flared. The vein in his neck pulsed. “I will see to this.” Lucien looked down at Layla. “Stay here, both of you.”

  “Where are you going?” Layla whispered

  “To take care of this.”

  He was gone in an instant

  “This is why you lied,” Heavenleigh whispered.

  “Yes, I knew this would tear him and his world apart.” She shook her head. “I didn’t want to be responsible for that. We never imagined this could happen. It was hard enough to simply be together with the two forces constantly at war. Over time, we managed to acclimate them to one another, but-” Layla shook her head and rubbed her lips. “This is our punishment for going against the natural order. I was willing to pay the price. But I never would’ve dragged an innocent into all of this.” Her eyes went wild, and her gaze darted around. Energy filled the room

  “Mom, you need to calm down,” Heavenleigh said walking over and placing a hand on her mother’s arm.“This is no one’s fault. There’s no way you could’ve known.”

  The house vibrated with power. Plates, dishes, and pictures rattled. A brilliant flash of golden light exploded from Layla’s chest. Wings burst from her back, and her eyes went molten amber

  “For too long I have denied what I am. No longer.” The air trembled with her power

  Yophiel took in her form, impressed with the power she’d managed to keep. Her wings rolled up behind her

  “The blood of the first warriors runs through my veins, and I will lay waste to any who threaten my family.”

  “Holy shit.” Heavenleigh took a few steps back

  “I did not wish for you to see me this way,” Layla said. “Foolishly l believed we could stay under the radar and live out our lives as we saw fit.”

  The awe in Heavenleigh’s face brought a smile to his face. Yes, your mother is what you’d call a bad ass.

  Lucien reappeared. His blotchy face and red-rimmed eyes made Yophiel’s fingers itch to pull his sword. He’d never truly forget what and who the being in front of him was

  “What happened?” Layla asked

  Lucien glanced at her and did a double take. “I could ask you the same question.”

  “I got pissed.” Layla shrugged, and suddenly Yophiel saw exactly where his love got it from

  “Mutiny. I squashed it, but it doesn’t sit well with me. Mid-level soul suckers acting alone, would not have the balls disobey me. Someone thinks they have a shot at the throne.” Tendrils of smoke flowed from his nostrils. “I will get to the bottom of this. Be on your guard at all times. Night, I need you with me.”

  Layla nodded and together they disappeared.

  “What in the hell is going on? No pun intended.”

  “The battle for hell and the keys to the gate have begun.” Yophiel frowned. “I must see my brothers.”

  “You’re leaving too?”

  “No. I do not need to leave to speak with them.” He closed his eyes and sought them out. Unlike most fallen, he still held a connection to the source.

  It has happened? Michael asked. The voice in his mind was clear and full of concern

  Yes. The war has begun. Today unsanctioned demons attacked Heavenleigh. I dispatched them, but I fear this is only the beginning

  You mean to tell me, Lucifer cannot control his own creations? Michael sounded disgusted

  He believes a play for power has begun. Someone wants to ascend the throne. They were none too happy with his sudden change of heart

  All of this because of his child? Do you believe him to be sincere?

  Yophiel weighed his answer. Shockingly, yes.

  I do not share your belief, brother. I will gather our forces. Is he prepared to make a deal?

  I had not inquired. Do you wish me to?

  No, I’ll do that myself. It’s been a long time since I last saw my brother

  The loathing in the last word sent a chill down Yophiel’s spine. Once the closest of friends, the two had formed a hatred deep rooted in betrayal and bitterness. Michael broke the connection. Yophiel blinked

  “Are you back with me?” Heavenleigh said

  “Yes. They are gathering an army for the battle.”

  “You think it’ll come to that?” she whispered

  “Oh yes. They want out in the worst possible way. Hell is a nightmare relived over and over. There is nothing those lost souls wouldn’t do to escape.”

  Chapter Three

  Lucien walked the length of the living room and back as the wheels in his mind spun. This situation needed to be handled delicately. He wanted all the top dogs taken out, and the rest beaten down so badly they’d never think of rising again. It wasn’t enough to take off the head. Like Hydra, they’d only grow another and come for him again, until he hit the heart. Judas came to mind. He had a hand in this somehow. Suddenly his disrespect made much more sense. But is he a contributor or the ring leader? He grabbed a statue off the mantle and flung it across the room. The fury increased, and he threw back his head and roared. This is my fucking empire built with my own blood and pain. How dare anyone try to take it from me? He’d see it all burn before he handed it over to anyone. Thoughts of nuking the place and starting from scratch crossed his mind. But he’d put too much into all the gathered souls

  “What are you going to do?” Layla asked

  “I don’t know, Night. That’s the problem.”

