by Cate Masters
***
Nestled behind a copse of tall trees, the cottage appeared nothing more than a splotch of adobe, a wisp of smoke rising above the leaves. From the road, the glint of sunlight on greenhouse glass could have been anything else. Nothing short of a careful scan led Bodie through the surrounding brush to the small clearing where the house stood. He pushed through the last patch of brambles and sucked air through his teeth at the pain along his arm. He halted to inspect it, and the sight of blood momentarily stunned him.
From above came a deep voice: “Leave now, or risk greater injury.”
Bodie shielded his eyes. The warning came from high in a tree, strategically positioned in front of the sun so he could see nothing more than the figure – aiming a bow his way.
He held up a hand. “Zacharel?”
The angel drew back his arrow. “Who’s asking?”
“Bodiel… er, Bodie. Former Ruling Angel of the Sixth Heaven.”
“Former?”
Bodie nodded.
“What do you seek here?”
“Your help. For your daughter.”
“My daughters need no help. Be gone.”
“Your earthly daughter. Lily.”
The rustle of leafy branches preceded the angel’s drop to the ground, about a foot in front of Bodie. “If you lie…”
“I’ve no cause to lie, Zacharel. I want only to save her.”
“From what?”
“Hades’ plan to marry her to his archduke. Become the next Destined One.”
“That bastard. I warned him against going through with this. What do you care?”
“I gave up everything for Lily. I love her.”
Zacharel’s jaw cocked as he assessed Bodie. “The former Ruling Angel of the Sixth Heaven, eh?”
“Former being the operative word.”
The angel clasped Bodie’s shoulder. “Come inside. We have much to discuss.”
“I cannot tarry long.”
“You won’t get far without sustenance. Or a plan.”
“Can you help?”
“I’ll do everything within my power. Lily was lost to us long ago. If there’s any chance to see her again…” He stared intently into the distance. “Come.”
Bodie followed him inside, a much cozier home than the exterior suggested. Light flowed through the windows, softening the outward appearance of the bars. The fire in the wide hearth warmed the room.
A woman entered from a hallway and halted. “Zacharel?”
Apparently they didn’t get many visitors. His host introduced Bodie, who nodded. “Madame.”
A dark-haired beauty, Illiana had the same almond-shaped eyes as Lily, and the same lithe frame. “What brings you, Bodie?”
So much for small talk. “I have news of your daughter, Lily.”
Face pale, Illiana raised her hands to her face. “Lily?”
Zacharel rushed to her, guided her to the sofa and sat beside her. “She needs our help.”
“Where is she?” Illiana clutched his arms, and then turned to Bodie. “Is she all right?”
Her husband said, “For now. We must make sure Hades doesn’t fulfill his twisted nonsense about The Destined One.”
“She’s already in the Underworld. She wanted to get to know her family, and had never been told you existed. Or of your lineage.”
Her delicate hands clenched into fists. “I can’t believe Mother would allow this, after...” She raised her fierce gaze to meet Bodie’s. “I will show you the way.”
***
Neck deep in shit. Hades’ composure hadn’t fooled Zev one bit. Sure, he’d recovered from worse situations. He had to be more careful, or one of these days, he might find himself in over his head. With each rendezvous with Veronica, his self-control slipped further. Worse, he could care less.
He slammed back a glass of vodka, then poured another. Liquid fortitude. He’d need it to get through a night across from the Ice Princess. Her grandmother, too.
Releasing a groan, he rubbed his forehead. Get in there.
First, another drink. He neatly disposed of the alcohol in his glass, and refilled it. Tempted as he was to carry the bottle with him, he left it and rejoined the somber group.
The slight buzz he caught from the vodka made it easier to smile. “Enjoy your lesson today?” he asked Lily.
“Very much.”
“Me, too.” Not as much as he enjoyed his private time with the instructor afterward. He gulped, then froze at seeing the others’ stare.
The servant announced dinner.
