by Opal Carew
“Do you love me, Asmodeus?” Kai asked quietly. She peered at him over her shoulder before looking back at the book quickly, as though she couldn’t bear to look at him. “Do you just want to get the ring and take it back to Underworld, like Zemi said? Or do you love me and want to spend your life with me?”
“It’s not a matter of what I want. It’s not possible,” he murmured. “If I stay with you…”
“I didn’t ask you if it was possible.” Kai squared her shoulders and kept her voice steady as she stared out the window. “I asked you if you loved me.”
Every single instinct he had told him to push her away, that Kai would be better off without him in her life. What kind of life could he give her? His choices were either offer Kai an eternity in Hell or her destruction on Earth. An ache bloomed and throbbed deep in his chest as he went against nature and spoke the words he had no right to utter.
“Yes,” he whispered. “I do love you, Kai.”
Kai let out a slow breath and nodded her head, but still, she avoided his gaze.
“Why do you think you’ve been taking my light, Asmodeus?” Kai asked quietly. She kept her back to him and ran her fingertips over the Prophecy that was written out on the ancient page. “The Prophecy says… holds the light for the dark…not from the dark.”
Unsure of what else to say, he sidled up behind her and brushed her long hair off her shoulder. Kai turned to face him and linked her hands with his and even though his body instantly responded to being so close to Kai, he held his desires in check. As the Demon of Lust, his first reaction was to soothe or comfort with pleasures of the flesh, but Kai was asking for something far more intimate.
“Do you know what I think it means?” Kai lifted his fingers to her lips and placed a tender kiss on his knuckles while holding his stare. “I think it’s about love, Asmodeus. Love and light. You and your brothers are chained to Hell by the tortured souls who abuse the gifts of the mortal world. Aren’t you?”
“Yes.” His body rigid, he fought for restraint as Kai inched closer.
“I have a theory. I suspected this before I went to the Fae dimension but after talking to Zemi, I think I’m on to something. Want to hear it?” Kai unlinked her fingers from his and a sexy smile played at her lips just before she pulled her tank top off and tossed it aside. She unhooked her bra and let it drop to floor as she spoke to him. “I’ve always thought that Hell would be the absence of love. Hell is darkness and loneliness. Would you agree with that?”
Asmodeus, rendered speechless by the sight of her gorgeous flesh in the firelight, simply nodded curtly. Hands curled into fists at his side, every inch of him hardened as she drifted just inches from his aroused state.
“Every time you touch me, each brush of your flesh against mine, makes your light glow brighter.” Kai unbuttoned her shorts and pushed them past her hips along with her panties. Asmodeus watched with rapt attention as the garments slid down her legs and she kicked them aside. Kai ran her fingers up the taut muscles of his arms before trailing them down his chest. “You keep saying that taking my light will harm me but it doesn’t. In fact, I’m more empowered and alive now, than I’ve ever been.”
Kai slid her hands down to his waist and inched closer still, so that his erection was pressed between their naked bodies. Asmodeus shook with restrained need as her fingers wandered over his ass and her warm breath puffed enticingly over his chest.
“I don’t think you’re taking my light,” she murmured. “I believe you’re taking my love, Asmodeus. That darkness, the absence of love you’ve lived with, is vanishing and being replaced by love and light.”
“What if you’re wrong?” His voice, tight and gravelly sounded more like growl.
“What if I’m not?” Kai arched one eyebrow and a smile lingered on her sweet lips. “Enough talking.”
Before he could respond, Kai captured his lips with hers. Asmodeus groaned and wrapped her up in his arms as her tongue tangled enticingly with his. Need, stark carnal need, fired through him as her soft, sexy body melded against his flesh. Kissing her deeply, he scooped her up and carried her to the bed while reveling in the silky, soft feel of her skin.
This couldn’t be wrong. Being with Kai was, by far, the most perfect act he’d ever participated in and he would no longer be convinced otherwise. He laid her on covers and she stretched her arms over her head as he settled himself between her legs. Propped up with his elbows on either side of her head, he tangled her long locks between his fingers and took his time, licking and suckling those sweet, plump lips.
