KING OF THE UNDERWORLD: Lucien and Scarlett (Earthbound Series Book 1)

by V L Peters

  As a joint entity, we could go in further, like a worm twisting and digging further deep into his mind. My Demon loved the pain we were causing. Screams filled the air around us. We relished in the sound, craved it, and even as I craved the feeling it was giving me and my Demon. I hoped Scarlett would never have to witness us at play. I knew at some point I'd have to fully reveal my beast to her and show her every part of me, but I wasn't sure she would handle this, how I, along with my Demon, craved their pain. A feeling of bliss begun coursing through my body, as we felt him splinter from within. There on the edge of the barrier, I could fill another entity. We were so close I could taste whoever they were on the tip of my tongue.

  I needed to pass that barrier, something was holding me back, and there was no fucking way I was going to allow that to happen. I needed the information he was withholding. We went deeper, flickering away one barrier after another as if flickering away an irritating bug. Blood started trickling from his eyes and nose, his skin turning a blotchy red, his hands clenching into the arms of the chair, his nails digging into the wood as his mouth open in a silent scream a look of terror on his face. It felt way too easy, as if I was being let in. The entity started to flicker and shimmering until it turned into a solid blackness. No physical features could be seen. Though it appeared to be human in shape, looks could be misleading. There was no doubt it wanted to be seen. It was mocking me, taunting me, I could feel their laughter. I felt the disintegration of the Soul Eaters brain, stood there, not being able to stop what was happening, as it started to rupture, crack, and then shatter into a million pieces. I let out an almighty roar as I felt the anger that we shared rose up within us. My body shook with rage, my hands clenching in frustration as I beat down the feeling of wanting to destroy anything or anyone in the same room as me. I felt the men behind me take a step backward, trying to move further away from our line of sight. I saw Damien to the right side of my vision, indicating to the men to leave the room as my eyes hazed over.

  I watched as the light started to fade from the Soul Eaters' eyes, just before his head expanded before it exploded with a loud pop. Saturating his brain matter everywhere around him. It was as if a bomb had gone off inside him. The left side of his head was gone. I knew that whoever I had sensed while probing his mind had, without a doubt, had killed him. Now I had a bigger problem. We were in deep shit. Everyone, no matter if they were Naturals or Humans, would have to be on their guard. I would now have to inform the other leaders of the territories about this outcome. The Fae had finally come forward with an acceptance to the meeting. My men had come back in one piece. For the Fae to let someone go without a hair out of place, was questionable in itself. Where they up to something? Only time will tell. Nathan had to decline the invitation himself, he had said his second in command would be stepping up in his place. He never had in all the years I'd known him ever turned down an invite. I expected answers at the meeting. We had a fragile alliance, and though we had called on each other for help in the past and our own people lived amongst each other's, and some pledged themselves to each clan, it was still rocky.

  Some of my men belonged to Jacobs and Nathans clan, as did my own. I even had the odd Angel living amongst us, and yes, I had a handful who have worked for me in the past. Angels were very much like the Fae, pompous assholes, and most a pain in the ass. Like the Fae, they tended to keep to themselves and didn't like mixing with other Naturals or Humans. If I was told tomorrow that the Angels already knew about the Naturals and Humans being taken, it wouldn't shock me. They wouldn't think about stepping in to prevent it and wouldn't believe that it was wise to let anyone know. I could feel my Demon settling down, my skin and features slowly going back to normal. Not saying a word, I turned to look at Damien, he nodded his head toward me, watching as I gradually changed from the monster that was rooted deep inside me to the one that I allowed to be seen on the outside. Not any sort of emotion registered on his face, why would it? His own Demon was just as evil. He was already on his phone, ordering the cleaning crew to get their asses down here and clean this mess up.