“Excellent.” Hades rose. “Perfect timing.” He gestured to the dining room. “Ladies first.”
Persephone engaged Lily in small talk and drew her from the room.
Hades swept in front of Zeveriah, head to head. “You pompous ass. Get yourself together.”
“Sir?” His tongue had thickened, or he’d have argued with Hades’ assessment.
“Tonight you must win Lily over. And no more lies about me.”
“I’d never—”
In a flash, Hades was scowling in his face. “You already did. If you’re so pathetic as to manufacture tales about torture, at my bidding…” He clucked his tongue.
Should have known he’d find out. No matter. “I only wanted to ensure she’d return of her own will.”
“Tonight, convince my granddaughter how much you love her. How you can’t exist with her.” His tone sharpened. “Believe me, it’s not an exaggeration.”
Point taken. “I’ll do my best.”
Zev trailed behind Hades, wondering what it might take to destroy the prince, to utterly remove him from the Underworld. Something to look into.
First, maybe he’d make the demon king watch as he screwed his precious Persephone. “You’re looking particularly lovely this evening, Persephone.”
“Why thank you, archduke.” Her biting tone killed any hint of gratitude.
“That shade of blue suits you very well.”
After a moment’s staring pause, she thanked him again, then turned to Hades. “I asked cook to prepare your favorite tonight, darling.”
“Cajun? Oh, you are a temptress.”
“I try.”
Gag. What a show, undoubtedly for the benefit of their granddaughter. “What’s your favorite food, Lily?”
She flinched when he spoke to her. “I don’t really have a favorite. I like a variety.”
Good to hear. “Me, too. Variety keeps things interesting.” He grinned, reining it in when it got a little sloppy. “Some appetizers would hit the spot.” Zev emptied his glass.
Hades narrowed his eyes in silent warning.
Screw him, too. Zev kept his conversational contributions to a minimum during dinner. Lily didn’t seem to mind; quite the opposite. She stiffened at every utterance he made. Ate like a damn bird, too, hardly touching her dinner, refusing dessert, and cut off her alcohol intake.
All the more for him. Or would have been, had Hades not signaled the servant to remove the bottles. Zev’s misery intensified with each rattle of the glass against the pewter tray.
“Why don’t we go out on the terrace? It’s a lovely evening.”
“Wonderful idea, as always.” Hades rose on cue.
Lily skirted his presence, catching up to Persephone on the pretense of girl talk.
Zev followed more leisurely, not caring if his smile was smug. Avoid me now while you can, Lily darling. Soon Hades would make some lame excuse, and whisk away Persephone. Then it’s just you and me. He had to admit, the ceiling of the Underworld looked beautiful, the blackness hidden by a light mist, shimmering with streaks of red, orange and yellow.
“Our very own aurora borealis.” He hadn’t meant to say it aloud. From their approving nods, he hadn’t screwed up this time.
Lily gazed up. “It is lovely.”
Score one for the home team. Zev dropped onto a chaise.
A servant rushed up to Hades. “A thousand pardons, prince. An urgent matter has arisen.
”
Hades affected an expression of appropriate concern before excusing himself. A ruse, of course, designed to leave him alone with The Destined One.
Persephone stared after them. “I’d better go see if I can help.” She flashed an apologetic smile before disappearing.
Lily then stared after them both, not bothering to hide her discomfort.
Ooo, awkward. “Would you care to take a walk?” So he could afford her a glimpse of her dazzling future?
“No, thank you.”
“You danced wonderfully well today. I enjoyed your performances above, as well. The way you moved today…” He clucked his tongue. “Amazing, how quickly you learned.”
“It was nothing.”
“Not true. Some dancers require hundreds of hours of practice to perform the way you did. Don’t discredit yourself.”
“I’ve danced for years. I suppose that helped.” She gave a shy smile.
Hm, a crack in her defenses, however miniscule. A good sign. He moved closer. “Even so, many dancers never reach that level. You followed every move…” He snapped his mouth shut. Don’t mention Veronica! “Your execution was flawless.”
