Heaven to Hell (A Naughty Box Production Book 1)

by Rue Volley

  “Oh my God! What happened to my Mother?”

  “Judas,” Lucien spat

  “As in ‘traded Jesus for coin, the ultimate betrayer’, Judas?” Heavenleigh said, rushing forward to kneel beside her mother.

  “You know of another?” Lucien said

  “Fuck, I thought my world was weird before.” She ran a hand over her mother’s brow. “What’s wrong with her?”

  “Demon’s claws are poison tipped. Her Angel blood is fighting it.”

  “Is that a good or a bad thing?” she asked, frantic

  “It’s a good thing,” Yophiel said

  Lucien looked up

  “It’s begun?” Yophiel said

  “Yes, and just as soon it will end.”

  Death appeared in the room

  “What the hell? Is no one kept out by these wards?” Lucien roared.

  “It’d take a very specific, very ancient spell to keep me out of anywhere. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but an army of very pissed off demons is on the move. There are attacks coming left and right, and they’re ripping at the seal that keeps the door open.”

  “It’ll hold,” Lucien said dismissively. “No one knows how to break that.”

  “Are you so arrogant?” Death shook his head

  “Do you actually know something, or are you here to toss out witty lines and appear bored?”

  Death narrowed his eyes. “Always so hot headed.”

  “Spare me.”

  “Dad!”

  The sound of his title on his daughter’s lips softened his heart

  “Good to see she has her mother’s sense,” Death said. “It’s only a matter of time before they find a loophole, and no I won’t tell you. I’m not stupid.”

  Lucien growled

  “Careful, boy, I was around long before you were a thought in your father’s head.”

  Lucien ground his teeth. It was pointless to fight with Death. He always won, and the rules that bound everyone else never applied to him

  “I’m no one’s boy,” Lucien said, not about to be put into his place

  “Can we both agree you both have big dicks and move the fuck on?” Heavenleigh snapped

  They turned their attention to the two women who brought them together

  “I’m here to arrange a meeting,” Death said

  “With who?” Lucien narrowed his eyes

  “Michael.”

  “Can eat shit and die.”

  “After all this time you still hate him that much?”

  “I’m sure the feeling is mutual.”

  “Yes, which speaks to the love you actually share. One thing I know, people who don’t care, do not expend emotions. Regardless, this is bigger than your little sibling rivalry.”

  “Careful you don’t push me too far.” Lucien clenched his fists. Death remained quiet as he walked over to Night. “You can heal her,” he said to his daughter.

  “How?” Heavenleigh’s voice shook

  The fear took the wind from his sails. “Your mother is stronger than you think. She can heal this herself, but if you feed her some of your familial energy, it will speed up the process.” He walked over and knelt beside Heavenleigh placing a hand on her shoulder. “Follow my lead.” Tapping into his connection with Night, he sent a portion of his energy into her, burning off the poison. He pulled away, allowing Heavenleigh to take over

  “When she comes out of this, she’ll need food, and maybe a boost from your link,” Lucien said to Yophiel.

  “Then it shall be done.”

  “I had no doubt, brother.” Lucien turned to Death. “I’m ready to see Michael.”

  Death arched his dark brow, but remained quiet. “Then let us go.” He snapped his fingers and brought him to the waiting place

  I hate purgatory. Gray, bland, and blurry around the edges it lacked substance. A tranquil prison for the lost souls trapped there. Mist swirled around his legs. The hairs on the back of his neck stood on end. His stomach tightened. He took deep breaths battling the anger that bubbled inside him, seeking entrance. Shoving it down, he put a tight leash on the monster that drove him

  The air lightened and Michael appeared. A swirling form of light, the true form made Lucien’s eyes water and ache. Squinting, he forced himself not to look away. Pain was something he knew all about. He could endure this

  “Brother,” Michael said

  “Brother,” Lucien answered keeping his tone neutral

  “Why should we believe you want to fight beside us? This could be a carefully constructed plan to take us down.”