Kai giggled and captured his lower lip between her teeth briefly. Wrapping her arms and legs around him, Kai urged him to turn onto his back, so that she was straddling him on the bed. She grabbed his wrists and pinned them over his head while rocking her hips in slow, tantalizing strokes, brushing her hot, wet center over the rigid length of his cock.
Asmodeus almost lost it while he watched Kai pleasure herself as she rubbed her clit against him. She threw her head back and moaned and that erotic sight was more than he could take. Asmodeus tore one hand from her grasp, reached in between them just as she lifted her hips, and inserted the head of his erection in between her slick folds.
Kai gasped and remained on her knees, hovering above him. Holding his stare, she sank down onto his rock hard shaft, inch by wickedly, hot inch. Asmodeus groaned when she impaled herself on the entire length of him and took all of his cock inside. He swore and grabbed her hips with both hands as she began to move with the rhythm of pure desire.
Gazes locked, Kai raised her arms over her head as she rode him.
Slowly at first, she rolled her hips and arched her back with every pass, making her breasts jut toward him temptingly.
Wrapping one arm around her waist, Asmodeus sat up and flicked her nipple with his tongue as she rode him. He couldn’t get close enough or deep enough and as though reading his mind, Kai wrapped her legs around his waist and took him deeper still.
She fucked him faster and cried his name as the orgasm crested and the most intimate part of her shuddered around him in tiny spasms. Asmodeus held her close and buried his face in her neck and as the orgasm ripped through his body, with Kai curled around him, he whispered, “I love you.”
***
Kai and Asmodeus stood on the porch of her grandfather’s house ready and waiting. The early morning sun was already making the air feel hot and sticky which was just one of the reasons Kai refused to wear one of Isadora’s get ups. If she was going to face down supernatural crazies then she was gonna do it in her own clothes. Nothing beats a pair of Levi cutoffs, her tank top and Converse sneakers. Comfort was paramount at this point.
Even though he’d agreed to come with her, she could tell that Asmodeus still wasn’t convinced that Kai’s plan would work. He stood at attention, scanning the property, with a laser sharp intensity that put all of his other efforts to shame. The man, demon or not, was a tension filled bundle of nerves and he was beginning to stress Kai out.
“Where are they?” Asmodeus seethed. He sliced an annoyed look in Isadora’s direction. She was sitting on the steps of the porch with Zephyr in her lap, looking totally unconcerned. “I’ve tried communicating with them but I can’t seem to connect with the collective consciousness of the Brotherhood.”
“Relax. Maybe it’s a left over side effect from your time in the Fae dimension? They’ll be here.” Isadora rolled her eyes at his impatience. “I told you. We’ve got it all set up. They’re coming and so is Zemi, although I’m sure she’ll bring an entourage with her.”
“I cannot believe I let you convince me this was a good idea,” Asmodeus said with an annoyed glance in Kai’s direction. “There is no way this will end well and I find it hard to believe that Zemi agreed to this meeting with Lucifer.”
“Well, at least here, in the mortal realm, we are all on an even playing field here. Anyone who’s got magic will be able to use it.” Kai shrugged. “We’ve all got a weapon to use, so m
aybe no one will use it. It’s kind of like the world super powers and their nuclear weapons. Everyone’s got nukes but they don’t use ’em. Get it?”
“Perhaps,” Asmodeus murmured. “But Zemi is not exactly stable and she’s even less stable when it comes to Lucifer.”
“Who said she even knows that he’s gonna be here?” Isadora smirked. “My message asked her for a temporary truce and to meet you and Kai here. Willow should be here soon as well. A neutral zone, so to speak.”
“Let’s hope so. Now, I can understand how you got a message to Willow but how did you get a message to Zemi?” Asmodeus asked, without taking his eyes off the horizon. “If memory serves, she doesn’t like you very much.”
“Murdoch,” Isadora said causally. “He’s Zemi’s secretary but he also happens to be an occasional lover of mine. Damn if he isn’t one fine lookin’ fairy man. Anyway, he and I take a tussle in the sack from time to time. I had him meet me for a quickie at my place and then he took the message back to Zemi. Ain’t nothin’ that man won’t do for me if he thinks he’s gonna get some nookie.”