“Hardly. I need a lot more practice.”
“I hope you won’t mind if I sit in on your lessons.” At her fading smile, he added, “As time permits. I can’t attend them all, much as I’d love to.”
“It’s easier to concentrate without an audience.”
“I imagine. Sorry if I made you uncomfortable.”
“No need to apologize.” She glanced inside. “Maybe I should go see if everything’s all right.”
“It’s nothing unusual. Hades works round the clock, as duty requires.” He slid closer. “The duties of an archduke are much less demanding.”
She eased away. “Are they?”
“Oh, yes. I have much more time for pleasurable hobbies.”
“Such as?” She faced him with an air of defiance.
There’s my opening. He closed the distance with an urgent kiss.
She squealed and pushed at his chest.
Good luck with that. It heightened his excitement, and he caught her in his embrace, and then deepened the kiss, forcing his tongue against hers. With slow steps, he cinched her against him and dragged her behind the patio wall. A secluded area, he’d once screwed Veronica against this very wall, its protruding ledge the perfect height.
He lifted Lily to it. “Don’t fight me. We belong together.”
“No. I’ll never love you.”
“You’ll be my wife. You only need to love me one way.” He ripped open her vest and squeezed her breast. “This way.”
She held his head and peered into his eyes. “What do you want?”
“You, Lily.” He lunged for her again.
She locked her elbows. “No, I mean what will it take to get you to leave me alone?”
He ground his groin against her crotch. “You don’t want me to leave you alone.”
“Yes, I do!” She smashed something hard against his cheek.
An immediate, intense burn made him reel away with a cry. He held his palm to the wound. “What the hell did you use?”
She opened her hand to reveal the pendant. “Still think I can’t convince you?”
“Bitch.”
She winced. “So what? You don’t love me.”
“Love? We are betrothed to marry. Love will come in time, or not.” Either way, he’d have his due, both from her and from Hades.
“I will never marry you, Zeveriah. I love Bodie.”
The name pierced his ears like a diamond-hard lance, and he stumbled backward. “Shut up.” Before, to hear it grated his nerves, but somehow, when she held the pendant and said the angel’s name, it magnified its power.
“I want only Bodie.” She said it more forcefully this time, and then repeated his name incessantly.
It seared into his head like a hot iron. “Noooo.” He covered his ears and ran, the only avenue of relief.
***
The universe echoed his name: Bodie. A hushed call, in a woman’s voice, and unmistakable. It twined through his head like an urgent whisper, and roused him from the haze of slumber.
Bodie bolted upright. “Lily?”
He listened intently. More clearly, it issued forth, seeping through the cracks in the windows, flowing beneath the door like a mist: Bodie.
She’s in trouble. He fumbled for his boots. “I’m coming.” How, he didn’t know. Yet. Nothing would keep him from her.
A tall figure filled the doorway. “What’s wrong?” Zacharel asked.
“I must leave now. Lily called. She needs me.”
“She called?” Confusion edged the angel’s tone.
“The night I met her, I forged a mental bond. All she has to do is say my name, and I hear her, no matter where she is.” At least he’d had the fortune of completing the bond while he still had that power. Getting to her was another matter. He couldn’t very well enter the Underworld without those weapons, but to retrieve them meant sacrificing his Harley.
Well worth the price, he reminded himself – Lily’s freedom.
Zacharel said, “I’ll prepare the horses.” He turned to meet his wife’s inquiring gaze.
“What’s going on?”
Zacharel and Bodie explained in turns.
“We must leave at once,” Zach said.
Bodie stood. “It’s not safe.”
She paused long enough to say, “You won’t find your way through the tunnels without me. I am going.” To her husband, she added, “Zach, give him some dark clothing, will you? He can’t go looking like that.”
Right, his tunic; might as well wear a sandwich board advertising his fallen angel status. He hadn’t had time to grab street clothes. “I’d be very grateful.”