  Half of my men have left; I couldn't say I blamed them. Seeing my Demon in full force could scare the shit out of even the most potent Naturals or other Demons. The Demons amongst my men would know who my Demon was and want to get as far away from me as possible. The few who had stayed were either fools or their curiosity had gotten the better of them. I did not intend for them to hang around watching to see what would happen next. I needed more Intel on this Soul Eater and who he'd been in contact with. I let my gaze drift over each of their faces. Straight away, one catches my eye. A look of excitement radiates from his face. Fucking jack, I've had trouble over him before, nothing to major, I had had to warn him, and so far, he had behaved himself. He is a sick fucker, and I always keep a close eye on him. The look of fascinated joy written over his face even sickens me. Yes, even a bastard like me has standards. I can tell by the gleam in his eyes that he is getting his rocks off. Dirty fucker.

  "Jack, you can wait here for the cleaning crew to arrive. Make sure this shit is gone. I want no fucking trace," I turn to the others, dismissing some. Telling the others to get more Intel on the fucker. Before I walk out of the room with Damien walking behind me.

  I'm pissed off, more than I first realised. My Demon roars inside me, as I left out a growl. I want to rip something apart; I hadn't received the satisfaction or the answers I desperately needed. I punch the stone wall beside me, my hand leaving a dent, as I hit it repeatedly while Damien stands there just watching as I beat the fuck out of it. Bits of stone start to crumble off before leaving chunks on the floor at my feet. Someone was playing with us; I knew for definite now. Whoever or whatever I'd felt in the Soul Eater mind had wanted me to know they were there. I didn't need this shit; it was coming from all corners. I still hadn't found out who's Aria little snitch was, I had a gut feeling who it was, but until I have that proof in my hand, I'm not going to do a thing about it. I wanted them to hang themselves first and hang they will. I put trust to a certain degree in my people; if they ever betrayed me, I'd deal with them myself, and the likely hood they'd walk away in one piece was thin.

  "Fuck Lucien, calm the hell down otherwise this bloody wall is going to come down," Damien tells me as I hit the wall one more time, causing it to splinter, "what did you see inside that fuckers head?"

  "There was someone or thing on the edge of his mind. Not only I could sense the fucker, I saw him," I tell him, as I straighten my jacket, before running both of my hands through my hair,' whoever it was had some sort of power over that fucker," I tell him indicating to the room we had just left, "you know the best fucking part in all of this? He showed nothing. He was just a fucking shadow,"

  "Shit," Damien muttered aloud, running his hand over his face. I could hear the clogs going around Damien's head.

  "Shit is fucking right," I tell him as we start walking down the corridor, "we need more fucking Intel, like yesterday. We're in the dark here, and if we're not careful we are going to be blindsided,"

  "Have you heard from Chamuel?" he asks me inexpertly, with a frown.

  "No, I haven't," I reply, wondering where he was going with this change of conversation.

  "Don't you think that's…...?”

  "So, unlike him?" I throw out, interrupting him, I know what he's, going to say, and I don't want to hear the words I know that will fall from his mouth. Those same thoughts have gone through my own mind a million times, "Yes, it is. I can't get fucking hold of him. He hasn't answered any of my calls or texts, and no, I don't have a bloody clue where the hell he is, and yes, I've already thought of the possibility that he's been taken. Does that answer your bloody question?"

  "Fuck, Lucien!" Damien replies, shock written over his face. "When you last hear from him?"

  "About a week after he left," I told him, thinking back to what he'd said to me on our last phone conversation, "He told me he was going dark and that if I needed to get hold of him for an
y reason, just to ring or text as normal,"

  "And you haven't gotten any reply," he asked, a look of disbelief on his face, "nothing at all?"

  "For fuck sake Damien. Do you think if I'd gotten a reply, I'd be so bloody worried?" I half yell at him. "Chamuel can look after himself so I wasn't worried at the beginning. The longer the weeks have passed…."

  "Shit Lucien, I never knew it was that serious! You've got stop keeping things from me," he tells me, a pissed off look forming across his face, "we have enough shit going on around us without you not telling me everything. How the hell am I supposed to help you? I've got this contact. They owe me big time. I'll see what they've heard if anything".