  “All I have ever wanted was to have my family beside me. The ones I slaughtered got in my way.”

  “You could kill your own kind so easily.”

  “You do it enough and yes, it becomes second nature. None of you would hesitate to end me.”

  “And yet, here I am.” Michael spread out his arms

  “Because you want to save them.”

  “The monsters you built are the ones threatening the world.”

  “You mean the cesspool of sin, iniquity, pain, and denial of our father? They brought this on themselves. The one who seeks ruin and my crown is Judas.”

  Michael growled. “The Betrayer betrays yet again.”

  “No, for that to happen I’d have to trust. I learned my lesson the first time,” Lucien said.

  “Will you always play the role of martyr, brother? The choice to leave was yours.”

  “I’m sure you see it that way. Makes it easier to deny your part in all this,” Lucien snarled.

  “I urged you to stay.”

  “You were the first to raise your sword against me,” Lucien spat.

  “Because I am an obedient son,” Michael boomed

  “You’re a blind fool who lacks vision and nerve.”

  “He gave us everything. What need did we have to leave?” Michael said

  “He treats them like kings and us like slaves. There’s every reason to leave.”

  “Still so misguided and lost.”

  “Still imprisoned, and eating from the hand of your jailer like a little lamb ready to be lead to the slaughter.”

  “Children, lives are at stake, and the clock is winding down,” Death said

  “We shall march into hell and help you regain your domain. But do not mistake us for allies. I shudder to think of what those deviants you keep bound and chained would do once topside. This world has enough problems.”

  “The Earth is mine and we know it.”

  “The battle is not over until the trumpet sounds.”

  “To your corners gentleman, come up with a plan, and Gather your people.”

  * * *

  Layla opened her eyes slowly and winced at the pain that ran through her body. Ambushed by punk ass demons, what a way to start the day. She pushed her body into a sitting position, and propped herself up against the headboard. Her eyes adjusted to the fingers of light flooding into the room. I’m at Heavenleigh’s. Running her hands through her disheveled hair she searched the home with her mind. Where the hell is, Lucien? Concerned by his absence, she slid from the bed and stood. Stretching, she loosened her tight muscles. Tapping into their martial bond for the first time since their separation, she tracked his location. Her stomach clenched. Panic set in. Why is he with Michael in Purgatory? Focusing in she transported herself to his side

  “Lailah.” Michael’s whisper was a mixture of disbelief and horror. “I had hope you escaped the clutches of this vile one.”

  “Michael.” She shielded her eyes from his brilliant glow. Joy, shame, and anxiety swirled together inside her. She hadn’t seen any of her brethren since the fall

  “You look very different in this form,” Michael said

  Lucien growled

  “You would keep her away from family? Even now, you’ve learned nothing about sharing.”

  “She is mine to do with as I please.” Lucien moved to her side, wrapping an arm around her waist.

  “Why did
you come?” Michael said

  “Because he is here, and I go where he goes.”

  Lucien’s hold on her waist loosened

  “Hasn’t he corrupted enough people? Look what has come of this union, an abomination with the power to ruin the world.”

  Her power welled up inside, and she growled. “Be careful how you speak about my daughter, Holy Host.”

  The air between them vibrated. Her back itched as her wings prepared to expandw. She hadn’t pulled her sword in centuries, but she had no qualms doing so.

  “It amazes me after all this time, you Angels still have no tact,” Death said. “No one will be making disparaging or threatening comments about my goddaughter. We have a war to win. That’s bigger than any perceived issues you may have with them, Michael. Surely you agree with that?”

  “We will smite the rebels and reseal the pit.”

  “I will gather my forces,” Lucien said

  He gave a curt nod, and she felt the bottom drop off as they traveled to a new destination. Her feet touched the ground, and she blinked, allowing the dizziness to dissipate after the unexpected departure

  “What were you thinking showing up there like that? What if we had been engaged in battle?”

