“What if you don’t return to the Underworld?” Kai looked at him with curiosity. “You said that you get three month passes here once every hundred years, so what if you stayed longer than that?”
“I would cease to exist.”
“So, what? You’d just vanish?”
“Yes.”
“That sucks. So then if all seven of you get filled up with light from the Custodians, then the Brotherhood could roam the earth with no restrictions? ” Kai asked with more than a little fear. “Does that mean that the damned would come with you?”
“Possibly. But none of this happens without taking your light,” Asmodeus murmured. He loathed the fearful way she was looking at him and dread filled him. He looked at his arm as it brushed along hers and noted the faint glow that crept over his flesh. “Even now, I’m taking your light from you.”
“I’m fine,” she insisted.
“But if I take it all, you won’t be.” His voice dropped to barely audible tones as the weight of the truth settled over them both. “If I take all of your light then you will die.”
Asmodeus went to stand up, to increase the distance between them, but Kai grabbed him and pulled him back down next to her.
“Just hang on a second. I feel fine so I must have a lot of light or whatever.” Kai slowly let go of his arm. “You’re not hurting me when you touch me and I think we established how much you weren’t hurting me when we were back in that bedchamber.” The smile faded from her eyes. “Well, not with your touch. Your words, however, they hurt like hell.”
“It is for the best.” He straightened his back and kept his voice cold. He didn’t miss the pained expression that flickered over her face as he abruptly changed the subject. “Let’s see what else it says but be quick. We have less than six hours until that spell wears off and we can be detected again.”
Kai’s mouth set in a tight line and she nodded as she turned back to the book. He knew she was upset and hurt by his rejection but he kept telling himself it was what had to be done. Careful not to allow his body to brush hers any further, he looked back at the book. Asmodeus’ attention was immediately captured by a list of names at the bottom. All seven members of the Brotherhood were listed and next to each of their names was a number.
Asmodeus was number one.
“There has to be a spell in here that can take off the ring so I can give it to you.” Kai said as she ran her finger down the page. “I mean—“ She stopped abruptly and her finger halted at his name. “Asmodeus. Lucifer. Satan. Mammon…this is the Brotherhood. Wait. There are numbers next to the names. Maybe it’s like an index or something or a chapter listing.”
A knot formed in Asmodeus’ stomach as Kai flipped to the next page and he saw his name emblazoned across the top in jagged lettering and beneath it was the Roman numeral one.
“It’s a bunch of spells.” Kai flipped quickly through the next several pages. “But these ingredients aren’t exactly going to be easy to find. Something tells me that Wal-Mart doesn’t carry mudbugs or any of this other stuff.” She leaned closer. “Although, I do recognize some of the herbs and flowers. So maybe I’m not a total loss as a witch or whatever I am.”
There were spells for everything that someone might need to control a demon, or more specifically, control Asmodeus. He flinched when he saw one that clearly had to do with his ability to get a hard-on. He paled, hoping Kai wouldn’t see it but she did.
“This particular spell could come in handy if you get out of line.” She gave him a sidelong glance and winked. “But since I don’t know how to get the tears of a warlock, you’re safe for now.”
“I see you haven’t lost your sense of humor,” Asmodeus replied as he tried not to look horrified at the notion of being rendered impotent. “But I suppose I will have to be on my best behavior.”
“This isn’t a spell book, it’s more like a hundred and one ways to control a demon.” Kai nudged his knee with hers and lifted one shoulder as she turned the pages. “There’s a section of spells in here for each of you guys. It’s kind of funny actually.”
“How so?” Asmodeus rose from the couch. He was feeling frustrated and confused, which was exacerbated by being so close to Kai. “You are in danger of being taken to the Underworld by my brothers or being abducted by the Fae. This blasted book was supposed to provide you with more information and all it has managed to do is generate more questions. Tell me, Kai. How is any of this humorous?”
