The Eternal War Series Box Set

by Holly Vane

  Satan's son just didn't fall in love. Ever.

  A sly smile spread across his ruby red lips. It was time to put his plan into action.

  ***

  Dominic strutted back through Jo's kitchen.

  Holly and Jo were standing in the doorway to the living room talking. Probably about Caleb maybe about him.

  “Holly,” Dominic wrapped his hand around hers and lead her away from Jo. He knew Jo was watching every move he made. “Caleb had to go his father called; he told me to tell you that he had a great time and that he'll see you at school.” He watched Holly's face fall. There was no worse brush off then exiting right after kissing a girl and not even bothering to say goodbye.

  “Oh.”

  Dominic forced back a smile. “You’re not the first to be rejected by him.”

  “Well, em...I have to go and...make more punch.” Holly stammered. Dominic watched her dash into the kitchen and found himself wondering whether she would cry or not. He had her exactly where he wanted her all he had to do was play the understanding friend; offer her a shoulder to cry on. It was like taking candy from a baby.

  But something happened then that Dominic hadn't accounted for. A very randy seventeen year old schoolgirl stood in his way.

  Jo Watson.

  She reached up and smothered him with a kiss on his lips. When he finally managed to unlock their lips she grabbed his hand and dragged him towards the stairs. “I'm tired of waiting.” She called to him over the music.

  The noise of the party died away slowly till it became a dull whisper. Jo shoved him roughly into a closed door that flew open under his weight and he stumbled backwards landing on a soft bed.

  She was on him before he had time to speak.

  Her legs apart she mounted him kissing his neck as her hands worked with his belt. She was certainly excitable; under different circumstances Dominic would have given her what she wanted; breaking her in till she begged him for mercy but Holly was where his attention needed to be tonight. He had gotten fed up of this town and wanted to get the job done then leave. “Jo. Stop!” He commanded. Tossing her backwards onto the bed. “MMM, you like it rough, do you?” She pounced on his back nibbling his earlobe. Her unpractised hands caressing him. Then an idea hit him. He could use this to his advantage.

  “Jo, I can't. It wouldn't be fair to you.”

  Jo looked at him. He could hear her heart pounding from where he stood. “What are you talking about? I want you Dominic.”

  “But I don't want...you.” He said slowly avoiding her gaze. This was too easy!

  “What?” She looked like a car had hit her.

  “Truth is I only talked to you to get closer to Holly. It's her I want.”

  He heard her inhale deeply then she looked away. “Holly?”

  “I can't get her out of my head. Ever since we kissed...”

  Jo's eyes narrowed. “You kissed her? When?”

  He shrugged. “Tuesday. She kissed me I wanted to tell you but Holly told me not to. That it would only hurt you.”

  Jo's face flushed red and her hands curled into fists. Dominic thought she was going to explode.

  “Oh did she now!” Jo tore out of the room and down the stairs. Dominic followed trying to hide his grin. This had worked out better than expected.

  ***

  Holly sat on a stool in Jo's kitchen. The punch bowl that she had just topped up next to her.

  She had gotten Caleb totally wrong. Instead of being her potential 'one', he had ruined her night. How could he just blow her off like that after the way they had kissed?

  It didn't make sense; maybe she had read more into it then he did but surely it wasn't just her imagination. There had been something between them right?

  “Holly!” She looked up when she heard her name. It was Ricky. “Jo's freaking out!”

  “Huh?” She said but he had already disappeared into the living room. She followed and stopped dead when she saw Jo.

  “Get out! Everybody!” Jo screamed throwing the mini music system off its shelf. The room started to empty. “Jo?” Holly stared at her. Jo's eyes met hers. “You! You...backstabbing whore!” Jo threw at her accusingly. Holly's eyes rested on Dominic who was standing behind Jo looking at the floor and her whole world collapse. “You couldn't keep away from him could you?” Jo screamed at her. “The one guy I actually liked and you just had to steal him!”