Zach bolted. He returned with jeans and black shirt, a size too large though the leather belt helped. Illiana called from the back door, “We’re wasting daylight.”
No such thing as wasted daylight here. It shone round the clock, the sun always touching some part of the Ante-realm on its arc through the sky. He’d miss sunshine in the Underworld. Plenty of warmth there.
Zach and Illiana mounted their horses, and led a third for Bodie. To his surprise, the shopkeeper gave him store credit plus the weapons, an encouragement to spend more, Bodie suspected, not without appreciation.
The deal closed, they rode toward the darkest corner of the Ante-realm, skirting the thick forest. Illiana took the lead, her horse a black blur in the shadows.
At a rocky outcropping, she reined in her mare, halted and dismounted. “We’ll have to go on foot from here. The horses will wait for us.”
Unease crept over Bodie as he patted his horse’s neck and swung his legs down one at a time. “The entrance is here?”
Illiana stroked the mare’s blaze. “One of them. This is the most direct, but it’s still a maze beneath. A very unpleasant one. Gulp plenty of fresh air while you can.”
Good advice. His basest senses had grown more raw, another signal of his ebbing angel status. Soon, he’d have nothing left of Bodiel, the Throne Angel; all that remained would be Bodie, fallen angel. He’d retain a slightly greater musculature than a male athlete and be immortal, though not indestructible, and in no way invincible.
All the more reason to hurry. The sooner he faced his foes, the greater his chances of success while he still had some additional strength.
Bodie inhaled deeply, as much to fill his lungs as to steady his nerves. “I’m ready.”
Another first – was he speaking the truth?
Chapter Thirteen
Bathed and perfumed, with no trace of the demon on her skin, Veronica lay back on her plush carpet and stretched, the long, luxurious stretch of a cat. This suite is sweet. She giggled at her silliness, then her assessing eye roved the space. Nice, yes, but not nearly what she deserved.
She would remedy that soon. Lilith must have been toying with her. Wait for the goddess to send wo
rd, indeed. If Veronica waited one more night, she might spontaneously combust.
A knock at the door made her groan. Probably Zeveriah’s manservant, whom she detested at their first meeting. His disdain had grown to insufferable heights. Who was he to judge her? She would rid herself of him next.
Untying her robe to annoy Elistair, she dangled herself from the door as she opened it. “Zeveriah!” She hastily tied the sash and tugged him inside. “What’s wrong?”
The glare of a madman added to his fearsome appearance, hair tousled, hand covering his cheek.
He stumbled across the threshold, staring pointedly at her exposed breasts. “How did you know it was me?”
“I…” She stopped herself from admitting she hadn’t; he’d beat her if he suspected she taunted Elistair in such a manner. “The peephole, my love. I meant to entice you.” She grasped the hand hiding his face to lower it, then gasped. “You’re hurt! Who did this to you?”
“My fiancé,” he snarled.
“Lily? Why?”
“She objects to our engagement, apparently.”
“The fool. Doesn’t she know how lucky she is?” She tsk’d, stroking his jaw below the wound. “My poor baby. I’ll get you a drink.” Judging from the heavy scent of alcohol, he’d already enjoyed plenty. It always made him amorous, and Lily must not have appreciated the groping. More for me. And who had he come to for comfort? Her; a good sign.
Zev sprawled on the sofa. “A spell, that’s what I need. Something to make her pliant and obedient, at least until after our marriage is consummated.”
Her grip tightened as she extended the glass to him. Consummated? How could he say such things? “What weapon did she use?” If the girl kept protection hidden on her person, Veronica needed to know.
“No weapon. Her pendant. The Inner Eye.”
“Ah, I’ve heard of it. How did she come by it?”
“No idea. I’d love to yank it off her pretty little neck, but I don’t dare risk touching it.”
Good idea. Or maybe strangle the bitch with its chain. Veronica cozied up to him. “What happens if, say, The Destined One meets an untimely end?”