  “I woke up alone and realized you were in Purgatory. I thought you might like backup.” She crossed her arms under her chest and took in the space. Torches cast shadows on the gray walls of the cave. The familiar smell of brimstone and fire filled the air. “Where are we?”

  “In the very bottom level of hell, I made this myself just in case.”

  “Always were paranoid.”

  “And now you see why,” Lucien said. “I’m not an imbecile. I know they fear me. People only stay in line as long as their fear of you outweighs their need for something else. There’s a method to the madness down here. And I’ll be damned if that’s ended by some snippy little shit, who wants to be king.”

  His body smoldered. She could feel the heat rolling off him in waves. It was said he survived the pit by embracing the pain and in turn, the fire. It had become his to control, and he wielded it with ease. It was a scary and awe-inspiring sight to witness. Smoke swirled around him as it seeped from his pores

  “How are you going to find out who’s loyal?” She kept her distance afraid to come too close. There was a time when she didn’t fear getting caught in his mini explosions. Now, they were on shaky ground rapidly breaking off from beneath them

  “They only understand brutality. I’m going to remind Judas, who the real king is, and make them choose a side. We’re going to do this old school.” His chest heaved and his eyes flickered from red to green. “My followers behind me, and his behind him.” He clenched and unclenched his fists. “Then I’m going to lay waste to those treacherous bastards. I’m letting the Angels come in and reseal this place to prove a point. I’d see it all burn down before I ever gave up my throne. There can be no mass exodus until I can regain my grip. If that means starting from the ground up so be it.”

  “Even if the key is your daughter?” She held her breath. The question had been circling her head for far too long. Getting it out into the open was a relief

  “You really believe she’s the only way to open the gates?” He shook his head. “No. They misdirect. I think it’s a half truth. I don’t have the time to explore it fully now. But I will.” His eyes gleamed with determination. “I want you safe with Heavenleigh while I do this.”

  “No,” She shook her head. “I refuse to run and hide while you go into battle.”

  He smirked and stalked over, stopping in front of her. “You don’t care about my kingdom. It’s always been a bone of contention between us. I know it sickens you, the things I do. But you stay. Why do you stay, Night?” He turned his gaze to her and her heart speed

  “Because I love who you are deep down at the core. I know you, I always have.” She shook her head. “When I look at you, I don’t see who you’ve become. I see who you can still be.”

  He ran his fingers down her cheek. Warmth spread through her face. “Sweet, Night, always so optimistic. You can’t change me, because I choose to be this way.” He moved closer. Their lips brushed. Her body trembled. Energy surged between them. “Can you still accept me as I am? I’m not the man I once was. I can’t go back.” He nipped her bottom lip. “But I’d still kill for you, keep you safe, and happy.”

  She moistened her lips. “But do you still love me?”

  He glanced away, and her heart plummeted. “I don’t know if I’m even capable of feeling that emotion anymore.”

  She brought her hands up to his face, holding him still. “Yes you can. I see it every time you look at Heavenleigh. What I need to know is if you still have a place for me in your heart as well. I’ve risked everything I had to be with you. It damn near killed me when I left. I won’t do that a second time.”

  “You think I’d let you walk away?”

  “No, but I can close my heart off, just as well as you can.”

  His nostrils flared. A puff of smoke agitated her eyes. “It’s not what I want, you must know that.” He growled, “Now is not the time.”

  “Yes it is. It may be the only time. Tomorrow is not promised in times of war. We know that better than most.”

  His body tensed

  She closed her eyes, prepared to be rejected. I never should’ve asked what I’m not ready to hear

  “Look at me.”

  She swallowed and lifted her head

  “With everything left inside of me that’s decent and not completely fucked inside my skull, I love you. You were the one thing in heaven I wanted to bring with me. That’s why I pursued you.”

  His words were a salve, healing the cuts and nicks left from the rocky road they’d traveled during their relationship. “You broke my trust. It’ll take time to get back…but love was always there. You’re a habit I can’t give up.”