Kai laughed and shook her head at Isadora’s typically frank commentary but the moment of lightheartedness was cut short by a sudden burst of smoke and fire. Seconds later Lucifer and the other five members of the Brotherhood stood in Kai’s driveway. Dressed in black from head to toe, they looked like a squadron of super-secret government soldiers or something.
“Glad to see you made it back from the Fae dimension unscathed, Asmodeus.” Lucifer winked at Kai. “And you too, of course, Ms. Kelly.”
Zephyr hissed and fled Isadora’s lap before she rose to her feet and stood by Asmodeus’ side.
“I knew my cat had good taste,” Kai said with a triumphant glance in Lucifer’s direction.
“I’m hurt, Ms. Kelly,” Lucifer simpered. “Why so angry?”
“You conveniently forgot to tell Asmodeus that he’d lose his powers in the Fae dimension.” Kai glared at him and moved closer to Asmodeus. “That was a shitty thing to do.”
“Must have slipped my mind,” Lucifer shrugged. “Apologies. Besides, he looks no worse for the wear and in fact, one could say you’re positively glowing, brother.”
“Dude, what’s with that bright ass light you’ve got?” Belphegor asked Asmodeus with genuine interest. He pushed his long blonde hair off his forehead and hooked his thumbs in the pocket of his pants. “You’ve got a full on aura man and your girl, here, still has hers. I thought she’d be almost dark by now but she’s still way luminous. That is some freaky shit.”
“Shut up, Belphegor,” Satan hissed. He flicked his ebony eyes to Kai before turning to Lucifer. “I don’t give a crap if he can light up an entire fucking city, right now I just want to know what’s going on.”
“Asmodeus,” Mammon interjected, “Lucifer said you have some news regarding this Prophecy and the Fae.”
“Patience, gentleman,” Isadora purred. She sashayed down the steps, bewitching all six demons with her youthful beauty. Kai couldn’t help but wonder what they’d think of good old Isadora without her youth spell. “Good things come to those who wait.”
“Well, sweet thing,” Satan said with a wink. “Why don’t you come over here and wait with me?”
“No.” Isadora stood at the bottom of the steps and leaned on the stair railing. “I think it would be wise if I kept my distance from you. Willow is a High Priestess and I don’t think she’d appreciate it if I let you get a whiff of my wiles.”
“Willow?” Satan shifted his weight and squared his shoulders. “What’s she got to do with it?”
Satan’s tirade was interrupted by the familiar sound of wind chimes.
“Fae,” Lucifer seethed, turning his furious sights on Asmodeus. “What the fuck is going on, Asmodeus?”
Kai watched as the eyes of all seven demons flickered to bright red and, as though it were a carefully coordinated dance, Lucifer and the others backed up and formed a circle. Facing out, arms at their sides and bodies taut, they looked ready to turn everyone around them into ash.
“Zemi’s coming,” Kai said quietly.
“No shit,” Lucifer spat.
“Just trust me, okay? We’ve got to face this situation head on. There are too many miscommunications flying around and I will not live my life on the run from anyone. Fairy. Demon. Witch. No more bullshit.” Kai looked at each of them in earnest. She knew there was a chance they would split but curiosity must have gotten the better of Lucifer because they didn’t leave. Moving in, next to Asmodeus, she rubbed her thumb against the band of the ring and threw a silent prayer to the universe that her hunch was right. “Just keep your cool and let me do the talking.”
Lucifer cast her a doubtful look before turning his attention back to the pulsing ray of sunlight that shone over the roof of the barn and into the driveway.
“If Zemi makes one move toward you, the last thing I’ll be doing is talking to her.” Asmodeus’ body hummed with tension and the muscles in his arms flickered beneath the faded tattooed rings. His eyes glowed red and heat wafted off his tall frame in thick waves but the tension in his voice made his feelings clear. “She’s going to find out just how much of a demon I can be.”
The wind chimes jingled louder and in a pulsing flash of light, Zemi and Murdoch materialized in front of the barn. Dressed in a turquoise and silver dress, she looked every bit the queen she was, but a mask of fury swiftly replaced a smug smile once she spotted Lucifer and the rest of the Brotherhood.