“Maybe funny isn’t the right word. It’s…ironic. I wouldn’t have found this book without you, Asmodeus. If you hadn’t taken me to see Isadora, I never would have discovered any of this.” Kai closed the book and locked it before rising from the couch. Her voice was steady and her serious brown eyes met his as she moved around the table toward him. “I think it’s a little ironic that in order to find the spells that could help me kick your demon ass, I needed you to do it.” She’d closed the distance between them and stood just inches from him, her skirt brushing over his jean clad legs. “Why do you suppose that is?”
“I wish I knew.” Asmodeus kept his hands curled into fists at his side as he fought the undulating waves of desire that rippled through him ferociously.
“Because I was made to be yours,” Kai said seductively. Brown eyes peeked at him beneath a row of dark lashes as her hands settled on his waist. “My whole life I’ve been searching for true love, for honesty and passion, for that one person who would fit with me perfectly and seamlessly. I’d search for it in every aura I read, every light I saw. All this time, Asmodeus, I thought the answers would lie in the light but instead I found them in the dark.”
Asmodeus remained still as her fingers slipped beneath the edge of his shirt and her thumbs brushed the muscles of his belly. His cock twitched and throbbed as her fingernails rasped along the skin of his waist in enticing strokes. Urgent need fired through him and he growled as he snatched her wrists and tugged her against him. “Stop that. I don’t want to hurt you.”
“Then stop torturing me,” she whispered. Kai brushed her lips over his knuckles as he held her hands against his chest. “I don’t want to be afraid anymore, Asmodeus.”
“You should be,” he rasped. Pushing her away from him, he released her arms and stepped back but the wounded expression on her face just about did him in. “We don’t have much time left before the Brotherhood, not too mention the Fae, discover where we are. I suggest you use that time to find a spell in that book that you can use to protect yourself or better yet, get that blasted ring off your finger.”
“Fine,” Kai seethed. She spun around and snatched the book off the table before storming past him to the bed on the other side of the room. “I don’t even know exactly where here is but sure,” she said sarcastically. “I’ll do my fucking witch-fairy homework.”
“Good.” Asmodeus folded his arms over his chest as he watched her flounce onto the bed and sit cross-legged. “But you can relax because I do know where we are.”
“Oh, really Mr. Smarty Pants?” Kai said without looking at him as she flipped through the first few pages of the book. “Where are we?”
He crossed to the railing along the left side of the room and positioned himself by the opening that led down to a flight of stairs.
“We are on the second floor of your grandfather’s barn.”
Chapter Thirteen
“What?” Kai hopped off the bed with the heavy spell book in her hands and ran over to where Asmdoeus was standing. She grabbed the railing and peered down the dark staircase. “Are you sure?”
“Quite.” He smirked at her with the annoyingly arrogant look that made her want to alternately smack him or kiss him. “I wasn’t certain at first but I’ve picked up on a familiar energy. It seems your cat is waiting for you downstairs.”
“Zephyr?” A grin bloomed over Kai’s face as she moved to go downstairs but Asmodeus’ massive frame blocked her path. Kai glared up at him. “What’s your problem?”
“At the moment,
it’s you and your ridiculous habit of running off without taking a moment to think about the consequences.”
“We are under a cloaking spell, aren’t we?” Kai clutched the cumbersome book to her chest with both arms and cocked one eyebrow at Asmodeus. “And if you managed to pick up on the fact that my cat is down there, then I imagine if there was anyone or anything else lurking on the property, you would have gotten wind of it. Correct?”
“Well, yes,” he said slowly.
“Then what’s your damage?” Kai let out an exasperated sigh. “Is there anyone else down there other than my cat?”
“Not that I can detect, but—“
“Good.” Kai waved one hand at him, urging him to step aside. “Then move it.”
Asmodeus didn’t move but continued staring at her with his arms folded over his chest. Kai took a deep breath, struggling for patience. She knew that getting pissed at him would not help because it only seemed to make him dig his heels in more. So she decided on going for the pity card.