  Her vision grew blurry. She blinked to hold back the tears

  “It’s not supposed to make you sad, Night.”

  “I’m not sad. I’m just…I never thought we’d get here.”

  “Yeah, it only took an oncoming war, so no big deal.” Lucien shrugged and she snorted. “That’s what I wanted to see. We’re warped, but not so much that we’re broken beyond repair.”

  “You mean that?”

  “I said I’d never lie to you once. I’ve kept that promise.”

  Guilt rocked her like a giant wave. “But I didn’t.”

  “I understand why, Night. As pissed as I am… Back then I wanted blood, power, and pain to my enemies. I would’ve ruined Heavenleigh.” He bowed his head. “I think…without your influence, she would’ve become the anti-Christ. A vessel so full of hate, it’d bring the end of times.”

  “Isn’t that what you want?” Layla whispered, unable to follow the winding path his mind was headed down.

  “No, the Earth isn’t much of a prize if it’s burned down to the ground. I have that here. I want a new start up there. Not an ending that brings Big Daddy down to wipe the slate clean.” He balled his fists. “End days are his default victory. I refuse to let him have that.” He glanced up. “You need to go, Night. You don’t want to see the things I’m about to do.”

  “No, we stay together.”

  “And you think you can handle a horde of demons? Are you willing to once again take up your sword and fight with me?”

  She clenched her jaw. “Yes. I am.” She reconnected with the remainder of her grace and pulled the large golden sword from inside her chest. “I was born a warrior and I will die a warrior. Never question my ability to smite in the name of what is right and just.” She clenched the handle, relishing the hum of energy feeding between her and her blade in a loop. “I found myself during my time away. Your corruption and beliefs are not my own. Loving you doesn’t mean I have to lose myself, and this time I will not.”

  His eyebrows flew up into V shapes. “Because being the wife of Lucifer isn’t corrupt?”


  “I am me and I live by my own set of rules. That is why I fell, to gain the right to choose. I am your wife, your equal, and I will not be cowed or intimidated. The time of paying for my sins is past.”

  “Really? Cause I liked playing,” Lucien said.

  She glowered

  “You’re so fucking sexy when you’re pissed. I accept the change.”

  Her shoulders relaxed. The imbalance was over

  “If you wish to fight beside me, I would be honored. Let us don our armor.”

  Chapter Four

  “They’re calling me,” Yophiel said standing from his spot on the couch

  “Who?” Heavenleigh frowned. He’d been twitchy all day. It wasn’t like him.

  “The Angels, we’re gathering. I must fight with them.”

  “Bullshit.” She stood up shaking her head. “First Mom and Dad run off like a pair of rebellious teens in the middle of the night, and now you want to leave me here.” She patted her chest with her hand. “This is my fight. All of this is about me.”

  “No.” The power behind that one word silenced her. “You cannot be allowed to fall into their hands. It would be exactly what they want.”

  “So, what? You expect me to sit here and twiddle my thumbs?” She threw her hands up in the air. “Cause we both know that’s not going to happen.”

  “I would never leave you here unprotected,” he whispered. “You will be in a safe location.”

  “Really? Where in the hell is safe from a bunch of pissed off demons out to take my scalp?”

  Yophiel glanced up

  “Heaven?” she whispered. “Won’t I burst into flames?” She rubbed her aching belly

  “No, Heavenleigh. My father doesn’t punish a child for their parentage, and he cares about you. Do you think it’s a coincidence you’ve remained undiscovered for all this time?”

  “I…well damn, I never thought if it like that.” With the winds taken from her sails, her anger drowned in a sea of confusion and doubt. Have I been wrong all these years?

  Yophiel’s serene smile made her want to believe everything would be okay

  “That’s because you’ve never been taught to see with the eyes of faith.”

  “How can you still do that?” she whispered

  He’d been cast out for a solo mission and forced to figure things out alone.