  She rose from the massive leather chair, and placed an arm on his shoulder. He shrugged her off. She brought comfort he didn’t want right now

  “They no longer fear me. I need to remind them who I am. I’ll peel the skin back from their bone and laugh as they beg me to stop.”

  “Okay, psycho Sal, the problem with that is freedom will always outweigh fear. They risk being tortured because they think there’s a chance of gaining freedom.”

  “Is that insight to why you left?” he sneered

  “Don’t turn this around on me.” She shook her head, sending strands of her hair flying. Her eyes flashed with anger. “You know why I left. Look at you. So ready to taste their blood you’re practically getting a hard on. You love this gore laced madness. So let’s not pretend otherwise.”

  “Why shouldn’t they feel pain? They’ve had everything given to them, and still they failed. They should suffer.” His chest heaved.

  “This tune is getting old.”

  “You know damn well he loves them more. We step out of line for a split-second, and we’re instantly punished. They can live a life of sin, decadence, and whatever the hell else they choose and still he accepts them into his arms.”

  “Because they’re human, they’re made to be fallible.”

  “Too much time topside making you sympathetic to the cause? You’re starting to sound just like them.” Lucien pointed up

  “No matter what we do in this life, we will always be Angels.”

  “Oh, Bullshit! I’m more. I’ve risen above that. I’ve recreated myself from the bottom up.”

  She cast him a sympathetic look that sent him rushing forward. He backed her into a wall. Her body tensed, and her eyes dilated

  “Take care of what you say to me right now, Night. I’m not in the mood to feel the sting of your sharp tongue.”

  “Do you want a puppet or a wife?”

  “I want a wife who knows when not to push,” he growled, moving his face closer. His lips hovered inches from hers

  “You’ve gone too long without someone to stand up to you. You believe your own hype.”

  “Oh, it’s not hype.” He lined their bodies. “If I wanted to, could make you beg right now. He forced her arms above her head with his powers and wrapped one hand around he
r delicate wrists

  “But you won’t.”

  He gripped her cheeks with his fingers, applying a light amount of pressure. “You sure about that?”

  “If all you wanted was a body I wouldn’t be here.” Her chest heaved. Her hardened nipples pressed into him

  His eyes scanned her face. “You’ve always been my one weakness. Even after all you’ve done.”

  “That was out of love. We both know it would’ve destroyed all of us.”

  Lucien lowered his head, pressing their foreheads together. The years alone had given him a clarity he’d lacked before. Not that he would ever admit it any more then she would expect him to. She’d always excepted him as is. So why can’t you do the same for her now? He lifted his head and stared into her eyes. Like a lioness facing down an adversary, she was rock steady and fearless. His balls ached. His pants grew right. Releasing his invisible hold on her arms, he stepped back and studied her. A loud boom filled the air. The room shook

  The door flew open. A giant explosion blew him away from the wall. Layla flew in the opposite direction. Her body hit the marble with a sickening thud. The flames licking at his skin did nothing. Shaking his head to clear it, he remained on the floor hiding in the smoke and ash as he tried to gain his bearings

  Layla’s scream pierced the air

  He rose to his full height. He moved his hand parting the smoke. Three Demons pinned her to the ground while Judas dug into her flesh with claw-tipped fingers. With a twist of his fingers, he snapped Judas’ neck. His body dropped to the ground. The demons turned to him and hissed. He closed his hand, daring them to come forward

  They rushed him. He let them get millimeters from his body and turned them to ash. Allowing them to burn from the inside out he watched as the residue of their souls drifted to the ground. Death would be too good. He sent them to the silence, a dark enclosed space with no sound, no light, and only your own thoughts to keep you company. Others began to flood in like a wave, ready to take the place of their fallen. He darted forward, lifted, Layla into his arms and willed himself back into his daughter’s home. The wards protested, but allowed him in, slamming shut as the demons attempted to follow him