  I nod my head, placing my hand on his shoulder, my own way of showing y appreciation. Thankful for his offer of help; I didn't know and didn't give a fuck about whoever this contact was. If he could find out what had happened or where Chamuel was, I'd know what to do. I wouldn't admit it to him, I should have told him. I had to stop holding information back from him. There was one other place I knew which was a small possibility that he could have gone to. I hoped I was wrong, for there was only one good reason for him to do so. The world as we knew it was changing and we were going to need all the help I could get!

  ◆◆◆

  ARIA

  She fell right into my hands. How delightful. I couldn't stop the laughter that burst from my mouth. Oh, the joy. I know it was stupid, I shouldn't have attacked her as I did. I had only intended to scare her, to warn the witch to keep away from him. That had gone out the window the minute the smell had hit my nose. I had recognised it straight away. It had been the smell of his cologne radiating from her skin that had sent me into a rage. It didn't completely shock me. I could tell he'd taken an instant liking to the witch, one I had to admit I wasn't happy about. He had been with her, alone. He didn't want to share her. Wanting to keep all that yumminess to himself, well, he had a shock coming. That wasn't going to happen. I was going to kill the cunt in front of his very eyes. Did he think I was just going to step aside, while he had his fun without me? The Bastard, how could he do this to me? I was meant to be his everything. I had him in the palm of my hand. He belonged to me, and it was time he was reminded of that fact!

  I looked into the mirror. My neck was severely bruised, fingerprints could be clearly seen. A laugh broke from my mouth, oh goodie, this was even better. I realised in my temper that I had grabbed my knife and had sliced the palm of my hand wide open. The gaping wounds were dripping blood, which in turn was spilling onto my clothing. I watched, fascinated as the blood fell onto my pale blue top. As more blood gushed out. I licked from the palm of my hand, watching as my wounds began to knit together.

  I'd known there was something that wasn't right about her. I mean, she had admitted she was a witch, but to change like that, in front of my very eyes. That I hadn't expected! That was stupidity on her part. I now knew what I was facing. She wasn't just a normal witch; she was something more. It was as if she had another living inside of her. Very much like the Demon, I had inside of me. I couldn't attack her again as I had just done. I'd have to be more cunning, put a plan in place. Make sure everything was just so before I carried out my attack. She had family, were they all like her? What else was the bitch hiding? Questions whirled around my head.

  I will get my little pet to do some sneaking around for me.

  Examining the injuries, she had inflicted as I looked in the mirror. They didn't look as bad as I hoped. Mm, I thought, running my fingertips over the bruise that had appeared on my skin, I'd have to do something to correct it. I couldn't let her get away from trying to take Lucien away from me, and he had to be punished for even thinking of doing so!!

  ◆◆◆

  LUCIEN & ARIA

  Hallway near Scarlett's room

  I held Aria in my embrace as she tearful told me how Scarlett had attacked her, with tears welling up in her eyes. That Scarlett had attacked her for no reason. I listened as she told me that her appearance had changed in the blink of an eye.

  It was as if she'd become a different person. I listened as she described the woman who had attracted her. If what she was telling me was accurate, Scarlett wasn't telling me the truth; she was hiding more than I first suspected.

  I examine Aria's face and throat. A set of fingerprints were around her neck, her left eye blacked as if someone had punched her. Her top lip, split. I listened as she told me what had taken place. Did I believe her? No. Something had taken place, what I had yet to find out. I rained kisses over her bruised eye and cut lip. Telling her, I would deal with Scarlett that no one was allowed to lay a single finger on her, telling her how I loved her. The Demon wasn't happy; he hated to hear what I promised her.

  I had no choice.

  I didn't notice the figure stopping in shock, her mouth falling open, as tears whelmed up, as she witnessed our public display of affection. Nor as she turned, running back down the way she had come, her red hair flowing behind her.

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  SCARLETT

  I sat there on my bed, typing away on my laptop. Trying my hardest to keep my focus on what I was writing. After the confrontation that had taken place between myself and Aria, I was on edge. Letting my Witch come to the surface had been stupid. In doing so, I'd given not only reveal what I was but my family as well. I regretted it, but I would do it again. Aria had every intension in hurting me, I had no doubt that she would have killed me if she had gotten the chance. My Witch was powerful enough to protect me. I hadn't had any other choice to let her do so.