  “Jo I don't know....” Holly began,

  “You kissed him Holly. How could you? You knew I was into him! I thought you were my friend!”

  Holly felt tears bubble in her eyes. She looked away not being able to handle the hurt in her best friend's eyes. The hurt she had caused.

  “Jo, it was a mistake. It never should have happened. I wanted to tell you...”

  “What stopped you?” This time it was Ricky's voice that cut through Holly like a knife. She had never heard him so angry.

  “I didn't want to hurt you.”

  Jo laughed. “Well you bloody well have! Just get out Holly. I never want to see you again!” Her voice broke and she started to cry Ricky went to her and drew her into a hug. She collapsed against him her body shook with sobs. “You'd better leave Holly.” He said tightly.

  Holly had never felt such pain. She wanted to explain then everything would be okay again. Wouldn’t it?

  But Jo wouldn't listen not in that state so Holly reluctantly left.

  The cool night air hit her like a slap to the face. She had just lost everything. “Holly, wait up.” Dominic followed her outside. She glared at him anger etched in her face. “Why did you tell her?” She demanded. “I had to Holly. She wanted us to....” He trailed off but Holly wasn't going to be put off so easily.

  “To what Dominic?” She screamed at him.

  “Would you rather I tell her that you're the one I think about every second of every day. That I daydream about us being together, that you're the one I want, after I'd slept with her. Or before?”

  Holly was stunned into silence. She stood there looking at him, his dark eyes bright and clear with conviction, like he had meant every word he had just said. His blood red lips, looked so inviting. Before she could stop herself, she threw her body into his arms.

  ***

  The unexpected kiss shook Dominic to his very core.

  This kiss felt different from the one they had shared a few days ago.

  This time she had instigated it.

  She had the control.

  Dominic was a slave to her body. She pressed her lips onto his so hard that he tasted blood. The copper, metallic taste swirled around his mouth. He held back a groan of pleasure, but only just. His hands wanted to explore her body. His pelvis wanted to find hers. But he fought back the urge and pushed her away.

  “God...Dominic. I’m so sorry.” Holly said to him in horror. He turned away from her. Not wanting her to see him this out of control. His desire reaching heights unparalleled to any felt before. He wanted her right now...badly. His whole body was shaking with need. Part of him wanted to take her right there on the, wet, chopped up lawn outside Jo's house. He willed his mind to regain control of his heart. He shut his eyes and breathed.

  When he opened them again, there was no sign of Holly.

  ***

  Caleb was perched on the clock tower.

  This was the highest point in town. Here he felt closer to his home.

  He never should have gone to that party. He wasn't a teenager. What had he been thinking of? He was a solider with a job to do.

  He had nearly killed her.

  If Dominic hadn't been there....

  Caleb would never have thought that he would feel gratitude towards a demon.

  Especially Dominic.

  But he owed Dominic now. If he hadn't been there to help Caleb....Caleb didn't like to think of the consequences.

  Things were clear as crystal to him now. Up here, far away from the mortal realm, Like Heaven itself was showing him his path. He had to keep his distance
from Holly. It killed him to think it. But that's what was best for her. His glory shined brightest when she touched him. He couldn't stop it. He just felt so blissfully happy when her lips touched his. His love for her burned so bright that the whole room could feel it. Next time Dominic might not be there to save her.

  It was harsh reality. But Caleb had to watch from afar. Only intruding on her life when absolutely necessarily.

  And under no circumstances could their lips ever meet again.

  A pain slashed through his soul. His huge, white, unfurled wings felt like hot pokers were being stabbed into them. He flinched violently.

  Holly was in pain.

  ***

  Holly collapsed on her bed and cried.

  She cried like she had never cried before. She could have filled a river with her tears. What had she been thinking? Kissing Dominic like that. She had offended him, she knew by the way he pushed her away and wouldn't look at her. She had managed to offend everyone she cared about tonight.

  Jo hated her because she had kissed Dominic.