“You,” Zemi seethed.
She raised her hands to, undoubtedly, throw her light at the Brotherhood but Kai ran down the steps and stood between them, using her body as a shield. Asmodeus, of course, was right there with her and the two of them stood back to back, with their magic at the ready. He faced his brothers while Kai aimed her power toward Zemi and Murdoch.
“Please wait.” Kai’s voice sounded remarkably strong and she prayed Zemi didn’t know how terrified she actually was. “I asked Lucifer and the others to come here so we could all talk and straighten this whole mess out. And before you have another royal size temper tantrum, Willow is coming soon too. At least, she’s supposed to. You’re all wrong about the Prophecy.”
Shaking like a leaf, Kai’s heart hammered in her chest and she started to sweat as the power coiled and swirled inside of her. Light glowed from the ring that burned against her flesh as Kai held out her palm toward Zemi. The only person who hadn’t moved was Isadora. She was standing at the foot of the steps with her hands on her hips, looking at all of them like they were a bunch of idiots.
“So are you gonna blast the shit out of each other or what?” Isadora snapped. She folded her arms over her breasts and walked causally between Kai and Zemi while looking them all up and down. “I could cut the tension in the air with a knife and the buzz from all the magic is making me feel a little stoned. Now, as much as I love a good high, I have a feeling that no one is gonna win if you all start zapping each other’s butts.”
“She’s right,” Kai said firmly. With a deep breath, Kai lowered her hands slowly but all the while kept her sights on Zemi. “Please, Zemi. Give me five minutes to explain why I brought you all here.”
“Your majesty,” Murdoch whispered. Hands raised, he was ready to fight but clearly had no interest in doing so. “I beg you. Please hear what the girl has to say.”
“You knew that he would be here and that Willow was coming?” Zemi asked without taking her furious gaze off Kai. Her mouth set in a grim line and her voice dropped to dangerous tones while she slowly lowered her hands. “I’ll deal with you later Murdoch, but right now I want to know why he has been brought into my presence.”
“Actually, I was here first, darling,” Lucifer teased. “So technically you came into my presence.”
“Shut up,” Asmodeus barked. “You’re not helping matters.”
“Typical,” Zemi simpered. She brushed her long, curly hair off her shoulders and folded her hands in front of her befor
e turning her bright, blue eyes to Kai. “Fine. I will hear what you have to say, Kai. Unlike a demon, I am capable of controlling my urges. I realize my sister isn’t here yet but I have matters to attend to in my own realm and cannot dally here all day.”
“Fine. I’ll get started,” Kai said with relief. She let out a sigh and leaned against Asmodeus’ strong frame for a just a second before finding the strength to continue. “Lucifer?” Looking over her shoulder, she smiled when she saw all members of the Brotherhood had relaxed their position. Though their eyes glowed red, they weren’t poised to douse everyone with fire. “Okay, good. This is…progress.”
“Get on with it, Kai,” Satan groused.
“I’d watch the way you speak to my woman if I were you,” Asmodeus growled.
“Anyway,” Kai said, giving Asmodeus a look that pleaded for him to give the macho stuff a rest. She took his hand in hers and shifted her body so she could look easily from Zemi to the Brotherhood. “I asked you to be here so we could clear up the confusion about the Ring of Solomon and the Prophecy. This ring does not have the power to control Hell or command demons…at least, not for me.” She gave Asmodeus a small smile before continuing. “There have been several times since I put this damn ring on, that I wanted Asmodeus to do certain things and he didn’t. So, let’s put that rumor to rest.”
“I don’t buy it,” Mammon scoffed.
“Really?” Kai arched one eyebrow held up the hand with the ring and shouted, “Dance like a clown, Mammon.”
“No way.” Mammon folded his arms over his broad chest and made a sound of derision. Squaring his shoulders he looked awkwardly from Kai to his brothers and said, “I’m not fuckin’ doing that.”
“See? No commanding of demons over here.” Kai looked at each of them earnestly. “I cannot control you boys and I have no desire to do so.”
“I don’t get it,” Belphegor interjected. “Solomon was able to control us with it. So why can’t you?”