  You would think that was bad enough, but to see what I had witnessed. I hated how I felt. Hurt and sick to my stomach was not a word I'd use. I was so confused. How could Lucien tell me one thing, then do the exact opposite? Words are so easy to say. Especially when you don't mean them. Did he even know that I'd seen them? I very much doubted it. I'm nothing but a bloody fool. If he thinks I'm going to believe his lies, he's going to have a shock. I don't share, it's not in my DNA. I'm no body's full. Especially not his. He told me he would deal with Aria; apparently, he was! Just not in the way I thought he'd meant!

  After the confrontation that had taken place, I very much doubted he'd be able to stop her from seeking me out again. Then after what I witnessed, with my own two eyes, I have a good idea just how he's been keeping her away from me. I'd rather face her again than seeing and knowing he's doing that. God, how many is he doing it with? Is it just her, or are there more? The thoughts swirling around in my mind were giving me a blinding headache. I couldn't think straight. Fool….

  It took mere seconds to realise that he was standing in front of the bedroom door, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed over his chest. Our gazes held nether wavering. It was totally unexpected; the surprise must have shown on my face. Though he didn't remark on it. I hadn't heard the knock; he must have just walked in as if he had every right to do so. He was so beautiful, he made me arch inside. I tried to keep my face void of any emotions. I sit there staring at him, a muscle in his jaw flexes. Oh shit, I swallow a lump in my throat and try to appear confident, that his appearance wasn't affecting me. This was the man I'd first clapped eyes. The darkness radiated off of him in waves. He was the darkness to my light. His intense stare was like a burning inferno scorching my skin, setting my body alight. I could feel the hot flush coming over my skin. I knew that if I didn't get out of this room now, he'd be deep inside me before a word of protest would leave my lips. Though any objection would not be real, I didn't seem to have any morals with this man. He was my kryptonite.

  I watched with wide eyes as he suddenly pushes himself away from the door, his long legs eating up the distance between us. He wraps his hand around my upper arm, his grip was firm, but not hard enough to hurt me or cause any bruising. He pulls me up and towards him until I was standing there before him. My hand flies up to his chest, stopping any more moment.

  "Don't," my eyes closing briefly, his eyes full to my lips, and
for the next few seconds, I forget everything, until I remember what I witnessed "how many other women, as well as Aria, have you been with since you told me that I was yours?" I bluntly ask. I wasn't going to beat around the brush. I needed to know, no matter how much it hurt me.

  His black eyes flash red, blazing with a fiery heat, "who's been talking out of turn?" he demands through gritted teeth.

  "No. One. Told. Me," I tell Lucien, yanking my arm out of his hold, taking a step back. I had to get away from him; otherwise, I'd lose all sense of rational thought "no one's been talking out of turn as you put it. I saw you."

  "You saw me?" he questions, "when?" he demands starring at her, waiting for her answer.

  "Does it really matter when? The fact is. I saw you with her. Touching her, kissing her. So, tell me, Lucien, have you been with anyone else? Or is it just Aria? After all, you told me you didn't want anyone else and that I was yours? You know it's not a hard question to answer," I stood there staring at him, as a muscle flexed in his jaw.

  ‘You think you can question me?" he bites out, his body vibrates, taking a threatening step towards me, "when you've got your own secrets."

  "Secrets!? What secrets would you be talking about?" I questioned him; it didn't surprise me that Aria had told him that she'd seen me change. This could be a problem, but I hadn't lied to him. Not really, he knew that. After all, hadn't I already told him I was a witch and as well as my family. Until I knew I could completely trust him and that he was mine and mine only. I wasn't going to reveal all our secrets to him. As I was sure, he had his own.

  "Aria is black and blue. She said that you attracted her for no reason. That you changed in front of her very eyes," he tells me with coldness in his tone, his teeth clenched so tight I am sure they will crack.