  Ricky hated her because she had hurt Jo.

  Caleb just didn't want to be with her, and Dominic was just...confusing.

  One minute he was spilling his guts explaining how much he felt for her, then the next he was pushing her away.

  Holly just didn't understand any of it.

  How had it gotten so out of control? In one single night Holly found herself all alone.

  Her heart ached. Her eyes stung, and she just wanted to curl up in a ball and die.

  Something hit her window.

  It made a light, scratching sound against the glass. She bolted upright, staring at it. Then a few seconds later another pebble hit her window.

  She got up and walked slowly towards it, she looked down to see Dominic's face grinning up at her. She watched him climb the trellis that her father had put up against the back of the house.

  He made it look easy.

  His muscles bulged under his black, tight sweater.

  Holly flung her window open and Dominic bounded forward. Hitting the floor with a thump. “Shh!” She whispered at him, helping him to his feet.

  They stared at each other in the darkness of Holly's bedroom. Listening for any sign that her parents had heard him.

  “What are you doing here?” She said after a few minutes.

  “I couldn't leave things the way that we did.” Dominic said softly.

  Holly sat on the bed. “I'm really sorry for kissing you like that. I don't know what came over me.”

  Dominic joined her. “You don't need to apologize. I was just taken by surprise is all.” He put a hand on hers. She looked into his eyes. She felt that familiar pull towards him.

  “Dominic...”

  He kissed her softly. His hand ran through her hair.

  It felt so comforting to be in his arms. She was in serious need of some company right now.

  She grabbed the front of his sweater pulling him closer, intensifying the kiss. Dominic lowered her down towards the bed. He kissed her neck, her jawline.

  Holly's back arched off the bed in ecstasy. She felt all her pain, all her guilt wash from her, till the only thing she felt was Dominic's body against hers.

  His hand slid down her body, fondling her gently. His mouth found hers again and their tongues met.

  Dominic slipped his hand underneath her dress hem. His fingers swept over her panties and gently started to rub in between her legs.

  Their breathing was shallow. Coming in short gasps.

  Holly felt so close to him. She stared into his dark eyes, unable to read his expression in the dark.

  A wave of pleasure rolled over her and she closed her eyes.

  ***

  Dominic was on fire.

  His heart was pounding through his chest so loudly, that Holly surely could hear it. A surge of flames shot through his body. Igniting his blood. He tingled everywhere. He moved her panties to one side with his hand and felt a wave of excitement as his bear fingers touched her.

  Underneath him Holly muffled a moan, pressing her head into a pillow. He gently slid a finger inside. Her hand grabbed a fistful of duvet. Unable to contain his emotions any longer Dominic started to slide her panties down over her milky, white thighs. Holly grabbed his hand and whispered to him, “don't.”

  He stopped. Should he listen? He was so close to obtaining his goal. She wouldn't be able to stop him. He knew that a part of her wouldn't want to. So why was his fingers wrapping around hers? Forgetting their previous action.

  She was ready for the taking. He should do it now! His plan had come to fruition. So why couldn't he reap the rewards.

  He didn't want to hurt her. That was why.

  He wanted to make her happy. He wanted to love her.

  Dominic exhaled heavily. How the hell had he let this happen?

  His skin tingled when she trailed kisses up his neck. He looked down at her. Her eyes pleaded with him silently. So beautiful. Dominic couldn't be selfish with her. Not any-more. He wanted her pleasure more than his own.

  He kissed her, his lips alight with desire.

  Holly clung to him, her hands ruffled his hair, scratched his back, and touched every bit of him, underneath his clothes.

  His expert touch slowly brought her to a climax.

  Dominic kissed her again, to stifle her scream of ecstasy when she peaked.

  “Wow,” she whispered softly. He saw serenity appear on her radiant face.

  “First time?” Dominic asked her knowing full well the answer would be yes. Holly nodded her head. He smiled, you never forgot your first.

  “Everything's different now.” Holly said to him.

