by Erin West
My eyes water. “That shit burns.”
He removes the towel from my arm. “You’re good now.”
I nod. “Thank you. Do you have any blankets for me to sleep on the couch?”
“No. You will sleep in bed with me where you belong.” He grins and picks me up in his arms.
Being in his arms and hearing his words sends heat through me, and my core responds. Every cell in my body seems to be coming alive at our connection. This could end up being bad. However, it’s the most comforting feeling in the world. So much so, that I let his steps lull me to sleep before we reach the bed.
Chapter Twenty
My body feels rested and vibrant, which is surprising after the battle, injury, and being taken to the Underworld, away from my mates. How are they doing? Are they trying to find me?
The need to see them and hear their voices causes a pang in my chest. Something tickles at the back of my mind, and I run my hand along the sheets behind me. The bed is empty.
There’s no sign of Bael when I look around the bedroom. The bathroom door is open, and the silence that fills the atmosphere is eerie. Almost like it’s dead space. My ears pick up every nuance of the cottage. There isn’t a clock in here, and my phone is still at Drake’s. I have no clue what time it is or if time moves differently here.
I’m still in his shirt and boxers. It would be weird for me to walk around in this all day. I’m not left with much of a choice at this point, though. It’s not like I have my own clothes after the fireball and my body erupting into flames yesterday. Damn.
Where’s the pain from my injury? Pulling up the shirt, I inspect my side. Unmarred skin greets me, not even a scar. What the hell? My throat seizes up with the need to get out of here.
Just the thought of leaving Bael behind knots my stomach up. This is ridiculous. He took me away from my mates. Am I developing Stockholm syndrome after one night? Is that even possible?
Peeking into the living room and kitchen area, I find no movement. I walk out of the room, keeping my footsteps light, trying not to make any noise. The front door is calling me, so I tiptoe toward it, shadow creatures be damned. There has to be a way back.
My hand closes around the doorknob and I hesitate. With just a quick twist, I could be on my way back to my men. Heart pounding, I can’t do it.
Bael pops into the room, leaning against the wall beside the door with his arms crossed.
I jump, hand rising to my chest as I glance at him quickly, then look away.
Guilt. It consumes my conscience.
His jaw clenches and eyes narrow, anger coming off him in droves. “Where are you going?”
“Um… I was looking for you.” My spine straightens.
His teeth grind together, stepping closer to me. “Were you? Don’t lie to me.”
The heat between us radiates from our closeness. My arms come up, and flames shoot out of my hand, beckoning him.
He grabs my hand, pulling me in closer to him until our bodies are flush, and the flames stop. His intense cognac eyes seem to take in everything about me with one searing look.
Heart pounding with his proximity, there’s nothing I can do but respond as his lips crash into mine with frenzy. Fire meets fire, like we are meant for one another. Strong arms wrap around my waist, connecting our bodies in almost every possible way. His tongue demands entrance, and I’m helpless to deny him. Our souls demand nothing less but so much more.
It’s a good thing he pulls back first. I don’t think I could have used that much willpower.
My breathing is ragged. I reach up to touch my burning lips before putting my hand back down. “Where were you? You said you’d take me back today.”
I fight the urge to close the distance between us, afraid of what my body might do. It seems to have a mind of its own when Bael is near.
Leaning into me, eyes locked on my mouth, his words come out between clenched teeth. “Out. There were things I needed to take care of. Nothing you need to concern yourself with.”
Oh, hell no. My fire builds inside with my anger. “Does it concern me? If so, I have a right to know.”
He smirks. “I will determine what you need to know. Now, drop it. I’m sure you’re hungry.” Our gazes lock, and he stands upright before walking past me into the kitchen area.
It’s not possible to keep up with his hot and cold moods.
I turn to follow him. “Does everyone do what you say?”
He grunts. “If they want to live.”
Is he serious? One look at his face and I know that he is. Would he hurt me? Doubt threatens to consume me, but I don’t think he would. Who have I gotten myself involved with?
Throat dry, I croak out, “Do you have coffee?” That’s a safe topic, right?
“No, I don’t. I’ll get you some on my next trip.” He moves around the kitchen.
I huff out a breath. “You mean the next trip when you take me back?”
With narrow eyes, he glares at me. “Why would I take you back?”
Anger unlike anything I’ve experienced before has my entire body shaking. “You promised you’d take me back today.”
Shrugging his shoulders, he starts moving around. “I didn’t promise anything.”
I sputter with outrage. “Y-yes, you did.” Didn’t he? Fuck, no. I don’t remember him saying, “I promise.” Damn it.
He ignores me, because he knows he one-upped me. “I have to go into town. I suggest you eat before we go.”
What? “There’s a town in Hell? Why do I have to go? Will there be demons?”