“Listen. I know you’re a demon and I may have some witch and fairy blood but really, I’m just a simple human girl at heart. Aside from the fact that my life has been turned upside down, I’m exhausted, I’m starving, and I could use a snuggle or two from my cat, especially since snuggling with you isn’t an option. So unless you want me to faint from hunger and accidentally zap your demon ass with white light, I suggest you let me go down there.”
She watched Asmodeus as he seemed to be mulling over his options. Finally, after what felt like forever he turned and headed down the steps without a word. Kai followed him down the dark, narrow staircase with the book held tightly against her chest. She heard the lock give way with a dull clicking sound and as Asmodeus pushed the creaking door open slowly, she couldn’t help but hover right behind him.
He stopped in the open doorway and peered at her over his left shoulder with that cocky, lopsided grin. Kai rolled her eyes and nudged him ahead and even though she could tell he wanted to tease her for acting like a fraidy-cat, he had the good sense not to.
They moved quietly through the darkness of the barn but the smell of burnt wood and smoke filled Kai’s nostrils.
They stepped through the jagged, charred hole that used to be the barn door but Asmodeus swung his left arm out, stopping her from going any further. He held one fingers to his lips and Kai, without even realizing what she was doing, curled her hand around his forearm and snuggled closer. A soft glow emanated from both of them and as he shared her light but the night remained quiet, with only the chirping sounds of insects littering the dark.
Asmodeus kept saying that stealing her light was a bad thing, but Kai’s gut instinct told her that it wasn’t. Seeing the shared glow between them actually gave Kai comfort and made her feel like she wasn’t alone. Given the increasing weirdness in her life, being a part of something or someone was reassuring. Even if that someone was a six foot, three inch hunk of otherworldly hotness.
Kai was just about to ask Asmodeus if it was okay to move ahead, when the lone mewling of a cat ricocheted across the property from the direction of the house. Looking past the Dumpster that was still sitting by the barn Kai scanned the moonlit property. It took only a moment to find the source and a smile cracked Kai’s face as she spotted a pair of familiar, luminous eyes staring back at them from the steps of the house.
“Zephyr,” Kai whispered in a strangled voice. Tears stung her eyes as the weight of the past twenty-four hours settled over her. “She’s okay.”
“Go on,” Asmodeus murmured. “But we shouldn’t stay here too long.”
“Thank you.” Kai popped up on her toes and brushed his unshaven cheek with a kiss before running across the yard.
Zephyr met Kai at the bottom of the steps and she immediately began purring like freight train. Kai placed the book on the stairs before scooping the cat up and raining kisses all over her sweet, furry face. The affectionate moment didn’t last long as the petulant Siamese soon clamored to get down and back to her busy schedule of licking herself.
“Gee, thanks,” Kai laughed as Zephyr hopped from her arms and flounced into the house with her tail in the air. “Nice to see that you didn’t change while I was away.”
“We should go inside,” Asmodeus said. He surveyed the property with the same serious intensity she’d seen at Isadora’s house. “And no magic.”
“Right.” Kai let out a snort of derision as she hoisted the book off the steps and trotted up to the still open front door. “I don’t think you have to worry about that. I don’t have any eye of newt handy.”
Kai made a face as she looked at the leaves and other debris that had blown in the house while she was away. “Although I have to admit finding a spell to clean the house would be great.”
Kai placed the spell book on the dining room table and glanced at the grandfather clock in the corner. It was almost four in the morning but truth be told she had no idea what day it was and exhaustion flooded her as she ran her finger over the cover of the book.
“There are enchantment spells in there as well.” Asmodeus closed the front door and joined her in the dining room. “Enchantment spells and charms are driven by the spoken word and don’t require potions. I would suggest you familiarize yourself with some of them, as I don’t doubt that they will come in handy for you.”