  They lay on her bed. Dominic's arms were cradled around her, he couldn't let go. Her head was resting against his chest.

  “What do you mean?”

  “It's just I don't know what's happening to me. I hardly recognize myself in the mirror these days.” Her voice was low and filled with uncertainty. “We should never have done this.”

  “Let me guess, because of Jo?”

  She nodded.

  “Holly, I hate to break this to you. But there is no me and Jo. I never kissed her, or told her anything to suggest that I was into her. I'm not her property.”

  “I know. But still...”

  “There is no but Holly.” He kissed her head. “I should go, it's getting late or early whichever way you look at it.”

  Holly looked at her bedside clock: 4.34 am. Where had the time gone?

  He unwrapped himself from Holly and moved to the window. “Holly I....”

  But Holly was already asleep.

  Chapter Five

  ∞

  Redemption

  Holly yawned. The heat of the early morning sun warmed her face. She felt refreshed. For the first night in months Holly hadn't had a nightmare.

  She tossed the red, warm blanket aside. Where had that come from? It usually lay over the foot of her bed. Then she remembered the night before.

  Her body flushed with the memory of Dominic's touch.

  She showered, changed out of the black dress that belonged to Jo. Then went downstairs for breakfast.

  Her mother was sitting at the kitchen table, focused on a book that lay open in front her. When she heard Holly enter she looked up with a smile. “Hello Honey. Take it you had a good night?” Holly looked at her unsure of what her mother meant. Margaret Adams head nodded towards the clock on the kitchen wall. It was half past eleven!

  “Oh.” Holly said in surprise. Her mother chuckled. “So what are you doing with yourself today?”

  Holly popped some toast into the toaster. She had no idea. She desperately wanted to sort things out with Jo. But feared that Jo wouldn't even open the door to her never mind listen.

  “Hanging out with Jo.” Holly lied.

  “Well, me and your father have to go to into Green-fields this afternoon. So we might not be back till this evening.”

  Holly nodded. Her
toast popped up. Her mother walked to her and kissed her on the forehead. “I'm glad you enjoyed yourself at Jo's party.” Holly tried not to grimace at the mention of the party. Her mother didn't seem to notice. She walked out the kitchen humming.

  After breakfast Holly made the nervous journey to Jo's house. She didn't even think about what she was going to say. What could she say? Mostly she just wanted to check that Jo was okay.

  When Holly was a few doors away from Jo's. She heard screaming. Holly ran the last few yards until Jo's lawn came into view.

  Holly's heart thundered.

  Jo was playing water balloon fights with Ricky and....was that Caleb?

  Holly only saw the back of him. But she would recognize him anywhere. He's T-shirt was soaked with water. As she watched he threw a water filled balloon at Jo. Water cascaded down her front. She giggled and chased after him.

  A balloon hit his chest.

  Jo's hands were on him, tickling him. Holly didn't like the way Jo eyes were gazing up at him in wonder.

  As if sensing her, Caleb turned her way. He froze at the sight of her. Behind him Holly saw Jo smirk. Ricky just looked awkward.

  Holly had seen enough. She turned around and stomped away.

  “Holly!” Caleb's voice chased her. He put a hand on her arm.

  She spun around, her face full of resentment. “Caleb. This was the last place I would of expected to find you.”

  “Jo called me. She asked me to come over...”

  Holly walked away. Biting back her fury.

  “She said that she was worried about you, and needed to talk to someone about it. That you'd been acting strange.” Caleb said. Following behind her.

  Holly stopped. It was time to clear the air. Involving Caleb in her plot to get back at Holly scraped the barrel.

  Holly flew past him. Leaving him standing there, looking at her in confusion.

  “Jo!” She yelled.

  Jo was leaning against her yard's fence. She had been listening to every word.

  “You're a child! You know that. Dragging Caleb into it. What, I kiss Dominic so now you have to kiss him to get back at me. Is that it?”

  “Exactly right.” Jo smirked.