He looks up with an amused smile. “Will there be demons in Hell? Is that a real question?” He pauses to chuckle. “You’re going because I can’t protect you if you’re here.”
Humiliation. It’s not a feeling I’m used to. What kind of crazy shit am I going to see?
A plate is set on the counter with toast and some fruit. My appetite has seemed to vanish with the prospect of coming face-to-face with demons. Who knows what other kind of crazy I’ll see?
He picks the plate up and holds it out for me.
I cross my arms. “Are you saying I can’t take care of myself? Because I can.”
His head falls back as he laughs, setting the plate back on the counter.
A scowl creases my face, anger replacing the humiliation. What the fuck is so funny?
When he stops laughing, he places his hands on the counter between us. “Like you did with the shadow demon? I hate to tell you, but that was a puppy compared to others. You’re going. Now, eat.”
I feel like being petulant and stomping my foot, but I resist. “I’m not hungry.”
“Suit yourself. Be ready in ten minutes.” He stalks toward the front door.
I pull his shirt away from my torso and look at the boxer shorts. “You want me to go in this?”
He looks me up and down. “You’ll have to. We can get you some new clothes when we get there.”
Clothes from Hell. This should be interesting. Then again, his clothes didn’t appear damaged by the fire.
“So, I’m going to walk around in your oversized t-shirt and boxers. Great.” I roll my eyes and walk toward him. “Then I’m ready to go, but we are getting clothes first.”
He nods his head. Grabbing my hand, he pulls me into his arms again. “Do not let go of me unless I tell you to. If you run, I’ll find you.”
A shiver runs through me. “Okay.” As soon as the word leaves my lips, we begin spiraling into darkness and I have to close my eyes.
Bael chuckles, his breath fanning my face. “You can open your eyes now.”
The sky has a reddish-black hue. The town doesn’t look much different from what I’m used to seeing. Different-sized buildings line the streets, all sporting signs with the establishments’ names. They are shrouded in shadows, but nothing seems unordinary. Until the sounds hit me.
Piercing screams, whines, and sobs fill the air. Cracking whips and cackling laughs push me closer to the protection tha
t is Bael.
I’ve never heard such pain and agony. My stomach recoils, making me glad that I declined breakfast this morning.
Eyes wide, I see my very first demon. At least, I think it’s one. It’s tall with skin so dark it’s almost black, and horns protrude from both sides of its head. Its head turns toward me.
A gasp builds in my throat as it stares at me with beady, glowing green eyes from a skeleton-looking face.
The demon snorts, drawing my attention from its body.
I look away only to find different-looking demons everywhere, but people also walk amongst them. My body tucks in closer to Bael, and he straightens his back, squaring his shoulders.
“Don’t show fear. It will drive them into a frenzy.”
Nodding, I step up beside him and put on a brave face.
A small smile plays on his lips, like he has a secret.
As long as I don’t get killed down here, we’re good. Wait, what would happen if I did?
My hand squeezes his tighter as he begins to walk down the paths to one of the businesses. The sign says “Jezabel’s Dungeon”. The name doesn’t look promising. This shop wouldn’t be my first choice.
My eyes move back and forth, trying to keep everything within sight. “If I die in Hreidmar, will I be trapped here?”
Silence.
Panic inflicts my voice. “Well?”
He takes a step up, opening the door for Jezabel’s.
A woman greets us, bowing her head. “What can I do for you, Dark Prince?” She tosses her long, blue-black hair over a pale gray, tattooed shoulder, batting her hypnotic red eyes at him. She’s quite beautiful in a different sort of way.
My heart pitter-patters a little when he doesn’t give her a second glance.
Not removing his eyes from mine, his voice carries to her. “Briar needs a wardrobe fit to be by my side.”
She nods, eyes wide as she watches our interactions, sizing me up.
He lifts our clasped hands up to his mouth, placing a kiss on the back. Burning fire radiates from his lips, and I can’t take my eyes from his mouth.
The pull between us is too much. This kiss from this morning springs to the forefront of my mind.
His cognac eyes swirl black.
The female demon brings an armful of clothes over to us.
Bael looks through them and nods his head.
The clothes appear to be an assortment of different styles, but all are made of black leather. Some look like contraptions I wouldn’t have the slightest idea how to put on.
She smiles before taking them to the back and bringing them out in bags.
She bows her head. “It’s my honor to serve you.”
He grunts, taking the bag from her.
Opening it, he pulls out a black tank top and leather pants before handing them to me. “Go put these on.”
“What? I don’t even get to pick my clothes out?” I cross my arms, refusing to take the outfit. Although, it’s better than what I thought he’d pick. Who does he think he is?
His face becomes stormy, jaw clenching. “Go change. We’re behind schedule.”
I keep my stubborn pose, noticing that the demon woman has left us alone.
Lightning lights the sky outside. “Now, Briar.”