Kai felt his presence next to her and as the heat from his body drifted over her, she resisted the urge to snuggle against his chest. That’s all she wanted to do. Pathetic, she thought. How pathetic was it to still be drawn to someone who’s made it heartbreakingly clear that he’s not interested.
She recalled what he’d said after they’d fooled around. I gave you what you wanted. The hollow ache of humiliation filled her chest at the memory of it. He’d only been with her out of pity or obligation and to throw herself at him now would only result in more embarrassment. When the Demon of Lust turns you down for sex, the level of mortification is off the charts.
“Kai?” His voice was gentle, tender almost. “Are you alright?”
“No, Asmodeus. I’m not alright and I doubt I ever will be again.” Kai held up her hand to keep him from responding and couldn’t even bring herself to look at him. She was terrified she’d see pity in his eyes and that would probably push her right over the proverbial edge. “You don’t have to say anything and in fact, I’d really appreciate it if you didn’t. I’m going to grab something to eat and you are welcome to help yourself to anything you want in the kitchen. Then I’m going to take a shower and change out of this gypsy get-up, so I can at least pretend to feel normal. By my count we have just over five hours until our presence can be detected.”
Without waiting for a response, Kai went into the kitchen with Zephyr at her heels but Asmodeus remained in the dining room. She snagged a half full bottle of white wine from the fridge, a hunk of cheese and a box of probably stale crackers from the cabinet. He watched her silently and said nothing as she brushed past him before stopping briefly to grab the spell book.
Her arms full, she stopped at the bottom of the staircase and looked at Asmodeus who stood in the archway of the dining room. Bathed in moonlight from the windows, he looked more desirable and mysterious than ever. His pale blue eyes peered at her with their trademark intensity as he studied her. Arms at his sides, the muscles of his biceps twitched almost imperceptibly as he bowed his head in deference.
“I’ll figure out how to get this ring off my hand and then you and I can go our separate ways.” A smile played at her lips. His body was tense, poised and ready to strike at whatever enemy might come calling but the smile faltered as she realized who it was he would likely have to fight. Her voice dropped to just above a whisper. “I’m sure the last battle you want to have is with your own brothers. Asmodeus, I’m sorry for any trouble that I’ve caused you and it’s glaringly obvious that I never should have put on this ring. It’s turned both of our lives upside-down but I’m going to try and make it right. Then you can go back t
o the Underworld and I can take a stab at a normal life. Who knows? Maybe I can find a nice fairy man to settle down with? Someone who won’t mind if light beams shoot out of my hands.” She let out a curt laugh. “I wonder if there’s a dating site for freaks like me.”
Without waiting for him to respond she trotted up the creaking staircase and ran down the hall to her bedroom. Kai shut the door behind her with her foot but not before Zephyr slipped into the room and hopped onto the queen size bed. Kai placed everything on the quilt next to the cat before scratching her ears.
“What the hell am I going to do?” Kai murmured. Zephyr peered at her through bright blue eyes and meowed loudly. “That sounded a lot like, you’re-screwed. Well, a glass of wine and a hot bath may not get the ring off my finger but it might help clear my head.”
Kai peeled off her clothing and tossed it on the rocking chair in the corner before grabbing the bottle of wine and going into the adjacent bathroom and running the bath. The massive claw foot bathtub filled quickly and she let the water get hot enough so that it was almost unbearable.
She snagged a glass off the bathroom sink and poured most of the wine into it. Kai took a sip and sprinkled in some foaming bath salts she’d brought with her from home before sinking into the water on a sigh.
She breathed in the heavenly lavender scent as it filled the steamy room. Kai closed her eyes and draped one arm over the edge of the tub as she allowed her weary body to be enveloped by the scented water. She sipped the rest of the wine as she replayed the events of the past day over and over in her head but questions about the Fae kept coming to mind.
ASMODEUS: Demon of Lust--BUNDLE Parts 1-4 (Princes of Hell) Page 15