“Fine. But that’s not my name.” I grab the clothes from his outstretched hand.
“I think it’s more fitting.” He chuckles as I storm off to a closed-off area to change.
When I walk out, he puts his clothes in the bag and they disappear.
“Where did the bags go?”
He grabs my hand before walking out of the door. “I sent them to the cottage.”
I try to hide that I’m impressed. He doesn’t need a bigger ego than he already has.
As we walk down the pathway, something grabs my other hand and jerks me in the opposite direction. Bael stops, and the weight continues to attempt to drag me away, almost pulling my arm out of its socket. There’s a short, stocky, winged demon with green scaly skin and yellow eyes trying to take a bite of my arm. Sucking in my fear, I let my fire release from my hand like when it searches for Bael. It’s weak but grazes the winged creature, causing it to pull back before circling around to the man on the opposite side.
Damn, so much for taking care of myself.
Bael comes into view, and the creature lets go on me, falling to the ground at his feet. Its voice is raspy and has a lisp. “Sssorry, My Prince. I wasssn’t aware thisss one belonged to you.”
He shows no mercy, destroying the winged demon with a bolt of lightning from his hand.
That’s new.
Glancing around, he meets the eyes of everyone around us, staking his claim.
My mouth opens to rebuke him, but his thunderous eyes lock on mine, evaporating the words from my lips.
His new pace has me jogging behind him to keep up.
I bump into a cloaked figure with a tall walking staff. Before I remember where I am, my manners kick in. “Excuse me.”
Her haunting, melodic voice has Bael stopping short. “A ray of light in the darkness isn’t so wise, Bael. Be careful of those you seek.”
Obscured by the cloak, I cannot make out her features before she continues on her way.
Those words must mean something to Bael, because we change directions and follow her. A cottage on the outskirts of town comes into view, and she invites us in.
We stand inside the door, and he loses his patience. “Remove your cloak, Oracle. Tell me what you know.”
She takes her time preparing her table, testing his patience.
My respect grows toward her for making the Prince of Darkness wait.
When she’s ready, her hands reach up to unveil her beautiful alabaster face, with long white hair framing a youthful face.
My eyes lock on hers. They match her hair, sending an eerie vibe through me. It’s like she can see inside my soul.
“Patience is a virtue. Come, my child. Let me see your hand.”
My hands shake, but I walk over to her and take a seat at the table.
Bael follows close behind me, not letting me out of arm's reach.
His closeness calms my nerves, and I hold my hand out for her.
The oracle lays her hand flat on top of mine, staring into my eyes again. When she begins to speak, I about jump out of my skin, but it doesn’t faze her as words continue to flow from her mouth.
“A baby born of light, destined for the night.
Cursed to dormancy due to fright.
Hidden away to withstand the fate of time.
Morals tested by those of the Dark for her to ascend to her true self.
Four bonds to bind power so strong, to conquer the one who does wrong.”
She releases my hand and places hers on the table. She glances at Bael and back to me, smirking.
“This is your destiny should you choose, to save the ones nearest to you.”
A calmness descends over me, the weight of her words resonating within.
Acknowledgments
First, we want to thank our families for putting up with our crazy selves and coffee pow-wows.
Secondly, our PA’s, Kelly, C.R., and Nichol, for their support and friendship. And helping us brainstorm the blurb.
Shout out to our Alpha reader, Victoria, for your invaluable feedback. And to our beta readers for helping making the story better. Also the ARC readers for taking a chance on our first co-write into the RH genre. We hope you love this series as much as we do.
There are so many other people we could name, but it could fill another book so we’ll stop here.
About Erin West
Erin West is a new, indie author who focuses on fantasy and paranormal genres.
Erin lives in Tennessee with her husband, two daughters, and toy Australian Shephard. Before she started writing, she was an avid reader and enjoyed being involved in the indie community. Her love for books eventually led her to writing and running a blog with one of her close friends.
For more information, please visit her website and sign up for her newsletter.
https://www.authorerinwest.com/books
Other Stories by Erin West
The Rumple’s Curse Trilogy
Sleeping Rose
Becoming Briar
Embracing Aurora
About Nicole Kelley
Nicole Kelley is a multi-genre romance author. She released her debut paranormal romance series in 2018, along with several anthologies. She was born and raised in TN, where she currently resides with her husband and three kids. Being an avid reader she never planned to write until the daydreams in her head needed an outlet. She focuses her writing on giving readers an escape from the ordinary and mundane with an element of soul stirring romance. Behind this creativity is a love of coffee, dark chocolate, popcorn and private car karaoke.
https://www.authornicolekelley.com
Other Stories by Nicole Kelley
The Hybrid Heir
Demi Heiress
The Rumple’s Curse Trilogy
Sleeping Rose
Becoming Briar
Embracing Aurora
